Spotlight Dec 2015

SPOTLIGHT Dec. 9, 2015

Blue Valley West High School, 16200 Antioch Rd., Overland Park, Kansas, Vol. 15, Issue 3

In

balance Finding balance pg. 7 pg. 10 PG. 14 Pg. 15 Pg. 16 Pg. 18 Pg. 20 Pg. 21 pg. 30

Giving back Balancing culture Addictions Best APPS to help with Finals Adderall misuse Working students Balancing the school budget Affirmative action Comics

Photo by Ryan Barrett

spotlight

2 Contents

contents

P A G E S Photo by Ryan Barrett

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14

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Prevalence of Adderall abuse negatively impacts students.

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7-9

Photo by Mikaela Schmitt

Holiday giving is not just about getting gifts. The story on pages 7-9 outlines volunteer opportunities during the holiday season.

Season depression impacts 1020 percent of people in the United States.

Senior Kollin Schechinger, a successful lacrosse player and familiar face in the hall and stands, shares his battle with the disorder.

Winter Sports are in full swing. Check out sports brief on boys and girls basketball, boys swim and wrestling, and girls bowling. Photo by Jessie Jacobsen Photo courtesy Kollin Schechinger

Contents 3

PA G E

25/30

Find more cartoons on the theme for this issue, Balance, on pages 25 and 30.

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26 Photo by Ryan Barrett

A trip to the zoo with photo editor, junior Ryan Barrett.

Photo by Ryan Barrett

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New teacher, Jeff Baxter, has made an immediate impact on students and the culture of BV West.

Balancing the budget for schools in the state of Kansas is challenging. Managing editor, junior Leah Zimmerli, got the scoop on how money is allocated and a glimpse into future allocations.

4 Editor’s Note

Editor’s Note

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On Balance

EO TOLSTOY WOULD PROBABLY AGREE: Winter is the best of times and the worst of times; the season of light, and the season of darkness. For one thing, students celebrate the semester coming to an end, but worry about the finals they must get through before winter break. Winter weather is notoriously bleak, but in December there is a lively spirit to the air, as people prepare for the holiday season, for a new year full of new hope and new chances. December is the month of finishing up the old and preparing for the new.

December is the month of balance.

It’s the month of balancing preparation for finals with preparation for seasonal holidays. Seniors balance college applications with their second to last semester of high school. Balancing school, work, sports, and extracurriculars is a duty for students at all points during the year, but these responsibilities culminate during this month. Thus the Spotlight staff decided to bring the BV West community an edition that focuses on the different aspects of balance that students struggle with at this point in the year.

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 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. Washington D.C. Officials from I

Bey nd the Bubble Carly McDonald Editor in Chief

Informing students about issues that take place beyond Johnson County’s borders

the Pentagon announced on Dec. 3 that all combat roles will now be open to females.

Women have served in the military since the early twentieth century, but have not served in specialized forces such as the Green Berets and the Navy Seals where the programs were strictly all male. Now, as Defense Secretary Ash Carter said, there will be “no exceptions” to women serving in the military.

II. Berlin, Germany. On Dec. 4,

Germany’s parliament voted to join the fight against the Islamic State, but their focus is on support and reconnaissance, rather than active combat. Analysts speculate that public approval for military involvement is high because Germans are feeling the direct impact from the conflict as refugees come into the country.

II

III. Johannesburg, South Africa At a summit between China and Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a plan to give the continent of Africa 60 billion dollars to promote growth and development.

“China has become Africa’s largest trade partner, and Africa is now one of China’s major import sources and fourth largest investment destination,” South African President Jacob Zuma said. “This partnership can only yield further positive results for Africa’s development.”

III

III. IV

III

6 Profile

bie Wells

Beth Gasser Editorial Board

Abbie

Humans of BV West Every student has a story

Wells

How long have you been a dancer?

“I’ve been dancing since I was three, but kind of recently I started dancing at Miller Marley four and a half years ago, and I have been a part of the Ballet Company for two years.”

What type of dance do you do?

“I do all kinds I do jazz, ballet, tap, lyrical, hip-hop, I’ve done a little bit of ballroom, so yeah I kind of just mixed it all in.”

Was there ever a time where you wanted to quit dance?

“I was just super overwhelmed with it. It kind of just became a lot. I just didn’t feel very motivated. so my mom had me take a year off and in that year was like total torture. I was like dancing everywhere like in my room in the basement I would dance like down grocery store aisles which I definitely still do. it was just like it was way too hard for me and I really missed it a lot and I realized how much I actually loved doing it, so she ended up putting me back in.”

Is there anything you regret not doing?

“Well obviously with dance, because it is so time consuming, and I’m at my studio everyday after Photo by Ryan Barrett school except for Fridays, obviously there are like things that I’ve missed out on. Like friends hanging Junior Abbie Wells sits in a pile of worn down out, and I would have to go to dance. So I think I did pointe shoes, all of which are hers. miss out on a lot of things going on that people got to do, but it’s honestly worth it. Because even if my friends from school got to hang out, I would have my family at dance.”

D

On Pointe

edication means something different to everyone, to junior Abbie Wells, dedication means juggling school and dance. Balancing school, dance and a social life can be challenging but she works to handle life’s stresses with grace.

Does dance and trying to find a balance with everything help with the world outside of school?

