Underclassman 2015

Hi Life ✳

26 Activities to Try Over Summer Break pg. 9

Volume 96 ✳ Issue 10 ✳ 5.15.15 ✳ Lee’s Summit, Missouri

Contents NEWS

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Drumline performs annual show

FEATURES 6 Graduating early remains option for next year’s seniors 8 High school teaches more than formulas and facts

TOP STORY

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9 Alphabet proves fun way to introduce 26 summer activities

OPINIONS 14 New rule allows teachers to carry guns 15 Leaving for lunch makes students excited and administrators nervous

SPORTS 19 TPX Games brings tiger pride to the athletes

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

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19

From the

Editor

A

s the senior class leaves, there seems to be a missing piece in the school; I am not just talking about the slightly lesshectic hallways during passing period. There are many clichés to describe this time of year, but I am thinking of one specific phrase: we have big shoes to fill.

I have the position of editor-in-chief to meet.

While the job is exciting, there are expectations with it also. Even when I was in elementary school, I knew about this role. My brother was on staff and brought home an issue of the Hi-Life every month; I read it cover-to-cover. Never would I have thought that I would be overseeing this news-magazine I feel so sentimental about. It is now strange to be that incoming senior that I had pictured years ago as someone else.

When I consider the editor-in-chief position, I think of those who held it before me. They have set excellent examples, and I want to carry these on for next year. They made the job seem simple, and I have come to admire the work they have achieved now that I am in their shoes.

It is not just myself with this kind of responsibility. As underclassmen, it is important to recognize the success of classes before to reflect the same qualities we admire. Juniors are the new leaders of the school. Clubs, sports, and organizations are missing crucial roles. Now is the time to fill them.

As each school year comes and goes, old role models are replaced and expectations continue on. My challenge for my peers is to be someone younger students can look up to and learn from, for there will always be a new school year each fall.

Hi✳Life Editor in Chief Sydnee Pointer

Page Designers

Carter Moore Eden Fitzgibbons Annelise Hanshaw Breona Porter

Writers

Morgan Jenkins Haley Townley Summer Given Angela Lendhardt Dia Sims Sage Young-Streich Gabe Spaulding Jared Shepherd Madie Wylie Alexzandria Fielder Cydney Harris Cristina Herdiz Ian Nickens Maddy Antey Amanda Coney Trevor Martin

Photographers

Zach Boyle Amber Gates Aaron Hagan Aaron LaPaz Abby Ault Rylan Gregg Cori Matney Miles Ward Julia Ngega Makenna Nickens Tristan White Zion Marischler Jaymes Dickinson Victoria Morrow Alexis Williams Hannah Foster

Matt Rellihan Mariah Walkenhorst

KayLee Roumas Anna Myers Mack Cooney Aspen DePeralta Johanna Holmberg Elizabeth Marszalek Da’Quon McGee Sydney Roberts Sierra Terry Gabe Thursby Brent Weber Preston Anthony Alicia Wurtz Ava Worthy Molly Goetz BJ Gaunt

Copy Editors

Chance Copeland Grace Rogers Garrett Stroginis

Ads Manager

Payton Seymour

Cartoonist

Sarah Spencer

Web Editor

Jude Spaulding

Advisor

Marc Russell

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NEWS FEATURES

OPINIONS

TOP✳STORY

READERS FASHION SPORTS

The 411

Written by Alexis Williams Photographed by Annelise Hanshaw and Zach Boyle

Fourth Fridays

First Fridays has made its way to downtown Lee’s Summit in the form of Fourth Fridays. Explore the art, music and theatre events downtown has to offer and visit participating businesses and restaurants. Fourth Fridays will be held May 22 from 5 - 9 pm.

(Chrome)Booked

Hats Off to Grads

Graduation is Wed, May 20 at 7:00 pm at the Community of Christ Auditorium. Ticket will be distributed Thurs, April 23 3:30 - 7 pm in the Brockman Lecture Hall.

