The View Issue 6 Vol 19

Park Hill South High School Issue 6 volume 19 March 16, 2017

pg. 12

See one of these?

Open up Snapchat and hold down on the code!

A group of 30 students impacting a school of 1,600. This is the newspaper staff. Each person possessing a different set of values, beliefs and political stance is what makes, “The View” staff great. Independent, but leaning on one another for support and guidance to inform our school and community in the best way possible.

These students care about the class they are taking and they care about the work they are putting out. A student or an editor leaning over to help another staff member, is not a strange sight to me. The heights this staff goes to help one another is sky high; this staff is a family.

This staff goes beyond the classroom, beyond the school entirely for their stories. Our stories have taken us from Weston, Missouri to shelters for homeless teens to inside the minds of mentally ill students and protests downtown. Not only do these stories take our staff to these places, but they provide a platform to transport our readers to the places we’ve been. The capability and maturity of these students never ceases to amaze me.

Something this staff has accomplished is overcoming the polarizing issues in today’s politics and media; we cover them unbiased and make sure we are letting the reader decide for themselves where they stand at the end of each article. We, as a staff, have conversations as to how we can present the best information possible while also keeping a neutral stance in the writing.

Even so, this staff is not afraid to stand out. We put out stories containing controversial topics that are sure to turn a head or two. We push the limits of a high school newspaper, not for glory, but to truly inform our school and community about the topics that hit the hardest.

A high school newspaper is as powerful a they come.

Young voices coming together to emit their knowledge and share their voices is,“The View.”

Anna Preuss Editor-In-Chief

news

4

Southside spirit The idea of a spirit store in South has been f loating around for awhile now, but will they finally listen?

The idea of a South spirit store has been f loating around for years now.

However, there seems to be more problems than benefits with this certain project. From money, to employees, to even getting room, there are more obstacles to get over as a school to get this completed.

Many schools around Kansas City already have a full f ledged spirit store, in full operation, like Liberty North and Staley. However these seem to pose more of a headache to administration.

“We just don’t have near enough room,” said John Carr, athletic director.

There are definitely areas that a spirit store could fit, but more obstacles would rise from this proposal. One option students have proposed is for the spirit store to fit into the art gallery near the commons, but Carr said there is obvious opposition.

“The art department would be very angry, and upset,” he said.

There are ways to get past this problem. If the art department was frustrated about losing their gallery, we could guarantee a certain percentage of sales to the art department for them to upgrade supplies every year. It’s called a compromise which I know most students in this school aren’t very used to making. It’s a win-win situation.

Let’s not forget though, this isn’t the only place for the art department to display art. Other areas of display are the library, and glass cases in separate hallways, leaving room to put a store in the current gallery by the cafeteria.

Another problem that was discussed was consistent revenue throughout the year, but there are some solutions that could be tested, and build collaboration throughout the school. The worry is that there would be a boost in sales at the beginning of every year especially freshman, and then die out over the year.

But, instead of just barking about reasons this can’t work like always, and figure out ways to get something done, that the students like, and help with.

The schools are all about setting goals, and accomplishing them, but let’s not act like we are dumb. Students know what to say, and how to say it.

To keep sales up throughout the year have students design new shirts as competition and collaborate to keep sales at a good level.

So what do you think about a spirit store? Yay, or nay? Well as students let’s work together to get a plan passed, and a spirit store in the school

by GARRETT OSBOURN

Step Up Step Team

5

news

by NOELLE ALVIZ-GRANSEE

Southside Steppers are on the rise, and the insecurities they had to cross off to get there is something most couldn’t do

“At first it was not that bad, but then I saw everything, people recording it and I got really nervous,” said Anthony Mosby, senior.

On Jan. 20, South’s step team had their first performance and it was a huge success. They started practicing on Nov. 8, 2016 and since then, their group has grown.

“It turned out bigger than we thought, like after our first performance there were so many people who wanted to join, so many people who wanted to do duets with us, [including drumline],” said Amani Webb, senior.

For nearly everyone on the team, this was their first public performance for anything, so it was very nerve-wracking, but they were very excited to finally “get out of the woodwork” according to Webb.

“It was really good. They did so awesome. I had chills.

I was so excited, I had little tears, too, I’m sure. But they were so good, they worked so hard and they were so excited at the end,” said Sherri Kane, coach.

The idea of step as a dance was new to a lot of dancers on the team, but the leaders have a “learn as you go” mindset. If you have never heard of step before, you will learn it in no time.

The poetry slam in their February performance was made because Sade’ Frierson, senior, was going to read it herself, so they decided to combine the two.

“90 percent of everyone on the team has no idea what step is or even have done anything close to a step and you see how we turned out perfectly. There’s nothing to be afraid of, we’re a family, we welcome

everybody,” said Webb.

Step team meets Tuesdays and Thursdays for an hour after school, but a few weeks before a performance they practice Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for two hours to make sure they’re ready. If you miss a practice, you don’t perform.

To start a group like this from the ground up can be very challenging, and it turns out this is not the first time in 10 years that someone thought about bringing step back to South. Anthony Mosby thought about it last year himself as well. He joined the group like many others, after their astounding first performance.

“I’ll admit last year I thought about starting it, but Mr. Singletary told me it would be like the hardest thing ever, and finding people and it may not last that long,” said Mosby.

For the founders this year, they faced the same challenges Mosby was told about the year before, but they pulled through it.

“It felt really original, like a family kind of coming together...we didn’t know how it would work out, we didn’t know if people wanted to do it, because you know they’re kind too scared or...they think it’s lame. So we just didn’t know what would happen,” said Webb.

Though new people joined after the first performance, some South students might still be a little hesitant dancing in front of the whole school and messing up, especially since expectations have gone up as they have gotten better.

“It’s part of the game, nobody is perfect,” said Kane. “You’re gonna mess up sometimes, music is gonna mess up, people are gonna mess up, it just happens, but if you go in there and you know you did your best, it doesn’t really matter.”

Step’s next performance will be March 31 at the multicultural assembly.

•

The next performance will be March

31

• They meet Tuesdays and Thursdays after school

news

6

THE ART OF

South’s perspective on exercising the First Amendment

The right to protest is secured by the Constitution.

The First Amendment guarantees the right to assembly, the right of free speech, but that doesn’t mean what’s been happening lately has escaped controversy. Riots and protests have been popping up around the country from the Berkeley Riots, where things took a violent turn, to the Not My President protests, which remained peaceful. But in some cases, like in front of Trump Tower, Trump supporters have appeared to square off with the opposition.

Controversy has sprouted from differing opinions about whether the protesters have valid reasons to exercise their rights. Some, like Tucker Horn, junior, believe this opposition has no real reason to be concerned.

“They’re just upset because Donald Trump is president and they can’t do anything about it ...except for cry about it and be mad,” said Horn.

Junior Jessica Carolan disagrees and said she believes that Trump has raised some red f lags in a lot of minority groups. Carolan does not blame anyone for wanting to stand up for those groups.

“I think that the whole purpose of a peaceful protest is get a point across as best as you can. In all the protests I’ve been a part of, I’ve definitely thought that there were validated reasons,” said Carolan.

