LHS Newspaper September Edition

THE BELL

September 23, 2011

Liberty High School

Volume 88, Issue 2

SPORTS: Liberty softball started their season off with a swinging victory in the season opening tournament,

see page 19

FEATURES

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

OPINION

Dallas Ackerman’s son Dayton, age 4, and Taryn McGee’s daughter Carleigh, age 4, attend school at

Concert choir kicks off the new school year with their annual back- to- school crazy, compelling skits.

Annie Ruckman takes you on a scoopalicious adventure! Find out how she rated ice cream shops

7

12

14

ON THE COVER Catcher Jessica Rawie steps up to bat, staring down an opposing pitcher as she waits for the right time to swing. In the background, Coach Howard anxiously awaits the pitch to see what his call is going to be for the runner currently on base. photo by Breann Koch

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: Lucas Carrel Lauren Pouliot Breann Koch Kyle Rutliff Makenzie Spencer Kelley Rowe

Clarissa Parker Emily Houck Samantha Novak Rachel Bower

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

BRAIN TEASERS

by Michaela Lamb

Team will compete to win $50,000.

OUR MISSION

CONTACT US

Mrs. Fairhurst and Mr. Blochlinger look to create a team to compete in the Burns & McDonnel Battle of the Brains for a prize of $50,000 and a chance to have their project featured in an exhibit at Science City. photos by Rachel Bower and MacKenzie

Sounds like the premise for a sci-fi flick. In reality, Battle of the Brains is a city wide competition held at Science City for high school students who have an interest in science, design, or engineering.

Fronted by the local architectural company Burns & McDonnell, Battle of the Brains offers students a chance to create a project of their own and enter it into a contest for a chance at $50,000 to go toward their school and the opportunity to have their project made into an exhibit featured at Science City, a popular field trip and attraction for elementary and middle school students.

The Liberty Team competing is headed by Michelle Fairhurst and Dennis Blochlinger, putting their expertise together to help guide and advise students who join the team.

“Mr. Blochlinger and I are still trying to get it going, but I think when we do it’s going to be really great. I have a lot of faith in our students,” said Fairhurst.

“Anyone is welcome to join. Any help that we can get will be great!”

Students are excited as well, “Basically Battle of the Brains is a big contest to see who can create the best space for young children to learn in a fun environment,”

said senior Ryan Ogle.

“What I think is really great is that we can compete to get money for the school,” said senior Fallon Laird.

“The winning school in each division gets $50,000 and the second place winners get $5,000. We could do a lot with that money.”

Because this is the first year that Battle of the Brains has existed, most students do not even know what it is.

“I’ve never heard of it,” said junior Diana Lalata, “But it definitely sounds interesting and like it would be a good way to get money for the school.”

Battle of the Brains offers real world experience and the opportunity to work with architects, engineers and builders for the chance to make their visions a reality in the form of their very own Science City exhibit in 2012.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to experience what its like to work in a professional setting,” said Fairhurst. As well as the experience gained, students will come away from Battle from the Brains with professional contacts and a great resume builder.

For those interested in joining, meetings will be held on Mondays after school in room 207.

FIND THE ICE CREAM News Editor Annie Ruckman has lost her ice cream! It’s been hidden somewhere in this issue. Can you help her find it? The first person to rescue this tasty treat and bring it back to room 101at the beginning of sixth hour will recieve a prize courtesy of the Bell staff.

THE CARNIVAL IS COMING TO TOWN

by Ben DeHart

Student Council leads the way for new Homecoming events .

Student Council Officers discuss plans for this year’s new introduction of the carnival. photo by Rachel Bower

Step right up to see Liberty’s first ever, Homecoming Carnival! The city of Liberty is used to hosting the Fall Festival every year, but now Liberty will be hosting two carnivals.

“We are having a big carnival out on the football field in front of the high school. There will be blow-up games and a lot of fun activities for students to participate in,” Senior Joey Wheelhouse said “The decision to stop the parade was made last year due to lots of concerns from the community, law enforcement, and administration. The size of Liberty has out-grown the ability to block streets for a parade,” said Student Council Advisor Melanie Prince.

Not to worry Liberty fans and students, “There will still be a pep assembly on the Friday of Homecoming,” said Senior Kristin Filardo.

Senior Tommy Kackley helped plan the carnival extravaganza.

“It will be a challenge to get it going and trying to get the community pumped up after we took away the tradition of the parade,” Kackley said.

The carnival will take place on September 29, the Thursday night before the Homecoming game on the following Friday, October 1.

“All students, staff, and community members are welcome to attend the carnival. We are looking forward to building a new tradition but still keep the community involved with the homecoming festivities,” said Wheelhouse.

Normally the parade brings floats from different classes, but with no parade, a substitution had to be made.

“Instead of the sophomores, juniors, and seniors making class floats for the parade, each class was given a section of the fence in around the football field. They will decorate their section of the fence as they would their float,” said Prince.

A new Homecoming tradition may be upon the city and LHS. The first classes of Liberty to be split, are now the first classes that will experience a Homecoming Carnival.

UMKC GETS A TOUCH OF GERMANY

by Madi Denton

Liberty German Club competes at UMKC campus.

On October 13th, while most students will be stuck in the rut of normal scheduling, a lucky few students will be out representing Liberty High School’s foreign language program.

UMKC is putting on a competition for potential or current dual credit high school students who are currently taking at least French II, Spanish II, or German II. LHS is taking 36 students, as of right now and there will be more than 1,000 students there from all around the state.

There are lots of different activities to participate in during this all-day competition. They have the option to either recite a German poem, preform a song by singing or playing an instrument, or by presenting art.

For the older students, in levels four and up, they can present a skit that is based off the theme for this year, which the team’s favorite German word. The higherlevel students can also play jeopardy.

“I love the German language, and it would be so much fun to preform something. And I would be able

THE BELL

to go all out and be crazy and have fun,” sophomore Murron Paeth said.

Besides being a fun and different activity, it is educational as well. “It gives them the chance to use their German outside of the classroom,” teacher Frau Bierman said. The students are not only able to view the campus, but they can meet with the professors, and spend some time talking with kids with similar interests.

“I mean it’s always been a lot of fun. We get to miss a day of school and kind of hang out and eat some food with our friends. And we get to sing German songs, and do a skit in German, and just get to compete [with] other schools,” junior Ryan Anders said.

Liberty’s involvement would not have been possible without German teacher Stephan Frank, who now teaches at Liberty North. He got the German dual credit program started at LHS, and began taking students to the convention. Because this will be Liberty North’s first year participating, the two high

3

First and Second place trophies from previous years at the convention. Photo by Clarissa Parker

schools will be competing for the first time.

