REOV. ED WA VOLUME 22, ISSUE 1
Education continued during vacation.
Pumpkins and frights.
Unrivaled spirit.
JOMO
FOMO is being replaced by self-care and calm.
Summer Travel Spirit Week
Impact of Supreme Court reversal on Jags.
Fall Sports Fan Standouts Fall Review
Highlights and upcoming contests.
Roe vs Wade 14 Instagram Conspiracies
Social Media guilty pleasures and deep dives.
Photo Gallery
Jag activities and fun.
A guide of what to wear for each day of Homecoming Spirit Week.
R ursday Friday Saturday 1 contents17 18 12 8 6 4 1O
Alyssa02Haynes 9
V o l l e y b a l l G a m e T h e m e : T i e D y e S o c c e r G a m e v s . S h a w n e e M i s s i o n W e s t T h e m e : B l i n g
C r o s s C o u n t r y E K L V o l l e y b a l l G a m e v s O l a t h e N W T h e m e
G r a y O u t S o c c e r G a m e v s B l u e V a l e y N o r t h T h e m e : H e l m e t
G i r l s G o l f R e g i o n a l s S o c c e r G a m e v s B l u e V a l l e y S o u t h w e s t T h e m e : D a d S o c c e r G a m e v s B i s h o p M i e g e T h e m e : B l a c k O u t
O C T O B E R M o n d a y T u e s d a y W e d n e s d a y T h u r s d a y F r i d a y S a t u r d a y S u n d a y 2 9 1 6 3 1 0 1 7 2 4 1 9 1 2 2 6 1 3 2 0 2 8 2 2 2 7 1 5 6 8 2 1 1 4 1 7 2 9 2 3 2 5 1 8 1 41 5 3 0 3 1 H o m e c o m i n g F o o t b a l l G a m e v s . S t J a m e s T h e m e : P i n k o u t F o o t b a l l G a m e v s M i e g e T h e m e : S a f a r i F o o t b a l l G a m e v s . B l u e V a l l e y T h e m e : B l a c k o u t C r o s s C o u n t r y M e e t @ 8 a m B l u e V a l l e y M a r c h i n g S h o w c a s e 5 p m @ S W I D A C H o c o C a r n i v a l V o l e y b a l G a m e v s S t J a m e s T h e m e :
: C l a s s C o l o r s F a l l C h o i r C o n c e r t S o c c e r G a m e v s S h a w n e e M i s s i o n S o u t h T h e m e : R e d O u t M a r c h i n g B a n d F e s t i v a l V o l l e y b a l l v s L a n c i n g T h e m e : B l a c k O u t C r o s s C o u n t r y R e g i o n a l s V o l l e y b a l l S u b S t a t e F a l l P l a y @ P A C F a l l P l a y @ P A C F a l l P l a y @ P A C C r o s s C o u n t r y S t a t e G i r l s T e n n i s E K L G i r l s G o l f E K L G i r l s G o l f S t a t e G i r l s G o l f S t a t e Tear off and save
he summer of 2022 saw the reinstatement of travel., Many students had the opportu nity to travel the world, and explore a variety of different cultures and unique locations. After the pandemic ran rampant for the past three years, many lost opportuni ties to travel and visit family, so it was no surprise that over 83% of Americans traveled both domestically and abroad as COVID-19 cases began to dimin ish.
One student that had a unique trav el experience, is senior Sumaya Ahmed. She traveled with family to Turkey, and spend a few weeks.
“I went on this trip to see my fam ily in Istanbul, and visit the different sites and cultures Turkey has to offer.” Ahmed said.
Visiting family wasn’t the only thing she was able to experience from the trip. When she arrived in Turkey, she and her family planned to utilize a road trip method of traveling.
“We started off in Istanbul then drove down to the other major cities like Ankara, Konya, and Antalya,” said Ahmed.
This method of traveling allowed them to view so many more scenic lands and different cultures present in Turkey.
“Each City has something different to offer” Ahmed said. “Whether it was their different landscapes or traditional food, it was all so incredible.”
Ahmed shared that her favorite part of the entire trip was most definitely the food.
“Turkey has a wide variety of Med iterranean cuisine and has the best sweets,” Ahmed said. “Turkish delights and baklava, both pair well with Turkish apple tea.”
But she acknowledges that the sweeter side of Turkish cuisine may not be for everyone.
