Issue 15

HARBINGER ELECT

Programmed

EXECS!

for success

Sophomores compete with upperclassmen for a spot on the exec board.

Courtney Condron Copy Editor

CANDIDATES PRESIDENT Corban Goble Junior

Rob Ryan Junior

VICE PRESIDENT

Jack Spangler Junior

SECRETARY George Watson Junior

Gordon Culver

photos by Patrick Menihan

Sophomore

TREASURER

Competition, campaigning, and attempted humor will replace the usual announcements this week for the duration of the StuCo Executive Board elections.

Students running for the Executive board will be giving their speeches throughout the week during announcements, and voting will take place on Friday on the north ramp.

Students running for class officers will give their speeches on Tuesday, March 11 at the Election Assembly. Voting will take place Thursday, Mar. 13.

Competition for the Exec board this year is especially high, as for the second year in a row two sophomores have decided to run for treasurer and secretary.

Sophomore R a c h e l B e c k has decided to run for treasurer despite her grade level.

“I want to get experience on the board my junior year, so that I can transfer that over senior year. Plus, I think it would be exciting to sit in the front during meetings.

They always have better access to the StuCo breakfast food,” Beck said.

While many people have encouraged Beck to go ahead and run a year early, some students feel that the Exec board is a job meant for seniors.

“Only being a junior on the Exec board is OK. However, I think it should be more for seniors, because we’ve served our

Rachel Beck Sophomore

Shawnee Mission East Issue 15 Feb. 25, 2003

VOTE

time,” senior and current Exec Treasurer A n d r e w G r e e n e said.

Sophomore G o r d o n C u l v e r is also running a year early for Exec Secretary. Culver feels that there is nothing wrong with being on the Exec board as a junior, but he wishes he could give his speech directly to the students as the class officers do.

“I wish we could present our speeches in person. When we say them over the announcements, people don’t know who we are, and don’t get to know our personality as well,” Culver said.

Last year was the first year that teachers decided to have students running for Exec board give their speeches during announcements.

Previously, candidates would go to each grade’s election assembly and give their speech three different times.

“I was disappointed that we weren’t able to give our speeches to each class. It really narrows down your options for a speech. You can’t use visuals or signs,” Greene said.

Students such as C o r b a n G o b l e, who will be running for all-StuCo President, feel that the speeches don’t matter as much as what actually gets done.

“I think the speech part is overrated, because you can’t really anticipate the issues you will face.

You have to be sincere, but a huge attention-grabbing fool at the same time. The ‘auditorium speech’ helps you get recognized, name

to face,” Goble said.

Students running for Exec board are finding other stategies to use in order to get their message across and to reveal their personality and beliefs to students.

“Presentation is the most important thing in a speech, but humor definitely comes next. No matter how good your speech may be, you still have to deliver well if you want anyone to give you their support and vote,” Beck said.

Students’ speeches vary greatly from year to year. One things students tend to agree on is that you can’t have a good speech without humor.

“I hope to win over the school with my infinite wisdom. If all else fails, I’ll merely perform circus stunts to appease onlookers,” junior G e o r g e W a t s o n said, who will be running for Exec Secretary.

Competition for Exec board President will also be high this year. Corban Goble is running against fellow junior R o b R y a n.

“It’s a rematch of last year’s junior class president race between Rob Ryan and myself,” Goble said. “Two years ago, our sophomore year, he wrote in my yearbook that he would beat me junior year.

I wrote in his not only would I win next year, but I’d also win the Super Bowl eventually.”

Students elected for the board will be representing the entire school next year, so be sure to make your vote count.

for the new StuCo Exec Board on the North ramp Friday, Feb. 27. You will need your student ID.

Stephen McKim Staff Writer D e v i n Kennedy programs to the glow of a computer monitor illuminating his small office space, and classical music that plays over a set of headphones. He scratches notes, makes flow charts and revises and checks his coding for mistakes and errors. His final product, whatever that may be, is not something that you would see hanging on the kitchen refrigerator, but placed on a computer desktop.

“I take [being called] a computer nerd a compliment,” Kennedy said. “[Programming] is a drive. It is the reason why I like math so much, and is my way of relaxing.”

Kennedy’s drive to program took him to the Northwest Missouri State University programming contest on February 13. There, he and one other teammate faced 49 teams of three from around the Kansas City area. After competing for almost two hours, their team took first place with a total of 248 points. For Kennedy, taking on challenges like this has been a life-long hobby.

For almost eight years, Kennedy has created a variety of programs ranging from random word generators, which take words that a user enters and spits them out in different combinations, to programs that manage rendering pictures from one networked computer to another.

Kennedy’s interest in programming started in second grade when he bought a book on computer code from the Scholastic Book Club. Upon its arrival, he discovered a new passion.

“In the back of the book, it had a program that would take a string of text and would use a simple algorithm to convert the text,” Kennedy said. “It just seemed so cool that I could type in text and it would spit out code, and I didn't have to do any work. That is how it all started.”

Intrigued by how the computer could be applied to everything from the size of the tiniest objects to analyzing astronomical data, Kennedy started to program almost all day and all the time. His mother, Kathryn Kennedy, remembers one of the early programs he made.

See P r o g r a m m i n g , page 2

News page 2

Emilee Simmons, programming

Swing Away Softball coach B e n M a n n was in for more than he had bargained for when he urged 8-year-old E m i l e e S i m m o n s to run the bases and try to get by him. It was a routine exercise, and most of the girls at least understood the concept he was teaching: make it home at any cost.

Emilee wasn’t completely sure of herself as she started to run, but if she was going to do something, she was going to give it all she had.

She began her run, gaining speed as she came around the third base. Her eyes fixed on home plate, she ignored the fact that a man twice her size stood between her and her goal. She crashed into Mann at full speed, bringing him to the ground with her unexpected force.

Another collision in D e c e m b e r, right before finals, was much more serious.

Instead of a junior league baseball player, it was a four-door vehicle.

D r i v i n g home for winter break after her first semester at Pitt State, she suffered a fatal crash.

As a result, E m i l e e m i s s e d Christmas with her family for the first time in eighteen years.

In this situation, it was easy to focus on the losses, the missed opportunities and the sorrow that naturally accompanied a life that is ended too soon.

What Emilee’s parents did not fully realize at the time was just how much she had accomplished and how well her time had been

David Lucas Editor

spent. As phone calls and letters of sympathy began pouring in, it became clear that this girl had made a bigger impact than they knew. Letters from students Emilee had never mentioned told how brief conversations and kind acts at school had influenced a great many people.

One grateful letter from classmate J e s s i c a B o w e n surprised Emilee’s parents, describing how much her friendship with Emilee had meant and all of the encouraging things Emilee had said to her. Emilee never talked about all she did for other people. In fact, she never really thought she affected people, according to her mother.

She made friends in every area in which she was involved.

Passionate about anything she put her mind to, from acting to conversation, h e r e n t hu s i asm and optimism is perhaps what her many friends and her family remember most in this trying time following h e r death.

“It was her goal to meet someone new every day,” said h e r father, Rob. T h e news of her fatal accident during her drive home from Pitt State for Christmas touched more people than Emilee probably imagined, according to her parents.

She loved to meet people and make new connections. Wherever she was, she would find her way to the right person, be it a supportive teacher or a capable lab part-

ner in Chemistry. Her mother said this was what helped her get through the challenging times.

At East, she worked hard on her studies and threw herself into other activities, particularly drama and softball and choir.

