September 2010 issue by Melinda Gilman

North star

Sept. 24, 2010 • Blue Valley North High School • Overland Park, Kansas • Vol. 25, No. 1 Emily Ponc

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news 09.24.10

FaithRies

{staff writer}

Homecoming arrives at North

he Homecoming tailgate party is Friday, Sept. 24 at the DAC from 5:45 to 7 p.m., and cost is $10 for adults and $6 for students and children. The Homecoming dance is Saturday, Sept. 25 and the theme is The City that Never Sleeps. The dance will be held from 8:30 to 11:30 in the main gym. Tickets cost $10 at lunch and $15 at the door. Breathalyzers will be on site.

Cross country team collects shoes

his season the cross country team is working with Soles4Souls non profit. This organization provides boxes to groups to collect old athletic shoes. Soles4Souls then sends the collected shoes to people around the world who need them. If you would like to donate shoes, the boxes are located in Gregg Buehler’s room 310. They will be collecting shoes from now until Oct. 10.

{The North Star}

BVN cheer wins multiple summer awards

his summer, the cheerleaders attended the NCA performance camp at MU, where over 600 cheerleaders competed against each other. For the first time in the past six years that head cheer coach Michelle Henry has coached at North, they received a spirit stick on the first day. JV and varsity won seven spirit sticks in total. Both teams earned superior ribbons for their performances, were awarded a nationals bid and received SPOT awards. The JV squad earned first place in the freshman division and were awarded Best All Around for the entire performance camp. Varsity was awarded third in the competition. Nineteen cheerleaders were nominated for All-American, seven of whom won. Alyssa Barbour (10), Connelly Barnes (9), Margie Benjamin (12), Alyssa Clement (12), Katie Latinis (9), Arianna Searles (12) and Hannah Vegvary (10) were named All-American.

North Stars receive Fit-4-Life room ribbons and more opens

heer was not the only team to win awards at camp. The North Stars dance team also earned ribbons and some were even selected to be on the All-American team. At camp for the first time ever, the Stars won a blue ribbon for their home routine. The team dance also won a blue ribbon and a silver place in the circle of winners, meaning they placed second-highest out of all the teams in their division. The Stars’ team leader dance won a blue ribbon and placed second in the team leader circle of winners. The All-American nominees were Victoria Ambrosio (12), Jenny Weissbeck (12), Janie Bock (11), Emily Nash (11), Anna Gilday (11), Paige Jones (11), Sydney George (12), Madeline Barker (12) and Caroline Adams (9). Five of the nominees were selected to be on the All-American team: Bock, Ambrosio, Nash, Gilday and Jones. The Stars received a bid to Nationals as well. Bock was also nominated by the staff to represent North for her leadership skills.

he new Fit-4-Life room is now open in the basement Mondays and Thursdays. It is a place where students and staff can go after school to work out. The doors open at 3 p.m., and you must have your student ID with you to be allowed in. If you have any questions, you can ask Ryan Ritter or check in the main office.

f o e Tabltents Con

4 Cheerleaders embrace student life

FBLA attends leadership conference

Talented students hit the right note

BLA attended the National Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tenn., this July. National Qualifiers include Andrew Borowick (12), Jessi Glueck (10), Vivek Menon (11) and Reid Waldman (12). Borowick also placed second at Nationals for Accounting II, and Gluek placed seventh at Nationals for Introduction to Business Communications.

Nation battles meaning of “American”

Students take advantage of the new Fit-4-Life room after school. Photo by Lauren Drummond

{The North Star}

09.24.10

NYC mosque heightens tensions between Islamic and Christian students D e h T

te a b e

ReidEggleston

{business manager}

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If we were to build it there, it may raise awareness of how it is different and Islam is a religion just like any other. They’re free to practice anywhere they want in the United States. ~senior Ciera Foreman

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Since we are U.S. citizens, since I am a citizen, I believe we should go by the Bill of Rights and we have a right to religion and it should not be discriminated against. It shouldn’t be hated upon. ~junior Faiz Jiwani

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It’s not constitutional to build the mosque right there, not like a building or a church. It’s just too historical. ~junior Stuart Curry

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fter 9/11, common stereotyping of Muslims became more prevalent. The proposed building of the New York City mosque two blocks from the fallen World Trade Center has marked the return of these same misconceptions to everyday American life, even in school. “When I say I’m Muslim, there’s that little sting, just that little ‘oh’,” junior and practicing Shia Muslim Faiz Jiwani said. Students have reacted to the rising realization of diversity at school, especially as outside events such as the proposed mosque to be built two blocks away from Ground Zero continue to rock Americans’ perceptions of acceptance. “On a one to 10 scale, one being absolutely not tolerant, 10 being 100 percent tolerant, I would say we’re an eight on the tolerance scale. And I’m pleased with that,” junior Stuart Curry said. Curry is one of many students who feel North’s diversity is at a suitable place right now. He is part of a group that believes resistance against the creation of a mosque near Ground Zero is rational and allows Americans who died in the 2001 September 11 terrorist attacks to be free from “Islamic mockery”. “I’m strongly against it to be right there. It’s too close. Ground Zero is basically a sacred ground. And they’re building what is almost like a monument to terrorists. Just build it a mile away, no one is going to care...it’s almost like building a giant cross right in the middle of Mecca. Very inappropriate...but there is no constitutional right to build a mosque right there, not like a synagogue or a church. It’s just too historical and there’s just too much tension in that. It would hurt Islam, not like if they just built it a mile away...[it’s being built] to taunt the Americans,” Curry said. For many students, reflecting on the views of their parents, this mosque represents either an annoyance to be read on a news scroll across the bottom of the television or a magnificent issue that should

news

be dealt with severely. However, it is impossible not to note another rising voice among the student population. “I think that they should build it. Now people are making the two words synonymous: Islam and terrorism, and I think that’s definitely wrong. Something that Obama said that I agree with is that Islam didn’t do this, it was terrorism. And I don’t think that [because] the people who committed the acts of terrorism were Muslim means that you have to condemn Islam, and you have to be like, ‘Do not build this mosque,’ just because it’s part of the religion of people who did 9/11,” senior Ciera Foreman said. Foreman, on the other hand, is one of an equally massed group of students following the opinion that freedom of religion is the only issue debated in this situation. Many say if it is to be considered legally and if America should elect to retain its dominance as a role model above other nations, the mosque has an obligation to be built so as to become a beacon for American tolerance.y. “I think it’s different and it scares people. I think because of extremism, because we see the most in Islam, we have this skewed of idea of it and that’s why we’re kind of scared of it,” Foreman said. Tension is found at varying degrees to different people, but an anxiety lingers simply for the fact that because one is different, one cannot be considered normal. “I’d say, in terms of the big religions, Christianity, Judaism and Islam, Christianity and Judaism are like brother and sister religions and Islam is like a distant cousin of the big two, but they’re in the same family,” Curry said. The fear—the difference—has caught on in America and in school, and while some try to debunk what makes us unique and bind us together as Americans, others accentuate and glorify why we have divided. Truly for these and for many other Americans, it is the appearance that makes the difference.

news 09.24.10

{The North Star}

Cheerleaders manage change in number DavidTauber

{Dave’s D.M.C.} Deep Meaningful Conversation

{newseditor}

n the last pep assembly, there were only four cheerleaders sitting in front of the juniors. The freshmen, sophomores and seniors were represented by many more. Last year’s cheer squad included 15 sophomore cheerleaders that would have, theoretically, been junior cheerleaders this year. What facilitated the change? There were several factors that influenced the incoming juniors’ decision not to try out. Most cheerleaders pointed at cheerleading’s time commitment and the rigors of practice as the basis of their decision. The probation system–which disciplined cheerleaders for violations of team policy–had cheerleaders thinking twice about trying out. “It seemed like we were overworked, way overworked. I’ve never had a problem with something like that, but it seemed ridiculous,” junior Madeline Thrasher said. “The rule is that high school cheer is above anything... It seemed like [cheer] was supposed to be our entire life when people do high school cheer just for the thrill and fun of it.” “[Cheer] is very time-consuming, and I really didn’t like the coaches’ decisions and their roles were too harsh; it is supposed to be fun. After Viditto got fired, no one really wanted to [try out]," junior Hunter Stitt said. Stacy Viditto was the assistant cheer coach of the 2009-2010 cheerleaders. “It was kind of an avoided subject. It was really random, nobody knew about it. We all think it was because she was the only coach that we loved; she was really close to all of us and I think maybe it was too close for the coaches,” Thrasher said. “The other coaches were too serious all the time; with Viditto, we could still follow the rules but have fun. She tried to be civil with us,” Stitt said. Viditto, head cheer coach Michelle

“We’ve moved forward as a squad ”

Sudan politics heat DavidTauber

Juniors DylanCassidy, Shelby George, Tori DiGorgio and Courtney Oddo are pleased with the squad’s new, positive attitude. Photo by Sarah Campbell.

Henry and assistant principal Bob Duncan declined to comment on the situation. Most of those not cheering this year are content to be regular students. Junior Katie Croy and other former cheerleaders enjoy having more free time. “Since I’m not cheering this year, I have so much more free time to do my work and relax. I’m doing two jobs and it’s nice not having the stresses of cheer,” Croy said. Many chose to continue their involvement in the sport through competitive teams. Regardless of what transpired, a few of the girls are planning to try out for the team for their senior year.

