October 2011 by Lee's Summit HS Hi-Life Magazine

Hi Life Magazine October 28, 2011 Issue 2 Vol.93

What You Need To Know. Now.

There's no excuse for not being eligible to play.

HMH Autosport SALES & SERVICE ALL MAKES & MODELS

Every student needs an Academic Coach

• All Subjects • Pre-K To Adult • LD/ADD • Study Skills • Foreign Languages • Flexible Schedule • Affordable Rates • Certified Teachers

$25 OFF!

Call for details.

965-0090 www.clubztutoring.com

NEW IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD!

JACOB LAUDIE, DDS

GRAND OPENING SPECIAL

HI.LIFE 2011

FOR LIFE!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

October Vol. 93 No. 2

5 Things Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Know After Reading This Issue:

- The difference between a public and private college. -The events and activities that Harmony Council participate in. -What it takes to make a musical. -What Hispanic Heritage Month is all about. -What the Special Olympics are and how to help out.

Table of Contents

7) Food Recalls: Some of the most recent food recalls.

9) Behind The Scenes: What it takes to put a musical together.

10) Pattern of the Month: Classy clothes with a popular print.

14) Banned Books: Reasons for banning a few library books

15 Haunted Building: Local building worth the fright.

20) Alec Boren: Q&A with one of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drum majors.

22) Exceptional Student: Mitchell Hudson, 8th grade genius.

27) Harmony Council: Working hard to help out the community.

29) Horseback Riding: More of a sport than would be expected.

31) Interview with an Athlete: Dan McElory

On The Cover: There are many students who put off on their sleep, without knowing just how bad it is for them. More on p.16 JLABMAG.COM

Altieri, Kelly, & Symonds

ADS

ATTORNEYS AT LAW TRAFFIC, DOMESTIC, CRIMINAL, AND PERSONAL INJURY

Open a Watevr Account & get

$50

to use for whatever you like. You’ll also get a VISA Debit Card & access to your account online. Offer good thru 12-31-2011

A parent/guardian is required as a joint owner for students under 18 years. A $25 membership share account is required to open a Watevr Account.

825 NE Deerbrook Lee’s Summit MO

(next to the Fairfield Inn on 291 Hwy)

www.mocentral.org 816.246.0002

HI.LIFE 2011

LETTER

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Preparing for the Future

MIKAYLA FROMMER

When we are kids, it seems like the future will never come, but when senior year rolls around, it seems that the future is approaching way to fast. The school year has just started, but juniors and seniors are already starting to look into what they are going to be doing with their lives more and more. For juniors, it is a good idea to go ahead and start trying to figure out what there is in life to fit your personality and interests. For seniors though, the beginning of the school year is critical and the deadlines for colleges and scholarships are coming up quickly. In order to find the right college though, there is a lot to take into consideration. One has to think about the type of grades that they have, what type of programs they want to go into, if the college even has the major they want to be in, and what type of financial aid that the school offers. All of that is very important, but there is something else that is very simple that is just important as those things. To know if a college is right for you, you have to go visit the campus. This seems like an entirely simple task, but it is one of the most important. Without visiting a college that you are seriously interested in, you miss out on the chance to see how you feel about the environment of the place and if you fit in there. Visiting campuses also allows students the chance to meet some of the fellow students and some of the school’s teachers. Senior year is already busy without trying to figure out when in the world to schedule visits to different colleges. Thankfully, the school allows seniors three days out of the school year that are completely excused so they can go see their choice colleges. All I can say to seniors is that it is time to start getting things together for the real world because our high school years are almost gone. As far as all the underclassmen go, keep moving forward and think about what you want to do with your future because it will happen a lot sooner than you would think.

MAKING IT HAPPEN

Editor in Chief: Mikayla Frommer Web Editor in Chief: Kevin Adams Photo Editor: Nicole Kelleher and Zac Harris News Editor: Mary Jo Roccaro and Michelle Hurley Features Editor: Tyler Robertson Entertainment Editor: Haley Gillilan and Shelby McNealy Fashion Editor: Tori Carlie and Jordan Jullian Opinions Editor: Jacob Valentine Sports Editor: Nick Rellihan Copy Editor: Paige Seymour Ads Manager: Sierra Lewis Advisor: Marc Russell

Writers and Photographers: Paige Allin, Kaelyn Bailey, Jonathon Barr, Darby Beatty, Taylor Berg, Morgan Bruce, Marissa Corcoran, Samuel Eames, Chelsea Englis,Victoria Gardner, Daniel Graham, Aaron Hagan, Joshua Harris, Andy Jarnevic, Courtney Jeffries, Harlee Kelley, Chloe Maberry, Carly McCarthy, Anna Meyers, Ian Nickens, Hannan Nickles, Sydney Nyquist, Taelor Oller, Logan Phillips, Andrew Potter, Matthew Rellihan, Jessica Rhoades, James Ross, Jared Shepherd, Kailyn Smith, Jude Spaulding, Arna Steinarsdottir, Sean Stevens, Megan Terry, Tierney VanMeter, Shelby Wagner, Tristan White, Ashley Hagan, Nicole Kelleher, Kimberly Tabe, Aaron Wood, Ashley Burrison, Jacob DePeralta, Timothy Snook, Jesse Butler, Wendy Hayworth, John Wood, Victoria Fangrow JLABMAG.COM

NEWS

Hispanic Heritage Month Latino’s celebrate their origins.

Independence Day is the United States’ celebration of America’s independence, but rearranging and adding some words results in the Shout of Independence, which is Spanish-speaking countries’ way of celebrating their freedom. From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, countries with Hispanic heritage have multiple parties and get-togethers to commemorate and remember those who died for their own independence. “Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated for a whole month because there is a lot of heritage!” Spanish teacher David Darmitzel said. Hispanic Heritage Month starts with El Quito de Independencia. On this day, the mayor goes out in front of the whole town and gives a short speech to everyone before the celebration begins. “There are a lot of different holidays celebrated in Spanishspeaking countries, so there are countless holidays for each country,” Darmitzel said. Cinco de Mayo is the most recognized Spanish holiday in America, yet it is not the largest celebration in Spanishspeaking countries. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated to immortalize gaining freedom from France. Mexico does not celebrate it as much as the other countries even though most people connect Cinco de Mayo with Mexico.

“There are a lot of different holidays celebrated in Spanish-speaking countries, so there are countless holidays for each country.”

Day of the Dead is another interesting, mostly Catholic holiday; friends and family gather together to pray for and remember the dead. Unlike Cinco de Mayo, Day of the Dead is mostly celebrated in Mexico. The United States has Independence Day and Memorial Day, whereas Spanish countries have El Quito de Independencia and Day of the Dead, but both are proud to celebrate their heritage. Story by Anna Myers

Photo by Timmy Snook

College Checklist

Are you prepared?

Work on admissions application essays. Visit your top school choices. Interview some students, faculty, and staff. Find out which financial aid applications your college choices require and when the forms are due. Begin preparing your college applications. Check with colleges to find out when materials must be postmarked. Pick up a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at the counseling office. Do not submit before Jan1. Apply for outside funding or scholarships Rank your finalized list of colleges. Make your final decision and send in a deposit by the deadline. Notify the other schools that you will not be attending. Watch for important deadlines at your chosen college (housing, financial aid, etc.). Information obtained from Guidance Office.

HI.LIFE 2011

Story by Kailyn Smith

Food Recalls Food seems to be getting taken off the shelf more frequently.

Recalled From the Past

Some people do not understand is Velveeta’s Shells and Cheese. food recalls and why they occur, but This was recalled because there is a method to the madness. there was a presence of wire “People get sick, and so pieces. Even popsicles the food industry tries to have been recalled in the get rid of the food that was past. Sugar-free orange, manufactured around the cherry, and grape ice same time as the food that pops were all recalled was making people sick,” said because of undeclared advertising agent Crystal Helton. milk. Some believe that The United States Department food recalls are overlyof Agriculture says that two or dramatic and unnecessary. “The more proven food recall cases should be majority of the time I believe that made public so that consumers have an food recalls are unwarranted and opportunity to protect themselves. the media over-dramatizes too “I believe we are all affected much, and that some serious Cancelled Cuisine. “The by food recalls, and at the very food recalls don’t get taken majority of the time, the least food recalls affect the as seriously.” Helton said. media over dramatizes too much, and serious recalls whole food supply,” said culinary Food recalls are important, don’t get taken seriously,” arts teacher Tracy Bertoncin. and should be taken seriously. advertising agent Crystal About a year ago there was a recall Everyone should pay more Helton said. These common household foods on tomatoes, and at restaurants attention to what they eat, are just some that have like Fazoli’s and Subway they because even people in the been previously recalled. could not serve tomatoes at all. food industry make mistakes. Another food that has been recalled

Occupy

NEWS

Quaker: - Chewy Smashbar

- Graham Pretzel - Quaker Oats Velveeta: - Shells & Cheese cups - Kraft foods

Pringles:

- Restaurant Cravers: Cheeseburger - Family Faves: Taco Night

Nestle’s:

- Toll House Cookie Dough

Kellogg:

- Honey Smacks - Froot Loops - Apple Jacks

by Taelor Oller photo by Marissa Corcoran

The 99 percent are taking a stand.

