March272017 Spotlight by Spotlight

Blue Valley West High School, 16200 Antioch Rd., Overland Park, Kan.

SPOTLIGHT Volume 16, Issue 5 March 27, 2017

What We Love About West..............pg.25 Bursting the Bubble.............................pg.16 Crimson Cats Changes ....................pg.22 Meet the Song Twins...........................pg.12

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March 2017

CONTENTS Pg.

Getting a lift from the other members of the Crimson Cats, freshman Bella Cohen points her toes to the ceiling during the assembly on March 3. Read the story about the dance team increasing their profile on page 22. Photo by Lauren Levine

For his students and athletes, teacher and coach Don Alpaugh was a shining example of sportsmanship, professionalism and humor. The 2016-17 school year means Alpaugh will always be a â&#x20AC;&#x153;golden teacherâ&#x20AC;? as he celebrates his 50th year in the classroom and on the sidelines. Photo by Justine Hayes

On the cover

Junior Bran Jackson was one of the things that many people loved about BV West. Assemblies was another. Reporter Lanie Render conducted a survey to find out what people liked most about our school. See the responses on page 25. Photo by Lauren Levine

Pg. 14

Club Penguin fans will be drowning in tears on March 29 when the online game officially shuts down. As students heard the news many revisited the childhood favorite for one last high score.

Pg.27

...more stories at BVWNews.com

Contents 3

Pg. 16 The residents of Johnson County, Kan. are often said to live in a “bubble” safe from the ills of the world. The reality is very different. One issue many overlook is poverty. While some students enjoy luxurious homes and new cars, others must eat free and reduced lunches and get clothing from charity organizations. Read the eye-opening story that just might “burst your bubble.” Sophomore Hannah Ryals practices bunting with the rest of the girls trying out for softball. Spring sports began on Feb. 20. The weather was great one day but miserably cold the next. Check out the photo gallery of spring sports try-outs and early practices on pages 8 & 9. Photo by Kaitlin Comstock

Pg. 12 Pg. 10 11

Junior twin brothers Yin and Xiao Song have a unique story. The pair are extremely close but not just because they are brothers. While their parents continue to live in China, the Songs live without supervision or the benefits of parental guidance in an apartment. The challenges they face and unique situations they encounter with English as their second language are fascinating. Read their story on page. 12 Photo by Ryan Barrett

Pg.8 9 &

AVID 11 organized a charity dog walk to benefit Wayside Waifs, Paws for a Cause, March 25. When teacher Jennifer LeGrotte invited the teaching staff, she got some “re-bark-able” RSVPs. Learn about the event and swoon over some of the staff’s pets. Photo of Jimmer courtesy teacher Anne Kastelic

4 Masthead

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Editor’s Note This week is a tough week, in many ways. For one, Spring Break is just long enough to ruin a sleep schedule and have us longing for summer. As we start the fourth quarter of this school year, we need to stay focused. The finish line is in sight, you can’t let up now. But this time is difficult for more serious reasons. Just in my time at BV West, our community has faced two horrendous acts of violence that shook me to my core. In the wake of the shooting at Austin’s just a few weeks ago, I want to speak to you about the importance of empathy. Hatred and anger are easy to perpetuate. It increases rapidly, spiraling beyond our reach. In these times, we must rely on our empathy to connect with others. We must look beyond hateful language and unfair stereotypes to see the real person. I hope that everyone can practice empathy. People may look or live differently from us, but this is a chance to learn from them, not a reason to be upset or afraid. Spring is the season of tenacity. It is when warmth and life returns to our surroundings. I hope that the same tenacity we see in nature extends to our own empathy. Our kindness toward others, our basic decency is a big part of what makes us human. Until next issue, Leah Zimmerli Editor in Chief

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 diverst student population and faculty members. Spotlight aims to be fair, accurate and impartial. The content of the print publication, online new site and social media accounts is determined by its student editors as determined by the Kansas Scholastic Press Act and may contain controversial subject matter as the sta exercises their First Amendment Rights. Spotlight does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the faculty adviser, the administration of BV West or USD 229.

spotlight staff Leah Zimmerli Editor in Chief Shaye Herman and Mikaela Schmitt Managing Editors Ryan Barrett Photo Editor Kaylee Alexander, Jack Anstine, John Byrket, Kristina Cripe, Jaden Dudrey, Liz Hernandez, Jesse Hoffman, Hannah Holladay, Stephen Kinder, Jonah Park, Rachel Picket, Lanie Render, Sydney Schranz, Nick Sisler, Rachel Zimmerli Contributors

senior countdown:

days until Graduation!

Russia

Wednesday, March 15, the Department of Justice announced a massive hack of Yahoo information. Four people, including two officers of the Russian Federal Security Service, have been indicated in connection. Beginning in January 2014, at least 5000 million Yahoo accounts were affected. Hackers stole data that included names, email addresses and passwords, but not financial information.

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BTB 5

Washington, D.C.

After numerous wiretapping accusations by President Donald Trump, on March 15 the House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes said that he nor the committee has seen any evidence supporting his claims. Trump accused the then-President Barack Obama and his administration of placing wiretaps in Trump Tower during Trump’s campaign. FBI Director James Comey will testify at the March 20 hearing and the committee will complete a second hearing March 28.

Bey nd the Bubble Mikaela Schmitt Managing Editor

Important stories taking place beyond Johnson County’s borders

Dominican Republic

Despite rumors that Principal Dr. Brett Potts was in the hotel next door, many BV West students enjoyed a sunny Spring Break on the Dominican Republic beach.

