LHS News Paper October Edition

THE BELL

Volume 88, Issue 3

October 21, 2011

Liberty High School

FEATURES

Junior Charlie Raasch gives us an in-depth look at his family’s pumpkin business, Carolyn’s Country Cousins Pumpkin Patch.

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OPINION

Online Manager MacKenzie Sackett shares her opinion on the remake of Footloose.

Find out how she rated the new movie!

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SPORTS

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT: Debators tye-dye shirts as a group to appear unified at Kickapoo. see page 16

Boys soccer has been struggling with numerous injuries to their starters, causing them to test the depth of their bench.

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ON THE COVER Careful not to ruin her own clothing or freshly dyed shirt, sophomore Haley Brown pauses to admire the colorful shirts she and her fellow debators had been creating for the first tourenment of the season at the Kickapoo tournament. photo by Kathrine Kuhlman

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

Michaela Lamb Molly Meeks Katlyn Smelcer Diana Timmermans Samantha Turley

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

Lauren Pouliot Kelley Rowe Kyle Rutliff Mackenzie Spencer

Our mission for the 2011-2012 school year is to bring together a variety of people, clubs 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.

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

THE GREEN TEAM

by Kayla Hammer Saving the world one paper at a time

OUR MISSION

CONTACT US

Senior Lorenzo D’Ippolito notices the abrupt change in color of the leaves outside the school. Fall has finally arrived, and it is golden. photo by Jordan Tanner

Big environmental organizations are known far and wide and make a big impact on our society. Meanwhile a small group of students in a classroom make plans for the community that make a huge difference, too.

Environmental Club, run by science teacher Rick Knowles, is an club open to anyone. Their mission is not to necessarily save the world, but instead to bring ecological awareness to the student body. In doing so, this club goes beyond recycling.

“We do a stream clean, where the kids do a water test and test the chemistry of the water. We do a cook out, and go to the Omaha Zoo,” said Knowles.

Going to the Omaha Zoo tends to be the event the members enjoy the most.

“I have some friends that work up there and we typically get a tour and see the endangered animals at a closer look,” said Knowles.

The flexibility of the club is another reason why members join.

“I plan on going to the winter sessions,” junior Alix Messer said.

In other cases, sometimes having other obligations just get in the way.

“I’ve only been to two sessions because I’m involved with the play,” junior Abbi Minney said.

However, it is through these sessions every Wednesday after school, that the club decides what events and activities they should do next.

“We did a stream clean up at Shoal Creek, I think two weeks ago,” said Minney The stream clean up is a very fun project in which the members clean up the stream and do what is called a water test. Though the work sounds tedious and hard, members seem to enjoy themselves.

“We kind of bond when we do the clean ups and all that stuff, it’s doing good for the environment. I know that may sound eco nerdy, but it’s true,” said Minney.

FIND THE BACON After watching Footloose, Online Manager MacKenzie Sackett fried up some bacon in honor of the original Ren McCormick, Kevin Bacon. She got a little crazy in the kitchen and lost her bacon somewhere in this issue! The first person to find her bacon and bring it back to room 101 at the beginning of sixth hour will recieve a prize courtesy of the Bell staff.

MOVIN’ ON UP

by Chris Mohr

Plans are made to move freshman into the high school by the 2013-2014 school year.

Mr. Brewer addresses the issue of freshman coming to the high school. “If the bond passes on November 8, overcrowding will be alleviated until 2017, at which time we’ll have 43 million dollars of bonding capacity,” Brewer said. photo by Kyle Rutliff

At least 1,800 students roam the hallways each day at Liberty High School. Come August of 2013, those numbers will be increased.

“The main reason for moving ninth graders is to relieve overcrowding at the middle level. It also would allow us to get back to a feeder system in which there are more clearly defined and easily understood attendance patterns for our students,” Superintendent of Schools Mike Brewer said.

Liberty Middle School, South Valley Middle School, Liberty Junior High and South Valley Junior High will

all be converted into true middle schools containing students from grades sixth, seventh and eighth.

Although space may seem like an issue at the high school level, plans are being created to alleviate it.

“If the bond passes on November 8, I do not anticipate a heavy reliance on modular classrooms at the high school level. We will construct additional space at both high schools to accommodate the increased number of students,” Brewer said.

But some high school students think otherwise about the space constraint.

“There’s obviously not enough room in the school considering we have learning pods already. There’s not enough classroom space as well as hall space. Passing periods are already nearly impossible to get through,” junior Kathrine Kuhlmann said.

For other students, it is not about the space, they have concerns about the maturity of ninth grade students.

“I don’t think this is a good idea because I know when I was a freshman I wasn’t ready to be thrown into the high school. I think the junior high is a great transition into high school. It’s intimidating to go to school with kids a lot older than you and when you’re in the junior high you don’t have to worry about that,” senior Rachel Hain said.

Although this will not be affecting the senior class, it will affect the sophomore class.

“As a student who was in junior high at the time of the split, I think that having the freshman at the high school would make some things a whole lot easier. I played a sport in 9th grade and had to take the shuttle bus here every day for practices and games. Practice would always start late because they were waiting for the junior high students to get here,” sophomore Kelsey Neth said.

With adding another grade, space will be an issue, but LPS is devising a plan to make it all work out.

“At some point in the future a third high school will be needed; however, we can utilize flexible scheduling and on-line courses to extend the time that the two high schools will accommodate our student population,” Brewer said.

GUTEN TAG DEUTSCHLAND

by Nathan Hunt

German students get to try out their German in DeutschLand.

In June 2012, selected students will take a trip across the world to Deutschland, also known as Germany.

Students will discover there are plenty of differences between the United States and Germany. In order to be eligible to go, students must be enrolled in a German class a semester prior to the trip.

“The customs will be very different, you know? The people will be a little more forward, very blunt with you,” sophomore Zoe Pixler said.

But not only will the customs be different, the choice of food will vary, too.

“I think we’ll be eating a lot of meat, maybe brats? The portions will be bigger since they eat a lot more, but its healthier food,” Pixler said.

These students not only visit Germany, but other

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European countries as well.

“We visit Germany, Austria and Switzerland while over in Europe,” junior Jaime Fuenfhausen said.

While over in Deutschland, the students get to put their years of practicing the language to the test. It may not be as great as the locals who live in Germany, but the students are hopeful they will take it easy on the learning teenagers.

“I think they’ll treat me weirdly because I have no clue what I’m saying! Hopefully they’ll be polite,” Fuenfhausen said.

Regardless of being able to speak the language with fluency or even just a couple words, students who are able to go cannot help but explain what they are looking forward to experiencing the most.

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“If I had the chance to go I would enjoy seeing a cute little village with the people wearing lederhosen, I picture it to be like Godric’s Hollow in Harry Potter,” junior Jimmy Sitzman said Whether it is Berlin or a cute little village; these students will experience the culture change together.

“I think Frau Beirman started the trips because I remember her always talking about when she first started taking students,” Sitzman said. “I believe 15 to 20 people are going including a few parents.” Every other year Frau has been taking students and parents over to Germany, Austria and Switzerland to help broaden their knowledge of Germany. Guten Tag.

NEWS

FOREVER YOUNG

CROWNING OF THE KINGS AND QUEENS

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Seniors Brandon Chapman and Brooke McPheeters won Homecoming King and Queen after receiving the most votes from their peers.

“It is just a really fun thing to run for, no matter what the outcome is, I just enjoy it,” said Chapman, “I was actually pressured into running for King and I turned in the application sort of last minute.”

In addition to having an interception and a handful of tackles in the first half of the football game, winning Homecoming King was the icing on the cake for Chapman.

“I wasn’t completely expecting it, I was really focused on winning the game. I would have been happy if anyone of us would have won,” Chapman said.

“I was not focused on the halftime dance routine at halftime,” McPheeters said, “I was really focused on where I had to be for the

king and queen presentation.”

“I was shocked all the way,” said McPheeters, “I didn’t think that I was going to win since (seniors) Emily Houck and Kelly Rowe are such amazing girls.”

At the Homecoming dance, the King and Queen shared a dance. With the whole dance crowd watching Chapman and McPheeters danced to “Long Live” by Taylor Swift.

