Livewire Vol 5 Issue 6 March 2015

Mt. Washington

Bullitt County

Small Town, Big Talent NewsmagazineBEHSmarch2015issue6.indd 1

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Contents

March 2015 Volume 5, Issue 6

Student Life

4 5 6 8 9

Friends Coming Out of Right Field | Brayden Blair and Jacob Bowles share the story of the friendship, on and off the field.

Fantastic Four | One random student for each grade was chosen for a Q&A.

Foreigners in a Far Away Land | A look at the foreign ex-

change students at East and their adjustment to life in America.

Hyperlocal | Find out what your peers are planning for spring

break.

Prom Dress Success | Results of the Livewire’s prom dress contest on Instagram.

4

25 26

27

19

March 2015

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Sports

10 11 12

Making Plays During Planning | Meet teachers at East who spend their weekends playing the sports they love.

Teachers Now, Jocks Then | Some East teachers had the

chance to play collegiate sports.

Stepping Up to the Plate |

A feature on the baseball and softball teams for the spring season.

12

Academics

14 Opinion

25 26 27

Feminism: Just Don’t Do It | Staffer Eric Sanchez gives his opinion on feminism.

There’s No Place Like Home |

Staffer Kim Flaherty discusses staying home for spring break instead of leaving town.

Greek Squad | The editorial

board writes about the House’s biggest event of the year and its effect on the student body.

SMALL TOWN BIG TALENT Layout: Haley Steinmetz NewsmagazineBEHSmarch2015issue6.indd 3

13 14 18 19 20 22 24

Cheating Chargers | Covering the cheating scandals at East.

Putting the BAM in BAMS | Uncovering the life a BAMS student.

Taylor’s Boundless Dream |

Taylor Reuille opens an amusement park for disabled children.

Karate Kids | A feature on students at East who participate in karate.

Sports Calendar | Know when and where to cheer on the Chargers.

Two Sport Athletes | Meet

students around the school that involve themselves in two or more sports.

adviser editor-in-chief executive editor assistant executive editor business & advertising cocopy editor cocopy editor copy editor copy editor copy editor sports editor creative editor photo editor

Larry Steinmetz Haley Steinmetz Layne Cutler Eliza Love Allison Drake Rachel Grant Isaac Shelton Jessica Mattingly Lindsay Renneisen Sydney Riley Grant Skaggs Kim Flaherty Gavin Blain

staff writers Tiffany Prell Jasmine Meeks Derek Rogers Kyleigh Payne Jaiden Gividen Maggie Wisdom

Taylor Hollifield Savanah Hagan Luke Young Eric Sanchez Haley Snyder Brennah Denkhoff

Livewire was re-founded in 2001 by journalism teacher, Larry Steinmetz. In the past, the Livewire has been a weekly newspaper, but moved to a newsmagazine published five times a year in 2011, and increased to eight in the 2014-15 school year. The staff remains committed to bringing the Bullitt East community the most up to date news in a quality format and timely manner. To get breaking news, sports updates, and more go online to belivewire.com.

The staff appreciates your patronage and, as a public forum, encourages any feedback you care to offer. Letters to the editor must be typed and submitted via e-mail, to Mr. Steinmetz’s mailbox, or directly to room 324 within one week of the publication to which you are responding. Letters will not be censored, but must be deemed appropriate by the editor and advisor in order to be published. In order to be eligible to appear in the paper, all letters must be signed and verifiable. Names can be withheld upon request, but must be submitted with the original letter.

Livewire is published by the students and for the students of Bullitt East High School, E-mailing Mr. Steinmetz directly is the best way to reach the staff. His address is larry. steinmetz@bullitt.kyschools.us. The Livewire is printed by Publishers Printing Company.

Bullitt East High School 11450 Highway 44 East, Mount Washington, Kentucky, 40047.

(502) 869-6400.

From Goals to Reality | A feature about Emily Peti, the only band member to make All-State Band.

Cover: Kim Flaherty

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Student Life

Brayden & Jaco

b

FRIENDS COMING OUT OF RIGHT FIELD

BY GRANT SKAGGS

cg.skaggs11@gmail.comn | @gucci___guap

F

rom in and outside the dugout.

Jacob Bowles and Brayden Blair, seniors, have been known as friends and teammates for years, and the sport of baseball has strengthened it.

Bowles and Blair’s friendship goes way back into time. Their friendship over the years has been elevated due to their participation in sports. With the end of senior year on its way, their friendship will continue on down the road.

Bowles and Blair both play for the Bullitt East baseball team, and they have for the the past four years. Although, their friendship started years before that when both were in the 5th grade. It occurred when Blair moved into the same school district. Their personalities and characteristics appeared very similar to themselves and to others around them.

Jared Riordan, sophomore, has played with and has known the two for three years now.

He said, “They are both very passionate about baseball. Jacob is very determined to succeed in school and baseball, and Brayden is a very hard worker and is really smart.”

Bowles said, “Brayden is a guy who always does the right things for his friends; he’s always there if you need something. He can be March 2015 NewsmagazineBEHSmarch2015issue6.indd 4

a quiet person, but he is a pretty fun person to be around.”

Their friendship could still stand, but baseball has contributed a good size role in improving that bond. All that time being around each other is an obvious stimulate.

Bowles said, “We’re definitely better friends because of it [baseball]. It gave us a chance to be together more often. This year with us being seniors we need to be together on the things we have to do, and just to be on the same page.”

Blair also responded with a similar answer and said, “Baseball brings us closer, because we are with each other 24/7 during the spring and we are both working toward the same goal, and that is a state championship.”

last season as a BEHS baseball players. Even though these things may end, their friendship looks to continue.

Bowles said, “Yeah I can say we’ll be friends.

Obviously with me moving away, I won’t be able to hang out with him or the people I was friends with here.”

Blair also continued with that idea and said, “I definitely plan to be in contact after high school. We will probably hang out a lot when he is home for the summer, and it would be cool if I could go up to USI[University of Southern Indiana],and watch a couple of his games.”

The way they act around each other may be the same, whether it’s on the field or off, but both them and others believe that baseball had a helping hand.

As summer gets more and more closer, this means the end of the road for their academic careers at Bullitt East, as well as their www.belivewire.com 4/1/2015 2:02:33 PM

Sarah Franklin 1. I play the piano.

2. Mr. Gosser because

he understands his students and treats them like real people.

3. You know almost everyone and it is easy to talk to people.

1. Well I play football, I like to fish, and I like to play basketball.

2.

Mrs. Hightower, because she’s nice. Mr. Edwards is pretty cool too because he is funny.

3. It’s not very crowded, less traffic, and you know everybody.

Jessica Roush

Fantastic Four Four people chosen at random to be featured in the Livewire for you the student body to get to know who you are walking the halls with.

1. What is a hidden talent of yours?

2. What is the name of your favorite faculty member and why?

3. What is your favorite thing about living in a small town?

1.

Cheering. I cheer for Gym Time All Stars.

2.

Mr. Osbone because he makes learning fun.

3. Getting to know everyone.

1. I’m good at procrastinating but

that’s not hidden, so i guess my talent is I can sing.

2. My favorite teacher is Mrs. Mul-

lenex. She makes learning fun and she is blunt about everything.

