The Bell September 27, 2013 by Liberty Public Schools

SCAN & VISIT

The Bell September 27, 2013 Issue 1 Volume 90

LHSNEWs.net

02 Page 05

Table Of Contents Look Into Homecoming Everyone’s busy buzzing about Homecoming. Get the inside look on what everyone’s talking about.

KLHS Mobile Truck

Liberty’s big games will be reported in a whole new way. Go see what KLHS has up their sleeve!

photos by Photojournal-

Page A Month in Pictures 16 Check out some of our Blue Jays in action and catch up on what everyone has been doing in the past few months.

The Bell staff

Editor In Chief Madi Denton Design Editor Diana Timmermans Features Editor Aly Copp Sports Editor Nick Palmarine Assistant Sports Editor Grace George Opinion Editor Molly Meeks A&E Editor Meredith Crouch In-Depth/Spotlight Editor Amanda Kovac News Editor Zach Kilgas Ads Manager Sarah Hartley Online News Manager Sol Kim

Website Technical Support Tyler Eggleston Adviser Lori Oyler Photos Manager Kaitlyn Hamline Reporters Alex Wilson Alex Jimenez Jasmine Smith-Marley Katie Crouch Kennedy Allison Sammi Siegel Sarah Arns Tara Prindle Photo Journalism Photo Editor Kristen Poe Assistant Photo Editor Nicole Throckmorton

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Phone (816) 736-5353 Twitter @TheBell_LHS

Email thebell@liberty.k12.mo.us

Our Mission Our Mission for the 2013-2014 school year is to unite a diverse group of people and ideas to compose an informative and entertaining magazine using articles, photographs and commercial messages. As journalists in training, we endeavor to give the best representation of the community of Liberty High School. The Bell student newspaper is a public forum for student expression.

SCAN & VISIT

LHSNews..net

Jays’ Jabber

What’s happening on LHSNews.net?

Photo by Daniel Evans

Governor in the House Liberty High School was proud to welcome Governor Jay Nixon on September 3 in celebration of Liberty’s academic achievements. He also stressed the importance of higher education and A+ benefits during his visit. Read more on the Top Stories page!

The Germans are Coming Eleven high school students will be housing German students from September 24 to October 4. The students are coming from Annweiler am Trifels Germany, where they attend Trifels Gymnasium, a college prep school. Find a list of the students housing these visitors on the website!

Where’s Kennedy? One of our reporters, Kennedy Allison, has photo bombed one photo in this issue. If you find “Where’s Kennedy?” Come to room 513 for a prize! Photo by Molly Meeks

Planting Beauty Civil Engineering Club collaborates with HyVee to create a garden.. Story by

Sammi Siegel Photos By

A simple garden might just be the answer to giving kids a new perspective on nutrition. Civil Engineering is doing a project offered by HyVee that will give the youth in out community a chance to grow a garden for the youth in our community. The goal is to educate on nutrition and staying healthy for the years to come. Civil Engineering is just starting this process of scouting out the lot and making their individual designs. “They get to help kids make better decisions,” Liberty HyVee’s dietitian Rachelle Hochgraber said. “It shows the community that you want to help and give back and create something that you will be able to utilize year after year.” The idea originated in other states and now Missouri is choosing to be part of the

Kaitlyn Hamline Design By

opportunity. “It was done in Minnesota and it was a great success,” club advisor Dennis Blochlinger said. “We have the land, why not do it here?” Students are getting involved in a way that lets them take charge and create something they want. “I think it’s going to be nice. It’s really going to connect with my ace mentoring when we go to the site,” senior Ben Wilson said. “I think it will be a good project for us to do because it’s really going to get us involved in civil engineering out in the field.” The students are enthusiastic about getting to be involved in a community project and being able to create what they think will benefit not only the youth, but everyone in Liberty.

HyVee is planning to help Civil Engineering create a community vegetable garden..

Zach Kilgas

“I think it’s really helpful for students that we get to build our own garden,” Sophomore Riley Evans said. “My favorite part is that they are letting students do the design and letting people pick what they want.” HyVee will post the blueprints in the store that all the students created. They will then be narrowed down to three. It will be up to the employees to decide the winning design. No matter which design wins, the students are happy to leave their mark in engineering on the community. “I think it is really cool as high school students to be able to get involved with the community,” junior Tori Fowler said. [“I like that we get to] create something that you will be able to come back and drive by and be like ‘oh, look! I have something to do with that.’”

