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BANNED BOOKS: from banned to endorsed
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TO THE EXTREME: students face problems with drugs and alcohol
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october 17, 2013 volume 3. edition 17.
athletes dive into their decisions to be healthy
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ACADEMICS
october 17, 2013
page by cierra campbell
third time’s the charm debate team faces three coaches in three months New debate coach Jason Moore smiles as he holds open the door for junior Lexci Kimball. He was hired three weeks into the season after the departure of Patty Newkirk. photo by: tom riggs
free press staff: hannah moran- editor in chief ryan liston- co-online editor in chief kyra haas- co-online editor in chief sarah whipple- design editor rosemary newsome- copy editor hannah reussner- copy editor sarah lieberman- copy editor maria carrasco- social media editor
by kyra haas
Compiling the time he devotes in class, after school and as an aide, junior Parker Hopkins estimates that he is in Room 151, the debate room, about 323 hours a semester. Hopkins spends his hours finding evidence, polishing speaking techniques, helping first year “novice” debaters and forming friendships. Before this summer, Hopkins knew that he and the other third year debaters would move into leadership positions on the debate squad during the 2013 season, but he did not yet realize the full extent of his new responsibilities. On June 24, the debate squad received an unexpected email from the teacher in whose room Hopkins had spent the majority of his high school career. The email said that Jo Ball, his debate coach and friend, was leaving Free State to pursue her dream of working with her mentor in Olathe. “I was a little freaked out about what was going to happen, and then I called [Jo] Ball,” Hopkins said. “… I did not cry, but I did call [Jo] Ball.” During their phone conversation, Ball told Hopkins that she was sorry to leave the squad in such disarray, but she felt that the transition to Olathe would be the best move for herself. Later that summer, Hopkins pulled his truck up to the Free State loading dock and helped Ball move her belongings out of her office. They spent their last few moments in the debate room
reminiscing. “[I] talked to my debate coach, … [who] has been a big part of my life for the last two years,” Hopkins said. After he helped move Ball out, Hopkins got to work moving the new debate coach Patty Newkirk in and teaching her how Free State debate operated. Only two weeks into the school year, just as Newkirk was transitioning to the new aspects of debate, she had to resign because an unspecified health issue kept her from transporting students to tournaments, sending the administration into a frantic search for a new coach. They found Jason Moore, a substitute teacher in Olathe with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and a master’s in education. Moore took four years of forensics in high school; however, he is a “novice” in debate. Newkirk met with Moore briefly before her departure to give him resources, tell him what the squad had done so far and offer her future help if he found that he needed it. In addition, another assistant coach was hired to help Moore take over the squad. “I feel like it’s going really well,” Moore said. “I’ve had a lot of support from the administration and my assistant coaches, and I just really feel like I’m set up for success … I feel like, in many ways, learning as I go is a good thing...” Assistant coaches Nate Peabody and Michael Shelton teach
the debaters what Moore isn’t yet able to teach. They judge practice rounds, go to tournaments, work with advanced students on work nights and help Moore present material during class. As a high school student, Shelton was one of the top 25 debaters in the National Forensics League, comprised of about 80,000-90,000 students from all over the country. Unable to commit to the amount of time required for highest level of college debate, Shelton decided to instead focus on his studies, graduating at the end of the 2013 summer term with a master’s degree in International Relations. He never really left the activity, however, judging tournaments on the weekends for his old competitors, who now coach their own squads. Experience coupled with his roommate’s recommendation got him the job. “I like working on debate, and we would be sitting at home talking about debate, Nate and I, anyway so to get to come in and be hands-on is fun for me just because I enjoy doing it,” Shelton said. While the debate program finally settles into a rhythm, some debaters still feel lost and confused in the wake of the rocky transition. “I probably won’t do it next year,” said junior Ashley Dunn, second year debater. “I think what kept me in it last year, in both debate and forensics, was [Jo] Ball … And now that that’s gone, I’m like why? Like I’m not even that good at it. Like why am I still here? But we’ll see.” Even though the introduction of new coaches has been difficult for the entire squad, Hopkins hopes that he can recreate the successful experience he had during his first year of debate for at least some of this year’s novice and convince a few of them to stick around.
kristina foster- photo editor darian koenig- assistant design editor
kaitlyn foster- designer cierra campbell- designer rebecca moran- reporter morgan noll- reporter catherine prestoy-reporter fiona mcallister-reporter sam goodwin- reporter hala hamid- reporter kenneth palmer- reporter ciara sayler- reporter gavin spence- reporter evan frook- reporter thomas riggs- photographer bridget brown- photographer nick popiel- photographer jacob hood- cartoonist
our mission:
The Free Press is an open forum that accepts letters to the editor and guest writings. They must include the writer’s name and telephone numbers. Articles may be edited due to space limitations, libel or inappropriate content. Letters may be submitted to Room 115 or sent in care of Free Press to Free State High School, 4700 Overland Drive, Lawrence, KS, 66049.
The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Free Press staff, the high school administration, nor that of the USD 497 Board of Education.
cover by darian koenig and kaitlyn foster
NEWS
the case of extreme parenting walking to school every day. Ziegler said her parents don’t have Whether it’s finding the best way to unreasonably strict rules for her, but they sneak out of the house without making a aren’t afraid to punish her. In addition to noise or deleting every text message bethe occasional consequence for acting fore a daily parental phone check, certain kids are well experienced in the art of hid- out, her parents set a few daily restrictions. ing their personal lives from their parents. “I have to plug my phone in at 10 However, kids aren’t the only ones o’clock.” Ziegler said. “I have chores that I coming up with new strategies. Some have to do by 6 o’clock every Sunday, like parents are getting creative--perhaps just I have to have them done for the week, a sugarcoated way to say extreme--with and that’s like cleaning my basement, and raising and disciplining their children. then I have to wash my car every week.” To those parents who are lacking Once Ziegler plugs in her phone, her ideas for new ways to parent and disciparents scroll through her text messages. pline their teenagers, don’t worry, there’s “It just an app for that. started like One junior’s “I wasn’t allowed to be ninth grade, parents have taken friends with any of my friends end of eighth full advantage of that I was before... ” grade when technology to keep -junior girl they started track of her, literally. finding out Her parents use an things and app called Life360 now they just don’t trust me anymore, so which is “the world’s leading location they’re like super strict,” Ziegler said. sharing app.” The app allows parents to Ziegler says that because she continknow where their kid is at all times, as ues to break the rules, her parents are at a long as the phone is on their person. loss for new ideas of enforcement. Since this generation of teenagers is Another junior girl is familiar with beknown for obsessions with material items, ing punished for breaking the rules. parents can easily punish their children by On the evening of freshman year winrevoking various privileges. ter formal, her mom found out about her Sophomore Ireland Ziegler’s recurring punishment is either getting her phone or drinking habits. Prior to that night, the girl, who would car taken away. This sounds like a reasonlike to remain anonymous, was a saint in able consequence for breaking the rules; her mother’s eyes. Her mom was oblivious however, she isn’t let off that easily. to her experimental teenage behaviors. “I broke one of the rules a couple “When that happened, I lost all [her] weeks ago,” Ziegler said. “I took my car trust because I lied to her about everyout to Sonic when they weren’t home, thing,” the girl said. and they found out because they moniHer intoxication led her to unwittingly tored how many miles I drove, and they confess to all of her other involvement in figured out that I took it while they were boys, drugs and alcohol. gone.” Her mother’s eyes were opened that She did the crime, and her parents are night. making sure she does the time. That time is six months, and she has to spend it
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for additional stories on... • •
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Star Wars Club Whose dad was on the 1988 National Championship KU Men’s Basketball team What happens when a newsie tries to play soccer.
