the Northwest Passage — Freshman Magazine 2012

FRESHMAN MAGAZINE

vol. 44 Aug 13, 2012

NAVIGATING NORTHWEST

Lost? These tips can help you find your way around school.

44 THINGS

In honor of Northwest’s 44th year, here’s a graduation bucket list.

DO’S AND DON’TS

To safely navigate the hallways, follow these eight simple rules.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MIKALA COMPTON

EDITOR’S NOTE: he Northwest Passage staff has designed this special edition issue in the hopes that we can impart some wisdom to you.

Like you, we walked into high school on freshman orientation day and had no idea what to expect.

Were we actually going to get dumped in a trash can or shoved into a locker? Was the school lunch going to be as disgusting as it looks in the movies? Am I really going to have stacks of homework burying me in an academic grave?

My best advice to you is to stop worrying about what awaits you and just deal with it as it comes.

Now, should you wait until the last minute to do that paper that’s due in less than 12 hours? No, that’s not what I’m talking about when I say “roll with the punches.” The key to surviving your first day, your first week and your first year of high school is to take it all in, breathe every once in awhile and chase every opportunity that high school has to offer.

Freshman orientation day is a fantastic opportunity for you, even if it seem to be just another day that the upperclassmen don’t have to be at school. As a matter of fact, take advantage of the fact that they aren’t here. Find your way through the uncrowded hallways to find your classes, as well as discover shortcuts and between which classes you will be able to make a stop at your locker. Those five-minute breaks between classes go by way too fast; the minute-bell music will be your workout soundtrack unless you figure out a route to your classes that doesn’t involve sprinting.

Also, don’t forget to ask all of those nagging questions today. Don’t be afraid to raise your hand and ask your teachers for answers; odds are, at least half of the people around you are wondering the same thing. Have a chat with the person sitting next to you. He or she may turn out to be your best friend for the next four years.

With the exception of this issue and the special edition for seniors in the spring, the Northwest Passage is the official triweekly, student-run publication at Northwest. We cover the issues surrounding the school and community. If you ever have anything to contribute to the Passage, please write a letter to the editor and email it to acrane006@gmail.com or bring it to room 151. We always appreciate input from the student body.

As you open the door to your first classroom or get up the courage to talk to someone new today, remember to enjoy every moment of it. You’ll never experience high school again, so learn everything you can; oh, and don’t forget to breathe.

T

Sincerely,

Ashlee Crane

STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ashlee Crane CONVERGENCE DIRECTOR Aaron Messick COPY EDITOR Mac Cook WEB MANAGING EDITOR Edelawit Hussien DESIGN EDITOR Bailey Kopp PHOTO EDITORS Mikala Compton Nate Compton NEWS EDITOR Brooke Courtney OPINIONS EDITORS Ashlee Crane Aaron Messick ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Sam Bellmyer SPORTS EDITORS Grace Freeman Arielle Jackson

Editor-in-chief

The purpose of The Northwest Passage is to relay important and interesting information to the community, administration and students of the Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. As a newsmagazine, The Northwest Passage will cater to the interests and concerns of the student body. Outside concerns and activities will only be covered if they somehow affect the school or students. The Northwest Passage is a 24-page newsmagazine. The paper will be distributed every three weeks during fifth hour. Subscriptions will be available to the community for $25. The Northwest Passage firmly supports the First Amendment and opposes censorship. The content of the newspaper will be determined and created by the entire staff. When questions concerning word choice, legal problems or ethics arise the editorial board and adviser will discuss the problem to find a solution. In these cases, the editor-in-chief will the have final say in all decisions. Letters to the editor will be accepted and encouraged, but will only be published if signed. The staff reserves the right to edit for grammatical mistakes, length and good taste. Letters may attack policy but not people. In no way will ideas or viewpoints be changed. The editor-in-chief reserves the right to refuse any letter.

FRESHMAN MAGAZINE

NW graduates cheer as they receive the spirit stick on April 23. “"With it being our last assembly, winning the spirit stick shows how much work we’ve put into supporting our school for the last time. It’s not guaranteed for the seniors’ last assembly. It’s something we earned,”" said NW graduate Drew Creighton.

PHOTO BY KATE JACOBSEN

04 • basics 11 • 44 things Check here for bell schedules, In honor of Northwest’s 44th counselors and administrators. anniversary, here are 44 things to put on your graduation 05 • columns bucket list.

Three staff members give their advice on how to make the most 12 • how to join a club of high school.

If you want to find where you belong at Northwest, look here 07 • navigating northwest for clubs and organizations to Lost? Analyze these maps and join. learn about some of the hardest places to find.

14 • the new student’s guide to NW sports 10 • the do’s and don’ts This guide will help you find out of the hallway what sports are in season.

Eight simple rules to keep in mind when exploring the halls NW graduate Jessica Johnson steals the ball from Topeka West on April 2 at SMAC. The of Northwest.

