17 02 volume
issue
HUNGRY» for State
8
Meet your Vice President picks for 2008
10 14
Check out the fall play: A Tomb With A View
Olathe East Football
OEXC
16
news Brianna Gilmour Miss Teen Kansas contestant the hawk’s eye
3
photos courtesy the Gilmour family
[emma brockschmidt]
The National American Miss Teen Kansas State Pageant is not a typical pageant. Admit it, people tend to expect flocks of girls in swimsuits, nearly suffocating in the hairspray fumes. This pageant is different, and does not have a swimsuit portion of their evaluation. (The hairspray seems to linger, regardless.) The girls, aged from 16-18, are judged in four categories: formal wear, personal introduction, community involvement, and the interview. Each of the four categories represent 30% of the girl’s score, except for community service, which was given 10%. The contestants were encouraged to bring a stuffed animal, or a book that would be given to firemen or libraries, respectively. In the midst of August, Brianna Gilmour, junior, entered as a first-time contestant of the National American Miss Teen Kansas State Pageant 2008. It was no surprise to anyone watching when she won first place for her talent: dancing. For Kansas Spectacular, a drill team competition held at Olathe East, Brianna has placed in the top five solos since her eighth grade year, for three consecutive years. She was also selected in an outside dance competetion, Dance Olympus, as a VIP. This is an opportunity offered to a select few, to travel with the convention for three weeks for next summer. However, the pageant was a whole other ballgame. She said, “I was not used to being judged on my appearance and how I present myself. I’m used to being judged on my talent, it was definitely something I was not used to. “ Nevertheless, Brianna received a trophy, as well as $250 for her success. In addition to first place in Talent, she also was second runner-up for modeling, which was quite good when taken into account that this was her first pageant. Gliding across a stage, being judged and analyzed against long-time veterans of pageants, (many of whom have been competing since they were very small,) and acheiving second runner up, is a sensational acheivement.
The girls, however, could be expected to be the snotty, prissy terrors depicted in so many movies, and TV shows. But Brianna knows better. “All the girls were very sweet. None of them acted like the typical ‘pageant girl.’ No attitudes, at all... We are all friends on Facebook.” For the interview itself, the contestants are asked a series of questions, including “What character qualities do you look for when choosing a friend? What is your favorite subject in school? Whom do you most admire, and why? Why do you want to be the Queen for your state?” They are also judged on how they introduce themselves, as a major goal of the contest is to increase self-confidence and teach the contestant how to speak comfortably in front of a live audience. For Brianna Gilmour, the best experience of the weekend of August 10 is nondebatable. “The entire thing. It was something very different than I’m used to. I like to challenge myself to do new things.” Isn’t that what high school is about? But not only has she tried something entirely new, she has succeeeded. Congratulations, props, kudos, Legally Blonde-esque snaps, etc., to Brianna Gilmour, a Miss Teen Kansas contestant. You go, girl.
4
news
october 2008
COMING UP AT EAST:
PSAT
[Neha Wahid] The new school year brings a chance to make new memories, reach higher goals, and achieve greater scholarly accomplishments. Among the vast opportunities for success offered by Olathe East is a chance to win scholarship money from the National Merit Scholarship program. The only way to take full advantage of this opportunity is by scoring successfully on the upcoming PSAT test.
Though only students in their junior or senior year of high school are qualified to win scholarship money from the National Merit Corporation, making the effort to take the PSAT is an excellent way to improve test scores on future standardized tests. So study up and take advantage of this beneficial opportunity.
Why take the PSAT?
Though the PSAT is one of the few standardized tests not required by the Olathe school district, students are urged to participate nonetheless. Not only do top scorers receive $2500 worth of scholarship money, but high-ranking semi-finalists also receive recognition, which looks impressive on college applications. The test will be offered by Olathe East on Saturday, October 18—a mere two hours and ten minutes measuring reading comprehension, math skills, and writing ability. Test questions are designed to aid students in their preparation for the ACT and SAT—a critical aspect of college acceptance.