A
IN TURKEY...
MAGICAL SUMMER
CAUGHT IN CAPPADOCIA
One of the most beautiful structures present in Turkey are the vast mosques, or places of worship for Muslims. Whether built hundreds of years ago, or as recently as a few decades ago, the engulfing architectures of the mosques were an attraction that brought people of all faiths to the country.
“In the other trips I’ve been to like Thai land, Mexico, and London I was learning about different cultures, but on this trip I was able to discover more about mine,” Ahmed said.
While buildings and architecture were part of what the unique country had to offer, the scenic roads and landscapes were something that you special. While scenic cities such as Babylon, and Ankara were noteworthy, Ahmed says that her all time favorite was Cappadocia.
“... Out of all the places to visit I would defi nitely recommend going to Kapadokya. Cappa docia is a city in the central region known for their caves and hot air balloons. We got to go ATV riding, hiking and visit the different histori cal sites,” said Ahmed.
Cappadocia had all of the features that were available across many of the cities that Ahmed was able to visit, with the whimsical feature of the hot air balloons.
CAPPADOCIA
IM AGES BY: SUMAYA AHMED
While Kansans generally only see hot air balloons a few times a year, they fill the skies above Cappadocia, every day, year round, for 30-45 minutes. The ritual is known across the world, and the city is popular for its scenic festival a few times each year. It is a hot spot for tourists. Ahmed’s trip to Turkey was a one-of-akind experience that she says she will remember forever.
“The culture in Turkey is very vibrant, it’s a mixture of Mediterranean and middle east,” Ahmed said. “The people there are very welcoming and have the best hospitality.”
The variety of cultures, the food, the music, and hospitality was described as incredible. Although unique to people from the midwest, Turkey is a hot spot for vacationing and tourism.
“I liked this trip because it felt famil iar, I was able to learn more about my religion and visit different mosques.” Ahmed said.
Nargis05Suleman NS
ALL
RECIPE PANCAKES PUMPKIN
INGREDIENTS
1 1⁄2 cups milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 large egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
Cooking spray
STEPS
Step 1
Stir together milk, pumpkin, egg, oil, and vinegar in a large bowl until well combined.
Step 2
Whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to pumpkin mixture; whisk just until combined.
Step 3
Spray a griddle or frying pan with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat.
Step 4
Pour 3 to 4 tablespoons of batter for each pancake onto the hot griddle and flatten the batter slightly with a spoon. Cook until small bubbles appear, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook until golden brown, about 2 more minutes. Repeat with remaining batter and enjoy!
In this multiple-story haunted home, visitors journey through the depths of hell. The haunt includes phobias, a five-story “fright from heaven to hell” as well as the longest living snake in the world. You will en counter the Rat Man, vam pires, the devil, the hounds of hell are ready to block your way.
Pumpkin Patch Corn Maze Cider Fest Musicians every weekend Food Vendors every weekend Slides Playground Air Blown Inflatables Donuts Corn Pit Tractor rides FALL FAVORITES Alyssa07 Eilers POPULAR AUTUMN ACTIVITIES IN THE KANSAS CITY AREA... THE LOUISBURG CIDER MILL 14730 K-68 Hwy, Louisburg, KS 66053 (Monday-Saturday) 8am-6pm, (Sunday) 9am-6pm 1300 W 12th st, Kansas City, MO 64101 the edge of hell haunted house (Friday-Saturday) 7:30pm-12am
PHOTO BY: KIARA NISSEN
PHOTO BY: KATIE GILLIAN
PHOTO BY: ADITI MEHRA
PHOTO BY: ADITI MEHRA
FAN STAND Kelsie-Jane08Gana caden fisher STUDENT SECTION anna davenport mason mudge
no more fomo
TEENS ARE FINDING JOY IN MISSING OUT AS WAY TO ACHIEVE CALM...
ost have heard of “FOMO,” the “fear of missing out.” Few have heard of “JOMO.” A typical description of a high schooler’s day out involves crowds, loud cheers, school events and a lot of socializing. This stereotypical mindset of what teens call “hanging out” overshadows the reality of how many others spend their time. JOMO has been described as the more “emotion ally intelligent” way to spend time.
Psychology Today recent ly reported that students can suffer from anxiety or need a sense of call. Some of those kids who would rather steer clear of the crowds and noises to spend time with a relatively smaller group of people (or themselves). Stu dents have differing opinions on whether they derive their joy from joining in on the fun or skipping it.
