spotlight
volume 17 issue 4
feb. 8, 2018
{blue valley west} 16200 antioch rd., overland park, Kan.
INSIDE | diversity assembly pg 5 | Price brothers pg 10 | feminism pg 12 |
photo by Emma Wallace
LETTER B
from the editors
ecause of how many students populate the halls of BV West, it is easy to get lost in the crowd. Four years, even though it does not seem like it, is a short amount of time and it is tempting to just merely survive the four years and move on to the next chapter of your life. However, this is no way to experience high school. This is the time to distinguish yourself. A time to try new things, to dedicate yourself to the things you are passionate about. What is the point of halfheartedly living life? Already this month, we’ve seen students stand up for diversity, speak out for their opinions, distinguish themselves through professional opportunities and fundraise for causes they are passionate about. These individuals are distinguishing themselves; they are recognizable from others in the hallways. They are taking advantage of the present, not just biding their time until the next thing comes along. Many of the stories in this
edition of the Spotlight highlight students who are pushing limits and taking advantage of unique opportunities. Students who put on the annual diversity assembly took a bold risk in displaying their passions for the whole student body. Students participating in recreational sports are defying the normal definition of what it means to be on a sports team. Finally, CAPS students exemplify pushing outside comfort zones as they explore new career and college opportunities during their four years of high school. You can’t wait till you’re not a freshman, or wait till you make that sports team or wait until college. Embrace the time you have now to make the community a better place. You don’t have to change the world; just change one life and the world will become a better place. Your E.I.C.’s,
Rachel Pickett Mikaela Schmitt
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 05
10
14
16
NEWS
FEATURE
SPORTS
A&E
05 diversity assembly 06 student teachers 07 history club
08 rec sports 09 olympics 10 Price brothers
OPINION
12 women’s movement
14 the spot 15 Mr. Tomasic 16 CAPS 17
vlogging
20
winter sports
PHOTO ESSAY
20
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4 ADS
BVWNews.com
UNITING FOR
DIVERSITY
Diversity Leadership Council heads assembly celebrating differences
HANNAH HOLLADAY
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web editor spotlight.hannahholladay@gmail.com
he goal is simple—to promote awareness of diversity. Diversity Leadership Council (DLC) meets frequently to discuss important topics about diversity and its implications, but once a year, their efforts in increasing appreciation are on display for all to see. On Jan. 26, DLC led BV West’s annual diversity assembly. The event included guest speakers, interactive games and performers. While the assembly itself lasted under an hour, the club planned diligently in the months leading up to the event to ensure its success. “We started talking about it back in October,” DLC sponsor and school counselor Kimberly Urenda said. “The students plan all of it. We have a board. The students contacted speakers, we talked through things, we tried to get timing [and] they contacted other students.” Senior Sundus Javed, a four year DLC member and part of the club’s executive board, led the planning
efforts for this year’s assembly. “I was really interested in last year’s assembly, so this year I thought maybe I could bring in some of my own ideas and make it better and try and get everyone else to enjoy it more,” Javed said. “I feel like the more that [people] watch performers and stuff like that, the more they get interested and learn more about diversity in the world.” Many unique performers showcased routines, including a group Bollywood dance routine; a staple performance in all BV West’s diversity assemblies. This year, the club selected senior Neeha Kothapalli to choreograph the 23 person dance. Although not a member of DLC, diversity is an important aspect in Kothapalli’s life. “For me, classical Indian dance allows me to reconnect with my culture,” Kothapalli said. “There are so many cultural aspects that are interwoven into the dance. Then, in terms of dancing for the assembly, it
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Diversity assembly participants perform for the student body. For more pictures from the diversity assembly, visit bvwnews.com. Photos by Emma Wallace
was just really fun getting to spend time with people doing something we all love.” Whether having a club discussion about important issues, performing in an assembly for the student body to see or embracing individual diversity in one’s own life, DLC’s message of spreading understanding and acceptance is one that has the power to spark positive change for all. “Accepting diversity is such an important thing, especially in today’s society,” Kothapalli said. “The instant you start accepting that diversity you get to learn more about cultures and you get to make new friends and meet new people.”
COUNTING everyone in
DLC meets every other Thursday in the faculty dining room at 7:45 a.m. All are welcome to attend.