Georgetown university medical center

Launching two larger, more rigorous trials, scientists are studying the effects of a cancer drug, Nilotinib, on Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Preliminary studies found that the drug can slow the brain damage cause by the diseases, as the nilotinib trigger cells get rid of faulty components, including the ones associated with several brain diseases. They hope to discover if the powerful drug is safe for patients and if it truly has an effect on the brains. While there are no guarantees to the effectiveness, enormous excitement has grow because there is no treatment to slow or halt the brain damage caused by Parkinson’s and/or Alzheimer’s. They hope, if nilotinib is ineffective, that it will lead into the discovery of a new treatment for the brain diseases.

Photos and graphics used with permission from Tribune News Service

6 RSP

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HUMANS OF BV WEST

Jack Anstine Contributor

Photo courtesy of Brandon Hawkins

Senior Brandon Hawkins discusses his blog and the impact it has made

HAT BEGAN AS A HOBBY became a commitment for senior Brandon Hawkins, when his blog “The Happiest Blog On Earth” gained popularity. The “Happiest Blog on Earth” covers new and upcoming information information about Walt Disney World and the Walt Disney Company and offers other related content as well. “I created ‘The Happiest Blog On Earth’ about five years ago because I loved making websites and obviously had a passion for Disney,” Hawkins said. At the time Hawkins never imagined that his blog would become as successful as it is today. “I didn’t really have high expectations,” Hawkins said. “I was expecting maybe a few people to follow it and read the things that I wrote.” However, over time “The Happiest Blog on Earth” became more popular than Hawkins had ever imagined. “I didn’t start the blog with the intention of making it a full time thing or making money at all,” Hawkins

said. “I also never thought millions of people around the world would read the things I do or follow me.” Not only has “The Happiest Blog On Earth” grown in viewership since it was first created, but the service it provides has also developed over the years as well. “When the blog started five years ago, the blog had a simple layout with very little features,” Hawkins said. “Nothing set it apart from the rest.” Over time “The Happiest Blog on Earth” has become much more advanced. “The layout of the blog and the technology behind it has increased substantially,” Hawkins said. “It’s very complicated now and has several features that set it apart from the rest including daily articles with videos, pictures, original Disney quizzes, interviews, podcasts and more.” However, while creating his blog Hawkins had to navigate the field alone. “I have never gone to school for web design or social media marketing so I had to pretty much teach myself,” Hawkins said. “That was a huge challenge that I was

more stories at BVWNews.com able to overcome with online resources.” Through his blog Hawkins also gained experience by learning how to cooperate with the Walt Disney Company. “I have faced many obstacles including the legality behind what I do,” Hawkins said. “I’ve had to get special permission from the Walt Disney Company and sign contracts in order to use Disney content.” After Hawkins’ hard work paid off he decided to donate the money gained from the blog to the Make a Wish Foundation. “From the start, it’s never been about the money,” Hawkins said. “Giving back has always been an important part of what I do.” Hawkins continues to donate to the Make a Wish Foundation because the organization represents what Walt Disney World is all about. “The Make-A-Wish foundation is important to me and the mission of the blog because Walt Disney Parks and Resorts are a way to escape,” Hawkins said. “These kids, even if only for a brief second, escape reality and enter this spectacular world of magic and fantasy. They forget about the fact that they’re sick, and that’s

Feature

something that is really important to me.” In addition to impacting the lives of terminallyill children, the blog has also had a huge impact on Hawkins’ life and has opened a window of opportunity for him. “Since I started The Happiest Blog On Earth, I have gotten to meet some absolutely incredible people,” Hawkins said. “A lot of these people work for The Walt Disney Company and have become personal friends and I would have never met them if it wasn’t for the blog.” Although “The Happiest Blog On Earth” has undergone massive changes since it was first created, Hawkins continues to look for ways that he can improve his blog in the future. “I hope to expand the blog in the future by adding more on-site authors and photographers,” Hawkins said. “I also hope to expand the blog to add trip planning guides and publish a trip planning guide book as well. ” “The Happiest Blog On Earth” can be visited at http://thehappiestblogonearth.net/

To visit “The Happiest Blog On Earth” scan the QR Code below.

Photo courtesy of Brandon Hawkins

8 Sports

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Sydney Schranz Contributor Sydney Schranz Contributor

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The diversity Dilemma Exploring the diversity of BV West’s staff

HE WORD DIVERSITY ENCOMPASSES MANY unique differences that exist in a given place. Different ethnicities, races, religions, demographics, and more make up the backbone of a diverse community. The BV West staff embodies these qualities in many different ways, but falls short in others. Students come in contact with multiple different teachers throughout the course of a day, and encounter varying levels of diversity in the classroom. “Our faculty is diverse in many ways and not so diverse in other ways,” principal Dr. Brett Potts said. “We aren’t very racially or ethnically diverse but our staff has pretty diverse backgrounds, strengths, interests, and personalities.” The Johnson County demographic is less diverse racially and ethnically than many other areas in the country, which is reflected in the

makeup of the BV West staff as well. In a survey of 68 staff members, 92.6 percent are of Caucasian ethnicity. This lack of ethnic diversity parallels that of the general student population at BV West and among other area schools. Although this statistic illustrates one of the largest deficits in diversity, the BV West staff is diverse in other ways, including family size, residencies, income and education. “I think teachers can be great teachers for kids regardless if they are of similar races, backgrounds, ethnicities, etc. with students,” Potts said. “However, I feel like students and the school are benefited by more diverse staff. There is so much to be learned from one another and appreciated about one another. Those experiences are enriched by learning from people who are different than ourselves.”

