The Northwest Passage: Volume 54, Issue 6

NW PASSAGE

OUR PASSAGE

COLUMNS

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

PUBLICATION

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

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

Editor-In-Chief Grace Logan

Editor-In-Chief Veronica Meiss

CONTENT

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

Sophie Delaney

ADVISER

Susan Massy

DESIGNERS

Bella Alvarado

Greta Grist

This issue, Elaina Hammes and Morgan Tate discuss getting involved and running out of time before graduation

Junior Will Ensley propels himself toward his goal and breaks school records along the way

STAFF EDITORIAL

a school of TH UGHT

One student, one simple assignment. As the last question is answered, a screen appears that shows three “excellent” career matches.

The student presses the “see more” button.

The top matches appear; anthropology, teacher, sign maker. A rush of anxiety engulfs them.

Should I really go into anthropology?

I don’t even like science.

Why is “sign maker” recommended?

My life shouldn’t already be planned out, right? I’m only 14.

“Only 14,” the thought that echoes throughout the minds of students who feel ambushed with graduation requirements, college options and future expenses.

Xello was never meant to bring stress to students.

It’s a tool created to introduce students to new opportunities, not obligations; to promote exploration, not anxiety; to prompt creativity, never pressure.

“Ultimately we want students to understand that Xello [isn’t] a fixed process,” principal Lisa Gruman said. “It should change as [students’] interests change. We want them to look at where their strengths [and

interests] lie.”

The Kansas State Department of Education requires school districts to provide students with an individualized learning plan that prepares them for the future. Xello is one of the best new forms of an aptitude test. It doesn’t discriminate based on race, gender or sexuality,

Linda Darling-Hammond, a professor of education at Stanford University, wrote an article discussing the availability of advanced programs for students. According to DarlingHammond, most schools are only organized to prepare about 20% of their students for work that challenges them. That 20% typically consists of students who are tracked at an early age, and subsequently placed in honors courses.

“[Advanced programs] are least available to African-American, Latino and Native American students,” Darling-Hammond said. “Ethnic ‘minority’ groups in the United States face persistent and profound barriers to educational opportunity.”

The Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) in Texas wanted to ensure all students had a postsecondary education plan. The school district began using Xello in 2015. From 2017 to 2018, FWISD saw a 137% district-wide increase in the number

THE VOTE

A staff editorial is an opinion piece crafted by a single writer and voted on by the entire staff of the NW Passage. It is not an unbiased news article, but an opinion piece tackling a major issue. Here is how the NW Passage voted on this editorial.

design by Ashley Broils & Veronica Meiss

of students who had a more concrete idea of college, career or military programs in which they hoped to enroll in the future.

With the Shawnee Mission School District’s use of Xello, there is hope that students will be exposed to new opportunities, giving all equal availability to a post-secondary education plan.

Students may grumble when the word “Xello” comes up in seminar, but in the end, this program does more good than harm. It can be a bit of a burden when students have a pile of classwork to catch up on, but this program ensures equal opportunity among students. That’s never a bad thing. It is good that SMSD encourages students to start thinking about life after high school before it’s time to graduate.

8 4 agreed /

/ 2 abstained

Xello is a necessary tool to ensure equal opportunity disagreed

– PRINCIPAL LISA GRUMAN

“ The hope would be that, based on what [Xello recommends], students explore those electives and see if it’s something they like.

KEEP MOVING FORWARD

by Morgan Tate

“See you in 2024!”

I felt those words like a freight train ramming into my brain.

I sat in the Century II Concert Hall with 2,000 other theater kids and stared at the red curtains, my mind churning. I am a senior about to graduate — I won’t be back to the Kansas Thespian Festival. I wouldn’t be back in the Greg Parker Auditorium, room 151 or the choir room.

School is hard — mentally draining — but I’ve developed a routine here, met great people and had wonderful experiences. I don’t know if I’m ready to go out into the world or if I’m ready to drive or pay taxes or search for jobs. I know most seniors have already done that. But me? I don’t even know what I want to do with my life.