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6 NEWS
BVWNews.com
Student teachers are a key part of school family
JADEN WEBSTER reporter spotlight.jadenwebster@gmail.com
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tudent teaching is a rite of passage for all aspiring teachers. Future teachers learn to teach under the guidance of an experienced teacher. They are challenged, put in new situations and are learning in the classroom as well. “I know that I am learning the same as they [students] are,” ELA student teacher Vernon Sameck said. For most education majors student teaching is their first experience working in a real-world classroom. “I think when I’m going to school... everything is really safe and predictable,” band student teacher Tristan Bartley said. “When you’re out here... you want to look good, you want to do all those kinds of things, you want to look like you know what you’re doing, but anything could happen.” College students help teach the class, give assignments and grade papers, among other responsibilities, all without being paid.
LEARN TO
TEACH
They do it for the experience. “It’s definitely a lot of work, because at the beginning of the semester I wasn’t doing very much, but now that we’re starting to pick up, it’s definitely been eye-opening for me,” Sameck said. Welcoming student teachers into the school is an important part of the BV West family cornerstone. They contribute countless unique perspectives to the school. “This is a very good school,” Sameck said. “Everyone who I mentioned that I was going to be student teaching here had nothing but positive things to say.” The student teachers at BV West have had positive experiences thus far, and are excited to finish
the semester. “It’s been great getting to know [the students]... they do a lot of things really well,” Bartley said “I feel like I’m learning from them.” Student teachers are still students; they are still learning. Nonetheless, they are still teachers and carry similar authority and responsibility of BV West’s teachers. “The title of student teacher, I don’t feel like carries a lot of weight to it so I think some of the students don’t quite understand that they’re supposed to treat me like a teacher,” Vernon said. “If I had to let them know anything, it would be that student teachers are still students, even though we’re in the teacher role, we’re still learning.”
Current Student Teachers Mrs. Lee (Band) - Mr. Bartley Mrs. Lilley (ELA) - Mr. Sameck Ms. VanderPol (Theatre) - Mrs. Opheim Mrs. Dunn (French) - Ms. Freedomen Mrs. Graverholt (FACS) - Ms. Holland Top: Student Teacher Tristan Bartley conducts the BV West band. “Being in the band department there’s just so many different kids and you get them all at once so it’s been really great to meet all of them,” Bartley said. Left: Student Teacher Vernon Sameck leads the class through an activity. “I’ve had nothing but positive experiences, with the students in particular.” Sameck said. Photos by Diane Kershaw
@BVWSpotlight
reporter spotlight.laurenprehn@gmail.com
A
t BV West, students have a variety of clubs they can choose to join. Sponsored by social studies teacher, Paul Stuewe, history club provides unique experiences to its members not often provided during history class. History club hosts guest speakers, goes on field trips, runs Constitution day trivia and provides another way of learning about world history outside of the typical classroom experience. “[History Club] is a nice way of keeping things in perspective,” club president and senior Yasmin Jarik said. “When you’re in class you’re reading from one textbook, learning from one teacher and it’s a set curriculum. With history club, we try and tailor to what the members like.” In addition to all of the other events that take place in history club, members have the chance to participate in history day. While members are not required to create a project for history day, it is one of the main focuses of the club. History day is a nationwide event promoting the study and appreciation of history among students. Preparation for history day begins early in the school year when participants decide what type of project they want to create and whether they want to be part of a group or work individually.
HIGHLIGHTING HISTORY History Club gives students a learning opportunity outside of the classroom
Participants have the option to create a documentary, exhibit, paper, performance or website. In the months leading up to regional history day, students work hard researching their topics, creating their projects and preparing for questions judges may have on the day of the competition. Groups and individuals who are finalists at the district contest move on to the state contest, and, if they become finalists at state, will have the chance to attend the national contest in Washington, D.C. Participants are encouraged to work on their projects throughout the months leading up to history day and not wait until the last minute to complete them. “The more time you put into your project, the better it is,” Jarik said. “The kids who spend a lot of time on
KHD The History Day District 1 Competition will be held at Lawrence High School on March 3, 2018.
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LAUREN PREHN
Those who qualify for state will move on to Kansas History Day held at Washburn University on April 21, 2018.
it are the ones who usually move on to state.” History day can be a demanding event, as the process of creating a quality project involves many steps. Depending on the project type, students may have to create scripts, edit videos, make or find props or conduct extensive research to write a paper. While the time commitment depends on the amount of effort participants put into their projects and the category they have selected, they oftentimes find the final outcome rewarding and impactful. “There’s a lot of work being put into our project... but it’s a really eye-opening experience,” sophomore Carly Liggett said. “You can take social issues and use history to bring awareness to [what is] happening.”
NHD
NATIONAL HISTORY DAY
Winners of Kansas History Day are invited to compete at National History Day at the University of Maryland at College Park held from June 10-14, 2018.