Fluent Languages Speaks 1 language fluently 60 teachers

Hannah Holladay Contributor

Ethnic Breakdown

Caucasian

Native American

Hispanic/Latino

Numbers to know

35.3% 86.8%

are males

practice Christianity

Speaks 2 languages fluently 8 teachers

Average Annual Income Between $0 and $30,000 Between $30,000 and $60,000 Between $60,000 and $100,000 Over $100,000 No answer *statistics taken from a 68 teacher sample

51.5%

were born in Kansas

64.7%

are females

41.2%

grew up in a rural area or town

16 Editorial

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HE JOHNSON COUNTY BUBBLE. IT is a phrase that is almost too familiar and used so often that we mistakenly assume that all of our classmates are living well, above the poverty line, with no worries about where they’re going to sleep at night. The problem with using the word “bubble” to describe Johnson County is that it conjures an image of a utopian society, entirely unaffected by issues of poverty and homelessness. According to the dictionary, the word “bubble” is used to refer to a good or fortunate situation that is isolated from reality. While on the surface, the phrase may seem like the appropriate way to describe our community, yet, it is far from the truth and a far too simplistic way of viewing the world. When comparing Johnson County to the United States as a whole, Johnson County is financially thriving. The poverty rate in the United States is more than double the poverty rate here, and according to the United States Census Bureau, the average United States household income of $56,516 is $20,000 less than the average household income in Johnson County. But just because statistics show that Johnson County is fortunate in comparison to the rest of the country, it does not mean that the bubble is a perfect place for all. Although it is important to acknowledge Johnson County as an extremely fortunate area in regards to financial security, to ignore the presence of poverty and homelessness is to ignore the fact that poverty can exist anywhere--regardless of whether or not we would like to acknowledge its existence. Poverty exists within the walls of BV West. While the parking lots may be lined with new Jeeps and students may wear designer brands, 5.8% of students are eligible to receive free or reduced school lunches, according to the Blue Valley Department of Food and Nutrition. In the entire Blue Valley School District, 8.5% of students are currently eligible. Many students hear the term “free or reduced meals,” but few understand how students qualify. A four-person household must have an annual income at or below $44,955 to qualify according to federal regulations. This income requirement is almost $20,000 more than the federal poverty line, of

more stories at BVWNews.com Editorial 17 which 5.5% of people in Johnson County live below. If a student qualifies for free or reduced school meals, they will pay anywhere from nothing at all to 30 cents for breakfast and 40 cents for lunch. The weight of poverty and the stereotype of wealth in Johnson County has been particularly heavy on senior Jane Thompson*. She has been living with this issue for as long as she can remember. “The stereotype is that if you go to any Blue Valley School, you’re probably well off, and the

their situations.” The ultimate sting of living below the average income in Johnson County came when Thompson would invite friends into her home. While she feels fortunate that she is at an age where people judge their peers on more than their socioeconomic status, Thompson had feelings of shame. “It is kind of embarrassing when you go to your friend’s house and they have this huge basement and then they come to your house,” said Thompson. “It was embarrassing when they would come into my neighborhood and then my

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) states that a person can be considered homeless if they are “doubling up,” which means they cannot maintain their living situation and are living with a series of friends or relatives. In 2015, the median age of a homeless person was 15 years old; 87% of people experiencing homelessness were living in a family with someone under the age of 18. In the school year of 2013-2014, the Blue Valley School District reported that 99 of its students were homeless; the Olathe School District reported 392 students; the Shawnee Mission School District 456 students. While the statistics of free and reduced schools meals and homelessness in Johnson County may be eye-opening, they are widespread in nearby areas. Just north of Johnson County lies the Kansas City, Kansas School District where 90.3% of students are eligible for free or reduced Rachel school meals. Johnson County is lucky, Pickett but the county is not free of poverty or homelessness or people who need help. Contributor When discussing the “bubble” in Johnson County, Thompson said that she house, but I just had to learn to adjust to that feeling of a believes students use it as an excuse to stay uneducated little bit of shame.” about social issues, and teachers use it as an excuse to Some of the school districts that surround the Blue Valley patronize students. School District have significantly higher levels of students “Especially in classes where we talk about politics, who are eligible for free or reduced school meals. According they [teachers] say, ‘you live in a bubble so you wouldn’t to the web-site Niche which reports statistics on school know this” and they automatically assume that the entire districts in the United States, in the Olathe School District, room is privileged,” said Thompson. “When a teacher 28.6% of students are eligible. In the Shawnee Mission condescendingly makes that sweeping generalization, School District, 37.4% of students qualify to be a part of the which I can understand why they would, they don’t even free and reduced school meal program, almost seven times take into consideration that some of the kids in their class the amount of students eligible for free or reduced school could be impoverished, homeless or in a very volatile meals in Blue Valley. home situation. It makes me angry because why are you [a While people in Johnson County may be aware that a teacher] making assumptions about me and my situation low level of poverty exists, most are not aware that there when you don’t know anything about me; you just know are kids who are homeless. that I go to this school.” Homelessness is a situation that is not commonly There are small things that every student and staff discussed in Johnson County, yet clearly impacts the member can do to help people who are less financially community’s youth. While it is almost impossible to secure. These include volunteering at housing assistance estimate the number of people who are currently living in and shelters in Johnson County or donating to the Salvation some state of homelessness, the majority of people who Army Donation Center on Metcalf and 115th. One of the are homeless in Johnson County are under the age of 18, simplest actions we can take is to become more educated according to the United Community Services of Johnson and aware of these issues that impact our classmates, so we County, a non-profit organization advocating for human can be more empathetic. These actions can help us escape services in Johnson County. a bubble of ignorance. The definition of homelessness is often misunderstood. While many people may think that homelessness *Name has been changed to protect individual’s privacy constitutes sleeping on the streets or living in a shelter, the