3. Being in a small town you always know where everything is.

Hunter Burks

Kaylee Wyatt

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Foreigners in a far away land

BY ERIC SANCHEZ

NamesSanchez@gmail.com | @NamesChiz

H

ey guys, I’m going to go live in America for a year, see you later.

Foreign exchange students talk about living in America.

More than half way through the year, foreign exchange students express their thoughts on the process of coming to America and their first impressions. The foreign exchange students live their life in America, comparing it to their home country. With leaving the United States close at hand, they have mixed feelings.

The process of coming to America as a foreign exchange student is not as hard or strange as one might think. Through a simple sign up and some interviews, becoming a foreign exchange student is common in Europe.

“You have to have certain grades, and when you apply, they interview you. Then you get something in the mail that says you’re in.

It’s not really hard,” said Jasmeen Barmen, a foriegn exchange student from Norway.

“You have to fill out a ton of paperwork about yourself, about what you like, and your grades.

But once you are signed up, they interview you, make you speak English, and make you write about yourself for the host families,” said Elisabeth Hellerslien, also a foreign exchange student from Norway.

However, in Europe, becoming a foreign exchange student is not as strange a concept as it is in America. “I have a lot of friends who are here in America as foreign exchange students,” said Barmen.

Once in America, the foreigners have mixed feelings about living here initially. “I thought America was crazy. I wondered why I did this.

The first month is the hardest one because you have to get used to everything and you have to get to know people. You also have to speak English all the time which is, like, not normal,” said Hellerslien.

Barmen thought otherwise, as she had already been in the US in 2011. She worked in her Aunt’s shop for two months before returning home. “I like America; it’s a lot cheaper than Norway,” said Barmen.

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Maddie Smith (11), a friend of Hellerslien, said “I know the beginning of the year she missed home, and I’m sure she still does, but it’s gotten a lot easier,” Now that the school year is more than half way done, the foreigners have grown more accustomed to living in America. However, there are a few key differences between here and their home countries. “I like America, you just have to get used to it. You have to rely on people a lot, especially as foreigners because we can’t drive. You like it more the longer you’re here,” said Hellerslien.

“I feel more integrated into America now, but I like Norway better; it’s not as strict,” said Barmen. The level of strictness is a key difference between America and Europe.

leaving,” said Hellerslien.

Coming back to America is an option that some foreigners take to come visit friends.

“There are a lot of people I’m never going to see again. But, I’m really close with my host family, so I’ll probably come visit them,” said Barmen.

However, it is not just the foreigners who can get sad about them leaving America. “I don’t even want to imagine her leaving. She’s one of my best friends, and I’ve only known her for about 7 months, but I feel like I’ve known her my whole life,” said Smith.

With their departure on the horizon, the foreign exchange students plan to make the most of their time left in America.

“It’s more liberal there. It’s easier to get around with buses and trains and boats. We don’t have the same type of crime in Norway, so it’s not as strict there. Also parents aren’t as strict in Norway with being inside, where you’re going, and who you’re hanging out with,” said Hellerslien.

Getting around is a big issue for most foreigners. While the driving age to a permit is sixteen here in the US, as foreign exchange students, this is not an option for them. Thus, they rely heavily on other people for rides, especially with the lack of public transportation in Mount Washington. While relying on people for transportation, this takes away a lot of freedom for the foreigners.

Taboos are also different within America.

“The sexual age is eighteen here, but is sixteen in Norway. The drinking age is also lower in Norway,” said Barmen.

With being a foreign exchange student, leaving America at some point to go back home is part of the experience. This brings bittersweet feelings for the foreigners as one could be excited to be home, but leaving a new home in the process.

“I’ve been thinking about that a lot, with being so close to the end. I’m kind of looking forward to getting home and seeing all my friends again, but it’s going to be sad too leaving here. It’s just kind of mixed feelings with www.belivewire.com 4/1/2015 2:02:44 PM

Denmark: Daniel Handsen

Norway: Elisabeth Hellerslien & Jasmeen Barmen Germany: Lena Witzke & Laura Weise

Italy: Francescco Sciaovelli

Thailand: Pintasorn Suttiponpisarn

Layout: Eric Sanchez NewsmagazineBEHSmarch2015issue6.indd 7

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SPRING BREAK 2K15 B y M aggie W is d o m

maggie.wisdom4154@gmail.com | @_maggielorraine

S

pring break is right around the corner, for most people it is a relaxing time and a break from school. Freshman, Adriana Aguado, will be staying in Mount Washington over spring break.

“Most of my spring break will consist of sleeping and Netflix and towards the end of the spring I will be celebrating my best friend’s birthday,” stated Aguado.

Sophomore, Grace Wibbles, will be spending her spring break in New Oreland. “I am very excited for this year’s spring break. My friend from Georgia is coming to town and toward the end of the break I’ll be going to New Orleans with a friend,” stated Wibbles.

Senior, Dylan Gensheimer, also has a fulfilled spring break ahead of him. “I’m going to Philadelphia. I’m going to see a MLS (major league soccer) game. I’m most excited about getting to experience my first professional soccer game,” stated Gensheimer.

Whether you are staying home or going away on spring break, there’s always something to do. Make sure to stay safe, chargers.

A survey was passed out at random to 65 students at East asking whether or not they had plans for spring break. These are the results.

35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

“This spring break I will be going fishing with my family, and I’m really excited for the first trip of the year” -Sophomore Haley Fowler

Yes

No

Not sure

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PROM DRESS SUCCESS At the begining of March, the Livewire held our anual Prom Dress Contest on Instagram to find out which dress Bullitt East thought was the best. Girls submitted pictures of their dress for us to post on our account. We used the number of likes from our post to determine the winner. Grace Wibbels, with 240 likes, was our first place dress and recieved a $20 Starbucks gift card!

Grace Wibbels

Megan Kaiser

Bayley Dahl Layout: Maggie Wisdom and Allison Drake NewsmagazineBEHSmarch2015issue6.indd 9

Taylor Carter

Peyton Maki

Sierra Waddle

Brae Fredricks

Kristen Dadisman

Emily Salyer

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sports

Mike Brangers

Savannah Richardson Photo submitted by Savannah Richardson

Larry Steinmetz

MAKING PLAYS DURING PLANNING

BY ISAAC SHELTON

JIShelton@gmail.com | @Isaacshelton1

T

hose who can play sports, teach.

Educators around Bullitt East have committed themselves to sports.

A portion of teachers at BE play sports outside of school. This lifestyle requires these faculty members to manage their schedules with their individual sports. Students have an understanding for teachers who participate in athletic activities.

Athletics run deep at Bullitt East High school, from the cheerleaders to the bowlers. There’s no avoiding sports at East, whether it’s football in the fall or basketball in the winter. Logically, students focus on sport teams that connected to East athletics. It’s no surprise that the majority of the students and other faculty members are not fully aware that a minority of teachers play a variety of sports outside of school.

For the past eight years freshman teacher, Mike Brangers has played in the First Baptist Church (FBC) thirty and over basketball league. Larry Steinmetz, a fellow teacher athlete, also plays on the same team as Brangers.

They call themselves Chargers, “because when we started [playing] there were other people [who worked at BE] like Mr. Wood,” stated Brangers.

The Chargers play almost every Friday from the beginning of January to the middle of February. On some occasions the team would be allowed to relax on a Friday night if they have a bye, which is a transfer to the next round of games. Brangers commits his fridays because he enjoys it. Additional benefits are exercising and his family enjoys it as much as he does.

