THE
HARBINGER
issue five october 30 2006
Shawnee Mission East 7500 Mission Rd. Prairie Village, KS 66208
BECOMING MEMBER SUBJECT PE
COMMONER CIVILIAN •
AVERAGE COSMOPOLITE COUN
an
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Students and teachers recount their journey to citizenship and experiences with immigrations
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CITIZEN DWELLER TAXPAYER DENIZEN FREEM •
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...AMERICAN
NATIVE OCCUPANT NATURALIZED PERSON CIV •
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VOTER INHABITANT HOUSEHOLDER URBANITE •
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by [sylvia shank]
WHAT’S INSIDE... TEEN VOTING Students were surveyed to see whether or not they’d vote, who they’d vote for, and what they know about Kansas politics.
PAGES 12-13
2 ACHIEVEMENTS FALL BLOODPAGE DRIVE outside the sports world at East
From debate to theatre, East has been successful in other arenas than athletics deserving of recognition.
PAGE 14
Sixteen-year-olds will not be allowed to donate blood at East, even though it is now allowed in Kansas.
5MORP
Left: Senior Sean Kennedy in debate
DAYS TO
1988- it’s 3 p.m. on a chilly Halloween. French teacher Laure Losey takes a seat in the courtroom. She’s one of only two white females among the 300 taking the oath to become a US citizen. Of the 17 countries represented in the historic Wichita County Court House, the majority are Asian. Losey knows that her husband and 6-month-old son Matthew are in the audience. She knows her in-laws are there, sitting next to her “American parents,” who hosted her for her first years in The United States. She doesn’t yet know that everyone at Coleman Company, where she works as a sales consultant, has been given the day off to attend her oath of citizenship. They have come to celebrate the beginning of her life as an American. The judge stands. “He made us swear we’d tell the truth,” Losey recalled. “We had to deny our citizenship to our country of origin and say that we’d obey the laws. Then he swore us in.” Losey takes her citizenship seriously. She loves voting in American elections, her American husband, and the way Americans are genuinely happy for her when she succeeds in something. It’s a quality specific to Americans, that she says the French do not have. After going through the process, she has developed strong views on illegal immigration: she’s against it. Other East students are going through the citizenship process and it’s giving them perspective on the subject as they remember their own adjustments to American life. It’s been 18 years since her citizenship was granted, and though Losey still misses her Mom’s specialty Sauerkraut and sausages, she’s learned to appreciate a good Houlihan’s cheeseburger. “Not the fast food kind,” she specifies. Losey doesn’t eat at McDonald’s. Losey was born in Gray, a town in southern France. At age 17, she had her whole life planned out: go to America to improve English, go back to France, move to Paris, work for American embassy in Paris, drive a Jaguar. Losey smiles, a familiar expression for her. “I had such a plan!” she says in her lightly-accented English. She laughs each time she brings up the Jaguar and her teenage ambitions. “It would have been so cool.” Yet Losey is in Kansas, not Paris. Her father put his foot down, reasoning that Paris was unsafe and he didn’t know anyone there. Robert Losey was an engineer for John Deere’s branch in Gray, France, and happened to know people in Wichita, Kansas where John Deere has a production plant.
continued on page 11
page 2 [news]
A change in blood drives
news news briefs briefs Parent resource center offering classes The Parent Resource Center is offering a class on a timely topic, Asberger Syndrome, titled “Working Through the Rage.” The class is on Monday, Nov. 6, in the MPR of the Arrowhead Administrative Center located at 6601 Sante Fe Drive. The class is from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The cost is $10 per peson.To enroll call the Parent Resource Center at (913) 9939315.
Photos by Linda Howard
16-year-olds are now able to donate blood, but not at East by [nora salle] When junior Tyler Burk’s dad had to have a kidney trans- the national blood supply,” Angela Salazar, employee of the plant he could have died. A stranger’s blood saved his life. Red Cross of Kansas City said. “Students don’t really come Last year, people 17 and older could donate blood. But to the blood bank or open community drives but when we on July 1, the state of Kansas passed a law come to high schools for drives, a lot of stuthat says with signed parental consent and dents tend to donate.” picture ID, 16-year-olds are now eligible to Dr. Swift doesn’t intend on keeping 16give blood. However,- at the school sponyear-olds out of the blood drive indefinitely. sored blood drive on Nov. 10, 16-year-olds The fall blood drive is a preview for Swift are not allowed donate. as to how the drive works, and if things go All about blood “I’m not opposed to 16-year-olds donatwell, she may allow 16-year-olds to donate • Only 5 percent of eligible donors ing blood,” principal Dr. Susan Swift said. in the spring. across the nation donate blood, “I think it is an important thing to do. I “Donating is something that people need but the number of transfusions am mainly concerned about the number to think about doing because it is really imnationwide increases by 9 percent every year. of students that will be missing class and portant,” Dr. Swift said. “If 16-year-olds are • On average, a hip replacement how many students Nurse Varner and interested in donating, they can come to typically uses one unit of blood, other Red Cross volunteers will have to me and ask, I will tell them where they can a cardiac bypass 2 units, a heart worry about. I am also worried about the go to donate outside of school.” transplant 2 units, and a liver health of the students and I want to make Swift intends to have information and transplant 10 units. sure it is a good activity for school before I pamphlets in the office for students who •About 650 calories are burned expand the donating age to 16.” are interested in donating outside of school, donating one pint of blood According to a Shawnee Mission Medibut senior Lacy Myers doesn’t think that • One unit is divided into three cal Center nurse, there are no health risks other students will find the time to donate parts: red blood cells, platelets, and involved with donating blood if one fulfills outside of school. plasma. the required donating requirements: one “It’s hard with a busy schedule to have • The blood drive is Friday, Nov. 10 must be in good general health and must time for something like that.” Myers said. in the gym. weigh at least 110 pounds. “The blood drive is really good because it source: www.mayoclinic.org With the addition of 16-year-olds domakes it easier for students to help.” nating, the amount of blood donated would increase generously. “Teenagers donate up to 50 percent of
whats whats
new
...around school
with... with... Theater The fall play “Wild Oats” will be presented Nov. 9, 10, and 11 in the auditorium at 7 p.m. Directed by Brian Cappello, “Wild Oats” is a comedy set in the Wild West. Technical direction is by Tom Defeo, and Janet Whitehead is costume mistress. Students receive a free ticket with their ID, and additional tickets may be purchased for $7 during lunch periods on Nov. 8, 9, and 10 or at the door.
For applications due Dec. 1, requests must be in the counseling office today for transcript and/or letters of recommendation. Students must submit the following: a personal data sheet, a parent information form, and a typed resume. Copies of the forms may be found in the couseling office or on the counseling website, www. smecounselor.org
MORP date changed The annual MORP dance has been changed to Saturday. Originally, it was going to be on Nov. 3. However, there will be a gymnastics meet at East on the morning of the 4th, so the team needed the gym on Friday in order to set up and practice. The dance was first rescheduled to take place on Nov. 17. Being that basketball tryouts were that week, there would be practice that Friday night. In order to remedy this, MORP was scheduled for next Saturday. The dance will be from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. in the gym. Tickets cost $10, and all students must have their I.D.
...around Kansas City Photo by Katie Woods
new new
College Applications
Coffee Shop East’s coffee shop, Columbia Brew, opened on Oct. 13. After getting off to a rocky start with technical problems like running out of hot water, they are up and running. However, students will be disappointed to hear that the coffee shop will now require a pass from a teacher in order to make a purchase. Teachers had complained about students being tardy to class after visiting the shop, so a pass-only policy was implemented.
Village Church Planning commissioners approved the updated plans for the Village Presbyterian Mission Center, voting unanimously last week. The 47, 507 square-foot satellite outreach center, located at 99th and Mission, is home to a day care center, food pantry, among other ministries. The church hopes to build two new buildings, totalling 44,900 feet. Neighbors who spoke at the hearing said that they want more changes to the plans, including reducing the height of parking-lot poles and reducing the building’s square footage by a third The project may have to clear at least two more city panels, and maybe the court system before the plan will be cleared.
the [harbinger]
...around the nation Gay Marriage New Jersey’s Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that homosexuals are entitled to the same rights as heterosexuals, but leaving it to lawmakers to legalize same-sex unions. The court gave lawmakers 180 days to rewrite marriage laws to include same-sex couples or create a new system of civil unions for them. The ruling is similiar to the 1999 decision in Vermont that led to civil unions there. Similiar cases are pending in California, Connecticutt, Iowa and Maryland.
photo by patrick mayfield
Picture This Officers practice for hostage situation
Due to a re-enforced policy, can drive fundraisers such as the Mario Kart Tournament may be...
CANcelled by [davin phillips]
A police officer guards the second floor hallway as a team enters the boys’ bathroom to search for the suspect.
by [bernadette myers] An East parent, angry over his divorce, has had enough. Furious that his wife gets custody of his daughter, he is determined to show her that he shouldn’t be messed with. He enters the school unnoticed and bursts into his daughters chemistry class. He drags her away to some hidden part of the school. Within the next 10 minutes, police officers are entering the building. They are calling it a hostage situation. On Sunday Oct. 22, the Prairie Village police department practiced for a situation similar to this. These practices happen every year. The idea is for the officers to learn about the area. Then, if they are ever needed for a rescue officers will be able to develop a strategy. “A few years ago during practice at one of the middle schools we discovered tactics weren’t working,” Sgt. Craig Caster said. These practices help officers get past these tactical difficulties. They have to work in teams to locate the coordinates of the suspect. Then they work together on negotiating a release. “We want to keep the kids safe,” Caster said. “These practices are one of the ways we do that.”
looking back on...
page 3 [news]
Giving back to the community has always been an important part of East, but it isn’t as easy to do as it was before. A policy that has always been in place but rarely enforced is now causing school sponsored events to be turned down. Principal Susan Swift is enforcing the policy that requires any event or activity be proposed a month in advance to be given consideration for approval. Certain events planned to help with the collection of money and cans for the can drive have been rescheduled or not permitted to proceed. “[In] previous years, Cocolis would usually let things happen,” STUCO special events committee chairperson Philip Wolff said. “But now were having problems for having filled out forms to late [for events],” During the month of activity sponsors and coaches meet to decide the schedule for the following year. Major events such as dances and wiffle ball are put onto the calendar. Smaller events are left and out and are thought of bye STUCO as they come up. The events that aren’t on the calendar have to be approved by the administration. “Previous administrations had been through can drives and new what to expect” STUCO head Brenda Fishman said. “STUCO laced about putting items on the calendar ahead of time.” This year in order to bring in more cans for the can drive, a Mario Kart Racing Tournament was proposed. Notice for both this event and for the CanJam has not follow policy and were initially turned down two weeks ago. STUCO members who were unaware of the policy’s requirement had not given the proper month in advance request. The Mario Kart Racing Tournament is yet to be scheduled. If a sponsor and a date are found when the gymnasium or cafeteria is open, then the tournament will proceed as planned. The Mario Kart Tournament’s plans involved can or money donations as entry fees. Several Nintendo 64’s need to be collected so that different brackets will play on 16 different TV’s, with the winning competitors playing the final round on a projector. “We’re trying to make sure to not microman-
age anything,” Steve Loe associate principal said “We just want it organized, efficient and meaningful,” The administration’s concerns with events and fundraisers happening at East without the proper approval procedure have been with the organization and efficiency of the events. In the past, problems with groups doing similar fundraisers, collecting an excess of one item for the community, leaving other needed items in short supply. “Multiple groups doing similar fundraisers kills the fundraiser,” Loe said. Though it has not been a problem in the past, fundraising forms need to be filled out properly so that money collected during the fundraiser is given to the proper place. A potential problem with double booking events has also been a concern. “This school is used at least 18 hours a day and we need heads up on scheduling places so that we don’t double book people,” Loe said. Events that are guaranteed to proceed as scheduled are the pep assemblies and MORP because they were on the calendar. MORP has been moved from Nov. 3 to Saturday Nov. 4 due to the football team being at regionals, “Singled Out,” the dating game for seniors, is rescheduled for Nov. 6. and Battle of the Bands will happen in the spring. “Administrators have generally supportive of activities,” Fishman said “Its just a matter with our building being so tight on space” A Can Drive Assembly, which was not, originally on the schedule, was added for Nov. 3 at 2:10 as a school wide assembly. It will allow all students to learn about who the can drive benefits and raise awareness. Teachers and coaches will be collecting donations. In order to keep problems with scheduling events from happening again next year STUCO plans to evaluate these years’ fundraisings and decide what they want to have again next year. art by ren li
Breast Cancer Awareness Month These races helps raise money for research and generate awareness. In the month of November races will be held in... Austin, TX
Saturday. Nov. 4
Nashville. TN
Sunday, Nov. 5
San Diego, CA
Sunday, Nov. 5
SIGN UP AT WWW.KOMEN.ORG
“
photo by patrick mayfield
Race for the Cure
People need to be aware of breast cancer year round, not just in October. Junior Emma Austenfeld, Breast Cancer Awareness Co-Chair
”
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
photo by taylor phillips
Susan G. Komen
SHARE is selling Breast Cancer Awareness Shirts to support their cause. The idea was to wear the shirts every Thursday in October. For the rest of the year, SHARE is planning on organizing a walk and having a drink pink day. They will sell pink lemonade to raise money and awareness.
