Volume 12, Issue two

JagWire OCT. 19, 2011 | WWW.MVNEWS.ORG | VOL. 12, ISSUE 2

page 5

Inside look at new acting fire chief’s job

page 8

New group promotes positive lifestyle

page 15

page 10-11 JagWire looks into the different way students view healthy living

MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL | 5900 MONTICELLO ROAD | (913) 422-4351

Bowling team approved, swimming not

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BRIEFS

THE JAGWIRE | WWW.MVNEWS.ORG | OCT. 19, 2011

NOTABLES

KCMO accreditation lost The Kansas City, Mo. school district is losing its accreditation on Jan. 1.

This is not the first time the district has lost accreditation. Interim superintendent Dr. R. Stephen Green believes the school can overcome this obstacle.

“Our district now faces a critical test...one of...resilience and persistence,” Green said in a news release.

Accreditation is the state’s way of judging a district’s effectiveness. The Kansas City school district met three of the 14 requirements for accreditation, while at least six must be met for provisional accreditation and nine to be fully accredited.

“While we are disappointed with this decision, we understand the basis upon which it was made,” Green said. “Student achievement remains our top priority.”

>

SYDNEY WILSON

jagwire.sydneywilson@gmail.com

Activity director announced The school board approved the recommendation of Roland Van Wyhe as the new district activities and athletic director in late July.

Van Wyhe filled the position once held by Steve Deghand, who is now facilities department director for the district.

Van Wyhe’s job consists of scheduling the varsity, JV and freshmen athletic events.

Van Wyhe also evaluates the coaches; he tries to supervise all athletic events and purchases equipment for all the athletic teams.

Van Wyhe enjoys the position.

“The best part about being the activities director is to watch all the sporting events,” Van Wyhe said.

“Also, working with the coaches for the common goal, that common goal would be student success.”

Van Wyhe wanted to become the activities and athletic director to motivate more students to take part in out of school activities.

“I want to see students of the high school be involved with extracurricular activities. I want to give students the opportunity to take part in their school,” Van Wyhe said. “There is so much to learn through activities.”

Van Wyhe’s goal for the district’s activities is to provide activities that students can learn sportsmanship and gain success from. Van Wyhe wants students to try out for as many sports and clubs as possible.

INthisISSUE News:

A&E:

4 5 6

16 The Flip Side 18 Restaurant review 19 Fall foods

Local/world news New fire chief Joplin charities

Feature:

>

REGAN JONES

jagwire.reganjones@gmail.com

M&I bank in Shawnee to host trunk-or-treat event sponsored by more than 30 businesses on Saturday, Oct. 28.

The Mill Valley and De Soto High School’s girls golf team finished its season with a second place finish at the Basehor- Linwood Invitational. The KCMO school district will lose its accreditation on Jan. 1. The school district meets three of the 14 requirements to be accredited. The hunt for missing baby Lisa Irwin continues.

The National Guard was called out Sunday, Oct. 16 to help in the search. The debate team has competed in four tournaments thus far. Roland Van Wyhe was approved by the school board as the new district activities and athletic director.

Van Wyhe wants to motivate student athletic participation.

A new medical building has been approved at the corner of K-7 and Johnson Drive. The choir raised over $350 at its concert on Monday, Oct. 3. The money went to help the Joplin High School choir.

Debate season begins strongly >

LISA JOERLING

jagwire.lisajoerling@gmail.com

The beginning of the debate season is off to a good start, according to Debate teacher Jeanette Hardesty. The team has already debated in three tournaments. On Saturday, Oct. 1, the team competed in the Olathe North Invitational.

The team of freshman Jack Earlenbaugh and sophomore Alyssa Hobson had a record of 4-1. Teams that finished with a record of 3-2 were junior Lexi Riddle and senior Josh Duden, juniors Hanna Torline and Stephen McEnery and seniors Tyler Owsley and Matt Eber.

Eber thinks the team is prepared for upcoming competitions.

“The seasons going well,” Eber said. “We’ve done a lot of research on the topic this year.”

MONTHinTHREE Homecoming dance

FAR ABOVE: SENIOR DEBATE TEAM member Matt Eber looks on as sophomore Jason Biesma finishes the first affirmative constructive during a practice debate Wednesday, Oct. 12. ABOVE: JUNIOR TAYLOR HUNTER jokes with senior Tyler Owsley before a practice debate Wenesday, Oct. 12. Photos by Jack Lopez

Hardesty sees the challenges facing them.

“We have a lot of new debaters,” Hardesty said. “They’re learning the basic skills of debating.”

Describing the month in quotes

Volleyball hosts DIG PINK

School hosts food drive

Photo Essay:

8 Young life 20 Homecoming 9 Student pilot 10-11 Healthy lifestyles www.mvnews.org:

Sports:

Peers in Learning feature Homecoming photos

14 Football moms 15 Bowling team added

Cover illustration by Adam Henderson

“It was fun, it was so much better than last years’,” junior Misty Adkins said

“I’m glad we donated the money, I think it makes a big difference,” senior Mackenzie Acree said

“It makes sense that you would want humans to be happy and healthy,” broadcast journalism teacher Cindy Swartz said

THE JAGWIRE | WWW.MVNEWS.ORG | OCT. 19, 2011

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NEWS

4

theOUTLOOK

THE JAGWIRE | WWW.MVNEWS.ORG | OCT. 19, 2011

News you need to know from this month

1

10-month-old Lisa Irwin still missing, the search continues JOSH DUDEN

jagwire.joshduden@gmail.com

During the night of Tuesday, Oct. 4, 10-month-old Lisa Irwin was taken from her home. Lisa’s mother and father, Deborah Bradley and Jeremy Irwin, have appeared on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and the nightly news numerous times, pleading for their baby to be brought home bringing national attention to the local disappearance. Still, the search continues for the missing infant with new twists in the case.

The search for Lisa nationwide, after close to three weeks since her MEMORIALS PLACED BY volunteers stand outside the home of Deborah Bradley and Jeremy Irwin, where their child, Lisa, disappeared Tuesday, Oct. 4. Police and FBI are continuing to search for leads. Photo by Jack Lopez disappearance, has had some new developing breaks recently. Breaks include finding used diapers and

INtheNEWS

3

Date: Thursday, Oct. 6 Location: Overland Park, Kan. The Student Press Law Center filed a lawsuit against Johnson County Community College for violating the Open Records Act

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 4 Location: Olathe, Kan.

4

Former Shawnee Mission West teacher Michelle Preston appeared in court on Tuesday, Oct. 4. Preston allegedly had sexual relations with three students and now faces up to 34 months in prison

5

Date: Thursday, Oct. 13 Location: Shawnee, Kan.

All schools in the Shawnee Mission school district, excluding Shawanoe and Nieman Elementary, and all schools in the De Soto district received the Standard of Excellence in reading and mathematics.

2

Organization helps breast cancer survivors return to daily life SYDNEY WILSON

jagwire.sydneywilson@gmail.com

Back in the Swing is celebrating the start of its second decade with “Cause for Celebration,” a series of fundraising parties being held all around the Kansas City area.

Back in the Swing, a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to helping breast cancer survivors, was founded in Kansas City, but has since grown nationally, and is one of the few organizations that works to help those who have survived breast cancer move on with their lives.

In the last 10 years, the money Back in the Swing has raised has gone into developing many “survivorship programs” throughout Kansas City. These programs offer post-treatment medical care, in addition to attempting to help survivors improve their quality of life after cancer.

Secretary Lynn Bath said that if there was an increase of support, more funds could be brought in.

“The more people that endorse [raising money for breast cancer], hopefully the more people that will be out there raising money,” Bath said.

a man’s clothing left behind at an abandoned house near the Irwin home, and Bradley admitting she was under the influence of alcohol the night of the disappearance.

This break in the case could impact the amount of trust put in Bradley’s failure of the lie detector test that occurred closer to the date of the disappearance. This, in addition to Bradley and Irwin taking a “break from the investigation” just a few days after the disappearance, has the potential to skew knowledge the police believed to previously have. Science teacher Mary Beth Mattingly said the “break” from the investigation would be difficult for a normal parent to do.

“Until you’re a parent, you can’t understand the feeling [of being a parent],” Mattingly said.

From Saturday, Oct. 1-Saturday, Nov. 5, participating retailers will be accepting donations and offering Back in the Swing shopping cards. The cards cost $25 and offers discounts at various locations around the Kansas City area. All of the money raised will go to Back in the Swing.

“I don’t think it’s very simple [to raise money,]” math teacher Laurie Deuschle said. “Times are hard, money is limited...but if everyone gives a little, we can go a long way.”

For more information, and to find party locations, check out www.backintheswing.org.

“The emotional bond between a mother and her child is unbelievable, you never give up. If you are a normal [parent] that bond will drive you to search ‘til death.”

