Hawk's Eye November 2014 Volume 23 Issue 3 by Olathe East Hawk's Eye

Olathe East Hawk’s Eye Volume 23//Issue 3 November 2014

Some Good News for a Change Page 3

A Look into the Struggle of Eating Disorders Pages 14 & 15

OE Students’ Internet Fame Pages 16 & 17

Boys’ Soccer, Girls’ Cross Country, and Volleyball Bring Home Three State Championships in Nine Days

TABLE

OF CONTENTS

NEWS

Good News...................................................................3 Lauren Hart Rising Star.....................................................................4 Annie Beurman Cancer Awareness........................................................5 Katie Thompson

ENTERTAINMENT

Ebola...............................................................................6 Brock Holmes Freshman to Senior Year Outfits................................7 Camille Denis Fix the World in Five Minutes....................................8 Natalie Friend Twin Peaks.....................................................................9 Gavin Miller How to Choose a Play................................................10 Jacob Stofer Teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Second Jobs................................................11 Lauren Heinrich

FEATURE

Life Skills................................................................12-13 Alexa Buechler Eating Disorders...................................................14-15 Brenna Thompson OE YouTubers.......................................................16-17 Jordan Meier

EDITORIAL

Islamophobia...............................................................18 Aaron Rhodes Media Popularity........................................................19 Hannah Cruise

SPORTS

Fall Sports Recap...................................................20-21 Logan Brockschmidt Bowling A 300............................................................22 Matthew Gwin

pgs. 20 & 21

pg. 23 A student-run publication Olathe East High School 14545 W. 127th Street Olathe, KS 66062 ADVISER

Karen Bourland

EDITORS

Courtney Child Paige Schick

COPY EDITORS Lauren Hart Lauren Heinrich

SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Annie Beurman Camille Denis Matthew Gwin Brock Holmes

Aaron Rhodes Brenna Thompson Katie Thompson

STAFF WRITERS

Logan Brockschmidt Alexa Buechler Natalie Friend Jordan Meier Gavin Miller Jacob Stofer

BUSINESS MANAGERS Hannah Cruise Amy Du

[November] 2014

Keeping It Positive Some Uplifting News Stories to Counter the Negativity

Lauren Hart// Copy Editor

egative news seems to be taking over the media. In honor of Thanksgiving and being grateful for what we have been given, the Hawk’s Eye has decided to focus on sharing positive news happening around the school, around the Kansas City area, around the country, and around the world.

SCHOOL

The population of Olathe East students has recently banded together to help support the surrounding community. Before helping the community, though, Olathe East needed to come together as its own community. The school-wide support of both James McGinnis and Morgan Ealom have contributed to this joining together. Just a few weeks ago, 1200 students signed a poster at lunch to pledge against bullying. Uniting together has brought a sense of support and community Olathe East has rarely felt before. Now, students are joining together to help those in need. STUCO hosted a canned food drive, AVID collected books during a book drive, and leadership has hopes of donating 25,000 shoes to people in need this holiday season.

All of Kansas City had been partying like it was 1985 for several weeks. The Kauffman Performing Arts Center displayed the Royals’ crown, fountains were dyed royal blue, and people all over the greater Kansas City area wore blue in hopes that the Kansas City Royals would sweep the series. The town painted itself blue as can be. This regained confidence in the home team made the city and surrounding area proud of the Royals for one of the first times in decades. Game seven of the World Series had all of Kansas City sitting on the edge of their seats. Although the Royals did not reclaim the crown, the journey reinvigorated the city and hopes of the fans.

LOCAL

COUNTRY

Four-year-old Ethan Van Leuven from West Jordan, Utah, has been battling leukemia for two years and was given just a few weeks to live. Ethan’s family and the rest of his town wanted to do something to make his last few weeks memorable ones. With the help and support of the community, Ethan was able to celebrate Halloween, Christmas, and his birthday one last time. One night, neighbors waited for Ethan to come ring their doorbells in his Superman costume. The next day, they attended a one-of-a-kind birthday parade through town. Yet the next day, neighbors were found hauling out Christmas decorations and hanging up lights. It takes a village to raise a child and a whole community to make one little boy’s final memories his happiest.

Saudi Arabia is noted as a country with an extensive oil supply and extravagant royalty. However, more than a quarter of the population lives below the poverty line. Outside of the lavish cities are slums filled with people who do not have enough to eat. One Saudi Arabian man decided to take action to help fight the rampant poverty. The anonymous man installed a refrigerator on the street in one of the slums earlier this month, and asked others to fill it with any food or leftovers whenever possible. The needy and less fortunate are able to come to this refrigerator whenever they need food without feeling the shame that comes along with begging for food. This simple appliance has provided joy and comfort for the impoverished. A small act of kindness can go a long way.

World

4 [News]

Rising Star

Performing Towards Musical Fame

Annie Beurman//Senior Staff Writer

ot everyone can say that they have experienced having Ben Folds as a keynote speaker or have been accepted into a national competition due to their accomplishments in the music department. However, Henry Zimmerman, a senior and trumpet player, has done exactly that and more. He has excelled in district and state band competitions before, but this year he auditioned and made it to nationals for the first time. He was one of the students chosen out of 2.5 million others Sponsor View who auditioned for the National Association for Music Educators. The competition required him to stay in Nashville for four days and due to the contest, scholarships will be much easier for him According to Jennifer Creek, one of the two band teachers, what sets Henry apart from fellow musicians is to earn. He was one of the two trumpet players from Kansas. and was privileged to be conducted his “hard work and enthusiasm. [He] practices a lot, has by famous conductor Mark Camphouse. very high expectations, and is passionate about music.” Currently in a community brass band called “Fountain City Brass Band,” Henry has been accepted to four different colleges and hopes to become a middle school/high school band teacher. He has become a “Two-year section leader, soloist, [and] district and state 1 ratings.” He also will be in the “All State Band [of] 2014.” She said, “Henry’s enthusiasm, energy and expectation of excellence are contagious. His section is hard-working, always improving and lots of fun!” She said, “[I hope he will] keep striving for excellence. He will be a fantastic music educator!”

“Everybody that’s there [in Nashville] are very grateful because they are usually the only ones from their school.” -Henry Zimmermann

Student View Seniors Michael Kitchen and Chandler Hudak both have become good friends with Henry through band. Chandler said “[Henry is] always smiling and energetic. Michael said, and Chandler agreees, “[His] energy and happiness rubs off on us and others around us.” Michael said, “Henry makes my day a little better.” Both expect him to make it far as a trumpet player. Michael even said, “He’s gonna be the best trumpet player in the world.”

The Star Himself

Henry got involved in playing the trumpet in fifth grade. “It was just the standard progression from [there] to now,” he said. He said about his enjoyment of band, “[I’m] putting music together with a group.” He said, “Band is a great way to learn teamwork skills. [I practice] 30 hours a week. I am a section leader in pep band, jazz band [and] wind ensemble.” He said. “[I’ve also] been in pit and symphony.” Surprised at his nomination, Henry said, “It was very unusual to think about because I didn’t feel my playing was to that level.” However, he said, “[I got there due to] lots of practice.” After high school, Henry said “I plan to go into music education.”

