Park Hill South View Issue 8 by Park Hill South View

WEATHER GOT YOU DOWN?

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SPRING PAUSE: DOs & DON’Ts

[13]

issue 8, volume 12

e ot et

} march 19, 2010

yet still legal, synthetic drug could bring major consequences. pg. 8

k2 n ow

you don’t know >>What about this dangerous,

FANTASTIC FINAL FOUR

[15]

what’s

>>Store

march 19, 2010

issue 8, volume 12

what’s Up

BOOKS UNDER FIRE [5] examining The practice of banning books

BY THE NUMBERS [10] administration Prepares for future of South

what’s Hot

“

Everybody

should try

Drama once

high school.

-Travis Windsor, senior

“

while they are

Photo By Lauren Moore

THE WORD [14] Begging for No Leggings ROID RAGE [14] Going for Gold HELLO SPRING, GOODBYE WINTER SPORTS [12] a Wrap up of Winter Sports

what’s The Big Idea LETHAL BUT LEGAL [8] K2 new synthetic drug not banned in US...Yet

what’s What

SPREAD THE LOVE celebrate All student successes, not just one

letter

There is a saying that goes, ''when life give you lemons, make lemonade.'' But some people don’t live by that statement. They watch each passing by opportunity go out of their reach. My question is, why? Why pass up chances that life gives you? I understand some like to play the safe side when it comes to how they live, never taking chances, always making others happy. I’m, at some points, the same way. But when you look back on life, what are you going to remember? That time you could’ve, would’ve, should’ve? Or the time you did? The point of youth to me is to do all the things we can’t when we get older. Take all those chances that are presented to us. Yet, ost people just let them go by because of fear. But you know the saying, “all you have to fear is fear itself.” So don’t be frightened and go for it. Though for some, taking chances may be a hard pill to swallow, or most of you think that you do take chances. Look back on the years you’ve lived and look at the moments that stand out. Every time an opportunity comes in the door, take it. It's like Ferris Bueller said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and take a look around once in a while, you might miss it.” —LAUREN MOORE

“

From The Editor

>> Cheer for boys' basketball, but don't ignore other sucesses

ast week, the boys' basketball team played in the Final Four. And since this has happened, South has exploded like a confetti gun full of streamers and school spirit. But why all the hoopla over one sport? There are many activities and sports at South that make it as far as state, or even further. But some feel that sports such as boys' basketball and football are more important than others. When basketball made it to sectionals, they got a pep rally--a rally that was mandatory and took away from ''educational time.'' When cheerleading won state in 2007, they got... nothing. When Dance Team won state in 2008 they got, again, nothing. Debate goes to Nationals every year. But barely anyone knows that. Though cheerleading and dancing are considered activities at South, and debate is ''just'' a club, why put boys' sports, and not even all of them, over

other school activities? Other activities that are more successful more often. Because according to some school officials, if you give everything the same kind of attention, then students stop caring about anything. Oh, and thanks for the girls' swimming and boys' wrestling shout outs. Glad they could have their five seconds of glory. When boy's basketball made it to the Final Four, out of nowhere people actually cared--fair weather fans, as we would like to call them. Though there are some loyal fans in the stands, most are new faces. If football made it to state, those stands would probably fill up nicely too. But when sports such as those are successful, we get school spirit shoved down our throats. Sure, school support is nice, but the administration and leadership council should know better than to unevenly distribute it. This is not at all about the boys'

basketball team. The View staff is very happy for their success and very much enjoys reporting on it because it is timely and gives us a chance to do some real sports coverage. We just believe it shouldn't be seen as more important than others. Let this set a positive precedent for how to show support for all South successes. So activities such as choir, band, orchestra, cheerleading, tennis, dance team, girls' basketball, soccer, debate, wrestling, swimming, golf and all the other equally important South sports and activities, don't feel bad because you aren't football or boys' basketball. Some may feel you don't deserve as much attention and school support, but here at The View, we believe you are just as important. So we give to you your own little shout out in the paper. Think of it as a well deserved pep rally that everyone gets to see. —THE VIEW STAFF EDITORIAL

what’s What

Spread the Love

spices removed from cafeteria When the distrubution of salt was recently limited in the school’s cafeteria, many students did not know how to cope with the idea of a meal without spices. The solution for one group of boys was to bring and share their own spices from home amongst the table and to anyone else in need of a more flavorful lunch experience. However, they were soon asked to stop this practice to adhere the safety standards of the school, enforced by John Carr, assistant principal, who wanted to keep the peace. “With all due respect, if they don’t provide salt for us, what’s wrong with bringing our own?” asked junior Tyler Arthur, who was directly involved in bringing the spices to school. Arthur brought a few assorted sauces to add to the table's collection, including Tabasco and barbeque sauces. “It’s ridiculous to think we could get in trouble, he said. Carr explained his reasoning for not allowing the spices any longer was because of the “disruption and commotion” it caused in the lunch room among other students. “Everyone comes to the table,” Carr said. Paul Silvio, a junior and another table member, said he thinks the spices should not be banned because it is like “creating a new rule.” “We checked the student handbook for any rules banning the spices and thought we were clear,” said Silvio.

