Issue 3: Following the Yellow Brick Road

northwest

VOLUME 45 - ISSUE 3 - OCTOBER 18, 2013

A week of spirit from the assembly to the football game, and finally the dance, ended with one click from a pair of ruby slippers.

10. TAKING IT TOO FAR As an American, the right to freedom of speech can used or abused.

08. GOVERNMENT SHUT DOWN The government shutdown is more of a problem than many students realize.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY NATE COMPTON

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CONTENTS

VOLUME 45 - ISSUE 3 - OCTOBER 18, 2013

federal funding

ran out at

midnight

on Oct. 1

FOLLOWING THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD After a yellow brick road of pep assemblies and football games students at Northwest made their way to the Homecoming dance.

government government officials officials

did not

go to work today because of the

10shutdown 08

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY NATE COMPTON

800,000 Photo Courtesy of Umunots

12

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY NATE COMPTON

PHOTO BY KATE JACOBSEN

Nearly

21 15

TAKING IT TOO FAR

GOVERNMENT SHUT DOWN

GRAND THEFT AUTO 5

FALL TRENDS

As an American, the right to freedom of speech can used or abused.

The government shutdown is more of a problem than many students realize.

Rockstar, known for its openworld games, made $1 billion in the three days following the release of Grand Theft Auto 5.

From cozy turtleneck sweaters to fashionable over-theknee boots, we have ideas to keep you warm and stylish.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Sarah Egger, co editor-in-chief

I

can’t quite pinpoint exactly what about school dances makes me cringe. I love getting all dressed up just as much as the next person, but there always seems to be too much to worry about. It could be the fact that everyone is expected to have a date. It gets really awkward during the slow dances that you can tell are meant for couples when not everyone there is attending as a couple.

Coordinating with a group, buying a dress and deciding on a place to go for dinner is all very stressful, especially when your friends are very indecisive.

Dances just don’t seem to be my thing. I find

STAFF

myself having more fun going to the Renaissance Festival, sitting at home with friends watching the world’s worst movies or even visiting a haunted house. My junior year I spent the entire night at the photobooth taking pictures with my best friend. I had more fun in my living room with my music blaring with my best friend than I did at any school dance I attended. It was less stressful than worrying about a date, group and dinner plans.

Dances are played out to be a big thing, however, if you don’t actually attend, it’s not a big deal. In movies they portray it as a high school right-of-

THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE

PHOTOGRAPHERS

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Grace Amundson + Sarah Egger

Jordan Absher Emilie Amunatigui Shelby Beaumont Nisha Bisht Ginny Bohling Randy Castellon Gabby Chavez Nate Compton Clara Davison Sarah Dean Katherine Dewitt Lauren Edwards Kate Jacobsen Nicholas Kahtava Savannah Kelly

DESIGN EDITOR Grace Amundson STAFF DESIGNERS Maddie Grimes

Nate Compton Katie Addington Rachel Bateman Paden Chesney

PHOTO EDITORS Nate Compton + Addison Sherman COPY EDITOR Lena Dennington WEB EDITOR Alaura Moore WEB MANAGER Haena Lee GRAPHICS EDITOR Mitch Feyerherm STAFF GRAPHICS DESIGNER Calista Bohling NEWS EDITOR Haena Lee OPINIONS EDITORS Grace Amundson + Sarah Egger FEATURES EDITOR Atalie Black SPORTS EDITOR Shelby Smith ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS Kylee Hartl + Luke Megli STAFF WRITERS Atalie Black

Keegan Dolinar Sarah Egger Paige Eichkorn Sophie Flores Libby Gregor

ADVERTISMENTS EDITOR Daniel Mirocke ADVISER Susan Massy

Kylee Hartl Haena Lee Ben Lucier Luke Megli Alaura Moore Shelby Smith

passage; being able to go to a school dance is always the highlight of their high school career. But that’s not always the case. Dances can be an important, but they do not dictate the rest of high school.

Although dances may not be for me, there are so many people that absolutely love them. Following the yellow brick road can turn out to be the time of their life (page 11). If you didn’t have an amazing time at Homecoming, there will always be WPA in February.

It’s a new year, and a new opportunity to go to a school dance and have a great time, but you have to give it a chance first.

Teresa Pedroza Bryce Rex Kristi Seng Addison Sherman Lucas Silva Kristen Smith Taryn Smith Christa Stoll Lea Stuart Alexa Styers Sydney Taylor Nate Thompson Kyle Tong Isabelle Wallis Carleigh Whitman

MARKETING Jon Anderson Clayton Droulliard Tristan Gerfen Nic Ghilardi Travis Hickman Misha Ilich Taylor Kangethe

Mia Palitto Jane Peterson Quincy Rast Max Schnittker Kelci Scott Elizabeth Stithem Wayne Wood

The purpose of the Northwest Passage is to relay important and interesting information to the community, administration and students of the Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. As a newsmagazine, the Northwest Passage will cater to the interests and concerns of the student body. Outside concerns and activities will only be covered if they somehow affect the school or students. The Northwest Passage is a 24-page newsmagazine. The paper will be distributed every three weeks during fifth hour. Subscriptions will be available to the community for $25. The Northwest Passage firmly supports the First Amendment and opposes censorship. The content of the newspaper will be determined and created by the entire staff. When questions concerning word choice, legal problems or ethics arise the editorial board and adviser will discuss the problem to find the solution. In these cases, the co-editors-in-chief will have the 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 reserve the right to refuse any letter.

northwest news a PHOTO BY CLARA DAVIDSON

PHOTO BYY ISSY WALLIS

SMNW Choirs Fall Concert

BY Sophie Flores

A

Freshman Emily Moore, Katie McCluskey, and sophomores Paige Eichkorn and Monica Torres dance during the sophomore football game on Oct. 2. All of the Courgar Expess Drill Team dances are student choregraphed by the officers.

Cougar Classics Drill Team

ll NW Choirs performed their annual fall concert in the auditorium Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. The concert is meant to introduce parents to the new choir and for students to figure out where their skill level is.

“It’s our first look at the choir to see what kind of choir we are going to have this year, and judging the the way they sang tonight, I think we’re going to have a really good choir this year,“ booster board treasurer Roy Dennington said.

The women’s choir started off the concert with the song “Sing to Me.” Other

songs included “Keep Holding On” by Avril Lavigne, “Chili Con Carne,” “Cloth of Glory,” which featured a cello solo by Courtney Hedrick, and “Blackbird” with a whistle solo by Rachael Birt. The A Cappella Choir ended the concert with “Shout for Joy!” “There was at least one triumph with each group onstage and those are my favorite parts,” Schwartz said. “Whatever the level of the group, whether it be the starter choir or the advanced choirs, everybody had a triumphant moment.”

BY PAIGE EICHKORN

T

he varsity drill team kicked off this year at the National Dance Alliance (NDA) four day long camp June 7 at Emporia State University. Little did they know they would achieve high awards at this competition.

