SCAN & VISIT
LHSNEWS.NET
The
February 6, 2015 Volume 91, Issue 5
Bell
TOC 02
Table of
Contents
Let it Flow.....................................................................................................................................................06 Musicians on Fleek...................................................................................................................................07 Businesses of the Round Table ......................................................................................................08 This Court is on Fire................................................................................................................................10 School Spirit at its Best ......................................................................................................................12 What if Potatoes Hackey-Sack.........................................................................................................13 Do you Jiu-Jitsu.........................................................................................................................................14 Senior Sky Sindern...................................................................................................................................16 Junior Cecelia Cook.................................................................................................................................17 Sophomore Jackson Ferguson..........................................................................................................18 Freshman Gary Davisson.......................................................................................................................19 Teacher Ronald Ludwig.........................................................................................................................20 Admin. Melanie Prince.............................................................................................................................21 Games Page....................................................................................................................................................22 Chinese New Year.....................................................................................................................................23 Snowed In......................................................................................................................................................24 Reviewing the Red Carpet...................................................................................................................26 Ball is Life....................................................................................................................................................30 Spike it Up.....................................................................................................................................................32 Shine Bright Like A Sapphire............................................................................................................33 Athletes of the Month..........................................................................................................................34
Photo by: Danni Hammontree
TOC 03 Photo by: Morgan McNea
See Page 07 Photo courtesy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
See Page 12
SEE PAGE 14
Photo by: Alli Collins
See Page 07 Photo by: Lacy Williams
See Page 10
TOC 04
On the Cover: Students gather to watch the last Courtwarming game to be played in the Cokely Fieldhouse. Photo by: Desiree Johnson
SADIE HAWKINS DANCE ANNOUNCEMENT
DANCE WILL BE HELD: SATURDAY MARCH 21, 2015 IT WILL BE A FORMAL DANCE
Staff
Adviser --> Lori Oyler Editors in Chief --> Aly Copp & Zach Kilgas Opinion Editor --> Amanda Kovac A&E Editor --> Kennedy Allison Features Editor --> Tara Prindle News Editor --> Alex Wilson Spotlight Editor --> Teresa Parra Sports Editor --> Jeffrey Walters Ads Manager --> Michael McHale Online Manager --> Erica Schmitz Reporters --> Sarah Hartley Katie Crouch Katie DeClue Teryn Deshler Sol Kim Kasey Allshouse Brooklyn Balsdon Kati Benhardt Kamden Bernard Daryl Gichui Addy Gray Emily Johannes Jackson Pe単a Hope Scobee Lacy Williams Annika Fuller Hannah Leonard Teegan Saunders Jenna Spence Hannah Berry
Congratulations to the Culinary ProStart team got sixth place at the state competition for LHS.
Mission
Our mission for the 2014-2015 school year is to unite a diverse group of people and ideas to compose an informative and enter taining magazine using articles, photographs, and commercial messages. As journalists in training we endeavor to give the best representation of the community of Liberty High School. The Bell student newspaper is a public forum for student expression.
Contact
Address --> 200 Blue Jay Drive Liberty, MO Phone --> (816)-736-5353 Email --> loyler@liberty.k12.mo.us Twitter --> @TheLHSBell
Jabber
-@TeddyStanzy
-@LHSCoachKoch
My mom: are you okay Me: yeah My mom: you look like Kanye just said something horrible to you -@alisonjpotter Courtwarming Queen Mia Graham
Bad Idea Number 202: Making your Comm Arts project into a rap not realizing until the day before, your rapping skills aren’t fire -@TheOfficialAmos
What I would give to be laying on the dock looking at the stars right now -@SZipsie
ugh I just really wanna go to petland and hold all the cute little puppies -@hannah_denney7
Still haven’t been challenged for the “Twenty Beautiful Women” challenge. I’m being oppressed -@narnarmedia
Literally so bored I’m dying inside. I’m about to watch Dora just so I have someone to talk to. -@CassidyMurray
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News 06
Let it Flow Story by Brooklyn Balsdon
Photo by Steve Nyepon
Recently AP Biology students held a blood drive for the community. Let it flow! The best way to give back to the community is to give back with blood. The theme for the blood drive this year was based on the Disney movie Frozen. The blood drive had a total 374 donors register to donate blood and 323 units donated to the Community Blood Center. That is about 20% of the students at LHS. In order to donate blood, a person must be at least 16 years of age with a parent’s permission and weigh at least 115 pounds. The blood drive may sound scary to a lot of people because word travels about people passing out. In reality, only around 5% of people pass out throughout the entire day. This year there were 205 new donors, which is a success. On average, the Kansas City area goes through around 700 units of blood per day. “You can save two lives and it’s just a really simple way to help the community,” senior Camille Meeks said. On February 20, AP Biology students hosted the annual blood drive at LHS. “I put them [AP Biology students] in charge of getting their own awareness out there and reaching out to the students and the community,” AP Biology teacher Rick Knowles said. “They run the whole drive. They’re responsible for different stations, how it runs and how smooth it is.” There were a total of 31 people who donated via the Alyx machine. The Alyx machine takes two units of blood and separates it. The plasma will get pumped back into the person donating, and the
red blood cells get donated. Essentially, the Alyx machine will donate twice the amount of red blood cells. Think about it like doubling the impact, 62 units of blood instead of 31. “The most we’ve donated [from LHS] isn’t even enough to last one day,” junior Barcilio Blake said. LHS donated only around half the amount we need to keep Kansas City alive for a day. Every day cities go through many units of blood, but not enough people donate regularly. “People are just afraid,” Knowles said. “Reality is most people have a fine time donating, especially if they have a good breakfast and are hydrated.” The Community Blood Center came to LHS at 5:30 a.m. with two large semitrucks to unload. AP Biology students unloaded the equipment necessary for people to donate blood. “Every time someone lays down to donate, you have the potential to affect two lives,” Knowles said. “We can give the red blood cells to one patient and the plasma goes to a second patient.” Throughout the day the AP students pulled students who signed up to donate out of class at times they made before the event. Adults from the community or teachers had a free fast pass to the front of the line for their convenience. “[I think the day will be] crazy for me because we’re running it as AP students,” Blake said. “Hopefully [it will be] pretty
sane for everybody else.” The goal for AP Biology students is to get more units of blood donated this year than last year. “I think in years that I’ve been doing it, this is my 17th year, I see a lot of apathy,” Knowles said. “It’s not just a high school drive, it’s everybody. Anyone from the Kansas City area can come and donate.” Some students knew what to expect because this wasn’t their first time donating. “This will be my fourth time giving blood,” Meeks said. “It’s always really simple. It takes 15 minutes and you get snacks and you get out of class.” It takes three days after the blood is donated to process and filter it. “There are people everyday that are having different procedures that need a lot of blood,” senior Sydney Mills said. It is important to donate blood when you can because you don’t know when a tragedy might occur. “We can’t make blood,” Knowles said. “It’s only made in ourselves. We have to endure a few minutes of discomfort to help other people.” Giving blood may sound scary at first, but when it gets shipped out to hospitals around the nation to people having surgeries, they will be grateful for your time and blood. All you have to do is let it flow.
Nurses from The Community Blood Center take blood from junior Garrett Ewing and other willing students to give to people in need of blood.
