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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
3
NEWS: Journalism goes to Minnesota
4
NEWS: AP College Biology discovers bacteria
10
FEATURES: Your tips: how to survive finals
11
SPORTS: Winter sports season gets started
FOUNTAINS AT CROWN CENTER, COVER PHOTO BY: LAUREN WILLIAMS
2|news
The Hornet’s Buzz
Gay Straight Alliance offers support Erin Niederberger copy editor
They’re here to help. That’s the main message both the members and the sponsor of the Gay Straight Alliance want to get across. The GSA, sponsored by counselor Nancy Kelso, is made up of about ten students. They meet on Wednesdays after school at the local community center. Students talk, watch videos or news clips on topics concerning sexuality, and visit web sites that provide resources or support to teens. They also attend social events, such as meeting GSA students from other schools, which they did in November. The club has been around for three years. French and Theory of Knowledge teacher Chad Lower was the sponsor until this year, when he handed it over to Kelso. “No one was interested. Only a few people ever came,” Lower said, citing his explanation for ending his involvement with the group. “I think Ms. Kelso does a better job.” According to Kelso, the GSA’s mission is to nurture a supportive environment in the Northtown community.
The GSA marched as a walking float in the Homecoming Parade, carrying a banner reading ‘It gets better’, a popular message to gay or questioning teens. They hope to participate in the National Day of Silence this spring. The Day of Silence, occurring on April 20, requests students to take a vow of silence to raise awareness of anti-LGBT bullying and harassment. Senior Jalyn Dewer enjoys being a part of GSA. “I love the fact that I can help people who don’t understand that people can be different, and help them be less close-minded,” she said. Dewer thinks GSA is important, because “there’s a lot of people in this world who don’t understand what it means to have a different sexuality, and that it’s not bad.” She added that GSA is a safe place where students can go without being judged. Junior Christina Blake Meier likes GSA because she can get active in the gay community. In Meier’s opinion, the club is significant “because it helps a lot of kids who are going through a rough time, and lets them know there are people to support them.”
Kelso, Dewer, and Meier all encourage students to join GSA. “Anyone questioning or exploring their sexuality and who wants a safe place” should come, Kelso said.
She stressed that GSA could be a place of support for those facing non-supportive family members. Even if students are intimidated because they think there is a stigma attached, they
should try attending. Dewer added, “We need more members. All you can do is come, have fun, and have serious discussions. We’re here if you need anyone else to talk to.”
TAYLOR STEEN
It gets better. Members of the Northtown Gay Straight Alliance march in the Homecoming Parade in September. The club has been around for three years, although this is the first time they’ve made an appearance in the parade. The GSA carried a banner to encourage and support LGBT teens.
FBLA lends out helping hands Tierra Samuel staff writer
PHOTO COURTESY OF LONZO BOLES
Helping out one hand and mind at a time. Juniors Ayuel Bol, Kevin Nguyen, and Ron Wilson help fix a chili dinner for families at Ronald McDonald’s House. Ronald McDonald’s House is an organization that provides housing for families with children in local hospitals during long-term stays.
Future Business Leaders of America is the oldest and largest business student organization in the world. Northtown has been a part of this organization for 6 years. Northtown’s FBLA club is sponsored by Lonzo Boles, who is also a finance and business teacher. Senior Stajheri Jackson has been in FBLA for three years. Jackson is also the President of FBLA. “FBLA combines Business ethics, community service, and Education together,” said Jackson. The students in the FBLA organization at Northtown are very involved in our community.
They have participated in Beautification Day and have cooked dinner for the Ronald McDonald House. Students will also be participating in Christmas in the Park. The FBLA students also participate in competitions. These competitions consist of making business plans, taking tests, or going to an interviewing session. “If your interested in going into business, FBLA is for you,” said Jackson Boles has been the sponsor for FBLA for six years, and it still amazes him how dedicated his students are. “I’ve learned that student can do what they want to do,” said Boles. Get more information about FBLA on FBLA.org.
news|3
Dec. 14, 2011
Journalism travels to Minneapolis Elizabeth Craig design editor
DANIELL HERNANDEZ
Let it snow Yearbook staff members Matthew Gutierrez and Nicki Grant play in the snow at the JEA conference. The national convention was held in Minneapolis, and eight students from North Kansas City High School journalism staffs attended.
On Nov. 17 - 20, the Newspaper and Yearbook classes from the North Kansas City School District attended the Fall National High School Journalism Convention, sponsored by the Journalism Education Association (JEA) and National Scholastic Press Association. Last year, the convention was in Kansas City at Bartle Hall, but this year it was in Minneapolis, Minn. Northtown, Oak Park, Winnetonka and Staley all rode a charter bus together. The bus left Kansas City at 4:30 in the morning and reached Minneapolis at 1 p.m. The ride home, however, took longer because a snow storm hit Minneapolis just as the bus was leaving. Despite the long ride, senior newspaper editor Lauren Williams enjoyed the bus trip. “It brought me closer to both of the staffs and although we were all tired, it was an amazing time and memory,” said Williams. The JEA Conference had over 100 classes that covered everything from caption writing to how different design software can be used.
Each seminar was taught by a speaker and had anywhere from 50 students to over 200 depending on the subject. Other conferences were held specifically for editors to talk to each other on how to improve publication quality and staff morale. “My favorite class was the editors’ class, because I got a chance to relate with other editors and talk about problems. I’ve faced, and they would give me their opinion on how to solve the problems,” said senior yearbook editor Daniell Hernandez. “I liked going to the advertising class because it gave me a lot of ideas,” said junior yearbook staff member Taylor Steen. “I wanted to see how the other schools were covering the year; homecoming can be done a thousand different ways,” said sophomore Matthew Gutierrez. Another large part of the conference was the competitions. Each staff member from Northtown participated in at least one competition. There were several categories that staff members could participate in: caption writing, photography, carry-in design contests (competitors were given material to create before to bring in), and story writing.
Senior Armand Clemoens won an Honorable Mention award in his competition category, Yearbook Sports Caption and Story Writing. “I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I won honorable mention. I wasn’t sure about how well I did,” Clemoens said. The JEA conference also had activities for the attendees to participate in while in Minneapolis. On Friday, Nov. 19, there was a dance that students could attend, and on Saturday, there was a screening of the musical “Newsies.” Several students decided to check out the dance. “When Armand and I first went, we were weird but became the life of the party,” said junior newspaper staff member Emily Anthony. When students weren’t in classes or competitions, they walked in downtown Minneapolis to see the sights, and took a trip to the Mall of America. “I loved making build-a-bears with my bear buddies Elizabeth and Lauren at the mall. I also loved watching “School of Rock,” playing Uno, and reading books about philosophy in the basement of a really cool old book store that we found,” said Anthony.