“When I got to the dance, Brooke pulled me aside and completely choreographed our King and Queen dance,” said Chapman.

After many hugs, McPheeters said, “I felt like a superstar because a bunch of people that I didn’t even know were coming up to me to congratulate me.”

Both are planning to come back to next year’s game and crown the new king and queen, to continue on the tradition.

“ Homecoming Queen Brooke McPheeters accepts her crown at halftime at the Homecoming game. photo by Breann Kock

The newest preschool King and Queen of Liberty High School was announced Friday afternoon. Following up to last year’s Tyler Forseman and Mia Moore, and Jacob Forseman and Madison Zubeck, Mason Eltiste and Campbell Grosdidier are the Blue Jay Junction 2011 Homecoming King and Queen. This has been a tradition for the preschool ever since Blue Jay Junction teacher Megan DiLonardo has been a part of the high school.

“It started it when I came here. I just thought we should participate, because we’re part of the curriculum and we’re part of the school. So I thought it would be a

We were all really pumped up and ready to play by the time the buzzer rang, it was really exciting and fun because it was Homecoming.

Plus, the other team was talking smack so it was cool to go out there and hand them their butts.

- junior Matthew Zombo varsity football player

“

cute idea to get the little ones involved,” DiLonardo said.

But not everything is the same as the high school’s King and Queen.

“We have ‘juniors’ and ‘seniors’ in here, and we let all of our seniors have a title throughout the year, it’s their last year here in the preschool. So, we kind of pick, and draw names,” DiLonardo said.

Not only are the teachers enthusiastic, but the preschoolers get excited for the even also.

“Yeah, I’m excited. Mrs. D said I could keep the crown!” Prescholer Mason Eltiste said.

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Senior Brandon Chapman carries the ball down the field with senior Drew Courtney to his left and sophomore Josh Sheible to his right.

Chapman is also crowned Homecoming King at halftime. photo by Mackenzie Spencer

King and Queen for Blue Jay Junction Campbell Grosdidier and Mason Eltiste parade around the field at the Homecoming game. photo by Mackenzie Spencer

NEWS

NEW TRADITIONS The Liberty High School StuCo had a tall task replacing float decorating this year but came up with a great idea to replace it, fence decorating.

Eleven clubs participated and judged in the event.

Of course, one main point of the events was the winners.

“There was a panel of five staff members who judged the decorations on Thursday morning. They promised to be fair and unbiased in their

opinions.” counselor Melanie Prince said.

Peer Helpers got first place overall and sophomore class beat out the juniors and seniors as the class winner.

Besides winning,just having fun and getting close with one’s classmates were reasons some participated.

“I’m close with the class and it was a good bonding experience,” Senior Kyle Rutliff said.

Senior Kelsey Madison decorates fence for yearbook using streamers. Their fence ended up taking second place, along with newspaper. photo by Lauren Pouliot

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Getting to see our teachers dance and great music; there’s nothing better than that.

This assembly is better than past ones because there’s way more people than there’s ever been.

- senior Alayna Mazzeffe

Junior Tyler Smith participates in the first carnival at LHS. photo by Rachel Bower

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Sapphires dance in the assembly before the homecoming game to pump up students. photo by Breann Kock

Seniors Marissa Juliana and Taylor Schmidt enjoy cotton candy at the carnival. photo by Mackenzie Spencer

Homecoming week is full of traditions, and recently some of those have been replaced. One new homecoming tradition at LHS is the carnival, in place of the parade.

In past years, the day before homecoming had the students getting out early to attend a parade that took place on the square.

While the students still got out early this year, they had something a little different to attend later that night.

“I really enjoyed myself, and I like the games and all the free food. I really liked the slides.” Sophomore Nancy Ngo said.

“I like the idea and all the free food, but I got kind of bored, and felt like it was more

for small kids. Overall though, I thought it was a good idea.” Senior Skyler Creason said.

The carnival was open to the public, and the attendance of families and young children was encouraged.

There were a variety of games at the carnival, like Penny Toss, that allowed players to win candy and prizes, and there was tons of free food, like cotton candy, snow cones, and popcorn.

Around 600 or so people attended, including families in Liberty and students in the school.

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Senior Austin Morales and other members of the student body show their school spirit at the Homecoming assembly. photo by Mackenzie Spencer

Contributing writers include Ben DeHart, Jake Boese and Kayt Carpenter, Sam Turley and Kaytlyn Smelcer.

NEWS

AAA’S AT IT AGAIN

by Madi Denton

The African American Association kicks off their year with some big plans.

Senior Simone Stewert paints birds for fundraiser at AAA club. photo by Mackenzie Spencer

Liberty High School is full of all kinds of backgrounds and ethnicities. The African American Association is just one of the many clubs working to enlighten and educate African American students.

“About two years ago some kids came up to me and said ‘Mr. Greely, we need to start an African American Association because we are one of the few schools that doesn’t have one,” Assistant Principle Eric Greely said.

Since the founding of the club, they have averaged around 35-40 students per year.

Every other Tuesday the club gets together to plan fundraisers. They are in charge of selling the Yard Birds, which are the wooden Blue Jays seen outside many people’s doorsteps dressed for the student’s sport.

The money they raise goes towards a scholarship for students in the community, which they did last year as well.

There are many trips planned for this year. They are going to the Martin Luther King Celebration at William Jewell, the Negro Baseball Museum, and they

have a college tour coming up over spring break.

Even with all those trips, the club members are also involved in lots of LHS activities.

They run the concessions during the LHS Debate and forensic tournaments, and help set up and put on the Sadie Hawkins dance and young soldiers.

They also run concessions at the first Track meet.

The club tries to participate in one community service activity each year.

“We do holiday dances, we help with the debate and forensic tournaments, we’re going to Alvin Allie, the Negro Baseball Museum, and we’re going to the Martin Luther King Celebration,” sophomore Nyshele Posey said.

Even with all the activities and plans that they have planned for this year, the overall goal of the club is to help support the African American population in the school

SAFE HALLOWEEN

by Ben DeHart

Safe Halloween provides safe trick or treating for young children.

As the typical costumed trick-or-treater makes his annual round through the same old darkened neighborhood, he spies a certain house. On its front porch rests a lifeless scarecrow, and upon his lap is a bowl of shiny wrapped candy. Seemingly harmless, the trick-or-treater dashes up the steps, hand outreached to snatch the sugary goods, but it is at that moment the scarecrow springs to life, scaring the child out of its wits and away from the delicious treasure. A few of the teachers at Liberty High School, as well as parents of the community, have become concerned of a safe environment for trick or treating after hearing this same-old scenario repeated year after year. With hard work and a worthy cause, Safe Halloween was born.

“Safe Halloween allows young children to come to the high school and feel safe from being scared,” teacher Marla Badalucco said, “The trick or treaters can still dress up in costumes, and they can get their fill of fun and candy.”

“Safe Halloween is a really cool concept,” senior Anna Kain said, “I remember always thinking twice about going up to a scary looking house.”

Safe Halloween is normally aimed towards children aged from two through ten. However, candy is not just given out.

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“The trick or treaters have to earn it by playing games and participating in activities centered on a Halloween theme set up by different clubs and organizations from the high school,” Badalucco said.

Safe Halloween is also a charitable event. Student Council charges three to five dollars or the option of bringing canned goods to help the local food pantry.

“It always feels good knowing that you are really making a difference to a family that sometimes have to go without having a good holiday just because they can’t provide essential goods for their loved ones,” sophomore Meagan Coleman said.

“I’ve watched children go to Safe Halloween with frowns on their faces but come out begging wanting to go back and play the games just one more time,” junior Jimmy Sitzman said, “Safe Halloween is just an excellent alternative for parents who are on the fence about going trick or treating with young children.”

Safe Halloween is open to all community members who want to come and have a guaranteed fun, calm, and more secure Halloween experience. Come on down and trick or treat with Liberty High School’s clubs and organizations!

