JagWire: Volume 18, Issue 3

JAGWIRE NEWSMAGAZINE

INVESTIGATING THE CONSEQUENCES OF PARTYING PAGES 9-12 MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL // VOL. 18 // ISSUE 3 // NOV. 16, 2017 // MVNEWS.ORG

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CONTENTS

Design by Victoria Wright

Cover by Victoria Wright

Mill Valley High School

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JagWire

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09 08 20

24

NEWS

OPINIONS

A&E

04 state assessments 05 musical

13 staff editorial 14 opinions

19 Kansagonia 20 sushi reviews

FEATURES

SPORTS

06 military families 08 Emerson Kaiser 09 party culture consequences

22 neighborhood apps

16 fall sports review 17 fantasy football

PHOTO ESSAY 24 fall in Shawnee

JagWire

Mill Valley High School

Design by Victoria Wright

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

H

i all, and welcome to the third issue of the JagWire. Despite our smaller issue size, we’ve got a lot of great content for you. While brainstorming for this issue, our staff came up with lots of great ideas, and we really felt like we had a cohesive idea for what content we wanted in our paper.

Inside the first few pages, for example, you’ll find both a news story about state assessment scores and a feature about families with parents or siblings serving in the military.

As for special section, this issue covers an uncomfortable conversation about the consequences of partying, underage drinking and illegal drug use. We wanted to cover this topic because of the difficult situations students have found themselves in this fall. It can be hard to know where to draw the line between having fun and being irresponsible. In order to establish this line, we talked to different experts such as student resource officer Mo Loridon and athletic director Jerald VanRheen.

This story, though difficult to write, was

one we thought important and relevant to our student body. Our goal wasn’t to point fingers or name names; rather, by covering the topic, we wanted to help students better understand the consequences of partying. We think that taking responsibility for your actions if you party is also incredibly important.

As for the entire format of the paper, you may notice we only have 24 pages, not 32.

Though we were prepared for a 32-page issue, we were not prepared for the advertisements we would have to include. We were unable to sell enough ads to cover our costs and had to cut pages accordingly. However, our staff reacted with grace and took on the challenge of consolidating pages. Through everything, we rolled with it. Enjoy the paper. We know we enjoyed making it.

Alison Booth

Alison Booth Nora Lucas Victoria Wright

MANAGING EDITOR Claire Boone

COPY EDITOR Anika Roy

DESIGN EDITOR Annie Myers

PHOTO EDITORS Hunter Ristau Marah Shulda

Nora Lucas

Victoria Wright

BUSINESS MANAGER Hunter Ristau

MILL VALLEY NEWS EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

Jakob Twigg

Tricia Drumm Morgan Gurwell Ally Nguyen

FEATURES EDITOR

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

NEWS EDITOR

Annie Myers

A&E EDITOR Abby Layton

OPINIONS EDITOR Ally Nguyen

SPORTS EDITORS Katya Gillig Chris Sprenger

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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 2017 JagWire has been named a Pacemaker winner, its third consecutive honor.

It was also inducted into the NSPA Hall of Fame and earned an All-Kansas rating from the KSPA. The 2017 Mill Valley News website was also named a two-time Pacemaker winner by the NSPA and recieved an All-Kansas rating.

SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @millvalleynews Facebook: Mill Valley News

CENSORSHIP POLICY

JAGWIRE 2017-18 staff EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

STAFF

Lexi Flipse

REPORTERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS James Ball Drake Brizendine Elizabeth Joseph Carter Lawson Jordan Robinson Michael Sandri Andrew Tow

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.

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NEWS

Design by Jakob Twigg

Mill Valley High School

JagWire

THE RATE OF CHANGE

District state assessment scores excel despite low state scores, change to computerized testing

ALISON BOOTH

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

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ansas standardized test scores for math and English language arts have decreased since 2016, with proficiency rates for students reaching below 40 percent. However, USD 232 has consistently remained above these state averages.

For the state of Kansas, 38 percent of students were proficient in English language arts and 34 percent were proficient in math for the spring 2017 test. USD 232 student scores indicated proficiency rates of 58 percent for English language arts and 53 percent for math.

The state introduced new assessments in 2014, changing the format of both the test and its scores. Test results are now grouped in four categories: level four performs above grade level and is college- and career-ready; level three performs at grade level and is college- and career-ready; level two performs at grade level but is not college- and career-ready; level one performs below grade level. Students with scores in level four or three are proficient, or college- and career-ready.

In addition, although the 2016 and 2017 tests were similar in content, the 2017 test was administered through computers only, removing written performance components.

According to USD 232 director of school improvement Michelle Hite, because of this change, this year’s test results are incomparable to results of 2016 or preceding years.

“Until the state assessment variables remain the same for consistent years, validity to gauge year-to-year results will be difficult to assess,” Hite said.

English teacher Anna Nelson said t because of the differences in tests, it is difficult for teachers to adequately prepare students.

“Most students see the value in [education] and work hard to achieve their best.”

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL JENNIFER SMITH

“I get that they want to try to measure different things, but we feel a little frustrated,” Nelson said. “It’s hard to predict what the test is going to look like.”

In addition to discrepancies in the test format, senior Landon Butler said that 2017 scores are misleading due to issues with the software of the test.

“I think the issue lies in the soft-

ware of the state assessments rather than the educational abilities of the kids in Kansas,” Butler said. “This is reinforced by our ACT scores and AP scores — these have remained consistent over the past few years, so I don’t think these results are [worrisome].”

Regardless of state averages, though, the district has always performed above average. Assistant principal Jennifer Smith credits this performance to the hard work of both teachers and students. “[Teachers] take that time to get to know their students and to help them be successful,” Smith said. “We have great students. They care about their education; I think most students see the value in [education] and work hard to achieve their best.”

Smith said that the district does not have a specific goal for standardized testing performance since it wants to focus on the individualization of students.

“I don’t always like to say that our goal is to get X percent there, because whenever you do that, you’re leaving out some students,” Smith said. “It’s really looking at where each individual student is, and how we can, as a staff and as a family, work together to help each student improve.”

Mill Valley High School

TAP During dress rehearsal on Wednesday, Nov. 1, senior Mckenna Harvey taps on top of a platform resembling a dime during the scene “We’re in the Money.”

