Oct Spotlight 2015

SPOTLIGHT Oct. 28, 2015

Blue Valley West High School, 16200 Antioch Rd., Overland Park, Kansas, Vol. 15, Issue 2

Courage and Fear pg.2 Phobias Pg. 8 #thinkb4upink Pg. 10 Romeo & Juliet Pg. 13 close calls Pg. 16 Military futures Pg. 22 Anxiety Pg. 24 Scary Pics Pg. 26 Scary friends Pg. 27 Comics Pg. 31 Make a Monster

spotlight

2 Contents

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8

contents

Student attendance at fall sports competitions is tremendous; find out why in the Fall Sports Highlights.

Fans attempt to “whip” at Dig Pink on Oct. 15.

# think before you pink

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P A G E

Photo by Sabrina Cline

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Photo by Ashley Oades

Discussion of courage at BV West usually includes alum Justin Sisson’s ultimate sacrifice

Juniors Jeremy Kline and Emily Sulentic learn to fence for their roles in the theater department’s Romeo and Juliet Photo by Marin Hodges

‘

Jaguars Random Fears

Hanan Younes

Junior

C L o w n s

Emma Moriarty Sophomore

s t i c k e r s

Kristina Cripe Sophomore

v a c u u m s

PA G E

Photo by Emily Haas

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Contents 3

Drawing by Mara Hennessy

Spotlight staff talents go beyond writing, photography and design; three cartoonist help communicate ideas and opinions beyond what words can convey

BV Southwest teacher and practicing doctor, Chris Jenson, expanded the charity basketball tournament, Hoops for Hope, to include BV West this year

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P A G E

Managing editor, Leah Zimmerli, takes a cue from The Onion and tries her hand at satire in the form of friendship advice

Overland Park

Our town is one of 138 places worldwide accepting Syrian refugees; read more about the world on

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Lauren Hart

Senior

n e e d l e s

F e e t

F I S H Dana Najib Junioir

Akshat Gupta Sophomore

5

4 Editor’s Note

Editor’s Note AUTUMN IS MORE THAN CANDY, costumes, and rust-colored leaves. Thus when it came time decide the theme for our October issue, our staff tried to avoid the stereotypical “Halloween” theme. Instead of ghouls and goblins, we wanted to focus on rational anxieties: enlisting in the army, fighting cancer, near death experiences, and anxiety, to name a few. Our community is replete with people facing unique challenges, and we wanted to honor their bravery with an edition that tackles the issues with which they struggle.

A friend once told me that life only moves forward if we do things that are scary. Rather than let these fears stay hidden, we want to bring them to light.

Autumn is the transition from light to dark; it is the convergence of opposites. This season and its iconic holiday center around the balance of bravery and dread, the dichotomy between courage and fear. What attracted us to this theme is the inability to discern whether it was fear or courage that motivated someone to act.

For our design, we wanted our color palette to be more than just orange and black; we wanted to contrast light and dark. Just as bravery balances dread, lightness balances the dark. The blurry boundaries between courage and fear is evident in the overlapping and sometimes indistinguishable words on our cover.

Until next issue, Carly McDonald, Editor-in-Chief

Spotlight Staff Carly McDonald Editor in Chief

Grace Lamar Leah Zimmerli

Managing Editors

Rebecca Abraham Ryan Barrett John Byrket Beth Gasser Shaye Herman Editorial Board

Jaden Dudrey Melissa Franano Mara Hennessy Stephen Kinder Madeleine C. Lewis Chloe Maher Alexis Melson Dana Nasr Ethan Paine Mikaela Schmitt Alexa Turiello Contributors

Spotlight is printed six times a year for the BV West students and community. Its goals are to inform, entertain and interpret through editorials and bylined articles while providing an open forum of communication for the diverse student population and faculty members.

Spotlight aims to be fair, accurate and impartial. The content of the publication is determined by its student editors as determined by the Kansas Scholastic Press Act and may contain controversial subject matter as the staff exercises their First Amendment Rights.

Spotlight does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the faculty adviser, the administration of Blue Valley West or USD 229.

Beyond the Bubble 5

I II

I. Moscow, Russia Bashar al-

Assad visited Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Oct. 21. This meeting is a demonstration of the alliance between Syria and Russia. During the meeting, the leaders also discussed political solutions to the conflict, with the goal of keeping Assad in power. Russia is increasing its support of the Assad’s Alawite-led government and is offering Assad military assistance to fight islamic militants.

II. Turkey Turkey was notably absent

Bey nd the Bubble Carly McDonald Editor in Chief

A continuing series of world events

from an emergency summit called on Oct. 25 between ten European Union (EU) and three non-EU countries. The summit was called to discuss the migrant crisis in the Balkans, which grows more concerning as winter approaches. The goal of the summit is to prevent countries from waving on migrants without approval from its neighbors; the eventual goal of many migrants is Germany, which expects to give approximately 800,000 migrants asylum.

III. Overland Park, Kan.

Only 130 towns and cities across America currently accepting relocated Syrian refugees, making it even more remarkable that Overland Park Kansas, home to many BV West jaguars, is one of the few landing spots for Syrian refugees who come to America.

IV. PAlo Alto, calif. Tesla’s

stock took a nosedive when Consumer Reports downgraded the reliability rating of the car. It is important to note that many complaints have been about small noises that are ‘irritating’ because they aren’t normally heard in a gasoline car. Also, despite the important change in rating, 97 percent of owners say they would definitely buy the same car again.