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Safe Halloween provides a safe trick-or-treat option for kids in the community. artwork by Jordan Sundaram

NEWS

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SPOTLIGHT

HALEY BROWN

by Annie Ruckman

HB EG

“She is really funny and nice, she makes jokes that are actually funny and not hurtful to others. She includes people if she sees that they’re left out and if they seem uninterested then she doesn’t push it,” junior Rori Coyle

Q: A:

What clubs/activities are you involved in?

I am involved in Exit 1-6, Student Council, Model UN, Scholar Bowl, debate, orchestra, Breakfast Club, and a few other clubs as well.

Outside of school, I intern at the Coterie Theater, perform in various theatres around Kansas City, play music, and ride/train dressage horses.

Q: A:

Q: A:

How did you get involved?

I think what mostly motivated me to try extracurriculars like Exit 1-6, debate, and orchestra is the fact that I really enjoy performing and am not easily embarrassed. Last year, a few upper classmen and several excellent teachers helped me get involved in Scholar Bowl and Model UN.

Orchestra is one of the many activities that sophomore Haley Brown takes part in. photo by Clarissa Parker

Tell me a little about each activity and what you like about it.

I enjoy being able to express myself in different environments, and I love meeting people with similar interests. I get to be goofy with Exit 1-6, a voice in Student Council and Breakfast Club, and my nerdiness permeates all of my activities. I like debate and Model UN because of the extensive learning and public speaking both require. I am so lucky to be a part of the Coterie intern team. Teaching classes and summer camps enables me to help kids all over Kansas City find enjoyment in performing. Playing music, both inside and outside of school, brings my family together.

Horseback riding has been my passion for as long as I can remember, and it never fails to make me happy.

“Haley is always the first to volunteer in class and she gets very involved. I think students feel very comfortable with asking her for help,” drama teacher Staci Johnson said.

EMILY GALLUP

by Michaela Lamb

Emily Gallup, Miss Beauty of the World, is a well-known face around school. “She’s an inspiration, Emily is always so confident,” junior Matthew Couturier said. As a local beauty queen, Emily has a life unlike any other.

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

When did you first get involved in pageants?

I first got involved in the Summer of 2010, but I’ve been wanting to compete for a long time.

This was just my first opportunity.

Are there different kinds of pageants to compete in?

There are, I’ve competed in both national pageants and smaller ones. The last one that I competed in was a national and I won the title of Teen Miss Missouri USA.

Are you competing for prizes, or just the glory?

The pageants I compete in have prizes. Scholarships are really common. I just won a $10,000 scholarship to the school of my choice. The type of prize varies from pageant to pageant though.

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

Is your family supportive of you?

Yes! My family is really great when it comes to supporting me. My dad took a little bit of convincing, but he’s always been there for me.

What events do you compete in? Are they all mandatory?

Not all of the events in a pageant are mandatory.

Evening wear, talent and the interview are required, but there are other categories too, like swim wear, that aren’t required.

What’s your talent?

For pageants, I combine En Pointe ballet with magic. I’ve been dancing since I was two so it seemed like the natural choice. I added magic to spice it up and make it stand out to the judges.

“Any sort of extracurricular activity is always helpful. I believe pageants are no different, if they don’t detract from school work, then its a great experience,” government teacher Ronald Ludwig said.

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Junior Emily Gallup participates in a countless number of pageants. photo by Michaela Lamb

FEATURES

SPOTLIGHT KYLE BREMER

by Amanda Fisher

“Webster Dictionary definition of determination: Kyle Bremer. Of all of the people I have been lucky enough to make friends with, Kyle is far more dedicated than the average student. Not everyone can handle a ‘Kyle’ lifestyle.

He sticks to a strict diet, and has for years, and follows a rigorous running schedule that surpasses that of the rest of the team. He leads his team with enthusiasm and humor, and does it while rocking the short shorts. Love that kid,” senior Joey Wheelhouse said.

KB TF Q: A: Q: A:

Senior Kyle Bremer runs in a cross country race. photo by Mackenzie Spencer

When did you join Cross Country and why?

I joined Cross Country my sophomore year. My plan was to run Cross Country to get into shape for basketball, but ended up liking running more than basketball, so I quit basketball and ran year round.

What do you enjoy most about Cross Country?

Q: A:

Q: A:

Running to me is a stress reliever and a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I actually look forward to going to practice. Running also provides a sort of meditation. Being out on the trails and roads for long periods gives me ample amounts of time to think or just clear my mind. Also, with running, I’ve developed a strong relationship with many of the other runners from our school, as well as many other schools.

TIM FRITSON

If you could run across the country, where would you go and why?

If I could run anywhere in the country, I would love to run through the mountains. Trail running is my favorite running and I think the mountains would provide a difficult run, but very awesome scenery.

Do you think you’ll continue Cross Country in college?

I do plan to continue a running career in college. Currently, I plan on working out logistics with the coach to run and study at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

by Cody Clawson

“Tim Fritson is a former student and it is so great to have him in the building. He is an excellent role model for students. He is the assistant track and cross country coach so he is a good contact for the team. He is just a really great guy...despite the fact that he went to MU,” broadcasting teacher Anne Bertoldie said.

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

What made you choose hall monitor?

I’ve been a coach for four years and I recently left my previous job so it was a logical fit. I needed to get my foot in the door.

What do you do in your past time?

When I am not asking about lanyards and passes I usually read. I also like to hold up locker 743 making sure it doesn’t fall over.

What is the best book in your opinion?

I like the Hunger Games because the concept is something so foreign and yet the author makes it seem very relatable and plausible. Pair that with the suspense that runs throughout the series and all three books become very enrapturing.

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

What are your hobbies?

I run a lot. My goal over the summer was to run 1000 miles from Memorial day to Labor day. I came up a little short at 943. I am going to try and qualify for Boston on December 4th.

Why did you start the Hall Monitor Memoirs?

I started them because I thought it would be funny to chronical expriences I have. It is kind of a connection between me and the students.

What have the memoirs done for you?

I feel like I have gotten to meet a lot of students and I hope it kind of opened a door for students and facuty to build regular people realtionships.

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Hall Monitor Tim Fritson stands at a cross country meet coaching his team. photo courtesy of Tim Fritson

FEATURES

AIMING FOR ARROWHEAD

by KaytAnne Carpenter

Studying sponsorship in unusual places.

Last week, the Sports Marketing classes took a field trip to Arrowhead Stadium. Some may find going to a sports complex for school to be strange, but the students enrolled in the class saw it as a true adventure.

“My classes have been discussing what sport sponsorship is and what an important revenue stream it is for teams/events. We went to Arrowhead to look at actual examples of sponsorship and talk with sports business professionals in the field,” business teacher Melynda McCabe said.

Not only were they able to explore sponsorship for the Chiefs, but they also got to have fun and do things not everybody gets to do.

“My favorite part was how nice all their VIP stuff was,” junior Keaton Day said.

Sometimes the favorite parts were not parts of the stadium.

“I liked seeing that the advertisements and sponsorships were everywhere, it was pretty interesting stuff,” senior Eric Zoz said.

But, the goal of the trip was not all fun and games.

“The goal was to make sponsorship real to them – to see how the Chiefs utilize it and how they’ve actually changed the stadium/the game to make room for the sponsorship opportunities,” McCabe said.

For the students who plan on taking this knowledge further than the classroom, the trip was vital for their future.

“My favorite part was going on the field and seeing the locker room. I really want to have a job that deals with sports,” sophomore Taylor Wetzel said.

Overall, the trip had a tremendous impact on how the sponsorship is involved in sports and marketing. Even though the trip was about serious concepts, McCabe allowed room for this to be a truly entertaining and educational experience.

“I learned that there’s a lot more to stadiums than just the sports part, there’s a lot more to the business part that people don’t get to see,” Day said.

Sophomore Aubrynne Lundgren works on a sponsorship assignment in Melynda McCabe’s sports marketing class. photo by Alanna Raymond

“BE COMFY WITH WHO YOU ARE”

by MacKenzie Sackett

Peer Helpers has a number of upcoming events this year that are sure to engage students.

Peer Helpers junior Hannah Scholes and senior Jackie Neidholdt assist sophomore Turner Staton at parentteacher conferences. photo by Lauren Pouliot Transitioning to a new school can be hard, especially transitioning to a huge high school like LHS. Luckily, there is an organization at LHS that’s mission is to help new students transition and help other students get through their high school years a little bit easier.

