September 2007

Hi.Life Volume 82, Issue 1 Lee’s Summit High School

Tigers defeat Broncos in all major fall sports

-page12

2

Contents Leaders of the Pack

Hate is a powerful bipartisan tool in politics. In the book “Godless: The Church of Liberalism,” Ann Coulter uses slanderous allegations against 9/11 widows who have an opposing view to further her own monetary agenda.

“I’ve never seen people enjoying their husbands’ deaths so much,” Coulter wrote in her book. Coulter expressed her opinion by saying the women used their grief “to make a political point.” She went on to say these widows are “self-obsessed” and act “as if the terrorist attacks happened only to them.”

The women responded by saying “We have been slandered. Contrary to Ms. Coulter’s statements, there was no joy in watching men that we loved burn alive.”

Coulter says her

At noon on August 9, 2006, 110 s p i r i t e d representatives were herded into “It was good, it was like a kick off to the year it was like making a plan for

NEWS

the next school. It was a group of kids who normally wouldn’t be together, but because there were kids from all groups it showed a lot of unity in our school,” senior Tosha Everhart said.

Being in a crowded room cannot always be easy; especially when the students are all diverse.

“At first, it was really cliquish because everyone sat with their friends. The football players sat with the

had to send me representatives. Then we sent out a letter to the

football players. The girls sat with all the girls. After a while everyone came together and it was really cool that someone took a chance and got us all together,” Everhart said

shy,” senior Cayla Solsberg said no

Many of the ideas presented to Falkenberry were full of

“ The ideas given to us were very powerful and had tremendous energy. They want our school year to be fun. Our school is at a great place. The kids trust in the leadership in our

“It was nice to see everyone because they were kids who would voice their opinions, they weren’t kids who were timid or

Having

students that were given to us,” Falkenberry said.

enthusiasm and energy.

Although they were all different they all had one thing in common: They knew what they wanted to make the next school year a big success.

expectations,

school and the leadership trusts the kids in the school. Kids will be rewarded for good sportsmanship. We want to give the kids as much responsibility as possible. We want to trust our

they

went

in

with

open

minds and ideas.

students,” Falkenberry said.

From the ideas presented we have already seen changes

“I went in wondering who was going to be there and what exactly we were going to talk about. Also I was wondering who

in the school; School spirit is soaring to new heights in the up coming year.

was going to talk to us,” Solsberg said After

a

short

time

together

it

was

clear

what

they were apart of.

“It is an outgrowth of a meeting we had a year ago. So, Mr. Schnell and I gave student senate a proposal to assist with school spirit. They came up with things like the spirit bus. In the summer of ’06 we wanted to involve leaders from the school.

The school is what the students make it. This year we want high

4 Summit Leadership Conference Students join together to increase school spirit.

energy, and I think that was shown in the power assembly we had this year,” Principal John Falkenberry said.

The idea for the conference had been brewing long before Falkenberry became our principal.

“I pulled from something I experienced in college. I was the president of an organization and the school called all the leaders of the different organizations and we listened to president Ronald

5 Hurricane Katrina A look at the disaster one year later.

Regan speak. They wanted to get a lot of information out to the various organizations so they talked to all of the presidents. So, I sent out e-mails to the different sponsors of organizations, in the school and told them, based on the number of students they

FEATURES

16 Features

Calculator Comparisons

6 Junk in the Trunk What are you going to do with all that junk in your trunk?

What

Fraying at the

The Fray

By: Caty

The keys charming songs of the piano that are sung begin to play with equal a delicate talent. fourm e l o d y , This band and you are man Denver, carried away from in the beautiful C o l o r a d o , sounds of together since The Fray. 2002, formed by Be A-Fray-ed.

The Isaac Slade Slade and King, has such a were not handed unique and their fame on mesmerizing a silver platter. earned voice, along They with guitarist their way to Joe King, stardom. From beginning Slade writes the

This Every few days, it seems like a new band is making the leap into the

ENTERTAINMENT

20 The Fray The Fray Takes the music scene by storm.

21 iTunes Playlists Whats playing on your iPod?

OPINIONS

Bark at the Moon

HI.LIFE - September 15, 2006

18 Letters to the Editor Letters from Nicole Becchina, Eric Williams, and Monica McCarty

19 Bark at the Moon Matt Gratton gives his two cents on the subject of banning dogs.

All the Racket

Court

Unlike most high school students, freshman Jourdan Mercurio was not spending her last

“I

felt

really

good.

I

accomplished

something really big to start off my freshman

sun like most. She was up a little after seven

year,” Mercurio said.

getting pumped and ready for tennis tryouts.

Well, weclome to the 2006-2007 school year and this year brings us a level of excitment with our sports like we have not seen in a long time. For the first time since the split with west we know have a full senior class in almost every sport and with that expierence success is following. With the drop in conference I think we could see a sports year like none of us have ever seen.

The boys soccer team which kicked off its season with a 1st place finish in the Lee’s Summit Invitational that included a 1-0 win over rival Lee’s Summit North in the championship game. The teams remains undefeated with a wins over perrenial powers RayPec and Rockhurst.

The volleyball team which returned most of its starters is also off to a great start and they look will challenge for a confernce championship.

And last, but least we have the tiger football team, who is off to its best start in the last 26 years. The tigers have opened the season with three impressive wins including a road victory over then undefeated St. Joseph Central.

The tigers have a dominating defense and an offense that has come up several clutch touchdown drives.

We also have the one of most dominating softball pitchers in the state leading very successful softball team.

So as these teams approch the tough part of their schedules it looks like we could have a special year for our sports.

very hard at tryouts

couple weeks of summer soaking up the

Mercurio had an opportunity before the school

Most would complain that it was too early

year had even started. Finding out that she made

to be getting up, but not Mercurio. She was

the team really made her happy, but finding out that

ready for the tennis season, ready to start the

she was number one on varsity made her ecstatic.

year off the right way.

“I was kind of nervous,” Mercurio said “

“It feels good, but as a freshman I feel like I have

coming in with all the upperclass man, I didn’t

to work harder,” Mercurio said, “I want to show

know what to expect.”

She played a lot over the summer to try to

everyone that I belong on varsity and that I want to keep my position.”

improve her tennis skills as much as possible.

Even though Mercurio is number one on

Sophomore Katy Glenn had played tennis

varsity, she doesn’t look at things that way.

her freshman year, and knowing how that

She is just happy that she is doing something

year went, she helped Mercurio to get ready

that she loves.

for tryouts. The two girls would spend many

“I look up to [senior] Lauren Phillips, my doubles

days and nights on the tennis courts playing

partner. She is an upper classman and she is very

with their fathers.

good at playing,” Mercurio said.

“I want to thank my dad because he has

Phillips has been playing tennis for four years,

had lots of experience in professional level

and is not at all concerned about a freshman being

tennis. He gives me the best advice about

above her on the ladder.

playing,” Mercurio said.

“She is a great addition to the team. She is an

Even though Mercurio has only been playing

awesome number one player and she is also a very

tennis for about a year and a half, she worked

good doubles partner,” Phillips said. “She tries

No

September 15, 2006

7 Gas Prices You can save money by carpooling.

9 Cancer Hurts Parents with cancer.

16 Calculators Which one is best for you?

The Casio The Ti-89 has FX9860G is a USB cable and port and equipped with a USB port applications for Calculus, and cable, and is SD capable.

Statistics, Engineering, This calulator

The Ti-86 is Ti-83 contains equiped with a a USB USB cable and port and various other port and other applications, applications, excellent for and is good for Pre Algebra,

America, I have a dream today! I have a dream that one day on the green hills of

America, I have a dream today!

Seriously people, what is the real issue here, a few well planned assassinations of very important individuals

by the infamous LEAPB (League of Evil American Pit Bulls) ...or corrupt politicians.

Please note that it’s an election year and if my knowledge of people running in political races serves me right,

Independence, the puppies of former pit bulls and the sons of former dog catchers will be able to sit down together at the table of animal-hood.

Yes. If

Yes. Dangerous ones like pitbulls, some dogs aren’t made to be

No. All dogs should be treated equally, they don’t ban people for being

No. They should not be

certain breeds are harmful to the public, I think

The Hi.Life is an open forum to provide up to date and pertinent information compiled by high school journalists. The magazine exists to credibly explain all facts in a professional, yt entertaining manor.

We will be a bold and trusted publication that raises the bar of high

SPORTS 22 Boys Soccer Sophomore on Varsity soccer.

23 Girls Tennis Freshman leads the girls tennis team to victory.

CRANIUM CONVERSATION

Letter

3

EDITOR’S LETTER Editor-in-Chief

I think the ’07 girls said it best with their shirts last year: “Save the drama for Hollywood.” Lee’s Summit is filled with the “who’s who” and “who is with whom.” This “he said, she said” stuff is getting a little old in my book of life and personally I am ready for a new chapter. I have to admit I have not been involved in much of it since I am only in school five hours but I hear enough of it to be tired of it.