Others not involved in the situation questioned the removal of the spices. Mackenzie Williams, junior, witnessed the event unfold, and found the situation unfair to students. “I see no difference in bringing your lunch and bring sauces,'' Williams said. ''It’s not a big deal.” Carr asked students to understand the intention of removing spices and sauces was not to arbitrarily create rules, but to avoid overall disorder in the lunchroom. “Some of the stuff we do, people think is foolish,'' Carr said, ''but the purpose is to keep things in line.” —TIERNAN EIBERGER

photo by alex edwards

Weather Got you

Down?

>> Teen depression affects students in many ways

30%

of teens with depression develop substance abuse problems

five percent

of teens suffer from seasonal depression, mostly during winter

20%

of teens will experience teenage depression before adulthood

Suicide Hotline: 1-800-356-5395

www.teendepression.org

Photo by Alex Edwards

amily and friends, academics and after school activities, drugs and alcohol, as well as a change in the climate are all ''stressors'' for South students. Not only do these things lead to stress, but they can also lead to depression among teens. Some say that just being in high school is enough to put a student into a severe state of depression. Though most students dealing with depression are not very open about it, Jordan Ferraguti, senior, shares his story. Ferraguti started feeling sad and lonely this past December; he has been feeling the same way ever since. He said that drama with friends, family problems and relationships are some of the many things that make him feel sad, along with his studies, homework and the cold weather. The frigid weather plays a key factor in his life since he is a skateboarder and is not able to ''let loose and board'' to relieve stress. Ferraguti said he will sometimes catch himself thinking about past loved ones, or current relationships that are not going very well. When getting caught up in thoughts about such unhappy topics, he feels overwhelming sadness. ''If everything was right, I wouldn't have the feeling of depression,'' Ferraguti said. One of the big roles in his depression, he said, is his ADD medicine, Straterra. From the beginning of seventh grade, Ferraguti has taken this medication so that he is able to better concentrate in school. He said it helps him concentrate but makes him feel unhappiness: yet, he feels obligated to take it so that he can continue to receive good grades and please his family. Many students know what that is like, as bad grades often equal being grounded until they are fixed. Clara Archer, junior, said that depression all depends on the amount of attention, whether too much or too little, that a person is getting. She thinks the ''physical and mental inbalance of attention'' plays the biggest role when it comes to teen depression or any depression in general. MelaDee Patterson, counselor, said she sees several different types of students with several different types of depression come into her office, and for some of

those students, that depression just does not go away. Patterson said most students are depressed because of their home lives and family problems. Students are also likely to become depressed after a dramatic event happens in their lives, like divorce or the remarriage of a parent. “Dramatic situations are hard on everyone, especially on pre-teens and teenagers,” Patterson said. When depression strikes, high school students sometimes turn to drugs and alcohol to escape reality. This can only worsen the situation, but there are other things teens can do to face depression. Pure interactions like exercising, maintaining a positive attitude and therapy are all ways to help. Sophomore Christina Mcosker said that when she was depressed, talking to friends and family was the key thing that helped her. She also said she took it one day at a time. “Don’t let school get to you,” she said. “Worry about today, and then tomorrow.” Natural Helper Bridget Paulk, junior, admits that not many students know that the Natural Helpers club is specifically there for students that are having issues. Paulk said that not one student has come to her yet, although any Natural Helper is ready to talk whenever and wherever. “Most kids don’t want to speak to a random student about it because they feel like they would be judged,” Paulk said, “but we do keep it private.” Archer said she thinks in order to help South students recover from depression, there should be a group meeting for students who want to open up about it during tutorial or before or after school. If you or someone you know is battling teenage depression, the best thing to do is tell an adult or talk to that person one-on-one. Students with depression are often just waiting for someone to talk to, so be that person to make a difference in South. ''It's okay to be down,'' said Patterson. ''But it's not okay to stay down.'' — MOLLY REINMUTH

Books Under ire

Exploring the practice of banning books in schools “The Adventures of Huckleberry

language,” according to banned-books.com. But when the book was published in 1939, the vulgar words were not an issue.