“We help transition new students and help them because being new to a high school can be very uncomfortable. We also help sophomores transition from the junior high to the high school since it’s so extremely different,” Prevention Coordinator Amy Tuso said.

Peer Helpers is made up of a group of students who are

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positive role models who try to help create a healthy and unified school. They do this by getting the new students involved in fun activities like passing out free candy randomly or inviting new students to the school to a breakfast to help them get to know each other.

“We have a new student breakfast coming up for all the new students this year. So if they’re a new student we invite them to breakfast and just get them to know each other and to know that there are other new students besides them,” junior Nathan Volkmann said.

Trying to influence students in a positive way and encouraging them to stay away from drugs and alcohol is another one of Peer Helpers main goals.

“We want to help people and prevent usage of drugs, drinking and distracted driving. Just preventing overall unhealthy decisions,” senior Anna Lacy said.

An upcoming project that Peer Helpers will be participating in this year is called Kudos To Kindness, where students will get recognition for doing great things for other students at LHS. “Kudos To Kindness is a thing we’re going to do in advisory where if you saw someone do something nice for someone else you write it down on a piece of paper and turn it in. Then on KLHS they will read off the names and you will get some

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candy or some sort of prize,” senior Anna Lacy said.

Another upcoming Peer Helpers project that is sure to be loved by LHS students is Comfy Sweats Tuesday. They encourage students to come dressed in their sweats and be comfortable with who they are.

“We just want to make people feel comfortable. That’s why we have Comfy Tuesday. We want people to be comfortable with who they are. That’s our goal,” senior Sydney Schulz said.

Students who have an interest in being part of a great organization like Peer Helpers will get the opportunity to apply to be a Peer Helper this coming February.

“Towards the end of February and the beginning of March we put out announcements that people can apply. Then they fill out the application and we will let them know towards the end of the school year. They have to be a junior or a senior the following year to be on Peer Helpers,” Tuso said.

Students who get involved with Peer Helpers will get the opportunity to influence students at LHS in a positive way while also having fun and meeting new people.

“It’s really relaxed. It’s not so uptight and the counselors are pretty flexible. It’s just an easy group to get along with and be apart of,” Volkmann said.

FEATURES

GIVING CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE

by Michaela Lamb

Students enrolled in any of the BioMed classes are now able to get college credit.

Last year several people’s hard work paid off. Students and teachers alike congratulated themselves on a job well done; Liberty High School became accredited to give BioMed students college credit.

“We passed accreditation with flying colors,” Tim Block, BioMed teacher said. “I’m proud of all the work the students did. We wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.”

But some students were not happy. No one knew whether students who qualified for college credit during the 2010-2011 school year would be eligible.

“If I put in all that work I would want the credit!

I think that’s only fair,” junior Allison Blomdahl said.

And that sentiment is shared by several other students. At the start of the school year it was announced that an agreement had been made between the school and the acreditors. Anyone who took a BioMedical class last year and met the

standards that had been set would be eligible for the credit.

“It took some time, but everyone has finally agreed to set the cut off for the credit at a ‘B’ on the EOC exam,” Block said. “We think it’s obtainable.”

Students agree. “Just a ‘B’ on the EOC? That’s way more than fair,” sophomore Hannah Protzman said. Sophomores are not the only students who feel that the standards are reasonable. Other students are able to speak from experience.

“Last year I was able to get an ‘A’ on the EOC,” senior Spencer Everett said. “But a ‘B’ is fair, it shows that you have an understanding of basic biomedical knowledge.”

Several students concur that with effort and study time, most should be able to achieve a ‘B’ and get ahead on their college credit.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity,” Block said. “I hope students choose to take it.”

BioMed teacher Tim Block assists students in performing a disection. photo by Emily Houck

LET’S GET PHYSICAL

by Sam Turley

LHS is staying fit with new additions to the Physical Education department.

Junior Haley Harris engages in the workout in the new body sculpting class. photo by Lucas Carrel

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In addition to the usual options of lifetime recreation sports, team sports, and weight training, a new class has hit the physical education scene this year: body sculpting. The class consists of a plethora of activities, all about increasing your overall health.

“In the class the students do exercise through a variety of fitness activities. We do resistance training, circuits, running, yoga, pilates, aerobics, kickboxing, and step aerobics,” fitness trainer Deanna Neldon said.

The class was created to give students more fitness options to improve their overall health.

Most of the students who enter the class are females, but the few males who trickle in actually seem to actually appreciate what they are doing.

“I genuinely care about my physical fitness and strive to be more limber,” senior Ryan Richardson said.

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Neldon says she loves teaching the class and that most of the students really do seem to enjoy it as well.

“I definitely enjoy the class because it’s different from the other P.E. classes available to students.

I’ve always wanted to do yoga and having it as a class option is great,” senior Delaney Kiely said.

Many students expected the class to be all yoga, all the time. Little did they know that intense cardio and aerobics would come into play as well.

“Yoga is my favorite activity we do in that class.

It’s not only relaxing, but it’s the easiest thing we do too,” junior Maria Esparza said.

Many of the students feel the same way as well.

“It’s just a different way of exercising that I actually enjoy, which is always good. I wasn’t anticipating on doing the other exercises we do in class, but I like the variety a lot,” Esparza said.

NEWS

&

FUN BY DAY DEATH BY NIGHT

LIBERTY CORN MAZE photo by of Mackenzie Spencer

Have fun spending the day at The Liberty Corn Maze and Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch and spend the night dying to get into one of Worlds of Fun’s elaborate haunted houses.

WORLDS OF FUN

by Molly Meeks Get lost in Liberty’s corn maze. This year’s maze is a tribute to the Comets soccer team. This huge maze features several smaller mazes, when completed a unique hole punch is earned. People can try to get all the punches to prove they are a maze master.

Senior Lyndsay Garrison said, “Throughout the maze you can punch holes on a map at checkpoints, but I usually don’t go to them because I enjoy just getting lost and having to find my way out.”

Or, stick to the soybean maze which is three feet to make sure little ones are always in sight. These mazes take place at 17607 NE 52nd St, for $10 or $8 for anyone under the age 13. Hours are Fridays 5-10, Saturdays 10-10, and Sunday 10-5. Groups can also rent the maze on Wednesday for $6 a person.

Garrison said, “It’s really fun and really easy to get lost.”

People can head on over to the Liberty Corn maze to get turned in circles while having a great time.

photo courtesy of Worlds of Fun

CAROLYN’S PUMPKIN PATCH

by Chris Mohr “Rise my children. For tonight we desecrate Worlds of Fun with more blood, terror and gore than ever before.” As darkness falls on Worlds of Fun, Overlord calls on his army to transform 75 acres into a horror filled playground officially beginning another season of Halloween Haunt.

Ten extreme haunts including the all-new London Terror await guests to test their fate in one of these elaborate haunted houses.

“A ton of people go to Worlds of Fun for haunted houses, especially on Saturdays,” sophomore Kayla Ford said.

Dracula and his brides are hungry for blood in Lore of the Vampire and Club Blood. Check into the Lakeside Mental Hospital at Asylum Island. Evil lurks in the corn in Corn Stalkers. A psychotic serial killer turns his victims into life size porcelain dolls in Master McCarthy’s

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Doll Factory. Processing at the Old McDonald’s Slaughterhouse has gone horribly wrong in BloodShed. Take a trip back in time to the fogfilled streets of London in the all-new London Terror. And if that’s not enough make way through the fog-filled midways of Carnevil, The Fright Zone and Outlaws Revenge.

Instead of waiting in line for on of these elaborate haunted houses, new for 2011 is the Fright Lane Pass. Fear more and wait less with the front-of-line maze access. Featured haunts include London Terror, Asylum Island, Corn Stalkers, Blood Shed and Master McCarthy’s Doll Factory. The pass is $15.00 on Fridays and $25.00 on Saturdays.

Admission is $44.99 for regular admission in Saturdays and $32.99 for Friday Fright Nights.

