BVW Spotlight Feb|March 2023

VOLUME 22, ISSUE 3

March 3, 2023

INSIDE:

Beauty Standard PG. 4 & 5

Vaping PG. 6 & 7

Black History Month PG. 12 & 13

Illustration by: alyssa Haynes

4Beauty Standards

Students reflect on ways social media impacts body image.

12Black History

Students express thoughts on racial discrimination and inclusiveness within our school.

6Vaping Concerns about vaping arise as it becomes popular among teens.

8Sweet Heart Insight on teddy bear toss and nominees!

14Lulu Lemon

Popular clothing brand among students.

15Bowling

A look into the bowling team and season.

Photo Gallery Best Highlights.

16

Test Scores

Students share opinions on stress that comes with testing.

Alyssa Haynes

THE BEAUTY

STANDARD

FROM THE STUDENT PERSPECTIVE ...

s technology continues to evolve, the impact of social media tends to alter our way of thinking. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to differentiate fiction from reality when the media is oversaturated with filters, influencers, and the unrealistic glorification of perfection.

“What you see on the Internet isn’t realistic, whenever they post they can get things touched up” said sophomore Jocelyn Kette said. “I feel like sometimes girls will see other girls post their best self and they’ll think, ‘oh, like why don’t I look like that?’ But it’s like you’re not your best self because you’re watching it at home”

Regardless of how relatable an influencer may appear, most people are reluctant to consider that for every great photo, there might possibly be ten, hundreds, even thousands of photos behind it. The media has many blatant flaws and the longer society continues to overlook the reality of it, the more toxic it can become for teenagers everywhere.

“I mean, on Instagram, you can see there’s different filters and there’s different things you can do and people are only posting their best pictures ever, ” said sophomore Vivian Souan.

Although the majority of these standards are unrealistic and sometimes even dangerous, beauty standards might also be seen as a way to motivate people. When asked whether beauty or fitness influencer s had an overall positive or negative impact on how people view body image.

“I think that they could definitely motivate certain people to achieve their goals and get to work hard, but for other people like it just makes them feel insecure about why they don’t look that way.” Souan said.

According to a report by the Dove Self-Esteem Project which surveyed more than 1,000 girls aged 10-17, 1 in 2 girls say that toxic beauty advice on social media causes low self-esteem.

No beauty standard is created on an equal playing field. The pressure of meeting these criteria can feel intimidating when the majority of these standards are simply impossible to meet.

“As in just the school, I don’t really think it’s too negative. But I think in our area, where we live, and in our day and age, it does have a negative effect because people might see stuff on social media, or some people might be like, oh she doesn’t have this or looks a certain way,” Ketter said.

Noticing others and the impact they have, especially teens, was an issue for students.

“I’d say looking at people that do look like me. I might find features that we have alike, and how it’s similar-- I wouldn’t say there’s a lot, but I definitely think there are some that are affected by different beauty standards, just because they might feel a certain way about, say a certain feature.” Ketter said.

For many, beauty standards and consumerism tend to correlate with each other. Although the media is the most vital cause for flawed beauty standards, if our society chooses to feed into it then we contribute just as big an impact.

When asked whether or not the clothes people wear affect how their perceived to others, Souan echoed the influences and evaluations of teens.

“Honestly it’s a pretty big judgment that people have just based on the clothes you wear to express yourself. I think people do judge you on that and they can also wrongfully accuse as well,” Souan said.

Overall beauty standards are a reflection on how we treat ourselves and the community around us, it’s up to us to not only not depend on them but instead have the confidence in ourselves to find our own definition of beauty.

“YOU THINK THAT THAT’S HOW YOU NEED TO LOOK ALL THE TIME WHEN REALLY, IT’S JUST HOW THEY’RE LOOKING ON THEIR BEST DAY”

-

Kelsie-Jane Gana

IMAGES BY: M. LEECE

TEEN VAPING

TEEN VAPING IS ILLEGAL AND NEEDS TO STOP IN SCHOOLS ...

What is that smell?” As I walk into the bathroom the smell of citrus fruits and marijuana fills my nostrils. This brought my attention to the question, what is the actual amount of students that take part in E-Cigarettes? Teen vaping is continues to be a major growing problem.

