the
Trojan Issue 8 May 2012
Teacher moves to China
Students save lives
Teammates come together
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the
Trojan Park Hill High School 7701 Barry Rd., Kansas City, Mo 64153
editor-in-chief
graceprose
design editor
heatherkennard
copy editor
camillesmith
photo editor
nickbuchberg
web editor
jessicaswete
web photo editor
coopergardner
business manager
alyssavasquez
reporter
zachhahn
reporter
maddiehemphill
reporter
kaylinlake
reporter
chloelane
reporter
lauraprice
reporter
kateryan
reporter
mackenziethomas
reporter
ninawussow
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, Kan. 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 Rd., Kansas City, Mo 64153, or call 816-359-6238.
Dear Readers, This is my last issue as Editor-in-Chief of The Trojan. It’s been an honor. Through this magazine, I’ve found my passion and will be attending Mizzou next fall for journalism school. Mizzou is huge and while taking my tour of the J-School, I got very intimidated. What if I’m not good enough? What if I have no idea what I’m doing once I get there? We walked through the modern maze of glass walls and stairs and entered a room they call the “convergence room.” There were three massive macs at each table and all the people were wizzing around me. It was like a blur and all I could think was, “I can’t do this, I can’t do this” As we went to walk out, I saw the orange wall. The lone orange wall while the other three were white. For those of you that haven’t had the chance to be in room 350, we have one bright orange wall in the back of our room. I thought back to the first time I was in the newsroom. I was a shy, little sophomore trying not to get shoved into lockers. I didn’t know many people and I was pretty sure even less knew me. I’ve grown since then. This wall reminds me of the things I’ve learned in this room, the confidence I’ve built, and the friends I’ve made. This wall reminds me that I’m home and it’ll do the same for me two hours away in Columbia. It’ll show me that I’m never alone. I always have people to help and support me. Even two hours away, I’ll still have these bonds I formed here in the newsroom and throughout the halls of Park Hill. Although we’re leaving, our memories will never leave us. We’ll remember football games and homecomings, AP tests and Spanish projects. I think what we need to remember most is that we’re ready for this. Our four years here have prepared us for college, or the work force, or the military. Although the vas realm of opportunity that is our future can be intimidating, we’re ready to take it on. Sometimes we just need an orange wall to remind us that we’re never alone.
Grace Prose
Contents Campus
7
Not in vein The Park Hill blood drive was held on April 18. Read how their efforts made a difference.
Sports
14
Game must go on
Community
16
Barbizon--scam or scholarship?
Next year, the fields will be missing some key people. When three coaches step down, how will the game go on?
The Barbazon modeling agency advertises a $10,000 scholarship for students, but is it too good to be true?
Life
19
Play
21
Hints from Heather
5
Homebound and heatstruck
9
Senior Map
Feature
It’s not just you Many teenagers deal with insecurities, but for some, it becomes an issue that threatens their health. Taking a break from fashion and focusing on the future, see what we’ll remember in 20 years. Gas prices and temperatures are sky high this summer; vacation plans are forced to change. See what this could mean for you.
See where this year’s seniors will be going to school next fall on these senior maps. photo by: chloelane
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Family Types Many families don’t fit into the cookie-cutter definition anymore. Here, students define how their families are different from others.
photo by: mollyweis
16 photo by: graceprose
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photo by: graceprose
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photo by: mackenziethomas
photo by: kateryan
14 photo by: mackenziethomas
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Summer 2012 can you stand the heat? 105
the patterns of El Niño and La Niña, which will tell you how warm and wet a particular season is going to be.” Research indicates that El Niño, a pattern of cool and wet weather that starts with the cooling of the Pacific Ocean, may hit the United States this summer. El Niño weather patterns usually include uncharacteristically high temperatures in the spring, followed by a cooling down period in the late summer months. Kansas City will likely be affected by El Niño, but it is still too early to tell how dramactic the impacts of this weather pattern will on the Midwest region. Another major concern for the upcoming summer are the rapidly rising gas prices that have been seen across the nation. In Kansas City, gas sold for as low as $2.17 during the winter months, but the prices have increased rapidly since. Gas prices are determined by the price of crude oil, $ 5 00 per gallon which is sold to the United States by oil suppliers, mostly located in the Middle East. It is normal for the price of crude oil to increase in anticipation for the sumamer season; suppliers of crude oil know that summer is the peak season for travel and leisure in the United States, and the most basic laws of supply and demand state that as demand increases, prices will also increase to account for the growing cost of supplying the demand. However, growing unrest in the Middle East also accounts for climbing costs at the pump. Iran, an influential global made by: ninawussow by: maddiehemphill provider of oil, and other Middle Eastern countries in the midst As springtime fades, the end of the 2012 school year approaches of political turmoil definitely play a part in the price Americans pay quickly and students and staff alike are looking forward the summer for gas every day. Finally, newly industrialized countries like India and season and all that it brings: hours of playing outside in the sun, China are rapidly demanding more oil for their expanding industrial relaxed days by the pool, and fun family vacations away from Kansas markets, which contributes to increased demand for oil on a global City. While those native to the Midwest are used to excruciating scale. All of these factors combined foster concerns for record gas summer temperatures, added twists to this summer’s forecast prices this summer. have given all of us something new to sweat about. Quickly rising Experts debate on how accurate gas predictions for the summer gas prices may pose as an obstacle to summer travels, and with really are–some say that one gallon will cost upwards of five dollars temperatures hitting the upper 80’s in March and April, one can’t by mid-July, but an April article in Time Magazine predicted that gas help but wonder what weather this summer has in store. Predictions prices may already be peaking and will decline as summer progresses. by newscasters, weather forecasters, and almanacs all warn of a hot, Only time will tell how far pump prices will climb, but if predictions wet summer for the Midwest region, and with gas prices threatening prove to be true, many students will be affected. to skyrocket across the nation, a change of plans may be in order for “I think it’s ridiculous that I’m already almost paying four dollars a those living in Kansas City. gallon,” junior Jasmine Lim said. “I can’t afford to fill up my car all the Considering the strange weather conditions that have already way at the pump anymore, and it’s scary to ride around on empty.” been experienced, it is hard to doubt that this trend will be continued Family vacation plans may also be affected by the steep gas prices. throughout the summer. Temperatures in March and early April Flights that would normally cost around $200 one way now cost close reached into the nineties, and with normal Kansas City summer to $500. weather hitting the nineties on an average day, people wonder exactly “I was going to go to Florida for spring break but I couldn’t,” senior how high temperatures will spike this summer. Our own weather Christopher Walker said. “My parents weren’t going to pay almost a expert at Park Hill gives his input. thousand dollars for me to fly to Florida and back. It’s just not worth “Long term weather forecasts are hard to predict accurately,” it.” physics teacher Ray Willard said. “But a good indicator is looking at
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This chart shows average monthly temperatures for the Kansas City region. Summer averages hit the upper eighties, and record highs have been recorded at over 108째 in the hottest months. (weather.com)
Since 2010, gas prices peaked at just over $4.00 a gallon in April 2011. A year later in 2012, gas prices again threaten to reach the $4.00 mark.
