spotlight
volume 17 issue 7
may 1, 2018
{blue valley west} 16200 antioch rd., overland park, Kan.
INSIDE | SevenDays pg 5 |
club vs. high school sports pg 9
| Kelly Bushouse pg 12 | Photo by Mady Fancher
LETTER
from the editors
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his is the first time you are hearing from your new editors as the class of 2018 starts their next chapter in life. As they leave high school behind and explore their careers, they will need to adapt to their new lifestyles as independent adults. The senior editors, Mikaela and Rachel, have passed on their leadership to us, and we hope to meet their standards and expectations while striving to advance the quality and content of the Spotlight. We approach the end of another school year by reflecting back on major transitions that have occured this year. Through these reflections, it becomes apparent that change is inevitable and present at all times. Many students hold a parttime job during the school year. Although the experience may be short-lived, jobs provide students with invaluable life lessons which help them transition into the real world. AP tests are starting to kick off. If you are taking one, you are probably planning on receiving college credit. Hopefully, this credit will help you transition into college and get the prerequisites out of the way.
A couple weeks ago, a portion of our student body expressed their opinions on gun safety in March for Our Lives. They are advocating a change in the legislature. Those who did not take part in the event also advocate their own definition of change. We are excited to show you what we have in store for you as first-time editors. We look forward to the transitions that the 2018-2019 school year will bring.
Your new editors, Chelsea Park Jonah Park Lauren Prehn
POLICIES Spotlight is printed at least six times per school year for the BV West students and community. Its goals are to inform, entertain and interpret through editorials and bylined articles while providing an open forum of communication for the diverse student population and
faculty members. Spotlight aims to be fair, accurate and impartial. The content of the print publication, online news site and social media accounts is determined by its student editors as determined by the Kansas Scholastic Press Act and may contain
SPOTLIGHT
17-18 staff
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Rachel Pickett Mikaela Schmitt
WEB EDITOR
Hannah Holladay
MANAGING EDITOR Jonah Park
ILLUSTRATOR Jaden Dudrey
REPORTERS
Sofia Adinolfi Jacob Braun Kolbie Christensen Hannah Cole Jillian Dunlay Natalie Fiorella Kevin Glenn Mel Koerner Behr Kitts Natalie Lindmark Chelsea Park Lauren Prehn Lanie Render Jaden Webster Rachel Zimmerli controversial subject matters as the staff exercises their First Amendment rights. Spotlight does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the faculty adviser, the administration of BV West or USD 229.
in this
ISSUE
o o o o o 06
09
NEWS
05 student jobs 06 SevenDays 08 AP testing
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14 jaguar families 16 year review 18 gap year
SPORTS
A&E
FEATURE
PHOTO ESSAY
09 club vs. high school 11 library 12 Kelly Bushouse
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19 Oreo review 21
walk for our lives
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4 ADS
BVWNews.com
JOB WELL DONE NATALIE FIORELLA
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NEWS 5
@BVWSpotlight
reporter spotlight.nataliefiorella@gmail.com
A few BV West students share their working experiences
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any BV West students have part time jobs that they work at over the weekend or after school. Most places don’t hire 15 year olds, which makes up the freshmen class. One that does is the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens Sophomore Brian Balquist has been working there since last March as a sale attendant. “I sell tickets, make and sell food, clean any indoor space, and I sometimes run the train garden,” Balquist said. Balquist has enjoyed his experience working at the Arboretum. He likes the laid back atmosphere and sometimes getting free time. “It’s tons of fun during the summer, and in the winter I’m allowed to do homework when it gets slow,” Balquist said. “I wish I got to be outside more, which is why I’m changing positions to laborer’s assistant. It comes with a raise too which is super nice.” The hiring process took around a month, starting with an online application and then getting a call for an interview about a month later. When applying, connections and recommendations are important. “A lot of people apply to the Arboretum, but I got a recommendation from a family friend who works there as well. A lot of people working there were recommended by another employee,” said Balquist. Another place of work for BV West students is Paciugo Gelato Caffe. Sophomore Riley England worked at Paciugo for around two months this year but take a break in January because she wanted
more time to focus on school. However, she plans to start working there again this summer. There are two different types of jobs at Paciugo where employees do a variety of tasks: a gelatio and a producer. Producers make the gelato that they sell and typically work the morning shift. “The gelatio is what I was and what everyone who’s in school is,” England said. “It’s the people that scoop the gelato, make the coffee, and all the other drinks and such. They have the later shift, usually 4-9 but closing takes an hour and a half.” The scheduling process was all done on an app called Homebase. “You could enter what days you want off and get your schedule through the app. It was really helpful,” said England. Unlike many retail jobs, Paciugo employees work at different locations. England shared how her schedule was all over the Kansas City area. “There’s three locations in the
area - Oak Park Mall, Deer Creek, and Park Place,” said England. “Two of these locations were pretty far away from me, and for the first month I was scheduled only at the mall. It was hard because you don’t know how far of a commute you’re going to have to make every time.” Another feature of the job that comes from working different locations is dealing with the different levels of popularity each store has to offer. “The Deer Creek store didn’t have many customers, while the mall was always packed, and the one in Park Place was in the middle,” England said. Overall, England enjoyed her time at Paciugo and is looking forward to going back to work there this summer. “My favorite part by far was just talking to the customers and getting to know them,” said England. “The regulars were so nice.”
