January 2016 Issue

THE

PATRIOT VOLUME 50

ISSUE 5

JANUARY 2016

THE MILES BETWEEN US

Stories from immigrants across the world put into perspective what it truly means to be an American.

SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH 5800 W. 107th ST, OVERLAND PARK, KS, 66207

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ON THE COVER

PHOTOS BY JENNA FACKRELL The frequently used symbol of the fence, when used to describe U.S. immigration, takes on a litany of different meanings depending on one’s side of the argument. A fence can be seen as keeping people out, keeping people safe or effectively keeping families apart. What influences our perspectives: the miles between us.

CONTENTS NEWS

4 5

Internet Restrictions Masterworks News Briefs

6

ACADEC

7

StuCo Point System

8

OPINION FEATURES

9

Staff Editorial

10

The Debate

12

Contributing Column: Maddie Martinez Hernandez

13

Cover Story: Immigration

16

Q&A: Casey Mispagel

18

2016 Primary Elections

20 22 23 24

Photo Essay: Hall of Fame

THEN AND NOW

A&E

25 32

The Local: Parkville, MO Street Style: Alex Baron

Twitter Contest: Snow Days Star Wars Movie Review

SPORTS 26

Girls Crowd Control

28

Faculty Basketball Game

29

Q&A: Clara Sitas

30

Reviews

Raider Sports Schedule

Photo Essay: Generation Gap

STAFF Emily Wilkinson Editor-In-Chief Opinion Editor Lauren Rosenstock Assistant Editor-In-Chief Sports Editor Rose Pollina Features Editor Infographics Editor

Amelia Holcomb News Editor

Jenna Fackrell Photo Editor

Casey Mispagel Editorial Cartoonist

Lily Wagner Staff Writer

Kate Anderson A&E Editor

Savannah Morgan Photographer

Mark Holland Staff Writer

Keeli Ward Staff Writer

Jacob Cox Web Editor

Hannah Carter Photographer

Max Holmes Staff Writer

Avery Woods Staff Writer

Sophia Belshe Ads Editor

Maxie Crimm Photographer

Jacob Robertson Staff Writer

Julie Fales Adviser

The Patriot is a news magazine that aims to objectively present topics affecting Shawnee Mission South High School, as well as connect with readers on issues concerning the student body. Staff members reserve the right to express their views in the Opinions section. These pieces are labeled and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff as a whole, except the Lead Editorial, which represents the views of the editors. Under the First Amendment and Kansas Law, The Patriot staff is entitled to freedom of the press and neither the school nor district is responsible for any content or coverage. The staff encourages letters to the editor, but they will only be published if signed. The editor-in-chief reserves the right to refuse or edit any letters for reasons of grammar, length and good taste.

MISSION

For extended content, reviews and photo galleries, check out http://smsouthnews.com.

CONTENTS JAN. 2016

03

NEWS BRIEFS

This month’s must-know news stories

by AVERY WOODS AND LILLY RICHARDS, STAFF WRITERS

>>> WORLD

The Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman was recaptured Friday, Jan. 8 with a raid on his safehouse. An interview with actor Sean Penn led the Mexican police to capture him. Guzman almost escaped through a secret tunnel, but was caught on a security camera as he left. Guzman had evaded capture for six months after his escape from a maximum-security prison in Mexico through another mile-long tunnel.

“I, for one, do not think he’ll escape again,” senior Andrew Duffy said.

>>> NATIONAL

The Kansas City Chiefs finally ended a 22-year drought of playoff victories Saturday, Jan. 9 against the Houston Texans. The game ended with a 30-0 victory. As of press time, results for the Saturday, Jan. 16 game against the New England Patriots were not available. “I think [the Chiefs] have a really good chance, because the New England offense is really banged up right now,” football coach Chris Kiblen said.

>>> SCHOOL

Recently, the decision was made to move the school year’s remaining assemblies from Thursdays during seminar to Fridays. This change was made so students could use seminar time for academics and getting help from teachers. “From a spirit perspective it is much more positive to do it on a Friday than a Thursday,” associate principal Nicholas Platko said. The Thursday, Feb. 11 “Sweetheart” assembly was moved to Friday, Feb. 12 and the Thursday, April 7 spring sports and Heritage assembly was moved to Friday, April 8.

04

NEWS JAN. 2016

UNBLOCKED photo by jacob cox

UNBLOCKED by jacob robertson Staff writer

District makes Pinterest and YouTube available to all student computers.

B

efore winter break, after much careful review and research, the Board of Education made the call to unblock all of YouTube and Pinterest, saying that it was a strong education resource to help students gather information and utilize their online tools. “...We are aware that universities as well as the College Board are utilizing content from these sites to support learning,” Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Christine Ziegler said.

Teachers and students across the district have supported the decision.

“I feel it was a good call and we [administration] were consulted as well as the teachers at South, the purpose of unblocking it was to give students access to the resources,” Associate Principal Ryan Flurry said.

Administration says it will be left up to teachers to handle misuse of internet privileges within the classroom. For some teachers it’s not a concern because not all students will misuse the lifted internet restrictions.

“They could unblock every website in the world and for some students it’s going to be an issue because they are more inclined into being distracted by technology” English teacher Caroline Ewing said. “Then again some students won’t be affected by it at all because they have their priorities down and they are going to get their school work done first,” Art classes may be impacted the most by the unblocking of YouTube and Pinterest where projects, techniques and instructions are shared.

“With ceramics and other art classes looking up different techniques or reference photos in general, it’s completely beneficial. You have the resources right there at your fingertips so if you need to know how to make a ceramic piece bigger or taller or wider you can just look it up,” junior Olivia Beisiegel said.

The hope of the Board is that the unblocking of the websites will help students start to build resource gathering skills and begin to learn more things through the web.

“I think the internet itself is useful in the classroom so much. It can be utilized whether it be daily work, projects or assignment,” social studies teacher Shawn Henry said. “I think that YouTube was a good thing to have access to and history classes especially to have access to current events and information is completely beneficial.”

photo by jacob cox

THE SOLOISTS Orchestra: Jenny Leung

MASTERS OF THEIR WORK

Orchestra teacher Jonathon Wiebe leads the orchestra in a practice during class.

By mark holland staff writer

Annual concert showcases the best of each musical group.

T

he choir, band and orchestra will join together for one giant Masterworks concert Thursday, Jan. 28. “...It’s where each group, from the choir, the band and the orchestra play really significant works written for their type of ensembles. We also feature soloists from each group,” band teacher Steve Adams said.

Soloist Rose Smithson has been looking forward to this concert for years.

“Masterworks is such an incredible honor and I have thought about having the solo as a senior since my freshman year,” Smithson said. “I am just super excited to show my versatility from musical theatre to opera and am proud to perform it because I have worked extremely hard on the piece.”

The choir will perform sets from “The Book of Elijah” for their main piece. “‘The Book of Elijah’ is a very tough piece... but I think we will be able to do it and I think we will be able to perform it well,” sophomore Benji Smith said.

He also thinks that his fellow singers

have mixed feelings about the upcoming event.

“I don’t think they are looking forward to learning all that music. It’s very hard, but I think once we get it done they will be proud of all the hard work they put into it,” Smith said.

Orchestra students are also preparing for their part in the concert. They have similar expectations on how the concert will go.