How to Win
Out of the 1.5 million students who participate in the PSAT each year, 50,000 students with the highest selection index become finalists for the Merit Scholarship. Semi-finalists are narrowed down to 15,000 finalists, and scholarship winners are chosen based on test scores, academic success, leadership abilities, and school recommendations. These qualifying students receive a $2500 scholarship to the college of their choice.
How to Prepare
These helpful preparation books provide sample questions, practice tests, and helpful information that can be used to score successfully on the PSAT. Cracking the PSAT/NMSQT, 2009 Edition -- Princeton Review Kaplan PSAT/NMSQT, 2009 Edition -- Kaplan 11 Practice Tests for the SAT and PSAT, 2009 Edition -- Princeton Review
These teachers are offering study sessions in their room to help students prepare for the PSAT. WHO: WHAT:
FOX ENGLISH
WHEN:
THURSDAY AFTER SCHOOL
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WHO: WHAT: WHEN:
FLYNN MATH THURSDAY A.R.T OR AFTER SCHOOL
WHAT:
LUCKERT ENGLISH
WHEN:
THURSDAY
WHO:
A.R.T
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news
the hawk’s eye
Mothers Hands, Alive at East Unknown to many Olathe East students, every Tuesday evening from six to nine o’clock Mother’s Hands, a non-profit organization takes over the 300 hallway. Started by former East Students, Christina Benjes, Mother’s Hands provide financial aid by the means of food, clothing, shoes, toys, and furniture to low income families throughout the area. All supplies are based solely on donations and are provide to the families at no cost. To apply for this financial aid families must show photo I.D., an address, and proof of income. All families make less than 1,000 dollars a month. Each family member can receive between 500 and 700 dollars a year. Mother’s Hands has made such a large impact that even recent hurrican victims living in the area have come to recieve the help that Nancy Cantu and Christina Benjes offer.
Mothers Hands is also a part of a government relief effort. If families are in any kind of trouble picking up the phone and dialing 211 will take them to a hotline run by the government, which Mothers Hands is a part of. “Without donations and volunteers Mother’s Hands wouldn’t be possible” said codirector Nancy Cantu. East students Kendra VanHercke and Andrew Murray, provide childcare for parents while they shop while also getting service hours for NHS. Special Education teacher at Heatherstone and volunteer, Lisa Meyers says, “Mothers Hands is a wonderful program that help people directly in our community ad keeps families together.” Mothers Hands also has a number of Angel trees throughout the Kansas City Area around the holiday season.
5 [Syd Swinicki]
Donations are always accepted through Olathe East. Many of the donations that are offered are donated by Olathe East students and families. See Mary Ann Davenport in the front office for more information.
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Biden
october 2008
opinion
Democratic Vice President • Obama ‘08
[Tessa Magana]
When a change you can believe in meets experience you can trust. The 1994 “Biden Crime Bill” put more than 10,000 Even before Biden joined Obama onstage for the first time on August 20th, public curiosity was stirring. Who is Joe Biden? Democratic senator for Delaware since 1972, Joseph Biden has worked hard for 36 years to help people in need around him. At age 65, with a reputation of hitting problem topics hard, the incessant cry for experience seems to have been answered. “Senator Biden’s Adam Walsh Act” was founded in 1993 and helps protect children from predators in the name of Adam Walsh (the son of the famous America’s Most Wanted host) who was kidnapped 26 years ago and never recovered. The very next year he launched the “Violence Against Women Act”, which provided shelter and supplies for victims of abuse in Delaware and still runs today. Biden formed a five-point plan for ending the war with fellow Foreign Relations councilman Les Gelb, which was endorsed by the senate with a 76% support. The plan is openly displayed and well thought-out; it includes bringing the countries of the world to the aid of Iraq and avid troop support—in combat and at home.
police personnel in cities and was revised in 2007 to add protection for child exploitation and prescription drug abuse. Biden has intertwining ties in his community miles long, beginning with his family. His wife, Jill Biden, is an English professor. His oldest son holds the position of Delaware’s attorney general and will be deployed to Iraq this October; his daughter does social work, and his youngest son is a lawyer. Joe Biden adds strength to the Obama campaign with years of experience and animated political stances, filling in any weaknesses the presidential hopeful might have in the eyes of the American people. At his announcement ceremony, Barack Obama declared, “[Joe Biden is] the kind of fighter I want by my side in the months and years to come.” A strong candidate needs a strong vice president, and Obama has found that in his selection.
