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Obama visits Ford plant
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FEATURES: Student car profiles
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A&E:
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Graffiti as art
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O Y, M T I C AS ANS
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SPORTS:
Boys soccer in gear
COVER PHOTO BY SHANNON HORTON IN COMPLETE CONTROL In the soccer game against Oak Park High School on September 24, senior Morgan Thompson takes the ball down field toward the goal. Read more soccer news on page 10.
2|editorial
Jaywalking penalty too harsh
Many have heard about the recent reinforcement of the “No Jaywalking” rule here at Northtown, ever since it was presented to us over NTV a few weeks ago. Since then, administrators, crossing-guards and the campus police officers have been doing all they could do to ensure that students take this rule seriously. Here at the Buzz, we believe that the enforcement of this rule is necessary and will only keep all students safe. Northtown students, more often than not, seem to ignore the law when it comes to jaywalking. To some students just crossing the street may not be a big deal, to the person driving it can be irritating or even causing panic if they don’t see the person immediately. Thinking that it will save them time during passing periods, students will often cut across the street to try to get from Main to Norclay
or vice versa in a timelier fashion, disregarding the oncoming traffic. Seeing
Students tend to think that pedestrians have the rightof-way, while this is unde-
The Buzz’s View Jaywalking is a problem around Northtown, but there are more options for enforcement of the law. how they only get 7 minutes to get from the back of Norclay to the 3rd floor of main, students believe cutting across the street might help them escape the rush and therefore get to class quicker. These jaywalkers tend not to think of the consequences that they could be left to face as a result of their actions, though.
niably false. It is our duty as pedestrians to avoid cars and to cross the street only where it is appropriate, and legal, for us to do so. So, after all of the disregard to the rule, the North Kansas City Police Department decided to take matters into their own hands. They are now issuing $80 tickets for students caught
Editorial Cartoon:
jaywalking and refusal to pay these tickets may result in court appearances and even jail time. At the Buzz, as much as we agree with the enforcement of the rule, we do, however, think that these consequences are a bit too excessive. We understand what the police are trying to do- make the consequences so bad that no one would even think of violating the rule, but we think that the fine should be a bit less, at least. Or maybe students caught jaywalking should get a first offence warning, instead of a ticket or court date right away. We think that students, should respect privileges to attend an open campus school, and learn responsibility and follow the law. After all, in the real world, jaywalking will still be illegal after we graduate and we will all have to stop doing it sooner or later.
Sabrina Merrill cartoonist
The Hornet’s Buzz Letter to the Editor At the Homecoming Assembly, I witnessed the best assembly I have ever seen and I have seen many, many assemblies in my 61 years connected with the NKC Schools. Students were well behaved, literally hundreds were involved with very little faculty help or intervention. The talent was remarkable and obviously the students were having fun. In this day when young people are sometimes considered non caring and a little wild, it sure wasn’t obvious at the assembly. I particularly liked the students being involved in all aspects of the assembly. Congratulations to the staff and students for a great experience. All the guests who were there for the Hall of Fame Presentations felt the same as I did. -Art Pfaft Former assistant principal at NKCHS
Buzzline Sabrina Merrill staff writer
What was your scariest Halloween memory?