Students will be receiving a Chromebook and a charger for the 2015-2016 school year. All items issued will be assigned to each student and will need to be returned at the end of the school year or upon transfer from the school. Failure to return any of these items would result in the student being charged.

The Chromebook will play an integral role in classroom instruction, so it is extremely important that students bring their Chromebooks to class every day. The Chromebook will become part of a student’s necessary classroom supplies similar to a pencil and notebook paper. If a student forgets his or her Chromebook, specific procedures and expectations will vary from school to school.

Students are expected to fully charge the Chromebook each evening at home, which should provide sufficient battery life to use the device throughout the school day.

Students should also try to preserve battery power during the school day by lowering the lid whenever the device is not in use.

On the Cover Cover photo by Julia Ngega

Got Talent?

Auditions for Lee’s Summit’s Got Talent will be held Apr. 23 at MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center. Audition entry forms are due no later than Apr. 15. Lee’s Summit’s Got Talent will be held Saturday, June 13 at 7 pm in the Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $15 per person.

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Many cones of ice cream were purchased and then thrown to get the perfect splatter seen on page 9.

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Questions, Comments, or Suggestions?

We would love to hear them.

Twitter: @jlabmag Facebook: LSHS HiLife Instagram: @jlabmag On the web: jlabmag.com

Hi✳Life Freestyle Fun Brianna Devine works with mallets during her drumline class period as everyone practices individually.

Let’s Get

LOUD

Casual Crowd Josh Herron and Cori Matney take a selfie with the crowd from Saturday night. “Loud is honestly just a time for drumline to just have fun,” sophomore Cori Matney said.

Drumline proves to be another LOUD crowd at the school.

T

he countdown begins and everyone is filled with anticipation. Once there are only thirty seconds until the show beings, all twenty-seven drumline members gather up and yell ‘Steve’ as loud as they can. No one can take the smiles off of their faces as they start to walk on stage.

The drumline recently presented their show, LOUD. According to percussionist Gannon Rialti, drumline already had their songs picked out early. A few of the songs that were featured in LOUD are ‘Girls’ by the Beach Boys, ‘Sail’ by Awolnation, ‘Take a Walk with Me’ by Muddy Waters, ‘Wiggle’ by Jason Derulo, and ‘Seven Nation Army’ by The White Stripes.

Inconveniently, rehearsals for LOUD were delayed mainly because drumline made it to state contest.

Members of drumline were pumped to raise money by raising their drumsticks.

“I’m really excited for our large group numbers. Everybody participates in them even if it’s just a shaker or a tambourine. No matter what, everyone is in the large group numbers,” percussionist Abby Gast said. “We just put together what we want to play, and what we want to have people listen to. Whatever we think is interesting and cool, we do it,” Gast said.

Abby isn’t the only one who was

psyched about LOUD. “It’s probably the most fun thing that the drumline does because it’s like in-your-face drumming all the time. We tend to sit and interact with the audience. Like last year we took a lot of selfies with the crowd, and I clicked the cowbell a few times on some peoples’ faces,” percussionist Mason Mackey said.

LOUD is also an opportunity for members of drumline to organize into small groups to prepare songs independently. The small groups can put their acts together outside of school without McBain to direct them, but any of the groups can get McBain’s help if they need it.

Another reason why LOUD is so cherished by drumline is because it raises money for their program. Drumline is the most expensive band activity, so raising extra funds for this purpose is crucial. Every cent of the proceeds are going to pay for things such as entry fees for competitions, appointment repairs, anything new drumline needs, replacing the heads of the drums, and any other expenses that accrue over the school year.

Written by Victoria Morrow Photographed by BJ Gaunt Designed by Cori Matney and Annelise Hanshaw

Practice Makes Perfect Brianna Devine and Gannon Rialti practice in class. Drumline has rehearsals both in school and out of school for the LOUD show.

Selfie Starter Cori Matney, Josh Herron, Brenden Lesue, and Paul Orr warm up the camera before LOUD. “The second night is always bitter sweet; LOUD is something we all look forward to,” freshman Josh Herron said.

