September 28, 2011

HARRISONVILLE HIGH School 1504 e. elm Harrisonville, mo 64701 (816) 380- 3273 hhsnews.com

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September 28

Our Sad September Snow As Read By Sophomore Trevor Ratcliff Originally Written By Victor Spada

Morning broke once more, with pure and simple trust.

We believed the door was closed, and the lock was free of rust.

But sadly we were wrong, we were out there in the gale.

Our ship tossed in a sea of tears, with torn and tattered sail.

The explosion seemed like fiction; the fire and the smoke.

We all drew in the toxins, and gave a sickly choke.

The buildings soon fell down; the scene we all remember.

When ashes hit the air and snowed in our September.

Our family members are gone. With grief we hang our head.

We place our hand to our heart, and mourn our country’s dead.

But we owe them our pledge; they must see that we still thrive.

We must show them and the world that justice is still alive.

The country is not lost; our flag is still up high.

Those things we love so dearly in truth can never die.

Let wisdom be our compass, and someday we will know.

How and why we suffered that gray and dismal snow.

Time will not diminish it. The memory will long last.

The image will still be there in years yet to be passed.

And children in the future will read about this day.

When it snowed in our September, and the world had lost its way.

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Volume XIV, ISSUE I

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Community helps former student Sara Clarke Story By Kayt Dahn - Editor-in-Chief kayt.dahn@hhsnews.com

On August 12, while most recent graduates were preparing to move into college, alumni Sara Clarke received shocking news; she was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma.

“At first the news was numb to me, I didn’t really care- I didn’t think it would be that big of deal,” said Clarke. “However, that’s not the case. Finding out that you have a fast moving Sarcoma three days before you were supposed to

move in is unbelievable.”

According to childrenshospital.org, the disease is extremely rare, affecting about only 250 adolescents per year, and is only responsible for two to three percent of adolescent cancer patients. The cancer affects the bones and soft tissues around them. While it can occur in any area, it is most commonly found where longer bones meet, such as the thigh, shin, or like Clarke’s, the upper arm.

“I have had chronic pain throughout high school and have just played through it. After soccer was over, I thought it would get better but it didn’t, the pain was still there so I went back to my orthopedist … he gave me four possibilities: 1.) being a tumor.

2.) infection of the bone. 3.) Ewing Sarcoma, and 4.) lymphoma...

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The next week I found out it was Ewing Sarcoma, ” said Clarke.

Clarke was involved in many extracurricular activities throughout her high school career, especially sports. She played volleyball, basketball, and soccer. She was also Student Body President, FMP President, in NHS, and the 2010 Homecoming Queen. Being involved in so much, the community was quick to respond after finding out about Clarke’s disease.

“The amount of support my family and I have received is outstanding,” said Clarke.

Several fundraisers have been set up in Clarke’s name.

Senior Anna Holden is selling bracelets, with all proceeds going to Clarke.

“I wanted to find some-

thing to do to help. I didn’t know what to do... One night I thought about the Livestrong bracelets and thought: ‘bracelets for Sara’.

They’re blue, which is her favorite color. They have her favorite bible verse on it, Phil. 3:14, and I wanted to find a way to make them personal, so her initials are on it,” said Holden.

On September 29, Alex Erickson ‘11, will be at the boys’ soccer game to sell shirts, and will be making a speech at half time, in order to raise awareness about Clarke’s disease.

“I have a Facebook page, Kicking Cancer for Sara, where I am currently selling t shirts that Kristi Feiss has been ordering,” said Erickson.

Besides the t-shirts, game, and bracelets, a golf tournament

is being held for Clarke.

“AJ and Julie Erickson, Tina Harold [‘11] and Paige Mccellan, the Johnsons (Bailey Johnson ‘11), and Kristi Feiss, [with them] selling t-shirts, getting a soccer game together, and doing the golf tournament is absolutely mind boggling,” said Clarke.

The tournament took place on September 24, at the Country Creek Quarry.

“The biggest thing that people can do for me is treat me like a normal person- like the same old Sara Clarke. But I will say that it is awesome that people are bringing over food and having fundraisers. It is truly amazing the support people are giving me,” said Clarke.

teacher received a phone call asking if anyone had relatives in New York. My teacher’s husband was in New York at the time, so she was really panicking. It made us all really nervous,” said Davis.

Right before their class was about to turn on the television, they received an order from the office to keep all TVs off. Later that day Davis’ dad, whose flight to a conference had been cancelled, tried to explain to him what had happened.

“It was something I’d never experienced before. I’m thankful I was so young and couldn’t really understand, because it wasn’t quite as devastating,” said Davis.

The impacts of 9/11 are still tangible to this day.

“It really brought every-

one together. We haven’t forgotten what has happened,” said Price.

Davis also recognizes the impact of September 11.

“This nation will never be the same. If you lived through that time, you’ll never forget it,” said Davis.

Though the age gap between HHS faculty and students varies, they all can recall the devastation of September 11, 2001.

During ninth hour on Friday, September 9, HHS had a moment of silence for those lost during the 9/11 attack.

HHS sophomore Trevor Ratcliff read a poem titled “Our Sad September Snow”, (page one) which reflected on the devastation of September 11. Shortly after, the soft sound of voices singing “The Star-

Spangled Banner” could be heard drifting from the cafeteria as several students joined together in patriotism and respect.

This moment proved that HHS has not forgotten the tragedy of September 11.

HHS takes time to remember September Eleventh Story By Hannah Franz - Staff Writer hannah.franz@hhsnews.com

On Sunday, September 11, HHS students and faculty somberly recognized the ten year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the loss of thousands of American lives.

Student services secretary Elizabeth Price remembers being at home that day.

