The Harbinger: Issue 16

Harbinger the

ISSUE 16 SHAWNEE MISSION EAST PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KS MAY 16, 2011 SMEHARBINGER.NET

HEADING FOR A

CRASH Caffeine consumption among East students on the rise

T

photo illustration by GrantHeinlein

JuliaDavis

he big hand of the clock passes by the 12 yet again– another hour lost. Junior Helen Dinkel drinks a 12-ounce can of Red Bull and throws it in the trashcan.

At the bottom of the bin are six other empty energy drinks, two empty Starbucks cups, a used pack of caffeine gum and a large Styrofoam QuikTrip cup: one day’s worth of caffeine for Dinkel.

It’s 3 a.m. and she has been working since the 2:40 final bell that rung almost 12 hours earlier. To her, it seems like an eternity ago. She finishes the page that she is working on for yearbook as well as her English paper that is due in in a mere four hours.

Finally at 4:30 a.m. she closes her laptop and crawls into bed for two hours of sleep before doing it all again.

For one hectic month while finishing the yearbook, Din-

An in-depth remembrance of SM North student Ryder Spillman pg. 2

p. 2

kel lived this lifestyle dominated by caffeine and little-to-no sleep. To function, she relied on artificial energy, or energy that is only temporary and not naturally created in the body, like caffeine.

“From the time I’d wake up and have my first cup of coffee, I always had to have some kind of caffeine to keep me going,” Dinkel said.

Caffeine consumption has been on the rise among high school students. According to the American Dietetic Association, the amount of caffeinated drinks consumed by teenagers has tripled since the 1970s. East is no exception to this trend. In a survey of 208 East students, 66 percent reported consuming some kind of caffeine during the school week.

Adolescents are getting their caffeine buzz in a variety of ways; from slurping in black coffee or sipping in green tea,

gulping down a soda or knocking back a headache pill.

This pattern of regular caffeine usage comes with a variety of negative health effects, especially in growing adolescents, according to a 2007 Boston University study.

“Having a substantial amount of caffeine every day can contribute to insomnia, or poor sleep, and all the problems that go along with poor sleep, including increased irritability, lack of attention, poor growth, poor judgment and a weakened immune system,” said Dr. Joy Weydert, a pediatrician at KU Medical Center.

As well as loss of sleep, caffeine has been proven to aggravate heart problems, lead to calcium loss, contribute to anxiety and increase long-term memory loss, according to the Mayo Clinic.

continued on page 3

A profile of the winners of the Take a look at the annual senior The urban-chic Westside Local NAHS fashion show pull-out restaurant in review p. 24 p. 12 special section

It was the worst feeling. Feeling like you were being ripped in half.”

SM North junior Meagan Jones, p. 2

02 05-16-11 NEWS

REMEMBERING

RYDER

Friends, family and peers remember the life of Ryder Spillman

JackHowland

They stood silently around the closed casket.

Former SM North student Ryder Spillman’s memorial service ended over an hour ago, but his closest friends couldn’t break away from the burial ground; they feared that if they left his side, they might lose him forever. So they held hands in silence. Remembering Ryder.

Fighting off tears, Ryder’s girlfriend, North junior Meagan Jones, thought about the time he took his shirt off for her because she was cold on the Ferris wheel. She thought about the time he received $1,000 from his grandparents and spent $600 of it on shoes and clothes for her. She thought about the time he walked three blocks in the snow to get her a packet of barbecue sauce mistakenly left out of their Burger King order.

On the other side of the circle, Ryder’s best friend, North junior Abby McCrary, thought about the time he brought her a Dr. Pepper when she was feeling down. She thought about how he could cheer her up no matter what the situation. She thought about his characteristic long, dark hair and ear-to-ear smile.

As cars started to pull away from Maple Hills Funeral Home on that Sunday morning, the group remembered the little things about their friend. They remembered how he would sometimes put on a fake mustache and ride around Roeland Park Skate Park. They remembered the videos he made with Jones where he talked about jumping off the moon and the water breaking his fall. They remembered his quirky mannerisms, his smile that could light up a room, his big heart and all the things they would never get to see again.

Standing in the empty funeral home, they remembered Ryder.

“I couldn’t go away from him. I just had to stay there,” McCray said. “It was the last couple moments I had with Ryder forever. I just couldn’t leave.”

***

Ryder was shot four times in the chest.

According to the police reports, Ryder’s body was discovered the morning of Sunday, April 24 by children at Thomas A. Edison Elementary School. Since then, East students Stephen and Shane Reed were arrested and tried by the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s office. Stephen, 16, was charged with first degree murder and criminal possession of a firearm by a juvenile. Shane, 17, was also charged with criminal possession of a firearm by a juvenile, as well as aiding a felon.

Theresa Reed, mother of Stephen and Shane, said in an interview to NBC action news that Stephen told her “it was an accident.” She said that they did it out of fear and in defense of themselves. A court decision has not yet been reached yet on whether the incident was in self-defense or premeditated, but they are currently in custody.

Jones still may not be able to understand entirely what happened, but she can feel it. She still wakes up in the morning wishing he was here. At school, she looks to the lockers where he would meet her everyday and imagines him being there.

She misses the small things he would do, like wait for her and eat lunch by her side. It took Jones five days until she even felt comfortable enough to return back to SM North. Even now, it still doesn’t feel right to her.

“You can try to convince yourself that it didn’t happen, that it’s not real, that you’ll see him tomorrow or he’ll text you,” Meagan said. “But in the end, it’s not.”

*** The morning of Sunday the 24th, Jones got the call.

Nikki Reed, who had been good friends with both Ryder and Jones, was on the other end crying. Her voice was muffled.

With her words barely audible, she told Jones what she knew.

“I heard he got shot,” she said solemnly. “I don’t know if it’s true but that’s what I—” Jones hung up the phone before she could hear what Nikki had to say. Her good friend Amber Bledsoe was beeping in.

Bledsoe told her more of the same. Ryder had been shot. It was a rumor, she didn’t know if it was true—but she heard that he was shot.

Jones frantically went to her phone to look for any texts.

She looked for an indicator as to where Ryder might be or why no one had heard from him. Nothing. Ryder was supposed to come over later that day for Easter brunch. Jones had been running errands earlier in the day, and they were getting ready for a big family meal. Clutching the phone in her hand, pacing around her house, she texted her boyfriend.

“Ryder where are you?”

No response.

“Ryder, where the f — are you?!?”

She started calling all of her contacts to see if they had known where he was. She asked Ryder’s friends, SM West sophomore Garrett Liffick and McCrary, if they had known, since they had been with him just yesterday. She had hoped that one of them would reply with an answer that explained everything. That Ryder was just hiding away at a friend’s house or disappearing randomly like he did so often. But no one knew where he was.

Without any hesitation, she got in her sister’s car and left.

“There was an old lady driving in front of us, on the whole road,” Jones said. “We ended up going around her...and right as we went around her we saw down the hill. We saw the cop cars parked beside his apartment.”

Still not sure what had happened to Ryder, she jumped out of the car and ran towards the apartment complex. As she was walking in, Jones saw a crowd in the front yard. She saw Ryder’s mom Michelle Spillman. She was crying.

Without getting a chance to ask him what had happened, Jones was grabbed by a policeman.

“Who are you? How do you know Ryder? Did you talk to him yesterday?”

Jones couldn’t speak. She wished they could only understand. She wished they would realize that she was not a problem, that she was Ryder’s girlfriend—the girl who he would do

anything for. But she felt like a victim.

As Jones exited the police car, she finally got a chance to ask the cop what had happened. She asked him if Ryder was OK.

“What happened?” Jones said nervously.

“He was shot.”

“Is he in the hospital? Is he OK?”

There was a pause.

“He’s at the morgue.” ***

Jones sat in her bed staring up at the ceiling on that Easter night.

Keeping her company were her friends Erin, Emily and Kelsey, as well as her sister Sarah. At any other time, having the girls over would be a cause for celebration. They often liked to paint their nails or watch Jones’ favorite show “Policewomen of Memphis.”

But tonight, they sat in silence. Crying to themselves. Exchanging no words, they tried to process what had happened.

They tried to understand how and why he was murdered. As they sat in the dark room, it was only just starting to sink in.

Ryder was dead.

“I can’t even explain it,” Jones said. “It was the worst feeling.

Feeling like you were being ripped in half.”

Her best friends tried to console her as they laid with her on the bed, but there was nothing to be done but cry. Jones had lost not only her boyfriend or a relationship status on Facebook, she lost the love of her life. Ryder and Jones, for as long as they can remember, had said that they were going to get married. Their first child would be named Julian, after Ryder’s brother. Jones knew that it would be “just me and him, always.”

She still can remember how they became a couple in World History in eighth grade. She slipped him a note during class that read “I kind of like somebody.” After he got that note, they were together up until his death. Ryder always told her how he was scared to talk to her in that moment; scared to even ask her out.

As Jones laid in the dark room that night, she cried herself to sleep. She thought about how she would never see him again. McCrary, who laid in her own bed on this Sunday night, thought about the plans they had that would never happen.

“We had talked about how we might move in together, we had talked about later after high school, you know, we had just talked about life and what we were planning on doing,” McCrary said. “I was in the mindset that I was going to have him in my life...for the rest of my life.”

A week after his death, Jones invited all of her friends over to make cupcakes for Ryder’s fundraiser benefiting the Spillman family. The group was packed into her small kitchen, consisting of her friends Byron, Devon, Clint, Tyler, Emily, Erin, Kelsey, Sarah, Tiffany and many others squeezed into the tight space. They frosted the cupcakes with Ryder’s favorite color purple. As they started to write the white R’s on the top of each one, they shared stories.

The group went around the circle and talked about the moments they could never forget. A week ago, they were in tears and unwilling to accept their best friend was dead. Today, they laughed.

They reminisced about how he would show up late for school every day with a phony excuse. How one time he had told his first hour class a wild story that he had set his phone alarm and his stove alarm, explaining that at some point during the night the power must have gone out and restarted the clocks.

Someone in the room spoke up about the time Ryder accidentally broke Clint’s slingshot that they used to shoot marbles with. They remembered how it was made of a rubber band and Ryder fixed it for Clint. They thought about Clint’s surprised facial expression on that day, and how he was so grateful.

The light shining in through the kitchen window as the cupcakes sat frosted on the counter, they remembered the goofiest things he did. The things they hated at the time but now miss. They thought about his silly demeanor, dumb jokes and they kept coming back to the phrases he always said that made no sense to them like “Pull the ol’ wool over your eyes,” or “Ryde says no cry.”

On this Monday morning, there was no crying.

continued on page 5

NEWS

issue 16

03

on edge

The Harbinger investigates caffeine addiction at East continued from page 1

The primary reason that students begin to rely on caffeine in high school has to do with the increased academic responsibility that high school brings, as well as the time students devote to doing extracurricular activities and/or having a job, according to a national poll by National Geographic Magazine.

The poll goes on to state that as teachers continue to increase the workload and schedules fill up, planners become harder and harder to follow. Serious studying is often put off until the night before the test, and many students rely on a caffeine buzz to help them through the night, compromising a healthy lifestyle for efficiency. “[In high school] there are just so many other things you have to do that you didn’t before, so you become more dependent on [caffeine] to make you feel functional,” junior Luke Holsinger, a self-proclaimed caffeine addict, said.

However, according to Dr. Paul Rosenburg, a neurologist at Boston Children’s Hospital, the common misconception that caffeine will accelerate all mental processes is false, and current studies show that it has little impact on intelligence.

So while a trip to Starbucks may keep eyes open through first period, it probably will not improve scores on exams. Along with this, caffeine also disrupts short-term memory, decreases productivity and hinders the ability to learn and absorb new information.

According to Rosenburg, the amount of sugar that some caffeinated beverages, particularly energy drinks, contain is often overlooked.

The nutrition label on a can of Monster Energy drink reads 27 grams of sugar, but lists the serving size as only half a can.

Drinking the whole thing results in 54 grams of sugar––14 grams over the daily limit recommended by the Food and Drug Administration.

“When teenagers say they’re drinking a lot of caffeine drinks, I always ask them, ‘Would you take a bath in that drink?’” Weydert said. “ I think it gets people thinking about what you actually put in your body. If you wouldn’t put it on your outside, don’t put it in your inside.”

The alertness that caffeine brings is nothing more than an illusion. It is a stimulant, so rather than eliminate the need for sleep, it merely reduces the sensation of being tired, according to Roland Griffiths, a professor of behavioral biology at Johns Hopkins University who has studied its effects.

“Caffeine is the most widely used mood-altering drug in the world,” Griffiths said. “We know that caffeine produces physical symptoms, that is, withdrawal symptoms, after

abrupt cessation for people that chronically consume it.”

Although not on the same scale as other stimulants like cocaine, caffeine addiction is a serious mental issue, according to the Mayo Clinic. The distinction between a fondness and a dependency for caffeine is often unclear. Many students are unaware of what it truly means to be addicted. According to the Harbinger survey, only nine percent of East caffeine-users consider themselves addicted to caffeine.

“If you can’t go a day without a thing like [caffeine], then you’re addicted, and you cannot just walk away from an addiction,” Weydert said.

According to Weydert, the cycle of addiction to caffeine starts when a person stops getting a restorative sleep at night, and wakes up not feeling refreshed.

According to an article in the National Sleep Journal, teenagers’ bodies are still growing, meaning they actually need more sleep than they did during their childhood years. The recommended amount is 9-10 hours per night, and with early school start times, this rarely happens. Caffeine becomes the solution, and the pattern begins.

A restful sleep cannot happen because the caffeine-user is hyped up on caffeine and can’t settle down to relax and get a good night’s sleep. Then, when they wake up in the morning to get ready for school, they’re sleep-deprived, so they drink more caffeine to wake themselves up.

“When they have to get to that point where they’re using that much of a stimulant to stay going during the day, and then it interferes at night, it becomes a terrible vicious cycle,” Weydert said.

According to the article in the National Sleep Journal, people who regularly take in a lot of caffeine soon develop less sensitivity to it. This means that as teenagers continue to increase consumption, more and more caffeine will be needed to feel the same effects, which leads to increased dependency.

“If I have an audition or some important thing and I forget coffee, then I’m screwed,” Holsinger said. “That scares me; the fact that it affects my performance like that.”

Many students attempt to quit using caffeine at some point, but success in this endeavor is rare because like any drug, symptoms of withdrawal begin to develop.

Symptoms including headache, fatigue, decreased alertness, drowsiness, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, and irritability are common among dependent caffeine-users trying to quit. The onset of these symptoms typically begins 12-24 hours after abstinence, with the peak intensity occur-

a need for caffeine a look at caffeine use by East students 40%

of students who consume caffeine drink coffee

Average cups of coffee per day:

1 cup

4% of students

who consume caffeine take caffeine pills

Caffeine pills students take:

No Doz

Excedrin

ring at 20-51 hours, according to Griffiths.

This plateau when the symptoms are the worst is when most people reach for a coffee––because they feel they need to. This makes quitting no minor task.

“I tried to totally get off caffeine once, and the GrantKendell longest I could ever make it was four days,” Dinkel said. “But it was constant headaches, and I was just in a horrible mood. Every little thing anybody did would just rub me wrong way and I’d get so upset about anything, so I figured it was better to just have the caffeine.”

Instead of quitting all forms of caffeine at once, Weydert instead recommends phasing it out in stages.

“I would not suggest going cold turkey off of it,” Weydert said. “It’s an addiction, your body is craving it, and if you go cold turkey you’re going to feel miserable.”

To make the process of consuming less caffeine easier, there are many natural methods that provide energy without psychological effects.

Water can act as a substitute for caffeine. Many times when people are fatigued and turn to caffeine as a wake-up, it is actually because they are dehydrated.

Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it promotes the formation of urine by the kidneys, thus causing heightened dehydration.

Because of this, as dependency on caffeine decreases, so does dehydration, leading to more energy.

Other natural stimulants that have effects similar to those of caffeine include exercise and exposure to sunlight.

“Things that are going to rev up your system in a natural way, so that you don’t have to be dependent on the caffeine are key,” Weydert said.

If quitting seems like too big a task to accomplish, cutting back a little can still have noticeable effects. Simply keeping tabs and realizing how much caffeine one consumes in a day is proven to reduce caffeine consumption by making users more aware of how much caffeine they are consuming according to Griffiths.

