November 2015

HI-LIFE MAGAZINE

VOLUME 97 | ISSUE 4 | 11.24.15 | LEE’S SUMMIT, MISSOURI | $.50

JLABMAG.COM

NEWS pg.07

FEATURES pg.08

OPINION pg.21

SPORTS pg.26

STUDENTS RAISE CARDIAC ARREST AWARENESS THROUGH 5K

LOCAL COFFEE SHOPS CARE ABOUT MORE THAN ESPRESSO

SOCIAL MEDIA TAKES OVER STUDENTS’ THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS

ABBY AND ANNIE ROUMAS PARTICIPATE IN MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

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Earthwork

Structural Concrete

Utilities

Bridges

Piling Systems

Industrial

Engineered Shoring

Facilities Maintenance

CONTENTS NEWS pg.07

New cafe brings a special convenience to the library

FEATURES pg.10

Junior Madison Heizer attains royalty status through fashion

FOCUS pg.12

Students’ minds are affected by schoolrelated activities daily

OPINION pg.12

Consumers become wary of poor food choices

SPORTS pg.12

CLICK NEWS

BIG, BAD COLD

As viruses spread, this article provides tips to stay healthy

Freshman Lupita Olivas hits the mats and changes the wrestling team

JLABMAG.COM FEATURES

TREVOR FELL

Senior takes on sports and future plans

OPINION

POOR PURCHASE

Shopping decisions affect teens

SPORTS

MADDY CHAMBERS

Senior dances her way through adversity

WHAT’S UP A Letter From the Editor

L

et the parade of crossover SUVs advance to the mall and follow the holiday route home with trunks full of brand-name gifts. ‘Tis the season, and this procession is routine here. Welcome to suburban Christmas.

My small group signed up to buy Christmas gifts for a woman, and her list did not look like what I usually see. She wanted basics like toilet paper and soap, and a lot of people I know would be Annelise Hanshaw, offended to just get clothes. The cause of this gap in Editor-in-Chief expectations is one thing: entitlement.

Last issue, I wrote about my experience at a homeless shelter. Lee’s Summit is full of blessings that are taken for granted. I think the suburbs put this bubble around those inside. It makes us unaware of our privileges.

My parents raised me to work for most everything, and I thought that was usual. Recently, though, I have noticed everyone expecting hand-outs.

In orchestra, students expected their chairs to be set up for them or for concessions to be made if they were to set up a chair. I began thinking the school has an entitlement issue.

I ran a casual poll asking if their parents paid for their car. Seventy-five percent said their parents did. I have even heard students complain if their parents did not pay for their car. This is shocking; as seniors dart off to college, their parents will not always be there to pay for them.

This issue should be solved quickly. Entitlement ruins the holidays.

Thanksgiving becomes only about the meal when we forget what we have to be thankful for, and Christmas is cheapened. My little cousin is a good example of this. He gets offended when my grandparents get him clothes.

My family tries every year to get him something he would love, but we never get a reaction. Entitlement should not have a place in this season.

This Thanksgiving and Christmas, I encourage my peers to really look at what they are thankful for and appreciate all the little things. I am sure my mom does not suffer through the crowded mall for me to expect whatever she purchases.

Policy: The Hi-Life is an open forum to provide up to date and pertinent information compiled by high school journalists. The Hi-Life is a student led publication. None of the opinions in our publication reflect the views of the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District.

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04| HI-LIFE

HI-LIFE STAFF Editor in Chief News Editors

Annelise Hanshaw Cori Matney and Miles Ward

Features Editor

Carter Moore

Opinions Editor

Elizabeth Marszalek

Sports Editor

Johanna Holmberg

Copy Editors

Chance Copeland and Garrett Stroginis

Photo Editor

Julia Ngega

Ads Manager

Mariah Walkenhorst

Web Editors

Breona Porter

Adviser Reporters

Marc Russell Maddy Antey, Ana Arteaga, Abby Ault, Ashley Ault, Zackary Coleman, Mack Cooney, Izzy DeMarco, Aspen DePeralta, Christina Felix, Eli Frazee, Maggie Gadd, BJ Gaunt, Summer Given, Molly Goetz, Rylan Gregg, Renee Haskell, Grace Hoffman, Parker Jenkins, Mathewos Keller, Makenzie Kraxberger, Phoenix Laspy, Brittany LeJune, Angela Lenhardt, Mason Mackey, Zion Marischler, Da’Quon McGee, Renee Merlin, Hunter Montgomery, Victoria Morrow, Makenna Nickens, Jaimie Pearce, David Perkins, Grant Pierson, Mallory Rajer, Nia Rhodes, Samantha Schierholz, Lynsie Shipman, Lexi Stiers-Seacreas, Sierra Terry, Haley Townley, Anthony Villarreal, Claire Wagner, Brent Weber, Alexis Williams, Maddy Wylie, Sage Young-Streich

NEWS

FEATURES

FOCUS

OPINION

SPORTS

NEWS Events This Month

DEC. Poetry Coffeehouse

01

The poetry coffeehouse occurs from 6-8pm. English teachers offer extra credit for students attending. Three options are available: reading another author’s poem, reading an original poem, or just listening.

DEC. Freeze Out

Plunging Power| Students run into Longview Lake for the Polar Plunge. They walk in a circle and high-five firemen .

