NW PASSAGE Page 8|the bigger picture
Shawnee Mission Northwest Issue 5 Vol. 53 Nov. 18, 2021
Student leaders gather to discuss the damage discrimination causes
PAGE 12|fall sports recap
A look back on how sports teams ended the fall season
the bigger picture
FUELED BY THE BEST TO FEEL YOUR BEST. NEW
Immune Builder® Orange
GET A FREE MEDIUM DRINK
$2OFF
00
SHAWNEE, KS
with the purchase of medium or large sub when you show your SMNW student ID
any 32 OZ. OR larger smoothie
12106-B Shawnee Mission Pkwy
PROUD SUPPORTER
OFFER VALID ONLY AT THIS LOCATION.
(913) 268-5464
LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED / NW CORNER OF SM PKWY & QUIVIRA Some restrictions may apply. Valid only at participating locations. Excludes extras and enhancers. Not valid with kid’s cups or any other offer. Must present barcode to redeem. Photocopied or altered coupons will not be honored. Limit one per person. No cash value. Sales tax extra. ©2021 Smoothie King Franchisees, Inc. EXPIRES: 01/31/22
Expires: 12/31/21
6415Quivira QuiviraRoad Road, 6415 Shawnee, Ks 66216 Shawnee, KS 66216
(913) 631-0033 (913)631-0033
smnw.com
TOC | 03
Contents 4
Northwest Passage issue 1 vol. 53 Aug. 12, 2021
The Basics
The need-to-know information to start your year
5
Meet the staff
6
THE SOUNDS OF SUMMER
7
Mask or no mask?
10
inside northwest
11
Upcoming Events
12
GIRL BOSSES
13
Familiar Faces
15
FRESHMAN FLASHBACKS
Meet the people who make The NW Passage possible
T he summer of 2021 was marked by pivotal and influential events
T he CDC and Shawnee Mission School Board have released their guidance for the 2021-22 school year
I t’s the annual map of the school to help you find your way around the building
T he can’t-miss events taking place at the start of the school year
Recognizing the women who lead our school
Our Passage: 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 news magazine, 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 news magazine. The paper will be distributed monthly as possible.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 the solution. In these cases, the editor-in-chief and editorial board will have the power to make the final decision. Letters to the editor will be accepted and encouraged. 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 and editorial board reserve the right to refuse any letter.
T hree sets of siblings prepare for a new year in the same school
Two teachers think back to their freshman year
StafF
Publication Oversight: Editor-in-chief Editor-in-chief
Stella Grist Ally Pruente
Content Management: Freshman Addison Pruente walks through the mall Aug. 8. Students will have to continue to wear masks and socially distance this school year. “Even though there are still restrictions, I am excited to be back in a school environment,” Pruente said. + photo by Claire Moore + cover design by Livi Nagorka
Managing Editor Veronica Meiss Copy Editor Morgan Tate Online Editor Grace Logan Photo Editor Claire Moore Design Editor Livi Nagorka Asst. Photo Editor Sophia McCraney Asst. Photo Editor Sidra Sakati
Link Crew Sponsor Matthew Wolfe instructs this year’s Link Crew Aug. 8 in the cafeteria. Trainees practiced activities they will be leading for the freshmen on the first day of school. “I love having the opportunity to see my students helping the incoming freshmen.” Wolfe said.
Social medias
Staff Writers: Staff DESIGNERS: Yeretzy Blanco Macy Malik Izak Zeller
Adviser:
Susan Massy
Ellie Zeller
@smnwdotcom @smnwdotcom
Check out our latest online stories and additional content.
04 | staff ed
Nov, 18 2021
What is a staff ed? A staff editorial is an opinion piece crafted by a single staff member and voted on by the entire production team of the NW passage. The piece on this page is not an unbiased news article, it is an opinion piece clearly taking a stance and tackling a major issue.
Moo
-ving
away from meat
Mass production of meat and dairy products is often unethical We mindlessly pick up a package of hamburger, steak or ribs from the refrigerated meat case in the grocery store. It’s just a product, like a can of green beans or a pack of gum. We don’t really consider the animal, the cow those ribs belonged to or how it was treated. Mass production of beef by some companies is unethical because of the way they treat the animals. As the increase in demand for reasonably priced meat and dairy products increases the animal becomes an object, not a living thing. Many small- and medium-sized meat-producing operations, however, are ethical. They allow their cattle to graze, enjoy healthy ingredients of their natural diet, and treat it fairly before they use it. This is a step in the right direction for the cattle industry. Large companies, like FairLife, are the problem. FairLife is a working farm producing lactose-free milk from approximately 15,000 cows. The Case Centre reported that the farm has been a major tourist destination in Illinois, with 600,000 tourists a year. They visit the farm because of the company’s claims of humane treatment of their livestock and their employee training program regarding that care. In June 2019, Animal Recovery Mission (ARM) went undercover at FairLife and provided video footage of severe animal abuse by its employees... the same employees who had been trained on the fair treatment of cows. They weren’t only abusing grown cows, but also the calves. If even companies that claim to be ethical are suspect, how are cattle in corporate operations that make no such claims being treated? The environmental impact of red meat is simple. The beef
TOP
4
industry is responsible for production of 18% of all greenhouse gases. According to the National Institute of Health, 65% of human produced nitrous oxide emissions are from the manure of livestock. The United States Environmental Protection Agency defines nitrous oxide as a gas emitted when cattle burp, emit digestive gases and fecal matter. When we think about manure, we don’t think of what it could be doing to our atmosphere. Who thinks of cow poop as a significant contributor to climate change? The truth is that cow manure alone makes up for 65% of all nitrous oxide gases. If we could reduce or eliminate the amount of red meat we consume, we could produce fewer cattle and reduce some of the greenhouse gases. Companies must have a stockyard to hold their cows, even if they’re destined for slaughter. These stockyards are where cows produce large amounts of methane gas. How? When a cow burps, passes gas and produces manure they also release an extreme amount of methane. About 95% of the methane produced by cows comes from their nostrils and mouths according to Phys.org. Methane is an extremely powerful greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. If we cut back on the amount of beef and dairy we consume we cut back on the emissions of one of the deadliest gases to our earth. That argument is strong enough on its own. A study by Reijnders and Soret in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that meat production requires 4.4 times the amount of water that soy does. Not only is the mass production of livestock taking up land and harming the environment but it’s gulping up our dwindling water supply. The resources we use just to eat a steak are unreasonable. Another study in the American
arguments
IN FAVOR OF HUMANE TREATMENT OF ANIMALS According to a Harvard Study “The Ethics of Eating Animals” March 12, 2014 By Hanna Evensen, College ‘16 1. We as humans are a part of the circle of life. The food chain involves us, however, we don’t naturally raise our food. So what’s natural about consuming it? 2. Unnecessary suffering is really unarguable. Those who treat their animals poorly have no reason to do so.
Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Pimentel and Pimentel, aimed to study the sustainability of meat-based versus plant-based diets and their impacts on the environment. Their research found that producing protein from meat takes 11 times the amount of fossil fuel when compared to a vegetable-based protein. The New York Times also reported that greenhouse gas production per serving of chicken or pork is only 20% of what is required for beef. We have options to adjust our daily diets. Plenty of protein supplements like veggie burgers and tofu are available in grocery stores and many restaurants. Even those who don’t cut out meat completely can make a large difference just by eating organic and grass-fed meat products or chicken instead of beef can make a large difference. There isn’t anything wrong with the ethical production of red meat and dairy products, but when someone harms the environment and the animals within it, they begin to mess with something worth way more important than a cheeseburger.
11 / 1 agree
disagree
Veggie vs meat burgers What’s the difference?
most Veggie Burgers include 3-4 grams fiber, while meat burgers contain no fiber. veggie burgers, However, are lower in protein compared to meat.
Meat burgers contain less sodium and more protein. The downside to some meat burgers is that they contain hormones and chemicals from the feed given to cattle.
3. Meat production is environmentally harmful. It’s also inefficient compared to eating a vegetable diet, due to the growing population. 4. it’s unreasonable to simply kill for human interest when there are alternatives to meat.
+ graphic design by Ally Pruente
smnw.com
columns | 05
Finding Your Passion
As I’ve started growing up I’ve realized I must find the source of my passion + by Macy Malik
As I have grown up and continue to face new problems or challenges each and every day, I have become nothing but confused. High school has been an incredibly beautiful, yet stressful, journey so far. + by Macy Malik Each year becomes harder, and I have to overcome more obstacles, like finding out what motivates me and what I truly enjoy. As I face these new challenges, it has led to me not knowing what I am passionate about. My whole life I have been asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up? What are you thinking you want to major in?” What if I don’t know? I may think I want to major in something because the idea of it sounds cool, but am I really truly passionate about that subject? Am I willing to put the necessary work, time and effort in? I recently had a conversation with a coach of mine who happens to be writing a book. Scott Moody, Founder and CEO of AthleteFIT. I told him a few days prior to the conversation that I felt empty. I was sitting in his office when all of a sudden he said, “I am going to ask you questions but I don’t want this conversation to last any longer than five minutes.” This set me on edge. I reluctantly said, “Okay.” The first question he asked me was, “What is it about soccer that brings you joy?” As I answered this question, he drilled me with the next,
“What is it about soccer that keeps you interested?” And the next, “What is it about soccer that motivates you to spend time and energy?” Finally, there was one more question. “Is soccer the #1 joy in your life right now, above everything else?” I knew in my mind that yes, it was, but to admit that a sport gave me more joy than anything else in my life seemed almost embarrassing. In reality, it consumes me. It’s the one constant in my life that I look forward to each and every day. I asked him what this all was for. “Keep asking ‘what’ until you get down to the single, smallest thing. This will be the source of your passion. This is what you should look for in soccer, school, teammates and coaches. Especially in the recruiting process.” Later that night, he sent me a PDF of the first chapter of his book, which was about everything we had just discussed. Finding the source of your passion. He mentions that there are two types of passion: “Obsessive passion, where the activity consumes the individual in a very rigid and persistent way, and harmonious passion, where the activity occupies a significant but not overpowering space in the individual’s identity.” Immediately realizing that I personally have a harmonious type of passion, I no longer felt empty. I felt full. We have to be okay with the fact that if something doesn’t bring us any joy, then we need to remove it from our lives. I believe a lot of people my age tend to struggle with this. Finding the source of your passion is the first step.
Nov. 15-30
growing futures blanket drive Fourth hour classes will collect donated blankets in lieu of the Adopt-A-Tot program this year.
Nov. 23-26
Thanksgiving break Enjoy your week off!
NOV. 29
winter sports meeting
All students interested in participating in winter sports are to meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Auditorium.
Dec. 6
Winter choir Concert Acapella, Chambers, Men’s and Women’s Concert Choir, and Women’s Select Choir will perform at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium.
Dec. 7
winter orchestra concert
Orchestra students will perform at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium.