page designed by: maddiehemphill
may 2012 myparkhill.com
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Campus
• Chung International School (YCIS) has six locations in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Silicon Valley, Chongqing, Qingdao and Beijing – the position Barati got. • Each academic year there will be two weeks off in December, one week in October for national holidays, one week in January for Chinese New Year and the entire month of July. • Barati interviewed with schools located in Vietnam, Shanghai, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and China. • Barati has traveled to Sweden, England, Germany, France, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Italy. • Initially hoping for a position in Istanbul Turkey, she came in a close second. The position she did get, in Beijing China, actually signed up for the fair last minute. She did not know they were going to be there, but as soon as she did, they were her first choice. • Barati initially wanted a position in Turkey but go second. When she saw the position in China, that was what she knew she wanted. • At YCIS schools Most children learn to play instruments as early as four years old
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A Big Move Park Hill teacher moves to China
by: mollyweis After five years teaching Design and Draw, Intermediate Drawing and Painting, Barati found that she was ready for something different. “Being a single person, I thought now is a good time in my life to do something like this. I wasn’t tied down,” said art teacher Sara Barati “If I don’t do this now, when can I?” In February of this year, Barati attended the 36 recruitment fair at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). After paying $150-190 she got the opportunity to visit with a few of about 120 schools at the fair. Starting in August, when she leaves, Baratis term will last two years. “It’s intimidating because I can’t even try to sound things out. I feel that knowing it’s a longer term; the longest time I spent abroad was six weeks,” said Barati. “My job will be different: ‘Artist in Residence.’ I have time to work on my own things; they want me to create a body of work.” The position involves helping teachers incorporate art into each of the other subjects. When not focusing on the actual classes, Barati will work in a studio on her own personal work. The idea is that students can come in and observe her working. Eventually, once a large piece is finished the art may be featured in the school, or around classrooms. All of the teachers live in an apartment complex together. They come fully furnished with two bedrooms. The apartment is paid for and all teachers have to cover are the cost of utilities. “The fact that I’ll be with other teachers that speak English helps, then I know that I will have a little family that knows what I’m going through,” said Barati.
Other English-speaking teachers come from the U.S, United Kingdom and Australia. Each classroom has one English-speaking and one Chinese-speaking teacher, as to help students learn both languages easily. Barati has no specific plans for coming back during breaks; the unpaid tickets can get pricey. Although she holds no plans for coming back, Barati has debated different ideas on keeping in touch with her former students. “The internet is restricted so it’s a little difficult. I need to figure that out soon: how to communicate,” said Barati. One of the ideas she has thought over was developing a blog that students can check, along with regular email. Hoping to stay in contact with any students that are interested, she assures that even across the globe she will be there for college recommendations, advice or just to catch up. After checking her resources, Barati has found that Yahoo email service is allowed, so she will be easily contacted at seb337 @ yahoo.com “I do think that they’re [the students] are going to be more studious, because they’re paying to go. There’s a tuition; parents are very involved,” said Barati. At YCIS, along with many other foreign schools hosted by UNI, students are expected a lot from an early age, and focus on education. The school is a typical kindergarten through 12 grade school, but there is a focus on art along with moral expansion. “[Being a private school], they won’t feel entitled,” said Barati, “but kids are kids anywhere.” Once the two years are up, it’s up to Barati to decide her next step in life. There is a possibility of another term at YCIS or even travelling to teach somewhere new. “I feel that intimidation of knowing it’s a longer term, because the longest time I spent abroad was six weeks,” said Barati, “though it does help to have a sense of culture, and know everything is not the same as the United States. I can see myself coming back for a while for a break, but I wonder: by then will I be addicted to travel? I’ll have to see how this one goes.”