Marcia Umscheid, science, took part in the Women’s March and did so because she believes that her own rights are being infringed upon, and disagrees with most of the decisions, like the repealing of the Endangered Species Act, being made by the Trump Administration.

“This is war on our own soil. We are protesting the invasion on our own civil liberties,” said Umscheid.

Umscheid believes the one good thing that has

by ELYSSA BEZNER

come out from the Trump Administration is that it is causing more people to get involved with politics.

Umscheid also believes that the protests are only a method of catharsis for the protesters, as actual policies are not being affected.

Horn agrees that nothing is getting accomplished with these protests.

“They are just making a mess and making us look bad. It’ll die down in like three months but right now it’s doing nothing,” said Horn.

Carolan disagrees, and believes that the protests are a good first step to actual change. Carolan says that as long as the protesters are remaining peaceful and positive, it can be a powerful thing.

“Staying silent just guarantees that nothing will be done and said about it. We are the only species that is blessed with language and I think we should be using it to talk to each other about our concerns,” said Carolan.

The difference between protesting and rioting is all too clear to School Resource Officer Matt Westrich.

He said that handling a riot is covered in his training, but he has yet to actually use it. Westrich stresses that maintaining order and following the law during a demonstration is key. The line between a riot and a protest is a fine line.

“Whether it’s for Trump, or against Trump, as long as it’s done the way that it’s supposed to be done and it doesn’t affect people’s lawful occupation, I really have no problem with it... They can voice their opinions in any way they wish,” said Westrich.

There is no denying your rights exist. Whether you exercise them or you don’t, they are there waiting for you.

7

news

Kind

State of Mind

Opinion is the medium between knowledge and ignorance. -Plato

As we age, we develop a variety of opinions that can be inf luenced by our family, friends, and of course, the media. Our personal philosophies are constantly changing, and it can be overwhelming to figure out exactly what we stand for. It’s perfectly normal to grow and change as time passes, but we have to give others the same patience. If one thing is for sure, we could all be a little more respectful towards our peers, even if they have opposing views.

In the past few months, you may have noticed a rise of arguments on social media or even among your friends and family.

Although many factors have played a role in this, it seems politics have sparked the majority of these disputes, and divided our society.

“In our grade alone, I think there’s a line that’s been drawn between the parties,” said Jordan Rancudo, junior.

Although different opinions are a healthy part of life, personal interpretation is what causes us to become obstinate.

“A lot of times, when people hear opposing opinions, they take that as a personal attack against themselves.” said Joey Ford, junior.

Another aspect that plays a huge role in this societal divide is prejudice. We don’t give people a chance to see who they truly are, because we analyze them based on their appearance, social media posts and what we hear from others.

“I’ve walked through the halls and I’ve heard people yell at me for some of the tweets I’ve put up, or pictures I’ve posted,” said Ava Kinsland, junior. “In the past I’ve hung out with people, and because of the things I’ve posted, they’ve later blocked me on social media. I’ve had some people that won’t even look at me in the eye anymore.”

How often do you meet someone in person who ends up being completely different than your original perception? We jump to conclusions, and sometimes categorize a whole group people based on one stereotype.

“One thing that I’ve noticed a lot on social media, is criticism to wards the Republican party as a whole,” Rancudo said.

You’ve probably heard someone say, “I’m entitled to my opinion” in order to make themselves feel more valid, but do we

really understand what that means?

The definition of entitled, is “believing oneself to be inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment.”

We might say this when we feel like someone else is trying to change our opinion, but it doesn’t really add any factual evidence to our argument. Ending a conversation this way doesn’t allow for an insightful debate, and it closes our minds off to the other person’s point of view.

“It’s not unheard of to surround yourself with people who have the same ideals, and I think I’m no exception to that. If someone were to come into my life that supported something that I didn’t, I’d have those healthy discussions with them. But I wouldn’t just tell them no, you can’t be in my life because of what you believe,” Ford says.

We must remember that just because someone has shared their opinion doesn’t mean that they want to start a debate, even if it’s on a public outlet like Twitter or Facebook.

“If you actually want to discuss something with someone, pick up a phone or sit down and talk with them, because a lot of the time things on social media can be misconstrued and people take things the wrong way,” Kinsland says.

Knowing what you stand for is important, and engaging in healthy debates every once in awhile can be great. Just don’t forget to ask yourself a few questions before hopping into someone else’s conversation. Are you trying to change someone’s mind, correct a mistake, or just looking for an opportunity to be right?

A little bit of kindness can go a long way, and you might see that we are not as divided as it appears. So don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in, just don’t put someone else down in the process.

“For too long, we have focused on our differences -

in our politics and backgrounds, in our race and beliefs - rather than cherishing the unity and pride that binds us together.” -Bob Riley, Politician

by CIENNA NEWETT

What does Empathy Mean to You?

“Empathy is being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, and see a situation from a different perspecive.” -Marti Heit “Seeing the world through the eyes of others.” -Owen Seymour, Junior “I think of it as being able able to relate with someone through similar experiences.” -Chloe Wickersham, Senior

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8

Trump

A recap of Trump’s first 50 days as President of the United States

Takeover

by MATTHEW DIELEMAN

About 50 days ago, the 45th President of the United States took office, Mr. Donald J. Trump. There have been many changes, some people would say they have been for the better, other people would say they are hurting the nation. One thing that everyone should be able to agree on is that it’s over, Donald Trump is the President of the United States.

With the popular vote being about even throughout the country, about half the country is satisfied and the other half is less than satisfied. While Trump won the Electoral College 304 to 227, Clinton won the popular vote with about 48 percent while Trump had 46 percent.

“I think it is important for people to come out and vote but in the end the Electoral College was put in place as a buffer so bigger states do not have too much power with the popular vote,” said Noah Anderson, senior.

There have been many protests before and during his presidency.

There have been five organized protest in Chicago, LA, New York and Washington D.C. and many other smaller protests throughout the country. The biggest protest was the Women’s March which had projected amounts of people from 2-4 million people throughout the United States.

There are three more organized protest that have yet to happen.

A Day Without Women, Tax Day March and March for Science are already planned for the next three months.

Throughout Trump’s campaign, he promised many things.

Everything from building a wall, to a temporary ban on Muslims, bringing manufacturing jobs back and imposing tax cuts. In Trump’s first two weeks of his presidency he signed eight executive orders to carry out what he promised in his campaign. Two of the most

John F. Kelly

Sec. of Homeland Security

Rex Tillerson Secretary of State

Jeff Sessions Attorney General

important bills signed were the Border Security and Immigration and Enforcement Improvements and Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States.

Many people were upset about these executive orders and spoke their minds by protesting, making petitions and posting their thoughts all over social media.

“If the rest of Trump’s presidency is anything like the first couple weeks, it will go down as the worst presidency in the modern day era,” said Sarah Komar, senior.

One of Trump’s major plans for the up and coming weeks is to start the process on building a wall on the border and also to have massive tax cuts to substantially lower rates for individuals and businesses.

The other major thing that Trump has done is make all of his new cabinet selections. In total Trump has made 20 new selections for his cabinet.