Grown-up-itis
Grown-up-itis is spreading. Here are a few ways to combat its symptoms. I woke up on Christmas morning to finally see what Santa Claus brought me. Would it be a book, a toy, a game? I would wake my parents up at 6:30 a.m. They would tell me to sleep until at least 7:30 a.m. I never could, so I tried to peek at the gifts under the shimmering lights + by Morgan Tate of the tree, although it rarely helped me guess as they were still only square boxes. When my parents finally awakened, they would take a picture of me going down the stairs and seeing my gifts for the first time. Finally, I would get to unwrap all the presents. I’m a junior in high school now, so things are different. I wake up whenever I feel like it, and definitely not at 6:30 a.m. I feel less excited to get presents from “Santa Claus” aka my parents, but I still enjoy the holiday season. As I grow older, it’s harder to be as excited about it. I guess I’ve been infected with a little disease called growing up. It infects people slowly as they age and the symptoms worsen in high school. But I’ve found a few things to help me manage the disease and its many symptoms. I’ve always had a variety of interests: reading, drawing and singing. I remember making up expansive worlds in my mind. I remember reading dozens of novels over the course of a year, I remember obsessively hunting for bugs while playing “Animal Crossing New Leaf.” Now, because I’m growing up, it feels like I never have time to do any of that. I’m focused on getting the best grades and getting into the best colleges so I can make the most money. Time flies and I can’t find time to do things I’m passionate about. Lack of time is one of the worst symptoms of growing up. I try to combat this symptom by allowing time to just have fun rather than be productive. I remember playground playtime fondly. Playing games
Upcoming Events + by Stella Grist
with my friends such as school, subterranean society and how to kill the babysitter, which were mostly light-hearted fun. Sure, there were some scrapes, fights and tears, but at the end of the day, everyone was still friends. Since we’re all become infected with Grown-up-itis, high schoolers are a bit more complicated. We have dates and tests. We’re all trying to find ourselves and where we fit in the world. All of this makes it hard to hold on to friends. I have friends and they change. I change, and we drift apart. I know change is a symptom, but sometimes I look back at playing those stupid playground games and I just want to be there again. My treatment of this disease is just trying to accept those changes, go with the flow and look at all the good things that change can bring. When I was in elementary school, the most I was expected to do was get good grades and have fun. It was easy math and playtime. The most difficult things I had to do were study for the spelling bee and deal with my friends fighting over who wanted which Monster High doll. I was a kid with 10-pound weights on my shoulders — a little heavy but ultimately not that bad. Now I’m a kid with 100-pound weights on my shoulders. Since I’m growing up, I have to take on so much more responsibility. I have difficult tests, homework and extracurricular activities. I have to learn how to drive and maybe even get a job. Growing up has felt less like a slow adjustment and more like a mountain dropped on me. To combat this symptom of growing up, I just take time to turn my brain off. If I fail a responsibility, I try to give myself some leeway instead of beating myself up over it. Growing up is hard, it slowly weighs you down as you feel weaker and the disease gets stronger. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Grown-up-itis but I’ve found a few things that can help with the symptoms and make sure that day-to-day life is a little easier
Dec. 8 choir with trailridge
NW choir students will perform with Trailridge choir students at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium.
Dec. 9
winter band concert Band students will perform at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium.
Dec. 13
board of education meETING The SMSD Board of Education will hold a meeting at 6 p.m. at the CAA. Public Comment will be held at 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 15
cocoa and cram Cocoa and Cram will take place at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria. Study for finals with other students over a cup of hot chocolate.
Dec. 17-21
semester exams
Final exams will be held these days. The final exam schedule can be found on www.smnw.com. + design by Ellie Zeller
Bring this in with your Student ID for 10% off a Special Tea!
TEA REX
BOBA
5832 Johnson Dr, Mission, KS 66202 (913)602-8321
Johnson County’s Intimate Concert and Movie Experience
NOW FEATURING: The Ronni Ward Band Playing popular Pop Rock hits from the 70s-00s Saturday, Oct. 30 Chris Calkins ChrisC@AztectShawnee.com (913)207-4147
1119 Johnson Dr. Shawnee, KS 66203
t h e
b i g g e r
p i c t u r e
THE BIGGEr PICTURE 08 | feature
Student leaders gather to discuss the damage discrimination and generalizing entire communities can have on minority students at Northwest
“
“
I feel like because we attend a predominantly white school, a lot of people have accepted what has been said to them. - senior Naudia Thurman Should Northwest be devoting time to combating discrimination within student culture? How would you suggest administration should address these issues?
Moreno: I think they are already with the bullying program. Adams-Fink: Maybe the bullying [program] could expand to specifically include problems that arise because of discrimination. Bullying anyone on any level is awful but there’s definitely a different level to it when it comes from racism, homophobia and stuff like that. Thurman: I feel like our school is actively trying to set ways for us to combat these things. I know there are different organizations like the AP/IB recruitment team where basically we had a panel and talked about these issues. [Our administration does] care and want to hear different student opinions. I think they are trying.
Moreno: I had a substitute ask me if I was even from here, implying that I wasn’t from America. I don’t even speak Spanish and I don’t have an accent, which is a little upsetting. I’ve also had someone airdrop me immigration things. Thurman: People say microaggressions that they don’t even realize [are] wrong], like asking a person who is Black “Is that your real hair?” I feel like I’ve never physically faced face-to-face discrimination, but I was basically attacked online by some students that go to Northwest. The thing was, they weren’t white. I don’t even know how to explain it. It was different because you just don’t expect it from someone who isn’t white. We think it’s gonna come from a white person, but we also need to understand that it can come from people of color. Gonzalez: Let’s say I’m speaking Spanish with my friends. People tell me to speak English or pull me apart from a group just because I speak Spanish. Most of those comments have actually come from Hispanic people, my people.
Do you think the atmosphere at Northwest is reflective of the atmosphere in Johnson County/Kansas/the U.S.? Is it something else entirely?
Moreno: I feel like it is it’s own thing. It’s a mostly safe place here. In other places, it’s not and you still get dirty looks. People will be mean to you. But here, you don’t really [get that]. It’s kind of nice. Thurman: I agree. I feel like here, no one is going to question my existence, in a sense, but if I was in a different part of Kansas, probably. Adams-Fink: I agree with that too. I know I have an administrator or a teacher in the building who’s gonna back me up if something happens and that is not like the rest of the world. Things [can be] a lot worse when you’re not in a safe space like school.
Would you say your organization is the safest place in NW or would you say being here everyday is a [pretty safe environment? Thurman: My group was built on wanting to have a safe space, so if Northwest was technically 100% safe, there would be no need for a club like BSU. So I would definitely say I do feel most comfortable in that group. I think we can agree on that. Adams-Fink: I feel the safest within my club (Plus Club), just in terms of what the club’s about. McDonald: Young Democrats vary a lot from other clubs because it is a political club. It can only be so much of a safe space. We talk a lot about current events and politics. Especially living in Kansas, it can feel like there’s no one who agrees with you.
“
My group was built on wanting to have a safe space, so if Northwest was technically 100% safe, there would be no need for a club like BSU. - senior Naudia Thurman
What do you think that the student body should do to help the division issue?
Adams-Fink: With [Plus Club,] we’ve been trying to make it clear that you don’t have to be a part of the LGBTQ community to come to our club. This is meant to be a safe space, therefore there’s a no tolerance policy. Like you will not be welcome if you do something to harm somebody… I feel like coming to our club would be a good learning opportunity for people who aren’t necessarily hateful, just uneducated on those things.