“I listened to the radio after the first plane hit, before they were really sure what was going on. Then I turned on the TV. I remember talking to my husband on the phone while watching the Twin Towers fall,” said Price.

Price recalls being in disbelief and thinking about all the people who had died and were dying.

“I heard about the Pentagon and the other plane and then I realized we were under

attack,” said Price.

History teacher Andrea Eagle, then a student in eighth grade, remembers being in class that day.

“A student came in late from the dentist and said something. We immediately turned on the TVs and tried to turn on the news,” said Eagle.

When the video reports came in about the other attacks, Eagle found it really difficult to believe. “[We were] definitely very worried, kind of in awe. It was such a big thing and we didn’t know what to think. It was the first big tragedy that we really witnessed,” said Eagle.

Junior Jacob Davis, was only in first grade during the 9/11 attack but remembers it vividly.

“Early in the morning, my

Photo Illustration By Kaitlyn Austin

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Harrisonville welcomes new businesses Story By Hannah Franz - Staff Writer hannah.franz@hhsnews.com

Photo By Alison Krenzer.

Danyelle Opat prepares ice cream at Baskin-Robins.

At the beginning of this summer, Harrisonville welcomed two new restaurants, Baskin-Robbins and The Velvet Lime Bistro, both located off of Commercial Street.

Baskin-Robbins is a chain ice cream shop that serves everything from smoothies to sundaes to traditional flavored ice cream scoops.

Danyelle Opat, HHS junior and worker at BR, recommends the Peanut Butter Brownie- a scoop of ice cream topped with chocolate and peanut butter crumbs, served with a piece of chocolate-dipped waffle.

Opat said most come in for regular ice cream but that there are occasionally more unconventional orders.

“One time someone came in and ordered a banana split with all the sherbets we have, pineapple sauce, marshmallow, and strawberries,” said Opat.

New flavors come to BR every three months or so. The newest flavor is French Toast.

Opat likes her job because she enjoys meeting all the people who come in and is an ice cream lover herself.

“Ice cream is the perfect cure for a bad day,” said Opat.

Another newly introduced restaurant is The Velvet Lime

Photo By Alison Krenzer.

Employee Curt Foss takes a food order.

Bistro, a coffee shop that also serves breakfast, lunch, and which consist of Greek, Italian, and American dishes from scratch.

The restaurant has had a difficult time attracting students due to its conflicting schedule.

Tuesday through Friday they are open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

However, the store recently started serving dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

“It’s a place to come eat, drink and enjoy yourself. Come in and be comfortable,” said VL employee Curt Foss.

Whether someone is looking for a place to buy an ice cream cone after a long, stressful day, or a place to relax and sip a mocha latte with a friend, Baskin-Robbins and The Velvet Lime Bistro both provide exciting new options for HHS students.

few is for the following areas: Country Club Plaza, Westport, Downtown, 18th and Vine, and Zona Rosa.

“The curfew was influenced by many people, but the main purpose was to reduce the violence and control the numbers of people attending the five districts,” said school resource officer, Mike Prindle.

The curfew was set into play on August 19. According to an article written by Bill Draper on stltoday.com, any young adult under the age of 18 who is found on the plaza after curfew may be charged a fine up to $500.

“I like staying late, rather than wasting my time going there when I just have to watch my clock so I do not break the curfew,” said junior Cody Scott.

Scott attends the Plaza on a regular basis. According to Scott, there were teens running around everywhere, but now since they are starting to enforce the curfew there are less people around.

Although the students may still attend the plaza, the curfew being enforced may change the way young adults act while on the grounds and the other districts with the time restriction.

Curfew enforced in KC areas Story By Lauren Aman - Staff Writer lauren.aman@hhsnews.com

Photo By Bailee Sandy.

Police crack down on the new curfew.

Recently, a curfew has been established for young adults who go to the Country Club Plaza. Thursday, August 21, the curfew was enforced and it will run until the end of September.

The curfew is 10 p.m. for youth 15 and under and 11 p.m. for 16 and 17. After September, the curfew is being pushed back to 11 p.m. on weeknights and midnight on Saturday and Sunday.The cur-

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Missouri Law Sets Limits on Facebook Column By Victoria BosticNews Editor victoria.bostic@hhsnews.com

On July 14, Governor Jay Nixon signed Senate Bill 54- Amy Hestir Student Protection Act. Section 162.069 of the bill states: “By January 1, 2012, every school district must develop a written policy concerning teacher-student communication...Teachers also cannot have a nonworkrelated website that allows exclusive access with a current or former student.”

This bill has been referred to as the “Facebook Law”. It’s purpose is to prevent sexual abuse of minors and was to go into effect on August 28. According to CBS, St. Louis, Cole County Circuit Judge, Jon Beetem, blocked the bill. The bill will now be on hold until February.

Most people are aware that Facebook has become a social networking sensation. It is my mother’s favorite way of keeping tabs on me. While that is a plus for her, Facebook is a plus for the rest of my family; it lets them be apart of my life and see me grow up. Due to this new bill my aunt, employee of the Independence Public School District, is no longer friends with me on Facebook.

My mom is employed by the Harrisonville School District.

These rules state that students and teachers are to have no electronic interaction outside school monitored sites, but these two are not just teachers.

Regardless of our Facebook friendship I will still see them outside of school districts.