Two girls screamed for justice as the New York Police Department assaulted them with pepper spray. Their faces were on fire, the pepper scorching their eyes. Bystanders attempting to aid the poor girls were pushed back. An ambulance was never called. “When I saw that, I said, ‘enough is enough,’” Occupy Kansas City leader Tyler Crane said. Crane was not the only one. The video of the two girls spurred hundreds into action. The media blackout was over. Wall Street protesters soon littered the news. “I stood up and said I’m not going to let this system happen anymore. I’m not going to allow injustice and I’m not going to allow inequality and destruction of this planet and the people that live on it,” Crane said. The internet has played a key part in spreading the revolution. Twitter feeds have exploded, allowing first-hand information to reach readers. “Everyone felt the collective suffering of the world. 99 percent of us, whether you see it or not, are oppressed by the system of the 1 percent,” Crane said. Many people agree that the bank bail outs of 2008 are the reason for this powerful movement. The economy has frozen and citizens are losing their jobs. “The government helped Wall Street not Main Street,” Modern Global Issues teacher Alison Black said.

Stand In- Occupy Wall Street is the start of this ‘step out,’ and has gone global, even to the streets of Kansas City.

It is up to the people of the world to invoke change in the system. “We’re in a pyramid structure and the people are the foundation. All we have to do is step out and it’ll crumble down,” Crane said. People from all walks of life and all corners of the globe are pointing out the flaws in the 1 percent. “That’s how you have the homeless coming out to stand side by side with wealthy businessmen,” Crane said. The protesters simply want the political system they were promised in the constitution. “We will occupy until the 99 percent is 100 percent,” Crane said. The protests have ceased to be just protests. Thousands of people around the world have turned this into a revolution. Every person has a voice and it is up to them to make it heard. by Wendy Hayworth photo from Associated Press

JLABMAG.COM

NEWS

h t i W g n i p Hel s c i p m y l Special O NTS IN E D U ST CE R N A E L R REGU G A DIFFE R SPED N U “I think the upcoming event, MAKI VES OF O bowling, will be my favorite event I to help with. I think it will be really THE L NTS. fun because it is an all day event E STUD instead of just after school,“ People wait four years to watch the Olympics, but some students at the high school have the opportunity to participate in their own form of the Olympics every year. These students are the students in our special education program. They participate in several different events year round. The kids in our SPED program participate in sports and activities just like the other students. They compete in things like bowling, tennis, basketball, and soccer. Because these events take place all year round, this program requires many volunteers. “I started volunteering through Student Senate, they are our partner in many different activities like bowling tournaments and the Polar Bear Plunge,” senior Brooke Empson said. Empson has been volunteering for the past three years. She has volunteered with bowling, tennis, and soccer and has really enjoyed helping out. 8

HI.LIFE 2011

Empson said. The last event took place on Oct. 15. It was an all day bowling tournament. Empson looked forward to spending the day with the kids, she also looked forward to cheering for them as they were bowling. There had also been prizes and awards given at the end. Empson has been volunteering for the Special Olympics for the past couple years because she loves to help out. “I wanted to help with the kids. It’s a really awesome experience. The kids just really appreciate you spending time with them,” Empson said. Empson likes to volunteer not only because she likes helping out, but also because of the kids reactions. The environment the kids bring makes Empson want to keep coming back. “I have been volunteering for three years and I would definitely do it again. I like working with kids and I like helping with bowling,

Empson is not the only one volunteering from the school though, anyone can. If someone wants to help out, Student Senate has a bulletin board in the upstairs hallway in Building A with information on it. “We don’t really ask for students to volunteer, but it’s definitely an idea to think about in the future,” Empson said. If a student wants to help with the Special Olympics, they can also go through the A+ Office. Helping with Special Olympics is considered to be a part of community service. Students that volunteer with Special Olympics will receive community service hours needed to graduate. Not only will students receive hours, but they will also benefit from helping with this great group of students. The Special Olympics bring a great opportunity for everyone. The students in the program are just like the other students at school, they just do things a little differently.

Story by Kailyn Smith Photo by Victoria Fangrow

BEHIND THE SCENES

Curtain Call STUDENTS JOIN FORCES IN ORDER TO PRODUCE A MUSICAL THAT IS DEFINITLEY WORTH TALKING ABOUT.

Every stage-person has a story to share. Every musical has a tale to tell. “It takes a lot of dedication. The common person does not realize the amount of work it takes to put on a musical,” keyboard player Kyle Angle said. Having a musical is an important opportunity for many students to get creative. “Having a musical is important because it is a chance for people to connect their talents to their emotions,” Angle said. Musicals require a large number of students to work together at producing the show. “Everything that is seen or heard is an effort of the students,” Angle said. There are several crews that help out with the theatre shows. The lighting crew makes sure that the actors are visible to everyone. “Lighting sets the mood of the scene by color, direction, and intensity,” lighting director Andrew Wright said. A musical would be nothing without songs in the background. “Musicians are important because the school will have to make many changes to the music, so a recording would not work,” Angle said. Preparing the show’s music is hard work for the musicians. “Pit Music is challenging because the style is a lot different than what we’re used to, musical music is pretty much its own genre,” Angle said. Even though it is hard work, musicians can enjoy their efforts. “Rehearsal is fun because many of the songs are famous, like ‘Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat’, and ‘Luck be a Lady’,” Angle said. While having music and light is definitely important the stage would be empty without some actors and actresses on it. “Acting is a way to express your feelings and your love of the arts,” sophomore A.J. Cott said. Acting requires memorizing many words and movements that feel unnatural or strained. “You have to be somebody else. You have to take places you’ve never been and make them your home, take actions you’ve never done, none you’ve ever thought about doing, and make it seem natural,” sophomore Trevor Todd said. Guys and Dolls requires a lot of work from its actors. The play is the story of a man who bets his friend that he can get any girl to go to Havana with him, so his friend picks an

Backstage Study. Actor AJ Cott is seen here studying his lines while he waits for his cue to join the actors on stage. “Everything that is seen or heard is an effort of the students,” keyboard player Kyle Angle said.

extremely Christian girl. “I play a really kind old man. He’s very nice and friendly with everyone. All he really wants is for his granddaughter to be happy,” Todd said. The play will be running on Nov. 11, 12, 18, and 20, for $8 in advance, and $9 at the door. “For the number of hours and sacrifices it requires, five short performances can seem like a frustratingly small reward,” Angle said. Every musical has a story about the amount of work that went into producing a great show. Every stage-person has a tale about how much effort it requires to make a musical happen. Story by Andy Jarnevic Photo by Wendy Haywoth

JLABMAG.COM

FASHION

Pattern of the month

UNLEASH YOUR INNER ANIMAL WITH THIS WILD PRINT. Cheetah print is in very high demand, and Macy’s has the latest in cheetah print fashion. Andrew Charles $89 This sassy dress would look great with leggings, boots, and a cardigan. Which is perfect for the changing weather. I-N-C $69.50 This loose top is screaming with excitement, with cheetah print covering it’s entirety.

Style & Co. $46 A thrilling top with chic sparkles making this top flawless.

I-N-C $139.50 A smart looking peacoat with it’s short length at the waist.

Andrew Charles $79 This top with it’s quarter length sleeve and sparkle in the middle makes for a very classy look.

HI.LIFE 2011

By Tori Carlile Photos by John Wood

FASHION

Cheetah

CHEETAH PRINT IS EVERYWHERE AND NOW ONE OF THE BIGGEST STYLES IN FASHION. Just by seeing how fierce these styles are, it is easy to see why cheetah print is the print of the month. Betsey Johnson $60 This necklace is full of flair and has sparkling rhinestones.

Nine West $75 This classic gray and cheetah purse is stylish for women of varied ages.

Nine West $89 An elegant heel transformed into a wild one with cheetah print.

Sperry $85 Sperryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s have now entered into a different style of shoe, leaving a new and exciting look.

Betsey Johnson $55 A chunky bracelet which is perfect for adding pazazz to plain outfit.

By Tori Carlile Photos by John Wood

JLABMAG.COM

FASHION

Great Hair Savers

PRODUCTS THAT WILL SAVE YOU FROM BAD HAIR DAY BLUES

Turn Up The Heat

No longer do people have to fret over damaged and dry hair after continuous use of a flat iron. Turn up the Heat Protection Spray not only saves hair from getting fried, but it also smoothes frizz and softens hair when straightening it. Beyond the Zone Turn up the Heat Protection Spray at Sally Beauty Supply for $8.29.

