The Pow Wow|Vol. 75|Issue 2

the

Pow Wow Bonner Springs High School • Vol. 75, Issue 2 • Oct. 28, 2011

Senior Toby Sullivan practices his evil, haunting stare as he prepares for his job at the 3rd Street Asylum.

What are you afraid of?

Senior Austin Clouse takes you through Bonner’s own 3rd Street Asylum.

See pages 6 and 7.

Photos/Samantha Ricci-Weller

2

NEWS

October 28, 2011

Adios books, hola stories Spanish classes transition to new instructional method

By SIERRA SEACAT Staff Writer As students went to their Spanish classes this year, they were met with a surprise: a completely different method of teaching.

Previously the Spanish classes had focused on verb conjugations, grammar rules, and book work. Now, they are focusing on fluency and speaking skills.

Spanish teachers Kelly Hoopes and Susan Swabb said they are now using Teaching Proficiency Through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS), an instructional model that emphasizes storytelling and writing in place of rote memorization and book work.

Instead of focusing solely on the text, students write their own stories in Spanish and read stories solely in Spanish.

This method of instruction was invented out of need by a teacher named Blaine Ray in the 1970s. He was challenged to find something that would keep 50 students entertained with no textbooks, and TPRS is the result of the evolution of his original method.

Hoopes and Swabb attended a conference this past summer on TPRS and decided that it was worth implementing, thinking that it would make their students better Spanish speakers.

“I was tired of kids graduating from Spanish IV not being able to speak as well as they should be able to speak Spanish. Yes, they could conjugate a verb, and yes, they knew 15 articles of clothing, but could they understand directions in Spanish if someone were giving them in Spanish? I don’t think so. I was dissatisfied even though it wasn’t the students’ fault or my fault. It was the approach,” Swabb said.

TPRS exposes the students to more input, meaning that they hear more Spanish.

Research shows that input is the key to helping

students learn a foreign language.

So far it appears that Spanish students are reacting positively to the change.

“It is very fun and enjoyable,” said sophomore Weston Vitt.

They also find it more entertaining than the previous method.

“It is very interesting and funny,” said senior Joseph Dooley.

The teachers also believe that students are having more fun with the TPRS method.

“I think our students are really enjoying this method. They are getting to be creative and learning words and phrases that are important to them and important to speaking,” Hoopes said.

Swabb enjoys this new method teaching, despite it being more exhausting.

“It’s easier to give an assignment out of the textbook and let kids sit and finish it, but now I have to be more active, but I’m very active anyway so that feels comfortable to me,” Swabb said.

Hoopes also finds this method of teaching more enjoyable.

“I enjoy it a lot more, focusing more on just speaking and providing opportunities for our students in the future rather than focusing on those small grammar rules,” Hoopes added.

Even though it is still early in the year, both Hoopes and Swabb agree that the switch to TPRS has gone well and that in the end it will help their students learn to speak better Spanish more efficiently.

“I am feeling very positive,” Swabb said.

“I’m feeling the way it’s going to be is that the kids will know what sounds right to them with this method. They may not be able to say that this is correct because their adjective agrees with number and gender, a grammatical description, but it will just sound right to them and that’s the way we speak English. It just sounds right.”

TOP: REACHING FOR THE FLAG, junior Stephan Lewis plays the role of Christopher Columbus during a story in his 5th hour Spanish class. (Photo/Tessa Newberry) BOTTOM: SPANISH TEACHER Susan Swabb helps her students write the details to a story they had created during class.

(Photo/Sammy Ricci-Weller)

Day of the Dead just around the corner

By SIERRA SEACAT Staff Writer When skeleton decorations go up in the Spanish rooms at the end of October, they aren’t for Halloween.

Instead they are for Dia de los (the Day of the Dead) a Mexican holiday that is celebrated on Nov. 1 each year.

Not to be confused with Halloween, Day of the Dead is about gathering with friends and family to remember loved ones who have passed away.

Spanish teachers Susan Swabb and Kelly Hoopes are coming up with activities they can

do in their class to celebrate this traditional holiday.

One thing Swabb intends on having her students do is to make an ofrenda.

Ofrendas, which are an important part of the Day of the Dead, are three-tiered altars built in the homes of Mexican families in remembrance of relatives and friends they have lost.

The ofrendas must include three levels, which represent the departed’s life on earth, life before earth, and life after earth. You must also include representations of the four elements: earth, wind, fire, and water.

Pictures of the loved ones and some of their possessions are also placed on the ofrendas. Their favorite foods are included because tradition suggests that their soul will travel back to you and they will need sustenance.

Swabb has had her Spanish IV students make ofrendas in the past and has found the experience enjoyable.

“You really learn a lot about your students, because they share information about their loved ones, and it shows the significance of how nice this holiday is in remembering and learning,” Swabb said.

Swabb says she will have her Spanish I stu-

dents do some sort of arts and crafts project so they understand what the holiday represents.

Spanish teacher Kelly Hoopes plans on having her classes do some sort of research or historical activity regarding Dia de los Muertos traditions, and she said all of the Spanish classes will celebrate the holiday with fiestas that include pinata breaks, specialty foods and other activities.

“Mexicans have an unique perspective on death. They don’t fear it; they celebrate the passing of their loved ones,” Hoopes said.“It is important to celebrate Dia de los Muertos so that we understand their perspective.”

October 28, 2011

A lofty goal

NEWS

3 BRIEFLY

Seventh hour Advance Carpentry expands classroom space

By SHELBY MATA Staff Writer Under the direction of first-year teacher Casey Seirer, a team of 13 students are collaborating to add a second-floor loft to the Wood Tech classroom, an addition that will make classroom life easier and more organized.

What led Seirer to the idea of building the loft was the lack of space in the shop area. With enrollment numbers up, space was a big issue. Students didn’t have a decent amount of room where they could work or an adequate place to store projects. A loft, Seirer thought, would fix the problem.

Before the project even started, Seirer had to decide which of his five classes would be in charge of building the loft. This choice was easy for Seirer.

Seirer picked his seventh hour Advanced Carpentry class.

This class consisted of juniors and seniors, and the loft fit right into the curriculum. The reaction of the class was positive.

“At first when Mr. Seirer told me about building the loft I didn’t understand how it would work, but after I saw the design I thought it was a good idea,” senior George Docking said.

To begin the actual project, Seirer drew a rough sketch of the 13-by-14 foot area, and students then determined from the sketch what supplies would be needed.

“The project gave the students responsibility and helped them to make a difference in our classroom,” Seirer said.

The loft will not only store projects but it is a project in itself. Each day students are working on something different, from cutting wood to building stairs which teaches students about different aspects of carpentry.

This project has also taught students some important life lessons. Docking said he has learned about being a leader and also a follower. If anyone, not just the teacher, needed help he would be there.

