November 2014 issue

THE

PATRIOT NOVEMBER 2014

little aquatic center on the prairie What the $223 million district bond issue means for the future of the smesl. Page 15

Vol.49 Issue 3 Shawnee Mission South 5800 W. 107 St, OP, KS 66207 (913) 993 -7500

CONTENTS

Car Theft Pa g e 5

Black Friday Page 9 Stats Page 8

Money and School Clubs Page 6

Cover Story Page 15

Staff Editorial Page 11

Take Note Page 7

The Debate Page 12

Thanksgiving Page 10

Parenting Styles Page 13

Q&A Page 19

School Spirit Page 14

ON THE COVER The prairie grass stands tall at the back of the Shawnee Mission Environmental Science Lab despite the cold weather.

This area is one of the proposed locations for the new district aquatic center. PHOTO BY JENNA FACKRELL

MISSION STATEMENT 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. Letters can be sent to Room 195 or e-mailed to patrioteditors@gmail.com.

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Nov. 2014 table of contents

Twitter Photo Contest Page 21

Mr. AmeriCAN Page 31

Reviews Page 25

The Final Say Page 23 Personal Style Page 22

Pacesetters & JV Cheer Page 28

Dressed to impress Page 24

Gender Roles in Sports Page 29

Angles Page 32

Grin and “Bare� It Page 30

MEET THE STAFF Rola Alasmar Editor-in-Chief Opinion Editor

Emily Wilkinson Asst. Editor-in-Chief Web Editor

Rose Pollina News Editor Infographics Editor

Lauren Rosenstock Sports Editor Social Media Manager

Nanae Urano A&E Editor

Amelia Holcomb Ads Editor

Autumn Mock Features Editor

Jenna Fackrell Photo Editor

Katie Imes Photographer

Arturo Sanchez-Vera Photographer

Avery Dorsey Writer

Kendall Barker Writer

Rachel Larberg Writer

Corida Cooperwood Writer

Andrea Smith Writer

Julie Fales Adviser

table of contents

Nov. 2014

03

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Show your ID for free lenses with the purchase of frames!

photo Illustrations by Arturo Sanchez-Vera

CAR THEFT STRIKES SOUTH

Get informed to keep your car and belongings safe.

D

espite the ever-present pretense of structure and security that is maintained in homes and at school, the world in which students live is unpredictable, and even though it seems unlikely or unfair, a few students at South this year have had catalytic converters stolen from their cars as they sit in the school parking lot.

Since 1975, the catalytic converter has been an essential part of automobiles produced in the United States. The catalytic converter serves as an emissions-control device that changes harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into safer substances.

“We’ve had converters stolen.

There have been five,” said Fred Lynch, one of South’s police officers.

Unfortunately for automobile owners, the catalytic converter that is essential to most American vehicles is made of several different types of precious metals. This means that some catalytic converters can be sold for upwards of a $100 apiece, making them popular targets for thieves looking to make some extra money.

With the price of the precious metals steadily rising, the recent thefts are unfortunate but not

entirely surprising. Thieves look for cars parked for long periods in large parking lots and quickly cut the converters from the bottom of cars.

Catalytic converters that have been stolen are often sold to junk yards for anywhere from $100-$150.

Senior Ashlie Fischer is one of the students who have become victims of the recent catalytic converter thefts in the school parking lot. “[My car] was in the school parking lot,” Fischer said.

The catalytic converter was stolen off Fischer’s vehicle even as school was in session. Fischer did not initially know that the converter was missing from her vehicle, but knew something was wrong when she realized her car sounded abnormally loud when she turned it on.

“I was very angry and I called my dad the first thing because I didn’t know what was wrong with it. It sounded ridiculously loud,” Fischer said. “My dad went under the van to see what was wrong and he knew what it was.”

According to nearby traffic tapes, a Dodge pickup truck with gray stripes painted across each side entered South’s parking lot during the school day. The two men quickly cut the catalytic converters off a few cars before leaving. “[The thefts] come in waves,” South police officer Richard Spandle said.

“There will be a trend, and then it will

be gone. And typically, what happens is either they will be caught for that or they will be caught for something else and then they will end up in jail.

But, the catalytic converter thefts that we had, they are typically within a certain region, just north and south of I-35, and there’s a few explanations for that, people use interstates to get around, they get off at an exit and hit commercial parking lots and that’s where the crimes are.”

The people behind these recent thefts have yet to be caught, and most car-owning Americans remain susceptible to catalytic converter theft. A few ways to potentially prevent catalytic converter theft are to park in well-lighted areas, purchase a vehicle security system, or engrave your license plate number on your converter so that you might be able to trace it.

KENDALL BARKER

News Nov. 2014

05

PHOTO Illustration by kATIE IMES

SHOW ME THE MONEY

Creating a club takes time, patience and student interest.

If you join a club there are usually dues to pay and rules you have to follow when using the money. There is a process, a huge process to be exact, but it’s worth the wait so why not go take the risk to make a new club.

Students will first need to have a high interest level in the club, because without the interest the club won’t make any progress.

“You will first need a sponsor, a sponsor helps lead the students and direct them in a positive way, then you go to Mr. Platko for the application, fill it out and put why you need the money, what you need it for, and what your going to purchase with the money,” bookkeeper Sharon Anderson said.

There are regulations for a club account. Members can’t just go out and buy whatever they think is right for the club or what they like.

“When funds are raised there

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Nov. 2014

news

is a series of check and balances, in other words, you have individuals in that account, you couldn’t purchase things without your group,” associate principal Michael Rasmussen said.

And if students are thinking about hiring anyone who doesn’t work for Shawnee Mission South, or isn’t volunteering here they can’t.

“Clubs cannot hire anyone outside of South to do any work for them. You couldn’t do it because you’re not supposed to pay them money. It has to be a volunteer,” English teacher and sponsor of the Harry Potter Club Caroline Ewing said Now there are not all bad things in starting a club account, you have a few rules to follow.

“Students are responsible for what kind of activities they want to do,” Anderson said.

Most clubs use the money for their material and if they want to walk out in style for T-Shirts.

Students are responsible for their own expenses with the sponsors help of course.

Every club raises their own money and mostly with a fundraiser or two.

“When clubs raise money they will use to money to buy T-shirts, parties and decoration, food,” Ewing said.

Clubs don’t have to handle money, there are other options.

“There are two types of clubs, account holding and non-account holding. Clubs that deal with money and clubs that strictly get together to do whatever there is to do. If the club went into default they would close out and take care of the finances,” Rasmussen said.

For instance, the Harry Potter Club doesn’t handle money. They will eventually when they become a district approved club, but right now they are free wheeling it and still having fun.

“There will be clubs that come and go but it all depends on the interest level,” Rasmussen said.

One of the clubs that doesn’t exist anymore is the Green Club.

“If there is any money left then there is not very much, and if people aren’t using it what we do is transfer it into the student activity accounts which is used by the whole student body and monitored by StuCo,” Anderson said.