The previous search that was conducted, now being redone, has lead police and FBI across all of Kansas City and even into Shawnee, the Deffenbaugh dump.

“Finding baby Lisa will give hope to all those people who have been lost…people need to feel like [their] children’s safety is a priority,” senior Holly Hampton said.

Mattingly said the situation is saddening all together.

“It’s another tragic story of a little innocent life where we don’t know the outcome if the baby is alive or dead,” Mattingly said. “It is an innocent life potentially lost where all life is precious.”

FOOTBALL MOM SUSAN Rice sells t-shirts for the Pink-Out football game on Thursday, Oct. 13. The proceeds went to help fund breast cancer awareness, the same goal as many other local organizations during October, the designated awareness month. Photo

by Kelsey Floyd

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1 3 2 4

Johnson County and the surrounding KC area Map illustration by Adam Henderson

THE JAGWIRE | WWW.MVNEWS.ORG | OCT. 19, 2011

NEWS

5

Acting fire chief takes on new duties INmemory

Fire department remembers firefighter John Glaser following his death in a structural fire on May 22, 2010

> A picture of Glaser hangs in each of the four fire stations in the city

Quivira Road station, Glaser’s locker is preserved > Atandthedecorated with University of Kansas gear protector memorial, designed to honor fallen > The service members, sits outside the Quivira Road station with Glaser’s name engraved on it

> On Saturday, Oct. 8, the second annual John Glaser 5K Run/Walk raised money in Glaser’s name

Department of Homeland Security and the > The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation honored Glaser along with the 72 other firefighters killed last year on Sunday, Oct. 16

POINTING AT THE firefighters schedule, acting fire chief John Mattox explains the hectic schedule that all firefighters in the station must follow. The calendar helps them keep track of who’s working different shifts and for how long. “There is no two days that are ever the same,” Mattox said. Photo by Miranda Snyder

Fire department adjusts to new fire chief and recovers from recent loss SARAH DARBY

jagwire.sarahdarby@gmail.com

Empty shelves fill the office that acting fire chief John Mattox is still moving into on Tuesday, Oct. 11. After 32 years on the job, Mattox was promoted to acting fire chief following former fire chief Jeff Hudson’s retirement in September.

At 17, Mattox and five of his childhood friends joined the Edwardsville, Kan. department in 1986, eventually becoming assistant fire chief. Mattox then moved to Shawnee in 2001 where he was eventually promoted to his current position.

“I told myself this is a young person’s job and I didn’t want to be climbing on a fire truck when I’m 50 and I’ve met that goal, I’ll be 50 next week,” Mattox said.

For Mattox, the job isn’t “work.”

“We’re all just big kids because we like the big red trucks and the flashing lights,” Mattox said.

As he finishes his sentence, a knock at the window makes him get up. He comes back carrying a plate of desserts. The reasoning for the food often brought weekly is always the same: just to say thanks.

Four crews receive about 4,500 calls a year or 15 calls a day, responding in an average of four minutes and 21 seconds.

Today, Mattox’s job involves management rather than calls but that has not removed him from the station atmosphere.

Mattox sees a new shift arrive at the station at 7 a.m., not to leave for another 24 hours. Firefighters keep fire trucks clean and working, participate in job training, eat, work out and some even study for higher educational degrees all while they are on-call in the station.

Battalion chief Mike Beatty, who also practically grew up in a fire station, has been exposed to wide variety of duties a firefighter experiences.

“I don’t know if I’ve actually delivered a baby, but I’ve been right there,” Beatty said. “There’s been a lot of CPR where we’ve been pumping and they’ll wake up and say ‘What are you doing?’”

As Beatty sits propped in a fire truck, the sound of the just-dispatched crew’s sirens and the sight of smoke lingering in the distance remain as they go to fight a fire in Olathe.

Every day, crews can expect fires, but May 22, 2010, stands out for Beatty.

“We were here eating dinner and we had a house fire and we came back a couple of hours later without a guy,” Beatty, who was on-duty that night, said. “It was very somber.”

That night, 33-year-old firefighter John Glaser was killed in the line of duty after he was separated from his crew and overcome with smoke in a structural fire.

Glaser left behind his wife and 3-yearold-son and 18-month-old daughter.

Crews memorialize Glaser by keeping his picture in every station and by keeping his locker in tact. A memorial in front of the

station has his name engraved on it.

“He was a pretty quiet guy,” Beatty said. “Right now he’d be working out.

He had a great sense of humor, and he got along with everybody.”

Since Glaser’s death, updated technology has been added to better inform fire fighters. Firefighters further participate in routine drills and will talk to preschool and kindergartners in October to promote fire safety as part of National Fire Prevention Month.

Minutes after the fire crew has been dispatched to Olathe, Mattox and Beatty walk outside the station to observe smoke from the fire wafting over the station.

“That’s why we’re getting calls,” Mattox said.

“Definitely wood, the shingles,” Beatty said.

“It’s not grass, that would be brownish tannish,” Mattox said.

Minutes later, the crew drives back to the station. The fire in Olathe has been left to other crews to manage.

“Oy,” Beatty said, greeting them with one enthusiastic word as Mattox looks onward at just one of the crews now under his management. The smoke over the station gradually floats away into what is still left of the daylight, becoming just a part of the daily routine as it thins.

For more on this topic, check out:

www.mvnews.org

think it helps us remember that all firefighters are > “Iheroes all year long,” Glaser’s mother Patty Ziegler said at the 5K run on Saturday, Oct. 8

ABOVE: DECORATED IN UNIVERSITY of Kansas gear, recently deceased firefighter John Glaser’s locker remains preserved at the Quivira Road Fire Station as a reminder of the tragic accident that took Glaser’s life in May of 2010. “In the back of your mind you don’t think it could happen to you or your department,” acting fire chief John Mattox said.

LEFT: RESPONDING TO A call, firefighters quickly change into protective and gear as they get into their truck on Tuesday, Oct. 3.

“The best thing about this job is that everyday is different,” battalion chief Mike Beatty said. Photos by Miranda Snyder

6

NEWS

THE JAGWIRE | WWW.MVNEWS.ORG | OCT. 19, 2011 FAR LEFT: PROMOTING THE GROUP Jags for Joplin, freshmen Hannah Hilton and Emma Uridge collect donations for Joplin High School.

“I think it’s great we’re all trying to help and we’ve been pretty successful so far,” Hilton said. TOP RIGHT: JAGS FOR JOPLIN senior leaders Kelli Rutherford, Kristyn Harding and Laura Blaine host a group meeting on Thursday, Oct. 13. “It’s great to have a group at school where students can help other students in another school,” Blaine said. BOTTOM RIGHT: AFTER THE CHOIR performance, sophomore Ali Sprague collects money for Joplin, Mo. on Monday, Oct. 3. “I think it’s a great idea. It’s a great way to make money,” Sprague said. Photos by Courtney Minter

Students raise money for Joplin Tornado inspires charitable acts to help those affected by the disaster ALYNE ROEMERMAN

jagwire.alyneroemerman@gmail.com

After a tornado leveled Joplin, Mo., on Sunday, May 22, countless people throughout Kansas and Missouri made efforts to help those affected by the tornado through collecting donations, assisting with the cleanup and rebuilding.

Mill Valley High School is no exception, with students and staff doing their part to specifically help Joplin High School students.

Club fund raises for students Newly formed club Jags for Joplin is fundraising for JHS students affected by the tornado hoping to reach its goal of $5,000.

The club sells t-shirts and bracelets at home football games to raise money.

T-shirts sell for $10 and bracelets for $3 each, or $5 for two. One of the club’s leaders, senior Laura Blaine, is optimistic about the club’s fundraisers.

“It’s a good way to raise money,”

Blaine said. “I mean, who doesn’t want a t-shirt?”

They also held other fundraising events through local businesses such as Yogurtopia and a bake sale at school.

The bake sale held by the club during Homecoming week between Monday, Oct.3-Thursday, Oct. 6 raised an estimated $180 for Joplin. Overall, the club has raised approximately $2,000.

Jags for Joplin began with freshman parent Stephanie Hilton. Hilton originally began the club with the intention of connecting freshmen students between MVHS and JHS. Making the connection between students is a goal Jags for Joplin is still working towards.

At a meeting held on Thursday, Oct. 13, Blaine mentioned the possibility of visiting Joplin in person to meet the students.

Blaine, along with seniors Kelli Rutherford, Courtney Minter and Kristyn Harding, began participating in the club after Community Service teacher Cory Wurtz suggested it as a project for their community service class. However, since becoming in-

Upcoming EVENTS

volved, the seniors have been leading the club.

“I think it’s been very successful,” Hilton said. “We’re really proud of everyone that’s been involved and the seniors…taking a leadership role.”