“All you fear is here!”

by Mat George Carolyn’s Country Cousins Pumpkin Patch is owned and operated by Carolyn and Buddy Raasch. Fortunately for Liberty High School, there is a Carolyn’s Cousins Pumpkin Patch expert due to the fact that the owner’s son, Charlie Raasch, goes to the high school.

This year marks the 21st anniversary of the patch.

“We started the pumpkin patch in 1991 after I had been a vendor in the Liberty Farmers Market since the year it opened in 1986. One reason we started it was because they opened up new Hwy 210 where before there was a winding curvy gravel road leading across railroad tracks and coming out on old Hwy 210 near where the Fountain Bluff Sports Complex is now,” Carolyn’s Country Cousins Pumpkin Patch’s owner, Carolyn Raasch said.

Although the pumpkin patch is known for exactly that, there are many other activities that people can participate in.

“There’s the pumpkin patch, hayrides, a petting zoo, pig races, play yard, gemstone lining, colossal fossil, wines, fudge and there’s a railroad,” sophomore Charlie Raasch said.

There are many unique things about the pumpkin patch and one of them is that a lot of the activities are named after family members.

“Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch is named after my mom. Little Buds Railroad is named after my dad. Uncle Lester’s Pig Races is named after my uncle. Aunt Kate’s food shack is named after my aunt. Charlie’s fishing hole is named after me and the wines are named after my uncles,” Raasch said.

The Pumpkin Patch is not only a fun environment for the family’s and people who go there, it can also be a good experience for the workers.

“My favorite part about working there is the fact that I have experience doing everything at some point or another,” junior Spencer Hurla said.

One of the things to do when visiting the pumpkin patch is to going to the petting zoo.

“At the petting zoo there are goats, chickens, rabbits, donkeys, ducks, geese, a baby calf, peacocks and guineas,” Raasch said.

There are many different activities that people can take part in when visiting the pumpkin patch.

“I work mostly around the kitchen but I go in the patch sometimes,” senior Jessica Coca said.

In addition to the match, there are other popular things to do.

“A couple of the favorite activities for the people are the wagon rides to the field - when a lot of people used to live in smaller towns, everybody used to have a hayride. It was a fall activity. Now they come out and enjoy our hayride and the fresh air. The other most popular activity is Uncle Lester’s pig races - there is George Bushhog and Miss Piggy and lots of others that race for a pig newton,” Carolyn Raasch said.

The pumpkin patch has something to do for the whole family.

“Most people don’t realize how much there is to do out here for everybody - mom, dad, kids, and grandparents. There’s something for everyone,” Carolyn Raasch said.

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photo by of Rachel Bower

STAFF EXPERIENCE

by Kayla Hammer “I don’t particularly believe in them,” said fireman Patt Carpenter when asked about the paranormal.

For some people, all the hype on spirits is just in people’s imaginations, but for others like Senior Kayt Carpenter, it’s far too real.

A while ago Kayt decided to play on the Ouija board, which is said to be a way to communicate with spirits, with her brother.

“Now I swear I didn’t move it because I didn’t want to scare my brother and he didn’t either because he was way freaked out. But we got a reading that said it was a 19 year old girl named Tessa who died in a fire,” said Kayt Carpenter.

Though there is not report of the Carpenter’s house having been on fire Kayt’s father is a fireman, which may be the reason there could be haunting there.

“I’ve seen a giant shadow that looked exactly like a man walking through Kayt’s wall,” said Joshua Carpenter Kayt’s brother.

Joshua also has claimed to have strange feelings when entering the kitchen, so fierce that Joshua would leave the room. Even the skeptical father, Patt, said he often gets those feelings in the home.

“My grandma cam over one day and said that she heard tiny footsteps running through the hallway, when she went into the room she said she saw a small shadow and it vanished,” said Joshua Carpenter.

There seems to be an awful lot of activity in the house other than the family that lives in it.

“I defiantly believe the house is haunted,” said Kayt Carpenter.

Kayt tends to disagree with her father who as mentioned before says he doesn’t believe that their house is haunted.

“I mean people believe in angels so why not believe in ghosts. As far as our house being haunted though, I would say not,” said Patt Carpenter.

Following up on the remarks of the house, a private EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) session was conducted.

There wasn’t very much evidence of ghost activity. When asked out loud at the house if there was anyone here with the family there was a knock recorded, but that could have been a creak in the wall.

Regardless if the house is haunted, or even if there is such a phenomenon that exists, it sure seems to hit the interests of a lot of students during this month of Halloween.

IN-DEPTH

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THE PORK CHOP STORY introduction and photo by Haley Sheriff

A dinner to die for.

With the decadent smell of pork chops sizzling on the skillet usually comes an overpowering sensation of hunger. Mouths begin watering and all the mind can focus on is to savagely devour the slabs of roasting pig. However, this chilling tale only told once a year has dried salivating mouths, emptied stomachs and frightened appetites. Notorious among the few who had Administrative Intern Brett Coffman as their AP World History teacher, The Pork Chop Story has now been printed from its original context to be known and feared by all. Bon appétit.

I first heard this story from a KCMO police officer when I first started teaching.

I was teaching 7th grade Kansas City History at a little school and we took a field trip to see all of the sights around town. Many of the students brought their parents on the trip and one just happened to be this police officer. As we approached a townhouse on Quality Hill, just above the West Bottoms where all of the haunted houses are now, this police officer spoke up and said, “The worst murder I ever saw happened in that house.” I asked him to tell me about it, and he said he couldn’t in front of kids. So he told me at lunch, when the kids were playing, and I then told the kids every year at Halloween; true story.

John was a police officer in his first year as a cop. He was stationed in downtown Kansas City, and things were going very smoothly. One night while he was driving around town, he answered a call to a murder in the Quality Hill district of downtown.

He rushed to the scene of the call and pulled up to a small townhouse near 12th Street. The door was slightly ajar as he approached the house. He pulled his revolver and called out that he was with the police department. Slowly entering the residence, he heard someone sobbing in the front room. He could make out the figure of a man sitting on the couch with his head in his hands.

“Sir, what is going on here?” John asked.

“It’s my wife, she’s dead,” the man replied.

John looked toward the kitchen. The whole room seemed to be bathed in a color so weirdly pink that he took two steps toward the door before realizing that he had left the man sitting on the couch unsecured. Coming to his wits, John cuffed the man as other officers entered the house. Another officer took control of the suspect and let John investigate the kitchen. The scene made John wretch as he stood in the doorway. On the floor appeared to be an elderly woman drenched in blood. The kitchen was covered in her blood. From what John could tell, she had been cooking when someone entered the kitchen, took a knife and violently stabbed her hundreds of times. The murderer had been so violent that there were blood splatters on the ceiling and the blood had run across the ceiling and into the light fixture, giving the room its eerie glow.

As the first officer to arrive, he was responsible for keeping track of every person who entered the crime scene. He kept a log of every boot and shoe print, from

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the coroner to the firemen. He spoke with detectives and had officers canvas the neighborhood. Finally, around 2:00 am, the last of the officials and workers left the townhouse, leaving John with one CSI technician and the lead detective to conduct a Luminal test. Luminal is a substance that, when squirted on anything that has come in contact with blood, will illuminate under a black light.

Turning out the lights, the men began the test. The CSI Technician held a black light in one hand and the luminal bottle in the other. It was creepy, hearing the ‘psst psst psst’ of the bottle as footprints of all of the people who had walked into the kitchen slowly appeared in front of them. As the technician worked his way toward the front door, John noticed a set of footprints that didn’t match his records. Someone had been in the kitchen with tennis shoes on. It had to be the murderer. John’s blood ran cold when he saw that these footprints didn’t go toward the front door, but back into a hallway inside the townhouse. It was at this precise time, 2:21 am, that John realized he never checked the rest of the townhouse.

As the luminescent footprints continued to rise in front of them, John and the detective continued on in the dark, weapons pulled, not knowing if there was someone waiting, someone watching, someone listening to every move they made.

The footprints led to a doorway. The killer’s bloody handprints were all over the handle and a handprint was evident in the middle of the door, even without the luminal. John readied his gun and opened the door, which lead to a hallway between townhouses.