•Komen Race for the Cure Events •Breast Cancer and Breast Health Education •Grant-making Programs
Oct. 30, 2006
•Fundraising and Awareness Programs •Advocacy and Public Policy Programs •Office Administration/Clerical •Survivor Programs
Call 316-683-8510 or e-mail tcarter@wichitamedicalresearc.org
page 4 [editorial]
the
Letter to Political In-Activism Editor Students underestimate the importance of keeping up with politics
I read The Harbinger’s article, “The Eastonian,” on the various pamphlets that went out on Spirit Day. I took it a little personal considering I myself have been on the receiving end of the administration’s wrath for these illegal publications. Although it wasn’t another copy cat of the Eastonian that I passed out, it still got me five days of the suspensions that our principals hand out like candy to the miscreants that I count among my fellow classmates. I won’t deny that my form of public expression held vulgarity and to say that it was in any way appropriate would contradict the whole point of these publications in general. However with all the criminality aside, I find it just a bit funny that our administration, an instrument of the government, can’t deny our first amendment right when it supposedly protected by our constitution. To call these publications a threat to the students’ welfare is an extreme claim. Printing off a few hundred copies of some drug influenced funny pages is just a little bit different than screaming ‘bomb’ on an airplane. They try to tell us that our ideas are disruptive, but I see students ignoring their teachers, nose deep into the weekly Harbinger more often than I see an article of the underground press in their hands. We text message during class knowing we could loose our phones, we stand around that halls knowing we might be tardy, and we speak our mind knowing that we might piss some people off and know knows, maybe even get caught. There’s no reason to assume that we’ll see the administration letting the student’s voice get any edgier than a PG rating. So we’ll just have to continue our criminal ways with the understanding of the threats and with the camera’s eye standing vigilantly by to watch our backs. They can punish us for our ideas but that hasn’t stopped us yet from speaking them. So for all the students out there who have an opinion that can’t be stated eloquently enough to fit into this legitimate publication- for my peers that don’t see the administration as some bogeyman haunting our math class day dreams- just remember that we wrote these because we though that our freedom of expression was worth the risk. Sam Boehms
“Who are you backing in the midterm elections?” “…Elections? We have another two years… They haven’t even said who’s running yet.” If your response to that question would be similar to the above, then you’re like many high schoolers. We’re in the midst of midterm elections, but the only midterms most Lancers know about are the 90-minute tests that come before winter break. Of course, we aren’t that far behind the rest of the population. We live in a country where 1/3 of the population doesn’t know that Republicans are more conservative than Democrats, according to the 2004 American National Election Study. Less than 11 percent can identify the Speaker of the House. Given this situation, we’re going to break ranks with the most respectable publications in the country. In their pre-election issues, The New York Times, Washington Post and other popular newspapers all endorse candidates. The Star and Pitch certainly weighed in on local politics. But there’s little use in supporting a candidate when less than 22 percent of the youth turn out to vote, and many high school students don’t even know there’s an
election to vote in. So we’re making a different kind of endorsement. It’s simple and broad, but it’s the strongest endorsement there is: We endorse you. We endorse your participation in the political process, and that means following midterms as well as the presidential elections. Political awareness is a 365-day-a-year activity. It’s no longer an option for the youth to remain politically ignorant. There are too many issues hitting too close to home. If you’re worried about the cost of college, ask the House appropriations committee why the war in Iraq is sending $200 million down the drain every day when that money could be used for grants and scholarships. The people making those budget decisions are elected at midterms, and those decisions are shaping your future. Those same people recently fasttracked legislation allowing teachers the right to strip search any student if their “professional experience and judgment” leads them to suspect that a student has drugs or weapons. You can shout about President Bush eroding our rights all you want, but it’s the House of Representatives making that
The majority opinion of the Harbinger Editorial Board Each issue the 12 members of the board choose a topic and a member writes the editorial. Before being published a general consensus is made and the results are published here.
the
HARBINGER
Editor-in-Chief
AMANDA ALLISON
Assistant Editor
PETER GOEHAUSEN LAURA NELSON HALLIE MCCORMICK
Head Copy Editor Art/Design Editor Photo Editor
DEREK MARTIN ELLIE WEED SAMANTHA LUDINGTON
Assistant Photo Editor News Section Editor News Page Editor
PAIGE CORNWELL BERNADETTE MYERS
Op/Ed Section Editor Opinion Page Editor
KATIE WOODS
RUTH STARK RONAN MCGHIE CLARE JORDAN
art by ren li
Features Section Editor Features Page Editors Spread Editor
SARA STEINWART JENN SUNDERLAND RACHEL MAYFIELD LIBBY NACHMAN
Assistant Spread Editor STEPHEN NICHOLS Mixed Editor A&E Section Editor A&E Page Editors Sports Section Editor Sports Page Editors
MEG SHACKLEFORD KATIE JONES JOHNNY MCGUIRE JOEY SOPTIC CLARK GOBLE JAYNE SHELTON NICK RATLIFF
the [harbinger]
Copy Editors
AMANDA ALLISON TOM GROTEWOHL LAURA NELSON HALLIE MCCORMICK SYLVIA SHANK JENN SUNDERLAND ADRIENNE WOOD Staff Writers HANNA COSGROVE MEG FRACOL MICHAEL HAKE DANIEL HEADY ALLY HEISDORFFER ERIN MORRISSEY NORA SALLE ADRIENNE WOOD NATHAN YAFFE FOSTER TIDWELL
decision. These are issues that the youth can’t afford to ignore. They cost us money now, but down the road their expenses will be even higher. Every time the government dips into Social Security, our retirement becomes less comfortable. Every one of the $8.5 trillion of the federal deficit is a dollar we will later be taxed. To say that politics doesn’t concern the youth is fantasy. There’s an old adage that behind every successful man is a good woman. Despite the sexist connotations, it must be equally true that behind every leader is an active citizen. The alternative to standing behind a leader is being dragged behind another politician. There are, however, modest positive trends emerging. Locally, political columnist Steve Kraske noted that Senator Barack Obama did the impossible in drawing scads of young people to hear him speak during his recent Kansas City visit. On a national scale, the voter turnout for 18-29 year olds went from 42 to 52 percent between the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections. The trend of political interest on the part of the youth is on the rise, but we have miles left to go. You don’t have to know the intricacies of the federal budget or be able to recite all the potential benefits of stem cell research, but everyone—whether of voting age or not—is capable of developing a basic awareness of American politics. Get into a candidate. Follow Senator Obama’s campaign. Read up on an issue you’re passionate about. The important thing is that you make a decision, because when you make a decision, you make a difference. It’s more than an investment of your time; it’s an investment in your future.
Ads/Business RACHEL BIRKENMEIER Circulation DAVIN PHILLIPS Photographers KAREN BOOMER ABBA GOEHAUSEN JENNY HOWARD FRANCES LAFFERTY PATRICK MAYFIELD TAYLER PHILLIPS KELSEY STABENOW RACHEL WOOLDRIDGE RACHEL YOUNG Adviser
DOW TATE
The Harbinger is a student-run publication. Please bring Letters to the Editor to Room 521 or e-mail it to smeharbinger@gmail.com
Thinking Outside the Lines Student thinks outside of Republican party lines about the war in Iraq an opinion of
Peter Goehausen
I’m not quite sure when my love for the Grand Ol’ Party all began, but I believe it was sometime around the 1996 presidential election when fellow Kansas Bob Dole was running for president on the Republican ticket. The state of Kansas loved him. My parents loved him. I loved him. So when the Cure’ of Ars 2nd grade presidential election came around, Dole had secured my vote and I thought everyone else’s; until I saw two of my best friends had circled the incumbent Bill Clinton. But how could they, my friends; Democrats? The only other Democrat I knew, my uncle, who was the butt of family jokes and nearly excommunicated from the family. Following a “strong” 2nd grade political debate, I knew I was right, the Republicans were right. Since then, I have been whipped by the G.O.P. What the Republicans said I believed; Bill Clinton had sex with “that woman,” of course Iraq had weapons of mass destruction and Vice President Dick Cheney’s Halliburton company making billions from the war; not suspicious. In my opinion everything the G.O.P. touched seemed to turn to gold. Anti-abortion acts were progressing, taxes were getting cut and Bush was
another...
single handedly making the world a democracy. And since 2000 the majority of the country agreed with me as the Republican Party took control of the Legislative and Executive Branches. It took me until this month to realize Bush’s methods for creating a global democracy wasn’t going without a hefty price. As of Oct. 23, the American death toll in Iraq for the month was 89. Putting it on track to be one of the deadliest months since the invasion began. Oct. 14- Leebernard E. Chavis- 21 years old- Killed while performing duties as a turret gunner. Chavis was planning on marrying his high school girlfriend when he returned from the war. Oct. 13- Kenny F. Stanton Jr.- 20 Killed when a roadside bomb detonated next to his vehicle. Upon returning from Iraq, Stanton planned on becoming a high school English teacher. Oct. 8- Shane R. Austin-19-Killed by enemy grenade fire. Austin, who was awarded the Purple Heart, lived in Edgerton, Kansas. After seeing that in the last three weeks three kids who are no more than three years older then me were killed by bombs, grenade and gunners (casualties I thought were only common in Halo) it made me wonder if this war is really worth 2,795 American lives. The death toll began piling up in March 2003 when Bush was “told by God” to invade Iraq. His intent was to rid Iraq of the alleged weapons of mass destruction they possessed- quickly. Also, Bush wanted to expel evil dictator Saddam Hussein who was infamous for killing, torturing and terrorizing his own people.
There are arguments over the color of the letter when you letter in an activity or sport. There are arguments over how much time is given at pep assemblies to different groups. Who gets recognized on morning announcements, who gets written up, who gets awards, who doesn’t, the list goes on and on. To me it all seems very ridiculous and a waste of time and energy to continue these kinds of pointless counter-productive complaints. We have an award-winning choir at Shawnee Mission East. They have traveled to Germany and Ireland and will go to New York this spring. This school has supported countless atheletes who go on to win state awards both individually and as a team. Some go on with college scholarships. The cheerleaders go to camp and win all kinds of ribbons every year. There are parent-supported booster clubs for every activity you can imagine. Who is really suffering here? I just don’t get it. For every orchestra, band or choir
the
Letter to Editor During the last few months a recurring theme of discussion has been expressed by a number of students, parents and staff members here at Shawnee Mission East. I guess since I have two students here now, I feel like I can say something about these comments. Maybe this has been addressed before and I have just missed it, but there is a fair amount of finger pointing and negativisim being flung around between the arts and athletics. The students(and parents and staff) involved in each of these activities seem to feel the need to gossip, complain and explain why they deserve more credit, need more money, respect, or whatever the issue is.
Three years, and an allotted 505 billion dollars later, Bush has yet to find one weapon of mass destruction, aside from himself, in the entire 168,743 square mile radius that constitutes the 58th largest country in the world. Apparently, our government feels spending 505 billion dollars searching for non-existent weapons is more important than social security, unemployment, and medicare. Now for the other part of the conflictSaddam. Yes, he is out of power and yes, Iraq did hold their first democratic elections in January 2005. But is the change for the better? Since Saddam was routed from power, nearly 50,000 Iraqi civilians have been killed. And currently there is a power struggle that led the country into a civil war controlled by fanatical Islamic insurgent groups, the Sunni’s and the Shiites, whom are known to have close ties to the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda. So maybe ten years after I first bled my loyalty to the Republican elephants, my views in some areas have moderated a tad: the war in Iraq was unnecessary, the billions of dollars Halliburton has made in Iraq is suspicious, and the wellbeing of our country’s elderly is more important than invading Iraq. However, as I will unwillingly admit that the G.O.P. may has made some fatal mistakes in the last four years, I will contest that no matter how bad they did it, the Democrats would’ve done it worse. I just hope that in 2008 the right winged second graders will have a better candidate to endorse.
concert with not enough audience attendance, I can guarantee that somewhere in this fair city, a wrestling match or sophomore football game is being played out with only a handful of spectators. Have you ever been to a wrestling match? I haven’t, but I bet it is a lot of fun. Just because I don’t or can’t go doesn’t mean that I don’t think it is great for those kids or parents or coaches. The point is we have a lot to be proud of at this school. All these groups are top-notch and are doing all kinds of wonderful, exciting and challenging work. Students are pushing themselves, excelling, creating relationships and having fun. To me that seems to be what it is all about anyway. It is time for people to stop complaining and nit-picking. Rather than doing that, why not pick something you’ve never gone to before and try it out. Never been to a choir concert? Try one out! A wrestling meet might be fun to see. How about a spring jazz concert or the Fine Arts show? Take your pick. Educate yourself and quit complaining about what you don’t have and look at what you do have. Shelle Jensen
Oct. 30, 2006
page 5 [opinion]
Lancer Voice
Given that the last few months have seen more American deaths in Iraq that any other, how should America adjust its policy regarding the war?
“I think that we need communication instead of physical violence. This would result in less deaths.” -Freshman Darya Hadjian
“I think that it is ridiculous for a war that isn’t justified in any way” -Sophomore John Adams
“I think we should pull out because its not like they want us there anyway. This would save more American lives.” -Junior Raynell Jenkins
“We should try to involve other nations and the UN for diplomatic reasons.” -Senior Jack Stelzer
page 6 [opinion]
Raphäel Chikli
an outside perspective...
Paris, France What are your opinions of American politics compared to your country?
First I have noticed that they always say sex is bad until eighteen. Also, the police are harder with you than in France. If in France there are drugs and alcohol it is not as bad. People in France are more free.
What laws have you found to be particularly different?
For example, here the party ends at two where as in France you come back at six. You can tell your mom you will see her tomorrow, here my family is informed.
What are your opinions of this upcoming election? I don’t know any of the candidates. I don’t tend to agree with either candidate. Each party can be good or bad. It is not black and white. People should not talk about politics in school.
What are your views on American’s current administration?
Most people think French people hate Bush. I don’t hate him, there are things I don’t agree with him on. I am not a fan of him, but I am not going to start a revolution.
Would you consider SME students to be more or less politically aware than your peers back home?
People in France don’t care about politics, but in Paris more are against the conservatives. At SME people have different opinions so there is debate. In France I am not a fan of politics.
Karoline Malde
Robin Kresinszky
Oslo, Norway
Berlin, Germany
What are your opinions of American politics compared to your country?
What are your opinions of American politics compared to your country?
