JagWire Newspaper Volume 15 Issue 4 by JagWire newspaper

jw J AGWIRE

MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL • VOLUME 15 ISSUE 4 • DEC. 11, 2014 • MVNEWS.ORG

HUMANS OF MILL VALLEY pages 10-11

NEWS same-sex marriage

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FEATURE support staff

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SPORTS tumbling

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showdown 18 sweaterA&E

2 NEWS deca

MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL • JAGWIRE

NEW MARKETING PROGRAM OFFERS COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITIES BY RAVEN HODGES

ads manager jagwire.ravenhodges@gmail.com

BY BRADEN SHAW

reporter jagwire.bradenshaw@gmail.com

DECA gives students the chance to improve real-world business skills Students enrolled in Advanced Marketing can now participate in the business-minded organization Distributive Education Clubs of America, or DECA. DECA involves competitions with categories such as Retail Merchandising and Financial Consulting. The team has participated in two competitions so far, at Blue Valley Northwest and Blue Valley West, each with over 400 students participating. In April, DECA will go to the

“It’s a learning tool and a way to compete and have fun.” SENIOR CALLAHAN ECKARDT state competition. If they place in the top three spots, they will qualify for the Disney-sponsored nationals in Orlando at the end of April. The competition works like this: students in each category are given 10 minutes to compete as an individual or 20 minutes as a team. The competition involves solving a problem in a business scenario. They then receive a role-play score from the judge based on performance indicators. This is combined with the results of a 100-question test score that they will also have to take to make up their overall score. Advanced Marketing teacher Dianna Heffernon said that Mill Valley has similar clubs to DECA available. “A more simplified comparison would be to Forensics class,” Heffernon said. “Instead of acting [the situations] are all business scenarios.” The class offers many avenues for students to learn and further their knowledge of the business world. Design by Sarah Myers and Jena Smith

Senior Callahan Eckardt uses DECA as a way to further enjoy his Advanced Marketing class. “You are learning more about different markets and what type of business finance you want to do,” Eckardt said. “It’s a learning tool and a way to compete and have fun within a school setting.” Senior Bailey Weeks, who participates in business competitions, said DECA will assist him in his future career. “The class gives you real life situations that will help you so you do not fail,” Weeks said. Senior Ellen Merrill also said participating in events such as Retail Merchandising will help her in the future. “I used to work in a retail store so I thought I would have some background knowledge,” Merrill said. “It also has shown me what a future in that field might look like and it gives us real life professional experience.” Eckardt also wants to use this newfound knowledge in future marketing careers. “[One benefit of DECA] is learning from other people’s mistakes,” Eckardt said. “All of the issues [DECA] presents to you are real situations in the business world. Also, I want to use it as a learning tool just to understand as much as I can for further down the road.” Heffernon is hopeful and looks forward to the future of DECA. “We have medaled at both of the competitions and gotten ribbons at both of the competitions,” Heffernon said. “People are watching Mill Valley now. We’re coming up from behind and [people] are paying attention.”

ABOVE: In her Advanced Marketing class, senior Lauren Mansfield continues her work for DECA on Monday, Dec. 8. “When we go to competitions there’s so many people there but we’re all doing different things,” Mansfield said. “I love going to my event, which is Hotel Lodging and Management. I love traveling, so when I go to my event I’m talking about something that I love.” LEFT: Senior DECA member Ellen Merrill works on an assignment in her Advanced Marketing class on Monday, Dec. 8. BELOW LEFT: Senior DECA member Macy Walker listens intently to Advanced Marketing teacher Diana Heffernon in class on Monday, Dec. 8. Photos by Margaret Mellott

same-sex marriage NEWS

MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL • JAGWIRE

KANSAS SAYS ‘I DO’ TO

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE Photo illustration by Claire Biles

Student opinions vary after same-sex marriage ban lifted BY CLAIRE BILES

reporter/photographer jagwire.clairebiles@gmail.com

BY JUSTIN CURTO

managing editor jagwire.justincurto@gmail.com

BY LIZZIE KULCSAR

reporter jagwire.lizziekulcsar@gmail.com Due to a recent Kansas Supreme Court decision, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people living in Kansas, such as freshman Parker Johnson, can now realize a dream they have had for quite some time--legally getting married.

“It is awesome to know I can get married here in front of my family [and] in the area I was raised in,” Johnson said. On Tuesday, Nov. 18, the Kansas Supreme Court lifted a temporary stay on issuing same-sex marriage licenses in Johnson County. Two weeks prior, a U.S. district court lifted Kansas’ ban on same-sex marriages. This ruling did not affect Johnson County, as the stay had prevented them from issuing same-sex marriage licenses after they began to on Thursday, Oct. 9. According to the Kansas Equality Coalition, 29 Kansas counties currently issue same-sex marriage licenses. Nine counties do not issue marriage licenses as of now, according to 4th district court administrator John Steelman, 13th district

judge David Ricke and American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas legal director Doug Bonney. Senior Monica Brich, president of GSA, supports the decision to lift Kansas’ ban on same-sex marriage. “I am so excited,” Brich said. “I’m hoping by the end of next year all states will legalize it.” Johnson sees lifting the ban as having a positive effect on LGBT people in Kansas. “The LGBT community won’t be as oppressed,” Johnson said. A Mill Valley News online poll of 187 students found 60 percent of students support same-sex marriage. Although she is in favor of same-sex marriage, senior Aislynn Quinn did not expect the ban to be lifted in Kansas. “I was surprised because we’re such a conservative area,” Quinn said. Attorney General Derek Schmidt said in a written statement that the state would work toward appealing the ruling. “Because a provision in the Kansas Constitution is at peril, the State of Kansas will continue its defense in federal court as long as a defense is properly available.” Schmidt said. Some students, such as senior CJ Davis, disagree with the lifting of the ban. “I don’t think it should be called a marriage,” Davis said. “I think it should be a union because a marriage is between a guy and a girl.” Sophomore Rowdy Boatwright takes Davis’ view further, joining the 22 percent of students who are against same-sex marriage. “Personally I don’t believe in it,”

Boatwright said. “I believe [people are LGBT] by choice because you have the power of choice.” Brich sees no reason to oppose same-sex marriage. “I’m sorry [people] don’t agree with it but it’s time for change,” Brich said. “It’s time for love.” Others share this view. Plymouth Congregational Church senior pastor Peter Luckey said marriage rights “should be extended to anyone.” Luckey performed one of the first same-sex weddings inside a church in Kansas. “It was incredibly joyful and it’s hard to describe the depth of joy in the room,” Luckey said via phone. “As soon as I said ‘by the laws of the state of Kansas,’ people cheered.” Although the ban has been lifted, Luckey said progress still needs to be made for students. “I’m concerned about young people and teenagers,” Luckey said. “There’s a lot of bullying that goes on in our society … We just need to constantly be standing up on behalf of the LGBT community.” Despite the fact that they are both Christians, Boatwright’s views on marriage differ from Luckey’s. “It’s just my moral beliefs because I’m a Christian,” Boatwright said. “I just believe that we really shouldn’t have [same-sex marriage] yet because a lot of people aren’t comfortable with it yet.” In the future, Johnson wishes to see more people comfortable with same-sex marriage. “I would like the world to be happy,” Johnson said. “[I want to] have everyone agree with same-sex marriage.”

