February 2017 by Lee's Summit HS Hi-Life Magazine

FINE-TUNED

FOCUS p.14

From the editor M

issing a rehearsal, NHS, tennis practice, or a deadline will always hurt, but I have to always remind myself that as long as I give my best, I can not ask for much more. This self-revelation came to me one night during a late rehearsal for the winter play Our Town; I came to the conclusion that the solution lies in the little things. Some of the greatest minds have warned us about this since the beginning of time (i.e. Wordsworth, Hemingway, Gandhi, Einstein), but too often we get caught up in big term projects to notice the roses. In Our Town, the main character at one point mentions the fact that all too often, we humans get too caught up in the task at hand to notice all the positives around us, and to really take stock of the world we have been given. I hope moving forward with my life and journalism career, I can take the small victories and use them to fuel myself through life. Spreading myself thin is a topic my grandfather likes to breach every time I have dinner with him. The advice of elders is a topic that we often blow off, but I have learned his advice could really lead to a positive change. Up until this point, I have defended my ultimate involvedness and claimed it just makes me a well-rounded person. While that may be true in some senses, in others my willingness to say yes can really throw a wrench into everything. I am a member of National Honors Society and Spanish National Honors Society, I hold a lead role in theatre, I work in the JLab three hours a day, I play tennis, and I take four IB classes. Due to this deeply connected nature, I have a tendency to dedicate myself to each task one at a time, giving 100 percent to the newspaper while here and 100 percent to other activities when there. My dedication to the world can be seen as a positive to my character, but it can be downplayed as I do not buy into the lie of a multitasking 21st century. Studies have shown countless times that true multitasking is impossible, so while we work we must appreciate everything we do.

Carter Moore Editor-In-Chief

contents 06

VISIT US

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ON THE COVER

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NOW Sign Language Club attracted over 50 memberss to the first meeting. Ms.McKee hopes to expand even further.

PLAY Conncussions have benched athletes since the beginning of sport itself, but do we need to be stricter, now that we know the effects?

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FEATURE Fashion comes at a high price: Anthony Villareal keeps it local and cheap with his fashion picks

IDEAS Trash cans are on every street corner, but what happens after it leaves your tray might be the part that affects daily life

COVER PHOTOGRAPHED BY MADELINE ANTEY

WH AT QU OT E D O YO U L I VE BY ?

hi life

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Carter Moore WEB EDITOR Garrett Stroginis

“Read, every day, something no one else is reading. Think, every day, something no one else is thinking. Do, every day, something no one else would be silly enough to do. It is bad for the mind to be always part of unanimity.” - Christopher Morley

FEAUTURE EDITORS Cori Matney Johanna Holmberg Makenzie Kraxberger OPINIONS EDITOR Madeline Antey

“It’s not your life, it’s life. Life is bigger than you. Life isn’t something that you possess, it’s something that you take part in and you witness.” - Louis C.K.

COPY EDITORS Molly Goetz Angela Lenhardt MEDIA MANAGER Mathewos Keller ADS MANAGER Abby Ault ADVISER Marc Russell “In order to write about life, you must first live it,” - Ernest Hemingway

“Make yourself so happy that when others look at you they become happy too” - Yogi Bhajan

REPORTERS Sara Alley, Yonny Astatke, Audrey Badgerow, Ariel Benedict, Kaylee Blair, Ignacio Cabero, Nora Carrell, Keyara Conn, Clayton Couch, Gabrielle Cunningham, Izzy DeMarco,Aspen DePeralta, De’yhon Doughty, Britten Duet, Zack Easley, Kennady Elliot,Anna Erich, Christina Felix, Maggie Gadd, Charde’ Gahagans, Payton Gale, Cami Hager, Renee Haskell, Tommy Hicks, Makayla Holmberg, Mallory Huser, Emma Jenkins, Jada Johnson, Lauren Kroh, Brittany LeJune, Jonathan Marszalek, Mason Mackey, Da’Qoun McGee, Hunter Montgomery, Makenna Nickens, Ariana Pelzer, David Perkins, Mallory Rajer, Brooke Renfro, Samantha Schierholz, Savannah Setley, Mike Smith, Chris Teeter, Sierra Terry, Parker Tozier, Jordan Turner, Anthony Villarreal, Claire Wagner, Sydney Weyrauch, Tyler Williams, Jessica Winkler

what we think

o live, it seems like such an easy concept. Get out of bed, pay car insurance, get married, the works. But, many people feel their presence in this world, and wonder, “Am I living?” And maybe some days, life feels mundane. A repetitive nonsense that’s only purpose is to fuel a society built on mindlessness. So, here are just a few ways to grab life by the ears and say “Not today, sweet sunday-brunch, I’m going to be alive.”

1. STOP PERFORMING |Forget the notion that people are watching, and do what feels right. Dancing is the obvious choice, but stretch farther than that. Read what feels important, whether it’s Moby Dick or How Green Were the Nazi’s? Nature, Environment, and Nation in the Third Reich. Listen to music that feels good, and make every moment like that song is carving it. 2. THINGS ARE NOT THAT BAD | Things will never be as bad as they seem, and even if it feels like the world is crashing down, things will always rebuild. Just like the Earth. The Earth has had Ice Age’s and Asteroids and Volcanic eruptions, and has rebuilt itself. 3. DESTRUCTION IS A FORM OF CREATION |

When stuff piles up and stress takes over, allow it to fall apart. Things will unravel and break down, and it will be okay. Make mistakes and learn from them, because the only way to go from the bottom, is up.

4. GIVE IT ALL | Many events will require effort, a whole lot of effort, and the only way to make that the best it can possibly be is to give it everything. The strongest and bravest and smartest people in the world didn’t get there by waiting around and wishing for it. They took their life in their hands, and gave it everything.