Another benefit of the project is the savings it represents for the school district. If Seirer had hired a professional carpenter to do the job, it would have cost the school anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000. So far, phase one of the project has only cost around $250 in supplies.

Seirer estimates the loft will be completely done by the middle of November, and he hopes to add lighting underneath in the future.

“The best part of this project is watching the students working without assistance or guidance,” Seirer said. “It’s nice to look back and see that they are grasping the concepts that are being taught.”

JUNIOR TAYLOR COLEMAN passes the flame to Tanner Clark, also a junior, during the National Honor Society induction ceremony last Thursday when 38 juniors and 8 seniors officially joined the organization. Photo/Courtney Wheeler POP SHOW: For just $4 per student, you can hear Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” and many other hits at the vocal music department’s fall pop show. Directed by Brian J. White, featured vocalists will perform in this talent show-like concert in the auditorium on Nov. 10 -11 at 7 p.m.

ACADEMIC DECATHLON: Academic Decathletes are planning to start off their competitive season by attending a regional tournament Nov. 19 which will be held at Shawnee Mission South High School STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE: Seniors, remember those tedious state assessments from your sophomore year? That hard work will be recognized on Nov. 11 during an assembly to honor the Class of 2012 for achieving a Standard of Excellence in Reading given by the State of Kansas.

TOP: REACHING FOR A LADDER, instructor Casey Seirer works with students in his seventh hour class on the Wood Tech loft. “If you don’t spend enough time designing and planning your end project, it won’t work out,” Seirer said.

BOTTOM: SENIORS KELSEY LEITNER and George Docking work with junior Justus Seaton as they cut wood for the loft. “It was fun to be a part of this project, and it was cool knowing that I did something for my school. I learned about teamwork,” Leitner said. Photo/Shelby Mata

Brave Cave continues to evolve

“We are having to order more products than ever before,

By COURTNEY WHEELER and I don’t see that changing any time soon,” said Bryce Co-Editor-In-Chief McFarland, the business teacher who oversees the cafe along Little under a year ago, the then nameless Brave Cave was with his students. opened as nothing more than a coffee shop next to The Brave Cave sells a variety of snacks to meet the vending machines in the commons.

Eight months later much has changed, and the Did you know the needs of students and staff as best as possible while at the same time trying to create a friendly Brave Cave has become more of a cafe in its current that the most atmosphere where students can escape the stress of location next to Student Services with new products school and get work done. and services evolving continuously. popular item Their profits reflect their efforts and average The Keurig coffee maker is one of the most sold in the Brave about $200 a week, McFarland said. popular new additions and has been welcomed McFarland said the biggest hurdle is having by both students and staff. The Brave Cave is also Cave is Sour enough supplies to meet the demands without selling Braves’ apparel which sports the brand new Skittles? ordering more than they can sell.

Nike logo.

McFarland and his students continue to The establishment provides a bigger variety brainstorm for new ideas to improve the Brave of products such as soda, Powerade, breakfast Cave. sandwiches, popcorn and other items that the cafeteria is There is currently no set plan for making any physical unable to sell. additions to the establishment other than trying to get more And the more products that they get in, the more popular student artwork and student involvement. the store becomes.

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD: Under the direction of sponsor Chris Klager, Science Olympians have been have been building towers, thermodynamic containers, and handmade instruments to prepare for their approaching competition at Shawnee Mission South on Nov. 12.

SPANISH HONOR SOCIETY: Members of Spanish Honor Society have been busy planning field trips to learn about the cultural aspects of Spanish-speaking countries. On Nov. 1, SHH members plan to attend a Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) exhibit at the Mattie Rhodes Art Gallery.

November Daylight Savings 6 Sunday

7

No School Professional Development

10

Senior Class meeting

15

Yearbook Group Picture Day

19

WPA Dance. 7 p.m.-10 p.m.

23-25

No School

Monday Thursday

Tuesday Saturday Wed.-Fri.

Thanksgiving Beak

OPINIONS

4 THE EDGE REALLY? Pushed to the edge We love Lady Gaga, but her overuse of the word the “edge” is pushing us to the edge of a cliff.

Our ears can’t take hearing “the edge” 38 times in one song.

Corn maze chaos A family of five got lost in the Conners’ farm corn maze in Davers, Mass., and had to call the police for help. In an attempt to find the panicking family, an officer and his dog entered the maze with the farm manager to look for the frantic couple and their three children, including a three-week-old infant.

The search party was successful, the family being only 25 feet from the exit.

“People like to take their time and we don’t like to rush people out of the maze,” Connors said.

“We like to give people their money’s worth.”

The maze has many clues and posters telling visitors to text for further assistance. Conners said there’s no reason for anyone to get stuck in the maze.

VIEWPOINT



Good luck, Braves!

Congratulations to the Braves football team for securing a state playoff spot. Next stop, a district championship.



Classroom temperatures You’re hot and you’re cold...

When will you find equilibrium?

YOUTUBE IT! Need a distraction from your homework? Check out these videos.

1. The Ultimate Dog Tease A video that will have you howling along with its star.

2. Marcel’s The Shell With Shoes On Trust us, there’s nothing cuter than a shell in pink shoes.

3. 50 Jokes in Four Minutes Need a quick laugh? All you need is four minutes.

JUST SAYING...

When we were born, we had Bob Hope, Steve Jobs and Johnny Cash.

Now we have no hope, no jobs, and no cash.

But at least we’ve got Kevin Bacon.

October 28, 2011

Don’t be a rotten apple, please care His creations are everywhere—in your hand when you search the meaning of the word “superfluous,” when you text a friend “LOL,” and in your ear when you listen to that song that is meant to bring you out of the bad mood you’ve been in all morning.

His products have changed life as we know it as recently as a few weeks ago, when his newest creations hit the shelves and the iPhone 4S became the gadget to beat in the ever-improving market of technology.

And yet on Thursday, Oct. 6, the day after his death, a common question was “Who cares about Steve Jobs?”

Well, let’s start with why no one person should ever be apathetic to the death of another.

He was a man who passed away and in any event should be mourned even if only for a second. Apathy in the event of anything, good or bad, is atrocious.

Minimizing something because it seems cool to do so is not cool. Have some emotion.

Now let’s get to the reason why Jobs should be mourned by any and every person of our generation.

Check your pockets. Is there an iPod in one of them? How about an iPhone? Are you dying to get

the new iPad? These are all products thought of and created by a man who is no longer with us. And yet, students sit back and plug in to the very gadgets and gizmos he created to ignore this “boring” topic.

Now go back to the younger years of your childhood…Remember all of those animated movies that started out with the lamp who jumps on the “I” in the PIXAR logo? Toy Story, Cars, Wall-E the list goes on for a while. These films were also a by-product of the creativity that was Steve Jobs.