EVIDENCE OF

EQUALITY Statistics on same-sex marriage in Kansas and the US

percent of students support samesex marriage

percent of students oppose same-sex marriage

18 percent of students voted that they were neutral or supported same-sex unions

35 3.9

states allow same-sex marriage

same-sex couples per 1,000 households in Kansas

Information from a survey of 187 students and Freedom to Marry Illustrations by Jason Chen Design by Justin Curto and Madison Ferguson

4 NEWS online schooling

MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL • JAGWIRE

SCHOOL MOVES TO THE WEB Students transfer from Mill Valley to online forms of schooling alternatives LEFT: To complete his online Algebra class, sophomore Austin Sanchez sits at his computer on Wednesday, Dec. 3 to complete the normal school day on the Basehor-Linwood Virtual School website. Photo Illustration by Madison Ferguson

BY NICK BOOTH

news editor jagwire.nickbooth@gmail.com

BY MARGARET MELLOTT

reporter/photographer jagwire.margaretmellott@gmail.com For senior Jordan Matlock, school doesn’t start at 7:50 a.m. Matlock is able to get up at whatever time she needs to in order to get her daily assignments done, unbound by the constraints of a normal schedule. “Most days I honestly don’t even worry about getting ready,” Matlock said. “I’m able to have appointments and stuff like that during the days without having to worry about missing school. Some days I’ll spend 6-8 hours at Black Dog Coffeehouse working on school.” Matlock was a student of Mill Valley who, like other students, decided to transfer to an online school. Students like Matlock are able to receive a high school education while learning at an individualized pace at home. Sophomore Austin Sanchez is another such student. Once a student at Mill Valley, he is now enrolled as an online student at the Basehor-Linwood Virtual School, along with Matlock. “Online classes seem to be much easier and less stressful than others,” Sanchez said. “They’re mostly things I’ve learned before mixed with new things so it makes it easier not always having new things.” According to Matlock, a student in online school has the ability to work at his or her own pace, without worrying about where the rest of the class is. Students receive a packet at the beginning of the semester with all of the work for their classes in the coming semester. All tests except for final exams can be taken online. In order to be able to take school online, a student must go through the process of transferring out of traditional school. This transfer didn’t bother Sanchez. For Sanchez, the transition process “was actually quite easy.” “Even though it’s a distance away, Design by Nick Booth

it’s still very easy,” Sanchez said. “It said. “I’ve got medical problems that was just like signing up for tradi- made going to [traditional school] a tional school.” lot harder and more stressful than is Although his life at home re- should be. And the second reason mains relatively unchanged, San- is because I could graduate a year chez has felt the effects of the trans- earlier.” fer in his social life. For Matlock, online school is a “Family hasn’t been affected positive experience, but traditional w h a t s o e v e r,” school still Sanchez said. offers ben“As for friends I efits online don’t really talk can not. to them any“I would more. I talk to a recommend couple but not SENIOR JORDAN MATLOCK it 100 pereveryone.” cent,” MatMatlock decided to enroll in on- lock said. “However, I wouldn’t recline school in order to finish her se- ommend it just because you want nior year early. to sleep in or because you want less “In January I’m moving to South stress. Also, I wouldn’t recommend Africa for a semester to do an in- doing your entire high school career ternship with the nonprofit One online. Some things I [learned] in Life,” Matlock said. “So to finish my [traditional] school just aren’t resenior year before I leave I’m doing ally taught online, like [communiit all online at a much quicker pace cation arts teacher Dorothy] Swafto graduate in December.” ford teaching us how to outline a Sanchez, on the other hand, has research paper definitely came in much different reasons. handy when writing my 11-page se“I have two reasons,” Sanchez nior research paper.”

“Most days I honestly don’t even worry about getting ready.”

SIDE BY SIDE A comparison between online and traditional school

Traditional

Online

> School starts at 7:50 a.m.

> School doesn’t start at a specific time

> Tests are taken in a classroom

> Tests are taken online (except finals)

> Work done at the pace of the entire class

> Work done at the pace of the individual student

> Students spend time > Students can talk with teachers from to academic support their school face-to-face teachers from the virtual school

ADS

MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL • JAGWIRE

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Parker Daniels Store Manager - Funky Munky Music 12710 Shawnee Mission Parkway Shawnee, Kansas 66216 913-268-5555

Design by Raven Hodges

6 FEATURE unique pets

MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL • JAGWIRE

NOT YOUR TYPICAL

PETS PLUS

BY NICK BOOTH

MAN’S BEST FRIEND

What makes your pet unique or different?

TEACUP PIG

news editor jagwire.nickbooth@gmail.com

BY GRACE VAN INWEGEN

reporter jagwire.gracevaninwegen@gmail.com

BY BROOKE WIEBE

reporter/photographer jagwire.brookewiebe@gmail.com

Students with unique pets talk about what it is like to own and care for animals that many would consider unusual

Sophomore teaches pet parakeet various commands and words “She has more personality than dogs do. She is kind of a diva. She’ll squeal if she doesn’t get her way.” FRESHMAN MORGAN MARTI

RATS

“They’re unique to me because I have a fascination for weird animals like [rats] ... They act so much like cats and dogs.”

BEARDED DRAGON

“Not many people have lizards. Sadly, he’s quite lazy ... [He eats] crickets, mealworms, dry food and lettuce.” JUNIOR BROCK MILES For further coverage: http://www.mvnews.org

Senior adopts and cares for pet chinchilla named Murray Murray has a wonderful life. He doesn’t really have to do much. He doesn’t have school or a job. Murray just sits in his house and eats food all day, every day. The reason Murray gets to live his luxurious lifestyle is because he’s not a person. Murray is a chinchilla belonging to senior Kaia Minter. “He eats a lot of food so we have to get new food and new water all the time and we have to change the bedding in his cage every week or week and a half,” Minter said. “He’s

JUNIOR JILLIAN OTTESEN

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Sophomore Sarah Anderson is the proud owner of an Indian Ringneck Parakeet, Juno, named specially after the Alaskan capital. “[Juno is] a peice of Alaska that we brought when we moved here,” Anderson said. Juno has the ability to learn speaking commands, but because he was not originally trained that way, it takes a lot of repetition of key phrases for him to say what you want. “My mom made a disc of some [repeating words] and she just played it for hours.” Anderson said. “We just didn’t stay with it long enough.” Though Juno could have been trained, the Anderson family decided not to because of the amount of time required.