I would like to start off the year with a challenge, a challenge to be drama free in this school year.

Girls, I hate to say it but its more likely that your high school “love” wont stay with you and when he is gone and with someone else let it go you know you have moved on. Guys, This whole double standard stuff will not work either. If you are with one girl, you are with one girl only. Don’t be a floater, one who goes from girl to girl. Girls think that no answer means maybe, be blunt, she will thank you later. Another point for girls so guys don’t feel attacked in here, guys have feelings too, they just don’t show them. They care if the hurt you so don’t feel dropped suddenly when there are signs. Also stay true to your gender. Girls on girl fights are just ridiculous. You know how they feel all girls are the same regardless of clique.

As a final note, you may think that you are above the drama but if you are part of any type of drama you are the drama. Take the blame, I know that I am part of the drama sometimes, just accept it and let it go. So that’s my advice for this issue, take it to heart and dare the challenge

Editor-in-chief: Courtney Stoddard Graphics Editor: Garrick Hall Photography Editor: Cameron Wiley Features Editor: Josiah Jones News Editor: Kelsey Leftwhich Opinions Editor: Matthew Gratton Entertainment Editors: Erik Dierking, Sydney Rohan Sports Editor: Bobby Hagedorn Assistant Sports Editor: Josh Kennedy Fashion Editor: Crystal Lawson Webpage Designer: Greg Kinman Webcast Editor: Ashley Moran, Jordan Markway Copy Editor: Casse Oberweather Business Manager: Megan Vemmer Writers: Mallory Brown Daniel Kliethermes Aaron Wood Ericka Cherry Melanie Mabry Greg Kinman Taylor Rice Casey Cole Sara McCurren Brian Duncan Danielle Polk Brittany Westhoff Melissa Greene Sarah Pyle Katelyn Rawert Taylor Rice Nicole Schmidt Brittney West Photographers: Lindsey Bales Kali Herbert Olivia Mcghee Advisor Marc Russell

3 Things I Learned From This Issue

1 2 3

Finally there will be a price drop in gas prices.

After years of emptying out my pocket to get to school I can finally leave some money in there to buy something that i really want. Page 7

The Summit Leadership Confrence took place this summer to make this year the best year ever with spirited partes, hallway ideas, and the decoration of the school. Page 4

The football players worked from the end of football season to the start of a new one to improve for the following year. Page 20

On The Web Our podcast of editorials and extra stories is under podcast on our new website www.jlabmag.com Contact Us! Courtney Stoddard- Editor-in-ChiefCStoddard@r7mail.leesummit.k12. mo.us Matthew Gratton- Opinions EditorMGratton1@r7mail.leesummit.k12. mo.us

HI.LIFE - September 21, 2006

Courtney Stoddard

4

NEWS

LEFT SIDE

Leaders of the Pack Student leaders urge administration for change By: Brian Duncan

BY: KELSEY LEFTWICH NEWS EDITOR

Hi.Life - September 15, 2006

Hate is a powerful bipartisan tool in politics. In the book Godless: The Church of Liberalism, Ann Coulter uses slanderous allegations against 9/11 widows who have an opposing view to further her own political and monetary agenda.

“I’ve never seen people enjoying their husbands’ deaths so much,” Coulter wrote in her book. Coulter expressed her opinion by saying the women used their grief “to make a political point.” She went on to say these widows are “selfobsessed” and act “as if the terrorist attacks happened only to them.”

The women responded by saying “We have been slandered. Contrary to Ms. Coulter’s statements, there was no joy in watching men that we loved burn alive.”

Coulter says her views are deeply rooted in the moral responsibilities of the Christian faith and says, “Liberalism is the opposition party to God.” Coulter is enjoying her infamy while using hate to promote herself. Her book has remained a top seller since it was released.

Coulter’s influence is going to disappear someday, but she’ll be soon followed by another. The simple fact is hate sells and America’s buying.

At noon on August 9, 2006, 110 spirited representatives were herded into the freshly cleaned lecture hall for the Summit Leadership Conference.

“It was good, it was like a kick off to the year it was like making a plan for the next school. It was a group of kids who normally wouldn’t be together, but because there were kids from all groups it showed a lot of unity in our school,” senior Tosha Everhart said.

Being in a crowded room cannot always be easy; especially when the students are all diverse.

“At first, it was really cliquish because everyone sat with their friends. The football players sat with the football players. The girls sat with all the girls. After a while everyone came together and it was really cool that someone took a chance and got us all together,” Everhart said Although they were all different they all had one thing in common: They knew what they wanted to make the next school year a big success.

“It was nice to see everyone because they were kids who would voice their opinions, they weren’t kids who were timid or shy,” senior Cayla Solsberg said Having no expectations, they went in with open minds and ideas.

“I went in wondering who was going to be there and what exactly we were going to talk about. Also I was wondering who was going to talk to us,” Solsberg said After a short time together it was clear what they were apart of.

“It is an outgrowth of a meeting we had a year ago. So, Mr. Schnell and I gave student senate a proposal to assist with school spirit. They came up with things like the spirit bus. In the summer of ’06 we wanted to involve leaders from the school.

The school is what the students make it.

This year we want high energy, and I think that was shown in the power assembly we had this year,” principal John Faulkenberry said.

High Five. The rival game on Sept.1 brought forth the new view of spirit. “This year our school has a different ‘vibe,’ We do black and gold Fridays and we all go, well most of us, go to the games.

We just have come together this year,” senior Jessie Wishon said. Photo/ Courtney Stoddard

The idea for the conference had been brewing long before Faulkenberry became our principal.

“I pulled from something I experienced in college. I was the president of an organization and the school called all the leaders of the different organizations and we listened to president Ronald Regan speak. They wanted to get a lot of information out to the various organizations so they talked to all of the presidents. So, I sent out e-mails to the different sponsors of organizations, in the school and told them, based on the number of students they had to send me representatives. Then we sent out a letter to the students that were given to us,” Faulkenberry said.

Many of the ideas presented to Faulkenberry were full of enthusiasm and energy. “ The ideas given to us were very powerful and had tremendous energy. They want our school year to be fun. Our school is at a great place. The kids trust in the leadership in our school and the leadership trusts the kids in the school. Kids will be rewarded for good sportsmanship. We want to give the kids as much responsibility as possible. We want to trust our students,” Faulkenberry said.

From the ideas presented we have already seen changes in the school; School spirit is soaring to new heights in the up coming year.

News 5

>>Rebuilding Lives

A

Families pick back up one year after Katrina disaster

Almost one year after the disaster of hurricane Katrina, people are beginning to pick up their lives. Two stude-nts from Lee’s Summit High School had the opportunity to travel into the disaster area and witness the hope and struggle of renewal.

Junior Sara McElroy went to Biloxi, Mississippi with her youth group.

“It was mostly up and running with a few buildings left to be cleaned up.

They were getting back to their lives,” McElroy said.

Almost half of the residents and families were living in their homes once again, while half still lived day after day in trailer parks set up by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

In Sidell, Louisiana, the situation was slightly different.

“It was a lot more dramatic,” junior Allen Williams said He visited Louisianna. Many of the families were crunched into trailers that did not even have enough beds for everyone. In some cases, up to six people lived in one trailer. Living outside their once beautiful homes, residents of Sidell wait for the opportunity to rebuild.

“Some parts are cleaned up, but still a majority of the city hasn’t been touched,” Williams said.

Trash and debris still littered the roads and many houses continued to stand in ruin. Entire boats remained in the streets and pieces of cars were

Katrina Chaos. While in New Orleans, senior Allen Williams saw a lot of surprising things in ordinary places, like two boats in someone’s front yard of their home. Even though him in his youth group excepted a lot from all the destruction, they were still shocked to see where some of these things ended up. “It was a lot more dramatic than I thought. Cars were tore up, and houses were completely gone,” Williams said. Photo/ AP

strewn about. It seemed like the people needed more physical help if they were to finish cleaning up the city, but they did what they could. In Biloxi, the main effect of hurricane Katrina was not simply the destruction, but the loss of precious and priceless items.

“They were really sad about losing stuff, pictures and photo albums, not cars, they were sad about the priceless stuff,” McElroy said.

A lot of the kids were very outgoing and rebellious about their situation, while others were quiet and reserved. Adults and parents tried to put on a happy face, but the struggle inside was evident.

The attitude was similar in Sidell.

“A lots of the kids were upset about the things or people they lost,” Williams said.

Losing everything is a hard idea to grasp and accept. Slowly, the city is being cleaned up and rebuilt and hearts are beginning to heal. Despite all the remaining debris, most of the original residents stayed and are moving on with what they can.

“I would have no idea what to do or how to pick back up,” McElroy said.