IV

III

6 Profile

Rebecca Abraham Editorial Board

Stephen Kinder Contributor

Humans of BVW

An in-depth look at a student's life

William Livingston

T

HE TAUNTING FROM THE KIDS on the bus was getting to William. He saw glimpses of the nasty texts sent from his “friends” and he just couldn’t take it anymore. All of the sudden, he saw himself pinning the kid who instigated the fiasco against the wall.

Shock and disappointment was mirrored on the teacher’s face as both classes were evacuated, and he realized what he had just done.

“You have anger problems. Why are you so stubborn? Stop being so apathetic!”

These are words William has heard all of his life from his teacher, foster parents, and peers.

Junior William Livingston has been through 24 different foster houses in 9 years. As an infant, his father was an alcoholic who was sent to prison because of a hit and run incident, to this day he still remains incarcerated. His mother was dealing with a smoking addiction at the time of his birth. He was sent to live with his aunt and uncle until they were charged with abusing him.

“I was at a different foster home every few months. For the most part, my foster parents never really cared for me, but I was with this one foster family where my foster dad would take me fishing on

the weekends. He was the only one who was truly nice to me.” Livingston says, “When I was nine years old, I met my now adoptive parents who were a same sex couple, David Livingston and Sam Kinnamon.”

“Everybody knows I’m a country boy.” said Livingston. “One of the reasons why I consider myself a country boy is because my biological father is full blooded Wichita Indian, and perhaps even the last one in existence at that.”

“From the pictures I have of him to the same picture he always sends in birthday cards, he is always decked out in his cowboy hat, Indian leather attire, jeans and cowboy boots.”

“I think my country loving personality also has to do with my adopted family being from Texas. I have always liked the idea of southern ways and the old fashioned ideas my family has instilled within me.”

Although his adoptive family has always been very old fashioned, they are very accepting to progressive ideologies and had no trouble accepting his parents when they came out as gay in high school.

However, people outside the family haven’t been as accepting. Throughout school, kids would always harassing William because his parents were gay.

“One time in 5th grade, a kid who I

thought was my friend, sent me texts that were very explicit and rude toward my parents.”, said Livingston. “When I saw them, I lost it.”

Having to deal with coming from an unstable background along with the ostracization from classmates over his parent’s sexuality, Livingston became very frustrated.

“I was a very angry kid.” said Livingston. “I got into a lot of fist fights, which was very concerning to the school counselors and my parents, I almost got expelled for that.”

Even when Livingston’s parents conference with his teachers, he always feels as if something is off.

“Teachers are afraid, that if they say one wrong thing, my parents are going to claim that it is discrimination against them.” said Livingston. “They try to overcompensate because they are different. And I can tell it bothers my parents.”

Student Profile 7

Today, William is less defensive about his parents’ sexuality.

“Today, I believe that we need to have an open mind and stop obsessing over how other people live their lives.

It’s not your life, no one has the power to judge someone else for things they can’t control.” said Livingston. He also believes that there is a double standard for people who do not meet the societal norms for sexuality. “It is very sad that society loves to fetishize the LGBT community, yet condemn them at the same time.”

After high school, William plans to go into the Marine Corps. William’s interest in gunsmithing has led to career opportunities he would like to pursue in the future.

“Next year I will be pre enlisting in the Marine Corps. My goal is to eventually become an armorer which secures and maintains weapons as well as running gun inspections.”

Junior William Livingston, an excellent example of courage at BV West.

8 #thinkbeforeyoupink

occurs when copious amounts said.

Advertising for a cause of money is involved. For is not showing support for starters, it is estimated that awareness. The American the nonprofit sector receives around three billion dollars for Cancer Society (ACS) is the largest and most reputable breast cancer every year. cancer charity in the US. ACS Gifted teacher Donna partnered with the Personal Rebecca Abraham Ahnemann has battled with Editorial Board breast cancer twice in her life. Care Products Council, to She has returned the support fund the program “Look Good, her community gave her in her Feel Better”. The fact that ACS has partnered with the time of need by sponsoring N 2015 THERE ARE 2.8 leading group in cosmetics million women who have a events such as Relay for Life to offer women dealing with and support groups she is history with breast cancer, the cancer diagnosis products brings She with. undergone involved have whether they that contain parabens, Teflon, up the fact that awareness treatment or are currently and formaldehyde releasers is undergoing treatment. People has had an important role in raising the cause to the heights grossly ironic. These chemicals have recognized the need have been proven to increase it has reached today. to do something to help the risk for cancer and even people ago, years on “Thirty jumped and many have interfere with breast cancer wouldn’t say breast cancer the pink bandwagon. This number does not include the out loud. If you had a teacher treatment as it imitates the that had been diagnosed with hormone estrogen. millions of lives affected by Thirty years and billions of this degenerative disease every cancer, they wouldn’t say later, what are these dollars cancer.” breast was it that year. efforts going towards? Are Ahnemann said, “I think Once the first day of Oct. we prolonging the days when all of the publicity has been rolls around, shelves are women will have to hear excellent for people.” overwhelmingly stocked terrifying diagnosis, or actively Indeed consumers switch with the pink ribbon that has doing something about breast support a that for brands to awareness turned raising improving women’s health in disease into a commodification cancer research based on America? We can keep sending studies done by Cone Cause for capitalism. This type of in all of our Yoplait lids to aid advertising and endorsement Evolution. their already capped donations Ahnemann believes that has come to be known as or down “Buckets for the Cure” to distinction a is people there Many ”pinkwashing”. of Kentucky Fried Chicken, but be made between simply feel that these products have squeezed their way into every sporting pink and being a true the problem is not going away.

