The View Issue 4 Vol 17 by Park Hill South View

TABLE OF CONTENTS

8-9 10

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

South does a fantastic job at recognizing students and their abilities. They encourage all students to do the best they possibly can and make sure all students are confident in their abilities. They provide important support for those who especially need it (pg 8). South also works hard to help you educate yourself, but while also allowing you to try and find your passion. You can learn and advance your skills in what you love to do like in art or music (pg 15). No matter what South does their best to prepare us for the real world and teach us important life lessons, just like some of your favorite Christmas movies (pg 18). People like the new basketball coach (pg 24) and the rest of the staff at South work hard every day to ensure these things.

TABLEOF CONTENTS 2 PHSVIEW.COM

Kyle Vanice, Editor-In-Chief

>>SOUTHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S COCOA, COOKIES, AND CRAMMING EVENT WILL BE HELD DEC. 17 FROM 6-9 P.M. IN THE COMMONS

issue four, volume 17 december 12, 2014

THE VIEW STAFF

25 editors

print editor-in-chief KYLE VANICE art director VIVIAN BROCKMAN features editor ERIN STUMP sports editor NICK CLAASSEN web editor-in-chief CALEB FENNER social media director DARIA GHASEMI business manager SHELBY THOMPSON

reporters

ANDRES ACOSTA COLLINS BEATTY EMMA EHLERS SHELBY ERSKINE MORGAN GREER ALLIE HICKEY COLBY HORSTMANN EMARY LANGHORN TAYLOR LENZ HOPE MAYO TANNER McCLARAN SAMMI NAY PATRICK ROBEY DESTINY ROGERS ALEX ROTHERS ADELE ROYLE ALIZA RUSSELL BRADY SMITH AUBREE WILKERSON EMMA WOODSON

>>FIRST SEMESTER ENDS DEC. 19; SCHOOL WILL BE DISMISSED AT 10:30 A.M.

26 The View is the official newsmagazine of Park Hill South High School in Riverside, Mo. The View is a member of the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association and Columbia Scholastic Press Association. The View is printed by Osage Graphics in Olathe, Kan.

adviser

MEGAN PALMER

PHSVIEW.COM

NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT

source: drugfreeworld.org

of 12-17 year-olds use marijana

million people in the US have admitted to trying marijuana

BY THE NUMBERS

6.7%

242,200 THE FUTURE OF MARIJUANA number of emergency visits that involved marijana use

An inside look behind the legalization of marijuana, including student opinions on the issue by DESTINY ROGERS

Marijuana- 13 letters that now spell change. 23 states have all permitted the use of medical marijuana while Washington, D.C. and Colorado now allow recreational marijuana use. While 23 states already have legal marijuana, there are efforts being made in the hopes of Missouri being the 24th state to legalize marijuana medically. Show Me Cannabis filed a petition in November to amend the Missouri Constitution to legalize tax, and regulate cannabis. Students at South have their own opinions about marijuana and whether it should be legal or not. “Marijuana is a form of escape, but it absorbs your life,”said Brooklynn Thompson, sophomore. “I do not like the idea of people being able to have 24 hour access to something that could ruin their life.” On the opposing side of the argument, some students at South think marijuana should be legal. “I believe that marijuana should be legal because it causes zero deaths due to overdose while alcohol and cigarettes cause thousands every year,” said Ian Hallowell, sophomore. Though it is unlikely to die of a marijuana overdose, there are some serious side effects. Drowsiness, panic, feeling of being calm, and reduced resistance to common illnesses are just a few of the short and long term effects of marijuana on recreational use. However, medical marijuana has been used to help cancer and AIDS patients by relieving many symptoms, according to cancer.org. Even though there are side effects of marijuana, some South students do not think this is a bad thing. “There are some side effects but I don't think marijuana is bad at all,” said Malena Slagle, sophomore. With that being said it still leaves the lingering

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question, is marijuana legalization good or bad for the nation? According to The Huffington Post, these are young people who are at a place where they should be learning how to process their emotions, not sublimate or suppress them. But, marijuana can serve multiple purposes besides pleasure and medical reasons. Marijuana can also be used for environmental purposes and development alternatives. “Hemp plants can make be made into paper, clothes, rope and grows in six to nine weeks. That is much faster than trees that grow in 10 years,” said Hallowell. “We can make bio-fuels out of them that cars and other machines can run on that won't harm our atmosphere.” On top of pleasure, medical, and environmental uses, people are starting to believe the legalization of marijuana will help the economy. “The government can tax it and we can get some of our debt out of the way. It depends on how you use it, like for medical reasons it’s perfectly fine,” said Domiyan Porter, junior. Many believe marijuana will be a hot topic for the 2016 Presidential election. That means pro-marijuana legalization campaigners are looking ahead to 2016, shaping up to be the next big year for recreational pot, according to The Huffington Post. With the 2016 elections coming up soon, students at South have their own opinions. “I don't think it would honestly affect our future elections except for the people that don't want it legalized to argue about it back at us,” said Slagle. Up until the 2016 elections the legalization of marijuana, medical and recreational, will be on the rise.

>>OVER 94 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE US HAVE ADMITTED TO USING MARIJUANA AT LEAST ONCE, ACCORDING TO DRUGFREEWORLD.ORG

BIGCat NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT

A look at what it takes to make Big Cat

by AUBREE WILKERSON

Big Cat has been a part of South since it opened in 1998, but does anyone really know how it all began? The money that raised from Big Cat goes straight towards STUCO funds, since they host it. The competition’s roots go back to Park Hill. South wanted their own version of ‘Mr. Park Hill’ so South made it bigger and better, calling it Big Cat. “This event is to make students and teachers laugh while students make a fool of themselves and just to simply get males involved in an extra activity,” said Barb Kauble, librarian. Whether people realize it or not, a lot of work goes into preparing for Big Cat. STUCO has to make countless posters, call multiple places for tuxedos, and talk to the technology crew and rehearse with them. There is a separate committee that

“I’m cat Big ink it , ng i th f fun o d eI o aus a lot tunity c e b e or b opp ing uld wo great amaz the y a to its lue et m to l dic va ndrew e -A com orld.” t t w Sco

ting sen e r rep eam “I’m ance t rin is d eE r aus Coope c e b ” t. in i Horn

chooses what judges they want. “We only have a few rehearsals, so it will have to be perfected in limited time,” said Davis Ehlers, sophomore. STUCO has to determine the top five contestants that try out, present the categories and the contestants are on their way to winning. “Normally not that many try out but if a lot do we have a scale and the top five who score the highest, win. We then proceed to call them that night and let them know,” said Hope Mayo, senior, who is on STUCO’s Big Cat committee. Hobbies and past time, club costume and personal talent are the three categories the contestants have to compete in. They will master these talents and dedicate their time in their final performance in hopes to win over the student body.

“If I could have any super power it “If I would be Imbaslement went to jail because I’m not dumb enough to do a regular it would be for putting Obama’s crime.” -Jake nudes on the Mazeitis

internet.” -Derrick Cook

“If I could have any super power it would be the power to turn into a mountain lion, thus literally making me a Big Cat.” -Connor Hills

photo by HANNAH WARMAN

>>BIG CAT STARS SENIORS DERRICK COOK, CONNOR HILLS, COOPER HORN, JAKE MAZEITIS AND ANDREW SCOTT

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NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT

THE GIFTS worth giving by SHELBY ERSKINE

The retail industry has a growing trend of taking a portion of their profits and giving it back to those in need

This holiday season, many will be fighting the crazy crowds of the stores just to get the perfect gift for that special someone. The good news is, it is possible to not only shop for that special someone, but to be providing things for others as well. A positive trend is growing in the fashion industry: brands and stores are giving back to charity with specific purchases. Some of these brands include, but are not limited to: Toms, Krochet Kids, Altar’d State, Target, Michael Kors and Headbands for Hope. This trend is growing among the nation, including students at South who show off the brands. “It says a lot about the company if they take their own profits to do good for others. I wear a lot of Altar’d State because there’s a lot of options to choose from and other brands that I can buy there that still give back. It’s a win-win,” said Avery Miller, senior. Altar’d State gives to various local and international charities. They strive to give a total of one percent of all sales to those charities. Also, every Monday, they participate in what is called Mission Mondays, and have so far donated over $800,000 to charities, according to the Altar’d State website. The brands that give back are not just intended for the female population, like some may believe. Many of these lines and stores have a men’s section as well. “I have, like, three pairs of TOMS. To be honest, they’re just super comfy. But, I think if some other kid gets a pair when I do, that’s pretty rad,” said Jack Lysell, senior. TOMS motto is “One for One.” Basically, every time a pair of TOMS shoes are purchased, they donate a pair to a kid in need. They do not only donate

