Volume 11, Issue 3 by JagWire newspaper

the J

agW ire

JW Vol. 11, Issue 3 Nov. 19, 2010

hurtful words Students share real-life experiences of how hurtful words affected them.

Page 10-11

Mill Valley High School > 5900 Monticello Road > Shawnee, KS 66226 > 913-422-4351 > www.mvnews.org

Nov. 19, 2010

{briefs}

In this issue:

News: page 5 Snyder vs. Phelps www.mvnews.org

{news}

Phelps tests First Amendment

through the years

Snyder’s civil suit over controversial protests at military funerals reaches the Supreme Court “Thank God for Dead Soldiers,” or “God hates your feelings,” are not phrases usually seen or heard at funerals, but the Topeka-based Westboro Baptist Church has changed that. For the past 20 years, the WBC has been holding protests, most at military funerals. Their right to protest, however, is being questioned. On Wednesday, Oct. 6, the United States Supreme Court heard the oral arguments for the case of Snyder v. Phelps. The father of a Marine killed in Iraq is pitted against the WBC, a congregation began by Reverend Fred Phelps in 1955. This case challenges the First Amendment and Americans’ right to free speech. The case began in March 2006, at the funeral of Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder, who died in Iraq. The Snyder family and other funeral goers were forced to reroute the funeral procession in order to avoid seeing protestors, members of the WBC who had flown to Maryland to hold signs with messages such as “America is Doomed.” Albert Snyder, Matthew’s father, filed a civil lawsuit based on the grounds of intentional infliction of emotional distress, or IIED, and invasion of privacy. A jury awarded Snyder $10.9 million in damages. The verdict was reversed by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals with a ruling that the WBC was protected by the First Amendment. Now, the Supreme Court case will decide what limits there are at funerals for free speech and if private citizens can sue for IIED. Christina Wells, a law professor at Missouri University who specializes in the area of free speech, elaborates on what the Court’s decision will mean. “If they rule that a private person can sue for IIED without showing anything else, then it undermines about seven decades of the Court’s cases,” Wells said. A decision in favor of Snyder would allow for the punishment of offensive speech. Some feel that this decision would severely infringe upon the right of free speech, such as Shirley Phelps-Roper, a daughter of Fred Phelps and an attorney in the case. “We won’t have a First Amendment if that case can stand,” PhelpsRoper said. “You can’t be picking and choosing which message you like…that’s what they’re going to have to do in order to let this case stand.” The WBC has been protesting for almost 20 years, and by their estimate, has held over 44, 000 protests. The first protest to garner national attention was the funeral of Matthew Shepard in 1998. Shepard had been the victim of a gay-bashing. They protest to demonstrate the views of their church. “The views of the Westboro Baptist Church are the views that you’d find written in the Bible,” Phelps-Roper said. According to Phelps-Roper, they protest at funerals to warn the living loved ones of those who have died that they will go to hell if they do not repent. “We’re not trying to reform the devil,” Phelps-Roper said. “All we’re doing is warning you that there is a God and He has set a standard in this earth.”

Fred Phelps

alyne roemerman {reporter}

> Nov. 13, 1929

Fred Phelps was born.

> 1962-1964

Phelps earned a law degree from Washburn University and founded the Phelps Chartered law firm.

> July 20, 1979

Phelps was disbarred from Kansas law practice after numerous complaints about his courtroom actions.

> 1988

Phelps posted warning signs in Topeka’s Gage Park and received backlash from local churches, after learning of homosexual acts. His protests against gays continues regularly.

> 1998

Phelps first attracted national attention after protesting the funeral of Matthew Shepard, a victim of a gay-bashing.

> March 2006

Members of the WBC protested the funeral of Matthew Snyder; his father, Albert, then sued Phelps and the church.

PROTESTORS FROM WESTBORO Baptist Church show their support for Fred Phelps by promoting anti-gay and anti-war sentiments. Photo from of mtcampus. com

Some feel that the case seems likely to swing in favor of the WBC. “The Supreme Court has lots of precedents that support protesting,” senior Sam Ellis said. “Phelps will win this but only because there’s no real definition of what is private and what is public as far as funerals go.” Not everyone is sure about the case’s outcome, including Wells. “Cases involving highly offensive speech usually split the Court and I expect that to happen here,” Wells said. “I can’t predict [this case].” Wells expects the Court’s decision to be made in March, but believes a split would delay the decision until June. The WBC is not worried about the decision. “The case came from God…if it was a work of man, a whole bunch of families would have sued us,” Phelps-Roper said. “No matter what the Court does, its going to be in our favor…it’s a win-win.”

> May 29, 2006

Partly due to Phelps’ actions, the Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act, was enacted to prohibit picketing within 300 ft of the entrance of any cemetery controlled by the National Cemetery Administration.

> Oct. 6, 2010

Supreme Court heard the oral arguments for Snyder v. Phelps.

> June 2011 The Supreme Court will make a final decision regarding the case.

Victims of war honored by Patriot Guard biker organization alyne roemerman {reporter}

Patriot Guard bikers seek to the honor families of fallen war soldiers

Photo by Emily Johnson

The Patriot Guard is an organization originally started by the American Legion Riders in response to the Westboro Baptist Church’s funeral protests, but has grown far beyond that. Overland Park resident Stewart Bunn joined the Patriot Guard in 2006 because he felt it was a good organization to be part of. “After having gone on a few missions, it is a pretty moving thing to do,” Bunn said. The Patriot Guard’s mission, according to their website, is to stand guard at funerals of fallen soldiers who have been killed in action, as well as the funerals of firefighters and law enforcement. This is done at the request of the families and the Patriot Guard will do whatever is asked, whether it be

providing a motorcycle escort for the family, have a color guard, or even welcoming troops home. “What we do is what we are asked to do,” Bunn said. Bunn’s first mission was memorable. He had a three hour drive on his motorcycle to Omaha in December. Along the way, Bunn took a break due to the cold and decided to check his directions one more time. He pulled out a printout that contained a brief biography of the soldier whose funeral he was attending, which Bunn read through once more. “I thought, so I’m a little bit cold. How bad is that?” Bunn said. He continued on to Omaha. The Patriot Guard held flags when the family arrived in a limousine. Bunn recalls that the soldier’s father walked down

the line of over 100 riders and shook each of their hands. “That’s a sobering event to go through,” Bunn said. Bunn also remembers a welcome home ceremony where he noticed a young boy being held by his mother. What he noticed was that the boy had obviously cut his hair so that he could look like his dad. “It can really kind of choke you up and it can be really quite charming, too,” Bunn said. The Patriot Guard prefers to avoid mentioning the WBC, but Bunn personally believes that the case should not have gone to the Supreme Court. “It bothers me that this is going to a national level,” Bunn said. “It’s a shame that we have to legislate a certain amount of good taste.”

Feature: page 9 Christian Youth Theater

JUNIORS AUSTIN SHOWEN and Hannah Stevens from De Soto, and Shannon McGraw and Olivia Cain from Mill Valley discuss the documentary Babies. Photo Courtney Cooke

Schools come together to discuss the documentary Babies lisa joerling {reporter}

Opinion: page 12 Journalism funding 12

Nov. 19, 2010

{opinion} StaffEditorial

New model leaves journalism funding in question Vague terminology creates concerns around program funding

every school district in Kansas, regardless of how a district chooses to fit it into the model. By neglecting to use the actual word The skills learned through journalism classes “journalism” in the new career pathways and are invaluable to every staff member, regardclusters funding model, many are concerned less of their career in the future. that journalism will not be funded and will in Journalism allows for students to gain esturn be eliminated altogether by districts. sential life skills while developing their writing Four years in the making, the new career abilities and creativity. Beginning Journalpathway and clusters model is gradually being ism students learn about the consequences put into effect to phase of libel and the ethics of out the previous VE-2 journalism in order to model, or vocational maintain credibility as a “Through the confusion, funding model. For most reporter. Students on the the end result must be classes falling under newspaper or yearbook the new model, such as staffs learn responsibility, that journalism receives computer and family and time management and funding.” consumer science classes, how to effectively changes will occur in both balance schoolwork. curriculum and name. The pressures make However, under journalism more the new model, there is an opportunity for of a job than a class. journalism related classes to be taught under These skills will be useful in different names. Beginning Journalism classes any future profession, and their value may fit into a pathway and become a part shouldn’t be underestimated. of the Information and Technology cluster. Most importantly, student journalists repConfusion surrounds the terminology of this resent the voice of the student body. Having model and many believe that because the term a monthly newspaper publication allows for “journalism” is not specifically mentioned in students to be featured and school news to be the new model, it will not be funded. spotlighted. The Kansas City Star doesn’t print Through the confusion, the end result stories on the AP Studio Art class or students must be that journalism receives funding in dealing with difficult issues such as depression

or bullying. This is real life to students, and it can’t come from anywhere else. Kansas student journalists receive more freedoms than other states’ student journalists; Kansas administrators cannot censor any stories, allowing student journalists to report on controversial topics that need to be covered. This state epitomizes true journalism in high schools, and districts should take it upon themselves to make sure journalism is taught

in every school, regardless of name or curriculum. Our district seems committed to ensuring journalism in the future, but many others may look at the model and cut out journalism. All local districts must realize that this model does not eliminate all possibility of journalism classes. Our district should be the model to districts across the state to work journalism into the new curriculum and strive to help other districts to also reflect the importance of journalism in their programs.