Other things such as choosing decaf beverages and shortening the brew time on tea help decrease caffeine.

Since finishing with the yearbook, Dinkel has been working hard to cut back on her caffeine consumption as well as get more sleep.

“Now, I have a lot more natural energy instead of always having to consume so much caffeine,” Dinkel said. “It just feels better and so much healthier than before.”

20% of students

who consume caffeine that drink energy drinks

Most popular energy drink:

Monster

*based on a survey of 208 students

NEWS 04 05-16-11 KatyWesthoff

A frustrated Chip Ufford pulls up his email and starts typing.

“Did you attend school?” he asks. “Did you participate in extracurricular activities? Did you take classes other than math, reading and writing? What do you stand for?”

Ufford wrote to Representative Greg Smith, a former teacher at Shawnee Mission West East, who was elected to the Kansas legislature to represent District 22, containing Overland Park and Prairie Village. Smith was never endorsed by the National Education Association, the teacher’s union, due to his lack of support for education. Smith responded to Ufford’s email with a sixteen-point list explaining his views as a legislator.

“I do the best I can to protect Johnson County schools since I represent a Johnson County district, and I try to protect them from the inevitable budget reductions,” Smith said. “As a legislator, though, I have to look at the state as a whole and do what’s best for everyone.”

The email has been passed and forwarded around the school and the community. In Smith’s response to Ufford, he says if Ufford “stopped drinking the NEA Kool-aid” that he would “understand the true financial issues of the state.” This phrase has been thrown around on KCTV5 and the Pitch as many have taken offense. Smith admits he does not support this teacher’s union.

“Quite frankly, I do not believe the NEA has students’ best interests at heart,” Smith said. “It’s a teacher’s union. My concern is not teachers, it’s students. Are we doing the best that we can to make sure that students are getting a quality education?”

Linda Sieck, the NEA representative for East, feels the opposite. She sees the NEA as a way to draw quality teachers into classrooms and to create a “great public school” for every stu-

Troubles in Topeka Concerns exist over education priorities despite having teacher as representative

dent.

“Unfortunately, when you have rhetoric like ‘Don’t drink the kool aid,’ you don’t solve problems,” Sieck said.

Sieck sees the NEA as an asset to both teachers and students as an organization that works to keep teachers secure in their jobs, thus allowing them to better interact and help students.

Smith, however, has never been a member of the NEA and does not support their political activities. Also in his email, Smith called for teachers taking voluntary pay cuts.

“If teachers took a voluntary pay cut, then we could save other teachers’ jobs and save the schools money,” Smith said.

However, the only impact the state has on schools is the allocation of money, not on what the district spends the money on, including teacher salaries or NEA negotiations.

Smith wants to fix the school finance formula, which he sees as unfavorable to Johnson County. According to Smith, for every $5 raised for education, only one dollar stays in Johnson County. The rest of the state legislators realize that as well, but don’t want to change the formula, as they would be the ones losing money.

“The state affects in the distributing of money, and that’s an argument that comes up every year: How much should we spend on education?” Smith said. “Once that amount has been established, it’s up to the district to use that money and educate kids. The first thought in everybody’s mind should be ‘does this help the kids?’ I’m thinking about the students, I’m not thinking about teachers.”

Missing inks

PDA. After realising how helpful those lessons were, Bradley wanted be a Link Leader and help the upcoming freshman become familiar with the school.

So when it came time to begin applying for the next year’s Link Leaders, it was a no-brainer for Bradley. She did all she could to get accepted and turned in her application along with the rest of sophomores and juniors with the hopes of getting accepted.

Unfortunately, a couple weeks after turning her application in, Bradley received a text from her mom saying that she didn’t make the Link Crew.

“It was very disappointing,” said Bradley. “I was actually recommended by a teacher to join Link Crew so I felt like I had a really good chance of making it. When I heard that I did not make it, I was really shocked and upset because I really wanted to be part of it.”

Bradley was one of over 100 cuts made to the Link Crew this year. This year there were 210 Link Crew applications turned in, which is a lot more than recent years. Less than half of those applications were accepted.

One of the main teachers in charge of deciding who does or doesn’t get accepted into Link Crew, Hannah Pence, says that there were a couple reasons for so many cuts.

“It was really hard this year because there were a lot more applicants than any other year,” Pence said. “It is nice to have that problem and to know that so many kids are interested in being part of this program”.

Pence said that the other reason for so many cuts was because and there were a lot less incoming freshman next year.

“There are about 400 projected incoming freshman for next year,” Pence said. “So if we have 400 to 450 freshman then we are only going to need about 90 leaders. We really don’t need

The Link Crew has had to make more cuts than ever before AlexGoldman

Ever since her first day of high school, sophomore Madi Bradley always wanted to be part of Link Crew. She remembers walking into the doors of East, wide-eyed and anxious to what high school was like. She had waited all summer for her first day and she was finally sitting in the auditorium with hundreds of other freshman, some familiar and some that were new faces.

At first, she listened to principal Karl Krawitz and some teachers drag on how this was a beginning to a brand new chapter in her life and how everyone was going to have a blast.

But none of what the teachers said helped relieve her anxiety.

As the day progressed, she began to feel less worried and more familiar with her new school––this was mostly thanks to the Link Leaders.

“I had a great experience with my Link Leaders,” Bradley said. “It was kind of nerve-wracking coming to East. I had no idea how it was going to be and heard so many things about high school. Having the Link Leaders there to show us around and talk to us made the whole transition better. It was lots of fun and a great start to high school.”

Bradley remembers playing games with the Link Leaders and talking to them about what the kids really wanted to know about. She remembers her leaders telling her group about where to park their cars when they had one, how they warned them not to stand in the middle of the hallways and most importantly, warning them about some of the gruesome

SMITH’S TOP CAMPAIGN ISSUES by the numbers Limit the size of government: Number of positions Kansas has added in the last two years

7500

Provide a productive economy:

27

Where Kansas ranks in the highest Personal Income Tax

Give quality public education: Percent of funds Johnson County gives to the State School Budget

30

more than two leaders for each group of ten kids,” Pence said.

Like most students that didn’t make Link Crew, sophomore Addie Anthony, was very upset.

“I thought I had a good resume and did all I could to try to become a link leader,” Anthony said. “I think I was one of the last kids to find out that I didn’t make it. It was late in the week and I was at a track meet when my mom sent me a text that I didn’t make it. It was pretty bad timing and I remember getting pretty upset. It took me a few days later to cool off and realise that a lot of other kids didn’t make it and it was not a personal decision.”

Even some juniors with the experience of doing Link Crew last August, like Andy Hiett, did not make the cut. Hiett had done all the work needed when he was Link Leader and filled out his application the best he possibly could but still got the rejection note. “I really wanted to do it this year because I had a lot of fun last year and wanted to get some service hours,” Hiett said. “I did not think it made sense that someone with no experience of being on Link Crew made it over someone who did all the training last year,” Hiett said.

Pence said that there are several teachers that judge students on whether or not the kid would make a good link leader.

“We looked at the applications and see what teachers say about them,” Pence said. “We want to know about everything they’ve done at East. If they are involved in a lot of clubs and programs at East, if they someone that could be a good example to the freshman. We really spend a lot of time seeing if they really have been a good student and role model at East. Even if you didn’t get accepted this year then that doesn’t necessarily mean you weren’t what we were looking for or won’t get accepted next year. They can always apply again next year.”

Shank, Anthony and Bradley all plan on applying again next and all hope that they can finally get accepted.

“Even though I am still a little upset and I will definitely apply again next year,” Bradley said.

INTERNATIONAL BRIEFING

INTERNATIONAL

BRIEFING

NEWS

issue 16

05

Taking a look back at three of the biggest news events of 2010-2011 TomLynch

www.newyorktimes.com www.boston.com

JAPAN With oil prices soaring, and energy innovation and reform at the forefront of American politics, the “Eastern Japan Great Earthquake Disaster” has had and will continue to have a significant impact on the United States’ economy.

It is still too early to measure the complete effect of Japan’s magnitude 9 earthquake on the U.S. economy, but a few things, however, are all but certain.

First of all, it’s not all bad. The top U.S. goods exported to Japan in 2009 totaled $51 billion in 2009 with the top exports including various machinery, and cereal. Japan’s need for these things--at least in the short term--as the country rebuilds infrastructure and deals with widespread food shortages, might actually result in an increase in export revenues.

Senior Katie Cox believes that the earthquake is going to cause the U.S. to reexamine nuclear power as a solution to the country’s energy problems.

“I think that the U.S. is going to need to reconsider nuclear energy as a safe alternative to fossil fuels due to the effects of the nuclear crisis as a result of the earthquake.” Cox said. “It will most likely cause a slowdown to any nuclear power projects currently underway.

The earthquake and resulting nuclear disaster have brought the debate over energy to the forefront. With nuclear energy having been a popular suggestion for an alternative to fossil fuels, the safety of such ideas have been brought into question, and any nuclear prospects are likely to be suspended.

continued from page 2

OSAMA

OIL SPILL

On May 1, President Barack Obama announced the death of public enemy number one: Osama bin Laden, the leader of terrorist cell al-Qaeda. With leaks concerning the content of the announcement from key White House officials occurring a couple of hours before Obama took to the air, the American public had more questions than the President could address in his 10-minute-long speech.

Junior Eli Mitchell had many concerns when he heard the announcement. He believes that the affect of bin Laden’s death on the military in the Middle East will be minimal.

“From a geopolitical standpoint, it boosts American morale,” Mitchell said “But in terms of the war in the Middle East, it won’t have a huge impact because alQaeda has lost so much power, and was very splintered already.”

Since the President’s address, we now know much more about what went on in the million-dollar compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

According to CNN, the Navy SEALS seized “halfa-library full” of information from the compound.

Evidence seized from the compound is said to include 10 cell phones, five to 10 computers, 12 hard drives, at least 100 computer disks as well as handwritten notes.

These investigations could lead to more answers for the American public, as after two weeks, the focus of headlines concerning bin Laden’s death have shifted, with concerns as to what Pakistan’s involvement in harboring bin Laden could be.

Almost 20 times greater than the Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989, White House energy advisor Carol Browner called the Deepwater Horizon oil spill the “worst environmental disaster the US has faced.”

Unbeknownst to most, due to various factors such as warmer water and the fact that the oil leaked deep under water, experts believe that the oil won’t have the worst long term effects on the environment. Instead, much of the damage is expected to be a result of the chemical toxicity of the Corexit oil dispersant used.

One major concern is the wildlife inhabiting the Gulf Coast. As of November 2, 2010, 6,814 dead animals had been collected, including 6,104 birds, 609 sea turtles, 100 dolphins and other mammals, and 1 other reptile.

The country’s economy has also been significantly impacted. The most significant will be as a result of decreases in tourism. The U.S. Travel Association estimated that the economic impact of the oil spill on tourism across the Gulf Coast over a three-year period could exceed approximately $23 billion in a region that supports over 400,000 travel industry jobs generating $34 billion in revenue annually.

Fisheries in the Gulf have also experienced severe losses, with 86,985 square miles of seawater, or approximately 36 percent of Federal waters in the Gulf under a “no fishing allowed” ban at the peak of the disaster. British Petroleum, one of the parties liable for the spill, has pledged to spend $78 million to help Louisiana tourism and test and advertise seafood.

death. He has been remembered by many as the goofy kid with long hair and a big smile. He has been remembered as the guy that was always at the skate park perfecting tricks. For those who didn’t know him, he has been remembered as the North kid that was shot and killed.

His friends hope he is remembered for his kindness.

On Facebook, an event was created, aptly named “Remember Ryder.” The event currently has 570 people listed as attending, posting on the page memories, as well as thoughts about his life. Of the 570, many come from both North and East. At East, there has been a flood of outreach and support for the lost life of Ryder. Students have adorned “Remember Ryder” tee-shirts as well as wear purple bracelets with the funds going to the Spillman family. Sophomore Taylor Estrella was one of Ryder’s good friends and recalls his kindness.

“He was just such—like he had such a big heart. He had such a big heart,” Estrella said. “If you were sad, he’d just make you happy immediately.”

Seventy-two people to date have posted on the Facebook wall. People as close as family and as distant as mere acquaintances have left their thoughts about him. They’ve shared stories, left condolences, posted pictures, planned events and, above all else, remembered Ryder.

On April 26 at 4:52 p.m., Jones posted her final thoughts about her boyfriend.

“We used to talk about death all the time. I remember something he once said to me ‘Meagan, I don’t want to be an old man who dies in his sleep. I wanna be remembered.’”

To those who knew Ryder, he will be just that: remembered.

Community mourns the death of Ryder Spillman

* * life of Ryder, his friends don’t When people remember* the want it to be associated with sadness.

Ryder himself was the most at peace of anyone they knew.

He never attended church, but his friends recount that he had strong faith and ideals. Jones remembers how she questioned God when she lost her grandmother to cancer; she doubted that she would ever see her again. Ryder was the one that was there to tell her “you will see her again in heaven.”

“He would always be the one to tell me like well ‘God’s watching over you’ and ‘God’s going to help you.’ And I’d be like ‘But what if there is no God? What if there is no heaven?’

Jones said. “He would just reassure me like, there is a heaven, there is a God.” Whether it be sharing his faith with others, or showing up late to school, Ryder has been remembered in the wake of his

06 NEWS 05-16-11

SENIOR BREAKDOWN TOP COLLEGES

THE TOP

THE TOP

IN THE CLASS

COOL SCHOOLS

1. Spencer Brown 2. Prarthana Dalal

1. Chicago School of Violin Making

3. Lauren Stanley

2. HEC Montreal

5

The number of students heading to each college

102 KU

14 ARKANSAS

breaking down the post-grad plans

3

4. Lucas Throckmorton 3. South Dakota School 5. Gillian O’Connell of Mines and Technology

JCCC

K-STATE

373 37 230

61

MAJOR DECISIONS

STUDENTS ARE PURSUING HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS ARE STUDYING IN KANSAS

ARKANSAS

IS THE MOST POPULAR OUT-OF -STATE SCHOOL

The number of students in each major

ARTS

UNDECIDED

81 1414

27

3

The number of sets of twins attending the same university

EDUCATION ENGINEERING MEDICINE

15

The number of seniors playing a college sport

BUSINESS

30

49

BY THE NUMBERS

2

The number of students serving in the military

6

The number of students taking a gap year

Letters to the editor should be sent to room 521 or smeharbinger@gmail.com.

Letters may be edited for clarity, length, libel and mechanics and accepted or rejected at the editor’s discretion.

EDITORIAL

$

issue 16

07

To save money, more sports should become club sports

BOUNCING THE BUDGET

As the Lancer lacrosse team heads toward a potential state title, it continues to disprove the notion that a school needs major funding from the booster club in order to be successful. Whether or not it is aware, the squad also presents a viable alternative to controversial proposals from a teacher that walked the halls of East just last fall.

Former East teacher Greg Smith, now a representative for District 22, which includes Prairie Village, recently called for teachers to take voluntary pay cuts. Smith believes a move like that would “save other teachers’ jobs and save the schools money.” Smith’s proposal not only sends the wrong message about the importance of educators, but it also ignores other possibilities for cuts.

The district is currently in a situation unlike any other it has ever experienced. With a budget crisis as threatening as this one, the school board must be willing to become a bit more creative in order to find ways to cut spending without cutting quality. Though it

may seem unrelated, the 16-4 record of the has been rapidly improving over the last few East lacrosse club team (as of May 12) could years, even as continued efforts to become actually present an appealing alternative to school-sponsored fall short. Throughout its time as a club sport, lacrosse has received just cutting teacher salaries.

If the district were to point to the lacrosse $1,000 from the booster club, which came team as an example of how club sports can this year to help pay for an out-of-town toursucceed in high school, then perhaps other nament. The program has run so smoothly sports could also make the The majority opinion of the despite its largely self-sustained financial status, and move from school-sponHarbinger Editorial Board sored to club. Less money for against absent other sports making the would then be committed jump to this kind of system would quickly save the disto athletics, allowing the trict money. district to concentrate its funding on teacher salaWhile the change would certainly force teams to ries even more so. Sports fundraise much more in orwith a lesser following, der to make up for the loss such as bowling and softball, would be the first to move to this pay- in funding. There would certainly also be the possibility that the teams could once again to-play system.