Breast cancer is not pretty facet of the marketing industry supporter. and pink and conquerable “I think it’s sometimes and misrepresent the facts for all women who face the they if think people taken that has sad that about a disease diagnosis. It is easy to focus wear pink on Friday one day the lives of millions. on the palatable side of the in October, then they are a From Adidas to Dyson vacuums, hundreds of major supporter of the cause. I think advertising, but it fails to address tough realities of as education continues to brands have taken it upon breast cancer. The pink ribbon actual better see will we awareness grow, “raise to themselves research come from all of the overshadows the disease and and educate” Americans. hype over October,”Ahnemann instead directs attention to The error of such ideology

Think Before You Pink

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10 Romeo & Juliet Melissa Franano Contributor

T

FOR NEVER WAS A

HIS YEAR THE FALL PLAY is Romeo and Juliet, a real classic. It takes place on the days of Friday, Nov. 13 and Saturday, Nov. 14. So, save the dates because this is one show you will not want to miss.

Hours of work are put into the play every single day from the cast to the crew. The best way to support BV West theater is to go see them perform.

Junior Haley Bates who portrays Lady Capulet gave an inside look at the type of work and dedication it takes to be in the show.

The beginning of the production starts with auditions, callbacks, and then the show is cast. After the roles have been announced rehearsal happens every day from 3:30 to 5:30 until the week of the show. The Saturday before opening night is called Marathon Saturday which is a single rehearsal from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

“We get to set up all the sound and lighting to make sure it is perfect and practicing with it really helps pull the show together,” Bates said.

Shakespeare can be exceedingly difficult to read, let alone perform.

First the actors analyze the script for meaning.

Then the actors read their lines aloud in iambic pentameter while staying in character.

“I would say that figuring out the meaning of the language was difficult at first, but it got easier over time. The main challenge is to convey Shakespeare’s meaning to modern audiences through old English,” junior Zane Champie said.

“The choices that we make with our characters and the way we say our lines have to make sense to the audiences even if they do not understand the direct meaning of what we are saying.”

Senior Mason Shafer and sophomore Michael Zipse practice sword fighting.

Photo by Courtney Scarborough

Juniors Emily Sulentic and Jeremy Kline rehearse their fight scene.

Photo by Emily Haas

Romeo & Juliet 11

STORY OF MORE WOE The theater department is an important part of the BV West community that needs more attention.

“I guess when you put on a show you’re with these people everyday after school so you kind of have to like them,” sophomore Sierra Stahly said. “But we all get super close to a point where we can all joke around and just laugh.”

Theater takes time and dedication that those who are truly serious about the craft obtain. It also provides an insight into situations that one would not normally be in.

“It is a classic. We feature some really cool things like sword fighting which is really awesome,” Bates said. “We’ve worked super hard and it would be great to have people come see all of our hard work.”

The theater department’s hard work will be on display Friday Nov 13 and Saturday Nov 14 at 7 p.m.

“People should come see the show to see one of the most famous stories every told coupled with stage fighting and awesome talent,” Champie said.

Senior Erin Zipse and sophomore Cavan Hendricks sword fight.

Photo by Divya Jain

Junior Emily Sulentic and junior Arden Brewer practice stage fighting.

Photo by Marin Hodges

cast list Romeo - Zane Champie Juliet - Sierra Stahly Nurse - Carly McDonald Friar Laurence - Colin Hendricks Tybalt - Jeremy Kline Mercutio - Alex Leondedis Benvolio - Emily Sulentic Lady Capulet - Haley Bates Lord Capulet - Clayton Henriksen Lady Montague - Caroline Seitz Lord Montague - Tommy Klaus Chorus - Rebecca Bachmuth

12 Ads

NEAR DEATH EXPIERENCES

Dana Nasr Contributor

Facing Fear 13

G

OING THROUGH A NEAR DEATH experience (NDE) is a profound psychological event that may occur to a person close to death or, if not near death, in a situation of physical or emotional crisis, according to NDE Research Foundation. There are about 800 occurrences of near death experiences; yet, students start leading a routine life consisting of tests, homework, and their home lives thinking that these types of situations would never happen to them. NDEs can often cause people to review their life, concluding if they are happy with their actions and the person they have become.

“W

S

Sophie's Story

Photo courtesy of Sophie Porembski

Dalton's Story

HEN THE CRASH OPHOMORE SOPHIE HAPPENED I was scared, POREMBSKI WENT through I didn’t know what to do.” her experience fairly recently Sophomore Dalton McCullum said. and claims it is a miracle she lived.

This occurred In August 2010 when While on a weekend trip with her he and his mother were driving in neighbors, Porembski and her severe weather conditions eventually friends were riding ATVs (all terrain causing them to crash their car. vehicles) at an extreme speed. She The back wheels of the car spun out saw the earth dip down into a ravine. causing them to hydroplane across Instead of moving forward she Sophmore Sophie Porembski’s the intersection. They landed in a attempted going around the ravine phsyical effects after getting in an ditch near an electrical box and fence but instead ended up crashing.

ATV crash.”I saw a dtich and that‘s where a tree stopped their car.

“I saw a ditch and that’s the last the last thing I remember.”

“That is when I bashed my head thing I remember until I woke up on the accident, she needed help getting open.” McCullum said. the ground.” Porembski said.

McCullum was rushed to the When her friends and family got up and lying down.