Cougars finished the game with a score of 10 --0.

PHOTO BY CARLEIGH WHITMAN

vol. 44 • Aug 13, 2012

Check out the bell schedules and take time to figu re out who the various administrators and counselors are.

REGULAR SCHEDULE Period Period Period Period Period

1 2 3 4 5

7:40−8:30 8:35−9:30 9:35−10:25 10:30−11:20 11:25−12:50 11:25−11:50 11:55−12:20 12:25−12:50

Lunch 1 Lunch 2 Lunch 3

odd block

12:55−1:45 1:50−2:40

Period 1 Period 3 Period 5

even block

Period 6 Period 7

Period 2 Seminar Period 4

04 Aug. 13, 2012

Lunch 1 Lunch 2 Lunch 3

Period 7

Lunch 1 Lunch 2 Lunch 3

Period 6

7:40−9:10 9:15−10:50 10:55−1:00 11:35−12:00 12:05−12:30 12:35−1:00

1:05−2:40 7:40−9:10 9:15−10:50 10:55−1:00 11:35−12:00 12:05−12:30 12:35−1:00

1:05−2:40

meet the administration:

Dr. Bill Harrington

Lisa Gruman

Eddie Lyday

Tom Moss

PRINCIPAL

ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL

ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL

ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL

meet the counselors: DR. MARYBETH GREEN Counselor Department head Academic counselor Joi-Me

ERIN BARNETT

SUSAN HARTMAN Personal/Social counselor Group Counselor, Crisis Interverntion, Exchange Students

Academic counselor Sj-Z ELL students, PLAN testing, Career Exploration

JIM MOWRY

ANGELO GIACALONE

CHRISTY SCHMITT

Academic counselor Di-Joh Scholarships, Financial Aid

CHRIS NICK Counselors’ secretary

Academic counselor Mf-Si AP testing, College Now

Academic counselor Ad-H PSAT

TAKING A LEAP

by Mac Cook

Trying everything that high school has to offer will help you find where you fit.

igh school presents you with a lot of new opportunities. Chances are, you’ve heard that a lot from parents, teachers and orientations. It’s true.

Going to high school is a whole new world compared to middle school.

For the first time, you’ll really get to make serious choices about what you want to do. Whether you want to represent Northwest in a sport, give back to the school or community, or challenge yourself academically; your high school career will give you the opportunity to learn new things, meet new people and, most importantly, try new things.

When I started my freshman year, I had never participated in clubs, and I didn’t play a sport; I didn’t

H

do much outside of regular school work. I was encouraged by my parents to “try new things.” I was hesitant at first. After all, it can seem pretty overwhelming because of the number of options available. While it may seem like a challenge, think of the options as a privilege. We’re lucky to have a school that allows its students to participate in so many different things.

My best advice in deciding what you want to get involved in is to pick something that you think matches up with your interests. I got involved with debate because I enjoy knowing about current events and issues, and I got involved with journalism because I enjoy writing. The activities you

choose in high school can really help build an identity for yourself and define who you are. I know that’s what they did for me. I’ve realized I am quite talented in both debate and journalism. I found activities that are interesting to me; I really love doing both, and they have helped occupy my time during high school.

Most importantly, I’ve built many tremendous friendships as part of these experiences.

My point is this: try new things.

Get involved. I didn’t think I would love any of the things I got involved in, but I was wrong. If you already play a sport or have a background in an activity, feel free to extend it into high school. But if you haven’t

found something to be a part of yet, try everything until you find something that’s right for you. You may not enjoy the first few clubs or sports that you try, but it’s still a valuable experience, and it will help you find out what you want to do in high school, and maybe for the rest of your life.

Take advantage of every opportunity. Try new classes, challenge yourself, get involved with co-curricular or extracurricular activities. By trying new things and taking a leap, you can find where you fit into the NW community.

OVERCOMING INSECURITY

by Mikala Compton

By opening up to the new people you meet, you can easily make friends as you begin high school

At the start of my freshman year, I was very quiet, shy and had a phobia of people. My friends say that I was the “random, weird girl” at our lunch table who blended into the background. The only sound I made was a giggle in response to someone else’s joke.

I came from a relatively small Catholic school and knew about 15 other incoming freshmen. I was never very outgoing in grade school.

I kept to myself and my close group of four friends. Coming from a class of 75 students to a class of 495 was a dramatic change. I didn’t know how to make friends — I had been around the same people since preschool. I remember being so nervous the day before school that I couldn’t sleep, so I listened to the awe-inspiring song “Fifteen” by Taylor Swift to comfort me.

Fast forward to today.

I’m a completely different person.

The people I sat with at lunch and barely spoke to have become my most trusted confidants. I’m not afraid to smile at a stranger or start small talk with my lab partner. I’ve

04 Aug. 13, 2012

grown from an awkward wallflower to an extrovert, and by following these three simple rules you can learn to break out of your shell.

