The Northwest Passage: Volume 54, Issue 5

NW PASSAGE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The

The

The purpose of the Northwest Passage is to relay important and interesting information to the community, administration and students of the Shawnee Mission Northwest High School.

As a news magazine, the Northwest Passage will cater to the interests and concerns of the student body. Outside concerns and activities will only be covered if they somehow affect the school or students.

The Northwest Passage is a 24-page news magazine. The paper will be distributed monthly as possible. Subscriptions will be available to the community for $25.

The Northwest Passage firmly supports the First

Amendment and opposes censorship. The content of the newspaper will be determined and created by the entire staff. When questions concerning word choice, legal problems or ethics arise, the editorial board and adviser will discuss the problem to find the solution. In these cases, the editor-in-chief and editorial board will have the power to make the final decision.

Le ers to the editor will be accepted and encouraged. The staff reserves the right to edit for grammatical mistakes, length and good taste. Le ers may a ack policy but not people. In no way will ideas or viewpoints be changed. The editor-in-chief and editorial board reserve the right to refuse any le er.

PUBLICATION OVERSIGHT

Editor-In-Chief Grace Logan

Editor-In-Chief Veronica Meiss

CONTENT MANAGEMENT

Copy Editor Morgan Tate

Copy Editor Izak Zeller

Photo Editor Sophia McCraney

Photo Editor Evan Johnson

Asst. Photo Editor Ashley Broils

Asst. Photo Editor Kara Simpso n

WRITERS

Zadie Tenpenny

Elaina Hammes

Sofia Ball

ADVISER

Susan Massy

DESIGNERS

Ellie Zeller

Greta Grist

This

Elaina Hammes and Zadie Tenpenny discuss

A NEW GOAL

design by Ashley Broils & Veronica Meiss

FIFA needs to ensure the location for the World Cup is ethical and safe

atar was unprepared to host the World Cup in 2010 and, after 12 years of work, they are still unprepared in 2022.

The country blatantly disrespected the location selection process. According to Business Review at Berkeley, an appalling $880 million was given to FIFA officials by Qatar as a bribe. No, that’s not a typo.

The Olympics association reported that, in order to prepare for World Cup, Qatar had to build seven stadiums, seating around 20,000 to 25,000 people. In order to complete these stadiums on time, Qatar cut corners.

The Guardian states that 6,500 migrant workers have died since the Qatar World Cup was announced. Many of those workers had acute heart or respiratory failure, which was thought to be a result of Qatar’s intense summer heat. Death tolls have also been linked to construction accidents and over exhaustion. Some of those who have survived reported that they’ve been injured, denied wages and subjected to forced labor. Regardless of whether or not Qatar

had the facilities to host the World Cup, FIFA should have removed them from consideration due the lack of civil liberties the country provides.

Qatari law blatantly undermines women’s rights, restricting their ability to travel freely.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported the following violations:

1. Single Qatari women under 25 must obtain their guardian’s permission to travel outside Qatar.

2. While married women at any age can travel abroad without permission, men can petition a court to prohibit their wives’ travel.

3. Women cannot marry without their male guardian’s permission, regardless of age, while men can marry up to four wives without needing even their current wife’s permission.

The country also has a dreadful track record regarding civil liberties and political freedom pertaining to LGBTQ+ rights.

Recently, suspect behavior has been displayed towards foreign reports.

Grant Wahl walked into the stadium on Dec. 9 to cover the World Cup match between Netherlands and

Argentina in Qatar.

He was a SM East alumni.

Wahl suddenly collapsed on the field and died just a few hours later.

On Dec. 10, Wahl’s cause of death was confirmed by medical officials as an undetected aortic aneurysm which ruptured.

On the day of Wahl’s death, the Gulf Times tweeted that one of their photojournalists, Khalid al-Misslam, also died suddenly while covering the World Cup.

Regardless of the state of Qatar socially, economically, etc. FIFA must consider human rights when it comes to choosing a host country. It feels too obvious to say, but bribery should not be tolerated in any capacity.

If FIFA continues to allow countries similar to Qatar to host these events, they are supporting human rights violations.

The bo om line is soccer, fütbol, or whatever someone chooses to call it, is a sport should create understanding between countries. It should not operate under capitalistic motives. It, like the Olympics, should be held to unite the world.

A staff editorial is an opinion piece crafted by a single writer and voted on by the entire staff of the Passage. It is not an unbiased news article, it is an opinion piece tackling a major issue. If the majority does not agree with the piece, the editorial will not be published.