The lacrosse team has proven that success received school-sponsored status if and when and participation are not hard to come by the district budget problems are worked out. under this structure; more players tried out However, in these tough financial times, diffithis year than any other year, and the team cult decisions must be made. Things must be

920

Harbinger

cut. Changing sports from school-sponsored to club does not affect the education a student receives, but altering teacher salaries certainly does. Certainly, athletics are an important part of a school, for both entertainment and morale purposes. But when millions of dollars need to be cut, sports become more of a luxury than an absolute necessity.

Asking teachers to accept a decrease in annual salary would also lessen the overall quality of education in not only the district, but the state and nation as well. Within the Shawnee Mission School District, teacher salaries have already been frozen. Additional cuts or freezes would cause teachers to reconsider whether the educational experience is worth the low salary they are being offered.

Wherever possible, the district has to find solutions to its problems that don’t hurt the quality of education. This is one circumstance in which the district can save money in addition to taking a firm stance towards the importance of academics over athletics.

the

a publication of shawnee mission east high school 7500 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS 66208

Evan Nichols Andrew Goble Annie Sgroi Kevin Simpson Kat Buchanan Jack Howland Jennifer Rorie Logan Heley Bob Martin Matt Gannon Chris Heady Staff Writers Chris Heady Julia Davis Zoe Brian Caroline Creidenberg Paige Hess Holly Hernandez Kim Hoedel Maggie Andriani Katie Knight Drew Broeckelman Alex Lamb Editorial Board Andrew Goble Annie Sgroi Corbin Barnds Logan Heley

May 16, 2011 issue 16, vol. 52

Kevin Simpson Jennifer Rorie Jack Howland Evan Nichols Kat Buchanan Bob Martin Katy Westhoff Photographers Grant Kendall Sammi Kelley Samantha Bartow Claire Wahrer Caroline Creidenberg Emma Robson Brendan Dulohery Jake Crandall Sara Baumann Ads/Circulation Manager Vanessa Daves Erin Reilly Staff Artists Peter Hung

Copy Editors Natalie Parker Anne Willman Photo Editors Lindsey Hartnett Samantha Bartow Multimedia Editor Maggie Simmons Asst. Multimedia Editors Thomas Allen Nathan Walker Live Broadcast Editor Jeff Cole Asst. Live Broadcast Editors Dalton Boehm Duncan MacLachlan Convergence Editor Maggie Simmons Asst. Convergence Editor Drew Broeckelman Homegrown Editor Mason Pashia Asst. Homegrown Editor Jackson Dalton Podcast Editor Robert Martin Blog Editor Natalie Parker

Video Editor Alex Lamb Multimedia Staff Riley Watson Duncan MacLachlan Natalie Parker Live Broadcast Producers Thomas Allen Tom Lynch Drew Broeckelman Anchors Andrew Simpson Maggie Andriani Chloe Stradinger Becca Brownlee Meagan Dexter Alex Goldman Haley Martin Riley Watson Paige Hess PR Representative/Business Managers Becca Brownlee Meagan Dexter Photographer Gail Stonebarger Adviser Dow Tate

Features Editor Editors-In-Chief Sarah McKittrick Andrew Goble Features Page Editors Annie Sgroi Christa McKittrick Assistant Editors Haley Martin Evan Nichols Alysabeth Albano Kat Buchanan A&E Editor Head Copy Editor Aubrey Leiter Kevin Simpson A&E Page Editors Art and Design Editor Kennedy Burgess Emma Pennington Tom Lynch News Editor Sports Editor Jack Howland Corbin Barnds News Page Editors Sports Page Editors Jennifer Rorie Matt Gannon Editorial Editor Anne Willman Katy Westhoff Andrew Simpson Opinion Editor Freelance Page Editors Raina Weinberg Anna Bernard Opinion Page Editors Matt Hanson Will Webber Harbinger Online Photo Editors Anna Marken Editors-In-Chief Grant Heinlein Mixed Editor Logan Heley Dan Stewart Emily Kerr Pat McGannon Assistant Photo Editor Spread Editors Assistant Editor Eden Schoofs Chloe Stradinger Maggie Simmons Copy Editors Toni Aguiar The Harbinger is a student run publication. The contents and views are produced solely by the staff and do not represent the Shawnee Mission School District, East faculty, or school administration.

OPINION 08 05-16-11

Regretfully Yours Junior reflects on the past year and the regrets that follow ToniAguiar

Cross Country: Love/Hate Relationship

My three-year affair with cross-country has steadily declined in both commitment and joy since freshman year. Whenever anyone asks me about it, I’m forced to retell the long odyssey that took me from Varsity freshman year to C-team junior year. About half the time, I regret not trying harder this last year—and half the time I regret even doing cross-country in the first place.

There’s no doubt that cross-country is so much more rewarding for the girls who work hard. And there’s a certain satisfaction in bringing up the rear for C-team.

Each has its own culture and community, and each is great in itself. But I fit somewhere in between those extremes-- on C-team but not completely lazy. I know that if I pushed myself harder during those fartleks (a type of running workout where you alternate running at

AP Overload

a moderate pace and sprinting) and made it a priority, I could be pretty good at running long distance. Besides, how much worse could a 4k be than a 200 meter race?

Way worse. Actually, about 20 times worse So much worse, in fact, that at the end of my race, I take on the typical cross-country pose: pale faced, eyes half closed, mouth open to suck in as much oxygen as possible, arms in a T-Rex pose in a feeble attempt to go as fast as I can. And at that moment all that’s going through my head is, “Why did I sign up for this? Is this somehow beneficial to my life? Is there some way that I can get out of running this race?”

I suppose I’ll look back on my four years of crosscountry (because I’m doing it next year… why deny myself the joy of waking up at 5:30 a.m. on Saturdays?) at the end of my senior year with a certain fondness. But for now, I regret it.

When I missed all of my team games classes within the span of one week for AP tests, I knew that something was wrong. I gave up a good four hours of playing Ultimate Frisbee in order to complete 12 hours of AP hell.

As a sophomore, little did I know that signing up for English 11 AP, Calculus BC AP, Chemistry 2 AP and American History AP would be the end of any semblance of a social life that I hoped to have. Since October, my family’s living room has become an AP shrine, covered in textbooks by American History Professor Takaki, lists of thermodynamic constants and various literature packets. Not only did school take over my family’s couch, it took over my church life and often my friendships, and the mess drove my mom crazy.

At first it wasn’t so bad. Our first assignment in Chemistry 2 AP was to create our own element that it would tell the class a little bit about us. The nerdy chemist inside me went, “Pffft… this is supposed to be ad-

I Should’ve Taught Pheebs More

Freshman year is one of the most awkward, frightening times of high school, at least in my experience.

The few weeks—or months, depending on how much you care—before freshman Homecoming are nervewracking. Finding your way around East is a hassle. You constantly feel the need to carry all your books around with you. Which is why I wish I had prepared my little sister Phoebe, an eighth-grader, for what’s to come.

Part of the reason is because I won’t be around for three years of her high school career. Who knows what she could get up to while I’m at college? I mean, she already gets to stay out until 11:30—almost as late as I do on weekends (seriously, Mom?) and texts constantly— so much so that my friends’ younger sisters will know what we’re eating that night. Her communication habits and excessive tweeting as well as the number of friends she has are mildly disturbing, to say the least. For one, I’m worried she won’t be able to focus once she gets to high school. I’m a junior and I don’t think I have that much to tweet about. Although, as I admitted, I didn’t

“20-lovin’, no regretszz!”

This was the battle cry for many a student here at East this school year and, like most phrases of its kind, it was used liberally before and during everything from chemistry tests to football games to MORP. As the phrase almost took on a tongue-in-cheek air, there was still a bit of truth left in it— have fun, make memories, push the limits without really getting in trouble.

But no regrets? Really, none at all? Even as the last “z”s (where is the “z” in regrets, anyways?) rings in the air as the senior class of 20-lovin—I mean 2011—leaves the school, I still have my regrets from this year.

vanced chemistry? This class won’t be that hard.”

I was so, so sadly mistaken.

Not even including the fact that Chemistry 2 AP has turned out to be the most challenging class I’ve ever taken, this year I’ve had to do the most self-teaching because the material was so difficult. Yeah, I’d heard older kids talk about how hard junior year was. But I never really knew how much it would, well, suck. Not only was it physically exhausting because of lack of sleep, it was mentally exhausting just because of the sheer difficulty of work. On the other hand, I developed a fantastic sense of chemistry humor involving titrations. And Yoda’s jokes from AHAP were certainly entertaining: one time she tried to convince us that the Boxer Rebellion was actually a disagreement concerning which type of underwear Chinese men should wear-- and that the government advocated the use of briefs because they would kill “the spermies” and reduce overpopulation.

Okay, okay—so I could’ve been more productive in

have much of a life this year.

Even though I’m not nearly as popular as “the Pheebs” is, I do have a smidgen of advice to pass on. Her antics are so endearingly familiar to me, even though she often steals my clothes for Homestead mixers. I recently found one of my favorite shirts hidden in her swim bag that she hasn’t touched for years. But I wish I could give her advice such as make friends with the teachers (it makes life easier for both of you) without sounding preachy. This is one of the only ways I can think of to show that I love her even though she drives me nuts.

And if there’s one thing that I could tell Pheebs, it would be to relax. Everything freshman year seems like the end-all-be-all of life. While friendships changing and trying new sports might feel painful and confusing and oh-so dramatic, it’ll be so different by the time senior year comes that it’ll be a distant memory, much like the time Phoebe cut my hair herself with scissors.

I’m sure that by next year I will have learned from these regrets, even though they’ll feel so far away.

Pheebs, I hope you’re reading this.

the evenings. Henry Foster and I did spend a fair amount of our chemistry study groups first semester watching “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1“ trailers.

But after you spend four hours doing thermochemistry packets, you tend to need your spirits lifted, preferably via YouTube. But to think about all that time spent doing AP work, not to mention studying for the AP tests and then to think about how many games of MarioKart I could play, or new recipes I could try, or (my personal favorite) more hours I could sleep.

Regrets? Well, getting a healthy amount of sleep would be nice. And being able to do my best in any one subject would be great, too. But I think I’d have even more regrets if I opted out of taking any of my classes. It was worth it, in a way, because I learned that knowledge really is more important than grades (Really! You can’t just cram and vomit for tests) and actually learned how to study—and how to do a lot of it.

Photo illustrations by SamanthaBartow

OPINION issue 16

09

PARENTAL CONTROL

photo illustration by JakeCrandall

Staff member expresses contempt for over-controlling parentst ChrisHeady As the movie “500 Days of Summer” so elegantly puts it: Most days of the year are unremarkable. They begin, and they end, with no lasting memories made in between.

April 2 was a Saturday. And it was different.

I was at a basketball tournament when I saw him, Number 14. He juked left, crossed over right and finished with a hard reverse lay-up over a beefy 6’ 7” center: a move that I had only seen point guards like Keith Langford or Kemba Walker make. He had 18 points so far, 10 plus assists and only two turnovers. It was the second half and the kid hadn’t even come out of the game yet, but played like he’d just come off the bench. Number 14 was a machine.

I saw him plop his body down on a cream colored fold out chair during a time-out, douse himself with cool water in the stuffy East gym and wipe away at least an ounce of sweat off his forehead, all while hanging on every word of his coach.

Across the gym, I saw Number 14’s dad: a black man, wearing a Buffalo Bills Terrell Owens jersey, jeans down to what seemed like his ankles and corn rows perfectly aligned.

“Trevor!” He called out awkwardly loud, causing an uncomfortable crawl on my skin.

Number 14 rolled his head and took his focus away from his coach to face his father.

“Trevor, you owe me 75 boy,” he shouts.

“Why?” “Two missed free throws and two turnovers. Get ‘em done.”

I saw Trevor’s face turn strawberry red out of embarrassment as he got up out of the huddle and positioned himself behind his team’s bench, laying flat on the ground.

Puzzled, I watched closer as I saw him begin to struggle through 75 push-ups while his father counted them out softly to himself. Trevor winced. Trevor cried. But Trevor did not stop. Dad yelled if he stopped.

It was at this moment when I began to realize exactly what I was witnessing. Trevor was in seventh grade, about 5 feet tall and weighed no more than 80 pounds, and was being treated like he was a prison inmate. Disgusted, I peaked towards Trevor’s father. I caught him turning to his buddy, also standing up near their bench, and I read his lips.

“He’s going to be famous someday,” Trevor’s dad said with a smirk.

*** I want to be a good father one day. I think that is a goal of most males throughout the world.

I want two daughters and a son. In a perfect world I guess two volleyball players similar to a Kerri Walsh, Misty May

duo and a boy the size of Shaq with the quickness of Sebastian Telfair would suffice. But of course, I will love my children even if my boy has the skill set of “Smalls” at the beginning of “Sandlot”, or even if my daughters are the girls who pick dandelions out in left-center during their softball games.

I want to be the dad that scares the ba-Jesus out of every boy that picks up my daughter for a date and polishes my unloaded shotgun as they drive away. I want to be a role model for my kids so that one day, they can look back on our time together and realize I did everything I could to make them a great person.

But one thing I know I won’t do, is what Trevor’s dad did.

I actually witnessed this incident at the most recent SME Basketball Tournament the players help run. I was running the score-sheet for the game and was two feet from Trevor when his when his idiot father sentenced him to the pushups. It took everything out of me not to get up and give him a few pieces of my mind.

Trevor’s team was up by 40 points at the time and his team (an eight grade travel team known as the “Sixers”) didn’t need him in the game, but what kind of sick parent would do such a thing to their own child? 75 push-ups? During a game? For his “poor play”? I’ve never understood parents who practically haze their children when it comes to activities, all I know is I loathe it.

This kind of behavior you probably assume just happens everywhere else, not in our perfect patch of Kansas. Wrong.

I played basketball freshman year with a kid whose dad wouldn’t speak to him for the rest of the night if his son played poorly in a game. Seriously? Come on, does the love for your son really depend on if he makes a 13-foot jumper or not? That’s like you reconsidering feeding him dinner because he sneezed.

The reason why the child began the activity in the first place was because they genuinely enjoyed it. And in most cases I’ve seen, when the parents get suffocatingly involved, it eradicates the fun and contorts it into work.

It’s not healthy and in no way helps the kids, or the relationships with their parents.

And sometimes its not even sports, it can be school too.

Everyone who goes to this schools knows “that kid” who is so caught up in their grades they lose sight of their friends and social life, all because if they don’t get all A’s they are grounded.

My parents let me choose what sports I played. I was the most mediocre soccer player the Leawood Parks & Rec Soccer league ever saw and I’m convinced even if I would have

injected myself with HGH I still wouldn’t have been a star during my third grade baseball campaign. I ended up quitting those sports, by my own choice, and focused on swimming and basketball.

I swam for seven years and absolutely adored it, and thanks an un-updated record board, I still hold records for the Leawood Lightning swim team (not a big deal). But once high school started I knew I had to pick one of the two: swimming or basketball. By my own choice, I chose basketball since I enjoyed it more, but I cringe thinking about the kids who don’t have a choice like I did.

I agree, kids who have talent and potential should reconsider quitting if they ever have the thought, but parents who control every aspect of their child’s lives irritate me. Sure, sometimes its not that the kids don’t want to play, but the pressure parents can put on their kids to be the best or to succeed on the playing field at a young age, even in high school, is too much for an adolescent. Competitors have pressure from their teammates, their coaches and their friends to be successful: they shouldn’t have to deal with it at home.

I was itching to talk to Trevor after the game that day, and I was lucky enough to bump into him after. He forgot his basketball behind his bench, three feet away from where he did his push ups. I’m sure was too busy thinking about his mistakes than to remember his basketball.

The half-time score of his game was 58-7, and the second half was much of the same story, but as he walked by my partner and I, he had a look of defeat and emptiness. His dad had soured the win. My partner stopped Trevor and informed him he finished the game with 20 points. Immediately, he shined a 100-Watt smile.

“I did?” He said.

“You sure did buddy.”

He quickly shuffled over to his dad and tugged just between the numbers eight and one on his dad’s T.O. jersey.