Photo courtesy of Henry Zimmermann

The Closest to a Cure

[November] 2014

Finding Ways to Prevent Cancer this Month

ancer does not have to be a death sentence as much as a life sentence. Breast cancer awareness month is past; however, awareness for cancer never ends. November is most famously known as “no shave November” and “Movember.” Many boys just use this month as an excuse to slack on their shaving and grow some gnarly facial hair, but few people know the meaning behind these thirty days of “Movember.” This month is not merely a reason not to shave, but to raise awareness of men’s heath issues, such as prostate cancer and other male

Senior Staff Writer//Katie Thompson

cancers. Too many other women and men share the battle with cancer. One of our own Olathe East staff members is currently fighting breast cancer and has undergone a double mastectomy. Our prayers and support go out to Mrs. Lee as she struggles to regain her strength through this process. Through October, November, and all other ten months of the year, we can strive to prevent cancer by making small changes to the way we live. Until this disease is cured once and for all, though, all we have is hope.

Seven Ways to Prevent Cancer 1. Maintain a healthy weight In the United States, obesity contributes to 14% 20% of all cancer deaths. Fat tissue increases estrogen levels, which can, in turn, increase breast cancer risk. Fat cells also release inflammatory chemicals into the circulation that can stimulate the growth of cancer cells.

2. Do not use tobacco in any form

3. Eat more fruits and vegetables

Smoking kills more people than alcohol, AIDS, car accidents, illegal drugs, and murders combined. Smoking is the single most preventable cause of death – 400,000 Americans die each year from smoking cigarettes, and an additional 26,000-73,000 nonsmokers die each year from exposure to secondhand smoke.

The brighter the vegetable, the more antioxidants it contains. Antioxidants reduce the risk that the body will be attacked by cancer cells, and eating these natural unprocessed foods can actually decrease the chances of developing cancer.

4. Limit your intake of alcohol Alcohol consumption is an established cause of cancers of the mouth, liver, and breast. Regular consumption of even a few drinks per week has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in women. Alcohol increases estrogen levels in the blood which has a direct effect on breast tissue.

5. Get screened

6. Drink water

Cancer cannot be 100% preventable but can be pretty easily detected once inside of the body. People age 20 or older should have periodic health exams and a cancer-related checkup. Every cancer is different so each requires a separate screening; however, as they say, “You are better safe than sorry.”

Water is one of the best gifts to give your body. Water not only reduces your risk of cancer, but also regulates your body and prevents you from getting sick. Doctors recommend an intake of six to eight ounces of water each and every day to keep your body free of toxins – and cancer.

7. Do not stress Stress increases your risk of cancer, so sit back and relax. Life should not be stressed over, and neither should cancer. The chances of getting this disease may be a fear, but life remains a beautiful thing we must enjoy while we can. Until we cure this awful disease, all we can do is follow these steps and enjoy the life we lead.

6 [Entertainment]

A Million Ways To Die In The Midwest Things You Are More Likely to Die of than Ebola

n retrospect, the Ebola outbreak has been a massive letdown. When news first broke that the deadly African fluid virus had infiltrated the United States, the immediate mental image was a World War Z type scenario, in which the eager anticipators of the end times would naturally play the part of Brad Pitt. These brave souls would have valiantly fought off the infected, and eventually find the cure, saving the world. However, the disease is too well quarantined to spread at the alarming rate the American public was promised more than two months ago. Only one of the nine people that contracted Ebola died, while the other eight are completely free of the disease. As of this moment, nobody in America has the virus. The odds of being struck by lightning after winning the lottery are higher than the odds of contracting Ebola in the United States. More people have been shot in the face by a former U.S. vice-president than currently have Ebola.

Brock Holmes // Senior Staff Writer

Everybody will all die at some point, and if one’s cause of death will not be ruled as heart disease or stroke, it will most likely be from old age. In more bizarre cases, one may die from choking on a lifesaver or literally die from a broken heart. One might die from going down in airplane, fried getting suntanned, or by falling in a cement mixer full of quicksand. The cause of death, however, will certainly not be Ebola. The American media may be correct in assuming that we need to exist in a constant state of fear, so to make up for the letdown that is Ebola, other deathly frightening perils need to take its place. Realistically, the only way to properly extend your life includes a scenario in which we never leave our houses, and live in a perpetual state of fear. As it turns out, Ebola may be the one thing not trying to kill us. Vending Machines An average of two people a year meet their untimely demise under the bone-crushing weight of a vending machine. This tragic end was encountered by a 21-year old college student who died under a machine after he tried to dislodge a stuck Coke can. This student’s death was, of course, not his own fault, but the fault of the manufacturers of the vending machine. The student’s parents understood this, and proceeded to sue the manufacturers—Coca-Cola. Unfortunately, the courts ruled in favor of Coca-Cola, and another senseless act of vending machine-related violence went without justice.

Courtesy of Brock Holmes Spontaneous Combustion Ebola and spontaneous combustion are fairly similar fates, in that both end with the victim’s body turning inside out. Unlike Ebola, however, there are actually reported cases of spontaneous combustion occurring more than once inside the United States. Mary Resser, a 67-year-old from St. Petersburg, Florida, was found in her home completely reduced to ashes. Her left foot, strangely enough, remained completely intact. This bizarre case became infamously known as the “cinder woman incident.”

Courtesy of Jeffery Werner The Flu / Flu Vaccines Perhaps the most commonly caught illness in existence --the Center for Disease Control estimates that five to 20 percent of Americans contract the flu each year-- the illness causes approximately 1,532 deaths in the States each year. This means that the common flu has killed 1,531 more people this year than the dreaded Ebola virus. Some other reputable sources, like actress Jenny McCarthy, claim that flu vaccines have the ability to produce fatal consequences. Despite the lack of proof for these claims, we should accept them as indisputable fact. These unfortunate facts turn the choice of vaccination into Russian roulette.

Courtesy of James Gallagher Water Poisoning That’s right-- water is trying to kill you. In fact, this fateful end occurs on a fairly common basis, though not usually to lethal degrees. Hypernatremia, the official name for the disorder, normally follows the intense rehydration routine in athletes. A well-known incident of water poisoning occurred in California, where a 28-year old woman died after drinking six liters of water in three hours, in an attempt to win a Nintendo Wii. Water poisoning can lead to nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and in severe cases, seizures and death. Also, it’s probably no coincidence that everybody who has ever died has drunk water.

Courtesy of Gavin Miller

[November] 2014

Drab to Fab and Back How Wardrobes Change From Freshman to Senior Year

hey wake up late, throw on sweat pants, a t-shirt and walk out the door with no makeup on while the under-class girls are up early picking out the perfect outfit and applying precise makeup to their face. The momentous first day of freshman year marks the beginning of a new stage in life, a period where everyone is trying to make a good impression and ultimately find where they fit in best. Girls seem to dress to impress and take time on their appearance. But as you glance through the hallway, you may notice that this trend does not last through..out all

Camille Denis// Senior Staff Writer four years of high school. As the years go by, girls are noticably less and less concerned with their appearance. Curiously, as the girls’ outfits are degrading, boys are actually improving. No longer are they just throwing on the closest pair of pants or the shirt lying on the floor. Instead, guys begin to take more time as they age, and one can be found looking just the opposite from their female counterparts. The majority of the guys appear to have moved on from that simple outfit and begun looking harder at their closet to better develop their style.