“I’m terrified of clowns and a games kid from Worlds Of Fun came up behind me with a clown head and I fell to the ground and cried just a little bit. I was so embarrassed. Junior Cheyenne Hunter
“On Halloween night my mom hid in the bush with scary make up and jumped out and scared us.” - Sophomore Desiree Johnson
“There was a haunted house. They wore doll masks and had chainsaws.” -Sophomore Joe Haas
“Some guy jumped out at me with a chainsaw and I was on the verge of peeing my pants.” -Sophomore Brandon Tafolla
Battle of the Haunts Emma Medill staff writer
Kansas City is known for its haunted houses at Halloween, but the big debate happens every year: which is better the Halloween Haunt or The West Bottoms haunted houses? This is highly debated because everybody has his or her reasons for liking or disliking either one. Halloween Haunt takes place at Worlds of Fun where roller coaster thrills can be enjoyed along with the haunted houses and scare zones. The Edge of Hell, The Beast, the Chambers of Edgar Allen Poe, and the Macabre Cinema all take their place downtown in the Bottoms; these haunted house in the country, so feel like being extremely scared? Go to these. There are quite a few differences between these two places to think about before making a choice like the fact that according to haunted house worker
junior Doran Duncan said, ”The haunted houses downtown are actually haunted. The owner fell down the elevator shaft of the Beast and died.” Also, in the haunted houses in the Bottoms there are many places to get lost and if a person does get lost none of the workers or other people have to help them. Other things that Duncan said about the haunted houses in the Bottoms are that “[the house] doesn’t close ARIEL PAUL until everyone is The Edge of Hell The West bottoms is the gone, making shifts home of some of the most scary haunted longer than most.” houses in the U.S. There is no set cation in to get a job there. time to close only one to In the Haunted houses open. Duncan also said was downtown the workers can that it gets hot and there touch you unlike The Haunt are no breaks but it’s worth where the workers aren’t it because it is a lot of fun. allowed to get anywhere These are things to considnear touching you due to er before taking that appliliability. The Haunt is defi-
opinion|3
nitely for the thrill seekers, where the haunted houses and the roller coasters go till midnight or later. The houses in Worlds of Fun all have their own unique theme, go for the vampires at Lore of the Vampire and leave wishing you hadn’t gone through Corn Stalkers. These houses add a uniqueness to the Haunt that the downtown houses don’t have. The terrors at the Haunt also don’t end in the haunted houses it also carries out to the rest of the park where you can be scared at anytime. With all of this in mind my own personal favorite place is The Haunt at Worlds of Fun because I like roller coasters and less scary haunted houses than all of those downtown. Now that you, the reader, have all this information go and experience these places on your own and decide for yourself which is your favorite place to be scared.
Stressing Over Stress Elissa Christensen staff writer
STRESS
Oct. 9, 2013
Stress. Everyone suffers from it every once in a while, some worse than others. Rather than worrying and focusing on the stress, why not think of ways to overcome it? Stress sucks, but first you need to know what’s causing it before you find ways to tackle it. There are four different categories from which stress usually come from; physical, social, academic and family. 1. Physical stress could be caused by hormonal changes, which can cause mood fluctuations, low self-esteem, anxiety and depression. 2. Social stress is usually caused by peer pressure. Academic stress is mainly worrying over grades, making it to college, homework, exams and parental/teacher expectations. 3. Family stress could be caused by a large number of things, such as parents
divorcing, emotional or physical abuse, changing schools or even a death or illness in the family. After finding out some of the many causes of stress, The Buzz decided to ask Jesse Tyler, the school’s community resource coordinator. “How does stress affect students’ attendance and grades?” “Generally it affects them negatively and greatly, I would say with students who are really struggling with stress generally just stay home and avoid school.” It’s really disappointing to think that students would really just skip out on their education because of a little stress, but in their immediate view, it may not just seem like ‘a little stress’ . Now how can stress affect students in the long run? “Long term affects could be a dislike for education which means holding off furthering theirs. There are also health affects such
as head aches and fatigue that can affect them in the future. Depending on how they handle stress, there could be consequences such as not eating, eating too much, substance abuse which can harm them mentally, physically and financially.” It’s really incredible to think that “little stress” can really turn into something that can really end up hurting people. How do you handle your stress? Everyone will have their own special stress reliever but the top five are: 1. Listening to music 2. Exercise 3. Reading 4. Spending time with family and friends and 5. Playing video games. A stress reliever is really whatever you do that makes you feel more relaxed and not so… stressed out. There are many different causes of stress and therefore there are many different solutions but when it comes down to it, it’s all about personal preference and your individual escape.