Corida COOPERWOOD

TECHNOLOGY SUSPENDS BAD BEHAVIOR

Computers seem to keep school related infractions lower.

individuals that don’t get along with each other and altercations occur due to that factor. These students might serve office detentions, Friday school, in school or out of school suspensions.

“The discipline in regards to computer use is few and far between compared to the normal discipline we’ve seen,” Rasmussen said. “The computer violations haven’t been a huge percentage.”

According to Rasmussen there have been a few suspensions due to the computers.

“Unfortunately, I am not able to elaborate on [punishment] that is a student’s right and family rights,” Rasmussen said. “At the beginning of the year students had to sign the

W

ith over 1,300 students carrying computers around school many would think suspensions are going up, but according to associate principal Mike Rasmussen the numbers are comparable to last year at this time.

“Young people are taking pride in their school and acting accordingly,” Rasmussen said. “They’re realizing that school is just a place for that, and figuring out a way to communicate more instead of acting on a situation.”

Most suspensions involve

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rights form and were made aware that the computers were used for academic use only.”

While students have signed the document agreeing to use the computer for academic use only, many use it for personal use or games.

“Most kids are getting worried about getting suspended for computers than anything else,” freshman Kenia Watt said.

Students are more focused on computers than getting in trouble.

“The first three years I noticed kids trying to be obnoxious and annoying,” senior Ian Watt said. “This year with the computers they are more quite and other kids come in and get help on their projects.” ANDREA SMITH

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graphics by Rose Pollina

news Nov. 2014

07

NOVEMBER MADNESS STATS Compiled by Rose Pollina

A statistical breakdown of Shawnee Mission South students and their opinions and experiences regarding Thanksgiving and Black Friday.

of students celebrate Thanksgiving. of students attend Thanksgiving with more than just their parent(s) and sibling(s).

WHAT STUDENTS LOOK FORWARD TO EATING MOST ON THANKSGIVING:

Black Friday 25.9% 48.2%

87% 96.3%

Thanksgiving

of students shop on Black Friday of students would go Black Friday shopping while it is still Thanksgiving day.

WHAT STUDENTS SHOP FOR:

27.8%

of students enjoy spending time with their families on Thanksgiving. of students still sit at the “kids’ table”.

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Nov. 2014

news

70.4%

22.2% 81.1%

27.8%

of students believe that Black Friday promotes materialism.

T

hanksgiving is a time to be thankful for all we have, our family and the embarrassing amount of food we consume. Actually a national holiday, many people get the day off to celebrate. But to many families, another unofficial retail holiday is just a few hours away. Black Friday has become the biggest retail day of l l the year with more than 249 million shoppers and more than $61.4 e kr billion going into the economy. ac f na It would be ludicrous to say that Black Friday is not important. Retailers jen make 40 percent of their annual profits during the biggest retail day of the year. y b on That’s fine and dandy, but at what point does the shopping replace family time? Yes, Black ati r t Friday will help our economy. Yes, it is the most important shopping day of the year. But when s u ill families spend their Thanksgiving day outside a store just to get a discounted iPod or TV, is it really to worth it? Is buying as much as we can really more important than family time? I say no. o PH It makes me sad when I hear more about Black Friday than Thanksgiving. As Black Friday marks the beginning of Christmas shopping, many people go to satisfy their lists. There have been accounts in the past where employees have been injured because of people fighting when there is only one item left. In 2008 an employee at Walmart was trampled as the doors opened at midnight. In 2011 a Target employee got caught in the crowd and sustained injuries from being stepped on to the point of collapsing and dying. It baffles me that this is what our society has come to.

We post on Instagram or Twitter all the things we are thankful for but not even 24 hours later we are fighting for material things? It is just one big ball of irony. It actually makes me laugh. It is unappealing that our society has put so much emphasis on instant gratification to the point where stores open on Thanksgiving. It blows my mind that we can make the change from being exceptionally thankful people to the greediest versions of ourselves.

In my family, electronics never strongly impacted us, so family time was the best thing since sliced bread. We spent numerous hours playing Barbies, store and church which filled our time and enriched our minds. In my household a large emphasis is still put on family, so our holidays are comprised of massive amounts of food, movies and really smelly gas. We spend a ton of time together and eat until we can’t eat anymore. We eat enough food until we go into a full fledged food coma and are required to ‘lay flat’. We come together to bond over football, overstretched pants and the gift of being together.

Where would that go if we went Black Friday shopping? All of a sudden, our bonding time is replaced with talk of how long we’re going to stand in line or what store we’re going to tonight. How much we’re saving. How much we’re going to purchase. It revolves around material things rather than being with family and catching up with aunts and uncles and cousins.

We are to be thankful for all we have and the time we get to spend with the people we love most but just mere hours after we are scrambling to get the next best deal. As Americans we should be tremendously thankful for not only the opportunity to be with our families and eat food all day but we should be simply thankful for even having a bed. Instead of getting wrapped up in the money we can save or the greed that overtakes our sense of reality, we should be focusing more time on the things we actually need to be thankful for, not the big dollars we get to save if we spend a million cold hours in line. Black Friday wears the price tag of priceless irony and it just makes me laugh.

Rachel Larberg

opinion Nov. 2014

09

E

very year, millions of Americans cook extravagant meals flush with turkey, cranberry sauce, and numerous pumpkin treats to commemorate a feast shared between our nation’s earliest members and the neighboring Wampanoag tribe in 1621. Centuries of celebration have evolved this day of prayer into a day of feasting, family fun and parades. Unbeknownst to most, this modern form of an old tradition has shrouded the realities of the highly ecclesiastical first Thanksgiving.

Most Americans who celebrate Thanksgiving focus more on the cooking or Black Friday shopping than the history of the holiday. We know the Pilgrims and Native Americans feasted and gave thanks together, but far too many people today don’t know much else about the holiday.

When most people picture the first Thanksgiving, they picture happy people getting along and helping one another. This alarming truth reveals how lazy we have become in teaching the youth of our nation the harsh realities of history.

Most people are ignorant of the fact that the celebration of Thanksgiving has not been a straight line since the first feast in 1621. Sarah Josepha Hale, who incidentally wrote the beloved Mary Had a Little Lamb, convinced President Abraham Lincoln, after 36 years of struggle, to create a holiday in November that would commemorate the first joyous meal between the Pilgrims and Native Americans in 1863.

Another fact that many people completely overlook the hardships and fighting that existed between the Native Americans and Pilgrims. In reality, this revered day of thanks and peace occurred after the Pilgrims murdered over 700 Native American men, women and children.

Thanksgiving is not the only American holiday with a messy history. Columbus Day is less popular than Thanksgiving: there are no feasts or mega-sales. However, for the majority of students, and a few adults, Columbus Day means celebrating Christopher Columbus’ discovery of America in 1492 and, more importantly, a day off from work or school.

Just like that of Thanksgiving, the history of Columbus Day most familiar to the general population is far too simplified.

Firstly, many historians today believe that Christopher Columbus was not even the first European to discover the North Americans. Evidence suggests that as far back as 1200, Vikings visited the continent.

