Issue 8

theharbinger » » » NEWS: OP drainage goes green » PAGE 2

FEATURES: Senior Sarah Stanley plays the violin » PAGE 15

ISSUE EIGHT december 17, 2007 shawnee mission east prairie village, ks

A&E: Is it really the best movie of 2007? » PAGE 17

S oste » tylerr

F

After initial delay, all East AP classes pass first College Board audit BY

» halliemccormick

For the past three years there have been warnings that AP classes will be audited. For the first time, it is being put into effect for this year.

“No teacher should really be surprised it’s happening.” American History AP teacher Vicki Helgesen said.

The auditing process requires a teacher to turn in their curriculum they use for class to be evaluated by a college professor of that subject.

The professor assesses how well the curriculum covers the college criteria to make it as close to a college class as possible.

“I spent many hours—probably

20, 21—on putting together a 23 page audit for professors to look at.”

Helgesen said.

After several weeks professors send their decision to the school to tell which subjects passed. However, at East there was confusion with parents and students because of subject’s different processing times.

At first people believed that Biology II, Environmental Studies, French, Spanish, Statistics and Economics didn’t pass because East hadn’t received their approvals; but several days later all but Environmental Studies had passed, which was soon after approved as well.

» story continued on page 3

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NEWS

Draining BY

» libbynachman

Overland Park changes storm water maintenance to be more environmentally conscious

news BRIEFS

Winter Break Winter break starts Dec. 21 with the end of second quarter, and begins at Jan. 3 with the beginning of third quarter.

All students must arrive by 9:15 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. On Tuesday and Wednesday, teachers will be on duty from 1:10 to assist students, make up exams and grade final exams, and will be on duty Thursday from 1:10-1:40.

A green O.P.

Any new construction in OverAs a city, there is little Prairie land Park from now on will have to Village can do to mimic Overland be green. An ordinance passed by the Park’s new regulation. Because Overland Park city council on Nov. 12 Prairie Village is fully developed, requires that with all future construcit doesn’t have the room that tion, storm water should be dealt Overland Park has to expand, so with in a “green,” or environmentallythe issue of storm water with new friendly way. construction doesn’t come up.

“The idea is to have new houses Still, it is doing what it can. and buildings in Overland Park be “We did create a bioretenAfter a heavy storm, built with what’s called BMPs, which tion,” Pryzby said. “Water comes wetlands will help to Final Exam Schedule means Best Management Practices,” off the tennis courts and is colTuesday Today absorb storm water Bill Heatherman, storm water engilected in the cells and percolates 9:20-10:50 Second hour exam 7:40-9:10 First hour exam neer for Overland Park, said, “and into the ground. We looked at 10:50-11 Passing period 9:10-9:20 Pass Period that can be anything from a rain garconcrete parking strips that al11-12:30 Third hour exam den to a wetland to a parking lot that low grass to grow up, [but] they 9:20-2:40 Hours 2-7 lets the water run underneath it or wouldn’t work.” it can just be leaving larger areas of Though he was unable to Thursday Wednesday open space.” give details, Pryzby did allude Low spots in yard The new ordinance brings Overto other environmental improve- 9:20-10:50 Fourth hour exam9:20-10:50 Sixth hour exam with special plants that 10:50-11 Passing period land Park into compliance with an asments that the city and East have 10:50-11 Passing Period pect of the Clean Water Act enforced agreed on.

11-12:30 Seventh hour exam 11-12:50 Fifth hour exam like to be wet to use the by the National Pollutant Discharge “I think we’re going to have water and filter it Elimination System Permit (NPDES), an impact on air quality,” Pryzby which is required by the state of KanSenior Wins National Award » renli said. “The city and SME have sas Department of Health and Envicome to an agreement on how to Senior Nandini Sarma won a $20,000 scholtops, the track and the tennis courts. In ronment and the federal government change the drop off and pick up arship at the 2007 Siemens national science the past, this drainage has flooded parts Prairie Village and East have taken at the school … should reduce the amount competition in New York City with her project other routes to comply with the NPDES, of 75th street near Delmar and washed of cars idling and parking. Discussion is titled, “Cellular Translaaccording to Bob Pryzby, Prairie Village’s materials out onto the street in heavy underway about a change in traffic flow rainstorms.

Director of Public Works. directions.” tion Factors are Required With the new construction, East is According to Swift, the change will “We’re actively complying with that for the Virion Host Shutoff [NPDES],” Pryzby said. “For example, last making some strides on “green” storm come with the new location of the main Function of Herpes Simentrance. The front doors will be where fall we sent letters to all the property own- water treatment. plex Virus,” which may “The track is going to get an artificial the senior doors currently are and the ers along Brush Creek reminding them it reveal a possible way of was a violation of federal law to deposit surface,” principal Susan Swift said. “The driveway will come from its current locapreventing and curing architect is designing it so the drainage is tion by the Mission Road entrance, around leaves or any debris into the channel.”

Herpes Simplex Virus. appropriate.” the side of the building and in front of the Prairie Village has to work with East There are other “green solutions un- senior doors. concerning its water drainage instead of Ali Kemp Fashion Show “The purpose is to help the traffic on dealing with it directly, according to Pry- derway. According to Swift, last year’s senior class left money for East to build a Mission Road,” Swift said. “You’ll move zby.

Ali’s Runway, a program dedicated to the “With the expansion of SME, we are rain garden to deal with storm water that more quickly through. It allows a longer memory of Ali Kemp, who was murdered in in discussion with SME staff about the comes off the ramps. A possible location waiting line – three or four kids can get 2002, is Jan. 12 at the Overland Park Convenis near the art wing, but she is waiting unout at one time.” drainage off of the property,” he said. tion Center.

The fashion show features local til the major construction is finished beDrainage includes water that runs high school students modeling clothes from from the parking lots, driveways, roof- fore deciding on the garden’s location.

Overland Park officials have proposed different measures to be more environmentally-friendly

WETLANDS

RAIN GARDENS

Legal

EAST

East adds specialized law program for next year BY

17 dec.

2007

» samlogan

Next year, East will present a new “Signature Program” to the school with an emphasis on law and legal studies. The program will work like the International Baccalaureate Signature Program in that it will bring a focus to one aspect of the curriculum, in this case, legal studies.

“Like with IB, signature programs provide the chance for kids out of district to transfer to East so that they can participate,” viceprincipal Ron Mersch said.

The Legal Studies Signature Program will be based off of a curriculum that features one law class per each year the student is at East.

Freshman year students will partake in Introduction to Law, sophomore year; Mock Trial, Junior year, Forensic Science, and Senior year; Honors Legal Studies Research & Writing.

The classes will be aimed towards providing students with a knowledge of the judicial system with practical uses.

“What we want to find,” Dr. Mersch said, “is how legal aspects can apply to realworld entrepreneurship.”

For each student who completes the signature Legal Studies program, a special mention of their completion will be featured on their transcript upon graduation.

“This is a program that is just now in the works and we’re learning a lot about it,” Mersch said. “We’re planning on it showing legal and marketing points to the students that they can apply to the business world. We know that much, but a lot still needs to be worked out as far as details go.”

Specialty schools East isn’t the only school with specialized programs, which are having seminars next month Biotechnology

West Jan. 10 6:30

Center for South international studies Jan.15 6:30 Biomedical health science

North Jan. 16 6:30

International Baccalaureate

Northwest Jan. 17 6:30

Natalie M, a formal shop in Overland Park. Following the fashion show, audience members will have an opportunity to attend an on-site self-defense seminar. The two shows are 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. For more information, call (913) 236-1268 or go to www.takedefense.org

Kansas Writing Assessment Juniors will take the writing assessments during school Jan. 7-11.

Spring Play Auditions Spring play auditions for “Dearly Beloved” are Jan. 7 and 8 after school. The play is April 4, 5 and 6.

» alexand

erson

AP access

NEWS

Total

3

All AP classes pass audit to receive full credit

» continued from page 1

Teachers’ opinions AP teachers express how they feel about the AP audit process and this year’s problems JEANNETTE BOUNJOUR

MICHAEL CHAFFEE

What did you think about the possible change in AP labeling?

What did you think about the possible change in AP labeling?

“Well it’s my first year teaching AP, but I still had to go through the first audit. It was a long process, but my syllabus got approved. I was confident I wouldn’t lose credit.”

“I really don’t know the system for audits, but I know it’s time consuming. Everybody passed, but if I didn’t I hope they wouldn’t have fired me!”

Do you think there will be a problem in the future?

Do you think there will be a problem in the future?

“Well I can’t speak for everyone, but I don’t think there will be a problem with passing the audit in the future. It’s not like the college board is bringing the hammer down.

It’s a very supportive process and we were given plenty of time to work together and finish it.”

“I don’t think there will be a real problem in the future, but if there is I hope they show us the deficiency so we can change it.”

because of different subject deadlines, not the curriculum’s dependability.

“What happened is that some teachers turn their work in early, some later.

Principal Susan Swift said. “Some teachers were hired and didn’t send their audit in until school started. Then the audits go to experts in the field for approval. Those experts also have other jobs to do, so they do not get them completed immediately Now all of East’s AP classes have passed with a few minor adjustments.

The AP language classes’ approval was postponed because their labeling is different from the AP test. This is because the AP language classes’ titles had too many letters and were shortened to French or Spanish AP LG instead of French or Spanish AP language. Also, Environmental Studies only passed AP as being called Environmental Science AP. Crediting AP status for a class is not a black and white situation. Classes can be in progress of AP approval by getting feedback that suggests strengthening certain areas of the curriculum. For the most part at East, the curriculum teachers sent in was not greatly modified.

Most teachers just sent in what they have been teaching within years past.

Across the district, Shawnee Mission Schools are having their AP classes approved. Shawnee Mission South’s 16 AP classes passed and Shawnee Mission Northwest has had all but Biology II and

Deadline confusion Classes where confusion occurred throughout the audit process:

Biology 2 AP Environmental Studies AP French AP Spanish AP Statistics AP

» www.apcentral.collegeboard.com

II, Environmental Studies, French, Spanish, Statistics and Economy didn’t pass because East hadn’t received their approvals; but several days later all but Environmental Studies had passed, which was then soon afterwards approved as well.

Before finding out about Environmental Science passing the AP audits, Environmental Science AP students were concerned about losing the AP label.

“My only worry is that the colleges I’ve already sent in I have AP written down for the classes I’m taking,” senior Jack Krieger said. “I’d be worried that it might look like I’m exaggerating.”

Along with Krieger, senior Allison Hemer also wonders about her applications she already sent in that credited herself as taking Environmental Studies AP. “I’m just afraid that my schools will think it’s weird that I’m taking an AP test for a now non-AP class,” Hemer said.

The reason for these delayed feedbacks is

» mackenziewylie/karenboomer

For the past three years there have been warnings that AP classes will be audited. For the first time it is being put into effect for this year.

“No teacher should really be surprised it’s happening,” American History AP teacher Vicki Helgesen said.

The auditing process requires a teacher to turn in their curriculum they use for class to be evaluated by a college professor of that subject. The professor assesses how well the curriculum covers the college criteria to make it as close to a college class as possible.

“I spent many hours—probably 20, 21—on putting together a 23 page audit for professors to look at,” Helgesen said.

After several weeks professors send their decision to the school to tell which subjects passed. However, at East there was confusion with parents and students because of subjects’ different processing times. At first people believed that Biology

Chemistry II pass.

“However, we expect the pending ones to pass also,” Shawnee Mission Northwest Principal Bill Harrington said.

Before this year, AP test scores were the way to ensure the classes’ credibility, however further measures are now needed.”