“My favorite memory was ‘circle time’ where everyone wrote down what they liked about each other,” sophomore Brittany Funk said. “It was a huge confidence boost, and it was cool to see what everyone thought of you.”

Beyond team-building, drill team members spent three 15-hour days working with the NDA staff and leaders, many of whom are former dancers who have placed highly at the camp in the past. The team learned two new dances, which will carry them through the year.

“[The dances are] harder because we’re trying to challenge [the dancers], but also highlight their talents,” junior Melody Riddell said.

The camp concluded in a competition among the 10 teams in the KC area that attended. Judges, retired dance professionals, and coaches rated the teams. Northwest was given an excellence rating for their group routine and a higher, superior rating for their officer routine.

“It was such a rewarding experience,” junior Emma Rutherford said, “To know that all of the hard work we had put in during the week paid off.”

Upcoming events for the cougar classics include: The light show Oct 25, and the SMN marching fest Oct 26.

CCC Hosts Cappuccino Day

BY LENA DENNINGTON

C

ougar Community Commitment (CCC) hosted it’s quarterly Cappuccino Day Sept. 27 to raise money for former NW science teacher Debbie Mayer.

To prepare, students in CCC take time out of their day to serve the hot chocolate, cappuccinos, half-and-halfs, lemonade and cookies.

“We had to be at the school at 6 a.m. to start prepping for Cappuccino Day,” senior Grace Freeman said. “We also got out of every hour to help make and pass out the things people ordered.”

Once a quarter, CCC sponsors a Cappuccino Day to support a NW affiliate

who needs money for a particular purpose, most commonly medical reasons. Mayer was paralyzed after a large stroke that occurred after she had surgery on her neck, according to CCC. CCC raised $1,914, which will all go to Mayer.

“It was really amazing to see the class[es] come together to support such an amazing cause,” CCC president Taylor Bonsor, said. “It makes me so happy to know that Northwest is a family and we can support each other when we need help.”

Colleges are coming (here’s when):

BY LENA DENNINGTON + ALAURA MOORE

CCR (Counseling Conference Room)

Washington University in St. Louis

Monday, October 21st

10:00 a.m.

Evergreen State College

Tuesday, October 22nd

8:00 a.m.

CCR

Rockhurst University

Tuesday, October 22nd

9:00 a.m.

CCR

Carleton College

Tuesday, October 22nd

10:00 a.m.

CCR

Missouri Southern State University

Thursday, October 24th

10:00 a.m.

CCR

Truman State University

Tuesday, October 29th

8:30 a.m.

CCR

UMKC University of Missouri - KC

Wednesday, October 30th

10:00 a.m.

CCR

Lafayette College

Wednesday, October 30th

11:30 a.m.

CCR

University of Central Missouri

Thursday, October 31st

9:00 a.m.

CCR

November Visits Donnelly College

Monday, November 4th

8:00 a.m.

CCR

University of Missouri

Wednesday, November 6th

11:00 a.m.

CCR

Johnson & Wales University

Friday, November 15th

9:30 a.m.

CCR

NORTHWEST PASSAGE

05

northwest news a PHOTO BY NISHA BISHT

Act Test Prep KYLEE HARTL

T

he American College Testing (ACT) is on Oct. 26 and Dec.14 and students are wondering “How do we prepare for it and why do we need it?” According to Lindsay Kincaid, one of the test preppers, Colleges look at scores to determine whether to accept a student or not.

“Talk to your parents.” Kincaid said, “Talk to your teachers. Talk to your Siblings. Talk to your counselors. Anybody in your life that can give you a little bit of direction and be informed.”

According to Kincaid, there are many ways to prepare for the ACTs. Kincaid suggests filling out practice tests that you can find online or in books. Some people go to workshops or get tutors.

Raising ACT scores can get students many different scholarships and help pay for tuitions.

Some colleges heavily emphasize ACT scores.

PHOTO BY ADDISON SHERMAN

Former NW counselor Howard and counselor Mowry name check rosters after students checkin for the ACTs at NW counselors mention how important it is for students to take the ATCs.

“It depends on the college you’re going to where they put so much emphasis on the ACTs” Kincaid said, “The ACT is more geared around the midwest. Private schools and coastal schools are looking more for the SAT and even around here, you can get admissions to the regence schools.”

Kincaid heavily emphasizes using ACT practice books and preparing ahead of time. and according to Kincaid, most students take the ACT at least twice.

“Self-study books help because they have all these practice questions and then they have explanations about why this is correct and why are the answers incorrect” Kincaid said, “since ACT is all patterned questions, if you start knocking off the things that you missed and you’re going to improve on every single test.”

BY Atalie Black

T

he district marching festival was held at SM South district stadium at 7p.m. on Oct. 1. Each SM high school band performed

BY ATALIE BLACK a show, usually consisting of three songs: an opener, a ballad and a closer, which each band has been working on since the beginning of the school year.

The order in which the marching bands performed was determined by the number of students in the band. The band with the least number of students

headline

started first, and the band with the most students ended. Because of its size, the Marching Cougar Pride was the last band to perform its show, West Side Story.

“Since we performed last, we had the privilege of seeing all of the other bands before they saw us,” junior drum major Maddie Roberts said. “We were able to see what they did wrong so we could fix it ourselves.

Its an incredible learning experience.”

Community Blood Center to run Fall Blood Drive

Northwest Hosts Annual Halloween Carnival

T

T

BY HAENA LEE

he Community Blood Center will arrive Nov. 5 for the semi-annual blood drive. The blood drive will take place at gym 2 during the entire school day. Students can sign up on the signup sheet placed in the cafeteria and all the English classrooms. Last year, the students donated a total of 328 units of blood from the spring and fall blood drive. “[We donate blood because] blood can help save hundreds of lives in the Kansas City area and it can help the local people,” blood drive cochairman Tom Green said. “It’s an easy way to help your community and, for the most part, not many will feel any of the effects. At the most you

06

Band Performs at DISTRICT Marching Festival

OCT. 18, 2013 / NEWS

will pass out, but you will be walking out the door smiling.”

Students are able to donate a pint of their blood that can be used to save up to three lives, according to the Red Cross. All the blood donated can be used three to four days after testing in the local area.

“I think 20 percent of blood donated to the Community Blood Center is from high schools,” Green said. “Most people may have been affected or were personally affected by blood transfusions or serious medical issues. A few of the hospitals and trauma centers where people on their deathbed, need blood.”

BY PAIGE EICHKORN

he Halloween carnival will take place Oct. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. Clubs set up at 4:30 p.m.; students and families arrive from 6 to 8 p.m.

The clubs who are participating are spirit club, the drill team, boys soccer, future teachers, and journalism.

This year, StuCo (Student Council) is updating the games and adding hopscotch to replace “musical ghosts,” or musical chairs. In total there’s around 15 to 20 booths each year. Activities are made to be interactive and fun for the

students and children. This years activities include games like: ‘pin the wart on the witch’, bowling with a pumpkin, a cake walk, and face painting with a halloween theme.