“Definitely, with all of the decisions and prioritizing that I’ve had to do in my high school years it will definitely help me in life with like college and stuff and all of the activities. If I decide to rush and decide to do all of these different academic things it will be really hard to balance that, but all of the experience I’m getting right now is really going to help with that.”

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jags celebrate by sharing

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HE HOLDIAYS ARE A SEASON of giving, and many of BV West’s organizations encourage the students to participate in donating to charities.

NHS, NAHS and many other clubs sponsor charities such as Red Bag, Toys for Tots and Salvation Army.

Students may participate to gain community service hours, however many participate because they are fortunate enough to help others in need. Red Bag, Toys for Tots and Salvation Army are only three of many charities supported by the school.

“I

“The sweetness that comes with people showing generosity just makes me so happy. It’s such a needed thing.” teacher Deb Waldorf

TOYS FOR TOTS

HAVE BEEN A FAN OF Toys for Tots for years and years, ever since it started. The Marine Corps started this many years ago.

They would stand outside of stores asking people as they went in to come out with a toy for a child, unwrapped. Then they take care of it and distribute it to agencies and kids that qualify.” National Art Honors Society sponsor Debra Waldorf said.

Toys for Tots places collection boxes around the city in local businesses, schools and churches.

They ask members of the community to drop new, unwrapped toys in these boxes.

Local toy collection campaigns begins in October and last until

mid December. The organization then collects these toys, organizes them and distributes the toys to less fortunate children of the community.

“While Toys for Tots Coordinators organize, coordinate and manage the campaign, the ultimate success depends on the support of the local community and the generosity of the people who donate toys.” Marine Toys for Tots Foundation website said.

NAHS asks that members of the community to donate what they can. “We estimate around 75 of our club members along with others from the general student body [donate].” Junior Justice Jarvis said.

8 Feature

Where to donate during the season of giving

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RED BAG

ED BAG IS AN ORGANIZATION fundraising for children of all ages without direct family members. These children are in the foster system, however, the parents fostering them only get money to provide for basic needs. During the holiday season, these children often go without gifts.

“These are kids that have absolutely no one.” Waldorf said. “They probably are all in foster homes, however the foster system does not supply these foster parents with enough to give the kids as much for Christmas. Their foster money goes towards day to day necessities; clothing, food, and shelter.”

Therefore, this organization began to give

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Mikaela Schmitt Contributor

these children gifts during the holiday season. A donor gets assigned a kid, and receives a list of what size clothes they wear, their needs, and things the children want.

“You get a letter from a red bag recipient, and they tell their stories about how the red bag helped them, and how grateful they were.”

Waldorf said. “This year we have four sweet, children to shop for. We fill the bags with things from their list, we don’t wrap anything, and then the bags are delivered back to a church on a Saturday afternoon.”

NAHS’s goal of supporting these organizations is “to help the less fortunate and to help model generosity to the student body.” Jarvis said.

NHS members, juniors Angelique Allen and Kara Horning ring bells for Salvation Army at the Price Chopper at 135th and Quivira.

Photo by Mikaela Schmitt

SALVATION ARMY

ANY FAMILIES ARE FIGHTING HUNGER and poverty, living in broken homes with broken lives. Salvation Army’s mission is “Doing the Most Good”, to feed, clothe, comfort and care for the citizens of the community. Their message is based on the Bible, as their volunteers aim to help meet human needs without discrimination.

“Last year I signed up to work a bell

ringing shift for community service through a [National Honors Society] project.” Senior Madison Usher said. “Sarah Brabston was the project leader of NHS Bell Ringing last year and she inspired me to become the project leader this year. Sarah did a great job leading the project last year and I hope to continue her leadership and organization with the event this year.”

Feature 9

“The kids these charities give to are either very poor or orphans; in other words, every single one of them is less fortunate than us.” Jarvis said.

“Working with these charities is a way for us students to spread the spirit of the holidays.”

Salvation Army is perhaps most famous for their red kettles and bell ringers.

Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee began this project.

After having the inspiration to provide a Christmas dinner to 1,000 impoverished citizens, McFee began looking for a source of funds. Using inspiration from Liverpool, England, he began placing pots around the city to raise money. The red kettles have become widely known and associated with

the holiday season. These red kettles allow volunteer opportunities for families and students.

“This year we have had so many students interested in volunteering that we, BVW NHS, is ringing bells and collecting money at Price Chopper for two days from 10am to 8pm, with one shift every hour and two students working per shift.” Usher said. “There will be around 40 students participating this year.”

Balancing Cultures Students share unique life stories

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unior Zahraa Hussein came to the U.S. from Bani Suef, Egypt when she was nine years old. notes that education in the US is more readily available, w a drastic difference from Egypt.

“When I came here I found that there were so many different opportunities to help achieve my goals...my elementary school teachers were able to work with me through my ESL (English as a Second Language) class and after school to help me learn the language as quickly as possible.” Hussein said.

Hussein switched to an Islamic school in the fifth grade to better learn English, she attributes her experience there to fostering a hard work ethic within her. Still, she was not proficient in the language and had to work much harder in school than the rest of the students to catch up in her studies.