“There is criticism going around that some schools are putting the AP brand on less challenging classes,” Swift said.

According to Dr. Swift, mislabeling and changing AP credits hurt the individual student more than the school. In such a competitive time for college admission, a student getting a higher grade in a less challenging AP class gets the upper hand; but once that AP label is taken away, colleges can check if any prospective student’s AP class is truly certified.

By having these classes audited, all AP class criteria should be more or less the same anywhere in the country. This will benefit the students so they can be sure to have a reliable experience in a college course before even entering college.

Because all classes passed their AP certification, East’s AP students’ transcripts will continue to have an “AP” after the class title. On top of students being able to get college credit, the auditing system enables students to have the level of classes they need to be prepared for college. “[The auditing] is the bureaucratic push we need,” Helgesen said.

Any teacher can be assigned to teach an AP class. There are no classes or prerequisites they have to pass to be certified. This auditing system’s goal is to credit the AP teachers with teaching an appropriate AP level class. With the approval of the board, each teacher receives AP credibility, and through this so does the class.

“There shouldn’t be to much stress to improve AP standards on teachers [at East],” Swift said. “Teachers here are already pretty good.”

issue

8

theharbinger

Recent controversies in Sudan shed light on the dangers of mixing religion with government

On Nov. 30, after Friday prayers, thousands of Sudanese gathered in the central square of Khartoum, Sudan’s capital. Wielding weapons and chanting slogans, these people wanted to make their voices heard.

So what were they protesting about?

Not their authoritarian government’s rampant human rights abuses. Not their status as a poverty-stricken and vastly underdeveloped nation. Not even the genocide in their country’s western Darfur region. No; what these demonstrators were so riled up about was…a teddy bear.

At least that’s how the story begins. Gillian Gibbons, a British primary school teacher working in Sudan, had made the grave mistake of allowing her pupils to name a teddy bear “Mohammed.” When the government found out, Gibbons was arrested and charged with insulting religion and inciting hatred, as well as “showing contempt for religious beliefs.”

Convicted and sentenced to 15 days in prison and then deportation (but not the 40 lashes which the maximum sentence carried), Gibbons sat in her cell as demonstrations in Khartoum called for “No tolerance: Execution!” and “Kill her! Kill her by firing squad!”

These poor people (the protesters) were not acting up because of some inborn hatred towards Gibbons.

They were merely defending the irrational, despotic religious beliefs being disseminated by their government. With their country in shambles, these individuals were focusing all their energies on continuing the stagnation of the present.

The autocratic Sudanese government, of course, knows that religion is ultimately the best way to keep its people in check. So do the numerous other theocracies in the world. Unfortunately, religion still blinds many people from leading productive lives and thinking rational thoughts. And you don’t need to go all the way to Sudan to witness this.

The same week, in St. Petersburg, Florida, CNN hosted the Republican YouTube debates. There were a lot of questions on immigration,

foreign policy, etc. But one of the questions stuck out – and seems to be one of the most trivial issues, yet one of the most important to a huge chunk of voters in our country.

The screen opened with a man holding a Bible in his hand: “I am Joseph. I am from Dallas, Texas, and how you answer this question will tell us everything we need to know about you. Do you believe every word of this book [the Bible]? Specifically, this book that I am holding in my hand, do you believe this book?”

The stage lit up with statements by the candidates about their own piety. Mitt Romney, a Mormon whose religion has been questioned by some Christian conservatives, cleared up the controversy, to much applause: “I believe the Bible is the word of God, absolutely.” In the next 20 seconds, Romney repeated the word “Bible” six times and “God” four times.

Not to be outdone, Mike Huckabee, an ordained minister and currently the Republican frontrunner in Iowa, replied, “Sure. I believe the Bible is exactly what it is. It’s the word of revelation to us from God himself.” His campaign ad that ran the night of the debate proudly stated, “Faith doesn’t just influence

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The majority opinion of the Harbinger Editorial Board

faith to even be considered for candidacy? When people argue about “culture wars,” whether or not science classes in schools should teach religion, the “morality” of marriage between two loving individuals or a woman’s right to choose what to do with her own body – and use religious arguments as a basis – what does that say about our supposedly modern and enlightened democracy (with a separation of church and state)?

When a candidate responds (as John Edwards did earlier this year) to the question of who is his moral leader with the ostentatious “My Lord. I go to him in prayer every day” – and this is considered a perfectly normal and honest remark – it automatically delegitimizes the whole political process. Whether the candidates actually believe what they say in such statements or not, they use them as calculated strikes to distract people from other, more important issues: An individual’s

morals and values, whether or not they stem from religion, should be important to who they are. But God needs to be kept out of the public sphere. Mixing religion and politics only pits groups against each other, suppresses freedoms and ultimately leads to disaster. We’ve seen this with the stagnant Dark Ages; we’ve seen it with holy wars, Crusades and the Inquisition; more recently, we’ve seen it with international terrorism, including 9/11. We can’t rely on faith to pave our way out of problems; too much of it actually breeds radicalism and regression. Who would want to be sent to prison for accidentally giving the wrong name to a stuffed animal? When we focus on such insignificant issues, it diverts our attention from the pressing matters.

Tackle the real problems, and you’ll end up thanking God that religion wasn’t distracting you.

So what’s in a name?

page5editorialNEW.indd 1

The Harbinger is a student run publication. The contents and views are produced solely by the staff and do not represent the Shawnee Mission East or SMSD faculty, or administration.

»renli

“I believe the Bible is the word of God, absolutely.”

- Mitt Romney me. It really defines me.”

Should candidates really worry about such an irrelevant issue? These people are not running for church leadership positions – they are trying to get elected President of the United States. A candidate’s religious opinions should play no part in their electability. Pointless issues like this shouldn’t be the focus of politics.

Why in America, the “beacon of the Free World,” is it necessary to prove one’s religious

dec. 17, 2007 issue 8, volume 49

Gillian Gibbons violated Sudan’s Islamic Sharia law when she allowed one of her students to name the class’s teddy bear Muhammad. The students’ parents were offended and turned her in for allowing this to happen. During her jail time and trial, Muslims waited outside protesting for her death. On Dec. 3, the Sudanese president pardoned her. It required two British Muslims poloticians to come forward and speak on her behalf for the government to release her. She spent days in prison and was deported from Sudan back to her home in Britain because of her actions. » www.foxnews.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF » lauranelson ASSISTANT EDITORS » bernadettemyers » stephennichols ART AND DESIGN EDITOR » libbynachman HEAD COPY EDITOR » adriennewood ONLINE EDITOR » halliemccormick PHOTO EDITOR » karenboomer ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR » sallydrape NEWS SECTION EDITOR » paigecornwell NEWS PAGE EDITOR » mikecray OP/ED SECTION EDITOR » natalieeisenach OPINION PAGE EDITOR » gagebrummer » michaelstolle FEATURES SECTION EDITOR » megshackelford FEATURES PAGE EDITORS » melissamckittrick » jeffrutherford SPREAD EDITOR » devino’bryan ASSISTANT SPREAD EDITOR » alexanderson MIXED EDITOR » rachelmayfield A&E SECTION EDITOR » ruthstark A&E PAGE EDITORS » rachelbirkenmeier » taylortwibell

5

EDITORIAL

Religious distractions in politics

a publication of shawnee mission east high school 7500 mission road prairie village, kansas 66208

SPORTS SECTION EDITOR » clarkgoble SPORTS PAGE EDITORS » samlogan » sarahluby FREELANCE PAGE EDITORS » jordandietrich » mackenziewylie ASSISTANT ONLINE EDITOR » elizabethmcgranahan ADS MANAGER » melissamckittrick CIRCULATION MANAGER » katiefreyder COPY EDITORS » paigecornwell » samkovzan » bernadettemyers » libbynachman » lauranelson » stephennichols » sylviashank » timshedor » ruthstark » adriennewood STAFF ARTISTS » alexanderson » renli STAFF WRITERS » mikehake » landonmcdonald » nickratliff » timshedor PHOTOGRAPHERS » rachelenglish » marygalvin » annaleek » patrickmayfield » taylerphillips » tylerroste » norasalle » mackenziewylie ADVISER » dowtate

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

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

issue

8

12/13/07 3:16:04 PM

OPINION

6

PLANT THE SEEDS OF

CHANGE

With his cousin’s recent return from the Peace Corps, one staff member discusses the true meaning of volunteering

EAST GRADUATE Chris Rutherford works in the garden with his host father in the Madagascar countryside » photo provided by: chrisrutherford

Each year around the holidays people volunteer their time, effort, or their wallet in an attempt to help others. Some strive to do all they can, while others settle for the bare minimum.

With the idea of volunteering in mind I sat down with my 25-yearold cousin Chris who just returned from a 27 month stay in Madagascar. Chris joined » jeffrutherford the Peace Corps and in doing so followed through with one of the most selfless acts there is.

We discussed what he did to prepare, what he did while he was there and how we can use his story as inspiration.

For months he prepared, completing applications and various tasks to make sure he was doing what he truly wanted to do.

“It’s a nine month application process,” he said. “And so it weeds out those people who aren’t dedicated, and during those nine months you really have to do some introspection and see if it’s something you want to be doing.”

When preparing to volunteer we need to make sure we’re doing the most we can do. We can’t sell ourselves short, or the people we’re helping, short.

Once Chris arrived in Madagascar he was overwhelmed.

It didn’t take long for him to realize how difficult the next two years were going to be.

“The first day I was in Madagascar,” Chris said, “I flew into this little airport, a car picked me up and you drive and immediately see poverty that you’ve never seen before…places like Mexico don’t even register.”

Poverty is without a doubt all around us. But nothing like this. Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world.

Within hours of arriving in the new land Chris was dropped off at a Malagasy home. He was to learn the language from the natives, through total immersion.

When he arrived he stood outside the house, without any ability to speak the language, realizing this was no joke.

“I was just standing there with this Malagasy family,” Chris said. “It was very awkward. And I realized this is the real deal…this isn’t study abroad, this isn’t a foreign exchange program, I’m in Madagascar, better deal with it.”

It’s fair to say most of the volunteer opportunities in this area don’t require you to speak Malagasy.

Chris soon settled into a rhythm. Each morning he would wake early, to the sound of roosters and chickens dec. crowing right outside his window. He would then make

anopinionof

some delicious oatmeal or some tantalizing instant grits.

A few hours later he would ride his bike over to the local health clinic. There, he would weigh babies and talk to the mothers about their babies health. “ If they came in and the baby was healthy I’d just say ‘you’ve been doing a great job, keep up the good work. But if a child was brought in that was malnourished, which was more likely, I’d give them some pointers like: the baby needs to eat more protein,” Chris said.

After returning from the clinic Chris would make a sandwich using meat he had cooked from the night before.

He followed that up with a quick nap which boosted his productivity in the afternoon. After that he said he might study for the LSAT (a Peace Corps volunteer studying to become a lawyer, I think my cousin’s got his head on his shoulders pretty well). He finished the afternoon with meetings concerning local projects and the health situation in the area.

He would conclude his night listening to some jazz on his satellite radio, doing some push-ups and reading a magazine.

That’s a damn long day. And he spent two years going through that same day. Volunteering at a soup kitchen may only take up a few hours of your time.

This is not to say that a stay in the Peace Corps is the answer for everyone but giving all you have is. And once you’ve committed to something you must follow through.

Chris said he never felt that he had made the wrong decision. He knew what he was doing was great but admitted that there were times it was very difficult. I believe one of the reasons he was able to push through the hard times was because of the thoughts he had for his

MADAGASCAR map and facts

•

Port Bergé Africa

President: Carl Ravalomanana Average Income: $290 US Population: 17.2 million

Indian Ocean

Literacy Percent: 69 Life Expectancy: 55 years

17

2007

source: nationalgeographic.com

» renli

family and friends back home.

