Liberty High School NewsPaper January Edition

THE BELL

January 27, 2011

Liberty High School

Volume 88, Issue 6

SPORTS: The Sapphires’ midgame perfomances help them prepare to take their choreography to regionals.

see page 15

NEWS

FEATURES

OPINION

Fretting for the fate of your favorite block classes? No fear! The Bell sets the record straight on block scheduling.

Students struggle to stay awake on a daily basis due to their stressful lifestyles.

Find out what you can do.

As more and more movies are being rebooted, the Bell staff weighs in with their opinions.

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7

11

ON THE COVER Sapphires Brooke McPheeters, Kayla Hammer and Megan Asbury perform their high kicks at an LHS home basketball game. All choreography is done by the girls themselves. photo by Sammi Novak Also featured on the cover (from left to right): photos by Clarissa Parker, Lauren Pouliot and MacKenzie Sackett

THE BELL STAFF Editor In Chief Ashley McGee Managing /Opinion Editor Amanda Fisher Design/Features Editor Chris Mohr Sports Editor Mat George News Editor Nathan Hunt Copy Editor Haley Sheriff Ads Manager Shelby Curtis Online News Manager MacKenzie Sackett Website Technical Support Cody Kesler Adviser Lori Oyler Reporters: Jacob Boese Ben DeHart Madison Denton Kayla Hammer

Michaela Lamb Molly Meeks Katlyn Smelcer Samantha Turley Diana Timmermans

Photography Staff: Rachel Bower Lucas Carrel Emily Houck Breann Koch Samantha Novak

Clarissa Parker Lauren Pouliot Kelley Rowe Kyle Rutliff Mackenzie Spencer

OUR MISSION Our mission for the 2011-2012 school year is to bring together a variety of people and ideas to produce one collective body composed of articles, photographs and commercial messages. In this manner, we strive to provide a reliable, first-hand news sources that not only represents the Liberty High School community, but is created for them, by them, and about them. The Bell is a public forum for student expression.

CONTACT US 200 Blue Jay Drive Liberty, MO 64068 thebell@liberty.k12.mo.us (816) 736-5353

These signs now mark the difference in block days. Next year, the confusion of switching back and forth between classes, especially over long weekends or breaks, will no longer exist. However, some students are not so confident in this plan. “I think that they need to keep block scheduling, speficially for art classes, without it students would have only like 20 minutes to work on their sculptures after subtracting the time it takes to clean up and set up their projects,” senior Jordan Tanner said. photo by Clarissa Parker

THE END OF AN ERA

by Michaela Lamb

Beginning next year there will be no more block scheduling at LHS. Upon hearing the news that there will be no more block scheduling next year, several students feared for the sake of their art and automotive classes. Without a blocked period, these classes would no longer have the time to complete projects or gain hands-on experience.

But rest assured that the administration knows what they are doing, and have taken several of these classes into account. The schedule is simply being revamped, to ensure that more students are able to get their first choice of classes, something that is not happening with the current scheduling system.

“Teachers teach on a blended schedule; some teachers have blocked classes, some have traditional classes, and what has happened with this is it has caused significant restrictions with students getting their first choice of classes,” Principal April Adams said.

With the new scheduling format, most classes will be taught at a traditional length: one period. A select few classes be taught over a double period; for example, hours one and two, every day, for one semester and will be worth one credit hour. This means that the classes that need longer amounts of time, like some of the art, automotive tech, and PLTW science classes, will be able to continue on as normal.

“Classes like art, culinary or music, you need that blocked class period because sometimes you’re setting things up, or you are learning something new, then you need to apply it… but for classes like English or math it isn’t necessary. No one can pay attention to a lecture for that long,” senior Natasha Rubinetti said.

This new scheduling style will indeed get rid of the two hour lectures in English and history, as well as vastly improve the percentage of students who get their first choice of classes.

“With a mixed schedule, about 67% of kids get their first choice of classes for the next year. With the traditional style schedule, about 92% get their first choice. Really, everybody wins,” Assistant Principal Brett Coffman said.

With choosing next year’s classes, keep these changes in mind. That one class that would not fit into a tight schedule may now be available.

“This is just a change in structure, not a change in curriculum,” Adams said. “But we really do believe that this is in the best interest of the student so that they have the most opportunity to take the classes that will help them graduate.”

LOCATE THE STEALTHY SNOWFLAKE! The students of LHS have scared all the snow away, explaining the reason there has been such an absence of snow! Snowflakes are finding all sorts of places to hide; including this issue of The Bell. The first person to find this scared-silly snowflake and return him to room 101 at the beginning of sixth hour will receive a prize courtesy of The Bell Staff.

GOOD LUCK TO OUR AWESOME

AMAZING

ATHLETES TRYING OUT FOR SPRING SPORTS

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Spring Break Dates: March 19 - March 23

SPOTLIGHT DREW DEMPSEY

by Kayla Hammer

DD JC

“I guess since he’s my best friend I can’t say anything bad about him. Just joking; he is energetic, talented, and has the ability to go anywhere involving soccer. He’s going places,” senior Kyle Rutliff said.

Q: A: Q: A: Q: A:

What are your major accomplishments in soccer?

“I made the Midwest Regional Team where I went to California my junior year. That’s where I got my DePaul scholarship. My team was ranked 2nd at All-State and my club soccer team is ranked number 1 nationally right now.”

What do you plan on doing as a career?

“I don’t know what I want to study, and of course I’d like to play professionally.”

How long have you been playing?

“Since I was four.”

Drew Dempsey may be a funny guy in the classroom, but on the field he is focused and aggressive. photo by Lauren Pouliot

Q: A:

Why do you like soccer?

“It’s a way to release anger and stress; it’s actually one of the only things I take seriously.”

Q: A: Q: A:

How does club soccer compare to school soccer for you?

“There is a lot more competition in club soccer and it’s more fun for some reason.”

Do you plan on coaching?

“Maybe way later in life, but yeah I would.”

“Drew has impressed us this year, he took on a lot of leadership and had to change to positions he had never had before,” coach Thomas Rottjakob said.

JULIA CLEM

by The Bell staff

“Julia puts forth a lot of effort to be nice to other people,” junior Bailey Griffin said.

Q: A: Q: A: Q: A:

What are your talents?

“I would say my talents are swimming and acting.”

What are some of your hobbies?

“I can’t go a day without perusing through Facebook and Twitter. I’m crazy busy, but I can read for hours on end if I get the time.”

What is something interesting about you that most people wouldn’t know?

“I chose to be a vegetarian at age five against my parents’ will when my friend Spencer told me I was eating a dead pig as I was enjoying a hotdog.”

Q: A: Q: A: Q: A:

What are your strengths?

