Vol. 20 Iss. 2 by Olathe East Hawk's Eye

Vol. 20 Iss. 2

The Olathe East

HAWKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EYE Eat, Sleep, DIET

Pg. 10

Rapper Rashiyd Ashon

Pg.12

Where were you on 9/11?

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IPS students play softball

CO NT

HAWK’S EYE

4 5 6

NEWS

3 The Olathe Orchestra Festival By: Jonah Jacobsen

From Italy to America

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I realized I was living a dream not everyone could have, and I just took over. - Rashiyd Ashon

By: Rachel Kimmich

College Prep CheckList By: Dani Hoisington

Interpersonal Skills & Softball By: Valerie Gasser

Club of the Month: FCA By: Kellan Richards

Sports 7

OE Tennis, What’s Up

By: Sean Murray

Feature 8 -9

Eat, Sleep, Diet By: Rachael Kolb and Alyssa Williams

Entertainment 10

Rashiyd Ashon

The Help

By: Peter Hung

By: Jessica Goddard

Mainstream Music

By: Jazmine Smith

Editorial 12 13 14

Where Were You? By: Aaron Rhodes

Jam Time

By: Jamie Ras

McDonald’s Monopoly By: Annie Huff

Dateless

By: Aly Lagerquist

p 12

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Vol 20| Iss 01

NEWS

The Olathe Orchestra Festival

Olathe East Orchestra prepares for the year Jonah Jacobsen// Editor

f one were to take a stroll down the 700 hall way during first hour, they would likely hear majestic tunes filling the hallway. This is the sound of Olathe East orchestra students working hard to prepare for concerts and competitions. To get a jump-start on the school year, they annually attend The Olathe High School Orchestra Festival. Olathe East Orchestra Instructor Brigid Mayer explained, “The Olathe High School orchestra festival is when all four high schools come together and do a clinic and concert in one day.” Participants are in one of three groups: freshman, concert, or advanced orchestra. The three groups practice separately on the same music for seven hours, followed by a final performance with all three groups together. Mayer estimated that out of the 500 orchestra students that will be in attendance, 75 will be from Olathe East. Internationally acclaimed orchestra conductor Mark Laycock of Wichita State is coming to the Olathe High School Orchestra Festival to work with the advanced orchestra. Jacob Dakon of he University of Kansas will assist the concert group while Rob Hale of Staley High School will help the freshman orchestra In order to prepare for an event like this, Mrs. Mayer stated, “All of the teachers agree on the music selection in the

spring and then we do markings like bow directions and things like that together. Then we all prep the kids beforehand.” The Olathe High School Orchestra Festival is all day October 4, with the free performance starting at 7:00pm.

Advanced orchestra students prepare for the festival. Photo By Rachel Neuman

September ‘11 |3

NEWS

Vol 20| Iss 01

From Italy to America Giovanni Casula comes to East Rachel Kimmich//Managing Editor

oreign exchange students. They look, sound, and even talk differently than the average Olathe East High The Flag of Sardinia schooler. Yet every year, more students from across the Photo By Wikipedia world call East their school for a semester or two. The 2011-12 school year is no different. Giovanni Casula, or Gio, is now a part of the 2,500 student body. Casula has studied English for many years in Sardinia, “the While in America Casula stays with the hardest part of the English language is understanding what the Goodman family. He calls Kansas his other people are saying,” he said. temporary residence, but Sardinia “A normal school day in Italy is very different because it serves as his real home. Sardinia, the starts at 8:30 and finishes at 1:30 p.m.,” said Casula. “I don’t second largest island in the Mediterrachange classrooms, but the teacher comes. We don’t have nean Sea, is located to the left of Italy. lunch, but a little breakfast.” Casula calls his home country “the most Casula will be staying at Olathe East until June and said fambeautiful place in the world.” ily and friends are the main items he misses from his home of While the many homebodies of KanSardinia. Until he returns to Sardinia, Casula said, “I speak sas and America, however, cannot comevery day on Skype with my friends.” prehend why others would leave their Even though foreign exchange students may seem very forcountries to come to America. Casula eign to Olathe East students, they are really very similar. The wanted to come to the U.S. to “live next time you see Giovanni Casula, be sure to say, “Hi!” a new adventure and to learn English.” While many students at Olathe East take Food- waffles Spanish or French, Italians are required Sport- soccer to take English. Why? Thing to do- go shopping and go to Because English “is movies the language most spoken in the world.” Giovanni Casula Even though Photo By Rachel Kimmich

Giovanni’s favorites:

