Volume 83, Issue 5 Lee’s Summit High School
On a caffeine high Page 12
Contents
Boys Wrestling p. 22
>>
Winter Fashion p. 11
Cheat Sheet p. 6
2
HI.LIFE - November 17, 2006
Dogface Avenger p. 17
Caffeine Addiction p. 12
CRANIUM CONVERSATION
3
Letter
EDITOR’S LETTER
I don’t think that everyone who is reading this issue really appreciates how much some staff members and I put into it. There are daily deadlines, late night page placements and weekend photographs. This is not just an hour a day that we spend to roam the halls and check out what is new at the Tiger Post. This is our publication, and to me, my publication is my future. As I plan on taking on journalism as my professional career I take this experience as my first ‘internship.’ I hope that everyone can understand the importance of this issue alone, in just the amount of time spent on it, and its professionalism. If there are any problems, such as in the last issue, we would like to hear from you on how we could make our publications more professional. We try very hard to fix everything we can but when deadlines are not met and stories not done correctly the first time it is hard to fix them before printing off 300 copies of each spread with some taking up to three hours each, others taking about 30 to 45 minutes, and with 12 spreads that is a total of about 14 hours. We print each spread on our own in our journalism lab, we also hand fold and stuff 300 copies of each of the six-two sided spreads making 1,800 folded pieces of paper stuffed inside of one another. All of these numbers add up to one thing: dedication. That is dedication to the paper, to the readers and to the school. We want to prove that we are an elite publication and I hope that it was proven to you through this issue. As I wrote earlier, if you have any comments on how to improve our paper just contact us at the information provided below. Sincerely,
Courtney Paige Stoddard Editor-In-Chief Lee’s Summit High School Hi.Life
On The Web www.jlabmag.org- 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
3 Things I Learned From This Issue
1
2 3
I love the show Made. It is almost unbelieveable about that rumor I heard about our own Erik Dierking being on it. Page 8
What if the wrestler’s hydration is not between 1.000 and 1.025? Exactly how do they loose that extra bit of fat to make weight? Page 22
CMSU is changing their name to UMC. The only problem is that it still does not spell ‘mule.’ Page 4.
Staff List
Editor-in-chief: Courtney Stoddard Graphics Editor: Garrick Hall Photography Editor: Cameron Wiley Features Editor: Josiah Jones, Jordan Markway News Editor: Kelsey Leftwich Opinions Editor: Matt Gratton Entertainment Editors: Erik Dierking, Sydney Rohan Sports Editor: Bobby Hagedorn Fashion Editor: Crystal Lawson Webpage Designer: Greg Kinman Webcast Editor: Ashley Moran Copy Editor: Casse Oberweather Bussiness Manager:Kelsey Hedberg Writers: Aaron Hanshaw Jason Kingsolver Ryan Atkins Amber Laddish Laura Reed Ryan Williams Andrew Hoien Meighan Walsh Tyler Fromson Bethany Nonnemaker Melanie McIlroy Caitlin Swdley Melanie Roberson Caty Case Michelle Hubbard Chris Mathews Rebecca Burdant Photographers: Adrien Cappanetto David Fiser Baily Greer Chris Kinman Graphic Designer: Danny Shawbaker Advisor: Marc Russell
HI.LIFE - November 17, 2006
Dear Hi.Life readers,
4
NEWS
LEFT SIDE
University re-thinks image Admission policies escape latest changes By: Caty Case
BY: KELSEY LEFTWICH NEWS EDITOR In August, Lee’s Summit passed an ordinance that outlawed smoking in most enclosed public places, including restaurants and bars, along with 249 cities nationwide, according to the American Nonsmokers’ Rights
Hi.Life - November 17th, 2006
Foundation. I support nonsmokers’ rights, but I also support the rights of smokers and business owners. It’s not the city’s place to tell business owner’s what they can and cannot do in their own businesses. Owners of establishments should have the right to conduct their business in any way they see fit. This should include whether or not they want to allow smoking in their building. Second-hand smoke is dangerous. I know that many consumers would like to enjoy their meal without second-hand smoke, but why should the preferences of some determine how all dine? No one forces anyone into their establishment, and many restaurants choose not allow smoking. Those who want to should be allowed. On Nov. 7, Lee’s Summit voted to have the ban apply to restaurants that built separate smoking rooms and to taverns. The exceptions will remain for private clubs or tobacco shops. Playing the devil’s advocate, I speak out against this ordinance to anyone who will listen. Most of the time I get accused of smoking and supporting the evil tobacco corporations. This isn’t simply an issue of smoking; it’s an issue of rights.
Anxiety grows more intense as senior Jarod Abel eagerly awaits a letter of acceptance from the Naval Academy. If Abel is not accepted, his back up plan is to attend UCM, recently known as CMSU. While UCM is a back up plan for Abel, senior Melissa Drake feels that UCM is the only decision for her. “[UCM] is close to home but far enough away to get away from parents, but I can still come home on the weekend,” Drake said Tuition impacted Abel’s decision to have UCM as a back-up plan. “[UCM] is cheaper than MU and newer colleges,” Abel said. UCM was renamed from CMSU in Sept of 2006. “I still call it CMSU instead of UCM because I haven’t gotten things switched over yet. It takes getting used to saying the name a bit,” guidance secretary Nancy Frick said. A year and a half ago a bill was passed to
authorize a name change. This was approximately the same time that Southwest Missouri State transitioned to Missouri State University and other colleges shifted to their new names. “[The process] gave us two years to decide if we wanted to change or not. We had a lot to decide on campus with the faculty, staff, and students. The board of government decided to change the name. In September, the board meeting made the decisions for 2007 to change,” UCM Director of University Relations Jeff Morris said. With a decision like the name change, there are always good and bad consequences. “You always have to wonder about those CMSU graduates whose diplomas say CMSU, what they think about the name change,” Frick said. Just because the name has changed, it does not mean everything has changed. “There are no new requirements at this time. There
Acception Expectations. All CMSU athletic gear will have to be replaced with UCM gear. 8,143 students attend UCM, formally CMSU. Photo/ AP
is some discussion about increasing requirements, but as of right now everything is going to stay the same,” Morris said. The school, first started in 1871 as State Normal School, District #2, has gone through numerous changes. In 1919 it was changed to Central Missouri State Teachers College, then to Central Missouri State College in 1946, and then again to Central Missouri State University in 1971. With the school’s many changes, its faculty and staff has had a bright outlook each time. “The old name is gone. We have a new plan, our budget starts in July, and by August we are
hoping CMSU will be gone. Later our business cards will be changed, and the name of the website will be changed, but we don’t know what to yet. We are very excited about it. We have a new vision and new plans,” Morris said. Of the 2006 graduating class, 41 students attend UCM and receive educations. “As far as I know nothing has changed. They have always offered a great deal of scholarships to our students,” Frick said. The college is one that has been through its share of change, and this name change will expand things and raise their standards.
News 5
Book Case
Library entices readers with teen-friendly events
By: Bethany Nonnemaker on in January. “The activities that occur here are almost always free,” Stuart-Bayer said. Activities in the library can be fun and gives students a different place to go to, and most of all it is cheap. “The more activities we come up with will help bring more and more people in and it encourages them to come back,” Stuart-Bayer said. Stuart-Bayer is trying to come up with activities to bring students to the library. She thinks it will help kids start coming to the library more often. It is working too. The percentage rate of books being checked out this year is rising. Librarian Kathi Hertzog thinks it has to do with Teen Read Week and the Gateway books. Whatever the reason, it is exciting to the librarians to see that more students are reading. “Information about our activities are on posters around the school and on the school announcements,” Stuart-Bayer said. The information is all around the school so the opportunity of doing something fun and exciting will not be missed.