“We are playing ‘Elijah’ ‘Light Cavalry Overture’ [by Felix Mendelssohn],” sophomore Sarah Morrill said. “And we’re playing with the choir soloist... We’re working on the music in class every day, plus in extra rehearsals, so we’ll be all the way prepared soon hopefully.”

Orchestra teacher Jonathan Wiebe sees the concert as a chance to show the talent of the young musicians who play in it.

“I feel that this concert is a good representation of the best that the music department has to offer. This is the only concert where you can hear from all three at the same time,” Wiebe said. “We also have all of the top groups performing.

We have the string orchestra playing with band in full symphony setting, and they join up with the choir kids and they all play together which is quite unusual for a high school. They’re playing exciting literature, and we have three great soloists.”

Leung will play “Schlinder’s List” by John Williams.

“I’m really nervous. I don’t play well in front of people, so this will be good for me.”

Band: Brock Brethour

Brethour will play the “Marimba Concerto” by Ney Rosauro. “I’m pretty excited... my brother was in it, so I always wanted to do it.”

Choir: Rose Smithson

Smithson will sing “Quando Men Vo” from La Boheme. “Performing this piece is nothing like I’ve ever done before.”

{____________} ><><><>< To CoNgRaTs ><

seniors Rachel Field, Laura Kariuki and Victoria Smith, junior Zach Greer and sophomores Gabe Carter and Anya Horon for being named members of the Kansas Music Educators Association All-State High School Choir.

seniors Young In Chang on the clarinet and Ian Warshaw and Donte’ Maina on trombones, junior Jocelyn Clark on the clarinet, sophomore Madeline Bermond on the flute and freshmen Kylie Hance on the piccolo and Cora Selzer on the French horn for making Kansas All-State High School Band.

They will play at the State Music Conference in late February.

junior Angela Macahdo for placing third in yearbook copy, and Courtney Spaulding for placing first with her academics photo for the November Kansas Scholastic Press Association contest.

NEWS JAN. 2016

05

AcaDec members freshman Amelia Mullin, and sophomores Nick Dunn, Ben Hanson, Brittany Kulla, Lauren Bass and Joy Knowles pose after a practice. The team meets at least twice a week to study materials about India, some of which are shown above. photos by maxie crimm

16th STRAIGHT CHANCE AT STATE

UR O Y K MAR NDER! E CAL

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NEWS JAN. 2016

Come

grade scale,” sophomore member Joy Knowles said.

Funding has been an issue for the team. Parents and students had to help pitch in to purchase cram kits because there is no school funding to buy them. These kits play an important role in helping the students study and prepare for success in competitions.

“All of the money that we’re using towards making ourselves a better team by having this study material is coming from the pockets of the team members,” Knowles said.

Despite these setbacks, AcaDec is still hopeful about the competition season.

“I still think we can go to nationals and continue the South tradition of annihilating every enemy in AcaDec,” Knowles said.

Meek is optimistic about the season.

“The kids are dedicated and they’re willing to come and meet twice a week, some of them even more,” Meek said. “The dedication is there, we just need more people.

The team meets every Tuesday and Thursday to prepare for tomorrow’s State competition. If they qualify for Nationals, they will travel to Fairbanks, Alaska in April.

Look a Nigh t South t 27

Masterworks Concert 28

February

A

cademic Decathlon (AcaDec) is a long standing tradition at South with years of awards, national championships and titles in its history. This year, AcaDec starts a new chapter with new coach, gifted facilitator Hayley Meek. The team was led for the past 10 years by former coach Stan Stern, who took the team to 10 out of 15 consecutive State titles and trips to the National competition, before retiring at the end of last year. The team now hopes to keep that streak alive in the upcoming season, but the long history of success does put pressure on Meek.

“I feel like there’s a lot of pressure to continue winning,” Meek said.

Meek has no prior experience coaching AcaDec, but has taken the position head on with the help of students and faculty.

“Any questions I’ve had, [the students] are able to answer and they kind of just showed me how the process was done previously, and so we’ve just kind of continued that,” Meek said.

It’s not just the coach that’s new to AcaDec. This year’s team is

composed completely of freshmen and sophomores.

“We have a lot of young people on the team… so it’s a learning process for everybody,” Meek said. “We’re kind of focused on this year being a rebuilding year and learning so we can make it better next year.”

Sophomore Ben Hanson is one of only two team members who has past experience with AcaDec. The sophomores have had to take on leadership positions to make up for the lack of upperclassmen. “[We’ve] been trying to recombine our efforts into trying to get someone to lead us, since we don’t have very much experience,” Hanson said.

The team took part in a scrimmage Nov. 21 against nine other schools.

They placed eighth, but each member of the team earned two medals.

Because they are missing members, they weren’t able to place as highly as in past years.

AcaDec members are categorized

by GPA. In order to complete their team, they need one more student with a 2.9 GPA or below to compete on Varsity.

“There’s a misconception that AcaDec is only for the smartest people in the school. It takes a great amount of studying... However, we do need people from all areas of the

January

Academic Decathlon hopes to continue a history of success.

by sophia belshe ads editor

Photo ILLUSTRATIONs by savannah morgan

WHAT’S THE POINT?

by mark holland staff writer

Students and staff explain the StuCo point system.

S

chool events are a way to generate school spirit in a way that is beneficial to others. These events take time and effort, and that responsibility falls on the members of StuCo. They’re the behind the scenes team who make these events happen.

StuCo members have their own motivations to help with events, whether it be their desire to help or the point system, a system that requires service points from StuCo members.

“The point system was created several years ago by former execs and was put in place to make sure members come to our events. Like a sports team who requires its members to come to practice, we want to keep our members accountable to ensure that our events are the best that they can be,” senior Emily Wollard said.

While this system might work as motivation for some, others are not so sure that it is the best idea.

“I think that it could use some revisions...but over all I think it has good intentions….I think that is just needs to take into account student situations.” senior Leah Thomas said.

Senior Brock Brethour had similar ideas.

“The idea behind it is good, but it could definitely use some work...Sometimes people can’t come and sometimes they don’t want to,” Brethour said.

A certain number of points is required for each member to make per year. The number of required points was originally 11.5 out of 17.5, but was later changed to 8.5 out of 17. According to StuCo co-sponsor Joseph Cline, the

l hoo

c S o N 2,5

system has been a success.

“There are very few students who don’t participate in events,” Cline said.

The point system is supposed to motivate members to come to events, and there are reasons for why members are needed to come to events.

“Without preparation and people to help, events like Homecoming and the Canned Food Drive would never happen. We hold a high standard for our members because we are the leaders of the school who need to represent our classes in a positive, effective way in order to maximize school spirit and involvement. The point system helps us reach this goal,” said Wollard.

Students can be kicked out of StuCo for failing to make the amount of required points.

“The past semester there ended up being only a handful of students [that were kicked out], because we lowered the amount of points necessary based on some last minute date decisions and other things on our part. I think the point system is fair because it isn’t hard to get points as long as you come to most of the events throughout the year.

We even made several make-up opportunities for people who might’ve needed some extra points, so everyone had the opportunity to stay in,” Wollard said.

The point system was created to get people to come to events, but at the heart of StuCo is another broader goal that is goes beyond.

“I believe there is so much more to StuCo than points, and our events are something members and the student body as a whole should want to come to regardless.”

Wollard said.