“I like to think that I thought about every person I’ve ever known in my life while I was in Madagascar,” he said.

“I had a lot of down time, and one of the important things for a Peace Corps volunteer to do is to learn to deal with that.”

While Chris was in Port Berge, the town where he lived, he started a well project. The goal of the project was to build as many wells as possible and educate community members about clean water and sanitation. These wells were important for two main reasons. Diarrheal disease in children is a big killer due to a lack of clean water, and with a short supply, people walk long distances just to find clean water. With these new wells these problems were solved.

When the well was finally finished, Chris describe this as his ultimate high point.

“We were doing the ceremonies and you could just tell there was a lot of gratitude and that a lot of good had been done,” he said. “And it wasn’t just that I felt good but people gained skills that they didn’t have previously, they were empowered.”

That’s the key, it is not just about how good we feel after we volunteer, it’s about what the people we helped gained from our aid. It’s about doing all you can to help those in need, and hope they take something worthwhile from the experiences they had with you.

While Chris hit high points the low points are what hit him harder. Within a short period of time there were riots, a good friend of Chris’ died, and another friend of his had a daughter that died in a car wreck in France. Chris said this was an intense time, and that these events made it difficult to continue.

Though this all may seem like a harsh point of view, it really is not, if you let it sink in. No one is ever as busy as they think they are. Chris was 22 years old when he left for the Peace Corps. Most kids that age are considering marriage and a career.

If you choose to volunteer do so with all your heart.

Do it for the right reasons, and do your best to touch the lives of the people you work with. Use Chris’ story as inspiration. Know that he sacrificed everything he had, and risked his life, to make the lives of complete strangers better.

My hope in sitting down with Chris was to discover what volunteering is really all about, and now I know.

After you volunteer you should know that you’ve made at least someone’s life better. You should know that you’ve given all you had.

And when all is said and done you should be eager to tell people what you’ve done. You should be even more eager to do it again, and continue to change the lives of those around you.

OPINION

7

Isolated Time spent in a psychiatric ward teaches student he doesn’t belong there

»renli

anopinionof

The ER doctors said there was nothing else they could do. I’d already been tested for lyme, mono, drugs, alcohol, had two MRI scans and an EEG test for seizure activity in the brain.

I’d seen more than two dozen doc»timshedor tors, been to five hospitals and had eight blood tests but no one knew what was wrong with me. It was all in my head.

How could this be psychological? I’d have daily seizure-like fits, at 11, 3 and 7.

I couldn’t walk in a straight line and had extreme behavioral changes for over a month. Did I want to live like this? But they said it was all in my head.

They said I needed to see a psychiatrist, but the next opening was two to three months away at most offices. I needed help immediately. A nearby psychiatric ward had a vacant bed and a psychiatrist would meet with me on a daily basis.

We drove from the ER straight to the ward. My parents filled out the paperwork and admitted me at 2:03 a.m. on Friday morning.

I woke up without a clue. The room was starch white and the sheets were itchy. The bathroom was a small corner with a toilet and shower. Last night was a blur, but I smelled food down the hall. I was hungry for anything.

A man nurse stopped me. “Where are you going?” he asked. “Your bed isn’t made yet.” So much for the welcome wagon.

After I made it he made me straighten the sheets out so that there weren’t any peaks. He checked me off on his clipboard, and I hurried down to breakfast.

The food was gray. I only had a spoon, because forks could be used as weapons with suicidals. We couldn’t have pencils either. Those things were contraband.

But in the middle of breakfast I had a seizure and had to leave my mush. My head lolled and my feet shot out sporadically. My hands flipped lazily on the table.

I knew what was happening, but I couldn’t stop myself.

The nurses came after a few minutes

and dragged me to the blue room, a musty old padded corner. “Are you pulling one, Timothy?” they asked. “You better stop.”

What could I do? I couldn’t control my limbs, let alone talk to an angry nurse.

My head was still twisting side to side and my whole body was fidgety. They threw me on the floor and left. Then a big nurse came by. A really really big nurse, topping out at close to 300-lbs.

“You are too old for this, Timothy! You stop this right now! Stop it!” She left too.

Then a psychiatrist came by. He talked to me, but I really couldn’t say much. After 15 minutes, he left and I never saw him again. He takes the weekends off.

In the end, the seizure lasted about 15 minutes. I got out of the blue room and read my schedule. “Goals Group: 9:45-10:00 p.m.”

For “group,” everyone in the adolescent wing sits around a long table, listens to each other’s problems and talks to a counselor about it. There were kids with anger issues, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations and drug abuse at 12 years old.

“Where are the other two?” asked our counselor, referring to the absent girls.

“Sleeping,” a girl with curly hair said.

“I think my roommate’s going to kill me.

She used to ride my bus in middle school. I called her fish-lips and now she’s suicidal.

I had a dream last night that she smothered me with my own pillow. I hope she doesn’t kill me.”

“Oh yeah that girl is psycho!” another girl said. She was in for depression and had started taking the happy pills yesterday. “You’re definitely gonna die,” she laughed. “But the other girl is nice. She’s just a big sleeper during the day.”

“Group” is supposed to be therapeutic, but it just made me angry. I really didn’t belong here. I was sane. I’d kept a decent GPA and was in two honors classes. My college résumé was stuffed with things like SHARE, church activities, soccer, band and newspaper. I didn’t want to kill myself or anybody else, and I didn’t see little green men running around. I was a

“

good kid. I didn’t belong here.

The schedule read “Quiet Time: 12:0012:30 p.m.” I wasn’t sure what to do with myself. Everyone else went to their dark, artificially-lit rooms and lay flat on their beds. I counted 47 dots on the ceiling.

I ate a cold tray lunch when I got back up. It tasted like old cheese, but I was too hungry to care.

I finished what looked like mashed potatoes but smelled like cranberries, with a stagnant after taste.

“Board games: 6:30-7:30 p.m.” I didn’t know what time it was, but I sure didn’t want to miss free time.

In the dayroom, Carrottop (suicidal thoughts) drew anime, Hallucinations counted all 49 cards in the room’s only deck and the drug dealer stenciled a caricature of the kid in front of him. The girls were chatting over an old Wiggles coloring book.

“I miss my boyfriend,” Curls said. “I named his penis Freckles. They took my ring when I came in here. We’re engaged.”

She was 15.

“I know whatcha mean,” Big-sleeper said. “I luuuuv my fiancé.” She was 16.

Happy-pills ran up to the chalkboard and wrote a poem:

In the dayroom, Carrot-top (suicidal thoughts) drew anime, Hallucinations counted all 49 cards in the room’s only deck and the drug dealer stenciled a caricature of the kid in front of him.

”

“Sex, drugs & rock n’ roll Speed, weed & birth control Life’s a b---- and then you die So F--- the World and let’s get High” She thumped her chest, threw up the deuce and said, “Peace out ya’ll.” She sat down to finish coloring her page from the Wiggles book, but bounced back up to erase it before 300-lbs. could see.

“So what’s wrong with you?” Curls asked me.

“I have seizure-like fits. Except it’s not a seizure. We don’t know what it is.”

“Oh yeah?” Curls said. “My brother died from a seizure. And he died in a hotel room, which is funny because he was born in a hotel room. I was too. Anyway, my parents didn’t get him his meds because they were on the run from the po-

lice.” She finished tracing the rim of the Wiggles’ kick drum.

And suddenly, the psychiatric ward looked a whole lot brighter. My sister was still alive, and my dad is nice enough to put the cap back on the toothpaste. When my family saw me during visiting hour, they brought me cards from friends, family and school groups. I had a good life. I have a good life. I read those cards three times a day.

The cards were a great gift, but nothing beat getting “off unit” status on Sunday, which meant I wasn’t confined to the three-hallwayed adolescent “unit.” I could get my own breakfast and walk down the hall to the gym. But most importantly, I could use a fork and eat lunch with everyone else.

As glamorous as I imagined eating lunch with people was, it really wasn’t that great. They only talked about leaving, which I confess I had been imagining too.

The outside world is the equivalent ofporn in a psychiatric ward.

“This is my eighth time. I won’t be here for long,” a younger kid said. He hadn’t changed his clothes once since he arrived.

“I suck up to my nurse. She’s already given my psychiatrist two good reports about me,” Happy-pills said.

“Maybe I can get my mom to transfer me to Two Rivers. It’s nicer there,” the 12year-old addict said.

“I just want to go to Mickey D’s,” the Dealer said. But the average stay in purgatory is five and a half days.

Later that day my parents “rescued” me.

I told them all about the ward during our hour-a-day visits. They probably thought like I did and figured that this place wasn’t going to help me. They brought me home on Sunday to blue streamers, “Hope You’re Feeling Better” balloons and another stack of cards from friends.

I woke up on Dec. 5, 42 days, two hours and one minute after my first episode, and I could walk in a straight line. I didn’t have an episode all day, only a massive headache. And the next day the headache was gone. After the five hospitals, two dozen doctors, medication experiments and long nights, my body is fixing itself. We may never know what came over me. I have this story and a DVD my parents filmed to document a seizure to remember the past issue two months, but I’ll never watch it.

8

DistortedMirror

OPINION

8

Facebook’s Hot or Not application pushes students to focus too much on their looks patrickmayfield

anopinionof

Scrolling down one friend’s Facebook profile, a question appears.

“How Hot am I?” Under a fullbody picture, the copy reads: Is Brooke Hot or Not? The fastest way to find hotties on Facebook.

Facebook provides the option to post a picture and let friends rate you – from 1 to 10 – on your “hotness.”

It’s a system that encourages people to focus solely on looks, and it increases insecurity. »syviashank On a scale of one to ten, I can rate a sculpture. I can rate a painting.

But I can’t rate a person because he or she is not just a piece of art.

Furthermore, this blatant rating system objectifies people into beauty pagent contestants asking to be judged by any of their 200+ Facebook “friends.”

This is a time when 71% of girls struggle with low selfesteem, according to a study by the University of Florida.

Tanness, thinness, cleavage – there’s pressure to have it all. The number of girls under 18 getting breasts implants has quadrupled since 2003. And according to a recent Washington Post article, breast implants are one of the most common graduation gifts high school girls ask for.

senior

Garett Exline

would focus on. The negative feels more hurtful than the positive feels good.

A sculpture can’t offer more than its appearance, but a person is capable of laughter, love, intelligence, relationships, creativity. Why reduce ourselves to a single number, 1 thru 10, of our “hotness” and why invest so much in what others think of us?

I doubt most people with ratings on their profiles think of it as objectification. But when you treat yourself as an object and look for affirmation in people’s responses, you’re going to start feeling empty. Empty because the only aspect you focus on is a face and a body and what other people think of them. Empty because in asking that question, you’re over-investing in appearances and ignoring the more important qualities of being human.

Posting a rating section on my Facebook would tempt me to try to please every person who looked at my profile.

Why would I want to worry even more about my flaws?

If your only value is on appearance, you’ll never be satisfied because no one can rival the airbrushing powers of Photoshop, the make-up artists of Hollywood.

Don’t demean yourself to a photograph and a number.

Don’t dismiss every other quality you have. Ask your friends how they’d rate a book or a movie, don’t ask how they’d rate you.

Your opinion on whether Facebook’s application Hot or Not is a way to compromise the way you look and feel about yourself. Are the Facebook applications just a waste of time or are they fun things to have?

junior

Jane Mahoney

sophomore

Jackson Harter

freshman

Haley Stewart

QUESTION 1: DO YOU THINK THAT THE HOT OR NOT APPLICATION IS JUST A CRUEL WAY TO MAKE PEOPLE FEEL BAD ABOUT THEMSELVES? “I think it adds to the superficial aspect that Facebook has when it comes to how many friends poeple want to have.”