SCAN HERE for more on brands that give back

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shoes. Their eyewear money also goes to those who cannot see. According to their website, TOMS has given more than 35 million pairs of shoes to children and helped regain eyesight to more than 250,000 people. This year, they will be selling bags of coffee. Every single bag of coffee sold will provide a week of fresh water to someone in need of it. “When people buy from places that give back, I think it shows that the customer is thankful for what they have and want to help. The actual stores are cool because they’re happy to use their money to help people instead of just keeping it. I think benefiting international charities is helpful because there are more and bigger problems than just what is around you,” said Ryan Powers, sophomore. Giving back is not all rainbows and butterflies, however. It can be very controversial, depending on which charity the store or brand is promoting. Some wish that it would be benefiting only people around KC, rather than just in other countries. “I mean, I think places that give back are good because at least they’re trying to give back. But, I think they should try to help more local charities. Like, for example, I think Harvesters would be a little more beneficial to our community,” said Kathleen Gunasekera, freshman. There are many places that give to organizations throughout the United States, not just internationally. For example, Target takes their profit and donates it to education in the United States. Starting in 2010, they made a goal to have donated $1 billion to education by 2015. So far, they are on track. Their total was $875 million in 2013. Headbands of Hope donates $1 per every headband sold to funding childhood cancer research. While holiday shopping, pay attention to the stores and brands that will be giving back to charities with certain purchases. It is possible to be feeding someone, giving them warmth, or putting money towards putting clothes on their back while also getting something for your family member. The options are unlimited and just remember, anything can help.

MICHAEL KORS WATCHES

When you buy a 100 series watch they give 100 meals to the United Nations World Food Programs.

HEADBANDS OF HOPE

For every headband bought, one is donated to a girl with cancer and $1 is donated to fund life-saving childhood cancer research.

OUT OF PRINT a book donated for every item of clothing bought

TOMS “One For One” You buy a pair, they give a pair to someone in need.

YOU GET

THEY GIVE

>>ACCORDING TO TOMS.COM, TOMS SHOES HAS PROVIDED OVER 35 MILLION SHOES TO CHILDREN SINCE 2006

SOUTH

NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT SCAN HERE for more on 12 Days of South

12 Days of Christmas

On the 12 days of Christmas, the Administrators gave to me...

RAGE CAGERS RAGING

OCCUPIED LOCKERS

BLOCKS OF TORTURE

YARDS OF PRAIRIE GRASS

ENDLESS HOURS

PANTHER STATUES

OSS DAYS

PASSING MINUTES

TOO MANY TARDIES

O’CLOCK ANNOUNCEMENTS

NUGGETS ON WEDNESDAY

BIG HONKIN’ BELL TOWER!

by ALIZA RUSSELL, BRADY SMITH & EMMA WOODSON >>ACCORDING TO MENTALFLOSS.COM, IF YOU WERE TO BUY ALL THE ITEMS ON THE ORIGINAL 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMNAS LIST TODAY IT WOULD COST YOU $114,651

PHSVIEW.COM

NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT

SHOWmarriage ME by ALEX ROTHERS

A recent ruling in support of gay marriage in Missouri could lead to widespread marriage equality in the Show Me State

= STATE IS REVIEWING WHETHER OR NOT TO LEGALIZE = STATE HAS LEGALIZED GAY MARRAIGE = STATE HAS BANNED GAY MARRIAGE

illustration by EMMA EHLERS

PHSVIEW.COM

>>73% OF VOTERS AGES 18 TO 34 SUPPORT THE FREEDOM TO MARRY, COMPARED TO 27% OPPOSED , ACCORDING TO FREEDOMTOMARRY

NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT Flashback to 1996 when Bill Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act, defining marriage as “a legal union between one man and one woman as a husband and wife.” Ever since, gay Americans have been denied the right to legally marry. Many things have changed since then and many movements have arisen, but one of the most prominent is gay rights. Now flash forward to November 7, 2014 in the courtroom of Judge Ortrie D. Smith. On this day, Smith ruled that Missouri’s ban on gay marriage was unconstitutional, paving the way to freedom of gay marriage in the state. This ruling was celebrated by marriage equality advocates, including South students and staff. “People should be able to do what they want and marry who they choose. Anyone who is against [marriage equality] shouldn’t care, because it doesn’t affect them.” says Eli Moss, junior, a gay rights supporter. Marriage is not technically legal yet in the Show Me State. Marriage is still defined in the Missouri constitution as being only between a man and a woman. However, in two Missouri counties (St. Louis County and Jackson County) marriage licenses are being issued. This means that Missouri is on the path to legalizing gay marriage, which many support. “I definitely agree with [the ruling]. I feel like love isn’t gender specific, and if you care about somebody you should be able to marry them regardless of their gender,” said Brianna Huffman, junior, a member of South’s GayStraight Alliance. While many LGBT advocates will consider Nov. 7 a groundbreaking day for Missouri, Andy Schuerman, new counselor, and his husband’s groundbreaking day was the day they won their lawsuit against the state of Missouri: October 3, also Schuerman’s birthday. Schuerman said he and his husband were asked to be plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the state of Missouri, in pursuit of getting recognition for their marriage, which was

originally performed in Vancouver in 2005. On Schuerman’s birthday, the couple was successful in their lawsuit, and Judge Dale Youngs ruled that couples who are legally married outside of Missouri will now be recognized in Missouri. “And at the end of the day, my civil rights should not be put on a ballot. My civil rights should be protected because that’s what the constitution does; it enforces the rule of majority, but it protects the rights of the minority,” said Schuerman. For any couple, marriage provides up to 1,200 rights and responsibilities such as tax benefits, health insurance benefits, and child custodian rights. The right for gay and lesbian couples to get married goes far beyond the emotional and traditional aspect. According to Schuerman, when an opposite sex couple marries, they automatically earn spousal benefits that many couples take for granted. Now that Missouri’s gay marriage ban has been ruled unconstitutional, same-sex couples may soon have the ability to earn these rights. “What my husband and I had to do before we were able to have our marriage recognized is spend a lot of money on attorneys, attorney fees, have contracts written up, assets, custodianship--all of these which are automatically taken care of when [an opposite sex couple] is married,” said Schuerman. The right to legally marry provides many rights, but for Schuerman and husband there is one thing that it is truly about. “I have a 3-year-old daughter and I want her to grow up in a society that is about equality, is about acceptance, is about not judging and worst of all I don’t want her to ever feel like her family is of second class status,” said Schuerman. Through lots of effort and action, Schuerman believes that Missouri is working toward marriage equality; it will just take time. “I really hope,” said Schuerman, “that one day gay couples will be able to get married without it rising to the level of a news story.”

“I REALLY HOPE THAT ONE DAY GAY COUPLES WILL BE ABLE TO GET MARRIED WITHOUT IT RISING TO THE LEVEL OF A NEWS STORY.”

According to Freedom to Marry, a large majority of Missouri residents support some form or legal respect for same-sex couples, with 33% saying they support marriage and 31% saying that gay couples should be allowed to form civil unions >>ACCORDING TO HRC , ONLY 15% OF GAY MEN DESCRIBED THEIR CURRENT RELATIONSHIP AS LASTING TWELVE YEARS OR LONGER

PHSVIEW.COM

NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT Cole Ford (junior)

FOUR by ERIN STUMP

CHRISTMASES

Four South students share their family’s unique holiday traditions

One holiday. Four ways to celebrate. Traditions are a big part of holiday celebrations for most families, and although each of these families celebrate Christmas, no two families celebrate it the same way. “Ever since we were younger, our parents have hidden a new set of pajamas under our pillow when we went to church and said they were from Eddy the Elf. Then we wear those new pajamas Christmas day,” said Isabella Brockman, freshman. Brockman’s mom also hides a Christmas pickle ornament in the tree for her and her sister to find, and whoever finds it first wins a present. These uncommon traditions are what makes Christmas fun for Brockman. “Christmas is nice anyway, but it’s nice when you have something unique about your family,” she said. Aside from these unique rituals, Brockman’s family also has a traditional family gathering to celebrate the holidays. Alex Youngblood, junior, also has a large family gathering, but his is a little different in that both his mom and dad’s side come together to celebrate. “Just getting to spend time with family [makes it special] because I never get to see my mom’s side,” said Youngblood. Shay Jackson, senior, also said that it is the time spent with family that makes their traditions special. Every Christmas day, her family goes to the movies and then to a Chinese restaurant that night. “That started because on Christmas Eve we watch ‘A Christmas Story’ and that’s what the characters do in the movie, so we made it a tradition,” said Jackson. For Jordan Rancudo, freshman, her family’s tradition of getting a real Christmas tree began when her dad was a kid, and has continued throughout her childhood. “It’s something we can always count on,” said Rancudo. “It’s special to me because I have an older brother that we don’t get to see a lot and he always comes.” Whether it’s sharing a meal with the whole family or getting new pajamas, having a holiday tradition to count on is what makes Christmas...Christmas.