WAVY

Mop Lemon Grass Lift Give hair a natural wave with Mop Lemon Grass Lift. This organic product not only defines waves, but it adds volume and conditions hair. It also lifts away heavy pollutants that can damage hair. “I love how it leaves my hair soft,” sophomore Tess Herder said.

Mop Lemon Grass Lift is available at Beauty Brands for $14.49.

Vintage Clothing

OLD TRENDS ARE BACK IN STYLE

CURLY

STRAIGHT

The term retro refers to the style and design of the 1950’s through the 1980’s. Clothing from this era is really coming back into style, as well as the styles that were popular then, but they have a new, interesting twist. After a good amount of time, all the styles of the past seem to have come back. “It cycles every 25-30 years. Soon, the 40’s and 90’s will come back,” vintage clothing store owner Kathy Rasmussen said. The reasons that the styles came back is pretty simple, really. “With movies and TV shows prominently displaying vintage styles, most people go crazy for that time period and buy as much of the styles on those shows as they can, so we can mostly blame Hollywood for this new fashion craze,” Rasmussen said. It is actually quite surprising what people wear nowadays that is actually vintage. “The styles are mostly focused on showing women’s true form versus making them look skinny,” sophomore Adee Dancy said. The Hi-Life asked her to be more specific on what styles. “The thick sunglasses, go-go boots, leggings, flowy tops with tight bottoms, and a lot of hairstyles are very reminiscent of vintage styles,” Dancy said. These styles all were born here in America from the hippies, disco, and the conservative movement afterwards. So if people were thinking that the 1950’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s were dead and gone, then think again, because people are wearing it more than one might think. 12 HI.LIFE 2011

Samy Curl Constructor Save curly hair from getting out of control with Samy Curl Constructor Activating Mousse. It tames curls and controls frizz while replenishing lost moisture. “It keeps my curls intact and keeps them from going crazy,” freshman Madison Page said. This product is on sale for $4.99 at Walgreens.

Top: Styles such as thick sunglasses and hats are returning to the fashion world. Bottom: Vintage dresses make a statement and can turn heads.

ENTERTAINMENT

Marvelous Mirchies

The best restaurant in Lee’s Summit you have not eaten at yet.

Based on surveys, the average student at Lee’s Summit High School goes out to eat four times a week. Many students probably go to Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Chipotle, etc, but they probably did not know that we have a healthy and unique alternative to these establishments. Mirchie’s is an Indian eatery here in Lee’s Summit that is quite different from typical Indian restaurants and is very different from any place around the metropolitan area. “We are a fast, casual, fresh, and healthy restaurant that offers true Indian home cooking,” owner Namita Gogumalla said. When first entering Mirchie’s, there was quite a surprise to find that Mirchie’s looked much like a Chipotle. I was expecting it to be more of a sit down and eat type of atmosphere.

Dolphin Tale

A snappingly good movie

However, the food was made fast and then served by two women with smiling faces. One would probably be expecting to see many Indian people behind the gray counter making food and serving the food, but in fact the only Indian person in the restaurant was Gogumalla. There were some flaws that I found with the food and with the actual restaurant. When one first walks in, they might be intimidated by the somewhat confusing menu of Mirchie’s. For first timers it could be hard to order because of the way the menu is set up and how it is presented. The presentation of the food was not that of a four star restaurant, which is typical for any restaurant that serves home-style cooking. However, there were also several good things about Mirchie’s. Indian food is noted as being very spicy and almost unbearable to anyone who does not like spicy foods. However, at Mirchie’s the spice level was just right and even kids could enjoy some of the items on the menu, including the pita like bread called Naan that is made fresh while people order. I did not have enough room to try the dessert Naans, but the way that Gogumalla described them, it made me want to try them on my next visit to Mirchie’s. Also the staff was very helpful and friendly, which made the environment of the restaurant seem very friendly. Another good thing about the food was that it was very fresh. “The food that we serve is what I grew up eating and we use family recipes for everything,” Gogumalla said. Mirchie’s is a localized eatery that includes fresh ingredients, home-ground spices, Gogumalla’s family recipes, and a local staff. Most of the employees live in Lee’s Summit and some even are still in the high schools around Lee’s Summit. “We offer 10% off to any student who comes in and shows us their school ID. We also offer reward cards for returning customers,” Gogumalla said. We now have a fresh, localized, and fast Indian eatery here in Lee’s Summit that offers a take-out service as well as a nice casual atmosphere to eat in. The next time that a student is going to eat out, then they should definitely consider eating at Mirchie’s. By Jon Barr Photo by Logan Phillips

By Tristian White Photo by Associated Press

The movie Dolphin Tale is about a dolphin who looses its tail in a crab trap accident. In the movie a kid who is very shy gets some bad grades and must attend summer school for extra credit. The boy has no friends and no father. Sawyer Nelson had never found anything that had interested him, but he was able to find a passion in dolphins and the ocean. Sawyer saves a dolphin’s life by cutting the ropes off of the dolphins tale that was smashed by the crab trap and while the kid saves the dolphin, the dolphin and him connect, becoming friends. Soon after saving the sea creature, the boy meets a family who takes him in like he is one of their own. As Sawyer grows closer to the family and they grow closer to him, they all try to think of ways to save the injured dolphin, Winter. Something that was good about this movie was the touching experience and the fun that it brings to people from each generation. One thing that was bad about this movie was that there were a few scenes that were a little viewer and might make a few viewer squeamish. Overall, I think this movie could have been one of the best movies in 2011 year. It was a movie where even older kids can enjoy themselves at, as if they were little. If I were to give this movie a rating I would give it a “ ” ccccc JLABMAG.COM

ENTERTAINMENT

Blacklisted

Sometimes when a book is banned, it backfires into making them more popular

Banning books has always been thought to be something that is old news and is no longer practiced, but that is far from the truth. There are books that are still being challenged, protested, and banned today. All across America, society has made an attempt to challenge, censor, and ban books because they have been deemed inappropriate, profane, or graphic. “The reason that books are banned varies a lot on the whole, but when people ban a book, he makes more money when his books are challenged or banned,” librarian Sandy Stuart says While it’s true that banning books creates excitement about reading the book, it may also cause some to frown upon these books and the very reason they may have been banned. “Offensive language, violence, and sexual content are always a popular reason for banning books, and then there are some really stupid reasons like, ‘it was a real downer’ or Shell Silverstiewn made kids want to break plates instead of doing chores,” library assistant Matthew Reynolds says. Some of the most controversial books being banned in 2010 are And Tango Makes Three, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, The Hunger Games, and Crank. “There was a challenge at West about four or five years ago on Crank, but we won that challenge and the book wasn’t banned” Stuart said. This proves that the problem of banning books exists everywhere, even in Lee’s Summit. “I think that if we gave in to every objection to books that we read we would lose a lot of good books, amazing books, possibly every good book out there, and then there wouldn’t be many left,” Stuart said No matter how often society tries to prevent us from reading books they have deemed inappropriate or vulgar, people will always want to read whatever they please.

The Hunger Games- By Suzanne Collins. This book is about a totalitarian government that makes each of the twelve outlined districts send two children to fight to the death in competition. Whichever representative is victorious is rewarded with riches and prosperity for their district. The book was banned because a parent had claimed that it gave her eleven year old daughter nightmares due to graphic violence.

And Tango Makes Three -by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson. And Tango Makes The Absolutely True Diary of a Three is a children’s book about two male Part-Time Indian - By Sherman Alexie penguins who live at New York’s Central is about a native american teenager Park Zoo and work together to hatch who transfers schools from his school and raise a baby chick. Written by Justin on the reservation to another school Richardson, this book has appeared on the Crank- Crank by Ellen Hopkins is a book twenty miles away after discovering top ten list of most frequently challenged about Kristina Snow, who is a teenage girl that people cared more about alcohol having trouble with figuring herself out. She books as number one, excluding a brief than education. While he os keeping is then introduced to crystal meth, and then stay as number two in 2009. Some of the up with his new school’s advanced reasons that this book has been challenged her alter ego, Bree, is introduced. Bree is curriculum Arnold Spirit “Junior” finds the opposite of Kristina. She does things or banned in schools and public libraries himself a social outcast on both the that Kristina would never do, and eventually is because the book is deemed unsuitable reservation and at his new school. for it’s age group, supports and suggests Bree drives Kristina into a situation from This book was banned due to the fact which she cannot recover. This book was homosexuality, and many have objected to that the main protagonist insinuated banned because it features the use of drugs, it’s religious viewpoint. “masturbation”. violence, and teen prostitution. 14