page by jacob hood
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some perspective. “It definitely like changed my whole life,” she said. “It changes how people look at you obviously, … and it makes you more mature because I had to deal with it all on my own.” The girl’s life became like the story of Another student, senior Maria McKee Rapunzel, only less fairytale-esque, as her who has never been grounded, has the mother took her out of school and put opposite relationship with her parents. her under house arrest. After watching their son become a From February of freshman year to father at 17, McKee’s parents see parentAugust of sophomore year, the girl had a ing differently. McKee’s parents had never strict, straightforward agenda. been particularly strict but have always “I had to be homeschooled, I had to raised her in a relaxed environment. go to church and I had to do volunteer “They have a lot of trust in me,” work Monday through Friday from nine to McKee said. “My parents understand what two,” she said. being a teenager is like, and they underHer mom took precautions to isolate stand that like, if they put a lot of pressure her from bad influences. on me to do things that I might rebel.” “I wasn’t allowed to be friends with McKee’s parents are the ones her any of my friends that I was beforehand,” friends love. Their house is the designated the girls said. “My phone got taken away, hangout place every weekend. I wasn’t allowed to listen to music, wasn’t “My parents are fun, and they’ll like allowed to watch TV, wasn’t allowed to come out and hangout with my friends … listen to the radio or anything on the They just like to have a good time.” McKee computer.” said. “My mom has more It’s no surprise “My parents friends within my brothers’ that the girl described group and my friend understand what friend her mom as “protecgroup just because she has a being a tive.” really young spirit I guess.” teenager She said her McKee says her dad is laid mom’s protectiveness back as well, despite the fact is like.” comes from “just bethat many of her friends find -senior, Maria McKee ing a mother, loving him intimidating. too much, I guess … She wants to keep Even after McKee had a brief run-in me safe.” with the cops, her parents approached the After months of isolation, her mom situation in a nonchalant fashion. allowed her to return to school. One night in ninth grade, McKee was The trust between the girl and her in a car with a group of friends when they mom has finally been restored now that were pulled over. One of the friends had she has shown that she can be welldrugs and alcohol in the car, but none of behaved. She says it’s a “fine” relationship them were high or intoxicated. without problems now, but they aren’t Instead of delivering a condescending particularly close. lecture or going into parental-lockdown“I guess I keep it pretty like, tame … I mode, McKee’s dad simply laughed and wouldn’t say I lie to her, but I don’t tell her said, “Just go home, don’t tell your mom, like everything that goes on because she’s we’ll talk to her tomorrow,” as he drove so strict about like boys, parents being her home from the incident. McKee was home, going places and all the different troubled at her lack of punishment and stuff,” she said. felt a strong need to confess what hapThrough this ordeal, the girl did gain pened to her mom.
students face parents with strict rules, curfews and consequences
by morgan noll
october 17, 2013
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BannEd.
EDITORIAL october 17, 2013
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page by darian koenig
high school reading lists are more scandalous than expected
by hannah moran
Teachers don’t generally approve of teenagers watching “trash television” where the characters often drink, smoke and have sex. However, reading a book in which all of the above occurs is completely acceptable. In fact, many of the books on today’s required reading lists are filled with so much scandalous material that they were once “banned” from various public schools and libraries. But just as adults get all irritated about us watching inappropriate and scandalous tv, it evidently enrages them when we can’t express our literary freedom and read inappropriate and scandalous books. That’s why the American Library Association
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The Jungle,
AVOID IF VIVID DESCRIPTIONS OF HUMANS GOING THROUGH MEAT GRINDERS OFFENDS YOU Upton Sinclair, 1906
AP US History students: forget the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence. If you’re going to read one document that changed our country, it should be The Jungle. Upton Sinclair authored the book, intending to inspire sympathy in the heart for the poor immigrant workers of the early 20th century. Instead, by providing vivid descriptions such as, ”...and there are not merely rivers of hot blood and carloads of moist flesh, and rendering-vats and soup cauldrons, gluefactories and fertilizer tanks, that smelt like the craters of hell-there are also tons of garbage festering in the sun, and the greasy laundry of the workers hung out to dry and dining rooms littered with food black with flies, and toilet rooms that are open sewers.” He instead inspired fear and disgust in the stomachs of many Americans.
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Camp Barnabas Kyra Haas’ life through her blog Homecoming candidates turning down the title
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The Scarlet Letter,
annually produces a list of books that have either been challenged or removed from America’s libraries. The Association has also christened the week of Sept. 2127 as the official “banned books week” during which teenagers are actually encouraged to read about these taboo subjects. I think it’s great. Teachers are now encouraging us to be exposed to drinking and having sex, but it’s all ok because it’s in book form. The most frequently challenged books from 2013 include titles such as Captain Underpants, Fifty Shades of Grey and Looking for Alaska. But along with these contentious contemporary works is a list of classics that were once considered too raunchy for teenage consumption.
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The Catcher in the Rye, AVOID TO NOT HAVE AN EXISTENTIALIST CRISIS J.D. Salinger, 1951
Holden Caulfield is quite unhappy with his life. Due to his recent expulsion from boarding school, he has a few days to kill in New York City before he’s expected home for fall break. He wanders the city, spending his time flirting with middle aged women, hiring a prostitute and all the time wondering why adults are so damn “phony.” Holden remains “blue as hell” because he’s basically incapable of connecting with people. He closely resembles modern high school students; he craves affection and attention, but human interaction leaves him confused and overwhelmed. Sure, his conversations with a former classmate’s mother have many layers of meaning, but that doesn’t make the book any less entertaining. According to the American Library Association, the book was banned because it was “negative” and “foul,” and it “undermines morality.” Really, adults just don’t want to encourage kids to be cynical.
