Hi. Life Lee’s Summit High School Volume 83 Issue 10
When Pigs Fly Interpreting Dreams
Mr. Tiger
Q & A with your favorite candidates
Talking Hot
6 words everyone should know
2
Contents
Dirty Dancing Page 8
Hi.Life - February 23, 2007
Merging into Mainstream Page 6
Nic’ing the Habit Page 9
Land That Page 14
The Humor of Seeing Earnest Page 21
CRANIUM CONVERSATION
3
Letter
EDITOR’S LETTER
3 Things I Learned From This Issue
1
2
It is what it is,
Courtney Stoddard
On The Web-Up and Running www.jlabmag.com- for extra photos and interviews 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
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Hello Mr. Roboto! This is the second year of Team Driven and the expectations are higher than ever. The plans for this year are explained on page 5.
Review on Earnest. The winter play gets recognized in a recap on page 21.
Staff List Editor-in-chief: Courtney Stoddard Graphics Editor: Garrick Hall Photography Editor: Cameron Wiley Features Editor: 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 Adviser: Mr. Marc Russell
February 23, 2007
Dear Hi.Life Readers, I am currently on a mission. I’ll call it “operation wet duck.” This mission is to run around shooting people with water guns. Once you shoot your target you receive their target, which continues until you kill the person that has you. However, most of you should know about this not-so-secret mission because it was a story in our last issue. Continuing with the greatness of my assassinations, my first two kills were sneaky and well planned. Although I do not plan to continue my operation beyond this tournament, I feel as if this game prepares me for the real world. In my next year I plan on studying advertising and public relations, which can be known as a “cut throat” business. This tournament prepares me for it to look over my shoulder and always be one step ahead of those around me. Yes, this may be all in fun now, but I know that it is taking me out of my comfort zone and is a step in my preparation. So, I urge you to do the same. I hope that everyone takes chances and lives on the edge, so to speak, in a way that makes you feel alive.
There he is Mr. Tiger. A quick review on all of the candidates and I know whom is my favorite. You can decide on yours on page 19.
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NEWS .
Web Watchers Filtering prohibits students from browsing certain sites
LEFT SIDE
By: Chad Thomas
BY: KELSEY LEFTWICH NEWS EDITOR I love the Country Club Plaza. The restaurants are great, the stores are stylish, and it’s not uncommon to see a street musician or artist on the street. Street performers are facing a proposed ordinance banning panhandling,
threatening
to
keep them from performing on the Plaza, Zona Rosa, downtown and Westport. If the ordinance, proposed by mayoral candidate John Fairfield, is passed by the Kansas City council, anyone disobeying it will face a fine of $500 and six months in jail. While I want performers and artists to be protected from this ban, I do think that aggressive begging should be restricted. A performer or artist is a talented
craftsman.
These
people should be allowed to accept donations for performing or money for their art. People who
ask
for
money
while
Hi.Life - February 23, 2007
providing no service or good, should not be allowed to ask for money on sidewalks. I’m more willing to donate money to performers, because they are performing a service or providing a good. I think a good compromise would be to regulate the people who perform or sell goods. One way to regulate would be to assign some sort of seller’s license or permit. This would keep aggressive begging off the streets and protect legitimate performers and artists.
Sitting at a computer in the library, a student tries to log on to a seemingly harmless web site. However, rather than the desired site, they run into a black screen emblazoned with the Lee’s Summit R-7 logo. This site has been blocked. “The R-7 school district uses filtering software to preserve the district’s technology resources, including network bandwidth, network storage, and protect the security of the network in order to promote the district’s goals and objectives and advance the mission of the district,” Cheryl Parris, R-7 Director of Technology said. “It also is there to meet the provisions of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).” The CIPA is a federal law that was enacted by Congress in December 2000 that addressed concerns about access to offensive content over the Internet on school computers. The district’s policy on banning has prohibited students and staff from going to numerous web sites on the Internet, including blog sites. “By law, the district is required to monitor online activities of students. Since blog sites may be difficult, if not impossible to monitor, the district chooses to restrict their use,” Parris said. People disagree with the district’s decision to ban all blog sites. “There’s some really excellent, educational stuff on these blog sites that
we can’t get to, because of the filtering. I think there is a fear that kids are going to set up meetings with other people on these blogs and the schools don’t want to be responsible for that,” Sandy S t u a r t - B a y e r, media specialist said. Lock Down. Schools and organizations can block Even with blogs access to certain web sites. LSHS is required by law to do so under federal law, CIPA. Photo/AP banned, student find a way around the blocked sites and end up blogging of their lives,” Stuart-Bayer said. anyway. Parris thinks that the “Students know how to district is doing a great job get around the filtering, with the filtering and has no which just creates more problems with it. problems,” Stuart-Bayer “I believe the district does said. an excellent job balancing Students and staff also the requirements of the cannot access their home law while recognizing the e-mail addresses, which educational and professional is considered a pain to value of electronics-based people. technology,” “The district provides an information Parris said. e-mail account to students Instead of banning and staff; and, as a result, everything, the amount of the district ‘Technology bandwidth a site receives Usage (Technology Safety)’ regulation, restricts access has been altered so that it to non-district-provided e- loads slowly. “They have reduced the mail,” Parris said. bandwidth a site can have in With all these blocked a certain amount of time, so web sites, people get it really slows down the web irritated and annoyed. site, and people give up and “I understand that leave the site,” Stuart-Bayer the motive for filtering is protecting our students. said. With all the protests, will However, filtering removes this banning policy lighten so many excellent up? resources in order to filter “Since district filtering is out a few bad ones. Isn’t it done in accordance with more effective to teach our federal law, I would not students how to deal with expect any changes in the the good, the bad, and the future,” Parris said. ugly that they will encounter on the Internet for the rest
News 5
Machine Madness LSHS robotics team rolls on to Purdue
“We’ve got somewhere around 100 people on the team as of right now,” senior Ryan Fender, member of the robotics team since its conception in 2005, said. So why would someone join the robotics team? “It just sounded like a really interesting and unique opportunity to try something new,” junior Megan Anderson said. This year marks Anderson’s second year in robotics. “It’s something I have never really thought about attempting before,” Anderson added. This team, though already very accomplished, had a relatively inauspicious start. “It pretty much began last year when Mr. Biggerstaff [last year’s IB Math II teacher] and Mr. Nazworthy [the physics teacher] held a big meeting for anyone who was interested in participating. We all sat around and ate pizza as they told us what would be required of us if we joined,” Anderson said. The students are not the only ones who are excited about the team. “Mr. Nazworthy was so excited when he found out that there was such a thing as FIRST Robotics that it was all he could talk about in class,” senior Megan Deaver, who had Nazworthy
As of last year, Lee’s Summit High School is a proud participant in the first Robotics competition. Team #1730, otherwise known as Team Driven, is a two-year old organization that is taking Lee’s Summit by storm.
in ITGS (Information Te c h n o l o g y in a Global Society) last year, said. “He definitely loved what they did.” Fender helps build and program the robot, a very demanding task in and of itself. Anderson works on the animations team. “Every year, there is an animations event within the actual competition where you’re trying to turn a prompt into an animation,” Anderson said. Anderson herself helped to develop the textures on the animations. Animation is just one of many events within the FIRST Robotics competition.
