Park Hill South View, Vol 16. Issue 7

‘20s prom

on may 3

pg 12

Riverside, Mo. 64150

4500 NW River Park Dr.

Park Hill South High School

Vol. 16, Issue 7

April 18, 2014

A NIGHT AT GATSBY’S

south gets

ready for

a roaring

South Paw: Evolve

PAGE 4

FEAT

OPIN

SPORT

page 8

page 14

page 22

Finding Their Focus

Take 3

Center Ice

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Patrick Robey, junior, and Miranda Brand, senior, star in “You Can’t Take It With You” on April 4 & 5

The End of an Era As one era ends, another begins. In a few short weeks, teachers will be saying goodbye to the graduating class as they walk through the doors of South for the final time. However, whenever one door closes, another one opens. Teachers will soon begin to prepare their classrooms for the incoming freshman that will be walking through South’s doors this August. As freshman enter this new chapter of their lives, they can relive the lives of students and staff who have walked before them through past yearbooks (pg 4).

This spring, South students and staff will be saying goodbye to many teachers that have left an impact on an infinite amount of students. Mrs. Hodges and Mr. Bohning, among others, will be walking out of South’s doors alongside the seniors, as they move on to a new chapter of their lives as well (pg 3).

As students slowly change over the summer and prepare themselves for new chapters of their lives, South will be going

through some changes as well. Next year, South students will have to say goodbye to some of the snacks they have grown to love (pg 6). South students will no longer be able to crunch down on the snacktime calories they enjoyed this year. However, students will be able to say hello to a new chapter of clubs coming to South. Amongst these clubs, South’s own fishing club will be waiting to reel in members as they walk through South’s doors (pg. 23).

As students say goodbye to calories and hello to new clubs, they anxiously await this nex chapter of their lives. This spring will be full of salutations at South as one era ends and another begins.

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02

photo byLesli Malcolm

NEWS

VANESSA ZAMZOW IS THE PARK HILL DISTRICT’S 2014 TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Bohning is the name and computer science is the game.

Everyone sees Mr. Bob Bohning, the man with the camera taking pictures at all the big time games played at South.

The man that has his head up all the time, and coffee mug in his hands, cracking jokes to make students days go by faster and better. Bohning is the person that puts all the information on our school website. The person that makes the school updates telling all of us that we do not have school on certain days.

There was a time, when Mr. Bohning stepped into his own classroom for the first time. He was 44 at Raytown South where he taught Business Education. After his years at Raytown South, he moved to Kingsville where he taught for two years before coming to South.

When Bohning got to South he started teaching Computer Science and also Business Education. After school, you could always find Bohning on the soccer field getting ready for practice but during school he is that loving guy that anybody could go to for advice or to just make somebody laugh. When he is not in the classroom or giving students life lessons, Bohning is the C-team soccer coach at South for both the guys team and the girls team. Bohning started his coaching career at South in 1987 and is still coaching today.

Without the person by his side, Bohning couldn’t have made these decisions alone as his wife Patti for 42 years gave him advice on how to deal with being a coach and teaching at the same time.

Although some may not know, Bohning is retiring at the end of this year. He made his decision this fall as he discussed it with his wife before he filed for retirement.

“I am looking forward to retirement where I can be doing very little but still making myself busy at some points,” said Bohning.

When Bohning is not doing what he loves, he is on the lake fishing doing “the very least” he can. Bohning isn’t on the lake all the time, as he is always talking to Joe Toigo about soccer practice or business in general. When Toigo found out he could not believe it, after everything they have been through.

Toigo said, “I’m not just going to miss him but the whole school is going to miss him as well. Bob is still going to coach soccer on the C-team but he is a tremendous guy that goes to so many events to take pictures to run the website we have here at South.”

Although South does not want to see Bohning leave the school, he has put in his hard work on the field and in the classroom, and looks forward to coming back to South to visit all of the students he has taught over the years and players he has coached.

Bohning is still going to a part of the South family as he continue coaching.

“Here at South, we all hate to see him go but there will always be a spot here at South. for the one and only Mr. Bob Bohning.” said Mckade Hermansen, senior..

BOHNING

MRS. HODGES’ curtain call

the one and only BOB

After teaching for 40 years, Park Hill South’s acting teacher Vicki Hodges is getting ready for her final curtain call.

Hodges, drama, has been a proud Panther ever since the school opened 16 years ago. This year, however, will be her last.

“I’m planning on enjoying my grandchildren; spending time with them. Take advantage of the extra time I’ll have.” said Hodges.

For students that have had classes with her, the emotions are bittersweet.

“I’ve kind of got mixed feelings, because she’s such an amazing person. On one hand, she deserves a break so she can do her own thing, but at the same time it’s really sad to see her go,” said Dominique Jean, junior.

For her last year at South, Hodges took on the challenge of organizing one of the most well-known musicals of all time, “Phantom of the Opera”.

This musical was one of the most expensive in South history and took months of practice and preparations to perfect.

For the students that participated in it, it was an unforgettable experience.

“She’s done a phenomenal job, I mean, putting on Phantom was no small feat.. She’s kept the department alive,” said Jake Mazeitis, junior.

In addition to “Phantom of the Opera”, Hodges has been a part of the production of hundreds musicals and plays, several of which were at South including: “Fiddler on the Roof”, “Little Women”, “The King and I” and “How the Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”

“My favorite memories are always the plays themselves,” said Hodges. “It’s just a great experience when everyone starts clapping for the kids and they get to see how their hard work has paid off.”

Before teaching at South, Hodges taught for 24 years at a number of other schools. After teaching for so long, she has impacted thousands of students’ lives and helped them with much more than just improving their acting.

“She has helped kids come out of their shells and be more comfortable with themselves because she’s so open and kind,” said Jean.

Helping students to become more outgoing and encouraging them to improve their acting abilities and her dedication to pulling off the productions that the school puts on makes Hodges stand out to her students.

“She’s the backbone of the plays and musicals. The kids adore her. She’s really passionate about it and her passion manifests itself [in the way she teaches],” said Nathan Jurries, freshman.

Despite the bittersweet feelings surrounding her retirement, South’s students are very supportive of their acting teacher.

Mazeitis said, “Of course, I’m sad to see her go, but she’s beginning a new chapter in her life and I wish her a long and happy retirement.”

by JACEY BRUNS

NEWS - FEAT - OPIN - SPORT

South says its final farewells to two retiring teachers

by ROBERT POLLAN

photo by ROBERT POLLAN

photo by JACEY BRUNS

PHS-TV WON THE SHOW-ME AWARD FOR OVERALL ANNOUNCEMENTS AT J DAY

03

NEWS - FEAT - OPIN - SPORT

V E OLVE

A look into to the development of the 2014 South Paw

by MEGAN MCMULLEN

04

Technology plays a prominent role in the education process at South

the of

FUTURE learning

After 146 days, what once began as a simple idea in the summer has evolved into the yearbook of a lifetime.

The yearbook theme, evolve, captures all of the changing and growing that takes place throughout the school year. Whether it is a personal change or a change in students’ surroundings, the yearbook puts an emphasis on those changes and how they eventually combine to create end results, according to senior yearbook co-editor, Sara Parolin.

In addition to the changing and growing that takes place throughout the school year, there are many changes that take place in creating the yearbook as well. Contrary to what many South students may believe, constructing the yearbook is not a simple process.

“There are a lot of smaller deadlines we have to complete before finishing the book as a whole,” said Parolin.

These smaller deadlines, that begin in October when the staff sends out Senior Salutes, are crucial to the production process.

Each deadline consists of 56 yearbook pages that are sent to the Walsworth Publishing Company for review.

“Other than covering everything we can, deadlines are the most critical part of putting the book together, especially because we have a spring book,” said senior yearbook co-editor, Shelby Cooper, “If we miss a deadline the entire process is thrown off and we won’t get the books in time to hand them out.”

With only 41 short days between the final deadline and when staff members receive the final copy, it is crucial not to fall behind. If the yearbook staff does not meet all of the smaller deadlines that are required, all of the following deadlines would be consequently delayed. This threatens the ability of receiving the book by Distribution Day on May 1.

“In a way those smaller deadlines are good though because they constantly give us smaller, more specific goals to focus on and work toward,” said Parolin.

While staff members worked toward their ultimate goal of completing the yearbook, they work side by side. Covering events throughout the year requires each staff member to pitch in.

Throughout those 146 days, what once begins as a yearbook staff evolved into a family.

“Working together as one cohesive staff is important,” said Parolin, “It’s like a sports team, everyone is counting on each other to finish their work on time.”

The production of the South Paw yearbook not only brings together the staff who creates it, but it also brings together the school as a whole. As students relive memories captured in time, they create even more on Distribution Day. “Yearbook Distribution unites the entire school, staff and students. I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Dr. Longenecker, “We can’t get people to leave.”