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BODY LANGUAGE

SIGN

A S L

Introducing a new medium of communication to the student body.

n preparation for her future conversations, junior Mariam Rice swiftly changes the position of her fingers to practice her sign language. “I think it will benefit you in the ways learning any new skill will. It trains your brain to think a different way and commit something practical to memory. It is also beneficial for when you may encounter [a deaf person] and [you] want to communicate with a deaf, hard of hearing, or mute person. Not to mention, in certain fields, you are paid extra for knowing sign language,” Rice said. Despite from the fact that knowing the language may help benefit some in their future, organizing enough people who want to learn the language themselves may be a challenge. “I have known the ASL alphabet since I was in first grade, so I have always wanted to actually learn sign language. A little over a month ago, I was talking to a friend from West

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about that, and she mentioned how they have an ASL club at her school. She told me to just start a sign language club myself, and I did not see why not. I also need a project for IB, so this club fulfilled two things at once for me,” Rice said. Knowing the language itself may be a huge benefit,and the ability to be able to communicate with others is a necessity for the skill. “Yes, I absolutely would [speak with a hearing impaired person]. At my work, there are deaf people who come in, so I would definitely use as much sign language as I could to communicate. I also want to be a doctor, so if I have hearing impaired patients, I wouldn’t need a translator,” Rice said. Creating a club itself and a new way to

communicate with other is an achievement, and making sure that the club is upheld and keeps a reputation is a goal. “I think it is really cool that I get to leave my own sort of lasting impression. Years from now when this is still a club, my goal is that there are new fun activities and that the club brings different groups of people together,” Rice said. Throughout the use of communication, students are able to socialize and learn more about one another, and sign language is just another skill for students to have and another way to talk to new people. Written by ANNA ERICH Photographed by SYDNEY WEYRAUCH Designed by ELIZABETH MARSZALEK

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DO NOT HESITATE: Students will soon be given the opportunity to donate blood and help a person in need.

DONOR CHECKLIST - Donors must be over 115 lb in weight. - Donors must be in good health and not recently sick. - Students who wish to donate must be 16 or older and with parental consent. - Permission forms are required for students that are donating under the age of 18 that must be signed by a parent

s with many years in the past, our school will be hosting the annual Community Blood Drive. This has given students the ability to give back and

Society members work hand in hand with the Community Blood Center workers and physicians to make sure the drive runs smoothly. They help organize and

“The blood goes directly to the community. We work with the Community Blood Center to give to those in need in the Kansas City area,” NHS advisor Kristin Little said.

help those desperately in need. The chance to save a life is not an opportunity usually given to teenagers, and it takes little effort to do make a difference. National Honor

provide the location and any volunteer work needed. “Our responsibility is to help set up and organize the blood drive,” National Honor Society President Paige Anschutz

said. There is certainly a great deal of work put into the blood drive, but it would not be much without the much needed donations of the students. “Anyone who meets the requirements should most definitely donate blood. The blood bank needs to be renewed frequently, so they need a constant flow of donations,” Anschutz said. Of course, there are restrictions that can inhibit some students from donating. However, there is still a way to help give back. “If there is any reason why you can’t donate, whether you don’t meet the restrictions or you have prior engagements that don’t allow you to, I recommend finding

someone to donate in your place. Parents and other family members are welcome to donate as well as any student that meets all requirements,” Anschutz said. The Community Blood Center is always in high demand of donations, and school organized donations are a fantastic way to give to the many people in the Kansas City area who are greatly in need. Donating is something students can easily do that can save a life near them.

Written by TYLER WILLIAMS Photographed by BRITTANY LEJUNE Designed by SIERRA TERRY

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FEATURE

MY TOWN, YOUR TOWN: OUR TOWN

Written by MAGGIE GADD Photographed by ARIANA PELZER Designed by MILES WARD

Our Town is the winter play young actors will be performing at Lee’s Summit High School.

QUOTE ACTOR

figure rolls a lamp post onto a blank stage, the bright light grabbing everyone’s attention. She begins to speak of a peaceful and respected town hidden in the hills of New Hampshire. “The beauty of it is that anybody can relate to it. It really makes you think about your life and your relationships,” senior Carly Mckay said. Mckay plays the role of the stage manager and acts as a narrator of the show. The other actors can only see her if she talks directly to them. “I guide the audience through a story of life, love, and death. My character tends to be perceived as an all knowing figure or a spirit of sorts,” Mckay said. The characters for this show are very unique. From an uptight and responsible father to the town joke with a mouth to gossip, every actor does something special with their character to make the show more interesting. “I went home and watched my little brother and used them to act as an eleven year old in the play,” freshman Jack Belmore said.

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Carly McKay

“The other actors in the show can only see me if I talk directly to them. Overall, the stage manager is very elegant and wise and it’s been really fun developing her character,” Mckay said.

Instead of using actual objects, the cast will be pantomiming most of the show. Pantomiming is when the audience do not see the props but the actors portray the props anyway. The storyline is basically an entire flashback, so the only importance is the characters. “It’s the first time I’ve had pantomime in a show to this extent. It’s a matter of the actors being involved enough and it depends on the detail,” director Micah Hensley said. Actors have worked very hard to bring this simple play to a profound masterpiece with emotion, laughter, and meaning. “It has some really funny parts but will also bring tears to your eyes. I think everyone will be able to leave, and have a great appreciation for the theatre,” Mckay said. Actors and Hensley encourage all students and their parents to witness a classic tale being performed on a stripped down stage with a perspective for all ages.