Meet Your VP Nominees
photo courtesy www.chicagolifestyle.com
With opinions being thrown around on television, the Internet, and every newspaper, finding truth within the sea of conflicting ideas might seem horrendously daunting. An unbiased approach is the best way to help those undecided on which political party to support. The presidential candidates have made their stances known, and now the time to dissect the vice presidential choices has come. Battle words are being spoken, and it’s up to the American people to know the facts and discard the fiction. [Lexi Panfil]
PalinRepublican Vice President • McCain‘08 The original mavericks.
For the past few months , the faces of Brack Obama and John McCain have flashed across T.V. screens nationwide. America knows much about John McCain as we have seen him stand alone and present speeches to the United States. Now a new face splashes across the screen, and John McCain no longer stands alone. Who is this bright new face? Republican Vice Presidential candidate, Sarah Palin. Sarah Palin, the beaming mother of five children resides with her husband Todd Palin and children in Wasilla, Alaska, the state where she serves as governor. Palin, a social conservative defines herself as “pro-life as any candidate can be”; would permit abortion only in cases where the mother’s life is in danger, and supports bills to outlaw late-term abortions and requires parental consent for abortions in Alaska. An advocate for captical punishment, Palin also supports allowing the teaching of both creationism and evolution in
public schools, but not to the extent of requiring the teaching of creation-based alternatives. Palin endorses Bush’s policies on the war in Iraq. When Senator McCain chose Palin as his running mate, the election for all Republicans changed. McCain knew choosing Palin would be a “gutsy” move, but so far his choice has proven to be a success for the Republican Party. Palin sends a powerful message to women all across the country, said by many to inspire mothers around the globe. Women who have never voted for a Republican in their lives are now considering voting in favor of the Republicans, all because of hockey mom, Sarah Palin. With John McCain’s dedication and service in the army, it is obvious the tremendous mark he’s made in the United State’s history. McCain holds strong views regarding Palin, stating “She’s got the grit, integrity, good sense and fierce devotion to the common good that is exactly what we need in Washington today.” With the way the polls are looking, Senator McCain and Governor Palin might just see the White House after all.
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enior Taylor Smith said it best, “Mr. Flynn is definitely one-of-a-kind.” Many students throughout their educational progression accuse mathematics of not being applicable in the physical world. This, in terms of the educational system, is partly true, although one Olathe East Mathematics teacher has actually applied the mathematics that many of his students learn each and every day to create something artistic. Patrick Flynn, the Olathe East Mathematics Department Chair and Pre Calculus, AP Geometry, and BC Calculus teacher, has devoted his spare time to creating three-dimensional geometric figures that dazzle the imagination, and inspire to ask oneself “How did he do that?.” Perhaps many of you readers have noticed some of his artwork proudly displayed throughout Olathe East, particularly in Mr. Flynn’s classroom and the Media Center. His creations vary from a substantially-sized cube made completely from business cards that rests atop a bookshelf in the Media Center, to a complex configuration of wooden sticks held together solely by tension that hangs from his classroom ceiling. “It requires high level geometry and spatial reasoning,” remarked Flynn. Although many of his larger creations are constructed at home, Mr. Flynn utilizes his two classroom aides, Kendall Grimm and Taylor Smith, both seniors, to help build smaller models. According to Grimm,
“it’s neat to put what you learn in geometry to make something interesting.” “A hobby would be the best word for it,” said Flynn. For some of his more difficult materials, Mr. Flynn utilizes everything at his disposal. A few of his designs require the use of the jewelry room saws for cutting the wooden pieces. Flynn’s collection consists of approximately 30 figures, and is constantly increasing. For his aides, Flynn remarked, “It takes a couple of weeks to [for them] finish one.” Flynn expressed his plans for constructing a larger model of his sphere
+ (z - 1)² = 25
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It’s neat to put what you learn in geometry to make something interesting.