Your Mom - the team driven new 2007 robot. The robot was shipped Feb 20 to Purdue, the FIRST competition. “ I like robots and thought it would be fun,” freshman Jeremy Chambers said. Photo/Colin Taylor
Robo-sapiens. Team Driven, the LSHS robotics team, poses inside RAD, a warehouse that they build their robot in. Team members work on the project everyday. “It’s fun, but stressful at times and it gives you alot of real-world experience,” junior Kyle Buthod said. Photo/Jim Nazworthy
“Along with the animation competition, they also have the event with the robot itself, where you’re given a task that the robot needs to be able to complete, you build it in the specific time period, and you mail it off,” Anderson said. “There’s also a chairman award for the team that
does the most for their community.” The team is already guaranteed a spot at nationals again this year. Last year, they qualified by winning the “Rookie of the Year” award. This year, they were selected through a random drawing. Every team has an equal chance at the opportunity, and Lee’s Summit’s very own Team Driven was one of the lucky winners. After they compete in the regional competition at Purdue, they move on to nationals, which are going to be held in Atlanta, Georgia this year. Members new to the competition this year include Lee’s Summit North and Lee’s Summit West. Both schools are developing robotics teams of their own. “Our team is helping the ones at North and West,” Fender said. “We’re trying to give them the benefit of experience that our team didn’t get last year.”
Hi.Life - February 23, 2007
By: Mary Jo Stepanek
6
Features
Merging into mainstream
Students taught at home, move to the public eye Not all the students at Lees Summit High School have always came to school in such a diverse environment. Some students, however, were forced to come out of their comfort zone by leaving their safe haven at home, to attend public school. “I was forced to be more open with people. Now that I have been in public school for a while, I have noticed that my personality has changed. I am more talkative now,” sophomore Skyler Hupp said. The hardest part of transitioning from home to public school for freshman Meredith Love was catching onto the public school scene. “It was hard to get the hang of it, and I had to step out of my comfort zone,” Love said. Love enjoyed home school because her days were less pressured and less tense than in public school. “I liked having an easy schedule, and because of it I got to sleep in later,” Love said. Sleeping in was Hupp’s favorite thing about home school also. “I liked sleeping until 11 most days, and then if I worked quickly I could get my work done, and have the rest of the day to myself,” Hupp said. Home school may seem flawless, but it is not all fun and games.
By: Desirae Kudra
“I didn’t enjoy all the work I had to do, and I wanted to be in a classroom setting,” Love said. Hupp did not enjoy the social aspect of home school. “I didn’t get to socialize much, because I didn’t have very many opportunities to interact with a lot of people,” Hupp said.. Love made the decision to come to public school because of the opportunities. “I came to public school because there are many opportunities here, and my siblings went to public school too,” Love said. Hupp did not make as smooth of a transition. “My little sisters wanted to, so I started going half a day to the middle school in 8th grade,” Hupp said. Hupp, and Love both had their mothers teach them when they were home schooled. “I prefer my mom teaching me because I know her way of doing things, and we communicate with each other well,” Hupp said. Love liked the transition from her mom teaching her to the staff here at Lee’s Summit teaching her. “I enjoy my teachers here to teach me because I like their system better,” Love said.
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Hupp felt that home school was good for her because she could work at her own pace, she does not like all the time she just sits around doing nothing at school. Torn between the two options of home school and public school Hupp is undecided. “I don’t like all the time that I waste here because so much of it is pointless,” Hupp said.
Self Sufficient Students. Sophomore Skyler Hupp concentrates on reading in English. Hupp was home schooled for 8 years, and came to public school in 8th grade. “I don’t like all the time that I waste here, because so much of its pointless,” Hupp said. Photo / Desirae Kudra
Waking up with the worst headache, not remembering the night before, senior Zach Hubbard stumbled out of bed and down the stairs. Stepping over the bodies asleep on the floor Hubbard started placing the pieces of last night together; dancing and laughing, canned pyramids and broken bottles. As Hubbard walked outside to get the mail he noticed a piece of paper stuck to his door with big red letters saying, ‘EVICTED’. With his dad gone, and a mother he barely talks to, he started to panic, ‘What am I going to do? Where am I going to live?’ This might be the scene at an apartment being rented out one of LSHS’ student’s living on their own. “I was evicted from my first duplex for alleged under-aged drinking, parking violations, and noise violations,” senior Zach Hubbard said. Hubbard moved into his own apartment a year and a half ago when his mother kicked him out. Hubbard had no choice but to take a leap and start living in the real world. Hubbard is just one of the few students who venture into the real world earlier than expected, but taking this leap is more than just fun and games.
By : Amanda Brown
“I moved out in September and I went through three thousand dollars by Christmas time which was all I had saved up, and I was also working at the theater for minimum wage.” senior Megan Deavers said. Living on your own is all about finding the balance between school, work, and your personal life. Not to add finding a college, and any extracurricular activities. “Living on your own you don’t sleep much. I was going for the IB diploma first semester, then I dropped that, now I’m mainly taking IB courses, it’s still tough though,” Deavers said. Living on your own can give you a sense of power and freedom that you’ve never experienced, but with it comes the mass responsibility of keeping your life together and trying to progress. “Living alone makes me want to be my own person, I have a lot of fun, and get to make my own rules, and you can do whatever you want whenever you want. It’s a lot of responsibility paying bills and stuff but in the end its worth it, it’s so empowering.” Hubbard said.
Righteous Responsibility. Living on your own as a teen is not very typical but senior Megan Deaver is one of the few students that live alone everyday. “It is my space and I can pretty much do whatever I want… I can do what is easiest for me,” Deaver said, but she soon realized that it is not all freedoms and fun, renting a room comes with rigorous responsibilities. Photo / AP
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Hi.Life - February 23, 2007
Home Alone
Students venture out into the real wrold
Features 7
8
Features By : Megan Stueve
Dirty Dancing To dance or not to dance
Hi.Life-February 23, 2007
We have all learned our moves from different places. Whether it is from movies, television, or even our own friends. Whichever way it is, it has inspired many people in the way they dance today. “I picked up my dancing from watching T.V. and watching other people. Warren Harvey has inspired me because he is really good so it makes me want to dance well also,” senior Antonio Maynard said. Junior Scott Spiegel learned a few dance moves himself by listening to his favorite song. “I learned how to dance at Tyler Hill’s sixteenth birthday party to a song called ‘Jump On It’ by Sir Mix A lot,” Spiegel said. There is so much music out there to dance to from Rap to Techno to Jazz. “I like to dance to any kind of music that is fast pace,” Maynard said. History teacher David Weinbenga enjoys the different types of dancing that students bring to the dance floor. “I have seen all kinds of dancing, it’s crazy. There are those that have rhythme, those that don’t, and then there are those that are just in between,” Weinbenga said. Students here feel that people go to school dances to dance and have fun, no to get told to stop dancing a certain way or to even stop dancing. “I do not feel like administration should regulate how we dance. They should let us be kids, it’s not like we are doing something so bad to where we should have rules,” Maynard said. At the Courtwarming dance last Saturday, there were students who were told to stop dancing. “Me and my guy friend were dancing to one of my favorite songs and I got told to stop. It made me really mad because we weren’t doing anything that was disturbing the people dancing around us, yet everybody around us was dancing the same and we got told to stop, it was really dumb,” sophomore Rachel Craig said. Although Craig did get told
to stop dancing a certain way, it did not stop her from having fun. “I didn’t care, I’m not going to just stop dancing and having fun just because a teacher told me to stop. I paid for a dress and tickets and I’m going to make it worth it,” Craig said. Weinbenga has champaroned one dance so far, but has not had to tell anybody to stop dancing or to leave the dance. “The kids respond. They know by now what’s crossing the line and are just wanting to have fun,” Weinbenga said. Spiegel agrees that we should be able to have fun without getting in trouble. “If we were in the 80’s then some of the dancing that we do now might be inappropriate, but we are in the 21st century, this is how we dance,” Spiegel said.