BURSTING THE BUBBLE How poverty and homelessness affect Johnson County and students truth is that there’s a good chance that may not be true,” said Thompson. “We were in poverty when I was growing up. We had a single mom raising us and we were never well off. I don’t really remember that time since I was so young, but by the time I was four, we were starving and couldn’t afford to live on our own, so we moved to California to live with my grandparents. We lived comfortably with them, but my mom didn’t want to be dependent on them, so we came back and things became better but we’ve never lived luxuriously.” Thompson sometimes becomes frustrated by talk she hears from her friends and peers about items they cannot afford, colleges they cannot go to or trips they cannot take. “It’s hard because I don’t like to judge people on their problems, because if they don’t have the perspective to understand that their problems aren’t that big in the grand scheme of things, then I don’t want to judge them because those problems seem important to them,” said Thompson. “I’ve seen, done, witnessed and been a part of things that 90% of the school hasn’t, but that gives me a lot of perspective. It frustrates me when people say things like, ‘I’m pissed because I don’t have the new iPhone yet.’ I feel that a lot of kids are ignorant about being empathetic towards other people and

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Coming and going

The process and logistics of transferring schools

Jonah Park Contributor

HETHER IT’S FOR SPORTS, EDUCATION, something on your own, and so many other people I’ve family, or social reasons, transferring high known since elementary school.” schools has become quite frequent for this Logsdon is glad she made the decision to transfer, as generation. Every year, students are coming and going much as she misses her old school and friends. She still for various reasons, usually leaving their good friends keeps in touch with them over social media and at her in the process. The Blue Valley district is relatively brothers’ basketball games, however. lenient when it comes to transferring, and the decision “I do miss West,” Logsdon said. “There are so many ultimately falls on the student and his or her family. great people and teachers that have definitely impacted Sophomore Prid Chintala, who transferred to me in a positive way. Although I do miss West, I’m Pembroke High School last fall, left BV West for very happy with my decision to transfer. It’s been a educational reasons. In the process, he had to say good experience so far and the dance team has been goodbye to some of his best friends and a school he had awesome.” come to love. The transferring process involves paperwork, but “Pembroke is a very good college and ACT prep there are not many rules or regulations that prohibit school and I wanted to be as prepared as possible for students from transferring schools. According to my future,” Chintala said. “I do miss West because of principal Dr. Brett Potts, any student can transfer if all my friends still going there and the good memories they want to. I had there. I especially miss the games and assemblies “There is a process that a student who wants to and being able to cheer with my classmates.” transfer has to go through,” Potts said. “They have to Although there was get it approved, and it a tradeoff to transfer, has to be for an approved Chintala is happy with his reason. They have to fill I’ll be flat out honest: if someone decision. out paperwork. For what wants to transfer right now, they can. “I personally rules there are right now, am enjoying life at there’s a way around Very rarely are they denied.” Pembroke,” Chintala said. them. I’ll be flat out “I have made a lot of great honest: if someone wants friends and I love the teachers and campus. Every once to transfer right now, they can. Very rarely are they in awhile I think about coming back, but I think it was denied. Occasionally they are. There can be a variety of a great decision as I was introduced to a whole new reasons why they can be denied.” variety of people.” There is a list of approved reasons why a student Others, like sophomore Sloan Logsdon, transfer for may transfer, however athletics is not one of them. different reasons. Logsdon attended BV West for her Even though this restriction exists, students can still freshman year, but decided to transfer to BV Northwest find a way around it. for their dance team and the friends she has there. “There are people who transfer for athletic reasons,” Logsdon is a triplet with her two brothers, Dylan and Potts said. “Athletics are not an acceptable transfer Tyler, and she wanted to see what high school would be reason. But I think people work around that by putting like with both of them. something on the form why they’re transferring that “I transferred to BVNW because I have a good friend isn’t athletic but they’re really moving for athletics. I there who transferred there after middle school and think that happens a lot.” really liked it,” Logsdon said. “I wanted to do the dance Another restriction on transferring can occur when team there because I had friends on it who loved it. I a school reaches a certain enrollment. Although most also just wanted a change, I thought it would be fun of the Blue Valley schools have room for more students to try something new and see how school is without right now, all transfers can be closed off if one school my brothers, being a triplet it’s pretty rare to get to do becomes crowded.

“

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“Every now and then a school gets crowded and when it reaches a certain point they will close that school to transfers,” Potts said. “So they won’t let any transfers in and they won’t let any transfers out. I don’t think any of the high schools right now are closed to transfers, but I’m guessing Blue Valley High is getting close. They have a smaller building, and they’ve got the same amount of students as we have. Much smaller building. The other schools have space.” When transfers are allowed to occur, the reasons behind them vary greatly. Another of these reasons is the school’s proximity. A student may live in the BV West attendance area, but may live closer to one of the other Blue Valley high schools. “Blue Valley West is unique in that our attendance area borders all four of the other high schools,” said Potts. “So we have students who live across the street from people who are in the Blue Valley North attendance area. That puts us in a unique place because we have the potential of gaining or losing students to all four [other high schools]. For a lot of students it makes sense geographically to go to the school that’s nearest to them.” Potts also speculates that students may transfer to other schools only because they think one is better than the other. “I think sometimes people transfer just because they think one school is better than another one in something quite honestly. Some places do some things better than we do, but all of the schools around here are great. If we get kids here, we have a tendency to keep them here. I hate losing kids to another school before they even set foot in our building.” Potts, who has worked in three of the five Blue Valley high schools, claims all of them provide great opportunities to

