Kansas City Christian School Prairie Village, Kan.
PAW
Senior class runs VBS on mission trip to Trinidad
This year’s tennis team aims to defend State title
Volume 4 Issue 4 April 23, 2015
As the weather warms up, check these things off of your spring to-do list
Figure out why skateboarding is taking this generation by storm
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Sports
Find out the misconceptions of modern feminism
4
Feature
Staff writer Hannah Peterson talks about widespread materialism
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Opinion
Here’s an inside look at the difficulties in the physical science department
Review WHAT’S INSIDE...
Paw Print Staff
Olivia Madderom
Editor-in-chief
Alyssa Elliott
Copy Editor
Turner Jones
Photo Editor
Caroline Nichols
Staff Writer
14 Hannah Peterson
Staff Writer
Derrick Cook
Staff Writer
Jake Fields
Staff Writer
Kylie Briggs
Adviser
table of contents | 2
AP chemistry teacher Dr. Susan Scholtz assists seniors Thomas Rolston, Lizzie Knoettgen and Sam Riddle during a lab. PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHELLE PIRNER
Friction in the Science Department
Physical science students meet challenge of multiple teachers Every school year brings its own difficulties, whether they be behavioral or academic. For some problems there is a quick solution. Give a dress code violation, detention, or remove extracurricular eligibility. However, when the obstacles lie in the faculty, the real challenge begins. This year’s physical science department has faced a unique struggle in providing a sustainable system of learning for the students. Some classes, such as the new AP Chemistry course, have gone through a confusing list of teachers. “In early September, we saw deficits in our physical science classes and began bringing in outside assistance for the teacher in October,” high school principal Ben Williams said. “In November, we asked Dr. Susan Scholtz, current Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Johnson County Community College, to step in for AP Chemistry, and in December, Mr. Broughton resigned.” The school now faced yet another uphill battle, hiring a new teacher between semesters. “At the end of December, we hired [Emily] Russell thanks to assistance from a parent in the school, and she has been teaching Chemistry and Earth and Space Science,” Williams said. “Physics has shifted into a self-paced collaborative course, and Dr. Scholtz continues to teach AP Chemistry.” The only class that continued to face struggles after the new hires was Physics. After spending a short period of time utilizing online courses, the Physics class began a self-paced, self-taught style of learning. “We are our own teachers,” senior Katelyn Holst said. “Someone leads a discussion every day over what we are learning and we work through questions and problems together. Then, [Christine] Walsh comes in every once in a while to quiz or test us.” Despite the class structure being less than ideal, the students have found the silver lining to their situation. “Our class has become a kind of family where we rely on each other and make each day enjoyable,” Holst said. “Learning material on our own was not ideal, but in our situation we agreed to take on the challenge. Physics has ultimately become a class where you get out of it exactly what you put into it.”
Alyssa Elliott Copy Editor
For the students in Physics, the collaborative environment provides a positive challenge. “In physics we actually have to teach each other and that’s beneficial,” junior Levi Walsh said. “We are learning how to work with peers even when some peers don’t want to learn as much as other peers and how to present content.” While the problems with finding new physical science teachers may seem to be unique to KCC, it is actually a part of a larger, national trend. “Hiring for science and math positions are the most challenging of all the fields for both public and private schools,” Williams said. “There is generally a shortage of teachers which creates complexities.” According to data from Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS) and the Teacher Follow-Up Survey (TFS), 38 percent of secondary schools have vacancies within Physical Science departments. Of the schools with openings, 14 percent are having difficulty finding teachers to fill them. Even though the school faced hiring struggles, the students learned to adapt to their fluctuating situation. “I guess I’ve learned that there is benefit to not having full reliance on one source for learning,” junior Levi Walsh said. “ Like reading a book, and if you don’t understand, [you] go to another book, or if what the teacher is saying is confusing, [you] look up a lecture online. I guess what I’ve learned is even though the content may seem confusing, there are lots of different perspectives on the same content, and it helps you figure it out.” Walsh is one of two students enrolled in both AP Chemistry and Physics. Because of that, he has faced more trials this school year than other physical science students. “I think, actually, in the long run it will help me,” Walsh said. “What I’ve heard from my older brothers, really diving into the material on your own is a lot of how you learn in college, and I think learning how to learn on your own is a good life skill.” Though the beginning of the year fell below the standards for KCC, the resilience of the students has allowed them to continue learning through the challenges of the department. Next year Scholtz will remain on staff teaching Chemistry and Earth and Space Science while math teacher Brian Miller will be taking over the Physics class.