Sardina in black. Italy in white. Photo By Wikipedia

4| Hawk’s Eye

Vol 20| Iss 01

College Prep Checklist Danielle Hoisington// Staff Writer

NEWS

Helpful tips to stay organized

For Junio rs: · Be gin stu or the SA dying and revie win T in apply (check with colle g for the ACT a n ing to—n ot all wil ges you’re intere d/ leges ba l require sted se some the SAT). of scores b C ecause th their decision o n these te oley are e activities st asier to , etc. Yo com ur provide you with teachers and co pare than unselors review p tests. Info c ackets a rm nd practi an can be fo ation, dates, an ce d other h und in th elpful tip e counse colleges s , you ca li n receive ng office. (At so arship w me a half or ith an AC · Lo e ven full s T score o ok into s c f a 28 o chools y r above!) holits acade o u ’d like to a mic prog tte rams, th locatio e size an nd. Consider · Fin n, and cost. d popula ally, junio tion, rs, write pare for practice the actu e ssa al applic sample a ation pro ys and prepplicatio cess. Loo n th e a s s t a th ys and s e college For Senio ample re k for might re rs: sumes quire. · Fir st, narro w down more tha your list n four o of colleg r five ca suming, es—apply n get ov and exp ing to er whelm ensive. T financial ing, time hen, che aid, scho con· S c k o la ut rship, an tar t the a d any pa the application, pplicatio · G y m n with th ent dead et this in e earlies lines. formati you are applying on together and t deadline first. : re ady to g o ACT o when /S o Gra AT score de point average o Clas s rank · M ake sure you kno you’re in w the d terested in—if you eadlines for oth or playin er ’re g a spor Some general information: t, be sure majoring in a c programs applicati e r o y ta o n *You can find almost every school’s application online, u s in . ’r field e aware · C heck the of those but you can also send in a paper copy to the admiss s p c e h cific olarship schools. priority Many w sions office. d e a il d l first if yo lines for consider u apply y y o o *Put some personality into your application essaysu u r for by a cer Novem tain date scholarship mon -colleges use these to identify you from all the GPAs, · Fin ber 1, but the d e — y the most ates var ally, kee common grades, and test scores, which only identify you as a y . p u is p the good take ove r to g “good student”. They have no idea what your personever ythin o quickly—keep rades. Don’t let “Seniori your foc g ality is like; so, use your essays as ways to reflect your tis” us. Don’t career ju you’ve worked for your screw up st becau person. whole hig se you’r e getting h school *Don’t rush when applying: take it one step at a time tired of s chool. and do it right the first time. Photo courtesy to colleges shown above

September ‘11 |5

NEWS

Interpersonal Skills & Softball A match made in heaven

Valerie Gasser//Guest Writer & Jonah Jacobsen//Editor

n Thursday, September 16, 2011 the Olathe East Interper- them while at bat, ran the bases with them and pumped up the sonal Skills Class was involved in a softball game orga- excitement by their cheers and chants. Although no score was nized by senior Kiki Stokes, one of the class peer mentors. kept, fun was had by all. This awesome activity taught the students about teamwork, fol Inter personal lowing directions Skills is a class and learning the where general education sturules of softball. Stokes, an Alldents and special American softball needs students player, stated, “For come together to my Leadership IV develop friendproject, I decided I ships and work wanted to put on a on everyday softball game for our life lesson skills interpersonal skills through peer students at Olathe models. Stokes, Interpersonal Skills class poses for a picture following the softball game East and give them also a member Photo Courtesy Valerie Gasser a shot at something of the Olathe they didn’t get to East Leadership Class, organized this interactive softball do often. The turnout was really good. Just getting to game as a part of her community service plan. see smiles and everyone getting to play was awesome.” All three Lifeskills classes were invited to take part in this fun Each student got two opportunities to bat and run activity. Each player was provided with an official Olathe East the bases. All participants had a fantastic time and softball jersey and assigned to a team according to their teacher. look forward to the next opportunity to play softball. Each student was paired up with a peer mentor, who aided