Research noted, roughly 14 percent of high school students currently use E-cigarettes. Students use both nicotine and marijuana devices in bathrooms, parking lots, and even inside of the classrooms. 31 percent of students that vape said that family members got them into vaping, another 31 percent say the reason they vape is because of the flavors that target high school students, finally 17 percent believe that E-cigarettes are healthier than alternative products.

Addiction has been growing through students with 18 percent of teens in middle and high school admit to vaping. Among these, 46 percent say they do it on a daily basis. 42.3 percent say that they vape roughly 20 of every 30 days.

Addiction to nicotine is rising very quickly where students 14-18-years-old are vaping and don’t understand the risk and dangers they are taking when they consume nicotine products. This causes the growing problems of lung and brain cancer. The most deadly consequence of vaping is popcorn lungs. E-cigarettes and vaping cause scarring in the lungs which ultimately blocks the airways and prevents breathing in those who vape. In 2022 alone, were almost 2,100 people hospitalized due to vape injuries not including popcorn lungs.

Opponents of making vaping illegal say it helps cigarette addicts quit and it is safer. Yet, according to the Surgeon General, there is

no evidence that vaping helps smokers quit and it is not safer than cigarettes. They simply trade one problem, cancer causing agents, for another problem, scar tissue in the lungs. One problem over another isn’t a “better” option. It is not safer than cigarettes. The real solution is to make both illegal. Misinformation, especially among teens, is damaging their health. They pick up the vaping habit with the sweet smelling flavors, but they don’t realize that they’ve been duped into thinking vaping is safe. The current law on vaping is consumers need to be 21 to buy a vape but there are still millions of teens who are able to get their hands on them. There are many stores and websites that let under age kids buy vapes with no proof of age. The age required to buy a vape was 18 just a few years ago but it had little, if any impact on sales, and there are still so many youth vaping.

The company Altria owns Juul and is one of the biggest players when it comes to getting teens hooked on vapes. The company claims that their product is used to get cigarette smokers off cigarettes.

Juul used to make all sorts of flavors like mango and other fruity flavors so when the youth tried it they got hooked. The company tried owning up to their mistake by getting rid of the fruity flavors but by that time it was too late and hundreds of thousands of teens were already addicted. Juul and others realized that fruity vapes created a big market of teens and flooded the market.

Teen vaping is growing in numbers every year and continues to get worse, companies that sell flavored vapes should continue to be banned and vapes need to be harder to access for teens.

Blue Valley is a part of a lawsuit against the makers of Juul because of the negative impact vaping has had on learning.

“I think vaping is bad because it can become addictive and can harm the development of teens brains.”

-

Megan Walters

. IMAGE BY: L. Berutti

ates

Ben Abraham

Zach Darche

Tyler Masterson

Michael Phillips

Eric Sinclair

Mira Becker

Zeina Ahmed

Lilly Malina

Sophia Carey

Rylee Burns

can did

TOSS

FILLED WITH THE GIVING SPIRIT...

iving back is a slam dunk! February often brought students together for a charity. In 2023, they engaged in the “Teddy Bear Toss.” Dozens of fuzzy teddy bears flew towards the gym floor before being taken to Children’s Mercy Hospital. Participants felt proud knowing that they helped out a charitable cause.

“We’re always giving back to someone,” senior Rylee Burns said, “And finding a way to show them that we care.”

Burns was in charge of the Teddy Bear Toss. Giving back to the community is a very important thing for her. Burns was glad that the BV West community is so passionate towards serving other people.

“We think that it’s not only a fun way to donate and like give back to them,” Burns said. “By throwing teddy bears onto the court. It’s pretty fun.”

Between the girls and boys basketball game, students geared up to throw their teddy bears and other stuffed animals. After the bears found their way on the gym floor, JPCo members rushed to collect the bears.

“It feels really good,” Burns said, “That people want to, And it’s not just like, ‘Oh, I’m getting a grade so, I’m gonna bring like a teddy bear.’”

The Jags collected nearly 100 stuffed plushies to be enjoyed by the patients at Children’s Mercy.

CAUSE FOR A

PILES OF JOY... JPCo members gather the assorted collection of stuffed animals to deliver them Children’s Mercy.

IMAGE PROVIDED BY: C. VOOR VART

Laney Bossi

SMILES ALL AROUND... Senior Ashely Reecht flashes a bright smile while collecting donated stuffed animals.