Joey Ferguson

“When I play George I get this feeling that I am actually George. It’s what I love about theatre. You can drop all your worries and be whoever and really feel what it’s like to be in their shoes,” sophomore Joey Ferguson said.

Jack Belmore

“I’m the brother of Emily, Wally Webb. I don’t have a ton of lines, but I am loving my first play! I think it’s super fun. It’s a really cool perspective of the life of two families living in their small and wonderful town,” Belmore said.

Camryn Brigham

“Playing Rebecca Gibbs is like I get to be a little kid again. She’s meant to be pouty, annoying, and playful. It’s so fun to go on stage and just automatically embrace her and be her,” sophomore Camryn Brigham said.

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THE UNSUNG HEROES

Written by SAM SCHIERHOLZ Photographed by MAKAYLA HOLMBERG Designed by MILES WARD

Giving back is always a postivive way to spend a Valentine’s day.

roject Positive is a club that meets on Thursdays. The intention of this club is to help other students. Project positive does not expect anything in return, they just want their friends and peers feeling happy and not bad. This club wants to do something special for the janitors on Valentine’s Day, to show them how appreciated they are for all the work they do here. “Its purpose is to spread positivity throughout the school,” freshman member Katelyn Weeda said. People in the club help in different ways. “There are 15 people who are involved at different times,” sponsor Carrie Weeda said. Project positive is there to help others. “One thing that is unique about Project Positive is that we give to others and don’t expect anything in return,” Katelyn Weeda said. Giving and helping people is something they love to do. “For example we have done a complement booths and hung posters with encouraging tear-offs for people to take,” Katelyn Weeda said. This can help students feel happy. “I think it’s a good idea to spread positivity throughout the school because you never know who needs it,” Carrie Weeda said. Project Positive is doing something special for our janitors for Valentine’s Day. “We want to thank the Janitors by bringing them lunch and dinner on Valentine’s Day,” Some of the janitors, students have never even seen, but they still work hard at their jobs. “Students don’t always get to see the night janitors at school,” Katelyn Weeda said. A special dinner for the hard working janitors is a meaningful gift. “We want to do something nice for them to know that we appreciate them,” Carrie Weeda said.

Nobody knows when someone might really need some help. “At school we try to complement whoever we can throughout the day,” Katelyn Weeda said. Project Positive can help them feel happier. “If someone looks like they are having a bad day that’s normally when we would go up to them and give them a complement,” Katelyn Weeda said. This club is open to anyone who wants to join. “We would love to have more people join our group,” Katelyn Weeda said. Project positive is a unique club that helps students in many different ways. This club helps make students feel more happy and make them smile. The members of Project Positive want to thank our janitors in an awesome way this Valentine’s Day.

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IDEAS

J HEALTHY & HAPPY You are what you eat.

here is a huge difference in people simply based on what they eat. This month I decided to prep my meals more, and focus on my diet. I wanted to start eating better to get healthier both physically and mentally. I know there are a lot of healthy options that I enjoy, but I always forget/do not have time to make. A big thing for me has been lunch prep. [3] I notice when I rush I grab things like chips and fruit snacks. I spent more time bagging up veggies and

{

1 planning out my lunches for the week. What made the biggest differnce by far was drinking water. I always drink at least 2 bottles of water a day. [2] My skin has vastly improved, and the more water I drink the less I end up eating. My last piece of advice is communication. Two years ago I found out I was gluten intolerant and

my mom has done a lot to make sure I can eat normal food. Little things like using gluten free noodles [1] vs. normal ones, makes all the difference. Eating healthier is one of the best things you can do for yourself, and I learned a lot from this experience. Written, Photographed, and Designed by JOHANNA HOLMBERG

HOW THIS IMPACTED ME + I personally love to cook, and it was really rewarding to eat something I put effort in to + Eating food that was better for me changed how I felt both pysically and mentally in a positive way + Cooking is really relaxing when I plan properly

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BALLIN’ ON A BUDGET

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IDEAS

Everyone wants to look great and achieve that one outfit that inspires them; but not everyone has the money to get that exact look.

ust because money is tight, does not mean the look can not be there. There are so many places where you can great quality clothing for a great price. For example Kanye wears a Mason Margiela sweater that cost 400 dollars, but there is a crewneck that looks identical at H&M for 40 dollars. Clothing can be found everywhere and inspiration for fashion and clothing

pieces goes all around. Everything falls along the same look and style the only thing that changes is the prices. H&M and Forever 21 provide options for men and woman when it comes to great quality clothing that is still stylish and comes at a great price. A.P.C. denim goes anywhere from 200 to 300 dollars when a great pair of denim in any fit and size that fits great can be found at H&M for 20 to

40 dollars. Fashion is not based on the price; fashion is what you make it. There are so many option s from H&M, Forever 21, and even places online like Killion. Killion puts out great exclusive clothing pieces for great prices like 20 to 40 dollars a shirt, which feels like a 100-dollar shirt. A price tag doesn’t define style, many compaines strive to make their customers feel comfortable and confident in their own body.

$55

$12

$20 $28 $60

$45 $40

TIMELESS| Senior Britten Duet likes to keep things simple and on trend. Jeans and a t-shirt is a timeless look. “I like more of a minimalistic look,” Duet said.

Written by ANTHONY VILLARREAL Photographed by MALLORY HUSER + YONNY ASTATKE Designed by JOHANNA HOLMBERG

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IDEAS

JUSTIN HENSON:

PLAYING THROUGH LIFE Junior Justin Henson dedicates time to perfecting the bass.

ur high school has a history of pushing its students to be high achievers, and junior Justin Henson is a perfect example. Henson has been playing bass guitar for the high school’s drumline since he was in 7th grade. His brother played guitar for the jazz band, and overheard that the drumline was looking for a new bass player. “I was going to join band as a trumpet player, but the drumline director showed an interest in me and picked me up instead,” Henson said. Not only does he play for the drumline, but he also plays in the jazz band, the high school’s symphonic orchestra, and takes private piano lessons. “It takes a lot of work. I usually get home, do my homework and then go straight to practice. It doesn’t give me a lot of free time to do things outside

GROOVE THING | Junior Justin Henson plucks his electric bass to this year’s drumline show. “The show is based around Minuano 6/8 by Pat Metheny. It’s so groovy,” Henson said.