“I feel like this experience gave me hospital with an open head wound to her, her helmet was cracked in needing 20 stitches. He was in such a three places (breaking her fall) and a new appreciation for my everyday routine.” Porembski said. state of shock that he did not realize she was unable to move her neck.

Yet, Porembski is able to see the the wound in the first place.

This is a very life threatening state, “It wasn’t until my mom told me particularly for Porembski who was bright side of the situation.

“It made me slow down my life to put pressure on my head that I born with craniosynostosis and because I was working six days a realized I was bleeding.”, McCullum hydrocephalus. week, lifting weights three days said.

“When I was born my platelets a week, and going out running Although the injuries were minor, were fused together causing me often but after the accident I did there was a significant amount of to develop craniosynostosis but not do anything and was able to psychological impact. After the when the platelets broke (from relax.”,Porembski said. accident McCullum saw himself brain growth) they nicked the After the accident Sophie found become more cautious while driving, derma causing all my spinal fluid to out that she was supposed to stay always putting his seatbelt on, leak into my head. A shunt was put in and becoming “paranoid” when to leak all the fluid from my head to on a strict trail while riding the his friends would drive recklessly. my stomach to empty it.” Porembski ATVs. Unfortunately she learned that the hard way. Psychologically, Talking about the accident only said. bothered him up until a week after She claims if she was not wearing Porembski was afraid of getting back on the ATV after the accident, but the accident but now he is the helmet she would be left with she was determined to get over her completely comfortable with it. brain damage. Porembksi was not “I would gladly talk about it, paralyzed and was able to leave the fear because she did not want this it’s not something I want to hide,” hospital. Up until about a week after accident to take anything away from her.

McCullum said.

14 Facing Fear

a teacher’s near death experience Psychology teacher Kevin Bandy nearly drowned

“I

USED TO GO ON “mancation” trips before the boys were born, which were the best. We started going out to Colorado, to go camping and one of my friends was a big whitewater kayaker and taught me how to do it. So the first year we went out, I was horrible. I was in the water most of the time, but it was so much fun.

So the last day we went, we went on a Level Four rapid which is “serious”. It is called Edward’s Mile and it’s big, big water. I just remember, I’d be on top and he would be on bottom and I’d come down.

I literally felt one time my eyelids peeled back, seriously, and I went back from the kayak because the force of the water hit me, but we go through and it was intense, you know? For the first half a mile leading up to it, there was four of us and we were

talking and having fun.

Then it was quiet, we were just trying to get in the moment so that we didn’t die.

So that was the first year. I was so into it, I had so much fun, so I went out and bought a kayak. Long story short, I did not spend enough time in the kayak and this kayak was less stable. You can do some more things with it, and the whole idea about kayaking is, when you get under water, you kind of roll to get back up. I was working on the roll a little bit during the summer. I didn’t spend hardly any time on it because the freaking kids were born, so they were like one, one or two-ish at the time.

Long story short, we go, put everything in the truck, all the kayaks and get out there. We were so excited to go kayaking.There were three of us that year, another “mancation”, and we’re going out to the “Numbers”, which is on the Arkansas River.

We tied the kayak in and my seat moved forward, we usually bungeed everything down, [but we] did not know

that at the time. So we got in there, we were so excited to go that we did not fully scout how fast the water was flowing. The river is all about water flow and all that stuff.

We thought this would be a good river to start on...well, it wasn’t. It was a Class III, fast moving water, and I’m like a Class II. I get in, I’m excited to try out my new boat. I sit down in my boat and I remember saying “did my ass grow on the way up?” because I couldn’t get in my boat. So I had to dunk myself in the water, which is freaking cold, get in the boat, and kind of just shimmy down into it. It was really super tight. We get going down the river and I go way ahead of the guys and I hit a patch of pretty scary rapids, and I flip, and it was really quick. Usually, when you feel like you’re going to go you take a big breath.Well, I was like [quick inhale]. So I’m underwater and I go to roll and I hit my freaking head on a huge rock and I lost my paddle. So I’m underwater, my paddle’s gone and when you’re paddles gone you’re screwed because you can not roll back up.

Life Lesson 15 I am usually a pretty calm individual during stressful times, so I am underwater with half of a lung of air. My paddle’s gone, so now I gotta get out of my boat. So kayaks have got the neoprene, and you can not get out of the neoprene. There’s a little handle you pull that releases the neoprene, and then you get out of your boat. Well, I missed it the first time to grab it, so the level of anxiety raises. I miss that and then I get it. But now I revert back to my ass being so big I can not get out of my boat.

That’s where I freaking lost it. I was like “I’m going to die” So I’m like underwater and I’m like taking in water, which is not good, at all, because I’m not a fish. And

I’m thinking to myself, it was weird, so the boys were like 1 or 2 but I had flashes of them growing old it was crazy. Finally I started just like thrashing. I got a little bit of air, more water than anything. I don’t really know how I got out of it, all I know is I wished the boat would end up in Mexico. I remember laying on the bank of the river just throwing up water, just hugging ground. My asshole friends got my paddle, got my kayak, and they go “here’s your boat.” I layed there for about two hours. I said “just go”. I walked my boat out about a mile in the woods. I hitchhiked back to the camp and I got so drunk that night.

So I sold the boat. Things don’t really scare me much,

I’ve been near death on my motorcycle with cars about ready to hit me or whatever, but that freaked me out.