PHSVIEW.COM

“My dad dressed up as Santa to put presents under the tree and I saw him and when he bent over to put a present down the Santa hat fell off and I saw his bald head.”

Somer Stuhlsatz (math) “In fourth grade I was debating with a kid about if Santa was real or not and it was around Christmas time so after Christmas break I brought back a gift tag with Santa’s writing on it to prove he was real and the whole class laughed.”

Kenzie Stout (senior) “My best friend in kindergarten told me she thought Santa wasn't real so I cried, but she is still my best friend.”

Hannah Winkler (junior) “I was sitting at the kitchen table talking to my grandma and parents about what I wanted from Santa for Christmas and then my grandma goes “you know Santa isn’t real right” and I got really mad and started crying.”

SANTA, is that you?

by SAMMI NAY

>>ACCORDING TO CNN, DEVELOPMENT EXPERTS SAY MOST CHILDREN FIND OUT ABOUT SANTA BY THE AGE OF EIGHT OR NINE

NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT There’ll be much mistletoeing And hearts will be glowing When loved ones are near It’s the most wonderful time of the year The holiday season is here, and while most will agree it is the most wonderful time of the year, the holiday season means different things for different families. For some, the holidays carry a religious connection, whether it be Hanukkah or Christmas, but for others, the holidays are more about personal traditions and less about religion. Jake Mazeitis, senior, is agnostic, meaning he believes something is “out there” but he does not know what it is. Although Christmas does not carry a religious connection for him, he still enjoys celebrating the holiday with his family. “For me, Christmas is more about traditions and celebrating the season,” said Mazeitis. His family is still religious and goes to church on Christmas and Mazeitis attends with them and sings, but does it more to be with his family than anything else. “I don’t dislike religion, I’m just not religious,” said Mazaeitis. Mazeitis said that the most special part of the holidays for him is Christmas morning at his grandparents’ house because the whole family comes in town. Marti Heit, freshman, and her family celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas. “It is cool to get to experience two different

it’s the

cultures,” said Heit. During Hanukkah, Heit and her family light the menorah, play dreidels, and eat traditional Jewish food, sometimes even going to other Jewish friends’ houses. These unique traditions are special to their family because of their religious connection, but that doesn’t take away from their Christmas celebrations. “I get less presents on Hanukkah than most Jewish kids and less on Christmas, but it all evens out,” said Heit. “Plus Hanukkah is early, so my holiday season starts earlier.” Sophomore Emily Day’s Christmas season starts a little earlier too, as her family celebrates Advent, a Catholic countdown to the birth of Christ that begins four weeks before Christmas. To celebrate, her family attends the Advent masses and Christmas Eve mass as a family. “It means a lot to me because it’s the birth of Jesus,” said Day. Although many of her family’s traditions have religious connections, Day and her family also traditionally attend the Mayor’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony and decorate cookies a week before Christmas. Day said that this time spent with family and friends enjoying food is what makes the holiday special to her. “[I wish] people didn’t focus so much on presents, but on family instead,” said Day. However the holiday season is celebrated, one thing remains the same: it’s important to that loved ones are near, truly making it the most wonderful time of the year.

South students’ religious beliefs influence their holiday celebrations of the year

MOST WONDERFUL TIME

by ERIN STUMP

of the year

“EVERY YEAR, I ALWAYS GO WITH MY FAMILY UP TO ILLINOIS TO VISIT MY DAD,” SAID AUSTIN. “WE USUALLY STAY ABOUT ONE WEEK.”

-Cody Austin, junior

“WE ALWAYS GO VISIT MY GRANDPARENTS IN GLADSTONE,” SAID ESPINOSA. “WE ALWAYS STAY FOR A DAY AND WE ALWAYS DO IT ON CHRISTMAS.” photos courtesy of MARTI HEIT

-Tyler Espinosa, junior

>>ABOUT 8 OUT OF 10 NON-CHRISTIANS IN THE US CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS, ACCORDING TO THE PEW RESEARCH CENTER

PHSVIEW.COM

NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT

GETTING HELP at South

Depression is not being moody and irrational, nor is it a weakness. It’s a problem that 1 in 8 teens suffer from, according to kidshealth.org by ANDRES ACOSTA

s one of the most common mental health issues, depression is a problem many teens face. Whether it is severe or minor, students and teachers alike feel that each student should have the ability to discuss their problems with someone reliable at South. “I feel that all students should have a place that they can feel comfortable talking to someone about their problems,” said Donna Shahbazi, junior. “As Natural Helpers President, I hope that people know that we are a club that welcomes all Panthers.” In order to understand the problem, it is necessary to take a look into what depression really is. Generally speaking, depression is a disease caused from traumatic life experiences, whether it be from high stress, someone close to you dying or from chemical imbalances. On the flip side, depression is treatable. According to psychiatry.org, antidepressants and therapy can help the patient to feel healthier and more optimistic. However, going through prescribed medication and psychotherapy may help, but talking to someone about your problems can be one step in that process. “The best thing to do when going through hardship is to just talk to someone about whatever is going on and I feel that the stress would be more easing and better to cope with,” said Kyle Brewster, senior. According to DBSalliance.org, only a third of those with depression seek out medical attention, but 80 percent of those that seek attention see improvements within four to six weeks after treatment through support groups or psychotherapy. Along with third-party organizations such as the Research Psychiatric Center, Marillac, Two Rivers and St. Luke’s Hospital offer support groups and help to anyone in need. There is also help available at school. Jill Hazell, South’s Social Worker, works to help students with any

1-800-273-TALK “There are a lot of community resources where students can go to as well. Sometimes loneliness sets in at night when no one at school is available to talk -- so there are crisis lines available where kids can talk.” -Jill Hazell, Social Worker

1-800-SUICIDE

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

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problems or situations they may face. Along with a Social Worker, South’s Counselors are always prepared to help. They are here not only for college planning and scheduling, but also to speak with the students about any frustrations or hardships they are facing. It may seem that the most difficult part is taking a step forward and acknowledging help needed. “As a licensed clinical social worker, one of my main job duties is to listen to students and help them with their problems. I would say that most students who sit in my office do feel better after talking through personal issues,” Hazell said. It is apparent that both the social worker and South’s counselors are here to talk to students about what problems they may have, no matter the severity. “That’s our job, that’s the reason why we are employed here, we are support staff. Yes, we do a lot with academics, your courses, your schedules, postsecondary goals, and what kind of opportunities that are out there, but not to be forgotten that we are here for those personal issues,” said Angie Sharp, counselor. A crucial part of having confidence when speaking with an adult is matching a name with a face. “As a senior, I feel that most of the administration doesn’t come out and introduce themselves to the student body. Students should be able to pair a name to a face. I know we have our own social worker, but I’ve never seen her before,” said Perry LeAndre, senior. For students, many feel the hardest part of expressing oneself is finding someone to express themselves to. Having a face paired with a name is one of the most important parts of feeling comfortable with South’s resources. South does well for their students in that resources are provided. Having a social worker and caring counselors available is just one way South is here to help.

