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Sept. 24, 2014 Vol. 14 Issue 1 Blue Valley West high school, Overland Park, Kansas
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Photo by Ryan Barrett
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Ice Bucket Win-Win
PG. 8 and 9
pg. 7 Gaza Story Pg. 28 & 29 Teacher Trivia pg. 14, 19, 20, 26 Student ProF iles
Three athletes commit to play sports in college including sophomore Madison Lilley.
Spirit is up at BV West. The Dance performed by senior Ian Addison and friends hyped the crowd.
135th Street entertainment district adds sophisticated destination to area.
INSIDE
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Photo by Sabrina Cline
Photo by Miranda Osborne
Photo by Erin Walker
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Global community service: senior Kent McDonald travels to Indonesia.
Photo courtesy of Kent McDonald
“Boss-t” Artist Courageous Garrett Spirit Photo Essay Crossword Writing Tips Sports Briefs Summer Signings On the Ball with Larson New Sports Trainer Teacher Trivia Dress Code Deciphered Feminism
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Global Event Map Ferguson Overview Youth Court Gaza Impacts BVWest Ice Bucket Fun New Teachers Twinspire New CAPS Classes Jag in Foreign Service Prairiefire Preview New Comic 4 6
What’s
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e t a r b e l e C THE POSSIBILITIES
Panera Bread proudly supports Blue Valley West. Go Jaguars!
Visit any of our 25 KC Metro locations or locations in Lawrence, Topeka, Manhattan, Wichita, Derby, St. Joseph and Sedalia. NOW OPEN COLLEGE & KING IN OVERLAND PARK panera-kansas.com
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On Aug. 19 2014, Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, a group rooted in Al-Qaeda, uploaded a video on YouTube entitled “A Message to America.” The video revealed a beheaded corpse of James Foley, an American journalist of the Syrian Civil War. Jihadi John, the masked man in the video, threatened President Obama to halt air strikes against ISIS or they will kill Steven Sotloff, another American journalist. Sotloff was later beheaded on Sept. 2.
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Julie Kim Section Editor
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Robin Williams, a beloved American actor and comedian, was found dead in the mansion with a belt around his neck on Aug. 11. His wife revealed that Williams was battling Parkinson’s disease along his fight with depression.
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a le On Sept. 5 2014, U.S. and allies form coalition against Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The New York Times reports that this military and political campaign could “eventually serve as a model for fighting extremsit groups around the world.”
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A white police officer shot and killed Mike Brown, age 18, leading to rioting by the people of Ferguson, Mo. that lasted for several days. Tensions are still high.
The WHO, World Health Organization, estimated that the Ebola virus could infect more than 20,000 people. The virus is acquired upon contact with any bodily fluid of those infected. The virus outbreak in West Africa increased fear of being infected with Ebola as there is no specific treatment for the disease. Since the outbreak of the Ebola, more than 2,500 people died and approximately 5,350 people are infected with the virus.
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Ukraine’s parliament ratified the Association Agreement, which indicates that the country agreed to place Ukraine on the path to European Union (UN) membership. The ratification of a deal between the EU and Ukraine is believed to form positive ties between Klev and Europe. As Ukraine approved historic deal with EU, it broke ties with Moscow by propelling the former Soviet state towards the West. Russia was not able to stop the agreement between the EU and Ukraine, but its pressure delayed Ukraine from trading with EU a freely until the end of the year. k r in
On April 16th, the sinking of the South Korean ferry led to more than 300 deaths of high school students, teachers, and travellers. Currently, families of victims of the South Korean ferry launched a sit-in at parliament over ferry disaster bill.
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Israel and and Islamic group called Hamas fought a sort war over treatment of people living in the Israeli owned Gaza Strip. Muslims feel the land is theirs creating constant strife in the region. American travel was halted during the conflict.
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While America poured buckets of ice and water over their heads, India filled a bucket with rice and gave it to local people in need. The challenge began because of 312 million people in India living below the poverty line. The first Rice Bucket Challenge was started by Manju Latha Kalanidhi, a journalist from Hyderabad, India. His donation appeared on a Facebook page and the movement began to spread throughout India with more than 35,000 likes.
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After landslides swamped Hiroshima, the death toll reached 70 on Aug. 26. Huge landslides in Hiroshima were triggered by more than a month’s rain. With heavy rain continuing on, Hiroshima is concerned about the possibility of sustaining search operations on top of the likelihood of further landslides.
Making sense of global news beyond the JoCo Bubble
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Ferguson Death of Michael
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Reporter
Brown shocked St. Louis suburb
here has been much unrest in the little town of Ferguson, Missouri after 18-year-old African American Michael Brown was shot. Brown stole cigarettes from a local convenience store and was walking down the sidewalk with a friend when Officer Darren Wilson pulled over to talk to them. It was then that the confrontation between the two started. There are different versions of what actually happened on Aug. 9 based on the stories the witnesses and the police are giving. “One witness said that he was trying to give himself up and he was shot,” history teacher Aaron Anderson said. “The others say that he went for the gun and was eventually taken out.” There has also been a lot of questioning as to whether he was surrendering or trying to take the officer’s gun. It is still unclear what his intent was at the moment he was shot. “I believe that Brown was trying to surrender as he went toward the officer,” said junior McKenzie Brummitt. Brown had three autopsies performed on his body, one by the federal government, another by the St. Louis County Police, and the last
Beth Gasser Copy Editor
Lexi Melson
by a pathologist hired by Brown’s family. All autopsies show that he was shot six times, four in his arm and chest area, and two in the head with the last bullet being the fatal shot for Brown. After the whole confrontation, the locals and other people near Ferguson started to riot and loot local stores. But, not everyone is rioting and looting for the same reasons. Some people just want to steal things from the looted stores and do not know or care about what happened to lead up to the looting. “They could be reacting the way they are because they’re worried for their own safety since the people who are supposed to be protecting them shot an unarmed young man,” junior Jordan Kubicki said. The locals also started protesting in the streets about everything that has happened in Ferguson. The police are also responding to the protesters by using rubber bullets to shoot into the crowd and throwing tear gas at the large crowds. Even though people have gotten severely injured, the protesters are still out on the streets, even after everything the police have done to try to stop them. It seems that many people do not really know what is actually happening in Ferguson.