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Written by IGNACIO CABERO Photographed by EMMA JENKINS Designed by MASON MACKEY

of that,” Henson said. Director of orchestra Dr. Carrie Turner has had first-hand experience with Justin as he is the string bass section leader for the symphonic orchestra. “I rely on him to provide leadership in the ensemble. He garners respect from his fellow classmates and encourages a healthy interest in high-level musicianship,” Turner said. Outside of having a good grade in her class, Turner says that Henson is well-respected by teachers and peers alike. “Justin is an awesome person to have around. He frequently stays after school and jams with other friends, they are very creative,” Turner said. Although most of Henson’s time is used on school work and music practice, what little time he has left over he spends playing music for fun.

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GROUP DUTIES EXTEND BEYOND DANCES

eople swarm into the long narrow room where there’s not enough chairs for everyone to have their own. Diverse students from all parts of the school sit on countertops or desks screaming their ideas to be heard, while Sydney Belt and Bailey Murphy keep things organized and make sure everyone is heard. “I love student senate because we’re all just like a big happy family, we spend a lot of time together inside and out of school,” sophomore Sierra Nyquist

said. Student Senate does numerous things for the school that many students don’t even know about. For homecoming alone, they spend three months planning the assembly, royalty, ticket sales, spirit week, posters the dance itself, the parade, and the game. “Courtwarming is much smaller but we still are designing tickets, selling tickets, planning spirit week, creating posters, gathering royalty, writing scripts

for the assembly and game, putting together performers for the assembly etc. There are a lot of moving pieces required for things to run smoothly,” Student Senate sponsor Kelsey Pierson said. Aside from dances and assemblies, student senate helps out other school clubs and programs who don’t have the capability to raise money for themselves. “One example is that senate pays for the candles used for candle lighting even though NHS puts the

event on,” Pierson said. Student senate not only runs the ropes for the school but it’s an experience full of exciting events and group building activities, truly making it seem like it’s a family. “We had a pool party, a picnic this summer, painted pumpkins in the fall, as well as having our annual thanksgiving dinner and scavenger hunt, and we had a winter break party too,” Senate president Sydney Belt said. Student senate is a place full of events, but they also

Written by CHRIS TEETER Photographed by CLAIRE WAGNER Designed by MASON MACKEY

manage their time to get done what’s needed around the school. “It’s something that’s always on our minds. We come in on weekends a lot, we’re in senate lab every day, and at least once a week we come in before or after school to make sure everything’s on schedule,” Belt said. Student Senate’s main goal is to represent the students to the best of their ability, and to make students’ time at high school the most enjoyable it can be.

SYDNEY: Wave at the people, Bailey. BAILEY: IMMA POINT AT ’EM SYDNEY: Please just wave. BAILEY:

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Written by CARTER MOORE Photographed by CARTER MOORE Designed by CARTER MOORE

BRAIN DRUGS

EEP IN THE HIPSTER-LADEN, STARTUP-FILLED, RECESSES OF SILICON VALLEY LIES A DRUG FARM. THESE “PHARMACISTS” ARE NOT MANUFACTURING HEROIN, COCAINE, OR ANY DRUG FOR WHICH THE DEA COULD MAKE AN ARREST. THEY ARE CREATING A HUNDRED-MILLION DOLLAR BUSINESS THAT MOST SILICON VALLEY WORKERS DEPEND ON TO GET THROUGH THE DAY.

ootropics are a category of drugs and dietary supplements that are touted to bring users cognitive benefits without the negative side effects of other drugs. “What I know about nootropics is that they mimic neurotransmitters in the brain, or act as a catalyst to increase the numbers of certain neurotransmitters,” IB Chemistry senior Paige Anschutz said. Neurotransmitters are the chemicals that inspire emotions, thought, and focus levels, and depending on the balance of some of these chemicals, one’s instincts and intuitions can be altered in a positive or negative way. Drugs such as heroin and cocaine raise levels of chemicals such as Dopamine and Adrenaline, while also affecting neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which can be toxic to the brain when too high. These euphoric over-stimulations of the brain can lead to a dependency and eventually an addiction to drugs. Nootropic users, however, claim their drugs are not addictive and are just beneficial to work. “On a long term basis they [nootropics] could hurt the amounts of certain neurotransmitters in the brain such as dopamine, and work like an addiction. It could possibly lead to a dependency in the brain, however I don’t think there is enough studies to prove that in the affirmative or the negative,” Anschutz said. The originators of the nootropic trend call their business “biohacking”, claiming that their products are the key to the peak performance

at work and school. Based on one’s preferred “stack” or mix of chemicals, they claim to be able to reduce anxiety, increase focus and energy, and reduce fatigue. “Every night I usually around 2 to 3 hours of homework whether it be homework and daily assignments, long term projects or studying. This is in addition to a 7 hour school day, and can be really difficult to manage,” Anschutz said. Anschutz has not tried nootropic compounds before, but could be missing out in a serious cognitive innovation. “I think if you can find another way to organize and focus yourself, that would be better, but if you need help from supplements sometimes I don’t see any problem,” Anschutz said. Anschutz feels that after some further research, she would attempt some nootropic compounds, but would have to keep them in moderation, to prevent a costly dependency issue. “I have done some nootropics before, and

they have definitely helped my school work,” senior Heather Belser said. Belser, an IB Diploma candidate, in 3 IB science classes, and attending an out-of-state school for biochemistry, is an avid defender of the nootropic revolution. “To do everything

efficiently, I need to be hyper focused and energetic, and nootropics have provided that when I needed it,” Belser said. Even while using them often, Belser feels that she has not developed any addictive tendencies, and believes she will

continue researching and participating in nootropic compound benefits. “I don’t feel as if I am dependent on them or anything, and medically they haven’t affected me negatively, at least not yet. It’s disappointing that they have not gathered more attention, as they have potential to upset