Cartoon by Asia Yates

Spirit must come from the students not the administration “ We ARE Mill Valley” fails to create school spirit in the student body sarah fulton {sports editor}

We have heard it at least three times a day for the last two years, “We ARE Mill Valley.” It is meant to motivate us, to remind us to do our best and to do our school proud. While it remains unseen if the slogan has actually had any of the intended positive effect, it is very clear that it has been very effective at inspiring many jokes, bouts of sarcasm and an innumerable amount of eye rolls both from students and teachers. Instead of unifying us in school pride, it unifies us in how stupid we think it is. An administration cannot create school spirit, however hard it tries. The spirit and motivaFulton

2010JagWire Members of

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Cartoon by Asia Yates

tion has to come solely from the students. An environment of pride must be created by the students. During Homecoming week, before all the controversy over the dance, our school was bursting with school spirit. Students from every grade cheered at the game, dressed up during spirit week and, for the first time in a long time, showed true school spirit. If every week was like Homecoming week, minus social studies teacher Jeff Wieland wearing a kilt, our administration would not need to create cheesy slogans. They would not feel as if it was their job to create school spirit. As much as they can be admired for their attempt to motivate, create school spirit and to unify the student body, it is also clear that the spirit has to come from the students. As a school we must realize that if we want the “We ARE Mill Valley” to go away, we need to unify ourselves. We need to find and create our own Jag Swag.

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Cartoon by Asia Yates

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Sports: page 14 Hunting season reigns 14

Nov. 19, 2010

{sports}

Powerlifting needs attention

“If you like a challenge, hunting is not an easy thing” joel hodgdon {reporter}

joel hodgdon {reporter}

Powerlifting team needed to reach pinnacle of athletic accomplishments Athletically, there isn’t a whole lot as a school we don’t have. There is an abundance of options when it comes to picking an after school sport, and enough teams to match almost any athletic ability and interest. But one group of athletes left out is power lifters. Used as a way to keep athletes in shape in the offseason, power lifting teams combine the necessary weight training with a higher level of team spirit and competition. Consisting of three lifts in most competitions, the bench press, squat and deadlift, this sport is on the rise on the high school level. District athletic and activity director Steve Deghand commented on adding a powerlifting team to the school. “Since the activity is not recognized by the Kansas State High School Activities Association, it would have to be a club, not a team, but the more opportunities we can give kids the better off we are,” Deghand said. “As far as powerlifting, it would be absolutly easier to add than other sports because we already have the facilities, and the coaches needed.” In recent years, several area schools in the Kaw Valley League and elsewhere started power lifting teams for both girls and boys. Tonganoxie, BasehorLinwood, Turner and Bonner Springs all field teams. But why is there no power lifting team here? With a brand new enlarged weight room, a knowledgeable coaching staff, and the high level of athletic motivation the student body possesses, there should be no reason why we don’t have a power lifting team. Even if they wouldn’t be a crowd pleaser, there are still sports the school lacks and needs to sponsor. Despite the lack of fans at a girls tennis match or a boys golf tournament, these athletes appreciate having an opportunity to practice and perfect the sports that they have a gift for, and no one should be denied that opportunity. With well over 1000 kids, our school is officially in the big leagues athletically, and should be able to compete with larger and smaller schools at all levels. The KVl needs to be taken more seriously as a competitor by larger leagues. If the league and the school want to compete on the same levels as larger schools, instituting powerlifting teams would be a viable step to that goal. A powerlifting team would not only provide students with another sport to compete in, but would help atheletes who play multiple sports become stronger. For the past 10 years, the school has been a powerhouse. With new building additions, a consistently talented student body and superb coaches, success in the sport of power lifting could easily be added to the record. When facing larger schools with a history of success or tenaciously competitive smaller schools, there is no challenge, no sport, we cannot excel at. All the student body needs is an opportunity to face that challenge.

Recreational sport attracts new interest as students embrace the growing trend of hunting Both an art and a sport, hunting is not a pastime traditionally enjoyed by many people in suburban areas, but seniors Deven Treibel and Travis Heath enjoy the uniqueness of their chosen sport. “I started hunting when I could first hold the gun up,” Treibel said. “It’s something to wake up for, to look forward to.” Also unique to the sport is the gear used. Depending on the wild game in question and the time of year the season occurs in, the type of equipment used to hunt widely varies. “You could really spend a couple of grand, or even up to six or seven just for deer season,” Treibel said. “You need a full set of camouflage, scent spray, binoculars, a range finder, your fire arm, a buck knife…it all adds up.” To offset this cost and learn the sport, hunters learn the craft over many years from close family members or friends. “It’s about heritage. I’ve always done it (hunting), my dad’s done it; my grandpa’s done it, and I’ll pass it down one day. It’s a family thing,” Heath said. With a plethora of seasons including multiple opportunities to harvest both big and small game, there are plenty of sporting opportunities for families and students to look forward to, especially in the winter. Interviewed via phone, the president of the Kansas Hunter Education Instructors Association and the Hunter’s Education coordinator for Saline County Shannon Clarkson outlined the many possibilities in Kansas for hunters. “While our biggest seasons is the pheasant and quail season opening Nov. 13th, and the December deer season for rifle, there are so many other good times to get outdoors,” Clarkson said. Yet despite this overabundance of huntable game in Kansas, both Heath and Treibel believed that few students hunt. “Hunting is unique. It’s not very popular because most of the people that hunt are not from around here,” Heath said, “Because we live in the city most people don’t do it or haven’t tried.” In urban areas or otherwise, Clarkson believed that hunting as

ABOVE: SENIOR TRAVIS HEATH draws back his bow with a release that connects to his wrist. RIGHT: HEATH PREPARES TO use his deer call, while hunting to bring in the game into an accurate range. FAR RIGHT: HEATH SPRAYS HIMSELF down with Scent-AWay, which gets rid of human scent. Photo by Courtney Cooke

SENIOR DEVIN TREIBEL, dressed in his hunting apparel, including his full camoflauge suit, prepares to discharge his firearm. Photo by Courtney Cooke

sport is actually becoming more popular citing a growing demand for hunting licenses and game tags from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. He also estimated that over 100,000 people hunt yearly in Kansas. “More people are finding that it’s an enjoyable sport that it’s a growing sport. People are looking for a way to get outside and do different things,” Clarkson said Reasons behind the enjoyment of the sport differs however as some hunt for sport and others hunt to harvest game. In Clarkson’s opinion many hunters combine these two reasons. “It an adrenaline rush, just getting in your stand or blind and waiting for the right moment, the perfect shot, being outdoors is awesome,” said Heath. “But when I do get an animal, I clean it myself and process about half of it myself…we use as much of the meat as we can.” Many hunters use the sport for sustenance, and according to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, this practice maintains a healthy population of animals. “Everything I shoot I eat. It’s a way of feeding my family. You try to do it as humanely as possible, if you harvest a deer, then you try to do it with one shot. You try to be as professional and humane as possible,” said Clarkson. Commonly misconceived, according to Heath, Treibel and Clarkson, hunting is not cruel to the game harvested, and instead is an easier way to die than the slow death of starvation common to animals in overgrown populations during the winter. Animals harvested serve the greater purpose of feeding sportsman and their families. “If we didn’t harvest.” Treibel said. “The animals would overpopulate and they would starve to death, it’s better they die instantly.” “I enjoy God’s creation and if I find out I hurt something, and it didn’t go instantly, I feel sick to my stomach,” Heath said. Learning to humanely and properly harvest game is one of the facets of the licensing and training process all hunters go through in the Kansas hunter’s education program. The program teaches safe hunting practices and according to Clarkson, these practices make hunting one of the safest sports. “We don’t just teach people how to hunt, we teach people how to be safe while hunting,” Clarkson said. “Within hunter’s education, there is a minimum of 10 hours of instruction.” “We practice safety and firearm handling in the classroom, we simulate hunts under professional observation and make students are at all times being safe,” Clarkson said. “Hunting takes skills, and they have to be learned and practiced…often.” “If you want a challenge, try hunting.”

