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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
3
NEWS: Fountains go Pink for Breast Cancer
7
FEATURES: Meet
the new college counselor
10
SPORTS: Tennis
girls play record season
13
A&E:
Slaughterhouse5 book banned
COVER PHOTO BY: MATTHEW HOWERTON
2|news
The Hornet’s Buzz
Think Pink: October marks National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Matthew Howerton staff writer
Bring out the pink: October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pink is in. Fountains, sports, schools, offices, and people are showing the pink for October. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and early prevention is the biggest key to fighting breast cancer. Many women are affected by breast cancer in the United States yearly. According to statistics from Komen.org, breast cancer is the number one most common cancer in women. The commonality ranges from young to old, and the average age of commonality is around 61. One in 8 women in America
will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. In 2010, an estimated number of 39,840 women were expected to die after diagnosis. And breast cancer does not just affect women. Less than 1 percent of all new diagnoses are of men. Breast cancer is life threatening, and these numbers can be limited and changed by knowing the symptoms early. Give yourself a monthly breast exam. Check for any lumps, pain, tenderness, and abnormalities. Also get an annual physical exam and mammograms, and know your family health history. To alert others about breast cancer, wear pink articles of clothing or a pink ribbon to show that you care about the fight against breast cancer. MATTHEW HOWERTON
North Kansas City’s fountain adds pink dye for breast cancer awareness, along with posting the “Think Pink” sign. The fountain kept its dye for two weeks at the intersection of Burlington and MO 9.
MATTHEW HOWERTON
Kansas City’s prominent fountain yearly adds pink to its water for October. The fountain is located at the intersection of North Oak and Vivion. MATTHEW HOWERTON
North Kansas City’s fountain represents growing up in life. Along with the pink water, this shows breast cancer should not stop a life. This fountain is located at Burlington and MO 9, in front of the Kansas City Water Department.
news|3
Oct. 26, 2011
KCMO school district loses accreditation Pending court case and state board decisions, students could potentially transfer to NKCSD Tierra Samuel staff writer
On Sept. 20, the State Board of Education announced the Kansas City Missouri School District will lose its accreditation effective Jan. 1, 2012. What this means is the district will not be officially recognized by the state. In result, the students of this district can potentially be able to transfer to a neighboring school district, including North Kansas City School District. This may happen as long as the unaccredited school district pays tuition and provides transportation. “Our district now faces a critical test of one of the most important lessons in life- a test of our resilience and persistence,” interim KCMSD Superintendent Steve Green said, “We can, and we will, bounce back from this set back.”
According to Assistant The KCMSD has had numerous setbacks as of downsizing and Principal Bart Bates, NKCHS has nearly 1500 making space for all students. If currently the district fails to bounce back in students and we are close to our capacity. Still, in the future, time, the state must intervene. The state could take over the Northtown could potentially add new students from district or dissolve it. KCMSD. The state is hoping One alternative for the school to recover so they will is that KCMSD could potentially not have to go to the be broken up full extent. and adopted into “While this neighboring school decision was an districts. extremely difficult one for our board to No decision has been made yet, and make, we believe it is no decision will the right one,” said not be made until Peter Herschend, 2012 at the president of the - Peter Herschend, January earliest. Missouri State In addition, the Board of Education Missouri State Board court case Turner in a press release. of Education v. Clayton is being “This action may challenged in courts feel like a set-back for the district, but this decision is and could affect students who would want to transfer into a not totally unexpected.”
“This action may feel like a set-back for the district, but this decision is not totally unexpected.”
neighboring school district. Turner v. Clayton is a lawsuit against the Clayton School District that will govern or control school transfer options. Like KCMSD, the St. Louis School District lost their accreditation, but in 2007. The school district has had little movement from the students because of the resistance of neighboring school districts, including Clayton School District. The resolution of this court case could change the way neighboring schools react to accreditation situations, including the Kansas City situation. Another hearing for the Turner v. Clayton case is set for January 2012, and all decisions and plans will be made in court. For more information, go to the KCMSD website at http://www2. kcmsd.net/Pages/AboutKCMSD. aspx.
Students donate blood at NHS drive on Oct. 19 • Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. • More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day. • The number of blood donors in the U.S. in a year: 9.5 million.
30 new bricks added to brickyard Matthew Howerton staff writer
An interesting brick collection has been added to our brickyard on our school campus. The brickyard in front of the football field displays bricks of personals, veteran memorials, Hall of Fame members, families, class dedications, and much more. Almost a week before homecoming, 30 bricks were paved into the brickyard in the bottom right area. Paid for by former students, classes, “legacy” families, and groups, they have collected pieces of Northtown’s history. Former classes designed and laid out their bricks for the current class to notice. The class addition is “Great NKC Class of 1961 Celebrating 50 Years 2011.” Some of the veteran memorials are titled “WWII Fallen Veterans Memorial NKC Owl class of 1945’ and “Vietnam Fallen Veterans
Memorial Never Forgotten from the class of 1967.” Names of men are engraved on the Vietnam dedication, and names of men who served in World War II are not. So many gave their lives, so the brick would have been too large to place in the yard. Currently there are about 240 bricks and 800 engraved names outside the southeast entrance to the football stadium. These bricks share Northtown’s history for our knowledge and enjoyment. Another benefit is that all money profited from the bricks goes to Northtown. Other amusing personals, members of Northtown Hall of Fame, and family legacies are located in the brickyard as well. If you are interested in purchasing a brick, go to nkcbrick. com for more information.
MATTHEW HOWERTON
Don’t step on history! Students or passerby can admire the bricks installed on the east side of the main building. The brickyard began last year, and has gathered a fair amount of submissions already. Bricks can be purchased for prices ranging from $75 to $800.