But if you don’t own an Apple product, and could care less about those “kid” movies, here is just one more argument.

Sure, Steve Jobs revolutionized technology but his greatest legacy was how he lived. He was brave in the face of cancer, advocated the importance of following your dreams, and reminded us that failure isn’t the end of the world.

Take a minute to look up his commencement address to Stanford University and maybe you’ll mourn the genius that we’ve lost.

—Sydney Shepherd and Courtney Wheeler for the Pow Wow staff

Photo/Sydney Shepherd

Will someone pull the dart out, please?

So there you are, walking to the lunchroom wondering what the questionable entrée will be today.

That’s when you hear your name being called. Excitedly, you turn and see a classmate making a fist in your direction, just waiting to shoot you with a pretend dart. So you lay on the ground waiting for someone to come save you.

This is an example of the dart game. While immensely popular with some students, this game is a constant source of annoyance to me.

The point is to shoot someone down with a pretend “dart” and hope they don’t deflect it. If the dart is deflected, then the shooter goes down. To deflect the dart, hold your palm to your forehead or you can grab your neck for a simple block. Once you’ve been hit and are lying on the floor you must wait until someone comes and pulls the dart out of

your neck.

Who wants to be greeted by their friends with a pretend dart?

Personally, I would like to be greeted with a hug, a high five or a simple fist pound.

I have also heard of situations where playing darts can be dangerous.

“I was walking through a parking lot and got hit by a dart and fell to the ground,” sophomore Austin Schuler explained. “I looked over and there were a whole bunch of cars stopped because I was blocking their way.”

Equally obnoxious is the “sandwich punch” game where a friend or foe crushes your sandwich unless you have a “cover” or a top on it. I do not understand this one either.

Why would you ever want to smash someone’s sandwich? Sure you ruin their lunch, but you also get

a variation of meat, cheese, and condiments coating your freshly washed hand. Sandwich smashing is just a lose/lose for everyone.

Then there’s the annoying game “dunked on.”

When someone is leaning against a wall, you run up and whack the wall behind the person screaming “DUNK ON YOU!” This game has absolutely no point and quite honestly could be dangerous. Whacking people near the head is never entertaining. It’s not only bothersome to the person getting dunked on, but it’s annoying to everyone around because it’s loud and full of harsh sounds.

Last but not least, there is yet another new game hitting the halls called “scuff.” Basically, you walk up to someone and try and scuff their shoes.

The truth is this game doesn’t bug me, yet. I actually participate in it regularly. But be forewarned: punch my sandwich, and I’ll punch you.

TALKING POINTS/Darts, Sandwich Punch and Scuff : Harmless fun or just plain obnoxious?

“I don’t really understand the point of these games and find them really annoying.”

—Madison Stumbough, 9

“I think Darts is annoying because it’s something we would have played in fourth grade.

—Coleman Isaacs, 11

“It’s super funny to see someone’s sandwich get smashed especially when there’s a condiment splatter.”

—Trey May, 12

“I find that it’s best to humor the students for the sake of their buy-in to my class. If they get me on their level, they understand me on mine.”

—Andrew Addington, staff

OPINIONS

October 28 , 2011

Rumors: The drama, harm and hurt We often find ourselves playing an endless game of telephone, with stories changing with every person that we meet. You know the feeling. You hear a juicy secret that you’re not supposed to share yet you do it any way.

Why do we play this game? Why are we so obsessed with other people’s drama?

I believe a need for attention has a lot to do with it. We all want attention—whether it comes from our parents, our teachers or friends. It’s the tragedy of the human condition; there’s no way to overcome it.

But there is a fine line between casual human interest and the malicious slander of a vicious rumor. Have you ever thought about what a rumor really is? Where do they start?

Usually those who start rumors are insecure or bored or looking for attention, and with the growth of technology and social networking, rumors quickly spread like wildfires. They are impossible to contain and always emotionally damaging.

Of course some of the rumors come from bullies, and many bullies—despite their aggressive attitudes—seem to always be emotional wrecks themselves. Unfortunately, they don’t see the damage they are causing.

A few lucky people have an advantage when it comes to dealing with rumors, the ability to not care. But you don’t ever really forget the rumors because you know that if you think about them too much that they will haunt you forever.

However, we are able to control the madness. Rumors are man made disasters that can deface lives as much as an oil leak or an arsonist’s fire.

They ostracize people, they divide instead of unite, they diminish school morale and they can quickly and absolutely destroy reputations.

The perfect metaphor for this is to imagine a friend as a piece of wood and the rumor being spread about them as a nail being hammered into a piece of wood. The damage is done even if you pull the nail out, there is still a hole in the wood with no way of repairing it.

Passing on false, over-the-top stories is a choice, not a way of life. If telephone is your favorite game, it’s time to stop calling.

We’ve all been there, or at least we were there about five years ago. We got all dressed up as someone or something else, good or evil, dead or alive.

We scaled the steps of houses all around, running until our little legs could take no more of the rushing from door to door.

Our hearts would pound in anticipation of the goodies that awaited us. And with the twist of a doorknob, a stranger would be greeted by a screeched “Trick or treat!”

The stranger would admire the costumes, and finally reach in to the bowl/bag and reveal the next treat that would become part of an eatable collection, surely to be devoured later that night. Then, hearts would sink, smiles would disappear, and children would scream in horror of what the stranger presented.

No, it wasn’t a severed hand, but an apple. The red skin would gleam with what looked like a skull and children would cringe at the thought of something healthy. YUCK! Okay, okay, so maybe that’s not exactly what happened. And maybe some of you enjoy red apples (I’m more of a Granny Smith fan, myself) but that doesn’t necessarily mean that lately, candy-distributing neighbors haven’t been dropping the popcorn ball.

These last few years, it seems more and more of the treats my friends and I have received are few and far between the normal goodies that are acceptable on the spookiest night in the U.S. Need some examples? Well for starters, those neighbors who hand out toothpaste and toothbrushes have increased their arsenal to floss and small bottles of mouthwash.

I know the purpose behind these treats is to make sure the 41 million children who go trick or treating don’t forget to brush after a night where 24.7 pounds of candy is consumed per capita, but really? Kids have parents to do that, and odds are that they already have the stuff and use them frequently.

Next would be knickknacks and artsy fartsy toys handed out. They are a lovely thought, but the fact of the matter is that they will not survive the wrath of my candy bag, especially if it’s a hard candy year.

But the imagination of people on this fateful night can also be a good thing.

I recall one year where I found myself two dollars richer because of a man who hadn’t had time to get to the store. I also have neighbors who disperse everything from cocoa to brownies and hot dogs, not a necessarily bad treats to refuel on.