News 07
Musicians On Fleek Story by: Lacy Williams
Photo by: Danni Hammontree
Music programs are participating in the District Solo Ensemble. You always hear about sports competitions, but now it’s the music program competition’s time to shine. Band, orchestra and choir all have their District Solo Ensemble Contest on March 27 and 28. It will be held at LHS both days. “In total, there will be about 1,450 entries for the event over the two days, which means at least 1,450 students in the metro will participate,” Band Director Eddy Owen said. “I anticipate having over 125 students from Liberty High School participating.” Solo Ensemble Contest is a contest for students to perform in front of one judge and get rated on their performance on a one to five scale, a one being excellent. The directors, Rika Heruth, Edward Owen and Mary Lou Jones, have to help plan the events, help their students prepare their pieces and allow additional class time for the ensembles to practice. Preparation for each event is usually the students responsibility but the directors’ help with ensemble coaching. “I am preparing and performing 40 different songs along with the students,” Choir Director Rika Heruth said. The accumulative, ideal goal is to get a one at districts and move on to state. “[My goal is to get a] one. We got a one at districts and a two at state last year,” sophomore Christopher Gaddy said. Due to the fact only 36 bluejay soloists are able to attend Solo Ensemble, being able to go as a freshman is a significant
achievement. “Just the fact that I get to go [is exciting],” freshman Jackson Witt said. “[My goal is] to get a one and advance to state, but I’d be happy with a two.” For most returning members, they are looking forward to seeing improvements. “Last year the judge was really bad and gave us a four. I felt like we deserved a three but I guess it wasn’t as good of a year,” junior Valerie Nierman said. “I’m feeling a two this year.” Music techniques are improved overtime with practice. “Our balance is better this year. That was our major issue last year,” Gaddy said. There are many different groups for ensembles. For orchestra there is an arrangement of ensembles from duets to sextets. For choir, there are trios to octets. For band, there are trios to octets as well. Many students are involved in more than one event. In fact, some are involved in multiple different areas. “[I’m in] seven to eight [events],” freshman Ben Tervort said. “I’m in a men’s chorale ensemble, an octet for 9-10 honor choir for choir; a bass solo, a bass duet, and an quartet ensemble for orchestra; percussion ensemble and a marimba solo for band.” Hans Heruth is also involved in various events. “I’m doing a mixed vocal ensemble, a men’s vocal ensemble, a vocal solo, a string
quartet, a violin sol and a piano solo and I’ll be accompanying a few other events,” senior Hans Heruth said. Solo Ensemble is a very event and is an experience unlike one you would get in a full ensemble. “It’s much different to be able to do your own solo and add pizzazz where as in a large group you have to blend and match everyone else,” sophomore Berit Nuetzmann said. “It’s not as much to your own interpretation.” When taking a solo, it can be very intimidating to be on your own in front of a judge. There are a few tips to remember to help make the performances better. “Sometimes the stress gets to me and I have to remind myself that I’m doing what I love,” Hans Heruth said. “[Once I do that,] all of the stress goes away and the music definitely becomes more enjoyable again.” Jones agreed. “Know your music, [have] confidence, successful practice builds confidence, breathe slowly and deeply and focus on the music,” she said. One of the best pieces of advice is to just enjoy it. “Last year I tried too hard and this year I’m just going to have fun with it,” senior Nina Hawkins said.
Musicians must memorize their music for Solo Ensemble.
News 08
Businesses of the Round Table Story by Teryn Deshler
Photo by Chris Marnell
Businesses from across the Kansas City area met at LHS. LHS held the Professions Connection roundtable on February 17 in the LMC, this time featuring a panel of highly successful business owners ready to share their advice to future entrepreneurs. Students from Sports Marketing and Entrepreneurship classes attended
Morning Day Cafe
Morning Day Café is only in its seventh month of business, but owner Miranda Barchers is optimistic about the local café. Morning Day, located on Franklin St. on the Square, is an equal opportunity business that houses local and organic food labels. “Everything we do is right in front of your eyes,” Barchers says, “that’s something that I want to keep when we begin to expand. As an entrepreneur, you are constantly finding ways to innovate, grow, and change in the eye of the consumer.” The café features one artist every month, filling the walls with artwork that is available for purchase. “All 100% of our tips go to charity. If we’re going to be the change, then we have to vote with our dollars,” Barcher said, “That’s definitely something I fight for.”
The Roasterie
A company that is familiar to LHS students is the Roasterie, a company that travels the world in search of the world’s best coffee. The Roasterie website states, “Coffee isn’t just a beverage — it defines who we are and how we live. And for us, that means living life to the fullest and savoring every second.” Creator Danny O’Neill is very passionate about his business.
the roundtable, including a lineup of businesses, Niles Media Group, Morning Day Café, Hostel KC, Social Change Nation, My Main Street Shop, Starrek and the Roastarie. “We’re very fortunate to live where we do. Kansas City is a great place to live for
Hostel KC
entrepreneurship,” Guidance Counselor Kathy Alagna said, “It’s cool to see how it has evolved into what it is today.” After introductions, students gathered around a speaker, ready to listen to professional’s advice on the world of an entrepreneur.
Social Change Nation
Hostel KC is said to be the first of its kind in the area, and is something creator Brittain Kovac hopes will continue to grow and expand. “At a normal hotel, you check in, go to your room and you’re cut off from everything and everyone. You go to the lobby, but you most likely don’t interact with anyone,” Kovac said “A hostel is a social hotel; you check in, meet your roommate from a different corner of the world and you explore with them. In the end, you’ve made friends with people you originally would have never met.” On top of housing people from all over the world, Hostel KC also serves another purpose; for every 300 beds booked, they build a home for a family in need in the Caribbean. Opening in October of 2014, their loft in downtown Kansas City has already had 67 beds booked, and is on a steady path to their goal.
Josh Schulkman of Social Change Nation makes it his goal to help out cause-based entrepreneurs. After introducing himself, Schulkman asked students if they have ever heard of social entrepreneurship. After silence, he began his explanation. “Yes we’re entrepreneurs, we’ve got business smarts, but that’s not what fundamentally drives us,” Schulkman states, “we got into this business because we have a social cause that we care deeply about – one that burns so fully inside us that it was impossible for us to ignore.” Besides his website, socialchangenation. com, Schulkman also hosts an online radio show and makes interview podcasts with caused-based companies. He hopes these interviews serve as a helpful aid for other cause-based entrepreneurs, so they can get a glimpse at how other companies practice and succeed. “Everything I do is online, I don’t have a physical product,” Schulkman said.
“Some people say, ‘Oh, I just drink coffee because it is caffeine,’” O’Neill said, “But I don’t have those kind of people in my life. I’m surrounded by people that love coffee as much as I do.” When senior Zack McCubbin asked his advice is for a successful business, O’Neill shares what is, in his opinion, the most important attribute. “Curiosity is probably the single most
important thing in business,” O’Neill said, “Many mindless clerks repeat all this information: coffee is bad for you, tea has antioxidants and coffee has none. But scientists are starting to figure out that it is the opposite. Don’t be a mindless clerk, be curious,” he said. The Roasterie coffee is sold at The Nest, and will be featured in the new Nest, currently being built in the Library.
News 09 My Main Street Shop Chris Ihle went through a pivotal
moment, one that changed his life and lead to the creation of his business, My Main Street Shop. My Main Street Shop is a way to take a business to the people, a portable shop that can pop up anywhere. While on his way home from his job at Wells Fargo in his hometown of Des Moines, Iowa, Ihle noticed an elderly couple in their car trapped on train tracks. As the train approached, Ihle pushed the car off the tracks, missing the train by inches. After that event, President Obama issued him a Medal of Honor, and Ihle received a check from a company for a reward. After taking a trip to India, and being featured in Men’s Health Magazine, Ihle decided to use the money to create his own business. “I spent a lot of time teaching myself. There’s this thing called the Internet, and apparently you can figure stuff out on it,” Ihle said. Ihle, who previously worked a nine to five job at Wells Fargo, admitted his mind used to be on the money. He shared advice jokingly with the students. “Enjoy being poor, enjoy being young and dumb,” Ihle said “Find something that you love to do. Take a chance and let your creative side out.”