“Every day for four years she came to this room and gave all she had,” choir director T r a c y R e s s e g u i e said. “It didn’t matter what kind of day she was having, she never gave less than her best.”

If Emilee tried out for Cinderella and ended up as one of the three little pigs (which did happen, much to her chagrin), her parents were proud to watch her put the other two pigs to shame.

As a result of the hard work she invested in all she did, she received a scholarship to sing in the elite jazz choir at Pitt State. In her semester away, she found her place among new people.

Emilee had nothing to hide from her friends. She couldn’t have even if she had wanted, for her face gave everything away. Her parents always had a good idea what she was thinking, simply by looking at her.

Emilee loved people first and foremost. She thought of other people before her own problems every time, and this helped her put her own struggles into perspective.

If she had the chance, she would enjoy reminding her best friend M e g a n T r u e of their favorite inside joke. While the joke remains a secret, it involves a favorite saying that describes Emilee’s approach to every day of her life.

“When you’re nervous behind the plate,” the two friends would tell each other, “your best buddy will give you the sign to swing away.”

She never did anything less.

Never too busy to listen, Emilee Simmons leaves a legacy of kindness.

“

It didn’t matter what kind of day she was having, she never gave less than her best.

Tracy Resseguie

Programming victory came after years of practice continued from page 1 “We had the computer stationed in the living room then, and it was on most of the time. I went to shut it down once, and when I did, a window would pop up and ask me a question. It would keep asking me more and more questions, until finally I would give up and have Devin turn

it off,” Mrs. Kennedy said.

Mrs. Kennedy chuckled, remembering how one of the questions asked, “Which is more powerful, fission or fusion?” She remembered how amazed she was that Devin had such a question when he was only in third grade.

“His sense of humor would come out in [his] early programs,” recalls Mrs. Kennedy.

When he started taking pro-

gramming classes his freshman year at East, Kennedy was an instant natural.

“When I first met Devin his freshman year, he was quiet,” AP Computer Sciences teacher Debra Pontier said. “His code had elements that we wouldn’t cover until his sophomore year. His programs were very structured, and his problem solving abilities were very efficient.”

Now that Kennedy has completed almost all of the C++ programming classes offered at East, he has become known as the “expert.” If there were any questions, the kids soon learned Kennedy had the answer.

As Kennedy embarks on a second year of programming in C++, PERL, and PHP, he often thinks of what he wants to do in the future.

Kennedy plans on majoring in

computer science in college. A career in programming interests him most.

“Programming is something I can be proud of,” Kennedy said.

“You can take an idea and turn it into a program. If it works, it is very gratifying because you have just done what millions of people have no idea how to do.”

News

page 3

Students check out library renovations Cynthia Goldman Staff Artist The Shawnee Mission East library has been a haven for all sorts of students and staff to research, study, read and drink cappuccino.

With the abundance of new technological advances, books and slushie flavors, it seems students flock to the library to do more than just check out a book.

“My friends and I go to the library to do a lot of things because there’s so much.

Ironically, we haven't really checked out any books this year," sophomore K e l l y K e n d e s o n said.

The plethora of recent additions includes five new computers, a growing collection of graphic

novels (which are elaborate comic books intended to encourage those who dislike reading to read), several CD players with headphones and a video camera.

The library has been able to buy much of these things thanks to the generosity of the PTA, who recently made a $1000 donation.

The money from the donation was used to buy a set of 2003 World Book Encyclopedias. Last year with a PTA mini-grant, the library bought a TV/ VCR combination, which are at the service of the entire school. “(The PTA feels that) it is important to donate to the library because it’s the area in the school that everyone at some point uses,” PTA president J a n i e C a r p e r

said.

For this reason, Carper expressed her wish for more parents and students to make more donations. All the renovations in the library are available to the rest of the school. For example, the Smart Board, which is located in the library is used by Spanish 5 classes. The Smart Board was bought with last year’s donations and is now used for Power Point presentations that are projected onto a large screen.

Cappuccino Fridays have also been very successful with earning money. With a selection ranging from hot chocolates to cherry flavored slushies (available on Valentine’s Day), Cappuccino Days have been able to get 423

books, a scanner, a CD burner, a DVD player and a big screen TV. “This year has been exceptional,” librarian C h r i s L a r s o n said, “(But) there’s always things we want.”

According to librarian K a t h i K n o p, the library applied for a grant from the school district for an Alpha Smart but was turned down. An Alpha Smart is an electronic keyboard that saves data onto the keyboard so that it can plug into any computer. This modern appliance is ideal for students who don’t own a computer.

Knop also says there something else that the library needs.

“We really need to get a cart,” Knop said. “Sounds silly, but it’s easy to move things.”

The library may collect enough money for a cart soon with the annual Used Book Fair, another source of income besides selling beverages and PTA donations. This year, the fair will be held Saturday, April 12 in connection with the Earth Day in the little gym. Book donations are already being accepted according to student made announcements.

Larson expresses her gratitude with a smile. “It’s just so neat being at this school,” she said.

“Everybody has really supported the program: students, parents and staff.”

Opinion

information, editorial cartoon, letters to the editor

page 4

With Friends Like US

American Foreign Policy Breeds Worldwide Contempt

For a nation that prides itself on freedom and liberty, the United States has a very hypocritical foreign policy.

Our foreign policy is full of double standards: the US supports some brutal regimes with military and economic aid, but threatens others not as brutal with war. This foreign policy is the reason America is hated in many parts of the world.

Andrew President Bush is threatening Iraq with Finnerty Online Editor war because it alledgedly has weapons of mass destruction, persecutes it’s minorities, threatens its neighbors, and violates UN resolutions.

Israel, the largest recipient of US foreign aid, kills Palestinians almost daily in its illegal occupation of Palestine that has been condemned by the UN numerous times. Israel, according to a report of the BBC on Jan. 31, has its air force practice mock dive-bombings over Lebanon during air patrols deep inside that country.

Israel is in violation of 68 UN resolutions, according to the organization Jews Against the Occupation. Iraq is in violation of 16. The Israeli government is just as oppressive and rogue as the Iraqi one, yet Bush is planning on invading Iraq and giving Israel billions in foreign aid.

There are similar hypocrisies in the US policy towards North Korea. North Korea is technically at war with South Korea, and over 37,000 US troops are stationed in South Korea. North Korea, like every other nation not under UN restrictions, has every right to defend itself by developing nuclear weapons and missiles to deter invasions from more powerful countries. Yet when it does this, Bush, the president of a country with thousands of nukes and missiles, threatens North Korea with sanctions, even though it isn’t bound by any nuclear weapons treaties. Bush condemns North Korea when it threatens South Korea and the US with a preemptive strike, yet he threatens Iraq with

the exact same thing and gets angry when he is condemned. It’s no wonder there are mass anti-American demonstrations in both Koreas.

Even as great as these hypocrisies are, there is no greater American hypocrisy than the War on “Terror.’ As he declared this war without authorization or declaration from Congress, Bush said that the US would capture or kill all people considered to be terrorists by the Bush Administration. So far, thousands of Afghan civillians and hundreds of Taliban POWs have been killed in a military operation designed to retaliate for the killings of 3,000 Americans. Despite Bush’s promises to capture or kill them and set up a stable Afghan government, Osama bin Laden and Mullah Omar Mohammad remain at large and most of Afghanistan is controlled by warlords.