Not in vein
Students conquer fears to donate blood by: mackenziethomas photo by: mackenziethomas Four…three…two… one. In these mere four seconds, two people were in need of a blood transfusion. The Trojans made a big step in helping save some of these lives on Wednesday, April 18. Students of all ages and sizes showed up to make their contribution of a pint of blood to the cause. Blood cannot be made, and therefore it is essential for it to be donated. Student Council realized this and put forth a great effort to On April 18, junior Jasmine Lim donates blood to contribute to keep the blood flowing. the many people who are in need of blood transfusions. For many students, it was their first time donating blood. Glancing at the waiting area throughout the day, first-timers were not hard to point out. There were bouncing legs, wide eyes, and a lot of nervous laughter. These attributes could be seen in many, not excluding senior Katie Priddy. One would begin to wonder why someone so nervous would decide to give blood. “My friends talked to me and said how I need to help people,” said Priddy. Sophomore Kyle Ciokiewicz also decided to give blood for the first time and realized, as many others have, that it’s not as bad as one might think. “No, it didn’t hurt. I didn’t even really feel the needle,” said Ciokiewicz. After fighting past their nerves, Priddy and Ciokiewicz lost a pint, but saved lives. They even got to enjoy the splendors all the donors received: free refreshments, snacks, and t-shirts. Returning blood donors were more than happy to come back and help more people. Junior Jordan Dennis decided to donate once again after her first time her freshman year. Dennis is now an advocate of this cause, as it strikes close to home. “I think it [donating blood] is important because a family member had to have a blood transfusion and it really helped him,” said Dennis. At the blood drive, it was not uncommon to see kids come in, but get turned away from donating. For reasons from low iron to having pierced one’s own ears, several students got to keep their blood. While issues like having an elevated heart rate seem miniscule, some eligibility requirements are more controversial. For example, one cannot donate blood if they are male and have had intercourse with another male, even if they are in a monogamous relationship and tested negative for HIV. Although this rule has been deemed unneeded by the Red Cross and other blood organizations, it still stands with much debate. While many people are rejected from giving blood, others step in to help out. Having given almost a gallon of blood, Senior Amanda Panich is nothing but proud of her contributions, and she used her experience to help newcomers through the process while working at the refreshment table with Student Council. Along with past donors like Panich, the nurses and staff were always there to help. “They [the nurses] talk to you to calm you down if you’re nervous, and always keep checking on you to see if you’re okay,” said Panich. Looking past all the nerves and blood, there is a bigger picture behind the drive. So many students and adults are willing to give up a pint of blood because they know that by doing this, three other individuals may get to keep all ten of theirs. “I don’t think that people realize just how much giving blood can help people,” said Dennis. page designed by: heatherkennard
THE FACTS * Less than 38 percent of the population is able to give blood * The Red Cross started providing blood for patients in 1940 * Statistics show that 25 percent or more of us will require blood at least once in our lifetime. * Only seven percent of people in the U.S. have type O blood, the universal donor * Only five percent of eligible donors across the nation donate blood, but the number of transfusions nationwide increases by nine percent every year * One unit is divided into three parts: red blood cells, platelets, and plasma
Your donation
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Lives saved may 2012
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Sticking close to HOME Senior Trojans stay in Missouri for college
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Maple Woods Brittany Allnutt Sarah Armstrong Kayla Ball Courtney Bock Paige Buckmaster Nikki Burnett Paige Ciokiewicz Chrissy Circo Gaylen Coleman Joseph Gallager Sophie Hart Steven Haskell Ashley Hendrickson Benjamin Hodges Kelly Jackson Savannah Lamunyon Miranda Lewis Maggie McConnell Sydney Morgan Catherine Netwal Ashley Neugebauer Anita Ofokansi Ashley Peterson Lacey Peterson Preston Rushing Joshua Ryals Jon Saucedo Zachary Sayers Jessica Swete Bria Tally Laura Votruba Natalie Warren Miranda Witkowski Nina Wussow
Missouri State University Nyu-Nyu Adiang Allison Ballard Tyler Beitling Cherie Chung Katja Greig Terek Henley Marissa Mahaffey Hallie Moore Shane Pak Kaylee Peterson Kate Ryan Samantha Shadid April Shaker Bethany Sullinger Tyler White
Northwest Missouri State University Anna Ball Alex Bowser Alexis Daley Chloe Fey Alex Hesketh
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Austin Lewis Amanda Panich Matthew Pitts Matthew Siebel Brooklyn Summerville Adam Stephens Brianna Young
Mizzou Teagan Anderson Preston Asbacher Alex Connor DJ Dietrich Shirin Felfeli Max Franzen Fernando Garcia Avery Gardner Brooke Geisinger Ryan Hosford Brooke Jackson Christopher Jones Michael Jones Debonie Lewis Allie Mehr Lucas Oborny Eleanor Parrott Grace Prose Derrick Rens Zachary Stevenson Brieann Stiens Azania Wolfe Alexandra Woods
University of Central Missouri Brooke Bosworth Brittany Bruton Sabina Calixte Gavin Dudley Kyle Fiest Chauncey Hatten Nate Huffer Kelvin Jarmon Eddie McDonald Henry Mullenix Austin Oehrke Jordan Rowlett Nolan Smith Brett Strickland
MO Western Austin Bax Lucas Diefenbach Caitlin Edwards Anna Kloeppel Halley Knudson Ashley Linder Joshua Nwanguzo
Penn Valley Shelby Elifrits Megan Falls Hermuleen Hebel
UMKC
Missouri Valley
Amanda Asher Samantha Haugen Tiffiny Messa Rebecca Olds Brianna Repplinger Brittany Repplinger Brooke Turner Derek VanDolah
Adam Fosdick Andrew Keck Gage Wright