The Paciugo at the Oak Park Mall. Picture taken by Natalie Fiorella
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MAKING A RIPPLE.
HANNAH COLE
reporter spotlight.hannahcole@gmail.com-
The Seven Days movement is working to create a more accepting world
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ake a ripple, change the world. This is the goal of the SevenDays movement. On April 13th, 2014, Dr. William Corporon, Reat Underwood and Terri LaManno were murdered by a Neo-Nazi at the Jewish Community Center and at Village Shalom in Overland Park. This tragedy compelled Mindy Corporon, daughter of Dr. William Corporon and mother of Reat Underwood, to create Seven Days. “They were murdered because someone did not understand other faiths,” Mindy Corporon said. “They hated a faith [Judaism] in particular so much that they felt that it was OK to justify murder.” Having lost both her father and son, Corporon felt that change was necessary. “We started SevenDays to create avenues of kindness and interfaith understanding for people, so they have the opportunity to learn about others in a fun environment,” Corporon said. The movement focuses on a ripple with seven rings, three left blank to commemorate the lives lost. Each ripple signifies a day and an important lesson. The whole movement centers around the ripple “Make a ripple, change the world” being its mission statement. The main objectives are love, awareness and action. Each ripple and day of the movement then fits under one of the seven categories. Love. The first day is centered all around love. Love is powerful
and affects people in many ways. Those participating in the “Love” day learned about the chemistry of love and how people react to it. Kicking off the week, a panel of leaders from different religions met to discuss the day’s theme. Discover. The “Discover” day encouraged people, especially students, to seek out and meet new people. Through the activities, people realize they are more alike than they are different. People were encouraged to attend the community-wide “discover dinner”, in order meet and to learn more about fellow community members. Others. Focusing on the importance of others, participants learned to cherish and support each other. Compliments and cheers were used in the day’s activities. Any act of support helps to create and more welcoming and kind environment. This day’s event featured a talk with Valarie Kaur, an award-winning filmmaker, civil rights advocate and Sikh interfaith leader. Connect. The “Connect” day encouraged participants to connect with others. This day marked the 4 year anniversary of the hate-crimes that occurred in 2014. On this day, participants commemorate the lives of Dr. William Corporon, Reat Underwood and Terri LaManno. Adding meaning to the occasion, was the Holocaust Remembrance Day. Holocaust Remembrance Day was also acknowledged, serving to remember the lives lost during the Holocaust.
NEWS @BVWSpotlight
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CHANGING THE WORLD
Photos by Hannah Cole Holocaust. You. While previous days had been focused on others, this day was all about the individual. The purpose was to spend time being the best version of you, taking care of yourself mind, body and soul. A self-defense workshop was provided, specifically for women, in case any woman should find herself in a dangerous situation. Go. The “Go” day inspired people to set out and be active in all aspects of their lives. A program took place in which people tried to find a common ground or similarities in order to work together and take action. Topics such as compassion, hospitality and caring for the Earth were discussed as well. Onward. On the final day, community members from all backgrounds were invited to attend the 2018 Make a Ripple, Change the World event. Hosted at the National World War I Museum walkers traveled two miles, symbolizing a shift forward and away from hate. Thousands attend the walk and participate in all of these events each year. In addition, many speakers will present at the events as well. Jennifer Levison of The SPEAK UP Foundation was one of the presenters participating in the events. Levison participates in SevenDays each year due to her own personal friendship with Corporon and her desire to educate about suicide prevention. “She [Mindy] was someone I wanted to have in my life and more than that I would find a way to pay it forward in honor of her losses,”
Levison said on why she joined the SevenDays initiative. “Over the last few years, I have continued to be actively involved in SevenDays, volunteering for as many events as possible. This year I was incredibly honored when she asked me to be a presenter on “You” Day. I also have the privilege of speaking at the SevenDays Faith, Love, and Walk on Monday, April 16 and sharing information about the SPEAK UP Foundation and how we are making a ripple.” In addition to the speakers, volunteers were also needed each year for various jobs. “I think what SevenDays is and what it stands for is incredibly important to the vitality of any community,” BV West sophomore Tess said. “I want to volunteer to respect and encourage the values of love and diversity that it represents.” Corporon believes that SevenDays has just begun to make it’s ripple and has just started to affect the lives of people in the Kansas City area. From adults to children, many people are just starting to take part in the movement, whether it be volunteering, speaking or walking. Corporon is glad that the movement is growing and that when people think of SevenDays, a smile comes to their face. She feels that when people participate, they feel as though happiness and kindness can overcome evil. Big or small, SevenDays has been making changes in our community and one day maybe the world.
