December issue

VoLume 6 - Issue 4

Page 4

The Perfect Snow Day To Do List

Page 14

Military Families Celebrate the Holidays Together

Eagle’s V i e w

table of contents

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Photo by: Baileigh Arant

On the cover:

students and their families appreciate the time spent with military family members during the holiday season.

Cover Photo by Baileigh arant

Staff:

dillon erwin-photographer kenzie mcneill-photographer baileigh arant-print editor anthony walen-web editor Keara O’brien-reporter Grace moore-reporter Kendall steinmetz-section editor Kayl auch-reporter Catherine Hemenway-section editor Cici sheeks-reporter maile Johnson-section editor Emma libby-reporter savannah failer-section editor Megan Johnston-reporter alex snavely-section editor mattie seley-reporter taylor thompson-section editor shea prather-reporter Hannah richardson-section editor Olivia Prather- section editor kenzie eklund-reporter Kelsey runge-section editor daphne zirijacks-reporter kala hughes-web section editor evan hellner-reporter kaelin bemis-web section editor paige nicewaner-reporter gabby smith-web section editor lindsay young-reporter isaac keller-ads manager frank anthony-reporter BRandon ditsch-social media manager emily fuller-reporter

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December 2015

table of contents

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lifestyle 4

Perfect Snow Day

eagle's life Winter Vacation Destinations winter Bucket list

6 8

spotlight zoey davis / Jackson Bridgeman Mr. clark / Mrs. Howard

10 11

indepth Military Holidays

14

a&e 19

Krampus movie review Gift Guide

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opinion last minute christmas shopping staff ed Editor Columns

23 24 25

sports Boy’s basketball Seniors Athlete spotlights

28 30

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lifestyle

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Let It Snowday make your snow day perfect with these fun tips to try Story by Mattie Seley and Shea Prather | Design and Photos by Kendall Steinmetz

The Perfect Hot Chocolate: Calling all Nutella lovers!

Nutella Hot Chocolate: 1) Warm two cups of milk in a small saucepan.

2) After milk is warm, mix in 2-3 tbsp. Nutella.

3) Heat the milk mixture then pour into a mug.

4) Throw in some marshmallows and a pinch of cinnamon, if desired.

5) Add whipped cream to top it off.

Enjoy!

Five things to do on Your Day Off: 1) Catch up on your favorite Netflix TV shows.

2) Play in the snow.

(Build a snowman or fort.

Another option is sledding!)

3) Catch up on some zzz’s.

4) Bake winter-inspired cookies or cupcakes.

5) Do something productive like finish up homework.

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lifestyle

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Even Snow Days Deserve a Say Goodbye to 2015’s Static!

1) Use a wooden comb 2) Stock up on lots of dryer sheets 3) Hairspray the inside of hats to keep hair flat 4) Condition, condition, condition!

Great Outfit Liberty North students stay warm in the winter while wearing the latest trends.

“I love dressing up in the winter, right now short boots and cuffed skinny jeans are cute with a long sweater and a scarf,” junior Aubrey Larkin said.

If the day is heading more towards a snow day snooze and less towards a winter photoshoot, there are still ways to be pick a great outfit, meanwhile staying wrapped in comfort.

“I wear flannels, jeans, doc martens, beanies, denim shirts and thick coats. I’m basically a lumberjack when a snow day hits,” sophomore Harris Meyers said.

5) Use more waterbased hair products

Not Your Mother’s Snow Icecream 1) Collect clean snow in a large bowl until it is full.

2) Stir in 1 tbsp. of vanilla, 1 cup of sugar, and enough milk for the desired consistency (typically about 2 cups) 3) Serve directly after mixing.

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eagle’s life

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Eagles

Migrating Students who are taking off for winter break Story by Kenzie Eklund | Photo by Baileigh Arant | Design by Catherine Hemenway

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December 2015

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eagle’s life

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s the holidays are approaching faster knows what is going to come out of the time than it might seem, many eagles we spend in the car. But one thing I really will be taking flight and traveling love about driving during the holiday season all across the nation to spend these special is being able to see all of the Christmas times with the ones that mean the most to lights and all the decorations people put up them. on their houses and on different stores. It “My family and I have been traveling to always makes me really excited and puts me Steamboat Springs, Colorado for the past in the Christmas spirit,” sophomore Kelsey 13 years. Even though Templeton said. we have been going for Tradition defines as so long, it is still really something that is passed “This year my fun to be able to travel down from generation to family is visiting somewhere else and have generation that contains a my grandma new experiences and symbolic meaning. During in Michigan; I make new memories in a Christmas time many Eagle place rather than where I families will be following have been going live,” sophomore Claire through and participating ever since I can Gibson said in traditions they have been remember,” freshman keeping alive for years.