For some South students, virtual classes are the way to go. Sleeping in, doing the work on your own time and getting to do the work at home are added benefits. Other students don’t feel the same. It is harder to reach teachers, there are big deadlines, and there are technology issues.

However, these students may need to get used to the idea of these classes, as the learning process is continually getting mixed with technology.

“I do think that virtual classes are becoming more common. More high schools and colleges are offering online courses. You see it advertised on TV all of the time,” said Jennifer Mattson, social studies.

There is a lot of truth to that statement, with the 2015 class and below being required to take an online class at least once in high school.

“I don’t think we should be

DEADlineS

meeting deadlines puts staff members in a time crunching situation

OCT

NOV

fall sports and first semester coverage

FEB

winter sports and second semester coverage

required to take virtual classes because some people enjoy being in a more social classroom type environment,” said Maddie Price, junior.

Although Price may not like the idea of taking the class, many students see the positive sides of the class. ”You get out of school early, you get to work on your own time and you have all of the conveniences of home,” said Joseph Cagakit, junior.

The conveniences are one of the many reasons as to why technology is becoming a key cog in the learning process.

“They help the student to better prepare for online college classes and it also forces a student to practice better time management,” Mattson said.

FLiP classes (Future Learner’s Project) use technology every day in class. Students are given a computer that they use in class and do

senior salutes

DEC

album and portraits

MARCH

spring sports and index

interactive projects with. They can take notes, use Google Docs, watch videos and create presentations.

“You can do everything at your own pace. It is easier to work on things whenever you want, and you can do it at your own pace,” said Devin Steinhauser, senior.

On April 8, the Park Hill School District asked voters to increase the levy by 32 cents, to include the FliP program slowly over the next few years. Had it passed, the level would have paid for more technology, instructional and technological support and district security.

There are many changes being made to high school curriculum, most involving a more prominent use of technology. Although some students may wish for a more traditional classroom environment, many others are excited for the new changes that will add even more technology to their learning process.

by Caleb Fenner

JAKE MAZEITIS, HOPE MAYO & COLIN ARENSBERG RECEIVED HARVARD BOOK AWARD

spring sprouting SICKNESSES by KENDRA ALLEN

S

tudents may believe that illnesses are at their height in spring, especially when considering the wave of illnesses that occurred this March.

However, sicknesses are in fact at their height just after a school dance and in the winter.

“Winter is when we see the most sickness because everyone is cooped up and has the heater on. It acts like an incubator,” said Kathy Cole, registered nurse.

The situation may have been misinterpreted due to seasonal allergies. This year, in particular could be worse than normal due to the Polar Vortex. In short, the late start of spring means the plants will be spewing larger amounts of pollen in order to catch up.

The symptoms of allergies can often masquerade as a cold but have two significant differences: allergies often contain watery, itchy eyes and the mucus color is clear. With one-fifth of the country suffering from allergies and varying severity, it could easily skew the perceptionof illnesses.

“Last year, I had to stay home from school because [my allergies] were really bad,” said Victor Sobotka, freshman.

The perceived increase of sicknesses this spring may also be due to other factors such as more students coming to school sick.

“If [students] are concerned about their card or are on the border of red and want to go to some dance or event then I’m sure they would come to school sick,” Cole said.

Every day the nurses will see 20 to 30 kids who are truly ill, but the number of kids that come to school sick is unknown.

“A lot of times, a student who comes to school sick will not come in because they know we’ll send them home for the rest of the day and the next,” said Cole.

At any time, there are a number of illnesses floating around the school, ranging from the flu to mono to intestinal bugs. Some students may catch more bugs than others.

“Being sick has caused me to miss more school than I’ve liked,” said Keyan Lunders, senior.

The best way to protect against illness and decrease the time spent sick, according to Cole, is to wash your hands, get rest, eat healthy and stay hydrated..

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according to CNN

NEWS - FEAT - OPIN - SPORT

April led and sicknesses spread

illustration by DEREK BRAUN

SOUTH WINTER GUARD WON 1ST PLACE AT STATE IN SCHOLASTIC C DIVISION

05

HEARTS T

by SHELBY THOMPSON

South students react to the news that their snacks will be gone in the upcoming school year

he 2014-2015 school year is right around the corner and there are some changes in place that may leave South students taken aback. The USDA has put in place some mandatory standards that schools across America are to follow beginning July 1 of 2016. The standards follow guidelines put in place by the Healthy, HungerFree Kids Act of 2010, which will allow schools to offer healthier snacks while limiting junk food.

“Taking it away is not teaching us how to manage good choices,” Debbie Fay said. “It is not going to do away with bad habits. Removing it doesn’t mean they will not [eat] it, anymore, it just means they will bring it from home.”

According to Dr. Dale Longnecker, principal, some people have already started doing this, and the numbers are getting bigger.

“Lunch participation is the lowest I have ever seen it and it will probably continue to drop,” Longnecker said. “We will not be losing vending machines but the items you will find in them are

“

going to have to comply with these new guidelines and that isn’t what is going to get sold.”

The meals that South has now are going to be changed to fit the requirements, but what most students are concerned about is the changes that will be involving the candy cart.

“We could keep it as long as it was compliant with the new standards, but that isn’t going to leave anything that the students want,” said Longenecker.

However, these items are not going to completely vanish. From midnight to roughly 30 minutes after school gets out is when these guidelines are in effect. So at school sponsored games and sporting events you will be able to walk over to the concession stands and ask for an ice cold Coke or a soft pretzel.

With a new school year, changes can be expected. The opinions on these guidelines may not be positive for some students, but this is something that has to be done, and looking at it positively will only help make the change easier to deal with.

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06

THE VIEW NEWSPAPER RECEIVED AN ALL-MISSOURI RATING AT STATE J DAY

1in 5 90 % 44 [ 211 56%

For some South students, the freedom of driving can also cause serious trouble

[

“Violators are a dime a dozen; we’re just out there to keep people safe.”

only

of teenagers say that they would speak up if someone was driving in a way that scared them

were killed in drunk driving accidents in 2010

of teenagers admit to talking on the phone while driving

PHSVIEW.COM AND PHSYEARBOOK.COM RECEIVED ALL-STATE RATINGS AS WELL

statistics acording to dosomething.org

by SAM SOBOTKA & CHASE WHORTON

someone is injured in a drunk driving accident

children

“Call the police as soon as possible, so the person who wrecked can’t change their story, just like what happened in my wreck with the drunk driver,” explained Hedrick.

While wrecks can wreak havoc in a driver’s mind, another common pocket pusher are speeding tickets.

According to South’s School Resource Officer, Officer Westrich, the fine line when it comes to ticketing is determined by the officer his or herself, and even then it is still very circumstantial. There are many factors that come into play involving traffic violations, from the type of roadway, be it a highway or a residential side street, to the traffic around the officer at that time.

Westrich also said that the number one killer of teens and adults from 16-35 is speed. A speeding ticket is considered a moving violation, which consists of anything that has to do with movement, including the lack of a turn signal.

With moving violations, there is a point system used to punish violators.

If a driver accrued enough points in a certain time period, the license is suspended for a given amount of time.

“The best way to avoid us is to not do anything behind the wheel that would attract my attention,” said Westrich..

Driving is one of the few freedoms teens have, and is also the one freedom that requires the most responsibility. The easiest and most simple tip a driver can heed is to pay attention. Distractions are everywhere, and behind the wheel is the most important place to disregard them.

“Violators are a dime a dozen; we’re just out there to keep people safe,” said Westrich.

seconds

The day almost every teenager looks forward to the most is the day they get their coveted Driver’s License.

However, for some students, a Driver’s License can be their worst enemy.

From speeding tickets, to wrecks, to parking violations, having a Driver’s License can really tap into one’s anxiety.

For example, Carter Hedrick, junior, has had three speeding tickets, and was in a wreck in front of the local neighborhood Riss Lake that cost him $1000 in repairs, and it was at the expense of a drunk driver. No matter who the driver is, financial burden can strike unaware, young and old.

Despite having this wreck being the drunk driver’s fault, Hedrick is also considered a ‘bad driver’ by his friends and peers, just like quite a few students at South and around the country.

“It’s awful to be in the car with him. He is just a bad driver. He speeds, he texts, changes his pants, doesn’t pay any attention, doesn’t use his turn signals half the time. The list goes on and on,” Andrew Richards, junior, said.

Despite having three traffic tickets to his name now, Hedrick has some advice in case one ever runs into some car trouble.