HI.LIFE 2011

by Zachary Spaulding photos from Associated Press

ENTERTAINMENT

Frightening Flicks The movies with the best scares

Halloween is all about getting scared, and there are lots of movies up to the job this year. Many of the new movies may be scary, but they might not be on par with some older movies. If people are willing to wind the clock back a bit they could catch an old school scare. Whether looking for some laughs with friends or to fear for one’s life, there are plenty of great horror movies to watch this Halloween. For example, there is everyone’s favorite movie about a marshmallow man destroying Manhattan, Ghostbusters. In Ghostbusters, Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson quite simply, bust ghosts. In the movie, there is a lot of supernatural activity in Manhattan recently and these four scientists are the only ones that can stop it. Ghostbusters is not at all scary, despite being a good Halloween movie. Ghostbusters is strictly laughs, and it is great in that way. Murray and Akroyd especially are on the top of their game in this movie. If there is one thing to knock about Ghostbusters it is the pacing. The movie is very fast, then slow, then fast again. It is a little awkward, but still a funny movie that comes with the highest recommendations. Then there is of course the granddaddy of modern horror, Psycho. In Psycho, pretty lady of the day, Marion Crane, goes to the Bates Motel and meets the strange owner Norman Bates. Then in the one of the most iconic horror scenes, she gets killed, which sets off an investigation, more murder and a great

Time for Halloween Horror! It’s once again time for horror movies to take control of everybody’s televisions. And with 99 cent rentals? Video stores everywhere better be ready for the hundreds of thrill-seekers ready to get scared this Halloween.

deal of creeping the audience out. Psycho is more focused on characters and creepiness than most horror movies, and in that way it is a bit aged, but itw still holds up well. It is a very interesting, and very disturbing movie. But if Psycho is the granddaddy of modern horror, then Halloween is without question the daddy. Halloween invented the slasher genre, and invented the singular plot that the slasher genre has. Michael Myers has escaped from the insane asylum just in time to murder all the teens of Haddonsfield, IL. Simply put, Halloween is terrifying. It is an iconic genre starter, and there is good reason for it. The acting is cheesy, and the story is even more cheesy, but it scares people and that is really all anyone can ask for. It may be a bit generic, but in my opinion Halloween is the best Halloween movie. From laughs to scares, there are plenty of great Halloween By Daniel Graham Photo by Chloe Maberry movies from all eras.

Eerie Epperson

Looking for a good thrill? Check this out!

All towns have their secrets, whether they are locally known, or discussed in faraway places, but they are often about local hauntings. Without even realizing it, we can easily get the feeling of someone watching us, or even just a creepy vibe. It could even send chills down a spine. Either way, people either love it or hate it. Most of us have heard of UMKC college, but they probably have not heard of the Epperson House, located on campus. This fifty-six room mansion is over looking the UMKC campus. The intriguing building, built in 1919, is said to be a haunted place. People have reported seeing the ghost of Harriet Barse, a family member of the owner, Uriah S. Epperson. Security guards that work in the house have seen Harriet wandering around in a white recital gown, and have heard her playing the organ late at night. There was a preformance space made for her, which included a balcony and an organ. Once the owner and his wife passed away, the person left with the house was J.J. Lynn. She then donated it to the UMKC campus where it would be used as a residential hall for men, and housed fortyfour aviation cadets in World War II. People often say that there is a uneasy feeling of a presence looming around this house. Since this house is local, those seeking a thrill are free

College Scare. The Epperson House, formally known Hawthorne Hall is located on the UMKC campus. The Epperson House is rumored to be haunted, backed up by multiple paranormal events. Photo by: Melissa Oribhabor, UMKC Unews

to check it out. It offers a scary tremble of hauntings and excitement. By Megan Terry

JLABMAG.COM

(

N O I T A V I R P E D P E E

HI.LIFE 2011

( ((

(

CENTERSPREAD

SLEEP TIRED EXHAUSTED E U IG T FA Y R EA W D NE I A R D N OR W SLEEP TIRED EXHAUSTED

CRASH ST E R SNORE

SNOOZY OR P SO SLEEPY

CENTERSPREAD

LETHARGIC SS E L T LIS DREAM SLOW SNOOZY OR P SO SLEEPY

BLEARY-EYED WN O ND A R TIRED WEARY

JLABMAG.COM

CENTERSPREAD

t is 1:30 AM. The boy sighs and rests his head on his pillow. Morning will come soon. Sleep deprivation, defined as the condition of not having enough sleep, is a major problem for many high schoolers. Between clubs, sports, homework, and socializing, the events of a student’s day sometimes spill over into the night. These jam-packed schedules can interfere with student’s sleeping, which, ironically, can have a detrimental effect on a student’s ability to perform their activities at a high level. One in five adults fail to get enough sleep and since teenagers require more sleep than adults, more than one in five students fail to get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can happen to any person of any age, so it makes sense that many students also have sleep deprivation. For some people sleep deprivation can be a result of more than just a busy schedule. There are several medical issues that can result from sleep deprivation. These include chronic insomnia, which has been classified by every major medical association as a disease. Someone with insomnia may find it difficult, or even impossible, to get an adequate amount of sleep. Whatever the cause, sleep deprivation can have serious effects. Aching muscles, headaches, inability to concentrate, drowsiness, and even acne have been linked to not getting enough sleep. Sleep deprivation has also been linked to many serious diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity. Along with physical symptoms, sleep deprivation can affect people’s mood and their performance in school. Studies have shown that people who do not get enough sleep are more aggressive and have larger mood swings than those who get enough rest. The National Sleep Foundation conducted a study in 2006 that found a strong correlation between sleep deprivation and depression. Staying up late to work on homework is often viewed as something to be admired. Many people think it shows a student’s devotion to his studies, when in fact it can be harming their academic performance. Not getting enough sleep shuts off parts of the brain that are essential to memory. For example,

Out of It. When in a class that a student is uninterested in, it is very easy to loose attention and doze off, leaving them less learning time and overall making them even more tired than they were before. “Students that don’t get enough sleep at night and miss something important and regret it later.” sophomore Coltin Shields said.

HI.LIFE 2011

Not During Class! Students often fall asleep while doing class work which can also result in punishment from their teachers and sometimes a trip to Student Administration. “It is not good because students are not focused in what they are learning” says sophomore Kyle Tye.

the temporal lobe, which is responsible for verbal learning. In a recent study, two groups of students took a test after getting differing amounts of sleep. Group A studied for two hours, then slept for eight. Group B studied an extra 2-4 hours, but got no more than six hours of sleep. Group A, despite studying for only half the time as Group B, performed significantly better on the test. While sleep deprivation’s effects on student performance in school is serious, the consequences can even more deadly. Drowsiness and the inability to concentrate can be extremely dangerous while driving. Teens are already an at-risk group for car accidents. Adding sleep deprivation to the mix is not a good idea. Statistics bear this out, with over 100,000 crashes per year being linked to drowsy driving. Clearly, sleep deprivation is a serious issue. But how much sleep do teens need? According to the National Sleep Foundation, teenagers should be getting just over nine hours of sleep per night. This number is in stark contrast to the 85 percent of teens who report getting less than eight hours of sleep per night. Almost no teens are getting the amount of sleep that they require. Getting enough sleep is important because of the positive impacts it has on one’s body. According to the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, the body needs and regulates sleep the same way it needs food, water, and air. Studies have consistently shown that sleep is important to promote Random Places. Student’s lack of sleep causes them to fall a sleep in strange places, at strange times. Students at some times become so desperate for extra time to sleep, they search for a small window of time to nap.