American’s caffeine addictions. I’d like to see more research into the benefits and possible drawbacks of certain compounds, as I feel nootropics could provide a great source of brain power to the academia of the world,” Belser said. Americans consume 400 million cups of coffee a day, and by far outnumber

any other country in caffeine consumption. “Coffee shops have been selling caffeine and things for years, they don’t seem to have any drawbacks there. in fact, caffeine has been proven to help prevent Alzheimer’s and other diseases,” Belser said. The Silicon Valley executives claim their products can stimulate a 14-16 hour productive workday, with energy and focus the whole time. “If you take some before bed you can’t really sleep, but luckily some companies even have compounds and stacks that can help you sleep,” Belser said. In an attempt to combat the restlessness, one of the most successful nootropic companies, Nootrobox, sells a stack called Yawn that contains melatonin and chamomile, encouraging deep and calm sleep. “My dad is the CEO of a beverage company, and one of their subsidiaries produces nootropics, so our family has been pretty close to them since the

COMPLETELY LEGAL

CAFFEINE

PYRITINOL

beginning,” Belser said. The use of brain boosters is nothing new, as Babylonians were known to use mixes of plants as daily supplements to augment their creativity and make them closer to God. In fact Sumerian clay slabs as old as 5000 BC outline medicinal plant combinations prescribed for merchants, artists, and priests to assist them in daily life. Some of these have since been found to be early forms of psychedelic combinations, as well as cannabis and modern nootropic compounds. Shutting down their computers and hanging up the phones, the Silicon Valley technical geniuses put their startups to bed for the night. As they head home to wives and children, they pop another pill and prepare for the next day ahead.

BY THE NUMBERS

THE TERM NOOTROPIC WAS FIRST DEVELOPED BY ROMANIAN SCIENTIST CORNELIU E GIURGEA IN 1972

BEST NOOTROPICS FOR: Thinking, problem-solving, emotions, focus

Uridine, Noopept, Ginko Vitamin B12

memory, understanding, language

Alacar, Omega-3 L-Tyrosine

Anirecatem Percetam

Perception, mathematics

THERE ARE OVER 100 STARTUPS STARTED JUST THIS YEAR IN THE BAY AREA, TOTALING OVER $1 BILLION IN REVENUE

COMPLETELY ILLEGAL

O S

ADDERALL

MODAFINIL

O NH2 2C-B

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GRANT FIELDER

chools provide safe spaces to talk about controversial issues, and literature presents characters portraying human experience in all its richness and contradictoriness. Because I agree with Julia Alvarez, I must negate the resolution, resolved: Public colleges and universities in the United States ought not restrict any constitutionally protected speech. Because I reject with the logic of the resolution, I offer my value of equality which is defined as any separate groups having the same rights and the same opportunities. I now offer my value criterion of consequentialism which is defined by the philosopher’s handbook as the doctrine that the morality of an action is to be judged solely by its consequences.

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FEATURE

OLIVIA MCGEE

ublic colleges and universities in the United States ought not restrict any constitutionally protected speech. Constitutionally protected speech is the right, guaranteed by the First Amendment to the UIS. Constitution,to express beliefs and ideas without unwarranted government restriction. Democracies have long grappled with the issue of the limits, if any, to place on the expression of ideas and beliefs. Often just simplified as “the first amendment” which is how i will say it in my case. My second contention is that safe spaces lead to segregation.

FEUDING OVER THE FIRST

Debate students practice their freedom of speech, disputing over the presence of safe spaces in college campuses. 18 | HI+ LIFE <

Written by GABBY CUNNINGHAM Photographed by PARKER TOZIER Designed by MAKENZIE KRAXBERGER

LEAWOOD ADDRESS

LEE’S SUMMIT ADDRESS

4760 W 135th St Leawood, KS 66224 Tel: 913-385-5633

1555 NE Douglas Street Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 Tel: 816-379-3947

KCRUNNINGCOMPANY.COM

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Tour our state-of-the-art facilities and residence halls, learn what it’s like to be a student at American’s most influential art and design school, and experience the energy of Chicago, our urban campus. To reserve your space or to tour SAIC’s campus online, visit: Undergraduate Admissions | 312.629.6100 | ugadmiss@saic.edu

saic.edu/tour

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FEATURE

SPEAKING OUT Protests have a long history of influencing American policy, but the First Amendment has its limits.

n January 21, people from all walks of life gather for a cause that they are all passionate about. The environment is shockingly serene, until a speaker walks onto the stage to discuss the issues at hand. Everyone claps and casts their signs up in hopes that doing so will alter the events of November 8. The crowd is unsure if the protest will have the desired effect. Since the 2016 Presidential Election, there has been much backlash and the nation has been divided, but many Americans have been putting their rights to use, mainly with the Women’s March. Protester Katie Fay, being extremely passionate about the topic at hand, flew to Washington D.C. to march. “The environment was surprisingly docile. Everyone had a smile on their face or a look of solidarity with everyone around them. Like we all knew we were there for the same reasons, because we have all had similar struggles,” Fay said. However, this definitely is not the first time so many people of all walks of life have rallied for a cause that they all believe in. “Protests are older than the American government. The original American protest is often thought of at the Boston Tea Party, but this was far from a party. The founding fathers rallied to bring fellow patriots to their cause. Abolitionists railed against slavery. Suffragettes marched in front of the White House to get the vote. Written by AUDREY BADGEROW Photos courtesy of AUDREY MAYES Designed by MAKENZIE KRAXBERGER