Ready, set, debate: Northtown hosts tourney Matthew Howerton staff writer
MATTHEW HOWERTON
Speak now Sophomore Madeline Hazen calls out codes of students entered into extemporaneous speaking under the supervision of North Kansas City teacher Ms. Durrill. Domestic and foreign extemporaneous is an individual event of the National Forensics League that is a speech concerning drawn questions about United States and international problems and/or events. “It was so crazy, I had a blast. I would love to do it again,” said Hazen.
North Kansas City High School’s debate team hosted an invitational during the weekend of Nov. 18-19. The invitational included over 500 students and 28 different schools, packing Northtown’s cafeteria, hallways, and auditorium. Over Friday and Saturday the debate team and forensics participated in over 22 hours of organization, time keeping, ballot intake, judge arrangement, and “tabs”, the counting of ballots and records. Debaters and individuals participated in 14 events including forensic Individual Events, Policy
debate, Public Forum debate, and Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Northtown’s teacher and debate coach, Mr. Martin, was the head chair of judges and tab counting. “It was hard, time consuming, and energy draining. But we did it and had success with flying colors. I am very proud of my debate team. Without their help or the help of other teachers, this event would have been an utter disaster,” said Martin. DECA organized and ran concessions in the South Cafeteria and forensic teachers hosted the hospitality room for teachers and judges. In the end, Liberty High School took first in Sweepstakes of points.
4|news
The Hornet’s Buzz
What you touch, what you don’t know Matthew Howerton staff writer
The AP College Biology class’s surprising discovery of bacteria around Northtown has opened many peoples’ eyes to our environment. In late October, AP College Biology students studied prokaryotes, single celled organisms that do not have membrane-bound organelles, taught by Mrs. Helwig. To study these cells, they got into the surrounding environment. The class of seniors and juniors investigated Northtown and the metro for bacteria. Students swabbed areas such as seats, door knobs, lake water, and gas pumps and let the bacteria grow on petri dishes in an incubator. When the bacteria grew to a
noticeable size, students ‘Graham stained’ the samples of bacteria using a type of Iodine dye for a lab grade. This caused the samples to reflect bright purple or bright pink light for indication of cell walls under a microscope. Graham’s positive shows harmless bacteria and Graham’s negative represents a potential pathogenic characteristic. There were a wide range of discoveries throughout the campus and the metro. Swab tests showed staphylococcus swarming in the fieldhouse bleachers, E. coli covering gas handles, creepy crawlers in the art basement, and spotless water fountains. “It is fascinating and absolutely disgusting at the same time. Getting gas will never be
the same. I definitely keep hand sanitizer in my car now,” said junior Alanna Cone, who tested for E. coli on gas handles at the local QuikTrip. Senior Josephine Gicho said, “Participating in this lab was a great learning process for discovering bacterial environments and cell structures. I am more tedious and cautious about what I touch and what I handle on a regular day-by-day basis.” Shocking bacteria such as staphylococcus was swabbed from Northtown’s own fieldhouse bleachers by senior Delaney Hall. “Absolutely insane!” Hall said. “I never thought that such an awesome lab would yield such disgusting results.”
MATTHEW HOWERTON
Listen up Teacher Ms. Helwig instructs students on lab steps in AP College Biology. The lab had multiple steps that had to be taken with supervision, critique, studying, and broad thinking. “I absolutely love my students. They’re great, and this lab was perfect for learning and hands-on students. This curriculum is extremely difficult and rigorous,” said Helwig.
MATTHEW HOWERTON
Mad scientist training Students use Graham’s iodine dye staining to indicate certain cell walls of bacteria for later study under a microscope. After the dye application, the colors showed bright pink and purple colors for visual interpretation of classification, determination, and bacterium study.
MATTHEW HOWERTON
Wash your hands Growth of E. coli bacteria is evaluated by junior Alanna Cone on a petri dish under magnification and light exposure. This was grown in an incubator from a swab at a local QuikTrip gas handle where Cone went past the expectations for the lab. Cone said, “I adore studying bacteria in our environment. It’s kind of crazy that you don’t know what you touch.”
One Homeless Night event raises awareness Stormy Allen staff writer
The brisk November air whipped against flushed faces as everyone huddled together by the fire. Cardboard boxes surrounded Northtown’s courtyard, but the wind blew away the boxes these kids temporally called ‘home.’ One Homeless Night is an event for NKC students to eat soup and realize just what it means to not have a place you can call home.
Synergy staff member Anthony Every year, more than two Tyler, who volunteered to guest million teenagers face a period speak for One Homeless Night. of homelessness, and over 40 Being a percent are under “It’s a lot different now homeless teen the age of 18. far from easy. These students because we’re with a isTeenagers today may only have to experience it for lot of people, but when seem to take for granted what four hours, but the truly homeless you’re homeless you’re they have and don’t realize how kids face the difficulties of it all alone; that’s probably blessed they are to have a family every day. the hardest part.” and a home. “Out of this “It’s a lot -Abbie Mason year, I’ve redifferent now seen at least 75 because we’re with a lot of people, to 80 percent of our kids,” said
but when you’re homeless you’re all alone; that’s probably the hardest part,” said sophomore Abbie Mason. Everyone listened intently to Tyler as he told them all about Synergy and what they do to best help the homeless teens. “Fifty percent of these kids won’t make it to see their 20th birthday,” said Tyler. Sad faces were clearly displayed at this fact. Tyler asked who knew or had known someone who was homeless and over half the group raised their hand. The sudden realization of
just how serious this matter was seemed to make a really big impact of everyone who attended. “You feel like no one loves you,” said junior Treasure Nye when asked what she thought was the hardest part of being homeless. “When it’s winter and it’s freezing cold outside and you have nowhere to go,” said sophomore Hannah Leach. After everyone had finished their soup, and the guest speaker finished his speech, everyone once again huddled around the fire and let it all soak in.
news|5
Renaissance Council
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Dec. 14, 2011 FOREIGN LANGUAGE:
Julie Youngers
FACS:
Max Irby “My teacher calls me her ‘buffer child,” because I’m versatile and I’m able to do many things.”