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Regrouping to rebuild Healthier options offered Several students travel down to Joplin to help put the community back together

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Story By Hannh Baggenstoss - Staff Writer hannah.baggenstoss@hhsnews.com

Smells of chicken fried year in the lunch room is Papa make sure that they have monsteak, tator tots, and pizza fill the Murphy’s pizza. Students get a ey in their account to purchase lunch room every day, fourth piece of pizza of their choice, a la carte items and have their through sixth hour. Some stu- a fruit, trail mix, and white or student I.D.s with them at all dents might wonder about the chocolate milk with the meal. times. nutritional value of the food They can also add an extra “If students had their being served to them. However, piece of pizza for only a dollar. I.D.s with them they could get the lunch ladies assure that the The lunch room also offers veg- through this line in half the etarian options like macaroni time,” said Gilbert. food is nutritious.

“All of our meals have to and cheese, the breakfast meal, Despite the few rules, stumeet a government require- and various salads. dents like freshman Hannah Last year, the lunch room Gibler still enjoy their lunch ment,” said lunch lady Jody introduced plastic silverware as hour.

Gilbert.

They are required to serve an alternative to the infamous “It seems to be a long two ounces of protein, three sporks used in years past. Junior enough time for everyone to eat quarts cup of fruits or veggies, Sidney Lloyd believes this new and it is a good time to talk with Photo Courtesy of Expressions KC Photography two ounces of bread or starch silverware is all around better. your friends,” said Gibler.

Senior Colton Saunders helps Joplin rebuild. “[The old plastic ware] products, and eight ounces of The lunch room has many dairy for each meal every day. would always break in half,” different meal options for evThe cooks make sure that each said Lloyd. eryone each day, and all of them Story By Megan Short - Staff Writer megan.short@hhsnews.com What the lunch staff stress- are nutritious. The lunch ladies meal option in the lunch room has as much of the daily food es, however, is that you do not always make sure students reMost students have heard gust. throw away the plastic silver- ceive as much of the basic food requirements as possible. about the destruction in Joplin “I saw people crying on the One of the new options this ware. Also, students should groups as possible. from the tornado in late May, side of the road even though but some students have seen it the disaster happened months first hand. ago,” said Fuller.

The Pride Staff Sophomore Meghan While in Joplin, Oparnico Oparnico went down to Jop- helped families go through 2011-2012 lin May 29 through the 31. their broken homes, and when Editor-in-Chief: She went with a group from she was not doing that, the Kayt Dahn her church, First Christian church group was working at Copy Editor: Church, but she felt personally a supply distribution center Sasha Gubina called to go. where they organized food, Features Editor: “When we first started the soaps, and toys.

Maria Sanchez drive up to Joplin, I was ner“I think the experience News Editor: vous but excited, because I matured me, made me see that Victoria Bostic knew that was where I needed bad things really do happen.

Sports Editor: to be,” said Oparnico.

The weekend was stressful but Abbey Fisher Feelings changed once fulfilling” said Oparnico.

Oparnico was in Joplin and According to Fuller there Advisor: driving through the town. were destroyed buildings, deBrad Lewis “I was devastated, seeing struction, and no hope on what these people lost, most anyone’s face. of which they won’t get back,” “Seeing all the people crysaid Oparnico. ing made me realize that I’m Staff Writers: Lauren Aman, Hannah Baggenstoss, Nick Bowers, Nick Campbell, Once they left, Oparni- lucky to have what I have, and Hannah Franz, Megan Short, Crystal Warden co felt like she had not done that everything could be gone Photographers: Jamie Hasenyager, Alison Krenzer, Bailee Sandy enough and says that there is in a blink of an eye,” said FullThe Pride is written, edited and published by the newspaper production class at HHS. The paper is an open forum, still so much to do. er. distributed to the students, faculty, parents, alumni, and other members of HHS. All decisions concerning grammar, Also going to Joplin durAfter going to Joplin to layout, content, and photography are made solely by the editors themselves. Our mission is to report news truthfully ing the summer, senior John help, Fuller has a good feeling and accurately and to act as an open forum for student expression. Opinions in editorials do not reflect the views Fuller as well as a few other knowing they helped people of Cass R-IX school district, its staff or the adviser. All comments, concerns, and complaints should be forwarded directly to the Editor-in-Chief. If readers would like to submit letters to the Editor, they can do so in room 304. football players in early Au- in need.

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Music Makers introduce new dance style

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Ever-changing Music Still Contains Passion

Story By Nick Bowers - Staff Writer

nick.bowers@hhsnews.com

Story By Hannh Baggenstoss - Staff Writer hannah.baggenstoss@hhsnews.com Along with a new school year come new ideas. This year, one idea Choir Director Kip Matthew had for Music Makers was adding tap numbers to the songs. This has never been done before.

“I’m pretty excited. It’s a lot different than some of the other shows we’ve done,” said junior Austin Welhoff.

With 39 kids performing on stage and only a few who actually know how to shuffle to a beat, surely not everyone can have tap shoes on at once. However, according to Matthew, everyone will be doing the steps.

“Only the front row will be wearing tap shoes,” said Matthew.

Considering that a few of his students participated in last year’s spring play, “Singing in the Rain”, Matthew was sure

Photo By Jamie Hasenyager

Members of Music Makers sit and listen to leaving the ideas for their shows this year.

this is what he wanted to do.

“You take advantage of the opportunities when they come,” said Matthew.

The Music Makers students seem to be excited about this new change.

“This year is all about being heard,” said senior Lizzie Laurent.“It’s a common theme i n a l l of ou r s on g s a n d

something each of us identifies with.”

Laurent has been in choir all four years of high school and has been in Music Makers for two. She is definitely ready to tap dance in this year’s show.

“Yes! I am so excited! Tap dancing is a ton of fun and it will give our show some piz-

zazz,” said Laurent.

Many students hope for the best this year and believe that the group will go far.

“We have a lot of talent in our group and a lot of potential in the show,” said Welhoff.

The choir has a while to practice before competition season starts in January.