How social standards changed my mentality OVERWHELMED BY SOCIETY

by Elaina Hammes

I have dealt with social standards since middle school. For me, that was when society started judging people based on their looks. Unfortunately, high school has been the same way.

Like many others in high school, I have been under the influence of social media for years. I have always struggled with craving the validation of others. I remember waking up two hours early to do my hair and makeup during my freshman year. I would wear blandcolored jeans and sweaters. I would do all of that almost every day just to get compliments from strangers I didn’t even know.

Whenever I walk through the halls now, I still always feel compelled to compare myself to everyone. I always see more of my flaws when I compare myself to others. My thoughts race with comments such as “Their jeans are

THE THIRD Z

cuter, their waist is smaller and their hair is straighter. Their outfit is nicer.” Doing this ultimately ends up hurting my own feelings. I am aiming for perfection that does not exist.

But I am now choosing to wear what I am comfortable in, whether other people like it or not. I am changing the things I wear because I want to show my personality through what I wear. I want to portray creativity through the clothes I choose. I am not going to dress up for anyone’s validation other than myself.

I am disgusted that social standards have had such an effect on me. I have slowly come to realize that none of it ma ers. If you prefer comfort over classy, then so be it. No ma er what people wear, everyone is beautiful and unique in their own way. Why should we judge others if we too do not want to be judged?

We thought our family was complete. Just me, my sister, Zaiya, and my parents. My sister and I were enough for my parents to handle without a baby. When I was 10-years-old, we found out my mom was four months pregnant.

the water. None of us got much sleep due to Zoelle screaming in the dead of night. I can’t say I miss going to school tired.

by Zadie Tenpenny

I remember feeling so many different emotions while I sat on the couch looking at an ultrasound. The strongest one was worry, because I thought a baby meant I wouldn’t get a ention anymore. I learned along the way that while Zoelle would need lots of a ention, I would still get some myself.

I realized how much work went into taking care of a baby soon after she was born. We divided the chores in a fair way, my parents took over most of the hard work but Zaiya and I helped where we could. I became a master at changing diapers, but still dreaded doing it when it was my turn. My favorite chore was making her bo les. I liked mixing up the formula with

It’s been four years since that day, and we’re best friends. We call each other “banunu,” which means friend in fish language. I saw it in an episode of Teen Titans GO! Before she was born and just rolled with it. We spend a lot of time together. Whether it be coloring pictures, which I hang on my wall, or learning how to blow bubbles we have so much fun. She’s the sweetest and funniest kid you’ll ever meet. She has a lot of sass for a four-year-old, and she brightens my mood every day.

Zoelle has helped me learn how to handle problems responsibly. I know how to stay calm in tough situations, and how to come up with creative solutions. Because of her, I’m a much calmer and mature person.

I didn’t think I needed another sister until Zoelle was born

Freshman Zadie Tenpenny colors with her little sister, Zoelle, Nov. 21 in Room

151. photo by Addison Griswold

Would I be more beautiful if...? Junior Elaina Hammes holds printed parts of model’s faces over her own. photo by Ashley Broils

WINTER FASHION

In a blind survey, students choose junior Lina Herbst and sophomore Easton Volk as winter fashion icons

junior Lina Herbst

Is fashion a way to express yourself?

“It feels weird when I show up in casual clothes, like leggings and a t-shirt. With the beret specifically, I showed up to school once without it and everyone was asking ‘Lina, where did the beret go?’ and I was, like, ‘at home.’”

How do you feel about the popular brands?

“Some of it’s ok. I don’t care for brands like Gucci or Supreme. I think Supreme is kind of ugly. I don’t really care for athleisure, but it’s comfy. I get why people want to be comfortable, I would too, if I wasn’t myself.”

What do you say to people who struggle with their fashion?

“Over time you will probably care less, you’ll be more inclined to dress and be how you want to be. Right now, even if you don’t have confidence, that’s ok. Honestly, if you are wearing what you want and you feel good, you let the world know and they don’t tend to judge. They tend to follow.”

Where did you get your earrings?

Christmas tree. I was trying to think, ‘what kind of earrings can I wear to complete this outfit?’ I have these cute li le red bell ones I thought might go with it. Then I thought ‘Wait, if I’m just taking random Christmas ornaments off of my tree, why don’t I just do that.’ I took cute li le bobbles and they worked just fine.”

by Izak Zeller

sophomore Easton Volk

What's your least favorite thing about dressing up?

“I’ll envision the coolest outfit of all time. I’ll finally get the pieces together and put it on and — I'm just not feeling it. That’s just a really bad feeling.”

What are your thoughts on popular brands?