Liberty has placed very well the past few years at this trip, getting first place in the skits, and second in jeopardy. They plan to do the same again this year.

NEWS

SPOTLIGHT JAKOBY SWANSON

“Always being in a team setting has helped me to work and get along with others,” Swanson said. photo by Rachel Bower

Jakoby Swanson brings a fresh face to the line of leadership for StuCo as its newest addition, the sophomore class president. However, this is not his first time representing his classmates.

“I have been involved in StuCo since the fourth grade, so this will be my sixth year. Last year, I was president at South Valley Junior High School,” Swanson said. “I just love representing my fellow classmates and helping make their school better.”

Complimenting his extensive tenure within Student Council is his personality and work ethic, which appealed to the masses this past election.

“He’s a loyal friend, a nice outgoing guy who gets along with everybody and is very well liked,” sophomore Jimmie Asher said. “He works harder than most and takes the time to help others. He’s always on top of being both athletic and intelligent.”

With the title of president undoubtedly comes a heap of responsibilities. As the head of the sophomore class, Swanson and the rest of the sophomore representatives will be presiding over the Courtwarming dance.

“He has a lot of fresh, new ideas people are definitely going to like,” Asher said. “He’s really good with people and working through problems.”

THE BELL

Along with juggling his academics and extracurricular activities, Swanson manages to make time for athletics. Playing basketball and currently as a wide receiver for the football team, he is always interacting with others and being drawn into situations that can only be solved through a team effort.

“Jakoby is the kind of student that doesn’t really fit into a particular group—he fits in with different types of people and communicates well with others,” Football coach Chad Frigon said. “He always has a plan and gives 100 percent into whatever he does and he always follows through with what he begins.

He is a really well-rounded student athlete who is always on time and arrives early.”

With the rest of the year and his high school career ahead of him, Swanson has his mindset on being a proper leader and representation for those who got him into office.

“I want to be the best I can be for the sophomores, I’m very thankful for their votes,” Swanson said.

“The only thing I’m really worried about is disappointing them.”

JS

ALEXIS ZABORAC No stranger to success, junior Alexis Zaborac has returned to StuCo for her second consecutive year as her class’s president. Involved in Student Council since the eighth grade, she has had experience in both the vice presidency and presidency, demonstrating a natural knack for leadership.

“She’s more mature than most to take on this position,” junior vice president Tyre Russell said. “Her spunkiness, love for others and selflessness is what separates her from typical students.”

For her new role as junior class president, Zaborac is already bamboozled with this year’s upcoming tasks.

Currently, she is saddled with the Homecoming dance, but she eagerly looks ahead to Prom.

“I love being involved and planning the dances, especially Homecoming, though I’m extremely looking forward to the juniors managing Prom. On our StuCo retreat, which was basically our first meeting, we broke into committees. I’m in Publicity, so I’ll be in charge of posters, tickets and t-shirts.”

Besides StuCo, Zaborac is active in plenty of other extracurricular activities, namely Breakfast Club, Key Club and Cheer, to which she gives credit for shaping her into the leader she has become.

“I think they’ve [my activities] made me more creative and keep me involved, which helps me to know what

by Haley Sheriff

by Haley Sheriff

everybody’s thinking. I then bring their ideas back to StuCo and help to somehow try to get them incorporated.” Zaborac said.

With a love for graphic design, Zaborac was one of 40 regional finalists in the annual Doodle4Google contest, where she created her own original Google logo depicting her desires for the future.

“Because of Alex’s hard work, she has been successful on both a local level and a national level,” Graphic Design teacher Cary Morris said. “Her Art Show Invitation Design won our school’s graphic design competition and was printed and sent out to the Liberty community, and Alex’s Doodle4Google design was a regional finalist (top 40 out of over 100,000 designs submitted nationally). Her hard work and her devotion to academic excellence make me believe that her potential is unlimited.”

With so many outstanding accomplishments, there is much faith that Zaborac will not disappoint the Class of 2013 or the rest of the student body this school year.

“I really want to see her accomplish Prom and I know it’ll be a definite success. She’s super creative and can make something out of anything,” Russell said. “She’s so good at getting the student body involved and informed about the events we [StuCo] put on.”

4

“She’s the sweetest person ever, along with being an amazing friend and person,” Russell said. photo by Rachel Bower

FEATURES

SPOTLIGHT BEN DEHART

by MacKenzie Sackett

BD MP

“He’s very persistent. He loves a challenge and refuses to take no for an answer. He treats everyday as his last and takes advantage of opportunites. He’s also so happy all the time.” -senior Alex Hubbs

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

Senior Ben DeHart continues as class president for his third year. photo by MacKenzie Sackett

How long have you been involved in STUCO?

“It was first offered to us in 4th grade and I hopped on it because I just felt like being involved with the decisions was a big deal and I’m kind of a big deal so it goes hand in hand.”

What are your previous positions on STUCO? “I have been class president since 9th grade.”

How do you think those positions have helped you prepare for your position this year?

“Every year the responsibility has been increasing and I feel like this year everyone has their trust in me to be extremely responsible.”

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

What do you enjoy about being in STUCO? “I enjoy the opportunities that I am offered to be involved in the school and extra curricular activities such as community service, high way clean up, fundraisers, assemblies.”

What made you decide not to be just a class representative but be a class president?

“Go big or go home.”

What are the other activities that you are involved in at school?

“Trapshooting, Serteens, Environmental Club, NHS, Key Club, KLHS, Newspaper and I’m trying out for the musical this year.”

“He’s just well rounded, he’s a great kid, he’s friends with everyone, he’s involved in a lot of different aspects in school and I know he’s involved a lot around the community.” -Teacher Rhonda Ross

MELANIE PRINCE

by MacKenzie Sackett

“She connects very well with the students and she communicates well with the council and anytime that we have a meeting and we think that we’re going to have a problem with something she’s quick to think on her feet for solution. She always knows just the right thing to do and what no to do. She’s just a great advisor.” -senior Jordan Tanner

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

How long have you been involved in STUCO?

“This is my fourth year on STUCO, for three years I was kind of the co-advisor and this year I am the advisor.”

What do you enjoy about STUCO?

“I enjoy having a different involvement with students outside of my general counseling just being able to have a different interaction, a different relationship, a different connection with the students in this school.”

What do you hope to accomplish this year in STUCO?

“I definately want to create more school involvement, more excitement, and more school spirit. I want our student council members to generate more of that.”

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

What is the biggest upcoming STUCO project?

“The biggest thing on our plate right now is homecoming, We’ve got a carnival and we’ve got obviously the dance, and we’re going to do a fence decorating contest instead of the floats.”