“My strengths are being compassionate, caring, and hard working.”

What are your weaknesses?

“I’m not a very patient person, and I tend to have trouble letting go.

What are your future plans after high school?

“I definitely plan on attending a University after High School. Probably somewhere in Missouri, because it’s more affordable. I think I’d like to go into Neurology or Rheumatology; help people going through similar things as myself.”

“Julia is a big part of our team. She is a quiet leader who does what she is supposed to do,” swim coach Chris Murphy said.

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Julia’s swim teammates call her “Crutch” because she injures herself every season. photo by Sammi Novak

FEATURES

SPOTLIGHT PHIL DUNLAP

by Diana Timmermans

PD SP

“Phil and I are in Jazz Band together. Phil is a great friend and a wonderful musician. He is a great contribution to Jazz Band, band class, and marching band,” sophomore Allie Garland-Foster said.

Q: A: Q: A: Q: A:

When did you start playing drums?

“I started playing drums in 4th grade, so when I was about nine years old.”

Why did you want to start band?

“I already played drums and I really like music.”

What is your favorite part of Band?

“My favorite part of Band is marching season because the music we play is cool.”

Phil’s love for music contributes to his success in Band. photo by Kyle Rutliff

Q: A: Q: A: Q: A:

What do you play in drum line for marching season?

“I play the fourth bass drum, and all the bass drums need to be in sync when we perform.”

What is the difference between Jazz Band and Band class?

“In Band class, we play more classical music. In Jazz Band, we play jazz music. For Jazz Band meets before school and you have to audition for a spot in it.”

Do you march for competition?

“This year we went to a competition at Missouri West and we got third. We had another competition at Trenton too.”

“Phil does an outstanding job playing drum set for Jazz Band, this year is the first year I have ever heard him play drum set. He is great at concert percussion; he is section leader in concert percussion. He is really easy to work with,” band instructor Marti Whelan said.

SHARON PARKER

by Shelby Curtis

“Mrs. Parker always brightens my day with her funny and crazy antics,” junior Jessyka Vernickas said.

Q: A: Q: A: Q: A:

What made you decide to become a choir teacher?

“Even though I enjoyed performing, a performer’s life is difficult because of the traveling. Becoming a teacher allowed me to still perform, and share my talent with my students.”

Is there anywhere outside of school that you share your gift?

“I play the organ at Liberty United Methodist Church. I also direct the hand bell choir.”

What got you into music?

“I started when I was eight years old and I have participated in music related things ever since. I never want to stop. Also, I started playing for my church when I was in high school.”

Q: A: Q: A:

Where did you study music?

“I went to Mississippi College, as well as Louisiana State University.”

Q: A:

How do your students inspire you?

“My students inspire me because choir is an elective which means they want to be there.

They go above and beyond in class because it’s something they are interested in and want to improve on.”

What is your favorite thing about teaching?

“I like taking students through the musical process. You start from scratch when you get a new piece of music and it’s great to watch the growth in students. It’s also neat that you get to do this multiple times throughout the year.”

“It’s awesome to have such a gifted musician to partner with in this program,” choir teacher Dr. Rika Heruth said.

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Mrs. Parker is passionate towards the effort she puts into conducting concert choir. photo by Clarissa Parker

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NOT CATCHING ENOUGH

by MacKenzie Sackett

Z

‘s

Late Start Tuesdays are not cutting it: students are finding themselves more stressed and tired than ever.

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No Job 6%

Less Stress 26%

Later Start Time 36%

Less School Work 30%

What would help you get more sleep?

photo by Chris Mohr

cheer after school, so I don’t usually get to do my homework until midnight and I don’t go to bed until at least 3 a.m.,” junior Allie Holyfield said.

Students not only have the stress of school to deal with, most also have an after school job that can cause stress too, which doesn’t leave much time for being able to do homework.

“I work at least 30 hours a week. I usually work 4:30 to 10:30 and when I get home I do my homework. I only get about 6 hours of sleep during the week,” senior Marriah Schweitzer A later school start time may help students get more sleep because they would feel more rested. It could help with students’ grades and make them not feel as tired and as stressed.

“It would be a lot better if we had a later school start time because students go to sleep pretty late as it is and it wouldn’t make them go to bed any later. It would just make it a lot easier on everyone and on the teachers too, not just the students,” senior Austin Morales said. *169 students surveyed

Looking around the halls at LHS, it is easy to see that a lot of students are wearing sweats and not to mention, a tired, stressed face. It seems that more than usual, students are feeling tired at school or find it hard to concentrate in class; others are even falling asleep during class. At times, students can be so tired that they wake up late and miss part of their first hour class, or just skip school because they are so exhausted and stressed by the everyday aspects of being in high school.

“I get about 6 hours of sleep a night. I have to give a friend a ride to school in the morning and I like to be here early, around 7 a.m., since school starts at 7:45 a.m.

I don’t start my homework until 9 or 10 at night because I am in so many extra curricular activities; I’m in Debate, the plays and Exit 1-6 which takes up a lot of my time and then I stay after school for a couple hours for debate and rehearsals.

It doesn’t leave much room for time to do homework and get enough sleep,” junior Jimmy Sitzman said.

But what is enough sleep? Most teens need about 8½ to more than 9 hours of sleep each night, according to kidshealth.org. From a study conducted by The Bell Staff, only 3 students out of the 169 interviewed get 9 hours of sleep each night. 32% of students who participated in the study only get 5 hours of sleep or fewer each night.

28% get 6 hours of sleep and 19% get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. These percentages show a range of students that say they do not get the right amount of sleep because they are either stressed, have an after school job, have too much school work or need a later school start time.

“I go to bed around 11 or 12. I have a problem falling asleep and I have a ton of homework. It’s very stressful, all the projects that we have to do, the papers that we have to write and the books we have to read. It’s just homework overload. If we didn’t have so much homework every night, that would help my stress a lot,” senior Lexie Browning said.

According to an article by MSNBC, teens experience higher stress in high school than adults do. A study done by Associated Press/MTV, shows that teens among the ages of 13-17 years old say that school is by far the most commonly mentioned source of stress. Students have so much to worry about during high school such as, making good grades in order to get into the college they desire, being in a club or sports activity or dealing with friends and relationship drama.

“I can’t do my homework when there are a ton of people around me. I also have

FEATURES

TEEN PREGNANCY: ANOTHER BUMP IN THE ROAD story by Nathan Hunt and Maddi Denton, design by Chris Mohr

Students share their stories of their emotional and physical hardships of their teenage pregnancies.