Another Columbus fact that more people should know is that Christopher Columbus’ arrival in North America became the native peoples’ worst nightmare. Columbus saw the American natives as weak and did not hesitate to enslave and extort them.

Not only did they lose their freedom, but the native Americans lost their lives as well: Columbus and his men brought to America a host of diseases that were particularly effective against the immune systems of the natives, who had not previously been exposed to or grown immune to common European illnesses.

The dreary truth of human history may not inspire awe within the minds of today’s youth, but they have the right to know that civilization is not perfect, and that we must draw on mistakes of the past to help us derive a more peaceful future, as well as more meaningful holidays that we can celebrate without ignorance but not without joy.

Kendall barker

Oversimplifying the Facts The truth about the history of holidays

10

photo illustrations by jenna fackrell

Nov. 2014 opinion

Cartoon by regina yan

STAFF EDITORIAL

M

The 223 Million Dollar Question

ost of us wouldn’t have heard of the Shawnee Mission School District’s bond issue had it not been for the controversy surrounding the “Save the SMESL” campaign.

If the bond issue were to be passed, schools in the district would receive a multitude of benefits including improvements to our pool, a new stadium at South and new turf. However, part of the bond issue includes the addition of an aquatics center and wellness center somewhere in the district. Although there are multiple locations that it could potentially be placed, due to visibility one of the most likely locations is 107th and Nall, also known as the prairie of the Shawnee Mission Environmental Science Lab. When the possibility that the SMESL could be affected became known, a significant amount of people were against the bond issue. An online petition was started to “Save the SMESL.” While several classes were talking about it, the other components of the bond issue were put on the back burner.

Of course there are some people who support the aquatics center regardless of its location, because it could benefit the students and the community. But is it worth the degradation of the SMESL’s ecosystem? The destruction of something that’s been a part of South for so long?

The fact of the matter is people don’t know enough

to make a decision. What’s been communicated to the people of the South community is that the SMESL could be destroyed. And although, at the moment, that could be a possibility if the bond issue is passed, that’s not necessarily what’s going on. The building of the aquatics center is in the preliminary stages.

There are no current architectural plans or an official partnership with anyone to build it. There are also several other locations that it could be built on. There are too many unknowns to cast judgment.

However at this point in time, what the people want is to be assured that there will be no chance of the SMESL being destroyed. Even the slightest possibility of this happening might cause people to vote against the bond issue. But people need to consider all aspects of the bond issue and get the facts on all of it before making up their mind.

It’s easy to click a button and hop on the bandwagon preaching to “Save the SMESL.” What’s harder is doing research on the subject, using critical thinking and forming an opinion after evaluating all options.

The bond issue should be voted on based on all of its components.

Can we afford to let some minor controversy at South affect a bond issue with potential great benefits for the entire district? That’s the 223 million dollar question.

7/8 EDITORS AGREE WITH THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS EDITORIAL

opinion Nov. 2014

11

No: Corida Cooperwood

THE DEBATE H Was switching to the Skyward grading system a good decision?

VS Photos by jenna fackrell

Yes: Amelia Holcomb

E

ven though Skyward has its flaws, I’m happy that the district has switched into this grading program. The convenience of always being able to access grades and see results from tests and quizzes makes it helpful to students.

The best part about Skyward is that I can always see my grades. When teachers used to pass around a grade sheet, I could sometimes remember the overall percentage I had in the class, but only vaguely remembered how well I did on tests or assignments.

With seven classes to remember the grades in, it was hard to keep track of it all. Skyward also allows users to check grades and how new assignments affect the overall grade anytime, not just when a teacher decides to pass out a grade sheet. Always having access to scores helps me stay up to date and know how hard I need to work to achieve or maintain a grade. I think this will be especially helpful as finals approach. The other features, like seeing the median grade help me gauge my progress in comparison to others in the class.

Being able to take assignments and quizzes online is also useful. It’s saving us the paper that tests, assignments and quizzes use. Scores can be made available right after the assignment is finished, and then later the missed questions and the correct answers can be seen. Having everything in one place is easier for students to use.

Other less used utilities Skyward offers include a list of absences. Sometimes students don’t realize the amount of absences they have and they end up losing credit for the semester. This system will allow students to make sure that teachers didn’t accidentally count them absent.

Skyward’s accessibility and timeliness makes it easy to quickly check and stay on top grades. This makes sure students are aware of their scores and lets them know what they need to do to reach a certain grade. The technology of Skyward is much preferred to passing around a grade sheet, and its other features like quizzes and a list of absences can keep students organized.

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Nov. 2014 opinion

aving live grades can really stress you out.

I’m not a fan of Skyward, and I haven’t liked it since the day the administration made us start using it. It stresses me out knowing that my grade could change at any moment. Either because a teacher hasn’t put in a grade, or they end up changing a due date. The passwords can be confusing since they have to include a number and a symbol.

Students don’t have enough training with Skyward. It’s like we’re figuring everything out on our own.

Many students say that skyward is addictive because you constantly keep checking and checking making sure changes haven’t been made and that all grades are in. Teachers have to check it the most to make sure they put in the grades, and they always have to change the date on assignments because lessons don’t always go as planned. Then everyone has late work and a late assignment. For instance in Ms. Ewing’s English 11 class, we go into detail about topics. Our 4th hour class likes to dig deep in every discussion and we may go over time because we’re so wrapped up in what Ms. Ewing is talking about. And then our assignments often end up going into Skyward as late.

From personal experience the program makes mistake.

My skyward has been acting up for a few weeks now. At the beginning of the year I was in Mr. Henry’s first hour U.S. History class, but along the line I got switched to his sixth hour class. His first hour report still showed up on my report card.

Now I didn’t have the best grade in there at the beginning of the year but that’s not the point. The point is, my report card kept showing my first hour grade which was an “F.” But the thing is I wasn’t in his first hour class anymore, which was confusing my mom because she thought I was lying. I got into a lot of trouble over skyward and a couple days later my real grade and hour showed up and she still thought I was lying. My mom thought I just brought up my grade and then tried to come home and show her, but it wasn’t exactly like that. Now secretly I did bring my grade up but It wasn’t an “ F.” Skyward got me into a lot of trouble with my parents.

Now I know not to let them check it unless I’ve made sure everything was correct. Skyward is just more trouble than it’s worth.

The Results are in...

Students of South voted on which they recommend: the ACT or the SAT.

SAT 7% ACT 93%

Go online to smsouthnews.com to vote for your opinion on this month’s debate!

P

A Helping Hand With Parenting

arenting isn’t perfect. One size doesn’t fit everyone. Sticking to one parenting style is not ideal, and only following one parenting style can be detrimental to children and their futures.

For the purpose of this story I’ll categorize parenting styles into four categories: authoritarian, authoritative, permissive and uninvolved parenting.

Each style has it’s own effects on what kind of person a child will become.

In authoritarian parenting, children are expected to follow the strict rules established by the parents. Failure to follow such rules usually results in punishment. Authoritarian parents fail to explain the reasoning behind these rules. If asked to explain, the parent might simply reply, “Because I said so.”