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FEATURE
AP
BVWNews.com
ANXIETY
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he end of the school year is often a bittersweet time for high school students. Graduation is coming, and summer is at arm’s reach. However, along with the good must also come the bad. For many BV West students, the month of May is filled with studying and test anxiety as the date for AP exams nears. The last couple months of school can be a dreaded time, as students only get one chance to prove their knowledge. It is these intimidating stakes that can leave students questioning whether or not taking an AP course is worth it. Sophomore Colby McArthur is currently taking two AP courses, AP Language and Composition (AP Lang) and AP European History (AP Euro). Though both courses are known to be rigorously challenging, McArthur doesn’t mind the extra work. “AP Euro is a challenging class, but I also really like history, so I find a lot of the content interesting,” McArthur said. “AP Lang is probably the hardest class I’ve ever taken, but if you look on the bright side, it’s nice to have a challenge.” Both classes require a significant amount of work in and outside of school. With the addition of extracurriculars, the workload that AP classes consist of can often seem especially daunting and overwhelming. “AP Euro requires a lot of textbook learning and notetaking, which is pretty time consuming outside of school. I spend about six
Students prepare for AP exams in May
JILLIAN DUNLAY reporter spotlight.jilliandunlay@gmail.com
hours per week on Euro outside of school,” McArthur said. However, AP Lang, being an English class, approaches its course structure quite differently. “AP Lang doesn’t have tests and quizzes like other classes do. It takes quite a bit of time outside of school reading and annotating books we read,” McArthur said. “I get eight hours of homework in a normal week.” McArthur, like most AP students, has already begun studying for the exams he will be taking in May. “I should’ve studied more for AP Euro, so far I’ve barely started. I’m planning on reviewing my notes and the textbook and taking practice tests,” McArthur said. However, his study process for AP Lang is quite different, as the exams for each class are constructed in distinctly different forms. “For the Lang exam, the only way to study is by practicing timed writes. While class is difficult during this part of the year because we do “boot camp”, there’s less homework, so that’s a plus,” McArthur added. “I can’t really do that much outside of school, though.” Despite all the work that goes into AP classes, McArthur does not regret his decision to take on the challenge that AP brings. Though they include more work, there are also financial and educational advantages. “Taking AP classes and the test is definitely worth it because you
can get classes out of the way in high school, when there aren’t significant costs, and you have teachers who are very accessible,” McArthur said. Though some, like McArthur, see benefit in taking the AP exam to receive early college credit, others choose not to take AP classes, such as sophomore Augusta Moes. “I’m busy with work, clubs, and outside activities, so I don’t think I’d be able to balance an AP class,” Moes said. There are many factors that go into the decision to take an AP course, like how much time one has available outside of school, a genuine interest or passion for the class, as well as the ability to handle a heavier workload, and the stress that can tend to carry. “I think the classes are cool, but I think some people take AP just to be seen as smart. I personally don’t have a problem with AP classes, but I think they can be a challenge,” Moes said. “It’s always up to what you personally can balance in my opinion.” All in all, the desire to take AP in high school differs from student to student. Each person has a unique learning process; some thrive off of the challenge and stress that harder courses bring, while others learn better in a slower-paced environment. For those who are planning on taking the AP exam, remember that education is not determined by a score received on a test, but by the experience the class offers and the growth that results from it.
ON DIFFERENT
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@BVWSpotlight
PLAYING FIELDS
Club and high school athletics offer studentathletes different experiences
CHELSEA PARK
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Photo courtesy of Peyton Kennedy
reporter spotlight.chelseapark@gmail.com
wo teams, one sport. Many student-athletes play for both a high school and club team. However, this is not an option for some athletes, forcing them to choose one team over the other. Whether an athlete only competes for high school or club depends on various factors, including the individual’s sport, schedule, and ambitions. Volleyball is a sport that allows student-athletes to comfortably play during both the club and high school season. Senior Hannah Engelken played on BV West’s Jaguar volleyball team and her club team, KC Power, all four years of her high school experience. “For volleyball, they schedule it so that [the club season] is right after the school [season] ends in November,” Engelken said. While several other sports allow athletes to participate in high school and club athletics, some soccer players are not able to reap the benefits of both. Junior Peyton Kennedy played on BV West’s girls soccer team and her previous club team, Sporting Blue Valley ECNL, as a freshman and sophomore. However, with the introduction of the new Sporting Blue Valley Developmental Academy team in the area, multiple
former Jaguar players, including Kennedy, quit high school soccer to hone their focus on the Developmental Academy. “[The Developmental Academy] prohibits me from playing high school [soccer]” Kennedy said. “It was really hard for me to quit this year, [but] the DA [Developmental Academy] offers opportunities I couldn’t get with high school, like exposure to college and opportunities to develop my skills by playing against the best people I can.” While high school and club athletics mirror each other through several similarities, they differ in numerous ways as well, providing distinct experiences to student-athletes. “Club is a lot more competitive than high school. There are high school teams that are really competitive, but if you think about club, it takes the best people from each high school and puts them on certain teams, so it creates more of a competitive atmosphere,” Engelken said. “Also [college recruitment] is easier to obtain on a club team [because] club coaches do a lot more as far as talking to colleges and getting the recruitment process started.” In contrast, Engelken’s high