Student Senate Raises Polar Plunge Awareness

04

The Polar Plunge fundraiser for the Special Olympics occurs Jan. 30.

From now on, students can donate money for the event. The event will take place at noon at Longview Lake. Students take 30 seconds to run through the freezing water to high-five firefighters and receive a towel from a Special Olypian at the end.

DEC. Choir Concert

Instrumental Students Join All-District Ensembles

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The full choir program performs in the Performing Arts Center at 7pm. Choir members perform holiday tunes.

DEC. Chamber Choir

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The choir program performs at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Kansas City from 3-4 pm.

Find Us Online

Twitter: @jlabmag Facebook: LSHS HiLIfe Instagram: @jlabmag Web: jlabmag.com

On the Cover

Students may be drowning in sweatpants and exhaustion, but there is more to their lives. photographed by Julia Ngega

Band and orchestra students auditioned for all-district orchestra Saturday Nov. 7.

The following students from orchestra made the cut: Hannah Sherman, Jordan Turner, Riann Mack, Olivia Wilson, Sarah Rice, Abby Smith, Sophie Larsen, Zack Turner, Morgan Abernathey, James Farquhar, Madison Tozier, Joey Murphy, Sara McDaniel, Robert Bruce, Brielle Beavers, Tyler Findlay, Shelby Daugherty, Anahi Casas Perez, Karly Johnson, and Riley Martin.

From band, the following students were accepted: Dani Hinkle, Matthew Simpson, Emma Rice, Ben Dowdle, Zack Staffer, Amy Tippin, Parker Tozier, and Justin Henson.

TRENDING

Tiger Smart pledges to freeze outside from 5-9 pm Dec. 4. They collect canned goods for the school food pantry. This remains a tradition.

Protests on the Mizzou campus has students questioning whether or not they should attend the university. It has spread across campuses throughout the country and into the hallways of the school. Students question the value of feelings against the freedom of speech.

Written by MADDY WYLIE AND ANA ARTEGA Photographed by PHOENIX LASPY Designed by ANNELISE HANSHAW

11.24.15 |05

NEWS

FEATURES

FOCUS

ALTERNATIVE

OPINION

SPORTS

Locate It| Summit Ridge Academy building sits at 2620 SW Ward Rd, or right next to Lees Summit West High School.

LEARNERS An average of 25 students graduate each year because of Summit Ridge’s evening program

T

he evening program is essentially a second chance.

The program is for seniors that are two or more credits behind in graduating.

“We offer the program because we want the best for our students, we of course want our students to graduate and with the help of this program, they can,” teacher of

the evening program, Cheryl Anderson said.

The program offers many classes, which include core English and Social Studies classes, psychology, sociology, contemporary issues, career connections, health, personal finance, and business law.

“Each course is seven to eight weeks long, about a

quarter long if all goes well,” Anderson said.

The classes are Monday through Thursday from 3 to 4:30 p.m. “The evening program is for seniors only and they must be two or more credits behind from graduating with their class that May,” Anderson said.

The process for getting in the evening program is fairly simple. First, the student needs a referral from their counselor to the principal of Summit Ridge, Burt Whaley.

Whaley then looks to see if the student is a senior and is 2 credits behind. Those are the only requirements for being in the program. After Whaley does this, his secretary will call the home of the student and let them know when they can start the program. By that time, Anderson will be informed of the student and she will begin to prepare.

“Because of the evening program students that wouldn’t be able to graduate get a second

chance and graduate with their class,” Anderson said.

Anderson gets to know her students personally, and truly cares for her students.

“I want the best for all my students and getting to know them personally and knowing what is best for them helps with that,” Anderson said.

Whaley, approves all requests to join the program and cares tremendously about his students.

“He is very supportive of the students and the program.

He encourages a sense of belonging. He wants the students to feel comfortable coming to the school and learning. He wants the students to be successful,” Anderson said.

The evening program gives seniors a second chance to be successful and graduate with their class, and with it brings the ability to change lives.

Written by SUMMER GIVENS Photographed by ZION MARISCHLER Designed by ZION MARISCHLER

THE THE FUTURE FUTURE IS IS NOW NOW NEWS

FEATURES

FOCUS

OPINION

SPORTS

The implementation of the Tiger Café has brought LSHS into the 21st century. The progressive project has students, teachers, and the district highly involved.

WHAT’S ON

THE MENU Colombia, caramel crunch, ‘Jamaican Me Crazy’, and seasonal brewed coffee: $1 French vanilla latte, hot cocoa, Lipton tea, organic lemon ginger green tea, and organic apple cinnamon tea : $1 Skittles, Twix, gum, Twizzlers, Snickers, M&M’s: $1.25

T

he tiger cafe invites students to have a quiet environment to study and sip on a good drink.

“The drinks are reasonablypriced for what you are getting,” sophomore Brenna Nevels said.

Nevels thinks that there are an assortment of good snacks to choose from.

“I would like more comfortable seating in the Tiger Cafe, or just more seating in general.” sophomore Jayci Goodwin said.

DECA advisor Catherine Sisler said that the cafe is a work in progress.

“We are getting soft seating with tables, a table with power outlets to charge Chromebooks

and cell phones, circular counter with chairs and additional lighting, and cabinets with a sink,” Sisler said.