“We try to solicit organizations like soccer,[and] drill team to come and to help set up doorways so that kids can trick-or-treat through.”

StuCo sponsor Sarah Dent said.

“We’re hoping that more clubs will get involved, so that we can make the trick-or-treating through the halls even bigger and more decorated.”

nfo in

Marching Cougar Pride was the

LARGEST

band on the field at the DISTRICT MARCHING FESTIVAL

226

students

k in

THE

A TOTAL OF

COMPILED BY ATALIE BLACK GRAPHICS BY CALISTA BOHLING

230 Court Cases

involving First Amendment Rights have been decided by the Supreme Court

Miley Cyrus’s

in sales in its first day.

Cowen & Company

analyst: Doug Creutz

expects sales to pass

25 MILLION units within the first year

“

including drill team dancers

After you subtract the cost of putting on the DANCE we made an approximate profit of... $

4,000

released Oct.8 SOLD

Approximate

total ticket sales

7,500

250,000 copies

in its first day of sales

Prices for

earned

Grand Theft Auto 5 $ 800 MILLION

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on Oct. 1 with...

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XXI

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It just seems to be a human trait to want to protect the speech of people with whom we agree. For the First Amendment, that is not good enough. So it is really important that we protect First Amendment rights of people no matter what side of the line they are on.”

— Floyd Abrams, attorney and constitutional law expert NORTHWEST PASSAGE

07

news FACTS to Know about the Shutdown

federal funding

ran out at

midnight

on Oct. 1 Nearly

800,000

Congressional stalemate halts bills to fund the government The federal government has been shutdown as of Oct. 1 as a result of a Congressional stalemate over The Affordable Health Care Act (Obamacare).

Congress must pass 12 appropriations bills annually to fund the various facets of the federal government. In recent years, Congress has been unable to come to a consensus, so they have resorted to passing “continuing resolutions” (bills that temporarily outline government spending policies).

This year, Congress passed a continuing resolution March 28.

However, the resolution expired Sept.

30. Because Congress cannot reach an agreement, federal funding ran out at midnight on Oct. 1. However, the government will now separate its funding into two different sectors: the “essential” and “non-essential.’

Earlier this month, the Office of Management and Budget ordered companies under government regulation to check their employees status under the bill. Essential employees are required to remain on the job without pay (for the time being). Non-essential employees will attend half a day of work, to help close down, and then leave, also, without pay. Anything related to public safety, national security, or programs written into permanent law (like Social Security or Welfare) are considered essential. This also includes the military, U.S. embassies, and emergency respondents. The U.S. Postal Service, Food Stamps, funding for

unemployment, Federal Reserve, and of course, Congress, are all essential as well. On Sept. 30, Obama signed a law stipulating that those actively serving in the military will still be paid, even during the shutdown. Everyone else, while are not being paid now, will most likely receive “retroactive” pay as soon as an agreement is reached and passed by the government on federal spending.

This is not the case, however, for non-essential employees.

Nearly 800,000 government officials did not go to work today because of the shutdown.

Non-essential sectors of the government include: housing and health voucher programs, civil cases, national parks and museums, regulatory agencies, financial regulators, visas and passports, and money for veterans.

The federal government has faced 17 other shutdowns. The longest one occurred in 1995-1996, lasting 21 days during the Clinton administration..

For every day the government is not in operation, the local economy in Washington D.C. is expected to lose $200 million. Despite the efforts of House Republicans, Obamacare will not be stopped. On the contrary, citizens may now shop for their own health care plan under the law as it came into affect on Tuesday and relies on mandatory spending.

As the House, Senate, and president continue to quarrel, the government shutdown will continue.

BY LENA DENNINGTON + PAIGE EICHKORN

government government officials officials

did not

go to work today because of the

08

shutdown OCT. 18, 2013 / NEWS + NEWS ANALYSIS

For every day the government is

not in operation,

the local economy in Washington D.C. is expected to lose

$200 million

news analysis The LEGISLATURE is All Wrong on this

Personally, I think the lack of leeway on both sides is the issue

I can’t say that I am surprised the government is shutting down. It was bound to happen sooner or later.

I say that because I think that the government has been really caught up with progressing their own personal agendas--and not representing the people. I’m supposed to be electing a representative to represent me, but it appears that they are unwilling to find a happy medium.

First, the Republicans are being very stubborn, although I’m not surprised.

They don’t want Obamacare, so this is a way they can try to get what they want, which is childish. They also won’t attempt to help pass any proposal made by the Democrats. According to CNN. com, the Senate proposed a bill that would solve the debt issue through 2014, but 45 Republicans would refuse to sign it.

However, the Democrats are contributing to the issue as well. For one, if they want the entire nation to be on Obamacare, I think they should be on Obamacare as well. If it’s good for the commonwealth (citizens), per se, it’s good for the parliament (Congress) too. They also won’t talk with the republicans.

It’s rather sad that the optimistic news is the fact that the two parties are finally talking with each other. I mean, are we five? Can the government not rationally sit down and make a sound decision with each other? The parties aren’t coexisting, they’re fighting like

two angry siblings.

One thing I do know for sure, if they don’t solve the issue soon the United States will be facing some serious issues.

According to CNN.com, if the issue is not solved by Oct. 17, the Department of Treasury is in for a “default on its debt”.

This default refers to a debtor’s failure to repay a loan. In the case of the United States, they must pay interest to to other countries to help pay their loans, and if the default happens, the loans may be revoked. There’s also the issue of the National Parks. The Statue of Liberty and the Grand Canyon were reopened, but most National Parks are still closed.

Not to mention the over 800,000 people who are currently unemployed. That brings the issue to people who have made vacation plans and already paid to stay at the high-demand hotels in most national parks. Will they be refunded?

It remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the debt is affecting many people in ways that most high schoolers are ignorant to.

The underlying issue is Obamacare, and the irony of it all is Obamacare is actually still happening while they are “shutdown”. Although the word “shutdown” is ironic, mostly because Congress is still getting paid, for not talking to eachother I might add. I think the best way to solve this is to take away their pay--see if that doesn’t incline them to make decisions in a more timely fashion.

BY LENA DENNINGTON

the Senate proposed a bill that would

solve the debt issue through 2014, but

45 Republicans would refuse to sign it

“the government has been really caught up with

progressing their own

personal agendas --and not

representing

the people” if the issue is

not solved by

Oct. 17,

the Department of Treasury

is in for a

“default on its debt” NORTHWEST PASSAGE

09

staff editorial

the staff votes

AGREE

19 05

DISAGREE

As an American, the right to freedom of speech can be very useful; however, some abuse that freedom.

“T

PHOTO BY NATE COMPTON

10

OCT. 18, 2013 / OPINION

he blood is on the hands of the #NRA. Next time, let it be YOUR sons and daughters.

Shame on you. May God damn you,” was the message tweeted by University of Kansas journalism professor David Guth following the Washington, D.C., shooting in the Navy Yard.