Blue Valley West’s attendance area is unique in that it borders every other Blue Valley school.

their students, as different as they may be. “Blue Valley West has a lot of awesome things to offer,” Potts said. “I think that it’s a really great place to be. And I think that anyone who is actually in this building would attest to that. We want every kid who lives in our attendance area to come here. Not only that, we want them to have a great experience while they’re here. Some people choose to go elsewhere and there’s not much we can do about it. We’re going to take care of those who are here and give them a great experience.” Ultimately, if a student resides in the BV West attendance area, they are expected to go there, unless they have a legitimate reason to transfer. The differences between the Blue Valley schools’ curriculum is minimal, and BV West provides just as much as any other school. “[West] is so welcoming to most of our kids, and our teachers are very very caring. I don’t want to sound like I’m bashing on the other schools, they’re just a lot different. The school spirit is unbelievable here, the pride is unbelievable here, and the sense of family is unbelievable here. ‘West is the best’ is my take on it.”

spring is coming...

Stephen Kinder Contributor

Allergies and What Causes Them

EADY YOUR ALLERGY MEDICATIONS, NASAL sprays, and tissues; because allergy season is here. Unfortunately with the nice weather of spring, comes a nasty bout of stuffy noses and rashes. There is no avoiding allergy season, and even if you do not go outside anyways, commercials for allergy medications are going to be playing nonstop. After all of this madness, one might question what causes allergies. Unfortunatly for some, allergies are not limited to the spring time. There are many people with peanut, egg, and milk allergies around the globe. There is no known cause or cure for these allergies, but there are treatments for some of these allergens. Sometimes,

What are allergies? Allergies are a body’s response to an outside object entering. For example, if one breathes in pollen, an immune system response will happen, which causes al kinds of swelling, stuffy noses, etc. The reason why all of these symptoms appear is due to the fact that the body is trying to protect itself from foreign matter. If one gets scratched, such as someone scratching an itch on their back, the scratched area will get red, swell slightly, and be slightly itchy due to an immune system response. It is good for safety, just in case germs broke through the skin and the body needs to fight an infection quickly before it spreads throughout the body.

Why do some people have them and some do not? Nobody knows, actually. One theory is that it is all genetics, and that allergies are passed down. While this can be confirmed, there are some people that have developed allergies throughout random times in their lives. A common theory is “co-incident” exposure is one way to gain an allergy. One’s body is exposed to both an actual disease and another chemical at the same time so it figures both of them are a problem. One might be exposed to the flu in the same breath you smell a flower. The body examines them both, decides they are both a risk, and suddenly that person are allergic to that flower pollen.

children that are allergic to peanuts are given small amounts of peanut allergens by their doctors to expose them to peanuts, which is said to lessen the body’s reaction to the allergen. It has been proven that if one starts “exposure therapy” at an early age, the effects that allergies have on them could dissapear completely. Even for those that stay indoors a lot, nobody is completely safe from allergies. There are many sorts of indoor allergens such as dust, cats, and mold. If one has allergies indoors, they should probably consider cleaning their home. Allergies can be prevented, but not completely.

Why do Some people get new allergies after moving to differnt areas? Again nobody knows, but there are theories. For people that move to different climates, they is a chance they could get new allergies. The “co-incident” theory comes up where people are exposed to a disease and a chemical at the same time, while getting used to a new climate, so new allergies are developed. Allergies that are started in new climates often start within one or two years of moving, because the bodies of those that have moved are still getting used to the climate, as well as the local germs. There could be other reasons, though.

Why is the human body so sensitive to certain things that cause allergies? Now this is the question that nobody has a good theory on. Fortunatly, scientists know the process in how allergies happen, but they do not know why the body is so sensitive to outside substances. What they also do know is that exposing people to small amounts of an allergen can get the person used to their allergies, or almost have a “tolerance” for them. Another thing known that allergies can be quite dangerous if not careful. Some people have allergic reactions that can be fatal, because the reaction that their body has can constrict airways, or swell joints so that they cannot bend.

Nintendo Switch: The Future of nintendo Gaming

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Feature 21

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Will this new console rise or fall?

Elizabeth Hernandez Contributor

FTER OVER 30 YEARS OF CONSOLES, handheld devices and arcade games, Nintendo presents their latest creation to the world. Surpassing its predecessor the Wii U, the brand new Nintendo Switch combines at-home gaming with the wonders of the hand-held consoles. New features include a smaller size compared to previous consoles, an improved gaming pad with detachable remotes and portability much like the Game Boy, DS and 3DS. And of course, no new console is complete without new games to boost its popularity with Nintendo fans and new customers. Succeeding the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword on the Wii and a remake of the popular Game Cube game the Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker for the Wii U (the Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD) is the new and fresh Legend of Zelda: The Breath of the Wild. The game is complete with better graphics, much better gameplay and a new version of our favorite swordsman Link. The game was given even more fame when Jimmy Fallon was given a chance to play a demo of The Breath of the Wild. Many dedicated gamers are pumped and already head over heels in love with this new Legend of Zelda. However, the most famous aspect of this new console is not just the new Legend of Zelda game coming out with it, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the fact that much like its handheld cousins, you take the Nintendo Switch with you