All Rise for youth court Justice administered by students
tudents at BV West who are interested in the judicial field have an amazing opportunity that most of them do not know about. The Blue Valley school district has a program that helps students get involved in law early on. Youth Court is a way for minors who have committed a misdemeanor to have a “trial” and to be given consequences by their peers. “Youth Court is just an option or an available program,” officer Susie Tousey said, “through the district attorney’s office to help with first time misdemeanor offenses for juvenile offenders.” Youth Court is a great option for students interested in law, and students who also have committed a misdemeanor crime. If you decide to go through Youth Court instead of the court system, you can be given consequences that range from mandatory jury attendance, to community service, and a class that can help them make better decisions. “It helps to keep the burden from the courts being so high with these misdemeanor offenses. So you could have a theft from Walmart 6 and it’s like 20 bucks or 25 dollars, and you could be inundated with
that with juvenile crime,” Tousey said, “So they initiated this program to lessen the burden of the courts and obviously it helps the offenders because then they don’t have a crime on their record, if they complete the program successfully.” Youth Court is a fantastic way to help out the courts, the offender, and the students who are interested. It is also a great way to get community service hours, and to see how the judicial system works. Though BV West has only had an active Youth Court system for seven years. When BV West opened in 2001 Youth Court was not a priority and was ignored. But when Officer Tousey came to BV West in 2007 she helped initiate the program. Anyone can join and help out if they complete the mandatory training. It is first come, first serve. “Typically we only meet if there’s a case, so prior to the case and for training, so it would be on late start days so that it doesn’t interfere with the academic day.” said Tousey, “Everything is posted outside the campus police office, and then they’ll have announcements when there is a case so they can sign up.”
Ice Bucket downpour National phenomenon inspires community to help raise awareness of ALS Libby Frazier Web Editor
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he nationwide trend of people dumping a bucket full of ice water The two schools raised more than $6000 as part of the challenge. on their heads has taken social media by storm and soaked Blue Valley raised more than BV West resulting in principal, Dr. Brett Potts conversations and Twitter feeds of BV West students. From the getting doused by Blue Valley principal, Scott Bacon at half time of the football team to the teachers, to individual students to principal, Dr. soccer game on Aug. 29. BV West teachers had previously raised more Brett Potts, the school has taken the challenge to raise awareness for than $4000 at a golf tournament organized by Technological Instructional Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Specialist, Stacey Rodina, in Highberger’s honor. “I feel like a prisoner in my own body,” retired BV West teacher Dena Business teacher, Ann Dark, plans to participate in the ALS Walk Highberger said. on Sept. 27 and would welcome participation by other members of the ALS is a neurodegenerative disease; it destroys the nerve cells in the BV West community. Local television station, Fox 4 picked up on the brain and spinal cord. The nerve cells that signal muscular cells cannot outpouring of community support and posted a story after the football control the muscles, so the area degenerates, which game between BV West and Blue Valley on Friday, leads to hardening or scarring. Sept. 12 “The disease has me very weak,” Highberger The idea of the Ice Bucket Challenge was meant said. “I haven’t been able to walk for the past seven to bring awareness of ALS. The man behind the years. Everyday things like brushing my teeth, viral trend is Pete Frates, a 29 -year- old Beverly, combing my hair, eating with my spoon are too Mass. resident. Frates has been a sufferer of ALS difficult to do.” since 2012. Highberger’s diagnosis in 2010 was The cause of ALS is not completely understood, complicated. however the physiology and progression are visible. “I was diagnosed in early November of 2010.” Scan QR Code The initial symptom is muscle weakness which Highberger said. “It took three years to get my to watch fox4 Story causes problems with swallowing, movement of the diagnosis because I thought I had a severe back legs and arms, speech, and breathing. The next level injury. Many doctors said I did not have ALS because of the disease is evidenced by the sufferer’s limbs beginning to look thinner. of my regular speech.” ALS taps patients of their independence while family members and Videos of the challenge appeared to fiood Facebook, Twitter and Vine friends are deluged with the ripple effects. due to its simplicity. If a person gets challenged, they are encouraged to “My grandma was one of the most amazing people and did anything she dump a bucket of ice water on themselves within 24 hours or donate $100 could to help people.” junior Alassa Gevanni said. “I didn’t know about the to the ALS Foundation. Friends or family members take a video of the challenge until my grandpa challenged me and I looked into the purpose completed challenge so that the challenged individual can post it and make and thought it was an amazing way to raise awareness and money for three challengs themselves. ALS.” “The challenge was fun because I challenged my friends.” Gevanni said. Gevanni was inspired to complete the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge “But for me it was more about getting the word out about ALS and ways because of her family member. BV West teacher and coach Don Alpaugh people could help with the foundation.” was inspired by Highberger. He used that inspiration to inspire the football Currently, there is not a treatment for ALS, but there is an Food and team. His friendship and respect for her had the ripple effect of the team Drug Administration approved medicine called Ruluzole, which slows the challenging rival Blue Valley High. progression of the disease. The Ice Bucket Challenge has raised more than “It was very fun. Every football player had a bucket and we just counted $40 million dollars for ALS this fall for additional research, last year at this to three and poured away,” Alpaugh said. time the group had only raised $1 million dollars.