{

Design by Sarah Myers and Adri Talavera

“It got really hard because you had to play this video, a voice recording of what you wanted the bird to say,” Anderson said. “You just had to keep pressing the button over and over again and it just got to a point to where it was too hard, so we stopped.” The care for Juno is made easy since all that has to be done is a refill of food and water plus a cage change once a week. “I just have to remember to feed it and water it everyday,” Anderson said. “It’s part of my chores, [my brother] Ryan has the dogs and I have the bird.” Though it takes some dedication to own such an exceptional bird, it’s fully worth it in the end. “The most rewarding part of owning Juno is that it’s a bird and not a lot of people own birds,” Anderson said. “Everyone is so amazed.” kind of high maintenance, but he’s cute, so it’s worth it.” Murray’s good life doesn’t end there. He gets his own special chinchilla food; he eats pellets of dried fruit in addition to, according to Minter, eating timothy hay “on the daily.” Murray is still living every chinchilla’s dream. No rules, no responsibilities. He’s just an increasingly fat chinchilla that never ceases to earn Minter’s undying, unending love. “He’s really fuzzy,” Minter said. “He’s gotten kind of fat. But that’s OK because he’s my chinchilla.” LEFT: Senior Kaia Minter’s pet chinchilla Murray sits in his cage on Monday, Nov. 3. “Murray likes hanging out and doing his chinchilla thing,” Minter said. Photo contributed by Kaia Minter

ABOVE: Sophomore Sarah Anderson’s Ringneck Parakeet lands on her shoulder at her house on Friday, Nov. 7. “Sometimes we have moments together,” Anderson said. “I whistle to [Juno] and he whistles back the same tune.” Photo by Brooke Wiebe

Student learns what it is like to own and care for a headgehog Most people think of a typical pet as a cat or dog, but sophomore Katherine Rouse strays away from the social norm with her newest addition to the family, a hedgehog named Chance. With a unique pet like Chance, a special kind of care is required. He is fed once a day with plain hedgehog chow and must be taken out regularly to avoid depression. Other than that, Chance’s care is quite simple. “His [care is] actually pretty easy; they are very independent.” Rouse said. “I give him baths though. You don’t have to but I just like to watch him float in water.” Another one of hedgehogs’ unique characteristics is their compatibility with people; they love to interact. “They just snuggle up with you,” Rouse said. “I’ve had Chance crawling all over me before and then he went into my pants and I couldn’t get him out because he was all spiked up.” Rouse recommends a hedgehog

for a pet despite it being considered a crazy pet. “It’s fun,” Rouse said. “You figure out what they like and dislike ... and all the cool things they can do.”

ABOVE: Holding her new squirming hedgehog named Chance in her room on Monday, Nov. 3, sophomore Katherine Rouse loves having Chance around when she is with her friends. “He’s my little baby but they’re obsessed,” Rouse said. “They’re more obsessed than I am.” Photo by Brooke Wiebe

support staff FEATURE

MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL • JAGWIRE

Social worker and counselors work together to provide social, personal and academic guidance as a

SUPPORT TEAM Social worker Debbie Gudenkauf works as a supporter for both students and staff BY LIZZIE KULCSAR

reporter jagwire.lizziekulcsar@gmail.com A softly lit room sits across the junior locker banks in room B-118. Working inside is social worker Debbie Gudenkauf, a staff member who describes herself as a person who loves teenagers and helping people. Her job entails helping students with mental health, substance abuse or child neglect and abuse issues. This is different from a counselor’s job because as a social worker, Gudenkauf has more of a clinical training background and she has a more in-depth knowledge of the judicial system while counselors have more of a background in teacher training. Gudenkauf credits her childhood and background for her inspiration to help people but said she finally decided on her career as a sophomore in high school. “I grew up in a home that valued all people and both my parents did a lot to help people,” Gudenkauf said. “Then I was a sophomore in

COUNSELING CORNER

high school and a social worker came and talked to our class and then I finally had the words to describe what I wanted to do.” Gudenkauf can almost always be found in her room from 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and she welcomes students to drop by any time her door is open. Gudenkauf helps students who struggle with mental health or substance abuse issues. Gudenkauf also said she has a solid understanding of the judicial system and laws that deal with child neglect or abuse. To better understand what actions to take, a student should make a visit to Gudenkauf’s room. Anything said to Gudenkauf is confidential unless it involves a student hurting themselves, being hurt by another person, or a student planning to hurt someone else. In any of these cases, she will let the student know what steps will be taken to ensure their safety. “Students play an active role,” Gudenkauf said. “Nothing is done behind their backs.” If someone wishes to visit her office during class or seminar, they can use their agenda or seminar pass. Gudenkauf said there are challenging and rewarding aspects to

her job. “[The most challenging part is] worrying about kids who might hurt themselves and trying to get them past that in a healthy way,” Gudenkauf said. “[The most rewarding part is] when kids come back and say they’ve tried a strategy and it helped.” Freshman Mikala Postlewait made a visit after experiencing an anxiety attack during English class. She said Gudenkauf helped to try and find solutions that would work to calm her down; even by taking her outside to get fresh air and help her breathing. Postlewait also said she encourages other students to visit Gudenkauf. “[Gudenkauf] was nice and calming … she did anything she could to help and she talked to my teacher so I could be more comfortable,” Postlewait said. “If you’re having problems [go visit her].” Students aren’t the only ones who speak with Gudenkauf. Math teacher Amy Welzenbach has also visited her. Welzenbach said Gudenkauf makes a positive impact on Mill Valley. “[Gudenkauf’s office is] soothing,” Welzenbach said. “She’s understanding, sympathetic and a great resource.”

A look inside the counseling office and what counselors do for students

All counselors deal with academic, personal and social counseling and are available from 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Students may come in at any time or make appointments via email

TRISH CHANDLER

ERIN HAYES

C.R. GOODIN

Students with last names A-G

Students with last names H-N

Students with last names O-Z

LISA BOZZOLI Freshmen

SPECIFICALLY DEALS WITH*:

ACT Master schedules PSAT

AP courses Career Cruising Junior presentations SLT

ACT Prep AP courses Career Cruising Master schedules

Ambassadors Freshman Orientation *Subject to change Photo Illustration by Jena Smith Design by Sarah Myers and Jena Smith

8 FEATURE finals tips

MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL • JAGWIRE

JAGWIRE DECLASSIFIED FINALS SURVIVAL GUIDE

The JagWire provides ways to help students study for upcoming finals

BY TORI AERNI

editor-in-chief jagwire.toriaerni@gmail.com

BY ADRI TALAVERA

features/A&E/social media editor jagwire.adritalavera@gmail.com

BY GRACE VAN INWEGEN

reporter jagwire.gracevaninwegen@gmail.com

STUDY SPACES The JagWire suggests local locations to study PANERA

15221 W 87th Street, Lenexa

While it is more of a drive, Panera is an ideal location to study. More than likely, you will be surrounded by others with the same objective of studying making for a quiet environment. While at busy times, the wifi is limited to a 30 minute use period, you are still able to bring a device to connect.

JOHNSON COUNTY LIBRARY

12815 W 87th St Lenexa

Right outside of Shawnee, Black Dog Coffeehouse will allow you to study surrounded by math books and the aroma of coffee beans. While it is about a 15-minute drive from Mill Valley, the coffee is just as great as anywhere else, and cheaper. So if you’re looking to study without seeing half of the Mill Valley student body, Black Dog is a good option.

