Issue 13

HARBINGER this need to be replaced asap;.

www.harbinger.com

Shawnee Mission East Issue 13 Jan. 28, 2003

Advertising diversity Students’ work to be featured on billboards Dianne Smith Opinion Editor Next month, if you're out driving downtown, look up. You just might see the smiling faces of SM East photography students on a billboard.

As part of an artist-in-residence workshop at the Kemper Museum of Modern Art, advanced photo students from East and Paseo Academy worked under the guidance of featured artist R o b i n B e r n a t to create an actual billboard. The sixteen students were given a rare opportunity to experience diversity while simultaneously spreading diversity through their art.

The two schools were selected for two reasons. The first was that East and Paseo Academy have good, solid arts programs, which produce dedicated and focused students, according to Kemper Museum education coordinator Kristy P e t e r s o n . Secondly, Peterson said that she wanted to bring together students who come from different parts of the city and different states to draw different perspectives and viewpoints about issues relevant to the community.

This workshop let the budding photographers meet students with whom they would not normally associate.

"Kansas City is diverse but very separated," Paseo Academy senior C r y s t a l B a n u e l o s said. "Where we live and stay is separated and so you don't get to see other areas."

Bernat was the primary facilitator of the three day workshop, leading the students in creating the billboard design and assisting them in making decisions as a group. The students had to choose a theme and a catchphrase, take pictures of each other using a digital camera and design the final product. Each one of the two billboards and five bus posters will feature digital photos that the students took of each other during the second day of their workshop.

There will be four pictures on the billboards, each showing two students from different racial backgrounds.

Candid shots, instead of posed pictures, were picked to portray the students acting out the catchphrase.

See B i l l b o a r d , page 2

Singing for

Sebelius

SM East Choraliers add their voices to governor’s inauguration Holly Garringer Special Section Editor Two weeks ago, the state of Kansas ushered in the new year with the inaguration of a new governer, K a t h l e e n S e b e l i u s. However, spectators and Kansas politicians alike were not only able to hear change in leadership, but also the Shawnee Mission East choir.

“It was such an honor that, out of all the choirs in this area, SME got chosen to perform for some of the most important people in the state,” said junior M a r i a K e r s h i s n i k.

After an hour and a half bus ride to Topeka, the choir literally had backstage passes to the inuguration. The choir warmed up and practiced right in the halls where Kansas politicians make the desicions that shape our state.

“The last time I went to the capital was with my fourth grade class. Never in a million years would I have guessed that someday I would be invited to come back and sing for so many people. Warming up in the front hallway was something I’ll never forget,” said junior E l l e n K i r k.

With the events of the past two years, and the possible theat of a coming war, security at the inuguration was tight. Soldiers were posted at every corner, and police officers could be seen everywhere. Bomb sniffing dogs were enlisted to check out any kind of suspicious looking bags. Every car, including the buses the choir rode on, had to have special signs in the window, allowing them to enter the parking lot.

At the capitol: Choraliers warm up before the performance (above).

Gov. Sebelius is presented with gifts from Native American leaders while the choir watches (left).

“It was weird, because with all the soldiers and police photos by Nate around, you would have Stites thought that the mood would be quite somber.

But the whole time we were warming up, I could see the soldiers watching us and smiling. It was a very surreal experience that I will always remember,” said junior M i c h a e l B e l l.

Through loud winds, and large crowds, the choir coul be heard. Standing on the steps of the capital building, their song, “Go Ye Children,” flowed out to the masses.

“Without sounding corny, I really want to say that the choir really came together and sounded great. Moments come and go, and I really feel that the choir came together and made this one great,” said choir teacher T r a c e y R e s s i g u e. Ressigue also commented that the choir was chosen to participate in the ceremony almost solely because their reputation precedes them.

“It’s pretty cool that in twenty years, when people talk about going to this inauguration, we will be a part of that conversation, “ said Kirk.

East students join thousands in Washington march

A Plea for Peace Andrew Finnerty Online Edtior Twenty SM East students disliked the idea of war with Iraq so much that they journeyed for 24 hours on a charter bus to join 500,000 protestors on Saturday, Jan. 18, in the Washington, DC, March for Peace, the largest anti-war protest since the Vietnam War. “This year’s main theme will be to march for protest against the Iraq war, war in general, and promoting nonviolence and peace,” junior J u l i e W u said.

Wu organized the group from East that went to the march. She got involved when a friend from a group involved in the March for Peace contacted her about advertising the protest and organizing a group from her school to go. She advertised the March for Peace on the announcements and with posters in the hallways until the administration made her stop because the group was not school sponsored.

The march began near the Capitol and went past the White House, as well as other government buildings and the Washington Naval Yard. A few counter-demonstrations occurred along the route and the police presence was heavy around government buildings.

“It makes me nervous, because I had a friend’s mom who went to many peace rallies and at many of those the police spread tear gas. I don’t think that the police will break [the march] up. This is supposed to be a free country,” sophomore A m e l i a W i e d e r a e n d e r s, who attended the march, said before going. The march was peaceful and there were very few arrests and disruptions. According and senior S a m S t e p p, who attended the march, the police presence was not very large in most places and “the biggest mass of police was

protecting the counterdemonstrators.” Stepp added that the police were nice.

“One of the police officers even gave me directions when I needed to find my bus,” he said.

The counter-demonstrators, who expressed support for President Bush and the US miliM a r c h o n W a s h i n g t o n : Junior Marcia tary, numbered less than 100 Lowe pauses with other Kansans during the and didn’t do much march. photos courtesy Marcia Lowe. more than anger the anti-war demonstrators.

“Some of [the counter-demonstrators] held a sign that said ‘Hippies Go Home.’ What they really need to know is that it was mainstream America there, not radical communists. There were people from all parts of the political spectrum in this unified call against war… Expressing dissent is the ultimate form of patriotism; we are using our First Amendment right,” Stepp said.

See P e a c e M a r c h, page 2

newspage 2

Advanced Photo billboard, Washington D.C. peace march

Billboard

Billboard

continued from page 1

Choosing the theme and catchphrase proved to be a difficult task. The students watched two movies, Regret to Inform and The Two Towns of Jasper to stimulate discussion about the themes of compassion and social action. The films served as a springboard for brainstorming sessions that took place on the first and second days of the workshop.