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#DO LET IT FLOW IT FOR ALS 4 NATIONAL DENA SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN HAD LARGE PPARTICIPATION FROM BV WEST
BV WEST STAFF Alexis Abrams
Tommy Mccauley
Ty ler Barnes
VANES SA BOONE
PERRI DOWNEY
SYDNEY POTEET
JAGUAR FOOTBALL
$40 MILLION RAISED NATIONWIDE
$7000 RAISED BY STAFF AND STUDENTS
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Vets and veggies Students dive head first into new CAPS programs
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enter for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) is a program for high school students that allows them to speed up their schooling as if they already have college degrees. CAPS has students working with seventy-four national and international business partners, as well as hundreds of business mentors in order to stimulate real-world experiences that appear in the workplace. All programs at CAPS are organized under eight distinct strands or pathways known as, CAPS Accelerator, Bioscience, Global Business, Technology, Media, Engineering, Teacher, Medical Care and Health, and Law (Public Safety). New for this year, are two programs that open so many different doors for the students. Global Food Industries under CAPS Accelerator and Veterinary Medicine under the Medical and Health Care strand give even more diverse career fields to explore. One of these new programs, Global Food Industries, has students working on all aspects of the food industry from local to global scales. Students study with emphasis on nutrition,
Alexa Turiello Reporter
food chemistry and processing, food security, and more. As the only BV West student in this program, junior Abigail Mitchell is one of the first to try out this new class. “I love getting to experiment and make tons of delicious food [dishes],” Mitchell said. “I’m a senior Girl Scout and finding this class inspired me to dig deeper into this field.” The other program new to CAPS is Veterinary Medicine, which allows students to study veterinary cases and career opportunities as well as hands-on projects including site visits, shelter medicine, animals rights and warfare, and so on. While pursuing this program, students individual interests will help them to focus on and shape a potential career path. “I knew I wanted to go into an animal science field the CAPS Veterinary Medicine course would a be great way to open doors,” Senior Jacob Thibaudeau said. He plans to take the knowledge from their programs into the real world and forge a career for themselves after high school.
From top going clockwise: This loving bulldog smiles for the camera as veterinary medicine students visit shelters. Senior Jacob Thibaudeau, leans back and relaxes with one of his furry friends at the CAPS Veterinary Program. Photos by Joe Whalen. Students practice alginating as they begin to explore their program. Junior Abigail Mitchell works on her kitchen skills in the food lab provided for Global Food Industries. Photos by Kelley Tuel. 12
Learning new preparation techniques, junior Abigail Mitchell, shows off her finished product. Photo by Joe Whalen
Unique Learning opportunities at caps introduce students to future careers in food science and veterinarian medicine
As a part of his veterinary training, senior Jacob Thibaudeau learns CPR. Photo by Kelley Tuel
Meeting and greeting her fellow chefs-in-training, Mitchell sports a smile. Photo by Joe Whalen
Helping with pet adoptions, Thibaudeau poses with his CAPS classmates. Photo by Kelley Tuel
Preparing enough Mediterranean chicken to feed a banquet, Mitchell poses proudly. Photo by Joe Whalen
Proud of his pooch, Thibaudeau poses during a dog training session. Photo by Kelley Tuel
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International
Immersion Carly McDonald Managing Editor
Senior Kent McDonald shares his international experience visitng Indonesia to learn about conflict resoltuion and international relations Go
McDonald discusses two of his projects aimed to aid places he visited while in Indonesia
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Global Education Initiative The Global Education Initiative is a supply drive for a pesantren, or Islamic boarding school, in Yogi Jakarta. The pesantren makes a great effort to seek out students from all across Indonesia And although it was Islamic based, it was non-denominational, so in theory any student that had interest and was eligible academically to attend.
UNICEF Tap Project
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UNICEF has been a organization that helps youth all across the world. The UNICEF tap project is a sub-division of the bigger entity, and focuses primarily on water usage and appreciating clean water throughout the world.
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n the early spring of senior Kent McDonald’s junior year he applied and was accepted to a U.S. State Department funded exchange program. It was a joint operation through Volunteers in Asia (V.I.A.), which is affiliated with Stanford and George Mason University. Essentially, the program was called Indonesia U.S. Youth Leadership Program and it was a two-way exchange, meaning that, for one month about 20 or so Indonesian high school students got to come and stay in the U.S. and then a month later, eight U.S. high school students went in exchange to Indonesia.
Why would you encourage people to consider taking a trip like this?
I would also encourage high school students, especially the students at [BV] West to think about taking advantage of these opportunities during their high school experience, because they do exist. I think when you are in high school, you’re still developing as a person. Your experiences are going to have a stronger impact on your character, because you’re still developing your character. You’re still defining who you are as a person and so because you are in this period of immense growth, it’s very beneficial to push yourself and to see exactly who you are and where you come from.