But let’s get one thing straight. This is the candy night of the year, food comes the next month during Thanksgiving, and presents and knickknacks are for Christmas.

So folks, stick to the candy or prepare yourself for the haunting of a lifetime from angry children.

Trick or treat? More like tragedy

THE POW WOW

Staff

Features Editor Miranda McCullough

Staff Writers Caroline Clark Devyn Hayes Bailey Hightower Shelby Mata Daniel Mejia Tony Sanchez Sierra Seacat Peter Swanson

Sports Editor Logan Terrell

Adviser Jill Holder

Co-Editors-In-Chief Sydney Shepherd Courtney Wheeler Business/Entertainment Editor Mandy Ballou

Photo Editor Samantha Ricci-Weller

Editorial Policy

Contact Us

The Pow Wow is published monthly by the fourth-hour publications staff at Bonner Springs High School. Editorials reflect the consensus of the staff ; the commentaries reflect the individual writer’s opinion. These pieces may not reflect the opinion of the administration or the USD 204 board of education.

Bonner Springs High School Pow Wow 100 McDanield Bonner Springs, KS 66012 913-422-51212, ext. 4330 www.bshsnews.com Have a question or suggestion? Would you like your voice to be heard?

Letters The Pow Wow is a public forum designed to serve as the voice of BSHS. Letters-to-theeditor are accepted, but the Pow Wow will not print letters that are libelous, irresponsible or advocate illegal acts. All letters should be submitted to Room 101 and are subjected to editing.

Contact: Co-Editor Sydney Shepherd at sydneyshepherd@usd204.net Co-Editor Courtney Wheeler at courtneywheeler@usd204.net Adviser Jill Holder at holderj@usd204.net

5 For years people have wondered what our generation, Generation Z, would have to fight for. The baby boomers fought for and against causes such as the Vietnam War, and our parents voiced their opinions on social issues such as the battle against AIDS and the war on drugs. With the current state of the economy, our generation is finally taking a stand; our enemy of choice being Wall Street.

Occupy Wall Street may have started in New York but the movement has spread across the world. Just two weeks ago hundreds of people participated in a Kansas City rally. Yet some people are questioning whether the protesters have a unified message or even a solid plan. If you’ve read the signs saying things like “Wall Street should buy stocks, not politicians” and “Wake Up, America,” the message is clear; the protestors want to put an end to corporation greed and the hand government has in it.

In the United States, one percent of the country’s population holds 20 percent of the wealth, which is the highest percentage since the 1920s. The remaining 99 percent must scrounge for what’s left over. The rich keep getting richer, and the poor keep getting poorer, because trickle down economics has never worked.

Some people believe that we should be looking to government regulations as a cause of our financial woes, but I say just the opposite. Unlike our government, there is no system of checks and balances for the “golden parachuters” and “corporate cronies” who lobby in favor of cutting their tax cuts and making the burden we have to shoulder that much greater.

The Wall Street protestors, myself included, may be a group of hipsters, beatniks, and hippies, but we will see this to the end. For a month now we’ve been going strong. And this time is our time.

We’ve taken hold of the megaphone and we are valiantly fighting for what is ours, and more importantly, for what is right.

PRO

COURTNEY WHEELER

Occupying Wall Street SIERRA SEACAT Over the past few weeks, you’ve probably heard about the protestors gathering on Wall Street in order to direct their complaints about Wall Street whom they hold responsible for many of the economic troubles facing our country today. These protestors appear to be misguided at best.

The protestors are falsely convinced that they are being oppressed by Wall Street. Wall Street does not force anyone to do anything. Wall Street did not force them to go to college and rack up thousands of dollars in student debt. Wall Street didn’t even steal from them.

While these protestors wail against Wall Street and moan about how much they hate corporations, they seem to be overlooking an important part of the power structure: the Government.

Without the aid of the federal government and the Federal Reserve Bank, Wall Street wouldn’t have been able to gain as much power as they supposedly have.

It was the government that had to set up barriers to prevent competing banks to enter the market. It was the government that compelled the banks to issue bad loans to people that couldn’t afford it. It is also the government that forcibly takes your money in the form of taxation and then uses it to bail out the banks when they failed.

So sorry, but protesting Wall Street isn’t going to make anything better, only returning to a free market with no government intervention can we truly start heading back down the road to recovery. These protestors are just a bunch of disenfranchised hipsters with a false sense of entitlement, eager to rage against the machine.

CON

6

FEATU

October 28, 2011

SENIOR AUSTIN CLOUSE prepares to scare 3rd Street A

7 p.m.

Darkness envelops the interior of can be heard from the entrance. The door and up a set of stairs where the Nurse Brenna Hoch.

Maneuvering through dark hallw their way down to Leroy Pig’s Pen, th Senior Project.

“It took a total of 26 hours to get i foam using a wire brush and a heat g As the group enters the room, the human remains illuminated by a stro lone orange light along with gruesom their way through the room, they fin While the group is distracted, Clo display hitting a barrel for noise and added effect. After the scare, the grou Claustrophobia, a 30-foot pitch black occasionally run ahead into Claustro the hallway.

8:45 p.m.

Friday Night Frights Ever wonder what it would be like to scare people out of their socks and get paid for it?

Well, we got the answer when we shadowed senior Austin Clouse as he transformed into Leroy Pig, a farmer in a butcher shop, at Bonner Springs’ 3rd Street Asylum haunted house.

By Miranda McCullough & Peter Swanson Pow Wow staff

6 p.m.

Austin Clouse and his fellow actors begin to arrive and have their makeup done by BSHS 2011 graduate Brenna Hoch and her mother, Rita Hoch. Most actors, including Clouse, have black paint airbrushed on their eyes and mouth to hide the skin color under the masks that they will wear. Other actors, such as clowns and zombies, have their faces painted white with bright colors or bloody gashes. “Blood” is put on faces and costumes to add a gruesome detail. Some clothes are cut with scissors to give a tattered and torn look.

Owners Mike Clouse, Jerry Hoffine and Steve Hoffine perform a “safety check” by going through the rooms and looking over and touching up details, testing electronics to see if they are working properly, and fixing anything that is broken. On our tour of the Asylum, we saw the rooms, while lit, have many details the average person may not notice when the lights go down and they are being chased by crazed patients.

6:45 p.m.

Daylight is beginning to fade outside, as the time for frights has almost come. Anticipating the first groups to arrive at the top of the hour, the workers take their last preparations for the night. Clouse’s makeup is done and his mask is on, telling us he is ready for the night to begin.

“The mask makes me feel like someone else,” said Clouse, who becomes Leroy Pig, a monster pig-man farmer who slaughters his livestock, yes, that includes people.