[Eric Yarns]
A cube displayed in the Olathe East Media Center.
of Dixie cups using blue and orange transparent Dixie cups configured into a spherical shape. Flynn has also received some publicity for his artwork, including a 30-second spot on the CBS television show Numb3rs, a show that Flynn had previously written for, where, in one episode, a character is seen twirling a figure that Flynn recalls sending in to the show.
art in mathematics
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7 (x - 3)² + (y - 4)² the hawk’s eye
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Senior Taylor Smith working on a pentagonal figure.
(h , k)
8
october 2008
Brett Crawford ’s
opinion
What To Do About:
Kansas Weather “
Because the weather here is just as crazy as our nation’s economy
Only in Kansas will your seven day forecast include highs of seventy-three, followed a few days later by light rain and a high of forty-six. The spontaneous weather here makes the months of September and October less like early fall months and more like potluck extravaganzas. You don’t know weather or not you should wear a hoodie on the way to school for those cold mornings, or a tank top for the hot afternoons. I’ve almost completely given up on watching the weather report on TV. I have however managed to compile nearly my entire closet’s contents into the back end of my Jeep. That way when I get caught in those oh-so-terrible freak Kansas rainstorms I’ll have a plethora of coats and jackets to utilize.
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You never know when it’s going to rain or snow.
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It’s interesting to see some of the kids here at Olathe East who walk around in shorts and T-shirts when earlier that morning it was darn near forty five degrees outside. I think to myself, wasn’t it freaking freezing outside this morning? Only to later find that the wonderful Kansas weather has played me yet again and warmed up another thirty degrees since I had gotten to school. Basically, it’s extremely frustrating. The
worst part is, is that you never know when it’s going to rain or snow. Half the time I decide to keep my windows cracked on my car, one of the delightful little rain showers will rear its ugly head and drench the fine Corinthean leather and real sheepskin carpeting, making it smell like something died in the back seat. Then I have to air out the car and leave the windows down again, which only elongates the perpetual cycle. The best thing to do in these types of situations is to just be prepared all the time. Just like the Boy Scouts or G.I. Joe. Like Spider-man and Captain America. Granted, we’re talking about the weather here, and not about battling super-villains, but it’s still a valid metaphor. Anyways, what you need to know is: -you can never cram too much junk in your car. Your friends might not want to ride with you, but wouldn’t you rather be dry and warm than liked by your friends? -Just wear layers! Wear a tank top under a t-shirt followed by a hoodie and you’re set! If it gets hot, shed some layers. If it gets cold, then throw more layers on. That way, you’ll never be too hot or too cold! It’s the compromise approach. -Always wear rain boots. They come in all sizes and colors, and they keep your feet dry. Don’t worry, you won’t get laughed at if you wear them all day. I promise. -No matter what the situation, never ever ever ever ever ever, wear one of those ridiculous “rain poncho” things that they sell at Raynard’s Camping and Outdoor Gear Inc.. ‘Nuff said.
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-Lastly, get to school really super early so you can get the best parking spot in the whole lot and you won’t have to park all the way out in the boonies and walk three and a
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Be prepared all the time. Just like the Boy Scouts or G.I. Joe.
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half miles to the school through the cold and the rain and get to first hour dripping from head to toe. You’ll look silly if you have to do that and everyone will laugh at you. So kids, when I say be prepared, I mean be over-prepared. You can never have too much stuff in your car, and you can never wear too many layers. After all, that’s what lockers are for right? You’ll be a happier student, and you’ll make more friends too. People will think you’re the coolest darn kid in school, and will pay you to hang out with them and take a few pictures. In the end, that’s my best advice.
opinion
S
the hawk’s eye
CHMITZ AND GRINS
Quit Your Crying and Grow Up!