The politics in America are kind of weird because people are quiet about what they think, but now with an election coming up everyone has signs in their yard, yet they don’t talk about it. Also, I think people bring
tom grotewohl Whether during passing period or the last minutes of a boring math class, we have all spent hours and hours wandering the hallways of Shawnee Mission East. As a senior, I have done more wandering than most, and over the years I’ve taken note of some of our hallways’ more serious flaws. 1. For serious? No dudes’ bathroom on the third floor? Last Thursday I found myself in yet another confrontation with the Nestlé Nesquik vending machine. “Grab, Gulp, Go,” the slogan read, and the adorable cartoon rabbit with his maniacal corporate grin seemed to be begging me to take a sip. So I grabbed. I gulped. Suddenly, as promised, I had to go. In a complete lack of judgment attributable only to an explosive bladder, I ascended to the third floor in search of
So it’s just different.
religion into politics to much here; they should be completely separate.
What laws have you found to be particularly different?
What laws have you found to be particularly different?
The driving age is sixteen instead of eighteen, which is very good I think because teenagers get more freedom to go where ever they want.
Germany you can drink beer when you are 16. The people here drink to be drunk, but in Germany it is more of just a social thing. You have to be 18 to drive and I live in Berlin so we take the underground so parents are less worried about us drinking.
What are your opinions of this upcoming election?
I hope that democrats win because I’m a Norwegian and Norway is not a
What are your opinions of this upcoming election?
big fan of Bush.
N/A
What are your views on American’s current administration?
What are your views on American’s current administration?
I think Bush should get out of Iraq. Bush, alone has too much power to
A lot of people in Germany hate Bush. I don’t hate him, but I don’t really
rule the country. Bush has ruined America’s good reputation.
like his politics.
Would you consider SME students to be more or less politically aware than your peers back home?
Would you consider SME students to be more or less politically aware than your peers back home?
Oh definitely less aware. In US History the teacher asked the students if they knew an election had just taken place and they had no idea. But, it is very divided, some are very aware.
Horrors of the hallway an opinion of
We have a really different system. We have more than two parties. There can be as many as 50 parties; in Parliament there are five parties.
photos by rachel wooldridge
Senior reflects on experiences around the school
a restroom. Biggest mistake of my life. Not only did I not find a restroom but I ruined my second pair of Dockers in a week. I am no longer satisfied with resorting to the use of trashcans and freshmen lockers as makeshift toilets. The absence of a male lavatory on the third floor is not only immensely inconvenient, but, with a female restroom in plain sight, it is sexist as well. Female bodily functions should not be given priority over those of males. 2. The first floor is a barren hellscape. While I rarely have reason to make the descent down into the darker, more dismal regions of this school, when I do I make sure to pack a flashlight. There are certain sights that no man should see, horrors that no man should experience, and they reside in the first floor corridor between the two staircases. You all know of the corridor of which I speak. With only a security camera on the far wall to keep one from the open arms of insanity, this 50-foot voyage takes one into the deepest recesses of the mind. The journey may last only twenty seconds, but it will be revisited in nightmares to come. The glaring white walls, completely devoid of the joyous décor standard to an SME wall, move closer and closer as the journey progresses. Thankfully, some thoughtful artist painted
the [harbinger]
I think that Germans are more interested in politics than Americans. They are watching more TV and reading newspapers. Americans never actually do that.
blue stripes every few feet to remind the journeyman that he lives in a world where color still exists. But even so, I nervously glance over my shoulder expecting to be pursued by fifteen men in tuxedos all named Mr. Smith. 3. Approximately 100 percent of people walk way too slowly. Let me explain something. My legs operate at only one speed: a brisk trot. There seems to be a perverse rumor floating about that a light, carefree saunter is acceptable; it is not. Everyday I am absorbed into the pulsating mass of students commuting up and down the staircases. I always seem to get stuck behind the freshman boy who must retire his Sketchers after every step or the girl who feels her insight into last night’s episode of Grey’s Anatomy is so incredibly valuable that she cannot wait until class to text message her friend. Much like when I find myself trapped behind elderly drivers on the road, I attempt a disjointed zigzag pattern to pass, but always to no avail. My fellow classmates swerve haphazardly in front of me, blocking my path in some conspiracy to delay my trek to class. In all of the mayhem my homicidal urges nearly get the best of me – it would be so easy to make a tumble down the stairs look like an accident.
In Cold Blood
an opinion of
I hate being scared. I’d rather not go to horror movies. The last time I went to a h au n te d house was Ally Heisdorffer three years ago…with my dad. I had to leave before I got through the whole thing because I had an asthma attack. Embarrassing. All my friends tease me and call me a baby, but I’d rather get scared easily than have next to nothing freak me out. With Halloween approaching, I’d like to remind everyone of how spending the evening watching get people torn to pieces in the latest horror flick or having Tony, the 40-yearold man on probation, jump out at you in a pitch black room at one of the many haunted houses is just plain stupid. I’d like to bring the focus of this holiday back to the traditional. I want ghost stories, candy corn, costumes. Maybe I could even handle a few scary movies, as long as they’re the classics. No more watching people tear each other apart for me. I’d rather surround myself with family and friends on Halloween, not potential criminals getting paid to make people cry. So many teenagers today are desensitized by horror. Maybe it’s because current films depict cannibalism, gruesome torture methods and graphic murders. It’s not just scary to watch someone die in a horror film anymore; they must be killed in the worst way possible to arouse
page 7 [opinion]
Amount of gore in today’s movies numbs kids to excessive violence and terror
any emotion. Seeing “Hostel” was the first time I felt truly sickened by what people go through just to be frightened today. I wouldn’t want to be alone in a room with anyone who creates those sort of movies, but for people to pay to see that kind of movie disgusts me. It’s not fun to be scared anymore. Actually, it takes entirely too much work to get a little freaked out. The boogie monster, ghost stories, Freddie Crouger – they just don’t send shivers up anyone’s spine anymore. It’s kind of sad. Special effects have become so advanced that all things in a movie must be graphic and grab the viewer’s attention. Most plots in recent horror films are ridiculous. There is practically no story line, but instead a focus on how many people can die in the course of a couple hours, but hey, they have really cool effects. Now the hacked up bodies actually look real! How exciting. The classics like “Psycho,” and “The Birds,” are being played on television for just anyone to see. It proves that no one considers these films creepy any longer. They’ve lost their edge. Now they’re just ancient. Today, people go to great lengths just to get a spook. Billions of dollars are spent and made each year on horror films. Just think how much money those haunted houses down town are making by charging $20 a person. What a waste of money. If I really wanted someone to jump out at me, I’d tell my brother. He always seems to do a good job and I don’t even have to pay him to be annoying. The age at which a child stops trick-or-treating seems to be getting younger and younger. My brother and his other third grade friends don’t want to dress up anymore. Instead they want to go to the Edge of Hell. The time has already come for him to forget all about the joy of a sugar high and
ringing strangers’ doorbells. I’d agree that Halloween isn’t as much fun without that element of terror, but perhaps placing yourself in a sketchy situation or watching people die brutally isn’t the healthiest. Go eat some candy. Let your middle school side shine and teepee your nasty neighbor’s house. Find something better to do rather than watching yet another person get their guts blown out.
Art by Ren Li
Courtroom Corruption
Change in election procedure could cause problems an opinion of
America is the land of d e m o c r a c y. Few would dispute, however, the shady nature of election politics and Foster Tidwell the common occurrence of political sleight of hand in gaining office. It’s politics, and most of us accept it as a necessary bureaucratic burden. However, the one branch of government from which we are utterly unwilling to tolerate scandal, from which corruption is absolutely unacceptable, is the judiciary. But if a conservative movement under way in Johnson County aiming to change the current system of judicial selection to one of popular election succeeds, we will no longer be able to take for granted an absence of partisan bias and the inevitable corruption with which it carries in our courtrooms. Under the current system of judicial selection in Johnson County, a nominating committee comprised of seven lawyers and seven non-lawyers convenes whenever there is a court vacancy and mulls over the list of potential candidates. After examining the merits, qualifications and records of these candidates, the group selects the three candidates whom it feels are best qualified. The governor then chooses which of these three candidates will fill the position.
The logic behind this method is that the decision is placed in the hands of a committee who has the time and experience to recognize which candidates are best qualified for the job. Judicial nomination succeeds because it avoids the pitfalls of popular election. Favoritism and bias obviously don’t belong in the courtroom. The job of a judge is to read, understand and interpret the law without regard to personal bias or politics. However, if judges run for election, they are pressured to make certain promises to their constituency in return for votes. When making an important legal decision, a judge should absolutely not have to take into account the political ramifications of a decision. If they do have to carry the burden of satisfying their constituency, the whole judicial system is thrown off kilter. Politics belong in Congress, not the courthouse. Imagine walking into a courtroom and having to wonder whether your attorney gave financial support to the judge in the last election. Is the judge a Republican or a Democrat? If judges are elected, the potential is introduced for a dangerous cycle of corruption in which lawyers donate to the campaigns of judges in return for courtroom favoritism. The principle group behind the movement toward the popular election of judges, The Kansas Judicial Review of Johnson County, is a highly conservative organization whose ultimate goal seems to replace moderate and liberal judges with hard line conservatives bent on fulfilling a specific right-wing agenda.
Oct. 30, 2006
Their website labels the current nominating committee— composed of nine Republicans, three Democrats and one unaffiliated—as “overwhelmingly liberal.” In addition to attacking recent progressive judicial rulings in Kansas, it also states that the current system of nomination facilitates judicial activism. An activist judge is a judge who comes into his position with a certain agenda he intends to fulfill. Almost all agree that judicial activism is extremely dangerous to our system of government because the judiciary is intended to be free from any bias and judges are expected to come into each case with an open mind. The truth is that a system in which judges are elected does far more to promote the phenomenon of judicial activism than does the status quo of nomination. By campaigning and making guarantees to voters, judges tie themselves to certain positions, making a non-biased decision free from the stigma of politics impossible. This is a textbook example of judicial activism. When the founding fathers designed our government, they left the judiciary out of the direct reach of popular election. This was no accident. They recognized the potential for corruption in the courtroom, and they took action to prevent it by keeping the judiciary clean of election politics. Let’s keep the doors of our courthouses closed to corruption. Let’s keep politics out of the law. Let’s stay with a system that works.
HIGH PRICE OF FASHION
Get up, stand up
page 8 [features]
Achilles tendonitis begins when the Achilles tendon contracts to compensate for the elevated heel position. If heels are worn too often, the tendon can stiffen in the contracted position, becoming permanently shorter.
>> Heels and other shoes with poor support have lasting effects on body structure
Osteoporosis can develop when shoes cause the foot to realign, putting more pressure on bones. Over time, the bones in the ankle, knee, hip and lower back can degenerate, increasing the risk of fractures and breaks. This is especially common in women.
Shoes’ effects on the body don’t stop at the feet. Because of improper footwear, good posture is often almost impossible, and bad posture brings other problems, all the way up the body. SPONDYLOSTHESIS (DISK DISEASE) • upper back • lower back
OSTEOPOROSIS (BONE DEGENERATION) • hips • lower back
ARTHRITIS (JOINT INFLAMMATION)
by [laura nelson]
• knees • hips • lower back
photo by Kelsey Stabenow
Not surprisingly, uncomfortable heels are damaging to bone structure - 80 percent of foot injuries come from women, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Here is just a sampling of what can happen to your feet.
SLUMPED
Pump bumps (Haglund’s deformity) occur when a heel rubs against the inside of a shoe, causing the growth of bone spurs that irritate the burase (sacs of fluids that help joints move and rotate smoothly). The bursae will puff up and result in a lump that can be seen and felt.
To determine if you have good posture, draw an imaginary line from between the shoulder blades to your pelvis. All the bones should form a straight line.
source: National Osteoporosis Foundation representative
photos by Rachael Wooldridge
Jeans and heels are a typical combination for girls, and the clack-clack of girls limping down the hallway after school is common. That pain is a problem.
STRAIGHT
Callouses and corns are caused by friction when the foot presses against the inside of a shoe or when toes are pressed together. This can lead to the formation of thick, hard areas of skin called corns, and can develop anywhere on the foot. 20 percent of the population is susceptible to corns and hammertoes, Riley said. Hammertoes occur when the second toe buckles in half to relieve pressure on the rest of the foot. The toe knuckle rubs against the shoe’s inside, eventually causing the toe to harden into a claw-like form and a hard corn to form on the joint.
Intermetatarsal neuromas are thickened or enlarged nerves between the big and second toe, near the ball of the foot, can be caused by shoes that squeeze or pinch toes or the ball of your foot.
sources: Dr. John Riley of Kansas City’s The Center For Foot Care; Foot Solutions, Corinth Square
illustration by ren li and laura nelson
If the shoe fits
Metatarsalgia (inflammation of the bones near the ball of the foot) is caused by ill-fitting shoes that force the foot to realign itself.
When buying shoes, it is difficult to find good fits with a good support system that will continue to help your feet over time. But by using this cross-section of a shoe, Tammy Shrout of Foot Solutions points out qualities of a well-fitted shoe that you can test in the store.
1 2
4 3 the [harbinger]
1 2 3 4
Ingrown toenails develop when the toe box squeezes toes too tightly, restricting the space the toenail has to grow. Instead of growing outwards, it grows into the skin bordering the nail.
Triangular-shaped toes form when toes are forced into shoes with cramped toe boxes (the space in the toe of the shoe).
Heel support and stability: 1)Pick up the shoe and try to bend the heel. If it bends, it isn’t stiff enough. 2) Put it on and walk around. If the shoe rubs, pump bumps can develop. If it is too loose, then unnecessary strain on the tendons and nerves in the foot will develop. Spring presence and effectiveness: When walking, your feet should feel “like they’re floating,” Shrout says. Springs are a necessary part of shoes with good support - so heels, flats, Crocs and Birkenstocks provide limited to no support. Lateral stability: With the toe of the shoe in one hand, and the heel in the other, try to bend the shoe in half. If it bends, it isn’t stiff enough to support your feet, and could lead to fallen arches or Achilles tendonitis. Toe suppleness: Unlike the heel and sole, if the toe of the shoe does not bend, then it’s too stiff. But a toe box that is too loose puts stress on the balls of your feet because they must slide around to compensate for the looseness in the toe.
