October 2016

HI-LIFE | LEE’S SUMMIT MO | VOLUME 98 | ISSUE 3 | 10/26/16 | $0.50

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TEAM DRIVEN HOSTS COWTOWN THROWDOWN AMIDST A PLETHORA OF SUCCESS

From the editor W

hile applying to universities and journalism colleges there within, one thing admissions always wants to see is a diversified portfolio of work. Not having written since freshman year, taking on the center story was quite the undertaking, but I ended up walking away with so much more than a diverse portfolio.

My idea for the center spread was robotics, which was immediately laughed off by my editors, as boring and shalllow.

I immediately got down to Mr. Nazworthy’s room and hung out with the robotics kids to learn as much as possible.

While interviewing them, most already friends of mine, I felt transported and truly accepted by them. Our robotics program often gets little press time, shoved aside for sports, and I could tell that they were appreciative as well to have a journalist in their midst. As I collected stories and themes and in some cases emotional anecdotes, I felt very accepted and educated.

While watching CNN (personal favorite) and other news sources, one can see Anderson Cooper and Katie Couric running around the world, collecting as many stories as possible and finding truth in every corner, cave, and hideaway. I aspire to be like one of them, learning not only for myself but also in order to share to the American people and to readers across the globe.

I often remind my staff of the idea that journalism is aimed to expose. Exposing does not need to be bad, but can also expose something good, or a story about someone not often talked about.

This reminds me of why I have stayed in journalism for 4 years now. The feeling of being involved in things while actually writing about them and taking photos brings so much joy to me, and makes me feel like some sort of superhero, involved in everything and collecting everyone’s stories. Even writing the story, while on a plane to Utah and home, was an exciting time, recapping all the stories they gave me. Robotics was so accepting of me entering their shop at 8pm, and eating lunch with them that it inspires me to get more stories in my repertoire.

Carter Moore Editor-In-Chief

contents 10

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ON THE COVER

FEATURES New teachers move in to LSHS, and are beloved by students across the school. Meet them here.

FOCUS Winning Regionals, going to International competition, and running a business are just a few details of Team Driven’s success.

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NOW Features Editor Johanna Holmberg explores the downtown River Market.

PLAY Lacrosse is still not a sport in Missouri high schools, despite the fact that half a million people in America play.

PHOTO BY CARTER MOORE: ROCKE EM AND SOCK EM

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE TO LIVE BY?

hi life

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Carter Moore WEB EDITOR Garrett Stroginis

“The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of the mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one.”

- J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye

FEAUTURE EDITORS Cori Matney Johanna Holmberg Makenzie Kraxberger PHOTO EDITOR Julia Ngega

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

- Louis C.K.

OPINIONS EDITOR Madeline Antey COPY EDITORS Molly Goetz Angela Lenhardt MEDIA MANAGER Mathewos Keller ADS MANAGER Abby Ault “Carpe Diem: Seize the day boys, make your lives extraordianary!”

-Robin Williams, Dead Poet’s Society

ADVISER Marc Russell

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

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

what we think A

student walks into the Tiger Café, intending to buy a good morning’s breakfast. They do this without the thought of this great opportunity only being available to them and their classmates. Not a lot of schools have the luxuries these students have, and it is going unnoticed.

“LSHS has a lot of different communities to offer. Within one school there are so many different classes, clubs, sports, and activities accustomed for people of various interests and hobbies that I know do not exist at every high school,” senior Bailey Murphy said.

With all of the opportunities students have to join clubs, the school does a good job at making everyone feel included and welcome in this way.

“There are many places to find a home and a passion for what you want to do after high school,” senior Hanna Swartz said.

There are a wide variety of things to get involved in, and this is key in making good friends that share the same interests. Studies by the American Psychology Institute have found that students who are more involved have higher grades and succeeed more in school. Once a student participates in activities with other kids, they automatically have a bond with the other students.

“If someone were new to the school, they have an opportunity to join a club, make new friends, and do what they love to do,” sophomore Joey Ferguson said.

There are so many talented teachers who have the training to help guide the students and teach them all that they need to know before actually getting the job done. Plus, the school has so many scholarship opportunities that anyone can look into.

“They offer a great education with reliable teachers and tutors,” junior David Achugo said.

Like the student who bought their breakfast without a second thought, many choose not to acknowledge the schools benefits. However, it is important to notice how much this school has to offer.

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COME

UNITY

Written by JORDAN TURNER Photographed by BRITTANY LEJUNE Designed by CORI MATNEY AND MILES WARD

Meet on the football field Saturday for activities.

Club 121 is hosting their first annual “Come-Unity Blowout”, Sat Oct 29 on the football field to bring together the school community in a creative way. The club came up with the idea because they wanted to join everyone for a good cause.

“We were at a club meeting and were wondering what would be fun to get our name out and bring the school together,” Club 121 leader Avery Martin said.

There will be a kickball tournament, face painting, sharpie body art, delicious food, a photo booth, and a game with prizes. Kickball tournament sign-ups will be in the PAC lobby before and after school Oct 17-28.

“Entry is 3 non-perishable food items that go towards Harvesters, or $3 that goes towards Hope House,” Martin said.

Club 121 is hoping for a great turnout and encourage everyone to come.

For more information contact Avery Martin, Brittany LeJune, or Megan Hobbs.

POPPING AWAY | Students can recieve free food at the Come-Unity Blowout.

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COMING TO AMERICA E VISTIT TH

CLOCKWISE | French students arrive from Dijon France, hoping to experience American culture at LSHS. Tears fall as french students leave. While here, students tour the famous WWI museum.

STATE O ED FA IT ICA ER

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Written by: JESSICA WINKLER Photogrraphed by: TOMMY HICKS Designed by: CARTER MOORE

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Written by SARA ALLEY Photographed by BESS HAYLES Designed by CARTER MOORE

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ea and Kheira have been friends for a long time, creating memories together for years.