Migrating to different places comes with its “This year my family is Lillian Leslie said. price, the travel time. visiting my grandma in With some eagles that are Michigan; I have been going travelling far, and some ever since I can remember. that are keeping close by, different students I always love going to Michigan because and faculty will be arriving at their holiday during the winter when it gets cold enough destination by many different means of my family’s tradition is to go ice fishing, and transportation. although most times we don’t catch anything “My family lives in St. Louis, so because it’s it’s still something fun that I get to do with not far enough to fly we always drive. With my family that I don’t get to see that often,” two younger siblings and one older, nobody freshman Lillian Leslie said.

Playlist to vibe to while traveling this month: 1. Love Yourself by Justin Bieber 2. Here by Alessia Cara 3. Water Under The Bridge By Adele 4. Daffodils by Mark ronson 5. Victorious by Panic! at the disco 6. Electric Love by Borns 7. i know what you did last summer by shawn mendes and camilla cabello 8. Let it go by james bay 9. love me by the 1975 10. same old love by selena gomez

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eagle’s life

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Have yourself a

KC winter Kansas City has much in store for the winter months ahead Story by Kayl Auch | Photos by Dillon Erwin | Design by Catherine Hemenway

I

nstead of sitting inside and watching Netflix all winter, why not go explore Kansas City and all the activities it has to offer over the holidays? There are many local pastimes to take part in over the break.

Start the day by bundling up and spending the day ice skating. Ice skating is an all day activity to do with anyone at a very little cost. Two ice skating are locations are the the Crown Center Terrace, or the Line Creek Ice Arena.

“I go ice skating at Line Creek Ice Arena.

I ice skate six hours a week and I skate with my team. Ice skating is fun and hard work,” junior Reagan DeCamp said.

After ice skating at the Crown Center Terrace, stop in Crown Center and see everything it has to offer. Crown Center blooms with holiday spirit. Besides the fact that it has a massive gingerbread display and a meet-and-greet with Santa, the shops themselves scream Christmas. Spend the day in the heart of KC and do a little gift shopping while down there.

“They do a really good job decorating and it’s really quaint. It’s really family-oriented, little kids with their parents going to see the legos and having a good time,” junior Emily Schonemann said.

After the sun goes down, head fifteen minutes south and head over to the Plaza.

The Country Club Plaza lights up during the holidays, literally. Christmas lights cover the buildings all throughout the area. Along with the lights, the plaza offers carriage rides to take visitors around the plaza with horses leading the way.

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December 2015

“ Normally I just go to walk around and shop with friends. We are there for a couple of hours. If you’re there for dinner it’s an hour minimum. If you’re shopping there are so many places to go that you have to carve out a lot of time to walk around to go everywhere you want to go,” Schonemann said.

The next day, dress warm and head to the zoo. The Kansas City Zoo is a great place to take family from out-of-town. The zoo has things to do for all ages. The animals are just as energetic as they would be any other time of year.

“Going to the zoo around this time is a little chilly however, the animals are super lively and it makes for a good time,” junior Mia Pirello said.

When the sun starts going down, grab some hot cocoa and take thirty-five minutes to drive down to Longview Lake. The lake puts on a CHAZ SUN Christmas light display.

“It’s a bunch of lights that move as you drive around the lake,” junior Calynn Gray said.

Take a day or two off because lots of energy will be needed for the upcoming Sunday at Arrowhead. The Chiefs have turned their season around with their new winning streak. Spend the day showing some KC spirit and go out to support the team.

“It’s really loud. It’s a lot of fun. Lots of jumping and screaming. I went to one a little while ago, the Chiefs vs Broncos,” freshman Hunter Mallott said.

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eagle’s life

“Kansas City is the place to be,” senior Brooklyn Barnett said.

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spotlight

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Students Story by Megan Johnston and Paige Nicewaner | Photos by Kenize McNeill | Design by Maile Johnson

Zoey Davis

“I have been figure skating since the age of seven.”

“Recently my team won Synchro Nationals. We have won it for the past 2 years and it’s truly the best feeling in the world.”