6| THE HAWK’S EYE

NEWS

Vol 20| Iss 01

Club of The Month: FCA The Fellowship of Christian Athletes Kellan Richards// Staff Writer

he students all linger in at 7am smiling and laugh- A couple of years ago Hanson was looking for a way ing. An array of bagels covers the front table, with to start a Bible study at California Trail; FCA was the solubowls and spoons for cereal accompanying them. tion. When Hanson and FCA’s sponsor Jacob Gunn moved Some students are sitting at lab tables, some on the up to East, FCA followed. Now the group has grown floor all eagerly awaiting the message for the day. into something much greater then a small Bible study. Gay stated, “I got interested because Lars The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is gathering again, as they do every Wednes- It’s cool to share Hanson, a good friend and teammate of mine, told me about it (he used to lead it at CT). So day morning to unite in community and my faith with teamlearn about competing for the glory of God. he asked me if I would be interested in getting FCA, a student-led group of athletes, assem- mates and classmates. it started at OE and I have loved it so much.” FCA has had a great turnout, with 57 ble in order to praise God and learn about im- -Lars Hanson proving athletics by focusing them around God. students attending the first meeting and Leader Lars Hanson said, “It’s cool to share my around 80 students attending all together. faith with teammates and classmates.” Lars said he prepares for each week by praying and dig FCA looks like this: the morning ging into the Bible to find something that he feels will conbegins with an icebreaker game. nect with others. He then uses that as the lesson for the week. Next there is a student-led les- Several types of athletes congregate here in Rm. 118, son followed by breaking up Gunn’s room. Gay said, “It’s a great way for all the difinto small groups to pray and ferent athletes at East to unite, bond, and learn.” dive deeper into the message. Of the people attending FCA, many of them are run “Oh, and there are almost ners, baseball players, basketball players, and dancers, always some real good munch- but they are no exclusive group. FCA welcomes all peoies,” added leader Riley Gay. ple, athlete or not, to join the fun and learn about God.

“

he Lady Hawks are off to a victorious start this season. A team goal of theirs, according to juniors Abby Schmitz and Lynn Vu, is to keep the difference between wins and losses as large as possible by winning as many matches as they can. So far the winning Hawks tennis team is well on their way to achieving this goal. As of September 22, the Varsity girls have a solid overall record of 7-1 and JV team is off to a great 6-1 start. Both teams swept both Shawnee Mission West and Olathe South to start the season by getting all twelve match wins in each competition. Against Shawnee Mission Northwest, both Varsity and JV teams only fell short of another shutout by two matches, but they still came away with the dominating win of 10Eveyn Vila in mid-serve 2. Later on in the season, East Photo courtesy of Rachel Neuman dominated Olathe North with

another shut out, twelve matches to none. Next, the Hawks got another win ten matches to one against Olathe Northwest. Following that win, East grabbed yet another win against Blue Valley Northwest, eight match wins to four. After another sweep over Bishop Miege, Varsity was handed their first loss by Shawnee Mission East. Junior Lynn Vu said “the team is closer together this year than ever before,” and this relationship allows them to be as good as they are. Junior Abby Schmitz feels like she “has 25 sisters” because of how close the team is in practice and games. In the words of Coach Hulse, “the Hawks are rocking this year,” so come out and show some support. Home matches take place on the courts right next to the soccer field in the back. Talk to any of the girls or Coach Hulse for details on their next match.

Seniors

Sean Murray// Copy Editor

Juniors

The girls are off to a strong start this year

Rachael Dennis Anna Emley Erin Kimberling Lauren Miller Rachel Neuman Jenny Pinkston Alyssa Chance Joy Donnelly Hannah Heaton Angel Li Abby Schmitz Evelyn Vila Lynn Vu

Sophomores

OE Tennis, What’s Up

Roster

Hayley Bondank Megan Cox Emily Don Hannah Fain Mollie Magee Carley Mitus Hope Nichita

Freshmen

“

Erica Chang Courtney Child Elizabeth Gorby Renae Hill Ashly Johnson Bri States

September ‘11 |7

FEATURE

Eat, Sleep, Diet Rachael Kolb and Alyssa Williams // Editor and Staff Writer

iet”: probably the most terrifying word in the English language today. Women, teens, and now young girls, thanks to the new children’s book Maggie goes on a diet, are under so much pressure to have this “perfect” figure. The dieting problem has been around since, well, forever. Why do teens diet? Barb Webber from the lunchroom staff said, “Pressure from the media and what they see on TV.” The dieting epidemic has gone from women to teenagers to fifth graders. A study by Teen Health and Media showed that 10-year-old girls felt “dissatisfied with their own bodies after watching a music video by Britney Spears.” The show Toddlers and Tiaras, presents a perfect example of how young girls are pressured to portray a Barbie like image. These girls have spray tans, fake eyelashes, waxed eyebrows and they aren’t even 10 years old yet. The show sexualizes third graders and shows them they need to have a padded push-up bikini top and they need to be fit and have dance moves like Beyoncé. The media plays a major part of why women diet, Webber also said, “Pressure from boys” contributes to body conscious insecurities. Society has become all about body image. It seems women will do anything to be ‘model skinny’.