Truman State Amanda Atwell Clint Cole Alexis Diaz Brynn Guardado Ian Hennessy Lindsey Horstmann Nicole Moss Cullen Roop Sarah Stark Sydney Thomas Christopher To Ciera Utter
Park University Paige Collins Hailey Schmidt Leann Williams
Crowder CollegeNeosho Marcus Cross
Avila University Tiffany Ritter
Hannibal Grange Shelby Blanchard
Washington University Mitch McMahon
Benedictine Parker Melott
Paris II Troyonna Robinson
Central Methodist University Taylor Thomas
Missouri Science and Technology Trevin Howerton Zoe Wesley
Drury University Avery Smith
Marines
Uyen Hoang Parsa Javan
Nolan Anderson Ryan Beck Logan Chevalier Christopher Johnson Brandon Payton Isaiah Jorda
OTC
Air Force
Rockhurst
Amanda Lawrence Toni Hutsel
St. Louis School of Pharmacy Anna Karasiewicz
John Chisolm
Army Austin Storts
Navy Mary-Jane Sapien
The Art InstituteKansas City Jerica Davis
Savannah School of Art and Design Sergio Flores
may 2012
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Stretched a c r o s s the country The next step for seniors Creighton University Shannon Joyce
Golden Gate University Mackenzie Miller
University of Colorado Kyleesha Weston
Kansas University Sebastian Bohn Corrine Georges Brooke McWhirter Rebecca Weese Garrett Wooldridge
Pittsburg State Erica Rich Zach Thompson
University of Arizona Matt Johnson
Kansas State University Austin Carrill Taylor Craghead
Oral Roberts University Olivia Derry
Oklahoma State University Lyle Anderson
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Ohio State Jeddy Choi
Buena Vista University Austin Williamson
University of Illinois Bailey Cation
Case Western Reserve University Devan Belew
Michigan University Ondre Pipkins
Rutgers University Heather Kennard
Wesley University Suzanne Barth
Murray State
see previous page for Missouri
Ian Kirby
Georgia State Tekeyah Lawson
Arkansas University Joey Hostetter Sarah Sumpter
Harding University Chris Walker pages designed by: nickbuchberg
University of Mississippi
University of Alabama Jake Nickell
James Pollard may 2012
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SSports por ts
The Game Must Go On
Park Hill recognizes retiring coaches
by: chloelane Every school has coaches who have been around for years. Without them, things wouldn’t seem the same. Unfortunately, every great thing has to come to an end, and next school year will not be the same. Basketball coach Kevin Levetzow, soccer coach Dustin Sollars, and track/ golf coach Mark Gourley will not be returning next year to continue their coaching careers. There are various reasons for their decisions, but nonetheless, Park Hill will miss their phenomenal coaching. Kevin Levetzow has coached for the Park Hill athletics department for 30 years and he has decided that it’s time to step aside. “Some of my fondest memories from coaching are all of the great coaches I have had the opportunity to work with and learn from. The thing I will miss the most is working with kids on a day-to-day basis,” said Levetzow. The feeling is mutual between him and the athletes when it comes to being missed. “I am going to miss him [Levetzow] just being around us players in general and being able to help us every day,” sophomore Ricky Trammell said. Trammell has played basketball both his freshman and sophomore years, with the latter being on varsity. He enjoyed Coach Levetzow’s style of having fun at appropriate times and still being able to get down to business. “He was always there to joke around and have fun, but when it came to practice and games, he was very serious and always strove for us to work hard and win,” said Trammell. The soccer fields will also be missing someone special this upcoming season: head coach Dustin Sollars. As many students already know, Sollars has recently opened the new CrossFit gym in Platte Woods and it is doing a lot better than expected. In addition, he and his wife are expecting their third child. With all those priorities on his plate, Sollars decided that coaching the soccer team would be too much. “Those two items will take up so much time that I’m not sure I could be as committed to soccer as I would need to be in order to be successful. So I’ve decided to resign my position as head coach so the team can have a coach that is 100 percent committed to their success, because they deserve it,” said Sollars.
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In his last 10 years of coaching, Sollars succeeded not only in coaching, but also in being a strong leader to his athletes. “The way he coached was just different. He taught us about more than just soccer, things I will be able to use the rest of my life; the major lesson being to never make the same mistake twice,” junior and varsity soccer player Keaton Anchors said. Throughout his coaching journey, Sollars’ hopes of being more than a coach were apparent. “I hope that I’ve taught them the value of hard work and the power of ambition. I always tried to get my players to believe in themselves and to set lofty goals. I hope it stuck,” said Sollars. Not only will the track be missing someone next year, but also the golf course. Coach Gourley was not only one of the head track coaches, but also the head golf coach. One person that has been with him coaching for over 15 years is Tari Garner, fellow golf and track coach. “I will miss his sense of humor, his positive attitude and willingness to always have fun, and how he treats everyone around him with the utmost respect and loyalty,” said Garner. With two people coaching together for so long, a special bond is created that can never be replaced. “I have so many great memories but the times when we took athletes to the State track meets stand out. One year, the weather was terrible and we had fun entertaining the athletes who were trying to hide and keep warm. We ran through their camp doing different dance movements. It was silly and fun and the athletes thought we were crazy! I don’t know how the years ahead will be different but Gourley’s influence will continue for years to come. He is a good man that values God, family and everyone around him. He will be greatly missed by many at Park Hill and definitely by me, but I will look forward to many years of friendship that will continue beyond retirement,” said Garner.