Jazz Hands. Sophomore Toni Nelson was one of the nearly 600 on the dance floor at last Saturday’s All that Jazz Courtwaming dance. “I have seen all kinds of dancing,” Chaperone/ teacher David W e i b e n g a said. Photo / Desirae Kudra
Features 9
Nic’ing the Habit
Water with Nicotine Please! Not only is the amount of nicotine increasing in cigarettes, but companies are also putting nicotine into water, such as “Nico Water”. Sophomore Courtney Stanger strongly disagrees with Nicotine water, “Putting nicotine in water is an awful idea because nicotine is a drug and we don’t need any more drugs in this country”, Stanger. said. Nicotine water is often sold in non-smoking areas such as airports and restaurants and is equal to smoking two cigarettes. Photo / AP
By : Ariel Andrew An addict exhales, allowing smoke to waft through his yellow teeth and up into the sky. The smoker drops his cigarette and grounds it fiercely into the pavement, wishing that this was his last cigarette, knowing he would be back in a couple hours for more. Tobacco use is considered a deadly and destructive habit by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Smoking is an easy habit to start, and an almost impossible one to break. Smokers who have tried for years to quit are not addicted to the poisonous chemicals they breathe, but to the amount of a substance in cigarettes that has risen eleven percent in only seven years, from 1998 to 2005: nicotine. “Nicotine, a component of tobacco,” according to Nora D. Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “is the primary reason that tobacco is addictive.” While the study by the Harvard School of Public Health suggests that the levels of nicotine in cigarettes are being intentionally manipulated by tobacco companies, Philip Morris, the makers of Marlboro, denies these allegations. According to the information on nicotine levels Philip Morris gave to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health from 1997 to 2006, their nicotine levels have remained at 1.81 milligrams for nine years. Higher nicotine levels may not be any worse than lower nicotine levels in cigarettes, according to Michael Siegel, a contributor for the New York Times. “It is well documented that smokers
compensate for changes in nicotine levels to get a relatively constant nicotine dose,” Siegel said. In other words, smokers who use “light” cigarettes, or those with less nicotine, may actually smoke more of those cigarettes and take in more tar and chemicals from the smoke. In this case, less cigarettes with more nicotine would be a better alternative to more cigarettes with less nicotine. Despite the extreme addictiveness of nicotine, studies show that the amount of smoking teenagers has decreased over the years. However, teen smoking is far from eradicated. “Nearly ninety percent of smokers start smoking by age eighteen, and of smokers under eighteen years of age, more than six million will die prematurely from a smoking-related disease,” The National Institute on Drug Abuse said. Nurse Jill Dusing gives her take on teenage smoking. “The younger you are when you start smoking, the more prone you are to addiction,” Dusing said. Smoking not only raises teenagers’ risk for diseases and cancers, but also has short term effects. “If you play sports, you’ll have less endurance. Other effects
“The younger you are when you start smoking, the more prone you are to addiction,” Dusing said. are upper respiratory problems and bad breath,” Dusing said. Nicotine addiction affects the mind and body of the addict, so both medical and mental treatment is best when a tobacco user is trying to quit. For those teenagers who currently smoke, they can seek treatment confidentially through online programs, support groups, personal counseling, and medical treatments such as nicotine gum or nicotine patches. Support groups for student smokers who are trying to quit have been held at Lee’s Summit High in the past, and they could be held in the future if there were enough students interested. Underage smokers trying to quit can also seek personal counseling at school, which would remain confidential. Research proves that people that use FDA approved medical treatments and seek emotional support greatly increase their chances of success when trying to quit smoking. Amy Wilson, the prevention specialist at Lee’s Summit High, recognizes all the dangerous effects of nicotine addiction. “Nicotine is both a psychological and a physical addiction,” Wilson said.
Hi.Life - February 23, 2007
Nicotine traps smokers
10 Features
From Rags to Rocking
The chant of thousands of screaming fans reverberates off the walls as five By : Jessi Woska shadowed figures step out onto the Guitarist climbs his way to the top dark stage. A single spotlight falls on had already taken part in five bands The Cult, Papa Roach, OkGo, and did lead guitarist, Brian Murphy, as his without major success. After hearing the Warped Tour. We toured through guitar lets out a screaming riff, kicking that The Bangkok Five’s guitarist had Eurpoe and the US. We also closed out off the show for the L.A. hailing band, unexpectedly quit, Murphy knew that the New Year with Buckcherry in the The Bangkok Five. But the road from this was his window of opportunity. O.C. That was amazing,” Murphy said. rags to rocking for this guitar guru “They needed a replacement for Murphy credits his unmovable proved to be a long and arduous the European tour and they tried out a drive for success to one reason; journey, beginning at birth. bunch of guys,” Murphy said. “From the his unconditional love of music. “From the first time I could moment I walked in that room I let them “We live twenty three hours a remember, music profoundly know that this was my gig,” day for the one hour that saves affected me,” Murphy said. After Murphy’s passionate audition, us; our set time,” Murphy said. Growing up in a less than healthy the members of The Bangkok Five were The Bangkok Five with lead guitarist Brian Murphy environment seemed to only fuel more than convinced that Murphy had second from the right. Murphy’s merciless drive to get out the talent that their band was looking for. into the music world at an early age. After touring the UK twice and playing “I lived at home only until I was many high profile shows, The Bangkok almost sixteen. At that point the Five felt as if they were about to make domestic violence of my surroundings it big. As they were reaching their peak, was suffocating me to the their record label was point where I didn’t want to “My heart was bought out by Sony. Loyal live anymore,” Murphy said. their no longer existing on fire and I to To make things worse, label, they left the tour. Murphy was incredibly poor had nothing “I remember flying home in every sense of the word. from London thinking, to lose,” “ By this point, my love where do we go from here?” affair with music was my Murphy said. Murphy only mental escape from s a i d . the living hell I endured on a daily basis,” Murphy said. “I would After enduring read about artists that inspired me, and a tremendously their personal struggles would help me devastating event, Wheat Grass Power Shots push on. Their music was my gospel the band pushed on. and their words were my mantra.” Smoothies Wraps “We got back to Finding no complacency at home, Vegetables Drinks LA, made our own Murphy plunged out into the world. five song EP and did Salads and Soups “I left. Me, a duffel bag of thrift a tour we booked on store clothes, and two guitars. I was Myspace. We were so naïve, but my heart was on fire and I poor, and [Hurricane] had nothing to lose,” Murphy said, “If Katrina ran the price Courtney Love could do it, so could I.” of gas over $3.50 a The countless grueling days gallon. But we forged between leaving his broken home on,” said Murphy. expires 02-28-07 and touring with The Bangkok Five Within less than were a constant struggle for Murphy. a year, things took “I have lived in squats, crack houses, an unexpected turn and tiny apartments in London, New for the better when York, and LA; sometimes with six or Universal Records seven other musicians. I have had my signed The Bangkok heart crushed, my soul let down, and Five and released their my bands crash in flames. Still, my disc on Mar. 7, 2006. love of music brought me through it “We went on to play all. Even today, music is my savior,” over two hundred Murphy said. shows throughout the 332 SW Blue Parkway (816)554-0722 By the time Murphy met Nik last year. We toured Frost and Greg Coatez, singer and Lee’s Summit, Mo 64063 with Buckcherry, bassist of The Bangkok Five, he
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Hi.Life - February 23, 2007
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BUZZ
By; Sam Dusing
Features 11
Words
A glance at this year’s popular and upcoming words
DAP
G r i ll Hyfee B l e a l r
-v. to look something up on Google.