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8 SPORTS
BVWNews.com
GET WRECKED Students participate in recreational sports during the winter season
JACOB BRAUN reporter spotlight.jacobbraun@gmail.com
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s the school year continues to progress, students are looking for ways to unwind and enjoy themselves. With cold weather and busy schedules, finding something to do with friends can be challenging. Many students are able to find a pastime that involves both social life and physical activity: recreational sports. Each winter season, BV West students and their peers get involved with rec sports such as indoor soccer and basketball. The athletic skills range from team to team, whether they are highly competitive or laidback. However, winning is not the main aspect of these types of sports. Senior Tait Sasenick plays on the rec basketball team known as The Splash Zone along with other senior guys. “It’s more about having fun with some friends and making some good memories,” Sasenick said. “Our games are sloppy but low-key and fun.” Unlike athletics organized through school, rec sports offer some unique features. Teams can be co-ed, the coach often has minimal say, substitutes do not have to be on the original roster and everything is often taken lightheartedly. Likewise, practices are not required, so
teams often pass up the opportunity. Freshman Anna Comstock plays on the rec soccer team Mini Chaps. “Practices are nonexistent, so we just go out there and wing it,” Comstock said. “Most of the people on the team have never played soccer before, so games have been very funny experiences. We don’t always win but we always go out there and try out hardest.” Another deviation from schoolrun athletics is the uniforms. While BV West influences what uniforms its athletes wear, each rec team is able to decide for themselves. While some teams create their own special and individual jerseys, other teams go all out with professionally-made, custom uniforms. Senior Anh Nguyen plays rec soccer on Cleats Out for Harambe. “We all have matching Cleats Out shirts,” Nguyen said. “Senior Katherine Edmunds was the one who designed them using Custom Ink.” This is Cleats Out’s second year as a team, so many girls who played last year have returned wearing their black custom shirts. While the fundamentals of the games are left intact, playing time is altered to better fit the rec sport style. With soccer games lasting only about an hour, players are con-
stantly rushing on and off the field to ensure equal playing time. “We usually have games on Fridays which consist of one to two games,” Comstock said. “Each game lasts about 50 minutes each.” Each athlete has their own preference between rec sports and official athletic teams. Whether they are competitive in nature or just playing for enjoyment, there is a team and playing style to suit every athlete. “Compared to high school sports, it is definitely less stressful and more fun,” Nguyen said. “There isn’t any pressure so we can mess around.” While at this point it may be too late to start or even officially join a team, the same opportunities are offered to students each year. All that is required to create a team is an adult coach and manager. “I would totally recommend rec basketball or any rec sport,” Sasenick said. “It is a great way to be active and have fun with friends.” These cold winter months make it difficult to find something to do worthwhile. Recreational sports are a great way for students to spend time with friends meanwhile staying active.
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WINTER
OLYMPICS
Teams from around the world are preparing for the 2018 Winter Olympics
KOLBIE CHRISTENSEN reporter spotlight.kolbiechristensen@gmail.com
NATALIE FIORELLA reporter spotlight.nataliefiorella@gmail.com
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n Thursday, Feb. 8, the Winter Olympics will officially begin, the first two events being curling and ski jumping. The opening ceremony will be held the following day. This year they will be held in Pyeongchang, South Korea. 94 teams across 92 nations entered at least one athlete into the games. This is the first winter games that South Korea is hosting since the 1998 summer games. Three Nigerian women will be making history this year at the games. The women make up the first African team ever to compete in the sport of bobsledding. They will also be the first Nigerians to compete at the Winter Olympics. There are four new events that are being added to this year’s line up. The events are curling mixed doubles, speed skating mass start, alpine skiing team event and snowboard big air. Curling mixed doubles is where two players compose one team that play with six stones instead of the usual eight. In speed skating mass start, all players start the sixteen
laps at the same time with four opportunities to score points. The alpine skiing team event has a mixed team of two men and two women competing against three other teams. The last new event, snowboard big air, starts the snowboarders riding down a steep ramp before launching off and performing different tricks. This event is also featured in the X games.
It’s fun to learn about everyone’s cultures as they compete. FRESHMAN TANNER MACDONALD Freshman Tanner Macdonald enjoys watching both the Summer and Winter Olympics every year that they are on. “They’re really cool and it’s fun to see countries get together to compete as well as learning about everyone’s cultures,” Macdonald said. Macdonald enjoys watching almost all of the events, but his favorites are ice skating, ski jumping, and bob sledding. If he could play any of the sports he would want to compete in bobsledding, a sport that has always
seemed like a lot of fun to him. He is looking forward to when the event airs this year. There is more to the Olympic games than different countries competing against each other. The games are a unique way for various countries to interact with each other in ways they normally would not. Coverage for the games will begin on Thursday, Feb. 8, and ends Sunday, Feb. 25.