The three returning junior cheerleaders–Dylan Cassidy, Tori DiGorgio and Shelby George–as well as St. Thomas Aquinas transfer Courtney Oddo, can be found in the auxiliary gym training in a program they call “better than last year.” “We’ve moved forward as a squad. When they talk bad about us, we all hear about it, but it makes us work harder because overall we are a better team and we’re closer,” George said. For now, the cheerleaders press on. Senior captains Arianna Searles and Ashley Sanders are actively working to raise the squad’s skills and maintaining its honorable regional reputation.

{newseditor}

s I glance at the front pages of newspapers and check the hits on Yahoo, I read a lot of news about nothing. Every day, there’s something new, different articles the media thinks are of utmost importance to the public. Every day, I don’t see articles about the world’s biggest crisis– Sudan. Violent genocide has been waged for over seven years. All the while, Americans have invested their time awaiting upcoming iPhone releases, gossiping about celebrities’ sex lives and texting votes to decide the next American Idol. Along the western border of Sudan, an estimated 300,000 have lost their lives and two million have fled to refugee camps to escape the genocide. It all began with a dispute between native Africans and Sudan’s Muslim government. Secretly directed by the government, Janjaweed warriors began a viscous and organized campaign. Murdering tribe after tribe, burning down villages and systematically raping women, these rebels showed no mercy in showering humiliation on non-Muslim Africans. Seven years later, the rebel groups are still there, the refugees are still there and the hostility is still there. In January, the Sudanese people will vote regarding partition of the nation; north and south. Whether the people choose to establish two new states which appears likely war awaits either outcome of the election. If America and other nations of the world don’t act now, continued civil war could be the consequence. As a school, we can take the baby steps that will promote peace and salvation for the Sudanese people. I envision BVN as the high school in America that decided to make a difference not only in the U.S. Open or MLS, but in the world; lobbying our congressmen to take action and spreading awareness of the atrocities in Africa.

Fast out of the box

{The North Star}

09.24.10

sports 5

{Press Box}

Boxberger makes great strides in rowing

MichaelHoffman

{feature editor}

ost people know 5-foot-11inch senior Erin Boxberger as a varsity basketball player who is instrumental in her team’s success. Lesser known about her, however, is her even greater skill as a rower. Boxberger has competed in rowing nationals in Memphis, and she plans on competing on scholarship at college. Nearly all of this can be attributed to her work ethic. “I row Tuesday through Friday every day [after school] from 3:45 to 6,” Boxberger said. “During the summer it’s from 5:45 in the morning to 8. Practice is also 45 minutes away.” All of this commuting and practice time has influenced her afternoons and homework schedule. “It doesn’t literally interfere [with school], but it does take a lot of time out of the day,” she said. “I stay up late most nights going to bed around 10 and then getting up at 3 or 3:30 to finish [my homework].” All of her hard work has paid dividends as Boxberger is talented at the sport. Senior Erin Boxberger stands in her racing attire. She competes in races wearing these clothes “She is built for rowing—she is tall propelling her boat at a speed of 24-26 strokes per minute. Photo by Ali Fallucca and has long arms and legs,” rowing why any college coach would be timing is off, it interferes with your teammate and Pembroke Hill senior speed and balance.” Emma Fulop said. “You can be a good envied having Boxberger on their team. In addition to teamwork, rowing has rower without being tall, but body “Erin is everything that coaches also taught Boxberger how to be more shape helps a lot in rowing. But more look for,” she said. “Erin is tall, athletic like an adult. importantly, she has great energy and smart. She can keep up her grades “I learned how to talk to college about her that makes her an overall while improving her rowing, and coaches through this whole good athlete.” this is really important to coaches. experience. A few years ago I would With her talent in the sport, Coaches want people with potential, have been too timid to approach the Boxberger has gotten scholarship which Erin coaches like I do now. It’s a growingoffers from definitely has.” up thing,” she said. three highly Erin will go as far with Nearly every Boxberger’s teammate believes that competitive her rowing as she wants... sport involves this skill, plus others as a person and a schools. teamwork and rower, will allow her to go a long way “This weekend Anything is possible. rowing is no in the sport. I am going to “Erin will go as far with her rowing Notre Dame for a visit. After that, I’m different. “[The most difficult part about as she wants,” Fulop said. “I think that going to Boston College which would rowing] would be by far rowing she will definitely row in college, and be amazing to go to for rowing. I also together at the same time,” Boxberger most likely excel at that. I don’t know have a visit to Tulsa coming up,” she said. “It’s really easy to flip the boat if she has any plans to take rowing said. so teamwork is huge. It’s probably the farther than that, but anything is All of these offers come as no possible.” surprise to Fulop, who can tell exactly ultimate team sport because if your

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Jayhawks begin rollercoaster season MattMcMullen

{sports editor}

ust two games into the season, the Kansas football program has already produced an entire season’s worth of drama. First came an embarrassing loss to the Division II North Dakota State Bison in the season opener. Next, right on cue, they knocked off the #15 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. So what should the Jayhawk faithful expect for the remainder of the season? Hang on and get ready for a bumpy, but at times entertaining, ride. Following the loss to North Dakota State, I projected Kansas winning in the neighborhood of two to three games this season. The replacement of starting quarterback Kale Pick with freshman Jordan Webb, however, provided enough of a spark for the Jayhawks to upset a ranked opponent and possibly contend for a Big 12 North title in a year or two. While the talent on the current Kansas squad is a far cry from that of previous seasons, they certainly flashed potential. The win over Georgia Tech, however, provided much more than just an adjustment in the standings. Losing the first game of the season in mortifying fashion, new head coach Turner Gill needed something, anything, to maintain the confidence of his team, the school and the fans. Realistically, Kansas should finish as high as third and as low as fifth in the Big 12 North come season’s end. As unexciting as this sounds, Turner Gill has the Jayhawks moving in the right direction, even if there’s a few bumps along the way.

sports 09.24.10

p o T world

{The North Star}

of the

Jack socks the ball to victory

MichaelHoffman

{feature editor}

here is no longer any doubt about it: senior Jack Sock has a future in tennis. This past month he not only won a set in the actual U.S. Open but also won the junior U.S. Open championship. “Jack’s overall performance at the Open was very solid,” personal coach Mike Wolf said. “He was able to handle lots of distractions and pressures quite well and at the same time produce a high level of winning tennis.” With his three straight Kansas high school state championships, it is already common knowledge that Sock is one of the best tennis players in the state. But by winning the junior U.S. Open he has secured his place as one of the best in the world. “I haven’t played a lot of junior tournaments, but I guess the junior U.S. Open winner is one of the best in the world,” Sock said. “It feels great to finally get that U.S. Open win.” Sock won the junior championship over fellow American Denis Kudla 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 becoming the first

American since U.S. tennis icon Andy Roddick to win the tournament. “[For winning the tournament] I got a really nice trophy and a lot of opportunities in the future,” Sock said. “It opened up a lot of doors for tournaments in the future.” Sock took advantage of an opportunity offered to juniors just to play in the actual U.S. Open. Sock earned his spot by winning the annual junior tournament at Kalamazoo that offers one American the chance to play in the U.S. Open each year. “[Playing in the U.S. Open] was a very good learning experience for me,” he said. “It just showed me what I needed to improve on to get to that level.” In his U.S. Open match, Sock lost to top 70-ranked player Marco Chiudinelli 6-1, 6-4, 1-6, 6-1, but he still managed to dominate the third set when he broke Chiudinelli’s serve twice. “I was playing very well, obviously, and it felt good to win the set and give Chiudinelli the best match I could,” Sock said. “I think that if I keep working hard I can hopefully get to that level one day.”

Quick facts: Jack Sock Favorite food: Chipotle Hero: Andy Roddick

This U.S. Open was not Sock’s first. junior championship, Sock was back He also competed in last year’s junior at North among the hundreds of other open but lost in the quarterfinals. seniors. It was a rather big transition “I think Jack’s potential grows going from the championship podium every day,” North tennis coach to the classroom in less than a day. Anne Dark said. “We’ve already “It was rough getting about five seen improvement from last year’s hours of sleep last night and going U.S. Open, and Jack will continue to back here, but everyone here has been improve.” really congratulatory and supportive All of this improvement made this year’s U.S. Open experience better than last year’s for Sock. “I was in the tournament longer and in New York longer. Winning the title this year made it special,” Sock said. Another thing that made this year’s tournament special Senior Jack Sock (left) and former world number-one Roger Federer were the players that chat while at the U.S. Open earlier this month. Photo from creative Sock got to hit with. In commons. addition to Chiudinelli, Sock also got to hit with tennis icons of me,” Sock said. Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Sam Sock’s high school coach sees what Querrey, Paul Mathieu and Stanislas many others also see for him: a bright Wawrinka. Sock was so popular future. among the pros that a situation Wolf agrees with Dark’s statement came up involving Sock, Federer of optimism. and Djokovic before their semifinal “As I watched Jack compete, it was match. very clear that he has a great deal of “I got a phone call from Djokovic’s control over how far he can take this,” coach asking me to warm up he said. “He will have to remember Djokovic [before the match], and how important all the little things are then 30 seconds later I got a call from and that there won’t be any shortcuts Federer’s coach asking me to warm up at the A.T.P. (Association of Tennis Federer so I had to say no to Federer,” Professionals) level. If he is willing to Sock said. do the work he will have some terrific Just one day after he won the opportunities.”