A&E: page 18 “Harry Potter” legacy 18

Nov. 19, 2010

{a&e}

Welcome to the school of

Witchcraft and Wizardry

kaitlin rounds {reporter}

Harry Potter enthusiasm grows in anticipation of the premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Junior Tyler Kile remembers when he was seven years old finding a stick in his yard and attempting to levitate his dog by pointing his new found “wand.” He repeatedly yelled the spell “wingardium leviosa” over and over, just waiting for his dog to hover up above his head. Kile is just one of many in the current high school generation who has found joy and fascination with the magic of the Harry Potter book series by J.K. Rowling. The spell he tried to cast when he was a child is just one of the many magical aspects that draw readers to the series. His interest was sparked when his aunt sent him the first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, for his birthday in second grade. Junior Devin Rudicel has also been a crazed fan for much of his life. He first became fascinated by the series when he picked up the first novel at a bookstore in first grade and then could not stop reading it. As the series grew, so did his fascination. “I had a marathon with my cousins one time where we watched the first through the fourth movies and we tried to quote as much as we could,” Rudicel said. “Oh, and we drank butterbeer too.” Junior Carly Granato, who has been a fan of the series since second grade when her grandparents took her to the midnight premiere of the first movie, is a self-proclaimed Harry Potter enthusiast. She has read all the books over three times through, reading the fifth install-

ment, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, several more times. She even follows Harry Potter blogs. “It reminds me of my childhood. [Harry Potter] was one of the more enjoyable things from my childhood which is why I probably like it so much,” Granato said. Besides providing a generation with entertainment and a common bond, Harry Potter has also offered an opening to the world of reading for many children and teens. “I really think that Harry Potter reintroduced a lot of kids into reading. It was really popular and everyone read the book and talked about it,” Rudicel said. “Without Harry Potter, the interest in reading wouldn’t be so high.” Throughout the country and the world various Harry Potter fan clubs exist, including one here. Senior copresidents Marcia Ebb and Allison Weis founded the Harry Potter Fan Club last year and since then have been expanding in size and membership. “The HPFC offers a magical escape into the wizarding world from school life for us ordinary Muggles [non-wizards],” Ebb said. With its significant cultural impact, the Harry Potter series is almost certain to become a literary and cinematic legacy. “I think it’s going to be one of the things that we’re known for,” Granato said. “Like in the ‘80s there were bright neon colors, rock bands and scrunchies. Harry Potter is going to be one of ours.” For many Potter fans, the magic of the Harry Potter wizarding world is something that will stay a part of their lives for many years to come. “I think Harry Potter will constantly

be in my house no matter where I go,” Granato said. “Actually, when I turn 18, I plan on getting the Deathly Hallows symbol tattooed behind my ear.” Kile, on the other hand, plans to keep the spirit of the movies and books alive in a different way. “I’m sure when I’m older I’ll have movie revival parties,” Kile said. “I’ll reread the books over and over throughout my entire life.” With the first part of the final installment of the series hitting theaters Friday, Nov. 19, Potter fanatics around the school are preparing for the premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows with excitement. The film’s opening is possibly one of the most anticipated premieres of the decade. “I already bought my ticket, and then I need to get face paint,” Granato said. “Last year [for “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince”] I went to the midnight primiere and what I did was Gryffindor colors, with a yellow stripe though my face and wore one of my Griffindor shirts.” Kyle also plans to dress up for the premiere, opting to go in full costume. “I think I’m going to dress as Dubledore, in loving memory,” Kile said. “I think someone needs to bring it back.” The final movie is being split into two parts, with the second part coming to theaters in July 2011. Despite that this closing movie will be the end of the era, many fans all around cannot help but be excited for the conclusion of the series. “For the first part, I’m expecting a reall anticlimactic ending to cliff-hang us,” Kile said. “But for both parts, I’m expecting the most epic movie experience of all time.” Photo by Emily Johnson

The JagWire polled 100 students about their Harry Potter habits 6%

6% of students have only read the books

LEFT: JUNIOR CARLY GRANATO has purchased several Harry Potter items including Gryffindor T-shirts, a Golden Snitch, and a Quiddich Through the Ages book. ABOVE: HAVING SEEN EACH movie at least ten times, junior Tyler Kile has also read each book in the Harry Potter series at least three times. Photos by Emily Johnson

haven’t read the books or seen the movies

36% of students

22%

22% of students

have seen the movies

36% 36%

36% of stu-

dents have read the books or seen the movies

Graphic by Asia Yates

Cover cartoon by Asia Yates, illustration by Ali Judy

The AP Language and Composition students watched the documentary Babies with De Soto High School students on Friday, Nov. 5. The idea to watch Babies, a documentary following the life of four babies growing up in different countries, came from AP Language and Composition teacher Kristen Crosbie. DHS AP Language and Composition teacher Phillip Hamilton was excited to see how the students interact. “It gave us the opportunity to see how our students are responding to the curriculum,” Hamilton said.

However Crosbie and Hamilton agree bringing both schools together can be a challenge. “The problem is figuring out a lesson plan with two teachers and over 100 students. Getting everyone involved and active in the lesson plan with those kind of numbers is tough,” Hamilton said. The students and teachers both thought it would be an exciting experience. “It gave us an opportunity to see other school’s ideas,” junior Courtney Minter said.

K-7 project update

Graduation rate

hanna torline {reporter}

K-7 and Johnson Drive construction has been going on for eight months now, with the goal of making K-7 a highway with no signaled intersections. The $21.4 million project will be underway until Oct. 28, 2011. According to Paul Lindstrom, City of Shawnee Senior Project Engineer, detours are just now being finished in the area to allow drivers to get from one side of Johnson Drive to the other without being a huge burden. “The major challenge has been providing good access to all the businesses,” Lindstrom said. “Special signing has been installed that identifies businesses in each quadrant of the intersection.” Although Lindstrom recognizes the strains the project may be putting on businesses and travelers, he believes the benefits outweigh the costs. “A separate interchange provides a safer means of accessing a crossing street,” Lindstrom said. “The traffic won’t be slowed down on a major highway.”

Upcoming events:

THE SILVER STARS perform a jazz dance on Saturday, Nov. 13 at the Cheer and Dance Festival. Photo by Ally Garton

Cheer and dance excel at festival austin gillespie {reporter}

On Saturday, Nov. 13 the cheer squad and dance team came home from the Cheer and Dance Festival with more than just experience, but also several division one ratings. The Silver Stars dance team received three division one ratings and an award for best technique. The cheer squad received a division one rating along with division one and two ratings on each of the stunts and individual jumps performed. “The past two weeks we’ve been practicing every single day,” senior cheer captain Tori Couts said. “We ran through our routines and everything. They were hardcore practices.” According to assistant dance team coach Sarah Sides, the hard work was worth it for the Silver Stars as well. “I think the girls just enjoy showing off the material we’ve been working on for so long and hard,” Sides said.

Shawnee City Council meets Monday at Shawnee City Hall at 7:30 p.m. The City Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month.

The 81st annual KCP&L Plaza Lighting Ceremony will take place from 6-7 p.m. on Thanksgiving night, Thursday, Nov. 25. A fireworks show will follow.

The school district’s 2009-2010 graduation rate of 97.6 percent is the highest in Johnson County. The district was compared to five other schools including Blue Valley, Spring Hill, Olathe, Shawnee Mission and Gardner-Edgerton. Associate principal Marilyn Chrisler feels that having a high graduation rate is a reflection of the school. “We work together. Our teachers, staff, and parents instill the importance of students working towards graduation,” Chrisler said. Along with the high graduation rate, Mill Valley finished in the top five out of 19 schools in all areas tested by Kansas State Assessments. The percentage of students who met or exceeded standards were 97.1 percent in reading, 97.8 percent in science and 95.2 percent in math. “At Mill Valley, we really care about what we do, what we accomplish, and how we move successfully towards our future,” Chrisler said. “We want all of our students to succeed.”

Jingle Jam, sponsored by Mix 93.3, comes to the Sprint Center, Friday, Dec. 3. Grammy Award winner Enrique Iglesias is a featured performer.

www.mvnews.org

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Nov. 19, 2010

{news}

LEFT: SOPHOMORE BROOKLYN SLOOP (center) assists a group of freshmen with their homework on Thursday, Oct. 14, in band teacher Debra Steiner’s freshman seminar. “[I like mentoring] because I get to meet new people,” Sloop said. ABOVE: ON TUESDAY, OCT. 12, junior Zack Rowan speaks to computer teacher Patricia Brock’s freshman seminar about the upcoming locker clean out. “[I enjoy mentoring because] I get to meet new people and build new relationships,” Rowan said. Photos by Austin Gude

Changes affect freshmen mentoring maya sudduth {reporter}

Basics of freshmen mentor program stay the same while slight changes alter the system In its second year of implementation, the freshman mentoring program has undergone numerous changes in order to improve its effectiveness. Only juniors and seniors could be mentors in the past; now students can be recommended sophomore year. Associate principal Jennifer Smith changed this when sophomores McKenzie Koch and Brooklyn Sloop inquired about being mentors. “The main reason I added sophomores was because they had just finished the course work and would have a good idea of what the teacher’s expectations would be,” Smith said. Koch believes that going through Freshman Academy has helped her to be a better mentor now. “Last year we just had junior and seniors and they could help us with homework the best they could but they had never been through Freshmen Academy,” Koch said. To make the program more helpful to freshmen, the 84 mentors now have topics, which are assignments given to mentors by Smith. It’s up to the mentors to come up with ways to complete the topics which range from getting to know the freshmen to staying organized. Junior Zack Rowan began the year helping students stay organized. “Me and the other mentors had locker clean up to show them how to stay organized and to show how being organized helps through high school,” Rowan said. Along with those topics, seminars now have a challenge every month. Challenges have ranged from getting everyone to get their seminar passes signed correctly, to attending an activity to homework completion.