“My kids like it because they go up there [the March 2015 NewsmagazineBEHSmarch2015issue6.indd 10

Christian Life Center] with me. My wife likes it because my kids are out of the house, unless we have plans,” stated Brangers.

Brangers and Steinmetz are only one of several teachers active in sports. Savannah Richardson, a BE counselor, runs marathons outside of school. She has been running consistently for the past four years and has competed in six half marathons, two full marathons, three Triple Crown races, and several 5k runs. As a long distance runner, she spends countless hours every week training for races. “My training varies each week, but I am always running.

Usually I train hard for four months before a marathon,” stated Richardson. Another part of Richardson’s training schedule is the occasional workout. A workout usually involves efforts for a set amount of time, but tempo or fartlek run can qualify as a workout for distance runners. A tempo run is continual effort that increases through the run. A fartlek is an effort that can vary in efforts by minutes. The runner can have three minutes at a race pace and then three minutes at a jog.

There are several other teacher athletes that run long distance races, either marathons or mini-marathons such as Kenny Hughes, Paige Robinson, and Dana Steinmetz. All of these runners have to deal with heavy mileage throughout the course of their training. The majority of these runners can go 15+ miles on one run which depending on the pace they are going can take several hours to accomplish. Any athletic sport requires a certain amount of effort and endurance in order to reach their goals and according to Richardson. “There are sacrifices

when it comes to spending time with family or working additional time at the school, but it is necessary because running is my release to my counseling duties and I look forward to it and make it a priority,” stated Richardson.

In addition to basketball and running, several other teachers are involved in activities outside of the walls of Bullitt East. For instance, Dan Barrett plays volleyball and Kyle Downs plays golf outside of school.

Even with several teachers involved in athletic activities students are still unaware of what their teachers do in their free time. Sophomore Nate Drake, one of Brangers soccer players, never knew that his coach plays basketball. “Honestly, I don’t mind my coach playing a different sport as long as he can still coach us properly and teachers can play sports because it’s their right to be able to.

Anyone, both a teacher and a student can commit themselves to athletics. They can run, dribble, and spike by practicing and workinghard when it’s not required.

4810 North Preston Hwy, Shepherdsville, KY 40165 www.belivewire.com 4/1/2015 2:02:58 PM

KY 40165

Teachers Now, Jocks Then

BY LAYNE CUTLER laynec17@gmail.com

W

ho knew teachers could be so ballin’?

There are some East teachers who were talented and privileged enough to play sports in college.

East has a multitude of teacher-athletes, but some went far enough as to play collegiately.

The decision to play a sport in college dramatically affected their lives both then and now. These teachers advise students to all become involved with something, even if it’s not a sport.

Health teacher Dona Hare is one teacher that played sports on a collegiate level. Hare played basketball for four years at DePauw University. She played basketball in high school, and was so competitive and passionate for the sport that she decided to continue her career into college.

Kyle Downs, computer technology teacher, was also a collegiate athlete. He attended Georgetown College (in Kentucky) where he played golf for three and a half years. Downs also played in high school, had a love for the sport, and took advantage of receiving a free education due to a scholarship.

Another collegiate athlete, chemistry teacher Jason Dickerson played football at the University of Kentucky for five years. Dickerson played football in high school and always knew he wanted to attend UK. “On a whim I went up to the coaches office and talked to them.

They just said yeah, come on out,” Dickerson said. Dickerson was also fortunate enough to play at UK when the team went to the 2006 Music City Bowl and gained a ring from the trip.

Taking on this responsibility affects life during college and after college. “It was very beneficial to keep me organized. You had to keep your grades up, too,” Hare said. Hare also claims being on the team was an outlet for her during her parents divorce, and that she was very happy her best friends (teammates) were there for her.

Downs said, “It [playing in college] was a once in a lifetime opportunity.” Downs also claims that playing golf at Georgetown wasn’t a huge change for him because he would have continued playing on his own anyways. “It does help you to balance and organize your time,” Downs said.

Layout: Isaac Shelton and Layne Cutler NewsmagazineBEHSmarch2015issue6.indd 11

The biggest impact on these athletes came after their collegiate career, though. Dickerson said a big lesson he took away from his time at UK was knowing how to continue with hard work. “There is not always going to be someone there watching you to make sure you’re doing what you’re supposed to be [doing]. As you go up in the level of competition, the amount of self motivation just gets higher and higher,” Dickerson said.

Dona Hare Depauw University

involved right now. “You get to exercise, stay in shape, and meet friends,” said Hare. Her biggest advice to high school athletes, though, is to not give in to the “burnout desire.” “A lot of kids just want a break, but the big picture is that you can push through,” Hare said. She claimed there are scholarships, life lessons, and friendships to be gained from playing sports in college.

Dickerson’s advice to students not playing sports right now is, “At this point if you’ve never tried it, just try it. Even if you think you’re not going to like it or be good at it, go ahead and give it a shot. There are stories all over the place of kids who pick up organized sports in high school and are just naturally gifted and really like it. Sometimes they get college scholarships and end up being professionals.”

He also advises high school athletes to branch out from their current sport. “Do as many sports as possible. Try as many things as you can. If you look at the scholarships offered, at least in football, teams give more scholarships to kids who do two or three sports than they do just football players. So don’t think you can just coast and focus on your one thing,” Kyle Downs Georgetown College Dickerson said.

Jason Dickerson University of Kentucky

Hare said that she still carries with her the team mentality and work ethic ideas playing basketball gave her. “I have three kids- a family- so you have to make choices that benefit everyone,” Hare said.

Communication, though, is what Downs took away from golf. “When you play, you don’t know anyone but your own team, so you had to learn to communicate with other players,” Downs said. He also attributes his work ethic and who he is as a person today to his experience as a collegiate athlete.

“It held me more accountable to do what I needed to do,” Downs said.

Downs doesn’t advise doing anything if the student doesn’t like it.

He just wants them to be involved in something. “Be passionate about something. We have a lot of clubs and activities here [at East],” Downs said. He also claimed that top-notch students look even better the more involved they are. If an East student is involved in a sport, though, Downs said, “There’s not a lot who can [play sports in college], so take advantage of it.”

Downs highly advises taking the opportunity to play a sport in college if it presents itself.

“You won’t regret it,” Downs said.

Hare “totally recommends” playing a sport to students un11 4/1/2015 2:02:58 PM

STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE

BY JESSICA MATTINGLY

jrm99253@gmail.com | @jmattingly_

T

he Chargers are sliding into 2015.

Both the Bullitt East softball and baseball teams are suiting up for an intense season.

East’s baseball and softball teams have both been working out as a team to get into shape.

Both teams want to prove themselves and go for a championship title. The weather so far, along with seniors leaving, has caused some hardships in the season.

To begin any sports season, there has to be some type of preparation. As far as baseball goes, the boys have been working hard for several months. Zach Jones, sophomore baseball player, said, “We are just finishing up workouts.” We’re doing bullpens to help our pitchers and hitters. We’ll start practicing on the field here soon.”

Not only have the boys been practicing nonstop, so have the girls. The softball team has been taking trips to Club Fitness for spin classes to improve their strength and get them in shape. The girls, just like the guys, have been holding team workouts to help them gear up for the intense upcoming season.

The expectations for baseball this year are at an all time high. Last year, the boys had an outstanding season with a record of 27-8.