OVERALLS, NOT REQUIRED

StuCo has a message for LHS. Story and Design by On Friday, September 6, StuCo revealed this year’s Homecoming theme after a long wait. Unfortunately, a wave of confusion hit the student body. StuCo members have been receiving worried questions and want to offer an explanation for this year’s theme: Sweet Southern. Despite StuCo’s hard work, students are concerned after the initial unveiling of the theme. “My first impression was good-god what have we come to. My second thought was ‘I have a straw hat to wear,” senior Melissa Maclay said. Certain StuCo council members would like to reassure the student population. “You don’t have to wear overalls,” senior class officer Serena Baker said. “Please don’t show up to the dance in overalls. You didn’t show up in leotard for last year’s Olympic theme! I like to think of the decorations steering more towards a barn wedding. It

Zach Kilgas

Photos By

will be classy, and stay elegant.” Senior executive officer Kaylie Botello agreed. “I want people to know that each student council member is doing their best. Homecoming is so much more than throwing up decorations, and playing music,” Botello said. “I want people to know that I personally try my best to include everybody’s ideas,” Botello said. Many Students are remaining positive. “I don’t usually even go to school dances but I think it’ll be a new take on homecoming,” senior Sarah Maclay said. I look forward to see how it plays out.” Work on this year’s Homecoming is already underway. “Student council has already divided itself into large groups in order to tackle all of the homecoming events,” Botello said. One group’s job is to prepare for the

Rachel Untch Homecoming royalty. “All of the royalty crowns are chosen!” Junior class vice president Mary Mwaura said. “We’ve spent every day after school making posters, and we already have days set for decoration creation,” senior class secretary Emily Moore said. “Plus, there might be delicious carnival food.” One StuCo advisor is not concerned. “Honestly I haven’t heard much,” StuCo advisor Marla Badalucco said. ”I think everyone is okay with it. Usually when you don’t hear about it it’s a good sign.” Baker offered students one clue. “My hint to the student body is… ‘Footlooseish’,” Baker said. StuCo members offered students hints about Homecoming in Southern terms. “It’s gonna be sweeter than sweet tea and pecan pie,” Botello said.

Boas-vindas & Velkommen! LHS welcomes two new foreign exchange students.

Story by

Katie Crouch Design By

Two new students from Brazil and Norway have arrived to connect families and share cultures through the Foreign Exchange Program. The Gale family is hosting senior Lhaylla Farhat, and the Davis family is hosting Senior Trine Dervo. Lhaylla Farhat arrived in America, from Brazil, about two weeks before school started and is staying with the Gale family. She was nervous for the first day of school, and coming from a different country was tough at first, but Lhaylla kept a positive attitude. “I’ve tried to be open to new experiences, and have an openmind,” Farhat said. “And learn more English so I can talk and stuff like that.”

Zach Kilgas Photos Courtesy of

“I was a little bit nervous at first,” senior Austin Gale said. “I mean of course you’re going to be nervous if someone you don’t know is entering your house for the next year, but when she got here she was really cool and a really nice person.” Farhat agreed, “You don’t know the family, you don’t know what they used to do, and they’re not your parents. It’s difficult.” The host families made their students feel welcome by buying them Liberty spirit wear and going to sporting events once they got here, but there was also a lot of preparation to be done before the students arrived in America. “Our family talked a lot about where she was going to sleep, how

The Gale and Davis families

we were going to act, and what kinds of activities she was going to be doing when she got here,” sophomore Josh Gale said. Despite the nerves of the Davis’ and their incoming student, Trine Dervo, she is fitting in very well. “It feels like she’s always been here,” junior Anna Davis said. “She’s a really good fit for our family, which is kind of hard to find with foreign exchange students, because you don’t know what you’re going to get. And we lucked out and I got a really awesome new sister.” The Davis’ main goal was to make Trine feel like she belonged here. Both families are very excited to have new family members.

“We took a lot of time to personalize her room,” Davis said. “We found out her favorite color is blue, so we made the whole room blue.” When it came to actually finding students and host families available in our area, Counselor Scott Gillespie had it all under control. “I maintain regular contact with the people at the different foreign exchange organizations,” Gillespie said. “They basically reach out to me with information about the students who are interested in coming. Then, we make sure

that they have host families that are within the district, and once all that is done, I approve the students.” Not only do the host families get an addition to their family, but the Foreign Exchange program has also given them opportunities for brand new experiences. “I’m definitely looking forward to all the different things I’m going to get to do,” Davis said. “Because she’s here, my family will do different things that we wouldn’t normally

have done if she wouldn’t be here. We wouldn’t be taking weekend trips all over the United States!” The Foreign Exchange program will shape the year for Lhaylla, Trine, the Gale family and the Davis family from a more global perspective.

The Gales welcome Lhaylla into the family apon her arrival to the United States.

KLHS On WHEELS Story by Sol Kim Design by: Aly Copp

KLHS uses a their van as a way to broadcast sporting events. KLHS hits the road this fall, with their very own news truck, dedicated to broadcasting live sporting events to its viewers. For the past five years the truck has been used to broadcast at both home and away games. This is great for those who want to see live coverage of the game without leaving home. Every week, the KLHS studio broadcasts a Game of the Week, where KLHS reports a live overview of different sporting events. “We broadcast at both LHS and LNHS,” senior Jacob Shipley said. “We film a variety of different sports like football, basketball, soccer and volleyball. KLHS doesn’t film swimming or tennis.” “Our cameraman records the game play by play,” Shipley said. “People inside the truck will be working on the audio and graphics.” Inside the truck there are television screens that project the live broadcast and an audio and switchboard. “There are a lot of cables involved within the truck, and taking everything apart can get annoying,” senior Tana Pottorf said. “There used to be a little bus that the district condemned and we painted it blue. We used

The KLHS staff sits in the van as they film and watch the football game on the monitors. Photos courtesy:

Ann Bertoldie

that bus for years and years. The truck was paid for by the district but everything inside of the truck was paid for through sponsorships for Games of the Weeks,” KLHS teacher Ann Bertoldie said. According to Bertoldie, only adults are allowed to drive the truck to away games. “It gets stuffy in there,” junior Isaac Knopf said. “I’ve been in the truck twice and I got a little claustrophobic, but the whole Game of the Week thing is cool. It gives the KLHS staff an opportunity to experience what it would be like to work in the real world.” Another KLHS cast member agreed. “There’s not really that much to complain about with the truck. Sometimes we have to deal with harsh weather,” Senior Haley Tanner said. Pottorf then went into depth about working during harsh weather. “Last year we had to cover a golf tournament in the pouring rain,” Pottorf said. Right after filming the golf tournament we went straight to the football game and it stormed for about 12 hours straight. It was so cold, I stood there in my little puddle and filmed.”

Tanner nodded and said, “You just have to deal with it.” “We film the Game of the Weeks live,” said Knopf. “So if we screw up, we screw up.” “We even get paid to broadcast the games so it’s a win win; each staff member receives about 25 dollars per game,” Shipley said. “There are two anchors, a director, and people in charge of audio and graphics. So about 1215 people on average.” Both Shipley and Tanner agree that Game of the Weeks are a great way for the community to see both LHS and LNHS’ school athletics. Remember to tune in on Channel 18 to see LHS and LNHS sporting events live. Game of the Weeks air every week and cover a variety of sports that will keep viewers entertained and up to date with their favorite sports teams.

The

Story By

Alex Wilson

Photos By

Kristen Poe

Design By

Aly Copp

For many years, LHS has confused new students and they had nowhere to turn for help. To help students with this problem, Link Crew was created. Their goal is to help anyone new to the school feel wellprepared. Whether Link Crew members are walking people through their schedules or showing students the lunchroom, the team of students makes sure every student understands the way LHS works. “We wanted a freshman transition program,” Assistant Principal Penny Holmes said. “We thought of Link Crew and knew it was the right choice.” With the freshmen and the sophomores coming to LHS, and the addition of Liberty Hour, this year was the perfect year to launch Link Crew. Students now have a place to go to for questions and concerns. With the large number of Link Crew members, each student got a more handson approach. According to Link Crew members, there are about one hundred students in the program so anyone new to the school will have many places to go to for help. “It looks good on college resumes for experience in leadership skills,” Holmes said. If a student joins Link Crew and has a successful experience, that experience will carry on beyond high school. Link Crew is a good way to teach students leadership skills. “There is an application program in January and if a teacher recommends you, that can help you get in,” Holmes said. “Its good, it’s really fun. I think everyone in it looks forward to participating in it. It’s been really helpful,” Odom said. “I got to know new people and that’s what its really all about is meeting new people and helping each other out.” Odom is not the only Link Crew member that has positive thoughts about Link Crew.

LINK TO

Suc

Link crew members help underclassmen adjust to LHS.

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“[My experience was] awesome. So far I‘ve gotten to meet a lot of new people and faces!” senior Jacob Zimmerman said. Link Crew has been a good experience for many students who have been helped by the program. “When we plan events, we call for a meeting. Mrs. Holmes will call us or email us. Mrs. Holmes already has the events planned and we just have to go through training before the events.” Odom said. “In the summer we just had training and practiced what we would say to the freshmen and sophomores.” Link Crew may not have helped everyone, but Link Crew has made a visible impact on LHS and many students know their way around already. “They showed me where everything is, like where the bathrooms are, and where my classes are,” freshman Caleb Robb said. Link Crew only launched this year and so far many students think it is positive, even Link Crew members. “I think it’s really helpful and really fun.” Odom said. “It’s a really good way to get involved and I could not see why you wouldn’t want Link Crew.”

Seniors Abby Schott and Alec Crutcher wear their Link Crew shirts to lunch while helping sophomores and freshmen.

Sara Maclay Senior Story by Photo by

Diana Timmermans Kaitlyn Hamline

When did you start drawing? “I’ve been drawing since I could hold a pencil pretty much, I came out of the womb drawing.”

How long does it take for you to design a tattoo? How many have you done for people? “I’ve done I think around 10 designs, they all like depend. I’ll have some really intricate detailed ones, there’s one I’ve been working on for about a year and another one it will take me an hour, so it depends.”

When did you get your tattoo? And what does it mean?

“I got my tattoo this summer, it’s the studio Ghibli logo which are my favorite Japanese animated films and the guy who does them is my favorite artist of all time.”

What’s it like to be a twin?

“It’s okay, you have to share a birthday, which isn’t that great.”

What things do you like to do other than drawing? “I like to do photography a little bit, video games, movies, I don’t know, normal people things.”

Are you going to pursue art after high school? “Yes, I want to end up doing tattoos, like designing and giving them. And also be a freelance artist and hopefully illustrate children’s books. I’m going to go to a tattoo institute in Miami, learn how to tattoo, get my certification.”

Who Sara really is.. Sara has been in AP art classes for two years and is beginning to focus more on a design portfolio, rather than drawing and painting.