“Because it is such a big tap show, during rehearsals we spent a lot more time on dances,” Harvey said. // Morgan Gurwell

Design by Marah Shulda

Theatre department faces challenge of first tap musical since 2009, “42nd Street”

INSTYLE

53% District proficiency State proficiency

90

of performers have no tapping 67% experience

67%

TRICIA DRUMM

Mill Valley News editor-in-chief jagwire.triciadrumm@gmail.com

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NEWTOTAP

total students and tappers in the musical

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reporter/photographer jagwire.michaelsandri@gmail.com

Many students have no experience tap dancing and had to learn

34%

NEWS

MICHAEL SANDRI

have no experience

CALCULATE THE DIFFERENCE Math assessment proficiency levels compared at state and district levels

Kansas student state assessment scores from 2017 decreased from 2016, with only 40 percent of students meeting proficiency levels. Scores for the USD 232 district, though, have consistently exceeded state averages over the past years. // Photo illustration by Drake Brizendine

JagWire

hile this year’s curtain call dance of the fall musical “42nd Street” featured every cast member tapping for about a third of the song, at the beginning of production in September, over half of the cast had not experience in tap shoes.

“42nd Street” is the first tap musical since “Thoroughly Modern Millie” in 2009, before director Jon Copeland came to Mill Valley. Copeland believes this year was the best year to do a tap musical because of the strong leadership shown by the student choreographers.

“You can’t do a show like this every year unless you know you have personnel in place,” Copeland said. “I’m a tapper, so I could have choreographed the show. … This is a good year because Alison [Booth] is a senior, and she’s had experience as a choreographer.”

From learning the “tap language” — terms like flap, hop and leap — to going through with the steps, Copeland believes tap dancing is challenging for those who’ve never tapped before. At the same time, Copeland also thinks students are “excited to know some of these terms” and have the opportunity to show it off.

Before the musical, senior Tyler Orbin had never tap danced before.

In preparation for the show, Booth taught Orbin and a few other people who were interested in the show how to tap. As a lead in the show, Orbin’ is responsible for both tap solos and duets with other characters. “[Tap’s] not just moving your body to every beat,” Orbin said, “but it’s moving your feet way more than you regularly do and moving other parts of your body … and trying to get all sorts of very specific sounds in a really limited time frame.”

According to Copeland, plenty of other schools do tap shows, but not many as tap-heavy as “42nd Street.”

“I never hear other schools say, ‘We’re doing ‘42nd Street,’” Copeland said. “Just because every school has some tappers, just to have enough to do a tap show — it’s a quirky year to have the personnel to be able to do it.”

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FEATURES

Mill Valley High School

Design by Morgan Gurwell

JagWire

JagWire

FEATURES

Mill Valley High School

MILITARYMOVES

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Due to their dad’s job in the Army, junior Ryan Williams and freshman Ashley Williams have moved all over the country

West Point, New York 2006-2009 Papillion, Nebrasksa 2009-2012 The brother of the Dervin siblings, 2016 graduate Will Dervin, joined the U.S. Air Force last year. // submitted by Mitch Dervin

Blair Williams, father of freshman Ashley Williams and junior Ryan Williams, served for 25 years before retiring. // submitted by Ashley Williams

FAMILIES OF THE

Boston, Massachusetts 2003-2006

Shawnee, Kansas 2012-present

Savannah, Georgia 2001-2003

In light of Veterans Day, students share their experiences with having family members in the military

ABBY LAYTON

A&E editor jagwire.abbylayton@gmail.com

ALLY NGUYEN

Mill Valley News editor-in-chief/ opinions editor jagwire.allynguyen@gmail.com

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any students consider family an essential part of their lives, but because of the presence of the military, some students find their family dynamic to be different from the norm. Students with family members in the military often find that separation strengthens their relationship and can add to the amount of patriotism and respect the family has for the

armed forces.

Senior Allie Harvey is familiar with this reality since her father was in the military for 26 years and retired last October. As a lieutenant colonel, he travelled approximately every other year to places like Iraq, Germany and South Korea.

“It was really hard because when he was first deployed in Iraq in 2005 I was still young,” Harvey said. “I feel like it made our relationship stronger because I’d miss him, I’d want to tell him things, and I’d want to go out of my way to be there for him.”

Sophomore Trinity Ouellette also has a father in the military who has served for 20 years and is currently deployed in South Korea. According to

DAYS OF DEPLOYMENT February 2006May 2008

Steve’s first deployment was in Iraq for two years

group of friends because it was always changing.”

“You don’t know when they’re going to leave.”

SOPHOMORE TRINITY OUELLETTE

Having a parent in the military has taken a strong emotional and mental toll on Harvey, Williams and Ouellette, but according to senior Mitch Dervin, the experience changes when a sibling is in the military. His brother,

2016 graduate Will Dervin, was recently deployed to Japan.

“My oldest brother is in the Air Force and the last time he came home was for about two weeks,” Dervin said.

“It hasn’t affected me a whole lot, other than not being able to see him.

Although, we see him every now and then, so it ends up not being too bad.

You just have to get used to him not being there.”

Despite past and present influences, the lives of military family members has impacted the future of these students. To Ouellette, her father’s courage has pinpointed an aspiration that she will always have, even though she doesn’t necessarily want to serve.

“My dad helps people by serving

the country, so I’ve always wanted to help people,” Ouellette said. “It’s influenced me a lot. I’ve considered [going into the military], but I don’t like the feeling of my dad not being there for me and if I have children, I wouldn’t want them to feel that way.”

The adjustments made to not having a loved one there is different for each of these students, but they all agree it has provided difficulties.

However, in the end, distance has increased the strength of these family bonds and reuniting makes the end result worth it, according to Harvey.

“I was always crying when he came home because it was really exciting,” Harvey said. “I feel like as soon as he got back it was like he never left.”

For much of her childhood, senior Allie Harvey’s dad Steve Harvey has been deployed overseas for various periods of time

OctoberNovember 2009

For just two months, Steve served in South Korea

her, the emotional toll of his absence is a major stressor in her life.

“He has missed over seven birthdays in my life and a lot of Christmases,” Ouellette said. “[The worst part is] it happens all of a sudden. You don’t know when they’re going to leave.”