CENTERSPREAD

physical health and longevity, as well as emotional stability. one’s body for sleep and helping it fall asleep faster. Exercise This explains why people feel better after getting an adequate also increases energy levels and alertness during the day. amount of sleep. Another solution is to establish a bedtime routine. Sleep deprivation, as previously mentioned, can also have a Performing the same actions before sleeping can help one’s serious effect on someone’s mood. Without the proper amount body recognize when it is time for sleep. Just be sure that of sleep, the irritability most people feel during the morning can this routine does not involve too much physical exertion or persist through the whole day. During the day, they may suffer consumption of food and drinks. Performing actions that give from severe anxiety and a lack of motivation, both of which are or take away energy in the hours leading up to sleeping can characteristics of depression. Depression is a very serious make it hard to fall asleep. illness that is hard to identify and treat effectively. “Establishing a routine is essential to getting good sleep. It Part of the blame for the fact teens do not receive enough gives your body a cue, telling it that it is time to begin winding sleep must be assigned to the schools, whose schedules are down,” Baanders said. in direct conflict with a teenager’s natural sleep cycle, known Unfortunately, many of the advertised solutions to sleep as the circadian rhythm. During adolescence, biological sleep deprivation will not do anything to help. A cup of coffee in the patterns shift later for both sleeping and walking. It is not morning can be an effective way to reduce the effects of sleep natural for a teenager to be able to fall asleep before 11:00 PM. deprivation, but drinking too much will not help. Rather, one’s It is ironic, then, that school body will quickly become starts earlier as students grow accustomed to the effect, older. creating a dependance or “Early morning starts an immunity to it. Similarly, can have a serious impact energy drinks can provide on a high school student’s temporary boosts, but are performance,” psychology not a great solution to the teacher Debbie Baanders problem. said. That does not stop most Some schools have people though. Caffeine recognized this and is ingested regularly by implemented later starting 80 percent of people in times. A Rhode Island the United States. No school district pushed back matter what form it is in, its school’s starting time caffeine is seen as a way by just thirty minutes and to counter the debilitating saw dramatic statistical effects of sleep deprivation, improvements from the which has made it one of number of students who felt the more popular drink drowsy, sad, and depressed. additives. Before the change was Finding a treatment Too Late. Often students fall asleep during or in between classes, leaving them less time to learn made, nearly all of the for sleep deprivation first and enjoy their school day. When students are learning less, they are less sure of how to do their teachers, coaches, and requires finding the cause. homework. When they have less knowledge of how to do their homework, they stay up later, administrators have resisted leaving them even more deprived with sleep. There are, in total, 81 it. After the introduction of different types of sleep the earlier starting times, disorders. Some of the almost the entire faculty supported it. more common sleeping disorders are insomnia, sleepwalking, Another example of how later starting times have positively snoring, narcolepsy, and bruxism. The numerous amount of impacted students can be found in the Fayette County school sleeping disorders has even led some people to believe that district, who saw the automobile accident rate for 16-18 year snoring is a disorder. Science refutes this, but snoring can be a olds dramatically decrease when they pushed their school’s symptom of sleep apnea, which causes the breathing pattern to start time back by just an hour. Later starting times have been get interrupted during sleep and can cause health problems or tried many times over the years and the results have been even death. universally positive. Depending on the type of sleeping disorder, medication, There are some drawbacks that prevent later starting changes to sleeping habits, and even surgical procedures can times from becoming universally accepted. It’s effects on be solutions. Sleep apnea, in a worst case scenario, may have transportation, after school activities, and job hours are all to be treated with devices that send steady streams of air into legitimate issues to starting school later. Still, most experts the lungs. If the sleeping disorder is treated, there is a better believe that the benefits outweigh the negatives. chance that a person’s normal sleep pattern can be restored While sleep deprivation will likely always be an issue as long and the health complications that come with sleeping disorders as schools continue with the early starting times, it is possible can be prevented. to lessen some of the effects. Taking naps is a good way to In a high school that promotes activity and involvement, offset some of the sleep that is lost at night, but one must be getting enough sleep can be a nearly impossible challenge. careful. Naps that are too long, too short, or too close to the It is, however, important to recognize the importance of sleep normal sleeping can be ineffective, or worse, harmful to one’s and make an effort to get enough. Feeling tired is harmless; the sleeping cycle. results of being tired are not. by Samuel Eames and Jesse Butler Exercising regularly helps sleep deprivation by readying photos by John Wood JLABMAG.COM 19

FEATURES

Alec Boren

Q& A

Boren leads the drumline for yet another year.

Every home game at half-time, three figures stand tall and lead the band. Here is a look at one of them. Junior Alec Boren is a Drum Major, meaning that he is a leader of the band and a talented musician. During games he conducts as the band performs and does a great job in doing so. Question: How long have you been in band? Alec: “I have been in band since the fifth grade.” Q: How long have you been a Drum Major? A: “I have been a Drum Major since sophomore year.” Q: What exactly do you have to do to become a Drum Major? A: “There is an audition for the position every year. In order to become a Drum Major, you have to know how to call commands, keep time, and conduct.” Q: What are your priorities and jobs as a Drum Major? A: “I am a field conductor. I also hold things together when they get crazy and solve problems. I help people perfect their marching and posture so that they are at their best.” Q: How much time do you have to devote to this? A: “Being a Drum Major is an all-year job. First, you have to try out and then you have to go to Drum Major camp in June. After that, the entire marching band prepares for the season with a two-week camp in July, so this job takes up most of summer.” Q: What is your favorite part of being a Drum Major? A: “My favorite part is teaching the band, freshman and veterans alike. I like seeing them learn and seeing that they understand. I just love being able to help out.” Q: What do you think overall of being a Drum Major? A: “I really enjoy it. I will definitely do it again next year.” Q: You are a member of Science Olympiad. What is that? A: “It has everything to do with science. We do projects, labs, and lots of independent work.” Alec clearly enjoys his job as a Drum Major, so next year he will still be on the podium to help guide the Golden Tiger Marching Band to victory.

by Ian Nickens photos by Nicole Kelleher

FEATURES

Facebook vs. Twitter The Battle of the Social Networks.

With 800 million members, the number of Facebook users out number Twitter’s 200 million with a four to one ratio. Facebook has been live two years longer than Twitter, and the argument over which is the superior social network is still going on. Here the two social network giants will be compared from an unbiased viewpoint. “The school has two Facebook pages, one for athletics, and a general Facebook page that both show positive information, like if a student wins an award for something,” assistant principal Chad Hertzog said. The pros of Facebook are that it is easy to connect with people you never would have stayed in contact with without Facebook. The biggest con is that it is easy to say something negative and that information is so global. “If kids would learn that they do not have to be friends with everyone, it would help avoid conflict.” said Hertzog when asked what he thought the pros and cons of Facebook were. Hertzog thinks the Lee’s Summit High School Facebook page makes a difference, Hertzog said ”Yes, the idea behind Facebook allows us to get information out to the masses and can really do a lot of good.” Still, this raises the question, “wouldn’t it be better to use

Twitter to get quick alerts and updates?” “Twitter would probably be better than Facebook, because people can get tweets sent to their phone, but would be more like ‘Red’. Facebook creates an opt-in situation for receiving information.” Hertzog said. Facebook allows you to connect with old friends as well as find new ones, while Twitter allows you to see what others are doing in short, sweet, and to the point bursts. Both networks have mobile smart phone applications, however, with Twitter, you do not necessarily have to have a smart phone to get mobile updates, as tweets can be sent to any mobile phone. Facebook allows you to do more on the site, with photo and video sharing, while Twitter is limited to text, and only 140 characters per post. Twitter allows quick responses to posts, while on Facebook, you may have to wait to get responses or comments on posts. Whether you let the numbers or opinions help you make your own decisions as to which social network is the better one, the argument is sure to remain.

by Jared Shepherd

Preposterous Procedures

by Jared Shepherd photo by Nicole

Emergency routes have classes outside during a tornado warning. The thing about emergency procedures is that they are supposed to get you to your emergency destination in a safe and timely manner. The emergency procedures here at LSHS can get you to your destination quickly, however, some may not be considered safe. The current routes at this school have been in place at least a decade, if not longer “I’ve been here for 11 years and the routes have been in place since I got here,” Assistant Principal Jamie Argotsinger said. “I don’t think the routes need to be changed; we can get the kids to their destination in 5 minutes. Argotsinger said. Still, some classes, like the journalism classes, have to walk outside to get to their emergency shelter. “We review the routes every year and we talk about going outside, but we haven’t come up with any better routes,” said Argotsinger. You may find yourself asking “Why can’t the classes go through the breezeway?”, “There aren’t really any alternate ways to get students from the top wing of the A building to their destination without going outside, and if we didn’t go outside, it would take longer because of congestion in the halls and you don’t know when one is bearing down on you”. Argotsinger said “Because of the Joplin tornado, the district has been looking at all the routes in the schools and might say that going

outside is unsafe and that we change them.” Argotsinger said. Safe or not, the routes are most likely here to stay, just as long as they keep working.

Stay Safe. Students and teachers see posters like this in every classroom describing what they should do in case of an emergency. Sometimes these precautions include going outside, if its the quickest route. “We can get the kids to their destination in 5 minutes.” Assistant Principal Jamie Argotsinger said.

JLABMAG.COM

FEATURES

Choosing the Right School

by Kim Tabe photo by Taylor Berg

There are many differences between public and private colleges.

hen deciding what college or university one wants to go to, it is always essential to choose a school that not only meets that individual’s career interest, but also a school that is well-suited for them both socially and academically. Students must first know the differences between public and private universities in order to choose which type of college setting is preferable to their needs. -Public universities (such as: Missouri State University, Northwest Missouri State, University of Central Missouri, University of Missouri, etc..) State and federally funded The schools have to follow certain guidelines set by the state and federal government Tuition is much cheaper Class sizes are larger More diverse -Private universities (such as: Avila University, Central Methodist University, Culver-Stockton, William Jewell, etc...): *Funded through donations (donors) *Smaller class sizes *More prestige than public universities *More expensive *Less diverse Guidance counselor, Connie Ficken, tells students what to look for in a college when choosing the right school. “College has to be a ‘fit’ for the person living there. It is really a more personal type of thing. It all depends on what you like. Every campus has a different air,” Ficken said, “but the most

important thing to remember when picking a college is to go with the college that has your degree.” While there are many differences between public and private colleges, one thing that both types of colleges have in common is that they prepare students for a bright, successful future. When choosing a college or university, make certain that it is a ‘fit’, because after all, this decision can affect one throughout their college years.