That controversial tweet influenced the university’s decision to place Guth on indefinite paid leave as of Sept. 20. Now the Republicandominated Kansas legislature is pushing for Guth to be fired. Senator Greg Smith (R-Overland Park) has added even more fuel to this fire by stating that he will not support funding from the university until Guth is fired. This has driven more than 100 KU faculty members to release a statement supporting the professor’s freedom of speech.

If a Shawnee Mission teacher was to say, or tweet, something like this, would he/she be fired?

The answer is no, unless he/she was sharing a political view and on school grounds.

“As far as I know [in regards to the contract] a teacher can say whatever he/she wants provided it’s not on school grounds,” president of the Shawnee Mission National Education Association Nancy Fritz said. “However, they may want to be careful how they say it and who can read it.”

Although freedom of speech was ensured to Americans more than 225 years ago, debates of how far this “freedom” can be taken continue to trouble citizens.

Although the Constitution gives Guth the right to say whatever he wants as a private citizen, that is not necessarily the case in the workplace, because he is representing the university and is under contract. The same is true for school. Students and teachers, while they may be exercising their

freedom of speech, must be careful what they say, or tweet, at school.

“There have been several [issues regarding Twitter and Facebook],” NW police officer Hank Goodman said. “We’ve had people calling people different names, being threatened and just a variety of hateful things come across.”

While it may seem OK at the time, saying something rude or inappropriate can get you in trouble at school, especially if you are saying something at the expense of another individual.

“When it gets to a point when [you] feel like ‘this might scare them a bit, but I think it’s funny,’” Goodman said, “[you] should realize that it’s not right, and it can be a criminal offense.”

Words aren’t the only thing that can get you in trouble. Extreme, inappropriate posts online could be considered cyberbullying and land you in jail.

Sometimes what you tweet, post, say, or document in pictures can go too far, and students need to learn how to recognize when they’ve crossed the line. What you say matters, especially when you’re representing an organization, school or business.

Ann Brill, dean of KU’s William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communication, summed it up: “While the First Amendment allows anyone to express an opinion, that privilege is not absolute and must be balanced with the rights of others.”

Remember: what you tweet, text, post on facebook, or do on the Internet is saved — forever.

Think before you post. You are representing whoever you are working for, whether that be school, work or an outside organization.

A Silent Problem

BY HAENA LEE

Students don’t realize the negative effects loud music can have.

W

alking down the already loud hallways, I pass someone with bright read Beat headphones in their ears.

However, I don’t just see the person. I can hear the lyrics to their song perfectly as well.

When I try to get my classmate’s attention, I eventually resort to “HEY! ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME?” Yelling that gets me no where. The only way I can get their attention is to wave my hand in their faces.

Recently, we were learned about the ear and the process of hearing in Psychology. I was zoning out for a while, but Amy Walker, psychology teacher, got my attention when she mentioned the Sun Chip bags. I

sighed when she wasn’t talking about the chips themselves. , these bags created sounds that measured 80 to 85 decibels, about as loud as city traffic.

Repeated exposure to this level of sound could cause hearing loss over time.

She said that the Sun Chips bags were once made out of a biodegradable materials. If a simple bag of chips can cause hearing loss, what’s going to happen to my friends? They blast their music on their earbuds or headphones, and in their cars. It is almost impossible to even talk to the person next to you. And, being in the backseat of a car when the volume is on high, the

experience is deafening. The people in the front might be singing along, but, in the back, I’m just covering my ears and leaning forward to get away from the blaring speakers behind my head.

According to ABC News, a national survey indicates that one out of five teenagers suffers from a hearing loss so severe that the damage could be permanent. Currently 26 million people have suffered permanent damage from excessive exposure to noise, according to the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders. Of that 26 million, 1/5 of those under 20 will have noise-

induced hearing loss according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

I don’t want to be a part of the 5.2 million students between 6 and 19 years old who suffer from avoidable hearing loss. Don’t be afraid to ask your friends to turn it down.

Having a concert everywhere you go has a good chance of permanently damaging your hearing. Even though they might not be interested in enjoying music, engaging in conversation or catching the warning of a police siren later on down the road, I sure am.

NORTHWEST PASSAGE

11

fo

Senior Sarah Taylor gasps as she hears her name called during halftime on Oct. 4 at SMN stadium. Taylor was named the 2013 Homecoming Queen.

Photo by NATE COMPTON

Photo by CARLEIGH WHITMAN Senior Nate Sterns works on the senior float on Sept. 22. Each class prepared a float for the Homecoming Parade, which was cancelled due to rain.

12

OCT. 18, 2013 / FEATURES

Photo by SARAH DEAN Senior Grace Freeman gets help zipping up her dress before the Homecoming Assembly on Oct. 4. Freeman was crowned second runner-up.

Photo by NATE COMPTON Senior Nick Smith dances with the cougar during the Homing Assembly on during the Homecoming assembly on Oct. 4 in the SM Northwest gym. Smith ran out on to the gym floor after the seniors won the spirit stick.

Sophomore Deron Lowe r The cougars lost the gam

following the After a week of pep rallies, spirit and voting, Northwest entered the Land of Oz for this year’s Homecoming dance

BY KATIE ADDINGTON + ATALIE BLACK + SOPHIE FLORES + LIBBY GREGOR + SHELBY SMITH

A flood of bodies appeared in the hallways, voices intermingled, and the noise gradually increased as the students filed into the gym. Students rushed to their seats trying to find an open spot in their class section. The band played as the cheerleaders and drill team members performed their opening routines.

The assembly, held Oct. 4 in the main gym, recognized the achievements of the fall sports teams; showcased performances by the cheerleaders, drill team, and marching band; and presented the student body with this year’s Homecoming court.

Groups had been perfecting their routines since the beginning of the year; some even rehearsed over the summer.

“We have 6:50 practice every morning in order to get the flag show and dance ready for [the] performance,” drill team member Madison Delamore said. “I get an adrenaline rush [whenever] I see all my friends watching me perform and when I hear the crowd cheer for us.”

After the performances, the students in the Homecoming court walked armin-arm through a leaf-covered trellis and

continued across the gym. Their path was lined on both sides by photographers and drill team dancers.

“I was so nervous,” nominee Grace Freeman said. “I was positive I was going to trip and totally embarrass myself. My walking partner, Connor Johnson, was wonderful and he just [said] ‘Calm down Grace’ and made me laugh while we were walking.”

That evening, the varsity football team faced Lawrence at SM North Stadium at 6:30 p.m. rather than 7 p.m., in the hope of avoiding a forecast thunderstorm. By the end of the first half, Lawrence had the lead with a score of 7-10.

Once the marching band had moved into formation, Natalie Chance made her way across the field accompanied by her father. After all 10 candidates lined up on

the home team sidelines, they awaited the announcement of the second runner-up for Homecoming queen. After a long pause, Grace Freeman accepted the second runner-up crown. The audience cheered, anxiously awaiting the announcement of the other winners.