After giving his son the “one second” finger he finally listened to his son’s news. You could tell Trevor thought his dad would be proud of him, after all, he scored twenty points, a feat that most middle school students never reach.

I think Trevor thought maybe, just maybe, he would finally be good enough for his dad. Instead, his dad gave him a look that posed the question: “Why didn’t you score 30?”

I hope Trevor quits basketball. I hope he gets involved in something with his school and is even better at that than he is at basketball. I hope he does something with his life instead of wasting it dealing with his bone-head dad. And I hope when he does make it big, he looks back at his dad, and makes him do push-ups, for holding him back.

FEATURES

05-16-11

Climbing to the top

Photoillustration by EmmaRobson

10

Senior finds success at East after transferring from Raytown KatBuchanan

A transfer student from Calvary Lutheran middle school with a 10-person graduating class, senior Ashley Adams was overwhelmed by the 400-person crowd on her first day of freshman orientation.

“I thought [the school] was so big, and intimidating,” Adams said. “I was really nervous. I kind of psyched myself out.”

But Adams was ready for a change; she desired a different experience than anything she knew at her current school, and felt trapped with the minimal opportunities that Lutheran High School had to offer.

“I would be graduating with the same people I went to kindergarten with,” Adams said, “and I just don’t like that.”

After her father’s death when she was 11-years-old, Adams and her mother decided to move from their home in Raytown, Mo. to the Prairie Village area for high school.

Her sister, who had attended school in Raytown and didn’t recommend the experience for her sister, did her research after going to law school in Texas about potential neighborhoods in Kansas City. She let her mother and Adams know that the area surrounding Shawnee Mission East was “a good area.”

“I had a choice whether to go to North or East, and we just randomly chose East,” Adams said, “and thank God––I think it’s a re-

CHEER YEARS OVER THE

ally good fit for me.”

She decided to complete grades K-8 at the private Lutheran academy on 83rd and Ward Parkway, as a way to expand her opportunities for her future.

With her closest sibling in age standing at seven years older, Adams and her mother were living at home by themselves when they packed up for Prairie Village. The two were “still moving in” to their home near East when Adams was attending her first day of high school.

The summer before her freshman year, Adams got involved with the Lancer Cheer Clinic as a way to practice her prior cheerleading and gymnastics skills. She had tumbled from age three to 10, and had been active in her school’s small cheerleading program at Calvary Lutheran. Her background in the sport gave her the idea to try out for the freshman squad at East.

“We had a clinic, three days a week, where we would learn the dance and the cheer,” Adams said. “I would just go over it, over and over, at my house.”

The tryout went better than she had expected––although she was confident in her abilities, she “never assumed [she] would make it.”

“I made it, and then all my friends were

FRESHMAN SQUAD

the girls on the cheer squad,” Adams said. “I kept doing it, because I just really liked it. It was never like a question, like ‘Should I try out again?”

Cheerleading became the vessel through which Adams met her peers; it became the one thing that tied her to the school, and the activity that brought about her most memorable experiences at East.

“The whole squad are my best friends–– cheerleading memories will stay with me the most,” Adams said. “I couldn’t have had that at the other school at all.”

Fellow senior and Adams’ boyfriend Scott Watson believes that cheer made a lasting impact on her from the get-go.

“Instantly, when she got here, [cheer] helped her get involved and meet a lot of her peers and friends,” Watson said. “I think it’s been a very good and helpful part of her life.”

During mid-May her junior year, Adams found out that she had won a captain position for the varsity squad for her senior year, alongside senior Lauren Fischer. She checked the sheet posted on the coaches door and was surprised to find her name, not alongside the majority of her peers, but at the top of the list.

“I was just shocked,” Adams said. “I don’t think I’ve ever been happier in my life––it was just awesome.”

SOPHOMORE SQUAD

Adams spent the year coordinating dances and cheers and focusing the varsity squad’s attention on trying new things, such as stunting. She feels that her position as one of the squad’s captains was an apt one, because of her natural inclination for taking control.

“I’m really organized, and I like being in control and having a say in what’s being done and getting it done,” Adams said. “I think it was a really good spot for me.”

Watson agrees that the spot was right for her.

“She’s one of the most organized people I’ve ever met,” Watson said. “She’s always got lists of what needs to get done, and she never misses a deadline.”

In the fall, she will be attending the University of Southern California (USC), with her major set in public relations. She was accepted into the school through a program called QuestBridge, whose mission statement is to be a “non-profit program that links bright, motivated low-income students with educational and scholarship opportunities at some of the nation’s best colleges.” Her applications, which she sent to 17 different highly-ranked schools through the program, were sent free, and in being accepted to USC she received a substantial amount of financial aid to attend the school.

As integral to her high school experience as its been, Adams does not plan to continue cheerleading in the future. She feels the cheerleaders at USC are “amazing”––”so I don’t even want to try.” She also feels that the new experience will be too much for her to handle if she attempts to balance cheer tryouts with rushing and academics.

Adams plans to pursue a career in public relations, a part of the journalism and communications school at USC. She hopes to pursue public relations work for a large corporation in the future, while “working her way up in a company.”

“I think she’s going to be very successful, she’s got big career plans already,” Watson said. “I think she’ll do some good things.”

Though Adams is moving forward in her life, she will continue to hold Kansas City and Shawnee Mission East as places that have been important to her personal growth.

Adams acknowledges that there have been “some bad things that have happened” to her in the past, such as her father’s death, but she feels that they have made her who she is as a person. She keeps a positive attitude.

“If my dad wouldn’t have died, we’d probably still live in Raytown,” Adams said. “I’m so glad I did, I’ve met so many good friends and had so many great experiences. I feel like I’d be a different person if I hadn’t come to East. I like who I am.”

VARSITY

CAPTAIN

Tryouts seemed difficult, but Ash-

Sophomore squad members

Varsity squad members cheer at

Ashley focused her time as captain

ley learned the moves through

cheer at only home football

home and away games, meaning

of the varsity squad on stunting,

a three-day clinic and practiced

and

that they travel to all the games

choosing outfits, and coordinating

to support the team.

between the coach and the squad

enough to make the squad.

basketball

games,

cause they don’t travel.

be-

members.

ASHLEY’S JOURNEY THROUGH THE EAST CHEER PROGRAM FRESHMAN

SOPHOMORE

JUNIOR

SENIOR

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12

FEATURES

05-16-11

DISSECTING

a

Parents help sophomore develop love for biology

all photos by EdenSchoofs

Anamika’s

Journey

Countries Anamika has lived in

Anamika was born and raised in India.

Her parents’ jobs as biologists took Anamika to Japan.

O

HollyHernandez

ver the course of ten years, sophomore Anamika Ratri has lived in India, Japan, Canada and the U.S. Her parents, both biologists, had science labs in both India and Japan. Her dad was offered a job in Texas where her and her family lived for only six months before moving to Kansas City when she was 11 years old. Her parents wanted her to be exposed to science at a young age, so, growing up, she spent most of her childhood learning about living things.

“My dad moved here because he got a job in Texas and I was like, ‘Oh yay let’s move to Texas,’ Ratri said. “I was like ‘okay, great, I’m fine with it. But he kind of got tired of Texas. It was probably because of the heat. It was really hot, so we came to Kansas.”

When she came here, she was faced with the task of learning how to speak English. She already spoke Bengoli from living in India, as well as Japanese from living in Japan. Ratri says that moving here wasn’t so bad because she learned English by watching the Disney Channel.

It’s been five years since she has seen some of her family. Ratri says she misses them, but that they are all so diverse that when she does see them, she finds it interesting how they are from the same place but have different traditions and beliefs. Her parents are both Hindu, she is Buddhist, and some of her relatives are Christian and Jewish.

“We have family all over the world. Some of my Aunts live in India. I have host grandparents who introduced us to Japan when we first arrived there,” Ratri said. “I have family in Canada, I have a few in Australia, an Aunt in Spain, and a great Aunt in Italy,” Since moving to Kansas, Ratri has developed a love for biology like her parents, and now spends the majority of her time after school in her dad’s lab researching different topics and experimenting with bacteria and stem cells. She spends six hours there almost everyday.

“I came up with a cheap solution for cell culture activities,” Ratri said. “Instead of paying $500 to produce food for the plastisists, I emphasized titration by inserting a virus into the FGF and LIF producing cells called fibroblasts. So instead of adding more and more of the expensive solutions, I made a natural process in which the cells are con-

Before she came to America Anamika had a stint in Canada where she has family.

Eventually, her dad’s job brought Anamika to America, where she has spent the last five years.

stantly excreting food for the stem cells which they eat without us.”

Her interest in biology comes from wanting to be a doctor. On her down time, she likes to watch surgeries. The best part, she says, is that she finds them so interesting and others find them so gross.

“I go to my dad’s lab frequently over the weekend and after school to help him out with laboratory work, and sometimes I go into the hospital area and help out one of his colleagues with paperwork,” Ratri said.

“I know how to make cell cultures, ago plates, bacteria communities– –I know how to cultivate those and make cell structures for stem cells.”

Ratri has followed in her parents footsteps, taking honors biology classes at East. She has been in advanced classes since the 8th grade.

Ratri says that honors classes have never been difficult for her, and that they are even too easy at times.

Her Honors Biology 2 teacher Kimberly VanNice says that what makes Ratri stand out from her other students is that she always asks questions and wants to know more about whatever they are doing in class.

“She’s bright, she’s on top of things, she’s curious and she always gets things done,” VanNice said. “She is definitely ahead because she is a sophomore taking upper-level classes.”

When Ratri’s friends ask her to hang out, she prefers to stay at home and sleep or study. She says that being around a large crowd of people makes her feel queasy, so she keeps a close-knit group of friends.

“I like to study because I am such an indoor person and my friends have called me anti-social,” Ratri said. “I don’t think I’m anti-social. I think I’m quite social, it’s just that I prefer a small group of people over a gigantic community.”

Ratri wants to attend John Hopkins University and go to medical school to become a doctor. She says that she would really enjoy performing surgeries and helping people. Her parents, she says, are to thank for that.

“Graduate high school, get into college, med school, then doctor,” Ratri said. “That’s the plan.”

FEATURES

TOP

20

PICKS

Principal Karl Krawitz’s personal list of things he couldn’t go a day without EmmaPennington

issue 16

13

Being Around Home with My Family: Nothing really tops this. As a close family we often share time together—always want to get home early from work when my wife is babysitting for the day.

My Wife: I always think about her frequently each day. We have been married for 38 years and our time together is precious.

Wedding Band and Ed.D. Ring: The symbol of love is touched and looked at numerous times throughout the day. My wife gave me my doctoral ring when I finished my degree at the University of Kansas in 1987.

School Posters In My Office: It is not hard to see these posters on a daily basis depicting a variety of athletic teams and performances by the theater department.

Books: I definitely think about several books on just about a daily basis.

Backyard of My House While Growing Up: We had a large backyard which changed with the season.

At least once a week I think about the backyard of my house and smile of the good times I had growing up.

Favorite All-Time Movie: I think about this movie often at least several times a week—released in 1966, “A Patch of Blue.” One of the most profound movies of our time

Leadership Class: Constantly think about the students I have had in class, and what they are doing in the real world. Hoping in some small way a bit of wisdom shared in class has helped motivate them in the future.

Memories of Teaching Chemistry: For eight years I taught Chemistry, College Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Microbiology at the original Olathe High School (now Olathe North).

all photos by EdenSchoofs

Pictures in My Office: I look at my grandson’s pictures every day. At 16 months he is the joy of our life. I also look at the picture of my wife and I together – taken years ago—it’s nice to know you were young once.

11. Golf: My favorite game—wish I could play every day. Now that I’m older, I think about the game daily during the warmer months and even more during the winter months. I think about the day I broke 80 by shooting a 77. I was so excited I played another 18 holes and shot 79. It was great to celebrate this day with close friends who are still part of my life. I have played the Black Course at Bethpage State Park about 50 times, which became the scene for the 2002 and 2008 US Open.

12. Woodstock: What an experience—don’t think I will ever forget it and with the picture sitting on my back counter, it brings back memories daily. Don’t think we will ever see anything like it ever again. A sea of people for as overwhelming as the eye could see.

13. Lancer Hat: I wear this hat all the time when at outdoor sporting events involving SME. 14. Writing Motivational Cards to Students: I enjoy

this so much, so I try and write something to someone on a weekly basis. One of the things I did not enjoy about high school was that everyone was always on my case (for good reason) but those who always had something nice to say always motivated me. As such, one of my goals as principal is to inspire others.

I write about 600 cards a year to students.

15. Watching Sports on Television: Football and golf are the ones I like the most.

16. Wrestling: Every time I see a picture of my oldest son Kyle, I think about how he came back from a dislocated elbow in the semi-finals of the state wrestling tournament. The following day despite the dislocation he returned to wrestle to place third. One of the storybook events I will never forget. On the negative side, wrestling also ended my younger son’s athletic career when he sustained a serious injury.

17. Attempting to Stay In Physical Shape: As an avid runner for 25 years, I have now turned to power walk-

ing as an alternative. I do it daily – generally 3-4 miles.

In addition, I do between 250-300 sit-ups each day.

There are more aches and pains these days, but I enjoy walking.

18. XM Radio: Greatest innovation—love it, listen to it daily. No commercials. Favorite music is anything in the late 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and early 90s—love ballads of the 70s and 80s the most.

19. Poker: Love to play Texas Hold ‘Em. Have played in several small tournaments while visiting Las Vegas where my parents used to live. I consider myself to be an average player at best and was fortunate to finish second in one tournament, and third in another.

20. Traveling: My wife and I love to travel in the United States. We have only been overseas once in our life, but have traveled extensively throughout the United States. Once we retire, we plan to spend time in Canada and even in Alaska. I think about summer vacation all the time.

14

FEATURES

05-16-11

Football Team’s Success Fall 2010 As the football team rushed to the stands on a chilly night in October to celebrate their victory over Shawnee Mission West, everyone—fans, coaches and players—could sense a change had occurred in the program. Two years after coach John Sherman came to East from Salina South to turn around East’s football program, all of the time and hard work that the players and coaches put into their season became apparent.

Although the Lancers were expected to build on their first season under Sherman, the Lancer football team exceeded many people’s expectations on their way to a 8-2 record.

After starting the season 6-1, the Lancers gained their signature win of the season when they ended a 13-year losing streak against West by winning 21-10. In a game that many deemed as the most important game for East football in years, the team established themselves as a real threat in 6A football and tied the school record for wins in a season.

Although the Lancers went on to win their next game against rival Shawnee Mission South, they lost their first playoff game to Olathe South 28-12. Despite this loss, nothing could take away from what the Lancers accomplished in their second season under Sherman as they went on to become Kansas District 2 and Conference Champions.

Education Budget Cuts 2010-2011

LindseyHartnett

Governor Sam Brownback made headlines earlier this year when he proposed major education budget cuts for the state of Kansas. The cuts in Kansas education then hit even closer to home when Shawnee Mission School District superintendent Gene Johnson proposed to save $8.3 million within the next year by cutting the budget and eliminating district positions.

East will start to see changes occurring from these cuts as early as next year, when class sizes are expected to swell to 30 students.

East, like the other SMSD high schools, will transition from its current 4-1 block schedule to a 3-2 schedule next year in order to save money by allowing teachers to transfer between schools. A number of teachers at East are expected to be laid off or transferred to other schools as the district tries to eliminate 31 teaching positions.

Activities and programs outside of the classroom will be affected as well. Brownback proposed to eliminate the Kansas Arts Commission and members of athletic teams, choir and band will be expected to pay a $50 fee to participate. Several teams have also had to cut coaching positions or even combine freshmen and LindseyHartnett sophomore teams in order to save more money.

Whether its larger class sizes, less school activities or a different schedule, East teachers, students and parents will all feel the effects of the state-wide budget cuts in education.

defining

2010-2011

Walk for the Walkers Nov. 2010

Word quickly spread around the East community when a devastating fire destroyed the Walker family home in October. The Walkers, including junior Ellie and 2010 East graduate Jack, lost everything—clothes, books, family memories, even their dog Buster.

However immediately after hearing the news, East students, parents and teachers reached out to the Walker family to offer help and support.