Chinese New Year 8

ACT Test 6

NHS M 9

eeting

Swe

ethe

art A ssem bly 12

NEWS JAN. 2016

07

I

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS n the second half of Southâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50th year the school celebrated with awards, Hall of Fame inductees, and throwback performances.. Check smsouthnews.com to read more about these events. photos by hannah carter

1 2 3 4

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NEWS JAN. 2016

1 2 3 4

Junior Addie Nerstheimer performs with Pacesetters for the throwback performance during the half time of the girls basketball game Jan. 8.

Former NFL Carolina Panthers quarterback Rodney Peete presents the Wilson Golden Football to South as a token of future success for the Raiders.

Junior Anna Distefano performs as a Pacesetter during halftime at the Hall of Fame Varsity basketball game on Jan. 8.

Vasity cheerleaders Shelby Manford and Mindy Absher escort a Hall of Fame inductee David Anderson through the line of other cheerleaders and Pacesetters.

STAFF EDITORIAL

W

ith the 2016 presidential primaries quickly approaching, American media is once again plunged into a cycle of political scandals, debates and hot button issues. During these important months, the electorate will decide which candidate best represents their values and whom is best suited to uphold the American way.

As evidenced by South’s Oct. 1 debate between Young Republicans and Young Democratic Socialists of Eastern Kansas, it is clear that the senior class is an active participant in this coming election, with younger classes just as eager about the political sphere for elections in the years thereafter.

However, this level of excitement comes with a certain amount of dread as many see the political circuit once saturated with name-calling and an overarching lack of respect between candidates.

Such occurrences are not new.

Since the first presidential primary in 1912 between Teddy Roosevelt and William Howard Taft, the campaign trail has historically taken the low road. Taft accused Roosevelt of being an egomaniac, and from the other side, Roosevelt liberally threw around insults like “puzzlewit” and “fathead” to describe his opponent, Taft.

For generations, candidates’ personal lives have been fair game for ridicule, but the 2016 primary race is beginning to broaden the scope of who’s liable to get hurt.

As turmoil thickens over seas and across borders, the question of how many refugees fleeing conflict in the Middle East may be accepted onto American soil has sparked harsh debate.

However, such debate has done little to actually aid those displaced from their homes, but has instead become a pulpit from which to spread fear and xenophobia on a national scale, with candidates like Donald Trump calling for a complete shutdown of all Muslims into the United States.

EDITORIAL CARTOON BY CASEY MISPAGEL On the same token, rhetoric concerning U.S. immigration policies has proven to be another example of lumping an entire ethnic group with unsavory behaviors, with Trump saying that the Mexican government is forcing their most unwanted people into the United States.

The 2016 primary election appears to be the first time it’s not only acceptable but frankly encouraged to insult not just other candidates but entire populations who make up the millions displaced by conflict in the Middle East and the estimated millions of undocumented immigrants living in America.

Not only is such brashness an embarrassment on a national scale, considering that these are from the mouths of presidential candidates, but this detracts from the bigger picture that the men and women behind these issues are forced to live with.

It’s easy to insult millions of undocumented workers in the United States, but it is much more difficult to try to see their lives from a different perspective. Once more, it’s easy to reject the idea of refugees coming to America and projecting that fear onto the millions of Muslims

already in the U.S., but it’s much harder to look within ourselves and realize that what these people have gone through to even be alive at this point is unimaginable.

This is not a question of politics or political correctness. Anyone’s personal stance toward these issues is their own.

However, to look at these millions people, not as individual families torn by extraordinary circumstances whose lives depend on the policies our leaders choose to put in place, but as hors d’oeuvres on a political platter is to rob them of their humanity and their dignity.

To do so is inherently evil, and to accept it within our potential leaders is not the American way and never will be.

8/8 editors agree with the views expressed in this editorial.

OPINION JAN. 2016

09

THE

DEBATE YES:

By MAX HOLMES STAFF WRITER

I

n the past years, the number of school shootings across the country has skyrocketed with studies showing that last year, on average, a mass shooting happened more than once per day. Now, we’re in a new year with new possibilities, new ideas, new twisted morals that would make a person shoot up a school.

We live in an awful world. Violence is never an impossibility, which is why we should always expect, and be ready for, an attack on Shawnee Mission South.

Even with our amped-up security and stricter safety rules, we should not ignore the possibility of a school shooting right here in our school. We have practiced Code Red and evacuation drills since elementary school for a reason; the same reason why we have police officers patrolling our school to protect us from armed assailants and anything, or anyone, that may come to harm us.

However, the possibility that these efforts to protect us might fail are still present.

While, yes, the wonderful administration of our school would do everything to protect us, that doesn’t mean we have nothing to fear. All someone has to do is get past the administration, either by force or wit, and then they are through those defenses and practically free to roam the school, which probably wouldn’t be all that great. That would actually be the worst possible thing.

In short, the risk of a school shooting in our school may be smaller than in other places, but that doesn’t mean the possibility is obsolete. All it takes is one man with a gun and a plan, and we’re in trouble.

Sure, we’re protected, but that doesn’t mean we are totally safe. Everyone should be on their guard and always be ready to act, even if that act is running and hiding. Safety precautions, such as the school resource officers’ post in the front hall and drills like Code Red should not be taken lightly.

THE RESULTS ARE IN...

YES 71%

10

OPINION JAN. 2016

NO 29%

Students voted on whether Christmas festivities should be celebrated in school.

Visit The Patriot Online at smsouthnews.com to vote for your opinion in this month’s Debate.

IS THERE A REASONABLE FEAR OF SCHOOL SHOOTINGS IN JOHNSON COUNTY?

NO: M

BY KATE ANDERSON A&E EDITOR

ost of us have had the pleasure of living comfortably in safe suburbia, untouched by the violence of a community in disarray.

Around us is a world of hate and violence, but we are contained for an indefinite amount of time. This phenomenon, if you will, is called the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Johnson County bubble.â&#x20AC;? South does not need to be afraid of serious violence. This being said, it does not mean bad things do not happen in Overland Park and surrounding cities. We are just flanked by areas that experience much more violence than what we are used to in Johnson County.

School shootings are a real and serious problem in America right now, especially within the past few years. Even so, there is no serious threat of gun violence at South.

With the combination of a new security system this year, heightened awareness of gun violence and safe neighborhoods in the area, South can be deemed a safe school.

As many students have noticed, the new security system put in place at South has changed some aspects of the school day. There is a heightened awareness of who is entering the building and students must produce a student ID if they arrive after 8 a.m. The structural addition to the front of the building caught some students by surprise. The purpose of the security alcove is to ensure that the security officers know exactly who is entering and leaving the building. Every door in the building is equipped with an alarm that notifies the security office if it is opened. It is clear that the district is taking school safety very seriously.

Saying that Johnson County is completely safe is a presumptuous statement and frankly wrong. There will be violence no matter where you live. On April 13, 2014, a pair of shootings committed by a lone gunman occurred at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City and Village Shalom, a Jewish retirement community.

We cannot ignore violence. It is events like these that hit so close to home and really bring a community together.

Living in America comes with certain terms and conditions.

School shootings have become a sad norm that seem to come from nowhere. South is lucky enough to be situated in a very safe area.

Overland Park has a very low gun violence archive and the last fatal school shooting in this area was 30 years ago. There is no need to be afraid at South because of the precautionary measures taken to provide a safe learning environment for students.

