Northwest Passage Issue 6

vol. 43 | issue 6 | jan. 27, 2012

northwest

photo illustration by bailey kopp and david freyermuth

LOVE ACTUALLY

High school students discuss the role dating and romantic relationships play in their lives. on page 13

7 THINGS

12

BETWEEN THE LANES

19

Co-photo-editor Mikala Compton shares her favorite seven things of the moment.

The bowling team is working toward a successful season with their many senior members.

visit our website or scan here to purchase photos from nw events

northwest

PASSAGE | CONTENTS

Issue 6 | Vol. 43 | Jan. 27, 2012 Shawnee Mission Northwest 12701 West 67th St., Shawnee, Kan., 66216

NEWS in brief

05

currently

06

Updates about happenings at Northwest Pop culture and news from around the world

ENTERTAINMENT

19

09

reviews

Fogones Mexican Restaurant, Mark Wahlberg’s Contraband, Beauty and the Beast 3D, the action flick, Haywire, and the last installment in the Wicked series, Out of Oz

FEATURES photo by aaron messick

OPINIONS styling and profiling

Two staff members discuss the pros and cons of how they dress to com to school. the best schools in the world A staff member reflects on the differences between the American and Finnish educational system.

the day after tomorrow

Even though students haven’t felt a significant impact from the school budget cuts in recent years, the situation will only continue to get worse.

13

07

love actually

High school students discuss how romantic relationships and dating play a part in their lives.

SPORTS 08

08

09

photo by daniel magwire

19

between the lanes

22

drinking the game away

The bowling team is working toward a successful season with their many senior members.

Coming to school-sponsored events while intoxicated is not only stupid, it’s unsafe and unhealthy as well.

northwest

[ staff ]

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Co-editors-in-chief | Maria Davison + David Freyermuth

Copy Editor | Brianna Leyden Design Editor | Bailey Kopp Web Managing Editor | Daniel Magwire Photo Editors | Mikala Compton + David Freyermuth

Ads Editor | Paige Waltman News Editor | Hayley Battenberg Opinions Editors | Maria Davison + David Freyermuth

Entertainment Editor | Ashlee Crane Sports Editors | Brady Klein

I haven’t been “Facebook Official” in over two years.

I haven’t been looking for a relationship and I’m not currently looking for one. I’m not going to lie, when school dances are around the corner, I always wish I had some significant other to take. But in just about every other circumstance, I’m perfectly content being single.

My perception of relationships has always been what most would call cynical. I don’t want to be in a relationship; I don’t see the point. High school relationships are like summer: It’s great while it lasts, but eventually, the first day of school comes around and we’re all upset.

And it’s not only my own cynicism that drives me away. In reality, high school isn’t anything like Degrassi or Gossip Girl (page 15). But the pointless drama that ensues even in real relationships isn’t worth it.

Don’t get me wrong, some of you have actually managed to make it work. You’ve found someone you love and could very possibly spend the rest of your life with. I mean, look at social studies teacher Drew Magwire and his high school sweetheart (page 16) they met in high school — at SM North to be exact — and have now been happily married for 23 years.

Staying away from relationships — or anything, for that matter — for fear of the outcome is unhealthy; I know that. In the future, I do hope to find someone that I want to spend the rest of my life with. But at that time, dating will have a purpose and won’t just be because I’m bored and looking for someone to talk to.

I’m not here to say that relationships should be banned from high school, but wouldn’t it just make everything easier?

David Freyermuth Co-Editor-in-Chief

Assistant Designer | Brooke Golladay Graphic Artist | Mitch Feyerherm Staff Writers | Kirk Bado, Sam Bellmyer, Jordan Bray, Rachel Ferencz, Julie Kurbjeweit, Davis Millard, Anna Moilanen, Evan Shinn, Connor Thompson, Paige Waltman + Eric Zoellner

Adviser | Susan Massy

Do you have something to contribute to the Northwest Passage?

WRITE US A LETTER

We would love to hear your opinion about anything we’ve published or other things going on around Northwest. Letters can be brought to Room 151. Only signed letters will be published.

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 24page 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 co-editors-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 co-editors-in-chief reserves the right to refuse any letter.

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Jan. 27, 2012

IN BRIEF New Chipotle to open near northwest The rumors have been confirmed.

“Chipotle is planning to open this spring at [the intersection of] Shawnee Mission Parkway and Quivira, [in the lot] next to McDonald’s,” Debbie Kelly, an accountant for the city of Shawnee, said.

The popular Mexican restaurant, which focuses on quickly providing food made with fresh and healthy ingredients, is opening a chain in the shopping center, where a McDonald’s, a Fazoli’s, a Chinese restaurant and a Dos Reales already reside.

Groundbreaking is scheduled to begin in the next few weeks. photo by nate compton

by kirk bado

Talent Show Scheduled Student Council held tryouts for its third annual Talent Show before and after school Jan. 4 in the Orchestra room, drawing in its highest number of applicants yet. Call backs were posted Jan. 21.

“It was tough to get in,” StuCo vice president Grant Pittrich said. “The halls of Northwest are full of very talented students that you may not know of, and teachers as well, and that’s why we do

this. We’re hoping for a very exciting show this year.”

Performances will include musical, comedy and variety acts from both students and teachers. Profits will go toward club scholarships awarded by StuCo to help with funding issues and requests.The show will be held 7 p.m. on Feb. 8 in the auditorium. Tickets will be sold at the door for $5, and for $3 with an activity pass. by evan shinn

results will separate students by grade levels, showing the best and worst matches from each one.

“It’s a fun way to see if my good friends match up with me,” senior StuCo representative Connor Holman said.

“Sometimes I’m surprised; it’s really interesting to see who in the other grades match up with you.”

Students can pick up their results for $2 during lunch on Feb. 14 in the mall.

The Fashion Careers classes participated in the fashion shows hosted at Olathe North on Jan. 15, sponsored by bridal designer Natalie M. The event gave local Fashion Careers classes the chance to fund raise for school projects and clubs.

On Jan. 15, 160 students walked down the runway, not only modeling dresses by prom dress designer Tony Bowls, but also showcasing their interest and involvement in fashion.

“I just love fashion. This class is so much fun,” junior Crystal Osei said. “[The show is a] great way to help the [Fashion Careers] class.”

When it was showtime for the NW Fashion Careers class at 7 p.m. their goal was to raise money to support the club. They exceeded that goal thanks to the models from the NW. The girls that walked for the class were junior Allison Petrehn, junior Cristina Lopez, junior Hannah Fromholtz, junior Grace Stutheit, junior Ivy Strandt and Osei.

“It was exciting,” Osei said. “[This was] the first fashion show [I’ve] been to, it was a fun experience.”