“I think it would make people feel bad because it deliberately tells them what other people think of their looks.”

“I think it would make someone feel bad about themselves but you shouldn’t put yourself in that situation in the first place.”

‘Yes, because it groups people and makes them look at their flaws.”

“ I wouldn’t feel that bad becasue Facebook isn’t something to take seriously.”

“Sad, it wouldn’t make you feel good about yourself.”

“I don’t use Facebook applications enough.”

“I don’t really use the Facebook applications they are kind of annoying and a waste of time.”

QUESTION 2: IF YOU WERE GIVEN A LOW RATING HOW WOULD YOU FEEL? “I wouldn’t care because it doesn’t matter to me what most people think about me.”

“I would feel bad just knowing people’s honest opinions.”

QUESTION 3: WHAT FACEBOOK APPLICATION IS YOUR FAVORITE? “Free Condoms...I have been pokin safe since 11-5-07.”

17 dec.

2007

“The Christmas Tree one because you can send people presents that they can’t open till Christmas Day.”

»patrickmayfield

»lancervoice

With such emphasis on looks, we are going to extreme lengths to feel appealing.

A jealous, vengeful, or brutally honest person can easily (and anonymously) post something cruel. “1” as in “least hot” as in least attractive. Asking to be rated puts you at risk to get low marks, and feel bad about yourself, but it’s a risk many are willing to take. They want to know what people think about them, but they make the mistake of asking an impersonal online community.

In our extreme-makeover culture, I’ve certainly felt the pressure and experienced insecurity.

And I know if I asked the world to tell me how hot I am, it’d put pressure on positive results. This would encourage me to look at my imperfections, rather than my positive qualities and attempt to become perfect.

But no one can be flawless though believe me, I’ve tried.

I’ve pulled all-nighters trying to get good grades. I’ve done what my parents asked, even when it wasn’t right for me. I’ve dieted. I’ve overspent on stylish clothes.

What I found, was that the pursuit of people-pleasing is unproductive. I can’t think about my needs and goals when I spend my days focused on trying to meet everyone else’s.

If I were to ask to be rated, I’d do it out of insecurity. I’d hope people would give me 9s and 10s, and if they did, I’d feel good. However, if there was one “2”, it’s the “2” I

High school dropouts manage success through mapping out their futures and

JOBSWITH HIGHEST ANNUAL EARNINGS oil well drillers supervisors, electricians, power transmission installers locomotive operating supervisors, plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters railroad conductors, yardmasters power plant operators supervisors, extractive supervisors, carpenters aircraft engine mechanics electrical power installers and repairers

Junior Jake Hinsley decided he had enough of sitting in a classroom and being told what to do. He just wanted to be on his own and he figured he had better things to do.

“It got to the point where I would wake up and say, ‘Yeah, I don’t want to go to school today,’” Hinsley said.

“My parents found out that I was so close to being truant that they were tired of it, so they told me that it was a good idea to drop out.”

Hinsley already knows what his occupation will be. He is going to install the routers on top of the cell phone towers. And as he describes it, his job is considered “the blue collar job of the 21st century.”

In the Shawnee Mission district, the dropout rate has been fairly stable over the past few years. The most recent rate, .8 percent, was recorded after the 05-06 year, according to Betsy Degen, the director of curriculum and instruction for the district.

This is compared with the highest dropout rate of 1.4 percent in the 01-02 year. Hinsley recently got his GED, admitting him to universities if he would choose to go. The one thing he cannot achieve with a GED is a scholarship.

“It’s not looked down upon for someone to have a GED and go to college,” Tamara

Bauer, the Johnson County Admissions Rep for K-State, said.

As East counselor Jamie Heller says, “Getting a GED is an accomplishment.”

Senior Erin Smythe, who recently dropped out, isn’t sure what she wants to do yet, but knows she wants to do something in art history. Smythe began to take classes at JCCC in preparation for the actual GED test which took 10 hours to complete. Smythe thinks of her GED as a jump start to college so she can move on with her life.

“

TOPBLUE COLLAR

10

» megshackelford

$62,409 $62,347 $59,517 $58,062 $57,672 $56,545 $56,228 $55,833 $55,539 $55,395

NORM “

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the

It got to the point where I would wake up and say, ‘Yeah, I don’t want to go to school today.’ My parents... told me that it was a good idea to drop out.

“It’s getting me one step closer to where I want be in life,” she said. “That’s very comforting to me.”

She wants to become a museum curator and eventually run a gallery. During the week she likes to go down to the Nelson and observe the displays and journal about them.

“I want to move down to North Carolina and start fresh down there because I’ve heard they have a good art history program at UNC,” Smythe said. “But for right now I’m still deciding exactly where I want to go and what I want to do with the next semester.”

According to Bauer, even though Smythe doesn’t have her high school diploma, she would be admitted into whatever study she chose at K-State, in this case, art history.

“It differs from school to school because

Fabu

FEATURES

BREAKING off from

9

some universities don’t just admit students with GEDs,” Bauer said. “It wouldn’t be difficult for someone to enter into that area of study at K-State, though.”

Hinsley went through all the steps of getting his GED as well. But unlike Smythe, he has no intention of going to college, besides the two or three years he’ll need to become certified with Cisco—a company that makes “top-of-the-line technology.”

He begins his certifying classes at on Jan. 15. As Hinsley explains it, Cisco makes the routers that go on top of some cell phone towers. Cell phones wouldn’t be usable if it weren’t for routers because they essentially transfer all the calls to the line being dialed.

Hinsley says he will make about $30,000 a year installing these routers, just enough for him to move out and live in his own apartment. According to Steve Hipple from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment rate is much lower for high school dropouts.

“His job would be classified as blue collar,” Hipple said. “Just because it’s unskilled labor and it’s manual.”

But as for leaving school, Hinsley doesn’t miss any of it.

“I feel a lot less stressed,” he said. “It’s a very wonderful feeling to have this freedom.”

Degen is very concerned about students in the district remaining in school.

“I’m always looking for programs to help students attain a four year high school career,” she said. “I want to stress how we want students to leave with skills and we’re always searching for ways to help them in that aspect.”

artist collective & antiques

fabulous antiques, beautiful uniques 75th and Washington 816-444-8989

17 dec.

2007

PHOTOESSAY

10

little lancer dancers

The drill team held their annual Lancer Dancer Clinic to teach younger girls dance technqiues and to prepare them for a halftime performance at a varsity girl’s basketball game

ABOVE: Seniors Emily Cray and Jennifer Hodgson announce what grade level is going to perform next during practice. The groups were divided by grade level from kindergarten to eighth grade.

» rachelenglish

RIGHT: Junior Laura Kaufman calms a crying first grader who is upset because her friend would not stand by her during the practice. » taylerphilips

ABOVE: Freshman Haley Stewart laughs at junior Jennifer Meara during a duck duck goose warm-up game where the students get to know each other.

» taylerphilips

»

»

17 dec.

2007

WATCHING: The junior varsity drill team performs for the little lancer dancers at the beginning of the clinic. They hoped to inspire the girls to try out for drill team in high school. » annaleek

FEATURES

11

a fresh

Perspective

After a life full of distractions and danger, senior DeAndre Harris’ switch to East gives him a different lifestyle and more opprtunities » mikecray

» photo illustration by rachelenglish

Comparing theabout schoolsStatistics from

Schools

School Facts

caped all that. I know it’s a lot nicer over there.”

Compared to Schlagle, Harris has also noticed an obvious change in teaching.

“Back at Schlagle... [teachers] had to follow a system,” Harris said. “I had a few good teachers, but sometimes I would come to school and just not listen because the teachers weren’t beneficial.”

After one semester at East, Harris says the biggest difference in his life is less conflict.

“It’s a totally different lifestyle. It’s much quieter,” Harris said.

Overall, Harris says the main reason for wanting a better education is for a brighter future.

“I’m trying to beat the statistic of a black man living in Wyandotte County,” said Harris. “I know if I work hard and value my education now, when I’m older I’ll be sippin’ on Piña Coladas while everyone else my age will be stuck in the ‘Dotte wondering what they’ll do for their next paycheck.”

Ratings

mother, said. “I knew I would miss him at his aunt’s house, but it’s a great opportunity and I knew I would still see him a lot.”

Harris also shared the same feelings on the situation.

“Yeah, it was hard leaving my mom and my baby brother, but I realized that if I moved in with my aunt I could get a better education,” Harris. “I was with it, she was with it, and my mom was with it. We were all with it. Now I live seven days a week with my aunt, who is in the [East] district, but I still see them a lot.”

Harris’ good friend Daryl Johnson misses seeing him at school as well.

“He’s my playa partner,” Johnson said.

“We still hang a lot, but it’s kind of funny not seeing him at school all the time. It’s pretty cool how he’s at East now though.

He’s a nice young man with a good head on his shoulders. What else can I say?”

Harris remembers the first time he walked in the hallways of East after the transfer process was complete.

“Schlagle and East – it’s like the tale of two cities man,” Harris said. “Schlagle was full of distractions, like metal detectors, torn-up learning material and fights. I tried to stay clean. I read the Bible a lot to keep my mind from evil thoughts. But at East, no beef, no fights, no pregnant girls. It’s a quiet kickback spot. The best thing at East is the ladies though. I like how they always smile.”

At his old school, Harris said there were distractions everywhere. Schlagle sometimes felt more like a precinct to him than a school.

“Everyone was into something,” Harris said. “I was gangbanging, deep in some heavy s---. Representing the set. The difference between me and everyone else was I would never-ever bring my s--- to school.

Never. I mean, if somebody wanted to fight, fine. Meet me at the park. At school I’m all business, and education is the only thing that matters to me. I never brought my social s--- to school.”

Back in Wyandotte, Harris was labeled as an “Inglewood Blood” because he wore the color red on the left side of his body, but Daryl believes East may have even helped Harris escape the gang life from his old neighborhood.

“DeAndre was in the gang life at Schlagle,” Johnson said. “Running with the bloods. But going to East, he’s kind of es-

Test Scores

As soon as he saw the car, senior DeAndre Harris thought his life was over. The vision of four teenagers with blue bandanas screeching to a halt in their Oldsmobile 442 still pollutes his mind.

“I was just chillin’ with a couple of homeboys and my girl, but in this hood shootouts, drugs, and gang violence is just something you expect,” Harris said.

After he and his friends laid down their jewelry and wallets, Harris soaked in 10 minutes of trash talk and thrown up gang signs while staring into the chamber of a charcoal 9mm pistol.

“When the Crip said times up, I wasn’t scared, because everyone’s gotta die sometime,” Harris said. “I just closed my eyes and waited for him to pull the trigger.”

But it wasn’t time. Harris’s eyes snapped open to see a hand wrapped in a red bandana smash a brick into the gun holder’s head.

“When I saw that one of my homeboys saved our a--, we ran like hell.”

••• In his free time, Harris would “kick it” with the “folks” (bloods) on “Trey Block.”

F.L. Schlagle High School, his old school, has the lowest test scores in Kansas. It was a reason like this that made Harris want to come to East. Harris has taken a step closer to his hope of receiving a top-notch education by transferring to East, a change he describes as “the tale of two cities.”

Out of eight children, Harris hopes to be the second to attend college, and the first to graduate.

So despite all these distractions, Harris’s mind was set on education.