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NEWS READERS FEATURES

TOP✳STORY

OPINIONS

Graduating Early For some seniors, graduating before May 20th can be a reality

T

he bell rings to signal winter break. For some, this is the last bell of their high school career. This is because they took advantage of the early graduation option.

SPORTS

Although leaving high school can be a bittersweet situation, LSHS offers an option of graduating early.

It is required to email the principal in regards to the reasoning behind graduating early.

“It’s totally easy, just write a letter to Faulkenberry explaining why you want to graduate early,” Amanda Davis said.

The most common reason for graduating early is an early start to college and career.

Students can still walk with their class and attend graduation.

Some students vary from feeling sad about leaving and others are excited about leaving high school.

Graduating early is certainly an option to

anyone.

It takes 26 credits to graduate early. Without failing, students naturally have this. To make up classes and get the required English credit, summer school and online classes help.

Having all required credits and an okay from student administration is what it takes.

Graduating early is great for athletes with scholarships to colleges out of state.

Graduating early is not for everyone, even though seniors start to feel anxious about leaving high school early at the end of the semester.

Written by Sierra Terry Photographed by Zion Marischler Designed by Carter Moore

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Hi✳Life

Where are they now?

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Our favorite toys, food, and knicknacks from our childhoods, tracked down and reinvisioned.

L B

C

D

E

F

et’s face it: the 90’s did not really end until about 2004. Up until then, kids had the same snacks, the same TV shows, the same music artists, and more. 90s kids remember with nostalgia the Saturday afternoons filled with fruit snacks, Hey Arnold! marathons, and the catchy tunes of Britney Spears’ (A) ‘Toxic’.

Snacks made up a big part of many teenagers’ childhoods.

Fruit gushers, ring pops, and the cheese whales that were the same as Goldfish but somehow better.

Fruit Gushers were first introduced in 1991 and grew rapidly in popularity upon release among children and teenagers. Ring Pops were used as the ring in many childhood proposals and young girls pretended to have humongous diamonds perched on their fingers.

Another large part of being a child in the nineties and early 2000’s was the film industry. Children enjoyed classics such as Jurassic Park (B) and sang along to the catchy songs in the first High School Musical (C). Both movies were so popular that they managed to spawn off two sequels each -and now, the Jurassic series has a fourth installment coming out soon, all thanks to the children of the nineties.

After school, kids would rush home to catch the latest episodes of shows such as That’s So Raven (D) and Boy Meets World, and they could not wait to stick their noses into the latest installment of the children’s horror series Goosebumps. Unfortunately, both shows mentioned were ended in 2007 and 2000. The Goosebumps series holds over sixty books under

its umbrella, and children had their own collections of the series sitting on bookshelves with Harry Potter and other classics.

In school, however, children would look forward to Bill Nye the Science Guy (E) , having enjoyed previous installments including fun educational skits and brilliant science related jokes. Another educational show kids enjoyed was The Magic School Bus, in which Ms. Frizzle would drag her elementary school class along magic adventures, such as traveling inside human bodies and exploring space in their school bus.

Finally, something that had heavy involvement within childhoods was the music of the nineties: ‘Wannabe’ by the Spice Girls topped UK charts for seven weeks and managed to win several awards. ‘I Want It That Way’ by the Backstreet Boys (F) is quickly gaining status as a classic and was one of the more popular and wellknown songs. While not many may recognize the name ‘Tubthumping’

by Chumbawumba, they have probably heard it: ‘I get knocked down, but I get up again, you’re never gonna keep me down….’

Most of these things bring a sense of nostalgia to nineties kids.

Growing up in the nineties had plenty of good music, great snacks, and fun films and TV shows. Some might be missing those days due to the nostalgia.

Written by Elizabeth Marzalek Photos provided by AP Images Designed by Carter Moore

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NEWS READERS FEATURES

TOP✳STORY OPINIONS

SPORTS

Learning the “Principal” Facts Seven facts about Dr. John Faulkenberry

1 3 5

He collects World War 2 books and artifacts.