Bush managed to successfully overthrow the government of Afghanistan which controlled land on the route of a proposed Caspian Sea oil pipeline, but has failed to shut down the largest terrorist training center in the world: the School of the Americas. This “school” has trained over 60,000 South and Central American intelligence and military officers who have tortured, maimed, kidnapped, and murdered thousands of people. Graduates of this terrorist school include Manuel Noriega, the former dictator of Panama who was overthrown in a US invasion in 1989. A war on terrorism should start at home.

Some people may think that because I criticize the United States government and its actions I am ungrateful for my freedom and liberties and the men and women who have died for them. I am grateful for my freedom, but I refuse to accept the actions of the US government that cause this country to be resented by people all over the world. I also refuse to accept the hypocrites who have murdered and harmed millions of people all over the world in the name of my freedom.

letter to the editor In its February 11 edition, the Harbinger published an unsigned rant labeled “editorial.” In this “editorial,” the anonymous author(s) pointed out the problems with Shawnee Mission East’s “Peace Rally.” Among the issues cited were the mirror on the stairwell, the “Bush-bashing” slogans, and the lack of hard facts about the war.

While not responsible for the mirror, I understand the meaning behind its presence. The purpose of the mirror was to show students that people their age would be involved in a violent conflict. This message was intended to show students that the Americans and Iraqis who will die in this war are not dissimilar from ourselves. Just because Shawnee Mission East students aren’t directly at risk does not make this war any more credible.

According to the editorial, our “Peace Rally” uses antagonistic slogans aimed at the President. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The signs displayed by the East movement have read: “I Want You to Give Peace a Chance,” “War Doesn’t Decide Who’s Right, Just Who’s Left,” and “Peace is Patriotic, No War!” Last time I checked, none of these statements targeted President Bush or any other individual.

Finally, the editorial stated that the “hard facts” against war have not been utilized by the “Peace Rally.” However, all of the facts stated in the editorial have been displayed boldly at the Breakfast for Peace gatherings on Fridays. I know this for a fact because I have helped to organize these celebrations of Peace. These Breakfast have free information and food, and are open to anybody, including conservatives.

As students, Americans, and human beings, we have the right and responsibility to speak out about what we believe. I would urge the author(s) of the “editorial” to investigate the issue before making false accusations and negative remarks about a patriotic, grass roots movement.

-- Senior Samuel Stepp

political cartoon

from the principal’s desk Ben Huntley Staff Artist

To the East Community: On behalf of my entire family, I want to express our sincere gratitude to all who have supported us these past few months. The kindness and generosity shown by our students, their parents, our staff, faculty, various departments, the Scarlett Hearts, Class of 2001 and the community has been incredible. Many thanks to the East drama department for donating their time and talents to portray Lou Gerrig’s life and the ALS cause. You truly are a caring and kind community. Words cannot express our heartfelt thanks to all!

I am so honored to be your principal.

Sincerely, Angelo Cocolis, Ed.D.

HARBINGER The Harbinger is a bi-weekly publication of Shawnee Mission East High School •7500 Mission Road • room 416 • Prairie Village, Kansas • 66208 • 913.993.6688 E d i t o r : David Lucas A s s i s t a n t E d i t o r s :Katie Whitson Andrew Wagner C o p y E d i t o r s : Courtney Condron Grant Calcara Katie Wiley Lindsey Melvin Dianne Smith Nate Milburn A r t a n d D e s i g n E d i t o r : Annie Harrigan A s s i s t a n t A r t a n d D e s i g n E d i t o r : Matt Goehausen

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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

The abortion controversy

I

was driving home from school last week when fact abortion is not taken lightly, even by proI was informed most kindly by the choice women. Being pro-choice does not bumper sticker on the minivan in preclude someone from being morally or front of me that I was a proponent of ethically opposed to abortion. It means murder. I was surprised, given my they recognize the lack of collective feelings about the death penalty. agreement, and that the only people And murder, for that matter. who should decide whether or not a So I went to the dictionary in woman has an abortion are that woman hopes of settling the issue once and and her doctor. for all. Pro-choice is and adjective, it Now let us look at what being pro-life said, used to describe someone who means. Because someone can be opposed to advocates “open legal access to voluntary abortion and pro-choice at the same time, abortion.” No unconditional support pro-life would seem to be a label used to for the killing of babies contained identify someone who would like to herein. No babies, no children, see abortion illegal. I went so far as no toddlers, no tykes and no to check out the dictionary, and tots. You see the debate surpro-lifers are in fact “in favor of rounding abortion has very litbringing the human fetus to tle to do with abortion itself – full term, especially by camit has everything to do with paigning against open every woman’s right to make access for abortion.” Pro-lifher own decisions. ers don’t want open access No one agrees on the to abortion, pro-choicers subject, and an attempt to make do. Well, there are a few problems everyone agree or to change the opin- Andrew Wagner associated with abortion being illegal. assistant editor ion of someone would be foolish, The first is that prohibition unwise, and a failure. I would like only simply forces abortion underground. If to present a coherent, logical argument in favor images of abortions taking place in hospitals and of women’s reproductive rights. I leave the right clinics offend you, imagine the types of abortions to form your own opinion up to you. that would take place in an alleyway or college The first problem that arises when disdorm using a coat hanger. Forcing this upon cussing abortion is how to take sides. It’s easy to women is not liberating, it is not “morally right,” shock and disgust someone by labeling individuit is not safe. Women in America should have als as cruel murderers or torturers, but doing so access to abortion centers where they know they does a disservice to those seeking will receive the best, safest medical attention posmeaningful discussion on the sible. Once they’ve made the choice that is exclutopic. Pro-choice men and sively and inevitably theirs alone, it is the governwomen don’t advocate or ment’s responsibility to make sure their lives are encourage abortion, and in not in danger of being lost. And no one can effec-

PRO-

The

T

o be honest, I don't consider myself passionate about abortion. I would never march in the rain with posters protesting legalized abortion. I don't even feel reproach when someone expresses their pro-choice ideas or say that "pro-lifers" are crazy. Instead, I silently become nervous of what other people would think if I declared my pro-life views. But this is wrong. I should be free to voice my opinion; that's why I wrote this column. Abortion is a serious subject that tends to be debated without listening to the opponent or swept under the covers for fear of what others may think or out of pure ignorance. Abortion should be openly discussed. It is vital for teens to understand their views on this subject so that they don't end up experiencing this topic first hand unprepared and later regret it.

First and foremost, abortion does not liberate and is not a choice. Although the term prochoice sounds empowering, it's simply the biggest misconception about abortion. When asking pro-choice advocates why they are of that opinion, many says that men can't tell a woman what to do with her body. Ironically, these people believe they are upholding women's rights when in reality they are doing the contrary.

Maintaining legalized abortion will either degrade women or leave no affect on them. Not liberate. Men and women admit that without legalized abortion, women would be oppressed and dehumanized because women are inferior to men. Abortion does not place value in a woman; value is something the woman should bestow to the world through other means than killing a baby (I advise dignity or respect towards herself).

Then, there's the illusion that abortion is a choice. Frequently, the "choice" becomes an

about a child is ultimately that of the woman – if we would discourage men from forcing abortions on women we must also discourage men from taking the right of choice away.

Most studies conclude that while some women experience regret or psychological problems following abortion, the majority feel they benefited from it. Rates of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder among women who have had abortions are no higher than those in the general population. In truth, must psychological damage comes from anti-abortion demonstrators. A study by Cozzarelli and Major in 1995 concluded that the more women seeking abortion were upset by anti-abortion demonstrations and the more intense that activity was, the more depressed they felt following the abortion.