With Sisler being the advisor, the work to get the cafe up and running was not entirely in her hands.

“I wasn’t involved in any of the preparations,” Sisler said.

“The original idea for the cafe came from the district’s purchasing department and Coke.

Dr. Faulkenberry agreed for us to pilot the project,” Sisler said.

From the technology department to librarians, faculty members from all over the school have their hand in this project.

“I have been involved with

assisting to choose the soft seating, counter and cabinets, which are still in production,” Sisler said.

The students who work there have specific jobs.

“The students brew coffee, fill and clean the latte/hot chocolate machine, stock drinks and snacks, assist customers, straighten and clean tables and chairs, monitor inventory, run POS system, and make the daily deposit and update daily records” Sisler said.

Overall, the feedback has been positive since the cafe has opened, and students report to having a good environment.

Granola bars, Froot Loops, muffins, Pop Tarts: $.75 Powerade Zero, soda, water, sweet tea: $1.25 Cheez-Its, Doritos, Hot Cheetos, Speciak K, gummies, sour worms: $1.25

Written by RENEE MERLIN Photographed by MASON MACKEY Designed by VICTORIA MORROW

11.24.15 |07

NEWS

FEATURES

FOCUS

OPINION

SPORTS

IRON MAN| Amy Middaugh is a teacher here. What many people do not know is that she ia an Iron Man Athlete, which takes lots of training and hard work. “I expect a lot from my students, but also like to have fun.” Middaugh said.

IRON WOMAN Science teacher finishes extensive race

M

rs. Middaugh finally crosses the finish line, proud and happy after completing the Ironman competition. It was 14 hours of tough, hard work, but it was worth it.

Science teacher Amy Middaugh has been teaching for 17 years. For 12 years, Middaugh has been an Ironman athlete.

The Ironman is a competition that consists of a 26.2 mile run, a 2.4 mile swim, and a 112 mile bike, and takes about 12 or 13 hours. It takes a

08| HI-LIFE

lot of training and hard work.

“It’s hard, but it’s worth it,” Middaugh said.

When Middaugh was in high school, she wanted to be an English teacher.

“I expect a lot from my students, but I also like to have fun,” Middaugh said. “I think my sense of humor makes me different from other teachers.”

Middaugh combines having fun, and having high expectations in all of her classes.

“Mrs. Middaugh lets us be independent,” freshman

Aidan Clark said. “Her class is filled with different interesting activities, and it makes it fun for us.”

Its hard work to participate in Ironman competitions. Years of training to run, swim, and bike pays off and is worth it when an athlete crosses the finish line. Middaugh is proud to participate in an activity like this.

Written by SAMANTHA SCHEIRHOLZ Photographed by MALLORY RAJER Designed by CORI MATNEY

ELEMENTS

OF THE RACE 2.4-mile (3.9-kilometer) swim 112-mile (180-kilometer) bike ride 26.2-mile (42.1-kilometer) run The race starts at 7AM and ends at midnight.

NEWS

FEATURES

FOCUS

OPINION

SPORTS

GOING NATURAL

Makeup brands are now offering organic, vegan, and hypoallergenic options

P

VEGAN

imples, zits, and scars are not well-liked things. Unfortunately, cheaply made makeup is. The two have a strong correlation.

“There are seven main reasons to change makeup brands. Preserving the environment, organic makeup is manufactured without the use of toxic pesticides,” makeup guru Nancy Beresford said.

Keeping the environment clean is not the only reason to switch.

“Fair trade practices also are a reason to switch, getting certified makeup is a key in switching, so that you are not using animal products Beresford said. Sustainable cultivation can allow the natural process of development without external interference or manipulation,” Beresford said.

Organic makeup is not as expensive as people think, and it lasts longer.

“Organic makeup can help avoid acne because it has all natural ingredients in it it is normal to our skin for all natural products,” Begoodorganics employee Buffy Gill said.

Physicians Formula is ranked the highest by multiple beauty gurus, makeup stores, and customer reviews.

THANKSGIVING

No meat and dairy does not mean no to everything Turkey Alternatives:

Butter Subs:

Quorn

Nutritional Yeast (for flavor)

Tofurky

Coconut Butter

Gardein Stuffed Turk’y Milk Subs:

ILLA is the third highest ranked makeup brand by gurus, stores and customer reviews.

Egg Subs: Ground Flax

Almond Milk

Chia Seed

Cashew Milk

Soy Protein

Soy Milk

Agar Agar

Cheese Subs:

Dr. Hauschka is the second-highest ranked brand by the gurus, stores and customers.

Ripe Bananas

Nutritional Yeast

Applesauce

Tofu

Peanut butter

Written by HALEY TOWLEY AND CLAIRE WAGNER Photographed by ABBY AULT AND JOHANNA HOLMBERG Designed by JOHANNA HOLMBERG

Learn secrets about your favorite makeup companies by scanning the code on the left.

11.24.15 |09

ROYAL FASHIONISTA FEATURES

FOCUS

THE

NEWS

OPINION

SPORTS

Written by ANTHONY VILLARREAL Photographed by CARTER MOORE Designed by VICTORIA MORROW AND CARTER MOORE

Junior Madison Heizer is considered by many to be at the top of the game in the fashion world; she shows how to dresss for fall

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“I bought my scarf from Payless, and I chose the color burgundy because it accents my outfit nicely. The earrings were a gift from a friend for my birthday. Also, I change my hairstyles often based on what simply looks good to me. I chose to wear it in a braid for today,” junior Madison Heizer said.