PHOTOS BY NICOLE GRANT
4|news
The Hornet’s Buzz
ToK class plans garden project Elizabeth Craig design editor
Theory of Knowledge (ToK) is a class that all IB students are required to take their junior and senior year. In ToK, students discuss controversial issues and how those issues affect them in everyday life. One component of ToK is CAS, or Creativity Action Service hours. Through CAS, students explore how to increase their own strengths while also addressing issues that are on a community level as well as a global one. “The goal of CAS is for students to recognize that being involved in the community is just as important as academics in life,” said ToK teacher/CAS Coordinator Laurel Maslowski. Last year, the ToK classes helped with the library Angel Trees and also sold stuffed animals to raise money for an orphanage in Africa. For their group projects this
year, the Senior ToK class has decided to help the Northtown community. Because many of the senior IB students have an interest in the environment they are thinking of helping out through a community garden . “I wanted to give back to the community and to brighten up Northtown. It is just kind of neat!” senior IB student Kerianne Chen said. Central Junior High in Lawrence, Kansas already has a community garden that could be used as a model for North Kansas City’s. Students from Dave Heller’s class (the second of two senior ToK classes) are planning on contacting the school to talk about logistics of planning, building and maintaining a school garden. “Community and school gardens can provide an active learning environment, and the satisfaction of producing something of value [...] as well as
a place for after school activities, community involvement, and civic pride,” according to an EPA article on school gardens. While the decision on how to use the produce from the garden would ultimately be up to the student body, the ToK class is hoping that the vegetables in the garden could be used in the cafeteria or donated to organizations like Harvesters. This could promote healthy eating at Northtown or help out the community. “The great thing about a project like this is that it can be whatever the students want it to be. If we as a community have the passion and a desire to make something happen, there is nothing this school can’t accomplish,” said Heller. If you want to help plan out the garden or know of any organizations that would provide grants, you can contact Maslowski or Heller with information.
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Academic letters awarded On Oct. 3, 205 juniors and seniors received letters in recognition of their academic achievements. Academic letters are awarded to juniors and seniors after four or six semesters respectively, if the student has a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. The student must also have a record of good citizenship. The letter is intended to reward students who achieve academic success in challenging programs. Members of the NKCHS String ensemble provided music, while Coach Leon Douglas served as a guest speaker. Douglas and Principal Dan Wartick awarded the letters.
Seniors
Juniors
Kathryn Allen, David Ameryun, Fatema Amro, Andrea Bannick, Robert Beck, Geoffrey Borque, Shelby Bowman, Roxanne Burger, Lela Campbell, Nhu Cao, Quyen Cao, Kerianne Chen, Amellia Coffey, Skye Cole, Jessica Connor, Elizabeth Craig, Haley CrowderWhiting, Ashlie Cullen, Alyssa Dalton, Jessica Dao, Jocelyn Davidson, Emily Denison, Hannah DeVries, Phillip Donnelly, Elizabeth Doughty, Bryan Downing, Andrew Dykes, Christian Folsom, Corrie Gibson, Josephine Gicho, Grayson Gist, Alexandra Grant, Jasmine Grayson, Jacob Gutierrez, Amanda Hadley, Amela Halilovic, Delaney Hall, Caitlyn Harden, Henri Ho, Jordan Hollis, Jacob Hopkins, Cynthia Hule, Sarrah Hunt, Andrea Johnson, Kevin Keefer, Adam Kelley, MyLinh Kim, Erin Kinghorn, Kathryn Kirtley, Courtney Kubayko, Hai Le, Olivia Linz, Analyssa Lopez, Mallory McCutchan, Merry McDaniel, Gabriel Melgarejo, Michael Middleton, Mark Murrain, Mariah Newton, Anna Nguyen, KimThoa Nguyen, Erin Niederberger, Valeria Nunez, Kalie Ohrenberg, Alija Omerovic, Christopher Personette, David Phan, Khang Phan, John Platel, Moe Pyu, Samuel Riley, Caleb Roby, Joel Roney, Nagkgo Roup, Jesse Sackett, Estefani Santos, Griffin Schmitt, Alexis Simon, Moe Sone, Phillip Stallings, Richard Temcho, Nancy Thai, Kinzie Thompson, Gregory Tluscik, Gaby Torres, Rafael Torres-Castillo, Kevin Tran, Yin Tse, Sara Tuncten, Zachary Tyson, Luis Vargas, Holden Vitt, Samuel Vollbrecht, Tu Vu, PawBway Wah, Cheri Waldron, Sierra Walker, Elijah Warren, Elliott Wartick, Sara Wegenka, Branden Williams, Lauren Williams, Collin Winans, Courtney Zimmerman
Margaret Aleman, Sabat Ameen, Emily Anthony, Beliansh Assefa, Lauren Austin, Lori Barnes, Kyle Bates, Jonathan Becker, Jzsa Berymon, Joy Branch, Bailey Breeding, Courtney Brummett, Phuong Bui, Susana Caman, Alexander Canole, Diego Chavez, Kala Chinnaswamy, Eleanor David, Justin Dayton, Adriana DeSantiago, Ashley DeSchepper, MaryKate Douglas, Morgan Dungan, Allison Enns, Ariana Fakeri, Laura Flanery, Lasse Fuss, Jonathan Galea, Charlotte Gbomina, Michael Gregory, Ashley Griffin, Shannan Henderson, Summer Hendrix, Ashley Henry, Tam Ho, Matthew Howerton, Kirsch Huynh, Maxwell Irby, Elmir Jusic, Lacie Kampert, Selina Keljic, Yodit Kidane, Yadira Lopez, Michael Ly, Keyur Mangukiya, Jeremy Manley, Klarissa McAuley, Elizabeth McManus, Christina Meier, Dakota Meier, Cheyenne Meinershagen, Aramis Mendez, Junior Mfinanga, Selena Montes, Brenda Moore, Kizhan Muhammad, Shaban Namiq, Maya Neal, Taylor Nelson, Anh Nguyen, Anthony Nguyen, Dolly Nguyen, Kevin Nguyen, Treasure Nye, Joshua Olmos, Alexander Olson, Hannah Pio, Elizabeth Porto, Kaywan Qaradagi, Milina Quiroz, Erika Rambo, Jessica Rambo, Te Reh, Kail Reynolds, Angela Rivera, Ziryan Salihparkhy, Jennifer Sanchez, Brandon Sanford, Justin Schindlbeck, Hunter Schmitt, Hunter Smith, Maggie Smith, Katya Soderstrom, Jackson Taylor, Scout Thomasson, Taylor Thompson, Christopher Torralba, Tien Tran, My Trinh, Jillian VanZandt, Franco Vargas, William Vollbrecht, Forrest Walker, Callie Warren, Noella Wehner, Ryan Welliver, Kana Wilkinson, Ty Williams, Baily Wilson, Jaron Winans, Bryant Zhang
Oct. 26, 2011
Meet the Munchkins
news|5
Six staff and faculty members grin, hide, or take it stoically as they pose for their photo. They are among the shortest adults in the school, and were nominated to perform as Munchkins in the skit performed on Oct. 21 after the football game. Three Munchkins were chosen, after students ‘voted’ by placing money in the container for their favorite teacher. Proceeds went to UNICEF. (Photos taken by Alex Grant)
Winners
Assistant Principal Bart Bates said, “The truth is, they came to me and asked me if I wanted to do it and I didn’t unless it was for charity. Someone dropped $40 in my box, so I’ll probably be going out there and making a fool of myself. I’ll do just about anything for charity.”