Media Center Events ✓ Acoustic
Fridays
various Fridays throughout the year ✓ Dance
Dance Revolution Contests starts again next semester
✓
Gateway Reading Pizza Party March 2nd
✓
Poetry Slam December 5th
✓
Research Scholarship January
Hi.Life - November 1`7, 2006
A
ll of a sudden, there is a loud cheering coming from people somewhere inside of the school. Basketball practice is not going on so it is not coming from the field house. The fall musical is not performing, so it cannot be coming from the PAC. Walking around the A-building though, the sound of laughing and happy voices is getting closer. It is coming from the library. The days of a mean and grumpy librarian shushing students to stop talking are over. Instead the Media Center is an exciting and fun place to visit. “I come to the library to use the computers to finish papers for my classes,” senior Roxann Cates said. Other students, like Cates, come to the library to research information, check email and grades, and finish projects. Cates thinks it is a privilege to be able to use the computers because in other schools students are not allowed to use them. Going to the library does not always mean checking out books or using the computers though. “There are a lot of fun and different activities going on in the library this year,” librarian Sandy Stuart-Bayer said. Some activities that have happened this year in the media center were Teen Read Week, the book fair, Dance Dance Revolution contests, and Acoustic Fridays. There is no need to worry though because there are still more activities coming up. Right now the librarians are encouraging students to read the Gateway books. If students read three or more books by Mar. 2 they are eligible to attend a pizza party and vote for their favorite book, but if students read fifteen books they get to put their name in a drawing to win a fifty-dollar gift certificate to Borders. In December the media center is hosting a poetry contest, Poetry Slam, for anyone who wants to share his or her poetry to others. Then the LMC Research Scholarship for seniors will be going
The Possibilities. When one is in the library they are able to check out books and use the computers for assignments. “ I use the computers and check out books for class assignments,” senior Roxann Cates said. Cates checks out books twice a month. Photo/ Olivia McGhee
6 Features
Simplifying school
Students and administrator’s discuss cheating
Hi.Life-November 17, 2006
A cheater is defined by Webster’s dictionary as someone who uses deceit or trickery to gain an unfair advantage. Another definition defines cheating as dishonest or unfair; the obtaining of somebody else’s property by dishonest means. The actual definition of cheating makes it sound harsh and dishonest. “I use my plan book as a cover sheet and write the answers on the pages or I put flashcards in my hoodie,” freshman Holly Whited said. Students such as Whited feel that school is a lot of ‘busy-work’ and pointless worksheets. Cheating seems to be the easy way out and does not seem like it would be wrong or dishonest. “It’s not wrong because you still understand the material, you are just too lazy to actually do the work,” Whited said. Other students feel that cheating is wrong, but still cheat because they are afraid of failing. When a class becomes hard and a student feels pressure they are more likely to cheat. “I cheat because I don’t know the answer and it is just easier,” Junior Erik Bittner said. The consequences of cheating are much worse then the consequences of a bad grade on a paper or test. Getting caught cheating could not only ruin a reputation but also a GPA. The discipline guidelines are in the Student Plan book. “It doesn’t matter what class the third offense is in, if you cheat three times, on your third offense you will loose all credit for that class,” assistant principal Jeff Meisenheimer said. Cheating not only hurts the cheater, but also the people that get cheated off of. The students that study and do the work like they are supposed to should not be receiving the same grades as students who copy their work. “I have better things to do. I don’t want to waste my social time doing homework and studying,” said Bittner.
By: Melanie McIlroy
Easy Grades. Junior Erik Bittner is guilty of cheating. “Technology is making cheating so much easier these days, there is getting to be no way to stop it from happening” Bittner said. Photo by/ Adrian Capinetto
Students that have got in trouble to cheating once usually do not repeat their mistake. “Usually students who cheat didn’t prepare for that class and desperately want to do well in school. It is most often on homework or big projects. Luckily, I can’t remember any students I have seen more than once for
cheating,” Meisenheimer said. Even thought Bittner cheats occassionally, he knows that what he is doing is wrong. “Yes, cheating is wrong because it’s unfair to the students who actually do the work,” Bittner said. Students are not just cheating themselves, but others too.
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Safety First
Securing the campus is a top priority
Features 7
By: Melanie Roberson Campus security Steve O’Hora, has just called Officer John Keck, an armed person is trying to enter the school. Officer Keck puts on a bulletproof vest and rushes to the scene. Secretary Anna Aldridge is issuing a code red. Every door in the school is being locked and secured. This is what O’Hora expects to happen if an armed person came upon the campus. “We know our students pretty well. It’s people that don’t go to our school we need to worry about. Attendance secretary, Nancy Fletcher, is good and can tell if somebody’s up to no good,” O’Hora said. Campus security, John Lindmark, said there is no need to worry about school shootings happening on the campus. “This campus is more secure than other schools. North doesn’t have anyone other than a police officer, and West only has one person for campus security. There are four of us. Also, there are not more school shootings, just more reported, and they like to blow it
up more than it is,” Lindmark said. Campus security, Les Knutson, who started last January, believes that the students themselves make the school a safer place to be. “The students can tell someone if they think something’s going to happen. I think those kids [involved in the shootings] are scared to talk an adult. We’re all here for you,” Knutson said. Knutson, Lindmark, O’Hora, and Officer Keck all have busy and active days. “I look for people in the parking lots. I know students might come out to their cars during the day, or have to leave, so I look for people who aren’t students. I also make sure the doors are being locked,” Knutson said. Campus security makes sure no trespassers are on campus. “If we see a stranger, we go up to them and say, ‘Hey, what’s up? What are doing here?’” Lindmark said. In recent years, the school has been
cracking down on security. “Security has been stepped up. We got better security out in the parking lots. We get to know the kids more and get more adapted to the surroundings,” Lindmark said.
Caught on Tape. Lee’s Summit North High School has security cameras surrounding the building. “We don’t need cameras. We have enough eyes on our school,” John Lindmark said. According to Lindmark it would be too expensive to put security cameras around our school. Photo/ Bailey Greer
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8 Features As an opposing player steps up to the free throw line, the student section roars. It is late in the game, the players are exhausted, and the fans are all anticipating a spectacular finish. This is the scene at many boys’ basketball games. The scene is quite different at the girls’ games. There is no full student section, and while the fans that do come out are loyal, the rowdiness displayed at a boys game is lost. Coach Brian Bubalo, the head coach of the Lady Tigers, thinks he knows why. “You get different things from the boys’ games. There’s more strength and speed involved. You also won’t be seeing our girls dunking. We just can’t fly through the air like that,” Bubalo said. Bubalo acknowledges the fact that the Lady Tigers do not get as much support
Gender Bender Empty seats not reflective of how boys and girls teams have played
as the men, but he is very thankful for the dedicated fans that are regulars at games. “Everybody would like to have a packed house, but we’ve got a good core group of supporters. We appreciate those people that come to the games. They really are loyal fans. That’s good to have, because the girls play better if there’s a good, vocal crowd. They just play harder,” Bubalo said. Senior Danielle Adams, a star player for the Lady Tigers, is also very grateful for the support the team receives and would like to continue to see more of it. “It’s great to know the fans are there for you,”
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By: Aaron Hanshaw
Loud Crowd. Sophomore Robbie Beckert and freshman Kala Cooper cheer for the tigers in the gym. “The boy’s game is really more interesting,” coach Brian Bubalo said. Both teams will play in November. Photo illustration by/ Chris Kinman
Adams said. “To hear the fans, it really gets us pumped up.” Adams also sees the value in intimidating the opposing team with the crowd. “Some of the other teams get nervous when they hear the crowd. It really gets them off their game,” Adams said. As for the other gender, Coach Keith Miller was very happy with the backing that his boys team received last season. They had a rough year, finishing 3-22, but still were very fortunate to have a lot of fans at home games. “I thought that the attendance to the boys games was very good last year. It would have been very easy for kids not to come based on our record,” Miller said. Miller said that his players respond a lot better when the fieldhouse is packed
than when there are only a few people there. Miller also said that he hopes both basketball teams get some fans in the stands when the season comes. He especially believes the Lady Tigers have earned the right to have a big fan base this season. “They deserve to have a good following. They have had some excellent teams and players that most definitely deserve more support from the student body than they have been receiving,” Miller said. So, when the boys basketball team opens at home on Nov. 28 against Blue Springs South, they are wanting to have the fan support continue. As well, when the girls team opens at home, on Dec. 7 against Raytown South, they are anticipating a full student section.