Judging by Matthew’s thoughts, it is sure to be successful.

“We’re going to have a pretty good year. Our success this year will be up to the kids.

All I can do is help them get ready for the performances,” said Matthew.

The choir’s first performance is at the Senior Citizens Banquet. Following that is Sneak Peak. They are working hard to be ready to dominate.

Music affects students’ moods Story By Nick Campbell - Staff Writer nick.campbell@hhsnews.com Students who listen to music may not know how the lyrics could really be affecting them.

According to musictherapy. org, music can have a positive and negative effect on a person.

For example, music therapy can help with a wide span of illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease, mental problems and substance abuse.

“There is research to support the positive effects that chemical music has on the terminally ill and cancer patients,” said counselor Andrea Laughlin.

Music affects the chemical balance in your brain. However,

it does not affect the development of the brain. When you are listening to a certain kind of music it changes the levels of serotonin and dopamine in your brain. Serotonin and dopamine are the chemicals in your brain that affect how your mood is according to anxietyreliefstress.com.

“When I am listening to music it gets me more pumped up,” said senior Eric Whaley.

Although music gets Whaley pumped up, it does the opposite for some.

“Music calms me down. It helps me when I’m in a bad

mood,” said senior Brittany Chowning.

According to the New York Times Health page, teenagers listen to more than two and a half hours of music a day. Nine out of 10 teenagers own an MP3 which increases the childhood risk for behavioral issues.

“I believe that if a person listens to enough violent and degrading lyrics that the person may become violent,” said Laughlin. Laughlin believes that a person will become violent but there are others who do not.

“Everything we do is a

choice. When music influences a person it is their choice to let the music influence them,” said psychologist Scott Maid.

In the end music affects everyone but it is the person’s choice to let the music influence their decisions.

Photo By Bailee Sandy

Student Nick Wood listens to music while he works.

It is not my place to write yet another 10th grade critical thinking essay on the progression of music. I have no problems with the alleged ‘lack of soul (i.e. lack of passion).’

Music as a whole is evolving alongside the ever changing society. If you prefer to listen to a song about doing nothing all day, go for it.

But questions do arise, does a song about doing nothing present a lack of passion towards said music? No. If your ‘passion’ is doing nothing, who am I to assume your lack of meaning?

If you do assume said lack of meaning, I have the simplest of solutions. Change the song.

Indie artist Bon Iver recently blogged an ‘Anti-Mainstream Manifesto’ that raised simple questions. “Can I just ask the reader: Don’t we seem dumb?

Didn’t MTV lose the fight against themselves? Why are lights so bright? Isn’t our talent as artists enough? Why don’t we just have MUSIC? I don’t know.”

I do. We DO do music, we do. We do. Look for it. It is there. I promise you that, gentlemen.

There are selected, ‘sellouts,’ but listen to them. They are as passionate as you or I, they are just aware of the possibility of making money. So, if you do music to please solely you, add as much soul, as much love as you can. If you do music to please others, excite others, for others, do music as hard as you can as well. Can we not appreciate it all just the same?

THE PRIDE

Features Lack of tradition causes loss of memories

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g n i m H o c e m Ho 2011 keepin it rea L page

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I remember my friends and I were extremely excited about Homecoming my freshman year. We couldn’t wait to get a dress, get ready, go eat and find dates togther. It is what all of football season was for.

It is what was looked forward to.

When I went to get my dress freshman year, it was a whole “mommy and me” day.

This year however, with my sister being a freshman, I realized she won’t have that experience.

I understand the reasoning behind changing the overall experience. There were conflicting schedules, complaints, and concerns about the cost. I get it, you cannot please everyone.

However, Homecoming is a tradition. Nonetheless, one that should not be messed with.

The over-used, cliché thing to say here, is that high school should be the “time of our lives”.

Do I believe that? No. Do I think that we should try to make it that way? Absolutely.

My sophomore year I was really considering not going to Homecoming. My best friend’s mom told me that looking back 20 years from now, I do not want to be that girl that didn’t put on the perfect dress, and go have fun for the night, I wouldn’t want to remember my night being home alone.

She was right. I’m glad I went, that is a memory that I will never forget. However, without having to go shop for the perfect dress, without spending the day preparing with your friends, without taking pictures to your heart’s content, and without being able to experience a true Homecoming, looking back, it will seem no more than an ordinary Friday night in good ol’ Harrisonville, Missouri.

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Column By Kayt Dahn - Editor-In-Chief kayt.dahn@hhsnews.com

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Candidates :

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Anna Holden Cody Blentlinger

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Photo Courtesy of Jill Filler

Jessie Pulliam Travis Britz

Shelby Lavery Charlie Crews

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Livia Dunham Aaron Sloan

Kaylee Ayers Dallas Stackhouse

Homecoming gets a touch of reality Story By Crystal Warden - Staff Writer crystal.warden@hhsnews.com

This year’s homecoming theme is “Keepin’ It Real”.

The process of picking out the theme was simple to STUCO President, Cal Neill. Members wrote ideas down on paper and eliminated the ones that did not work or would cause concerns. Then they voted on the favorite theme, which came

out to be “Keepin’ It Real”.

“We got down to two good ideas, then the favorite vote won,” said Neill.

The Homecoming dance will be at 9 p.m. to midnight after the home football game, against Pleasant Hill High School, at 7 p.m. Before the game, at 6:30 p.m., Coronation

will be announced. This year’s dance dress code is informal, however, students can choose to wear formal attire as well, as long as it is appropriate.

“We really haven’t had much discussion on if the dance would be formal and so far it is still informal and formal,” said Neill.

The City Wide Pep Rally is Thursday, at approximately 8 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.