EMILY ANTHONY
Julie is a Spanish student. “I enjoy it because it’s interesting to learn about other people’s cultures.”
EMILY ANTHONY
SCIENCE:
Janne Fuss COMMUNICATION ARTS:
Roosevelt Broome IV “I like English because it helps you speak properly. It helps you communicate your ideas.” EMILY ANTHONY
“I like science because you can use some of it in your everyday life and it is used to help people. Everybody can understand it, it’s just about how hard you try.” EMILY ANTHONY
BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY:
NORCLAY BUNCH:
Phil Donnelly
Caleb Roby
EMILY ANTHONY
“I like it because it’s working with your hands and creating things.”
“I just like coming to class!”
EMILY ANTHONY
6|features
The Hornet’s Buzz
Making decisions: seniors face deadlines for life after high school Erin Niederberger copy editor
buzzline
What are your plans for winter break?
You’ve spent hours on this sweating over every word, having countless teachers and family members look it over. This step, however, no one can help you with. You take the mouse and, taking a deep breath, click submit. There’s no going back now. Your college application is on its way. Early December marked the deadline for many college and scholarship applications. Many seniors have wrapped up a long college search and application process, sending their last bits of paperwork off with crossed fingers. Senior Micah McQuerry used lots of interest tests to find a good fit, and also visited many campuses. He had difficulty at first because he hadn’t picked his major, which is an important part of finding a good college. The scariest part of the process, in his opinion, was taking the ACT. In the end, however, he took the simple approach. “My mom took me to a college visit, they had my major, and I applied,” McQuerry said. Analyssa Lopez tried a more hands-on approach in her search. She used resources on collegeboard.com to match colleges to her requirements, and also visited several college fairs. “There are so many colleges to choose from, and every college sounds like fun,” Lopez said. “The scariest part is trying to narrow it
down and thinking I might miss something.” Although college is the popular destination for Northtown students, some want to break the mold. Senior Esmir Drnda planned to take a year off to travel Europe. However, his parents wanted him to go to college, so he’ll probably compromise by going to college in Europe. He’s applied to several local colleges already, as well as some European ones he toured during a trip to Europe last year. What was the scariest part for him? “Thinking I was not going to get accepted,” Drnda said. Luckily, he’s already been accepted to at least one European college. Senior Sean Thompson isn’t going to college at all - at least not yet. Instead, he’s joining the Peace Corps. Why? “College is helping me,” Thompson said. “The Peace Corps is helping others.” Although his parents would prefer for him to go to college, Thompson says they’re supportive. “Other people think I should go to college,” he said, “but you gotta do what you gotta do.” He doesn’t know if he’ll be admitted yet, but if he isn’t, he plans to find some other way to help people. However, Thompson warns students to be cautious when exploring opportunities other than college. “If it’s positive to the world
“I’m going Christmas shopping in Ohio!”-Freshman Caressa Kuy
or other people, then yes, you should do it,” he said. “If it’s just something you think you’d enjoy, I’d say go to college.” Grayson Gist chose to apply to the Air Force Academy, although he won’t know until March if he’s accepted. “I want to fly,” he said, giving his reason. When it came to choosing a college, students seemed to hold certain factors as most important. Finding a school that was strong in the chosen major was a definite deciding factor, but the size, reputation, financial aid opportunities, and location (whether close enough to visit family or far away to broaden horizons) all played a role. Those students attending college have advice for juniors beginning their own search. “Start now,” McQuerry advised, “and take the ACT.” Lopez added, “Be open to everything. Some colleges you’ve never heard of will be a really good fit for you. Don’t only look at the names you know.” “Start early on the process before school gets too stressful,” Gist said. “Also, apply to many places to have better options. You can never have too many.” Although most applications have been sent in, seniors can enjoy a period of relaxation before their biggest choice - which college to attend - arrives. May 1, commonly known as Decision Day, is still several months away, allowing students time to deliberate before making their final decision.
“I’m doing nothing.” -Senior Bennett Lowery
Top College Choices of Northtown Students 2012 Where are your classmates planning to attend next year? Currently, the class of 2012 has sent the most applications to the following colleges.
1. University of Missouri Columbia 2. University of Missouri Kansas City
PHOTO COURTESY OF COURTNEY KUBAYKO
Send it in Senior Micah McQuerry takes advantage of a free block in band class to work on his college and scholarship applications. Many schools’ priority scholarship deadlines arrived on Dec. 1 or soon afterward, so students were encouraged to send in applications before that date.
Seniors have mixed emotions as their four years of high school draw to a close. “I’m excited,” Drnda admitted. Lopez was torn, saying “I’m really excited, but I think it’ll be hard to leave everyone I know.” Gist agreed, saying, “I’m extremely nervous, but excited for a new experience.” However, McQuerry said, “I’ll always be here in my heart.”
“I’m fighting a dinosaur!” -Junior Greg Kitchens
3. Northwest Missouri State University 4. Missouri State University 5. University of Central Missouri 6. University of Kansas 7. William Jewell College 8. Truman State University 9. Maple Woods Community College 10. University of Arkansas
“I’m finding the dinosaur!” -Junior Shannan Henderson
features|7
Dec. 14, 2011
Three ways to look cute, yet stay warm Emily Anthony staff writer
As the colder weather rolls in, a great challenge arises: how to be look cute without freezing to death. Luckily, this can be accomplished without having to buy a whole new set of winter clothes. 1. LAYERING The most obvious way to keep in the warmth is layering. Layers trap the heat and keep the cold from getting too close. Layering tops can add color and texture to any outfit. However, you can also sneak in a layer or two under a long sleeved shirt or jacket to stay warm and since it’s underneath it doesn’t always have to match. 2. TIGHTS This one is mostly for girls. Tights are wonderful when it comes to being cute and warm.
Not the thin hose or leggings, but actual thick tights that can keep your legs warm. They’re a great alternative to wearing jeans everyday. Thick tights allow you to wear skirts, dresses, or even over-sized hoodies and still be warm. 3. HATS AND SOCKS A large percentage of your body heat is lost from your head and your feet. In cold weather, hats and socks are absolutely essential, even if they don’t always fit the outfit you want to wear. The trick is finding something that looks good on you, that you would want to wear. Taking the extra time to find a hat that suits you is worth it. Finding the socks that are comfortable but also keep you warm is worth it too. Instead of thinking of hats and socks as just necessities, think of them as accessories.