on the go. And with the easy-to-use detachable remotes two-player games can take place anywhere. Compared to the success of the Nintendo 64, Game Cube and Wii, the Nintendo switch has a lot to live up to. Many successful, popular games came from these three systems. The Nintendo Switch is starting off with only two games, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and The Legend of Zelda: The Breath of the Wild. Although several gamers are excited for this new system, others argue that the Nintendo Switch is a copy of the Wii U. The Wii U was meant to give players five-player action introducing the new Game Pad. Unfortunately, gamers who owned the Wii U found the Game Pad to be bulky and unappealing. Because of this, Nintendo relied heavily on the 3DS for their profits in that era. The Nintendo Switch is said to be neither a copy or a brand new style of gaming. Creators say it is a completely different console with the option of being portable. The Nintendo switch has a lot to live up to, ranging from the gameplay to the games themselves. After the recent release of the system, there were many bugs and a malfunction of one of the detachable remotes. The console is off to a rocky start but the games are very promising. Question is: Will the Nintendo Switch surpass its predecessors? Or will be a complete flop just like the Wii U?

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finding their footing

Mikaela Schmitt Managing Editor

Crimson Cats Dance Team grows with changes to program

ALKING BY THE WRESTLING ROOM, sounds of music and laughter are mixed with the aroma of hard work. There, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning, 12 girls and two coaches can be found stretching, running a mile or cleaning a routine. The Crimson Cats Dance Team is one of the many opportunities offered at West for students to meet new people with a similar interest. With five freshman, two sophomores, four juniors and one senior, the girls work together to perform at assemblies, home football and basketball games and competitions. “First and foremost we are a spirit squad,” Coach Michele Rauter said. “I think that a lot of the times that gets overlooked because people just see what we do at assemblies. We are at every game: we perform with the band, we perform on the floor with the cheerleaders. We are a big part of what makes the game day experience at West kind of unique, because we are the only Blue Valley dance team that does sidelines.”

Libby Johnson Freshman

Meet the team

Le Dance

Chandler Traul Freshman Denise’s Dance Academy

Nevertheless, the team also makes time to rehearse competition pieces. The team works hard at practices to clean and perfect their dances to do well at competitions. They participate in two competitions a year, including Lee’s Summit North and Miss Kansas. Their hard work paid off when they recently placed among the top five teams for each dance they brought

to competition at Lee’s Summit North. “We usually start preparing 2-3 weeks before a performance, if the routine is done,” Junior Sofia Adinolfi, team captain, said. “We clean it during practices and run it a thousand times. We will have

outside guests come and watch for critiques. Our coaches and, as captains, we help drill it in and get excited.” The Crimson Cats perform these competition routines at assemblies and half-time of basketball games as an opportunity to show off their hard work to their peers. These performances have created some of the best memories for the team members. “Assemblies are my favorites, because the reactions we get from the students is amazing, it’s the best feeling ever,” Junior Kia Warren, team captain, said. “The reaction that we get from students, or hearing people in the hallways even compliment us, makes them my favorite. Even when our music went out in the beginning of the year and we got a standing ovation from the whole school. It was our first performance and we knew this was going to be a good year.” The team has developed since 2013, getting new coaches, members and organization. In 2014, instruction of the Crimson Cats switched to Raute and assistant coach Madalyn Knudsen.

Lauren Megan Kia Lamker Wenzl Bella Marisa Warren Zara Macy Junior Aguirre Sophomore Cohen Junior Diedel Crescendo Talkington Denise’s Freshman Junior Le Dance Freshman Conservatory Sophomore Dance The Pulse Miller Le Dance

Kenzi Beck Freshman Marley

Academy

Le Dance

Camila Aponte Senior Olathe Dance Center

Sofia Adinolfi Junior

Liegh’s School of Dance

Spring Showcase

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Originally, students were required to participate in both dance team and color guard with the marching band. In 2014, it became optional and students were able to choose one or both of the activities. Another change occurred in 2015 when students were required to pick either color guard or dance team, they were no longer allowed to do both. Their membership has increased to the biggest team BV West has ever had, and they

introduced new student leadership this year. The team believes these changes have helped them grow and improve together. “Since we kind of built our name for ourselves last year, I hope that once all of us are gone that the team will continue to thrive and the legacy of the Crimson Cats will continue on, and people will always be proud to be on dance team,” Adinolfi said. I hope that that mindset continues on until the days of West see its end.” Above all else, the team enjoys their time together. Laughter can always be found during rehearsals, according to Rauter. Sharing a similar passion has created many unique bonds between these girls from different grades and backgrounds. “There’s always funny things; there’s never a dull moment in practice or when we are together,” Warren said. “We are always laughing or screaming or singing or something.” The unique dynamic of the current team has created new dedication and goals for the

Feature 23

April BVW PAC 7:00 pm Solos begin at 6. Tickets $8

Crimson Cats. They strive to be as good as other impressive teams they compete against, and dance each moment fully. “We are a lot more dedicated and determined to not just win, but to go out there and dance like it’s the last time you are ever going to,” Warren said. “I think overall our goal has completely changed. Last year it was just to be clean, look good, be impressive. This year it’s that still, but also more of ‘let’s enjoy what we are doing’; to have fun and to make it look like we are having fun so other people have fun with us.” Throughout all the changes the team members have experienced, the increased support from the student body has been the most rewarding of all. Team members treasure the moments spent performing at assemblies, enjoying the reactions of the student body. “I want to thank the community of West for making us feel so important, especially this year, and for accepting us as a team,” Warren said. “The support we get is awesome and we love it.”