“The principal and teachers at the Islamic school watched me make B’s and C’s in my

enior Diego Fernandez SMexico came to the U.S. from City, Mexico after his

by Rebecca Abraham

Editorial Board

first year to being the valedictorian of my class when I graduated middle school, which was such an honor and reminder that hard work pays off.” Hussein said.

Last year Hussein was able to mentor another student who had to go through the same things she did when coming to this country.

“Last year, Noor, a refugee from Syria, came to BV West and was in the same situation I was in. I was able to help her through an ESL class as well as just being friends with her and making her feel welcome in this new place.” Hussein said, “In some ways, spending time and speaking in Arabic with Noor reminded me of my family back in Egypt whom I dearly miss.”

She wants to finish her studies in America for now, but would one day like to go back and practice medicine in Egypt. Hussein said, “I have come here to study, but I believe that the opportunities I have been given are meant for me to go back and give to others the chance I was given for a better life.”

He also came to realize that his preconceived notions of American lifestyle were parents gave him the option deceiving. to experience high school life “Even though Mexican in a different country. Over culture is still a Western the course of his four years culture, I initially had a very in Kansas, Fernandez has different idea of what America become very passionate about and American high schools school spirit by taking part in would be like,” Fernandez the cross country and swim said. “Latin Americans see teams, as well as Academic Americans as being self Decathlon. absorbed and more concerned

with mundane things, but living here has shown me that the people here are some of the nicest and most respectful people you will ever meet.”

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otala, Sweden is home for senior foreign exchange student Ilan Bergenbrink. She decided to come to the US after hearing how wonderful her sister’s experience was as an exchange student in Indiana.

“I was able to get a pretty good idea of what Kansas would be like from meetings with other students who had done the exchange program a couple years ago through the same organization,” Bergenbrink said, “I thought that the exchange would be a great opportunity to perfect my English and experience

“G

lobal citizens” would be the best phrase to describe freshman Faduma Jarik’s Somali and her family as they have lived in just about every corner of the world.

Her father was born in Somalia but then left to attend a boarding school in India.

Her mother, on the other hand, was born in Yemen and was raised in Somalia.

“My parents had completely different situations in life as my mother grew up in southern Somalia in the capital and my dad lived a rural farm life. They eventually met in England, moved to Canada, and relocated to the U.S.” Jarik said.

Even though her parents were not in Somalia during their ongoing conflict of civil war, famine, and collapse of the state spanning two decades. Jarik distinctly remembers her mom talking on the phone with her grandmother, but all that could be heard were gunshots firing in the background. In response to the turmoil, most of Jarik’s family migrated to Canada and the U.S., but members that still live in Somalia are currently safe. As for visiting or possibly living in Somalia, Jarik would strongly consider it.

“Someday in the future I would like to go there, but as far as fitting in with Somali culture I feel a bit detached as I do not speak the language whereas the rest of my family

a different lifestyle.”

When comparing her experience in both countries she believes that while Europeans are generally more globally aware, Americans are more open and friendly Europeans.

“This experience so far has taught me to not worry so much about trying new things because life always has a way of working itself out,” Bergenbrink said, “Initially I was very nervous about the school and friends I would make here but I believe that if you accept things as they are then everything will work out in the end.” does.”

Despite not feeling completely connected with Somali culture, Jarik will always hold an appreciation for where her parents have come from.

“I believe that it is important to learn about where you have come from and the culture you are a part of because ultimately that is what makes you unique,” Jarik said.

More stories about students with unique perspectives can be found at www.bvwnews.com

12 Sports Briefs

Winter Sports Briefs BV West athletes prepare for the season.

Grace Lamar Managing Editor

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T FIRST GLANCE, ROCK CLIMBING and school swimming have little in common besides qualifying as strenuous activities; however, the boys swim and dive team bonds over both.

“We’re all still getting to know each other with a ton of new freshmen but we’re forming good team relationships and doing team bonding things like going to a rock climbing gym for fun,” senior Jordan Cowen said.

On an alternate note, the boys swim and dive team has serious potential to break school records and qualify for state.

“Our 200 medley relay and 400 free relay both qualified for state and we got second overall at the meet [on Dec. 3] beating [Bishop Miege] and losing to [BV North,” Cowen said.

Spirits remain high on the team, with aspirations that are even higher. Team captain and junior Chad Coates will continue the uplifting atmosphere.

“I’m very privileged to be the captain of a team with such great guys on it, I hope to carry the positive energy I see from them throughout the season,” Coates said.

Boys Swim & Dive Photo by Jesse Jacobsen

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Photo by Emily Newman

HOUGH THIS IS MARION SCHMEKEL’S first year as head coach of BV West Girls Basketball, she knew many players previously as the assistant coach. One of those players is junior Emily Stivers, who is also a team captain. Stivers began her leadership role with some goals for herself and for her team.

“My goals as a player this year are to get more minutes through hard work and to just be a good leader [for] the rest of my teammates,” Stivers said.

The team’s offseason preparations have extended into the actual season, where Schmekel already recognizes the team’s improvements.

“When you come in as a new coach, you obviously change a lot of things about the culture of the program,” said Schmekel. “Seeing them understand the different types of plays we’re putting in and pull together as a team-- that’s a successful moment for a coach and for a growing program.”

One of the most anticipated games of the season is against BV High on Feb. 26.