school experience was centered more around teamwork. “High school [volleyball] creates more of a family aspect,” Engelken said. “You get to be a good representative of your school and you get to play with a lot of your school friends.” Although Kennedy has not participated in an equal amount of high school soccer seasons and club soccer seasons, the diverse benefits that each experience offers are still clear to her. “[Club] definitely does more for strength and conditioning [with] a trainer we can go to whenever we want,” Kennedy said. “I also get to play with teammates that have the same goals. We all want to play college soccer and we all want to be the best we can going into college.” Kennedy’s reflects on her previous high school soccer seasons. “For high school, meeting people from school who I wouldn’t have met outside of soccer is one of [the benefits],” Kennedy said. “To be able to play for school is really cool and inspiring and it feels really nice to play for West.” In addition to the differing benefits of high school and club athletics, these experiences also foster
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“I don’t think high school soccer will change much,” Kennedy said. “There are good leaders and players from all different high school teams, and especially because high school soccer is so fun and you can learn so SOCCER much from it, I think a lot of people BOYS: will choose high school [soccer].” Numerous factors affect each High School: 6% Club: 6% Both: 86% athlete’s decision in the team(s) they GIRLS: choose to play in. Kennedy analyzed High School: 4% Club: 3% Both: 92% her future goals to finalize her decision to play on the Developmental Academy this year at the expense of VOLLEYBALL having to quit high school soccer. GIRLS: “The DA [Developmental AcadHigh School: 8% Club: 1% emy] is doing everything in their Both: 90% hands and money to develop me as a player athletically, technically, and FOOTBALL in developing my intelligence on BOYS: the field,” Kennedy said. “In the long run, if I want to play college soccer, High School: 75% Club: 1% realistically, [club] will help me so Both: 23% that I am prepared for college and so BASEBALL I can thrive when I get there.” While club teams provide elite BOYS: competition and more opportunities High School: 12% Club: to get athletes to college, high school 2% Both: 85% teams allow students the chance to be supported by friends and family while representing something SOFTBALL larger than themselves. Ultimately, GIRLS: playing high school or club depends High School: 6% Club: on each athletes goals and circum1% Both: 93% stances.
High School vs. Club Sports Participation for NCAA Athletes
BVWNews.com
different types of growth in student-athletes. “Especially for this being my senior year, I have grown more as a leader in my high school team, but as far as athletically, I have grown more with club,” Engelken said. “It’s definitely more competitive because you’re playing against people who are generally better and are going to really big schools.” Kennedy agrees that the leadership v. athleticism distinction applies to soccer as well. “I was able to help and lead my teammates in high school, especially the underclassmen by encouraging them throughout the year,” Kennedy said. “But for club, we are all the same age with pretty much the same competitiveness, so we all have equal leadership opportunities and can become better [in our sport].” The debate of whether students should choose club over high school athletics and vice versa is becoming a more frequent topic among several sports. This is a new issue for girls soccer players in the area because of the Developmental Academy; however, Kennedy still sees hope in the future for high school girls soccer.
Statistics courtesy of www.ncaa.org
Senior Hannah Engelken pulls her arm back to serve the ball to the other side of the net. Photo courtesy of Hannah Engelken
Senior Hannah Engelken (number four) towers over the net as she jumps to block the ball from landing from her side of the court. Photo courtesy of Hannah Engelken
Junior Peyton Kennedy focuses on keeping possession of the ball as she heads towards the net to score a goal. Photo courtesy of Peyton Kennedy
Senior Hannah Engelken hits the ball to the opposing side of the court, avoiding the block. Photo courtesy of Hannah Engelken
MAKING USE OF MAKERSPACE
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@BVWSpotlight
New craft area and Flex space make for a unique addition to the library
Photo courtesy of @bvwlibrary
JADEN WEBSTER reporter spotlight.jadenwebster@gmail.com
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he library is a resource that most students have utilized. However, many students may not be aware of all that the library has to offer. Libraries are much more than a place to get books. “When students are doing projects, they have the resources for it and they can think even bigger about their projects,” Librarian Becca Munson said. One important area of the library is the Makerspace. The Makerspace is a corner of the library reserved for tools students may need to create projects or express their creativity during their own time. “The Makerspace is a space in the library that we’ve reserved for a creative outlet,” Librarian Courtney Grimaldi said. “It’s just a space for students to be creative during the school day.” Students sometimes choose to spend their JAG time or late starts in the Makerspace, expressing their creativity. The Makerspace is also used to provide resources for classes that they may not have otherwise. This allows teachers to assign more creative and interesting projects and enables the students to be more engaged in learning. “It kind of acts as an extension of the classroom,” Grimaldi said. “We
had one class that designed little toys that might go in a Christmas stocking.” From a sewing machine to a 3D printer, from friendship bracelets to remote-controlled robots, the Makerspace has something for everyone and is always growing. Student-suggested additions have been making the Makerspace more and more valuable. The Flex space is a new addition to the library for students and teachers to use. The area was originally a sophomore locker bay, but was transformed into the Flex space so students and teachers have somewhere outside of the classroom to study or complete projects. “A lot of the teachers in the building have been asking for larger spaces where they can get the students
up, move them around and move tables around,” Grimaldi said. “So we need spaces, like that empty locker bay, to be able to do those things.” Teachers use the Flex space as another piece of the classroom. It is an area where students can learn without being confined to their usual desks, and has been a valuable resource for both teachers and students. Since the addition of the Flex space, classes have used it for socratic seminars, gallery walks, filming and more. It has also been a popular spot during JAG. “I think they want to put more of them around the school. They’re looking at the other locker bays as options on both the ELA floor and on the other side of the library,” Grimaldi said.