It was surprising to find smiles and laughter in the midst of such a disaster.

With many people living in large trailer parks, the positive mood was slightly unexpected. They lost everything, but are beginning to start again.

“I wanted to stay long to help more,” Williams said.

Most of the help needed is either to remove debris or finances to support assistance. The Red Cross has provided a considerable amount of aid, as well as programs being set up to help those in need.

There are hopes that in the future, hurricanes will be taken more seriously.

“Here we don’t take them seriously because we’re not affected. In the coastal areas people take them seriously, but others ignore them because the weather channel overplays them, so when there’s a big one, it’s bad,” Williams said.

To help hurricane victims in the affected ares contact the local Red Cross at redcross.com or talk to local charities.

Hi.Life - September 21, 2006

By: Missy Greene

6

Features

Junk in the trunk

By: Greg Kinman

Hi.life-September 15, 2006

Everyone knows that teenagers can be unorganized, unkempt, and just downright messy.

One is likely to find some of the strangest things buried under mountains of clothes at home, behind longforgotten books in a locker, or even in a neglected closet.

However, for a few students, the treasures lie in the trunks of their cars.

“You never know when you’re gonna need a golf club,” senior Aaron Jones said.

For Jones, his trunk is a garbage heap. In the cavernous trunk of his SUV he has two sets of wooden golf clubs, a bass guitar, 14 empty soda cans, cover-alls, an empty oil can, clothes hangers, paper maché scraps, and a broken shovel handle.

“I got the clubs at a neighbor’s garage sale, they were free, I don’t golf at all,” Jones said.

A driver of two years, Jones has accumulated some stranger things in his trunk.

“I found a dead rat once, I think it was because of the crumbs

Investigation of the content of students trunks

I left in there,” Jones said.

“I always cover up the mess,” Jones said. He does not see himself cleaning his trunk out anytime soon.

“I like the shovel handle, it makes me feel strong when I look at it,” Jones said.

He broke the shovel while digging at his grandpa’s house and has left it in his trunk since.

Senior James Yazell uses his trunk as an extra large backpack for anything he could ever need, including two foam swords, a bulletproof vest, a sleeping bag, and military ammunition packs.

“My brother-in-law is a cop. He gave me a retired one because they can only be used for a certain time. It makes me feel safe and is a good conversation starter, sometimes I put the vest on as a joke,” Yazell said of his gangstalicious body armor.

The ammo packs are gifts from his mother from soldiers in Iraq, both his parents having served in the military, but the swords were of his own creation.

“I go to Meadowmere

Park in Grandview and fight my friends with them, and I never get rid of anything - just in case I need it,” Yazell said.

Senior Victor Martinez keeps everything he needs to kick back and have fun in his trunk.

With a baseball bat, skateboard, guitar, clothes, and CD’s under the back hatch of his car, he keeps his hobbies close by.

“I don’t care enough to clean it out. I use my skateboard almost every day,” Martinez said.

The baseball bat has rested in the bottom of his trunk for a whole year after a trip to the Paradise Park batting cages.

1

“I only have the guitar when I bring it to my friend’s house to play,” Martinez said.

His trunk isn’t just for his own use though.

“I had girl’s soccer shoes in it once,” Martinez said.

It is hard to deny that a trunk is easy to clutter. Whether it be trash, gear, or just fun stuff, it’s one of the first truly personal spaces a teenager has, and who would deny the urge to fill it with anything and everything they wanted.

Diagram of a messy trunk.

1 R e t i re d Bullet-proof vest 2Sleeping bag 3Foam sword (It’s seen some use) 4Sketchbook 5Portable stereo 6Mandarin C h i n e s e coursebook

4

6

2 3

5

Features 7

Gas Prices and Carpooling

Gas prices affect everyone in some way

Junior Nathan Graham drives a Chevrolet Cavalier, which gets about 31 miles to the gallon. Chevrolet Cavalier is a common family saden known for its fuel efficiency. The sedan style cars, like the Cavalier, have always been a popular choice due to the economic value to the owner.

“I sold my SUV for a car because of gas prices,” english teacher Stacy Allison said. Many consumers have traded in or sold their less fuel-efficient automobiles for a new efficiently ran car. Allison sold her Ford Escape for a

By: Katelyn Rawert

Ten Most Fuel Efficient Cars of 2006 1. Honda Insight 2. Toyota Prius 3. Honda Civic 4. Volkswagen Golf 5. Volkswagen Jetta 6. Toyota Corolla 7. Scion xA 8. Hyundai Accent 9. Honda Civic 10. Pontiac Vibe Hi.Life - September 21, 2006

Pump it up- The prices of gas are progressively going down. “I think the prices going down is a good thing, but I am unsure if they will stay low.” junior Theresa Battle said. Gas prices are predicted to go down to two dollars by Thanksgiving. By/Kali Herbert

Saturn Ion. The Ford Escape gets about 26 miles to the gallon, while the Saturn Ion gets about 29 miles to the gallon. The most common effect of gas prices is to limit the amount of gas you use and to carpool.

“I save a lot by carpooling with my husband,” math teacher Jami Phipps said.

Due to gas prices, Mrs. Phipps is also looking for a better mileage truck.

Phipps has a Saturn Ion as well. There are several hybrid trucks on the market that advertise better fuel-efficient. The GMC Sierra Hybrid reports a ten percent improvement in fuel economy. Another Hybrid truck is the Chevrolet Silverado.

Gas prices have gone down some and are estimated to go down to about $2 in November around Thanksgiving.

“Not only am I saving from carpooling, but I am noticing some extra pocket money from the prices going down, ”Phipps said. When the amount of money spent on gas exceeds the budgeted allowance carpooling may be a good solution.

“It is nice to have an extra $10; it is a trip to the movies,” Allison said. By having a fuel-efficient car and having the gas prices go down, may be by the end of the month one would have enough to go to the movies. “I can’t stress about gas prices because it’s not like I can walk to work everyday,” Allison said.

8

Features By: Ericka Cherry

I

Students Get informed on where there money goes.

Hi.Life-September 21, 2006

t’s a high school rite of passage to drive a car to school, but living this dream comes with a cost.

“I think p a r k i n g p a s s e s are too expensive, but my p a r e n t s paid for mine,” junior Kasey Wasson said.

A noticeable dent is left in the average teenage budget each year after the $25 parking pass expense, though parents and other sources sometimes foot the bill.

“The office pays for mine but it would be nice if they were free for everyone,” senior Gabe Weger said.

Parking passes won’t soon be free, except for a select few, like SBE students.

“I think the money from parking passes is pure profit for the school,” Wasson said.

Students aren’t sure where the money goes, but one thing’s for sure; it makes the $25 payment less daunting if they are informed on where their money is going.

“Part of the money pays for the actual parking permit and whatever’s left over, plus any money collected from parking

any complaints, but students have a couple ideas on how to improve the price anyway.

“The price could reduce each time a student moves up a grade. $25 for sophomores, $20 for juniors, and seniors get a free parking pass,” Weger said.

If the $25 price tag remains the same for everyone, Wasson has another idea on how that money could go back to the school.

“That money should go back to clubs. Robotics could

tickets, goes back to the students,” Assistant Principal Jeff Meisenheimer said.

That extra money goes back to the students in the form of Smart Boards, parking lot repairs, and the path of tiger paws painted on the streets.

“I haven’t heard any complaints over the parking pass price since I’ve worked here,” Meisenheimer said.

Since the price of parking passes hasn’t changed in over six years, it’s only natural that Meisenheimer wouldn’t hear

Parking think senior

Price.

that

Students

twenty-dollars

Gabe

Weger

said.

daily for

go a

Close

to

the

parking to

300

main

pass

office

is

students

very buy

to

buy

parking

reasonable parking

price

passes

sure use that money,” Wasson said.

All things considered the $25 expense is a small price to pay as long as students are benefiting. If the price for parking passes stays the same students will continue to pull into a well-kept parking lot every morning.

passes

from

for

whole

each

a

year.

Michelle year

of

Dubin.

“I

parking,”

By/Brittany Westoff

Features 16

Calculator Comparisons By: Courtney Stoddard

The Casio FX9860G is equipped with a USB port and cable, and is SD capable.

This calculator is good for classes such as Calculus and Statistics.

Price- $79.95

Hi.Life - September 21, 2006

The Ti-89 has a Ti-83 contains a USB The Ti-86 is equipped with a USB cable USB cable and port port and various other and port and other and applications for applications, and applications, excellent Calculus, Statistics, is good for Algebra I and II, Geometry, for Pre Algebra, Algebra Engineering, and AP I and II Trigonometry, courses.

Trigonometry.

Geometry, Biology and Price-$145.78 Price- $160.95 Physics. Price- $133.56

10 Features

Uncut Collaboration Students find creative outlet in library By: Sara McCurren

Hi.Life-September 21, 2006

The strum of the strings on the guitar and the beat of the drums echo within the walls of the intimate, quiet atmosphere of the library.