I do know I’m leaving behind so much — haunted dolls, stupid inside jokes and at least seven children. And I’m leaving behind newspaper: inked

FINDING MY PEOPLE

by Elaina Hammes

hands, chaotic trips and nights of stress crying. I’ll struggle most with leaving my friends and teachers. The connections I’ve made here are so valuable. I want to hang on to them for dear life.

I haven’t done everything I wanted to do here. I was often too afraid to chase my goals. I haven’t been to many real school dances; I’ve only been to two Thespian festivals, and I was left without a director for nearly two years.

What I realized during this entire mini-existential crisis is I just need to go for it. Right now, four and a half months from being pushed out, I’m in a safe space. In the words of Gazelle from “Zootopia,” I need to “Try everything.” Those words may seem cliche, but stalling and worrying doesn’t help anything. I just need to prepare for the worst, hope for the

How I found my home in journalism

My first two years of high school were so bland. I didn’t meet new people or join any clubs. I kept to myself. I would wake up, go to school and come home.

This cycle made me feel incapable of making new connections with other people. I remember walking through the lunch room hearing people talking about activities for yearbook, newspaper, KUGR, spirit club,etc. I felt left out and out of place. I started thinking to myself, “Well, I only have two years left, I need to make the best of it.”

I decided to get out of my comfort zone and meet new people. That’s when I joined the newspaper staff.

Joining the newspaper was the best decision I’ve ever made. Instead of dreading school, I actually looked forward to seeing my classmates. I love walking into a classroom filled

best and keep trucking.

“See you in 2024!”

I may not be here in 2024, but I’ll be fine — if I just go for it while I can.

with the laughter of friends rather than the uncomfortable silence of strangers.

I have made connections and friendships with people who shared similar interests. I also had the opportunity to work with the wisest teacher I have ever known.

We made memories at a bonfire. We make jokes at work nights. We work hard and communicate in class. I feel comfortable, appreciated and valued by this group of people. I am offered help when writing. My voice is heard. I am supported and encouraged to give my best.

This decision to go out and try something new has brought so much joy in my life. I am able to grow my passion for writing. I am able to say hello to familiar faces in the halls. I am able to walk into the school, knowing I have a home at northwest. To anybody who doesn’t have a home, go and find it.

The future is scary, I’m trying to fix that

Smiling at her work, junior Elaina Hammes talks with senior Veronica Meiss Jan. 19 in Room 151.

photo by Kara Simpson

Senior Morgan Tate stands on stage Jan. 27 in Greg Parker Auditorium.

photo by Evan Johnson

ENROLLING IN A BETTER FUTURE

A lobster claw was the last thing junior Elaine Gast expected to find in her lab coat. She felt the hard, smooth feeling of the claw taped to the inside of her sleeve. As Gast knocked the claw out, it shot clear across the room.

No one was injured.

Gast attends biotechnology classes at the Center for Academic Achievement (CAA). All pranks aside, she is glad to be there.

“I expected it to be a lot harder,” Gast said. “I honestly didn’t anticipate I’d love it as much, but I really do. It’s more of a work environment, but like a learning work environment.”

Gast isn’t the only student whose expectation didn’t match the reality. In fact, not only the environment but the teaching styles at Northwest are much different than those utilized at the CAA. Classes are more project-based, giving more handson experience and help students determine what they want to do postgraduation.

“I was blown away,” senior Xavier Williamson said. “My first semester teacher was really good and had real world experience in engineering. The classes I’ve taken have even helped me decide what major I want to go into.”

Some students avoid enrolling in CAA courses because they think the main focus will be math and science. CAA courses include animation and culinary arts in addition to teaching crucial skills which can be applied to working sectors in the real world.

“I’d say the biggest skill that it’s given me is professionalism,” Gast said. “We do presentations and we

treat you like college students.”

Students who attend the CAA are also given opportunities to work with real world companies.

“Our engineering students worked with NASA on solving some problems around lunar working spaces, rovers and habitation,” CAA principal Ryan Flurry said.