Friday’s festivities include the pep assembly in the main gym at 8 a.m., and the parade begins at 2 p.m., starting at the high school.

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F ____ _ Tuesday Who Wants to be a Superhero?

Wednesday High School Reunion Day Thursday

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Extreme Makeover day

Friday Jersey (Not Shore) Day

Homecoming compared in neighboring towns

Story By Nick Bowers - Staff Writer and Victoria Bostic - News Editor nick.bowers@hhsnews.com victoria.bostic@hhsnews.com HHS and surrounding schools undeniably have at least one thing in common, Homecoming.

Archie High School’s homecoming dance was scheduled for Saturday, October 8, with activities preceding it. The theme chosen by the student council was “Strand the Vikings.” The students base the theme each year with the rival team the Friday football game is played against.

The day of the game students get out of their classes for the day to watch and participate in activities including a powder puff football game.

Prior to Friday, each grade decorates their entire hallway, and on Friday the hallways are judged. After all the competi-

tions are done, points are added up and the class with the most points wins.

“I mainly set up what needs to get done,” said student council advisor Brad Batchelder.

The officers then break up into committees to make decisions.

Homecoming candidates chosen this year are two senior girls and two junior girls and four senior football boys.

“Last year was the first year we had [the dance] on a Saturday,” said Batchelder.

Batchelder estimated that around 50 percent of the school attended homecoming last year.

“Everyone pretty much comes,” said senior class representative Abby Shipley.

The dance is semi-formal so dressing up is not a requirement. According to Shipley most girls wear short cocktail dresses.

Belton High School’s homecoming spirit week was set for September 19 through 23, with the dance on Saturday, September 24. Spirit days are: Monday, dress as a character from your class movie (freshmen: Ferris Bueller, sophomore: Star Wars, juniors: pirate movie, senior: Grease); Tuesday, fake injury day; Wednesday, kindergarten day; Thursday, senior citizen day; Friday, class shirt day. The theme this year is “Film Deja Vu”.

“Student council comes up with the [theme], and the idea has to be approved by they

athletic activities director,” said student council advisor Nancy Bernhardt.

The Friday before the dance students attend classes as usual until around 2 p.m.

They are then released to go to the school pep assembly at the football stadium. The pep assembly is used to introduce the homecoming royalty and to get everyone excited about the game and dance. According to Bernhardt the dance has always been held on a Saturday night. To go along with the movie theme this year students will enter the location of the dance, the gym, by walking down a red carpet.

Senior class lacks in unity

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Column By Sasha Gubina - Copy Editor sasha.gubina@hhsnews.com

Alright class of 2012, here’s the “Ahh” moment you have been waiting for since you first entered high school. As seniors, we can walk the hallways with our heads held high, because we know we are the cream of the crop. But is that how all of you really feel? In my opinion, this senior year has been lacking something. Let us start with the new changes for example. The parking lot. I understand this system alleviates traffic issues, but for us seniors, it is a bit of a let down. I have been waiting to have my spot next to the school for quite some time now, and what do you know? But the parking lot is certainly the least of my concerns. What I feel our class lacks is unity. Do you seniors remember last year’s graduating class? I sure do. The class of 2011 made senior year worthwhile. So why don’t we do the same? For some, it may be a difficult task. I will be the first to admit that I may not even know some of the people in our grade. That is quite a shame. I am urging you, class of 2012, to break the barrier of cliques and prejudices, and to come together as the wonderful class that we are. Try it out, talk to somebody from another group or maybe sit at a different lunch table. You never know what will happen, maybe you will even make friendships you would never thought you’d make. C’mon seniors, we’re the oldest and most definitely the best grade at HHS, don’t you agree? Let’s make this last year the best year of our high school careers.

THE PRIDE Art club gives back to the community Drama students prepare to Story By Megan Short - Staff Writer megan.short@hhsnews.com perfrom Disney’s Mulan

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The art club does many things during the year, and volunteering for the community just happens to be one of them.

Senior Kelsie Tarter is president of the art club and four or five times a year the art club volunteers to do many different things.

The whole art club agrees that it is a good thing, and it is fun.

“We do it because we feel the need to, and it gives us something to do during the school year,” said Tarter.

Melissa Chaney, the art teacher here at HHS, has been the advisor for this club for four years, going on five, and every year they paint the windows at Cass County Library for holidays, do face paintings at the Elks Lodge, and other areas.

According to Chaney, the club’s favorite project is mak-

ing a backdrop for an event at Story By Laruen Aman - Staff Writer Children’s Mercy Hospital. In lauren.aman@hhsnew.com the past they have made train backdrops, dinosaurs, and construction workers.

“Usually we take turns. Like five go work on it now, and five work on it another day,” said Chaney, referring to how many of the members help out with the projects.

Chaney believes that it helps people to be in involved in something, and that they enjoy coming to the events.

Photo By Jamie Hasenyager

Photo By Alison Krenzer Tarter works on a project for Ceramics II.

Man Street on the

Question: What do you do for exercise?

Senior Aaron Sloan “I play soccer and tennis and I swim.”

Sophomore Sarah McCaslin “I ride my bike.”

Junior Andrew Garrett “I run and lift weights.”

Freshman

Brently Probasco “I run, bike and dance.”

After many weeks of extensive rehearsal, costume measurements, and choreography practices, the HHS drama students will be performing the musical Mulan this fall.

To obtain a role in the school’s plays or musicals students must audition. The audition process this year required students to sing 16 measures of a song of their choice, sing a song from Mulan, and cold reading, which requires students to read lines from the script. Auditions took place on August 29 and 30, and call-backs were on the 31.