On why she would go to such lengths to get skinny a recovering OE teen anorexic said, “This generation is so obsessed with body image and the way you dress, I think I just got caught up in how you’re supposed to look and dress. It just got to me,” Diet pills, anorexia, bulimia and other eating disorders are a common factor in losing weight. A study by Teen Health and Media said 62.7% of teenagers take extreme and unhealthy measures to lose weight. Why women turn to things that can be potentially life threatening, another teen said, “They [women] want to lose weight fast, so instead of doing things the healthy way, they go to other methods to get quicker results.” Many people who are losing weight don’t need to be and if going to extreme measures like using diet pills or becoming anorexic and bulimic is necessary, then this strategy not worth it. The goal should not be to lose weight; the goal is to be healthy. Questioning women about dieting and the disorders that come with the weight loss epidemic, teens and adult women tend to get instantly uncomfortable. This problem cannot be shunned, but society will always fight obesity. Solve today’s dieting problem: follow common sense and doctors’ advice. Eat, exercise, and try not to be obsessed with the media or the pressure. Stop thinking skinny and start living a carefree and healthy life.

Teens and Dieting According to the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, out of 11,631 girls more than a third considers themselves overweight as compared to 15% of boys Most common method of dieting were skipping meals, taking diet pills and inducing vomiting after eating. Twenty to 30% of teens skip breakfast Teens need 19 grams of fiber everyday which includes, bananas, apples, pears, almonds and beans Binge eating disorder is probably the most common eating disorder, affecting about 2% of adults Weight Watchers ranked#1 best commercial diet by U.S. News &World Report

8| THE HAWK’S EYE

FEATURE

Vol 20| Iss 01

aggie Goes On a Diet: a book causing outrage from parents across the nation. Amazon is getting attacked from shoppers because of their decision to sell the book. Buyers of Amazon are threatening to boycott the site if they go through with selling the controversial children’s book, which will be released in October. Maggie Goes On a Diet tells the story of 14-year-old Maggie who’s overweight and is made fun of because of this. She goes on a diet of healthy foods and exercises after school each day, and eventually this she loses 51 pounds, joins the soccer team, and becomes popular. Paul M. Kramer wrote the book and self published it. “My intentions were just to write a story to entice and to have children feel better about themselves, discover a new way of eating, learn to do exercise, try to emulate Maggie and learn from Maggie’s experience,” Kramer said when interviewed on Good Morning America. “Children are pretty smart… and they will make a good choice if you give them that opportunity.” The word “diet” in the title is what sparks so much anger. Kramer defended his use of “diet” saying, “If I entitled the book ‘Maggie Eats Healthy’, somebody in a bookstore… is really not going to identify with someone who has been overweight, who has health problems. Diet is a… misconstrued word, and it has many, many meanings.” The issue many parents have with this book is the idea that it threatens girls’ image of themselves. The worry is that this book will only encourage that self-hatred. “It’s a double - edged sward,” said Keith Larkin, a teacher at East with a daughter in the targeted age range for the book. “I’m very conscious of the media’s image of women in my house. You have to have a constant barrage of comments and conversations to counteract the media’s image. I think it’s horrible that so many beautiful and healthy girls don’t feel that way. Everyone is beautiful. I really believe that.” The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders reports that

ASK a HAWK

47% of girls in 5 through 12 grade want to lose weight because of images they find in the media. The body shape for women glorified by the media is possessed naturally by only 5% of women in America. The rest of the 95% work out, diet, and starve themselves to achieve that “perfect look”. Women in general struggle with disliking their body. There is no need for another weapon to encourage that. th

Photo courtesy of Paul M. Kramer

>>What is the effect of the Media on the body image of teenagers?