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God is not uneducated od is not uneducated. “Well, of course He isn’t,” you may be thinking. “He is the creator of the universe. He’s intelligent.” If we really think that, we need to stop living like we don’t. It’s time to stop acting like we have it all figured out, stop making our own plans for everything, and stop using God as a means to reach our ends. It’s like G.K. Chesterton said: “Idolatry is when you worship what you should use, and use what you should worship.” By thinking to ourselves that we are the ones in charge we have placed ourselves on a pedestal. We are disillusioned idolaters who have begun to use the Creator of the entire universe as a stepping stool who we only ever seek out when the going gets tough. I feel like I’m preaching to the choir here, but I guess that’s kind of the point. We know exactly what we’re supposed to do, but we fail dramatically at actually doing it. We get caught up in arguing over petty discrepancies of denominational doctrine that do nothing to change our eternal destination and only serve to create dissent, but we miss the point of the commission of Matthew 28 that is sitting in front of our eyes: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...”
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an opinion by Alyssa Elliott Copy Editor
Maybe if we spent a little less time worrying about becoming “relevant” and a little more time loving, God would use us to make a difference. Even if we have the coolest graphics in the country and the best music in our church services, if we aren’t kind to people and if we don’t reach out to them with intent, all that cool stuff we have won’t matter. We all have struggles and are all subject to the temptations of our humanity, and if we just remember that, Christians might cease to be associated with hate, bigotry, and hypocrisy. If we took ourselves out of the equation, stopped putting ourselves first, and no longer pretended to be the kings and queens of our infinitesimally small worlds, God could work through us because “the aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” -1 Timothy 1:6 Our charge is the Great Commission. This love is to spring forth from hearts that have been transfigured by our faith in the redeeming power of Jesus the Christ on the cross because we fall short of having a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith on our own. Nothing will change if we think we can do it on our own, but a difference will be made if we just give up and let go. Why? Because God is not uneducated, He knows what He’s doing.
The problem with materialism s a kid who’s grown up in Johnson County, the message of materialism was drilled into my head. We’re told that because we have grown up in Johnson County, that we are often times selfabsorbed and greedy. And, for a large portion of our society, this is true. The root of the problem could largely be centered around difficulty in separating necessities and wants. We see people spending money they don’t have on clothes or the latest iPhone without a sense of financial control. In many cases, these unnecessary items are used to promote social status. Our desire to fit in and be accepted drives us to conform to culture. Our wants falsely seem to become our needs. I think back to when I was little during Christmas time. Every year, I wanted some ridiculously unnecessary toy. I specifically can recall one year when I wanted a three-foot-tall Barbie. I thought, “I NEED this. If I get this Barbie, my life will be complete.” And sure enough I opened it up Christmas day. Even just a few hours later I had already lost interest. Dr. Ryan Howell said, “Think about it— if someone is bombarded with images or reminders of wealth, such an abundance of investment banks nearby or neighbors driving
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an opinion by Hannah Peterson Staff Writer
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luxury cars, they are likely to feel a need to spend money they may not have to project an image of wealth they don’t actually possess.” However, possessions bring only fleeting happiness. I saw this idea in action with my ridiculous, life-size Barbie as a child, but it’s something I still encounter. All I wanted for my 16th birthday was a record player. Sure enough, I got it, and I was ecstatic. I listened to it nearly every day, and I thought it was the coolest thing. Come one, two months later though, I had almost forgotten about it and had moved on the next thing I wanted. We think that our material possessions are going to bring the most happiness in our lives. We get stuck in an endless cycle telling ourselves that if we only had that one thing we want so badly, then we would be complete. This cycle will always leave us feeling incomplete. While it is true that some material possessions do actually make us happy, it usually isn’t a lasting, meaningful happiness. I’m not saying throw away all your possessions and give them to the poor. I’m saying don’t make them the most important in your life. It’s important to recognize where your happiness comes from and that shouldn’t be possessions.