The NASA engineers provided feedback on the solutions students had proposed, giving them a unique experience while still in high school.

CAA students not only gain experience, but are occasionally offered internships post-graduations at the University of Kansas Medical Center or at Garmin, a sports-based tech company.

have to understand how to be professional in a lab setting.”

Courses at the CAA also offer an experience akin to a college or workplace environment. Students can exercise their independence and freedom while still in high school.

“You’re in an environment where you get to learn the subject matter at a deeper level,” academic counselor Zachary Cash said. “Teachers tend to

“Enrollment at the CAA provides lots of connections with companies and organizations that help students see what the work is like,” Cash said. “To be able to put that on your resume when you’re applying to colleges puts you ahead of other students.”

Gast agrees.

“Advocate for yourself. Do it,” Gast said. “Talk to your counselor. It’s so worth it.”

by Sofia Ball & Morgan Tate design by Greta Grist

“ “

Advocate for yourself. Do it. Talk to your counselor. It’s so worth it.

CAA courses offer students benefits both in and after high school

photo by Evan Johnson

— junior elaine gast

by Sophie Delaney and Zadie Tenpenny design by Greta Grist

WE HEARD YOU

SLEEP HABITZzz “

Three major factors disrupt students’ sleep

Senior Valeria Perez lies in her bed — her body asleep, but her mind awake. The feeling of suffocation weighs her chest down, although no one is in the room. When she starts to see various colors and shapes, she begins to experience the feeling she is all too familiar with.

According to the National Library of Medicine, 8% of the general population suffers from sleep paralysis.

2 1 3 4 5

Perez is one of them.

“On a good day, which is rare, I get [seven hours of sleep],” Perez said. “Normally, I’d say I get four to six and, on the worst days, it’s two. I hallucinate. Sometimes it’s just shapes and colors, other times it’s figures or sensations. I have a hard time going to sleep because I feel like it’s going to happen. I’m 17 and I’m still scared.”

Perez notices a correlation between going to sleep with an anxious mind and having sleep paralysis. However, she isn’t the only student who has trouble going to sleep.

Senior Aly Ramsey wrestles with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) when trying to put her phone away at night.

“[You get] dopamine and serotonin from scrolling,” Ramsey said. “If you have ADHD like I do, it can be really hard to physically put something down.”

Ramsey is one of many teenagers who experiences the inclination to

continue scrolling, eyes glued to the screen.

Students are also up late doing homework because they are so involved that their only time to do homework is when they would otherwise be sleeping.

“As soon as I get in the morning, I’m immediately getting ready for school,” Ramsey said. “It feels like the school day starts as soon as I wake up and ends once I’m done with all my work. It feels like I have no time to be myself and not a student.”

That feeling of lacking personal time and being constantly a student haunts junior Annamarie Torres as well.

“I’ve always said high school is as fun as you make it,” Torres said. “I don’t want to be just going to classes and just doing [homework]. I’m not going to be happy doing that. If I do have to sacrifice a little sleep to do things I want to do and to be involved, I will.”

Sleep is important, but most teenagers don’t prioritize it or get enough of it. Developing brains need sleep, but that isn’t always as easy as it seems.

“Sometimes you don’t realize how much time you spend in different areas of your life,” social worker Melissa Osborn said. “Compare what you care about the most with what you spend the most time on. If those things don’t line up, then maybe [you should] work to make those changes.”

“Having late start is super nice, but some students still come in at [7:40 a.m.] Not having enough sleep isn’t healthy and it makes it hard to focus in school.”

— junior Maddie Yepez

“A lot of students have sports or work and often don’t get home until it’s dark. We all have our hobbies that we to do after a long day. To get a full eight hours, it means bedtime at around 9 p.m. We usually just sacrifice the sleep for the fun things.”