“I feel like the monthly challenges are sometimes helpful but I don’t feel like the freshmen have fun participating in them,” sophomore Ellen Bodine said. According to Smith there are a lot of challenges that have to be faced with having mentors in seminar. “The biggest challenge is communication between the mentors and the seminar teachers,” Smith said. This year, mentors are permanently in the freshman seminars to eliminate dependability problems. “Last year we had mentors who weren’t enrolled in our classes, they just came in,” science teacher Betsy Meeks said. “Sometimes they didn’t show up so we couldn’t really count on them.” Last year there were only two mentors for each freshman seminar; now there are up to eight. Meeks likes the change. “I like having that many mentors because there’s always someone here and they’re all from different grades, not just seniors,” Meeks said. “The only thing I don’t like is that it makes seminar crowed. I don’t have enough seats for those who come in to make up work.” While they are encouraged to be positive role models, mentors also face some challenges relating to the freshmen. “It’s hard to relate to them because they are on a way different level,” Rowan said. “They have their ways of doing things and they’re new to the school and they’re use to middle school rules. They don’t understand that they’re not in middle school anymore.” The transition from middle school to high school can be intimidating, so mentors are chosen to help ease the stress of a new environment. Though the mentoring program has its flaws, Smith still stands behind the system. “I think the mentoring process is very valuable,” Smith said. “It helps freshmen both academically and socially.”

FRESHMAN EVAN BOXLER uses his seminar effectively by working on his math homework on Tuesday, Oct. 12 in computer teacher Patricia Brock’s seminar. “Without [seminar], I would probably have F’s,” Boxler said. Photo by Austin Gude

Freshmen mentor participants compare experiences {Mentor junior Zack Rowan} >

“The freshmen have their own thing. They don’t depend on us, and we don’t depend on them. We just make sure that they get what they need to get done, done.”

> “I don’t know most of them on a friendship

level, just on a normal conversation level.”

{Mentee freshman Madison Thomas} > “I think that mentors are supposed to help fresh-

man get used to the school and kind of balance out their assignments. They just kind of hang out with us.”

> “They help me on my assignments, friend problems and social issues.”

Photos by Austin Gude

www.mvnews.org

Phelps tests First Amendment alyne roemerman {reporter}

Fred Phelps

through the years

{news}

> Nov. 13, 1929 >

Fred Phelps was born. 1962-1964 Phelps earned a law degree from Washburn University and founded the Phelps Chartered law firm.

> July 20, 1979

Phelps was disbarred from Kansas law practice after numerous complaints about his courtroom actions.

> 1988

Phelps posted warning signs in Topeka’s Gage Park and received backlash from local churches, after learning of homosexual acts. His protests against gays continues regularly.

> 1998

Phelps first attracted national attention after protesting the funeral of Matthew Shepard, a victim of a gay-bashing.

> March 2006

Members of the WBC protested the funeral of Matthew Snyder; his father, Albert, then sued Phelps and the church.

PROTESTORS FROM WESTBORO Baptist Church show their support for Fred Phelps by promoting anti-gay and anti-war sentiments. Photo from of mtcampus. com

> May 29, 2006

> Oct. 6, 2010

Supreme Court heard the oral arguments for Snyder v. Phelps.

> June 2011 The Supreme Court will make a final decision regarding the case.

Victims of war honored by Patriot Guard biker organization alyne roemerman {reporter}

Patriot Guard bikers seek to the honor families of fallen war soldiers

Photo by Emily Johnson

Nov. 19, 2010

{news}

Funding structure changes elective classes

CLASSES SUCH AS Parent and Child Development and Photoshop will be changed in order to avoid losing funds. Photos by Austin Gude and Courtney

sarah darby {news editor}

KSDE funding model causes widespread reformatting of career and technical classes After four years in the making, career and technical education classes offered next year will change name and curriculum under a new Kansas State Department of Education career clusters and pathway model. If the changes are not made, the district stands to lose thousands in funding. District KSDE funding amounts to $200,000 every year, which pays primarily for teaching positions along with equipment expenses. The district will restructure classes to fit the new career pathway and clusters model. The new model, classified by 16 career clusters which umbrella over pathways or more occupationally specific classes, will change nearly every career and technical class, like technology and family and consumer science classes currently in place at high schools in the district. “[The new model] puts a focus for kids to say ‘I’m college bound or I’m not college bound,” district coordinator of grants and high school programs Cindy Fouraker said. As part of a transition to the new model, the district is gradually introducing courses that comply with career pathway and clusters model specifications. The first class created under the new model is the Residential Carpentry I class taught by drafting teacher Arlan Vomhof. Over 100 students enrolled in the class, and they can potentially receive certification and college credit through JCCC from the class. “I’m really glad we got this for students,” Vomhof said. “The most difficult thing for me is being told I have to teach from a specific book because I’ve never taught from a book before.” Senior Residential Carpentry I student Ryan Speer enjoys the class. “I like how it’s hands on work,” Speer said. “You’re mostly interacting with groups and working towards one goal, it’s fun.” Next year, the district will implement additional courses that fit the new model in the Human Services, Information Technology, Finance and Marketing clusters. Typical technology and family and consumer science classes will all be subject to change.

“We are going away from computer classes and moving more towards computer skills and how to implement them into a career field,” Fouraker said. Computer teacher Mark Chipman has only updated program software for classes in his 11 years at the school, and knows the transition will be difficult. Next year, technology teachers will teach eight to nine new classes. “The goal is to improve student ability to succeed in the work force and to succeed in college,” Chipman said. Vocational teachers like Chipman will be required to develop new curriculum for classes starting this spring and summer to prepare for the new classes offered next fall. Family and consumer science teachers Ellee Gray and Rebecca Caves will be teaching eight new classes next year. The only class that will be called by the same name is Nutrition and Wellness, although its curriculum will be changed. “I’m really worried the kids aren’t going to know which classes to take because of the new structure,” Gray said. “We’re going to have to make sure the course guide breaks that down for students next year.” Gray is also concerned students will miss classes offered in the past. Fashion and Design, taught by Caves, is one such class that will not be directly funded next year. To complete the model, Robin Harris, KSDE assistant director to career, standards and assessment services, said hundreds of teachers and administrators were asked for input. The model will standardize career and technical education but also allow for districts to customize the model. “Everybody is in a different place for what they’re teaching,” Harris said. “Every district is at a different place than another. I hope the result will be personalized education.” Most changes in the district will come next year in the first major transition to the new model. The deadline for a complete transition to the new model across the state is March 2013. Coordination between KSDE and districts throughout the state continues to make the transition as smooth as possible. “For anybody, change is hard,” Fouraker said. “Even KSDE can’t foresee into the future.”

The Kansas State Department of Education introduces new funding model in state > The district receives roughly $200,000 in fund-

> Classes can fit under any of 16 new clusters,

> KSDE funding pays for mainly teacher salaries

> Formal certification, including college credit

> This year, Residential Carpentry I was offered

> Journalism classes and curriculum will be

> Next year, 24 new classes throughout the dis-

> The new model will be fully implemented in the

ing from KSDE every year.

in the district and also elective class equipment. under the new model.

trict will be offered to meet funding from KSDE.

designed to bring classes into the 21st century. hours, will be offered with the new classes. finalized in the district in 2012 and 2013. state by March 2013.

Journalism concerns

SENIOR MIRANDA WAGNER, editor-in-chief of the yearbook, works in the journalism room on Thursday, Nov. 11. Photo by Courtney Cooke

sarah darby {news editor}

Vague terminology creates speculation over funding for journalism and broadcast classes A lack of the term “journalism” in the current version of the new career pathway and clusters model leaves the possibility of journalism funding in future years unclear. Robin Harris, KSDE assistant director to career, standards and assessments services said there is an opportunity for journalism to be offered in multiple pathways within career clusters. “It is not going away,” Harris said. “KSDE supports the skills learned in journalism, and we are not eliminating the skills learned in journalism.” When the career clusters model was first proposed, a specific journalism and broadcasting pathway was offered. Now an updated model has eliminated a specific journalism pathway, beginning speculation surrounding journalism funding. “A school that doesn’t have an active program may look at this and say there is no funding for journalism,” Kansas Scholastic Press Association executive director Jeff Browne said. “The fear is administrators may look at KSDE funding, not see journalism and write off the program before it can even start, before it can even get good.” Harris said how a district chooses to apply for journalism type funding is a local option. Districts can potentially put journalistic type classes into various clusters,it remains undetermined if “journalism” terminology will be placed back into the model to ensure the wide spread application of journalism classes in the state. “[Journalism] is probably one of the best things in the school to prep you for a career,” senior yearbook editor-in-chief Miranda Wagner said. “The skills you learn from the journalism experience are applicable anywhere.” Journalism in the district will be finalized in 2012 and 2013.