Banned Books Worth Reading

hgf-

what’s Up

Finn”, “Catcher in the Rye”, “Fahrenheit 451”, “Grapes of Wrath” and the ''Harry Potter” series are all titles of books that have been “Banning books shouldn’t on the banned book list at one time or infringe on learning, like it has another. Banned books are books to which the potential to do,” said Wood. free access is not permitted. The practice Messer said he thinks what is taught in of banning books is a form of censorship, the classroom should be up to the and often has political, religious or moral teacher’s discretion. motivations, according to wikipedia.com. “Teachers should have the freedom to Banning books is not a new thing; yet, with all these years to get used to the idea of pick what their students read,” said Messer. Most books are banned on a national books being banned, people are still level by government leaders, but it is not against it. unheard of to have community leaders ban “Parents and teachers should be able books in just their own area. to educate kids to interpret what they Although the Park Hill School District read,” said Lowell Messer, communication has not tried to arts. “They should make their own ban any specific judgments.” books, according Mackenzie to Messer, that is Kafka, junior, said not the case for the she thinks that by Blue Valley School From Here to Eternity By James Jones banning books, District. In 2005, Don’t Call Me Brother By Austin Miles students are being parents started a Catch 22 By Joesph Heller shielded from debate pertaining As I Lay Dying By William Faulkner culture. to censorship in Animal Farm By George Orwell the classroom. “We should The group of The Diary of Anne Frank By Anne Frank be allowed parents referred The Da VInci Code By Dan Brown to themselves at to read any Howl By Allen Ginsberg “ClassKC.” They book,” said Dick and Jane By William S. Gray wanted to ban 14 Kafka. “It’s a good books for “vulgar way for students to language and see just how much society has changed.” sexual explicitness,” according to an article One example Kafka used was Mark on kidspeakonline.com. According to Blue Twain’s novel, “Huck Finn.’’ She said that Valley parents, the books violated policy although it contains racial slurs, the reason it 4600, a policy that denotes the process for was added to the banned list, she thinks it is selection of learning resources. a good look into what used to be acceptable. In the Park Hill District, Kafka, like Classes at South continue to read “Huck Wood, said she thinks censorship should Finn”, though, including Messer’s AP only take place when absolutely necessary. Literature class. Contrastingly, Messer thinks there is never Similarly, senior Austin Wood said he an excuse to ban a book. thinks censorship should not be based on “I’m against banning books,” said Messer. things that were not an issue at the time the “Maybe some shouldn’t be taught in book was published. For example, “Grapes high school, but there shouldn’t be a of Wrath” by John Steinbeck was banned, banned books list.'' —AMY WILLSEY and burned in some areas, due to its “vulgar

Skip the Skip S

tudents look forward to many things their senior year: prom, senior picnic and the ever-so-popular senior skip day, a day where seniors skip school for a day of rest and relief, sleeping in and a day with no work or responsibility. But now, the administration is threatening punishment if the seniors decide to take this day for themselves as they have in years past. “It’s not like they can support us skipping school,” said Cody Mortensen, senior. Students like Mortensen argue that the administration “can’t really” do anything when it comes to punishment for a senior skip day. But if student attendance lacks at any point, like opening day at the K, Principal Dr. Dale Longenecker said seniors will get out of school later than May 7, proving student

Baseball

Students decide against a senior skip day so school will end on time

assumptions to be wrong. “Senior week alone is 16 percent of the semester,” said Longenecker. “Missing that much school is not healthy.” Also with the snow days, a senior skip day is even more out of the question. Though seniors like Jacob Fischer feel like that should not affect a possible skip day, according to Longnecker, South seniors do not have it so bad. Longenecker said South has the “best deal” is the city when it comes to the time that seniors get out of school. Most other schools get out the day before they graduate. So Longenecker feels there is no need to miss more school than seniors already do. But other students like Kari Tripses, senior, say that senior skip days are a tradition that should not be stopped now. “Not having a senior skip day is stupid.

BACK

It’s a tradition that all seniors do. Why be punished now?” said Tripses. Tripses also feels that if there are extra days added on, that itself would create yet another senior skip day because most seniors “just want to get out of here.” Yet, according to Longenecker, the main objective of the school is for students to finish their courses. The main point of school is to educate students and he asked “how can we do that if they aren’t here?” All in all, senior skip day may have more negative effects than good. Pros: awesome day at the K, sleeping in or just a day of relaxation. Cons: more time at South, perhaps even after graduation. So the seniors at South need to realize that perhaps one day should not affect the shortening of their summer vacation. —LAUREN MOORE Current Last Day for Seniors:

Panthers try to succeed with their newest coach South has been through its share of baseball coaches in the past four years. In the 2008-09 school year, coach Nick Rogers took over but only spent one year at the helm before resigning. Now it is Josh Walker’s turn to lead the Panthers to success. Some students at South might know Coach Walker from their seventh and eighth grade years as being the P.E. coach at Lakeview. Coach Walker was a pitcher/first baseman at Central Methodist College for four years and got his B.S.E. in Physical Education. Walker is a graduate of rival Park Hill and also attended Park University to get his Masters in Education Administration. Coach Walker is the third coach in the past four years. Before him were Coach Rogers and Durnin and they both could not get the team over the .500 mark. “It’s never easy when you change from one coach to the other, and this is our third coach in four years. The good news is that we have senior leadership that I hope will step up and make the transition easier,” said Walker. In any sport, veteran or senior leadership is important, especially when dealing with a situation such as this one. “It is really difficult and annoying it's the third [coach change] in three years,” said senior Matt Mitchell. When new coaches come in, it means a new strategy and demeanor. New coaches have different attitudes and also the relationship with the players change. “Coach Walker is less hard-headed and is more

“

May 7

about the team. It seemed that Coach Rogers was more about himself,” said senior Pat Brady. According to the players, Walker has a certain selflessness about him. He puts the team first and has their best interests at heart. “We have a pretty friendly and open relationship. It goes back to eighth grade,” said Mitchell. Coach Walker was the seventh and eighth grade coach for most of the senior players so their relationships are firmly established. Walker has also been around South during their high school career, as an assistant baseball and head softball coach. South has been the school away from school for Walker. “Coaching at Park Hill South is an honor and a privilege,” said Walker. South baseball has not had a season where they have reached a .500 record since Tommy Hottovy, now in the Boston Red Sox farm system, struck batters out and sent them back to the dugout embarrassed. This coaching change has the potential to have different effects on the team. “I think that what makes me different from Coach Rogers is we have a different mind set when we take to field,” said Walker. This year the football team made the playoffs pg and the basketball team made it to the state tournament; now it is the baseball team's turn to do something special. —CODY MEADE

”

Coaching atPark Hill South is an honor and privilege

illegal in kansas signed into law march 10

contains chemicals herbs sprayed with compounds JWH-018 and JWH-073 which bond to brain receptors

* K2, new synthetic drug, also known as “spice” name comes from frank herbert book series

not banned in US... yet

“

Regardless as to whether it is biochemically conjured and not actual pot, the effects are the same, and it will soon be banned,”

Thee are four types, “Summit” being reported to have the “strongest” high and also the most popular. It is primarily sold in three-ounce packages for $25 each. No controlled substances are found in this herb and it gets users “ten times” higher than marijuana. One “juvenile” said he “couldn’t feel anything.” And it’s legal. What could this substance possibly be? K2: the new legal form of synthetic marijuana that has many questioning its legality and others concerned about the dangers of such a potent drug. According to CNN reports, K2 is the brand name for a dried blend of exotic herbs that have been sprayed or coated with one or more engineered chemicals that, when smoked, produce euphoria. For now, K2 is legal in the United States, even for minors, but Missouri is working on making illegal. And some students agree with that decision. “From what I’ve heard, it should be illegal,” said Kellie Jackson, junior. According to Jackson, people that she has talked to about K2 said that the “high” from weed and this new drug are very different. The feeling of being “high” on K2 is a feeling compared to “having zero control.” “I’ve heard it makes you feel numb,” said Jacob Fischer, senior. These effects of K2 can be very dangerous, just as the effects of marijuana are, according to students like Fischer, and should be banned as such. CNN reported that research has linked naturally produced marijuana to health issues, including schizophrenia. With synthetic marijuana being even more powerful, its potential damage on a user’s mental and physical health is only increased, as K2 can also cause increased heart rate, loss of consciousness, paranoia, hallucinations and psychotic episodes. “Regardless as to whether it is

biochemically conjured and not actual pot, the effects are the same, and it will soon be banned,” said Chris Schisler, senior. Although at South there have been no reported problems yet with K2 specifically, there are already rules in the student handbook for “drug-like substances.” The first offense for possession of a drug-like substance is five days of Out of School Suspension if the student is 18. The next offense is 10 days of OSS. But according to Dr. Dale Longenecker, principal, South’s administration is doing what they can to prevent any problems from ever occurring on campus. “I’ve sent out notification to parents expressing all the dangers of K2,” said Longenecker. Although School Resource Officer Matt Westrich said he has heard rumors of distribution at South, he assures that they are just rumors. Because of the harmful effects of K2, Westrich, Longenecker and many others do not want it to end up being a problem at schools, or in general. According to Westrich, this drug is currently illegal in Europe and Kansas and Missouri are pushing for the same. “I know they are talking about making it illegal, but I have seen no bill produced,” said Westrich. The idea of making K2 illegal started in Kansas, and Missouri followed. CNN columnists suggested classifying it as a “Schedule I drug,” defined as a substance that has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, which would make it illegal. But first, federal and local law enforment departments need to know more about the relatively-unknown drug, according to Westrich, to do much more about making it illegal. “From a legal perspective it’s not illegal,” said Westrich. “But we still have a lot more to learn about it.” —LAUREN MOORE

legal

but

lethal * K2 is 10 times as potent as THC, the active ingredient in naturally grown marijuana