“
“
Adams-Fink: I think there is [discrimination]. I think it’s better than other schools. I have received some comments because I am very out there with sexuality. I’ve been to other districts, so at my past schools it’s been worse. Just some of the small things here… I’ve had people who are like ‘Gay people should live on an island so they all die off,’ like it’s genetic. Stuff I’ve heard before, but not very often. In most circles it’s safe, so it’s like one off people who are like “I think your lifestyle sucks and you’re garbage and you shouldn’t be alive.” It’s very few people. Sakati: I don’t see anything big scale. Like there’s obviously people who say things like that. I think they’re seeking attention. At least now, I see a lot of individuals who may be a little out there when they say things to you like that. The least we can do is say “Okay, you’re one person. There are several billion people.” Adams-Fink: I don’t think it’s a community issue. I think our school community is good. Thurman: I feel like because we attend a predominantly white school, a lot of people have accepted what has been said to them. They’re just like “We go to a white school, you gotta expect to hear these things.” I think that should not be said to you. If it is said to you, we have a great administration that does actually want to help and I feel like they need to reach out.
How have you, personally, experienced discrimination at Northwest?
+ by Stella Grist, Izak Zeller & Yeretzy Blanco + design by Veronica Meiss + package cover by Claire Moore
“
Are there forms of discrimination at Northwest? If so, how prevalent are they?
Nov. 18, 2021
I feel like coming to our club would be a good learning opportunity for people who aren’t necessarily hateful, just uneducated on those things. - junior Kendal Adams-Fink
Sakati: The best thing we can do is ignore those who choose to be violent or try to attack people. If we give them attention, they’re going to keep doing it for attention. If we choose to exclude these people from this inner circle in the student body, then the odds of them stopping that get higher. If they don’t stop doing it, at that point, it’s more of an administration thing. As students we can only do so much. Moreno: Sometimes it’s best to exclude people, but it’s better to take people in and educate them. I think that’s what we should do as the student body or, at least, try to do. Adams-Fink: I feel like in terms of education versus exclusion, it’s a case-by-case thing. Some people are just doing it [for attention]. Others are saying terrible things because they don’t know they’re terrible. McDonald: I definitely see both sides. Being on the exec board of Young Democrats, I do agree with Adam. Sometimes there are people in these clubs who join the GroupMe just to create a fight and it’s really weird. There’s a no fighting policy, no gossiping policy and stuff like that because people will join just to start things. Sometimes it does come down to you having to kick them out [rather than] include them. You may never find out if they actually wanted to be in the club or if they just wanted to be annoying.
Meet the representatives Senior Omar Gonzalez
Junior Perla Moreno
Senior Naudia Thurman
“For me I just wanted to learn more about social justice and being part of something that is helpful. Dealing with situations with race and things like that.”
“I wanted to join Latinos of Tomorrow because I wanted to make a difference and incorporate our culture and educate everyone about how awesome it is to be Hispanic.”
“I started Black Student Union my freshman year. The matter was representation in our school and just having people be able to have a safe space to talk.”
Race Project KC
Latinos of Tomorrow
Black Student Union (BSU)
smnw.com
feature | 09
Is there a specific time period when you’ve felt that discrimination was at a high?
McDonald: Before the 2020 election, people would just say whatever they wanted, which was weird at the end of my sophomore year/beginning of my junior year. But then there was also COVID-19. I definitely did see a lot more white people’s true colors coming out. Now that I think about it, that’s also when Black Lives Matter [was at its peak]. There was COVID-19, Black Lives Matter and then the presidential election. So you just had a lot more people saying things and doing things and they knew they wouldn’t face repercussions for it.
Has the pandemic affected the commonality of discrimination of any kinds?
Adams-Fink: There [was] a large rise in Asian hate crimes. Sakati: That was actually really upsetting to see, especially [since] it was primarily against elderly Asian people. It was just shocking to see that people were doing that. Thurman: I agree with that and I feel like groups like Stop Asian Hate helped combat those issues. I felt for the Asian community at that time because things were being said at school. For example, in my chemistry class, someone said something [negative] about it and my whole class attacked them. It was kind of great to hear. I’m not saying attack someone. It definitely did happen at school during the time and it definitely did feel like a community during that time.
“
“
It shows there are ignorant people in our society who will take something small and blame it on [others], rather than looking at the big picture. - senior Adam Sakati
Sakati: Two of my best friends are of Asian descent. I have Asian in my blood, so it was tough to see that. You have to understand that Asian people as a whole didn’t create [COVID-19]. That’s not what it is. It shows there are ignorant people in our society who will take something small and blame it on [others], rather than looking at the big picture.
Do you find yourself worrying that you will be harmed based on your identity?
Thurman: Someone not liking, specifically, a Black person or something, I do have to worry about my life in a sense because you just never know. You do have to take precautions. I do care, but you just really don’t know until it happens to you how you’d react. McDonald: My skin is not dark. My first language is English and my parents are both from the United States. I’m very privileged in that sense. When it comes down to like worrying about “Am I gonna
be hate-crimed?” I could walk out in the street with my mom and my grandma when she was alive, and just go about our day. People might say things or like assume things, people have assumed we sell drugs and stuff like that. Sakati: We live in the United States, so we have to have some sense of pride, like in other countries there would probably be a lot more severe issues. In Syria, for instance, if you are a Sunni and Shia, they’re two different religions and they’re having a civil war over there. If we were living over there you would have to fear for your life every day. Here we worry about a few people who go to the extreme and try to kill someone based on their race, gender or religion. In the United States, we live in one of the most socially evolved countries to date. I would say it’s easier here to feel you can speak freely. McDonald: I disagree somewhat. In some other countries they don’t have freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of anything. Like you can’t talk bad about the government or you’ll get killed. I think the only thing I disagree on is saying it’s the one of the most evolved. You have to look at it from a lens of not only race, gender, and sexuality but socioeconomic class, religion, immigration, things like that.