Coming off of that, the guys have to bust their butts to top the previous year. Much like last year, the expectations are to make it to state and bring home a championship.

Jeff Bowles, head baseball coach, said, “Our expectations are always high. We look to win our 12th consecutive district title and make a deeper run into the regional tournament with the goal of reaching Lexington (baseball’s sweet 16). From there anything can happen.

A state championship is always talked about when we do our off-season work.”

The softball girls want to prove themselves to everyone that doubts them. Just like baseball, the girls want to bring home a championship.

NewsmagazineBEHSmarch2015issue6.indd 12

Both the softball and baseball teams will kick off their seasons in March.

To achieve these goals, the boys have to work really hard. The batting averages have to increase, but on the other hand, strikeouts and bunt averages need to decrease. If the team continues with their batting and field practices, they’re sure to bring home the championship.

KEY PLAYERS

On the other hand, the obstacles in the softball season are a little different. The girls have lost many valuable seniors that contributed to the team immensely. Due to this, many teams portray the Bullitt East softball team .310 39 25  this year as an easy win.

Lindsay Renneisen The girls have to work hard Taylor.386 Roby 25 32 to prove that they are better and stronger than they ever Karli Yarbrough have been. Last season, the 20 .317 8 girls went 26-11. 

photo credit to Morgan Grant

March 2015

Loren Roby, senior softball player, said, “The biggest obstacle would probably be because we lost so many seniors, we have to find out what positions each player fits best at, and to get them distinguished in the spot in time for games.”

Average

RBI

Hits

Brayden Blair Jacob Moore  Jacob Bowles

.250

9

20

.298

9

25



.287

24

25



photo credit to Bailey Williamson

www.belivewire.com 4/1/2015 2:03:00 PM

ge

Cheating Chargers

academics

BY KYLEIGH PAYNE

kyleigh.payne@stu.bullitt.kyschools.us | @kyleigh_payne

C

heater Nation.

RBI 9 9 24

Williamson

ing.

Many Bullitt East students have had a recent problem of cheat-

Hits

20Students cheat for many reasons, whether it’s because they didn’t study

or maybe they did, but don’t have the curriculum memorized. The consequences for cheating are serious, students can receive a zero on 25 any work they cheat on. Teachers and students can prevent this from happening by being more aware that cheating is popular among bullitt 25east.

cheat or turning cheaters into the office.

“They (teachers) could split us up more , since most the time we are in groups,” admitted Heun.

The recent problem at Bullitt East with cheating ranges from freshman to seniors. There is not one class to blame. The consequences may be different, depending on the work cheated on. Students and teachers of Bullitt East can help prevent cheating and stop it at the root.

There has been a recent problem of students cheating at Bullitt East.

They aren’t just cheating on tests but also homework, quizzes, and projects.

An anonymous source admitted “students cheat by writing on their hands, using their phones, looking off other people’s papers or directly copying someone’s paper. ” Students have many reasons on why they are cheating, there could be pressure from parents and teachers, they could be unfocused in class and are unfamiliar with the material, or they could just possibly not want to study.

“Some (students) cheat because they don’t know the material, and want an easy way to get a good grade, and others cheat because of pressure,” said Shannon Payne, a Bullitt East teacher.

Cheating is taken seriously and the consequences are followed out thoroughly. Students continue to cheat even though they know the results of their actions. Sophomore Alyssa Heun confessed, “You get a zero for cheating.”

An anonymous source expressed, “Well the consequences should be an automatic zero, but I know a lot of times it goes unnoticed or teachers don’t really do much about it.” Students can receive a grade of zero if caught cheating. Students will also be reported to the office and the administration will call their parents to inform them on their child’s behavior.

Bullitt East does have many things to prevent cheating on tests.

“Students have tried to cheat by write answers inside their water bottle, by writing them on themselves, using cell phones, and having notes in their sight,” said Payne. Teachers are aware of what is going on in their classroom, but students still write answers on their arms and look of others tests. Students can also help prevent cheating by refusing to Layout: Jessica Mattingly and Kyleigh Payne NewsmagazineBEHSmarch2015issue6.indd 13

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327 Eastbrooke Pointe Drive, Suite 1 00 Mount Washington, KY 40047 Phone: (502) 538-4362 Fax: 502-538-3551 myeyedoc@mooneyeyecare.com 13 4/1/2015 2:03:03 PM

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www.belivewire.com 4/1/2015 2:03:03 PM

PUTTING THE BAM IN BAMS

BY SYDNEY RILEY

sydney.riley99@gmail.com | @sydgirl99

B

AMS: Bullitt Advanced-Minded Students.

Bullitt Advanced Math and Science, BAMS, is a top-notch program for advanced students in Bullitt County.

BAMS is an elite program designed for elite kids. Students that attend BAMS get opportunities that other high school students may not get. The program can be very beneficial to students’ futures.

The Bullitt Advanced Math and Science program is designed for a special group of students that come from all three Bullitt County high schools. In the eighth grade, applications are sent in and twenty students from around the county are chosen to be a part of BAMS. With only twenty students in each grade level, the students get to do more one-on-one learning and hands-on activities. That's not the only thing that's special about this program. The BAMS students will graduate high school with two associates degrees- one in science and one in art. For the first two years of the program, they attend the BAMS classroom,(located in the Riverview building behind Bullitt Central), completing almost all credit hours needed to graduate high school. For the last two years, they attend Jefferson Community and Technical College to get associates degrees in science and art while completing the last of their high school credits.

morning. I've never had much of a dress code, no rules about gum,no set lunch time, no asking to go to the bathroom. I don't have to be at my first class until 9:30, and some days, I get out as early as 11:30. So I probably get much more sleep than most high school students," Yates may only be a junior in high school, but she is also a freshman in college. She no longer has to get up at 5:30 to go to school every day because she takes all college courses at JCTC. Not only does BAMS benefit your sleep schedule, but your future as well.

"I have all of my general education requirements completed, 36 hours that count towards my degree (68 hours total). Already having all of those credits puts me a little bit ahead of the game. It will certainly look good on my resumè," said Brendan Riley, a graduate from BAMS. Bullitt Advanced Math and Science may not be cut out for the average high schooler, but this stupendous program can be beneficial to those who enjoy an academic challenge.

This elite program may not sound too appealing to many, but many opportunities come for these students that a lot of average high schoolers don't get.

"We collaborate with Bernheim to collect and test data such as dirt or water samples and report them back to Bernheim. We have some face-to-face experiences with professionals, such as a doctor coming in to tell us about his job and staff from UofL coming to tell us about college things," said Ian Powell, a freshman at BAMS. Not only do they get the opportunity to meet people and go to Bernheim, but being in a program like BAMS means that you may have more freedoms in class than the normal high schooler.

Trista Yates, a junior a BAMS, said, "I have a lot more freedom, which can be good and bad.

There are a lot less rules, and I get treated like more of an adult. Say I wanted to skip school, I could and no one would know or really care.

That's definitely a temptation to fight every Layout: Sydney Riley

All photos submitted by Robert Davidson, teacher at BAMS.

