The Pow Wow | Vol. 84 | Issue 3 | by The Pow Wow

the

pow wow VOL. 84 | Issue 3 | Bonner Springs High School | December 2021

the pow wo w

house

gift ideas for all See page 5 for last-minute gift ideas for everyone!

table of contents | december

meet the pow wow staff editor-in-chief Zaynab Zlitni, Senior

staff writers

Lexi Moeschler, Senior Anni Smith, Senior Rosie Wilson, Senior Thatcher Hoch, Junior Sophie McCracken, Junior Katelyn Fogelman, Sophomore Paytin Chaplin, Sophomore

letter from the editor

Growing up somewhere as small as Bonner Springs, we’ve all harbored a sense of community. Expanding who you are and reaching out to learn, help, or even just talk to those around you has proven to strengthen who we are. A prime example of the times that we feel this sense of community most strongly is during the holiday season. I’ve never personally celebrated a winter holiday due to my family’s different beliefs but I have noticed the positive

effects that this time of the year has on people. Everyone begins to think of those less fortunate and give what they have. I think this issue represents what the newspaper staff and I have to give to you readers. Whether you flip through and read select pages, or comb your eyes over each and every word, there is something to be taken away from this issue. This edition and each of our editions is our gift to you.

Zaynab Zlitni |Editor-in-Chief

adviser Jordan Stelter stelterj@usd204.net

editorial policy The Pow Wow is the official news publication of Bonner Springs High School. All content is created by the fourth-hour publications staff. The staff devotes itself to the exercise of First Amendment rights and upholding the highest journalistic standards. Content and views published in the Pow Wow do not necessarily reflect those of the administration of Bonner Springs High School or USD 204.

letters The Pow Wow is a public forum designed to serve as the voice of BSHS, and we value your input. Letters-to-the-editor of up to 300 words may be submitted. The Pow Wow will not print letters that are libelous, irresponsible or advocate illegal acts. All letters must be signed and should be submitted to the adviser via email. The Pow Wow reserves the right to edit all copy that runs in our publication.

table of

contents

pg. 3 winter activities by Katelyn Fogelman pg. 4 winter DIYs by Sophie McCracken pg. 5 gift ideas by Rosie Wilson pg. 6 winter drinks by Thatcher Hoch pg. 8-9 giving back by Zaynab Zlitni pg. 10-11 around the world by Lexi Moeschler pg. 12-13 early grads by Anni Smith pg. 14 winter sports by Sophie McCracken

winter activities

winter activities | december

Ways to spend your winter break Katelyn Fogelman | Staff Writer

Winter break is coming up and without school, that means more free time. If you’re like me and have no idea what to do with all that time, here are a few winter activities for you to do with your friends and family.

shopping If you have waited until the last minute for shopping or just want an aesthetically pleasing shopping experience, check out Zona Rosa shopping center with big crowns to light up the sidewalk.

build a snowman If you have ever wanted to hold a world record then this winter break you could try to build the tallest snowman. The record right now is 122 feet above the ground. If your parents don’t mind a new, and hopefully friendly face taking up the yard, why not give it a try. Don’t forget the carrot nose!

indoor activities If you don’t like the cold weather and you would rather stay indoors, you could have a movie marathon, read a book, catch up with your friends, make a better sleeping schedule, or decorate your house.

ice skating If you’re looking to become the next gold medalist like Gracie Gold, over winter break, consider checking out the rink over at Crown Center. For a $7 admission. If you don’t have skates make sure to bring an extra $4 for rentals. You could also consider The Ice at Park Place located at 19900 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, for a $15 admission and $5 skate rental.

tell santa your wish list Everyone has a wishlist and even though you might not believe in Santa, you can have a little nostalgia from your childhood. If you have younger siblings or cousins why not take them to get a picture with Ol’ Saint Nick?

skiing If you like skiing and snowboarding or just want to try something different head over to Snow Creek, located at 1 Snow Creek Dr, Weston Missouri. There are 4 different passes to choose from and you can get lessons if you need them.

set the mood with light displays Look with wonder at the light displays all over town or walk through a winter wonderland at Overland Park Arboretum’s annual Holiday walkthrough. With a $15 admission per person over the age of 5. If it is the admission prices that are turning you away, try the Country Club Plaza located at 4706 Broadway Blvd, with it being a tradition for 90 years. The Plaza light goes 15 blocks with jeweled-colored lights casting the Spanish-inspired shopping district.