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The Civil Rights movement was led by thousands who boycotted businesses and buses, staged sit-ins at segregated locations, and marched across the country. Anti-war activists in Vietnam, although originally angered more Americans, eventually persuaded many Americans to question the Vietnam War.... the list goes on and on. To protest is an American value,” American history teacher Allison Black said. For a protest or rally to be effective and actually lead to change, there are certain variables that need to be established. Violence should not take place because it is a distraction that a protest movement cannot afford. This will be all that the media covers. This was one of the main reasons that the Women March was so successful. “The crowd was really diverse. It was crowded, but actually peaceful. There were no issues regarding violence,” freshman Issabella Freitas said. The organization of the protest is also important. Protests and rallies are simply not enough to bring change, but they are a start. “Protesters should also engage with our legislative representatives, educate the public, and look for ways to conduct conversations with people who disagree with them to initiate change,” Allison Black said. While protesting may not lead to immediate change, it is imperative that members of the community take the extra step and initiate that change.

PAST PROTESTS

Dec 16, 1773 Protests fling shipments of tea into the water in protest of the Tea act. Nov. 16, 1969 More than 500,000 participate in a protest against the Vietnam War.

Nov. 30 1999 Protesters rally against the World Trade Organization against the increasing global power of businesses. Jan. 21, 2017 Hundreds of thousands of people rally against Trump´s inauguration.

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eauty standards set by the media have ingrained themselves in the minds of teenage girls everywhere. Opening up any sort of social media platform, even turning on the television, without seeing a girl with unrealistic features has proved to be impossible. Seeing seemingly perfect girls on every screen visible takes a toll on the self image of normal teenage girls in the real world. Ever since I was about 12, I have

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OF MADELINE OPINIONS EDITOR MADELINE ANTEY Written by MADELINE ANTEY Photographed by GARRETT STROGINIS Designed by MAKENZIE KRAXBERGER

struggled with self image, self worth, and self of looking and pointing out the things I saw love. I was depressed for a while, but even that I did not like, I pointed out to myself when I got over that, self love was a concept I things that I did. could never seem to grasp. Shortly after this revelation in the It was not until the summer after my mirror, I made a list of qualities that I liked freshman year that I figured out how to love about myself and that I felt other people myself. I had liked about me. This added been grounded to my confidence as well as most of the accentuated my personality. summer for Coming back to school reasons I will after spending the summer on not get into a journey to self love brought now; as a about new challenges. I felt like result I was a completely different person. “Image is not phoneless, I knew I had changed for the internetless, better, but I did not know how everything, but self and practically my friends would react to the image is.” sequestered to new and improved me. my house for It turns out that me loving the entirety of myself made my friendships, as the summer. well as my relationships with This lack of connection to the outside all people I interacted with on a daily basis, world angered me at the time, but better. looking back I realized that it I was more confident, more outgoing, provided me with the perfect more willing to share myself with the world. environment to get to know myself. I’m not going to pretend I am always happy I spent most of the summer with everything about myself; no one is, but I reading, writing, and reflecting on will say learning to accept my faults and love my life. I wrote down everything I myself in spite of them was the best decision felt, which honestly was not much I ever made. at the time, I was numb for most of Today I am doing things I never would that summer. have accomplished if I hadn’t learned to love What people need to understand and value myself first. It has made me a better about self love is that it is not a leader, a better student, a better daughter, and single event that sparks it. It is a a better friend. process. There are setbacks. It is a Accomplishing unconditional self love choice that has to be made by the is my biggest accomplishment to date, and individual everyday. all my accomplishments yet to come will be After I finally realized the truth because of that one summer I spent away about loving myself, a door was from society. opened and thankfully I chose to walk through it. I remember standing in front of a mirror one day that summer to analyze myself, as I often did, but instead

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FACT OR FICTION?

Social media dictates most teens’ life choices on a daily basis, but could be negatively affecting them.

edia distortion is when social media is used to promote false news that cause others to think or do something that would typically be out of their character. It is also how trends spread from clothes, viral videos, and challenges. Most teens believe that Instagram and Twitter are the top two most important media platforms. Two other media platforms that are popular with teens are Snapchat and Facebook. Media causes people to be stressed and easily distracted. With social networking sites it easy

“People learn a lot through social learning.” to see what other people’s opinions are, or what someone might be doing. This could cause the observer to become jealous over someone, disagree with what someone might think, or fear missing out on a significant event. “I know media distortion often causes people to be angry and not informed, which pushes people away from social media,” psychology teacher Debbie Baanders said. Media has a huge impact on people’s everyday lives. Trends spread from what a celebrity might wear to a type of music to dance trends that travel internationally. These crazes spread from social learning. Social learning is when someone acts a certain way based on how other people in their environment act. Social media Written by JORDAN TURNER Photographed by ARIEL BENEDICT Designed by ELIZABETH MARSZALEK

allows for news and fads to travel quicker then they have in the past. “People learn a lot through social learning. Now social media spreads quicker and has a stronger impact,” Baanders said. Media can take a downhill effect on the way a teenager views themselves. Depending on the person and whichever media platform they spend the most time on, they could be strongly influenced. It causes the youth to be less confident, and seeing something positive that might be happening in someone else’s life could take a negative toll on their self esteem. “I would say teenagers tend to be not so sure of themselves and media has a negative effect

on their self esteem, when others toot their own horn,” Baanders said. Media distortion is having a huge impact on the way the youth is viewing themselves, the way they are influence, and spreads false news at an alarming rate.