Lending a helping hand
page 9 [features]
New homework-help organization gives students a chance at free tutoring by [rachel birkenmeier] Margaret Peterson sat down at her kitchen table with her usual afternoon snack and homework. She unzipped her backpack, pulled out her boatload of homework, and opened up her Geometry book. As she flipped to the page and got out a new piece of paper, the problems looked like a foreign language to her, and she soon wished she had paid attention in class that day. So she pulled out her silver cell phone and called Homework Zone. Homework Zone is a toll free teacher-run hotline reaching out to kids in the Kansas City area. It was made possible by a $450,000 grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. It is part of the Kauffman Foundation’s agenda
for education focusing on improving math and science achievement and understanding. When Margaret Peterson called Homework Zone, a woman answered and asked for her name, age, what school she attended and other school related questions. “We ask these questions because we are funded by a nonprofit organization,” Luke Thompson said, a staff member at Homework Zone. “It also helps us keep track of what schools are calling in, and what students.” After Peterson had given the needed information, she began asking for help. “I needed help with a Geometry problem, because I didn’t fully understand it,” Peterson said. All of the staff members at Homework Zone are certified teachers who are • It is completely free equipped to answer • Since it started in November 2005, it has received over 2,800 calls questions concerning subjects such as math, • It offers help for students in grades 1- 12 in all subjects but science and foreign specializes in science and math. languages. • The toll-free phone line is opened Monday- Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., “[Homework Zone] helped probably online help is offered at www.h-zone.org around an eight on a • It is funded by the Ewing Kauffman Foundation and managed by the YouthNet of scale of 1-10, because it Greater Kansas City was helpful when you have someone who
About the Homework zone
could explain the problem to you step-by-step,” Peterson said. “But I had a hard time talking to the woman on the phone. She wasn’t talking loud enough, and she confused me when she said ‘hold on let me check it again’. She had to stop multiple times, but I would call again if I needed help and a teacher or my parents weren’t around.” The hotline is open weekly, on Monday-Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. These times are a problem for some students. “It’s hard to get help at night especially for kids with busy schedules and who can’t call during the hours they are open,” sophomore Jenee Vickers said. “I have soccer and debate that takes up most of the hours that it’s open so it’s hard to reach it, especially if you procrastinate or have to do other things,” Vickers said. For the students who can’t call during the open hours, there is an online help program also provided. There, you can talk to a teacher via Instant Message and get help. “I tried to use the online resource but I had to call people to register and it kind of defeats the purpose,” Vickers said. In the past year, Homework Zone has helped more than 1,000 students in the greater Kansas City Area, and helps an average of 40-75 students daily. Homework Zone hopes to help a total of 20,000 during this school year.
SME SME SME SME SME SME SME SME SME SME SME SME SME SME SME SME SME SME SME SME SME SME SME SME SME SME SM
Fourth Annual
Saturday November 18, 2006 7:00 p.m. - Midnight St. Ann’s School Gym 7225 Mission Road
FEAST FOR EAST
JEANS & JAZZ
Join Shawnee Mission East Parents & Supporters Grea for an evening of t and sign up prog p Food, Friends and Fundraising ressi arties v e dinn followed by dancing s and g n ers! i w a r d l to the music of C-La Specia g classes! n i zy-U RECESS cook
Ranc h
ty! r a P ” r Make re “Osca ser
Casual dress/ jeans Cash Bar
Vacation homes!
!
Enjoy performances by vations NOW! SME Blue Knights
Girlfriends and Glitter party!
& SME Blue Notes Starting at 7:oo p.m. sharp. www.theeastfund.org
Oct. 30, 2006
page 10 [features]
Nutty Allergies
“I grabbed another colleague and told them to take me to the hospital immediately because I couldn’t breathe,” Brewster said. “But by the time we got there I was already laying on the floor of the car.” The first thing the doctors did when Brewster reached the hospital, was to try and find a vein to give him Epinephrine, a synthesized adrenaline that boosts energy levels. The doctors had difficulty finding the vein because Brewster’s veins had collapsed due to blood loss. Brewster said he felt he was slowly leaving his body. “I was kind of in that dream state you by [meg shackelford] always hear people talking about,” he Thirty years ago, when American Government teacher said. “I floated up to the ceiling and was looking down on the Sam Brewster was still teaching at a Chicago school, a colleague of his brought brownies for the faculty. Between scene. I had a rather pleasant feeling with no sense of fear, classes, Brewster hurriedly went to grab one. He took one and then I remember hearing the doctors say, ‘Flat lining!’” Brewster said it was like he was hallucinating, because bite, swallowed and immediately knew he was in trouble. Ever since he drank formula milk—that contained soy— then he realized, “Good grief, I’m dying.” It was a real effort to as an infant, Brewster has known he is allergic to peanuts. get back to his body, kind of like swimming to the bottom of The reaction he gets is very similar to when a person receives a pool. He tried grunting to give the doctors some sort of idea he was still alive. a snake bite or a bee sting. The exact word i s From then on he has tried to be more careful. “anaphylaxis,” which is when there Sophomore Ansley Rowe’s nut allergy is not as severe is a loss of blood pressure and the as Brewster’s. Her allergy is mild enough that she can throat starts to swell, or close up. It is tolerate almonds, but not walnuts. When she is potentially fatal. exposed to walnuts and peanuts, her face starts to Brewster is not alone. According to get blotchy. Rowe doesn’t have to take any medicine the American Peanut Council, people acts count for it, but she may take Benadryl when she first o n F ods that ac ns i t i r who have true food allergies make up N u t re eight fo rgic reactio starts reacting because she can sometimes e a ll about 2 percent of the population. There There of food-a 90% become wheezy. She once developed a welt r fo are 500 to 1000 deaths from anaphylaxis 1. Milk on her face from a peanut butter cookie, ) g every year in the United States. These ew 2. Eg anut t, cash her father Craig Rowe said. food allergies are a result of the body 3. Pe e Nut (walnu re T “When she was in preschool, no one . 4 over-reacting to the allergens, or the 5. Fish llfish could bring treats that had peanut butter in e peanuts. The next time that particular 6. Sh them,” Rowe said. 7. Soy eat food is eaten, the immune system releases Doctors from the American College 8. Wh increased amounts of chemicals like of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology say immunoglobulin E antibodies or histamine. food allergies are usually inherited. If both These antibodies cause blood vessels to widen, muscles to contract and skin to become itchy, swollen and parents have a food allergy, the child is 75 percent more likely red. The antibodies can also be found in body tissues such as to get one, whereas if one parent has one, there is a 30-40 intestines and lungs where symptoms start, such as: hives, percent chance it will be passed to the child. If neither parent vomiting, diarrhea and wheezing. The symptoms can appear has one—like in Brewster’s case—then the child has a 10-15 percent chance of getting it. four hours after contact, and some within minutes. Like Brewster, peanut allergies don’t run in senior Philip This is exactly what happened when Brewster swallowed the brownie. After a 15 second lag, he felt a difference as his Wolff’s family. He hasn’t had as many encounters with the allergy, and so he claims his case isn’t that severe. Wolff has throat began to close up. an Epi-Pen, which is a one-use injection shot that increases
students and teachers deal with food allergies
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adrenaline in the user. He does not carry it around usually. Brewster however, takes it with him when he is going to be away from home for a long time, for instance, on a backpacking trip. The Epi-Pen steadies the reaction until the user reaches the hospital. “I always keep an eye out for peanuts and have been careful about it,” Wolff said. “Especially around Halloween with peanut butter cookies and candies.” Even an action as simple as using a knife after it has been “contaminated” with peanut butter, or still has peanut butter residue on it, is something that Brewster has to watch out for. He has to clean off the knife before using it. Airlines sometimes serve peanuts as snacks, and when the packets are opened, peanut dust starts to float around, causing Brewster to get wheezy. Freshman Will Chertoff has had only two encounters with his peanut allergy in his lifetime. His parents found out about his allergy when he was an infant and he ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. They then had to take him to the hospital where the doctors had to give him Epinephrine because his face was swelling and his throat was closing up. The second time Chertoff had an encounter, he was four years old and trick-or-treating for Halloween. Chertoff ate a Reese’s peanut butter cup and the familiar feeling of the last reaction started to kick in all over again. “I’m more careful about it now,” Chertoff said. “Whenever I go to restaurants I have to ask the waiters what is safe to eat on the menu, and they are understanding about it.” Nowadays, candy bars have a note on them that say “contains traces of peanuts” to warn consumers before unwrapping. This is accommodating to Brewster, but he still won’t take the risk. He doesn’t mind missing out on the candy though. “If this is my handicap, then I can deal with it,” he said. .Nutty.Facts.
•
•
The average American consumes more than 6 lbs. of peanuts and peanut products per year. Peanuts are a good source of protein. They contain no cholesterol and they are an excellent source of Vitamin E.
•
•
from the American Peanut Council
MORP DANCE Nov. 4th @ 7:30 PM in the SME Gym Dress and dance crazy! Be there, or be square
College PowerPrep 913-451-8552
the [harbinger]
25 percent of children can outgrow food allergies. However, allergies to peanuts, nuts, fish, and shellfish are life-long. Learn how to read food labels in order to spot the trigger. If a packaged food doesn’t have a label with ingredient list, DON’T BUY IT.
allegiance
page 11 [features]
pledging
Students and teachers become U.S. citizens
continued from page 1
So 18-year-old Losey found herself on a plane to Wichita. Her first few months in America were full of adjustments: new school, new language and a new home. At Wichita State University, Losey had to learn in a foreign language. Though she’d studied English for four years, Losey had learned British English. The unfamiliar mid-western accent made understanding a foreign language even harder. Exceedingly difficult was understanding her international business professor, who came from India. “I was struggling to understand his accent.” In America, she found herself eating sandwiches for most of her meals. “At home, my mom always cooked potatoes and sausages and rabbit stew.” Rather than her mom’s homemade steak-frites (steak and shoestring potatoes), she was fixing meals with the help of Jiff, Welch’s and Miracle Whip. “I was very spoiled {in terms of food}before I came to America.” Her first semester, Losey was unhappy. She felt alienated by different language, geography, and foods. What stopped her from catching the next flight home was the thought of another 10-hour plane ride. Losey got so sick on the way over, she didn’t think she could handle flying again. So she stuck it out for the rest of the semester. A semester became a year, which became four. Now, it’s been 18 years. In 1988, Losey decided to apply for citizenship. She and her husband were going to live in the United States and she wanted the same rights, particularly the right to vote. She’d been residing on a student visa, and after she applied it took about a year to gain citizenship. Immigrants need a sponsor to become a citizen. For Losey, it was her in-laws. “They have to support you if you get in trouble financially because the United States doesn’t want you to be a burden to them,” she said. Next, Losey went through a medical check that included tests for syphilis and TB. After filling out stacks of paperwork, she drove to the Kansas City Immigration office to take a test on American history and government. Losey recalls that her questions dealt mainly with the Constitution. She studied the booklet provided by the immigration office for almost two straight days before her exam. She took the citizenship process very seriously. “To be accepted as a United States citizen is a big deal because not everyone is allowed to be a resident.” As she sat in the immigration office, Losey saw immigration officers handcuff an African woman because she was living here illegally. She was being deported out of the country. Losey’s written test was to write, “I go to the store to buy food.” Losey was surprised that this was her only written test. “I said, ‘That’s all?’ and {the immigration officer}said, ‘You’d be surprised how many people can’t write that.’” Having to go through tests, paperwork and court dates has given Losey a strong sense of patriotism. On 9/11, she was the first person on her block to put out the American flag. She says this with pride in her voice. American pride. After going through the citizenship, Losey’s views on illegal immigration are easy: “It’s illegal. It shouldn’t happen.” Her idea is that America should work with other countries so they keep their people, rather than us having to prevent them. Recently, immigration opponents have discussed building a wall between Mexico and the U.S. “That will never work,” Losey says. “It sounds good, but it’ll cost a lot of money and people will just find another way.” *** Junior Xinxing Liu moved here from Singapore
in 2002. Her views towards immigration are more sympathetic. “If they come to America illegally,” she said, “they actually want to be a citizen in some ways.” She also sees them as beneficial to the economy. “They take the hard jobs, the jobs no one else wants to do.” Liu was born in Hennan in central China. She moved to Beijing at age 4, then to Singapore for two years before coming to the United States. Her father, Xo Liu, has a PhD in computer programming that allowed him to get a job at KU Medical Center. He found the job online while living in Singapore. Language was the biggest challenge for Liu. “I didn’t understand anything when I first went to class in English,” she said. After a few days, she understood a few words. After a month, she could understand a few concepts. Liu now understands English perfectly. However, Liu has an accent that sometimes makes her hard to understand. “When you smell something and when you have a big smile on your face,” she says with a laugh, “that took me a long time to get.” Faith and face were also hard to differentiate: “Something about the “—th” sound.” After living here four years, Liu appreciates the “openness” of America. “In China, the government controls the media, so you don’t know things the government doesn’t want you to know.” She also appreciates how many universities there are here. In China, there are more people, but less opportunity to go to college. Liu and her family are not U.S. citizens. Because of her dad’s PhD in research, they are allowed to live in the United States without being citizens. Liu would still like to become a citizen. She expects they’ll apply later this year. “My dad is too busy with work right now,” she said. *** It was 1999, and Kansas City was in the midst of a frosty December. Senior Will Suarez and his family landed in MCI to begin their new lives. His black, canvas duffel bag had some clothes, among them, his favorite blue sweater, but everything else- from his native language of Spanish, to his best friend Alberto, was left behind in the streets of Lima, Peru. “Language was the hardest thing. I could hardly understand any of my teachers.” His family moved to America’s to escape high crime rates and scarce job opportunities. They chose to settle in Kansas City because Suarez’s father had family here. The Suarezs’ are not U.S. citizens, but
Topeka
&now
here
check out how many people became citizens in these Kansas cities last year
33 males 41 females largest percentage: Mexican
TOTAL: 74
Wichita
they’ve begun the process of citizenship. Their first step was to apply for permanent residence. When this was granted, they applied to become U.S. citizens. “First, we got finger-printed, and then my dad was interviewed,” Suarez recalled. He still doesn’t know when he’ll be a citizen. “The process takes awhile because it is highly restricted,” Kansas City immigration lawyer Robert Frager said. “A person needs sponsorship from within the U.S. and they need to prove they’re not taking a job away from an American.” Marriage to a U.S. citizen speeds up the process, requiring only three years of U.S. residency. But both Suarez’s parents are Peruvian, so they had to live in the country for five years before applying. *** When Irving Cedillo moved to the United States from Mexico City in 1989, he was only one year old. His family was seeking a better life. They came to Kansas City because his dad’s uncle was already living here and because it was “just a nice city.” Cedillo and his family are in the process of becoming U.S. citizens. Though he will soon become a citizen, Cedillo doesn’t think illegal immigrants should be condoned. He recognizes they come here to work, and often take the jobs most legal citizens wouldn’t do. “I really don’t think there would be a lot of Americans working in the back of restaurants or picking fruit like Mexicans do,” he said. Cedillo’s father, Jim is the freight director at JV Hunt, a company that cuts wood and cedar to be made into paper. His mother tutors students in Spanish, her native language. Because he was so young when he came, language wasn’t an issue for him. Cedillo speaks English, Spanish, and French. “And right now, I’m teaching myself Italian.” Like Losey, he believes that a wall between Mexico and the United States would not solve any problems. “That’s just ridiculous,” he said. “People are going to find other ways to get here.” As a citizenship attorney, Frager deals with immigrants every day. The way he sees it, there is a boundary between Mexico and the United States that should not be crossed. At the same time, he knows why they want to come. “Nobody wants to live in Iraq,” he said. “You walk outside and might get bombed. Here, you aren’t going to be threatened when you don’t follow a certain religion or dress a certain way. We don’t realize how good we’ve got it. Everyone wants to come here.”