66th St COUNTRY CLUB 21911 WShawnee CAFE

JagWire staff suggests a STUDY PLAYLISTS The variety of songs for studying

JagWire suggests STUDY APPS The study apps for finals

CALMING

Right down the street from Mill Valley sits a cozy cafe that is a great, quiet environment for studying. There is a lot of seating, so busyness is not a worry. With friendly baristas and a menu full of great options, Country Club Cafe is good for studying of all kinds.

“MIDDLE DISTANCE RUNNER” by Sea Wolf

QUIZLET If you are looking for a fun way to study for your big tests, download the app Quizlet. This app helps you study by making virtual notecards, and lets you play educational games. Quizlet can help you with a variety of subjects from Chemistry to History to Spanish; all you have to do is put in information about your final. Quizlet is a free app that will make studying for finals a lot less dreadful.

PUMP-UP

If you want to get away from the coffee shop feel and move to a quiet environment, the Johnson County Library is the ideal study spot. Along with the quiet study environment, the Johnson County Library offers individual study rooms. The Shawnee location offers rooms for groups of three or less, and the Lackman location for groups of six or less and 16 or less.

BLACK DOG COFFEEHOUSE

“REFLECTIONS” by MisterWives

“HERO” by Family of the Year “OPEN SEASON” by High Highs “LIFE KEEPS MOVING ON” by Ben Rector “GYMNOPEDIE NO. 1” by Erik Satie

“DREAMING” by Smallpools “TAKIN’ CARE OF BUSINESS” by BTO “TAKE ON ME” by a-ha “SHAKE IT OUT” by Florence + The Machine

Design by Tori Aerni and Madison Ferguson

DUOLINGO If you are taking a Spanish or French class this semester, the app Duolingo can be helpful for you. This app is enjoyed by sophomore Melissa Kelley as she uses the app for Spanish III and

enjoys it. “It helps you learn a different language by reading, writing, speaking and listening,” Kelley said. “You just go through different lessons. It’s like a game.”

STUDY MYTHS The Best Colleges Organization gives its take on different study myths and tips

“STICK TO PRINT RATHER THAN ELECTRONICS” “The iPad causes 6.2% slower reading times than a printed book, the Kindle is 10.7% slower.”

“LISTEN TO MUSIC WHILE STUDYING” “If you will set Pandora to play “obscure 18th century composers,” you’ll engage the parts of your brain that help you pay attention and make predictions.”

“CHANGE YOUR SCENERY” “Moving to a different room to study improves retention, a big supporting factor for outdoor education.”

“MAKE LOGICAL CONNECTIONS” “Known as contextual learning, this process entails a student putting information into a form that makes sense to him or her.”

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MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL â&#x20AC;˘ JAGWIRE

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Design by Raven Hodges

10 FEATURE humans of mill valley

MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL • JAGWIRE

HUMANS OF M

In the popular blog and book “Humans of New York,” photographer Brandon Stanton makes it his mission to find the stories of strangers in New York City. He takes pictures of each person he talks to, and adds an interesting conversation he had with them or a unique quote they said as the caption. On these two pages, the JagWire follows Stanton’s lead; reporters and photographers spoke to Mill Valley students they had never met before and gathered their stories.

PHOTOGRAPHY:

REPORTING:

BY MARGARET MELLOTT

BY TORI AERNI

BY SARAH MYERS

BY KARISSA SCHMIDT

BY JUSTIN CURTO

BY KATHERINE WHITE

BY JENA SMITH

BY SAM LOPEZ

reporter/photographer jagwire.margaretmellott@gmail.com photograpy editor jagwire.karissaschmidt@gmail.com web editor jagwire.jenasmith@gmail.com

editor-in-chief jagwire.toriaerni@gmail.com managing editor jagwire.justincurto@gmail.com

features/A&E editor jagwire.sarahmyers@gmail.com editor-in-chief jagwire.katherinewhite@gmail.com

reporter jagwire.samlopez@gmail.com

What are your goals? My goal is to get out of Kansas. I want to go to a city, like Chicago or New York. I love the city life. Everything’s close together, there’s a lot of different people and everyone’s just themselves. Music is really what I want to do and there’s not a lot of that here, but there is in the city. Junior Maddie Gerber Photo by Karissa Schmidt

Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years I’ll probably have just graduated c and I’ll probably be in a big city trying to make work as an actor. My goal is to be acting in so capacity. Making a living off of it. I really don’t what I’m doing as long as I’m acting and makin living. I’m not one of those ‘I’m going straight broadway’ people, no. I’ll take whatever I can Not porn, I draw the line somewhere. Senior Henry Hanson Photo by Je

What has been a defining moment in your life? When I was accepted into the Voyagers program. For the first time, I felt like I really belonged in a community of people who understood me.

Senior Peyton Barton

Photo by Jena Smith

What do you like to do with your friends? Haley: [We like going] couponing. My mom has this big coupon book full of coupons, so I go through it and I look for the best deals. Andrea: She’s trying to make it on the show. Cameron: There’s a lot of places we go to shop, and it’s deals where we usually split the cost so everyone gets something out of it. Freshmen Haley Harvey, Andrea Gillespie and Cameron Loew Photo by Jena Smith

What is one of your goals? I would like to be an author. Why do you want to be an author? My Creative Writing class with [Peter] Shull has made me want to become an author, he’s inspired me. Senior Kylie Tennis Photo by Margaret Mellott

humans of mill valley FEATURE

MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL • JAGWIRE

MILL VALLEY

So I heard you’re fluent in Spanish and French? I am fluent when speaking but I don’t really know how to write it ... My dad is from France and my mom is from Cuba. We don’t speak it at home because my [siblings] aren’t fluent. What are some advantages of knowing multiple langauges? Getting better job oportunities ... Also, it’s a big gift because I can go to a lot of countries and ... speak with a lot of people. Freshman Daniel Nicot Photo by Karissa Schmidt

What is your favorite color? Red is my favorite color. It used to be blue and then my grandfather passed away and he was a big baseball fan and his favorite team was the Cincinnati Reds. So ever since then it’s been red.

college e it ome care ng a to get.

Junior Jeremiah Kemper

ena Smith

Photo by Karissa Schmidt What are some of your goals for the future? I want to graduate from KU but the major is undecided. The most difficult part is that for me, I have a bunch of different interests in different career areas, [so] it’s hard to choose what I want to do for the rest of my life. Senior Brooke Collins Is there anything that makes you different from others? I’ve been dancing since I was like two. What do you like about dance? Well, it’s a lot of fun to be able to, I don’t really know how to describe it, dance with your friends, because you get to do different things that you wouldn’t get to do at school. What’s your favorite thing about doing dance? Just the way you can bond with other people through movement.