The technician continued to spray for bloody prints and they led the investigators down the hallway and upstairs to the door of the townhouse directly above the crime scene. John called for backup, but the sergeant told him not to wait; he had permission to enter the townhouse with the detective. He readied himself and kicked in the door. Sitting in a chair, staring coldly at John and the detective was the murderer; he did not move, nor did he speak. As the detective arrested the man, John discovered the motive for the murder. On a plate in the kitchen were several pork chop bones. The man had killed the woman and had eaten the pork chops she had made for dinner. The moral of the story: don’t ever make really good porkchops.

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-Administrator Brett Coffman NEWS

WE’RE OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD

by Annie Ruckman

Follow the yellow-brick road to Liberty High School’s upcoming musical

Junior Lauren Pouliot shows off the costume she will wear as Dorthy in the Wizard of Oz at the Homecoming carnival. photos by Mackenzie Spencer

Filling the famous sparkly red shoes that click audiences back to Kansas, Junior Lauren Pouliot was casted for the role of Dorthy in the fall musical, The Wizard of Oz. “As the director, I had to look at how she related to all the other characters and how they related to her.

Sometimes its just a gut feeling, watching how they respond to each other, even when not performing,” director Don Johnson said.

The LHS production will attempt to put a modern twist on a classic musical.

“She brings herself to the character, unlike Judy Garland, who played Dorthy in the movie. I think she brings an innocence to the character. Plus, she has an absolutely beautiful voice when you hear her perform,” Johnson said.

While other actors are feeling the pressure to deliver since the musical is so well known, Pouliot is excited to fulfill the challenges ahead.

“I’m really excited that this is a show that everyone knows. It’ll be really hard to live up to everyone’s expectations, but it’ll be something that I really have to try for and it’ll be a challenge,” Pouliot said.

Another challenge that Pouliots’ character must face

is the difficulty of a live dog playing Toto. A little yorkie that has not been trained as a stage dog, the dog will be in numerous scenes and is thought of as a considerably large part in both the movie and musicals.

“I’m really looking forward to the dog, Toto. I get to work with the real dog. It’ll be a challenge but it will be fun,” Pouliot said.

However, Pouliot is growing more and more everyday.

“We’re in the process of learning lines right now and every time, its obvious she’s been practicing.

She becoming more natural, one with the character,” Johnson said.

Of course, performing is nothing new to Pouliot, “Since elementary school I have been on the stage for talent shows or little plays. I’ve been in different choirs, church choir and chamber choir, I’ve taken theater classes throughout school.” Pouliot said.

Those ruby red slippers clank, Toto barks, the cast members take those final bows, and the audience applauds. Close curtain. Scene.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

by Molly Meeks

Kickin’ back before Kickapoo The Kickapoo tournament took place October 13 through the 14, in Springfield, Missouri marking the beginning of the competitive season for Liberty debators.

“It is the first tournament of the year so, if you are going to be a threat this year, Kickapoo is the time to start proving it.” Senior Jaci Glichrist said.

They left early Friday October 14 and returned early Sunday morning. This particular tournament was an overnight, which meant students had to be specially selected to compete. Students that were chosen to go were expected to do well, which added some pressure.

“I try to leave my nerves at the door. I feel like if you let your thoughts creep into your head it screws you up,” junior Jimmy Sitzman said.

Nerves can make or break someone at a tournament, so most experienced debators learn to hone their nervousness and use it to their advantage. Nerves can come in many forms, one being preparation for the tournament.

“Preparation is much harder and more time consuming

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than people think. You must think out every argument a person can make, and a way to refute it. It’s very stressful at times, but the thrill of winning is totally worth it,” Sitzman said.

The team prepared everyday during class, and Wednesdays and Thursdays after school. The team worked hard and after they prepared it was time to compete. The tournament consists of several parts, students debated or did dramatic interpertation for judges. Then winners moved on to semifinals, winners of those move to finals. The biggest competition varied from person to person, but most were competing to achieve their personal goals and win medals.

“It’s quite the experience, and we all love to go to it. I know, personally it is one of my favorite tournaments of the year.” Sitzman said.

Liberty debators tie-dye shirts in preperation for their first tournament of the season, Kickapoo. photos by Kathrine Kuhlmann

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NEWS

See stories from this issue plus pictures, videos and more online at lhsnews.net Special thanks to Alexis Zaborac for designing The Bell’s new online banner!

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1317 H Highway, Liberty

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816-792-4800

photos by MacKenzie Sackett

“WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SCARY MOVIE?”

SHELBY CURTIS BUSINESS MANAGER

You often hear the phrase, “What’s the point?”

That’s because “the point” is the reason for everything. So this Halloween when you go to Blockbuster to look for a scary movie to watch, unless you’d rather trick-or-treat, you’re probably going to get something that scares you...because that is the point. Don’t get me wrong, old horror films are OK; let’s be honest though, they are not scary to anyone in our jaded generation. I am sure “Birds” or “Attack Of The Killer Tomatoes” was scary for its time, but it is nothing compared to the effects and plots that make movies like the famous “Saw”, terrifying today. Not to mention some films are becoming a little more appropriate.

Scary movies within the past couple years have been successfully horrifying without nudity or gore. Take “Paranormal Activity” for example, it became popular enough within a year the producers made a sequel. It had not one sex scene or one human being with their guts spilling out, while at the same time it caused me to lose a couple hours sleep the night I went to see it. On a similar note, the director Oren Peli produced “Insidious”, which was supposed to be even scarier

than “Paranormal Activity”, yet still no nudity.

Ancient scary movies had some great stories and plot lines going for them, but all that did was make it easy to combine an older movie’s plot lines with the genius of today’s Hollywood magic.

“Nightmare On Elm Street” was good before, but it’s even better now. The 2010 take on the classic film won People’s Choice Awards for best horror movie. It’s just one of the many examples that show remakes are becoming popular, and how much better they are than the originals.

Personally, I would rather be scared when watching a scary movie, rather than laughing about how cliché, phony and gross it was when the dumb girl ran out of the camp cabin without a shirt on. I want to watch something that makes me spill popcorn everywhere when I jump; instead of being so bored I have to talk to the person closest to me and end up missing the whole movie. I feel it’s pretty clear why the classics aren’t in theaters anymore, and why better, scarier movies are always being made. It’s because most people remember the point.

PRO/CON: CLASSIC HORROR FILMS “WHATEVER YOU DO, DON’T FALL ASLEEP.” “It’s Halloween, everyone’s entitled to one good scare,” (John Carpenter’s Halloween, 1978). The 21st century has brought out the worst in the horror film industry. Whether it is Rob Zombie’s horrific (no pun intended) remake of Halloween or Twisted Pictures’ gorified Saw trilogy, nothing can compare to the masters of horror films.

Before I mention a few films that do it right, let me explain what not to do when making a horror movie. Film Making 101: Never remake a classic.

Been there, done that. That’s all I have to say. Film Making 101: Cover yourself up. No one wants to see you screaming at the top of your lungs in the nude. Film Making 101: Is it really necessary for every other scene to have someone’s blood and guts oozing out of their body? It’s okay the first couple of times, but after that I’ll be in the bathroom.

Now on to the movies. Take John Carpenter’s Halloween for instance. Set in fictional Midwestern town of Haddonfield, Illinois, six-year-old Michael Myers murders is older sister. Fifteen years later, he escapes from a psychiatric hospital to murder Laurie Strode. The suspense of the movie with the addition of an absolute classic score, there’s no wonder the movie brought in 60 million worldwide.

The Exorcist. When a teenager is possessed by a

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mysterious entity, her mother seeks the help of two priests to save her daughter. Everyone remembers the pea soup and the spinning head. Along with the musical score of tubular bells, this film is sure to make you sleep with a nightlight.

“They’re here.” Tobe Hooper’s 1982 Poltergeist was nominated for three Academy Awards and won numerous awards for the scariest film ever made. Set in the California suburbs, the plot focuses a family whose home is invaded by ghosts that abduct the family’s youngest daughter into the afterlife.

Now let’s go way back to 1968’s George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead. Set in a Pennsylvania farmhouse, a group of people attempt to survive the night while the house is being attacked by zombies. Yes the film is in black and white, but it is one of those movies that you just have to watch every year.