ZOE LEWIS
Lovely layers Layers are an essential part of staying warm in winter. However, the layers don’t always have to match. An extra long sleeved thermal or pair of shorts under your outfit can make all the difference.
Winter holiday traditions at Northtown Elizabeth Craig design editor
This year, Winter Break is from Dec. 22 - Jan. 4. During those two and a half weeks, there are several major holidays: Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s Eve. Northtown students all spend the break differently. Some go on trips, while others spend the break at home. Here’s a look at some Winter Break traditions. Some families that celebrate Christmas remember the holiday with family dinners and gifts. “Before Christmas my parents hide a pickle ornament on the tree and whoever finds the pickle first gets to open the first present.” - Maddy Mars, 11 “On Christmas Eve we have a winter feast with family and neighbors, then everyone will open up presents. The next morning everyone comes over again and we have breakfast together.” - Angela Gutierrez, 10 “My family all gets together to eat a lot of food and play football.” - Patrick Howard, 11
“Everyone meets at my Grandma’s house for Christmas and she makes home made egg nog” - Thomas Swope, 12 “Over winter break my family all gets together for Christmas dinner and everyone has to bring a different food.” - Fabio Sonda, 10 “Every year my family makes tamales for dinner.” - David Caseo, 11 “We always open our gifts together on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas morning.” - Haley Daniels, 11 “My grandma makes peanut butter cookies with Hershey kisses in the middle just for Christmas, they’re my favorite.” - Hannah Leach, 10 “My family goes to church, then we open one present on Christmas Eve. In the morning we open the rest. My grandma also makes Mexican Mole for Christmas dinner.” - Ceres Campos, 12 “My grandma makes hashbrown casserole just for me because it’s my favorite.” - Dominic Lopez, 9 Some families use the two and a half weeks to travel, either just
to their grandparent’s house or around the world. “Sometimes my family will visit India over Winter break.” - Kayla Chinnaswamy, 11 “Every two years my family will go to Nigeria over Winter Break.” - Chinelo Ezeuka, 10 “We spend a lot of time with family that we don’t see a lot.” - Heather Johnson, 10 “We go to my aunt’s house to visit family.” - Jessica Kennedy, 12 “Sometimes we visit my great grandparents in Iowa.” - Lauren Mullins, 12 However, some Hornets just stay at home to relax and hang out with their family. “My family watches ‘Elf’ and we play intense sessions of Rock Band.” - Cheyanne Neilson, 11 “My family gets into Nerf Wars and goes to church together.” -Jonathan Becker, 11 “Before and during winter break, I play a lot of dreidel and win lots of chocolate coins.” - Selena Montes, 11 Whatever holiday you’re celebrating this Winter Break, just remember to stay safe, stay warm, and stay classy, Northtown.
STOCK IMAGES
8|features
The Hornet’s Buzz
Meet your Northtown security team
Alex Grant staff writer
Ever wonder who that man or woman is that you see roaming the halls, wearing a STAFF shirt and khaki pants? These people are your Hornet security team and they are here to keep both students and staff safe.
Jason Starnes has been working with the security team since last February. “My favorite part about my job is that it’s different every day,” said Starnes. “My favorite spot is the Fieldhouse because I like to talk to the coaches, but my least favorite parts are the Advisory days or being the crossing guard because it’s cold.”
Marca Robinson is the only woman on the Northtown security team and she loves her job. “I’ve been working here since last January. I really like getting to know all of the students.” Even though Robinson enjoys what she does, there are some downsides. “I don’t like reminding kids to do the right thing more than once. When I ask you to take your hat off, take it off,” said Robinson.
Phil Zaragosa AKA “Little Phil” is going on his second year as part of the security team. “My favorite part is working with the team as one unit and being back in high school,” said Zaragosa. “I don’t really have a least favorite part because I was a cop for 17 years so this is a piece of cake.”
Phil Hudson AKA “Big Phil” has been with the security team for two years. “My favorite spot is the rover because you get to see all the action while roaming the halls,” said Hudson. “I love interacting with the kids, but my least favorite part of working is the East doors. You can’t leave it because so many kids come through.”
LaMont White has only been with the security team for five months, but he loves his job none the less. “I don’t like walking in the cold, but I love interacting with the kids,” said White. “My favorite job is the rover because I don’t have to stay in one spot.”
No matter what job they’re doing, the security team is here to help. Make sure you say hi next time you pass by! ALL PHOTOS BY ALEX GRANT
New face at Northtown: Mr. Hall Rylie Lyons contributing writer
As it is his first year of teaching high school, Mr. Hall isn’t but a freshman himself. Hall moved up to the high school level from Eastgate Middle School, where he taught for 15 years. Those who know him probably know him as a Social Studies teacher who claims he is “just trying to make less hate in my corner of the world,” or as Northtown’s varsity baseball coach. What most people don’t know is that Hall is also a woodcraftsman.
A self-described competitive person, Hall is always up for a challenge. Once having seen a segment on television of an actor that had created a woodcraft worthy to be marveled at, he thought it to be ridiculous, yet wanted to give it a go. In the past 20 years or so, he has already managed many accomplishments. With the knack of self-taught techniques, he has constructed many tables, chairs, desks, dressers, quilt racks, coffee and sofa tables. Alongside his loving hobby, Hall revealed a heartwarming story.
“I have been making chairs, one for each of my kids,” he said. He plans for his children to have their own chairs, made by him. For his eldest son, age 10, he made an oak rocking chair. His second child, 9, has a mahogany morris chair. The third child, age 6, doesn’t yet have a chair, but the magic is in the process. His youngest will have to wait in line, but he’ll get there. Woodworking takes much time, skill, patience, and creativity. Outside the classroom and off the field, he’s a master of the craft.
RYLIE LYONS
New to Northtown Hall is one of many new teachers that joined the Northtown family this year. Hall not only teaches Social Studies, but he also coaches baseball and is a skilled woodcraftsman. He has made all kinds of chairs and furniture for his family.
features|9
Dec. 14, 2011
Family ties: Dealing with siblings at school Lauren Williams editor-in-chief
Imagine have someone who knows everything about youyour likes, dislikes, your goals, and your fears. This person is a permanent part of your life, regardless of the struggles and hardships life throws at you. That person? Your brother or sister. Having a sibling changes your life experiences, including high school, and makes them unique. Each sibling has certain qualities and personality quirks that makes them special to their other sibling. “The best part for me is that I always have someone I can relate to,” said senior Eli Warren. “The best part about having an older brother is being able to talk to them and knowing he understands where I’m coming from,” said junior Callie Warren. With a sibling, memories are created, whether good or bad. “The best memory of hanging out with Abby would have to be whenever we go to the lake together. We always have a great time,” sophomore Emily Reyes said.