“I had just broken up with my boyfriend, and it had been a while after we had had sex. I went four months without a period, but didn’t think anything of it because I had just gotten off the pill six months before. I realized I was getting them before and I did not understand why it just stopped. It freaked me out, I was in denial and I didn’t really think about it until my friend made me take a pregnancy test. It was the scariest moment of my life. We had to take about four tests because the first one came out unclear. Finally the fourth worked. When it turned out negative, my mind was at ease. It was the scariest moment of my life because I spent the entire night thinking of the “what-if ’s,” about what would have happened and about everything that I was so excited for in life that wouldn’t happen now. Not being accepted to school and staying at home, having to tell my ex, having to talk about this,” senior Jennifer* said.

Jennifer’s story represents that of hundreds of girls at LHS who are playing with fire and may end up getting burned. Just imagine waking up one morning craving hot dogs covered in chocolate, or getting up and becoming violently sick all of a sudden. Now imagine you are just 16 or 17 years old and have your whole life ahead of you, only coming to realize that you will not be able to live it to the full potential. All of this because you engaged in unprotected sex, but even using protection is not always 100% effective.

“Teenagers that are pregnant may be too scared to tell a parent or may not have the support from their family, which may lead to them not having early prenatal care. Emotionally, many are scared, lonely and lose friendships when one is stressed; that weakens the body making one more prone to sickness,” Nurse Kathy Ellermier said.

Some students here at Liberty High School shine a light on their life stories of being a teenager and pregnant. Karen* is in her first trimester.

“I found out I was pregnant on Christmas. My family was shocked at first, obviously. They slowly got used to the idea though,” Karen* said. “I was freaking out, it was really scary. I have wrapped my head around it, finally. I have become kind of excited now.”

Teen pregnancy affects a young adult’s entire life.

“It will be hard; but I’m still going to get everything done. I’m still going to college, and finishing high school,” Karen* said.

A child becoming pregnant adds stress, conflict and rumors to their entire life, including that of their friends and family.

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“My family has grown closer together and we are all very excited. My friends were very supportive, “I know that [most teenage girls] probably will not believe me, but it can happen to anybody. I they were just like, ‘we are here for you,’ ” Karen* said. always told myself it wasn’t going to be me because I grew up around my cousins getting pregnant. I The stress a student’s body takes on while the baby grows, combined with the burden of their peers’ told myself that I wasn’t going to be like them because I saw how hard it was for them. Even if it’s not stares as they walk through the halls, can be awful and overwhelming. planned, it can still happen to you if you are not careful. And even when you are careful, it can still “My little boy’s name is Benjamin Alexander. I found out in June that I was pregnant. I didn’t know happen,” Aguirre said.

I was pregnant at first: my boyfriend did. I was telling him all these symptoms I was getting but I Teen moms consider many different options when they discover they are pregnant as well. thought I was getting my period. He made me take a pregnancy test and it turned out, I was pregnant,” “I wouldn’t say I regret having a baby. I wish it didn’t happen, but if I could go and change it I senior Erica Aguirre said. “When it turned out positive I could not believe it. It was surreal; I thought wouldn’t because it’s been a good experience. I think it will help me grow up in the long run. I’ve it was a dream. I kept retaking them and they just kept turning up positive. My boyfriend was silent always been more mature for my age anyway. At first, I didn’t like thinking about it, I didn’t want to for a while and I was crying. We just sat there in silence. He was more scared than anything; he still give him a name, thinking ‘I can’t do this, I’m still a kid.’ Once you feel him move around, you get this is. I think I’m more prepared than scared. Just because I can feel it [our child], I’ve become a mother instinct that naturally kicks in and you can’t do that. I can’t think about giving my son away. It is my already. He [the father] is still in the dark because he doesn’t know what to do,” Aguirre said. son, not their son. It will always be my first child and you can’t take that back,” Aguirre said.

Young adults are already dealing with peer pressure in high school about their appearance. Adding Becoming pregnant when a person is in high school can really take a toll on their life as they know it. a baby on top of that can have a negative effect on their friendships.

“It greatly affects their social life because they’re not living for themselves anymore; they’re living “With friends, it is weird because they are excited. When I told them that I was pregnant, they were for another human being. And all the decisions they make effect somebody else automatically. Their like, ‘Oh my gosh! You’re going to have a baby!’ But it’s scary, it is hard, it is not all fun and games. They don’t understand,” said Aguirre.

Get the facts about teen pregnancy and parenting at Becoming pregnant can generate talk around the high school as well, which adds even further www.itsyoursexlife.com pressure for teen moms.

“There have been rumors going around that it has been multiple guys’ child. They think that I If you or somone you know is being abused by a girlfriend, boyfriend, don’t know who my baby’s father is. At first it was some random guy, then it was my ex-boyfriend, I family member or a total stranger please call 911 or log on to www. don’t know, people like to talk a lot. I blow it off, though; people come up to me and ask about it on loveisrespect.org for information and help.

Facebook or something. I just say, ‘this is none of your business,’ ” Aguirre said.

The stress of having a baby while still in high school affects a lot of aspects in the student’s life, including relationships.

“When I told my mom, she was really shocked. She wasn’t mad, just disappointed. I told her when social life definitely changes, and I don’t think that it’s something that they normally think about until, we were on the couch together looking at cookbooks. I told her and she told me ‘Well I don’t know you know, the baby’s here.” Child Development teacher Beth Giesler said. what to do.’ She was asking me all these questions, like how far along I was. Then my dad came in the A study in 2009 showed that every one in 25 sexually active teens end up pregnant. If you feel like room and just sat down on the couch and started watching T.V like nothing was wrong. My mom was you might fall into this category, or you just need someone to talk too, there are plenty of people here like ‘you should go upstairs Erica, to your room.’ I did and she told my dad,” Aguirre said. “My family at LHS who are willing to help; counselors, social workers, nurses and principles. relationship at first was kind of difficult. I was planning on doing adoption. My mom did not agree “We have a pregnancy and parenting class at the Academy. Right now, the counselors are always with that, so for a while we didn’t talk. Now that I have chosen to keep my son, our relationship has somebody to go to, and really any teacher in this building would help guide them to the right people gotten better. She started talking to me again and she has been really helpful. My dad is still kind of that would help them deal with their situation and those decisions that they are going to have to silent; he doesn’t really talk much about it. He’s just awkward. I’ll be living with my parents for the next make,” Giesler said. “What I try to teach in my class is that it only takes one time, and you’re playing two years to get myself on the right track, my priorities in check. It will also help me get started on a with fate. If you put yourself in that position, you’re giving yourself that option to possibly happen.” job and save up money to go to school. I’m planning on going to Penn Valley for the next two years.”

Some young adults may think that getting pregnant would not happen to them, but it is a very likely *Some names have been changed to protetct the individuals’ identity. reality if they do not take the proper precautions.