Librarians Courtney Grimaldi and Becca Munson showcase their cohesive approach from completing daily tasks to dressing alike for spirit week.. Photo courtesy of @bvwlibrary
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SHARING A PASSION:
KELLY BUSHOUSE
Photo by Mady Fancher
JONAH PARK managing editor spotlight.jonahpark@gmail.com
Junior Kelly Bushouse is a dedicated musician, hoping to continue her talents in college and in life
ome students play one instrument and participate. Junior Kelly Bushouse plays three instruments and is in three different ensembles. Music is one of Bushouse’s top priorities, taking up most of her free time when she is not in school. She has loved music since elementary school, and hopes to continue her talent through college and beyond. “I am a drum major for the competitive and noncompetitive marching bands, I am in symphonic wind ensemble which is our top concert ensemble, I’m in jazz ensemble one which is the top jazz ensemble and I also do pep band during the basketball season,” Bushouse said. As one of three drum majors, Bushouse led the marching band to a state championship last fall. The position requires responsible leadership to oversee such a big group, but Bushouse is fit for the role. “We’re kind of like the caretakers of the band so we’re the leaders
of leadership,” Bushouse said. “We teach people how to be good leaders. Part of our job is to make sure everyone in band is having a positive experience because we want it to be like a family atmosphere. If anyone’s unhappy we want to fix that so they can have as productive of rehearsal as possible.” Junior Robert Viazzoli, who is one of the other drum majors, works with Bushouse almost everyday. To supervise the band effectively, they must divide the responsibility. “Kelly and I split responsibilities fifty-fifty as much as possible,” Viazzoli said. “I think the better question is how much time do we not spend working together. During the CMB [competitive marching band] season, we’re together anywhere from eight and a half to eighteen and a half hours from rehearsals to literal days together when we’re competing. We spend a lot of time outside of rehearsal organizing and practicing and discussing how we can help
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the band too.” Because they spend so much time working together, Viazzoli is familiar with Bushouse’s talent and commitment to music. They are also aware of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. “Kelly and I are similar in that we both love serving the band and we love leading and music in general,” Viazzoli said. “We appreciate the opportunity to serve as drum majors and give it our all everyday.” Even though Viazzoli is an accomplished musician himself, he recognizes Bushouse’s impressive character and skill. “We’re different in that she’s much more talented than me,” Viazzoli said. “She has this raw talent, admiration, and adoration for music that I hope to have. We’re also different in our ability to help others with music. Kelly is an amazing flutist and can play the heck out of anything she wants to. I tend to focus more on rhythmic accuracy
but try to make more musical comments too.” Despite her own individual talent, Bushouse is ultimately focused on whichever ensemble she is playing in, prioritizing the group’s success. “It definitely is [stressful being a drum major] because a lot of them are dependent on you but it’s ultimately rewarding in the end,” Bushouse said. This school year, the BV West marching band brought home a first place finish at state. To Bushouse, winning the state competition justified all of the work the group had put in. “The three of us got to stand up there and be representatives of our band,” Bushouse said. “It was so amazing how proud we were of our whole band because we knew how much work we had put in and how far we had come from last season. These are all people we care about and we helped them get to this point.” On top of leading the marching band with the school, Bushouse also competes individually and in small ensembles. “We have solo and ensemble competitions where students can take either a solo piece or a piece with an ensemble of three to five people,” Bushouse said. “That’s something you do completely out of the school day and you work with an accompanist and a lessons teacher. You go to contests and you get judged individually.” The competitors receive a rating on a scale of one to three, one being the best. A couple weeks ago, Bushouse performed her solo. She knows that all of her practice will pay off in the rating she receives. “That’s another case where its putting your heart into something and working on it constantly,” Bushouse said. “I’ve been working on my solo for four to five months now so it takes a lot out of you but when you get that rating and you perform your best it’s always worth it.”
BV West’s band teacher, Cheryl Lee, has seen Bushouse’s talent emerge and develop longer than most people have. “She is very independent,” Lee said. “I actually started teaching her flute lessons in seventh grade. I worked with her once a week for private lessons for her seventh and eighth grade and part of her 9th grade year. She doesn’t need my help anymore.” Lee and Bushouse’s relationship is unlike most other students because of the time they have spent working together. Lee has seen Bushouse transition from a student to a leader.