Taylor Bonser was named first runnerup and the crowd anxiously waited for the name of the winner..

“And your 2013 Homecoming queen is... Sarah Beth Taylor.”

Taylor’s jaw dropped when she heard her name reverberate throughout the stadium. She hugged her father after 2012 Homecoming Queen Caitlin Chen placed the crown on her head.

“To be honest, it was such a blast,” Taylor said. “To be crowned was everything I could have asked for and

more; I finally felt loved, but I [had] felt kind of behind the scenes. To [be] crowned was a huge, incredible thing for me.”

In spite of the elation of the Homecoming court, the game ended with a 17-6 loss.

“There’s No Place Like Homecoming,” the 2013 theme, inspired Student Council to create the land of Oz in the mall and cafeteria. The yellow brick road was the first thing students saw as they entered the mall, which had been transformed into Munchkinland with bright colors, flowers, and candy-like decorations. In

the cafeteria, a poppy field led into the Emerald City at the foot of the DJ table.

At 10 p.m., the students filed into the main gym for the crowning of the Homecoming king.

The candidates stood by the entrance to the auxiliary gym. They walked to meet their escorts and exchanged hugs

and a flower. The second runner-up for Homecoming king was Logan Miller, and first runner-up was Sam Gross.

As students stomped on the bleachers, Connor Johnson was named the 2013 Homecoming King.

“It was unreal how everyone chose to have me represent the senior class

and voted for me,” Johnson said. “I didn’t really know what to do. It was a really cool honor to be up there with 10 awesome people that all do amazing things for our school.”

“I wasn’t really that nervous. It was just weird to think that I have watched people walk in the assembly since I was a freshman and it was finally me. When Nate [Sterns] and I were practicing beforehand that is all we could talk about. It was finally us.” — senior Sarah Godke

Photo by NATE COMPTON

runs the ball during the homecoming game on Oct. 4 at SMN stadium. me to Lawrence with the score of 16-7.

Photo by KATE JACOBSEN Led by senior Colton Allen, senior Sarah Taylor celebrates after being crowned homecoming queen at halftime of the football game.

Photo by LUCAS SILVA Senior Kristoph Geis Sophomore Danielle Rehor dances with junior Marlee Bell and sophomore Danielle Rehor at the Homecoming dance.

Photo by KATE JACOBSEN Right After being crowned, Conner Johnson laughs with fellow senior Sarah Taylor during Homecoming dance on Oct. 2 in the SM Northwest gym. Taylor and Johnson were the 2013 King and Queen.

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Kriste Everett and her daughter Makenzie work to give homeless animals

A Temporary Home S

enior Makenzie Everett glanced down at her phone, checking Facebook for the third time that day. She stumbled across a post from her mom, Kriste, showing a picture of a black pig with words underneath that read “My latest foster! Miss Petunia!” Makenzie immediately sent her mom a text.

“Is that pig coming to stay in our house?”

Makenzie questioned.

“I hope so!” Kriste Everett replied.

“You have officially lost your mind,” Makenzie said.

A Merriam police officer found the pig wandering around Brown Park near the corner of County Line Road and Hadley Street and took it to the Great Plains Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) shelter in Kansas City, Kan. The shelter called Kriste after realizing the pig, later named Petunia, could not stay because their facilities could not accommodate her.

The shelter contacted Kriste first because she already had experience with pigs and was a registered foster parent with them; however, after news outlets broadcast the story later that evening, interest was high.

Kriste has been a registered foster parent with the Great Plains SPCA since March. More than 70 animals have come through her home in the past seven months, but Petunia is the only pig.

Everett has a room in her basement dedicated to her foster animals, with concrete floors,

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OCT. 18, 2013 / FEATURES

picket-fence gates, binders with information on various animals and a wall of pictures of all the animals the family has fostered. These animals have ranged from a dog and her nine puppies to 18 kittens with eye infections. “[The best part of fostering is] knowing that you’re helping these [animals] find their forever home,” Kriste said. “It’s sad to know that so many of them live on the street, or who knows where. Just a calm soothing voice makes a huge difference [to them].”

Kristie wanted to feel like she was back on the farm without having to move.

“My friends think I have officially fallen off the reservation, they kind of think I’m crazy,” Kriste said. “When they saw the pig here, it was worse. There actually was an emu on the news last night that somebody found. They [said,] ‘Please tell me you are not taking the emu in your house.’”

Although Kriste’s friends question her sanity, Makenzie knows her mom is making the right decision.

“I like knowing that the animals can come to our house and get the help and the love they have always deserved but never got,” Makenzie said.

For more information about fostering, adopting or volunteering, visit www.hsgkc.org or call 913-596-1000.

BY SHELBY SMITH PHOTOS BY LAUREN EDWARDS

Senior Mackenzie Everette takes care of Petunia on October 3 at her house. Everette got the pig from Brown Park and is taking care of her untill her surgery

Senior Mackenzie Everett feeds Petunia a grape on October 3 at Everett’s house. Everett’s mom takes care of a variety of animals.

fall

Trends

BY Atalie Black + Haena Lee PHOTO IllUSTRATION BY Nate Compton

With leaves changing colors and the temperature falling, it’s time to pack up those shorts and tank-tops. Fortunately, Passage staff members have scoured the web for the trending looks and treats of Fall 2013. From cozy turtleneck sweaters to fashionable over-the-knee boots, we have recommendations to keep you warm and stylish. Fall food trends are sure to accommodate the change in weather with warmth in both colors and temperature.

Fall Food Simple Salads Soups Artisan/small-batch foods Southern-style meals with a gourmet twist Blondies: Brownies made with brown sugar as opposed to chocolate.

Often contain chocolate chips

Fall Drinks Homemade Apple Cider Drinking chocolate: Made by grinding chocolate with other spices and adding the mixture to cream, milk or water

Women’s Accessories Over-the-knee Boots Statement Scarves

Men’s Accessories Beanies Statement Scarves

Color Winter White

Spices Cinnamon Nutmeg Cloves Ginger Allspice Cardomom

Fall Harvest Sweet Potatos Apples Pumpkins

Women’s Clothing Layers Sweaters Turtleneck Sweaters Peplum Military-inspired looks Leather Pieces, but too much may pass as a biker look Classic prints, such as houndstooth, leopard, plaid and pinstripes

Men’s Clothing Burgundy clothing pieces and accessories Plaid Black Leather Turtleneck Sweaters Layers

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Building Hope “M

ake sure the boards line up!” the Hope Builder volunteers said.

“Don’t worry, we’re going to make sure they line up,” Interact Club volunteers echoed back as they continued drilling boards.

Former biology teacher Debbie Mayer suffered major paralysis as a result of a stroke last January following neck surgery. She is confined to a wheelchair. Interact students were at her home to build an access ramp.

As the group of Interact Club students and Hope Builders volunteers admired a section of the ramp, they realized the majority of the boards were crooked. They realized that they would have to redrill them.