Freshman Ashley Ebner Photo by Margaret Mellott

Photo by Margaret Mellott What’s your favorite quality about yourself? I would say my quick wit. Can you tell me a joke? Ready? Why did the dog cross the road? Why? It didn’t; it died. I got that off a Laffy Taffy wrapper. Junior Madison Remijio Photo by Margaret Mellott Design by Tori Aerni and Katherine White

12 OPINIONS

MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL • JAGWIRE

STAFF EDITORIAL

JAGWIRE INFORMATION

STAFF

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Tori Aerni Katherine White MANAGING EDITOR Justin Curto PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Karissa Schmidt NEWS EDITOR Nick Booth FEATURE/A&E EDITORS Sarah Myers Adri Talavera OPINION EDITOR Jillian Leiby SPORTS EDITOR Sam Lopez WEB EDITOR Jena Smith BUSINESS MANAGER Raven Hodges REPORTERS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Sharnelle Bennett Claire Biles Madison Ferguson Lizzie Kulcsar Margaret Mellott Braden Shaw Grace Van Inwegen Brooke Wiebe JAGWIRE OFFICE 5900 Monticello Road Shawnee, KS 66226 Phone: (913) 422-4351 Fax: (913) 422-4039 Email: jagwirenewspaper@gmail.com Adviser: Kathy Habiger khabiger@usd232.org JagWire, a monthly publication of Mill Valley High School, is printed by the Sedalia Democrat. PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS Kansas Scholastic Press Association National Scholastic Press Association Journalism Education Association The 2014 JagWire was named an All-American newspaper by the NSPA and earned an All-Kansas rating from KSPA. The Mill Valley News website earned an All-Kansas rating as well. CENSORSHIP POLICY Kansas Senate Bill 62 guarantees the same rights for student journalists as are guaranteed for professional 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 and may not cause a substantial disruption to normal school activity. EDITORIAL POLICY We value your opinions. If you wish to submit a column or a letter to the editor for the JagWire, you can do so by handing it in to a member of the staff or to the print journalism room (C101). Additionally, you may email any member of the staff with opinions, as well as tweet us at @millvalleynews. Anonymous content will not be accepted. Please understand that we have the right to edit all copy that runs in this publication. SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter/Instagram: @millvalleynews Facebook: Mill Valley News

MARRIAGE DECISION PROVIDES NEXT STEPS Now that Kansas’ same-sex marriage ban is lifted, Mill Valley needs to become more LGBT accepting

YOU SAID IT What is your opinion on same-sex marriage being allowed?

“If [somone] loves somebody, they should be able to marry them ... I think it’s good they lifted the ban. ”

“I am not really ... for gay marriage ... but if it doesn’t affect me in general, then it’s fine. SOPHOMORE JORDAN JUNKINS

FRESHMAN ANDREW KOFOID

The Kansas Supreme Court recently lifted Johnson County’s ban on same-sex marriages. The JagWire believes this decision should inspire change across Mill Valley. By lifting Johnson County’s ban on same-sex marriage, the Kansas Supreme Court paved the way for people to become more accepting of same-sex couples as well as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Now that same-sex couples can legally marry, the law supports LGBT people in Kansas and shows others that being LGBT is OK. In Mill Valley, this has the potential to create greater acceptance of both LGBT students and students with same-sex parents. Students should build upon this acceptance. Those who do not know much about samesex marriage and LGBT rights should educate themselves on these issues. If students disagree with same-sex marriage, then they should do so in a respectful manner, without expressing their opinions in a harmful or derogatory way. Students do not have

to agree with same-sex marriage to be kind toward LGBT people; kindness should not be affected by opinions. Along with this, GSA should improve its efforts to educate students and instill acceptance. Currently, GSA partakes in events such as Day of Silence, Transgender Day of Remembrance and Asexual Awareness Week to inform students about LGBT issues. During these events, GSA members usually hand out ribbons before school at a table in support of the event. While this is a good start, these tables don’t always have information for students, and are limited to before school. Also, sometimes it is intimidating to approach people you don’t know, so GSA should consider additionally informing students through morning and afternoon announcements, MVTV ads, a club website or a club social media account. GSA is not the only school group that can promote acceptance at Mill Valley. Diversity Club can incorporate sexuality and gender diversity into their

Illustration by Jason Chen

outreach and events, the student relations committee of SLT can brainstorm ways to improve treatment of LGBT students and jagPRIDE can raise awareness of LGBT suicide through their suicide prevention activities. Additionally, Mill Valley News has not always covered events put on by GSA; we plan to provide more coverage on GSA in the future. Mill Valley can also promote acceptance through its curriculum. Health classes can include more lessons and discussion about sexuality and gender. When the counseling department addresses bullying, they can include bullying based on LGBT characteristics as part of their education. Johnson County’s allowance of same-sex marriages is a step in the right direction, but there is still much to be done to promote LGBT education and acceptance. The JagWire believes that Mill Valley students and staff can work together to create a more open and accepting environment, regardless of sexuality or gender.

“I feel that it was a good decision because the court should have no say on what people can or cannot do with people they love.”

“I think it is a step in the right direction toward equality in America.” SENIOR SARA HOPKINS

JUNIOR JORDAN WOOTTON

STAFF VOTE The JagWire staff votes on this issue’s staff editorial

Disagree

Agree

Absent

OPINIONS

MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL • JAGWIRE

TEENS SHOULD BE EDUCATED WHEN DECIDING THEIR BELIEFS BY LIZZIE KULCSAR

reporter jagwire.lizziekulcsar@gmail.com

Students need to individually decide views aside from pressure of their parents Throughout my years of middle school and high school I have noticed a habit that many of my peers have. This habit is indeed cringe-worthy and an embarrassment to all teenagers. This would be the habit of labeling oneself by means of where you stand on the political scale or religion when you don’t understand the meaning behind these labels. Most teens hear these words from their parents and then figure, “well, if my parents agree then I must too.” Do you know where each political party stands on certain issues? If not, I wouldn’t be too quick in labeling yourself as a Democrat or Republican. In a science class in eighth grade we were supposed to complete a quiz to see which side of the political spectrum we

stand on. This happened in my Civics class freshman year as well. I noticed a lot of people being quick to deem themselves a Republican. Afterwards, I saw some of them shocked to see their results leaning toward liberal. Please, if you don’t know the difference between conservative and liberal or can’t name one other political party besides Democrat or Republican, then first, don’t label yourself as one, and second, educate yourself. The U.S. could always use more educated voters, so look up issues and decide your stance. Another thing teens tend to mislabel themselves with is religion. Some people label themselves because their parents tell them to and then neglect to practice the religion. If you’re going to call yourself religious then you should practice that religion and make sure you know enough about it to actually believe in it. I believe all religions and beliefs should be respected, unless there’s no reason or knowledge behind these beliefs. I challenge all teens to question their beliefs. Delve deeper into the topics and stories. Do your research and know why you stand for whatever you do.