A young teen who has just started a new job walks into a room with shiny machines and hard, plastic surfaces, is handed a manual, and told to follow all the directions in it and everything will work fine. For fast food workers, this can either be good, or bad. “I like working with the people [at McDonalds]. I get along with my coworkers,” junior Kathleen Ross said. Ross works part-time at McDonalds. While Ross may like her job at a fast food restaurant, junior Jacob Carpenter did not enjoy his time working at Burger King. “The job sucks. Customers are rude and you have to do everything really quick and you have to
hurry so you can wait some more. That’s basically what the entire job is,” Carpenter said. Carpenter worked for six months at the Burger King by Dickinson Theaters. “I was a cook for a little bit. I wouldn’t eat there because half the stuff that’s made there is really old. We got shipments off the truck and it was pre-packaged,” Carpenter said. The meat at most fast food restaurants is precooked and pre-packaged. Despite this fact, people still eat at fast food restaurants. “I actually don’t prepare the food, but I’ve seen it done. You have to remember everything that goes on a certain sandwich and you have to remember
By: Meighan Walsh
everything that comes to run a fast food restaurant with it. The meat and smoothly and efficiently. everything’s frozen, but we grill it when it’s ordered, so its fresh,” Ross said. According to the signs, McDonalds has served over 89 million people, and that number is changing everyday. “It’s hectic, there’s people coming in and out all the time,” Ross said. This can lead to some problems for a staff that is short-handed. “The management [at Burger King] sucks. They Quick to Serve. Junior Kathleen keep on calling you in Ross has worked at McDonald’s four months. “You are when you’re supposed to for constantly moving every two hours be off,” Carpenter said. to work all of the positions,” Ross The fast food industry said. McDonalds is a busy and has much more than what hectic work pace according to Ross. Photo by/ Olivia McGhee people would think. It takes a large team of hard working people to be able
Peculiar BehaviorsOdd habits try patience
The bitter touch of an ice cube against the skin, waiting for the sharp tip of a needle to pierce right through the flesh, is one way to occupy this bored teenage girl. “I first started doing it last year when I just got bored and started piercing my self,” sophomore Emily Chamberlain said. Chamberlain’s mom did not like her to get piercings, so she decided to just do them herself. “I have two in each ear, one cartilage and I used to have two belly button piercings. I did the cartilage and both belly button piercings myself,” Chamberlain said. Chamberlain has done 15 piercings and six cartilage piercings on her friends. “I want to get two more in each ear, another cartilage, my belly button redone, a nose ring and maybe my lip pierced,” Chamberlain said. Chamberlain holds a piece of ice on her cartilage and jamms the earring through. This is how she does these piercings. She did her belly button two times the same way as her ears. “In fourth grade my teacher asked
Features 9
if I had Turrets,” sophomore Kirt Wilkerson said. Wilkerson’s habit is known to happen at the wrong time. “I could just be sitting in class when I hear someone say something really stupid and I just yell it out repeating what they said,” Wilkerson said. Wilkerson does not like this habit because he gets in trouble during class and it seems to take place in bad situations. “If I want to go somewhere, I have a major habit of usually walking the other way in a totally opposite direction from where I’m wanting to go and I can never help it,” sophomore Brittney McCall said. McCall’s habit used to annoy her because she could never get where she wanted to go the first time. McCall has had this habit for so long, she is used to it now. “I have a habit of crushing all of my chips before I eat them,” sophomore Ryan Goodwin said. Goodwin eats his chips crushed up into tiny little pieces. “My habit came up when my friend Emily karate chopped my chips so I
By:Caitlin Swadley
had to eat them all crushed up. After that I liked my chips better crushed up so I have done that ever since,” Goodwin said. Goodwin also has a habit of eating his pizza evenly across and his burgers around the edges. “When ever I eat my pizza I have to eat each side evenly across the whole time because it just irritates me when it is uneven,” Goodwin said. People have interesting habits that are either noticeable or not even realized but, when they are seen, these habits can be hard not to stare upon.
Perilous Piercing. Emily Chamberlain pierces her ears while bored. Piercing oneself is a bad habit because “infection is the main danger. Infection anywhere in your body can become serious,” nurse Jill Dusing said. Excessive bleeding depending on areas pierced is a risk too. Photo/ Chris Kinman
Hi.Life - November 17, 2006
Burger Flippin’
Students express experiences of working in a fast food restaurant
10 Features
Grapevine whispers in the halls Do students conform or are they cast out? By: Ryan Atkins
Hi.Life-November 17, 2006
The high school environment can be a war zone. People are destroyed under the pressure to fit in. People occasionally believe that the ends justify the means to destroy these people and spread rumors. People can ignore the rumors or prove them false. Or else rumors can turn a person who is relatively unknown into a celebrity almost overnight. The reasons why rumors start and the effects on those who people spread rumors about have been long debated by sociologists and psychologists. Recently, a rumor has spread about senior Erik Dierking. According to this rumor, Dierking is going to be on Made, which is a show on MTV where teenagers are “made” into what they want to be with the assistance of a Made coach. The rumor was that the 6’2 1/2” senior wanted to be made into a college football player and he wanted to go on Made to achieve that goal. The rumor spread through the student body within a week. “I heard he was going to be on Made,” senior Whitney Sanders said. When freshman Cassie Sigmund was asked if she spread the rumor she said that she did not tell anyone about Erik. In other situations, the rumors that are spread are more often negative and malicious than positive and helpful. However, according to experts that were interviewed, the effects of a rumor are usually relative to the rumor itself. “It depends on the person. The way rumors affect people are by what a rumor is, topic of the rumor, and social perceptions,” sociology teacher Janet Sloan said. According to Sloan, the type of rumor can also come into play. “There are so many reasons. (They) want attention, to cause pain and injury, something that a person has heard and wants to spread the rumor and do not think of consequences,” psychology teacher Debbie Baanders said. Baanders also said that rumors could be very hurtful and cause people to be angry. “It depends on why someone spreads a rumor. If someone is telling a story, they will feel good after spreading the
rumor. If the rumor intends to harm a person, it depends on the existence of the person’s conscience,” Sloan said However, Baanders feels that rumors are primarily negative. “Oftentimes people feel guilty if they realize how much pain they’ve caused,” Baanders said. On the subject of a one’s reputation being affected by a rumor, the experts had different responses. “It would depend on the content of the rumor. If the rumor is credible, the level of harmfulness or harmlessness, and subject matter are all factors,” Sloan said. “The person’s reputation can be affected quite seriously. The rumor can be quite detrimental and can ruin the high school experience for the person,” Baanders said. When asked about how a rumor could possibly be stopped, the responses were similar. “It depends on if the rumor is true, the willingness of a person to address the rumor, whether or not the person even cares about the rumor, and talking to the source of the rumor. If the rumor is out of control though, the person can go to the authorities,” Sloan said “I guess there are a couple different ways. You can either confront the person or ignore the rumor. The best way though, is to hope people know you enough
Made-Up. Senior Erik Dierking poses for his fake television debut. Sophomore Cassie Sigman believed the rumor. “I though it was really cool. I saw the football he carried around, and since I’m really nosey, I just had to ask him about it. I didn’t spread it though,” Sigman said. Photo by/ Olivia McGhee
Caffeine Rush
F E AT U R E S E D I T O R S Jordan Markway & Josiah Jones
A very common and popular thing to do in the mornings is to get a dose of your daily coffee to give you an extra boost. Students will normally wake up earlier than they normally would for their special drink of choice. Does coffee become more popular to drink in the winter? Even though you have a choice of getting it hot or with ice. Another thing to think about is; do you really get energy from the caffiene or is it all just a mind game that messes with you. In my opinion I think it is the caffiene does give you energy. And I wonder why not very many people drink just plain coffee anymore? There are so many different flavors you can choose from and ways it can be made. When I make a stop at Starbucks I often buy a Carmel Machiatto with ice or hot depending on the day. When I feel like going to QT I always get french vanilla. It all just depends. I hope to leave all hi.life readers thinking about that balance between being energized and caffienated.
By: Laura Reed
S
tyle Star
Fashion 11
Student flaunts her fashion flair Q & A: Leaves are falling, colors are fading, and the drab neutrals of winter are approaching. Most wardrobes are dull, but senior Brielle Huke’s clothing is anything but ordinary. Hi.Life: Where do you get your ideas for your outfits?