“I have over 100 medals from all my competitions.”

“My favorite part about skating is that nothing else matters. I can clear my mind and just enjoy skating.”

“In the future, I want to coach kids and teach them everything I’ve learned from skating. I also want to continue to skate for a long time.”

“I am the owner of Jackson’s Lawn and Landscaping. I’m the boss, so not being bossed around is awesome.”

“Owning your own company is the farthest thing from easy, but it is a blast. You’ve got to be ready for a ride because there will be many ups and downs but you must keep pushing and most likely things will get better.”

“Some of my tasks include mowing, spreading mulch, trimming trees, planting plants and plowing snow.”

“I do believe that this is just the beginning for my company and that over the years, things will continue to grow.”

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December 2015

Jackson Bridgeman

spotlight

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Teachers

Janai Howard

“So far I feel as though I have adjusted quite well to Liberty North. The staff and students at LN are very welcoming and helped make my transition run smoothly.”

“I have several things that are my ‘favs’ while teaching, but I think what I enjoy most is seeing my students find success or accomplish their goals.”

“I like a variety of music. R&B, Jazz, and Gospel are my favs. But I’ve been known to jam to rap, pop, a little rock and a little country. I like all kinds of books. Mostly fiction- realistic fiction, romance, mystery, young adult and lately a lot of children’s books with my kiddos.”

“I love to read, shop, travel, listen to music, work with my praise dance team, and spend time with my husband and 2 boys.”

“My favorite part about coaching football is seeing players reap the benefits of hard work and commitment.”

“As part of the aforementioned obligations, I was made to conduct training and teach classes on an array of topics and to a widely varied audience. In doing so, I fell in love with the educational process and the satisfaction of knowing that what your students have learned might make all the difference in directing their lives.”

“I have traveled from Central America to Canada, Western and Central Europe, and East Asia. Additionally, I had the opportunity to see other parts of the world while working for Uncle Sam, though few would be considered common tourist destinations.”

Brian Clark Eagle’s View

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social media

a few seconds ago

by bditsch

Eagle Chat December

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Instagram

J.K. Rowling says @realDonaldTrump is worse than Voldemort cnn.it/1ICQpZj pic.twitter.com/1AFCYjshHG CNN @CNN 路 7 HOURS AGO

CHOP @OlyWade

I want

for Christmas

20 HOURS AGO

LNHS Student Section @LNHSEaglesNest

It's Gameday NORTHNATION!! The Boys Basketball team has their first game TONIGHT!! Theme is White Out 4 DAYS AGO

Tweets

https://storify.com/bditsch/eagle-chat-december

Eagles online Instagram photos and tweets from eagles on social media

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december 2015

social media

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News Of the issue Giving back for the holidays

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his year Key Club hosted Adopt A Family. The main goal of Adopt A Family was to provide gifts to kids around the Liberty area for the holiday season. Knowing that some families can’t afford having a Christmas, Ms. Brownlee and Mrs. Mitchell made it their mission to help out. By spreading the word, over 70 kids were able to be adopted and receive presents this Christmas. The teachers who are participating received a wishlist from the child they adopted of stuff they wished to receive this Christmas. They wanted students to be involved with helping kids around the area. Students were asked to bring in money or purchase gifts off the adopted kids Christmas list in order to make their Christmas special.

“Knowing that we are providing for the needs of children right here in Liberty, who are in their situations through no fault of their own makes it heartwarming. Hopefully there will come a day when these children can do the same for someone less fortunate,” Brownlee said.

California Chaos

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n Wednesday, December 2, 2015 Americans were devastated by yet another tragic mass shooting in San Bernardino, California. A southern California couple of Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malikshot launched this deadly attack at Farook’s holiday work party at the Inland Regional Center costing the lives 14 coworkers and injuring 21 more. The attackers were gunned down hours later by authorities. After investigation, the FBI has categorized this massacre as as a terrorist act and believes motivations were inspired by foreign terrorist organizations of radical Islam. However, the implications of this shooting remain unknown to the future as Americans are slapped with the realization of the seriousness of the issue at hand. Only one thing remains clear: change.

“I think it’s a wake-up call for the White House. The reaction that’s coming is coming. And it’s going to be rough. It only takes one more incident. One more shooting. It may not even be have to be linked to Islam just the accusation and there won’t be any holding it back,” social studies teacher Brian Clark said.