Since leadership has shifted from Hilton to the senior girls, the club is now open to students from all grade levels. The club holds meetings on Thursday mornings at 7:20 a.m. in room A208 to plan future fundraisers such as a Pizza West event on Thursday, Oct. 20. Members will be busing tables from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and 20 percent of all sales will be donated to Jags for Joplin.

Choir donations to go to JHS Donations given at the choral department’s fall concert will be sent to help JHS rebuild its choir library.

The concert held on Monday, Oct. 3, raised approximately $350.

Vocal music teacher Sheree Stoppel was inspired to donate money to JHS based on one of the jazz songs performed in the concert, “Route

> Thursday, Oct. 20: Jags for Joplin will bus > Friday, Oct. 21: Jags for Joplin will be tables at Pizza West from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 20 percent of all sales will be donated

selling t-shirts and bracelets at the home football game against Harmon

66.”

“We decided that it would be neat since it mentions Joplin that we would raise money for their choir library,” Stoppel said.

She said the little theater, which can seat 300 people, had standing room only during the concert. The money raised, according to her, should buy five titles, or pieces, of music, with enough for each choir member to have a copy, according to Stoppel.

“It would be something I would appreciate if something happened like that,” Stoppel said.

The idea to donate to Joplin met with support by the various choirs participating in the concert, including treble choir, mixed choir, concert choir women, Jag chorale, girls ensemble and mixed ensemble.

“Joplin lost a lot of their music in the tornado...it was really helpful,” senior choir member Amy Shook said.

“All the choirs were really excited...I thought it was a great idea.”

Stoppel felt collecting donations for JHS was a logical way to include charity in the fall concert.

“These are very giving students here,” Stoppel said. “When I explained what I wanted to do…it just made sense…I just try to find something that makes sense and that we can relate to.”

fastFACTS

>$2,000: money raised by Jags for Joplin so far

money Jags for >$5,000: Joplin hopes to raise price for a Jags for >$10: Joplin t-shirt sold at home football games

>$3 or 2 for $5: price for a Jags for Joplin bracelet

>$350: money raised by fall choir concert for Joplin High School

>Over 300: number of

people who attended the concert for Joplin

>13 people attended the last Jags for Joplin meeting

For more on this topic, check out:

www.mvnews.org

THE JAGWIRE | WWW.MVNEWS.ORG | OCT. 19, 2011

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FEATURE

8

It’s a

upbeat,

THE JAGWIRE | WWW.MVNEWS.ORG | OCT. 19, 2011

and

positive

fun,

environment Q&A

Students share thoughts on Young Life

freshman Alex Schlemmer

What did you think about Young Life last night?

It was very interesting.

Why do you participate in Young Life?

It’s fun to hang out with friends and learn a lot of new things about people.

STUDENTS FROM ALL gradess come together on Wednesday, Oct. 12, at the Young Life meeting, in the home of sophomore Courtney Ezzel and senior Ashli Ezzell, to learn about elements create healthy relationships. “It’s not what I expected, but it was a good experience,” senior Anthony Bator said after attending. Photo by Taylor Young

New group promotes a respectful and spiritual lifestyle for students KRISTINA MILEWSKI

jagwire.kristinamilewski@gmail.com

The lights turned off, glow sticks passed out, and LMFAO’s “Get Crazy” blasted from the speakers. Not the typical setting for a faith-based youth group.

Over 30 students piled into the living room of freshman Courtney Ezzell and senior Ashli Ezzell on Wednesday, Oct 12.

“Young Life is lots of fun and has a light message,” sponsor Jimmy Ezzell said.

“We do some crazy stuff. It’s the opportunity to have good, clean fun.”

Young Life is a worldwide Christian organization that has been around for 70 years. Introduced at Mill Valley High School this summer, Young Life has attracted a variety of people to the group.

“We really get a mix of different kids here,” sponsor Niki Ezzell said. “I like that.”

The primary purpose of Young Life is to involve students from the same high school in activities and games that help them get to know each another.

“It’s a way to get all of our friends together without getting into trouble,” Ashli said.

Niki views Young Life as a beneficial opportunity for students.

“More than anything it gives the kids an opportunity to learn about who they are,” Niki said. “It really helps them understand.”

At every meeting, the Young Life leaders teach a different lesson. Their last topic of discussion was how to have healthy relationships in high school. Young Life leaders try to choose topics that apply to everyday life.

“I never know what to expect,” sophomore Jordan Collene said. “It’s just something everyone can go out and have a good time.”

While Young Life is a Christian organization, activities are centered on building strong relationships with each other.

“It is faith-based,” Jimmy said. “But we don’t try to cram religion down their throats.”

Young Life meets every other Wednesday from 8-9 p.m at Ashli and Courtney’s house. Any Mill Valley student is welcome to come to the meetings. Aside from meetings, other events

such as campouts and roadtrips are organized thoughout the year.

“It’s a fun, upbeat and positive environment,” Niki said. “It’s where the kids can get good bits of practical advice.”

Where did you hear about Young Life?

From friends at school.

What do you take from Young Life meetings?

Different life lessons and achieving goals.

What is your favorite part of Young Life?

The pizza.

freshman Riley Butler

What do you think about Young Life?

It’s pretty fun and interesting. You learn a lot of new things.

Why do you participate in Young Life?

It’s fun to hang out with your friends.

Where did you hear about Young Life?

Friends at school.

What do you take from Young Life meetings?

Life lessons. Last time we learned about healthy relationships.

ABOVE LEFT: FRESHMEN KYLIE HAY, senior Ashli Ezzell, and Ashli’s mother Niki Ezzell laugh about the chaotic Young Life bonding game . “I like that we can all get together without getting into trouble,” Ezzell said. ABOVE RIGHT: FRESHMEN MARY LIZ and Junior Mallory Herbert try to find their partner’s shoe and place it back on their partner’s foot while blindfolded while the rest of the Young Life group cheered them on. “Young Life is a good way to keep in touch with my faith in a fun, positive way,” Herbert said. Photos by Taylor Young

What is your favorite part of Young Life?

Hanging out with people you don’t normally hang out with.

THE JAGWIRE | WWW.MVNEWS.ORG | OCT. 19, 2011

FEATURE

9

Photo Illustration by Kristina Milewski and Sarah Fulton

Senior pursues dream of flying

Student continues family tradition of earning a private pilot’s license

instructor.

“It’s pretty expensive for lessons,” Jason said. “My parents and I trade off paying for lessons though so that makes KAITLIN ROUNDS jagwire.kaitlinrounds@gmail.com things easier for me.”

Every time Jason travels out to the The first time senior Jason Tharp airfield for lessons, the whole process flew in a small private plane he was takes about three hours. The first 45 4-years-old, and his dad was piloting. minutes to an hour involves preparing His dad even let him hold the control. for flight and learning new maintenance “I’ve always loved flying,” Jason said. aspects of the plane, a two door, propel“So around the beginning of sophomore ler-run Cessna 150. Jason then normally year I started on the process of getting flies for about two hours, practicing my private pilot’s license.” flight patterns.

Jason has a “The longest I’ve long history of piever flown was 50 lots in his family. “It can be exhausting, especially the miles and it took a few His dad received flight patterns. The pressure is constantly hours,” Jason said. “It his private pilot’s changing which puts stress on your can be exhausting, eslicense when he pecially the flight patbody.” was 16-years-old terns. The pressure is senior Jason Tharp after having been constantly changing around planes his which puts stress on entire life. Jason’s your body.” grandfather was Weather can greatly wealthy and owned his own airfield. affect Jason’s flying experience.

“My family has always been support“The first time I ever flew was right ive of me getting a pilot’s license,” Jason after it snowed and it started to snow said. while I was flying. The air gets a lot Allison Tharp, Jason’s mom, has al- more dense when it’s snowing,” Jason ways encouraged his hobby of flying. said. “I haven’t had to fly through rain “[The first time Jason flew] was fun,” yet though, which would be a totally Allsion said. “He does well at every- different experience.” thing he tries and I knew he would be Jason plans on attending Air Force fine. Especially since he was with a li- ROTC at the University of Kansas afcensed pilot.” ter graduation and then entering the The process to obtain a private pilot’s service. He will have to become an enlicense is a relatively long one. Jason has gineer however because he can never been working towards his about two actually qualify to be an Air Force pilot. years now and suspects that it will take “I’m severely color-blind,” Jason another year or so at least. He goes to said. “I’ll only ever be able to get my the Gardner Municipal Airport about private pilot’s license.” once a month for lessons with his flight One of Jason’s favorite parts of flying

is being able to experience the scenery of Kansas from a new angle.

“It’s just amazing to be able to experience the weather and see the landscape,” Jason said. “Watching the sun shine off Gardner Lake is really spectacular.”

As much as he enjoys being in the air, not all aspects of flying appeal to Jason.