Originally, Bernat had envisioned an anti-war theme, but the students finally agreed on diversity. It seemed to fit since the project itself was a way of bringing together two groups of students from different backgrounds.

"It's diversity happening," East photography teacher C a t h e r i n e S i e g e l said. The students also agreed that diversity was something that affected the lives of people closer to home.

"We were tired of anti-war, not that it isn't a good cause, but diversity is something to bridge the gap between urban and suburban schools," Canseco said.

The billboards, on space donated by VIACOM Outdoor, will be on display in March at two different locations in the Kansas City area, as well as on five city buses.

Locations • 37th and Main • 63rd and Antioch • Billboards will be displayed from March 230.

• They will also be on five area buses.

Peace March continued from page 1

Many of the marchers, including Wiederaenders, were marching to show their opposition to any possible war on Iraq and its consequences.

“We’re marching against the government’s decision to go to war with Iraq. We believe that it is unnecessary to go to war with Iraq,” Wiederaenders said, adding that the United States should concentrate on fighting terrorism, not Iraq.

Others, like Wu and Stepp, went because they believe that peace is important and that violence should not be used to solve problems.

“I think our country is moving towards a dangerous route, causing more violence. If we were to use violence, it will only create short term peace,” Wu said.

“I wanted to make my voice known to leaders in Washington,” Stepp said, expressing hope that war might be avoided.

Wiederaenders, however, didn’t believe that the march had an impact on Bush and

PRAIRIE VILLAGE

M a r c h f o r P e a c e : Signs carried by the demonstrators in Washington. photo courtesy Marcia Lowe other leaders, but was still very important.

“I think he’s set in his ways. But it sent a message to the world that there are quite a few Americans who can think for themselves,” she said.

news

Nelson-Atkins renovations

page 3

Nelson-Atkins renovations to be finished in 2006 Tom Woodward Staff Artist In 2006, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art will unveil the final stage of its 200 million dollar renovation when expansion designed by internationally renowned architect Steven Holl will open on the eastern side of the main building. The expansion, called “the Nelson’s newest masterpiece” will conclude the multistage renovation, which began with the construction of a new parking garage, and will include the insertion of the new Ford Learning Center in space currently inhabited by exhibits.

The excavation began in April 2001, when Steven Holl Architects began building the parking garage. The parking garage, completed in August 2002, is two levels, houses up to 453 cars, and has ceilings of 15 feet tall at their highest points which give the appearance of an ocean’s waves running along the ceiling. One of the most interesting aspects of the garage is it’s interaction with the above Walter DeMaria gazing pond titled One Sun/ 34 moons. During the day the “34 moons” shine the sun’s light into the garage in the form of 34 beams of light. Likewise, at night the 34 moons are illuminated by light coming up from the underground garage. The gazing pond was unveiled shortly after the parking

garage on Oct. 12, works by students both child and adult. The learning center is set to 2002. open in 2005.

Considered a very Perhaps the most anticipated important aspect of the addition is the new building set to renovation, work is already being done sit on the eastern side of the current neoclassical construction. Holl’s creating the Ford design for the new building is much Learning Center. longer than it is wide and will run Named for Ford Motor approximately 840 feet long. Much Company in honor of its 4.5 million dollar of the new proposed gallery space will be created underground with donation towards the THE NEW NELSON: A light holes coming in from above, expanded educational model of the planned renmuch like what happens in the new facilities, the center ovations, which will parking garage. The main addition will use three-quarters will be accompanied by four other of the existing buildinclude a gazing pond buildings, which will seem to ing’s ground floor. The and new building. emerge from underground where renovation will mark the beginning of the they will be linked together by a series of ramps and galleries.

New Dimensions program, which will involve All of the funding for this extravagant new area schools and educators and push art eduaddition came from a capital hill initiative set cation farther than ever in neighboring comforth in 1997 called Generations; A Gift to Us munities. The proposed renovation will add -- a Gift from Us, which set a goal of raising seven classrooms for studio art classes, an 175 million dollars; it raised 200 million doleducator resource center that allows teachers lars. to use the Nelson’s permanent collection as part of their classes focus, a training classAs the renovation moves forward, Kansas City can only hope that success of the plan room for teachers and older students, expandwill mirror the success of its fundraiser and ed office space, and the new Ford learning exceed expectations. center gallery, which will be comprised of

Remodeling

Checklist

√ Parking GarageCompleted Oct. 2002

√ Gazing Pond Completed Oct. 2002

√ Ford Learning Center In progress, opening 2005

√ New Building In progress, opening 2006

Opinion page 4

Letters to the editor, Raelian cloning

In the News

A comic look at today’s headlines.

Clonaid, a company founded by Raelian leader Rael, announced on Dec. 27, 2002 that it had cloned a human which it called “Eve.” When asked to bring forth the child by a court in Florida, Rael (see left), former race car driver and journalist who changed his life after a meeting with aliens, refused explaining that he would sacrifice his crediblity for “Eve”’s well-being any day.

cartoon by Tom Woodward staff artist

letters to the editor

Break the mold; come together We, as women and men, as human souls, have slowly deteriorated in spirit and confidence these past few years. Pressures for both sexes nowadays have become overwhelming. We are all expected to fit certain molds handed down by society: to be the "perfect" student, the "perfect" daughter or son, have the "perfect" body, the "perfect" career, while simultaneously maintaining the façade of being in control of their life. People may complain that our generation has become one with deteriorated values, morals, or integrity, but who could blame us? We are flooded with so much pressure from family, school, media, society, and each other; we can only struggle for so long. Women are still expected to act like a "lady,” uphold a skinny body, to act flirtatious, sensitive, submissive, and compliant. Men are taught to act like a "men,” to act masculine, tough, unemotional, aggressive, and violent. What does it really mean to be a "man?”

What does it really mean to be a "lady?” How did we get these labels ingrained in our minds?

We get these typecasts every minute of every hour of every day of our lives: through the media, through our family, through our culture, through each other. But it is not the media, our family or culture that is perpetuating this cycle of oppression - it is us. Apathetic people allow the media and our culture to typecast us, and ignorance is their quiet partner. We are the ones who criticize and shun one another for steering away from the "norm."