1. Join an activity.

Prior to my first year of high school, I took summer weights and Southleague summer volleyball to help me get acquainted with some new people. I joined photojournalism my freshman year as well. I didn’t instantly make friends, but at least there were some familiar faces in the hallway after school started.

Joining a club or sport gives you the opportunity to bond with new people. It throws you into a situation where you have no choice but to work and communicate with others. Another benefit is you’ll have something in common to talk about so small talk about the weather will not be necessary. Once you feel comfortable with one person, meeting new people becomes easy.

Chances are, if one person accepts you into the group, then the others won’t shun you

2. Don’t “popularity”

pay

attention

to

This is the No. 1 rule. You need to learn that popularity is a figment of your imagination. It was something I worried about throughout middle school and the beginning of freshman year. With so many new faces, I was constantly ranking others above or below me based upon their appearance. Since then I’ve learned not to completely depend on first impressions. That mindset caused limitations on who I felt I could and could not talk to, and it would have caused me to miss out on getting to know a variety of personalities and amazing people.

No one is better than anyone else; everyone has his or her own set of strengths and weaknesses. There is no such thing as popularity — just different groups of friends. Spend time with people who make you happy and comfortable, not people you’re worried about impressing. If you know that you surround yourself with people who you can depend on, then you’ve found something much more valuable than an invite to the

next party with the so-called popular group.

3. Embrace the awkward.

You know the guy who isn’t afraid to talk to anyone or do anything embarrassing? Strive to be him.

If you become friends with one of those people, their qualities will rub off on you. Or you can start with baby steps and make a goal to be kind to everyone — and by everyone, I mean the girl who sits in the corner and doesn’t talk during class, not just friends of friends. You can start by complimenting someone to initiate small talk, or just smiling at others in the hallway. Yeah, it’s awkward to talk to or smile at someone you’ve never met and may not even like, but that’s the point. If you’re friendly to others, then you’ll look approachable and easy to talk to.

Overall, aim to be confident in yourself and your decisions and everything else will fall into place.

Overcoming timidness is a challenge, but with perseverance you can learn to stop blending in and start showing your true self.

TEN LESSONS

by Edelawit Hussien

After three years of high school, I’ve learned these ten simple lessons that can make high school easier.

As a senior, I can say I have seen the highs and the lows of high school. Every day since I stepped into the mall for the first time, I have experienced a lesson about life, people and most often about myself.

The past three years have shown me that the following are ten important lessons everyone learns during high school; and trust me, they are more beneficial if learned at the beginning of the journey.

10. Procrastination is inevitable

The words “do not procrastinate” are imprinted inside our brains; we hear them all the time. The fact is that you will procrastinate. I have not met a student who has not procrastinated at some point. It will happen, so being an organized procrastinator is a skill you should master freshman year. For example, a procrastinator waits until the night before to finish a project; but an organized procrastinator makes sure all other homework for the night has already been completed the day before to give him/her plenty of time.

9. High school exaggerated

films

are

Watching my favorite high school films before freshman day was one of the worst decisions I made. High school movies over-exaggerate, so don’t take them seriously. There will not be a Regina George trying to make your high school life miserable. You won’t find “nerds” stuffed in trash cans. And you do not have to be the star quarterback or cheerleading captain to be admired by your student body.

8.Challenging classes are the best classes

One thing that irks me is when freshmen, or anyone for that matter, decide to cruise through high school, taking the easiest courses possible.

The easier high school is for you, the

harder college will be. Challenging classes such as Honors, AP, and IB are there to prepare you for success in college, and students need to take advantage of the those courses. Plus, College Now, AP and IB credit exams can save you tons of money in the long run.

7. Don’t assume "everybody" is doing anything

This is the age when you listen to your friends more than your parents.

There comes that other “P” word that is imprinted in our brains: pressure.

People will try to convince you to do or believe something because “everybody” is doing it. Always remember that “everybody” is not doing it.

6 Don’t be“"that" kid

Everyone claims to not like drama, but if you secretly do, you’re probably “that” kid. One way of making your high school years miserable is to be involved in meaningless drama.

“That” kid is the one who escalates a small disagreement to a full-on, social media-fueled, he-said-she-said mess. If you have a issue with another person, the best way to deal with it is in a civil, private conversation.

You need to know that addressing the individual has a better outcome than tweeting or Facebooking the issue to everyone else.

5. Community service is a double win

I applaud individuals who participate in community service out of the goodness of their hearts. I also know some only participate for club requirements. Either way, starting freshman year, choose a cause that you actually care about, preferably one you would contribute to if you were not benefiting from service hours. Begin volunteering during your freshman year; this will not only bring you personal satisfaction, but also plenty of community service

hours to put on your college applications.