— sophomore Lily Graham

“Most teachers give out homework [if] you don’t finish an assignment. Students have a good amount of time to get a good night’s sleep, but it also depends on what grade the student is in. Freshmen don’t have jobs while sophomores, juniors and seniors do.” — freshman Jackie Peña

“Students involved in things such as newspaper, sports and StuCo have to work on their activities after an eighthour school day, sometimes even until midnight. The constant activity they have throughout the day can make them feel drained when waking up early the next day.” senior Fanta Fofana

Do you have enough time to get a good night’s sleep?

SWEETHEART COURT

Favorite subject?

“English, because of class discussions.”

Passions at Northwest?

“Cheer. I just love the community and being able to hype everyone up.”

by The NW

Favorite subject?

“I’m passionate about music, I love playing music and creating music.”

What do you think you bring to the NW community?

“I bring a smile to people’s faces.”

What do you bring to the NW community?

“I would say kindness. I’m pretty nice to everybody.

Favorite Spirit Day?

“Adam Sandler Day.”

If you were a politician, campaign slogan?

“ Rohan, let’s get the show on.”

If you were a politician, campaign slogan?

“If it’s not helping you or others, what’s the point?”

Passage staff design by Greta Grist & Veronica Meiss photos by Sydney Jackson & Evan Johnson

Jaylen Brown BSU & Cheer

Skylar Wilson Cheer

Piper Denning CCC

Austin Tevis Tri-M, REBel & Murals Club

Evie Hussaini Earth First

Rohan Shroff Link Crew, Spirit Club, Spanish NHS, Earth First, WeB, DECA & NHS

Ella Huggins Spirit Club

Kelvin Achempong Girls’ Basketball

Favorite NW memory?

“Me beating Ethan Hamer in a 1v1 because he was talking all that trash.”

Teacher you’ve learned the most from?

“Susan Massy. She always tells me, ‘There’s always room for the best. Go out and be the best. ”

Involvement outside of NW?

“Chessboxing.”

Favorite NW memory? “The [Cougar Marching Pride] Disney Trip.”

What has changed since your freshman year?

“The mall was packed during passing period, and now it’s not very packed anymore.”

Teacher you’ve learned the most from?

“Ms. Ojeda, she’s taught me how to be a better person every day”

Nominated by

What would be your campaign slogan?

“Vote for Micah, I’ll annex Canada.”

Teacher you’ve learned the most from?

“Demke, she’s the most supportive teacher I’ve ever had”.

What do you bring to the NW community?

“I bring positivity and leadership to a lot of people.”

Post-graduation plans?

“Through the Rotary Youth Exchange Program, I’m going to be living in Belgium.”

Passions at NW?

“I really like to be involved in general and try and make a lot of friends.”

Favorite NW memory?

“Freshman year Bonfire. It was such a surreal moment for me.”

Grace Logan The Northwest Passage

Akeial Darmarquis Boys’ Basketball

Maddie Mauch Boys’ Basketball

Khalil Moses Boys’ Basketball & Girls’ Basketball

Jaxie Smith CCC

Micah Reeves

Yearbook, Photojournalism & Newspaper

Alexis Petry Nominated by Link Crew & Dance Team

Dylan Reed Nominated by Jazz Band & Dance Team

Sarah Seibold Nominated by StuCo & Spirit Club

Simon Anstine Nominated by Spirit Club, Spanish NHS &

Maddie Stone

French NHS, NHS, Tri-M, Earth First, Young Democrats &

Brady Holiday KUGR

VIEW FROM THE TOP

SHEILA YOUNG

ELA Teacher, BSU sponsor

s ELA teacher Sheila

Young was about to leave for the day, a student walked up.

ERIN MOODY

Student Body President

It’s 9:25 a.m. on a Tuesday. Students have just begun to settle into seminar. The sharp buzz of the intercom cuts conversations short. A confident voice begins:

“Goood morning, Cougars! I’m Erin Moody and these are your morning announcements.”

Growing up, Student Body President Erin Moody dreamt of being the President of the United States. As the years passed, she began to look at the process and the commitment required more realistically.