{The North Star}

09.24.10

sports 7

Kempin takes skills to next level A

MattMcMullen

{sports editor}

s the varsity boys soccer team defeated Shawnee Mission Northwest late last month, senior goalkeeper Jon Kempin was busy becoming the youngest player in Kansas City Wizards history. Kempin, a member of the varsity squad since his freshman year, is widely considered to be the best goalkeeper in the state and one of the very best in the nation. Despite being highly recruited by colleges around the country, his decision Aug. 31 at the Wizards training facility officially made him a professional athlete. “This is a dream come true. It’s an exciting time for the Wizards organization and I feel blessed to be the team’s first Home Grown Player,” Kempin said. Kempin is the first Home Grown

Player in Wizards history. Beginning in 2007, Major League Soccer created the Home Grown Player program to help keep talented soccer players in the region they grew up in and, more importantly, in Major League Soccer. “We had an opportunity to identify a talented player in the area, bring him into the juniors program and develop him to the point where we could sign him to a professional contract. Jon has incredible talent and now he has the opportunity to continue his development at a professional level and not have the pressure to perform on the field right away,” Wizards manager Peter Vermes said. Although now a member of the Wizards, Kempin will not count towards the 24-man roster or the league’s salary cap due to his unique

Goalkeeper coach Steve Pascarella, manager Peter Vermes and Jon Kempin hold up Kempin’s jersey as he becomes the youngest player in Wizards history. Photo by Christin Smith.

Quick facts: Jon Kempin

Gatorade Kansas Player of the Year 2009

Member of Parade Magazine’s High School All-American Team contract situation. He will occupy one of the two allotted Home Grown Player roster spots on the Wizards’ roster and will be paid by the MLS until he “graduates” to the 24-man roster, when the Wizards will begin paying his salary. “Every team in the league has the opportunity to sign two players from its academy, and how it works is until one of those guys graduates, we can’t sign another one. Goalkeepers [generally] have a lot more time [to develop] and have a longer career than most players in the field, so we’ll take our time and he fits into one of those places,” Vermes said. His contract, called a Generation Adidas contract, guarantees Kempin a college education sometime within the next 10 years completely paid for by the MLS. However, he can no longer pursue soccer in college, as he was planning to do at the University of South Florida. “My parents really wanted me to get a college degree, and I really wanted to play [professionally] but by being a Generation Adidas [player], I have 10 years to complete my degree, so it’s the best of both worlds. I can complete my degree, and I can also play professional soccer,” Kempin said. Kempin was one of three players, one of whom was senior Jordan Rideout, from the 18-and-under junior team to practice with the senior squad earlier this month. The week of practice was to serve as a reward for the players’ work and dedication to the juniors program. By joining the Wizards, Kempin

will be ineligible to continue playing for the Mustangs, where he has been playing at the varsity level for the past three years. “I was a varsity captain this season, and I was really excited to play high school soccer, but obviously my life is on hold to play pro soccer, and [to sign] at this time it felt right,” Kempin said. Kempin will also get the opportunity to be instructed by one of the best goalkeepers in the MLS, Jimmy Nielson. “I’m really looking forward to learning under Jimmy Nielson. He’s had a great season and he’s definitely one of the top keepers in Major League Soccer,” Kempin said. Despite the presence of Nielson, the Wizards are hoping Kempin can eventually take over the goalkeeping duties for the squad. “I think that he’s a promising young goalkeeper,” Wizards’ goalkeeper coach John Pascarella said. “He’s quick, he has good hands and he brings a presence that you don’t normally see with someone his age. We’re looking forward to getting him into a full-time professional environment.” Kempin joins Andy Gruenebaum, a goalkeeper for the Columbus Crew who graduated in 2001, as one of only two Blue Valley North students to ever play soccer at the professional level. “It’s special to be in my hometown,” Kempin said. “I grew up watching the Wizards. This has been a lifelong goal.”

feature 09.24.10

{The North Star}

With new schools come endless opportunities AshleyRuben

{staff writer}

op-notch academics, classroom sizes averaging 25 students, a wide variety of social opportunities and multiple athletic options are all benefits of attending Blue Valley North. These seem like desirable traits in a high school, right? Well, the many kids that decided to transfer to other schools for the 2010-2011 school year might not agree. An unusually large number of students switched schools this year for a variety of reasons. Some of these reasons were academic, athletic and even social. “I think a major reason I switched schools was because educationally, Barstow was better for me, with smaller class sizes,” sophomore Gabrielle Fenaroli, a former North student who switched to The Barstow School this year, said. Although an average of about 388 students in each grade seems like a small number, some students feel that number is too large and see more benefits in a smaller group. “You get more attention than you would in a public school. Barstow is so small that everyone knows each other. What stands out is that there are really no cliques,” Fenaroli said. Besides transferring to private schools, some North students took advantage of the new Blue Valley high school that opened this year. Sitting in a brandnew building on 113 acres, Blue Valley Southwest High School has been the hot topic in the Blue Valley School district over the past year. Since the school’s opening, several BVN students have transferred to Southwest. Kids all across the district seized the opportunity to get a fresh start. For example, the athletic programs

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{Open Mike} One goal, one school MichaelHoffman

Students across the Blue Valley School District transferred to Blue Valley Southwest. Photo illustration by Christin Smith.

at Southwest have yet to be fully developed, providing the students with a better chance to make the school sports teams. Students are also given the ability to make new and different friends. “One of the main differences

What stands out is that there are really no cliques.

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[between North and Southwest] is that Southwest’s senior class is really small, and the band program is a lot more intense,” former North student LeeAnne Lowry, who is now a senior at BVSW, said.

Other noticeable differences include spirit days for every home game, a smaller library with more online resources and no designated senior parking areas. Blue Valley North may be the right place for the 1,551 students currently attending school here, but it is not the perfect fit for everyone. “Our teachers are really preparing our kids for college readiness,” Principal Dr. Tonya Merrigan said. Even without the transferred students, North remains a driven school. “I think the school [will keep up its good reputation] by continuing to really focus on academics, and continuing to have positive experiences for students so we will continue that tradition,” Dr. Merrigan said.

{feature editor}

here were you around 9 p.m. on Aug. 27? Were you at home kicking it back with your friends? Were you already at the mixer? Well, I know where I was, and I’m not soon going to forget it. I was situated in the middle of a white mass of euphoria. I was hugging any fellow Mustang I could see, and so was everyone else. The score of the home team changed from zero to one while the scoreboard showed 12 seconds left. The Mustang soccer team playing against their hated rivals, the Huskies, had just tied up the game in the waning seconds. What happened then brought out that feeling of euphoria that you only get when your favorite sports team wins the championship game or when you win the lottery (so I’ve heard). It’s a feeling like winning a war or seeing the last seconds of school expire. In addition to excitement, the goal also brought out something deeper and more important: unity. Though we may have been 250 different people who had 250 distinct thoughts and lives, at that moment we stood as one; one unified sea of white jubilant cheers. Senior Jordan Rideout’s strike into the upper 90 accomplished what a thousand mixers and pep rallies couldn’t: it brought us together. When senior Paul Oliver’s goal off the fingertips of the Husky goalie ended the game some 20 minutes later, the newly unified ocean of white again thundered out its appreciation. So whenever you find yourself alone, think back to what Rideout and Oliver did and remember that you are never truly alone while you are a Mustang.

Students balance life and jobs BerkeleyLovelace

{staff writer}

he times of begging parents for this and that are no longer a reality once you get a job. With new independence, filling your car tank full of gas, buying that large popcorn at the movie theater or purchasing that special item long saved for is in your hands. Then again, maybe all those options have long faded. Is getting that job as satisfying as you once thought? “My reason for getting a job was to just start saving money for college. From a college standpoint, I think a job helps, because it prepares you for the real world,” junior Mackenzie Selzer, a Panera Bread employee, said. Even though having a job can look good on a college resume, some students involved in other activities could be stretching themselves thin.

