Hi.Life
Volume 82, Issue 13
Lee’s Summit High School
EVERY DISEASE HAS A FACE / GO RED Raise awareness so you can help
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Contents
Karate 101 Page 21
Learn from the best on how to defend yourself against an assailant
Where are They Going? Page 23
Top athletes share where they are going next year and why
Get (Red)ucated Page 12
American consumers battle against AIDS
Mission Possible Page 11
A glance at the fastest growing info website
Wicked?pedia Page 7
Personalities Page 11
What do your favoirtes say about you?
HI.LIFE - April 27 2007
Students make differences in childrens lives
CRANIUM CONVERSATION EDITOR’S LETTER
Dear Hi Life Readers, I am leaving in five weeks. I have been packing in my mind for six months now. Going through the different outfits, the accessories, the shoes, but the more I think about it the more I want to pack jeans and a t-shirt and wear them for six weeks. Image has been too important to me for the past four years. This year has probably been the most eye-opening year out of them, I am so glad that I have changed my friends from last year, nothing against those that I have known in the past. This year, my friends have changed me for the better and I am so grateful. I do still care about what I look like, but I do not take it to the extent that I had in the past. Change is the one thing that will always stays the same. Life changes, friends change, outlooks change, it happens every day and being aware of that change is an important step in embracing it. So, what I am trying to say is, ‘thank you.’ Thank you for changing me for the better, and for showing me that I can be different from everyone with out trying. Sincerely,
Courtney Paige Stoddard
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Letter
3 Things I Learned From This Issue
1
Baker, MU, and Memphis are just some of the places you will be seeing the atheletes of LSHS next year. To see more read ‘Where are They Going?’ on page 23.
2
Sundresses have always been a favorite of mine but finding the right one for me has made me stay away. Crystal Lawson explains the sundress and finding the perfect one in “Runway Hiway” on page 18.
3
I have changed so many things on Wikipedia this past year that it makes me laugh to think that people are still using it as a really encyclopedia. Check out the dangers in “Wicked?pedia” on page 7.
On The Web www.jlabmag.com- for extra photos not seen in this issue. Also check out our podcast on this site.
Contact Us! Courtney Stoddard- Editor-in-ChiefCStoddard@r7mail.leesummit.k12.mo.us Matthew Gratton- Opinions EditorMGratton1@r7mail.leesummit.k12.mo.us
Hi.Life -April 27, 2007
Staff List
Editor-in-chief: Courtney Stoddard Graphics Editor: Garrick Hall Photography Editor: Cameron Wiley Features Editor: Josiah Jones, Elizabeth Fuller News Editor: Kelsey Leftwich Opinions Editor: Matt Gratton Entertainment Editors: Erik Dierking, Sydney Rohan Sports Editor: Bobby Hagedorn Fashion Editor: Crystal Lawson Web page Designer: Greg Kinman Webcast Editor: Ashley Moran Copy Editor: Casse Oberweather Business Manager: Kelsey Hedberg Writers: Jessi Woska Stephanie Russell Megan Stueve Sam Dusing Lindsey Levota Chad Thomas Ariel Andrew Alex North Brandon Wolz Amanda Brown Ashley Ross Kimrey Burmeister Kaitlin Schaller Nelson Hill Jonathan Smith Desirae Kudra Clint Sparks Photographers: Whitney Norton Joshua Wallace Colin Taylor Graphic Designer: Danny Schawbaker Advisor: Mr. Marc Russell
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News .
LEFT SIDE
BY: KELSEY LEFTWICH NEWS EDITOR
Hi.Life - April 27, 2007
We pay for diabetes medicine, walking canes and adult diapers. At least anyone who gets a paycheck. Every time I get my paycheck I see that money has been taken out for Social Security. The government wants me to use when I retire. I happen to know it’s going to retired people whose own social security money has run out. It’s not that I’m mad at retirees. My grandparents are retired and I know they need Social Security. I have no problem with the United States giving retired people social security even when they run out. what I have a problem with is the millions of dollars going into violence and war while our Social Security money is drying out. The strain that’s going to be on our shoulders as our grandparents and parents age is goin gto continue to grow. It’s starting now and it’s not going to stop. so, are we conserving money now and trying to alleviate that strain as we try and solve the Social Security problem? No. We’re using money to invade and imperialize. We’re trying to control others when our own country is circling the drain. What I want to see is the money that’s going to war to go to the people of the United States. I want the U.S. government to look inward at it’s own problems and stop creating new ones.
Drug Dogs There is a new sheriff in town, and he has four legs and a Kevlar vest. Canine policemen patrol hallways and parking lots in search of marijuana and other various drugs. “The purpose of the drug dog program is to provide a safe and secure environment in school. I hope they don’t find anything,” Argotsinger said. Guidance counselor Chris Homan believes possession should be investigated and not tolerated. “I think it sends a message to students that drug use is not acceptable and is illegal, especially at school,” Homan said. Doug Honig of the American Civil Liberties Union told The (Vancouver) Columbian a different story. “Students should not be treated as suspects when they’ve not done anything wrong. That’s not the best message to send to people who are trying to be part of a democratic society. It’s not a good civics lesson,” Honig said. While every individual has his or her own opinion on the legality of the drug dogs’ visits, the question remains: Are students’ rights being violated for the sake of safety? “It’s not a violation of student privacy. The school has a right to insure a safe learning environment. One important thing to remember is that lockers are deemed school property,” Homan said. The issue of school property brings up other concerns, such as where the drug dogs search, and what they find. “The dogs mainly search lockers, but they go through the parking lot sometimes, too,” Argotsinger said. “The dogs are trained to find any drug. The most common
Man’s best friend gives tough love By: Ariel Andrew
one they find is marijuana.” The legalities of searching personal property change as soon as one walks on campus. “In school we need reasonable suspicion to investigate a problem, but in other places authorities need probable cause to search private property,” Argotsinger said. Reasonable suspicion can vary from an anonymous tip to the sighting of illegal drugs on a student’s or the school’s property. If drugs are found in a student’s possession, the student can receive up to 10 days suspension and possible referral to the Superintendent, who could extend the suspension up to 180 days, for a first-time offense. Despite Argotsinger’s wish for a clean school environment, arrests have been made. “There have been a few arrests this year. They are usually due to tips from students, which gives us reasonable suspicion to investigate,” Argotsinger said. The evidence of continuing and possibly increasing drug use among students has caused some schools to take
more drastic measures. Oak Grove has begun implementing mandatory scheduled drug testing for randomly selected high school students. “There are a couple of important things to remember about drug testing. It’s very costly, because you have to pay a lab to analyze the results. The community also needs to be on board with drug testing at school,” Argotsinger said. In the case of safety versus privacy, safety emerges from the debate as the winner. The drug dogs will continue to search school property in the effort to create the safe, drug free environment public schools strive for. While Argotsinger supports the drug dogs’ searches, he does not believe the presence of drugs can be eradicated in public schools anytime soon. “Drug use is still a very big problem in our society, and high school is a microcosm of society, so there’s going to be a problem there, too,” Argotsinger said.