8,9 8 8 6 4

000,000 , 3 teenagers aquire an STD each year

INDEPTH

THE BELL

babies are born to teenage mothers each year

80 %

3 in 10 girls will get pregnant before the age of 20

of fathers do not marry the mother of their child

66 % of teens wish they would have waited

Statistics provided by the American Pregnancy Association and www.stayteen.org

9

INDEPTH

TEEN PREGNANCY: ANOTHER BUMP IN THE ROAD story by Nathan Hunt and Maddi Denton, design by Chris Mohr

Students share their stories of their emotional and physical hardships of their teenage pregnancies.

“I had just broken up with my boyfriend, and it had been a while after we had had sex. I went four months without a period, but didn’t think anything of it because I had just gotten off the pill six months before. I realized I was getting them before and I did not understand why it just stopped. It freaked me out, I was in denial and I didn’t really think about it until my friend made me take a pregnancy test. It was the scariest moment of my life. We had to take about four tests because the first one came out unclear. Finally the fourth worked. When it turned out negative, my mind was at ease. It was the scariest moment of my life because I spent the entire night thinking of the “what-if ’s,” about what would have happened and about everything that I was so excited for in life that wouldn’t happen now. Not being accepted to school and staying at home, having to tell my ex, having to talk about this,” senior Jennifer* said.

Jennifer’s story represents that of hundreds of girls at LHS who are playing with fire and may end up getting burned. Just imagine waking up one morning craving hot dogs covered in chocolate, or getting up and becoming violently sick all of a sudden. Now imagine you are just 16 or 17 years old and have your whole life ahead of you, only coming to realize that you will not be able to live it to the full potential. All of this because you engaged in unprotected sex, but even using protection is not always 100% effective.

“Teenagers that are pregnant may be too scared to tell a parent or may not have the support from their family, which may lead to them not having early prenatal care. Emotionally, many are scared, lonely and lose friendships when one is stressed; that weakens the body making one more prone to sickness,” Nurse Kathy Ellermier said.

Some students here at Liberty High School shine a light on their life stories of being a teenager and pregnant.

“My little boy’s name is Benjamin Alexander. I found out in June that I was pregnant. I didn’t know I was pregnant at first: my boyfriend did. I was telling him all these symptoms I was getting but I thought I was getting my period. He made me take a pregnancy test and it turned out, I was pregnant,” senior Erica Aguirre said. “When it turned out positive I could not believe it. It was surreal; I thought it was a dream.

I kept retaking them and they just kept turning up positive. My boyfriend was silent for a while and I was crying. We just sat there in silence. He was more scared than anything; he still is. I think I’m more prepared than scared. Just because I can feel it [our child], I’ve

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of teen mothers ever graduate high school

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women use NO form of contraception

become a mother already. He [the father] is still in the dark because he doesn’t know what to do,” instinct that naturally kicks in and you can’t do that. I can’t think about giving my son away. It is my Aguirre said. son, not their son. It will always be my first child and you can’t take that back,” Aguirre said.

Young adults are already dealing with peer pressure in high school about their appearance. Adding Becoming pregnant when a person is in high school can really take a toll on their life as they know it. a baby on top of that can have a negative effect on their friendships.

“It greatly affects their social life because they’re not living for themselves anymore; they’re living “With friends, it is weird because they are excited. When I told them that I was pregnant, they were for another human being. And all the decisions they make effect somebody else automatically. Their like, ‘Oh my gosh! You’re going to have a baby!’ But it’s scary, it is hard, it is not all fun and games. They social life definitely changes, and I don’t think that it’s something that they normally think about until, don’t understand,” said Aguirre. you know, the baby’s here.” Child Development teacher Beth Giesler said.

Becoming pregnant can generate talk around the high school as well, which adds even further A study in 2009 showed that every one in 25 sexually active teens end up pregnant. If you feel like pressure for teen moms. you might fall into this category, or you just need someone to talk too, there are plenty of people here “There have been rumors going around that it has been multiple guys’ child. They think that I at LHS who are willing to help; counselors, social workers, nurses and principles. don’t know who my baby’s father is. At first it was some random guy, then it was my ex-boyfriend, I “We have a pregnancy and parenting class at the Academy. Right now, the counselors are always don’t know, people like to talk a lot. I blow it off, though; people come up to me and ask about it on somebody to go to, and really any teacher in this building would help guide them to the right people Facebook or something. I just say, ‘this is none of your business,’ ” Aguirre said. that would help them deal with their situation and those decisions that they are going to have to The stress of having a baby while still in high school affects a lot of aspects in the student’s life, make,” Giesler said. “What I try to teach in my class is that it only takes one time, and you’re playing including relationships. with fate. If you put yourself in that position, you’re giving yourself that option to possibly happen.”

“When I told my mom, she was really shocked. She wasn’t mad, just disappointed. I told her when we were on the couch together looking at cookbooks. I told her and she told me ‘Well I don’t know what to do.’ She was asking me all these questions, like how far along I was. Then my dad came in the Get the facts about teen pregnancy and parenting at room and just sat down on the couch and started watching T.V like nothing was wrong. My mom was www.itsyoursexlife.com like ‘you should go upstairs Erica, to your room.’ I did and she told my dad,” Aguirre said. “My family If you or somone you know is being abused by a girlfriend, boyfriend, relationship at first was kind of difficult. I was planning on doing adoption. My mom did not agree with that, so for a while we didn’t talk. Now that I have chosen to keep my son, our relationship has family member or a total stranger please call 911 or log on to www. gotten better. She started talking to me again and she has been really helpful. My dad is still kind of loveisrespect.org for information and help. silent; he doesn’t really talk much about it. He’s just awkward. I’ll be living with my parents for the next two years to get myself on the right track, my priorities in check. It will also help me get started on a job and save up money to go to school. I’m planning on going to Penn Valley for the next two years.” *Some names have been changed to protetct the individuals’ identity.

Some young adults may think that getting pregnant would not happen to them, but it is a very likely reality if they do not take the proper precautions.

“I know that [most teenage girls] probably will not believe me, but it can happen to anybody. I always told myself it wasn’t going to be me because I grew up around my cousins getting pregnant. I told myself that I wasn’t going to be like them because I saw how hard it was for them. Even if it’s not planned, it can still happen to you if you are not careful. And even when you are careful, it can still happen,” Aguirre said.

Teen moms consider many different options when they discover they are pregnant as well.