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2

Cardigan- Heather blue. Heizer purchased this at Kohl’s.

Sweater- Green. “This sweater was a gift from my grandma purchased at Forever 21,” Heizer said.

Rings- “It’s a hand-me-down from my mother. The gold really stands out and makes a statement,” Heizer said.

Colors- “I choose neutral colors like greys, tans, browns, navy and burgundy because they help compliment my outfits in different ways,” Heizer said.

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3

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Shoes- “My camel colored heels are from Kohl’s also. I choose to wear heels a lot because I love them and they make any outfit look more sophisticated,” Heizer said.

Pants- “I wore burgundy pants because I love burgundy and they go with the fall and winter season,” Heizer said.

10| HI-LIFE

NEWS

FEATURES

FOCUS

NO MORE

OPINION

SPORTS

NASH

As the English Department and the Frisbee club say goodbye to a teacher, California welcomes its new star.

C

alifornia gains another celebrity as English teacher Matthew Nash says his farewells to Missouri and says hello to the dry state.

This upcoming school year Nash will be in California with his fiancé.

“I would have loved to stay in Missouri, but my fiancé is getting her PHD down in California. It would’ve been hard for her to move here,” Nash said.

Nash is head coach of Ultimate Frisbee club, one of the many things he will be missing about Missouri.

Luckily his departure does not mean the end to this club.

“The club will definitely continue to be alive and well and with hope it will expand into something great,” Nash said.

As for his teaching replacement, it is under consideration right now but has not yet been announced.

“We are exploring many options and we have a pretty good idea on who it is going to be, but for now it is unannounced,” Nash said.

When Nash moves to California, he may not continue his current occupation, and could potentially go on to become a famous writer.

“I plan to continue teaching the first couple years down in California, but I would like to stop teaching and go back to college to get my MFA, and eventually stay at home and produce novels,” Nash said.

Nash’s long list of things he is going to miss consists of nearly everything.

“I will definitely miss LSHS, and it is going to be really hard to find a school as great as this one. My family and Sporting KC will also definitely be on my mind while I am in California,” Nash said.

What Nash is going to miss most of all is his students.

“I have truly enjoyed having all my students. I may not remember all your names come 20 years, but I will definitely remember the happiness and the joy I got every day from teaching all of you,” Nash said.

Even though Nash is moving 1,564 miles away, his memories of his students and the good times he had at LSHS will remain close to his heart.

Written by DAVID PERKINS Photographed by DAVID PERKINS Designed by ANNELISE HANSHAW

Ultimate Nash| Nash participates in Ultimate Frisbee club. The club is in its second year sponsored by him.

11.24.15 |11

NEWS

FEATURES

FOCUS

OPINION

SPORTS

I T N A G R T T S H U L E IL

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D

E T

E M G A I N N E

Written by MOLLY GOETZ, ANNELISE HANSHAW, AND MACKENZIE KRAXBERGER Photographed by JULIA NGEGA Designed by ANNELISE HANSHAW

STANDING OUT FEATURES

FOCUS

OPINION

SPORTS

n Se

K ior

irsten Myers

en Car Sophomore B Hill

Senior Josh

ams Freshman Tyler Willi

m Fresh

an Emma Cooney

lyle-E llebracht

NEWS

Students find individuality in extracurricular activities Guidance counselor Sally Sabada’s view on extracurriculars: Singing, tackling, acting, painting and crafting. These are just a few activities that students use to fill their days. These hobbies consume students lives and allow an outlet for them to leave stress behind and enjoy themselves with other students with similar interests.

Guidance counselor Sally Sabada says getting involved is beneficial to students’ lives.

“It’s good to align yourself with people of the same interests, but at the same time it can be a double-edged sword. It’s good to hang out and decompress with friends, but at the same time that can put you under some time stress,” Sabada said.

Students make new friends, learn better coping skills, and find something to enjoy in extracurricular activities.

“Generally, the benefits far outweigh the stress portion,” Sabada said.

The school homepage provides information on clubs and other activities.

Senior Kirsten Myers’s view on extracurriculars : The lights suddenly spring to life and illuminate the faces of the students, all the stress from the past months suddenly gone from their minds. This is the moment they were preparing for. Kirsten Myers, a senior theatre student and the lead female role in The Pirate Queen, says that theatre affects her entire life. During the day, she often finds herself connecting show tunes to

everything. Because she has been working in group settings she has been able to solve problems faster, and more efficiently.

Freshman Tyler Williams’s view on extracurriculars: Standing among his peers, anxiously awaiting the cue to take a deep breath and begin the song that they have been working on for weeks, Tyler Williams, a freshman involved in the music program believes, “Music has a very special way of allowing me to think critically on what I can do to create the best possible outcome for myself and everyone around me, not only when I’m in the choir room, or rehearsing in orchestra,” Williams said.

During the day, he says the activity makes him look forward to working hard and equally having a lot of fun working with others. He says the music program even affects his home life.