Despite the difficulties, junior Ryan Williams believes that there are benefits to having a family member in the military — but those can be overshadowed.

“I got to see [and live in] a lot of the [United States] and experience many different things. I’ve done a lot that the average person has not,” Williams said. “I grew up all over the United States, and it was a cool experience, but you also [never] have a good

June 2011November 2011

MarchApril 2012

July 2013July 2014

After three years at home, Steve started his second tour in Iraq

Steve spent two months in Germany

For exactly one year, Steve was deployed in South Korea

As a lieutenant colonel in the Army, senior Allie Harvey’s dad Steve Harvey served overseas every other year. // Victoria Wright

Freshman Aryanna Ouelette and sophomore Trinity Ouellette’s father George Ouellette is deployed overseas. // submitted by Trinity Ouelette

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FEATURES

Design by Morgan Gurwell & Annie Myers

Calendar drawings help sophomore Emerson Kaiser keep a positive mindset

ELIZABETH JOSEPH

reporter/photographer jagwire.elizabethjoseph@gmail.com

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s the end of the month approaches, sophomore Emerson Kaiser doodles a small drawing on her calendar, highlighting a moment she is grateful for.

Each day, Emerson writes a phrase or sketches on her monthly calendar in pencil to illustrate something positive. Later, she adds hand-lettering and fills in her drawings using pen during the weekends to provide an image of the experience.

Emerson started drawing on her calendar after a summer spent at Camp Tekawitha, a Catholic youth ministry camp held in Kansas City.

Upon seeing the impact that maintaining a daily calendar had on a counselor there, Emerson decided to start her own.

“I thought it was a great way to spread positivity and bring positivity in my life,” Emerson said. “I also really liked the aspect of hand-lettering and calligraphy, so I wanted to bring that into it.”

Since January, sophomore Emerson Kaiser has been sketching what she is thankful for on each day of her calendar. // Andrew Tow

Emerson features her completed calendar on her Instagram account at the end of each month. Although she didn’t initially plan to do so, “a lot of people gave [her] positive feedback.”

Emerson’s mom Kasey Kaiser believes that creating the calendar has enabled Emerson to reflect more deeply on her day.

DAYS IN DEPTH

Mill Valley High School

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Design by Claire Boone & Anika Roy

FEATURES

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“Regardless of her day, it helps her realize that there’s always … something you can be thankful for,” Kasey said. “I think it just helps her be grounded and be a stronger person.”

The calendars have impacted those around Emerson as well. Since the beginning of Emerson’s project, sophomore Morgan Koca has been featured on the calendar.

“It makes me feel good when I’m on [her calendar],” Koca said. “When I go to her house, I’ll look at it and I’ll see everything she’s writing for this month, which is a good time.”

The calendar has also affected the relationship between Emerson and her mom. Kasey found a deep sense of pride in her daughter’s project.

“As a parent, you try to instill good values and focus on the good [in your children],” Kasey said. “You don’t realize they’re listening and learning until you see something like the calendar.”

Emerson plans to continue the calendar in the future, because writing down the positive aspects of her day has helped her remain grateful for the little things.

“Sometimes it’s easy to look past all [I have] and just not recognize it,” Emerson said. “With the great family that I have and the great school I go, [the calendar] is kind of a way to appreciate all that.”

Kaiser explains specific days drawn on her monthly calendar “My friend [sophomore] Morgan [Koca] and I go on the first Thursday of every month and make the backpacks with the food for the kids that don’t have food for the weekend.”

“We went to Weston Red Barn Farm and got our pumpkins for fall and just went in the corn maze.”

Photo by Annie Myers

Breaking down the negative repercussions that are often overlooked, forgotten or ignored

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FEATURES

Design by Claire Boone, Anika Roy & Victoria Wright

Mill Valley High School

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FEATURES

Mill Valley High School

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CONTRACTCOMPARISON

Student handbook and athlete code of conduct states consequences for partying-like behaviors

Student athletes face suspension from practices and games due to violation of code of conduct. // Photo illustration by Annie Myers

TRICIA DRUMM

Mill Valley News editor-in-chief jagwire.triciadrumm@gmail.com

NORA LUCAS

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

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n elementary school, the counselor would visit your class and talk about drugs and alcohol. Back then, it was a foreign concept. You didn’t even know what marijuana was, but it was hammered in you that drugs and alcohol were bad.

In middle school, things got a little more serious. You’d hear about your older sibling coming home far too late last night, or that one kid in your math class getting in trouble with cigarettes.

“Pill Valley” became a common phrase in your vocabulary.

Now, in high school, you’re at a party, and you’re handed a red Solo cup filled with some sort of alcoholic substance. You think about how many Red Ribbon Weeks you’ve dressed up for, how many contracts you’ve signed pledging to be drug and alcohol free and how many people have told you throughout your life how dangerous it all supposedly is for you. You hesitate for a second, then drink.

So, what happens next? Whether you get in trouble or not, participating in the party culture can have consequences that extend beyond getting grounded. It’s important to know the possible circumstances so students are aware of what they’re getting themselves into.

There’s no denying that the topic is timely. Recent suspensions for stu-

dent athletes and members of extracurricular activities have left a blurred line between activities on the weekend and consequences at school. In this special section, the JagWire investigated the consequences of party culture to include and legal and district consequences as well as the school’s reputation.

LEGALITY

As defined by law, any person under age 21 is not allowed to buy, sell or consume alcohol in any form. In Shawnee, any person under the age of 18 is not allowed to buy or sell tobacco or vaping products. Finally, any drug banned by the Drug Enforcement Agency is illegal for any person regardless of age.

Still, what actually happens when minors break these laws?

Shawnee chief of police Rob Moser said that minors “possessing, consuming, obtaining, purchasing, or attempting to purchase alcohol” will be used a charge of Minor in Possession.

Some students are eligible for an MIP program, which along with a rigorous process, can dismiss the charge from their record. Schools can also request this information and establish additional consequences.

“Sometimes, school administration will learn of illegal activities by students through various avenues, even separate from law enforcement, and request the names of those participants,” Moser said. “State statute allows for the sharing of that information between law enforcement and the school district to help create the safest possible environment for the

educational institution’s students and employees.”

One sophomore girl who wishes to remain anonymous to protect her reputation said she was pulled over in the middle of the night with some friends last summer and was charged with an MIP for possession of marijuana.