For many, a long tiresome day at school is just the beginning; they still have to be alert and professional for their evening jobs ahead. With the realization that you still have papers to write and exams to prepare for, could you handle your daily life being managed by fixed schedules? “I do both [job and school activities]. I’m in National Art Honor Society and volunteer at Wayside Waifs [an animal shelter]. Balancing my life turned out to be a lot harder than I thought it would be,” Selzer said. Getting a job to gain independence and freedom has a sense of irony in that in the end you often end up losing much of that freedom. Don’t get it wrong, jobs aren’t all about doom and gloom. “Like ice skating in the back! The floors are so wet and my shoes aren’t

{The North Star}

09.24.10

feature 9

Junior Caroline King is working at Deer Creek’s Panera Bread while also studying in school. King balances her time between her job and school. Photo by Laruen Drummond

the anti-slip ones, I can just ice skate across and everyone is just looking oddly and laughing!” Selzer said. Work may be hard at times, but it is also what you make of it. “Life is a balance. Number one, you need to balance out what you think is good enough for you. Number two, it depends on the individual. The question is, did that person learn how to work with others, can you

multi-task, did you learn how to lead,” business teacher Barbara Lewis said. “..You get an opportunity to network, to learn to get along with others, to learn out there in the business world that you are a part of a team. Going to a job and having to be productive and having to be there on time. It makes things a little bit different, more realistic, more educational.”

feature 09.24.10 {The North Star}

A summer out of bounds

Student experiences the great outdoors and learns life lessons

KaiBressler

{staff writer}

he air is still and the day is young, and senior Andy Banks has been up since 3 a.m. preparing to set out on a 15-mile hike across the uneven, elevated terrain of the rocky mountains in the heart of Colorado. While most students at North spent their summers in the safety of the Johnson County area, Banks decided to step out of the box and do something exciting. “I didn’t really have anything else to do this summer, I wanted to find some type of adventure,” Banks said. This adventure came in the form of a 22-day backpacking trip through a company known as Outward Bound. Banks was one of nine other 16 to 21-year-olds to partake in the grueling trip. “I had to get in fairly good shape

prior to the trip,” Banks said. “I ran every other day for three weeks and lifted weights also. I’m glad I did because one kid dropped out and another got sick during the trip.” The purpose of the trip was to teach important survival lessons while experiencing the great outdoors. “We had two guides with us the first week to teach us lessons and show us how to do things so we would be prepared for the second week when we were on our own,” Banks said. At the conclusion of the first week, the two guides left, leaving them to survive using their own skills and each other for the next week. “We developed a routine for each day,” Banks said. “Every day we would wake up anywhere from 3 to 6 a.m., then we would eat a small breakfast of granola. Because we couldn’t light fires, we had to use two stoves to boil and purify the water.”

Senior Andy Banks experiences the great outdoors hiking with fellow adventurers, holding a fish and perching on top of a mountain range. Photo illustration by Sarah Campbell.

Once they were prepared, the group would embark on hikes across on the ranges of the Rockies. “We would hike anywhere from 7 to 15 miles, depending on where we would set up camp. [Hiking] was pretty challenging because I had to carry all my gear in a pack which weighed about 75 pounds,” Banks said. At the end of their hikes, they would locate a good spot where they could set up camp for the night, preferably in a valley. “Once we had set up camp, we would typically cook up a big dinner of pasta or rice,” Banks said. “Then we would all hang out before going to sleep in sleeping bags under a tarp on the rock-hard ground.” Finally, at the end of those long 22

days, Banks returned to the comfort of the Johnson County community. “I’m very grateful for all of the experiences I took away from this program. I have learned to appreciate everything and to not take anything for granted,” Banks said.

{The North Star} 09.24.10 feature 11

More than just a pretty face Junior competes in national pageant ChristinSmith

{photo editor}

unior Jillian Jagoda got to experience being in the Miss Teen United States pageant this summer in Las Vegas. The pageant experience wasn’t all easy, but she was able to work through it with the help of her mom and many coaches. Jagoda represented Colorado in the pageant. “Tony Bowls had contacted my mom to help sell his dresses to contestants in the pageant,” Jagoda said. Jagoda’s mom owns the store Natalie M. and has worked with Bowls for other events such as Ali’s Runway, an annual prom fashion show and

self-defense class in honor of BVN graduate Ali Kemp. “My mom ended up finding out that some states needed representatives still,” Jagoda said. Jagoda could have chosen to represent Colorado, Nebraska or Ohio, but ended up choosing Colorado because she loves the state. As soon as she found out that she was going to be in a pageant, the hard work began. “I had to have different coaches for everything! I had one coach who taught me how to sit for a whole hour,” Jagoda said. “I also had coaches for walking and answering interview questions. I didn’t realize that the smallest things like the way you talk

Junior Jill Jagoda is presented to the audience as Miss Colorado in the Miss Teen United States pageant in Las Vegas. Jagoda represented Colorado because it was one state that did not have a contestant. Photo provided by Jill Jagoda

through hard work and perseverance you can go farther than ever expected

or the steps you take can make or break you to the next round. It was a lot of work.” Jagoda had to focus on reaching her goals while training for the competition. “Physically I had to prepare for the pageant by watching what I ate and by working out,” Jagoda said. “I was used to working out, so I just kicked it up a notch,” she said. “The hardest thing was probably when two weeks before the pageant I only ate chicken and protein shakes. I would switch off every two hours and would have to pack my meals with me whenever I went to friends’ houses.” Jagoda’s dedication paid off when she used her new knowledge and applied it to her performance in Las Vegas. “The pageant took place in Las

After her pageant experience, junior Jill Jagoda said, “I am very thankful for the friends I made and the satisfaction of making it through the pageant knowing that I did my best.” Photo provided by Jill Jagoda

Vegas because it was a national competition and almost every state had a representative, and because it was an exciting place to hold it,” Jagoda said. Contestants arrived a week before the competition and rehearsals were every day. The competition included different categories such as evening gowns and swimsuits. Being on stage in gowns and swimsuits was a challenge for some girls. “I was glad that my coaches had trained me so well because if I hadn’t had them helping me with what to do, then I would not have had the confidence that day that I had built up over the months,” Jagoda said. Although Jagoda didn’t place in the competition, she thought that the experience was worth all of the work. “I have learned that through hard work and perseverance you can go farther than ever expected,” she said. And even though Jagoda thought that the pageant was a positive experience, she isn’t sure that she is ready to do it again. “The pageant taught me a lot and I am glad that I got to experience it, but as far as going through another one, I don’t think that is going to happen any time soon,” she said. “It’s just not me, but I am very thankful for the friends I made and the satisfaction of making it through the pageant knowing that I did my best.”

feature 09.24.10

{the North Star}

It was a cool fall night in 1986. Up against Ottawa, North’s football team was being watched by one of the biggest crowds of the year. It was the Homecoming game, and everyone on the field and in the stands was hoping for a win...

Some things never change

CeliaCullom

{editor in chief}

he Mustang’s first Homecoming game concluded in a victory, adding to the week’s festivities which included spirit days, a short pep rally and a dance. In the past 25 years, these aspects have remained constant, yet the way we celebrate Homecoming has changed beyond what anyone could have imagined. For the first few years that the school was open, the Homecoming Olympics did not even exist. In an attempt to establish some way for the students to create fond memories of their time at North, science teacher Jan Cyr, math teacher Mike Koehler and former math teacher Dennis Ortman created the games. “Being a new school, we needed some sort of tradition,” Koehler said. “We came up with the Homecoming Olympics.” For more than two decades now, the Homecoming Olympics have set the tone for the rest of the week’s celebrations. “It’s really one of the most spirited days of the year,” Koehler said.

The students seem to agree, and they also appreciate what the assembly does for class unity. “The Olympics are always fun,” senior Libby Kellogg said. “The cliques all come together and support one cause.” Kellogg, who as a member of Student Council has helped organize the teams for her grade, was also a member of the Homecoming Court her sophomore year. “Being royalty was fun. You feel

“

specialist Abby Cornelius said. As a former North student, Cornelius has seen other changes as well. Before she graduated in 1996, the powderpuff game was a highly anticipated part of the week. “Powder-puff, when we played, was competitive, but it wasn’t malicious at all. There was never any bad treatment of each other,” Cornelius said More recently, however, the game became borderline violent. Instead of a friendly competition, the junior

It’s really one of the most spirited days of the year

really honored that you get nominated by your class,” Kellogg said. That year was the first year that her boyfriend, senior Jimmy Gallogly, asked her to a dance. “He put golf balls in my yard that said ‘Libs Homecoming?’” Kellogg said. Until recently though, asking a date in a creative way was not common. “A boy would walk to up a girl and ask her, and that was it,” media

”

and senior girls participated in what resembled a food fight, even after it was banned by the administration. One thing that has remained consistent since the school opened is the designated spirit week. In 1986, students came to school decked out in pajamas, college wear, boxer shorts or school colors, depending on the day. “I really liked salad dressing day,” Cornelius said of her favorite spirit

day. “I was the green goddess salad dressing.” Though not all of the staff dresses up for spirit days, many do. Cornelius has, without a doubt, some of the most creative outfits of the week. “I think it’s important to see the teacher as not always some authoritarian,” she said. “Teachers actually have personalities.” At the heart of the week’s celebrations—the reason for the vehement enthusiasm—is Friday night’s football game. “What makes the Homecoming game and the football program special is that it’s bigger than me or any member of the team,” football coach Jason Jones said. “It brings back alumni and members of the community.” Every year this tends to be the game with the biggest, most excited crowd. “We want it to be a victory. Everything’s more fun after a win,” Jones said. “We’ll have to play well. Blue Valley West is a quality opponent.” Regardless of whether or not the team wins, though, the rest of the weekend is bound to be memorable. It’s spirited. It’s tradition. It’s Homecoming.