“None of us knew what we were doing,” Interact Club president Abby Zimmerman said. “By the end of the ramp, the boards were crooked and weren’t spaced correctly. It was kind of a pain. It happened

GRAPHIC BY MITCH FEYERHERM

16

OCT. 18, 2013 / FEATURES

to one group, and then it happened to us. It was a mess, but it worked out in the end.”

Hope Builders invited Interact Club students to help build the ramp in front of Mayer’s house.

Hope Builders is a nonprofit organization that helps disabled, elderly and low-income families repair their homes. After Mayer’s family submitted a proposal for a ramp, the group volunteered to help with the construction.

“When the repair work is completed, the wheelchair ramps are constructed, and the plumbing works, what we’ve really provided is hope to our clients,” Hope Builders volunteer Greg Wayne says on the organization’s website. “We have a clear mission and that is to restore hope to vulnerable homeowners so they can live in safety, comfort, and dignity.”

A group of approximately 15 students and volunteers helped construct the ramp. The students

Interact Club students work with volunteers from Hope Builders to give Debbie Mayer access to her home.

By Sarah Egger + Shelby Smith

met at 8 a.m. and finished constructing the ramp at approximately 2 p.m.

“I had never actually used a drill before,” senior Michael Catt said. “A lot of us hadn’t used a drill before.”

“I thought it was really cool for a lot of reasons, for nerdy reasons because I want to be an engineer so that was interesting for me,” Zimmerman said.

“It’s amazing [for] people to build a ramp in one morning. We built the entire ramp, and it was a way to show that we cared.”

Interact Club does a variety of other projects throughout the year. The biggest event they help with is the Christmas Bureau in December.

“When you see that happen and you do little stuff for people around here, you know this is actually having an impact,” Zimmerman said. “It’s kind of the best feeling in the world knowing that you are changing someone’s life.”

PHOTO COURTSEY OF JACKIE ENTZMINGER

With Their Own Two Hands

Seniors Tatiana Darby and Jackie Entzminger attended the UN assembly meeting in New York on Sept. 20 with the Lucy’s Kids for Peace organization. BY SARAH EGGER + PAIGE EICHKORN

T

wo seniors Jackie Entzminger and Tatiana Darby took a week off from school to travel to New York, take in the scenery and present to the United Nations.

Entzminger and Darby went with the Lucy’s Kids for Peace organization to New York to present to the UN. Approximately 350 students went to New York from around the country went to speak about the peace chapter they were involved in for the International Day of Peace on Sept. 21.

“I was a little overwhelmed, I didn’t know what to expect or what to do,” Entzminger said. “I was overwhelmed with the fact that I was in the UN. That would be the only time we’d ever go so we tried to soak it in as much as we could.”

The meeting started with a video conference with the Secretary General who gave a presentation in the rose garden outside the UN building. Jane Goodall, the messenger of peace, and Monique Coleman, a UN Youth Champion, spoke about the importance of the groups being there and agreeing on peace. It then continued with other ambassadors who stressed the significance of international peace.

“I was just fascinated with everything that was happening,” Entzminger said,

“All the languages that were being spoken all around me and the cultures.

The fact that we could all come together and agree on [peace] was awesome.

I’m just so honored to have been asked and been able to travel [there]. I was thankful for everything in that trip and I had the best group to travel with.”

While in New York, the group’s other activities included making sack lunches for the homeless. Along with a lunch, the bags included things such as: a coloring book, colored pencils, and hygiene products.

“We don’t expect anything back for this,” Darby said. “We aren’t doing it for money [and] we aren’t doing it for funding.”

“We do it because it’s the right thing to do,” Entzminger added.

“If we can afford to, why not?”

The group and children from Lucy’s Kids for Peace also gave out paper hearts with messages such as “have a good day” to anyone walking down the street.

“I loved it when the kids would give them to the police officers, they went out of their way to give them a heart,” Entzminger. “We have pictures of the police officers reading it and smiling.”

Entzminger and Darby found out about the organization through a family friend and started to attend

meetings to gain hours for Cougars Community Commitment (CCC) and National Honors Society (NHS).

“It’s not about me; it’s about the people I don’t know,” Entzminger said. “I think the big ‘ah-ha’ moment for me is when I realize this is exactly what I want to do.

These people need what I can give them.”

To learn about joining Lucy’s

Kids for Peace, contact Entzminger or Darby for more information.

“It [reminds me], ‘Hey look at all the things that I have [that] some people can’t even dream of having,” Darby said.

“It’s unfair to others and to myself not to use what I have to help people. That’s the most fulfilling for me, to recognize that I can help and make a difference.”

PHOTO COURTSEY OF JACKIE ENTZMINGER Seniors Jackie Entzminger and Tatiana Darby stand in the conference room of the United Nations in New York City. “People would stop and take time out of their busy day to listen to the beautiful message we were trying to spread. It honestly so heartwarming to see them stop and take an interest in what you believe in,” Entzminger said.

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butterflies BAKER

BY ATALIE BLACK + HAENA LEE Environmental Ed. 2 students arrived at the school at 6 a.m. to Baker University’s wetlands Sept. 26 to observe the Monarch Butterflies’ migration patterns. The wetlands, located in Lawrence, consists of 573 acres and 6 miles of trails open to the public during daylight hours. ¶ The class has been discussing the migration patterns of butterflies and the responsibilities of field biologists. In an effort to learn more about the migration patterns of monarchs and how it has changed, students tagged butterflies at Baker wetlands. ¶ “I never knew catching butterflies would be so much fun,” said senior Nick Jordan. ¶ During the morning the butterflies would rest on the trees which made it easier for students to capture them. In the mid morning hours, when it would start to heat up, students went out to the field and captured butterflies with nets as they took flight. After a butterfly had been caught, a student would gently hold the butterfly by its wings, take it out of the net, place it in a wax paper envelope, and put it in a bag to be tagged at school later on. ¶ Once at the school, the butterflies would be tagged with a sticker on the distal cell of the wings. The gender of the butterfly was then determined by the students. Students then released the butterflies outside of the school.

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OCT. 18, 2013 / FEATURES PHOTO BY NATE COMPTON

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5 Net in hand, senior Tyler McCoy “catches” senior Conan Brennan in a butterfly net. Students left for the trip at 5:45 AM. “[I remember] when I was chasing a butterfly and my left shoe got pulled off by the grass,” Brennan said. “Pisani and I spent ten minutes searching for my shoe and still couldn’t find it. It wasn’t my proudest moment but it was funny.” 6 Environmental Education teacher Mike Pisani takes a butterfly out the net to put in an envelope. This butter would later be tagged and then released back into the wild. 7 Seniors Nick Jordan and Maddie Frazier laugh after chasing down a monarch which they failed to capture during the Enviornmental Ed field trip. 8 Senior Griff Hoffman holds a butterfly to document during the process of tagging on Sept. 27. 9 Senior Lauren Benjamin examines a bug at Baker Wetlands in Lawrence on Sept. 26. The Environmental Education 2 student catch butterflies and take data from pond water during the trip. “Seeing the types of [microinvertebrates] that we caught up close [allows] us to get a look at the wetland’s [land] quality and how it has changed overtime,” Benjaimin said.