Those who do not fit the "persona" are constantly ostracized, not so much by outside industry, but mostly by their peers. This is the sad part. Even when we do speak up, when we do stand up for our integrity, we are automatically labeled as being too feminine (which I really don't see as being bad), sissy, or sappy. We are rejected

The Harbinger Staff The Harbinger is a bi-monthly publication of Shawnee Mission East High School •7500 Mission Road • room 416 • Prairie Village, Kansas • 66208 • 913.993.6688 Editor: David Lucas Assistant Editors:Katie Whitson Andrew Wagner Copy Editors: Courtney Condron Grant Calcara Katie Wiley Lindsey Melvin Dianne Smith Nate Milburn Art and Design Editor: Annie Harrigan Assistant Art and Design Editor: Matt Goehausen

and looked down on. What is wrong with this image?

Shouldn't we be supporting one another instead of bringing our allies down?

My purpose is not to put blame on anyone. My only purpose is to challenge you all, to come together and become allies with one another. Defend your life.

Defend your conscience. Become aware of things that go on around you, and speak up for what you know is right. When you hear someone holler out "fag" in the hallway, speak up. When you hear derogatory remarks against women or men, speak up. When you see someone being bullied, speak up. Release yourself from assumed pressures. Let yourself live. I agree media and society is a crucial influence to our loss of ideals and ethics, but the media and fashion industry would not be condoning these images if we were not endorsing it. Do not wait for society, the media industry, or anyone else to defend you. We must begin change within ourselves. We must stand up for our rights as human beings, because if we don't, no one will. If we are so fed up, we must initiate the change; we must be the first to speak out.

Ignorance and indifference are our enemy if only we allow it to be. We must release ourselves from oppression. Only then will we see a revival of our universal spirit and confidence. Only then will we become truly free from chains of ignorance and oppression so unfortunately passed down. Every one of us has unimaginable strength and power to affect so much. We only need to search inside ourselves to find that courage and strength. We were not meant to become lab rats for industries. We were meant to be human beings. It is time we demand to be treated as such.

—Junior Julie Wu

Online Editor and Computer Manager: Andrew Finnerty Photo Editor: Patty Morrisey Advertising and Business Manager: Katie Wiley Editorial Section Editor: Ben Proffer Opinion Section Editor: Dianne Smith News Section Editor: Libby Nelson Features Section Editor: Alex Abnos Sports Section Editor: Jimmy Sevcik Arts and Entertainment Section Editor: Libby Brickson Photo Essay Page Editor: Tierney Weed Special Section Editor: Holly Garringer Circulation Manager: Anne Steadman Exchange/Subscription Managers: Gordon Culver Joanna Cross Roaming Page Editors: Patrick Ryan Kevin Bever David Vranicar Ben Huntley Contest Coordinator: Dianne Smith

Excessive homework unfair As a sophomore here at East, I contend that there are some major issues concerning the amount of homework students are given. As an honors student, East has given me opportunities to be challenged in a very good way; I do not mind a little extra homework if it means the benefit of these courses.

However, students should not be bombarded with homework with the excuse that “they can handle it” or “they need it because they are honors students.” The majority of academic learning should be done within the school hours, leaving homework for the purposes of practicing or learning minimal amounts of new information. I see excessive homework burdening many students at East, including myself.

On average, last semester I had four to five hours of homework each night. I would get home, then work for approximately two hours and 30 minutes, eat a rather brief dinner, then work for another two or more hours. In adult works eight hours in the standard nine to five day – two-thirds the amount of time I spent on schoolwork last semester. Working for approxi-

Staff Writers: Andy Heintz Owen Morris Ray Mallory Joe West Stephen McKim Paul Thompson Elizabeth Tshudy Staff Artists: Ben Huntley Cynthia Goldman Tom Woodward Barrett Emke Staff Photographers: Meg Stewart Tierney Weed Joanna Cross Pat Menihan Editorial Board: David Lucas, Katie Whitson, Andrew Wagner, Ben Proffer, Andrew Finnerty, Annie Harrigan, Ben Huntley, Alex Abnos, Anne Steadman, Katie Wiley

mately 12 hours of the sixteenhour day is not the life a teenager is meant to lead.

Recent studies at the University of Michigan have found that the typical high school senior has between six and seven hours of homework a week. Apparently, the students at East do not have a drastically different amount of homework from the rest of the nation. Some may view my opinion as petty or just another whiny student’s complaint. This is not the case; I am a diligent worker and am simply asking for a more balanced life. Something must change.

Some personal suggestions for the teachers: first, new information learned at home should not regularly exceed the amount of new information learned in class.

Secondly, consider a student’s sanity, as well as their other courses before piling on the homework.

Lastly, even if the work you are assigning doesn’t seem like much, it all adds up to become a big, ugly monster.

—Sophomore Sarah Burford

Mission Statement: The mission of The Harbinger is to entertain, enlighten and above all educate readers about SM East, the community, the nation, and the world. It seeks to be a forum for student opinion and knowledge.

The Harbinger is not an expression of the Shawnee Mission District. All content is the responsibility of the student staff.

Letters & Columns: Looking for a forum to voice opinions? If something in this issue of The Harbinger sparks an interest or if there is some pressing issue that needs to be investigated, please respond. The Harbinger welcomes guest columns and letters to the editor. All editorials are subject to editing, and publication of any letters is left to the editor’s discretion. Please submit letters to The Harbinger in Room 416

Opinion page 5

Down Syndrome, affirmative action, influential musicians

A Unique Little Star Lindsey Melvin copy editor

Last night Jack was a star.

He sat on the stage wearing a little gold star headband along with the other six kids from his class at the Infant Development Center.

They were looking like angels dressed in their cutest sweaters and tiny khakis for the holiday program, and my brother Jack knew every hand motion to “Twinkle, Twinkle,

Christmas Star.”

And as I watched, I couldn’t help being proud and thinking that this kid has personality; this kid is smart. And he has come so far already.

Jack is a unique little star because he has Down Syndrome, which means he has an extra chromosome in each of his millions of cells.

Instead of 46 he has 47. He is 2 years old. I was in eighth grade, 14 years old when he was born.

Maybe it’s because I watched the ultrasound and saw my brother from the time he looked like a transparent alien. I saw and loved him before he was even out of the womb. When I walked up to the hospital bed and saw his slanted eyes and flat nose and tiny ears and just a little soft brown fuzz as hair, I melted.

But whatever the reason, I cannot understand

Down Syndrome considered blessing for Jack Melvin

when I tell people that Jack has Down Syndrome why they say, “I’m sorry.”