4|news
The Hornet’s Buzz
Hornet’s Closet: Not just dresses Tramea McCrary staff writer
Gym 2 --The Hornet’s Closet is a place for any and all students to come and get clothing they need without spending any money. Hornet’s Closet, formerly known as Cinderella’s Closet, is no longer a place just for girls to get dresses for dances, but a place for everyone to get anything they may need. Students can come get “free clothes, ranging everywhere from [winter] coats to jeans to t-shirts and shorts” said Abbie Mason, IB student who runs The Hornet’s Closet. According to Mason, the closet is set up as a comfortable place that students can access anytime without having to get permission from teachers or counselors to get things they need. Everything that is taken can be done so anonymously, so no one ever has to know what a student gets there. This is why the Hornet’s Closet is such a great opportunity that students
PHOTO BY: TRAMEA MCCRARY
I Have Nothing To Wear A sneak peek inside of the newly remodeled Hornet’s Closet. Now it has more than just dress clothes, for both guys and girls. Abbie Mason and Deana Mason have worked hard to add a homey touch to make the shoppers more comfortable.
should take advantage of. Few other schools offer free clothing like this. According to Brooke Henderson, a new NKC staff member who graduated from Park Hill South High School, when she was in school, no one had a place like our Hornet’s Closet “[where] youth could have felt like they had someone to rely on.” She also wished that they did have something as great as the Closet because “it would have made students feel like someone cares and not just teachers.” If someone has not had a chance to visit the Hornet’s Closet, they should definitely take a look. The cold weather is right around the corner,and there is no need to go out and buy gloves when you can go to the Hornet’s Closet and get some for free. If you are interested in donating to the Hornet’s Closet, you can contact Abbie Mason or Deana Mason at Dmason@nkcschools.org or Mrs. Tyler at Jtyler@ nkcschools.org.
news|5
Oct. 9, 2013
Apple Innovation
Apple recently released the new iPhone 5s that comes with a fingerprint scanner and also Students at Northtown the processor upgrade iOS7. use Now the iPhone comes in 4 computers, text all day, different colors [black, sillisten to music, blog or play ver, gold, and white]. Apple games everyday; but to also released the iPhone 5c. notice a common difference; ‘C’ standing for color, you technology. are able to get a plastic back Technology has in color, to customtaken over this ize it. generation. Some The routine may believe technology be old news. Apple can only get better. upgrades interOne main competnal software and itor in the techmakes little tweaks nology business to the look and end is Apple. Apple up with a ‘new’ started back on Apple product. It’s April 1, 1976 and clear to say that released its first Illustration by: Sier- Apple’s routine is product, the Mac. kind of boring. ra Cawthon From the Mac The public can computer, grew to only be fascinatdifferent generations of the ed to an object for limited iPod music player, iPhone, amounts of time till they get to the iPad and iPad Mini.
a&e editor
bored of it. The Buzz recently polled 30+ students if they thought Apple was getting boring, and 95% of the students said yes! Yikes! “I think eventually they will run out of ideas,” said senior Keith Lyons. Seven Paul Jobs (also known as Steve Jobs the founder of Apple in)’s death was a shock in the technology world. Jobs died on October 5th, 2011. Since his death, Apple has never been the same. The worth of the Apple products have both made more in value plummeted. “They are getting cheaper. My charger keeps breaking!” said sophomore Taylor Bailey. Overall, Apple is a well respected company in the technology world, and will only continue to improve.
Infographic by Katee Shofler
Ariel Paul
POLL: WHAT DO STUDENTS USE THEIR MACBOOKS FOR?