What are some service projects that STUCO will be participating in?

“We try to do a lot of service projects. We have a section of the highway that we clean up. We encourage students to put together projects for the places that are providing support for people in our community.”

What’s one of the activities you really look forward to during the year?

“I think probably prom. I like seeing everybody dressed up, that’s always fun being at that event.”

Counselor Melanie Prince is StuCo adviser for her first year. photo by Mackenzie Spencer

THE BELL

5

FEATURES

THE NEW AND IMPROVED

by Sam Turley

A first inside look at the new faces entering the Liberty High School faculty this school year.

A new class of sophomores has rolled in, but they are not the only new faces that have joined Liberty High School this year. Communication Arts teacher Kelsie Blakley, Ms. Blakley to her new students, is one of the many new faculty members this year. Fresh out of college, a former Mizzou Tiger, Blakley majored in Secondary Education- English. Here’s a look into how she ended up at LHS. “I definitely knew the district was a great district. My dad works within the district as well so I always heard great things! I also just wanted to be in the Kansas City area,” Blakley said.

Liberty wants the best of the best to keep up its highranking reputation. Teachers like Blakley are exactly what the district is looking for, teachers who are dedicated and willing to give their all for the students.

“I actually knew for a very long time what I wanted to do. I like helping people figure things out. I especially have a heart for high school students. I want to help them figure out who they are and where they belong.”

She has high hopes for what her students will learn from her class.

“I definitely hope that they come out of my class

1317 H Highway, Liberty

THE BELL

.

knowing how to present themselves through writing and speaking. Hopefully they learn to appreciate reading and writing and see how important it really is for the future,” Blakley said.

Backing up Blakley’s dedication to her students, sophomore Ashton Thomas said, “Ms. Blakley is great!

She is so sweet, helpful, and caring. She really wants to help us out; she’s a great teacher.”

After only a few weeks, Blakey said her experience has been great.

“I’m the only new one in the Language Arts department, but everyone has been so great and helpful!”

Not only are her students raving about her, but Principal Dr. April Adams, the administrator who did the interview, is raving about Blakley. When asked why Blakley was the best applicant for the job over others Dr. Adams interviewed, she had 13 reasons why!

“She’s an absolutely amazing teacher. Her humor is great, she’s dedicated to being a great educator, she truly believes that all students are important, and she’s passionate about what she does. These are just a few of her tremendously long repertoire of skills that made her the best candidate,” Adams said.

Kelsie Blakely begins her teaching career at Liberty High School as a communication arts teacher. photo by Kelley Rowe

816-792-4800

6

NEWS

SCHOOL WITHIN A SCHOOL

by Kayt Carpenter

Blue Jay Junction what’s your function?

Gary Pierson’s son, Liam, age three, is known as a “little pistol” in the School Lab. photo by Mackenzie Spencer

It may be hard to believe that Liberty High School offers more than just a high school education. Every year while students are enrolling in classes, anxious preschoolers are making their way down to Blue Jay Junction.

“It’s a lab school setting for the family and consumer science classes. I’ve had students in here, some high school students who are now teachers for the district.

I think that is so neat, because I feel like they started out in here, and figured out what they wanted to do,” Preschool teacher Megan DiLonardo said.

But this is not an everyday preschool where anyone can drop off their children. “[Blue Jay Junction is for] anybody in the district.

I’ve had grandkids, I’ve had nephews, I’ve had nieces,” DiLonardo said.

Members of the Liberty School District not only find this a convenient and safe place for their children, but some would not even look at other programs, like guidance counselor Amy Tuso who chose Blue Jay Junction over any other public pre-school for her three year old son, Warren.

“It’s run on best practice, and that’s really important to me. There are reasons why there are standards, and I knew those would be met here without question,” said Tuso. “Not only do I think that it’s the best of the best, but it’s like getting the most for the least. And it’s here so it’s really easy to bring him and take him home. Cost

wise, it’s comparable and cheaper than other day care.”

She also explained how there is absolutely nothing she dislikes about Blue Jay Junction.

“Really, there was no reason not to bring him here.

In addition to that, I think it’s really important that the students that are in Child Development have the opportunity to learn. If there weren’t any kids available, then that program wouldn’t be able to work.” Tuso said.

Preschooler Warren Tuso said, “I like to play play-doh.

I like to play with the house with my friends, and we eat popsicles.”

It may seem like a good time, but Blue Jay Junction is not all fun and games., “I guess it’s what they’re exposed to, we want to keep them little. We don’t want them to be exposed to adult things. I have to watch when I take the kids down the hall because they see and hear things they shouldn’t sometimes, so I really have to watch that bell and be careful with what we expose them to,” DiLonardo Although the challenges are sometimes unavoidable, parts of the day are devoted to cal waves in the form of students taking over the classroom. They read, do arts and crafts, and even take over with their own lesson plans on certain days.

“Oh, when y’all [Child Growth and Development students] come in here and work with the kids. I get to sit back and relax and watch the interaction!” DiLonardo.

CHANGING ROLES

by Katlyn Smelcer

Special Education teacher is doing more than walking the halls this year.

Many teachers walk the halls at Liberty High School, but what are they really like? Mr. Badalucco, also known as Joe to his friends and family, is the new Special Education teacher and according to him he is pretty excited about his new role.

“I had a connection with the kids being a hall monitor, and getting to know some of the Special Education students, I realized they were the kids that needed the most attention,” Badalucco said. Before this year Badalucco was a hall monitor here at Liberty High School and he explained his opinion on both positions.

“Well it depends on the day, being a hall monitor is great because you get to know a lot of kids, but being a Special Education teacher creates better relationships with the kids,” said Badalucco.

While Badalucco is a teacher, he has many other sides to him. He enjoys playing golf in his free time and spending time with his wife Marla who is also a teacher here, and their pug, Ringo. On a deserted island, Badalucco would not bring his cell phone, or his iPod, but something much sweeter and closer to him.

“I would have to bring my wife, my dog, and honestly

THE BELL

just my entire family,” he said. Needless to say Badalucco is definitely a family man.

A couple other intriguing facts about Badalucco is that he loves going to the Cayman Islands but the one place in the world he would love to go to is Hawaii. He likes the Cayman Islands because he loves the tropical weather and the beach.

One of Badalucco’s very own students tells about his teacher.

“Well I think he is a pretty cool teacher, he makes you work just like any other teacher, but he is cool,” senior Cody Wallace said.

If Badalucco was to describe his one weakness and his one strength he says he tends to complain too much, but his one strength is that he has a big heart.