16-year-olds will get into an accident within their first year of driving

ev ery

DRIVERS

NEWS - FEAT - OPIN - SPORT

diddly

07

NEWS - FEAT - OPIN - SPORT

their

Focus South students with different forms Attention Deficit Disorder explain their methods of coping

by Katie Blechinger

A

foot tapping, a tongue clicking or just whispers from across stimulant effect of drugs like Adderall and Vyvanse are at high risk the room during a test may seem just a bit irritating to for abuse for students who are trying to focus for long periods of any student, for someone with Attention Deficit Disorder, time or stay up to pull an ‘all nighter.’ In fact, according to a 2013 it can be completely overwhelming--and can even be the survey from drugfree.org, 7.4 percent of high school seniors have difference between a passing or failing grade. admitted to taking these drugs for non-medical use.

What many people do not know, is that there are actually two “People think they are taking miracle drugs, but they can cause different forms of the disorder. While Attention Deficit Disorder side effects like high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and sleep (ADD) has the inattentive, disorganized and forgetfulness aspects, problems,” said Brad Peck, psychology. “Be educated about what the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) also includes medication is and know the side effects and dangers.” hyperactivity, or restlessness. In fact, it is more common for adults For those who actually need the medication to function normally, to lack the hyperactive component of the disorder, according it can be difficult to see it so easily abused by many. to helpguide.org.

“People don’t use it for what it’s meant for, and that makes me One of the first things a student may resort to when they kind of frustrated,” said Jones. “They seem so desperate for it and for feel they are struggling with ADD/ADHD is medication. Corey me, it’s just an everyday thing.”

Land, senior, noticed his ADHD during his Some students have found that sophomore year and has been prescribed medication is actually not the best option for Some students do medication to help him cope ever since. them. Aubree Wilkerson, sophomore, was well with medicine, “I used to fall asleep in class and not diagnosed with ADD in seventh grade. She know what was going on,” said Land. “It started off on medication to help with the but I think as a would cause me to get bad grades. My symptoms, but eventually decided it was not society we brother had it so I got tested for it.” the most beneficial choice for her.

Land believes he will stay on the “I stopped taking my medicine because it over medicate.” medication as long as he is in school, since made me not eat and irritable, and I felt like I the benefits it provides for his learning outweigh the fallbacks. was becoming dependent,” said Wilkerson.

“I don’t think my ADHD is something I will outgrow,” he said.

However, Wilkerson has found other ways to cope, which have “Doctors know what they’re talking about when they put you on helped her more than medication ever will. medicine for it. They just want to help you.”

“I just go into a quiet room by myself and put my phone away to Kalie Jones, junior, suffers from ADD with only a little bit of do my homework,” she said. “I sometimes still get distracted easily hyperactivity. After having issues with distractibility, forgetfulness or I’m the last to finish tests, but I am able to cope with it on my and motivation, she was tested positive by a psychiatrist and then own. Medication affects different people differently.” prescribed Concerta.

For whatever way someone decides to deal with their ADD/ “If I don’t take my medicine, I physically can’t focus or stay on ADHD, there is always help and support available. There are many task,” she said. I have to make sure I always take them or work and options available to students who believes they may have any form assignments won’t get done.” of attention deficit.

For Jones, the dependency on the medication can be kind of “Some students do well with medicine, but I think as a society frustrating, even though it provides her with the help she needs. we over medicate,” said Peck. “Talk to a family doctor first and “I feel like I’m super dependent on my meds. It’d be nice to have perhaps see a trained counselor or psychiatrist for options and some control over my focus and motivation. I care and want to do different approaches to treatment. Don’t go straight to medicine my work but I just can’t,” said Jones. before looking at other options.”

However, while medication can be helpful for some, the

08

[

[

MR. HOFFMAN’S TUTORIAL WON THE NATURAL HELPERS HARVESTER’S FOOD DRIVE

2014

CAMPUS

VISIT DAYS

Park University is located in historic Parkville, Mo., only minutes from downtown Kansas City.

VISIT PARK

DISCOVER AND EXPLORE ALL WE OFFER AT AN EXCITING PARK UNIVERSITY EVENT OR A PERSONAL CAMPUS EXPERIENCE

1-ON-1 WEEKENDS

These special weekend dates are for students looking to get more information about Park University. Meet one-on-one with an admissions counselor and receive a tour of our historic campus. RSVP early for time slots as space is limited!

• May 16, 2014 • June 6, 2014 • June 14, 2014 • July 12, 2014 • July 18, 2014

PERSONAL CAMPUS EXPERIENCE

Make any day your visit day. Tour the Parkville Campus, meet faculty, talk with current students and discover historic Parkville. Schedule your experience at park.edu/theview or (816) 746-2533.

In-state tuition.

Less than two hours away.

Pittsburg State University www.pittstate.edu

•

Pittsburg, Kansas

Shoes

photos courtesy of Sarah Henley

Former and current South students have faced difficult situations and each has their different way of finishing their education

S

tudents face many difficult situations during their high school experience, these things can be as small as a lunch detention or as large as failing a class. They can even be as life altering as a teenage pregnancy.

But what would you do? What if all of a sudden you had to balance going to school with having a newborn baby?

Former student Sarah Henley was faced with this life change, and had to adjust quickly.

“I was enrolled in GED classes when I was pregnant with Aiden and had him before I could finish, but I re-enrolled into GED classes and started them on March 31,” said Henley.

Henley left school for more than her pregnancy, as she said she had always faced difficulties with learning in a traditional environment. She had trouble learning at the pace of other students and did not seem to learn the ways that others did, either visual, auditory or kinesthetic.

“I would have loved to stay in school, but the way I was being taught makes me glad I dropped out,” said Henley. “In GED classes I learned long division for the first time. I am not ashamed of dropping out; I was able to learn things I couldn’t before.”

Other students feel like they are not accepted in the high school environment and choose to leave school because of it.

“I do online now because I still want to get my diploma,” said Bri Hyland, former South student. “I wasn’t going to give up completely and I’ve moved from school to school all my life and I didn’t feel like trying to find another school I actually liked.”

Even though some students feel the need to leave the high school environment, South makes sure to work hard to keep students

{

NEWS - FEAT - OPIN - SPORT

a walk in their

enrolled and get them to graduate. South had adopted the program Edgenuity, which they utilize to help students complete courses that were failed previously.

“It is a web-based program, so students can access it wherever there is an internet connection, and I can monitor their progress and help them if the need it,” said James Godfrey, Academic Support.

South’s Academic Support department helps students that have failed a class, and decide to retake it further into high school or have trouble in that subject. They also offer help to students to make-up multiple classes in a semester if they are willing to put in the effort.

Many of the students are not there because they fail all of their classes; many of them just have trouble with specific subject or are stubborn with teachers and fail classes because of it.

“Without this program I think there would be a lot more dropouts. We help around 10-30 seniors a year to graduate,” said Godfrey.

South students that enroll to be in the credit recovery program dedicate themselves to pass all the required classes in order to graduate with the rest of their class.

“I prefer this style of learning. I thought about dropping out before but I got lot of help from the school,” said Mary Roberts, senior.

South understands that some students require extra time on certain classes and that is why credit recovery was put in place.

“I help all types of kids in this program, not all of them are questioning whether to drop out, but I hope I help some students not to,” said Godfrey. “The credit recovery program at South just gives kids the opportunity fix the mistakes they have made.”

{

“I am not ashamed of dropping out; I was able to learn things I couldn’t before.”

by KYLE VANICE

THERE ARE 15 DAYS LEFT UNTIL PROM ON MAY 3

11

a night

at gatsby’s activities

after party own thing

53% 33%

nope

possibly

of course

14%

prom?

expectations

theme

The perfect dress, shoes to match, hair and nails done to perfection and buying a boutonniere; $300. Renting a tux, having Mom order a corsage and getting both tickets; $200. A night at Jay Gatsby’s surrounded by all your best friends? Priceless.

Those who attend this year’s dance and dinner will experience one of the most promising themes yet to come in the history of Prom at South.

Hosted at the Embassy Suites located in Kansas City, South’s prom of 2014 will be glitzed and glamoured up to mock nothing less than the fabulous party scene at Jay Gatsby’s Mansion.

“Glitter, gold, feathers, lights; the decorations will be loud!” said Laura Lenhert, art. “We are even having the Jazz Band perform during the dinner, just to change the music up a little from the last years.”

Sure to deliver, Junior Exec. with the help of Lenhert, have been working hard all year long to provide South with an unforgettable night.

“This will be one the best prom themes South has ever had!” said Emma Ehllers, junior.

going home

12

attendance

after prom

It is the high school dream for most students to get all fancied up, find a good-looking date and spend the night out on the dance floor their junior and senior years, but this year at South, things have changed in such a way that may not favor some students based on their attendance.

To make an appearance at this year’s Prom, students must achieve and maintain a 90 percent attendance for this second to last quarter, even if they have a perfect GPA. “The decision for purple cards to require 90 percent attendance was made after the second card change. Being at school helps students learn more and I know we can achieve that 90 percent because we have excellent students here at South.” explained Kerrie Herren, assistant principal. “If any students want to be considered for exceptions then they can take it up with any administrator and we will look in to it, but it has to be more than they just do not want to go to school.”