Debbie Martin’s, AP studio art teacher, thoughts on Sara: “Sara is one of the most incredibly talented art students I’ve ever had. She thinks deeply about meaning in her work and she can reflect and write about those things, she is trying to visually express and communicate ideas more than just duplicate what she sees.”

Ethan Griswold Junior Story by Photo By

Diana Timmermans Kaitlyn Hamline

What position are you on the baseball team? Which team are you on? How many years have you played baseball? “I’m a pitcher on the varsity team. I have played for 11 years.”

What’s your favorite professional baseball team? “I’m going to have to go with the Royals, I’m a hometown fan.”

What’s your favorite color and why? “For right now, orange because I’m getting ready to paint my car soon, orange.”

What kind of car do you have? “I have a Camaro, it’s an older Camaro, like 70’s.”

If you were to pick your dream car to work on what would it be, other than your own car? “That’s a tough question, there’s a lot of cars. I’d probably pick a 70’s Chevelle.”

Do you know what you are going to do after high school? Are there any colleges scouting you or you are looking at to play baseball? “No, I don’t really know but I’d love to keep playing baseball. I’ve talked to MU, KU, K-State. I really want to go to K-State. Manhattan, Kansas is a great place, it’s so small.”

Sam Arant, junior, on Ethan “We knew each other in preschool and we didn’t actually become friends until 9th grade and we are both big car guys, so anytime my car breaks down he’s always there to help.”

Who Ethan really is.. Ethan Griswold was the Blue Jay Nation winner. He now gets to park his 70’s Camaro in a special spot in front of the school.

Vince Armilio, social studies teacher & baseball coach, on Ethan “Ethan has been a quiet kid but as he has grown up on the baseball field and in class he has become a quiet leader and we will be expecting a lot of things from him this year on the baseball team.”

Kailyn Peterson Sophomore Story by Photos By

Jasmine Smith-Marley Kaitlyn Hamline

What plays have you been in? “I’ve been in Beauty and the Beast, Seussical the Musical, Anne of Green Gables, Willy Wonka the Musical, Tinderfella-Twinderella (Cast) and The Singing Christmas Tree.”

If you could go on a dream vacation, where would you go? “Broadway, because it has always been a dream of mine to act and see a performance there, so if I went to Broadway just to walk down the streets, that would be amazing.”

If you could meet any celebrity, who would you want to meet? “Leonardo Dicaprio. He’s a really good actor and I don’t know why he doesn’t have an award.”

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?

Who Kailyn really is.. An aspiring actress who balances plays and musicals with school and other activities.

“Outgoing, because I have done my best to be in a whole lot of extra curriculars and a whole lot of advanced classes and I still have lessons on the side and I still want to be able to have a social life, so it’s a bit overwhelming sometimes.”

Courtney Dodd, sophomore, on Kailyn: “Kailyn is a great student and awesome friend; she never fails to make me smile and laugh.”

Hal Tyson Freshman

Story by Photo by

Jasmine Smith-Marley Kaitlyn Hamline

What do you like and dislike about football? “[I like] the games, it’s just fun and you get to unleash your anger on the field. My least favorite thing is running. We run a lot.”

If you can go on a dream vacation, where would you go? “I would like to visit Hawaii because it looks nice on TV, [but] I haven’t been there.”

Other than football, what sports do you play? “I play Basketball and [run] Track. My favorite sport to play is Basketball.”

If you could have any pet what would it be and why? “Probably a Tiger, because it’s big and ferocious, so if I get attacked it’ll protect me.”

Dathan Boden, Industrial Tech Teacher, on Hal

Who Hal really is.. Hal Tyson is a three sport athlete with a good sense of humor who brings a plethora of talents to his many activities.

“He’s a good student. He’s a good basketball player, he’s funny, I like having him come to class, he comes in almost every Liberty Hour and just kinda hangs out with all the other basketball players. He seems like a really good friend for those guys. Yeah he’s a good guy and tends to get good grades and is a very respectful guy.”

Ellen Meade Story by Photo by

Sarah Arns Katilyn Hamline

When were you the most scared? “It was a dark, cold, winter night. I was living in Las Vegas. I had just gotten home from church activities and pulled into the town homes that we lived in, opened up my door and I was gathering up my belongings. All of a sudden I saw a man’s hand reaching into my car to grab me. I remember thinking I should close and lock my door but I was so scared I couldn’t move. Then all of a sudden I hear my husband laughing. I was so mad. My heart was pumping for hours afterwards.”

What was your most embarrassing moment? “My husband and I had a little vending company. One day I was at an elementary school, stocking. And I was in the bathroom and the custodian didn’t know I was in there and he locked the door. There were no windows. I had to call the police to get out.”

What is your favorite time period in history? “I’m so grateful I live in the present. I love history but man we have it good today. “

What is something you wish that someone would invent?

Who Mrs. Meade really is..

This spirited teacher brings fun to the classroom and brightens other’s days with her vibrant and enthusiastic attitude.

“Teleportation, so I could like take my break and go lay on the beach for five minutes.”

Mike Hammer, Social Studies teacher, on Mrs. Meade: “I think she’s a very dedicated teacher and she’s always very positive. I really appreciate her bubbly personality and I think the kids do too.”