“Although my family probably isn’t too stoked about my constant playing of piano, viola and singing all over the house, music has always had a way of bringing our family together,” Williams said.

Freshman Emma Cooney’s view on extracurriculars: Gracefully, Emma’s hands glide across the canvas, a sea of colors expressed on the once blank paper.

“Art impacts my life in more ways then people would think,” art student Emma Cooney, said. “During class, I often find myself doodling.I also get inspired from random things I come across, not just

during school though, anywhere. Art is something I’ve always been drawn to. It follows me everywhere.”

“Art is something I’ve always been drawn to. It follows me everywhere.”

Sophomore Ben Carlyle-Ellebracht’s view on extracurriculars: Students rapidly flipping levers and switches observe as machines perform their tasks. Success is theirs. Sophomore Ben Carlyle- Ellebracht, a passionate robotics participant believes he now goes through the school day more logically.

“I see something now, and I want to take it apart and put it back together all over again, to see how it works,” CarlyleEllebracht said.

He has also always been very mechanically minded, and that he is glad he is apart of the class because he’s learning things that will help him in the real world.

“It definitely makes math and science easier too.”

These activities are just a small number that make up student’s lives. They fill their days with their friends, participating in something that they love.

11.24.15 |13

NEWS

FEATURES

FOCUS

OPINION

SPORTS

GET A GLIMPSE INTO THE MIND OF A

STAR STUDENT

S

enior Josh Hill strides down the hallway in a dress shirt and pants, Josh Hill, mind clear of IB Diploma Candidate all he will do tonight.

“I have to change my mindset to not think about all the work I have to do so I don’t get overwhelmed,” Hill said. “I think a little bit differently.”

Hill naturally has a unique mind, and the IB program sets his thoughts even further from the average teenager’s.

“The IB diploma makes you create coping mechanisms,” Hill said. “The great thing is that it puts extreme stress on the students while they still have the support of high school.”

IB classes hold the highest weight, but Hill thinks the real benefit comes from the knowledge the program provides.

“The future benefit greatly outweighs that little 1 point boost in my GPA. IB diploma is probably the hardest set of courses possible to take in high school,” Hill said. “By completing it, I will have prepared myself for college to such an extreme level that college might actually be easier.”

This extensive program comes with extra stress.

“All the IB diploma candidates become close

14| HI-LIFE

through the two years of agony through the program. We all complain a lot, but at the end of the day there is nothing else we would allow ourselves to do,” Hill said.

For Hill, the benefits outweigh the stress. Candidates make concessions to achieve the higher education.

“Taking so many IB classes regulates my schedule in and out of school because of the massive course work load, but it is definite do-able,” Hill said.

“I still have time for friends and Netflix (on some lucky nights); however, I have to manage my

“I think a little bit differently.” time extremely well.”

Hill leads the Loud Crowd, lights up the school musical, and participates in numerous clubs. He gets as involved as he can while achieving straight A’s and the IB diploma.

“I look at all the work and time I put into school as a way of improving myself for the future instead of just another homework assignment or just trying to get a good GPA,” Hill said.

With the help of IB coordinator Vicki Metzler and other diploma candidates, Hill rises to the top of his class and gets prepared for an extensive college career.

STAR PLAYER

B

ounding down the court and towards a Division One basketball career, Blake Spellman, senior Blake Point Guard Spellman clears his mind of stress and focuses on his passion: basketball.

“I feel like a whole different person than who I am in school,” Spellman said.

Basketball is Spellman’s outlet, and the start of basketball season changes how he views school. “[Basketball season] is amazing; it makes school go by faster too,” Spellman said. “It’s good seeing everyone’s faces.”

Basketball gives him the feeling of freedom and a second family, for the team spends time together off the court.

“We always hang out on the weekends, and we always do everything together,” Spellman said. “I feel like we are a family, not just friends.”

Spellman finds his support system in his team, for they have helped him achieve a division one future.

“I put in a lot of hard work, and my teammates stuck with me,” Spellman said.

Spellman spends an average of two hours at the gym each day. This work also led him to his division one scholarship.

“It took a lot of hard work, but I feel like that was my one way to give back to my parents so they wouldn’t have to pay

for school,” Spellman said. “It was tough, but it was definitely worth it.”

Going division one is not Spellman’s end goal; he has more in mind. Spellman wants to start next year as a freshman.

“I would like to go down there and not red shirt or anything, just start as a freshman and get things going,” Spellman said.

In the meantime, Spellman wants to represent the school well and continue improving the program.

“For high school, I would like to repeat our district and conference championship games and see if we can go farther this year than we did last year,” Spellman said.

“I use all the stuff that’s built up inside of me and just set free.”

The titles and trophies are not the only thing that keeps Spellman playing; basketball means more to him.

“It’s very emotional. I feel like I can take everything that’s inside of me and just use it on the court,” Spellman said. “I use all the stuff that’s built up inside of me and just set free.”

Spellman takes leaps. He leaps towards the rim, his heart leaps as he plays, and he leaps towards a successful college basketball career.

BRAIN FEATURES

THE

NEWS

4 times. h t r a eE

100,000 mil e

OPINION

SPORTS

[By The Numbers]

ood vessels in the f bl so

e are r e Th

FOCUS

The brain stops growing at age 18.

Your brain uses about 25 watts of power a day.