On Alert. LSHS uses the Raytown Police drug dogs for the LSHS drug sweep. “Lee’s Summit Police dog handler had surgery on his shoulder so LSHS has to use Raytown’s drug dogs,” Officer Keck said. The school doesn’t get any alert when the drug dogs come, so the staff has to quickly shut down the school. Photo/ Stephanie Russell
A Z Events 26 places to go to and events to attend as the school year reaches its end.
P Q R S T U V Pop and Jazz (5/4) Come watch the amazing talent we have in our school.
G A H B E I C J F D K L M N WX O Y Z American Jazz Museum <Hours> Tues-Sat: 9am-6pm Sun:Noon-6pm Mon:Closed (816)474-8463
Baseball game; support the Royals or the TBones. T-Bones $18 (4 seats) free parking Royals $20 (4 Seats) $6 parking
Café Sebastienne 4420 Warwick Blvd. Kansas City, MO (816)561-7740
Visit Downtown Lee’s Summit to see how the diggin.it construction program is going and drop by your favorite shops.
Hall of Waters - take a day trip to Excelsior Springs to enjoy the hot springs
Enterprise; rent a cool car and drive your friends around
Free outdoor concerts at Crown Center throughout the summer (816)274-8444
Imax theatre (At the KC Zoo) Adults $7 Seniors (55+) $6 Children (3-11) $4 Join a new club at LSHS to meet new people
KC Roller Warriors (6/16 @ Hale Arena)
Quick! Reserve your tickets to see “Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End” (5/25)
Race for Hope 5k run (6/16 @ Corporate Woods)
SpiderMan III is released (5/4)
The Majestic Theatre
Union Station Dead Sea Tickets $19.95 (816)460-2020
Visitors get in free at Nelson Atkins Art Museum on Saturdays S aturdays
Last day for seniors (5/14)
Mix 93.3’s Red, White, and Boom (6/19 @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre)
National World War I Museum (100 W 26th Street)
Oak Park Mall-Shop with friends and family and have a great time.
Wizards game (5/5 @ Arrowhead) $16-$20 (816)931-3330 extreme horse racing (6/22-6/24 @ Kemper K emper Arena) Yalapalooza (date TBA)
Spend a day at the Zoo, they always have new exhibits to ssee ee
Hi.Life - April 13th , 2007
By: Kaitlin Schaller
Glore Psychiatric Museum (3408 Frederick Avenue) <Hours> Mon-Sat: M on-Sat: 10-5 Sun S un 1-5
News 5
6
Features
S.S.Voyage
The warm moist wind blows past. The year has been an abyss of cold and wet weather, and the time has come for a summer get-away. It is time for the plane to land on the runway, and the sun to come out. The last trip before college is on its way. It is hard to pick one trip out of all the many types of trips one can take, but here are a few: road trips, cruises, and backpacking. Now, here are some tips.
Before you go: Do research on trips that catch your eye. Figure out the budget. Make several useful checklists to make sure you stay organized.
Cruises/Backpacking: Find the best price. See if it is necessary to bring food, or what types of food will be served. Also check to see if dinners are formal or non-formal, and what kind of clothing you should bring.
A manuscript to planning exciting adventures By : Whitney Norton
Pack necessities only. Keep some form of communication.
Road Trips: Be prepared for anything and everything. Check road safety rules. Pick stopping points along the way.
Airline Trips: Shop around and research fees.
Popular spots to travel: Cancun Acapulco Bahamas Jamaica Puerto Vallarta
Get information from: Parents Travel agents Internet
Fun Ideas: Take trips with friends and/or family.
SIZZLING: The summer sun beats down on this crowd of people. Sitting on the beach is a summer favorite for most. Photo\AP
Pack creative things do incase their is a rainy day. Bring a smile and some sunscreen.
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Hi.Life - April 27, 2007
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Features 7
Wicked?pedia
By: Sam Dusing
A glance inside the fastest growing info website
the forty-five minute Anglo- Zanzibar War, or even how to build a stove from a soda can. Aside from the vast amount of knowledge Wikipedia has been under the spotlight because of it’s questionable credibility. “The founder even edits articles, The logo for Wikipedia found on it’s home page. it’s a fascinating concept,” Dyer said. Photo / Wikipedia. According to Wikipedia policy, had four errors for every three anyone is allowed to make additions to Britannica errors a result hailed as Wikipedia so long as they follow policy. a triumph for the new organization. When people realized that they could Still, with all its progress, the general edit without even having to register consensus is unreliable. with Wikipedia it caught on fast. Bias Wikipedia is a work in progress. and sabotage became unavoidable. In Wales has a dream to deliver a 2001, Wales appointed a small team free encyclopedia to anybody and of administrators to patrol the site for everybody. While that idea opens abuse. ‘Admins’ can lock or delete the door to abuse and bias, it also articles, block users from editing and opens a new door in information undo bad edits more effectively. sharing. Wikipedia allows people Even with all its precautions experts still to interact, see multiple sides deemed it necessary to put to the test. of issues and with an endless In 2005, Nature, a leading science possibility of knowledge, Wikipedia journal, published a study that took has accomplished more than any forty-two science entries with their other encyclopedia. counterparts from Encyclopedia Britannica. Experts then edited the articles where it was found Wikipedia
Hi.Life - April 27, 2007
On Mar. 1 of this year, Wikipedia hit its million-article mark, the number of visitors has been doubling every four months and it receives as many as fourteen thousand hits per second. The site only has five employees, carries no advertisement and is a nonprofit organization. So how is Wikipedia as successful as it is? The founder of Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales, said he wanted to “distribute a free encyclopedia to every single person on the planet in their own language,” The site says it works by “building consensus” meaning as one person creates an article, more and more people will keep adding on shining their own perspective or knowledge on the topic. This is what Language Arts teacher Mickey Dyer likes about Wikipedia. “[Wikipedia] is more exciting because you get to see other people’s own point of view,” People can add articles that are most interesting to them; it’s a site where human interaction leads to useful (or useless) knowledge. Wikipedia features articles that traditional encyclopedias don’t offer such as: the Boston molasses disaster, the rhinoceros Party of Canada,
8 Features
A Wave of the Future Lee’s Summit logs on to high technology By : Nelson Hill
Lee’s Summit, along with some of the countries biggest cities are getting an upgrade because of an increasingly popular trend going around the country called WiFi. This wireless networking system allows computers to connect to the internet anywhere where a wifi box can be found. Usually they can be found in airports, coffee shops, libraries, and hotels, even IHOP restaurants has wifi. Many people also use wireless networking, to connect their computers at home, and an increasing number of cities use the technology to provide free or low-cost Internet access to residents. WiFi has a lot of advantages. Wireless networks are easy to set up and inexpensive. They’re also unobtrusive-unless you’re on the lookout for a place to use your laptop, you may not even know when you’re in a wireless network. Starbucks is an ideal place to test out the wifi attraction, you can get a cup of coffee, and work on your computer, and practically half the school commutes there every morning anyway to relieve their insatiable cravings for a cup of joe, or frozen cappuccino. “I really haven’t seen a difference of customers, for as long as I’ve been here”, Beth supervisor from Starbucks said.