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indepth

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Military Homecomings: The Greatest Gift of All Photos by Baileigh Arant and Provided by Students Stories by Alex Snavely and Grace Moore Design by Savannah Failer

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December 2015

indepth

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The Making of an

American Soldier

Students share their motivation to join the military

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or many students, the holidays have a different meaning because they have friends and family that have served or are currently serving in the United States armed forces. A few seniors have chose to help serve their country as well.

“My dad has served, as well as my grandpa.

Also, my brother is serving, and my uncle is serving,” senior Kayla Thomas said.

Thomas will be joining the Army after she graduates. In addition, senior Ali Gates would like to join the Coast Guard Academy.

“I have always been interested in attending a military academy for the opportunities and experience. I have also wanted to give back to those who have given their life for our freedom in our country,” Gates said.

Many students do not have a set career in mind, but for senior Tyler Carpenter he knows what he is destined for.

“I’ve wanted to be in Marine Corps since I was little,” Carpenter said.

For senior Tyler Lamport, the military is not just a job, but rather something he wants to do for a career.

“I see myself in the military for as long my body can take the rigorous demands required.

While at the academy, I plan to major in Chemistry on a pre med track and become a physician. To me, there is no greater honor or higher calling than to provide medical care to

the brave men and women that have risked their lives for this country and all she stands for,” Lamport said.

The rumors of the difficulties of boot camp are well known. Gates appears to be ready for the challenge.

“I expect training to be very challenging because they are trying to break civilian habits and teach you the ways of the military. I would have to report in June for 7 weeks of training,” Gates said.

According to the United States Department of Labor, in June of 2013, more than 2.7 million people served in the Armed Forces. More than 1.4 million were on active duty, including about 529,679 in the Army, 329,332 in the Air Force, 317,828 in the Navy, and 194,808 in the Marines.

“I want to go into the Army because it is nice to be the minority that protects the majority and it is nice to be a role model for other people such as friends, family and others,” senior Matt Arno said.

Military life means much time away from home, and brings new challenges.

“When I leave, I will miss my family the most from back home. Also, I will miss the familiarity of the roads. It has taken me 17 years to learn Liberty and Kansas City, so adapting to new environments will definitely be a challenge,” Lamport said.

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indepth

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Home for the

Holidays

eagles express gratitude as their military family members return home for the holidays

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ver 2.7 million people are a part of the armed services in the United States. The amount of families that are affected by their absences are even more. Families of those off serving, including parents, siblings, and children, fill the halls here at Liberty North.

Senior Leah Thorne’s brother Michael, a 2015 graduate of Liberty North, recently graduated from the Marine Corps base of Camp Pendleton in November. According to Leah Thorne, he wanted to join the Marines because it is somewhat of a tradition throughout his family and wanted to have the benefits as well. His overall goal is to be an ammunition technician.

“It messes up my family’s daily routine because there is a gap where he used to be. We all miss him a lot and just wish he was here with us,” Thorne said.

ELA teacher Kimberly Brownlee’s oldest son is in the Army. He currently is stationed in Fort Hood, Texas. He’s been a part of the Army for two years so far and has not yet been sent overseas. He graduated from Liberty North in 2014.

“He is my first born, so that whole process of letting him go and letting him grow up is difficult. I think that is a process that any mother goes through, but what I think is different from other parents is every time something happens to a serviceman I feel it in a different way because as an Army mom, I always know it could’ve been my son,“ Brownlee said.

Time is limited when regarding home visits for those service men and women due to their

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responsibilities. The amount of leave one may get depends on where they are stationed and what is going on in the world at the moment.

Brownlee had a big present waiting for her at Thanksgiving dinner when her son decided to make a surprise visit.

“I am just grateful that we get to spend the holiday together. I know that at Fort Hood, a Black Hawk went down and at least four servicemen died, so I cannot imagine how it would be like to be family members of those people waiting for the holidays and waiting for them to come home and they never do. When Jonathan surprised me by coming home for Thanksgiving, it was the greatest gift a child could give his mother - the best Thanksgiving I’ve ever had, hands down,” Brownlee said.

Senior Jack Boyer’s father is part of the Army. His job is to plan and conduct training exercises for future operations. He also plans out budgets for the 35 infantry division that includes equipment and training resources that will be needed for the next year. His time seeing his father is restricted as well.