“Students involved in the play spend many hours inside and outside of school preparing for the play. After school, five days a week, they spend two and a half to three hours at rehearsal and any outside practice is helpful. On average I spend over 500 hours and plus extra time shopping for props and costume for the play,” said HHS drama director, Annetta Snowden.

Students involved in the play also spend many hours practicing their parts for the play.

“Since we only have about four weeks to rehearse, I study inside and outside of school.

My mommy has been a very big help with practicing at home, she helps me by reading the

other lines while I say mine,” said junior Maryna Wooten.

The prop making process starts before auditions even take place.

“Snowden and the drama students hunt down, beg and borrow, and go to thrift stores to find their props,” said junior Autumn Perry.

As soon as the play is picked, the theater production class starts on the back drops and scenery.

Snowden chooses the plays by reading different scripts, envisioning the student body being involved in the play, such as how many students the play would need to be performed, how many males, how many females, and how much time is needed to prepare. Then, she combines the two to choose the perfect play. Throughout the year each play corresponds with the other. Last year each play and musical had something to do with water.

The tickets for Mulan are available for purchase up until the night of and also at the door, but no videos are allowed to be taken due to the copyright on the play.

HHS drama students have been preparing for a month and hope that the audience enjoys the musical as well as they have in the previous years.

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Pressure affects teen girls

Column By Maria Sanchez Features Editor maria.sanchez@hhsnews.com

To a teen girl, the pressure to be a perfect 10 is an unpleasant feeling. Expectations are hard to live up to, and judgment is a harsh reality. Pressure to be the best version of yourself is everywhere. Nothing is wrong with that. What is wrong is tearing yourself down because of feeling unworthy because you are not a size zero or your skin is not clear.

It leaks through the television screen and magazine pages.

Magazines are full of beautiful, famous women. Perfect hair, flawless skin, and skinny as can be. Media poisons females of all ages by making products glamorous and necessary to be beautiful. Another message that screams from the pages, “you are not good enough.”

Yes, it is typical for teen girls to worry about their style and fret about their weight. It is ridiculous that it is “typical” for a girl to loathe herself because she is not a runway model. Do teens not know it is okay to be a different size than everyone else? No, they do not. Because we live in a place where beauty is a definition, not an interpretation. I want to know what happened to the times when you were beautiful no matter what. Its absence is making a generation of adolescent girls and turning them on themselves. You are who you are, the way you are for a reason.

Everyone will try and pressure you into believing you are not up to par, but that does not mean they are correct.

THE PRIDE

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Harrisonville vs. Pleasant Hill: a rivalry for all generations Story By Victoria Bostic - News Editor victoria.bostic@hhsnews.com To HHS students, alumni, and faculty, one school stands out when it comes to competition; Pleasant Hill High School.

Business teacher Lisa Moore is a Pleasant Hill High School 1983 graduate. During Moore’s time in high school, Harrisonville was Pleasant Hill’s biggest rival. For Moore the rivalry was mostly noticed when it came to sports.

“I played basketball; when we played Harrisonville it was an intense game,” said Moore.

Moore now cheers for the school that was once her rival. She not only teaches at HHS but she also married a Harrisonville graduate.

Harrisonville Early Childhood Center Special Educa-

tion teacher Jennifer Carter has seen the tension between both schools through her children.

“I live in Pleasant Hill and my children have attended all of their school years there. I noticed the tension when my kids started playing sports in Middle School; we had some very close girls basketball games, football games, and track meets.My daughters are athletes, so the tension added to the competition and made them want to win against Harrisonville more,” said Carter.

Both Carter and Moore do not know where this rivalry originated.

“I don’t know for sure[where the rivalry came from], but I would have to

A h

guess that any time groups of people in close proximity compete with each other, frustrations arise out of hard fought competitions. Then, the close games, the frustrations, and the emotions are expressed and shared with others and passed down through the generations, building as they go,” said Carter.

According to Harrisonville’s city website, “The rivalry between Pleasant Hill and Harrisonville became intense as citizens of Pleasant Hill attempted to usurp Harrisonville’s role as the county seat by effectively lobbying the Missouri House to create a new county.”

Pleasant Hill was unhappy that Harrisonville was the center of Cass County, so the

Harrisonville VS

Pleasant Hill

city of Pleasant Hill brought up the idea to take parts of Jackson, Johnson and Cass counties and make them into a new county with Pleasant Hill at the center. The bill for the new county made it past the Missouri House but was rejected by the Missouri State

Senate because too many residents of Cass County opposed the idea.

Although the long time rivalry lives on through the generations, the reasoning behind the rivalry has changed and now is centered solely in the high schools.

“I do not charge extra. If I do, it might be by a couple of cents because of tax,” said Hicks.

Hicks said that sometimes, if there is extra money, she uses it to buy shirts for people who do not have the financial means to buy them.

sweat pants, hats, jackets, and other items that can be printed on.

She added that ordering from websites can be pricey, so she orders the shirts from Sign’d by Charlie in Harrisonville.

“The prices are cheaper because I order so much,” said Hicks.

Hicks is not the only student who designs fan shirts; the trend is catching on and, with as many resources as there are for these products, the possibilities are endless.

Students wear fan shirts to show school spirit Story By Abbey Fisher - Sports Editor abbey.fisher@hhsnews.com HHS students have proven their skill at showing school spirit by wearing outfits of purely blue and white, through the Mercernaries, and even showing up at games hours before they start.

One of students’ more common ways of showing school spirit is through fan shirts. These generally have a logo or name of a sports team on the front, and the name and jersey number of their best friend or significant other on the back.

Fan shirts are not made by the school, believe it or not. Students take it upon themselves to create a design that people can order and then have it printed. Senior Melissa Hicks has been designing and ordering fan shirts for boys soccer and the

Photo By Alison Krenzer

dance team since her sophomore year.