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BAMS Roster Freshmen

Brianna Gates Garrett Jones Ian Powell Benjamin Reese

Sophomores

Abigaile Adair Janessa Carmona Emily Elliott Patrick Flaherty Abigaile Guy Ashley Kingsley Madeline Montoya Rachel Moss Michael Ramsey Kenton Vance Hunter Waldridge

Juniors

Olivia Atkins Trenten Cox Kyle Dillard Jade Harris Alden Stidom Trista Yates

Seniors

Craig English Ben Harlan Samuel Kelty Collin King Logan Monahan Sean Osborne Chris Sinclair Brandon Swift Sydnie Young

SALON 10223 Kentucky 44, Mount Washington, KY 40047 (502) 538-4538

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BY LINDSAY RENNEISEN

lindsay.renneisen@gmail.com | @lindsaymarie_9

A

lot of students dream of playing the sport they love at the college level. Many people have it in their heads that it isn’t possible to make it to that point, especially being in such a small town. But that isn’t entirely true. I have been blessed to be given the opportunity to possibly play softball at the next level. Things like this don’t come easily. You can’t just slide through practices and “go through the motions” as many coaches say.

Putting in extra work is a key part of making yourself better.

the supp

Time is of the essence when I’m trying to make my college dream come true. It is the hardest part. Softball has the ability to take my friends from me because it’s frustrating to them that I’m not home most weekends. I’m normally out of state for tournaments. I’ve been playing softball ever since I was four and I’ve enjoyed it as long as I’ve played.

My frien time, I’m

Pursuing your dreams at the next level is tough all around. Being in a small town doesn’t help a lot. When people ask me where I’m from and I tell them, they have no clue where it is. This could affect the factor of “getting noticed” by college coaches. Despite this, we have a huge amount of talent at our school. Many student-athletes are getting scholarship offers to various schools around the country. Less than two percent of high school athletes will play a sport at the Division 1 level, but there are several students at East that are getting offers from big colleges.

With all the hard things aside, I’m so thankful for the chances I’ve been given to play the sport I love in a Division 1 setting. My coaches have done most of the hard work, though. From various emails to different coaches, to phone calls, to even going out to lunch with a coach. I wouldn’t be where I am without

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Playing things th enjoys p

Talking most str college a know wh

In concl rest of m and I ho

the support I have from my travel ball and high school coaches.

Playing softball has also opened doors to new friendships that will last a lifetime. These are the girls that I spend my summers with and do all the fun things that teenagers do. I’ve met all of my best friends through playing softball. It’s awesome to be able to make the best memories with someone that enjoys playing the same sport as you.

My friends are also a huge support system. I am surrounded with teammates that want to push me to be the best player that I can be while, at the same time, I’m pushing them past their limits.

Talking about college is scary for most high school students. It’s especially scary for me, being only a sophomore. But, talking about it is inevitable. The most stressful thing is figuring out what field you want to major in. I’m the most indecisive person ever, and I change my mind a lot. When thinking about college and getting offers from schools, you have to make sure the school is fit for you, not just the sports. If I am going to commit to a school, I have to know what I want to study.

In conclusion, just because we live in a small town and go to a small school doesn’t mean we don’t have big talent. In my life, thinking about planning the rest of my future is very difficult and time consuming. At the same time, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I love being on the field with my best friends, and I honestly wouldn’t want it any other way. I am beyond blessed to be able to follow my dreams on and off the field.

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All photos taken by Tony Frantz

TAYLOR’S BOUNDLESS DREAM B y T i f f any P rell tiffany.prell23@gmail.com

A

million dollar dream come true.

At the young age of eleven, senior Taylor Reuille had a dream of making a boundless playground, and she made that happen.

Reuille lived in Fort Wayne, Indiana where she built Indiana’s first boundless playground for disabled kids and adults. This project required a lot of fundraising to make her dream come true. The park contains many different elements of entertainment.

For Reuille, it all started one day on an average child’s playground. “When I was little, there was this girl; we used to have a mulch playground in elementary school, and she’d always just sit on the black top and watch me and my friends play. We were friends with her, also, and she could never do anything so she just sat on the sidelines by herself,” said Reuille.

Reuille wanted a playground that all children had access to. When she informed her parents of her plan, they were very supportive. They also remember how excited Reuille was. As stated by her mother in an article by Alec Johnson, a Graduate City Landscape Architect, on Landscape Online, “We’ve got to do this, Mom,” Casey Booher recalls her daughter saying, “We have to.”

She first contacted Tom Henry, the mayor of Fort Wayne, to get him on board with her project. Then, from 2007 to 2009, Reuille raised 1.4 million dollars through grants, scholarships, and donations. Some major money was raised by receiving a $10,000 donation from CBS and winning $83,000 from a Pepsi Refresh challenge where she was required to go online everyday, click on the project she wanted funding for, and try to get people to vote for her. The whole park cost 1.3 million dollars, so the extra $100,000 went to mainMarch 2015

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tenance and other necessities. Reuille cut the opening ribbon on June 10, 2010.

This park contains many things normal parks do not. For starters, normal playgrounds are filled with mulch, which can be very difficult for a disabled child to maneuver on. Instead, this boundless playground replaced mulch with a substance called astroturf. Astroturf is soft, but hard enough to roll around on easily, and it’s a lot safer for little kids than concrete.

There are also ramps all around the park, bathrooms, and water fountains.

As far as activities go, there are several options for kids to choose from. There are things for hearing impaired, visually impaired, and physically impaired children. The park includes a splash pad (an outdoor waterpark), an Aero Glider that rocks like a big swing accessible to wheelchairs, and a gamma, alpha, and beta pod (each include different activities for the children based on their age). “The kids all have their own area, but it’s together so everyone can play together,” said Reuille.

Many are very impressed by all the hard work she has put into this park. “I think it says a lot about her character. She did it for the right reasons and it was something she believed in and wanted to do,” said Sue Wimsatt, history teacher at East as well as a teacher Reuille aids for.

www.belivewire.com 4/1/2015 2:03:05 PM

KARATE KIDS

BY JASMINE MEEKS

jasminemeeks1@gmail.com l @jasmine_meeks

K

ung fu gurus.

Gabe Ruth and Eric Sanchez participate in karate together.

Karate is a big part of Ruth’s life. Ever since he was a little boy Ruth has practiced karate. Sanchez and Ruth are good friends and practice together a lot of the time.

Brian Ruth teaching his karate students at Olympic Karate Studio

Ruth has been practicing karate since he was a kid. He fell in love with it at a young age when his father introduced him to it. “I was about 6 when I actually started karate, but it’s been around me my entire life,” said Ruth.

Sanchez however, just started 4 years ago.

“One day my friend Gabe Ruth asked me to come out to his dad’s karate school and give it a try,” said Sanchez. Ever since then, Ruth and Sanchez have been bonding through this sport.

Gabe Ruth and Eric Sanchez

Layout: Tiffany Prell and Jasmine Meeks NewsmagazineBEHSmarch2015issue6.indd 19

At Olympic Karate Studio, Ruth helps his father instruct the students who go there.

“It’s a non-constant thing since my dad owns the place; I do it about twice a week normally,” said Ruth.

Ruth and Sanchez take a good liking to karate. “I enjoy karate because of competitive edge of it and the universal lessons it can teach you. Also, who doesn’t love to fight and beat the crap out of someone without getting in trouble?” said Sanchez.

Ruth and Sanchez also go to karate competitions together. “Usually we go to NASA (North American Sports Association) competitions,” said G.Ruth. “Once I placed second in a tournament we went to,” said Sanchez.