Tying the team together Baseball boys show support for teammate by sporting lavender laces by: graceprose In early March, senior Adam Fosdick received devastating news. His father was diagnosed with stage four throat cancer. Although Fosdick was very scared and unsure of what the future would hold, he found strength in the sport he loves---baseball. Fosdick has been a part of the baseball program since freshman year. Going into tryouts this year, he had a lot more on his mind than many of his teammates. “I found out during tryouts that my dad was diagnosed with cancer,” said Fosdick. “I felt a lot more pressure to perform well for my dad.” When the season started, junior Sam Heustis tried to find a way to show support for his teammate. After brainstorming, he came up with the idea for the team to wear lavender laces in their cleats. “I think that the whole team is one big family,” said Heustis. “We all care about each other so I thought we should wear the laces in support of Dave (Fosdick) and show him that we are there to care for him.” Lavender, although not the color of throat cancer, is the color of general cancer awareness. The team chose this color to represent all of the people dealing with cancer, not only Fosdick’s dad. Senior and varsity baseball player Zach Anderson heard of this idea, but thought it could be bigger. He proposed the idea that the entire baseball program should wear them. “I thought it was a great idea, but I wanted the whole program to do it to show that we all care,” said Anderson. “We’re all behind him through his family’s situation.” Having support from his teammates and couching staff made the diagnosis slightly easier for Fosdick. “I really appreciate it. It just shows that my family is like a second family to my friends,” said Fosdick. “They really respect my dad. It’s easier to deal with everything knowing I have so much support behind me.” Although there have been trying times and hospitalizations, Fosdick’s dad has made it to all but two baseball games. “I know it means a lot to him to be able to watch me play, especially because it’s my senior year, so I’m really happy he is still able to come,” said Fosdick.
page designed by: chloelane
photo by: graceprose
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may 2012 myparkhill.com
Community
scholarship or scam? by: camillesmith When sophomore Adrianna Vivas gave her name and number to representatives of the Barbizon program who were advertising in the Park Hill cafeteria, she thought that she was signing up to get more information about a scholarship program. However, it turns out that Barbizon is not a scholarship agency. Barbizon is a school of modeling, and instead of giving her money for college, this program ended up costing Vivas more than $2000. “There’s a $2000 flat fee, but there are so many other costs,” said Vivas. “I thought it would get you to a scholarship if you went to the class, but I also used to be a model and I wanted to get back into modeling, so that’s why I did it.” Soon after Vivas gave Barbizon representatives her information, she received a call from the agency asking her to come to a free informational meeting. It was at this meeting that Vivas decided to participate in Barbizon—a sixmonth time commitment of one class session every month. Aside from the flat fee, participants were also required to make several other purchases such as a bag, book, makeup kit, and clothing. Another Park Hill student, senior Laura Votruba, has also participated in this program. “At first I just did it for fun. Before the program started I got this little bug in my head that I could be a model and maybe earn some money for school on the side,” said Votruba. Teacher Matt Magnuson serves as Park Hill’s contact with all businesses and internship programs that advertise within PHHS, and it was him who signed off on allowing Barbizon to recruit Park Hill students. “I would tell students that when these outside companies come in, these are presented as opportunities for you,” said Magnuson. “It’s not necessarily an endorsement for that company by PHHS. If they’re misrepresenting themselves, that would be an issue.” However, some students—especially those who have experience with Barbizon—feel that misrepresenting themselves is exactly what the company is doing. “I didn’t hear about them through the school. When I saw them at school after I’d graduated the program, they advertised themselves as a $100,000 scholarship. I didn’t hear of anybody winning it,” said Votruba.
myparkhill.com ypa park rkhi hillll.c .com om ma may y 20 2012 12 15 1 5 my
ch ho ola lars rshi hip p opportunity she In addition to the lack of sc scholarship eel elss that that Barbizon Baa B was offered, Votruba also fe feels is misleading m—e —eve veen aft fter graduating from about their modeling program—even g a the class, participants are not gu guaranteed representation by an agency. For many who pay for the class, all their expenses will come to nothing. However, Vivas feels differently--although she didn’t get what she expected from Barbizon, she plans to use the insights gained to help her restart her modeling career. “It teaches you a lot about the industry and it also builds your self-esteem a lot,” said Vivas. “It’s worth your time. I don’t want to say money because it’s super expensive, but it was a really good experience for me and I think it’ll pay off soon.” Barbizon is able to advertise themselves as a scholarship agency because once a year, they offer a $100,000 scholarship which is awarded on the basis of a random drawing. They defend the fact that some consumers are unhappy with their business, saying that despite complaints, Barbizon has been around since 1939 and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau. “There is no agency worldwide that guarantee a job, because at the end of the day it’s the client that provides work, not the agency,” Senior Executive Director of Barbizon, Kylie Callendar, said. “A lot of kids come into Barbizon thinking they’ll be a star overnight, but we focus more on personal development.” Administrators urge students to exercise caution when choosing business or scholarship programs to participate in, even if they hear about those programs through the school. “My reminder to all students and parents in the community is that nobody is giving anything away for free, so make sure that your contact with anyone is part of a good sense of how you want to make your way in life. Just because somebody tells you this is what they do, doesn’t mean this is what they do,” administrator Bill Sobbe said.
THE DL ON DECA
Senior Brooke Geisinger holds up her first place trophy from DECA regionals. Geisinger won this trophy on February 14 in the Fashion Merchandising and Promotion Planning category.
by: kateryan Around the halls of Park Hill, many have heard of the program DECA. It’s been around for over 60 years and continues in schools all over the country. DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) has been a part of the lives of more than ten million students, educators, school administers, and business professionals alike. However, there is still confusion and misunderstanding about the club. “DECA is an organziation for the students interested in the marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. It is an opportunity for students to learn and gain experience in their chosen field. And the networking and travel opportunities are second to none,” DECA teacher Matt Magnuson said. And that’s just what it does. The mission statement of DECA is to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. DECA enhances its members’ preparation for college and careers by providing co-curricular programs that integrate into classroom instruction. These programs apply learning in the context of business, connect students to business and the community, and promote competition. Student members leverage their DECA experience to become academically prepared, community oriented, professionally responsible, and experienced leaders. Many high school and college students come to DECA for the learning experience and stay for fun. The competition
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works at regional, state, and national levels. Recently, over 12 Park Hill competitors traveled to the Lake of the Ozarks to participate in the DECA state competition. “It was an interesting experience I learned from, and hopefully will attend next year. There were a lot of side activities which were a blast,” junior Connor Samenus said. Many students wonder how exactly DECA works. When competing in events, participants are graded on two activities: test scores and role plays. At the beginning of the competition, all participants are given a test over marketing as a whole, which they must complete within an hour. After that, they are given a business scenario involving marketing, which they must act out. Nationals are just around the corner and many students are set to compete. DECA is organized into two unique student divisions: The High School Division, which includes 185,000 members in 5,000 schools, and The Collegiate Division, which includes over 15,000 members in 200 colleges and universities. And only the top ten percent will compete in nationals. “I placed fifth in my event with my partner Kate Ryan at state. We are going to nationals to compete, specifically in (the category) travel and tourism. I am really excited to compete. Only 6 percent of the nation places for nationals, so this is an amazing chance for us and the rest of the students going,” junior Delaney Stevenson said.