The newest adventure they have tackled is coming to the United States as foreign exchange students. Lèa Blandin, a student at Lycée International Charles de Gaulle, and Kheria Khanfar have traveled from Dijon, France to see how the average American High School teenagers compare to their teenage lifestyles back home.

“One thing that is really different in America is that it seems to have fried everything. It is hard to find any vegetables,” Khanfar said.

The food has been one of the hardest things to adjust too, because America as a whole has more fast food and fried food than what would be found in France.

“The time zone is hard to get used to, but what is extremely hard is trying to figure out what seventy seven degrees fahrenheit is once it is converted into celsius,” Blandin said.

Since America is the only country not using the metric system, it is quite challenging to convert fahrenheit to celsius, pounds to kilometers, or milliliters to ounces for people not familiar with it.

“What is kind of funny is the fact that in France we listen to most of the same music you do in America, we just don’t have country

music. Instead it is replaced by French music,” Khanfar said.

The same singers who are popular in America like Twenty One Pilots, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, and Maroon 5 are also popular in France.

“I think it’s amazing that you can have your

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“What is kind of funny is the fact that in France we listen to most of the same music you do in America,” Khanfar said.

license to drive at age 16 here; We have to be 18 years old and pay at least 500 euros on driving lessons and tests to pass,” said Blandin.

A huge difference between the two countries is the fact that teenagers can receive the freedom of driving once they reach the age of sixteen in America.

“It is cool that it is possible to have a job in highschool, we cannot get hired in Dijon until we are eighteen, unless we have contacts with people,” said Khanfar.

It is quite rare that a student has a job while in high school in France, which is very different than in America. It is normal for an American student to start a job in high school.

High schoolers from around the world mostly enjoy the same activities, from reading to hanging out with their friends.

Lèa Blandin and Kheria Khanfar are no exception to the teenage stereotype. Even though there are many differences including the age of getting your license and the fact that America does not use the metric system, there are also similarities including the same type of popular music.

Getting involved in a Foreign exchange program gives students an insight of how teenagers from other countries can relate.

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J HEALTHY & HAPPY

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ne of the things I always hear people say they want to do is travel. They want to get out of their homes, and see the world. Traveling is amazing because you get to experience so many new things such as food, people, and culture. On a high school budget, it can be hard to afford that kind of life style. One of the great things about Kansas City is you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to go very far to experience these things.

This month I decided to drive to downtown Kansas City and spend the day at the City Market. There are dozens of tents packed full of fresh produce.

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I saw stands with kale, pumpkins, ghost peppers, you name it and I bet I can find it. There are also stores that sell Italian spices, New Orleans style crepes, and a million flavors of bubble tea. The City Market is a fantastic place to go to find fresh ingredients, and rich flavors. Plus, it feels like a little adventure. I went with a friend and we

ate until our bellies ached, and our feet couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bear to stand. The weather made the day even more enjoyable, and I got to take home the prettiest bundle of flowers as a souvenir.

By JOHANNA HOLMBERG

HOW THIS IMPACTED ME + Walking to all the stands made for good exercise +The weather and enviornment of the market were beautiful + I had a relaxing day with a friend that felt like a nice break from life

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PAINT ME LIKE A

FRENCH GIRL

A

Written by ASPEN DEPERALTA Photographed by JOHANNA HOLMBERG Designed by JOHANNA HOLMBERG

Heather Belser “It’s a delta which means change in science and math, representing an ever changing heart.

s the ink reaches the skin and leaves the markings, it has a deeper meaning of expression to some students with the ability to express themselves through the ink and art.

“Art is a way to express yourself through creative energy by painting what you feel and what you dream” local artist Kerrie Riddle said.

Body painting is a form of art that expresses emotion in many different ways, such as; painting, including oil, acrylic and watercolor, pen, tattoos, and the upcoming popular, henna.

“I started drawing around age eleven. I drew because it was a stress relief for me, and it made me forget about all of the negativity around me and helped me to let all of the anger and frustration out on the canvas. “ Riddle said.

Of course there are many more ways of expressing self individualism, for one student this happens to be the expression of the more permanent markings, also known as; tattoos.

“My tattoo is a Delta, which is kind of like the symbol of change in science and math, and the most profound affect I think it has had on me is probably how much it boosted my confidence,” senior Heather Belser said.

Self-expression seems to be important to the students, and the stories behind the tattoos have more meaning to them then some may think.

“I knew I wanted a simple science tattoo, and in a place I could easily cover up, so this one kind of just fit with what I wanted. I feel like people get tattoos for lots of reasons, for a lot of people it is supposed to be something meaningful that they connect with, but then again for others, its just a form of art and self expression,” Belser said.

The deeper meanings are up to the students and how they feel necessary to share the stories with others even when including permanent markings.

“For a lot of people it is supposed to be something meaningful that they connect with, but then again for others, its just a form of art and self expression,” Belser said.

The deeper meanings are up to the students and how they feel necessary to share the stories with others even when including permanent markings.

Savannah Setley “It’s in my mom’s handwriting, and I’ve wanted to get it tattooed since I was 14.”

Maddy Hammontree “My tatttoo is special because it goes with my sister’s, and I designed both so it’s personal.”

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FEATURE

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK 3

2016

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@ LSHS 1 Written by: JESSICA WINKLER Photogrraphed by: MASON MACKEY Designed by: MASON MACKEY

KATHERINE HOBBS: 1

How are you liking it here?

“I love it. There is a great staff here and it makes it easy to adjust. I also love the subjects and content that I am teaching.

The students are great too, and the friendships that I have made with the teachers.”

What are some of the challenges of teaching in a new school/ environment?