4. Extracurricular make high school fun

activities

High school will be the four most boring years of your life if you do not join a club or try out for sports. A huge challenge of high school is finding your NW “family.” I was lucky to find my first family in Interact Club (see page 12). Fast-forward four years, and I am now the two-time president of that club. You do not have to be the star athlete to participate in sports. Although I am not one of the fastest runners, I have been on the track team for three seasons. I enjoy it and I’ve made plenty of friends.

Winning is just an added bonus.

3. Weighted grades are not your friends

I learned how weighted grades work the hard way. Before beginning high school, I was told about the weighted grading system in Honors classes. If one earns an A in an Honors course, it becomes an A+. If one earns a B in an Honors course, it becomes a A. It sounds very appealing until you realize colleges care more about unweighted grades. Of course, colleges put into consideration the difficulty of the course you are taking, but when it comes to comparing you to other applicants it will come down to your unweighted grades. Do not rely on the weighted grade system to bring you a 4.0 GPA.

is when many people break out of their shell and show off a new found confidence, so you have to be willing to accept change as it comes.

1. You are not entitled to anything

Our generation has already been branded by The New York Times as the laziest generation ever. If you want to accomplish a goal, you will have to go out and make it happen.

Sometimes you have to do things you don’t feel like doing, but when you’re striving for greatness, you have to find a way to overcome this. Success is not guaranteed for everyone; it must be earned.

COLUMNS

MAKING AN IMPACT

by Aaron Messick Freshman year is the perfect opportunity to take risks.

2. Your friends may change

Everyone changes; it might be a minor or major change, but change will happen, and you have to be prepared for it.Your best friends at the start of high school might not be your best friends at the end. Friends will grow apart because of various reason; at the same time, however, you will make new friends and do things you never thought you were capable of doing before. High school

Scan this QR code with your smart phone or visit smnw.com to read more columns from the Northwest Passage staff.

Columns 05

NAVIGATING NORTHWEST

There are a few places around Northwest that can be hard to locate, and a few concepts that every student should understand. Below, the lunch lines and the mall that everyone is talking about are explained, as well as the tardy policy. Using the map on the next page, you can also match up the confusing places listed below and find your way around Northwest.

Lunch Lines

There are four lunch lines; three are in the cafeteria, and one is in the mall.

When entering the cafeteria from the mall, the farthest left line you will see is the Carb Station. Here, you can choose entrees and sides that are not available on the daily lunch menu, like bosco sticks and salads. The full lunch menu can be purchased in the next line to the right, called Mom’s Kitchen. Listen to the announcements every morning to hear the lunch menu for the day. One more line to the right is the Cold Power line, where you can buy sides like cookies, chips, fruit and ice cream. The final option is the pizza line, located near the attendance office in the mall, where pizza and Schlotzsky’s sandwhichs are served, as well as drinks and snacks. There are many lunch options that you can choose from, so try them all.

MALL*

NORTHWTEST TARDY POLICY • Five minutes are allowed for passing periods.

• Arrival after the final bell will result in a tardy.

• Tardy students must proceed to the table.

• The teacher at the tardy table will ask for • The student’s ID is recorded the tardy in the book. The consequences received are based upon his or her prior record:

first offense: warning second and third offense: detention with teacher fourth plus offense: consequence assigned by attendance office

• Students will be sent back to class with a tardy pass.

• Arriving in class more than 10 minutes after the final bell is considered an absence.

The mall is the central hallway on the first floor of the school that connects the east and west doors. The main office and attendance office are located on the east side. During lunch, pizza is served near the offices, and students are welcome to eat lunch in the mall. Usually, tables will be set up by various organizations here (Prom Committee sells prom tickets, theater holds bake sales, StuCo offers the Matchmaker service, etc.)

Here are some of the more confusing places to find around school. Match the orange circles to the ones on the map on the following pages.

1

ROOM FL

This room used to be the Faculty Lounge, but now it serves as a Social Studies classroom. It’s on the first floor in the third hallway between rooms 131 and 132.

2

TARDY TABLES

The tardy tables are located outside the office and near the west mall doors. If you are late to class, go to the tardy table and get a pass for your teacher. Make sure you take your student ID to the tardy table.

3

ATTENDANCE OFFICE

The attendance office is located across from the main office, under the world clocks. All attendance issues are taken care of here.

4

WRITING LAB

The writing lab is located to the left of the library.

Certain testing may occur here, and teachers are permitted to use the lab when students need access to computers.

5

COUNSELORS’ OFFICES

All counselor offices can be found in an adjoining hallway in the office. Ask Chris Nick, the counselors’ secretary, to direct you to your assigned counselor (see page 4 to find out who your counselor is).

6

HALLWAYS

In the academic wing of the school, there are three hallways on each floor. Lockers are located in these hallways. The hall closest to the mall is the first hall.

The hall furthest from the mall is the third hall and the hall in the middle is the second hall.