In 1996, the 10-legged competitors participate in the Homecoming Olympics. In 1998, science teacher Bob Gardner, Sara Meulendyke, ‘01, and librarian Margaret Hansen dressed up for spirit week.

In 1993, Student Council designed a city scene for the Homecoming dance. The theme was “City Lights.”

{the North Star}

In 1987, students celebrated Homecoming with the traditional bonfire.

feature 13

Royalty In 1986, the Homecoming royalty posed for a picture.

2010 Homecoming royalty: freshmen Nick Ernst and Katherine Tennny, seniors Tim Boucher and Shae Fournier Henry Nobrega and Claire Price, Connor Clarkston and Jacquelyn Vorndran, Robert Clark and Vivian Choong, Connor Sutton and Kelly McSparran, sophomores Collin Smith and Veronica Propeck, juniors Rhian Pritchard and Nick Row. Photo by Christin Smith

Freshmen:

Katherine Tenny and Nick Ernst

Sophomores:

Veronica Propeck and Collin Smith

Juniors:

In 1993, the seniors showed off the Homecoming trophy.

Rhian Pritchard and Nick Row

Seniors:

Shae Fournier and Tim Boucher Claire Price and Henry Nobrega Jacquelyn Vorndran and Connor Clarkston Vivian Choong and Robert Clark Kelly McSparran and Connor Sutton

In 1997, Jess Herrick, ‘98 recovered the football in the Powderpuff game.

In 2006, Ryan Kuddes, ‘07, asked his date to Homecoming in a big way.

09.24.10

In 2005, Whitney Kollar, ‘06, dressed up for Superhero day. Junior Tina Wei stops at her locker at the end of pajama day.

Homecoming Olympics 1:20-2:50 Parent Booster Club Tailgate Party 5:45-7 p.m. $10 adults, $6 students Football game vs Blue Valley West 7 p.m. royalty crowned at halftime Homecoming Dance 8:30-11:30 p.m.

entertainment 09.24.10 {The North Star}

The good, the bad and trashy Sleaziest shows of summer 2010 revealed

n 2honestly o s a e S hore: s anything ads

AlexGoldman

{entertainment editor}

t? O nigh ex, bo a. han tha o of trashed t r e t ami, Fl r in t i e w M t n d i get b n n e u TL dow k for ro no long are bac ome classic G olored cast is arting all c ts and s from st s carrotgirl figh is beefed up, hat stop them laimed partier h t c t o g Though y’re not lettin . These self pr onderful e a h t m i , a e y r those h rw d Jerse s with t n,” including amous f u d d l e r l o z their w gain bamboo sible “situatio h the ub. Wit s a t o t t e p o y y h e n e v a MTVh ha handle ing in t dopted by the it was t o a t o s fl e i t b i boo abil er h ow a g a fake y summ titude n involvin bulary and at rica, this class er 2010. m ca me style, vo ed teens of A fluential of sum h n s i a brainw ibly the most oss quite p

ummer. Definition: the three months of every year where TV producers give up and take a vacation. Over the years, the networks like VH1, MTV, Bravo and E! have all realized the same thing - if we’re going to have a lazy season, so will they. This lack of effort can only lead to one thing, the trashiest, most sexual, pointless yet addicting shows of the year. After watching all the reality TV my brain could possibly take, I’ve narrowed it down to a few of my personal favorites…

e S Jeorzse eanyd fist pumpuirngfa;vdoorite gorillatsjuatictehheeclub,

Teen Mom: Seas o

kay, I realize ther e are few season twos in this review, but this sh ow is seriously lik e crack. Okay, not really, but I ha ve to admit that downwardly spir w atching the aling lives of thes e unfortunate co girls is a bit addi llege-age cting. We’ve got a little bit of ever girlfriend’s mom yt hing–the married to the bo yfriend’s dad (Cai some legitimate tlin), domestic abuse ch arges (Farrah), de some undiagnose finitely d bipolar disord er (Amber) and in one of the babi a new man es’ lives (Maci). A ll in all, if you’re to see what not to looking do with your life, while at the sam enjoying an extr e time emely entertaini ng show, check th is one out.

...and the consolation prizes go to “Jersey Couture” (Oxygen) – one of the billions of New Jersey shows, it basically revolves around the Scali women’s quest to Jersey-ify anyone and everyone who comes into their store. It’s all about the big–big hair, big curves and big attitudes. Just one episode of this show and its cast of deranged fashionistas will probably leave any girl positively terrified for prom dress shopping. Good job ladies, keep it up. “Bethany’s Getting Married” (Bravo) – for anyone who watched “The Real Housewives of New York”, somehow Bethany managed to get a spin off for her wedding that unfortunately went on for much longer than that. Yes, her baby is pretty cute, but watching her rant for an hour every week is pure physical torture. How this didn’t get cancelled midway through the season, I have no idea.

Honorable Mention

“Dad Camp” (VH1) – a mix of “Dr. Drew”, “Tool Academy” and “Teen Mom,” six über tools learn they need to buck up and stop partying when they have pregnant girlfriends or they’re going to get ditched…on national television. A close second to “Teen Mom: Season 2”, the pathetic emotional aspect and counseling parts of this show kept it from winning the overall title of “Summer 2010’s Screw-Ups of the Season.”

r Pad’s favorite “meet Bach-oefflo of America

et another spin ed. weeks” show has arriv your soul mate in six and from the “Bachelor” This group of rejects t that allows ally a nonstop flirt-fes “Bachelorette” is basic y toolbags hook up with as man to ts tan es nt co e th r fo n’t worry, anly possible. But do m hu as s tze di de on and bl ese horny constant sexcapade; th the show isn’t only a g for half of lds are also competin 20-something-year-o o. The make it to the final tw ey th if ize pr 0 ,00 50 e final a $2 ipulate their way to th an m to ve ha ll wi ts contestan d an innate s, suggestive winks an rose with flirty smile er by the ions like group Twist tit pe m co n wi to ty ili t. Now ab ctive pie-eating contes ra att ely m tre ex an d see pool an we’ll have to wait and , ain m re sts ali fin ur that only fo the cash. ts manage to snag up which quality contestan

DIY fashion

{the North Star} 09.24.10 entertainment 15

Trending: friendship bracelets

racelets are taking over BVN. From silly bands to string to leather to beaded, this jewelery trend is here to stay. Here’s how to make one of your own...

The kind of bracelet that you’re learning to make right now is called a candy-stripe, or in other words, a bracelet with multicolored diagnoal lines (like a barber pole). Step 1: Cut yourself 3+ pieces of string that are as long as your arm. If you’re making one with more than six colors, make the string a little bit longer. Step 2: Take one end of each piece of string, line them up and tie them securely. Step 3: Seperate one string from the others. This will be called string 1. Step 4: Take string 1 and place the untied

end underneath the next string (string 2) on the right. The untied end should be on the right side of string 2, and the two strings should take the shape of the number 4. Step 5: Bring the untied end of string one over the top of string 2, and then through the loop of string 1. This shape will also look like a number 4, but the end of string one should now be on the left side

AlexGoldman

{entertainment editor}

of string 2, and under the upper part of string 1. Step 6: Pull the untied of string 1 until the “4” shape turns into a virtually straight line. Continue to pull the end of string 1 gently upward until the knot is secure. Step 7: Repeat steps four through six with the same two strings. Make sure you use the same strings for string 1 and string 2. Step 8: Repeat steps four through seven

to the remaining pieces of string originally set off to the side. When you’re done with this, string 1 should end up on the far right side of the rest of the strings. Congrats! You’ve done with the first row of your bracelet. Now repeat steps three through eight again on the next string on the far left, and keep this cycle going until your bracelet is the proper length for your wrist. Tie up the end and enjoy!

Review

‘Every legend has a beginning’

DrewGarrett

{guest contributor}

alo: Reach” has a different game play and feel than any Halo game I’ve ever played with its modified weapons, customizable armor and unique colors. “It is to say that as soon as I finished it, I wanted to return to November 2001 and start the Halo saga all over again”–New York Times

“‘Halo: Reach’ is essential”–Kansas City Star.com These are just some of the enthusiastic reviews of the prequel “Halo: Reach”. If you don’t have this game yet, grab $60, do yourself a favor and go buy it. You won’t be able to take your fingers off the controller. You will actually have to force yourself to stop playing, do homework and even go to sleep. In “Reach” you are part of Noble Team, a group of Elite Spartan troops whose

missions largely involve evacuating humans and sabotaging Covenant installations. I like how you earn your experience through individual skill instead of depending on if you win or lose your matches, like in “Halo 3.” Yes, that does sound nerdy, but this game is far from it. “Halo: Reach” is a must buy. If you buy this game, pat yourself on the back. If you don’t, well, that speaks for itself.

Go buy this game. Photo by Christin Smith.

expires 10/31/10

entertainment 09.24.10 {The North Star}

Talented pianists hit the right notes

JessiGlueck

{opinion editor}

istening to sophomore Isabel Keleti play piano is like hearing liquid sound, as if each note were a sparkling droplet in the stream of music. But it’s more organized than that, more complex, like a dance with a thousand choreographed steps. Keleti loves piano for the beauty of the music and the joy of playing and listening.