“Learning everyone’s names and not getting lost.”

What is a random or interesting fact about yourself?

“I have two cats.” She also got married on Oct 15

JEREMY JORDAN: 2

How are you liking it here?

“I love the spirit. I have enjoyed the pep rallies. It’s a positive experience.”

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What are some of the challenges of teaching in a new school/ environment?

“To get to know students all over again, to have no street cred, meaning they don’t know who I am and think I don’t know what I’m doing. Meeting new teachers and having different expectations from the principal and there is a different school culture.”

What is a random or interesting fact about yourself?

“I have been teaching for eleven years.”

HOLLY SANDERS: 3

How are you liking it here?

“It’s been good. It feels like a family here. I haven’t had any problems with students and their all hard workers. I have not really had any issues.”

What are some of the challenges of teaching in a new school/

1 > Katherine Hobbs sillily staples paper 2 > Jeremy Jordan naps in class 3 > Holly Sanders helps a student in Culinary Foundations 4 > Carrie Weeda listens carefully to a student 5 > Deanna Soukup directs her computer science class environment?

“Learning the discipline policies and having to teach Schoology to the students.”

What is a random or interesting fact about yourself?

“It’s my first year teaching. I went to college in three years.

This is actually my second career, I used to be a caterer for a hotel.”

CARRIE WEEDA: 4

How are you liking it here?

“The students are my favorite thing and I love that it feels like a family more than a school.”

What are some of the challenges of teaching in a new school/ environment?

“I don’t have as many challenges, for new teachers in general, it’s learning all the new procedures.”

What is a random or interesting fact about yourself?

“I student taught here 20 years

ago and now I’m back here after all that time.”

DEANNA SOUKUP: 5

How are you liking it here?

“The community, it is a really positive community. I love the kids and I love the people I work with.”

What are some of the challenges of teaching in a new school/ environment?

“The support here is really good, so you are not really facing any terrible challenges because the support is so good. I get to teach a new subject, but I am really excited about that so it is a positive challenge.”

What is a random or interesting fact about yourself?

“I am 6’5 and my husband is 6’8. I played basketball and I was also a swimmer. I like dogs too.”

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MERMAID TALES Madison Heizer stars as Ariel in the Little Mermaid.

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ith her red velvet curls bouncing by her side, senior Madison Heizer takes a deep breath as she prances across the stage to begin to perform as the youngest mermaid of them all, Ariel.

“Theatre stole my heart a while back. Ever since I could walk, I loved dancing. I grew up singing and dancing at my church when I was a kid. I always liked performing on stage,” Heizer said.

No matter what, all performances do not flow perfectly; there are always mistakes, no matter how many times lines have been run and songs have been sung.

“When I was in Joseph, I was a specialty dancer. It was a huge dancing show, so there were many different costumes and lifts. For one of the dances, I had a black wig on. It was in the middle of the dance and it was time for the biggest lift for my partner and I. Midway through, my wig fell off and shot across the stage. Of course, we were center stage, so I felt like everyone was staring at me. There I was, 14 year old me with only a wig cap on,” Heizer said.

Even with her golden voice and her rosy hair, Heizer knew she would need more than that to land the lead as the shining star of the musical.

Written by ANNA ERICH Photographed by JOHANNA HOLMBERG Designed by CORI MATNEY

“I spent a lot of time working towards this part. I knew that there were other really amazing girls that wanted the same thing I did This made me work even more. Just because my hair color fit the role, I did not stop practicing. Nothing is set in stone.

Throughout the whole process, I was preparing myself for someone else to get the part,” Heizer said.

The audience is never supposed to see the star sweat, but under all of the pressure, the star usually has some methods to keep her sane.

“In my experience, I do not think that I prepare to perform any differently than past roles.I learn my part, rehearse my part, and play my part. I always want to be the best I possibly can be. There is something about being on stage in front of an audience that makes performing even better. I find going all out even more than I was before. You character takes over, and nothing takes away your moment. I have always had amazing, wonderful people who are always supportive. That just helps performing that much more,” Heizer said.

Performing in front of peers may be frightful to some, but Heizer seems to have the whole package, which will help her steal the crowd away.

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GETTIN’

JAZZY WITH IT

Written by PARKER TOIZER Photographed by PARKER TOIZER Designed by CORI MATNEY

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he clock flashes red in the empty lobby of the PAC. It reads 6:12 a.m. A group of students, armed with instrument cases, drum sticks, and amplifiers flood room C30. They unpack their instruments; some drowsily, some enthusiastically, and some, both. This is the a normal morning for the talented musicians in jazz band. ​ “Jazz band has an interesting history.

Jazz band started back up in 2006 after a twenty year hiatus. A new staff member was hired who was very interested in jazz, and decided to start it back up,” band director Brady Finch said. ​Finch has special interest in the jazz band simply because he likes jazz music.

Jazz is starkly different from almost every other style of music played in school. People are brought together under this unique interest and passion for such a complex genre of music. He is also fond of the jazz band because it is normally made up of around twenty to thirty students, opposed to a concert or marching band, which includes 50-100 students. Also to the contrary of other musical groups, instruments such as guitar, electric bass, piano, and drum set are involved. ​“I was essentially drawn to jazz band because the idea of improvising notes, and interpreting music differently seemed really interesting to me. Jazz has such an interesting vibe as well. It really takes you

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ALL THAT JAZZ| After school, junior Damani Warren vigorously plays through his audition pieces. Auditions will be held at the end of October, and more information about auditioning can be obtained from Robert Brady Finch in room C320. “I’m really excited to see all the new people who want to be in jazz band this year, I’m sure the turn out will be awesome,” Warren said.