Lawrence 33 males 29 females largest percentage: Iranian
TOTAL: 62
Kansas City
209 males 278 females
671 males 808 females
largest percentage: Vietnamese
largest percentage: Mexican
Oct. 30, 2006
TOTAL: 487
TOTAL: 1479 information from www.uscis.gov
page 12 [spread]
Election Ballot 2006
THE POLITICAL SON
1.Are
Sophomore Jordan Holsinger sees politics up close and personal with his father’s run for state representative
YES
by [daniel heady]
During October, the sides of the streets are lined with yard signs. Some say to vote for a certain candidate or a proposition. However, for sophomore Jordan Holsinger, the signs say more than that; they say support his dad. “It’s cool to see tons of people rally around one person,” Jordan said. His dad Alex Holsinger is running for state representative in Kansas’s 20th district. Alex is a criminal justice and criminology professor at UMKC and his work schedule normally didn’t affect his relationship with his son, but now it’s a little different. “His time is more displaced,” Jordan said. “I don’t see him as much after school but more later at night.” However, Jordan knows that his dad is really happy with what he is doing. “I know it’s stressful but at the same time I know he can handle it.” Along the campaign Jordan has been there to support his father and offer his help. “I mostly stuff mailers or put out yard signs,” Holsinger said. “I put out a lot of yard signs, but I don’t mind doing it because it helps him.”
Alex Holsinger (left) is pictured with his son, Jordan, by one of his campaign posters
photos by katie woods
The
Breakdown
Here are three of the most important match-ups that will be on the ballot on Nov. 7. Check to see if the issues that they support match up with your own. compiled by [daniel heady]
Kathleen Sebelius Democrat
ot
NO
Eighteen-year-old students experie by [hanna cosgrove]
18th birthday. Dreams of buying cigarettes, lottery tickets and being an “adult” race through the minds of teens. But alongside these privileges, freshly minted adults are given the right to vote. This experience gives teens a new way to voice their opinions and take part in the United States legal system. “Voting is one of the most powerful things we can do as teenagers to make our voices heard,” senior Matt Summers said. Yet according to the National Census, in the 2004 presidential election, only 47 percent of teens voted. These numbers are even less at the city and state level. Their reasons vary, from a lack to knowledge to the fact that they just don’t care. “I don’t know enough about the state or city elections to give a vote,” senior Tyler Parman said. “Because the presidential elections are in the media more I feel like I am informed and would feel comfortable voting.” While some may not think voting is important, past events have shown that every vote truly does count. Take the 2000 presidential election for example; results were so close in Florida that each ballot had to be hand counted giving George W. Bush a mere 537 vote lead. This type of event has happened numerous times on all levels of government-city, state, and national-
Governor
Budget: Top down audit of states budget. Taxes: Balanced budget without a tax increase. Education: Better efficiency of spending.
photos courtesy of each candidate’s respected campaign
the [harbinger]
showing that even one vote can affect the outcome of an election. “Too many people feel like they just have one vote,” Andrew Wang, Prairie Village city councilman said. “But when an entire city or nation takes part, it creates thousands even millions of votes that greatly affect the outcome.” Senior George Hart plans to cast his vote in the upcoming elections for Attorney general, governor, and state representative and is also proposing a bill in Youth in Government to encourage more 18-year-olds to vote. “I have always felt that it was a duty for Americans to vote,” Hart said. “I made a promise to myself a long time ago that I would vote and be a good citizen.” But whether voting remains a duty or a privilege can still puzzle the mind of teens. Wang sees the lack of effort displayed by today’s teens when it comes to voting and hopes students will become active in voicing their opinions and taking part in our government. “There’s not enough attention paid to young people when they are able to vote,” Wang said. “Until everyone can expend the same amount of effort as they do watching TV, playing sports, or seeing a movie to voting, there will not be enough people participating.”
Jim Barnett Paul Morrison
Republican Budget: Get rid of courts’ ability to affect the budget. Taxes: Eliminate estate tax and reduce state income tax by 20 percent. Education: Add $495 million to school budgets.
Democrat Safety: Proposed Internet safety division called Cyber Crime Division. Abortion: Has not said if he will continue Kline’s investigation if elected. Punishment: Harsher sentences for sex offenders and violent criminals, also supports the death penalty.
page 13 [spread]
e You
ting?
Though Kansas midterm elections aren’t as highly publicized as presidential elections, their results still greatly affect students
ence the choice to vote for the first time the
STUDENT
VOTE
Senior students told us how knowledgeable they were about the upcoming elections and if they were even going to give their vote
Sixty-two seniors who will be 17 during the elections took a survey telling what they would do if they were eligible to vote. wouldn’t vote if they were 18 and don’t know who they would vote for
would vote if they were 18 and know who they would vote for
11% 18%
Twenty-two seniors who will be 18 and eligible to vote during the elections took a survey telling how prepared they were for elections.
would vote if they were 18 but don’t know who they would vote for
Attorney General
Mobile Voter is making registering to vote more accessible to young voters by [rachel mayfield] Mobile Voter is a non-profit organization that conducts youth-focused voter registration campaigns. Mobile Voter’s current goal is their TXTVOTER ’06 campaign. The campaign’s objective is to register young voters all over the country for the 2006 election. This campaign will register 55,000 + voters for the upcoming election. Simply text VOTER to 75444. A text message will be sent back asking for a name and address or e-mail address. After sending that, an already filled out voter registration form will be mailed to the address. Once the form is received just sign it and send it back.
Judging the Jargon Politicians sometimes use vague terms that confuse voters. Here is an interpretation to clear their speeches up
WHAT THEY SAY: WHAT THEY MEAN: “My opponent…”
In a political debate it is as important to attack your opponent as it is to promote yourself. This phrase is normally said to shift the focus off a politicians policies and shine a negative light on their opposition
“I have a plan to…”
This is said mostly by challengers who are addressing the needs of the people, something they normally claim the incumbent has been ignoring
“My record shows…”
The Incumbent normally uses this phrase to promote things that they have voted for in the past. They use this to avoid taking a position on specific issues
are registered and know who they will vote for
not registered and don’t know who they will vote for
36% 71%
TXT 2 REGISTER
23%
9% 32% not registered but know who they will vote for
are registered but don’t know who they will vote for
Phil Klein Dennis Moore
Republican Safety: Created the “Cyber Crimes Task Force”. Abortion: Created an investigation for criminal late term and partial birth abortions. Punishment: Tougher sentences for sex offenders and increase jail capacity.
Democrat
Education: Proposed act to let Kansas schools opt out of NCLB until fully funded. Social Security: Reform social security by 2017 to preserve it. Iraq: Increase training for Iraqi police and military and reduce burden on US troops.
Oct. 30, 2006
State Representative
Chuck Ahner
Republican Education: Supports local control and higher parent involvement. Social Security: Supports the new “fair tax” system that reforms the tax system and social security. Iraq: Supports the war on terror but also supports adjustments and the Patriot Act.
page 14 [feature
the
HARBINGER recognition of
A
OUTSTANDING B student
achievements of first quarter C
A AVERY FISCHGRUND
Though they won’t be winning any trophies, these students and groups have outdone themselves and we feel they deserve some acknowledgement.
D
E B
C DRUMLINE
photo by hannah brewer
The marching band is a fixture at varsity sporting events. They have universal recognition and admiration, but the one thing they’d never achieved was top rankings at a state festival. This year, though, the marching band earned two unprecedented honors at the K-State marching festival: a oneplus in musicality and an overall ranking of one. The recognition did not come without work. Senior drum major Cole Spickler shows up at school at 6:30 a.m. every morning to prepare for the band’s 7 a.m. practice. In the weeks before the festival, his time commitment expanded to include after school organizing sessions until 4 p.m. For the marching band and Spickler, this was the perfect end to a long and rewarding career as marchers. Riding to victory on “The Night Before Christmas,” their hard work finally paid off.
D ALYSSA MURFEY
photo courtesy of alyssa murfey
There are two applications that matter to most high school students: work and college. But junior Alyssa Murfey slugged through a different kind of application this fall. Each year, Kansas City Youth Commission recruits area teens to advise Mayor Kay Barnes and the councilmen on important youth issues. Murfey’s acceptance only came after three interviews at the councilmen and Mayor’s offices and the submission of a written application. As a Commission member, Murfey has a slew of responsibilities. She attends every town hall meeting, reports to her coordinators monthly and meets with the mayor bimonthly. She’s also in charge of the Housing and Transportation Committee. Currently, they’re working on establishing a safe youth bus line and forming housing programs for low-income families. “It’s a really unique experience,” said Murfey, “when you can get an idea of what it’d be like to be a real city council member.”
the [harbinger]
E DEBATE
photo by hannah brewer
B MARCHING BAND
photo by annie krieg
The football players weren’t the only ones hard at work before Every theater production requires hours of work. the rivalry match against South on Friday, Oct. 20. In the days leadDuring the weeks leading up to a performance, stress ing up to the game, the drumline held sectional practices outside runs high for everyone involved. of class to choreograph a special performance in honor of the occaby [nathan yaffe] This quarter, senior Avery Fischgrund’s stress was trision. Senior Scott Montana organized the two-hour sessions in which pled. In addition to directing a Frequent Friday, she’s the drummers played to spice up the classic East drumline rhythms. student director for the play, “Wild Oats,” and has the lead in The performance, which included stunts like bass drum headstands the rep theater’s production of “Androcles and the Lion.” and behind-the-back drumming, drew a standing ovation from the crowd that For her Frequent Friday, Fischgrund adapted an episode of “Gillasted until halftime was over. For the finale, Montana threw for a touchdown of ligan’s Island.” First came a two-hour stint play/pausing the show until his own, catapulting a drumstick through the air and into the grasp of junior Rion Glynn. she had transcribed every line. The week of the performance, she didn’t leave the “We had a lot of fun working on it,” says Montana, “and I’m just glad everyone enjoyed Little Theater before 7 p.m. once. seeing it so much.” “Every theater kid’s career is leading up to their Frequent Friday,” said Fischgrund. “But handling all three at once—it got a little crazy.” photo by patrick mayfield
For most seniors, lunch is a rush that turns safe drivers into maniacal Indy 500 wannabes. However, senior Sean Kennedy’s break is different. All lunch hour, he and his debate partner, junior Danny Mapes, have their faces half an inch away from any one of thousands of debate file, practicing speed-reading, creating new cases and developing their arguments for the next tournament. Debate teacher Mrs. Manville has even stumbled on them at school on the weekend. Their extra work paid off this fall: Kennedy and Mapes earned a spot in the Tournament of Champions. To qualify, a debate team must earn a bid at two nationally ranked tournaments during the season. Kennedy and Mapes are the fourth team from Kansas to fully qualify in ToC’s 35-year history.
Q&A
page 15 [features]
Students participate in extra curricular activites to appeal on...
College applications
GONZAGA UNIVERSITY Application For Admission
Dear Candidate:
We look forward to reading your completed application and learning more about you.
Please follow the application instructions carefully, and pay close attention to deadlines. Also, note that your application cannot be reviewed until all required materials have been received.
by [derek martin] With college application season in full swing, many are faced with the task of presenting themselves to colleges in hopes that they will be accepted to the school of their dreams. When applying to more selective schools such as Wake Forest and Miami of Ohio, seniors like Ben McNamara have had to consider what will look good in the eyes of an admissions counselor. According to Collegeboard.com, of the 1.5 million students nationwide who took the PSAT in 2005; over 99 percent said they were college bound. As more and more high school students apply for college each year, and admissions rates decline, some students feel pressured to boost their resumes by participating in activities purely to “pad” their resume. In a nation full of college applicants that extra activity or service hour may make the difference. “Since I was able to, I took part in NHS, because I knew it would look good on a college application,” McNamara said. Students such as McNamara said that activities like NHS, SHARE, as well as other extra-curriculars would look good on their college applications. According to Kevin Kropf, Executive Director of Admissions for Hendrix University in Conway, Arkansas, it’s far better for a student to have a few activities they are passionate about, than a casual interest in a lot of activities, although he mentioned the most important factor in an admission decision is a student’s academic record.