Out of 100 Northtown students polled, 20% use their Macbooks mostly for Online Research, 11% Schoolwork, 13% Games, 39% Social Networking, 6% Email, 11% Other Things
Ford Plant: Obama pays KC a visit Sierra Smith
guest writer
Addressing our economy and the expected prosperity of the Ford plant, President Obama came to speak in Liberty, Missouri. The economy has been, and always will be a confusing and complicated subject, but Obama did what he could to simply explain what was happening right now to the people who attended his speech at the Ford plant. In a matter of words, he stated that if Congress does not agree on a budget plan for the next year, that the
government would fall into default, and basically shut down. The government shutting down sounds pretty scary, but it happened in 1995 and was resolved after 28 days. If the time the government spends in default exceeds a few days, the results can become catastrophic. It seems simple enough for Congress to agree on a budget, but some members are threatening to not agree to any budget until Obama gets rid of the Affordable Care Act. Many Congress-members are anti-Obamacare, but the pres-
SIERRA SMITH
ident has stated very clearly that he has no intentions of getting rid of it. Many Americans are huge supporters of this method of healthcare. In fact, many workers and their families at the Ford plant would benefit from Obamacare. Knowing this, the president really sold his case on how crucial the healthcare act is. But, this still leaves us with a conundrum. Congress won’t agree on a budget unless Obamacare is out, while Obama will not budge on the healthcare. Hopefully, between Congress and the President a compromise can soon be made that will benefit all of America. The Affordable Care Act will lower healthcare costs compared to some providers and raise coverage and benefits to those insured on an Obamacare plan. Obama proclaimed that Congress, “is focused on politics; they’re focused on trying to mess with me. They are not focused on you!” Congress has made it clear in other speeches or events that they are trying to do what America needs. Many Americans have sided with Congress on this debate, as well.
SIERRA SMITH
Whether you agree with Obama or Congress, it is vital that a budget plan for next year is agreed on soon. America will find a way to manage with or without the Affordable Care Act, but we cannot find a way to manage for long without a working, stable government.
Sam Brown and Betsy: Two peas in a pod
6|features
staff writer
Mustangs have been around since 1965 and were a big hit. It created its own class of American carsthe “Pony car”. The mustang was the first car with to doors with a long hood and short rear decks. Although there have been many changes from 1965 Mustangs to present day Mustangs, peoples’ love for
co-editor
Everyday, the back parking lot is filled with a wide variety of cars in all sorts of colors, just like Northtown is filled with such a variety of ethnicities and character. A person’s car is just another way for them to express themselves. Samantha Brown’s bright yellow 2001 Jeep Wrangler, “Betsy,” is one of a kind. With “V-Ballin” written across the windshield and eyelashes on the headlights, Betsy is hard to miss. She is even parked in the same spot almost every day. “It’s easily accessible. I can get in and leave quickly,” Brown said. “If I don’t park there, no one should. That’s
After spending so much time together, Brown knows Betsy pretty well. She can
Mustangs hasn’t changed. gets a car is always special. It’s no surprise that so For Rachel, it wasn’t just many special people it was still love also very “I love muslucky. tangs. “Getabout my car,” One of ting the those 40th -Junior Rachel Oakes year people is Rachel anniverOakes. sary, I Rachel was very has a 2004 Ford Mustang. lucky. If it wasn’t for my The first time anyone brother spotting it in a back
everything
even see the similarities between her and her car. “We’re both loud. Lit-
erally. Betsy is very ‘out there’ persé. She’s also very unique,” stated Brown. Anytime a person spends a large period of time with someone or something, they are bound to become attached to it. Brown’s Jeep is more than just a way to
lot, I never would have got it.” Mustangs come in all different colors such as ruby red, yellow, blue, green, gray, silver, black, blue, etc. Rachel’s Mustang is a bright yellow, which she loves. “I love everything about my car. The way the color makes it stand out and does not blend in with other Mustangs.”
The Hornet’s Buzz
get to and from school. “My jeep is my baby. It’s a symbol to me of my freedom and of the person that I am,” stated Brown. Brown said that there is a lot to love about her car, but her favorite things about it are the ability to off road and being able to take the soft top off. One of Brown’s all time favorite memories in the year that she’s owned Betsy was a long those lines. “It was the first night Sydney, Lauren, and I took the top off of my Jeep. It was like 30 degrees outside and we were driving around down town to go get ice cream,” Brown recalls with a laugh. Whether it is the lows of engine trouble, or the high of late night drives with the top off, Betsy and Brown have been through it all. That one yellow jeep has become more than just a vehicle; it became a part of a person’s life, and also a part of that person herself.
Rachel Oakes: Driving in style
Alyssa Stoner
Shannon Horton
my spot.” Betsy and Brown have been together for over a year now. “I got her as a Sweet 16 birthday present,” said Brown.