What did you learn?
I learned so much, it’s incredible how much I learned within just one month. As much as I learned externally about the world and the community around me, I believe I learned just as much if not even more about myself internally as a person. It’s immensely valuable to me, I can’t even put a price on that, but I think I grew as a person. I think I have a lot more respect and appreciation for where I come from, but also the immense amount of opportunities and diversity that lies outside of the borders of Johnson County.
What are you bringing back to BV West from your experience? I will be operating two of my own service projects after the fact of my experience and it will be operated through the BV West NHS chapter, but they are not just limited to the NHS chapter here. in fact, many of my service projects will be expanding into other school districts and working with students of all ages, not just in high school.
How has international immersion changed how you see Johnson County? I think for me, the colloquial expression of our community is talking about the Johnson County bubble. But I really would encourage people to pop that bubble to begin to think of how they exist within the whole world around them and on a global level. Once we’re able to do that, I think we’re also able to appreciate all of the great things we have here. Also [we can] begin to give back to those who perhaps do not have as many great resources as we do.
How could someone get involved in a trip like this? I definitely think traveling abroad is [a] huge experience. I definitely would recommend it to everyone. I understand that in many cases it can be difficult to allocate resources or time or whatever that might be to make it happen, but in my case, the trip that I went on was entirely funded by the U.S. State Department, so there was nothing out of pocket from my end. There are opportunities like that out there. For any passion that you may have, and for every passion that exists, there is some avenue you may take to fulfill that passion Overall, I am so grateful to everyone who made this opportunity a reality for me. Special thank yous have to go to Mrs. Ahnamenn, Mrs. Fellingham, nad Dr. Restivo who all three wrote recommnedations for me, and of course, Joe Nail for enlightening me on this opportunity..
Background: Senior Kent McDonald learns how to make batik with Mackensie, a teacher in the program. He was instructed at Indonesia’s National Batik Museum. Top left: A village woman from Munti Gunnung demonstrates how to basket weave. The baskets are made from palm tree leaves. Top right: McDonald converses with the project coordinator and president of a service project he participated in. The projects were in Munti Gunnung, an impoverished village in northern Bali. Bottom right: Children of the pesantren in Yogyakarta pose for a photo. Many of these children had never seen a caucasian person before. Bottom left: McDonald peels cashews with native Indonesians that do not speak English. For every cahsew he peeled, one cent was given to a fellow peeler. Photos courtesy of Kent McDonald.
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Urban art and entertainment district Prairiefire strays from the typical Johnson County atmosphere Erin Walker Editor in Chief
Cinetopia
The ARTFactory
Modern and unique movie theater with three viewing experiences: --The Living Room: Reclining leather seats, in-theater restaurant service, evening live music performances --Movie Parlor: Luxurious seating, in-theater restaurant service, deluxe 30 foot screens --GXL Theaters: Reclining leather seats, stadium seating, giant 75 foot - four story tall screens
Marketing and networking venue for upcoming artists. --Hosts events such as Meet-the-Artist nights and wine tastings --Offers a series of photography, drawing, and painting classes beginning this fall --Provides new artists a platform to display their work to the community at an inexpensive cost --Displays the work of various fine artists such as Andy Warhol, Joan Miro, and Julian Schnabel
Prairiefire Museum
Pinstripes
Interactive museum featuring: --Authentic artifacts from the American Museum of Natural History --World renowned exhibitions --Educational programming --Unique field trip opportunities
Italian-American bistro offering: --Bowling --Bocce --Event spaces accommodating 20-1,000 people --Fire pit and outdoor patio
1. Cocoa Dolce-- Candy shop
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Serves artisan chocolates, gelato and macaroons.
2. Pinstripes-- Classy bistro
Serves flatbreads, pastas and various ornate house specialties.
3. Paradise Diner-- Quaint diner Serves sandwiches, salads and pastas, as well as brunch.
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4. Newport Grill-- Upscale grill
Serves gormet seafoods and steaks.
5. CocoBolos-- Mexican Cantina
Serves authentic Mexican and Southwestern cuisine.
6. Rock & Brews-- Lively bar/grill Serves gormet burgers, pizzas, sandwiches and various specialties.
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7. Wasabi-- Sushi bar
Serves maki (rolls), authentic sushi and eclectic appetizers.
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...On the menu
The Solution
Sarah Andrievk Artist
you know what ... i think i’ll make an effort with my school work
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can i see today’s government homework?
really? that’s great Jesse!
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really ... uh yeah
Editors in Chief: Lauren Hansen and Erin Walker Managing Editor: Carly McDonald Design Editor: Logan Cole Copy Editor: Beth Gasser Web Editor: Libby Frazier Section Editors: Vinnie Garimella, Julie Kim, Dan Kurtz, Maddy C. Lewis, John Wilson, Leah Zimmerli Reporters: Rebecca Abraham, Sarah Andrievk, Ashley Buehler, John Byrket, Quinn Coleman, Shaye Herman, Emilee Holscher, McKenna Patchen, Matt Stry, Joe Mallory, Lexi Melson, Adrieanna Norse, Alexa Turiello Staffer: Ethan Paine Adviser: Debbie Glenn 18
Spotlight is printed six times a 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 publication is determined by its student editors as determined by the Kansas Scholastic Press Act and may contain controversial subject matter as the staff exercises their First Amendment rights. Spotlight does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the faculty adviser, the administration of Blue Valley West or USD 229.