TEACHER BIAS HURTS EDUCATION BY JUSTIN CURTO

managing editor jagwire.justincurto@gmail.com

Teachers shouldn’t let their opinions affect the information they teach their students A few weeks ago, I had a substitute teacher in one of my classes. Now, given that our regular teacher was gone, the day was pretty uneventful. However, the substitute did say one thing that made me remember the class: “It’s such a shame how many of our teachers have a left bias these days.” I’m paraphrasing here, of course, but you get the idea. While I don’t fully agree that teachers are generally biased liberally, I do agree that there are many biased teachers out there--and this isn’t a good thing. Teacher bias isn’t beneficial for education. If a teacher is going to teach me about an issue, person, event or something else of the like, then I want to be taught facts. In some of my classes, this does not happen. Instead, teachers will interject their own views in while teaching lessons. When teachers mention their biases in lessons, it hurts students. I personally enjoy forming opinions about hotly debated issues, as do many other students. Many of my teachers even encourage us to form opinions on such things through assignments and

projects. If these same teachers blatantly state their views while teaching students about such issues, it causes students to feel like their teacher’s opinion is the “right” one and possibly feel bad if their opinions are at odds with their teacher’s. Now, by no means am I saying that teachers are not allowed to have or share opinions. I really like getting into discussions with some of my teachers about certain issues, whether our views are similar or different. When I have these discussions, though, I am willingly involving myself in something where I know the teacher might be sharing their views. While

“Teachers sharing their views to students without being asked is not [OK].” this is OK, teachers sharing their views to students without being asked is not. Teachers shouldn’t be sharing their biases through their lessons. Instead, they should teach students enough information so that the students themselves can form their own opinions. While I may not have fully agreed with the aforementioned substitute teacher, I do echo some of her sentiments: it’s such a shame how many of our teachers have a bias these days.

Illustration by Lizzie Kulcsar

WORKING TOGETHER IS KEY FOR DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS BY JILLIAN LEIBY

opinion editor jagwire.jillianleiby@gmail.com

Political parties in Congress need to be put aside differences to be successful If you happened to catch a snippet of the midterm elections press coverage, you probably saw an abundance of proud Republicans. They will finally control the Senate and that will mean an entirely Republican-controlled Congress. Let them rejoice. Their plans for the next two years may not be that easy. President Obama is still a Democrat, so nothing will truly happen in the next two years unless serious compromises are made from both political parties. It is time that Republicans and Democrats set aside their differences and put their constituents first. This is not a crazy idea. It has probably been brought up a lot. However, at a time when so many pressing issues are at stake, bipartisanship must be emphasized. The U.S. is at a place where millions of people who are living in this country illegally might be abandoned in favor of more opportunities for Americans. In President Obama’s immigration address, he announced an executive order to appease this problem. Even his attempt at a middle ground has angered many Republican politicians. As long as a Democrat is president, which could be possible after 2016, nothing will get done.

That might seem like an overstatement, but really think about it. Even with the Senate controlled by the Democrats before this last election, the government shut down. Politicians literally refused to do their job. Bipartisanship is the only way the U.S. can survive in the years to come. Congress should be a team focused on improving the lives of the American public. Working together may seem like the most obvious way to make progress, but it appears to be the last thing on the minds of our politicians. A new solution to this debacle may be what the American people want. In Kansas, independent Senate nominee Greg Orman didn’t manage to beat longtime Republican Sen. Pat Roberts in the midterm elections. Orman still managed to get almost 360,000 votes compared to Roberts’ 450,000, a surprise for the republican dominated state. This increase in independent voters should send a message to Congress that the constituents don’t want the duels between the dominant parties to continue. To be honest, the Republicans were barely victorious. Despite multiple states being won, the voter turnout dropped in 38 states, hitting a low not seen since World War II. In fact, voter turnout hit 36.4 percent, a dismal number for both parties. The standstill in Congress has now leaked into the voting public. This should be a sign that voters have become fed up with Congress. Let’s simplify this issue. There is not a huge difference between Congress and the group you are assigned to work with on a class project. The big differences are that the future of the entire country is at stake and one person can’t do all the work. Design by Jillian Leiby

14 SPORTS briefs BY CLAIRE BILES

MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL • JAGWIRE

YOU SAID IT What are you most excited about for winter sports this year?

BY SAM LOPEZ

reporter/photographer jagwire.clairebiles@gmail.com

reporter jagwire.samlopez@gmail.com

BY BRADEN SHAW

reporter jagwire.bradenshaw@gmail.com

Leaders in the Valley Winter sports seniors reflect on their experiences as athletes at Mill Valley

years varsity on SENIOR MITCH PERKINS

BOYS BASKETBALL

years varsity on

BOWLING SENIOR CODY DEAS

years varsity on SENIOR LEXIE MYERS

GIRLS BASKETBALL

“My favorite memory was the state tournament last season.” SENIOR BRYAN BURNETT Design by Sam Lopez and Karissa Schmidt Photos by Karissa Schmidt

Senior Mitch Perkins’ final season on the basketball team begins this year. He looks forward to his final season and remembers his time playing for Mill Valley. “Coach Bennett’s system fits our players pretty well,” Perkins said “I just see us having a really strong season.” He has been on varsity for two years but has been playing since his

freshman year. Perkins said his favorite memory playing was his “first [varsity start] at Turner last year.” When he wasn’t on the court, he enjoyed watching his team play at the state tournament. Perkins wants to continue playing basketball after high school in an intramural league however he is not looking to play in college.

Senior Cody Deas has been on the bowling team for four years making the varsity squad three of those years. Deas prides himself in being one of the members with very steady scores. “[I bring to this year’s team] consistency,” Deas said. “Even though I don’t have the highest average, I have a history of more consistence.”

Deas also has enjoyed his teammates and the bonds that he has created over years on the bowling team. “[I will definitely miss] the camaraderie,” Deas said. “It’s just so much fun to go to the meets with all of your friends. Also. I’m just going to miss bowling with my buddies.” Deas looks to finish his Mill Valley bowling career with a state title.

Senior Lexie Myers has been a part of the basketball program for four years now, with this being her second season playing on varsity. With this also being her final year, Myers walks away with many fond memories. “[I will miss] the team, definitely,” Myers said. “I’ll miss spending hours with them in the gym and also outside [of basketball].”

Even with tearful goodbyes and final games coming this year, Myers still has high hopes for the team’s season. “I’m hoping to have a successful season and really unite as a team,” Myers said. “We want to obviously win, but just to have fun [as well].” Myers looks to lead the basketball team and “create a positive environment.”

years varsity on

WRESTLING

“[I’m most excited for] the meets. The meets are fun.” SENIOR NICK STACK

years varsity on

SWIM

“I might go to like one or two games but I’m not going to go to every game. I might go to a wrestling match or something.” FRESHMAN MIKE TURNER

“I’m just looking forward to supporting Mill Valley and helping the basketball team in whatever way I can like getting the crowd hyped.” SOPHOMORE JOSH WINSCOTT

“I like going to the basketball games with my friends and cheering and doing all the fun stuff.” JUNIOR TAYLOR CORBITT

“Dressing up [for basketball]. I love dressing up for all of the different themes. It’s just like the football games but inside.” SENIOR MADI HOLLAND

hockey SPORTS

MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL • JAGWIRE

ON THE ICE

Student hockey players continue their lifelong passion by competing in local leagues and keeping up with the National Hockey League

GOALIE GEAR Sophomore Bryce Hart explains his equipment Chest protector “I have a very large chest protector that keeps me protected from all the shots to my chest. It goes from my wrist and around my stomach” Goalie helmet “My goalie helmet is very protective, [it] keeps me protected from concussions if the puck hits my head”

Goalie skate “[On] goalie skate the blade is thicker and longer. It has a protective plastic around it that helps [so] if a puck hits my foot, it won’t break or be injured at all.”