The media influences unhealthy lifestyles for women. The unrealistic goals we set can lead to mental and physical unstableness- Emily Fish

It has become such a big part of society that people are almost expected to be aware of the way they look - Grace Baugher

SENIOR

JUNIOR

SENIOR

Its awful. It makes us feel like we’re inadequate -Jacob Connatser

SEPTEMBER ‘11 |9

ENTERTAINMENT

Rashiyd Ashon #AlmostFamous

t would be any rapper’s dream to perform live, especially for a Vanilla Ice and Mac Miller concert. That dream came true for Olathe East’s Rashiyd Reed when a show promoter called him early in this year. Reed loves to rap. It is a way for Reed to express himself. “Music has always helped me get through the day,” he said. During his freshman year, Reed committed himself to being a rapper. He started writing his own songs, which are all very diverse. A common theme he incorporates in his lyrics, however, is fashion. Once sophomore year arrived, Reed recorded his first track at a nearby studio. Soon after he and his friend decided to buy pro tools, a recording microphone, and equipment to make the recordings sound just as professional as they do in the studio. After trying out different rapper names, Reed Ashon (his middle name) was born. He decided to use his first and middle name because he thought it was unique. Reed continued writing and recording until early in 2011 when his dream came true. It was just a regular day for Reed. He was sitting at home looking up typical things on the Internet when his friend’s dad called. Surprisingly a show promoter contacted his friend’s dad and asked if Reed would open for the Section 8 Concert, which featured eight hip-pop artists including the well known Vanilla Ice and Mac Miller. They said it would be perfect for Reed to do and sure enough he accepted without a doubt. He was not going to turn down the opportunity to perform live at one of the biggest hip-pop concerts in Kansas City for ten years. Reed was determined to do well on his first performance on the upcoming concert. He would definitely want to leave a good first impression, especially on the famous rappers and all of his fans. He practiced rapping for 2 weeks straight. From day to day aiming to master his technique before the big day came where he had a 30-minute set to perform 10-11 songs of his choice. It was not long before the day of concert arrived. It was June 24, 2011, and Reed had just looked out into the crowd of the Section 8 concert at Crossroads in Kansas City. “There were like 2000 people there, and I was extremely ner-

10| THE HAWK’S EYE

Peter Hung//staff writer

vous,” Reed said. “Once I got on stage, I realized that I was living a dream that not everyone could have, and I just took over.” He explained that his technique for performing on stage “depends on how the crowd was feeling, and the crowd was on my side.” With the crowd at his side, Reed soon forgot that he was nervous and moved around the stage as he delivered his songs to the hyped crowd. After his intense performance, the opener of Section 8 was over. It was time for the other rappers to perform. “As soon as I got off the stage, people were asking me for autographs,” said Reed “It was such as different feeling –nothing I’ve experienced before, and it was amazing.” Around the time of the concert Reed spent a lot of time with Machine Gun Kelly. “They were all friendly and very cool,” Reed explains. “I talked with MGK a lot and I realized that they were normal people just like me.” Reed definitely believes that being able to perform live is an important aspect of rapping. Since the Section 8 Concert, he has had 8-9 concerts. Every time he performs he gains so many more fans. Performing live has changed Reed’s writing process. “Whenever I’m writing I’ll think about whether the lyrics will sound well while performing,” Reed said. As of now he gets paid for his concerts and is sponsored by Sugar Stake Apparel and Gum Clothing who send him free clothing. He released his mix tape on September 14, 2011 and he wants to have his own concert sometime at the end of this month.

Top Left: Ashon Poses in an Alley Ashon standing in front of the Kansas City skyline Left: Above: Wearing a shirt by his sponsor, Gum Clothing Photos Courtesy of Owen Rauckman

ENTERTAINMENT

Vol 20| Iss 01

The Help

The book and movie sweeping the nation

Jessica Goddard// Staff Writer

he Help” has left book clubs crying, critics talking and audiences captivated.The book set in the 1960’s is about, three women team up to write a novel about the colored help. The maid Aibileen Clark has raised many white children. Eugenia ‘Skeeter’ Phlenan, a writer for the Jackson Newspaper, asked her to help write an advice column. The seemingly harmless advice column turns into a full-fledged secret novel. Soon, Aibileen invites her friend Minny Jackson to join the secret group. Together the three pull together a novel that shakes up all of Mississippi. Author Kathryn Stockett brings her characters to life in an amazing way. Some characters capture your heart and make you want to jump into the pages and wrap them in your arms, while other characters deserve a good slap across the face. Either way you know who you love and who you hate. The movie, directed by Tate Taylor has gotten just as much buzz as the book. Taylor worked closely with Kathryn Stockett the author. Overall the critics loved “The Help”. Entertainment Weekly says its “compulsively readable”, and “a movie you can’t keep your eyes off of”. Some may argue that the movie didn’t go into enough detail, but this is normally the case when a movie follows a book. The actors deserve an A+! Emma Stone beautifully brings to

life the character of Eugenia ‘Skeeter’ Phelan. Viola Davis plays the amazing Aibileen Clark, really captures her Aibileen Clark, Minnie Jacckson, Eugenai “Skeeter” Phelan characters Photo Courtesy Christian Science Monitor true essence from the book. Minny Jackson is played by Octavia Spencer. Octavia brings out the Minny Jackson everyone fell in love with from the book all the sassiness included. Overall “The Help” has touched everyone. If you’re looking for a feel good movie or book about the empowerment of the pen, run to your nearest book store or grab some friends and head to the movies you’ll be in fot a treat.