IMAGE PROVIDED BY: A. KUSHNER

JAG

holiday Fun... Senior Austin Young was all decked out for the holiday theme basketball game on Dec. 15.

IMAGE BY: K. Gillian

Go West... Juniors Grace Anderson and Ashlyn Vistuba and Senior Reagan Darnaby performed a routine with the dance team during halftime on Dec. 15.

IMAGES BY: A. Kushner

Debate Banquet... Sophomore

Rishabh Barve was giving a presentation with Iman Suleman about the season’s statistics.

IMAGES BY: K. Gillian

Welcome To London... During Winter Break, the Red and Silver Brigade went way to London to participate in the London New Years Day parade.

IMAGE BY: L. Allen

Another Win in the Books... Sophmore Logan Meinheit is being declared the winner of his match against Olathe Northwest on Feb. 7 IMAGE BY: A. Mehra

Mid Match... Senior Natasha Fitman fighting to win the match againgst her opponet from BV High on Feb. 7.

IMAGE BY: M. Magee

Fly Me To The Moon... Performing a solo at Chorale’s Italian Dinner fundraiser, junior Joe Gallegos gets the moms swooning over his smooth voice.

IMAGE BY: J. Duarte

What A Season... Hugging it out with Coach Tobin Sample, senior Trey Krizek celebrates during Senior Night.

IMAGE BY: J. Dooley

“People need to stop talking about Black History Month or black people as a kind of sore subject”

HISTORY -Anonymous Source

n anonymous source expresses their desire for people to be less hesitant regarding the subject of black people and Black History Month.

“I think people should, if they have questions about black history or any thing like that, feel free to ask people and not be scared,” anonymous said. In 1926, the second week of February was celebrated in schools and communities across the U.S. as Black History Week.* This week was cho sen because Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass both had birthdays around this time. In the late 1960’s, it became a month-long celebration with a push of the Civil Rights Move ment, and was officially recognized in 1976, by our then-president Gerald Ford.

February is a time when black history and black people are celebrated for all of their ac complishments and achievements that aren’t properly recognized otherwise.

“I think it’s important because I feel like, especially in this country, some people are mad about black people getting recognition, but the month is a time where it is to be recognized,” senior Lily Ba. “It really does show that there’s still stuff like that. Stuff still happens even though people think they’re in a really good community.”

Discrimination and prejudice in school are forbidden by law but can be exhibited in other ways.

“It was really unfortunate, especially watching the way some people reacted. It showed a lot of people’s true colors ... for me it wasn’t too surprising.” Ba said regarding the Blue Valley High vandalism.

Other students shared their thoughts on the situation. A second anonymous source from Blue Valley High expressed their concerns regarding

“I was offended, because the stuff inside was so racist, sexist, and inappropriate ... Honestly I’m kind of ashamed, because the kid went to my

In a poll on the Spotlight Media Instagram, out of 134 students that responded, 41% have seen or experienced racism in the school environment. People reported hearing racial slurs, jokes, and negative assumptions. Lack of diversity may be a contributing factor to the discrimination. According to the Blue Valley West data provided by the registrar, only 35.4% of students are people of color. As much as the district tries to create an inclusive environment for everyone, equality can’t be forced and

Racist ideologies

and

practices expand to be larger than just the Blue Valley School district. Throughout our country’s history, there has been a lack of racial equality

President Joe Biden attempts to address the issue of racism in the United States through his Proclamation on National Black History Month.

“Black culture is American culture, and black stories are essential to the ongoing story of America - our faults, our progress, and our aspirations.” Biden said. “Black Americans can be seen in every part of our society today, strengthening and uplifting all of America.”

Aubree Bowsher

While the government works to undo years of prejudice and help create racial equality, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) also works on creating racial equality by researching and promoting the contributions of black people.

Something that the ASALH does to help reach racial equality and justice in our community is deciding the theme of Black History Month each year. In 2021, the theme was The Black Family: representation, identity, and diversity. Last Year, it was Black Health and Wellness.

This year the focus is on challenging racist stereotypes, medical practices, and general discrimination; learning about black history that has been whitewashed and minimized; and driving political action with the theme Black Resistance.