The other performers put on their second faces and some do a last check on their rooms. Before the actors can take their places, one last review of procedures must be performed. As the hour draws to a close, the inside lights go out while the haunted sound effects come on. The first group of fright seekers soon arrives and waits to purchase their tickets for the Asylum.

As the flow of groups slows down on his past experiences at the 3rd Str “My first year I had a cheap mask at what I did,” Clouse explained. “I w spent about $500 on my current mas thought it was perfect.”

Clouse has always been in the sam make it his Senior Project.

“I just got put in the pig pen my fi dad wants me to switch rooms, but I to it and I know what to do there,” Cl Clouse said his most memorable m badly that they fell to the ground and pants.

Clouse explains that his favorite ro forest” because it has so much detail

11:30 p.m.

With so many visitors coming and for the Asylum can vary.

Even though the “set time” for clo determined by how many late night g Actors say they can actually stay o closing time, and some actors may no morning.

With the long nights of scares and his fellow 3rd Street Asylum coworke atmosphere that surrounds them wh building every weekend.

“It’s addicting to work here,” Clou

URES

October 28, 2011

BY THE NUMBERS

$14

Admission price for 3rd Street Asylum

Asylum visitors in his pig pen. Photo/Sammy Ricci-Weller

the building and sounds of horror fright-seekers go through the front y are admitted to the Asylum by

ways and terrors, the visitors make he room Clouse designed for his

it done. All the wood is actually gun to make it realistic,” Clouse said. ey find a display case filled with obe light. From the ceiling hangs a me and bloody pig parts. Making nd a bleeding victim crying for help. ouse comes out from behind the using a cattle prod simulator for up runs through the room towards k hallway of air bags. Clouse will ophobia to further frighten them in

n, Clouse has a chance to reminisce reet Asylum. and everyone thought I was good went to a Halloween show and sk and loved how real it looked and

3rd Street Asylum hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights

30

7-12

Total employees at 3rd Street Asylum

Approximate number of BSHS students working at the 3rd Street Asylum

250

Haunted House FYI The Beast/Edge of Hell Hours: Open through October 31

QUAD TICKETS $64 each admits one person a single entry to The Beast, Edge of Hell, Chambers of Poe AND Macabre Cinema Haunted House.

BEAST/EDGE COMBO - ANY DAY $40 each admits one person a single entry to The Beast AND The Edge of Hell Haunted Houses.

EDGE - ANY DAY $27 each admits one person a single entry to The Edge Haunted House.

BEAST - ANY DAY $27 each admits one person a single entry to The Beast Haunted House.

Chambers of Edgar Allen Poe/Macabre Cinema Hours:

8

Average amount of customers each night

Open through October 31

CHAMBERS OF POE/MACABRE CINEMA COMBO $33 ticket admits one person a single entry to The Chambers of Poe AND Macabre Cinema Haunted Houses.

CHAMBERS OF POE HAUNTED HOUSE $20 ticket admits one person a single entry to The Chambers of Poe Haunted House.

MACABRE CINEMA HAUNTED HOUSE $20 ticket admits one person a single entry to The Macabre Cinema Haunted House.

A Venture into the Modern Era of Horror Films iii The Bad iii III The Good III

me room, even before he decided to

1. May (2002)

1. Jennifer’s Body (2009)

first year and really enjoyed it. My don’t think I will because I’m used louse said. moments were scaring two girls so d making a 24-year-old girl pee her

2. Let Me In (2010)

2. Sorority Row (2009)

oom in the 3rd Street Asylum is “the put into it.

d going every weekend, closing time

osing is midnight, the actual time is guests arrive. open much later than the posted ot get home until one or two in the

d screams, Austin Clouse and ers say they love the energy and hen they enter the old high school

use said.

7

A fragile, socially awkward young woman’s attempts to further integrate herself into society leads to her realizing an ugly truth about people; that nobody is perfect as a whole, but only in parts. Angela Bettis’ admirable performance of the title character allows the audience to be fully absorbed into the film from the first 60 seconds till long after the credits.

A haunting tale unfolds when a young boy befriends his new neighbor, a 12-yearold girl who has been 12 for a long time. Set in a dreary snow-covered town with beautiful writing and acting. Unlike its Swedish counterpart, some unnecessary and confusing subplots are not included, thus giving it a more complete feel.

3. Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006)

An unlikable cheerleader is possessed by a demon during an attempted sacrifice by an apparently satanic band and, miraculously, becomes even more unlikable. She proceeds to get into all sorts of demon possessed high jinx. What may have been an attempt at dark humor is shrouded in poor writing. Redeeming factor: It only lasts for 102 minutes.

A typical slasher movie filled with personality-less college girls. What it lacks in character development and acting it more than makes up for with a greatly flawed twist. Redeeming factor: It had little hope of being good in the first place, so no real disappointment.

3. Drag Me to Hell (2009)

In a world where horror movie icons such as Freddy Kruger and Jason Voorhees were real, a young journalist and her two cameramen set out to document the rise of a new killer. Filled with allusions to the genre; it is a joy ride for a horror movie fan.

When a loan officer is cursed by an old gypsy for doing her job, she has to race against time to save her very soul. Unfortunately, the audience will not be hoping too hard that she wins said race. Redeeming Factor: There is some intentional and unintentional humor throughout the film.

4. Trick ‘r Treat (2009)

4. The Unborn (2009)

A refreshing return to anthology style horror in the spirit of Creepshow, Trick ‘r Treat offers several interconnected tales of terror on Halloween night. A murderous principal, a young werewolf, and a bus load of ghost children are just a few of the things found in this film.

5. The Strangers (2008)

A young couple is terrorized by three masked strangers who have broken into their home for no apparent reason. It is a very real horror with a steady pace of tensionfueled thrills and some not so up front scares that make it more than worthwhile.

—Peter Swanson

An unclear plot follows a young woman, her twin brother who was never born, and Jewish folklore. Although it does feature a few fairly creepy images, it manages to fall far from real horror. Redeeming factor: Gary Oldman.

5. Quarantine (2008)

A reporter doing a story on firemen becomes trapped in an infected apartment complex when they respond to an emergency call. Bad lighting and shaky camera effects try to make the film feel more real, but when coupled with poor acting it just makes the film feel almost unwatchable. Redeeming factor: The viewer can hope the original Spanish film was better.

Page Compiled by Miranda McCullough and Peter Swanson

8

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

Fun Fall Treats

October 28, 2011

Some festive ideas for festive people

Apple Cupcakes What you’ll need: 1 box of any type cake mix 1 can of frosting 1 bag of mini Tootsie Rolls 1 box of green Fruit Roll-Ups 1 box food coloring

Photos by: Samantha Ricci-Weller

Step 1: Mix your favorite cupcake batter and divide it evenly among cupcake wells lined with red paper or silicone cups, filling each one about three-quarters full. Bake the cupcakes according to the recipe directions and let them cool.