Girls Basketball

Photo by Alexa Kruetzer

Sports Briefs

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HEN BOYS TRYOUT FOR THE basketball team, they enter a program that serves to transform them into better players and better men.

“Coach Camphell focuses more on preparing us players to handle the challenges that we will face in the world once we leave high school,” senior Chase Adams said.

Though the team’s height is a concern, senior Evan Hailes is confident that the players can combat their height difference with speed and defense. Overall, Hailes plans to enjoy his final year in the program. “[This year I want to] make this season as fun as possible by enjoying spending time with my teammates and doing what I love... I don’t even care how many games we win,” Hailes said.

The most anticipated games of the season will be against BV Northwest and BV Southwest.

Boys Basketball

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N ABUNDANCE OF YOUNG ATHLETES is a common thread between girls basketball and boys wrestling. Team captain and senior Sam Grandon believes that the young wrestlers just need time on the mats.

“Although we have some well-developed wrestlers, we also have a lot of inexperienced wrestlers who will need time and repitition to learn and get to the point of some of the senior’s level,” Grandon said.

The team’s strong pride will be imperative for important end-of-the-season matches, such as regionals.

Wrestling Photos by Sabrina Cline

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HETHER GIRLS JOIN BOWLING FOR the bowling-alley-style snacks of tater tots and fries during practice or head coach Denise Young’s clever puns, the whole team anticipates a season’s worth of memories. Collectively, many team members seek to foster an atmosphere of familiarity, especially for senior Mary Irwin, who has bowled competitively all four years of high school.

“My goal as a player is always to improve my average and high bowl, but this year we have so many new members that my goal is to know and become friends with all of them,” Irwin said.

Similarly, senior Jordan Kubicki strives to improve the entire program, which is the newest addition to BV West athletics “I feel like the goal every year is to make it to state, but along with that, I believe our goals are to bowl great games as well as leave behind a strong bowling program that will continue to improve,” Kubicki said.

Girls Bowling

14 Addiction

Dependency and the Independent soul Alexa Turiello Contributor Recent statistics show threat of drug and alchohol dependency during the teenage years

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HE TEENAGE YEARS ARE PRIMARILY for becoming independent and opening your eyes to new things. A growing number of teenagers have begun to turn to marijuana, alcohol, club drugs, prescription drugs, or other substances during this time.

In 2009, several groups of students in grades nine through twelve took a poll through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that showed that nearly a quarter of them had been “offered, sold or given an illegal drug by someone on school property.”

The Blue Valley School District has a substance abuse policy that is located in all student planners. As stated in this policy, the goal is to “promote health, safety, and welfare of the students of this district.” Even with the firm tone, a great deal of students feel it is to be taken less seriously, including junior Madison Januszewski. “[The policies] aren’t effective. It’s a scare tactic with no real ways of helping the student,” Januszewski said.

With the growing use of illegal substances, it is becoming more difficult to hide from them. Many of the teenagers who are a part of the drug culture use drugs to escape from the piling of stressful situations within their lives.

Some students think it is impossible to go through high school without seeing the effects of drugs and alcohol.

“It’s not possible,” senior Allison Franano said. “But it’s both good and bad because it can make you realize how careful you need to be but it can also lead you towards that type of lifestyle.”

As the numbers start to rise, it makes it easier for people’s perceptions of these substances to lead to irregular usage.

Teens who drink or do drugs in high school have a higher risk of developing addictions. No one desires to become addicted or chemically dependent, especially if a high schooler’s goal is to learn to be independent.

Addiction is not a character flaw or the result of poor willpower and, according to

The National Institute on Drug Abuse, these are the basic mechanics of addiction.

First, the chemicals in drugs like marijuana, cocaine, hard liquor and other substances reach and destroy communications between various parts of the brain. Then, the different substances begin to overflow your system with dopamine, a chemical that generates feelings of euphoria. Because teenagers begin to crave the pleasure that comes with the high, it leads to the repetition of substance abuse in order to obtain it.

Furthermore, as more and more teens begin to see or hear about the effects of addiction, it is important to be informed on how to help someone who may be faced with it. No one wants to be the ‘snitch,’ yet no one wants to see someone they care about verge on the possibility of harm. Reaching out and talking to someone who is trusted can be the start to ensuring that the right help can be provided.

Addiction 15

Quizlet Function:

Memorize terms with flashcard, writing, and matching options.

StudyBlue Function: Memorize terms and concepts by using quizzes and flashcards going at different learning paces.

Tech Corner Studying apps that every student needs Freedom Function: Blocks distractions off of device for more productive learning.

Forest Function: Helps

keep focus away from distractive phone by having the necessity to stay on the app for the tree to keep growing.

Brainscape Function:

To help with understanding complex concepts through “smart flashcards� that accustoms to learning pace.

Exam Vocabulary Build Function: Memorizing and understanding vocabulary words by using spaced repetition (specifically used to expand English vocabulary)

Dana Nasr Contributor

30/30 Function: A time

management timer that blocks sections of time for specific tasks, and alerts you when to move onto the next task.

Remember the Milk Function: Reminds user of tasks throughout the day

16 Adderall

study buddies are not your friends

I

Shaye Herman Editorial Board

Adderal abuse during finals raises questions about health

N LIGHT OF THE IMPENDING DOOM that most know as finals, there is an issue that no one seems to talk about: the growing amount of students in high school and college that abuse Adderall. Adderall is a drug specifically administered to people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) in order to help them focus.