on the drawing board Senior Connor Bost expresses his talents through art Quinn Coleman Reporter
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he purpose of art is self-expression and to make a statement. By creating art, a person is making a product of what they feel. Senior, Connor Bost, is one artist here at BV West. He’s currently in Graphic Design II and Portfolio while taking Digital Design and Photography on the side at Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS). With Graphic Design, Drawing, Drawing II, and Design Fundamentals under his belt, Bost has become quite the creator. His interest in drawing first sparked when he got into it in just the first grade and has been drawing off and on; some years more than others, but drawing nonetheless. “I like the concept of reinventing objects in two dimensions with your own interpretation of the lines and shapes of the object,” Bost said. “Also, no matter where you start, your improvement is directly related to how much you practice and how often you draw.” Like most things, art and its outcome is always related to how frequent a person does it and how often they practice, and there is always room for improvement. Although Graphic Design might seem like his main focus, Bost mentions that drawing in graphite and ballpoint pen are what he favors the most. Although Graphic Design may seem like the path he wants to take in the future, Bost says he is also interested in wildlife Biology. Photo by Vinnie Garimella 19
BEATING
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eing a drum major is doing what the band does, and more. For example, they take care of moving the podiums, setting the field, conducting, and controlling the metronome. This is what drum major Aidan Garrett does, along with Nick Nordstrom and Billy Ferguson. Garrett has Chrones Disease. It is an autoimmune disease in his intestines. The good bacteria turn bad and eventually they attack the digestive system. Just recently, Garrett has endured a bigger flare recently, and he now wears a backpack that holds the tube he has to have everyday. He first started showing symptoms when he was eight to nine years old, but was diagnosed when he was ten. He has to watch the things he eats, and the activities he does. “It’s a completely different lifestyle change,” Garrett said. Although his disease holds him back, he is beating the odds one practice and performance at a time. “He basically does the same things as everyone else. He is always contributing 100 percent, or almost working too hard. We have to make sure he is not pushing or stressing himself too much, because he will overwork himself. Health comes before anything,” His fellow drum majors said. Nordstrom also has an autoimmune disease, but not as severe.
“When I first found out about it, I went to Aidan because he understood.” Nordstrom said. Band has completely changed Garrett. He has met many new friends, and he is happy being a drum major. “I have no idea what I’d be doing if I wasn’t in band,” Garrett said. “I’ve always wanted to be a drum major. You have to be a drum major to really understand how hard it is.” Garrett is dedicated, oriented, passionate and strives to be a good leader. He was a logical choice for a drum major. He is well respected by the band and directors; he is a good kid, according to the directors Cheryl Lee-Kimball and Joe Stuever. “It’s difficult to watch what he’s going through, yet he still wants to be involved,” Kimball said. Garrett hates not being at rehearsal, and the band members and directors can see that. Garrett does not want to be seen or treated differently than the other band members, and he approaches things just like everybody else. “I feel like he has pushed me more as a drum major,” Ferguson said, “He has done all the work and has achieved so much. He has pushed me farther because if he can do it, I know I can.” He has shown people around the school anything can be done and you can beat the odds despite the negative circumstances and turn it in to something positive. He is an inspiration to many people.
Photo courtesy of Mr. Buehler
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Ashley Buehler and Emilee Holscher Reporters
Senior Aidan Garrett leads marching band despite health setbacks
We’Ve got
Spirit Vinnie Garimella Photo Editor
Photos by Vinnie Garimella, Ashley Oades, and Ryan Barrett
Home of the Jags How well do you know Blue Valley West? 1 2 4
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Across 8. The mascot for BVW 10. School colors 11. One of the police officers of BV West 13. To achieve beyond expectations 14. This sport won state in 2007 16. Strength of a character to never give up 17. Known as the “foot-fairy� sport 20. What every BVW student has
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Down 1. Class that made this paper 2. Quality of being outstanding 3. Every student looks forward to this 4. People who have spirit at BVW 5. Effort done to achieve 6. Word to describe BVW students 7. Leader of the school 9. This sport contains a ball and a club 12. This activity practices in the morning 15. Female police officer 18. School class that you have to drive too 19. Leadership club
Creative Writing An explanation and guide on writing creatively
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Shaye Herman Reporter
very person has their own form of self-expression, whether joking around, unwinding and eating snacks. it be fashion, acting, or drawing, and one way of doing so Writing prompts are one of the many ways to flex your creativity is creative writing. Creative writing is writing down thoughts muscles. A writing prompt is simply a topic that you write around. It and stories in a poetic or expressive way for your own or others can be a single sentence or a paragraph, and there are thousands entertainment. This includes several different kinds of writing, such available online. The best way to ease yourself into writing is to not as poetry, memoirs, novels, short stories and more. Writing is a start off with an epic 1000 page trilogy. Rather, do some practice pastime that is one of the most powerful things to do: because writings to warm your brain up such as a writing prompt. with a variation of 26 different symbols and squiggly lines, you can Sometimes for aspiring writers who are first starting, it can be create entire alternate realities, build and destroy empires, and have difficult to find the thing that is crucial to every writer: inspiration. If absolute control over the fate of whoever you choose. And, with your idea box is running dry, there are ways to get inspiration from luck and some practice, what you write may even become popular the media around you and your own imagination. People assume enough to influence millions. that your idea has to be 100 percent original Writing is not just a simple hobby. Even for it to work, but in reality, one of the best ways There are endless writing just a short paragraph from your to get inspiration is from others; as long as possibilities to what imagination every day stimulates your brain, as you’re not actually copying. Reading other books, well as enhances creativity and intelligence. watching TV and movies, and looking at real life you can create and “When I write, I do it to express