TROJAN
THE
ISSUE TWO
OCTOBER 2012
1
CONTENTS
FEA TURES 7
OCTOBER
2012
HOW WILL YOU CAST YOUR VOTE?
With the presidential race heating up, first time student voters find themselves wondering who they should support. See page 7 for a breakdown of this year’s major election issues.
3
SAME GAME, DIFFERENT PLAYERS
From the stadium seats to the field, football games are a multi-dimensional experience. Turn to page 3 for a breakdown of a typical Friday night football game.
MYPARKHILL.COM BROKE AND BORED For most high school kids, money is something that they lack. Even so, they want to get out and have fun. Look online for some fun and inexpensive activities.
ONE FOURTH OF THE WAY DONE Seniors are one fourth of the way through their final year, and are starting to dedicate more thought to their lives after high school.
DEPARTMENTS 5
THE FANTASTIC FIVE
Need help with your schoolwork? Want to get more involved? See five students at Park Hill you should know.
11 HERE’S THE CATCH
New York public schools provide the morning after pill to their high school students. See where people of Park Hill stand on this controversial topic.
9
SWIMMING INTO STATE
Park Hill boys’ swim makes a splash this season, qualifying several boys to state. Read about how the team came together in hopes of having a winning season.
13
WHEN THE LEAVES FALL
As the leaves change color and the temperature drops, Park Hill students have to find new ways to spend their time. Get ideas for activities to do with your friends this fall.
The Trojan, published monthly during the regular school year, is the official publication of Park Hill High School, and is printed by Osage Graphics in Olathe, Kansas. All unsigned editorials represent the opinion of The Trojan staff. Editorials do not necessarily represent the opinion of the faculty or administration including the advisor. The student body receives this paper free of charge to encourage readership, promote awareness of school and community events, and issues, and to showcase student journalistic work. The Trojan welcomes letters to the editors. All letters must be signed to be published, but may be anonymous if the author chooses. Letters may be no more than 350 words and must be delivered to room 350 ten days prior to publication. The Trojan staff welcomes comments, questions and opinions. Send comments to berans@parkhill.k12.mo.us 7701 Barry Road, Kansas City, Mo 64153, or call 816-359-6238.
CAMILLE’S COLUMN FREEDOM OF RELIGION Did you know that in Missouri, I can’t legally be forced to take a Biology class? All I have to do is say that it violates my religious beliefs. Missouri law permits me to “opt out” of any coursework or assignments that contradict my religion. Personally, feel that it’s irresponsible to give students the opportunity to leapfrog through their high school curriculum however they see fit. However, there’s another reason I feel this allowance is wrong: “Congress shall make no law regarding an establishment of religion.” When we hear this phrase, our minds go immediately to the things we’ve been taught since elementary school; that America is the land of the free and our country is so cool because it’s willing to protect our free exercise of faith. However, we’ve become so fixated on this brilliant concept—freedom of religion— that in our desire to protect it, I think our efforts have started to backfire. In the United States, laws have been passed that would make schools teach intelligent design alongside evolution, forbid them from discussing sexual orientation, and let pharmacists refuse to fill prescriptions for birth control. This has all been done to protect freedom of religion, but I feel that these supposed protections are infringing on other rights. Which is more valid: my belief that contraception is better than unplanned pregnancy, or my pharmacist’s that taking the pill is a sin? My personal belief in intelligent design, or my school’s responsibility to give me a college-prep education? Conviction in your religion is an amazing thing—and if you’re a deeply faithful individual, there’s no reason that hearing opposing viewpoints should harm you. The United States contains people from a myriad of different faiths, and there’s no way that the government can cater specifically to each of them. I believe that religion should be left completely out of politics, for the good of everyone.