2

Faulkenberry has been to three different continents: North America, Asia, and Europe.

Faulkenberry and his wife decided to He is a huge Bruce enroll their two sons Springsteen fan He has at Lee’s Summit North gone to see Springsteen High School since no one and the E Street Band in 5 cities. wants to be the principal’s He loves son. symphonic classical He is the youngest music and listens of four. There’s two to it at work and sisters and one when he reads. brother with a seven-year difference between him His high school and his bro. does not exist anymore; Hickman Mills High School merged with Ruskin in 2010.

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4

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Learning for life Written by Maddy Antey Photographed by Gabe Thursby There are many reasons people become teachers and, improving the lives of future generations is one of them. These teachers believe that they’re here to teach students more than just curriculum and prove that students actually use what they learn in high school.

(English) Linda Pribyl: “High school builds character, students learn responsibility, citizenship, how to socialize,” English teacher Linda Pribyl said.

(History/Sociology) Stacey Moore: “Students learn lots of life lessons, mainly how to be good people,” history and sociology teacher Stacey Moore said.

(Math) Tina Knutson: “Students learn how to work hard and do things even when they don’t want to, they also learn how to respect and get along with others,” math teacher Tina Knutson said.

(Choir) Chris Munce: “Students learn how to think and how to ask the right questions,” choir director Chris Munce said.

Written by Miles Ward Photographed by Abby Ault 8Designed by Carter Moore

Hi✳Life

The ABC’s of Summer Break

Written by Cydney Harris and Maddy Wylie Photographed by Julia Ngega, Cori Matney, and AP Images

26 Activities Fill Summer Planners

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NEWS READERS FEATURES

TOP✳STORY OPINIONS

Bonne Terre Mine

Arabia The Arabia Steamboat museum is a pre-Civil War museum with the most artifacts/documents about that time period. It is in Kansas City and it is filled with 18th century artifacts from the sunken boat.

City Museum City Museum is a St.Louis attraction that cannot be missed. There are dozens of slides and a ball pit for people older than six. The museum even has a cave for visitors to tour.

Bonne Terre Mine, which means ‘good ground’ in French, is the largest freshwater resort. When people get there they can take dive classes, boat and walking tours, or even spend a night in the lodge.

Drive-In The Boulevard Drive-In off of Merriam Ln is an oldschool theater where movie lovers can see two features.

It is $10 per person. The theater is reviewed as ‘kidfriendly’, so it can be a nice family outing.

Eads Bridge

Fox Theater

Eads Bridge is in St.Louis; it is a bridge stretching across the Mississippi river from St.Louis to east St.Louis.

Bridges can be great for pictures and picnics.

Julianne and Derek Hough will be having a show called Move. The brother-sister duo will display their dancing skills. Both appeared on Dancing with the Stars. The show will be on July 24 at 8 pm.

Gateway Arch Gateway Arch is in St.Louis and is 630 feet tall. When people go to St.Louis, they have to go and see the arch. There are also souvenirs that people can bring back to their families.

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SPORTS

Harley Davidson Factory Harley Davidson factory tour is in Kansas City. The people on the tour get to watch the motorcycles be brought to life, and guests have the ultimate motor experience.

Hi✳Life Imagine Dragons Concert

Jackson County’s 4th of July

Imagine Dragons will be playing in St. Louis June 12.

As of press time, there were a bunch of tickets left, and the concert will most likely be ‘Radioactive’.

Jackson County’s 4th of July celebration will be held in Ft.Osage. During the celebration, the residents will be dressed in 1850’s attire.

There will also be musket and cannon demonstrations.

Kaleidoscope

Learning

Kaleidoscope is definitely a place for people who like arts and crafts, or just art in general. People can make puzzles and other artsy things in this Hallmark-owned facility. The scenery is also to die for.