Cynthia Grahn teaches sewing and foods. “I’ve been in competition with Mr. Bates my entire life,” Grahn said. “He beat me in dance competitions, and I am letting him win this one too.”
Conrad Lower teaches French and Theory of Knowledge. “It lowers my selfesteem,” Lower said about his nomination. “All my life people have called me little Lower. It makes me feel bad about myself.”
Debra Fitch teaches various math classes. When asked about being a Munchkin, she said, “I really don’t think about it. I’ve been one all my life.”
Runners Up Tuan Nguyen teaches French, and advertised himself on NTV as the ‘super Asian Munchkin’. “I’m glad that it’s for a good cause,” he said, “yet at the same time I’m still shy because I can’t imagine myself performing in front of the whole school.”
Kali Young teaches psychology, and always seems to be wearing high heeled shoes. “An evening without my heels - what is this girl going to do?!” Young said.
News flash NKC Erin Niederberger copy editor
No matter how it feels, there is a world outside of the Northtown campus. Local events in particular affect us. It’s good to stay informed. Here’s some quick facts that you may find helpful: • Crown Center will welcome two new attractions next spring: a Sea Life aquarium and a Legoland Discovery Center. Lego land, which is slated to open in May, will include a shop, cafe, cinema, ride, and master modeling classes. • The Kansas City Metro has released plans to redesign transit service to become more efficient. The plans include changes to over 50 routes, which will be phased in starting in 2012. • City inspectors have installed
40 surveillance cameras intended to catch illegal dumpers. Illegal dumping is an expensive and messy problem for the city, but the cameras have already led to several cases and one guilty plea. Many cases involve construction debris or large items people are paid to remove, although all sorts of trash can be found at the sites. • The Occupy Wall Street movement, which began on Sept. 17, has spread across the world. Demonstrators of Occupy KC have even set up a campground south of the Liberty Memorial. Although it is difficult to pinpoint a clear central ideal, protesters in general believe money and greed have corrupted the U.S. government. Demonstrations have hit rocky patches, and many have been arrested.
All the world’s a stage Students rehearse for the fall musical: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. The musical, telling the story of a man striving to reach the top in the world of big business, will be performed on Nov. 10, 11, and 12. Senior Jordan Hollis, a senior nontheater student performing in the show, said, “It’s a lot of fun being with theater people.” Pictured: Freshman David Becker, top. Seniors Jordan Hollis, Nicki Grant, and Alex Grant top right. Junior Jonathan Becker and senior Joel Roney, bottom left. Freshman Ryan Ganaban, bottom right. PHOTOS BY EMILY ANTHONY
6|features
The Hornet’s Buzz
Meet Julie Scroggs, college advisor Elizabeth Craig design editor
ELIZABETH CRAIG
College Life College advisor Julie Scroggs is here to help you! She will give you advice about college and the ACT or the SAT. Drop by her office in the Student Service Center, or contact her through one of the other methods outlined in the sidebar.
She just graduated college, now has an office in the Student Service Center, and is here to help you get to college. Julie Scroggs is a college advisor who was hired by the Missouri College Advising Core to come to Northtown after she requested a Kansas City school. “My job here is to increase the amount of students who go to college after graduating from Northtown overall. I help to make a college going culture where students can get help applying, receiving scholarships and making decisions about financial aid,” said Scroggs. The Missouri College Advising Core has the following objectives: to make college seem like an attainable goal, to provide information about college application, to increase college
enrollment and graduation among high-ability, low-income students and to encourage community college students to finish their associate degrees. One of the ways that the Missouri College Advising Core tries to get students to be willing to come into the advising office is by placing advisors who are recent college graduates themselves. This is to help make the advisor more relatable to the students. “It’s great to have just one person who is focusing their effort on helping seniors get to college. The other administrators don’t always have enough time to help the students to their best ability. I really hope that she will be with us next year,” said assistant principal Mr. Bates Scroggs is a graduate from Mizzou and was involved in a sorority, a wellness advocate group and was a summer orientation leader. Because she
recently graduated, she is able to tell students accurately what these events are like. “I love the students’ enthusiasm, curiosity and motivation to apply to college and try for something bigger,” said Scroggs, when describing her favorite thing about being an advisor so far. Scroggs also sets up college campus visits and brings ambassadors from colleges to visit Northtown. Advice that Scroggs would give to students who are worried about college or who just don’t know where to start: “First think about things that you are interested in so you can pick your major. Then decide on what you want from a college: distance from home, size of the student body, programs that interest you, how much aid you can get. Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” said Scroggs.
Contact Info In the S.S.C., drop by anytime or make an appointment By email at: jscroggs@nkcschools. org Facebook her: MsScroggs CollegeAdvisor
Coach Chaney glad to be a Hornet Endia Moore staff writer
Along with the many new teachers and staff members hired this year, we have a new Instructional Assistant, Banen Chaney. Chaney is the new head cheer coach. “I love how welcoming everyone has been. I didn’t have to go through the new kid phase; staff members and students were very welcoming,” She said. In high school, Chaney was a cheerleader her freshman and sophomore year at Lee’s Summit, editor in chief of the school newspaper, student body president of DECA, FBLA, and choir, and Student Senate president junior and senior year. She then went on to cheer at Avila University her freshman and senior year, and also taught dance. “I love being able to take my experiences and give them to the squad because they do the same for me and each cheer practice
gives us an opportunity to share ideas,” Chaney said. Chaney says things have changed since she graduated from high school. “Graduation requirements were easier. My senior year, I left school before lunch and was done for the day,” she said. Chaney also added that students were not allowed to have their cell phones out during school hours; there was no EOC testing, only MAP; and cheerleaders competed on hardwood floors instead of mats, cheered for soccer, and there were less rules. The cheerleaders have competed in two competitions, placing fourth out of __ teams at the Regional competition and most recently seventh out of 23 teams at the State competition on Oct. 2. “Ever since our first practices, we have been preparing for competitions and haven’t
had the chance to have fun and get to know each other without the stress of upcoming competitions,” Chaney said. Before Chaney was hired as an Instructional Assistant here, she was also offered a job as assistant cheer coach at Oak Park but turned it down to come work here at Northtown. Chaney says there is no other place she would rather work. “I really feel like this is where I’m supposed to be,” she said. Chaney also says that she likes how every day is a different and new day. “I really found what I’m meant to do and passionate about. I haven’t felt that way about a job until now,” she said. Overall, Chaney says that working here is more than just a job: it is her life and what she enjoys doing.