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What makes a
Family?
Then:
Family types from then to now. by: kateryan
Traditional (Nuclear): Freshman Mallory Geisinger
“It’s my mom, my dad, and my older sister, who is a senior here. We are all really close. I am especially close to my sister Brooke. We both share an interest in clothes. I am glad to have this time with my sister, but I’ll be sad when she leaves for college. Living with just my parents will be weird at first, but I will get used to it. Our family spends a lot of time together. We all eat dinner together every night, we watch our favorite shows together like “Desperate Housewives” and “Pretty Little Liars,” and we go out together, too, like on trips and family outings. I think it’s wonderful to have such a special bond with my family and I am so grateful to be in my situation. We are a loving, happy family. All of us look out for one another.”
Now:
Adopted: Senior Samantha Haugen “It’s really just my mom and I. We are super close and she’s like my best friend. I used to be close with my dad, but he has a ton of issues and he doesn’t live with us. I knew I was adopted when I was about three, but I didn’t meet my biological family for the first time until sophomore year. When I was younger I didn’t want to meet them at all or have anything to do with them, and honestly nothing really changed my mind till I made a Facebook and curiosity caused me to try and find them. I found my sister and started asking her questions and told her I was her younger sister. We exchanged numbers and spent hours texting each other--we couldn’t believe it was happening. I am so glad I tried to find them. I see them every year in summer down in Florida where they live. Now my older sister Ashley and my biological mom and I are really close, and they will actually be here for graduation. My adoptive mom was really shocked when I told her I found my biological family. She was happy, but sad at the time because she thought I would forget about her. It’s not that way at all. They are just like extra support--it’s really cool. And I have two sisters and two moms now. It was a great experience, and now I have them in my life. I just didn’t expect it over Facebook.”
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Multigenerational: Senior Allie Mehr “It’s my mom, my dad, and my grandpa Pharce, who we call Bahbah. He is my dad’s father and is from Afghanistan. Most of my friends don’t live with their grandparents, so I think that (my family) is something different. After my parents first got married, my grandparents’ and aunt’s house burned down, so they moved in with me and my parents. My grandma has passed away, and my aunt is actually a translator in Afghanistan, but my grandpa still lives with us. Over here in America, you put your parents in a home or in their own apartment, but in my dad’s culture you don’t have to do that. My dad is also from Afghanistan; he came here when he was eighteen. He is from a place more family-centered and close together. He had 13 brothers and sisters and they all lived close together or with each other. I haven’t known anything different than living with my grandpa and it’s always been great. I have learned a lot from him. Instead of being stricter, he helps me out more, like when I wanted to get my ears pierced. My dad was always against that, but when my grandpa bought me earrings that changed. It’s good to have him around-- he’s always on my side. “
Transgender: Junior Morgan Paul “I have two brothers and my parents are divorced because my dad decided to become a woman. It started about five years ago, but he has had this belief since he was seven. Before I knew [my dad was a woman], my brother Cory and my mom found out, and when she did she moved us out that night. I knew my parents were going to get a divorce, but I didn’t know why. I just knew we would have two Christmases and I would be living in an apartment for a while. With time I started to pick up on little cues, like him wearing mascara and seeing him at shop at Forever 21. When he finally told my brother Tyler and I, he explained it like, ‘I am still your dad, but I was born to be a woman.’ I was fine with him telling me this. It was hard to deal with, but like any other family there are hard times. I think we became more of a family through it all. It taught me to be accepting and when stuff happens you have to put up with it. In the end, it was better for everyone. It brought us closer, and my parents became more like friends to me. My mom was depressed before the divorce, but was better after. They stayed friends and get along. We all still spend time with each other; for holidays, my dad is always invited. When my dad had a heart attack we all went to support him. We are always there for each other. Despite everything, we still love each other.”
Divorced: Sophomore Kellen Hammons
Single Parent: Senior Sean Cash “I have three sisters and six brothers. All of them are half brothers except two. My mom raised all of us on her own for 13 years until she was married. All of us live together except four of the kids, who live elsewhere. I’m the oldest. My mom had me when she was 16. I take care of my siblings; I fight for them and protect them. With so many, you have be independent. We don’t have bad lives. It was great despite being raised by just my mom. I met my dad when I was eight but he’s not really around. He lives in Chicago. I have a step dad now, though, and we always go to his family reunions. We are loud and we are not to be messed with. Friends come and go, but family is forever.”
Same-Sex Couple: Senior Javon Sutgrey
“My parents got divorced almost 12 years ago. They have 50/50 joint custody. My dad is remarried and I have two half sisters, a full sister, and a brother. I was about four or just turned four when they divorced. I don't really remember them together. They can get along well enough to take care of us kids, but they don't have much to do with each other otherwise. It's different living in two houses. My dad's house is a lot more hectic and seems to always have something going, while my mom's is really laid back and we have a lot of free time. I love having both. We go to one house at 6:00 Sunday night and then stay there until next Sunday night at 6:00. One of my least favorite parts is to pack a bag of clothes I want to wear at one parent's house for the next week, and it gets old lugging the heavy thing around. But I guess I wouldn't have it any other way--this is the perfect life for me. We are all very close. We make sure that everyone is taken care of and if there is a problem, we do everything we can to help fix the problem as soon as possible. Most of our family friends describe us as weird, but they say that they can tell that family comes first.”