CAMILLE SMITH, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
TROJAN
THE
ISSUE ONE
A UGUST 2012
EDITOR IN CHIEF Camille Smith DESIGN EDITOR Nick Buchberg When the Leaves Fall (13)
The Fantastic Five (5)
FEATURE EDITOR Zach Hahn DEPARTMENT EDITOR Mackenzie Thomas
Here’s the CATCH (11)
Stranger Danger (6)
Swimming Into State (9)
Same Game, Different Players (14)
PHOTO EDITOR Kaylin Lake REPORTERS Jake Bjornlie Beth Cooper Chloe Lane Jesus Reyes Rylee Stoulil Claire Yost BUSINESS MANAGER Brett Stone WEBMASTER Molly Weis WEB EDITOR Shannon Barry
Alisa Ripee: Breathing Fire (10)
MYPARKHILL.COM JT Fopeano Zoe Butler Sadie Derry
3
HOW WILL
FEATURE
YOU CA ST
YOUR VOTE
41% 39% 19% 1% OBAMA BIDEN
ROMNEY I DON’T RYAN HAVE AN source: myparkhill.com OPINION
THIRD PARTY
By: Nick Buchberg The class of 2013 faces many issues as seniors in high school, such as where to attend college, what scholarships to apply for, and when and where to hold their graduation party. However, the class of 2013 (naturally) is a bit more unique. Unlike the past three graduating classes, many Park Hill seniors will get the opportunity to change the country before they even graduate high school. Thanks to the 26th Amendment—which gave suffrage to 18-year-olds—many Park Hill seniors will get to vote in this year’s presidential election. “Being able to vote in this election is an amazing privilege,” senior and selfdescribed liberal Jordan Tanner said. “Being faced with a political decision like this has really made me do my research.” 18-year-old seniors this year are given two very different candidates from each party. Incumbent President Barack Obama, a former senator from Illinois, and Republican Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, are racing for the White House. Mitt Romney has run for president once before, in 2008. However, he lost the nomination to John McCain. Undeniably, President Obama inherited many fiscal and political issues. An economy at its worst since the Great Depression, sky-high unemployment, and a national debt in the trillions, on top of a restless Middle East. Obama promised many things during his campaign for the White House in ’08; his campaign motto was even “Change We Can Believe In.” However, many voters question if Obama has changed much of anything during his four years in office. Republicans are quick to point the finger at Obama for the still-high
rate of unemployment, and for a failed economic stimulus, while Democrats regularly claim that Romney is out of touch due to being born into wealth. “I like to keep my [political] options open,” senior Tia Hernandez said. “I like knowing both sides [of the issues] before I make a decision so that I don’t side with one party all the time. Having my own opinions is really important.” Tanner, unlike Hernandez, has decided on a candidate to vote for this election, though he asked that The Trojan not publish who he planned to vote for. However, decided voters seem to be a shrinking subdivision of American voters. On August 11, the Romney Campaign announced a critical decision: the vice presidential slot on the Romney ticket would be filled by Paul Ryan, a littleknown Chairman of the House Budget Committee from Wisconsin. Several news outlets, such as MSNBC and CNN, called out the Romney campaign for using the failed 2008 tactic of John McCain of choosing a virtually unknown vice presidential candidate to win over undecided middle class citizens. Both vice presidential candidates have also had their share of gaffes. Joe Biden, President Obama’s running mate, famously came out in support of marriage equality on “Meet The Press” prior to President Obama’s announcement of his stance on gay marriage. This made many people think that Obama also came out in support of gay marriage so as not to be upstaged by his own vice president. Paul Ryan also has had some gaffes along the way. In a speech to expected voters, he intentionally fudged the time he ran a marathon in order to seem more athletic, in an effort to appeal to male voters.
WHERE DO THE CANDIDATES STAND ON THE ISSUES?
ABORTION
ECONOMY IMMIGRATION
TAX POLICY MARRIAGE EQUALITY IMMIGRATION Where Democrats stand: -People brought here illegally as young children should be given legal residency and easier path to citizenship, provided they are not criminals and good citizens; believe that the immigration process should be easier Where Republicans stand: -Large US-Mexico border fence to prevent further illegal immigration; don’t want to offer legal residency to students, but would offer if served in the armed forces ABORTION Where Democrats stand: -All abortions should be legal during the first trimester Where Republicans stand: -Abortions should not be legal, except in the case of rape, incest, or for the life of the mother Info from barackobama.com and mittromney.com
MARRIAGE EQUALITY Where Democrats stand: -Marriage should be the legal union of two consenting persons Where Republicans stand: -Marriage should be the legal union of one man and one woman TAX POLICY Where Democrats stand: -Want to tax the rich more Where Republicans stand: -Want to keep taxes low for everyone ECONOMY Where Democrats stand: -More regulation on business, same taxes on middle and lower class, but higher taxes for the rich Where Republicans stand: -Less regulation on business, lower taxes overall for everyone.