I’m not. It’s not that people are trying to offend us. They just don’t know what to say and they don’t realize that we look at this child with his disability as a blessing and they don’t have to be sympathetic.

I wish the world could have seen Jack when he opened up his first Christmas gift and was enthralled by a little plastic puppy that moves its head when you pull its leash.

Jack’s eyes were huge and he kept panting like the dog and patting its head and kissing it. He loved it as if it were real. And if that was the only present he got all Christmas, he’d still be overjoyed.

I wish the world could see Jack every morning when he sits in his highchair eating a waffle and puts his pudgy hand to his mouth and spits, his version of blowing kisses.

Jack is just like any other fun-loving, highfunctioning 2-year-old. He just has to work a little harder.

People sometimes look at kids with Down Syndrome or other disabilities and immediately judge them and put a limit on their capabilities.

But it’s amazing how smart they truly are. Not everyone realizes how much time and care the

therapists at the development centers put into making each kid the best they can

be.

J a c k goes to music thera p y for 30 minutes on Mondays, three 30minute sessions of speech, physical, and occupational therapy on Tuesdays, and Fridays he goes to a toddler class for two hours for kids with developmental delays. It’s a combination of the therapies in a group environment.

They swim, do crafts, have snacks, and Jack’s favorite…music.

Jack works very hard.

He doesn’t have the muscle tone to do the things we sometimes take for granted.

Recently as his two sisters, brother, mom and dad all squatted at one end of the room, Jack took his first steps. One stubby leg in front of the other, he sort of ran. His squinty-eyed smile with some missing teeth and his excited giggle brought tears to my eyes. His fans cheered.

Each little step is a milestone.

Jack can sign 30 to 40 signs in sign-language.

This allows him to communicate with us without getting frustrated before his speech is fully developed. And he can say about 12 words. He learns something new every day.

We have confidence that Jack will be able to do many things. I am encouraged when I see people with Down Syndrome acting on television and living on their own, with strong work ethics, holding great jobs.

But no matter what Jack ends up doing in life, I’m proud to say that I’m the sister of this clap-

Content of character or color of skin?

Commercially unknown musicians influence Affirmative action ignores root of problem music industry despite their lack of fame With over 90 member of the NAACP and first ever students.

The death of E l v i s P r e s l e y in 1977 is heralded as being one of the biggest losses in the history of rock and roll.

Through the years, music has Ray Mallory lost a lot of legends, but often staff writer times it seems like those who went commercially unnoticed are the ones who leave the biggest impact. Within three years, two such people have died.

The biggest shock came in April of 1999 with the death of J o e y R a m o n e , lead singer of the Ramones. Although he and his band did sustain some short term success, he was never regarded as a serious musician. In part, he wasn’t, and in fact he never knew what a chorus was until 1983. He nor the rest of his band mates ever knew how to play their instruments or had any musical background. He wasn’t attractive, rich, or even educated, proving that anyone can make music and influence an entire generation. Their equation was to simply take a decade full of stadium rock with over the top shows full of glitz and glimmer and break all that down to pure and simple rock and roll, the way that it was meant to be played. Their biggest contribution to rock was their self-made anthem “ Blitzkrieg Bop.” On face, the song was nothing but catchy chors and high power rythm. But the song also had political backing, making subtle references to the political situation at the time. Many people considered them to be the American counterparts of bands like The Who. In fact, The Who latersaid that they

greatly respected wha the Ramones were doing and that they “keep up the mayhem...”

The most recent unnoticed loss to rock came on December 29 with the death of The Clash lead singer J o e S t r u m m e r . Strummer is arguably one of the most important, influential singer/songwriters of the early 80’s. He and his band were one of only a few artists to tackle political and controversial issues that surrounded the United Kingdom during that time. Their biggest album, London Calling, didn’t hit until a couple years later. This was the first time that traditional Jamaican beats were ever incorporated into rock and roll to be heard by the masses. It was The Clash that gave musicians like Toots and the Maytals and Marley a voice to be heard in the U.S. If it wasn’t for them, the Reggae movement may not have so popular in the states.

So why is it, then that these names are all but lost in today’s artificial music world? Unlike Elvis, they never wanted all the accolades and fortune that went along with the music. Their sole purpose was to make music that they could listen to and send a message to the rest of the world. A message that they didn’t care, and subsequently, that the music industry didn’t care about them. It is this same attitude that musicians should embrace. Because when you break it down, it’s only music. Not how much money you make or how famous you become but what you can do for the music.

At that point, everything else is lost and only the pure, raw energy remain; the very element that Elvis would spend twenty-five years trying to grasp. He would always fall a little short.

percent of SM East's graduating seniors furthering their education at college, the Supreme Court's current case on affirmative action will have an effect David Vranicar on hundreds of page editor Lancers. The case, which has been dubbed the biggest affirmative action court proceeding in a generation, is dealing with the University of Michigan's undergraduate and law school acceptance policy.

Even the Bush administration is likely to play a role in the debate, which has had a divisive effect on Michigan's campus and universities nationwide.

Affirmative action, the process by which the college admissions standards for minorities are lowered, has been deemed racist and unconstitutional by some, while others see it as a policy enabling millions of minority students to attend college that would never otherwise have been able to otherwise.

By lowering the admission standards of colleges for minorities, schools are telling these applicants that they are incapable of achieving of the same standard as whites.

Grading on a curve is a seeming concession of inferiority and a way of yielding that minorities are judged as mentally inferior and not to be graded with the rest of the university's applicants. Setting minorities aside to be judged differently than whites was the exact opposite goal of the civil rights movement which was aimed at created equity among different races.

"Classifications and distinctions based on race or color have no moral or legal validity in our society. They are contrary to the Constitution and laws." Said T h u r g o o d M a r s h a l l,

African-American appointed as a Supreme Court Justice. "Equal means getting the same thing, at the same time and in the same place."

Fellow civil rights activist D r .

M a r t i n L u t h e r K i n g , J r . said in a celebrated Washington DC speech, "I have a dream that my four little children will someday live in a country where they will be judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 set in place policies against race-based decision making. It was then designated to mean African-Americans could not constitutionally be subject to unfair treatment because of their race, but presently it is whites that are being held to higher standards, subsequently being distinguished by the color of their skin.