“
Do you think people in power have had an impact on the prevalence of discrimination? It shows there are ignorant people in our society who will take something small and blame it on [others], rather than looking at the big picture. - senior Adam Sakati
“
Adams-Fink: I mean it feels like the only thing with excluding those kids based on attention is we don’t know. We’re not in their heads, we don’t know if they’re doing it for attention. Not [acknowledging] those attention-seeking kids will solve that problem But I mean isn’t it more important to focus on the kids being harmed than on the kids doing it. Sakati: I can see the other side of that, as well. It’s tough. If you help the kid who’s being harmed, the person is going to still try to harm them. It’s a trade-off when you have to figure out the balance between those two.
McDonald: Just going back to middle school, I do know after [former] president Donald J. Trump was put in office, I got a lot more backlash for who I am and my ethnicity. Not that I hadn’t received it before, but this was crazy. Obviously these people thought things about me and my ethnicity before and who I am as a person but now there had been a safe space created for them to express these thoughts. Moreno: I agree with her. I feel like a lot of comments were like ‘We’re gonna build a wall,’ ‘Go back to where you came from.’ Why are you saying that? Thurman: I’m a part of Spirit Club Exec [Board] and that’s one of the reasons why [we] were afraid to have USA Day. Last time they had it was when Donald Trump got elected and a lot of Hispanic students here, specifically Mexicans, were scared for their lives because they didn’t know if their family was gonna get deported or not. So I do think it became more acceptable in a sense.
Do you think discrimination here on our local level comes from hate, comes from humor or just simple misunderstanding?
Gonzalez: It also comes from ignorance, people not knowing what they’re talking about. Thurman: I think it comes from who you’re around and who you grew up around. Sakati: Sometimes people say it to somebody out of sheer lack of thought. Those people learn and they’re like ‘Oh, I should not say this.’ But there’s also those people who are just hateful or it’s for a joke.
If you could say one thing to the student body regarding the prevalence of discrimination here, what would it be? Moreno: Don’t be stupid. Consider other people’s thoughts and feelings. A lot of people feel like if you report it, you’re somehow weak or not as strong, or people are going to think you’re a baby. It can lead to other things. Thurman: If it does happen to you, don’t accept it, report it. Stop sitting down and just listening to things that are happening and don’t affect you. I’m a Karen for discrimination. If I hear it, I’m gonna report it.
get involved In case you want to get involved in the clubs who spoke at this roundtable, here are the sponsors and their contact information to get started. LGBTQ+ Club
Jamie Ledbetter jamieledbetter@smsd.org Ashley Shawgo ashleyshawgo@smsd.org
Young Democrats
Rebecca Anthony rebeccaanthony@smsd.org
Young Republicans
Todd Boren toddboren@smsd.org
Black Student Union
Sheila Young sheilayoung@smsd.org Daniah Hammouda daniahhammouda@smsd.org
Latinos of Tomorrow
Kate Cervantes katecervantes@smsd.org Kristen Reyes kristenreyes@smsd.org
Race Project KC
Jamie Ledbetter jamieledbetter@smsd.org Sheila Young sheilayoung@smsd.org Daniah Hammouda daniahhammouda@smsd.org Lisa Morstadt lisamorstadt@smsd.org
Senior Adam Sakati
Senior Kiera McDonald
Junior Kendal Adams-Fink
“I feel like there are some people who are very well educated in Young Republicans Club. I feel like my values and beliefs align with those in the club, so I figured it would probably be the best spot for me.”
“I just found [Young Democrat Club’s] views to align most with who I am as a person. I joined because I’ve always identified as a Democrat. I stayed in it because I’ve found it to be a really accepting place and I love learning about politics.”
“I joined it for a safe space. I never really planned to be Exec Board, I just wanted somewhere to go where I didn’t have to second guess what I was allowed to tell people because I can’t read whether someone is going to accept that stuff so it was really easy to not have to censor my conversation.”
Young Republicans
Young Democrats
LGBTQ+ Club (Plus Club)
Nov. 18, 2021
10 | feature
WE HEARD YOU Is there division and discrimination at Northwest? + by Veronica Meiss
“An act of discrimination at Northwest I have witnessed is people not getting to know a person before talking poorly on their name, whether that reason is because of their race, sexuality or beliefs.” - freshman Alex Rayne
“I think there is [discrimination] to a degree, especially for LGBTQ+ students. Not outright violence or hatred, but just casual things, such as jokes that make them feel bad because of their sexuality. Be really careful what you say around people. You never know who is questioning their sexuality, and simply don’t laugh at or ignore the jokes when they’re being told.“ - senior Oscar Neis
“To me, [the divide is] not super blatant. You might be able to tell by mannerisms, but you don’t see many arguments or fights over political opinions. I think the biggest form of discrimination can go into athletics. I believe things such as a men’s volleyball team could definitely be a thing in the future of Northwest.” - freshman Easton Volk
“I think we can definitely do better at holding people accountable. It just always seems like people who post or say something discriminatory or harmful are just [shrugged on] with minimal consequences sometimes.” - junior Annaliese Nguyen
“There’ are definitely some things that people have said that probably shouldn’t have been. I don’t entirely pay attention to what people say about me. If they were to say it about someone else, I would at least attempt to persuade them not to.” - sophomore Jack Jones
“As a part of the LGBTQ+ community, and a generally liberal sort of person, I’m sort of always afraid there’ll be someone who doesn’t believe in my full rights or believes my opinion to be invalid. This happens on both sides though, with people having harsh opinions of their opposing group and lots of discourse.” - sophomore Lina Herbst
“I have seen discrimination at Northwest. My friend said she was called a slur in the middle of the hallway by a white guy, who should not have been using the n-word. I’ve heard about people [saying the n-word] on social media, who are Northwest students. They’ve been reported, but they don’t show any remorse for what they’ve done. [They’re] contributing to a worldwide problem, and we’re not going to get anywhere if you continue [to not hold them accountable].” - senior Alyson Welch.