Brielle: My favorite brand of make-up would have to be Mac. I love it because it is bold and dramatic.
Hi.Life: Do you plan to pursue a career in fashion?
Brielle: I would enjoy being in the ‘fashion world.’ I would like to design clothes, be a make-up artist, or a photographer.
Brielle: I think of what will look good together. I brainstorm about pieces of clothing that I have and put them together in my head, and ask myself, “Will this look good?” Fancy Favorites. Brielle wears her favorite pair of Guess boots along with her black leggings. Photo / Bailey Greer
Hi.Life: How would you describe your personal style? Brielle: I don’t have a specific style. What I wear varies from day to day with my moods.
Hi.Life: Where is your favorite store to shop at?
Brielle: If I had a lot of money I would
Hi.Life: How do you want others
go to Bebe, but I like to shop around at Target or T.J. Max. I’m not picky where I get my clothes.
Brielle: I try to present myself in
to perceive your style of clothing?
a nice and classy fashion.
Hi.Life: What is the most expensive clothing item you have ever purchased, and where did you purchase it? Brielle: I once bought a pair of jeans from Bebe for $130.
Hi.Life: How often do you go clothes Hi.Life - November 3, 2006
shopping? Brielle: I don’t go very often. I mix and match the clothes that I already have.
Hi.Life: Out of everything that you own, what is your favorite outfit to wear? Brielle: My favorite outfit to wear is my casual black snake dress with my black Guess boots.
Hi.Life: Where do you get your jewelry and other accessories? Brielle: I buy my accessories at Target and some of the other stores that I buy my clothes from. Simply Sassy. Brielle dresses up her outfit with classy accessories and a cropped jacket. Photo / Bailey Greer
Hi.Life: What is your favorite brand of make-up and why?
Zipped Up. Brielle shows off fashions newest trends by wearing a layered look. Photo / Bailey Greer
Features 12
Teen Caf-feinds By: Ryan Williams
It has taken over society and its teens. More and more teens are turning to it because of the ability it gives people to stay awake and re-energize the body. There is a concern, however, of its constant intake. It has been linked to heart disease and bladder cancer, and society is beginning to worry about teens. According to science teacher Bruce Holder caffeine is the most widely used drug on the planet. “People get sick when they come off of caffeine,” Holder said. “It’s a person’s personal choice. Your choice to smoke, or not smoke; drink beer or not drink beer; or drink caffeine or not.” Holder explained that during the swim season his athletes are not allowed to drink caffeine because it keeps your heart rate up and disrupt sleeping habits. “Ever since I was 8 years old, I had liked caffeine,” senior Collin Nading said. Nading admitted to the addictive effects of caffeine and has recently retired from its use. “I used to be pretty much addicted,” Nading said. “I would drink about four sodas a night.” Nading claimed that the caffeine did do wonders to keep him up, but the ongoing effects of the constant
Hi.Life-November 17, 2006
The best part of waking up Beep! Beep! Beep! The alarm goes off in the morning too early each time. Eyes halfway open, rolling out of bed with the taste of bad breath, junior Daniel Patterson wakes up for yet another day ahead of him. After his shower he gets dressed and heads off to Quik Trip with friends for his daily dose of energy. “I go to Quik Trip every morning with my friends and I get a 32 oz. drink. I get a different type of drink every time
Teens discover drug of new century
caffeine intake did not make him feel like himself. “I would get lots of headaches,” Nading said. “It definitely wasn’t worth it.” Nading stated that being off of the caffeine now makes him feel much healthier, after being an addict of caffeine for more than half of his life. “I don’t think it [caffeine] is good for you,” Nading said. According to junior Alyssa Kennedy, having four sodas a day is a ‘no-no;’ but when a person has to be awake for seven hours of school, caffeine can give that boost.
Sugar Rush. People take caffeine pills or drink energy drinks to get extra energy throughout the day. “Too much caffeine can raise your blood pressure,” Nurse Jill Dusing said. Side effects of caffeine are: being jittery, not able to eat, and being nervous. Photo/ Bailey Greer
By: Caty Case
“It’s great to wake up in the morning and have some coffee,” Kennedy said. Although Kennedy stated she does not drink soda with caffeine, she still gets her fix from coffee. However, coffee has a higher amount of caffeine than both Coke (34 mg) and Mountain Dew (55 mg). Coffee can contain anywhere from 64 mg of caffeine to 100 mg of caffeine. “I drink coffee probably twice a week,” Kennedy said. “It makes your day in the morning because it’s so yummy.” The argument for a restriction on the teenage caffeine intake says that caffeine addictions are similar to drug addictions. Charles F. Withal, a researcher on the effects of caffeine, has said that there are more coffee addicts in the US than drug addicts of any other kind. “It depends on the person,” Kennedy said. “I don’t like the word ‘addict’; but yeah, it’s similar to a drug.” Caffeine has spread its influence worldwide and has worked wonders for teens in the morning. Teens are not aware of the lethal effects of caffeine. Think of caffeine as cough medicine; a designated amount is good but more then prescribed could harm people in different ways.
Drinks that boost the average morning energy level
I go. Some don’t work like they should, some give you a boost. They can make you really hyper and that’s never good for me,” said Patterson. Like Patterson, History teacher Curtis Cook needs his morning get up and go as well. “I drink about a pot [of coffee] a day. I drink it everyday, less on the weekends though,” Cook said. Cook gets up each morning comes to school and automatically starts his
pot of coffee for the day. “If I don’t drink it I shake more than normal. It generally puts me in a good mood and makes me happy. I love coffee so much, I love it more than I love children,” Cook said. Whether it be coffee or one of the various energy drinks invented, getting the morning jump-start for the rest of the day maybe critical.
Headaches/Migranes Panic Attacks Trouble Sleeping
Irregular Heartbeat Heart Disease High Blood Pressure
Stomach Pain Nausea Liver Disease
How Much?
Secretly hidden in that bite of chocolate or sip of iced tea is caffeine. Exactly how much is hidden in those are clariďŹ ed in the chart below.
Mountain Dew
12 oz 55.5 mg
Chocolate
1.5 oz 10 mg
Dark Chocolate
1.5 oz 31 mg
Iced Tea
12 oz 70 mg
Coke
12 oz 35.4 mg
Dr. Pepper
12 oz 42 mg
Sprite
12 oz 0 mg
Twitching Muscles
By: Danny Shawbaker
Bladder Cancer
Caffeine, like most drugs, affects numerous parts of the body.
Diet Coke Source: celestialhealing.net
By: Garrick Hall
12 oz 46.5 mg
Source: cspinet.org
Wake-Up Call Caffeine hides in more than just coffee. Finger tapping, shaky hands, and frequent stress are common symptoms of caffeine addiction. A severe overdose could lead to seizures, and even death. When caffeine is brought up in discussion, coffee usually comes to mind. These symptoms, and more, are seen in people all over the world. There is just one problem. Most of these people do not even drink coffee. Even a seemingly
healthy person may be on the brink of addiction. The reason for this is that several everyday food products have sneaked in their share of milligrams. That fun-sized chocolate bar from Halloween could lead to an addiction deadlier than most drugs. A Starbucks Frappucino contains more than three times the caffeine as Pepsi in each bottle. A regular Sunkist has as much as a Coca-Cola. There are many
weight control aids that contain a lot of caffeine, such as a daily dose of Dexatrim (200 mg), Dietac daily dose (200 mg), and Prolamine (280 mg.) Research shows that children should not consume more than 100 mg of caffeine a day. Energy drinks and pain relievers have very high caffeine levels. They contain Guarana, which comes from Brazilian seeds and has a lot of
By: Tyler Fromson
caffeine. Caffeine is present in everything we eat, from a nice, relaxing cup of tea to common cold relief or pain reliever medications. To cut back on intake, it is best to gradually decrease instead of all at once, which could lead to severe headaches. It is getting harder and harder to cut back these days, as more companies choose to slip in the drug as if it were a normal ingredient.