“That’s why I wanted to transfer in the first place,” Harris said. “Better education and more opportunity. I feel bad for all the kids at this school who don’t take advantage of it. I can’t understand a person with all this opportunity in front of them and then not want to use it.”

According to associate principal Ronald Mersch, the two mainstream ways to be able to attend East is to transfer through the IB program or live within the boundaries of the district. Wanting to transfer, Harris realized that he could be accepted into East if he lived in the district with his Aunt Judy, but also knew that leaving his mom would be hard too.

“DeAndre’s a good kid and has always had a good heart,” Leslie Harris, DeAndre’s

Financial Stat

BY

www.greatschools.com Schlagle East

973 1999 Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 50% 3% Students per full time teacher 15 18 Website’s overall rating of 1 10 school (out of 10) Parents’ overall rating of school 4 4 (out of 5) Grade 10 average for Math 13% 81% Section in KSA Tests (2006) Grade 11 average for Reading Section in KSA Tests (2006) 40% 94% Total dollars spent per pupil 7924 7275 Percent of above money used for 57% 65% instructional expenditures Percent of above money used for 10% 9% student/staff support Percent of above money used for administrative expenditures 12% 10% Percent of above money used for 21% 16% other expenses Number of students

issue

8

12

SPREAD

A

BY

» paigecornwell

*names have been changed lmost every Friday, seniors Caleb Anchorage* and Jodie Kartoffeln* are together. They might see a movie or go to a party, sometimes with friends, sometimes not. Almost every Friday, they say, they “hook up.”

But the next day, Anchorage doesn’t call her.

During school they rarely say “hi” in the halls when they pass each other and both their Facebook pages say that their relationship status is “single.”

“We’re not dating,” Kartoffeln said. “But occasionally, we hook up.”

It’s a term gaining popularity among both high school and college students, used in the conversations during lunch about who likes who, or in the text messages of students asking friends how their night went.

The term “hooking up,” deliberately ambiguous, though most agree it means a type of sexual encounter, has become what some experts say is our generation’s version of dating. Hook ups also signify a type of relationship with no strings attached. The phenomenon has some adults worried about this new culture, wondering whether it is a deterrent to healthy relationships. Whether this is true or not, studies show that the thoughts about dating and hooking up have shifted among high school and college students in the past decade.

No Strings Attached But what does hooking up mean? Kissing? Oral sex? Sexual intercourse?

Yes, yes and yes.

But the answers among students vary.

“Pretty much anything.”

“A physical interaction.”

“When people get drunk or stoned and do stuff.”

Because there is no exact definition, students say, it’s easier to talk about.

“I think people use the term ‘hooking up’ because it’s broad; you don’t have to go into intimate details,” junior Chelsea Hall said.

In a study conducted last year by Bowling Green

how do you define “hooking up?”

“ “

When a man and a woman share a mutual pleasure agreement.

”

“

”

25%

Making out and stuff.

2007

“liquid courage.”

“Alcohol is the soc the ‘unhooked’ culture, consistently show that

”

30%

16%

27%

32%

40%

-Ross Guion, freshman

”

75%

60%

-Jessica Bartlett, senior

the definition

17 dec.

years.

“I prefer a more steady relationship with someone I can rely on,” Reynolds said.

Alcohol is often a precursor to hook ups, according to another study

by Bowling Green University in 2004, as a number of hookups involve intoxication of both partners.

In “Unhooked,” Stepp writes that alcohol is

teen dating and relationship statistics

-Jason Filbeck, teacher

Get on each other.

G

-Grant Gray, senior

Making out with each other, which is definitely third base.

“

University, researchers found that roughly 60 percent of sexually-active teens have had sexual partners they are not dating.

“I think people our age are more open to hooking up with random people and not be tied down,” Hall said.

According to Kansas City licensed professional counselor and therapist Dr. Barbara Mason-Palmer, who has teen clients, the number of teens having casual relationships is rising.

“Probably 75 percent of my clients are just having sex,” Dr. Mason-Palmer said. “There are some that have remained abstinent or are in relationships, but it’s very few.”

Laura Sessions Stepp, author of “Unhooked,” released earlier this year, attributes this to the fact that the social behaviors of “hooking up” are so widespread.

“Adolescents are the most social of human beings,” Stepp writes. “They adopt the behavior and attitudes of the people closest to them. Their head is telling them that no-strings sex, whether intercourse or simply the warm-up exercises, makes sense. Their bodies and their friends are saying, ‘Go for it.’”

It’s also what has become “the norm,” according to junior Jessie Light, who defines hooking up as “anything physically sexual.”

“I think hooking up is socially acceptable, especially with the younger generation,” Light said. “This is mostly because so many people do it.”

Hooking up is also prevalent in the media.

Tabloid magazines scream headlines such as, “Could they be hooking up?” A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation showed that 15 percent of all television scenes with sexual intercourse present characters who have just met up having sex.

“Our society is not as conservative as it was years ago,” junior Kristin Reynolds said. “It’s more accepted because people see it in the media.”

Reynolds, however, has had a boyfriend for three

according to merriam-webster hook up: to become associated, especially in a working or social relationship

75 percent of teenagers have their first sexual experience within the context of a dating relationship.

60 percent of sexually active teenagers will eventually have sex with someone they are not dating.

sources: Bowling Green University, Kaiser Family Foundation

52% 32 percent of teens said they felt closer to the person after having sex with someone they weren’t dating 52 percent said it didn’t change the relationship 16 percent said it made them less close

70%

70 percent of 15 to 17 yearolds say that kissing is a part of a casual relationship almost always or most of the time.

73 p olds STDs whe is ca

common dating terms?

“Going out.”

Boyfriend and girlfriend.

-Matt Corey, senior

SPREAD

P U K O HO

13 how do you define these In a relationship but not really serious.

-Emily Mullett, junior A date and dinner, or something.

-Heather Athon, sophomore

GENERATION

“Taking a break.”

Broken up but there are still chances for the future.

-Matt Corey, senior

They don’t spend as much time together, but there are still strings attached.

-Emily Mullett, junior Not broken up, but not seeing each other.

-Heather Athon, sophomore

“It’s complicated.”

There’s some trouble going on in the relationship.

-Matt Corey, senior

They don’t know what’s going on in the relationship.

Various factors, including technology and changing attitudes, cause more students to engage in commitment- “Seeing each other.” free relationships

-Heather Athon, sophomore

I don’t know.

In a relationship.

cial lubricant that fuels ,” Steep writes. “Surveys t girls experience more

%

73%

percent of 15 to 17 years said that talking about s or birth control is harder en the sexual relationship asual.

negative feelings in sexual situations than guys do. {For them} a pitcher of beer can do wonders to ease fear and feelings of anxiety.”

Alcohol impairs judgement, affecting the actions students take.

“Alcohol makes people do things they wouldn’t normally do when sober,” Reynolds said.

Alcohol is not the only factor that causes hookups to occur, however.

“The hookup culture is the result of a combination of factors,” Stepp said in an e-mail interview. “These include freer sexual attitudes, sexual images in the media and on the Internet, women and men waiting longer to get married.”

The factors can also be related to the teen’s goals. “{The hookup culture is also a result of} the focus on education and achievement {supported by parents and peers},” Stepp said. “And the mistaken belief that one can’t be in a relationship and manage all the other parts of one’s life.”

With hooking up, teens don’t have to deal with the highs and lows of having a girlfriend or boyfriend. “{With hooking up} you don’t have to go through a relationship,” sophomore Austin Hunzeker said.

“There’s too much drama with relationships; people just want pleasure.”

In “Unhooked,” Stepp found that girls were pressured to “do it all.” The girls that Stepp interviewed wanted to make all As, be in sports year-round and do community service.

“Commitment to a boyfriend, carried out with the same intensity,” Stepp writes, “seemed like one expectation too much.”

Kartoffeln finds the lack of a need for commitment, and that a characteristic of hooking up is that it doesn’t go anywhere, to be a plus.

“I would rather hook up than have a real relationship,” Kartoffeln said. “Honestly, I feel like I don’t have time, and I don’t have to be thinking, ‘What’s going on with my relationship? Should I not flirt with that guy because I’m already attached?’ It’s an easier mindset.”

Worries The fact that hook ups take place outside of real relationships has Stepp concerned. She argues that hook ups may be damaging to both women’s bodies and emotions.

“Young women are the most obviously affected,” Stepp said. “They can get pregnant, and are more vulnerable to acquiring an STD. They also, on the whole, appear to be more easily hurt emotionally.”

Males, however, can be affected by the hookup culture as well.

“Plenty of young men have written me to say that the culture affects them too, especially those who consider themselves ‘nice guys,’” Stepp said.

“They feel pressed to say they ‘got some’ even if they didn’t, to be ‘the player’ even if they don’t particularly like that image. They also fall for girls and are hurt when their affection isn’t returned, when the girl just wanted to hook up.”

And for both sexes, there can be more consequences.

“When teens aren’t ready to have relationships, it contributes to poor choices, and from that comes STDs and HIV, and there are teens who have HIV, and the numbers are growing,” Dr. Palmer-Mason said. “It also leads to teens not understanding

-Lesley Monarres, senior

-Matt Corey, senior

Kind of the same thing as going out.

-Emily Mullett, junior Going out.

-Heather Athon, sophomore

relationships.”

The Kaiser study found that 72 percent of girls agreed with the statement that it is much easier to ask to use condoms with a boyfriend than with if it was just a hook up. Other studies show that contraceptive usage decreases when the two people engaging in the sexual activity are in a casual relationship.

“The more sexual encounters a girl has, the chances she has to be infected with a sexually transmitted disease,” Stepp writes.

But even if protection is used or the two people don’t have sex, there’s no protection from the emotional effects.

“A girl can tuck a Trojan into her purse on a Saturday night,” Stepp writes, “But there is no such device to protect her heart.”

Kartoffeln believes that hooking up with, but not dating, Anchorage will affect her in the future.

“Do I like what I’m doing now? Yes,” Kartoffeln said. “But I think if he starts dating someone or starts hooking up with someone else, I’m going to get hurt.”

Stepp believes that parents can take a part in preventing the possible physical and emotional risk taking.

“I think parents ought to encourage dating and not get freaked out if their daughter or son wants/has a boyfriend/girlfriend,” Stepp said.

“Also, parents need to talk to their kids about the advantages of relationships, about the downsides of sexual activity when it’s only a game.”

issue

8

GoCome Lancers to

1:10

Early Dismissal Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Basketball Game

Go

SME

Rose Nails

4175 Somerset Dr. Prairie Village Corinth Square Shopping Center (near Hen House)

Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 9:30 am- 8 m Saturday: 9:30 am- 7 pm Sunday: Non- 5 pm

913-383-8288

For Fast, Beautiful, Thin Looking Nails Full Set Acrylic -- $25 Fill-in -- $16 Manicure -- $12 Pedicure -- $23

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Thursday 7 pm vs. SMNW

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Auditions January 7, 2008

Happy Holidays

A&E

Unwrappinggreat gift ideas

15

With the holidays coming up, the Harbinger has found affordable gifts under $20

FOR HER:

FOR HIM:

Gloves

Mens’ slippers

Price: $10-15 Where to get it: Target, Walmart

Price: $10 Where to get it: Urban Outfitters

Marshmallow shooter Price: $15 Where to get it: Urban Outfitters

Vera Bradley ID holders

Price: $10 Where to get it: Spanglers in the Village

GAG GIF

T

Chipotle gift card

Slippers

Price: Any price Where to get it: Chipotle

Price: $16 Where to get it: Urban Outfitters

FOR BOTH: Peppermint bark

Price: $10 Where to get it: Better Cheddar, Target

Coffee thermos

Price: $10.95 Where to get it: Starbucks

iPod skins

Price: $10-15 Where to get it: Target, Walmart. the Apple Store

issue Âťtylerroste and nora salle

8

MIXED

[ MIX

[

16

unique HOLIDAY

ALL.IN.THE. [ the page about...winter ]

Latvians believe that Father Christmas brings presents on each of the 12 days of Christmas starting on Christmas Eve. Usually the presents are put under the family Christmas tree.