Communicate, please
an opinion by Derrick Cook Staff Writer uring freshman year, a life-long friend of mine contemplated taking his life because he felt no one cared for him. I spent hours one night talking to him, and the biggest problem he had was that no one seemed to care to ask how he truly was feeling. In result of him always having a smile on his face, everyone assumed he was happy and had no issues in life. But that was not true for him and is not true for everyone. Whether you may think it or not, communication is a very vital component to life and your interaction with others. A lot of things hinder people from expressing their true feelings. They may feel embarrassed or as if no one is there for them. On the opposite side, a lot of things hinder people from reaching out to others as well. They may feel intrusive or awkward. But, it is very important for people to have someone to rely on and have an outlet to be heard. A main reason why people commit suicide is because of life suffering and no one being there for them or even caring about them during that time. Getting to know someone for who they truly are is sometimes a hard task, but it is beneficial for everyone
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involved. Communication just does not stop there; it is a large part in our relationship with God. God gives us the ability to communicate with Him as a privilege, and sometimes we do not take advantage of it. Despite the fact that people are not always there for us, God is. Just a short time of prayer every day is a good step in your walk with God. For me, it is hard to pray on a consistent basis, but it is something I know I should do. I’ll never forget the last Fourth of July. It was one of the last moments my aunt was able to participate in a family event. But, deep down in her heart she knew to pray over all of my cousins and me. That moment in my life was one of the most powerful. She knew the hardships that our family was going through because of her health. Through the prayer, she communicated to us that she could feel what we were going through and that she would be O.K. It was a consolation prayer, and she thanked us for everything that we all had done for her. When we communicate with others, we get a better understanding of not only their feelings but their needs as well. We get to have a better consciousness of how others truly feel. With this knowledge, we all should communicate, not only with just each other, but God as well. It may sound corny in today’s way of life, but a very efficient way of being there for someone is through prayer. Even if it is once a week, take time out and ask someone what you can do for them and how you can pray for them.
“Getting to know someone for who they truly are is sometimes a hard task, but it is beneficial for everyone involved.”
staff editorial
To each his own pace It’s the night before an assignment is due. Until this point you were busy and focused on other things. Now, as you reach for something caffeinated, you are already estimating how late you’ll be up. The surge of adrenaline you feel is going to be tapped dry tonight. Procrastination gets a lot of heat from parents, mostly because it infringes on sleep and requires much scrambling. Teachers warn against procrastination because often times the work is less than your best and it’s considered lazy. But an article from “The Wall Street Journal” reported that according to a recent online survey of over 24,000 people, 95 percent admitted to occasionally procrastinating. About 25 percent admitted to chronic procrastination, which is five times as many as in the 1970s, meaning more and more adults, as well as students, are waiting until the stress of a deadline to finish their work. Procrastination isn’t bad for all people, despite its negative reputation, and the Paw Print staff advocates for students to find which pace works best for them. Whether a student works better a month before an assignment is due or a night before an assignment is due, to each his own. But, students should be know themselves and work accordingly. Most people fall into one of the three categories of working habits: marathoners, sprinters, or procrastinators. Marathoners are the precious few who work best ticking away at a project, keeping a steady pace and usually finishing early. Sprinters specifically need the heat of a deadline to work and to clarify their thinking. They may wait until the night before to start something, but they will thrive and produce their best work. Procrastinators, like Sprinters, will wait until the end, but they will have wanted to work earlier. They just couldn’t make themselves do the assignment until the deadline couldn’t be ignored anymore. Procrastinators need the pressure to kick-start their work, whereas Sprinters want the pressure. A Sprinter would meet the week before a Worldview project was due with his group. But, they would hardly make a dent in their work, instead focusing on more pressing matters. The night before the project was due, the Sprinter would suddenly feel the urge to iron horse his way through the project. The Sprinter isn’t anxious under the looming deadline, instead it excites him. Students need to be introspective in their work habits. Marathoners shouldn’t try to be Procrastinators, and Sprinters shouldn’t try to be Marathoners. To each his own pace, and teachers and fellow students should respect individual work habits.