Senior Hanna Jane Stradinger, junior Emily Frye and sophomore Chloe Stradinger, who have all known the Walker family for several years, decided to start a fundraiser to help them. The three planned a walk, which they named Walk for the Walkers, as a way for people to make donations to the family and show their support.

The day of the walk, just two weeks after the fire, more than 400 people showed up in support of the Walker family. Students, parents and others in the East community all walked around the East building in a heartfelt showing of their love and support for the Walkers. The drumline performed, local radio station KGEX broadcasted music and many local business donated treats and supplies.

Although the Walker’s house burning down was a tragedy, the East community showed its support as a large number of people came together to help the family in their time of need.

a look back at four memorable events from the school year SarahMcKittrick

Return of School Spirit 2010-2011

EdenSchoofs

Sometimes the fans wore tacky Christmas sweaters. Sometimes they sang off-key versions of “Don’t Stop Believing” or “Dynamite.”

And many times the chant of “aw yeah East” could be heard resonating against the gym walls. East students found many creative ways to show support for their Lancer teams this year. However unlike in years past, they did so without getting reprimanded by East administrators or sporting officials.

It was only two years ago that the Kansas State High School Activities Association threatened to limit the number of East fans able to attend sporting events after several incidents and complaints of the bad behavior at games. After getting negative feedback about this bad sportsmanship, the administration made it a priority to improve the image of East fans. Although it was an adjustment at first, this year East students embraced these new rules of respect for the other school’s fans and players.

Led by the new Lancer mascot, many more positive chants and encouragement could be heard coming from the East student section. Even though several years ago East fans were known for their rowdiness and heckling, this year the East student section regained their positive image.

images that show events from the 2010-2011 school year

Choir Concert, Oct. 6, 2010

moments

SME vs BV West, Mar. 4, 2011

memorable

Lancer Day, Sept. 2, 2010

LindseyHartnett

all photos byGrantHeinlein

SHOWING POTENTIAL

FEATURES issue 16

15

Three students win recognition for at recent NAHS Fashion Show at the Art Incubator Gallery KatieKnight

GAIL STONEBARGER PHOTOGRAPHY

Senior Gail Stonebarger decided on the concept for her winning photo after taking it. “I took the picture in middle of the day and realized the lighting looked like night, so I decided to make it into a night image,” Stonebarger said. photo courtesy of Gail Stonebarger

Senior Gail Stonebarger had just finished her track meet, and was walking to her car when her phone vibrated. A fellow NAHS fashion show contestant, Marlena Smith, had just told her exciting news.

“You won an award at the fashion show for your photography!” Marlena’s text read.

The creation of the award-winning photograph was a spur of the moment thing—Stonebarger came up with it out of nowhere.

Stonebarger sat in her room, staring off, when suddenly an idea popped into her head. She quickly started stacking books and other objects on shelves and chairs to act as a tripod for her camera. She cleaned everything off of the floor of her messy room, and tidied up the area she would be shooting. Finally, she poses and takes 20-30 shots of her looking out her window. She has just completed the process for making her best in show-winning photograph.

Stonebarger never expected to win. The photograph wasn’t intended for showcasing in the fashion show, but for her Photo teacher Adam

Finkelston had asked her if he could enter it.

Though Stonebarger was beyond shocked, she was far from ungrateful.

“I thought it was really cool that it was in the crossroads and it was judged by people outside of Shawnee Mission East.” Stonebarger said.

Photography is what Stonebarger uses to calm herself down when she’s upset or stressed about something and it helps her document her life and her friends, so she can always have memories.

“The process [of taking photos] relieves me, and the process of editing is pretty calming too,” Stonebarger said. “I’ve shot a lot of really good friends whether its for senior portraits or they’ve just modeled for me, and it means a lot just because I know I’ll always have it. “ Stonebarger also finds photography is one of the most creative forms of art.

“You have to start at least with reality. Everything else you can draw what ever you want, you can paint whatever you want, but photography is real life,” Stonebarger said.

EMILY COLLINS FASHION DESIGN

Senior Emily Collins grew up watching her mother, a seamstress, create bridal gowns, other clothing and home decor. Inspired, Collins started making duffle bags for foster care children with her family, though she was only allowed to cut the bags for the first two years. After a few years, she would finally be allowed a needle and thread.

Over time, this hobby of hers would grow into a passion, and create a strong bond between Collins and her mother, ultimately contributing to her entering the NAHS fashion show this year.

Last year, Collins won for her own homecoming dress that she created, like she has since her sophomore year. It was white satin with flower details some of which were made of an aquacolored tweed.

“I sew all year around and it’s just a time when I can create things a little out of the ordinary,” Collins said. “It’s just probably the event that I look forward to most for the whole year.”

Backstage at the fashion show, Collins can see models getting bizarre makeup brushed onto

their faces and girls with wild hair are frantically practicing their model walk. But as prep time wound down, the energy tensed up.

“I was really nervous because you never know what the judges want and what they’re going to like,” Collins said.

The intensity continued throughout the show; Collins had been working on her caterpillar dress since last summer, and had spent 20-40 hours a week on her other pieces.

Finally, the judges had made their decision, and it was time to reveal the winners. Each category winner was named, and only Best of Show was left.

“Emily Collins!” the announcer said.

Screams from Collins’ family and friends erupted from the audience, and a huge smile grew on her face.

“It was just really nice to end my senior year with another win,” Collins said. “It was just pure happiness, and relief, and excitement.”

Backstage at the show, Senior Emily Collins fixes senior Megan Nass’s bird’s nest-inspired headdress.“It was hard to straighten the crown without pulling her hair out. Luckily she’s a dancer, so she’s used to it,” Collins said. SammiKelly

SARAH KING FASHION DESIGN

Junior Mallory Harrington, pictured center, sits backstage in a dress designed by junior Sarah King. “I was really inspired by the theme, incubation and was trying to incorporate the idea of glowing by having the hoop skirt kind of glowing out from her waist,” King said. SammiKelly

Junior Sarah King had just been announced the champion of the altered design category while a mixed blend of shock and excitement shot through her head.

“It was really gratifying to know that people thought that something I made was cool,” King said. “Even to participate is gratifying, to get to show something.”

King had begun to look around before Christmas break for inspiration from looking at different shapes and materials, and starting sketches. Eventually her sketches evolved and turned into what would be her award-winning skirt, dress and hats. “[Designs] usually just kinda come to you,” King said. “Once you start sketching, stuff just kinda happens.”

Each of her pieces took a variety of different materials from normal fabric, to chicken wire and even paper.

Knowing that there was going to be tough competition, she decided that creativity and execution were key to

staying in the competition.

“I mean, I always hope to win,” King said. “But, looking at other’s people’s stuff you’re always really intimidated with the amount of amazingness.”

King managed to wow the judges despite her nervousness, and even some last minute stress. A dress on one of her models was a tight fit, and had started to tear down the side.

“It ripped down the seam because my thread was really weak, so I had to hand sew it,” King said. “I was like ‘oh, I feel so professional!”

Even with the ups and downs, design always remains her passion. Though she only plans to do fashion for fun in college, it will something she will always love. “[Design] is just a really unique way to make art,” King said. “It’s structural and sculpture, but it’s also like a variety of different materials, and it’s just really interesting.”

SPREAD 16 05-16-11

2 5 1 34 6

SPREAD

the

CINEMA A look at upcoming movies for the summer of 2011 AlexLamb

MOVIES 1

NOT TO SEE

Spy Kids 4

The first “Spy Kids” was a stylish adventure that both children and adults could enjoy, but no one was asking for a reboot with Jessica Alba eight years later.

If you want to keep those childhood memories sacred, avoid this at all costs.

2

Zookeeper

After the disappointments of the third X-Men movie and the Wolverine spin-off, it’s time for a return to the pure excellence of the first two installments in this series.

Starting fresh with a prequel, “X-Men: First Class” explores the friendship and collaboration between future archenemies Professor Xavier (James McAvoy) and Magneto (Michael Fassbender), their creation of the earliest X-Men team and the team’s involvement in stopping the Cuban Missile Crisis.

This summer is jam-packed with superhero cinema, but expect the X-Men to deliver the most compelling story out of them. Considering “First Class” possesses the stylistic yet balanced direction of Matthew Vaughn (“Kick-Ass”), an all-star cast brimming with lesser-known, highly talented actors and some of the more interesting mutants from the comics, this blockbuster assures quite the marvel.

Other than “Babe,” live-action talking animal movies are usually nothing more than annoying, idiotic kids’ fodder. In a film where zoo creatures communicate with their caretaker, Kevin “Paul Blart” James tries to impress a girl.

3

The Smurfs

J.J. Abrams follows up his hit “Star Trek” reboot with another sci-fi flick, one of the extremely few, totally original grand blockbusters in this summer overflowing with sequels, prequels, remakes and comic book adaptations. Taking place in 1979, “Super 8” follows a group of kids who witness a train crash that unleashes a mysterious force in their town, which leads to unexplainable disappearances and havoc, so they set out to discover the shocking truth behind it.

Abrams has proved himself as one of the most creative visionaries of this generation, and with this monster/alien thriller he looks to have a new age “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” on his hands.

But cooler. Wondrous spectacle, an exciting story and an impressive “wow”-factor make this stunner a must-see.

Why in God’s name is there a live-action Smurf film? Hollywood has no respect for nostalgic ‘80s series. By the looks of this adaptation, “Alvin and the Chipmunks” will have a new competitor for most irritating CGI little creatures.

The last “Transformers” movie was hugely anticipated prior to its release, but then the special effects and action turned out to be the only legitimately good aspects of the film. It quickly became the worst highest-grossing sequel of all-time.

Viewers are more weary for the third entry, which might have the exact same problem.

The story is basically just more Autobots vs. Decepticons mayhem, with both sides racing to learn the secrets of an ancient Cybertron spaceship hidden on the moon, which could decide the fate of the Transformers’ war.

Director Michael Bay specializes in big, dumb and loud destruction, and while the rest of the movie could very well suck, the gigantic set pieces and special effects look so damn mind-blowingly glorious that the movie should be worth sitting through just for the eye candy.

THE DOWN-LOW

ALEX

07/15

It’s been 10 years since the magic of Harry Potter first enchanted moviegoers across the world, and the time has finally come for the epic showdown between “The Boy Who Lived” and “He Who Must Not Be Named” that we’ve all been waiting for. “Part 1” was one of if not the best in the series yet (unquestionably the most eventful and exhilarating), and “Part 2” still has four more horcruxes in store for Harry, Hermione and Ron, not to mention the spellbinding, large-scale wizards vs. death eaters battle at Hogwarts.

If you only go to one midnight premiere this summer, make it “Harry Potter.” This film signifies the end to an era for teenagers and represents the most important completion of a cinematic journey since the “Star Wars” saga -- missing it would be unforgivable.

07/29

HARRY POTTER and the DEATHLY HALLOWS: part 2

17

COW AND BO ALI YS ENS

TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON

R8

SU PE

: F 06/2 IRS 3 TC LA SS

EN

05/26

Start the summer off with some hard partying as the wolfpack returns for another night of raucous adventure and ridiculous shenanigans — and yet again lose all memory of it. This time Stu’s the lucky husbandto-be, taking his friends to Thailand for his calm little wedding. But it’s no surprise that what starts out as a bachelor brunch with his buddies quickly escalates completely out of control, and they must retrace their night through the squalorous city of Bangkok.

While the first “Hangover” remains the most successful comedy in recent memory, it’s doubtful this sequel can live up to that level of originality since the story seems almost exactly the same, just more extreme.

Either way, this much is guaranteed: you’ll remember this hilarious ride all summer.

No film this summer has a more ridiculously awesome premise than that of “Cowboys and Aliens.” At long last, moviegoers can finally witness the clash of two of the most distinctly stylized genres as the wild wild western meets the sci-fi alien invasion flick, where Earth’s only defense from hostile takeover is a band of cowboys. Leading this posse are 007 badass-extraordinaire Daniel Craig, accompanied by the original space cowboy Harrison Ford in his first alien movie since “Star Wars.”

With “Iron Man” director Jon Favreau at the helm, this will surely round out the blockbuster season with a bang. Count on some swift, explosive action sequences, captivating characters and one hell of an entertaining ride, as this might just be the craziest, most inventive western ever made.

photos courtesy of allmoviephotos.com

Chances are you’ve read a lot about the movies he reviews. So here’s a little bit about him.

LAMB

TOP THREE

XM

at

THE HANGOVER: PART 2

SUMMER

07/ 01

06/10

ISSUE 16

Some people might think going to the movie theater nearly every weekend, often to see three films in a row (my record is five) would get

boring. Personally, I find it incredibly satisfying. That’s why I spend the majority of my income on cheap tickets and used DVDs, why

I stay up all night watching my endless DVD rentals from the library and browsing and why I eat, breathe and live cinema.

For additional movie coverage through the summer and to see how these movies turned out, check out smeharbinger.net

SPREAD 16 05-16-11

2 5 1 34 6

SPREAD

the

CINEMA A look at upcoming movies for the summer of 2011 AlexLamb

MOVIES 1

NOT TO SEE

Spy Kids 4

The first “Spy Kids” was a stylish adventure that both children and adults could enjoy, but no one was asking for a reboot with Jessica Alba eight years later.

If you want to keep those childhood memories sacred, avoid this at all costs.

2

Zookeeper

After the disappointments of the third X-Men movie and the Wolverine spin-off, it’s time for a return to the pure excellence of the first two installments in this series.

Starting fresh with a prequel, “X-Men: First Class” explores the friendship and collaboration between future archenemies Professor Xavier (James McAvoy) and Magneto (Michael Fassbender), their creation of the earliest X-Men team and the team’s involvement in stopping the Cuban Missile Crisis.

This summer is jam-packed with superhero cinema, but expect the X-Men to deliver the most compelling story out of them. Considering “First Class” possesses the stylistic yet balanced direction of Matthew Vaughn (“Kick-Ass”), an all-star cast brimming with lesser-known, highly talented actors and some of the more interesting mutants from the comics, this blockbuster assures quite the marvel.

Other than “Babe,” live-action talking animal movies are usually nothing more than annoying, idiotic kids’ fodder. In a film where zoo creatures communicate with their caretaker, Kevin “Paul Blart” James tries to impress a girl.

3

The Smurfs

J.J. Abrams follows up his hit “Star Trek” reboot with another sci-fi flick, one of the extremely few, totally original grand blockbusters in this summer overflowing with sequels, prequels, remakes and comic book adaptations. Taking place in 1979, “Super 8” follows a group of kids who witness a train crash that unleashes a mysterious force in their town, which leads to unexplainable disappearances and havoc, so they set out to discover the shocking truth behind it.

Abrams has proved himself as one of the most creative visionaries of this generation, and with this monster/alien thriller he looks to have a new age “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” on his hands.

But cooler. Wondrous spectacle, an exciting story and an impressive “wow”-factor make this stunner a must-see.

Why in God’s name is there a live-action Smurf film? Hollywood has no respect for nostalgic ‘80s series. By the looks of this adaptation, “Alvin and the Chipmunks” will have a new competitor for most irritating CGI little creatures.

The last “Transformers” movie was hugely anticipated prior to its release, but then the special effects and action turned out to be the only legitimately good aspects of the film. It quickly became the worst highest-grossing sequel of all-time.

Viewers are more weary for the third entry, which might have the exact same problem.

The story is basically just more Autobots vs. Decepticons mayhem, with both sides racing to learn the secrets of an ancient Cybertron spaceship hidden on the moon, which could decide the fate of the Transformers’ war.

Director Michael Bay specializes in big, dumb and loud destruction, and while the rest of the movie could very well suck, the gigantic set pieces and special effects look so damn mind-blowingly glorious that the movie should be worth sitting through just for the eye candy.

THE DOWN-LOW

ALEX

07/15

It’s been 10 years since the magic of Harry Potter first enchanted moviegoers across the world, and the time has finally come for the epic showdown between “The Boy Who Lived” and “He Who Must Not Be Named” that we’ve all been waiting for. “Part 1” was one of if not the best in the series yet (unquestionably the most eventful and exhilarating), and “Part 2” still has four more horcruxes in store for Harry, Hermione and Ron, not to mention the spellbinding, large-scale wizards vs. death eaters battle at Hogwarts.