“I hate stalling, it’s pretty much my only fear. I’m okay with all heights, it’s just stalling,” Jason said. “As a part of my instruction I have to purposefully stall the engine at a 70 degree angle. I’ve had to do that a couple of times and I don’t like it at all. The first time the instructor really had to guide me through it.”

Despite the fear and risk flying brings, Jason still considers flying one of the most important aspects of his life.

“Flying,” Jason said, “is the highest form of freedom expressed physically.”

LICENSEDtoFLY

> > >

>

The process starts with a beginner’s classroom course where the basics to flying are taught before students can actually begin flying Prospective pilots then have to buy accessories, like headphones and textbooks, that they will study for the rest of the licensing process For the lessons, it’s helpful to have the same flight instructor every time, one that the student is comfortable with Students pick the plane they want to be certified to fly. Tharp flies a Cessna 150, a two passenger propeller plane

LEFT: STUDYING TO RECEIVE his pilot’s license, senior Jason Tharp enjoys learning to fly at Gardner Municipal Airport. “It’s amazing just being able to experience everything,” Tharp said. RIGHT: THARP USUALLY FLIES the Cessna 150, a two passenger plane. He plans to complete his training in a couple of years. Photos by Kristina Milewski

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FEATURE

THE JAGWIRE | WWW.MVNEWS.ORG | OCT. 19, 2011

Lifestyle change Student redesigns lifestyle around health and veganism

Feeding

Q&A

with district nutritionist Amy Droegemeier

CORY REINOEHL

jagwire.coryreinoehl@gmail.com

What is your favorite part about your job?

My favorite part about the job is getting to discover new foods that we could put on the menu. I am not someone that likes to eat the same thing all the time. I like to try new things; whether it’s food or activities, just all kinds of things like that.

I love food, who doesn’t? So that’s my favorite part, getting to try out new foods, see how the students like them. I try to go to at least one school every time we have a new item on the menu, to see how they like it, and if they don’t, I just ask them to be honest with me because I don’t want to put anything on the menu that everybody thinks is, ‘ick.’

What is your ideal view of a nutritional district?

I think where kids are not afraid to try new healthy things and they are coupling that with being active. It can be sports, it can just be things that you enjoy; whether that’s outside or indoor it doesn’t really matter just as long as you’re up and moving. Part of that too is your emotional well-being, having friends that you like to hang out with.

What are you doing to make the district like your ideal one?

One of the things that we’re doing is we’re going to be required to be a little more measured in plan with our menus next year, because of the reauthorization of the child nutrition program. We are going to be required to put more of a variety of vegetables and fruits on the menu along with different sources of protein, like beans and legumes. Some of those things we are already doing, like almost all of the things that we offer in grains are whole grains, and that’s not something that we have to do until next year, but we went ahead and did it this year.

What are you doing that is new this year?

We are trying new and different things on the menu and part of that is through our taste test Tuesday, and every school is going to get one of those and we’re picking just kind of oddball things that kids might not think about trying, things like hummus, we tried that, black bean burgers, things that you might see on a menu somewhere but you might be a little hesitant to try it if you knew that was going to be your lunch, so we’re letting kids try it out first. Just showing them that food doesn’t have to be all about carrot sticks and celery sticks and that kind of stuff, and the healthy stuff can be fun and delicious too.

RYAN FULLERTON

jagwire.ryanfullerton@gmail.com

Timeline

Chopping carrots, peeling onions and mixing in some concentrated garlic and pasta, junior Trace Robertson prepared a meal that is unique to his lifestyle as a vegan, a change he made to his life not long ago.

“Certain information led me to believe that things were not as they seemed,” Trace said. “I started questioning society based on what I learned.”

In the two years since he first considered changing his lifestyle, Trace has reevaluated what choices he made regarding his health. Becoming a vegan

was among the biggest changes.

Along with that, he has made new decisions on how he views and interacts with the world.

“I’d have to say I realized that life really has value no matter what way you look at it and that really shapes my mentality...makes me work selflessly,” Trace said. “[Becoming vegan] and that mentality that all creatures have the same right to live shapes everything else.”

That belief is key in his decision. A stricter form of vegetarianism, veganism is a lifestyle in which a person avoids consuming or purchasing any animal byproducts, including leather bags.

To re-design his diet to fit a vegan lifestyle, Trace had to put in the effort to create a healthier life for himself, avoiding the

senior Parker Brush’s daily eating schedule need cholesterol in your diet. And of course I’ll have lots of water throughout the day.”

5 p.m.

dinner

KAITLIN ROUNDS

“Once again it involves lots of protein.

I have dinner right after a workout, so 7 a.m.

I need all the protein: tuna, cottage breakfast cheese, Greek yogurt, peanut butter sandwiches are very popular with me.

“Protein, non-fat skim milk, Kashi I have all natural Smuckers peanut Go Lean cereal, 30 ounces of water. butter, unsaturated fat. There’s also Every once in a while I’ll switch to going to be the random vegetables. a different cereal, but I don’t like Once again, I’ll have fruits such as when that happens because it’s nor- oranges and apples. I’ve also been mally not a very healthy cereal then. known to have animal crackers.”

Sometimes I’ll have some fruit, like bananas. I like potassium. Extra potassium is nice.” jagwire.kaitlinrounds@gmail.com

12 p.m.

lunch

“School lunch involves cottage cheese, lots of cottage cheese, and then some fruit such as strawberries, cantaloupe. I’ll have a salad with various vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, green peppers, and then some extra protein, tuna, ham, turkey, and eggs. Those are my saturated fats. I have pinto beans some days, and of course sunflower seeds, because you have to get some lipids in your diet. It’s important to get lipid-based proteins. A balanced diet includes approximately 30 grams of fat a day. [On my salad, I’ll have] honey mustard dressing, fat free of course. Eggs have cholesterol; you

8 p.m.

after-dinner snack “Sometimes I may have a snack before I go to bed since I eat dinner at 5 p.m. An after-dinner snack consists of various nuts and seeds, there will probably be a fruit or vegetable in there. More water, of course. I am constantly micturiting. The ability of my urinary bladder to stretch is unbelievable.”

Student body

stats

How much do you care about eating healthy foods?

I care I sort of care I don’t care

The truth about the health of your peers

How often you exercis week?

1o

38%

2-5

52%

Eve

10%

Pick one: Healthy food or better tasting junk food?

Favorite fast food pick: “Subway sandwich. Wheat bread, nine-grain, generally no cheese, double meat turkey, or just ham, or chicken, vegetables, lettuce, cucumber, tomato, honey mustard.”

Photos by Emily Johnson

said healthy food

51%

said better tasting junk food

49%

THE JAGWIRE | WWW.MVNEWS.ORG | OCT. 19, 2011

FEATURE

11

es affect student’s eating habits

. e s

d d ” ] e

n . a t e

typical stereotype of vegans. As Trace put it, “looking like a Holocaust victim.”

“A negative connotation with vegan people is that they don’t get all of their nutrients and they’re all skinny,” Trace said. “But ones that don’t do the research on it will be.”

Trace’s research led him to find approximately 150 various recipes, all of which coincide with a vegan lifestyle and his own desire to be in the best possible health. To do so, Trace has been thinking deeper into the subject than he believes others do, making changes that he says some people won’t because they think that it’s too hard.

“They don’t want to change the current way they’re living their lives,” Trace said. “People

do se per

or less

13%

just don’t want to change their lifestyles because it’s too difficult because they don’t want to do the research. As of now, people have a sense of invincibility because their systems are new but eventually it won’t be able to work as efficiently and it will fail. Maybe then they will reevaluate things but by that point it might be too late.”

The changes also extended to his hobbies and how he did his work. Instead of playing as many video games or watching television, he “changed it up a little bit” and did more reading, research, learning and helping others. Also, people originally doubted Robertson’s ability to successfully make the change to veganism, but that soon changed.

55%

“They thought it was odd and that it was funny I had even made the choice and that I wouldn’t be able to last [as a vegan],” Trace said. “They didn’t necessarily support it but when I didn’t go back on it and now that I’m obviously successful, people are like, ‘Oh, he knows what he is doing. He looks healthy.’”

His mom, Susan Robertson, was one person who was at first unsure of him becoming vegan.

“Originally I was concerned because I wanted to make sure he was getting nutrition because he’s still growing but he did research and I did some reading myself and...I think he’s being pretty responsible,” Susan said.

Now, Susan says she completely supports the changes he has made and has even been

How often do you eat fast food during the week?

1 or less

46%

5 times

37%

eryday

41%

2-5 times Everyday

8% How much water do you drink in a day?

45%

affected by them at home. According to Trace, his personal changes have influenced how his family thinks about their own health.

“My family may never become vegan but they have definitely reevaluated their health choices,” Trace said.

His mom agrees.