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Jake Fields Staff Writer
Misconceptions About
“All men are pigs!” “Stop oppressing me!” “Shaving is subscribing to the patriarchy!” “We need to free women from man’s grip!” These are all phrases commonly heard from someone who proudly, and loudly, describes themselves as a “feminist.” These phrases are rather bold, right? This whole “Feminism” thing may seem quite zealous and kind of crazy. But what if that is not real Feminism? Feminism, by definition, is “the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality between the sexes.” In response to the aforementioned “feminist,” many act hostile or offensive, using slurs such as “feminazi” that tend to wrongfully get stuck to the movement as a whole. From there, the whole movement gets a bad rap and misconceptions arise. Misconceptions may be partially attributed to the fact that many feminist movements use sarcasm in titles or catchphrases, and onlookers take them at face value before diving in and catching the irony. The idea of “White Feminism” is high and alive in the suburban setting. “White Feminism” is the name given to a movement centered around the problems and ideals of white women, but a person does not need to be Caucasian to be a White Feminist, it is just that lesser problems usually are taken on by more privileged Caucasian women. But, Feminism isn’t only about the less-serious problems of the White Feminist. Feminism isn’t about division, it’s about unification. Feminism stands for equality and protection and advancement of every and all women. This includes women of color, trans women, genderfluids, disabled women, the list goes on. Some women
Feminism
think, “I don’t need feminism! I live in an area without immediate danger toward women. I am getting a good education. I can work next to men at jobs I apply myself to, etc.” If a person is able to review her life and say, “Huh, I don’t need Feminism,” then that is a victory. Those women can see that others suffer from injustice, even when they don’t, and have the opportunity to work toward giving other women the ability to say that they too have overcome. Feminism also doesn’t have to be only about women. It’s a fight focused on breaking down gender roles and stereotypes that originated with women.. Surprising? Most likely, many male readers have flipped past this page and turned their attention to the other stories, but it’s true. Feminism fights for equality of everyone, not just women. Feminism stands against standards that say that men have to be shredded to be attractive, that showing emotion is a sign of weakness, and all the other expectations of what a “real man” is or what is considered “manly.” Feminism is about equality. In Emma Watson’s “He for She” speech that she delivered to the UN, she made a point about Feminism working for everyone. She talked about how nothing will be accomplished for men and women if the former is never invited. Along with her, there are many other celebrity advocates including the following: Ellen Page, Beyoncé, Barack Obama, Dalai Lama, Tina Fey, Joan Jett, and Kurt Cobain. The feminist movement is always growing and evolving, and it advocates remaining educated and keeping up the fight for equality.
“Feminism isn’t about division, it’s about unification.”
1st Wave
2nd Wave
3rd Wave
of
of
of
Feminism
Feminism
Feminism
late 1800s 6 | feature
early 1900s
the 1960s
late present 1990s Infographic information collected by Olivia Madderom
Important events in the history of feminism
1848: The first meeting concerned with women’s rights was held in Seneca Falls, N.Y. and was attended by 68 women and 32 men.
N.O.W. National Organization for Women was founded in 1966. It remains the largest women’s right group in the United States.
2009: The Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act was signed into law. This allows women to file a report within 180 days of receiving their paycheck if they suspect that they earned unequal pay.
1st Wave
2nd Wave
3rd Wave
of
of
of
Feminism “The first wave of feminism took place in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emerging out of an environment of urban industrialism and liberal, socialist politics. The goal of this wave was to open up opportunities for women, with a focus on suffrage.”
Feminism
Feminism
“This wave unfolded in the context of the antiVietnam War and Civil Rights Movements and the growing self-consciousness of a variety of minority groups around the world. Sexuality and reproductive rights were dominant issues.”
“In this phase many constructs have been destabilized, including the notions of ‘universal womanhood,’ body, gender, sexuality and heteronormativity...Third wave feminism breaks boundaries.”