The wifi in the Starbucks goes through a contract with a provider who gives them there free incentive when customers walk-in. “We go through the T-Mobile Hot Spot service who provides the wireless connections.” “ We have a contract with them”, Beth said. It’s not just Starbucks that has a wireless connection installment, and other coffee shops, around Kansas City, there are a whole lot of weird places that can afford to have a wireless installment. Places like Fed-Ex/Kinkos, and UPS stores, the City Hall even has wifi. Even your neighborhood orthodontist office has a wifi wireless connection, so while your in there getting your teeth pulled, you can watch the news, go to YouTube, check your e-mail, or log on to Myspace.com.
Hi.Life - April 27, 2007
WIRELESS: A new laptop, with a new way to connect to the web. Wifi wireless Internet has gone citywide in Kansas City, making it easier for you to connect. All of this is result of WIFI. Photo\AP
By : Elizabeth Fuller, FEATURES EDITOR As the school days wind down I am finally feeling the stress lift off of my shoulders. The Hi.Life staffers have finished up their last class issue and now all that is left is the senior polls. While some people act out, sign loud, or play hard, I write good. And, yes, I meant to use incorrect grammar. While a lot of people in this school support different activities that go on at Lee’s Summit High School but I don’t believe that people think twice about the Hi-Life and all the effort that we put in to making our publication. Per issue we write and edit an average of 15 stories, each with their own photo. We lay out 24 pages. We print out 12 spreads, 275 copies of each and fold them all. Then we stuff them together in order by 10:17 a.m. Friday. It’s stressful. I feel that I have spent more time in the JLab than I have at home this past year and somewhere along the rolly chair road it has become my home. And I will miss it, even if you didnt even know it was there. So when you walk on to the stage, or step on to the field just remember that I’ll be upstairs in room A227 writing about it.
FEATURESF Features 9
By : Stephanie Russell
Paid for Grades
Schools have discovered a way to aid students with college
Attend a designated A + high school for three consecutive years prior to graduation. Graduate from designated A + high school with unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Have a 95% attendance record for grades 9-12. Preform and document 50 hours of unpaid district tutoring or mentoring. Tutoring or mentoring must be arranged with the A + office. Maintain a record of good citizenship and avoid the unlawful use of drugs and alcohol. Apply for non-payback scholarships by completing FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
She takes the field for another day of Kicking and Screaming. Last summer junior Lauren Kelly earned part of her A+ hours by lending a hand during a summer school session at Prairie View Elementary School. “When I helped at the school I would pretty much do what the teacher told me to do. There were different classes to choose from, but I chose to help out with the sports, like soccer,” Kelly said. After about two weeks Kelly collected majority of her hours. “I was at the school for about six to seven hours a day, like a regular school day,” Kelly said. Kelly isn’t planning on working with children in her future, but she suggests that students who are planning on being around children in their careers, should be involved in an activity like helping at an elementary school. “Assisting at the elementary school shows involvement in the community and will give future teachers the experience of working with young kids,” Kelly said. Students participate in A+ to receive money for four semesters of their college education. Doing A+ activities Kelly has earned over one hundred hours, but she has decided not to use the money. “Even though I’m not going to use the money I still did A+ because it looks good to colleges and the money is just in case money. I know that I will have money that could help me if I ever had trouble,” Kelly said. Even if the money isn’t used directly
A+. If you wont to join A+ talk to Mrs. Daniels in the A+ office, and she will hand you five papers to look at and fill out. A+ will give you two years of free college that are on the list of colleges given to you. “If you are a senior then you really need to hustle to get everything finished on time,” Photo/ Colin Taylor
after graduation, it is still good for four years after the student graduates. A+ Secretary Nancy Daniels said that she keeps all the records of A+ students for seven years after they graduate just in case a student decides to come back and use their money. “If a student wants to take a year off and then go to school, they have to come back here and get their transcript with their hours. Then, they have to get the seal that says ‘A+ Program Graduate’,” Daniels said. A+ Coordinator Kara Farren thinks that students gain more than just money for college. “So many students doing A+ learn certain skills like leadership, confidence, and the responsibility of being in charge of someone else’s well being. This can make a big impact,” Farren said. Farren also mentioned that using A+ money and starting at a community college or vocational/ technical school in state could help students be successful in college. “Staying closer to home will be a more nurturing environment and it can help you when you encounter adult situations,” Farren said. A community college or vocational/ technical school can also help the new students become more familiar with the college life. “You have two more years to mature and two more years to experience the college life,” Farren said. Remaining successful in college means that students have to pick and choose their friends. “My advice to students is to pick out the other kids who go to parties and are not focused, and stay away from them. College is all about time management and you don’t want to fall in the trap,” Farren said. The most important idea students can take with themselves to college is to always remember to stay focused, because to keep A+ money students need to have a 2.5 GPA, each semester. “Center your life around taking care of your grades, your health, and exploring life,” Farren said.
10 Features
Robotics Central
Long hours, hard work, dedication, and commitment paid off for Team Driven, our school robotics team. They showed off their masterpiece and received the first place award at the Purdue competition on March 14-18. “It was a lot of hard work. I put in over 400 hours by the middle of February and the average student put in about 160. We would build something until it worked and then replace it with something that worked better until we arrived at our final product,” physics teacher Jim Nazworthy said. “We had to raise over $60,000 by sponsorships, working at chiefs and royals games, selling candy, and having raffles.” Although it took a great amount of preparation and time, most feel the time was well spent and the outcome was outstanding. “When we found out that we had won first place, everyone started jumping around and screaming,” senior Lauren Phillips said. “We screamed so loud that people lost their voices.” Many felt the team would do well, but no one was expecting a first place win.
Robot Smashes Competition By : Ashley Ross
“Well, I was concerned because have been nice to make it to the finals I wasn’t sure that we had as much of our division but we were still very commitment as previous years, but successful.” the committed carried us through,” Overall, the team did well and they Nazworthy said. “Also, I took a lot of had a great time doing it. Following the grief by suggesting this competition regional competition, their success was at Purdue because the students knew briefly mentioned on VH1’s television the competition would be very tough. show Best Week Ever. Although it was hard work, with a team “Results wise, we did much better effort we managed to pull through.” than last year,” Nazworthy said. “A lot of For some, the rewards given for robotics people really stepped up and did some has gone beyond the first place win. great things.” “The school I want to go to gave me a $12,000 scholarship just for being on our robotics team,” Phillips said. “ It is an honor because it is the only one being given out.” Following their success at the regional competition, the team traveled to Atlanta to compete on the national level. Although they did not capture first place, they did very well. “We finished 13th in Robot Hotshots. Robotics is a great way to get involved, new friends, and have fun. “We only had six weeks our division of about 89,” make to build the robot so it was very stressful. We all worked Nazworthy said. “I’m super together, and even though it was time consuming, it was proud of our team. It would still a lot of fun,” Phillips said. Photo Courtesy/robotics team
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Hi.Life - April, 27, 2007
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Mission Possible
If you’re favorite show is: Ricky Lake/ Jerry Springer/ or The Maury Show then you might have an inability to commit, lack of self-respect or an odd desire to see people cry; sensitivity is not one of your strong points. Oprah/ Dr. Phil/ or Starting Over can mean you like to watch people overcome their hardships. It makes you feel like you have a sense of respectability without a security team behind you. Elimidate/ Blind Date/ Fifth Wheel then you have the need to triumph in someone else’s incompetence in the matters of romance. It boosts your selfesteem by watching others make a fool out of himself or herself.