I want to help people love music the way I do. JUNIOR KELLY BUSHOUSE “It’s a unique situation since I got to see her before I started teaching all the other kids here so I feel a little more big sistery to her,” Lee. “She’s progressed. She’s already far exceeded my expectations and she’s only a junior. It’s been very exciting to see what she can do and I’m very proud of her.” Lee also sees Bushouse everyday of the school year, teaching her in blocks one, three, and four. She is very familiar with the dedication and passion Bushouse has for music. “She pretty much goes above and beyond in everything,” Lee said. “She does all the honor band stuff she can. Any honor band position, whether it requires an audition or that she spends part of her summer to do it, she does that and she usually places near the top of those. She’s done solo and ensemble every year. That’s just her going above and beyond.” After high school, Bushouse plans to continue going “above and
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beyond”. In fact, she has known her future in music since she was in elementary school. “I made that decision myself,” Bushouse said. “I have an older sister who is five years older than me. Her freshman year my parents took me to every single marching competition and that was what really drew me into band. Starting in fourth grade I knew I wanted to be part of band for at least part of my life and I wanted to be a drum major. I’ve wanted that for like seven years.” Bushouse will join her family’s legacy of musicians. Her parents met through their high school band. Her grandfather is a former french horn professor at the University of Kansas. Her step grandmother was a choir director. “Music is in my blood,” Bushouse said. Her connection to music has driven her desire to pass on her passion. Bushouse hopes to inspire and teach like-minded musicians. After college, she wants to be a band teacher. “I want to teach people,” Bushouse said. “I want to help people love music the way I do and give people a place where they can come and realize this thing can be your family. It doesn’t have to be your whole life but it can be a place where you can feel like you’re accepted no matter where you come from.” Bushouse speaks from experience. Her unfaltering investment in every band she plays in has produced her talent and skill, a talent she plans on taking advantage of in the future. “It’s amazing,” Lee said. “She is extremely diverse. She’ll be a great teacher. She’ll be a very good performer. Whichever one of those she decides to do. I expect to compete against her band someday in the future and be scared that they’ll beat me.”
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BVWNews.com
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FROM HOUSEHOLD TO CLASSROOM 1
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Students and teachers share what it’s like to have their parent or child at school with them
KOLBIE CHRISTENSEN
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reporter spotlight.kolbiechristensen@gmail.com
Marangely Tomasic, was set to go to another school until she toured BV West. Marangely gets to see her dad every day. Whether it’s when he stops her in the halls before walking to band class, or when he scouts her out during JAG, they see each other almost daily during the school hours. Both Mr. T and Marangely find value in the fact that they not only have a familiar face in the school, but also a family member that they can go to if they need them. “It means that I always have some place to go if things get rough with friends, or if I just don’t have anything to do, I always have some place to go,” Marangely said. Having someone from the same family at the same school may infringe on privacy, that does not apply to Marangely and Mr. T. Art teacher Nicholas. Tomasic and daughter, freshman Marangely, “I think it’s great,” pose for a family picture. Photo by Kobie Christensen
ost students do not get to see their parents until the evening, but a handful, see their parents when they wake up, during the school day and after school. Not only do these kids attend BV West, their parents teach here. The Tomasics and the Bandres have a unique situation that both the parents and kids enjoy. Art teacher, Nicholas Tomasic, also known as Mr. T, joined the staff of this year. When he accepted the job offer, his daughter, freshman
Mr. T said. “This school is big enough to where she can have her own identity, but at the beginning I was new here and it is a big school so it was really nice, and it’s still really nice to know she’s in the building, to have family here.” Many know Mr. T as a teacher who is growing in popularity among the students. Some are aware of the family ties between Marangely and Mr. T, her dad. “It’s like a conversation starter, people will come up to me and say ‘Hey aren’t you the ceramics teacher’s daughter?’ And I’ll be like ‘Yeah’ and sometime they will just walk away,” Marangely said. Family ties between students and teachers offer students closer relationships with other teachers, but not better grades. “I definitely have a little bit of a better relationship with a few of my teachers, specifically the art teachers,” Marangely said. Mr. T and Marangely are bothvalued additions to the staff and student body. Another teacher with children at BV West is math teacher Lisa Bandre. She has two kids that attend here, sophomore Kate Bandre and senior Trent Bandre.
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Bandre began teaching at BV West for four years, starting her career the same year Trent entered as a freshman. “I came to West when Trent started his freshman year but it was just coincidental that we started at the same time,” Bandre said. “At first I wasn’t sure that I wanted to take it because I wasn’t sure how I would like teaching at the same building as my kids, but I am glad that I did.” Trent and Kate have differing opinions about having their mom teach here, but ultimately they say it is an enjoyable feeling to know that she is here. While Trent felt at first it was weird having his mom work at his school, now it doesn’t faze him and it just feels “like a normal school day.” Kate on the other hand, enjoys the benefits that having here mom work here. “I know most people would think it’s weird to have a parent work at your school but I actually like it,” Kate said. “It’s nice having someone to go to when I need a last minute study session before a math test, or a place to store bags and projects so I don’t have to carry it around, and it’s nice to go into her room and grab a snack before practice.” Although Trent and Kate say that everyone they know at BV West
Ceramics and design teacher, Nicholas Tomasic pulls a ceramic orb out of a homemade outdoor kiln. The ceramic balls are unique to each student artist and the “trashcan” firing creates special imprints on each piece of art. Photo by Lydia Berutti
knows that their mom is Mrs. Bandre, people still come up to them and ask if they are Mrs. Bandre’s daughter or son. Bandre feels like she has a closer relationship with her kids because she works where they attend. She likes to be able to support her kids in their activities and support her students as well. She feels closer to them because she knows more about their friends and the things that they are involved in. When caught between being a parent and being a teacher, Bandre tries to stay out of her parenting role when she is at work. “I do feel like I am more in tune with what is going on just because I can see it from both sides,” Bandre said. “I try to stay out of my parent role when I am at work because I don’t want their teachers to feel any extra pressure from our relationship. I do think that some other staff members keep me updated if there is anything that I need to know, probably more than other parents, but for the most part I try to keep my parent and staff roles separate.” While it might have been hard to adjust to, Bandre, Trent, and Kate all enjoy each other’s company, as well as the help and support they give each other.