Perhaps the pro-life movement should stop attacking young women in an attempt to spread their beliefs – this action is truly the most alarming and disturbing aspect of the issue.

In sum, it is important to remember the debate does not come down to pro-life and prodeath. Pro-choice men and women can oppose abortion, but they recognize that eliminating a woman’s ability to choose would cause more harm than good. Of course preventing pregnancies would always be the first concern, but that doesn’t mean abortion should be illegal.

I hope this provides some talking points for those of you interested. But remember that abortion walks the line of the two things Momma always told you not to discuss in polite company: politics and religion. I wouldn’t worry about that too much, though. If it’s fair game for bumper stickers, it’s fair game for bull sessions on the weekends. Peace.

Andrew Wagner vs. Cynthia Goldman

ABORTION order forced upon the woman by her family or the father to erase any reputation damages. It's easy to envision a child's father steering the mother into an abortion clinic and returning with a sigh of relief. In the end, the term prochoice is nothing but a euphemism.

Sadly, after having an abortion, women unknowingly put their lives at risk. Each year many women instantly die mid-abortion. The Journal of the National Cancer Institute released a study, "Risk of Breast Cancer Among Young Women: Relationship to Induced Abortion" by Janet Darling, that indicates women aborting in their first trimester are at increased risk for breast cancer. In some cases, that risk is 100 percent more than among the general population.

Women are also vulnerable to many cancerous tumors caused by abortificants, or the legal herbs and chemicals that weaken the uterus lining, causing an abortion.

Later, if the woman is fortunate enough to survive her abortion, she is still susceptible to mental issues. A University of Minnesota study reported 81 percent of mothers announcing a preoccupation with their aborted child, 54 percent having nightmares, and 35 percent receiving visitations with their child. According to an Elliot Institute report, "women were 63 percent more likely to receive mental health care within 90 days of an abortion compared to delivery...abortion was most strongly associated with subsequent treatments for neurotic depression, bipolar disorder, adjustment reactions, and schizophrenic disorders."

I recognize that there's no such thing as proabortion and I think both sides have established that abortion is disgusting and wrong. What many do not know or do not wish to know is that

debate

PROLIFE

CHOICE

tively argue that prohibiting abortion would end all abortions in America. The police state that would be necessary for ending all abortions would utilize such horrific and gross violations of privacy that it would be difficult to call our country a democracy. Liberty would be lost.

Abortions are also necessary in reducing the occurrences of genetic defects in certain populations. Tay-Sachs disease, which causes severely disabling mental retardation, primarily affects Ashkenazi Jews. Disease screening, premarital counseling, and selective abortions have reduced the incidences of Tay-Sachs disease in newborns among the Jewish population by more than 90% over the past 25 years. And those types of selective abortions take place with the full consent of the mother, and long before the fetus would be considered viable human life – 27 weeks being the point at which a fetus can survive outside of a womb, organs intact and able to develop fully. Of course, that doesn’t really matter, as 91% of all of the 1.5 million abortions in the United States take place within the first three months of pregnancy. Also interesting is that 57% of women choosing abortion are under 24 years old, and that 81% of women having abortions are unmarried.

To say, then, that being pro-life empowers women is irresponsible and deceitful. If a boyfriend or husband is forcing abortion upon a woman, then she most likely has problems that transcend the issue of abortion, and there is certainly no reason to believe changing the law would change the nature of these men. A woman’s ability to make the choice is always more important. Restricting abortion rights for those women who choose to have an abortion for reasons other than a boyfriend of husband does nothing but steal their liberty and freedom. And the decision

an aborted baby is alive and can feel pain. year, according to reporter Webster defines the word "alive" as being in a Ruth Padawer of the state in which the organs perform their funcBergen Record. This is tions. According to that, the baby would be conreal and happening in sidered alive ever since it was first conceived. Not abundance right now. being satisfied with that definition, I define In conclusion, abortion "alive" as when the heart begins to beat, which is kills humans and is not three weeks after conception, and when the even a choice, nor brain and nervous system become sensitive to does it promote sexual equality. pain, which is in four to five weeks. It's true that Those are the reasons why I am promost abortions happen during the first life. I admit that before writing this trimester but by then the baby can feel pain, column, I thought I was pro-life, considering that the temporarily converted to proaverage woman discovers choice and then, after uncovering her pregnancy within six more facts and statistics, I went weeks. back to pro-life, but with limits.

I'd go into detail After all, I agree that rape and about the infanticide of health hazards could do more abortions, but due to the damage than abortion itself, medical terminology and peoso I think it's excusable in ple's uneasiness about the subcertain situations. Imagine ject, I'll settle with explaining the a rape victim giving birth to most horrid of all abortion metha child that physically and ods. Partial Birth Abortion (PBA or D perhaps emotionally resem& X) is done during the third trimester bles the rapist, then being when the baby is almost fully developed. reminded of the rape every First, a physician delivers the baby's body feet time she glanced at her first, with the exception of the head, then jams Cynthia Goldman baby. Abortion doesn't have scissors into the baby's skull, and opens the to be black or white; there staff artist scissors to enlarge the hole. The scissors are should be an in-between. removed and a plastic tube called a suction Finally, my intention wasn't for all readers to catheter is shoved in and sucks the child's brains automatically convert to pro-life but to alert and out, causing the skull to collapse. If that wasn't encourage teens that the best thing to do is be appalling enough, let me tell you what's really cautious, aware and responsible, especially now scary. Two adults, and a nurse, could not tell me that pregnancy isn't the only threat, and to avoid what Partial Birth Abortion meant. Worse still, using this revolting last resort. one New Jersey clinic alone revealed that it performs at least 1,500 partial-birth abortions every art by Tom Woodward

Opinion

Patriot Act

page 6

Patriot Games: Playing with the law filed charges against them. The Fifth Amendment states no person can lawfully be held without being accused by a grand jury, but with suspicions of immigrants running rampant, laws protecting liberty have been replaced by laws eradicating freedoms If the suspect cannot be deported, they can still be incarcerated if the attorney general certi-

“

fies that every six months there is a security threat. Over 1,000 terror suspects are being held at offshore military bases; there is no requirement t h a t detainees be proven guilty at a trial.

A concession has been made between civil liberties and national defense. There is no proof that the intrusions permitted by the Patriot

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.

Ben Franklin

“

Rarely do Democrats and Republicans unilaterally agree on things.

National security following the September 11 attacks was, however, an issue that both parDavid Vranicar ties could agree on, even if it meant making Page Editor some concessions. The USA Patriot Act was signed into law in the wake of the attacks, expanding the government’s authority to impose its will in areas the Constitution and Bill of Rights prohibited it from going.

The House and Senate both overwhelmingly approved this 342 page-long bill on October 26. Passing 98-1 in the Senate, support for the bill was seen as patriotic.

Civil liberties were forgotten, however, during the short six week period it took to draft this bill. The Fourth Amendment requires that the government establish probable cause before a search is conducted. The Patriot Act succeeds in abolishing this addition to the Constitution by permitting the FBI to conduct searches and surveillance without having demonstrated probable cause. The act also allows for the FBI to require any records, documents or books be made available if they obtain an order from a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) court, which uses a lower standard than probable cause to authorize searches.

The Fourth Amendment also notes that a warrant must be obtained before a search is conducted and that those being searched must be notified before an invasive search.