April Adams Story by Photo by

Sarah Arns

Kaitlyn Hamline

What did you do this summer? “I went to Mexico for a week and that was a lot of fun but there was a tropical storm. And I went and spent two weeks with my favorite person in the world, my nine year-old niece, in Florida.”

What advice do you have for students this year? “Embrace change, be innovative, be kind, and be flexible.”

What’s are you looking forward to this fall? “I love the fall season because of the changes in the weather. I love coats. I like the fashion coming out in coats, new fashion and styles. And I love boots! I like football games, hot chocolate, all those things that come with fall and the changing season.”

What was your favorite subject when you were in high school? “I loved going to school. I loved my drama classes, however, I was a horrid actor. I was usually the one in the background . . .but I loved the teacher. And I loved my English teacher who got me into reading and literature… It’s the teachers that bring out the passion and the desire to learn more.”

Christine Anderson, LMC Specialist, on Dr. Adams:

Who Dr. Adams really is.. April Adams, as principal, shares her love of learning with her students and fellow staff members. every day.

“My favorite thing about [Dr. Adams] is her enthusiasm for learning and the way she supports both students and staff.”

Photo by Kristen Poe

A Mont h An advisory join together to model their new Macbook Airs, which they will be using for the next 4 years.

The new tradition of the marching band dismisses classes on home football game Fridays.

Photo by Danni Hammontree

X-Games riders showed their skills while facts on drugs were rattled off for prizes.

Photo by Allie Schowengerdt

Photo by Molly Meeks

The Exit-16 crew poses in front of their face painting booth at the Blue Jay Nation pep rally earlier this year.

PHOTO CAPTION HERE

Photo by Grayson Osborn

The Liberty High School cheer squad performs their routine at the first annual Blue Jay Nation pep rally.

In s o t o Ph Photo by Grayson Osborn

Photo by Daniel Evans

The Liberty Blue Jay was out and about at the Blue Jay Nation pep rally, inspiring school spirit.

Governor Jay Nixon paid a visit to discuss the high schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s academic achievements, alongside post-secondary education and A+.

Inside Insidious: Chapter 2 The latest horror movie to hit the theatres leaves viewers on the edge of their seats. Story by

Kennedy Allison Photos By

Conveniently released on Friday the 13th, Insidious 2 hit the Box Office with a big bang. With $41 million worth of tickets sold in the first day (Entertainment Weekly), the sequel to the 2011 film Insidious was crowned the second highest September debut of all time. As far as series’ go, sequels to movies do not always live up to the first one, although there are in fact ways for them to compare. “If they keep the same actors usually they’re good, also if the plot line leads to a logical interesting conclusion,” Hall Monitor Mr. Thompson said. “The mistakes that most sequels make are sticking with a basic plot line.” Overall, Insidious 2 was one of the most intriguing movies I have seen in quite some time. I liked this one much more than the first, as the story line was easier to follow; I felt as if I was engaged in the plot even more so. As a perfect mixture of horror and thrill with an added pinch of humor, constant fear lingered in the air of the theater as the packed house watched with full anticipation, peeking at the movie through the fingers covering their shaded eyes. In Chapter 2, the majority of the characters are the same as in the first Insidious. The Lamberts are still living in a nightmare, being haunted both

Molly Meeks

in their dreams, as well as in reality, by souls that have passed away yet are trying to come back to life. The family lusts to be normal more than anything but thanks to a childhood “gift” both Josh and Dalton Lambert (father and son) have out-of-body experiences whenever they go to sleep, allowing

them to interact with the spirit world. With the success that Insidious: Chapter two has brought, bringing in greater than three times more business than the $13 million 2011 release of

Insidious, buzz of having a sequel is definitely in the air. The set up is perfect; at the conclusion of September 13th’s film, movie-goers are left with a cliff hanging ending that left them on the edge of their seat. Another follow-up movie would not only explain the reasoning behind why the viewers were left with lingering curiosity, but with as much success as Chapter two made it’s worth a shot to shoot for three. Some viewers believe that there will not be a third movie, when asked if there will be a follow-up Thompson said, “Not necessarily, sometimes two is the better number. There are only certain types of horror films that you can carry on.” Intrigued to such an extent, if a third movie is in fact made, I will make my presence apparent while it’s still showing at theaters. Chapters one and two were well worth my time so I presume a follow-up would be as well. There’s always the possibility that film-makers will cut off right here and end the series on a high note, however quite a few viewers will be disappointed. Regardless of the next possible outcome, Insidious: Chapter two did well at accompanying its prequel and kept the scary movie fanatics aflame.

Worth all the hype? “I think that [Insidious 2] will be better. The first one had a lot of success. It was a pretty low budget film and I loved it,” Hall Monitor Chris Thompson said.

“It was definitely one of the scariest movies I have ever seen.. I jumped probably fifteen times within the first five minutes alone,” junior Rafael Hernandez said.

Providing Comfort to Family and Family Business Climate Control Heating and Cooling, Inc. 937 South Brown Street Liberty, MO 64068

602 S State Route Missouri 291 Liberty, MO 64068 (816) 415-2929

Are assigned parking spaces a good idea?