You start thinking about it, and my buddy said at the campsite that night “Dude the water was so cold you would’ve been brain dead and the water would’ve kept you alive and we would’ve resuscitated you”. It was like, no. It was, uh, “fun” while it lasted. No more kayak. It was weird how fast neural impulses and thoughts could get into your head because I remember my boys growing up. It was just really bizarre, really bizarre.”

Has he told his boys this story?

“No, someday I will.

Someday.”

River Rapid Classifications: Class I

Easy. Smooth water; light riffles; clear passages, occasional sand banks and gentle curves.

Class II

Moderate. Medium-quick water; rapids with regular waves; clear and open passages between rocks and ledges. Best handled by intermediates who can maneuver canoes and read water.

Class III

Moderately difficult. Numerous high and irregular waves; rocks and eddies with passages clear but narrow .

Visual inspection required if rapids are unknown. These rapids are best left to canoeists with expert skills.

Class IV

Difficult. Long and powerful rapids and standing waves. Powerful and precise maneuvering required. Visual inspection mandatory.

Advance preparations for possible rescue work important.

Class V

Extremely difficult. Long and violent rapids that follow each other almost without interruption. River filled with obstructions.

Big drops and violent currents. Extremely steep gradient. Rescue preparations mandatory. Can be run only by top experts.

16 Courage & Commitment

country, courage & commitment

q&a Beth Gasser Editorial Board

Discussing enlistment into the Army 180,000 PEOPLE ENLIST IN the Military each year. There are many benefits to joining the military it provides a yearly salary, discounted health care and dental care, vacation time, and even an opportunity for citizenship. The military continues to provide benefits even after retirement.

Senior Hayden Shaw and senior Valerie Fabregat-Uhlman discuss their own enlistment.

Q: What area of the military do you want to enlist in?

HAYDEN: “I would like to join the army specifically and specialize in armor and be a tank member” VALERIE: “I am enlisted as a 91B; a wheeled vehicle mechanic. We operate and repair Humvees and other military vehicles.”

Q: What does that position consist of?

HAYDEN:“That would be driving the tank, loading it, shooting it, and then eventually commanding it once you’ve had enough experience and time on the job. “ VALERIE: “We operate and repair Humvees and other military vehicles.”

Q: Why did you decide to enlist?

Q: What has been the biggest challenge to overcome?

HAYDEN: “I’ve always wanted to be a soldier as long as I’ve known, so it kind of came down to picking a job and a branch this year, and I figured that is where I’d fit in the best.”

HAYDEN: “Well at first it was my weight and physical condition. At the end of last summer, I didn’t meet the standards to join but I’ve since gotten thinner and in better shape. So I now meet the requirements to sign the papers and ship out to boot camp.”

VALERIE: “I’ve always wanted to enlist. My mother was an Army reservist as well. I was raised to be brave and be strong for others, and the Army has taken that to the next step for me and opened up a lot of doors.”

VALERIE: “Basic training was my hardest because it challenged me to motivate myself when they broke you down to nothing. I became a lot stronger out of it.”

Q: Does anyone inspire you?

Courage & Commitment 17

Senior Valerie Fabregat- Uhlman plans to enlist into the Army as a wheeled vehicle mechanic.

HAYDEN: “I have a lot of family that has been in the army and that kind of helped with my decision towards that branch, but joining the military in general was nothing really in particular, really, just kind of born that way.”

VALERIE: “She’s a tough woman who can overcome any hardship. My mother and all of the women on her side of the family make me proud to be a Fabregat.”

Q: How does fear and courage relate to the military?

HAYDEN: “There’s definitely a big unknown factor like you don’t really know for certain what’s going to happen and it’s a nervous process going to go talk to recruiters for the first time because you see the commercials in movies and everyone’s all intimidating and yelling at you, and people die and stuff and that part is kind of scary but in the end that if it’s really what you want to do then you kind of get that feeling when you walk in there and you know that it’s what you are meant to do. That’s the feeling I got when I walked into the recruiting station for the first time.”

VALERIE: “Enlisting is only scary if you don’t know what you’re getting into. It’s impossible for any new recruit to really know what’s ahead; you learn that no one is going to help you, and you have to pay close attention to everything or else your path could change routes very dramatically very quickly. If you get through basic training, you’re either courageous or you’re really smart because the drill sergeants will lie to you and put fear into you.”

Photo by Ryan Barrett

ROTC

The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is available at 1,100 colleges and universities. Through the program people can attend college and also train to become an officer. More than 20,000 cadets are currently enrolled in the ROTC program. According the the Go Army website, “Army ROTC provides Cadets with the character-building aspects of a diverse, self-disciplined civilian education with tough, centralized leadership development training.”

Senior Hayden Shaw plans to join ROTC at whichever college he attends to help with expenses.

Photo by Ryan Barrett

18 Fallen Hero

nOverland e v Park e rcommemorates f o r gan ealumn t

L

Lexi Melson Contributor

killed in action

AST SUMMER PART OF U.S. Route 69 gained a new name, the Second Lieutenant Justin L. Sisson Memorial Highway, the memorial highway runs between 135 and 167 street. The sign was unveiled on July 16, what would have been Sisson’s 26th birthday. Many Overland Park citizens see the sign everyday on the journey to and from work or school. The sign honors Sisson and the brave sacrifice he gave to his country.

“The memorial highway makes it possible for thousands more to know his name and to know that he gave his life for his country,” math teacher Cheryl Kerns said.

Sisson graduated from BV West in 2007 and attended Florida State University on a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship where he graduated and after attending college he joined the 101st airborne. While serving in Afghanistan he suffered injuries that later took his life.