Around noon on Sunday, September 7, I sat on Melanie (for those of you who missed the first S&G column, Melanie is my wonderful couch), waiting for our hometown Kansas City Chiefs to battle it out with the All-Star loaded New England Patriots. Although I am a hard-core, since-I-was-little, definitely-not-a-fairweather fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, reading Sports Daily in the Star every day at least gets me interested in the storylines surrounding Herm Edward’s bunch. This particular game, they would get crushed. In fact, just before kickoff, I texted a friend “Pats by 30.” It was inevitable. The game went on, Tom Brady gets hurt. I got bored. Brodie Croyle gets hurt. I begin switching to the Eagles-Rams game on Fox. But every time I return to check if the Damon Huard-led Chiefs have closed the gap, I saw “star” running back Larry Johnson getting stuffed at the line of scrimmage, only to return to the huddle and pout like a little baby. This made me reminisce about the time former Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil told Johnson “to grow up and take the diapers off.” I then shifted my thoughts to cry-babies in other sports, and started asking around. This is the list I compiled (take note: girls were not included on this list because it became unanimous in my surveys with other students that ALL girl athletes should be considered cry-babies). Dick Vermeil- He coached the Chiefs to a respectable 44-36 record in 5
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years as the Kansas City Chiefs head coach, and also won a Coach of the Year award, but he’s a sensitive guy, to say the least. He did more than whine; he literally shed tears numerous occasions, sometimes over excellent events, sometimes over dreadful periods. Kobe Bryant- Kobe is a star basketball player. Everybody knows it. In the NBA, whether you want to believe it or not, refs give certain players celebrity treatment on the court. Yet, #24 continues to complain about fouls ALL SEASON! Rasheed Wallace- Similar to Bryant, except much more over the top. He usually leads the league each season in technical fouls (he once received 41 in a single campaign). Most of these stem from calls against him, triggering his massive temper. Mike Krzyzewski- Coach K is mainly on here because I hate the Duke Blue Devils with a passion. Yes, he’s a great coach
n [Be
er’s wrath. Barry Bonds- Baseball’s home run king may be the only one on this list who occasionally has a legitimate reason to criticize the media. Reporters have been on his back for what seems like 10 years over his supposed/apparently/accidental taking of athletic enhancement pills/ performance shots/steroids. But hey, he knew what he was getting into when he approached Balco (yes, I know for a fact Bonds grew HGH muscles). John McEnroe- Maybe a little old compared to these others, but he is the ultimate cry-baby of his time. At least he comes off as humorous when on these intense rampages. Tossed rackets, tennis balls hit into the stands, and flippin’ the bird to anyone and everyone. Ah, classic. Lou Piniella- The current Chicago Cubs manager is known in the baseball world as “Sweet Lou” because of his splendid swing as a player. But now, he’s far from sweet. Ejected from a game over 60 times, he will get in the face of umpires and not censor his wording a bit, cursing and kicking dirt all the way back to the dugout. John Daly- Let’s just say he’s no Tiger. Athletically unfit to play any sport, a gambling fiend, a walking example of failure, Daly lost his PGA Tour Card a while back, and he WENT OFF. But if you can’t get your life under control, what gives you the right to play golf?
All girl athletes are cry-babies: Fact
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but he is given the cream of the crop every year to work with. Sit down and shut up! Cristiano Ronaldo- I was very tempted to just make this ‘Every Soccer Player Ever,’ but I decided I love the game of futbol too much to slam it like that. But Ronaldo goes above and beyond the norm in soccer, screaming in “pain” over basic slide tackles, and blaming line judges for losses. Terrell Owens- T.O. just needs to carry around a box of cheese and crackers because he is the WHINE master. He’ll grumble about anything and everything. Quarterbacks (current, former, and future), coaches, upper management, fellow players, opposing players, referees, fans. Nobody is spared from this receiv-
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Sc
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tz mi
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10
october 2008
feature
A Tomb
A Tomb With a View, this season’s fall play
with a
is a hilarious romp through the mind of a British serial killer. With a terrific ensemble of original characters, this three -act play is destined to be a hit. To get some insight on this season’s opener The Hawks Eye sat down with some interesting characters. Alex Johnson, our first victim plays Pe r e g r i n e Potter, a skittish young man who may have something to hide. “The play is a lot of fun,” says Johnson, “although the cast is always getting smaller. You never know what’s coming next” which The Hawks Eye found out to be a very true statement. Prior to rehersal the whole cast warms up with group yoga. Alex says that the yoga helps warm them up and get into character. He also says that it helps them focus and prepare for the stresses of rehearsal. Jessica Alcorn is the assistant student director, she describes this play as very “enigmatic.” An eerie and mysterious tone incases this play like a coffin. Alcorn, who is usually the star in one of the plays, says this about her experience so far: “It’s very cool to experience the directing side of the theatre; it’s like get-
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[zach hunter]
View ”
You never know what’s coming next.