Hi.Life - November 17, 2006
Negative Effects
Features 13
14 Opinions
Bark at the Moon
The rival team lines up in front of the line of scrimage. The stands roar, A pass to the home star receiver. He runs it down the field. Dodge, turn, dive, and TOUCHDOWN! Then without warning, a naked man runs onto the field. He is chased by several out of shape security gaurds making the prideful win, rather commical. Several people would consider this a worst case scenario of the dress code not being enforced at sporting events. “If the end result of someone streaking was negative I’d be mad, but I’d still have to find the humor in it,” head football coach Mike Spiegel said. When I asked Spiegel, “what would you do if someone streaked the game?” his reply was one that most people would probably have, “I’d laugh,” the coach said. If the reason for someone streaking was to gain personal fame, then I think thats just wrong, but if they were doing it because we needed a huge emotional boost and people were
By Matthew Gratton
sitting in the stands wondering when we’d lose the ball again, then yeah! Do it! I don’t want to sound confusing, I’m not condoning streaking, though it is hilarious. I’m just saying that it is okay to laugh, and get pumped about the game. If for some people that could be stripping off their shirts and spelling ‘Tigers’ on their chests, I couldn’t care less, it would probably even make me yell louder.
Staff Editorial
When the dress code is enforced at sporting events it does help us focus more on the game and give the game more overall respect. But when two certain individuals painted their entire bodies black, for a certain homecoming game, that had the certain theme of ‘Blackout,’ it was definitely very spirited and helped raise morale a-ton. If we had more people like them, I think next year we could take state by the throat.
Animated Outlook
Hi.Life-November 3, 2006
During the mid-term elections; political propaganda, slander and blatant insults polluted our homes via TVs and telephones. Democrats and Republicans attacked each other in the most vicious manner seen in recent years. Here in Missouri, we experienced the blunt end of this due to the race for the senate chair. Both Claire McCaskill and Jim Talent received nationwide attention for their brutal attacks on issues, as well as each other. McCaskill introduced us to a shaking Michael J. Fox pleading for stem cell research, and Republican Rush Limbaugh criticized the Democratic approach. On the other side, Talent used slander to discredit McCaskill through out-of-context newspaper quotes and verbally assaulting her family’s nursing home business. This raises the question, when do government officials stop attacking each other and start working together to better the American way of life? These political ads didn’t much in swaying voters, rather they annoyed and haunted us in every area of the media. With so much rivalry between the two political
By Josh Wallace Why the school dress code is enforced at sporting events.
parties, it is a wonder that anything is done on Capital Hill. Before leaving office, George Washington warned his contemporaries that political parties would harm the government. A little over two hundred years later, we see the repercussions of his unheard warnings. 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 manner. We will be a bold and trusted publication that raises the bar of high school journalism. The Hi.Life 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.
Letters to the Editor
Outside Input
Features
Life is too short to not listen.
Drunk driving, the obvious, it kills more people than cancer each year; some of the time nothing happens and you escape with the thought, “Wow, I was too drunk to be driving,” and we’ve been told to please DON’T DO IT! Now, as someone who has almost lost -senior Caitlin Hatchette a father and a friend in a car accident, I’ll point out, accidents happen enough Dear Editor, without either party being intoxicated. I have been getting a lot of parking tickets lately, and for no So, as a resident of Lee’s Summit/Greenwood for about seven reason at all. I have purchased a parking permit but sometimes Iyears, I’ve realized nothing robs our friends of their youth, lives, drive a different car to school and I don’t transfer the sticker. and mobility more than car accidents. Start thinking about how The sticker loses its stickiness when you move it back and forth,many times LSHS has been in anguish because of the death or so they should give everyone more stickers in order to keep thesevere injury of our friends and aquaintances in car accidents. stickiness. I’m positive that everyone reading this has been touched by an accident that wasn’t even alcohol related. - senior Brigham Cook It has kind of an unspoken thing that alot of the students who drink in this school, drive drunk, on back country roads or right down 291 north. Dear Editor, No matter how unsafe, you usually never hear the friends I find that the API system is unneccsary in our school. It doesn’tprotesting even though everyone knows what could have really help anyone and many consider it to be a nuisance. happened. To fix this problem, API should be discontinued, classes should So why do our friends insist on gambling with their lives? resume as normal without advisory. Whether you drive drunk habitually or just once, something will happen. Lee’s Summit is smaller than you think. How many times do you see someone you know driving around? Do you -senior Tyler Daughertywant to cause a fatal crash with a complete stranger, or even your best friend who just happened to have different plans that night. Odds are, in your drunken state you won’t be the killed, and killing someone, by driving drunk is no accident. It’s Have a problem in the Lee’s Summit community? Want extremely preventable. to express that problem with other people through the Bottom line is, I love my life, family, and a lot of you, too Hi.Life? Write a “Letter to the Editor” or a column and much to drive drunk. Just find a designated driver, call a cab, or drop it off in Locker A 423 or Room 227. call me even. I’d rather be woken up at two in the morning than have you make a terrible mistake. Life is too short already, and as rebellious teens who have been told again and again not to drive drunk, perhaps it is time we should do what we are told.
Man on the Street Should the dress code be enforced at school sanctioned sporting events? No, because you have to be comfortable and you can’t with the dresscode
-freshman Javier Martinez
No, I don’t really care.
-senior Kathleen Sanders
No, I think if you had your shirts off it would be fine.
-junior Paige Finkbiner
No, you should be allowed to show your stomach and stuff.
-sophomore Braxton Schwaller
Hi.Life - November 17, 2006
Dear Editor, The problem is the doors. There are two doors connected an in door and an out door. Everyone seems to think it is just an out door, so the peopletrying to get out, can’t, and the people trying to get in have to push their way out.
16 Entertainment
Virtual Common Ground Age does not matter on this playing field.
How good are you? Teachers respond with modest answers.
“I’m okay, I’ve beaten the games, so I’m okay,” Darrin McBroom said.
“Probably not very good now,” Duane Fleck said photo: David Fiser
World of Gaming Teachers and students alike can gather together around computer screens. No matter the differences, people come together and work together. photo/AP
“Well, I mean, how good am I? I’m pretty good,” Brady Finch said. photo: David Fiser
to play. This adds a common ground for both teenagers and adults to relate with, and compete on equal terms. When someone picks up a controller, it doesn’t matter how old they are, it just matters how good they are. Brady Finch, band director, has been an avid gamer for quite a while. “I’ve had Nintendo, the [Sega] Genesis, the Super Nintendo, the Playstation, and the PS2, and have been recently been getting into World of Warcraft on Mac, which is of course a computer game,” Finch said. World of Warcraft is played worldwide over many servers with users numbering in the millions. This game is played by both kids and adults alike, and there are quite a few students that play as well. It is an online role-playing game that you play on a computer. “World of Warcraft has to be my favorite game ever, but it’s really time consuming,” Finch said. Other than computers, the consoles are also very popular among gamers. With online capabilities, about half of competitive gaming is on a console. The Xbox has been an online powerhouse for years with Xbox live. “My favorite Xbox game has been Halo or Halo 2,” history teacher Darrin McBroom said. One difference between adult and teenage gamers tends to be the ego. When several people were asked how good they were, students and teachers alike, the teacher’s answers tended to be more humble. Teenagers respond flamboyantly to this question speaking of their greatness with unbridled zeal and joy. Videogames, though viewed negatively by some, can create a positive atmosphere for people to relate to one another by a common interest. They can allow people to meet other people, and they can also be a test of character. So, when a high school student goes home and gets online, they could be playing with their history teacher, or some kid in their math class. These games, while creating an escape from reality, create something of a virtual common ground right here on Earth for everyone to share.