More than $600 dollars was raised; the money will be spent on the club’s materials and was planned for the NW spring fashion show.

by evan shinn

by julie kurbjeweit

StuCo hosts Valentine-themed fundraiser Student Council will host its annual MatchMaker fundraiser during lunch from Jan. 30 to Feb. 3 in the mall.

Students can fill out a questionnaire that will calculate matches with those of other students based on compatibility.

“It’s our Valentine-themed fundraiser that lets students have a break from all the studying, and enjoy something fun,” StuCo secretary Aaron Terrill said. “It’s a great way to meet new people.”

Along with calculating compatibility,

Fashion show raises money for fashion careers

news

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Pop culture and news from around the world. compiled by Hayley Battenberg + Ashlee Crane

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

$196,158,933

After massive protests by major Internet sites such as Wikipedia, Twitter and Google, Congress has decided to shelve the SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and PIPA (Protect IP Act) bills. The bills would have expanded the government’s right to police intellectual property and copyrighted materials on the internet. Congress will be reworking the bills. cnn.com

The combined domestic gross from Beauty and the Beast, Beauty and the Beast IMAX and Beauty and the Beast 3-D.

— Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum said during the South Carolina GOP Debate.

of middle and high school students reported washing their hands after bathroom use. health.state.mn.us

57% 06

Jan. 27, 2012

cnn.com

GRANDIOSITY HAS NEVER BEEN A PROBLEM WITH NEWT GINGRICH, I DON’T WANT A NOMINEE THAT I HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT GOING OUT AND LOOKING AT THE PAPER THE NEXT DAY AND WORRYING ABOUT WHAT HE’S GOING TO SAY NEXT.”

boxofficemojo.com

SOAP

An Italian cruise ship, the Costa Concordia, ran aground a small island Jan. 13. As of Jan. 24., 16 people have been declared dead and 16 are still missing. The captain of the ship, Francesco Schettino, is currently under house arrest and facing charges of manslaughter, shipwreck and abandoning ship. Preparations are underway for fuel removal procedures.

OF TEENS REPORT FREQUENTLY GOING ON DATES

Even though underage drinking is illegal in every state, 12-20 year-olds make up

20%

5,000

people under the age of 21 die from alcohol-related injuries every year.

33%

of all the alcohol drinkers in the United States.

jama.ama-assn.orgw

SAY THEY HAVE A “BOYFRIEND” OR “GIRLFRIEND”.

OPINIONS

STYLING AND PROFILING Clothing is a way for people to express themselves.

People’s clothing choices — including my own — shouldn’t be a main focus of my school day

ome people have something about them that catches my eye: It’s their unique style and charisma that comes with it. They shine with inspirational creativity.

“I appreciate the craftsmanship and creativity [of a fashion collection],” junior Edelawit Hussein said. “It’s a work of art.”

Just like other arts — if not as strongly — fashion can affect my mood. When I wear one of my beloved pieces, I feel more fun-loving and energetic, and even simply happier than when I wear an old or lazy outfit. A special outfit can transform me and make me who I want to be.

Looking at my old clothes reminds me of the quiet and shy girl I used to be. What I’m wearing now are the clothes of a self-confident person.

When Hussein was on stage at the National Honor Society induction she was wearing her “No. 1 treasure”: a custom-designed leather coat.

“People said that I sparkled,” Hussein said.

We all want to sparkle sometimes, and fashion has the power to help us do so. Does giving fashion such a significant role in my life make me superficial or materialistic? I don’t think so. More than that, it makes me creative and artistic in my own way. “[Fashion] is a way of expressing yourself,” Hussein said.

“It’s about how you show yourself to the world.”

Through my own style, I give others an idea of who I am, what I’m thinking or dreaming about and what I want out of life.

“It’s a way of communicating,” Hussein said.

“That’s what others first judge you by and how they see and interpret you.”

Hussein said that when she sees people with a very expressive style, she feels like she already knows something about them.

Why do we care about what people think about us? Why do we want to know who our friends are, where we belong? And why do so many of us spend so much time on Facebook updating statuses, making comments, uploading photos, designing an online persona? Because we like telling others our story — it makes us feel important and proud. People with expressive styles make it clear that they appreciate themselves.

Fashion isn’t all about knowing what’s going on in the world of designers, models and fashionistas; the hype about newest trends make me rather sick. What it’s really about, for me, is being creative and doing (or wearing) something I love.

The interesting thing about style is that it means something totally different for each one of us. Some might surprise others with a rather fancy or eccentric style. They might receive looks or comments. But what’s important is that we are true to ourselves and have fun expressing who we are in whatever way suits us best.

’ll admit, a lot of people at this school look way better than me nearly every single day. They actually try to color coordinate and wear clothes that are in season, as well as in style. I, however, pride myself in being one of those kids who just doesn’t seem to be able to dress “presentably.” I like being lazy.

When I wake up in the morning after my average five hours of sleep, the last thing I am concerned with is looking cute. Some days, what I like to call my “good days,” I wake up a ball of energy, and those are the days that I get complimented by people at school for looking like I belong in public. These days, however, are quite rare.

The average day involves me going to school with sweatpants, a hoodie and whatever shoes are nearest to the door. My hair is thrown up in a ponytail or a bun, and my makeup may or may not be at its best. Usually, it’s not.

It’s safe to say I look like a disaster. But the thing is, I’m comfortable that way.

Girls nowadays, and sometimes even guys, are far too obsessed with the way they look, and there are many students around school that I’m sure would agree with me. Senior Liz Nelson is one of these people.

“I think school is about being comfortable in what you’re wearing,” Nelson said. “People dress up to impress others. You can be proud of what you’re representing without feeling the need to go all out.”

Well said.

High school, last time I checked, was about learning and trying to get into a good college.

And unless you’re going to college for fashion, your attire shouldn’t matter.

“I don’t think you necessarily have to dress up for school,” junior Nicole Fuchs said. “I think you should be as comfortable as you want in order to focus in class and learn the most that you can.”

Just like Fuchs, I would rather spend the day worrying about that paper I put off that is due tomorrow or the math test in two days. And I think that should be what people are concerned about.

As a high school community, we shouldn’t be so wrapped up in who has the cutest (or sluttiest) dress on in our third-hour class.

Our day shouldn’t be ruled by picking out the stylish kids, as well as the kids who don’t really care. Fashion is a choice, and we should respect those choices and differences instead of singling people out.