AVOID IF “TEEN MOM” IS A PROBLEM FOR YOU Nathaniel Hawthorne, 1850
According to English teacher Sam Rabiola, this novel is essentially the first “psychological thriller.” Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, the man who impregnates protagonist Hester Prynne, essentially spends the entire book freaking out about his sin. Hester’s husband, Roger Chillingworth, spends the entire book toying with Dimmesdale’s head, in an attempt to make him admit to knocking up his wife. After Hester’s sin is discovered, Hester becomes a societal leper. But she handles her sin like a pro, calmly wearing the searing scarlet letter “A” as a reminder of her adultery and isolation. Evidently, the book is still being challenged. According to the American Library Association, in 1977, parents in one school district called the book “pornographic and obscene.” I will concede that Hester and Dimmesdale do make some fairly intimate eye contact.
Q: what makes some music controversial?
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OPINION october 17, 2013 page by kristina foster
controversial culture
two reporters’ take on contentious artists, lyrics
Rapper Rocko & Rick Ross by becca moran
Rapper Rocko’s song, U.O.E.N.O, featuring Rick Ross and Future, stirred up a lot of controversy earlier this year. While the name may initially be puzzling, say it fast, and you’ll realize it’s an onomatopoeia for “you don’t even know.” The song is admittedly catchy, and I liked it ... until a friend pointed out a certain verse: “Put Molly all in her champagne/She ain’t even know it/I took her home, and I enjoyed that/She ain’t even know it.” Molly is a euphemism for a “purer” form of Ecstasy. Although it is not commonly used as a date rape drug, it is still a mind-altering substance that is even more dangerous when taken unknowingly. Immediately anger rose up in me. Who is Rick Ross to so casually mention something as serious as rape? Who is anyone to casually reference that level of violation? Rick Ross can have a drug slipped in his drink, then wake up the next morning, bleeding after being raped, and then see if he still wants to condone this kind of thing in his music. His blase reference exemplifies the rape culture in America. How are we supposed to make societal advances in regard to better treatment of women when these songs are popular? Deservingly, there was backlash. Reebok dropped Ross from a multi-million dollar endorsement deal because of pressure from various groups such as UltraViolet, a feminist organization dedicated to fighting sexism and expanding women’s rights. After multiple weak attempts to make amends on his social media, Ross finally made a proper apology. “...most recently, my choice of words was not only offensive, it does not reflect my true heart. And for this, I apologize. To every woman that has felt the sting of abuse, I apologize. I recognize that as an artist I have a voice and with that, the power of influence. To the young men who listen to my music, please know that using a substance to rob a woman of her right to make a choice is not only a crime, it’s wrong and I do not encourage it. To my fans, I also apologize if I have disappointed you. I can only hope that this sparks a healthy dialogue and that I can contribute to it.” -Rick Ross While I appreciate the eloquent apology and am happy he is taking responsibility for his position of influence, the fact remains that he rapped the lyrics in the first place. He is a talented artist, and he could have easily said something different. They add nothing to the context of the song, and if they did that would be a whole other issue. It’s disappointing that I had to lose respect for him. I hope Ross learned his lesson. Miley Cyrus “Tongue” and “twerk” are two words that abruptly replaced “country” and “sweet” when thinking of words associated with Miley Cyrus. It seems like almost a rite of passage for Disney Channel stars to go down this road of separating themselves from their childhood personas. I think that’s why I don’t like Miley as much as I could; she’s a cliche. Miley Cyrus seems so self-conscious about her image that I can’t really get into her “I don’t care” attitude. That being said, no one can deny the genius behind Miley’s crazy antics. She literally has the world talking about her. Mention her name and you will immediately get one person started on how trashy and gross she is, even as another talks about how they absolutely love and adore her. She incites feeling in people, be it negative or positive.
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Who do you find extremely controversial in pop culture?
It also takes a lot of guts and confidence to chop off her hair like that. I applaud her for rejecting the generic standards of beauty, standards of beauty she filled rather well with her long locks. With or without her hair, she’s hot. My main criticism of her is that racism and stereotypes pervade many of her videos and tweets. Not all black people are ratchet twerkers, just as not all gay people are “13 year old girls.” All this being said, she has not faded into obscurity like many of her contemporaries, and she does not appear to be doing hard drugs or partying too much. There’s definitely some-
19%
4% 14%
63% 161 responses in a FS poll
4% 63% 19% 14%
thing to be said for that. It’s why I believe she could still stand as a role model for kids. She’s doing what makes her happy, while maintaining a relatively healthy lifestyle. Blurred Lines by maria carrasco
Lately in pop culture, there seems to be an increase in controversy about drug related innuendos and sexual references, but it has taken a leap for the worse. One of the most popular songs of the summer was Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines.” If people have not heard this song, well let me just say, they’re lucky. Not only is this song annoying and played on the radio every five minutes, but its message is beyond disgusting, promoting date rape with lyrics like “I know you want it” and “just let me liberate you.” Thicke implies that even when a female says “no,” it really means “yes,” and that men must keep pushing her until she agrees. Lines aren’t blurred--no means no. Adding to his abominable lyrics, Thicke made a degrading music video to accompany them, showing women prancing around naked and carrying a goat. People rapidly caught on to the song’s underlying meaning, and Thicke quickly covered himself, stating to Gentleman Esquire magazine,”We tried to do everything that was taboo. Bestiality, drug injections and everything that is completely derogatory towards women. Because all three of us are happily married with children, we were like, ‘We’re the perfect guys to make fun of this.’” Is he claiming that misogyny is something to joke about? Is he saying saying that if you respect the women in your personal life, then you have the total right to degrade them in music? Misogyny is not a joke. According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, every two minutes, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted. While you might enjoy three minutes of a catchy song, in doing so, you are supporting a work that promotes an overall horrendous meaning. The fact is, if you are a female, you have to be somewhat of a feminist. Your rights and your equalities are in question, and if you sit back and let misogynistic men stomp all over pop culture, then as a society, we’ll never get anywhere.
Macklemore Miley Cyrus Robin Thicke Other
What do you think of “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke? 20% 22%
14%
32% 25%
161 responses in a FS poll
32% The message and video are degrading to women
25% Such an annoying song 22% Total jam 20% I don’t know what the song is
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FEATURES october 17, 2013 page by sarah whipple
a way out
s t n e d u t s f o % 2 6 d e i r t e v a h l o h o c l a onses in
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burn bright. take flight.