my people is actually a great way to kick-start your make. feelings,” sophomore Jesse Hoffman said. “And imagination. whatever genre or style I write in depends on How you write depends on the person doing my mood.” it. Some people like to organize plot charts and There are endless possibilities to what you can create and plan ahead to how the story pans out, and others prefer to just make. In this activity, the power is in your hands, whether you are jump straight in and write what they feel, then see what happens. writing a novel or a poem. Whether you want to share what you Obviously everybody is different, which means that everyone has have written with the world or keep it to yourself, there’s no doubting their own creative process. Unfortunately, writers block does occur that creating and even finishing your own story is one of the most when you hit a mental wall as to where to head next in your piece. satisfying experiences ever. “For me, the best way to combat writer’s block is to blast music “It’s amazing how fun it is watch your own idea become for a while. It depends on the person, but it’s no good to just get something bigger, and you even get attached to your own stressed out about it,” sophomore Cece Greve said. If you are characters.” said sophomore Grace McLaughlin. suffering from writer’s block, don’t get anxious. Just watch some TV, For anyone with a passion for writing, there is a Writers Club read a book, or spend time with your friends, and an idea will surely here at BV West. They meet every Wednesday after school in room come to you eventually. 154, where a mix of different personalities and ways of writing is Even if you are no John Green and you do not want to go into prominent. a career writing books, writing is still liberating and therapeutic. “Our mission statement is to be a place where we encourage There is absolutely no limit to what you can do with your own words creativity of all sorts, and for people to really embrace their quirky and an idea. Any great story has to start somewhere, right? Try side.” said Head Sponsor Christine Dyck. picking a prompt and writing a few paragraphs, and you might end Every week, the club uses a new writing prompt for inspiration. up writing a bestselling book series with your own two hands. Then they all write it into a story and make it their own, all while
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fall sports briefs Boys Soccer
Matthew Stry Reporter
The soccer team is looking to bounce back from a loss to BV Northwest in the regional championship last season. Senior captain’s Carter Stout, Blake Goodale, Payton Gore, and Quintin Rosewicz look to lead the team to another successful season. Other than the captains, the team has solid core with 11 seniors, and hopes to continue the success of the Fat Cat Tournament win with a key matchup against St. Thomas Aquinas on Sept. 30.
Cross Country The Cross Country team is expecting to have another triumphant season. Over the summer they became a better team as they took a team camp trip to Colorado to run at higher altitudes and build a bond within each other. The boys team returns Metro Runner of the Year and defending State Champion, senior Stuart McNutt and senior Connor Bost. The girls team is led by seniors Elizabeth Friedman, Kaitlyn Hartnett, and Corynn Yarkosky. Both teams hope to contend for an EKL Championship and build from there.
Girls Golf As the season starts, the girl’s golf team has already competed in a few tournaments. The second tournament of the season, the team qualified for third. While varsity practiced at St. Andrew’s, the junior varsity team played at Overland Park in order to improve their skills and learn more about the game of golf. Coach John Rost worked with all the girls during full team practices at Ironhorse. The girls practiced chipping, putting and driving each day and worked towards qualifying for state.
Football
The Jaguars football team looks to contend for a State Championship in 2014. The team, coming off a heartbreaking loss in the Sub-State Championship game to BV High on a last minute touchdown pass. The team returns key players who have had a wide range of experience over the past two years. Senior Zev Mallin hopes to replace an all-state quarterback in Ryan Ralston who has moved on to the University of Kansas. On the defensive side of the ball, seniors Sam Daily and Sam Davis look to anchor the secondary and provide a spark of intensity. The Jaguars take on Gardner-Edgerton this Friday at the Gardner-Edgerton High School.
Volleyball As the season begins to set in, the volleyball team is working real hard for their goal of making state. The team has nine returning players, including six seniors. The team, which is led by senior Brooke Cousin and sophomore Madison Lilley look to improve on a disappointing loss to BV Northwest in the Sub-State Final. The team looks to keep the winning going with the Jaguar Triangular on Sept. 30 at BV West.
Girls Tennis As the season kicks in, the girls tennis team has high expectations. The team has been practicing hard to prepare for a rigorous upcoming season. The team, led by sophomores Brylin Staats and Regan Sherron, and junior Madelyn Comeau, looks to dominate their schedule and win the EKL title. The Jaguars will make sure to focus on their goals and keep their minds on the court. The team will travel to Wichita Collegiate on Sept. 27. Photos by Quinn Coleman, Sabrina Cline, Ryan Barrett and Vinnie Garimella
Dreams to
Reality Three athletes committ for colleges over the summer Dan Kurtz Section Editor
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ne of the most anticipated days in an athlete’s life is the day they sign with a college. In the year leading up to signing, standing out among the competition is one of the most important things they can do. That being said, the better a person is as an athlete, the better chance they have at attracting more attention early on in their high school career. There have been countless exceptional athletes that have come through BV West and have taken their skills to the next level. All of the athletes can recall the day when they signed or committed to their university, as it is one of the biggest and most important decisions they will make in their life. Recently, it seems as though athletes are making this important decision and committing earlier. This past summer, three new athletes joined the ranks of BV West students who succeeded in playing their dream sport in college. Senior Davis Schwab, junior Emily Engelken, and sophomore Madison Lilley were all among those to sign with the college they will be attending for the next four years. Schwab, a BV West baseball player, has a several reasons why he decided to commit to Kansas State University (KSU). “There are a lot of reasons, mostly because the pitching coach is pretty well known,” Schwab said. “He is a good guy, so it will be nice to learn from him. I’m going to be surrounded by a lot of good players coming in my class of 2015 hoping to benefit the team right away.” Schwab says that he was not contacted a lot before he committed to KSU. “I actually had never talked to the coach before June of 2014, so this past summer changed a lot and it basically all happened in a month, and
Photos submitted.