I could go on and on listing off movies right and left but I am constrained to this so called 400 word limit that I am currently exceeding as we speak. So if you’re looking for a bloodcurdling horror flick, consider this list and keep this in mind: “When there’s no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the earth,” (George A. Romero’s Dawn of the Dead, 1978)

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CHRIS MOHR FEATURES EDITOR OPINION

photo courtesy of Jamilia St. Ann

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photo courtesy of Amanda Fisher

STAFF EDITORIAL agree that freshman should come to LHS

Liberty High School has never been the average secondary institution, especially in the fact that it only hosts grades 10 through 12, completely omitting 9th grade from the building. However, beginning the school year of 2013-2014, freshmen will officially be integrated from the junior high schools and into the hallways of the high schools. Though the repercussions of this transition will only be felt by the current sophomore class, there are a great number of upperclassmen torn between this decision as well. We, The Bell staff, are equally opinionated on the subject. It was not until after much head-to-head debate and a tight vote that we decided to side in opposition with the school decision.

Despite the good intentions, one must take the obvious into account: freshmen are considerably immature, both physiologically and socially, in comparison to the upperclasmen. The ripe age of puberty extends between 13 and 15 years old, thus adolescences are still in that awkward ‘in-between’ phase up until the summer before sophomore year.

Because freshmen have been so accustomed to being looped with either the grade above or below them at one time, they are not socially prepared to handle three higher classes all at once. Sure, they may eventually

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disagree that freshman should come to LHS

catch on to the nature balance of the high school ‘foodchain’ and possibly increase the maturity levels of the sophomores, but inevitably there will be upperclassmen who will try and take advantage of them. We fear that such a large gap in age and therefore maturity will spike rates in not only bullying, but also teenage pregnancy.

Liberty’s long-time avoidance of having freshmen in the high school has, as pointed out by some of our staff members who are relatively new to the district, been the deciding factor for many families still on the fence of choosing a place to raise their children. Parents are guaranteed not only an excellent learning experience for their child, but also a safe, if not comforting, environment.

Regardless, this is a definite decision and despite all considerations against it, we will soon be seeing unfamiliar, younger faces dodging in and out of the hallways. The District has full faith this will actually improve the already renowned academics by finally having all high school accredited courses actually taught at the high school, rather than spread out among the junior highs. Having this sense of forced toleration between the four classes, social differences between students are expected to improve as well.

TOO MUCH IS NEVER ENOUGH photo courtesy of Ashley McGee

ASHLEY MCGEE EDITOR IN CHIEF It’s no secret to anyone that knows me that I want to save the world. I’ve been vegetarian since the eighth grade, volunteer at a thrift store in my free time and plan to work for a number of non-profit organizations after graduating college. Throw in three advanced classes,

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four clubs and my Editor-in Chief responsibilities for The Bell, my life is one big balancing act, but I don’t mind it; I enjoy the challenge and I love everything I do.

Lately, however, it seems like I’ve finally reached my breaking point. Somehow, I never seem to have enough time to take care of the whole world and myself, too.

I’m lucky if I get five hours a sleep each night and I can all but forget about spending time with friends more than one day a week. I guess I’ve gotten so caught up in helping everyone else, I haven’t taken care of myself.

And the truth is, as much as I hate to admit it, I’m only human. I can only push my body so far before I can’t push it anymore. I can only give as much as I have. Even with all I’m taking on this year, I can’t say I’m giving very much. Both my time and energy are in short supply.

So, world, consider this an apology from yours truly.

You’ll have to wait to be saved until another day. Right now, I need to focus on me; I need to kick my red heels back and relax; I need to for me, not you. Because if I’m not okay, there’s no way I can ever expect you to be.

19

AMANDA FISHER OPIINION EDITOR

THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’ “Mommy, mommy! Let me see!” I shrieked, begging to see my reflection. It was Halloween night and I was Winnie the Pooh. My mom had just finished putting black eyeliner on my nose to add the final touch to my costume. I was so excited to take my empty pillow case and embark on my trick-or-treating adventure.

For hours, my older brothers, Chris and Brandon and I trick-or-treated in the cold October air until the streetlights came on. Once we arrived home to our mother who had been providing candy to all the neighborhood kids, we divided our treasures. Dad got the Snickers, Mom got the candy corn, Chris got anything he could get his hands on, Brandon got the licorice and I got the Reese’s. This is the first Halloween I can recall, and it’s the best one yet.

More than 10 years later, I do not participate in trick-or-treating, but it kills me that this experience is dying.

Sadly, I can picture it now. My child looking at me like I’m psycho when I reminisce about trick-ortreating and them responding, “You seriously used to go door-to-door and beg for candy?!” I feel like I can safely say my kids won’t want to trick-or-treat, unless it’s a program like Safe Halloween.

These days, parents are practically slapped on the wrist when their kids eat foods that aren’t gluten-free or aren’t enrolled in preschool by the time they’re one.

Parents are way too cautious these days and think everything is dangerous. I lived for the days when I would run around outside with my friends or God forbid, ride a bicycle without a helmet.

Trick-or-treating is the highlight of fall for children.

Nothing is better than dressing up and getting candy!

What was just as fun was creating the perfect costume, rather than buying the typical, store-bought one. The whole point of going to peoples’ front porches is to show it off and the hard work put into it. How else would you deserve the loads of candy?

I don’t care how weird my children think it will be, they are trick-or-treating whether they like it or not.

It is a memorable, carefree time in a child’s life to be silly and get rewarded for it. I guarantee when their children have children, they will thank me for dressing them up as princesses and cowboys to get candy.

OPINION

photo

by Kyle Sackett Rutliff photo by MacKenzie

by MacKenzie Sackett Online Manager, MacKenzie Sackett, a huge Footloose fan, reviewed the remake of the 1980s cult classic.

CUT LOOSE THE BELL

The first time I ever saw the 1984 movie Footloose was only just a few years ago. My dad had bought it on DVD since it was one of his favorite movies back when he was a teenager and was forcing my little brothers and I to watch it with him. Being a typical 14-year-old girl I had absolutely desire in watching one of my dad’s favorite 80’s movies. But as soon as the beginning titles came on and the song Footloose by Kenny Loggins started playing, my attitude towards the movie instantly changed.

Footloose is about a teenager named Ren McCormick, played by Kevin Bacon, who moves to Bomont, Utah with his mother from Chicago. He learns that Bomont has a law against rock music and dancing because a few years ago a couple teenagers were killed in an accident after leaving a dance party. Ren meets the rebellious Ariel Moore played by Lori Singer, who is the daughter of Reverend Moore whose son was one of the

“

kids that was killed in the accident and is now very strict with Ariel. Ren and Ariel decide to rebel against the “ridiculous” law and protest to have a senior prom.

Throughout Footloose, I was completely engaged. The fabulous dance moves, the romance, the fights and not to mention the amazing 80’s soundtrack, Footloose had everything that defines a classic 80’s movie.

When I first heard a couple of years ago that they were going to remake Footloose, I was absolutely outraged.

I thought to myself, (or maybe even yelled out loud) “Why on earth would they remake such a classic movie?

They are going to ruin it!” But the first time I saw the trailer for the new Footloose I decided that it actually looked pretty cool and I was at least going to see it and give it a shot.

Footloose was nothing like I expected, it did the original well, I give it 4 out of 5 bacon strips.

I sat down in my seat at Liberty Cinema 12 with an open mind to the remake. I was honestly shocked at how good the movie actually was. My expectations for it were not very big since I am such a fan of the original. But the film stayed right on track with the original. It’s plot is almost exactly the same; they basically just updated the original film from 1984 to 2011. Although there were a few differences from the original so that the film was not the exact same movie as the original.

First of all Ren McCormick, played by a new actor Kenny Wormald, moves from Boston to Georgia to live with his aunt and uncle since his mother just died from leukemia where as in the original, he moves with his mother from Chicago to Georgia.