“Not just their academic record but their academic record in the context of the curriculum,” Kropf said. While the academic record may be most important, the other items in the application – the essay, the resume, the letters of recommendation – are used to distinguish between academically equal applicants. Several students admitted to using SHARE as a vehicle to pad their resumes. One of these students is junior Clare Seesing. “I volunteered at this soup kitchen, just ‘cause I knew it would look good on my resume, ” Seesing said. Senior Abbey Blick, a SHARE Exec for 2005-2006 conceded that some people do use SHARE solely for resume padding. “It’s hard to say doing something to get on your college application is wrong,” Blick said, “but doing it purely for that reason and going to a project and not contributing is.” In a U.S. Department of Education study from 1990-2000, only 37% of students said they volunteered out of pure altruism while in high school. Furthermore the study showed a decline in the amount of community service performed for all eight years following high school. The report lists “the weakening of incentives for service – such as...approval from post-secondary institutions” among the potential factors for the decline in service. This year over 150 students are involved as SHARE chairs in the SHARE program. This is not surprising
considering the prevailing attitude towards community service among students. “I think colleges are looking for a wide variety of community service activities. ” McNamara said. “It’s this line of thinking that leads students to do some activities for the wrong reasons. ” Resume padding doesn’t always affect your chance of admission though. According to Counselor Don Baker, colleges use resumes as only one piece of the application. “Colleges are trying to get a picture of you without actually meeting you,” Baker said,“I think it’s beneficial for students to get out and involved in lots of activities, it lets them meet people and have experiences that they wouldn’t otherwise get, which makes them a more rounded person.” According to the Office of Admissions at Harvard University, “Successful applicants present strong academic credentials, evidence of highly developed talents or interests, motivation and character. ” These qualifications can be found, in some form, in mission statements and prospective student literature all across the country. While the resume remains an integral part in the application process, it is but one piece in the puzzle of a successful college application. “ [Students] need to define themselves with the application, “ Kropf said, “ [they need to] say ,‘This is what I want to do. ’”
Application For Admission
with Joan Sarles
Please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Admission with any questions about the application process. Also, you may access our online application at www.gonzaga.edu or utilize the Common Application (and send in the Gonzaga Supplement) at www.commonapp.org.
Dear Candidate:
We are honored you have chosen to apply to Gonzaga University, and we look forward to learning more about you, your interests, passions, and talents.
Please follow the application instructions carefully, and pay close attention to deadlines. Also, note that your application cannot be reviewed until all required materials have been received.
We look forward to reading your completed application and learning more about you.
Gonzaga University
The Application for Admission to Gonzaga provides an opportunity for you to introduce your best self. Reflect on your accomplishments and your aspirations. Thoughtfully choose your recommenders. Take time with the essay. We read each application thoroughly several times and will appreciate your efforts.
Sincerely,
GONZAGA UNIVERSITY
Please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Admission with any questions about the application process.
Julie McCulloh Dean of Admission Gonzaga University
Also, you may access online application at www.gonzaga.edu or utilize the Common Application (and send Application ForourAdmission in the Gonzaga Supplement) at www.commonapp.org.
What do you look for on college GONZAGA UNIVERSITY applications? We look for signs of well-rounded GONZAGA UNIVERSITY indivuduals, grades and test scores play a more minor roll.
We are honored you have chosen to apply to Gonzaga University, and we look forward to learning more about you, your interests, passions, and talents.
Dear Candidate:
We look forward to reading your completed application and learning more about you.
Sincerely, Please follow the application instructions carefully, and pay close attention to deadlines. Also, note that your application cannot be reviewed until all required materials have been received.
Application for Admission to Gonzaga provides an opportunity for you to introduce your best self. Reflect Application For Admission The Julie McCulloh on your accomplishments and your aspirations. Thoughtfully choose your recommenders. Take time with the Dean ofseveral Admission essay. We read each application thoroughly times and will appreciate your efforts. Gonzaga University
Dear Candidate:
Please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Admission with any questions about the application process. Also, you may access our online application at www.gonzaga.edu or utilize the Common Application (and send We look forward to reading your completed application and learning more about you. in the Gonzaga Supplement) at www.commonapp.org. Please follow the application instructions carefully, and pay close attention to deadlines. note that your WeAlso, are honored you have chosen to apply to Gonzaga University, and we look forward to learning more about application cannot be reviewed until all required materials have been received. you, your interests, passions, and talents.
Application For Admission
The Application for Admission to Gonzaga provides an opportunity for you to introduce your best self. Reflect on your accomplishments and your aspirations. Thoughtfully choose your recommenders. Take time with the Sincerely, essay. We read each application thoroughly several times and will appreciate your efforts. Please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Admission with any questions about the application process. Also, you may access our online application at www.gonzaga.edu or utilize the Common Application (and send Julie McCulloh in the Gonzaga Supplement) at www.commonapp.org. Dean of Admission Gonzaga University We are honored you have chosen to apply to Gonzaga University, and we look forward to learning more about
Dear Candidate:
We look forward to reading your completed application and learning more about you.
Please follow the application instructions carefully, and pay close attention to deadlines. Also, note that your application cannot be reviewed until all required materials have been received.
you, your interests, passions, and talents.
Do you look for quality or quantity in extra curricular activites? UNIVERSITY We look forGONZAGA a balance it is important to try different types of ideas, GONZAGA UNIVERSITY but extremely long lists are taken with a grain of salt.
The Application for Admission to Gonzaga provides an opportunity for you to introduce your best self. Reflect on your accomplishments and your aspirations. Thoughtfully choose your recommenders. Take time with the essay. We read each application thoroughly several times and will appreciate your efforts.
Sincerely,
Please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Admission with any questions about the application process. Also, you may access our online application at www.gonzaga.edu or utilize the Common Application (and send in the Gonzaga Supplement) at www.commonapp.org.
Julie McCulloh Dean of Admission Gonzaga University
We are honored you have chosen to apply to Gonzaga University, and we look forward to learning more about you, your interests, passions, and talents.
Sincerely,
Application For Admission Julie McCulloh Dean of Admission Gonzaga University
Dear Candidate:
We look forward to reading your completed application and learning more about you.
Please follow the application instructions carefully, and pay close attention to deadlines. Also, note that your Application For Admission application cannot be reviewed until all required materials have been received.
The Application for Admission to Gonzaga provides an opportunity for you to introduce your best self. Reflect on your accomplishments and your aspirations. Thoughtfully choose your recommenders. Take time with the essay. We read each application thoroughly several times and will appreciate your efforts. We look forward to reading your completed application and learning more about you. Please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Admission with any questions about the application process. Please follow the application instructions carefully, and pay close attention deadlines. Also, application note that your Also, you maytoaccess our online at www.gonzaga.edu or utilize the Common Application (and send application cannot be reviewed until all required materials have received.Supplement) at www.commonapp.org. inbeen the Gonzaga Dear Candidate:
The Application for Admission to Gonzaga provides an opportunity forhonored you to introduce best We are you have your chosen toself. applyReflect to Gonzaga University, and we look forward to learning more about on your accomplishments and your aspirations. Thoughtfully choose yourinterests, recommenders. with the you, your passions,Take and time talents. essay. We read each application thoroughly several times and will appreciate your efforts.
GONZAGA UNIVERSITY How do you view taking honors classes vs regular? We use an unweighted GPA system so A’s (4 pts) are very important, GONZAGA UNIVERSITY but wepay more attention to students with honors credit. Application For Admission
Please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Admission with any questions about the application process. Sincerely, Also, you may access our online application at www.gonzaga.edu or utilize the Common Application (and send in the Gonzaga Supplement) at www.commonapp.org. We are honored you have chosen to apply to Gonzaga University, and we look forward to learning more about Julie McCulloh you, your interests, passions, and talents. Dean of Admission Gonzaga University
Dear Candidate:
We look forward to reading your completed application and learning more about you.
Please follow the application instructions carefully, and pay close attention to deadlines. Also, note that your application cannot be reviewed until all required materials have been received.
Sincerely,
Julie McCulloh Dean of Admission Gonzaga University
The Application for Admission to Gonzaga provides an opportunity for you to introduce your best self. Reflect on your accomplishments and your aspirations. Thoughtfully choose your recommenders. Take time with the essay. We read each application thoroughly several times and will appreciate your efforts. Please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Admission with any questions about the application process. Also, you may access our online application at www.gonzaga.edu or utilize the Common Application (and send in the Gonzaga Supplement) at www.commonapp.org. We are honored you have chosen to apply to Gonzaga University, and we look forward to learning more about you, your interests, passions, and talents.
Application For Admission
Sincerely,
Dear Candidate:
We look forward to reading your completed application and learning more about you.
Julie McCulloh Please follow the application instructions carefully, and pay close attention to deadlines. Also, note that yourDean of Admission Gonzaga University application cannot be reviewed until all required materials have been received.
What are the benefits for doing GONZAGA UNIVERSITY early action on Nov. 15? GONZAGA UNIVERSITY If applications are in GONZAGA beforeUNIVERSITY Nov. 15 the students get first picks for housing and class selection and are offered more scholarship money.
The Application for Admission to Gonzaga provides an opportunity for you to introduce your best self. Reflect on your accomplishments and your aspirations. Thoughtfully choose your recommenders. Take time with the essay. We read each application thoroughly several times and will appreciate your efforts. Please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Admission with any questions about the application process. Also, you may access our online application at www.gonzaga.edu or utilize the Common Application (and send in the Gonzaga Supplement) at www.commonapp.org.
Application For Admission
We are honored you have chosen to apply to Gonzaga University, and we look forward to learning more about you, your interests, passions, and talents. Dear Candidate:
Sincerely,
We look forward to reading your completed application and learning more about you. Application For Admission Application For Admission
Please follow the application instructions carefully, and pay close attention to deadlines. Also, note that your application cannot be reviewed until all required materials have been received. Julie McCulloh Dear Candidate: Dean of Admission The Application for Admission to Gonzaga provides an opportunity for you to introduce your best self. Reflect Gonzaga University on your accomplishments and your aspirations. Thoughtfully choose your recommenders. Take time with the We look forward to reading your completed application and learning more about you. Dear Candidate: essay. We read each application thoroughly several times and will appreciate your efforts.
Please follow the application instructions carefully, and pay close attention to deadlines. Also, note that your We look forward to reading your completed application and learning more about you. Please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Admission with any questions about the application process. application cannot be reviewed until all required materials have been received. Also, you may access our online application at www.gonzaga.edu or utilize the Common Application (and send Please follow the application instructions carefully, and pay close attention to deadlines. Also, note that your thetoGonzaga at www.commonapp.org. The Application for Admission to Gonzaga provides an opportunity forin you introduceSupplement) your best self. Reflect application cannot be reviewed until all required materials have been received. on your accomplishments and your aspirations. Thoughtfully choose your recommenders. Take time with the We are honored you have chosen to apply to Gonzaga University, and we look forward to learning more about essay. We read each application thoroughly several times and will appreciate your efforts. The Application for Admission to Gonzaga provides an opportunity for you to introduce your best self. Reflect you, your interests, passions, and talents. on your accomplishments and your aspirations. Thoughtfully choose your recommenders. Take time with the Please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Admission with any questions about the application process. essay. We read each application thoroughly several times and will appreciate your efforts. Also, you may access our online application at www.gonzaga.edu or utilize the Common Application (and send Sincerely, in the Gonzaga Supplement) at www.commonapp.org. Please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Admission with any questions about the application process. Also, you may access our online application at www.gonzaga.edu or utilize the Common Application (and send We are honored you have chosen to apply to Gonzaga University, and we look forward to learning more about in the Gonzaga Supplement) at www.commonapp.org. you, your interests, passions, and talents.
Sincerely,
Julie McCulloh Dean of Admission Gonzaga University
We are honored you have chosen to apply to Gonzaga University, and we look forward to learning more about you, your interests, passions, and talents.
Sincerely, Julie McCulloh Dean of Admission Gonzaga University
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GONZAGA UNIVERSITY
The Application for Admission to Gonzaga provides an opportunity for you to introduce your best self. Reflect on your accomplishments and your aspirations. Thoughtfully choose your recommenders. Take time with the essay. We read each application thoroughly several times and will appreciate your efforts.
Julie McCulloh Dean of Admission Gonzaga University
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Oct. 30, 2006
Every grade for themselves!
page 16 [a&e]
chikin comes to kansas As the opening day of Chik-Fil-A draws near, a fast food guru shares his insight an opinion of
Johnny McGuire
photo by taylor philips
When I moved from Dallas, TX a few years ago, I left behind one of my favorite restaurants, Chick FilA. Ironically, there are now Chick Fil-A’s being built in Kansas City, just as I am about to graduate and leave. In fact, one is being constructed right now around 87th and Ward Parkway, just outside the Ward Parkway mall. I decided to go visit a Chick Fil-A which had just been opened in Olathe. It was the first time I used the highway for fast food purposes, but I felt because of the waffle fries it was worth it. After a 20-minute drive, two friends and I pulled into the parking lot. The inside was a clean environment, and every booth looked new. On the walls were posters with talking cows that begged the customers to stay away from beef, and eat chicken. It was pretty busy, but the lines were moving fast. I actually felt like I was back in Texas, waiting for my very own chicken oriented meal. The ordering process is like any other fast food restaurant. I got the chicken nugget meal that came with waffle French fries and a large Dr. Pepper. My meal took the longest to make, but it was greasy and delicious. It reminded me of all the trips I took to Chick Fil-A when I was younger. The Styrofoam cups that
New Events • 3
Chick Fil-A gives you make the meal so much better. I hate it when your cup gets so damp from the drink it leaks. These cups helped keep the drink dry. One thing I noticed was the lack of experience the staff appeared to have. It seemed like they didn’t really know how to work the cashier, and it took them a minute to give me my change. This may be because of the recent opening, but still it made the visit less enjoyable. Still, my good friend and fellow lancer senior Sam Speer had good things to say. “The waffle fries were probably my favorite part of the meal. They were absolutely huge. Also, those cups were great. That was probably the best Dr. Pepper I’ve ever had!” Speer said. Some of the waffle fries were as big as our palms, and they were delicious. However, the serving size seemed too large and it was difficult to finish the entire box. The deserts that Chick Fil-A offer are unlike any other fast food restaurant you might visit. I ordered the fudge nut brownie, and my friends picked the lemon cream pie. The brownie was the perfect temperature, and if I wasn’t so full I would’ve bought another. In December, when the Chick Fil-A is finished at Ward Parkway mall, anyone who likes chicken should give it a visit. “The price is little higher than your other fast food restaurants, but the atmosphere and Styrofoam cups make it all worth the extra buck,” said Speer. “I’m excited for the opening, and hopefully it isn’t a let down.”