“I was put on diversion for a couple months,” the girl said. “The MIP is not off my record. It affected my relationship with my parents a lot. Once my parents lost trust in me, it took a while to gain it back.”

The school can only enforce consequences when the activities in question happen on school facilities or at school-sponsored events. This includes away games and in the parking lot, which is why tailgating has been prohibited this year. The student handbook defines illegal activities as using or selling drugs, drinking and being under the influence at school and the consequences are listed on page 15.

But most of the time, illegal activities don’t happen at school. They happen in basements and cars, usually at night, and it can be hard to find out exactly what happened. This is why the school does not take responsibility for students’ actions outside of school — it’s left up to law enforcement.

EXTRACURRICULAR

As for the school, school resource officer Maurice Loridon said only students involved in extracurricular activities such as sports or clubs will face the consequences from the administration for illegal activities in or out of school.

STUDENTS SHALL NOT USE, SELL, TRANSFER or BE UNDER INFLUENCE AT ANYTIME DURING SCHOOL YEAR: TOBACCO ALCOHOL ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES STUDENTS SHALL REMOVE THEMSELVES FROM PARTY WHERE ILLEGAL SUBSTTANCES ARE PRESENT

PENALTIES AT END OF SEASON CAN BE ENFORCED AT BEGINNING OF NEXT SEASON

REPORT LEGAL OR SCHOOL DISCIPLINARY ACTION TO COACH/SPONSOR WITHIN

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HOURS

“I don’t want it to say if you’re not in a group, it’s OK,” Loridon said. “Either way, it’s wrong. But you’ll get consequences by the courts, but not at school. The reason kids get in trouble at school is because of those extracurricular activities that represent Mill Valley. Those extracurricular people and whatever group they’re in have those contracts [that says they’re not supposed to].”

The contract Loridon mentioned refers to the documents students are required to sign while participating in an extracurricular activity. The documents are written at the time of club founding and are usually written by sponsors or adapted from a national organization. Not all extracurriculars require this, but they do offer more accountability for students who represent the school.

For athletics, the requirements

differ. Before every season, each athlete is required to sign the district’s student athlete code of conduct, a guideline of seven rules that detail expectations for student athletes as well as consequences for those violations. These regulations only apply to KSHSAA-sponsored athletics and activities, not general extracurriculars.

Four of these rules center around illegal substance use, prohibiting alcohol and drugs on and off campus.

In mid-October, five boys soccer players, according to head soccer coach Arlan Vomhof, attended a party that would eventually be shut down by the police. The boys were suspended from the team but those we approached about an interview declined comment.

Athletic director Jerald VanRheen said even though students may not be drinking themselves, putting them-

1 2 3

ST VIOLATION SUSPENSION FOR TWO CONSECUTIVE EVENTS or TWO WEEKS OF COMPETITION SEASON ND VIOLATION FORFEIT REMAINDER OF SEASON OR INELIGIBLE FOR NEXT SIX WEEKS

RD VIOLATION MAY BE INELIGIBLE FOR MULTIPLE SEASONS NOT TO EXCEED ONE YEAR

selves in a party situation breaks the rules set forth by the code of conduct.

“If you’re at that party, and there’s people that are just drinking and having a good time, and you don’t leave, knowing that stuff is there, you’ve just violated the code of conduct,” VanRheen said.

Similar to sports teams, some extracurricular groups have their own standards include in their bylaws. Students can only be held accountable if the club has a set policy in place prior to an incident where the student has agreed not to participate in illegal activities, according to Loridon.

For example, NHS has national bylaws and a contract referring to dismissal, which were put into use after five members were caught at a party after homecoming, according to NHS

Story continued on page 12

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FEATURES

Design by Claire Boone, Anika Roy & Victoria Wright

MIP AFTERMATH

DAYS

DAYS

DAYS

FIRST OFFENSE

SECOND OFFENSE

THIRD OFFENSE

QUALIFICATIONS FOR MIP PROGRAM :

-Drug and alcohol evaluation -Completion of community service hours -No further violations of the law for a period of time -Fee of $300 UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF PROGRAM, MIP WILL BE “NO CHARGE” RESULTING IN NO RECORD

Story continued from page 11

sponsor Jeff Wieland. Since the members had agreed to the organization contract, they were dismissed.

VanRheen clearly stated that he does not enjoy suspending students from school, but feels the responsibility to keep kids safe.

“Ultimately what we’re trying to do is to create a culture where kids don’t feel like they have to do that stuff and that they’re safe,” VanRheen said. “All that stuff, for high school students, is against the law. That’s the whole idea behind it.”

VanRheen clearly stated that he does not enjoy suspending students from school, but feels the responsibility to keep kids safe.

“Ultimately what we’re trying to do is to create a culture where kids don’t feel like they have to do that stuff and that they’re safe,” VanRheen said. “All that stuff, for high school students, is against the law. That’s the whole idea behind it.”

REPUTATION

Administration does its best to keep the school’s reputation in a good light, but even athletic and scholastic accomplishments are overshadowed by the phrase “Pill Valley.”

Students who may not care about reputation still face consequences for

JagWire

Mill Valley High School

Design by Ally Nguyen

Illustration by Marissa Olin

OPINIONS

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STAFF EDITORIAL

Shawnee Chief of Police Rob Moser shares via email legal consequences of partying

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JagWire

Q&A

Driving suspensions for Minor in Possession convictions and qualifications for program

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Mill Valley High School

their actions. English teacher Kristen Crosbie’s close relationship to her students has shown how illegal activities outside of school affect students while they’re here.

“Sometimes that culture leads you to hang out with people that you shouldn’t hang out with, and it changes your life for the worse that way because then it’s hard to get back where you were,” Crosbie said.

A senior girl, anonymous for legal purposes, said the closest she’s been to facing the legal consequences for vaping and drinking was when her mother found a beer can under her couch.

“For a month, I’d say, it was kind of awkward between my mom and I because she had a lot of trust in me, and then after that she thought I was lying all the time,” the girl said. “She didn’t really believe what I was saying.”

Still, Crosbie emphasizes the importance of learning to take responsibility.

“I’ve watched kids get caught and not have to deal with the consequences because parents don’t want them to ... for whatever reason,” Crosbie said.