If you only go to one midnight premiere this summer, make it “Harry Potter.” This film signifies the end to an era for teenagers and represents the most important completion of a cinematic journey since the “Star Wars” saga -- missing it would be unforgivable.

07/29

HARRY POTTER and the DEATHLY HALLOWS: part 2

17

COW AND BO ALI YS ENS

TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON

R8

SU PE

: F 06/2 IRS 3 TC LA SS

EN

05/26

Start the summer off with some hard partying as the wolfpack returns for another night of raucous adventure and ridiculous shenanigans — and yet again lose all memory of it. This time Stu’s the lucky husbandto-be, taking his friends to Thailand for his calm little wedding. But it’s no surprise that what starts out as a bachelor brunch with his buddies quickly escalates completely out of control, and they must retrace their night through the squalorous city of Bangkok.

While the first “Hangover” remains the most successful comedy in recent memory, it’s doubtful this sequel can live up to that level of originality since the story seems almost exactly the same, just more extreme.

Either way, this much is guaranteed: you’ll remember this hilarious ride all summer.

No film this summer has a more ridiculously awesome premise than that of “Cowboys and Aliens.” At long last, moviegoers can finally witness the clash of two of the most distinctly stylized genres as the wild wild western meets the sci-fi alien invasion flick, where Earth’s only defense from hostile takeover is a band of cowboys. Leading this posse are 007 badass-extraordinaire Daniel Craig, accompanied by the original space cowboy Harrison Ford in his first alien movie since “Star Wars.”

With “Iron Man” director Jon Favreau at the helm, this will surely round out the blockbuster season with a bang. Count on some swift, explosive action sequences, captivating characters and one hell of an entertaining ride, as this might just be the craziest, most inventive western ever made.

photos courtesy of allmoviephotos.com

Chances are you’ve read a lot about the movies he reviews. So here’s a little bit about him.

LAMB

TOP THREE

XM

at

THE HANGOVER: PART 2

SUMMER

07/ 01

06/10

ISSUE 16

Some people might think going to the movie theater nearly every weekend, often to see three films in a row (my record is five) would get

boring. Personally, I find it incredibly satisfying. That’s why I spend the majority of my income on cheap tickets and used DVDs, why

I stay up all night watching my endless DVD rentals from the library and browsing and why I eat, breathe and live cinema.

For additional movie coverage through the summer and to see how these movies turned out, check out smeharbinger.net

FEATURES 18 05-16-11

J

LoganHeley

unior Spencer Davis walked into his house to see his mom already home.

He knew. His dad, who had been fighting stage four melanoma, a skin cancer, since 2003 had died just two weeks into his freshman year.

Spencer’s dad always had a trip up his sleeve. Jim Davis took his son on trips to London, Rome, Paris, San Diego and Nashville, to name a few. Until his dad’s death, those trips had been a big part of Spencer’s life.

His dad was his “only friend” in middle school and after his passing Spencer made it a priority to make new ones. Spencer describes his pre-high school self as “not very sociable,” but now takes a different approach to life.

“I always try to act like everyone I meet is already a pretty good friend of mine,” Spencer said. “And so hopefully with time that becomes more than an act and we end up being good friends.”

Initially Spencer’s interest in computers caused him to try out for the robotics team freshman year.

“That was kind of my weeknights,” Spencer said. “I wasn’t an incredible member of the team, so I just kind of sat around and talked with people. It was still fun.”

During the winter, some of his robotics friends began inviting him to hang out with them. One of their frequent hangouts was the abandoned Metcalf South mall. On one visit they stumbled upon a police interrogation room, which consisted of a single chair and a single light bulb. A few visits later they were run into by what they thought was a SWAT team exercise. The group then transitioned to other hangout spots.

Finding new things to do is something

Spencer prides himself on, though he said his dad was better at it because of his job as a reporter with the Business Journal. Spencer remembers one night when he and his friends decided to take an impromptu trip to Lawrence.

“We get to Lawrence and we park in the place that I usually park and right next door there’s an art show going on,” Spencer said.

“So we… stayed at that for a while and then just walked around the city and it was really not planned, but I’m glad we found it.”

But after seeing the winter play “Woyzeck” that February he decided to try out for a Frequent Friday. Spencer thought about trying out for Alec Hynes’ production. Hynes had been the lead in “Woyzeck” and Spencer anticipated a packed audition.

Instead of risking failure in his first theater experience, Spencer decided to wait and try out for the last Frequent Friday of the year, “The American Dream” directed by Griffin MacDonald.

The tryout involved giving cold reads of the script. Most people only went up to the stage once or twice, but Spencer volunteered four times and stayed after to read more. He’s still not sure if it was his acting ability or simply his enthusiasm, but he got the part nonetheless.

Junior Emily Donovan, a fellow “American Dream” cast member and a friend of Spencer’s, called the Frequent Friday a “hot mess.” She said the director, MacDonald, wasn’t too concerned with the quality of the performance and so much of that burden fell to the actors.

“We had to really work together to pull the show together,” Donovan said. “And in doing so I feel like, as a whole cast, we be-

Making Progress photo courtesy of SpencerDavis

came really comfortable with each other.”

Spencer had found theater. *** After his father died Spencer tried his best to live normally. He only told a few teachers why he missed their class when he went to the funeral and it was five months before he told a friend.

In the months leading up to his death, Spencer’s dad stayed with Spencer’s aunt and uncle in Berkeley, Calif. Medicine was beginning to have little to no effect.

Spencer believes not seeing his dad in the final stages of his cancer made his death less difficult. During his time away, Spencer and his dad would video chat nearly every night.

His dad never lied about what was going on with his treatment, he said.

“It wasn’t fun, it wasn’t nice, but it definitely wasn’t as difficult as it could have been,” Spencer said. “I was prepared for it as much as I [could] be.”

The summer after his seventh grade year, Spencer and his dad visited his grandmother in Lake Placid, NY. His dad’s cancer had been in remission for three years after intense chemotherapy. They visited his dad’s college, Union College in Schenectady, NY, and in the library Spencer remembers the first time he ever saw his dad be emotional about his cancer.

“He just kind of remarked on whatever time we had was never enough,” Spencer said.

Another time Spencer remembers with his father was after a Bruce Springsteen concert the two went to together. He remembers talking to his dad about how they finally had music they both could appreciate. But something else his dad said has stuck in his mind

even more.

“He talked to me about how important it was to find heroes,” Spencer said. “I didn’t really think about it at the time, but it was probably him preparing me to find someone to look up to that wasn’t him.”

Spencer often finds himself thinking about if his dad would approve of what he’s doing.

“He was really into the Beach Boys and that was about all we listened to.” Spencer said. “So sometimes I’ll be listening to music I like and I’ll be wondering what he would have thought of that.” *** Frequent Fridays, main stages and the International Baccalaureate program have all become part of Spencer’s routine. Many of Spencer’s theater friends, like Donovan, also do IB. “It’s one program [where] you know that everyone who is in the program is going through the same things that you are,” Spencer said. “And not only everyone in the program, but everyone in the program around the world.”

Spencer is looking at colleges both inside and outside the U.S., like the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, that offer an archeology major. School is important to Spencer, but friends come first. Spencer remembers how his dad tried to strengthen friendships towards the end of his life and that’s something Spencer keeps in mind.

“Doing well in school is fun for me, but there are a lot of other things that are enjoyable, and sometimes those are a priority,” Spencer said. “Sometimes going out and hanging with friends is more important than doing an assignment.”

Junior takes on theater and IB after his father’s death as a way to make the most of his life photo courtesy of SpencerDavis

GrantHeinlein

MIXED

M I X ED

The page about everything ^ very

Imaginary Dictionary

at A lookale the c f an dar o e kid colleg

words that don’t exist but should

Insumnia

Inability to sleep due to excessive thoughts pertaining to summer.

“Last night, my insumnia really flared up when I started thinking about tanning at the pool.”

Statistics about life Greek

Finalfreeze

That 2 second period when you freak out on your final and regret watching Glee over studying.

“Dude I had such a finalfreeze on my Chemistry test. I was like a statue.”

September 2011

ay Monday Tu “I willSu bend working esday Wednesday at the1 University 2 Thursday Frida 3 4 y of Georgia news 5 6 station, not getting 8 air time until my 9 10Broad 11 12 junior/seniior year.

13 cast Also, 15because 16 F.I. G. 17 Athens is such a 18 g 19 20 roup big music 22 town I will try to go to 23 24 25 as many concerts 27 Football 26 as possible.”

Olivia30 29 g a m e Harlan “I’m going to Arkansas and SEC football is huge down there. I plan on going to all of the games and maybe even some away ones like in Alabama, Auburn and Florida.” Jack Harrigan

Over 800 mpuse s the United St Canada paca rticipate in inGre ates and ek Life Over $7 m nationally illion is raised each year by Greek s Less than perc ent of dent’s expe2nse erage college stu s go towarand av fraternity du es www.whygogreek. com

Teacher’s Summer Plans What’s in your bag?

Mr. Foley

“Since my wife’s working three days a week this summer, I’m playing Mr. Mom, “ Foley said.

Aside from that, Foley and his family will be reuniting the ‘Foley Family Singers’ for his parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. Then, in August, he’s planning on taking his family on the Disney Cruise.

Mrs. Arndt-Helgesen

“I always teach a college class in June and I always select an area of history to read and study and improve in,” Arndt-Helgesen said. She will also spend a lot of “Grandma” time with her grandsons Charlie, Jack and Will.

Yoda also plans to take trips to California and Minnesota for the beaches and the lakes.

19

last

Graddy An expression used to depict an emo-

tion similar to elation that only seniors can experience.

“I’m feeling so graddy right now in my cap and gown.”

issue 16

Mr. Burrows

Math teacher Christopher Burrows is planning on taking his family on a trip to the Warren Dunes, where he frequently went as a kid.

“Some of the dunes are as tall as 50 feet,” Burrows said.

Warren Dunes, which stretches along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, is an expanse of huge sand dunes where guests can camp and hike along the enormous dunes, the tallest (Tower Hill) measuring 240 feet tall.

How to be a considerate roomate

Saturday 7 14 “I joined an 21FIG (Freshman Interest Group) where we get to 28meet people in our same major.

We will meet once a week and have classes together to get to know each other.” Ariana Sherk

Roomate Resolutions

I will keep my side of the room tidy I will not borrow anything with asking I will not disturb them when they are studying or sleeping I willl be accepting of their living habits I will try not to snore too loudly

Summertime necessity

Jones Soda

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If you like sweet.... try blue bubble gum If you like an adventure.... try berry lemon If you like original... try orange & cream

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Jones Soda started distribution in venues such as skate, surf and snowboarding shops, tattoo parlors and boutiques

FEATURES 20 05-16-11

SOJOURNING IN SOUTH AFRICA Senior Kaiha Harris moves to Petoria, South Africa with her family and travels around the continent for four months KimHoedel

Happy Birthday Last fall senior Kaiha Harris knew that there was an opportunity for her family to move to South Africa a while before, but it was now within arm’s length.

“Coming to South Africa has been on Kaiha’s ‘most wanted’ list since she was a freshman in high school,”Harris’s mother Leslie said.

Kaiha sat in the stands cheering, as the Lancer soccer team dribbled the ball up the field, when she heard her phone ring. It was her mom calling to tell her that her dad, David Harris, had just gotten back from the job interview and had revealed the good news.

“It was only four days after my 18th birthday,” Kaiha said. “Some people get new cars for their birthdays; I got to move to Africa.”

Life in Petoria Since Kaiha was able to finish up all of her credit in December before she left for South Africa, she didn’t have to attend school during her four-month trip. During the day, while her dad was out at work, Kaiha and her mom would spend the day together.

They went for walks around Glen Eagle Street, the large gated estate in which they lived. They also went out to buy fresh groceries every day, due to the lack of preservatives in foods. Some weekends, they went shopping in the malls and later baked cookies for David’s co-workers. On the days Kaiha wasn’t

babysitting, they were also able to take trips out to the elephant sanctuary.

Hanging with the “Big Five” Closing her eyes, Kaiha dangled her legs into the Tshkudu Game Lodge’s large pool.

She leaned back until she felt something bump up against her. Kaiha opened her eyes to find herself face to face with a cheetah. Intombi, the runt of the cheetah cubs, rubbed up against Kaiha then sprawled out next to her to share the shade.

“That was just truly amazing, sit by the pool in the shade, and hangout with a cheetah,” Kaiha said.

The lodge had a main building with a reception area and dinning room, then five or six separate small guest houses. Paying for a weekend at the game lodge is a package deal; thee meals and two game drives each day.

The Tshkudu Lodge was host to many hand-raised wild animals, primarily Africa’s ‘Big Five’-–Rhinos, lions, water buffalo, elephants and leopards.

“They go into the houses and just hang out, so if you are there you have to keep your doors shut or else they will come into your house,” Kaiha said. “They like the beds.”

Safe and Sound Along with being well-known for their culture, South Africa is also known for its crime level. Since the Harris family lived on a compound for Mr. Harris’ work, they had a

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native South African security guard, Ben. “Because we live in a very secure patrolled and walled-in estate, getting in and out of it requires a passcode and gates. Nothing simple.” Leslie said.

While she was there, Kaiha wore an emergency bracelet around her wrist with a number to call if anything should happen to her.

Driving through the towns is difficult because of the packed 16-passenger taxis that drive haphazardly through the streets. It is also common, even in the busiest of intersections, for natives to be running up to cars begging drivers to buy their goods and baskets full of colorful arts and crafts.

“You are driving in your car like, ‘I really don’t want to hit you right now. I really don’t want to hit you right now,” Kaiha said.

Welcome Home While Kaiha returned home after four months, her parents will continue to live in Africa for another two years, if not longer.

The reason Kaiha came back was because after missing Senior Assassins, she was set on walking in graduation and attending her senior prom.

Kaiha also came back to live alone in her house with her brother for the summer so she can continue her summer job as a camp counselor.

photo courtesy of KaihaHarris

“Kaiha is very interested in experiencing the different cultures of the world by living, rather than visiting in foreign countries,” Leslie said.

Kaiha plans on moving and traveling later in life as an international teacher. While her trip to Africa was not Kaiha’s first out-of-thecountry (having lived in Singapore freshman year) it gave her a chance to embrace another new culture.

“I fell in love with culture––I love learning about culture and becoming more adventurous.” Kaiha said. “There is more to life than Kansas.”

FEATURES issue 16

21

TWO PERSON ACT Armer brothers take their twin act to the East stage

GrantKendall

MaggieAndriani

Sixth grade was the year freshman twin brothers Alec and Justin Armer discovered musicals. It was the Brookwood production of “Once Upon a Mattress Jr,” and Alec and Justin were cast as twin jesters.

“Naturally Justin and I, since you don’t want to hurt either of our feelings, we were both cast as twin jester roles,” Alec said. “We switched off lines.”

Since that musical, Alec and Justin have been in eight productions at Mission Valley, East, Theater in the Park and with the Vocalocity show choir. Many directors find twins as an advantage to do quick scene changes with twins playing the same part.

“Directors are the people who have really creative ideas for things,” Alec said. “They see twins and they’re like, ‘Okay, I’m going to do some bit in-between scene changes where we can include the fact that they’re twins.’”

At times, auditioning for the same show can lead to competition between the two brothers. During last year’s production of “Beauty and the Beast Jr” at Mission Valley, Alec and Justin both wanted the part of Lumiere. When Alec was cast as Lumiere and Justin was cast as Gaston, however, both were happy with

their parts.

“We only compete when we’re competing for good parts like last year,” Justin said. “Most of the time, we just support each other and critique each other and give helpful hints.”

With both brothers having main parts in “Beauty and the Beast Jr,” there had to be some way to distinguish the two from each other and not confuse the audience. Justin decided to temporarily dye his strawberry blonde hair a chestnut brown for his part as Gaston.

“It definitely helped a lot of people tell us apart [in the musical], but even then some people would still mix us up, which was really sort of obnoxious because I had died my hair,” Justin said. “I got a lot of compliments though. Apparently I’m a good brunette.”

In this year’s production of “Beauty and the Beast” at East, Alec and Justin were cast as knives and villagers. When they are cast in chorus in shows, directors are careful to separate the two to make them distinct from one another.

“They try to not put us next to each other because we’re trying to be different villagers or parts in the castle,” Justin said.