Mainstream Music The music we love to hate

Jazmine Smith// Staff Writer

ritney Spears? Rihanna? Nicki Minaj? Let’s be honest; this isn’t music. I honestly don’t even believe they should be called “artists.” Maybe they’ve had a few good songs here and there, but seriously, what were people thinking when they gave them record deals? The amount of auto tune in today’s music is almost offensive. Yes, it sounds cool, but do we really need to hear it all over the radio? Auto tune can be good when used correctly, and horrible when not. It seems like every song I hear on radio stations nowadays has an egregious use of auto-tune on the lead vocal. “I Wanna Go” by Britney Spears consists of nothing but auto tune. Then the lyrics. It’s as if they played a game of Mad Libs and thought, “There’s my song!” The sexism and obscenity in today’s music is appalling. I’m not saying everyone should listen to the kind of music I listen to; I’m just saying people should have a better idea of what music should really be. Sex. Drugs. Money. Death. That’s what music is today. Nothing new. Originality is a thing of the past. Modern music has only one factor: the price tag. Talent is no longer necessary to be in the music business.

Yes, some “artists” have actual talent, but they obviously don’t care what they’re singing about, as long as they get tons of money for it. It doesn’t take much more than a catchy beat and a pretty face to impress people today. What does it take to have a number one hit on the radio? A generic beat, cliché lyrics, and a computer that is capable of making your songs auto tuned.

September‘11 |11

EDITORIAL

Where Were You?

The stories from students and staff on 9/11

his month marks the ten-year anniversary of 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York, D.C., and Pennsylvania. The students from the class George Bush was speaking to are all grown up now. Most of the students at East were only in elementary school but some remember the day well. Now, the official memorial in New York is open to the public, along with the museum opening on 9/11 next year and many stories are being shared. The memorial was designed by Michael Arad, an Israerli-American architect. It includes a forest of trees and two pools where the towers once stood along with a wall of names of the victims of the tragedy. Some students’ and teachers’ recall where they were the day this tragedy happened. Here they are: Librarian Lori Franklin’s story; “I was working as an elementary school librarian working at Green Springs Elementary School in the Olathe District. That morning, a teacher ran into our library and asked me to turn on the television. The library had the only cable feed in the building, and as I turned on the TV, I asked him what was going on. ‘ “A plane hit one of the twin towers in New York,” he said, shaking his head. He thought it might be some type of accident. It sounded strange to me – the towers were so tall and visible that I wondered how anyone could accidentally crash a plane into them. As we watched the events unfold, I spent time out on the library floor making sure the children visiting the library were shielded from the television in our work room, and that they were not being influenced by the increasingly panicked mood of our teaching staff.” Senior Nathan Maher talked about 9/11. He had two older cousins working in New York at the time. One of them actually saw the planes hit and had to evacuate from the area. His family wasn’t sure if they were all right but they were both found to be okay by the next day. Senior Kylie McGinnis said, “The day of September

12| THE HAWK’S EYE

Aaron Rhodes //Staff Writer

eleventh I was in second grade at Bentwood Elementary. It was grandparents’ day at school. I went home from school and I sat on the couch and watched TV all night. It hit close to home because I knew people who were in the building when it happened.” Senior Kaitlyn Kilian said, “I can still remember every detail even though I was only in second grade. My teachers were scrambling all about the school. Parents were coming to get their kids from school, including my mom. I was so confused as to what was going on. My mom explained the situation and what was going on to me. It’s unforgettable even if you were across the states. It’s still unbelievable.” Senior Mary Washington said, “When it happened I was at home, playing with my cousin Jessinia in our room. My uncle called us to the living room and explained to us what was going on. He asked us if we wanted to see what was going on. We were young so it really didn’t matter to us at the time. But even when I saw it, it still made me sad even though I didn’t understand it that well at the time.” Senior, Jonathan Herring said, “On 9/11 I was at school. When I got home the news was on and I saw the second tower fall. I never felt as bad as I have after seeing it.” Senior, Kelly Cates said, “...I was too young to really have a grasp of waht was going on. Back then I didn’t really have an opinion besides that it was sad. Now I see the meaning behind these terrorist acts and I despise anyone that thinks 9/11 was ok.” We, as Americans, will never forget this horrible day.