“I started doing it my sophomore year because nobody did it for boys’ soccer,” said Hicks.

Hicks said that between 20 and 30 people bought shirts from her the first two times she made them. As they became more popular, other people started design

Photo By Alison Krenzer

ing their own shirts, causing the numbers to go down.

Nonetheless, Hicks has continued to have her designs printed.

“When I first started, it was just for fun but people kept asking me to,” said Hicks.

Hicks also mentioned that she does not make a profit for her shirts at all.

Photo By Alison Krenzer

Hicks said that she generally makes the designs on websites such as customink. com, because they have the most graphics and clip art.

Customink.com allows users to create a design from scratch, using graphics and lettering, or to use a stock design that can be personalized.

Along with shirts, customink.com also provides

sports

THE PRIDE

The Showdown

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Photo Illustration By Kayt Dahn

Rivalries in sports become more than just school to school rather than sport to sport Story by Abbey Fisher - Sports Editor abbey.fisher@hhsnews.com Athletes at HHS have shown to be very competitive with other teams, by winning multiple state titles, district and conference championships, and general school spirit. But the boys soccer and football teams are showing another aspect of competition.

With both sports being in the same season, on the same field, and even sharing a similar name, if you look at the Spanish translation for soccer, tensions and tempers can rise.

According to the boys’ soccer assistant coach, Brian

Bliss, some athletes would like to play both sports, but they cannot because of their timing.

Assistant football coach Brent Maxwell said that when athletes were younger, they could play both sports without any conflicts, but they can no longer do this in high school.

“Once [athletes] come to high school , they have to make a decision on which way to go,” said Maxwell.

A lot of conflict starts because both teams believe that their sport is tougher or more challenging.

“Running for 80 minutes-that’s a lot on your body [when you are] playing three games a week,” said senior soccer cocaptain Ryan Schliem.

Senior football player Marcus Roberg disagreed with Schliem.

“They train harder, but [the football team is] more athletic,” said Roberg.

While the two teams may have their differences, they still support each other in many ways. According to both Schliem and Roberg, many of the soccer players attend HHS foot-

ball games on Friday nights.

“We’ve got guys out there [at football games] cheering their faces off,” said Schliem.

Roberg, however, claims that the soccer team is obligated to be there.

“Soccer players have to support us because we’re masters,” said Roberg.

On the other hand, football also supports soccer. According to Bliss, if the soccer team has a home game, they will stay and watch the game after practice. Bliss added that a lot of the players are good friends and

will ask how games went if they could not be there.

“I think for the most part it’s [a] healthy competition because both programs want the other one to be successful,” said Bliss.

All in all, soccer and football definitely have their struggles getting along. But throughout the fall season, both teams can count on each other for support.

New teacher takes on extra responsibilities Story by Megan Short - Staff Writer megan.short@hhsnews.com

Photo by Jamie Hasenyager

Some teachers just do what they are told, but there is one teacher who goes the extra mile. Not only is Andrea Eagle a new history teacher here at HHS, but she volunteers to help out with the softball team.

“Coach England and I were talking about basketball and it was just brought up,”

said Eagle.

Eagle mostly helps out with the pitchers and is there as extra help when the girls have questions or just need to work on something.

“Not only will it help me with meeting new students, but it will help me with getting to know them, because I am new,” said Eagle.

Eagle said she loves working with the girls and believes she will continue to work with them for a couple of years.

There is not really anything she does not like, but what she does like is that it is a way for her to know the students outside of class.

Senior Jessie Pulliam said her favorite thing about Eagle

is her kindness, and that she does not pick favorites, she works with everyone.

“She has given me a lot of pointers that have helped,” said Pulliam.

Eagle looks forward to the end of the season and the end of the year to see all the progress the students and the softball girls have made.

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THE PRIDE

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Band honors fallen soldiers Story By Hannah Baggenstoss - Staff Writer hannah.baggenstoss@hhsnews.com Every year, as the school year comes to an end, the band students await to find out the next year’s marching season’s theme. This year the students will be performing a nationalistic show.

“Our theme is ‘Tribute to the Soldier’. It’s patriotic, but also kind of a salute to the armed forces,” said band director Andy Kroesen.

The band show depicts different parts in a soldier’s life and his or her duty to the country. The first part of the show is ‘sending the soldier off to war’ where the band musicians portray the fear and excitement of traveling to a foreign land to fight enemies. The second part is ‘the battle’ where band members act out a battle scene. The third part is to the tune of Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel” which is a tribute to the soldiers who have given their lives for their country.

Photo by Jamie Hasenyager The band prepares for their first home football game.

The ending is a patriotic closing with the song, “America the Beautiful”.

However, it was by accident that Kroesen chose the theme.

It was not originally planned to be a dedication to 911 victims.

“I’d like to say ‘Oh it’s the 10th anniversary of 911’, but it was a coincidence,” said Kroesen.

Kroesen explained that

they just stumbled upon a patriotic theme and it happened to work out perfectly for the anniversary.

Senior band members Holly Reynolds and Emily Tracy feel as though this show is sure to make people think about the work our soldiers are doing overseas.

“It makes you think about all that’s been lost and gained.

You appreciate it,” said Reynolds.

Tracy thinks that this year’s theme will be a hit.

“Oh my gosh, I love it! It’s so interesting and it coincides with 911. It’s fun to play,” said Tracy.

The band’s first competition is September 24 at Webb City. Kroesen feels that they will be successful.

“I think we have the potential of doing very well this year,” said Kroesen.

Reynolds thinks the band can pull it together and be successful.

“If we can get our head in the game and work really hard, then I think we can pull out first places left and right,” said Reynolds.