Although it’s easy for some people to get them confused, freshman Sophie Fields, who has worked with Alec and Justin in Mission Valley and East productions, has learned to tell them apart by the way they perform.

“They portray different characters when they perform,” Fields said.

“They really enhance the character to make them interesting, funny or serious.”

Like most aspiring actors, Alec and Justin have had their fair share of disappointment with auditions.

It’s not often that one brother gets a part and the other doesn’t, but it did happen once with “Werewolf,” a Frequent Friday production. With two male parts available for the show, Justin was cast as one of them.

“I wasn’t extremely jealous, just more disappointed,” Alec said. “Like, ‘Why did he get it and I didn’t?’ I was also happy because Justin had to spend more time after school on that and I had a lot of free time.”

East theater director Brian Cappello has worked with Alec and Justin for the East productions of Machinal, Beauty and the Beast Jr. and Government Inspector. After a short time working with them, Cappello believes both brothers have the potential to go pursue acting profes-

sionally.

“They’re very directable, they’re very excited about stuff, they’re very motivated,” Cappello said. “They’ve got a lot of talent, but if they want to go professional it’s about how much inner motivation they have. I think from just what I’ve seen, their enthusiasm will take them a really long way.”

Since their sixth grade musical, both brothers have grown to love the theater and would like to pursue it as a career.

“It would be my biggest dream to be on Broadway,” Alec said. “That would be so awesome. Getting there would be the hardest part... If not, then I think it would be just as good to be in some local paid acting job, like working at the Kansas Reperatory Theater.”

For now, Alec and Justin plan to continue to do shows at East and hope to improve their acting skills.

“The most challenging part is achieving the best you can do, because that’s always what you’re going for,” Alec said. “I don’t consider myself a funny person, but if I can make someone laugh with how I am on stage, that would be huge for me.”

The Amer twins’ favorite musicals they’ve performed in together OH BROTHER WHERE ART THOU?

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL

CHARACTERS: Band It was our first show outside of school so it was really different, but really enjoyable.

“

”

CINDERELLA CHARACTERS: Princes

SEUSSICAL JR.

INTO THE WOODS

CHARACTERS: Wickershams CHARACTERS: Princes

of the It was a really fun That’s a really fun “ Itcastswaswe one “ “ really got to show. It was like a show to do beknow and grew close with.

”

party because of the atmosphere.

”

cause we got to play brothers.

”

Pros & Cons of Acting Together PROS “If we need to cut off our singing at the same time we just kind of do it.

It’s just natural.”

-Alec “We can critique each other and be brutally honest with each other.”

-Justin

CONS “I almost don’t like watching Alec because I feel like I’m watching myself, since our voices are so similar and we look sort of alike.”

-Justin “When directors say, ‘Oh I don’t want to give you guys different parts because you’d be too similar.’ That always happens.”

-Alec

22

A&E

05-16-11

The Coterie Theatre

KC Fringe Festival

The Coterie is a common field trip for elementary schools, but this summer they will be presenting something less educational and more focused on fun.

Located in Crown Center, the Coterie is one of Time Magazine’s top five children’s theaters in the country.

“The Wiz” is a Tony Award winning modern version of “The Wizard of Oz” and will be directed by the Coterie’s Artistic Director Jeff Church. The show, like most Coterie productions, will include professionals from around the area as well as student actors.

Set to run from June 21 to Aug. 7, “The Wiz” will be performed with morning shows, matinees and nightly shows. Student tickets are $10 while adult tickets run for $15.

The KC Fringe Festival is the largest theater event to happen in KC all year. With the most shows going on at the same time along with other mediums the Fringe Fest should not be missed. KC Fringe is a 10-day event happening in theaters all over the KC area. This festival is a collaboration of dancers, filmmakers, musicians and actors of all genres.

With the $5 purchase of a Fringe Button, patrons can purchase tickets as well as gain free admission to certain events. The KC Fringe Festival was inspired by the festival of the same name that takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland each year.

With dramatic and comedic plays, art exhibits, puppetry, fashion shows, films and much more, there is something for everyone. Tickets vary from free to $30, so there is a show for every budget.

Shows take place at all times of the day throughout the 10-day period and are open to anyone with a Fringe Button. Common Fringe show theaters include The Living Room, The Off Center Theatre, The Fishtank, The Unicorn and La Esquina.

The Wiz- June 21-Aug. 7

Theatre in the Park

The Living Room

The Living Room is one of the newest theaters around the KC area and has many unique aspects including two floors, live music during intermissions and sofas and lounge chairs as seating.

The theater is known for plays with dark subject matter, such as “Blackbird,” which deals with a victim’s confrontation with the man who sexually assaulted her. But the Living Room will be warming up a bit this summer with their production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical “Carousel.”

The musical is set to take place during June after the Living Room wraps up their production of A Tribute to Pink Floyd’s “The Wall.” “Carousel” will be directed by Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s Associate Artistic Director Kyle Hatley and will run from June 11-13 and June 16-20 with possible extensions date of June 25-27.

Carousel- June

Shakespeare in the Park Every year in Southmoreland Park, right in the backyard of the Nelson Art Gallery, the spacious green lawn is transformed into a medieval community centered around Shakespeare. The Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, also known as KC Shakes, is a completely free show that takes donations at the door.

This year’s production will be “Macbeth” and stars many notable actors from the KC area including Matt Raport, Cinnamon Schultz, Bruce Roach, and John Resenhouse as Macbeth.

On the way to the theater there are restaurant booths and pre-show Shakespeare activities. Brio’s Tuscan Grille offers a buffet for a fee and a festival wouldn’t be complete without kettle corn, Dippin’ Dots and funnel cakes. The audience must supply their own chairs or blankets. Macbeth will be playing from June 14 to July 3.

MacBeth June 14-July 3

SUMMER

THEATER PREVIEW ZoeBrian

Each summer, The Theatre in the Park, also known as TTIP, presents four well-known musicals, but it is the personal atmosphere that makes the shows unique. With free seating and “blankets only” sections, it isn’t uncommon to see audience members on blankets with picnics as well as people dancing in the grass during musical numbers.

Along with professionals from around the KC area, TTIP also employs students in the cast and crew.

Sophomores Emmy Hadley and Chase Ainsworth will be performing in “The Sound of Music,” while sophomore Lily Kaufman and seniors Amy Cosgrove and Emily Welter will be playing multiple roles in “Les Miserables.” Freshman Madison Stottle, junior Meghan Spivak and senior Alex Rorie are in the ensemble of “Aida” and freshman twins Alec and Justin Armer will be dancers in “Seussical.”

With so many East students acting in the four shows and a number of students working back stage you may even see someone you know. TTIP tickets are $8 per show.

Sound of Music- June 10-19 Les Miserables- June 23-July 3 Aida- July 8-17 Seussical- July 22-31

Off Center Theatre

While most shows this summer will be creating intricate and detailed sets for their productions, the Off Center Theatre will be presenting a strippeddown concert version of the Stephen Sondheim’s musical drama “Gypsy.” The Off Center Theatre is one of three theatres in Crown Center.

Set in the 1920s, this dark musical is centered on Rose and her two daughters, Louise and June, who she uses in her vaudeville circus act. “Gypsy” is the classic story of a stage mom living vicariously through her children only to end up without the family she once had.

The concert version will include a stripped down version of a set, all actors in black and very little blocking. Sophomore AJ Orth will be playing the role of Anjie, a newsboy and performer, in his first performance as a paid actor.

Gypsy- May 12-29

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A&E 24 05-16-11

BEST OF COWTOWN

all photos by ClaireWahrer

With a low-rent atmosphere, this hole-in-the-wall barbecue joint doesn’t try to hide the slop and the grease that BBQ really is.

In fact, it embraces it. Despite its location being more conducive for a pre-Royals game meal spot, it will leave you craving its laid back atmosphere and perfected beef sandwich.

Located directly in front of a junk yard, there couldn’t be a more suitable location for the restaurant.

With various duck and fish mounts covering the walls, Sportscenter on the big screen and LC himself sitting at his receipt-covered desk watching over the daily goings-on, you can’t help but feel comfortable upon entering the restaurant.

I was greeted by two employees as I ordered my food. One manned the smoker, the other, the deep fat fryer; that is the entire kitchen and that is their entire staff. All in plain sight in front of the customer.

When asked what was best thing on the menu, one of the men said “everything is the best” and then he suggested ordering one of everything. Unfortunately, neither my wallet nor my appetite would allow that, so I settled on the beef sandwich.

After a short wait, an overloaded plate was slid in front of me, with freshly fried fries and a twoinch-thick sliced beef sandwich fighting for space. I don’t know if there could have been a better sauce-beef-bread ratio. The meat was juicier than any other BBQ sandwich I had eaten.

Don’t let the location and first impression scare you. In fact, it should be a tell-tale sign of a great spot you may have stumbled upon, because LC’s was just that.

5800 Blue Pkwy

DELIGHTFUL

CorbinBarnds

LC’s

AVERAGE

600 Southwest Boulevard

CHECK PLEASE

Located in the heart of Kansas City’s railroad and meatpacking centers, Rosedale Barbecue surely has absorbed some of those traits.

With an atmosphere resembling a restaurant you’d see in a bigger city in Western Kansas and extremely fast service, Rosedale satisfies the needs of the everyday worker, and it satisfies their taste buds, too.

A trip to Rosedale is purely objective and an old school experience; walk to the counter, order your food and, within a matter of minutes, your food is there. It is not glamorized like a Jack Stack’s, but that is the joy of it.

With my order, I got the long end ribs with a side of fries. Despite being so tender I had to use a fork, the ribs themselves didn’t compare to the other ribs I had tasted from around the city. I wouldn’t qualify them as bad, but they lacked the flavor and smokiness I was looking for. The fries on the other hand weren’t anything unique but they were great at what they tried to be: crisp and had a good flavor.

Altogether, the two things I enjoyed most about Rosedale was the lightning quick service and the carefree yelling between the women taking my order and the guys in the kitchen; almost like a Gates feel.

Overall, Rosedale Barbecue was very good. But in a city where great barbecue is easy to come by, there would be other joints I would come to first.

Rosedale

1205 E. 85th Street

STAR SCALE

BB’s Lawnside KC, MO

With BB’s Lawnside Barbecue, the atmosphere is just as mesmerizing as the food is unique.

As soon as BB’s was in my sight right off 85th and Troost, I knew I had stumbled upon something good. With a patio spanning half the restaurant and flashy signs advertising their food all over the building, BB’s knows that they have something good working.

Upon walking in the door, you feel like you have been submerged into another world. Whether it’s the dim lighting or the wall-to-wall framed pictures of Jazz legends or the upkept old-style southern feel, it’s hard not to embrace it all. And I didn’t even visit it at its full potential. Six nights a week, they have live blues music, always from new bands around the country.

With a Louisiana twist to the menu and with blues as the dominant theme to the restaurant, it was hard for me not to feel like I had just fallen right into the 1980s movie Blues Brothers.

With such an extensive menu, I decided to go with the combo platter consisting of three ribs, battered french fries and green beans.

Just like everything else to do with BB’s Lawnside BBQ, the food had a flair I had never tasted before. The beans were cooked with a touch of peppers, giving them a tasty but not overwhelming spiciness. The humongous fries were battered to give them a texture completely alien to my experienced palate. The ribs had everything you could ask of great ribs but to set them apart, the sauce almost gave me a taste of cinnamon. Everything was perfectly done.

In Kansas City, BB’s Lawnside BBQ is where blues meets BBQ.

Staffer reviews lesser known BBQ joints around the city

CULINARY GENIUS

A&E

EATING ON THE ‘WESTSIDE’

issue 16

25

CarolineCreidenberg

Westside Local gives customers four star service, but food falls just below average ChristaMckittrick

Walking out of the urban-chic interior of Westside Local, I was filled with disappointment. I had been anticipating my lunch there for several days; I had visited their website, read a review and MapQuested the cafe’s location.

All the signs pointed to me having a delicious, locally-grown dining experience.

Thanks to an unplanned detour, the normally 20 minute drive took 30, but my hopes for a good meal were heightened when I reached my destination. Westside Local is nestled on Summit Street which I have come to recognize as a haven for quaint, unique dining; both Chez Elle and Fresher Than Fresh are located on the same street. The red-brick and mint-green facade of Westside Local add to its “farm to table” approach, giving it an industrial-yet-trendy vibe.

Entering the restaurant I instantly felt hip, surrounded by weathered brick walls and classy, original wall art. The art was one of my favorite details. There were several pieces that were composed of many small, 3-D red and pink flowers mounted on a background and hanging on the wall. This art was one-of-a-kind but had a calming effect with the natural flair.

My friend and I were instantly seated at a simple, wooden table and provided with a single page menu. This is where our smooth lunch plans hit a minor bump. After looking up the menu online, I was expecting to see an array of

sandwiches, salads and “localities”. I was most excited for localities, which are a variety of small dishes such as deviled eggs, pears and basil pesto that you can combine to build a plate.

Glancing through the menu, I was shocked to see breakfast options such as the three-egg omelet or french toast instead of the lunch options I had anticipated. Taking this in stride, I ordered the french toast with orange butter ($8) with a side of sausage ($4) and my friend ordered steak and eggs ($12). Our waiter was amiable and quick, answering our questions thoroughly and honestly, offering his personal opinions.

My french toast was a good-sized portion of fresh bread with orange butter dripping down the sides. Although the orange butter added an unexpected citrus tang, the french toast grew soggy and I found myself wishing for the decadent french toast I feast on at First Watch. My side of sausage certainly fit the fresh reputation of Westside Local; I could tell that it wasn’t just heated up in the microwave. Unfortunately the taste, although fresh, wasn’t what I think of when I picture good, mouth-watering sausage.

My meal so far was satisfactory, though lackluster, but my friend’s steak and eggs were a problem. It appeared decent, a piece of meat slightly smaller than a hockey puck drizzled in creamy Hollandaise sauce with the normal scrambled eggs and healthy potatoes on the

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side. Once again, the potatoes were obviously fresh and healthy because they were seasoned instead of fried. Although they might have been better for my health, both my friend and I found them disappointing compared to their fried counterparts. The steak was the main problem.

It was ordered to be cooked medium but by my judgement was practically rare. I reluctantly sampled a bite and had to force myself to swallow the pink piece of meat. The texture left me slightly squeamish and although some might like their meat that way, it was not my cup of tea.

As much as the food was disappointing, our waiter was friendly and genuine. When he cleared our plates- half the steak remaining- he asked what the problem was as if he truly cared and not just the typical “How’s your food?” He made me feel important and cherished as a customer.

The combination of the friendly service and laid-back, urban decor practically made up for the mediocre food. I had come into this meal expecting to find a hole-in-the-wall gem that I could call ‘my place’. Even after the unexceptional meal, I still want Westside Local to become my favorite cafe and I will be visiting there again in hopes that my meal was just an unlucky fluke.

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CULINARY GENIUS

SPORTS 26 05-16-11

RETURNING CHAMPS SUNFLOWER LEAGUE

REBIRTH OF FOOTBALL

THE 2011-2012

WillWebber

It’s a Saturday morning in April. Football is the furthest thing from most people’s minds, but Dakota Collins, Christian Blessen and Nick Pirotte are out on the turf, throwing routes to their receivers. There’s no red-faced coach, angrily blowing his whistle for them to work harder; these young players took it upon themselves to improve their game.

It’s that kind of maturity and determination necessary to take over the starting quarterback position, and at this point, they are all even. Though their ages range from freshman to junior, any one of them could fill the shoes of first team All-Sunflower League quarterback John Schrock. Coming off of a record breaking 8-2 season, that role carries more weight than ever. The highpowered passing attack of the Lancers may have a new look, but the expectations remain the same. According to junior wide receiver Elliot Faerber, the offensive strategy won’t be changing drastically despite the absence of Schrock.

“Percentage-wise, we threw about 75% of the time We all used training wheels when we were young. They were safe; you never had to be responsible for keeping yourself up. The problem is, you can’t get too far with a pair of training wheels.

Coach Shawn Hair is ready to kick them off as his team gears up for a state championship next year.

“You can only say they’re young for so long,” Hair said. “They’ve grown up now.”