The grading period which will determine whether or not a student is allowed to participate the night of May 3, is from March 24 to April 24. To maintain at least a purple card, only 2.5 days can be missed out of the quarter.

“I think it is stupid,” said Karson Lenger, senior, “We are seniors, we should be able to go to our senior prom, regardless of our attendance.”

Many other South students agree with Lenger regarding the new policy, although that does not discourage everyone from pushing through these last days to get to that 90 percent.

Introducing the rule just goes to show that showing up really does matter.

Expectations have been set very high ever since the theme of Gatsby was leaked some time in the beginning of second semester. Junior Exec. meets early on in the school year to discuss and brainstorm ideas for the theme of Prom.

“Usually there is someone who disagrees with an idea, but this year [Junior Exec.] all seemed on board for the idea of Gatsby,” said Adele Royle, junior.

Even though Prom is reserved for upperclassmen, lowerclassmen can be present if asked by a junior or senior.

“I work at Water Colors and I have seen some of the dresses that people are getting, so I am really excited to see how it turns out.” said Sarah Russ, sophomore. “This will be my first year going and I am really excited about it!”

Older students means more responsibilities, so teacher chaperones are still a necessity. Some of the attending teachers have been chaperoning Prom for years, while for others this will be their first time.

“It will be fun to see the kids in an atmosphere other than that of in the classroom.” said Brianne Ogilvie, FACS. “I am just going to go in with a positive attitude and hoping for the best.”

2014’s Prom is very highly anticipated by everyone, students and teachers alike,

by SUSAN MONROE

by DARIA GHASEMI

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Choose 2 to 3 flowers, and cut the stems about 3 inches long.

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Next take your wire and snip 5� pieces. You will need 2 wires per flower. This wire will be placed in the base of the flower where that way it is most secure. Put one piece of wire in one side and out the other.

Stab the other piece of wire through the other side creating an X.

South students pop the popular question in creative ways

Alyse Weatherford, junior, and Daniel McMahan, senior

Then bend the wire down away from the bloom of the flower to create a new thin wire stem. Take the floral tape and tape the wire until the wire is all the way covered.

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Once you have an idea of some heights and angles you like, get two blooms together and wrap them with tape. Keep adding flowers until you are pleased with how it looks. Once you place everything the way you want it wrap one final piece of tape around all of the wires/stems.

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PROM posals

Kyleigh Keith, senior

If you would like to add ribbon around the base of the boutonniere then place the ribbon at the base of the stem fold it so it creates a 90 degree angle and a little piece of the ribbon is sticking up. Wrap the stem of the ribbon go all the way down then come back up tie the end of the ribbon to the beginning section of the ribbon. Take a pin and put it on the back of the stem.

beautiful boutonnieres >> scan here to view a detailed video of how to make a boutonniere

Ronak Sutaryia and Erika Stark, seniors photos submitted by students

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NEWS - FEAT - OPIN - SPORT Lorde Performing At The Midland On March 21. photo by LAUREN POWERS

Everyone loves to attend concerts, but where is the best place to go? Here are some reviews of my favorite concert venues around the area

by LAUREN POWERS

THE MIDLAND

Also known as The Midland, Arvest Bank Theatre is by far one of my favorite venues. With its architecture and art, this place is beautiful. I have been to many different concerts at this location anywhere from Mac Miller to Alt J and each of which were fantastic.

The Midland only seats around 3,000 people so their productions are on a smaller scale which makes ticket prices very reasonable. They also offer balcony seating which I do not prefer. At my most recent concert here, Lorde, I got General Admission tickets because you get the opportunity to meet people who have the same interests as you and can get as close to the stage as possible.

With this venue also being at the Power & Light District, parking is almost unbearable so you have got to get there early to claim a spot.

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SPRINT CENTER

One of Kansas City’s newest arenas, Sprint Center, is an indoor venue in Downtown Kansas City. Opened in October of 2007, the Sprint Center seats over 18,000 people and has 72 suites. This venue is great for big shows from popular performers such as Miley Cyrus or Justin Timberlake. Sprint Center has “multi-event capability” which means they can transform the arena to accommodate a hockey rink, football field, and even Monster Truck shows. Each show I’ve been to here the stage was completely different than the last.

Stadium seating is not my favorite, because I would rather be able to get to the concert two hours early, rush in, and stand my ground in front of the stage with the possibility of highfiving one of the performers. Although every concert I have been to at the Sprint Center was amazing. Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “Watch The Throne” tour is my favorite concert I’ve been too at Sprint Center because the sound and stage lighting was overpowering.

STARLIGHT

Starlight is one of the most beautiful venues Kansas City has to offer. Being outdoors, Starlight is awesome for summer concerts. But if it rains, you are out of luck. Starlight has stadium seating and seats about 8,000. My favorite part about this venue is the stage; it is perfect for Broadway shows or big performances because it is huge and has awesome architecture. The parking is also a lot more convenient.

When I saw Imagine Dragons back in July, it was terrific. There’s plenty of room on stage for them to jump around and actually perform. I also liked how the seating was set up because it gave the act an opportunity to come out and interact with the crowd.

STUCO WON STATE PRESIDENT OVER SPRING BREAK & WILL HOST MASC 2015

NEWS - FEAT - OPIN - SPORT

FRESH PERSPECTIVE:

the chivalry effect

I’m just going to come right out and say that I think a good portion of high school males do not know what the meaning of chivalry is.

Maybe it is because they think their friends will make fun of them or maybe they think it just looks uncool. Regardless, the skills of being an actual gentleman are something that every boy should be taught, and it is something that girls, including myself, really respect and see as a great attribute to any man.

First off, men need to know simple manners. I am not talking about holding a teacup with your pinky out or never putting your elbows on the table. What I mean, is that you need to know when the appropriate time to say things are, and when you should just keep your mouth shut. For example, one of my biggest pet peeves is when people (not just guys) do not say please and thank you. Show some respect! When you fail to show manners, not only are you completely flaunting your ignorance, but it honestly makes you look stuck up and full of yourself. That is definitely a red flag for girls to stay away.

Secondly, small tasks that show you are attentive and care about how a girl views you are definitely something to be recognized. Go out of your way every once in a while to make someone feel special. For me, when a guy opens a door open for me, I’m actually pretty flattered.

But this should be something that a man just does automatically for any lady, no matter if they are dating, friends or even complete strangers. Simple acts of kindness like this show your appreciation and acknowledgement of a girl.

Lastly, do not be afraid to give any girl an occasional compliment, and steer clear away from the negative remarks. When I get a compliment on my outfit or how my hair looks, sure, it will make me feel good for awhile, but girls are a lot more likely to remember hurtful comment and those are the ones that will stick with her for much longer. Even if you are just joking around with a girl for whatever reason, maybe making fun of a small mistake she made, make it clear that it was just a joke. No matter how tough a girl may seem or even if it seems like it did not bother her, us girls can all be a little sensitive deep down and need to be reassured.

It is seriously time for today’s generation of young men to wrap their minds around the concept of affection and courteousness. Being chivalrous does not necessarily mean being romantic, and should not be anything to be embarrassed about. It is something that women will always be able to appreciate. So next time you see a girl who maybe looks a little down in the dumps, offer her a genuine compliment or even just a smile, because it might just make her day.

I’m just going to come right out and say that I honestly did not really know what chivalry even meant for a good part of my life. I thought it had to do with medieval knights and dragons or something to that extent.

For those of you like me that may not know what chivalry means that does not involve dragons, dictionary.com describes it as “courteous behavior, especially towards women.”

In other words, that describes how a so-called gentleman should act.

Many male students in this school are gentlemen, and many male students in this school are not gentlemen by a long shot.

Then, there is the in-between gentlemen. They have the everyonce-in-a-while nice moment where they possibly make a deserving woman’s day, or say something that makes a girl go home and eat ice cream and cry to their mommies and daddies or whatever girls do nowadays.

I am pretty sure I am a part of the in-between gentlemen. I have been called rude and other derogatory terms before by the opposite gender for things I should have never said or done.

On the flip side, I have done many nice things to be considered chivalrous. From everything my beautiful mother has taught me, I believe I have exceptional manners, especially in the presence of women, and I am also pretty sure I do my best to make sure I am as nice as possible and do the little things to keep women happy, which can be quite the task at times.

The first thing for me, as previously stated, is to keep women happy.

Be chivalrous. Be courteous. It is never good to see anyone sad, especially a girl. There are simple ways for that to happen. For example, holding the door open, never allowing them to pay for anything, and telling them they look “purty” are some great ways to show chivalry.