In 1995, an organic chemistry professor at Clemson University was testing the effects of various drugs on the human body and discovered a chemical that could mimic the effects of marijuana. He published this work in a paper, and

before long, marijuana users began to spray this onto different herbs and tobaccos and smoke it. What does Dr. John Huffman have to say about his invention now? “People who use it are idiots.” The drug that Huffman created is now known as K2, and it has risen to prominence in Missouri and Kansas in recent years. Nobody can really trace the path of this drug from its advent in ‘95, but it is now making a splash, already banned by the armed forces with Missouri working on legislation to make it illegal. K2 has gained a name because it is comparable to marijuana, accessible and undetectable in drug tests. The effects vary with the many different suppliers and producers. This concerns health officials, including the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, who issued a health advisory on March 5 warning of the dangers of this unknown drug. The main factor contributing to the success of this drug is the easy access it offers to users. For

instance, since it is not necessarily sold as a tobacco product, it could be sold to people of any age. Many more respectable places that sell K2 might not sell to a 10-year-old, but it can be sold to anyone because it is not necessarily tobacco. K2 is still treated in many ways like a prescription drug. For instance, if a student drives or come to school under the influence, they will face consequences. K2 still alters the way a person acts and can therefore be punished like abusing a prescription drug. The thing that keeps most people away from the drug is its mysterious nature. The chemical nature of the drug scares many high school students because it seems much more volatile than the illegal drugs it replaces, but many are working for legislation to happen sooner. Kansas was the first state in the nation to ban the sale and possession of synthetic marijuana, or K2. The Kansas City Star reported Gov. Mark Parkinson signed it into law on March 10. “I know that they’re talking about legislation [in Missouri],” said Student Resource Officer Matt Westrich. “But I have not seen a bill produced.” —SAM PETERSON

sources: kansas city star, newser.com

10,159 students are currently enrolled in the Park Hill School District

“

I want her to have the best quality just as every other graduating class. If any staff can do it, ours can.

”

--Deanna Koelliker [communication arts]

773 kindergarten

students by 2020

ver the past 12 years, more than hairstyles and technology have changed. Planet Earth entered a completely new century, Park Hill split, South was created, the iPod was born, celebrities died and new celebrities were born and now we enter today, March 2010, with a future of an overpopulated South. When South first opened its doors, there were around 1300 students with the first graduating class, according to Dr. Dale Longenecker, principal. The adoption of the Professional Learning Community, changing teacher collaboration time, common assessments and tutorial time have brought South to be what it has today. “The card system is new since I went here. Also, we only had one tutorial a week and at the time it was called seminar. We didn’t have early release, which would have been nice as a student,” said 2002 South graduate and FACS teacher, Abby Disselhoff. “The food in the lunchroom has way better food now and we have a way wider variety to choose from. I do remember we had no bakes almost every day though when I was in high school and I did enjoy that.” But again, more than teachers and students have changed since 1998, like the fact that the student body has grown. In total, there are 10,159 students enrolled in the Park Hill district, a huge increase from 1985’s school year of 6,406 students. Not only is the student body growing as a whole, but each ethnic group in its own is growing. Ranging from 0.8 percent to 11.3 percent increase for Native Americans, Asians, Hispanics and African Americans, according to the district's Demographic Profile reports of January 2010. Needless to say, Park Hill is growing by leaps and bounds. “South specifically is not the main concern, but more Park Hill,” Dr. Paul Kelly, assistant superintendent for business and technology, said. “Within the next five years, we need to find additional footage, or if students take to the online classes then [the overflow] would take care of itself.” And the growing is not stopping anytime soon. With a projected kindergarten class size of 773 students in 2020, compared to today’s