Taking a closer look at three ticker events
The Australian Pink Floyd Show Ecoboutiquo Fashion Show This 80s tribute band from the U.K. is still kicking
KC Theatre
Legends! at the Lyric Theatre
• Legends! is a comedy about two rival movie stars who are conned to working together in a Broadway play, with hilarious results. • “Dynasty” stars Joan Collins and Linda Evans reunite in this highly-anticipated production
• The band is the only Pink Floyd tribute band to be asked to perform with one of the members, namely David Gilmour’s 50th birthday party. They were joined by the rest of the band to jam together.
• The Ecoboutiquo fashion and show presents its Planet Fashion performance at Liberty Hall this Thurs. The clothing is Earth-themed. • The not only features fashion but also talent.
• APF is continuing to tour and improve their show whenever possible.
What’s New New • a&e event ticker What’s
Fashion at Liberty Hall
photo from www.aussiefloyd.com
photo from www.kansascity.citysearc.com
photo from www.stubhub.com
• The Australian Pink Floyd show was formed in Adelaide, South Australia in 1988. They were the first Pink Floyd tribute band to tour in the UK back in 1993, starting off with the first International Pink Floyd fan convention.
~Girl Scout honor The Australian Pink Floyd Show, The Uptown Theatre, Nov. 7 • Ecoboutiquo Fashion Show, Liberty Hall, Nov. 2 • Legends!, The Lyric Theatre, Dec. 5 - 10 the [harbinger]
ixed ixedmixed ixed Grant mixedmixed mixedmixedmixed mixedmixed mixedmixedmixed mixedmixed mixedmixedmixed mixedmixed mixedmixedmixed mixedmixedmixedmixedmixed mixedmixedmixedmixedmixed mixedmixedmixedmixedmixed mixedmixed mixedmixedmixed
page 17 [mixed]
photos by frances lafferty
Morris on :
what he’s being for Halloween
“
“
I’m doing a weird, random combination of Santa Clause and a random slew of items thrown together. I got this idea a couple weekends ago. I go thrift store shopping for most of my Halloween costumes, it’s just something I do. I will be going trick-ortreating t his year hopefully, I usually go around the Mission Hills area.
and
Tips Tricks [quick at-home remedies]
change your t-shirt into...
by [rachel mayfield]
In a hurry? To help dry nail polish quicker, run your fingers under cold water.
photo by jenny howard
Self tanner disaster? Mix 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 1/2 cup sugar, apply on loofah and scrub. Stressed? Try this tasty solution. Hot chamomile tea.
Philips 66 Tomahawk & Mission price: 2 mud removal: 3 time: 4 convenience: 3
by [jayne shelton]
4 pillows
7 halters
The Phillips 66 in Prairie Village shopping center is at a choice location for East students. In order to pay, you must go inside and get the ticket which takes away from the convenience. The process is the standard drive through which is pretty fast, but also didn’t do as well getting the mud off the car. The dryer hardly dries the car and I had to use my windshield wipers for a block to get the water off.
8 rugs 9 plant holders 10
patchwork blankets
make your own t-shirt! option
Car wash 103 is in a less convenient location for majority of the area, being located a little outside State Line Rd. in MO on 103rd St. Once you pay and pull around, you shift your car to neutral, which is nice because less energy is wasted by your car sitting in gear. Being a driver of a stick shift, it is especially nice to not keep the clutch down the whole time. A track guides the car through the wash that isn’t as short, but very thorough. At $3 for the basic wash, this car wash is hard to beat.
after
1:
Taking your t-shirt (preferably white), place it under the needle and maneuver your shirt to eventually draw out a design with the machine. For instance: a screwdriver.
option
Oct. 30, 2006 photos by frances lafferty
3 hats
6 drawstring purses
Carwash 103 103rd & State Line price: 5 mud removal: 4 time: 3 convenience: 4
before
1 iPod covers 2 tank tops
5 legwarmers
review] Wishy [a caronwash a scale from 1-5, 5 being greatest
Washy
Top 10 items to
2:
Cut out little squares of masking tape and place them on the front of your t-shirt, making an outline of, for instance, a bunny’s face, with the squares.ake a spray bottle of bleach and spray away! remove the masking tape squares to see your bunny’s face. photo by katie woods
page 18 [a&e]
Let them eat cake! rtesy of m ovieweb.c om
Life story of French Queen ‘storm’s into theaters Imported fabrics, exquisite shoes, extravagant meals, and not to mention a fully developed plot – “Marie Antoinette” kept my attention from start to finish. Kirsten Dunst played the perfect Marie Antoinette. Her dainty characteristics and childlike features made her look a lot like the actual Antoinette. The cast included Molly Shannon (“Superstar”) and Shirley Henderson (“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”), two actors I was surprised to see, who played gossiping court members. Jason Schwartzman, who plays Louis XVI, pulled off the adolescent-like and geeky character perfectly. His awkwardness brought an aspect of comedy to the movie. The film, directed by Sofia Coppola, shows a new perspective: Marie Antoinette as the victim. My decision to enroll in European History AP my sophomore year was probably one of my more idiotic moves, but I do remember Mrs. McCue babbling on forever and ever about her favorite topic: Louis XVI, the Sun King. Maybe she just had some fetish for the deceased king, but she taught us that Marie Antoinette was an uncaring, stuck-up child who wasted all of the country’s money on a lavish lifestyle. I don’t quite agree with dear old Mrs. McCue on this topic. In the movie you see just how difficult it was for Marie to move to a place where everyone ridiculed her and also try to please the entire kingdom. She felt like a constant failure for not immediately conceiving a child and for always inspiring feelings of hate amongst her people for her financial mistakes and even just for being foreign. As a young child, Marie Antoinette must leave her home in Austria to marry Louis XVI at the age of 14. After their marriage, the pressure is on for the two newlyweds to produce an heir. Marie and Louis refuse to consummate the marriage for years because they hardly know each other. In the meantime, Marie lives extravagantly. After endless shopping frenzies and several parties, Marie finally has her
Q&a
first child and settles down to become a mother and a better ruler. Blamed for France’s deficit, Marie is hated by her people and is eventually driven out of her home in Versailles. There was a nice mixture of entertainment and history to keep the story informative as well as pleasing to the audience. The only real downside to the movie was that if you don’t have a good knowledge of the background story of Marie Antoinette, it can be confusing. The scenes tended to jump around from time to time leaving the viewer to interpret what was happening. I’d recommend doing some Googling before seeing the movie. The awkwardness of the situation Marie Antoinette was thrown into caused me to laugh out loud at moments. When the entire court is standing around Louis and Marie’s marriage bed before they spend the night together for the first time, I cracked up. Being married without even knowing each other was awkward enough, but to have the entire kingdom invited into your bedroom while the priest blesses the bed would be enough for me to want to crawl into a dark corner for the next year. Awkward moments like that and Louis’s strange love for keys put a little subtle comedy into the movie making it unlike all the other historical movies. The exquisite scenes and elaborate costumes were to die for. The footage of the rooms of Versailles was amazing. The Versailles look-a-like rooms made me feel exactly like I was in the late 1700s. As Marie shops with her girlfriends and downs delicate deserts and champagne, “I Want Candy” plays in the
photo cou
by [ally heisdorffer]
background. During her carriage ride home after an all night excursion “Fools Rush In” is playing. The twist of modern music randomly heard throughout made the movie more interesting. The soundtrack is another great perk of the film. “Marie Antoinette” is a success. The movie is well written, an accurate display of historical events, and even quite hilarious. Kirsten Dunst will capture you and make you want to fall into Marie Antoinette’s world of luxury and parties. So go ahead and cough up your lifetime savings to go to the theaters and see this movie.
with Tomie dePaola
on his children’s books and upcoming visit Do you have any message for students who are now in high school who read your books as young kids?
by [joey soptic] photo courtesy of Penguin Young Readers Group
Tomie dePaola is an author and illustrator who has been published for over 40 years, completing in this time over 200 books including Strega Nona and Meet the Barkers. He has won both the Caldecott Honor and Newbury Honor for books that he has written or illustrated. He is best known for his children’s books, which make up the majority of his published work. He will be at Rainy Day Books on tomorro at 5 p.m. to discuss his new book, sign books and answer questions from the audience. Tell me about the new book. What is its message to young kids who read it? “It’s more of a family book. It is 15 Christmas memories of mine. They are meant for around the dining room table or around the fireplace and it’s my first venture into older readers.”
“Keep looking at these books! I plan on branching out; I’m not going to stop. This is the first book to appeal to everyone, not necessarily just young kids. Also for anyone wanting to get into art or writing, they are a good resource.”
What is your favorite book that you have written or illustrated?
“I used to say that I didn’t have one, but it would have to be Nana Upstairs, Nana Downstairs. That was my first book that was autobiographical. I did it 30 years ago, and it’s still in print, touching people. It was a very personal story.”
El Vez, Grand Emporium, 12/13 • Cowboy Mouth, Voodoo Lounge, 12/21 • Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Kemper Arena, 12/26 • New Years Eve Party, Uptown Theater the [harbinger]
Just For Kicks
page 19 [sports]
The newest FIFA makes a few changes but keeps the classic gameplay the same by [clark goble]
After playing FIFA ’06 for around a hundred hours and really becoming interested in soccer this summer, I was eagerly awaiting the release of FIFA ’07. Before I went and bought it however, I tried to borrow a friend’s copy. The exchange went like this: “Hey man, can I borrow your FIFA ’07 to review it?” “Eh, how long would that take?” “Two or three hours” “I don’t know about that.” “Why not?” “I can’t think of a two or three hour time in the day when I won’t be playing it.” I expected him to laugh or smile or something after a few seconds, like he was just kidding with me, but that was not to be seen. He just glared at me. I had high expectations after that. Eventually, he did let me play the game, but only after promising to return it in an hour and charging me $40 if it was late. The possible money loss was definitely worth it. FIFA ’07 for the PS2, while still containing about three things that bug the heck out of me, is the most fun sports video game I’ve ever played. This coming from someone who played two 162-game seasons of Ken Griffey, Jr.. Baseball on the N64 in 5th grade. Those games took thirty minutes each. Do the math. What’s so great? EA made a wise decision and left most of the ’06 gameplay intact. You’ll still be able to make runs and leave deftly touched balls that end up in the back of the net, and curl direct kicks into the upper 90’s. The shooting system is still simple,
“
but tough to master. The additions EA made are also ones that will make any FIFAddict happy. Holding L2 and shooting turns a driven shot into a finesse one, which you can curl all day long past sleeping keepers. Players also seem to respond a tad quicker to commands as opposed to the sometimes slow reactions in ’06. But what really makes the game standout is how easy it is to pick up and play. X is pass, O is shoot. You can win a match just with that information. Sure, there are thousands of others things you can do, but shooting and passing are all you need. Since anyone can play and anyone can win, The Lounge is a great mode. Simply, you and your friends can make a Lounge and the game will keep track of standings, goals, stats, and more for the games you play. Bragging rights are definitely up for grabs. There are a few problems. Scoring goals is entirely too easy. I recently played a 7-5 game in which four goals were scored in about a minute real-time. The next game ended up 6-4. It almost turns into a basketball game, where each possession is critical. Changing the game setting to Professional or higher, which will in turn make the goalies better, can help this. It is also very difficult, and without the instruction guide, confusing, to make any sort of dribbling move. A simple stepover takes two moves on the right analog stick to complete, while a 360spin takes an absurd five. Why would EA take something that could
FIFA ‘07... is the most fun sports video game I’ve ever played.
”
be so fun and make it so difficult? There is simply not enough time to get the move off without the ball being tackled away. You have a much better chance of doing manual spins and passing the ball around than you do dribbling by someone. And of course, if you play more than three matches, you will encounter what I like to call the “Huh?” goal. It might happen when your goalie whiffs a pass or when your defender clears the ball… into your net. You just have to move on. Manager mode, where you act as the general manager of a soccer club and control all personnel moves, is largely unchanged from ’06. This is not a bad thing, because the old mode worked well. One new addition is that you can now see what your players overall ratings may be in three, five, or even seven years. Instead of just guessing if Freddy Adu is ever going to be anything, you can see what his potential may be. The other cool thing about manager mode is being able to make the team of your dreams. Imagine a midfield with Ronaldinho, Clint Dempsey, Frank Lampard and Samuel Eto’o and Eddie Johnson at forward. That team was one I formed in less than an hour. Think about what you can do in a day. All in all, EA definitely scored a goal with FIFA ’07. The gameplay alone sets the game apart, but the other modes only add to the experience. I won’t be playing any other soccer game for a long time. Or Ken Griffey, Jr. Baseball game. Or any video game for that matter. That is, until FIFA ’08.
a LO K
ABOVE: Senior midfielder Alex LaPrade leaps for a header against Free State Sept. 21. The team tied 1-1 after rain ended the game just after halftime.
photo by karen boomer
photo by samantha ludington
BACK
BELOW: Four girls’ cross country runners make their way up a hill.
RIGHT: Seniors Alex Marquez, Travis Wiedenkiller and Tom Watson celebrate after stopping SM West on a fourth down attempt.