Chaney's Fun Facts
DESTINY JONES
Work It, Girl! Banen Chaney is loving her first year at Northtown. Chaney was first hired as the head cheer coach and then was hired as an Internal Assistant. She loves working with the cheerleaders.
• Her favorite color is purple • Her favorite movie is The Godfather Part II • Her favorite T.V show is Mad Men
features|7
Oct. 26, 2011
&
Books & Spooks N
Lauren Williams editor-in-chief
The NKC library has been around for numerous years, with the opportunity for high school students and the general public to get involved.
NO MORE HAUNTS THIS YEAR
Last year, the library held a haunted house to raise money. This year, the library staff cannot do a haunted house.
students and their families, and wanted to be interesting for even the middle school children. “This year we can’t hold a haunted house due to all the new changes. Both myself and the library staff would love to do a haunted house, but all these new changes make it harder to handle,” said Robert Hoops, who used to work in the Media Center but is now the technology
assistant. As the school year began, new adjustments were made to the technology office. Chris Rule left the technology office in order to
“I’m going to be a Disney princess with the rest of my friends.” -Freshman Tori David
“I’m going to eat candy, pass out candy, and sleep.” -Senior Geoffrey Borque
COURTESY OF NKC MEDIA CENTER WEBSITE
What are your plans for Halloween?
buzzline
“This year we can’t hold a haunted house due to all the new changes.” -Robert Hoops, Northtown Technology Assistant Rule’s position. Many students are upset that there will not be a haunted house this year. “It makes me angry we aren’t having a haunted house this year. It was a good community celebration,and lazy people are the reason why we can’t do it,” said senior Sean Thompson. Hoops and the library staff plan to have one next year, making the haunted house bigger, better, and scarier. Additionally, Hoops wants to cut down and discourage any loitering and gathering from crowds leaving the football game.
Overdue books? The North Kansas City Public Library serves both students and members of the Northtown community. The librarians offer several activities to entertain high school students, including the Book Club, trivia nights, gaming nights, and until recently, the haunted house.
All of the staff enjoyed doing it and working with students who had the same goal of bringing a good scare to the community. The haunted house was for
go back to college and pursue a degree in computer science within the criminal justice field. Hoops wanted to move up in the school, so he applied for
COURTESY OF NKC BOOKSPACE WEBSITE
Fallen what? Fallen, by Lauren Kate, is the October Bookspace selection. It tells the story of Luce Price, a teenager sent to a reform school. Once she gets there, she meets some mysterious individuals.
“If people can’t accept that we have roped off areas and ramps, and respect those and the rules, then we’ll be forced to no longer have any haunted houses in the future,” Hoops said.
BOOKSPACE ADVENTURES
The library is involved with the school in as many ways as possible. One of the options the library offers students is to join NKC Book Space.
“I’m going to be Prince Charming with the Disney princesses.” -Freshman J.P. Ameryun
NKC Book Space is a book club created to allow students to connect with one another through their blog, and promotes reading. The book club was created in the spring of 2007 at Eastgate and Northgate middle schools. Each school only had ten participants and the discussions were run through Blackboard or e-Campus. Abbigail Yellman, who taught at Northgate Middle School, and Kristie Carney, who taught at Eastgate Middle School, brought this club over to Northtown. “Our goals of this club was to get books in the hands of students, and give the books to students free of cost. This allows students to accommodate their schedules to fit reading in and give them the opportunity to read great books while talking with other students,” said Yellman. Over the course of the four years the book club has existed, and Yellman and Carney have been at Northtown, the two have raised almost $30,000 via grant money to keep the book club going and to be able to have the books free of charge. The November book is “Room” by Emma Donoghue. It will be available for students to pick up starting Nov. 1. To get involved, contact Yellman in the lower-level library or visit their blog at: http:// nkcbookspace.wordpress.com/
“I’m throwing a party!” -Junior Elizabeth McManus
8|features
The Hornet’s Buzz
AFS adds to the Northtown family Ryan Welliver staff writer
The AFS students are here! But what does AFS even mean? “AFS stands for American Field Service,” AFS supervisor and German teacher Kevin Moore said. “It started as a group of paramedics helping soldiers out in a battlefield. In the mid to late 1950s, the first group of
Americans came to France, and the French came to the USA.” This school year, Northtown is privileged to have five foreign exchange students: Sena Itai from Japan, Katie Golovenkova from Russia, and Jessica Hoffman, Sahra Streitmater, and Felix Pegelhoff , all from Germany. Each has their own take on the experience.
“I miss my family, friends, and Japanese food,” Itai said. “I am loud at home, but here I’m shy.” “It’s interesting, I miss my family and friends, but I’m getting new friends,” Golovenkova said. “I am learning to do things on my own. I have to overcome my problems. I have a lot new friends, and have met new people,” Pegelhoff said.
Although coming to a new country is hard, they are learning how to adapt. A big question on a lot of people’s minds is, “What do they like about Northtown?” “I would come back because all the people are nice,” Pegelhoff said. He added that in America “there are some interesting things, like big cities.” “I like that everyone smiles,”
Golovenkova said. “I like going to football games and school parties,” Itai said. If you want to get to know our exchange students, go up and start a conversation with them. If you want to see what AFS does or want to join, come by Moore’s room, FH 509. Check the announcements for their next Wednesday meeting.
It’s all in the eyes Emily Anthony staff writer
It has been said that eyes are the window of the soul. American sculptor Hiram Powers said, “The eye is the window of the soul. The intellect, the will, are seen in the eye. The animals look for man’s intentions right into his eyes. Even a rat, when you hunt him and bring him to bay, looks you in the eye.” Eyes are often viewed as the window to the soul because they can give clues as to what the person is thinking or how the person really feels. Much can be learned from whether a person is willing to look us in the eye, or averts their gaze.