“I feel like Northwest is a good place to meet new people of all backgrounds and beliefs. From my [point of view], it is a diverse place. It’s not divided racially. It’s more politically divided. Lots of different views and people are very passionate about their political beliefs. It seems like someone always disagrees with someone [in the 2023 GroupMe].” - junior Vaibhav Marada
+ design by Ally Pruente
smnw.com
feature | 11
current events This month in current events includes the canned food drive and Powderpuff + by Ally Pruente & Izak Zeller + design by Livi Nagorka
You CAN Not Win
Annual canned food drive/competition brings in 8,039 cans and $3,492.33
+ by Ally Pruente
“Dearest fifth hour…” Microeconomics students’ phones dinged. They had just received a text message from social studies teacher Matthew Wolfe. They clicked the link leading them to something no one was expecting. A note was found in Wolfe’s mailbox. Letters had been ripped out of magazines and newspapers, laid sideways and unorganized across the yellow paper. A picture of Wolfe was taped roughly in the bottom right corner. Pasted together, the words conveyed this message: “2021 canned food drive, you can not win!” This note was given by an anonymous source. A source that meant business. The annual food drive has always had a competitive air to it. Fifth hour classes lugged in dozens of cans and spare change in hopes of beating the competition. However, the food drive isn’t just about winning. It’s bigger than that. It’s about helping the community. Student Council (StuCo) takes advantage of the competitive spirit of the students and staff and turns it into a benefit for the community. Cans go to the Johnson County Christmas Bureau (JCCB), an organization that supports low-income families during the winter season. Being on the canned food drive committee since his freshman year, head chair Andrew Braun makes sure that things run smoothly. “It feels great,” Braun said. “But it’s also stressful. The cans [need] to go out on a certain date. Thanksgiving is our deadline, but that doesn’t mean [we have until then to get the cans to JCCB. They need to be able to sort it and make sure none of the cans are expired. We have to hit our deadline.” Fifth hour classes are split into categories based on size. Each class competes against other classes within their category for the top spot. Cans and change were accepted by the drive for points. Cans were brought in on the 1st though the 5th of November and coins were collected on the 8th though the 12th. StuCo members like Braun think it’s important to donate because the food goes to people in need. “It’s not something that’s required,” Braun said. “It could not be done without
It’s about drive
the thoughtful people who give donations. I’m really fortunate that I have the opportunity to think about others. It’s nice to know that there are great people at this school who want the best for them.”
Got it in the can Food drive winners
Large Class
1st place Wolfe (5,047 points/students) 2nd place T.Boren (4,079 points/student) Honorable Mention Banion (1,934 points/student)
Medium Class
1st place Lopez-Boren (2,495 points/ student) 2nd place McMaster (900 points/student) Honorable Mention Demke (563 points/student)
Sophomore Cory Zoeller places cans into a box Nov. 5 in the custodian’s office. The canned food drive lasted over two weeks where StuCo representatives collected cans and coins. “The canned food drive is super important for the benefit of people who are less fortunate,” Zoeller said. “I love being able to help out and I feel like I’ve done something good for the community.” + photo by Claire Moore
Small Class
1st place Barger (16,861 points/student 2nd place Brewer (11,648 pointsstudent) 3rd place Winston (5,965 pointsstudent)
Juniors and seniors face off in Powderpuff games, split bragging rights
+ by Izak Zeller Juniors and seniors battled it out over the weekend in volleyball and football during this year’s Powderpuff games. The girls faced off in football, and the boys played against each other in volleyball. “It’s seniors versus juniors,” senior Shelby Sogaard said. “It’s a one-game-wins-it-all type of situation. The juniors won in volleyball, which was kind of an upset for the seniors, but that’s okay. And, of course, the seniors won in football” Admission for the event this year was $1 or 2 cans of food This gave attendees a chance to support the food drive as well as cheer on their classmates. Powderpuff allows its participants to switch places... the girls competing in a maledominated sport and vice versa. Powderpuff didn’t happen last year, due to COVID-19, now that it’s back it’s more special than ever. “It was cool to see how [other] sports really work, because I played volleyball and I do javelin,’’ Sogaard said. “I never played on the top varsity levels in volleyball, so I didn’t really experience a crowd of people cheering for me. No one really comes out and supports [those sports].” As the games went on and the intensity increased, the senior girls and junior boys pulled out the wins. Although the team bond formed in a short time, it stayed strong throughout the games. “It was actually really nice because I’ve known a bunch of
these girls for a long time,” Sogaard said. “There is [senior] Anne Borberg, [senior] Tamara Harris-Webster and all of these girls I’ve known for so long and have built bonds with. But, I’ve never actually gotten to play with them. [Borberg] plays softball and [Harris-Webster] plays basketball. I don’t play those sports, so it’s nice to finally see them on the field.” The bonding aspect of Powderpuff is something that goes unnoticed. Sogaard encouraged others to get involved in fun opportunities like this,because they contribute to a rich and true high school experience. “If you’re a freshman, sophomore or junior, definitely take part in it because it’s a great way to meet people,” Sogaard said. “I got closer with a bunch of people. I’m just saying what everybody is telling you: get involved with it because it’ll change your life. Even if it’s just for two and a half hours, it’ll really make an impact.”
Junior Erin Moody takes senior Anne Borberg’s flag Nov. 13 on the football field. Borberg played the position of quarterback. “It definitely took a little bit of time to get comfortable with our offense and defense, but once we got it we got it,” Borberg said. + photo by Ashley Broils
FALLFINAL RECAP
12| sports
smnw.com
Lucky Lady Cougars
+ by Veronica Meiss Since the beginning of the season, the varsity volleyball team has looked like a winner. The Lady Cougars defeated Hutchison High School, then went against Topeka Washburn Rural in a 2-1 contest. They also qualified for the 6A State Tournament in Salina. “We just finished our season,” senior Emma Ayers, a defensive specialist on the team, said. “We made fifth at state, and won substate before that. I’d say we had a pretty successful season overall.” Before games and tournaments, Ayers likes to hype herself up by doing confidence exercises, including telling herself she’s the best player in the world. “We are pretty serious,” Ayers said. “We’re very focused. We have our goals, and we try to reach them. We do our best. There isn’t a lot of messing around on the volleyball court. We can do that before or after, just not during practice. It’s a very competitive atmosphere.” Ayers says she has learned a great deal from her participation in volleyball. “[Volleyball] teaches you a lot about responsibility, it’s very tough,” Ayers said. “It gets you mentally tough. You have to be mentally strong in order to give 100% each day when you go to practice.”