Madison Lilley
after a month I took a couple more visits and a couple weeks before I committed,” Schwab said. The NCAA rules say that coaches can start contacting players as early as seventh grade. If a player starts to have interest in a college they can take an unofficial visit to that college, just like Sophomore Madison Lilley. Although she still has two years left at BV West, she will be attending the University of Kentucky upon graduation, which she committed to during the summer. “They started recruiting me in 8th grade,” Lilley said. “I went to their camp three times and went on four visits.” During these visits, athletes can accept up to three complimentary admissions to sporting events, but may only talk to college coaches on school premises. Student athletes can verbally commit to attend a university whenever they feel comfortable. “I committed to Kentucky because the coaching staff is really cool and no where else felt like home as much as it did there,” Lilley said. She hopes to make an impact right away on the court. “The coaching staff is expecting me to come in and work hard to compete for a starting position,” Lilley said. All of these commitments are a non-binding agreement, which means it is not final until they sign the National Letter of Intent. So even though all these athletes have committed, they have not officially signed the letter yet. When these athletes step on that new field or court they will be feeling a sigh of relief. Knowing that they have made it this far, putting all the time, effort, and practice in to get where they are today. They will be putting that talent to use is the next step on their journey as an athlete.
Davis Schwab
Emily Engelken
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ALEXIS LARSON Logan Cole Design Editor
Photo by Quinn Coleman 26
Tournaments Played: 40 Lowest Score: 70 Lowest Nine Hole Score: 35 Longest Putt: 30 feet Fa v orite Course in KC: Swope Memorial Favorite Club: Wedge Total Medals Earned: 40 Longest Drive: 280 yards Most Challenging Course: Kansas City Country Club
Photo by Kami Pankratz
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raining ransformation New district partnership impacts athletes Joe Mallory Reporter
tudent-athletes have been noticing a new face in athletics this school year. The Blue Valley School District decided to change its partnership from Shawnee Mission Sports Care to KU Hospital. The reason for this change has to do with the contracts the district has with the medical groups. The contracts were put out to bid, meaning any group that meets certain criteria can provide a bid for the deal. “KU came to the district with what the district thought was a really good bid, “Athletic Director Cindy Roach said.” The district made the decision to go with KU Hospital, instead of Shawnee Mission Sports Care. With fall sports in full swing, the new athletic trainer, Aaron Barnes, is already playing a huge role with our football team. Football presents lots of injuries and an athletic trainer is a huge key in helping all the players stay healthy throughout the season. “He is very well equipped to be our new trainer and is making good connections with the kids” head football Coach Scott Wright said. People are still trying to get to know Barnes and he has already begun to make his mark on the football team. Barnes has been working with the group to make sure all injuries are treated appropriately and everything is going well. Besides dealing injuries, a trainer has several other responsibilities. “He was immediately on our hydration, nutrition, and has already started the impact testing” Wright said. “He’s a real advocate for kids”
football” Barnes is playing his part as the athletic trainer to help with the success of the all of the fall sports teams. A lot of people do not know what it truly means to be a full time athletic trainer. There are many benefits from having a full time athletic trainer. Barnes is here from about 1 p.m. to after practices and/or games. A benefit of having a full time athletic trainer is having him on site as much as possible so athletes can get treatment almost anytime it is needed. “The University of Kansas Hospital wants to ensure that BV district schools have athletic trainers on site as much as possible to recognize, evaluate, and treat any injuries that may arise during activities,” Barnes said. Coaches and students alike feel this attitude shows that KU Hospital wants to provide the best care possible for the athletes. Barnes is not just here to do his job as the athletic trainer; making connections with the student athletes is a big part of his role. “I want to build a trust level with the student-athletes to the point where if they have an issue, they can feel comfortable coming to visit with me about it,” Barnes said. It is clear that Barnes wants to make an impact here at BV West and with all of the student-athletes. Barnes is excited to meet all of the athletes from each season and working with them to keep them on the field, court, or track as much as possible.
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GUESS
Brutto
Puzzle Directions: --Try to match these BV West staf f members with the crazy fact about them! --Members may be used more tthan once. --Photo placement has no correlational to answers.
Glenn Has barrel rolled in a biplane Answer:______________
Once ate a squirrel that his/her friend shot with a bb gun Answer:______________
Was a nanny for a man’s family who was in the mafia in New Jersey Answer:______________
Worked at a sewage plant in college Answer:______________
Got caught throwing snowballs at cars in high school and was sent to the principal’s office Answer:______________
Has been in two riots Answer:______________
Oldest child of the oldest child for five generations and all had January birthdays Answer:______________
Worked at a plastic flower factory for an entire summer Answer:______________
Waldorf
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Roach
Bandy
FOrtune
Who ?