“Whenever my dad is deployed it’s hard on the whole family because we are so use to seeing him everyday. For me specifically, it’s hard because him and I have such good conversations about life. He teaches me so much every time we talk, so not having him physically here as a role model is tough, but I know it’s what he wants to do and how he wants to serve his country so it’s okay by me,” Boyer said.

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indepth

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“I know it’s what he [my dad] wants to do and how he wants to serve his country, so it’s okay by me,” Boyer said.

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816-781-2260 ClassyChocolate@KC.rr.com

781-5329 Historic Downtown Liberty

Physicians:

Robert W. Haas, M.D. Santosh George, M.D. Ryan R. Snyder, M.D. Adam W. Rives, M.D. 2521 Glenn Hendren Dr.

840 S. 291 Highway Liberty, MO 64068

Suite 204 Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-6066

a&e

movie Review

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Krampus

december 2015

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f you are looking for a movie to go see with your friends this winter break I highly recommend seeing Krampus. In the movie there is a dysfunctional family that is lacking in Christmas spirit, and when a young boy named Max (Emjay Anthony) turns his back on Christmas he unknowingly sets and evil spirit free.

During the movie the family is tormented by Krampus who turns inanimate Christmas objects into monsters.

As the family fights to stay alive they realize that family is important and being with them is what family is about. I thought the movie had a good story line, but it seemed like it was more of a comedy then a horror.

Every time a monster attacked it was more goofy then scary. If you are looking for a movie to scare your socks off then this isn’t the one for you, unless you are a eight or nine year old. The movie may not have been as scary as anticipated, but it did have a few good jump scares and did send a good message that Christmas is not a time to be greedy, but a time to be grateful. After you see Krampus you can decide if it should be labeled as a horror or comedy.

Review by Frank Anthony | Design by Taylor Thompson Photo courtesy of Univeral Studios

a&e

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Holiday Gift Guide

Stuck on what to get a friend? Don’t want to spend a fortune?

Check out these ideas for last minute Christmas gifts

10 Dollars and under:

$10 on rebox.com/gifts: treat your friends and family to a movie night done right

“

Selfie Stick $8.95 on walmart.com: Perfect gift for anyone who likes cool gadgets and taking pics

Photos courtesy of Redbox, Walmart, and Amazon

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New CDs

“

Redbox Gift Card

“25” by Adele, “Purpose” by Justin Bieber - prices vary on Amazon

“I feel like you can’t go wrong with a Redbox giftcard because there’s always new movies coming out,” senior Mckenzie Harlan said.

december 2015

a&e

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$25 Dollars and under:

Newly Released Movies

Bluetooth Headphones

GAMING SYSTEM

Jurassic World, Pitch Perfect 2, The Hobbit: Prices vary on Amazon

Perfect for music lovers. These headphones can connect to any device and have great audio! $21.99 on amazon.com

You can never go wrong with one of these! XBox- $22.89 PlayStation- $12.58 both can be found on amazon.com

Photos courtesy of imdb and Amazon

$$50 DOLLARS and under:

OTTERBOX PHONE CASE

FitBit Zip

These stylish cases protect your phone and prevent a cracked screen: $49.95 on otterbox.

These are great for anyone who enjoys walking and exercising: $45.82 on amazon.com

Photos courtesy of Otterbox and Amazon

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opinion

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snow days

61%

39%

stay in

go out

*384 Liberty North students were asked if they stay in or go out on snow days.

Staff Editorial

M

ost everyone cherishes snow simply because of one thing – snow days. Any sane kiddo would kill for a random day off here or there. Maybe because they have a big test they would love to miss, or maybe just so they can chill. Whatever the reason, the Eagle’s View staff believes the best way to spend a snow day is staying inside your warm, cozy home. I mean, what could be better than sitting by the warm fire, sipping hot cocoa with enough whipped cream to fill a swimming pool? Nothing, that’s the answer. We believe that those who feel the need to go out and do something on their snow day need to simply relax and embrace the day off. Getting the chance to veg out without a care in the world is something we, as teenagers, get very little of now that we are in the realms of high school. There are far to many relaxing at home activities to participate in to attempt fighting the cold outdoors. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy your snow days while they last - at home, in a warm blanket, cuddling with your pets. Now, that’s the life.

Articles on these pages do not reflect the opinion of LNHS or LPS. Please feel free to comment, criticize, or condemn anything you see on these pages in a letter to the editor at eaglesview@liberty.k12.mo.us. Please limit to 150 words or less.