“We have definitely changed our eating habits at home,” she said. “We have started eating leaner meats and...more fruits and vegetables. We haven’t gone to the extreme he has though.”

Overall, Trace says that he feels the best he ever has, will never revert back to his old lifestyle and doesn’t miss what he used to eat. Instead, all he has to say about it is: “I like to eat my veggies.”

40%

6-8 cups

15%

FAR LEFT: JUNIOR TRACE ROBERTSON scans through his electronic library on Sunday, Oct. 9 which contains vegan recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. MIDDLE LEFT: PREPARING A MEDLY of mixed vegetables, Robertson peels fresh whole carrots before chopping and combining them with fresh broccoli to be steamed in the microwave. NEAR LEFT: BEFORE ADDING CANNED sauce, Robertson sautes chopped, fresh mushrooms and onion with a variety of herbs and seasoning for a pasta dish. ABOVE: ROBERTSON TAKES THE first bite of his finished meal, a bowl of whole wheat pasta with mushroom and onion marinara sauce, topped with fresh steamed broccoli and carrots. Photos by Emily Johnson

3-5 cups 2 or less Survey of 166 students

Illustrations by Adam Henderson Infographics by Jill Applegate and Adam Henderson

12

OPINION

JAGWIRE OFFICE 5900 Monticello Road Shawnee, KS 66226 Phone: (913) 422-4351 Fax: (913) 422-4039 Advisor: Kathy Habiger khabiger@usd232.org The JagWire, a monthly publication of Mill Valley High School, is printed by Independence Examiner.

MEMBERS OF Kansas Scholastic Press Association National Scholastic Press Association Journalism Education Association The 2011 JagWire was named an All-American newspaper by the NSPA and earned an All-Kansas rating from KSPA. CENSORSHIP POLICY Kansas Sentate Bill 62 guarantees the same rights for student journalists as are guaranteed for prfessional journalists. These rights include, but are not limited to, all First Amendment rights, including the rights of freedom of speech and the press, insofar as published items may not contain libelous, slanderous or obscene statements, may not incite or promote illegal conduct, may not cause a substantial disruption to normal school activity.

EDITORIAL POLICY We value your opinions. If you wish to submit a column or letter to the editor for the JagWire, you can do so by handing it in to a member of the staff or the print journalism room. Additionally, you may e-mail any member of the staff with opinions, as well as tweet us at mvjagwire. Anonymous content will not be accepted. Please understand that we have the right to edit all copy that runs in this publication.

THE JAGWIRE | WWW.MVNEWS.ORG | OCT. 19, 2011

STAFFeditorial

School board drowns hope of swimming team Financial concerns overshadow student interest in board vote The school board recently voted to have a bowling team starting in January for both Mill Valley and De Soto High Schools. The swimming team was not approved for multiple reasons, including a possible lack of funding (see page 15).

While a bowling team will give another opportunity for students to excel, the school board seemed to neglect the support and enthusiasm given for a swimming team and instead focused solely on the fiscal aspect of the matter. Strictly based off student polls, statistics showed swimming and bowling to have a similar level of student interest.

At the end of the last year, freshmen, sophomore and junior students were asked if they would be interested in joining a swimming or bowling team if offered. On average, between both schools, 36 percent of students

said they would be interested in a bowling team and 43 percent said they would be interested in a swimming team.

During the board meeting, five students spoke on behalf of their respective sports. Four of those students were swimmers and only one was a bowler. In addition to the students, there were five non-student supporters of a swimming team and two non-student supporters of a bowling team who spoke. Some members of the board failed to take this display of support into account when they made their final decision to not add a swimming team at this time.

Facts presented at the Monday, Sept. 12 meeting estimated an entire season of swimming for both boys and girls teams at the high schools to cost $47,844 while bowling teams for both schools would cost $21,820.

Although the cost difference is significant, if the district had really been focused on saving money, it should

managing editors Sarah Fulton Sarah Gonzales copy editor Alyne Roemerman web editor Kaitlin Rounds photo editor Taylor Young staff Cory Reinoehl Alana Flinn Mackenzie Eckman Ryan Fullerton Sydney Wilson Eric Howes Katie Linsey Brandon Burnworth

sports editor Hanna Torline news editor Josh Duden feature editor Kristina Milewski a&e editor Austin Gillespie opinion editor Emily Johnson briefs editor Lisa Joerling ads manager Austin Gude Karlton Kinley Regan Jones Kelsey Floyd Jack Lopez Courtney Minter Miranda Snyder Adam Henderson

not have approved either team.

The district should have taken into account the active interest level of students in deciding which activities to add instead of just solely basing the decision on the financial aspect.

Perhaps then the decision would have been one that appealed to more students.

STAFFvote What team(s) should the board approve?

0

neither

2

bowling only

12

14

swimming both only teams Out of 29 staff members

Repeal of “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy marks step forward Previous policy discriminatory towards gay military staff on basis of sexual orientation

JAGWIRE STAFF editors-in-chief Sarah Darby Jill Applegate

Illustration by Adam Henderson

SARAH DARBY

jagwire.sarahdarby@gmail.com

After 18 long years in place, “Don’t ask, don’t tell,” the policy banning gays from serving openly in the military, was rightfully repealed on Tuesday, Sept. 20.

Since 1993, when the policy first began under the Clinton administration, the policy has been one of discrimination. Over the course of its time in place, 14,346 service members have been discharged from the military for violating the policy, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Although some believe homosexuality is immoral (I won’t get into the debate on that), allowing such view points to create job discrimination and risk public safety by releasing valuable military members because of their sexual orientation made the policy one based on irrational morality-based fears.

For example, in 2009, 428 service people were honorably discharged from the military according to the Washington Post. According to the same source, those discharges included, “eight linguists, 20 infantrymen, 16 medical aides and one member of the Army’s special forces, positions considered

“mission critical” by the Government Accountability Office.”

Again when one considers that these valuable military members were discharged from their high level positions because of being openly gay, the fallacy of the policy seems even more evident. Not only was the policy mindless, but it was unfair.

The policy, while in effect, made a mistake of association that all too often affects homosexuals.

“Don’t ask, don’t tell” made homosexuality and job misconduct one in the same. Now, if every one of the 14,346 policy violator’s had participated in some sort of job misconduct such as sexual harassment, the military had every right to question the standing of these people as they would if any heterosexual person had committed the same thing.

However, questioning the integrity of those willing to serve the country because of sexual orientation alone is a dishonor to such heroes active in our everyday communities. When a person risks his life for the sake of our country, we should thank him, not judge him.

For the Obama administration, the push of the repeal of the policy through Congress is a platform for which the administration should be praised.

Since the ban was lifted, 2.3 million service members have gone through hour-long training to teach appropriate workplace conduct following the decision. Now whether or not these short training sessions will be beneficial to a military that has often seemed unsure of homosexual service people working for the country is to be determined.

However, little steps like these prove that equal opportunities will only continue to develop in the future.

Now if only people would stop equating “gay” with “stupid,” the world would be right.

fastFACTS

> 1916: The Articles of War ban

homosexuals from the U.S. military

4,000 of 12 million men serv> 1939-1945: ing in WWII are released for homosexuality

> 1990: After being discharged in the military in 1984 for being gay, Perry Watkins wins a lawsuit against the decision

> 1992: During his run for President,

Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton promises to pass legislation allowing gays in the military

> 1993: Congress passes “Don’t ask, don’t tell” legislation in opposition to Clinton

The British military begins to allow > 2000: gays to serve for their country

> 1993-2011: More than 14,346 military personnel are discharged for being gay

> 2011: Repeal of “Don’t ask, don’t tell”

takes effect, allowing gays to openly serve

Information from www.time.com and www.wallstreetjournal.com

THE JAGWIRE | WWW.MVNEWS.ORG | OCT. 19, 2011

OPINION

Odd Future inspires controversy among fans and listeners Rap group inspires controversy over lyrics and content as well as free speech issues

KARLTON KINLEY

jagwire.karltonkinley@gmail.com

Free speech has long been an issue in music.

Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All is a rap group from Los Angeles that consists of 11 kids ranging from 17-20 years old. Over the last two years, they’ve amassed a giant, cult-like following of adolescents, and an equal amount of detractors.

What’s caught the eye of outsiders is their lyrical content, specifically that of Tyler, the Creator, the

group’s leader. His music is filled with shocking back it up. descriptions of violence, especially against women, It seems that the people who are offended by and boundless profanity.