S

Julie Kurbjeweit

I

Ashlee Crane

opinions

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OPINIONS

THE BEST SCHOOL SYSTEM IN THE WORLD

because most of the teachers don’t care whether you have done it. They don’t need a pass to go to the bathroom or permission to go home if they’re feeling bored in the middle of a school day. While students here go to school 35 hours a week Having experienced the “best” in Finland, and now without exception, transferring into the United States, it’s easy to see the Finnish students go differences between the two educational systems. to school for 25-35 hours per week, with hile you are sitting in school and thinking 15-minute breaks after classes. How is it possible about how difficult your classes are, students that Finnish students learn more? in other parts of the world would think that After a couple of weeks of sitting in an Algebra they are the easiest thing they have ever done.

2 classroom at Northwest, I began to wonder how Studies say that where you go to school we would ever get everything done when we matters — a lot. According to the Programme were moving through the material so slowly. The for International Student Assessment (PISA), the teacher explained everything from the easiest to Finnish school system is one of the best in the the hardest exercise, which felt surreal. In Finland, world. So what makes it better than the others? students work together to figure out how to solve Being from Finland, I have enjoyed one of problems. Here I just have to sit alone and copy the “best educational programs in the world” for everything the teacher is writing on the board more than 10 years, but I never quite understood (concepts and problems I studied years ago). why our system was such a success. Finnish high I also had to get used to the fact that I actually school students don’t necessarily do homework have to do my homework so I can maintain my

by anna moilanen

W

STAFF EDITORIAL

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few weeks ago, the Chester Upland School District, a small district in the suburbs of Philadelphia, announced that they had only $100,000 in the bank. District officials then asked the state of Pennsylvania for a cash advance on the funds they were supposed to receive over the summer, without which, they wouldn’t be able to make payroll the following Wednesday.

Teachers and other employees throughout the district promised to continue working, knowing they wouldn’t receive a pay check, but that wasn’t a guarantee that the district wouldn’t be forced to shut its doors.

Public schools across the country are hurting for money, and Shawnee Mission is no exception.

Over the course of the last three years, $28.8 million has been cut from the Shawnee Mission school district budget. Yes, parents and students noticed. There was outrage over school closings and teacher cuts. In August, we all paid a $90 activity fee instead of the previously optional $35 fee.

As a whole, the district has handled a bad situation responsibly. District officials have had to make hard decisions over the course of the last few years regarding how to cut their budget. SM finance manager Tim Rooney told the Passage two

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Jan. 27, 2012

grades, not just wait for the final, which in many classes is 100 percent of the grade in Finland.

Slowly I started to realize all the good things about the Finnish school system. Schedule changes five times a year mean we go through more material in less time. You never get bored with your schedule either, because as soon as you get used to it, it’s time to change. Finnish high school students can also plan their schedule by themselves, so we can arrange some free hours in the middle of the day or take classes that start later so we can go school at 10 a.m. or even later.

We have so much more freedom there that sometimes I feel like I am in prison here. In Finland, nobody is watching over your shoulder to see if you get bad grades or telling you what to do.

You are responsible for your own success, and if you fail, well, you have to take the course again or, if you fail too many courses, you can’t graduate.

This is not a problem in Finland, because we don’t have to go to high school. After ninth grade, you can go in many different directions, and a lot of young students choose schools where they learn to be a police officer, a chef or a fireman. That means that high school is your own choice; no one is forcing you to go there and study. Teachers expect that you want to be there and you want to learn, and this kind of attitude makes me, and, I guess, other students, feel more responsible for their success.

To read more of this column, visit smnw.com.

THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW

Because of how responsibly budget cuts have been handled in Shawnee Mission, students haven’t felt their full effects just yet. years in a row that all the decisions about budget cuts were made so students wouldn’t feel them.

They were successful. The budget cuts have been so gradual, it seems like they don’t matter.

The reality of changes to our school day haven’t lived up to the hype originally surrounding them.

Our classes are a little bit bigger, but, as a student, how much difference do two more people make?

And after a while, we forget there used to be three or four more teachers in the building.

What happened in Chester Upland will probably never happen in Shawnee Mission. According to a local ABC channel, the district was a failed experiment in school privatization, which led to many of its financial troubles. And after filing a federal lawsuit against the state of Pennsylvania, the Chester Upland District got the money it needs to keep the doors open, at least for now.

But, chances are, Shawnee Mission will be forced to cut their budget by several million dollars again for next year. And with that slashed budget, little things that students aren’t supposed

to feel will continue to stack up. And some day, there won’t be any little things left to cut.

What makes our public schools strong are teachers who are passionate about their subject area, the award-winning athletic, academic and artistic organizations. And all those things will be left with an uncertain future if more money is cut from public education.

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has proposed a change in the school funding formula that would allow more local control, meaning Shawnee Mission would be able to raise the property tax to support the district, which is currently capped. But that won’t fix the problem. It will simply leave the district all too reliant on local property taxes, with no guarantee that state funding wouldn’t be cut.

Even if it doesn’t seem like it now, budget cuts are a huge problem that will only continue to get worse as school districts everywhere are forced to cut millions of dollars further into their budgets.

And if we don’t do something about it now, what will be left?

REVIEWS

FOGONES

Fogones is a small, familyowned, authentic Mexican restaurant on Johnson Dr., hidden between Nieman and Quivira.

Since their opening on Dec. 23, they have already gained a steady stream of regular customers. It has a very southwestern style and is vibrant and open. The main wall is all windows, and with all of the colors, is welcoming and bright.

The menu offers traditional items like tamales (three different kinds), quesadillas, tacos and burritos, but it stretches to include things like an ostrich meat burrito. They have a wide variety of salsas as well and the Mexican soda Jarritos which they encourage you to try.

The quesadillas feature a very generous helping of meat on a large flour tortilla and are grilled right in front of you. I chose the regular grilled beef and chicken

en mole. The beef wasn’t bad; it wasn’t as seasoned as I thought it would be, though. But the chicken en mole was amazing. It had a smokey barbecue flavor with a little bit of spice that gave it something extra. I would strongly suggest it if you want to stick to more “normal food,” unless you want to be adventurous and try the ostrich burrito.

Their burritos rival the size of Chipotle burritos and are just as good, if not better. The ostrich wasn’t available yet because they are still having trouble with their supplier, so instead I got the barbacoa burrito. It was a large flour tortilla filled with smoked pork, rice, beans and onions. I had it with a mild tomato and cilantro salsa, which gave it a good kick and added a wider variety of flavors.

The family, originally from Michoacan, Mexico, recently

mexican restaurant

moved here from California after not being able to find employment. Their Mexican roots are reflected in their food. Most of the items, with the obvious exception of quesadillas, have no cheese, which is the way they do it in Mexico. It is more traditional than other local Mexican restaurants.

For the portion size, it is well worth the money.