These parents have high demands, but are not responsive to their children. Children raised with the authoritarian style often feel suppressed by their parents and feel as though they lack control over their own lives.

Like authoritarian parents, those with an authoritative parenting style establish rules and guidelines that their children are expected to follow. However, this parenting style is much more democratic. Authoritative parents are responsive to their children and willing to listen to questions. When children fail to meet the expectations, these parents are more nurturing and forgiving rather than punishing. Children raised with the

authoritative style often have more success later in life because they were raised with firm rules but nurturing parents.

Permissive parents, sometimes referred to as indulgent parents, have very few demands to make of their children. These parents rarely discipline their children because they have relatively low expectations of maturity and self-control. Permissive parents are generally nurturing and communicative with their children, often taking on the status of a friend more than that of a parent.

Children raised with the permissive style often struggle in life after high school because they never truly experienced independence or had to work hard.

An uninvolved parenting style is characterized by few demands, low responsiveness and little communication.

While these parents fulfill the child’s basic needs, they are generally detached from their child’s life. Children raised with the uninvolved style can easily become self destructive and can find it hard to form emotional bonds with other people.

All hands need to be on deck when it comes to parenting. That doesn’t mean that children should be smothered either.

Parenting should be adjusted for each child’s individual needs not a “standard”.

Don’t expect children to turn out perfect if you’re not going to be involved in their lives.

Rose Pollina

photo illustrations by jenna fackrell

opinion Nov. 2014

13

What Happened to School Spirit?

S

chool spirit has been anything but spectacular this year. While we’ve never been the school with the largest crowds at football games, the number of fans coming out to games, home games at that, has been embarrassing.

People argue that students don’t come to the game because South’s football team doesn’t have the best record. Although, we’ve never had the best record, yet there were many games where the student section was at least halfway full, especially in 2012. While I cannot vouch for years previous to 2011, I have noticed a significant drop in student attendance since 2012.

Being part of the student section actually seemed like it would be enjoyable then; students were actually paying attention to the game, cheering and shouting chants such as “let’s go raiders” at every single game. There were very few dead moments throughout those games. This year, there have only been two games where a few students have actually cheered and chanted for our team for brief moments.

The lack of participation from the student section has also made the cheerleaders’ jobs harder, as they try to lead the crowd and cheer along with them, but with little to no spirit coming from the majority of the crowd, it just becomes awkward.

Besides simply showing school spirit at the games, the cheering also helps the football players on the field. People may not believe it, but the energy from a crowd does positively affect how athletes perform. This may be a factor as to why our team hasn’t done as well as they have in the past.

On the other hand, school spirit within the walls of South has increased. Many more students

have noticeably participated in spirit days, deck the halls, and gone to other school events such as the bonfire and Homecoming.

Why can’t that spirit transfer over to our sporting events?

Our football team’s record shouldn’t be the deciding factor of whether or not students come to the games. It’s an environment and social event that’s exciting.

While I haven’t stood in the student section since freshman year, I cannot explain what it is truly like. I have stood on the sidelines for every single game though and seen the depreciation of spirit and people attending.

Another issue is that, a lot of the students that do attend the games, leave by fourth quarter, even when the game is close.

Why? That’s the most important time to cheer for your team and hopefully pull out a raider win.

Students should want to come and show their raider pride at the football games, win or lose.

In the past, we have had a very nice attendance at basketball games. There have been similar issues happening though. Since our 2013 season, in which we went undefeated and won a state title, crowds have gotten slightly smaller as well. The student section was always filled to the top and the crowd was roaring from 2011-2013. In 2014 though, numbers started dropping, and the crowd was much quieter, even when the other school’s crowd was screaming.

The school spirit at sporting events needs to come back this year. It motivates the players and makes the whole event more exciting. South’s student section needs to redeem themselves during basketball and bring back the school spirit we once had.

Autumn Mock

Photo illustration by Jenna fackrell

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Nov. 2014 opinion

LITTLE AQUATIC CENTER ON THE PRAIRIE What the impending Shawnee Mission School District bond issue might mean for the future of the SMESL.

Photo By Jenna Fackrell

Features Nov. 2014

15

I

n all 45 years of its operation, one could argue that the Shawnee Mission Environmental Science Lab has never quite garnered as much attention as it’s gotten now. A proposed district-wide aquatic center spanning 33,000 square feet of the SMESL’s prairie ignited a firestorm of controversy from South students, their parents and others concerned about biodiversity in the area.

“As you start tearing down biodiversity, you start having less and less of a variety of species.

Taking away the prairie would be a double shot.

It would be taking away space­—space is important for a variety of creatures —and you’re taking away the open area which some animals thrive in,” Environmental Education teacher and primary caretaker of the SMESL P.J. Born said.

The environmental science lab is currently used for a variety of reasons including biology classes for

research, creative writing classes and Environmental Education students teaching grade schoolers about ecology.

Senior and Environmental Education 2 student Marisa Resendiz says any potential plans for an aquatic center in SMESL hurts not only the biodiversity of the prairie, but the people who learn

from what I’ve heard, there’s definitely a lot of other places the aquatic center could be. It doesn’t even necessarily have to be at South. It’s a district pool.

I don’t see why we are the only option.”

The plan involving the aquatic center is contingent on a $223 million bond issue, which if passed, would remodel and update schools across the Shawnee Mission district.

The bond would not increase property taxes and is on a mail-in ballot to be voted on in January.

During the Nov. 5 PTSA meeting, Superintendent Jim Hinson stated that a public campaign for the bond issue would begin after T h a n k s g iv i n g .

Though some have criticized the school board for supposedly withholding information for so long, others like biology teacher and swim instructor Bruce Bove feel that not publicizing the bond issue until after the midterm election was an understandable move by the district.

“With all the air time that the Republican and Democratic parties had going into this last election, it

“If the aquatic center is as grand as they say it’ll be, I assume it’s going to need more than one pool. The prairie or even the sophomore parking lot just seems too small to accommodate all of that space,” sophomore Jacob Robertson said.

through it.

“The SMESL means a lot to me because… well, it means a lot to the kids, really,” Resendiz said. “That’s the reason we have kids coming here. We’re the only people who have this program, or at least this good of a program. I mean,

wasn’t really feasible to get any more information out [about the bond issue].

It’s too bad that a lot of misinformation has been put out in the meantime,” Bove said. “I don’t think anyone should panic until there are actual plans drawn up, and none of that will be done until after the bond issue has passed.”

The proposed aquatic center is planned to be large enough to accommodate several schools at once for State meets, and local enough that second and third grade students from across the district would be able to receive swim lessons free of charge.

On top of that, the Shawnee Mission School District is in talks to create a wellness center within the same building, which would provide cooking classes, lifestyle courses and a place to exercise.

All of this would be made possible through a proposed partnership with the YMCA, who would pay for upkeep and keep operational costs down to a minimum. At the PTSA meeting, Hinson said the corner of 107th and Nall, where the prairie is located, is prime real estate for the aquatic center in terms of proximity, access and visibility.