FEATURES
>extremes of having a good time result in regrets, misconceptions
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to the extreme
a Free St
because of peer influences or just for fun despite regretting their consumption on at least one occasion. “I don’t like the after effects, and it’s easy to do stupid stuff,” Junior Girl A* said. Due to the drawbacks, some students have substantially reduced their consumption. “Alcohol just makes you gain a bunch of weight,” Senior Girl A* said. “I have a lot of friends who have gone to college now. They’ve all gained at least 15 pounds just cause they’re all drinking so much more. I lost 14 pounds when I stopped drinking too.” Senior Girl B*’s reason for cutting back was different. “I grew out of it,” she said. “I got a job. I don’t have time for it anymore. I have more responsible things to do.” Statistics from dosomething.org, say that nine out of ten American teens report that drinking is not worth the consequences it causes. However, most marijuana users interviewed did not express the same regret. “You never hear about people making incredible mistakes because they were high, it slows you down, relaxes you,” Senior Girl A* said. “It doesn’t make you do crazy things and get into fights, and people don’t get raped because they were high. Car accidents can happen, but in general they happen from alcohol.” *Signifies students who spoke truthfully under the condition of anonymity for fear of self-incrimination.
n o g r a j drug
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page by sarah whipple
by fiona mcallister and rosemary newsome
>students choose alternatives to drugs Not many things warrant a serious offense in cross country, but smoking an e-cigarette on the bus ride back from a meet can. Sophomore Nick Jacobs was borrowing the ecigarette from his friend, who was also on the bus, when he decided to publicize his stunt. “We were just smoking [the e-cigarette], and my friend and I decided to take pictures of us taking hits of it, and we posted them on Instagram,” Jacobs said. Later, Steve Heffernan, head cross country coach, was informed about the incident and took disciplinary action. “I almost got kicked off the cross country team, and I got suspended for a meet, and I got ISS for a day, and we’re suppose to meet with the nurse to talk about drug use and tobacco use,” Jacobs said. Eventually, Jacobs quit the team of his own accord. “[E-cigarettes are] just water vapor and nicotine with flavor in it,” Jacobs said. “I don’t even see why people think it’s harmful to other people. It’s not.” While some students use “softer” substances, others on the ‘less-extreme’ side use ‘harder’ substances in moderation. Junior Girl A* said she drinks about once a month, but does not smoke cigarettes or marijuana. Senior Girl A* used to smoke cigarettes, but she quit after dating a chain-smoker because she didn’t like the smell. The majority of students said they used alcohol
october 17, 2013
>over the edge drug use results in dire consequences
the middle ground
Cop run-ins and insane party stories are not uncommon for students who frequently employ substances as means of enjoyment. However, for some students, substance abuse is not about having a good time, but avoiding a bad time. “My dad abused my mother, and I’m trying to forget things,” Senior Boy A* said. Although his personal situation has heightened his substance use, (he asserts that he smokes pot daily), this senior refutes addiction. “Addiction is something that seems to be what I am because you hear the number of usage which is everyday and you think, ‘oh, he’s addicted’,” he said. “But there’s been times when I don’t have the ability to smoke pot, like you’re off on vacation for weeks at a time, and I don’t go through withdrawals. I don’t feel bad; I don’t crave marijuana. It’s actually a nice break, you know, because you have your own head for like two weeks.” He is acquainted with the risks he is undertaking, though. “After being talked to by my parents, they made me look up health facts,” he said, “and some of the most significant ones were that cigarettes and tobacco are 100 percent proven to lead to lung cancer.” While smoking marijuana may not be as harmful to one’s health as people may assume, substance use can certainly be detrimental to one’s wallet. Senior Boy B* admits to spending approximately $50 a week on various substances. For Sophomore Girl B,* who spent $50 on substances for a party she hosted, this is an easy price to
>helping friends and the temptation of prescription pills Some students have the burden of assisting intoxicated peers. “I’ve had to call parents and have them come pick up [their kids], or I’ve had to have my mom come and babysit them at my house, or I just call other friends,” sophomore Maddie White said. Often times, these duties require students to withstand some unappealing aspects. “[I have to] hold back their hair while they throw up or feed them to help them sober up,” senior Natalie Anderson said. While helping intoxicated friends is unpleasant occasionally amusing, some students see it as a responsibility. “I feel responsible because I’m not always as drunk as these people, and if I don’t help them, I know no one else will,” Senior Girl B* said. “I feel like if that happened to me, I would hope someone would help me.” While some may feel responsible for improving friends’ condition, others express pity for friends who they witness go overboard. “It’s not pleasant,” senior AJ Ware said. “You don’t like seeing anyone you care about throwing up or passing out because you just feel pitiful, you know, you feel like that’s not them, they shouldn’t look like that.” Perhaps deterred by the nasty hangovers, some prefer prescription pills over alcohol and marijuana.
16% of students smoke weed every day *116 responses in a Free State poll
Because of these medications’ drastic effects, a fine line resides between medicinal purposes and abuse. “I did it out of curiosity, and then once I tried it, I liked it so I just kept on doing it,” Sophomore Girl A* said. “... It was fun. Made school doable.” Pills are also easier to access. “I’d say [they’re] easier [to obtain] than alcohol,” Sophomore Girl A said. “A lot of kids in school have them. I know me alone, I got them from multiple people.” While Senior Boy B* has tried pills, he is wary of the risks and does not prefer them. “[I take them] only if someone I know has them and they offer them to me,” Senior Boy B said. “I don’t spend money on them. They aren’t good for you at all, and [they are] addictive.” Senior Boy A* opposes the abuse of prescription pills for variant reasons. “That will honestly be a thing that I fight for the rest of my life,” Senior Boy A said, “because my mom is on prescription drugs, prescribed to them, for depression and anxiety, and that’s what people abuse them for like Xanax, Percocet, Vicodin and stuff. The notion of ever using those for my own pleasure is so foreign to me since I see my mom using them because she needs them, that I could never abuse those.” *Signifies students who spoke truthfully under the condition of anonymity for fear of self-incrimination.
pay if it creates a memorable event. “It’s fun to know you’re throwing the party, and everyone is going to remember it,” she said. Although the thrill of obtaining and consuming illegal substances may compose a pleasurable occasion, the effects of abuse are not always satisfactory. Sophomore Girl B witnessed, and had to come to the rescue of friends irresponsible in their illegal usage. Of a different party, Sophomore Girl B described a raid by police on an apartment where her underage friend was attending that became a “big ordeal.” Senior Boy B* has had even more traumatic experiences with the police. “I got arrested last Halloween for possession,” he said. “That wasn’t fun ... That wasn’t funny. It sucked. Actually, I was the only one who got arrested because it was my car.” Even if the consequences of being caught with drugs are dire, students continue to acknowledge how commonplace substance use is in their teenage lives. “[While being high,] everything is really funny, and it makes everything more interesting,” Sophomore Girl B said. “It’s like a different mindset. It kind of opens your mind to newer things.” *Signifies students who spoke truthfully under the condition of anonymity for fear of self-incrimination. **Since marijuana contains cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens) similar to tobacco smoke, the risk for lung cancer may be increased when smoking marijuana. Also, marijuana users expose their lungs to a larger amount of smoke because they tend to inhale more deeply, smoke without filters and hold their breath when they inhale.