websites for help: teenlineonline.org activeminds.org remedylive.com

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Majoring

arts

NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT

in the

Students share their plans to pursue the arts in college

by EMMA EHLERS

Do you have any idea what you’re going to do after high ceramics at Northwest. school? Where are you going to go to college? What will you Also attending the University of Kansas is Renee Huey, major in? Business? Science? Music? Art? senior. She plans to major in a different type of art: music. For some South students, these questions do not bring “I wanted to learn how to play all the instruments and as a nightmares. These students have decided to follow their music education major, you get to do that,” said Huey. dreams in music or art. Huey was inspired by Dr. Craig Miller, band, to pursue Madison Bischler, senior, knows she is going to pursue the music education. arts. Already accepted into the University of Kansas, she plans Another senior band student influenced by Dr. Miller, to apply for the art program there. Juliana Hsu, plans to follow the music career path. She wants There is a substantial amount of work required to be to major in music therapy and plans to attend the University accepted in the art program at KU. Bischler said that she has of Kansas. Music has been one thing Hsu has enjoyed over the to create a portfolio and answer three course of high school. essay questions. Bischler plans to major “I knew I needed to keep it [music] in my “I WANTED TO LEARN in art education and minor in visual art. life somehow but I didn’t want to be a HOW TO PLAY ALL THE performing major,” said Hsu. Finding out what one wants to do for the rest of one’s life can be a tough task. She also said that she enjoys working with INSTRUMENTS AND AS A Bischler said found inspiration from all of kids and helping others and as a music MUSIC EDUCATION her art teachers at South. therapy major, she would get to do MAJOR, YOU GET TO A specific art teacher inspired another exactly that. student to pursue art. Kathy Thompson, Jamie Venzian, a former South student DO THAT” art, was senior Catherine Temple’s and current KU student and music therapy intermediate drawing teacher and Temple major, inspired Hsu to follow the music is excited to study art in college because of her. therapy pathway. Thanks to Dr. Miller and Venzian, Hsu plans “She’s my favorite teacher, and she’s taught me everything to make a difference in other’s lives as they did in hers. I know and I wouldn’t be where I am without her,” Hsu is currently in the educational internship at English said Temple. Landing Elementary. After college, Hsu plans to work in a Temple will be majoring in graphic design at school or a hospital and work with children using Northwest Missouri State University next year and plans to music therapy. make video games work with animation as her career. By looking to the things they love most, these Excited for the road ahead, Temple said she looks forward students were able to eliminate some questions regarding taking advantage of the Fire Arts Building and creating their futures.

Art Careers

There are a variety of different careers available in the arts, and almost as many places to go to pursue them

Fashion designerMCC (Kansas City), Stephens College (Columbia)

Vocal Performance- Drury

University (Springfield), Missouri Baptist University (St. Louis), Northwest Missouri State (Maryville), William Jewell College (Liberty)

ChoreographerUMKC(Kansas City), Lindenwood (St. Charles), Stephens College(Columbia), Webster University (St. Louis), Washington University (St. Louis)

Brody Severino, senior, and Jolie Dunlap, senior, work on projects for AP Studio Art. photos by EMMA WOODSON

>>“IN AP STUDIO ART WE DO CONCENTRATIONS, IT’S ACTUALLY REALLY INTERESTING,” SAID COLE FENNER (12).

PHSVIEW.COM 15

by ADELE ROYLE AND ALIZA RUSSELL

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

“When I was in elementary school I had a weird obsession with cats. I had two cats at my house and I absolutely loved them. I remember in fourth grade, I signed everyone’s yearbook with a picture of a cat next to it.” Do you still like cats? “I mean, I like cats. I still prefer them to dogs but I’m not super obsessed with them anymore.” (below) What makes you special/an individual compared to other people? “There’s one thing but if I say it it’ll sound really conceited.” No, you should say it. “I aspire to have really good grades and I’m competing against two of my really good friends for Valedictorian.

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’m o I ck l s do o o ke y schs La ing o h t s t Ri ht st g? fir rnin aig the ve) r e t d th mo o s un abo ’s at this o g aro e.” ( t h W ke nt ng ris wa o ha sun wo t ’ g the n do to “I ing atch go d w an ou

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“When I get a lot of retweets on something like during award shows, ya know? You like tweet the whole show.” Can you give me an example?

“Sometimes Nicki Minaj wears some weird stuff so when she gets out on stage, I’m like ‘Who is this girl?’ And you gotta tweet it fast because then people will be like, ‘Wait when did that happen?’ That was like five minutes ago, move on, get over it.” (Left)

Do you have a favorite memory? “My eighth grade graduation because it was a milestone in my life, although I didn’t realize it at the moment. It was before I moved to Missouri and I was like, ‘Uh this isn’t a big deal’, but I wish I could change how I acted that day.” How did you act? “I acted really nonchalant about things and I knew I was moving but I didn’t take it seriously enough to where I was like, ‘I’m gonna miss all these people and I’m never going to see you again’.”

What is your favorite memory? “Probably when me and my friend went to the Buzz Beach Ball concert this September.” Do you have a favorite band that played there? “Umm Meg Myers. She’s really outgoing and not afraid to be who she is.” Do you relate to that at all? “I would like to.” Like to what? “Be more outgoing.” (left)

Robert, are you cold?

What’s a fun fact about yourself? “I can lick my elbow.” (above)

“Nah, I’m just chillin’.”

3christmas movies

TAKE

NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT

by ALLIE HICKEY

& THE LESSONS THEY TEACH

The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.” We were all taught this important message by Buddy the Elf. This holiday sensation came out in 2003 with none other than Will Ferrell as the leading role. After causing chaos in the elf community due to his ungainly size, Buddy the Elf at the North Pole is sent to the U.S. in search of his true identity. In this film, Buddy teaches an abundance of life lessons that, if you apply to your everyday life, will make you just as happy as an… elf? Lesson number 1: make smiling one of your very favorite things to do. “I just like to smile! Smiling is my favorite,” said Buddy. Smiling can not only make you happier, but as well as the people around you. It’s a simple gesture that could turn someones whole day around. And it takes less than a second. “Papa says my real father lives in a magical place far away... but the thing is, I’ve never left the North Pole.” No better Buddy quote to describe lesson number 2 to us than this one. We’ve got to take risks in life. Like they say, you regret 100 percent of the shots you don’t take. This movie teaches great life lessons while spreading the Christmas spirit, one carol at a time. Be the person that wants to help them become happier & more kind. Be the Cindy Lou Who to their Mr. Grinch! The last lesson I will mention is one my favorites: dreams make life more bearable. Not once did Ralphie give up on his Christmas wish of receiving the rifle on Christmas morning. Even if his dream wouldn’t have came true, it made him excited throughout the holiday season, along with giving him something to look forward to. No matter how big or small your dream might be, never ever give up on it. When you allow yourself to dream big, even the most impossible things seem possible.

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Christmas is approaching and 9year-old Ralphie wants only one thing: a Red Ryder Range Shot 200 BB gun. “A Christmas Story” features Peter Billingsley as your average 1940s Ohio kid, Ralphie Parker. The Parker family consists of Dad, Mom, Ralphie and Randy. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard during a movie. This film includes almost every little kid stereotype you could imagine, my personal favorite being the classic ‘underdog wins fight’ when Ralphie takes on the toughest, meanest kid around, Scut Farkus. A crucial lesson is taught in this movie, that we often doubt: Mom and Dad will always come through on Christmas. Through everything, you can always count on your parents to make your Christmas wishes come true. Even though Ralphie was made fun of by bullies, had an awful experience with Santa and was punished by his mother, his old man made it right by delivering that treasured BB gun. In this gesture lies the moral of the story: Life isn’t always fair and you don’t always get what you want, but every once in a while you do. The last lesson I will mention is one my favorites: dreams make life more bearable. Not once did Ralphie give up on his Christmas wish of receiving the rifle on Christmas morning. Even if his dream wouldn’t have came true, it made him excited throughout the holiday season, along with giving him something to look forward to. No matter how big or small your dream might be, never ever give up on it. When you allow yourself to dream big, even the most impossible things seem possible.

Which is your favorite Christmas movie?

Have you ever been to Whoville? I wish I could say that I have. Whoville is where the classic Christmas movie ”How the Grinch Stole Christmas” took place. Jim Carrey stars in this film as the Grinch who is a bitter, grouchy, cave-dwelling creature with a heart “two sizes too small” who lives on snowy Mount Crumpit. Like in “Elf”, this film has its important life lessons as well. First lesson: Christmas will always come, no matter what. During this movie, the Grinch endures about a thousand complications with his Christmas experience, but, like I said, Christmas still came. After suffering through all his hardships, he ends up having a wonderful holiday. It’s important to keep this lesson in mind during the holiday season. No matter how hard you might be struggling whether it’s financially or spiritual or even family issues, Christmas will always come. Through the entirety of the film, you see Mr. Grinch’s heart go from a shriveled up, grumpy mess, to a loving, caring, warm heart, which perfectly leads me to lesson number two: even the smallest heart can grow. You may know someone who always seems to not have the Christmas spirit, or sometimes, maybe not any kind of spirit. However, this doesn’t mean that they can’t turn their frown upside down.