There is also something more genuine about a smile with the eyes rather than a smile with the mouth that can easily be false. Now think: What do your eyes say about you? Making eye contact shows interest, confidence, and respect. Longer durations of eye contact express intimacy and sincerity. -- Keep in mind, too much makes people uncomfortable. Avoiding eye contact or glancing around when speaking shows deceit, or insincerity. Is it possible to manipulate our eyes to allow us to be perceived how we want to be perceived? The benefits of being aware of your eyes include: being in control of conversations ensuring the people you’re talking to
are comfortable -- which builds relationships. The ability to appear confident -- even if you’re not. This allows you to be a more able and potent communicator Are there any tricks to make it easier? If you’re having trouble at first, try looking in a small circle from the person’s left eye, to the right eye, and to the mouth. This will help with practicing eye contact while still appearing attentive. Remember, don’t make people uncomfortable. If they start to look that way, stop. Learning to be aware of and to control your eyes takes great discipline but helps you to become a social magician. EMILY ANTHONY
sports|9
Oct. 26, 2011
Tennis girls have successful season Lauren Williams editor-in-chief
The tennis court quiets as the ball hits the fence. Applause soon erupts from the fans. Match point, in favor of NKC girls’ tennis team. The girls’ tennis team ended the season with numerous wins. The novice team finished the regular season 4-3, the junior varsity team finished 9-3, and varsity finished 8-3, heading into districts. “My favorite part about our season and being on the team is the support system you have and the overall team bonding,” senior Amela Halilovic said. Along with teaching Physics, Daniel Berkland also coaches girls’ and boys’ tennis. The captains were senior Sara Tuncten and junior Ariana Fakeri. “Our goal this year was to get better with every practice, every point, and every match. And everyone on the team did so. I am very proud of these
Conference Honors Varsity Tennis players Senior Sara Tuncten: -1st Team All-Conference Singles, 1st Team All-Conference Doubles - 1st Team All-District Singles, 1st Team All-District Doubles Senior Kim Nyguen: -2nd Team All-Conference Singles, 1st Team All-Conference Doubles -2nd Team All-District Singles, 1st Team All-District Doubles Junior Ariana Fakeri: -2nd Team All-Conference Singles -2nd Team All-District Singles, 2nd Team All-District Doubles Junior Taylor Thompson: -2nd Team All-Conference Singles -2nd Team All-District Singles, 2nd Team All-District Doubles
LAUREN WILLIAMS
Strong backhand Demonstrating a move is professional tennis player Chanda Rubin. Rubin was the third african American woman in the open era to reach top ten. Rubin has also played against well-known player Serena Williams and won.
girls’ accomplishments and their passion for our school and the team,” Berkland said. Additionally, Tuncten won her 100th career match against Lee Summit West. She is one of only four players to achieve this
accomplishment. “I feel extremely accomplished. Overall, it’s a great feeling being one of four girls to accomplish this,”said Tuncten. Following the end of the season, professional tennis player
Chanda Rubin visited the team on Oct. 3. Rubin talked with the girls about their techniques, how long they’ve been playing, and answered any questions they had. Chanda Rubin’s hoped to encourage the girls to “never give up, no matter how dark it appears.” “I’m glad we had the chance to meet Chanda Rubin because it’s a great opportunity to hear from someone that’s at such a higher level than us,” said Tuncten. Rubin told her story of when she was in the 1995 French Open Tournament, and how she began professionally playing at the age of 15. Rubin has won seven Women’s Tennis Association tours singles titles, and reached her highestranking title of world No. 6 on April 8, 1996. Rubin is also former No. 9 in doubles, winning the doubles match in the Australia Open.
The team’s goal for next year is to get more girls involved. “If you want to join, then join. Make sure you have fun with it because the season goes by really fast. Also, don’t worry if you aren’t really good. You will improve as the season goes,” senior Dianna Ferro said. On Oct. 7, the girls accomplished their original goal of becoming better while at Districts. Placing sixth overall in the District Doubles Tournament was senior Halilovic and junior Tram Bui. Placing fourth overall in the District Doubles Tournament were juniors Fakeri and Taylor Thompson. Senior varsity player Kim Nguyen placed third overall in the District Singles Tournament. The biggest accomplishment for the team was Tuncten placed first overall to take home the District Championship in Singles.
10|sports
The Hornet’s Buzz
Football earns first win at Ruskin
Ryan Welliver staff writer
After starting 0-4, the Hornet varsity football team won Friday, Sept. 23 with a shutout victory against Ruskin 19-0. “Our team has more confidence now; it is a weight off of our shoulders,” junior quarterback Patrick Hoard said. Hoard contributed to all three of the Hornets’ touchdowns. Two were passing touchdowns: one to junior Roy Clayter, the other
to junior Marcus Jones. On top of that, he even rushed for a oneyard touchdown. “Scoring three touchdowns feels good, but it feels better to get the win. It wasn’t just me; it was the receivers and the offensive line,” Hoard said. At the very end of the game, however, a player was injured. Varsity player Jason Mulvaney, a junior, fell down on the field with a concussion. “I felt something bad was
going to happen, but I didn’t know when it was going to happen. I had a severe headache, I was really sweaty, and when I got hit, the pain increased,” Mulvaney said. Players were worried about him and wondered if he’d be alright. “When he went down, all of us went down,” Hoard said. Mulvaney was moved when he knew that the team was concerned about him.
“When I found out the whole team was there for me, it touched my heart,” Mulvaney said. “The outcome of the game didn’t matter; our focus was on Jason at that point,” head coach Leon Douglas said. The team is now 2-6, having lost to Park Hill on Sept. 30 with a score of 42-14, losing to Truman on Oct. 7 51-14, and beating Park Hill South on Oct. 14, 20-17. They are currently 1-0 in district play.
“We need to continue being committed, stay committed and stay focused. We can’t let the record get to us. We need to take care of things that we can control and finishing strong,” Douglas said. The football team has one more game left on Oct. 28 against Winnetonka. Even though the Hornets are the away team, it is being played at the Northtown stadium.
Football Seniors:
CAROLINE BATES
Defense! Number 55, Tommy Luna and number 57, Greg Roberts, run a play in their game against Raymore-Peculiar High School during the Homecoming game on Sept. 16. Though they did not vanquish the Ray-Pec Panthers, the Hornets have turned their season around, currently 1-0 in conference play with their win against Park Hill South.