- v. the act of hitting knuckles together as a form of greeting; aka “pound it”
-n. a gold, platinum or silver plate fitted for your teeth, decorated with diamonds
- v. gettin’ wild, crazy, faded, West side crunk
-adj. used to describe anything livin’ large
Hi.Life - February 23, 2007
Treeware
-n. a document in it’s paper form as opposed to being an electronic document
12 Features
Early Birds
By. Nelson Hill
An early start is hurting students
I
n the city of Minneapolis, MN an area school, and its school district are trying something new. Changing the time school starts from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. to improve the quality of the students learning experience. The two school districts in the Minneapolis region: Edina, a suburban district, who changed their start time from 7:20 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Other Minneapolis public schools changed from 7:15 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. 92% of students reported great results to the new change. Now high schools nationwide are beginning to respond, and they are seeing good results. Some districts are even saving money by cutting bus runs. Edina High school preferred the later start times. Minneapolis schools showed that there was a significant reduction in high school drop out rates, less depression, and students reported earning higher grades. The reason for the shift is due to a research at the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI). Medical research showing adolescents have a natural sleep pattern that allows them to have a late- to – bed, late-to-rise cycle. Schools across America start times are around 7:15 am, too early some students say to start using your brain only 15 minutes later, and for the Center
Hi.Life - February 23, 2007
for applied research the early start time can be a demise towards students health and quality of learning. The two schools in Minneapolis are reporting good results on the experiment. The students reported less depression when there was a later starting time, and the teachers reported that students were more alert and ready for learning. Parents reported that their children were easier to live with because their emotions were regulated. The study also found that there was a decrease in the number of students who were dropping out of school of moving from school to school. Studies show that from the onset of puberty until late teen years, the brain chemical melatonin, which is the cause for sleepiness, is secreted from approximately 11 p.m. until approximately 8 a.m., nine hours. Typical youth are not able to fall asleep much before 11 p.m. and their brains remain in sleep mode until about 8 a.m. regardless of what time they go to bed. Adolescent sleep patterns can have problems and consequences for
learning capabilities, with most schools starting at 7:15 am and students tend to rise at about 5 or 6 am to get on the bus. Almost 20 percent of student studies sleep during their first 2 hours of the school when brains are still in sleep mode, biologically. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 80 school districts around the country have now made the change to start their high schools later. School districts range from large, urban school districts such as Denver and Minneapolis, to suburban districts, such as Jessamine Country in central Kentucky. A recent poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) found that 60 percent of children under the age of 18 complained of being tired during the day, according to their parents, and 15 percent said they fell asleep at school during the year. The research has proven that a later start in schools benefit a students academic achievements, and their moods and behavior making the school learning experience a good one.
By the numbers >Almost 20 % of students studied in the survey done by CAREI said they fall asleep during the first two hours of school. >60 % of adolescents under the age of 18 complained of being tired during the school day.
EATURES FE 13 Features
Sound Asleep
By : Stephanie Russell
amount of caffeine they have during the day. Some people are hypersensitive to caffeine that is in coffee or energy drinks. So when it is hard to fall asleep, it is because of the high amount of caffeine that is in your system. Cutting down on caffeine can really help some students,” Baanders said. If a student is having a hard time relaxing and getting rid of the stress they had during the day, there are ways that could help them relax and fall asleep. “Certain people need to have the noise of a fan, or even mediation could help calm you down, slow your heart rate, and clear your mind of any other thoughts,” Baanders said. Even with all of her school activities and homework, Garlich still likes being involved and knows that getting a good amount of sleep is important. “The reason why I keep doing all of my activities is because I want to go to college, and I know that you have to work hard to do well. But I know that getting enough sleep is important because it will help you stay focused,” Garlich said.
Quiet Slumber. Because of lack of sleep, students often find themselves catching up whenever they can. Photo/Desirae Kudra
Dream Interpretations 101
1) One-third of a person’s life is spent sleeping. 2) On average, by the end of a person’s lifetime, they would have spent a total of six years asleep. 3) People dream, on average, two hours a night with four to seven different dreams. 4) Five minutes after a dream has occurred 50 percent of the dream is forgotten, in ten minutes 90 percent of the dream is forgotten. 5) People who are giving up smoking tend to have longer and more vivid dreams. 6) Dreams in color are said to be parallel experiences, whereas black and white dreams represent something that’s going to happen in the far future. 7) Dreaming about animals is symbolism for untamed and uncivilized aspects of a person’s being.
Hi.Life - February 23, 2007
It is hard not to notice the bobbing of a student’s head as they desperately try not to fall asleep in class. Not getting enough sleep at night can affect students throughout the day. So the question is, how many hours of sleep are recommend for students? “Students need nine to ten hours a night of sleep and studies show that most students are getting less sleep than they need,” IB and general psychology teacher Debbie Baanders said. Knowing that students are not getting enough sleep, how is it affecting them? “Sleep debt is a problem. Students have trouble focusing, they become irritable, it can weaken your immune system, and may cause students to take more risks,” Baanders said. According to the book Psychology; Principles in Practice, people need sleep to recover from stress. The book mentions that, “ we seem to need more sleep when we have problems in school, with our families and friends, or at work.” Throughout the year, junior Abbie Garlich is involved in conditioning, survivor, volleyball, and pole vaulting. When she throws in homework and tries to get sleep, her days are filled. “I have a learning lab and that helps me, so I don’t have too much homework at night,” Garlich said. Four activities either before or after school, and homework can make it difficult to keep up energy for the entire day. “I’m usually not too tired, but to help my energy, I eat food,” Garlich said. For students who get tired by the end of the day, there is a way to help keep them going. “Staying in a routine will really help you. There is a natural cycle that the students go through and usually kids will be alert at night and tired in the morning. On the weekends students may stay up late and then sleep in, and this will throw you off for the week,” Baanders said. Along with staying in a routine, Baanders also described a daily habit to help students get to sleep. “There is one thing that students can do to help them sleep. Monitoring the
Teens struggle to stay alert
14 Features
Land That
Young children grow up telling their parents that they want to be a movie star, a cowboy, in the NFL, or some far fetched dream. Junior Josh White has grown up wanting to be a professional skater, and for him, this goal may not be so far fetched. “I got my first skateboard and started skating when I was eight and I have been skating ever since,” White said. White is sponsored by Real Skateboards, Switch Skateboard Shop, Thunder Trucks, Spitfire Wheels, SKF Bearings, and Circa Footwear. “It’s pretty tight. They give me whatever I need. I go through about 5 or 6 pairs of shoes a month skating so they just send me more,” White said. “They also send skateboards, decks, wheels, bearings, hardware, clothes, and just whatever I need or ask for.” Although White is good at what he does he is not satisfied. He spends a lot of time practicing and getting better. “I try to skate every day. I don’t have a car so I have to depend on my friends but I try to get to the skate park every day for a few hours,” White said.