“Sneak and peak” warrants, easily obtained by the government, allow for authorities to search a person’s property before notifying them of the investigation.

Private student information has also been made readily accessible through the Patriot Act. Laws like the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act prohibited disclosure of student records without consent, but now an array of student information is available to law enforcement officials without having to display any wrongdoing on the student’s part prior to retrieving.

The internet is also a place where the US government has the right to strictly monitor and track activity. A history of web sites visited as well as knowledge of the terms entered into search engines are among the things the government can closely monitor and is not required to notify the party being watched about.

Telephones were another communications tool targeted by post-9-11 legislation.

The government can, without proving wrongdoing or showing how any possible information is relevant to an investigation, issue a wiretap on any person nationwide.

Voice messages are obtainable through a search warrant, available now with far less scrutiny than previously issued wiretap warrants.

Special laws were drafted for immigrants, meaning non-citizens suspected of terrorism can be lawfully detained without having

Act will prevent future acts of terrorism. The system of checks and balances established by the Constitution and Bill of Rights was created to guarantee that the government’s power was limited by the separate branches of government, overseeing one another to prevent overstepping of relegated constitutional authority.

Under the Patriot Act, however, there is no monitoring system to ensure that branches of government aren’t violating their power. America’s elected officials overwhelmingly voted for safety over “inalienable rights,” although the negative effects of that decision may outweigh the sense of security.

political cartoons

The College Dropout

1995

2003

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Features page 8 & 9

Student

Ambassadors

Model UN gives international persepctive Ben Proffer Editorial Editor “I guess people really don’t care about the stance of Mali” is A l l i s o n Isenberg’s comment when asked about the country she will be representing at the Model UN on Friday, February 28 and Saturday, March 1.

But that doesn’t bother her. Whether people know that Mali is a small country in Africa or not, it is her task to present Mali’s foreign agenda in this demonstration of i n te r n a t i o n a l relations.

In fact, this particular choice hits an interesting nerve with Allison.

The majority of Mali is Muslim, and her purpose on the floor will be to request that a Palestinian State be portioned out just as a Jewish state had been in 1967.

Previously Allison had always been a tried and true supporter

of the State of Israel. She’s even visited, and now she’s having to consider things from the Muslim’s perspective.

The Model UN has been growing ever since the DeBarthe family arrived at East.

Haumana DeBarthe was the person to take this East based program to JCCC. From there it spread by word of mouth until the Model UN has become the common simulation it is today, practiced in countries all over the world.

Wherever it’s held, though, the goal remains the same. To lead your country’s delegation and receive recognition of the agenda you put forward. Those who speak best for the nation they represent will be given an award for the outstanding delegation. That’s not all that could come your way, however. One year an ambassador to China attended the Model UN simulation at JCCC and was so impressed he asked Haumana and her friends to come visit, in China. Haumana happily complied with his request.

DeBarth’s only regret is that the Model UN is not stronger. True, it has grown much larger in the past few years, but it is not instructing enough Americans as to the significance of this organization.

The United Nations is the most powerful instrument of

international relations ever created, and yet most United States citizens have little respect for what such a tool could do for the future of our planet.

All we can do now is flaunt East’s record as the nucleus of this movement toward greater global awareness. If it is at all reflected by the number of countries East is representing, then the signs are impressive. The most nations any other school is representing is four.

East is representing fourteen.

With this many people switching perspectives for a few weeks, many students will come back with a broader awareness of human existence.

If Allison can think like a Muslim, then a Muslim could think like Allison. That’s all we need for understanding.

Music Majors

M

usic

Elizabeth Tschudy Staff Writer

Imagine walking into a room alone and standing in front of three judges; waiting for you to begin your solo. These three judges could decide your future for you.

Each year the music department at SME has seniors planning on majoring in music, in double digits. These s t u d e n ts spend

T

Their

YEARS

As college application time fast approaches, more and more students are applying for majors in music. many hours practicing for there big college auditions. Choir director Tracy Reusseguie writes recommendations for students and some times helps them pick out literature for their auditions.

Music majors can major in voice performance, music education, music therapy, and much more. Voice majors can be used toward careers such as private studio instructor, teaching and church music ministry.

Those interested in being a private teacher or performer study music theory.

T h e y

study different forms and styles of music and how they are created.

Music teachers are on big demand, especially in Kansas. "Last year 75 music teacher positions were open in Practice makes perfect : Senior Sarah Titterington carefully plays her violin.

Kansas," said Reusseguie.

Senior Eric Doyen plans on using his music major towards a career. Doyen began singing in church and then during his freshmen year in high school he became extremly interested in choir. Doyen is a member of Chambers Choir at SME. Through out his experience with the East choir Doyen has realized how great the choir program is and how much it means to him.

He was accepted at Friends University in Wichita and has a spot with the top choir.

Majoring in music had never crossed his mind until this year. The realization of the great choir program at SME influenced his decision to study music in college.

"When I get into my choir class all my problems of the day vanish. I get to do something that I do well and others do well also," he said.

He would like to major in music education and maybe become a choir conductor.

"I don't know how I could not make it part of my future," Steiner said.

While some music majors plan on using their major toward a career, others decide not to. Senior Lindsey Steiner plans on double

majoring, but not using her music major toward a career. Steiner plays the viola and is planning on majoring in music.

She started playing the viola eight years ago in elementary school. In middle school she kept with it and started taking private lessons. Now a member of the SME Orchestra she spends an average of 30 minutes a night practicing.

“It’s a nice way to express yourself, let it all go,” she said.

All of her hard work has really paid off.

The University of Boulder Colorado offered her a full ride scholarship. She also applied at the University of North Carolina and University of Richmond.

At auditions Steiner had to play in front of a professor, someone in charge of scholarships, and the orchestra conductor. She had to play two different musical pieces and scales for them.

As a music major she will take music theory, piano, orchestra, and chamber classes.

Most of us ignored our parents when they kept nagging us to practice. Instead these students kept with it. For them all the hard work was well worth it.

Viva la Vegetable! SM East students go meat-free

Barret Emke Staff Artist

Shawnee Mission East senior S a s h a Jackson loves hot dogs and hamburgers--as long as no meat is involved.

Jackson is a vegetarian and has been for his entire life. In fact, his whole family refrains from eating meat. His parents began to raise their family in such a manner when he was born, and they followed suit with his little sisters.

Although Jackson did not choose the vegetarian lifestyle as an infant, he has come to his own conclusions through research and speculation and has decided his diet is the “healthy and ethical” choice.

Jackson is referred to as a lacto-ovo-vegetarian: one who eats dairy products--milk and eggs--but nothing that was once living. His diet is a commonplace one, consisting of most everything but beef.

“Just take out the meat, and there you go, that’s what I eat,” Jackson said.

Although his friends give him a hard time about his eating habits, Jackson says he eventually stopped listening and doesn’t let it aggravate him.

Junior Amy Levine, also a vegetarian, feels the same way. Others constantly voicing

their opinions about her choice do not bother her.

Levine has been a vegetarian for six years, mainly for health reasons. Although it took her awhile to get used to not eating meat, she now feels like she could never go back, especially after recently beginning to eat fish again and finding it to be fairly distasteful.

Jackson has tried meat as well, finding it unsatisfying and much too rich for his taste buds.

When asked about the difficulties of being a vegetarian, both Levine and Jackson said they have found it relatively easy and have discovered delicious foods that do not contain meat.