Odd Future think that they actually believe in The lyrics have led to the controversy that made what they’re rapping about. A big part of the appeal Eminem a household name over a decade ago. Is is about feeling apart of “the group.” They interthe music an exercise in free act with their fans in ways that speech, or simply throwartists don’t, through “The lyrics are a way of simulta- other away shock value rap? their Twitter accounts and The problem with call- neously excluding and including concerts that revolve around ing it throw-away shock people into ‘the group.’ If you are fan interaction. The lyrics are a value rap is that the group offended by them, you’re against way of simultaneously excludis actually talented. Yes, the ing and including people into ‘the group.’” intense lyrics obscure the “the group.” If you are oftalent, but it is impressive to fended by them, you’re against think about how Tyler composes all of his music, “the group.” If you can look past them and enjoy especially at such a young age. A self-taught piano the music for what it is, you’re in “the group.” player, his beats sound as though they were warped Everyone wants to fit in, especially in their adfrom standard hip-hop beats into dense, twisted olescence. Odd Future aren’t devil-worshipping compositions that create a dark atmosphere for drug addicts, just some talented kids. This is their their lyrics to inhabit. The songs wouldn’t be near way of fitting in. as shocking if the group didn’t have the talent to

Remember where you come from and do not be afraid of it Embracing any culture is a key component for anybody to know about different places

SARAH GONZALES

jagwire.sarahgonzales@gmail.com

What is culture? My definition consists of family values, ancestry and beliefs. Many people know me as a Latina who is loud and proud of where I come from. Granted, I do not celebrate many Hispanic traditions, but my mother still tries to instill those values in my siblings and myself.

My mother’s father is from Monterrey, Mex-

ico. Her mother’s family is descended from the My best friend is Norwegian and is descended kings and queens of Spain. My dad is Irish and from Vikings. Every time she goes over to her German. Both sets of my father’s great grandpar- grandma’s for Christmas, they make a Norwegian ents came over from Ireland and Germany. My dish called Lutefisk. It is soaked in lye, which is a dad tells us stories about his family and how the poisonous substance, and is considered an ancient German side came over to Viking delicacy. She is proud America as a stowaway. He to be Norwegian, but she also was caught and pardoned “My mother had to assimilate loves America because this is by the ship’s captain and country. She is an example and tried to not be who she was. her to earn his keep, he had to of what people should be like take care of circus animals. That, to me, says that people were with their culture. afraid to embrace their culture.”

My mama tries to tell us It is important for people to that being Hispanic is imknow where they come from portant, when she grew up and to embrace it. We should in a time where my grandnot have to change our ways father tried to not speak any Spanish at all. My and our beliefs to fit into somewhere. If you do mother had to assimilate and tried not to be who not embrace it, then how are people to learn about she was. That, to me, says that people were afraid other cultures and not judge a person? This counto embrace their culture. But my mother had to try is great; we just need to remember where we back in the ‘70s and ‘80s. People today do not have came from and what morals our ancestors grew up to try to mask who they are supposed to be. with.

ADAM’Sanimations

13

YOUsaidIT What do you think of the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy?

“ “ “

“I’m not personally affected so I’m pretty much neutral. I don’t have strong feelings either way.“ freshman Savannah Rudicel

“I didn’t think it was fair you had to hide your sexuality... I don’t think it should matter.“ sophomore Emily Leonard

“It is good that now people have the right to be open about their true selves.“ junior Jenna Middaugh

A monthly comic strip about school happenings

“I think the old policy was stupid, and I’m glad it has been removed. It was really unfair toward homosexuals.“ senior Drew Smith

Illustrations by Adam Henderson

14

SPORTS

THE JAGWIRE | WWW.MVNEWS.ORG | OCT. 19, 2011

Football moms provide support for team theRECEIPT

Over 60 mothers dedicate their free time to share the same passion as their sons ALANA FLINN

The moms of the football team share total costs for a team dinner 60 pounds of pasta, including chicken, beef and vegetarian lasagna An individual salad for every player on varsity

Five 13x9 pans of bread sticks from Fazoli’s

Adding desserts and drinks Total cost: $50-60 per dinner provider

jagwire.alanaflinn@gmail.com

As Hope Windmiller, mother of junior quarterback Skyler Windmiller, prepares herself for a fast-paced Friday, she knows that it is not just a typical weekday.

After spending two hours chalking 10-15 football players’ driveways with positive messages, she moves on to being present at the field house by the time school is released. While simultaneously getting the concessions stand up and running, organizing the tailgating and painting fellow mothers’ faces with their son’s numbers, Hope knows what the football program means to everyone involved.

“We realize how fast the boys grow up and go away. We hold on to every moment because you don’t get them back,” Hope said. “From a parental side, we understand our kids will be gone in a blink and we take it in by living and breathing football for these boys.”

Hope is just one of the 60 mothers who offer support for her son and the other players not only on game days, but throughout the season as well. “[The football moms] definitely help me take care of that behind the scenes stuff. It’s a tremendous help, and they do a very good job of it,” head coach Joel Applebee said.

One of the most crucial jobs the mothers take on is the Thursday team dinners. As hungry var-

sportsCOLUMN

As Chiefs strive for successful season, fan support may lessen

ALANA FLINN

jagwire.alanaflinn@gmail.com

If you thrive on victory, then the Kansas City Chiefs are not the team for you. However, if you do not feel a necessity to have a constant winning streak, then your faith should lie with the home team.

The Chiefs may not be the most successful team, but all of the neces-

sity players trickle into the cafeteria after practice, the mothers have spent the week putting together massive amounts of food and supplies, including over 60 pounds of pasta, numerous gallons of water and individual salads for every player. Even as mothers are up to their elbows in pasta, they all seem to keep a huge smile on their faces.

“Football moms are fun. We have a great time together, we do fun activities outside of school, we get together socially,” Lisa Miles, mother of junior linebacker Blake Miles, said. “It’s just a really big peer group of women who have something in common. It’s wonderful.”

As the season carries on, the players have enjoyed seeing their mothers associate on such a personal level.

“It’s really great to have all the moms involved because it shows us players that they love what we love,” Skyler said. “The football moms do a great job of organizing everything and planning. If they didn’t get along and spend so much time together, then the possibilities would be limited.”

As the football program continues to adapt itself and the community to a new coach, the football moms know exactly how they will continue to improve as a group, as well.

“You should expect lots and lots of growth.

We want to get lots more moms involved,” Dava Holden, mother of junior offensive lineman, Knute Holden said. “The more involved, the more the program grows. Everyone has a blast doing this so we’re just trying to grow as a program.”

sary fundamentals for wins are there.

If quarterback Matt Cassel lessens the amount of games he misses due to injuries, then perhaps the Chiefs can have a steady, consistent quarterback for every game. As Tamba Hali leads the Chiefs line with 45.5 career sacks, his defensive strengths could lead the team to more frequent wins.

As the offense continues to improve, there is still potential for a

TOP: HOPE WINDMILLER AND Dava Holden, mothers of two varsity players, decorated players’ driveways with chalk before the game against Basehor-Linwood High School on Friday, Oct. 7.

Windmiller explains that there is more to being a football mom than just cheering at the games. “I normally tag 10-15 boys driveways” Windmiller said. “... I’ll go check their Facebooks and see if they put anything inspirational on them, and I will usually put that.” BOTTOM: PAINTING FACES DURING the Homecoming game on Friday, Oct. 7, Hope enjoys being a part of her son’s football experience. “Our kids are going to be gone in a blink and we take every minute in,” Windmiller said. Photos by Kelsey Floyd

successful season. The 0-3 start may have discouraged many fans, but don’t give up hope yet. With the next four games against the Raiders, Chargers, Dolphins and Broncos, the Chiefs have many opportunities to improve their record and to also improve their chances to make the playoffs.

Stick with the Chiefs. Even if you have a second favorite team on the

side, keep the Chiefs as your number one priority. Collect the depressingly discounted jerseys and continue to hang your red arrowhead flag proudly. Who knows, maybe the Chiefs will go on to win seven consecutive Super Bowl titles. When they do, I know I’ll be one of the true fans who was wearing red and didn’t move from in front of the television every Sunday.

THE JAGWIRE | WWW.MVNEWS.ORG | OCT. 19, 2011

SPORTS

15

Board approves bowling team theCOSTS

Estimated costs for new athletic teams affect school board decision

HANNA TORLINE

jagwire.hannatorline@gmail.com

Boys/girls swimming

LISA JOERLING

> Coaches’ salaries:

jagwire.lisajoerling@gmail.com

Head coach Assistant coach

Decision about new sports team addition receives mixed reviews In front of a room packed with parents, athletes and coaches, the school board made the decision on Monday, Oct. 10 to create a bowling team at both high schools but suspended discussions about a swim team for the two schools.

Board member Angela Handy voted in favor of swimming and bowling for the De Soto district.

Via email, Handy explained why board members didn’t pass swimming.

“Some thought we were rushing into something and that the plan was not organized,” Handy said. “I had a different view; we knew about the possibility of adding this team since August.”

Although many people were disappointed by the decision to not include swimming for this school year, so far, adding a bowling team has been received positively.