When your sibling is so close to you in age, sometimes fights and disagreements arise. “I’m always looking out for him, because he usually looks kind of lost. We do fight but it’s usually not about anything important and we get over it pretty quick,” said
senior Sam Riley. “We’ve become close friends because we don’t fight as much anymore,” said freshman Jacob Riley. However, some siblings are hoping to establish their own identities in having a sibling in the
same high school as one another. “Because of our age closeness, I know he doesn’t want to associate with me at times because he doesn’t want to be known as ‘Sarrah’s little brother,’” said senior Sarrah Hunt. “I don’t feel like anything is changed with having a sibling close in age to me. There are things that makes having a sibling hard at times,” said freshman Logan Hunt. Sometimes, siblings can be close despite their differing interests. “Scott and I get along pretty well. It’s really rewarding to be able to show him the ropes of high school,” said senior Andrea Johnson. It’s a whole different experience having a twin in high school with you. “Even though we’re a little more introverted, I am glad I have her with me. I know she’s always going to be there to back me up. We are identical, but we’re individuals and we get along fairly well,” said junior Jessica Rambo.
“She’s a fireball, but I know she’d be willing to go to war for me. She’s always willing to defend me,”said junior Erika Rambo. Throughout the years, siblings have the good, bad, and sad memories with them as they continue their lives-whether they live near one another or not. “I will always remember when we made hand turkeys in psychology as a happy memory, and I will always remember the day Erika was diagnosed with PTSDwhich is post traumatic stress disorder,” said Jessica Rambo. Siblings are there for one another no matter what happens in their life, the miles between the two, and regardless of past fights or disagreements. “Everything we do together is unique to me. It could be all the small things like hanging out together or having common friends. Having Zoe as my sister makes my high school experience that much more memorable,” senior Devon Smith said.
“Having Zoe as my sister makes my high school experience that much more memorable.”
- Devon Smith, senior
LAUREN WILLIAMS
A day of fun Sophomore Emily Reyes hangs out with her sister, senior Abby Reyes, after her treble choir concert at Crown Center. The sisters spend time with one another every chance they get-cooking, driving to school together, and doing homework together. “It’s nice knowing I have someone to blame things on,” said Abby Reyes.
LAUREN WILLIAMS
I’ve got you Freshman Jacob Riley holds his brother, senior Sam Riley, in his arms. Both brothers are in Jazz band together, and relate to one another over common interests in sports. “The best thing for me is sometimes we mix stuff up with our backpacks on accident,” said Sam Riley.
LAUREN WILLIAMS
Lean on me Supporting her younger sister sophomore Zoe Smith, is senior Devon Smith. Both sisters are in I.B. and are able to relate to one another about I.B. events. “I know that I’m never alone. I will always have someone to watch tv, eat and play games with,” said Zoe Smith.
10|features
The Hornet’s Buzz
Your tips: How to survive final exams Stormy Allen
“Ask teachers questions.”
staff writer
“Aspirin - for the headaches.”
“Study.”
“Don’t eat junk food; it makes you stupid.”
“Reread questions.”
“Get lots of sleep.”
“Eat fruit; it makes you ‘smartical.”’
Stressing about finals? Are you spending countless, sleepless nights cramming? Here are some tips to help you survive end-of-semester finals... “Don’t do group study sessions because you’ll just end up talking the whole time.”
“Despite popular belief, lay off the caffeine it just makes you jittery.”
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“Stay on top of things.”
Western is an equal opportunity institution.
“Relax, and don’t rush.”
“Eat breakfast.”
“Study a lot, ahead of time. Don’t wait until the last minute.”
sports|11
Dec. 14, 2011
Winter sports teams start new seasons the boys shared that a lack of communication can be a problem but when they do it is also a As the weather changes, so do strength. the sports here at Northtown. When asked, senior Enoch The girls’ and boys’ basketball Berhanu said that he is most team, girls’ swim and dive team, looking forward to winning and the wrestling team have games and bonding with his begun their seasons with high teammates. hopes. “I love it Team captain and I think I “I’m really Taylor Thompson have improved has set her goals looking forward drastically,” said for the varsity girls’ Berhanu. to having a lot of basketball team on “I’m really making it to State. looking forward wins and being “When we to having a lot of communicate, it can wins and being surrounded by be a strength but surrounded by a good team this a good team this when we don’t, it can be a weakness,” she year,” said senior year.” - Kole said. Kole Hannah. Thompson stated The wrestling Hanna that she felt as if team admits that Staley would be the discipline is one team’s biggest competition. of their biggest strengths, which Similar to the girls, the boys is a big part of wrestling. varsity basketball team has their “Goals for the team are to goal set on winning. work hard and show respect,” “Our goal is to win as many junior Jason Mulvaney said. games as possible. Win, win, Overall, the wrestlers have win!” junior Roy Clater said. their eyes set on Districts and Like many other teams, State.
Endia Moore staff writer
DANIELL HERNANDEZ
Preparing for battle Sophomore Milton Hall prepares to take on his opponent from William Chrisman. This is Hall’s first year on the wrestling team for Northtown. The Hornets’ next wrestling match will take place here at home in the fieldhouse against Park Hill and Truman.
Northtown creates bond with Northstar be done around cones in groups and the first group to finish was editor-in-chief the winner. The basketball boys go for The activities were then a shot, and straight into the finished off with a popular spot community’s hearts. shot competition. On Nov. 19, the boys’ basketball Players would get one team held an event with special minute on the clock to shoot education students. from wherever These students they were most formed a Special “The best part of this comfortable. Olympics team event was the family The time and called Northstar, number of baskets created made were kept up comprised of atmosphere students from all by the bond between on the scoreboard four high school added a sense Hornets and and within the district. the of excitement. This event was Northstar teams.” “The best held in order to part of this event Coach Fundermann help the Special was the family Olympics team atmosphere kick off their season and work on created by the bond between the their skills at playing basketball. Hornets and Northstar teams,” Basketball coach Theo said Fundermann. Fundermann hosted the event. The Northstar team competes Players worked on offensive in tournaments throughout the skills like dribbling, passing and Kansas City metro. shooting. Each skill was turned Meanwhile, the Hornets are into a mini competition. playing their way through their Dribbling, for example, would own season.