“I wouldn’t say I regret having a baby. I wish it didn’t happen, but if I could go and change it I wouldn’t because it’s been a good experience. I think it will help me grow up in the long run. I’ve always been more mature for my age anyway. At first, I didn’t like thinking about it, I didn’t want to give him a name, thinking ‘I can’t do this, I’m still a kid.’ Once you feel him move around, you get this

8,9 8 8 6 4

000,000 , 3 teenagers aquire an STD each year

INDEPTH

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babies are born to teenage mothers each year

80 % 3 in 10 girls will get pregnant before the age of 20

of fathers do not marry the mother of their child

66 % of teens wish they would have waited

Statistics provided by the American Pregnancy Association and www.stayteen.org

9

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TEEN PREGNANCY: ANOTHER BUMP IN THE ROAD story by Nathan Hunt and Maddi Denton, design by Chris Mohr

Students share their stories of their emotional and physical hardships of their teenage pregnancies.

“I had just broken up with my boyfriend, and it had been a while after we had had sex. I went four months without a period, but didn’t think anything of it because I had just gotten off the pill six months before. I realized I was getting them before and I did not understand why it just stopped. It freaked me out, I was in denial and I didn’t really think about it until my friend made me take a pregnancy test. It was the scariest moment of my life. We had to take about four tests because the first one came out unclear. Finally the fourth worked. When it turned out negative, my mind was at ease. It was the scariest moment of my life because I spent the entire night thinking of the “what-if ’s,” about what would have happened and about everything that I was so excited for in life that wouldn’t happen now. Not being accepted to school and staying at home, having to tell my ex, having to talk about this,” senior Jennifer* said.

Jennifer’s story represents that of hundreds of girls at LHS who are playing with fire and may end up getting burned. Just imagine waking up one morning craving hot dogs covered in chocolate, or getting up and becoming violently sick all of a sudden. Now imagine you are just 16 or 17 years old and have your whole life ahead of you, only coming to realize that you will not be able to live it to the full potential. All of this because you engaged in unprotected sex, but even using protection is not always 100% effective.

“Teenagers that are pregnant may be too scared to tell a parent or may not have the support from their family, which may lead to them not having early prenatal care. Emotionally, many are scared, lonely and lose friendships when one is stressed; that weakens the body making one more prone to sickness,” Nurse Kathy Ellermier said.

Some students here at Liberty High School shine a light on their life stories of being a teenager and pregnant. Junior Sydney Seurer is in her first trimester.

“I found out I was pregnant on Christmas. My family was shocked at first, obviously. They slowly got used to the idea though,” Seurer said. “I was freaking out, it was really scary. I have wrapped my head around it, finally. I have become kind of excited now.”

Teen pregnancy affects a young adult’s entire life.

“It will be hard; but I’m still going to get everything done. I’m still going to college, and finishing high school,” Seurer said.

A child becoming pregnant adds stress, conflict and rumors to their entire life, including that of their friends and family.

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“My family has grown closer together and we are all very excited. My friends were very supportive, “I know that [most teenage girls] probably will not believe me, but it can happen to anybody. I they were just like, ‘we are here for you,’ ” Seurer said. always told myself it wasn’t going to be me because I grew up around my cousins getting pregnant. I The stress a student’s body takes on while the baby grows, combined with the burden of their peers’ told myself that I wasn’t going to be like them because I saw how hard it was for them. Even if it’s not stares as they walk through the halls, can be awful and overwhelming. planned, it can still happen to you if you are not careful. And even when you are careful, it can still “My little boy’s name is Benjamin Alexander. I found out in June that I was pregnant. I didn’t know happen,” Aguirre said.

I was pregnant at first: my boyfriend did. I was telling him all these symptoms I was getting but I Teen moms consider many different options when they discover they are pregnant as well. thought I was getting my period. He made me take a pregnancy test and it turned out, I was pregnant,” “I wouldn’t say I regret having a baby. I wish it didn’t happen, but if I could go and change it I senior Erica Aguirre said. “When it turned out positive I could not believe it. It was surreal; I thought wouldn’t because it’s been a good experience. I think it will help me grow up in the long run. I’ve it was a dream. I kept retaking them and they just kept turning up positive. My boyfriend was silent always been more mature for my age anyway. At first, I didn’t like thinking about it, I didn’t want to for a while and I was crying. We just sat there in silence. He was more scared than anything; he still give him a name, thinking ‘I can’t do this, I’m still a kid.’ Once you feel him move around, you get this is. I think I’m more prepared than scared. Just because I can feel it [our child], I’ve become a mother instinct that naturally kicks in and you can’t do that. I can’t think about giving my son away. It is my already. He [the father] is still in the dark because he doesn’t know what to do,” Aguirre said. son, not their son. It will always be my first child and you can’t take that back,” Aguirre said.

Young adults are already dealing with peer pressure in high school about their appearance. Adding Becoming pregnant when a person is in high school can really take a toll on their life as they know it. a baby on top of that can have a negative effect on their friendships.

“It greatly affects their social life because they’re not living for themselves anymore; they’re living “With friends, it is weird because they are excited. When I told them that I was pregnant, they were for another human being. And all the decisions they make effect somebody else automatically. Their like, ‘Oh my gosh! You’re going to have a baby!’ But it’s scary, it is hard, it is not all fun and games. They don’t understand,” said Aguirre.

Get the facts about teen pregnancy and parenting at Becoming pregnant can generate talk around the high school as well, which adds even further www.itsyoursexlife.com pressure for teen moms.

“There have been rumors going around that it has been multiple guys’ child. They think that I If you or somone you know is being abused by a girlfriend, boyfriend, don’t know who my baby’s father is. At first it was some random guy, then it was my ex-boyfriend, I family member or a total stranger please call 911 or log on to www. don’t know, people like to talk a lot. I blow it off, though; people come up to me and ask about it on loveisrespect.org for information and help.

Facebook or something. I just say, ‘this is none of your business,’ ” Aguirre said.

The stress of having a baby while still in high school affects a lot of aspects in the student’s life, including relationships.

“When I told my mom, she was really shocked. She wasn’t mad, just disappointed. I told her when social life definitely changes, and I don’t think that it’s something that they normally think about until, we were on the couch together looking at cookbooks. I told her and she told me ‘Well I don’t know you know, the baby’s here.” Child Development teacher Beth Giesler said. what to do.’ She was asking me all these questions, like how far along I was. Then my dad came in the A study in 2009 showed that every one in 25 sexually active teens end up pregnant. If you feel like room and just sat down on the couch and started watching T.V like nothing was wrong. My mom was you might fall into this category, or you just need someone to talk too, there are plenty of people here like ‘you should go upstairs Erica, to your room.’ I did and she told my dad,” Aguirre said. “My family at LHS who are willing to help; counselors, social workers, nurses and principles. relationship at first was kind of difficult. I was planning on doing adoption. My mom did not agree “We have a pregnancy and parenting class at the Academy. Right now, the counselors are always with that, so for a while we didn’t talk. Now that I have chosen to keep my son, our relationship has somebody to go to, and really any teacher in this building would help guide them to the right people gotten better. She started talking to me again and she has been really helpful. My dad is still kind of that would help them deal with their situation and those decisions that they are going to have to silent; he doesn’t really talk much about it. He’s just awkward. I’ll be living with my parents for the next make,” Giesler said. “What I try to teach in my class is that it only takes one time, and you’re playing two years to get myself on the right track, my priorities in check. It will also help me get started on a with fate. If you put yourself in that position, you’re giving yourself that option to possibly happen.” job and save up money to go to school. I’m planning on going to Penn Valley for the next two years.”