>how often do you drink alcohol? *116 responses in Free State poll
47% of
FS studen ts have tried wee d *116 resp
onses in
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40%ver ne
21% ek e 1 per w 13%ionally s occa 1
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FEATURES october 17, 2013 page by sarah whipple
a way out
s t n e d u t s f o % 2 6 d e i r t e v a h l o h o c l a onses in
*116 resp
burn bright. take flight.
FEATURES
>extremes of having a good time result in regrets, misconceptions
ate poll
to the extreme
a Free St
because of peer influences or just for fun despite regretting their consumption on at least one occasion. “I don’t like the after effects, and it’s easy to do stupid stuff,” Junior Girl A* said. Due to the drawbacks, some students have substantially reduced their consumption. “Alcohol just makes you gain a bunch of weight,” Senior Girl A* said. “I have a lot of friends who have gone to college now. They’ve all gained at least 15 pounds just cause they’re all drinking so much more. I lost 14 pounds when I stopped drinking too.” Senior Girl B*’s reason for cutting back was different. “I grew out of it,” she said. “I got a job. I don’t have time for it anymore. I have more responsible things to do.” Statistics from dosomething.org, say that nine out of ten American teens report that drinking is not worth the consequences it causes. However, most marijuana users interviewed did not express the same regret. “You never hear about people making incredible mistakes because they were high, it slows you down, relaxes you,” Senior Girl A* said. “It doesn’t make you do crazy things and get into fights, and people don’t get raped because they were high. Car accidents can happen, but in general they happen from alcohol.” *Signifies students who spoke truthfully under the condition of anonymity for fear of self-incrimination.
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page by sarah whipple
by fiona mcallister and rosemary newsome
>students choose alternatives to drugs Not many things warrant a serious offense in cross country, but smoking an e-cigarette on the bus ride back from a meet can. Sophomore Nick Jacobs was borrowing the ecigarette from his friend, who was also on the bus, when he decided to publicize his stunt. “We were just smoking [the e-cigarette], and my friend and I decided to take pictures of us taking hits of it, and we posted them on Instagram,” Jacobs said. Later, Steve Heffernan, head cross country coach, was informed about the incident and took disciplinary action. “I almost got kicked off the cross country team, and I got suspended for a meet, and I got ISS for a day, and we’re suppose to meet with the nurse to talk about drug use and tobacco use,” Jacobs said. Eventually, Jacobs quit the team of his own accord. “[E-cigarettes are] just water vapor and nicotine with flavor in it,” Jacobs said. “I don’t even see why people think it’s harmful to other people. It’s not.” While some students use “softer” substances, others on the ‘less-extreme’ side use ‘harder’ substances in moderation. Junior Girl A* said she drinks about once a month, but does not smoke cigarettes or marijuana. Senior Girl A* used to smoke cigarettes, but she quit after dating a chain-smoker because she didn’t like the smell. The majority of students said they used alcohol
october 17, 2013
>over the edge drug use results in dire consequences
the middle ground
Cop run-ins and insane party stories are not uncommon for students who frequently employ substances as means of enjoyment. However, for some students, substance abuse is not about having a good time, but avoiding a bad time. “My dad abused my mother, and I’m trying to forget things,” Senior Boy A* said. Although his personal situation has heightened his substance use, (he asserts that he smokes pot daily), this senior refutes addiction. “Addiction is something that seems to be what I am because you hear the number of usage which is everyday and you think, ‘oh, he’s addicted’,” he said. “But there’s been times when I don’t have the ability to smoke pot, like you’re off on vacation for weeks at a time, and I don’t go through withdrawals. I don’t feel bad; I don’t crave marijuana. It’s actually a nice break, you know, because you have your own head for like two weeks.” He is acquainted with the risks he is undertaking, though. “After being talked to by my parents, they made me look up health facts,” he said, “and some of the most significant ones were that cigarettes and tobacco are 100 percent proven to lead to lung cancer.” While smoking marijuana may not be as harmful to one’s health as people may assume, substance use can certainly be detrimental to one’s wallet. Senior Boy B* admits to spending approximately $50 a week on various substances. For Sophomore Girl B,* who spent $50 on substances for a party she hosted, this is an easy price to
>helping friends and the temptation of prescription pills Some students have the burden of assisting intoxicated peers. “I’ve had to call parents and have them come pick up [their kids], or I’ve had to have my mom come and babysit them at my house, or I just call other friends,” sophomore Maddie White said. Often times, these duties require students to withstand some unappealing aspects. “[I have to] hold back their hair while they throw up or feed them to help them sober up,” senior Natalie Anderson said. While helping intoxicated friends is unpleasant occasionally amusing, some students see it as a responsibility. “I feel responsible because I’m not always as drunk as these people, and if I don’t help them, I know no one else will,” Senior Girl B* said. “I feel like if that happened to me, I would hope someone would help me.” While some may feel responsible for improving friends’ condition, others express pity for friends who they witness go overboard. “It’s not pleasant,” senior AJ Ware said. “You don’t like seeing anyone you care about throwing up or passing out because you just feel pitiful, you know, you feel like that’s not them, they shouldn’t look like that.” Perhaps deterred by the nasty hangovers, some prefer prescription pills over alcohol and marijuana.