“In all I think Trump has done exactly what he said and cleared out the swamp and made some great selections for his cabinet. I really think Rex Tillerson and James Mattis are great additions for our country,” said Christian Holferty, junior.

All in all, no matter what party you support Americans are all from the same country. Regardless of who is the President or what is going on in the world, America will always be America.

Betsy DeVos

Secretary of Education

Ben Carson

JAMES MATTIS

SecRETARY of Secretary H.U.D.

of Defense

9

FLipside: spring break edition After so much school, there isn’t really a bad thing to say about going on vacation. Spring break comes at one of those times during the year when all you need is a break from life.

Although it hasn’t even been three months since the slowly coming but quickly ending winter break came to a close, school is in full swing and a hiatus is long overdue. Whether you’re enjoying a lemonade while laying out in Cancun or visiting the Dixie Stampede in Branson, chances are you’re having a great time away from South.

There are some things about going out of town that can be worrisome, but I promise you the worries aren’t a big deal.

If you are someone that suffers from FOMO (fear of missing out), then going out of town is the best way to get over that. I promise nothing that your friends do here in town is going to make a big impact on your life from missing. Your friends are probably wishing they were you anyway, since you aren’t stuck in Missouri. I always go to an island which is nice to get out of chilly Missouri, but lots of people also end up going doing things such as skiing in Colorado.

Now, for some of you, spending a week or so with your family sounds absolutely miserable, but at some point in your life, you are going to look back and wish you could be with them again.

Spring Break is the best time to spend with family; even if you do see them every day, it isn’t something to take for granted. A lot of people even invite friends to go with them on vacation for the week which would be an awesome time and would make it feel a little less like you are missing out. I know some people also end up going on road trips to the lake with friends which is a fun way to get out of Kansas City with friends.

Vacation is also a way for you to leave behind everything here.

Life gets stressful and everyone deserves a break: not just from school, but from work and other stressors in your life. Some say Spring Break is a great way to get life organized again, but honestly having a break from it all is the best way to just reevaluate everything in your life so when you get back you can keep your priorities in check.

On March 27, as you dread going back to school, the memories of spring break will creep into the back of your mind.

The thought of sunny beaches and scenic mountains will give you something to daydream about in class as you anxiously wait for summer.

by HALLIE VANDEVEN

OPINION

Home

by NATALIE MASTERS

When it comes to spring break, many students think of the beach. It’s very common for students and their families to go on spring break trips to a warm destination. I don’t see a problem with staying home for spring break though.

First off, the burning sun won’t make you sweat so much here in Kansas City. The weather is usually perfect here during spring break-not too hot, not too cold, but right there in the middle.

At one point or another, we have all suffered from something many students know as FOMO (fear of missing out). There’s a lot of functions and days out on the town you will probably see pictures of during Spring Break while you’re away from home. You’ll miss out on the making of these memories because you’re stuck with family hundreds, or maybe thousands of miles away.

Seeing pictures of things you are not there for sure does give a feeling of hopelessness. Not to mention you will probably hear stories about all the activities you missed out on while you were gone for the next year. I do love my family a lot, but I’d be lying if I said I don’t get tired of them on trips out of town, at least towards the end. I always miss my friends when I’m gone for too long, especially during a break from school.

When I am out of town, I always feel like I am getting behind on a few things that are not school related. Spring Break is the perfect time to clean your room or house thoroughly, hence the term “spring cleaning.” Sure, cleaning isn’t fun, but it makes me feel refreshed after. Spring Break is also a good time to get a good amount of work in and earn some money.

Instead of my work being annoyed with me for leaving for a while, I would be glad to stay on their good side.

Not to mention spring break is the perfect time to be a tourist in your own city. It’s great weather to explore places you’ve never been in Kansas City, like maybe check out the Nelson Atkins sculpture garden. If you’re more of a stay in type of person, Spring Break gives quality time to binge watch shows on Netf lix.

There’s no doubt that the beach is a beautiful place, but there is still a lot of perks of staying right here in Kansas City.

After all, there’s no place like home.

Beach

OPINION

10

Later See ya later alLigator Alligator

by DUKE MADDOX

From Aligators to Underwear, Popular spring break towns can be a bit weird.

Spring Break is a fun time for many students to have a well deserved found, but there are some reports that she was fed to a pond with alligators. break. We all know that there are some mischievous activities happening Florida is known for having the weirdest crimes. It has become a joke that don’t always agree with the law. to look up “Florida man” in Google to see what Some of these activities can be weird, kind of news stories that come up. Florida’s cities creepy, and funny. If you are going are very popular among high schoolers. To show to do anything crazy this Spring what kind of weird things happen, we will look at Break, make sure you don’t end up a recent story. like these people.

Recently in Jupiter, Fla., surveillance footage Disappearances are things we all showed a Florida man throwing an alligator know of. We see amber alerts all the through a drive through window at Wendy’s, time. They generally have a creepy according to Fox News. The man came up to tone, and most people ignore them. the window, and threw the alligator through the It should not seem as a surprise window, startling the workers. These extreme Columbia: 156 arrests due to public intoxication pranks seem to happen a lot in Florida that there are many disappearances during Spring Break. Many people

Palm Beach Post is located in a very Orange Beach: use California as their destination, and famous spring break town. On February 21 it 778 arrests Panama: 507 this makes it the prime place for most was reported by Fox News that a man wearing drug related arrests Sout Padre Island: disappearances. children’s underwear and riding a bike, was 166 public reports of intoxication, 147 Brittanee Drexel lied to her mother arrested. The 51-year-old man wearing girls arrested to get to Myrtle Beach in 2009. Once underwear, rode his bike behind a 14-year-old there, she met a club promoter. She spent the rest of the night with him. On teenager. The man then slapped the teens behind. He was later arrested the way home, around 9 p.m., she was texting her boyfriend. These texts all and held in the county jail. suddenly stopped.

These crimes in occur every week, and will probably be amplified According to Fox News, she was taken to a “stash house” and assaulted. around Spring Break. So if you are planning to go to a major destination, When this case drew too much attention, Taquan Brown, one of the men make good decisions and keep an eye out for anything a bit weird. who help kidnap her off the street, shot and killed her. Her body was never Santa Barbara: six police officers injured and more than 100 arrested after a party turned violent

Madelynn Anderson:

Where to?: Spain, and Germany How long: 17 and half a days What will she be doing there?: Hiking, photograph, tour and explore the culture Why did she choose this location?: Her friend’s father is in the military and he chose this location because he knows that it’s safest for them What to get out of this trip?: To gain independence

Noah Anderson: As this year is coming towards an end seniors are taking their last trip to have memories that will last a life time.