It seems that Badalucco is positively a lover and not a fighter. There is no way to fully grasp Badalucco’s many sides, but he loves his family and he is most definitely looking forward to being a strong contributor to the Special Education classes this year at Liberty High School.

7

Previous hall monitor, Joe Badalucco, switches roles and is now a Special Education teacher for the 2011-2012 school year. photo by Emily Houck

FEATURES

GREAT DEALS ON FLOWERS FOR HOMECOMING!

896 South State Route 291 Liberty, MO (816) 781-4648



  

 

 







SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 The letter seen here is a response from New York City Police Officer Kenneth Quick, in reply to Assistant Principal Penny Holm’s daughter Erin. Holm had written a letter in the eighth grade shortly after the terrorist attacks, thanking those who had risked their lives doing what they do everyday. In the following pages, other members of the Liberty High School community share their experiences of this fateful day.

LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL

REMEMBERS “

story by Amanda Fisher, design by Chris Mohr

With respect to this day and those who have suffered, The Bell staff has collected 91 stories from LHS students and staff about where they were and what they were doing on this historic day.

“ “

Whether you were in Kindergarten, first grade, second grade or perhaps even a high school or college student, it is safe to assume we all have some memory of what happened on September 11, 2001. For most students, we were young elementary children embarking on just another Tuesday morning. However, fate stepped in at 8:59 a.m. CST when a plane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

“I moved to NYC in early 1999, and trying to pay the bills led me to work as a manager at a restaurant, The Time Cafe, down in the east village, about 3/4 of a mile north of the WTC. Everyone always talks about what a perfect day it was and that is one thing I do remember.

I woke up at 8:50 to the sound of sirens (even six miles north of the towers, up by the George Washington bridge, you could hear the first responders). I did not think much of it, as sirens in NYC are pretty common. I turned on the local photo by Kyle Rutliff NPR station, WNYC (we had no television in the apartment) just to get the morning news and they were talking about a plane flying into the North Tower. I assumed that it was a small, private plane, but minutes later they were saying a 2nd plane had hit and I was thinking, “How could this be? It is a cloudless, perfect flying day.” How naive I was.

It was crazy the rest of the day. My roommates and I went to the local hospital at 11:00 to give blood, but they were swamped. I took a bus toward downtown in the early afternoon as the subway lines were shut down, but by 3:00 I was able to catch the two line, which took me west of work and down close to Houston street. As I gazed into the blackness that was to the south, I could see the flash of red and orange lights off of the black between the buildings. I thought, ‘This must be what Hell looks like.’

I arrived at work by 3:30, and the restaurant was already filled with people covered in dust. All electricity was out south of Houston, and since we were only four short blocks north, a lot of people had congregated there. It was surreal. People had what I would call a glaze over their eyes, as if they had been hit over the head with something heavy. I finally saw what people had been watching all day and I had only heard on the radio as the TV at the bar showed over and over the planes hitting the towers. One of our best servers worked some early shifts at the Top of the World restaurant at the top of the north tower, so we were afraid that he might have been there, but someone got a hold of him about 4:30.

I remember the taste of the air for the next few weeks. It was hard to breathe at times when I came to work the next few weeks, and I recall emergency personnel coming to eat with us as well. We took very special care of them. NYC was always a place of confrontation, horns, yelling, people being the opposite of our Midwest civil. However, for a few weeks after this people were different. They acted more concerned for each other. We were a team and our first goal was to take care of one another.”

-Teacher Chuck Zavos

THE BELL

It makes me want justice. And it also makes me want to do something to commemorate the people that were harmed in the attack. It makes me think that new security measures for air flights are justified as well.

-Junior Jimmy Sitzman

”

I was in 2nd grade and it was my 8th birthday. I really had no clue on what happened until I got home that Tuesday from school.

My parents were both home and played it off so I wouldn’t get upset on my birthday. I remember them later saying, ‘Tyler, I know its your birthday, but something very bad happened to our country this morning,’ After that I just remember my mom crying and watching TV throughout the whole night.

-Senior Tyler Briggs

I don’t feel as hopeless or frightened.

I believe we emerged from the ashes a stronger nation. I continue to be grateful and in awe of the first responders who sacrificed so much.

-Teacher Vicki Jones

”

” “

“

“At the time I went to a private school that always sheltered its students. I remember sitting in class when our principal walked in and told our teacher the news. She gasped really loud and simply said “Oh no!” which caused all of us to look up from our work and saw her starting to tear up when one of us asked what had happened. They were both silent until they said, “Nothing.” Later that day when we walked to lunch I happened to look in our principal’s office and saw a photo by Breann Koch building with a bunch of smoke on TV. No one knew what happened or why everything was kept a secret. I never found out what happened until I went home to see my mom crying and watching the news.”

-Junior Anthony Valles

10 -11

“ ”

I feel a pride knowing that it’s been ten years and here we have built another tower at ground zero and I just feel inspired and patriotic. Still sad about everyone who lost their lives.

-Senior Brett Teel

Though a dark time in our nation’s history, the terrorists had one goal which was to gain a response from us. They did, they got patriotism, pride, community, and that’s why we’re fighting. To bring peace.

-Senior Justin Love

”

“I was sitting in a college political science class at Rockhurst University. When I had arrived at class the first tower had already been hit and the second one was hit while I was in class. Our teacher was an old military man so we spent the whole class talking about what happened and what our response would be.

Channel 4 news actually came in to our classroom and interviewed us about the event. I was very confused when it happened because I didn’t know what the Twin Towers were.

I remember hearing about it and thinking, “Oh whatever.” It didn’t register that the buildings were in the United States and that it was an attack, not an accident. I can’t believe it has been 10 years. It is sad that we are getting students that don’t really have much of a memory of the event because they were too young.

With the death of Bin Ladin recently it does allow some closure to the situation. It had been tough because you knew the person responsible was still out there plotting, but now it gives the people affected a little bit of closure.”

-Teacher Vince Armilio

It makes me feel like time flies, but it also makes me very thankful for all the men and women who defend our country every day. My heart continues to go out to the men and women who lost family members and loved ones that day, and I pray that we all appreciate and cherish each day we are given here on this earth.

-Teacher Kelsie Blakely

”

“I was living in Boston, Massachusetts and woke up a couple of minutes before it all happened and felt the urge to turn my television on. Then I watched the attacks happening live. A few hours later I was trying to go downtown and I needed to cross the bridge but was unable as a sea of people were walking down both sides of the bridge trying to get out of downtown.

They had closed all of downtown Boston.