16% of students smoke weed every day *116 responses in a Free State poll
Because of these medications’ drastic effects, a fine line resides between medicinal purposes and abuse. “I did it out of curiosity, and then once I tried it, I liked it so I just kept on doing it,” Sophomore Girl A* said. “... It was fun. Made school doable.” Pills are also easier to access. “I’d say [they’re] easier [to obtain] than alcohol,” Sophomore Girl A said. “A lot of kids in school have them. I know me alone, I got them from multiple people.” While Senior Boy B* has tried pills, he is wary of the risks and does not prefer them. “[I take them] only if someone I know has them and they offer them to me,” Senior Boy B said. “I don’t spend money on them. They aren’t good for you at all, and [they are] addictive.” Senior Boy A* opposes the abuse of prescription pills for variant reasons. “That will honestly be a thing that I fight for the rest of my life,” Senior Boy A said, “because my mom is on prescription drugs, prescribed to them, for depression and anxiety, and that’s what people abuse them for like Xanax, Percocet, Vicodin and stuff. The notion of ever using those for my own pleasure is so foreign to me since I see my mom using them because she needs them, that I could never abuse those.” *Signifies students who spoke truthfully under the condition of anonymity for fear of self-incrimination.
pay if it creates a memorable event. “It’s fun to know you’re throwing the party, and everyone is going to remember it,” she said. Although the thrill of obtaining and consuming illegal substances may compose a pleasurable occasion, the effects of abuse are not always satisfactory. Sophomore Girl B witnessed, and had to come to the rescue of friends irresponsible in their illegal usage. Of a different party, Sophomore Girl B described a raid by police on an apartment where her underage friend was attending that became a “big ordeal.” Senior Boy B* has had even more traumatic experiences with the police. “I got arrested last Halloween for possession,” he said. “That wasn’t fun ... That wasn’t funny. It sucked. Actually, I was the only one who got arrested because it was my car.” Even if the consequences of being caught with drugs are dire, students continue to acknowledge how commonplace substance use is in their teenage lives. “[While being high,] everything is really funny, and it makes everything more interesting,” Sophomore Girl B said. “It’s like a different mindset. It kind of opens your mind to newer things.” *Signifies students who spoke truthfully under the condition of anonymity for fear of self-incrimination. **Since marijuana contains cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens) similar to tobacco smoke, the risk for lung cancer may be increased when smoking marijuana. Also, marijuana users expose their lungs to a larger amount of smoke because they tend to inhale more deeply, smoke without filters and hold their breath when they inhale.
>how often do you drink alcohol? *116 responses in Free State poll
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PROFILE
october 17, 2013
page by kristina foster
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honesty is the best policy
desiree hamilton doesn’t feel the need to cover up or pretend she’s anything she’s not
by catherine prestoy
It’s not hard to spot her strolling down the halls, decked out in her usual black t-shirts, torn jeans and suspenders. However, her hairstyles offset the dark outfits by varying from red and black spikes to a neon mohawk. Junior Desiree Hamilton doesn’t hide behind her style, but uses it to honestly express who she is. “I try to keep myself a completely open book to people,” Hamilton said. “I think rumors are evil. If there’s nothing to hide, you can’t start [a rumor].” Forming her style in her seventh and eighth grade years, Hamilton found a basis for her clothes and hair through her friends and altered it to her own preferences and individual tastes. “A lot of my friends had a similar style so it morphed into that,” Hamilton said. “I like how I dress now because it helped me become more of a social person.” Her signature punk style was developed; however, Hamilton prefers not to categorize herself under one signature label. “People probably say I’m a punk; I agree with them, [but] I don’t really like to use labels,” Hamilton said. “But if you had to use one, I would probably say punk. I don’t think anybody really fits into one label; it’s not really right to use labels.” As a kid, Hamilton recalls being shy, ignored and bullied. Now, Hamilton strives to express herself not only through her clothes, but also her thoughts and emotions. “I’m not afraid to stand up to people, I’m not one to back down [and I] say what’s on my mind,” Hamilton said. “I’m more honest
than a lot of people. I stuck with it because it helped bring me out of a lot of stuff.” Hamilton finds inspiration through music, specifically her favorite bands Blink 182 and Green Day. She shows her taste in punk rock music through her everyday outfits and with a customized pair of Converse with “Blink 182” written on the front. Hamilton also expresses herself through drawing and ceramics, which landed her the title of Free State’s Artist of the Month. Rather than looking too far into the future, Hamilton prefers to take life as it comes. The outfits Hamilton puts together are unique to the day, while her hairstyles switch up her look every so often. “I take [life] day by day so I don’t have to worry about stress and planning and over thinking,” she said. Following her own path, Hamilton tries to distance herself from society when it comes to looking toward her future. “I feel like society babies people too much already,” Hamilton said. “You have to prepare yourself for the real world or else you’re going to get out there, and you’re going to be a complete idiot.” Hamilton’s look may be different from the average Free State student’s however, she maintains that it isn’t a ploy for attention. The most extreme thing about Hamilton is her honesty. “I don’t know if [my style is] as much as [me] wanting to stand out; I personally prefer it,” Hamilton said. “It’s not, ‘Hey everybody look at me, come be my friend.’ It’s more of, ‘This is who I am.’”
follow us on twitter! @fsfreepress we’ll follow you back and provide you with the latest updates in academics, sports and school happenings
Earrings: Handmade
Vest: Dad’s customized it herself
Bracelets: Creation Station- $5.00 each
Suspenders: Wild Man Vintage$9.00
Shoes: Arizona Trading Company$11.00
photo by: nick popiel
Shirt: Sister’s from West MS band
Jeans: Goodwill$9.00
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HOMETOWN HUB october 17, 2013
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page by darian koenig
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Halloween Hustle 5k & 10k
Summit Fair Shopping Center Lee’s Summit, Mo.
Oct. 26, 7 a.m.
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hometown hub /
st.com
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4520 Grove Dr. Lawrence, Kan.
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Oct. 18 & 26, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 27, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 31, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Oct. 31 times are subject to change)
Fort Riley Ghost Tours 2013 Bldg 205 Custer Ave. Fort Riley, Kan.
Oct. 27, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Fort Riley, a military base in North Central Kansas, is rumored For fitness lovers, the Halto be haunted due to the nuloween Hustle 5k & 10k races merous amount of deaths that are a perfect way to get into the have occurred there. According holiday spirit and stay active. All to legend, on cloudless nights, a finishers receive medals, but the top three also receive placement woman bound by chains walks medals. Other awards are handed across the Artillery Parade Field. Sightings of a WWI soldier have out to the biggest team and the also been reported since the fastest male, female and coed 1960s. While touring the base, teams. There are individual and participants learn about its ghost team costume contests, kids’ stories and history. There is no activities and a party. For more cost, but donations are encourinformation visit www.bodiesbybradandjen.com/halloween- aged. For additional information about Fort Riley, visit www.riley. hustle-5k-10k-run.html. army.mil. To read about other Fort Riley hauntings, go to www. legendsofamerica.com/ks-fortriley.html.
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Worlds of Fun Halloween Haunt 4545 Worlds of Fun Ave. Kansas City, Mo.
On late night weekends in Fall, Worlds of Fun transforms a family friendly amusement park into a terrifying haunted world. Features include mazes, horror-filled theater shows and scare zones, each providing visitors with a different way to raise their adrenaline. Children under the age of 13 are not allowed to attend. Pricing information and schedules can be found at www.worldsoffun.com/ haunt.