One Last Get Away

Where to?: Breezes Resort, Bahamas How long: 6 days What will he be doing there?: Relaxing, spending time with his friends What to get out of this trip?: To have lasting memories and stories, last time trip with his closest friends

Lauren Bryant:

by CRISTINE GURROLA

Andrea Elley:

Where to: Playa Del Carmen, Mexico How Long: Staying for 5 days What will she be doing there?: Party, relaxing on the beach and touring Why did shechoose this location?: Parents were picking the easiest and cheapest What to get out of this trip?: Elley will be heading off to college three days later, so from going on this trip she is going to spend the last time with her friends, a “cool way to say bye”

Where to: Tybee Island, Georgia How long:5 days What Bryant will be doing there?: relaxing after a long year, having some fun, Why did Bryant choose this location?: “It’s like Florida but cheaper” What will Bryant get out of this trip?: spend a lot of time together, relaxing, all of her friends getting together.

11

Three study hot spots to freshen your focus

by MICHAELA SANTANA Often, it’s common that students start to slack off being so close to spring break and the end of the school year.

Coming close to being done is all very exciting, but it’s time to get into the right mindset to push through the year.

The best way to start focusing on your classes and grades is to set up some sort of studying system that suits you. Instead of your typical home or school studying, switch up your environment.

A great place to get your study on could be at your local coffee shop. One of my favorites is Parkville Coffee House; it’s close and on my way home from school. I usually go there by myself because I seem to study better that way; no distractions.

Before I set up, I like to get a coffee. Then I set my stuff up at the bar by the windows. Sometimes when I lose my train of thought, I like to look outside that window to gain some incite. It’s always nice to go into your studying with a clear mind. Often, if you have something else more serious on your mind, it’s hard to get into the groove of studying.

“I go and study at PVCH because when I go there my main purpose is to study so I feel like I get a lot more work done rather than being at home,” said Brendan Briody, senior.

Coffee shops may not be for everyone. Another great place to study is the Mid Continent Public Library.

I especially like to go to the library because people are quiet and also doing their studying. It’s a much more quiet environment than the coffeehouse.

I think that the library is perfect for weekly study sessions for the ACT. Gather a few friends and check out an ACT prep book from there. Go over a specific section once a week. This will improve your studying technique and your ACT score.

If you want to study somewhere like Parkville Coffee House and the Mid Continent Library, the perfect combination of both would be at Barnes & Noble in Zona Rosa. They have Starbucks Coffee on the main level and a library-like environment on the second f loor.

I definitely recommend PVCH, the library, or Barnes and Noble for a successful study session to help better yourself and finish off this year on a good note.

Barnes & Noble

nt ntine y o C Mid c Librar i Publ

Parkv ille Coffee House

OPINION

OPINION

12

Check out pictures from the reviews!

13

OPINION

F

ood on wheels has been popular in big cities for decades. It’s a great way to get food to areas that lack options. The mobility of these trucks leaves vendors with endless opportunities. Over the years, our very own Kansas City has acquired a good-sized selection of them.

Areas such as Crossroads, Westport and Hospital Hill host food trucks very regularly. Crossroads (18th & Grand) host First Fridays each month, where you can find an army of food trucks. Westport has their annual Food Truck Festival.

The most frequent spot in KC is Hospital Hill (24th & Holmes). The street is lined with trucks, giving the Hospital workers and UMKC med school students their most difficult decision of the day. I decided to try three of the more popular options at Hospital Hill and make a decision for myself.

The

Casual Foodie had the longest line by far. This was probably due to the

urban vibe they gave off. The alternative music and sleek curb appeal was very inviting. Their

stereo not only drew customers, but also made waiting in line more bearable.

When I finally got close enough to read the menu, I was surprised. It was colorful and aesthetically pleasing. The selection was varied, and had something to satisfy most cravings-at a reasonable cost. Sections included tacos, sliders, nachos, wings, snacks and combos-something for everyone. The truck itself looked clean, which can’t be said about all the food trucks. On top of that, they accept credit cards.

The man who took my order was friendly and did a good job of managing everything. I waited for around three minutes before they called my order. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but when I saw got my food I was very pleased to say the least. The carribean jerk chicken tacos seemed too good to be true. Topped with cotija cheese, pineapple pico de gallo, cilantrocabbage slaw and a housemade hot sauce, I found it hard to believe the taco was made on a food truck.

Ultimately, the casual foodie serves up a fresh, tasteful lunch that’s great for someone who has a bit of time to wait in line.

Gyro Express

had one of the shortest lines on the block. Their run-down truck and hard-to-read menu were somewhat repelling. The menu was a lengthy list of dishes that most people unfamiliar with Greek food would not recognize.

The saving grace for this food-truck would have to be the price. Nearly all of the items were under $5, meaning you could try it all. When it came time to order, I chose to pay in cash because of their $2 fee on credit cards. I waited for around five minutes, which was strange because I was the only person who had ordered, yet I was reassured because I knew the food would be freshly cooked. My name was called, and I picked up my order in a restaurant-style to-go bag.

Once the food was unbagged, I will admit that I was surprised. I started in on the Greek salad. I found it to be basic, but still tasty. The simplicity can be appreciated in something like a salad. I tried the falafel next, which I found to be a unique combination of fried and crisp. The deep fried chickpea was spiced perfectly, and served with a spicy, yet balanced dipping sauce.

The order also came with pita bread, which was perfect for dipping in hummus and topping with chili oil.

I saved the baklava for dessert, but was a little disappointed. The recipe was authentic, but you could tell the pastry was made much earlier that day, and had been microwaved upon order. I can say that compared to the aesthetic, the food at Gyro Express is very good. Overall a satisfying, light snack.

Running Wild Barbeque

is an energetic food truck with a large smoker attached to the back. The large red cart was towed by a nice pickup truck, and was accompanied by a loud generator.

The line wasn’t too long, but the service was slow; waiting was unbearable due to the obnoxious sound and smell. The menu was colorful, but had a small selection. The main variations were smoked beef, chicken and pork.

Once I got my food, I can’t say I was any more satisfied. The smoked chicken looked appealing, but the texture was quite dry and the f lavor was also lacking. The fries were fine, but nothing special. The slaw was the only dish I really enjoyed from Running Wild. The cabbage tasted fresh and was ultimately enjoyable.

Overall, the most attractive exterior had the least appealing food.

by ZACH NAY

SPORTS

14

New Additions:

Latif Blessing Position: Forward Age:19 Nationality: Ghana Former Club: Liberty Professionals

Soony Saad Position: Forward Age: 24 Nationality: Lebanan Former Club: Pattaya United

Lawrence Olum Position: Defender Age: 32 Nationality: Kenya New Club: Portland Timber

Chance Myers Position: Defender Age: 29 Nationality: United States New Club : Portland Timber

SKC Start Up

by TRIPP PARSONS

On March 11, Children’s Mercy Park was filled to full capacity, as Sporting Kansas City spectators had the opportunity to watch the first home game of an action packed season.

The first game of the season actually took place on March 4 against D.C. United at Audi Stadium. Many were excited to see the new starting roster for Sporting, as many additions and changes have been made.

One of Sporting’s biggest pickups is Latif Blessing, a 20-year-old who won the MVP of Ghana’s Premier League with 17 goals on the season. Although the young player might take some time playing in a new environment, as he hasn’t left his home country much, and this will be the first time playing in the United States. Hopefully he can find his groove on the new team and the town quick.

“We’re just going to have to be patient.” said Peter Vermes (SKC Manager).