--Turn your answers in to Room 233 by 3 p.m. on September 25. --The student with the most accurate. answers will win a $10 Sonic gift card --Winner will be revealed on the Erin Walker announcement.
stern
Editor in Chief
Loves deep fried bull testicles
Has been tear gassed Answer:______________
Answer:______________
Childhood dream was to become a horse Answer:______________
Walked into his/her classroom one day to find a student in only his underwear playing guitar on top of a desk Answer:______________
Caught a student rolling a joint during class at first teaching job
Once drove a racecar Answer:______________
Answer:______________
Has eaten whale and reindeer Answer:______________
During his/her first year of teaching they had to ask the students not to staple their fingers together after seeing them attempt Answer:______________
POtts
Miller rost
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cover up
Hidden messages in school dress codes Leah Zimmerli Features Editor
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Photo by Quinn Coleman
eing back in school brings up the important question: what is appropriate to wear? According to BV West’s dress code (found on page 21 of the student handbook): “Students wearing clothing that causes a disruption to the learning process will be asked to change”. This has been the norm for as long as students can remember, but has anyone ever stopped to think about what this really means? Anybody who has ever listened to the dress code speech from a school administrator can notice that the amount of restrictions on girls vastly outnumber the amount of restrictions on boys. At its base form, the dress code is put in place to police the amount of skin that girls can show at school, so that they do not distract their male classmates. This brings up a few essential problems. It is important to first understand that it is not necessarily the dress code that is the problem. It is not wrong for schools to want their students to dress in a way that reflects the value on their education, but the reasoning behind the very base of the school dress code shows that this concept is outdated. The first problem is the painfully obvious emphasis on the importance of a male student’s education. Putting a dress code into action that talks about avoiding distraction is saying to all the girls that their education is less important than the boy’s.
The second problem is the fact that the girls become responsible for the reactions the boys have to their clothing. This lesson is repeated over and over again, with accompanying phrases such as “boys will be boys”. Eventually this lesson escalates to women being responsible for the sexual harassment they receive, otherwise known as victim blaming because their clothing choices and behavior prompted the male’s reaction. The third problem is availability and money. There are very few long shorts for sale on the racks at many stores these days. This increases the difficulty of finding a pair of shorts that the dress code would deem appropriate. Some families simply do not have the resources, such as time and money, to purchase new, longer shorts at the start of the school year, and those girls have to wear what they have. On top of all this, high school is a time for the growth of character and finding yourself through expression. Girls should feel free to express themselves without the fear of being told that they are distracting. Instead of having a dress code to control the way that girls dress, why not teach boys to respect and not objectify women based on their clothing and actions? It is by challenging the dress codes found in schools that we can slowly begin to reverse the gender bias that has been ingrained into modern society.
Feminism of the modern age Women speak out in wake of Ray Rice and UCSB tragedy
W
Maddy C. Lewis Features Editor
omen’s rights has become a major issue within the past sexual harassment in their public schools. few weeks. Ray Rice, a former Baltimore Ravens football It is illogical to think that every single man has harassed player, was cut from the team after a video surfaced of or harmed a woman in some way. It is even more ridiculous to him hitting his wife. Another violent event happened last May at the think that just because not every man is involved in some sort of University of California, Santa Barbara. harassment, that it does not happen. Considering these statistics, a On May 23, Elliot Rodger drove into great deal of women have been affected by the University of California Santa Barbara sexual harassment. If the statistics aren’t campus, shot and killed six students enough proof already, the outcry of women 83 percent of girls ages (including himself), and injured 14 more in on Twitter through #YesAllWomen stands 12 to16 said they an attempt to seek vengeance on all of the as a testament to the frequency of sexual have experienced women that did not show romantic interest harassment girls face. Not all men commit some form of sexual in him. He left behind a manifesto, 107,000 violence against women, but yes, a majority words long, in his apartment detailing his of women have experienced harassment or harassment in their entire life story. What came next was an discrimination in her lifetime at some point. explosion of women on Twitter sharing One of the most chilling parts of their personal stories of harassment, and Rodger’s case is his seven-minute video experiences with misogyny. detailing why he is going on his killing spree. He describes how he, #YesAllWomen garnered 1.2 million tweets in a month, placing a “the supreme gentleman” should have more attention from girls, and spotlight on how women are treated by the media and society as a how women throw themselves at obnoxious jerks that could not treat whole. them as well as he could. Rodger and Rice’s actions are extreme, but not abnormal. Every There it is, male entitlement in a nutshell. Our society tends to day women are assaulted, attacked, harassed or degraded, more drill into the minds of young males that their main goal is to find often than not, by a man. There is no denying that what happened a girlfriend. In movies, TV, and books, the same “nerdy guy meets at UCSB or in that elevator are tragic. Unfortunately, these kinds of beautiful girl and convinces her that he is better than all of the other things happen across the world on a smaller scale at an alarming guys” trope is milked for all that it is worth. For guys, they are taught rate. Intimate partner violence accounts for 40-70 percent of the that they deserve a girl, after all, they are a “nice guy”. The problem murders of women. One in three women will be sexually assaulted with the nice guy mentality is that it tells guys that they are entitled in some way in her lifetime. Here in the United States, 83 percent of to a beautiful girl, and tells girls that if they simply are not interested girls ages 12-16 have said that they have experienced some form of in a particular guy, they deserve any harassment that comes.
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