Oct. 9, 2013
Bill Kirtley: Red,white, and hunting orange
features|7 POLL: STUDENTS & SOCIAL MEDIA
Rylie Lyon To many, it may be just another part of life. To others, it’s near and dear to their heart, and the whole being of their passion. At times, a person’s connection to their vehicle can reveal even their own personality. Much like one Northtown junior, Bill Kirtley. He is the owner of an eye catching 1971 Chevy C-10. Although he has only had his pick up for two months, Kirtley hasn’t wasted any time making his truck uniquely his own. Kirtley has made personal modifications to his pick-up, with paint jobs and wording. “It was white and green [when first getting the truck] and then I painted it yellow,” said Kirtley, “then I painted it orange. I painted it orange just after school started.” He has also done other paint jobs on his truck, some of which are a little more personalized: “It has ’MERICA painted on the tailgate,” explained Kirtley, “on the back glass, it says junk yard reject, cause it was in the junk yard.” “It’d been wrecked, then we fixed it,” he explained. Not every teenager in high school cares about their car or truck as much as others, making Kirtley and his pick up something unique. Through his passion, Kirtley was able to express himself, in some ways by the mere appearance of his
“Orange is my favorite color. Like
hunting orange,”
-Junior Bill Kirtley
truck. Overall, it represents “me and country,” he said. “That ain’t a truck that you’d see in the city, you know.” The color itself is also reflects him, “Orange is my favorite color. Like hunting orange,” he said. Through his passion, Kirtley was able to express himself, in some ways by the mere appearance of his truck. Overall, it represents “me and country,” he said. “That ain’t a truck that you’d see in the city, you know.” The color itself is also reflects him, “Orange is my favorite color. Like hunting orange,” he said. Although it has only been two months with this truck, Kirtley has already made some memories with his vehicle. “I’ve been stuck where the front bumper got stuck in the mud, and I had to pull it out backwards,” he said. “[It has] been through hell and back. I’m surprised it’s still running because we do so much stuff with it. We run it hard.”
Infographic by Hassan Nureini
co-editor
8|arts & entertainment
Video Staff: best personalities Game Violence Alyssa Stoner staff writer
During the month of September, the Buzz took surveys of several advisory classes ranging from freshman to seniors. The survey was essentially to discover the students’ opinion of the teachers with the best personalities. The question was asked was, “Who is your favorite teacher based on their personality, dedication, or passion?” Baseball coach and social studies teacher Steven Hall tied for first with science teacher Lou Otto.
The Hornet’s Buzz
Coach Hall Question: How do you view yourself? Answer: I’d say I’m handsome, funny, curious, adventurous, and extremely athletic. Oh and modest.
Ms. Otto Q: How do you view yourself? A: I’m outspoken, I think I’m real organized, passionate about teaching, love teenagers, and I’m very animated.
Q: How do you think others view you? A: Unorganized, chaotic, and probably good looking, funny and handsome. I’m a terrible speller if that helps.
Q; How do you think others view you? A: Crazy maybe, funny, easy to relate to, and I don’t talk to them like they’re kids, I talk to them like people.
Sierra Cawthon photo editor
Video games are constantly being blamed for violence in our society. We hear it all the time, and it makes sense right? If a child plays a violent video game like “Grand Theft Auto” or “Mortal Kombat” they will think its okay to act violently, it seems like basic cause and effect. But I don’t completely agree with this. I’m not promoting you let little kids play “God of War” all day, because some things just are not age appropriate, and kids are very impressionable. But if someone acts out violently and they happen to also play a violent video game in their spare time, you should not assume that the video game caused the violent action. Many people assumed video games have made violent criminals, such as school shooters, want to harm people. What if it’s the exact opposite? Maybe--just maybe, because these shooters wanted to harm people, they played video games that allowed them to harm fictional people. Another thing is that people who argue that video games cause violence never mention one important fact. Humans, by nature, are violent. All throughout history we have been violent towards one another. Anything can be blamed for causing violence, because violence is everywhere in our society. It’s in movies, cable television, books, and even better it is on the news, you know why? Because people are naturally violent. Basically all I am saying is that correlation is not causation. This means that just because two things seem to have a connection, one didn’t have to cause the other.