photo: David Fiser
Hi.Life-November 17, 2006
His eyes were bloodshot, his fingers numb, and sweat rolled down his face. Junior Gabe Jones stared intently at his computer monitor, and stalked his opponent. His character on the screen peeked around the corner and crept stealthily down a hillside, hiding behind rock formations and foliage, to the enemy base. He walked towards the archway entrance only to find his nemesis waiting for him, guns loaded and ready for blood. The battle that ensued bore yells from both players, but in the end Jones stood victoriously. Jones walked across the room and patted his father on the back, reassuring him that he might win some day. “I used to be able to beat him, but now I can’t even get close,” Gabe’s father, Todd Jones said. In today’s world, there is no doubt a gap exists between the way that teenagers and adults think. Focuses, social and educational, have shifted dramatically over the years, and today, teenagers are finding it more and more difficult to find a common ground in which to relate to their older counterparts. There are hardly any teenager that have never picked up a videogame controller.If not a controller, then perhaps a keyboard has aided in their adventure. “I never play in tournaments, but I play online,” history teacher Duane Fleck said. Teachers and parents alike sit at their computers to face off with their students and children. More and more adults are getting into videogames every year, as the games get more and more available
photo: David Fiser
H
By: Aaron Wood
“I don’t fixate on gear and loot, I enjoy the quest,” Laura Fleck said. Source: Aaron Wood
By: Meighan Walsh
Band members share about their band’s background
It all started with a dream. A dream had by their keyboardist Quincy Wofford. “A man in his dream told Qunicy, ‘the band shall be called Dogface Avenger’. Quincy told me and I said ‘all right,’” guitarist Andrew Zahniser said. Dogface spawned from the former band ‘Until the Weekend’, which bassist Justin Olson and guitarist A.J. Sherrill were a part of. “A.J. asked me ‘do you wanna try out to be a singer?’ So I went over with my guitar, started playing, and I guess I was way better than the other guy. They kicked him out and I
came in,” Zahniser said. Zahniser then called drummer Elijah Wieters and friend Quincy Wofford. “I called Quincy and I was like ‘we need a singer’, and he said ‘all right’,” Zahniser said. Dogface, as they have come to be known, has been together for nine months and have their good and bad days. One show that could have gone wrong was a gig scheduled at Java Internet Café. “We were supposed to play at Java, but they kicked us out because we brought too many people and they couldn’t handle the rock. My girlfriend was like, ‘we
Backstage Pass
can have it at my house’, so sixty people showed up and we played outside,” Zahniser said. Dogface has a readiness for the future. “We have tight shirts,
they’re like baseball tees, and say ‘The Dogface Avenger, we put the fun in funeral’” Zahniser said. “That’s gonna be our full length album,” Wieters adds.
Jammin’ out: Local band Dogface Avenger plays a tune for the camera. “Quincy writes some deep lyrics that mean a lot and no one can understand them,” Zahniser says. Band members from left to right: Andrew Zahniser, Justin Olson, A.J. Sherrill, and Eli Wieters. Photo/ Adrian Caponetto
Crews work behind the scene of the musical By: Tyler Fromson
but anybody can sign up Stage work.The fall musical performers get prepared for the fun. There are a lot for tonight’s performance. “I think our progress is gradually increasing daily, we’ve come a long way,” of different jobs required junior Anna Earley said. Photo/ Adrian Caponetto for the production of the musical every year. In stage crew, members move sets and ‘fly’ pieces, which means they use ropes to pull them up and down. Each person is assigned a certain job, like pulling the curtains. There are atmosphere of backstage, the crews also other essential even have a little tradition. crews: lighting, sound, and tickets. “Before a show, after we do ‘break“Some crews, like lighting and ticket crew, they all get ready when we a-leg,’ which is a ritual for everyone audition, and for stage crew, we don’t involved in the musical, we go outside actually have to go to rehearsals until and do a ritual called ‘break-an-actor,’ three or four weeks before the actual which is when we say the bad things about the actors and drink sparkling show,” Drew said. Even though the musical itself may grape juice, “ Drew said. But it is not just about hanging with seem flawless, the production can have many faults and, of course, friends and playing around. “It’s hard work. You need to make hilarious mishaps. “I was onstage and we had to carry sure that you keep focused because a bed,” senior Avery Wendt said, if you lose focus, you’re going to “and I tripped over someone that was miss your cue to put things onstage,” putting a chair out there, and the bed Wendt said. fell right on top of me.” To add to the lighthearted
Hi.Life - November 17, 2006
Sighs of relief erupt from within the eager audience as the heavy curtains are pulled away, revealing a dark scene. The actors are all sweating buckets as the spotlight is turned on from its dormant sleep and shined directly into their faces. As the loud, lustrous music rips through the still air, a form of some sort is spotted running from behind the set into the dark abyss of ‘backstage.’ It seemed to have been moving a piece into place, but was not quite fast enough to get off the stage. “Usually we only have ten seconds, if we’re lucky, to move a set,” senior and stage crew head Tanya Drew said. Of course anyone would know that the people behind the curtains are crews and random backstage personnel. People might also tend to think that working backstage would just be a lot of hard work and no fun at all, but Drew and her fellow crew members beg to differ. “It’s a lot of fun,” Drew said. “I like it because once you do parts, you can just play and hang around with your friends.” Drew has had a lot of experience,
RTAINMENT
Dogface Avenger
Entertainment 17
18 Sports
Splash Away
By: Jason Kingsolver
Girls swimmers dive into a new season Swimmers take your mark. Girls’ swimming takes dedication and hard work. To succeed, swimmers have to follow a rigorous training schedule and strict diet. “We can eat any meat that does not walk on four legs, like turkey and chicken, we can not eat any fried food,” senior Katie Adams said. Sometimes the diet can be hard to follow since sweets like chocolate are not included. “I like chocolate a lot, I try to follow it but it is really hard,” Adams said. Not only do girl swimmers have to follow a diet, but they also have scheduled weights in the morning and practice after school. “We have weights every morning at six o’clock; we work on arms, legs, and sometimes both at practice,” Adams said. As the season progresses the
workouts do not get any easier. “We get more in shape, but workouts are still hard,” Adams said. When the swimmers have an invitational on New Waves The girls had their first practice this Monday, at Saturday, the Friday the Longview Rec Center. Freshman Angela Cusimano is one before will be easier than of the three freshman on the team. “The practice was kind of hard- we had to swim a lot. My strength is the backstroke,” she usual. “I was a little nervous about being around older girls, but “We can play water polo said. they are all really nice,” Cusimano said. photo by David Fiser on Friday if we have an invitational the next day,” Adams said. “We are going to have an anti-pasta During the season the team will have party, we are going to eat Little Debbie’s a pasta party at one of the girls house and a gallon of ice cream each,” Adams before their meet. said. “We all sit around and talk, and eat According to Mereghetti the best pasta, bread, salad, and dessert,” thing about swimming is conference. “Beating a girl by one second that is senior Nikki Mereghetti said. Once the season is over the team what swimming is all about,” Mereghetti is planning an anti-pasta party to said. celebrate the end of their diets.
The D-Train is Rolling Danielle Adams commits to Missouri By: Bobby Hagedorn
Hi.Life-November 17, 2006
Division one athletes are not a common occurrence at most high schools however, this year Lee’s Summit High School was privileged enough to have one of one those rare athletes. On Nov. 7 Danielle Adams or as most people know her ‘The D-Train’, committed to the University of Missouri to play basketball for coach Cindy Stein and the Lady Tigers. “It’s an amazing feeling,” Adams said. “It’s just good to know that the recruiting is over before the season starts.” Adams had taken several official visits to schools throughout the mid-west, but finally decided on Missouri after her official visit there a
few weeks ago. “ I was amazed by the facilities,” Adams said. “They were by far the best that I saw.” As is common with many athletes there were many deciding factors for Adams, not just the facilities. Academics is also a very important part of the decision, especially for the parents of the athlete. “I really liked the coaches,” Adams said. “ And I know that Missouri is also a great academic school and that was important too.” One thing that Adams was very happy about was the fact that now she could concentrate on getting her
Sign Up. Senior Danielle Adams is surronded by her teammates as she signs her letter of intent to the University of Missouri. Adams was recruited by many schools in the area. “This a great feeling, I have been waiting a long time for this,” Adams said. Photo/Chris Mathews
tigers to the final four for the fourth time in five years. “It’s awesome to know that the pressure is off and that I can focus on the season,” Adams said. The Lady Tigers return several key contributors along with Adams and
should be one of the top teams in the conference and the entire area again. “I can’t wait for the season, I think were going to be really good again,” Adams said.