5
FANTASTIC FIVE
PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW AT PARK HILL
CAMPUS
By: Rylee Stoulil As class president, freshman Nate Sumimoto is working hard for the benefit of the school. “[Freshmen Executive Council] is gaining momentum. We built our float for the Homecoming parade, and we are selling t-shirts to raise money. There are a lot of things we are working on,” said Sumimoto. Just because a student isn’t a freshman doesn’t mean Sumimoto won’t be there. “I’m always welcome to help anyone,” said Sumimoto.
Sophomore Anna Bay is always there for anyone and is known to give the best advice. “I just like to help out with anything, honestly, whether it’s advice or homework. I just try my best to do anything I can,” said Bay. She always has a positive attitude, and along with that, she has some advice for the school. “Be nice to everyone because you never know what they are going through. It could really affect them in a good way,” said Bay.
Looking for a little extra assistance in your classes? Junior Katie Ebbrecht can help. “I tutor in geometry and chemistry,” said Ebbrecht. Any time before, during, or after school, Ebbrecht can be found through Mrs. Dorward. “You can find me in the A+ office and just request me. That actually has happened before,” said Ebbrecht.
Most seniors are in need of a photographer to take their senior pictures. “My mom takes pictures for seniors. Her company is called Creative Photography and Restoration Inc.,” junior Abby Peoples said. The best way to contact Peoples would be by her website or e-mail. “Seniors, or anyone needing a photographer, can find her at www.imagesbytamara.com,” said Peoples.
Senior Logan Sloniker does everything he can for the school as the Student Council Historian. “We help organize school related events and community service projects,” said Sloniker. Not only does he put in time and effort for the student body, Sloniker also supports school activities. “I’m involved in the school, and I have a lot of school spirit,” said Sloniker.
STRANGER DANGER By: Kaylin Lake Students spend all their elementary years, and a lot of middle school, learning about “stranger danger.” They don’t often hear on the news about a student getting offered candy or a ride in a stranger’s car, but recently this became a reality for a student at Tiffany Ridge Elementary. The student was riding his bike home from school on Sept. 28 in the Autumn Ridge neighborhood when he noticed that a man in a white van was following him. The man offered him candy from a bucket and the student did the right thing by riding away and refusing the candy. Reality soon sunk in for everyone in the Park Hill School District about the need to be more aware. “I find it scary for younger kids because they can’t defend themselves,” junior Cody Van Hooser said. Students have been more aware of the situation since these appearances. However, that doesn’t mean these appearances are going to stop. “We have to stop having kids stand at bus stops at 6:30 in the morning when it’s pitch black, especially when bus stops are always on the corner. You never know if someone’s stopping at the corner to actually stop, or if they’re stopping to evaluate the situation,” math teacher Lana Blagg said. Park Hill is taking different roads to help kids and make them more aware of what is happening around the area. School Resource Officer Brian Hill has taken more precautions by driving around and making sure students are staying safe. “I like how Park Hill has posted it on their website, and put it on Channel 18 to get the word out,” said Van Hooser. Even though the district has taken some steps towards helping avoid these situations, it’s still not enough. “Things are not the same that they once were. Kids are standing at bus stops and hardly any parents are home by three in the afternoon; they’re asking for something to happen. People can tell if you go home to an empty house. When are we going to make the changes that need to be done?” said Blagg. A girl from Park Hill South was also visited by a strange man, who has supposedly watched her before. The girl’s mom noticed the man was talking to her daughter and went outside, causing the man to drive away quickly. “It’s sad that we have live in a time where this is an issue and we can’t trust everyone in our neighborhood,” senior Faith Arendt said. The suspect was supposedly in his 20’s with brown shaggy hair, driving a silver four-door car. These sightings aren’t only in the Park Hill District; they’re all around us. On Oct. 18, a Liberty student was sexually harassed and threatened with a knife. No students have been harmed by this man, but keep an eye out and always be safe and aware. A Congress Middle School student stands out alone at the bus stop. Students waiting alone have been the subject of increasing discussion, as some feel this isn’t safe.