Niles Media Group
Niles Media Group is familiar to students on the LHS Broadcasting crew. The company is based right here in the Metro. Niles Media Group has gone coast to coast doing television productions and focuses on sports production and media. “We put our own money together to start this business,” co-creator John Sprugel said “we like to say we’re only as good as our last day, as our last production. We don’t call ourselves successful because that could all change. It’s sort of like a House of Cards, everything can topple down in a second.” Niles is partnered with UMKC, NFL Network, Kansas State University, Fox Sports, ESPNU, and many more. Sprugel shared his advice on entrepreneurship with students, and his thoughts on the business world. “Everything you see out in the world was an idea at one point. Just have confidence in yourself. Each one of you is unique and has a great set of skills. Go out and conquer, just be fearless and do it,” he said.
Starrtek
Starrtek is a web application development program created by Mary Moeller. “Our goal, first and foremost, is to provide you the answers you need to have a successful website and web supported business,” Moeller’s website states. Moeller, who has written multiple books and traveled the US speaking, admits business has always been on her mind. “I started my first business when I was 16 years old,” Moeller said, “I’m the most entrepreneur-y person I know.” Including Starrtek, Moeller has created Starrtek Express, a company that provides quality, cheap website designs for businesses. Moeller’s advice to students is to find something that you enjoy doing. “Figure out what you loved doing as a kid because it’s probably what you’re going to still love doing when you grow up.”
Left: Chris Ihle and Mary Moeller discuss the conference and each other’s businesses Right: Brittain Kovac waits for students to discuss entrepunership at her table.
News 10
This Court is on Fire Photos by Alli Collins and Desiree Johnson
Courtwarming game and assembly. Left top: Freshman Jeremiah Garret focusus on the basketball game. Middle Left: The Early Bird Learning Center’s Sophie Wickham and Kellen Pigg were dubbed little courtwarming queen and king. Bottom left: Scott Gillespie amongst other teachers get in the spirit of Courtwarming. Top right: Senior AJ Cambric tips the ball of for the Bluejays Bottom right: Liberty special Olympics prepares to play.
News 11 Right: Emily and Noah Simpson play the couples game during the Courtwarming assembly. Right: Mia Graham and Chase Chapman were the winners of Courtwarming queen and king. Bottom: The Cokely Crazies glow neon one last time in the gym for the Courtwarming game.
Features 12
School Spirit at its Best Story by Tara Prindle
Photos by Morgan McNea
Leadership Class introduces Bluejay Fridays. Bluejay Fridays are becoming the new school spirit tradition at LHS. With the opportunity to win cool prizes and show pride in our school, Bluejay Fridays have helped students step up to their “A” game in showing their Bluejay pride. “Bluejay Friday is basically something we came up with in Leadership Class,” senior Taylor McGrath said. “It’s basically just to unite the school in a way that we can support our Jays and we feel like it would bring school spirit. So we ask that every Friday you wear something Liberty, it doesn’t have to be blue, [but] just something that supports a team, a club or just a Bluejay shirt.” Leadership class has seen great results from Bluejay Fridays. Teachers participate every week and fifty percent of the freshmen and sophomore class do as well, although the junior and senior classes tend to not participate, some students forget once in a while. “I think the idea of it is cool, but I don’t really participate,” freshman Jake Wehmeyer said. “I might do it, if my
friends do. I’d probably dress up if there were more reminders.” Other students enjoy the prizes, but wish for a better chance to win them. “I don’t really remember [to do] it until I get to school,” sophomore Mallory Vickers said. “An off campus lunch [prize] would be nice, but I don’t feel like there’s a big chance to win it.” The prizes that can be won are vending machine bucks, points on the R.I.S.E. app, a different grade gets a bag of candy each month, off campus lunch, and gift cards for The Nest coffee shop. “Every advisory class we’re going to go into, you’ll get a ticket and you’re going to write your first and last name and grade on it,” McGrath said. “Then there’s going to be a table at lunch and it’s going to have a little bucket and you’re going to put it in there. You’ll have a chance to win off campus lunch bought by an administrator for you and your friend, you have chances to win points on the R.I.S.E. app, vending machine bucks and a lot of other things that we haven’t put out there yet because
Above: Junior Taja Dotson struts her stuff in her Bluejay Friday gear. Right: Sophomore Clayton Adams proudly shows off his Bluejay pride during Liberty Hour.
they’re surprises.” Hopefully this new weekly event can become a tradition that each generation at LHS will experience. “Bluejay Fridays are where you just wear blue on Friday to support Liberty, any athletics, clubs, anything,” teacher Marla Badalucco said. “The original idea came from a college so we haven’t done anything like this in the past. To enhance and have a sense of school spirit, the idea was to wear blue or be the odd man out.” Juniors in Leadership Class are already planning to tackle Bluejay Fridays even more than this year. “I think [next year] we should approach this more [hands on] because we’re giving out raffle tickets now, but I think there should be a program that rewards you a little bit more,” junior Max Dobbler said. “Maybe have an app that tracks what day you wear Bluejay gear and have a big prize at the end of the year for whoever participates the most.”
What if Potatoes Hacky Sack
Features 13
Story by Hannah Leonard Photo by Maddie Wurtz
Clubs at LHS help students feel comfortable and enjoy high school. An abundance of new clubs have been added this year. From serious issues to a quirky shared love of spuds, LHS clubs range from starting ideas that may change the world to discovering things about oneself that were unknown. Clubs at LHS are far from boring. Hacky Sack Club and Potato Club have all brought a fun learning experience to its members. For the more serious issues the students address in our everyday life there is the What If Club. What If Club The What If Club is the newest addition to LHS. The club joins together Monday during Liberty Hour A in room 404 to think of what our school would be like under different circumstances. The goal of the club is to make our school a better place by applying good values and kindness to our
actions. Not only does it aim to do good for others but has also benefitted the members in giving them values to hold onto for a lifetime. “This club has taught me organizational skills because as a member you really get the opportunity to be hands on with the projects,” senior Shaley Baker said. “The club supports students taking a bigger leadership role. My favorite thing about the club is the people in it.” Potato Club For the hungry high school student Potato Club meets every Thursday during A and B lunch in 701. The members have dedicated a time to enjoy the greatness that potatoes bring. “It is just kind of a chill club. Anyone is welcome to show up as long as you eat food and enjoy potatoes its pretty open
door,” senior Maxim van Klinken said. “It has taught me to appreciate the little things in life. I met quite a few people through potato club,” Hacky Sack Club One of the funnest clubs that LHS has to offer is Hacky Sack Club.The club gives students time to spend with friends and just enjoy playing hacky sack. Thursday Liberty Hour B the club meets outside or in the auxiliary gym. People would be surprised how much joy kicking a miniature bean bag can bring. “I’ve noticed that when school is getting really dull it is a great way to go outside and have some fun. It’s taught me to enjoy life and all the pleasures it gives with my friends” sophomore Kyle Malisos said. “Once I got like forty in a row!”
Above: The members of Potato Club enjoy spending their Liberty Hour sitting, talking and eating a bunch of snacks made out of potatoes.
Features 14
Do You Do Jiu-Jitsu Story by Jenna Spence
Photo curtesy by http://libertyjiujitsu.weebly.com/
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club has guest speakers help with technique. When you think martial arts, you might think of Karate Kid or Kung Fu Panda, Jackie Chan and Chuck Norris, but would you think of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club is for students at both LHS and LNHS. Students will bow in at the door to their practice then go inside. Students then change into their uniforms that are called Gees. After bowing to their coaches, students practice for two hours on their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo skills to become tournament-ready and prepared for hostile situations. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses on grappling submissions on the ground and Judo focuses on fighting on your feet and doing takedowns. “We all gather around and watch a technique, get with a partner and then practice with them,” senior Justice Thompson said. “After a certain amount of time, we go watch another technique and then practice, practice, practice. Practicing is a big thing for us.” Students in the club are passionate about what they do and are friendly towards one another. “We’re all nice to each other; we don’t talk mean to each other,” senior Trevor Preston said. The members of the club’s main goal is to be precise; not to see how much they can injure their partner. “You’re not hurting your partner.