Jackson enjoys the veggie burger at the restaurant Houston’s, while Levine loves Indian food as well as the vegetarian restaurant Eden Alley.

Jackson suggested that the aspiring vegetarian should gradually remove meat from his or her diet, concentrating on finding other foods that will suffice the body’s needs, such as soy products and an abundance of fruit and vegetables. He also did not recommend a vegan diet, which prohibits dairy products in addition to beef.

But why go vegetarian in the first place? For many, the reason is one founded on compassion, ethics, and health.

PETA, an organization determined to recruit people to the vegan lifestyle, reported vast mistreatment of animals on factory farms. Hens are packed into crowded mesh cages, and their beaks are removed with hot irons, without the use of anesthetics. Cattle are castrated, branded and de-horned, also without receiving any medication for pain relief.

Statistics show that the average carnivorous diet needs over 4,200 gallons of water everyday (mostly used in raising animals for food), while vegetarian eating habits require just 300 gallons.

Some might wonder about the lack of nutrients a vegetarian diet might lead to, but studies conducted on rats have shown that the main protein in milk—casein--is cancer causing.

“You’d be amazed at [all the foods] you can get protein sources [from],” said Jackson.

Jackson also encourages everyone to do some research and to really form their own decisions regarding their diet.

Despite their playful retractors, Jackson and Levine have stuck to their opinions-and their soymilk.

Features page 10 Senior Paper Jam

senior papers Students and teachers alike prepare for the biggest of all homework assignments

Grant Calcara Copy Editor Senior J o h n M a r t e n s has always been somewhat of a procrastinator. Waiting until the last moment to complete assignments is workable, most of the time.

“Procrastination is never a good thing, but I’m confident in my ability to come through at crunch time,” Martens said.

Martens and his fellow seniors, however, will soon encounter the Everest of all homework assignments: the senior paper. This assignment requires students to compare and contrast two works of literature based on character, theme, setting and any other literary techniques.

“It is really unlike anything we’ve done before,” Martens said. “The depth of this assignment is almost overwhelming.”

Depending on the class, the paper can be anywhere from eight to 12 pages. For students in D o n n a S k a t e s’ Advanced Placement English course, there is a 10 page minimum and the paper must fit the strict guidelines of the Modern Language Association.

“It’s sort of a culmination of all the writing seniors have done this year. Most of the paper is analysis, but the comparison and contrast bumps it up a level, so it’s a complex analytical process,” Skates said.

T h e y must consult at least 10 secondary sources which they list in either a works cited or works consulted page.

“I’ve never really liked the MLA format, but I guess we need to learn it before we go to college,” Martens said.

Other English classes are taking a different approach, some teachers have not yet introduced it.

T o d d] D a i n will not talk about the senior “Coach [T paper until after we get back from ‘Sin City,’ he doesn’t want us to worry about it,” senior K y l e H e r t e l said.

Meanwhile, all of the research for AP papers is due Feb. 24. The rough draft of the paper is due Mar, 14, the day before spring break begins.

“My advice would be to read the novels carefully, annotate them, and set aside ten to twenty hours for research. Once the paper is written, then take a couple of days to review it for depth of analysis,” Skates said.

With the epidemic of senioritis c re e p i n g into the system, t h a t amount of work could put procrastinators like Martens in a world of hurt.

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A&E

Mural

page 11

of

StrokesGenius

Senior artist hopes her new mural will inspire others to brighten up the halls

Lindsey Melvin copy editor It’s not about how well she paints; it’s about how much she enjoys it. Senior A d r i e n n e T r e w o l l a smiles as her brush carefully moves up and down. And as several students walk slowly down the art hallway, never taking their eyes off the mural, they say to her, “I don’t know how you have the patience.”

Trewolla has enough patience to paint 12 different characters in a mural on the art room wall by the junior lot. She had sketched them herself.

“It’s a representation of my fascination with the human body and human mind and how it works,” Trewolla said.

In what’s painted so far, the woman in the gold dress represents beauty and the African American man represents strength. Along with the heart, these three will have “The power of strength, beauty, heart” written by them. Trewolla is illustrating “the power of life, love, emotion” by painting a pregnant woman, a man and woman in love, and a woman with a tear on her cheek. A wizard, an angel, and an abstract picture of herself will represent “the power of imagination, spirit, art.”

She wants to open peoples’ eyes and minds to seeing the human body as an art form, not just a figure.

“The structure is amazing. There’s so much more to the human body than what it can be used for,” Trewolla said,

“Probably some people would disagree.”

Her love of art began in first grade when she drew a cartoon girl and she got an “oh, wow” response from the class. She continued with it because it was uplifting.

It was a form of flattery, and the admiration of her peers inspired her to keep going.

Trewolla took art foundations and watercolor as a sophomore and this year is taking photo and jewelry. She never took drawing or painting, but she had one desire: to paint a mural.

She didn’t know it was possible until she asked her mom. All she had to do was get it approved by S u s i e O s t e m e y e r, Michael W o l g a s t and A n g e l o C o c o l i s.

So she drew a detailed, color-penciled sketch, got it approved, and started on it about a month ago. She works on it during second hour, Independent Study. Her Shelly mom, art teacher T r e w o l l a, is the

One motivation for her is that the acrylic paint dries quickly. She has to finish what she starts when she starts it. It takes a minimum of three hours to do each thing. She doesn’t want it to look separated or splotchy.

Trewolla had only worked with watercolors before, never acrylics. Oils would have been easier, but they would smear and rub off on people’s clothes. So she goes to the hardware store and using house-paint, mixes her own colors. The trickiest part is getting the shading right, but it’s worth it.

“Before I did a lot of shading, the heart was boring- no dimension. Sometimes when I work on something so long I get tired,” Trewolla said. “But once I added shading I got excited and wanted to keep going.”

She doesn’t give up. And since she’s not

advisor for the Independent Study students.

“She can sit back and see things I don’t. It’s a team effort,” said Trewolla.

She works on it on Saturdays too, sometimes even from 9 a.m. to 5 or 6. The heart took her nine hours.

The mural is a long process, predicted to be finished around spring break.

“If I got intimidated by the size of it, I’d never get it done. I’m just doing what I think is right,” Trewolla said.

sure if she’ll have time for art in college she’s going all-out now.

As head of a committee for National Art Honors Society, her next project is to paint the ceiling tiles in the basement. She wants people to submit designs.

According to Trewolla, art in the school brightens up the halls and makes them

less bland.

“You go over to SM West or North and they have so many murals. They have a mural class. They paint a new mural each year, and I think more people at East should be able to do it,” said Trewolla.

If she could do two, she would. She hopes people will appreciate it. After all, it’s a form of self-expression, and Trewolla has it down to an art.

A&E

Daredevil review

page 12

: Patrick Ryan page editor

struggling as a single father to support his only child. While walking home from school, Matt sees his father threatening a client for money. Matt panics and runs into the path of a radioactive

employer and Matt swears to avenge his father's death by becoming a costumed crime-fighter.

While Spider-man's plot swung smoothly, Daredevil seems a bit forced and unnatural. This is a minor point because the humor of the film as well as the sexual appeal of Jennifer Garner's Elektra persona help to balance out the movie.

"One can’t really compare Spider-man and Daredevil because they are completely different movies.

While Spider-man is lighthearted and whimsical, the latter is dark and Batmanish.

But I'd say that Daredevil is more entertaining," said junior R a j i t H a z a r i k a.

Writer Brian Helgeland was called upon to sort through 40 years of comics continuity to craft a compelling two hour storyline.