www.mvnews.org

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Nov. 19, 2010

{feature}

Fighting for a

Students and staff show their support for different causes

cause

lauren proctor {a&e editor}

Breast cancer Junior Rylan Sutton’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at the end of last winter. Since her diagnosis, Sutton has tried to be supportive of his mother, even if he does it in unconventional ways, like shaving a breast cancer ribbon into his hair. “[It was for] breast cancer month and to show her support during the Run for a Cure,” Sutton said. The idea was not his own, but Sutton jumped to make it a reality. “My step dad came up with the idea,

and then the idea turned into me actually doing it,” Sutton said. Sutton also supports his mom by wearing breast cancer awareness braceRylan Sutton lets. “I wear all the bracelets that are out there for it,” Sutton said. Although he knows that everyone can-

Bullying Senior Marysa Nickum has proclaimed herself “just another straight girl promoting gay rights.” “I’m a very opinionated person, and my opinions are very strong,” Nickum said. For Nickum, bullying produces very strong feelings and opinions. Nickum was one of the many people who wore purple to show their support for the teen boys who committed suicide due to bullying on Oct. 20. However, for Nickum, it was more than just a simple fashion choice. “[The issue of] gay rights really affects me because I feel very strongly that everyone should have the same rights, no matter who they are as a person,” Nickum said. “Everyone deserves to be treated like a human be-

not contribute to the cause, Sutton wishes more people would help. “I don’t expect everyone to donate, but people should do something and not just sit around,” Sutton said. Sutton’s mother is currently six weeks into chemotherapy, but still faces a long road of more treatment ahead. Sutton plans to help his mother by continuing to be supportive throughout her treatment. “I had to grow [the ribbon] out for a wedding, but I’m going to get it put back in soon,” Sutton said. “I’m going to continue

getting it cut like that until my mom is done with chemo.” Even though having a mother with cancer is “not a very pleasing thing to go through,” as Sutton says, he tries to stay positive to support his mom, even through times when it seems difficult or even impossible. “[Having a mother with cancer] is life changing. Everyone should be aware of it,” Sutton said. “It doesn’t just happen to one person, it could happen to anybody.”

Childhood cancer ing.” Nickum faced criticism from classmates who opposed the day, Marysa but she stood by her cause. Nickum “That day was mostly about bullying, and also about the people who have committed suicide due to bullying just because they were being who they are,” Nickum said. “People say [being gay is] wrong in the eyes of God, but being judgemental is wrong in the eyes of God too.” Nickum continues to defend the cause and hopes that those around her will try to open their minds.

Family and consumer sciences teacher Ellee Gray, for the past year, has been trying to raise money for her nephew, Chase, who was born with cancer. “[I try to raise money] to help with medical expenses that my nephew has acquired from his treatments for cancer and the surgery he had to remove the tumor on his back,” Gray said. To support the cause Gray has been selling bracelets, cook books, and helping arrange charity events like poker runs and auction dinners. “People shouldn’t have to worry about paying for life-saving surgeries for loved ones,” Gray said. “Even with insurance you have to pay beaucoup bucks for medical

treatment.” Gray hopes that by raising money for this cause that Chase’s par- Ellee Gray ents will be able to focus more on their child and less on their financial situation. “Seeing Chase’s situation and how the medical system runs, we need a change,” Gray said. “We should always be grateful and happy for being healthy and not worrying about how we’re going to pay our medical bills.” If students wish to contribute to the cause, they can see her to purchase a bracelet or cookbook.

Merchandise for a cause: raise awareness for your favorite causes

> Item: “Fight Like a Girl” gym >Item: “Coexist” bumper sticker > Item: “Love Lives On” brace- > Item: “Stop Domestic Viobag

Price: $18.49 Where to buy: http://www.awarenessboutique. com

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Cause: social equality

lets

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Cause: suicide prevention

Cause: domestic violence

Photos by Nichole Kennelly Images from www.tylerspuzzle.com and www.embassyofafghanistan.com

www.mvnews.org

For some students, theater is only a hobby. For others, it is a lisa joerling {reporter} kristina milewski {features editor}

Theater program offers students opportunties to suceed in theatre Christian Youth Theater, or CYT, is a theater designed for kids ages 8-18 and has been a major part of seniors Emily Longhofer’s and Hannah Beck’s lives. CYT has been around for more than 10 years and has three locations they call north, south and east. Each location does three shows a season and has between 50-85 kids a show. Beck and Longhofer are involved in the south location, which performed over 30 shows in the past 10 years. Though school is also important to Beck and Longhofer, CYT takes hours of time out of school. “It takes all of [my time]. I don’t have any spare time. It’s hard to manage school and CYT,” Longhofer said. Though CYT often takes away from schoolwork, Longhofer feels it’s worth it. “It definitely affects school, but it’s 100 percent worth it. It helps me grow as a person,” Longhofer said. Senior Kelsie Schuman used to be involved with CYT. She participated in shows starting in fifth grade and ending in her freshman year. “When you do CYT, it’s the only extra curricular activity you can participate in,” Schuman said. “I wanted to spend more time doing activities at Mill Valley.” During performances, Beck and Longhofer often have to leave school for shows. “You have to make a lot of sacrifices for this. It means I can’t be involved in school or have a job. This is my life,” Longhofer said. Many hours a week are put into shows and rehearsals. They spend close to 9 hours rehearsing and about twelve with travel. Because of the hours put into it and missing school, free time is limited for both. “It involves all of our life, we have no free time, no spare time or anything it can be hard,” Beck said. To be a part of a CYT show participants have to take a class they offer. CYT offers classes from acting, dancing, make-up and more. “We both take dance classes, so it’s more time we spend there, but we love it,” Beck said. For Beck, CYT has been a part of her life for years.

{feature}

lifest y le

“I saw a show when I was in fourth grade. I saw kids up there that were my age and I got really interested into it,” Beck said Seeing a performance got Longhofer involved as well. “I went to see a show, and after I thought it looked fun I talked to Beck who gave me the information,” Longhofer said. Being involved in CYT has given both Beck and Longhofer many opportunities. “We’ve gotten the chance to go dance in NYC, go to San Diego and hopefully soon we will be able to meet CYT people from around the nation,” Beck said. Some opportunities have continued into schoolwork and Beck partners her drama class with an intership through CYT. Schuman made the decision to discontinue participating in CYT. “I chose to stop doing CYT because I became closer with people at Mill Valley,” Schuman said. Beck and Longhofer admit they cannot spend near the amount of time they would like to at school. “It means we can’t be involved in school, which is why you have to make a choice and sometimes it’s tough,” Beck said. The friendships made at CYT have had an impact on their performances. “I’ve met so many people and had so much fun, I really want to be a dance teacher and hope I can choreograph shows for CYT one day,” Longhofer said. Beck doesn’t know if CYT has a career for her. “I’ve definitely thought about it, it would be great but I’m not sure about what I want to do or where,” Beck said. Beck and Longhofer can agree on their favorite part of CYT. “Our faith really keeps us going, the people there are amazing and we know we have Jesus,” Longhofer said. Relief comes when a show is finally ready to perform. “It’s a great feeling when it comes together, you feel proud,” Longhofer said. “I’ve never seen a show not come together, everyone gets it together.” After hours put into a show and rehearsal the feeling of friendship, relief and hard work come together. “I love the impact we can have on other people,” Beck said. “I get to serve the Lord and do I what I love. It’s awesome.”

Above: Rehearsing for an upcoming CYT show, senior Hannah Beck takes the hands of another actor in “Singin’ in the Rain”. “I like doing CYT because I get to do what I love there, everyone is so supportive,” Beck said. Photo by Kristina Milewski

CYT fast facts > Ages 8-18 > Has locations across America > Founded in 1981 as an after school program > Range from 50-85 kids per show > South location has put on over 30 shows in their 10 years

> They started a H.E.A.R.T program designed to help children with special needs

> Show participants must take one class relating to theatre such as acting, dancing or singing

Left: Practicing for a dance scene in “Singin’ in the Rain”, senior Emily Longhofer glances in the mirror to check her footwork. “I love theater. I love singing and dancing, and it’s a safe and friendly place,” Longhofer said. ABOVE: LONGHOFER AND BECK crowd in a group huddle with other dance members as they get rallied up for their upcoming theater performances. Photos by Kristina Milewski

10 {feature}

Nov. 19, 2010

stones may my

break bones

WORDS “That’s so gay” josh duden {reporter} mackenzie hampton {managing editor}

Students share real-life stories of how common phrases had a negative connotation to them.

but

Bullying has directly affected a junior who asked to be anonymous in his school environment. Since he came out, school has become more difficult in every way. People have called him words such as “fag” or “queer” and said things like, “You have a disease.” The problems escalated socially to a point which he says hurt his confidence. “It lowered my self-esteem in a way until I didn’t know who I was anymore,” he said. “We’re only here for seven to eight hours a day so why do they have to make it miserable for me?” But it didn’t stop at the cruel words and verbal attacks in the halls. Eventually students began badgering him in class as well as the halls. He says the school never tried to help. “Last year it got so bad that I began crying in class,” he said. “The school never did anything about it.” But the bullying has exceeded the school’s walls. Whether it was walking down the street or driving home, the bullying followed him. He says he was once rammed off of the road. “I was driving in Woodsonia and a big car that was driven by [a person who] I never got along was behind me,” he said. “He started tailgating me, then he came up next to me and rammed me into the ditch.” The bullying crept into his life and eventually reached a point where he considered suicide. “Long nights of crying and bad cases of anxiety set in,” he said. “I was about to kill myself. I was going off the edge and they made the world feel against me and suicide, in my mind, was a way out.” He perservered through the tough times and today he offers his advice to those being bullied whether gay or not. “Stay true to yourself,” he said. “In the end you’re who has to live with you.”