There have also been position changes, as Sporting’s star forward Graham Zusi has been placed in the defensive line at right back.

“As of now, I think this is probably my best opportunity to be in with that team,” Zusi said to MLS reporters. “I think that’s the way Bruce is looking at it, and I’ve kind of accepted that, and shifted my mentality. And I’m ready to take that on.”

Bruce Arena (USMNT Manager) decided to put Zusi at right back for the

players traded:

Sporting soccer is back and better than ever.

national team after watching him play the position with Sporting.

“It was something that we did last year, and we’re probably going to continue to do for however long it continues to serve our purpose, he can just play.” said Vermes to reporters.

Vermes also went on saying that Zusi is a talented player, and can pretty much play anywhere on the field.

Fans are excited to see the re-signing of forward Soony Saad. The 24-year-old started his professional career with Sporting in 2011, he stayed till 2013 until he left to join Police Tero, a Thai League team.

“I certainly have unfinished business to take care of here,” Saad said to the press. “I will bring my experiences as a team leader in Thailand, as well as a new maturation level on and off the field.”

Defender Erik Palmer-Brown has also made a comeback from his loan to F.C. Porto B, and has signed a 2 year contract with SKC. The homegrown player will most definitely be a player to watch, as he is the youngest player for the club at 19 years old.

“I’m really looking forward to the resigning of Saad, it should be a great season to watch as a Sporting Fan. The new jerseys look fresh too.” said Joe Legula, junior.

But with gain comes loss, as Sporting KC had to say farewell to defenders Chance Myers and Lawrence Olum--both players went to the Portland Timber. This may cause a problem for Sporting as they don’t have a ton of depth anymore for their defensive positions with only three centerbacks listed as defenders on their roster.

Sporting is looking to make a comeback from their first round loss in the playoffs last year. But so far in the pre-season’s Desert Diamond Cup they’re form seems subpar, with a record of 1-1-1.

15

SPORTS

SOuth’s Athletes of the month

Connor Lee, Senior

by JACK BEUERLEIN

Connor Lee, senior, played out of his mind in the final games of the season for the varsity basketball team. Against St. Joe Central, Lee had 19 points and 10 rebounds, and on Senior Night against a powerful Raytown Bluejay team, he had 10 points and eight rebounds.

Lee’s teammates have a ton of confidence in him and this gives him confidence.

“My teammates tell me to shoot the ball and they are confident in my jumpshot and my ability to get to the rim,” he said.

Lee has been putting in a lot extra work and this is definitely paying off for him as colleges around the area have been showing interest.

“I have been staying after practice and getting shots up. In practice I feel like I have been being more aggressive and trying to score the ball more,” he said.

Lee started the 16-17 basketball season by paying homage to his favorite rapper Ice Cube on his sneakers, writing Cube on the back of his left shoe. The Rage Cage saw that Lee had ‘ice’ in his veins as the season came to a conclusion.

Alecia Westbrook, Sophomore

In last month’s basketball games, sophomore Alecia Westbrook has had nothing but success. Against St. Joe Central, Westbrook had a whopping 28 points and 13 rebounds, good for a double-double.

Although Westbrook performed well individually, she praised her teammates for their efforts to make her a better player.

“My teammates throw me great passes, and they are always there to pick me up when I feel down,” she said.

The girls were on a late-season push as they finished third in conference with key wins over St. Joe Central and Liberty who have notoriously been strong contenders.

Westbrook is on a lot of college’s radars as a player for the class of 2019.

These Schools include Wichita State , Iowa State, and Chicago University. as she advances deeper into her high school career, but her main focus is finishing the season on a high note.

“I am hopeful that we will be district champs,” said Westbrook, “And that we can continue to work as a team day in and day out.”

The Lady Panthers lost a hard fought District Title game, 38-42.

Photos provided by M4 Sports Photography

SPORTS

16

New Dorms

NEW “it’s going to make me into a

premiere athlete

and a stand-up Human being.”

As South gets ready to lose one of the most successful classes in South sports history, the senior class is looking forward to their new homes

by MADDIE HILL

DIVISION

With signing season in full swing, some of South’s biggest stars are moving on to bigger and better things sooner rather than later.

On Feb. 1, 13 student athletes signed to their respected colleges to continue their athletic and academic careers.

After a wildly successful football season, universities looked for their next exemplary athletes right on the doorstep of South. Six seniors lead the way to a 10-2 season even with star Dillon Thomas, senior, on the bench.

Thomas was raking in the college offers when he found the right fit for him.

Thomas committed to Northern Illinois University, a Division I school out of Dekalb, Illinois. Even with a season ending ACL tear, NIU stayed with Thomas and left their offer of a full ride on the table.

“After I hurt my leg they stuck by me, and understood the process of getting back to my level, and I appreciate their loyalty,” said Thomas.

Thomas had a total of 314 receiving yards and averaged 78.3 yards a game before he got injured.

But Thomas wasn’t the only Division I signee, as senior Jake Springer signed to the United States Naval Academy.

“I felt like it hit everything on my checklist academically and athletically. I feel like it is going to make me a premiere athlete and a stand-up human being,” said Springer.

Springer averaged 51.9 receiving yards a game and had 19 total touchdowns his senior season. Springer finished his senior season with All-State first team, All-District

first team,and Kansas City Star All-Metro team selection.

Seniors, Everett Horton (Missouri Western), Payton Ireland (Benedictine), Zach Suchanick (Quincy, IL) and Trace Weatherford (Truman State), also signed to continue their football careers.

For football, the senior class lead the way to a terrific season, while for boys soccer, every senior player was looking for that state ring to finish off their high school career.

The boys varsity team consisted of 19 seniors that together worked for a 19-4-2 season. Unfortunately, it ended the same as their junior season with a 0-1 loss in the final minutes of the quarterfinal game against Rockhurst.

Seniors Turner Hall and Tyler Pisoni paired up and looked past the name that brought their season to an end and signed to Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo. Pisoni had a total of 13 goals with five assists; Hall had a total of six goals and five assists.

Seniors Ryan Dibernardo and Daniel Gunderson also paired up and signed to Missouri University of Science and Technology, in Rolla, Mo. Dibernardo lead the team with 16 goals and eight assists; Gunderson had a total of five goals and five assists. Dibernardo also made Second Team All-State.

“It was between Missouri S&T and a school in Colorado, so I decided that since Missouri S&T was closer and that I would have games in Kansas City that my family could come and watch that Missouri S&T was my best option,” said Dibernardo.

The final soccer player that signed was Josh Wood who signed to Asuza Pacific, a Division ll school in Asuza, California.

Wood had no goals or assists but held a steady role in the defensive line and was on the All-District team for Kansas City.

Andrew Aswegan signed to Shasta College in Redding, California for baseball. He will be leading his team to what they hope is a long post season run.

The final senior is Brendan Briody, who signed to Park University in Parkville, Mo. and will be running cross country.

“I opened the pages and the people from last year were still on the blank papers, so I started laughing, I don’t know if that was what I should have done or if it was what I was supposed to do but I found it hilarious,” said Briody.