“Right now I am just throwing on whatever I find but I will probably start to dress nicer later because I have to worry about jobs.” -Bryce Carruth

Drab

“As I got older my wardrobe matured so I am now wearing Sperries instead of Nikes.” - Eric Dudgeon

Freshman

Senior

“You get to the point where you don’t really care how you look. You just want to be comfortable.” -Allie Mullaney

Senior

Fab

Freshman

“You want to impress people and get in new groups but later I will be comfortable with my friends and at that point people will like you or they won’t.” - Olivia Szukelewicz

8 [Entertainment]

Fix the World in Five Minutes or Less

Cyberbullying and Online Hate: A Solution for and from Everyone

ocial media has society and students into a world of online hate, discrimination, and cruelty masked in anonymity. Cyberbullying and online hate is an issue that students see and deal with everyday, and The Hawk’s Eye offers a solution that everyone can use and everyone contributed to. When most of the world has their phones in hand and their thumbs on the keyboard, it’s sometimes hard to consider the major effects of seemingly minor actions toward people who seem unreal and unimportant – far out of reach of your own world. Both a school-specific and society-wide problem, cyberbullying constantly needs student attention and activism. Students are offering advice on how others can get involved in less time than it takes to walk from one end of OE to the other.

Natalie Friend//Staff Writer

Our Solution

Out of Sight, Out of Mind - Check your social media accounts. How many people are you following, and how many of them do you actually know? Often people view and follow the accounts of strangers and people they don’t like for no reason. This can often lead to crude or cruel comments to people who seem unreal and unimportant, far out of reach of your own world. So go through your feed, and unfollow accounts that might lead you to say something you would regret. Likewise, if you are the victim of online abuse, unfollow or block those abusing you. Take a Stand – Be vocal. Don’t let the issue

go unnoticed, speak up and advocate for yourself and for others. Online, ignoring hateful comments if they aren’t directed towards you is easy, but be brave and stand up for others who you see getting attacked. No one deserves to be brought down by an invisible enemy. Spread the Word – Help keep the spotlight on the issue, and reinforce positive online behavior. Be Mindful – Before you post your thoughts take a moment to actually think about them. Ask yourself if you would like to receive a message like the one you are about to send. If not, then don’t post it. Report It – Many social media servers now have the option to report users for bad behavior, and don’t be afraid to use that option.

Cyberbullying:

What’s YOUR solution? shman) Zaid Umar (Fre

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[November] 2014

Who Killed Twin Peaks? 2016 Marks The Return of a Television Gem Gavin Miller//Staff Writer

Courtesy of wikipedia.org

From left to right: The murdered Laura Palmer, Series creator David Lynch, Main character Agent Dale Cooper Courtesy of phawker.com

Courtesy of interviewmagazine.com

offee, jelly-filled donuts and delicious cherry pie composed the diet of Special Agent Dale Cooper. The death of high school prom queen Laura Palmer is what he investigated. This is Twin Peaks – the quaint town populated by eccentric people, where a juxtaposition of evil lurking behind a mask of small-town American goodness is omnipresent. The wildly popular television series from the early nineties has been announced to return to television in 2016, airing on Showtime. Series creators David Lynch and Mark Frost made the announcement via Twitter, much to the surprise of the show’s fans, as Lynch had previously made clear that he had no desire to return to the project. The third season will consist of nine episodes, all written by Frost and Lynch, and all directed by Lynch. The new season will be a continuation of seasons one and two, and the passage of 25 years will play an important role in the new season’s plot. While the first season of Twin Peaks received universal acclaim and topped rating charts, the second season was less successful. With the network pressuring Lynch and Frost to wrap up the mystery, and viewers becoming bewildered by the increasingly enigmatic tone, Twin Peaks, didn’t quite get the ending it deserved. However, Twin Peaks has had a very successful afterlife

Courtesy of twinpeaks.wikia.com

on DVD, gaining respect and appreciation, as well as a dedicated cult following. The show is often cited as some of the finest and most original television to ever air. After Twin Peaks’ discontinuation, Lynch directed Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, a feature film set in the same universe as the show. Fire Walk With Me serves as a prequel to the events of the series, and although met with little enthusiasm upon its release, has also caught the attention of a larger audience, and is considered by some to be one of David Lynch’s most unique works. What made Twin Peaks such a memorable and interesting television show was its treatment of the subject matter. While technically a murder mystery, for the most part the murder itself acts as a narrative thread to tell the story of the quirky characters and idiosyncrasies of the town. Mixing odd humor with often genuinely unsettling horror, Twin Peaks managed to be a compelling character-based story with no shortage of bizarre moments. Only Mark Frost and David Lynch themselves could recreate the brilliance of Twin Peaks, and the fact that they’re returning to do just that in 2016 is a reason for excitment. Twin Peaks is one of the most influential television shows of all time, and it looks as if that legacy will live even longer than previously imagined.

10 [Entertainment]

The Drama of a Play

Jacob Stofer//Staff Writer

The Many Obstacles of Picking a Play

he process of picking musicals and plays for the school year can be challenge and full of drama. You may have been scratching your head and asking questions. Questions like, what are the musicals that the drama department going to be doing this year? Who is going to be in the cast? If you are asking these questions and want them answered, head down to room 301 and talk with Eddie Shafer, Olathe East’s own drama teacher. “We look at what our returning cast is, and the talent we have,” Shafer said. The cast could be full of veterans, or full of rookies that have never done this before. A musical can be a success, partially due to an excellent set and a star cast. Shafer tries to balance out the musicals and the plays. “I try to do a play once in a while,” said Shafer. Many of the successful plays that the drama department has done in the past include A Few Good Men, and A Christmas Twist. It is also important to give a well balanced season. “Give well rounded season, give the audence a different type of show, and give the kids the experience of the different genres,” said Shafer. This year the drama department produce the classic, A Drowsy Chaperone, which is jazz musical, which featured one showstopping song and dance numbers after another. No matter what the play is, the OE drama theater prides itself on their quality productions. The drama department talks

play in the spring. Shafer directs many creative shows with unusual sets. Each set is different. For the Drowsy Chaperone, Shafer had to create a set into two different sections on one platform. “I had to turn a hotel into a 1920’s Manhattan apartment,” The house of band for Tommy Courtesyof Eddie Shafer Shafer said. The sets could be a pair of castles that spin, or a watchtower in Guantanamo Bay. No matter what the setting is, the sets are creative and make the plays run smooth. Another play that was popular was The Who’s Tommy, a rock opera about a “Deaf, Dumb, and Blind Kid that sure plays a mean pinball.” As with every musical derected by Shafer, you might expect a sold-out crowd. Last year, Shafer drericted Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Every performance was sold out, including the dinner theater. Due to the snowy weather in January, three performances were cancelled. But Shafer took command and made up the cancalled shows by producing seven performances of Beauty and the Beast, including an Sunday performance, making it possibly the most performances of one musical in Olathe East drama department history. Shafer directed two successful plays last year. Disneys Beauty and the Beast, and Monty Python’s Spamalot. Spamalot was nominated for a Blue Star award for best musical while Beauty and the Beast was nominated for best set design. These are the steps that Shafer follows to decide on a musical. If you follow these steps, then you can direct a musical like Shafer.