“I feel like [the district] just chose the SMESL because it’s the easiest,” sophomore Jacob Robertson said. “If the aquatic center is as grand as they say it’ll be, I assume it’s going to need more than one pool. They’re going to have to have locker rooms, male and female.

They need plumbing, bathrooms and a wellness center too apparently. The prairie or even the sophomore parking lot just seems too small to accommodate all of that space.”

Aside from questions of

Kids explore the SMESL during Environmental Education grade school tours. photos by Jenna Fackrell and Leorah Addadi environmental degradation, other architectural firm would need to be drawbacks for building in that area hired, and a traffic study and water include increased traffic on the already retention study would need to be conducted before any building could congested Nall Avenue.

The prairie has also been criticized occur.

Public dissent over the placement as a potential option for building, of the aquatic center has carried over since the lowest point of the SMESL is, to the internet in the form of an online according to the city of Overland Park, in a flood zone. Runoff from the aquatic petition which, as of this writing, has center and its attached parking lot received more than 2,000 signatures could potentially add to the flooding of opposing any development on the SMESL. Outcry that English teacher Indian Creek.

If the bond were to pass, an Caroline Ewing says jeopardizes

Although the aquatic center has garnered the most attention, the district bond issue has several other factors in play including: Upgrading existing little theaters and pools at the Shawnee Mission high schools

Razing and rebuilding five elementary schools including Crestview, Trailwood, Briarwood, Rhein Benninghoven and an undetermined school in the West area

Creating separate cafeterias and gyms in the elementary schools

Rebuilding the South stadium

Replace existing practice turf at each middle school and high school in the district

Creating full-service kitchens in schools where food must be delivered

16

graphics by rose pollina

Nov. 2014 features

features Nov. 2014

17

I

n all 45 years of its operation, one could argue that the Shawnee Mission Environmental Science Lab has never quite garnered as much attention as it’s gotten now. A proposed district-wide aquatic center spanning 33,000 square feet of the SMESL’s prairie ignited a firestorm of controversy from South students, their parents and others concerned about biodiversity in the area.

“As you start tearing down biodiversity, you start having less and less of a variety of species.

Taking away the prairie would be a double shot.

It would be taking away space­—space is important for a variety of creatures —and you’re taking away the open area which some animals thrive in,” Environmental Education teacher and primary caretaker of the SMESL P.J. Born said.

The environmental science lab is currently used for a variety of reasons including biology classes for

research, creative writing classes and Environmental Education students teaching grade schoolers about ecology.

Senior and Environmental Education 2 student Marisa Resendiz says any potential plans for an aquatic center in SMESL hurts not only the biodiversity of the prairie, but the people who learn

from what I’ve heard, there’s definitely a lot of other places the aquatic center could be. It doesn’t even necessarily have to be at South. It’s a district pool.

I don’t see why we are the only option.”

The plan involving the aquatic center is contingent on a $223 million bond issue, which if passed, would remodel and update schools across the Shawnee Mission district.

The bond would not increase property taxes and is on a mail-in ballot to be voted on in January.

During the Nov. 5 PTSA meeting, Superintendent Jim Hinson stated that a public campaign for the bond issue would begin after T h a n k s g iv i n g .

Though some have criticized the school board for supposedly withholding information for so long, others like biology teacher and swim instructor Bruce Bove feel that not publicizing the bond issue until after the midterm election was an understandable move by the district.

“With all the air time that the Republican and Democratic parties had going into this last election, it

“If the aquatic center is as grand as they say it’ll be, I assume it’s going to need more than one pool. The prairie or even the sophomore parking lot just seems too small to accommodate all of that space,” sophomore Jacob Robertson said.

through it.

“The SMESL means a lot to me because… well, it means a lot to the kids, really,” Resendiz said. “That’s the reason we have kids coming here. We’re the only people who have this program, or at least this good of a program. I mean,

wasn’t really feasible to get any more information out [about the bond issue].

It’s too bad that a lot of misinformation has been put out in the meantime,” Bove said. “I don’t think anyone should panic until there are actual plans drawn up, and none of that will be done until after the bond issue has passed.”

The proposed aquatic center is planned to be large enough to accommodate several schools at once for State meets, and local enough that second and third grade students from across the district would be able to receive swim lessons free of charge.

On top of that, the Shawnee Mission School District is in talks to create a wellness center within the same building, which would provide cooking classes, lifestyle courses and a place to exercise.

All of this would be made possible through a proposed partnership with the YMCA, who would pay for upkeep and keep operational costs down to a minimum. At the PTSA meeting, Hinson said the corner of 107th and Nall, where the prairie is located, is prime real estate for the aquatic center in terms of proximity, access and visibility.

“I feel like [the district] just chose the SMESL because it’s the easiest,” sophomore Jacob Robertson said. “If the aquatic center is as grand as they say it’ll be, I assume it’s going to need more than one pool. They’re going to have to have locker rooms, male and female.

They need plumbing, bathrooms and a wellness center too apparently. The prairie or even the sophomore parking lot just seems too small to accommodate all of that space.”

Aside from questions of

Kids explore the SMESL during Environmental Education grade school tours. photos by Jenna Fackrell and Leorah Addadi environmental degradation, other architectural firm would need to be drawbacks for building in that area hired, and a traffic study and water include increased traffic on the already retention study would need to be conducted before any building could congested Nall Avenue.

The prairie has also been criticized occur.

Public dissent over the placement as a potential option for building, of the aquatic center has carried over since the lowest point of the SMESL is, to the internet in the form of an online according to the city of Overland Park, in a flood zone. Runoff from the aquatic petition which, as of this writing, has center and its attached parking lot received more than 2,000 signatures could potentially add to the flooding of opposing any development on the SMESL. Outcry that English teacher Indian Creek.

If the bond were to pass, an Caroline Ewing says jeopardizes

Although the aquatic center has garnered the most attention, the district bond issue has several other factors in play including: Upgrading existing little theaters and pools at the Shawnee Mission high schools

Razing and rebuilding five elementary schools including Crestview, Trailwood, Briarwood, Rhein Benninghoven and an undetermined school in the West area

Creating separate cafeterias and gyms in the elementary schools

Rebuilding the South stadium

Replace existing practice turf at each middle school and high school in the district

Creating full-service kitchens in schools where food must be delivered

16

graphics by rose pollina

Nov. 2014 features

features Nov. 2014

17

Kids from Apache Elementary School learn about the SMESL’s vast ecosystem. photos by jenna fackrell and leorah addadi

18

Nov. 2014 features

the positives an aquatic center could offer South.

“The aquatic center would be a state of the art building that would make our campus so much more marketable and so much more valuable,” Ewing said. “It’s so easy to sign a petition that says ‘Save the SMESL,’ and it’s so much harder to put a petition out there that says ‘Hey, let’s build a center that could advance our campus.’

South needs a facelift, and [the aquatic center] could really put us on the map.”