16%

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

15%

A Christmas Story

>>ACCORDING TO CINEMABLAND.COM, A CHRISTMAS STORY WILL AIR FOR 24 HOURS BEGINNING 8 P.M. ON CHRISTMAS EVE

69% Elf

NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT

by TAYLOR LENZ

TAYLOR’S DECLASSIFIED

Emotional Survival Guide

Important life lessons shared to achive a healthy, positive experience in high school

igh school is a four year whirlwind filled with emotion, events, new people, happiness, sadness, and stress. Ultimately, you’re developing the skills that will mold you into the person you’ll be as an adult. For example, your relationships in high school, whether they are healthy or unhealthy, work to develop your expectations for partners in the future. How you handle problems, how you fight, and how you resolve issues are all automatic reactions that are developed by habits started in your early relationships. If you are treated like crap all through your high school relationships, chances are you’re not going to demand ‘prince charming’ on your first day of college. I cannot tell you how many times I have been talking to someone about their relationship, and I’ll hear a story that goes something like this. “Yeah, we were in a huge fight, and then we started yelling at each other and I started crying and he started crying and it was so sweet and then we decided we couldn’t live without each other. We’re not dating but like we’re pretty much dating.” #1. That’s not healthy. You two screaming at each other, crying in each other’s’ arms, and then deciding it’s a good idea to stay together every two weeks is not romantic. We have such a tendency to romanticize unhealthy relationships as teenagers. This romantization starts a cycle with the kids starting high school as freshmen, looking at examples set by couples that are encompassed by the cycle I quoted above, and now have a skewed point of view on how their significant other should be treating them. #2. If the first time you hang out with a boy is at 10 p.m. in his basement, NEWSFLASH. He’s not in it for the right reasons. If he’s hurtful to others, and talks bad about others to you, NEWSFLASH. Your ‘boy’ is probably doing the same about you behind your back. #3. If you guys have “done things” (you know, mmhmm) and everyone knows about it by the end of the proceeding Monday, he doesn’t respect you. Or, if ‘that’ aspect of the relationship ever becomes expected, you’re not in a good place. You don’t owe anyone anything in that sense. Value your body, value your heart and value your intelligence. The best advice I can give on how to sort the healthy from the unhealthy in high school, is this. Configure a list of three things, the MOST important things to you in a relationship and use those as your deal breakers. Once you meet someone, if you don’t

know the things that are absolutely make it or break it to you, it’d be easy to adapt around the other person. But, as you get further and further into the relationship, the deal breaker qualities will shine through in your partner, and cause the long term relationship to come to an ugly end. If you have the qualities that you ABSOLUTELY need in a person, or ABSOLUTELY cannot live with set in your mind, it will be much easier to avoid getting attached to someone that is not the best for you. Relationships are something important, but they’re definitely not everything. There are many other important things to focus on when ensuring that you get everything out of these four years at the end of the road. Speaking of the end of the road, it’s important to have the rest of your life in mind while going through high school. If you’re not one of those people that has a career plan completely thought out as a freshman, that’s fine. But, don’t go to a college solely because it’s easy. Challenge yourself. Give yourself the chance to grow. Being nervous isn’t a bad thing. Think about the first time you put yourself out there. Whether it was in sports, showing someone your art, your music, talking to your best friend for the first time; you have to start somewhere, so don’t cheat yourself. Please live life with a purpose. TAKE CHANCES. Go out of your comfort zone. You don’t want to be 50 years old and regret not going to a certain school, or not going down a certain career path. Lastly, ALWAYS demand respect. Don’t let people talk to you like you’re stupid and then in return have no self esteem. Stand up for yourself. Don’t let yourself be objectified. Don’t blow off something hurtful because you don’t want to be made fun of for standing up for yourself. Joking around with someone in person or over social media is one thing, objectifying and embarrassing someone else is another. Treasure your self worth, or no one else will. Treasure your body and what it’s worth, or no one else will. I hope these life lessons are taken to heart by the students of South. The end of my high school career is right around the corner, and these are a few of the most important life lessons I have learned… now shared with you. Some, I knew prior to entering these halls, and some I learned the hard way. Hopefully this article will save some of you some heartache and hardships along the way.

“YOU DON’T WANT TO BE 50 YEARS OLD AND REGRET NOT GOING TO A CERTAIN SCHOOL, OR NOT GOING DOWN A CERTAIN CAREER PATH.”

>>ACCORDING TO LOVEISRESPECT.ORG, ONE IN THREE ADOLECENTS IN THE US IS A VICTIM OF PHYSICAL, SEXUAL, EMOTIONAL OR VERBAL ABUSE FROM A DATING PARTNER

PHSVIEW.COM 19

NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT

Movie Madness: Insterstellar

Interstellar is one of the most visually impressive movies about space ever made. Space has always been a romantic topic in terms of filmmaking. It has been equally fascinating to audience members as well as to the people studying it. That’s why it can be a big gamble to make a movie about. Mess it up and it can be awful. However, if you nail it, if you really do it justice, it can be an incredible feat of filmmaking. And that is exactly what “Interstellar” does. The world is dying. Slowly but surely it is going to die. That is the dilemma being faced by the people living in the future on Earth. The food resources are running low, dust is swirling through the air. Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) is a farmer, and a former NASA pilot who still dreams about his past missions. His lives with his father in law and two kids, Tom, a teenager who is intelligent but is just fine with becoming a farmer, and Murph, a 10 year old with intelligence off the charts. Cooper and Murph eventually stumble upon a pair of coordinates that lead them to NASA, even though the program has gone underground. Cooper finds his old mentor, Professor Brand (Michael Caine) as the leader of a team that is trying to find a way to save the planet. He also meets the Professor’s daughter, Amelia (Anne Hathaway) who is part of the team. In order to save the planet, Cooper will have to pilot the ship and travel into a different dimension to find a new planet capable of supporting human life. This trip may take years due to the theory of relativity. A few days on one planet in another galaxy may be equivalent to years on earth. This creates the dilemma for Coop, who does not want to leave his children, but is forced to save the planet.

by CALEB FENNER

Coop’s team consists of Amelia, Romilly (David Gyasi), Doyle (Wes Bentley), and a robotic system with human tendencies that can be controlled named TARS. As the team travels through time and space, the audience is immersed in glorious cinematography and visual effects. The sounds, shapes, colors and darkness of space are magnificent. This is an experience as opposed to just watching something. I became stunned at what I saw and was unbelievably impressed by Christopher Nolan’s crew. This is the same man made famous by “The Dark Knight” and “Inception” and the visuals are even more impressive. This is the best looking movie since “Avatar”. The acting is top rate. McConaughey started his career as a rom-com scrub and has worked his way to the forefront, establishing himself as one of the best in Hollywood. He’s sarcastic, relatable, heroic, witty, brilliant and emotionally terrifying. He deserves an Oscar nomination for this incredible performance. The supporting work is exceptional. Jessica Chastain plays an adult version of Murph and more than handles her own. Caine, Hathaway, Gyasi, and Bentley accent McConaughey and allow them to come into their own, giving each member of the crew distinct personalities. However, the real star of this show is Nolan. He conducted all of this, and in the process created one of the most ambitious movies ever made about space. He will be up for some serious hardware come Oscar season. The script is perfect, the visuals are stunning, and the acting is superb. Although the movie runs for three hours, it doesn’t bother me at all. I sat in awe for three hours. It’s one of the best experiences I’ve ever had at the movies, and is easily the best movie I’ve seen this year. “Interstellar” is a classic.

VIEW STAFF EDITORIAL

It’s easy to overlook people in high school, just as easy as it is to be overlooked. Everyone at some point has felt left out, which is why it is so important to take a little time out of your day to just say “hey” or give a compliment. Everyone goes through different struggles and it isn’t okay to assume yours are more important. Teenagers are always viewed as extremely selfish, always wanting something new and something different. We can sometimes get so caught up in ourselves and and at our own problems it is difficult to see the big picture. You might think your

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life is terrible because you forgot to study for a test, but there might be someone that didn’t have time to care about a test because their dad is in the hospital. Both are difficult things to go through, and both may need support or a friendly smile to get through the day. Sometimes people just want someone to ask them if they are okay. Being a little nosy isn’t always the best way to connect with people, but it can do some good in certain situations. Asking someone what’s up, and wanting to know the answer and engaging in conversation with them

everyone has a story

can do wonders for that person’s self esteem and happiness. Everyone has a story and you should do your absolute best to try to know as many as possible. Learning more about others and recognizing the things they do makes you better at the same time, learning more and more stories can give your life more importance. South is full of people with unique lives and wonderful stories and you should try and take time out of your day to ask that person you don’t know in your class something about them and try to learn their story.