Ways that people may participate in this years Black History Month are:

• Attend a black history or black culture event

• Learn about a lesser-known hero in black history

• Call out racism and prejudice

• Subscribe to black media and black press

• Bring awareness to the prejudice and inequality that black people face

Both Ba and the anonymous source agree that it is important to participate in Black History Month.

“I think Black History Month is really a time to show achievements and things a lot of black people did in the history of America,” anonymous said.

When people make an effort to include everyone, it can create a more welcoming

environment.

“It’s just the little things, like not making jokes and not trying to make people feel awkward.” Ba said.

The senior noted that it feels good to be represented and recognized, even in simple ways.

“I like when I go into stores and I see a section of things by black owners or black businesses and stuff like that. I feel like it’s good for some people to get some recognition that it’s hard to get otherwise.” Ba said.

Increasing awareness about black history has an impact.

The US has come a long way towards racial equality, however until everyone is treated with the same amount of respect and dignity the need for awareness continues.

* Due to the sensitivities surrounding the original official name for what was called “Black History Week,” it has been altered. For the original name information go to History.com.

Blue Valley West Ethnic Breakdown

QUALITY OR COST?

OPINIONS ON LULU LEMON AND ITS POPULARITY ...

BY: JILLIAN BOSCH

know we’ve all seen it, a tiny top with that thick material, paired up with some of those cheetah-print leggings. Lululemon seems to be everywhere right now, but should it be?

Lululemon needs to take a step back, and people should start buying from other brands instead. The clothes that Lulu sells are targeted toward exercise, but the cost-use ratio is less than ideal. Their pants are five times more expensive than the cost of your average workout pants.

“I can only get a few items every once in a while, because they’re so expensive, ” freshman Taylor Bell said.

The company tries to justify their steep costs by creating limited amounts of each product. Moreover, Lulu doesn’t treat its own employees very well. Their extremely low wages and unhealthy working standards are not enough for the employees to have the bubbliest personalities and greet their customers with a bright smile, even on their bad days. Additionally, their hiring process, that focuses predominantly on fit and white people makes Lulu even more undesirable from an ethical

standpoint. Many might be angered by what I say about their beloved brand. At school, a lot of girls weren’t very happy with me when I told them my feelings about Lululemon and defended the brand by talking about the quality of their.

“Lululemon’s clothes are soft, and they fit nice,”. freshman Gabby Moritz said.

I, on the other hand just don’t agree with her completely. There are problems even with the quality of their clothing and the numerous complaints about pilling and even see-through clothes is evidence of that. For the price that the brand charges its customers, their clothing shouldn’t have as many imperfections as have been reported.

Shopping at a place that has the relatively the same quality but is much more affordable than Lulu is a more practical and long-term solution. Moritz recommended stores like Athleta, Nike, and even Sam’s Club. Just remember Lulu isn’t always the way to go and there are so many other affordable options that can cater to student needs without tearing a hole in your pocket.

Navya Bandaru

B WLING

INSIGHT INTO UNIQUE SPORTS SEASON

ore than 70,000,000 people play bowling at least once a year. Having a sport that has team spirit, joy and a slight competitive edge to it at the center of its core values means the Jaguars are bound to excel. The bowling team welcomed Zachary Gall as their new coach at the start of 2022 and stepped into the shoes of ex-coach Denise Young, who was a huge part of establishing the team.

“I wasn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. I wanted to maintain some kind of consistency, because she had a good system. And a lot of the rules, expectations and the team culture. Those students who were on the team before and still are on the team, I wanted some consistency for them” said Gall.

Senior Felicity Newell, was positive about the changes.

“Overall, the changes are good either way. I mean, the energy is still there. And we still have really good team spirit,” Newell said.

Gall is also ready to set his own mark on the team.

“I think like a teacher in a classroom that you want to create your own sense of community and spirit. And so I tried to do that on the program as well,” Gall said.

The bowling season is off to a great start and the team, under Gall’s coaching, is having an enjoyable time.

“The team spirit’s really good. And I think it’s the best it’s ever been. Everyone’s always there to support each other. And we’re probably one of the loudest schools out there,” Newell said.

Although bowling was a pastime for many, it was a competitive sport. The Jaguars found a way to make it more than just knocking down pins.