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BVWNews.com
KEVIN GLENN JONAH PARK
A PRICE-LESS RELATIONSHIP
reporter spotlight.kevinglenn@gmail.com managing editor spotlight.jonahpark@gmail.com
Derrick, Da’jean and Derion Price have a unique relationship, all attending BV West this year
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few families celebrate when two of their children are in high school together. Most could never imagine having three children at one school at the same time. The Price family is well represented at BV West with freshman Derion, sophomore Da’jean and senior Derrick. They have a special relationship, all attending high school simultaneously. They are also involved in many extra-curricular activities. All three of them compete for the track team and participate in choir. While they compete against each other in and out of school, they still support each other in everything they do. “We have a very caring relationship and we like to talk to each other a lot,” Da’jean said. “Whenever I see my brothers in the halls I give them a big hug.” Their relationship as brothers
helps them get through each school day. They interact as friends, checking in on each other whenever they can.
Whenever I see them in the halls I laugh because they look funny.” SENIOR DERRICK PRICE “Whenever I see my brothers in the hallway I feel happy and I go talk to them to see how they’re doing,” Derion said. “I have a loving and close relationship with my brothers. [Without them,] school
would be way more boring and less bearable.” Just like all other good brotherly bonds, the Price brothers enjoy making fun of each other too. “We’ve got a very close relationship with us having only a few years in between us,” Derrick said. “Whenever I see them in the halls I laugh because they look funny.” Their proximity in age has contributed to the competitive side in their relationship as well. In and out of school, they have a friendly rivalry. “We used to go outside and see who could do the most back-flips,” Da’jean said. While they are competitive, the Price brothers are more interested in supporting each other. “We don’t try to be the fastest or best at anything because we already
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know our strengths and weaknesses,” Derion said. “We just try to support each other.” Choir teacher Kimberly Modelski, who sees the three brothers almost every day, is familiar with their supportive personalities. “Da’jean, Derion and Derrick all seem close and definitely appreciate and celebrate the talents of each other,” Modelski said. “I try to find as many opportunities to get them dancing and singing up front together as possible. When they are together, there is an awesome energy present that captivates other people and makes them excited.” As brothers, they have similar personalities, but each of them is unique. “They have a lot of similarities,” Modelski said. “All three of them have a great sense of humor and are very easy to talk to. They are
really relatable to others, and have a quick wit. Out of all three, I think Da’jean is the most outspoken and playful, although all three are outgoing. Da’jean is a great story teller and can draw attention easily. Derrick and Derion are a little more reserved, but are very confident. Derrick, as the oldest, seems to watch out for the others and is more of a leader.” Modelski is more familiar with Derrick, who is in his fourth year in choir, and Da’jean, who is in his second year. Derion, who is a freshman, is in his second semester in choir. “Derion is new to me this year, and he is such a positive kid,” Modelski said. “He is always smiling and very willing to try anything I ask. He seems pretty adventurous as well, so I am really excited to see him grow in the department.” Modelski has had other sets of
siblings who have participated in choir simultaneously, but the Price family is even more represented than other families. Shilah Price, who graduated in 2017, was also part of the BV West choir. “I have had siblings several times throughout the years I have been here,” Modelski said. “I currently have many sets of siblings and will get more next year. The main difference with the Price family is that I have had four of them, which is more than I’ve ever had from one family.” The Price brothers will be able to enjoy each other’s company at school until Derrick graduates in May. Before that, though, all three of them will compete on the track team, furthering their priceless relationship.
Activities that the Price brothers participate in:
ACTIVITIES football
choir
wrestling
12 3 4
track
DERION
DA’JEAN
DERRICK
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12 OPINION
BVWNews.com
it’s time to
step UP
real women . real chang e.