Secondly, and even though this might be negative, do not go too over the top. Being chivalrous is good, but trying too hard is ridiculous and should not be done. You will get made fun of not only by girls, but guys, as well. Do not be that kid. I will not even describe what it means to be that kid because you all already know.

Also, do not try to be all chivalrous in front of girls, then when you are around your guy friend group act like you are not. Do not be twofaced. Choose one or the other, or if you are going to be in-between, do not switch it up depending on the environment.

Even though I definitely wish I was dealing with medieval knights and dragons instead of women, I at least always keep in mind that they have feelings too and it is always best to be a gentleman and chivalrous.

by KATIE BLECHINGER

by CHASE WHORTON

THERE ARE 33 DAYS LEFT FOR SENIORS UNTIL GRADUATION ON MAY 21

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A teenager’s look at nature preservation

by KENDRA ALLEN

Recycle, recycle, recycle. Let me get one thing straight here: I am not going to talk about recycling. In my opinion, we have all heard it so many times and we are sick and tired of it.

Now that is out of the way, I am just going to start off with the “why” of helping the planet. No, I am not just going to regurgitate what we have heard over our entire lives. This is just from a high schooler for a high schooler.

The age old reason is “for the future generations” but let’s face it, right now we are only just thinking about our future, let alone the future of our kids.

In reality, I think we need to see the impacts that affect us and not how others are affected. That being said we are selfish teenagers and all.

Let’s start with animals. Have you seen all those deer, groundhogs, raccoons and such around your neighborhood? Well, let’s thank good old urbanization for that! Tearing down all those natural habitats so you can have that nice third shopping mall option or that closer McDonald’s.

When these homeless animals invade your “territory” what do we do?

Why we kill them of course! Or maybe we are a bit more humane and just capture or repel them. Can you just feel the love?

After you finish shooing that raccoon away, let me ask you drivers a question. How are your wallets? Those gas prices are just killer, are they not?

Those prices just keep going up as we get lower on our reserves of natural gas. So, that $3 gas price is not about to go down. But that wallet of yours getting thin is just a minor effect of the constant usage of harmful natural gas.

Now, that you see how helping the planet affects you personally, let’s talk

about what to do about these problems.

These are things that we can do or petition our school to do… other than recycling.

Well, on a personal level, you could carpool with friends or even ride the bus, sigh. Carpooling even has a double benefit: less cars to compete with in the parking lot. However, I will acknowledge that getting up in the morning is hard enough, let alone getting up early enough to pick up even more people.

Just rotate who drives every week or so, so that way, you will get to sleep in some mornings In five, 10 years from now, as you get older and grow tired of that racoon bugging you, try advocating to preserve

“This is just from a high schooler for a high schooler.”

some wildlife land. Just argue that it is to protect your property from the wildlife incursion. Or if that is not your cup of coffee, maybe just settle on a slightly smaller house to preserve some nature.

But that is in the future. What do we do now? What is our school doing to preserve the environment?

For starters, those lunch trays, biodegradable. What a lovely idea, now if we could just have non-toxic food. Moving from lunch to class, the outdoor classroom could be considered a way to raise awareness on nature or a little protected plot of nature but I think most of us just think it is pretty.

And of course, all the recycling bins.

With just the paper recycling bins in

18 MILLION acres of the world’s forests are lost per year

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y a ot d

tomorrow

according to Forestry Department Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

classrooms, we recycle about 990 bins of paper a month.

There is still more our school could do to help advocate and help the environment. For a start, the school could encourage carpooling and bus riding for the whole gas problem. Then they could make an effort to make teenagers care about the environment in a way that actually works, instead of putting us to sleep.

Unfortunately, I now have to break my promise of not talking about recycling for my final point. While there are recycling bins of all kinds all over the school, I have still noticed a problem. In the classrooms, there is supposed to be a trash can, paper recycling, and commingle recycling bin. As I’m sure you know, the other recycling is just a trashcan painted to say recycling.

Really, that commingle recycling bin is unfortunately just another trashcan. More effort should be made to distinguish the two apart so the commingle recycling can be used as it should. I don’t think a paint touch-up will do: the entire commingle recycling bin needs to be painted a different color from the other two and clearly have written in permanent marker: “Plastic and Metal Recycling.”

Here at the end you may still be thinking, “So what? It is not like any of this could ever affect me.” That is your opinion and being this close to the end, I really do not know if I could change that at all.

But for all of you who do not agree, I have one final thing for you. Yes, realizing something needs to be done is a big part of change but there is something more important than that.

The most important part of change is action.

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rely on forest products for all of part of their livelihoods

BILLION

NEWS - FEAT - OPIN - SPORT

saving nature for

SCHOLAR BOWL WENT UNDEFEATED IN DISTRICT COMPETITION AND WILL COMPETE AT STATE APRIL 30

This summer will be action packed with Marvel releasing four films within a year

With “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” just out, it begins the superhero movie season which is a fantastic time of the year and with Marvel releasing four movies just this year it is quite exciting.

“The Amazing Spider-Man 2” is the movie I am most looking forward to this year. This will be a redemption movie for me after being disappointed with the first Amazing Spider-Man. Spider-Man/Peter Parker, played

by Andrew Garfield, will be facing his greatest battle so far in the series by having to fight against Electro, the Rhino, and the Green Goblin. There is no doubt in my mind that the special effects will be amazing in this film and that the actors Sony Pictures has chosen will be great, but I am scared that the actual plot won’t be as superb as it was in the original trilogy which “The Amazing Spider-Man” demonstrated. “ X-Men: Days of Future Past”, I predict, will be a huge success. I was really surprised when I saw the trailer for this because it actually looked good. I will throw it out there that I am not a fan of the X-Men movies and none of the previous movies’ trailers attracted the nerdy side of me wanting to go to see it, but I would be willing to go to this and would even go to the premiere of it.

“Guardians of The Galaxy” is a movie I have mixed feelings about. When I originally heard about this movie, I looked into it a little and was not interested in it at all but after watching videos of the movie, it gained my attention. However I do not know if this will be good, but it will probably gain access to another film or will join the Avengers as I predict Spider-Man and Ant-Man to do in “The Avengers 3.” “ X-Men: Days of Future Past”, I predict, will be a huge success. I was really surprised when I saw the trailer for this because it

moviemadness CAPTAIN AMERICA:

the winter soldier

Captain America is one of the better and more interesting superhero movies in recent years

S

by CALEB FENNER

ummer is almost here and with that comes tons of new superhero movies. “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”, was one of the most anticipated of the hero films this summer and I am glad to say that it meets and exceeds my expectations.

Steve Rogers/Captain America (Chris Evans) is adjusting to civilian life after decades of being frozen in the Atlantic Ocean. He is currently working as an operative of the corporation S.H.I.E.L.D. He works alongside Avengers partner Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) in tracking and stopping threats to national security.

The film starts with a bang, a daring rescue of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents on an ocean liner.

Along the way, there is plenty of action to keep you entertained but there are also a lot of scenes that allow the characters to develop.

The story is engaging, and for once, seems to matter. A lot of other Marvel superhero flicks are just random excuses for fight scenes or you may not understand the reason why guy A is fighting guy B. Everything makes sense in this film, and adds to how you feel about the characters.

Along the way, a slew of characters are introduced, including S.H.I.E.L.D. official, Alexander Pierce (Robert Redford), former Special Ops soldier, Sam Wilson/Falcon (Anthony Mackie) and a seemingly unstoppable soldier (Sebastian Stan), with a connection to Cap’s past. Along for the ride is the always entertaining Samuel L. Jackson as S.H.I.E.L.D commander, Nick Fury.

Evans is excellent. He is a charismatic leader, with a Boy Scout mentality. In a world where most superheroes almost always have a dark side, this is refreshing.

Johansson is excellent as expected. She brings sexiness to the role, and an impressive ability to beat up dudes way bigger than her. Mackie and Jackson complement Evans and Redford is realistically evil.

As always, the effects are great. The battle scenes are top-notch. That being said, they can get a little overwhelming at times. It all looks good, but Marvel overdoes the final battle with giant spaceships in the sky routine.

Captain America is what I expected it to be. Solid performances, good special effects.

Although this film does not reach the level of “The Dark Knight” or “Iron Man 3”, it supplants itself as one of the best Marvel movies made in recent years and perhaps the best one coming out this summer.

actually looked good. I will throw it out there that I am not a fan of the X-Men movies and none of the previous movies’ trailers attracted the nerdy side of me wanting to go to see it, but I would be willing to go to this and would even go to the premiere of it.

“Guardians of The Galaxy” is a movie I have mixed feelings about. When I originally heard about this movie, I looked into it a little and was not interested in it at all but after watching videos of the movie, it gained my attention. However I do not know if this will be good, but it will probably gain access to another film or will join the Avengers as I predict Spider-Man and Ant-Man to do in “The Avengers 3.”