“We got the idea by browsing other school’s and pubic libraries websites,” Library Media Specialist Sandy Stuart-Bayer said.

When the idea came to Stuart-Bayer to have an Acoustic Friday each month, she thought it might be fun and also a good way to raise money.

“We thought we would sell concessions like pop, chips, and cookies to raise money for our LMC Research Scholarship,” Stuart-Bayer said.

Throughout the year, StuartBayer hopes the Acoustic Fridays will become more popular and bring in more money for the scholarship.

“To be involved, any senior can turn in a research project around January and whoever we pick after we evaluate them for certain things will win the scholarship,” StuartBayer said. “We’ll have more information about that later on.”

The library plans on trying to showcase many different types of talent throughout the year as they try to pilot this idea.

“We are going to try to have people playing instruments, singing, dramatic poetry readings, and possibly comedy

performances,” Stuart-Bayer said.

During the first Acoustic Friday held on September 15th, junior Brian McCarty, teacher Matt Anderson, and Guidance Counselor Gerald Clevenger all performed musical instruments.

“It was a small, intimate crowd and they performed very well. We were piloting something new so we hope in the future to have more students and faculty come and partake in this,” StuartBayer said.

Plans are already being made for next month when the Acoustic Friday is scheduled.

“On October 13, we plan on having an open jam where students can just come and participate at will. It was actually a suggestion made at our first night,” Stuart-Bayer said.

Along with the open jam suggestion, other things are planned.

“We are going to showcase an artist’s work around the library and we already have Collin Nading coming to perform on his guitar for us.

We have other thins possibly in the works also,” StuartBayer said.

The library media center has high hopes that this idea will soon catch on among the student body.

“We hope to see more people attending, even if you want to be involved all you

have to do is stop by and come see me. That would be amazing to have more people wanting to perform,” StuartBayer said.

Jam Acoustic. Guitar player senior Brian McCcarty and junior Travis Sambursky

will be playing together more.“On October 13, we plan on having an open jam where students can just come and participate at will. It was actually a suggestion made at our first night,” Stuart-Bayer said. Photo/ Melanie Mabry

We’re back Much more fun to get into because everyone is going crazy and it’s a way for everyone to be united Its fun to be active in your school and have fun watching your team when and being with people who are exited about the same thing You have over all more school pride and I think it makes school a lot of more fun when your like lets go to the game on Friday school spirit is more fun and makes school enjoyable Don’t have complaints charging the field I don’t think we should have done that anyways I think it is stupid that the guys can’t paint their stomachs why not west does it. It is just stupid fun and they are just showing school spirit No doubt having a lot attendence at the games. A lot of spirit getting a lot of people getting ready together before games I know we have people come over to my house and we have our pre game rituals and go crazy and eat grilled cheese. *we have a bunch of people come over. Last time for the North game we made shirts and helped each other paint our faces. and we eat grilled cheese. * my mom makes grilled cheese and cheese cake.

Because it is cheep and easy and it happens to be easy.

More outgoing at games and stuff and deck out and not care. It isn’t about looking the coolest or what shirt you have on. it is about having a black and gold shirt on and going crazy Wish I was a freshman wasn’t like oh I hope they weren’t looking but it is so much better to go crazy and not care.

Kevin All the sport we get it is

And the crowd goes wild! like a driving force. they are apart of our team and we depend on our teammates and we depend on our fans to encourage us and to pump us up.

The crowd can’t do anymore they have been doing a fantastic job like last week when everyone showed up it was amazing.

It just Victory Dance. Hundreds of students crowded around the football team after makes my the win against the cross-town rivalry on September 1. “It is a big motivation to continue winning. The support from the crowd is amazing; it’s like a brotherjob all the better. I know to-brother relationship. When a brother goes down, they are there to support you.” We went on to win all games that week against north. By/Olivia McGee when i score a touchdown the crowd is going to get excited and freak out.

It is all about the motavation and i hear my name and i go and do my job.

Go up and cheer your team on and try to pump them up and yell as much as you can It makes it more exciting and you get more in to the game and you cheer louder and you feel better because your cheering on your school more by dressing up painting your body. You can’ be bare chested. I think it will be a lot of fun for people to paint their body.

Sprayit. Getting ready for the big games against LSN, senior Monica Being spirited and chcering McCarty spray paints a shirt with tons of others for the game that night. on your team and stuff it helps you get more invovled in your school and have more fun during school you should get involved in anything that you can because you only go to high school onece

Hi.Life - September 15, 2006

By:Sarah Pyle

Features 11

12 Features

Just Another Game

Jourdan Mercurio Q A

Describe the morning of tryouts

“I was kind of nervous coming in with all the upper classmen, not knowing what to expect.”

Q A Q A

How did you feel when you found out you made the team?

“I felt really good, I accomplished something really big to start off my freshman year.”

How do you feel about being number one on varsity?

“It kind of feels like it feels good but as a freshman I have to work harder to show everyone that I belong on varsity and that I want to keep my position!”

Q A Q A

How do you feel about leading the team this year?

“I feel good about being a freshman and being able to help my teammates.”

How long have you been playing?

Hi.Life-September 21, 2006

“About a year and a half, I would spend time hitting by myself and me and Katy Glenn would play together a lot over the summer.”

Q A

Who do you want to thank for helping you? Why? “I want to thank my dad, because he has had lots of experience in professional level tennis. He gives me the best advice of anyone I have ever played with.”

Q

Who do you look up to on the team?

Football team beats north 16-6

A

“I look up to Lauren Phillips, my doubles partner. She is an upper classman and she is very good at playing.”

Q A

Who are you looking forward to playing this year?

“Blue Springs because the number 1 girl in the state playing on that team, and I can’t wait to play her to see where I stand.”

Q A

What do you feel like you excel at in tennis?

“I think that I excel at my backhands because it is a very powerful shot that I think that I can place very well”

Q A Q A

What do you feel like you need to work on?

“I could probably work on being better at the net and moving my feet.”

What is it like to be you?

“I feel great waking up every morning leading the tigers to victories, I’m really happy that I even get to have this opportunity my freshman year!”

Lauren Phillips

Q A

How do you feel about Jourdan Mercurio?

“She is a great addition to the team. She is an awesome number one player and she also a very good doubles partner. She tries really hard every practice and every match. She could have been really conceited about playing number one as a freshman but was not at all. Jourdan gets along with everyone and she has never acted better than anyone else.”

The varsity football team stepped onto the field hoping to redeem themselves after last years devastating loss against north.

“It was really important to the seniors to win this season against north so they could go out well after loosing to them last year,” coach Mike Spiegel said.

Spiegel is close friends with most of north’s football staff.

“The game against north always has a special place in my heart, but I try to remember that it is just one game out of ten in our season,” Spiegel said.

Although the north game is important to coach Spiegel it is one of the biggest games of the year for some of the players.

“Some of the players tend to perform much better in the game against north, which is somewhat unfortunate because I would like to see that kind of effort put into every game,” Spiegel said.

This is an important game but you would think that nerves also play a big role for the players.

“Some players try to do to much or they get nervous and will have worse games when we play north,” Spiegel said.

Our coaching staff and north’s are strangely enough, all close friends, no matter how big of rivals we are.

“We were all on the same coaching staff years ago here at LSHS and we still try to carry on a close friendship still today,” Spiegel said.

In past years the football team has had a lot of pressure on underclassmen players. Andrew Schnell was the quarterback last year as a sophomore along with Kevin Johnson as the running back who was also a sophomore last year. Now that two of the teams key players have had a year of varsity experience it is beginning to show with their great season start at 2-0.

“I really think the team has a chance to have a good season if we continue to work hard in practice and execute in games,” Spiegel said.

Spiegel has had ten years of coaching here and he has gone 4-6 against north since after this year. He hopes to improve that record in the following years.

Under Pressure

Features 13

The girls softball team was the final team that needed to beat North

As the dust began to fly around the field, the softball team was beginning to warm up. Like usual, senior Mallory Lagud was pitching, and Junior Leah Steele was catching, this is how all the games begin. There was that nervous feeling in each of the girls stomachs.

They wanted this game more than anything, it was North.

“They are the biggest rivals that we have,” Steele said.

Like most other sports teams, they all wanted to beat North. There was a lot more pressure for the girls softball team to beat North this year not because they only got to play them once, but all the other major fall sports teams had already beat North in their games.

“We had a lot of pressure riding on us,” Steele said, “We didn’t want to let

the rest of the fall sports teams down by losing to North. We wanted to show North that we were willing to step up and beat them.”

It was a long, hard, twelve inning game between the two teams. Some thought that the game was going to go on all night, until the deciding factor came into play.