Colleges, which one should you pick? Public and private schools are two different choices you have to really think about and examine. “Private schools have a smaller campus, people ranging from 15 to 30 people in each class. Public schools, on the other hand, are much bigger and have 25 to 300 people in one class,” Counselor Connie Ficken said.

8th Grade Math Not all high school students are in grades 9-12.

As students walk through the hallways, they assume that the peers around them go to our school, but many do not realize that there is a middle schooler who comes here each day just for math. “I like coming here, I think its cool” eighth grader Mitchell Hudson said. Hudson has been very advanced in math since he was young. He was tested when he was in the third grade and has been in advanced math since he was in the fourth grade. Hudson is currently taking an advanced geometry class. “Geometry is challenging but I like it. If i was in eighth grade math it would be way to easy,” Hudson said. Hudson comes here everyday for seventh hour math with Tina Knutson. The only days that Hudson does not come to the high school is when it is a early release day or when there is an assembly at the middle school. Math is a challenging subject, but it is pretty easy for Hudson 22

HI.LIFE 2011

and he does not have to study as hard as some other people might have to. “I usually don’t study unless i really need too,” Hudson said. Even if math is easy for him, Hudson still has other classes that he has to take care of and keep on top of, otherwise it might be bad for him. “I have to keep my grade up to keep coming to this school.” Hudson said. Most students would never begin to imagine coming to high school to take advanced math, but with Hudson it is a whole different story. by Hannah Nickles

photo by Jake DePeralta

FEATURES

New Businesses

New businesses are popping up all over the Lee’s Summit area.

here are new businesses coming to Lee’s Summit all the time. Some are successful while others are not. With our town continuously growing there are going to be some new additions. Some of the new businesses include a new Chipotle on Rice Road. This new Chipotle is in construction and will be opening shortly. The new Halloween City, which will only be open for the Halloween season, is where Borders was in Summit Woods Crossings. Some of the most popular costumes for men include, Michael Myers, Captain America, and Scream. Men’s costumes usually cost from $29.99 to $59.99. The most popular women’s costumes are Mrs. Krueger, Super Women, and Marilyn Monroe. These costumes usually cost from $20.99 to $49.99. Some of the most common costumes for younger girls include Daphne from Scooby-Doo, a cheerleader, and Princess Tiana. The most popular costumes for boys are Bumblebee from Transformers, Batman, and Iron man. Kids costumes usually cost $19.99 to $29.99. Recently built, there is a new Subway and Papa Murphy’s on the corner of Todd George Road and Langsford

Road. The most popular sandwich at Subway is called the Italian B.M.T. This sandwich consists of genoa salami, pepperoni, ham and your choice of fresh vegetables and condiments. This sandwich usually costs $3.99 to $5.99. Papa Murphy’s has been voted the best Take’n’bake pizza chain in America for the last three years. The most common pizza’s sold are cheese and pepperoni. And lastly there is a new Jimmy Johns located across the street from Summit Fair. The number one sandwich at Jimmy Johns is the Turkey Tom. The Turkey Tom consists of freshly sliced turkey breast, topped with lettuce, tomato, alfalfa sprouts, and original mayo. While most of these businesses will be favored in Lee’s Summit, some of them may not last very long compared to the other.

by Hannah Nickels photos by Carly McCarthy

This Not That

by Sam Eames photos by Paige Seymour

Tanning Outdoors vs. Tanning Beds

Health: Tanning Beds produce ultraviolet rays, which are a known carcinogen. Carcinogens can potentially lead to cancer. Many states have enacted bans on minors using indoor tanning facilities, most recently California.

Health: Outdoor tanning also exposes people to ultraviolet light, but tanning beds expose you to 10-15 times the normal amount.

Cost: The cost of tanning indoors ranges from five to 20 dollars per session.

Cost: Outdoor tanning is free!

Convenience: Indoor tanning is more costly to the Convenience: Outdoor tanning takes about body and the wallet, but has the advantage of being six months of the year. a more convenient option Overall: Tanning, in all it’s forms, can be detrimental to a person’s health. If one must tan, outdoor tanning is a better option than tanning beds. JLABMAG.COM

OPINIONS

Making Things

by Opinions Editor Jacob Valentine

just never work, the chemistry is not there. Some students just constantly butt heads with a certain teacher and therefore they should be able to transfer out of that teachers class. Another reason they should be able to transfer out of the class and into another class of the same subject such as a math class to a math class as to keep the credits the same. I do not see how this could be a big problem because there are multiple teachers with multiple hours of the same class increasing the odds that you will be able to transfer out to another teacher. For example, a student with all good grades may have one bad grade with a teacher they do not get along with that may be the reason that they have a bad grade. This in no means is an excuse for students to do bad in a class so they can get rid of their teacher. Each year, students are enrolled in classes they I understand why the administration staff tries making it difficult do not want to be in, or have teachers they do not to switch out of classes because they want to keep students on the want to have, and it is a complicated process to fix path of graduating. They do not want to risk students not having enough credits to graduate due to transferring out of classes. this problem. Students are finding out the hard way that it is a difficult If students had the ability to switch out of classes easier task to transfer out of a class after the first couple weeks of then it would make the school as a whole a less stressful school. Some students enroll in classes where they do not environment. Teachers would have less stress with not having to deal with students they do not like, fully understand the curriculum or are and the students would have less confused about what the class is about The process stress dreading going to their least and they find out that they do not like it required to get ouf of a favorite teachers class. after the first couple weeks of school. To make it easier on the The process required to get out of a class class or change teachers administration staff at LSHS over the is somewhat difficult to complete. Students is somewhat difficult to summer they could refine the process must first meet with their counselor to talk to change teachers and make a new about why the school should transfer them complete, there are many process to possibly make it easier on out of the class. After this meeting, it is a steps to it. both the students and staff. This is just decision of the counselor to have a meeting one of many possible solutions to fix with the student and their parent about the the problem of teachers and students class they want out of. After this meeting a stuck with each other. principal has to also have a meeting with the parent and the counselor to finalize the process. It takes very special circumstances For the 2012-2013 school year, we can only hope that the to get switched out of a class mid way through a semester. students are happy with their schedules, or meet with their I think it should be a easier process to change teachers for counselor early enough to make the requested changes that a few reasons. Some teachers and students relationships will the students want.

Happen

EXACTLY HOW HARD IS IT TO SWITCH OUT OF YOUR CLASS MID SEMESTER?

“

Christina Jones’ Column

HI.LIFE 2011

This past weekend, Special Olympics had a bowling tournament after months of bowling practices. There were over 800 athletes that came together to celebrate their hard work between two different locations. An event this large takes planning and organization from the dedicated Lead Special Olympics Volunteers. Seven other senators and I played a small part in the tournament by volunteering. It makes me incredibly proud that not only volunteers from Student Senate, but volunteers from all over the area can come together in order to make such a special day for the athletes. The main job of a volunteer is to encourage and cheer on the athletes; but, in every case I have seen, the athletes end up doing even more that that for the volunteers. The volunteers always have a great time, and walk away feeling that they have been a part of something bigger than themselves. The experience itself is priceless. Unfortunately, everything comes with a cost. In order for Special Olympics to continue putting on these life-changing events, they have an annual Polar Bear Plunge to fundraise. Registration is $50, and in exchange you get a sweatshirt, and the opportunity to wade into Longview Lake in the middle of winter. As an experienced plunger, I can honestly say that the feeling associated with the plunge is not “cold”. This is not only because you become too numb to feel your legs, but because you get to make a difference. This year, Senate will be taking The Plunge, and we invite every friend, family member, and classmate to join us on January 28th. If you have any questions about Polar Bear Plunge, or how to volunteer, feel free to contact me at ccjones1018@lsr7.net.

OPINIONS

Staff Editorial

The school is always trying to save money, could switching to iPads from textbooks help this problem? It seems that the iPad has an app or solution for just about everything in the average person’s life, so why are schools not taking advantage of the technology? Many people have replaced just about everything that they were using that was not quite so up to date with Apple’s iPad. The things being replaced range from books to calculators and even notebooks. Some schools have even used them to replace several school supplies. Replacing iPads with textbooks, to some extent, could save the school money seeing as textbooks cost about $100 a piece and several copies are needed for almost every class. Some of which are not even used. iPads on the other hand, even though they cost more than twice the amount of textbooks at about $500, would cost less in the long run seeing as you do not have to buy as many due to the fact it would be one iPad per student instead of just classroom sets, and they would probably last longer assuming that the students did not do anything potentially dangerous or harmful towards the delicate devices. Another reason that textbooks should be replaced by iPads would

Man on the Street “iPad, because you can do a lot more, and that’s all you’d have to carry around. And it has spellcheck!” freshman Lizzie Jones said.

be that carrying around a heavy backpack is one of the leading causes of back-pain found commonly in children. Even though this is normally not a problem and can be easily treated, some times it can lead to a more serious problem. Therefore iPads can also be good for the student’s health. While this plan seems like a good solution to both money and health problems in school, there are a few problems that present themselves. One question being “Will the schools pay for the iPads or will the students have to?” While is it most likely that the school would have to pay for them, the answer to that is unknown. Another problem would be that the school might not have enough money to get rid of all of their textbooks and give the students brand new iPads. In the end people will replace virtually everything they need, with the exception of few things, with iPads, and soon even textbooks will be a thing of the past as schools everywhere begin to replace their textbooks with technology. by Zachary Spaulding illustration by Madeline Moore-Porter

Question: Would you rather carry textbooks or an iPad with your books downloaded onto it?