BV West alumni Justin Sisson died in the line of duty in June of 2013.

Photo courtesy of Phyllis Sisson

Photo by Ryan Barrett

2nd Lieutenant Justin Sisson memorial highway.

BV West also has an annual Veteran’s Day assembly. Last years assembly was amazingly touching to many BV West students as Justin Sissons parents brought in home videos of him and talked about what it was like growing up with Justin. Along with the video our school dedicated a statue to Justin that sits out front by the flag poles. This assembly means a lot to the students who have had family and friends enlist and to staff members who have enlisted or had friends and family enlist.

“It’s just really cool to have everyone in school come together and recognize our country no matter where everyone comes from individually,” senior Ally McGill said.

Last years assembly invited family and friends of students and staff to attend the assembly and allowed the students the time to be with their family at such an important event. It is a time that brings many of our veterans and their family together. Senior Julie Reinhardt got to experience this event firsthand.

“It made me feel really proud to be apart of my family,” Reinhardt said. “It made me love my opa [grandpa] even more.”

The veterans assembly means a lot to all of the students who have a veteran in their family and even means a lot to students who have not had a family member enlist. During last years assembly BV West had a dedication time for the parents of Justin and the others who attended the ceremony of the statue

1 2 3 Department of Defense

U.S. Armed Forces Commander in Chief: President of the United States

Department of Homeland Security

Catagories of Military People

Grace Lamar Managing Editor

Fallen Hero19 given to Sisson in his memory. The statue and memorial sign have been just two of the lovely items dedicated to Sisson and the ultimate sacrifice he gave to his country.

“It is a fitting memorial for the soldier he was and it is in a fitting location for the Jaguar family. It faces the American flag as he would have done,” Kerns said.

Active Duty Reserve & Guard Forces Veterans & Retirees

Coast Guard

Air Force

Army

Marines

Navy

Domestic Waterways

Air & Space

Land

Rapid-Reaction Force

Sea

26 25 29 27 28 Ranks Ranks Ranks Ranks Ranks Top Five Ranks

Top Five Ranks

Top Five Ranks

Top Five Ranks

Top Five Ranks

commandant of the Coast Guard vice admiral rear admiral captain commander

General of the Air Force General Air Force Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Major General Brigadier General

General of the Army General Lieutenant General Major General Brigadier General

General Lieutenant General Major General Brigadier General Colonel

Fleet Admiral Admiral Chief of Naval Operations Vice Admiral Rear Admiral Captain

The Army National Guard is the only branch of the military whose existence is actually required by the Constitution.

The Air Force formally began operations following the conclusion of World War II.

Thirty of the 43 Presidents have served in the Army.

Marines are known as some of the world’s fiercest warriors; they are trained to fight by sea and land.

The rank “Fleet Admiral” is reserved for wartime; only four men have been awarded this rank.

20 Artist Profile

DRAWING attention

Alexa Turiello Contributor

As senior artists finish their portfolios, one student’s work emerges with a unique style.

Q: When did you find yourself interested in art?

A: “My older cousin Megan used to sit with me at the kitchen table when I was about 3 and she’d draw a picture and she’d let me color it.”

Q: What would you say is your favorite kind of art?

A: “I don’t have a favorite kind of art. I like art because of the way a piece can make me feel. I like trying to figure out the message or what emotion the artist is trying to convey.”

Q: What do you plan to do with your art in the future?

A: “In the future I plan to just find ways to get myself out

there. Hopefully in competitions, a website I’m working on, and through college.”

Q: How many competitions have you been involved in?

A: “I think I’ve had pieces in West Works

every year...I have about 5 pieces that have been awarded.”

Q: Do your career goals involve art in any way?

A: “I’m looking into art education for a career but there’s lots of

Artist Profile 21 Senior Lauren Hart

options in the art field so we’ll see where things take me.”

Q: What has art done to help you in any way?

A: “Art was an outlet for me to express how I felt when I

couldn’t express it any other way. I think art is just a concept in your head...a reflection of what’s in your heart and soul.”

Q: How would you describe your art and style?

A: “I have lots of different styles of art. I’m not

sure I have one specific label. Most of my favorite work is done in ink pen. I have a lot of very deep, emotional pieces. But no specific style that stands out to me.”

Q: When did you start getting involved in art competitions and showcases?

A: “When I was a freshman Mrs. Waldorf started putting some of my pieces in West Works.”

Photos courtesy of Lauren Hart

22 Anxiety

Un d e r s ta n ding anxiety

Student’s daily struggles with anxiety Mikaela Schmitt Contributor

H

&

John Byrket Editorial Board

EART RACING, UPSET STOMACH AND a sudden headache, a student may have forgotten to study for a test. Or their Illustration by Jaden Dudry symptoms could mean something worse. They “I used to get sick when I got nervous. I could have an anxiety disorder. would feel nauseous and it was getting in the Anxiety is a necessary function for safety, way of everyday activities, hanging out with however many experience it constantly, my friends and school,” Taylor Jones* said. which is not healthy for a student’s body and According to the National Institute of mental state. When the brain becomes wired Mental Health, eight percent of teenagers to be watching for potential threats, it often are diagnosed with a anxiety disorder. There perceives little things as a threat or imagines are approximately 1500 students at BV West, threats. In Merriam-Webster Dictionary, which means approximately 120 kids are anxiety is defined as an overwhelming sense diagnosed with anxiety, however many more of apprehension and fear often marked by struggle with it every day. Therefore they physiological signs, by doubt concerning the do not receive treatment, and continue to reality of the threat, and by self-doubt about struggle with it on a daily basis. one’s capacity to cope with it.