The senior class has impacted South sports for the last four years and are passing the torch to the underclassmen to

17

SPORTS

March Madness Dream Team Point Guard: Frank Mason III (The Leader)

A key component for almost every team that has a deep run in the tourney is someone who has been there before. Mason was a role player as a freshman for Kansas and over the years has become one of the best players in the nation.

Shooting Guard: Malik Monk (The Scorer)

Monk is one of the highest scoring players in the country and rarely has bad games, which is essential for any team to make a run.

PPG: 16.4 APG: 2.0 RPG: 7.1

PPG: 16.9 APG: 2.3 RPG: 9.7

Small Forward: Josh Jackson (The Athlete)

An elite athlete who can do it all. If you need an electric dunk to light up the crowd or a big block that can change the momentum of the game, Jackson is your guy.

Power Forward: Jayson Tatum (Mr. Reliable)

Another player who is an elite athelete and can do it all, but is much more reliable behind the arc and at the free throw line than Jackson.

Center: Johnathan Motley (The Rebounder)

A true center that owns the paint and will make you think twice about shooting. Also grabs all rebounds in sight.

AA WHO? AAU!

PPG: 16.5 APG: 3.0 RPG: 6.9 PPG: 21.1 APG: 2.3 RPG: 2.5

PPG: 20.3 APG: 5.0 RPG: 4.2

by BRAEDEN DENNEY & MJ WALKER

by MAX GHASEMI

With South’s basketball season over, you might think that the players are getting ready to enjoy a welldeserved offseason. However, for most, a different season is just beginning.

While the term AAU is foreign to many people, it is basically club basketball for kids ranging from 13-17 that allows them to compete with the best teams from around the country. On the surface it may sound innocent to most spectators, but some NBA stars believe that it could be ruining the game of basketball as we know it.

“AAU is great in the sense that it provides kids with an opportunity to travel the country and get recognized which helps out with kids from the midwest who normally wouldn’t get that opportunity,” said Kieth “Boo” Richardson, special education.

Richardson helps out South as an assistant boys basketball coach, but also is an AAU coach, letting him see both sides of the spectrum.

“Some kids don’t want to be disciplined and taught how to play the right way, and then when they get to the AAU their coach lets them do whatever,” said Richardson.

Coaches are only one side of the equation though.

What do the players think about it?

“AAU brings competitiveness, and you have

coaches like Coach Self and Coach Calipari at your games watching you play, and it is just amazing,” said Saadique Perkins, junior.

NBA players have not been shy to express their disdain towards the AAU as legends such as Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett can be quoted saying AAU has killed the NBA. They claim AAU teaches players only how to score and play for themselves rather than contributing to the team as a whole.

“They don’t teach fundamentals, especially defensively. It’s all about scoring,” said Paul Distefano, math.

A big part of youth basketball is the coaching. A lot of the time, an AAU coach’s relationship with their players goes deeper than basketball.

“I think the AAU is good, but they just need to clean some things up as far as the certification on who can coach, who can take these kids on the road, what shoe companies give different coaches and different organizations apparel, money and just different things of that nature,” said Richardson.

Before AAU, unless you were a true freak of nature, getting recruited was not easy. With AAU, thousands of kids are getting the opportunity to be seen by colleges, and has made the possibility of playing in the NBA not such a crazy idea.

“AAU has killed the NBA”

FEATURES

Feeling Stressed?

18

by MIMI RODGERS

“I buy coloring books that have mosiac patterns that are meant to help deal with stress,” said Caitlyn Trager.

“Auditory is absolutely the most important.

Music is a lifesaver,” said Alec Higgins.

“I have a mushroom necklace that is meant to be chewed on; it prevents me from chewing on my nails or picking at my lip,” said Sean Quattlebaum.

• Reading a book • Drawing/Painting • Allowing yourself to day dream

•

•

•

Music- Check out The View’s Spotify playlist on How to Destress Watch ASMR videos (autonomus sensory meridian respone) Sit outside and listening to nature

• Smelling a candle • Baking • Fresh brewed coffee/tea • The outdoors • Aroma oils

• Chewelry (jewelry that is made to be chewed on) • Sing • Laugh • Eating your favorite food • Chewing gum

• • • •

“I went to a White Barn candle workshop and I got to make my own candles and I think certain smells make you feel relaxed,” said Adriana Rivera.

• Slime • Putty • Stressball Petting an animal Getting a massage Playing a musical instrument Fidget Cube

“Petting my cat really helps me detress,” said Mitchell Pyles.

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FEATURES

Eischens, junior.

Trezdon Davis, sophomore, found a creative way to ease stress.

“I was really stressed out one day and I was on Instagram and saw some slime videos and thought I would give it a try,” Davis said.

Now he makes slime frequently and gives it to his peers.

“Turns out that it really does help with stress, and I wanted to help others too,”

By REILLY SCOTT Davis said.

“I’m fine,” says every out people are less likely to partake in Another way to relieve stress is simply teenage student while activities that can prevent depression. One to spend time with your pet. Petting or struggling under the crippling doesn’t necessarily cause the other, but they playing with an animal increases levels of stress of high school today. are certainly intertwined. oxytocin in the brain and decreases cortisol.

Stress has turned into more When under stress, our bodies shut Additionally, pets decrease blood pressure. than just a strain or tension off the least important body systems Eating is also a way to decrease stress. for the majority of the nation’s for survival. Unfortunately, the immune Chowing down on a family teenagers; it is now an system is one of the first to go. sized bag of Lay’s or whatever “Whenever I’m epidemic sweeping across That means becoming more your preferred snack is may really stressed out, I not be the healthiest way of America’s youth. vulnerable to sickness. High theoretically In a recent study by the stress suppresses lymphocytes coping with stress, but it is ‘zoom out’.”

American Psychological (white blood cells) which means effective. Eating foods high Association, teenagers said the healing process is slower. in carbohydrates and sugar their stress level was a 5.8 out Don’t let all this information stress you temporarily increase amounts of serotonin, of 10. Compare that to the adult out even more; there is some good news one of the “feel good hormones”, while stress level at 5.1, and to the stress exists solely in the eye of the beholder. decreasing amounts of cortisol.

3.9 value that is believed to be If you can eliminate the perception of a Exercise is a proven stress reliever as a healthy amount of stress. stressor, you can eliminate the stressor. well. When you exercise, endorphins are Every year, Natural Helpers “Whenever I’m really stressed out, I released which relieve pain and help with gives a survey to the freshmen theoretically ‘zoom out.’ think about this mood regulation. class to see what the most small problem in comparison to maybe So next time you start feeling prevalent problems in the another problem I’m dealing with, or other overwhelmed, you will know exactly what school are. Every year, stress problems people are dealing with all around is happening in your body and how to is reported as the biggest the world. It helps me cope,” said Kate combat it. problem.

“It’s really hard being Cortisol plays a crucial role in determining our body’s sleep schedules a teenager because I get 30 stressed out about things really easily, like the pressure from my parents to do well on the The highest amounts of cortisol are ACT, homework, all the sports released in the morning to help you wake up I’m in, everything about junior year in general is stressful.

Even this interview is stressful!”