How ‘bout them cougs? Senior Emma Ayers celebrates winning a point Sept. 30 at SM West. The Cougars finished the season with a 30-8 record. “I get super excited to cheer for the play that momentarily beats the other team,” Ayers said. “We ended with a successful record that we worked super hard for the whole season.” + photo by Erin Dory
frustrating finish to impressive season On the coldest night of the season, the Cougars lost a heart breaker to Blue Valley West 37-34 ending their march toward the state championship game. The team, the regional champions, began the game with a 71-yard kick return to set up the first score of the game by Jack Meylan on a 14- yard run. That put the Cougars up 7-0. At the half, the Cougars led the Jaguars 28-14. During the second half, the tables turned and Blue Valley West took the upper hand scoring 23 points in the third quarter while the Cougars could muster only 6. Quarterback Blake Reeder ended the night with 338 yards on 24 completions. Donovan Ganapini led the receiving team with 92 yards on six receptions. The Cougars ended their season with an overall record of seven wins and four losses and averaged an impressive 43 points per game.
Senior Kael Farkes waves the flag Oct. 22 at SM North District Stadium. Coaches pick a defensive player to run out with the flag because the defense is nicknamed the “black flag”. “It’s a great opportunity to represent the team when I lead them out,” Farkes said. + Photo by Josie Torres
Sprinting into State
+ by Veronica Meiss After competing at regionals, the Cross Country team competed at state on Oct. 30 at 4 Mile Creek Resort in Augusta. The team was only five points away from qualifying for the state competition. “The team was pretty good this year!” junior Paige Mullen said. “We got stronger every meet. Some of the [junior varsity] girls really stepped up and made huge improvements! The girls haven’t made it to state since 2018.”
Mullen placed 3rd at the girls’ state meet, behind the 2nd place winner by a few milliseconds. Junior Henry Born placed 5th in the boys’ state race. Senior Austin Oakerson and sophomore Jazmyn Irvin both qualified. “My brother, [NW alumni Shane Mullen], got fifth in state,” Mullen said. “I had to beat him, and I got third. When I’m running, it just makes me happy. I can be having a terrible day, and I’ll go for a run or I’ll watch a running video and I’ll get so much happier.” Although the season has come to an end, runners still practice after school and run their normal training routes. “Cross country is definitely the best sport in the school,” Mullen said. Junior Paige Mullen gives a fist-bump to fellow runner Oct. 23 at Johnson County Community College. Mullen placed second with a time of 18:41, qualifying herself for state. “[Qualifying for state] felt really good,” Mullen said. “I went into the regional meet knowing I personally was pretty much guaranteed to go to state, but anything can happen.” + photo by Brody Carlson
Undefeated freshman team makes school history + by Grace Logan Following in the cleat-prints of players of the past, the freshman team endured intense training filled with blood, sweat and tears. Together they worked to perfect their offensive and defensive game. The only goal that filled their minds this season was reaching peak performance. For the first time since the school opened, the freshman football team finished their season undefeated with a record of 9-0. Freshman Tyler West is the wide receiver, corner and kickoff return for the freshman team. “We had a good team this year and we’re looking forward to having a good team next year as well,” West said. Ten freshman players were pulled up to the varsity team to practice during the playoffs. West is hopeful he will be starting for varsity during the beginning of his sophomore year. “[I’m] putting in work in the offseason,” West said. “In two or three years, hopefully next year, we can bring home one of our first state championships.” According to West, the freshman football team has become more than just players on the field. They are a family. “[The team is] something you can depend on, especially if it’s your first year of high school,” West said. “It’s a great opportunity to make new friends and have a good family. The coaches will help you fit in and all the players are encouraging. They’re not going to keep you out of anything.” Like all families, the freshman team has unique traditions. West, as well as many of his teammates, has his own way of mentally preparing for each upcoming game. “I come to school dressed up in all NW gear,” West said. “[Then], I put my headphones in [and listen to a] playlist that gets me hyped, ready and in the mood. I’m usually quiet during game days. In the locker room, I’m quiet. Same thing with the bus, the only time I get hype is when I’m starting to put my jersey on and step out on the field.” According to West, during practice all the players are laughing and goofing around together, however on game days the atmosphere becomes more serious. “You wouldn’t even think we’re a football team,” West said. “You [would] think we’re just out there just playing for fun, but on game days is when we take [it] seriously, settle down and all that type of stuff.” After each game, the players huddle together. They have tackled challenges together and push forward united under their unbreakable bond of team spirit. Kneeling shoulder to shoulder, the players take a moment of silence. Freshman Adam Hageman punts the ball Oct. 13 on the practice field. The freshmen football team went undefeated this season with 9-0. “One thing I learned is how dedicated and motivated coaches can impact a team. Every week they would put up film [of] the other team and make plays specifically for that game,” Hageman said. “It was so rewarding to see everyone’s hard work pay off through the season.” + photo by Sydney Jackson
SCORE
BOARD
WW WW WW WW W
SM South
Gardner Edgerton
60-6 38-6 Olathe NW
Lawrence
60-6 48-12 SM North
Olathe East
40-0 26-0 Olathe West
Lawrence FreeState
26-20 28-0 SM West
52-28
Post season, these Freshman practiced with varsity team Daisean Bennett Luke Dent Harper Engel adam hageman jonty harris-webster
Henry hoge Joshua Mackiewicz Logan Morley Jacob O’Donnell Tyler West
Nov. 18, 2021
profile | 13
Golden Gymnast Northwest’s gymnastics team captain makes the best of her last year in gymnastics + by Veronica Meiss + design by Ellie Zeller
Photo 2 A gymnast walks up to a beam, ready to perform for the last time of the season, maybe even her life. She takes a deep breath to focus herself. If she falls, it’s game over. There’s no recovery from a failure such as that. This is the state championship, I need to focus on my routine. Senior Kadence Peel gets onto the beam, salutes to the judges with her hands proudly in the air and prepares for her routine. I can do this. Northwest’s gymnastics team qualified for state, getting third place as a whole team. Peel placed fourth on beam. “Placing in state was probably one of my biggest accomplishments,” Peel said.
“
events
Vault:
I was really proud of myself for that. I was also really proud of myself earlier this season. High school scores are a lot harder compared to club scores. And so like, getting a nine is a lot more difficult. And I got a nine on beam earlier this season. I was so happy, I started crying. - Senior Kadence Peel
Vaulting is when a gymnast runs towards a springboard, gathering momentum, and uses the spring to jump and flip over a platform to land on the other side.