80% of the brain’s neurons

are in the cerebral cortex, but the cerebral cortex is only 30% of the brain’s mass.

enough to circle in, th bra

97% of right-handers use mostly the left hemisphere. Left-handers have a 68% concentration in the right hemisphere and are said to have closer to an equilibrium, leading to often a higher IQ.

Research from STATISTIC BRAIN RESEARCH INSTITUTE Designed by CARTER MOORE

20% of your body’s oxygen is used in the brain.

11.24.15 |15

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NEWS

FEATURES

FOCUS

WHAT WE THINK Stress from school actually benefits students.

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tress is something every student experiences at one point or another. Generally, teenagers have a busy schedule. Flying from school, to sports, to music, to pulling all nighters to finish their homework and prepare for the following day, just to do it all again. High school is a time for learning, not only curriculum, but also learning about who we are.

Each student has their own way of enduring the stress that is placed upon them daily by teachers, parents, and peers, but not many know that some of that stress is a good thing and that the school can help you deal with the stress that isn’t so great.

According to John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health the stress high school students face now is 4 times that of the previous generation. That is because students now are working harder to achieve things. For example, getting into college. Colleges are not only more selective, but the course work students are doing in high school is more rigorous. Colleges also look at a student extra curricular activities, leadership roles, and course load when making the decision to accept them into their university. Students are constantly looking for opportunities to make their college applications stand out.

John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health also states that some stress can actually benefit a high school aged student. It can teach them how to manage time and prepare them for the working world, because all jobs will have a degree of stress at some point. It also teaches responsibility

by making the student remember the most important tasks that they are faced with at a particular time.

Although some stress can be helpful, many students feel overwhelmed by it and that can become a problem. Too much stress can lead to mental disorders, such as, depression and anxiety, but not to worry, the school offers help to student who need it.

Support groups are one way the school reaches out to help students who feel overwhelmed by stress. The support group is held during the regular school day and is used as a safe environment for students to share their feelings and concerns about things that may be stressing them out, in school or in general. At the beginning of the school year, students received a paper in advisory where they could sign up for such a group.

Another way staff members are here to help students manage their stress is the counseling center. The counselor assigned to a student by their last name is available to make appointments with to help the student achieve academic success. If a student is feeling overly stressed because of school, their guidance counselor can discuss with them different options the student has. This is especially helpful for those students who may feel uncomfortable sharing in a group or want a more personal approach.

Stress will never be completely eliminated from anyone’s life, but it can be minimal with the right management skills and support from others.

The Hi-Life Staff

OPINION

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WHAT YOU

THINK

Why does school stress you out?

“School stresses me out because I am expected to maintain my grades, have a job and need a social life,” senior Kayt Whitney said. senior Kayt Whitney

”The amount of thinking that goes into assignments and the pressure you get from others,” junior Alex Arth said.

junior Alex Arth

“School stresses me out because of the amount of homework I get on a daily basis,” sophomore Connor Mears said.

sophomore Connor Mears

“I have to worry about my grades all the time,” freshman Kaleb Wilbert said.

freshman Kaleb Wilbert Written by MADDY ANTEY Photographed by MADDY ANTEY Designed by VICTORIA MORROW

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910-C NW Blue Parkway Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 Ph: 816-524-3354

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elebrate Thanksgiving with the Smoky Pepper Jack Turkey. Butterball™ smoked turkey, applewood smoked bacon and pepper jack cheese topped with Honey Mustard on ciabatta bread. Only $6.79 including a side.

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hen treat yourself to a decadent slice of Chocolate Lovin’ Spoon Cake for only $4.00.

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Written by ASPEN DEPERALTA Photographed by RYLAN GREGG Designed by MILES WARD

Blocked websites irritate students

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he student goes to his favorite website anticipating games and videos. Blocked. This occurs every day in the school, and students become irritated.

Students also concerned about what is taken into consideration when deciding to filter content.

Although it may seem a little silly that some are blocked and others are not, there is more to the process than one may know.

Here is what the technology department says about the content filter.

Q: How are the websites determined to be inappropriate?

A: Web sites that are likely

to include objectionable advertising, pornographic content, hacking sites, viruses and other objectionable content are also filtered out for staff and students.

Q: What does it take for a student to get a website unblocked for school reasons?

A: Students must run it by the technology department, and that department has a process in place which allows teachers to submit a request to open sites they feel are critical to their instruction. Getting the site unblocked should not be a problem for a student or a teacher, as long as the site is not in an illegal category.

Q: What happens if a student gets passed the firewall and the blocked content?

A: As found in the handbook and in the District’s Board Policy “Technology Usage,” evading or disabling, or attempting to evade or disable a content filter installed by the district is prohibited. Certain actions will be taken; the principals decide it and it will vary on the websites.

Q: Does the content filter block everything that the school does not want students to see?

A: No content filter is 100% accurate all the time because they all run off of the “category.” If a website is miscategoried, then it could

potentially get through the filter. If we find sites that are miscategoried, we report them to our service provider.

Q: Why is it that the school/ district cannot unblock all of the websites that will not harm the students and are not illegal?

A: The websites that are blocked could possibly interfere with a students’ every day learning schedule and would be considered distracting to teachers from their lessons.