ting a whole new perspective on the department. I can’t wait to see what these talented actors and actresses can do.” The cast of this play is tremendous. Although the whole ensemble consists of only 10 members (Alex Johnson, John Wood, Katie Hunter, Emily Monrad, Karen Edwards, Karl Achey, Lucas Fairchild, Allshia Morris, Katlin Medlin and Breawn Bradford), the energy on stage is electrifying. All in all, this comedy-thriller is a must see that will have the audiance guessing the whole way through.
photos courtesy Zach Hunter
the hawk’s eye Peregrine Potter Alex Johnson
Agatha Hammond Katlin Medlin
11 Marcus Tomb
Karl Achey
Monica Tomb Katie Hunter
Lucien Tomb John Wood Dora Tomb
Breawn Bradford
Emily Tomb
Alisha Morris
Freda Mountjoy Emily Monrad
Nurse Franklin
Karen Edwards
Hamilton Penworthy
Lucas Pherigo
12
october 2008
H
feature
omec m ing
Students find creativity is key when asking dates to Homecoming On Brianna Gilmour and Brett Hultgren’s
six-month anniversary, Brianna walked out to her car and found a Build-a-Bear dressed in a tux surrounded by six roses. The bear’s wrist contained a button that said “Press Here.” When Brianna pressed the button a recording of Brett’s voice asking her to Homecoming played. Brianna said, “I was not expecting it at all. I thought it was really cute and I loved it.” For the past two months the chatter around school was all about Homecoming and who was taking who. Creativity was key. Sophomore Grace Kimpel asked one of her friends from Berean Christian School, Kyle Sewalson. She typed “Homecoming?” on a small piece of paper and taped it to the inside of a Jones soda bottle cap where you would normally find fortunes. Then she asked him his fortune. Kyle, a little confused at first, quickly figured it out and said yes.
[Tara Boyd] Grace said she wanted to be creative, so she made it more personal. Kyle loves Jones Soda, and Grace found a way to turn that into a way to ask Kyle. While some may choose to Google ideas, a personal touch makes the experience more memorable. For some students the idea came on a whim. John McBride came up with his idea to ask Katie Hunter while standing waiting for her to get ready for Kathy Griffin’s show. The tickets were already purchased, but John decided to make a replica ticket that asked her to Homecoming. When John handed Katie the ticket she gave it back thinking it was the receipt, but John told her to read it. At first Katie thought he was kidding and laughed. Then she realized he was serious and they were both “stoked.”
Spirit Week Thoughts [Maggie Houston] “The junior boys owned the assembly! Their dance routine was hilarious. It was the best yet.” Marlee Arrasmith, sophomore “I liked when the guys danced at the asembly and did all those random things. It was so funny!” Cassie Defatte, sophomore “It was a great way to get everyone fired up.” Andy Miller, senior “Although they were kind of scantily clad, it was still very silly.” Mrs. Tow, CP English “The assembly was totally awesome and completely hilarious.” “It was a great way to pump everyone up for the Garrett Smith, sophomore week and the rest of the school year.” Krista Lind, junior “I liked the games that the homecoming candidates played, especially the human bowling.” Mr. Williams, Pre-AP English
the hawk’s eye
Hawks are...
13
r e t hot than e r fi
Photo Credit: Karen Bourland
Photo Credit: Karen Bourland East students show off their Jerseys
Photo Credit: Brett Crawford
Olathe East teachers show off their school pride during spirit week.