I was crying hysterically and was by myself. My best friend was in New York at the time and was unable to come back photo by Rhonda Dempsey to Boston. The day was devastating. My next-door neighbor was supposed to be on the plane that hit the second tower and was called into a meeting at the last second. His mother thought he was dead for four hours. He has since framed his airplane ticket. I moved home to Liberty later that month, I was so scared.”

-Paraprofessional Tracey Trout IN-DEPTH

THEY DO IT ALL

by Shelby Curtis

Choir students not only sing, but they can act too.

Tradition is a big part of the high school, in spirit, sports and even choir. Since before anyone in the choir department could remember, including the teachers, concert choir kicks the year off with a performance.

But this performance deals with grunting, uni-brows and rumors of tutus. At the beginning of the school year, the different sections in choir split up and perform skits to introduce all the people in their sections.

“I heard kids talking about these skits in my private voice lessons, so the tradition has been around before I even started teaching here seven years ago,” choir teacher Dr. Rika Heruth said.

The performances have another purpose besides introducing everyone. It is a way to bring the choir together in order to form a fully functional team.

“It requires a lot of teamwork,” Heruth said. “It establishes a foundation and connection between the students. It’s also a fun way to start the year and welcome new students, and there is nothing wrong with a little healthy competition.”

These performances were meant to be fun and silly and the concert choir students made sure to get a laugh out of their audience.

“The skits were slightly humiliating, but really fun.

We grunted a lot in our soprano skit,” junior Andi Tulipana said.

The students were excited to talk about the different skits they put together. The alto section dressed up in their pajamas and acted out a slumber party with a little spin off from the movie Mean Girls; they used a burn book about the choir section leaders. The tenors put together an “office interviews” video to introduce their team members.

“It’s not technically a competition, but sopranos kicked butt. Our skit was about cave sopranos. We all dressed up in animal print and performed a tribal dance, we acted completely uncivilized. We even drew on uni-brows,” senior Anna Kain said.

The basses took a different, more musical approach.

They performed a version of ‘It’s a Hard Knock Life’

from Annie.

“Our parody was about how we didn’t have any returning basses in our section, but we found out we’re pretty good anyway,” sophomore Turner Staton said.

Up until this year, concert choir was only available to juniors and seniors, but Turner was one of the few lucky sophomores to get in this year.

“I was really nervous for the performance, I had a lot to live up to from last year. I keep hearing this story about the basses dressing up in tutus,” Staton said.

All returning choir students really looked forward to performing another skit this year because they were eager to get to know their new classmates. As for the new members, they felt silly at first but ended up having a lot of fun.

“We have some of the most talented and creative kids in the vocal music department, and they are going to have to tap into that creativity all year, so this is an excellent way to start school,” Heruth said.

Students in Rika Heruth and Brenda Parker’s concert choir class perform their skits for the rest of the choir. Sapranos are sporting animal print, while altos read from their “Burn Book.” (pictured from left to right: sophomore Turner Staton, senior Breezy Jefferies, junior Magda Brownakowska, junior Andi Tulipana, senior Elena Morgan, senior Anna Kain and junior Lauen Pulliot) photo by Lauren Pouliot

THE BELL

12

A&E

Students audition for various spots for the fall musical, The Wizard Of Oz. Pictured (from left to right) junior Bree Patterson, junior Aurora Coyle, senior Alex George. photos by Breann Koch

THE WIZARD OF OZ

by Annie Ruckman

Get a behind the scenes look at how the fall musical will take flight.

The musical, The Wizard Of Oz, can most likely be identified by sparkly red The next part of the auditions include a reading from the musical. shoes and a little dog that answers to the name Toto, but debuting this fall, “We look for who is best for the role. Who shows us they are prepared, can Liberty High School’s theater department will literally take flight with this classic make choices and be creative,” Johnson said. The actors have time to rehearse their musical. Participants signed up for time slots to sing for multiple teachers in the scene with fellow students auditioning and then are brought in to begin the scene. building at the recent auditions, including artistic director; Don Johnson, music Johnson and colleagues make the decisions and call backs are announced promptly and choreographer; Phillip Holthus, assistant director; after a decision is made.

Todd Hoover and accompanist; Leslie Bunch.

This year, for the first time the theater department The first part of auditions was the singing portion. has a new never- before- seen addition to bring to The We look for who is for the “As far as singing goes, we are looking for good vocal Wizard Of Oz. role. Who shows us they are “We are going to have flying actors. We are hiring Foy tone that will carry and resonate in the performance hall, but a tone that also matches the characters’ voices Inventerprises out of Las Vegas,” Johnson said. This new prepared, can in the script,” Holthus said. addition will provide students with the opportunity to and Every character in the musical needs to fit a certain challenge themselves. tone and attitude throughout to make The Wizard Of With the new challenge students with also get - director Don Johnson Oz the best it can possibly be. to interact with elementary students, because two “Dorthy needs to be innocent and a little on the students from each Liberty elementary school were mischievous side. The Scarecrow needs to have a little charm to him, the Tin Man asked to play small roles in the musical this year. needs to be strong and tough, yet still shows true sensitivity around him. The Lion “It is wonderful to watch the growth of the actors throughout the process. The needs to be funny, he has the most of the humor in the show and should be lovable,” most fun comes when the show comes all together and we are running the show Holthus said. and polishing the performance,” Johnson said.

THE BELL

“

“

best

make choices be creative.

13

A&E

photos by Rachel Bower

UM, WHERE’S THE SALT?

MACKENZIE SACKETT ONLINE NEWS MANAGER

It’s the first day back to school, and it’s lunchtime.

I grab the same lunch that I grab every Thursday and I make my way to the condiments table. To my surprise I see that there is no salt, just pepper sitting there by its lonesome. I figured maybe the school was out of salt and it would return the next day. But day after day there was still no salt. I finally asked one of the lunch ladies what was up. To my horror she replied, “Thank Michelle Obama, the school cut out salt.”

Now, anyone who has sat with me at lunch for the past two years knows that I always put salt on my food at lunch. I have been teased about it by my friends for years but the reason I put salt on my food is because, let’s be honest, the food in our cafeteria can be bland. For me, putting salt on the food helps out the flavor a bit especially when it comes to the popcorn chicken and mashed potatoes. Without salt and pepper on them, it’s like cardboard.

I was so appalled by finding out that our school was no longer going to have salt that I decided to find out what exactly was going through our first lady, Michelle Obama’s, mind in deciding that schools shouldn’t have salt. Suprisingly, I

discovered that it was not that our school wasn’t going to allow us to have salt, but that it is from the new health guidelines that the district and other districts all over the country are now starting to follow. According to an article from USA Today, Michelle Obama is campaigning to have schools in the US start becoming healthier by making healthier meal plans and encouraging exercise at school, since obesity in children and adults is now at a staggering 32%, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

I will be the first person to admit that, yes, I could be a little healthier, maybe cut down on using too much salt and the almost weekly McDonalds run. But I am 17 years old and I can make my own decisions about what I decide to put in my stomach. Students are old enough to decide whether they want to put salt on their food and Michelle Obama should not be able to tell them that they cannot eat what they want.