Photos by Diana Timmermans & Molly Meeks

The articles on these pages do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the entire Bell staff. Please feel free to comment, criticize, or condemn anything you see on this page in a Letter to the Editor at thebell@liberty.k12. mo.us

The past few years at Liberty High School, parking has been on a first come, first serve basis. This year, the administration decided to go back to assigning a parking spot number to each student who requested a spot. According to Officer Corum, there were three main purposes behind this change. One being the fact that now, students will know where they are parking each day rather than having to search for a spot. This will help more students to be on time. The second reason is that if a student’s parents need to get to their child’s car (to get the oil changed, etc.) it will be easy to find.

Lastly, hit and run accidents will be easier to solve because each student will be parking in the same place everyday. A majority of the Bell staff agreed that this is a good idea because students appreciate the fact that they will know exactly where they are parking each day. Students especially like it if their parking spot is closer to the school, that way even if they aren’t at school early they can still park in the front. Every junior and senior who requested a spot by the deadline got one. Administration tried their best to accommodate for students’ requests of which lot they wanted to be in. Several staff members, though, do not

Yes: 11 No: 7

like the change. They believe that it is unfair that some students have to park in the back everyday. Even if a student comes to school early, they cannot park any closer. Students must now be cautious to not park in someone else’s assigned spot. When this happens, the student whose spot was taken must write down the parking pass or license plate number of the illegally parked car and take it to the front office. Having assigned parking spots does not change much about everyday school life, but it does help to lower the stress of parking in the mornings. There is no longer the worry of not being able to find a spot. Overall, the Bell staff believes this change will be beneficial.

Opinion

ENGINEERING: Girls, where are ya?

In 2012, I enrolled in the Introduction to Web Design and Introduction to Computer Programming classes at the high school. Out of roughly twenty students in the Web Design class, there were only two girls, myself included, and in the Computer Programming class, only one. I was shocked by this fact, not only because there were over a thousand students in the school and only three girls were in my technology classes, but also because I could hardly believe that there were not more girls wanting to take part in the exploding industry that is technology and engineering. IT jobs, for example, are constantly ranked in the top ten jobs in the US, and are projected

to keep growing exponentially for years. According to PayScale, the median salary for a software engineer is $76,098, and that is just one of hundreds of IT job types out there. Isn’t that number pretty motivating? What opportunities are there for getting involved in engineering and technology classes and clubs in high school, you ask? Plenty. Last year, I won an award through the National Center for Women in Technology simply for having an interest in technology. No experience with computing was required. I was invited, along with about ten other girls from Kansas and Missouri, to attend a great awards ceremony held at UMKC, which entailed much more than I imagined there was tons of food, games, and even a speaker from NASA, who was of course a woman. I also received a Kindle Fire for winning, graciously provided by Cerner. I had no idea I could experience all that just for being interested in technology. The application for this year’s award opened on the 18 of September, and any girl who is in high school and has

Ads Manager Sara Hartley

an interest in technology can apply. I strongly encourage you all to check it out! If interested, you can talk to Mrs. Klein in Room 701. There are also many scholarship opportunities for girls in engineering and technology. Both colleges and the job industry want to see an increase of women in these fields, so there is a strong incentive for colleges to award scholarships to females who are pursuing a degree in either technology or engineering. How can you become a good candidate for awards or scholarships? Take PLTW or computer courses. Join the Robotics team or the newly formed Technology for Tomorrow Club. You do not have to be a genius to get involved with any of these. It is all about learning, working with your peers, and having fun. Forget the ‘nerdy’ stigma. When you are in college with tons of great job offers, being ‘nerdy’ once upon a time will not matter. You have the power to kickstart your future in high school, so jump aboard the train.

I’m Not Wonder Woman

My biggest flaw is my inability to say no. Were someone to come up to me right now and say they needed me for something, I would most likely agree to help immediately. I look at

Editor In Chief Madi Denton

everything as a potential opportunity for something great to happen. This has never been an issue for me in the past. I’ve never struggled with balancing activities and school, because I have never been involved in enough to weigh me down. This year, however, is different. I am up to my ears in homework, and my schedule is so packed full of obligations that I’m shocked I find time for dinner. As crazy busy as I am, I still struggle to turn people down, purely because I just don’t have the heart to tell them no. My schedule got the best of me last week, when I absent-mindedly double booked myself. I became so

flustered with my homework and the frustration of trying to balance both commitments that I wound up canceling them both and taking a day for myself. I sat outside and read a book, watched Netflix all afternoon, and took a long overdue nap. The next day, I felt recharged and ready to take on whatever came my way. I realized that while it is so good to be active and involved, I need to take time to give myself a break. I’m not Wonder Woman. I can’t do it all, all the time. When I feel myself starting to become overwhelmed, I need to take a step back and enjoy some “me time.” Myself, and my mental sanity, must take priority.