“I know that when you’re on your own, it’s a whole different ball game. You’re an adult, and you’re responsible.

Might as well start being responsible now.”

JagWire: If a high school student is at a party where drinking is involved and law enforcement is contacted, what immediate course of action will most likely be taken?

Rob Moser: It is those underage students who are possessing, consuming, obtaining, purchasing, or attempting to purchase alcohol which are subject to legal action from a law enforcement officer. Police officers can and will arrest for these “Minor in Possession” violations, and parents can be contacted.

JW: What usually happens to the student in the long term?

RM: If the juvenile has no prior offenses, was not highly intoxicated, and was cooperative with the police, they may be eligible for the “MIP Program.” This program consists of a drug and alcohol evaluation, completion of community service hours, no further violations of the law for a period of time, and a fee of $300. If this program is completed successfully, it ends up being “no charged,” resulting in no record.

JW: What advice would you have for students who feel pressured to drink or use drugs?

RM: Teenagers are more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol, which can cause long term damage to their overall development, both mentally and physically. Studies show teenagers who consume alcohol perform worse in school, which has a negative impact on post-graduation plans and goals. It is a domino effect that leads to depression, addiction, health issues, other substance abuse, violence towards self or others, and serious injury or death whether in a motor vehicle or not. From a legal standpoint, my advice is to refrain from underage drinking due to the consequences of arrest and the negative impact.

ACCEPT THE CONSEQUENCES OF PARTYING After taking part in illegal activities, students should understand and accept the repercussions s you walk into your coach’s office, A a feeling of disbelief hits you. You know that your position on the team is

going to be affected and that you’ve let your teammates down. You feel guilt rising up, and then anger towards law enforcement and the administration rushes through you. But the moment you decided to participate in underage drinking, drug usage or other aspects of party culture, you agreed to face the consequences for your actions. Students who engage in illegal activities should not complain when their actions catch up to them.

“It is much easier to lose a good reputation than to build a good one.”

Outside of the legal fall-out, a student can lose everything that they have worked towards in high school if they partake in illegal actions. This includes leadership roles and removal from the activities or athletics one

participates in. If a student is competing on a team, then not only does the student suffer, but the whole team is impacted by the absence. Those who partake in illegal activities become an example for the rest of their peers to avoid.

When signing up for athletics or some extracurriculars at school, students must sign a contract showing they will represent the school well within its codes of behavior. The aftermath of breaking this contract is just another responsibility to deal with.

In a way, partying itself is its own contract; those who take part in illegal activities must face repercussions from administrative action and law enforcement.

The school enforces consequences that affect involvement, but even if students aren’t involved in any activities or athletics at school, the actions of a student still leave a deep impact on those around them. A student’s reputation among their peers can be changed for the worse by partaking in illegal activities. Just think about the fall-out from those around you, including students, teachers and your parents. It is much easier to lose a good reputation than to build one.

No one enjoys the aftermath of par-

JAGWIRE STAFF VOTE

AGREE

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DISAGREE

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ty culture. Law enforcement, school administration, parents and those who participate all hate the consequences — both delivering and receiving them. Why choose to participate when it hurts everyone involved?

There is much more to lose than to gain.

When you take part in illegal activities such as drinking or doing drugs, you have agreed to accept responsibility for the consequences that land on you. Don’t complain about the repercussions. Instead, make your decisions carefully.

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OPINIONS

Mill Valley High School

Design by Ally Nguyen

JagWire

TRAVELLING PROMOTES PERSONAL GROWTH

CARTER LAWSON

reporter/photographer jagwire.carterlawson@gmail.com

W

hen I truly think about what is most valuable to me in life, several physical possessions immediately come to mind. I realize, though, that the most memorable and special items to me cannot be seen, nor physically touched. Instead, they are strictly memories of all of the travels I have been fortunate enough to partake in.

When I look at all my travel experience, it makes me think about how much more I value my favorite memories with some of my favorite people over any physical possession that I currently, or have ever owned.

When we’re young, we tend to

JagWire

OPINIONS

Mill Valley High School

15

TEAM SPIRIT GOES BEYOND THE SCOREBOARD

Experiences are more valuable than any physical possessions

Fans should maintain their loyalty no matter the season record

think that happiness and enjoyment come from owning tangible things, like the newest toy or game. This is typically caused by media influences that depict how much fun physical items can be.

As I have grown, however, my possessions have come and gone as the things I want have changed drastically. The things that have consistently stayed with me throughout my life are the memories I’ve acquired from traveling around the world.

Today there are few fans like my dad, and too often we see attendance and views drop dramatically when their sports team isn’t winning. Instead of this, fans need to support their favorite teams through the good times and the bad.

I’ll admit, it’s hard to see your favorite team lose. Nobody wants to watch a losing team simply because it isn’t enjoyable. Nobody wants to have to find reasons to defend their team when they haven’t won a single game in the season. Simply put, winning teams have more loyal fans, but this needs to change. All fans need to be loyal, not just the ones who have a team with good record.

There’s evidence of this in our beloved Kansas City Royals attendance record. According to ESPN News, in 2013 they went 86-76, and their total attendance was 1,750,754. In 2015, the year they would end up winning the World Series, their total attendance was 2,708,549.

Now, their total attendance is fall-

“I have jumped at every opportunity to travel, especially overseas.”

One of the most memorable travel experiences I have is when my family and I traveled to Europe in 2011.

We traveled to five different countries and I can still recall every little detail

about my time there. I was provided with an amazing opportunity for my lifelong addiction for travel to begin at only 11-years-old.

Since that trip, I have jumped at every opportunity to travel, especially overseas. That trip provided me not only with an addiction for travel as whole, but also with learning about different cultures and places around the world.

I’ve since continued learning about the world by taking all of the opportunities I’ve been offered. One of these opportunities was the school trip with our Spanish and French classes to Paris and Barcelona. This trip was slightly different because it was with my friends instead of my family. Because of that, the trip was that much more memorable due to bonding with my classmates over good food and great times. I grew closer and learned even more about my those on the trip.

After that trip, I was able to look back and laugh at all the ridiculous things we did. Those memories will be ones that will last in my mind for a very long time and I’ll treasure these memories more than anything I will ever own.