“The number one goal for me is that I want my players to have fun. And bowling is fun. It is more than most other sports. A sport that brings people together in a kind of

“ I didn’t join the team with the hopes of making it big. I just joined for fun. So if I could just get better at bowling and have fun. That’s good enough for me,” Zhao said.

Those interested in participating in some fun, laid-back sport with a tinge of competition, bowling could be a consideration.

“ So it’s something you can pick up and get better at quickly,” Gall said.

Gall and his team would love for the rest of us to go, watch their games and support the fellow Jaguars.

February 6 @ Aaron’s Fun Center, Belton

community. It’s a competitive sport. And fun comes from competing too,” Gall said. “And I think that’s what they understand is that we want to have fun, but we also know that fun comes from winning and competing.”

Senior Kevin Zhao joined the bowling team earlier this season.

“ I didn’t join the team with the hopes of making it big. I just joined for fun. So if I could just get better at bowling and have fun. That’s good enough for me,” Zhao said.

February 8 @ Aaron Bowling Alley

February 13 @ Aaron’s Fun Center, Belton

March 3 @ North Rock Lanes

MEASURING

TESTING ELICITS STRONG STUDENT OPINIONS ...

Number 2 pencil, a quiet room, a testing booklet, and your entire future laying out in front of you on a 3-page answer sheet. ACT and SAT, are simple standardized tests used for college entrance and scholarships. In American education systems, to be looked upon as an intelligent individual, students must post a high grade point average. Despite what kind of student someone is or the circumstances they live with, every child is required to take multiple-choice based tests, and this form of testing can be viewed as either fair or unfair.

No matter how these tests are thought of, these are the conditions every child must currently deal with, hindering the grades and opportunities of certain students. Although standardized testing is an efficient way of assessing student achievement across the country, the extent of standardized testing creates significant levels of stress and anxiety in the lives of many, overpowering and dictating their futures, time, and mental health. These tests are used to assess each student’s academic per-

formance,implemented throughout almost all education systems. In other words, this form of testing is the doorway to success and ticket to future accomplishments.

This is an unfair measurement of success because not all learners are the same.

“I’ve never been good at standardized tests. They stress me out and give me anxiety on top of all the other studying I have to do,” junior Lauren Frumkin said.

Major universities use these test scores when finalizing acceptance decisions. Universities also base the largest academic scholarships off of tests such as the ACT or SAT. It is normalized in schools like BV West to have “perfect” ACT scores.

What students must know is that a score does not dictate their futures. In addition to or even in place of standardized testing there are multiple subjective criteria that could be considered as determinant of a student’s future success. These factors include work ethic, as well as involvement and motivation. grade point average is a better measure of success for some students who work extremely hard but can’t prove this to be true through their ability to take a test.

SUCCESS

Maybe a student struggles with an attention disorder and forgot to take their medicine one morning; a student’s performance on the test will not be an accurate representation. Involvement is another key aspect of a successful student. In the real world, businesses are going to look for people who have leadership abilities and spend extra time pouring their hard work into an organization. This can be equivalent to involvement in high school activities.

Some students and teachers believe that standardized testing is the most effective and accurate way to equally measure the success of every student. Some teachers prefer standardized testing over any other method because they give back the quickest results and are the easiest to grade. Some students prefer standardized testing because they are naturally good test takers. This means that they have the ability to focus and think quickly as well as recall information easily.

Contributions to this story came from 21C Journalism students

Caroline McGrath and Ellie Vaughn.

Certain families have access to tools such as tutors and special classes. Other student families may not have that same advantage, or the student simply doesn’t have the ability to process information or comprehend as quickly. Not everyone has control over their ability to test well but as students make the decision to get involved and to work hard, that is by far a more reliable source for measurements of success.

Standardized testing holds an important place in today’s educational system, and will continue to do so unless changed by those in authority. Simple things that can be done to eliminate the issue of the pressures of standardized testing is that the test optional college application decision should be more publicized. Better scholarships should be offered for students that have proven themselves by maintaining a high GPA. Although standardized testing is a valuable component in today’s educational system, these tests are not a complete or fair assessment of student achievement.