BY BRADEN SHAW

reporter jagwire.bradenshaw@gmail.com

BY KATHERINE WHITE

editor-in-chief jagwire.katherinewhite@gmail.com As freshman Justin Grega speeds toward the goal, he focuses on scoring. However, he is not running; he is skating down the ice as center for the Kansas City Stars hockey team at Kansas City Ice Center. Grega has played hockey nearly his entire life and has learned that success does not come easy in it. “[I have learned] to not be afraid,” Grega said. “[Also] it’s pretty tough going up against upperclassmen ... you get hit a lot.” Like Grega, sophomore Bryce Hart also plays hockey. Hart, who has been playing for 10 years, plays as a goalie for the Saints at Line Creek Community Center.

“It’s different for me because I’m technically the last line of defense,” Hart said. “I’m the one making the saves. I could help them win or help them lose. And that’s fun to me.” While hockey is not very popular in the Midwest, Hart said that he still enjoys playing the sport. “It’s cool because ... you’re one of very few in your school who plays it,” Hart said. “When you find someone who plays hockey you can form a bond by both playing ... in a place where not many people play it.” Grega was inspired to start playing hockey after seeing a game live. “[I was inspired] by going to a hockey game and [I] thought it was cool,” Grega said. “Then I just started playing hockey.” Hart also began playing the sport after seeing a game. “When I was little there was just hockey on TV and I saw the fast pace of the game,” Hart said. “My eyes

were glued to the TV.” In addition to competing with his own team, Hart also helps teach a group of younger hockey players. “I like how there’s stuff that they don’t know that I do, so when I teach them they learn it ... and it helps them to succeed in games,” Hart said. “Hopefully when they get older they will help younger kids and it will just be a circle that’ll make us all better.” Both playing and watching hockey is one of Grega’s lifelong passions. “It’s been really fun and I have been playing it basically my whole life,” Grega said. “It has impacted my life ... I have been following [the National Hockey League] and hockey my entire life. I hope to continue playing all the way through college as well.”

Leg pads “Leg pads are [specifically] for a goalie, they stand out”

Glove “On one of my hands is a glove that allows me to catch a puck or cover a puck so they blow the whistle and stop the play” Blocker “[For] the blocker, on the front it has a flat face so I can deflect the puck. The other side is more glove-like so I can grip my stick and have more mobility” Hockey stick “Goalies only hold a stick with one hand; normal players hold it with two hands. [Goalies] hold it in front of their legs so the puck doesn’t go between their legs. If it’s on the ice they can deflect it away and can also shoot it if they have the time to if they need to”

ABOVE: Sophomore Bryce Hart, goalie for the Kansas City Fighting Saints, gaurds the goal in a game against Springfield Spirit at Bode Ice Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6. Photo by Karissa Schmidt

Design by Tori Aerni and Sam Lopez

RIGHT: Senior Ally Shawger performs her tumbling routine at the 2014 level 8-Elite National Championships in Louisville, Kentucky on July 15-19. Photo contributed by Ally Shawger BELOW: At the 2014 level 8-Elite National Championships in Louisville, Kentucky on July 15-19, senior Ally Shawger performs her tumbling routine. “It was different because they had a new floor,” Shawger said. “We flopped around at first.” Photo contributed by Ally Shawger BELOW RIGHT: As sophomore Brooke Carson begins another strenuous round of tumbling, she keeps a positive attitude at Miss Maria’s Acrobat Studio on Monday, Nov. 3. “I keep doing it to see how far I can get,” Carson said. “I want to push myself to be the best I can be.” Photo by Brooke Wiebe

TUMBLING TRICKS ROD FLOOR Also called power tumbling, competitors complete two passes on the tumbling mat, each containing eight skills Design by Tori Aerni

MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL • JAGWIRE

STICKING LANDING

THE

16 SPORTS tumbling

Students compete at high levels of tumbling and place nationally in various events BY ADRI TALAVERA

features/A&E/social media editor jagwire.adritalavera@gmail.com

BY GRACE VAN INWEGEN

reporter jagwire.gracevaninwegen@gmail.com While the average person wouldn’t know the difference between gymnastics and tumbling, for senior Ally Shawger and sophomore Brooke Carson, the distinction between the two couldn’t be clearer. They both have been involved in gymnastics and tumbling for large portions of their

lives and now compete in tumbling at the national level. The main difference between the two sports is that while gymnastics consists of four events, there are only three events in tumbling—rod floor, trampoline and double mini. In rod floor, the goal is to perform a routine of acrobatic skills while earning as few deductions as possible. “What you want to get out of [rod floor] is honestly who can have the rawest power and can be the strongest and the most powerful,” Brooke said. Double mini is performed on a half-slanted, half-level trampoline, shaped similarly to the vault in gymnastics. It consists of a two-jump routine followed by flips and twists that judges evaluate for correct positioning. “Double mini is usually my favorite just because it’s always been one of the [events] I just liked and was a little bit better at,” Shawger said. “It just came a little more easily.” Trampoline is performed on a standard, white-bed trampoline, although it’s much bouncier in order for tumblers to reach heights great enough to perform their routines. According to Shawger, who tumbles for Sunflower Gymnastics in Emporia, the long trip to and from practice can interfere with track and school work. “[Traveling to and from Emporia for practice] takes about 5 hours after

school,” Shawger said. “I have very late nights of homework … There’ll be study sessions at like midnight or one in the morning.” This hard work contributes to their success at competitions. In previous years, Shawger has placed fifth at nationals twice and seventh once. For the last two years Brooke has placed second nationally in her events. According to Brooke, who tumbles at Miss Maria’s Acrobatic and Dance, this was not expected. “I was kind of in shock; I couldn’t really believe it, especially since last year I only got second from a tie,” Brooke said. “I was kind of living in the moment when it happened.” Brooke’s mother Lisa Carson, was extremely proud of her daughter when she earned both second places. “[It was] my most proud moment [of her],” Lisa said via email. “It also makes me extremely proud to know how much determination, dedication and love for the sport she has.” Brooke would like to earn a national victory since she come so close the past two years. Shawger is currently unsure whether she will continue tumbling through college or not although she said her years of tumbling have been a positive experience. “There really isn’t a ‘proudest moment [for me], there’s just a bunch of different times that you’re proud of yourself,” Shawger said. “It’s all been pretty great.”

DOUBLE MINI TRAMPOLINE Competitive event consisting of various rotations, twists and shapes on a standard tumbling trampoline

Unlike standard trampoline, competitors move horizontally across a much smaller apparatus with a flat bed and a sloped end

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Design by Raven Hodges

18 A&E holiday sweaters

MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL • JAGWIRE

THE SHOWDOWN

SWEATER EDITION Four students compete in making holiday sweaters

The JagWire gave four students each a sweater ...

BY JUSTIN CURTO

managing editor jagwire.justincurto@gmail.com

BY MARGARET MELLOTT

reporter/photographer jagwire.margaretmellott@gmail.com

BY KATHERINE WHITE

editor-in-chief jagwire.katherinewhite@gmail.com

SWEET

SWEATERS Students and JagWire staff pick best sweaters

“I wanted the green [sweater] so I could make the entire sweater a Christmas tree in itself ... I’m going for the win here; it’ll be the best sweater probably.”