CHASING AN AMERICAN DREAM

PHOTOs BY Jenna Fackrell

By Maddy Martinez Hernandez CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

M

y life back in Mexico was pretty chill. I lived with my brothers and my parents in a nice house in Mexico City. I would go to school in the mornings, and since I was part of the soccer team and the school’s heritage choir, I had practice after school for both of them. After that, I would go to the stadium where my brothers played football, as I was also the coach of the

12

OPINION JAN. 2016

cheerleading team. So we would have practice from Monday to Friday and we had to cheer at the games on Saturdays and Sundays if they were at home. But when I wasn’t doing all of that, I would hang out with my friends and go to parties. Life was pretty nice, but I wanted more.

My grandma and grandpa moved here 16 years ago with four of their six kids. My parents, my brothers and I would come and visit them over winter breaks and over the summer.

I simply fell in love with the idea of high school, so I asked my parents to let me move so I could achieve my dreams.

We did all the paperwork needed, got plane tickets, a debit card so they could send me money, and I got my special visa, the permission for me to live without my parents.

And I finally did it. I left Mexico July 2, 2013. My life was never the same.

I got here the summer between my freshman and sophomore year. I had to go take some tests to know if I needed to get in the ELL program or if I could join a regular English class.

I got a 100 percent on my test and I got to be in a regular English 10 class.

After that, I had to come to South to get enrolled. Since I had some of my

credits, we had to see what I had and what I needed. The counselors enrolled me in some classes, and the next thing I knew, it was the first day of school.

I felt like I was going to die. I didn’t know the school. I knew like two people and I had no idea where my class was.

I had first hour women’s choir with Miss Petey. It was very hard to find, but I found it just before the bell rang. I made some friends throughout that day, friends I still have today.

The rest of my year was kind of like everyone else’s freshman year: lost but learning and making friends.

After that, I’ve had to do some paperwork with the administrators every year; to let them know where I live, if anything has changed, if my parents are still okay with me living away and to check that we have the proper permission.

Other than me taking care of myself and living miles and miles away from my parents, I have had a high school experience almost like anyone’s. As hard as it has been living away from home, adapting to a different culture, keeping up with the language, I would not change it for anything.

THE MILES BETWEEN US

Stories from immigrants across the world put into perspective what it truly means to be an American.

PHOTO ILLUSTARTION BY JENNA FACKRELL

FEATURES JAN. 2016

13

THE MILES BETWEEN US

BY EMILY WILKINSON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, OPINION EDITOR

PUBLIC OPINION

(Stats gathered from Pew Research Center)

As immigration becomes an increasingly divisive topic in politics, the American people weigh in on the status of undocumented immigrants, deportation and political action on the issues.

In 2015, 72% of Americans felt that undocumented immigrants who meet certain requirements should have a way to stay legally.

In 2014, 82% of Republicans disapproved of President Obama’s executive order to expand the number of undocumented immigrants permitted to stay, 71% of Democrats approved of the action.

In 2014, 45% of Americans believed fewer deportations were “a good thing.” 45% thought it was a “bad thing.” 9% didn’t know.

14

FEATURES JAN. 2016

Stories from immigrants across the world put into perspective what it truly means to be an American.

L

ike most weary travelers, the first thing senior Nhi Tuyet “Tia” Phan could think of when she arrived in the United States was food.

“In [Vietnam], we didn’t have french fries, or a lot of milk and cheese,” Phan said. “I really like french fries. I used to see them in the movies.”

Phan, however, was not like most travelers. Thousands of miles from a place she’d always called home, she knew even long before the journey began that she would never go back.

“In my country now, it’s very dangerous, people killing people everywhere. I don’t even want to go back,” Phan said.

“It’s really good to be here, so I don’t miss anything. People there were mean, even in my family, out of conflict and everything that’s happened.”

Although the beginning of a new journey stemming from her first day in America would be a difficult one, it paled in comparison to her experiences as a child growing up in a much less forgiving environment.

“The reason why my family chose to leave was because we didn’t have any other place to go,” Phan said. “My dad was an alcoholic. We had to move all the time because my mom had to find work. My dad would hit my mom all the time.

There was never a peaceful day… [My family] chose to find a way out.”

Phan is not the only one. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people immigrate to the U.S. with similar aspirations of finding a way out and a better tomorrow. The rationale of choosing America over any other country is a phenomenon American government teacher Tony Budetti credits to the nation’s political stability.

“I think most people see the stability that exists in America politically as enticing,” Budetti said, “and because there’s stability politically, there’s stability economically. In that way, people are always looking to make their lives better and the lives of their children better. It’s why America has always been a big option for people and a desired goal for people around the world.”

Immigration reached new heights in 2015 with an estimated 42.1 million immigrant population in America.

With such a large community growing by the day, many wonder if the 2016 presidential election may come down to a candidate’s respect toward immigrants.

“There are risks in attacking different groups of people in America with the immigration issue,” Budetti said. “If you are a candidate, you want to appeal to people but without excluding or hurting the feelings of other groups. That’s the slippery slope some candidates are walking on.”

Another group, refugees fleeing ISIS and the Assad regime in Syria, currently face just as much political scrutiny within the 2016 presidential race, with candidates left to decide whether or not to claim some responsibility for refugees entering America.

“Right now, America hasn’t intervened with the refugee crisis much at all. Europeans aren’t really happy about it because they feel like we destabilized the area and caused the Syrian refugee issue to occur. We have lots of places in America where we could put Syrian refugees and assimilate them. The real question is do they want to stay?” Budetti said. “The refugees just want to survive, and as soon as their homeland gets settled into a safe situation, they’re probably going to want to return.”

Budetti predicts that any major intervention in the Syrian refugee crisis is unlikely.

“America doesn’t have the stomach for a prolonged land war. Because of that, people want to bomb from 10,000 feet rather than walk the streets of Syria. When you walk the streets, it’s going to be far more dangerous for U.S. soldiers, and that’s just not where the American psyche is right now,” Budetti said.

In an effort to help refugees still in limbo between their previous homes and planned destinations, Arabic teacher Annie Hasan sponsored a Syrian refugee aid drive with the help of her students.

“A student organization of medical students based out of UMKC started the drive and advertised around the area. They actually flew to Greece and distributed the supplies that we raised here and gave supplies to the people who were arriving in boats from Turkey,” Hasan said. “We are a country of immigrants, so [the drive] was especially important because many of our ancestors have gone through similar circumstances. Not only that, but I think that it says something about the humanity that we feel toward others. If the situation was reversed, we would hope that other people would open their borders and help.”

The culture shock that refugees may experience when entering America, Hasan says, poses an obvious challenge, but is not impossible.

“For the most part, Americans tend to be extremely accepting people. The media today is really, I think, been a very difficult thing to deal with,” Hasan said. “There are always going to be those outcasts who say things that aren’t very welcoming toward the refugees unfortunately, but, for the most part, Americans go out of their way to help provide for these people.”

One challenge as a refugee in America is the distinctive language barrier.

“The language barrier is a little difficult for a couple reasons. One, Syrians learn British English when they’re in the school system, and a lot of these people have been out of school for a long time… so there’s this huge education gap,” Hasan said. “Syrians start teaching English in kindergarten, so it’s not like they’ve never been exposed to it. They’re exposed to Hollywood, exposed to all our TV shows, to Facebook. All these components make it easier to

“Some people will say

I don’t belong here, or that I can’t do anything.

That’s not true, so I try to do my best in every class. I want to follow my dreams.