“I like playing piano because it’s a way to relieve stress, and the music’s really pretty. I just enjoy listening to it. And it’s so rewarding to learn a new song and to be able to play it well,” Keleti said. Keleti is one of a group of talented pianists at North who share a love of music and a commitment to the instrument. These students’ interest in piano burgeoned at an early age. “I started playing when I was 6. When I was 5 years old, my mom tells me I asked her if I

could start playing piano...more or less, I’ve been continuously playing since then,” senior Rex Tai said. Last year, he won first place at the prestigious Kansas Music Teachers’ Association (KMTA) State competition. “I’ve been playing since I was 5. It’s been about 10 years,” said sophomore Jared Davis. Keleti, Tai and Davis consider piano superior to other instruments for various reasons.

Senior Rex Tai and sophomore Isabel Keleti work on a duet in the music room after school. The duet included complicated, physical jumps and is comical. Photo by Christin Smith

“When you’re playing violin…you can only do a limited number of notes at once, whereas, with piano, it’s like you have the entire orchestra under your fingertips,” Keleti said. “I like piano more because I’m more comfortable with it. It’s a one-man army thing. You don’t have to rely on other people,” Tai, who also plays violin, said. “I’m biased because [piano is] what I started playing, but I like the sound so much better than other instruments. It’s so easy to change the sound by playing different chords. And it’s clear and loud,” Davis, whose other instrument is cello, said. These students possess a unique understanding of music. “I think music is a form of communication that goes beyond what words can communicate to show people what you truly feel,” Keleti said. “Playing and listening to classical music can make you more empathetic by knowing what the composer was inspired by and how he created this masterpiece.” “Music is another manner of expressing yourself,” Tai said. The pianists understand that classical or piano music carries a stigma with some students, but they urge them to move past it. “I think that when people think of classical music, they think of old people, or they think of boring… but…if people took the time to listen to it, and try to appreciate it, people would understand how awesome classical music is,” Keleti said. “The way one composer described it is that with modern music, you’re getting it all at once, and with classical music, it’s more like a story with a plot that you have to follow. Not everyone is patient enough to go through the training you need to understand it…but if you… stay, it does grow on you,” Tai said. “When you think of rock, you think of guitars and drums. But I think the piano should be brought in, too,” Davis said. So where can you hear these musicians try their own spin on piano music? Last spring, the school gave a recital featuring Keleti and Tai, among other talented pianists, in the Little Theater during the

profile Jared Davis

Year: Sophomore Been playing since: age 5 Competitions: “Aren’t my style” Favorite bands: Jack’s Mannequin Something Corporate Eliot Minor Interesting fact: Composes his own music with lyrics

{The North Star} 09.24.10 entertainment 17

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Sophomore Jared Davis plays piano in the music room. He began composing music in seventh grade. day, and band director Dr. Marion Roberts plans to hold another one this spring. “It’s the one chance they have to really show the student body what they can do. They go to state music festivals and represent us as pianists, but there’s no way to demonstrate that for a student body. So I think it’s exciting not only for the kids to show what they can do but for the student body to come and hear something that they’ve never heard before,” Dr. Roberts said. And maybe in the future, you’ll be hearing them somewhere else. “If possible, [I want to pursue piano] as a career— that’s always the dream,” Davis said. “I would love to be a pianist when I grow up. I don’t think that’s a reasonable career if you plan on supporting yourself. But it’s just hard for me to think of anything I’d rather do than play piano,” Keleti said.

profile Isabel Keleti

Year: Sophomore Been playing since: age 7 Upcoming competitions: KMTA Districts and state Favorite composers/ genres: Liszt, Russian romantic, impressionistic string music Interesting fact: In the music room after school, she shares her talent with fellow pianists.

...it’s hard to think of anything I’d rather do than play piano

profile Rex Tai

Year: Senior Been playing since: age 6 Upcoming competitions: KMTA Districts and state Favorite genre/ composer: romantic music/ Chopin Interesting fact: He’s starting a music club for talented musicians which will perform for local nursing homes.

opinion 09.24.10 {The North Star}

illustration by Berkeley Lovelace

n o i s s r pa

u o y tle

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t o b Un

Passion...is what’s left when school has done its bludgeoning

JessiGlueck

{opinion editor}

or this issue, I interviewed some phenomenally talented pianists. I was impressed by their ability and dedication, but it was more than that. Talking to each of them, I gained a sense of how important piano is in their lives, how deeply the love of music has been ingrained on their souls. I saw, for the first time in a while, true passion. Teachers and admissions officers and counselors are always telling us to find a passion—to discover the one thing we’re really good at and be better at it than anyone else. But they don’t really want us to pick one thing. They want us to be good at everything, great at everything, with a tepid tendency or preference for one area. That may be good advice for college applications, but it’s not passion. Passion is finishing your homework at 3 a.m. and then wandering downstairs to practice piano. Passion is reading a math textbook on a family road trip because you think it’s interesting. Passion is taking your computer apart and putting it back together the right way. Passion is curling up with your laptop at midnight with an idea for a story. Passion is a run before dawn on a Monday morning. Passion, in short, is what’s left when

school has done its bludgeoning. The work load and the extracurricular requirements many of us face can make the world seem so harsh, so small, so monotonous. Passion reminds us that there’s something bigger. Sure, we worry about our passions, and they require work and stress and sweat. But we love every minute. It’s our thing. It’s what we do. Teachers, counselors and admissions officers will tell you that everyone has a passion. I don’t know if that’s true. Frankly, I think there are some people who lack the attention span. But I hope that most of us do. I hope that for those who haven’t discovered theirs yet there will come a moment when everything crystallizes, when the world slides into place. I know that feeling. I don’t know how I’d live without it. And to those who have a passion already, those kids who practice piano at three in the morning or mess with numbers or bury themselves in books, I’d like to say this: don’t leave it behind. Your passion takes you outside of yourself and reminds you that the AP Euro test is not, in fact, the apocalypse—well, maybe that’s a bad example. But passion makes you interesting and individual, and gives you a vision entirely your own. There is no schedule so crazy and grueling that you don’t have five minutes to do what you love each day. Believe me. I’m a girl who reads in the shower.

Embracing America how traveling changed my outlook

AlexGoldman

{entertainment editor}

fter living in America all my life and learning the ins and outs of our culture, I’ve always thought we were a bit on the conservative side. So much focus is on college, careers, the ever-popular “what do you want to do with your life?” conversation--the works. Other countries have reputations of leisurely society, partying, and no drinking ages, and I’ve always been kind of jealous. We’re so protected here in our little Johnson County bubble. But this summer I went down to Argentina for a month, and it made me realize how lucky we are to have that emphasis on the future. I lived in a little town, and barely anyone ever left it. I don’t think I met a single person who made it past high school, let alone to college. One of the most prestigious jobs there was being a waiter or waitress (not that there’s anything wrong with that, it’s just different). After I got back, it started to hit me. America’s just trying to keep us ahead; keep us progressing. Yeah, it may suck having to study for the PSAT or worry about grades all the time, but in the long run, society’s just trying to do the best it can to help us out.

{The North Star} 09.24.10 opinion 19

“We don’t get red slushies thrown in our faces”

Pop culture puts spin on life in high school

SarahSchlosberg

{staff writer}

op culture has a way of dismissing neutrality, as high school is often regarded as either the best four years of your life or a time you’d rather not talk about. Countless television shows, movies, novels and albums are inspired from the four years spent in adolescence and the various struggles that accompany it. That being said, is the Blue Valley North experience comparable to pop culture’s spin on high school, or is it entirely different? “Real life in high school is just a toned-down version of what’s in the movies,” junior James Nadeau said. “A jock is going to have the same opinions in BVN as he would in the movies, but here people are more careful and subtle about what stereotype they identify with.”

At North, it is sometimes hard to ignore the awkwardness, cliques and unwelcome amounts of stress which come with the territory of being in high school. “I wish Blue Valley North was more like ‘That ’70s Show’ and less like

‘Gossip Girl,” senior Hannah Jones said. Others argue that television gives their hobbies a bad rep and can embellish issues they’re faced with in school. “Glee” portrays choir kids as outcasts with an abnormal energy

level and constant thirst for drama. “‘Glee’ is pretty much just choir plus way more drama. We don’t get red slushies thrown in our faces,” senior choir member Abbey Tingle said. “Nerds,” especially, are often exaggerated in movies and are perceived to have a miserable high school experience. But in actuality, many so-called nerds are simply ambitious individuals. Though robotics seems like a particularly brainy activity at BVN, it has a range of students. “Not all of us are ‘nerdy.’ We have many people join with their own strengths,” senior robotics member David Schall said. “We range from varsity football players to band and orchestra, even the cheerleaders are helping us out.” Many aspects of high school are exaggerated in pop culture. Some stereotypes can also hold true in certain cases, adding a sense of empathy for those of us who identify with them. “Glee” and other other TV shows stereotype high school students.