Spoken words:

{junior Kristyn Harding} “The world would be a better place without you.”

will

always

and

“Sticks

hurt me

“Because you’re black” During her sophomore year, senior Alexis Williams was giving a speech about her opinion on why she thought Barack Obama should be president. A group of boys stood up and started making comments. It turned from a speech to a debate and from a debate to verbal assault. “It wasn’t just my opinion anymore. They were attacking me,” Williams said. “The worst part was that the teacher didn’t do anything. She didn’t send anyone out of class and wasn’t really taking a stand. I left the room crying and since I was new to the school I didn’t really know how to handle what happened.” After this incident happened, Williams said the administration didn’t do anything about it until her dad came up to the school to talk to the principal. She felt like the administration didn’t take a stand. Later in the year, after the election, Williams was getting ready for Black History Month. The Diversity Club had put up signs with quotes on them and she said someone had written the n-word on a few of them. “I felt like views and opinions of myself aren’t respected around here,” Williams said. The words written on the signs and the incidents that happened in the classroom affected William’s views of the school and are reflected in her outlook of the students. “They expect me to act the stereotypical way and question why I don’t act that way,” Williams said. “I feel like western Shawnee kids are so sheltered that they don’t realize that stereotypes aren’t the only way people act in real life.”

Students share hurtful things that they have heard

{sophomore Andrew McQueen} “You’re a godforsaken a**hole who only tries to manipulate people.”

{freshman Riley Boyle} “I think it would be fun if you committed suicide.”

{feature} 11

www.mvnews.org

“She’s a slut” Late seventh grade is when all the drama crept into sophomore Hailey Vorbeck’s life. Rumors began to spread about Vorbeck’s alleged sex life with several students and lasted three years. She was called “whorebeck” and “slut.” Vorbeck says that the bullying reached its peak last year. “I was at a football game and me and another girl got into a fight because she thought I was involved with her ex-boyfriend,” Vorbeck said. “The fight started verbal and ended physical but was stopped by a parent.” Bullying had a lasting affect on her high school experience. Vorbeck says she was worried more about the rumors than her education. “School was, in my mind, going to be ruined,” Vorbeck said. “Both my educational and social experiences in school led me not to do well because I was more focused on what people said.” She became afraid, not only of what people were saying, but also for her safety. Vorbeck says it wasn’t her classmates but upperclassmen. “I think it was because I went to school with them and there was a lot of rumors occuring,” Vorbeck said. “For the people who saw me everyday they knew it wasn’t true.” Three years later she described her situation as if it never happened. Vorbeck says if bullying is occuring,- find someone to confide in. “Don’t let it get to you,” Vorbeck said. “Go to your parents or someone who can help you take immediate action.”

Resource officer John Midiros explains what makes an online fight illegal

When does bullying go from being a fight to a crime? If you use facebook and threaten somebody it can fall under criminal threat charge or telephone harassment.

In your opinion, why is bullying such a big issue? Its definitely more prominent now. It’s always been around but for some reason it’s affecting kids more. We see it a lot more at freshman, sophomore level.

How can bullying be prevented? Treat others as you’d want to be treated. Facebook isn’t a good way to vent. If you refrain from negative comments and keep it to yourself, thing won’t get started.

What types of bullying do you encounter most often? Why?

I would say most of it is by electronic bullying. Behind a computer screen or phone it’s a lot easier to do.

Is there anything you’d like to add pertaining to bullying?

I’d just like to see more kids stand out for someone who’s being bullied. My tips hotline isn’t just for drugs/ alcohol; it’s to keep the community safe. We all learn to coexist and be professional. Everyone should have a safe learning environment.

Cartoon by Asia Yates

“You’re retarded” The word “retarded” itself is offensive because usually the people who are being called retarded are not, according to sophomore McKenzie Schmitt. Schmitt says it is wrong to use this phrase because those who are handicapped cannot change the way they are. “I see the people who are actually retarded and, how it is used today, you are calling your friend retarded,” Schmitt said. “But your friend can help it, and the people who actually are handicapped can’t.” Special needs people cannot defend themselves and they cannot control the way they are so it makes them easier targets, according to sophomore Alec Santaularia. Santaularia has a younger brother born with down syndrom and takes offense to the loose usage of the word “retarded.” Santaularia believes it’s not

Typed words:

said in ignorance, but to make the person saying it feel better. “I truly think it is because people aren’t comfortable with themselves,” Santaularia said. “They feel like they have to make fun of others to feel better about themselves [as a person]. “ Bullying of the special needs people is a problem in the eyes of Santaularia and Schmitt. Schmitt says it is immoral to make fun of those with special needs. “They can’t help it, it’s morally wrong to make fun of someone when they can’t help it,” Schmitt said. “When I see them in the hallways my heart has a special place and love for them because people have no idea what’s going on with the actual handicapped people.

{freshman Reid Langston}

{senior Ronnie Sloop}

{freshman Lexi Starr}

“I’ve heard every derogatory word towards homosexuals.”

“Someone told me that I was adopted.”

“Shutup because you’re black.” Photos by Emily Johnson

Nov. 19, 2010

{opinion} StaffEditorial

New model leaves journalism funding in question Vague terminology creates concerns around program funding

Cartoon by Asia Yates

Spirit must come from the students not the administration “We ARE Mill Valley” fails to create school spirit in the student body sarah fulton {sports editor}

We have heard it at least three times a day for the last two years, “We ARE Mill Valley.” It is meant to motivate us, to remind us to do our best and to do our school proud. While it remains Fulton unseen if the slogan has actually had any of the intended positive effect, it is very clear that it has been very effective at inspiring many jokes, bouts of sarcasm and an innumerable amount of eye rolls both from students and teachers. Instead of unifying us in school pride, it unifies us in how stupid we think it is. An administration cannot create school spirit, however hard it tries. The spirit and motiva-

2010JagWire

Cartoon by Asia Yates

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{opinion} 13

www.mvnews.org ProCon

First Amendment needs to Phelps shouldn’t be able to protect all varieties of speech protest funerals anymore Fred Phelps should have the right to hold offensive protests kaitlyn butko {editor-in-chief}

I want to make one thing perfectly clear: I absolutely despise Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church. However, as citizens of the United States of Butko America, they are guaranteed First Amendment rights through the Constitution and they should be allowed to hold their protests. The First Amendment guarantees the freedom of speech, not the freedom of pleasant speech. Just because we don’t like the Phelps’ actions doesn’t give us the right to declare them unconstitutional. Crossing the line by outlawing the Phelps’ actions would completely diminish the power of the most fundamental rights given to American citizens. For the Supreme Court to rule in favor of Phelps, the question becomes whether they are punishing an offense or an idea. For any kind of freedom to exist in this country, we cannot outlaw ideas and censor viewpoints. This country was founded upon the beliefs of freedom and diversified thought. In order to rule against the Phelps, the Supreme Court would have to make an entire process of

thought illegal, and that just isn’t possible. Legally, the Phelps’ are smart about what they do. They announce ahead of time the location of all their protests and stand in places that have been marked off for them by the police. By being upfront about all their actions, they allow for families to prepare. The Patriot Guard then becomes an option. But as much as the Phelps are not wanted, they still have the right to protest, just as the Patriot Guard has the right to rev their engines so the Phelps’ can’t be heard. If we start making everything we disagree with illegal, then America ceases to be free. And without freedom, America ceases to be America.

Protests need to be restricted so families can mourn in peace josh duden {reporter}

It should be up to question whether Fred Phelps can protest soldiers’ funerals with picket signs that say things such as “God hates fags” or “Thank God for 9/11.” Duden But can one’s freedom of speech be limited? It should be limited if the speech is harassment. According to the legal definition of harassment, harassment is any conduct that

causes emotional distress; harassment is illegal. Though Phelps finds loop holes, isn’t waving signs in front of a funeral saying “Thank God for 9/11” harassment? This is where speech should reach its limit. These signs inflict emotional harm on the families whose loved ones are being honored on the day of the funeral. The current case in the Supreme Court, Snyder vs. Phelps, addresses the potential limits of the freedom of speech versus intentional emotional distress. Intentional emotional distress is harassment. The law that draws a line between free speech and harassment is a gray area, but it doesn’t need to be. These attacks are much like verbal assault; if it is illegal to hit a person with your fist it should be illegal to hit a person with these derrogatory words. In the words of Albert Snyder, the prosecuting party in the trial, “ I had one chance to bury my son and it was taken from me.” These protests can’t hurt the soldiers. But it can hurt their families because of the picket signs’ harsh views aimed at their loved ones. We must question whether he has the right to say what he wants, and if it’s to occur in a targeted nature at these funerals. Let the family mourn. They only get one chance to bury their loved ones, let the offensive speech be limited while they are being buried. No longer can America let one man and his congregation’s views impede our right to bury our loved ones; Phelps must be stopped.