Liberty North junior Clarissa Wegner and senior Justice Thompson compete in a Brizillian Jiu-Jitsu competition.
Everyone thinks that we go in and ‘kill’ our partner but we don’t,” Thompson said. “There are certain rules that we have that prevent us from hurting our partner.” The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club is the only club in the nation that is based in a school. Because of this, impressive professionals have come in to do clinics with the students in the club. “We have had people like Nick Delpopolo, who is ranked number one on the U.S. Olympic Judo Team, Ethan Day, who is a black belt under Renato Tavares, and Dustin Dennis who is a fourth degree black belt and Brazilian World Champion,” advisor Joe Wheeler said. These professionals don’t just teach students cool moves to use, but they also give motivational speeches. “Dustin always talks to us about how we should never give up,” Thompson said. “He always says that you’re always failing forward. I live by that a lot.” Wheeler agrees. “Dustin Dennis is a great motivational speaker,” Wheeler said. “It’s really great to have someone like him come to our school to learn from.” Having successful professionals coming to their school is very surreal for some students. “It’s really cool to have all of these world renowned people come in,” Preston said. “It’s a real honor.”
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club has been very beneficial for many students. They are learning self-defense, life lessons and how to keep in shape. “Being able to go out there and exercise in a different way and not have to go to a gym is pretty cool,” Preston said. Students become more confident with their body and strength. “If I ever got into a predicament where I have to defend myself, I know that I could,” Thompson said. “It gives me so much confidence and makes me feel so good about my body. I feel strong doing it.” It is not too late to join the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club. Anyone is allowed to join the club and they are still accepting new members. If you would like any information about joining, the club meets on Mondays in Liberty Hour B in Advisor Mr. Wheeler’s room in room 31. It would be very beneficial to join- they’re having Judo Olympians coming in and doing a clinic in April. “Everyone should try it. It is definitely an amazing thing to learn,” Thompson said. Putting forth effort and having a strong work ethic in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will benefit in the end. “It takes a lot of hard work; you have got to be dedicated,” Wheeler said. “You have to set long-term goals, stick with it and train to some day be a black belt.”
Features 16
How has your experience at Liberty High School been? “I like Liberty High School. School is more fun and easier for me. The whole school system is different and I enjoy experiencing that. I really like the relationship between teacher and student. I also really enjoyed to be a part of the tennis and swim team. I liked spending time with my teammates regularly and getting to know them better. [In Germany] we do not have sports in school so it was a new experience for me and it’s a good feeling to represent your school.”
What do you like the most about America? “People you don’t know are generally nicer, and more willing to have small talk. For example when you go to the store, it is easier to have a conversation with someone you don’t know. In Germany it is uncommon for the employee to ask how your day is going.”
What have you learned while living in America/going to an American high school?
“I [appreciate] my life in Germany more. Before I knew that I had a good life, but I always wanted to experience something else; now I realize that I have so much in Berlin. [I miss] my family and friends back home.”
Tammi Kennedy's thoughts on sky: “Sky is an amazing young person. She is very kind and outgoing and makes friends easily. I so enjoy seeing her work as she is quite talented in Sculpture class. She is at such ease with her fellow students and her English is outstanding. She often shares what her life is like back in Germany and is willing to answer questions about her exchange program and what it’s like to be in a new culture and with a host family.”
Senior
Sky Sindern Story by Sol Kim
Photo by Natalie Grusch
Features 17
What are three things people should know about you? “I am a Harry Potter nerd, I love the German language and culture, and I want to teach music/ write music for movies.”
What got you interested in orchestra? “My parents are string teachers, so they got me interested in it when I was about five. I started with the violin at around that time, adding viola in sixth grade. Viola is my primary instrument now. My favorite thing about the viola is the sound. I think it’s more beautiful. My favorite song to play is a piece written by John Hummel, it is a solo viola piece.”
What is your biggest achievement? “I’ve made it into All-State orchestra for three years in a row. This is my second year sitting as principal violist in the KC Youth Symphony. But I think it all comes down to how much fun it is making music, not whether you’re the best or not.”
Marry Lou Jones' Thoughts on Cecelia: “Cecilia is one of our most outstanding students. I have known her for quite a long time and she is an incredible player on both the violin and the viola. [She is] a leader in class and [I] think highly of her and appreciate her.”
Junior
Cecelia cook Story by Sol Kim
Photo by Natalie Grusch
Features 18
What are your feelings towards kilts? “Well, back in the day every year at a Renaissance Festival-and I’m not even ashamed of this because this was an awesome time-I was just so proud of my Scottish heritage that I had to buy a kilt every year. I still have one of them that vaguely fits me at my house. In fourth grade I tried my hardest to wear a kilt in my school picture and my parents took away the kilt and hid it in another room, so I could not wear it to school.”
What's your favorite soccer memory? “I got to score my freshman year on varsity. I got really lucky and it was a wet soccer game because it rained all day. I kicked the ball and the goalie dropped it and it went into the goal. I was a tiny little freshman on this field and I was still super scared of everyone because they were all seniors and juniors. A senior who graduated last year named Ehi, he gave me a fist bump. It was just a happy day.”
What are three things we should know about you? “I play soccer, I play Dungeons and Dragons, and I’m a very happy nerd.”
Madame Lumetta's Thoughts on Jackson: “Jackson Ferguson is highly intelligent, but he also has a great sense of humor, so that makes him a fun student.”
Sophomore
Jackson Ferguson Story by: Annika Fuller
Photo by: Adam Pouliot
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“What might people not know about you?” “I like to invest my money into the stock market, I set up an account with my dad. I also started doing Cross Country and I like to run. I started [my lawn mowing business] when I was 12 years old or so, and I’ve been growing it now, and it’s starting to get pretty big. I‘ve been doing it my neighborhood and [I’m hoping] to be able to buy my first car all by myself which is pretty impressive.”
”Do you have any pet-peeves?” “When people leave a little bit of something in the container like milk or something and then they leave it for someone else to finish it just makes me so angry. I guess I’m just really picky when it comes to that.”
What have you learned from your business?”
“My dad always said ‘every No is just one step closer to a Yes,’ and that’s just something that really pushed me to succeed in whatever I’ve wanted to do. A lot of kids will maybe give up after their first ‘No,’ but I just think that I’m that much closer to that one ‘Yes,’ and once I have that ‘Yes’ I just keep on going.”
”Adrienne Fowler’s thoughts on Gary I think Gary is a remarkable young man-he is insanely hard working for a kid his age. I [first] met him when he was in 7th grade just a few weeks after we moved into our new house, which is in Gary’s neighborhood. He knocked on our door and told us about his lawn care service. He has done landscaping for us and mows our lawn for us some. He’s a workaholic and he’s just extremely nice and professional. I think he’s going to be a very successful businessman.
FRESHMAN
Gary Davisson
Story by Daryl Gichui Photo by Bri Goszewski
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What made you want to be a teacher?” “After graduating high school I worked in the carpenters union for several years. After reflecting on a new career path, I chose education because it offered a greater social and academic component.”
What is something you wish you knew in high school?” “I think it’s important for students to get the absolute best education they possibly can during high school and then continue their schooling in college or trade school. So my advice would be to get your education now and to get out there in the world to make your way in life.”
What TV Shows do you watch? “I watch the evening news to stay up with current events. I [also] enjoy Ultimate Alaska Survivor, Impractical Jokers, and Saturday Night Live.”