WE DON’T TEA CH FOR THE MONEY By: Jesus Reyes Teachers are appreciated by their students and parents because of the work they do every day to make sure that students do their best in their classes. Teachers want to make the best out of it so their students get prepared for their future. History teacher Robert Brosseau believes that when students argue with teachers, it is because they’re having a bad day. In this situation, the teacher and the student will usually step out of class to make sure the student is okay. This shows that the teacher cares about their students, because it would be easier for the teacher to just talk to the students in front of their peers. Sometimes students and parents prefer to show their appreciation for their teachers at the end of the year by giving them gifts to show their
appreciation. This can make a teacher happy because they can see that they are being appreciated even if students don’t show it the classroom. Teachers may be appreciated, but some feel that they are underpaid. “I don’t know about teachers being underpaid, but I do think that they are,” senior Vejay Iyechad said. Teachers are paid based on a Salary Schedule, which takes the form of a level and step chart. The more years the teachers work the more they get paid. It’s also based on what type of education the teacher has; the more education the teacher has, the higher their salary. “It depends on how you measure payment. I don’t think that teachers get fairly paid. I think that they should be paid based on how hard someone works and pay them more or less on how they work,” said Brosseau.
SAME
FEATURE
7
Senior Will Gaye Linebacker “I don’t really know how to explain it. When I play football, it’s like I’m in a different place. Everything that happens in the week doesn’t matter. All the drama and stuff that goes on between practices is gone. My mind is blank and it’s like I’m in a different world. “Before the game, we go into the wrestling gym around five and talk to the coaches and we talk about the team we’re about to play. We talk about previous plays and certain players and plays we need to look out for. We also discuss things we need to work on, things we didn’t do or that we need to improve on. Then, for about 30 minutes, we do practice plays and warm-ups on the field. “The team plays music, trying to get hyped up before the game. They yell and scream. I sit by myself and focus on the objective and nothing really matters during those two hours when I’m playing. “I bring leadership to the game, just by playing. I’m not much of a vocal leader but I lead by example. I enjoy hitting people really hard. I like to be violent with people. I know that sounds bad. It is a great feeling to know that all the hard work I’ve put into playing football has paid off. But it’s not about me really. It’s about how hard different people can play and push themselves and come together as a family. We all started as freshman not knowing each other but then, over the years, we became closer like a family through football and the things we’ve gone through. “We’ve practiced really hard for this. It was just an ordinary game but it was a little bit more because it was against Park Hill South. We just wanted to bring it hard.”
Senior Seth Ell
Fan
“When I was a freshman, I went to a football game and I saw these seniors had painted themselves up. That was a good show of school spirit. Now that I’m a senior, I like to set that example for the younger students. Representing Tarkus and just showing spirit is what it is all about. “Cooper Gardner and I went up to the football field and played catch before the game started. Then we helped Max Schoettger decorate the stands with streamers on the rails. He handed out white confetti that we threw up in the air at kick off. After that, I went to Logan Sloniker’s house where we painted ourselves. We headed to the game after that but we didn’t go tailgating. “Logan and I painted up last year. We thought other people were going to do it but they didn’t so we just did the PH. It got a little cold and the wind didn’t help but we had hats and gloves so that helped a little. “Being a fan means supporting your school. I play basketball and baseball so it’s nice to see fans at the games. I try to return the favor and go to as many games as I can. But I also enjoy watching the game and spending time with friends. Watching my friends play and supporting their sports is great. “The fans bring the excitement, the passion to the players. We add more intensity to the game. When the players are playing in front of a huge crowd, it feels great to know that they know we support them. “Even though we lost the game, the fans showed a lot of support for the game and the players.”