”

- senior Tia Phan

learn English if you’re learning it from scratch.”

Phan is able to relate to the struggles of living with a language barrier in a new country, but says that the immersion is what ultimately helped in the transition from not knowing any English at all to being bilingual in a matter of years.

“I think everybody can learn a new language. I’m starting to learn Spanish right now,” Phan said. “A lot of immigrants are afraid to be exposed to the world, I think.

They’re shy. If I stand up to speak, I make mistakes. I shake.

But I still do it. I do my best in everything that I do.”

Despite having the same years of immersion and living with two English speaking daughters as well as an American-born boyfriend, her mother, Phan says, still lives with that language barrier.

“My mom, she talks a lot, just not in English. She makes a lot of friends here, and she doesn’t even speak English. She uses a lot of body language, gestures. I told her to learn English, but she doesn’t want to. She said, ‘I’m OK with it. I don’t speak English and I have a lot of friends. Look at you.

You speak English. No friends,’” Phan said, laughing. “She’s stubborn.”

Although the road to this point has been tough, Phan has always remained hopeful about her situation and future. Ambitious and optimistic, she knew that life in America would be worth every struggle. The first step, turning the page, would be the hardest.

“I felt like I was leaving everything bad behind, like I could start a new life,” Phan said about leaving Vietnam.

“Some people will say I don’t belong here, or that I can’t do anything. That’s not true, so I try to do my best in every class. I want to follow my dreams.”

For those who may question her, her twin sister, senior Nhi Hong “Mia” Phan, or any immigrant’s worthiness to seek out those dreams in America, Phan had one thing for them to consider.

“Look at me. Now, look at you,” Phan said. “I can be better than you. How can an immigrant not? Don’t judge us for where we come from. Judge us for what we do.”

FEATURES JAN. 2016

15

A &

Q with

CASEY MISPAGEL

BY LILY WAGNER PHOTOS BY JACOB COX

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FEATURES JAN. 2016

A

lthough her 2D artwork was nominated for the Shooting Stars Recognition, senior Casey Mispagel certainly has a 3D personality that affects her unique style of art. Mispagel uses an array of art mediums like colored pencil and watercolor. She will find out if she wins the Shooting Star Recognition April 3.

When did you get into art?

I started sketching when I was a kid, but I got into it sophomore year

What kind of work goes into an editorial cartoon for The Patriot?

Emily Wilkinson sends me the staff editorial and they kinda set me free.

Which editorial cartoon that you have done has been your favorite?

The first one for suicide awareness and gay rights.

Why were the gay rights and suicide awareness cartoons your favorite?

Suicide is very close to my heart. I want my talent to help bring awareness. I have a strong stance on that topic. Using art to talk about it is better than starting a twitter fight.

What was the first art award that you won?

In second grade, the National Reflections Contest.

Describe your entry for the Reflections contest in 2nd grade?

It was a picture of my grandma’s hands. The theme was, ‘I wonder why?’ so I did I wonder why we grow old.

How does art affect your life?

[It’s] definitely a huge blessing and stress on my life. It’s definitely a lot of pressure. My style reflects in my work. Art helped me be able to find my own style.

You were nominated for the Shooting Stars Award, can you tell me about that?

I was nominated for the Shooting Stars award by Mrs. Hudson. Shooting Stars is a competition for 2D, 3D and a bunch of other categories. My art just competes against other students in Overland Park who also get nominated by their teacher.

FEATURES JAN. 2016

17

WHO’S ? ? ?

?

WHO? ?

Below are results from a Presidential Poll as of Wednesday, Jan. 6, in New Hampshire.

Results from Real Clear Politics

REPUBLICAN D. Trump, 29 pts M. Rubio, 15 pts C. Christie, 11 pts J. Kasich, 11 pts T. Cruz, 10 pts J. Bush, 10 pts B. Carson, 4 pts C. Fiorina, 4 pts R. Paul, 3 pts M. Huckabee, 1 pt

DEMOCRAT H. Clinton, 47 pts B. Sanders, 44 pts M. O’Malley, 3 pts

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FEATURES JAN. 2016

PRIMARY COLORS Presidential candidates compete in Primaries to influence winners at future party conventions.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY HANNAH CARTER

BY Lauren Rosenstock ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, SPORTS EDITOR eading into 2016, the main registered in his or her state as point to remember during either a Democrat or Republican. this time, is that the race for But, depending on location, young the presidency is becoming more adults who turn 18 in the year competitive. If a campaign hit a of a presidential election, can rough patch in the early months still register to vote in order to of the year, their recovery will participate. have more turbulence than if ‘Primary election’ is not the trouble occurred earlier in the only term to be familiar with; race. many primary elections are also Such stress is brought on by called caucuses. A caucus a series approaching primary elections, of meetings held across a state caucuses and conventions. that help to nominate candidates Primary elections remind the for election, through the state public to voice their opinion of or local government. So, for a candidate through open and example, On Monday, Feb. 1, the closed elections. The public has to Iowa Precinct Caucus will be held. be able to select a candidate based This means that the decision by on the needs, desires and goals of the public is statewide and often the community, and the candidate more community-oriented. These should have the initiative to make meetings hold discussions about policy happen. party candidates and then an open A primary is an election by vote for state delegates [party secret ballot in which voters members who helps determine choose a candidate. Primary that party’s presidential nominee] elections are held for public offices to represent the candidate to and the presidency. There are also support. open and closed primary elections; The reason primary elections in closed primaries, voters must and caucuses are used is to get to decide which party they support, know the candidates and how the and through that party only, local public and parties responds they choose a candidate. Open to them, as well as building a primaries are different in that strong platform for the candidate the voters, regardless of party, to stand on if they are taken to can participate and apply their their party’s national convention vote to any candidate. [held on July 25-28 (D) and July 18For those who are wondering, 21 (R)]. Without this combination of ‘Can I vote in a primary election public participation and a sound this year?’, Fear not. Generally, in structure, the candidate (and order to participate one must be their campaign) could suffer.

H

ONE STATE, TWO STATE,

TU ES DAY M A RC H 1

T U E S DAY1 MARCH

TUESDAY FEB. 9

TUESDAY MARCH 1

SATURDAY FEB. 20 (R) SATURDAY FEB. 27 (D)

DAY TUES H1 MARC

TUESDAY MARCH 1

Primaries run from Feb. 1, to June 18. These are some upcoming primary elections dates.

T U E S DAY MARCH 1

TUESDAY MARCH 2

MONDAY FEB. 1

RED STATE, BLUE STATE

S A T U R DAY FE B .

2 0 (D ) TUES DAY F E B .

23 (R )

T U E S DAY MARCH 1

TUESDAY TUESDAY MARCH 1 MARCH 1

TUESDAY MARCH 1

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FEATURES JAN. 2016

PARKVILLE, MO.

By Kate Anderson A&E Editor Photos by jenna fackrell

S

ituated just northwest of Downtown Kansas City, Parkville, Mo. is a small college town with an eclectic group of stores and eateries. Many people are not familiar with the area, and I certainly was not until recently. Where Parkville lacks in size, it makes up for in personality and history. The Main Street Parkville Association (MSPA) is a volunteer, membership organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Historic Downtown Parkville. MSPA was originally formed to assist with revitalization efforts in Historic Downtown Parkville following the 1993 flood.

Today, Parkville flourishes as the college town for Park University located nearby.