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10 The Environmental Ed 2 class went to the Baker Wetlands for their annual field trip on Sept. 26. The class left school at 5:40 am. 11 Senior Griff Hoffman picks up a snapping turtle out of the water on Sept. 26. Turtles were not a part of the assignment, but Hoffman was dared by fellow senior Chris Garcia to try to catch it. “Well, it wasn’t really a dare,” Hoffman said. “It was just [Garcia] saying ‘pick that up’ and I was stupid enough to agree.” 12 Senior Kary Elliott smiles after she caught a monarch butterfly during the Environmental Education 2 field trip to Baker Wetlands in Lawrence on Sept.

26. “Catching monarchs just isn’t something you do a lot,” Elliott said. “[As] kids, [we would] always chase butterflies, but we never got to catch them.” 13 Butterfly in hand, senior Chris Garcia watches as Environmental Education 2 instructor Mike Pisani demonstrates how to tag the butterflies on Sept. 27 in room 233. The class tagged approximately 20 monarchs. “[To tag the butterfly], we take them out of their little holders and we have to hold them only with our index [fingers] and thumbs on their discal cells,” Garcia said. “We then gently stick the tag on the discal cell in the middle of the big wing. It looks really pretty, actually.” 14 A monarch is tagged by senior Darrien Savage during Pisani’s Environmental Ed 2 class.

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PANELS TO REMEMBER DO YOU WANT TO SUBMIT A COMIC?

send an email of your comic to our graphics editor at mitchfeyerherm@gmail.com and you could be featured in an upcoming issue of The Northwest Passage.

SUDOKU

WORDS AND INK / MITCH FEYERHERM

medium difficulty 8

3 1

LRSKY COMICS / SKYLR HECK

1 7 7 3 4 8 5 9 1 3 9 6 7

4 2 9 3 1 6 7 8 9 6 3 8

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UPCOMING RELEASES Albums

Katy Perry Prism Oct. 22 for KING & COUNTRY Into The Silent Night EP Oct. 22 Ryan Hemsworth Guilt Trips Oct. 22 Royal Tailor Royal Tailor Oct. 22 Dave Barnes December to Remember Oct. 29 Eminem The Marshall Mathers LP 2 Nov

Movies

Carrie Oct. 18 Ender’s Game Nov. 1 Thor: the Dark World Nov. 8

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OCT. 18, 2013 / ENTERTAINMENT

BY SOPHIE FLORES + HAENA LEE

Video Games

“Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag” Oct. 29 “Battlefield 4” Oct. 29 “Call of Duty: Ghost” Nov. 5

Concerts at the Sprint Center Keith Urban Nov. 6 P!nk Nov. 12 Selena Gomez Nov. 17

Events in KC

Crown Center Ice Terrace opens Nov. 1 Wicked at Municipal Auditorium/Music Hall through Oct. 27 Real Pirates exhibit at Union Station through Jan. 5

Returning Fall Shows

Supernatural (The CW) Oct. 8 The Walking Dead (AMC) Oct. 13 Grimm (NBC) Oct. 25 The Carrie Diaries (the CW) Oct. 25

O ld

BANGERZ

Danny Brown released Oct. 1

MILEY CYRUS BY paige eichkorn

BY DANIEL MIROCKE

Photo Courtesy of FANSRT

Photo Courtesy of Potholes In My Blog

A

fter weeks of waiting and hearing sneak peaks of songs on Miley Cyrus’ new album, Bangerz, it’s finally here.

“Can’t you see it’s we who own the night?/ Can’t you see it’s we who ’bout that life?” Cyrus sang on her hit single “We Can’t Stop.” This song broke the VEVO record for most views in 24 hours. This song paints the image of the new Miley: red lips, short blonde hair, revealing outfits and her piercing blue eyes.

“Adore You,” the first song on the album, provides a glimpse of her soulful side, portrayed in past albums like Can’t Be Tamed, an almost failed attempt at breaking away from Disney that wasn’t well-known. In Bangerz, Cyrus works to make that break crystal clear, placing the emphasis on what she’s becoming, which still isn’t very clear.

Cyrus can’t leave her country roots completely behind. This shows up in “4x4,” featuring Nelly, in which she sings, “I’m in that passenger seat/ Ridin’ high in the air/ And we’re drivin’ fast/ Till we plum outta gas/,” With its country-rodeo vibe, we get a glimpse of the “old” Cyrus and her “Hoedown Throwdown” days as Hannah Montana.

Of all the songs, “Wrecking Ball,” “My Darlin’,” “4x4” and “Drive” are four of my favorites. That’s right, “Wrecking Ball,” even though it’s been bashed by critics. If you listen to the lyrics, you can actually understand the song’s meaning: breakups aren’t easy.

I’d give this album three and a half stars. I think Miley could’ve done better than this. The new songs are great, but they have been lost in the media hype. I can only hope that she is still the talented, country song-writing old fashioned girl we once loved even if she is minimally clothed. Essentially, with Bangerz listeners are left guessing who and what the real musical Cyrus is, which was likely her intention.

D

anny Brown is hip hop’s equivalent of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Old, his latest studio LP, demonstrates his ability to shift from a maniac in the club to an introspective and depressed storyteller. This album is a step up from his breakthrough album, XXX, and a step in the right direction.

Half of the songs are normally sung and others sound like Brown’s vocal chords are going to shred like his head might explode. His voice generally being the cue of what the lyrics of the song will be about. All of this coupled with the fact that Old has two distinctly labeled sides. Side A entitled (Old), is the more mellow side of the album, and Side B (Dope Song), are the songs that have a heavy deep kick drum and get the crowd up and dancing. Side A is the better of the two sides of this album. The lyrics have more meaning, and the instrumentals more layered.

Even though Brown clearly states on Side B that this is his last “dope song,” the rest of the side is filled with tracks that are primarily about drug use. Why take a whole side of the album dedicated to getting high when that is what the majority of his last album was about? The songs on Side B are still quality songs for the most part. The production is great, and they are still fun to listen to, but tracks like “Break it Go” and “Handstand” leave a lot to be desired.

Side A comes as close to perfection as you can for a hip hop album, but the less that is said about Side B, the better. The contrasting sides perfectly illustrate characteristics of Brown’s schizophrenic personality. Overall, I am convinced that you won’t hear this variety of sounds on many other hip hop releases this year.

This album certainly cements Brown as one of the most eclectic and interesting artists, not only in the hip hop community, but in the music industry as a whole.

The Detroit rapper continues to blossom on this album into one of the most unique, and prolific artists in hip hop.