Cartoon by Asia Yates

Facebook not the most effective way to find a cure for cancer Statuses on Facebook have failed to help the fight against cancer kaitlin rounds {reporter}

Rounds

Facebook is a great way to update your friends on what you’re doing and stay in touch with ones you may not see as much through photos and wall posts. Facebook, however, may not be the best way to

find a cure for cancer. The newest Facebook trend has been posting statuses such as “Everyone has 1000 wishes, but cancer patients only have one. Only

7% of people care about people with cancer so feeling good about themselves for one day by they’ll repost this, but 93% don’t at all, so they copying and pasting words that really don’t mean anything to their Facebook status. won’t.” Now, this one example would not be horI understand that these statuses are on the rendous if it was the only surface something harmway people were trying to less and thought to help “Instead of just post“help” cure cancer. But in society better understand ing a status on cancer addition to this some girls the suffering of cancer paawareness, go the exrecently found it necestients. However, it’s quite tra mile and research sary to make their staoffensive to assume that other ways your efforts tus a sexual innuendo 93% people, which is, by which was supposthe way, an impossible to could be put to use.” edly for breast cancer prove statistic, don’t care awarenes. that others are killed from Women and cancer. throughout the These “uncaring people” could instead be g i r l s community decided to actually helping through fundraising and dona- Fa c e b o o k tions to the cause rather than copping out and start their status with the phrase “I like it on

the…” and end with wherever their purse was at the given time, for example “I like it on the kitchen counter.” These sexual innuendos, which had absolutely nothing to do with breast cancer, were incredibly offensive and almost made a joke of the seriousness of breast cancer and the women it affects. Many girls will argue that they put the status to spread awareness, but at this point in time almost all people know breast cancer exists and an immature status doesn’t help the cause in any way. Instead of just posting a status on cancer awareness, go the extra mile and research other ways your efforts could be put to use. Because, realistically, will a few words over the internet magically cure cancer, or will scientific research?

YouSaidIt Is revoking freedom of speech right if other people are harmed? “No because it’s a right, but I don’t agree with what he says.” {freshman Abby Sieperda}

“Yes. It’s a right but you have to respect it and not take advangtage of it.” {sophomore Mackenzie Schmitt}

“No. It’s a constitutional right. [The Constitution] is there to protect our rights.” {junior Parker Brush}

“Yes. You have to show respect and have a sense of morality.” {senior Vince Jr. De Vito}

Photos by Kat Rainey

Nov. 19, 2010

{sports}

Powerlifting needs attention

“If you like a challenge, hunting is not an easy thing” joel hodgdon {reporter}

joel hodgdon {reporter}

SENIOR DEVIN TREIBEL, dressed in his hunting apparel, including his full camoflauge suit, prepares to discharge his firearm. Photo by Courtney Cooke

www.mvnews.org

{sports}

Preview

Photo illustration by Taylor Young

Wrestling

Currently participating in twoa-days to prepare for the season, which begins Tuesday, Nov. 30 at home versus Stanley High School. Head coach Travis Keal says he just wants the team to be its best. “I want to see improvement daily,” Keal said. “ We need to come together as a team.” >

Coaches add their own touches to new district academic policy >

hanna torline {reporter}

Player spotlight WRESTLING COACH KALE Mann demonstrates how to execute a move on Monday, Nov. 8. “People focus more on athletics because and is more emphasized in society,” Mann said. “But if they take that small level of dedication and put it into academics they would be immensely successful.” Photo by Taylor Young

tent, no matter what sport you play.” On the other hand, Van Holland thinks a coach should have the ability to have their own expectations. “It’s a coach enforcing the policy and making sure that you’re doing your job to help the rest of the team,” Van Holland said. With more and more students being affected by the stricter policies, teams have had to adjust to different rotations and lineups. “When we had players [become ineligible] for volleyball, some back row people had to step up and hit, we had to move positions around, and change the rotations,” Fangman said. Despite some of the issues with having stricter academic expectations, coaches and athletes alike can agree that it is important to emphasize good grades. “Being able to perform in the classroom goes along with performing on the field,” Van Holland said. “If you don’t get good enough grades, you won’t have the opportunity to help your teammates.” Vomhof agrees that having good grades is essential. “Athletes need to have good grades because they are role models for others,” Vomhof said. “They don’t realize how much both younger kids and peers look up to them.” While there have been some improvements visible in student’s overall grades, Mann thinks there may be a downside if the rules both enforced by the school and by coaches become too strict. “The intent is good,” Mann said. “My concern is that there will be students who have are struggling so much that they won’t challenge themselves just to get the easy A.”

Academic policy breakdown > Athletes must maintain a C-average and are not allowed to have an F in any class.

Boys Basketball

The team began practice on Wednesday and is now preparing for their first game against Dec. 7 away at Gardner-Edgerton High School. Head coach Justin says that he expects the competition on the first game to be tough. “They will be physically strong,” Bogart said. “Our kids will be ready.”

Higher expectations create new worries and troubles for athletes struggling with their grades It’s a common stereotype that athletes are just that: athletes. People think they put sports above academics, which in some cases may be true. However, the district is trying to change that reputation. In order to hold athletes to higher standards, halfway through last year a change was made to the academic policy. Previously, having an F would constitute ineligibility, as well as having two or more Ds. Students are now required to keep a C average in all classes as well has having no F’s, being enforced with a weekly grace period to allow students to raise their grades. District athletic director Steve Deghand feels these requirements are reasonable, acknowledging the privileges athletes are given. “There are higher expectations for athletes than for other students,” Deghand said. “This is because everyone has a right to an education, but an extra curricular is a privilege.” In addition to the stricter outlook the district is taking towards academics, some coaches have their own ways of dealing with athletes struggling academically. “In wrestling, the coaches have an exercise called ‘Dancing with the Dummy’ that people have to do after practice if they haven’t kept their grades up,” senior wrestler and football player Andrew Van Holland said. The exercise consists of lifting, running, or carrying a 130 lb. awkwardly shaped dummy. One team that had problems keeping up with the academic policy was the freshman volleyball team. When many on the team were given academic warnings, the entire team had to sit out of practice. “We all had to sit out of practice and go to the media center to talk to teachers,” freshman Gabby Fangman said. Along with these new requirements, some coaches hold even higher requirements for their athletes. “I require students to have a C or better in all classes, which is more stringent than the school’s policy,” soccer coach Arlan Vomhof said. “But I will work with them while they are getting that grade up. School work comes first, and playing a sport is a privilege.” Similarly, football players are expected to get their grades up by the Wednesday before a game, instead of Friday, which is what the district requires. These different expectations have recieved a variety of responses. “I think that if [grades] are that big of a problem, the rules should be changed for the entire school, not just that sport,” sophomore soccer player Taylor Hunter said. “The requirements should all be consis-

Girls Basketball

The team has began two and a half weeks of practice before their first game on Thursday, Dec. 2 against Blue Valley Northwest at home. “I don’t believe in setting goals,” head coach John McFall said. “I am a firm believer in that if you prepare everyday things will take care of themselves.”

> Grades are monitored every

two weeks to make sure they are adequate.

A one week grace period is given to allow students time to raise their grades.

Junior Devin Ellison : Wrestling What sports do you participate in? Normally, wrestling and football but my shoulder surgery prevented me from playing football this year. What weight class our you in? This year I am in the 145. What are your expectations for this year? To win state and be the best I can possibly be? What was you greatest moment in Wrestling? Probably, freshman year when I came back from a horrible first round and placed and regionals to go to state. What are your plans for wrestling after high school? If I can I would like to continue to wrestle but if something else came up that I had to take care of first I would drop wrestling.

Nov. 19, 2010

{a&e}

Three students went up against the Papa Bob’s Ultimate Destroyer to compete in...

JagWire

Sandwich Breakdown

V ers u s

Food

Senior Henry Thomas: “...every time I ate the ham, there was more...” Goal: At least three pounds First thoughts: “Oh my god, there is no way I’m getting through that.”

How’d it taste?: “Delicious, for as

long as I could taste it.”

Favorite part: “Sausage, it had a

little spice to it and was a little sweet.”

Hardest part: “The lunch ham, it

dragged on forever, every time I ate the ham, there was more ham.” SHOCKED WITH 5 minutes left on the clock, senior Henry Thomas tries to finish the six and a half pounds of food at Papa Bob’s Bar-B-Que on Wednesday, Sept. 15. Photo by Taylor Young

to get as much as I can without puking.”

How’d it taste?: “It was really good

How’d you feel afterwards? (45 minutes): “If I eat any more, I’ll

at first, then got bland after a while because I’d eaten so much.”

Favorite part: “The pulled pork and

french fries.”

Hardest part: ”The burgers, because they were really thick and juicy.”

Half-pound pulled pork

about to explode.”

How’d you feel afterwards? (45 minutes): “Thankful, I turned

my head to the heavens and thanked God for allowing me to endure those 45 minutes.”