Map of Northwest 07

English

Fine Arts

122

128

129

121

120

119

118

6

111

FACS

112

Physical Education

114 109

ELEVATOR

108

137

117

107 LOCKER NUMBERS

103

103B

101

4

517 516

116

115

155

106

6

139

162

156

163

105

104

NURSE

5

MALL*

2

OFFICE

POOL

2

CAFETERIA 3

GYM 1

KITCHEN

GYM 2

10

AUDITORIUM

18 19

13

GYM 4

ATTENDANCE OFFICE

LITTLE THEATRE

12 14 16

11

GYM 3

Y R A R LIB

154

138

102

ELL

153

LOCKER NUMBERS

338 1

Special Ed

152

157

Business

151

869 868

127

692 339

113

6

LOCKER NUMBERS

126

Math Science

W

130

5

124

1

M

1054 693

131

12

Foreign Languages

FL

132

123

Social Studies

133

136

135

150

KEY

134

NORTHWEST

110

MAP OF

15

STAGE 4

17 7B

9

8

7

7A

6

30

34

32

31 33

36

1ST FLOOR 08 Aug. 13, 2012

LOBBY

37

38

39

J

POOL

BOYS’ LOCKER ROOM

I

TRAINING ROOM

GIRLS’ TEAM LOCKER ROOM

L

K GIRLS’ LOCKER ROOM

D

BOILER ROOM

BOYS’ TEAM LOCKER ROOM

229

230

228

222

211

210

A

AA

209

202

1901 1900 235

223

224

225

217

216

234 236

218

238

237

1565 1564

LOCKER NUMBERS

213

214

215

239

208

207

206

241

1400 1055

201

B

233

226

LOCKER NUMBERS

1732 1401

212

227

1233 1232

LOCKER NUMBERS

203

204

205

243

231

220

219

F

BASEMENT

2108 1733

221

RECEIVING ROOM

240

232

E

G

N FA OOM R

C

WRESTLING ROOM

242

2ND FLOOR Map of Northwest 09

the

GRAPHICS BY MITCH FEYERHERM

of the hallway . . .

T ’ N DO

DO...

1. Stop by your locker a couple times a day.

Carrying a 10-pound algebra book, six notebooks, Pride and Prejudice, a chemistry binder and the kitchen sink can kill your back as well as your mood.

2. Use manners. If you bump into someone, apologize. Just

remember the golden rule, and you should have no problem staying off of people’s bad sides.

1. Wait for the minute

2. Stop in the middle of

bell music unless you are a track star;—your huffing and puffing only distracts those around you once you make it to class.

the hallway to talk to your buddies. More importantly, don’t get angry when someone bumps into you from behind when you stop unexpectedly.

3. Trash the hallways. There are recycling

bins in almost every hallway and a trashcan outside of each bathroom for a reason.

4. Stand in front of a locker that is not

your own; this is how you make enemies.

3. Make your hugs

YOU

and kisses quick and unnoticeable; PDA makes most people uncomfortable.

4. Use the bathrooms as shortcuts — it’s a

less crowded way to get between hallways in the academic wing and can be the difference between perfect attendance and the tardy table.

10 Aug. 13, 2012

to do before you graduate IN HONOR OF NORTHWEST’S 44TH YEAR, HERE ARE 44 THINGS TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE WALKING ACROSS THE STAGE 1.

Purchase cappuccinos, hot chocolate and cookies on CCC’s Cappuccino Days to benefit various local causes throughout the year.

2. Perform an original spoken word poem at this year’s Poetry Slam; if not, be a part of the audience and volunteer to be a judge.

3. Try each one of the flavors of smoothies from Smoothie King.

Smoothies are sold at lunch every Wednesday; you can find them in the snack line and the Carb Station line. (see page 7) 4. Buy a rose for your crush (or a friend) on Valentine’s Day. Purchase one from the table in the mall, write a note and have it delivered to them in class.

5. Go to at least one game, meet, match or tournament for every sport.

6. Dress up every day of spirit week.

7. Participate in the Talent Show, or support your favorite performers by cheering from the audience.

8. Get coffee or breakfast with friends on a late start day.

9. Respond to an article or bring up a topic that you want covered in the newspaper by bringing a signed letter to the editor to room 151, or by e-mailing it to acrane006@gmail. com.

10. Get a photo booth picture of you and your friends in the index of the yearbook. In the spring, the yearbook staff will set up a booth in the mall, and any student is welcome to get their picture taken and possibly

featured in the book.

11. Be the crossword puzzle winner by picking up a crossword in the library every morning, completing it and returning it. A winner will be drawn each week from the pile of completed puzzles.

12. Take Environmental Education and lead a class of elementary school children on a tour of the environmental lab.

13. Adopt a tot and throw a party for them with your fourth hour class in the winter; you will give a local child in need food, a welcoming environment and Christmas presents.