By : Chad Thomas
A group of them came up later that year and we all hung out. They sent pictures to my youth minister of the church that we helped lay the foundation for and it looks good,.” Hatchette said. Junior Samantha Phillips also shared similar experiences with her church down in Texas. “My church, First Presbyterian Church of Lee’s Summit, went to Austin, Texas,” Phillips said. Phillips spent most of her time working with kids in the community. “We spent time with the kids in an after school program, because their parents work overtime or nights. We played card games and kickball with them, and we helped them do homework and learn to read. We cleaned up the lunch room after lunch and picked up their toys,” Phillips said. Phillips felt really good about the work she did and she felt as though she had really made a difference. “It was amazing, because I got to see the kids have fun and I actually got to help them learn. One day changes everything, and the families were so appreciative,” Phillips said. Although both Hatchette and Phillips had good experiences, there were some downsides to going on these mission trips. “It was freezing at night, but it was so
Personalities Here are a few things you can tell about a person by noticing some of their favorite show and colors.
Students make differences in people’s lives hot and sweaty during the day. I got sea urchin needles in my hand, and I almost wasn’t able to give blood, because I’d been out of the country in the past three years,” Hatchette said. “There were freezing cold showers, no air conditioning in 102° weather, and we had to sleep on the hard floor,” Phillips said. Downsides included, neither Phillips nor Hatchette would change their experience for anything. “Overall, it was a really fun experience and I’m happy I went,” Hatchette said.
Making A Difference. Senior Caitlin Hatchette snapped a picture of her fellow church youth bagging grass to help a local Puerto Rican. “I’m going on a mission trip this summer, it’s my last mission trip and I hope to make an impact on at least one person,” Hatchette said. Mission work has taken Hatchette across the globe to places such as Puerto Rico. Photo courtesy/ Caitlin Hatchette
What do your favorites say about you?
What your favorite color says about you and color facts. Orange is the color of autumn. It usually takes a back seat to red or yellow. If orange is your favorite color then you would too. You do well with others, and you hate to be alone. Yellow is the color of being artistic and an individual. Yellow represents a cheerful spirit, being idealistic, and being imaginative. Green symbolizes new growth and well-being. Green is also considered stable and secure. If green is your favorite color, you are affectionate, loyal and inclined to be frank. Red is an outrageous color. It is the color of love, courage, anger and joy. It demands attention and is impulsive. Red can often make people hungry and causes rapid mood swings. If red is your favorite color you are out to experience the fullest in life. Blue is the color of tranquility. The
By : Lindsey LeVota
color of peace and royalty. It is calming and color craves harmony. If blue is a favorite then you are capable, sensitive, and an outstanding friend. You are very cautious and conscientious of what you are working on. Violet is the color of luxury. You are strong, observant, and very unique. Odds are you are very artistic and creative. However, you have a hard time dealing with your friends because they don’t “get” you. Personally one. Te l e v i s i o n shows can show someones true p e r s o n a l i t y. Oprah watchers show respect while Springer watchers lack that aspect. Photos/AP
Hi.Life - April 27, 2007
Over the summer, senior Caitlin Hatchette didn’t get to sleep in until noon. In fact, she didn’t even sleep in her own bed. Unlike most teens, Hatchette was rising at the crack of dawn to start a full day of manual labor; pulling weeds and picking up trash. “I went to Puerto Rico with my youth group from First Baptist Church of Lee’s Summit,” Hatchette said. There, they did many things to help out the local community. “We helped clean up a women’s shelter, helped lay the foundation for a new church, painted a school, picked up trash off the beach, and helped out with a youth camp,” Hatchette said. Although some of these tasks were tiring and took a lot of work, the work paid off. “The people were overjoyed and they were grateful for the work we did,” Hatchette said. Hatchette’s youth group also spent a lot of time in close quarters with a local church group there. “We met really cool people down there and we really got to know the members of their youth group. It opened my mind to a new culture and how other people live,” Hatchette said. In fact, Hatchette and her youth group keep in touch with the people they met there. “We talked online and on the phone.
Features 11
12 Features
GET (RED)UCATED
In a world clouded by the fights of man against man, a rockstar and a company chairman are taking a stand and shedding a new light on man’s stuggle with nature’s epidemic. Bono of U2 and Bobby Shriver of DATA ( Debt, AIDS, Trade Africa) created (PRODUCT) RED, a brand that encourages consumers and businesses alike to help in the fight against AIDS in Africa. RED’s brand name partners each created specific products for the cause. When the item is purchased a percentage of the final cost is sent directly to the Global Fund. The Global Fund was made to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Its a combined effort of governments, civilians, and private donations to help in the prevention and treatment of the disease
American consumers battle against AIDS
Compiled by : Kimrey Burmeister and Elizabeth Fuller
Featured above : Motorola RAZR Phone, Gap T-Shirt, iPod Nano, Gap Bracelet, Gap Necklace
(PRODUCT)s RED
Converse -Four limited edition shoes, MAKE MINE RED, design your own shoe at www.converseone.com 5-15% goes to the Global Fund depending on product sold Gap - Limited edition clothing collection, includes hoodies, jeans, and acccessories 50 % of profits go to the Global Fund
Hi.Life - April 27, 2007
Botswana 24.10% Lesotho 23.24% Zimbabwe 20.12% Nambia 19.56% South Africa 18.79% Zambia 16.96% Mozambique 16.11% Malawi 14.09% Central African Republic 10.73% Gabon 7.88% Cote De Ivoire 7.06% Uganda 6.66% Tanzania 6.46% Kenya 6.09% Cameroon 5.43%
Giorgio Armani - Emporio Armani capsule collection includes jacket, jeans, sunglasses and others Average of 40% goes to the Global Fund Motorola - Red Motorazr and Red Bluetooth H500 headset $17 for the Red Motorazr and $5 for the headset goes to the Global Fund Apple - iPod Nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition and $25 iTules (PRODUCT) RED gift card $10 for each iPod Nano and a portion of the proceeds from the iTues gift card
13 Features
Symptoms and Solutions An in-depth examination of common STD’s
Compiled by : Elizabeth Fuller and Kimrey Burmeister
In light of the AIDS epidemic here are some highlights on other transferred diseases that could be detrimental to a person’s health.