#4 Kadeem McIntosh #11 Kevantae Jackson #12 John Platel #16 Greg Tluscik #36 Alex Harris #48 Alija Omerovic #40 Anthony Minnenhall #50 Grayson Gist #52 Marquise Poitier #53 Travis Knoll #77 Will Rice Destiny Jones-manager Andrew Krause -student trainer
Softball season a struggle for young team Andrea Johnson
“I’ve learned that you have to have a good attitude to be successful,” Mason said. Though the mark of a good Going into the season, the team season for many sports teams is a had several goals, including putting winning record, the Lady Hornets themselves “in a spot to have a chance softball team judged their success to win every game,” Clark said. on what they have learned in the past Junior Cheyanne Nielson, few months. thinks they have “Although our this “You have to have accomplished record does not show goal. it, we have played a good attitude to “I think we have well. There have come so far from be successful.” last season. I feel only been a few games that the teams like we get better - Abbie Mason have really beat us,” every game and by softball coach Chris next season we will Clark said. be awesome,” Nielson said. Sophomore Abbie Mason, who A team with only two juniors and pitches and plays third base, says the one senior this year, Coach Clark softball team has taught her a lot. said coaching such a relatively young
staff writer
team including a lot of learning throughout the season. “The learning process has taken place this year and we should be able to become more competitive,” Clark said. With districts quickly approaching on Oct. 5, the team was looking forward to playing Fort Osage, a team which they lost to at the beginning of the season. “We played them in a tournament earlier in the season and we could have beaten them, so we’d love to win against them at districts to advance further into the tournament,” Mason said. Though they did not beat Truman at districts, the team is happy to turn their focus to next year’s successes.
LINDSAY EVANS
Swing, batter, batter! Number 15, sophomore Erin Parra, swings at a pitch during the Hornet’s second game against Truman High School of the season. The Hornets were looking forward to facing the Patriots again at the district tournament after losing to them early in the season.
sports|11
Oct. 26, 2011
Volleyball team grows, succeeds Zoe Lewis staff writer
MEGAN RUCKH
Bring it in During a volleyball game, the varsity squad forms a huddle during a crucial moment. This year the volleyball team welcomed new head coach, Michelle Strack and, despite several set-backs, always kept a positive outlook on the season.
Leaves are falling and changing colors, hoodies are flooding the school halls and the volleyball nets are resting in the back closet. Fall is winding down, but the spirit in Northtown’s volleyball team is vibrant. This season, the volleyball ladies were in sync with the changing of the season’s colors. They welcomed the new head coach, Michelle Strack, with open arms waiting to flourish into a team strong like the large green leaves hanging from trees..The season started with a few rather harsh injuries, but they never gave up. They never fell.. Senior Alayha Grahm broke
her foot mid-season. Complementing the difficult change, senior Sierra Walker took her place until she experienced an injury as well. We could assume this to be the downfall of the team, yet they never fell. Instead, they gracefully maintained a positive attitude. Rather than dwelling on the dramatic change, they laughed. Walker portrayed their progressing effort to welcome change as a joke. “We joked a lot about how the jersey is cursed,” Walker said. Progress is made, the ladies glow like shining yellow leaves. Strack is pleased with the enormous progress our ladies
have made this season. The blooming progress has developed a “consistent positive attitude to win,” Strack said. She is looking forward to the final game of the changing season, Senior Night. Senior Night wrapped up the season on Oct. 18 at Northtown. The night ended with a 24-26 score against St.Joe Central. But it does not end there. With each win and loss these strong-willed ladies have grown together. As they end this season, they will be celebrating as they move onto districts. The positive energy will carry on with the team. We are promised the school spirit we all love and admire.
Looking for pars, birdies, memories Girls’ golf team finishes season, sends one golfer to Sectionals tournament Tierra Samuel staff writer
Northtown girls’ golf wrapped up a good season. The girls have gotten along well and created a bond. They have also enjoyed their new coach, Wade Walker “I really like the new coach,” said senior Emily Denison, who has played golf for three years. “I feel like he really helped us improve a lot then we did in the previous years.” Denison also mentioned that Coach Wade Walker was very funny. Though the girls worked together well, they still have weaknesses. “I think the team’s biggest strength is that we’re all really supportive and encouraging to each other,” said Denison. “The team struggles with staying organized,” said junior Katie Istas. “We could be more serious
and not as emotional,” said junior Stephanie Grote. Now the girls have a reason to be emotional, with the achievement of sending one girl to sectionals: junior Kala Chinnaswamy. “I am so nervous about Sectionals because it is so much more competitive,” Chinnaswamy said. “ My favorite part of the season was when I received a birdie.” said Chinnaswamy. A birdie is when your swing count is one under par - the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete a certain hole. Chinnaswamy competed in Sectionals on Oct. 5. The girls rode to tournaments in a van, and said those trips were very memorable. “What happens in the van stays in the van,” joked senior Corrie Gibson.
TAYLOR STEEN
Caddies are not subsidized Seniors Emily Denison and Corrie Gibson walk to the next hole during a golf match. Head coach Wade Walker and the team of seven girls welcomed a new assistant coach this year: Jesse Pfautz. Pfautz graduated from Northtown in 2003 and went on to William Jewell College, where she was an active member of the track team.
12|sports
The Hornet’s Buzz
Cross country team runs hard Erin Niederberger copy editor
See a shirt claiming to have held up traffic since 1925? You’re probably in the presence of a cross country runner. Northtown’s cross country team has made great strides this year. Members ran at eight meets over the season. Assistant Coach Mitsi Nessa said that the team did “really well. We’ve seen significant improvements in almost all of our runners and we’ve had kids medal at almost every meet.” Cross country team members trained by running an average of four to six miles a day, working either endurance or speed. This prepares them for meets with races 5 km or 3.1 miles long. Sophomore Brock Lorenzen joined the team counting on a rigorous training regimen. When
asked what he’d expected from cross country, he answered, “to not get fat.” He and freshman Dodge Wasinger were first year cross country members. Wasinger thought the experience was “pretty good. I’m a freshman on varsity.” Lorenzen added, “You really have a sense of the team because everyone has a great time and works together.” He thought he performed well. “I never ran cross country before. I managed to run in one varsity meet and I didn’t come in last,” he said. Both Lorenzen and Wasinger intend to return to the team next year. Senior Sam Vollbrecht has run on cross country for three years, and regrets not doing it his freshman year. In general, Vollbrect thinks the team has done well this
year, although personally, he performed “very terribly, because I have a back injury.” His best memory from cross country is pushing Michael Middleton into a puddle of mud his sophomore year. Nessa describes cross country as a sport that creates “a very strong family feeling”. Coach Chris McCullough added that it requires a lot of dedication and hard work. Their advice for potential members next year is to try to build up mileage and go ahead and join - it’s fun and it makes you tougher. “A lot of kids are scared because we run, but we’ll get you there,” Nessa said. On Oct. 22, cross country members ran at the Districts meet. The top thirty runners overall moved on to Sectionals, with the chance of moving on to State.