“I realized that wasn’t going to happen,” Moody said. “I was like, ‘Well, I really do like StuCo, so [I

should] run to be president of my school. I’ve always wanted to be a leader, just at a smaller scale.”

One of Moody’s favorite parts of her job has been the opportunity to get to know the student body, from freshman to seniors.

“Relationships are the most important factor in life,” Moody said. “You can’t go through life alone.”

Moody appreciates the environment created in StuCo. The Board is one of the most diverse.

“It’s not just like one demographic like we’re pretty spread out,” Moody said. “It’s really nice. We balance each other out.”

There were some ‘hellos,’ ‘how are you’s,’ and general polite conversation. It was comfortable.

The student quickly blurted out, “Oh my gosh, Ms. Young, I used to think you were so scary.”

Young tried to brush it off. It was just an innocent comment, right?

But she began to ask herself, “Why me? If you don’t know me, and I’ve never done anything to you, why am I ‘scary?”

“I am a Black woman and I’m very outspoken,” Young said. “That can be deemed scary, intimidating or aggressive. However, if I were another race and another sex, it would be praised.”

Young has also seen students experience moments like these. She wants these missteps to open a dialogue that promotes learning.

“[Whether] intentionally

or unintentionally, people still get hurt,” Young said. “What matters is when people bring it to your attention and they say, ‘You have hurt me or offended me,’ it shouldn’t be a defense session. It should be: I am so sorry. I did not know that. Now, let me change my behavior so no one else gets hurt.”

Young wants to make sure students find themselves in the books they read. She wants to make sure her classroom is a safe space for all.

It’s important to her that each of her students are ready for life after high school.

““I was brought here for a reason,” Young said. “I pride myself on really being a good teacher [who’s] genuine with students. I’m hoping that I’m meeting some sort of need in your life. I just want you all to be your best. I want you to be good humans and to be safe. I want you to be successful. I want you to get rich and remember me and cut me a check in the future.”

In honor of Black History Month, our focus shifts to three student leaders and a teacher who are making a difference by Grace Logan design by Veronica Meiss

RAH’KI WALKER

Black Student Union President

Rah’ki Walker’s older sister, Naudia Thurman, and Imaculee Muragizi, both 2022 graduates, brought Black Student Union (BSU) to Northwest.

Going into her freshman year, Walker knew she had to join.

At that time, she didn’t know if she would take on a leadership position in the club or not.

It became more clear to Walker that eventually she wanted to take over, but she didn’t know how quickly it would come.

In what seemed like a blink, Thurman and Muragizi graduated.

Now in her senior year, Walker has followed in her sister’s footsteps and

become a co-president of BSU.

“I felt proud [of my sister],” Walker said. “Why would I let her hard work go to waste?”

During her freshman year, BSU brought Walker new friends, a safe environment, and a supportive community. Now Walker works to cultivate that same environment, just like her sister.

“At the end of the day, our school is predominantly white,” Walker said. “BSU a safe space where you can talk about anything, including maybe racism that you’ve experience within the school. You have a supportive community. People there have your best interests at heart.”

FOR MORE BLACK HISTORY

MONTH RELATED CONTENT, SCAN

THE QR CODE FOR WEB-EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE

JULIAN JONES

First Chair Cello

Growing up, Jones attended his sister’s viola concerts.

Black muscians.

First chair.

First note.

All eyes are on junior Julian Jones. Jones takes a deep breath in,... Then out.

His nervousness begins to fade as the first few bars of music pass.

His fingers race up and down the neck of the cello, contrasting with the slow and methodical movements of the bow. Though separate motions, Jones is completely in sync. It’s almost as natural as walking.

“Once I start playing, I’m not really thinking,” Jones said. “I’m looking at the music and I’m just in the zone.”

He heard the uproar of orchestra as it tuned; the thrum of the first chord.

He watched the conductor’s pendulum-esque hands move: Down, in, out, up. Down, in, out, up.

Those concerts made Jones fall in love with the orchestra and, when he saw the cellos, he knew that’s what he wanted to play.