SCHMITT Current women’s movement tactics are productive in working towards MIKAELA editor-in-chief spotlight.mikaelaschmitt@gmail.com their goals, but more effort is needed to produce concrete change
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he fight for equality in all walks of life, it seems, is never ending. Each era contains unique movements that embody society at that moment in history. In 2018, another wave of the women’s movement, among others, characterizes the social issues pressing on many minds. In the past, women mobilized and gained the right to vote, the right to work and the right to be recognized as valued members of the community. Today, although their fight initially appears inconsequential by
comparison, women continue to assemble to advocate for causes pivotal to their daily lives. In fact, many of the rights women strive to protect are extensions of previous battles fought and won. The difference is that today women are tackling a much greater feat; they aim to change minds, not laws. They strive to break stereotypes around reproductive rights, sexuality and their value in society. By law, a majority of these things are protected, yet women remain far from
“equal” in society as a whole. However, due to the nature of this metaphysical battle, the women’s movement cannot rely on standard techniques; they are attempting to change people’s minds about a majority minority, something which has not been achieved since the move to end racism. More drastic action is necessary if the dreams of equal power between male and female are to be achieved. After the passage of the 19th amendment in 1920, giving women
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the right to vote, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was introduced by a suffrage leader in 1923. After passing Congress in 1972, the amendment failed to be ratified by the 38 states required. The ERA proposed that civil rights could not be denied based on one’s sex, as suffrage leaders believed it was not ensured within the 19th amendment. Feminists today--whether they agree with the proposed legislative action--are fighting for these essential rights. The ERA failed to pass because it split the women’s movement, and the focus moved to the differences and disagreements within instead of the cause: trying to gain progress on those outside the party. Countless times in history we have seen division over simple issues become the death sentence for movements; feminists must first focus on gaining unity to prevent self-destruction. Nonetheless, it is important to first define “feminism,” a phrase which has become polarized by politics and extremist views. Feminism simply means “the advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes.” Instead it has transformed into a devaluation of men; an argument that women are superior to the opposite sex. People have become so focused on a singular word and the connotation behind it that they lose sight of the ideals and actions of females and males involved in the movement, creating a major setback in progress. Blame for this is to be placed on individuals within and outside of the movement; many involved with the movement contribute to the ste-
reotype while others are guilty of oversimplification and exaggeration. However, the focus on blame is a primary reason why progress is not being made. The victim mindset that many women have adopted results in monumental strides backwards. It causes individuals to lose sight of equality and instead turns it into a “blame game” focused on how men take advantage of women, are power hungry and are abhorrent people. Through these exaggerations women are degrading themselves and their self-advocacy abilities while also suppressing males into stereotypes similar to those they are
Change is attainable and it is coming, however it must be welcomed by a group of active and united women, not a group of hypocrites on their cell phones. striving to break free from. Females are expected to be gentle and pretty, while men are forced into hypermasculinity where strength, dominance and power are praised. Recognition of the issues with both of these expectations is vital for progress to be made on either side. Recently, no makeup and no shaving trends have begun, spreading positive body-image messages
Get involved. -volunteer -speak up and walk the talk, your actions and words will impact your community.
and promoting independence from society’s standards. However, it is pivotal to also remain accepting of the other extreme, allowing girls to wear makeup or shave their legs without judgment or assumptions that they are doing it to please men. Developing a stigma against these actions as ‘male-motivated activities’ degrades females’s free will; judging someone for their choices instantly reciprocates the judgment and expectations which the movement is fighting to eradicate. The women’s movement is and will continue to take strides towards progress, but they must take a step back and look at the hypocrisy that they can promote. While the recent marches and #metoo movement have proved monumental in expanding and promoting the cause, progress cannot be made through these simple things. Involvement needs to span beyond a one day event or a like/retweet. The 2017 marches had attendance comparable to the antiwar protests of February, 2003 and larger than the Tea Party Protests in 2007-2010. With this massive amount of people looking for change, achieving it is just within sight. Now is the time to step up. Change will only happen if you help it. Stop complaining on social media and get involved; female’s pay is the closest it has ever been to men’s and the United States almost elected a female president. Change is attainable and it is coming, however it must be welcomed by a group of active and united women, not a group of hypocrites on their cell phones.