>>”INTERSTELLAR” MADE $47,510,360 DURING OPENING WEEKEND, ACCORDING TO PRO.BOXOFFICE.COM

NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT

the FLIPSIDE Last year was one of the best Thanksgivings that I have had.My whole family went to Colorado and snowboarded and had a ton of fun--definitely made some memories that I thought I would enjoy looking back on. I was wrong. These great memories were ruined because I brought my now ex-girlfriend with me. Now, I don’t think that you can’t spend time with your significant other during the holidays, but if you haven’t been dating for a long time and your family doesn’t know them well and like them a lot, then I would say it’s a don’t. I mean seriously it’s time for family, and it’s time to make memories that you will keep forever. So don’t have a significant other there that could ruin the day or ruin the memories. I personally hate the couples that are NEVER apart and can’t spend a day without each other (yes I know this was me at one point and I do regret it very much). It’s really just stupid. I ruined a lot of memories and family time for myself so I’m here trying to keep you from making the same mistake. It’s not worth it. Spend your family time, make memories, and have fun... WITHOUT your boyfriend or girlfriend. Christmas break is over two weeks long guys, and Thanksgiving break is five days long. That is 22 days, and if you honestly don’t think you can spend TWO days out of those 22 apart, you have a real problem and you need those days apart. On the other hand though, if you have been dating for a long time (like years), they come to a lot of family stuff, and your family likes them, then maybe spend one of the two with them. But just keep in mind these are supposed to be for family, so don’t ditch your family for a stupid boyfriend or girlfriend. I’m going to leave you by saying that spending the holidays with your boyfriend or girlfriend is a bit ridiculous. Honestly, if you feel the need to spend this time, which is for family, with a significant other, you are obviously a little too attached and obviously you spend plenty of time together so spend some family time and time away from your boyfriend or girlfriend. Also, do you want to look back on some really great times with your family and have them ruined because your ex was there? Do you want to look at pictures and have to see your ex in them? I sure don’t. So just spend these memorable days with your family and make memories with your girlfriend or boyfriend on other days.

How early is “too early” to spend the holidays with your boyfriend/girlfriend? Do you think he or she is ready to get to know your whole family, and do you think your relationship is serious enough to be able to bring them around for more than just this holiday? I understand that when you are in a relationship you don’t USUALLY see it ending, but sometimes it could; maybe after spending a few months with them you begin to realize you couldn’t see yourself spending the rest of your life with them. In that case I think it is safe to say they probably shouldn’t be a part of your family holiday. The holiday season is usually when families get closer and spend a lot of time together and what do you think they are going to do/ say if you bring one person to one gathering and a different person to another? If you are close to your family and you believe, no matter what, family comes before everything, then maybe it is better if it is just you and the family for the holidays, whether you and your boyfriend/girlfriend are serious or not. It is just one of those things... you know your family better than your significant other does, you have spent the holidays with them before, you know how they are going to react whether you do this or you do that. It all depends on how you want the atmosphere of your living room to be around the holiday season. Maybe you and your girlfriend/boyfriend have been together for a while and you can’t see yourself spending the holidays with anyone else, take them with you, it is easy at that. I think when it comes to a situation like this, you just have to make a gut decision and go with it. Do you want them to go with you? Do you not care one way or the other? Personally this is more of a circumstantial thing. You just have to do what you think would be best and most people would benefit from. You can’t always only think of just what you want. The world does not revolve around you.

by SHELBY THOMPSON

13% Say Yes

87% Say No

by COLBY HORSTMANN

Should BF/GF spend the Holidays together? >> SCAN HERE TO HELP DECIDE WHAT YOU SHOULD GET YOUR “BAE” FOR THE HOLIDAYS

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5th

THE

A Chiefs season filled with ups and downs will be decided by the emergence of young players as they try to grab their spot in the playoffs

QUARTER

SCAN HERE for more on the Chiefs

by NICK CLAASSEN

From 0-2, to oh my god. The Chiefs turned around their record after a scary start to the season but have faced many rough patches throughout. With the emergence of new stars and the loss of others, the Chiefs look to continue in clawing their way to a playoff spot. Kansas City sports have had a history of not making or winning playoff games for a long, long time. But, maybe after the Royals broke one of those streaks the Chiefs will follow in their footsteps. The Chiefs haven’t won a playoff game since 1993. Last year, they broke the city’s heart after a devastating one point loss to Indy in the Wild Card game. After a disappointing offseason with the loss of many key players and a first round draft pick that left some guessing, things didn’t look too good. Then, on top of that, the Chiefs had a very difficult schedule ahead and lost multiple players to injury for the entire season in the opening games. A rough start to the season was forgotten after head coach Andy Reid brought the team together and put the Chiefs back in the spotlight. It all started with the dethroning of one of the best quarterbacks of all time on a national stage, Tom Brady. On Monday night football, in front of the whole nation, the Chiefs embarrassed the Patriots 41-14 and even got Brady benched. This was the spark that the Chiefs needed to put the season in drive and go full speed. There are many players you could acknowledge for the Chiefs’ sparks of success. Jamaal Charles is the game changer hands down; Alex Smith runs the offense and is crucial to the success of the team; and then you have the sack pack, Tamba Hali and Justin Houston. Although these well-known guys and others play a big part in the team, the new young guns have brought something much needed to the Chiefs. The top three, under the radar, game-changing players on the Chiefs lineup are CB Ron Parker, TE Travis Kelce and WR/RB De’anthony Thomas. Ron Parker has been a huge step up for the Chief defense, playing every down to his full ability and a crucial part in the Bills and Seahawks wins. Travis Kelce, a cocky football catching machine could be the next Tony Gonzalez-like tight end the Chiefs really need.

CHIEFS Season

Report Card

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RUN DAT! De’anthony Thomas, an electric player that made a name for himself at Oregon is well known for not only his twitter name, CHECK DAT, but his tremendous speed and being able to change drives running with the ball. Thomas has not gotten as many touches as he deserves though after being an instant upgrade from Dexter McCluster whom they lost in free agency. Every time he is out on the field he can provide a spark and change the game in an instant. One of the biggest off-field stories of the season has been the story of Chief’s defensive star Eric Berry who is thought to have Lymphoma. He is out for the rest of the season and his future is uncertain after finding out he may have cancer. But Berry promises Chiefs fans everywhere that he will be back. His team will have to take his place and play better than ever without him. In all honesty, the 2014 Chiefs look better than the 2013 Chiefs that started 9-0. Even though they don’t have as many well-known players and not as good of a record, they’ve had a year under their belt with Andy Reid and have really been playing like a team for most of the time against much harder teams. Although much of their offense still revolves around the running game and screen passes, Alex Smith and the rest of their offense have done a particularly better job converting on third down and moving the chains. The Chiefs are much better than their record shows though. Multiple losses came from end of the game drives and the only actual bad losses were fluke games against the Titans and Raiders. Crucial wins for the Chiefs included the Patriots and the Seahawks. The Seahawks game proved the Chiefs have what it takes to be the real deal as they beat out the defending Super Bowl champions and KC got to show them what the loudest stadium in the world really sounds like. It is still going to be a rough road ahead but if the Chiefs continue to put things together there is a good chance they have a playoff spot in their future, even if it is just a Wild Card game. As long as the red sea keeps on roaring, these Chiefs won’t be done yet.

SPECIAL COACHING DEFENSE OFFENSE TEAMS

A- B C B-

>>“THEY STARTED OFF SLOW, THEN THEY STARTED COMING ON STRONGER AND I THINK THEY WILL MAKE THE PLAYOFFS AS A WILD CARD,” SAID CARTER HEDRICK, SENIOR.

[

Winter Guard holds tryouts for a new performance and competition season

NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT

Keep Calm Spin On by MORGAN GREER

photos by EMMA WOODSON

What do you get when you mix colorful flags, elaborate costumes, choreographed danced routines, and rifles? WINTER GUARD! Color Guard is a uniformed group who parade or present their institution’s flag on ceremonial occasions and are often seen performing with the marching band. Winter Guard shows off school colors, as they represent South. They are considered the “Sport of the Arts.” “Color Guard is in the fall, a strive from the military so we guard the school’s colors, like the military does,” said Genesis Herring, junior. “Winter Guard started as training for Color Guard. It just kind of turned into its own thing.” Although Winter Guard is known for mostly having girls, they are open to having all kinds of people and genders. Boys are welcome to join, and they are treated no differently than the girls aside from a different costume. There have been boys on the team in the previous years, according to the Guard’s choreographer. “Transitioning for previous individuals from Color Guard [into Winter Guard] is generally easier, because they have exposure. It can be a turn off, so to speak, for the new kids,” said Billy Saccomanno,