In the days of the Soviet Union, Christmas was not celebrated very much. New Year was the important time - when ‘Father Frost’ brought presents to children. With the fall of Communism, Christmas can be openly celebrated - either on Dec. 25; or more often on Jan. 7. This unusual date is because the Russian Orthodox church uses the old ‘Julian’ calendar for religious celebration days. Special Christmas food includes cakes, pies and meat dumplings.

People adhere to the tradition that Father Christmas brings presents to children on Christmas Eve. The presents are left under the Christmas tree or in shoes by the fireplace. A special Christmas meal of salted dry cod-fish with boiled potatoes is eaten at midnight on Christmas Eve.

SOPHOMORE

ALEX PLACE

“My relatives and all my Mom and Dad’s friends come over and we have a tree trimming party where we eat food and decorate the tree together .”

FRESHMAN

Santa Clause also known as Winter-grandfather, Tel-apo, or Mikulas comes on Dec. 6.

Children should clean and put their shoes outside next to the door or window before they go to sleep. The next day, candies and/or small toys appear in them in red bags.

For children who don’t behave well, a golden birch placed next to the sweets, a symbol for spanking... it is just for fun, and not for actual punishment.

HANNAH ROSTE

“On Christmas Eve all of the kids sleep in my Grandma’s room.”

source: http://www.soon.org.uk/country/christmas.htm

TO TRY

THIS WINTER

Color a snowman using Windex bottles filled with water that is colored with food coloring.

NEAL STARK

“All of my cousins get together on Christmas Day and go see a movie .”

HUNGARY

A FEWACTIVITIES PAINT A SNOWMAN

SENIOR

PORTUGAL

HOLIDAYS AROUND LATVIA THE WORLD RUSSIA

TRADITIONS

SPECIAL ED TEACHER MS. JOHNSON

MAKE ICE CREAM WITH SNOW

“My mom, my sister and I make tons and tons of Christmas cookies a week or so before Christmas.”

INGREDIENTS:

- 1 cup of milk - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla - 1/2 cups sugar - CLEAN Snow

HIDE THE PICKLE

PREPERATION: Go outside and get 4 - 5 cups of fresh, clean snow. Don’t pack the snow! Bring it in the house and set it in the freezer until you need it. Mix together the milk, vanilla and the sugar. Stir this mixture until the sugar is dissolved.

Legend says that the pickle, a symbol of good luck, was the last ornament to be placed on the tree. The first child to find the pickle on Christmas morning was rewarded with an extra gift left by St. Nicholas.

The tradition encourages children to appreciate all of the beautiful ornaments on the tree, rather than rushing first to the presents that Santa has left them. source: http://www.victoryseeds.com/catalog/pickle.html

HOW TO MAKE PAPER DOLL CHAINS source: http://familycrafts.about.com/od/creativesnacks/r/icecrsnow.htm

You will need:

17 dec.

-Light cardboard or sturdy paper -Scissors -Pens, markers and crayons -Decorative materials such as scraps of paper and fabric, buttons, lace, trim, glitter, tin-foil, stickers, sequins etc.

-Glue

STEP ONE:

Cut a strip of paper about 10 cm high and as long as you like. The longer the strip, the more dolls you will end up with. Then, fold the strip of paper accordion style, making each panel about 6cm or so wide.

STEP TWO:

Draw a figure on the top panel making sure that parts of the body (hands, feet etc) touch the sides of the panel. Next, cut around the figure but don’t cut along the folds where the parts of the body touch.

STEP THREE:

Unfold the chain of dolls and enjoy!

source: http://kiddley.com/2006/06/09/making-paper-doll-chains/

17

» alexanderson

A&E

MORE MOVIES LIKE THIS

JAVIER Bardem plays notorious hitman Anton Chigurh in the movie “No Country for Old Men”

» photo courtesy of movieweb.com

First degree filmmaking scores a smash hit in “No Country” BY

» landonmcdonald

“No Country for Old Men” is one ugly movie, sick in both body and mind, devoid of any hope or heroism.

It offers what must be the bleakest vision of human nature seen since the blood-spattered days of outlaw directors Sam Peckinpah and Stanley Kubrick. This is a film with nothing on its mind but lost innocence, omnipresent death and the desolation of the soul. This is a film with many villains but no real heroes, forcing the audience to root only for the least despicable to survive.

This is the best film of 2007.

Based on a gripping novel by the great American writer Cormac McCarthy, “No Country for Old Men” represents a dark new triumph for the Cohen Brothers, whose previous eccentric concoctions include the Oscar-winning 1996 thriller “Fargo” and 1998’s hysterical “The Big Lebowski.” This is their first time adapting another’s work, and the Brothers fiercely succeed in ditching their lovable but tired quirkiness for a gritty, serious feeling that infuses the movie with masterful suspense and intensity worthy of Hitchcock.

The story, set in 1980, begins with unlucky redneck hunter and Vietnam vet Llewellyn Moss (Josh Brolin, last seen in “American Gangster” and “Grindhouse”) stumbling upon the bloody aftermath of a drug deal gone wrong way out in the Texas badlands. Surveying the gruesome scene, Moss discovers a briefcase filled with over $2 million.

He unwisely takes the money home to his trailer and stashes it away without telling his curious wife (Kelly MacDonald) what he’s up to. He fails to realize that the briefcase has a tracking device in it, and that

starscale

{ } poor {

} fair {

some very nasty drug-runners are looking to reclaim the lost cash. Brolin, an actor recently shown to be capable of incredible range, gives Moss the perfect balance of cunning and reckless stupidity to make him a believable character.

From there the film cuts to a scene of exuberant savagery at a nearby police station that introduces us to the most frightening movie villain since Hannibal Lecter, a ruthless, unstoppable assassin by the name of Anton Chigurh, played to dead-eyed, lumbering perfection by Spanish actor Javier Bardem.

The psychotic killer’s weapon of choice alone is extremely memorable, a stun-gun meant for killing cattle, which fires a compressed-air-propelled steel bolt that leaves behind no bullet, or much of his victims’ brains. His second choice is a shotgun with a huge hand-made silencer attached. You heard me right.

Think of Frankenstein’s monster wielding the world’s two scariest weapons short of an atom bomb, a man who will decide whether you live or die by flipping a coin, and you can see why a rival hitman (Woody Harrelson) aptly compares Chigurh to the Bubonic Plague.

Chigurh is sent by his criminal handlers in Dallas to dispatch Moss and retrieve the money at all costs.

From there, “No Country for Old Men” becomes a riveting chase movie as Moss sends his wife away to her mother’s and scrambles from motel to seedy motel with the money, struggling to keep one step ahead of a man who very well be Death incarnate.

Tommy Lee Jones, giving his second Oscar-worthy performance of the year following his devastating

} solid {

} excellent {

turn in “In the Valley of Elah,” serves as commentary to the carnage as his grizzled, weary old Sheriff Bell desperately tries to track down the pair before Moss becomes Chigurh’s next victim. Bell usually ends up touring increasingly horrific crime scenes, as the extent of Chigurh’s vicious capabilities reaches nearsupernatural levels.

Jones, looking years older and heavier than the last time I saw him on film, gives a world weary performance that never feels sappy or forced. His acting during the final revelation at the very end, an atheistic epiphany of sorts, must be seen to be believed. This is truly one of our finest actors at a career best.

The film brilliantly succeeds in raising a pulpy premise to the level of high art. But what really makes this movie a masterpiece is not readily visible. Its true accomplishment lies in the undertones of its three major characters, with a plot that seems simple and straightforward at first but soon surreptitiously delves into much deeper issues like the inevitability of death (Chigurh), the acceptance of disillusionment (Sheriff Bell) and the folly of greed (Moss). The world of “No Country for Old Men” seems bizarre and unfamiliar, but look closer. It’s just an exaggerated version of our own. They’re us, the very worst of us.

The movie is dark stuff, true enough, but everything in it is so mesmerizing and original you won’t care. This is definitely must-see viewing. In fact, I’d see “No Country for Old Men” at least twice to get the full experience. Believe me, before the first ten minutes are up, you’ll want to. { }

} masterpiece Star ratings based on writer’s opinion

issue

8

Having his shot

SPORTS

18

Despite not making the East basketball team his junior and senior year, senior becomes potential college recruit BY

photo illustration by taylerphilips

Alex’s top two Statistics of NYU # Player YR FG%

PPG RPG

24 Jensen, Keith 21 Parker, Charlie 31 Magee, Michael 14 Glavan, D.J 10 Meziab, Omar

12.0 11.0 10.2 8.0 7.8

SO FR SO SO FR

.308 .406 .750 .400 .267

5.4 2.0 7.2 2.2 1.8

» sarahluby

Basketball.

Senior Alex Eisenach just couldn’t imagine his life without it.

For nine years it had been his passion, his go-to obsession. He’d been playing basketball for nine years and had been cut the last two years from East’s team.

“I couldn’t believe that I actually got cut,” Eisenach said. “I was a starter, I was very competitive and I’d been playing for so long.”

He was a starter on his freshman-A team and played on the sophomore team that some of the now-seniors played on.

“It’s very tough [to make East’s team],” boys’ varsity coach Shawn Hair said. “I would keep every kid if I could, but I can’t because it wouldn’t be fair to the players that have to sit on the bench the entire season.”

Even though Eisenach didn’t make East’s team, he’s being recruited by several universities.

And this past summer he was invited by tournament organizers to attend the Academic Showcase in Chicago. The players must have received no lower than a 26 on their ACT to be eligible for this event.

“It’s crazy,” Eisenach said. “Here I haven’t made my high school team, but I’m being recruited by colleges. That just doesn’t happen too often.”

Hair isn’t surprised that Eisenach is being recruited.

“He’s a good kid and a good player,” Hair said.

“He’s a very good shooter, but he needs to show better defensive skills and work on his ball handling in college.”

Eisenach had been playing competitive basketball since sixth grade and on an Amateur Athletic Union, or AAU team, since eighth grade. He knew after he got cut that he still wanted to play.

He knew he just couldn’t imagine his life without basketball.

Eisenach, who is 6’3’’ and 170 lbs, decided that if he was going to make it onto East’s team this year, he needed to train harder, be more focused and be in better physical shape.

To achieve this goal, he decided he needed to join a higher level AAU team. Four months after he was cut from the team his junior year, Eisenach was contacted by the head coach of the Kansas Dream Team, Sam Ward. Ward asked Eisenach to come practice with the team to see how well he fit in.

“I didn’t know how good he was,” Ward said.

“But I wanted someone with size who could contribute on the scoreboard.”

The Dream Team has some of the best players from the metro area on it, such as seniors Matt Chalupa from Blue Valley Northwest and Jason Peyton from Bishop Miege. These players are being recruited from Chicago University, Grinnell College, Rice, University of Cincinnati, as well as many others.

Chalupa has known Eisenach since they were 12 years old. He knows Eisenach’s style and how he reacts to certain situations.

“He’s a good role player,” Chalupa said. “He’s a great shooter and a good rebounder and defender.”

During the three-day Showcase this summer, where over 30 colleges sent scouts, Eisenach played against some of the top athletes in the country.

“After playing against those guys,” Eisenach said. “I realized that I was good enough to compete at that level.”