Emma Roth, junior said.

Cortisol is the stress 10 hormone, and it is released in our body in response to any perceived stressor.

Cortisol’s ability to modify our sleep schedules is one of the Midconnections between stress Morning Evening Night Afternoon and depression.

Morning One of the primary If you experience a stressor late in the day, it will distrub the normal cortisol schedule making it difficult symptoms of depresson is to sleep that night. stress. Additionally, stressed Salivary Cortisol

More than the just the Stress Hormone

FEATURES

20

by ADAM FRAZIER

Many people believe the more water they drink the better, but is that true?

In today’s world, thirst is considered a bad thing. The modern definition of thirst is the desire for another person. Actual thirst is a good thing; this involuntary body action lets you know when you actually need water. However, how much water do we actually need?

The common misconception is that you should drink eight, eight ounce glasses of water a day to stay hydrated; however, this is misleading. Our bodies tell us when we need water, with a gauge called thirst. Similar to how you don’t have to tell yourself to breath, you don’t have to assume that you need water if you aren’t thirsty.

Gabi Gibbone, senior, avoids drinking water completely.

“I do not like water,” said Gibbone. “It’s necessary to keep you hydrated, but I think water has no f lavor.”

Under consumption of water leads to fatigue, digestive issues, and dehydration. Of course, you can stay hydrated other ways besides drinking water, but drinking water is the easiest way.

Over consumption of water can actually provide benefits in some cases. According to authoritynutrition.com, increased water intake will reduce your chances of kidney stones, help with constipation and reduce your chances of getting some types of cancer.

Josh Wood, senior, believes that the more water you drink, the better.

“I started trying to drink a gallon every day for my New Year’s resolution,” said Wood. “Water helps you release toxins from your body because you go to the bathroom more.”

There are some negatives to drinking too much water. According to Scientific American, you can actually die from drinking too much water. The American Chemistry Society determined that it takes six liters of water to kill a 165 pound person. Too much water in your

system leads to a lack of salt in your blood. This phenomenon is called water intoxication and it killed 14 people in 2015.

The only real issue with drinking a lot of water is the container that water comes in most of the time, plastic bottles. If someone drank a gallon of water every day from individual water bottles it would take eight plastic water bottles for them to reach their goal. You probably wouldn’t buy a new water bottle each time, but these bottles add up, regardless.

South sells an average of 200 water bottles daily, according to Park Hill South Food Service Department. This is over 36,000 every school year; statistically, 80 percent of these will end up in landfills.

However, the water bottle fillers installed by South have helped reduce the amount of plastic water bottles used by students. This new technology has helped save over 60568 water bottles, according to the counters on the fillers.

“I really like the school’s water bottle fillers,” said Arturo Gomez, junior. “It’s really satisfying seeing the number of water bottles saved every time you use.”

While your friends may tell you to not pay attention to your “thirst” for other people, It is important to listen to your thirst so you don’t over or under drink water. If you don’t drink water for over a week, you will die and if you drink six liters of water in a short amount of time you will die.

Make sure you get enough water every day, to determine how much this is for you head to camelbak.com and use their hydration calculator. Finally, attempt to reduce the amount of plastic water bottles you use because they are hard on the environment.

HYDRATION STATION The average American household uses over 100,000 gallons a year

The average human can only live for one week without water

Water makes up approximately 70% of a person’s body weight

Water makes up approximately 80% of a person’s brain tissue

Lame

fame

T

21

FEATURES

by BRET VANICE It seems that everybody is always looking down at their phones. What are they always looking at?

“What’re you laughing at?” asks your parent as you’re staring down at your phone screen.

Twitter, Snapchat and YouTube are turning into main sources of entertainment for you. What is there to be entertained by on these multi-million membered platforms?

There are funny, sad, informing, puzzling and even heartwarming videos.

“I see viral videos like all the time,” said Gavin Redman, junior.

Whether they are funny, violent, or both, some of these videos can get millions upon millions of views.

The “Cash Me Outside” girl’s video has over 30 million views on YouTube.

In some cases, they can turn nobodies into the number one trending thing on Twitter. Viral videos are essentially making some of these people famous.

D’Andre Cook, senior, has a viral video, himself. The video was a fight between Cook and another individual that blew up on the internet.

“My video went viral in March of 2014,” said Cook. “I got follows, and everywhere I went people would [recognize] me.”

There are popular accounts on Twitter that only post viral videos like these. One of the most followed is @WorldStarFunny.

Cook’s video appeared on worldstarhiphop.com after first being posted by someone who witnessed the altercation.

“I didn’t think it was going to go viral. If I knew, I probably

wouldn’t have done what I did,” said Cook.

When a video or picture blows up online, it seems like it also blows up around school.

“They can impact the school a lot because everybody talks about them and laughs at them together,” said Redman.

Many viral videos are just funny moments captured by normal people, but others can be big sports plays, or even moments in politics.

“I wouldn’t know half the stuff that goes on in the world without social media,” said Redman.

This is also advantageous to people who don’t have the time to watch a whole sports game, or don’t feel like watching an entire political debate.

“Sometimes I don’t have enough time to watch a whole game, so I just watch the highlights on YouTube the next day,” said Alec Ommen, senior. “There are a ton of accounts that post highlights from all the different games.”

However, it is possible that things on the internet are not as accurate as other news sources.

“There are the same dangerous of getting information from Twitter as getting information from anywhere; without verification, it could be false,” said Kirk Henry, social studies.

Regardless of the correctness or accuracy of some, other videos can lift people’s spirits and brighten their days. Ultimately their purpose is to make people happy or entertained, and based on the millions of views they receive, they are very successful in doing so.

“I wouldn’t know half the that goes on in the without social media.”

Most viewed YouTube videos Gangnam Style Blank Space 1.39 billion views 1.33 billion views See You Again ft. Uptown Funk ft.

Charlie Puth Bruno Mars 1.28 billion views 1.27 billion views

FEATURES

22

It’s a Bird, It’s a PLane,

by ELLIE KNECHTEL

It’s a feminist

Imagine you’re standing alongside Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Stanton working tirelessly in the fight for the right to vote. You work together to publish your own newspaper, “The Revolution”, for the suffrage movement. Your cheeks f lush as you stand in front of the board of the University of Rochester and convincing them to allow women to enroll in their school.

Flash forward to today; A group of women get together to protest wage gaps, the right to health care and gender equality.

They hold their signs high above their heads in hopes of getting public recognition.

For hundreds of years, women didn’t have equal job opportunity. Women could not participate in politics or have a voice in elections because they had no legal right to vote until 1920. The movement to make women equal to men in jobs, payment, politics, and social life is known as feminism.

Feminism is defined differently by almost everyone you ask to explain it.

“The idea that an individual has every right, opportunity, privilege, obligation, as any other individual regardless of gender,” said Lora Ackerman, counselor.

Merriam-Webster defines feminism as the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes. But not everyone agrees that the ultimate goal of feminism is equality.

Faith Nagel, sophomore, offers clarification to the definition.

“There’s the people who think it’s ‘oh women should be better than men’ but that’s not what it [feminism] is, it’s that women should have the same rights as men,” said Nagel.