She sees potential in the SMESL, not just in the form of an aquatic center, but also in the form of prospective outdoor classrooms and nature centers. “[The district] has thrown around the idea of, in the aquatic center if there’s leftover funds, having an art gallery or an environmental lab kind of building structure,’” Ewing said. “I’m sure they would have to destroy some natural land to do that, but you have to ask yourself, what is that natural land being used for now? If we could take out part of the SMESL and advance the rest of it, it has to be worth building.”

However students like Robertson believe that attaching more projects would be completely missing the point. “[An extra add-on to the SMESL] seems like more of a consolation prize than anything,” Robertson said. “Like ‘we’re going to tear down the prairie, but here, take this nature center. It’ll make you feel better.’ It’ll just be taking up more space the SMESL doesn’t have.”

As a biology teacher and swim instructor at South, Bove is placed in a unique situation as someone who benefits from the SMESL now, but could also immensely reap rewards from a state of the art aquatic center.

“I would like the aquatic center to be here at South. As a swim coach, I think it’d be great to have here, because I’m currently hosting the league meet at an Olathe school, which is a big hassle,” Bove said. “As a biology teacher, I don’t want to lose the SMESL or any part of it, but if we had to, we could carry on, especially since Dr. Hinson has said that there would put some extra money put into the SMESL. So maybe we could build some special areas to talk, or make the trails wheelchair accessible and maybe [the SMESL] could come out ahead in all this.”

Until the bond issue is put to a vote in January, only time will tell regarding the future of the SMESL. “I’ve worked at South for 17 years,” Principal Joe Gilhaus said, “and I am well aware of the passion our students have for the environmental science lab.” Emily wilkinson

Q&A WITH EVAN WHITMORE

A senior with a passion for ballroom dancing Photo By Jenna Fackrell

features Nov 2014

19

S

enior Evan Whitmore has quick feet and a love for ballroom dancing.

Whitmore has been dancing at Allegro Ballroom for the past eight months.

What are the types of dancing you are involved in?

East Coast, West Coast, American Jazz, Salsa, Lindy Hop, Hip Hop, Merengue

How do people react when they find out you’re a dancer?

It’s a mixed reaction. Half of the time people make jokes about it, and the other half of the time they are impressed. It can go either way.

What is your favorite dance to perform and why?

East Coast, it’s the dance I am best at, and it’s really easy for me to do the aerials within it.

East Coast is a mid level swing dance which is easy for people to learn and it has three basic steps so you don’t have to put as much thought into your steps.

20

What do you find most enjoyable about dancing?

The social interaction with other people who are passionate about it as well. I get to meet new people and that is really fun. I’m actually on the younger side of people who go to Allegro because most of them go to Johnson County Community College.

Has anything embarrassing happened while you were dancing?

When I was doing an air step, which is an aerial for dancing, there was this guy who is six foot and 310 pounds of muscle, it was my turn to get thrown in the air and half way up I started spazzing out because I thought he was going to catch me wrong and he did catch me wrong because I freaked out. I landed flat on my back from eight feet in the air on a hardwood floor.

What are your goals this year regarding dance?

I am going to tryout for Allegro Ballroom’s highest official level of b a l l r o o m d a n c i n g w h i c h is being

Nov. 2014 features

called a swingster. Tryouts are in February so my main goal is to get accepted to the swingsters.

Do you plan on continuing to dance after high school?

Definitely, I’m passionate about it and most colleges have dancing clubs of some sort that I can join. I personally am going to go to Johnson County Community College swing club after high school.

Who are your inspirations?

Lewis Barr and one of the instructors Allegro Ballroom, Jessie Anderson. They are both very nice and talented. They are some of the best ballroom dancers in Kansas City and they don’t come off as arrogant like a lot of skilled people do when they are trying to teach.

Rachel Larberg photos by J e n n a Fackrell

TWITTER PHOTO CONTEST Students tweeted @smspatriot pictures of the funniest Snapchat screenshot and The Patriot staff picked the top four photos. The next contest theme will be to send in a selfie wearing your ugliest Christmas sweater to @smspatriot.

1

2

4

1. Junior Tegan Goodson @TeganGoodson 2. Senior Brandon Maxey sent in by @TheRealKSwag 3. Senior Nicole Sanchez sent in by @TheRealKSwag 4. Senior Brendan Brooks @brendbrooks

3 A&E Nov. 2014

21

TAKING PERSONAL STYLE TO A NEW LEVEL photos by Katie imes, rola alasmar and jenna fackrell

SENIOR

ISAAC LANAN

S

enior Isaac Lanan’s bedroom definitely contains a unique look. Items such as his bamboo plant, personalized road sign and poof chairs that he has acquired over time from places such as Ikea and Savers add a personal touch.

“I like to think that I create a unique atmosphere that is completely original and could not be emulated,” Lanan said. “I feel like everything in my room just works together to create a friendly and eclectic atmosphere.”

Lanan didn’t only gathered decorations from what he could get his hands on in the U.S. “A lot of the stuff I pick up when I travel. I got a ton of stuff from Morocco like the poof chairs and the rug.”

ROLA ALASMAR

SENIOR

S

LEAH KITE

enior Leah Kite designs and sews her own clothes and accessories. She learned to sew when she was just 7 years old and has been pursuing this hobby ever since. Although sometimes it can be difficult to find time for designing clothes, Kite still manages to do it. “[The hardest part is] figuring out how to get an idea from your head to a physical thing. You have to figure out all the different parts, which is more complicated than you think,” Kite said.

Most recently, Kite’s latest inspiration came from a trip to the Nelson Atkins Gallery of Art in Kansas City, Mo. ROLA ALASMAR

22

Nov. 2014 A&E

THE

FINAL SAY

When students’ favorite band or singer comes into town, they take advantage of obsessing over their celebrity crush. They wait anxiously online to buy tickets before they sell out or stand in line to declare the best seats. Editor-in-Chief Rola Alasmar sets out to find the best concert venue or the final say.

The Midland 1228 Main St. Kansas City, MO 64105

The Arvest Bank Theater at the Midland hosts some of the greatest artists who perform in Kansas City. The building is beautiful and well run. The venue offers floor spots as well as actual seats. But whether you are in seats or standing right up front, you get a wonderful experience. The view and sound quality in the building is incredible. Most shows at the Midland are affordably priced and you definitely get your money’s worth. My biggest problem with the Midland, although this is true for many venues, is that it always gets ridiculously hot in the building. The Midland will be hosting the Night the Buzz Stole Xmas and the Night the Buzz Stole Xmas Night Two, featuring Cage the Elephant, Bleachers, Glass Animals, Banks and several other bands.

Sprint Center 1407 Grand Blvd, Kansas City MO 64106 Sprint Center is one of the most popular venues in Kansas City. Since it opened in 2007, it has hosted more than 750 events. The Sprint Center has been recognized as the 8th busiest venue in the United States and 26th worldwide.

Concerts at the Sprint Center tend to be expensive, but the experience is worth it. If you’re not looking to spend a ton of money, seats further away from the stage will still provide you with a good experience for a more affordable price.