​“Jazz band has an interesting history. Jazz band started back up in 2006 after a twenty year hiatus. A new staff member was hired who was very interested in jazz, and decided to start it back up,” band director Brady Finch said.

away from reality,” junior Jack Gerding sais. ​ Gerding is involved in choir, symphonic band, marching band, and musical theatre aside from jazz band.

One thing he says he finds interesting and preferable to other music groups in the school is the learning environment.

The music is so dependent on feeling,

the environment has to be relaxed, but still focused. An example of this is the study and practice of improvisation in the ensemble. To perform this technique well, one must be completely in tune with the feeling of the piece. ​ “I have been apart of numerous music programs. Jazz band is different from all of them because of the importance of the feeling of the song.

More than any musical ensemble I have ever been apart of, the ability to distinguish the idea of each song is vital. If you don’t play with passion and the mood of the music, there is no point in playing at all,” Gerding said. ​Jazz band auditions will be held late October. An auditionee will be required to learn two jazz standards, with optional improvisation. Gerding encourages any musician considering auditioning to do so because of the unique music, fun environment, and the challenge to strengthen oneself as a musician.

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ROCK SOCK

‘EM & ‘EM Written by CARTER MOORE Photographed by CARTER MOORE Designed by CARTER MOORE

FOR 12 YEARS, TEAM DRIVEN HAS CREATED AND MAINTAINED ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL ROBOTICS TEAMS IN THE NATION. THEY LOOK TO CONTINUE THAT TREND, STARTING NOW.

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eginning early in January, the sounds heard from the north side of campus include the buzz of drills, hum of computers, and the occasional laugh, all originating in the Robotics Shop. A team of 60 students and 20 mentors work tirelessly, sometimes into the night, to perfect their machine into a practically living creature, all to compete on an international stage and hopefully bring home scholarships, trophies, and bragging rights to Lee’s Summit.

“Team Driven started 12 years ago, in 2004. We were originally encouraged by a company called R&D. The CEO noticed a problem in LS schools, and was concerned he was not going to be able to hire anyone from the machining department to work for

him,” robotics sponsor Jim Nazworthy said.

In the early days, robotics was housed in Nazworthy’s classroom, now adorned with the Team Driven banner, but much too small to develop what was needed.

“The CEO had an extra bit of space in his warehouses in 2006 and was able to give us about a 400 sq ft area in a small corner. By the first year we had already expanded out of our bounds, and into about 1000 square feet of the space. After only 5 years Team Driven occupied some piece of all 10,000 square feet of space,” Nazworthy said.

Sensing they needed their own spot to call home, Team Driven consolidated and moved to the south side of the Industrial technology building, a 2000 sq ft area.

“We were extremely spoiled to have had that opportunity, and now to have our own.

LSN and LSW still work across the street, and have to share our shop as well,” Nazworthy said.

2012 was the first robot built in the new shop, and it has since caused Team Driven to amass a slew of awards from all competitions.

“Every year, we go to two regionals, one in Kansas City, and one further away. These range from New Orleans to Denver to Georgia to Minnesota,” Sophomore Josh Nazworthy said.

The ‘game’ as it’s called, remains the same throughout each season, and often has a theme involved.

“This past year, our game was called Stronghold, and was similar to an obstacle course, focused on this large tower on the end of the playing field and medieval obstacles in

ACCOMPLISHED ANDROIDS between. Our robot had to be prepared for any of the obstacles,” senior Austin Heinemen said.

Each competition, the obstacles in the middle are put up to audience vote, and 3 are chosen. Ranging from swinging doors, to gates and roadblocks, the robot had to be on its A game every day.

“There were only a few obstacles our robot was not prepared to handle, which was pretty common between teams,” Heinemen said.

Cut into each tower window, one can see a small hole, shaped only big enough for the robot to shoot small dodgeballs through with extreme precision.

“You get points for driving over each obstacle, as well as each ball you score by shooting it into the tower,” Heinemen said.

“Every fall, between the competition seasons, we hold our Junior Robotics league, a smaller scale version of what we do for kids Kindergarten through 8th grade,” senior Madeline Stouffer said.

The JRL is designed and ran by team driven students entirely, and is so popular that there is a waitlist curated for teams hoping to join in the excitement.

“The game we designed is called Sink or Sail, very similar to Battleship,” Senior Rory Smith said.

In the JRL competition, the kids use ‘Vex’ kits to create robots to push ‘torpedoes’ into the opposing team’s boats. By the end of the time, whichever team has sunk the most ships wins.

“Come November, the field house will be absolutely packed with parents and grandparents and about 150 K-8th grade students. It will be so loud it will be comparable to a playoff basketball game” Jim Nazworthy said.

“Not only can you come in a s a freshman and lend us a hand but you can come in and leave a lasting impression on this program and a legacy.”

There are currently 30 teams signed up to participate, and Team Driven leaders work around the clock to make this event all it can be for the young minds. Nazworthy hopes he can get as many kids involved with robotics as possible.

“STEM careers are the reason America is the world power we are,” Nazworthy said of the importance of Science Technology Engineering and Math education.

It is estimated that 38% of the highest paying jobs have yet to be created, and all lie in the STEM field.

2 Weeks After:

Game Announced: Jan 7th

EAGLE EYED | Members of Team Driven mull about the Robot shop, discussing ideas with each other and JRL students. Students aim to guide these kids well as they hope to recruit them for Team Driven.

April:

Prototype one rolls out the shop.

Competition begins, KC Metro, Regionals, then Worlds

Days After: 6 Weeks After: Brainstorming (after President’s processs begins Day) Robot is finalized and put in a plastic bag. This is sealed until competition.

-Nazworthy “Dean Kamen [founder of FIRST Robotics] once said that he recognized the problem with getting kids in STEM fields was the focus we put on Sports and Entertainment but dismissed STEM as boring test subjects,” Nazworthy said.