Junior Troy Spring’s thoughts on Mr. Ludwig:
“He’s a good teacher, and tries to be involved with his student’s lives. He also really knows what he’s talking about, and encourages students in their learning.”
TEACHER
Ronald Ludwig Story by Daryl Gichui
Photo by Natalie Grusch
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What are three important things about you? “I’m a huge soccer fan. I think that’s pretty well known. Sporting Kansas City is my team and I rarely miss a game. I love to travel. So anytime I can get away, even on a car trip or driving by the airport and seeing the planes take off, makes me want to get on a plane. And I guess the big thing is I’m getting married this summer... in Weston.”
What were you like in high school? “I would consider myself in the middle of the road. I was involved in a lot of different things. I was a class officer, an athlete, I was in music, and also in Spanish club. I remember five years out of high school planning a class reunion and looking at our class list with a friend of mine who was not as diversely involved and she would say, ‘who’s that?’ And I would say, ‘oh it’s so and so.”
If you could have any superpower what would it be and why? “Mind reading. It would make this job so much easier. It is a step more than that actually, [I’d like to] manipulate minds. So I could read what’s going on, know what’s going on and then change it or fix it. I wouldn’t do it for evil, I’d do it for good.”
Sarah Parrott's Thoughts on Ms. Prince: “She’s really personable, easy to talk to and if you have an issue you can always go to her and you know she won’t talk about it with anyone.”
Counselor
Melanie Prince Story by Annika Fuller
Photo by Chris Marnell
GAMES 22
The Unlucky Leprechaun
Help Larry the Leprechaun find his missing pot of gold!
A&E 23
Chinese New Year
LHS Chinese Culture Club ushered in the Chinese Year of the Ram. Below Right: Jackson Clemens fans himself. Below left: Junior Isaiah Brisbin and freshman Miles Alan prepare food for the celebration.
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Netflixing it
Who’s w Short Term 12
Story by Sarah Hartley
One of The Bell’s reporters gives us her top five Netflix suggestions.
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I have been on an Indie kick lately and was really excited when I could finally stream Short Term 12. This film is easily in my top five movies of all time - not just top five on Netflix - and is a definite mustsee for those who enjoy films that force you to confront dispiriting life scenarios as well as controversy. I have found that as I grow older and continue to learn that there’s truly more to life than Liberty, Missouri, I appreciate these sorts of films more; they expose you to the lives and tragedies of the real world that you would never see in a town where everyone knows everyone.
Short Term 12 focuses on a group of staff members in their mid-20s who work at a treatment facility for troubled and underprivileged youths. Ten minutes into the movie, viewers get a glimpse of just how distressed some of these children are when one boy, Sammy, tries to escape the facility in a fit of panic and rage. Right away, viewers are assured this film is no holds barred. Brie Larson, recognizable from 21 Jump Street as well as Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, stands out in the challenging role of Grace, the head staff member at Short Term 12. When a young girl arrives
at the facility with a past reminiscent of Grace’s, Grace comes unraveled and is forced to deal with the trauma she has kept buried for years. I’ve watched this film twice now, and each time it has left me emotional and guilty for always complaining about the small problems in my life. It is impossible not to grow attached to the characters and their histories. Short Term 12 has a much-deserved Rotten Tomatoes rating of 99% and should be on everyone’s Netflix queue.
Django Unchained Django Unchained is one of those movies you absentmindedly scroll past in Netflix but revisit when you realize it’s the movie everyone used to talk about. I saw it in theaters when it was released in 2012 and left feeling like there wasn’t anything Quentin Tarantino couldn’t do. It boasts an incredible cast that includes Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Samuel L. Jackson and Kerry Washington. Waltz plays Dr. King Schultz, a bounty hunter who frees a slave named Django, played by Foxx. Dr.
King Schultz enlists Django into being his deputy bounty hunter and the two eventually embark on a journey to freeing Django’s wife from Calvin Candie, played by DiCaprio. What I love most about Django Unchained is how it is able to keep viewers engaged from start to finish. It is almost three hours long and so you would expect that it would be easy to doze off at some point – however, I never once stopped rooting for Dr. King Schultz and Django. The tests of their strong
Editors in Chief
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friendship are most likely what prevented me from occasionally getting distracted. This film could be considered a classic simply because of its writer and director Quentin Tarantino. If you end up enjoying Django Unchained, you can also watch some of Tarantino’s other popular works on Netflix - Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs. Django Unchained is the sort of film that makes you cheer for revenge and rally behind the idea of the underdog.
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A&E 25
Arrested Development
watching? Arrested Development is a quirky television show that thrives on inside jokes and references to past episodes, much like How I Met Your Mother. The storyline centers around a man named Michael Bluth and his eccentric family after his father, George Bluth, is imprisoned for money fraud in relation to the family business. Michael and his son George Michael are the seemingly two
I don’t see the show Heroes get talked about very frequently, which is a surprise to me simply because it has a unique storyline that’s missing from many other shows airing today. It is essentially about a random group of people who discover they have special abilities – hence Heroes – and quickly find that they are all connected in a major way. The plot sounds like a cheap knockoff of superhero comic books, but it’s really
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n Editors
Although The Office is quite an obvious choice, I believe it deserves an honorable mention because, in my opinion, it is a television classic. There are few people who have never seen the show and even fewer who have never heard of it. If you’re not already familiar with it, The Office is a television show shot in the style of a documentary that focuses on paper supply company Dunder Mifflin, specifically its Scranton, Pennsylvania branch. Steve Carrell plays dimwitted but
sanest Bluths, but time and time again find themselves unable to escape the antics of their family due to one reason or another. I have found there are some people who love Arrested Development and others who absolutely hate it; I’ve yet to meet an in-between. This is probably because the humor and shooting style are very unique to the show and aren’t typical of most comedies. An example of one of the
Heroes
more complex than that. There were times when I would finish an episode and sit back with a headache because I had no idea what just happened. This occurred many times during the first season; there were so many twists and subplots that I was usually more perplexed than entertained. Luckily, the confusion in the beginning of Heroes is eventually cleared up and it turns into the perfect show to binge
The Office
bizarre storylines is George Michael’s infatuation with his cousin, Maeby. Michael Cera is absolutely perfect for the role of George Michael and helps make the character a common fan favorite. If you think your own family is dysfunctional, queue up Arrested Development and think again.
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watch on a Saturday. Standout roles are Milo Ventimiglia as conflicted hospice nurse Peter Petrelli, Hayden Panettiere as invincible cheerleader Claire Bennet, and biggest of all, Zachary Quinto as bad guy Sylar. Heroes is a great show for people who enjoy complex storylines that aren’t centered around high school drama.
Reporters
loveable manager Michael Scott, a man who can have you crying with laughter one second and with sadness the next (perfect example – the episode with Pam’s art show). I have watched the entire series start to finish probably ten times on Netflix. Whenever I try to explain to someone what type of humor I have, I usually just end up showing him or her a few episodes of The Office. There is also a British version of the
show available on Netflix. I have not watched it, but I know some people who prefer it to the American version. As for me, I don’t think I could like any version of The Office that doesn’t star Michael Scott. The Office is overall a very solid show that can make just about anyone crack a smile.
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Reviewing the Red Carpet Story by Kasey Allshouse
A Bell Reporter gives us some feedback about the 2015 Grammy’s.