“It was our turn to bat and Mallory led off with a single. Coach Bert put freshman Abby Stetzler on base to run for Mallory. Junior Lynette Galvin layed down a sacrifice bunt to advance Abby from first to third. Then it was my turn to be up to bat. I hit a deep ball to score Abby from third” Steele said.

The varsity girls softball team went on to win the game with the score of one to zero, counting softball as the fourth sport

Fever Pitch Senior Mallory Lagud winds up for a pitch in the big game against North. Photo / David Fiser

to beat North.

“It felt great because we beat north in a very long and intense game” Steele said.

It was a great feeling for all of the girls on the team. For the seniors it was very overwhelming because it was their last time to face North, their cross town rival, in their high school softball careers.

Revenge is Sweet When stepping onto the glazing, wideopen court, Junior Lisa Moore is ready to play one of her biggest games of this season. There are screaming fans all around the sides of the gymnaseum.

Some are rooting for the tigers, some are rooting against them for the broncos.

Moore has to shake it off and keep her head in the game. She does not want to bring her team down, or let alone, herself.

“Last year North beat us in districts and kicked us out of the tournament,” Moore said. “It felt good to beat them this year, especially on our court.”

Starting off the beginning of last year, the tigers split with North. The volleyball team played them twice in conference and both teams won a game. Going into districts, everyone knew that the tigers

would have to beat North in order to advance to the next level.

“Everyone is there to watch, when we lost last year it was really sad. We let down all of our fans that came to watch us win. Not only did we let down our fans, we let down our selves. We knew that we could win, we just didn’t pull through that game.” Moore said.

Going into the game this year the tigers knew they needed a win. The volleyball team was in this game with their heads up high. The seniors really wanted this win more than anyone else. It was going to be the only time to play North since they have changed conferences.

“It felt awesome,” senior Sarah Becker said. “It was the last time I could play them, it was the one team that I wanted

Bump. Set. Spike. The varsity volleyball team worked hard to beat the Broncos in one of the toughest matches of the year. “It was the one team that I wanted to beat.” senior Sarah Becker said.

Photo/ Kali Herbert

to beat.”

The volleyball players ended up taking the first game from North this year. While North took the second, everyone knew that it would come down to the third and final game. It was a very heated battle on both sides and schools of the court. With the home crowd going crazy, our lady tigers took the third game and beat the broncos once again.

Hi.Life - September 15, 2006

After North took districts from us last year, they wanted revenge.

14 Features

Road Rules

New law passed for young drivers

By: Mallory Brown

As students pile into their cars to head home from what seems like endless hours at school, they now have more to worry about than just who they are going to take home or how much gas is in their cars.

“I think in some circumstances, the law is okay because some teenagers are crazy. I also think if they are responsible they should be able to have as many people is their car as they want,” junior Brandon McGregor said.

As of Sept 4, the police department will be in charge of enforcing a new state law. The law says that you can only have one other passenger in the car if they are under the age of nineteen and are not an immediate family member, if you have had your driver’s license less than six months.

“This law was passed to keep young drivers safe.

Everyone knows if your young and you have a car, you want to be crazy and wild,” police officer Jim Green said.

Many students try to save money

by carpooling, this has been cut short for new drivers. This is especially harsh for these drivers since they now have to spend extra money on gas.

“I think it is a dumb idea for the law being passed because many people have priorities such as taking more than one person to school. On the other hand, I think it is a good idea that you can have family members in the car,” sophomore Courtney Cottle said.

New drivers sometimes worry that they will be pulled over for having more passengers than the law allows. However, this may not always be the case.

“We will not be directly looking for kids who look sixteen with more than one person if the car. But if you involved in an accident or pulled over for another violation, you maybe receive an additional ticket,” Green said.

Sixteen-year-old drivers should be concerned with the new law, but not overly worried. As long as they still follow still other laws of driving such as their curfew, going the speed limit, and wearing their seatbelts.

“I think it is good that cops are not

going to be to strict on the law because I will have more than one person in my car pretty much all the time. I do not want to get a ticket because I am being nice and taking my friends places,” sophomore Kevin Burgess said.

The law will be enforced by the police as they feel it is necessary. Whether the young driver is ticketed for violating this law will be at the officer’s discretion. The actions of the driver and the situation that caused the police to become involved will decide if the officer gives the driver a ticket for the number of passengers.

“The driver can be ticketed for this law just like any other law, but it is up to the officer to call the drivers parents or not,” Green said.

After you have been sixteen for over six months, the law states you can have only three other passengers in your car if they are under the age of nineteen or not an immediate family member.

HI.LIFE - September 21, 2006 Car-pool. The Highway Patrol officers, who work right next to our school, often discuss the new law and how it affects the students they see everyday. “Even my sixteen year old son is very affected by it. He can’t take any of his neighbors or friends to school. But it is for their safety. We don’t want them to have more distractions then they need.” Officer Nate Bradley said. Photo/ Taylor Rice

Features 15

Smoking Break Just a few weeks ago Lee’s Summit voted on getting rid of smoking sections in all Lee’s Summit businesses, and they have to be gone by December 1. Bars that are combined into restaurants have the privilege of deciding to take away their smoking section, or not.

“People don’t like the smell of smoke in restaurants while trying to eat their food,” senior Troy Anderson said Employee at Apple bees.

54th street is debating on changing or not since they are considered as a bar. They also have a glass wall separating the smoking and non-smoking sections.

“It doesn’t affect me to get rid of the smoking section, either way you are separated from the one’s smoking,” sophomore Mackenzie Borst said.

Borst feels the new law will help businesses loose service.

“People whom are smokers enjoy being able to go out to eat and smoke inside while eating, or waiting on their meal,” Borst said.

The negative attitude twoards this new law is not just in Borst.

“I think it is a bad move by the government to get rid of smoking sections because it is taking away others personal rights and that is just ridiculous,” senior Luke Combs said.

“Sure businesses are going to lose service and when they do they are going to regret letting the government make the move of taking that away,” Combs said.

“It is gross going into a restaurant and feeling like you are getting smoke blown in to your face, and then trying to eat with that smell makes you want to puke,” sophomore Amanda Brown said.

More people start smoking,

By: Nichole Schmidt and more people become anti-smokers every day.

Many people are trying to ban public smoking metro wide and maybe after that it will go nation wide. Olathe has followed Lee’s Summit with the non-smoking ban a acouplesuburb to pass a though smoking ban a couple Tuesday’s ago, Lee’s Summit 6-1, is the largest Kansas City suburb to pass a though smoking ban.

“It is going to be a new advantage for people who do not smoke and do not like the smell of smoke. None of us will have to be in a restaurant and smell the grossness of a cigarette,” sophomore Alli Lindmark said.

There is going to be another election in November to decide to make the smoking ban permanent. The smoking ban will effect all restaurants throughout the city.

“It is going to be a new advantage for people who do not smoke and do not like the smell of smoke. None of us will have to be in a restaurant and smell the grossness of a cigarette,” sophomore Alli Lindmark said.

There is going to be another election in November to decide to make the smoking ban permanent. The smoking ban will effect all restaurants throughout the city.

Hi.Life - September 21, 2006

A habit gone on for too long

16 Features

Cancer Hurts

When parents gets cancer, everything can change.

By: Anna Taylor

Hi.Life-September 21, 2006

my head, but I always know it’s there,” Swan said.

Having to try to work and not think about everything can sometimes get really overwhelming. While some teens may want to talk about it, Karlie does not. She doesn’t think it would help her at all to talk. Swan’s friends help her Make every minute count. Freshman Karlie Swan and her dad still whenever she needs find time to do things together while dealing with his illness. She enjoys support. her time even more now with her dad. Submitter by/ Karlie Swan “Not very many people know, maybe Cancer does not only hurt the one who five know. They all know that it’s there on has it, it also hurts their loved ones. Many my shoulders and I know they’re there for teens have to go through life worrying me when I need them,” Swan said.

Some people might like to go to about their parents dying of cancer. As years have progressed, statistics show support groups and there are some teens that the risk of getting cancer is getting out there for teens who are in Swan’s higher and higher.Karlie Swan was able position. There is one support group to let me in on the way a teen has to deal called Turning Point, Center for Hope and with the stress and pain of a parent with Healing. There are alot of different kinds cancer. Many people wonder what it’s like of workshops that kids and their parents can go to together. There are also some to have a parent with cancer.

“It’s really hard because you never really workshops teens can go to that are just know how long they’re going to have, and for them. The workshops range from how long they’re going to be here,” Swan yoga classes to horsebackriding, and alot of other activities. To get ahold of Turning said.

She told me that one of the scariest Point their number is (913)-383-8700 and things is to think that he won’t be able their address is, 8900 State Line, suite to walk her down the aisle, which would 240 Shawnee Mission, KS, 66206. Friends are also really helpful and supporting in terrify any girl.

“I get scared that he won’t be around these situations, they always have a way for a long time, and you know if he’ll be to help ease the mind.