“For shoes I am, unfortunately, drawn to popular brands. I definitely like to splurge. If I spend some money on a fashion item, it’s going to be shoes. But I’ll get my clothes from anywhere, as long as it gets the job done.”

Do you shop at stores like Walmart, Target, etc.?

“Yes, Target is the best place ever. They have everything you want, for a lot cheaper.”

Where did you get your jacket?

“I got the jacket while Christmas shopping with my family last December. Every year we go to the Plaza. This jacket was from Forever 21. Purple is by far my favorite color. I was like ‘I need this’. My grandma [got it for me] and I was really happy. My grandma was also happy because she was able to get me something I really wanted.”

photos by Kara Simpson

photos by Claire Reed

Holding hands, seniors Brody Carlson, Sydney Jackson and Katie Burke realize they won frst place Nov. 12 at St. Louis America’s Center. The Lair has won 23 Pacemaker awards and won Best Of Show at the National Scholashic Press Association Fall Convention in St. Louis. “To be recognized by the judges meant a lot,” Burke said. “We all put so much hard work into our book, however, that also means we’re the most critical of it.”

FIRST IN THE NATION

The Lair and Northwest Passage each placed in the top 100 scholastic

Journalism adviser Susan Massy had completely forgo en about the Pacemaker 100.

It was fourth hour on May 10, 2021, and Massy sat down in her office to watch the live-streamed ceremony. She had nearly missed it.

Her students gathered behind her, intently watching the computer screen as the count down for the top 10 publications began.

In a three-way tie for ninth place was the Hauberk (SM East yearbook).

Fourth place went to the Indian (SM North yearbook).

The Decamhian (Del Campo High School yearbook) took second place.

Massy immediately lost hope for the Lair.

Then they announced number one.

With 23 Pacemakers and 2 Pacemaker Finalists...

The Lair, Shawnee Mission Northwest in Shawnee, Kansas.

“I don’t think any of us recognized our own name as it was announced,” Massy said. “We all just sat in disbelief.”

But that wasn’t the only NW publication that appeared on the Top 100 list. Massy had missed the announcement of those who placed outside of the Top 10. The Northwest Passage had claimed the 45th spot. Massy didn’t know for a couple of days.

“Two publications in the top 100? What a tribute to the hard work of the NW journalism students,” Massy said. “Even in the years that we didn’t receive a Pacemaker for our work, students were building a tradition of excellence, trying out new design approaches and new story forms.”

Often referred to as the Pulitzer Prize for scholastic journalism, the Pacemaker is the top award nationally and honors excellence and innovation. It is presented by the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA)

“If [a publication] is ge ing Pacemaker judging, The coverage, the writing, the design and the photography

are all things they look at,” NSPA associate director Gary Lundgren said. “ A Pacemaker publication really needs to be exceptional in all of those areas. Some publications might have great design or writing, but at the Pacemaker level you need to be outstanding in all of those areas.”

The Pacemaker 100 was inspired by the 100th anniversary of NSPA, which was founded in 1921. The awards were supposed to be announced in 2021, but the pandemic forced the cancellation of the convention. Last month, NSPA hosted an in-person award ceremony for the Pacemaker 100 at the St. Louis convention.

Over the course of her 43 years as journalism adviser, Massy did not track the number of Pacemakers her students had won. She only knows that the Lair got first and the Northwest Passage got 45.

“I think my greatest joy in working with the publications has been pushing students to the point that they suddenly realize how talented they really are,” Massy said. “Sure, I love ge ing the awards, but the best part is the moment before the award is announced. All that tension hangs in the air. Then, as the announcement is made, comes the sharp intake of breath as they realize their names have been called. Nothing is more rewarding than that.”

Online editor-in-chief Veronica Meiss knows the feeling. She has been there to collect personal and publication awards at two national conventions.

“It’s amazing to co-lead an award-winning publication,” Meiss said. “It’s an honor to continue all of the past editors’ legacies. I can’t imagine being a part of something be er.”

Lair - Yearbook

Shawnee Mission Northwest H.S.