The stadium is beautiful, inside and out, and the stage lighting and effects are spectacular. The Black Keys, Maroon 5 and Fleetwood Mac will all be performing there in the near future.

Starlight Theater 9559 Nall Ave, Overland Park Starlight Theater is an outdoor theater with just under 8,000 seats.

Located in Swope Park, Starlight always provides a wonderful concert experience. Starlight hosts a wide variety of performers in order to satisfy the diverse musical taste of its audience. Parking at Starlight Theater costs under $10 and ticket prices are typically pretty affordable.

Different sections of the theater have different costs, and you definitely get a good view even if you aren’t really close up. Starlight also doesn’t offer general admission standing spots. Prices for food, drinks and T-shirts are pretty high, and you might find yourself forced into buying something to drink when it gets really hot out.

THE FINAL SAY

All three of these venues are amazing, making the decision difficult. But having affordable tickets, a great list of performers, and a comfortable and beautiful setting, the Midland would have to come out on top.

ROLA ALASMAR

A&E Nov. 2014

23

DRESSED TO IMPRESS SENIOR DANNY KELLER PHOTOS BY Katie Imes

[

24

SHOES | DSW

“LEATHER JACKETS ARE COOL DAWG.” Nov. 2014 A&E

[

GUESS JACKET | MACY’S HOODIE | AMERICAN EAGLE LEVI JEANS | MACY’S

REVIEWS Concert Review

‘you’ said the show was for ‘me’

F

or a third time, The 1975 visited Kansas City. October 2013, their first visit, was sponsored by 96.5 The Buzz for their annual “Halloweenie Roast.” They returned in September 2014 for “Buzz Beach Ball.” Most recently, they visited for their individual tour, “The 1975.”

In September 2013, The 1975 released their first album through Dirty Hit and Polydor Records. With 39 songs, The 1975, has an indie-pop feel that delivers strong bass balanced with soft synth.

The Uptown Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri, presented Young Rising Sons and CRUISR opening for The 1975; each of these openers had different elements that reflected The 1975’s sound. By opening with “The City,” Matthew Healy on guitar and lead vocals, Adam Hann on lead guitar, George Daniel on drums and Ross MacDonald on bass guitar.

Healy, an exotic character, stumbled on stage carrying a bottle of red wine, and casually sipped it throughout the show. This routine gave their show a little extra emphasis on what a 24-year-old might be doing on a Sunday night with his closest friends.

As if they weren’t doing anything out of the ordinary, Healy performed this album like it was his last show ever.

The speakers throbbed from the prominent bass and drum

PHOTO BY JENNA FACKRELL

components in each song; Healy’s voice rang in the crowd’s ears for countless measures, proving his musical abilities.

With a heavy lights show and their signature illuminated rectangle flickering in the background, all the seemingly separate pieces of a show came together and flowed together beautifully.

“For those who haven’t seen us live,” Healy said, “that means you’ve only seen us on your laptop screens or whatever, I want you to put your phones away...this song is about ‘Me.’” Lauren rosenstock

Game Review sophomore’s game reflects influnces from mario bros. nintendo 64 verson

L

loyd, created by sophomore Noah Meyer, was definitely not what I was expecting to experience when I set out to try this game. In all honesty I had no idea what to expect in the first place, but Lloyd was a pleasant and somewhat vexing surprise. You play as Lloyd, a gorilla, who must first get past gorilla bosses, plane bombings, high jumps and much more in order to rescue Lura and Violet.

It was easy to reminisce about playing Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog on Nintendo 64 while playing Lloyd. The graphics, while simplistic and heavily pixelated, brought a fun charm to the game. During my first couple of attempts at this game, I had to laugh about how ridiculously silly it all was.

While I did enjoy a lot of what the game offered, there were also quite a few vexing issues I had with the game.

First is that the CTRL key replaces the ENTER key for dialogue progression and jumping. While it seems like minor issue it’s still annoying. Secondly there is not a way to saving your progress so each time you run out of life you have to start over from the beginning. Having to start over and over made me want to give up every time I played.

Overall I would rate this game as fun in short bursts and mediocre for long periods.

ROSE POLLINA

A&E Nov. 2014

25

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Thank you for the years of patronage SMS!

Bop to the Top

{

Last year we didn’t have class first semester because we weren’t in pre-game, but this time we do and I think it’s made the team a lot closer because we spend a lot more time with each other and work better together.

T

he recent changes to South’s spirit teams have ended up affecting both the varsity and junior varsity teams, resulting in junior varsity receiving more privileges and responsibilities this year.

Although the teams are doing more than they have in past years, the teams are responding well to higher expectations.

Because the flag team was combined with the Pacesetter dance team at the end of last year, the football pre-game show needed a space to fill the flag team’s empty spots. The empty spots went to JV Pace and an everyday class was created for them to practice. Last year the JV dance team only met a few times early before school during first semester, and then had a daily class second semester.

Working on pregame with the addition of flag has created a

{

-junior Mackenzie Spaulding

Additional privileges put junior varsity cheerleaders and Pacesetters more equal to the varsity teams.

28

Nov. 2014 sports

new set of challenges for the team.

“A lot of our girls are not used to doing flag but we’ve added that in so we’ve had to learn new skills for the flag team…

I think it’s really good for our team because it teaches the girls a lot of new things that they wouldn’t have learned if they weren’t part of the united flag and dance team,” junior Mackenzie Spaulding said.

The extra practice time and work has allowed the team to form a stronger bond.

“Last year we didn’t have class first semester because we weren’t in pre-game, but this time we do and I think it’s made the team a lot closer because we spend a lot more time with each other and work better together,” Spaulding said.

In addition to working better together, the team has been able to do more this year. They have already learned three dances that they will take to a competition, whereas last year they only took one dance to competition.

“There are more dances and more opportunities to bond and practice and become better dancers... it’s an opportunity for the girls to experience a little bit more responsibility

of what it’s like to be a Pacesetter,” junior varsity coach Sue Williams said.

The JV cheer team has also been working hard in practice to participate in more this year. They have been working with varsity on routines for festivals, or competitions.

“It’s an opportunity for the cheer program to improve in stunts and progress. And learn new things that can help us be better cheerleaders,” sophomore cheerleader Leslie Cobos said.

After the festival is over, the JV team will still cheer at JV basketball games, but will perform the festival routine with varsity during halftime of a varsity game. This is different from last year, when JV worked with the freshman team on a routine to perform during halftime of a basketball game.

Athletic director John Johnson supports the involvement of JV cheerleaders and compares it to other sports’ varsity and JV teams practicing together.

“I think they want to maximize the ability to showcase their talents as a group… It gives the JV girls some experience, I always like there to be additional participation,” Johnson said. Amelia Holcomb

Gender Roles Affect Participation in Sports

South students share thoughts on changing the way people look at gender in sports.

B

efore the short skirts, pom poms and bows, cheerleading was a male dominated sport.