Grand Theft Auto Five released Sept. 17

BY KEEGAN DOLINAR Photo Courtesy of Umunots

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ockstar, known for its open-world games, made $1 billion in the three days following the release of Grand Theft Auto 5. This didn’t even compare to The Avengers, which only made $623 million in the first week of its release ($1.5 billion worldwide since its release in 2012). It is also one of the biggest grossing games of all time beating out Call of Duty Black Ops 2 ($500 million in the first week) and assassins creed 3 ($3.5 in the first week).

The game has a long, immersive single-player campaign, but once the story is finished there is not much left to do.

The single player is one of the best experiences in gaming this year with wide mission variety and three characters from widely different backgrounds.The mechanics for the game are the same as past installments with the same feel, but in a different environment moving from a New York style city to a Los Angeles (and surrounding area) setting . The setting of the game is Los Santos, a parody of Los Angeles, but it feels like a real, breathing city with civilians walking around and police chasing after random speeders on the streets. The single player portion is well balanced in missions, between shooting up a sawmill while

looking for a lost friend to stealing a submarine in order to obtain a superweapon. It was also balanced in the people you meet unlike in GTA online, where you meet people from the main campaign with no real story, just endless side quests, such as stealing a nice car, or taking drugs from thugs to a random location.

The missions in online games are repetitive between races, deathmatches and the occasional “go get the nice car” missions. Other than those, there are few other ways to get money without robbing the corner store and outrunning the relentless cops. This assumes you can get online at all. Rockstar Games decided to use cloud servers (servers that rely on the users wifi and not the companies systems) which crash way too much and the load screens are ridiculous, some spanning 3-6 minutes.

The single player campaign was a well-rounded story with multiple endings, with the vehicle and weapon choices at your disposal I will be playing this game for the single player for years to come.

The multiplayer, however, is a different story. with its broken servers and repetitive gameplay, it is lacking in basic foundations of modern games.

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BY THE NUMBERS

1 The place girls JV volleyball placed

6 Numbers of places lineman Logan Miller’s ankle was broken.

7 Varsity senoir soccer boys

11 Number of gymnastics teams at the Oct. 2 tournament. NW took 3rd place.

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OCT. 18, 2013 / SPORTS

Chemistry vs. Talent Although coaches generally look for talent, the success of a team is based on talent, teamwork, or both. BY SHELBY SMITH

T

he 2012 University of Kentucky men’s basketball team was ranked second in the national recruitment class going into the 2012 season, with four of the most sought-after players in the NCAA. In light of this, ESPN ranked them third in the nation. However, they were not invited to the NCAA tournament; so, they competed in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). Being at the inferior tournament, spectators and commentators alike expected Kentucky to excel. However, the skill of the players was not enough to make up for the lack of teamwork. Because of this, Kentucky lost to Robert Morris, the 124 ranked team in the nation, in the first round of the tournament.

As the winter sports season gears up, athletes might want to prepare themselves for what it takes to win: both individually and as a team.

A combination of cohesive teamwork and outstanding skill are what make a team successful.

At first glance, golf can seem to be based on individual skill. However, beginning golfers aren’t necessarily born with amazing talent. The golf coach critiques and congratulates, but, during games, can’t physically assist a player to improve her performance. At practice, it is up to the coach and teammates to help each other. Rory McIlroy, 2012 Professional Golfer’s Association of American (PGA) champion, wasn’t successful because he was a golf savant; he relied on instruction from his coach during practices to improve, which took teamwork.

Swimming requires hard work individually as well as with a team. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps has earned 18 gold Olympic medals throughout his career. While Phelps is a strong swimmer on his own, he also contributed to relay teams. In fact, he won seven of his gold medals as part of a team.

Soccer, although it might seem otherwise, is also based on skill as a team and as an individual.

Eleven players take the field to play as one. If 10 are strong in their abilities and the eleventh is a little weaker, teamwork will allow them to make up for the one. Having skilled players is important to the overall success of the team, but those skilled players can’t play the game alone. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the other players is how eleven individual players become one cohesive whole. With teamwork comes communication and an unspoken relationship between teammates on the field. If Hope Solo, goalie for the U.S. Women’s Soccer team, doesn’t communicate with her defenders, they won’t know how to help her protect the goal and send the ball back upfield.

The success of any athletic sport is based on either team chemistry or the individual talent of the player; some even require both. The understanding of the necessity of the two is what makes a team successful.

fall sports Last Game Olathe South lost 20-14 Current Record 1-5 Next Game Tonight at 7 p.m.

Quote “Injuries were a factor [in the SMS game]. There is no doubt. Especially the loss of lineman Logan Miller like we did becasue we had to shift our linemen around.”

- Head Coach Linn Hibbs

Last Tournment Current Record 7th in Sunflower League.

Next Tournment

State: October 21 Quote

“Individually, as the only freshman on the team I was very happy with the way I would improve week to week...

As a team we had a couple girls who had never played before, but I am very proud of the way they also improved.”

- freshman Gabby Cortez

PHOTO BY BRYCE REX

Last Game Lost to Olathe East 0-2 Current Record 7-3 Next Game October 22 at 7 p.m.

Quote “It was our toughest game all year and even though we lost the crowd was amazing.”

- junior Cole Nelson

PHOTO BY SARAH DEAN

PHOTO BY SHELBY BEAUMONT

Next Meet October 19 at 9 a.m.

Quote “In races, he backs me up, and i back him up” - junior Chase Bennett “It’s crucial to run together because running in packs means you run as a team.”

- junior Jake Mailk

PHOTO BY CLARA DAVINSON

PHOTO BY CARLEIGH WHITMAN

Last Game Lost to Olathe Northwest 0-2, and lost to Olathe South 1-2.

Current Record 6 - 12 Next Game October 22 at 5 p.m.

Quote “We are such a strong team this year on the court and off. I couldn’t ask for a better group of girls to spend my senior year with. We plan on fighting for the next couple weeks to get the best seating in substate we can.”

- senior, Gabby Riggs

UPDATE

Last Meet Placed 3rd at State meet Oct 12 agaisnt Lawrence, Lawrence Free State, Leavenworth, Olathe East, Olathe North, Olathe NW, Olathe South, SMN, SMS,SMW, SME Next Meet October 26 at 8:00 a.m.

Quote “I was really nervous about competing all around for the first time, and i was really surprised that i placed 6th all around!”

- sophomore Taylor Moore

PHOTO BY NICk KAHTAVA

Next Match October 19 at 11:30 a.m.

Quote “I think we did great this year. From an Exchange student’s perspective, I’m really glad that I played tennis because I got to meet some awesome people.”

- Mirell Molder

PHOTO BY NICk KAHTAVA

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overcome with honor “I WAS JUST

BECAUSE I WAS STANDING NEXT TO ALL THOSE GREAT PEOPLE DOWN THERE WHO WERE ON HOMECOMING COURT. IT WAS AMAZING THAT THEY CHOSE ME.” — senior ConnorJohnson

PHOTO BY KATE JACOBSEN