PERCENTAGE OF YOUNG ADULTS USING SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

76% 68%

66%

36% SNAPCHAT

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INSTAGRAM

TWITTER

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PROMOTE | Sponsor Carrie Weeda and Project Positive work to create posters to promote mental health and happiness.

The topic of body image inspires teens to get healthy, but is it causing more harm than it is good?

very generation has their own opinion on “the perfect body”. This generation feels as if the perfect body for them is the Barbie doll type or Bodybuilder type, but these types of bodies are not always healthy. “Just because you are skinny does not mean you are necessarily healthy,” health teacher Rachel Stone said. It is okay to be skinny, as long as it is a healthy skinny. Skipping meals and not eating healthy can lead to many dangerous symptoms. To avoid being stuck on medications or

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sadly in a hospital bed, maintaining a good diet and exercising regularly, is

“Just because you are skinny does not mean you are necessarily healthy.”

some of the best ways to start maintain a healthy body “Watch how much sugar you eat, white flour products, processed food, and bakery goods. Most crackers are also not good

because of how highly processed they are,” Stone said. Looking in shape and skinny is a dream of many, but the way of MOTIVATE | Health teacher Rachel Stone has a guest working to this speaker in to discuss how having a healthy body can help goal is usually done encourage others to live a healthy lifestyle. wrong. Especially with society today Being an athlete doesn’t defiantly eat fruit and on how society always mean there’s vegetables,” boys track and downgrades anyone a certain body shape cross country coach Craig and everyone for the athlete has to be, it Heeney said. their body shape. depends mostly on their Even though having a “Girls defiantly BMI (Body Mass Index) model type body is most face more problems which is the muscle in desirable, it’s not always from society because one’s body. healthy. Drinking lots of of how much “You can be strong water, eating nutritious attention society puts without being big. All meals, and exercising on them. It’s not usually coaches disapprove of their regularly helps lead into a encouraged to be different, athletes trying to have healthy fit body. but everyone was born a model physique. Stay different and unique and active, eat proper nutrients, it should be embraced,” Written by LAUREN KROH limit pop and junk food, Photographed by MIKE SMITH Project Positive sponsor drink a lot of water, and Designed by ELIZABETH MARSZALEK Carrie Weeda said.

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BAR FAST FACTS SOURCE: SAGE JOURNALS

-The world record Pole Vault of 6.16 m (20 ft 2 1⁄2 in) is held by Renaud Lavillenie from France. He achieved this in Donetsk, Ukraine Feb 15, 2014 -Pole Vaulting was rated as the third most dangerous thing to do in sports. -41% of pole vaulters have sustained some type of injury, including 19 fatalities between 2003 and 2012

Junior KC Lightfoot flies through the air, setting records and competing at the national level.

olding the fiberglass pole, starting the sprint to prepare for the jump over the bar, jabbing the pole into the box, rising over the bar, feet hitting the landing, and hearing the roar of the crowd. “I participate in pole vaulting year round on my team outside of school and the school team,” junior pole vaulter KC Lightfoot said. Pole vaulters are able to participate in their

sport year round, just as basketball and soccer do. “I have been pole vaulting since 7th grade,” Lightfoot said. Pole vaulting is an unusual track and field event. The sport requires different equipment from the pole itself to the box in the ground. Pole vaulting mainly requires the athlete’s running speed. When the athlete is approaching the bar, the runner is in a full sprint for the attempt at the jump

over the bar. The vaulter will takeoff from the last jump and go up and over the bar. “My dad got me into the pole vaulting since he pole vaulted in college,” Lightfoot said. KC would like to be the best he can, but he definitely wants to go to college for the sport. KC is always improving himself to better his game and himself, especially with

him having a year round team outside of his school team. Pole vaulting is in KC’s blood with his father doing the sport and now himself participating in the event. “I have broken the school record for pole vaulting,” Lightfoot said. The world record for men’s pole vaulting is 6.16 meters or about 20.2 feet. The world record for women’s is 5.06 meters or

about 16.6 feet. “My personal record is 5.19 meters or about 17 feet,” Lightfoot said. Pole vaulting is an interesting track and field event that involves sprinting and high flying. Students from all over the world participate in this one-of-a-kind sport. Written by ZACK EASLEY Photographed by NORA CARRELL Designed by JOHANNA HOLMBEG

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BRAINPAIN Athletes face disqualification from head trauma.

laying at the highest level with utter most intensity often becomes a dream. The dream turns gloomy as one concussion can provide a rude awakening. Concussions have managed to make it to the forefront of sports as knowledge in the area increases. The athlete may never want to miss a play but safety becomes priority with the dangers and effects of concussion. Taught to play through the pain, athletes are bred tough. The problem strikes when the pain goes to the brain. The symptoms reach deeper than headaches, but stretch to dark dangers of blacking out. The possibilities include memory loss, no sleep, lack of concentration, and more. “I was never scared during any of them; although I forget things- I hate that. I slur my words and can’t complete full sentences. It sucks that I can’t lift or participate. Coach just wants me to rest my brain. I am aware of all the effects of

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the concussions and it doesn’t bother me. They (concussions) force me to be more alert with safety and close monitoring. After the symptoms are gone, I am usually back and good as new. My only worry is being picked up and slammed again,” senior wrestler Anthony Villarreal said. Getting back to normal while coping with the leftover effects becomes the goal. The task is often