“It is serious for the kids who have to deal Students experiencing this are less likely to with it,” Bandy said. be social and are more likely to perform poorly Treatment is the most effective option in school. Anxiety disorders are a serious and to cope with anxiety, however meditation, increasingly common problem for high school exercise and reducing stress have been students. effective in helping high school students cope “I have seen the numbers grow over the with this disorder. Every person is affected recent years,” psychology teacher Kevin Bandy differently by anxiety, and therefore find said. different ways to cope.

Childhood anxiety has many causes, “I have other friends that have anxiety, however a very prominent cause in high and they understand what I’m going through, school students is stress. Stress often develops so I’m able to talk with them and get advice because of the pressure of balancing school, about how to handle things,” Jones said. activities and social events. Constant “There are people who understand what you stress often develops into anxiety, which is are going through, so you have people you characterized by fear and dread. Students can talk to and they can help you understand often become so stressed that they become what’s happening and help it get better in your constantly anxious of the stress that is head.” occurring. *At the request of the student, names were changed for privacy.

fear: it’s all in your head

{

The sensory cortex interprets sensory data; anything you can see, hear, smell, taste, or feel.

{

The hippothalamus activates the instinctual “fight or flight” response to frightening stimuli.

{

The hippocampus stores memory and determines the body’s response to known stimuli by deciding the stimulus’s “spooky level”.

Shaye Herman Editorial Board

Heights, snakes, and student loans are all rational fears. An irrational fear is one that makes absolutely no sense for you to be afraid of. These are called phobias, and often they are a result of a traumatic prior experience.

Strange phobias include ones such as Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia, which, ironically, is the fear of excessively long words. However, irrational or not, all fear is processed in the same way in the brain, and it is easier to face your fear of public speaking or your fear of wasps if you concentrate on the fact that fear is indeed all in your head. No need to be afraid of a few nerve signals and chemicals, right?

}

The frontal and temporal lobe release panic-inducing chemicals such as dopamine that create irrationality and dread.

Information provided by science.howstuffworks.com

f

EAR ISN’T JUST A THING your brain does to you to make your life inconvenient: fear is a survival instinct.

The function of fear is to trigger a response in your body that alerts you that something is wrong, which creates the adrenaline rush your body needs to run away from or fight the potential danger.

Although useful in prehistoric times while being pursued by a rabid sabertooth tiger, it has now become an obstacle in life, especially irrational fears. The difference between a rational fear and an irrational fear is that a rational fear actually poses a potential threat to you, making it perfectly logical to be afraid.

Science of Fear 23

24 Photo Booth

HAPPY HALLOWEEn Spotlight’s 2015 Halloween Photobooth Maddy C. Lewis & Mikaela Schmitt Contributors

truLY SCared

Cute

nerves of steel

Photo Booth

25

26 Satire

How To Make a

*

A comprehensive guide by a very popular person

OPULARITY ISN’T EASY. As a person with 5,036 friends of Facebook, 19,887 followers on Twitter, 8,794 followers on Instagram, 48,647 subscribers on YouTube, and 84,356 (and counting) loops on my latest Vine, I know exactly how difficult it is to get this popular. Making friends can be scary but fear not, I am here to help. Lately, doing good deeds has been #trending, so I have decided to write up a little guide to friend-making for those of you who aren’t as socially adept as myself.

Be sure to insult them as much as possible. As a friend, it is your duty to make sure that they stay humble.

Unsolicited opinions help your friends realize their flaws.

Tell everyone their secrets. If someone confides in you, make sure to spread it all over the school. When in doubt, remember that honesty is the best policy. Secrets secrets are no fun, unless they are shared with everyone!

Lie... as much as you can; if you believe it enough, you can make it true. Consider it “acting practice”.

Play the victim. Don’t forget that you are entirely free of imperfections and can do absolutely no wrong. If your friend comes to you with what seems like a legitimate complaint, make sure to let them know you feel attacked.

Start drama. There are scientific studies that prove that drama helps keep skin clear and beautiful. Some good ways to start drama include

*A satirical (?) work by Leah Zimmerli Managing Editor

posting ugly pictures of them, making fun of their interests, and spreading rumors.

Hit on their significant other. You would be a bad friend if you didn’t make sure that their bae is loyal.

You’re doing your friend a favor by making sure their significant other truly cares about them. If their significant other is attractive, make sure to let them know that you’re available.

Borrow their stuff without asking. A mark of a true friend is the sharing of belongings. If you have to ask, your friendship isn’t true. Just take.

Upstage them constantly.

If your friends think that they’ve done something cool, remind them that the things you’ve done are at least ten thousand times cooler.

Never support them. This world is a cruel place, and the sooner they learn this, the better. Your constant apathy will help them develop a thick skin.

Dump your emotional baggage on them. It’s your friend’s job to take care of your mental state. Make them responsible for your well being.

Call them late at night. Force them to be half of your impulse control.

Take their food. Steal the food right off their plate.

Sharing is caring, and nobody cares more about your friend’s food than you.

Make sure to always cross the line. Real friends don’t have any barriers. Make sure to destroy any and all boundaries between the two of you as soon as possible.

Tell their parents what they’ve been up to. Keep them responsible. Establishing a good connection with their parents Never shut up in the group chat. Light up the GM in the early hours of the morning.