“
Peel’s mother got her into gymnastics when she was only 3 years old. She participated in club gymnastics until she came to Northwest. “I’ve stayed in gymnastics because it’s really rewarding,” Peel said. “You can never really get bored of it. There’s constantly something new to learn and something to improve on. When you get that new skill, it’s the best feeling ever.” Before Peel came to Northwest her freshman year, she had the choice of either going to St. Thomas Aquinas, St. James or Northwest. She would shadow gymnasts from every one of those three schools to help her decide where to go. It wasn’t until she shadowed NW alumni Isabella Dory that she knew where she wanted to go. Peel was shown a video of a pep assembly where the gymnastics team performed. The student body was cheering the gymnasts on like nothing she had ever seen before. Peel knew she needed to go to Northwest. “It was such a hard decision up until then,” Peel said. “I never [thought of] anybody hyping me up until when I saw that video. Nobody really came and watched the meets besides your parents. When I saw that video, and Photo 1
the four
Uneven bars:
Photo 1. Senior Kadence Peel poses Nov. 12 in the stage gym. Varsity gymnastics placed third this year at the state meet. “Placing at state was the best feeling ever, I immediately started happy crying,” Peel said. “It had been my goal since freshman year.” + photo by Sidra Sakati Photo 2. Senior Kadence Peel smiles Nov. 12 in the stage gym. Peel was a four year gymnast at Northwest. “One thing I’ll miss about NW gymnastics is the bond our team has,” Peel said. “I love everyone so much and it’s so sad to leave them all behind” + photo by Sidra Sakati just seeing everybody freaking out, I [decided] this is what I want to do.” Before Peel joined high school gymnastics, she learned a new skill on the bar; a giant. A giant is a move when a gymnast swings fully around a bar, while fully stretched out. When she joined NW’s gymnastics team, she stopped practicing her skill. Peel gave up. She forgot how to do it well and lost her skill. “There have been points where I’ve just wanted to stop and give up when I’ve had tough experiences with coaches or my teammates,” Peel said. “I’ve known I couldn’t let go of that sport just because of the feeling it gives me.” Most gymnasts have Olympians as role models, but not Peel. She has always seen the older teenage girls at her club as her role models. Now that she’s older, it’s a bit different. “My teammates became my role models,” Peel said. “When I see a teammate get a skill, I want to do that too. I want to be better than they are. I use it as a motivator. I’d say my teammates kind of become my motivators, even if they don’t realize it.” Peel is the captain of the gymnastics team, which also means this is her last gymnastics season at Northwest. She still has her club competitions, and if she qualifies for regionals, her last high school performance in May. Even though she doesn’t plan on performing after high school, she’s still looking at opportunities to be a coach or manager. “I love the sport too much to just fully get rid of it, so I’m going to try and keep it in my life as much as I can,” Peel said.
The uneven bars event is when a gymnast spins around both high and low bars, swinging from one to the other, all while performing a variety of tricks and skills.
Balance beam:
The beam event where a gymnast balances on a wooden beam, while doing variations of tricks such as flips, turns and jumps.
Floor exercise:
A floor exercise is an event where gymnasts perform a routine with music in the background, showing off their tumbling skills. It’s similar to a dance routine. +design by Ellie Zeller
MONTH in photos
14 | month in photos
Photo 1
ON THE WEB Visit smnw.com to read these stories and more web exclusive content
Nov. 18, 2021
Photo 3: Gliding his bow, junior Oscar Ohly plays his cello Nov. 3 in room 38. Ohly is a part of Chambers Orchestra which is the highest level of orchestra at NW. “In my opinion [Chambers] is the most fun orchestra because the harder the music is, the more fun the class gets,” Ohly said. “Finding time and motivation to practice can be difficult, but it is necessary to keep improving.” + photo by Evan Johnson
Photo 5: Junior Brea Brown takes senior Brooke Brummer’s flag Nov. 13 on the football field. The senior girls won against the juniors in the football game 4-2. My favorite thing about powderpuff was being able to compete with my senior classmates,” Brummer said. “It was a great event and I’m so thankful that we made it happen for my senior year of high school.” + photo by Ashley Broils Photo 2
Photo 1: Senior Kairi Kinney receives a letter from senior Katelyn Ziegler __ at SM North District Stadium. The letters were a special present organized by coach chambers to congratulate the graduating seniors. “Katelyn has impacted my cheer experience by hyping me up for stunts and always being there for me,” Kinney said. + photo by Josie Torres Photo 2: Senior Tate Burns helps an elementary schooler with an archery game during Trunk or Treat Oct. 23 in the west parking lot. Every trunk had to have an interactive game or activity. “The best part about our archery game was watching all the kids celebrate after hitting the target,” Burns said. “[The kids] felt like a million bucks.” + photo by Erin Dory
smnw.com
month in photos | 15
Photo 3
Photo 5
Photo 6
Photo 4: Junior Sarah Roberts receives a pin from Principal Dr. Lisa Gruman Nov. 9 in the auditorium. The induction ceremony had the new inductee’s walk across the stage and receive a pin as well as light candles while reciting the pledge. “My favorite part of the ceremony was when they talked about the 4 candles and the significance of each one, then we each lit our own,” Roberts said. “It looked like it was from a movie.” + photo by Anna Torres Photo 4
Photo 6: Senior Fabiola Zamudilo starts to fill in a sketch Oct. 27 in the mall. Zamudilo along with other students were working on the spaced-themed section of the mural, which features a cougar astronaut and Planet SMNW. “When we were sketching the mural, I loved all the different ideas coming together to create a bigger picture,” Zamudilo said. + photo by Claire Moore
“I wanted to do NHS because it’s a really big deal to be in. And it’s a challenge to do all the requirements and keep up with them” - junior Madalyn Hesterlee Junior Madalyn Hesterlee holds her candle Nov. 9 in the Auditorium as part of the National Honors Society induction ceremony. NHS is celebrating its 100th anniversary.The organization was founded in 1921 and has been part of Northwest since it opened in 1969. + photo by Sidra Sakati
N W P