sledding If you like to play in the snow check out some of the best hills in the area. Over in Olathe you can find the great hills at 110th & Kansas City Rd., 137th and Black Bob Rd. just south of Lowe’s, and Olathe East High School. In KCMO you can go to Avila University on 11901 Wornall Rd. In Shawnee, you can go to Shawnee Mission Park. If you’re looking for a challenge, the hill on 56th and Brookside. Brookside Park is known as “suicide hill”.

don’t forget to be nice Although this season might be great for you, it might not be for others. Don’t forget to treat people how you would want to be treated. You can do this by holding the door open for someone or just telling them to have a great day. Have an amazing holiday season and winter break!

diy | december

how to diy your winter Sophie McCracken |Staff Writer

snowman slime

directions

supplies - 2 bottles of Elmer’s white glue - 1 box of baking soda - 1 cup of water - 1 16 oz. can of shaving cream - Bottle of contact lens solution - 1 glass jar - 1 hot glue gun - black cardstock - small black buttons - 1 pack of googly eyes - 1 sheet of orange felt - 1 large mixing bowl - 1 plastic spoon or popsicle stick

winter crayons supplies

-2 boxes of crayons -1 pack of glitter (of your choice) -1 silicone snowflake or mold of your choice - 2 to 3 popsicle sticks - 1 glass measuring cup

1) Place a large mixing bowl on a flat surface. 2) Pour 2/3 cup of Elmer’s Glue in the bowl. 3) Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to the bowl. 4) Add 1/4 cup of water to the bowl. 5) Add 2 cups of shaving cream to the bowl. *DO NOT USE GEL SHAVING CREAM* 6) Add 3 pinches of white glitter *OPTIONAL* 7) Use a plastic spoon or popsicle stick to stir. 8) Once ingredients are mixed, add 2 tablespoons of boric acid and sodium borate contact lens solution in the bowl. Mix again. Now that you’re finished set your snowman slime aside. 9) Plug in your hot glue gun in to start heating it up. 10) Place your jar in front of you. 11) Take your orange felt and cut out a carrot nose. 12) Set your nose aside. Grab 2 small black buttons for the eyes. Hot glue the black button eyes on the top side of the jar. Preferably finger width apart. 13) Then take your carrot nose and glue it in the middle below the eyes. 14) Now cut your ribbon the width of the jar and glue it below the nose. 15) Cut out colorful buttons and glue them 2 finger width apart going down in the middle below the scarf. 16)Take your snowman slime and place it in the jar and place your snowman lid hat on

no-sew snowman directions 1) Take your boxes of crayons and choose 10-15 colors of your choice. 2) Start by unwrapping the paper on all of the crayons. 3) After removing all of the paper on the crayons, start breaking the crayons into 2 to 3 pieces each. 4) When all of your crayons are broken into pieces, place them into the microwave safe measuring cup. 5) Now place your measuring cup into the microwave for 10 seconds until all are melted. 6) Begin to start adding your glitter color of your choice. 7) When all of your crayons are broken into pieces, place them into the microwave safe measuring up. 8) Place your measuring cup into the microwave for 10 seconds until all are melted. 9) Add your glitter color of your choice. 10) Use your popsicle stick and stir in the glitter. If your crayons start to harden place into the microwave for another 5 seconds. 11) Take your melted crayons and pour into silicone molds. 12) After all molds are filled, place your crayons on a flat surface and let dry for 1-2 hours. 13) Take your fully dried crayons out of the molds and enjoy!

supplies

-White, red, blue socks (long) -Rice -Rubber bands -Thread (thick) -Buttons and black beads -Glue gun -Black permanent marker -Small orange pompom -Red, blue, green ribbon (medium width) -Funnel -Scissors

directions 1) Take your long white sock and place your funnel into your sock. 2) Take your rice and pour it into the funnel until it is half full. Remove your funnel and began to tie the end of the sock with your rubber band will it is tight. 4) Then take your thread and tie the middle of the sock to form the head. 5)Take your beads and glue them onto the head about finger width apart. 6) Then take your orange pom poms and glue it below the eyes to make a nose. 7) Add your 3 buttons on the body. 8) Cut the ribbon to the length of your choice for a scarf, and glue it around the neck. 9) Finally, cut 2 inches off one sock on the toe end and glue it on your snowman’s head !