Raise your hand if you are left-handed. Okay do not actually raise your hand or you might be mistaken for one of those, unique, individuals. I am lefthanded and I’m very proud of that fact. Let’s not sugar coat anything, being a lefty is a struggle. For all of those righties who have not realized the entire world is made for righthanders, here’s a short list of right hand items: spirals, binders, door knobs, car controls, keyboards, pencils, dry

erase makers and boards, scissors, and basically anything you use all the time, especially, ballpoint pens. Did you know that ballpoint pens were actually designed specifically for righties? Left hands pull down on pens instead of push up, which causes the ink to come out sporadically. I’ve never met a ballpoint pen that I can write with. Lefties die sooner than the rest of the world, probably because the world is made for the other hand. Just think about it for a second, what isn’t on the right side? Nothing. I have a challenge for all the righties; spend an entire day or maybe even an hour using primarily your left hand. You’ll quickly find, that opening doors causes a ridiculous arm twist, writing will leave lovely stains on the sides of your hand, and using a dry erase board isn’t even a comfortable possibility. When I was a little kid, my mom

Opinion Editor Molly Meeks actually had to have our family friend teach me to write and tie my shoes. Apparently, we write letters backwards. Specifically, the letter “x” and “s”. Lucky for me, I have learned to do a lot with my right hand. In most sports I’m right-handed. But then again, I don’t do sports. But, we can’t stay all negative; being left-handed is awesome. To most of the world lefties are like exotic animals, whenever someone discovers I’m a lefty they demand to know every detail of my life. “How do you write like that? How do you hold your pencil?”. The best response was “Oh my gosh, how do you tie your shoes?” There are also left-handed scholarships. And in case anyone didn’t know, we tie our shoes normally, we just do it backwards.

Photos by Molly Meeks

Opinion When Nothing Goes Right, Go Left

Pop Up the Love for Movies

The big screen, the food, and comfortable seats; I mean, who doesn’t go to the movies? Going to the movies has been a recreational pastime for American families for over a hundred years now. Going to the movies will always hold a special charm and magic to everyone. Theaters are comfortable to hang out in, usually they have arcades, and always have that nice concession stand in the front where you can buy the biggest tub of popcorn with unlimited butter. Once you step into the theater the first thing you notice is the huge screen, but no matter where you sit you’ll always have a great view with the elevated seating rows. It really is worth going and seeing a movie because you’ll see so much more detail on the big screen as to what you’d see at home. The great surround sound system will rattle your teeth if you see a good action movie. Also noting the fact that after a movie leaves the theater we won’t see it again until it comes to DVD or Redbox, who’d want to miss out? It’s a fun time for family and friends no matter what movie you see. From my own experience, going to World War Z as a matinee was better than going to see an evening showing of a movie. The surround sound was fantastic and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, it was absolutely thrilling and the sound was bone rattling. Matinees are cheaper and just getting a small bucket of popcorn won’t set you back on money drastically. If seeing a 2-D movie isn’t your style, then go see a 3-D movie for a bit more money. Seeing an action movie like Avatar was amazing because of the perfect detail and it was almost like you could practically reach out and grab the

ashes that were coming out of the screen. The setback of money won’t be bad at all if the movie is really worth seeing. Now we all know we can’t exactly help the fact that no matter where we go we’ll step in something sticky or find a piece of gum in an inconvenient spot. Theaters are relatively clean since the workers clean up after every movie showing. Despite prices, going to see a movie is a steal because you can get to see the show before it comes to DVD and it gives you something to do on date night. With varieties from chick flicks, action, horror, comedy, and romance you really can’t miss out anytime you go. Especially if you go to a Disney or Pixar movie with your little brother or sister. It’s a great bonding experience. The movies are a good place to hang out and its just a fun time altogether. I don’t see why people wouldn’t want to

Story by

Tara Prindle

Photo by

Molly Meeks

Pro

enjoy such entertainment that’s only a car ride and a ticket away. The audio and visual effects are a noticeably different experience than what you see at home, totally worth it.

Redbox & Taco Bell Imagine this; you’re sitting in a movie theatre seat, the perfect spot to be exact, four rows back, right in the center. You even have that little bar in front of you, so you can put your feet up while you watch the movie. There is T-minus three minutes until the movie that you’ve been anticipating for the past month begins. You hear the familiar, “Cinedigm, a new paradigm in cinema,” echo through the theatre. Right as the catchy song starts, and the opening credits begin to appear on the screen, out of nowhere comes your worst nightmare. A family of five rounds the corner into the theatre. You’ve got a mom and dad, two elementary-school looking boys, and the dreaded already crying baby. I would like to clarify, this is a true story about myself, and I am the one sitting in the perfect spot four rows back from the screen. I looked around at the nearly empty theatre, trying to imagine how far away this family could possibly sit from me. Now I know we’ve all heard the phrase “you can’t always have everything you want.” I found this quote to be astoundingly true the moment that the family sat two seats down from me. As if this is not enough, I look behind me to see a girl wearing “clothes” that can only be described as Miley Cyrusish, talking on her phone! It honestly was not that big of a deal…until her boyfriend showed up and they thought it was necessary to kiss throughout the entire movie. Annoying people sitting next to you is only one of the reasons that staying home and watching a rental movie, Redbox dvd or Netflix is a far better idea than going to the actual theatre. Allow me to put things into perspective

23 Story by

Aly Copp

Photo by

Molly Meeks

for you. One movie ticket costs $8.50-$10.00 at local movie theatres. You could get a lot more than just a single movie at a theatre with that money, such as; seven Redbox movies, one month of Netflix, or even eight tacos at Taco Bell! While I am going on this movie theatre rant, I find it pertinent to discuss the cleanliness of your movie theatre experience. When you sit on a seat in the theatre of your choice, you are exposing yourself to E. Coli and fecal matter. There have been several instances in New York where bed bugs have been found on the seats of AMC theatres; and unlike Vegas, what happens in New York does not stay there. Bed bugs could just as easily be coming to a theatre near you. Long story short, next time you think about going to the movies, really think; do you want to be in a germ infested place with annoying people, and spend all of your hard earned cash? Or would

Con

you rather stay in the comfort of your home, in your favorite spot on the couch with a nice Redbox movie, and all of the Taco Bell tacos you can get your hands on?