Let’s turn it to the DC universe now and talk a little about the Batman-Superman movie. This movie could easily flop in my opinion and that is the way it looks like it will turn out with the part of Lex Luthor given to Jesse Eisenberg instead of better choices considered for the role such as

NEWS - FEAT - OPIN - SPORT

S

uperhero eason

Bryan Cranston. Not to say his movies are bad or his acting abilities are terrible, but the concept of him possibly fighting against Henry Cavill’s Superman baffles me.

However, I think the movie will not be terrible just because Ben Affleck was picked to be Batman. He was a great DareDevil, he is an award winning actor, and I at least know he will be a better Batman than George Clooney was. The thing I dislike is that I believe it should just be about Batman and Superman and not include other heroes like Wonder Woman, who has already been confirmed to be in the movie. To add onto the list, it will not be released until 2016 since it was pushed back a year.

With all these blockbusters one would think that they probably will not turn out well, but based on the trailers and info release guaranteethey will be spectacular and definitely worth seeing.

by PATRICK ROBEY

34 MUSIC STUDENTS & 8 ENSEMBLES RECEIVED 1 RATINGS AT DISTRICTS, QUALIFYING THEM FOR STATE

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pochahontas

“You think you own whatever land you land on. The Earth is just a dead thing you can claim. But I know every rock and tree and creature has a life, has a spirit, has a name. Come run the hidden pine trails of the forest. Come taste the sunsweet berries of the Earth. Come roll in all the riches all around you. And for once, never wonder what they’re worth.”

As a child I idolized not only this song, but Pocahontas as well.

And I still do to this day. Years ago I dreamed of dancing in the forest as the wolf cried to the blue corn moon and painting with the colors of the wind in the most literal terms. Now? I must admit, I still have a childish goal of one day finding out I’m more than only a sixteenth Cherokee and was actually meant to be an Native American princess.

But mainly, my goal is to bring Pocahontas’ message back to the people.

When John Smith and his men came to attack the forest and its furry inhabitants, Pocahontas showed him a whole other side of life that was hidden just around the riverbend. As he began to walk the footsteps of a stranger, even John Smith realized that our forests are something worth saving. The United States is home to more than 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands, according to the Sierra Club. They give Americans access to some of the most spectacular places in the world where they can become a part of nature.

As Pocahontas says, “The rainstorm and the river are my brothers.

The heron and the otter are my friends. And we are all connected to each other, in a circle, in a hoop that never ends.” Our national forests provide an unparalleled, diverse habitat for many of our most treasured wildlife and they include wild places and open spaces where Americans can seek solace and solitude in the silence of nature.

Deforestation is the clearing of the natural forests for the purpose of agriculture and logging, among others. It is one of the numerous

by MEGAN MCMULLEN environmental issues which are threatening the basic existence of several plant and animals species of the world today.

Pocahontas would be petrified of the people in today’s generation and their general lack of passion or acknowledgment of the planet’s deforestation. According to a study conducted by World Resources Institute, the planet has already lost 80 percent of its forest cover to deforestation. One of my favorite lines that Pocahontas preached was “How high does the sycamore grow? If you cut it down, then you’ll never know.” It gave me a feeling of hope, that I too would grow alongside the sycamore tree and reach the skies. Now, people of our generation are chopping down not only forests, but the future prosperity of our children.

The forests are our friends, they provide substantial benefits as long as they are still standing. Fifty million shade trees planted in strategic, energy-saving locations could eliminate the need for seven 100-megawatt power plants, according to the USDA Forest Service.

Nature gives us all of the basic necessities of life, all from a few roots and leaves. The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to 10 room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day, according to dvrpc.org.

In the song Colors of the Wind, Pocahontas questioned “How can there be so much that you don’t know?” I continue to question why the ‘savages’ of our society do not understand the simplicity of saving our environment. Although my childhood dreams have not came true and I am not the Native American princess I dreamed to be, my goal will still be to bring Pocahontas’ message back to the people. If only the human society heard the wolf cry to the blue corn moon or asked the grinning bobcat why he grinned. They must sing with all the voices of the mountains and paint with all the colors of the wind.

by DEREK BRAUN

editorial

cartoon

NEWS - FEAT - OPIN - SPORT

PROTECTING

Pochahontas protected nature, now we must protect her.

18 BAND, ORCHESTRA AND CHOIR ALL RECEIVED 1 RATINGS AT STATE LARGE ENSEMBLE

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Houston Texans

Blake Bortles QB Central Florida The Bill O’Brien era is beginning in Houston and there is a lot riding on this pick. Bortles is coming off a fantastic pro day and everyone knows if you want to win in the NFL, you need a franchise quarterback and Bortles is the closest thing to that in this draft class.

Pro Comparison: Ben Roethlisberger

St. Louis Rams

Sammy Watkins WR Clemson Sammy Watkins is the real deal, and he will be a star in the NFL. The Rams traded up to get Tavon Austin last year, but after a disappointing rookie season it will be very hard for the Rams to pass up a chance at having such a unique and explosive player. They have two first round picks and they can cash in on their first one. With a great defense if Watkins is what everyone says he will be, the Rams could be a dangerous team with an offense. Pro Comparison: Demaryius Thomas

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Jacksonville Jaguars

Jadaveon Clowney DE South Carolina 6’ 6” 266 pounds and runs a 4.53 40 yard dash. Do I need to say anything else?

Pro Comparison: J.J. Watt, but even more athletic

Cleveland Browns

Johnny Manziel QB Texas A&M Johnny Football is one of the most unique and exciting players to come out of college in a while. He is an electric player and seems to manufacture magic in the most crucial moments.

Manziel lacks NFL size standing at six feet flat and lacks the elite arm strength to blow open the defense. However, this Heisman winning quarterback.

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Oakland Raiders

Greg Robinson OT Auburn Robinson was one drive away from being a national champion. He anchored Auburn’s offensive line against the best defensive players in the country and helped Nick Marshall grow as a quarterback. He is big and extremely athletic and will be a cornerstone player for the next decade.

His athleticism allows him to play either left or right tackle, which is held highly for NFL GM’s. Pro Comparison: Jason Peters

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Kansas City Chiefs Brandin Cooks WR Oregon State

Kansas City could add an offensive lineman here, but there is not an interior lineman that warrants a first round selection. However, the Chiefs lack an offensive playmaker on the outside. Jamaal Charles accounted for the largest percentage of any team’s offense in the NFL which makes the Chiefs one dimensional. Adding a guy like Cooks can help solve this problem. He is a smaller receiver, but he is extremely quick and reliable. With Dwayne Bowe on the outside, Brandin Cooks can excel in the slot. Pro Comparison: Randall Cobb

expecting a big contract that they were not willing to pay him, the Chiefs signed Dressler to replace him as a slot receiver and return man.

Although I do not expect Dressler’s production to translate completely to the NFL, I believe he will be quite successful as the role player he will be asked to be.

LB Joe Mays- After losing Akeem Jordan to FA, the Chiefs wanted another veteran middle linebacker to line up next to Derrick Johnson on the Chiefs defense. Mays has had many successful seasons in the league,his last one with the Texans, and his addition to this defense is a very important one to help this team be as physically dominant as they were in the first 9 games of last season.

OL Jeff Linkenbach- The Kansas Chiefs lost three offensive lineman in one hour of FA, that is a very unsettling thing for Chiefs fan to hear. Free agency left a big gap in KC’s O-line and bringing in Linkenbach from Indianapolis is the first step towards solidifying the wall between Alex Smith and opposing defenses.

DT Vance Walker- Walker was picked up from the Raiders after losing DT Tyson Jackson. Walker played with a very bad group of defensive lineman last, but still had better numbers than Jackson in 2013 while not having the advantage of have great players around him to attract the attention of offensive linemen.

During the NFL’s Free Agency this year, Kansas City took some big hits,but have done a decent job at putting themselves in a good position for the draft. But there is still a lot of work to be done if the Chiefs want to Rival The AFC West for a playoff spot next season, a division that produced three playoff teams a year ago.

NEWS - FEAT - OPIN - SPORT

2014 NFL Mock Draft

by CHRISTOPHER NELSON

Within the first 90 minutes of the NFL’s Free Agency, a storm blew through Kansas City.

The Chiefs lost five free agents before you could say Marty Schottenheimer, including three-fifths of their offensive line — LT Branden Albert, OL Jon Asamoah and OL Geoff Schwartz — along with DE Tyson Jackson and Pro-Bowl WR/ PR Dexter McCluster all skipping town almost immediately. By the time FA was over the Chiefs had lost a multitude of talent, most noticeably Akeem Jordan LB to Redskins, Kendrick Lewis S to Texans, Branden Albert OT to Dolphins, Dexter McCluster WR to Titans, Jon Asamoah OL to Falcons, Tyson Jackson DT to Falcons, Geoff Schwartz OL to Giants, Quintin Demps S to Giants.