Having everyone on the same connection, it slows the connection down and while some students try to use it for educational purposes, others are using for websites such as; Netflix, Tumblr, etc.

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S N I A H C IN Racism occurs throughout the halls

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eople are not born racist.

People are born with beating hearts and red blood. People are born the same.

Racism, as defined by Oxford dictionary, is ‘the belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human racial groups determine cultural or individual achievement.’

Racism is the belief the color that skin defines who one is or what they can achieve.

The word itself brings up years of oppression among African Americans done by predominately Caucasian Americans during the hundreds of years leading up to the civil rights movement.

Officially, the movement ended in 1968. However, racism is still a prevalent

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problem in America.

Cities like Ferguson, Columbia, and New York City are all witness to the racist acts occurring today. Black teens being gunned down, football stars refusing to play, and riots in the streets of the city that never sleeps. That is the result of racism in America.

Extreme racism is not the only racism in America. There are also small everyday racist incidents against minorities.

The problem with racism in America is that it has always been here. Ever since Columbus started calling the Native Americans ‘red skins’, there has been racism. At this point, it is a way of life for a vast majority of Americans.

Every act, like where one goes, what students wear, and the makeup done on the pretty

face can all be derogatory and offensive if stolen from another culture. For example, wearing a Native American headdress on Halloween may just seem like good fun, but unless the wearer is actually a Native American male living in the plains, the costume is offensive.

Living in America, students do not see this because ever since kindergarten, students have been handed brown paper and safety scissors to cut out a beautiful headdress. Racism is learned early in America.

Mothers and fathers pass down their views just like their genetics, and school teachers unknowingly spread this offensive virus.

“Growing up, people would tell me I acted too white, as if I could act like another race. I act like myself because that is

who I am. I am black,” senior Sydney Roberts said.

Roberts does not stand alone in the face of racism.

Movements all around Missouri have started to end racism and encourage equality for all.

“At the end of the day every human wants the same thing.

We all just want to loved and accepted for who we are because we are all the same deep down,” Roberts said.

Movements should be continued among youth to spread the word that racism is not okay. We are all the same regardless of skin color.

Written by MADDY WYLIE Photographed by MAKENNA NICKENS Designed by ELIZABETH MARSZALEK

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Terms like organic, GMOs, and gluten-free hold significance for smart consumers

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efore they even learn his name, fellow students recognize the young man as the ‘ethical shopper.’ He will gladly discuss (or lecture on) the subject of the best fair-trade coffee and the coolest brand of sweatshop labor-free shoes. He even disdains non-organic fruit as tainted with pesticides and crooked economics. While this young man holds strong opinions about many of the things that are wrong with consumer culture, he is missing a major point of how to relate to others on the topic.

While ‘ethical consumerism’ became a buzzword in the late 1980s, the public still struggles with the meaning of the idea as well as laments the way corporations make it hard to make good choices while still getting by. Ethical consumerism, put simply, is the practice of buying goods and services that are friendly to the environment, workers, and the economy.

For some people, this could mean abstaining from Starbucks and drinking shade-grown coffee. Others may choose to shop at grocery stores that allow their workers to unionize and advocate for better treatment. Still others may go vegetarian or vegan as a way of avoiding the flawed meat industry. It is often forgotten that consuming ethically looks different in every instance.

Indeed, celebrities are not the only ones who worry about the implications of what they buy. However, the vast majority of would-be ethical consumers do not have a Hollywood budget at their disposal. People who struggle to put food on the table do not have time to worry about whether the chicken they bought was free-range.

A wealthy person who looks at a working-class person and berates him or her for buying from Wal-Mart is missing the point of the compassion that should be at the root of an ethical lifestyle. This scenario often plays itself out despite its irony. For instance, thousands of people will reblog the long Tumblr post about how becoming a vegan on a budget is easy, listing vegan foods that can be found at grocery chains for relatively little money.

When a person from a lower-class background tries to remind the moreethical-than-thou types that poor people should not be forced to subsist on lettuce and tortilla chips, they invariably get shouted down. This patronizing attitude towards the economically disadvantaged drives people potentially interested in ethical choices away from the movement.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) once offered a million dollars to an inner-city neighborhood in Detroit if everyone would agree to

go vegan. More alarming than this disingenuous gesture was the amount of people who applauded PETA for their offer without criticizing the agenda behind it. PETA claimed to be responding to the criticism against the detractors who had declared them classist, but if they truly cared about the people in that neighborhood, they would have donated the million dollars instead of putting on an insincere show.

Ethical consumerism is becoming more trendy than ever, to the degree that some people are more worried about outdoing others than they are about the issues at hand. However, a true ethical consumer knows that being ethical entails being compassionate.

Instead of yelling at people who already struggle about issues they do not have time to regard, people should make a practice of listening to those less privileged and learning to understand their constraints. A better, more just world is indeed possible, but on one condition: if those involved would stop viewing ethics as a competition and rather as a personal challenge.

Written by SAGE YOUNGSTREICH Photographed by MASON MACKEY Designed by ELIZABETH MARSZALEK

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POOLING AROUND Students involve themselves in out-of -the-ordinary water activites

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he grabs her backpack and sprints out the door, knowing that she could be late in ten minutes. She tries to finish getting ready in her car. She puts on her swim cap and has her goggles clutched in her hand; she is ready to perform.