Sports 19
Risky Business District starting to hold students accountable By Amber Laddish
Crack Down With modern technology on the rise, schools are becoming more aware of students involvement in drugs. “It’s a rising trend among schools to do drug testing, because schools are trying to help students who are involved with drugs.” athletic director Dan Schnell said. Courtesy of http://www.1010wins.com
we can help them is if we recognize that there is a problem.” Schnell said With the new idea of drug tests, controversies and opinions are arising. A downside to the test is that it could be considered an invasion of the athlete’s privacy, along with their parent’s privacy. The tests are not completely fool proof either, and there are ways to get around it. “There is always the chance that someone could cheat, and have someone else take the test in their place,” Schnell said. Other complications include the cost, and because many people have to look into the tests for a school or district to issue tests, it could be a long
process to get the tests. “It would be a decision made by the entire district, not just one school,” Schnell said. On the upside, these drug tests could be considered helpful, and might be able to improve the quality of the athletes that go out for sports. With the tests, certain school districts hope to promote a healthier environment, and show that drugs and alcohol usage or abuse are not only against the law, but they are also against the school philosophy and are definitely not welcome. “ Schools are trying to help students with leading drug free lives. Whether it is through a coach, administrator, whoever
could help them lead better lives,” Schnell said. With many controversies about the tests, and the price of them, the Lee’s Summit school district will no be issuing these tests any time soon. On the other hand, the schools that do issue these tests hope that they can keep their athletic program, and ultimately school, drug free. They also hope their students would have a heightened awareness, and want to lead healthier lives, especially athletes. “Extra-Curricular activities are a privilege, not a right. Expectations of athletes are higher than for normal students,” Schnell said.
Hi.Life - November 17, 2006
For many years, athletes have been involved in the risky business of drugs and steroids. With stricter school policies and modern technology, schools are cracking down on their athletes; in these schools, in order to even be a part of a sports team, athletes must first complete and pass a drug test. “Athletes doing drugs is not a new problem. In the ‘30’s, ‘40’s, ‘50’s, ‘60’s, practically everyone has done it. Because modern technology is now more advanced, drug testing has become more of an issue,” athletic director Dan Schnell said. With more athletes getting caught under the influence of drugs and alcohol or using steroids to boost their game, schools are starting to turn toward athlete directed drug tests. The tests go something like this: An athlete must urinate in a cup, and then it is tested to see if any type of drug or alcohol has been in their system. “It is a rising trend to do testing, but not many schools in Missouri or Lee’s Summit School District talk about drug testing. There are several issues against it,” Schnell said. If an athlete takes the test and it shows that they have used alcohol or drugs, it ruins their chances as making the team, and they also will not be allowed to try out. “These tests are not to get students in trouble, but to help them. The only way
20 Sports
Season Interrupted Injuries bring quick halt to long season By: Michelle Hubbard
It was early in the football season when junior running back Kevinn Mitchell was seen carrying the ball toward the outside in a battle against Park Hill’s defense. Among all of the crashing helmets and digging of cleats there was a pop. “I went to cut back, so I planted my foot and as soon as I made my cut back I felt a pop in my knee,” Mitchell said Not meaning to let the ball out of his grip, Mitchell suddenly hit the ground, and not even an instant later he was surrounded by coaches and athletic trainers. His adrenaline was pumping and he was in complete shock, so he could not feel the pain. “After I made it to the sideline I stayed optimistic and thought to myself maybe I can walk with crutches, but I could not,” Mitchell said
After a week went by Mitchell confronted a doctor. As he waited patiently in the doctor’s office, the doctor walked in with a semi smile on his face and broke the news to him. “The news was jaw dropping, I had torn my ACL,” Mitchell said Knowing the consequences of playing football, Mitchell did not get upset about his season ending injury. Although Mitchell’s injury was season ending freshman varsity soccer forward Brandon Brockman’s injury was only temporary. “We were playing Lee’s Summit North when I went to go header the ball,” Brockman said In an attempt to take the ball from North’s defense Brockman collided heads with his opponent, leaving him with a concussion and very confused about his
HI.LIFE - November 17, 2006 Bag Full. All athletic trainers use a bag to carry the variety of supplies they need to help injured athletes. “Knowing where your body is at all times is the most important thing for preventing injuries,” Oyler said.
Medic Anyone?: LSHS’s athletic trainer James Oyler demonstrates how to apply a leg splint on an injured player. “I think the hardest part of being an athletic trainer is determining what is wrong with the player and how to execute the best remedy for that injury,” Oyler says. Photo illustration/ Adrian Caponetto
surrounding. “I blacked out for only a minute, but when I got on the sideline I thought the game was already over,” Brockman said Out for only five days Brockman regained his energy and continued to contribute to the district and conference champion soccer team. Although soccer season came to an end, the state bound cheerleaders continue to practice, but one practice ended harshly for sophomore Kassie Halfmann. “Out stunt group was working on a double down, which is when I cradle I spin around twice before they catch me,” Halfmann said An hour into practice and the stunts were going up and coming down smoothly, until a once excited senior back spot Allison Porter had blood flowing down her face.
“ I went to double down and I was coming around for the last 360 and my elbow hit Porter in the forehead,” Halfmann said Sitting on the blue mats with her white ‘I love NYC’ shirt soaked in blood Porter keeps pressure on her head, but Porter was not the only one hurt from the stunt. “I couldn’t straighten my arm, it just hurt way too bad,” Halfmann said The coaches always tell the girls to “sacrifice your body for the team” as a joke, but that night at practice it was not a joke. Both Halfmann and Porter were taken to the hospital. Porter coming out with twelve stitches, and Halfmann a deeply bruised arm. “We both recovered pretty fast, and are now working hard at our state routine,” Halfmann said.
Lead On
Sports 21 By: Chris Matthews
Lady Tigers basketball coaches tell their story Phil Jackson, Vince Lombardi, Joe Paterno, and Joe Torre are some of the best coaches in their sports. When it comes to girls’ basketball in Missouri, Coach Brian Bubalo and his assistants are proving to be some of the best. “This is my seventh year at Lee’s Summit. I was the assistant coach for two years and head coach for five. I have coached for twenty-eight years total,” coach Brian Bubalo said. Coach Bubalo has coached boys basketball for seventeen years. He has also coached at Lexington High School, Fort Osage, and Grain Valley. In Bubalo’s 28 years of coaching, he has been one of the most winning coaches in Missouri. Bubalo took over the girls basketball program in 2001. “The program already had a solid foundation when I took over,” Bubalo said. When coach Bubalo took over for Athletic Director Dan Schnell, many
state final four, four different times in 2002-03, 03-04, and 04-05. Along with coach Bubalo on the bench is assistant coach Chris Bobal. “My responsibilities for the team depend on what coach Bubalo need me to do,” Bobal said. His responsibilities are getting busses for the away games, and working with the players on the court, are just some of them. This is Bobal’s twelveth year coaching. Their coaching style is tough on the players, but it seems to be working with all of the sucess the Lady Tigers basketball team has had.
of the players were already used to working out during the off season, playing hard, and giving extra effort on the court. Being known as a powerhouses in girls basketball in Missouri, there are always high expectations. “We are expected to win and we always get the other teams A game,” Bubalo said. When it comes to the expectations, they just do not talk about them. All they do is go out and play ball and a lot of fun doing it. Over the years, coach Bubalo’s teams have either met or exceeded the expectations set for them. Doing this has made Bubalo one of most sucessful coaches in Missouri. “A successful coach is one who gets his team to play to the best of their ability,” Bubalo Mentor Moments. Girls coach Brian Bubalo leads said. try-outs with the help of his assistant coaches. “I In his seven years at Lee’s enjoy being their coach and I have good assistants,” Bubalo said. Bubalo, is a three time winner of the Summit, Bubalo has been to the Examiner coach of the year. Photo/ Olivia McGhee
Yes
No
By: Andrew Hoien
By: Bobby Hagedorn
Home runs that seemed to never land, muscles on top of muscles, thirty-ounce bats looking like toothpicks in gorilla-like hands, and falls from fame so bad, it rivals that of Hansen. These are the images associated with the steroids era of baseball. Baseball analysts in all media have slammed baseball over their handling of the situation, and to a degree baseball deserves it. However the media forgets to mention 350-pound defensive linemen running 40-yard dashes that make wide receivers jealous. This is where, I feel, the media has made an error. Steroids are awful things, and the athletes that use them are not only cheaters, but also pathetic role models. Members of the media latch on Mark McGuire, whose andro-fueled home run record changed how we look at power hitters, to Barry Bonds supposedly confusing the clear, a type of steroid, with flack seed oil. Yet, the Shawne Merriman steroids suspension and the Carolina Panthers scandal where several players are accused to taking steroids during their Super Bowl run in 2004 stories are swept under the rug.