GAME, DIFFERENT PLAYERS By: Zach Hahn
Junior Catie Paine Cheerleading “We try to get people to be happy. Bringing spirit to pump up the crowd and to help our boys win the game is what we do. We cheer for the Park Hill football team and we even make the banners for the football boys to run through in the beginning of the game. We’re their support. If we lose, we’ll get the next one. We just have to get people positive about it. “Before the games, we usually have dinner at someone’s house, unless it’s an away game. We have an hour or so to spare so we just hang out and talk. About 30 minutes before the game starts, we practice cheers for halftime. “I love cheering. Being able to fly for stunts is great and I love to do gymnastics because I don’t get to do it often. The rush of adrenaline when we hit the football field is amazing. When we cheer, and the crowd cheers with us, it is so cool because they didn’t use to so it’s nice for them to get in the habit. We can’t let the fear of the game get us down.”
Senior Paxton DiBlasi Broadcasting “Football is interesting, yeah, but you don’t just watch football to see players throw a ball around. You watch it to hear the commentary, but broadcasting also adds to the deeper understanding of the game. We give a running commentary and I think we give more insight to people and that makes a difference. However, the hardest thing about broadcasting is to not get too emotionally attached. Every caster brings their own element, like a one-liner, something that throws your own little flare into it. As a broadcaster, you have to generate enthusiasm that brings a depth of personality. “We show up earlier than everyone else at the game. We check to see that the microphones are working and the camera works and that the live feed is going. We have to make sure our opener has a solid pitch and that it’s easy to understand. We get ready to do what we do best. “It’s an honor to have covered the PH, PHS game because our commentary has won national awards and it makes our program as a whole look better. It’s a little egotistical, but I like being the center of attention. And my partner, Otto Gaiser, and I have good on-camera chemistry. This lets me hang out with him. We worry about it sounding good but we always have fun. We make sure to have fun.”
Senior Brooke Evans Drum Major “The band is kind of a cheer squad. We play all the songs and get people excited. I think people like the band. We usually sit over and play the Star Wars theme and just try to excite people for the game. We’re loud, especially the drum line. Mostly, our element is playing the fight song and motivating our guys. “We have rehearsals Fridays before the games for about 45 minutes. We practice the Star Spangled Banner every time because it is a very important song to people so we don’t want to screw it up. For sectionals on Thursdays, we practice for about two hours. “Performing for a game is something I enjoy. It’s something I like to do. When I’m in the front of the band, I’m doing it for everyone and I get so much personal enjoyment from it. I want to set an example for people who want to be in charge because I’m in charge of movement and it’s a huge responsibility. I enjoy it and I’m not going to complain about it. But it’s not about me. It’s about the band. I’m just there to offer some direction.”
SWIMMING INTO STATE
9
SPORTS
Freshman Cooper Link practices his freestyle stroke.
One problem the team has faced throughout By: Beth Cooper Park Hill boys’ swim team is doing amazing this fall, the season has been disqualification. Swimmers can be disqualified for things such as wearing jewelry, already having qualified four varsity swimmers for having false starts, being in the wrong lanes, stroke state. With only three losses during dual meets, the technicalities, and the way they finish their events. boys have had a very good season. “I was disqualified in my previous meet for turning “We have more people this year; we only had 13 on my stomach right before the end of a 100 yard last season and now there are 32 boys, most of them being underclassmen, mainly freshmen, who bring their backstroke. If I had not been disqualified, I would have had a great junior varsity record,” said Hinojosa. own energy to the team,” head coach Karl Haley said. When they’re not putting in Though the team is the dedication at practice and comprised of younger We definitely have a at meets, swim still finds time to swimmers, they are still good chance at state have fun. holding their own in this year, with two “Running around in speedos events. freshmen qualifiers and during the lip dub was one of “We definitely have a the most fun moments of being good chance at state this one broke two school on swim,” said Hinojosa. year, with two freshmen records As the season comes to qualifiers one broke two -Juinor Rodrigo Hinojosa a close, their last meets are school records,” junior conference and state. Come Rodrigo Hinojosa said. support our varsity boys Oct Martin Glebocki, freshmen, qualified for state in the 100 yard freestyle 26 and 27 at Henley Aquatic Center in Independence. Varsity preliminaries are at 4 pm on October 26, dive and as of Oct. 14 he has also qualified for the 50 yard finals on the 27 at 8 am and swim finals at 1 pm on freestyle. the 27. “[The season’s been] pretty good. I’ve improved a lot, more than I ever have for any team I’ve swam on,” said Glebocki.