From dream to reality By : Ashley Ross
White was even published this month in Thrasher magazine. His picture was laid out to be the cover but was then changed at the last minute. “My picture ended up being the photo feature. It is a black and white photo of me skating off a building,” White said. “That’s the first picture of me to be published.” White’s talent has not always been easy for him to pursue. It has taken sacrifice and hard work. “I mainly have to sacrifice school. I missed 48 days last semester, so now my grades are kind of messed up,” White said. “I plan on doing this as my career so hopefully it will all work out.” White is absent so much due to his sponsors traveling him around the country. “This last semester I went with a group of other skaters in a big van all the way from Atlanta to Southern California,“White said. “Then about three weeks ago I just got back from a big competition in Tampa. They flew me there and paid for everything.”
Tricky Turns Junior Josh White shows off his tricks for a photographer while passing through the desert. “We were just driving and we saw a huge thing made of cement balls. One had fallen and broken so we decided to stop and just skate it,” White said. Photo courtesy/ Josh White
“That way it will all be worth it and I can live my dream.”
Hi.Life-February 23, 2006
Features 15
Interview Inquisition Sweaty palms, racing heart, and dry mouth; these are all symptoms of an upcoming job interview. Although it is somewhat of an unpleasant process, it seems that everyone has to go through it at least a few times in his or her life. Unfortunately, being in high school, kids are going through the process for the first time. “I was a little nervous because I didn’t have any experience,” junior Nneka Shelby said. Luckily, there are a few things that can be done beforehand for preparation’s sake. “Have examples of learning opportunities you’ve had already,” Tony Singer, a SAN (Storage Area Network) operations manager at Sprint, said. There are also some typical questions that should be expected. It would be best to try to have answers ready beforehand. “Questions about strengths and weaknesses are key ones,” Singer said. It is also extremely important to answer questions truthfully. After all, an
Sway people your way By:Kaitlin Schaller
interviewer is not only interested in job qualifications, but character as well. “Be yourself, people will like you,” Shelby said. Interviews are nothing short of nerveracking. They can put a lot of stress on someone who wants to make a good impression. “A first impression is crucial,” Singer said. There are a lot of great tips that may be used to help someone make the desired impression. “Dress accordingly, look the interviewer straight in the eye, and shake hands in a strong manner,” Singer said. Although it may seem hard to believe, giving a great impression is possible. As long as one stays cool and true to themselves. “Just act like you know what you’re talking about,” Shelby said.
Job Applications. People go in to get a job then they are handed a paper. Or you can go into Target set down at a computer and type it in. Photo / Colin Taylor
Right make eye contact bring a mint dress accordingly smile stay enthusiastic
Wrong chewing gum “ummm..” wearing jeans watching the clock
Contemporary Literature
By : Clint Sparks
In this world of high-speed internet, cell phones, and instant gratification, some people believe traditions of the past are fading into obscurity. One of these is the novel, a classic form of entertainment. “No publisher has ever bought a book because he thought it wouldn’t sell.” English Teacher Susan Hitman said. These days, it is rare for anyone to read for entertainment with the constant barrage of TV, music, and movies. “Credit should be given to anyone who is willing to read for entertainment rather than be plugged in,” Hitman said. So, if what appears on our shelves to read results from what publishers think will sell, then what writers write is a result of what the populace wants to read. “Optimistically, to deliver the story,” Hitman said. Optimistic or not, this statement overlooks the storm of marketing
campaigns publishers use to sell a book. The major indication of fiction’s present condition lies in the relation between today’s works and the timeless classics of fifty years ago. “Any writing that is applicable to anyone at any time [can become a classic]. If it can in fifty years still be understood and appreciated, then that is an indication of greatness. The timelessness of characters is a big factor,” Hitman said. The truth is, that while many books written today could very well join these fabled ranks, there are thousands more that possess none of the above qualities. “People don’t change, there is always quality literature, and there is always junk to go with it,” Hitman said. If this though is true, then something is causing literature that falls into the
“junk” category to be so popular. Hitman thinks it has to do with society as a whole. “People don’t particularly want to think, they want everything laid out in front of them.” Hitman said. It is the philosophy then, that, as said in the Count of Monte Cristo, separates the learners from the learned, makes a great book great, and today frightens many people away. Read On. Students are required in some classes to read classic stories like “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “The Great Gatsby”. These books allow students to read great American novels even if they might be considered “junk” these days. Photo/ Taylor Rice
Hi.Life - February 23, 2007
Books today dissolving into marketing ploys
16 Opinions
Bark at the Moon
By: Matthew Gratton
Lately there has been a surge in people concerned with certain taboos, though I may not be a minister of faith or anything of high esteem. This reporter is ready to explain some things that people seem to understand very little about, if at all. It seems to me that lately people have been questioning certain things in their lives, could be because for a lot of people college is coming up. There are certain things that many people in this school are severly confused about. Number one on my list is that many people don’t understand what freedom of religion is. Let’s break it down. MerriamWebster’s Dictionary defines the word ‘freedom’ as “the absence of constraint in choice of action.” This basically means that anyone can be any religion they want. The people of our great nation have a choice, let them, be happy you don’t live in Saudi Arabia. Number two is about an argument involving homosexuality. I know kinda touchy, so I’ll avoid the norms and just skip to what I want to discuss. Recently I heard the argument that homosexuality is not natural. It occurs in the animal kingdom all the time. It is a fact of life that animals involve themselves physically with other animals of the same gender. The third and last is what I really wanted to touch on, people’s ability to accept what is different. There is a man that goes to my church, he uses a cain and walks differently because he has a broken back. People that have seen him in the community think that he is handicapped in more ways than just physically, but he is one of the wisest and most inciteful people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Humans need to help each other. Don’t shun someone because of their religion or their sexual preference, that is just an extension of third grade, didn’t you learn anything from Lord of the Flies?
Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, My problem is people standing and talking in the halls. It is hard to get around them and make it to class on time. To fix this problem, I think there should be a ‘no standing’ rule. -sophomore Kelsey Kreher Dear Editor, It is nearly impossible to go from the top of A to the bottom of Bi 7 minutes. I think there should be longer passing periods. -sophomore Haley Drake Dear Editor, I hate girls who gossip all of the time. I hate when people talk about other poeple for fun. I would tell them to stop becuase I have not problem speaking my mind. -senior Cayla Solsberg Dear Editor, I think that every class should have some sort of no zero policy. The classes that dont take any late work are just ridiculous. Some students have jobs, extra curricular acivities, and everyone forgets every once in awhile. It would help us all be a little more successful. -sophomore Courtney Cottle
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.