What They Sang ACDC started off the night by performing ‘Rock or Bust’ and followed it up with ‘Highway to Hell’. Throughout each song this popular band danced around the stage rocking out and getting the whole crowd involved. The bright lights and the crazy crowd only added to the hype of the beginning of a night full of music. The crowds were belting out the songs along with the members on stage with the biggest smiles on their faces, clearly excited for what this year’s Grammys may bring. When ACDC began the chords of the song ‘Highway to Hell’ the crowd put on light up red devil horns and continued to rock out a little more in character and capturing the feeling of the song. I myself was belting out the words at home when my mom came down the stairs saying, “I have to see ACDC on
the Grammys.” It was a clever intro and included all ages of viewers and got them all in the mood to jam out to the hits of the year. Hozier and Annie Lennox did a stunning performance of ‘Take Me to Church’ at this year’s Grammys leaving everyone hungry for more Hozier. It was expected to be a great performance of the amazing song but Annie Lennox was a surprise to us all with her strong voice and presence on the stage. Next they sang ‘I Put a Spell on You’. The performance wasn’t anything more than two great voices singing their hearts out and having a good time. It was clear that they weren’t the only ones enjoying themselves especially when Annie Lennox engaged the audience as they all sang along. The noise from the crowd and the smiles in the room
What They Wore The first thing girls may have noticed when tuning into the Grammys were the clothes. We all look forward to seeing our idols looking darling and dapper but who disappointed and who brought their A game? The gorgeous and talented Rihanna definitely made a statement on her way to the Grammys wearing a bright pink cupcake. Excuse me, a bright pink dress. Rihanna`s look was not flattering to any figure leaving many disappointed upon her arrival. Even though Rihanna could have done better with her arrival appearance, her outfit with Kayne West and Paul McCartney, for the performance of
‘fourfiveseconds’, was much more flattering. Yet, whenever Rihanna is smiling she looks beautiful, cupcake or not. Is that Charlie XCX or the white rabbit gone mad? Charlie XCX went with a bold look of an all-white suit for this big night except for her light pink bow tie which didn’t exactly tie the look together. She also had fur draped over her arms as if to pull an elegant stunt. With this outfit already looking not so cuddly and much more like a wounded animal, Charlie XCX put her outfit into more disarray by deciding to throw on some bright pink sequenced heels. Someone please call animal control.
made it obvious that the night was truly about the love of music. Sia and Kristen Wiig and Maddie Ziegler had a stunning theatrical performance of ‘Chandelier’. It was extremely emotional from the rawness in Sia`s voice to the glorious facial expression from Maddie Ziegler. There was a whole scene set up on stage while these two gave a heart wrenching performance and Sia sang her heart out about the brokenness of a life.
Queen Bey was another star to wear black and of course she looked beautiful. Beyoncé had a long dress with a low V-neck as well as sheer see through fabric on the long sleeves and skirt of the dress with black designs over it. Her hair was down loose and wavy letting her whole look flow as she walked into the Grammys. Beyoncé had two looks however. Her performance of ‘Take My Hand Precious Lord’ was beautiful and her simple long white dress, I personally feel, added to her performance. She looked gorgeous and her outfit didn’t distract or take away from the song. All hail the Queen.
Here's who Watched Sophomore music lover and singer, Sydney Mcbee, is involved in choir, private singing lessons, stagecraft, and is backstage in school theatre productions, so it was no surprise to hear that she watched the 2015 Grammys. “I watch the Grammys to see who won and see if my predictions were right.” Although McBee loves music as well as this award show she expressed some disappointments with this year’s presentation. “There were a lot of categories that I didn’t see happen on the Grammys that I would have liked to have seen happen.” McBee says. “They didn’t show the best Alt album, they didn’t show them presenting it, which made me kind of upset.” “I don’t think that the Song, ‘Ain’t It Fun’ by Paramore, should have been even nominated for the best rock song of the year because I don’t include it as rock,” McBee said, as she continued to criticize
the set-up of the Grammys. “It is a great song so it should have been nominated for best pop song.” After McBee expressed her few concerns she lit up with excitement as she talked about the night. “I am really glad that St. Vincent won because that is one of the best albums that was on the nominee list. Alt J`s album was definitely a runner up to St. Vincent.” McBee states happily and continues to express it as she compliments other artists. “I am also very happy for Sam Smith and Beck.” To cope with her busy schedule of constant schoolwork and rehearsals she insists that listening to music is her cure to stay sane. “I listen to alternative and alternative rock music and when I need to study I listen to Alt J because it calms me down,” McBee says. When asked the question of how often she listens to music and why, McBee calmly retorted “How often do you breath and why?” Watching the Grammys for McBee is
A&E 27 mainly a matter of the artists. “I watch the Grammys to see if the artists I enjoy will win. So if there are no good artists nominated, I won’t watch.” The Grammys conflicted with The Walking Dead, an extremely popular show amongst students, which may have affected numbers of viewers on the music world`s stars’ big night. McBee addresses the issue by saying “If they chose The Walking Dead over the Grammys, they probably have never cared about the Grammys before so I don’t think they lost any viewers.” McBee answers confidently and the statistics are somewhat backing her up. The 2015 Grammys had 25.3 million viewers, which is a six-year low for them, but it is still higher than the viewers of The Walking Dead. This glamour filled night may have been a little less popular amongst viewers but it still was a success to McBee.
Here's Who Didn't Watch If you weren’t tuned into the most popular music show of the year you may have been wide eyed watching the mid-season premiere of the hit show, The Walking Dead. This action packed show full of guts and guns has captured a wide variety of viewers giving a lot of students a difficult decision on Sunday, February eighth. For the sophomore basketball and baseball player, Clayton Adams, he didn’t have any trouble choosing how he was going to spend his night. “I have been much more invested in that
series [The Walking Dead]. I have been watching it since it came out so that’s what I decided to go for.” Adams said. The Walking Dead season four ending episode had 15.7 million viewers. The mid-season premiere of season five had 15.6 million viewers, 10.1 million adults being from the ages of 18-49. This show is inarguably a success and has captured the attention of many students. Although Adams chose the guts over the glory he still has a love for music. “I listen to music every day and I like
listening to music because it`s just a way to get rid of distractions sometimes.” Adams said. “I don’t listen to anything in particular, just whatever I like. I`d have to say hip hop or rap are my overall favorite types of music.” When Adams was asked about what it would take to get him to watch the Grammys he simply responded. “It would just have to have been on when I have nothing better to do.”
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Authenticity is Key
As humans, we are constantly evolving as individuals, whether it be something as small as a change in taste buds, to something much larger like a change of heart. These changes could be so slight that they aren’t even noticed until much later, however they could happen so suddenly that it surprises you. I find this
never-ending evolution to be completely fascinating. I consider myself to be a changed person compared to who I was five years ago. Sure I still have many of my same character traits; I am still just as stubborn, and procrastinating is something I still do on a daily basis, but I have grown a lot as a person. In the past five years one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to be happy. I used to try really hard to please other people and in the process of doing so I was acting like someone who was completely unfamiliar to me. I bent over backwards to try and make sure that people, who weren’t even my friends, would like me. One day I asked myself why I was doing that and I couldn’t answer the question. Now, the people I am friends with are people I don’t need to please. I always act like myself around everyone, even if myself is weird, silly or sometimes just plain awkward.
When Push Comes to Shove
On Sunday, February 2, 2015 I, Zach Kilgas stayed up the latest I ever have in order to complete homework. I enjoyed a fun weekend, until a phone reminder did just that. Cornell Notes for ten short stories, an essay, and this column all were due the next day. I started this daunting task at (of course) the prompt hour of 10
p.m. My tasks kept me busy until after 4:30 a.m. Instantly I was stressed and began to take it out on those around me. At 11:30 p.m. my mother and father were my first victims, “Goodnight Zach,” they called up to me. I replied by yelling down to them that it was in fact not a good night and that I was not going to get any sleep. At 1:30 a.m. my cat strolled into my room meowing at me and I yelled, “No shut up, I don’t have time for your meowing.” Stress and fatigue mixed with adrenaline to make me work insanely fast. As I typed, I watched my fingers tap the keys and my paper became five pages and though my handwriting became wild and sprawled, I finished my notes. Though the example I gave was entirely my own fault, homework does tend to pile up, especially when we tend to save it for the last minute. When we have an hour of homework from math, two from science
Editor in Chief
Editorial by Aly Copp Another large part of my evolution included becoming passionate about my goals and dreams. Once I realized what I wanted to do with my life, I got into gear and started working above and beyond to make those dreams come true. I have had a lot of challenges and roadblocks come my way, but an important part of growing up is learning how to get through those hurdles and come back stronger than before. Every day I strive to be a better person than I was the day before. Change is a part of life, and it is okay to embrace that. I have fully accepted that I am a person who is endlessly evolving whether it’s my new love of honey mustard to being a more authentic person.