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Freshman Ryan McCoy swims the freestyle warm-up during practice.
BOYS’ SWIM RESULTS Blue Spring South 4th Invite St. Joseph Central W St. Pius W Liberty North W Liberty L Lee’s Summit W Park Hill Invitational 2nd Swimming NKC W Oak Park W Winnetonka W Staley W Splash Out Cancer Champs Invite(Qualifiers) Blue Springs L Park Hill South L (Senior Night)
Freshman Martin Glebocki takes a water break after warm-ups.
Senior Alisa Rippee fighting for the ball in the air in a “line out.” The ball is then tossed to the scrum half and thrown to the back line.
By: Brett Stone Senior Alisa Rippee is used to tackling and getting bruises, as she should be, playing for the Kansas City Dragons girls’ rugby team. Rippee has been on the field for nearly three years and is positive about this season. “The team’s strengths vary year to year, but this year we’re good at communication on the field and at supporting each other. We have a lot of girls who play really hard,” said Rippee. This strong communication is found off of the field, too. Rippee believes this is a necessity. “We’re all pretty close. You need to become close because you need to rely on your teammates on the field. We hang out outside of school sometimes and have pasta parties to carbo-load before a game. They get to know a lot about you,” said Rippee. Rippee values her teammates’ support and friendship tremendously. Her teammates have become like sisters to her. “My favorite part about rugby is probably the team; my team and my coaches. The people are really cool and I probably wouldn’t play without having a good team. I also just like the sport,” said Rippee. As positively as Rippee feels toward the Dragons, she thinks the team has a problem with Park Hill. “I feel like the Dragons are undervalued. I don’t think a lot of people know what it is or what we do. Part of the problem is that we’re not a school sport. We have a lot of girls from other schools and that’s a big reason why we aren’t sponsored by Park Hill,” said Rippee. Even though the Dragons aren’t a school-sponsored team, this doesn’t affect the quality of the program, which was created by campus supervisor Tracey Davies. Davies is an incredibly accomplished rugby player. She’s played for many professional teams and has won several titles. “I started the Kansas City Dragons in 1999. I’m now coaching the Liberty United girls’ rugby team. However, I still work with the coach of the Dragons,” said Davies. Although Rippee is heavily involved with the Dragons, she is able to manage both her grades and rugby quite well. Rippee has a 32 on the ACT and a 4.07 weighted GPA. “Rugby is really easy to work around. You get home at 6:30 pm and have plenty of time to do homework. We only practice Monday and Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Rugby is flexible and that’s a big reason why I like it. For a lot of other sports you have to practice every day,” said Rippee. Rugby is something Rippee is planning on doing past high school. “For sure I’m going to continue rugby. I can’t continue with the Dragons, but if I come back to Kansas City I might consider playing for the KC Jazz, Kansas City’s women’s rugby team. Also, I would love to coach or help with the Dragons,” said Rippee. Rugby isn’t anything Rippee takes for granted, and she loves the sport. “It’s really changed my life. Rugby is a lifelong thing and a strong community. You get to know so many cool people. Rugby is for life,” said Rippee.
ALISA RIPPEE: BREA THING FIRE
COMMUNITY
11 Twenty-one states and the District of Columbia explicitly allow minors to obtain contraceptive services without a parent’s involvement. Missouri is one of 29 states that does not require schools to teach comprehensive sex education.
Plan B acts to stop the release of the egg from the ovaries. If fertilization occurs, Plan B should stop the egg from attaching to the womb.