Lauren Williams
PHOTO COURTESY OF COREY MCCUNE
He shoots, he scores! The Northtown players cheer a boy on as he tries his hand at the sport. The Northtown basketball team held this event with Northstar to work on passing, shooting, and dribbling.
12|sports
The Hornet’s Buzz
What’s your favorite sports team? Ryan Welliver staff writer
Fans cheer: that means sports are here. Every competitive event is some sort of sport, and where there are sports there are people rooting for one team and or a certain person. Let’s narrow the sports to just football and basketball. Northtown has many students that have their own opinion about sports teams. In dealing with college teams, most of the time in this area one
would say either Mizzou or Kansas, but with Mizzou leaving to a different conference, that rivalry might become extinct. “I like MU because KU sucks,” junior Taylor Thompson said. She is not the only person that thinks that way. “I like MU because I hate KU,”junior Jzsa Berymon said. KU has some love at Northtown too. “My favorite college team is KU because I grew up in Kansas,”
junior Greg Kitchens said. “I like KU because I grew up in Kansas, and my parents work for their athletic department,” math teacher Ms. Fitch said. Even though geographically Kansas City is in the middle of these two universities, not everyone likes one of them. “My favorite college team is Texas because they are the best,” senior Jeremy Bain said. “Hook them horns.” “My favorite college team is
Baylor, because they play good basketball,” junior Lauren Austin said. What do students have to say about the big leagues, the NFL and the NBA? “I like the San Diego Chargers and the Boston Celtics because they are both awesome,”sophomore Damion Mullikin said. “I like the Chargers because they are in my hometown, and my favorite NBA team is the Orlando
Magic because they have Dwight Howard,” Thompson said. “I like the Carolina Panthers without Cam Newton, and the Chicago Bulls because of Derick Rose,” sophomore Yel Yel said. “I like the Kansas City Chiefs because they are the hometown team, and the Celtics because of Ray Allen,” Austin said. Regardless of who you cheer for, or if you don’t like sports at all, just be happy with who or what you stick with.
JANUARY SPORTS CALENDAR JV Girls’ Basketball Jan 02 5:30 PM at Winnetonka vs. Winnetonka Jan 03 5:30 PM at Ruskin vs. Ruskin Jan 05 5:30 PM at NKCHS vs. St. Joe Central Jan 20 5:30 PM at Blue Springs S vs. Blue Springs South Jan 23 5:30 PM at Lee’s Summit W Jan 26 5:30 PM at Park Hill vs. Park Hill
Girls’ Swim and Dive Jan 06 TBA at the Gladstone Community
Center (GGC).
Park Hill Invite. Jan 07 TBA at the GGC Park Hill Invite
Jan 12-14 4:00 PM at Henley Aquatic KC Metro Invite
Jan 17 4:00 PM at GCC
vs. St. Pius/ Kearney Jan 24 4:00 PM at Henly Aquatic
vs. Liberty/ Truman Jan 28 TBA at Lee’s Summit JV Conference Jan 31 4:00 PM at the GCC vs. Lee’s Summit West
Varsity Girls’ Basketball Jan 02 7:00 PM at Winnetonka vs. Winnetonka Jan 03 7:00 PM at Ruskin vs. Ruskin Jan 05 7:00 PM at NKCHS vs. St. Joe Central Jan 20 7:00 PM at Blue Springs S vs. Blue Springs South Jan 23 7:00 PM at Lee’s Summit W vs. Lee’s Summit West
Jan 26 7:00 PM at Park Hill vs. Park Hill Jan 30 TBA at NKCHS Northtown Classic Jan 31 TBA at NKCHS Northtown Classic
Wrestling Jan 04 6:00 PM at Raytown S vs. Raytown S Jan 13 6:00 PM at NKCHS vs. Winnetonka/Grandview
Jan 17 at 6:00 PM at NKCHS Norclay
vs. Liberty North Jan 24 6:00 PM at NKCHS vs. St. Joe Central Jan 27 TBA at Liberty Liberty Tour Jan 28 TBA at Liberty Liberty Tour Jan 31 6:00 PM at Fort Osage vs. Fort Osage/ Raytown
Varsity Boys’ Basketball Jan 03 7:00 PM at NKCHS vs. Park Hill Jan 06 7:00 PM at Ruskin vs. Ruskin Jan 09-14 TBA at Kearney Tour Jan 17-20 TBA at NKCHS Tour Jan 24 7:00 PM at St. Joe Central Jan 27 7:00 PM at Lee Summit W Jan 31 7:00 PM at Truman vs. Truman
JV Varsity Boys’ Basketball Jan 03 5:30 PM at NKCHS vs. Park Hill Jan 06 5:30 PM at Ruskin vs. Ruskin Mills Jan 24 5:30 PM at St. Joe Central vs. St. Joe Central Jan 31 5:30 PM at Truman vs. Truman
opinions|13
Dec. 14, 2011
Making the Grade
Endia Moore staff writer
Hot Dog Church
A
Everyone loves free hot dogs, chips, and soda, but let’s show our appreciation by throwing away trash instead of leaving it on the ground.
C
It definitely has not been the most steady weather, but it is slightly better than last year’s.
The Weather
Uggs
B
These are by far the most winter efficient shoes but if it’s cold enough to wear boots than it’s cold enough to wear pants with them, not shorts
SAT, ACT: Do standardized tests really predict your future successes? Tierra Samuel staff writer
For the last four decades, student scores on standardized testing have dominated whether students make it into college. Most American colleges believe that tests such as the ACT and SAT can indeed determine the path you will take after high school. I believe these test are given too much glory. These tests are like bricks on average high school students’ shoulders.
With the wrong score, you won’t be able to get into the Ivy League schools, or maybe not be accepted into any college. Standardized tests are a fact of life in our school careers, but one of the most important of them all is the Scholastic Aptitude Test. The SAT is a three-hour exam that is supposed to measure a high school student’s chance of academic success in the first year of college. This is a major test depending on where you want to attend college or if you want to attend at all.