ABBY LAYTON

A&E editor jagwire.abbylayton@gmail.com

E

ver since I can remember, my dad has been obsessed with Illinois basketball. The University of Illinois is his alma mater, so Illinois basketball has always held a special place in his heart. The team hasn’t had a winning record since the 2010 season, and yet once basketball season rolls around you can always find him in front of the TV cheering on his favorite team. I admire his dedication as a fan to Illinois basketball no matter the scoreboard.

ing again, this can be explained by the team’s 80-82 record this year and their lack of any postseason runs. Consider the discouragement this gives to the Royals players, and the franchise as a whole. These increases and decreases in attendance prove that because of the scoreboard, their fans are beginning to abandon them after only two years of faithful loyalty.

Instead of abandoning these players, we need to continue to give them our support and encouragement. This means showing up to their games, even when the tickets are cheap and the team isn’t winning. Yell as loud as you can in the stands, even if it gets you a couple of stares from the crowd.

Eventually the tide will turn again in your team’s favor, and for the sake of your pride and conscious, I implore you to remain faithful. I can say with certainty that the 1,750,754 fans who stood by the Royals through all of their times, good and bad, felt pride and joy in the fact that they are not indeed a fairweather fan.

TIME SPENT WITH YOUR FAMILY IS INVALUABLE Students should slow down to enjoy moments with their families more activities I add to my schedule, the more my relationships with my family seem to lose their importance.

Instead of this, students, myself included, need to rearrange our schedules and set aside a few responsibilities to find time to spend with our families, whatever that looks like.

CLAIRE BOONE

managing editor jagwire.claireboone@gmail.com

A

During his first trip to Europe in August 2011, senior Carter Lawson visits the Eiffel Tower with his family. // Submitted by Carter Lawson

Six years after his first trip to Paris, senior Carter Lawson returns to the Eiffel Tower in June 2017.// Submitted by Carter Lawson

common phrase I have found my friends and I saying to each other since we started high school is, “I am never home.”

This has made me think about how much time I actually spend at home, strengthening the relationships that should and do matter the most to me. I came to the conclusion that the

Family is arguably the most important group of people in your life.

In a poll of 203 students, 67 percent of students noted that they would prefer to spend time with their friends as opposed to their family, revealing that

students are valuing time with their friends over their family. Though I was not shocked, this data was a bit disheartening. Family is arguably the most important group of people in your life, blood relation or not.

I define my family similar to how others do: those that I live with and am related to. This is the group of people that I would love to spend a majority of my time with because they are constantly lifting me up and encouraging me, like family should.

I am lucky enough to say that my sisters are my best friends, my brothers are the kindest men I know and my parents are the epitome of a loving relationship. Though I am aware that you may not have that kind of family dynamic, I encourage you to spend more time with your family and let strengthening those relationships become your main priority.

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SPORTS

Mill Valley High School

Design by Victoria Wright

JagWire

FALLFINISHES A review of the fall sports season and team accomplishments

GIRLS TENNIS SOPHIE LECURU PLACED IN SINGLES AT

5

STATE

ANIKA ROY& ELLIE SCHAFFER PLACED IN DOUBLES AT

8

FOOTBALL SEASON RECORD:

6-4 CHAMPS

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TH PLACE TEAM FINISH AT

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IN EKL

IN EKL

After winning a point, senior Annie Casburn serves to her opponent from St. James on Wednesday, Sept. 13. // Carter Lawson

REGIONAL

CHAMPS In Sports and Entertainment Marketing Class, sophomore Lauren Johnson does research on the team she picked for week seven. // Hunter Ristau

AT 2STATE

STATE

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At the Mark Chipman Cat Classic on Thursday, Oct. 5, sophomores Jack Terry and Darius Hightower maintain their pace alongside other runners. // Hunter Ristau

social media editor jagwire.lexiflipse@gmail.com

assistant sports editor jagwire.christophersprenger@gmail.com

Lining up her shot, senior Bella Hadden putts the ball into the hole at the SMEast Invitational on Monday, Sep. 11. // Jordan Robinson

I

n the darkness of their own living rooms, “Monday Night Football” playing on TV illuminates the room as several students check up on their fantasy football team. Many people do this every year as a friendly competition with friends and family. However,

CLASSIC VS

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BOYS&GIRLS PLACED AT REGIONALS

LEXI FLIPSE

CHRIS SPRENGER

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HIGHEST GIRLS FINISH IN SCHOOL HISTORY

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VOLLEYBALL SEASON RECORD:

17-19

Throwing the ball up for a jump serve, senior Allie Harvey hits the ball across the net on Tuesday, Sept. 12. // Marah Shulda

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Students in Sports and Entertainment Marketing participate in a modified version of Fantasy football

STATE

BELLA HADDEN

SPORTS

EDUCATION BY FOOTBALL

TH HIGHEST PLACE TEAM FINISH IN FINISH AT SCHOOL HISTORY

GIRLS GOLF

GIRLS& BOYS PLACED

3 2

Design by Katya Gillig & Chris Sprenger

Jumping in the air, sophomore Ian Carroll prepares to receive a pass from a teammate against SMEast on Friday, Sept. 15. // Claire Boone

Rushing forward, junior wide receiver Logan Talley is pulled to the ground by a St. James player in the season opener on Friday, Sept. 1. // Annie Myers

GIRLS PLACED

STATE

SEASON RECORD:

REGIONAL

Mill Valley High School

4

BOYS SOCCER

AS OF MONDAY, NOV. 6

JagWire

CLASSES Contrasting fantasy football in Sports and Entertainment Marketing with the traditional type

for the students in business teacher Nicole Porter’s Sports and Entertainment Marketing class, fantasy football is done as an assignment for credit throughout the course.

This year, nearly 60 million people are participating in fantasy sports in both the U.S. and Canada according to the Fantasy Sports Trade Association.

Participating in the activity provides a fun yet educational experience for senior Mitchell Grissom.

“I enjoy playing because it makes the class seem a little less serious while also allowing us to learn about the marketing side of the sports

Traditional fantasy football Select different players to create teams One draft is held at the beginning of the season

world,” Grissom said.

While many of the rules are the same, Porter’s version of the popular pastime differs in an effort to make the experience as educational as possible for the students.