The American Association for Affirmative Action states its goal as "...dedication to the advancement of affirmative action, equal opportunity and elimination of discrimination on the basis of race..." However it is contradictory to hope to end "discrimination on the basis of race" by supporting affirmative action because while it's attempting to equalize the races, discrimination and distinction of people by their race are occurring.

Affirmative action turns a blind eye to the root of the problem leading to the discrepancy in the percentage of whites and blacks at universities.

The education received by the average African-American student throughout their primary and secondary schools is far inferior to that of the average white. In the Kansas City, Missouri School District, a school system that had lost its state accreditation and been featured on CBS's 60 Minutes for its ongoing education problems, 80 percent of the student body is made up of non-white

Whites outperformed AfricanAmericans by an average margin of 203 points on the SATs in 2002.

African-Americans only made up one percent of students scoring higher that 700 on math while whites comprised 51 times as many scores over 700. Overall there were more than 43 times more white students with a score of 700 on the verbal section.

ACT scores were also slanted in 2002, with the median white score being a 21.7 compared to a 16.8 for blacks.

The education gap was no more evident than in California, one of the nation's most racially diverse states.

With the University of California school system using affirmative action, the number of AfricanAmericans in UC schools increased dramatically. But because these students were being accepted based on race, not academic performance, the number of African-Americans students graduating did not increase along with the number attending. The UC acceptance policy was dropped once it was seen to be having no positive effects.

The aims of affirmative action are to help minority students achieve a level of success otherwise out of their reach, but the current system completely ignores the educational problems plaguing minorities throughout the country which lead to unequal college attendance numbers. By imposing a system upon every racial and ethnic group that deems some more worthy or eligible of a college experience than others, this nation takes a step further away from racial equality and continues to be harmed by the perpetuated cycle of racism that millions have worked to eliminate.

Features page 6 t is 2:10 p.m. on a Friday afternoon at Shawnee Mission East. Room 229, better known as the debate room, is a hub of activity for a handful of teenagers and one frantic teacher. Their movements are one part controlled chaos, one part planned calculations, everybody moving in their own direction with their own purpose. They are busily trying to put the finishing touches on their piles and piles of articles and materials they have assembled for a debate tournament that begins the following day at 7:30 a.m. From inside the room, you can hear what sounds like a quiet thunder coming from another part of the school. When one of the students opens the door, the noise increases almost ten-fold, and if the debaters notice it, they sure don’t act like it.

The thunder is echoing down the hallway from the gym and is the sound of almost two thousand East students at a Pep Club sponsored pep assembly. They are cheering for S h a w n H a i r, the boy’s varsity basketball coach, as he talks about the basketball team and how the season is going. Despite a magnificent season for the debate squad, little student applause is ever given to them. Competing in over 38 tournaments in the span of 14 weeks, they have won 262 individual medals and as a school, placed in the top three at every tournament they went to.

Last year they had two teams place first and second at state, their second state title in a row. If they win the tournament again it would be their fourth state title in six years.

“People know us as the debate school yet none of the other students in my classes know anything about the success the squad has had this year,” senior debater R a y m o n d M a l l o r y said.

Mallory is not exaggerating when he says that students at East have no clue about debate. The results of a survey supported the perceptions most debaters have about the situation. Over 75 percent of those polled said they did not know that the debate team had placed first and second at state last year and while over 85 percent identified a varsity basketball player correctly, only a meager 33 percent of the East population could say the same about a senior debater. While those results may look shocking, they did not seem to take any debaters by surprise.

“I would have guessed it would have been somewhere around there,” junior L i b b y B r i c k s o n said. “It’s a sad fact, but you learn to deal with it. Debate is not a spectator event and it is just one of many things at East that doesn’t get the attention it deserves.”

While the debaters can understand their fellow students not being that interested in what they do, they are interested in receiving attention and recognition from the pep club and administration.

“Basketball or volleyball or one of those sports, if they just win the league, they get their name up on that huge board in the south gym,” Mallory said. “If they win state, they get their name up on one of those blue banners that they hang in the gym so that every time you go into the gym, you can’t help but see that they were state champions. Why can’t we get our name up on one of those banners? They say that they treat all sports and activities the same, but you can tell who they really care about by looking up at those banners.”

It is hard to blame anyone for the anonymity that the debate team has. Everyone we talked to seemed to agree that debate is underappreciated and deserves more attention. Over half of those asked in the above mentioned survey said that they felt debate should get as much publicity as the two major high school sports, basketball and football. Pep Club sounded eager to help, saying that they would gladly put up posters and flyers on lockers if debate would send a representative to the Tuesday morning pep club meetings. Even the coaches of East’s other sports, some of which do not get the attention they deserve, agree that they would like to see debate get more notoriety.

So why doesn’t it?

I

Debate vs. athletics , new bullying policies Coach P a u l e t t e M a n v i l l e and a number of other debaters actually seem to appreciate the lack of attention.

“Sure, having as high of a profile as some sports do would be nice once in a while, but frankly, I’m happy with debate the way it is right now. We don’t have to deal with the pressure of other people’s expectations. We can stay focused on what’s important and doing the best we can.” she said, taking a quick pause from coaching a student on the importance of enjoying the experience of debating and realizing winning really isn’t as important as learning. And in fact, debate will continue to be educationally beneficial to students with or without school recognition.

“But to just have the debate team on one of those state champion banners in the gym,” Manville said, smiling. “That would be really, really nice.”

Fighting the battle against bullying Stephen McKim staff writer

“Debate is not a spectator event and it is just one of many things at East that doesn’t get the attention it deserves “ -Junior Libby Brickson

Left Out East's Debate team is in the middle of one of the most successful runs in state history, so why isn't anyone noticing?

D eba t e v. A thletics During the week of January 20th , 150 East students participated in a survey that asked questions about their knowlege of debate compared, with their knowledge of basketball and other sports activities.

The results below show that the average student’s knowlege of debate events is considerbly less than that of basketball and other athletic programs.

Were you aware that our debate team placed first and second in state last year?

23% Yes 77%

No

Do you feel that debate is under appreciated at East for their efforts last year?

Yes 46% No

54%

Do you feel that debate should get publicity at East like basketball or football receive?

Yes 49% 51% No The percentage of students surveyed who correctly indentified a varsity basketball player was 86%.

The percentage of students surveyed who correctly indentified a champion debater was 33%.