gift guide | december

budget buys Don’t let your budget bust your holiday spirit Rosie Wilson |Staff Writer Gift giving can be hard. Every holiday season people are scrambling around store after store, unable to find the right gift for the right person. Before you know it, you’ve already passed your budget with more gifts to go. But have no fear- I’m here to save your gift-giving reputation. I’ve gathered some universally good gifts for all types of people in your life, all within $30 or less.

s Parent s oduct r p h t • Ba gift urant a t s e •R cards l mug rger e v a r •T ha less c et e r i W • k w blan •Thro user iff •Oil d plants e •Hous Picture al •Digit Frame s er •Slipp

s Sibling card logne • Gift me/co u f r e P • icure/ n a M • ure pedic nacks s e t i r • Favo g in • Gam iption r subsc

s Friend ts roduc p e r a c • Self es l • Cand team ts • Spor l e appar ds car • Gift as r m • Paja oth speake o t • Blue ts • Plan ags b • Tote

nt a c fi i n Sig Other

alized n o s r • Pe y jewelr ickets ie t • Mov lanket b • Cozy games o • Vide rd ca • Gift ight n • Date rs e • Flow

winter drinks | december

thirsty for winter

A look into what will quench your thirst this holiday season

Thatcher Hoch | Staff Writer When the cold comes, we look for warmth. Whether that be a blanket or a nice cup of joe. There is nothing quite like a warm drink during the cold winter months. When the holiday season comes around we think of classic drinks, like hot cocoa and eggnog. This story is to shed light on something that might be out of your comfort zone. Here are a couple of different options.

Mexican Hot Chocolate ingredients • •

2 cups of milk 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract 1/8 tsp chili powder

• • • • • • •

Optional: 1/8 tsp cayenne powder 1 ounce of bittersweet chocolate

instructions 1. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add milk, cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (optional). 2. Mix together with a whisk, add the bittersweet chocolate and heat until the chocolate has completely melted and the mixture is hot, but not boiling. 3. Divide hot chocolate into 2 mugs and serve with marshmallows, chocolate shavings and a cinnamon stick.

Homemade Apple Cider ingredients • • • • • • •

10 large apples, quartered ½ orange, halved 4 cinnamon sticks 1 tsp. cloves 1 tsp. whole allspice 1 whole nutmeg 1/2 c. packed brown sugar

instructions

1. In a large stockpot over medium heat, add apples, oranges, spices, and brown sugar. Cover with water by at least 2”. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered for 2 hours. 2. Remove orange halves, then use a potato masher or wooden spoon to mash apples. Return to a simmer and let simmer uncovered for 1 hour more. 3. Strain through a fine mesh strainer, pressing on solids with a wooden spoon to squeeze all juices out. Discard solids.

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giving back | december

bonner springs giving back

The different ways Bonner Springs provides for those in the community Zaynab Zlitni |Editor-in-Chief The holiday season rolls around and people often find themselves thinking of the great feast that will present itself on the table. From mashed potatoes to sweet corn and turkey, all the way to the steaming pies and decadent cookies that sit so heavily in your stomach when you go to sleep that night. Any of the concoctions that your family whips up for the holidays leave us all satisfied. Oftentimes it slips our minds that the person who sits next to you in English, or the kid in Chemistry who knows everything about balancing equations might not experience the same thing. Poverty affects more people than you think. According to the USDA’s latest Household Food Insecurity in the United States report, more than 35 million people in the United States experienced hunger in 2019. In our own community, there are several programs that contribute to the fight against poverty. Terese Quenette, a Social Studies teacher at BSHS has started a food pantry out of

her cabinet in Room 241. It has now grown to be a complete food programm giving food to students in need every week. “Through the internet I had seen this viral post going around the internet where teachers were sharing that they had a blessing box in school where you could give an item and take an item,” Quenette said. “I started that in my classroom but nobody was giving or taking.” Quenette began to realize that students were not going to take food or items that they needed in front of their classmates because of embarrassment. She began to give out food to students she knew were hungry, but this all came out of her own pocket. “I knew there were so many friendly teachers that were at our school offering to help,” Quenette said. “It’s just somebody needed to do it.” Teachers began to donate out of their own pockets and home pantries. Quenette needed a source of food to give students food regularly. She connected

get involved! Contact Anne Holt at aholt31970@gmail.com for volunteer hours!