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The Beast
1401 W. 13th St. Kansas City, Mo.
Noted as the largest haunted house in America, The Beast is 40 minutes of terror. Visitors travel through the Werewolf Forest, a On select nights in October, senior Jacob Hood’s house draws maze, a three-story tall lighthouse and end their journey with a steep in visitors to hear the frightening legend of McFinnigan Manor. four-story slide. This haunted While the manor is not standing house is not for the faint of heart, and anyone 12 and under must be today, the Hood residence was accompanied by an adult. Tickets built directly over the manor’s basement, now considered to be and dates can be found at http:// www.kcbeast.com/. Prices vary. haunted by the spirit of James McFinnigan, the manor’s original owner. Upon arrival, participants are presented with a video backstory of the manor and the McFinnigan family prior to descending into the basement. When guests enter the basement, they hear horrifying screams, evil laughter and suspenseful music. There is no cost for this event, but donations are appreciated. For more information, email jacobhood@gmail.com.
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teenage girls need an average of 1,600-2,400 calories/day teenage boys need an average of 1,800 to 3,200 calories/day
HEALTH october 17, 2013 page by sarah whipple
the dedicated diet
athletes monitor food to improve performance
by hala hamid
Every day after school this fall, sophomore Claire Sanner laces up her running shoes and heads to cross country practice. During the winter, she piles on the layers to stay warm. In the spring, she puts on her track spikes, and in the summer, she sets her alarm clock for 7 a.m. conditioning. Dedicating many aspects of her life to being the best runner she can be, Sanner knows the importance of eating healthy and staying in shape. “With all the running I do, I try and make sure I’m eating enough and taking care of myself so I can perform at my best,” Sanner said. “[Eating healthy and staying active] isn’t really hard because I’m used to it by now … It comes more naturally.” Sanner is one of the many students, athlete and nonathlete, who pays considerable attention to what she eats.
Having to cut weight for wrestling, junior Matt Stalkfleet is familiar with staying disciplined in order to get down to his desired weight. “[I stayed disciplined] by knowing my goals and not giving up,” Stalkfleet said. “It’s a lot of mental toughness. Going into a practice, I had to think ‘I’m going to get something out of this.’” Starting at 220 pounds at the beginning of the summer before his sophomore year, Stalkfleet was able to get down to 195 pounds in just seven months by focusing on making healthy choices and giving his all during workouts. “During the summer, I had to keep my cardio and weight lifting up [to stay in shape],” Stalkfleet said. “I started workouts with the team in November … The exercises at the beginning of the season were two hour workouts with the team, and a lot of
it was sprints and cardio.” In order to lose the weight, Stalkfleet cut down mostly on sugars, breads and dark meat and stuck to eating vegetables, lean meats and fruits. ‘Dieting’ often comes with the connotation of entirely cutting out unhealthy foods, but school nurse Paula Hatcher believes in enjoying all foods in moderation. “By keeping track of what you eat and making healthy choices, you really don’t have to restrict anything; eat the piece of cake, just don’t eat the whole cake,” Hatcher said. Sanner makes sure not to be too stringent with her diet. She knows that because she does tons of running, there’s no need to excessively watch what she eats. “I don’t forbid myself from certain foods,” Sanner said. “[It’s] more of just making healthy choices. Every now and then, I’ll
… reward myself.” Achieving weight loss ambitions can be a very rewarding experience. Finally weighing in at 195 pounds, Stalkfleet felt gratified when he stepped on the scale last December. Simply watching what one eats is different from going on extreme diets that can deprive one’s body of essential nutrients. Many diets, such as fasting, detoxes and no carb diets have become popular, but they can sabotage weight loss goals. “[Fasting, detoxes and no carb diets] are quick fixes, and that’s the appeal to them,” registered dietitian Staci Hendrickson said. “But typically, [people go off the diet and] gain all the weight back that they lost and even more.” A big risk of going too far with dieting and becoming overly obsessed with dieting is developing an eating disorder. According to the National As-
sociation of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, up to 24 million people of all ages and genders suffer from an eating disorder in the U.S. “[An eating disorder] is an easy trap to fall in if you’re constantly bombarded with these beautiful Beyonce bodies, and everyone isn’t intended to look like that,” Hatcher said. “Not everyone’s body is supposed to be like that.” In addition to eating in moderation, adequate exercise is also an important aspect of one’s overall well being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 60 minutes or more of physical activity every day for children and teenagers. “I encourage my clients to find something they enjoy doing, or at the very least, doesn’t feel like a total chore,” Hendrickson said. “...[It’s about] not making the exercise all about losing weight.”
FAST K A E R B WITH BETHEL
YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US FOR A MORNING OF CONVERSATION AND EXPLORATION ABOUT BETHEL COLLEGE!
COLL E
GE
NOV. SATURDAY
9, 2013 10:00 AM—11:30 AM
Meet Bethel students, faculty, admissions counselors, young alumni and the Bethel president. Find out more about our academic programs, campus life, extracurricular activities, financial aid and so much more!
PLEASE RSVP BY TUESDAY, NOV. 5,
TO MICHAEL UNRUH IN THE OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS
BEST BACCALAUREATE COLLEGE— Ranked #3 in the country according to Washington Monthly 2013–2014
Future students, parents and families are all invited to attend. For more information, please contact: Michael Unruh, Admissions Counselor munruh@bethelks.edu office: 316-284-5236 cell: 620-382-6560 (call or text)
DOUBLETREE HOTEL 10100 COLLEGE BOULEVARD OVERLAND PARK, KS 66210
BETHELKS.EDU
how
comics by jacob hood
extreme are you?
start For homework, you are assigned to write a fable about a princess locked in a tower. What is her fate? a. Her knight in shining armor romantically saves her, of course b. She diplomatically bargains her way out c. She demands her father wage war between kingdoms d. She rappels down the tower wall and fights off the fiery dragon
GRAPHICS
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page by sarah whipple
You magically wake up in Barcelona with 100 euros in your pocket. You: a. Buy a phone card to call your parents, panicked and sobbing. b. Wander around until you find the American Embassy. c. Spend all of your money on paella … then call your parents to ask for a reloaded debit card. d. Chat up the locals until you have a job offer and spouse
Worlds of Fun’s Halloween Haunt is coming, and your friend invited you to go. Your response: a. I would, but I have English papers to write b. Could we maybe go some other time (when there’s nothing scary going on)? c. Maybe, but only if I’m rewarded with funnel cake and cotton candy. d. I would, but I’m paid to work as a zombie in one of the Scare Zones.