“I really don’t want to be treated any leaving you, you hope he’ll be here, but different. I don’t want any sympathy for you just never know,” Swan said.

That would be so scary to think that me or my family. If my friends want to help your own mom or dad won’t be there to me cope with this part of my life, they can grow old with you, to be there for your just be there for me.”

She is worried about people treating kids, and to be there on the happiest days her differently and she doesn’t want to be of your life.

“My life has changed so much. You treated any different than the way she has have a completely different outlook on life. been. She’s still Karlie and this is just one I just try to put everything in the back of

thing different that people now know about her.

“When my dad first had his surgery, it was like everyone was helping out around the house. Helping clean, make dinner, making him feel ok, like getting him situated and making sure he’s comfortable. I usually would help give him his medicine, and make sure his headaches don’t get too bad,” Swan said.

The first few weeks Swan’s family had found out about it, Swan didn’t know what to think. She didn’t think that it would make that big of an impact on her life, but it did.

“Going through this has definitely made me so much closer to my dad, and it really just makes me cherish the time I have with him. Our relationship has changed completely,” Swan said.

Swan is really worried that this might be something that runs in the family.

She wouldn’t ever be able to imagine what it would be like to have to go through this again with another family member. “ My biggest concern, gosh, would just be not having my dad. I couldn’t even imagine that. Just thinking about not having him, I mean it’s horrible. It’s the worst feeling in the world,” Swan said.

Teens need to realize that even though you may fight with your parents and you think your parents are horrible, you could never imagine losing your mom or dad like this. So if you get a chance to hang out with your mom or dad, think about doing it once in a while.

Unfamiliar Faces

David Moorshead-Senior

School Activities: Math Club, Spanish Club, Marching Band, NHS, A+, Robotics, and Scholar Bowl.

Favorite Class: IB Math 2, and Syphony Orchestra.

Something you may not know: He is a black belt it Karate.

“It usually takes people 8 years but I am a perfectionist. I started in 2001 and got my black-belt in 2005. I haven’t gotten in any fights but it has made me more confident and assertive. Now I have more of an idea of what to do if something were to happen,” Moorshead said.

Joel Gardener-Senior School Activities: N/A

Favorite Class: English

Features 17

Caleb Larson - Freshman School Activities: Orchestra Favorite Class: Math

Something you may not know:

He plays violin.

“I started playing when I was four. Mr. Rogers got me into it. All my cousins, brother, and sisters play because of Mr. Rogers. I’ve played in many shows and I never have had a problem with my nerves; I’ve been really lucky.” Larson said.

Hannah Brown-Mulrey-Senior

School Activities: Robotics, Math Club, Cappies team, IB Diploma, Theatre Club.

Favorite Class: IB Biology 2

Something you may not know:

He is an avid gardener.

“I really like to garden. It is something that I do with my dad, just me and him. We get a chance to talk about things and we’re the only two who find it interesting. The garden has rose bushes, love-lies-bleeding (flower), and some mammoth sunflowers. We also have tomatos and peppers,” Gardener said.

Something you may not know:

She has lived in a different country.

“I was born in England, lived in France for three years.

My parents would just get bored with one place. When I moved here I skipped a grade becuase the school system over there is so much better. I have friends all over the world now, it’s pretty great,”Brown said.

Hi.Life - September 21, 2006

By: Megan Vemmer & Josiah Jones

18 Opinions

Staff Editorial

Despite our many differences here at LSHS, there are a few things that we share as a whole.

For one – we all use the restroom. This is why the degrading condition of our restrooms is such an issue. Why even bother having urinals if they are stationed at least a foot below waist level?

This isn’t elementary school, and we need adult toilets. The restrooms in the PAC used to be a shining haven compared to the dank catacombs that served as restrooms in other places around the school. Yet as the wheel of time rolled onward, even the once lustrous PAC restroom has fallen into ruin. With the last modern restroom incapacitated, there is no solution left but to resort to using the remaining restrooms – despite their ‘1970s’ feeling. In all honestly, I doubt one can enter a restroom in this building without stepping back in time a decade or two.

A proper solution to this problem would be to focus some funding on revamping our school restrooms. Not a simple restoration, even.

These restrooms have served generations upon generations of students. There is pride to be taken in being the ‘original’ high school, but not if that means settling for second-rate restroom facilities.

When considering that the price for a plate lunch has been increased, we should at least see some perks out of the deal. It would be nice to see our taxes going towards something that truly mattered – a nice place to do one’s business. By all means, the new flagpoles are great, but only if we are dogs.

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I have a concern about the parking situation at Lee’s Summit High School. I don’t think it is necessary to buy a 25 dollar parking permit just to be able to drive to school.

A possible solution that could be offered is to have no requirement for a pass or at least a lower price.

-senior Nicole Becchina

Dear Editor, My concern to you is the fact that the break in between classes are too short. Seven minutes is too difficult to manage all duties necessary to complete comfort. Getting to class is easier but we would have to leave class once we get there, and that’s very inconvenient for everyone.

I propose that we simply extend that time to ten minutes. that would increase concentration and decrease tardies. This is managable by everyone and would be very appreciated.

- senior Eric Williams Dear Editor, As school spirit is on the rise, so is attendance at football games.

I noticed that the student section of the bleachers is too small to accomidate our schoolwide love for the game.

I think the student section needs to be larger so we can enjoy the game more. It also tends to become a mosh pit when our team scores and people start jumping around.

Thankyou.

-senior Monica Mccarty

Hi.Life - September 21, 2006

Featured Columnist America, I am here to talk about a virus that will suck you in with its catchy beats, and which has convinced me that we are now living in an era devoid of any intellectual creativity at all. What is this infestation that has so greatly affected America’s youth? Well, ‘lean back’ and listen. Today’s hip hop music is flooding the airwaves and every other form of media.

Way back when, mainstream music (yes, even mainstream) was once a plethora of emotion, feeling, and poetry. Music was once made to make you laugh, cry, or even scream. My point is, music did something other than make you ‘1,2 step.’

Today you can not so much as flip on the radio or TV without an earful, or eyeful, of today’s increasingly popular hip hop. Before assumptions are made, I assure you

By Jessica Woska

I am not trashing all hip hop and/or rap. This is because once upon a time hip hop and rap used to be about standing for something you believed in, and not just about ‘gettin crunk.’ I believe someone could justly and intellectually defend real hip hop or rap artists like 2 Pac, Biggie Smalls, or Eazy E. However, how could any individual, even one of great intellectual caliber justly defend ‘I’m in Love With a Stripper?’

The majority of proud listeners, as well as those who sing along in secrecy, say in their defense, ‘but it’s just so catchy!’, and it is. But is catchy enough? I often wonder if you actually listen to the words you are belting out. For example, ‘girl I been shakin’ and actin’ a donkey tryna get to you and dat monkey’ Those who are familiar with this song know it is as catchy as they get, but stop, rewind, and actually read those lyrics. Congratulations, your IQ just dropped.

Perhaps I am just oblivious to the inner mastermind of today’s hip hop (like the above) on the radio, and unable to see the ingenious messages imbedded into the catchy beats.

Maybe the world is meant to ‘lean wit it rock wit’ then again, maybe not. Either way I’ll be sticking to my old albums.

Opinions 19

Bark at the Moon America, I have a dream today! I have a dream that one day on the green hills of Independence, the puppies of former pit bulls and the sons of former dog catchers will be able to sit down together at the table of animalhood. America, I have a dream today!

Seriously people, what is the real issue here, a few well planned assassinations of very important individuals by the infamous LEAPB (League of Evil American Pit Bulls) ...or corrupt politicians. Please note that it’s an election year and if my knowledge of people running in political races serves me right, and it always does, they usually like to get the popular vote.

Call it a hunch, but wouldn’t it make sense to assume that the vast majority of media consuming voters would believe that after a few small attacks by a few small animals, the American Pit Bull could be turned into a killing machine instead of the American Kennel Club’s description of “a very loyal animal and a poor choice as a

By Matthew Gratton

guard dog.”

Unfortunately because of a few attacks by animals that were ‘reported’ as Pit Bulls, these majestic creatures are being subjected to Breed Specific Legislation, which, in translation means, laws are placed under a strict code of conduct for that certain breed.

They can, not allow that animal to breed, to be imported, or even to live.

In my opinion some sort of animal rights group should definitely intervene to stop this atrocity from going any further.

In all seriousness should guns be able to be owned, and something as simple as dogs not be allowed to live where their owners live. Is it really that backwards of a belief to think that an animal, something created for the sole purpose to live, is being made illegal, and a gun, something created for the sole purpose of hindering that life, is being allowed to be kept at a home, is wrong. Should guns really be more important than the life they could destroy?

Animated Outlook

By Drew Lavota

Should certain breeds of dogs be banned?