Kamen set out to make engineering fun again, and created FIRST, a competition based robotics group that currently operates with over 3000 schools in 10 countries.

Besides the benefits of a STEM education, students are able to take away life skills as well.

“I would say the most beneficial part of robotics is developing the ability to actually think critically,” Team Driven Mentor Wyatt Durgan said.

The American education system often receives criticism for being a memorization based system, but robotics attempts to change that trend.

“When these kids enter college they are already leaps and bounds ahead of most everyone there,” Durgan said.

There is a misconception about robotics, where it is assumed that students are all engineering nerds, and have to be really smart and antisocial to fit in.

“This misconception is entirely false. There is so much more to robotics than the robots themselves,” Durgan said Building a robot is not cheap, and bringing home the gold takes funds thats most college accounts gawk at.

“Something that makes Team Driven so unique is the fact that we are run like a business” senior Madeline Stouffer said.

Most Robotics teams raise money by receiving corporate sponsorships, and begging for money from advertisers, but team driven has a different approach In fact, Team Driven is not only run similar to a business, but also runs a full-service lawn aeration company to fund themselves and raise money to build the robot and travel.

“Last year we made about $17,000, all turned right back around into team driven,” Stouffer said.

With 4 aeration crews and 5 students in the office dedicated to the logistics of a full service business, Team Driven maintains a loyal customer base for lawn aeration.

“About 90% of our funding is derived from the business, the rest is from our loyal sponsors,” Stouffer said.

One of these sponsors, Cerner medical, has been around since the beginning.

“Cowtown Throwdown is thrown every fall,

in his passion.

“Luke Orr had just gotten a camera for Christmas and was very passionate to get in with robotics and share his talent. We were happy to have something and threw support behind him, monetarily and with mentorship.

6 years later, these guys come through and win the FedEx video award. Not only can you come in a s a freshman and lend us a hand, but you can come in and leave a lasting impression on this program and a legacy,” Nazworthy said.

Team Driven can benefit from the contributions of students, but many students feel more benefits from their time in the program.

“I think it’s amazing how the team has really become my best friends, and it has been so incredible to watch all these people’s lives change for the better,” Stouffer said.

Last year, Stouffer recalls 2 times she had to stay overnight working on robotics project.

“One night right before Worlds, we had a button party where we ordered 98 Fazoli’s breadsticks and watched 2 movies in total while hand-making 300 Team Driven buttons to give out that weekend,” Stouffer said.

Though Team Driven has dedicated more hours than most jobs to the robotics shop, they still have to maintain school work, and most

“I think it’s amazing how the team has really become my best friends, and it has been so incredible to watch all these people’s lives change for the better,” -Stouffer and is an off season regional that we host here at the school. It was born out of a partnership with Cerner, almost 12 years ago now,” Nazworthy said.

The Throwdown is celebrated around the area as one of the last chances for teams to use their robot from that season, and is often a nostalgic time for all who compete.

“We have 52 teams already paid and 11 still on the waiting list. This event has become so large that is in some cases larger than regionals,” Nazworthy said.

Team Driven is known for their engineering successes, but also boasts some of the most successful creative programs in the world, literally.

“Last year we won the FedEx award, awarded for our presentations, animations, and the video component of Team Driven,” Nazworthy said.

The video was not a part of Team Driven until 2010, when a freshman student brought

have sports and other activities as well.

“These kids run this entirely, it’s a tremendous responsibility. I don’t know anywhere else that you can ask kids with a full class schedule to take on this much responsibility, and these kids are really knocking it out of the park,” Nazworthy said.

Overall, the robotics program has produced some of the most successful students to ever breach our halls, and hopes to continue their success and the upward trajectory of the program.

“One thing Im really proud

SINK OR SAIL | K-8th grade students tweak and perfect their robots for JRL. Tuesdays and Thurdays Team Driven hosts work days for them to use the course and get ready for the competiton.

of is I am continually impressed by the way team driven changes lives; how you can come in one person and leave so empowered with skills as a completely different person,” Stouffer said.

The hum of the drill presses winds down, and Team Driven gathers for one last meeting before dispersing. Checking their watches, it can be established that they have worked the entire night through, and have to be up again in 5 hours. All for the love of robots and the program, they break for the day, only to return again that night and continue the drive towards worlds and another trophy for the shelf.

HEAVY METAL | Team Driven’s 2016 robot was specifically created to climb towers, shoot dodgeballs, and navigate hurdles. This particular robot took them to the finals in Regionals and to World competition for Enginering Excellence

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MAUKING SOME MUSIC “It was hard having to learn how to be a standalone teacher, as well as adjusting my teaching style to fit into the system set in place.”

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his August, over a hundred freshman as well as around 200 returners walked into the choir room. Little did many of them know, a brand new face was waiting eagerly to begin his first day as a teacher.

“Lee’s Summit has a very well known music program all over Missouri, and I had heard great things about the program ever since I moved to the state.

When I got to visit a few months prior to applying, I couldn’t pass u p the offer, ” new assistant choir director James Mauk said.

One of Mr. Mauk’s many obligations here at Lee’s Summit High School is that he is the director of the 9th and 10th grade chamber choir, Preludium. Earlier this year, he wrangled up the young choristers and took them on a retreat where they prepared their new music

and started to bond as an ensemble.

“We had lots of fun getting to know each other by playing games and working hard for our upcoming concerts,” Mauk said.

It seems very fitting that Mr. Mauk is the director for the 9th and 10th grade students , as freshman year was a very important milestone on his path to Lee’s Summit.

“I decided that I wanted to be a choir teacher when I was in the 9th grade. I had a music teacher that inspired me to want to be in choir for the rest of my life,” Mauk said.