with a local church and Olliea Jarrett who began to donate food to Quenette and her cause. “Olliea is very involved in giving back to people who are hungry, no questions asked,” Quenette said. “If there’s hunger we can address it.” Since Quenette gained a reliable and regular source of food donations, her food pantry has grown from a handful of families to 20-25 families. Denise Chowning, social worker here at BSHS has been managing the food pantry recipients. “We have students fill out what food they need and we talk to them,” Chowning said. “If teachers are aware of students that are struggling then they report to see if those students want food.” There are many ways to get involved in the Bonner Springs community. There are various churches to volunteer at and organizations like Feed His Lambs based around feeding families in USD 204 for the past 11 years. “I’ve been involved from the beginning,” said Anne Holt, an

organizer for Feed his Lambs. “Our founder, Patti Ward, had told me that she wanted to start this organization and I wanted to be apart of it.” Feed His Lambs delivers meals every Friday, serving about 400 people. Like many other organizations, Feed His Lambs has been affected by the pandemic. “It has affected our ability to raise funds and we hope to resume fundraising in 2022,” Holt said. “We lost some volunteers, and many of our Friday morning volunteers were elderly, so we didn’t want them to risk getting out during COVID.” Although the organization has earned back some of it’s volunteers, they, like many other meal drives, are always in need of help. Volunteer involvement is always needed. “Sometimes I don’t even know these students I’m giving to,” said Quenette. “I’m shocked because I don’t know their names but I’ve been helping them for months.”

35million people

in the U.S experienced hunger in 2019

giving back | december

51%

of BSHS students

are economically disadvandated

https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america

1 in 10 households in the U.S. experience food insecurity

1 in 8 households with

children cannot buy enough food for their families https://frac.org/hunger-poverty-america

world view | december

christmas around the world A look at different Christmas traditions across the globe

Lexi Moeschler | Staff Writer

hawaii

People in Hawaii decorate palm trees with lights and old St. Nick wears an aloha shirt instead of the traditional red fur suit. They celebrate with a family luau where they eat a roast pig.

ethiopia

Christmas is not an important holiday in Ethiopia. Instead they play a once-a-year game of “Ganna or Genna” on Christmas afternoon. The game is a hockey-like ball game.

uth afric o s

The locals feast on deep-fried caterpillars or Emperor Moths. This is a delicacy and is prepared every December.

https://greenglobaltravel.com/christmas-traditions-around-the-world/

poland

On Christmas Eve, dinner cannot begin until the first star appears in the night sky. This symbolizes the sight of the star of Bethlehem. After the first star is in the sky they begin the breaking of the oplatek, (a Polish wafer). Spider webs are a common decoration.

world view | december

japan The family Christmas tradition is to eat their feast at KFC. Everyone floods the fast-food chain in order to get their helping.

a/ugan y n

Roasted goats are prepared for the feast. A common gift is a new outfit to wear to church. People also collect natural resources such as stones and leaves to leave as a birthday present for Jesus.

early grads | december

going, going, grads

Honoring 2021 early graduates as they begin a new chapter Anni Smith |Staff Writer

Kelsey Jordan

Why did you choose to graduate early? “I chose to graduate early because I wanted to get a head start on college and gain work experience during my time out of school.” What are your plans for the future? “I plan to work part-time and take classes at KCKCC through their presidential scholarship program.” What are you going to miss about BSHS? “I’m going to miss my friends that will be finishing out next semester here as well as some of my favorite teachers and staff members like Mrs. Stricherz, Mr. Dow and Ms. McCormick. There are truly so many people that I’ll miss it’s hard to name them all. Firstly, I’m going to miss being apart of the cheer team. I’m also going to miss the atmosphere of the school and talking and laughing with my friends during passing periods, and overall just being able to see my friends everyday.

Natalie Nilges

Why did you choose to graduate early? “I really hate school. I have always disliked it but it also has it perks because I can see my friends.” What are your plans for the future? “I am attending the University of Kansas in the fall, I am really excited to experience a lot of opportunities there.” What are you going to miss about BSHS? I am going to miss Esther Tommy, Wanirada Nomai, and Macy Williams, they are my best friends here, and I love the memories I have made with them. I am gonna miss chicken patty Wednesday, that was my favorite day.