Parkville is packed with antique shops and vintage marts and it seems that every time you turn a corner

there is another one. Tip for a Parkville daytrip: Do not go on Mondays; almost everything is closed. We wandered around in the cold for a bit looking for stores that were open at 11 a.m. Luckily there was a token shop every now and then that we could pop into to escape the blistering cold. There are cafes and restaurants everywhere and we did not have a problem finding a place to eat.

Parkville is pretty much consolidated to one or two smallish streets, so there was no terribly long walks from place to place. Railroad tracks run through part of town, giving it a quaint feeling. As we were having coffee, a train rolled through and we could feel our cups shake. I could probably get used to it if I lived there. Parkville is a hidden gem and is definitely worth exploring further.

Parkville Antique Mall 173 English Landing Dr, Parkville, MO 64152

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A&E JAN. 2016

HMS Beagle Educational Supply Store 180 English Landing Dr, Kansas City, MO 64152

Restaurant: STONE CANYON PIZZA

S

15 Main St, Parkville, MO 64152

tone Canyon Pizza is a charming restaurant with a welcoming ambiance. Though the service was impeccable, the food bordered on mediocrity. There was nothing alarmingly bad and I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. It just left me with a feeling of, “I’ve had better.” While being essentially a pizzeria, Stone Canyon has many great options of ordering pizza for a single serving to large groups. I opted for the mini-pizza that came with a side and a soft drink. It proved just enough for one person and was about $8.50. Other options include various sizes of pizza and sides for the whole table. Overall, Stone Canyon has a pretty good menu but what it lacks in food, it makes up for in fast service.

Store: OLD TOWN SWEETS AND ANTIQUES 103 Main St, Parkville, MO 64152

W

alking into Old Town Sweets and Antiques was like stepping into the past. With a distinct 1960s sweet shop look, Old Town makes you feel instantly nostalgic for a time you may never have even experienced. Covering one of the walls in wicker baskets is their advertised 64 flavors of taffy. Old-fashioned candy is displayed in cases and there is even a mini ice cream parlor in the back. Old Town really has it all. From bread mixes to fudge to homemade salsa, there is something for everyone. And it wouldn’t a Parkville classic if not for the antiques in the back of the store and upstairs.

Cafe: PARKVILLE COFFEE

A

103 Main St, Parkville, MO 64152

s is everything else in the small college town, Parkville Coffee is quirky and stuffed with antiques.

You can find retro furniture and potted succulents around every corner and a friendly staff is happy to help. The coffee itself was very good and the pastries were delicious. Their menu offered a surprising amount of specialty drinks as well as many baked goods to choose from. Up the stairs is an open seating area great for doing homework or talking with friends. Parkville Coffee is a must-go place if you are ever in Parkville. It embodies all the traits of the town in one place while being extremely comfortable and welcoming.

A&E JAN. 2016

21

jun ior

street style Photos by savannah morgan

JACKET | SAVERS

SHOES | NEW BALANCE SOCKS | PACSUN

“ SWEATSHIRT | SAVERS GLASSES | RAY-BAN

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A&E JAN. 2016

Mids for life.

SHIRT | MIDS APPAREL

“ PANTS | BANANA REPUBLIC

TWITTER PHOTO CONTEST Students tweeted @smspatriot pictures of their winter breaks and The Patriot staff picked their favorites. The winner will receive a $10 gift card to Quick Trip. The next Twitter photo contest theme will be “young love.” Submit your photos by Feb. 3.

Senior Leah Thomas @LeahThomas144 “Road trip”

Senior Leorah Addadi @Leorahsaur “snow day including getting stuck in a coffee shop and coloring”

1 2 Sophomore Brittany Kulla @kullathanyou “snowy days are the best for keeping warm with porky”

3 4

Seniors Andrew Duffy & Steven Erbaucher @PizzaSorcers” “#snowdaymixtape”

A&E JAN. 2016

23

REVIEWS MOVIE REVIEW: ‘STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS’

by Rose pollina features editor infographics editor

Stormtroopers walk the red carpet at the Hollywood premiere of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” on Monday, Dec. 14, 2015.

PHOTO COURTESY OF Jay L. Clendenin

The force is with this movie as it breaks box office records and continues the ‘Star Wars’ franchise in a family-friendly way.

W

ithout a shadow of a doubt, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is the must see film. As of the weekend of Jan. 9-10, the film’s domestic grand total was brought to a total of $812 million. That makes it the first film to ever go over $800 million in the states. “The Force Awakens’” global earnings now sit at $1.73 billion, which makes it the third highest grossing film of all-time worldwide right behind “Titanic” and “Avatar.”

From toys to car commercials, Star Wars is everywhere. Disney really went all-out promoting this film, which makes sense, considering that they spent $4.05 billion in 2012 to buy Lucasfilm. They really want a return on that investment, with more “Star Wars” films on the way they’re investment will likely pay off. “Star Wars” already has a large fan base, but it is growing considerably faster now due to the spot-on promoting done by Disney.

Don’t worry about “Star Wars” fatigue for much longer, as “Captain America: Civil War’s” release date nears Disney will focus more heavily on its promotion of its Marvel properties at which point you’ll have superhero fatigue instead.

When I first saw “Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope” my 8-year-old mind was blown away. When I saw the new “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” I felt nostalgic, but at the same I felt like I was looking at a remash of the first film. I would be lying if I said the word “ripoff” didn’t come to mind. As a long time “Star Wars” fan I appreciate the direction the film’s creators went with keeping a lot of what fans loved about the first movie in it. I just wish they hadn’t been so literal with keeping it so similar.

It’s obvious director J.J. Abrams

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A&E JAN. 2016

wants to build a foundation with younger moviegoers and others who haven’t seen many or any “Star Wars” films. I imagine first time viewers get a similar experience to the older “Star Wars” fans who saw the first film years ago.

Older fans were treated to a lot of Easter eggs concerning stars of the original trilogy such as Han Solo, Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. For instance we find out that Princess Leia is now General Leia of the Resistance.

Throughout the 2 hours and 16 minutes of run time, I felt the pace lag in a few places such as the scenes on Jakku at the beginning of the film.

From my review so far it might seem like I really didn’t like “The Force Awakens,” which is not the case at all. When I go to see a movie I’m not looking for Shakespeare, I just want to be entertained. Frankly I thought the characters were a lot of fun to watch. The action felt natural and not overly choreographed.

Many of the new main characters were as well fleshed out as they can be in the first part of a trilogy. Their personalities were distinct, which helped me believe their personal motivations behind their actions. The actors the films new main trio Daisy Ridley (Rey), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron) and John Boyega (Finn) all gave commendable performances. Ridley and Boyega really sell the close camaraderie between their characters which becomes the driving force of some really heroic actions.

In true Star Wars fashion, the story focuses in on bloodlines. The ultimate question moviegoers ask is ‘who are Rey’s parents?’ It’s a question I still wonder a week later. I have my suspicions, but until the upcoming movies have revealed her parents I’ll just have to wait.

Overall the “Force Awakens” fits in well with the pre-established “Star Wars” franchise, it definitely beat Episodes I, II and III.

MOVIE REVIEW: ‘MILE... MILE & A HALF’

by keeli ward staff writer

Inspiring Netflix documentary on John Muir Trail shows how road trips can change lives.