It is imperative to make sure that your friends have the 411 twenty four seven.

Let’s Get Spooky

Illustrated by Shaye Herman

The Legendary Sword

Illustrated by Jaden Dudrey

Comics

27

28 Fall Sports Highlights

750 fall athletes

150 cross country

total hours spent running

Photo by Mercedes Porter

SPORTS Briefs

2015 boys socceR

The boys soccer team didn’t win too many games this year. Their biggest won was the Cat Clasico in August against Blue Valley. The team also manage to win their senior night 2-1.

“We had to

Photo by Photo by Katie Walesh

Corss country had a tough year.

The team is full of a lot of talent and has raked in many medals.

Each person put in around 150 hours of practice, and many even more. Varsity runner, senior Caleb Moes noted that the results aren’t showing how great the team is.

“The best part about the season is that we have became a big family.

Everyone runs because they want to. “ Moes said.

State qualifiers from the Oct. 24 regional meet were seniors Moes, Marshal Januszewski, Shannon Willis and sophomore Kelsey Southard. The state meet will be in Lawrence on Saturday at the Rim Rock course.

play Aquinas, BV Northwest, and Rockhiurst in three straight days,” Senior Matt Perumal said. “That is a tough stretch of games and even though we lost all three games I think our younger guys learned a lot from it.”

Perumal explainhow even through they had a hard season, the team learned a lot.

28 Year in Review

The events that shaped the world (and BV West) in

.

Maddy C. Lewis Editorial Board

WEST

and

the world

CHARLIE HEBDO SCIENCE KNOWLEDGE BOWL

A group of Jaguars competed in the National Science Knowledge Bowl, winning Regional Champions.

Two Islamic extremists broke into the Paris offices of the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, and the “Je Suis Charlie” free speech movement gains momentum across the globe.

FERGUSON REPORTS

GRADUATION BV West’s Class of 2015 gathered at Kemper Arena for the annual ceremony.

TENNIS AT STATE Jaguar Tennis goes to the state championship, taking home the first place title.

The Ferguson, MO court ruled the police officer responsible for the death of teen Mike Brown not guilty, leading to protests across the nation and the world against police brutality.

CAITLYN JENNER

Caitlyn Jenner, former Olympic gold medalist and reality television star, opens up about her transition from male to female in a highly anticipated interview with Diane Sawyer.

CONFEDERATE FLAG

The South Carolina capitol takes down the Confederate hanging outside the statehouse, retiring it to the Confederate Relic room at the state museum.

132

FOOTBALL

Photo by Sabrina Cline

Football had a challenging year. Losing the first three games was rough, but they notched their first win against Gardener on Sept. 25 winning 42-14.

“Obviously the football season hasn’t

“The fourth game we played them the score was super close in the second set but we were able to get the win.”

The Jags beat Shawnee Mission Northwest and Olathe East at Substate to qualify to State in Topeka on Fri. and Sat.

Photo by Sabrina Cline

3

The girls tennis team had a very successful season. The team placed in the top six at regionals, and proceeded to place at State. Senior Frankie Skinner and Junior Reagan Sherron placed 10th in doubles after playing together for the first time at Regionals.

“Playing at state was an oppurtunity to be grateful for.” Skinner said.

Junior Bylin Staats also went to State, and placed 7th in singles.

Photo courtesy Reagan Sherron

girls tennis

Photo by Sabrina Cline

volleyball

33

Another year, and yet another amazing season for the girls volleyball team.

Thwy have won three tournaments and finished the regular season with a record of 33-4.

“We have played Bishop Miege four times this year and each time we played them it got tougher and tougher to beat them.” enior Alissa Zeitlsaid.

Fall Sports Highlights 29

13

girls golf

Girls golf had a very successful year and won EKL by 13 strokes and placed first again at Regionals the following week. On Oct. 20th they finished their season by placing 3rd at State.

“It was such a fun and rewarding season,” said senior Alexis Larson. turned out the way anyone expected but these guys have stuck with it and shown up everyday and worked their butts off,” senior Nathan Wiles said. “I can speak for the whole team when I say that I appreciate the fans.”

30 Community Commitment

Photos by Sabrina Cline

RELAYFOR LIFE what it is

CELEBRATE. REMEMBER. FIGHT BACK. These are the words that structure the Relay for Life community across the nation. Participants raise money from October to February, and fundraising culminates in a final 12 hour night of celebration and rememberance. Anyone can join or start a team. The theme is: Lights, Camera, Relay!

Upcoming Dates Nov.11

Team Captain sign-up, forms available

Dec. 7

Team registration

Dec. 9

Team captain meeting

follow on twitter for more info: @BVWRelay

Photo courtesy of bvwh4h.weebly.com

HOOPS FOR

what it is

FOUNDED AT BV SOUTHWEST IN 2010, Hoops for Hope is now in its fifth year, and is for the first time expanding to BV West. Structured as a four-on-four basketball tournament, participants raise money to fight pediatric cancer. Each team dresses up in costume.

HOPE Upcoming Dates

Oct. 29

Last day to turn in forms

Nov. 10-11

BV West tournament nights

Nov. 12

Common finals night with BV Southwest and BV High

follow on twitter for more info: @Bvwhoopsforhope

PHANTOM FACTORY

Build Your Own Monster 31 Cut out and reassemble these monster appendages to create your own creepy creature. illustrated by Grace Lamar Managing Editor

BV West Spotlight 16200 Antioch Rd. Overland Park, KS 66085