Editor in Chief
Editorial by Zach Kilgas and a paper to write, the easiest answer is to give up. However push comes to shove we are all very capable. Groggy and cranky, I dragged myself out of bed and into the bathroom to get ready. I frowned at myself in the mirror, pouting because I wanted to skip. I wasn’t even done with all of my homework. It was then I decided I was going to have a good day— the stress didn’t disappear, but it helped. My message to you is we are very capable people, not that people should stay up all night to do their homework. Honestly, it takes more energy to maintain the cranky attitude than it does to start a day fresh, despite the lack of sleep. And P.S. I finished everything. (Although, Mrs. Oyler found 18 uncharacteristic typos in the first draft of this column.)
Thai Food and Chick Flicks
One of the many things I love about my family is how easily we can connect and reconnect. Some of us can go weeks, even months without seeing each other and when we finally reunite it almost seems as if no time has passed. We just pick up right where we left off. I’m reminded of this every time I get to hang out with my dad’s stepsister, “Aunt” Kelly. Even though I’ve known her for most of my life, I never really got to know her until a few years ago when she moved back
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Editorial by Michael McHale
to Kansas City from upstate New York. In the almost four years that we’ve gotten to know each other, Kelly and I have grown extremely close and I’ll even say she’s one of my best friends. She and I have bonded over our love for the TV show FRIENDS, random adventures and just having a great time talking about whatever. Like I’m sure a lot of you would agree, I think your friends should be there for you through the good times and the bad. I can easily say Kelly has been there for me, and not even just for the good and the bad, but also for the random moments in between, just like the last time we hung out. Those random moments always remind me that we need to let loose every once in a while. When Kelly and I first met up that night, I had a lot on my mind. I typically have a lot on my plate since I work 20-30 hours every week, on top of taking two college classes and currently being in the process of applying for about 30 scholarships. Finally being able to relax and hang out with
It Doesn't Take a Genuis
Lately, I’ve thought a lot about a quote from my favorite movie, Real Genius. Real Genius is an 80’s comedy following a group of above-average intelligence college students whose chief goal is to make a 5-megawatt laser. In the first meeting between freshman Mitch Taylor and senior Chris Knight, the two main characters, Chris shows Mitch his latest invention and claims, “It’s yet another in a long series of diversions in an attempt to avoid responsibility.” It’s a line
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someone who always brings out my fun side reminded me yet again, that everything will turn out fine and I’ll make it after all. We hadn’t seen each other since Christmas, so one night a couple weeks back Kelly and I went downtown to one of our favorite spots, LuLu’s Thai Noodle Shop for dinner. We finally got a chance to catch up. Just like I said, it was as if no time had passed! For the past few weeks I had been really stressed out, so I was really looking forward to a stress-free evening. After dinner, we decided to head back to Kelly’s house to bake cookies. Both during and after we made the cookies, we sat on her couch and watched one of my all time favorite movies, My Best Friend’s Wedding, which also happens to be one of her favorites too. The rest of the time shaped into a pretty great night. I’ll always be thankful for the time Kelly and I spend together because she’s always taught me to be myself, cherish each moment and that family really is forever.
Opinion Editor
Editorial by Amanda Kovac
that always sticks out to me, despite how easily it can be overlooked in the comedy of the situation. With the feelings of senioritis creeping up on me, I understand completely where Knight is coming from. Senioritis is no joke. I understand now that the general laziness that I experienced my sophomore and junior years were nothing compared to the monster that is senioritis. This year, and I sincerely apologize to any of my teachers reading this, I tend to make excuses as to why I should take a nap, rather than writing that three page essay or solving those vexing 15 problems. I knew before that I liked to procrastinate, but it’s never hit me quite so hard. While my tendency to procrastinate has never been ideal, I’m starting to realize that if I keep it up, I may never figure out how to become a productive human being. I already know through my two college classes that the workload I will have in college will be much harder to keep up with than what I’ve experienced in high school. In order to keep the merit scholarships I’ve been offered,
next year I will have to keep my college schoolwork at an A and B level. While it’s not impossible, I know if I keep up my habit of procrastination, it will be a lot harder to keep those grades. Slowly, I’m starting to fix those bad habits, starting with my College Algebra class. Over the last week, I’ve forced myself to sit down and actually do my math homework. It’s something I dread each night, but feel much better after having actually done. For the first time I can remember since ninth grade, my math grade is at an A, when normally I fight to stay at a B on the subject. I couldn’t be more proud of myself for getting done what I needed to. It’s helped me realize that I want to beat my senioritis and end the year strong, with only one B, if even that. It may mean I have less time to nap or watch Real Genius, but I keep reminding myself that I’ll benefit from it in the long run. I’m learning that it doesn’t take a genius to get good grades, just a little motivation.
Editorial Photos by Amanda Kovac, Aly Copp and Michael McHale
Sports 30
Ball is Life Story by Kati Benhardt
Photo by Hailey Smith
The Freshman Lady Jays’ undefeated and successful season.
Top row (left to right): freshmen Jenna Spence, Ayraka Bre Straws, Christian Johnson, Geova Alexander, Annie Price, Paulina Stamper and Kati Benhardt. Bottom row (left to right): freshmen Precious Black, Emilyn Richardson and Olivia Hunt after their first place tournament win in the Excelsior Spring tournament at the beginning of the season. The Freshman Lady Jays played a season with a perfect record of 22-0.This group of young ladies came together as a team and created a memory that will last their entire lives. “I feel proud, because from the beginning I knew that we were going to have a really good freshman team and we worked hard to be undefeated, so I’m proud of my team,” freshman Geova Alexander said. “It was really exciting because not very many people [teams] go undefeated and it was great to have another class be able to do that,” freshman Annie Price said. Practice and hard work is one main reason that led to this team’s success. “You only get so much you put into it,
so if we practice together as a team and put in 100% then your going to get 100% in a game,” freshman Paulina Stamper said. Freshman Precious Black agrees. “If we didn’t practice hard in practice, get everything down and learn all of our plays, we wouldn’t have been able to be as successful as we were,” she said. All season the Freshman Lady Jays dominated over the competition. One of the freshman’s team’s hardest games the whole season was against William Chrisman. The Lady Jays played Chrisman in a tournament towards the end of the year, if they won the game against Chrisman they would move on the finals, getting a chance to play for first place in that tournament. Both Chrisman
and Liberty were matched up playing wise and the score was neck and neck the entire game. With only a few minutes left in the final quarter, the Lady Jays got fouled multiple times and their free throws and hustle helped win the game with seconds to go. That win showed the girls that no matter what, when the team works together they can truly achieve anything.
Sports 31 The freshman team not only worked hard every single time they got on the court, but they also got along very well. “The girls really respect and care for each other a lot,” Head Coach Stan Grosdidier said. “I’d say the girls got along very well and it was very evident that they enjoyed each others company and they enjoyed being together. Not only were they excellent basketball players and worked hard on the court, they also understood that there are relationships and friendships there that are very evident. So I would say they were a fun group to be around and they enjoyed each other.” “I would describe this season as just very fun and enjoyable, because our group is so close and we all get along to well and we have fun every time were together,” Ayraka
Bre Straws said. At the end of the season, there were mixed emotions. “I am [sad] because I won’t be able to play with these girls until next year,” freshman Olivia Hunt said. Majority of the girls said their favorite memories were of the fun bus rides home. “My favorite memory was probably our bus rides home because we were all on the same bus most of the time and a lot of stuff crazy happened like singing and that stuff so it was pretty cool,” Stamper said. “One of my favorite memories from the season is probably the bus rides home from our away games because we were crazy on the bus and we get food and everything, we had fun and we had team bonding times,” freshman Emilyn Richardson said.