On the bright side, kids like myself who are not happy with the new changes in the cafeteria have some alternatives. They can bring their own lunch from home or, like me, can bring their own saltshaker.

PRO/CON: SALT PLEASE DO NOT PASS THE SALT

Salt: the infamous, artery clogging, white-grained minerals that are more formally known as Sodium Chloride. However, this year, our cafeteria and many across the United States, no longer have the tiny shakers lounging about for use after you pick up your already not-so-healthy school lunch.

The reason? First Lady, Michelle Obama, has been working on pressuring schools across America to serve healthier choices. According to the Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention (CDC), about 30.5% of Americans have heart attacks because of having high blood pressure. One way to help prevent this number from rising as America’s youth grows up is to take out the saltshakers in school lunchrooms.

It’s plain to see that young adults abuse privileges; driving, texting, and Facebook are all obvious examples of good things that can be abused. But another overlooked example is salt. You know what I’m talking about, the kids you see tipping the shaker over and letting half the bottle be drained upon their already high sodium fries or Philly cheese steak.

I understand the food may be bland, but does salt make it any better? No, it makes it worse. Greasy, preservative pumped, frozen then unfrozen

THE BELL

lunches are unhealthy as is, but add the cup of salt you just poured onto it, and you’re looking at a real health hazard.

A leading health problem in America, according to the CDC, is obesity, and these unhealthy school meals aren’t exactly helping stop the percent climbing ever higher. Add on top the option of letting students put however much salt on their food and you might as well just ask for the 30 extra pounds and heart attack now. It’s a smart and necessary decision to take saltshakers out of school lunchrooms to help prevent high blood pressure and obesity occurring later in life.

Some, however, find this helpful change an outrageous one to be made. Tell me though, does one need salt that badly? Sodium Chloride is in no way addictive and students can learn to live without it. Just think of how much healthier students’ days have become by the option of salt being taken out of the equation. Young adults should be lining up to thank First Lady Obama for her valiant efforts in helping students become healthier. And really, if you feel like you can’t live without it, just smuggle in your own little saltshaker from home.

Remember, “A spoon of salt in a glass of water makes the water undrinkable.”

14

NATHAN HUNT REPORTER OPINION

photo by MacKenzie Sackett

artwork by Jordan Sundaram

STAFF EDITORIAL

8

are in favor of making September 11 an observed holiday.

September 11, 2001. 9:59 am. The South Tower of the World Trade Center collapses less than one hour after a hijacked United Airlines Flight 175 crashes into the façade. 10:28 am, 29 minutes later, the North World Trade Center collapses after a hijacked American Airlines Flight 11 crashes into the façade. 2,752 people were killed including all 157 passengers aboard both United and American Airline flights.

A decade later, America still mourns the ones who were lost. In remembrance of this day and in hopes that it will never be forgotten, a question is raised in whether or not a place on the calendar should be reserved in commemoration of September 11, 2001. One very good reason of why it should not become a national holiday is December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor.

Pearl Harbor Day launched our nation into the Second World War, claiming 2,400 lives of America’s service

12

are opposed to making September 11 an observed holiday.

men and women. With all the mourning at the time, it seemed beneficial to create a day to recognize the loved ones who were lost. Sixty-nine years later, however, the day has unfortunately seemed to fade away. Generations of those who have either lived through or personally remembered the event are passing away. Soon, the day will end up completely losing its meaning and will become a day that will not live in infamy.

With September 11, we run the same risk. It is sad to say, but give it 50 years or so and very few will remember this day. In a recent vote, The Bell staff believes that September 11 should not be recognized as a national holiday as we believe that its meaning will be lost over time. Therefore, the Americans who still remember should keep a special place in their hearts for Septemeber 11, not their calendars.

IN LIFE AND TIE-DYE photo courtesy of Ashley McGee

ASHLEY MCGEE EDITOR IN CHIEF Sitting among a mountain of plain white t-shirts and bottles of dye, the first drop of rain hit me like a slap in the face. After a week of gathering friends, figuring costs and working out the details, our plans to tie dye seemed to have become a lost cause. However, never having been one to give up easily, I made one final attempt to salvage our plans; laying out the shirts one-by-one across the patio, hoping, with any shred of luck, we’d somehow be able to complete more than step one: dampen shirts.

I was in the process of laying out shirt three, stuck in the idea that we had to follow our plans to a T, when an friend swooped in and saved the day. Following her advice, we gathered up our supplies and headed to their

THE BELL

basement. We stopped in a cement corridor, no more than yard and half wide. It was not much to look at, featuring most notably, a large dog pin, an oversized sink and a plethora of storage space.

However, we set to work on our shirts with no complaints, content to even get to try our hand at tiedyeing. Of course, with only one of us having done so in what was probably the last then years, we ran into some troubles. We laughed at each other’s inability to twist shirts into circles, our anxiety towards applying the dye and confusion of even the simplest instructions.

Not knowing what technique would turn out best, we tried to imagine what each other’s would look like, complimenting one another on creativity. In the end, not one of us had used the same technique to create their shirt as the rest.

It didn’t end up mattering that we had to relocate, be more careful or even that we had to take turns dyeing over the sink. The fact is, we had fun. Maybe having to share and taking turns in that yard and a half wide space even forced us to take notice of what one another were doing. I can’t say I’m happy that it, literally, rained on our plans or that we had to change them. I can say, however, that I’m glad we had sense enough to change them when the unexpected happened.

15

AMANDA FISHER OPINION EDITOR

IS THIS PLAIN WHITE T-SHIRT OKAY FOR SCHOOL? As I sat down with my best friend beside me in yet another awkward first day of school class, we sighed, looking around at the faces of the people we’ll be with for the next 9 months. My best friend laughed at one of those tacky, elementary, posters on the wall. I’m sure you’ve all seen this one, “In 30 years it won’t matter what shoes you wore or how your hair looked” blah blah blah “All that matters is what you learned and how you used it.” Looking at it, I couldn’t help but wonder why the particular teacher felt this way or why the poster-making person felt this way when, according to a school dress code, it matters what you’re wearing.

In my two years here at LHS, I’ve been told that the t-shirts I’ve worn are “repulsive,” “offensive,” and if “I was your mother I wouldn’t let you out of the house.” In the eyes of others my age, it was just a t-shirt and they would think nothing of it. Sure, I got in trouble and never wore the t-shirts again, big whoop, that’s not the problem here.