for local -be politically involved organizations and make real by voting, calling your impact helping those who Congressional representatives, struggle through what you are supporting legislature, etc. fighting for
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BVWNews.com
SPOTTING SUCCESS
Student-run store provides unique opportunity for business education
SOFIA ADINOLFI RACHEL PICKETT
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reporter spotlight.sofiaadinolfi@gmail.com editor-in-chief spotlight.rachelpickett@gmail.com
ride, one of the four cornerstones of BV West, is exemplified in The Spot, a student-run store located in the commons. A large collection of apparel, water bottles, lanyards, clothing for gym class and many necessary school supplies can all be found at the store. The Spot, which is a fifthhour class led by business teacher Keaton Vander Hart, aims to teach students business skills while also selling products that boost school pride. “Students who work at The Spot gain a different experience from their normal retail or food jobs,” Vander Hart said. “Because students run the whole business, they gain experience in business problem solving, financial record keeping, data analysis, designing apparel, communicating with clients and vendors, business management strategies and marketing.” Because they are trying to learn business skills, students of The Spot have the unique opportunity to be the ones who run the store. “Mr. Vander Hart is the overseer of it, but he tries to stay out of it as much as he can,” senior Brady Vaughn said. “We are the ones that design the shirts, we are the ones that contact vendors and em-
ployers so we can run a successful mini-business.” The last two years have seen a lot of growth for The Spot. During the 2016-17 school year, The Spot introduced its very own blend of coffee, the West Brew, with the help of The Roasterie, a local coffee business. The Spot sells coffee before school and during JAG, and even offers coffee memberships which provide unlimited coffee for a flat fee. This year, The Spot has also changed the look of the store. “We completely remodeled the store,” senior Coleman Barnes said. “We got all new hangers, displays, we’ve painted a little bit and we now have a bartop in from the woods department.” Despite all of their recent successes, The Spot has their eyes on the ways in which they can grow. “I would love to see The Spot expand into the old senior section and turn into more of a student union meets coffee shop type space where during JAG people would have a more comfortable space to study, read or talk with their friends,” Vander Hart said. While The Spot takes pride in the work that they do, they instill pride in the rest of the school body.
the west brew
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#bvw pride
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CERAMICIZE IT
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LANIE RENDER
reporter spotlight.lanierender@gmail.com
Teacher Nick Tomasic shares his life prior to finding his passion for teaching ceramics
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he black wavy hair and collection of Hawaiian shirts encompass the eccentric and unique personality of ceramics teacher, Nick Tomasic. To Tomasic, ceramics is more than just part of his job; it is his passion. Late nights keep him up creating clay and forming new project ideas for his students. Without an ounce of complaint, Tomasic provides a comfortable and creative environment in Room 609 for the ceramic celebration to continue. “I try to create an environment in here that people want to be in,” Tomasic said. “There are so many things that are still fascinating to me or that I’m excited about related to ceramics and getting to share that with students is something I enjoy.” Tomasic’s story starts in college, as many do, as he attempted to discover his passion and his future. At Kansas State University he found Yoshihiro, a ceramics legend originating from Eastern Asia. That pairing resulted in a door to the art world opening for Tomasic who was able to find his niche amongst the clay and tools. “I met Yoshihiro and he was like a magician with clay, I took some classes there and now I’m still on the ride.” Tomasic said. After applying to a variety of travel opportunities, Tomasic was accepted into a symposium with seven other American and eight Taiwanese students. From there, he was given the opportunity to travel to Asia and Europe, which was his
first time outside of states. Tomasic’s explorations to other countries allowed him to gather life lessons and experience the world through a new lens. “I encourage people to travel when they’re younger because when you’re my age, you are not going to be going to China by yourself,” Tomasic said. First he landed in the bustle of Japan, a country that never seems to stop, then found solace in a small rural town
amongst the mountains. Tomasic experienced an array of new cultures and experiences on his travel. His master, Yoshi, taught him an array of lessons that sit in the back of Tomasic’s mind as he teaches his own students. “It’s good to be uncomfortable and taken out of your comfort zone, and learn about other people...It changes your perspective,” Tomasic said. Once Tomasic finished traveling, he decided to return home to Kansas
City, Kan. After a variety of individuals telling him to consider a career in teaching, he gave in and started his teaching career. Now, his perspective on the career has changed completely as interacting with students has given him more than he could ask for. “I see it [teaching] as something that is very rewarding, it is very rewarding to help students,” Tomasic said. After 11 years, one of his ceramic companions, Terry Ensor, informed him of a job opening at BV West and encouraged him to pursue the position. “I came out here and I was blown away,” Tomasic said. “I feel very fortunate to be here, this place is amazing.” From there, the story of “Mr. T” at BV West began. The soulful music and hearty laugh floods the art wing as a new, lovable art teacher joins the ranks. “I like how he [Tomasic] let’s us make our own things but he still helps us if we need help, and how he taught us the different techniques used by different cultures,” junior Paige Ennis said. With patience and dedication, Tomasic guides students down the journey of creating with clay, an entirely new concept to many. Whether it be throwing on the wheel or extracting clay to create a masterpiece, Tomasic is awed by the beauty and unique qualities of the practice.