Step 2: Carve a shallow, dime-size well in the top of each cupcake, then cover the tops with red frosting and coat them with red sugar sprinkles. Mold a small piece of a Tootsie Roll Midgee into a stem shape. Form a leaf from a small piece of a green Fruit Roll-Up, pinch it against the stem, then insert the stem into the cupcake.

Cartoon/Devyn Hayes

Step 3: To make a bitten apple, spoon a small well from the side of the cupcake and line it with white frosting.

Press tiny bits of Tootsie Roll Midgees in place for seeds.

Nutter Butter Ghosts

Tootsie Pop Ghosts

What you ‘ll need: Nutter Butter brand peanut butter cookies Almond bark white chocolate Miniature chocolate chips

What you’ll need: Tootsie Pop suckers Kleenex Sharpie permanent marker Yarn

The process: Dip or pour melted white chocolate over cookies. Put mini chocolate chips on the chocolate-covered cookies to add eyes to your ghost. Let dry completely before serving.

The process: Take your Kleenex and cover the Tootsie Pop sucker. Next, take a piece of yarn and tie it around the Kleenex and sucker as shown in the picture.

Finally, give your ghost a super spooky face and don’t forget to be creative.

M&M Candy Corn/Friend or foe?

>>”BOO”MING BY THE NUMBERS

41 million

$2.3 billion

Will be spent on Halloween candy alone this year in the U.S

Potential Trick-or-Treaters will be hitting the streets this year

8.3 billion

$21.05

Represents what the average U.S. consumers will spend on Halloween candy

$72.31

Individual candy corn kernels are produced in one year.

Represents what the average U.S. consumer will spend on Halloween decorations, candy, and costumes

$6.86 billion

Will be spent on Halloween this year in the U.S.

$990 million

Will be spent on adult Halloween costumes. That’s $153 million more than what will be spent on kids’ costumes.

“It was like an explosion of candy corn in my mouth.”

—Jordan Lackner, 11

“It tastes like flavored, hard, stale mush. Why would anyone want to eat that?”

—Toni Stock, 12

“It was like a white cloudy dream of chocolate.”

—Ryan Cook, 12

“If it’s there, I’ll nom on it.”

—Sasha Bingaman, 10

“I don’t like candy corn because it’s nasty to chew and it tastes really weird ” —Skyler Taylor, 11

“It tasted like cardboard, I’m not a candy corn person at all.”

—Elizabeth Barger, 10

“It just tasted so good and it’s colorful.

I like colorful things.”

—Allie Mulich, 11

“It tastes disgusting and shouldn’t even be an option as a candy. ” —Lilly Eickhoff, 10

“It doesn’t taste like candy corn at all,; it tasted like chocolate.”

—Thomas Hook, 10

$310 million

Will be spent on Halloween costumes for pets this year

SOURCES: Business Courier, halloweentown.com, mangomoney.com/blog

Americans will eat 20 million pounds of candy corn this year, and it seems that you either love it or hate it. The people at the Mars Candy company have added their own unique twist on this perennial favorite by creating white chocolate candy corn M&Ms. We asked people what they thought about the new tasty treat.

October 28, 2011

LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT

9

From Magic to Minecraft

Gamer Profiles: Name: Chris Klager Current game of choice: Magic the Gathering Favorite classic game: Chess Least favorite game: Parcheesi PS3 versus Xbox 360?: Xbox Call of Duty?: Never played it

Little known games still have a big following

By DANIEL MEJIA Staff Writer Many students escape the pressures of the real world through a controller and assume the bland role of soldier in a war or something vaguely similar, but freshman Kelsey Wheeler escapes through a game usually frowned upon for being too “nerdy,” Dungeons and Dragons.

“My favorite thing about it is being able to be something that I’m not,” said Wheeler, who has been playing the roleplaying game for a little over a year. “I play with a small group, and we usually play on Saturday nights.”

Dungeons and Dragons is the original role-playing game, meaning that you assume the role of a mystical hero who has powers beyond imagination and you are unleashed into a world where you can do anything you please, anything.

Stepping into the world of indie games—games created without the help of a video game publisher—junior Troy Hull plays one of the top-rated games in this genre and it isn’t even out yet. The game is Minecraft, and it is a game that is redefining the gaming industry.

The first thing you’ll notice about Minecraft is that it is in a beta phase, meaning that it’s out only for testing purposes until the official release of the game on Nov 11. The beta version costs $25 and guarantees you a copy of the full game.

“The object is to collect resources and build a hidey hole to survive night time,” said Hull, who plays the game two to three times per week.

Minecraft, in its simplest form, is a building game almost similar to Legos but you are an actual person trying to survive in a simple world with no other people besides yourself, unless of course you play online. Online play allows interaction through chat and sharing of resources and blocks. Having another person really adds to the creative things possible in the game and allows for a, sometimes, more enjoyable experience.

If building and pretending isn’t your thing, what about controlling an army of superheroes or villians? You may not have heard of it, though it holds one of the most well-known names in movies, comics, and games. Marvel.

Sophomore Tre Scott explained that Marvel Heroclix is

basically a game where you create a dream team of superheroes, villians, or a combination of both. You then battle another person who has done the same and see who has the better built force.

Still haven’t heard of something you like? Why not try one of the biggest names in trading card games (no, not Yu-Gi-Oh) but Magic the Gathering.

Science teacher Chris Klager plays Magic the Gathering, a game that allows you to become a controller of troops through cards.

“It’s a card game, fantasy-based, and has lots of dragons and goblins. You then construct a deck that has some kind of strategy, and you basically play creatures while your opponent tries to kill yours in battle, and you try to deplete their life,” said Klager.

Klager explained that Magic the Gathering is trading card game, meaning you buy packs of random cards and trading the cards with others is encouraged. Cards can range from $4 to $40 per package.

Magic the Gathering is big on having a strategy that is clever and unique to keep your opponent on his or her toes. This is Klager’s favorite aspect of the game.

Klager started playing in middle school when his friends and all their older siblings were into the game. Over the years he played a little here and there with his brother. But he was hanging out with some friends over the summer and they started playing the Xbox 360 version of the game together. This led him to getting back into the game and attending tournaments.

“There are quite a few people locally who play. Just recently a new set of cards was released and some 200 peope showed up at the Overland Park Convention Center to play with the new cards,” Klager said.

Klager plays on Friday nights at Win More Games where usually 15 to 50 people show up. There are six or seven stores around the area who sponsor “Friday Night Magic.”

You may think you are too good for these little-known games, and they might not catch your attention at first, but their big communities may eventually find place in your life.