Many actions of feminism are being conducted daily. Planned Parenthood offers basic health care to thousands of women and teens. Since the election of President Trump, protests have occurred to protect the care that Planned Parenthood provides.

The Women’s March on Washington is an example of where protests have taken place.

However, some believe feminism isn’t necessary for all women to actively stand for. Christian Holferty, junior, believes in gender equality, but believes that new age feminism in the United States isn’t necessary.

“Third wave feminism, if I had to define it in one word: a joke,”

said Holferty.

The third wave of feminism emerged in the mid-1990s. It was led by so-called Generation Xers who, born in the 1960s and ’70s in the developed world, came of age in a media-saturated and culturally and economically diverse milieu, according to britannica.com.

Holferty believes that women in other countries have more reason to actively partake in feminism.

“We have women in the Middle East who are being stoned because they are being raped. We have women who are experiencing genital mutilation and those are things that are needing to be protested,” Holferty explained.

It’s true that women of the United States have been awarded many freedoms over the years. Women can vote, run for and hold public office, protest injustices and so much more. With protests, movements, strikes and riots, it’s clear to many that feminism has made a large impact on our society.

“I think that [feminism has] raised awareness about issues that need to be addressed... I want my daughter to have the same rights and opportunities that my son has,” said Mike Nelson, social studies.

While this isn’t the late 1800s and America isn’t the Middle East, the United States is not a perfect country and the battle for equality continues. Women can still experience unequal pay to men, even if they have the same skill set. They also suffer from accessibility to basic hygiene products, such as pads and tampons, because these products are taxed as “luxury items”.

Society also continues to pile on expectations for young girls and adults, such as body standards, how much a woman eats and their roles in the household as the head chef and cleaning lady.

Society can often confuse the overall mission of feminism. G.D. Anderson once said, “Feminism isn’t about making women strong.

Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.”

Sometimes people think it’s a bird, sometimes people think it’s a plane, but it’s neither of those things. It’s simply equality.

“I want my daughter to have the same rights and opportunities as my son has.”

1900: Women receive more property and ownership rights

TIMELINE OF FEMINISM

1939-1945: Rosie the Riveter “We Can Do It”

1920: 19th Amendmentwomen can vote

1978: Employers 2016: Women 1947: Women can’t discriminate can serve in can serve on against pregnant any role in the jury military women

1994: Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides services to female abuse victims

2007: First female to become Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi

T

en minutes after fourth block begins, the stage doors are opened. Fifteen minutes after fourth block begins, the sound of a drill rings in the silent air. Twenty minutes after fourth block starts, the theatre lights are turned on, burning the retinas of anyone in their path.

The students in stagecraft are hard at work building the set of this season’s play, “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” These students don’t only build the set; they also design it by themselves.

“We read through the show together and we made a lot of collaborative decisions on how we want the show to go and what direction we want to go. For specifically this show, it was completely student designed,” said Kyle Lackey, Theatre.

When figuring out how the set would look, the students had to overcome some obstacles.

“It wasn’t hard in the aspect that the sets were intricate. It’s just the fact that it was so wide open. We have simple designs, and it was hard just trying to decide how we wanted to interpret everything... Each scene could be seen differently for each person, and just coming together and seeing what we wanted to design was hard,” said Wyatt Miller, junior.

Despite the challenges of coming together and deciding on how the play will look, the students in stagecraft have learned how to compromise. They compromise efficiently because of the natural leaders that have emerged in the class.

23 phase,FEATURES “Usually when we get on the stage for the first I can tell when people are passionate about what they’re building and they kind of become leaders on projects,” said Lackey.

Most of these leaders are enrolled in stagecraft and are also involved in the play.

Zachary Cockrill, the Crew Chief, is one of these leaders.

Cockrill is in charge of building the set and making sure that nothing falls apart.

“When it does [fall apart] I’m running and panicking and trying to fix it as fast as possible,” said Zachary Cockrill, junior.

Although the sets may break, and the students in stagecraft fix it quickly. The most impressive part of Stagecraft is when everything comes together and looks good for the performance.

“The audience has no clue we exist, so it’s just that secret thing that they don’t know about, and that awe and wonder that they get of ‘how did that happen?’ is amazing,” said Nicole Wendel, senior.

Although many people in the audience may not know that the students in stagecraft have built the set, the students still feel appreciated.

“There hasn’t been a night during show week, or a night during rehearsal where I haven’t been thanked at least once by an actor or someone. So It’s really cool to see that kind of appreciation for stuff that is not really seen by the public,” said Miller.

The public can show their appreciation for the students in stagecraft by coming to the play, “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten,” on April 6, 7 and 8, then afterward, thank a Stagecraft student for their work.

Creating

by ANNE PRICE

Stagecraft Students work each fourth block to make the set for the Spring play

is Their Craft Zachary Cockrill Title: Crew Chief Projects that he works on: Restructuring platforms, building walls, countertops, shelves and stairs.

Favorite project: The big table from Three Musketeers, because it’s what got him into

Allegra Eccles Title: Stage Manager Projects she works on: Anything that involves painting Favorite Project: Painting the ‘Kindergarden’ tree because the end result was really cool

BY SAVANNAH LU

SPRING BREAK

IN MISSOURI

2

“I think it would be super fun to go on a f loat trip on the Missouri River, but hey, that’s just me. Or a safer option would be to just hangout downtown. There are so many cool things to do there,” said Emily Dinovo, senior.

“You could go to a donut crawl or go swimsuit shopping! Or you could just go downtown to the city market and pick some pretty f lowers,” said Izabella Pieper, senior.

“You could bike at the English Landing Park. It’s really nice since it’s free and you get exercise out of it,” said Ellen Patterson, sophomore.

8

5

“The Kansas City Zoo is an awesome place to spend a day at during spring break.

Plus, it’s pretty cheap, too!” said Cassidy Laudie, senior.

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“For all the soccer players out there, you guys could try going to the soccer lot with a group of friends. Even if you don’t have a group to go with, you could always go and join someone there. Everyone will gladly accept you to play with them,” said Marco Herrejon, senior.

“My brother Eli and I are going skiing in New Mexico for spring break. But an option here would be to go to Snow Creek,” said Noah Brizendine, senior.

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“You could gather a bunch of your friends and pool all your money together to buy a bunch of cookies and have a cookie eating contest!

That, or play a relaxing game of tennis,” said Court Strong, senior.

“I personally love to go camping at Smithville Lake. There’s this awesome spot at Kelsey Shore and Heartland straight off of nine highway,” said Andrew Stewart, senior.

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“Instead of risking your life doing actual skydiving, you could practice first with indoor skydiving! There is one in Overland Park where they use a wind tunnel to throw you up in the air to stimulate the real thing. A cheaper option though would be to get a huge plastic tarp, rub canola oil all over it, and throw it down a hill. An automatic homemade water slide!” said Madeline Tudorowski, senior.

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“Springtime is fishing season! The Lake of the Ozarks is an awesome place to go fishing, and it wouldn’t hurt to walk around and enjoy the view either,” said Bryce Soske, senior.