But the loss of most of these players were anticipated by the front office of Kansas City, and made moves accordingly.

The biggest impact signings that the Chiefs have made are as listed: RB/ KR Joe McKnight- Since entering the league with the Jets in 2010, McKnight has the best KR yard average of all returners in that same time span. McKnight also had an average of 5.9 yards per carry in 2012.

CB’s DeMarcus Van Dyke & Chris Owens - With the loss of safetys in FA the Chiefs were forced to move cornerbacks on their depth chart up to play safety, this left a big deficit at the CB position and signing Van Dyke from the Steelers and Owens from the Dolphins is the beginnings of rebuilding their secondary.

WR/ KR Weston Dressler- Dressler is a CFL player who did well in his time playing for the Roughriders. After McCluster was selected as a pro-bowler at the end of the season the Chiefs knew he would be

Kansas City Chiefs

Free Agency

The Chiefs have had a busy offseason, both losing and gaining significant players by NICK HOCHSTATTER

BOYS TRACK PLACED FIRST OVERALL AT THEIR MEET AGAINST KEARNEY; GIRLS GOT 2ND

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getting back into the SWING

by GRANT LEIBEE

T

he flowers are now blooming, which tells people that spring has now arrived. You hear the birds chirping, wind blowing and the smell of fresh cut grass. Put all of those together and what do you get? How about Boys Golf; with the season upon us, the guys will be looking to get back into the swing of things, led by three returning State qualifiers.

But for Coach Larry Torgerson, Varsity coach, this will be his last time out on the golf course as a high school coach. After 16 years, which began when South was founded in ‘98, Torgerson has finally decided to throw in the towel as he completes his final round with the boys.

“When I got here the team did not have any seniors,” he said. “The transition I made from Park Hill to here was fantastic and it was really exciting building a program from scratch.”

Following one of the best seasons in recent memory which included all five varsity members making it to the State tournament, the Panthers look to duplicate their past success with seniors Nick Sobba, Luke Becker and sophomore Tanner Owens leading the team. “[We’re hoping to] make it to State and see if we can make something happen, “ said Becker. “It will be a weird season with [Torgerson] retiring so we want him to go out with a bang.”

But when someone leaves a position like Torgerson’s, there is a hole that needs to be filled. Tracy Mangels, Industrial Technology, has been at South for 15 years and has been the JV coach of the golf team ever since. Mangels looks to take the reigns as the new varsity coach when Torgerson departs.

“I am taking over a well-established program.” Mangels said. “It is a good situation to come into and I’m looking forward to this opportunity in front of me.”

With a heavy senior led team, Torgerson is most concerned about how Mangels will handle the squad in years to come.

“I don’t demand a lot [out of the team],” said Torgerson, “I hope I left Coach Mangels in good hands with the program I built here.”

Focusing on this upcoming season, Mangels mentioned what his main concern this year is for the team.

“We lost two very good college level players so replacing them will not be easy,” said Mangels. “We have three returning varsity players but the other two will be up for competition..”

Although this is a team sport, each player will look to achieve their own personal goals and success. Sobba set a few goals he wishes to achieve before the season and his high school career ends.

“Me personally, I want to make All-State and win State,” Sobba said.. “Not only that, we should send Coach Torgerson off in a good way by sending people to State again.”

Becker noted that he is focused on team and not his own goals.

“I hope the team can make it to State and see if we can make something happen,” he said.

While the season is off to a good start, the mindset isn’t just winning tournament after tournament., it is enjoying the last year with the man who has guided this team ever since this school made its mark back in 1998.

“we want [torgerson] to go out with a bang.”

kickin’ GRASS

by SAMMI NAY

Kickin’ grass and taking names, the Lady Panthers are kicking off their 2014 soccer season.

There is one thing that is unusual about the team this year and that is that there is only one senior, Ashton Anderson.

“I’ll have to lead by example and work extra hard because all the young girls will be looking up to me,” said Anderson.

Anderson will not be alone in leading for this season. Juniors Anna Courtney, Carli Hanlon and Erica Timmerman have stepped up as Co-Captains this season. Coach Joe Toigo does not think there will be a problem with leadership, “One senior is good, the team has been together so they are all focused and work good together,” he said.

The varsity team is smaller than it has been in the last few years; they have all returning varsity players, plus some fresh faces including Meghan Jones, sophomore, and two freshmen: Lexi Maddox and Jasmine Crawford.

These are not just two freshmen playing a varsity sport, these are two freshman playing two varsity sports.. in one season. These girls were two State runners for Lady Panther Cross Country and are continuing their running by doing track and soccer at the same time.

“We are just doing track meets and a couple practices. Soccer is the main focus,” said Crawford.

Doing two sports and being the two youngest players, the girls are feeling a little pressure from the returning varsity players. Madi Sanders, sophomore, who also played varsity as a freshman, can relate. Being an

20

( ( Coach Larry Torgerson looks to lead his team to greatness one last time

The Lady Panthers soccer team starts their season off full of challenges to overcome

underclassman in any varsity sport, you would expect pressure, but Sanders says she feels none.

This new season also is making the girls have stronger relationships, “This year we are a lot more of a team and we get along better,” said Sanders Hopefully this better team bond will help the girls compete for a conference championship with Park Hill and Lee’s Summit West, make it to the district championship and avenge a loss from St. Teresa’s in last year’s district championship.

RUGBY WENT 1-2 IN THEIR ST. LOUIS TOURNAMENT; THEY ALSO BEAT LIBERTY

by CJ WHISNANT

CEEJ

the impact of social

T

here once was a time when the internet did not overrule our society, a time that was full of stadiums packed with attentive, out of their seat fans, desperately waiting for the next pitch to be fired across home plate and binocularready families in the rafters, straining to catch who made the reception for the first down.

These were the good ol’ fashioned times, before the rise of the social media monsters such as Facebook and Twitter which have jump started the downward spiral of one of America’s favorite pastimes: sports.

If one were to go to a game in during the Royals crusade to a World Championship in 1969, there would be no array of flashing lights from iPhones and Androids surrounding the baseball diamond or Instagram promotions on the jumbotron; instead, the box score sheets would be laid out on the father’s lap, as his son draped his arms over sideline fence, praying for a foul ball to come his way and every set of eyes would be focused on the powder blues.

Although this aspect of technology has enhanced several aspects of the games we love, such as highlights instantly streamed to your handheld, it has more than taken away the true value of the sports we grew up loving.

With this technology, the score of the Lakers vs. Clippers game will be posted on your timeline less than 30 seconds after the final buzzer sounds, and as enjoyable as that is for die hard

media

fans across the globe, it kills several industries and ironically enough, journalism in particular.

As a kid I would eagerly go to bed every night, anticipating the paper to be thrown onto our drive that next morning, stacked full of statistics and standings of my favorite sports teams.

Baseball cards, like the large majority of young boys, covered my room from the floor to the ceiling, and with that, so did the statistics, attributes and even birth place of every player. Every time I looked at the new statistics from the night before, I would add statistics onto where the card left off, just to make sure my cards were as accurate as possible.

And although that is still possible to do, so is grabbing your iPad and simply typing in that certain player’s name.

Our generation has become very lazy in literally everything we do, and it does not just pertain to the internet or even technology in general. The days of collecting ticket stubs and score cards of every single game you attend do not exist, replaced by an application or two at most.

It is hard to go to sports venues only to see that the large majority of ‘fans’ at the game are only looking for that perfect Instagram moment to describe their ever so cliche summer, or to be surrounded by scalps due to the owners eyes glued to their 2x5 inch screen of life. No longer will the boys of fall or diamond kings get a true audience, and with that, a true game is lost as well.

“[technology] has more than taken away the true value of the sports we grew up loving”

SOUTHSIDE GIRLS WILL HOST THEIR 1ST SPRING DANCE REVIEW MAY 2 AT 7 PM

NEWS - FEAT - OPIN - SPORT

sports with

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NEWS - FEAT - OPIN - SPORT

22

by DARIA GHASEMI

NBAfinals forecasts

South students share their opinions on the upcoming NBA Finals

Expansion for the NHL has been uttered amongst the league’s board for years. As we progress, fans of the sport get the hint that new additions to the league are getting close, especially in major market cities like Seattle, Las Vegas, Houston and many Canadian cities like Saskatoon and Quebec.

Unfortunately, Kansas City is yet again left off the list of potential sites.

Kansas City, known for the barbecue and fountains, has also displayed itself as a serious professional and collegiate sports destination to all by holding conference championships, MLB All-Star games, and the MLS All-Star game along with the MLS championship. However, a lack of variety in the field of sports has the country turning their shoulder and not taking the professional teams located in Kansas City seriously.