24 Opinion

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Right Here Right Now

Addressing the need to live in the moment, no matter the circumstances

HE WHIRLWIND OF COURSEWORK, ACTIVITIES and high school daily life can be overwhelming, making it difficult to maintain a balanced life. It is no wonder that many students are desperate for the week to end and a much needed weekend off from school to begin. Countless teens find themselves living for the weekend and dreading the start of a new, plodding school week. However, it has not always been this way nor should it have to be now. When we were children, we filled each of our days with work, play and socialization. We had little perception of time and made the most of each day. Somewhere along the way, however, this mentality changed and we find ourselves no longer appreciating every moment. Instead we become focused on the stressors of school and problems in our lives. Our only relief comes when the final bell rings on Friday and we can finally let go, enjoy ourselves and live a little. This is a reality that far too many students accept and live with. To live in the moment is to be a part of present time with all of your senses, and to let go of any stress related to the past or the future. Truly living in the moment is difficult for everyone, but it can be especially challenging for high school students, who find themselves constantly struggling to balance their lives with their education

and various other activities. According to U.S. News (2014), high school students are assigned an average of 3.5 hours of weekly homework by each of their teachers. For students taking seven classes, often including rigorous AP and honors curriculums, this weekly total can amount to upwards of 24 hours. With these staggering workloads, it is easy to become overwhelmed with work and become wrapped up in the stresses of daily life. In addition to worrying about course loads, planning for college, careers and the future often plagues teensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; thoughts. This can make it feel nearly impossible to focus on the present, especially when so much emphasis is placed on the future. With the overwhelming pressures of planning ahead burdening so many, it is no wonder it is so difficult to focus on the here and now. A Harvard University study (2010) found that individuals spend around 47 percent of their time thinking about something other than the task at hand. When teens become stressed, tired or upset they tend to reminisce about simpler times or daydream about a more peaceful future. The study found that daydreams, even when pleasant, are linked to reduced amounts of happiness. Daydreaming is unavoidable. Our minds inevitably wander when we complete tedious homework assignments or grueling study sessions for upcoming tests. However, it is important to focus on what is in our immediate control rather than dreaming about what could be. By letting go of the uncontrollable, a far greater level of purpose, motivation, and happiness can be attained. Those who live in the moment are known for their ability to seek good in each circumstance and focus more on things in their direct control.

Hannnah Holladay Contributor

The benefits of adapting such a lifestyle are limitless. Granted, achieving a sense of self-satisfaction and contentedness with the here and now is far easier said than done. According to the American Psychological Association (2014), 31 percent of teens admit to feeling overwhelmed as a result of stress. It is a vicious cycle to break, and one that many teens simply can not seem to move past. In the heat of the moment, the implications of a certain assignment, job, activity or responsibility can be overpowering. Shifting focus and beginning to appreciate the present more fully starts by making little changes. Something as simple as smiling or laughing is known to improve oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mood instantly. Putting away the phone, enjoying a conversation with a friend, or attending an event without feeling the need to document each second on social media can make truly enjoying the little things that much easier. Ultimately, positivity is key. School, work, and activities can feel monotonous, but it is important to find aspects you enjoy in each task. Undoubtedly, negative qualities can be found in nearly anything, but living in the moment constitutes focusing on the positives. Living in the moment is difficult, but it is by no means impossible. A simple change in perspective and the conscious decision to begin to search for the opportunities and joy that can come from the little moments can make life seem far more satisfying. Our society is so focused on making rapid progress and planning for the future that we fail to take the time we need to simply focus on the present.We need to slow down, take a moment to reflect, and recognize the importance of enjoying each passing day. With the right mindset, soon enough we will be finding the good in both an early Monday morning and an exciting Friday night.

Lanie Render Contributor

What we e v o l “I like that our school has a lot of school spirit. The pep assemblies are awesome.” -Allison Macdonald

“Mr. Giest” -Junaid Gafoor

“I love oppurtunities that have allowed me to experience the importance of leadership both within the comunity and school.” -Emme Tremaine

“I love how enthusiastic everyone is during class competitions and games.” -Hannah Fisher

more stories at BVWNews.com Editorial 25

about west Student give what they love about BV West and the people in it

“I love the school spirit and sense of family.” -Kate Bandre

“I love the doughnuts in the lunchroom.” -Katherine Edmunds

“I love our school spirit and the family we have created.” -Michael Mylin

“I love how accepting the entire school is.” -Kyle Kappelmann

“I love that in the end, we are all a big family.” -Katie Pratt

“I love how inclusive we are. You can tell by walking down the halls that we are a family.” -Jacob Braun

“I love the sense of community, students and support of teachers. Especially the school spirit, and after school activities.” -Jake Zevitz

“I love the feeling of family and community.” -Sophie Porembski

“The Jaguar Grrrill” Ben Kim “I love the general morale of student and teacher relationships.” -Sofia Adinolfi

“I love how people aren’t afriad to go all out for spirit week.” -Chloe Ennis

“I love the family aspect at west and how much pride people have in their school.” -Riley England

26 Feature

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Catching some z’s How to get the most out of your nap.

HERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE BEING able to crawl into bed at three in the afternoon and take a nap. In a world of homework, clubs, and sports, sleeping has become a lost luxury for some. When time permits it, a nap can be rejuvenating if done correctly, but can also make one even more tired. Teens on average get about seven hours of sleep each night, which is much lower than the recommended nine hours every night. A nap can partially alleviate this loss by improving cognitive function, increasing awareness, and getting rid of drowsiness if done correctly and effectively. In order to get the most out of your nap, follow these tips.