Advancing Education Hi.Life - February 23, 2007
By: Josh Wallace While I may not be certified to diagnose myself with any sort of medical condition, I think it is clear that I am indeed suffering from something - a major case of apathy. Twelve years of the educational process is enough to make anyone’s stomach churn, and mine seems to remain especially twisted. Am I myself to blame for this onset of lack of interest, or are the schools to blame for a lack of decent motivation? Let’s try for the latter. If anything, the educational process has taught me to accept mediocrity. A majority of the rewards that come from a hard effort at school either A) come later in life or B) vary based on person to person. Unfortunately, I am not one of those lucky students who is paid by their parents for good grades. This is why I have a job – because $150 a week is much better than $20 per ‘A’ every six weeks. I could sacrifice my social life, my job, my hobbies, and dedicate my full time to my education, and for what? A few letter grades up on my grade card? I am a
teenager, I can’t help but choose a thriving social situation than a few letters on a piece of paper. I believe that the school system needs to adapt to our society. Reduce the amount of work required outside of school, as there are far too many temptations to deviate from the lesson plan once outside of school. I also wouldn’t mind some more hands-on, intense learning in the classroom. I spend far too many classes either daydreaming or regular dreaming for it to be considered a proper educational process. I am an apathetic teenager, but there isn’t really anything I can do about it. Society has changed from the days when plopping an apple onto your teacher’s desk in the morning was commonplace. It isn’t easy for those of past generations to admit that education is on a decline and that the same methods of days-gone-by are no longer as effective. As a whole, our focus is shifting to what we can do now to enjoy ourselves, rather than what we can do to invest in our future. If there is anything we can do to improve education, especially for the apathetic, it should be the emphasis on what school can do for me today. Hey – maybe they can try texting me a lesson sometime?
Opinions 17
Staff Editorial Here on the hi.life staff, we take the issue of hypocrisy very seriously. Because of this determination to expose the mind of the student to the fairness and unfairness of certain rules, the need is felt to address the topic of PDA. Here at LSHS, students are often made to feel uncomfortable by what some consider ‘excessive’ amounts of this activity. However, in some students’ eyes, it is the fact that PDA is not punished in the same way as other ‘taboo’ actions, such as the use of cell phones in the hallways, which will immediately land a student with a four hour detention. To them this seems unfair since people receive no punishment for causing discomfort to the people around them. However, the hi.life staff would also like to make clear the other side of this debate. Many students in relationships may not get to see one another all that often, or may be prohibited by their parents to express themselves in a physical way. Because of this, they feel that school is the only time that they can manage
Animated Outlook
to show each other how they feel. Other hypocritical rules are things like the dress code, which will land a student in trouble if violated, whereas nothing, or at most a warning, will result if a teacher or administrator is witness to the dreaded public display of affection. Some students believe that the solution to this problem is to enforce the rules, and punish the public displayers, but here on the hi.life staff, we think that we can reach a more equitable compromise. PDA’ers, just tone it down, or even remove the ‘P’ altogether, and just display affection privately. Even if you think school is the only opportunity to do so, it is always possible to be more discreet. The hi.life staff takes pride in its distribution of common sense, and hopes that punishments will not become a necessary evil. Conflict can be avoided, if people will simply use their brains, and think a bit harder about how their actions are perceived by and effect the people around them.
By: Drew Levota
Man on the Street Making out is too much, but holding hands is alright.
A little peck is just fine, but not making out.
-sophomore Carolyn White
-senior Antonio Maynard
How much PDA is too much? I’d say probably kissing is the limit.
-junior Jed Toliver
There really isn’t a limit – I don’t think it’s bad.
-freshman Zach Wiseman
Hi.Life - February 9, 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.
18 Fashion
Molly Jayne’s accessories for every girl’s wardrobe By: Crystal Lawson
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Hi.Life - February 23, 2007
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Accessories can change the entire look of one’s outfit. Molly Jayne’s Boutique has provided their time and products in an effort to educate about accessories. A simple look can consist of a regular dress, but the trick to adjusting the appearance lies within the accessories. Just remember accessories are the last things to put on and the first things to be noticed, so use this as an advantage to put together an incredible look. While puting together a look, begin by selecting a universal garment, like a dress or shirt. From this, decide which style to evoke. In this case Molly Jayne’s Boutique has provided a floral print cotton dress as the base garment. When choosing a dressier style add a short, fitted jacket and intricate heels. Go for shoes with bows or cutouts for a glamorous look. Next choose jewelry that will stand out against the jacket and add a contrast from the floral dress. The ice cream cone necklace is cute and girly but also adds a funkier edge to the entire outfit. The key bracelet is very modern as keys are very big this season. The purse is sophisticated, yet the chain strap adds a little bit of edge. Always remember that accessories are important but, do not go overboard on. Sometimes a little is a lot.
When going for a hippie look, add jeans and wear the dress as a tunic. Add a girly sweater in a similar tone. It is ok to choose sweaters with beading as long as the beads do not overpower the floral print of the dress. Add a belt in the same tone as the jewelry. Go for bigger buckels, but make sure they are simple as to not take away from the rest of the outfit. Add simple shoes, either flats or heels in a base color of either black or brown. When choosing a necklace, choose one with more than one focal point. The heart necklace is great because it has several strands. Although this is a good thing, be careful not to over power the sweater. Add a big slouch bag that is the same color as the shoes. This creates the ultimate hippie chic look with plenty of accesories to make it fresh and girly.
RTAINMENT
Entertainment 19
Mr. Tiger
A first hand glimpse at contestants By: Whitney Norton
Clay Stanger: Q.Is Mr.Tiger what you thought it would be? A.”It was everything I dreamed of.” Alex Russell: Q. Why do you want to do Mr.Tiger? A.”I guess students enjoy it, and it is a chance to have fun.” Billy Davis: Q.What are you looking forward to most? A.”My talent portion of the show.” Clint Jones: Q. What does being Mr. Tiger mean to you? A.”Not a whole lot, it’s just fun.”
Matthew Gratton: Q.What do you have to do to get ready for Mr. Tiger? A. I have an intense work out of dancing every night after school.” Brian Duncan: Q. As a freshman did you know what Mr.Tiger was? A. “ I did, I knew it was influential senior boys in a beauty pageant.”
Trent Larson: Q.What about Mr.Tiger makes you enjoy it? A.I don’t know it’s been a lot of fun,[the] guys are fun, we all get along.””
Aaron Jones: Q.What made you want to be in Mr. Tiger? A. “I’ve never really done anything like this before. It’s a good tradition that I want to be apart of.” Alex Giddings: Q.What did you feel when you got your Tiger Gram? A.”[I was} surprised, and started thinking about what I would do.” Lane Connelly: Q. Does Mr. Tiger take up a lot time? A.”Yeah, well I missed two or three practices for other clubs.”
Blake Vaughn: Q.Why are you doing Mr. Tiger? A. “It is a way to have fun at school.”
Dustin Halfmann: Q.What type of work do you put in to Mr. Tiger? A. “A lot of work. We meet up after school to work on our dance, and get together with our partners to work on our talent.”