The clamor of hundreds of elementary school students, parents and teachers could be heard through the hallways of Corinth Elementary School as everyone gathered in the school gymnasium to the kick off the new bully prevention program. This January 2 assembly marked the day that students pledged to end the bullying of their peers. “(The assembly) hit off hard what it meant to be a good citizen,” A n d r i a J o n e s, third grade teacher, and key coordinator of the bullying prevention program said.

East has a similar bullying prevention program, but it comes in a more indirect form. Most students are familiar with the I Will Campaign which promotes respect between students.

“When you bully someone, it is about respect. If you don’t respect yourself, you take it out on other people,” N a t a s h a Del R o s a i r o, Executive Board member of I Will said.

I Will focuses 1) We will not bully on breaking down others. social barriers 2) We will try to help between students students that are bulby passing out pledge cards every lied.. fall, which raise 3) We will make a point people’s awareness to include students who that words can are easily left out. affect others.

4) When we know The typical bullying of today is somebody is being bulsocial exclusion lied, we will tell an adult and teasing, which at school and an adult precipitates in the at home.. form of cliques.

Some students are teased and left out of many activities.

The main goal of the new bullying prevention program at Corinth is to not leave any person out, and to teach students about virtues like helping others, good citizenship, respect and kindness “By promoting people to break out of their social barrier, it raises a general respect for any peer. It has made a difference,” Del Rosairo said.

That difference can be seen by the growing numbers of distributed pledge cards, growing I Will campaign meeting attendance, and more students knowing what I Will is about.

And the difference made by Corinth’s antibullying program will, according to Jones, make a lifelong, positive impact on the students. She also hopes that the program will teach students what it truly is to be a good citizen, and how to show respect for their peers.

“It is an unwritten rule at Corinth to respect others,” Jones said. “If you start (teaching respect) at a young age, it will affect you throughout life.”

Corinth’s oath to fight bullying in school:

Snowy day

PhotopageEssay 7

Winter W nderland T o p : Sun setting over East. Middle Left: Waiting for a ride.

M i d d l e R i g h t : Heaving a snowball.

B o t t o m L e f t : Trying to go home.

B o t t o m R i g h t : Snow blankets the deserted courtyard.

These pictures were t a k e n o n t h e a f t e rnoon of the 22nd.

Ads page 8

advertisments

Corinth Tailors & Tuxedo Rental

Be Our Guest!

Men, Women and Bridal Alterations

Buy 1/2 Sub at regular price....

Receive 2nd 1/2 Sub for 99 cents.

913-383-9560 YOUNG KIM 4185 Somerset Drive Prairie Village, KS 66203 (Next to Hen House, 83rd & Mission)

9067 Metcalf (Gateway 2000 Plaza)

Tanning Salon in Prairie Village 8827 Roe (913) 649-4433

Student Discounts!

2 Free tans with any package

A&E

Eighth Hour Sextet, The American Restaurant

page 9

Sextet Jazzes up Album Barret Emke Staff Writer Most young musicians can only dream about having the opportunity to record their music at a professional studio, but for six Shawnee Mission East students, this fantasy has become a reality. These students, who have pegged themselves the Eighth Hour Sextet, recently recorded seven songs at the Quivira Premier Studios, aided by a professional producer.

This jazz troupe calls together seniors K e v i n C e r o v i c h, A n d y M c G h i e, K e v i n P a y t o n, B l a i r W e n d l a n d t and juniors M a t t A l l a i n and N o l a n L e m to perform their own interpretations of classic bebop standards. With Cerovich on the trombone and the drums, Mcghie on the tenor saxophone, Payton on the bass, Wendlandt on the guitar, Allain on the drums and Lem on the alto saxophone and piano, the group blends modal, hard bop and modern jazz to create a sonic fusion pleasing to the ear.

Despite their classic mentors, these musicians are not rigid traditionalists and welcome experimentation with other music forms. On their debut album Kansas City Flashbacks, the sextet covered rock band Radiohead’s “Airbag” after noting jazz hero Brad Mehldau’s descent into rock ‘n’ roll territory with his reworked versions of Black Sabbath and Radiohead tunes.

Kansas City Flashbacks was recorded during one day in three and a half hours, with a dedicated professional guiding the musicians, who later spent several hours mixing the tracks. The studio was dec- C U T L I N E H E R E : Preparing for future performances, Kevin Cerovich, orated with drapes and colored lights to set the left, and the rest of Eighth Hour Sextet practice songs and licks. Their recording atmosphere, but it was not a simple exer- level of professionalism is always an impressive example of what stucise in relaxation. dents can do when they exercise their talent and put in hours of hard “I was a little nervous because if one of us work. photos by Tierney Weed would mess up anytime, it would have wasted valuable and expensive recording time,” Lem said.

Kansas City Community College among other places.

For the album, the group played standards written by Dizzy The sextet has achieved great heights in the short time they Gillespie, John Coltrane and Charlie Parker. In addition, the sexhave been playing together, not to mention the fact that they are tet decided to record one Radiohead song, choosing “Airbag” after all still in high school. With Kansas City Flashbacks, the group has seeing the Wesport Art Ensemble perform the piece live. seemed to reach a peak, but who knows what waits above and Aside from recording an album, the Eighth Hour Sextet has beyond. been hired for gigs at various business meetings and conventions With numerous gigs already under their belts and an album around the area. They have played at the Fairmont Hotel and the to boot, the future is wide open.

Japanese Hospitality the American Way Joe West Staff Writer American fine dining was the goal of America’s culinary greats in Kansas City when they set out to create the American Restaurant.

With the support of the Hall Family and Hallmark cards, James Beard created the experience of American fine dining. Eight years ago, Chefs Debbie Gold and Michael Smith created a group for the first Friends of James Beard Benefit held at the American Restaurant. Chef Celina Tio led the American Restaurant and January 19th she invited talented chefs from all over the nation.

Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto (Morimoto restaurant, Philadelphia), Grant McPerson (Bellagio restaurant, Las Vegas), Paul Kahan (Blackbird restaurant, Chicago), Maitre Fromager Max McCalman (Picholine Restaurant, NYC) and Richard Reddington (Auberge Du Solei, Rutherford, CA) all attended.