Half-pound hickory smoked sliced pork

Two slices of bread, a half-pound layer of sliced hickory smoked ham with half a pound hickory smoked turkey breast

He ate: 2.82 lbs Would you ever do it again?: “No. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

How’d you feel after 25 minutes?: “I’m really, really full. Just trying

First thoughts: “Holy crap, this is the biggest sandwich I’ve ever seen.”

How’d you feel after 25 minutes?: “I feel terrible, my stomach is

Sophomore Brianna Franklin: “If I eat anymore, I’ll explode.” Goal: 1.63 lbs (1/4)

What’s in the Ultimate Destroyer?

explode.”

She ate: 1.83 lbs Would you ever do it again?: “If I had a family helping me, then yes. If I was by myself, then no way, but it was a fun experience.”

> Two slices of bread and

three half-pound hickory smoked hamburgers

SOPHOMORE BRIANNA FRANKLIN took her time during her challenge, savoring each bite. When the buzzer went off, Franklin had consumed 1.83 pounds on Sunday, Sept. 12. Photo by Taylor Young

Senior Kaitlyn Butko: “My stomach will never be the same” kaitlyn butko {editor-in-chief}

SENIOR EDITOR-IN-chief Kaitlyn Butko attempts to eat “The Ultimate Destroyer” at Papa Bob’s Bar-B-Que restaurant on Wednesday, Sept. 15. Photo by Taylor Young

Photos by Taylor Young

The Ultimate Destroyer takes no prisoners. Forty have tried, but not a single one has conquered the beast. I am no exception. You may think the 1.56 lbs I ate seems pathetic and insignificant compared to the six and a half lbs total, but my stomach would strongly disagree with you. This monster of a meal never ends, layer after layer, food just keeps appearing. Sure, all the different kinds of meat tasted great and the french fries proved that nothing was to be overlooked, but once eating them became painful, the appeal went down a considerable amount. After about ten minutes of stuffing my face, my taste buds deserted me and took away the only enjoyable part of the chal-

lenge. The rules for the Ultimate Destroyer Challenge prove that this challenge is to be taken seriously: 45 minutes to eat the enormous amount of food by yourself, no bathroom breaks and no dipping the food in the free unlimited fountain drinks. If you’re under 18, you even need to have your parents sign a waiver for you to compete. There really is no messing around when an Up Chuck Bucket is provided. At $48 before tax, this sandwich becomes a better buy when you forego the challenge portion and take the whole family. That way, everyone gets a hearty portion and you can avoid sweating meat for the next few days.

A half-pound of hickory smoked brisket with a half-pound of lean, hickory smoked sausage taylor

> A 12” hoagie bun, a half-

pound of fries and four dill pickle spears

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Nov. 19, 2010

{a&e}

Welcome to the school of

Witchcraft and Wizardry

kaitlin rounds {reporter}

The JagWire polled 100 students about their Harry Potter habits 6%

6% of students have only read the books 22% of students LEFT: JUNIOR CARLY GRANATO has purchased several Harry Potter items including Gryffindor T-shirts, a Golden Snitch, and a Quiddich Through the Ages book. ABOVE: HAVING SEEN EACH movie at least ten times, junior Tyler Kile has also read each book in the Harry Potter series at least three times. Photos by Emily Johnson

haven’t read the books or seen the movies

36% of students

22%

have seen the movies

36% 36%

36% of stu-

dents have read the books or seen the movies

Graphic by Asia Yates

www.mvnews.org The JagWire revisits a childhood favorite to show how she defined societal ideals. Join us as we celebrate 50 years of

{a&e} 19

Barb e

sarah gonzales {reporter}

sarah fulton {sports editor}

The evolution of Barbie

ong blonde hair, bright blue eyes and sculpted long legs; this is everyone’s ideal woman and every little girl’s ideal doll. In the 50 years since her creation in 1959, Barbie has set the standard for dolls across the country by selling over a billion dolls and becoming the best selling toy of all time. This information is featured at the exhibit Celebrating 50 Fabulous Years with America’s Favorite Doll, which is on display at the Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City. The exhibit features over 136 Barbie dolls, including a first edition Barbie. According to museum educator Laura Taylor, the museum chose to do the exhibit because they were seeking to do exhibits relevant to our community. “Barbie has been a major part of little girls’ childhood for five decades. She reflects popular culture and in some cases influences it,” Museum Educator Laura Taylor said. “I think the exhibit is an opportunity for people to examine children’s material culture as a mirror to what is important to us as a society.” To some girls like junior Malayia Reece, Barbie was more than just a doll. “Barbie meant my whole childhood,” Reece said. “She was my fake best friend.” Like Reece, Barbie played a role in English teacher Katie Davis’ childhood. She received her first Barbie in the first grade and now watches her seven-year-old daughter Paige share the same connection with Barbie. “She calls it baby-mommy time because when I play with her, it reminds [Paige] that I was once a kid too,” Davis said.

1950s: She sported the peacoats and formal fashion of the ‘50s.

1960s: Barbie began to sport the Mod style wearing by colorful clothing.

1970s: Barbie’s skirts underwent the change from mini to maxi.

1980s: Following the MTV craze Barbie’s clothing took a bold look.

Through Davis’ “baby-mommy” time, she has witnessed part of the evoultion of Barbie. This evoultion is also documented in the exhibit, showcases how Barbie has evolved from decade to decade in order to stay an accurate example of the modern woman. The creator of Barbie, Ruth Handler, has a philosophy in the exhibit saying that by through Barbie every girl could be anything she wanted to be. With this philosophy, Barbie, as the doll and with her accessories, has given little girls the basis for their imagination. “When I was younger it was just the doll, you could make up whatever world you wanted,” Reece said. “Now with all the accessories the world is made up for you.” Freshman Kyra Clair didn’t have to use Barbie’s accessories; for her Barbie came to life. “My favorite memory was probably when my mom dressed up as Barbie at Toy’s R Us,” Clair said. “When we went to go see her it was fun and it was also cool because you basically saw Barbie come to life.” More memories of Barbie were shared at the Miniature and Toy museum. At the end of the exhibit, patrons are encouraged to write their own Barbie memories and place them out for others to see. Taylor’s favorite story comes from Amelia, age 43, who said that one of her happiest memories was coming home from camp to find that her mom and sisters had made a big display of her first Barbies on her bed. “[Barbie] is an iconic toy,” Taylor said. “She has been around now for so long that grandmothers, mothers, and daughters have played with her. She is intergenerational.”

1990s: Wearing big hair Barbie became both sassy and preppy.

2000s: Denim and pastels became part of Barbie’s everyday life. Photos by Taylor Young

Nov. 19, 2010

{photo essay}

In this class, artistic students go

above and beyond mackenzie hampton {managing editor}

New class allows students to develop their individual artistic personalities

SENIOR RJ SMITH fixes his drawing after recieving criticism from senior Kelcie Marquart in hopes to improve it. Photo by Ali Judy

Students work busily in a relaxed room where they begin to show their own personality through their work. AP Studio Art is a new class at the school that is built around developing three portfolios. Students create breadth, concentration and a quality portfolio while being challenged to step out of the box and express their own voice. During Silver 5, art teacher Erica Crist guides AP students through challenges they face. “This class offers a college studio-like environment where students can work at a quicker and more challenging pace,” Crist said. “Through the course they develop their voice and personal artwork.” Crist said that students first start off working on their breadth which allows them to work on idea building and the ability to tell a story through their artwork. “Second semester they develop concentration, which is 12 works, developed around a certain theme,” Crist said. “AP graders look for how successfully students convey the theme and also growth from the first concentration to the final concentration.” Senior RJ Smith knew that it’d be something he could enjoy and would be able to express his talents in. “Everyone in the class is really talented. I like Ms. Crist and the atmosphere she provides. Each student independently works on their own stuff and it’s nice to go at your own pace,” Smith said. Both Smith and Crist suggest taking AP Studio Art if interested in working hard and pursuing the arts after high school.

ABOVE LEFT: SENIOR HAYLEY OSTRONIC uses a mirror to draw a self portrait in her sketchbook. “[AP Studio Art] helped me realize my strengths in art and my weaknesses and my style as an artist,” Ostronic said. “It helped me draw things quicker and more accurately.” Photo by Nichole Kennelly ABOVE RIGHT: AP STUDIO ART students were allowed free expression on their first project of the year. Art teacher Erica Crist wanted to get a feel for the students’ artistic voices as well as where the class was artistically as a whole. Photo by Nichole Kennelly

TOP: ERICA CRIST CONDUCTS a critique over their current project in class on Oct. 9. Photo by Ali Judy MIDDLE: MIXING VARIOUS WATERCOLOR paints, senior Marysa Nickum looks to find the perfect shade of purple for her equivocal space project. “[AP Studio Art has] developed all of our technical skills and helped us pretty much develop our ideas and making them our own,” Nickum said. Photo by Nichole Kennelly BOTTOM: SENIOR RJ SMITH adds finishing touches to his drawing before asking for advice form AP Studio Art teacher Erica Crist. Photo by Nichole Kennelly