The limited menu is kind of unfortunate. because I would like to see what else that they could do since they do the basics so well. They just opened and, once they get some more experience, their menu should increase. This new restaurant is a delicious slice of Mexico right here in our town.

photo by daniel magwire

photo by daniel magwire LOCATION: 11200 Johnson Drive

PRICE RANGE: under $10 per entree

by connor thompson

CONTRABAND

Of course, you can always expect exploding cars and firefights in a movie like this, and the action in the photo courtesy of Universal Pictures movie was fairly standard. You etrayal, violence, romance, get the usual high-speed chases and illegal activities — all of the police shoot-outs, which is not to basic facets of an action movie say they weren’t well done — they can be found in Mark Wahlberg’s were, but there was just nothing newest flick, Contraband. really special about them.

When his brother-in-law gets The thing that got my attention caught up in the smuggling trade about this movie was the fact that that he once used to be involved in, it was incredibly unrealistic. Yeah, Chris Farraday (Wahlberg) is forced these things (namely, smuggling) to go back into the business to happen in real life, but no one gets protect him from a powerful drug away just in time with the things lord, smuggling millions of dollars that Wahlberg does. As soon as it worth of counterfeit bills to the seems that all is lost, he manages United States from Panama. to slip his way out of any and all

B

trouble. I found myself saying, “Are you kidding me?” more times than I would care to during a movie.

But the acting made up for its unrealistic getaways.

There’s not much I can say about Mark Wahlberg: He doesn’t make a

RATING: R RUNTIME: 110 minutes bad movie. In this latest film, he smuggles drugs and counterfeit money and always manages to slip under the radar. I’m always excited to see what he’s doing next.

I have never been much of a fan of the Underworld movies, so I’ve never been able to see Kate Beckinsale as the tough chick. In Contraband, it was good to see her take a few beatings and fearlessly fight back against drug lords while

EDITOR’S PICK her husband is gone.

Some other good editions to the cast were the crew on the freighter where the smuggling is going on.

They offered comic relief at all the right moments, and I always knew there was going to be a chuckle from the audience during their scenes.

The double-crosses by some of the main characters was heartwrenching to see. It added an extra suspenseful element, allowing the audience to connect with the Farradays and to hate the betrayer more.

Despite some flaws in the believability of the film, Contraband is a quality action flick.

It has all of the basics that a movie of its kind should have. And it’s Mark Wahlberg — how can you go wrong?

by ashlee crane

entertainment courtesy of constantin film

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REVIEWS

UPCOMING RELEASES

Haywire

MOVIE:

BOOK:

ALBUM:

VIDEO GAME:

• Man on a Ledge — Jan. 27 • The Woman in Black — Feb. 3 • Safe House — Feb. 10

• Ingrid Michaelson — Human Again — Jan. 24 • Lana Del Rey — Born to Die — Jan. 31 • Dierks Bently — Home — Feb. 7

• Private Games — James Patterson — Feb. 13 • The Wolf Gift — Anne Rice — Feb. 14

• Fallout: New Vegas Ultimate Edition — XBOX 360 — Feb. 7 • Jack and Daxter Collection — PS3 — Feb. 7 • Twisted Metal — PS3 — Feb. 14

BEAUTY and the

BEAST Let me preface this by saying that Beauty and the Beast always has been, and always will be, my favorite movie. A love story involving a misunderstood monsterman and a intelligent, independent

RATING: G RUNTIME: 87 minutes maiden made my heart sing, and five minutes in, I was hooked for life.

When I heard Disney was rereleasing the iconic film in 3-D, I knew exactly where I was going to be opening weekend. I had to go, at the very least to make sure they hadn’t ruined my lovably flat film. The modifications did not disappoint this die-hard fan, though.

Throughout the first few minutes, audience members had to adjust to seeing the old characters

10 Jan. 27, 2012

Haywire, directed by Steven Soderbergh, doesn’t follow the basic rules of action movies, including the fact that the idea behind the movie is old news: Mallory (Gina Carano; American Gladiators, Blood and Bone) is a freelance agent who realizes someone from the firm she works for wants to get rid of her.

She needs to escape to stay alive and, at the same time, figure out why someone wants her dead.

At first, the movie sounds like your average spy movie full of action and incredible movie effects, but this film is far from normal.

Scenes jump to and from Mallory’s flashbacks, making it confusing and hard to follow. Some of the scenes are shown in black and white and some are in color, which takes the attention away from the actual story.

David Holmes’ relaxing music, which doesn’t really go well with an action film, is played throughout the entire movie, establishing a

mood that doesn’t quite work. It also cuts down the actual dialogue: You have to figure out what is going on from the pictures, not from what the actors are saying.

The acting is, sadly, not quite believable. Carano gives her character only two faces in the whole movie: a serious, suspicious look and an evil smile. Other stars of the movie, including Ewan McGregor, Michael Douglas, Antonio Banderas and Channing Tatum, do a much better job, but none of them give anything close to an award-winning performance.

The story itself also is kind of poor — there’s not that much to keep the viewers’ interest. The story is just full of pointless action and unconvincing scenes, and the awkward acting makes them even worse. Even a few funny moments couldn’t save the movie. In then end, it came off more as a piece of tacky art than an enjoyable action movie. vie.

by anna moilanen

graphic by mitch feyerherm in new dimensions — it was weird watching characters pop out where they used to blend in. Once we were past the strangeness of Belle dancing toward us, though, it was truly magical.

For the first time, scenery and background art came to life. We could distinguish between bold cartoon strokes and intricate watercolor backdrops, and I was amazed by how much more I noticed in 3-D. Countrysides were beautifully pastoral and romantic, the castle looked terribly menacing and all of the animations were that much more engaging.

I may be biased, but I think everyone should go see Beauty and the Beast in 3-D. It’s a once in a lifetime experience to relive your childhood in an amazingly modern way. For a select few weeks this winter you can see the classic in theaters, and then it’s back to the vault.

photo courtesy of relativity media

DIRECTOR:

Steven Soderbergh WRITER: Lem Dobbs PRODUCER:

Gregory Jacobs

MUSIC: David Holmes STUDIO: Relativity Media RUNTIME: 93 minutes RELEASE DATE: Jan. 20

by hayley battenberg

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REVIEWS

Out of Oz

STAFF PICKS

The final volume in the wicked years Gregory Maguire’s final jaunt into the land of Oz comes to a full and complete close in last month’s Out of Oz. All the numerous loose ends are tied up quite nicely with heart, intelligence and courage.

Maguire first completed his own spin on the wonderful world of Oz 10 years ago with the smash hit Wicked, photo by bailey kopp

PUBLISHER: Harper Collins PAGES: 563 RELEASE DATE: Nov. 1, 2011

coupling political awareness with the dark edge of adult fantasy; now, he has once again brought together these two components in the final chapter of The Wicked Years.