by the

705, each class is said to be growing more and more than the class before. That means while the administration is trying to figure out where to place all of the current fifth grade students, they also have to be thinking about the fourth grade class and how they will handle their capacity, said Longenecker. Right now, according to the demographic profile, South has 68 available classrooms with a maximum class size of 30 students and an effective capacity of 2,020. And although South is currently at 1,522 students, the profile explains that South will be beyond their effective capacity by 2016. Currently, there are no set plans; the whole future of the Park Hill District is one big if. There have been rumors of building another Park Hill high school, but those chances are slim, according to Longenecker. “Our goal is to provide comfortable and effective classes for all students and taxpayers,” Longenecker said. “It costs every time we build.” To build another school, it would cost around 100 million dollars; that would mean another set of football uniforms, another set of brand new tennis courts, a replication of all programs and a set of only 1,200 students at each Park Hill. Another option would be more students arriving at different times, a possible fifth block and having more online classes. “I like the idea of a blended school with online classes,” Longenecker said. And while the Park Hill district is expanding and making plans to move forward, the rest of Kansas City is moving backward and taking out some of their schools. On March 10, the Kansas City, Missouri Board of Education voted to close almost half of the city’s public schools, accepting a plan to shrink the system in the face of dwindling enrollment, budget cuts and a $50 million deficit. But for some teachers whose kids are in middle school now, like Deanna Koelliker, communication arts, Longenecker and Mike Nelson, social studies, they are already thinking ahead. “It’s not a matter of getting through the day. It’s that I want my daughter to have the best in algebra, biology, etc.,” said Koelliker. “She’s my investment and I want her to have the best quality just as every other graduating class. If any staff can do it, ours can.” — ALI FISHER

numbers 42

13,35659714 923

Administration starts planning for future of South

254 15,646,8746,541 164 2014 16498 49992 0 2,32168 9563,642 pg

2,172 001

531,564

428 71

100

The season proved an uphill battle for the

HELLO, SPRING

Lady Panthers basketball team.

goodbye winter sports

––STEPHANIE GRIFFITH

Fighting injuries and illness, South wrestlers kept their heads together. Their hardwork paid off and earned them a district champion, senior Dean Frazier. We took second at Liberty after Liberty had beat us up the week before. I thought the wrestlers wrestled tough. It really was a total team effort,” said head coach Dan Dunkin. Record: 10-4 duals Post Season: Four State Tournament qualifiers: senior Dean Frazier, freshmen Chase Gray, Adam Weatherly, and Jimmy Carpenter Favorite Moment: “Watching Coach Dunkin get mad at Grant Gould even when he’s winning.” --Samuel Eickhoff, junior. Stars on the Rise: Three of the four state qualifiers this year were freshmen Gray, Weatherly and Carpenter. Despite not winning medals, these freshmen hold promise for the future. “We were glad to take three freshmen because that means next year we have three returning state qualifiers,” said Dunkin.

Photo By: Paige Pendell

Record: 3-21

“Throughout the season we had to keep our hope alive and had to always focus on the next challenge,” said Coach Jenny Orlowski. “I think we truly exemplified the person who keeps getting knocked down, but who brushes themselves off and says, ‘One more time.’”

Post Season: knocked out first round of the District Tournament Favorite Moment: “During a team party when Judy Harris and I dominated the little freshmen in fusbol.” --Haley Sheldon, sophomore One For the Record Books: Much of season for the Lady Panthers was spent as the underdog. But the first round of the North Kansas City Tournament, South was seeded number eight and set to play the number one ranked, defending Class 4A State Champs Platte County. Most assumed it would be an easy win for the Platte County Pirates. Photo By: However, early in the game South gave the Alex Edwards Pirate’s some trouble. By making their free throws and playing tough zone defense, South pulled out a 49-46 victory. “They were too cocky,” said junior Kinsy Kuhn.

The Girls’ Swim and Dive team holds a tradition of success and this season kept that tradition alive. “Our coach’s expectations and our will to get better made us as successful as we were,” said senior Fontana Franks. Franks qualified for State in dive.

Record: Undefeated in duals & conference champions Post Season: Qualified for state in eight events & took eighth overall Favorite Moment: “When we beat Blue Springs at State because now we’re the number one team in the area.”

Photo By: Paige Pendell

---Lyndsay Ryan, junior.

Breaking Records: Sophomore Rachel Norfleet set a new record in the 200 IM.

For information about the boys’ basketball team, turn to page 14 to read about the State tournament

Go Go’s

Spring

PAUSE

South students reaveal their plans and concerns for the abbreviated break

We have such a short

Spring Break this year.

normal, lengthy, Spring Break instead of a quick trip,” said Nall. She plans on getting her work before she leaves and said a day or two away from school should not hurt her attendance or grades. Nall frequently attends school and has good grades in all her classes. But is it worth missing school time for the last break of the year? Sebastian Anderson, junior, is going to San Francisco to see his grandparents and may miss a day of school. “Airfare is just too expensive to go for a short time,” said Anderson. The break schedule changes slightly for next year as students get a five day weekend in the middle of March, and teachers get a four day weekend. Spring Break marks the last days off of school until school is released for summer in May. —DREW BERRY

days bringing home the bacon!

2. Volunteer Not only is volunteering

rewarding, it looks killer on a resume. Spend the four days preparing for a working future.