14. Dance or sing along to the minute bell music on your way to class; just make sure your moves don’t make you late.

15. Walk through the art gallery and down the art hallway to see some of the school’s best student works.

16. Go to an orchestra, band or choir concert, as well as a forensics competition.

17. Congratulate the stars of each musical after you enjoy the show.

18. Comment and make your voice heard about a story on smnw.com.

19. Attend the College Clinic at Shawnee Mission East in October to learn about many different colleges in the area.

20. Volunteer to help with the Halloween Carnival.

21. Help your fellow classmates create a Homecoming float that will outdo all the other classes.

22. Prepare to get dirty at Muckfest, held every fall at Theater in the Park.

Toss shaving cream, fling mud and chuck water balloons at all of your closest friends at this event sponsored

by Young Life.

23. Enjoy the music and donate money to benefit Invisible Children at Coalition’s Big Event.

24. Dance along with the drumline on the mornings that they march and perform throughout the hallways.

25. Buy as many Northwest shirts and other spirit wear as you can.

You can never have too much Cougar pride.

26. Write a speech and perform for your class when you run for Student Council office.

27. Collect every issue of the Northwest Passage.

28. Find the paw print with your name on the walls, windows and lockers during Prom Spirit Week and bring it to the Spirit Club table in the mall for a prize.

29. Sleep in a box for one night at StuCo’s event to benefit the Shalom House, a homeless shelter in Kansas City, Kan. Raise money, grab your box and camp out on the track.

30. Participate in Coalition’s The Walk to raise awareness of unfit conditions in other countries.

31. Junior or senior year, sign up to participate in Powder Puff football (for ladies) or volleyball (for guys).

32. Persuade a teacher to conduct class outside.

33. Take a College Now class. If you pass the class with a B or better, you can be eligible receive college credit.

34. Round up students and a sponsor, find a cause and create a club.

35. Attend the drill team’s Spring Special.

36. Find the 49 Waldos hiding in the murals along the walls of the academic wing.

37. Become friends with the foreign exchange students. You can learn a lot about other cultures from getting to know people from overseas.

38. Perform in a class skit at an assembly.

39. Go to the last home football game of the regular season to see the Marching Cougar Pride’s Light Show performance.

40. Tryout for a sport, even if you don’t think you’ll make it; you may be surprised by your hidden athletic abilities.

41. Go to every school dance.

42. Give blood at the fall and spring blood drives, benefitting the Community Blood Center.

43. As a class, win the spirit stick at an assembly.

44. Submit poetry, artwork or short stories to the student literary magazine Penpoint.

44 Things 11

HOW TO JOIN A CLUB

Step 1: Read through this list to find clubs you are interested in joining. Step 2: Listen to the morning announcements or contact the sponsor or student leaders for more information, like when and where the club meets. Step 3: Attend a meeting and introduce yourself to the other members

ACADEMIC DECATHLON

Sponsor: Cathy Morrison Student leader: Alex Dang Students study all aspects of a historical period and then participate in competitions over the material.

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL Sponsor: David Hunt

Members raise awareness for international human rights issues.

ANIMAL ALLIANCE CLUB

Sponsor: Lindsey Demke Student leaders: McKenzie Iverson and Mathilde Guglielmi Members raise awareness for various animal causes.

ARTS AND CRAFTS CLUB

Sponsor: Ben Pabst Student leader: Lucas Verschelden Members make crafts for holidays and make cards for people in need.

BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS OF AMERICA

photos on Feb 24. The two girls started Photography Club after taking Melinda Heaton’s Photography 1 class.

Sponsor: Jan Berg Student leader: Ryan Ellis Members compete in business competitions simulating real business situations.

BELOW: Junior Tanner Hammond strums a tune during Guitar Club on Jan 26.

CATEGORIES

ABOVE: Before a photo club meeting, juniors Kaitie Dewitt and Alice Wambua edit

Sponsor: Cathy Morrison Student leaders: Alex Dang and Lucas Verschelden Members compete in televised competitions similar to jeopardy.

PHOTO BY CARLEIGH WHITMAN

CHARADES CLUB

Sponsor: Jami Jo Paugh Members meet to play charades and work on their nonverbal communication skills.

CHEMISTRY CLUB

Sponsor: Susan Hallstrom Members meet to discuss chemistryrelated topics.

CLUB 8

Sponsor: Fran Koenigsdorf Members study vocab and play Minute-to-Win-It games.

CLUB 121

Sponsor: Ken Summers Christian students gather to connect with local churches and youth groups.

PHOTO BY JOHNNY TONG

COALITION

12 Aug. 13, 2012

Sponsor: Lindsay Kincaid Student leaders: Brooke Bennett Members raise awareness for human rights causes including Save Darfur, Love 146 and Invisible Children.

COUGARS UNITED

Sponsor: Jennifer Bilyeu

Members broaden their minds by being exposed to other cultures.