“iPad, because it’s a lot lighter, obviously.” sophomore Sam Skogsberg said.

“Textbook, because some people don’t know how to work an iPad.” junior Amber Moody said.

“Textbooks. You can’t break textbooks.” senior Tim Barrientos said.

by Chloe Maberry

JLABMAG.COM

OPINIONS

Editorials Salad Bar in Cafeteria

iPod Usage During School

Making Healthier Choices At Lunch g Anna Myers

If powdered potatoes and carbonated orange drink are what comes to mind when someone refers to healthy food choices, then he or she may need to think again. Those mushy green beans in the cafeteria are not the healthiest thing available. A salad bar in the middle of the cafeteria with different choices, that is what would be healthy. At LSHS vegetarians do not have many food choices besides the prepackaged salads that usually have meat on them.. A salad bar would give vegetarians a wider variety of food choices. A salad bar could also help people looking for a healthier diet or just wanting a different kind of lunch than what they normally get. Eating more fruits and vegetables can improve peoples’ moods too. They can also improve memory, which would in turn help to improve grades. Natural enzymes found in vegetables and fruits can help to prevent stress mentally and physically. The consumption of vegetables will provide higher levels of vitamins C, E, B6, and folic acid are key elements of nutrition in promoting a healthy immune system. Which will then reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses. The hatred of spinach has gone on to long. Spinach is a tasty and extremely healthy vegetable. One cup of spinach has nearly 20 percent of the RDA of dietary fiber this aids digestions, helps maintain low blood sugar, and it curbs overeating. It has flavonoids which is a phytonutrient with anti-cancer properties. Romain lettuce is an excellent type of lettuce to have in a salad. It provides viamin A, folate, vitamin C, manganese and chromium. Romain lettuce increase heart health which helps reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks as you age. It also helps keep blood vessels healthy and clear also reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Lunch lady Cynthia Bell thinks having a salad bar would be a wonderful idea because of how many more choices it would add to the cafeteria. The salad bar would most likely consist of many things found on a regular salad bar, such as different leafy greens, croutons, and a few other vegetables. There would also a few different types of dressings. If the school got a salad bar it would most likely be located in the center of the cafeteria or have it’s own separate line. The salads would cost about the same as the other lunches, although there could possibly be different prices for different sizes of salads. A fresh salad over a greasy chicken patty. That is what is healthy.

POL ICY 26

Should iPod’s be allowed in certain classes? g Kaelyn Bailey Advances in technology have made iPod’s virtually have an unlimited number of uses. iPod’s were developed as a music player but have increasingly advanced to the point of having numerous applications and internet connectivity that can be used for many different things at school. “People focus more while listening to music, look at other people’s learning ways,” art teacher Angie Prindle said. Students have many different learning styles and some may work more effectively while listening to their iPod’s rather then working in silent. Other’s may think that during school hours students should not be allowed the privilege to use their iPod’s. Some students would work better during class if they had music to listen to and would be less inclined to talk during class if they had music playing. “I’m not opposed to listening to it in down time; lunch, hall. You guys are responsible enough to know when to turn it off,” Prindle said. Using your iPod is a way for students to show their responsibility and to prove their self control during school hours. If students taken advantage of this privilege, then it should be taken away. Some ways students can lose the privilege of iPods by listening to them when the teachers are attempting to give a lecture, using the iPods as a tool for cheating, or using apps on the iPod to play games instead of doing class work. “Use it in a responsible way. We ask you to be mature in different ways but you should be able to prove yourself, but if abused it should be taken away,” Prindle said. When students show they have the self control to contain themselves from using iPod’s during inappropriate times during the day, the school board should start to lean away from not allowing iPod’s. Students can use iPods appropriately during lunch, art, gym or maybe even core classes when teachers let you during work time. A solution to this problem to test if students are responsible enough to handle this would be to allow students to use their iPods at lunch and the administration could see if the students are following the rules and putting their iPods up after lunch before their next class. “Baby steps away from not using it,” Prindle said. With all of these options available at students fingertips for misuse, some may wonder, do high school students have enough responsibility to use IPod’s correctly? The only way we will ever know is if we are given the opportunity to prove how responsible we can be.

The Hi.Life is an open forum to provide up to date and pertinent information compiled by high trusted publication that raises the bar of high school journalism. The Hi.Life newsmagazine is a readers is to provide credible, reliable, and unbiased information to the student body. None of the of the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District. We strive to create a professional newsmagazine that

HI.LIFE 2011

school journalists. We will be a bold and student led publication. Our obligation to opinions in our publication reflect the views provides accurate insights and entertainment.

CLUB PAGE

Harmony Council A STUDENT DRIVEN CLUB FULL OF ACCEPTENCE AND OPPORTUNIES

by Shelby Wagner photo by Harlee Kelley

Take a look around. The stereotypical girl-next-door with long blonde hair and bright blue eyes laughs with her friends; a boy with a caramel-colored complexion and jet black curls sits across the table; a small girl with exotic features and dark clothes rounds the corner. As you walk through the halls, rest at a stoplight, or even wait in a check-out line, no one person is exactly alike. America is the melting pot of the world. Harmony Council, a club here at our school, is striving to unite these diversities as one. “Harmony Council is a club whose goal is to help promote acceptance through tolerance of individual differences,” club sponsor Debbie Baanders said. Harmony Council is very open and inviting; any student is welcome to join and must attend at least one meeting to do so. Every month, club members meet to plan and discuss upcoming events. Members also have the privilege of choosing what activities they participate in. “I think it’s the students’ club and I act as a sponsor. I let students decide what we want to do,” Baanders said. In the past, members of Harmony Council had open round-table discussions about their cultures and how they were accepted by the student-body. Now Harmony Council focuses on service projects to give back to the community. “Our big event is One Homeless Night. We’re doing it at our school on November 10 where everyone sleeps outside to raise awareness for the homeless,” Baanders said. Other community service projects Harmony Council takes part in include helping at local soup kitchens and volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. Helping out the community encourages students to think about tolerating diversity and embracing it rather than rejecting it. “We help people to try and understand different viewpoints on life and apply them to our everyday lives,” Harmony Council member Haya Qureini said. Qureini has been a member of Harmony Council since she was a freshman, and she believes she has greatly benefitted from it. “It’s a good opportunity to help out the community and make the environment a better place to live in,” Qureini said. Harmony Council is working towards improving the community and creating universal tolerance among everyone. “We want to improve student relationships and improve the general environment where people aren’t afraid to be themselves,” Baanders said.

Coloring for the Homeless. The Harmony Council makes posters for their upcoming community service project, One Homeless Night. “I love the community service projects that the Harmony Council takes part in. One Homeless Night raises awareness of the homeless and raises money for a new homeless shelter,” Harmony Council advisor Debbie Baanders said.

Gotta Get Some.

*Anticipated open late September 2011 291 & 3rd St next to Westlake Ace & Orange Leaf

BUY one GET one

FREE!

Equal or lesser value with qualifying purchase. Roxberry: with purchase of 2 rolls. Orange Leaf: equal or lesser value. Costa Vida: with purchase of 2 drinks.