COURTESY OF SAM VOLLBRECHT
Run, boys, run! The boys on the cross country team stand at the starting line, ready to begin the race. The boys really enjoyed their season this year and they loved to run for all kinds of purposes, including exercise. Even though some of the members were new, they all worked together as a team and had a good season.
Soccer boys reminisce on season Alex Grant staff writer
NICKI GRANT
In the huddle The boys on the Hornet soccer team stand together in the huddle, preparing themselves for the game ahead of them. The boys played an exciting season this year with wins against teams such as Ruskin Mills and Truman. The seniors are ready to move on because they know that the boys they leave behind will successfully carry the team forward.
The men’s varsity Hornet soccer team had a successful season this year with wins against St. Pius, Truman, and Ruskin Mills. The season was bittersweet for every team member and coach as it came to a close. Seniors must move on and underclassmen have to step up and lead the team. The senior boys know that there will be many things about playing soccer at Northtown that they will miss. Senior Eli Warren said, “I’ll miss all my teammates.” In addition to their teammates, some said they will miss playing the game and the exercise. Senior Gabe Melgarejo said, “I’ll miss running because I’ll get lazy.”
Whatever it is they’ll miss, the senior boys know they will leave the team in good hands with their younger teammates. The underclassmen on the team know that they have hard work ahead of them, but they’re confident that they can lead the team. Sophomore Josh Folken said, “We’ll lose a lot of talent with the seniors leaving, but I’m going to be encouraging for the new kids that will be on varsity next year.” Whatever it is the boys do, the seniors know that their remaining teammates will step up and bring the team to victory in later years. All in all, the boys on the soccer team had an extraordinary year. They all worked well together and brought victories home. The seniors will be missed, but the underclassmen will take a stand and make sure that the varsity team continues to thrive in the years to come.
Oct. 26, 2011
sports|13
Swim makes strides to become better Emily Anthony staff writer
While students were pouring back into the halls of Northtown, the Boys’ Swim and Dive team poured themselves back into the lanes at Gladstone Community Center. Although under the guidance of a new coach from Staley, Coach Barth, the team kept together, attending practice up to twice a day. The result was positive. “Our season has been extremely successful,” said Coach Barth. Despite being smaller than most sports teams at Northtown, three members have qualified for state. Qualifying for state in
swim means swimming as fast or faster than a set qualifying time. The times differ depending on the stroke and the number of meters. Team captain senior Griffin Schmitt qualified in the 200 freestyle, senior Bryce Reid qualified in diving, and junior Hunter Schmitt qualified in the 100 backstroke. The Boys Swim and Dive team is a prime example that hard work and dedication pay off. Coach Barth encourages every student to come out to Gladstone and support the team at conference on. Nov. 1-2. This will be the last time to see the boys swim until the State Championship, held in St. Peters, Mo. on Nov. 11-12.
LINDSAY EVANS
Making a splash! Freshman Stefan Zimmerman races for Northtown, pulling ahead of a rival swimmer. The boys on the swim team competed in various events at their meets, often doing well.
Cheer does well at State, places 7th Alex Grant staff writer
The girls on the Northtown Varsity Hornet cheer squad take their cheering very seriously. Whether they are at football games or volleyball games, these girls give it their all. Sporting events are where they do most of their cheering, but this year, when summer became fall, the girls prepared for state competition. State competition was Sunday, Oct. 2 in Columbia, Missouri and the cheerleaders worked hard to make sure they would do well. “We had practice during Advisory and we practiced the day before state from 9 to 5,” said junior Hannah Pio. The girls even used football games to get in some extra practice time. Destiny Jones, one of the senior captains, said, “We actually did our practice routines during games to help us prepare.” All the careful preparation has allowed the girls to be ready for state competition. “The competition was nerve-wracking because there were a lot of schools, but it was fun,” said Pio.
JOY BRANCH Go, Hornets! The girls on the cheer team yell loudly for the Hornet football team. The girls cheer on every sports team, including volleyball and football. They also used games to practice for State, which was held on Oct. 2 in Columbia.
The girls were hopeful going into State because of how well they did at Districts and Regionals. “We placed fourth at Regionals, so we should do well at State,” senior captain Melaina Bixler said. Even though the girls were confident about their chances, they knew that they’d have to work hard.
“I am so proud of them. They were perfect.” - Coach Chaney
Bixler said, “This year was the hardest Districts we’ve been to, so we definitely didn’t take State lightly.” State competition went very well for the girls. Competing against schools like Joplin and Oak Park, the girls placed seventh out of 23 teams in the state of Missouri. Coach Banen Chaney said, “I am so proud of them. They were perfect.”
JOY BRANCH
Kick it up a notch! Left: Junior Hannah Pio in the Scorpion position Right: Sophomore Megan Ruckh in the scale position.
14|arts&entertainment
The Hornet’s Buzz
Fiction book banned for fictional reasons Zoe Lewis staff writer
Welcome to SlaughterhouseFive. Travel with us to the home of the Tralmafadores and explore the surface of the dystopia. Put your thinking caps on and pry your eyes open to this mindtwisting, creative perspective. The time warp will suck you in. So it goes. This fictional book will manipulate you with false concepts of American history and government. Then it will also convince you of principles contrary to a religion we shall not discuss. Slaughterhouse - Five by Kurt Vonnegut was another beautifully written novel banned in July 2011 by the Republic School District of Republic, Missouri. In the last five years, the U.S. government has put two books to rest. Huckleberry Finn has teetertottered on Missouri bookshelves three times in the past year. The North Kansas City School District has blocked websites giving information to help teens better understand of homosexuality. We are silenced. Although we are told to never stress the beliefs of any
religion, we are taught to restrict any estranged outlook we come across. The fictional religion created by Vonnegut has similar traits in a religion. A religion as to which we are supposedly given the right to choose if we please. So it goes. Fear. We are stuck in a neverending cycle of fear. Banning is the second step we have taken: segregation. Intertwine this with the ignorance we are taught and you will wind up back at square one: fear. Since we are still permitted to view opinions, Communication Arts teacher Steven Hatfield speaks the truth: “People are afraid of other’s thoughts contradicting their point of view on reality.” Don’t be foolish to look down on your teacher for this book being put to rest. The ones who grant us our education are silenced as well. Communication Arts teacher Steve Epley reached out to the school board and spoke for the right of opinion. “I believe we should foster intellectually curious students and not fearful students,” Epley said. Elliot Gau, a recent graduate from Fort Osage High School,
is a example of a well educated student who actually agrees on book banning. He blurted out, “Well, like, if it forced religion on kids it should be banned!” as he goes in depth about how difficult the memorization of pronouns and nouns are in high school. This raises concern; the cycle of fear is growing. Perhaps this is why journalists are often forced to manipulate media or why we can’t develop an opinion of our own. You can try to stop censorship but it just won’t work. The door to imagination will be closed for our generation. So it goes.