One cause of Adderall abuse is a general misunderstanding of the disorders that Adderall is made to treat. There are misconceptions about ADHD and ADD: that they are fake, caused by a lack of discipline, or excuses for not doing schoolwork. Students also have a tendency to wrongfully diagnose themselves with ADHD and ADD simply because they do not feel like doing their homework sometimes. ADHD and ADD mental illnesses that cannot be “cured”, or “fixed,” they are not personality traits or laziness, and they can seriously cripple a person’s life.

ADHD and ADD are similar conditions in that they both create an incredible difficulty to concentrate on certain tasks, depending on the person. The difference between the two is hyperactivity; meaning that a person with ADHD will have bursts of extreme energy while a person with ADD may not. Symptoms may also include being physically unable to sit still or fidgeting, an uncontrollable lack of motivation, irrational impulsivity, mania or extreme infatuation, short-term memory loss, and insomnia due to restlessness. The

key point to understand is that a person with ADHD or ADD cannot simply rid themselves of these symptoms, just like a person with depression cannot simply “just cheer up.”

ADHD and ADD are mental illnesses, and are to be treated as such.

Now let’s talk about Adderall itself.

Adderall is made to treat ADHD and ADD, treat, not cure. There is no cure for these disorders, and Adderall was made to assist people with ADHD or ADD with tasks that they need to do to get through the day. It is typically taken as a pill, although other forms exist, such as patches. Adderall is a stimulant, as well as caffeine and Ritalin (another less popular drug for treating ADHD and ADD), and works to affect the nervous system by regulating the brain’s hyperactivity and impulsivity. For someone with ADHD and ADD, Adderall will help that person be able to concentrate on important tasks, process and store information better, keep their energy levels in check, and help them with productivity and motivation to do what they need to get done.

By now, it’s clear of the reasons why students might abuse Adderall, especially around finals week. What student wouldn’t want to be able to focus terrifically on their least favorite subject in order to study for the final and, in turn, get an A? The big problem with this idea is that Adderall is not a drug meant to be taken by people without ADHD or ADD, and taking it without these disorders is far more harmful than one would realize.

Adderall is not a utopian, magical substance that will make one work out all their academic problems and turn them into a straight-A student. Adderall is not a crutch for when one just does not feel like studying.

When a person who does not have ADHD or ADD takes Adderall, the effects are drastically different than the effects would be if taken by someone who needs it. Think of it this way: A person with one of these disorders’ level of ability to pay attention is lower than it should be. A person without these disorders’ ability to pay attention is at a normal level, no matter how hard they may insist that they just cannot simply study because that requires actual effort. When Adderall is taken, it tampers with the nervous system in a way that helps people with ADHD and ADD, and harms people who do not. People without these disorders may take Adderall expecting to have their concentration honed, and instead, experience extreme restlessness, hyperactivity, and a complete loss of focus.

In short, Adderall simply does not work if the person taking it doesn’t actually have ADHD or ADD. When abused, the risk of negative side effects increase dramatically. These side effects include increased heartbeat, mania, insomnia, increased anxiety, weight loss, loss of appetite, and bursts of extreme energy followed by a crash. In addition, Adderall is habit-forming and can be addictive. Many students take Adderall during times of academic-related stress to ensure that they can concentrate on their upcoming finals.

What they are not aware of is that Adderall will not only fail to help them, but it may actually harm them. People with ADHD and ADD cannot control their condition, and they need Adderall to function like a normal person. When a person without ADHD or ADD take Adderall, it’s because they think it will free them from responsibility. In short, Adderall is not a “study buddy.” It is a drug for people with a specific condition only, and that condition unfortunately isn’t laziness.

I’ve got all your notes color-coded, a study schedule with each subject and 15 minute breaks in between, and resources from teachers to help you better understand the material!

“study buddy”

18 Work

Bagging benjamins

Lexi Melson Contributor

Students work to start saving up money for college and the future

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Photo courtesy Remy Melson

VERYONE WANTS MONEY AND TONS of Even though many do not like working retail it. However students rarely have the amount it gives the employees a chance to gain new life of money they want. One quick way to earn experiences that can be used in the workplace, and money is to acquire a job. A job provides a source virtually anywhere. of income for students, yet, working is not all it is “Work has actually helped me communicate cracked up to be. Many students juggle school work with others in a more effective way,” senior target and actual work. employee Erin Zipse said. “It also has helped me to “I’m not really a pro-worker type of person while use faster mental math.” you’re in school,” personal finance teacher Don An important part of getting a job is to know Alpaugh said. “I think a couple of hours a night and how to properly deposit a paycheck and what to do weekends is okay as long as it doesn’t interfere with with the money. Many students do not know what your studies.” to do with their paycheck and in return end up Working is the easiest way to earn money, but spending it all or do not start saving up money for in actuality it takes quite some time to earn a college and later in life. significant amount of money. Stores and restaurants, “Just put it in the bank, take the money and put in the Kansas City area, hand out paychecks every it in the bank, and save it and create a small budget other Friday. A downside to working is that many that you can live on,” Alpaugh said. companies do not pay above minimum wage, which Although money is an important factor in in Kansas is seven dollars and twenty-five cents an what job students take while still in high school. hour. Students who work as waiters also get paid Students should always make sure the job they take drastically less than minimum wage, they are paid on is one they can balance between school and the two dollars and twenty-five cents an hour, and are hours they work per week. expected to make up the gap in tips.