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december 2015

opinion

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pros pros I pros

Column by Emma Libby

|

t is often difficult to get all holiday shopping done on time. Especially with so many finals, projects, and holiday festivities to take part in. Even though procrastination can often feel like the easiest path, shopping early can be more beneficial in the long run. One reason to get your shopping done early is because there are often big sales early in the season. Many businesses may extend their Black Friday sales to other days during the week of Thanksgiving to ease shoppers. Plus, there are other sales to partake in such as Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. Aside from sales, shopping early can be a major stress reliever in other ways. You can plan better and spread all your shopping out over a period of time so you aren’t flustered by last minute shopping stress. Some stores also offer layaway, which allows you to make payments on items over time. So while life may get in the way of shopping, shopping early can relieve some of that stress.

Instead of cramming shopping in with finals, and going broke in the process, choose to go in resourceful path.

Early christmas shopping?

|

T

he last few weeks of school are the most exciting and most stressful. Everything is happening at once, from finals to holiday plans and the weeks go faster and faster. With responsibilities piling up, I always end up waiting last minute to go Christmas present shopping.

I have ideas in my head for my friends and loved ones, but don’t materialize them until the last minute. I don’t completely forget about getting the gifts, I just push them further back on my to do list. Saving Christmas shopping to do last is an exciting way to celebrate finishing finals for me. Being organized makes late gift shopping easier because I have a plan and know what I am looking to get. The last minute in store deals are always a huge bargain and makes me feel like I am getting a steal.

Waiting to buy gifts is best because I am able to double check what I want to get them before I purchase it and make sure it is the best gift for them. I would rather shop days before the holidays and get the perfect gift at the right price than settle for the first gift I see.

Column by Keara O’Brien

cons cons cons Eagle’s View

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opinion

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cannot express how many times I’ve woken up in the morning with the overwhelming urge to do nothing but throw a hat on and move on with my life. Whether it’s a bad hair day or just a fashion statement, I truly believe we as students should be able to freely wear hats to school without the risk of being scolded. Prone to sickness in the winter, I do almost everything I can to prevent myself from getting a cold. I hate the fact that I’m not allowed to keep my ears warm through out the day. Besides, I’m pretty sure that my black beanie is not going to cause the next world war, but you never know. If students are truly distracted by my fashion choices, then maybe we should be more concerned about other things. As we grow into young adults, it’s important to let us make our own choices. I think I should be given the responsibility to know what I should and shouldn’t be doing. So I apologize if my hat is making it hard for you to learn, but I definitely think we have more important things to be stressing about these days.

C

Editor in Chief Column by Baileigh Arant

hristmas is literally so stinking close and I cannot even handle it right now. Since I was a young chap, I have been a little crazy about this holiday. I could go on and on about how Christmas is the single greatest day of the year, but I guess I can cut it down a bit for spatial reasons. But seriously, who doesn’t love Christmas?!?

All of the decorating and baking and shopping for presents is almost too much excitement for one month. I sincerely apologize in advance to my future hubby who will have to control my madness come Christmas time, as my excitement level is sure to be through the roof. I will be that insane lady on the block whose yard has about a million blow up reindeer and snowmen; and I promise you, I won’t regret any of it. This holiday only comes once a year, so I like to soak up every bit of it, even if that means going all out plus some. I Opinion Editor never thought I would become one of those people, but it has slowly Column by Hannah Richardson but surely become my livelihood, and I am okay with that because Christmas is way too close to be worrying about anything else.

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december 2015

opinion

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his “night-owl” mindset is ingenious (I may or may not have recently whipped up a quick five-page essay on it to further prove my appreciation..). Allow me to dazzle you. There’s a key to becoming a successful night worker; sleep during a time of minimal action. For example, upon slugging home from school each afternoon, I fall straight into bed - crashing. Around 6:30 I awake, refreshed, missing what? Yet another selfie from what’s-her-face?

A rerun of that reality show no one uses beyond background noise anyway? What a better use of my time! From there, eat dinner or snatch a to-go snack and start trekking your way through the Mt. Rainier of homework loaded upon you from those classes. Stay in this homework, getting-stuff-done mode until anytime ranging between midnight and dawn the following day. By this time, most or all of your to-dos should be crossed off, leaving you satisfied with minor repercussions. Those of you who try this method and succeed with flying colors, welcome, you, lucky duck, you.

LIfestyle Editor Column by Kendall Steinmetz

D

Ads Manager Column by Isaac Keller

onald Trump has been the frontrunner for the Republican Party ever since he announced his running in June of 2015.