The Royal Regiment’s upcoming competitions are October 1 at Blue Springs and October 22 at Odessa. They also play at all home football games.

Teamwork shines through individual sport Story By Lauren Aman - Staff Writer lauren.aman@hhsnews.com Although cross country was not available to students last year, the team has almost tripled in size since their last season.

“All the training is the same, but there is a larger number of participants this year,” said cross country coach Layne Anderson.

Two years ago the team consisted of about seven runners, but this year there are around 20 runners, which enables them to have a boys and girls team. The season began September 3 and goes until November 5.

“The team has changed drastically from two years ago.

We have a great bond and everyone gets along. One of my favorite quotes about cross country is ‘Our sport is your sport’s punishment’. It explains our hard work and dedication,” said junior Jacob Davis.

According to Davis, the team puts forth all their effort whether it is at practice or participating in a meet, but they also know how to have fun. For example, they have ‘Masculine Mondays’ where the girls have to dress up like guys. On Tuesdays, they all wear tube socks and run around town, and they have ‘Feminine Fridays’, where

the guys run in sports bras.

“Cross country provides opportunities for students. It gives them an opportunity to challenge themselves, nonetheless, challenge each other. By having more students involved, the team is able to be involved in team events, not just single ones,” said Davis.

According to freshman Melissa Watson, the team has a great bond and there are more influences to perform to the best of their ability.

“There are a lot of great students involved in cross country this year and we have high hopes

for them all to succeed, we all have made great improvements this year and there are still more to come,” said Davis.

The cross country team will soon compete on Tuesday, October 4 at Excelsior Springs, Saturday, October 8 at Clinton, and Thursday, October 13 at Warrensburg.

Photo by Bailee Sandy Cross Country runners prepare for their first meet.

Story By Abbey Fisher - Sports Editor

abbey.fisher@hhsnews.com

Football went to state. Girls’ soccer went to state. Even cross country went to state a few years back. But who is to say that it is not the boys soccer team’s turn?

I personally watched many of the boys soccer players grow up together, almost all of them playing on either the Harrisonville Soccer Association team or the Optimist team. Almost all of the seniors played with or against each other for a number of years. In fact, a few of the team members are so closely knit that they practically live together.

Their teamwork, skill, and most of all their bond is what is going to take them to state this year.

I am not saying that football, volleyball, and all of the other HHS sports have any less of a chance to make it to their own state competition. In fact, as I am just as big of a fan of all HHS sports as anyone else, I hope they go to state, and I believe that they have the talent and ability.

But this year, the soccer boys have an exceptional chance.

Their familiarity with each other gives them a sense of teamwork and togetherness that could not be achieved in any other way. And while their relationships off the field may not be perfect they have proven their abilities to “leave it off the field” when talking about their issues, and “leave it all on the field” when referring to their effort.

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THE PRIDE

the flip side

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Feather Frenzy

Guess Whose Feather C

A

D

E

B

1. Sierra Brewer 2.Hannah Conner 3. Rachel Kellhofer 4.Tamara Bixler 5. Kayley Martley 6. Cheyenne Cox 7. Bobbi Jo Henson G

F

New hair trend travels through the halls of HHS Story by Sasha Gubina - Copy Editor Steven Tyler appeared on American Idol last year sporting feather extensions. Blake Lively and Lauren Conrad, the “it” girls of Hollywood, were spotted wearing similar hair accessories around the same time as Tyler. Women all over the coast began to mimic the celebrities.

And now HHS is doing it.

A recent trend has been spotted in the halls of HHS; many girls have been showing off their trendy feather hair extensions. The feathers are all unique, fitting to each girl’s style: royal blue, bright pink, and black and white rooster spotted feathers, just to name a few.

Even though this has only appeared at the beginning of this school year, according to Haley Wylde, a hair stylist from Hair Say, feather extensions have been taking over Harrisonville for the past six months.

Junior, Rachael Johnston, got her first feather during the summer, at a salon called Trends, in Overland Park, Kansas. Johnston said that her first feather lasted about four and a half months, and that she has not had any problems with it.

Feather extensions are flexible with water and heat. Johnston added that the only thing she had to do different was to hold

up the feather while brushing her hair, to avoid brushing the feather out.

Kayley Martley, a sophomore and also a feather fanatic, had her reasons for putting in a royal blue feather.

“I wanted a feather extension because when I went to the Independence Mall, everyone had one and it was cute, so I was hoping it’d be cute on me,” said Martley.

Wylde had a humorous outlook on the feather sensation.

“I think it’s even outdone the mullets,” jokes Wylde .

Wylde gets a lot of experi-

ence with the extensions, getting approximately four clients a day who request for one of the popular feathers. According to Wylde, the age group asking for feathers ranges from three year old girls to 60 year old women, so the trend is not just for teenagers. Wylde noticed that the pink color is the most popular color requested, and most clients choose to get the thin kind of feather,which is the original trend, as opposed to the big, showy feathers.

“Smaller feathers have more class to them,” said Wylde.

The price for the feathers at Hair Say goes as following: the

cost per strand is ten dollars, 30 dollars per three strands, and the big feathers can sometimes cost 45 dollars, and come in a bundle. The feathers come in all different colors, especially electric hues such as pink, blue, and purple. Zebra and striped patterns are also available. The prices range depending on the hair salon.

Whether Wildcat blue, or the black and white rooster, feathers have dominated HHS. Like any teenage frenzy, however, this will most likely cease in a few months, replaced by a new, celebrity mimicked craze.

1.(G) 2.(D) 3.(C) 4.(E) 5.(A) 6.(B) 7.(F)

sasha.gubina@hhsnews.com