It has been eight years since Jones began playing. For 6th, 7th and 8th grade he was in the Youth Symphony of Kansas City, and plans to tryout again this year. Jones was also NW cello first chair both freshman and junior year.

But Jones doesn’t often see other

“I think it’s only me and one other Black person [in the orchestra],” Jones said. “The first year I feel like some people were like, ‘Why is he first chair?” You know because the color of my skin, people are really judgmental. There’s a lot of weight to carry.”

At home, in orchestra class and at concerts, Jones keeps playing.

As the last bar of music approaches, Jones reminds himself to finish strong.

Jones feels a rush of sadness as he realizes this is the last time he will be playing this set of music.

The chapter comes to a close.

First chair.

Last note.

All eyes are on Julian Jones.

IMPRESSION THROUGH EXPRESSION

With an eye toward change, BSU members plan the Black History Month Assembly

by Sofia Ball & Izak Zeller design by Veronica Meiss

Black Student Union (BSU) members gathered around copresidents Rah’ki Walker and Comfort Adegoke. The planning process for the Black History Month Assembly had just kicked off.

Questions rang out from the members of the group.

What games should we play?

What students should we feature? Musicians? Poets? Business owners?

What should we have for the spirit days?

How can we get more students involved?

BSU reached out to a variety of students who were eager to participate in what Adegoke called a “sort of a talent show.” They hoped to display and educate the student body about Black Culture.

“We want to find people who like to rap, sing or dance,” Walker said. “If they’re interested in being part of the assembly, we’ll usually ask them to reach out to their friends [as well].”

This year, the assembly will include a segment about Blackstudent-owned businesses. BSU hopes to create a platform for students to share their experiences, writing, and other talents. In addition, they worked to introduce something new to Black History Month Assembly.

“This year we’ll be doing a fashion show,” Walker said.

“We’ll have people from different backgrounds, such as African American or West African, show off their cultural attire.”

BSU asked administrators to allow students to choose whether to attend the Black History Month Assembly. In the past, a few students have been disrespectful during the assembly.

“We feel like making [the assembly] optional will make it a better environment,” Walker said. “I know in previous years we got backlash. When people willingly sign up to come, they’re more willing to be more present. It just makes it more fun.”

BSU members hope a large number of students who are willing to come celebrate Black Culture and lend support opt to attend.

“Since our school is predominantly white, we don’t really do anything to represent Black Culture or educate students about it,” Walker said. “[This is] why the Black History Month Assembly is great. It is a way to showcase Black Culture and [for members of the NW community to be] more inclusive. It’s also such a comforting thing when you’re able to express your culture freely and just be who you are.”

The Black History Month Assembly will take place on February 21 during seminar.

Speaking in front of students, senior Rha’ki Walker talks about the upcoming Black Student Union (BSU) assembly Jan. 19 in Room 130. Walker is one of the co-presidents for the BSU. “[BSU] is the first club I’ve ever run,” Walker said. “It’s really fun to lead because everyone there has a fun and positive attitude.”

photo by Kara Simpson

THE SET LIST:

Students involved in the Black History Month Assembly

Fashion Show:

Fanta Fofana

Maliyah Williams

Nehemiah

DeLaughder

Comfort Adegoke

Ahkeelah

Chrisman

Cache’t Richardson

Rah’ki Walker

Aja Robinson

Da’kyja Quinn

Singing/Rap:

Michael Houser

Skyler Wilson

Maliyah Williams

Nehemiah

DeLaughder

Ahkeelah

Chrisman

Da’kyja Quinn

Poem: Aleecya Adams

Black-Owned Businesses: TBD

BSU sponsors: Daniah

Hammouda

Sheila Young

BSU is still making changes to the set list as of Jan. 30.

The Black History Month assembly is a great way to showcase Black culture and be more inclusive towards members of our school.

– SENIOR RAH’KI WALKER

3/5

by Izak Zeller

I got takeout from this restaurant, so I didn’t get to experience the atmosphere like everyone else. But the taste did not disappoint. I’m not usually a fan of pho, but I liked this one. The broth’s savory flavor was delicious with the spices added. The meat was cooked tenderly and was wellseasoned. Although I would recommend the pho here, I think there are better ones.