As a member of Concert Band, freshman Marangely Tomasic plays the clarinet. Both members of the Tomasic family enjoy individual identities apart from their family member. Photo by Kaylay Noelker
Math teacher Lisa Bandre and her three children, senior Trent, sophomore Kate, and sixth grader, Lucas, pose for a family portrait. Picture provided by Mrs. Bandre
Explaining a difficult math concept, teacher Lisa Bandre uses a variety of methods of communication. Photo by Olivia Wortman Sophomore Kate Bandre read one of her poems at the Poetry Slam on March 7. In addition to playing volleyball, Kate is a writer. Photo by Safa Anjum
Art teacher Nick Tomasic and his daughter, freshman Marangely, head to Smiley’s for a day of family fun. Picture provided by Mr. Tomasic
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Photo by Jenna Hultgren
Photo by Lydia Berutti
Jaguar jj Rewind Photo by Jenna Hultgren
LAUREN PREHN reporter spotlight.laurenprehn@gmail.com
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any think of high school as a place only for academics, however, BV West offers much more than that. From the first time students set foot on campus, staff emphasizes the importance of getting involved in activities outside of the classroom in order to enjoy the full high school experience. Accordingly, students have embraced this mindset, leading to success in extracurricular endeavors.
Photo by Jenna Hultgren
A look into the accomplishments and memorable moments which took place at BV West during the 2017-18 school year
The 2017-18 school year has been full of individual and group accomplishments for clubs, performing arts, sports and other activities. Achievements include state championship titles, superior musical ratings, and outstanding theatre productions. During this busy season of AP exams and finals, it is easy to be caught up only in academics, however, it is during these times that reflecting on
the enjoyable moments can help relieve end-of-the-year stress. Among these moments are memories of viewing a solar eclipse during the school day and cheering with their grade in class competitions. Before leaving for the three month break from school, take a moment to reflect on a few memorable moments which occurred at BV West during the school year.
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A project that began in the early months of the school year, the removal of two sets of locker bays, one in the sophomore area and one in the senior area, opened up two more locations for students. The removal of hundreds of lockers was the result of the small percentage of students who requested a locker at the beginning of the year. This left administration feeling the space could serve a more useful purpose rather than go unused. The installation of white boards and tables allow teachers to utilize the spaces, and the furniture gifted by the senior class of 2018 allows seniors for years to come a place to relax during JAG.
Locker Removal
Solar Eclipse Canvas Photo by Diane Kershaw
On Aug. 21 at 1:00 pm, students and staff took a break from the school day to view the peak of the solar eclipse. From BV West, near totality was reached when 99.4 percent of the sun was blocked by the moon, leaving only a small sliver of sunlight visible. As everyone filed out of the school onto the soccer and football fields, the excitement of viewing the rare phenomena and getting out of class was evident. Each student and faculty member was provided with special glasses which allowed them to safely view the eclipse.
The 2017-18 school year introduced a new program called Canvas, which replaced the program StudentVUE previously used by students and parents to check grades, assignments and schedules. While many have become accustomed to the new application which provides important school resources, the first few months came with frustration and confusion as students and teachers alike learned all the tools the seemingly complicated program had to offer. After almost a full school year since the program’s introduction, Canvas users have acclimated to the program and the convenience that the all-inone mobile app provides.
Class Competition Wins
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ANOTHER OPTION:
EXPLORING A GAP YEAR Thoughts on gap years and how they can be beneficial
NATALIE LINDMARK reporter spotlight.natalielindmark@gmail.com
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or most students after high school, they are told the same thing: go to college and get your degree. But what about those who aspire to do more than just go to college, or those who don’t know what they want to do with their lives yet? A gap year could be the right answer for these students. Taking a gap year consists of taking a year off in between senior year of high school and the first year of college to explore further options that could be available for students. Senior Cameron Kohl decided a gap year would be a good option for him. The decision of a gap year came to Kohl when reflecting on his years at school. “I’ve been to school for 12 years straight and I think it’ll be nice to take a break,” Kohl said. Kohl also chose to pursue to be employed during his gap year to get a taste of what the real world is like. There are so many benefits a gap year can consist of. “Gap years benefit you because you get time to truly figure out what you want to do with your life in the future so when you do go to college, [if that route is taken, you can pursue it],” Kohl said.