CAUSE
COMMONALITY
SYMPTOMS
TREATMENT
Chlamydia caused by the bacterium Chlamydima trachomatis.
An estimated 2.8 million are infected per year in the United States.
Genital discharge, and a burning sensation during urination.
Can be treated and cured with antibiotics: Azithromycin and Doxycline.
Known as a ‘silent’ disease because 3/4’s of those infected have no symptoms.
Gonorrhea caused by the bacterium N e i s s e r i a gonorrhoeae.
113/100,000 infected in States.
people are the United
White, yellow, or green discharge, burning sensation during urination, swollen testicles.
Can be treated and cured with antibiotics: Azithromycin and Doxycline.
Genital Herpes caused by the virus Herpes Simplex Viruses, types 1 and 2 (HSV)
At least 45,000,000 million people Sores, fever and swollen are infected in the United States. glands.
There is no cure for Herpes but there are perscriped medicines that can help with symptoms.
20,000,000 million people are infected in the United States.
Genital warts.
There is no cure for HPV, but in most women the infection goes away on its own.
4,000,000 million people are infected in the United States.
Sores, a rash that covers the body. In later stages it begins to damage the internal organs, and could lead to death.
Can be treated in early stages with a shot of penicillin or antibiotics.
N/A
There are no noticable symptoms, to tell you must be tested.
There is no cure, but there are perscribed medicines that may help treat symptoms.
caused by the virus Human Papillomavirus
Syphilis caused by the bactirium Treponema pallidum.
AIDS caused by the virus human immunodeficiency virus.
Hi.Life - April 27, 2007
Genital HPV
14 Features
To Pee or Not To Pee
By : Nikki Schmidt
Students feel the pressure of schools cracking down on drugs Come Monday morning, school students could be in big trouble for weekend drinking. According to CNN, A New Jersey School district plans to have students take random urine tests capable of detecting whether alcohol was consumed in the past 80 hours. Pequannock Township High of about 800 students began this testing on February 5. School Superintendent Larrie Reynolds said there are more students that die each year in alcohol-related traffic deaths than there are soliders who have died in Iraq, the numbers are staggering. According to CNN, students who participate in sports or other extracurricular activites or drive to school are already tested for illegal drugs prompted by the heroin overdose of a student in 2005. “ It would be a positive proactive in preventing future
problems, even making them stop,” parenting teacher Vickie Powell said. “Parents could work through their problems with their child.” Students who test positive for alcohol will not be kicked off teams or barred from extracurricular activites, but will receive counseling and their parents will be notified by the school. “An effect it could have on the student is possibly them dropping out.” Powell said. Common household products such as mouthwash can produce a positive test result. For the students to test positive for alcohol, they would have to consume one or two drinks. “It wouldn’t be any different finding out their child is a user from the school district, or a random person,” Powell said. “Support of the parents will be needed.” “No one is really taking it seriously. If you want to go out and party, you’re still going to go out and party.” Senior Matt Huber, who attends Pequannock Township High said.
Drug Testing. Drug testing is a controversial issue however a lot of schools are now enforcing it to try to improve th students lives. However, some people think it is a bad idea and an invasion of privacy. “IT could have a lot of bad effects on the student body. It could cause a number of problems, even dropping out,” FACS Vicki Powell said. Photo/Taylor Rice
Raintree Pediatrics
A division of Lee’s Summit Physicians Group, Inc. Newborns through 21 yeas of age
Hi.Life - April, 27, 2007
Appointments scheduled Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. & 1 to 4 p.m. Same Day appointments are available Urgent care available evenings and weekends at Lee’s Summit Physician’s Group Urgent Care Clinic For on-line appointment request, go to www.lsphysicians.com for Dr. Allison Henschel & Dr. Jeffrey Yannette Prenatal Consults for expecting parents can be scheduled by calling 816.524.3223 ext 150
816.525.4700
821 SW Lemans Lane
(at the southeat corner of Ward and M150 Hwy in Raintree Village Center
In a future world, gas is free, cell phones stay charged for months at a time, and everyone’s house is provided with cheap, efficient, and environmentally friendly energy, for free. While this may sound like some kind of infomercial, hopefully, this is a not too distant reality. The world has already seen the first phases of this advancement taking root with the introduction of hybrid cars. The 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid’s fuel economy rating is 60 miles per gallon on the highway and 51 miles per gallon in the city. Compared to a nonhybrid cars like a minivan that average about 13 to 20 miles per gallon in the city, this is a great difference. “I usually spend about $60 a week on gas,” junior Drew Teghtmeyer said. He has been driving his Ford Ranger for half a year and
By : Clint Sparks
plans to drive it through college. “I spend like $20 weekly on gas for my car,” sophomore Brennon Peterson said. Peterson drives a Cadillac. The enhanced fuel economy that hybrid cars offer to the consumer could potentially allow great savings. Hybrid cars and greater fuel economy are only the first mists of an impending rain of cost efficient energy. Many new types of energy production are being researched, specifically fusion reactions such as Hot and Sonofusion. Hot Fusion, the very process which keeps the sun burning, involves very sudden and extreme changes in temperature among the ions of plasma. The resulting reaction is very similar to those commonly found in today’s nuclear reactors and weapons. Sonofusion is a process in which a mixture of acetone
and benzene is exposed to a barrage of sound waves, thereby producing light. The result is a small bubble suspended within a solution. The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute hopes that one day these fusion reactions will produce energy at a scale which scientists hope will one day be more than is invested in the process itself. The possibilities behind this could mean an unlimited source of cost-efficient energy. Other alternatives to current fuels and processes are pure hydrogen fuel and inexhaustible sources like solar and wind power. These, along with other things like vegetable oil and other solutions are scrabbling to take the place of the slowly dying oil industry. Someday high-school students like sophomores Jessica Randall and Jessica Smith may not have to
Comparing Computers Logging on to the newest information on laptops
Compaq-Pesario Notebook:
15.4 inch screen/ 80 GB hard drive/ AMD Turion 64/ wireless LAN/ Double layer burning drive/ Microsoft Windows Vista
Toshiba-Satellite Notebook: 17 inch screen/ Intel Core Duo mobile processor/ 5 in 1 media adapter / 120 GB hard drive/ Microsoft Windows Vista
Photos : bestbuy.com
By: Desirae Kudra Apple Macbook:
HP-Pavilion Notebook: 15.4 inch screen/160 GB hard drive/webcam/media reader/ microphone/software Microsoft Windows Vista
spend the respective $110 and $300 a month that they currently do on gas. Someday, cars may run for years at a time and for free. Where all of this energy, an already expensive resource will come from remains to be seen. But it just might be that the imagined world of energy and the real are soon to undergo another kind of fusion. Brennon Peterson thinks this fusion is on the precipice of reality. “In the future everyone will drive hydrogen or electrically powered cars. Technology advances everyday, and someday the scientists working on alternate fuel methods will have a breakthrough. Everything will be more cost-efficient and better for the environment. Hopefully, it’ll be soon.”