Following the story of the Wicked Witch of the West’s granddaughter, Rain, Out of Oz’s main story focuses on how the young girl comes to terms with who she is and what she stands for, as the entire nation does the same.

This novel features the return of Dorothy for the first time since only a handful of pages mentioned her at the end of Wicked. She is put on trial for killing the Witch of the East, who, in this version of Oz, is a saint-like, revolutionary figure.

The story drags on for a bit from here, but to truly appreciate this work, one must read it on two levels.

On one, the flowery and poignant prose of Maguire weaves a new fantasy world and story out of one that has been gathering dust for years; and two, a political allegory shines a light on a lost people’s need to be free from the real wickedness of the machine that is politics.

While not as captivating as previous stories in the series, Out of Oz successfully completes The Wicked Years in a satisfyingly wicked manner. by kirk bado

Staff members’ favorite quotes of all time

Some see the glass as half empty.

Some see it as half full. I see the glass as twice as big as it needs to be.

The Rationalist

Kirk Bado

Science deals mainly with facts; religion deals mainly with values.

The two are not rivals. They are complementary.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

David Freyermuth

Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.

Oscar Wilde

Evan Shinn

I intend to live forever or die trying.

Groucho Marx

FOR MORE REVIEWS, VISIT

smnw.com

Shipping Wars

Taking a similar name and premise as Storage Wars, the new series has potential to match up to the rest of the new programs on A&E.

Joyful Noise

Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton’s latest movie is perfect if you’re looking for a feel-good musical comedy, but not much substance.

Brady Klein

And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.

Steve Jobs

Maria Davison

entertainment

11

ENTERTAINMENT

things

with Photo Editor Mikala Compton

Wholly Guacamole

photos by mikala compton and kate jacobsen

Don’t let the unappetizing box fool you; give this dip a try. I only like homemade guacamole, and this is as close to authentic as money can buy. With eight different varieties, there’s a flavor for everyone. There are even 100-calorie snack packs. If you’re a guacamole fanatic like me and have yet to try this storebought brand, pick it up on your next visit to the grocery store. $3 at any grocery store

Daniel Tosh: Completely Serious (2007)

If you’re a fan of Tosh.0, then you’ll love Daniel Tosh’s stand-up comedy. It may not be appropriate for younger audiences, but I stumbled upon this live recording on Netflix one day and could not stop laughing. It’s full of the same crude humor seen on Tosh’s TV show and kept me entertained the entire hour.

Rasta Camera Strap

I didn’t expect a camera strap to make a lot of difference, but you’d be surprised at how much of an improvement this strap is compared to the regular Nikon strap that came with my Nikon D5000.

It features soft Minky lining, which cuts down on the neck irritation that some straps cause, especially when carrying heavier lenses. The vibrant Rasta pattern makes it even better as a camera accessory. $55 on Etsy.com

I have bangs, which is the only part of my hair that I straighten on a regular basis, so this one-inch straightener is the perfect size for me. It heats up quickly and is great for touch-ups. It’s also small and easily portable for overnights or vacations. $20 on Sallybeauty.com

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Jan. 27, 2012

I never thought I could love a blanket so much in my life. It’s big and soft, traps the heat around me on chilly winter nights and is the softest blanket I have ever owned. There is an array of different colors to choose from, so it can match various color schemes for any room in your house and makes a great gift. $20 on QVC.com

Griffin iTrip Auto FM Transmitter

Pinterest.com

Power IQ Mini Mojo Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron

Berkshire Microplush blanket

I recently discovered this website and have become fascinated. Pinterest allows you to “pin” photographs onto different virtual bulletin boards. It is a great way for me to share my own photography and also view others’ work. But, it has other purposes too. I can also find recipes, jokes, great quotes and the newest fashion. If you’re a fan of Tumblr or Flickr, you’ll definitely want to check out Pinterest.

I constantly have to be listening to music in my car, so when my cup holders and CD case were overflowing with CDs, I knew what I had to ask my parents for this Christmas. The iTrip allows me to play my iPod through my stereo while simultaneously charging it. Occasionally, I’ll pick up neighboring stations that will interrupt my music, but it works about 90 percent of the time. $50 on Amazon.com

e v o LACTUALLY

battenberg, by kirk bado, hayley a leyden ashlee crane + briann

Countless stati stics and article describe teen r elationships, bu s t what do teenagers h ave to say abou t their own love lives?

ne couple is all over each other.

Another duo is holding hands.

A third pair is just talking, completely absorbed in one another.

These are familiar sights for hundreds of students as they walk from class to class during an average school day.

Relationships in high school can be some of the most talked about, worried over and exciting topics for teenagers, yet it can be difficult to understand these new experiences. Teenagers are still trying to figure out the “who, what, when, where and why” of dating, and the outside influences of the media, the Internet and even the opinions of best friends and family just further complicate things.

“I definitely think that the point of dating at this age is to have a bunch of different relationships and try things out. You’re not looking for your soul mate on your first shot,” junior Lucas Lowry said. “You’re sort of experimenting around and seeing what you like in a person, what you don’t like in a person.”

So if high school really is all about learning, even in the social sense, students have the chance to figure out what’s “real” and what’s fiction when it comes to relationships.

ip h s n o i t a l e r a n i Everyone’s “I think a typical high-schooler would be in at least 10 relationships by the time they graduate,” freshman Brianna Bennett said.

“I think the [number of relationships] depends on the person,” senior Baylee Birkmeyer said, “and if they’re more long term or like to date around and test the waters. I have only had three, which I think is a good amount.”

“I don’t know if it’s a number so much in the sense of you need to meet a quota [of relationships in high school],” Lowry said. “I think a lot of people think that they need to meet a certain number to say they’ve dated this many people or this girl or whatever it may be.”

In the words of just three people, it’s clear that there is no consensus on how many relationships a high school student should have. If that is the case, however, then why do so many students feel such pressure to have a boyfriend or girlfriend?

“I think, being a freshman, I’ve heard of stuff like just going to Homecoming with a friend, but this freshman class — it seems like everyone wants to be dating

REALITY: You’re actually not abnormal if you don’t have a significant other.

Life is a TV show The stereotypical high school relationship as portrayed on TV shows like Gossip Girl, Degrassi and Glee is hard to relate to.

“They’re always one extreme or the other. It is either an abusive relationship or happy all the time. There is a lot of middle ground that they need to cover,” sophomore Carolina Mach said.

It seems that the stereotypical TV relationship is dangerous (Degrassi), filled with useless drama (any ABC Family TV show or movie) or you know from the pilot episode that the main characters will end up married (Boy Meets World). These are the big three types of relationships portrayed in TV, with the occasional boy or girl who tries to “hook up” with anyone and everyone.