Decamhian - Yearbook

Del Campo High School

Wings - Yearbook

Arrowhead Christian Academy

Indian - Yearbook

Shawnee Mission North High School

Overland Park, Kansas

Rampages - Yearbook

Casa Roble High School

Pioneer - Yearbook

Kirkwood High School

Kirkwood, Missouri

Paragon - Yearbook

Munster High School

The Little Hawk - Newspaper

Iowa City High School

Hauberk - Yearbook

Shawnee Mission East High School

Prairie Village, Kansas

HTV Magazine - Broadcast

Hillcrest High School

Springfeld, Missouri

Spark - Newspaper

Lakota East High School

Liberty Township,Ohio

FORKS DO N

COOKIE EDITION

‘Tis the season for cookies and time to find the area’s best

3

TWISTED SUGAR CRUMBL COOKIES

BEST REGARDS BAKERY AND

BEST REGARDS BAKERY AND CAFE Holiday Sugar Cookie $3.99

Best Regards Cafe and Bakery, in a strip mall near 119th St. and Metcalf, has been open since 2011. The inside had a homey feel. The cookies, which came in a wide variety of adorable shapes, were well decorated. The one I purchased was a red Christmas stocking. I had high hopes, but, it was large. All the cookies I tried were large, but the icing usually offset the mass of the sugar cookie. The icing did nothing to help the dryness of the pastry.

The cookie designs offered by Best Regards were so cute and came in the shapes of presents, Christmas trees, candy canes and stockings. The stocking cookie I got was red with a very pre y design that recreated the fluffy texture of a real-life stocking. To my disappointment, the cookie didn’t live up to its looks. It was dry, hard and tasted bland. The icing felt like it was half the cookie. I didn’t enjoy the texture. The sprinkle of sugar on the top of the cookie was unassuming. I think it was worth the price because of the design, however the taste didn’t meet my expectations.

Kara Simpson - 4 out of 5

Morgan Tate - 2 out of 5

by Morgan Tate & Kara Simpson design by Greta Grist photos by Kara Simpson

CAFE

Holiday Sugar Cookie from Best Regards Bakery and Cafe

CRUMBL COOKIES

Maple Cinnamon Roll Cookie

$3.50

Crumbl Cookies, a popular chain known for changing its menu each week, serves their cookies piping hot in an iconic pink box. The one I visited was off 95th and Quivira.

The Crumbl cookie certainly lived up to its name. When I tried to take a bite, it started to break into pieces. Despite that, the cookie itself was very pleasant, almost like a warm cinnamon bun. This cookie had none of the problems of the previous two. The flavor was even, bright and, despite the size of the cookie, it didn’t feel like too much.

This was my first experience with Crumbl Cookies. I had heard how iconic it was and I was excited to see if it lived up to all the hype. The cookie was warm and soft, it was also huge. When I took my first bite it fell apart, making a small mess. As someone who isn’t very big on cinnamon, the taste was really enjoyable. It felt like the perfect amount of flavor. The swirl of icing on top was a nice touch.

TWISTED SUGAR Cookies and Cream Cookie

$2.85

Just looking at it, the Cookies and Cream cookie it was visually appealing and I was excited to try it. When I got the cookie it was a bit cold, which I personally don’t prefer. My first bite greeted me with a soft texture for the cookie base and a crunchy texture from the Oreo topping. The chocolate drizzle and caramel toppings complemented the

Twisted Sugar is a popular cookie and soda franchise that began in Utah in late 2016. The Overland Park location that we went to at 119th St. and Quivira opened in the summer of 2022. The store had a minimalistic aesthetic with small white tables and chairs.

When I first bit into the Cookies and Cream cookie, it was hard to pinpoint what I was tasting. The flavor was subtle. Then I tasted caramel. The taste of the cookie was far from even, the flavors came in a pa ern of sugar, caramel then chocolate. I wish they were more cohesive, allowing me to get all the flavors in one bite. The texture was excellent, the cookie was soft with a crunch of Oreo on top.

Oreo well.

The icing on the cookie was good, but the Oreo on top was overpowering. The cookie and icing were both soft. They balanced the rough texture of the crumbled Oreo on top. The toppings in general were flavorful. This cookie was definitely worth the price.

Morgan Tate - 2 out of 5

Morgan Tate - 4 out of 5

Kara Simpson - 4 out of 5

Cookies and Cream Cookie from Twisted Sugar

Maple Cinnamon Roll Cookie from Crumbl Cookie

Kara Simpson - 2 out of 5

NEW BUS POLICY SET FOR SECOND SEMESTER

Every afternoon, freshman Greta Grist speed walks as fast as her Black All-Star Converse can carry her to get to her bus. So many new things have happened this year: new school, new teachers, new responsibilities. The bus has been a consistent for nearly five months.

This upcoming semester, another “new” will be introduced. Grist will be able to drive to school. Her parents planned on the bus as a back-up if the roads were icy or if life got in the way. This is no longer an option for the Grist family as the Shawnee Mission School District (SMSD) will also be introducing another “new.”

Starting second semester, the district will not provide bus transportation to high school students within two miles of the school for the remainder of the school year. This excludes SM North students who live west of I-35 as well as special education students in need of transportation services.