Vol 20| Iss 01

EDITORIAL

Jam Time

Rambling sassiness at its finest By Jamie Ras // Copy Editor

enior year is a strange thing. Part of me is counting down the days until I leave this school, go off to bigger, brighter, smarter, cooler, more collegiate, “real world” type things. I do not plan on partaking in the annual last day for seniors “let’s throw papers in the air” ceremony. Instead I’ll give East a quick “peace out” and leave with no plans of seeing the teachers who have helped shape me into the student and person I am today. Appreciation is for squares. However, another part of me will be a bit sad to leave East in a brief 200 days. In fact, I have adopted a bit of the “Senior Year No Regrets” approach to life, disgustingly cheesy as it is. Part of this means letting you all know just how much I love you. To the band kids: I love when you prepare for Old Settler’s parade because you guys are my alarm clock. Now that Old Settler’s has come and gone I have to settle for “The Circle of Life” from Lion King, which, don’t get me wrong, is quality, but something about waking up to a band made me peppy and thankful I was still asleep while you all had been up for hours. Also, your “We’re saxy” tee-shirts are brilliant. Puns are always a good choice. Carry on. To the athletes: Without doubt I need to compliment the fact that you have athletic ability to begin with. You’re great, we know it, you know it, now stop asking if you can copy my math homework. But seriously, I appreciate your commitment to a sport. My idea of exercise is zumba, also known as having a dance party with a bunch of middle-aged ladies who could kick my butt in a fight. So I commend you all for actually being fit. To the wannabe hipsters: I could go on and on about you. Your skinny jeans, cords, Toms and Oxfords. Your ironic tees and plaid. Your ability to convince yourself that you are different from all the other wannabe artsy kids. Your constant need to one up each other in your “unique tastes” and your constant desire to not be “mainstream”. If you don’t know who Grouplove, Modest Mouse, The Civil Wars, Cataldo, The Black Keys, Wilco, etc. are, get with the picture

and look them up. If you have heard of them, I heard of them first. To the AP kids: My favorite part about this group is that while teachers respect them as the hardest working group at East, anybody in AP class knows that this is one of the laziest groups. Sparknotes is our homepage, “checking over answers” is typical, and essays are not started until mere minutes before they are due. However as lazy as this group can be at least they didn’t drop AP English because they didn’t want to read a book over the summer. Seriously? It took me two days to finish Frankenstein. AP kids, keep pretending to be hardworkers. AP droppers: don’t look at me. You disgust me. To the girls who spend hours getting ready: I appreciate the fact that you have given up hours that could be used for things like sleeping to look pretty every day. Thanks for making me feel bad about myself while I rock my naturally big wavy hair and jeans and t-shirt outfits. Also thank you for occasionally coming to school in sweats and no makeup. It’s good to see what’s hiding beneath the layers of makeup and hair spray.

the kids who shout “Go home * insert unwanted group here * whenever possible”: I admire your selective memory loss and ability to forget that you were a freshman once too. I like the fact that you pretend not to realize this group of freshmen is automatically slightly cooler than you were at that age because they get to be at East while you were still in junior high. A special shoutout to the Sophomores who join in on the cheer against freshman seconds after they have been told to go home themselves. Way to seize the moment and make yourself feel slightly better about life. It’s a school tradition after all. But seriously, I love all of you. I may be a bit sassy at times and I’ll admit my ability to spout off backhanded compliments is admirable but deep down I think you’re all great. Most likely because I am a narcissist and I can see a bit of myself in all of you. High school is tough. But if I have to get through these last 200 days, I’m glad it’s with you.

September ‘11 |13

EDITORIAL

McDonald’s Monopoly

Bah Dah Bah Bah Bah... I’m lovin it Annie Huff//Managing Editor

School has started, the temperature is falling, and this can only mean one thing. Monopoly season is coming soon. Main things you can win: -1 Million Dollars -Spawish.com Gift Card -Red Box Movie Rental -Beach Resort Family Vacation -EA Sports Package

-Up to $5,000 Wal-Mart Gift Card -Small McFlurry -2011 Ford Edge Sport -Medium Fries -Large Beef sandwich -2011 Shelby GT500 -…and so much more

What you should be eating: -10/20 piece Chicken McNugget -Bacon, Egg, & Cheese McGriddle -Hash Brown -Filet-O-Fish -Big Mac -Smoothie -Large Fry -Medium or Large McCafé -Frappé -Sausage McGriddle -Medium soft drink