COUGARS UNITING BEGINNING STUDENTS (C.U.B.S.)

Sponsor: Susan Hartman Members welcome new students to Northwest.

DECA

Sponsor: Bob Jensen Members participate learn to market and present products for competitions.

DISC GOLF CLUB

Sponsor: Melissa Terryberry Student leaders: Alex Dang and Tyler Holcom Members meet to play competitive disc golf.

FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES

Sponsor: Mike Cooper Student leaders: Lauren Wilderson Members meet to discuss how faith relates to athletics.

FRENCH CLUB

Sponsor: Leslie Ransdall Student leaders: Toni Ruo Students with an interest in French meet to discuss the language and culture.

FUTURE TEACHERS OF AMERICA

Sponsor: Beth Koelker Students meet to discuss teaching careers, as well as choose the Teacher of the Month.

GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCE

Sponsor: Jennifer Quick Members participate in several LGBT youth awareness events during the year.

GERMAN CLUB

Sponsor: Karin Masenthin Student leaders: Amanda Gerber

HEALTH CAREERS CLUB

Sponsor: Sarah Moles Student are prepared to go into a health care career and receive information on such topics as how to shadow doctors.

HELPERS CLUB

Sponsor: Deborah Mayer Members raise money to protect wildlife and the environment.

INTERACT CLUB

Sponsor: Jan Berg Student leaders: Edelawit Hussien and Caitlin Beatty Members work on community service projects such as volunteering at soup kitchens and Habitat for Humanity.

KEY CLUB

Sponsors: Carolyn LaFever and Janine Deines Student leaders: Elizabeth Hudson Members participate in community service projects through Kiwanis, an organization that promotes character building, leadership, inclusiveness and involvement in the community.

KNITTING AND CROCHETING CLUB

Sponsors: Connie Lutz and Susan Nagel Members meet to work on knitting and crocheting projects.

LATIN CLUB

Sponsor: Joe Gehrer Student leaders: Kirk Bado Current and former Latin students meet to discuss the culture and prepare for the Latin Convention.

MATH CLUB

Sponsor: Aaron Sayers Members participate in local math competitions.

MURAL CLUB

Sponsor: David Hunt Student leaders: Shannon Doughty and Maggie Stewart Members create and repair murals in the hallways throughout the school.

PENPOINT

Sponsor: Ben Pabst Student leaders: Amy Hein Members choose the writing, photography and artwork that is published in Penpoint Literary Magazine.

STUDENT LIBRARY BOARD (S.L.A.B)

PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB

Sponsor: Melinda Heaton Members meet to discuss photography

their

POETRY CLUB

Sponsor: Lindsay Kincaid Student leaders: Laura Assmann and Paige Cook Members meet to discuss and share spoken-word poetry.

ROBOTICS

Sponsor: Charleen Mankameyer Student leader: Sean Amos Members design and build a robot to compete at regional competition.

ADVISORY

Sponsor: Carolyn LaFever Student leaders: Nina Gramajo and Simrun Hundal Members help select books to purchase for the library as well as organize the book fair and author speakers events.

THE GIRL EFFECT

Sponsor: Deb Brewer Student leaders: Olivia Broome Members work to empower women on a local, national and international level.

THESPIAN TROUPE #888

Sponsor: Kevin Kelly Student leaders: Ryan Ellis Members compete in a rugby league against teams from other schools.

Sponsor: Keli Rogers Student leader: Gabby Rehor Members perform and do crew work for all the stage productions as well as participate in other acting, singing and improv events.

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

UKELELE CLUB

RUGBY CLUB

Sponsor: Ziba Vissoughi Student leaders: Katia Cecillia Members participate in various regional mechanical, electrical, electronic and scientific competitions.

SGT. PEPPER’S LONELY HEARTS CLUB (BEATLES CLUB)

Sponsors: Drew Magwire, Mike Pisani and Scot Schwartz Members learn how to play songs together on the ukulele. Ukuleles are suggested but not required.

WOODWORKING CLUB

Sponsor: Mark Schirmer Members meet to woodworking techniques.

practice

YOGA AND PILATES CLUB:

Sponsor: Janine Deines Student leaders: Edelawit Hussien and Rachel Hoelting Members meet to relaz and get a workout from yoga and pilates routines.

YOUNG DEMOCRATS CLUB

Sponsor: Rebecca Anthony Student leaders: Edelawit Hussien, Caitlin Chen and Anna King Members discuss current issues, learn about Democratic candidates and spark an interest in the political process among fellow students.

YOUNG REPUBLICANS CLUB

Sponsor: Tina Griggs Student leaders: Ryan Ellis Members discuss current issues, learn about Republican candidates and spark an interest in the political process among fellow students.

NW graduates Audrey D’Amato and Jamie Teixeira decorate Valentines Day cards during a Club 8 meeting on Feb 13.