These kung fu gurus have a passion for karate and an unbreakable bond.

“I was kind of born into karate,” said Ruth. Ruth’s father, Brian Ruth, has international karate titles. So, Gabe’s inspiration for practicing karate is his father. His father also has owned and ran a karate school for 12-13 years by the name of Olympic Karate Studio located in Fern Creek.

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27

26

V/JV vs J-town Home 5:30 V @ Fairdale 5:30 vs Spencer Home 4:00 Border Battle @ Nelson Co

F vs Jtown Home 6:00 JV/V @ Bethlehem 5:00/7:15 B&G Tennis vs. PRP Home 3:30 F vs Male Home 6:00 DH

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NO SCHOOL

JV/F vs Manual Home 5:00/7:00

Disney Tournament Disney Spring Training FCA Sports Camp 5:00-8:30

13

Disney Tournament Orlando FL

6

Monday

12

5

Baseball Softball Track Boys Tennis Girls Tennis

Sunday

V/JV @ Fern Creek 5:00/7:15 vs Seneca away 4:30

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F @ St. X 5:00 V/JV vs Jtown Home 5:00/7:00 B&G Tennis vs.

Valley Home 3:30 V/JV vs Mercy Home 5:30

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V @ Thomas Nelson 5:00 V/JV vs Ballard Home 5:30 vs Assumption Home 4:30

Disney Tournament Disney Spring Training FCA Sports Camp 5:00-8:30

14

7

Spring Break 6th-10th

Cap and Gown Pictures 23rd, 7:30am

Tuesday

JV vs Atherton Home 5:00 F @ Spencer Co 5:00 (2 5-innings games) JV vs Fern Creek Away 5:30

JV/F vs Male @ Home 5:00/7:15 Boys/Girl's Tennis @ St. Francis 4:00 F vs Butler Home 5:30 DH

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22

Fresh @ Collins DH 5:30 Fresh vs North Bullitt Home 5:30 DH vs North Bullitt away 3:30

Disney Tournament Disney Spring Training FCA Sports Camp 5:008:30

15

8

F @ PRP 6:00 V @ Trinity 5:00 V/JV vs North Oldham Away 5:30 Bardstown Invitational @ Bardstown

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vs DeSales @ Iroquois Park 3:30 V vs Beechwood Home 6:00 F vs Bullitt Central Home 6:00 DH

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JV/F vs Eastern Home 5:00/7:15 Fern Creek Park 4:00 Presentation Home 4:30 V/JV vs Assumption Away 5:30 Nelson Cardinal Classic @ Nelson Co

Disney Tournament Disney Spring Training FCA Sports Camp 5:00-8:30

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9

V vs Glenbard East Home 5:00 V/JV vs North Bullitt Home @ 5:30

2

1 JV/F vs Holy Cross Home 5:00/7:15 Boys/Girl’s Tennis @ Southern TBA V/JV vs PRP Away 5:30

Thursday

Wednesday

April Friday

Disney Tournament Disney Spring Training

JV/F @ South Oldham 5:30/7:30 V vs Dunbar Home 6:00 vs Shawnee/Anderson Co @ Home 3:30/5:00 V/JV vs Male Away 7:00 Eastern Relays @ U of L

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V @ PRP 6:00 B&G Tennis vs Whitfield @ Highview Park 3:45 F vs Meade Co Home 6:00 DH

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10

Disney Tournament Orlando FL Central Hardin Invitational @ E-town

3

Sports Calendar

Disney Tournament Orlando FL

Disney Tournament Orlando FL

F @ Washington Co (2 5-inning games) V vs Nelson Co Home 11:00am F vs Boyle Co Home V vs Eastern/E-town Home 12:00/4:00 Eastern Relays @U of L

25

F vs S outh Oldham/ North Bullitt @ North Bullitt 1:30/4:00 V Boone Co/Davies Co @ PRP V vs Eastill Co/Boyle Co @ Boyle Co 2:00/4:00

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11

4

Saturday

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24

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18

17

NO SCHOOL

SENIOR DANCE 7:30p-10:30p, Frazier Museum Rooftop

JV vs St. X Home 6:00 V @ North Hardin 5:30 V/JV vs CAL Away 5:30

JV/F @ Male 5:00/7:00 V vs Male Home 6:00 F vs Oldham Co Home 6:00 DH

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4

Monday

10

3

Baseball Softball Track Boys Tennis Girls Tennis

Sunday

V vs Manual Home 6:00 V/JV vs Meade Co Away @ 7:00

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19 NO SCHOOL

JV/F @ Eastern 5:00/7:15 V vs St. X @ Home 6:00

12

5

Tuesday

JV/F vs PRP @ Home 5:00/7:15

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20

F vs Trinity Home 5:00 JV @ North Bullitt 5:30 V/JV vs Bullitt Central Home @ 5:30

13

6

28

21

V/JV vs Ballard Home 5:00/7:15 F @ Ballard 5:00 (2 5-inning games) V/JV vs Collins Home @ 5:30

JV/F vs CAL @ Home 5:00/7:15 F vs North Bullitt Away @ 5:30 DH

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7

Wednesday Thursday

May NO SCHOOL

V/JV/F @ Butler 11:00am/1:30/4:00

Friday

99

KY Relays in Lexington

30

23 State @ UK

V vs Bethlehem Home 12:00

16

F @ Central Hardin 12:00 V Charger Challenge V Best of West Tournament in Bowling Green Region @ St. X

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2

Saturday

Bring in ad for price. One ad per person. Only Valid at Great Clips Mount Washigton.

$8 Haircut

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22

V vs Seneca Home 7:00 Senior Night F vs Butler Away 5:30 DH

15

F @ Trinity 5:00 V Charger Challenge V - Best of West Tournament in Bowling Green

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1

Sports Calendar

TWO SPORT ATHLETES

BY DEREK ROGERS

derek.rogers108@gmail.com l @derek_rogers_

I

can’t hangout; I have practice today.

Playing multiple sports can be fun, but it can become difficult to juggle a social life and homework with the sports.

Playing multiple sports can leave you with a condensed amount of time for what you want to do. It can also be hard to pick one sport over another. One of the biggest decisions in many high schoolers lives are what sport to play.

A lot of kids play two sports growing up, going from football in the fall, to basketball in the winter, and baseball in the summer. As kids grow up, they might quit the sport that we’re not the best at, or just weren’t interested in.

Many people have to learn to balance their social life with their sports. For some, it may just be a couple of months of having to balance, but not all get that luxury. Some spend all school year, and all summer, at practice or tournaments.

“It’s really tiring. I feel like almost everyone who plays multiple sports gets tired,” said sophomore Mitchell Langley who is apart of the football and baseball team.

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Being in two sports can be very demanding, both physically and mentally. It can be hard to do all your homework when you don’t get home until it’s dark.

“Honestly, I feel like I would have all A’s if I didn’t play basketball,” said sophomore Connor Green who no longer plays baseball but still plays basketball.

Some play two sports their freshman year and then choose what sport they want to commit to.

Peak is on the varsity basketball team and runs track.

A free college scholarship is very important to have because college is so expensive.. The 2013–2014 average cost according to collegecost.ed was $30,094 at private colleges, $8,893 for state residents at public colleges, and $22,203 for out-of-state residents attending public universities. Sports can give you a lot of opportunities to further your education and save money.