13 inch screen / bluetooth/ airport extreme / 80 GB hard drive / double layer burning drive / camera / remote
Best Buy: $ 899.99
Best Buy: $ 1,299.99
Gateway Notebook:
Best Buy: $ 599.99
15.4 inch screen/ 160 GB hard drive/ 4 in 1 digital media player/ vertical scroll touch pad/ double layer buring drive
Best Buy: $ 899.99
Sony VAIO Notebook:
Best Buy: $ 1,199.99
17 inch screen/Intel Centrino Duo/240 GB hard drive/web camera/extended battery life/ software Microsoft Windows Vista
Best Buy: $ 999.99
Hi.Life - April 27, 2007
Hot Fusion
Features 15
Next-gen energy fusing convenience with a low price
16 Opinions
Bark at the Moon
Letters to the Editor
By: Matthew Gratton Last week I performed a discusting act for the first time; I put a sticker on my car, defacing it forever. The overwelming amount of expression through bumper stickers is really ‘grinding my gears.’ I know deep down that the protection of bumper stickers on the back of cars is basically protected by our government under the freedom of speech we all share and love; but I can’t help and want to take a razor edge to them and put up one protesting the opposite view. Some of the stickers do make me laugh though, one reads “Kerry Edwards 2004,” I was even pro Kerry in 2004 and I think it’s just all wishful thinking. It’s a silly way of displaying something that should be kept under wraps unless some interested person was to inquire your opinion. In relation to this I think people need to learn to control their words and, dare I say it, think before they speak. Freedom of speech is one thing, and just being humiliating to other individuals just to prove some point is another. Some one who is gay, or is getting an abortion is still someone. They still bleed and cry. They still are human. Long story short I believe that the ridiculously cynical, and judgemental words that I have to stare at while driving to school about how something is not some individuals choice are a waste of space. These should not be allowed on cars because of the effects they could have on an individual, who never even asked what the opinion of some person who just happened to be driving in front of them...Oh and they are really ugly.
Dear Editor, The problem I have with the school is the discipline. If a student skips class, they only get a two hour detention, for getting caught with their cell phone it’s a four hour. Class is more important than having your cell phone out. I think the discipline for cell phone usage should be lowered and skipping class should be higher. -senior Trae Tunison Dear Editor, One of the things I would like to change about our school is the way we eat lunch. It has been an on-going debate about having an open lunch since I have been here, and every time the administration turns us down for various reasons. Things that, to me personally, make sense. So what I’m proposing is that the administration consider an honors, or awards policy for our seniors. Allowing the LSHS seniors to have an open lunch depending upon their attendance, grades, fines, and the breaking of rules. -senior Heath Root Dear Editor, I would like to have the vents in B building cleaned. It seemed to me that B building had a funny smell to it, then one day I realized it was coming from the heating and cooling systems. I think they need to purify the air to make it cleaner. The smell seems to be growing stronger, and could get out of hand in the near future. I think it would be a simple procedure to do, and inexpensive too. -senior Ryan Varner Have a problem in the Lee’s Summit community? Want to express that problem with other people through the Hi.Life? Write a “Letter to the Editor” or a column and drop it off in Locker A 423 or Room 227.
Continous Construction Hi.Life - April 27, 2007
By: Andrew Hoien Ah spring, the temperature crawls above zero, the trees and flowers blossom, and most of all, construction is in full force, it’s like clockwork. From Langsford being closed off to the innumerous closed roads and forklifts in downtown, you would think that the new city tree was the orange construction cone. It’s insane to me. For years the roads fell into disrepair, save the occasional repave, and the construction going on is sorely needed, don’t get me wrong. My gripe is: do they really need to do six years of neglected construction at once? Trying to do six years of neglected work in six months just as bad as continuing not to work on the roads. To make the matter worse, it is the major roads that are getting the most work. In the coming year, Langsford is being widened, the new hospital will be completed, downtown will be complexly remade, and it is rumored that Todd George will get a median. To protect their workers, the construction companies close off
large sections of major roads, and re-route drivers to roads that were built to handle half of the traffic load it is now expected to deal with. Knowing all this, construction continues in one big cluster, shutting down roads randomly and forcing us drivers onto winding, narrow back roads with 100 fellow frustrated drivers. This creates more traffic issues, and as a result, longer commutes to places like school and work, not to mention more accidents due to in-experience. Gone are the days of knowing where you are, in are the days of random guessing when you run into the dreaded “Road Closed” signs. Instead of doing construction on roads in stages, the city has opted for construction that may save time, but will create mass confusion and irritation among drivers. This decision will only help create more traffic and confusion on roads that are sometimes busy and difficult enough. After this is all said and done, the city should take careful note of what went wrong, and if they must neglect future road repairs, at least have the foresight not to attempt rectifying the situation all at once.
Opinions 17
Staff Editorial What makes a good teacher good? Is it their organization, their humor, maybe that teacher’s whole personality? In this staff’s top four qualities we prove that good teachers must be a little of all of that. The first thing that will be touched on is humor. It is obviously the most popular choice among students that the teacher with the best sense of humor is going to have the strongest control of the students. The one that can sway their laughter is the one that can teach them the best. Number two is assertion. Now this may not be such a popular choice among students but I’m sure that teachers everywhere would think of this as an obvious plus. If a teacher can be assertive, they can face any obstacle a student or an administrator can present them with.
The third quality in our list is organization, now I don’t think any staff member has had one teacher all through high school who has been organized down to the t, but I think it is safe to admit that a little cleanliness here and there would be greatly appreciated by the whole student body, I’m sure their grades would appreciate it also. The fourth and final quality is fun. The teacher must be willing to have some fun, without it the students will grow bored and just fall asleep. Things have to be entertaining to a degree. (We aren’t in college yet, and aren’t studying a major that we love, in turn.) Basically every teacher, with maybe a few exceptions, should lighten up a little bit and just breathe in a sigh of relaxation now that they didn’t make our top four ‘bad teachers’ list.
Animated Outlook By: Greg Kinman & Drew Levota
Hi.Life - March 8, 2007
The Hi.Life is an open forum to provide up to date and pertinent information compiled by high school journalists. The magazine exists to credibly explain all facts in a professional, yet entertaining manner. We will be a bold and trusted publication that raises the bar of high school journalism. The Hi.Life newsmagazine is a student led publication. Our obligation to readers is to provide credible information to the student body. None of the opinions in our publication reflect the views of the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District. The Hi.Life is composed of the original ideas and opinions of our staff. The Hi.Life strives to create a professional news magazine that provides accurate insight and entertainment with confidence and excellence, with an obligation of creating an unbiased and reliable publication.
Man on the Street What makes a good teacher? If they are nice and they don’t make you do work for nothing.
-Larry Scharff
They have to be able to have fun but still get the job done.
-Roxann Cates
They are good at teaching through humor, not just lecturing.
-Walter Sloan
They have to be nice and can explain things so the students understand it.