Sponsor: Fran Koenigsdorf Student leaders: Emily Maddox Members meet to listen to and discuss Beatles music.

SKILLS USA

Sponsor: Howard Newcomb Students compete in events of technology and problem solving to create a better workplace in the future.

SPANISH CLUB

Sponsor: Alicia Roberts Current and former Spanish students meet to discuss the language and culture.

STUDENTS AGAINST DESTRUCTIVE DECISIONS (S.A.D.D.)

Sponsor: Susan Hallstrom Student leaders: Colt Lee Members promote alcohol and drug-free events for students and create the Chain of Life

PHOTO BY CLARA DAVISON

Current and former German students meet to discuss the culture and language.

Clubs 13

a new student’s guide to

CROSS COUNTRY

Van Rose

PHOTO BY NATE COMPTON

*FALL

PHOTO BY BAILEY KOPP

NW SPORTS *WINTER

FOOTBALL

Aaron Barnett GIRLS’ TENNIS

BOYS’ SWIM

Van Rose

Matt Wolfe

VOLLEYBALL

BOWLING

Denise O’Nele

Britt Haney

GIRLS’ GOLF

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

Ken Clow

Todd Boren

GYMNASTICS

Karen Lee

Jeff Dickson

PHOTO BY MARISSA BRUNS

BOYS’ SOCCER

WRESTLING

Howard Newcomb BOYS’ BASKETBALL

14 Aug. 13, 2012

PHOTO BY DANIEL MAGWIRE

PHOTO BY JOHNNY TONG

Mike Rose

OPINION • BY GRACE FREEMAN

The power of athletics

*SPRING SOFTBALL

GIRLS’ SWIM

BASEBALL

GIRLS’ SOCCER

Mark Balderston Rich Kuzydym

Matt Wolfe

Todd Boren

BOYS’ TENNIS

Ken Clow

BOYS’ GOLF

Jim Bamburg

TRACK + FIELD

Mike Cooper

PHOTO BY MIKALA COMPTON

Sports mean something different to every freshman walking through the doors of Northwest on the first day of school.

To some, sports are a way of life — something they’ve been doing since they were kids, and hope to do for the rest of their lives.To others, sports are something they would like to try — something that would be a valuable high school experience.

But for almost everyone who participates in athletics, sports are about friendships and community. And even for those who don’t play a sport themselves, athletics are a huge part of NW life.

And whether you’re interested in playing or spectating, there is a sport for everyone. Tryouts for fall sports are generally the first week of school.

There is of course, football. Our football team works incredibly hard during the summer and during the season, and games are the place to be on Friday nights. Cross Country is an endurance sport. Last year, the girls won the state championship, and the boys did the same the year before. In soccer, boys compete in the fall and girls in the spring. The weeknight games are always exciting.

The girls’ tennis team competes in the fall, while the boys compete in the spring, and their intense work in practices shows on the court.

Winter sports begin shortly after fall sports end, so listen to the morning announcements for more information about tryouts. Swimming is both a winter and spring sport. The boys swim in winter and the girls swim in the spring. The bowling team has been immensely successful, earning many regional and state titles; wrestling features hard working athletes and intense meets. Boys and girls basketball are possibly the most popular sport in the winter. Last year the girls won the sub-state tournament and had the chance to go to the state tournament.

In the spring, track and field tryouts are held, offering many different events, from distance running to hurtling to sprints to throwing. If you want to try a sport, this might be the perfect opportunity, since there are plenty of options to consider. The baseball and softball teams train tirelessly in the spring, and it shows on the field.

Cheerleading is a sport that goes on throughout all three seasons. Our cheerleaders at Northwest are encouraging to all the athletes while being athletes themselves.

Everyone who is dedicated to playing a sport dedicates immense amounts of time and hard work to compete for Northwest, and I know from participating in swimming and cross country and attending countless other athletic events that sports have the power to make high school a great experience.

PHOTO BY MONICA CASTELLON

Participating in a sport can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your high school career.

Sports 15

PHOTO BY MIKALA COMPTON

HOW TO RIDE THE

COUGAR COASTER 1. Step into your imaginary Cougar Coaster cart.

2. Reach up and gently pull down on the safety bar until you hear a "click." You are now secured into the Coaster.

3. As the Cougar Coaster begins the ascent, lean back and shake your arms as if the coaster is rattling on the track 4. As the coaster reaches the top, throw your hands in the air, lean forward and scream for optimal awesomeness as the coaster descends (see photo)

5. Lean to the right, then left, then right, then left again as the Cougar Coaster takes turns at high velocity. Then repeat steps three and four.

6. Use your arms to illustrate the Coaster pulling off a loop-the-loop.

7. Imitate someone noisily vomiting. Then repeat steps three, four and five.

8. As the ride comes to a sudden halt, throw your body forward.