“Give well rounded season, give the audience a different type of show and give the kids the experience of the different genres.” -Eddie Shafer, Olathe East Drama Teacher

A Few Good Men poster Courtesy of central.colostate.edu

about the ideas for musical in the spring. “I look at scripts for shows during spring break”, Shafer said. They have about a month or so until they have the drama awards show in May, when they announce the shows for the next season. Every year the drama department has about two main stage musicals in the fall and winter, and a main stage

King Arthur and Patsy confront The Knights who say “ni” in a dark and expensive forest in Spamalot Courtesy of Eddie Shafer

Capturing Every Second

[November] 2014

Lauren Heinrich//Copy Editor OE Teachers Have Lives ouside of School Too ake up. Go to school. Go to practice or work after school. Come home. Do homework. Rinse and repeat. The same routine day in

and day out gets pretty exhausting after a while for any high school student. Having to go to work after school and having piles of homework waiting for them when they come home is the unfortunate reality for working students. “I didn’t have time to do my homework” or “I was too tired” are some of the excuses for the unfinished homework. What about the teachers? What is their excuse for not having your quiz or test ready to hand back within the a few days? They have lives outside of school, too, not to mention piles of things to grade. Most students don’t realize that teachers might have a second job after school. They have other things to do, too, and Josh Umphrey is no exception.

Besides being an AVID and American History teacher, Umphrey is also of my stuff to edit, which is awesome. So then I have more time with my a sports photographer. Starting at the young age of merely sixteen, he’s folfamily now.” lowed alongside his father to countless sporting events across the country, On the flipside to missing family time, Umphrey has found a benefit such as hockey, baseball, basketball, and football games. to having this second job. He stays grounded by putting his family as the “My dad owns his own company [called Tim Umphrey Photography], highest priority. but we’re contracted through Getty Images, through a company called “Honestly, for me, the best benefit I’ve truly realized is the important Photofile which things in life is out of New are not those York City, and things— you then a company know, the things called Panini out that everyone of Austin, Texas. thinks ‘Oh this is All three of these so cool. The fact companies sell that you get to be images to several at all these sports outlets including games. You get to ESPN, Sports meet all of these Illustrated and players.’ The coolother major sports est thing for me magazines,” Umis being at home phrey said. with my wife and Before he bekid. That is the came a high school best benefit that teacher, he travI’ve had. I’ve had eled all around the so many expericountry shooting ences with that, games. that I’ve learned “I’ve been to that sports aren’t almost every NFL that important. stadium. I’ve probFamily is the most ably been to about important.” seventy percent of However, he the baseball stadidoes, of course, Courtesy of Josh Umphrey Courtesy of Lauren Heinrich ums,” he said. see the awesome Friends, family, and coworkers alike all envy Umphrey for getting to side of his unique and opportunity-filled job. travel and roam the sidelines of sporting games. ‘It must be so cool to “Getting to go to some pretty cool events is a pretty neat thing. I’ve been meet players and be so close to the action,’ they would say jealously. When to playoff hockey and football and basketball and baseball [games]. It’s a actually, it’s not all that glamorous. pretty neat thing to be a part of.” “It is a job, so it is work... You don’t get to watch the games. You really Bringing his teaching career and sports photography into the same are working hard. Running up and down the sidelines, getting the right world, Umphrey has found common ground for two things he loves doing. pictures, it’s not an easy task,” Umphrey said. “There was a point for prob “At times it is difficult [to juggle teaching and photography]. Obviously ably six years I shot every single home Royals my work at school has to come first so My passion is teaching kids, so I game. That was miserable.” I have to turn down a few photography Not only does he not get to truly enjoy the assignments now and then,” he said. use photography as a way to hopegames he attends, but Umphrey also spends “With sports photography, you have fully make more money on the side. to learn to be patient because the game quite a bit of time away from his family to attend those games. -Josh Umphrey will develop and it moves very fast, yet He said, “When I became a teacher and you still have to be patient for the right I got a family, I trained a guy to kind of take some of my spots so I don’t shots to occur. You have to be smart and you have to really think ahead. I have to go as often. So now I probably shoot about 20 games a year, maybe coach football and watching all of these different games, I’m able to better a little bit more than that, where before that I was probably shooting a predict what other coaches will do, because I’ve seen so many games. As hundred... For me, the last few years have been tough, since we’ve had our a photographer, I’m predicting, ‘Okay, I think they’re gonna run this way’ kid. It’s like I don’t want to miss out. That’s why I chose to find a buddy of or ‘I think they’re gonna throw to this guy’, so I position myself for those mine; he’s always been in photography. I trained him in what I was doing, plays and that’s kind of been a practical use of it. And then just ultimately, so he could kind of take over more of the computer work that I was always you really have to hustle to get the good shots and to be in position. It having to do. So now, I can just shoot the games and then give him all validates the importance of hard work,” he said.

“

”

12 [Feature]

Life Skills 101 E Beyond the Overlooked Faces in the Hallways

ver see the kids in the hallway that raise their hands for high fives as they walk by? The kids who students always spot in the hallways, but never in the classroom. Skills that are necessary or desirable for full participation in everyday life define “life skills.” These skills come naturally and without much thought. Life Skills can also be defined as a class of about 28 students at Olathe East taken by students with Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, cerebral palsy, or multiple diagnoses. According to one of the Life Skills teachers, Amy Hill, “Every single high school has a life skills program.” The children must have an intellectual disability to participate in the program. Life Skills para Cindy Vix said, “We work on all aspects of the students lives including academics.” This includes necessary skills like reading and writing. Each student differs from being able to write their names to writing formed sentences. Hill also said, “We work on something called functional skills which is more life skills, including cooking where we can practice measuring.” Vix said, “We work on listening skills, following directions, hygiene, computer usage, group games, and pronunciations of words.” She likes her job because, as Vix said, “I enjoy working one-on-one with students. Seeing them be so excited to make ‘baby steps’ or accomplish something they couldn’t do a month ago, or a year ago.”

Alexa Buechler// Staff Writer For example, she said, “Nonverbal students who had been working on pronouncing words would be reading aloud, or watching a boy that is autistic go from needing two paras working with him his freshman year to now as a junior being able to walk alone and independently to classes outside of the life skills room.” She added, “Seeing a student go from typing with one finger to using all ten fingers and going from ten words per minute to 20 words per minute in only a year’s time [can be an inspiring experience]. Hill said, “I just love watching students be able to make progress. . . “It may be small at times and other people may not notice it, but [I] watch them make progress year after year.” Hill also said, “The reason I like teaching at the high school level is because we work on what we call “Transition” which is preparing them for adulthood.” The students in Life Skills prepare for college just like typical students. After graduation, Hill said, “There are opportunities at some of the colleges around here like Johnson County Community College offers classes.” The students work on vocational tasks. “A lot of students will go out to community work sites where they are learning different job skills and [learn] how to get jobs.” Hill said.

“I just love watching students be able to make progress.” -Amy Hill, Life Skills Teacher

Interpersonal Skills Halloween Party Photo Courtesy of Amy Hill

[November] 2014

Halloween Party Photo Booth Courtesy of Amy Hill

Disabilities and Their Descriptions Autism: A developmental disorder that affects communication skills and has repetitive, routine behaviors. Characteristics: Isolate themselves, difficulty understanding and expressing emotions, appear detached or show attachment in a different manner, 40% do not speak

Community Based Instruction:

The Life Skills students take field trips called CBIs, or Community-Based Instruction. Vix said, “Students get used to being in public situations and appropriate behavior for settings.” However, not all the skills learned help to develop social etiquette. “Students learn how to find various items, what sections they are located in, what price items are rounding up to the nearest dollar, going through cashiers, and using money to pay,” Vix said.