Welcome to the 21st Century. Half-naked models have graced our television screens our whole lives, people say what they want when they want, and quite honestly, we’re old enough to know better but too young to care. That’s why there is nothing more annoying when you can’t wear what you want to school. It makes no sense that I get caught wearing a shirt with Katy Perry in a non-cleavage bathing suit, or better yet, a shirt with a silly innuendo on it, but girls in this building are prancing around with see-through tops and shorter than life shorts.

Aside from the fact that it annoys me when I’m told what I’m wearing is offensive when I had just been complimented by many, even teachers, it just bothers me that in a 1,800 student school, our t-shirts are considered a concern. For the record, I am fully aware that my t-shirt could potentially promote bad behavior and that there are certain things you should not wear to school. If you come to school with a marijuana leaf on your t-shirt, duh, you can’t wear that here. In fact, go to the nearest Spencer’s and return the shirt immediately.

I know there has to be a dress code, even jobs have them, and there will always be one in your life. I just think ours is a little too strict, even for Katy Perry.

OPINION

photo by Annie Ruckman

CUSTARD ON THE SQUARE

photo by Kyle Rutliff

When I decided to commute the long trip just past the Plaza to Glacé, I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, it was a pleasant surprise, my experience was well worth the drive. I ordered the salted pretzel and classic strawberry ice cream; the small size includes two flavors instead of just one.

The salted pretzel tasted exactly like it sounds, it had the perfect combination of salty with sweet. The classic strawberry reminded me of strawberry lemonade, it had hints of lemon to complement the strawberries.

The only downside to this store was the wait for the ice cream; it took about 15 minutes until I had sat down. The wait however was worth it. Four out of five scoops.

Custard on the Square is a shop that offers various flavors and mixes of ingredients. The shop is tiny and enough to fit a small group, it gives a small town feel and brings me back to the days when Liberty was just a little blob on the map. The location is ideal and is perfect for summer, fall or spring treats.

The custard itself was a little soft compared to that of other custards, but the flavor of the custard was similar to other companies. It was rich and had the right amount of mix-ins included. The size was the enough for one person but the pricing was a little high. Three out of five scoops.

LEMON TREE

photo by Kyle Rutliff

by Annie Ruckman

SCOOPALICIOUS THE BELL

GLACÉ

The smell of the store alone is enough to bring your hungry stomach wandering in. I was skeptical when I first tried Lemon Trees’ frozen yogurt.

The frozen yogurt is a lot different from regular ice cream, it’s less rich and tastes healthier. The yogurt has more of a lighter taste rather than the heavy ice cream taste you get from other shops.

There were many toppings and flavors to choose from and I decided to get the peanut butter flavor and add chocolate. The price was more expensive than regular ice cream, and is instead determined by the weight of the yogurt.

The service was mainly self-serve and the employees offered suggestions if you asked. I especially enjoyed the flavor and the different taste that frozen yogurt had to offer. Four out of five scoops.

16

OPINOIN

“

S E N I O R

“ O

V

I’m mainly a blocker. I love stuffing the other team because it’s like rejecting what they give you. Winning is always nice, too. I like how close we are; we are kind of to the point where we can tell each other something we need to work on and nobody takes it offensively.

PAYTON WHITE

”

S E N I O R

My position on the team is the setter. As a setter it is important to be very vocal with your hitters, because you run the floor pretty much. You set the plays and allow the hitters to get the kills. My favorite thing to do with the team is all of our team sleepovers. We have a very close group this year, and it really helps the team to trust one another and get to know one another a little more each and every second we have together.

S E N I O R

“

L ”

My favorite part is the team aspect of volleyball. You never play for yourself: you play for each other. I am an outside hitter and a defensive specialist. In the front row, my position hits and blocks. In the back row, my position passes and serves. My favorite thing to do with the team is predominately volleyball. But outside of that, we are always getting together. We have done everything from laser tag to participating in the ropes course at William Jewel.

KAYLEE MARQUARDT

L“

I am outside hitter and right back. I prepare for the game by looking at the other team while they’re warming up. I’m looking to see what they’re strengths and weaknesses are so I know what to do to win. I’m most looking forward to building off our summer because at the end we finally started to mesh together.

S O P H

Y“

”

MEAGAN OLEARY

“

”

LAUREN HOLM

E ”

As a libero I just pass the ball, but I’m not allowed to hit it over the net. This year I’m looking forward to getting to play with my friends and learning about volleyball. My favorite part about high school volleyball is having fun and winning.

LINDSAY BUEHLER

As a blocker, I block and hit the ball. This year we have a really good bond. We’re all friends and we hang out outside of school,” Swensen said. “I am hoping that we have a good season. I am expecting us to win a lot of games a get better.

by Mat George, photos by Breann Koch and Emily Houck

J U N I O R

MATTIE-ANN SWENSON

S O P H

A NEW GENERATION

[Left] Liberty swim team holds the “little brown jug” [Above Left to Right] seniors Micheal Hoppenrath, Seth Witzki, Colton Marnell and Tristan Starner hold jug.

“We have had the jug since 1975. So winning it means so much,” sophomore Cameron McCoy said. photos by Rachel Bower

The swim team is starting to take control of the competition in the “little brown jug” rivalry

by Cody Clawson When two teams have a rivalry going, usually the teams are somewhat the same. Mizzou and Kansas are both in the Big 12 and have relatively the same size school, Duke and North Carolina are both in the ACC and are also the same size, but a rivalry between Raytown and Liberty does not make a whole lot of sense. These two schools are not in the same class and they don’t play each other in any other sport.

So, for these teams to have a rivalry with each other, something big has to keep it going. That something is the little brown jug.

“This rivalry started in 1975. The two coaches of Liberty and Raytown decided to start a rivalry

Swimmers

similar to a college one. So they brought out this jug (originally a keg) and whoever won, got it,” swim coach Chris Murphy said.

The original jug between these two coaches got caught in a fire in Raytown in the late 80s, so since then, they have been using the current jug they have now. After every race, the winning school puts a little plaque on the jug with their school name and how bad they won.

“I am super happy to have it and glad our team won it,” junior Shane Witzki said. “We have had it the last five out of six years. I have never lost it.”

When the rivalry first started back in 75’ Raytown won the first seven out of eight. Liberty has won

Which chicken nuggets do you perfer? McDonald’s or Burger King

the last five of six and the current overall record for Liberty is 11-25-1. Although this may not look good, Liberty is starting to take control.