A recent Rolling Stone article, cited on the Media Awareness Network, makes the point

14

Jan. 27, 2012

someone,” freshman Tom Green said.

“Really, you’re just talking to someone and dating them, or you’re just friends with them.”

It becomes even harder to start a relationship when the word “dating” itself is so complicated. In our parents’ time, “dating” meant going on dates with several different people, and then dating one person exclusively.

“In high school, I guess it would be you would ask the person [out] and then go on multiple dates after, and then it would just either end or continue,” freshman Anthony D’Amato said. “I’d say it’s gotten more physical, but with a lot of the texting, you don’t need to be right there with each other to talk to each other, so you don’t need to be together as much.”

No matter what the definition is, the statistics are always more clear when it comes to dating: According to a study

by Mediamark Research, Inc., only 38 percent of teenage girls have a boyfriend, while only 29 percent of teenage guys have a girlfriend.

that TV shows made for teens tell us that all high school students are trendy, attractive, mostly Caucasian, don’t need an education, find high school boring and live in a drugfueled world of danger and excitement.

Shows emphasize the hook-ups, the makeups and the break-ups, but conveniently leave out everything in between, which for many is what a real relationship is all about.

“I feel like you shouldn’t expect anything that you see on TV to happen in relationships,” senior Nicole Dahl said, “because TV isn’t real, and relationships are.”

REALITY: TV may talk about teens, but it doesn’t tell the truth.

WHAT IS ‘DATING’?

“People don’t settle as easily; they just go for flings and go faster. We don’t have seriousness.

It’s more like, ‘Hey, let’s go out; boyfriendgirlfriend’ and you’re more of a boyfriend or girlfriend before you go on your first date.”

llis

Ryan E junior

n and freshma in k more “I thin dating is , s r a e y ior ore and sen sophom r io n ju but trying to for fun, be more t h ig m hip.” years it relations d te it m m find a co

“In the very beginning, when I started dating my girlfriend, I was crazy about her; it was insa ne. I’m pretty sure I told her I loved her a month in a ha lf [into the relationship].

When I tell my friends th at, they’re like ‘You’re stup id;’ it was so early. I kind of thought ‘Wow, that’s a loaded word; should I really be saying that?’”

freshman

Anthony D’Am

ato

freshman

Cierra Walahoski

Lucas Lowry junior

“It really depends on the couple for [commitment], because some people would really go over the top and act like they’re married and become completely focused on the other person, and that’s just not healthy. But then there are the few that last maybe a week and are completely shallow.”

Nate Sterns

“In high school, if you find a person you really like and care about you can stay with them for a very long time. It is good to have lots of relationships to get the feel of dating, but if you find one person that you want to spend your high school career with, then have that.”

“I think that people shouldn’t put the pressure on their significant other by saying they’re going to be together forever, because that’s unneeded stress to stay with that person. You feel even worse when you go to break up, which is already a stressful process.“

necny

Andrew Ko

senior

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senior

Baylee Birkme

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each year

male

female

age 12

25%

27 %

age 13

37 %

34%

age 14 age 15

2.6 MILLION

teenagers become sexually active

livestrong.com

45%

34%

49%

56%

of 16-18-yearolds said sex is “expected” of people their age who are in a relationship

33%

Teens in relationships

27 %

education.com

education.com

OF 13 TO 16-YEAR-OLDS HAVE “BEEN WITH SOMEONE IN AN INTIMATE OR SEXUAL WAY.” msnbc.com

of 16 to 18-year-olds say they have been in a relationship, dated, or “hooked up” with someone.

romantic ips relationsh among 16-yearolds last an average of education.com

2 YEARS

40% 42% 18% of high

are made up

are made

school

of boys and

up of older

relationships

girls in the

girls dating

are made

same grade

younger boys

up of older

dating

boys dating younger girls

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Jan. 27, 2012

slate.com

of teenagers have been in a relationship for over a year, according to a Mediamark Research survey of 4,600 12 to 17-year olds.

In 2006 only 14 percent of married couples met in high school

High School Sweethearts High school relationships fall into one of two categories: the ones that don’t last and the ones that do. In the happier stories, couples stay together, get married and have children. Social studies teacher Drew Magwire, and his wife, Melissa fall into this category.

On a date in high school, Magwire already knew that he would one day marry his then-girlfriend.

“We are walking out of Godfather’s [Pizza], and I see a shooting star. It went right above us, then just disappeared over the horizon, and I realized her hand was in my hand,” Magwire said. “I looked down at the top of her head, because she wasn’t very tall, and I thought to myself, ‘I’m going to marry this little redheaded girl.’”

This story wasn’t perfect all throughout, though; the couple when through a rough patch during which they broke up.

“It just hit me, and I thought to myself: so much of my life had changed, and yet the only constant was her. I said ‘I need to change everything,’ so I broke up with her because I’m an idiot.”

However, the couple tried multiple times to get back together, and nothing seemed to work, until they ran into each other in the parking lot of Johnson County Community College.

“My heart was racing. And then boom, we came to a stop, and we’re just right there, five feet in between us,” Magwire said. “God saw us and smashed us together, and we fell into each other’s arms crying.

From that day forward, I’ve loved my wife, and I will love her for eternity.”

You know when you find the one

Emily and Hank Dawson met each other in Scot Schwartz’s choir class in 2005. Technically, each had known of the other since middle school, but until senior year, they had never spoken.

“I bought Scot Schwartz a beta fish that I put in a candy jar, and I got the job of cleaning the fish tank,” Hank said. “Mr. Schwartz told me, ‘Take Emily with you; she’s responsible.’ So I took Emily with me to clean the fish tank, and we started dating shortly afterwards.”

Their relationship was casual, based on mutual fondness more than undying love. They spent weekends together and went to Prom together, but that was the extent of things.

“We didn’t date very long in high school, and it wasn’t very serious; so when we broke up, it wasn’t the end of anybody’s world. No one was concerned for us,” Emily said. “We liked spending time together, that’s all.”

Like most high school couples, Emily and Hank set off for separate colleges in the fall. Continuing their relationship throughout college seemed unreasonable and restricting, so they made a clean break.

Most teenagers have the same attitude Emily and Hank took.

“If it’s actually meant to last, when it’s two people who truly care about each other, it’s supposed to go even longer [than through high school],” junior Ryan Ellis said. “But if they don’t feel like it’s meant to go the distance, then they’ll dissipate right about college time.”

And so Emily and Hank “dissipated” that summer, and began their college careers separately. They didn’t miss each other, didn’t think about the goingson in the other’s life — they moved on.