Hi.Life - February 23, 2007
Jimmy Urness: Q.What is your favorite part about Mr. Tiger? A.” Probably just to be myself,[and] have fun.”
Warren Harvey: Q. Whats was the most fun part of preparing? A.” Only thing we’ve done is dance.”
20 Entertainment
Movie Op By: Kimrey Burmeister
Grab your popcorn and get ready!
emotion. You then follow his footsteps as he runs from the orphanage he is held at and makes his way across Europe to find his uncle in France. While in France he learns martial arts. After being accepted to a medical school he again moves and starts to plot against those who murdered his young sister. One by one he picks off the soldiers who held him and his younger sister captive.
Hannibal Rising is a two-hour story that briefly shows the adolescent and young adult life of Hannibal Lector. The story begins at the end of 1944 when the Nazis invade Lithuania. You follow young Hannibal as his family goes into hiding. Here the terror begins. After losing his parents, his home is intruded by wanna-be SS officers who hold him and his little sister hostage for weeks. When the war ends Hannibal is left an orphan with no family and no
MY THOUGHTS:
This story is not only intriguing but it makes you root for the bad guy. After seeing the horrible end they brought upon a mere toddler, the viewer wants Hannibal to succeed. Although the gore can be a little intense I think that
Rated R for language, gore and adult situations Approximately two hours Motto for the movie: Watch out for that Karma, it will get’cha
MY THOUGHTS:
Hi.Life - February 23, 2007
Even though Music and Lyrics is another one of those cheesy love movies, you can’t help but enjoy it. As I watched it I found myself laughing at the thought of the boy bands I loved in jr. high that may one day be reduced to shimming in tight pants and singing their old hits at high school reunions. Hugh Grant, as usual, has great one-line bits that pull the movie together. However after they create the song the movie begins to drag on, especially because the viewers already know how the stars will end up. My favorite part of the story is the pop princess Cora. The singer looks as though she is only 15 years old, but she parades around like she is an old model completely confident in her body and lack of clothing. The writer is mocking societies view of what is good and what is popular. Music can be good without it being all about sex. This motion picture is a great way to make yourself feel better about your life because at the end of the day you can have respect for yourself knowing your pay check does not depend on
Lyrics
Music and
Hannibal Rising
The movie starts out with Alex, a washed up 80’s music star desperate for just a little more publicity, scrapping for work. After being given the option to work with the new hit of pop culture, Cora, Alex sees his chance to make a comeback. The dilemma is that Alex must write a song that fits Cora’s approval. However, Alex is horrible with words. With only a week to write the song Alex is on the search for a lyricist. Only by good luck does he fall upon Sophie, the writer who has been watering his plants for the past few days. Together they not only make great love songs but great love also.
Rated PG-13 for sexual references Approximately two hours Motto for the movie: Oh surprise, another happy ending
Entertainment 21
The Humor of Being Earnest It’s not who you are, but what your name is.
By: Chad Thomas
15 % DISCOUNT
FREE
Hi.Life - February 23 2007
T
he elaborate setting in front of the audience stood out as anxiety rose for the show to begin. The audience was seated on the stage. The play begins as Lane, played by Joseph Bushur, is cleaning Algernon Moncrieff’s seating room. Bushur did an excellent job in the role of Lane. His droll manner was humorous and made the character interesting. John Worthing, played by Max Smith, or ‘Earnest’, as he goes by in the city, arrives to the seating room where he confesses to Algernon that he wants to marry Algernon’s cousin, Gwendolen Fairfax. Gwendolen, played by Johanna Merwin, and her mother, Lady Bracknell, played by Anna hacker, come to the house shortly after the two gentlemen’s talk. Algernon takes the aunt out of the room in order to give John/Earnest a chance to propose to Gwendolen. She gladly agrees to marry him, because she knew from the minute she met him and heard his name that they were destined to be together. Lady Bracknell comes back into the room and after seeing the two lovebirds in an embrace, she tells Gwendolen to wait outside while she asks John/Earnest a few personal questions. Ben Braselton as Algernon and Anna Hacker as Lady Bracknell did an outstanding job portraying their characters. They had believable accents and easily drew in the audience.. The second act begins in the country. With Miss Prism, played by Lexy Brown, helping Cecily, played by Lauren Shipman, with her studies. Miss Prism and her love interest, Canon Chasuble, played by Matt Sweeten, go on a
walk, leaving they eventually profess their love for Cecily alone. each other. He then proposes to a Having heard delightful Cecily. Then, Gwendolen so much about and her mother come to the country. her guardian Gwendolen and Cecily are alone John’s brother, outside where they both discover they she is excited are to be married to ‘Earnest’. They to hear from fight and argue until the two “brothers” Butler Merriman, come out and their real names surface. played by Greg Kinman, that he has Gwendolen and Cecily feel betrayed, come to the country. Cecily takes the but eventually all is forgiven and plans visitor, who calls himself Earnest, who for marriage are back on track. Johanna is really Algernon pretending to be Merwin, as Gwendolen, was absolutely John’s brother, to his room. Obviously, amazing in this scene. In the final act of the play, John there is much confusion that is about to ensue. Miss Prism and Canon Chasuble discovers that he really is Algernon’s return and see that John Worthing has brother, after it’s announced that Miss returned earlier than expected. He Prism left him in a handbag as a baby. informs them that while in the city, his The two couples are together in the much talked about brother has died. end and it’s a happy ending. Turning events upside down, Cecily comes outside and announces that with valid student John’s brother is inside. Everyone is stunned, especially John, who is curious to see who this man is claiming to be his brother. He is very much annoyed to see Algernon come outside and introduce himself as brother Earnest. Lexy Brown and Matt Sweeten were funny and amusing as they played secret love interests. In her first role, Lauren Shipman, did an excellent job portraying Cecily. Fresh beans roasted A l g e r n o n 352 SW Blue and Cecily find Located by Price 816.554.2400 themselves alone Parkway Chopper outside where
22 Sports
Pumping Iron Athletes work to imrove during the off-season. By: Alex North
As the saying goes ‘the season is in the off-season.’ Conditioning is so important because it helps athletes prepare for the season. While many people focus on winter sports, others focus on conditioning. “I go [to conditioning] to make myself better at football and to get into
better shape,” junior wide receiver Tyler Hill said. The football team lifts weights three times a week after school and Survivor three times in the morning at 6. Survivor is a speed development program that works the players into shape and improving their 40-yard dash time. “We have about 5570 students that show up to survivor and 45-50 that show up at weights,” Coach Ron Downs said. In the past, the baseball Work Out. Athletes work out at survivor which is three days a week team has and starts at 6 in the morning.”It’s early, but it really helps with speed w o r k e d and conditioning,”junior Travis Mosby said, Photo/ Whitney Norton.
King Pin
more on conditioning but they work more on skills now, because MSHAA changed the rules. The rules now allow them to work more on skill development. “We work on lifting weights, playing catch to keep the arm in shape, and running,” baseball coach Jim Mellody said. The team works out at 5:45 AM on Tuesday and Thursday. About 35-40 kids showed up this year, there have been accidents during conditioning. “A kid was hitting ground balls and another kid caught it and he threw a knuckleball and it hit me in the teeth,” freshman Taylor Swagger said Swagger got his teeth knocked out. “It didn’t feel very good and I was in a lot of pain and it makes my teeth look ugly,” Swagger said Injures are not common but there are other things athletes don’t like about conditioning. “I hate it but if it will make me a better athlete I will do it,” Hill said The football, volleyball, and baseball teams are doing conditioning. In every sport you need conditioning so athletes can become the best they can possibly be. No matter if, athletes love or hate conditioning it will help them improve, which is all that matters.