While still adjusting to his new job here in Lee’s Summit, Mr. Mauk has been warmly welcomed by all the students in the choir program here, and will most certainly be a fantastic addition to the tiger family.

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FEATURE

VISIT top college choices

RESEARCH deadlines for your colleges ORGANIZE achievements for Early December your portfolio Finish all APPLICATIONS REQUEST all financial aid Mid December Early Novemvber Keep applicaitons WATCH Late November for other Complete FASFA scholarships Last week of October MAINTAIN or increase NOVEMBER GPA FASFA already open FINALIZE all opened Oct. 1 RESEARCH portfolios, and apply for auditions, scholarships samples, and transcripts.

Mid November

DECEMBER

OCTOBER

JANUARY

Continue to APPLY for local scholarships

Make FINAL school decision FOLLOW up with counselor to make sure your final transcripts were sent

MAY

APRIL

be on the LOOKOUT for acceptance letters

NOTIFY schools you’ve chosen not to attend

MARCH

Late April

PLAN for registration, orientation, and housing Late April

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COMPARE financial aid packages late March

FEBRUARY Don’t let SENIORITIS get to you KEEP deadlines in mind RANK your top schools Mid Feb

As a Senior it is hard to stay on track with college timelines.

Written by CORI MATNEY Designed by CORI MATNEY

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INSIDE THE AN EDITORIAL COLLUMN BY

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rom the Seneca Falls Convention goers in 1848, to flappers in the 1920’s, to Rosie the Riveter and women inspired by her in the 1940’s; feminists and what they stand for have evolved miraculously throughout America’s History, these achievements should be celebrated while a new age of feminism emerges.

Modern feminism is a heated and confusing topic. I often find myself discussing feminism, questioning why I feel so strongly about it, I mean, females in America have got it pretty good, right? We’re allowed to go to school, own property, start a business, voice our opinions, and basically

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OF MADELINE OPINIONS EDITOR MADELINE ANTEY

contribute to society in all the same ways for the draft when they turn 18. men do; so, why does a wave of passion What many people do not understand splash over me whenever my rights are about feminists is that we are not just debated. Maybe it is because women are fighting for the equal rights and treatment really only of women. We equal on believe in equal paper. treatment of all Yes, when people, regardless you compare of gender, race, the written sexuality, religion, rights of etc. Feminists Feminists do not believe that men to the do not believe written rights that women women should overpower men, of women should overpower we do not believe that women they pretty men, we do deserve special rights, we simply much match not believe that up perfectly, women deserve believe that women, and men, but when special rights, we and people of all kinds deserve thinking simply believe to be treated fairly. about the that women, and unwritten men, and people laws of of all kinds society, the deserve to be rights of treated fairly. women do not even compare to the rights of There’s no doubt that feminism has come men. a long way, but when looking at the social Women are harassed more and paid justice side of things it is hard to say there is less in the workplace. The rights women no noticeable difference in the way men and have to their own bodies are debated women are treated and what is expected of and decided by men. Victims of sexual them. assault are blamed and shamed while their attackers lead normal lives. Women are judged by the beauty of their faces rather than the contents of their brains. These facts are unjust and the situation must be put to rest and the only way to do that is to acknowledge that women deserve to be treated equally.

Not everything about equal rights Written by MADELINE ANTEY for women would benefit them. In Photographed by GARRETT STROGINIS order to fully achieve true equality, Designed by MAKENZIE KRAXBERGER women would have to do things that men are expected to do such as register

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HARMONY COUNCIL

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armony Council was a club that was offered here to our students.

The group tried to make a difference not only in school but in the community. However, the group no longer meets every month in Mrs. Baanders room.

“It was a group of students that were all about accepting others. To me, it was all about accepting others,” Vice principal Tracy Bertoncin said.

However, both Bertoncin and Vice principal James Oyler are unsure about

Written by YONNY ASTAKE Photographed by JULIA NGEGA Designed by MAKENZIE KRAXBERGER

what happened to the club.

“It could be anything from the group not having a sponsor or a lack of interest in the club,” Oyler said.

Ultimately, both Bertoncin and Oyler were aware that the club did make an impact on the landscape here.

“From my perspective, it made an impact on the kids who were involved in it. They were able to sponsor a few activities that promoted their mission,” said Bertoncin.

Fortunately, Oyler strongly believes

that this club could return again and be apart of the community here once more.

“It is just a matter of students wanting to be involved in the club and finding a sponsor for this club,” said Oyler.

Harmony Council existed to keep the peace between students and staff members here. While it is unknown why the club has ceased, it is possible for the club to make a hopeful come back soon.

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THE PLEDGE

‘One nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.’

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ost know that these are the words of the pledge of allegiance, although students have different thoughts on it. Students protesting the pledge have very different ideas and believe that it does not accurately portray what is happening in our society.

“This last summer, the state legislature passed a bill saying that we have to do the pledge everyday. So, we are bound by state law to do it,” assistant principal James Oyler said.

Many students may think that it is just the Lee’s Summit school district that has to pledge allegiance every single day, but actually, every student enrolled in a government-funded school in Missouri has to hear it.

Students may think that they are required to say it, but in reality, they are most definitely not being forced to say it. They only have to hear it.

'It is preferred that you say it, but it is your choice. Students have their own rationales, their own agenda, but for whatever reason they choose, that is their decision,” Oyler said.

Although most students have no problem pledging allegiance, many students and people across the states do. Most protest for the same reason, that being there is not justice

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for all. One amongst the many would be Michael Rose-Ivey, a student-athlete and linebacker for the Nebraska Huskers. Ivey has received much backlash after opting out of the national anthem before a game.

“I expected things to happen the way they did because I for one saw how people reacted towards Kaepernick when he first started protesting. Just keep educating yourself on not only the things that are going on now, but challenge yourself to find the reasons why we are where we are,” Ivey said.