The ACT or American College Test is just as important as the SAT. All colleges accept the ACT scores. Some states even require students to take this test. The ACT is a test of knowledge and reasoning skills, rather than a test of test-taking skills. Test taking is a skill that some master and some completely fail. Students that have test anxieties have more pressures when taking this test. These tests influence our future successes or failures, whether we like it or not.
High Heels
D
Sometimes it’s nice to get dressed when you’re going out, but wearing high heels on an open campus school is not necessary. If you are unable to walk in them, there is no reason to wear them.
The Buzz Cart
A
It’s convenient, cheap, and has the snacks that everyone likes.
Eddie’s Edibles
A
Eddie’s Edibles cupcakes taste great and there is a variety of different flavors, almost one for every day of the week!
BUZZ CORRECTION Last issue, The Buzz incorrectly identified the following in a list of football seniors: Cameron Madison (#3) Jeremy Bain (#34), and Geoffrey Borque (#68) should have been included. Also, Alija Omerovic’s number should have been 14. The Buzz staff regrets the error.
uzz
B e Th ff Sta
ELIZABETH CRAIG
Study Up Senior Katesha Long begins a practice test for the English section of the ACT practice test. Long and other students had the opportunity to stay after school to practice with Ms. Scroggs for a chance to raise their ACT scores. “Going to the afterschool sessions with Ms. Scroggs really made me feel better about going into the test,” said Long.
Editor-in-Chief Lauren Williams Copy Editor Erin Niederberger Design Editor Elizabeth Craig Staff Writers Stormy Allen Emily Anthony Alexandra Grant Matthew Howerton Andrea Johnson Zoe Lewis Endia Moore Cierra Murphy Tierra Samuel Ryan Welliver Adviser Mrs. Mary Prichard
Policies of the Buzz • The North Kansas City High School newspaper, The Hornet’s Buzz, is part of the educational curriculum of North Kansas City School District. Although the paper is a class activity, NKCHS students may submit materials, such as stories, photography, or art, for publication consideration. Students should bring any submissions to Room MN-219. Submissions may be edited for content, length and grammar. • The Buzz is a student publication that is published in accordance with Board of Education Policy IGBDStudent Publications. School-sponsored publications and productions are part of the curriculum and are not a public forum for general student use. School authorities may edit or delete material
which is inconsistent with the district’s legitimate educational concerns. All student media shall comply with the ethics and rules of responsible journalism. • Any person with an interest in the NKCHS community is encouraged to submit letters to the editor. All letters must be signed. All signatures will be verified through a phone call or personal interview. Letters should be fewer than 400 words in length. The Buzz reserves the right to edit any letter for grammatical errors, libelous content, or space limitations. Letters to the Editor may be emailed to lauren@nkcbuzz. com, or mailed to North Kansas City High School, 620 East 23rd Avenue, North Kansas City, Missouri, 64116.
• If written, staff editorials will not be signed and will reflect the opinion of the majority of the staff members. Commentaries and columns, on the other hand, will be signed and reflect the individual writer’s views. • The Buzz is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association, Missouri Interscholastic Press Association, Journalism Educators of Metropolitan Kansas City, and Journalism Education Association. Some material is courtesy of MCT Campus HS Newspaper Service. • If you are interested in advertising with The Buzz, please contact us at (816) 413-5970 or email taylor@nkcbuzz.com. • The Buzz is printed by The Sedalia Democrat of Sedalia, Mo.
14|arts&entertainment
The Hornet’s Buzz
Feelin’ fly like it’s Quidditch Lauren Williams editor-in-chief
Breaking free from the binds of J.K. Rowling’s infamous series, Harry Potter, Quidditch has made its way to colleges and might be even closer to you than you think. In Harry Potter, Quidditch is a sport played among all the wizards on broomsticks. The gameplay includes three goal posts on each side, and two different teams. Each team is comprised of three chasers, two beaters, one keeper, and one seeker. Additionally, the game involves four balls: the quaffle, two bludgers, and the Golden Snitch. The goal of Quidditch is like any other sport: score more goals than the opposing team. According to the IQA ( International Quidditch Association), they have three goals: to foster a culture of creativity, to create, connect and enhance their communities; and to facilitate competition. In order to make the game of Quidditch as much their own as possible, the IQA made some changes to the rules: each team would have seven athletes, playing four different positions, and using the three different balls. Currently, the rules are as follows: Each player must have a broomstick in between their legs at all times. Each team must have three chasers, two beaters, one keeper, and a seeker. The quaffle is a volleyball and is used to score goals, which are worth ten points a piece.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BOB BOOTH/FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM/MCT
Three rings, one goal On Mar. 27, 2010 in Grapevine, Texas, a game of Quidditch is being played with a college team. Quidditch is slowly becoming more recognized throughout the nation. J.K. Rowling’s fictional sport is slowly being brought to life around college campuses.
The keeper defends the goals, and the beaters uses balls called bludgers to ‘knock out’ other players to prevent them from scoring. Each team has a seeker whose sole purpose is to go after the Snitch. The Snitch is a tennis ball within a tube sock which is tucked into the waistband of the Snitch runner. The Snitch runner is not a part of either team and is not required to have a broomstick.
He or she can use any means necessary to get away from whoever is trying to capture the Snitch. The game does not end until the Snitch is successfully captured; allowing the team who captured it to gain thirty points. If the two teams are even, they go into overtime like any other sport. In 2005, Middlebury College held the very first Quidditch game, which has spawned a chain reaction resulting in 100 teams
and 2,000 athletes joining in for the chance to win the World Cup. “I love it. Although, with the books at an end, it brings me a sense of nostalgia,” said social studies teacher Laurel Maslowski. Looking to attend a college and potentially participate in Quidditch? The top five schools are: Middlebury College, University of Kansas, Louisiana State University, Texas A & M, and Emerson College.
Bring your Nimbus 2000 On Oct. 9, 2010, University of Miami college students participate in the newly founded game of Quidditch. Quidditch uses brooms-just like out of Harry Potter, except now, they can’t fly.