Kansas BV West National BV District

BEHIND THE

MAKEUP

Dior Lip Oil

POPULAR ITEMS

Rare Beauty Blush

Drunk Elephant Bronzer

Charlotte Tilbury

Flawless Filter

“BECAUSE OF HOW TEMPORARY MAKEUP IS, IT’S EASY TO CHANGE IT DAILY DEPENDING ON YOUR MOOD”

images by: m. leece

Kelsie-Jane Gana

VALENTINE’S

DAY

RED VELVET TRUFFLES RECIPES

Steps:

-Prepare a large baking tray or cutting board with parchment paper and set aside

-Mix the crumbled cake with half of the cream cheese frosting, then add more as needed to get a mix that can easily stick together.

-Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form 1 ½ inch balls from the cake mix.

-Place them all evenly on the baking tray.

Ingredients:

-1 9×13 cooked red velvet cake, crumbled *

-1 Container of cream cheese frosting 16oz

-1 ½ Bags of white chocolate melting wafers 10z

-1 cup Red candy melts Valentine’s sprinkles

CUPID FLOATS

-Freeze for 30 minutes and in the meantime melt the white chocolate in 30 second increments, stirring each time until it has melted completely.

-Remove the baking sheet from the freezer and work quickly, dip the balls into the white chocolate, drain and set them back down on the tray and let them cool and harden. (You may need to melt the chocolate again halfway through as it starts to thicken up.)

-If you’d like to add sprinkles directly to the dipped truffles without the red candy melt drizzle, sprinkle them on before the chocolate hardens.

-Melt the red candy melts according to the instructions on the package, add it to a Ziploc bag and cut a pin-size hole in the bottom.

-Lightly drizzle it over the truffles and add sprinkles.

-Let the red drizzle harden up then serve.

Ingredients:

-Vanilla Ice Cream

-Strawberry Soda

-Whipped Cream

-Maraschino Cherries

Steps:

-Place two scoops of vanilla ice cream into a glass

-Add strawberry soda

-Top with whipped cream and a cherry

-Serve with spoon or straw 19Alyssa Haynes

A SPOTLIGHT PODCAST...

The Shadow

Q: What do you call a group of Jaguars?

A: A SHADOW!

Host Rebeca Flores will pull Jaguars out of the shadows to interview them about their lives and opinions.

Follow BVWSpotlight on Instagram to hear the first show. (Leave guest suggestions in our DMs.) Producer Laney Bossi will reach out.

WINTER

show time...While being introduced before the basketball game on Jan. 27 vs Olathe North, Senior John Michael Pujado high fives his team mates while they hype him up. The boys defeated Olathe North with a final score of 5839.

image by:

c. voor vart

take down...During the boys wrestling meet on Jan. 11 vs Olathe North West, junior Brady Watts pins his opponent to the ground.

IMAGE BY: a. mehra

WRAP UP

BEYOND SURFACE THE

NATIONAL HIJAB DAY IS CELEBRATED ON FEB. 1 ...

he hijab. A head covering, a symbol of faith, an expression of modesty, a devotion to religion. To millions of Muslim women around the world, the hijab means and represents something different. While the concept of the hijab is foreign to those on the outside of it, those on the inside have a strong, brute attachment to it.

As women from different backgrounds, ages, and ethnicities begin to be pulled together by one force, the hijab becomes less than just a piece of fabric, but rather, a symbol of strength. And there was no better time for this connection to be shown, than on World Hijab Day. On Feb. 1, women around the world participated in celebrations for World Hijab Day, spending time with family and friends, posting on social media, and reminiscing on the journey they have been through while wearing a hijab.

The unity that became present on this day through the diaspora only went to show how significant, the seemingly simple, hijab can be. The hijab is worn by millions of Muslim women across the globe for a few central reasons, but it represents a diverse list of values. It is important to note that the wearing of the hijab is a choice for every Muslim woman.

While the Quran, the Islamic Holy book, orders women to cover themselves, it is also stated for compulsory, or forcing wearing the hijab to be forbidden. Meaning that the women who make the conscious decision to wear the hijab every day, develop a strong connection and deeply rooted attachment to it.

Although Muslim women wear the hijab primarily to show devotion to their faith, no matter where they are living in the world.

“To me, wearing the hijab means representing my faith and what it stands for,” senior Khadijah Khaliq said. “It also is a huge part of my life because it brings me closer to Islam,” which she goes on to say is very important to her.

But while women are most commonly seen wearing what the common perception of a hijab is, many are unaware that the hijab is prescribed upon both men and women in the Quran.