HERE’S THE CA TCH
SHOULD PUBLIC SCHOOLS OFFER PLAN B? By: Mackenzie Thomas “I think it should be available if kids have parental Plan B, also known as the “morning after pill,” was made consent [to have access to the CATCH program] because as an emergency contraceptive for women to take within they are usually afraid to use things like Plan B for fear 72 hours of intercourse. Usually attained through a that their parents might find out,” said Smith. doctor or pharmacy, it is said to be a last resort, often Smith, like many others, doesn’t support allowing Plan used after a rape has occurred. But New York’s education B, condoms, or birth control in school without parental system now offers it in their public schools. Over 1.1 permission. million students are in New York’s public schools, and “Parents should be involved because a lack of of these, any girls 14 years or older have access to the communication between parents and their children could morning after pill in result in harm or trouble school through a pilot for the child,” Smith said. While this drug should be available program called CATCH CLA teacher Jessica through clinics and doctors, putting it in Malone has a somewhat (Connecting Adolescents schools—especially public schools—is not similar point of view. to Comprehensive Health). This has led She fully supports the okay. to much controversy program, since a parent -Junior Blake Nave among teachers, must sign off before parents, and students all their child will be able over the country. to access Plan B. Even “I think that it is important for this medicine and though she is not a mother, Malone feels as though she option to be out there, but it shouldn’t be so easy to would sign the form to allow her daughter to participate access,” FCCLA president, junior Blake Nave said. in CATCH. The opposition of this new policy argues that it “I would let her be a part of the program because if encourages teenage sexual activity and takes away from she feels like she can’t come to me about it, I would want the age-old approach of abstinence. Nave asserts that her to have other options,” said Malone. “I would much providing birth control without parental permission also rather her take plan B and not tell me than get pregnant.” neglects forming good parent/child relationships. The topic is controversial. The opinions vary: Where “While this drug should be available through clinics and does one draw the line of what we provide to our youth? doctors, putting it in schools—especially public schools—is There is no clear answer, but simply what one would want not okay,” said Nave. for themselves and their families. Sophomore Madeline Smith has a different view, tentatively supporting this act.
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This report was shown on foxtwincities.com when New York City announced thier desire to distribute Plan B in high schools. The announcement has been a conversation piece since. www. twincities.com.
BEWARE OF THE SCARE By: Claire Yost A ghost, a skeleton, a clown; what are you scared of the most? The madness inside a haunted house can make someone go crazy. There are so many interesting things that go on in a haunted house; someone may never know what’s going to happen next. The adrenaline rush can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how a person looks at it. “I’ve just now started to like haunted houses. Last year, I wouldn’t go near one but now they are starting to grow on me,” sophomore Tara Forte said. With everything that goes on inside a haunted house, some people just can’t handle it. There are things and people popping out everywhere, there are scary scenes and items filling up the place, and objects that you don’t want to touch. “One time, I got surprised in a haunted house and I ended up punching the person in the face,” senior Erik Stratman said. There are multiple different haunted houses in KC. There is The Beast, The Edge of Hell, The Chambers of Edger Allen Poe, and Macabre Cinema, which are located in the Downtown area at the Crossroads. Also, there are haunted house located in the Worlds of Fun theme park in the Northeast. One other place is the Cavern of Terror, located in Excelsior Springs. “The Beast is my favorite, because, well, I am also a beast,” said Stratman. A lot of hard work goes into putting a haunted house together. That means multiple hours of preparation, many people to help, and tons of hard work being done. There can never be enough material inside a haunted house. All of the effort that gets put in definitely pays off in the end because the thrills and chills of everyone are shown. “I like the amount of intensified creatures and surroundings, along with the twists and turns that you have to take to make it through a haunted house,” senior Austin Keberlein said.