I thought that for the most part, he created a good plot, if not a little too complex.

When one has to introduce and slowly develop six or seven central characters simultaneously, the emphasis on each character is downsized. If only one villain were chosen perhaps, there could have been more characterization given to him to dramatize the screenplay. I wasn't intimi-

dated of Duncan's Kingpin. He appeared like a giggling millionaire and that's about it.

Now as I reflect upon the film I would say that as a package, it really gave itself a unique feel. In terms of storytelling and originality, Daredevil is a different direction for the superhero genre. It is a much more complex reality in that its not always clear whos bad and whos good. And that sometimes the good... are the bad.

Cynthia Goldman staff artist

A blind lawyer by day, horned hero by night.

Sounds ridiculous to me. Yes, on the surface Daredevil may seem like a sad attempt to milk further success from last year's successful Spiderman franchise.

The question on everyone's mind is: Does the dark vigilante Matt Murdock possibly do pretty boy Peter Parker justice? The answer surprisingly is 'yes'.

Viewers who pay a hefty $6.50 expect to be entertained.

When moviegoers leave the theater after watching Daredevil, they will have gotten the bang for their buck. A fast moving plot blends with believable characters and a hoard of well-executed action scenes.

The setting is present day New York in a gritty crime-infested sector called Hell's Kitchen. A badly wounded Matt Murdock, Daredevil's civilian alter ego (Ben Afleck) is resting atop the cross on the rooftop of a church. He falls to the ground and a priest attempts to revive him, at which point the film goes into a series of flashbacks that recount his origin.

Daredevil's father, Jack Murdock, is a boxer

This year the superheroes take control of the silver screen and the man without fear has leaped into the fray.

barrel truck. The driver slams the breaks, causing a barrel to spew toxic material all over the boy's body. The outcome of the event leaves Matt blinded, but equipped with heightened senses and echolocation. His dad gets murdered by his

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A&E

Hybrid cars

page 13

hybrid cars and sport utility vehicles look to save plenty of Hybrid cars race into the future: New money and gas through the use of battery power.

Anne Steadman circulation manager Among all the mysteries of high schoolers, one thing is certain: they all hate paying for gas. It's so bothersome to get money, go to the gas station, and forget to put on the gas cap; but that's another story. But there is definitely good news here: hybrid cars.

What are hybrid cars? Imagine a car that runs on electricity and never needs an outlet because it recharges itself on its own.. You still need to use gas in hybrid cars, but it is burned up many times slower than with fuel cars.

Hybrids get nearly 70 miles per gallon of gas, which is three times more miles per gallon than the car you own now. This means that the average car owner would save almost $600 per year on gas.

Not only are hybrid cars a good deal for drivers, they are very environment-friendly.

If hybrid cars replaced the cars we have

now, there would be 140 metric tons less of carbon dioxide in the air each year. The new cars are much quieter since they are electric, and the US doesn't have to depend on foreign fuel sources as

"There are very little problems involving hybrid cars," said R u d y T a y l o r, the used car manager at Olathe Toyota. "Since they are so new and technologically advanced, we haven't had much trouble."

Even if hybrids are electric, the driver still needs to get gas for fuel power.

"One time a gentleman came in and asked what was wrong with his car, and when we checked it for problems we found that the only thing wrong much. Most of was that he had no gas," said E a r l B u r k e, an them are small, two door cars that Cynthia Goldman staff artist employee at Philips 66 are lightweight. Hybrid SUV's are also on the way. gas station. "We had to explain to him that So what is the downside to hybrid cars? you must put gas in the car once and

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awhile."

The price of hybrids selling at Toyota generally range from $19,000-$23,000.

"Mostly gentlemen in their mid thirties or late forties are buying cars, but our next goal is to target college students," Taylor said.

Hybrids are starting to appear more and more around Johnson County, and if you look hard you can see a few being driven around Prairie Village. GMC is also a large maker of hybrids. Scientists are predicting that there will be about 300,000 cars in the US by 2005, and about one million by 2007. What will be next?

Scientists and car companies are working together to produce fuel-celled cars, which combine hydrogen and oxygen to create electricity, and put out nothing more than water vapor in the process. We should see them around by 2010.

So now that we know the future of the auto industry, it's time to jump into the future and go along for the ride.

Sports

Basketball

page 14

Inside the paint with Rebecca Parker Heather Bartlett Staff Writer

Q A

Pete R o s e will one day be in the Hall of Fame.

That day will probably come within the Paul Thompson u p c o m i n g Staff Writer year. The rumors are hotter and truer than ever before, and the tarnished image of baseball and B u d S e l i g are welcoming positive media Darryl attention like S t r a w b e r r y fresh out of rehab.

Here’s the bottom line: baseball fans are tired of hearing about rampant steroid usage, bloated salaries, and even more bloated egos. Fans want to see Pete Rose, the infamous “Charlie Hustle” reinstated into Major League Baseball, and Bud Selig is going to give in.

Given all the commotion regarding Pete Rose being reinstated into Major League Baseball, I am stunned that the name “ S h o e l e s s ” J o e J a c k s o n hasn’t been brought up more often.

“Shoeless Joe” was part of the 1919 World Series scandal where the Chicago White Sox threw the World Series for money. By part of the scandal, I mean Jackson was part of the team that threw the World Series. Although overzealous baseball commissioner K e n e s a w L a n d i s kicked Jackson out of baseball for life, there is a strong case that Joe Jackson was innocent of any direct act to throw the World Series. He batted .375 in the series and did not have one fielding error. The evidence against Jackson was his testimony in court when he claimed to have taken money but not throwing the games. However, it is widely suspected that Jackson was manipulated into admitting guilt by White Sox owner C h a r l e s C o m i s k e y and his lawyers in an

effort clear Comiskeys name.

Frankly, Rose is undeserving of any reinstatement until Joe Jackson is reinstated and allowed to enter the Hall of Fame. Jackson lost ten years of his playing career and any opportunity to make the Hall Fame. His ban has stood for 83 years. Rose was proven to break the gambling rule 412 times and he knew the consequences, whereas Jackson did not. Based on statistics alone, both players are locks to make the Hall.

Jackson batted .356 in his career and had 1,772 hits in just 1,332 career games. Keep in mind; Jackson was 32 and coming off the best season of his career when he was banned. Rose is the all-time hit leader at 4,256 total hits in 3,562 career games. His lifetime batting average was .303.

While they both have Hall of Fame numbers, why is it that the case for Rose is prominent while the case for Jackson is barely spoken of? The answer, or course is media. Rose does more interviews than the entire presidential cabinet, soaks up every drop of the limelight, and spews out infomercials like bad jokes. The media loves Pete Rose with a passion and seemingly everyone is behind him on this issue. Rose will get into the hall of fame because that’s what the media wants and Bud Selig’s backbone has suddenly transformed into raspberry Jell-o.

After Rose is reinstated, the media will cheer, and the fans will cheer, and Bud Selig will cheer because he’s miraculously squirmed his way onto the people’s good side once again.

Everything will die down, baseball business will continue as usual, and “Shoeless” Joe Jackson will once again be pushed back to the deepest, darkest chamber in the minds of the fans of America’s Pastime.

A

What are some differences this year from years past?

The way I played last year was about the same as this year. It’s a little bit different because I am more mature. I’m four years older than when I started.

I’ve learned things. I’m more relaxed now and I can have more fun.