Quotes from Dr. Martha Rampton, director of the center for gender equality at pacific university
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o t s e c a Pl . . . GO
First Fridays
For the art lovers...
There is nothing quite like walking on the brisk streets of the Crossroads on a Friday evening, looking at art. Looking past the man buns, beards, and trendy clothes, it’s easy to see that a plethora of open art galleries line the streets on First Fridays. While some of the art is temporary, a part of a traveling exhibit, or a street artist, much of it is permanent. Down each alleyway there is colorful graffiti, ranging from political statements to cartoon storm trooper helmets. “There was an artist who went by the name Kryptix, who made images by etching them into layers of spray paint, and that was really cool to see,” photo editor Turner Jones said.
Kryptix spray paint art
Faded "Star Trek" graffiti
Longboards
For those who like a chill vibe...
Gluten-free Asian noodles
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A hot wrap made to order
With a West-coast atmosphere and a central location, Longboards Wraps & Bowls is a relaxed environment to spend time with friends and enjoy some delicious food. “Longboards is in a league of their own. I have never been to a place with similar food or atmosphere,“ staff writer Jake Fields said. “One thing they have is noodle bowls with a feel of Americanized Pho. They also had two kinds of wraps, hot and cold. The cool wraps were creative in their own unique recipes bringing all types of flavors into one, but primarily a focus on healthier foods while still being delicious. The hot wraps were basically Americanized burritos, yet with pacific flavors. Service was fast and friendly and they have really great coffee flavored hard candy. I highly recommend it to everyone.”
Pie Hole
For the carnivores...
Pie Hole menu
Pie Hole Merch
Food trucks are a staple of urban life. While in the Crossroads for First Fridays, the staff tried one that stood out from the rest: a food truck specializing in pie. Picking The Swagger Daddy from a list of savory pies like Chupercabra, The Mojo, The Eddie, and The Teddy, the staff stepped out of their comfort zone of traditional foods. “If you like anything with meat and starch, this is your food truck,” editor-in-chief Olivia Madderom said. “Being the best of both, these delightful little pies are filled with gravy and all different kinds of meat. They are like modified chicken pot pies that will have your stomach thanking you and your heart hating you.”
Little Freshie
For the inner hipsters... If you drive too fast down 17th Street, you’ll probably miss it. Little Freshie is a small, quaint soda fountain and espresso bar. The sodas are hand-crafted with a variety of adventurous flavors to try, like Raspberry Rose, which you can also have as a snow cone. For those that prefer to stay more traditional, they also have a hand-crafted root beer. In addition to the drinks, the view from of outside the large front window is quintessentially Kansas City. “I really love the atmosphere of Little Freshie, it’s small and the staff is very friendly,” staff writer Hannah Peterson said. “I think that the unique flavors give Little Freshie its identity. I love the root beer there, I’ve never had anything like it elsewhere. My favorite thing to get during the summer would definitely be the mini snow cones, where you can try multiple flavors.”
Little Freshie local goods
Raspberry Rose snow cone
and things to SEE in the Spring
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PHOTO BY TURNER JONES
Skating appeals to students and teachers alike Skating has been a favored way.” pastime and hobby practiced Most KCC students use skating as a casual time to hangout, by the coolest kid since around which is why longboarding, with its easy and steady nature, has the 1940s. ‘Sidewalk Surfers’ such a wide appeal. However, skating can also be dangerous have been using wooden and even life threatening. boards for transportation, recreation, artful self-expression, or “I once was longboarding down a super steep hill with my even as an occupation. It really picked up in popularity in the friends. I think my board hit a rock or rut or something, but I was 1970s and rose to what some would say its “Golden Age” in the sent flying,” junior Josh Swiastyn said. “I was so full of adrenaline 90s-00s. It was surveyed by a family magazine that I didn’t realize that I had broken my that more youths skated than played collarbone. I stood up to brush myself off America’s No. 1 pastime of baseball before and one arm hung lower than the other and it hit a popularity dip in the 2010s. the friends I was with had horrified looks on Skating has seen a recent comeback within their faces. It was disgusting. I love boarding the student population of KCC. With the nicer so much that I got back on after that and weather moving in, groups of students have picked it up after my injury. I even boarded come together to skate after school or on the a bit during my healing process. It’s a chill -sophomore Andrew Sotelo activity. I can do it with anyone.” weekends. This rise is due to the continuing popularity of longboards. Skating has always maintained a counter“I like my longboard the best,” sophomore Andrew Sotelo said. culture level of popularity, especially within youths. “It’s easier to ride and you can just cruise. It’s relaxing. You don’t While longboarding seems like it is an activity solely for teenagers, have to have any priorities.” some in the older generation have embraced the activity Bible Senior Sam Riddle is a connoisseur of wheeled rides and prefers teacher and thrill seeker, Alan Chugg also enjoys longboarding. another type of board: a penny board, which is a hybrid between His natural skill for shredding comes from his surfing history. a longboard and skateboard but reduced in size and usually “I usually go once a week to Pearson Park when it’s nice out and made of plastic. board for about an hour or so,” Chugg said. “It’s compact and not the easiest thing to ride, so it’s also set Spring is the time to consider grabbing a board to roll and apart,” Riddle said. “I can strap it to my backpack and be on my experience the freedom that skating brings.