To understand this, we first have to understand what the hijab means. The hijab is most directly translated from Arabic to “cover” or “barrier.” This means something different for men and women, but it should be noted that each of the two has their own guidelines in Islam about the modesty that they should partake in.

For many women wearing the hijab, they feel as though it is a blessing , and something that has presented them with many opportunities in life. This is largely because in many parts of the world, the freedom to wear the hijab is restricted. Using France as an example, over the past few decades, numerous attempts have been made by the French senate to get the hijab completely banned, even in public spaces. And while a total ban hasn’t been achieved, the banning of face coverings, and hijabs in universities and private schools, have already been done.

“One of the most annoying stereotypes is that the hijab restricts women’s freedom. It’s more about modesty than restrictions and getting closer to your faith through wearing it.” Khaliq said.

Unfortunately, this common stereotype means that the liberty for many Muslim women to express their religion has been stripped from them.

This has not only led to many different parts of the world to advocate for their “sisters” in Islam, and their right to freedom of religion, but also women appreciating the freedoms they have to wear the hijab, wherever they want.

The experience and idea of wearing a hijab in today’s society is not all negative and restrictive, because while many do not understand the meaning of the hijab, Muslim women embrace this representation of their religion, and take pride in wearing it.

“The best part about being a hijab is meeting complete strangers who are hijabs, and automatically having an understanding with them.” said.Khaliq.

For many Muslim women, the hijab is something they have grown to love and appreciate, and many can’t imagine their lives without it.

“A lot of times in public I’ll see a hijab and we’ll just greet each other because of the mutual understanding that we are a part of one community,” Khaliq said.

The connection that the diaspora of Muslim women are able to share is clearly one of the most unique experiences of wearing a hijab. The hijab. More than a head covering, but a declaration. World Hijab Day honors the millions of Muslim women who make the choice to wear the hijab that means so much to them, even in a world that doesn’t always treat them with respect, or see them for who they really are. Let this story serve as a reminder; when someone is wearing a hijab, they are not only a Muslim woman, but a symbol of bravery, strength, and devotion.

SPOTLIGHT media

CONTACT INFORMATION

Address: 16200 Antioch Rd, Overland Park, KS 66085 Phone: (913) 239-3700

Email: bvwspotlight@gmail.com

POLICY STATEMENT

Spotlight is printed at least six times per school year for BV West students and the community. Its goals are to inform, entertain and interpret through bylined articles, opinions and editorials, while providing an open forum of communication for the diverse student population. 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 controversial subject matter as the staff exercises their First Amendment rights. (Spotlight does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the faculty adviser, the administration of BV West or USD 229.)

OUR COVER

Highlighting an important holiday for some in our community. senior Nargis Suleman is illustrated to represent National Hijab Day. Read her story on pages 19 and 20.

STAFF ALYSSA HAYNES

Editor in Chief

Managing Editor

NARGIS SULEMAN

Writers | Designers

NAVYA BANDARU AUBREE BOWSHER

CAROLINE ERICKSON KELSIE-JANE GANA NICOLE GROSS

MALLORY LOVE ALEXIS REEDER

MEGAN WALTERS

All staffers write and design the print edition. Spotlight media personnel also maintain a website, bvwnews.com and post to social media accounts as @bvwspotlight.

Spotlight Media

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Overland Park, KS 66085

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Winter Sports Post Season Schedule ...

Boys & Girls Basketball

Substate Feb. 27-March 4

Seeding released on Feb. 25

Top Seeds host games

Boys Semi-Finals Feb. 28

Girls Semi-Finals March 1

Boys Finals March 3

Girls Finals March 4

Boys Swim & Dive

State Feb. 16-18

Shawnee Mission Aquatic Center

Diving Prelims Feb. 16

Swim Prelims Feb. 17

Diving Semi-Finals Feb. 17

Swim Finals Feb. 18

Diving Finals Feb. 18

Boys & Girls Wrestling Bowling

State March 8-11 Wichita

Regionals Feb. 21

Olathe Lanes East

Girls 9:15 a.m.

Boys 1 p.m.

State March 3 Wichita

Girls Regional Feb. 11 BV West

Girls State Feb. 22-23 Park City

Boys Regional Feb. 17-18 SM Northwest

Boys State Feb. 24-25 Park City