Fun facts Elissa Christensen staff writer
When a male penguin falls in love with a female penguin, he’ll search the entire beach for the perfect pebble to present to her.
Every year coconuts kill 150 people. That’s more than sharks.
At the University of Victoria in Canada you can actually get a degree in the science of Batman.
The filming of the movie “Titanic” cost more than the Titanic its self.
Albert Einstein was offered the presidency of Israel in 1952, but he declined
Yo’ mama jokes were invented by Shakespeare.
In ancient Greece throwing an apple at a women was considered a marriage proposal.
Cows have best friends, and they get stressed when they are separated.
arts & entertainment|9
Oct. 9, 2013
Graffiti as Art Ariel Paul a&e editor
For years the thought of art and graffiti differed and has had a lot of controversy on whether graffiti is art or not. Downtown Kansas City has many murals that are considered art and some say graffiti is art. Graffiti can be por-
another effective strategy to stop graffiti vandalism also known as tagging. “This program has worked in Philadelphia, which launched its nonprofit mural program as an anti-graffiti initiative in 1984 and now has more than 3,600 murals in its city. Philadelphia has an annual funding in excess of $5 million. It engages 1,500 of Philadelphia’s at-risk youth every year to use their artistic talents.” [Kansas City Star] Wyandotte County also
“Art is a physical form of people’s ideas, feelings, and creativity.”
trayed as a piece of art but most critics say it is not. The Buzz took a trip downtown into Westport and downtown to find art. In todays society graffiti is frowned upon even if it is a mural. Kansas City has started a mural program as
ILLUSTRATION BY: ARIEL PAUL
- Senior Amanda Tripp
ARIEL PAUL
Into the rabbit hole Westport is full of culture, with murals and art shops, and this is just one of the many murals painted on the side of a building by a Westport coffee shop.
has had a program for the last three years in which high school students paint murals on a side of an alley that spans several blocks in the Cathedral Neighborhood of Kansas City, KS. Residents have praised those murals, but they’re not quite the scale of the latest Kansas City murals,
but they are all made for the same cause. The artist Candy Chang uses public interaction to complete her art like her “Before I die…” piece. Some people say it’s art, some people don’t. Art is a perspective. And art can be defined in multiple ways. Senior Amanda Tripp
many different types of anime; some of the most popular types include Shojo: for people who enjoy romance and story lines with more fluff to them, often drawn with the characters having larger eyes and round- er edges In Japan these would be the anime “meant for girls”. Shonen is anime “meant for boys” this is a more action based anime, these anime are often bloody and are sometimes more funny, these animes are drawn sharper with smaller eyes. Seinen anime is oriented toward adults, made with more adult themes dealing with adult violence and sexual themes given though it can be drawn and deal with a range of elements from different anime. Anime has made its fan base in America with cons and clubs all around the states. In Kansas city we have our own sets of anime based cons like Naka Kon and
Motaku con, Ahn! Con and also comic con has its own area for anime. These conventions happen for people to cosplay (dress up), as other anime and manga people to meet each other, for people to meet their favorite characters voices, and for people to come and find their favorite anime, manga, and collectibles. Cosplay has become big at anime cons and other places as a way for people to dress up as their favorite anime characters. It’s like Halloween but more times during the month occur. Anime and Manga aren’t for every one but its worth a try, and sometime during the school year drop by Northtown anime club which meets every other Thursday.
Interest: All about Anime Emma Medill staff writer
Anime has become much more recognized in American culture in recent years, shown late at night on Adult Swim. Many people have now seen anime some knowing and some not knowing what it is. Anime has been around a lot longer than most people think. Making it’s first mainstream appearance in the sixties with Astro Boy. Anime has been making a more mainstream name for itself in the past few years though, with movies like Spirited Away, Ponyo, My neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery ser-
vice, and the most recent one that came out in American theaters: The Secret World of Arrietty, these movies are all under the same director Hayao Miyazaki. Miyazaki’s films are very family orientated, still appealing to people of every age group with their also sometime more underlying adult problem and issues. Many anime is in the form of TV. Shows have also made it into the mainstream like Fullmetal Alchemist, Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, and Pokémon making its own huge American fan base. Just like American television, there are
defines art as, “A physical form of people’s ideas, feelings, and creativity.” Senior Mary Davis says, “Art is the freedom to express your soul’s internal desires of its own unique form externally.” Tagging is bad, but this type of ‘graffiti’ is good.