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Name: Braden Zamora, 12 Current game of choice: Magic the Gathering Favorite classic game: Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Least favorite game: Call of Duty PS3 versus Xbox 360?: Xbox Call of Duty?: Annoying little kids play it Name: Joe Arnett,11 Current game of choice: Gears of War 3 Favorite classic game: Legend of Zelda Least favorite game: Call of Duty PS3 versus Xbox 360?: Xbox Call of Duty?: Same game every year Name: Marc McClain, 10 Current game of choice: Call of Duty Favorite classic game: Super Mario Bros.

Least favorite game: Portal PS3 versus Xbox 360?: PS3 Call of Duty?: Best shooting game franchise

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SPORTS

10

Braves say ‘Just Do It’ to Nike

By LOGAN TERRELL & BAILEY HIGHTOWER Pow Wow sports staff Is the rumor that Nike is the new school athletic sponsor true?

Athletic director John Hilton confirmed the sponsorship with the legendary “swoosh” brand last week.

Hilton said administrators were originally going to enter into a contract with Adidas, but after receiving advice from Nill Bros Team Sports in Shawnee about the potential benefits available from Nike, Hilton made the decision to consider other sponsors.

After many phone calls and much consideration, Hilton said it was apparent that Nike was the best choice for the school.

“It [partnering with Nike] was the smartest way to go,” said Hilton.

“They offered the best discounts and the biggest incentives.”

Some may think that the Nike partnership is about the performance level of BSHS athletic teams; however, this is not the case.

The arrangement means that BSHS athletes will sport the Nike swoosh on all uniforms for the next three years in exchange for discounts on Nike apparel and gear.

Hilton said that purchase of the new Nike uniforms would be phased in gradually as part of the current replacement cycle.

As part of the contract, Hilton

Brave Briefs

October 28, 2011

FOOTBALL

The Braves have done it again. With a four-game win streak under their wing, they hope to extend their streak to five by adding a district championship win to their state playoff resume. With a state berth already secured, the Braves are going to try to move to a 6-3 record for better seeding.

“Everyone has done a tremendous job of blocking to make scoring opportunities possible for our team this season,” offensive coordinator John Hilton said.

The team will face Lansing tonight at 7 p.m. at David Jaynes Field.

SOCCER

The Braves took on the Basehor Bobcats last Friday in a rescheduled match. The game went into overtime and with only two minutes left junior Spencer Frank scored the only goal, ending the match at 1-0.

On Wednesday, Oct. 19, the squad played a tough game against St. James but ended up losing 4-1 in their final regular season game. Scoring for the Baves was senior Spencer Bush. Until after halftime the score was tied at 1-1.

The Braves finished with a record of 7-5-4 and are ranked as the No. 5 seed in 4-1A.

VOLLEYBALL

said Nike will provide the school with a $4,000 discount on apparel and equipment during the first year and discounts of $3,000 and $2,000 in the remaining two contract years.

One of the benefits of the new partnership is that faculty members, students, and parents are now eligible for a 30 percent discount when they purchase Braves’ Nike merchandise online, at the Brave Cave or at Nill Bros.

Response to the partnership has been positive.

“I’m excited because I really like the Nike brand,” sophomore Jared Knernshield said.

Some of the coaches are equally positive, pointing out that the new Nike uniforms can’t come soon enough.

“We had been wearing the same jerseys for six years and now they will be handed down to the JV and freshman teams,” head basketball coach Andrew Price said.

Partnering with Nike appears to be a win/win deal for BSHS.

The Grid Iron

The varsity volleyball team came out with their A-game on Saturday, Oct. 8, at the annual WYCO tournament. The Lady Braves won the tournament by beating Sumner Academy and then defeating Piper.

The squad celebrated Senior Night last Tuesday against Tonganoxie.

The Lady Braves came out ready to play but took the loss. The ladies then traveled to Saint James for regionals. They won their first match against Sumner before falling to the nationally ranked St. James team.

“We had a very enjoyable season and went farther than we have in a while at regionals,” head coach Heather Campbell said.

—Logan Terrell

CROSS COUNTRY Senior Matt Coffman and junior T.J. Kimbrough-French earned the right to return to the state cross country meet with strong performances at regionals last weekend. Coffman finished 11th and Kimbrough-French finished in 13th.

“I am hoping to increase my PR and earn a medal at state this year,” Coffman said.

—Bailey Hightower

JJ Jackson

Madison Scott, 12

Dante Krider, 11

Hannah Hunt, 10

Thaddeus Glenn, 9

Favorite athlete?

Brett Favre

Randy Moss

David Beckham

Ray Lewis

Favorite pump-up song?

“We no speak no americano”

Shots

“Pumped up Kicks”

“Here Comes the Boom”

Favorite sports actor?

Ricky Bobby

Jackie Moon

The coach from Dodgeball

Rocky Balboa

Most inspirational sports movie?

Remember the Titans

Gridiron Gang

Remember the Titans

Friday Night Lights

ATHLETE OF THE ISSUE

Position: Running back Total rushing yards: 1,274 Touchdowns: 22 Average rushing yards per game: 159.25 JJ Jackson is leaving it all on the field in his senior season and putting up some phenomenal numbers.

In a Homecoming victory, Jackson had a five-touchdown game against Tonganoxie, rushing for 184 yards. He followed that up with five more touchdowns at Bishop Ward with an outstanding 309 yards in 31 carries.

“JJ has done everything we’ve asked him to do. All of the hard work he’s put in during the last four years has finally paid off,” offensive coordinator John Hilton said.

Instead of letting up, Jackson struck again versus Schlagle and Washington by scoring three

touchdowns in each of those games.

Tonight Jackson will hope to increase his streak as he and the Braves take on the Lansing Lions in the district championship game at 7 p.m. on their way to a state

playoff berth.

SPORTS

October 28, 2011

Ready to hit the mats As a freshman, Jonathan Blackwell was third at regionals and second at state. Blackwell returned his sophomore year to place second at regionals and first at state. With wrestling season just around the corner, the returning state champion has high expectations.

By LOGAN TERRELL Sports Editor You won a state championship last year and placed second at state your freshman year. Are you feeling any pressure?

I’m nervous because there are a lot of expectations for me, but I’m not really nervous about the competition. The past two years I didn’t feel like I was the top competitor in my weight class, but now I feel like I’m the guy beat.

Where does the pressure come from?

My mom expects me to win every single match and so does Coach Jobe. I feel like if I lose that I’ve let Jobe down because he expects so much from me.

What is your dream school?

I don’t have a specific school I want to go to yet. But I’d really like to go to school on either the West or East coast.

How tough of a sport is wrestling?

Well, you don’t always get to eat what you want and the weekend tournaments mess with you social life. It’s a physical sport, but it’s all mental. If you don’t think you’re going to win, then you’re not going to win. Every time you wrestle it’s like a dog fight; you can’t take a break during a match. Your mindset has to be in the match the whole time.