“We don’t draft players, [but rather] different NFL teams,” Porter said. “We score the league based on fan attendance at games, whether or not they win their game, [and] whether or not there is positive publicity surrounding the team that week.”

Porter began incorporating this altered version of the activity into the coursework as a fun way to demonstrate the business aspects of NFL teams that students don’t normally consider.

“I thought this would be a good way for students to focus on how some of those elements make a difference in the success of a franchise,” Porter said. “If students scored negative points, the students reflect on how that affects the business of the team.”

Despite not being the biggest football fan, senior Haley Harvey still finds the activity to be an interesting twist on traditional fantasy football.

“I think it’s fun,” Harvey said. “It’s a fun concept and it’s something different than what we normally do.”

During each week’s team draft, Porter thinks the students enjoy the contest they have amongst themselves.

“When we pick teams, the students get really competitive about who gets what pick and what team they choose,” Porter said.

Sports and Entertainment Marketing Select entire NFL teams to create team New teams are drawn from a hat every week

Gain points based on business Gain points based on asaspects of game such as fan pects of player attendance at games, positive or performance such as negative publicity and the result of yards and touchdowns the game

Design by Hunter Ristau

Mill Valley High School

JagWire

JagWire

Mill Valley High School

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A&E

Design by Annie Myers

IN THE MONEY Cost of and profit earned from Kansagonia merchandise

$1,000 Invested in company

Senior Nolan LaBarge has encountered several difficulties with starting his business. “[The stickers] are not weather-proof,” LaBarge said. “I learned that the hard way.” // Carter Lawson

Senior Nolan LaBarge creates brand of t-shirts and stickers

KATYA GILLIG Evergreen Chinese Restauant

Kansas Ave

K-7

ADS

Commercial Dr

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MILL VALLEY

NEWS

FOR FURTHER COVERAGE: mvnews.org

sports editor jagwire.katyagillig@gmail.com

A

new brand of t-shirts and stickers can be seen around the halls of Mill Valley. Kansagonia is a Kansas City twist on a popular brand, created by senior Nolan LaBarge.

LaBarge created the brand based off a logo he designed, which features the Kansas City skyline over a variation of the Patagonia logo.

“I was sketching out logos and it just clicked with me,” LaBarge said.

“I thought this might actually be good enough for a t-shirt and people might like it enough.”

LaBarge then took about a month and a half to develop the brand, which included making the design in Photoshop, creating a website through the online shopping platform Shopify, finding a company to print the shirts and taking pictures to promote the brand. Labarge initially invested $1,000 in the business and has since made $744 since the website launched.

The website was launched on Fri-

day, Sept. 15. From there, LaBarge tweeted out the link to the website which, according to LaBarge, is where most of his business comes from.

“A bunch of people thought I just threw it on a t-shirt and put it out there,” Labarge said “But I … spent a few weeks on [it].”

Senior Lucy Holland, who is featured on the website, likes the uniqueness of the brand.

“I think it’s really cool that [LaBarge] made it originally himself kind of based off of something, but it was an original idea to go off Kansas City themed things,” Holland said. “I think the design is really cool.”

In the future LaBarge hopes to take the products to First Fridays or art fairs as a way to expand business.

LaBarge has had a positive response since he launched the brand.

“Everyone thinks they’re cool,” LaBarge said. “I did have a few issues with [over]pricing ... [but] I don’t think it’s too much.”

Holland believes the products are worth the price.

“I think… it’s a really nice t-shirt and they’re pretty expensive,” Holland said. “He paid good money for them so it’s good quality.”

$744 Gross amount earned

$4 Cost for sticker

$26 Cost for t-shirt and sticker combo

*Available at kansagonia.com

ENTERING ENTREPRENEURSHIP

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A&E

Design byAlison Booth

Mill Valley High School

ON A ROLL

JagWire

JagWire reporters review local sushi restaurants based on their quality and price

KATYA GILLIG

sports editor jagwire.katyagillig@gmail.com

ALLY NGUYEN

Mill Valley News editor-in-chief/ opinions editor jagwire.allynguyen@gmail.com

JagWire

Mill Valley High School

SUSHI STYLES MAKI

ANIKA ROY

copy editor jagwire.anikaroy@gmail.com

Wrapped in seaweed Filling can be raw or cooked

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A&E

Photos by Carter Lawson and Marah Shulda

A description of different sushi types and common ingredients

NIGIRI

Raw fish on top of pressed sushi rice

URUMAKI

Called insideout roll Rice on outside, raw or cooked fish inside

Source: How Daily

RA

$9-$15 FOR 8 PIECES

11638 ASH ST, LEAWOOD

W

alking into this dark restaurant, we were excited to try the rolls offered because high prices and an exclusive feel are usually a recipe for success. For $11.67 we thought they must’ve had a magical element to them. Well, as it turns out, we were wrong. The menu was deceptively large, but for those not willing to venture into raw territory, there are few options. The sushi itself, both raw and cooked, was presented well and tasted OK. However, after factoring in the price, we came to the conclusion that Ra is not worth it and should lower its prices.

SUSHI MIDO

$7-$10 FOR 8 PIECES

6010 NIEMAN RD, SHAWNEE

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hen pulling up to Sushi Mido, one might not think they are walking into a high end sushi restaurant due to the building’s small, quaint appearance.

In this case, however, the cliche that "what’s on the inside is what matters" was true.

We paid only $7.42 for the lunch special and it was easily our most enjoyable roll. With the special, you get a roll of sushi, which usually consists of five to eight pieces, as well as a salad or a bowl of soup and two crab rangoon or two egg rolls. The large amount of food for an arguably low price had already won our hearts, but once we bit into the sushi, we were sold.

Of all of the sushi places we visited, Sushi Mido was the best due to

the high quality of the food and the beautiful presentation. The rolls had a great flavor that was consistently distributed throughout each bite. Due to that, it topped both Price Chopper and Ra’s rolls as far as taste and quality. They also gained our respect for not being too sticky, but just sticky enough to keep their shape when using chopsticks goes wrong.

Not only did Sushi Mido have the best tasting rolls, they had the best selection; the restaurant has many unique rolls. As for presentation of the food, the sushi is artfully arranged and it is perfectly stacked. We reached a consensus that the amount of food provided, as well as the taste of the food itself, is an excellent deal for the low price.