The dignity of baseball: Let Rose and Jackson in Q A Q A Q A

Only if you let it. I think I was a little bit overhyped after freshman year and I let the pressure get to my head.

Don’t take it too seriously, just take it for what it’s worth.

By the Numbers

How is your role different now that you are a senior?

Rebecca Parker 16.8 Points per game 7.5 Rebounds per game

I’m the oldest now, I’m not used to being in charge.

long, I’ve learned to handle myself in situations that it might be different for other people.

Where are you playing in college?

Washington University in Saint Louis. Jenny Logan is going there as well.

What are some of your strengths as a player?

My height. It isn’t very often to find a girl with my height. I’ve been playing basketball for so

Q A Q

Do you have any pregame rituals?

I used to be really superstitious. I would eat the same meal before every game. I had a lucky sports bra. I would always wear my hair a certain way.

Has there been a lot of pressure put on you?

Q A

What do you do extra on your own?

Q A

How will you feel at the end of the season?

After practice I usually come home and eat and then go to my gym and practice by myself, like running or shooting baskets.

It’s going to be miserable. I have grown up playing with Leigh (Polfer) and Jamie (Miller) since I was ten years old. It’s been such a big part of my life for so long.

Q A

Who do you think has been your biggest role model?

My dad. He has always supported me and pushed me and been there for me even when I was down on myself.

Zeller to the rescue Andy Heintz Staff Writer His 35 points against Shawnee Mission West showed how good he really can be.

Senior K y l e Z e l l e r ’ s three pointer which less then a minute to go in the game put the team ahead by two. They held on to this lead and won 49-47.

The win was huge for a team who has lost a lot of close games. In losses to Blue Valley Northwest, Leaveworth, and Shawnee Mission West the Lancers were unable to hit the big shot in the clutch.

In the Lancers game against West the Lancer faced a situation that haunted them all season. They were down by two with less then a minute to a go to the game. This is when Zeller stepped up and made the big shot that the Lancers had been looking for in earlier games. The team had finally found a go-to guy who they could count on.

“When the game is all on the line, we want the ball in his hands,” junior B . J . A d a m s said.

Zeller’s game includes being able to drain the three pointer and slash to the basket and make an acrobatic layup. No one can accuse Zeller of being afraid on the basketball court. He will drive right in to a swarm of defenders and somehow end up making an athletic shot.

Zeller is not the most talkative player on the team.

He likes to let his play do the talking.

“He likes to lead by example,” senior K e v i n C o l s t o n said.

“AIR ZELLER”: Senior Kyle Zeller goes up for a rebound against sophomore Andy Logan in practice. Photo by Patrick Menihan

Sports

hockey, spring conditioning

page 15

Hockey team plagued by inexperience, youth Team struggles through regular season with no possibility of playoffs Matt Goehausen assitant design editor The Lancers finish up the regular season tomorrow with a game against Pembroke Hill at 5:15 p.m. at Pepsi Ice Midwest. The hockey team has endured a difficult season and with only two wins under their belt, they will fail to make the playoffs this year.

The young hockey team has been plagued by their inexperience all season, according to captains W e s H o s k i n s and B e n B l a k e. The team consists of only three seniors and is made up mainly of underclassmen. Many of the players have only recently taken up the sport.

“We have a bunch of second and third year players, players that haven’t been around too long,” Hoskins said. “It has made it tough.”

The team’s record, as of last week, was 2-11, putting them at seventh place in the western Conference and 14th overall in the Kansas City Metro Area High School

Captain, junior Ben Blake shoots and score

Junior goalie D a m o n M a r Makes a kick save against Shawnee Mission Northwest

Photos by Tom Prendergast Sophomore L e e M u s s e r carries the puck up the ice as captain, junior B e n H u n t l e y looks on

Hockey League. Whether it has been losing the puck at crucial times, not having the skills to be able to bob and weave through defenders, or just being out of shape, the team always seems to be at a disadvantage. Though they have struggled this season, having scored only one-fifth as many goals as their opponents, Blake is optimistic about next season.

He and junior B e n H u n t l e y, another captain and standout player will return to play next season.

“We’ve had kind of a tough year,” Blake said, “but we hope to come back strong next year.”

The captains attribute the tough season partly to the lack of interest in the sport. They said that with few people trying out for the team, it has been difficult for them to be competitive with some of the better teams in the league.

“The thing I would like to see change is to have more interest,” Blake said. “It doesn’t seem like it [hockey] attracts too many people to tryout or even watch.”

Name:

School:

Position:

Ben Johnson #2

Saint Thomas Aquinas

Defense

Logan Richard #3

Shawnee Mission East

Forward

Peter Irey #5

Shawnee Mission East

Defense

Ben Huntley #6

Shawnee Mission East

Defense

Ben Blake #7

Shawnee Mission East

Forward

Wes Hoskins #9

Shawnee Mission East

Forward

Matt Hoover #11

Shawnee Mission East

Forward

Sarah Johnson#12

Saint Thomas Aquinas

Forward

Brian Downing #13

Blue Valley Northwest

Defense

Tommy Ward #17

Shawnee Mission East

Forward

Alex Vigdorth #26

Shawnee Mission East

Forward

Brad Miller #27

Shawnee Mission East

Forward

Lee Musser #88

Bishop Miege

Forward

Damon Mar #1

Lawrence Free State

Goalie

Soccer prepares for spring season, condition regardless of weather Kevin Bever page editor With just two weeks until the start of spring sports, the girl’s soccer team is winding down their winter conditioning and gearing up for tryouts.

Tuesdays through Fridays after school, the girl’s soccer team has been conducting individual conditioning practices of their own accord. Coach J i m R i c k e r left the responsibility of getting back into shape up to the girls this year.

“It’s all on us to get ourselves and the new players ready for tryouts,” senior E r i n H e n r y said.

The team tries to get outside and do the running on the field, but recent bad weather has forced them into the halls of the school.

“Running on a field is completely different from running in the halls, but we don’t really have a choice until the weather improves,” senior A m y W o o d s m a l l said.

Despite having to run inside, the girls try to vary their workouts. The conditioning consists of all exercises that would be encountered in tryouts.. The team hopes to pre-

pare the new players so that there aren’t any surprises.

“As a freshman, it’s good to know what to expect at tryouts.

That’s what we’re trying to show them,” Woodsmall said.

The returning varsity team has also been scrimmaging on Mondays after school.

Returning seniors this year include Woodsmall, E m i l y W a r r i n g, Reilly M c C a d d o n, A m y H o l s t, J e n n y L o g a n, C o u r t n e y C a n a d a y, E r i n H e n r y and J a c q u e l i n e G r a v i n o . The spring season as well as tryouts start on March 3.

HEADS UP: Senior Reilly McCadden and sophomore Megan McCadden practice heading skills in preparation for tryouts.

Photo Essay page 16

wpa Get Your Groove On: Junior Dave Crook dances with senior Christina Bagby and others at the Sweetheart Dance last Saturday.

Lettin’ Your Hair Down: Junior Ashley Jones gets her hair done by a friend’s sister. All Photos by Tierney Weed

Manicure Pedicure Make-up Hair Dress

j cT

omen repare ll Day Photo by Katy Thompson

Perfecting the Nails: Junior Maggie Higgins perfects her nails on Saturday morning for the dance. Doing your own nails, compared to going to a manicurist, will save money.

All Dolled Up: Junior Brooke Jandl gets her makeup done at the Estee Lauder counter in the Jones Store.