Synchronized swimming is a routine that lasts up to five minutes. Participants not only performing acrobatics, but also having to hold their breath and look graceful while doing it.

The sport used to be known as ‘water ballet’ because of the grace and agility it takes all in one routine. Competitors need strength and flexibility to perform twists and lifts as well as rhythm and flair to synchronize with the music.

To be able to listen to the music, there are underwater speakers playing throughout the pool. It not only helps them with their rhythm, but with their technique as well. There are different types of synchronized swimming groups, such as a solo, which is just one person; a duet, which is two people; a team, when eight swimmers compete together; and finally a combination, which is up to ten swimmers performing in one continuous routine.

During the combination performance, there are segments where different numbers

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of swimmers will perform.

Synchronized swimming is a new addition to the Lee’s Summit Aquatic Center.

Another addition to the Lee’s Summit Aquatic Center is water polo. The aquatic center is starting a water polo club for participants ages 6-18.

There are many different ways that a student could be included in this club, because there are many different levels for all ages. Summit water polo club spirit (elementary) is for ages 6-12. Swimmers must be able to swim 50 yards freestyle and 50 yards backstroke, or have passed level 5 swim lessons, Summit Water Polo Club Pride (middle school) which specifically includes students ages 12-14.

Water polo is a seven-a-side game played by swimmers in a pool, with a ball like a volleyball that is thrown into the opponent’s net. It combines the rules of basketball, soccer and hockey with wrestling and swimming.

Water polo is a physical sport involving contact among the players above water and contact below the water that will not be seen. Contact among players is the nature of the game. Actions such as pushing, pulling, grabbing, holding, and

even sinking a player occur during a game, although most times will be illegal.

Each participant gets one free trial class. After that, the cost is $30 per session (high school). The first scrimmage is on Dec. 19 from 9-11am. For water polo club elite (high school) session 1: Tuesdays and Thursdays on Nov. 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19 from 7:15-8: 30pm, and session 2: Tuesdays and Thursdays on Dec. 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17 from 7:15-8: 30pm.

For the elementary and middle school level, each participant gets one free trial class, and after that it is also $30 per session, however one day per week: Choice of Tuesday or Thursday is a fee of $40 and two days per week: Both Tuesdays and Thursdays is a fee of $60. Session 1: Nov 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19 from 6:15pm-7:30pm, and session 2: Dec 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17 from 6:15-7:30pm.

For more information, the Lee’s Summit Aquatic Center is available to be reached at (816) 986-1465.

Written by ASPEN DEPERALTA Photographed by PHOENIX LASPY Designed by MILES WARD

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HITTING THE MATS

GIRLS INCLUDED| The boys wrestling team has one exception, Lupita Olivas.

She is the first ever girl that has trained and made it on the team.

Lupita Olivas joins the wrestling team and makes school history Written by RENEE HASKELL Photographed by PHOENIX LASPY Designed by CORI MATNEY

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he is told by her older brother to run six miles. It is one step in trying to lose five pounds over a short time to be in her weight rank.

When freshman Lupita Olivas is done, she gets into a freezing ice bath.

That day, drinking as little of water as possible, she works to get her weight down.

Wrestling keeps players working hard. Keeping their weight under watch is also a main aspect no one is excluded from, including girls. Girls do not typically wrestle. This year, freshman Lupita Olivas pushes the boundary on social norms by joining wrestling and being one of the only two girls on the team.

“I feel like having a girl on a team is good because girls are breaking in on many sports now. I think girls like Lupita who are trying to make wrestling and trying to make varsity as a freshman, are going to pave many ways for girls,” freshman Gary Hogan

said.

Being a girl in a predominantly male sport forces girls to prove themselves to the rest of the guys.

“I’ve had a lot of people come up to me and be like ‘Why do you even bother?’ Even my own family is like ‘Don’t do it you’re a little girl, you’re supposed to be doing ballet,’” freshman Lupita Olivas said “I want to do it, why can’t I try?”

Even with the stress, the wrestling team is a big family. Olivas’ teammates support having a girl on the team if she can handle herself.

“If she wants to wrestle, she wants to wrestle. She’ll have to be able to handle herself around everybody.

We’re not going to treat her special or not any different,” senior Braden Parrish said.

Olivas overcomes the obstacle of being the sole girl in wrestling, while working to make varsity this season.

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Royals players captivate students at World Series celebration parade

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1| Royals manager Ned Yost waves as the crowd stares at the World Series trophy. 2| Every player taking photos captures shots of the crowd except pitcher Johnny Cueto. Cueto takes selfies as he rides alone through the parade.

3| Pitcher Jeremy Guthrie wears his ski goggles as he waves with his family. 4| Mayor Sly James yells on one of the first trucks seen in the parade. 5| Catcher Salvatore Perez cheeses as he soaks in the fans cheering on either side. 6| Mascot Slugger holds a flag and waves at the beginning of the parade. 7| Left fielder Terrance Gore smiles with his family. 8| Kansas City policemen speed through the streets to start the parade and encourage the crowd. 9| Pitcher Luke Hochevar sports a flannel and a beanie and smiles at the crowd with his family. 10| Hall of Fame athlete and former Royal George Brett cheers on the team in a truck with his wife. photographed by Annelise Hanshaw

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