“During our time apart, we both dated other people and stayed friends,” Emily said. “But we realized that [the other people] weren’t as awesome as each other.”

A semester later, they reconnected, and after months apart, they picked up their relationship where they left off. Four years later, they were married.

“When we got back together, everyone, including us, knew we were in it for the long haul,” Emily said. “When we got married, nobody was surprised.”

REALITY: You might find “the one” where you least expect it.

HAVING THE TALK

It’s unavoidable. The media dramatizes it, the statistics cover every aspect of it and, eventually, every couple in high school will eventually have to make a decision regarding sex. Whether it’s abstinence, cautiously moving forward or going full-steam ahead, people in any romantic relationship will have to take a stance on sex.

With health book in tow, many students point toward abstinence as the right answer.

“I’m all up for waiting for sex until you’re married,” senior Andrew Konecny said. “So if you’re looking to see where that line is and to push it, I don’t think that’s the healthy way to approach a relationship.”

Others see sex as a point on the road to maturity, a mile marker on the road to adulthood.

“I don’t think [freshmen should go] that far because we don’t have the commitment level, and you’re

not ready for that,” freshman Ciara Walahoski said. “I think you could go further as a sophomore. I think you really have matured; you’re developed more and have more of an understanding of relationships.”

According to an article by the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, “If you can't talk with your partner about pregnancy, birth control, STD protection, trust, respect and your likes and your dislikes, you aren't ready [to have sex].”

Above all, communication is key in any relationship. A couple has to be able to have an open, two-way conversation to make important personal decisions. “[People in relationships need to] talk about sex beforehand, then you can set your limits before you actually get to the intense times,” junior Lucas Lowry said. “It’s important to remember what your boundaries are.”

You’re not going to last after high schoo l “I think a lot of high school relationships are going to end, and you should decide why you’re dating that person beforehand,” senior Andrew Konecny said. “Dating should be for marriage, but in high school, you shouldn’t be worrying about that kind of thing. So most high school relationships shouldn’t expect to last until college.”

“I don’t want to end it, but where I’m going to school is pretty far way, so it’s unrealistic [to stay together],” senior Garrett Pfau said. “In the perfect situation, it’d be fine, but I feel that in every instance I’ve seen people try to do something similar, it has created a lot of strain. I don’t want to put that strain on [junior Katie Nelson], and I don’t want that for myself, so it’s best to move on.”

The general opinion of students is that high school relationships are exactly that — for high school. However, there are a few rare exceptions.

Seniors Clair Mckay and Kevin Ramirez have been dating for more than four years — since Nov. 19, 2007, at 8:42 a.m., to be exact.

“I remember it,” Ramirez said. “I remember the hallway and everything.

I had never asked a girl out and I didn’t know how, so I asked one of my friends and he was like, ‘Just say, hey, do you want to be my girlfriend?’

So I did that, and I was really nervous.”

“Right after he asked me, he just freaked out and ran over to his friend who was walking down the hallway too, and he was like, ‘Oh my gosh, she said yes,’ and I was just standing in the hallway like, ‘Where’d he go?’” Mckay said.

After being in a relationship for such a long time, they began to notice how their personalities affected each other.

“After a while, I started to notice more confidence in myself, [confidence which] she gave me,” Ramirez said “She made me feel like a better person because there was someone there ... she encourages me to do better things.”

“I go home at maybe 9 o’clock, 10 o’clock everyday, basically,” Mckay said. “I don’t have any family here besides my mom, so I spend a lot of time with his family.”

Despite being told constantly that long-distance relationships never work, the two are planning to do exactly that next year when Mckay goes off to Washburn University in Topeka.

“I’m a long-term relationship sort of person. I’ve not really ever thought of going out with someone and the next day just saying, ‘Oh, I shouldn’t have done that,’” Mckay said. “I stay with it to figure out who they are first.”

“It’s not that far; it’s only Topeka, like an hour drive,” Ramirez said. “It shouldn’t affect us. We’ve been together this long, why throw it away?”

REALITY: It can work

features

17

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BETWEEN THE LANES The bowling team is working toward a successful season with their many senior members. by connor thompson

photo by aaron messick

Sophomore Cassie Queral prepares to throw her ball down the lane during the bowling meet at College Lanes AMF on Jan 12. Out of three games Queral averaged a 572. “We did amazing. It was really important for us to come out strong and crush the other teams; We really set the pace for the season,� Queral said. photo by aaron messick

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Jan. 27, 2012

SPORTS

S

enior Marcus Paccapaniccia sidles up to the ball machine, waiting patiently for his chance to get in the lane. “I do the same routine every time before I grab the ball,” Paccapaniccia said. “If it doesn’t feel right, I will just set the ball down and try again.”

He blocks out the sounds, smells and cheers of the crowd around him; no longer does he hear the tremendous crashing of pins in other lanes, or pick up the faint, but lingering, smell of french fries and nacho cheese.

“Once you step up to the lane, you are in your own bubble,” Paccapaniccia said. “That is the biggest thing: being focused. It is all about focus; focus and the rest will follow.”

Bowlers are the same as any other athlete, with daily training, packed meets and the same goal as any athlete. “[We] still have a bunch of people working together toward the same goal: to score the best we can. If someone is not doing well, there is someone there to show them their lines. They still work and cheer together. You

“EVEN THOUGH THE PHYSICAL ASPECT ISN’T AS DEMANDING, IF ANY OTHER [ATHLETE] THINKS MORE THAN A BOWLER I WOULD BE SURPRISED,” — Senior Marcus Paccapaniccia

would be surprised; good bowling avalanches together. One person throws a strike, then the next person throws a strike and it keeps going ... But the same thing [happens] on the bad end,” head coach Britton Haney said.

As in any sport, bowlers have to overcome a number of challenges, which generally go unnoticed by the recreational bowler.

“Even though the physical aspect isn’t as demanding, if any other [athlete] thinks more than a bowler I would be surprised,” Paccapaniccia said.

An experienced team

“This year we are a very old team; we have a lot of seniors and a lot of experience that will pay off when we get into the highpressure situations later in the season,” Haney said. “All of our seniors will play [lead].”

Even with 16 seniors, younger bowlers will be able to step up next year, like junior Davis

Millard on the boys’ side and sophomore Cassie Queral on the girls’ side. But according to Haney, having such a senior-heavy team is currently an advantage.

To prepare for the future, the younger players will be key. There will always be a need for players, but returning players will help to fill the loss of seniors after this year and will be able to help the new and younger bowlers.

“We are working down on the end. We are going to need to replace a lot of people for next year. We have a few JV girls that will be ready to step right up. On the boys’ side, we are a little bit senior heavy, so I will need to get on a recruiting kick to fill those spots,” Haney said.