3. Road Trip Who can honestly ever say

they've ever seen the World's Largest Ball of Twine? You can after your four day adventure on the road.

4. Sleep Over! Friends rule, might as well spend time with them.

No No’s 1. Mexico

what’s Hot

tudents around South are concerned that the sudden shortened Spring Break will affect their plans, if they can even afford to have plans because of the shortened break. This year's Spring Break could even be considered just a four day weekend. Though traditionally a full week-long vacation ever since South opened in 1998, this year's Spring Break is March 26-29, only four days. “I really can’t really have any plans because of the length of the break,” said Kyle Enloe, senior. “It really just feels like a snow day weekend.” Jessica Nall, senior, is one of many students taking a longer break, no matter the days actually allotted by the district calendar. Nall said that she plans on going to California for a week to see family over the break, so she will miss a few days of school. “We prefer to have a

1. Work Time is money. Spend the four

Mexico's the ultimate cliche spring break trip. If that's your best idea, it's a given that your life already sucks.

2. Spring Fling

Everyone likes being appreciating, but why only have it last four days? Just remember, if you have a spring fling, you're gonna get flung.

3. Pigging Out

We're approaching summer. It's time to cut weight, not gain it. If you hope to fit into your speedo/ bikini by summer, your best bet is to avoiding pigging out.

4. Video Games

Video Games are best saved for avoiding homework not spending a break. Put down your joystick and start enjoying yourself.

—CHRIS BARTH & JULIA SUMPTER

It’s all

BUSH’s fault!

You’re an idiot.

Cartoon by C. M. Barth

>>ROID RAGE The Vancouver games concluded on Sunday, Feb. 26 with a bittersweet taste left in the mouths of all Americans. The United States, despite racking up a Winter Olympic record 37 medals on their way to winning their second Winter Olympic games, were disappointed when our hockey team lost to those pesky Canadians in the gold medal game. With that gold medal, Canada matched Russia for the most hockey gold medals of all time, and set a new Winter Olympic record by taking home 14 gold guys. Although Ryan Miller, the Buffalo Sabres’ Goalie, was the one who gave up that spirit crushing goal in the medal game, he won MVP honors for the entire games. Miller held the Canadians to only one goal in their first matchup in pool play, as the Americans beat Canada for the first time since 1980. Miller also posted one shutout, and only let in 10 goals during the entire olympics, and six of those 10 goals were against the Canadians. Bode Miller, American alpine skiier and Ryan Miller’s name twin, helped pick up some of the slack at the olympics for the US Men’s skiing team. Mr. Do-it-all won medals in the Men’s super combined (gold), men’s super combined slalom (bronze), Men’s downhill (bronze), and the men’s Super G (silver).

Going for Gold

Other notable Americans included women’s skiier Lindsey Vonn, Apolo Ohno and Sean White. Vonn received gold in Ladies’ Downhill and a bronze in Ladies’ Super-G, but did not finish in Ladies’ Slalom and Ladies’ Super Combined. Despite her two faults, it was pretty impressive considering the shin injury she obtained in her first practice run in Vancouver. Apolo Ohno received silver in the Men’s 1500m, and bronze in the Men’s 5000m and 1000m. Ohno became the world record holder for the most winter Olympic medals of all time with his silver medal in the men’s 1500m, but added another to his record eight medals. Shaun White won gold in his only event, the Mens’ Halfpipe. This was to be expected, but White’s victory run is what brought the attention, hitting his 1260 double McTwist on a final run that he really didn’t have to do. All in all, it was a good Olympic games for the boys and girls of the red, white and blue. Although everyone’s spirits were brought up just to be crushed in men’s hockey, there’s plenty to look forward to in the 2014 games as a sense of USA pride was instilled back into the hearts of many Americans. And what better time than this, right before the world cup this summer.—MATT SWIHART

Begging for

The Word

Final Medal Count

United States

Gold-9 Silver-15 Bronze-13 Total-37

Germany Gold-10 Silver-13 Bronze-7 Total-30

Canada

Gold-14 Silver-7 Bronze-5 Total-26

No Leggings

see this issue’s column of mine as more of a public service announcement than a rant. My style isn’t exactly french coture, but I think I have some kind of grasp on what’s socially acceptable and what’s not. Sure I tend to lean toward oversized flannel and chunky mountaineering boots instead of Victoria’s Secret sweatpants, but that doesn’t mean that I’m blind. And I guess you would have to be blind to commit such a fashion blunder. Kids, leggings are NOT pants. They aren’t a flattering wardrobe choice, the skin tight material can't be comfortable and they look awful on you unless you are a Heidi Klum clone. So heres an easy solution: pitch the leggings. Throw them out. Let them smoke and melt in a fireplace far, far away. You know all those hot fashion trends when our parents were teenagers that we mock them about now? I know my dad went to Prom in a powder blue tuxedo and I recall seeing a picture of a few family members donning oversized ponchos. Imagine the look of horror plastered all over your future child’s face when he or she sees a picture of you rocking some skin-tight leggings as pants with an oversized hoodie over them. Don’t subject them to that kind of pain. They probably aren’t even comfortable enough to merit wearing. You don’t have to do it alone. Let’s make it a group effort. We can make support groups, phone trees, whatever you need. Let’s just end this thing before it gets out of control and the entire world is wrapped up in a synthetic polyester/spandex blend that can’t be put in the dryer.—JULIA SUMPTER