Not only is that extremely unfortunate due to his stance on immigration as well as the Islamic religion, but also because of the failure he has bounded to the Republican Party. Republicans fear two key things that could bind them to failure. First, if Trump does not succeed with the Republican nomination then he will most likely run as an independent party, taking votes away from Republicans and giving a higher chance to a democratic win. Second, Republicans just fear him as the nominee. And finally, to expose Donald Trump one more time, according to the Migration Policy Organization less than 30% of all immigrants enter by the border on ground, therefore his wall wouldn’t even solve the majority of the problem he continues to harp on. It would be an unfortunate waste of money and an even more unfortunate signal we’d send to the rest of the world. So ask your self this, why does he have so many supporters?

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D In a relationship with Tacos Today

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See the new summer line at our Seattle location!

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Our greatest weakness lies in givng up.

The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.

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sports

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“I love basketball season. It is so fun dancing and interacting with the student section,� junior

Lindsey Downey said.

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december 2015

Photo by Gracie Kopala

sports

The Senior Squad

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here’s something to be said about a team with the retention of eight returning seniors. Both on and off the court these players have a special chemistry and bond. They return not only with leadership and experience, but dedication and commitment to the game and to each other.

“North basketball. There’s just something about it.

It’s a really fun and amazing experience to be a part of. We’ve been such a good program, and had great success. I’ve been with these guys for the last four years and some of them longer than that. I’m really glad to be with them again,” senior Joe Barry said.

More than just teammates, this men’s basketball program continues to yield friendships rooted in a family mentality.

“It’s great because we’re all friends. I think it’s mainly the family aspect of the team. We are all together. Our bond and chemistry keep us a strong team,” senior JD Braden said.

Many factors go into the magic of a tight-knit team witnessed on the court by North Nation fans.

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The Basketball Boys are preparing for their final run Story by Lindsay Young | Photos by Dillon Erwin | Design by Kelsey Runge

“They like the sport and have a passion for the game. They like to play with each other and to represent the student body. They like representing former players and carrying on the tradition. Most importantly I think it’s the camaraderie amongst each other,” Men’s Basketball Head Coach and Assistant Principal Chris McCabe said.

Year after year, this team continues to have success and push themselves to reach their potential.

“We always have the goal of going back to the Final Four, but mainly our focus is to be better than we were last time,” senior Michael Hughes said.

Known for their wisdom, experience, and leadership these seniors’ purpose is to continue challenging younger players.

“These seniors are role models for the younger ones whether they know that or not. I hope that when these guys leave they see themselves in years to come in the players that we have playing,” McCabe said.

Eagle’s View

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sports spotlight

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Story by Emily Fuller photos by Baileigh Arant Design By Olivia Prather

Melissa Hagen Freshman swimmer Melissa Hagen is starting her first swim season as a part of the Liberty North team. In the 100 free her best time is 57.95, in the 100 back her best time is 1.04.05, in the 100 fly her best time is 1.04.35. Doing the best you can at a meet would be an expectation but how you prepare for the big event can be what makes all the hard work worth it.

“The only preparation before a meet that I do is I eat a high carb meal and I make sure that I get a good night sleep,” Hagen said.

Proper preparation can help result in

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success, another important aspect of preparation most might not think about would be getting in the right mindset before taking on such an event.

“I always try to stay in a positive mindset before and during a meet even if I’m really not doing very well that day.” Hagen said.

Staying positive may help individually, although practicing strokes is what will pay off when it comes time for swimming in meets.

“My favorite stroke is backstroke, although the stroke I’m best at is butterfly,” Hagen said.

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sports spotlight

wyatt travis Sophomore Wyatt Travis is taking on his second year wrestling for Liberty North this year. Finishing off his freshman year with an even record of 20-20, 20 wins and 20 losses, Travis is back for more this year more ready than ever.

“Going into a match I try to get into the right mindset, I think about different moves I can hit and different situations that can occur and what I would do in those situations. I also continue to tell myself that I can do this and I’m going to win, nothing can stop me.” Travis said.

Getting a proper mindset ready is one way to prepare, although preparations for the body result in another very import aspect of preparation.

“Before competition I always eat a couple bites of a sub sandwich. Then a little while before my match I start doing a warm up just to try and built up a sweat so I’m ready to go into the match and compete with the best I can give,” Travis said.

Eagle’s View

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