Learning is not just for school. Independence is home to one of Missouri’s more popular courthouses.

An old log cabin courthouse has a rich history dating back to the 1930’s when former president Harry S. Truman held court there.

Mattress Stores Mama always said ‘stop jumping on the bed’, but it is summer. This summer revert back to the child within and go for a quick jump on mattresses. Jumping at a store requires permission, but a friend’s bed does not require it. Either way is a great way to feel free.

Organize a Get-Together Organize a fun night in with friends to ensure that the summer does not distance any friendships. Build a fort, turn Netflix on and ruin that swim suit body with plenty of popcorn to create a night of laughter and closeness.

Nelson Atkins Art Museum Nelson Atkins Art Museum has been a staple in Kansas City for eighty-two years and contains over 35,000 pieces of artwork. There is bound to be endless hours full of awe with so much to look at. The museum is free, but parking is $5.

Powell Gardens Powell Gardens is a beautiful, expansive garden filled with different types of assorted plants. The gardens hold many different events, including a memorable 4th of July performance.

Admission is $10 per person.

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NEWS READERS FEATURES

TOP✳STORY OPINIONS

Quality Hill Playhouse

Rollercoasters

Quality Hill Playhouse, located in downtown Kansas City, is costly but well worth the price. The venue produces six musicals and cabaret revues every year, each starring only the finest singers in the area.

Summer just would not be complete without riding some rollercoasters at Worlds of Fun. The park is the closest amusement park to Lees Summit. For thrill seekers there is the famous Mamba, and for people who prefer a more relaxing ride, the Autobahn.

Stargazing Stargazing summers go back to the beginning of time, when stars were used to tell location and time.

Nowadays, all that is needed is a comfortable blanket and quiet spot to look into infinity with friends. It is $6 per person to stargaze at Union Station’s planetarium.

Union Station Union station in Kansas City not only has a rich history, including the death of a famous mobster, but also an interactive science museum and trains to take travelers wherever they need to go.

Westport Westport Kansas City creates a feeling of comfort that simply cannot be matched. With many small stores and cute diners, Westside is an area unlike any other in Kansas City.

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SPORTS

Traveling Take a day trip with no destination. Of course, keep all parents updated and do not stray too far from home. Travel alone and think things out, travel with friends to make new memories, travel with family to reconnect. It does not matter who the trip is with or where it leads.

Volleyball Sand volleyball on cool summer nights or during the hot days is a good way to get together with friends. A nearby court is at Lea McKiegan Park.

This makes the activity entirely free.

Extreme Screen Union Station features the ‘Extreme Screen’. This special theater is made for 3D movies.

Currently, they are featuring The Avengers: Age of Ultron and more educational titles.

The cost varies per movie.

Hi✳Life Yogurt

Zoo

It is simple, and cheap, but also one of the best new ways to connect with friends.

Frozen yogurt with tons of fatty toppings melting in the sun is perhaps one of the best parts of living in Missouri.

Concerts of

Summer

Zoos are a must have in big cities, and Kansas City is no different. Home to over 1,300 animals, the zoo is ranked one of the best in America and offers amusing attractions to visitors.

Suddenly the lights disappear, and the crowd begins to roar rapidly. The anticipation builds until the band members finally appear on the stage. At this point, the audience is at the peak of their excitement. The first note is played, and the show has begun. These are the concerts that cannot be missed this summer.

Buzz Beach Ball

Tyler, The Creator

Buzz Beach Ball is a small alternative music festival put on each year by Kansas City’s alternative radio station 96.5 The Buzz. This year’s show features a lineup assembled of bands whose growth in popularity started in Kansas City with aid from The Buzz. KC favorites Alt-J are set to headline along with AWOLNATION, Taking Back Sunday, Glass Animals, and more. This unforgettable show will be July 25 at Sporting Park in Kansas City.

Tyler, The Creator is sitting at the top of the charts since the release of his latest album Cherry Bomb, which debuted at #1 and received well by audiences. With the release of this third album, Tyler is embarking on a 75-city tour including a show June 23 at the Midland Theatre right in the heart of Kansas City.