Interpersonal Skills:

Life Skills students will work with general education students, or everyday students, during Interpersonal Skills (IPS). Amy Hill teaches the class, and she said, “They [typical students] prepare parties, work on personal space, partici-

pate in group games, and travel with life skills students on their field trips each month.” Juniors and seniors can apply to be a role model in these kids’ lives. In September of this school year, the life skills students and general education students traveled to a sit-down restaurant where the kids practiced ordering from a menu. For the October field trip, they went to Wendy’s and Fazoli’s to practice waiting in line to order and sitting with the peers in their group, enhancing their social skills by visiting with the people surrounding them. The groups of Life Skills students and general education students differ each month, so life skills students can socialize and acquaint themselves with different students. They want to socialize and learn at school, just like everybody else.

Down Syndrome: A chromosome disorder causing physical disabilities like shortness and intellectual disability. Characteristics: Heart defects, hearing loss, poor vision, cataracts in the eyes, leukemia, and interrupted breathing during sleep, or sleep apnea. Cerebral Palsy: A group of disorders that affect brain and nervous functions Characteristics: Problems with moving, learning, hearing, seeing, and thinking. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A behavioral disorder that causes inattention mostly in kids. Characteristics: Being overactive, inability to control behavior, and troubles with focusing Programs outside of school: Helpers Inc., Special Populations, Special Olympics, or Challenger program.

Special Olympics Logo Courtesy of brandsoftheworld.com Life Skills teacher, Amy Hill at her desk Courtesy of Lauren Heinrich

14 [Feature]

W M

Exposing the

e live in a society where physical perfection is idolized, yet unattainable: a society that sexualizes, objectifies, and degrades men and women based solely upon their appearances. Through social media, television, and magazines, the overwhelming pressure to be skinny is found in almost every aspect of the media. Our country has twisted into a culture where physical appearance is so valued that men and women are starving, purging, and binging themselves in order to be “skinny” or “fit.” Everywhere we look society screams slimness is happiness. These teenagers feel so lost and alone in a world where they don’t feel accepted, where they don’t feel wanted. They don’t feel beautiful. For years eating disorders and obsessive self-evaluation overtook their lives, and they became fixated on losing weight. These teenagers have had long, painful fights to win against what society has told them is undesirable: their healthy, natural weight.

en in media are portrayed as muscular, broad, and fit. They too, however, are sexualized and pressured to look like the celebrities on the big screen, and they, too, suffer from eating disorders and negative body images. Senior Dalton Jennings was a junior when he began his battle with anorexia. He said, “I thought if I tried to reach that ‘perfect’ body then more people would think I was popular.” Senior Brennan Bukaty has been fighting his binge eating disorder since he was a little kid. He said, “I’m never skinny nor fit enough to feel handsome… I feel like I could always look better.” Junior Andrew Hopper said he has been struggling with his self-image since he was in fifth grade. He said, “I couldn’t even take off my shirt, I was so embarrassed.” These three are not the only high school boys who turned to starvation, indulgence, or hiding themselves in order to fit in. They cannot help how they view themselves, for society has forced each and every one of them to believe that they can always be more attractive. Andrew said, “Media has made me feel like I should change myself, I see that if you’re skinny people will like you better.” Brennan agreed, “Society presents a tremendously unreal set of precedents for what’s considered beautiful. The people you see on TV and in movies are implementing a sense of inferiority in young people’s minds.” The unrelenting reminders to be skinny can emotionally drain teenagers, pushing them to make unhealthy physical decisions such as starvation, or extreme, dangerous exercise. Their negative body image can greatly affect their self-worth, and some even spiral into depression. Andrew said, “I felt so ashamed of myself I wanted to go through with [suicide]”. Dalton said, “Having a negative view of my body hit very hard at my self-esteem; I never wanted to do anything. I was scared people were going to make fun of me.” These disorders can consume every facet of daily life, even after they have been dealt with. Dalton said, “After I had recovered I had to record what I ate to make sure I was getting enough food. It took me months to gain my healthy weight back, and I still haven’t gained all of it back.” However difficult, recovery is possible but the key is to seek help and learn to accept your body. Brennan said, “You have to learn to be comfortable with your body, whether that means working out or coming to love your body as it is.” Andrew said, “Try your hardest to ignore the hurtful things people say; one day it’ll pay off.” Dalton’s best piece of advice is to seek help. He said, “Many people don’t realize or know they have an eating disorder or don’t want to believe they do.” Getting help is the first and hardest step to recovery. Men with eating disorders are not some absurd abnormality. They are not immune to the social definition of perfection. They are not alone.

[November] 2014

Secretive Disease The Truth about Teenagers and Eating Disorders

“Every curve on my body made me cringe.

When I reached a size three I wanted to be a size one. The want to be smaller never ended.” -Mikayla Cates

Brenna Thompson// Staff Writer

or decades women have been told the definition of what men and society consider hot. They have been persuaded to think what body type is sexy. Senior Mikayla Cates said, “Society makes women, and me, believe that every girl has to be a size zero, have huge boobs, and the skinniest waist line.” OE graduate Emily Evans agreed, “Going to the grocery store, so many of the magazine covers highlight weight loss tips, fad diets, and what celebrity has recently lost the most weight.” Both Emily and Mikayla have struggled with anorexia for years. Mikayla was a freshman in high school when her eating disorder rose to the surface. She said, “Every curve on my body made me cringe. When I reached a size three I wanted to be a size one. The want to be smaller never ended.” Emily was only 12 years old when her eating disorder began. Emily said, “Recently I was told I am anorexic with bulimic tendencies.” She explained, “I know I am at a healthy weight but I look in the mirror and see a whale.” Senior Cassie Carlson also struggles with body image. She said “Countless diets and work outs and I’ve still failed to see that ‘sexy body’ that I see all around me.” However, she knows it shouldn’t be this way. She said, “I should be able to walk down the halls and not feel intimidated by people who are thinner than me.” Mikayla said, “I believed the size of your jeans defined your beauty and your happiness.” However, Emily said, “Protruding bones, and slowly dying isn’t happy.” Having a negative body image can ruin relationships, even make them impossible to obtain. Their self-esteem can make them feel like they don’t deserve to be happy with someone. Mikayla says her anorexia stopped her from dating until she recovered. She said, “Once my disorder started I couldn’t go a day without telling [my ex-girlfriend] she could find someone better. I thought she was going to leave me because I was too fat.” Regarding relationships Emily said, “When a guy tells me I’m beautiful I laugh and say he’s lying.” Media redefines the norm as a size 0; girls believe skinny is typical, that they are abnormal and obese if they can’t fit into an extra small. Mikayla said, “When I saw those [models] I would force myself not to eat, because I was fat compared to them.” Cassie said, “I can’t see a movie without feeling bad about myself.” Eating disorders have caused enough tears shed onto scales, food chucked into the trash, or purged into the toilet. Enough girls have stumbled around numb from hunger and sadness, disgusted by the very body, which fights to keep them alive. Emily said, “This is a secretive disease but it’s time we put an end to this.” It’s time to prove society we are stronger than its pressure, it’s time to love yourself.