Finally,

theFinal

his season, South’s boys’ basketball team accomplished what past teams have not been able to for 10 years: they made it to State, finishing fourth in Class 5A. Coach Anthony Perry’s Panthers played in the Final Four in Columbia, Mo. on March 11 as District 16 champions after defeating Oak Park and Liberty the week before. District competition was just another obstacle in the way of going to state, while knocking out higher seeded teams along the way. After Liberty came the highly touted Kansas City Central team which South dominated by 22 points, winning at the Independence Events Center, 79-57. “Becoming district champs was the next stepping stone to going to the Final Four,” said Matt Robaska, senior guard. After the pounding that South unleashed on Central, their next stop was a quarterfinal game against Lee’s Summit North, at the time ranked eleven spots higher than South. South was up by 22 at one point in the game but The Broncos came back and only lost by seven points. A win was still a win, though, qualifying South for the Final Four. In front of students, teachers and their own families, South boys’ basketball players battled eventual State champs Hillcrest High School at Mizzou arena in a lowscoring game, eventually falling short, 41-50. The team went on to play Christian Brothers College the next day, taking home fourth place honors with a 43-51 loss. Regardless of their placing at State, players and fans said they were excited just to get there, and going so deep into the post-season tournament revealed an opportunity for students, administration and players to unite in support of the team. School spirit was at a high, due in part to special pep rallies and team send-offs. “We really are not paying attention to it as a team. We put it on our backs to get school spirit up though,” said Robaska before leaving for the Final Four. This spirit was illustrated by attendance actually improving when the games were 45 minutes away and not on the home court, as the stands filled with South fans there to back the boys’ basketball team in the post-season. “I felt they had a good overall season,” said Tim Burns, senior. “They showed that they could step up in big games and bring South their second final four appearance. ––CODY MEADE photo by Alex Edwards

Sing

Graphic by: C.M. Barth

It was June 11, 2002 when Americans added a >>The television show moment may to the long list of culture that we, as citizens of the be short for U.S. cherish dearly. This list that of greasy fastAmerican Idol includes food burgers, the epic tale aspirants of televised island survivors (cleverly titled “Survivor”), and as of 2002, “American Idol: The Search for a Superstar.” Although the show is constantly being made fun of by students, adults and “Saturday Night Live” alike, it has remained a major American pastime for years now. Yet with renowned products of the show such as Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken and Carrie Underwood, the bar has been set quite high. So as Season 9 is quickly cutting its contestants, the question remains: Will the next American Idol winner truly be an American Idol? With the difficult task to keep the country interested, the show has started to mix up its flavors. The past rule of ‘no instruments’ has been cut out as of recent years and the judging spot that Paula Abdul so gracefully held last year is now being held by talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. Even Simon Cowell has started to notice that the show is on a downward spiral and has decided to make this season his last. But as this death-clock slowly runs dry, Americans have not given up on our talent. This season’s top 24 include highly talented performers such as Crystal Bowersox, Alex Lambert and Katelyn Ebberly. The performers are not only high quality, but they are bringing a diverse spin to the show. By the time the show moved to L.A. this season, there was a cop, a body builder and a laundry list of sixteen-year-olds that made up the competition. Personally, after just recently taking up this favorable pastime, I agree with Simon: the competition is mediocre. Now, if you have heard my sad attempts at singing, you may think that any singing opinion that comes from me may not be the most informed. But, since most people that watch American Idol, football or even the Olympics have fallen to the sickness of Armchair Quarterbacking, my opinion holds some value. Yet, with my high expectations, there is still something to be said of my newly found addiction. So for the record, I am personally rooting for a man I would like to call Buffy (A.K.A Micheal Lynch). And yes, I do think Ellen is the wisest soul to have ever graced this deep and meaningful show. So, with the end in mind, this season has brought about a different side of the long-loved “American Idol.” Make sure to set aside time to watch every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:00 p.m. while this heated competition is still going pg strong.But then again, most of the show truly happens in the last few episodes. After all, we still have 16 contestants left. —JESSE MCGINNESS

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