District resident Brenna June, who spoke in front of the board, urged the seven members to pass a bowling team, which (in a survey given to students last year) 42 percent of students expressed interest in being a part of, compared to the 36 percent interested in a swim team. “[A bowling team would] bring a collection of students together of any size, shape or economic status,” June said.

Senior Olivia Cain spoke about her previous experiences on the St. James Academy bowling team at the school board meeting.

“I learned how to be social and use logic,” Cain said. “I went to state my sophomore year, but I don’t have plans to continue [bowling] after

facility: > Practice Bonner YMCA

> School board vote: LEFT: JUNIOR KRISTA BREWER practices her favorite stroke, on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at the YMCA in Bonner Springs. “I love the whole swimming aspect,” Brewer said. RIGHT: SENIOR TYLER MOORE critiques his bowling techniques after school at Park Lanes, on Monday, Oct. 17. “I like bowling because it gives me something to do when I’m not playing baseball,” Moore said. Photos by Taylor Young

high school.”

On the other hand, the nine individuals who spoke at the meeting on behalf of a swim team are discouraged by the decision.

“I’m really disappointed because there is a lot of talent and dedication at Mill Valley,” sophomore swimmer Krista Brewer said. “Because there’s not a swim team, we’re not able to compete at a state level.”

Junior Aaron Akin, who won first place in breaststroke at All-City over the summer, shares Brewer’s opinion on the issue. “[We are upset] because now we don’t have the opportunity to represent our school the only way we know how,” Akin said.

Shawnee Tiger Sharks swim coach Rebecca England shared with

hosting

JC Harmon High School

5-2

Friday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m.

Record

64th

State ranking

163rd

37.29

Average points scored Average opponents points scored

24.86

24.57

$5,670

$5,136 > Equipment: > Travel expenses: $2,646 $22,032* > Total:

FOOTBALLmatchup Mill Valley High School

$6,768 $4,254

3-4

22.14

the board the benefits a swim team could offer.

“Swimming not only provides discipline, but gives endurance, strength, and flexibility,” England said. “There are also 25 schools around here that provide scholarships for swimming.”

The board members’ discussion, which included some foul language and contradictory budget numbers, included re-evaluating the issue of adding swim teams next year, meaning that some students would miss out on being a part of the team.

Senior Zach Zarnstorff, who plans to swim next year in college, is disappointed in the decision.

“This is my senior year,” Zarnstorff said. “It’s my only chance. I’m missing out on an opportunity that I

thought I would have.”

Akin also thought that the decision should have been made earlier.

“It’s been pushed back for several years,” Akin said. “We would have been willing to fundraise for equipment costs and buy our own suits, goggles and swim bags.”

His hope is that a swim team will be approved in the future.

“I believe that we just clear up some of the misconceptions and confusion that was at the board meeting and try to move forward to create a swim program for next season,” Akin said. “This should have been a priority of the district. The costs of this investment are greatly outweighed by the benefits this program would bring to the schools and the community.”

ROADtoState golf: > Girls State qualifiers:

Sophomore Bailee Flaming Junior Hanna Torline Junior Hadley Tharp

country: > Cross The regional meet is set for

be played between Monday, Oct. 24 - Thursday, Oct. 27.

Boys/girls bowling

> Coaches’ salaries: Head coach Assistant coach

facility: > Practice Mission Bowl-Olathe

for Friday, Nov. 4. The time and opponent remain TBA.

$3,384 $2,127 $0

> Tournament fees: $500 $1,250 > Equipment:

> Travel expenses: $3,648 $10,910* > Total: > School board vote: 4-3 *cost estimates based on district projections for Mill Valley High School teams only

PLAYERprofile Junior Stephen McEnery

Saturday, Oct. 22. The time and site remain TBA.

soccer: > Football: > Boys The regional game is set to The first playoff game is set

3-4

Cross Country

“My favorite moment this year was when our team got third place at Rim Rock.”

Why did you decide to join cross country?

I first started running track in seventh grade. From there, I just wanted to get better and keep running.

What is your favorite thing about the meets?

I have PR’d almost every race. I like it when my team does well.

Sept. 28

@kathykim14 Kathy Nguyen @mvjagwire [Calvin Terrell] was AMAZING!! His presentation was so intense&makes me see everyone with a whole new perspective. #cried #inspirational

Sept. 28

@AlexLaud Alex Lauderdale @mvjagwire great speaker :) #inspired

Sept. 28

@megg_korte Megan Korte @mvjagwire [Calvin Terrell]’s so inspirational! He was just as good or even better when i was a freshman though because we had more time

Oct. 7

@oliviamcain Olivia Cain @mvjagwire i luv [the bowling team addition]. its a gr8 Oct. 11 addition. sew fab. gotta represent! @katiecarson20 Katie Carson @mvjagwire this game is making me a nervous wreck!!

Oct. 14

@lyssajenks Alyssa Jenkins Couldn’t go to the MV game. Good thing I follow @mvjagwire to know what’s going on!

122 students surveyed

Other

Finishing homework

At a party

Hanging with friends

Trick-or-treating

stay warm at football games

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keeping your fingers warm. Placing a hand warmer on the inside of your foot just below the ankle helps heat the blood flowing into and out off your foot.

Eat and drink: While it may seem contradictory to drink and eat even cold food, it can actually help keep your body warm. Dehydration can prevent adequate blood flow, which is a major part in keeping the body warm. Drinking and eating also provides the energy to keep your body warm.

Thin cotton first layer: Besides providing comfort, a thin first layer is much more effective at keeping heat close to the body than a thick or synthetic layer. A few light shirts under a thicker shirt will keep more heat than a single thicker layer.

Give your fingers and toes room to move: Packing your fingers and toes into tight heavy cloth prevents your extremities from sharing heat. Mittens and loose socks allow your fingers and toes to move and generate their own heat.

Stay dry: If you are wet, you are also cold. Make sure at least one of your layers is waterproof, or make an effort to stay out of the rain or snow.

> Strategic placement of hand warmers: hand warmers now can go far beyond just

howTO

“People hate it when teenagers show up to their houses with pillowcases saying “trick-ortreat” so I’ll just buy a bag of candy and eat it with friends,” sophomore Riley Boyle said.

40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

Photos by Emily Johnson

Footloose was enjoyable as it had great dialogue and relatable acting.

The movie was released in theaters, Friday, Oct. 14, and introduced new actors and brought back other known actors, such as Dennis Quaid (Legion) and Andie MacDowell (Groundhog Day) who all provided strong performances. The plot was very similar to the original 1984 version of Footloose, where a city kid moves into a small country town where dancing is prohibited.

Kenny Wormald takes on the role as the rebellious teen Ren MacCormick and with help from friends Ariel (Julianne Hough) and Willard (Miles Teller), changes the whole point of view on dancing in the fictional small town of Beaumont, Tenn. The only negative to the film was the ending, which was corny and too simple due to an unrealistic fight scene. In short, the movie had stellar acting from the whole cast, and I would recommend it to all of my friends.

Photo from Paramount Pictures Corporation

Footloose delivers great acting along with even better dancing

*****

Footloose

The page with a different perspective

What will you be doing on Halloween?

“Selena Gomez and I went to the park and swung on the swings. We then got married on the jungle gym.

We had 12 children, all were boys and we named them Jeremy, starting from Jeremy, Jr. to Jeremy XII.”

“I was spending the night at a friend’s house when Hayden Panettiere called me. She asked me out on a date, and I met up with her at her house. For dinner, she made me a sandwich. It was chill.”

@mvjagwire wants to hear from you via Twitter. Will your tweets catch our attention?

Feedback

junior Jeremy Bohnert

jagwire.erichowes@gmail.com

ERIC HOWES

jagwire.coryreinoehl@gmail.com

CORY REINOEHL

jagwire.sarahfulton@gmail.com

SARAH FULTON

Flip Side

sophomore Parker Hunt

What is the strangest dream you have ever had?

freshman Nathan Fullerton “I saw a girl in a dream and I didn’t know her, but I had seen her before. Soon after having the dream, I actually met and talked with the same girl in real life.”

Q&A

the A&E

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THE JAGWIRE | WWW.MVNEWS.ORG | OCT. 19, 2011

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THE JAGWIRE | WWW.MVNEWS.ORG | OCT. 19, 2011

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BB’s Lawnside Barbecue offers unique music and dining chance JACK LOPEZ

jagwire.jacklopez@gmail.com

Driving through unfamiliar territory looking for a barbecue restaurant that is particularly talented at hide and seek is slightly intimidating, to say the least. Finally, the sign for BB’s Lawnside Barbecue appears near 85th Street and Holmes Road and soon after, the old building that houses the restaurant does too. BB’s colorful history and its deep roots in jazz and blues make for the ideal Kansas City barbecue experience.