Set a limit:

Jonah Park Contributor

Nap & sleep Facts Average sleep for adolescents: Recommended sleep for teens:

7 hours 9 hours

Three types of naps: Planned: Done before tiredness occurs, wards off future drowsiness

To get the most out of a nap, limit yourself to a 20-30 minute nap. Anything longer than this can lead to sleep inertia and extended grogginess, making you even more tired than before.

Habitual: Occurs at the same time every day

Nap before it’s too late:

continue with the activity you are doing

To get the most out of a nap, limit yourself to a 20-30 minute nap. Anything longer than this can lead to sleep inertia and extended grogginess, making you even more tired than before.

Find a comfortable place: As much as possible, limit the distractions in your sleeping environment. Laying in bed has benefits, but sleeping has much better effects.

Emergency: Occurs when you cannot

A 40 minute nap can improve performance by 34% and alertness by 100%

Ideal nap length: 20-30 minutes

Stephen Kinder Contributor

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Feature 27 Contents 3

In Memoriam of a Great Website Club Penguin October 24, 2005-March 29, 2017

LUB PENGUIN, 12, DIED ON Wednesday March 29th. Born on October 24th, 2005, Club penguin provided countless hours of fun to children and adults alike. Whether you go on there for actual good times, or just to mess around with other players, there is no denying that Club Penguin is a fond memory that many will remember. “Club Penguin has taught me so much over the years and the fact that it is shutting down is a disgrace to me and my family,” Junior George Leondedis said. “Quite frankly, I am appalled.” Club Penguin first had its humble start in the early 2000’s, where it started off with 15,000 users. Two years after its release, Club Penguin

25 million The number of puffles that were adopted in 2011 alone

gained popularity with a whopping 3.9 million users. To the dismay of some, Club Penguin was purchased by Disney in 2007, for $350 million. Many thought this to be a bad idea for the website, but fortunately this put the cherished penguin game into the limelight; Club Penguin became the 8th top social networking site in April 2008, and it has been claimed that Club Penguin had 30 million users. “When I first heard about Club Penguin shutting down, I was devastated.” Junior Kiersten Crum said. “It was a place where my friends were and have always been, and at the end of this month it will all be taken away.” As the years waddled on and players came and went, Club Penguin faced some rough times. Popularity was decreasing, and Disney had to lay off 28 staff members to keep website running. Unfortunately, the penguin simulation had continued to lose more and more users, and that’s when it happened; Disney had announced that Club Penguin would be shut down on March 29, 2017. “Club Penguin is an iconic website,” junior Megan Mayer said.

“It could never be replaced.” As the website’s days were numbered, Club Penguin hosted a party for their users, and thousands of users registered to enjoy last moments on the website, such as tipping the iceberg, or collecting items that the website had to offer. Fortunately for those who want to keep playing Club Penguin, there are many other options for their needs. One option is hopping onto a private Club Penguin server, where users can play on the original website for free. Currently the most popular private server website is CPPS, which gives a throwback to the original Club Penguin. The most official option is to wait for “Club Penguin Island,” which is coming out in late March 2017. Currently, users can preregister to jump right in when the game comes out. “A new Club Penguin would not work for me,” Junior Jeff Keller said. “This act should be treated as treason to the entire world.” Whether one picks Club Penguin Island or more unofficial versions, it is no doubt that the loss of Club Penguin affects us all, and it will waddle on in our hearts.

Club penguin by the numbers 150 million

The number of club penguin accounts created

21 thousand The number of penguins that have logged in every two hours

$1171 The number of (Estimated) dollars that club penguin makes per day

28 Satire

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A day in the life

Rachel Zimmerli Contributor

The financial struggles of the average Johnson County teen

EAR DIARY,

This morning I was sitting in my BMW before I left for school, when I pulled out my black iPhone 7 from the front pocket of my artfully ripped jeans. I wondered why my parents got me a black iPhone. I had specifically told them to buy me a rose gold one but I guess my parents must not care about me if they’re not going to listen to me. Anyway, I unlocked my phone and checked my bank account. My eyes beheld a sad number, $5.67. I knew then that I wouldn’t be able to afford my chocolate croissant and a vanilla bean frappuccino. I guess I’ll just go hungry then. As I sat through my classes at school, I made sure I remembered every detail about my hunger so I could recount my pain to parents. Surely, if they see how much suffering I endured, they would put more money on my debit card. My stomach was growling quite loudly when the bell rang for lunch. When I started sifting through my Vera Bradley backpack, I realized that I had forgot my lunch. I sighed because I would miss another meal before I would ever eat the processed gunk they called school food. The school day was coming to a close and I sitting in

my JAG class watching Vampire Diaries when Netflix stopped loading. I powered my phone off and back on but it still wouldn’t load. My family wasn’t paying for unlimited data for nothing. In a fit of frustration, I threw my phone to the ground. I was horrified by my actions and swooped down and picked it up, surveying its wounds. The glass screen protector was shattered but not the actual screen. Then I had an idea. Neither of my parents could understand screen protectors, so I’ll just tell them that it’s the screen that cracked, not the screen protector. Maybe then they’d finally get me a rose gold iPhone 7 like I’ve wanted all along. When I returned home and recounted the story of my struggles that day, my mother immediately put a thousand dollars on my debit card for a new iPhone. I went to the store, bought it, rose gold of course. Then I checked my bank account on my new phone and my spirits fell. I only had eight dollars. I guess tomorrow I wouldn’t be able to afford a vanilla bean frappuccino and chocolate croissant.

Man, I’m so poor.