Illustration By: Emma Medill
10|sports
The Hornet’s Buzz
Varsity
Stats: VOLLEYBALL:
Sept.17- Belton, win 2514/23-25/25-11 Sept.19- Staley, loss 1525/17-25 Sept.24- Raytown, win 2509/25-21 Sept.26- Fort Osage, win 2516/25-10 Sept.30- Truman, loss 1725/15-25 Oct.01- William Chrisman, win 25-9/25-17 Oct.02- Raytown, win 2518/21-25/25-18 Next game: Oct.5- Grandview
SOFTBALL:
Sept.17- Raytown, loss 3-9 Sept.19- Fort Osage, loss 0-15 Sept.23- Oak Park, loss 0-7 Sept.24- Staley, loss 0-17 Sept.26- Belton, loss 0-12 Oct.01- William Chrisman, loss 1-11 Oct.01- William Chrisman, loss 1-11 Oct.02- Grandview, loss 0-15 Next Game: Oct. 4- Raytown
SOCCER:
Sept.17- Fort Osage, loss 0-1 Sept.19- Staley, canceled Sept.24- Oak Park, loss 0-2 Sept.27- Joplin, loss 0-1 Sept.28- Ray-Pec Next game: Oct.7- Park Hill Tournament
FOOTBALL:
Sept.18- Kearney, loss 33-52 Sept.19- Oak Park, win 56-0 Sept.23- Raytown, win 34-31 Sept.23- Belton, win 57-44 Sept.28- William Chrisman, win, 21-0 Next game: Oct.4- Platte County
CROSS COUNTRY: Next meet: Oct.5, Metro Invitational in Ray-Pec
TENNIS:
Sept. 17- Ray-Pec, loss 0-9 Sept. 19- Fort Osage, loss 0-6 Sept. 24- William Chrisman, loss1-8 Sept. 25- St. Pius, loss 0-9 Sept. 26- Oak Park, loss 0-9 Sept. 27- Belton, loss 2-7 Sept. 30- Lincoln Prep, win 7-2 Oct.01- Staley, loss 0-9 Next match: Oct.3- Belton
SHANNON HORTON
Tuesday night lights North Kansas City High School varsity boys soccer player penalized for holding in
the match against Oak Park high school on September 24 at the District Athletic Complex. Hornets lost to the Northmen 0-2
Boys soccer kicks into action Shannon Horton co-editor
One of the fan favorites sports at Northtown is back and in full swing. The boy’s Soccer team started out strong at the beginning, but seem to be going through a bit of a slump as the season progressed. They are sitting at a 5-6 record. “The season has gone pretty well,” said Senior Tyler Simmons. The team was on a four game winning streak until they were defeated by Oak Park 2-0 on September 24. “We got off to a good start,” said soccer coach, Jeffery Lasswell. “We found a way to win games.” But, the men did beat a team with one of the best reputations when it comes to sports; Staley High School. In fact, senior Tyler Simmons’s favorite moment so far in the season was “beating Staley in the last 15 seconds of the game.” Even though the team has
accomplished quite a lot so far this season, Lasswell is looking forward to watching “our team grow and eliminating silly little mistakes.” A lot can change in a year,
“I like going out and giving support because they deserve it.”