16 [Feature]

Hawks Soaring

Tafi & Aiden

ecoming famous doesn’t mean you have to be a movie star. With the Internet becoming a vital instrument in everyday life, many opportunities are being created for young people to get recognized for their talents and students of Olathe East are no exception. Many students who walk our hallowed halls are up-and-coming Internet sensations. They have put in hours of work and have dedicated themselves to achieving their dreams. Whether they have been working towards fame since middle school or just last year, these students are being noticed. They are well on their way to stardom.

Courtsey of SoundCloud.com

afi Mpofu and Aiden Brennan, both their content, Aiden and Tafi do not produce lives influence their creativity. seniors at East, are on the rise to it themselves, they look for the help of an local “Music in every form and genre inspires becoming Internet sensations. Together outside producer. me. I listen to everything from country music they make the dynamic rapping duo TUX, “We do not produce our tracks, yet most to classical guitar,” Brennan said. and their music on SoundCloud has around recently we have been working with producer The two have big plans for TUX in the 4,000 listeners. However, these two have not Sam Jordan,” Brennan said. future. Both plan to see where their rapping always been the rap gods they are today. When writing songs, these two like to keep careers take them, while also focusing on “When I was younger I used to hate rap”, things light and fun, and to do so they have college (at the request of their parents). Brennan said, “[Then] when I moved to Overconstructed a very unique creative process. “[We plan on] world domination,” Tafi said land Park in second grade I heard the first rap “The first step is making sure the thermojokingly. I liked—Eminem. I started In all seriousness, they plan on travwriting my own lyrics around “Some people are under the impression that we eling the world and sharing their music 7th grade and then wrote my with people. Some might wonder when first full songs freshman year.” think we are the coolest people in school. That they are planning to release an album. “It started with me figuring is just not true. If we are giving off that vibe it “Let’s just say we are working on someout I can rap when I and special,” Mpofu said. was unintentional; in no way do we think we are thing my friends would freestyle This duo is very thankful to all of their wherever we were at for fun,” fans that are supporting them by downfamous. Not yet at least.” Mpofu, his partner in crime, loading and listening to their music. -Aiden Brennan said. “Everyone was like “The support we get from a lot of you ‘Wow, dude you’re really good at East is amazing,” Brennan said. Despite you should try writing a song’ and that’s when stat is set to 32 degrees Fahrenheit,” Brennan the increasing popularity, the two have manme and Aiden first linked up. Aiden has been said. “We then play the beat and begin to aged to remain levelheaded. doing this longer than me and he is showing write. When we are finished, the temperature “Some people are under the impression me the light.” in the room should have risen to about 80-90 that we think we are the coolest people in The first songs the two created together degrees Fahrenheit. That is how we know the school. That is just not true. If we are giving was titled “Chalice” and “Edison”. They both bars are on fire. If the temperature does not off that vibe, it was unintentional, in no way admit that these probably were not their best rise, or doesn’t rise enough, we start over and do we think we are famous. Not yet at least,” tracks, but they have improved and their song try again.” Brennan said. “Life of Luxury” has over 4,500 listens on Various artists who inspire them, as well as SoundCloud. When it comes to producing the people who support them in their daily

Into Stardom

[November] 2014

A Look at Students who are Becoming Internet Sensations

Jordan Meier//Staff Writer

though. It takes hours, even days to get a “Its easier for me talk to people because it ophomore Elissa Crow used to be has helped my social skills so much. I am way self-concious, shy, and scared to express video ready to upload. “I usually start by writing down my ideas. more confident and less insecure,” Crow said. herself. Now two YouTube channels and Then I pick my favorite one. I then make a Although this takes up much of her time, over 400 views later, she is well on her way to her parents are nothing but supportive. In play-by-play script outlining what I want to unexpected stardom. happen then. After I have that perfected, I sit fact, they encouraged her to pursue YouTube. “I had a lot of friends who told me to do “My parents are super supportive about it. it because I was too shy to sing in front of down and film it. After that’s over, I edit the video for hours because it takes forever”, she In fact they are one of the reasons I started in people, or try out for things like talent shows said. the first place. They thought it was a fun way or musicals. So I started YouTube because it is to express myself and they tell me to ‘go a fun way to express yourself, and not everyone in the world had to “Whatever happens happens. If something for it’,” she said. know about it until I was ready,” good comes out of it, then cool and if not, it Many popular YouTubers now have Crow said. a living out of making videos and was a really awesome experience to have. Its made while she would not be against the idea, Crow has two channels on YouTube, one where she just posts cool to be able to say I am 15 years old and Crow tries to keep an open mind about the future will bring. singing videos and another entiover 400 people around the world watch my what “Whatever happens happens. If sometled Daily Three where she makes videos.” thing good comes out of it, then cool, and fun themed videos with her best if not it was a really awesome experience friend Camren Simbeck, another -Elissa Crow to have. It’s cool to be able to say I am student at East. 15 years old and over 400 people around the Despite the common fear among the “All the Daily Three videos are really fun to YouTube community, she has not received any world watch my videos.” make. I can be super creative and pretty much Wherever this experience takes her, she will do whatever I want,” Crow said. hate from her videos. The support has helped always cherish the memories it has created. her be more confident and less self-conscious. Making these videos is not an easy process

Elissa Crow Courtsey of Youtube

18 [Editorial]

Not All Muslims

Islamophobia Still Runs Rampant in America

Sources: -Gallup/Islamophobia Polls 2011 -Wired/Charles Kurzman - UNC

Aaron Rhodes//Senior Staff Writer

housands of people died on 9/11. The lives of office workers and first responders were tragically lost. Hundreds of thousands of people suffered hearing the news that they had lost a loved one that day. A whole nation was affected by the actions of a small group of terrorists. What is often overlooked though, is how over a million people living in America today are judged because of that one event. A 2010 Gallup poll showed that 48% of Muslims in America said they had been discriminated against in the past year. That’s more than Jews, atheists, and any type of Christians. Another report shows that only 33 people have been killed on American soil as a result of Muslim terrorists since 2001. Considering over 150 people have been killed in school shootings in that same amount of time, that is a fairly small number. This idea leads to people wondering, why are Americans more afraid of brown men wearing hijabs in airports, than they are of white men walking around high schools? One reason seems to be how Muslim people dress. Men and women wear hijabs and burqas because their holy text, the Quran, instructs them to dress modestly. Another curious thing is that most Christians don’t stick to what the Bible say about dressing: men shouldn’t wear women’s clothes, women shouldn’t wear pearls or gold, and nobody should wear cloth of wool and linen mixed together (check those tags, people). This is no reason to get upset, but people should simply try to understand and respect the dedication of Muslims to their religion. Surveys were handed out to four English classes of Olathe East students in October and the responses that came back in were surprising in a fairly positive way. Almost all students that chose to reply said they have no problem with Muslim people and feel comfortable around them. Over one third said that they have

a Muslim friend, which isn’t bad for a school where Muslims are a fairly small minority. One Olathe East student came right out in the survey and said, “They scare me because they’re different.” Another student was more understanding, who said, “It shows how passionate and involved they are in their faith.” The topic even drew some very local attention over the summer. Last year Ryan Carr, a student at Blue Valley Northwest, tweeted “Am I racist if I feel uncomfortable about a guy with a turban on my plane, because this isn’t okay with me.” In August, a man named Asishpal Singh replied to that tweet saying “Ugh, I know what you mean. I get really uncomfortable when I see a white man walk into a movie theater or elementary school.” The tweets quickly went viral and input on the conversation poured in from all over the internet. Two days later, Ryan had apologized to Asishpal for his comment. Singh’s tweet said, “He’s a good kid who posted something stupid on the Internet. Our 15 minutes of fame is over now,” and that was that. In the face of all of the hatred taking place, things may be looking up. Maybe the positivity of this survey is due to the youth of our students. People tend to become more conservative with age, and the same Gallup polls show that 50% of the people who identify as having prejudice towards Muslims are Republicans, compared to 17% Democrats, and 7% Independents. Telling completely what the ideologies of American adults will be in the future is hard. The general population has also slowly but surely turned in favor of rights for gay people. So maybe this trend against Islamophobia will last and we can build a better, more respectful country.