In Kansas City, barbecue is a longstanding tradition and it is wellknown as a hub for jazz and blues.

BB’s Lawnside is where it all comes together. Opened 21 years ago by owner Lindsay Shannon, the restaurant has live music every day but Monday, on which they are closed every week. The faded paint, unexpected location and the visibly decaying building do not drive customers away, but rather seems to draw them by the hundreds.

Pulling into the jam-packed parking lot, customers overflow onto the

patio, all smiles even with the large crowd. Splashy blues and smooth jazz float out of the open door. Upon entering the restaurant, it took a minute for my eyes to completely adjust to the dim lights. The first thing I noticed once my eyes adjusted was the décor. The only things lighting the room were neon signs, Christmas lights dangling from the ceiling and a few dusty windows. There was no host at the door so I found a seat at an open table. Surprisingly, I was waited on almost immediately despite the chaos.

Not being in any sort of hurry, I was content sipping on my ice water, listening to jazz singer Mama Ray and her fellow band members.

Mama Ray appeared to be a frail, elderly woman, but had the booming voice of a strong, young lady. However, it did take quite some time for the waitress to come around to get my order, which was understandable considering that only three waiters were serving a full house.

I ordered a pulled pork sandwich and battered french fries from the grimy, laminated menu and expected a lengthy wait. Within minutes, the steaming hot food came out in a black plastic basket lined with red and white checkered paper. The pulled pork sandwich was piled high with tender meat, but something looked

WHERE’StheMUSIC?

Jardine’s Restaurant 4536 Main St. Kansas City, Mo.

> > Fairly inexpensive restaurant with great

atmosphere and food. Live jazz is often performed.

Photo illustration by Brandon Burnworth

to be wrong with the meal. Three chicken finger-looking objects sat next to the sandwich, battered and deep fried. I came to a slow realization that these were my battered french fries. Despite the odd appearance, the thick-cut fries fit perfectly with the succulent sandwich.

For dessert, I ordered Turtle Cheesecake, which is New York style cheesecake on a chocolate cookie crumb crust with a dark chocolate glaze, sprinkled with nuts and caramel syrup. It was much better than I expected from the restaurant. It was very rich and the dark chocolate-caramel combination was perfect, although the overload of food left me a little bloated.

I couldn’t help myself from overeating. The restaurant gives you quite the bang for your buck, though. A pulled pork sandwich with fries and a drink, a lot of food for anyone, was only around $10.

BB’s Lawnside Barbecue is perfect for anyone who loves good barbecue, good music and for those who don’t mind a short drive. For those of us who can’t stand a little scrounge or

FAR ABOVE: COMBINING BLUES WITH jazz, a trumpet player accompanies Mama Ray’s band on Saturday, Oct. 1 at BB’s Lawnside Barbecue. “We encourage everyone [that comes to watch] that sings or plays an instrument to play with us,” band leader Mama Ray said. ABOVE: MAMA RAY’S JAM Band plays at BB’s Lawnside Jazz on Saturday, Oct. 1. “This is the longest running jam in Kansas City,” lead singer Mama Ray said. Photos by Miranda Snyder

old-school music, you should probably stick to Jack Stack or Gates. BB’s is prime ground for barbecue lovers and music lovers alike, the perfect Kansas City barbecue experience.

I don’t mind a little grime and filth, to an extent, but for the great food, great prices and above all, the great music, I give BB’s Lawnside four out of five stars.

Other hot spots in the area for music and food

The Phoenix: Piano Bar & Grill 302 W 8th Kansas City, Mo.

> > Featuring some of Kansas City’s oldest jazz

artists, the Phoenix bar offers a meal that is up close and personal with the entertainment.

O’Dowd’s Little Dublin

> 8600 NW Prairie View Road Kansas City, Mo. > Live music almost every day of the week. Most

entertainment starts at 9 p.m. Featured artists include the KC All Stars.

THE JAGWIRE | WWW.MVNEWS.ORG | OCT. 19, 2011

A&E

19

festive fix Get your

e staff members choose r i W please your autumn appetite o t d s n Students a ea seven edible id

Ja g

1

ALYNE ROEMERMAN

jagwire.alyneroemerman@gmail.com

Pumpkin Spice Latte Chosen by freshman Hannah Hilton “I get them every Thursday morning before I go to school for the Jags for Joplin meeting because they’re so awesome.” Beginning at $3.79 at Starbucks

3

2

Caramel apples

“I love going to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory at the Legends and getting the caramel apples with blue, green and brown M&Ms” Beginning at

5

$4.50 at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory located at the Legends at Village West

“I eat candy corn around Halloween. I also like the pumpkinshaped candy corn...When you see something colorful, don’t you just want to eat it?” Brach’s brand, $1.79

4

at grocery and convenience stores

Apple cider Chosen by sophomore Erin Sackett

“I recently have been drinking it with every meal because I think it tastes a lot better than Combining decadent apple pie with a muffin makes pop. It’s so sweet but also a little bitter which makes the this treat perfect to eat around fall. Offering the perfect combination and it consumers the delightfulness of a seasonal pie and me happy.” Louisburg the convenience of a muffin, these make for a quick makes

and easy breakfast option. To view the recipe for these, Cider Mill brand, $5.98 for a jug at

Apple pie muffins JagWire pick

2

jagwire.katielinsey@gmail.com

Candy corn Chosen by freshman Max Talley

Chosen by junior Jayce Knowles

1

KATIE LINSEY

visit www.mvnews.org.

Price Chopper. To read a complete review of what else the Louisburg Cider Mill has to offer, visit www.mvnews.org.

6

Pumpkin pancakes Chosen by senior Leah Rettig

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“Last night, I had pumpkin pancakes. It was delicious, with hot maple syrup, its the best. I probably have them maybe two times a week lately.

Kind of gross, but I like them because pumpkin makes me happy. So does IHOP. That’s my two favorite things in the world combined.” Beginning at $3.99 at IHOP

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Chunky pecan pie bars JagWire pick

6

These bars are a mix of pecans and chocolate that make for an excellent autumn treat. To view the recipe for these, visit www.mvnews.org.

Photos by Courtney Minter

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PHOTO ESSAY

THE JAGWIRE | WWW.MVNEWS.ORG | OCT. 19, 2011

Celebrating Homecoming

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE STYLE Beatles themed Homecoming includes changes to spirit week MACKENZIE ECKMAN

jagwire.mackenzieeckman@gmail.com

Although some students were originally unsure about the changes being made to Homecoming, the Across the Universe themed week ended up being a positive experience.

Originally skeptical about the changes, junior class representative Morgan Battes said that Homecoming week went well.

“The parade went especially well.

There were lots of people and the community was really involved,” Battes said. “The only bad part was the fact that it was on a school night.

I had a test to study for the next day, and I had lots of homework.”

StuCo sponsor Erica Crist was pleased with the amount of student involvement during spirit week.

Crist said that the more generic spirit days encouraged more participation. “[The spirit days] made it easier for students to dress up,” Crist said.

“There wasn’t a lot of outfit planJUNIORS BETSY WENDORFF and Misty Adkins dance together at the Homecoming dance on Saturday, Oct. 8. “I thought the Homecoming dance was a lot different than last year,” Wendorff said.

“It was just way more relaxed this year.” Photo

by Kristina Milewski

ning needed to participate.”

At the bonfire, captains and representatives from different sports and organizations had the opportunity to introduce their teams.

“I loved the addition of the pep rally,” Crist said. “I feel like it really brought the night together. The student section was packed and there was a lot of community involvement.”

In addition to the parade and bonfire, Battes said that the dance went much better than last year.

“The dance was really good this year,” Battes said. “Tons more people bought tickets and showed up, everybody seemed to have a good time.”

Crist also thought that the dance went well.

“It was so rewarding to see how happy and excited students were,” Crist said. “Some seniors told me it was the best Homecoming yet.”

For more on this topic, check out:

www.mvnews.org

ABOVE: FINISHING THEIR FIRST performance in front of the entire school the Mill Valley cheer leaders are proud. “We had more complicated stunts this year so we were able to wow the crowd,” junior cheerleader Rachel Allen said. Photo by Miranda Sndyer

ABOVE: DRESSED IN A blue body suit at the pep assembly senior Robbie Weber attempts to get everyone to dance. “It went okay considering we didn’t find out till that day that we had to dance” said Weber. Photo by Miranda Snyder LEFT TOP: CHEERING ON THE crowd, seniors Jacob Kidney and Katie Porter participate in the Homecoming parade on Wednesday, Oct. 5. “I loved being a part of [the parade] because it was really energetic,” Porter said.

Photo by Courtney Minter LEFT BOTTOM: Showing school spirit students gather at the football stadium for a pep assembly on Wednesday, Oct. 5. StuCo passed out spirit towels to some students that showed up. Photo by Miranda Snyder