Colonel Rick Milligan also agrees that people should have a choice in whether or not they pledge allegiance, but he feels as though those opting out of the national anthem and pledge should look at the situation in another way.

“We need to look at the situation through a different lense and look at those who have come before them to pave their freedoms to be able to do that without any repercussions,” Milligan said.

Although students may not be in agreement of whether or not they should stand for the pledge, they need to look at the situation from another’s perspective and accept other opinions and beliefs.

Written by AUDREY BADGERO Photographed by GABBY CUNNINGHAM Designed by MAKENZIE KRAXBERGER

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TO THE BEAT OF YOUR OWN DRUM

Written by: ARIANA PETZLER Photogrraphed by: MAKAYLA HOLMBERG Designed by: CORI MATNEY

Marching band works long hard hours so they are always prepared and can put their best foot forward ... literally.

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ack Belmore is a freshman new to marching band and it is a totally new environment to him. “ I started in summer and it was a lot different than middle school, now in high school we really have to work together,” Belmore said. “ High school marching band is a lot more physical now we have to wear our instruments and walk,” Belmore said.

Marching band works very long hard hours to make their performances perfect. “ Each practice is about three hours,” Belmore said.

Right before performing each band member always has a way to prepare. “ Right before performing I like to make sure I know all the music and go over the parts I might struggle with so I can do it

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correctly,” Belmore said. “ It has been very fun, but very time consuming,” senior member of marching band, Olivia McGee said.

In a week marching band has three practices for about two and a half hours each. They also have performances Friday and Saturday.

“We practice about eight hours a week,” McGee said.

Even though it can be stressful right before performances some of the sections have traditions. “ My section likes to scream right before performing.”

McGee said. It gets out any nerves before performing so they can do their best.

Freshman Landon Mackey is in his first year of marching band. “ Just conform to the directions. Causing problems only results in wasted time,” Mackey said.

Marching band members spend a lot of time together. “The band emotionally bonds over

time,” Mackey said.

All the practices and performances marching band has together really helps them adapt to each other. “ Marching band acts as one unit and makes us even more efficient,” Mackey said.

Marching band can be very difficult with many different obstacles.

“The hardest part would be waiting and the anticipation just a few minutes before the performance. Suspense is awful on nerves,” Mackey said. Not many students know much about marching band. “ If there was one thing I’d tell other students about marching band, it would be that the program is a huge commitment and a lot of practice is required,” Mackey said.

Marching band works extremely hard and puts in many hours to do their very best. Next time you see marching band perform make sure to show appreciation for how hard they work to do their very best.

SYNCHRONIZED STEPPING| Junior Riley Davenport jazzes out on his sousaphone. A rocking halftime show is not the only thing marching band has up their sleeve to help keep the crowd pumped. They play all night long at their annual glow show right after the game. “This is one of our biggest nights of the year and everyone is super pumped,” Davenport said.

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TAGGING UP

+F E A T U R E Written by: CAMI HAGER Photogrraphed by: DAVID PERKINS Designed by: MILES WARD

PEOPLE OF ALL AGES LOVE THE THRILL OF LASER TAG.

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he sound of the sirens buzzing signal the players to go into the arena.

The only thing coming between the player and the top score is the opponents. With one shot of a laser and an extra point for the player, the game get intense at Paradise Park.

“We get people anywhere from 6 years old to 60 years old playing. We see the most variety of ages in the outdoor game. We recommend that kids are 6 years old to play for maturity, so that they know better than to hit people with the guns and are able to hold the gun,” Paradise Park employee Luke Bennett said.

With the adrenaline of the laser beams and the tension of the other teams, laser tag has been around for centuries, and it all started with an idea by a man named Lee Weinstein. Laser tag has not always been known as laser tag. Laser tag was originally known as Star Laser Force, but due to money, and a man named George Carter, the name was changed.

“I would definitely consider laser tag a good way for people to get their anger out, but in a fun, safe way. Laser tag

allows you to to get your anger out but in an easier way. There are no negative emotions once you leave the arena and it is way safer than bottling up all those negative emotions inside. Paradise Park works on ways to make the environment a safe, fun thing to do.” Bennett said.

Laser tag can be found in multiple places around the Kansas City area.

There are two places to play laser tag in Lee’s Summit, B&B theatre and Paradise Park. The two laser tag arenas that are offered in Lee’s Summit are very different.

“The laser tag arena at B&B Theatre only offers single gun type, single team games, and it is a smaller arena, but we have two arenas, an outdoor and indoor, multiple gun moods, different types of games for teams, and the arena is constantly changing as you play.” Bennett said In Missouri, there are roughly 3,222 games of laser tag played each week.

Games average around $7 a game, but at some arenas, there are offers that allow players to play more than one game for a different, discounted rate.

“At the inside arena, Operation Laser Tag, we get anywhere from 3-6 matches per day. During Halloween time, we have a game mode called “Infection” for the indoor arena. On the weekends during the school year, we get around 500 people at the outdoor arena.” Bennett said.

Laser tag is considered a sport to some people. It could be considered a sport it involves a lot of physical activity and is a way to get in shape.

“I would consider laser tag a sport because it fits E-Game criteria and it is constantly staying up-to-date” Bennett said.

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FEATURE Written by ZACH EASLEY Photographed by SYDNEY W Designed by ELIZABETH MARSZALEK

ORIGINATING IN NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES, LACROSSE HAS ALWAYS BEEN POPULAR ON THE EAST COAST, BUT HAS JUST RECENTLY CAUGHT ON IN THE MIDWEST.

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he fans are cheering, wind is passing into your helmet, your nerves are kicking in as the game is just about to start. ¨Lacrosse is a cross between hockey, basketball, and soccer,¨ girl´s lacrosse attacker Meah Wilburn said.