$5,000 Gift Card

One Million Dollars

Family Beach Vacation

Dateless

can still remember the day. It was homecoming night last year, and we drove into the McDonald’s drive thru line. I peeled of my monopoly piece and sat there with shock. I was holding the one million dollar ticket. Those of you who know me, are probably thinking, “she never won a million dollors.” That is right folks. I lost it. After losing the big money last year, I am taking the game more seriously this year. If you decided to play, make sure you have a safe place for all your pieces that only you know of. If you decided to play the game with a partner, there should be a written out contract of how the money will be split. Every game has rules and these rules are easy. When you eat something and recieve a piece, it is yours. Monopoly season is not just a game you play with the family on a Wednesday night; it is a way of life. If you can’t stand the grease then get out of the drive thru.

Things to do besides going to Homecoming Aly Lagerquist//Page Editor

omecoming. Eh. Expensive dresses, finding a date, paying for dinner, getting nails done, all the fiasco that comes with a high school dance. Why would you spend money on a dress that you would only wear once? What if you just don’t go? Well, you could do that but then what else would you do? Stay at home and watch movies with your cat? Isn’t it a necessity to go to a dance with some date that asked you last minute because they had no one else to go with so they settled with you? No thank you. So what do you do when everyone is out dancing his or her heart out till midnight? Well you could cuddle with little Fluffy at home OR you could use one of these other options. Pillow fights, painting each other’s nails, and telling each other about our feelings, oh yes, the typical sleep over. No, but seriously, grab some of your best friends and just turn on a scary movie and pop some popcorn. Much cheaper than buying a gemstone dress. Or if you don’t want to stay home, then go out. Duh. Go to the movies, roller skating, yes people still do that, shopping,

14| THE HAWK’S EYE

or just cruise a r o u n d the town. I would always have more fun driving around with my friends, blasting music than going to Taylor Hixon and Carrie Henne enjoy a movie a party. Photo by Aly Lagerquist So sure, you can spend all your paychecks on a dress and an updo, or you could have more fun with your friends. I’m not saying don’t go to homecoming, I’m just saying if you don’t have a date then what’s the point of spending money just to show up and dance with your friends when you can do that at home in your pajamas. Blast “Party Rock Anthem” and fist pump. Sounds like a party to me.

x Mi he In t

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by the numbers

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Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.

George Eliot

2 Billion

HAWKS EYE a student run publication Olathe East High School 14545 West 127th Street Olathe, KS 66062

ADVISER Karen Bourland EDITORS Jonah Jacobsen Rachael Kolb MANAGING EDITORS Rachel Kimmich Annie Huff BUSINESS MANAGER Marissa Hatfield COPY EDITORS Sean Murray Jamie Ras PAGE EDITOR Aly Lagerquist

dates toREMEMBER Oct. 1st | Homecoming Dance Oct. 7th | Fall play, “The Crucible” Performance Oct. 12th | East Assessment Day Oct. 14th | First Quarter Over, No School

Photo of the

ISSUE

PHOTOGRAPHER Rachel Neuman STAFF ARTIST Peter Hung

92 %

Residents who consider their neighborhood safe

427 million

Pounds of pumkins Illinois produced last year for Halloween

1.5 Million

Estimated number of trick-ortreaters ages 5-14 for 2011

24.7

SENIOR STAFF WRITER Danielle Hoisington STAFF WRITERS Jazmine Smith Aaron Rhodes Kellan Richards Jessica Goddard Alyssa Williams Alyssa Wheeler

Amount of money spent on Halloween costumes yearly

“Off Season” by Kellan Richards

Pounds of candy consumed per person every year

Ph ot os to ry

any students and teachers left class on September 23 during third hour to watch the group of professional BMX, skateborders, and inline skaters show their skills in support of Tobacco Free Kids. Their sponsor, the Marines, also entertained with contests of strength and endurance. Photos courtesy of Rachael Kolb

It is the policy of Olathe USD 233 not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, national origin, sex, handicap, or disability in its programs and activities as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX may be directed to Staff Counsel, 14160 Black Bob Road, Olathe, KS 66063-2000, phone (913) 780-7000. Inquiries regarding compliance with Section 504 may be directed to the Executive Director of Special Services at (913) 780-7024. Interested persons, including those with impaired vision or hearing, can also obtain information as to the existence and location of services, activities, and facilities that are accessible to, and usable by, disabled persons by calling the Executive Director of Special Services.