This debate is a very interesting, because I think it is important to look at the sport in which the steroid scandal is in. One of the major reasons that baseball is persecuted so hard is the fact that it ignored the steroid issue for so long. The league just seemed not to notice the massive home run totals and the bulging biceps of their star players. Due to this the media is going much harder on baseball than football. At least in football, they have had a testing policy for quite some time. Another thing that is important to look at is how much easier for fans to notice the use of steroids in baseball players than it is football players. For the average fan it is much easier to see the difference between Barry Bonds and Carlos Beltran than Shawne Merrimam and Derrick Johnson. As we all know the media loves a scandal and is much easier to pick on some baseball player who bulked up over the off-season than some football player who put on a little muscle, because all players in the NFL look like they could be on steroids. So is the media unfair, I would say, no. If anyone is to blame is has to be the average fan.
Hi.Life - November 17, 2006
Is the media unfair to baseball on steroids?
22 Sports
To The Mat Off-season workouts prepare wrestlers for successful season By: Craig Williams
With the loss of five seniors and new set of rules and regulations, this year’s wrestlers have big shoes to fill and a challenge ahead of them. For the wrestlers, preperation for this season begins at Mo West in the beginning of the summer. “Mo West club is somewhere where advanced wrestlers can wrestle over summer and during the off season,” senior Brackon Lundy said. Lundy, along with other wrestlers, goes to Mo West to keep in shape and wrestle opponents from different high schools in the Kansas City area to prepare for
the up and coming season. New rules and regulations are forcing the wrestlers to watch their weight loss more close now than ever. That’s not all they have to watch though. A new rule has been put into effect this year which has wrestlers measuring their hydration level and get their body fat percentage taken before every weigh in. “This is hard on the wrestlers who are trying to make weigh in, because before, all you had to do was cut the water weight from your body, but now it is a lot harder to cut the weight while staying hydrated,” said senior
Kyle Campbell. Each wrestler must be above the 7% body fat limit or have a doctor’s note to prove that they are healthy enough to wrestle. Another rule put into effect this year is that, a single wrestler is only allowed to drop 1.5% of his or her body fat per week. This is also forcing wrestlers to watch how much weight they cut, but more importantly to start their weight loss early. “October is when I start to watch my weight,” Campbell said, “I cut my carbs down a lot and take in smaller serving of food more often. That and a lot of training.”
HI.LIFE - September 15, 2006 Listen up. Coach Rob Courrier, with help from senior Kyle Campbell explain the importance of the new rules at the beginning of wrestling practice. “I don’t like them because it makes it harder to make weight. We are not allowed to do what we use to do and just cut all the water out, we have hydration test so we have to actually cut the fat,” Campbell said. The requirements for the hydration test are to be between 1.000 and 1.025 on the scale. Photo/ Courtney Stoddard
Wrestling may have lost five seniors but that does not mean they are down for the count. With a new group of seniors this year’s wrestling program should show no signs of fatigue. “A lot of wrestlers have been working very hard in the off season, Campbell and Lundy in particular. I know they have worked hard and done everything they can do to prepare and make this a successful
season for us,” said Coach Don Graham. You can see Campbell, Lundy, and the rest of the varsity wrestling team wrestle at their first home meet November 29 in the field house.
Sports 23
By: Bobby Hagedorn So, as I wrote about last week, Damon Huard has saved the Chiefs season and I still believe that after his sub-par performance last weekend in Miami. His poor performance has to be partially blamed on the pathetic performance of his offensive line. Now the great debate has begun, who should start at quarterback once Trent Green returns from his injury which could be this weekend. It is my opinion that Green has at least earned the chance to earn his job back. I feel that if he is healthy he deserves the chance to show what he can do this weekend against the Raiders. If he comes out and performs well against the Raiders then he should be starting quarterback against Denver. If he is unable to play this weekend, I don’t think he should play against Denver. That game is too important and Denver is too good of a team to put Green in for the first time. It is very interesting how quickly people forget how good Green has been for the past few years. He has led the most explosive offense in the NFL for the past few seasons and has been to two pro bowls. I realize that team chemistry is important and Huard has played well for the most part, but I feel that Green should at least be given a chance, if healthy, to earn his job back, but it must be against Oakland.
Junior Lynette Galvan is standing in an up-right position holding her right leg up and making a figure four. She finally gets her balance and slowly lets go to keep her leg up on its own. She puts her arms out, with her palms facing down. The only thing she is thinking about is her breathing. She becomes so focused, she forgets about everything surrounding her. “It’s really focused around breathing. She (the instructor) said breathing controls your heart rate, the more relaxed your breathing is, the more relaxed you’ll be,” Galvan said. People take yoga to relax their mind or to become flexible, but Galvan goes to have a good time with her family. “It’s become a tradition, a ‘womanly get together.’ It’s kind of a way to get all of us together,” Galvan said. Galvan gets together with her mom, sister-inlaw, and her sister-inlaw’s family almost every Tuesday to take yoga. “I’m doing it mainly for relaxation. My mother has nerve problems, and it helps the blood flow in the nerves. My pregnant sister-in-law does it because it helps for breathing exercises and it’s supposed to help the baby inside. We all do it for different reasons,” Galvan said. Yoga instructor, Carla Mock, has been doing yoga for nine years and feels strong and relaxed after each of her yoga classes. “Yoga helps not only your body, but your mind also. It helps you become relaxed and more
concentrated, so what you bring on the mat, you can take off,” Mock said. Mock owns Fitness in Mind and Body (fimb) Wellness Center located in downtown Lee’s Summit. “We have yoga, and we also have Zumba, which is a Latin dance class,” Mock said. Galvan recommends yoga to people who have ever thought about doing it. “You stretch everything out. It’s a lot harder than you think, though. The first day wasn’t bad, but the second day I was sore,” Galvan said. Galvan sits in the front during her class so she can see the instructor better. She socializes until the class starts. “We first breathe to relax and do a warm-up activity to stretch everything out. We sit down on the mats and do an activity that loosens up all of our muscles,” Galvan said. Although Galvan may get sore, she knows that if there is no pain, there is no gain. “I’m just a beginner and it will get better. It’s just something new,” Galvan said.
Indoor exercising has been popular for years, mostly during the winter to stay in shape. Yoga is becoming the popular class for younger and older people. “It helps you become stronger, more flexible, more relaxed, and have more balance and core strength,” Mock said. Mock’s different classes offered have around four to ten people at fimb Yoga and Wellness Center. “We have yoga and Zumba, and they’re all yogafit which is a combination of yoga and fitness. We have kid classes for ages five to twelve and we play games and make animal sounds. We also have a teen class where we talk about self-esteem, confidence, body image, health, and fitness,” Mock said. Yoga is not the only indoor activity to do during the cold, winter days. “Indoor sports you can do are indoor soccer, volleyball, basketball, swimming, and hockey. You can work out at the gym, run on the track in a gym, or do the aerobics classes,” Galvan said.
Dancing Queen. Cristina Martinez has been teaching Zumba for three years. “My family is from Mexico, so I have been dancing all my life. I was born into it,” Martinez said. She was certified to teach Zumba the first time she took a class. Photo / Bailey Greer
Hi.Life - November 17, 2006
Court to Stretching Out By: Melanie Roberson Ancient practice finds way into mainstream sports. Field
24 Back Page
Powerful Pace
By: Matthew Gratton
Swim team competes at state championship. 1.
1) Senior Chris Brixey competes in the 100-yard breaststroke. 2)Sophomore Michael Beck races to ďŹ nish the breast portion of his 200-yard individual medley. 3) Swimmers race in St. Peters Rec Plex at the state championship. 4) Junior Devon Nevels readies himself for a relay start during the 400-yard relay. 5) Swimmers [including Beck] dive in to start the 400-yard relay. 2.
3.
HI.LIFE - November 17, 2006
5. 4.