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TIVATING
BVWNews.com
NATALIE LINDMARK
CHELSEA PARK
reporter reporter spotlight. natalielindmark@gmail.com spotlight.chelseapark@gmail.com
OPPORTUNITIES
The CAPS program offers students new options regarding the work field
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or most high school students around the country, college is the first taste they get of course work regarding their future professions. However, for students in the Blue Valley School district and other select nearby schools, CAPS, the Center for Advanced Professional Studies, can be a jump-start into what their future life could look like. CAPS is a learning center for high school juniors and seniors looking to further prepare themselves for college or a career. CAPS offers over six different course programs with different strands, such as medicine, business and engineering. Senior Faith Marble has recently finished a semester at CAPS in teacher education. Through a combination of her own desire to seek out new things and advice from a friend who formerly participated in CAPS, she decided to try it out. “I wasn’t positive if I wanted to be a teacher, but I think it was a great outlet for me,” Marble said. “I wanted to try out different things [to see] if I wanted to be an occupational therapist or a special education teacher, so I got a shot of both [through CAPS].”
Senor Faith Marble teaches students in the Special Educations class at Lakewood Middle School. Photo by Faith Marble
While some students take CAPS their first semester, others decide to start it their second semester. Senior Megan Mayer just started the program in January and has experienced it for a few weeks. “I’m in EHP (Exploring Health Professions), so [we] spent the first few weeks getting CPR certified, touring hospitals, learning HIPAA, etc.,” Mayer said. Carson Ferren, a senior at Baker University in Baldwin City, Kan., participated in CAPS her senior year at BV Southwest four years back. However, she still remembers participating in the teacher education program at CAPS. “Ever since a young age I wanted to be a teacher,” said Ferren. “However, during my high school years I couldn’t really decide what I wanted to do with my life. This program gave me the opportunity to explore my options and see if teaching was truly for me…and guess what, it is.” CAPS allows its students to experience new opportunities and try out skills for the real world. “I liked the opportunity of shadowing teachers and creating my portfolio,” Marble said. “It was a lot of work, but ultimately, it was worth it and it’s a great resource to have. We got to collaborate with a ton of people from the outside world. I worked with Chase KC to make a peer mentoring program for high functioning individuals with autism.” As a new CAPS student, Mayer is looking forward for what the EHP program at CAPS has in store for her this semester. “For the rest of the semester, we [will] rotate through different job shadows,” Mayer said. “I’m going
Teacher education students gather to discuss elementary education. Photo by Carson Ferron
to Overland Park Regional Medical Center first to shadow in the emergency room.” Ferren has expressed utmost gratitude towards CAPS as she gained knowledge on professional expertise. “CAPS teaches you a variety of skills high school students normally don’t get,” Ferren said. “You learn how to write, edit and add to a resume. You learn interview skills. You learn the importance of professional dress. You learn how to network. You gain college credit, through most programs.” CAPS does take up three blocks of the schedule, so it may be difficult for some students to work into their schedule. However, Marble found a way to fit CAPS into her schedule and she encourages others to consider taking CAPS if they are interested. “I definitely would [recommend CAPS for other high school students,” Marble said. “It’s a really good opportunity that allows students to try different outlets to see what they want to do with their life before they go to college instead of having to blindly major in different subjects.”
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FEATURE 17
@BVWSpotlight
A CULTURE ON
HANNAH COLE reporter spotlight.hannahcole@gmail.com
JILLIAN DUNLAY reporter spotlight.jilliandunlay@gmail.com
MEL KOERNER reporter spotlight.melkoerner@gmail.com
THE RISE V
ideo blogging, more commonly known as vlogging, is increasingly popular among the younger generation. Rather than watching cartoons on Saturday mornings, kids are instead finding themselves immersed in the daily vlogs of their favorite YouTube celebrities. The appeal to the incoming generations has heightened due to the increased usage of social media. “Any type of story that carries a visual with it tends to have an immediate but visceral impact on the audience,� broadcast teacher Todd Kurimsky said. Kurimsky believes that people like to see things more than they like to listen to them and that this
is why vlogging has become so intriguing. However, this arising technology-based culture is not always just an innocent form of entertainment for kids and teens. While they may be humorous, these influencers on YouTube, some obtaining millions of subscribers, have the ability to expose their viewers to what they believe will gain the most attention. The goal of vloggers is to entertain and to get views. More views means more money for vloggers. Many vloggers also use ads and YouTube itself to make a living for themselves. Major companies and big brands use vloggers to promote and sponsor their products. The
The vices and virtues of vlogging and YouTube culture
more views vloggers get, the more big companies pay. YouTube also pays channels for their content once they hit a certain amount of subscribers. According to BusinessInsider. com, YouTube sensations such as Lilly Singh and Smosh make around $11 million annually. The highest paid YouTuber, Daniel Middleton, more commonly known as DanTDM, makes $16.5 million annually.