Jake Fields Staff Writer
“It’s relaxing. You don’t have to have any priorities.”
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Southeast
As the group stood in MCI at 5:30 a.m. on the Monday of Spring Break, excited chatter and goodbye hugs were exchanged. Neither sleepy faces or rumpled hair could mask the anticipation the senior class was feeling for the trip to begin. With luggage packed and passports in hand, the 40 travelers made their way through security to board the first plane which would take them to Houston, and then on to Port of Spain, Trinidad. “Going in I was apprehensive because I had never seen our class work in this sort of environment and I wasn’t sure how it was going to end up,” senior Alex Luger said. After finally arriving at the T&T Urban Ministries compound that hosted the team for the week, the travelers were served dinner and shown to their rooms The following day was Tuesday, the first real taste of Trinidad the crew experienced. Hot, humid weather was a contrast to the mild temperatures back home, but it was immediately welcomed by the Kansans who had been battling through the winter weather. Tuesday was orientation. After a brief lesson on the island’s culture and religions led by a worker from T&T Urban Ministries, the group piled onto buses and visited some of the Hindu temples of the city. Following the temple visit, the group separated into the three work teams that they would remain in for the duration of the trip. Each team had a specific location where they hosted VBS (or Bible Club to the locals) for the week, and the first job was to go to the surrounding neighborhoods and recruit kids to come by yelling, “Good evening!” and hoping someone would come out. “Eric was especially good at getting the people to come out
Caroline Nichols Staff Writer
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of their houses. He would shout ‘good evening’ and a couple different people would stick their heads out so we could tell them about the Bible Club, while the rest of us weren’t having any luck,” senior William Vander Ark said. Tuesday closed with some splashing around in the pool on the compound and an evening group game and worship led by seniors Theo Young and Savannah Ko. Wednesday and Thursday had similar schedules. The teams usually went to two schools where they would perform a Bible skit and sing songs before returning for lunch. After lunch, they went back out again to another school and finished off with VBS. “I was a little nervous for VBS and to lead because I’m not very good with kids, but I quickly learned that Trinis, regardless of age, are the most loving people you will ever meet,” Young said. Dinner was served at 6:30 p.m., and by the time everyone got back, they were ready to chow down on some of the delicious food. Between dinner and the every-night class bonding session, the students were allowed time to hangout or “lime” as the Trinis would say. For some this meant going into town and trying out the local dish called “doubles,” which is curried chickpeas that were a soupy consistency on two pieces of fried flat bread. Or it meant kicking back in hammocks and having conversations with friends. Friday had a slightly different schedule because it was construction day. The group worked together from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. doing jobs like spreading sand, pouring cement, and moving bricks on the compound. After feeling the hot sun beat down on them for a couple of hours, several kids decided to jump into the pool while still in their construction clothes to cool down and wash off. Only a few minutes later the teams ate lunch and were off to different nursing homes to sing songs and talk to the elderly. “The funniest part was when we were leaving, I had JT [Trott]
Senior Anna Isaacson reads Scripture to an elderly man. Members of the group also rubbed lotion on hands and prayed for the residents. A small Trini girl giggles as she dangles on the jungle gym. While the KC “missionaries” visited, the school students got extra time to play. Senior Holly Spencer bonds with a VBS attendee over chalk drawings on the cement. They also painted each other’s faces and nails. The senior class gathers on the shore while visiting a Hindu temple. The class was able to walk around the first temple built in Trinidad.