WALK THE MOON WALK THE MOON has completely taken off since the extreme success of their single Shut Up and Dance from their sophomore album Talking Is Hard. Promoting the album, WALK THE MOON is currently trekking on a North American tour that includes a stop August 4 in Kansas City at Crossroads KC.

One Direction British pop sensation One Direction is back on tour this summer with the On The Road Again Tour. With venues reaching sold out capacities of more than 90,000 people, this is without a doubt the band’s biggest live shows to date. Though big topics of controversy with Zayn Malik leaving the band mid-tour; Harry, Liam, Niall, and Louis are set to give fans everything they have for each show. One Direction is set to play Arrowhead Stadium July 28.

Fall Out Boy with Wiz Khalifa and Hoodie Allen Fall Out Boy has been on fire since their return from hiatus with their 2014 #1 album Save Rock and Roll.

Last January the band released their latest album American Beauty/ American Psycho which debuted at #1 and received both critical and commercial success. Shortly after the album’s release, the band announced ‘The Boys of Zummer Tour’ with supporting acts Wiz Khalifa and Hoodie Allen. Fall Out Boy will be playing July 21 at the Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre in Bonner Springs, KS. Written by Garrett Stroginis Photo provided by AP Images Designed by Annelise Hanshaw

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NEWS READERS FEATURES

TOP✳STORY OPINIONS

SPORTS

Safe and

Sound

Written by Angela Lenhardt Photographed by Zach Boyle and Aaron Hagan Design by Mariah Walkenhorst

School safety has many factors.

W

hen the student hears that a school shooting has occurred in a nearby district, the student starts to wonder if it could happen at his or her school. They think about how safe the school truly is and about all the fights that happen. The parents become concerned about sending their child to place that may or may not be safe.

“My primary goal is school safety,” resource officer Darnell Sims said.

Many students may wonder how safe this school is and if students are in any danger.

“We have a close proximity to the highway patrol facility. Since LSHS has multiple buildings, in the event something was going wrong we do not compromise the whole school,” Sims said.

LSHS has an anonymous hotline that students can use if they feel they are not safe.

“Text a Tip an anonymous tip that alerts the principals and myself of anything that could be going on. What I try to do is develop relationships with the kids to get them to let me know about things that they feel is unsafe.” Sims said.

Students may feel they are in danger but may not feel comfortable talking to an adult directly.

“The text a tip has helped a lot because there is a lot of people that want to remain safe and enjoy peace of mind. It gives people a sense of

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empowerment.” Sims said.

Many students may not know that because of Senate bill 656, teachers are legally allowed to conceal weapons in their classroom, but LSHS has a strict rule against weapons and firearms preventing them from coming on campus.

“Since my position here is safety I feel comfortable knowing that I am the only one that would be armed. I say that because teachers primary goal should be teaching and should not have to worry about using a weapon. With me being in place that leaves the pressure of that kind of work up to me. They do not have the training that I go through.” Sims said.

The role of a student is to learn.

“Teachers’ primary goal should be teaching.”

When there is a fight occurring in the hallway or lunchroom, learning becomes more difficult. Students become distracted, but there is a responsibility a student has when they are not in the classroom.

“The role those bystanders should be to get some help because this needs to stop.” Sims said.

Another role students play is when cell phones are immediately brought out to film the conflict. This behavior is not encouraged by administration but does have occasional benefits.

“If there is a crime that occurs, films can be used as evidence. What happens is that kids can get in trouble in school because they do not want fights uploaded to social media because it promotes violence,” Sims said.

Unforeseen events happen at schools may disturb citizen’s peace of mind. It may not be possible to live in a bubble, but it is necessary to take appropriate action to keep schools as safe as possible.

Hi✳Life

Lunch-Locked S

Students leaving from school during lunch remains banned.