JLABMAG.COM

SPORTS

Trapshooting

Modern Day Sharpshooters

Bang. The word ‘pull’ is shouted, the target flies into the air, and smoke fills the air. This is the environment for trap shooting. “Trap shooting is hunting pheasants without actual pheasants,” sophomore Zach Lindsey said. “It’s kind of competitive. We have tournaments, but we don’t really know how we do compared to other schools.” Pull!: This trapshooter takes aim at a cley target Sharon Early runs the trap shooting club at the high school. People can sign up for the club at certain meetings in the lecture hall in the spring and fall “People join because it’s an outdoor sport, it’s year round, and you’re mostly competing against yourself. You don’t have to worry about how your team is doing. You’re only trying to get better,” Early said. Trap shooter Tyler Braden remembers signing up for trap shooting fairly well. “They ask who has a gun before and about three people raise their hands and they say, ‘Oh you’ll be fine.’ They recommend a hunter safety course, but it’s not required,” Braden said. The trap shooting group practices every Tuesday at the gun range on Lake Lotowana. “We are put into groups according to our skills. The squad leader is on the first post, he checks on everyone and then we take turns shooting,” sophomore Rachel Wurtz said. The group did have a tragedy last year. Mr. Early tragically died of a stroke last year, and his memory is still fresh in many people’s minds. “I remember last year when Mr. Early convinced me to join,” Wurtz said. “I didn’t know anything about trap but he told me it was a club about guns so I joined.” Some people also go trap shooting with their parents and other family members. “I sometimes go to tournaments with 80-year-old men and they tell me, ‘We don’t break as many as we used to, but we still enjoy it.’ It really is a lifetime sport,” Early said. By: Daniel Graham photo from Associated Press

Royals Review

Young Talent Brings Hope for Next Season

The next step for the Royals to become a playoff contender is to replicate their early 2000 success by signing Bubba Starling. Starling will improve the team drastically. People probably know him as the guy who turned down a full ride scholarship as a quarterback for Nebraska. With the Royals finishing 71-91 this year, fourth in our division is not much of a improvement from our 67-95 record from our previous season. The Royals started off strong, but they have had their share of five to ten game losing streaks came up to frequently this season. There had been a solid batting line-up and the acquisitions of Melky Cabrera and Jeff Francoeur were good boosts throughout the year. The season leaders were Melky Cabrera with a .305 average, Alex Gordon lead us with a total of twenty three home runs, and Billy Butler with 95 runs batted in. If the Royals focus on picking up some pitchers our batting can pull in some runs averaging 4.5 runs a game this season. As we know our major lacking position is starting pitching. There are many potential starting pitchers who aare becoming free agents this year such as Edwin Jackson, Mark Buehrle, Zach Duke, and Kevin Millwood. Joakim Soria had the worst season of his career this year and this lost the team a lot of confidence in the beginning of the year.There were some glimpses of young talent with Eric Hosmer and 28

HI.LIFE 2011

Lets go Royals. The Kansas City Royals mascot Slugger throws hotdogs into the crowd. This is a tradition the royals continue every game. >>>>>

Mike Moustakas. In a recent Sports Illustrated Article they said the Royals should be able dominate the league from 2015 on down the rest of the decade, as long as we do not trade our young players for old dried up veterans that never work out. Next season, yhough in order to be successful we need to re-sign some key players such as Melky Cabrera, Alex Gordon, Alcides Escobar and Bruce Chen. Several fans hope the Royals take a step forward to sign a big name player such as Jose Reyes or Jimmy Rollins who are free agents this year. If the Royals take a little risk this off-season and pick up some good free agents they may have a great chance of being more of a contender in our 2012 season. By: Matthew Rellihan photo from Associated Press

SPORTS

Hunting 101

The “Need to Knows” of Hunting Point. Aim. Head down and eyes focused. Then wait for the perfect opportunity and squeeze the trigger. The few steps like keeping your head down and your eyes focused can make the difference between a big buck and a disappointing walk home. Over 12 million people in the U.S. indulge in hunting per year. With over 12 animals that can be hunted, there is bound to be an animal for everyone. In order to go hunting one needs to have more than a big gun. There are a few rules that are essential to know. First, one should always hunt with a partner. Having a partner gives a bigger chance of success and of staying safe. One should also wear a bright orange vest, because it is essential to keep safe. Without a vest, hunters could be mistaken for the big buck. For different sized prey, a different sized gun needs to be used. For an evening hunting the graceful whitetail deer, it might be better to use either a rifle or a compound bow. For anything smaller, people can usually use a shotgun or bow. Anything bigger than a deer will require a more powerful rifle. There are also different reasons to go hunting. Some people hunt just to get the rush provided by stalking their prey. Others hunt so they can provide for the family. Some hunt for the pride of taking down magnificent creatures like deer and bears. One reason people should never hunt an animal is out of

anger. An angry hunter is usually a clumsy one too. They present a danger to animals, the landscape, and even themselves. Another thing Target In Sight: This buck is about to be somone’s trophy. people need to have in order to go hunting is having a place to go hunt at. There are many places accessible to the public for hunting. Hunting can also take place on private property if it is in a rural area. Hunting is illegal in National parks,animal reserves, and on property that has not been permitted for hunters to use. If people hunt at any of these places it is consider poaching. Tags and hunting permits must be present when going hunting. They cost different amounts for each animal. The lower the population of the animal, the more the tags cost. They can be bought at outdoor stores like Bass Pro Shop or online. Following these steps will lead to a safe and enjoyable hunt. People may come out empty handed but who knows, the next big buck could be in the near future. by James Ross photo from Associated Press

Horseback Riding

Enjoyable Alternative Sport Hits LSHS

People approach horseback riding and sports as though they are two separate subjects. While they may describe them that way, they are actually related. A rider will have to train their horse just like an athlete has to train their body, and an experienced horse helps their rider learn like a coach helps his players learn. Many people ride horses, and there are plenty of reasons why. Some people like riding because horses are very nice and calm animals, and others are interested because it is a good thing to do in free time. A lot of people that ride horses do not own them, but they ride at the stables. Some though, have their own horses that they can ride when they are at home. Freshman Cheyenne Reaves and freshman Ethan Roberts both own horses. The two of them keep the horses at their home and they can ride whenever they find the time. Even though the convenience of having a horse at home is nice, the maintenance is a lot of work. For the people who do not own horses and ride at stables, they like the joy of seeing different horses and getting to ride as many as they like during the time that they are there. Sophomore Devon Hawkins, who used to ride, says she liked her time riding until the stables she rode at shut down. “I only rode a few times, but the stables I rode at shut down,” Hawkins said. Those who choose to ride a horse at the stables can also

choose to loan their horse to therapeutic horseback riding. Therapeutic horseback riding helps children and teens with disabilities. It also gives people a chance to work with these children while teaching them how to ride. Saddle up. As little kids, people always wanted to ride a majestic stallion, and now they can.

by Ashley Hagan photo by Victoria Fangrow

JLABMAG.COM

SPORTS

Au revoire, Autumn Sports It’s Time to Reflect On Fall Sports

Many athletes, from football players to cross country runners, cannot believe that the fall sport season is already over. Now it is time to look at this season in review. Even before school starts, many school athletes are training in the pre-season practices organized by the coaches. Most of these practices start approximately two weeks or more from the start of school. Then, there are sports like football, soccer, and volleyball where players have to try-out to make the team. These practices are for players to get ready for try-outs. All season long players have been have been improving by working hard in both practices and games. For example, cross country runners keep running faster times and soccer players are improving their consistency. In the end, their work paid off. Cross country and swimming do not go head-to-head with just one team, they get together in large events referred to as ‘meets’ that consist of several teams. The teams do not keep a win-loss ratio, those sports place as first, second, third...etc. For other sports, the win-loss ratios are as follows (all sports mentioned are varsity): football, 3-5; volleyball, 7-11-3; softball, 19-12; and soccer 11-2. The ratios mentioned are accurate as of 10-18. Every athlete plays their respected sport for a different reason. “I have been swimming since the fifth grade. It is a great workout and it is lots of fun,” freshman swimmer Eric Graves said. For freshman volleyball player Danielle Foley it is the aspect of “being part of a large team and feeling great when she makes a good move.” Sophomore Jordyn Fowler “feels great when he enters the field with his team.” All of the above answers are different, but the one common thing all of those athletes enjoy about their sport is the team bonding. Coming soon will be winter sports such as basketball, girl’s swimming and diving, and wrestling. The autumn sports season was a great one, but now it is time to look forward to the winter sports. by Ian Nickens photo from Associated Press

Altieri, Kelly, & Symonds

ATTORNEYS AT LAW TRAFFIC, DOMESTIC, CRIMINAL, AND PERSONAL INJURY



   





 

  Brittany Lietz didn’t think that indoor tanning could hurt her. She didn’t know UV light from indoor tanning can actually increase your risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Brittany, a frequent indoor tanner since she was 17, was diagnosed with melanoma when she was 20. She is a melanoma survivor, but current estimates show that one person dies from melanoma about every hour.

HI.LIFE 2011

Don’t be one of them. Indoor tanning is out.

To read Brittany’s skin cancer story or to learn more about protecting your skin go to www.aad.org/media/psa

Who Knows “Dan The Man”?

Interviews by: Andrew Potter Photos by: Jake DePeralta and Joshua Harris

SPORTS What’s Dan’s Catchphrase?

What would Dan’s Halloween Costume Be?

What’s Dan’s favorite NFL Team?

“The Jet!”

umm, myself?

Broncos

“Let’s Go!”

Athlete

Broncos

Panda

Broncos

Dan McElroy

Alex Norris

0 “Let’s Go!”

Brandon Neds

Great teachers Choose RED.

of all Lee’s Summit teachers have a degree from UCM. Choose RED. Choose the University of Central Missouri.

ucmo.edu/ced JLABMAG.COM

HI.LIFE 2011 1. The tiger outside the cafetieria. 2. The PAC lobby. 3. Overlooking the science hall in A. 4. A+ board by health room. 5. Mouin Rouge mural in B.

5 4 1

Can you tell where these photos were taken in LSHS?

The Closer, The Better PHOTO ESSAY