Oct. 30, 2006
photo by karen boomer
photo by samantha ludington
LEFT: Junior Alex Surface skies for a spike in a volleyball match.
5
minutes with...
photo by patrick mayfield
page 20 [sports]
Sophomore Elizabeth Beck looks to compete in the state championship hosted at East.
elizabeth beck sophomore • gymnastics
by [ronan mcghie]
Elizabeth Beck is a sophomore on the gymnastics team. She and the team are working towards their goal of the Kansas state gymnastics championship, which will be held in the East gym on Nov. 4. On beginning gymnastics: “I started when I was two. I took a dance/ gymnastics combination class. I didn’t like the dance side so I went to the gymnastics side.”
On her most memorable moment: “I won state in level seven all around. In fifth grade I was state champion. I got first in vault, second on floor, and third on bars.”
On the gymnastics team: “We are a fun, loving, competitive, hardworking team. I think everyone has a connection with someone.”
On continuing gymnastics in college: “I will do it all through high school. Whatever college I go to, I will be on either the cheerleading squad or the dance team.”
On balancing gymnastics and social life: “After five on weekdays I usually relax and do homework. On weekends when I don’t compete I socialize. When I have dance, I just try to get as much done as possible.”
On her awards: “I got tenth overall at our individual meet. We hosted a small meet and I got first all around. I’ve medaled at pretty much every meet I have competed at.”
On her family’s role in her sport: “They have a pretty big role. They support me in competitions I do. If I don’t get a trick, they help me in any way they can.”
On her goals: “Hopefully qualify for state, practice harder next year and actually be in with other teams and compete with them.”
It’s a free telephone hotline and online help resource! Get help with all subject matters, especially Science and Math! Bilingual, Spanish-speaking teachers availabe! Have access to College and Career Advisors! 816-877-0777 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday www.H-Zone.org Dial up the Zone for your guide to success! A bright future is at your fingertips! Grades K-12 And... It’s Always Free!!!!
the [harbinger]
Wiffleball gets
RE
photo by samantha ludington
page 21 [sports]
by [mike hake]
Tonight in the gym, 11 teams will meet to whack a small plastic ball around with a flimsy, hollow bat. Apparently wiffleball didn’t die out on the playground, as the can drive wiffleball tournament is set to kick off with a new format featuring even more intense competition than before. “There’s a lot of interest around school,” tournament organizer and junior Sam Watson said. “Through word of mouth it’s kind of become an East tradition. The demand is definitely there.” For the first time, this year’s wiffleball tournament will be set up bracket style, with championship and third place games that will decide the ultimate winners. “I like the bracket style a lot better,” junior Jack Krieger said. “It’s more fun because you can actually try to win something.” In past tournaments, each team was guaranteed three games, and no overall champion has ever been determined. “We just put teams into groups last year, so there wasn’t a true winner,” STUCO sponsor Hannah Pence said. “I think kids will be more serious about winning this year.”
Annual tournament changed from round- robin format to single-elimination bracket style The rules of wiffleball are much faster than that of regular baseball, as games only last three innings or 20 minutes, depending on which comes first, and the ways of scoring are literally off the wall: A home run hit off of any blue state championship banner scores 10 points, however the school song banner is worth negative 10 points. “It adds a fun element and makes the game more interesting,” junior Drew Popplewell said. “There are all kinds of weird things you can hit [on the wall].” The first 10 teams that signed up for the tournament will receive a first round bye, while the other 12 will battle it out in the first round to advance in the bracket. Some, however, would prefer to take their chances in the first round. “I actually thinks it’s better to play in the first round,” Krieger said. “If you don’t have a bye, you get an extra game of practice.”
The entry fee will Tournament Info be $50 per team; up from last year’s $30, and all of the Where: The East Gym money will go to the Johnson County Christmas Bureau. When: Today at 7 p.m. through The 22 teams that Nov. 8 signed up to play raised a total of $1,100 with nearly Why: To benefit the can drive half the number of teams that signed up last year. “$50 isn’t that bad,” junior Alex Huddleston said, “If you have ten people on your team, that’s only $5 per person.” The Johnson County Christmas Bureau helps needy families by providing 10,000 people with food, clothing, gifts and other necessities during the holidays. According to Pence, the JCCB gets more donations from East than any other school in the district. “The best part is seeing how appreciative they are,” Pence said. “You’re helping your own people.” The tournament will start tonight at 7p.m. in the gym, and will continue every Monday and Wednesday until Nov. 8. The popularity of the bracket format is still yet to be seen, but early opinions are already forming. “It’s great that everyone gets to play,” Popplewell said. “But it will make it a lot more fun for the people who want to play seriously and try to win.”
Four Teams to Watch Four Rules to Know Roc-A-Fella Woompers
Wearing police uniforms for jerseys, the Whoompers are looking to pull over the competition. They are led by juniors Clark Neal, Jack Krieger, Max McBride and Drew Popplewell.
Midwest Swing
Team Captain Sam Watson has already established a fierce rivalry with the Roc-A-Fellas. This will definitely be a match up to watch. But before that, they’ll have to get past the Spicy Chickens in round one.
The Roc-A-Fella are led by varsity baseball players Jay Johnson and Jeremy Wolf. Accompanying them are juniors Clark Goble, Keaton Carter, Tommy Kennedy and Josh Baker. This squad will be clad in Green Packer jerseys.
Anchormen
Bryan Nelson, Alex Huebner, Ross Simpson and Alex Block lead the all- senior Anchormen. “We’re definitely going to win,” Alex Block said. “Watch out for Alex Huebner.”
1.
Hitting any state championship sign gets your team 10 runs
3.
Balls hit over the bleachers in left field are a home run
UPCOMING EVENTS: SHARE Fair Wednesday, Sept. 6th @ 2:10 P.M. Class Representative Elections Friday, Sept. 8th Oct. 30, 2006
2. 4.
Hitting the school song is minus ten runs for your team
On the last at-bat, fielders must throw to each base and then home to get an out
page 22 [sports]
The season is long... The Harbinger takes a look back at the fall sports on their way to the post-season
Left: The volleyball team rallies before a match. Right: Senior Ellie Leek watches her ball after a shot from the fairway. photos by hannah brewer and rachel clarke
A fresh start Coach Scott Dowis’ first year was successful. In his first meet, the team defeated both Olathe North and Blue Valley NW in straight sets. The four seniors, Taylor Heinlein, Emily Watkins, Caroline Wardlow and Tiffani Burch, went undefeated on Senior Night. The Lancers were also ranked in the top five of state for most of the season.
by [clark goble]
Setting the course Seniors Abby Gloe and Ellie Leek and junior Catherine Ward were the top golfers for the girls’ team this year. Freshman Kristena Genton’s future looks bright after placing well in numerous tournaments. At the state tournament in Manhattan, Ward placed 18th; the team failed to qualify.
photo by jenny howard
The young team finished ninth at the League Meet, scoring over 87 points. Sophomore Elizabeth Beck and freshman Amanda Pierce were among the top Lancer gymnasts. The state competition will be held in the East gym Saturday where Olathe East and Lawrence look to be the title contenders.
photo by molly oeffner
Varsity soccer players take the field on Senior Night.
Beating the odds Playing SM West in the opener might cause some teams to break, but the Lancers came out of the loss with a winning mindset and lost just two games the rest of the way. The team retained the Nut Cup after defeating SM North in overtime and clinched a regional birth with a win over South. East has qualified out of District 1 for the state playoffs. Their match up this Friday depends on the result of the East-BV North game last Friday. Manhattan and SM West look to be the premier teams standing in the way of a state championship. Below: Senior Carolyn Freeman cheers on freshman Jessie Sykes as she runs at the St. Thomas Aquinas meet.
photo by paige ledbetter
photo by frances lafferty
The finish line
Looking forward The young team finished second at the League meet, the first time in nine years the team did not take the Sunflower League title. Junior Emily Whitney was the number one singles player. Two pairs of doubles teams, junior Finley Gates and freshman Nikki Reber and senior Jessica Wochner and sophomore Sarah Luby, qualified for state. Luby and Wochner placed fourth, losing in the semifinal to two SM West players in a third-set tiebreaker.
photo by Kelsey Brown
Gymnast Elizabeth Beck does a walkover in practice.
Youthful squad hosts state
Senior Mallory Kornhaus hits a forehand in a match against Shawnee Mission North.
Junior Forrest Miller drops back for a pass against Shawnee Mission North.
Ups and Downs Coach Ricker’s last season as boys’ soccer coach was a roller-coaster ride. Losses against Olathe East and St. Thomas Aquinas were tough to take. Wins against SM South and Olathe Northwest were thrillers. Senior Peyton Warwick had clean sheets and made big save after big save week after week. Regionals were played last week. The Lancers’ loss to Blue Valley in the first round knocked them out of state contention.
Senior Peter Reisz finished 18th at the 6A Regional and qualified for state. Freshman Mallory Kirby ran the best girls’ time in the first meet and was a welcome surprise the rest of the season. Freshman Jessie Sykes also qualified for state, running a 16:20 4K and placing 15th in the Regional meet at Shawnee Mission Park.
...and paved in Lancer blue the [harbinger]
page 23 [sports]
things to do during...
4
DEAD WEEK
2 3
photo by jenny howard
1
Get in shape. Both boys’ and girls’ basketball are currently involved in conditioning (right). It can only make your game better.
2
Watch the pros play. The UEFA Champions League is heating up in soccer and the NBA is beginning. The league is trying to clean up its’ image and let LeBron, Carmelo, and D-Wade show their stuff.
photo by karen boomer
It may be “Dead Week”, but the football team (below) has a shot of making it far in the playoffs. Senior WR Bobby Miller has been on the receiving end of more than half of QB Forrest Miller’s completions and is definately getting some college looks.
1
4 5
reasons why...
the fall sports season was a huge letdown
Hert gets Hurt- Coach Stonner proclaimed him the best running back in the state of Kansas, and there’s no doubt senior Colin Hertel was missed. A two year starter, Hertel was expected to carry the rushing load for the Lancers this year.
Volleyball falls- Ranked in the top 5 all season, the girls’ volleyball team was unable to make it out of Regional play. The team was expected to be a serious contender for the state title.
3
No League Title- Coming into this year, East girls’ tennis was synonymous with the 1998 Chicago Bulls or the 1972 Miami Dolphins: complete dominance. Things change. The girls’ failed to take the league title for the first time in nine years.
4
Revenge denied- The big game was supposed to be Thursday vs. BV North, a rematch of last year’s regional championship in which East lost in OT. Instead, the Lancers fell at the hands of Blue Valley in the first round.
Take a few days off, That’s the point of Dead Week, right? Let those tired muscles and minds rest for a week.
Play some other sports. Getting into a monotonous routine can lead to worse play on the court or in the pool. Try a game of Ultimate Frisbee or Wiffleball to get your mind off those swimming laps or basketball sprints.
:03...... :02......:01......
FRIDAY
Boys’ football @ Regionals- If the Lancers won Friday vs. BV North, they will play a Lawrence team they could have beaten in the regular season. If they lost, they face either SM West or Lawrence Free State, two of the top teams in the state. The Lancer special teams may be key to regional victories. Last year’s regional with Olathe South may have been lost due to below-average special teams.
SATURDAY
Girls’ varsity gynastics- State meet @ SM East- The gymnastics team may not be participating, but the rest of the state’s best gymnasts will be in the East gym competing for the state title.
football
DILLON GOINS- SENIOR- FOOTBALL- The Lancers’ defense will have to be at its finest in order to move through Regionals and Substate, and the heart of this defense is Goins. The middle linebacker is a key if East wants to slow down SM West’s junior running back J.D. Steffen or Lawrence Free State’s senior tight end Christian Ballard, who committed to Iowa. PEYTON WARWICK- SENIOR- SOCCER- The season may have ended on a bad note, but Warwick was not to blame. He made numerous saves throughout both halves, including a goal-saving one with 30 minutes remaining. As a chip shot came in from a Blue Valley striker, Warwick leaped and tapped the ball just over the crossbar to keep East within a goal. He committed to Rhode Island this past week, and if any coaches were in the area, they were definitely smiling after that save.
Oct. 30, 2006
0 O
photo by samantha ludington
Wiffleball @ SM East- The tournament officially begins. In a rivalry that has been talked about for weeks, Team BAMF takes on Team BSR. Both teams are all-juniors. The winner gets the right to play the Anchormen, likely the favorite for the championship. Games start at 7 p.m.
play
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xxxxx x x x
39
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x
MONDAY
players
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games
Junior Terrance Thomas (right), Mr. Play of the Week two times running, has a knack for changing a game. Against South, Thomas jumped a curl route and took it to the house for a 23-6 Lancer lead. As soon as Thomas intercepted the ball, South quit running, realizing they were not catching him. He jogged in from the 10-yard-line on. compiled by Clark Goble
page 24 [photo essay] A game of musical chairs starts to get intense as seniors Brian Goldman and Avery Fischgrund fight for the last chair. photo by samantha ludington
Laughing during a game of “Twister” junior Paige Smith fights to stay up. Other activities included “Mole in 0ne”, a mini-putt game, a piñata, a dance competition, musical chairs and, “moleing”, a bowling-like game. photo by samantha ludington
During the “macarena” dance competition seniors Jackie Mares and Bailey Armstrong laughed. This years theme was “Mole Madness: Shake Your Molasses.” photo by karen boomer Junior Natalie Eisenach hangs the new Power Rangers piñata. photo by karen boomer
Get your MOLE on Chemistry students gather to celebrate 6.02 x 1023
At the beginning of the celebration everyone watched a video, made by advanced chemistry students, depicting Mole Day around the world. Seniors Bailey Armstrong, Carrie Paulette, and Liz Raynolds laugh while watching. photo by samantha ludington
Right: Juniors Gage Brummer and Alison Sayler pledged their loyalty to the Mole, and recited the Mole commandments. Advanced chemistry students lead the whole room in the pledge and showed them how to make the sign of the whiskers. photo by samantha ludington
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