“It feels awesome to win the jug. It just means we were better than Raytown this year,” sophomore Cameron McCoy said.

To any non-swimmer, the little brown jug may not seem all that significant. But to the swimmers, it means victory.

“It is significant because it has been a tradition for so long. It keeps the rivalry going,” senior Colton Marnell said.

Celebrity you would most like to marry

Last movie you saw (As of Sept. 7)

Greatest Fear

Clayton Minnick

McDonald’s

Alex Morgan

Captain America

Heights

Colton Marnell

Burger King

Selena Gomez

Everything Must Go

Needles

Ian Carrico

McDonald’s

Jessica Alba

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

James Coday

McDonald’s

I don’t know any names, so the girl off “Easy A”

Gran Torino

I’m not afraid of anything

Bees

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

by Jake Boese

The Lady Jays softball team is doing things not even the state championship team could do.

Senior pitcher Chelsea Ross unloads a pitch during a game.

“We are one team. We are not cliquey. We bond really well.

When we work together we are unstoppable,” Ross said. photo

by Lauren Poliatt

Winning a 24-team tournament is hard. Winning a tournament by beating the defending champions is harder. Winning a tournament only won once in school history, not even the year the team won state, is almost impossible. But that is exactly what the Varsity Softball team did, winning the Greater Kansas City Tournament for only the second time in school history.

The Lady Jays started off the tournament winning their first four games before facing off against Blue Springs South. The team downed the Blue Springs South Jaguars 4-1 with Caitlin VanVleck driving in the winning run and Brooke Bernard adding two insurance runs with a double.

A key to victory for the ladies throughout the tournament was their unity.

“We’re one team. We aren’t cliquey. We bond really well and when we work together we’re unstoppable,” senior Chelsea Ross said.

“Communication was a big deal and coming together as a team,” sophomore Jessica Rawie said.

Another key for the team was their clutch hitting.

“We hit when we need to and got down bunts when we needed to,” junior Hannah Pyle said. “We’re solid all the way through the lineup. There’s not one spot that can’t put the ball in play.”

Rawie agreed with Pyle. “Our hitting was pretty dominant in the tournament.” Rawie said.

This tournament win was much more rewarding than all the others for the Jays. There was extremely tough competition in the tournament and the motivation of beating the defending champions. Along with the competition and opponents, and the Jays’ history in the tournament, only having won it once before, also added to great emotions.

“Going 5-0 against the competition we faced is very rewarding,” Coach Scott Howard said. “Any time you can win five in a row at this level, it is good.”

Defeating the tournament champions from the previous year also helped motivate the team.

“We also beat the defending tournament champions, so that helps add to the excitement of the tournament title,” Howard added.

With all of the factors that went into the team winning the tournament the feeling was great for the players and coaches.

“It was a good feeling. There was a lot more to it because it’s been so long since we’ve won the tournament so it was new for all of us,” Ross said.

The tournament was a good beginning to the season for the team and they hope to continue their success throughout the rest of the 2011 season.

“It gives us a great start to the season and sets us up for future success,” Howard said.

FOUR YEARS RUNNIN’

by Diana Timmermans

Lady Jays dance team set to start their fourth year.

And five, six, seven, eight! Dance! These are some of sounds heard during the first day of try-outs for the Lady Jays. There is so much more to being on this dance team than just being a good dancer. That is what Coach Sara Wyatt had in mind when she started the team.

Wyatt established the Lady Jays four years ago. She has been the powerhouse behind many of the dance clubs at Liberty and Liberty North High School ever since.

“We started it because there are over 1600 or 1700 students in this school, [I was] just trying to create another opportunity for more students to get involved in dance,” Wyatt said.

That opportunity came for girls who tried out this year.

Out of 30 girls who tried out for the team, 15 girls made it, those that did were very excited about it.

“I love to dance and when I wasn’t able to be on Sapphires, I knew this was another good way for my dancing to be seen besides in the People in Motion showcase,” said senior Moriah Jones.

Sophomore Madi Wright liked the non-competitive

THE BELL

nature of the team.

“I have always liked to dance when I was younger. And I thought the dance team would be a great thing to do because it is not as hardcore as Sapphires,” Wright said.

Sophomore Allie Schowengerdt agreed, “I wanted to do the dance team because it was non-competitive and I love to dance.”

They dance at the homecoming assembly, Junior Varsity/ Varsity Women’s basketball games, and soccer games.

With homecoming assembly rapidly approaching, the girls are working hard to learn their routine.

“Homecoming is the most challenging one because it’s so close and we have to learn the dance fast!” said Jones Dancing isn’t the only thing that this team will be will be doing this year. The Lady Jays will be working concessions at softball games and Pop Warner football games. They will be unveiling their routine at the homecoming assembly. As a fundraiser, they will be working the concession stand to help purchase new uniforms.

19

The Lady Jays dance team practices one of their new routines. “We have a lot of new faces. We are about half veterans and half new, so I’m excited to see what talent and creativity they have with their choreography,” Coach Sara Wyatt said. photos by Breann Koch

SPORTS

The most wicked Halloween event in the world returns on September 17 with even more screams! Lose yourself in an inferno of nefarious attractions that will leave you whimpering in the darkness of your own insanity and paranoia.

With more monsters, more rides and more scares, you’d be a coward to go anywhere else.

Weekends Sept 17 - Oct 30 Gruesome savings at worldsoffun.com

Friday Fright Nights - Save $3 Present this coupon at any Worlds of Fun ticket window to purchase up to 4 Friday Fright Night admissions.

Save $3 off Worlds of Fun Friday Fright Night admission (6pm - Midnight). Offers valid any operating Friday Sept. 23 - Oct. 28, 2011. Cannot be combined with any other discount offer or applied toward any other ticket type. No cash value. Prices, policies, schedules, and attraction availability are subject to change without notice.

All prices plus tax. Limited attraction availability and Planet Spooky closed Friday nights. Extreme Haunts are not recommended for smaller children.

WOFHntHghSchlNPP9.7x11.indd 1

Saturdays - Save $10 on All-Day Regular* Admission

Present this coupon at any Worlds of Fun ticket window to purchase up to 4 Saturday Regular* All-Day admissions.

Save $10 off Worlds of Fun Saturday All-Day Regular* admission. *Regular admission is for guests 48” in height or taller in shoes. Offers valid any operating Saturday Sept. 17 – Oct. 29, 2011. Cannot be combined with any other discount offer or applied toward any other ticket type. No cash value. Prices, policies, schedules, and attraction availability are subject to change without notice. All prices plus tax. Halloween Haunt is frightening after 7pm.

Extreme Haunts are not recommended for smaller children.

9/7/11 2:51 PM