“Coach just wants me to rest my brain. “ undermined, for there is not specific time frame for the recovery. The unpredictability becomes the problem. Without the ability to fully prepare for the concussion, athletes and trainers alike rely on the new headgear, protocol, and level of trust between them. The coach has to trust and hope that the athlete is being full forth with their symptoms

IDEAS even if they want to get back to playing. “We need the athlete to be accurate in what their symptoms are. The problem is when you experience a concussion for the first time you don’t know what’s going on yet. You may feel that you are fine but you not understand exactly what happened. That’s why we have them tested even if they do not believe to have suffered a concussion. There’s a lot of things that go into figuring out if they have one. There must be a level of trust that athletes are going to take it seriously and try to get an accurate response,”

FEATURE said wresting coach Jay McGovern. With all the news and controversy, concussions have surfaced as major health problem among athletes. Four to five million adolescents suffered a concussion last year alone. The dangers of the chronic health problems have forced full season shut downs. Rightfully so, it is a problem that can affect the rest of life. With the rest of life at hand, the dangers of concussions sometimes are forced to outweigh the passion of the game.

FAST FACTS -If you have over 5 concussions you can not play school sports -Most traumatic cases of brian injuries are concussions -Symptoms of a concussion can take a up to a week before they show Written by DE’YHON DOUGHTY Photographed by MALLORY HUSER Designed by JOHANNA HOLMBERG

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HEALTH SPROUTS UP LOCALLY Sprouts, the new Whole Foods replacement and Trader Joe’s competition, offers close comfort food that animal lovers and health nuts can all love.

s a trend of vegetarian and vegan diets grow, many are seeking alternatives to foods they once were able to eat, but that no longer fit into their new lifestyles. Although there are several grocers in the Lee’s Summit area none have quite an expansive selection of plant-based foods as Sprouts. Nearly every non-vegan food has a vegan substitute at Sprouts. Cheese can be substituted with almond or soy cheese. Meat is accurately replicated in almost every form. Sprouts also sells soy milk, coconut milk, almond milk, cashew milk, and oat milk as substitutes for dairy milk. Other foods, such as burgers, pizza, taquitos, and desserts are also available in a plant based form. According to the Sprouts website frequently asked questions page, Sprouts describes itself as different because it offers healthy, natural,

and organic foods at a much lower price than many other natural foods retailers. Sprouts creates an atmosphere based on shopping at a farmers market. With a comfortable and natural feeling environment, shopping for foods that are good for you becomes less of a hassle and more of a good, laid-back experience. Sprouts is able to offer such quality foods at such affordable prices because they purchase in bulk. Sprouts is located off of highway 291 across from Walmart. The Sprouts ad, which details weekly sales and bargains, can be found alongside the paper or on the Sprouts website. For a quick and easy local way to make smarter food choices, Sprouts is a great place to go. Written by MAKENNA NICKENS Photographed by DAVID PERKINS Designed by JOHANNA HOLMBERG

NON-VEGAN TASTE TEST Overall, I have no plans to convert to veganism, but I can definitely respect the lifestyle.

Soyrizo -3/5

This was pretty good. The only thing I would change would be to make it spicier. Typically chorizo is spicy, but this was not.

Smart Dogs -1/5

This was the worst of the things that I tried. With ketchup it was bearable, but mostly not good.

Pulled Barbecue Seitan -5/5

Honestly, I would not be able to tell the difference between this and real pulled pork if I didn’t read the package.

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TAKING OUT THE TRASH:

WHERE DOES IT GO?

Throwing away trash is a mundane part of every student’s day, but once it leaves school grounds, it does not travel far.

ver 350 tons of garbage gets hauled from all around Jackson County to the same landfill. But what few know is that very landfill, Summit Waste Systems, is just down the street from Lee’s Summit High School. Not many people are well informed on the landfill and how it operates. Bob Hartnett, the deputy director of public works for Lee’s Summit, helps to disprove some common misconceptions, and clear up the public understanding of the landfill and the environment of the city. “There are two viewpoints on the landfill. There are a certain group of people who look at the landfills with disdain because of the perception that they are not very environmentally friendly. The obvious response to that if we don’t have a landfill, obviously we would not have a place for the garbage to go. But something people don’t understand is that there is a difference between a dump and a landfill,” Hartnett said. The landfill itself is very environmentally friendly. There was an immense amount of detail put into the engineering so that the facility would be as efficient as possible. There

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to landfills like the Defenbaugh plant, which averages about 5000 tons daily. The city landfill is a relatively small one,” Hartnett said. Hartnett mentions that a key factor about are rigorous regulations set on what goes in and our landfill is that anyone is welcome to come out of the landfill. Under the landfill itself is and put dump their trash within it. Besides actually a liner that collects a large amount of Lee’s Summit, Kansas City, Blue Springs, Independence, and surrounding cities and towns tend to turn to the Lee’s Summit landfill to dispose of their garbage. “Lee’s Summit is traditionally very environmentally progressive. We offer many services most towns do not. The landfill has a household hazardous waste recycling program, battery recycling program, electrical appliance program, and an oil recycling program among others. I think Lee’s Summit and its landfill are generally very healthy and on the right track,” Hartnett said. Hartnett and the entire Lee’s Summit public works department work consistently to keep our environment healthy, and our landfill from being hazardous. the waste that leaks through the ground. “Working with the city for 36 years I’ve seen us go from around 120 landfills to about 20. Written by PARKER TOZIER AND DAVID PERKINS Photographed by PARKER TOZIER AND DAVID PERKINS That is an obvious dramatic decrease in places Designed by CORI MATNEY to put trash. Regardless of this, the 350 tons of trash that come in daily is nothing compared

“Lee’s Summit is traditionally very environmentally progressive.