Yes. Dangerous ones like pitbulls, some dogs aren’t made to be around people.

-sophomore Sarah Hughes

No. All dogs should be treated equally, they don’t ban people for being a certain race.

-freshman Gonzalo Abanes

No. They should not be banned from anywhurr; Just hit em and they leave you alone[sic].

-junior Jon Cunningham

Yes. If certain breeds are harmful to the public, I think they should go.

-senior Sarah Becker

The Hi.Life is an open forum to provide up to date and pertinent information compiled by high school journalists. The magazine exists to credibly explain all facts in a professional, yet entertaining manor. We will be a bold and trusted publication that raises the bar of high school journalism.

The Hi.Life newsmagazine is a student led publication. Our obligation to readers is to provide credible information to the student body. None of the opinions in our publication reflect the views of the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District. The Hi.Life is composed of the original ideas and opinions of our staff. The Hi.Life strives to create a professional news magazine that provides accurate insight and entertainment with confidence and excellence, with an obligation of creating an unbiased and reliable publication.

Hi.Life - September 21, 2006

Man on the Street

20

Entertainment

Fraying at the Edges By: Caty Case

What Are We Listening To?

The Fray takes the music scene by storm By: Erik Dierking

Hi.Life - September 21, 2006

The keys of the piano begin to body is moving. play a delicate melody, and you are The instruments mesh together so carried away in the beautiful sounds beautifully they seem to be coming from the of The Fray. Isaac Slade has such a same object. The Fray is a brilliant example unique and mesmerizing voice, along of true musicianship due to the fact they with guitarist Joe King, Slade writes keep the listener absolutely captivated by charming songs that are sung with the sound.

The songs are no meaningless songs equal talent.

This four-man band from Denver, about how you cheat on your boyfriend Colorado, together since 2002, and it’s killing him to see you walk out the formed by Slade and King, were not door, or how every time someone comes handed their fame on a silver platter. around, your London Bridge wants to go They earned their way to stardom. down, the songs messages behind the From the beginning they played words. You can listen to any song without local gigs that developed into local subconsciously lowering your morals each time. With press coverage it getting harder and local radio and harder to airtime.

Slade each day turn on and King began the radio and not writing songs hear something together in high demoralizing, The school.

The Fray is one band songs were so that does not lower good, that two their standard of Slade’s former in the way they band mates, Ben write music. They Wysoki and Dave appeal to every Welsh, joined The presence of The Fray while day emotions. the band. With Be A-Fray-ed. on stage is very powerful. Their unique sound and such success entertainsing live show make for an amazing experience They seem to at the local gigs that will stay with with the viewer forever. Photo / AP understand just how it feels to like and local radio airtime the fans started a campaign someone or lose a friend. The Fray’s lyrics for The Fray’s record contract. The are down to earth and easy to relate to. band won ‘Best New Band’ honors The Fray have been busy touring around from Denver’s Westword magazine, the world for some time now. They are thanks to their fans talking non-stop making their stop in Kansas City on Oct. 10 about their hits. The demo of Over of this year at the Uptown Theatre, and the My Head made the top 30 spot on following day, Oct. 11, in St. Louis at The KTCL’s most played song of 2004 in Pageant. For tickets go to Ticketmaster. a mere four months. Their success of com.

The limited edition How to Save a Life the band had begun.

About six months ago they were album, complete with a numbered deluxe featured on VH1’s Artists You Oughta CD and DVD package, is available on Sept.

Know web page, the frenzy soon 19. Listen to something different, and take caught on in Lee’s Summit. First a chance on... hearing Over My Head in the early months of 2006, people could not help but move along with the beat.

It was no long until they were sitting in their cars with friends and belting out all of the words to the song. While listening to The Fray you cannot just sit there; at least one limb of your

This Week: Hi.Life Editors Every few days, it seems like a new band is making the leap into the mainstream.

With all these bands floating around, it’s hard to keep track of who’s who and what people enjoy. Music opens a window in a person’s mind.

What if someone were to take advantage of this window? Hilarity would ensue, no doubt.

For this issue I have polled the dear editors of the Hi.Life staff. The music ranges from light and acoustic to loud and insane. First, let us start off with our dear Editor-inChief: Courtney Stoddard.

Courtney is listening to The Queen and I by Gym Class Heroes. This most likely means Courtney enjoys her position of power because she was rescued by a hero in her gym class. Ok, that was kind of lame. Maybe this next one will turn out better.

Josh Wallace, the Copy Editor is currently listening to Danger! High Voltage by Electric Six. Perhaps Josh has recently been struck by lightning and still has the electric surge pulsing through six of his bones-get it, Electric Six! Well, this has been a complete failure.

But, if you want to jam to the same music as the editors do, click ‘iTunes Collections’, then click ‘iMix’ (under ‘More in Music’), and search ‘Hi. Life Editor Mix’ on iTunes and buy some songs today from bands like: Heart, Tahiti 80, Hellogoodbye, Sufjan Stevens, and more!

Songs cost $.99 and can be uploaded onto your iPod!

Entertainment

21

Plane Silly The best guy movie of the summer

By Aaron Wood This is not an article about the new 9/11 movies. It is, however, about a movie with class, courage, prestige and snake-on a plane.

As I walked into the movie theatre with my girlfriend, I felt apprehensive. With pleading eyes, she shot me a ‘let’s see something else’ look. Without mercy in my soul, I answered in a manly grunt and shook my head no. We walked into the dark auditorium and seated ourselves, nearly the only patrons, with only two others in the showing.

“This movie should be good,” she exclaimed, “look at all of these people!”

Her enthusiasm was obvious.

After I gave standing ovations to movie previews such as Tenacious D: The Pick of Destiny and Transformers: The Movie, our feature started.

We begin our adventure in Hawaii, a tropical paradise. There is surfing, motocross, swimming, and of course, the everyday mob-boss murder.

Our main character, Sean Jones, has just been witness to the murder of a state prosecutor. An FBI agent, also known as Samuel L. Jackson, has stepped in to take him to Los Angeles to testify. Of course, it is just their luck that the mob boss decided to fill their plane with hundreds of poisonous snakes.

The first word that comes to mind when this movie is mentioned in conversation is ridiculous. The premise of the movie is plain silly in the first place. From the standpoint of being a guy, I must say that I enjoyed the movie immensely. Yet, in the shoes of a serious reviewer, I cannot say that the movie could hold any Academy Award nominations. With the exceptions of Mr. Jackson and Keenan Thompson (Saturday Night Live) the acting was nothing too impressive.

The movie was quite humorous from

Snakes on a Plane, NewLine Cinema Picture, stars Samuel L. Jackson and Keenan Thompson.

The masculine appeal of this film is almost too much to handle. photo / AP

the sub-par acting to the awesome one-liners, I laughed through the whole thing.

Overall, if nothing else, this movie was fun to watch. As soon as it is released on video, I will buy it, along with every other guy with a love for B movies. I do not, however, recommend that you bring your girlfriend to the show.

Changing it Up

The Early November switches points of view

By Sydney Rohan life is not much better and the cycle repeats itself.

The second CD, The Mother, tells the same story, only in the views of the woman. It tells of the young romance the couple shared and the hardships of marrying so young.

The final CD, The Path, is completely different from the other two CDs. It has a series of narrative pieces in between songs. It tells the whole story from start to finish in a conversation between two people, an older man and a younger one. The older man tells the story of a boy who married and had a son at a young age. He also reveals that the couple could not afford to take care of their new son so the woman’s parents offer to take care of him. As the boy grows, he continues to live with his grandparents and knows them as his mother and father. His real parents are still involved in his life but take the role

The Early November’s new album, “The Mechanic, The Mother, and The Path”

of aunt and uncle. As the years pass, the boy gets older and so do his “parents”.

Soon they get sick and the secret has to be revealed. As the older man tells this last part of the story, the younger boy finally realizes that the whole story was about him.

It is a heart-wrenching tale, told in a very catching manner. Due to the different points of views and situations, it is a CD everybody can relate to. The Mechanic, The Mother, and The Path is one of the most original CDs out there right now. It truly is unforgettable.

HI.LIFE - Septembe 21, 2006

Excited fans anxiously wait outside of a music store. It is two minutes until 7:00 A.M. and some are still wiping the sleep from their eyes. The owner finally unlocks the door and fans rush in.

This was the case at many music stores across the country on July 12.

It was the release date for The Early November’s long awaited concept album. The album, titled The Mechanic, The Mother, and The Path, has been worked on for several years.

It is unlike any other CD. It has over 40 songs and is actually three CDs. Each CD tells the same story, but in different characters points of view.

The first CD, The Mechanic, contains the thoughts of a boy who is unhappy with his home life and does not like his parents. He meets a girl and at the tender age of 18, decides to get married and start a family. Not long after they are married, they have a son. The son’s

22 Sports

In Shape

By: Josh Kennedy

Cross country team dedicates summer for hard work Cross-country team prepares for new season with vigorous early morning summer workouts to prepare for a successful season.