Some young adults may think that getting pregnant would not happen to them, but it is a very likely *Some names have been changed to protetct the individuals’ identities. reality if they do not take the proper precautions.

8,9 8 8 6 4

000,000 , 3 teenagers aquire an STD each year

INDEPTH

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babies are born to teenage mothers each year

80 %

3 in 10 girls will get pregnant before the age of 20

of fathers do not marry the mother of their child

66 % of teens wish they would have waited

Statistics provided by the American Pregnancy Association and www.stayteen.org

9

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Eagle Fitness Health Club

338 S. 291 HWY Liberty, MO 64068 (816) 781-8600

photos by MacKenzie Sackett

Haley Sheriff Copy Editor

PRO: SENSATIONAL AND DIMENSIONAL If it’s not broke, why fix it? Simple: to improve it.

What could be better than watching your favorite Disney classics? Watching your favorite Disney classics in 3D, of course.

The late 90’s and early 2000’s gave birth to Pixar’s realistic animation, forever changing Disney’s signature style of pen and paper cartooning. Ever since the success of the first two Toy Story movies, there has hardly been a new Disney animation that isn’t digitalized. Having to keep up with box-office legends like James Cameron’s Avatar, filmmakers are now taking a step further to make their work even more life-like with 3D animation. So instead of just watching Mufasa fall into the stampede of raging wildebeests to his untimely death, you can dive in with him. It’s like a virtual pop-up book where for once, you are an actual character.

3D animation has become especially popular with young children. However, with prices for 3D film tickets being about two to four dollars higher than regular viewing tickets, which are hovering around eight to ten dollars already, it’s quick to empty pockets of groaning parents and older siblings. But with such advanced technology, spiked prices should be expected.

Would you expect a Ferrari to cost as much as a Station Wagon? Would you expect a Station Wagon to have the same bells and whistles as a Ferrari? Hopefully not. It’s all about the quality of the product. You don’t expect to get the same experience at a 2D viewing at B&B as you would at a 3D IMAX showing at AMC. You get what you pay for. Therefore, if you’re not watching 3D films for the simple fact of their price, you have no right to complain about their expense. It’s irrelevant.

Some dismiss this 3D rebooting and producing as merely one of Hollywood’s many phases, but with such a positive response from audiences nationwide and being a significant progression from 2D animation, I highly doubt it. Look at Justin Bieber. It took him three years to get discovered, then from there—WHOOSH! You can’t turn on the TV or turn the page of a magazine without hearing or seeing him. Such is predicted for the future of 3D film. Shelves are lining up with 3D televisions and accompanying eyewear at every Best Buy in America; every other movie in theatres has the option of being viewed regularly or in 3D. Slowly but surely, we are evolving into a new era of technology, with 2D bound to become extinct.

REBOOTING MOVIES

CON:GET OUT OF MY FACE! Re-releasing a movie is like rewrapping a birthday present. You already know what’s in the package and there is no surprise. Very few movies are worth watching again and again. There is no surprise, nothing has changed. I take that back, things have changed; movies are being re-released in 3D. What moviegoers fail to realize is that if the movie wasn’t filmed in 3D before, it’s probably because the movie doesn’t need three dimensions. I’ll be the first to admit, the cheap glasses that are handed out at the movie theatre don’t only make the price of the movie sky rocket, but they also give me the world’s worst headache. Movies like the Lion King belong to my childhood, or at least that’s what I like to think, and now the Disney company re-released it in 3D for a couple weekends, gifting it to other children.

I like to think that these re-releases come after failed sequels. I had no clue there was even a Lion King one and a half or even two for that matter, but I knew right away that Lion King was being re-released in theatres. I went to the “premier” of the movie just to see how it looked re-mastered. I have to admit; it was incredibly cool, the IMAX experience made it

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much better, but the kids who assumed this was the original release of Lion King made me really mad.

I don’t want to sound like the jealous big brother, but they have their own movies to enjoy, please don’t take mine. And for what reason? To make more memories for children of the younger generations?

No, to make more money for themselves because their new movies will never be as successful. So, why not just buy the DVD and watch the movie whenever you want instead of spending over 10 dollars for the “only in theatres for a limited time.” Those are my movies; stop trying to make mediocre “sequels”, and stop re-releasing my favorite movies.

Regardless, movies will keep being re-released and I will still be disappointed. Although it kills me inside, today’s kids need some good movies and I know that Disney isn’t making any new ones. (Have fun with our childhood favorites!) I will be busy watching the original movies for a third of the cost.

Ben DeHart Reporter 11

OPINION

WHAT TO EXPECT YOUR

SENIOR YEAR

by Amanda Fisher To all the juniors who are anticpating their senior year, The Bell asked seniors what classes are top priority and which can be tossed aside.