Previously, students within a two-and-a-half mile radius of the school had the option to pay for bus transportation. Those outside of the radius and students who qualify for the Federal Meal Program will continue to be offered free transportation.

Since COVID-19, the number of bus drivers has decreased significantly.

Pre-pandemic, there were roughly 200 drivers. At the SMSD board meeting on Nov. 14, Chief of Student Services, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Dr. Christy Ziegler reported that the number of available drivers had dropped to 133 as of Nov. 7. This staff shortage had caused routes to double or triple in size, with some having to run consecutive routes delivering elementary, middle and high school students to school.

“The labor shortage has hit in some key areas of the district, and transportation is one of them,” Ziegler said. “That’s not unique to Shawnee Mission; that’s something that’s happening nationally. One of the ways districts have addressed the shortage of bus or Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) drivers is to reduce the optional transportation service: the things we aren’t required to provide. It’s a last resort. Nobody wants to do it, but we just don’t have the resources.”

In the past, the ride-time has ranged between 15 and 45 minutes. With the current labor shortage, some students may be riding for over an hour.

There are also currently 19 routes unassigned because no drivers are available to staff them. This forces students onto other buses. Increasing the number of riders per bus lengthens route-time and delays subsequent routes.

Another obstacle SMSD faced was the prospect of the increase in students who use transportation. In the past, the need for transportation for students in Early Childhood Special Education and McKinneyVento programs, as well as foster children, has fluctuated over the course of a year, pu ing additional stress on the system.

DS Bus Lines, which provides bus service for the district, has a empted to solve this problem without cu ing bus routes in the following ways:

• Increasing communication related to job openings.

• Offering a referral bonus of $1,500 for employees who refer a driver successfully hired.

• Offering a retention bonus of $1,000 for existing drivers.

• Offering a sign-on bonus of $1,000 for drivers.

These efforts did not produce the results needed to maintain all routes. As a result, the district estimates that 15 routes will be cut. This decrease will allow the district to make improvements for students outside of two miles as well as special education students. Families who paid the transportation fee for the second semester will be reimbursed if they no longer qualify for bus services.

The district will re-evaluate this decision before the start of the 23-24 school year.

by Grace Logan design by Greta Grist

School buses sit lined up Dec. 4 at the DS Bus Lines’ lot located on Merriam Drive. Starting second semester, students who live two miles or less from Northwest will be unable to purchase bus service. photo by Sydney Jackson

In spite of efforts to recruit and retain bus drivers, routes must be cut due to lack of staff

NEWS RECAP

AN EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER

Band wins the Spirit Stick for only the second time

“The 2022 Not So Late Night Spirit Stick winner is…”

“Band!”

The band section lit up with a loud roar, excitement at a peak as a Spirit Club representative lifted the Spirit Stick up to the hands of band members.

After the group decided to participate in all spirit assemblies this school year, they finally won the Spirit Stick for at Not-So-Late Night. This marks the second time in the school’s history that the band has won the spirit competition.

“I felt that the entire band went all out this assembly. From our theme to our skit, it was all amazing,” senior Nick Ruschill said. “It will definitely be an experience

to remember for all of us.”

The spirit judges for the assembly were journalism teacher Susan Massy, choir director Cassie Banion, biology teacher Jacob Nichols, math teacher Tanner Ybarra and assistant cheer coach Isabel Blanco. According to Massy, the reason the Band won the Spirit Stick was because their spirit for other groups stood out.

“I think the judges were really impressed by the band’s consistent support of every group and organization,” Massy said, “as well as their spirited participation in the class competitions and the overwhelming number of people who came dressed in beach gear.”

by Veronica Meiss & Zadie Tenpenny

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TALENT ON THE MIC

Open Mic Club has been a huge hit on Thursday late start

Senior Micheal Houser’s eyes were closed, and senior Dylan Reed was moving to the rhythm of the jazzy tune they played. It was the first day of the Open Mic Club, and the crowd loved it.

since last year,” Reed said. “I thought there was a lot of talent that should be shared.”

Sophomore Javier Cruz plays the drums during the Thursday Morning Open Mic jazz performance Nov. 17 in the mall. The jazz band performed “Work Song” by Cannonball Adderly and “Sonnymoon for Two” by Sonny Rollins. “Jazz is my favorite genre and I have the most experience playing it,” Cruz said. “There are a lot of rules to it, but the better you get at it, you can start to break the rules and that’s when the fun really starts.” photo by Evan Johnson

Open Mic Club was originally going to be called Club 240, and would be hosted in the Li le Theatre after school. However after talking with associate principal Bri Haney, principal Lisa Gruman, band director Bre Eichman and more, a spot was secured in front of the office on Thursday mornings. Once they found the talent to perform, Open Mic Club was officially born.