As the stairs descend, tables are filled with seven wine glasses surrounding each persons’ setting. It was time for the first course to arrive, created by Iron Chef Morimoto. The food it self was natural, leaving no strong flavors, the flavor of the turbot (fish) wasn’t killed by anything, creating a harmony of delectable flavors that went together. The fish had the texture similar to that of lobster but still tender and moist, bringing a nice inviting flavor. It was plated over a piece of natural seaweed. The sauce was a miso and seafood base, creating a good match with all of its components. This dish proves why simple is better, based off on the fact that the flavor wasn’t to salty, the sauce wasn’t over powering and the entire presenta-

tion was superb. The wine served with this dish was a white Pinot Gris, Sonoma Coast, 2001. This wine matched so well with this dish, it was a simple fruity flavor but the important thing was, the food and wine made each other taste better.

The second course was the biggest surprise of all: Richard Reddington created sautéed diver medium rare-prepared scallops over cauliflower, capers and almonds. Everything went well together, it also had a few golden raisins, creating a balance of the capers and the sweetness of the raisins.

This course proved difficult to properly match with a wine, but a Chardonnay, Laguna Vineyard, Russian River Valley, 1999 suited it perfectly. This type of wine was spicier, but enjoyable nonetheless.

The third course, prepared by Grant MacPherson turned out black truffle polenta with micro celery and cepe emulsion. The polenta held its position as a block of gold with black truffle scattered within and shaved upon the top. This was such a great dish by far. It was warm and inviting, and the aroma of the taste was elegant.

The Wine was a Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, 2000 which tied things together, enhancing flavors from point a to point b.

It was then Celina Tio, the Executive Chef of the American Restaurant’s turn to provide Hudson Valley Foie Gras Torchon, which was served with a lady apple flan and winter citrus salad. Tio, once again, demonstrated a clean, unfussy dish. The presentation included a small pink lady apple with the top piece cut off, laying on the flan inside the apple. Small tangerines and grapefruits fanned around the apple while a slice of foie gras lay on the other side. The foie gras, which is duck liver, melted in my mouth with a

rich flavor and the texture of butter, The American but much more delicate in the Restaurant mouth. This was a special wine they served, Chardonnay of late harvest, Laguna Vineyard, Russian River 2450 Grand Valley, 1997. This wine was fruity Kansas City, and bright, perfectly complimenting dish because of the fruit and Missouri the foie gras.

The fifth course was created

by Paul Kahan, which was a roasted breast of squab with matsutake mushrooms, chestnuts, honey and thyme. The squab was tender and the outside was crispy and brown. The sauce had a light flavor delicately bringing the meal together by proving that the sauce isn't the focal point but simply a dazzling accessory to the dish.

The cheese dessert came finally bringing to view, an interesting display of cheeses surrounded by candied swirling sticks. The dessert was a refreshing and exciting course because of the natural citrus flavors. The tangerine sorbet , the lemon curd and lemon grass sauce all in a tall frozen glass. It all complimented each other in the dish giving a fine finish.

After the dinner was over, the chefs came out mingling with the guests. Chef Morimoto was signed autographs and mentioned that he was designing another new restaurant in New York because of his astounding success in Philadelphia.

A&E page 10

Planet Sub

Planet Sub offers fresh, fast, close food

Other Planet Sub locations include:

Kevin Bever page editor The new Planet Sub at 95th and Mission was recently added to the pathetically small list of convenient establishments for open lunch. Its addition brings the opportunity for lightning-quick service and piping hot subs.

Planet Sub offers 43 submarine sandwiches served hot or cold, as well as made to order salads. They also have a vegetarian menu for those opposed to eating meat, but in favor of eating wonderful sub sandwiches. The sandwiches are incredibly fresh and can be purchased for under five dollars, which is a bargain in regards to quality.

• 50th and Main • 75th and Quivira • 127th and Antioch Among the most popular are The Planet Sub, the Italian and the Chicken Parmesan. The Planet Sub contains ham, roast beef, turkey, Swiss cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, Dijon and mayonnaise. The Chicken Parmesan consists of homemade chicken salad, marinara, provolone cheese and Parmesan cheese. Pepperoni, Italian sausage, green peppers, onions, pizza sauce and Mozzarella make up the Italian sub.

These are only a few of the many wonderful sandwiches they

The Voice Box

have to offer.

Planet Sub is the subsidiary of the original Yello Sub located in Lawrence, Kansas. Yello Sub was famed for its fresh ingredients and freshly baked “made-from-scratch” bread on which all its sandwiches were served. Yello Sub, created over 20 years ago, was a big hit among University of Kansas students and subsequently spawned Planet Sub. The 95th and Mission location is the newest member of the chain.

Though the long lines may seem daunting, they move quickly. Waiting as they make your sandwich, however, could take as long as ten minutes. The best strategy for eating at Planet Sub is to call in your order ahead of time. Call-ins offer the opportunity to get in and out fast at no extra charge.

It is a healthy and refreshing alternative to fast food at the same price. Orders are also brought right to your table, eliminating any standing around at the counter waiting for your food. Fast service, excellent prices and extraordinary food all make Planet Sub a sure location for open lunch.

SPEAK YOUR MIND Through the voice box In the FRONT HALL

Don’t forget to stop by the student store

“Knight Stop” Before School and During Lunch.

PHILLIPS 66

MATH PROBLEMS? Rescue Math Tutoring, Inc.™ CAN HELP YOU! Friendly Expertise-Algebra to Calculus..

Morning to Midnight-7 days a week

Prairie Village, Kansas 6109 Mission Road Prairie Village, KS 913-362-7200

RescueMathTutoring.com 913-268-0933

Sports page 11

J.D.Christie, Sports Briefs

Little big man on campus Andy Heintz Staff Writer J.D. Christie has quickly become one of SM East’s best players. What turns heads, however, is that he is only a freshman. Christie is one of the team’s top two scorers though he just turned 15. This kid was playing against eigth graders last year, but now he is playing against people two or three years older than him. Matt Benge and SM East all-time scoring leader Michael Johnson were the only other two freshman to make varsity in school history.

His teamates don’t mind his young age.

“He doesn’t act like a freshman and we don’t treat him like one, senior Paul Lewis said.

Christie does admit to his team-

mates being a little hard on him. He said he doesn’t mind getting rough treatment.

He just doesn’t want to be given easy treatment from the coaches. He does think overall that he is treated well.

J.D. has had to adjust to some things that go with becoming a East varsity basketball player.

“It’s a lot more physical,” Christie said.

He has also managed to have composure during the key times in games.

“I’m not very nervous in games, Coach says if we make a mistake it should be an agressive mistake,” Christie said.