The process of choosing one sport over another can be difficult. The reasons also vary for choosing one sport over another. Some pick the sport that fits the better time frame for them. Others pick the sport they are better at or more likely to receive a college scholarship from.

“Playing sports can really help with college scholarships. The more sports you play the better chances of getting a college scholarship, but if you focus on one sport you can get really good and get a scholarship that way,” said sophomore Alyssa Peak. www.belivewire.com 4/1/2015 2:03:15 PM

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23 4/1/2015 2:03:18 PM

From goals to a reality

BY ELIZA LOVE

eliza.love29@gmail.com | @liiza24

Emily Petri, a junior at East, is turning her goals into a reality.

Petri has been playing the flute since the 5th grade when she was invited to join the band. She took an interest in this and everything just clicked with her.

Flash forward to the present, and now Petri has been playing for about seven years. She is a part of the Bullitt East band and puts hard work into what she does. Petri practices multiple times a week outside of school. Not only does she learn from instructor, Mr. Trevor Ervin, but Petri also takes private flute lessons once a week.

Recently, Petri made All-State Band for her performance on the flute. The process of earning this honorable achievement was not an easy one by any means.

She said, “I love the competition that All-State and All-District bring with them.” The junior had to audition for All-District Band and play two pieces (technical and lyrical) in order to advance to the state level competition. Not everyone was invited to audition for All-State, only the top band in the district. Petri was eventually invited to audition and made the All-State band. Initially, at state, there was 116 flutes that auditioned, but only 35 who made the All-State band.

Petri said, “Not a lot of people play instruments anymore, and everybody has their own thing like basketball and mines the flute. It’s something I really like to do.” Petri hopes to make the All-State band once again her senior year and attain scholarships for her flute playing. The ultimate goal for this teenager is to be in the prestigious University of Kentucky band.

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www.belivewire.com 4/1/2015 2:03:21 PM

Feminism: just don’t do it

Opinion

BY ERIC SANCHEZ

NamesSanchez@gmail.com | @NamesChiz

I

am a patriarchal, misogynistic, sexist, and ignorant anti-feminist; you should be, too.

Feminism is a concept that puts down all genders and sexes and glorifies itself to a fault.

From the word itself to its definition, feminism is flawed. Modern day examples of feminism are misconstrued and over-exaggerated. Feminism is fascism, a notion that does not allow separate points of view enter into the socio-political mix at all.

What is the definition of feminism? Well, for the majority of history, feminism is the notion that women should be treated with equal respect. This is the entire spectrum of humanity, including socially, economically and politically. However, feminism is old.

It’s about 100 years old. So there have been many forms of it, some more effective and necessary than others.

Now I can only argue over how ignorant the word and definition is for a limited amount of time. The true fault lies not in the plan itself, but the acting out of it. Modern day feminism is corrupt and skewed.

The wage gap is the annual earnings of men and women compared and how men make more than women. It is also a misconstrued statistic brought on by feminism. The wage gap was always just another problem feminists added to their platform, and no one payed too much attention to it.

This was true until two specific events spurred to everyone screaming and complaining over it.

Second wave feminism occurred in the 1960’s through the 1970’s. This wave was mostly about economic and social injustice, mainly dealing with sexism. This was everything from stereotypical office butt-slapping to ignorance on pregnancy, contraceptives, and rape.

Feminism, throughout history, is about women.

However in third wave feminism it has attempted to take on a new image. It argues that feminism is for every sex and gender out there.

I don’t care how much you argue and preach that it is for equal rights of all sexes and genders, history shows that it is about women. Even looking at the name, it’s feminine. Feminine is in the name, and yet people still argue that it is for everyone. If feminism is for everyone, then they have done a poor job equally representing all sexes and genders.

Layout: Eliza Love and Eric Sanchez NewsmagazineBEHSmarch2015issue6.indd 25

This brings us to the jobs women work in, another hot button issue in America. Women are way underrepresented in positions like CEO’s, CPA’s, and other leadership positions. Why is this true?

Some may say it’s because women are going for the jobs, but are not hired. This is the opposite of the problem. The solution to this problem came around in the 1960’s and was coined Affirmative Action. This is the idea of minorities gaining special treatment for simply being a minority.

So when applying for college and jobs, they are more likely to be hired.

Now, the main problem in all of this is that: Feminism is fascism.

With such a bold statement, there is bound to be some confusion and honestly anger, however feminism makes its own bed in this.

A major point feminists preach is that everyone should be a feminist.

This is to the point of hatred being spewed back and forth between anti-feminists and feminists. But, feminists walk on this tip-toe line of perfection and that feminism is without flaws. So radicals feminists dismiss people who are against it and with opposing views as misogynistic and patriarchal pieces of scum. They cannot let any other opposing view in. When any woman (keep in mind women are not supposed to have their opinions oppressed within feminism) has the opinion that feminism is not for them, feminist scoff and say that their viewpoint is always right and cannot be wrong in any way.

First wave feminism is the political campaigning that mostly occurred in the early 1900’s. This campaigning was mostly concerned with suffrage and other legal inequalities. Suffrage is the right to vote in political elections. This, along with second wave feminism, is the most effective and necessary form of feminism.

Third wave feminism started in the 1990’s and is continuing into modern day.

This version of feminism is the stuff you most likely know and talk about. It’s everything from Emma Watson’s speech at the UN, to Tumblr and Twitter hashtags. This wave of feminism is where feminism became a flawed system.

of their job.

The first was President Barack Obama’s campaign ad about the subject. “Women [are] paid 77 cents on the dollar for doing the same work as men,” Obama said in the ad.

The second occurred at the Oscars. Actress Patricia Arquette won the Oscar for best supporting Actress and used the stage as a chance to send her message on the wage gap. “It’s our time to have wage equality once and for all,” Arquette said at the Oscars.

Now to calm the rallying mobs of feminist who are currently planning to riot my house, there is a wage gap. However, it is not as portrayed in the media. The statistic Obama said is a true one; when said properly. The statistic is comparing income of male and female workers, regardless

This is fascism. Fascism is not allowing separate points of view enter into a socio-political mix at all.

Sounds familiar, right? Feminists don’t allow separate points of view to be listened to at all. They are misogynistic, and further the patriarchy.

The main fault of feminism lies here: there is no leeway. There is no room for debate, but just an overbearing opinion that cannot be shot down.

This is why feminism is such a flawed concept in modern society. This is why no improvements are being made for any genders or sexes. This is why Feminism must stop.

Do you think that feminism is a serious issue, or that it is flawed? Let us know.

Send all letters to:

larry.steinmetz@bullitt.kyschools.us Editor’s Note: The editorial board is compiled of 11 selected journalism students.

25 4/1/2015 2:03:24 PM

There’s No Place Like Home B y K im Flaherty

kimberlee.flaherty@gmail.com l @kimflaherty_

W

hat happens in Panama stays in Panama.

There’s no denying that Panama City Beach has become the spring break vacation hot spot for teenagers across the country, but does what happens on the shoreline really get washed up with the tide?

Opinions on the topic vary among the student body of East. Some have no interest in vacationing in the popular spring break destination, while others believe that one week in April is the highlight of the year. As hard as it may be to believe, there are many ways to have an exciting spring break without the beach.

“I think Panama is too played out and with all the stories of what has happened there, it just seems dirty to me,” said senior Savanna Salyer.