As a Kansas City native and long-time fan who believes in the fact that this long time titleless town deserves to expand in the sports world, with the NHL needing volunteers that fit their quota I truly believe this town can keep a Hockey team. In a large metropolitan region that contains a wide range of people willing to attend any type of entertainment.

Although Kansas City has had hockey teams come and go like the KC Scouts (197476), KC’s only professional team ever, which averaged 8,218 fans in Kemper Arena’s 17,000 capacity, according to ballparks.com. The many minor league teams like the Blues, Blades, and Outlaws didn’t stick around due to the many league changes and lack of fans. Now looking back, the only team that actually stuck around are the Mavericks who play at the Independence Center near the Truman Sports Complex.

It seems our only hope is in the

Anschutz Entertainment Group, the largest owner of sports teams and owner of the most profitable music and entertainment venues in the world, who was contracted to build the Sprint Center to draw NBA and NHL teams to our city.

Although this company failed at its task, it still has had a positive outcome due to the fact that the Sprint Center has held multiple pre-season games, including New York Islanders vs. Los Angeles Kings which was expected to have a sold out crowd but didn’t and initially scared away many potential franchises looking toward KC. Luckily another pre-season game was held between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Los Angeles Kings sold out Sprint Center in hopes of impressing Penguins

by ELI WILLIAMS owners who were looking for a new stadium and bring the franchise to Kansas City.

Unfortunately, that failed, as well.

With a shortage of teams in the western conference, 14, compared to the eastern conference’s 16, I can see a Kansas City team fitting in just right in one of the two Western divisions. KC’s large sports market could bring the league what they want: Money.

The task of bringing an NHL team to our town will be tough but if we work with AEG, the company who brought David Beckham, PLUS/MINUS - DAVID KREJCI English soccer player, to the U.S. and strengthened MLS to new heights, then the task can be done. With new rules replacing old restrictions on companies who want to own two different teams relinquishing, its now time for corporations to take charge and GOALS AVG - JOSH HARDING expand KC’s interest in professional hockey.

Under a new fan base and a clever name WINS - SEMYON VARLAMOV along with a prestigious arena, it’s safe to say that our titleless town could expand its source: official NHL website options and finally bring a trophy home.

Center ice

nhl leaders

offensive defensive

POINTS - SIDNEY CROSBY GOALS - ALEX OVECHKIN

SAVE % - JOSH HARDING

Nylo Clarke (9) What is your favorite team and why?

Donna Shahbazi (10)

“Miami Heat, because my “Golden St. Warriors former favorite KU player, because my favorite Mario Chalmers, plays for player is Stephen Curry.” the Heat.”

Dylan Kintner (11)

Evan Hines (12)

“Miami Heat because they’re exciting to watch and the best team in the world.”

“Oklahoma City Thunder, because in my opinion they are the best overall team also they have the greatest player, Kevin Durant..”

“Miami Heat vs.

Oklahoma City Thunder.”

“Oklahoma City vs.

Chicago Bulls.”

What two teams would you like to see advance to the finals?

“Golden State Warriors vs. Indiana Pacers.”

“Miami Heat vs.

Oklahoma City Thunder.”

Who do you think will win the finals?

“Miami Heat.”

“Miami Heat.”

“Miami Heat.”

“Oklahoma City Thunder.”

Who do you think will win MVP?

“Kevin Durant.”

“LeBron James.”

“Kevin Durant.”

“Kevin Durant.”

SENIOR AWARDS PROGRAM WILL BE HELD APRIL 28 IN THE AUDITORIUM

TIME

by NICK CLAASSEN

Spring is underway and that means time for great fishing.

Here are some tips on what to use, where to go and what to look forward to this spring fishing season.

Good things happen to those who bait.

Baiting lines, rippin’ lips, that is what fishing is all about, and everything you need to know about the 2014 fishing season in Kansas City is right here.

There is not a lot to look forward to between now and the end of school, unless of course you like fishing. As the spring season is underway it is time to start up those engines, bait your hook and start casting.

“It’s a great way to relax and have some fun with friends while bringing some good food home,” said Andrew Troha, sophomore.

There are plenty of different fish you can catch from Crappie to bass or even some trout and walleye. It all depends on what you have the best time fishing for.

Fishing is all about the time of season. And spring is one of the best times of the year to fish because it is spawning season and the fish are hungry after winter. The ideal temperature for fish to start moving to the shallows is at about 55 degrees and this can happen anywhere from mid-March to late May. Your best bet for most fish in the spring, especially crappie, is to fish in the shallows; once it gets warmer they start to move out deeper.

Crappie fishing is some of the best fishing around in the spring, and there are a lot of local places with outstanding crappie fishing.

Not only can you bag dozens of them in a short time, but they are dang good eating.

“I have a great time just casting some lines with friends and eating the great fish I catch,” said Sam Stein, junior.

Truman Lake, about two hours south of KC, is known as one of, if not the best, crappie fishing lake in the Midwest. Lake of the Ozarks is also a well-known spot, but if you are looking for more local places where you can catch crappie check out Smithville Lake or Riss Lake.

The best bet for finding a good spot for crappie fishing is using a trolling motor to pull up near shore by some debris such as a downed tree or a pile of sticks.

NEWS - FEAT - OPIN - SPORT

baiting

photo by NICK CLAASSEN

Minnows on a bobber is almost a sure way to catch some fish in a populated area of crappie. Some believe bobbers are just for little to kids to sit around and watch, but they work the best for this kind of fishing and you will not be sitting around watching them very long.

If minnows are not available another good option is to jerk a 1/32 to 1/16 jig around a shallow area.

“My favorite bait for crappie is some powerbait crappie nibblers and some synthetic powerbait worms for bass fishing,” said Troha.

For bass fishing in April your best bet would be crankbaits and spinnerbaits to get a big one on the line. As the weather gets warmer you might try to bounce some rubber worms across the bottom of the lake.

Local Bass lakes and ponds can include Smithville, Riss Lake, Thousand Oaks, James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife area, and many more.

“My favorite place to fish is Riss Lake because it’s close to home, has a great view, and an abundance of bass,” said Troha.

Smithville will be a place where many anglers will be gathering as South will be the first to host something very new to Kansas City: The first annual PHS Panther Classic Open Bass Tournament at Smithville lake on April 27 at 6am.

“We decided to publicize and host a high school tournament to promote high school fishing in our area and get area schools and anglers fired up about high school fishing,” said Coach Clay Lenhert.

All you need to sign up for this exciting spring fishing tournament are two high school anglers, an adult boat captain, a boat to fish from, $50 and a signed permission form. There will be trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place as well as one for biggest fish, and many other prizes being given away.

“We are expecting about 20 boats (40 high school anglers) for this first attempt at hosting a high school tournament,” said Lenhert.

Whether you are fishing with your friends to have some fun, or plan on competing for some hardware in this year’s Panther Classic, go rip some lips this spring. Fish on.

PHS PANTHER CLASSIC OPEN BASS TOURNAMENT WILL BE HELD APRIL 27

23

View Words NAME

GRADE

9

10

11

Figure out the word or phrase represented by the picture.

12

STAFF

Turn in your completed puzzle to C200 by 2pm today to be entered in a drawing for prom ticket or AMC movie card!

12

BACK

Hint: from news story

Hint: from news story

2.

1.

Hint: from feature story

3.

THE TOWEL throw

Hint: from opinion story

Hint: from sports story

5.

4.

6.

Bonus spring 2014 staff Editors

Editor-in-Chief: Megan McMullen Managing Editor: Chase Whorton News Editor: Kyle Vanice Feature Editor: Katie Blechinger

Opinion Editor: Caleb Fenner Sports Editor: CJ Whisnant Web Editor: Kendra Allen Art Director: Derek Braun Business Manager: Dylan Worth

Reporters Jacey Bruns Nick Claassen Daria Ghasemi Nick Hochstatter Emary Langhorn Grant Leibee Susan Monroe Samantha Nay Christopher Nelson

Hint: from opinion story

Find the hidden panther in one of the QR videos, follow @phsview on Twitter and tweet @phsview the video showing the panther by Monday to win $5

The View is published eight times during the regular school year as the student news publication of Park Hill South Lauren Powers High School. Opinions expressed Rob Pollan here are that of the student Ryan Proffitt journalist and do not necessarily Patrick Robey Katie Blechinger reflect the opinions of the Park Hill South School District.

Sam Sobotka Kyle Vanice For editorial policies or to Shelby Thompson Megan McMullen submit a letter to the editor, visit Lauren Powers Eli Williams our website at PHSVIEW.com.

Derek Braun The View is a member of NSPA and the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association and is printed Megan Palmer

by Osage Graphics in Olathe, Kan.

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