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18 FEATURE
BVWNews.com
Logan Paul, a daily vlogger with more than 16 million subscribers, is another high-paid YouTuber. Paul is popular for posting videos of him and his friends in their everyday lives. YouTube is a very open platform, giving Paul a significant amount of freedom to post what he wants. This past January, Paul decided to post a video of himself in the Aokigahara Forest. The Aokigahara Forest in Japan is more commonly known as the “Suicide Forest” due to the amount of suicides that have occurred there. While filming within the forest, Paul unexpectedly came upon a dead body. Paul reacted by making jokes and laughing at the sight. Paul proceeded to post the video, exposing his viewers to these graphic images. Parents were upset with Paul’s actions. However, even with these recent events, Paul’s fanbase called the “Lo-gang”, continued to defend and stay faithful to Paul.
The story made the news on channels like ABC News and CNN. It was trending on Twitter and Facebook. The general public was mortified with Paul’s actions. Many celebrities like Dylan O’Brien and Chrissy Teigen also shared their strong negative opinions on Paul.
I have never been a personal fan of vlogging due to its lack of depth. SENIOR SEAN CARNEY After the video was posted and criticized by many on various social media sights, Paul issued an apology. Paul wrote on Twitter that the
The term vlogging is first coined
Vlogging starts becoming popular
2005
2000
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2004 The longest video blog is recorded.
goal of the video was to entertain, not for the purpose of increased views; Paul made sure to emphasize this point on Twitter, claiming “I don’t need views. I get views.” Logan Paul’s controversial video is just one example of vlogging. However, there are many different kinds of vlogs that other people might prefer. “It’s fun, there’s a lot of people following different vloggers and its cool to see different peoples’s videos” said senior Paige Seitz. The culture of vlogging has continued to increase in popularity. Good or bad, vlogging culture does not appear to be going away anytime soon.
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VIEWS to RICHES
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A & E 19
@BVWSpotlight
An overview of the richest people on YouTube
BEHR KITTS
reporter spotlight.behrkitts@gmail.com
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Photo Credits: Google free commercial usage
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20 PHOTO ESSAY BVWNews.com
WINTER
SPORTS
Bowling, boys basketball, girls basketball, boys swim and wrestling athletes have represented BV West for the last three months. They are beginning their league, sub-state, regional and State contests. Thanks for the memories and good luck in the post-season.
SPOTLIGHT STAFF
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Senior Drake Gammon concentrates as he prepares to take a free throw against Mill Valley. Photo by Ali Christopherson After getting a spare and congrats, freshman Annika Bhatt smiles. Photo by Linsey Poland Shaving time off of his 500 freestyle, junior Tyler Hudson logs another lap. Photo by Linsey Poland Getting past the Shawnee Mission South defense, senior Chris Nordstrom scores with a layup. Photo by Drew Lazzo
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PHOTO ESSAY 21 @BVWSpotlight
Photo by Maria Kershaw Junior Logan Caldwell dominates his opponent from Topeka West. Photo by Allison Moeller Swimming the 200IM at the Greg House invite on Jan. 13, sophomore Lucas Park starts with butterfly. Photo by Madelyn Merrill Leading the team in celebration after sweeping Blue Valley, senior Lauren Flowers jumps for joy. Photo by Maria Kershaw Staring down his Olathe NW opponent, John Wills prepares to wrestle. Photo by Hannah Smith Dribbling past her BV opponent, senior Brooke Lansford gets free. Photo by Lindsi Banker
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22 COMIC
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JADEN DUDREY illustrator spotlight.jadendudrey@gmail.com
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INTERACTIVE 23 @BVWSpotlight
LOVE IS IN THE AIR Can you guess these romantic movies based off of the couple?
First three people to bring completed crossword puzzles receive a prize!
ACROSS 1. Edward and Vivian 4. John and Savannah 5. The Beast and Belle 10. Landon and Jamie 11. Sam and Annie 12. Westley and Buttercup 13. Lloyd and Diane
DOWN 2. Noah and Ali 3. Andrew and Margaret 6. Ian and Toula 7. Harry and Sally 8. Will and Ronnie 9. Leo and Paige
Blue Valley West Spotlight 16200 Antioch Road Overland Park, Kan. 66085 bvwspotlight@gmail.com Web: www.bvwnews.com Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram: @bvwspotlight