Daniel Porter

Why did you choose to graduate early? “The reason I picked to graduate early is so I will be able to help my dad. My dad is someone very important in my life and I feel I need to give a helping hand to him.” What are your plans for the future? “My plans for my future are going to KCKCC and getting a good job.” What are you going to miss about BSHS? I will miss all of the people I met while in high school, I am going to miss hanging out at the high school.

early graduates

early grads | december

Dominic Allen

Wanirada Nomai

Lola Stice

Caden Bellm

Daniel Porter

Lorena Tomasic

Donivan Chaplin

Michele Rawleigh

Ben Gonzalez

Hannah Rees

Naya Jones

Charlie Sanders

Kelsey Jordan

Katelyn Sands

Esther Tommy Arayah Washington Elizabeth White

Macy Williams

Natalie Nilges

memories

winter sports | december

shiver me sports

Q&A with winter sports coaches and players Sophie McCracken |Staff Writer

boys basketball Coach Dan Streit

Who do you think will be your biggest competition this year? “We originally thought it would be Louisburg, but some of their players are no longer there. So that brings in Piper and Spring Hill.” How will you motivate your players? “Motivation isn’t just something you do. A player must be self-motivated as well. I will try to energize, and then it is up to them. If they cannot find the motivation within, then playing time tends to drop. Sometimes a player watching from the sidelines will recognize the difference. If they want to play, they will find it within themselves to perform.” What is your favorite thing about being a coach? “Being around young me, hoping to provide knowledge and insight on how young men should act in order to be productive in society...outside of the game itself.”

girls basketball

Coach Peyton Leslie

Who do you think will be your biggest competition this year? “Ourselves and Louisburg” How as a coach will you achieve your goal this season? “By being consistent and pushing our girls to maximize their potential.” How will you motivate your players? “Verbally and rewarding them with success on the court. What is your favorite thing about being a coach? Putting a product together for one goal and the joy once you have achieved that goal.”

wrestling

Carter Holt, senior

“This season has a lot of potential with all of the new faces. We have a big team this year and I am excited to see what we form into as a team.”

Gina Acevedo Villegas, junior

What is your goal for the season? “Making sure I’m staying in my Varsity spot and making it to state.” Do you think the team will be successful? “Yeah! There’s no drama and the coach is really nice. What do you like most about wrestling? “I like going to meets and learning new moves.”

powerlifting Coach David Blazevic

boys swimming

Coach Bill Downing

Who do you think will be your biggest competition this year? “Blue Valley Southwest.” What is your goal for the season? “If the kids improve their times, we will have succeeded.” What is your favorite thing about being a coach? “The ability to work with something that can fundamentally change my students for a lifetime. Swimming is a lifelong activity that could potentially save lives.”

Who do you think will be your biggest competition this year? “Usually Basehor girls are pretty good, and boys it depends on each year.” How will you help your team recover positively? “Work on mistakes we have made and how we can improve them.” How will you motivate your players? “We do a lot of personal goal setting in power lifting that helps with motivation.” What is your favorite thing about being a coach? “Getting to see players improve and get better.”

bowling

David Skaggs, junior

Why did you try out for the bowling team this year? “I want to get better for unified bowling. We didn’t do as good as we should have at state this year so I want to learn more so I can teach Parker and be more successful next year.” What are your goals for the season? “I want to raise my average and not get last.” As a first year bowler, what are you nervous about? “Not doing as good as I should.”

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Sta

what holiday character are you? rt

quiz | december

here

Choose a movie:

The Grinch

Home Alone

English

Thanksgiving

Family

Math

Yes

Elf

Choose an iconic Christmas character: Rudolph

Yes

Do you like the cold?

Yes

Santa

Gifts

Do you like cookies?

Yes

What’s your favorite thing about the holidays?

Christmas

Halloween

Did you read the whole newspaper? No

Santa

Do you like the holidays? Yes

Have you ever gotten coal in your stocking?

The Grinch

Horrible

What is your favorite holiday?

Are you excited for the break?

Yes

No comment

Amazing

What is your favorite school subject?

How is school going?

Rudolf

Are you ready to come back to school? Yes

Snowman