Photo Credit: Kevin Mais
r e l n o a e o h c c t i
Olathe East Homecoming Court: Debbie Keller, Connor Childers, Riley Knapp, Bryan Gum, Ally Wood, Mark Saxtro, Brianna Winkler, Josh Rydberg, Erin Hageman, Mark Spreckles, Kate Tankel, Dylan Kelling, Shanna Stewart, Ryan Revoir
14
opinion Rivalry in the
october 2008
Nest
[Peter Du]
In 1992, a hawk egg hatched. It would be little brother to an eleven year old falcon, and as such, an almost sibling-like rivalry was born. In almost every activity possible, East and South have always found each other at the highest levels of competition, often neck and neck- adding new levels of complexity to what may have just been simple competition. Take a look at just two of the many rivalries between the two warring birds.
“It’s always back and forth- we’ll win one year, they’ll win one year. It’s always by a few points. We’re almost evenly matched, but it’s always awesome when we win.” Meghan Phadke, Olathe EastJunior
Football
Perhaps the most infamous of the East and South rivalries, the hawk football team had been playing a flawless season last year, only to be interuppted by a jarring loss against the falcons. As such, tensions were high at the rematch this year. For the Hawks, it was redemption time. “I just want South to lose,” Junior Jake Reynolds said before the game, “we have to win this year.” For the Falcons, the game was a test to show their continuting strength. Game on. After a slow first half, East slowly began a steady drive to long anticipated finish; Hawk fans roared as the clock ran out21 to 14, Hawks.
Photo Courtesy of Emma Brockshmidt
Band
Annually, the Olathe East marching band along with the Talons drillteam competes at the “Heart of America” festival hosted at KU. Performing the fieldshow presented at sporting events, the competition between the two schools always boils down to within a few points. In almost see-saw fashion, East will win, then south. Then East. Then South. Meghan Phadke, an Olathe East Junior said; “It’s always back and forth- we’ll win one year, they’ll win ne year. It’s always by a few points. We’re almost evenly matched, but it’s always awesome when we win.”
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the hawk’s eye
15
gymnastics Player Profile
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Name: Jessica Davis She is a hard worker and really Sport: Gymnastics brings a lot to the team. We are Team: Junior Varsity lucky to have her. Birthday: July, 4 1992 -Coach Lydia Messenger Hometown: Blue Springs, MO
Top: The 2008-2009 Hawks Gymnastics team, getting ready to compete. Bottom: Junior, Jessica Davis performing her bar routine at the Hawks home meet last Tuesday, September 23. She placed third all around.
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Why did you choose to do gymnastics? I chose gymnastics because I can express my personality. It’s hard work and fun. I’ve been on the team for three years. Favorite event? Floor because i love dancing around to my music. Food you like to eat before a meet? Panera! Any other activities you do outside of school? I like to hang out with my friends. Favorite Athlete? David Beckham. What motivates you? Doing awesome dance moves with Elly Steck. What’s the hardest part about gymnastics? Being an all around gymnast. What other sports do you do? I do diving in the Spring. What do you want to do when you grow up? I want to do international business.
Your prized possession? My car, I drive a white highlander sport. Your major accomplishment? Jumping off a 60ft cliff. Best time in your life? Spring Break 08’. Who you would give anything to meet? My Uncle Danny. Favorite pig out food? Cookies. Three words that discribe you? Crazy, fun, and adventurous.
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october 2008
feature
Running Free
[John Wood]
We run for Cross Country
Running upwards of 30 miles per week means you are often caught running late to class or one of 97 members of the cross country team. Each afternoon, this staggering group of dress code violations dashes from Blackbob to Quivira, 127th street to 119th, and all the way back to East. “Almost every single muscle in your entire body will hurt,” said senior varsity runner Cody Banks. “But if it doesn’t, then you’re not running to the best of your ability.”
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I like being on a winning team.