“Four people live in the house. It’s me, my friend, my mom, and my stepmom. Before, it was just my mom, so we are really close. My dad comes and goes; I am not really close to him. Now that Wendy is here she is like my best friend. My mom and step mom have been together for eight years. I didn’t know my mom was gay until fifth grade. She never told me growing up--I think she was scared to talk about it. I noticed signs, and then she met Wendy and I knew. I am really close with both of my moms. We hang out a lot. I really feel like I can talk to them about anything and I am comfortable. I love my family. Having two moms has taught me to stand up for what I believe in and voice my opinions. “
by: kateryan In 1950, the typical family was made up of a working father, a stay-at-home mom, and two children. This was the universally accepted model of a family in the United States, but this doesn’t hold true today. In modern society, with all the changing lifestyles and personal mobility you find in 2012, there is no mold for a typical family. Families are still a central element in contemporary society, but a variety of family types are found and accepted. In Park Hill, one can find multitude of families, from blended to same-sex couples. Even though they may be different, each finds a way to support each other and create a loving home. It’s the love and support within it that makes a family a family. pages designed by: ninawussow
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Life
It’s Just Not You Dealing with an eating disorder
by: kaylinlake When you look in the mirror, what you see may not always be how other people perceive you. Teens have high expectations for how they should look. Sophomore Zoe Butler has been diagnosed recently with anorexia and bulimia. More than half a million teenagers have been diagnosed with an eating disorder. According to Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorder (ANAD), eating disorders have the highest mortality rates of any mental disorder. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by markedly reduced appetite or total aversion to food. Bulimia is an emotional disorder in which bouts of extreme overeating are followed by depression and self-induced vomiting, purging, or fasting. Butler was diagnosed with both of these eating disorders last month and is being treated by refeeding and breaking the cycle. Refeeding is the process of balancing one’s body with the reinstitution of food and nutrition. Butler also sees a therapist in Liberty for her anxiety and depression, and the therapist focuses on helping her work through the trauma in her life. She is currently out of school and will be taking online classes starting this summer. “I’ve felt fat and ugly since seventh grade. It has a lot to do with my childhood. I always strived for my extended family’s approval. I never felt good enough because they always favored my cousin. That’s when I started feeling second best,” said Butler. One of the hardest things for her to do was to tell her parents. “I was afraid they wouldn’t believe it. A lot of people tried to convince me that I didn’t have a problem,” said Butler. Publications such as “Fitness Magazine” show teens multiple ways to lose weight, claiming that this will make them happier. However, some believe that this obsession with weight loss is what has led so many teens to develop eating disorders. “Society has false perception of beauty. It’s unrealistic in every way. The airbrushed skin and their thinness is unhealthy and unattainable,” said Butler. Most girls who become anorexic are 13 and older. The rate of these eating disorders has increased immensely in the past thirty years as the
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expectation that the media sets for girls has dramatically changed. Adele, one of the top artists of the past year, has received multiple comments on her weight. When confronted with comments about her weight, she said, “I love food and hate exercise. I don’t want to be on the cover of “Playboy” or “Vogue.” I want to be on the cover of “Rolling Stone.” I’d rather weigh a ton and make an amazing album than look like Nicole Richie and do a horrible album. My aim in life is never to be skinny.” Sophomore Jake Bjornlie is one who believes in the gravity of these disorders. “It’s a real issue, and it’s hard for people to understand and get over it, but it it’s a psychological problem and they need to get help to overcome it,” said Bjornlie. Other students of Park Hill were able to speak their mind about these diseases. “They should be who they are and not worry what other people think about them,” freshman Sean Moise said. However, there are those who disagree. “It has more to do with culture affecting your way of thought, more than a disorder,” senior Keaton Richey said. When a person is suffering from an eating disorder, they cannot recieve treatment until the disorder is recognized. Butler was strong enough to tell someone. She told her parents and a few friends, and she was able to get help before it got too out of control. Anyone who shows signs of suffering from anorexia or bulimia should contact the National Eating Disorders Association’s toll-free hotline at 1-800-931-2237 (Mon–Fri, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm PST). “Tell someone. Ignore society’s idea that you have to be dangerously thin to have an eating disorder--that’s not accurate at all,” said Butler. Nearly 300,000 people die yearly from these eating disorders. In fact, only one in ten people will actually get help for such problems, and even if society makes it easy to find flaws in every person, next time you look in the mirror and you think you’re fat, remember; it’s not just you.
Double Take
PHHS Staff have astonishing similarities to celebrities.
Mark Harman looks like Ian Harding from “Pretty Little Liars”
Dr. Tori Cain looks like Chandra Wilson from “Grey’s Anatomy’
Kevin Rask looks like Ana Ruck from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”
Mark Gourley looks like Clint Eastwood from “Gran Torino”
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Tips from the top
Play
Saying good-bye is hard to do Beran salutes her seniors
Seniors give advice as graduation nears
by: lauraprice As these next few weeks roll around, seniors will be graduating and moving on to other places. After being here for four years, they have gathered plenty of tips and tricks to navigate this high school and make these years some of your greatest.
Grace Prose You may have walked into room 350 a soft spoken writer searching for her voice, but you have found it and it is heard loud and clear. Your passion, not only for journalism, but for life, is inspirational… even for this old lady. I am honored to have taught you and know you will go on to do great things. Your leadership and kind heart will change the world.