Senior Annika Klaus is on the prefers to be in a crowd.
“I would prefer to go out and do stuff like going to activities and sports games,” Klaus said. “It’s a way to socialize. It’s more fun when you can enjoy activ ities and with people, with your friends. It’s a way to share common interests.”
Taking part in activities with people is what brings Klaus joy. Senior Ashely Benson prefers hanging out in a quieter setting.
“I prefer spending my time hanging out with my close friends and spending quality time with them,” Benson said.
“Going out to get a late dinner with a few of my close friends, sitting in one of our cars, and gossiping.”
Benson prefers staying away from the loud cheers of the crowd. Missing out on the social izing and spending a peaceful, intimate time is what gives her joy. Those sharing her opinion wonder what exactly does being in a crowd with people they barely know bring to the table? “Hanging out with the same people all the time can get monotonous,” Klaus said. “So if you get some new energy and new people in there sometimes, even just for two hours a week at a game, then it can be fun. It can give you new experiences. At some point you have to get comfortable with being uncom fortable.”
Getting out of the routine and away from the same people can give a new per spective. According to Klaus, hanging out with peers even if you don’t know them can help build connections, and at the end of the day “it’s family, right?”
“As an introvert I believe that the real value is gaining more intimate relationships with others,” said Benson. “I’d rather know indepth about a few people than a little bit about a bunch of people.”
Spending quality time and building close re lationships can give a new secure feeling, ulti mately making people think about what could be gained by simply missing out on social events.
9NAVYA BANDARU
WHAT TO WEAR GUIDE
Whether it be a random color or your favorite color, on Monday be sure to wear the same color from head to toe!
TUESDAY
GENERATIONS
MUSIC GENRES
Dress as your favorite music genre on Wednesday. This can be country, pop, rock inspired, or even one of your favorite artist.
On Tuesday, take a step into the future or past and dress accordingly to your grades generation based on the different themes stated on the right.
PIRIIT eek
MONOCHROME
MONDAY
WEDNESDAY Kelsie-Jane10Gana FRESHMAN-BABIES SENIORS-SENIOR CITIZENS JUNIORS-MOMS AND DADS SOPHOMORES-MIDDLE SCHOOL
EST PLACES TO BUY SPIRIT WEAR AMAZON WALMART PARTY CITY TARGET
PINK OUT!
On Friday make sure to wear PINK!
THURSDAY
MINION DAY
Grab a yellow shirt, a pair of goggles, and dress up as a minion for minion day.
Megan11Walters
FRIDAY
OVER-
HISTORIC DECISION
s one of the most controversial and divisive issues in the country, it is no surprise that the overturning of the his toric Supreme Court decision in Roe v Wade in 1973 was a bombshell for women of all ages last summer.
As the decision was read from the historic steps on June 24, 2022, protesters of varied backgrounds filled the streets of Washington, D.C. Soon women across the country were raising their voices in places like New York, San Francisco, and Kansas City. From anger and disappointment, to relief and joy, the emo tional outpouring from citizens began appearing on social media, news outlets, and family gatherings.
“The overturning was super significant to me, I had been thinking about it for weeks, ‘’ says an anonymous senior. “ I remember being at home alone and texting all of my friends im mediately when the news broke - I think I cried.”
Although emotions remain high, an analysis of what the im pact of the decision will mean to women around the country and in Kansas is warranted. A look back to the societal and political climate of more than 50 years ago is needed to understand what the new ruling means.
In 1970, plantiff, Jane Roe, an alias used to protect her iden tity, filed a case claiming that her inability to obtain an abortion in her home state of Texas was a violation of her right to privacy. At the time, states had varied laws regarding abortion. The Roe decision gave approval for abortions nation-wide; the case was historic because of its national declaration.
The court ruled that “unduly” regulation of aboriton access was inherently unconstitutional, and could be contested in court. This was monumental, as it gave authority to individual wom en to determine whether or not to have an abortion. The court ruling (7-2), was the law for all states across the country, affecting over 160 million women.
“Student perspective on the Roe v Wade ruling” said anony mous. “Stated public opinion about Roe v Wade.”
Other students disagreed.
“I felt relieved, and that this was morally right,” freshma Amanda Hanes said. “Pretty much everyone else in my family thought the same way too.”