EDGE OF HELL: 1300 W 12th St Kansas City, MO 64102 Cost: $27
THE BEAST 1401 West 13th Street Kansas City, MO 64102 Cost: $27
CHAMBERS OF POE 1100 Santa Fe St. Kansas City, MO 64101 Cost: $27
WORLDS OF FUN 4545 Worlds of Fun Avenue Kansas City, MO, 64161 Cost: $31.99
LIFE
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WHEN THE LEAVES FA LL By: Chloe Lane The weather gets colder, the leaves change color and begin to drop, pumpkin spice begins to appear in every type of food, and those big comfy sweaters begin to make a comeback. All these things can only mean one thing: it’s finally autumn. With the boys of fall bringing in the new season of athletics, students begin planning all the fun and exciting activities they want to accomplish before Jack Frost steps in and takes over. “Going on a date to a corn maze is definitely at the top of my fall bucket list,” sophomore Kaylyn Magee said. In fact, going on dates to pumpkin patches and corn mazes seems to be at the top of a lot of high school girls’ lists. (Hint hint to all the boys out there thinking about taking out that certain lucky lady.) Juniors Johnny Balsamo and Kelsey Bearce went on a date on Sep. 29 to the Red Barn Farm in Weston, Mo. and picked out a winning pumpkin that they later carved together. “It was a lot of fun. We went through the corn maze without the map and we got a huge pumpkin that we carved the “kissy face” out of. I can’t wait to go back and do it all again,” said Bearce. Now, on the opposite end, the male population of PH has a different idea of how to spend their fall season. “I really want to go the haunted houses. I’ve never been to one before and I want to work up the courage to actually go,” senior Cooper Gardner said. A lot of high school students find it thrilling to go to these haunted houses- see Claire Yost’s story on page 12 to find out why. Sophomore Clayton Cole has some different ideas about how he wants to spend his fall season. “My favorite part of fall is getting all of my friends together and playing football or having a bonfire,” said Cole.
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BONFIRES
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CORN MAZES & PUMPKIN PATCHES PLAYING IN
1. Bonfires are a great way to celebrate the fall season. 2. Bearce and Balsamo take a stroll through the corn maze at the Red Barn Farm. 3. Bearce and Balsamo pose in front of all the pumpkins before picking out the best one to carve. 4. Senior Rylie Bicknell and junior Jaime Arnold have fun playing the in the fallen leaves.
THE LEAVES
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Photos of Gash Cemetery.
By; Jake Bjornlie Believe in ghosts? That’s okay, don’t hide it! There are plenty of people at Park Hill that believe in them. Most believers have had a personal experience or know someone who has; whether that is a brush on the shoulder, a whisper in the ear, or even a gouge on the back. Prior to her family living there, four people died of illness in the house where Junior Kendall Wilson’s mother now lives. Wilson believes the house is haunted—dogs will bark at corners for no apparent reason and the sink turns on randomly. “I go to babysit [my mom’s] dogs when my mom is out of town,” said Wilson. “Things move and doors creak. It’s not okay. One time I heard someone talking in my mom’s room. I can’t tell you how scared I was.” Junior Dianna Swete also believes that her house is haunted. One time she was telling a friend that she thought Steve (her mom’s late boyfriend) was trying to communicate with them. Just as she said that, her drum set crashed down the stairs. She is positive that Steve caused it because he was really into music during his life. “My mom had dated a guy for four or five years. He had cancer and passed away,” said Swete. “I was cleaning and I had moved all the chairs out of the dining room. When I walked back in the room all the chairs were pushed back in.” There are many other allegedly haunted places around the world. Atchison, Kan. is rich with them. The Atchison Chamber of Commerce gives haunted trolley rides around the town and tell all about the different stories and houses. The most interesting of these is the Sallie House. The story of the Sallie House goes like this—in 1906, a six-year-old girl named Sallie woke up in the dead of night with an agonizing pain in her abdomen. Her mom called the doctor to come to the house. The doctor knew immediately that she had appendicitis. He laid her on the table and gave anesthetics, but anesthetics didn’t work as well back in that time period, so he had no choice but to start the operation before Sallie was out. Sallie unfortunately died on the operating table. They say now that Sallie still haunts her old house. She is said to hate men because when a man is in the house a large scratch will appear on his back. This has been documented on camera. The current owners think that she probably hates men because she believes a man killed her. This property is privately owned and doesn’t give tours.
IT’S NOT JUST YOU: I BELIEVE IN GHOSTS