Grosdidier has faith that after watching the girls this season, there will be nothing but success in the future, no matter what they do. “I don’t know what they will accomplish, I always hope that they stay together and continue to play basketball but I also understand that things change, interests change, things change, to where maybe that doesn’t occur, but I know whatever they choose to do whether it be basketball or not basketball they’re going to be very successful at it,” Grosdidier said.
Bottom right: freshman Paulina Stamper goes up for shot. Bottom left: freshman Annie Price shoots a jump shot.
Sports 32
Spike it up Photos by Desiree Johnson
Senior T.J Stansbury starts the game off by serving the ball to the juniors.
“Spike It Up is a volleyball tournament among classes that has been around for many years. It is a fundraiser for Special Olympics. It was juniors versus seniors and it was a volleyball playoff for fun to raise money by charging people to come watch the game. Last year, there were enough funds raised to buy our Special Olympics team basketball uniforms.� - Counselor Melanie Prince Said
Left far: Junior Chandler Jacobs goes up for a great serve. Left near: Senior Gregory Scantlebury enjoys the game. Above: Senior Spike it up team placed first.
Shine Bright Like a Sapphire Story by Addi Gray
Sports 33
Photos by Desiree Johnson
LHS Sapphires place eighth in the Nation.
“The greatest feeling a dancer can have is walking off the performance floor and feeling confident and excited about that performance,” Sapphires coach Maggie Willis said. The LHS Sapphires have been putting in work all season to represent our school to their best potential at their competitions each year. Their latest was Nationals where they practiced long hard hours to prepare for their trip to Orlando Florida. “[Practices before Nationals] were very tiring to say the least, we kept doing our routines over and over, cleaning them to make sure we had them perfect for competition,” sophomore Olivia Book said. “But in the end it felt awesome, it felt like all the hard practices finally paid off.” Not only were the practices tiring, but stressful as well because the team had to
make changes from regional competition to nationals. “Practices before nationals were definitely intense. We only had a few days to alter things from regionals to nationals, so we all had to give 110% for sure,” junior Jessie Fullinwider said. In Orlando, the girls danced their way through prelims and advanced to finals for Large Varsity Jazz where they preformed their beloved Jazz routine, God Bless America. “God Bless America is so much fun to do because you can just let go of all your emotions and put them into the dance,” senior Lakie Spencer said. Performing on the National stage would seem to be extremely nerve wracking, but the Sapphires were prepared for this opportunity. “The atmosphere at Nationals is extremely chaotic, but so much fun,” Fullinwider said. “Before stepping on stage, I have my own little prayers I like to say to myself, after that there really isn’t much time to be nervous, the adrenalin kicks in and then before you know it, it’s time to go.” The Sapphires’ work and dedication paid off in the end when the girls placed eighth in the Nation for finals. “When you’re on stage walking out of the castle it is a feeling like no other because you have all these people right in front of you and all these lights then as soon as the music comes on you feel right at home as if you’re dancing on the gym floor at LHS,” Book said. After the stress was over from competing the Sapphires got time to relax and enjoy bonding time at Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Downtown Disney. “The trip was just awesome, we got a lot
of free time to just spend time together and hang out, we got to go to the parks and then on competition days we got our minds in it and just danced the best we could and that felt amazing knowing we left it all on the floor,” Spencer said. The Sapphires have dedicated months to perfecting their performances and their season is not over yet. The Sapphires will be competing in State at the end of this month and have a couple more game performances. Yet, after all the hard work put into competing, the LHS dance team is one big family at the end of the day. “My favorite part about being a Sapphire is getting to do what I love with amazing girls,” Spencer said. “The bond that we make from spending so much time together and seeing how far we have come is an incredible experience.”
Top: (left and right) Allyson Miller and Maya Vitug get serious before they begin the dance.
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Alexa Straws Story by Emily Johannes
Photo by Alli Collins
“I’ve learned that you have to trust other people and be willing to keep an open mind, have a positive attitude and work hard and try your hardest everyday.”
-senior Alexa Straws said.
“I’ve known Alexa since freshman year and I knew as soon as I got moved up that she was going to be a great teammate and role model. She welcomed me right away and she welcomed all of us. She always motivates me at practice and I know if I’m down or something, I can go to her. She’s probably one of the hardest workers I know and self-motivated. I look up to her.”
-junior Hilary Protzman said.
Senior Basketball Height: 5’10" Position: Post Favorite Food: Chinese
“Alexa is one of the most dedicated and best leaders I have coached. She is a leader daily in practice, in the classroom and in life! I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to work with her over the last three years and can’t wait to see what her future holds.”
-Coach Noah Simpson said.
Max Graham
Story by Emily Johannes Photo by Steve Nyepon
“Basketball has taught me a lot of things. Being respectful to your opponents and having good sportsmanship is one thing it’s really taught me because I’ve learned that even though I’m competing against someone else I need to treat them with respect.”
-junior Max Graham said.
“Max Graham has been my best friend since the first day of kindergarten. He makes everything better and there’s never a dull moment. He’s an overall great person to be around and a great player on the court. He’s pretty cool. When he’s playing, he tries to get his teammates involved and looks for his opportunity to shoot really deep threes.”
-junior Craig Straws said. “Max has really improved as a basketball player. He’s always been a tremendous catch and shoot player, but now, through our 1st Hour AST class, he’s become a better athlete which has improved his overall productivity.”
-coach Roger Stirtz said.
Junior Basketball Height: 6’3’’ Position: Guard Favorite Food: Mac n’ cheese
Clayton Adams Story by Katie DeClue
Sports 35
Photo by Steve Nyepon
“I’ve always had a love and passion for the game and it’s just really been a way to release any kind of stress for me too.”
-Sophomore Clayton Adams said. “Clayton works hard. He’s a good young player and he’s definitely got the skills to be a major factor in the program for years to come. Good kid overall and I’ll be happy to see him succeed in the years to come.”
-Senior Matt Alvey said.
“Clayton’s very dedicated. Being successful is very important to him. He’s talented both on and off the floor and in a lot of regards. He’s got one of the best shots on the team. A very soft shot that seems to go in the basket quite often when he shoots it. We’re proud of him and he’s got a bright future in our program.”
-Coach Roger Stirtz said.
Sophomore Sport: Basketball Height: 6’4’’ Position: Guard Favorite Food: Steak
Madeline Pittman Story by Katie DeClue
Photo by Aly Copp
“When I was little I tried other sports but they just didn’t really work for me and then I tried swimming and later as the years went on I started getting better and better and I was like, “I’m kind of good at this one,” so that’s why I do it.”
-Freshman Madeline Pittman said.
“Madeline is really positive at practice and she works hard, she’s super encouraging to everyone, she’s a good team player. She’s worked really hard for a long time so she deserves it.”
-Freshman Shea Williams said. Freshman Sport: Swim Height: 5’5’’ Favorite Food: Ravioli
“Madeline has had a great freshman year. She qualified for state in the 100 Free, 200 Free, and 500 Free, which is the most of anyone on our team. She is also the leadoff swimmer in our two state-qualifying relays. She will be swimming in the maximum four events at state, which is a great accomplishment. She has dropped a lot of time this season because of the hard work she puts in every day. I am excited to see what she can accomplish over the next four years.”
-Coach Chris Murphy said.