“I really wasn’t sure what to expect from “I k wou new tha this class [Advanced Senior Literature ld excit pose a t this cla istory . and Composition]. I figured it would be U.S. H .S s e U P t A u in new d in th challeng s [AP B be abo like every other Communication Arts class t it io nrolling to a e e e th t g e h r in d o c n in fo hanc to me a logy] clas gs “Be g a as g r tion. in e prepara w n college ft more little in a A with it but g s t . e h e t n b h to e nd I wa the b such a at are ld be fu g I thoug om th every s xp sm The class is really helpful but it’s not like nd wou ery challengin .” lo a fr a lt o v y u r c e a d fi to the c dica ilable erience his drive ndle as v at dif a prepare to w h doing th you’re it else ing e l everyth o y to b r r ’t in will a mplexit . At firs elated .S. Histo uch for me wouldn t I un y of trips this dmit for college. It’s really helpful. I recommend m in AP U g o n lli to t o t d r . h a h I wo en e ay is it to anyone who’s going to college.” and w uld d e tests in restima nd goin class t for me ach Rogers ed e lt t f u tha h t Saman g in - senior o a is Z diffic n. muc into a nyon itely rec class I e s - senior a b w y Asher u h g o f lo B to thing fun an biology e inter mmend AP Psycho with a lot of uch este lus A e so m makes s “I thought , d g u tin s m re t w lc te h a - se d in a b very in lot activities nior at will e learn jor. It dC it to hich going to be cool in-class h is R d ecte expect lass w time a d I n a e a s e g e p iti lp in k n tiv so x in lot o ee K s ac you deep th “I e f co idn’t maler c d work t I’m gla er The in-clas ie . d e m f la tir I tis n e o e n t e t p r ol er in th bu bu e a s ns an like hy rk, and th w ra ork v life.” like busy wo from a t h g u ta I ha iscussio lot of w way no it would seem more lfe s d d as well be , and the . It is a t of the I’m sure mmen “Well I’ve a class may t I expected a h w ll a t n o a lways t o classes P A r of fu get it ou where uld rec are e xtbook. It’s n in th te o animals, in fa been interested n a th t n o o e re h e w iff ct, I want to can in collg er. I w le who .” to students vet so I figure it is much d be a s .” ommend it rd peop ly s c d e n iv re Z s a I oology would . lu la a n h xc e e k c h ta g t in l t e d I’v fu a e n re be a o lo c d t la v ss and very r s an a AB pper le e informative a razen Collie enjoy lecture be D r s io n a e n s lu im bout u in a ls. It’s even b u b

etter, I’ve fou Calc y for an yla Clu “ a b I n o d u t out animals that a figur I didn’t even read ior Mik ed e lleg S a Co b o d k u t cte n t. n ow pe atis tha I would say “I definitely ex - se that the cla the nal tics w t Prob all g o of o st d ss sie ea fo is r people wh a h o Algebra to be the o are interest ever igh sch uld b bility an animals. The sses offered e cla d dit in cre e k al du o d p r th e o ma ple who thin ol take th wo get an easy A k it’s just you get aga math c e fithro wouldn’t be the high school. Once at ard riculum s h in la u g I o the o s c , g d la ter a r ap ss for the s w ch h .” a d iew u w nd ould e I” it w past the first rev ect ard c ]. It ou that d S it an y p h r be t to e a s x se em c se t f nior Serina T n s o class really just “I e a h mistry able i eople aylor have to se mmend o big d I’d Most likely p II. ra he doeb d e Alg d n to o n a C ion io t n dit P f ad l. a u r a r t s i n t o - se AP llege courses bu nd lves nior their s that w b and one of the easiest co [for hard omme emse at the A e a u n h school.” n hig s io t th r y er ec I’ve taken through Mor tin ear. to sup elp. I r push . Look oens’t “I expected really just another ales Hill ” by - senior Lib d o h s and more t e t t i ” t s ! e AP history class, it’s more fun g “I expec an clas nd if ke it w take notes te d Hum a a o interesting. It’s not too hard; we anities is. We wh those iption on’t t to knowledge, d und is s b d y cr mostly. It helps to have backgro their art, cuss civilizatio e basically ho enjo e des sting, atthew goes along it n s w it s sculptur re M rs a the tests are not too bad, and e, music and religions and str w e cou d inte umne s. If you note r uc an (o I inc t n with the books and study you custom tures and how r lack of), build d s o sou ior Au Euro, AP take ly s , leade ings s d they tie n like history, you should definite r The on in with -se it, har pe.”

Euro ern ly thing s, propogand their it covers the 1400s until mod f a, and I didn’t building re as at e o x b s pect w and relig f il th a - senior Sydnee Harris as talkin eliefs. to stud ions so w be not ot g e n m a o ts b m u o c w u n y h h t ho l . I’d rec musica ommen at be s te us se he d l and s enjoy learning d m to t. It’ fini evio lot tho o t an s. c it a u b lp r e o tu lig ut ra i de r a ions in d ra las f d it p every ti l aspects of c the artistic, it to pe il ke ting like t’s n ’s es, ou’l eb s c n o me per ivilization op io i ha it tiv y lg hi tio s and “I ec dy also will le who are ve d. I’d also re A t a t t a , , p a c in u r v n o y s g d i i m x h v to mend r is e e r b e se e en lik ual tak it b e alr and ar e willin e a lot of note learners that n I ad, ard las d t fri u d w com o g to s are - senior s tudy s s, put in some b t h c ns, es yo oo a Clarissa er ome o e d ff g , ort P lo ath tio r b If a utside n rker o of clas m qua ou y. are d g.” n A s.” e e y yda u we Tri ga o e r l b ve y a nd M foreground photos by Haley Sheriff a ior e rig, t’s background photo courtesy of Vandenberg Design Agency a T ha br en T lge - s OPINION THE BELL A

12

10

approve of the new block scheduling format next year.

1

disapprove of the new block scheduling format next year.

Since the sixth grade, students have endured sitting through ninety-minute classes synonymously known as a block.

Although not all students have had block scheduling built into their schedule during their sophomore, junior or senior years, the students who have had such experience find it beneficial to gain the necessary insight on the what they are doing.

For the 2012-2013 school year, Liberty High School and Liberty North High School are breaking from the traditional true block scheduling system that has been in use for years.

To rephrase, the current block system is getting revamped rather than replaced. We, as The Bell staff, are all fore this improvement.

The new scheduling system will allow more students to get their first choice when registering themselves for the photo by Chris Mohr

STAFF EDITORIAL

photo by Clarissa Parker

subsequent school year. Most classes will be taught at a traditional length while other classes will be taught over a double period. Classes that will be taught over a double period would include the art, automotive and Project Lead the Way classes.

This will give students from having a 67 percent chance of getting their first choice to a 92 percent chance; a significant increase that is bound to make school more enjoyable for students.

Therefore, in the event that students have a more successful chance at acquiring their first choice and the ninety-minute lectures in history and English classes are now eliminated, The Bell staff believes the transition to a new scheduling system is beneficial and necessary.

ASHLEY MCGEE EDITOR IN CHIEF Flakey Weather Winter Break came and went with no significant snow accumulation on the ground. I couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed when I realized, for the first time since I can remember, we wouldn’t be having a White Christmas. It just didn’t feel right. And all the decorations and celebrations in the world couldn’t raise my spirits.

Then the first Winter Advisory alert was announced and I felt my heart jump a little in my chest. I checked for updates every hour, hoping the weather patterns would shift ever so slightly and gift us with an extra few inches of snow.

I woke up to a very different scene. Grass still spouted out from under the very, very miniscule layer of snow, the precipitation

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on the streets had all but melted away and the only real accumulation was on decks, porches and sidewalks where no one absolutely needed to go.