-Junior Lauren Davis
so changes to the team are inevitable. Lasswell stated that a lot has changed compared to the previous year. “Our team is a little older. We had a very young team last year, so everyone’s grown a little bit. They are competing at a higher level as well,” said Lasswell. Another change from last year is the fan support. The teams has caught the eyes of a few more students, who find themselves attending every possible game. A few of those students are Sydney Debrick and Lauren Davis, who are at
every Soccer game no matter where it may be. Davis’s favorite thing about the team is the players themselves. “They are all just really good people. I like going out and giving them support because they deserve it,” said Davis. Debrick agrees with Davis, saying that her favorite thing is “being there to support the team.” Lasswell, Debrick, and Davis all have one message to Northtown students. “They work so hard and they deserve to be more recognized. The only sports here that get recognized are football and basketball. The other teams need support too,” said Davis. Lasswell confirms the fact that the increase in the crowd positively affects the team and how they play. “Everyone likes to play in front of more people. Come and support!”
sports|11
Oct. 9, 2013
A Closer Look: Student Athletes
Rylie Lyon Co-editor
SIERRA
As a varsity cross country runner, senior Francisco Juarez has incorporated running as part of his life. He has been a runner since seventh grade. For him, running is more than simply just exercise. “[Running is] a stress reliever, it makes me feel good and I can think,” he said. Because running is an outlet for Juarez, it can often affect his outlook; “I laugh, I could be in the middle of a race and start laughing because I’m enjoying it,” said Juarez. “I feel like if I can overcome something [in a race], I can overcome something in real life.” Juarez is not only an athlete, but a role model as well, “I’m the only senior on the team. I work for leadership [knowing that] words are the embodiment of motivation.” To be a runner, says Juarez, “integrity, determination, and hard work,” are all key elements of motivation.
FRANCISCO
SAMIRA
One of the Northtown girl’s golfers, junior, Samira Zantout, is a new member to the team this fall season. Zantout is learning the sport, its techniques, enduring new experiences and making memories. Zantout is not the only new member of the team, in fact, the team is largely made of first year girls. “I am proud of our girls this year because we are all first year golfers, except one of us,” she said, “this season [is] challenging for all of us.” Although she is new, Zantout is setting high standards for herself this season; “My goal is to get at least 80 strokes in a tournament, because that would qualify me for scholarships.” With learning this new sport, Zantout says, “it takes patience, because you get frustrated every other second [and] it takes relaxation so you don’t tense up in mid swing.” The girl’s golf season is coming to a close, with hopes of returning next season.
PHOTOS BY RYLIE LYON
e h T zz Bu Co- Editors Rylie Lyon Shannon Horton Editorial Editor Fatima Delic A&E Editor Ariel Paul Photo Editor Sierra Cawthon Cartoonist Sabrina Merrill
f f Sta Staff Writers Elissa Christensen Ariana Fehrenbach Tramea McCrary Emma Medill Sabrina Merrill Kelce Phelps Alyssa Stoner Morgan Tolson Adviser Mr. Paul Aubrey
Playing since her sophomore year, Sierra Murphy is now a part of Northtown’s varsity softball team, where this sport is all but new to her. It is Murphy’s third year being a part of the team, and her knowledge and skill of the sport has greatly improved. “[As a sophomore] I was pathetic. I didn’t know anything. Now I can explain the game. I usually know what I’m doing,” she said. Although it’s “not my main sport,” said Murphy, “I [still] wanna go out there and I wanna play. It’s what the team needs.” This season has not played out the best for Murphy: “Its kind of been another tough season,” she said, “I’m trying to stick it through. This year I have been hit, literally, by the pitcher eight times.” Even with this rough season, Murphy still has drive. “My team inspires me. Our team life is ridiculous. It’s crazy, we’re always trying to have a good time.” The players always have fun but Murphy still gives it her all.
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12|photo essay
Let’s Look at sports...
The Hornet’s Buzz
SHANNON HORTON
MOLLY GREEN
Taking a Swing Sophomore Echoe Briley-Weir draws back to take a swing in their match against Winnetonka High School at Shoal Creek.
Just Kicking it Senior Morgan Thomson strikes the ball at the soccer game versus Oak Park High school on September 24th at the District Athletics Complex. Northtown lost 2-0.
MOLLY GREEN
Fore Madeline Keller swings back, getting ready to hit the ball in their Match against Winnetonka which took place at Shoal Creek golf course.
SIERRA CAWTHON
Just Keep Swimming North Kansas City High School junior Noah Barth swims in his free style event at the Gladstone Community Center. Barth was swimming in the North Kansas City school district Invitational.