When he returned home, he was surprised to see all the colleges that had sent him letters expressing their interest in him. He received 15 in all. He is currently in contact with three schools, but his top two choices from the list of 15 are NYU and Claremont-McKenna in Southern California.

Eisenach is planning on going to California in early January to have a tryout with the team.

Eisenach is presently working with Ward to prepare for this try out.

During their private sessions, which they have twice a week, they work on stamina, dribbling and shooting drills.

“We are currently working on learning how to create offensively and perimeter shooting,” Ward said. “At his size he needs to be able to shoot the three at the college level consistently.”

But with the Claremont-McKenna tryout coming up in a few weeks, their main focus is making sure Eisenach is well conditioned and in a positive mind set.

“He has never once complained,” Ward said.

“And he always leads by example.”

Eisenach agrees. “I think that keeping a positive attitude through this whole situation has made me mature more as a player and allowed me to take my game to the college level.”

Statistics of Claremont-McKenna YR FG% PPG RPG # Player 14 Dan Winterbottom SR 25 Craig Borengasser SR 30 Austin Soldner JR 10 Chris Blees FR 22 Conner Faught SO

.408 .583 .522 .446 .325

12.1 9.3 8.7 7.9 5.3

3.7 6.9 3.6 4.3 2.3

Stats gathered from http://www.nyu.edu/athletics/teams/basketball/m/roster http://www.cmsathletics.org/sports/winter/mbkb/2007-08/roster 17 dec.

2007

Did you know?

Michael Jordan didn’t make his high school basketball team as a freshman but he went on to play college and pro basketball. Jordan was also a five-time MVP, a 10-time All NBA first team selection, in 1996 Jordan was selected as one of the 50 best players in the NBA. He won six NBA championships as a member of the Chicago Bulls. http://www.nba.com/playerfile/michael_jordan/index.html

When it comes to making weight classes, wrestlers struggle with the

BALANCING

SPORTS

19

act » renli

BY

» melissamckittrick

All sports have pre-meet warm-ups: swimmers practice starts, basketball players run through lay-up drills and runners jog and stretch. For wrestlers, however, a premeet “warm-up” can have an entirely different meaning.

It can mean running up and down stairs in layers of SME sweatpants and sweatshirts, trying to sweat off the last couple of pounds. It means standing on a scale before judges, knowing that every pound can count. It means hoping that every sacrifice they have made over the week pays off, because, if not, they might not get to compete. It is the knowledge that, for a wrestler, “pre-meet” preparation can start days or weeks before their first match.

Wrestlers walk a fine line: they are trying to lose excess fat, but they need to stay strong and healthy to compete.

While East wrestlers individually try to compete in the difficult weight class system, the entire team fights the misconception that wrestlers losing weight is dangerous and unhealthy.

“You can lose weight by losing fat – eating healthy,” senior Andrew Collingwood said. “You cut weight the bad way by not eating, cutting water weight. Our coach always tells us … to try to do it the healthy way.”

Any serious athlete knows that a healthy body is important for better performance. In an Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders study of 695 male and female athletes, however, the desire for a healthy body caused unhealthy habits. A third of the group was preoccupied with food, and close to a quarter binged at least once a week. The sports world knows that a wrestler’s weight is an issue, and East is no exception.

“To be more competitive in wrestling your opponent, you don’t want to have excess fat that’s weighing you down,” senior David Webb said. “You want to be all muscle.”

Because of the rigid weight-class system that governs who an athlete wrestles, wrestlers are always trying to lose a few pounds to be the bigger athlete in the smaller class.

Although the idea of losing fat makes sense, sometimes athletes take it too far. In the late 1990s, three college wrestlers from North Carolina, Wisconsin and Michigan died while trying to lose weight. Two of the men were wearing rubber sweat suits and working in hot rooms.

One died from kidney failure and a heart malfunction, the other from cardiac arrest. The latter refused to drink liquids as he worked out on an exercise bike. This tragedy and others branded wrestlers’ losing weight as “dangerous” and “unhealthy.” At East, the athletes are doing their best to make it the exact opposite. “‘Losing weight’ is being smart about it by starting two weeks before and watching what you eat,” senior Kenton Kloster said. “You have to stay away from Spunkmeyer.”

By high school rules, wrestlers cannot lose more than eight percent of their body weight. They have to take

hydration tests to make sure that they are not only cutting water weight, and they may not drop more than two weight classes. Coach Chip Ufford, however, takes it one step further. At the meets, the East athletes are supplied with healthy food and drinks: fruit, bagels, turkey on whole wheat, carrots and clementines keep them energized but not weighed-down. Likewise, the practices focus on losing weight the healthy way: good old-fashioned exercise.

“We don’t want to get big and bulky,” Ufford said. “We want to be lean. This year, we are planning better and will wrestle stronger.”

The East wrestling team is strong this year, and the athletes are all competitive. They know, however, that the way that they lose the weight is just as important as the number of pounds that they lose. The majority of the team has to lose weight for the season. The 14 weight-classes in wrestling stretch from 103 pounds to 285 pounds (heavyweight), with sometimes as little as five pounds distinguishing one class from another. Instead of being the smaller athlete in a bigger weight category, wrestlers try to lose several pounds so that they go against lighter, smaller competitors. Although they can be under the limit, wrestlers must not exceed the weight of their class.

“If you’re overweight at a tournament, you just don’t get to wrestle that tournament,” Johnson said.

When a wrestler doesn’t compete in a tournament, the team loses valuable points. The East wrestling team, which ranked top-10 in the state last year, has 13 returning seniors to lead the team. Ufford says that all of the wrestlers are battling for spots; however, the seniordominated line-up leaves the team with a lot of experience and dedication.

This year, going over the limit should not be too much of a problem. With more room to move around and more classes to fill, the wrestlers have either moved up a weight class or gained enough experience to plan ahead. Ufford stresses that they are losing weight the healthy way: through healthy eating, aerobic exercise and toning.

“This year I only have to lose about three pounds a week,” Webb said. “I don’t really have to change my diet; just run a lot and eat healthy.”

Some wrestlers do extra exercise – such as biking or running – to lose more weight. For most, though, wrestling practice is enough exercise to fit into their weight-class. Practice normally consists of a run outside followed by stretching and drilling in the wrestling room.

After this, they “live wrestle.” Live wrestling is a set of practice matches, with coaches watching rounds instead of referees. As the wrestlers start the rounds in different positions and wrestle for either two or three minutes, the coaches critique their technique.

“We wrestle all-out, 100 percent,” Collingwood said.

“You lose five pounds in one wrestling practice without

even trying.”

After the live wrestling comes conditioning and, finally, circuit training. During circuit training, the wrestlers move around the stations in the weights room doing different lifts, with about 30 seconds for each of the approximately 15 stations. The multiple repetitions of lighter weights helps the wrestlers tone up and get strong without gaining extra pounds.

“I’m trying to lose my bulk muscle and turn it into tone muscle,” Kloster said.

Sometimes, though, simply going to practice is not enough. On meet days, wrestlers are weighed in the morning to see what class they qualify for. If a varsity wrestler is over the limit by a few pounds, there is only one thing they can do: run.

“On a Saturday morning of a tournament, if you’re over the weight you have to wrestle – let’s say a pound over – you just have to throw on sweatpants and a sweatshirt and run until you lose the weight,” Webb said.

However, no athlete is forced to lose weight by the coaches; they know what they have to do to be on varsity.

And, if a wrestler plans ahead, he normally doesn’t have to resort to last-minute running on meet days.

“Just eat smart and don’t pig out and all,” sophomore Tanner Johnson said. “The last day or so you really have to watch what you eat – work out a little harder, drink more water.”

In addition to focusing on losing weight through aerobic exercise and toning, the East wrestlers stress eating healthy and moderation. For the few wrestlers who try to gain weight, protein and carbohydrates make up their meals. For the majority of the athletes, however, their meals are lighter. “[Before a big match], I’d probably eat two granola bars for breakfast, another granola bar for lunch, and a salad for dinner,” Lutz said. “[I] might want to drink half a water bottle for practice and half after practice.”

To lose weight, Ufford suggests staying away from carbs, fat and high-fructose corn syrup. Instead, the wrestlers should eat salads, lean mean such as chicken and tons of fruits and vegetables. As much as the wrestlers try to follow this plan, there are always times when they slip up.

“Last year, I’d be six pounds over the day before … This year, I’m trying to keep it at about two,” Tanner said. “[I’ll] have a banana in the morning, an apple at lunch and some water at practice. Once I do all that work to get down to the weight … I don’t want to blow it.”

Wrestling is an athletic balancing act: the athletes have to simultaneously lose fatty weight while maintaining their lean-muscle and energy. With careful planning in exercise and diet, however, the wrestlers can now look forward to issue their promising season ahead.

8

Final Exams this week days until

winter break Please

Your Harbinger

A HUSKER ROUGH BY

SPORTS

in the A die-hard Kansas State fan, senior Scott Willman will head to Nebraska University to golf

21

» katiefreyder

Senior Scott Willman was a die-hard KState fan his whole life. Willman’s family has season passes to K-State football games, his parents are both K-State alumni and he has enough purple T-shirts to wear every day of the week.

But he is going to Nebraska. He wants to pursue golf in college, but found out that he would not be able to play golf his freshman year at K-State. Willman decided to go visit University of Nebraska-Lincoln since they were calling him about coming to Nebraska.

His mother Diana Wilman remembers when Nebraska first started showing interesting in Wilman.

“We were not sure about Scott attending Nebraska at first, [because he might be] getting only 30-40 percent of a scholarship, and attending an out of state school.”

Nebraska ended up giving Willman about 75 percent scholarship, which convinced his parents that Nebraska was the right place for him.

On Nov. 16 Nebraska announced Willman as an official addition to their 2008 team.

“Even though Nebraska is not the place that I thought I would end up in for college, it’s okay because I know attending there will be worth it,” Willman said.

Diana is excited for Willman because golf scholarships are very hard to get, but it took his dad, a K-State graduate, a while

to get used to this idea.

“My dad said it was a little weird that I was going to Nebraska, but he will back me up no matter what decision I make and whatever school I decide to attend,” Willman said.

He knew golf was what he wanted to do, and Nebraska is the place that he will be able to play golf and be successful. Willman did not want to wait a year to play golf; KState’s offer would have forced him to wait until his second year to play. He wanted to play golf starting freshman year.

“I was surprised at how much I liked Nebraska. I know the Manhattan campus really well and I like it, but I really liked the fact that Lincoln is a little less of a small town than Manhattan,” Willman said.

The fact that Nebraska is a Division I, Big 12 school makes Willman feel confident about his decision to attend there. He said the best and most important thing to his parents was the Athletic Department.

“The Athletic Department at Nebraska treats their athletes really well and my parents and I really like that,” Willman said.

To get to the point of scholarship offers he spent many summers and holiday breaks attending various golf tournaments.

“Scott is established as one of the best golfers in the area. Not only at East, but also as a member of his amateur golf tournaments around the town and also

around the country,” assistant golf coach Tim Burkindine said.

According to head golf coach Ermanno Ritschl, Willman is one of the top five golfers in Kansas.

He belongs to [Nicklaus Golf Club at] Lionsgate and is there 24-7,” assistant golf coach Tim Burkindine said.

Willman started getting really serious about golf starting in sixth and seventh grade. Both his mother and father are golfers.

“He sometimes works too hard, if that is possible.

He applies tremendous work ethic,” Burkindine said.

Even though the competition is at an intense level for him he says that, “Golf is not really work to me; it’s more of a fun thing versus a work thing when I’m playing.”