By: Jon Smith
High school bowlers grow in numbers.
HI.LIFE - February 23, 2007
Concentration as the ball rolls off the hand, bludgeoning down the oily lane. Hitting the pins right in the pocket, leaving shrapnel all over the pin deck. People may think bowling is just for fun; however bowling can be as competitive as any other sport. From leagues to a renewed professional tour, bowling is being reborn before one’s eyes. “My family is into bowling, so I am into bowling,” sophomore Matt McElwain said. Leagues have introduced the sport of bowling to people of all ages, and the creation of more bowling leagues has furthered the sport like never before. With more support for bowling there are more opportunities to have fun, but to be competitive as well. Competitive bowlers take part in tournaments, at which scholarships are awarded for high scores. “Practice makes you a lot better,” sophomore Chase Wood said. Wood practices regularly to improve
his score of 256, and strives to beat his high game. One technique that helps to improve Wood’s score is curving the ball when he is going for a strike. To throw a ball that curves people use certain types of bowling balls to get the desired effect. Within some bowling balls the weight is dispersed in a lop-sided fashion, so the ball will curve a certain way. New bowling balls with new capabilities have drawn the younger generations away from throwing the ball strait and lured them into throwing a hook ball. Now that more and more young people have become avid bowlers, there are many high schools around the nation that have created school bowling teams “I would like a high school bowling team,” McElwain said. Competitive bowlers in and around the Kansas City area are pushing for high school bowling teams. High schools around the nation have bowling teams, and hold tournaments regularly.
Simply Strikes. LSHS students bowl for fun, and competitively. “My family is into bowling, so I am into bowling,” Sophomore Matt McElwain said. Photo/Desirae Kudra.
There are very few schools in this area, if any, that have a high school bowling team. “We could lead the way to high school bowling in Lee’s Summit,” McElwain said. As bowling becomes more and more popular with teens in high school, there will be more pressure to create a bowling team.
By: Bobby Hagedorn As we near the end of the month of February, it is time to start talking about March Madness. In my opinion the three weeks, of NCAA Tournament, are the three most dramatic weeks of sports world. There is no other event that has the dramatics of the tournament with the upsets and the buzzer beaters, there is simply nothing like it. The three local teams all have a very interesting situation as they head towards the tournament. The Kansas Jayhawks probably have more talent than just about any other team in the nation except for maybe North Carolina or Florida. However, as the case is always with the Jayhawks can they avoid the early round loss that has plagued them for the last decade. The Missouri Tigers present a very interesting case. The Tigers seem to be turning things around and if they can finish with a at least a 8-8 record in conference and win one game in the Big 12 Tournament, they would have 20 wins and a top 5 finish in the conference. This would put them right on the bubble and would give them shot at the tournament. The Kansas State Wildcats only need a couple more wins to almost secure them of a bid. However, they are not exactly flying to the finish, but barring a major collapse they should be just about a lock for the tournament for the first time in a long time.
Crowdless
Girl’s Basketball team gains crowd support after slow start By: Brandon Wolz The noise is deafening, the booming voices are shaking the rafters, the crowd is so loud that it is hard to think. For the varsity girls’ basketball team, undefeated, and on the verge of a state championship, a wild atmosphere should be expected, but the sad part is, it is not. “It is a little frustrating but not a big deal,” junior forward Taylor Simpson said, “ It does make it more fun when there are more people.” The attendance for the girls’ games has been poor this season, even though the team is having one of their best years ever. The loyal fans that do attend have strong faith in them. “I always know the girls will win if I go,” senior fan Colin Solsberg said. On the other hand, the boys’ varsity basketball team is playing in front of larger crowds even though they have only won a handful of games; still many people believe that the boys’ games are more appealing to watch. “They are more competitive, more exciting, and more physical,” senior fan Colin Graham said. Some believe that it is the style of play. “Boys’ players are notorious for being more athletic,” junior guard Chris Weber said, “They are known to jump higher and run faster.” Some even believe that it is an attribute of boy’s basketball. “Boys can dunk but girls can’t,” Simpson said.
Empty Seats. Girls basketball lacks fan that other sports may get. Photo/ Whitney
The boys’ team might be more fun to watch, but the girls’ team has been the more dominant force. This season they are third in class 5-A of the state, and one of the top twenty teams in the nation. They have made the final four of state three of the last four seasons and have been in the final eight of state the last four seasons. There are a lot of different opinions why fewer people are attending the girls’ games. Some people believe it is the margin of victory. “Everyone expects the girls to win,” junior fan Courtenay McCanless said, “ Games get boring at the end because they win by so much.” Some believe it is the type of game the girls play. “The girls are not as intense,” Solsberg said, “The boys’ games have more action and they play quicker.” Recently there seems to have been a switch in attendance, with more people going to the girls’ games and fewer people
support Norton
going to the boys’ games. Never was that more evident for the girls than at their game versus North. They had one of, if not, their largest crowd of the season, almost selling out. It was an impressive feat but the girls’ players want to continue to see that kind of support for the rest of the season. “I think that more people should be coming to the games,” Simpson said. The fans of the boys’ team believe that their recent dwindling attendance is because of their play. “There are less people at the boys’ games because they have not been playing as well,” Graham said. Maybe the boy’s team will be able to string up a few more wins to end the year. Maybe the girls’ team will finish the year undefeated and go the distance in the playoffs. Another state appearance would earn the girls’ team more respect and support along the way. “If they go to state, a lot more people will come,” McCanless said.
Hi.Life -February 23, 2007
Court to Field
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Pep, pep, pep it up!
Photos by : Cameron Wiley Layout by : Elizabeth Fuller
After two snow days, the Courtwarming Pep Assembly was moved to Friday. Following a shortened schedule students filed into the Fieldhouse for a time to celebrate. With Mr. Tiger dancers, steppers, jazz band and doughnut eating contests, this assembly proved to be an enjoyable one. Royalty was presented and this year’s king, senior Clay Stanger, was crowned. ALL THAT JAZZ - Senior Aaron Jones played saxophone for jazz band at the Courtwarming Assembly.
STEP IT UP - Junior Ramaad Morris led the Steppers in a stomping extravaganza.
PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ - Sophomore Allison Lindmark was escorted by sophomores Brett Stoddard and Drew Coffman.
WALK IT OUT - Mr. Tiger candidates Trent Larson, Alex Russell, Matthew Gratton, and Aaron Jones danced to a song by the Black Eyed Peas.
Hi.Life - February 23, 2007
STUFF YOUR FACE - Senior Colin Solsberg, Officer John Keck, Junior Matt McDevitt participated in the pep assemblies doughnut eating contest.
LSHS FAN SEATING - Students in the crowd stood up and did the wave during the pep assembly last Friday. KOOL KAT! - Senior Clay Stanger was crowned Courtwarming King.