choreographer. “Because the new girls aren’t as experienced as the returning girls, they are almost intimidating.” Winter Guard runs throughout the winter and the spring and ends in late March, or early April, depending on their competition season. To make the team, students have a total of four tryouts as they learn the routines, then one audition. Team captains are decided once the team is picked. Unlike Color Guard, Winter Guard does not work with the band. Their competitions are different because one is with the band and one is focused more on guard itself. “With Winter Guard, the judges look at every competition we have done that year and look to see how well we have done. That is what places us in our class and championships. Each class has different criteria; scoring ranges will be different. It all varies considering the circumstances,” said Kristina Eichhorst, senior. Every show in which they compete is different. There are two competitions prior to State they must attend, but when they go to State they can have up to 24-30 performances in one day. They will then receive a digital critique on what they need to improve on, and by the next competition they correct

and change up their routine. Their costumes get more elaborate every competition as well. “Competitions are a combination of being really intense and fairly laid back. It is the one place everyone understands where they are. It is a good learning opportunity,” said Jennifer Cannon, coach. These routines are required to be at least four minutes long. Some choreographers do not put much thought into what they do, but that certainly is not the case when it comes to Saccomanno. “I overthink what I do. I look at what I am working with, and I want them to be successful. Something I have to see [while making the choreography] is a beginning, middle and end; it has to be a story. Then I begin to lay out the show, phrase by phrase, then choreograph into that,” said Saccomanno. Team bonding is a very important aspect of Winter Guard. This season, they will have activities such as ice skating and a Secret Santa. The team’s coach said that they consider each other family, because of the time they spend together during their practices. “It is like you find that one thing you really really love and you want to do forever and guard is that thing for me,” said Herring.

>>“THE FLAG TEAM IS A COOL ADDITION TO THE SPIRIT ASPECT OF THE SCHOOL,” SAID KALIE JONES, SENIOR.

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NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT photo by SYDNEY LOWE

new

COACH on the

BLOCK Danny Parra takes over as Varsity Boys Basketball coach by TANNER McCLARAN

ew season, new starters, new coach. To say the least, the South basketball team has been through some adversity in the past. Going through three new head coaches in the last four years, consistency has been missing with this team. But, with the help of Danny Parra, that ship looks to have been sailed. Coach Parra is no rookie when it comes to building a team, being the previous head coach at Sumner Academy. “I came to South because this is just a great community to be involved with. It’s a great school with great facilities. I also wanted to be a part of this program and really bring us to the top,” said Parra. Expectations are high as usual for this South basketball season, especially with returning starters Mitch Henderson, senior, Allen Hyatt, senior, and Ryan Welty, junior, plus other big players emerging throughout this season. “We hope to get better with every game we play, work hard in every game, then improve to the point that when we’re standing on the court in February, we can make some noise, get to Districts and move past as far as we can,” said Parra. These players have full faith that Coach Parra will take them to the next level of their game in order to achieve these goals. “He just has full control of that gym and all of us know it. He gets you focused on the goal and makes sure all of us know what were doing, how to do it, and when to do it,” said Easton Fortuna, senior. “I’ve never had a coach like him. He is going to be really good for this program, especially when we get into the post-season where we have had trouble in the past.” This team has been exciting to watch this season to say the least, and with a great Rage Cage, great players, and a great coach to carry them on through the rest of the season, the future looks bright. It is pretty safe to say that Coach Parra has found a place to call home, and players a person to consistently call Coach at South.

seasons at Sumner Academy

state championships

coach in four years

24 PHSVIEW.COM >>“IF WE HAD THE TEAM WE HAD LAST YEAR WITH THE COACH WE HAD THIS YEAR, WE WOULD HAVE WON STATE BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE HE KNOWS HOW TO WIN,” SAID RYAN POWERS, SOPHOMORE

SOUTH

cut out

fold fold

fold

easton fortuna, senior

paperPANTHERS

in this and future issues, we will feature members of winter and spring sports teams for you to cut, fold & create! 1 Cut along the edges of the player and in the areas marked “cut out” 2 Fold along edges marked “fold” 3 Use tape to secure folded edges in place 4 Use your Paper Panther to cheer on South’s sports teams

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as p cre ecia intr ated l 6-pa ot o jo by th ge m urn e fa ulti m ll alis m 2014 edia cla sec ss tio

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TOP LEFT: Freshmen Eli and Ellie Cart depict their tough love relationship. When it comes down to it, the love is definitely greater than the fights. “He is always there for me, always,” said Ellie describing her brother. TOP RIGHT: Lena and Sarah Berhane, juniors, consider themselves to be each other’s best friends. “We love each other a lot, and we hardly ever fight, and if we do, the fights never last long,” said Lena. BOTTOM LEFT: Seniors Jon and Josh Morris are not only brothers, but each other’s best friends. Going even back to elementary school days, the two pulled off pranks using their identical looks.

FOE?

vs.

FRIEND

Twins’ relationships at South range anywhere from best friends to each other’s closest enemy

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do t

mily? fa

ouldn’t it be nice to have your best friend with According to the blog, Talk About Twins, one of the main you 24/7? Well for twins they always are. When reasons why they fight or don’t get along is because of you are a twin you always have someone there the lack of privacy and the chance to fly solo. Research for you, through good times and bad. has shown that an average twin does not spend a night Ellie and Eli Cart, freshmen, are a pair of boy and by themselves until the age of 14. girl twins. For twins that don’t get along, like Kallie and Connor Eli said, “We are very friendly to each other and we Jones, seniors, another set of boy and girl twins, sharing get along most of the time, even when we is a lot harder than usual. There is no option n in y o are not getting along we usually make up to share clothes and they have to share one u r ur s and go back to our normal selves.” of the most important things to a teenager… n You may ask, what do twins do when a car. they hangout? Do they fight, talk, play Kallie said, “We don’t get along very well YES sports together, or do they not hang out at at all and we are never alone which is anall? noying to me.” For Eli and Ellie, having their best Pranks may be one of the best and funNO friend with them all the time is great. niest thing to do to a twin. Eli Brizendine, Ellie said, “He always sticks up for me sophomore, was sent down the stairs in a and when we hang out we tell each othlaundry basket by his brother Noah Brizener everything, which is nice because you dine, sophomore. always have that one person you can tell Eli said, “It was not fun at all going down anything to whenever you feel like you need to get some- the stairs knowing I might be dying, right then and thing off your chest.” there in a laundry basket going down the stairs at top Having a twin the same gender and personality as speed.” you can be beneficial. They can share clothes, makeup, It may be hard to have someone exactly like you and shoes, a car and maybe even switch places for a day. have constant competition, but as most all the twins said Sarah and Lena Berhane, juniors, are practically the in the interviews, it is nice to always have a bestfriend same person. They do everything together. around. Lena said, “We never fight and even if we do it is not Check out an exclusive senior twins story & video interviews a big deal, we get along very well most of the time.” with all grades of South twins at phsview.com! For some twins getting along is not all that easy. page by SARAH CARNEY, ELLE EGGERS, MACKENZIE STOUT, MATTHEW DIELEMAN, JACK BEUERLEIN

shooting for the

STARS

South boys basketball looks to build upon last year’s success and win Districts he dunks, the three balls, the T blocks, the heart-stopping last second buzzer beaters--all just part

of the game for these gents. Last year, South basketball went 22-6 and placed second at Districts. They had many key players in the line-up, including 2014 graduates Evan Hines and Hudson Welty. However, that was last year. Now, with the ‘14-’15 basketball season in full swing, South basketball has big things planned for the upcoming year. The team looks to go above and beyond last year’s success, and even have success at the State level. “Our goal is to win Districts and then try our luck at State. We’ve had success there in the past, getting fourth in 2010, so we want bring that success back,” said Schaefer Schuetz, senior power forward. They have many strengths that will help them to victory--strengths that they will have to capitalize upon in order for this success. “We’re unselfish and make pretty good post plays because of our height,” said Mitch Henderson, senior point guard. The team also has key players

that will play a big role in the strive for the goal of District championship, as players like junior Ryan Welty and senior Allen Hyatt received high praise from their teammates. “We are all around pretty good, but Welty and Allen are definitely standout players,” said Schuetz. Seniors were also in the discussion for key players.

“The Park Hill game is a must-win.”

“Our seniors will play a big role. We’ll be leaders in helping out younger players to get better and the team in general,” said Hyatt. However, no team is perfect. There are a few weaknesses that the team will need to improve upon in order to succeed. “We will need to play together as a team more, like communication

skills and passing,” said Hyatt. The team will also have to be disciplined with their physical play. “With physical play, you have to have discipline, or you will get into foul trouble,” said Schuetz. Finally, there's one game on every player's’ mind this year: a game that caused heartbreak last year in the District championship with a close loss 41-42, not to mention that it is also a rivalry game. “The Park Hill game is a mustwin,” said Easton Fortuna, senior shooting guard. Hyatt seems to agree. “Park Hill is definitely a key game because it’s a rivalry and they’re one of the better teams in the district, so we’ll have to beat them in order to win districts,” said Hyatt. The team will continue their journey toward Districts in a home matchup with Staley on Dec. 16.