What did your classmates say about Muslim treatment, dress, and Islamophobia in general? “They’re cool, but like, what’s going on in there?” “There have been so many Taliban attacks lately.” “They attacked America.” “My parents and grandparents don’t hide their discomfort around them.”

Courtesy of Hossam All Line

“Yes, you cannot blame an entire religion for the actions of few.” “[Muslims] are treated terribly because of radical groups like Al Qaeda, but they don’t condemn whites for KKK.” “[Islamophobia takes place in] airports mainly. Whenever a man with a turban walks by, you can see the nervous glances.”

[November] 2014

Can’t Buy Me Friends

Apps Offer Fake Followers and and Likes for Social Media Sites Hannah Cruise/ /Business Manager

ocial media is one of the strongest mediums in which people connect with others around their community. Feeling left out of the social loop? Joining Twitter or Instagram guarantees a way to feel intimately connected yet all alone at the same time. Is social media not satisfying the need for attention and choked adoration? Go ahead and choose from the many low-price or free apps that offer fake followers just to boost self-confidence. Nothing feels better than a constantly high follower ratio and more than 70 likes...right? Recently, apps and websites have been offering a way to gain more followers; robot followers, that is. People are giving away their honest social respectability to a plastered number of cheap fame. To fill a void of connected isolation social media pressures have created, users and bloggers are turning to illusions of “cultural prosperity” to make their work and voices seen. Without the reminder from strangers and friends that they are being heard, people are in constant worry of being disconnected from their surroundings. This social pressure for followers and likes is leading to an increase in social anxiety among teens. Junior Emily Schukai said, “People worry about it [the number of followers] because as part of human nature we worry about being judged. People, especially teens, try to fit in and will change themselves based upon other people’s opinions. There is a satisfying feeling that comes with having peoples approval. The more likes you get, the better we feel.” Aside from the pressure of popularity, many bloggers buy followers to make their account seem more credible and to increase the number of authentic followers. Starting a blog with the challenge of being discovered by a mass of people.

Bloggers are looking for a quick way to earn people’s trust but James Nord, co-founder of a service which links fashion bloggers with high brand retail called Fohr Card, said, “If a blogger were to buy followers, the interaction level we look for on our end wouldn’t be there.” The more followers the blog has the more credible the blog seems, which results in an increase of trustworthy followers likely to increase popularity status on social media. When stumbling across a new blog or account, users first notice the number of like or followers. Anita Hovey, a media consultant in a social media agency for businesses and charities, said, “Quality matters more than quantity, but there are still so many clients out there that think purely about numbers. People see their reach as a concrete number and base their judgments on that.” This creates a need for bloggers to start out with many followers in order to receive the real support they want. How can someone tell an account is using fake followers? No one can truly know, except the account creators, but there can be signs to spot robot users. The fake accounts usually have little or no posts and will not have a profile picture. The choice to purchase robot supporters depends on the user and the choice to follow someone without judging the content of their posts depends on the pending follower. Junior Amy To said, “I would rather have a low count in followers that are my friends than a ton of followers I don’t know.” The choice to allow the stress of social media to take control is up to a set of changeable social standards felt by all.

20 [Sports]

TRIFECTA

Three Fall Sports Teams Bring Home Olathe East’s 43rd, 44th, and 45th Championships

Logan Brockschmidt//Staff Writer

GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY: REGIONAL AND STATE CHAMPIONS The Girls Cross Country team continued their streak as one of the most successful XC teams in recent memory. After coming in second place at Sunflower League by eight points, the Hawks bounced back and were able to win their sixth straight Regional Championship, including qualifying for the State meet for the 12th straight year. The team was in close contention with Lawrence Free State each time they met this year. When the two raced off at the State meet,

Olathe East came out on top, defeating Lawrence Free State by nine points. The East girls were led by Kayla Davis in seventh place, finished within 25 seconds of each other.

VOLLEYBALL: SUNFLOWER LEAGUE, REGIONAL, AND STATE CHAMPIONS Returning the entire team after winning State, the Hawks had a target on their back heading into the season. The Hawks were able to go 31-8 during the regular season and defeated the Olathe Northwest Ravens once in Sunflower League to win league again. In their final regular season match-up against St. James Academy, the Hawks prevailed in five sets. “We’ve had a hard time keeping ourselves challenged in practice this year,” Coach Rippee said, “but it’s a good thing we’ve had a Junior Varsity team to challenge us.”

At Sub-State, the team won both of its matches in straight sets, and secured the fourth spot at state. At State, the Hawks went 2-1 in pool play, losing only to Olathe Northwest. In the Semifinals they defeated Washburn Rural in straight sets to set up a rematch against Olathe Northwest. The final went all three sets, with the Hawks emerging as State Champions for the second straight year.

BOYS’ SOCCER: SUNFLOWER LEAGUE, REGIONAL, AND STATE CHAMPIONS In the year after breaking the school wins record, the Hawks looked to build upon their third-place finish at State last year. On a team led by nine seniors, the Hawks won their first two games, and then fell to Park Hill South in the Olathe East tournament. After that, they won 18 straight, capturing with a Sunflower League title and earning a first round bye for Regionals. At Regionals, the Hawks dominated Lawrence Free State, winning 4-0 to win the regional. In the State quarterfinals, the team

faced off against Shawnee Mission Northwest, winning 1-0 on a lone first half goal. After steamrolling in the Semifinals, the Hawks had the state championship within their sights. Two first half goals by Shane Kopplin and Mark Vanlandingham were all that were needed as the Hawks became the 6A State Champions.

Girls XC All-Time State Titles: 2006, 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2014 (5)

Volleyball All-Time State Titles: 2013, 2014 (2)

Boys Soccer raises their first state chamionship trophy since 2005 Courtesy of Camille Denis

Girls Cross Country poses with their fans at Rimrock Farm after taking state Boys Soccer All-Time State Courtesy of Emily LaRocco Titles: 1996, 2005, 2014 (3)

Volleyball team poses with their state trophy Courtesy of Maggie Jacobsen

[November] 2014 GYMNASTICS: Regional Champions, Second Place at State Two years removed from a State title, and a previous year’s finish at fourth place, the Hawks were searching for a state trophy again. Led by strong leadership from returning junior Darby Gertsema, sophomore Samantha Bond, and freshman Katie Wingate, the Hawks tumbled over all competition throughout the year. Sweeping through

league as a team, where they placed third through fifth individually, State meet was the first non-first place finish as a team this year. However, Darby Gertsema walked away with a first place overall finish at the state meet, after taking a one year hiatus from high school gymnastics.

BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY: Fourth Place at Regionals After the previous year’s 8th place finish at the state meet, the Hawks’ led by junior Nickolas Skinner and newcomer freshman Ben Kahnk looked to return to Rimrock Farm. The team placed second in Sunflower League, and looked in good position for State heading into the Blue Valley Regional. In the deepest region of 6A, the Hawks failed to qualify for the state meet, placing fourth. Luckily, the team returns all seven regional runners. In recollecting the things that they

learned from last year. Nicholas Skinner said, “I think we learned how to race smarter, and know when its time to apply pressure and when to start bringing it.” The Hawks were able to qualify three runnersNicholas Skinner, Ben Kahnk, and Anders Hansonfor the State meet. They respectively placed fifth, twenty-fifth, and thirty-eighth at the meet.

GIRLS’ GOLF: Eleventh Place at State In a mostly new Varsity squad which consisted of five seniors and a Junior Varsity team that was primarily freshmen, the team was able to capture a third place finish at Regionals, securing their spot in Topeka for State. After getting beat by Blue Valley Northwest by 25 strokes at regionals, the state team was able to improve

very quickly and beat Blue Valley Northwest at the state course. The eleventh place state team consisted of Lauren Hart, Bailey Runchey, Emily Nicholson, Emily Kaemmer, Carolyn Schmidt, and Madie Rebel. Individually, Junior Emily Kaemmer was the sole medalist for Olathe East, individually placing nineteenth place.

GIRLS’ TENNIS: Ninth Place at State After a slow start, the Hawks tennis team rebounded and won the Topeka High and Emporia Invitationals heading into the Regional tournament. At Regionals, the doubles teams of Daya Chimakadze and Andie Metzger, Kaylee and Elise Byers, and singles players Erica Chang and Courtney Child brought home the Regional Championship, with Chang winning the Singles

Championship. At the State tournament, the team finished in ninth place. Individually, Erica Chang finished in ninth place, and Kaylee and Elise Byers finished thirteenth in doubles.

FOOTBALL: Tenth in Sunflower League The football team opened up its season with their inaugural meeting against Garden City at home, defeating them 26-14 before losing the next week against Olathe South 46-17. The game was not all that was lost for the Hawks. The Hawks lost senior leader James McGinnis during the fourth quarter after he collapsed on field. James is currently recovering after a long hospital stay. The Hawks won

their next two games, against SM South and SM North, before losing their next five games. They lost against Olathe North and Northwest in district, eliminating them from postseason play and ensuring their first losing season since 1999.

22 [Sports]

Keeping It 300

Matthew Gwin//Senior Staff Writer

How Senior Devonté Brown Achieved Perfection Three Times Brown (second from right) winds up for a shot Courtesy of Catch It Kansas

n his freshman year, Devonté Brown and a few of his buddies decided to join the Olathe East bowling team, as a seemingly innocuous endeavor. “All of us just started freshman year [as] something to do for an after-school activity,” Brown said. Little did Brown, now a senior, know that a mere two years later he would reach the pinnacle of success in his newfound sport. During his junior year, Brown bowled not one, not two, but three perfect games, including his first as a member of the OE bowling team in a tournament vs. Olathe South. For those less familiar with bowling, a perfect game equates to a score of 300, achieved by bowling 12 straight strikes. Of course, not just anyone can pick up a bowling ball and start rolling 300s. Brown has spent countless hours perfecting his craft and possesses an innate talent for the sport. Besides the daily practice during the winter sports season, Brown also participates in a youth-adult Saturday morning league during the fall and spring to further hone his already impressive skills. Even after putting in so much individual effort, though, the coveted perfect game remains Brown delivers a strike a hard-to-reach feat. Courtesy of Catch It Kansas “Honestly, when I first started bowling, I didn’t think I would ever shoot a 300, let alone three of them,” Brown said. Perhaps the toughest aspect of the perfect game is the mental side rather than the physical. As the frames continue to blow by and the strikes keep piling up, the pressure ratchets up another level.

“It’s always creeping in your mind, but around the fifth or sixth frame it [a perfect game] really starts creeping in your mind,” Brown said. “It’s usually really silent because everyone knows [the situation], so that can kind of get to you. All the eyes are watching you.” “When I get later in the lanes, my knees tend to shake [and] I start to sweat a lot.” In an effort to combat the inevitable tension, Brown tries to keep it simple. “I usually have a routine – I’m very superstitious,” he said. “If I have a cup of water, I’ll drink it every time before I go up there to bowl.” “I just try to focus on the shot . . . If you can’t keep focused, you won’t be able to succeed.” All the pressure of the situation makes the relief that much sweeter when the final pin falls. “First of all, there’s a lot A rarity: Brown leaves a pin standing of clapping [after the last Courtesy of Catch It Kansas frame] and a lot of relief,” Brown said. “Some people just drop to the floor – it’s just a monkey off your back.” Moving forward, Brown expects more perfection in his future, believing himself capable of yet another 300. “Every time you bowl, you have an opportunity to shoot one [a 300],” he said. In that case, the opportunities will be plentiful, and so then might be the

“I didn’t think I would ever shoot a 300, let alone three of them.” -Devonté Brown

perfection.

[November] 2014

OE Journalism Takes DC

Olathe East Newspaper and Yearbook Staffs Journey to Our Nation’s Capitol for this Year’s National High School Journalism Convention Over 6,000 journalism students attended this year’s conference from across the nation Courtesy of Karen Bourland

Newspaper guys swore to protect their adviser on the trip Courtesy of Karen Bourland

Yearbook stops for a selfie before boarding the plane in KC Courtesy of Morgan Benson

Breathtaking view looking out from the Capitol Courtesy of Paige Schick

Part of the Yearbook staff poses in front of the White House at night Courtesy of McAuley Hollis

Even Kansas kids can master riding the metro Courtesy of Karen Bourland

ON THE FLIPSIDE Calendar Thursday, November 20 7:30pm: MS Honor Choir Concert in the Auditorium

Teacher Trivia

Wednesday, November 26-28 Thanksgiving Break No School Thursday, December 4 7:30pm: Winter Orchestra Concert in the Auditorium Friday, December 5 7:00pm: Basketball Boys Varsity Game vs. Blue Valley North @ Olathe East

Top 5 Thanksgiving Desserts 1. Pumpkin Pie 2. Apple Crisp 3. Pecan Pie 4. Peach Cobbler 5. French Silk Pie

Which Olathe East teacher is a professional sports photographer? Last Issueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s answer:

Mr. Taylor was a hot dog vender for the 1985 World Series. Notification Statement of Non-discrimination: The Olathe Public Schools prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or disability in its programs, activities or employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups to its facilities as required by: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other relevant state and federal laws. Inquiries regarding compliance with applicable civil rights statutes related to ethnicity, gender, age discrimination or equal access may be directed to Staff Counsel, 14160 Black Bob Road, Olathe, KS 66063-2000, phone 913-780-7000. All inquiries regarding compliance with applicable statutes regarding Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act may be directed to the Assistant Superintendent General Administration, 14160 Black Bob Rd. Olathe, KS 66063-2000, phone (913) 780-7000. 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 Assistant Superintendent General Administration. (04/13)