Following the court ruling this summer, some believed that the overturning of Roe v Wade was long overdue. Reasons ranged
Navya12Bandaru
TURNED
IMPACTS WOMEN
from political affiliations, to religious and cultural beliefs. Despite differing opinions on Roe being overturned, what was consis tant, was the political activism and protests that arose across the country. From outside the White House, to the Supreme Court, to Mill Creek Park in Kansas City, the public outcry was heard throught the country.
Responses ranged from disbelief and anger, to joy and grate fulness, sometimes at demonstrations within shouting distance of each other. Citizens were able to express their opinions and feelings following the ruling, no matter their stance.
What does the recent ruling mean for reproductive rights today? Who does this court decision affect women, and what will abortions look like moving forward. The decision does not affect all 50 states the same way. In fact, as a result of the landmark case being overturned, states are now the sole deciders in whether their citizens are given access to abortions.
Kansans voted almost two to one in favor of aboriton rights on the Amendment 2 vote of Aug. 2. Aboriton laws in Kansas did not change. The Amendment 2 vote was highly contested with signs galore and a plethora of social media posts urging people to vote one way or the other. Kansas’s rejection of Amendment 2 shocked the country as it has historically voted conservative ly. On the other hand, many other states had trigger laws that immediately restricted abortions to their women citizens. States like Mississippi and Florida now have laws that completely ban the procedure.
Regardless of individual beliefs on reproductive rights and their regulations, it has become increasingly difficult to access abortion. Both elective and medically neessary procedures, are not universally available to women but is now dependent on the states they live in.
As millions across the country are impacted by overturning of the historic case of Roe v Wade, states now have the power to decide what reproductive rights look like for them. Despite po litical, religious, or even cultural beliefs, many across the country will continue to voice their opinions.
“Despite what people’s different opinions may be, I am aware that it was a very difficult time for everyone,’’ said Hanes.
NSNB Nargis13Suleman
Images by:
Image by: M.leece
Image by: L. alam
Image by: A.Mehra
Images by: A.Kushner
FOOTBALL XC UPCOMING 9/30 @ BVNW 10/7 @ BVW 10/14 @ BISHOP MEIGE 10/21 @ BVW UPCOMING 10/01 @ RAYMOREPECULLIAR 10/05 @ SM PARK 10/13 @ BVSW 10/22 @ TBD 10/29 @ RIM ROCK FARN TENNIS UPCOMING 10/1 @ CBAC
J.Peters
Nicole14 Gross
Image by: Kylie CLARK
Image by: Kylie CLARK
Image by: M. WHITE
Image by: C. Erickson
Image by: A.Kushner
Image by: Kylie CLARK
IMAGES COURTESY: GIRLS GOLF
VOLLEYBALL SOCCER UPCOMING 10/4 @ BVN 10/8 @ BVW 10/11 @ BVSW 10/14 @ SMS 10/18 @ BVW UPCOMING 10/4 @ STJ 10/6 @ BVW 10/8 @ DE SOTO 10/11 @ SEAMAN 10/13 @ BVW 10/18 @ BVW GOLFUPCOMING
Caroline15Erickson
Photo Galleries
Yearbook photographers are seen at most every event where Jags are competing, performing, or having fun. Although the year book is more than 400 pages, a small percentage of those pho tos are printed. The remaining can be found in photo galleries on bvwnews.com. Galleries are generally posted within a week of the event.
Football vs. BVSW
9th FB vs. BVN
Performing Arts
Soccer vs. BV
Volleyball 9/20
Soccer vs. STA
Volleyball Tri.
JV FB vs. BVSW
16 Staff
Bubble DayFall Sports Assembly
CONSPIRACY STUDENTS SHARE THEIR FAVORITE CONSPIRACY THEORIES ON INSTAGRAM... SCHOOL Its haunted Megan17Walters There’s a black market for AST passes @inot_lucky1 @navyanjali_03 PRINCESS DIANA’S DEATH The Royal Crown and paparazzi killed her It was planned by Charles No way it was all an accident @quinn_m_b_ @klbostonn @carolinegorr POP CULTURE Lea Michelle can’t read @pearson_5126 Birds aren’t real Chucky Cheese reuses its pizza Moon landing was faked @skylarmritter @muaazcho @meredithcohee
JAG
FALL SPORT ASSEMBLY...Seniors Lake Ryan and Austin Young participated in the JPCO trivia game. The game involved raw eggs. what could go wrong?