Not only does Quidditch offer students an alternative sport, it also does not gender discriminate. “It’s cool, I’ve read the books and seen the movies,” said senior Christian Folsom. Additionally, junior students Max Irby, Al Canole, and Craig Fanniel have been working hard to establish a Quidditch Club at Northtown. “Right now, us captains meet every Tuesdays and Thursdays to practice. When it comes to the expenses of the club, we plan on fundraising to afford the costs of equipment, uniforms, and anything else that has funds,” said Fanniel. Sponsoring the soon-to-be Quidditch Club is Spanish teacher Joaquin Cuni. “This club is an opportunity to know other students,exercise, and share your passion for the world of Harry Potter,” said Cuni. If you’re interested in joining, see captains Craig Fanniel, Al Canole, or Max Irby. Tryouts are being held this week. If you want to try out, meet in front of the foyer in front of Gym 3. The tryouts will be outside, so dress warmly. “People trying out should be aware that this is a sport and all three of us are all very serious about it,” said Irby. Quidditch is spreading quickly throughout the nation, and even though players aren’t flying on their broomsticks, they’re soaring towards making this new sport popular and unique. To learn more: visit www. internationalquidditch.org
Representing KU Quidditch History teachers Laurel Maslowski and Annie Miller show their support for Quidditch with K.U. shirts. Miller has a brother who plays on his college Quidditch team.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHARLES MOSTOLLER/MIAMI HERALD/MCT LAUREN WILLIAMS
arts&entertainment|15
Dec. 14, 2011
Students perform ‘outside the box’ Talent Show Results: •
• •
ENDIA MOORE
Smiles and microphones Sophomore Adriana Averette walks off the stage with her boyfriend, junior Dionte Tatum. The couple sang a duet for the talent show.
ENDIA MOORE
Spitting a sick rhyme Senior Darius Glasgow raps during the talent show. The show was organized by teacher Monika Rojas Beck and her advisory class.
Musical review The actors and actresses worked very hard rehearsing and performing this play. Ponty was “How to Succeed in Business the male lead, played by senior Without Really Trying” is a Jacob Gutierrez. story about a window washer, J. “The musical was really fun Pierrepont “Ponty” Finch, using and a great experience,” said a book to climb up the corporate Gutierrrez. ladder. In the midst of his success, Rosemary, the female lead, he falls in love with Rosemary was played by senior Alex Grant. Pilkington. Ponty’s biggest “I really liked it because it was competition was company head my first time in Mr. Biggley’s a musical and nephew Bud I thought it Frump. was fun. I got Po n t y ’s to meet a lot of plan to climb great people. the corporate Also, I earned ladder comes ten bucks for to a halt when making out an advertising with Jacob,” plan fails Grant said. because of Mr. The story Biggley. Mr. line was Biggley had really good. leaked very The play as a confidential whole was well information to A duet Alex Grant and Jacob Gutierrez as choreographed his lover Hedy Rosemary and Finch, respectively, in the and put during one of production of “How to Succeed in Business together. The their late night Without Really Trying.” hard work put rendezvous. into the play Despite all this, J. Pierrepont still was illuminated through each rises to the top at the end of play scene and song. and marries Rosemary.
Tierra Samuel staff writer
ENDIA MOORE
Bow Down Sophomore Morgan Thompson performs in the talent show with a one of a kind dance. His dance earned him the first-place award. The “Think Outside the Box” talent show took place on Nov. 17 and raised money in conjunction with the “One Homeless Night” event.
1st- Sophomore Morgan Thompson, with his dancing routine 2nd- Senior Destiny Jones, who recited a poem 3rd- Sophomore Trevor Tournear, with his drum routine
Judges looked at: • Creativity of the act, • Stage performance, • Overall performance of their act
Book Review:
Orange is the New Black Zoe Lewis staff writer
PHOTO: BOOK COVER
Today you wake up 20 minutes before school starts, put on your new kicks, and fly down the road to school. Grab a chocolate milk from the cafeteria, slide a ten sack to your friend, and finally reach the class room a minute before the bell rings. Time to fall asleep while your physics teacher gives a lecture on that one thing that has to do with gravity. Ten years later, you wake up in a jail cell. Piper Kerman paints a portrait in her memoir, “Orange Is the New Black,” of spending a year in federal prison. Wake up - this is one picture you don’t want to smoke away.
She smears the darkest hues of prison all over the pages in hopes to pencil in bright shades of smart choices in your mind. Kerman’s story twists the contour lines with the ladies she formed a bond with in prison and the empty space left in her illustration: her family. Orange Is the New Black shows us the ripple effect of the choices we make today. Whether small or big, our choices like each drip of water can land you in several directions. Take this book as a picture of where one drip can lead you later in life. Kerman’s memoir is a beautifully illustrated portrait that shines light on the darkness we often mistake to be a bit lighter.
16|arts&entertainment
“I just, I felt like a freak. I guess what I’m trying to say is I want to liberate them, I want to free them of their fears and make them feel that they can create their own space in the world.” Emily Anthony - Lady Gaga
Mais je su
The Hornet’s Buzz
is un arti
staff writer
But I a
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, better known as Lady Gaga, is a singer and songwriter who has revolutionized music and style. She began her career playing shows in Manhattan’s Lower East Side and was signed with her first label by the end of 2007. Employed there as a songwriter, she captured the attention of many with her vocal capabilities. Lady Gaga began her official ascension to fame with the release of her first album “The Fame” in 2008. The album was a critical and commercial success that included international number-one singles “Just Dance” and “Poker Face.” After embarking on the Fame Ball Tour, she followed with the album “The Fame Monster” which spawned the worldwide hit singles “Bad Romance,” “Telephone,” and “Alejandro.” They allowed her to embark on the 18-month Monster Ball tour which became one of the highest grossing concerts of all time. Her most recent album “Born this Way,” which dropped in early 2011, topped the charts of most major markets and generated even more international hits. Lady Gaga’s autobiographical video for her song “Marry the
Night” released on Dec. 2 and racked up over 13 million views in under a week. In addition to her musical career, she involves herself with humanitarianism and LGBT activism. Lady Gaga is well recognized for her flamboyant and diverse contributions to the music industry through fashion, performance and music videos. She has sold an estimated 23 million albums and 64 million singles worldwide, making her one of the best selling music artist of all time. Her achievements include five Grammys, four Guinness
World Records, and 13 MTV Music Awards. Lady Gaga has consecutively appeared on Billboard's “Artists of the Year” list and scored the definitive title in 2010. She came in at number eleven on Forbes’ list of “Most Influential Women,” beating out Oprah. She was also named one of the most influential people in the world by Time magazine. Love her or hate her, Lady Gaga is an undeniable force in the art and entertainment industry. With her music, she sends a message of being yourself and loving who you are. She may easily be the pop music icon of our time.
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PHOTO CREDITS: ALBUM COVERS, EDITED BY EMILY ANTHONY
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