W

ith seven weeks until Spring Break, students are daydreaming about their road trips that they plan on going on over the break. But in the meantime, they could watch some road trip movies. I would recommend watching the documentary “Mile… Mile & a Half” on Netflix.

The documentary is based on a group of hikers who wanted to walk the John Muir Trail, in California which stretches 211 miles between Yosemite and Mt. Whitney. Durand Trench, the producer, gathered six of his friends and they decided to film their hike. Each friend had a certain job that they had to do while walking the trail. Trench, was also in charge of sound editing and his friend Jason Fitzpatrick was the coproducer.

Unlike education and informational documentaries, this one was enjoyable and not boring. The one hour and 27 minute documentary was filmed by the hikers who at first just took video to capture nature and their trip.

Despite having to cross through snow and rivers they had an amazing time accomplishing their dreams of walking the trail and decide to make a movie to show others their experiences.

When planning a trip hopefully everything will turn out smoothly, but anything can happen. The hikers had a few rough spots. After the first couple

of days of hiking everyone had bad blisters and was sore so they decided to take a day off. Later in their hike, they were attacked by a swarm of mosquitoes. Some of the original hikers couldn’t keep up with the rest of the group so they decided to stop hiking at one of the supply drops and go home. The group ended up losing and gaining members throughout the film.

“Mile… Mile & a Half” came out on Netflix in 2013 and is rated with almost five full stars. Everyone who loves to be out in nature should watch this film. The hiker’s Some of the beautiful terrain of the trip truly shows what nature John Muir Trail featured in the movie. is really like. This documentary may inspire others to get out of their house and explore nature. I am not a big documentary fan but this one was amazing.

Not only did the documentary capture the hikers trip, but all of the nature and sounds in the wilderness also. Throughout the documentary you are able to see the groups and the individual’s journey as they experienced this thrill of checking the trip off their bucket list.

The John Muir Trail may not be on your bucket list, but after watching Mile… “Mile & a Half,” you will want to go out on a hike.

Similar Netflix Documentaries: “Planet Earth” >>> This 11-part series highlights some of the world’s most breathtaking natural areas.

“Speed Kills” >>> This documentary exposes some of the fastest predators in the animal kingdom.

“180° South” >>> Adventurer Jeff Johnson retraces a 1968 trip to Patagonia undertaken by his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins.

A&E JAN. 2016

25

During the Lady Raider’s away game against SM West, Girls Crowd Control support the team with cheers and a loud presence.

The theme that night was “A day at the beach.”

PHOTO BY JENNA FACKRELL

BY AMELIA HOLCOMB NEWS EDITOR

After creating Girls Crowd Control, senior members share the significance of this informal club.

T

here is a difference in the stands at the beginning of a girls home varsity game compared to last year. Where previously the stands were dotted with a small, sometimes spread out group of sitting students and parents, there is now a cluster of girls standing in the front rows of the student section, decked out in the night’s theme and ready to bring the noise, energy, and excitement.

These members of Girls Crowd Control lead the rest of the student section in the cheers for the night’s game, a job that was often previously left unattended.

“For our team, I know [crowds] get us really excited to play,” varsity basketball co-captain Elizabeth

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SPORTS JAN. 2016

Holmes said. “It’s fun seeing our crowd and seeing faces that I know and then the next day they’ll still be nice to me no matter what the outcome of the game was.”

Attendance for girls basketball games have historically been low, even during double headers when the boys basketball team played right after the girls. “[Last year] we usually only had crowds at the end of our games because we usually play double headers so we usually had a big crowd at the end but nothing at the beginning,” Holmes said. “Since we usually didn’t have crowds, the energy kinda sucked before a game so we usually had to bring it ourselves and that’s a lot harder to do than when you have a crowd to cheer you on and actually support you.”

Girls Crowd Control aims to fix the problem of low attendance at girls sports and bring more support to them by tweeting out times and creating themes for girls games, as well as recognizing and bringing attention to other sports.

“Girls Crowd Control was created because a group of us felt like girls sports were underrepresented in the school and also that the Crowd Control that already existed was prejudiced

against girls and we felt like we needed to take a stand against that,” senior Ellie Bartlett said.

The creation of Girls Crowd Control ushered in plenty of discussion among students in the halls and on social media.

“I think Twitter has a huge role in it,” Bartlett said. “A lot of the drama has been stemmed off Twitter and I think it’s easier for people to say mean things when they’re not saying it to your face... I also think that only having 140 characters to say anything isn’t going to get the right point across because you’re limited to what you can say.”

But, according to Bartlett, Girls Crowd Control was not created to pick a fight with the original Crowd Control or start any controversy.

“I think the main thing is that we did not mean to start all of this drama and that was not the purpose of it…,” Bartlett said. “We were really just trying to change people’s views about equality for girls in our school.”

And members of Girls Crowd Control recognized the time commitment that the original Crowd Control faced, deciding to create a group that would be able to fill in some of the gaps that Crowd Control left open.

Chanting in sync, Girls Crowd Control tries to get the crowd excited to pump up the team during their first away game at SM West.

PHOTO BY jenna Fackrell “...It’s impossible to go to every gymnastics meet, every basketball game, every wrestling meet, etc. so we created another Crowd Control to try to give more athletes the support they deserve,” Girls Crowd Control member Natalie Warshaw said.

For Holmes, the difference in girls crowds at games and how female athletes are treated compared to males is nothing new.

“Starting with little kids, boys are always treated like they’re the ones that need to better, they need to be stronger, they need to be faster,” Holmes said. “And then you go to pros and even male athletes, no matter how good or bad they are, they still get paid so much more than a female athlete and females go through just as much pain and hard work that the males do.”

According to Women’s Sports Foundation, the minimum salary of a WNBA player in the 2015-16 season was $38,913, while the minimum salary of a NBA player was $525,093.

And the difference isn’t just in basketball.

“The U.S. women’s national team in soccer that won the World Cup made less money for winning the world cup than the men’s team did for not winning,” Bartlett said. “Even though it was the most watched soccer game in US history on TV, they still didn’t get the monetary stipend that they deserved.”

Between 20 and 25 million people

From the bleachers, seniors Natalie Warshaw, Gretchen Feibig and Hannah Hall stand with Girls Crowd Control to support of the Lady Raiders. PHOTO BY jenna Fackrell

For the boys basketball game at 7 against Olathe Northwest, the student section begins to fill up with students decked out for the “Green and Gold” game theme.

PHOTO BY HANNAH CARTER watched that game, showing that people will care about women’s sports if they are given a chance to watch them (and if the team is doing really well), but networks are giving women’s sports few opportunities to be viewed. A 20-year study of network and cable by USC & Purdue sociologists found women only represented four percent of sports news in 2009, and ESPN’s Sportscenter coverage of women’s sports was only 1.4 percent.

For Girls Crowd Control member Alyssa Pavlu, the difference in women’s sports in the media can be reflected back to high school bleachers.

“People pay more attention and all the hype is for football teams and boys

Check smsouthnews.com to read more stories about Girls Crowd Control and to keep updated on Raider athletics.

basketball teams, and girls teams do just as well. Just because we’re females doesn’t mean we deserve any less attention,” Pavlu said.

But, members remain optimistic that their influence can change the conversation and bring equality to female athletes, at least at South. Both groups are committed to rallying up school spirit and supporting athletics, and Bartlett hopes for a more diverse future for Crowd Control.