Too much tech? Online homework invades

JessiGlueck

{opinion editor}

y brain is numb. My back is stiff. My eyes are dry and bloodshot. What’s wrong with me? Two hours of online homework, that’s what. I couldn’t tell you a thing that was covered. Oh, well. I guess I’ll just teach it to myself from the textbook later. Wait a second. Isn’t that what teachers are there for? Lately, we’ve seen a massive increase in the amount of online homework and reading assigned. Homework is never fun, but online homework is pure torture. The unhelpful admonishments when you do something wrong, the typos, the multiple-choice buttons which for some reason won’t allow you to click on them…it’s enough to drive

a person insane. Not to mention the fact that it takes twice as long as regular homework because you’re forced to read 10 paragraphs of explanation about your careless simplification error. Proponents of online assignments will tell you that they make classes more efficient. Online work costs less money, uses less paper and requires less teaching. Are these really the standards by which we should judge the quality of an education? Since when has teaching been a cost-benefit analysis? It’s true that districts are under severe budgetary constraints and that the rigor of the standardized tests and AP exams puts pressure on teachers to stuff us with information. But there are real costs to teaching this way. The first cost is this: we are teaching students to think like computers.

“

Isn’t that what teachers are for?

Since when has teaching been a cost-benefit analysis? Computers don’t read an explanation of your thought process. They simply determine whether you clicked the correct button. It follows that your thought processes don’t matter—what matters is the right answer. With plagiarism and cheating on the rise, what kind of a message does that send? Any automaton can run programs or hit buttons. It takes a human being to explain and analyze. Online work de-emphasizes all that. It makes it too easy for a student to ignore concepts in favor of individual questions. And when a new type of question comes along—say, on an AP test?—well, there’s not a program for that. Finally, online education eliminates

the relationship between student and teacher. Computers don’t care about you. They know nothing of compassion, perseverance and intellectual curiosity. It is utterly immaterial to them whether you succeed or fail. Teachers are personally invested in your success. They inspire great ideas. They shape the future. At North, we’re still privileged with teachers who won’t abandon us to impersonal technology. But the prevalence of computerized work worries me. Will education itself become automated? As change approaches, educators should remember this: the most brilliant technology ever invented is the human mind.

opinion 09.24.10 {The North Star}

A big, fat problem

North’s cafeteria food lacks nutrition, is loaded with fat, sodium, calories EllieHolcomb

{staff writer}

tatistics show that childhood obesity is on the rise. High blood pressure is being reported among teens and young adults at increasing rates. Fewer teens exercise now than in past generations. Young adults are obese at higher rates because they’ve developed poor eating habits as teens. So how does the Blue Valley School District approach this problem? They fill high school cafeterias with chicken fingers, fries, pizza, chips and a soft serve ice cream machine. Great effort, BVSD.

“Nearly every fast food restaurant has a nutrition chart with the food. If McDonald’s and Wendy’s will make this commitment... why won’t our school cafeteria?”

In our cafeteria, 46 items have over 300 calories per serving. This may not seem like much, but stop and think how much a “serving” is compared to how much food some students put on their trays. Two slices of pizza, half a tray full of fries…despite more attempts by the school to show us what a serving size is, students don’t seem to be catching on. Sixteen items in our cafeteria have over 1,000 mg of sodium per serving. A recommended amount of sodium for a day is 2,400 mg. Two slices of pizza in our school cafeteria, and you’re almost there. Is this all coming as a shock to you? I imagine it would, considering that the nutrition information is only located online and takes at least seven minutes to find once you

get to the district website. Nearly every fast food restaurant displays a nutrition chart on the food packaging, on the wall or with the food. If McDonald’s and Wendy’s will make this commitment to inform people about nutrition, why won’t our school cafeteria? I would personally really appreciate it if our school cafeteria posted the nutrition information, but several students I’ve talked to don’t seem to care about what they put in their bodies five days a week, one meal a day. Now it is true that majority of teenage boys burn an enormous number of calories daily. Recommendations for a 16-year-old boy range from 3,000-3,700 calories a day to maintain weight. But just because you can burn off seven chicken tenders, french fries, ketchup, chocolate milk and a cookie doesn’t mean there are no consequences to eating this way. Eating too much high-fat food can clog arteries, leading to health problems later in life. Basically, if you fill your body with artificial, salty, greasy, processed crap, then it doesn’t matter if you’re thin. Your body is still running on crap, and eventually you will reap the consequences. Want to eat healthier? There are easy ways to do it. For example, bring individual-sized containers of hummus, available at Costco, and get peppers and carrots off the salad bar to dip in it. Hummus is high in protein, fairly low in calories and made with olive oil which is a healthy fat. Yogurt is always a good choice, as long as it has active bacteria cultures and isn’t laden with sugar and fat. Try to avoid any food you can see the grease on and don’t add salt to your food. Pepper adds flavor too and is much healthier than salt. Find out how many calories you need a day and get that many, but fill your calories with lean protein, fiber and calcium instead of fat, sodium and empty carbohydrates.

Pools of grease are visible in this slice of the school cafeteria’s pepperoni pizza, a popular item high in calories , fat and sodium. Photo by Sarah Campbell.

oices

hy Ch Healt

• Salad bar veggies • Yogurt • Egg rolls • Teriyaki nuggets • Juice or regular (not chocolate or strawberry) skim milk • Water • Bagels

To What

Avoid

• Sausage, egg and cheese biscuits • Pizza by the slice • Chicken fingers • Chicken finger wrap • French fries • Chocolate chip cookies • Planet Sub hot sandwich

What students think about school lunch’s taste and nutrition:

“It’s super yummy.” –Freshman Eddie Christopher “It’s terrible.” –Senior Shawn Khosla “The taste is good and I think it’s healthy.” –Freshman Dylan Perentis

{The North Star}

09.24.10 opinion 21

Defining “American” excludes some photo illustration by Lauren Drummond

AndieDavidson

{editor-in-chief}

here is no national religion in the United States. In fact, freedom of religion was one of the main draws to the new land in the first place. This endures today: every American can believe whatever he or she wants. But people seem to forget that not only does every belief deserve equality and rights but every belief is equally American. This is especially relevant now, when everything from outrage at construction of a mosque at ground zero to rumors of President Obama being Muslim seems to hint that American Muslims are more foreign than American. The war on terrorism has brought suspicion and stereotype against many Muslims, obscuring the fact that they are not aliens but an equal part of America. Our “melting pot” culture is what makes America, America—a nation of many different ethnicities, religions and peoples. Each is equally American.

Take, for example, the bitter outburst following the proposed mosque near ground zero in New York City. Maybe building an Islamic center that close to the site of the 9/11 attacks is rubbing salt in the wound, but Muslims have as much right to be there as anyone else. A little over a thousand miles separate New York City and Kansas City, but that doesn’t mean that the issue (and what it represents) hasn’t reached us. Senior Janine Ibrahim, whose mother is American and father is Palestinian, sees it as a matter of freedom of religion. “They’re not trying to build it for offensive reasons. If someone can build a church where they want, why can’t we build a mosque?” Ibrahim said. Although no one is actually forbidding the building of the mosque, the outrage at the plans shows alienation and disrespect, throwing all Muslims into the same category as the 9/11 al-Qaeda fanatics. This is an extreme case, but the attitude is not uncom-

mon. “I feel like we’re accepted [but] sometimes the stereotypes that some along with terrorism put people on the offensive,” Ibrahim said. Furthering stereotype, disrespect, and division by restricting fellow Americans is not going to honor anyone. In fact, one of the goals of the building plan is to promote moderate Islam. If anything, the mosque could be a perfect symbol of the coexistence and respect we need to find to avoid another scene like 9/11. And then there is the rumor that President Obama is Muslim, a sensational piece of gossip that 24% of Americans believe (according to a 2010 TIME poll). Rumor or not, the point is that the president’s religious beliefs shouldn’t matter; what matters is how he runs the country. The same TIME poll discovered that nearly one-third of American voters think

“

followers of Islam should be blocked from becoming president. But America is a nation of mixed people and beliefs. Being non-Christian doesn’t make someone un-American. Above all, people need to realize that there is no “true American.” Many different types of people are

Being non-Christian doesn’t make someone un-American.