IMAGE BY: A.KUSHNER
CHAMBER CHOIR... Chamber choir juniors Kennedy White and Lily Seitz put on a show at the Performing Arts Showcase.
IMAGES BY: L. REEDER
ORCHESTRA... Sophomore Mayank Shretha joins other orchestra members to play a piece from the Disney movie, Encanto, at the Performing Arts Showcase.
IMAGES BY: L. REEDER
JAG GRRRILL... Assistant principal Bryan Brutto plays catch during the Back to School Lawn Party.
IMAGE BY: K. CORNELIUS
RED OUT... Senior Johnny Liang cheers on the football team with his crazy school spirit at the first game of the season against St. Thomas Aquinas on Sept. 2
IMAGE BY: M. MAGEE
JUNGLE JAM... Seniors Nevaeh Knapp and Meredith Kiesling “dance like nobody’s watching” at the Jungle Jam on Aug. 26.
IMAGE BY: R. FLORES
WELCOME NEW JAGS... The freshman and their parents listen attentively at the Welcome to the Jungle assembly on Aug. 16
IMAGE BY: C. VOOR VART
WATER DISPLACEMENT... Sophomore Thaddius Foley was one of the many students who participated in the water displacement activity in physical science class.
IMAGE BY: L. REEDER
Alexis19 Reeder
Photo by Alli Kushner
13 14 1112 10 89 7 6 5 1 2 3 4 Across 3. trick or ______ 4. spins a web 6. dead but living 8. wrapped by wraps 10. made of bones 11. rides a broom 13. It's ______ Season Down 1.drinks blood 2. howls at the moon 5. worn on halloween 7. carved with a knife 9. says BOO 12. given to trick or treaters 14. popular starbucks drink Halloween Crossword Alyssa20Haynes FACE FORWARD Show your school spirit during Spirit Week with a face tattoo. Available in Room 233 before and after school and during AST.
Dance Party Crown King Queen Minion Generations Family Pride AOctober ssembly Hoco PFall ictures Court Spirit Homecoming Word Search Q Q W N G F T N A G A D V R N S X Z H O C O H E I A S S E M B L Y F S E E V I Z Z M N O E H P F P A R T Y Q O V P M I B I E C D W R A A M P O U Z O N I P R S N R T A G I M V A G E C K Q M C U C P I A O C T D I H B E W I V W O T O J I O T B D M E L Z N R N V I A F U O T R N I E A M O Y L U G X U O O R R R B I B O R N R I E M C R O W N T F E I F T F N Y C J O Q Y J X F A L L D S K B O L S B E R P A L U N K O S K I G Q H A F E N W Alyssa21Haynes Bring your completed search to Room 233 for a prize!
CAPTION THIS...
Tear off and bring to Room 233. Winner and prize will announced on @bvwspotlight.
CAPTION THIS...
Tear off and bring to Room 233. Winner and prize will announced on @bvwspotlight.
Photo by Aditi Mehra
Photo by Lexi Reeder
22 Staff
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 stu dent population. Spotlight aims to be fair, accurate and impartial. The content of the print publication, online news site and social media accounts is deter mined by its student editors as determined by the Kansas Scholastic Press Act and may contain con troversial subject matter as the staff exercises their First Amendment rights. (Spotlight does not neces sarily reflect the opinions of the faculty adviser, the administration of BV West or USD 229.)
OUR COVER
The cover depicts an image of people pro testing the overturn ing of the Roe v Wade decision. Protests and assemblies are a significant way people can able to express their opinions. Soph omore Katie Gillian was with her mother in Washington, D.C. when the decision was announced. The duo attended the demon stration on the Su preme Court steps and snapped the photo.
STAFF
Editors in Chief
ALYSSA HAYNES
NARGIS SULEMAN
Writers | Designers
NAVYA BANDARU
ALYSSA EILERS
CAROLINE ERICKSON
KELSIE-JANE GANA
NICOLE GROSS
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.
23 Staff
Spotlight Media
Blue Valley West High School 16200 Antioch Road Overland Park, KS 66085
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Postage
Media Days-Fall Sports
Photos by Grace Keller, Alli Kushner, Morgan Magee, Aditi Mehra & Carlyn Voor Vart