“I really want to, but I can’t afford it,” said senior Dustin Goodwin, “It’d probably be really fun and hectic.”

Panama is known for the crazy, wild experience, but that experience comes with a cost.

There are many things that factor into how much a trip to PCB will cost: number of people, hotel/condo, gas/airfare, length of stay, activities, food, etc. So for a road trip to Panama with a five night stay in a hotel for four people, the average cost for those necessities alone would be about $1,450 ($362.50 per person) and that’s not including food or spending money.

Personally, I’ve never had the opportunity to vacation in Panama, but I’ve heard plenty of stories from returning spring breakers. And, for the most part, the story goes something like this - dude, I got so drunk and blacked out and woke up in some stranger’s hotel room; it was so awesome. Yeah, that pretty much sums it up. Now, I get that it’s spring break and obviously it’s meant for vacations and having a good time with friends, but there are other ways to enjoy yourself. Panama is known for

its party scene where memories are not so memorable when the week consists of binge drinking, drugs, hookups and blackouts. My tone may seem condescending, but I am in no way placing judgment on those who see this as a good time. If that’s your cup of tea, then fine, do you, it just simply isn’t ideal for everyone.

It may not seem so, but there are plenty of ways to have a good time during spring break that doesn’t involve a tan and a neon colored koozie; and most of them are right here in Louisville. I know, I know, it just doesn’t seem possible. How about fro-yo? There are plenty of great frozen yogurt shops to visit on a day out with friends, such as Orange Leaf, 32 Degrees, Sweet Savannah’s, and Sweet Frog, just to name a few. Taking a stroll along the waterfront is also a great way to spend the day with friends. Depending on the weather, planning a trip to the Louisville Zoo wouldn’t be such a bad idea either. Going for a bike ride in your favorite park with your favorite people is a good way to relax and explore right here in town. And if you’re absolutely dying to hit the road and get out of town for the week,

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is perfect for a short, budget-friendly trip just below the state line.

Wherever you go or whatever you do, it’s important to be responsible. Having a good time is a must; high school only lasts for four short years and making memories within those years isn’t something to miss out on.

Do you think that the best way to spend your spring break is in Panama? Let us know. Send all letters to:

larry.steinmetz@bullitt.kyschools.us

hotel: $1,200 Gas: $250 Food: $100 Spending: $75 Average total: $1,625

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Greek Squad sta f f e d it o rial

for everybody, making it a total success. In the end, it was the second group of people that were correct. The atmosphere of the gym was fun and exciting, and throughout the event each house was chanting and rooting for their house members to win the events. Of course, it is unrealistic to believe that every single student in the gym had a blast, but the majority of people did really enjoy it.

This was a breakthrough for houses. All of a sudden, people were participating and excited, and they loved the Greek Games; but why? What made that event so much better than all the previous efforts to unite the houses?

We may not have the Parthenon, but some Greek influence is helping to lay a stronger foundation for our houses.

With the help of the Greek Games, the house system at Bullitt East took a step forward with overall student buy in.

Over the course of the year, the overall attitude toward houses has changed to become more positive. While student body government has been working all year to achieve this, the one event that caused this change was the Greek Games, which were held on January 30th. The change has definitely been an improvement, but there is still room to get better.

for an upcoming event or even just to engage in some team building activities.

“It [the house system] is not meant to be for teachers. It’s not meant to be a bigger headache or one more thing, it’s supposed to be something that kids love, and that kids generate the ideas,” said Andrea Isaacs, SBG sponsor and English teacher at East.

When houses first came to East last year, they were not exactly welcomed with open arms.

Across the board, students struggled with the concept them. Every homeroom was filled with annoyed high schoolers, asking questions like, “Why do we have to do this?” and “What’s the point of this?” and “How is this even supposed to help our school?”

Even as SBG tried to talk up houses and make them fun for everyone, East as a whole continued to have trouble accepting them. Negative comments didn’t stop; the majority of students rolled their eyes at the thought of sitting in their houses for an hour. Still, SBG didn’t give up.

They planned more and more activities, and with each house day, house activity, and house event, students became more and more accepting of the idea. They grew used to the fact that they weren’t going to be able to get out of those events, and that no matter how much complaining they did, SBG didn’t care, and they weren’t going to do away with houses. For lack of a better term, they started to suck it up.

“I think that they struggled the first year because we had early release day and we used that time because that was the only time that we had as house time, and it turned into houses being connected with academics, like ACT prep. So kids correlated house time with ACT, which was not a good correlation,” said April McCroskey, Pisti house leader and social studies teacher.

From there, it’s only gotten better. People have started branching out and making friends within their homeroom or house, and some students have even gotten involved in them by becoming house representatives. Across the board, students and teachers alike have developed a much more positive attitude toward houses, and this change didn’t just happen on its own.

“A lot of times we’re battling having people compete or participate and have a good attitude,” said student body president and senior at BE, Cole Green.

The one specific event that helped the most was the Greek Games, which was held at the end of spirit week. Students were allowed to dress in a toga that had their house colors in it, and for the last two hours of the school day, the whole school gathered in the gym to participate in a plethora of events, such as tug of war, leap frog, and foot races. It was a house competition, as each event required a team for every house.

At first, students only had to be in their houses on early release days and in their homerooms on the first couple days of the school year. Since then, houses have come a long way, as Student Body Government did not stop there. This year, after early release days were taken away, SBG came up with a new idea: house days. House days are held every other Friday at the end of the day.

Students are asked to report to their homerooms, and from there, each house gets together to plan

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Going into the event, people were skeptical about whether or not it would be a success. Some thought nobody would participate or buy into it, making it a waste of time. On the other hand, some thought it would be fun and entertaining

The key was excitement. SBG did a great job talking up the Greek Games and getting people excited for them, so by the time they came around, students were ready and knew what to expect; they were actually excited. Instead of preaching over and over that it was a house activity, they preached that it would simply be fun. As most people know, students do not respond well when things are shoved down their throats; in fact, they usually just get annoyed. So instead of trying to impress upon East that it was a house day and they would be spending time in their houses, they impressed upon them that they would be spending time having fun and competing with one another, and they just so happened to be doing that in houses.

That’s not the only important factor, though.

While yes, the ball does seem to be in SBG’s court, they can’t do it all themselves. There is also a lot of responsibility lying in the hands of the students. Though, yes, most of the complaining has died down, it’s certainly not gone. At some point, even the small group of students that would rather flunk out of high school altogether than participate in houses are going to have to get over it. Students have to get over the mentality that they’re “too cool” to participate, and just do it. Only then will the house system at East be 100% successful.

“Realize that Bullitt East has the opportunity to actually live out tradition unrivaled. In my opinion, that’s what houses do. We have the opportunity to do something that is significant and different and memorable and unique, and you need to get on board,” said Isaacs.

Green also said, “If we could have a positive attitude from all involved throughout the school, from the mainstream students as freshmen all the way up to the principals, then we could successfully make it an activity that everyone would really enjoy. No matter what, houses are going to be what students make them out to be. If they [students] come in dreading it or trying to get checked out early on house day, it’s not going to be fun. If students begin to make it fun and make it something they want to be a part of, then it will be something that other students follow suit with.”

Do you think that East’s house system is improving? Let us know. Send all letters to: larry.steinmetz@bullitt.kyschools.us Editor’s Note: The editorial board is compiled of 11 selected journalism students.

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