Lacrosse is a contact game that uses a small ball made of rubber. The ball is caught using metal sticks with the head of the stick strung with mesh. A face-off occurs at the start of the game, at the start of each quarter, and a face-off starts the game back up again after a goal is scored. In girl´s lacrosse they do what is called a ´draw´, which is essentially a face-off. ¨The goal of lacrosse is to score on the opponent’s goal,¨ boy´s lacrosse midfielder Riley Nofziger said. ¨Midfielder´s main goal is to move the ball,¨ Wilburn said.

There are many objectives to the game of lacrosse. Such objectives cradling the ball with your stick and running with the ball. There are other objectives such as passing with your stick.

There are differences between girl´s and boy´s lacrosse. Some

differences are girl´s lacrosse have 12 players on the field, while boy´s lacrosse have 10 players. For boy´s lacrosse, there is 3 attackers, 3 midfielders, 3 defenders, and a goalie to make up the 10 players. For girl´s lacrosse, there is 5 attackers, 5 defenders, a goalie, with a position that plays both defense and attack, also known as the center. ¨Boy´s lacrosse is full contact,¨ Nofziger said.

Another difference is girl´s lacrosse is not allowed to body-check other players. ¨There a lot more rules for girl´s lacrosse, no pads, and the sticks are different from boy´s lacrosse,¨ Wilburn said.

Due to the increasing amount of people playing the sport of lacrosse, the sport is gaining popularity across the United States.

685k

approximate Number of Lacrosse players in the US

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WEIGHTS HEAVY LIFTING 101 T

he bar bends as the lifter squats their addition to that, I also believe strongly that maximum weight. Next to them a lifter a quality weights program reduces the risk grunts as they push the bar up from their of injury to athletes. If an athlete buys into chest with all their might. The third lifter lets the program, then not only will he or she be out a scream as he whips the bar to his chest in better physical condition, but he or she while they clean. “Max will also be more Week” seems to be a favorite physically prepared for junior Gavin Curless. for competition which “My favorite part about reduces the risk of the weights program is being injury” Hertzog said. able to compete with other Curless joined “[Weights] helps stustudents and max week” because of his dents live a healthy Curless said. involvement in The weights program has athletics,but anyone lifestyle and gets them affected Curless in a positive can join if they want a good workout.” “It also way. While going through to. The class helps helps them wake up and this program he has grown promote a healthy and stronger. active lifestyle. stay healthy” “It’s definitely made me “It helps students stronger both mentally and live a healthy lifestyle physically cause it takes a and gets them a good lot of mental and physical strength. Credit to workout.” “It also helps them wake up and stay Coach Thomas for creating the workouts and healthy” Thomas said. also the facilities are very nice,”Curless said.

There are two different weights classes strength Hertzog also believes that the weights and performance,and Advanced Strength and program has helped students and athletes.

Performance. Thomas recommends taking ” The weights program has helped our Strength and Performance first so students are athletes to be bigger, stronger, and faster. In prepared for the next level of weights. Also he

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Written by CLAYTON COUCH Photographed by HUNTER MONTGOMERY Designed by ELIUZABETH MARSZALEK

recommends that students have good nutrition and should hydrate.

“The TTF(Tiger Training Facility) does not need any major improvements, just small things like maintenance, it’s a great program,” Thomas said.

The weights program is very well kept and many students like Curless enjoy weights.

Like Curless Hertzog credits Thomas with the success of the athletes and the weights program to Thomas. “ The number one factor in the success of our weights program is the leadership of Coach Thomas. His vision for the weights program along with the work of the other coaches associated with the program has produced tremendous results,” Hertzog said.

When any athlete succeeds there is a major possibility that the weights program has affected them in a good way. Whether that is making them stronger,faster,or more durable, the weights program has helped many students and athletes in the past and will continue to help them in their athletic careers and in their lives.

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MAKING A SPLASH A

LSHS swimmers prepare to compete at state

s the season comes to an end for the Boys swim and dive team, it looks like they are ending their season in a state competition. As Junior Andy Huffman and Senior Sam Drew both qualify for state, it’s time to see how new coach Seth Musser is doing.

Sam Drew swims in the 200 Individual Medley and 100 Breaststroke. This year he is hoping to place first in 100 Breaststroke.

“I am eligible for first in state if I can cut my time down by a few seconds, but I know I can do it,” Drew said.

Andy Huffman also swims alongside Drew in the 200 Individual Medley and 100 Breaststroke. He is also going for state and hoping to place 3rd in the 100 Breaststroke.

“At competitions I feel a lot of pressure, so I am quiet and focus on my swimming, and what my coach tells me,” Huffman said.

This is the first time coaching for Seth Musser. He has swam since he was 6 and is definitely excited to be coaching the swim team. For being a first-time and main coach he has done really well.

“At first it was a lot, but other coaches helped me out so I can get

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the hang of things. There weren’t many struggles. The only thing was learning to teach people how to swim for the first time,” Musser said.

Since he has always been a swimmer, this has been a new experience seeing the other side of the spectrum. Seeing what the coach does and how a team looks from the outside.

“Of course there’s the whole freshman-senior divide. But they help support each other and they all love to race each other. Which is great because they would come up to me and ask for tips on how to beat the person they raced,” Musser said The swim team does not get much attention from people as other sports do, so they rely on parents and enthusiasts to help fill their stands.

“Our crowds aren’t as full as other sports, mostly parents and swim enthusiasts. Most will agree that we are just swimming in a big fish tank, but parents help support our team a lot,” Musser said As two boys qualify for debate and the end of the season is coming upon them. It seems the boys swim and dive team will end their season on a good note.

Written by: LAUREN KROH Photogrraphed by: MIKE SMITH Designed by: MILES WARD