“I didn’t even get paid minimum wage when car hopping because I made tips as well which was factored into my paycheck,” senior sonic employee Sarah Wise said.

Even though waiters have to suffice with making less than minimum wage, they generally still make a sufficient amount to spend on what they deem fit.

“Waiters make most money through tips and so it can get frustrating because you could serve someone really well and get little to no tips in return,” sophomore jose pepper employee Peyton Pitman said.

Many believe that everyone should have to work retail at least once in their life. Working in retail helps people to see the world of work in a whole new perspective. Many people also have to deal with customers who have never worked retail and do not understand the fast paced and demanding work environment.

“Some people treat you like a person, and others Junior Harrison Jones works to rewrap Fitbits on treat you like a worker,” Pitman said.

Black Friday at Target.

Seasonal Affective Disorder impacts students as winter arrives Chloe Maher Contributor

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OST PEOPLE ARE FAMILIAR WITH depression, and have a loved one, friend or even suffer from it themselves.

But, when wintertime rolls around, an estimated 10 percent t0 25 percent Americans start to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a form of depression which only effects an individual in a particular, which is in most cases is winter.

Most people who suffer from SAD experience symptoms almost identical to those who have depression, but only feel that way during specific seasons.

Sleeping more, eating more, and enjoying the things you usually like less, are all common symptoms of SAD, along with feelings of sadness, anxiety and anger.

Senior Kollin Schechinger was recently diagnosed with seasonal depression.

“I was up and down,” Schechinger said. “My parents thought something was wrong and we went to a psychiatrist.

He was like these are signs of depression.”

He is just one of the millions of Americans who are affected. SAD typically affects

19

Photo courtesy Kollin Schechinger

Winter Blues

S.A.D

anyone ages 15-55, and your chances of developing SAD decrease as you age. If you are a girl, or have a relative with Seasonal depression, your chances of having it are even higher. SAD’s frequency is significantly higher in places farther from the equator because as the year goes on, those places have less daylight, which causes imbalances of neurotransmitters and serotonin in the brain.

Serotonin is the chemical inside our body that regulates our moods, the more Serotonin inside a person’s body, the more happiness they feel. With less serotonin, the opposite happens.

“It’s liked a pit that you can’t get out [of] sometimes,” Schechinger said. “Like you’re just in there and you try to get up and you try to get up, and you just go back down again.”

That being said, SAD is relatively easy to treat in most cases. Common treatment plans use antidepressants, but nothing is a perfect solution. “[Medication] helps it a lot,” Schechinger said. “But sometimes if somethings really going on, and I’m not in a good state of mind, I can feel it trying to work, but

it doesn’t always work 100 percent.”

Another way to treat seasonal depression is by light therapy. Light therapy includes a light box that produces light mimicking the natural light one would receive in the warmer months. But to receive help, one must first admit that something is wrong.

“Junior year is just horrible,” Schechinger said. “I feel for anyone going through junior year. That’s when it really got me down. Just one night I kind of snapped and that’s all I’m going to say ‘cause it was pretty bad what happened, but it kind of was an eye opener. Like ‘I need help,’ and then I went and just got help.”

Seeking help for mental illness can be intimidating, but Schechinger advocates for speaking out rather than staying silent.

“Talk to your counselor, talking to someone you trust too,” Schechinger said. ”It’s kind of awkward, but I trusted this person a lot. I’ve known her for a while, so it was kind of easy to open up to, but its good to talk.”

Finding balance in the budget

How school funds are distributed Start Here

By Leah Zimmerli Managing Editor

State Budget Blue Valley District

Blue Valley West Funds Student Fees PTO Money

General Fund

Unexpected Expenses

Activities

F

Staff Salaries

Capital Money

Professional Development

Athletics

Spent on technology, building improvements, and other equipment

Academics

Are all activites funded equally?

UNDING AMONG ACTIVITIES IS NOT equal. Larger organizations tend to require more money than smaller ones. Organizations requiring a great amount of equipment also need greater funding to purchase equipment and keep it in working order.

Many organizations supplement their school funding by charging participation fees and fundraising to meet their needs.

“I feel like I have got a good balance,” Principal Dr. Potts said.

Teachers receiving funding from the school feel as though their needs are being met.

“I think the administration has done a pretty good job of getting us enough to teach with,” science teacher Michael Alsin said.

“I feel like we have enough money for all

of our projects,” art teacher Deborah Waldorf said. “I get a fee from each student of $60 and with that I buy brushes, paints, canvases, sketchbooks, and other expendable things. I try to make every student’s penny go as far as it can.”

While Potts does his part to balance the organizations that he is in charge of, some organizations receive their funding from the district itself.

“The district gives all the high schools a certain amount of money for theatre,” theatre director Laurie Vanderpol said. “I don’t feel like I have enough money. We do a fundraiser every fall to try to make up for shortcomings but I’m constantly wringing my hands about the problem.”