That day dragged on and on. But, as I trudged through my classes, wishing I could still be curled up in the warm comfort of my bed, I found myself glad for the lack of snow. Of course, there was still the cold weather to contend with, but no snow on the ground meant no snow to melt on the bottom of my pants’ legs or in my shoes and leave my feet cold for the remainder of the day.

And even better, it significantly reduces my chance of falling flat on my backside, an unfortunate situation that seems to happen every winter when my innate clumsiness is mixed with the urge to escape the winter gloom and get out and do something dumb. You know, like try and defy logic by running, skipping, jumping or even playing soccer on ice.

While I’m sure this is very unfortunate news for my friends and anyone else who might get a kick out of seeing me hurt myself, it’s great news for me.

And, really? What difference is three days going to make? Either way, seniors will be out of school in less than four months. We will finally be able to get away from home and start lives of our own. In ten years, chances are, we won’t even remember the small pleasures of being a teenager.

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photo by MacKenzie Sackett

photo courtesyof Ashley McGee

The articles on these pages do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the entire Bell staff. Please feel free to comment in a Letter to the Editor at thebell@liberty.k12.mo.us

AMANDA FISHER MANAGING EDITOR Read It and Weep Bob Dylan once wrote, “the times they are a-changin’.” However, it seems as if the current English curriculum has never heard that song. To me, every English class feels the same. Since the sixth grade, we’ve always been required to read books throughout the course of the year. Of course, you can’t go a school year without reading, it makes sense.

However, what doesn’t make the least bit of sense is that students of the 21st century are required to read books that are so old, irrelevant and not beneficial.

Don’t get me wrong, I love to read.

However, through my whole high school career I’ve liked only two books, The Great Gatsby and Tuesdays With Morrie.

Sure, my opinion is probably completely

different from any other students’, but I can’t help but whine, and generalize, that not a lot of students like these other books as well. For example, sophomore year, in Communication Arts II, students are required to read Of Mice and Men and Fahrenheit 451. Both books are very easy to read and understand, and clearly help students identify key elements of the stories that can benefit their future readings. However, does it really take a book written over 50 years ago to assist that? My complaint here is that why are students required to read books older than their grandparents?

It seems as if every time I start a new story in an English class, I find myself Googling half of the book because I have no idea what some of the words or sayings mean. I’m sure that in the last 50 years, authors have written some other great books that have just as easily and effectively gotten the point across.

I will admit, after reading each and every book, I can see why it’s viewed as a “classic.” However, I can name multiple books in the past ten years that have been huge hits, and let me be clear, I don’t suggest we read Twilight or Harry Potter, I just suggest we read stories with characters we can better understand, events that have happened in our lives and themes and morals that we can relate to as well without having to stop every other page with questions.

OPINION

COKELY FIELDHOUSE LIBERTY NORTH FIELDHOUSE

VS.

With Liberty North’s new fieldhouse, Cody Clawson and Jake Boese compare the two fieldhouses.

Liberty North Fieldhouse

Cokely Fieldhouse

by Cody Clawson

by Jake Boese

Seating

The seating at North could be mistaken for a college arena. Walking in, you have the option to either go higher or lower depending on the availability of its 2000 seats. Surrounding the middle level is a walking track, allowing people to stand and watch.

The seating in Cokely does not fit as much as Liberty North but more seating is unnecessary. The bleachers are right on the action giving the game a more personal atmosphere compared to that of Liberty North’s fieldhouse.

Scoreboard

Liberty North’s scoreboard is like no other high school within a 100 mile radius. It has a 10-by-six foot jumbo-tron on both sides that can show the game live, instant replay and advertisments. It also displays the number of points and fouls for each player.

Liberty High School’s Cokely Fieldhouse has two classic flat scoreboards hanging from the wall with the new Octosound speaker hanging from the ceiling. The scoreboard’s old school look combined with the Octosound speaker’s new school look gives the Cokely Fieldhouse its own unique appearance.

Court

Liberty North’s court compares to a Division One college. All courts are obviously the same wood, but the paint is much different than what is used at Cokely. The wood inside the three-point line is darker than the main wood but matches the eagle at center court for a classy effect.

THE BELL

Cokely Fieldhouse renovations over the summer changed the midcourt logo along with the baseline and the pads on the wall.

The new court compliments the new Blue Jay logos all around the fieldhouse well.

14

SPORTS

“I am so blessed to have the opportunity to work with these ladies. The Sapphire team is simply jam packed full of incredibly talented young ladies. The team is very driven to work hard, perform their best and support each other at all times. They are committed to the team and take pride in everything they do. The Sapphires work hard in school, at practice, in the community, with other extra-curricular activities, etc. They are already champions in my book,” Coach Maggie Willis said. photo by Sammi Novak

BETTER THAN A DIAMOND

by Mat George

The girls work hard to best prepare themselves for regionals and state.

For the months of January and February, the Sapphire team has been mainly focusing on their two upcoming competitions: regional and state. On January 28, the team is traveling to Lee’s Summit West to take part in regionals and then on February 25 they will go to Lee’s Summit North for state. The team has performed at many other events to prepare for these two events which include football games, basketball games and assemblies.

“My favorite part of being on the team is being able to perform in front of everybody. You get to show off what you’ve been working on at practice,” junior Kelsey Buehler said.

Although the squad has many unique things about

them, one that stands out the most is the fact that the girls get to choreograph some of their own dances.

“We all choreograph dances. Seniors did Homecoming and the juniors are doing the Courtwarming dance,” senior Jordan Siegfried said.

Being in a senior position, there are a lot of responsibilities that rest on one’s back.

“The seniors choreograph a lot of the dances and they’re usually the dances that the team likes the most. The seniors also help out a lot, especially with freshman,” sophomore Haley Klein said.

With three of the four seniors being captains of the squad, there is one that has a very different job title.

“I’m the public relations rep. I do things like the

interviews,” Siegfried said.

Some people try out for things during freshman year.

“I tried out for Sapphires my freshman year. I decided to try out because I enjoyed dance overall and I wanted to do some sport in high school. I also did it just because of the fact that I love performing,” Klein said.

Others wait until their senior year because they don’t want to miss out on anything.

“I didn’t join the squad until senior year. I decided to join it because I knew I would regret it if I didn’t, so I went for it. I worked hard to get a place on there and I’m glad I get to be a part of it,” Siegfried said.

The three senior captains, Megan Asbury, Kayla Hammer and Brooke McPheeters lead their team with the routines during the basketball games. “Our sport is very subjective and based off of what the particular judging panel is looking for at that time, so the only control the Sapphires have is performing their very best and “leaving it on the floor” so to speak,” Willis said. photos by Sammi Novak

THE BELL

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SPORTS

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