t to Trini hand out suckers and this little diabetic lady rushed him and grabbed four out of his hand, stuck one in her mouth, and ended up fighting the nurse who was trying to take the rest from her,” leader Betty Chugg said. VBS then closed out the long and tiring but rewarding fourth day. Saturday was a bit more relaxing with visits to orphanages, a shopping trip, and the final day of VBS. Heads began to hang though as everyone realized the trip was coming to an abrupt end. Tight hugs were given to the Trinis students had bonded with and pictures were taken to savor the memories. “The most meaningful experience I had at Trinidad was being able to develop a budding friendship with a couple of guys across the four days of Bible Club,” senior Jacob Butler said. “I feel like I genuinely miss Chris, Neil, Justin, Kyle, Kieron, and Ryan because we were able to play football (soccer) every day for a couple hours and I was able to catch a glimpse into what day-to-day life looks like for Trinidadians around my age. We had push up and hand-stand competitions, played lots of football, and generally did what we would normally do if we were friends. On the last day of Bible Club I asked if Chris and Neil would mind praying with Theo, Rumeil, and me. It was picturesque-ly raining outside, and I felt like we were able to impart at least a little bit of who we are and what we believe in to a couple of class-A guys. In sum, my favorite memory is the opportunity I had to cultivate a friendship with some amazing guys whom I would spend my free time with in a heartbeat.” The final day was beach day, and as the crew made the trip over the mountains and to the ocean, they belted out class favorites and caught glimpses of the water from the road . The minute the buses stopped moving, students were off and rushing toward the sandy landscape.
“I had barely just set my bag down when I looked up and saw that Savannah [Ko] was already way out in the water. We had been there for like five seconds!” senior Luke Streeter said. Out in the water, body surfing 101 was taught by Alan Chugg, and back on land, shark sandwiches filled the tummies of satisfied and already sunburnt students and leaders alike. “Shark Bake was like the Chick-fil-a of the beach. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever had,” senior Jake Fields said. Church was in the evening on Sunday. After worship and some quick messages from Pastor Bachew, Chugg stepped up to the pulpit to give a sermon about being intentional. The service was closed with high-tempo worship music that made several feel like dancing as people worked their way out of the chapel, chatting along the way. That night was a sort of “closing ceremonies” for the trip. The students gathered one final time to share memories throughout the week and ways they had seen God working. Since departure was at 4:45 the next morning, several decided that staying up was the logical plan and used that time to share testimonies and sing worship songs to the Creator that they had seen working so evidently through their trip. The next day was a blur for the travelers, several of whom had not slept in over 24 hours. At the airport, while waiting for boarding to begin, one by one students fell asleep on the floor, making up for lost hours. After the seemingly quick six hour flight, they then arrived back in the States for their final leg of the journey. The plane touched down in Kansas City late Monday afternoon, bringing the travelers back to the place it all began. “The seven days I spent with my class and all the kids there were worth more than the 19 years of my life,” senior Louis Kim said.
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SAME TEAM. SAME OBJECTIVE.