-Lauren Davis
18 Fashion
Choose the perfect spring look with Mainstreet Couture By: Crystal Lawson As the tidal wave of spring fashion hits every store, it is becoming apparent that the selection is anything but ordinary. Year to year, and season to season, as times change so must the clothing. Fashion itself evolves as new styles emerge and old styles return in a revamped and improved manner. It is, however, with great anticipation that the average shop-starved fashion seeker awaits each coming season. That being said, no one is average. In fact, each fashion-loving person has his or her own individual style preference. It is for this reason that Mainstreet Couture has provided a multitude of spring fashions for everyone to choose from. Accessories are emerging as the bigger the better. Layer up with long strands, big pendants, and bright bracelets. Sunglasses in iridescent colors, and larger than life frames are in as well. Be bold and flashy, but keep it tasteful.
Shirts are developing into a combination of loud and colorful patterns, frilly floral prints, and decadent fabrics. Tie and wrap shirts, and empire waistlines are also in. Don’t be afraid to look girly this spring with the ultimate chic collection.
Hi.Life - April 27, 2007
As for pants this season, capri’s are a must. Go for denim with a dark wash, and wide legs. Board shorts are also in. Go with frayed hems for a relaxed look, and choose refined fabrics for a dressy feel. Fitted skirts with floral prints, ruffled edges, and layers are the epitome of ladylike. Dresses range from gracefully formal to retro and fun. Go for bright colors, and fun straps.
Entertainment 19
Equally Awesome
By: Jessi Woska
Taking the work out of sifting through songs
You will love this This music conists of airy vocals and elegant melodies that soar to hypnotic heights. Modestly powerful, it is elegiac yet uplifting. Introspective lyrics excite the ear with quirky turns of phrase and descriptive imagery.
With effortlessly soulful, breathy lyrics, this music pairs folkacoustic with Hawaiian influences. The songs celebrate the simple pleasures in life with sweet, relaxing rhythms and smooth choruses.
With upbeat reggae rhythms and Spanish lyric tendencies, this music has a fun, carefree aura. It is a trippy mix of ska, reggae, punk, and rap. With integrated smooth island sounds, it is lackadaisical, relaxed, and has a summertime feel.
It is a perfectly stylish account of a part new-wave, part newmillennium music sensation. It is catchy and electronic with a raucous mix of synth mangeling, catchy choruses, stellar melodies, and effortlessly cool 80’s motif.
{ { { {
Artist: Pedro The Lion Album: Fewer moving Parts Song: Selling Advertising Artist: Beulah Album: The Coast is Never Clear Song: Gravity’s Bringing Us Down Artist: Subrosa Union Album: Looking Forward Song: Save Me Artist: Colbie Caillat Album: unsigned Song: Bubbly
Artist: Micah Wolf Album: Micah Wolf Song: Muse Artist: Pepper Album: Kona Town Song: Too Much
Artist: Negative Album: Sweet and Deceitful Song: In My Heaven Artist: Keane Album: Under The Iron Sea Song: Crystal Ball
{ { { {
If you like this
Hi.Life-April 27, 2007
Living in an era where the airwaves are flooded with unsatisfying tunes, finding a good band is like finding a needle in a haystack. It is no secret that discovering a band worth listening to can undoubtedly be a frusterating and tedious task. However, the dirty work is already done by taking bands that are commonly loved, and introducing artists that rock equally (if not harder) for the frusterated music fiend’s listening pleasure.
20 Entertainment/Sports
Disturbi-YEAH Rated PG 13 Summary: After being in a traumatic car accident, Kale, a seventeen year old boy, becomes a trouble maker. On his third strike, the judge sentences him to
three months of house arrest just in time for summer. Soon his video games become dull and Kale looks to his neighbors for entertainment. He notices strange things from his backyard neighbor and soon believes that the man living behind him is a killer. Instead of going to the police for help, he tries to solve it himself. He figures out that this is not an easy task. My Opinion: From the first scene of this movie it has you on the edge of your seat. Shia LaBeouf’s character, although borderline stalker, does a great job with looking beyond the happiness of the two car garage and nuclear families. The plot is
Hi.Life senior Kimrey Burmeister dishes the dirt on the scarefest, Disturbia. something that could actually happen, as opposed to the duranged killer hunting down kids in a hockey mask who won’t die unless you cut his head off. Although there is an underlinded love interest in the movie it plays a minor part and actually inhances the plot because Shia now has two things to lose: his girl and his mom. After watching the movie I found myself looking at my neighborhood and the people who occupy it. I really like that Shia fights for his mom because she is his world, and her opinion of him really matters. My favorite part of the movie is
the fact that the killer seems completely normal, he goes to work, mows his lawn, he just really likes his privacy… and his red heads.
I give it 5 dead bodies (out of 5)
NNNNN
World Champion Meet junior Maggie Seibert’s not so typical dad
HI.LIFE - April 27, 2007
Bob Seibert was young and inspired, and followed his dreams to become a world champion. “I started doing karate when I was fifteen years old. When I was sixteen, I started boxing in the Golden Gloves. I won the Kansas City Golden Gloves in 1976, 1977, 1978,” Seibert said. Seibert then knew what he was capable of. If he can win the Golden Gloves three years in a row, then he can certainly win something a little bit bigger. “I went into professional kickboxing in 1980 and won my first world championship in 1982,” Seibert said. Seibert now speaks all over the United States. He does self-defense
programs for companies, airlines, and colleges. “I am the National Business Director for a company named Global Check Recovery,” Seibert said. Chuck Norris is someone that Seibert has been a fan of since he was little. Seibert says that he has always looked up to Norris, because he was a real movie star, yet humble and down to earth. “I met Norris in 1985 and we became pals. When I was in Dallas, Texas, doing a speaking program, my agent and I went by the set of “Walker Texas Ranger,” and Norris was there,” Seibert said. While at the set, Norris asked Seibert if he would like to be a guest on the show they were shooting. “I said yes and got to be
By: Megan Stueve
on the show. I was in a big fight scene with Mr. Norris in which he beat me up then took me to jail, it was really cool,” Seibert said. Seibert learned a lot after he became a world champion. “The biggest thing I learned from being a world champion is that if you focus, work hard, and never doubt yourself, you can have anything you want in life,” Seibert said. Seibert hopes that he has been a positive role model to his wife and daughter, Maggie. “I have been married for 18 years to the love of my life, Betsy. We have an awesome daughter named Maggie Seibert whom I love more than life. I hope I have been a positive role
Kick Box: Junior Maggie Seibert’s dad, was a world champion kick boxer and now works as a self-defense insturctor sround the country.
model for her as well as her friends,“ Seibert said. Junior Maggie Seibert says that she is proud of who her dad has become today and what he has done in the past. “I am so proud to say he is my dad and I look up to him in so many ways, he has taught me so much about
Sports 21
Karate 101 Learn from the best on how to defend yourself against an assailant By: Jon Smith Organization one lesson a week. Each lesson had a flat rate of nine dollars. Each and every week Moorshead went to lessons he got one kick and one
punch closer to reaching his goal, becoming a black belt in karate. Moorshead was educated on how to protect against attackers in his rigorous karate
lessons. Learn from the best when black belt David Moorshead demonstrates one of his favorite selfdefense moves.