Sophomores Vance Wentz and Zach Schneider will be returning for their third year on varsity, along with nearly every starter from last year. The Lancers will again have a senior class of just four, but their leadership on the court are an essential part of the team.

With another year of experi-

THEPANEL

CORBIN BARNDS

EVAN NICHOLS

KEVIN SIMPSON

SPORTS PREVIEW

last year, and we are actually planning on throwing more this year,” Faerber said.

Coach Chip Sherman puts a lot of trust in his young players, and the change in mentality from when he began coaching at East only two years ago is day and night. Others may see a group of undersized, overprivileged kids, but Sherman sees the kind of young men who spend their seminars and Saturday mornings working tirelessly to get better. It’s important to him that his players take ownership and responsibility into the program. Coaches can prepare as much as possible, but ultimately it has to be the players who step up.

“The kids understand why they’re working hard,” Sherman said. “They understand the value of it.”

All three of the quarterback candidates have exemplified this work ethic in hopes of leading the team next year. Sherman is no stranger to decision-making. Just last year, he chose to start Schrock over Robby Moriarty, and his eye for talent will surely help him in selecting the 2011 QB.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

ence, the Lancers should have no problem coming out on top in close games.

They have learned much from last year’s mistakes.

“We saw one bad thing lead to another,” junior point guard Andy Hiett said. “Just small things that we can do right, but weren’t focused enough to accomplish.”

The Lancers made adjustments later in the season and ended up only one win away from going to the state tournament.

While other teams like Rockhurst are losing several key players, the Lancers will be the quintessence of experience next year. Hair said the team will be preparing for

GROWS UP

the year the same, but expectations are much higher; being close is no longer good enough.

The players and coaches are much more confident, but there are still aspects of their game to improve. The Lancers relied heavily on outside shooting last year and hope to get a boost in the paint from current sophomore Billy Sutherland.

Maintaining focus in tight games will be key.

The pieces appear to be falling into place for the Lancers and their training wheel days are long behind.

Rebuilding. The expression implies something new is being made from an utter void. There are 17 spots on varsity and not a single returning starter. This is the start of an entirely new team; head coach Jamie Kelly claims there is more potential for players to make varsity this year than in any of his years at East.

Whether a player was on JV or C-team last year, Kelly said he has a legitimate chance at making the 2011 team. The competition amongst these young players will make Kelly’s decisions tougher than ever.

“I expect tryouts to be the most intense and tough we’ve had so far,” Kelly said.

Every hopeful player will spend their summer in camps, tournaments, conditioning and six-on-six league to improve their chances of filling in those 17 holes in the roster.

The changes will be just as great for the five returning varsity players. They waited their turn to lead as they watched last year’s seniors cruise to the Sunflower League championship.

Now, they have been thrust into leadership roles as the only players with experience on the varsity level. Four of the five are sophomores.

The Lancers certainly seem capable of reloading the talent of next year, though it will take some time. Last year’s JV team was very successful, boasting an 11-2-2 record in the tough Sunflower League. Before league play begins, the young team will need to undergo some serious growth, according to Kelly.

“It will be important to get everyone to play the system we want to play, when you have a lot of returners, you don’t have to focus on that so much,” Kelly said.

Kelly doesn’t accept inexperience as an excuse for losing.

“We aren’t treating our players with enough respect if we don’t expect them to maintain the same level as players before them,” Kelly said.

AIMING FOR

SUCCESS

RETURNING CHAMPS SUNFLOWER LEAGUE

EAST FOOTBALL OVER SM WEST?

BOYS BASKETBALL OVER/UNDER 10 WINS?

EAST WINS

WAY OVER

ADAM SIMMONS

EAST WINS

NO DOUBT

BOYS’ SWIMMING GIRLS’ BBALL

MITCH DANIEL

REPEAT

OVER (13)

BOYS’ XC

THE FALL SPORTS STUD OF ‘11-‘12

ELLIOT FAERBER

SURPRISE TEAM

TofHEPAIN

SPORTS issue 16

PLAYING

27

Student athletes struggle to balance workload due to absences

VanessaDaves

SammiKelly trouble catching up. Balancing athletics and school as a teacher is difficult for her as well, but she arranges it so that the last hour of every day she doesn’t have a class to teach. For students, she thinks that it takes a lot of work outside of school to keep grades up. However, it usually isn’t an issue for her students and she believes that most athletes are bright anyway.

Junior Kiki Sykes misses school for track every week during the season, and she usually leaves during the last block of the school day. She is not involved in other sports outside of school, so the only classes she has missed for it are seminar and Spanish.

“It doesn’t affect my grade but it is stressful,” Sykes said.

“When I miss Spanish, I have to go in to make up oral points.”

According to Sykes, teachers are usually understanding when she needs to make up the work she missed. Principal Karl Krawitz says that he has never had any complaints from teachers about people leaving school. At East he thinks that being involved can lead to better grades.

“I would imagine it probably gets a little frustrating for staff, but I don’t hear that stuff,” Dr. Krawitz said.

“Look at how many students in our building are involved in [athletics] and then look at the GPA of our building.”

Students have two days to make up missed work when they are absent; there are no exceptions for athletes. Stanley and Glazer both think that the solution to the struggle for them to keep their grades up is to be more lenient with the time allowed to complete missing work. English teacher Debe Bramley, however, disagrees. Not only is it unfair to the other students, but also student athletes can choose not to participate.

“It’s their choice to compete in sports,” Bramley said. “And I find that my athletes are my good students. They can handle it.”

NotoriousNo-Shows What sports take students out of class the most?

BOYS TENNIS

GIRLS SOCCER

14

HOURS

21 HOURS

40MINUTES

2

6

9

HOURS

HOURS

BOWLING

20 MINUTES

HOURS

BOYS SOCCER

4 HOURS

SOFTBALL

BOYS BASKETBALL

For Algebra teacher Carolyn Seeley, having three or four students in her class for make-up work during seminar is a common occurrence, especially during the spring. Students miss school for sporting events, and although she feels it is her duty to teach every student, she has to spend extra time at school with the students who are missing out. Not only can it have a negative effect on their grade, but it can also put them and the class as a whole behind.

She thinks that not only is the staff frustrated, but also the students because of the work they have to make up.

Although Seeley has no solution for the problem, she says she would never want to put a stop to sports. According to Seeley, some students can handle it, but for others, it is difficult.

“Some students do well with it and organize their time and manage it quite well,” Seeley said. “I think any student has to have a balance. Each individual has to figure out their classes and their sports. And we have a few that are stretched.”

Athletic director and chemistry teacher Jeremy Higgins thinks that sports do have an effect on grades––but that’s the reasoning behind the eligibility card. Students are required to be passing a five classes before they can go out for a sport, and have to continue to keep their grades up during the season.

Sophomore Jake Glazer is used to missing class for tennis matches, because most of his tournaments start on Friday mornings. During his second semester, Glazer missed 14 classes total. He says that, as a year-round player, he has to miss school frequently, but teachers are usually more understanding when he is gone for a school activity rather than a club sport. Higgins believes that missing school for anything other than a school-sponsored sport is unnecessary.

As an athlete that misses school mostly for club swimming rather than school-sponsored swimming, sophomore Meg Stanley agrees with Glazer that teachers are less understanding. She missed four days from first to third quarter for club swimming, while in fourth quarter she only missed a few hours. Stanley also thinks that teachers don’t realize how important sports really are.

“It’s just really frustrating when your teachers don’t understand that it actually is a necessary thing that you are missing school for,” Stanley said. “Swimming is helping me to get into college just as much as school is.”

Seeley thinks that it doesn’t matter what students miss school for. She says that it is her job to teach students and it is important to be flexible with their schedule.

“It’s no different than being gone for religious reasons or for a family trip,” Seeley said. “If sports are important to you, then that’s [understandable]. For some people, whatever they are gone for is more important than their grade in that class.”

Both Glazer and Stanley plan to pursue their sports in college. Track coach and world history teacher Brie Meschke says that most students who stay on top of their work have no

41

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SPORTS

issue 16

29

FORCED TO

STEP UP

photo illustration byBrendanDulohery

when the seniors were... place at regionals 2nd

state finish 9th

freshmen on varsity finish in league

{2008}

SOPHOMORES FRESHMEN

{2007}

finish in league 1st

tournaments won

place at regionals

1st

2nd

state finish 6th tournaments won

sophomores on varsity

{2009}

finish in league 1st place at regionals 1st

state finish 4th

tournaments won underclassmen on varsity

finish in league 1st

{2010}

“It is hard because we are going to be losing a lot of experience,” Young said. “It’s going to be really sad with them leaving, because everyone really looked up to them and they made everything fun.”

The girls will be focusing on consistency of scores during the summer. Also, the girls will need to participate in many tournaments during the summer season rather than weekend golf because that is “a completely different ball game.”

“There is no substitute for practice and playing golf,” Ritschl said. “The high school season is very short, consisting of less than eight weeks, and is a showcase of their talents.

You cannot come in with nothing and expect to play in tournaments––and expect to play well.”

After being the support behind the top three this past season, Young knows that she must step up with the other girls in order to improve the team.

“Without the seniors, it’s going to be different because Anne and I spent the whole year practicing and playing tournaments with them and we all became really good friends,” Young said. “They always helped me forget about my bad days and just laugh it off.”

According to senior Drew Auer, this year was the most fun out of the years she has been playing and she has enjoyed the bond between her teammates.

“I am excited to see the younger girls rise up and make the team really good,” Auer said. “It was such a fun year, because you get a different kind of relationship with the girls and see them in a different light when you spend the night with them.”

Having had a great season and gone to state, the team will greatly miss their seniors. A main reason being that they were the ones that the younger girls looked to for help and delivered motivation for all tournaments.

“Being together and practicing I will really miss because we all became so close,” Genton said. “I hope the girls from last year return and that other girls will see how fun it is and join.”

PAST SEASONS

JUNIORS

PaigeHess

With a strong season and a third place title at state, this is the best the girls’ golf team has done in head coach Ermanno Ritschl’s 14 years at East. But with four seniors leaving the team, Ritschl is uncertain about the team’s future.

“It will definitely have an impact with the four of them leaving, because right now I am not sure how many girls are coming in as freshmen,” Ritschl said. “We do have a good group of returning players, but it is tough to replace four varsity members. We are having a good core that is coming back.”

So far, it has been tough finding players to replace the hole––not a single girl signed up at the eighth grade orientation on April 18. According to senior Sarah Genton, this was her favorite year on the team, and they are really hoping that the team “reels in more underclassmen.”

Fortunately, they already have a few promising underclassmen returning. Ritschl thinks that they have probably one of the best golfers in the state in Anne Willman, and will need to have other players step up to the leadership positions.

“We are losing the experience and the varsity players that are going to be hard to replace right off the bat,” Ritschl said.

“We are losing some leadership, so those are some tangibles that make up a good team. It takes a big chunk of our team potency, if you will, but we have been here before and hope to just do better with the incoming players or improve.”

With no incoming seniors on the team, Willman is ready to step up to the challenge as the leader.

“Next year, we will not have any seniors so I think I am forced to step up,” Willman said. “But with the help of [freshman] Jessica [Young], we can lead the team next year by making the girls less nervous. Also, to have them not worry about tournaments as well.”

The girls on the team are going to work on their short game to improve and make up for the seniors leaving, according to Ritschl. They are going to work on putting and “build team core” that should compete with the rest of the teams.

EXAMINING

SENIORS

The girls’ golf team will lose four seniors next season

place at regionals 1st

state finish 3rd tournaments won

underclassmen on varsity

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YEAR IN REVIEW

Remembering

the sports of Ranking the Top Five Sports

2011

5 Swimming at League 4 Basketball at Rock Moments from the Year

S

tarting in 2003, Wiley Wright and the Shawnee Mission East swim team won a league title. Throughout the next eight years, East swim legends like Luke Tanner and Brad Crist have come and gone but the league championship trophy hasn’t. Going into the finals day, it was uncertain whether the Lancers could overcome Olathe East, but behind remarkable performances from Zach Holbrook and the breaststrokers, the Lancers held off the Hawks for win.

A

fter losing three straight in McPherson, many people wrote off the boys’ basketball team’s chances against a far more athletic and experienced Rockhurst team.

Despite going on multiple runs throughout the game, Rockhurst had all they could handle in coach Shawn Hair’s squad. The game came down to the final minute, where the Lancers had the opportunity to take the lead on numerous possessions. Vance Wentz’s desperation three from halfcourt was too little, too late, and Rockhurst snagged a highly competitive 42-41 win.

3 Soccer at Olathe East 2 Basketball at Substate

A

fter suffering from two straight losses, the boys’ soccer team had a chance to regain momentum facing up against Kansas soccer power Olathe East. In a game with huge league title implications, the Lancers, according to Kelly, played the “perfect game.” After a goal from Lucas Throckmorton, the Lancers took the 1-0 lead and never faltered. Olathe East had a chance to tie the game late but sophomore Bryce McClanahan kept the Lancer lead with a goal-line header. Without this win, the league title, later won by this team of 17 seniors, may have been out of reach.

1

W

T

hanks to the strong inside presence of sophomore Billy Sutherland, the Lancers overcame a five-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat BV North in the substate semifinal. Sophomore Vance Wentz canned a big three pointer with under a minute to put the Lancers up one. The Lancers, who were the seven seed playing the two seed Mustangs, turned up their patented defensive pressure and stopped the Mustangs on their final possession to close out the win.

The Lancers then proceeded to play BV West with a chance to reach the state tournament but came up flat.

issue 16

31

Sports Awards MOST OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE

JOHN SCHROCK FOOTBALL

MOST OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE

SHANNON McGINLEY BASKETBALL & SOFTBALL

MOST OUTSTANDING FRESHMAN ATHLETE

ELLIE SMART DIVING

Football Capturing a League Title

ith the Sunflower League title on the line, Metro Sports in attendance and one of the largest crowds in East football history on hand, the stakes couldn’t be any higher. The Lancer’s stifling defense dominated early, stopping the duo of SM West running backs that had dominated opposing defenses all season. The defensive highlight of the night was undeniably when senior linebacker Josh Mais returned an interception deep into Viking territory. Senior quarterback John Schrock punctuated the drive with a one-yard

SPORTS

QB keeper for a touchdown. Junior running back Adam Lowe and junior wide receiver Elliot Faerber followed with offensive touchdowns of their own. After 17 years of dominance by SM West, Chip Sherman and his Lancer football team got their signature win of the season with a 211 0 victory over the Vikings. The win ended a 13g a m e losing streak to SM West, and the team went on to break the school record for wins in a season as they posted an 8-2 record and won the Sunflower League.

TEAM OF THE YEAR

FOOTBALL

COACH OF THE YEAR

In the Pursuit of a Title Boys’ Golf

With state on the Monday of our last week of school, the team looks poised to win a state championship. In the Sunflower League tournament, they won by a collective score of 55 points.

Girls’ Swimming

Coming off a dominating league performance, coach Rob Cole’s Lancers beat one of their stoutest competitors in Olathe Northwest. With state on the Friday, Blue Valley North will be their primary competition for the state crown.

CHIP SHERMAN FOOTBALL

32

PHOTO ESSAY 05-16-10

Strong girls’ soccer senior class ends home season with a 10-0 win against the Leavenworth Lady Pioneers

Nudging to get position against a Leavenworth Lady Pioneer, sophomore Addison Steiner, above, works to get the ball and move down field. Steiner finished the game with three goals and two assists.

GrantHeinlein Senior Betsy Dee walks to greet her parents during the senior night announcments.

“The saddest part is leaving all of the girls I made friends with,” Dee said. “[The game] was a fun high-scoring game to end the season with.”

GrantHeinlein Senior Lizzy Colburn, above, struggles with an opposing player prior to going up for a header.

Colburn assisted the first goal to senior Molly Rappold before the Lancers went on to win 10-0 against Leavenworth.

DanStewart Cutting through the Lady Pioneers’ defense, senior Molly Rappold works her way upfield towards the goalkeeper. “It was a good game because all of the girls got to show their talents,” Rappold said. “[Senior night] was emotional because I couldn’t believe that it was already there.”

GrantHeinlein Sophomore Anna Colby, far left, crosses the ball to her teammates in an attempt to score during the first half. The game was ended early due to high school rules that call for the end of the game if any team is leading by 10 goals at or after halftime.

GrantHeinlein