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However, maintaining mental control is just as important as body. “You try not to think about anything,” added Banks. “If you focus in on your pain then it makes it much worse. You think about random things, like, ‘what did I eat last night.’ Just anything that goes through your mind.” With nearly ten percent of the school’s population on the cross country team, keeping every runner in check is quite a challenge. “It’s a little hard keeping track of everybody,” commented Coach Glenn Daniels. “We need three buses to get us to meets now…most teams can take one. But it’s not bad having a lot of kids.” As the sole sophomore on the varsity team, runner Bryan Gum has quite a standing to maintain. “I feel a little bit of pressure being the youngest,” Gum said. “But it’s good for me because I can use that pressure to get better. I like running and I like being on a winning team.” After their shoes are put away and the scores have come out, all 97 members stand together as one massive group of friends. “They’re all a bunch of goofballs,” added Coach Daniels. “But a pretty god set of athletes.”
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the hawk’s eye
photos courtesy Kevin Hazelton and Andy Miller
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They’re all a bunch of goofballs
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18
october 2008
Teens Turn to
October 2005 started everything. With the release of Twilight, the first of the four-book saga, an epidemic was started. Following Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn all were released and soon after the Twilight series became extremely popular and before long readers of all ages, all over the world were seen with their nose in one of the four Twilight novels. Bella an average girl, moves from Phoenix, Arizona to Forks, Washington to live with her father. After starting school Bella meets Edward Cullen, a mysterious but attractive individual. With Edward’s milky colored skin and golden eyes Bella is instantly intrigued. Soon after meeting Edward B e l l a finds out one teeny tiny flaw that has been kept secret for decades, literally because Edward is a vampire. At this point the traditional vampire “I vant to suck your blood” story flashes through the unsuspecting readers mind, however this novel is anything but traditional. Sitting in any class you’re bound to find one person completely engrossed in one of the twilight novels during free time. “The first 1/3 of the story was awesome. I couldn’t put it down. [The book] stays away from stereotypical vampire story, it’s a completely different storyline.” said OE senior Tyler Miller. “As a whole the series is great, the story at points gets a little mushy but for the most part the author stays away enough that the story is enjoyable.”
opinion [Caliee Behnke]
Along those lines the librarians at East also jumped on the Twilight train. “It’s a compelling story that tells about the intensity of a first love with elements of the supernatural.” said OE Librarian Mrs. Franklin. “I’ve downloaded the stories on my iPod and when I’m supposed to be studying I find things around the house to do just so I can listen [to the story].” “At East we have seven copies of each story however [right now] all are checked out.” Mrs. Franklin stated. “This book is a phenomenon because it appeals to people of all ages. I’m afraid to finish the series, I just don’t want it to be over!” Mrs. Franklin said. “I was hooked after Twilight. As soon as I finsihed I had t o
read the next one in the series. They are great books and very compelling. I’m not a big reader but I love these books.” said OE senior Lana Thompson. The author shows great creativity and her own sense of uniqueness with writing the Twilight novels. Adults and kids alike are engaged in this riveting series and with only four books the recommendation would be to read slowly however slow and Twilight are highly unlike to go together in the same sentence.
Q. If you could be a Twilight character who would you be and why? A. Alice because she’s stunning and fashionable and has sweet hair. -Sophomore Jessi Drake
Q. Why do you think the series is so huge? A. Because the effect the author has keeps the reader reading. Plus everyone enjoys a love story. -Junior Alex Fraizer
Q. Werewolf or vampire? A. Vampire. I don’t want to have to go through a metamorphisis everytime I want to kick butt. -Mr. Williams
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dates to remember
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Oct 9 • Last day of 1st quarter ers b m u n y gb n i Oct 15-16 • Parentm o c e m o H ings k g n i Teacher Conferences m homeco amweks at Oct 17 • No school! g g n i ecobm r ha u m o o y h e th s scored Oct 25 • ACT at point n the i e l Olathe East p o e p p f u o o r r g e
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quote of the issue
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The unreal is more powerful than the real, be- - Chuck cause nothing is Palahniuk as perfect as you can imagine it.
EAST vs. SOUTH
21-14
[emily fiore]
top left: Our Hawks run out on to the field to begin the game. top right: bottom left: various players dive for the loose ball