Christie has started every game

sports in U pbrief dates

but one this season. The game that he did not start in was the team’s first game of the season. against Blue Valley Northwest. The debut of Christie to high school basketball came about two minutes into the game. He scored six points in his first minute of varsity action. The highlight of Christies short varsity career was a nineteen point performance against Olathe East.

He has adapted pretty well according to his to his teammates.

“He has gone above and beyond anything I ever expected,”senior Michael Turner said.

g o i n g f o r i t : Freshman J.D. Christie leaps for the ball during practice. photo by Patrick Menihan

•Senior Rebecca Parker brok e the girls’ all-time scoring record on December 15 with a 28 point outburst vs. SM South, surpassing Clare Beckermann’s 1995 mark of 971 points.

•Senior Luther Clement won the gold medal on Saturday, January 11 at the Allstar Pokal Junior Men’s Sabre Fencing World Cup in Goppingen, Germany. Clement defeated Alexandru Sireteanu of Romania 1511 in the final.

(Previously Yellow Sub) Buy 1 1/2, get 1 free!

Call-in’s are fast!

95th and Mission

913-341-0033

Sports page 12

SM East basketball fans

C o s t u m e P a r t y : Juniors Drew Severns and Jeff Spradley along with seniors Nate Stites and Ben Dallman cheer on the boys’ basketball team.Photos by Patty Morrisey

t N FA

a i as

SM f o d rl o w l u ns. lorf a o f c c i e st th a i o s t u n i h t k A loo t’s most en Eas

Center-court couch gives select fans a new perspective at girls’ basketball games Gordon Culver Subscription Manager ttendance is down, the crowd is quiet and the basketball is great. The Lady Lancer basketball team showcases the best female player to ever come through SM East, yet there are still very few people coming to the games. If the best player in team history can’t draw crowds, what can? The answer is a couch. The girls’ basketball team has installed the tradition of having a blue couch at every one of the home games. The couch is located between the two sets of student bleachers. The people that get to sit on the couch are given free pizza and drinks.

“It was a lot of fun getting to sit on the couch. It was really nice to get the free pizza and drinks, but the best thing of all was getting to cheer on the girls’ basketball team,” senior Andrew Greene said.

The group that gets to sit on the couch is selected by the varsity girls’ players themselves.

They either pick a group, like the boys varsity team, or they pick specific people. If they are picking specific people, they usually pick peo-

ple that have come to a number of games, to reward them for their loyalty to the team.

“I really think that the couch is a great thing. It has really encouraged people to come to our games. Though the attendance has only grown a little bit, we have a passionate core of fans that come to lots of games. It is really fun to play in front of people that really care,” senior Rebecca Parker said.

The entire team has said how they enjoy having the couch because the people that sit on it are very encouraging. It is a very uplifting experience to have lots of people cheer when something nice is done on the court, and the fact that they are students cheering makes it even better. The cheers from the parents are nice, but the cheers from the student body are the best. The more games attended increases the chances of getting free pizza and rink just for coming to watch the Lady Lancers.

Though attendance is still low, those who attend are pleasantly rewarded. They get to see quality basketball, enjoy time with their friends and have an opportunity to be able to sit on the couch.

Costumes excite Lancer basketball fans Nate Milburn Copy Editor Shawnee Mission East basketball fans wear costumes. This story will depict that.

Bunnies and chickens and gorillas, oh my!Shawnee Mission East basketball fans wear costumes.

This story will depict that. Bunnies and chickens and gorillas, oh my!Shawnee Mission East basketball fans wear costumes.

This Emerging from SM East’s student section, the Lancer Spirit has launched a new breed of fan for the Lancer basketball games.

The traditional one mascot per school tradition has been altered by the presence of seniors Ben Dallman “Chicken”, Nate Stites “Bunny Rabbit” and juniors, Drew Severns “Gorilla Man” and Jeff Spradley as “Santa Clause”.

Their objective is to fuel the Lancer fan support giving opposing teams major problems when up against the Lancers. One wouldn’t be aware of the new mascots because at school they look like any other student. But as soon as they get their makeovers, all four of them long for those loud and crazy basketball stands where their character can come out.

Dallman and Severns planned the new tradition before the season started. “My favorite mascot growing up was the San Diego Chicken. Having the chance to get a crowd pumped up is well worth the heavy costume,” Severns said.

The start of the basketball season looked like it would be just as last year’s. Nobody had a clue that the new mascots even existed before the first game.

“I wasn’t sure how our crowd, our players or even the opposing team would react to us in the first game. But now I feel like the players and the crowd feed off of our rowdiness,” said Stites.

These masked creatures consider themselves vital to the success of the team. Attending every game, even the McPherson tournament, was a pact that they must abide by.

“We’re a team ourselves. We know how hard our players work, so we’ve decided that we should give them our all-out support,” said

Dallman.

The tradition of SM East’s fans has been strong. Other traditions like the famous “basketball heads” add to the support. Stites, a former basketball head has had his share of memories as a lead fan.

“This year was great, I was even asked to WPA at the last game. My date posed as the “Chicken”. I thought that Ben Dallman was asking me, but I soon realized that it was Rebecca Parker. It was a great way to ask me.

I’ll always remember these days of being a fan,” said Stites.

Regular crowd members of the basketball games have learned to appreciate our masked friends.

“I get even more hyped up for games because I know that I can be as loud as I want to be because the mascots also support the team. I think they have improved school spirit in a big way,” junior George Nicely said.

The mascots want to make it clear to all other students that they need everyone’s support throughout the rest of the season. Having even more mascots is definitely a possibility.

“As long as our fans have the same hopes for our team as we do, we wouldn’t mind having more mascots to give the opposing teams problems,” Dallman said.

“It’s easy to think of mascot characters. I thought for a long time about what I wanted to be, then I realized that basketball started around Christmas time, so Santa Clause was an obvious choice,” said Spradley.

The 2002-03 Lancer basketball season has caught a lot of attention because of the fans and mascots. This support has lifted the team similar to the way that the fans did in the “Ain’t No Stoppage Roland Coppage” and “Eddie Money” days.

The Chicken, Gorilla, Easter Bunny and Santa Clause don’t plan on ending this tradition.

They all agree that younger fans should try and continue what they have started, so that Lancer basketball stays supreme in the land of Shawnee Mission.