“It’s been in the works

Club officers weren’t expecting much on the first Thursday morning they performed, so when a crowd formed they were pleasantly surprised.

“Dylan and I were improvising,” Houser said. “Then a big crowd formed and surrounded me. I wasn’t prepared for it.”

Open Mic Club was created to be a creative outlet for all artists.

Students interested in sharing their talent will find a Google Form on their Instagram, @smnw_omc, to sign up.

ARTS RECAP

design by Great Grist

WHAT’S NEW, RAKU?

Ceramics Club hosted succesfully hosted their first Raku Night story

by Sofa Ball

Ceramics club recently hosted a Raku night on Nov. 11.

“Raku is a special glazing process where [we] heat up the pots that are covered in special Raku glaze in an outdoor kiln heated by a propane tank,” club sponsor Stephanie Kates said. “You take them out glowing hot and put them into a reduction chamber. Then, put a lid on the can while the fire is pulling oxygen molecules out of the glazes. It creates a cool, metallic, shimmery effect, with crackles on them.”

Kates hopes to make this a yearly event.

Ceramics club generally meets once a week, giving club members the opportunity to work in an open studio.

“The folks just come in and they mess around with clay,” Kates said.

In the future, the club hopes to walk elementary and middle school students through different po ery projects. They have also talked about selling clay pots as a fundraiser.

Their next activity?

The Vertical Art Show in January here at Northwest.

A FRESH LOOK

This month the Mural Club has been touching-up the FACS mural across from Room 234 as well as the Princess Mural located in Room M. Members also plan to make revisions to the Evolution of Man and Periodic Table mural near Room 240.

The club hopes to begin a musiccentered mural. They will be deviating from their typical realistic look, taking on a flat modern style with this piece. The group is still waiting on approval from band teacher Bre Eichman, and administration.

“I think these murals will bring some

representation of the fine arts as well as different subjects throughout our school and give insight to some of the talents of the students,” Ru an said.

The group as a whole meets once per month. Senior Kenna Heller, head of the FACS mural, has been trying to schedule two painting days after school per week.

“Typically, the ideal is to come one day a week after school as the minimum,” Ru an said. “The thing about paint is if you mess up, you can always paint over it. It’s user friendly so anyone can do it.”

Illuminated by fames, junior Dylan Cooper throws sawdust on art pieces after they were pulled from the kiln Nov. 11 in the parking lot. The ceramics classes hosted an exhibition night for family and friends to work with Raku clay. “[The clay] fres at a lower temperature,” Cooper said. “I got a few really cool pieces out of it along with learning something new.” photo by Sidra Sakati

Mural Club proposes a new musiccentered piece and continues mural revisions

DISCOVERY THROUGH DOODLES

Silvia Martinez’s art is nothing short of bold. Bold colors, bold lines, bold statements.

It begins with a blank piece of paper, markers, maybe some colored pencils. But the first step in the process is always ge ing the paper.

Well, her art doesn’t really begin with just a blank piece of paper.

It begins during the pandemic, with “Cherry Bomb” by Tyler the Creator and with her sister, Kadir Martinez. The two sat together, listening and doodling, enjoying each other’s company and creating Silvia’s most vivid memories of art back in California.

In senior Silvia Martinez’s art, she places a great emphasis on the eyes of her characters. “It’s corny, but I heard ‘the eyes are the window to the soul,” Martinez said. “I took that personally, and I think about it every time I’m drawing.”

Her mother had just told her the news: they would be moving to Kansas.

Silvia didn’t believe she was going to leave. She didn’t want to leave. Her friends, her family, her home; all were in California.

“It felt really lonely,” Martinez said. “I had lived with [several generations] of my family, so leaving with just my mom and sisters felt weird.”

But the family had to move. Silvia’s stepfather had go en a new job.

Through renting a U-Haul, packing up all her belongings and driving for days, Silvia was always drawing.

Silvia’s art offered her a way to escape the pandemic, to distract herself from the anxiety of being in a new city.

It has been three years since Silvia moved to Kansas. She continues to take art classes each year, pulling inspriation from California, music and those around her.

As she became more comfortable in her art style, she began to incorporate aspects of Latino culture and history into her artwork.

Silvia is a first generation Mexican-American. She grew up with aunts, uncles, friends and family who all came from Mexico. Leaving behind her extended family made Silvia feel isolated from her culture.

“There are some Hispanic people here, but white people make up the majority of Kansas,” Silvia said.