”

American, and they all have a right to equality and respect. This, of course, extends much further than the current Muslim bias. Americans come from every ethnic background: black, white, Hispanic, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist and many more. No category is more American than the next. The only way to get past these labels and divisions is to learn about other cultures, religions and people and respect everyone as equal Americans.

opinion 09.24.10 {the North Star}

{Thought Bubbles}

Letter from the editors

f you take a look around, you’ll probably notice that our school is always changing. Just this year, we’ve been presented with new traditions, a new class of freshmen, a host of new teachers and even a new principal. And to keep up with the constantly evolving surroundings, The North Star has reinvented itself. With a more modern design and a very young staff, you can expect your school newspaper to be completely unlike it has been in the past. But as we said earlier in this issue, some things never change. AndieDavidson {editor-in-chief} Our purpose as The North Star is the same as it has been for the past 25 years: to report on issues that are important to you. he water is gone, leaving a Whether we’re writing about controversial political issues, fellow naked shell of a pool, the final students that have made names for themselves in the world of sign that summer is truly over. sports or the latest news in pop culture, we hope you enjoy what Some will hang onto their shorts you read. and flip-flops (a few wishful thinkers We’re also happy to announce the launch of bvnnews.com. Check shivering in the snow all the way into December), but let’s face it: summer it out to comment on all of the stories you loved (or hated) in is over. Once I’ve resigned myself the newspaper and read special web extras that are only available to never-ending classes and piles of online. You’ll also be able to watch videos uploaded by Broadcast II homework, though, I actually get a bit and view slideshows from the yearbook staff. excited. Fall is almost here. Each month we’ll feature a story written by a journalism student. The sticky days are starting to fade, ushering in crisp fall air and a medley It can be a review, opinion, feature—anything. And if you’re just of autumn colors. The time is almost bursting with ideas, pour them into a short story and drop it by the here when you can step outside, take a newspaper room. If you have questions, comments, ideas or a letter deep breath and feel refreshed rather than sweaty and stifled. And with that to the editor, stop by room 411 and let us know—we’re always looking for your opinion; because, after all, we’re here for you. crisp weather comes the first of the

The silver lining in the start of school

fall and winter traditions. Football games that require sweatshirts and huddling together. Cheesy Halloween spookiness that somehow still manages to give you chills. Warm cups of apple cider by the pumpkin patch. And before we know it, the first snowflakes. Maybe this won’t completely remedy the loss of summer freedom, but there’s a lot to look forward to in the fall. Of course, I’m probably in a minority of people who aren’t tearing up as they bring out their winter wardrobes, their warm summer days disappearing at last. And come January, I’ll be counting down the days until summer along with everyone else. But for now, autumn is here to stay, so we might as well enjoy it. Rather than bemoan the end of summer, I’m going to enjoy the colors, the invigorating air and the nostalgic traditions that are autumn. It almost makes the homework worth it. Almost.

{The Cullom Column}

The beginning of the end CeliaCullom

{editor-in-chief}

he first great endeavor was fifth grade. I’d always imagined what it would be like to be looked up to as the oldest, but never thought I’d actually be there. A bat mitzvah, driving privileges and the chance to call myself a senior also seemed exceedingly far out of reach. But somehow, I made it here--just in time to realize that a year from now, I won’t be here. And that scares me. Aside from the frustratingly uncertain, long-term future, I’m trying to cope with the fact that even by this time next week, things are going to be vastly different. I’ll be sharing the car with my barelyold-enough-to-be-driving brother, will have spent my last September in Kansas and won’t be able to look forward to any more high school Homecomings. Consequently, I’ve been trying to figure out how I can make every moment count just a little bit more the last time around. So how do I go about doing this? To be honest, I’m still in the process of figuring that out and I’m not entirely sure it can be done without the help of some omniscient being guiding me the entire way; but I can try. Complain less, stop stressing about the crazy amount of homework I have piling up, make time to have fun and keep in mind that with this year comes my share of last chances. I hope that doing these things will put me on the right track, because being a senior affords too many opportunities to take for granted. The fifth grader who never thought she’d actually make it here wouldn’t let them slip away, so I’ll do my best to make her proud.

{the North Star} 09.24.10 calendar 23

Sunday

September

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

18 - Pajama day 19 - Dress as your favorite 21 - Will Smith day:22 - Jersey day 23 -Homecoming 24 -Homecoming in25 holiday day

Sunday

Editors-in-Chief Celia Cullom Andie Davidson

Photo Editor

Christin Smith

Tuesday

Thursday

Friday

6 7

- V Volleyball Dual at - V Golf at BV West - NHS Induction Info -Fall Play 7:00 BV High 6:30 (Swope Park GC) 1:00 (LMC) 3:00 - 3:30 -V Soccer (Gardner- Parent Booster Club - Fall Play 7:00 Edgerton) 6:00 Meeting (LMC) 7:00 -V Football (BVHS) 7:00

- V Golf Regional (TBA) 10:00 am - 7th and 8th Grade Orchestra Rehearsal (Instr. Music Room) 5:00 - 6:00

- V Volleyball (Main Gym) 6:30 - V Boys’ Soccer (OP Soccer Complex) 7:00 - Fall Choral Concert (PAC) 7:00 - 9:00

- Traditional Week - PSAT Exam and PLAN Test 7:30am 11:30 am - Corey Door Debate 3:30

Feature Editor

Michael Hoffman

Opinion

Jessi Glueck

Photographers

Sports Editor

Business Manager Reid Eggleston

Adviser Melinda Gilman

Staff Writers

Kai Bressler Reid Eggleston Brooke Helpley Sarah Schlosberg Berkley Lovelace Ashley Ruben Faith Reis

main gym 8:30-11:30 -V Boys Soccer-Top Dawg 5:00 - V Cross Country in Lawrence, KS

- V Tennis (BVN - V Football Game at courts) 3:30 BVHS 7:00 - V Boys Soccer (BVSW) 4:00 - V Volleyball (Quad at SM South) 5:00

- JV Golf (Eagles Landing GC) 3:00 - Choir pre-auditions (VMR) 3:00-5:00 - V Boys Soccer 7:00 - Marching Festival

Ali Fallucca Sarah Campbell Lauren Drummond

Matt McMullen

Wednesday

- V Golf at Aquinas - Picture re-takes - Varsity Tennis at Plaza HS 3:00 - V Volleyball dual Courts 9:00 am - V Volleyball Dual at with BVNW (Main Gym) 6:30 Aquinas 6:30 - V Boys Soccer 7:00

News Editor

David Tauber

-Olympics -V Football vs BVW 7:00

October

Monday

- V Golf at SM Cup 2:00 - District Marching Festival 5:30-9:30

9: iRobot 10: Men in Black 11: Wild, Wild West 12: Fresh Prince of Bel Air

- Traditional Week - October Newspaper Passed Out - V Volleyball 6:15 - Orchestra Concert (PAC) 7:00 - 8:30

Saturday

- KU Marching Festival All-Day - V Cross Country - V Tennis (Indian Creek courts at 103rd and Marty) 9:00 am

- Varsity Girls’ Tennis Regional - V Cross Country (SM Park) 9:00 am - JV Volleyball - Fall Play 7:00

- No School (end of - V Girls’ Tennis 1st quarter) State Finals - V Girls’ Tennis State - V Volleyball Semifinals (Mustang State Line - V Football (SMSouth Showdown) (Main/ Stadium) 7:00 Aux gyms) 8:00 am

The North Star is the official publication of Blue Valley North High School, an open forum distributed to all students nine times a year. This publication may contain controversial material. Kansas law prohibits the suppression of a student publication solely because it may contain controversial matter. Blue Valley Unified School District No. 229 and its board members, officers and employees may disclaim any responsibility for the content of this publication; it is not an expression of school policy. Student authors and editors are solely responsible for the content of this publication. Letters to the editors are encouraged from students and non-students alike and should be less than 500 words. All letters must be signed and turned into room 411 at least one week prior to publication. All letters require a signature. Names will be published. The North Star reserves the right to edit with regard to libel, without changing the substance of the letter. The North Star will not publish obscene or libelous material. The North Star Blue Valley North High School 12200 Lamar Ave. Overland Park, KS 66209 (913) 239-3116

{The North Star}

as we see it 09.24.10 {The North Star}

Andie Davidson Editor .Coffee .Reading .Paris .Rainy Days .Post-It Notes

Celia Cullom Editor .Barcelona .Little Mermaid .Cupcakes .Starbucks .Dresses with pockets

Alex Goldman Entertainment Editor

David Tauber News Editor

.Photography .Concerts .Tie-Dye .Friendship Bracelets

.Salvato’s Twitter .Sarah McMullen music .Sarah McMullen .Matt’s sister

Michael Hoffman Feature Editor

Matt McMullen Sports Editor

Ellie Holcomb Webmaster

Jessi Glueck Opinions Editor

.San Francisco .The NFL .Girls .Sporcle .Seeing the NE Patriots Lose .Liking Things

.Kai and David .Matt Cassel’s rocket arm .KC Slugger’s enthusiasm .Alex Gordon’s potential

.Eminem .Rock music .Nail salons .Texting .Red .The Beatles

.Books .Hugs .Sunrises

Lauren Drummond Photographer

Sarah Campbell Photographer

Christin Smith Photo Editor

Ali Fallucca Photographer

.Jonas Brothers .Enrique Iglesias .Traveling .Family

.Newspaper Glee sing alongs .Younglife .California .Shopping .Mexican Food

Reid Eggleston Business Manager

Sarah Schlosberg Writer

Berkley Lovelace Writer

Kai Bressler Writer

.Led Zeppelin .California .HBO

.Repeating myself .Conversations with people who have the same sense of humor

.The University of Texas .The University of Texas cheerleaders .Jessica Tauber .David’s sister

.Running as far as possible .Memorizing “Remember the Titains” and “Shrek” lines .Mizou-RAH!

.KSU .Lake of the Ozarks .Vera Bradley .Deanna Rose Farmstead

Faith Ries Writer

Ashley Ruben Writer

Brooke Helpley Writer

.Disney .London .Harry Potter .Volleyball .Silly Bandz .Dr. Who .Mr. Wood

.Music .Friends .Swimming

.Dance .Hercules .Long walks on the beach

.Graphic design .France .Guitar .Family .Drawing .Friends

Page by Sarah Campbell