Written by Mack Cooney Photographed by Johanna Holmberg

Senior Pranks Written by Aspen Deperalta Photographed by Brent Weber Designed by Breona Porter

tudents are not allowed to leave school during lunch to go and get food. If a student were to be caught leaving school for lunch the student would then have consequences.

“Students are not allowed to leave school during lunch because, first, there is not enough time for students to rush off of campus to go and get food.

Second, it is a safety concern because students try to hurry off campus to make it back in time.

“They start not paying attention, speeding, or running stop signs,” assistant principal Michelle Edwards said.

The consequences of leaving during lunch are a four-hour detention for the first offense, and a fourhour detention plus the revocation of the student’s parking pass for the second offense.

“For off-campus lunch to happen, we would have to have a different schedule that allowed a longer period for lunch and studies, but with the current schedule we have at Lee’s Summit High School it will not happen,” Edwards said.

If students ever wants to be able to leave the campus for lunch they would have to consider a new schedule to be put into place. Maybe in the years ahead, the school will make that an option, but as of now, students will not be leaving school for lunch.

It is all fun and games until someone gets suspended.

S

enior pranks may seem like harmless fun and just little jokes, but it can go too far. Honestly, senior pranks may seem like the cherry to top off an amazing year at school, but there is a fine line that may be crossed when participating in these jokes.

There are many pranks going viral, such as balloons all over the hallway, devil babies, dogs dressed up as giant man-eating spiders and placing a ‘for sale’ sign on the school’s front lawn.

None of these can compare to some past pranks that the school has had to face.

“When Lee’s Summit North tailgated the whole parking lot in the morning last year would have to be the best prank,” senior Jesse Freeman said.

The school has a very strict tolerance for pranks, including suspensions, detentions and not being able to walk across the stage to receive the diploma that waits after four hard years of high school.

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Hi✳Life

Time

for Swimming

Achieving a summer body stresses students

S

wimming during the summer is a necessity. It would not be summer unless there are people out tanning, children in the pool, and water all around. The only way to do so, however, is by wearing a swimsuit.

Many people feel insecure about his or her body, and these feelings are only amplified by swimsuits in all their skin-baring glory. Millions of people are currently hitting the gym so they can try to look good, or at least feel good, in their swim gear. Today is the day they can easily find out how to get that rocking body to show off at the poolside in one simple step: have a body.

That is all. Just be a human being and have a body.

It does not matter if you are chubby, super thin, or anywhere in between. As long as someone has a body, they can rock it. Sure, one could spend money to go to the gym and train to their heart’s content for the stereotypical build, knowing that those nightly trips probably will not last that long. There goes all that cash, which they could have spent on things they actually love, like ice cream on a hot day. Every person not suffering from lactose intolerance loves ice cream on a hot day.

Now, this does seem all too easy. The biggest question is how to erase all that pent up hatred one may have for his or herself, which is not easy. Society should view everyone as beautiful, not just skinny people as beautiful.

Skinny is an adjective, and has grown into a harmful one at that. The one word that needs to be on everyone’s tongue, especially if it is describing oneself, is beautiful.

Everyone is beautiful and no one should feel bad over a piece of clothing. Increasing one’s outlook on his or her own body first will surely help them realize that they already have the ultimate swimsuit body.

One other way to get that ultimate summer body is by actually picking a swimsuit that compliments the buyer’s body type, and one that he or she likes. There are multiple styles other than the popular bikini and one piece for girls, such as high-waisted bikinis and tankinis.

Boys have fewer options, with trunks, speedos, or body suits used typically for surfing. To spice it up, wear a t-shirt if wanted, or mix and match. There are even sewing patterns and material to make a swimsuit, so someone

can even make their own, exactly how they want it. If this advice is followed, then one can find comfort in their own body.

Swimsuits are not a big deal, but of someone hates the body they live in, these simple garments can make summer a nightmare. Just relax, pick out something suitable, and make a splash both in the water and in the comfort of your own skin.