This year she finds herself including history of The Civil Rights Movement, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Brown Berets in her artwork.

Over the years, art has become much more than a distraction for Silvia. It has become a way to connect with her roots, her family, and her life in California. It continues to help her communicate her experiences, and to express herself.

“If you like drawing, keep drawing,” Silvia said. “It doesn’t ma er if you’re very good at it. Just keep going, because all art is beautiful.”

by Grace Logan

SILVIA’S RE-PLAY

Silvia Martinez’s art links her too her roots

The album cover for “Cherry Bomb” by Tyler the Creator inspired senior Silvia Martinez’s art style, inspiring the incorporation of teeth into more of her drawings.

CHERRY BOMB Tyler the Creator

BADILLAC Together Pangea

SUNAMI - EP

Sunami SUCCUMB Succumb

LUCID DREAM - EP Beach Bums

Albums that currently inspire senior Silvia Martinez.

SPORTS RECAP

ANSWER THE BALL

As the boys’ basketball team ramps up for their season, the student body gets excited

by Izak Zeller

The boys’ basketball team played Olathe North on Dec. 8 losing 58-62.

“The energy is good,” senior Malik O’Atis said. “We support each other by staying positive and encouraging each other.”

In their first game, a home game on Dec. 6, they played Northeast H.S. (KCMO) in a 96-11 blowout.

“”Everyone was really hype and kept good involvement,” O’Atis said. “The Cougars were up the whole

game. It was a great way to start the basketball season.”

All basketball teams played Washburn Rural Tuesday evening and will take on Olathe East tomorrow on the Eagles’ home court. After Saturday’s tournament at Northwest, the KSHSAA winter moratorium will prevent teams from playing until school resumes on the Jan. 5.

A PROMISING START

Female wrestlers prepare for the season

by Izak Zeller

Girls’ wrestling kicked off their season with a tournament at Spring Hill on Dec. 3. Four of their firsttime wrestlers placed.

“The girls’ team is really energetic,” 2nd year wrestler Reese

A recap of winter sports so far

Irwin said. “The sport as a whole is really supportive and definitely takes that support to another level. We also tend to make the sport a fun thing and try to spend time outside wrestling with each other.”

GOING FOR GOLD

Boys’ swim pushes through seasonal challenges to place in competitions

by Sofa Ball

The boys’ swim team made waves in their second meet of the season at Olathe North with Cougars taking first or second place in eight events.

• junior Will Ensley: 1st place — 50-meter freestyle and 100 meter breaststroke

• freshman Colton Poe: 1st place

— 200-meter individual medley and 100-meter bu erfly

• senior Kyle Vogel: 1st place — 100-meter freestyle

•sophomore Mac Herbst: 1st

place — 100-meter back stroke

• senior Wil Rodriguez: 2nd place 100-meter bu erfly

• junor Tyler VandenBos: 2nd place — 100-meter back stroke.

The district meet is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at the SM Aquatic Center in the Lenexa City Center.

“The energy on the swim team heading into our district meet is very positive,” team captain Will Ensley said. “We’re ready to take on SM East and win some individual and relay victories.”

Keeping the Cougars in the lead, senior Kelvin Acheampong goes for a layup Dec. 6 in the Main Gym. The Cougars were ahead, 96-11, at the buzzer..

“Being up by so many points doesn’t change how we play because we are a winning team,” Acheampong said. “Our goal is to play hard and win no matter how easy or difcult the competition is.”

photo by Annamarie Torres

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ATHLETES OF THE MONTH

THE REWARD

Senior Henry Born feels honored after being awarded Student Athlete of the Month

by Veronica Meiss

Athletic Director Angelo

Giacalone sauntered into senior Henry Born’s to pull him from his second hour and into the hallway. Together they walked to the Cougar painting in the Hall of Fame in front of the Main Gym, where Born saw senior Paige Mullen waiting.

Right before their picture was taken, Giacolone told them they had been named Students Athletes of the Month.

“There are great athletes here,” Born said. “To be chosen athlete of the month is a very big honor.”

Born expected to win the award after his performance this season.

“Paige and I had just finished the state meet the week before and we both had really good performances,” Born said. “We both placed in the top five, so I figured they would choose us as the next student athletes.”

Born says all the hot, early morning runs this summer were key to his success this season.

“I worked hard this summer to become a be er runner,” Born said. “I think my hard work has paid off.”

PILLARS OF SUPPORT

Senior Paige Mullen wins Student Athlete of the Month after placing 2nd at state

by Morgan Tate

It’s nearly silent on this path. Nobody tends to jog this far out at Rim Rock Farm. Senior Paige Mullen isn’t nervous, she’s fully locked in for this race. What keeps her going is just around the corner. Some in the crowd are yelling her name as she continues running.