“I usually get up at about 6:25 AM and we run 5 to 6 miles,” sophomore Dallin Sims said.

The team runs every day of the excluding the weekends.

Even though they do not run as a team on the weekends some of the runners run on their own.

This makes for some runners running 4 to 6 miles everyday for a whole week and sometimes for consecutive weeks, That is 21 to 42 miles per week.

“Some of the runners are so dedicated that not only do they work out with the team, but even more on their own,”

S

sophomore Matt Norris said.

Now that the runners are so dedicated to staying in shape, running isn’t the only thing they do to try and stay healthy. “I eat a breakfast every morning and I drink a whole bottle of water every class and fill it up in between classes. At lunch I always get the three fruit sides and I never eat any junk food,” Sims said A healthy diet can be a huge help when working out, but limiting yourself to absolutely no junk food is a hard task to follow. “ I don’t let myself drink pop and I try to stay away from junk food but sometimes I can’t resist,” Jochems said.

The runners get up around 5:30 AM to run several miles at 6 AM they claim it does not phase them.

“It’s my senior year and I am trying to work extra hard to become the best I can so I can leave Lee’s Summit High School on a good note,” Jochems said.

Some athletes say they will do anything to make themselves and their teams better,

occer ophomore tar

Working Out. Cross-country harsh day, work outs prepare them for the season. “I keep working out to be the best i can be for the season.” senior Brad Jochems said. Brad was getting in from a daily workout with the cross-country team.

but Sims is one of the most dedicated.

“The thing that keeps me getting up so early every morning is knowing that running like we do will help the team,” Sims said.

There aren’t any individuals on the crosscountry team, they are all doing it to make the team better and they are all looking forward to reaping the rewards of their hard work with a success full season.

A new face on the varsity soccer team

By: Casey Cole

HI.LIFE - September 21, 2006

It’s months after the grueling soccer tryouts and the painful camps, and the soccer season is starting to heat up, and now we start to see some new faces that have been waiting for there time to shine. Sophomore Robbie Beckert that plays right wing midfield on the varsity soccer team. It’s the starting of the soccer season.

“The varsity soccer team has many goals that they are trying to accomplish this year. Beat Rockhurst,” Beckert said “Then to also win conference.”

“It was a really close game until

we scored the first goal. Then they started playing defense and we wanted them to play straight up but they wouldn’t, so that made it easier for us to score more goals, and we ended up winning 4-1” Ruble said.

“Also go as far as possible in the state tournaments.” However, “you should never look to far into the future and just take it game by game,” Beckert said Beckert also has set many goals for himself this year.

“One would be to step up as a leader, try to play as much as possible and to turn up the heat to be able to

Pass it. The boy’s soccer players are on fire. “It was sweet when we beat Blue Springs High School,” sophomore Robbie Beckert said. The team is 9-0. Photo/ Kali Herbert

clinch a starting position,” Beckert said.

“It is going to be a great experience to be able to play with the other guys at this level of competitiveness,”Beckert said.

The soccer team wants to get as much support as they can at every game to lead them to another great season.

By: Bobby Hagedorn Well, welcome to the 2006-2007 school year and this year brings us a level of excitement with our sports like we have not seen in a long time. For the first time since the split with west we know have a full senior class in almost every sport and with that experience success is following. With the drop in conference I think we could see a sports year like none of us have ever seen.

The boys soccer team which kicked off its season with a 1st place finish in the Lee’s Summit Invitational that included a 1-0 win over rival Lee’s Summit North in the championship game. The teams remains undefeated with a wins over perennial powers RayPec and Rockhurst.

The volleyball team which returned most of its starters is also off to a great start and they look will challenge for a conference championship.

And last, but least we have the tiger football team, who is off to its best start in the last 26 years. The Tigers have opened the season with three impressive wins including a road victory over then undefeated St. Joseph Central. The Tigers have a dominating defense and an offense that has come up several clutch touchdown drives.

We also have the one of most dominating softball pitchers in the state leading very successful softball team.

So as these teams approach the tough part of their schedules it looks like we could have a special year for our sports.

All the Racket

Freshman leads the way on varsity tennis By: Danielle Polk Unlike most high school students, freshman Jourdan Mercurio was not spending her last couple weeks of summer soaking up the sun like most.

She was up a little after seven getting pumped and ready for tennis tryouts.

Most would complain that it was too early to be getting up, but not Mercurio.

She was ready for the tennis season, ready to start the year off the right way.

“I was kind of nervous,” Mercurio said “ coming in with all the upperclass man, I didn’t know what to expect.”

She played a lot over the summer to try to improve her tennis skills as much as possible. Sophomore Katy Glenn had played tennis her freshman year, and knowing how that year went, she helped Mercurio to get ready for tryouts.

The two girls would spend many days and nights on the tennis courts playing with their fathers.

“I want to thank my dad because he has had lots of experience in professional level tennis. He gives me the best advice about playing,” Mercurio said.

Even though Mercurio has only been playing tennis for about a year and a half, she worked very hard at tryouts “I felt really good. I accomplished something really big to start off my freshman year,” Mercurio said.

Mercurio had an opportunity before the school year had even started.

Finding out that she made the team really made her happy, but finding out that she was number one on varsity made her ecstatic.

“It feels good, but as a freshman I No Love Freshman Jourdan Mercurio returns a serve with great force. “My goal is that we keep up the hard word we’e been putting in this season,” Mercurio said.

The tennis team now has a 5-7 record. Photo/ Danielle Polk

feel like I have to work harder,” Mercurio said, “I want to show everyone that I belong on varsity and that I want to keep my position.”

Even though Mercurio is number one on varsity, she doesn’t look at things that way.

She is just happy that she is doing something that she loves.

“I look up to [senior] Lauren Phillips, my doubles partner. She is an upper classman and she is very good at playing,” Mercurio said.

Phillips has been playing tennis for four years, and is not at all concerned about a freshman being above her on the ladder.

“She is a great addition to the team. She is an awesome number one player and she is also a very good doubles partner,” Phillips said. “She tries really hard every practice and every match. She could have been really conceited about playing number one as a freshman, but she was not at all. Jourdan gets along with everyone and she has never acted better than anyone else.”

Mercurio treats all of her practices like matches. She really excels at her backhands because she can place them well and has a lot of power on them. Being up at the net is one thing that Mercurio really tries to focus on at practice. Mercurio feels that is her weakness in tennis, and she thinks that she could improve. For most, Lee’s Summit North is the big game that people can’t wait to play, but not for Mercurio.

“I can’t wait to play against Blue Springs,” Mercurio said, “the number one girl in the state plays for Blue Springs and I can’t wait to play her to see where I stand.”

With the help of her father and her other teammates, Mercurio plans to have a successful high school career.

Hi.Life - September 15, 2006

Court to Field

Sports 23

24 Back Page

Friday Night Fights Tigers fight to be Great By: Danny Kliethermes Photos By: Courtney Stoddard

Hi.Life - September 21, 2006

It is in the morning and the players are still tired from yesterday’s workouts. It’s already a humid 90 degrees outside. After a tiring conditioning, the players are anxious to go home, only to look forward to coming back for another brutal practice in the even more brutal heat. Last years survivor, summer weights, and summer camps are now over. Leaving the team with two-a-days. All of the off-season preparation helped boost the team to victory over rival, Lee’s Summit North and Park Hill, and recent St. Joe Central to start the season.

“We’re a family, we have played together for awhile now, the game is a brawl, so we will have to go out there and protect our family and our brothers,” senior linebacker Josh Walts said.

North might not be the only tough competitor. Senior strong safety Ryan Starkey thinks Belton or Ray Pec will be tough competition. Both games will be late in the season making them district games and teams will be putting it all on the line to make it to state.

“Our experienced seniors, and us making some strides by getting better and stronger will separate us from the other teams,” offensive lineman coach Terry Vickers said.

Starkey thinks the hard work in the offseason, teamwork, determination to win, and several loosing seasons will be a motivation that no other team possesses.

“Nobody expects us to win, I want to win because I am sick of losing, and we have nothing to lose,” Walts said.

The Tiger’s are going down a class, joining the suburban Big 6 Conference.

New conference teams include Winnetonka, Truman, St. Joe Central, Park Hill, and Ray Pec. However, playing these new smaller schools does not change the Tigers preparation.

“Playing different teams won’t change our mind set, we still need to go out and give it all we have to win,” Starkey said.

The football team is off to a 3-0 start after beating previously undefeated conference opponent St. Joe Central last Friday. The tigers who trailed early in the game scored 16 unanswered points to win. While the tigers are off to a good start, only time will tell if the preseason work will repay the Tiger’s with the ultimate goal of the team, a state championship.