Story by

Grace George

September “Alex is very talented. She has a lot of athletic ability. She has invested the time in to tennis and it has paid off this year by earning a varsity spot. I think she has an excellent future with the program and post high school as long as she remains dedicated and focused..”

Photo by Ashley Covarrubias

Alex Rogers Grade: Freshman -Coach Koch Height: 4’11” “She is a and very motivated. She brings a sense of goofiness Team Rank: 6 to the team but when it’s time to Years Playing: 4 focus she’s ready to go.” Favorite Food: Sweet Potatoes -Junior Cassidy Paul

Alex’s Thoughts:

“My favorite memory with tennis was over the summer when I won 3 tournaments including a novice on the plaza and 2 opens.” Photo by Grayson Osborn

Nicole Griffin Grade: Sophomore Height: 5’9” Varsity Golf Years Playing: 2 Favorite Food: Mac n’ Cheese

“She is hardworking and dedicated. She brings a very competitive spirit to every thing she does and always puts maximum effort. Always positive and hard working with a smile on her face.”

-Coach Simpson “She’s really competitive and always pushes us to try our hardest. She always works 100%.”

-Sophomore Taylor Gertsner

Nicole’s Thoughts:

“One of my favorite memories with golf is when one day at practice and a girl, I can’t remember who, snapped her club in half.”

Athletes “AJ is great kid who is very coachable, a great listener and very eager to learn. “

-Coach Frigon

“AJ has become a great leader on the field and has helped add another dimension to our offense.”

-Senior David Graves

AJ’s Thoughts:

Story by

Nick Palmarine

Photo by Parker Bosch

AJ Cambric Grade: Junior Height: 6’4” Position: Quarterback Years Playing: 11 Fav Food: Italian

“My favorite memory happened this season during Week 1 against Tonka. I threw a pass to senior Jakoby Swanson for a 32 yard touchdown late in the second quarter.” Photo by Rachel Untch

“Bret’s personality tends to always be upbeat and positive which is great as a teammate and enjoyable to coach. He has continued to improve in his development as a soccer player since his freshman year, and I look forward to him continuing to step up his game the rest of his senior year.”

-Coach Rottjakob “Bret is a great player for us. He knows how to move the ball very well and he really helps connect everyone on the field and stimulate the offense.”

-Senior Jimmie Asher

Bret Scheonebeck Grade: Senior Height: 5’8 1/2” Position: Center Mid Years Playing: 12 Fav Food: Mediterranean

Bret’s Thoughts: “During sophomore year we were doing 1 v. 1’s at practice and I was going against Coach Nash (Varsity Assistant Coach) and he took me out and fouled me pretty hard. Suddenly I hear Harrison Cole scream, “NASH!” Harrison then ran onto the field and tackled Nash, it was awesome.”

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A Little Brown Jug Blue Jay boys swim in a 40 year old competition for a timeless trophy

Story by

Alex Jimenez

Photos By

Photo Journalism

The chill of the water as soon as you win”. have any rivals but it has become a touch it, and the words “Swimmer to What makes this meet so intense is big rivalry for our schools in general, your marks.” This is what the Liberty it involves only one other school. so just a big team rivalry really.” Swim teams lives for. “Raytown high school, that’s who Competitiveness may be the main Alongside great weather, there we have been swimming against ever focus for the participating athletes are lots of sports and but its not all about win. school activities going “It’s usually a fun time,. on. For those involved It’s very competitive but I in fall sports this is like the atmosphere and an extremely exciting being with my team.” time, whether starting Junior Alex Dowling their first year in the said “I swim the 100 program or their last. breast and 200 IM”. Time honored rivalries Overall record of and traditions only add these is Raytown high to the excitement of the school with twentyfall and the men’s swim five wins Liberty with team knows all about thirteen wins and one such rivalries. A rivalry tie. Although Liberty is that has been going on behind on overall wins, for 40 years. the Blue Jays have taken “This is going to be victories five out of the the 40th annual Brown The little brown jug is the traveling trophy that Liberty and last six meetings and we Jug competition” said Raytown have been competing for since 1973. hope all Blue Jay fans can head swim coach Chris make it out September Murphy, “Last year was 24, at Raytown high our 4th consecutive time winning since it started”. Senior and returning school to support our swim team. the Brown Jug meet, so going into state qualifying swimmer Jonah this meet our top goal as always is to Korondi said. “I personally don’t

Liberty swimmers take a break during a practice with Liberty North.

Senior Jonah Korondi swims freestyle at practice.

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