Heather Kennard You have already made your mark on KC, and now you are headed to take on the East Coast. I am so proud of you for always following your dreams and never compromising. Your unique sense of style follows to your infectious personality. Your creativity flows through the pages and into life and I cannot wait to see your happily ever after.
all the “Don’t get caught up in ff Hu a and – Am
little drama.”
dle of the “Don’t stand in the mid run the place!” you like hallway and act – Cherie Chung ” – John Harris “Always have character. procrastinate. Read “With AP classes, don’t work. These classes your book and do your eyah Lawson Tek aren’t like others.” – much bad, don’t stress out too “When something goes e tak o, Als it. x fi to e tim l be because usually there wil t ou s mis e you don’t wanna chances and risks becaus n mo Jar vin Kel – r.” r senior yea on something during you
Jessica Swete It is your strong personality that allowed both of our dreams to come true. I am so honored to know you and be a part of your life. Your hard work never fails and I know I can always count on you. You always give all of your heart to everything you do and for that I know you will be successful in anything you choose.
Nina Wussow Your growth over the years amazes me. You have overcome so much and it has truly been an honor to be a part of your journey. Your creativity comes across in all you do and I am so excited to watch your passion for art only grow. There are no boundaries….dream big.
Katlyne Ryan Welcome back! It has been so great having you on staff and your dedication this year has been noticed. Your perfectionist quality flows into all you do and I am confident it is what helped make this year a success. Carry it on in all you do.
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“Get involv ed in whatev er interest in. Surround yo you have the slightest urself with people. Imm a healthy g erse yoursel roup f in what m embrace it akes you hap of and enjoy th py; e ride.” – A manda Atw el l “Only join cl ubs that yo u want to jo you think it in, not just ’ll look goo because d on applic ations.” – S arah Stark “Keep your eyes on the big picture.” - Brent Colli ns “Don’t allo w peer pre ssure to allo bad decisio w yo ns. Don’t b e intimidated u to make yourself an by anyone. d don’t let Be your friend life.”- Anesia s ruin your Jamerson goals in “If you can ’t handle a job and sch first.” - Fost ool, go with er Patton school
A Final
Hints from Heather Taking a break from fashion to look back on high school
“Get involv ed in as ma ny things as Anna Kloep possible,” pel “Don’t make awkward fa ces when p yearbook a eo re around.” – Maxx Titto ple from ne “Work hard while you’r e a freshma slack off as n so you ca a senior.” -K n ate Ryan “Do what m ake judge you fo s you happy. Don’t le t other peo r it”- Jessica ple Sweete “Take the A CT and app ly for schola - Allie Mehr rships
early.”
r ur senio er of yo ns t s e m e ds Stie rieann e secon it till th + hours.” – B a w ’t n “Do our A will get finish y … you year to m y g ld in the o ceilings e h t b ith clim “Don’t .” – Nolan Sm . It lack off le b u o r t don’t s derson in r, a e y ior An eagan our sen se it’s y r college.” – T u a c e b “Just you fo repare ad ink ahe won’t p you. Th s matter, y b y fl e s s e clas llen e year All thes ge. “- Chris A let thes e “Don’t s a freshman. ll o c a ply to starting when you ap y ll time to ia c espe nough chool is e e v a h s k you’ll hing so and thin top of everyt ff o k c n la s yo “Don’t Just sta tch-up. hrisman a c y la p C Tanner ol.” fun.” – in scho s… stay t e g it hard tter how “No ma lt Ho - Cody
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by: heatherkennard May 20th, 2032 Dear Class of 2012, Our 20 year class reunion is coming up quickly and we would like to invite you to attend. The event will begin at 6:30 pm on Saturday and will continue until midnight. Please mark your calenders and begin making plans to come. If you show up, you will come across some of your classmates, all of whom have dispersed in various directions away from Barry Road. You’ll see old friends and old teammates and will mutter the expression ‘back in the day’ more times in the hours you’re there than you have in your entire life. More than anything, you will remember your days at Park Hill High School. You’ll remember our freshman year, when the school was a maze and running to classes was a necessity. You’ll remember trying to figure out which club to be in, or what sport to try out for. You’ll remember the first day of school, when you couldn’t fall asleep the night before and you still woke up way to early to get ready. You will remember how four years of school seemed like an eternity back then. You will recall our sophomore year, when we lost beloved coach and teacher Jerry Alexander, someone that Park Hill High School will never forget. You will recall how the rush of being in high school wore off, and the feeling that somehow, the three years you had left seemed like forever. If you can, you’ll bring to mind the fuzziness that was junior year, from dealing with several AP classes to getting ready to go to your first-ever prom. You’ll recall how junior year seemed like it took under a month to finish. You’ll remember how it felt like one of the most stressful, crammed months of your life. If junior year only felt like a month, your senior year felt as if it lasted a week. Suddenly high school was at its final stages, and you had to figure out your future plans. Whether that was getting into college, finding a job, or joining the military, life after school was so close you could almost grab it. Most thought graduation was the end, but we all knew it was just the beginning. But what you didn’t understand back then was that the last few days of senior year weren’t so bad, and that May 20 came much sooner than expected. While it was wonderful to have classes end, it wasn’t so nice to say goodbye to wearing red and white and screaming on our Trojan football boys. It wasn’t so nice to say goodbye to friends you’ve grown so close to. It wasn’t so nice to leave the wonderful teachers that have guided us throughout our years at PHHS. Hopefully you won’t regret wasting those days waiting for the future, while the present was slowly slipping away. You will remember all of this, and you will come away with the understanding that, after 20 years apart, we are still Trojans, and Trojans we will always be. Hope you can all attend. may 2012 myparkhill.com
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