Step 1: Attacker attempts to punch the subject. The subject immediately blocks the attacker’s punch with their forearm.
Step 2: The subject performsf an “upper cut” into the attacker’s abdomen while still blocking the punch.
Step 3:
The subject then slips behind the attcker while still blocking the punch with their forearm. The subject sweeps the attacker’s leg out from under them and pushes their shoulder down and away towards the ground
Step 4: The subject restrains the attacker on the gound until help arrives.
Hi.Life -April 27, 2007
Black belt David Moorshead has been learning karate for four years. He learned karate through the Young Champions Karate
Photos: Whitney Norton
22 Sports
The Top 4 Questions for the yals in 2007
Hi-Life sports writers Alex North and Brandon Wolz examine the Royals after a month of the 2007 season. Will the young stars develop? Will the big free agent pan out? Alex and Brandon answer these questions and more
1.Will Alex Gordon live up to the hype? He should be a great player, but only time will tell. Gordon was named the minor league player of the year in . Even though he hasn’t done much so far this year, the team has to give the guy a chance. He has the potential to be as good as Carlos Beltran. The question the Royals should ask themselves is, ‘can they keep him?’ Carlos Beltran, Jermaine Dye, and Johnny Damon are former Royals who have gone on to help lead their new teams to the World Series.
Being the college and minor league player of the year, third basemen Alex Gordon has the potential to be a star. Even though he has struggled this season, he has the talent to bounce back. He is the top prospect for the Royals and is one of their best hopes to win again. Overall, I believe that Gordon will make an impact for the Royals this season, but I think he needs a few more years in the major leagues to be real productive.
2. Will Gil Meche be worth $55 million? Gil Meche will be worth $55 million because the Royals have never really had a pitcher they can count on in a must win situation. Hopefully his start on opening day was a sign of things to come. The guy can pitch up in the mid 90s fastball and he has a pretty nice curve. He was a top prospect taken in the first round of the amateur draft in 1996. Though it might not appear to be a steal, the Royals may have found one. Meche is still young and entering his prime at age 28.
The Royals got bang for their buck when they signed this guy. He had a spectacular performance on opening day against the Boston Red Sox, giving up one run in seven innings. If the Royals can get that kind of production out of Meche consistently, they will finally have a true ace pitcher. Meche was one of the most expensive signings in the league, and it was questioned whether he was worth all the money. Overall, I like Meche to be the dominant pitcher the Royals signed him to be.
3. Will Zack Grienke reach his potential?
Hi.Life - April 27, 2007
Zack Greinke will reach his potential as we saw in his debut against the highly anticipated Daisuke Matsuzaka of the Red Sox. He had seven strikeouts that day compared to Matsuzaka’s 10 strikeouts. He also did well against the Toronto Blue Jays where he struckout five and only gave up one run. His third start against Detroit did not go as well, lasting only 2/3 of an inning. With Greinke it’s just going to take some time to develop.
Greinke has had a tough time in the major league recently. Being the face of a franchise did not suit Greinke well. In his first start this season against the Boston Red Sox, he gave up one run in seven innings. His start against the Detroit Tigers did not go as well, lasting 2/3 of an inning, throwing 49 pitches and giving up four runs on a grand slam. The pressure to be great is much less for Greinke this season with all the veteran pitching around him. Overall, Greinke will provide starting pitching depth.
4. Will the Royals avoid 100 loses? The Royals will avoid another 100 losing season and the I feel main reason will be pitching. With the acquisitions of Gil Meche and Jorge De La Rosa which are both good pitchers. Mike Sweeney is also healthy which should bring some stability to the offense. They also have Alex Gordon, who is the number one prospect in all of baseball. They also have Mark Teahen with 18 homeruns and 69 RBI’s last year and David DeJesus. I predict that the Royals will win 80 games.
The Royals have hit 100 losses for the last 3 seasons. This season brings promise with young talent like Alex Gordon and veteran leadership with Gil Meche and Mark Grudzielanek. If they can get their pitching on track they have a chance to end their losing ways. General Manager Dayton Moore has done a good job of trying to fill in the Royals’ missing pieces and now it is the players’ time to show that they are a new and improved team. Overall, I think the Royals will avoid 100 losses with a final record of 70-92.
Sports 23
Where are they going?
Top athletes share where their going next year and why
Danielle Adams
By: Bobby Hagedorn As we now reach the end of the year it is time to look back at the year that was and what a year it has been. We have seen athletic success that this school has not seen in a long time. We started off the year on a great note with great seasons from many of the sports teams. The football team finished with the its best record in nearly 20 years and who can forget the unbelievable opening game against Lee’s Summit North. The soccer team also had a great season capped by an undefeated conference record and district championship. Both the softball and volleyball team won at least a portion of the conference championship. The great success continued into the winter season with the phenomenal year by the girls basketball team. That season was lead by a huge victory at home over West for the district championship. The great seasons have continued into the spring season, with great starts by track, baseball, and girls soccer. So as the sports season winds to an end, its time to realize while we may have never reached the ultimate goal of all teams, this year’s athletes gave this school a year of success that we haven’t seen in a long time.
Clay Stanger
Missouri Basketball
Baker University Soccer
“The coaching staff and I really connected with the whole team.”
“I got a scholarship to play and I liked the small, private aspect.”
Trae Tunison Johnson County Community College Soccer “I got a full ride and I know the coach really well.”
Jennifer Sampson
Katie Whalon
Baker University Soccer
Baker University Soccer
SW Baptist University Soccer
“They offered a scholarship and my brother played there.”
“The enviroment, the coach and I really wanted a small school.”
Jake Chiarelli
“The way the coach coached fit with how I play.”
Mallory Lagud
Ryan Ruble
Nathan Manley
Emporia State Softball
University of Memphis Soccer
Ottawa University Baseball
“I really liked the coaches and “It’s a division one program I knew some girls there.” and I felt connected to the team.”
“They have had a lot of succes and it’s somewhere I could play a lot.”
Matt Speaks
Whitney VanDeVyvere
Krista Turner
Missouri Western Football
Longview Volleyball
University of Memphis Soccer
“I love the coaches and I got a scholarship.”
“They are ranked nationally and I really like their coach.”
“I chose Memphis because I’ve always wanted to play division 1 soccer in college and it’s the right fit for me”
Hi.Life - April 27, 2007
Court to Field
24 Back Page
The First Signs of Spring Are you ready for your close up?
Photos By : Kimrey Burmeister and Elizabeth Fuller
1
Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s here! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s here! For this issue of the Hi.Life we have put together five close up pictures of what we think is the epitome of spring time. Can you spot the signs? 1) Window hinge in A building 2) Flip flops 3) The pothole on the hill up to the parking lot inbetween A and B (the mini breeze way) 4) The boys track team 5) A flower before it blooms
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3 5
Hi.Life - April 27, 2007
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