Affirmative Action

Balance 21

Stephen Kinder Contributor

J

OHNNY AND SUZIE ARE FINALLY going to college, and the time has come to fill out applications. After the essays and application papers are finished, they both see a section where they need to state ethnic background and race. Johnny and Suzie want to know, does race make a difference when colleges read over their applications?

The situation Johnny and Suzie just when through is an example of Affirmative Action.

Unlike the example, many high school seniors often overlook it. “Affirmative Action is a means to allow equal opportunity, and so there will be equal economic stability among all races,” said Al Ortolani.

“It’s a positive way to generate opportunity.”

When Affirmative Action is discussed, often people turn it into an argument of what is racist and what is not.

Because of these heated discussions, in the media, nobody ever really gets to hear what Affirmative Action is. “I think one thing is, the media doesn’t try to create a bias, but at the end of the

day, they always make it seem like a big nasty problem.” Said. Mr. Ortolani when he was asked about the bias of the media.

Affirmative Action was first created with an executive order by the Civil Rights movement It was first a law to make sure that job applicants were not mistreated for their race. Eventually, the government evolved the law to make it so people would also not be discriminated against when applying for a college, which is very relevant to the seniors.

“discrimination to fight discrimination.” Others feel that race should not be a part of college applications. There are foundations in truth for both; Affirmative Action is just a way so that people do not judge future students by their race. Also putting race on a college application is optional.

What made the race section of the college application optional is Affirmative Action.

Before the Civil Rights Movement and Affirmative Action, anyone reading a college or job application could filter people out because they didn’t like a race or where individuals are from.

So what about Johnny and Suzie?

They can decide if they want to designate their race. If they do not, the college may still accept When people think him, if they are qualified. about Affirmative Action, If they do put their race many often start to in, the college may hold question whether it is them to a lower standard, fair. “Race doesn’t effect depending if they are your college application.” qualified. Affirmative Said Mr. Ortolani “Your Action should not affect GPA, volunteer hours and Johnny or Suzie, because the activities you did in the person looking at high school matters.” their application are not The misconceptions supposed to judge them about Affirmative based on their race of Action are certainly background, that is why abundant. Some say it is the law was put in place.

depth not breadth

Baxter unmasks the testing monster

W

ITH THE BEST OF INTENTIONS TO “bestow animation upon lifeless matter,” Victor Frankenstein shudders in horror and disgust at the monster he has created. In discussing lessons that can be learned from studying Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, my AP Literature students correctly observed that sometimes the noblest of inventions or ideas can turn out monstrously. Such is the lesson to be learned from the testing and accountability movement borne by No Child Left Behind (NCLB).

In 2002 a bipartisan Congress passed legislation with the commendable goal of assuring that every child in America – regardless of ethnicity, disability, gender or socio-economic status – would be proficient in reading and math by 2014. Equipped with these skills, the legislators said, American students would be prepared to meet the future. Testing would be the primary measure of accountability to insure that students, teachers, administrators and schools took the mandates seriously. Penalties could be imposed on schools failing to meet the proscribed targets. What could go wrong with such a noble intention?

As target scores relentlessly mounted each year toward the 2014 deadline, standardized testing morphed into the predominant gage of student achievement, teacher and administrator evaluation, and school quality.

Reading and math became the default core subjects, shrinking the teaching of the arts and other electives in favor of test preparation. In many elementary and middle schools, the teaching of writing was halved or virtually eliminated in favor of test-taking skills. Testing and tutoring services exploded, becoming a multi-billion dollar industry – the

By Jeff Baxter Guest Contributor

only winners in the Reading and Math Derby.

High stakes testing grew into a monster which dulled the senses of students, turning them into zombies lurking in the hallways craving the inspiration of fresh ideas, thoughtprovoking formulas, and inventive prose.

This dull educational model frightened the innovation out of teachers’ lesson plans, and reduced schools to factories driven by data collected from student-widgets. The legislative command that every student in every school would be proficient in reading and math by 2014 – including special needs children, students speaking English as a second language, the homeless, the poor – although a laudable aspiration, was and is an unattainable goal.

Schools taught for the test rather than the joy of learning. Preposterous. Monstrous.

The numbers of standardized tests the average student was taking per year grew from two to five to ten. When students weren’t taking tests they were preparing to take them. In 2014 it was estimated that fifteen per cent of the school year was spent practicing, preparing or taking standardized tests -twenty-five days! Ironically, the data from the past eleven years tells us that we have not closed the gaps NCLB envisioned closing. At best, as a t-shirt emblazoned in 2011 read, “My nation spent billions on testing and all I got was a 1 point gain.” We forgot that character matters more than test scores.

Ironically, American educators have known for generations what must be done to prepare students for success. In 1983 the A Nation at Risk report noted that schools should craft genuine, meaningful curriculum standards emphasizing depth not breadth; that learning should prepare students for life by raising

the rigor of the curriculum so that students also develop persistence, determination, and creativity – character qualities that will sustain them into adulthood; and, that teaching quality must improve so that every student can have a teacher who engages them in meaningful and relevant learning. In Pat Conroy’s Beach Music, the protagonist, Jack McCall, is scarred by a frightful past. What brings him hope is remembering the inspiration of his high school English teacher who showed him that “One can do anything, anything at all if provided with a passionate and gifted teacher.” We are blessed to have a school full of such teachers at Blue Valley West High School.