Kohl made another point to explain his decision of a gap year as it relates to college. “Instead of chasing a dream career you had when you were in elementary school [and then figuring out that the dream is no longer what you want to pursue] and having two years left of college not knowing what you want to do next [it’s better
Gap years benefit you because you get time to truly figure out what you want to do with your life. SENIOR CAMERON KOHL to take a gap year].” Taking time to plan out one’s future instead of going straight to college can prove to be beneficial. Not only are there timing and employment decision benefits, but there are so many other reasons that
make taking a gap year beneficial. A gap year can be taken for mental health reasons, career opportunities that don’t involve a degree, military jobs or taking a gap year to traveling abroad. A gap year being taken can come down to taking a year to find oneself. There are so many other options to go out of the box. For many, the thought of a gap year can be scarier than the thought of college. “Personally, I would tell them to take a gap year. A big percentage of college graduates don’t wind up in the field they want and only end up with a slightly above minimum wage job,” Kohl said. “Find something you have particular interest in and make sure it is what you really want to do and chase it so then you have 4+ years of college to follow it.”
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Plethora of new flavors result in comparison
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RACHEL ZIMMERLI
reporter spotlight.raezimmerli@gmail.com
KEVIN GLENN
reporter spotlight.kevinglenn@gmail.com
he Spotlight staff took a break from the day-to-day rigors of investigative reporting and went after a big story often discussed among the student body. Which of the multitude of Oreo flavors is the best? After trying a lot of cookies, the staff allowed two reporters to sum up the staff’s preferences. Ratings are given in glasses of milk.
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No milk was consumed in the making of this story.
SPOTLIGHT STAFFERS VS. TWITTER RESPONDERS Spotlight
1 Golden
Original
2 Original
Mint Thins
3 Mint Thins
Golden
4 Lemon Thins
Lemon Thins
5 Chocolate
Chocolate
6 Red Velvet
Red Velvet
Twitter poll on April 19 by @bvwspotlight
The classic Oreo cookie is just that, classic. When those latenight cravings kick in, there is no better combination than crisp chocolate wafers, sweet filling and a glass of cold milk. It isn’t fancy, it’s perfect. Knowing that the traditional flavor will be consistently awesome every time, is like a favorite blanket, a comfy classic.
That’s right, the golden is better. Sure, chocolate is a plus, but the snappy goodness of Oreo Golden sandwich cookies is snacking nirvana. Open a pack after school, and before dinner, they’re gone. The fact that they’re more addicting than a newly opened bag of Lay’s potato chips, is why the Goldens were awarded a perfect score.
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Oreo Thins (mint) are good, but disappointing. How is that possible? Perhaps the biggest problem is that the name conjures up the mental expectation of Girl Scout Thin Mints (cookie Utopia); nothing comes close, certainly not these. The idea of a thin-
Great idea. Sad reality. The chocolate covered variety only come in the thin minis. Strike one. The packages contain only six ounces of cookies. A package of regular Oreos is more than 15 ounces. That disparity alone is grounds for a boycott.
ner wafer implies a crispiness. Unfortunately, that is this cookie’s biggest downfall, it’s too chewy. If Girl Scouts can keep a cookie that is surrounded by chocolate crispy, Nabisco should be able to do the same.
Strike two. The chocolate covering is gross and not very chocolaty. The quality is so poor that all it does is soften the cookies inside while tasting like the cheap chocolate in a pre-made Easter basket.
Solid. Better than expected. When shopping for Oreos, just seeing the lemon variety next to the classic is like instant brain freeze. That is because the idea of eating something with lemon flavoring WITH a classic Oreo is disgusting. BUT, eaten alone, a new snack option is found.
Red velvet cake is good. Who doesn’t like it? Back when cupcake shops showed up in ever strip mall in Overland Park, red velvet was a staple. That’s the thing, red velvet cupcakes are great, Red Velvet Oreos are not. Red velvet requires the
The wafer is great with just a slight lemon taste but the creamy feeling is like a fancy dessert. They might not be as good with a glass of milk with the original in the middle of the night but they’re a fine option with a smoothie after school.
texture of the cake because of the reaction of vinegar and buttermilk with cocoa. Combing artificial red velvet flavoring into the cookie and the filling creates an unsurprisingly plastic after taste.
Photos by Rachel Zimmerli
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MARCH FOR OUR LIVES
Community members join concerned students at Church of the Resurrection to work for changes in gun laws after the National School Walkout on April 20
RACHEL ZIMMERLI
reporter spotlight.raezimmerli@gmail.com
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@BVWSpotlight
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SCAVENGER HUNT CROSSWORD
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Read each story to find the details then bring the completed puzzle to room 233 for a prize!
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Down 1. What rating did the regular oreo receive?
Across 2. What instrument does Kelly Bushouse play besides the flute and the saxophone?
2. Where did Riley England work? 3. What senior is taking a gap year? 4. What is the name of Mr. Tomasic’s daughter? 6. What does DA stand for? 5. What English does Colby MacArthur take? 7. What did the class make in the library? 8. Who was the founder of Seven Days?
Blue Valley West Spotlight 16200 Antioch Road Overland Park, Kan. 66085 bvwspotlight@gmail.com Web: www.bvwnews.com Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram: @bvwspotlight