What are your goals?

Go undefeated, win state again and ultimately get a scholarship offer to wrestle at a Division I school.

What are you most excited about during this upcoming season?

I’m looking forward to wrestling at the Bobcat Classic against Tagen Lambotte. He beat me last year in the semifinals and I beat him the year before that. He’s going to be my toughest competition this year.

Are there any colleges who are recruiting you?

I’ve gotten lots of letters, but scouts aren’t allowed to talk to you until your junior year. I’ve heard from Columbia University, Navy, Harvard and Cornell College in Iowa.

What is it like to wrestle for Coach Jobe?

He’s a phenomenal coach who can take a good wrestler and make them great. We were fifth at state in just his second year, and I predict that we’ll do even better this year.

Does this worry you?

Not really. I’m not nervous about where I might go to college, but I am nervous about making a mistake and them not seeing my potential.

What do you enjoy most about wrestling?

Getting your hand raised and knowing that you’re better than the standing across from you.

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Where are the fans?

We can’t hear you

11

“Hey, Crush!”

Typically after that you would hear the entire Orange Crush section yell back to their cheerleaders. But at the home game against Schlagle two weeks ago it was impossible to get an enthusiastic response from any of the Orange Crushers.

The bleachers that are normally packed with people shouting encouragement at the team were not even halfway full. But, the game started anyway. The few people who attended tried to follow the cheers, but it was no use. A few minutes into the first quarter the small amount of participants sat down. They gave up.

“It’s hard to cheer to no one, and it makes the games more fun if people actually participate,” senior varsity cheerleader Emily Hunt said.

Did the lack of school spirit come as a shock to everyone?

Or has the passion behind our cheers been going downhill for a while now?

The Orange Crush section is supposed to be a place where everyone gathers to support the players. Recently, though, it seems as if Orange Cursh has lost sight of its goals.

The entire point of having a section dedicated to the club is so the players on the field know they have support.

“When people don’t cheer, it makes it seem like the students don’t have a lot of school pride,” senior varsity cheerleader Ashton Istas added.

If the only reason you aren’t saying the cheers with the cheerleaders is because you think no one will notice, then you’re wrong. Each and every voice in Orange Crush is just as important as the other.

It’s time to redeem yourselves, Orange Crushers. Tonight is the last regular season football game, and we need you more than ever.

With a decisive victory over Washington last Friday, the Braves have earned a trip to the post-season, and a district title tonight would be icing on the cake. The team deserves a wild and fired-up Orange Crush section.

Remember Orange Crushers, the louder the better. Be brave and make some noise.

“ALL YOUR PROTECTION UNDER ONE ROOF.”

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PROFILES

12

Do a little dance, make a little history, get down tonight Sophomore Skyler Lucas becomes the first male dancer to preform as a member of the Orange Dazzlers

A

By SYDNEY SHEPHERD & COURTNEY WHEELER Co-Editors-In-Chief

s spectators buzzed with excitement over the Braves’ thrilling 48-13 Homecoming win against the Tonganoxie Chieftains, all eyes were soon drawn to the center of the football field for a post-game performance.

Accompanied by the marching band, the Orange Dazzlers dance team took the field, all marching in step, all wearing matching outfits, except for one.

His name is Lucas, Skyler Lucas, the first male dance team member in school history.

Dressed in all black and sporting a cape with golden trim, Lucas began his impersonation of a matador, waving the cape in a circle while his fellow dancers performed to a catchy Latin tune.

This is how Lucas has spent his Friday evenings when the Braves have hosted football games.

And he loves it.

According to Lucas, the thrill of being in front of so many people is exhilarating.

“It’s nerve-racking, but it’s worth it,” he said.

The Dazzlers, who would agree with him, have welcomed their new teammate with open arms.

“It’s different from what we are used to,” co-captain Lauren Culter said, “but it’s good having extra muscle on the team and he is a big ball of energy. He helps to get us going.”

Unlike those who would consider dancing as just a physical art form, Lucas views his love for dance as an expression of emotion.

“The best part about preforming in front of a live audience is that all eyes are on me. The crowd gets to see my passion for dance,” Lucas said.

But Lucas was one person away from not getting to share his passion or make school history.

“I’ve had other boys tryout for the team before but none have ever made it,” Coach Tara Kemp said. “The way that the tryouts are scored, we take the teacher’s score, their tryout

score and their grades and we average them out for an over all number. Then we list them [the auditioning students and their scores] and there is a natural break at 20. Skyler was number 21 on the list.”

Afterwards, a spot opened unexpectedly, giving way to a position for Lucas.

“We were thrilled that he was the replacement. When we told the team that he made it, the girls were squealing they were so excited.” Kemp said. “He went to camp with us, and it’s just been so much fun.”

And having him on the team has brought nothing but good.

“Not many teams have a guy, so I think is gives us something different,” co-captain Ashley Muldoon said.

This isn’t the only positive contribution Lucas has made.

“He’s really helpful in trying to figure out how the choreography works best for everyone,” Culter said. “He’s not afraid to go all out for the team.”

As one of only 12 male dancers in the entire state of Kansas, Lucas helps to balance out the team, according to Culter and Muldoon.

“Some dances, he’s the main focus because he’s the only boy. So we try to [make] balance [by] putting him out there without having him overshadow the rest of us Culter said.

Overall, Lucas has gotten nothing but a positive reaction from the entire community.

“I feel like, from the very beginning, every one has been extremely supportive,” he said.

Lucas doesn’t plan to end his dance career any time soon, planning “to do dance team all the way through my senior year.”

Aware that there are no guarantees that he will make the dance team next year or the year after, Lucas pushes himself to work harder.

After high school Lucas is contemplating whether he will pursue a career in dance.

But one thing is for certain, he continues to make waves, and history in Bonner Springs.

Fast Facts TOP AND LEFT: SOPHOMORE SKYLER LUCAS waves his cape with confidence and improvises a solo on the spot.

Due to an illness, Lucas’ partner junior Lauren Culter was absent, leaving him to find the steps alone.

RIGHT: LUCAS AND JUNIOR STEPHANIE ROSE flash smiles and pose for the crowd as they perform after the Homecoming victory against the Tonganoxie Chieftains. Photos/Sydney Shepherd

Favorite dance style: Contemporary Favorite song: Blackbird by the Beatles Favorite food: Pizza Pre-performance ritual: I get a pep talk from co-captain Ashley Muldoon Biggest fan: My mom

Favorite dance movie: Step Up What do you do in your spare time?: Currently, I’m learning how to tumble.

Favorite part of being a Dazzler: All the attention, not to sound self-centered.

Hardest part of being a Dazzler: Six a.m. practices