Different Coach. Returning tennis team hopes to win State for second year Derrick Cook Staff Writer Taking the cobwebs off from the previous season, the tennis team has taken the new season by storm, only losing once so far this season. The road to State has begun. The varsity team, which won State last year, all returned but with a key addition, new head Coach Nick Haggerty. For Haggerty it is more than just the game of tennis, it is about the life lessons that are learned in it. He does not only want to make them better tennis players. He wants to teach them how to improve the totality of their character. “I plan on impacting that team by providing a firm foundation of respect, effort and attitude,” Haggerty said. “The tennis is secondary to an honorable character. I hope to instill a belief system that anything is possible through these ideals.” Coach Haggerty brings experience and a deep knowledge of the game. “Coach Nick was a really good college player, so not only does he know the game much better, he also understands the team dynamic,” senior Johnny Goodwin said. “There are nothing but positives having him as our coach.” This is not Haggerty’s first time coaching. He coaches at the Elite Tennis Academy where sophomore Jackson Vander Ark, senior Alex Kartsonis, and Goodwin all train for their competitive season. “Nick [Haggerty] is a completely different guy than Belden,” Kartsonis said. “Personally I knew Nick before he came to KCC because he coaches at the academy I train at. He’s a great guy and a hard worker which only means good things for our team.” The expectations for this season are high, not only on an individual level, but as a team. The team’s objective is to defend their first State title that they won last spring. They worked
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The boys tennis team lines up to practice their forehand stroke. Arms back, sophomore Mitchell Paul gets ready to strike the tennis ball in a backhand stroke. Feet firmly planted, senior William Vander Ark swings his racquet. PHOTO BY HANNAH PETERSON
PHOTO BY HANNAH PETERSON
PHOTO BY HANNAH PETERSON
hard during the off-season to increase the skill sets from last year. “[Our goal is] winning State, both as an individual and as a team. We’ve returned everyone from last year and put in a lot of good work outside of the season,” Goodwin said. “Mitchell [Paul] has practiced a lot off season, so he’s definitely going to be a strong two singles player, something we didn’t have at State last year. Plus, Alex [Kartsonis] and Jackson [Vander Ark] have worked together very well in doubles, I can tell from their work ethic they want an individual doubles title.” The dynamic doubles duo of Vander Ark and Kartsonis have become closer off the court, which has impacted their play during matches. “It’s been great. We are a lot better friends than we were last year,” Vander Ark said. “We are stronger as a unit. He gives me tips whenever I mess up. We will for sure win State again this year.” Kartsonis and Goodwin hope to bring a leadership influence to the team in their last season at KCC. The goal is to teach the underclassmen as much as they can before they leave. “I think I can lead by example. Just showing the younger kids how it’s supposed to be done,” Kartsonis said. “Granted, I’m nowhere near perfect, but I do my best every time I’m on the court.” The leadership by Goodwin and Kartsonis will be key to the success of the team this year. Both are Division I recruits, with Goodwin going to University of Texas and Kartsonis still uncommitted.
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Crossword
Across 6. What is defined as “the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality between the sexes”? 9. Who is the new boys tennis head coach? 11. What JCCC teacher stepped into teach AP Chemistry in November? 13. What senior tennis player is going to the University of Texas next year? 17. What small, quaint shop that servers soda and espresso did The Paw Print staff visit? 18. What KCC teacher longboards frequently? 19. What sophomore on staff wrote, ‘possessions bring only fleeting happiness”? 20. What boys sport has the whole team returning? 21. What was the movement that Emma Watson advocated for during a speech to the UN? Down 1. What did the local Trinidadians call VBS? 2. What junior has learned through AP Chemistry that there is benefit to not having full reliance on one source for learning? 3. What was the local Trinidadian dish that contained curried chickpeas in a soupy consistency on two pieces of fried flat bread? 4. What teacher was hired in December and teaches Chemistry and Earth and Space Science? 5. What senior was the first one in the water for the beach day in Trinidad? 7. What book of the Bible did copy editor Alyssa Elliott quote in her opinion and is also the first book of the NT? 8. What was the name of the mission organization that the senior class worked with over their missions trip? 10. What food truck specializes in pie that The Paw Print staff tried? 12. What junior broke his collarbone longboarding? 14. What physical science class is self-taught and has become like a family? 15. What senior was originally apprehensive about the senior mission trip? 16. What is a penny board usually made out of?
Student Spotlight What exotic pet would you like to have?
A flamingo
If you could live in any other country for two years where would you go? Brazil If you were a superhero what outfit would you wear?
Superman’s outfit
What’s your preferred playing piece in Monopoly? The racecar If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Red What is the first thing you notice about someone? Their eyes
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