“His family may have had a little bit of mixed feelings because of sentimental and emotional ties with K-State, but they know and realize that Nebraska is a good choice.” Ritschl said.

SENIOR Scott Willman grew up a Kansas State fan, but will head to Nebraska next year to play golf. “Even though Nebraska is not the place that I thought I would end up for college,” Willman said, “it’s OK because I know attending there will be » it.” mackenziewylie worth

THE TWO-SCHOOL SCORECARD MAIN SPORT

RIVAL

CONFERENCE

KANSAS STATE

NEBRASKA

LOGO

issue

8

SPORTS

22

Being cut out

Wrestling team prepares for season without injured senior, Anthony Garrett BY

» mikehake

It was only the second week of practice, and the varsity wrestling team was already without its best state contender.

Standing outside of his second hour weight training class, Senior Anthony Garrett struggled to find the right words as he broke the news to his coach. The 4th ranked heavyweight in state wouldn’t even see the mat this season.

The tear in his right shoulder that he sustained midway through the football season would require surgery on Dec. 15, and would sit him out of his entire senior wrestling season.

“Everybody [on the team] was really upset,” Garrett said. “It was like the season was ruined.”

His absence threw Senior Dennis Jilka into the varsity heavyweight slot, a class in which he is about 65 lbs. shy of the 285 lb. limit. Jilka had lost about 30 lbs. before the wrestling season to be better conditioned, and was ready to compete with Garrett for the starting heavyweight job.

Garrett had lost ten pounds of his own to make it under the 285 lb. heavyweight limit, and began training for wrestling the day after football season ended, by eating healthy, running every day and lifting in the weight room after school.

“That was one of the things that hit me the hardest,” Garrett said. “I was lifting weights really hard, and now it’s all for nothing.”

After a disappointing 2-7 senior football season, Garrett was ready to make the most of his final wrestling season.

“Everyone we lost to in football, I just wanted to whup the s--- out of their heavyweight,” Garrett said.

He originally tore the labrum in his right shoulder while making a tackle in this year’s homecoming game against Lawrence Free State. Even though his shoulder stung with every hit, he decided to tough it out for the last half of the

Marcus Webb mikehake BY

17 dec.

2007

»

“Devin Hester, Devin Hester,” junior football player Marcus Webb would say to himself before a punt or kickoff, trying to think like the explosive Chicago Bears return man.

“It originally started out as a joke, but then I started to take it kind of seriously,” Webb said. “I put me in that mindset to be like him.”

Webb admires Hester as “a definite playmaker. He can definitely change a game with one play.”

“I feel like I possess some of the same abilities as him, but on a much smaller scale,” Webb said.

Webb’s ritual also spread to other players, after Webb stopped returning kicks.

“When [senior return man] Duncan McDonald took over returning kicks he started to do it too,” Webb said. “So I guess it works.”

»photo illustration by stephennichols football season.

“It was either quit football or just deal with it,” Garrett said. “That’s what I wanted to do with wrestling.”

The way his tendon is torn, though, would make it impossible for him to pull off complex wrestling moves, so toughing it out and playing through it wasn’t an option.

“Anthony was pretty crushed,” Ufford said. “He’s really frustrated that he can’t be part of the team, physically. He wanted to try to wrestle through it, but his shoulder could have been damaged beyond repair.”

The injury shouldn’t affect his future in college football, however, as the colleges interested in Garrett haven’t showed concern over the injury. “[Kansas State] doesn’t even care; rehabbing makes athletes stronger,” Garrett said.

Besides Kansas State, Garrett has received full football

scholarship offers from such Division I schools as Nebraska, Illinois, Colorado and Colorado State, with several more offers from local Division II and III schools.

Garrett has embraced his new role on the team, and still does as much as he can to prepare Jilka for opponents up to 65 lbs. heavier.

“He’ll come to practice and wrestle around with Jilka to help him get used to maneuvering with guys that are bigger than him,” Ufford said. “He’s talked to Jilka about different moves that have worked for him.”

Jilka started off the season with a 4-1 record at East Duals on Dec. 1, varsity’s season opening meet. East placed fourth at the Wellington Invitational on Dec. 8, and had their last meet before winter break on Dec. 5 at the Johnson County Classic.

VerySuperstitious

Two players and a team share their quirky sports traditions

Boys Soccer Sophomore soccer player Joe Craig says he isn’t superstitious, but he is still religious about the condition of his cleats.

“I like to keep my cleats in their original box, and I like to keep them clean,” Craig said. “I don’t know why, I’ve just always liked to be clean.”

Craig says that his superstition does not affect his play though.

The entire soccer team has a superstition about junior goalkeeper Matt Moedritzer and which goalie shirt he wears.

“Michael Cray gave Matt his own goalie shirt to wear for the game against Olathe East,” Craig said. “Matt ended up playing the game of his life, so we kind of like it when he wears that shirt. I don’t know if it was just him playing well or the shirt, but he’s probably going to wear it some next year.”

Moedritzer has his own superstitions about what he wears on his wrists and what he does before a game.

“When I was playing on JV last year as a sophomore,” Moedritzer said. “The rubber band that I always wore snapped right before the game. We lost 3-2, and I still blame the rubber band to this day.”

Moedritzer and senior Niles Jeran had the same routine before each playoff game this year by going to William Tschudy’s house.

“We would go to Will Tschudy’s and have some pre-game mac and cheese and watch “300.””

Moedritzer also had some thoughts about his now famous goalie shirt.

“I’m definitely wearing it for the playoffs next year,” Moedritzer said.

Taylon Johnson

For senior Taylon Johnson, superstitions are just about getting in the right mindset for games.

“I think it’s mostly a mental thing for me,” Johnson said. “I don’t really want to worry about anything on the court, so I just make sure that I do the same thing before every game.”

Johnson’s pre-game routine is all about consistency: her mom tells her the same thing before every game and she eats the same thing before every game, among other things.

“I eat a Mr. Goodcents sub before every game,” Johnson said. “I also have to put my water bottle under the third chair every game and my mom has to tell me what I need to do before the game.”

Being recruited by many schools, Johnson knows that her superstitious nature will continue on in her playing career.

“I know [in college] that I’ll still have a pre-game routine, but it’ll probably be a little different,” Johnson said.

brogan runion

clark GOBLE record- 4-2

senior• swimming

Sunflower League Boys’ Basketball

SM East

Sunflower League Girls’ Basketball

SM West

Cotton Bowl

Arkansas, 38-35

Wooden Award Super Bowl

Senior Brogan Runion is looking for his fourth state title. He will be swimming the 200 meter medley relay, 100 butterfly, 100 backstroke and either the 200 freestyle relay or 400 freestyle relay for the team this year.

coach’s clipboard

On the pressure of a fourth straight state title- Compared to last year the pressure is about the same. We still have a really good shot at winning, but it will take more work than we’ve done in the past. There are some other really good teams out there.

On stepping up into leadership roles- All the seniors have stepped up to take on big leadership roles. We have a great group of underclassmen. We make sure they are working during main sets.

On his most memorable meet- Each race is memorable in its own way, but as a sophomore at league I was expected to be third or fourth and I ended up winning it.

X

On what winning state would mean to him- A fourth state title would be huge. It would definitely be one of my most memorable moments. It will take an entire team effort from the swimmers and divers.

On stubbing his toe being lucky- I have accidentally stubbed my toe a number of times before big meets and I always seem to swim faster when I do.

Runion and the rest of the boys’ swimming team go against Shawnee Mission South Jan. 10 at SM South and BV North Jan. 15 here at East.

BV North is a top team in the state, and if the Lancers prevail in both of these meets, their prospects for state are strong.

X X

» rachelenglish On what last year’s loss, the first in three years, meant to the team- It was questionable since the timing system didn’t work during a close swim, but there were things we could have done differently to score a few more points. After the meet it made all of us very determined to work harder in order to win state.

X X

It was almost too easy for the Lancers to score on this inbounds play vs. SM West on Dec. 6. The Lancers lined up in their “4-Low” set against the Vikings 2-3 zone. Junior Winn Clark was on the near block and senior Michael McRoberts was throwing the ball in. As soon as the ref handed McRoberts the ball, he whipped it to Clark standing unguarded six feet from the basket. He made an easy layup before the Vikings realized what was up.

Sometimes, the best play is the easiest one.

we diagram a successful Lancer play... without giving too much away

&

my me team as told by girls’ basketball player Taylon Johnson

1 2 3 4

Many of us like to go out to lunch after Saturday practices. It is a tradition to go to Salty Iguana after every home game. Team dinners are always a great place for bonding and great food.

Haley Dalgleish is so loud! Her enthusiasm is shown through her extremely loud and high pitched voice. Who knew someone could be so perky at our 8 a.m practices?

Our biggest competitors for league are SM West, Olathe South and Lawrence.

All three teams are also ranked in the top 10 in the state.

SM South will also be a big rival for us.

Libby Jandl and Christina David are really smart. Our team as a whole has a GPA of over 4.0

The girls ran over SM Northwest and Mill Valley to start the season and already have seen an offensive improvement. They play SM West Jan. 3 in their first game back from break.

SPORTS

the panel 23

5 minutes with...

Tyler Hansbrough, UNC Colts vs. Cowboys

sam LOGAN record- 5-1

Sunflower League Boys’ Basketball

SM East

Sunflower League Girls’ Basketball

Lawrence

Cotton Bowl

Missouri, 34-17

Wooden Award

Tyler Hansbrough, UNC

Super Bowl

Patriots vs.

Cowboys

sarah LUBY record- 4-2

Sunflower League Boys’ Basketball

SM East

Sunflower League Girls’ Basketball

Olathe South

Cotton Bowl

Arkansas, 34-21

Wooden Award Super Bowl

Tyler Hansbrough, UNC Patriots vs.

Packers

nick RATLIFF record- 4-2

Sunflower League Boys’ Basketball

SM East

Sunflower League Girls’ Basketball

Olathe South

Cotton Bowl

Arkansas, 38-21

Wooden Award

Brandon Rush, KU

Super Bowl

Patriots vs.

Packers

issue

8

PHOTOESSAY

24

LEFT: Senior marketing students stand in the “Good Morning America” studio behind the live TV cameras, waiting for the show’s musical performance. The guest on Nov. 29 was Vince Mira, a 15-year-old from Seattle who sounds just like Johnny Cash. » sallydrape BELOW: Senior Drew Kane takes any chance she can get to rest at the airport, including in the ticketing line. The marketing students departed on a 6 a.m. flight out of New York’s La Guardia airport on Sunday morning, forcing them to load a bus from the hotel at 4:15 a.m. » sallydrape

NEW YORK CITY, here we come!

Forty-four Marketing Two seniors traveled to New York City from Nov. 28 through Dec. 2 for DECA’s national winter conference

LEFT: Senior Wylee Shofler sings to the judges on “American Idol.” Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum in Times Square displays wax replicas of popular celebrities and historical figures, ranging from Michael Jordan to Benjamin Franklin. The exhibit has several opportunities for people to stand in as a celebrity themselves to get their picture taken. » katehardy

17 dec.

2007

ABOVE: The marketing students catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty out the window of a ferryboat circling Manhattan Island. Before the ferry ride, DECA held a competition onboard the boat where teams of 10-12 designed, marketed and pitched an idea for a new doll line for Madame Alexander’s Doll Company. » sallydrape

CENTER: Senior Sarah Jones joins in the “napkin dance” at Fuglia’s Italian Restaurant in Little Italy. A group dinner at Fuglia’s on the last night has become an annual tradition on the DECA trip. The restaurant‘s pianist leads them in the dance, where the entire restaurant stands on their chairs and waves their napkins around. » sallydrape