Blue Valley West students deserve such teachers and thrive on them.

Every student in America is entitled to such teachers.

Testing and accountability will always be important tools in education, but ones which must be used responsibly and appropriately. Students, parents and teachers in the last several years have protested that standardized testing has focused too much on mind-numbing test preparation and has squelched innovation.

Their protests recently prompted the President to call for a cap on the amount of time students spend testing -- at two percent.

“Students do best on high-quality assessments that actually measure critical thinking and complex skills when they have been exposed to strong instruction, which should be the focus of the school day,” the Department of Education wrote in a memo supporting the President’s stand.

In the end Victor Frankenstein realizes that he is responsible for the transgressions of the monster, but dies unable to redress them.

That is left for those who learn the lessons of reflection and balance, such as students, parents, and educators. Learning should be an act of joy in which students and teachers discover, explore and celebrate in preparation for a successful life. Monsters be damned.

EMOJI DICTIONARY

F

A Guide for Modern Communication

or the first time ever, the Oxford Dictionaries Word of the Year is an emoji. Times have changed. Below is an interpretation of common emojis for your everyday use.

You must have said something or your friend said something so over the line that you or the other person doesn’t even know how to respond.

You might use this after a story that involved you doing something very sneaky. It could also mean that you just said something risky/ flirty and you add this at the end for some extra spice.

You are absoultely in love with an idea or what somebody just said.

Instead of saying omg yes just sub this emoji in.

Commonly appears when you are begging someone for something. Also may be used after you told a story and you wanted to thank god for probably keeping you alive.

You could use it when you just read a long story that your friend sent you and it was so embarrassing that even you even feel ashamed for them. It could also be used after you just got done sharing an embarrassing story.

Everyone knows when this emoji is used it means that someone just said the real-est thing ever. It could also be used if someone came up with the best idea ever and you want to show that it is the best idea ever created.

Nobody really knows why the cat emojis exist. Usually just used when you are feeling a little frisky and you don’t want to use the normal emojis.

Most people use it when you think someone is being a little sketch so you put this emoji in to basically say “I don’t know what you are up to but I’m watching you.”

Honestly just a more lazy way of saying “K” or “OK” instead of typing it.

Necessary for celebrations and congratulations. Also may use it when it is someone’s birthday.

Its truly just a very passive aggressive emoj but it also can be used when you did something funny and stupid.

Lit. John Byrket Editorial Board

Photos courtesy of getemojis.com

Keep calm and balance

Comics #1 25 Mara Hennessey Contributor

Where the Wild Things Are

27

Photo essay by Ryan Barrett. Barrett visited the Kansas City Zoo with his CAPS class and brought his photos to Spotlight.

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.

FRESHMAN CLASS

BV West welcomes its largest freshman class since it opened its doors, almost 450 students.

GAY MARRIAGE LEGAL

United States legalizes gay marriage across the country, forcing the remaining states with a ban to no longer enforce it.

POPE’S VISIT

CARNIVAL The annual Homecoming Carnival was held at BV West, kicking off the first dance of the year.

VOLLEYBALL AT STATE

Jaguar Volleyball defeated BV Northwest in two sets, taking home first place and winning the championship.

FALL SHOW OPENS BV West’s fall play, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, opens and runs through Saturday night.

Pope Francis traveled to America from Italy to visit the East coast, stopping in New York City, Washington DC, and Philadelphia on his trip.

ROYALS TAKE WORLD SERIES CROWN The Kansas City Royals win their first World Series since 1985 against the New York Mets.

TERRORIST ATTACKS AROUND THE GLOBE The world was shocked by the tragic terror attacks in Paris and Beirut on Friday the

30 Comics

“Break Time”

Shaye Herman, Editorial Board

“Balance”

Jaden Dudrey, Illustrator

An Airing of Grievances

“I got a lot of problems with you people! And now you’re gonna hear about it!” - Frank Costanza, Seinfeld

A

FESTIVUS TRADITION THAT FIRST APPEARED on TV show Seinfeld, the beloved Airing of Grievances offers the opportunity to relieve some pent-up frusterations with your friends (in a light-hearted, humorous manner). Complete the form below to air your grievances, or use this entire page for a wintery snowflake--for the snowflake: cut out the octogon, fold along dotted lines, then cut along solid lines.

by Grace Lamar Managing Editor

Airing of Grievances Official Notice

TO: ________________________

FROM: ______________________

By this notice, I hereby air the following grievances: I wish to alert you that I find your behavior of _____________

action that once got you in time out

to be particularly ___________. I draw this to your attention adjective

because ______________. Specifically, I feel ____________ lame excuse used to get out of work

“deep” emotion

whenever you ________________. As an alternative, I would details of action

suggest that you _____________. This would be _____ times sports maneuver

number from 0-2

better. If you choose to persist in your _____________, I may action again

have no choice but to ____________ with my ___________. pre-school threat

Action Frequency Incessant Constant Occasional Rare Once Not yet occurred

Sentiment Described Thank you Most seriously Nothing personal Respectfully With love Without love

Katy Perry song title

Parties Offended Myself Others Society Your mother

Please Respond Never Immediately At your leisure By the full moon Include apology

Form inspired by bureauofcommunication.com

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