Coaching bowling

A big part of coaching bowling is instilling confidence, senior Jessica Prater said. “[The coaches] tell us to take each frame as it comes. If we are having issues, they will tell us how to get the ball to do what we want it to do. Obviously we can’t see what we are doing midthrow, so it is really nice to have someone behind us to tell us what we are doing wrong,” Prater said.

Although the bowlers aren’t always seen the same way as other sports teams, they do all of the same things that a normal team would do. They take pride in their sport and their school.

“I see a bunch of Cougars who love to represent their school and love to be around each other. [They] like to work as hard as they can to get better and who like to win and see the team do well,” Haney said.

SENIOR BOWLERS Marcus Paccapaniccia Patrick Nachtsheim Ryan Land Gerald Beluchi Thomas Kohler Kaylee Trost Liz Nelson Briana Lavigne Kelli Denton Jessica Prater Taryn Vogel Shannon Knoll Hannah Wooten Emily Taylor

Practices, Meets and Bonding

The practices, although they seem casual, are also structured. They do drills, like trying to hit just the 10 pin or the seven pin. To ratchet up competition, the team will split and go head-to-head. At the conclusion of the game, the losing team has to do push-ups.

During practices and meets, Haney walks behind the lanes, providing advice and encouragement. “[On the way to a meet] we get ourselves psyched,” Prater said. “We stretch a little; you don’t really worry about who is bowling next to you, or a few lanes down. [Those things have] no effect on your performance.”

And just like any other athlete, the bowlers feed off the enthusiasm and encouragement of their supporters.

“It is a big thing for me to have so many people come out and support us at meets,” senior Liz Nelson said. “I think for the team as a whole, it just gives us a confidence boost knowing people know we are out there.”

Bowling managers Audrey D’Amato and Alex Nepote keep track of the team’s stats at College Lanes AMF on Jan. 12. photo by aaron messick

sports

21

SPORTS

DRINKING THE GAME AWAY Support your team, not the liquor store. by davis millard

I

t’s Friday night and you’re at the basketball game, standing in the student section, cheering your school on and minding your own business. Next thing you know, another student comes and stands next to you. He reeks of alcohol and his speech is slurred. Now you get to deal with an obnoxiously drunk classmate for the rest of the game.

It’s a fact that we can’t ignore — high school students are going out on the weekends and getting drunk or high, and unfortunately students at our school are joining the party. The use of drugs and alcohol by high school students isn’t anything new. According to Students Against Destructive Decisions, 72 percent of students will consume more than a few sips of alcohol by the end of high school and, according to a New York Times article, 40 percent of high school students have tried marijuana.

But students aren’t just consuming these illegal substances outside of school; they’re coming to school-sponsored sporting events under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Attending a school event while intoxicated not only makes you look bad, but it hurts our school’s reputation.

Maybe I am just too naive and haven’t noticed it before, but it is becoming more and more obvious to me that this is occurring. As a yell leader, I have a great view of the stands. While I stand behind the cheerleaders, waiting for the next timeout, I occasionally glance at the student section at basketball games. Most of them are sober and there to support their school and cheer on the Cougars, but a few are clearly intoxicated. Whether it is the sunglasses worn to hide the effects of their chosen substance, the smell of marijuana or alcohol, or a student face-planted in the aisles, it’s apparent that some students are under the influence. It’s sad that I can see all of this with just a quick look at the stands.

“I’ve seen at least one person [intoxicated] at every game. I’d say about 20 to 30 percent [of students] are intoxicated,” junior Connor Rockrohr said.

Senior Grant Pittrich disagrees.

22

Jan. 27, 2012

“It’s a pretty low percentage [of students intoxicated]; a lot of kids just act stupid out there. I’d say about 5 to 10 percent are under the influence,” Pittrich said.

It might just be me, with the perspective of a student athlete, but the thought of getting caught by an administrator and losing my sporting season is enough to steer me away from drugs and alcohol. However, it does make me wonder what the consequences would be for a student who isn’t an athlete. What would happen to a student that didn’t scribble a signature on the drug and alcohol contract in the big orange packet every athlete in the district is required to turn in?

“If you are caught at a school activity [while intoxicated], it would be a five-day out-of-school suspension,” administrator Eddie Lyday said.

A suspension is the least of a student’s problems if they consume alcohol or drugs. As high school students, we are all at a key age where our bodies are developing. Exposing the brain to alcohol during this time can interrupt critical processes of brain development. Heavy drinking during the teen years can have an effect that lasts long after the buzz wears off. Teens who drink alcohol tend to have difficulties with memory and also have trouble focusing. According to abovetheinfluence. com, each year approximately 5,000 people under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking.

Of those 5,000 minors, 1,900 were involved in a fatal car accident.

The cons of attending a school-sponsored event while under the influence definitely outweigh the pros by a long shot. Is that what you really want to remember about high school sports? Going out and getting wasted with your buddies and then finding your way to school to watch a basketball game?

We’re supposed to come to the games and cheer on our team in a positive manner. Showing up smashed only makes you and our school look bad.

Make the right decision: Come support your peers sober. Who knows, you might actually remember the score this time.

BY THE NUMBERS

17

Number of points senior guard Katie Biggers scored in the Truman Tournament Championship game, against Truman High School. The Lady Cougars won the game 61 to 45.

2

Number of match wins for the NW wrestling team at the Lawrence Freestate Dual.

5th

Rematch in Superbowl history, when the Patriots and Giants face off again on Feb. 5. The previous rematches were the Steelers vs.

Cowboys twice, the Dolphins vs. Redskins and the Bengals vs. The 49ers.

44

Number of wins that the Boys’ basketball team has against SM North. They play the Indians tonight at 7 p.m.

what’s new on

Cleanliness is next to godliness

It only takes 30 seconds to wash your hands and keep clean. by sam bellmyer

The Coin-Op 7: Horror From Beyond Time

Instead of complaining about recent “survival horror” games’ inability to cause fear, here are some older games that are sure to terrify you.

Bartemus Ammblin in the Old Forest Orchestra teacher Jeffrey Bishop released his first of nine novels in the Bartemus Ammblin series last semester, and has already received positive feedback.

Throwback: Paul Newman

Paul Newman may have died in 2008, but his cinematic legacy lives on. In honor of his birthday, here are favorite films staring the blue-eyed icon.

sudoku difficulty: Do you have something to contribute to the Northwest Passage?

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We would love to hear your opinion about anything we’ve published or other things going on around Northwest. Letters can be brought to Room 151.

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IN FOCUS

“Its been an up and down season but we are progressibely getting better as a team. I think we need to improve our execution and be more confident when taking shots.” — senior Logan Unrein

photo by johnny tong