“I’m definitely not the best. There’s some pretty strong competition out there but I tried my best and I’m hoping to take it all.”

JUNIOR SHELBY BADGER

Twitter favorites

... $10 and a 50 percent off one item coupon ...

FRESHMAN NORA LUCAS

... and took them to Michael’s for a 15-minute shopping spree.

Afterward, they got 45 ... and these were the results. minutes to decorate their sweaters ...

“Trying to find a lot of items for a cheap price [was hard]. My favorite [item was] these mini cupcake cups.”

“I started in the crafts section, but I didn’t want anything I saw there. Then I went to the Christmas section, and it was gold.”

“[I liked] meeting everyone and ... getting to be creative and getting to use jingle bells.”

SOPHOMORE JAZZ LOFFREDO

SENIOR BRADY FRANKLIN

FRESHMAN NORA LUCAS

Photos by Sharnelle Bennett and Brooke Wiebe Design by Justin Curto

JagWire votes SENIOR BRADY FRANKLIN

MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL • JAGWIRE

netflix guide A&E

BREAKINGBOREDOM JagWire recommends Netflix movies and TV shows that can cure winter break boredom

CHRISTMAS MOVIES

BY JILLIAN LEIBY

BY MARGARET MELLOTT

There are only a couple times a year when it’s appropriate to watch Tim Burton’s modern classic, “The Nightmare Before Christmas”— Halloween and Christmas. With winter break coming up after finals, it’s the perfect time to watch it. The film follows the mishaps of Jack Skellington. Growing tired of the same Halloweentown yearly happenings, Jack stumbles upon a door that leads him to a strange and wonderful place— Christmastown. Exploring Christmastown, Jack finds himself more and more intrigued and believes that he kidnap Santa Claus and take over Christmas. Enlisting the help of his fellow Halloweentowners, Jack set his plot in motion. Little did Jack know that things could go seriously awry even with the best of plans.

“White Christmas”

As the cold winter break approaches, so does the season of warm Christmas movies. In the 50’s classic, “White Christmas,” singers Bob Wallace and Phil Davis team up with sister act Betty and Judy Haynes to perform a Christmas show in ru-

ral Vermont. Upon reaching their location of the country Vermont Inn, the boys find out that their former World War II commander, Maj. General Tom Waverley, is the owner. After catching up with Waverley, Wallace and Davis learn that he is having financial trouble. Wanting to help out their old commander, the four singers plan an extravagant Christmas miracle that’s sure to put the Vermont Inn back in business. Unfortunatly, things go wrong due to miscommuntication and Wallace and Betty have a falling out. It’s then up to Davis and Judy to try and patch things up between the two of them. After a long day of sledding, this holiday musical is perfect for sitting around with the entire family and drinking hot chocolate on a late winter night.

TELEVISION SERIES “One Tree Hill” “One Tree Hill” is about half brothers Lucas and Nathan Scott growing up and finding themselves in the process. The show revolves around basketball and the ups and downs of being a teenager. “One Tree Hill” is very inspirational for teenagers that have gone through some tough times. All of the characters are inspirational beBased off the popular series “Sex in the City,” “The Carrie Diaries” is about Carrie Bradshaw in high school during the ‘80s. This show goes through Carrie’s interactions with her friends and family. People who like fashion and drama would also enjoy the series. The show does a great job showing what life is

like in New York City, as Carrie works for a fashion magazine. “The Carrie Diaries” will be a great show to watch during winter break because it only has 26 episodes and you can finish it all before school starts again. “The Carrie Diaries” does a brilliant job of showing real teenage struggles.

BY GRACE VAN INWEGEN

opinion editor reporter/photographer reporter jagwire.jillianleiby@gmail.com jagwire.margaretmellott@gmail.com jagwire.gracevaninwegen@gmail.com

“The Nightmare Before Christmas”

“The Carrie Diaries”

cause they have gone through hard times and have gotten through it. “One Tree Hill” does a great job dealing with tough situations on the show. “One Tree Hill” has nine seasons and you get to watch the characters grow up from teenagers to parents. “One Tree Hill” would be a great show to watch if you want to get committed to a long series and love drama.

“Black Mirror” “Black Mirror” is the perfect mysterious television series to curl up to and bingewatch during winter break. The little known British sci-fi series consists of two seasons of only three episodes and has a new storyline each episode. Each episode has a new storyline. with new characters and settings.

NEW RELEASES New movies and shows that win December

AMERICAN HORROR STORY: COVEN

The horror TV series may be in the middle of its fourth season, but the third season, surrounded around witches in New Orleans, is finally available on Netflix Dec. 6.

ANCHORMAN 2: THE LENGEND CONTINUES

The highly anticipated comedy sequel, starring Will Ferrell and his rag-tag team of reporters, is available on Netflix Dec. 6.

This series may not be for everybody, however, as every episode has mature themes. Each of them has to deal with a dark occurance happening because of technology. Everything from Youtube, to an online service that brings a deceased person back to life can be considered the enemy. Design by Jillian Leiby and Adri Talavera

20 PHOTO ESSAY residential carpentry RIGHT: In order to cut through a two-by-four, senior Jalen Oehlert uses a power saw on Wednesday, Dec. 3. “[I like] playing with power tools and learning how to [fix] stuff around the house,” Oehlert said. Photo by Brooke Wiebe BELOW: Senior Alex Ayala uses a hammer to fix his project in Arlan Vomhof’s Residential Carpentry class on Friday, Dec. 5. Photo by Sharnelle Bennett

MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL • JAGWIRE

sending sparks

FLYING

Students in Arlan Vomhof’s Residential Carpentry classes learn though the use of tools and machinery

RIGHT: Sophomore Bo Wells cuts a piece of metal pipe on Wednesday, Dec. 3. in Mr. Vomhof’s Blue 1 Residential Carpentry class. “[Taking the class enables someone] to find a solution to a problem in your house,” Wells said. Photo by Madison Ferguson

ABOVE LEFT: Sophomores Jakob Coacher and Jack Flack fix the wiring on their house in Residential Carpentry on Friday, Dec. 5. Photo by Sharnelle Bennett ABOVE RIGHT: Practicing his carpentry skills in Residential Carpentry, junior Nick Lecru saws off a piece of wood. “My favorite thing about the class is how there are so many things the class teaches you,” Lecru said. “You learn how to use the power tools and safe ways to do it.” Photo by Brooke Wiebe Design by Karissa Schmidt

ABOVE: Sophomore Joel Donn practices using a reciprocating saw in his Residential Carpentry class on Wednesday, Dec. 3. “[The class] is good for future work,” Donn said. “[My favorite part is] learning about all the tools and their jobs.” Photo by Brooke Wiebe BELOW: Spreading mortar on the back, senior Spencer Adams prepares a tile to be placed on his project in his Residential Carpentry class on Wednesday, Dec. 3. Photo by Karissa Schmidt