“We’ve been working with...Crowd Control. We want to work with them and I think some of them are open to that,” Bartlett said. “It’s good to see they’re striving for a change. Instead of being separate, the long run is that it’s just one Crowd Control where girls can be included.”

SPORTS JAN. 2016

27

WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER

BY KEELI WARD STAFF WRITER Rushing onto the court, senior Brady Anderson is ready to play Olathe Northwest Tuesday, Jan. 5.

At the free-throw line, senior CJ Hill gets ready to shoot.

Finishing his free throw and waiting for the next play, Hill waits for the ball to fall into the basket.

PHOTOS BY MAXIE CRIMM

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SPORTS JAN. 2016

South faculty members participate in charity basketball game against SMW faculty through DECA.

F

or the past four years, South and West faculty members have gotten together to play a basketball game to raise awareness and collect donations for charities. This year, they are playing for the Special Olympics. Each school’s DECA club coordinates planning and raises money for the charities. The Faculty Basketball Game will be Friday, Jan. 29 at Shawnee Mission West.

“The game is fun and everything, but the ultimate thing that I really enjoy is seeing the students and money towards the shirts going towards a good cause and raising awareness for a good cause,” DECA sponsor Bryce McElroy said.

Two years ago, the faculty played for lymphoma and leukemia. Last year, they played for suicide awareness.

To raise money, shirts were sold during lunch the last two weeks of first semester for $10. The shirts were designed by both South and West marketing students.

Because the shirts sold out, McElroy ordered 30 extras that will be available the week of the basketball game in Room 254. The shirts are first come first serve.

Last year over $1,000 was donated to the Tom Karlin Foundation, which is a charity that partners up with schools and other organizations to spread the word on teen suicide prevention. This year DECA plans on also collecting donations at the basketball game to help raise more money for The Special Olympics.

“The best thing about the game is getting the teachers involved,” DECA member Evan Offutt said. “It’s a lot of fun to watch a bunch of different teachers go at it and provide a lot of competition. “ Offutt will be collecting donations from the fans and players at the game.

“I like how excited the students get when we get out there,” assistant basketball coach Kurt Hodge said. “The students are yelling for us and they are having a good time and everything.”

The faculty will face off after the South’s boys basketball game against West.

“I think both faculty know it’s for fun and a good cause. We kind of give it to each other you know?” Hodge said. “When we make a shot we kind of rub it in each other’s face and talk a little trash, but it’s all for fun and a good cause.”

A few faculty members who played in the game last year included athletic director John Johnson, Hodge and McElroy.

Last year West faculty won the charity game.

“It’s just something different we can do to raise awareness for a good cause,” McElroy said.

Some of the faculty who are playing in the game next Friday include Hodge, English teacher Caroline Ewing, Spanish teacher Cynthia Hartwell and head basketball coach Brett McFall. Many of the faculty members are looking forward to the game. The South faculty is really wanting to get a win.

“Of course we will win. We didn’t win last year but it has been stinging us teachers all year so we want to get out there and win,” Hodge said.

Q &

A

with senior

BY AVERY WOODS STAFF WRITER

Clara Sitas is not only one of the three captains of the girls varsity basketball team, she is also the only senior.

Boxing out, senior Clara Sitas prepares to get the rebound during the Varsity girls basketball game against Olathe Northwest on Tues. Jan. 5. PHOTO BY HANNAH CARTER

How long have you been playing basketball?

I started playing in fourth grade, and I just kept going. All my friends were doing it, and my parents wanted me to get out and do something, I guess.

I actually didn’t know if I wanted to play in high school… my eighth grade year, I wasn’t really sure if I wanted to do basketball anymore. But then I did this summer camp, and that made me want to do it.

It’s kind of different, but I like it. I’m really close with the juniors, so I think that’s a good thing.

What’s the hardest part of being the only senior on basketball?

Probably all the senior stuff, like the pictures, and I have Ashley [Ashley Robinson, senior], but she’s on C team… but not having someone that I play with to be there is kind of difficult… just being on my own, I guess.

What position do you normally Do you plan on taking basketball play? further – like to college?

I’m a guard. I like it, but it’s difficult, because I also have to play post position too, so I have to guard a lot of people, but it’s good.

What is it like being the only senior on the girls’ varsity basketball team?

It’s kind of different, but I like it. I’m really close with the juniors, so I think that’s a good thing.

You’re also team captain. What’s that like?

Sitas, left, stands at the top of the key, getting ready and back on defense.

PHOTO BY HANNAH CARTER

Not really. My coach played in college, and she said it was a lot on your body, but she loved it, but I don’t know. I don’t love it to that extent, I guess, to playing in college.

What’s one of your favorite memories of South basketball?

Team bonding. We do it every year... it’s really fun to get close to the team and learn about each other...and stuff that we all have in common and differences. We go on a scavenger hunt and just take pictures of the things we have to do...but we usually make the freshmen do it.

With teammate sophomore Karoline Shelton, Sitas calls for the ball during an offensive play.

PHOTO BY HANNAH CARTER

SPORTS JAN. 2016

29

JA N U A RY 2016

BY LAUREN ROSENSTOCK ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, Sports editor GRAPHICS BY LAUREN ROSENSTOCK

With the beginning of the new year, winter sports hit the busiest part of their schedules. These are upcoming events for the month of January.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

VARSITY & JV

Tonight @ 5:30, 7 vs. Mill Valley Located at Mill Valley Jan. 28-31, McPherson Tournament. Time: TBD.

BOYS BOYS SWIM VARSITY & JV BASKETBALL Tuesday, Jan 26 @ 4 vs SMN VARSITY & JV

Friday, Jan. 29 @ 5:30, 7 vs SMW Located at SMW Jan. 21-23, Chanute Tournament. Time : TBD. JV plays Tuesday Jan. 26 vs Blue Valley Located at Blue Valley

Located at SMN Blue Valley West Invitational with SMNW Thursday, Jan 28 @ 4.

Located at BVW

DIVE

Saturday, Jan. 30 @ 9 am vs SME Located at SME

BOWLING

VARSITY & JV Monday, Jan. 25 @ 3:30 vs Olathe South Located at Olathe South Lanes

Wednesday, Jan. 27 @ 3:30 vs Washington Located at KC Bowl

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SPORTS JAN. 2016

WRESTLING

Tonight 4p.m. & Saturday, Jan. 23 @ 10a.m.

Located at Blue Valley Northwest.

Look at smsouth.smsd.org and click on the ‘Activities and Clubs’ tab for full season schedules and rosters.

RED WING STORE 8920 W 95TH ST OVERLAND PARK, KS 66212 913-648-7860

Submit to Lit The Literary Magazine, Inscriptions, is now accepting submissions until Friday, April 1 drawings paintings sculptures mixed media photography poetry prose etc.

Send submissions to smslitmag13@gmail.com

THEN 1970 Taking advantage of South’s first snowfall, JV cheerleaders Becky Robinson, Judy Woodson and Vicky Mellot fight playfully during their lunch break.

from the 1970 heritage yearbook

GENERATION GAP NOW 2015 Laughing at the winter sports assembly, juniors Mindy Absher and Emma Elliott watch on the sidelines while Principal Todd Dain and English teacher Drew Baranowski wrestle. “This year we’ve started having full routines with tumbling and dancing more like competitive cheer instead of one chant,” Elliott said. photo by jenna fackrell

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GENERATION GAP

JAN. 2016