Cheerleading has always been characterized by gymnastics, stunts and crowd leadership, but not by girls in short skirts like today, rather by all-male squads. Male cheerleaders, were the equivalent both in masculinity and American prestige to that of a football player. During WWII women took over the sport in which the stereotype of cheerleaders changed.

Recently there has been increased numbers in male participation in cheerleading at the college level, while not in the same numbers, high school males have slowly been venturing into the sport, Shawnee Mission West and Northwest have had a few guys taking up room on the sidelines. So why hasn’t South followed in their footsteps?

Due to the perception that cheerleading is a feminine sport, many guys think it would strip away their masculinity.

“Nowadays people see it as an unmanly thing to do, so no one wants to do it, but in reality it’s just as hard as any other sport,” senior Zoe Total-Weaver said.

Males who are even the slightest bit interested become the target of being called gay or being made fun of.

Although, other students don’t think that people would talk poorly about boys who choose too. Actually, they would commend them.

“I think the guys will be respected if they have the confidence to try out,” senior Marshall Bland said.

Also, since there haven’t been yell leaders in many years, some guys may just not know it’s possible.

“I thought they weren’t even allowed to, maybe that’s why, they were scared,” sophomore Emma Elliot said.

There is no rule against males cheering. For example, three years ago Gabe Alaniz was a cheerleader here at South, but he has been the only one in a long time.

Since then, cheerleaders at South have wanted boys on

the team, not only to strengthen the team as a whole, but to give the program a new atmosphere. The coaches chose not to comment on the subject.

What about boys on Pacesetters though? Would it be that far of a stretch to bring in boys on dance/drill teams?

The Pacesetters and their coach are more than welcome to males on the team.

“I think it would be awesome to have a boy on the dance team. Most other schools have boys on their spirit teams, so it’s not out of the ordinary,” senior Marissa Gatti said.

As recent as last year, a couple of guys considered it.

While it has never been done before at South, sophomore Kenny Chan and junior Brendan Castile were thinking about taking the first step.

“I was going to try out for Southettes which was mostly just flag routine, but then they combined with Pace which included a lot of dance routines which I thought I wouldn’t really be good at,” Chan said. wCastile too opted to not tryout due to the outfits and the way his peers would look at him.

“If I was a Pacesetter I would like to do hip hop, like my own popping and tutting, but if it was like ballet, I could partner girls,” Castile said.

Other people’s opinions are by far the largest factor when people are deciding whether to participate in an activity or not. Along with they would be the first one in a female dominated activity.

“We see Pace as just only for girls so not a lot of guys would even consider trying to do it, and that would also apply to cheer since it’s an all girl team currently,” Chan said.

Contrary to popular belief, many students, including boys, are perfectly fine with boys to joining spirit squads.

“I don’t think it would be a problem for a male to be on dance or cheer. If they enjoy doing that activity or have a passion for it they should have the right to,” sophomore Dom Esparrago said. Autumn Mock

Sports Nov. 2014

29

Going barefoot is a new sensation that has lasting effects on health.

Grin and ‘Bare’ It

What new health fad will sweep the nation next? Going barefoot. After thousands of years, the human foot has evolved to the perfect shape, but are we sacrificing benefits we receive from being barefoot by wearing shoes that claim to have the same health benefits?

For hundreds of years

man has walked barefoot.

By being barefoot, we step lighter, reducing the impact on our muscles and joints; in an average day our joints experience 12 times our body weight of pressure just by taking steps.

“We tested and confirmed what many people knew already: that

most experienced, habitual barefoot runners tend to avoid landing on the heel and instead land with a forefoot or midfoot,” from Harvard University’s Skeletal Biology Lab. Put simply, by running on the ball of the foot, rather than the heel, the foot is stressed less leading to less joint pain.

“Cushioned running shoes, which date back only to the 1970s, may seem comfortable but may actually contribute to foot injuries,” said Daniel Lieberman, PhD, professor of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard

[Sports Space]

University.

Exercising barefoot or wearing shoes that simulate a barefoot experience strengthen the ligaments, tendons and muscles in the feet and in the legs. The legs, or more specifically, the Achilles tendon and calf muscles begin to stretch and lengthen which can reduce pain and injuries. As the leg muscles are affected, they require balance to stabilize movements, such as running or walking.

So try walking barefoot for a day and see how it affects you. Lauren Rosenstock

Watch out Raider Nation, winter sports coaches talk about the season to come.

Quotes gathered by Andrea Smith photos by Arturo Sanchez-Vera AND JESSE YORK

[BOYS’ BASKETBALL] [GIRLS’ BASKETBALL] [BOYS’ SWIM [BOYS’ & GIRLS’ & DIVE] [WRESTLING] BOWLING] H AC CO

H AC CO

30

”

have a large “WeSenior Class

who all are very talented and have a lot of experience! Nikki Norton, Megan Stollsteimer, Taylor Cossairt, Sidney Holler and Ashley Fischer.

Nov. 2014 sports

”

THOMPSON What meet are you anticipating most?

“ Either the Sunflower League

Meet or the Regional Meet.

Those are our two most important Meets.

”

MCFALL

What is the best game Raiders should go to?

“

Attend the SM East game. The atmosphere is amazing. But I would also say: Just attend any home game. We have the best student section in all of KC.

”

H AC CO

“

We want to qualify for the state meet [and] we want to qualify as many swimmers as we can.

H AC CO

H AC CO

BOVE What meet are you anticipating most?

HILL What athletes should we look out for?

RIOS

When is the first match?

“ Friday Dec. 5...

South’s invitational is the only home match on Jan. 11.

”

MR. AMERICAN

PHOTOS BY JENNA FACKRELL

Mr. AmeriCAN is a pageant to help collect more cans during the canned food drive. Senior boys are selected to compete in various events, including the grand title Mr. AmeriCAN.

Brandon Maxey displays his ballet skills for the talent portion. Maxey was also crowned Mr. AmeriCAN

Brendan Brooks waves around an Wearing a green morph suit and a KSMS T-shirt Pete McAtee goes all out SMS flag for the spirit wear portion. for the spirit wear section.

James Jeong replicates the popular "Gangnam Style” dance for his talent.

Jeong won for his evening wear.

Alejandro Diaz belts out “All About Benedict Luancing leaps in an ‘X’ That Bass.” Diaz won the talent portion for the final group performance. with this performance of singing and Luancing won most spirited. playing bass.

2015 Senior Year Heritage Yearbook Attention: clubs, sports, seniors!

Final deadline is Dec. 5th

Get your ad in by 3 p.m.

Make a lasting memory.

For more information, contact smsyearbookads@gmail.com or 913-993-7664

Photo Essay Nov. 2014

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Girls soccer players gather in the front hall to take a photo to support Olathe Northwest after the deaths of two students, juniors Cady Housh and Ciara Webb. “When something tragic happens, that’s when we need to band together the most,” girls soccer coach Caroline Ewing said. “It might be a shout in the void, but it’s just one way we can show our support and show unity in these difficult times.”

Nov. 2014

photo essay

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