Mullen had watched her mom and brother run together. When she tried it, she ended up loving running with her family. Running allowed her to develop a special relationship with her brother, Shane.

“It really helped us form a very

unique bond,” Mullen said. “ We went to the same practices, went to the same everything.”

Mullen may run in the girls’ races, but she trains with the boys.

“[The boys are] very competitive,” Mullen said. “When it comes to the day of the race, they all support each other.”

As she runs down that path at Rim Rock, she can hear the voices of her teammates cheering her on. While she can’t hear her family, she knows they’re somewhere in the crowd, pulling for her and waiting to meet her at the finish line.

Two runners celebrate winning the monthly award

design by Veronica Meiss

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A VERY BIG HONOR

Henry Born

PILLARS OF SUPPORT

Paige Mullen

Seniors Paige Mullen and Henry Born stand in front of the Cougar painting in the Hall of Fame Dec. 12 outside the Main Gym. photo by Sophia McCraney

UPCOMING EVENTS

by Kara Simpson

Dec. 19

MONDAY

Dec. 20

TUESDAY

Dec. 20

TUESDAY

Jan. 5

THURSDAY

Finals Day 2

Students take their 2nd, 4th and 6th hour finals.

Finals Day 3

Students take their 5th and 7th hour finals.

2nd Quarter Ends

Early dismissal day, ending the 1st semester. Winter break begins.

3rd Quarter Begins

After a two-week break, students and teachers return to school.

Board of Ed Meeting

MONTH MONTH

Sophomore Gustin Teschendorf high-fves senior Evan Mitchell Dec. 1 in the Main Gym. The band’s theme was Tropical Christmas. “I loved the band theme,” Teschendorf said. “It goes hand-in-hand with our Disney trip during Winter Break.” photo by Evan Johnson

MONDAY

Jan. 10

TUESDAY

Jan. 16

MONDAY

Jan. 23

MONDAY

Jan. 24

TUESDAY

Open comment session begins at 5:30 p.m at the CAA, followed by the board meeting at 6.

Art Show

Jan. 9 No School

The NW area schools are holding an art show from 5-8 p.m.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

— national holiday No classes

Board of Ed Meeting

Open comment session begins at 5:30 p.m at the CAA, followed by the board meeting at 6.

NW Area Band Festival

K-12 bands will perform at 7 p.m. in the Cafeteria.

2: During a dissection assignment, junior Amelia Pyle cuts through a squid Nov. 9 in Room 234. Pyle was looking for the beak of the squid. “The beak was the hardest thing to fnd, in my opinion, because it was hidden inside the mouth and required a lot of precision to make sure I didn’t mess anything else up,” Pyle said. photo by Annamarie Torres

IN PHOTOS IN PHOTOS

3: Surrounded by women’s select choir members Isabella Young, Nina Grunza, Jazmyne Wattree, Mackenzie Farkes, Addison Baker, Addisyn Stone, and Molly VanHorn, senior Asher Demo smiles Dec. 5 in the Auditorium. The group pretended to seranade Demo while singing ‘Like It’s Christmas’ by The Jonas Brothers at the Winter Choir Concert. “It was fun to be on stage with friends,” Demo said. “I didn’t even know I was doing it, so [I liked] the surprise.” photo by Sidra Sakati

4: Backed by juniors Addy Masters and Sienna Jordan, senior Sara Seibold performs for the judges Nov. 19 at Stormont Vail Events Center. While the cheer team was spelling out “cougars” with their signs, members of the audience cheered them on. “Performing at state is very nerve racking, but so exciting at the same time,” Seibold said. “The energy is unmatched. The people cheering us on to the point where you can’t even hear your own voice is such a good feeling.” photo by Sydney Jackson

5: Dribbling the ball, senior Erin Moody runs past her opponent freshman Asia Lee Dec. 9 in the Main Gym. The Lady Cougars lost 41-52 to the Olathe North Eagles. “Coming in, we knew that [Olathe North was] a very good team,” Moody said. “I wanted to give it my all and get better.” photo by Brody Carlson

“You could see everyone was excited to be there just based on the screams and cheers… for the spirit stick. It was lively and the energy never stopped.

— Ellie Roberts, freshman

“With her fsts clenched, freshman Ellie Roberts cheers for the Spirit Stick Dec. 1 in the Main Gym. The Spirit Stick is run around the gym by a Spirit Club member at every assembly before the winner is announced.

photo by Evan Johnson