Written by Alicia Wurtz Photographed by Alicia Wurtz Designed by Miles Ward

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Tiger Pride Xtreme Games For athletes, TPX is a chance for them to show off some skills or a day for them to get together and play competitive games with other athletes.

Written by Da’Quon McGee Photographed by Johanna Holmberg and courtesy of LSHS Athletics Designed byJohanna Holmberg

TPX Winning Team 2014; John Hogan, Sheldon Ivory, Roman Pena, Phil Propst, Ryan Laddish, Hunter Allee, Blake Little, Jake Pycior, Cassidy Sterrett, Emma Lock, Isabel Wald, Abby Groom, Bailey Baird, Alec Beckman

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PX started eleven years ago when the school split and exercise good teamwork and sportsmanship. with Lee’s Summit North. Students thought the best “My favorite event is the slip n slide,” senior Sheldon athletic players had been lost due to the split. It is Ivory said. encouraged that athletes do TPX all three years. Seniors Last year’s TPX winners were the lime green team led are not allowed to participate because the games are by coach Little. The team showed good teamwork and held after they have left. sportsmanship.

“The games were created as a way to “It was a lot of fun. I got to hang out with end the athletic school year and begin my friends, make new friends, and have the summer sports,” head football coach fun,” senior Phil Propst said.

“Just go with Eric Thomas said.

Every year, there are new events to The players are divided into teams and make the games more interesting and it, have fun are given a color. The color becomes the different. Coach Voelker is in charge of the don’t be too team name. The teams are divided by event planning. Many of the participants age, gender, and athletic ability. competitive,” of the games want to know what are the “The team building process takes 5 hours events this year. senior Roman new if signed up correctly,” Thomas said.

“There are two new events. I just don’t Pena Many freshmen and sophomores are know what they are yet,” coach Jamie eager to get started and are already Voelker said. thinking about who they want as a partner.

TPX is one of our longest traditions. No To sign up, there is a form online. Only one other Lee’s Summit school does anything person needs to sign up each set of partners. like TPX. “Please don’t sign up twice because the team “It was attempted at Lee’s Summit West, but it didn’t building process take longer. Only one person has to work out,” Thomas said. sign to people up,” softball coach Tracy Bertoncin said. TPX will be held May 19. The games will start at the TPX has many events, so everyone has a favorite end of the school day. This years participants will bring event in TPX. The games have an obstacle course, slip n a new and exciting game. Online applications are on slide, and water balloons. To some athletes, this is a field the school’s athletics home page. Applications are due day. The events are meant for the players to have fun May 15.

Hi✳Life

Making Jumps Dirtbike racing takes place in students’ lives

A

s he pulled up to the starting line, he looked around the arena at all the cheering fans. He thought about the roar of the crowd, and realized they were chanting ‘Number 15’. They kept chanting his opponent’s number. He looked for his rival. He found him waving around the arena. He did not like number 15, because he was the only person to beat him more than 3 times. He started to get very nervous. He always got nervous before a big race like this. He started doubting himself, and considered dropping out of the race. As the countdown began, he got a sudden burst of confidence.

He smiled inside his helmet as the countdown ended, and he rolled the throttle.

Dirtbike racing originated from France with a bicycle that includes a small motor in it. The first records of racing began with companies showing off their bikes to the consumer, which is still in use today. There were two different kinds of races, one that tested the vehicle, and one that tested the driver. Many races called observed trial tested both of these and were scored by judges, which is still used a lot today.

As he made his way past the starting line, he realized this was the final lap. He had to make his move now, or he would not win. The only person standing in his way was 15.

He was right on his tracks, but he could not keep up. He began to get discouraged again, and the rider behind him passed him. He started dropping in ranks, but he knew he had to keep going. He rolled the throttle all the way back, something he almost never did, having a fear of crashing. He began passing his competition, when he was back where he was. He pulled up next to 15, looked over at him, and waved as he passed and won the race.

Written by Preston Anthony Photos provided by AP Images Designed by Miles Ward

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