Seniors Allen Hyatt, James Byrd, Mitch Henderson, Ryan Welty and the rest of the varsity boys basketball team scrimmage before they take on Raytown. After winning their previous game against Kearney, they are hoping for the same outcome. SCAN HERE to read about three sport athletes

page by ADAM FRAZIER, REILLY SCOTT, CARSON WELLS, ALEX BLACKBURN & SYDNEY LOWE

getting the

PERFECT PRICE

Students and teachers at South risked their lives to get the perfect price on Black Friday, but not everyone participates in such craziness

what do you buy AT ZONA ROSA?

rowds, shoppers, people lined up in front of stores, barbaric fighting for the last purple sweater, All these sights are signs of Black Friday shopping. A good majority of the South family did not attend this suicide mission. Some because they couldn’t be bothered Trevor Allison, algebra teacher, said, “My black Friday plans are sleeping in.” Others feared the crowds and the crazies. “I don’t want to get stampeded,” said Keely Danielson, freshman. Some would rather sit at home and shop in the safety and comfort of their own home. “I’m all about that Cyber Monday action,” said Jennifer Mattson, social studies. Those who do brave the crowds think they have Black Friday planned out. “I think the best time to go shopping is between 8ish and 10,” said Mattson. “I saw my aunt sprint into the store to make sure she gets things before anyone else, I have never seen her run,” said Genesis Herring, Junior. Next on the Black Friday agenda is trying to get the best deal possible, ranging from the cruddy socks to the amazing flat screen. The problem is actually keeping those items. “I walked into this store, and there was this sweater sitting there, and it was the last one in that color and that size, and I held it up and some flipping crazy woman came over and grabbed it right out of my hands and went right up to the cash register,” said Mattson. When it’s black Friday shopping anybody could be the enemy, from old ladies to babies, NOTHING is safe! “I just stood there. I was like in shock because some people just don’t know how to behave properly in that. I mean they’re all about the deal deal deal and they don’t care about how they treat people and that’s not cool. Especially for a 17 year old kid who’s standing there going ‘WHAAAA... I just wanted that sweater.’ It was the best sweater ever and she took off with it,” said Mattson. This goes to those who got that perfect sweater, survived their mission, and got that perfect present for that perfect price.

by JESSICA BRISCOE, AARON BERCIER, BRIANNA SMITH & COLIN BROCKERT

GO TO PHSVIEW.COM TO watch our video on how to wrap a present

The Nice, T

The Crazy

his white-airy substances falls from the sky and your brain is automatically conditioned to think that the one season most of us wait all year for is finally here: winter! There is something about this time of year that brings out the good, the ugly and the crazy sides of people. The bittersweet season, although euphoric and filled with joyous experiences, can cause some major stress when trying to prepare. Senior Adriana Bonham finds that if she sticks to the essential her holiday period will be a lot more relaxing. “I stock up on all things winter: hot chocolate, lots of scarves and fuzzy socks, and the staple winter boots,” said Bonham Along with the essentials for winter comes the reasons why people buy them: the atrocious weather. In Missouri, you can say mother nature goes on these short temperamental outbursts. The weather is all kinds of crazy, but that doesn’t stop students from making all sorts of attempts to have snow days during the year. “Me and friends sing Christmas songs in order to get the process sped up. It’s weird but it usually works,” said Bonham. Now think, what is the epitome of the winter time? The decorations. Sophomore Sean Macken feels neutral about putting up

y t h g u the na

decorations. “I don’t put up decorations, but my mom does,” said Macken Macken said he felt nonchalant about the whole decoration business. Although the decorations seem to be a big part of this holiday season, it is not the only activity students get to partake in. “I know it’s a bit cliche but me and my family spend lots of quality time together. Whether it’s watching Christmas movies or eating s’mores, I’m usually doing something family related,” said Bonham. With winter break approaching quickly, students also feel pressure to get their grades up before the winter season is over. Many students believe they don’t have enough time before and even during Winter Break to get prepared for the next semester. “I feel like we do need a longer break, just so the teachers and the students can prepare for what’s ahead,” said Macken. Bonham expressed the same concern. “It’s a bit stressful. This time of year is supposed to be fun-filled, but with being a senior and trying to get prepared for college, I tend to overlook things,” said Bonham Winter time is filled with drama, fun, stress and complete

“Whether it’s watching Christmas movies or eating s’mores, I’m usually doing something family related.”

Students prepare for winter in many different ways

Have you ever laid by the fire and listened to Christmas music during the winter season? That’s what many people enjoy doing on snow days. “I watch Christmas movies and drink coffee with my family to keep me warm,” said Larissa Parker, freshman. photo by LUCIE GARRETT

by DOMINIQUE JEAN

Every year when the winter season approaches, many students prepare by decorating their houses with lights and other decorations. “We hang up ornaments, mini Santa’s and cheery decorations,” said Elaina Cassity, freshman. by LUCIE GARRETT

and utter happy chaos, and the preparation is just one of the many things students at South do to get ready for the upcoming season and following year. With stress at an all time high, the white airy substance should be the only thing students should have to worry about when it comes to winter preparation.

Snow Fall Predictions

by BAYLEE BROWN

*out of 100 students polled

Go to PHSview.com to watch a video about Holiday Mishaps and read a web story about where to get your coffee! by OLIVIA KINSEY & KAITLYN ROOS

Tis the Season for service

South students find ways to help out around the holidays

by MADISON POPE

ith Christmas and the holiday “I want to help people who don’t season right around the corner, have as much as we do. They deserve thoughts of presents, snow and others who will help them out when winter break are filling the minds of they need it,” said Coyne. many South students. Not only are there service However, other students have more opportunities in the community, but charitable things to occupy their time. there are also ways students at South Elif Barnhart, sophomore, can get involved at school. volunteers at the Christmas Store, Adam Kriz, junior and a leader of a service opportunity sponsored by the Environmental Club, said, “Project Metro Lutheran Ministry (MLM) in Warmth is a project where we gather downtown Kansas City. coats and hats and anything people “When my family moved to Kansas need to keep warm in the winter for City from Warrensburg, we were the homeless people around Kansas looking for some service opportunities City… It also helps students at South. that kids could be involved in because The social workers come and talk to us a lot of services don’t like kids to help and they ask us for some of our coats out,” said to distribute to students who have Barnhart. “I LOVE THE joy IN THE KIDS’ FACES asked for help.” WHEN THEY SEE THAT THEY can get A “We Students can participate in found this BIKE OR WHEN THE MOM SEES THAT Project Warmth by donating Christmas SHE CAN GET A CROCK POT THAT coats, hats and other winter Store that needs in their tutorial classrooms. SHE couldn’t afford.” said that “This provides people with they would love kids to help so that’s the tools that they need to help them why my dad had us come work there.” be more comfortable and safe. It gives According to the MLM website, them a sense of security because they this program helps make Christmas know people are helping them out possible for about 1000 families in and making sure that they have the the Kansas City area and many more resources they need,” said Kriz. “It individuals. Throughout the year, also shows that we have students in money is raised and gift donations are our community that care and that are accepted to bring people in need a willing to help and are interested in happy holiday season. our community as a whole.” “My favorite part is seeing Maybe this year instead of focusing everyone’s faces when they’re picking on the winter things students enjoy so out stuff... I love the joy in the kids’ much, more attention can be given to faces when they see that they can get those in need. a bike or when the mom sees that she Coyne said, “It is a great feeling can get a Crock Pot that she couldn’t afterward knowing that you can help afford. It’s great to see how happy someone else.” they are,” said Barnhart. Project Warmth, a service There are many more ways to project put on by Environmental serve in the Kansas City area. Peter Club, donates blankets and Coyne, junior, participates in the Adopt coats that students bring in to give to those who are in need. A Family program and volunteers at Environmental Club president Harvesters.

scan here

to watch LIZZIE THIBEAU’s video and read TAYLOR WARE’s story on phsview.com.

Adam Kriz said, “The whole competitive aspect of it is fun for me. I also love that we’re helping people.”

The Plaza lights go up for the season putting everyone in the holiday spirit. “When the lights come on at the Plaza it always reminds me that Christmas is coming,” said Allison Garrett. photos by MIMI RODGERS

Do you volunteer around the holidays?

infographics by MALEIGHA MICHAEL

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