If you could take any trip in the world, where would you go? a. Mason, Ohio, also known as the safest city in the U.S. b. London, England c. Costa Rica, full of zipline trips and adventures d. On an African safari, with no limitations as to how close you could get to to the animals (even the carnivorous ones)
october 17, 2013
Your friend suggests both of you shave and dye half of your head. How do you react? a. No way, YOU can do it alone b. My parents would never let me c. Depends on the color of hair dye d. Of course! I’ve been wanting to change up my style anyway
mostly a’s
NOT EXTREME
mostly b’s
STILL CHILL
You probably prefer staying in to going out and electric candles instead of real ones, and you like your tofu without Sriracha sauce. Stop playing it safe! Take a risk once in awhile. Introduce a small degree of entropy into your life, whether it’s ordering a cinnamon bagel instead of plain or swapping Skins (U.K. version, of course) for Iron Chef on your Netflix queue. Also, stop eating tofu.
Every time you “fave for an honest DM” you always end up with the same result: “Honestly, you’re so chill.” While this seems like a compliment, people are really just saying “you don’t get worked up about anything and probably aren’t concerned about the legality of your Saturday night activities.” Right on, brother. You stay chill. But try emoting once in awhile, or find yourself a passion.
mostly d’s
EXTREMELY EXTREME
mostly c’s
HINT OF CRAZY
If given the option of bungee jumping off a bridge or reading a National Geographic article about people bungee jumping off a bridge, you would probably just read the article. Extreme isn’t your middle name, but you wish it was. You might not be willing to run an entire marathon through the Andes Mountains, but you would train for a local half marathon on level terrain. Capitalize on your extreme tendencies and embrace your inner daredevil.
People are often in awe of your lack of foresight and complete disregard of consequences. You’d stuff a Cayenne pepper, dipped in liquid fire and wrapped in jalepenos, in your mouth without a second thought. Surfing in the shark infested waters off of Kahuna Beach, reaching the North Pole and climbing Mount Everest are just a few of the more conservative items on your bucket list. But remember, you do only live once, so don’t die prematurely.
12 october
8 19 1 one month time-out
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SPORTS october 17,2013
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page by darian koenig
soccer vs. Olathe South 6:30 p.m.
football @ Wyandotte 7:00 p.m.
volleyball @ Emporia 9:00 a.m.
joshua kallenbach recounts his concussion experience
by sam goodwin
Near the end of 2012, sophomore Joshua Kallenbach had to put his life on hold for two months. He spent his time sitting in a dark room, as prescribed by his doctors as a treatment for a severe concussion he suffered last November.
Sophomore Josh Kallenbach stretches before cross country practice. Kallenbach, a member of the C-team, suffered a severe concussion last year. photo by: tom riggs
Kallenbach had just finished bench pressing in weights class. He placed the bar on the rack and sat up. Then, his spotter leaned forward and placed his forearms on the bar, causing the bar to roll off and whack Kallenbach on the side of his head. Kallenbach thought he was fine until he started to prepare for a debate tournament in Kansas City later that day. “On the way there, I was reviewing
my files, and I was like, ‘I can’t read this,’” Kallenbach said. “And then I started to get this woozy, nauseous feeling and couldn’t remember where I was.” Kallenbach was taken to the school nurse, who declared him to be concussed. The next day, he went to see his family doctor, who advised Kallenbach’s parents to keep him home for a few days. But even after two weeks--how long concussion symptoms typically last--the headaches, dizziness, nausea and blurred vision persisted. “[The doctors] were like, ‘What’s going on here?’” Kallenbach said. Kallenbach then made many trips to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City to see a concussion specialist. He also received medication to block his headaches. “The biggest thing was just a chronic headache,” Kallenbach said. “It was awful.” The doctors wanted his brain to be minimally active so they had him stay in isolation for a month and a half. That meant no screens, no reading and minimal light and talking. He spent most of his time in his room. “I would come out to eat,” Kallenbach said. “I was sleeping 18 hours a day because I had nothing else to do.” At the start of second semester, he was able to go back to school. He would only go to hours two, three and six because he was still having trouble doing homework.When he was outside of his room, he had to wear sunglasses because light promoted too much brain activity. He was so far behind that he ended up having to take algebra 2 in summer school. “I got that knocked out pretty quickly,” Kallenbach said. “And I was doing really good over the summer, pretty much all better now, which makes me so happy.” After his lengthy ordeal, Kallenbach’s outlook on life has been drastically altered. “After all that I realize what can happen,” he said. “I appreciate stuff much more now that I know what can be taken away because I don’t want to go back to sitting in a dark, quiet room all day.”
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girls golf @ Garden City 12:00 p.m.
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state gymnastics @ Olathe North 12:00 p.m.
takin’ the high road brandon wilson’s story of perseverence
by evan frook
Choruses of “L-F-S! L-F-S!” ring out across the football field every Friday night. But amidst the shrill chanting, one voice stands out as two octaves lower than the rest. That voice belongs to junior Brandon Wilson, the only male on the cheerleading squad. He does a lot of what the girl cheerleaders do. He supports his squadmates at the base of a pyramid, tumbles in the end zone and hypes up the crowd. A megaphone and pants are the only factors that separate Wilson from the rest of the cheer squad. Despite some negative reactions from the student body, he loves being a member of the squad. “I actually want to cheer in college,” Wilson said. Wilson wanted to get more involved in school, and because he could already do flips and other gymnastic stunts through his taekwondo training, he decided the best way to get more involved would be through cheer. Wilson creates quite the contrast on the field. As the only yell leader on the cheer squad, it’s not easy for him to fly under the radar of typical high schoolers searching for something to gossip about. Wilson planned on receiving some teasing, but Wilson didn’t expect it to go as far as it has. Some of the reactions Wilson has received go well beyond friendly
badgering. He has been called a fag more than once and has been told that he should kill himself. Most of the negative responses he gets come through social media or through people saying things about him to his younger sister. Wilson decided early on in his career to remain calm. “I was going to try not to react, or get mad about it because it’s what I want to do, and I don’t really care what everyone else thinks,” Wilson said. So far, he’s stuck to his plan. He recalls a tweet he sent after the first football game, paraphrasing, “I’m not looking for anybody’s permission to be doing this, and it shouldn’t bother you what I do with my time.” It’s not all bad, however. After sending out the aforementioned tweet, he received texts from people he had not talked to in a long time, saying that they supported him and thought it was cool he decided to do cheer. While Wilson appreciates the support he receives and is not influenced by other destructive words, he fails to understand why people care what he does. “I just don’t understand why it bothers them so much, and why if it’s something I want to do, why they have to … tear me down,” Wilson said.
Junior Brandon Wilson yells through his megaphone at a recent home football game. Wilson is the only male cheerleader on the squad. photo by: kristina foster