Commonly-Challenged Books A Clockwork Orange One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest The Catcher in the Rye The Grape’s Wrath Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary Of Mice and Men My Brother Sam is Dead Little Red Riding Hood I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings How To Eat Fried Worms
BOOK COVER COURTESY OF AMAZON.COM
National writing challenge approaches Erin Niederberger
NaNoWriMo began in 1999, when Chris Baty and 20 other people decided to try to write a Get ready... get set... write! Over 200,000 people from all novel in a month. They originally chose July, over the world will be doing just although the event that come Nov. 1. They’re participating “The biggest was later moved to November to in National Novel thing take advantage Writing Month of bad weather. (NaNoWriMo for separating Six participants short), an event that people from succeeded. takes place in the Every year since, month of November. their artistic NaNoWriMo grew. The goal? Write a novel - defined ambitions is not It turned out that of people wanted for the purposes of a lack of talent. lots to try their hand at the event as 50,000 words of original It’s the lack of a writing a novel. According to Baty, fiction - in 30 days. deadline.” anyone can write a Last year, over novel. It’s simply an 30,000 of over 200,000 participants crossed the issue of having motivation. In his book No Plot? No finish line. copy editor
Problem!, he wrote, “The biggest thing separating people from their artistic ambitions is not a lack of talent. It’s the lack of a deadline. Give someone an enormous task, a supportive community, and a friendly-yet-firm due date, and miracles will happen.” Miracles or not, the event has become very popular. Over five hundred NaNoWriMo chapters exist worldwide, and the Kansas City, MO region has 1794 registered members. The program even has success stories - the acclaimed novel Water for Elephants began during NaNoWriMo. If NaNoWriMo sounds interesting, registering is simple. Participants can set up a profile at nanowrimo.org and start plotting - November isn’t far away.
opinions|15
Oct. 26, 2011
Cheerleading is a sport too Endia Moore staff writer
Jumping, tumbling, dancing, throwing, catching, kicking: these are all elements of cheerleading. Even though cheerleading involves so much strength, skill, and endurance, some people still do not consider cheer a sport. The definition of cheerleading is a sport that uses a combination of organized routine made from elements of tumbling dance, jump, and stunting. Americans don’t think it is a sport because most sports are played with a ball or an activity that the NCAA says is a sport. Some other athletes have no idea what it takes to be a cheerleader. Cheerleading does involve physical exertion and skill. Cheerleading is the number one cause of serious injuries to female athletes. Cheerleaders do not wear any type of protective gear and get hurt more than
any other sport. Emergency room visits for cheerleaders are five times more frequent than in any other sport. Over the past 25 years, high school cheerleaders accounted for 65.7 percent of all major athletic injuries. They use the space they have even if the ceilings are not the proper height they need to perform stunts. Since most schools do not see cheer as a sport, often times they don’t have the matting needed. Cheerleading involves much more than just what is seen at an average basketball or football game. Lastly, cheerleaders work just as hard as any other athlete and train just as much. Colleges and high school cheerleaders compete for national championships against other squads and risk terrible injury; some even get recruited for scholarships. In most cases, cheerleaders put in as much practice (if not more) as the football team. People should recognize cheering as an actual sport.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LIFETOUCH
JV Cheer Front Row: Audrey North, Viviana Lopez, Megan Davis, Marisa McCormack, Nicole Payne, Brittany Hallauer. Back Row: Tramea McCrary, Katesha Long, JaMee Weaver, Brittany Webb, Kaitlynn Berry, Catherine Allen, Kana Wilkinson.
z z u
B e Th ff a t S
“See you at the pole”
MATTHEW HOWERTON
Christian NKCHS students and teachers come together to pray on September 28th for the annual “See You at the Pole” day. The FCA begins a daily meeting around the pole in late October.
Matthew Howerton staff writer
“See You at the Pole”, the everyday necessity for Northtown Christians “National See You at the Pole Day” is an important day to some teenage Christians. But “See You at the Pole” is essential for a daily routine. Close to 20 students from Northtown gathered at the flag on Sept. 28 to hold hands and pray around the pole. This annual date started in 1990 when 10 students prayed at another school. According to SYATP.org, an estimate of 45,000 students participate each year. For Northtown, FCA supported the gathering this year at our school. FCA’s purpose for this event was for a turnout of students to show their faith,and pray for the country, school, and community. “I like ‘See You at the Pole’ event and I can’t wait for next year,” said teacher Loree Gentry, an FCA sponsor. The event also aims to have students get along with people from different backgrounds and come together in unity. In my opinion, the numbers can and hopefully will increase from what they are now. From greatest quotes “Prayer is the ministry” (Watchman Nee), and “United
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
we stand, divided we fall” (Aesop), lies the strategic action that Christians at Northtown need to take. We are the ones to increase the Kingdom of God, and stand against the kingdom of darkness. An opportunity to do so for this school is right in front of our own building: the flag pole. With two or more people, He is there with us in power and we congregate. We congregate, not to just meet together on a Sunday, sip coffee, and socialize. We live by the grace of God together in one spirit and one heart. Attending “See You at the Pole”, as great as it is, only once a year is equivalent to going to Church only on Easter Day. Because this event with a short term goal is not enough. The mission of Christ is written to change the world by beauty, and it’s time to take a step at a time, one day at a time. Beginning Oct. 27, there will be a daily meeting at the pole for any person who wants to join into prayer at the pole. The prayer will start between 7:05-7:15 a.m. and last about two minutes. With daily short prayers with a longterm goal and attendance, and consecutive actions to follow, Northtown will see a new dawn in the horizon.
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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 Sedaliia, Mo.
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The Hornet’s Buzz