PRICE CHOPPER $5-$7 FOR 12 PIECES 22210 W 66TH ST, SHAWNEE

F

or only $5.40, Sushi Wednesday at Price Chopper is most definitely worth the price.

At most sushi restaurants, one roll consists of six to eight individual sushi pieces while at Price Chopper, one roll gives you 12. With their own sushi chef on site, the sushi is made fresh daily. This concept is great, as sushi lovers with busy lifestyles

can quickly stop by for lunch. But, because the chefs only spend a few hours a day making the sushi, it is a grab-and-go situation unlike the other sushi places. This means the sushi has the possibility of sitting out for hours after it is made.

Because of this factor, one might mistakenly draw the conclusion that Price Chopper’s rolls are gross and not fresh. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the sushi was actually very flavorful and didn’t have any oddities to it. The quality was easily comparable to the more high-end restaurants we visited. The only downside to an otherwise great meal was that the temperature of the fridge holding the sushi can often make the rice sticky, and without proper chopstick techniques, the rolls may fall apart.

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A&E

Design by Hunter Ristau and Marah Shulda

FINDME NEXTDOOR

Mill Valley High School

JagWire

T

“My parents joined and they were telling me about all the stuff they would find on there,” Carver said.

“I thought it’d be interesting to see what’s on there, too.”

In her experience, though, the posts have been more comedic than helpful.

“I see a lot of things about people trying to sell baby clothes.”

SENIOR CORI CARVER

“I see a lot of things about people attempting to identify animals running around and a lot of people trying to sell baby clothes,” Carver said.

“That’s usually the jist.”

Senior Garrett Mehner also agrees that a lot of the posts are more laughable than they are beneficial to the community.

“Every weekend someone will angrily post about being ding-dongditched or woken up by a neighbor’s party,” Mehner said. “ I just think it’s

NORA LUCAS

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

Local and national community involvement in the Nextdoor app, provided by Nextdoor

reporter/photographer jagwire.michaelsandri@gmail.com

funny that a neighborhood app is the first place people will go to rant about their problems.”

Rutledge agrees that while a large part of the app’s initial appeal is the amount of unusual posts that users will encounter, the app is also a good place to find a lot of goods and services being offered.

“There are also posts about good contractors who will come to your house and a lot of parents post things about roofing,” Rutledge said.

Rutledge also says that from her prior experiences, the abundance of information the app offers can be just as beneficial to students looking for work as it is for adults and their businesses.

“There’s a lot of information and you can really put your name out there,” Rutledge said. “Especially for kids, if you’re looking to mow lawns, it’s very easy to just get your name out there.”

Carver agrees that there is a lot of information to be found on the app and says that you can even enjoy scrolling through the contents of posts without looking for anything in particular.

“Honestly, it doesn’t matter [why you are on the app],” Carver said. “It’s just fun to get on and look at.”

106 158,000 Neighborhoods sign up in the Shawnee area

Registered users signed up for the Nextdoor app

SELLERSBEWARE Instead of going to Savers or Goodwill, you might want to check out the clothing section. You might be able to score a pair of mom jeans, or a Vera Bradley wallet Clothing & Accessories

The main feed on Nextdoor is where all members of the community go to post about what is going on in their area.

Nextdoor offers large market for neighbors to sell items

Into old video games? Then this section might be the right fit for you. Here you can find old video games to a gently used Xbox.

Electronics

A comparison of Nextdoor and eNeighbors ENeighbors can be used to contact the Property Manager

Nextdoor

23

MICHAEL SANDRI

APPANALYSIS

Local city and county officials have access to give information to citizens

A&E

Mill Valley High School

FIND MYNEIGHBORS

The Nextdoor app lets neighbors communicate with different people within their own community

he close knit community of Shawnee parents has now gone mobile through neighborhood apps, and students are starting to download the apps as well. Popular apps such as Nextdoor and eNeighbors have become a way for members of the community to communicate with each other about events, found items or odd jobs.

Upon registration for Nextdoor, users are prompted to enter their address and the app assigns the user to a neighborhood based on their location. Locally, there are multiple groups and neighborhoods all under the umbrella of Nextdoor Mill Valley.

As a local babysitter, junior Caroline Rutledge joined the app to find more parents interested in her babysitting business.

“I signed up for [Nextdoor] … because I wanted to get my name out there for babysitting,” Rutledge said.

Since downloading the app six months ago, Rutledge said she’s seen her number of clients skyrocket.

“I have at least 30 people who have asked me to babysit,” Rutledge said.

“My weekends are booked.”

Another Nextdoor user, senior Cori Carver, joined because her parents described the app to her and captured her interest.

JagWire

Furniture

eNeighbors The Homeowner association up dates the site with what happened at recent meetings

The Furniture section is used to sell things ranging from mattress to couchs

Garage sales The garage sale feature lets homeowners advertise the location and time

24 PHOTO ESSAY

Design by Hunter Ristau and Marah Shulda

Mill Valley High School

JagWire

FALLING IN THE SPIRIT Students partake in popular fall activities as a way of embracing seasonal festivities in the area Knife in hand, junior Sophie Friesen carves out the outline drawn on her pumpkin on Friday, Oct. 27.

“My favorite part of the fall season is buying and carving pumpkins with my friends.”

Friesen said // Marah Shulda

At the Westside church pumpkin party, sophomore Darius Hightower carves his pumpkin. “I got to hang out with friends and carve a pumkin.”

Hightower said. // Andrew Tow

Putting makeup on senior Garrett Mehner face, senior Chandler Randolph prepares for the haunted house at senior Preston Cole’s house on Monday, Oct. 30. “To get ready for the [Haunted House] we just had to put on our clown makeup on while others had to put on their costumes,” Mehner said.

“I loved when I scared this [girl] so bad that she peed her pants.” // Hunter Ristau

Hosting her Halloween party, junior Ashlyn Windmiller talks with her friends while in costumes on Saturday, Oct. 28. “It’s always nice to get together with friends and just hang out.”

Windmiller said // James Ball

Crouching over the field, seniors Andrea Gillespie, Kiley Beran and Brynn Rittenhouse pick out pumpkins at Schaake’s Pumpkin Patch on Friday, Oct. 20. // Jordan Robinson