Although no one can truly compare to Kevin Bacon, Wormald gives a fabulous performance as Ren. He has a James Dean look to him and does a great job at keeping the character the same as the

“

original yet really making it his own and different from Bacon’s. Wormald gives Bacon a run for his money during the classic, unforgettable, angry solo dance scene in the warehouse since Wormald is a professional dancer whereas Bacon is not.

I was excited when I found out that Julianne Hough from Dancing With The Stars was going to play Ariel Moore.

I was very surprised at Hough’s acting in the film because she was actually really good! She has a very natural kind of acting presence and her dancing is absolutely breathtaking. I liked her version of Ariel better than Lori Singer’s version. She just has more attitude, and spunk.

If you are a fan of the original movie like I am, be open minded about this remake and just go see it! Trust me, you will not be disappointed! For those who are not familiar with the original movie, Footloose is a fun, energetic movie that will keep viewers entertained till the end.

20

OPINOIN

PAR FOR THE COURSE

by Jake Boese

The women’s team preperations are paing off in tournamnets.

State qualifier Marissa Juliana chips on to the green during a practice round. “Marissa was district and suburban conference champion,” coach Forrest Bertoldi said. photo by Mackenzie Spencer

There is one primary goal for Coach Forrest Bertoldie every year involving his Women’s Golf Team: to send some of his players to state. He has succeeded in meeting that goal this year by sending golfers Marissa Juliana and Paige Warnock to the tournament. Preparation is one of the keys to success for the team and has helped them reach success this year.

The girls have put in a lot of work to be successful.

“It takes lots of hard work on the range and putting green,” senior Marissa Juliana said.

Even things people would not think are important for the golfers are completely necessary to maintain success throughout a tournament.

“You need to eat well the night before and go to bed early to get good sleep,” junior Christine Conge said. “Staying hydrated is really important because 18 holes of golf can take six hours and you can get sick in that time.”

Having a strategy is also crucial to a player’s performance.

“When I go to a tournament I just make a plan

that I’m going to try my hardest on every shot and see where that puts me,” sophomore Paige Warnock said.

After the tournament starts, the golfers still need to prepare while on the course before their shots.

“First, I assess my lie, see which club I need to use.

I step behind the ball and align my shot, and then I swing,” Conge said.

This is not merely a sport requiring physical endurance, but also mental strength.

“It’s a highly technical game. It’s important to have a few basic fundamentals. We teach them to play each stroke like it’s the most important stroke of the day and each hole like it’s the most important of the day. We focus on what’s going on right now more than the long term.” coach Forrest Bertoldie said.

The methods of preparation for the golf team have seemed to pay off as their success has continued throughout the season and will hopefully follow them to state.

KEEP ON MOVIN’

by Diana Timmermans

People in Motion is a performance to showcase different dancing talents around the school.

Motion: The action or process of moving or being moved. People in Motion is a club at Liberty High School and Liberty North High School.

“It gives kids a good exposure to different types of dance and movement and to bridge the schools together because we are trying to keep the community together and it gives the kids’ time to interact with one another,” Coach Sara Wyatt said.

Practice began for the October 21 and 22 showcase on September 14 with technique workshops lasting until September 29. Leading up to their first performances of the year, they have rehearsed the week of October 17.

“There are usually 15–20 dances performed in quick succession and the variety makes the evening go very quickly, we have one group dance that we rehearse together. The rest of the dances are done by

THE BELL

individuals and small groups, [and] these students work on their own time before or after school in the Black Box Theater or the main stage at Liberty North High School,” LNHS theater director David Young said.

This year’s performance pulled out the stops, just like the past 19 years of performances.

“I enjoy watching the performances. I also enjoy seeing all the people who return to watch year after year. Once people see the performance, they tend to make an effort to come back,” Young said.

Every dancer works so hard for these performances and for their time to shine in the spotlight.

“I like to dance, I like the moment of being on stage and all eyes on me,” Senior Adorin Dorsey said.

21

People in Motion particpant Adorian Dorsey practices a dance move. ““Some people get kind of nervous, but I welcome the environment, and I like it,” Dorsey said. photo by MacKenzie Sackett

SPORTS

Displaying their routines for the crowd, the cheerleaders cheer for the football team. “Our goals for the season are to succeed in both competitions, help leasd our sports to success and to work exceptionally well together ending the season with all 30 teammates,” senior Sheridan Staton said. photo by Breann Koch

FLORIDA BOUND

by Mat George

As a result of the back-to-back-to-back state championships the Jays are now heading to Florida to comepete in nationals “We are the Blue Jays, yea yea, and we are the and practice. To perform at top level in any type of best!” This is just one of the many chants that 30 LHS competition or game, one must put in many hours of Cheerleaders shout in front of fans. For the past three hard work and practice and have a goal in mind. years, Liberty’s cheerleaders have been state champions.

“When we go to Florida, I’m hoping to win. But if we The girls will be in many cheer competitions to prepare don’t then I’m just hoping to place as high as we can,” for when they travel to Staley High School in December sophomore Haley Davisson said. for the UCA regional competition. From there, they Being a senior means a lot of things. One of these will progress to the UCA nationals in Florida the include going through things that the younger kids have weekend before Valentine’s Day. already gone through. The senior Jay Cheerleaders are “We would love to the biggest class. see community support “The hardest part is in December at this really concentrating, conveniently located the seniors and When we go to Florida, I’m hoping to but competition,” senior captains play a really Cheer Captain Sheridan win. But if we don’t then I’m just hoping big part in helping get Staton said. us back to work and to place as high as we can, Due to all the they are really good -sophomore Haley Davisson role models,” junior competitions that the girls will be participating in, Allie Holyfield said. there’s one thing is on a lot It takes more of people’s minds: money. than hard work and The girls are doing many things to help raise money, practice to become good at something. It also takes a including a kiddie clinic with the Sapphires this month little happiness and a drive that makes a person want as well as a fundraiser through Chik-fil-A. to keep striving.

“We made $500 from our fundraiser at Chick-fil-A. “My favorite part of cheerleading is performing in We got $150 dollars from tips and the rest was from front of our school and cheering on all great Blue Jay the 15 percent we got from the meals,” junior Maria sports. Also, each one of us has the privilege to have Esparza said.

29 teammates close and able to count on,” Staton said.

Cheerleading, like most things, requires a lot of effort

“

THE BELL

“

22

Senior Morgan Braden doing a backhandspring during the routine. “My favorite part is tumbling and stunting because it is a chance to show off how good and strong of a team we are,” junior Allie Holyfield said. photo by Breann Koch

SPORTS

[Left] Soccer team huddles before the game.

[Above] Junior Keaton Day gets help up after stretching from coach Chiku Bikoko.

“The best part about this season is that as the end is nearing we are becoming closer and closer as a team,” junior Spencer Hurla said. photos by Kyle Rutliff

FIGHTING THROUGH THE PAIN

by Cody Clawson

Injuries starting to take a toll on the Jays All teams know that throughout the season things will go unplanned and they will have to work around whatever the problem is. For the men’s soccer team, injuries have been a huge obstacle in their goal of a state championship.

They have had to deal with many injuries, from bruised hamstrings, to rolled ankles, to even mono.

“They [injuries] have killed us. We have struggled with so many starters out,” coach Thomas Rottjakob said. “We have had some people step up though. You do your best and that is really all you can ask. We have struggled the last few weeks though.”

Even with the recent rut, the team knows that

Soccer Players Hays Hall

these things just happen throughout the course of a season.

“We were six and one to start the season and then the injuries started to take over and everyone just got really frustrated,” junior Tim Hannah said. “We started having a lot of games in a row and everyone was getting fatigued.”

Having time to rest is huge for the success of a team. The more you play the higher the risk is for a player to get injured.

“All of the injuries have had bad timing, but at the same time good. They have been bad timing because we are trying to build a solid team, but they have been good timing because they now and come post season everyone should be

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One good thing about injuries for a team is that you really get to see what the bench is made of. Coaches are truly tested to find places for players, who do not normally play, to play, and play well with the team.

“Throughout all these injuries we have really been forced to test the depth of the team,” junior Spencer Hurla said.

Although the depth of the team has been tested throughout the season, the team knows come postseason, they will be ready to go.

“Even though we have had all of the injuries I see our team getting better the further the season goes and I know when postseason comes

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