SANG SANG

Pho Tái – $12.05 2/5

10904 W 75th St. Shawnee

PHO GOOD

10952 W 74th Terr. Shawnee 4/5

by Sofia Ball

The ambiance at Pho Good was both warm and inviting, making it the perfect outing for winter. The broth was flavorful and meat well cooked. The side of bean sprouts added that perfect crunch. I was very happy with the service. Overall the mouth-watering pho, considerate servers and soothing atmosphere made my dine-in experience worthwhile.

3.5/5

by Sophie Delaney

The atmosphere at Pho Good was very enjoyable. The meal was still good as leftovers. The menu had a wide variety of meal options with everything from noodle soups, to appetizers, boba and so much more. The meat was a bit firm for my taste. Overall, Pho Good is a good option when looking for both comfort and predictability.

by Sofia Ball

The authenticity of the restaurant gave me high hopes, but sadly expectations were not met. The broth had little to no flavor. The rice noodles were a bit mushy and the meat seemed over cooked. The onions added some much needed texture to the dish, but overall I was disappointed. 2/5

by Sophie Delaney

My experience with this restaurant was different because I got take out. The broth was not flavorful. The spices seemed to be sitting in the broth rather than providing any flavor. The noodles were quite soft and I did not care for the flavor of the beef. The add-ins didn’t taste fresh and I was surprised there weren’t more of them. The dish at Sang Sang Express was the most expensive but the quality did not reflect that. I can’t recommend this restaurant.

by Izak Zeller

I have to be frank, I wasn’t a fan of this pho. The broth wasn’t seasoned as well as the others and the rice noodles seemed soggy. The meat was comparatively flavorless. The onions weWre scarce and didn’t really add flavor to the dish. Although the guy who was working was really nice and provided good service, I can’t recommend the pho here. I was disappointed.

Rice Noodle soup with Sirloin Steak – $11.95

Rice Noodle soup with Sirloin Steak at Pho Good.

Phoở Tái at Sang Sang Asian Express. 2/5

3.5/5

by Sophie Delaney

The mood of Cafe Vie was lively and full of people enjoying an afternoon eating out. Ordering was easy and could be done at a kiosk or face-to-face. I used the kiosk and chose the medium size, which ended up being a lot of food. I would’ve liked a smaller option so I wasn’t taking home half of my meal. This meat had more flavor than the pho from Pho Good. There was also a large chunk of fat in my dish, which was unsettling. The broth itself was very good, and had a more interesting flavor due to the use of different spices. Cafe Vie was my personal favorite of the places we tried Beef Pho. I would definitely go back.

CAFE VIE

Beef Pho – $11.95

10330 Metcalf Ave

Overland Park

4/5

by Sofia Ball

While still being a sit-down restaurant I have to say it’s more on the informal side. The side of cilantro and bean sprouts had a fresh quality to them. There was an overwhelming amount of meat, which was well cooked. Though there was a satisfying amount of both white and green onions, adding a nice flavor to the broth. The noodles had a nice consistency. All criticism aside this was money and time well spent.

4/5

by Izak Zeller

When I walked into Cafe Vie, I was met with a very authentic-looking restaurant. They had all sorts of options to choose from: a variety of boba teas, buns, pho and more. It smelled good, too. The pho was steaming hot when I got it. The noodles, although thin, were thick enough to enjoy and were expertly cooked. The broth was sweet with lots of onions. Overall, this was a really delicious meal.

Forks Down: Ph Edition

design by Veronica Meiss & Sofia Ball

We try different Pho restaurants from around the area

Beef Pho at Cafe Vie.

photos by Sophia McCraney

ARTS RECAP

Recap of art events that took place throughout Dec.

A SET FIT FOR A PRINCESS

Thespian Troupe 888 brings “Once Upon a Mattress” to life with a large and unique set

by Zadie Tenpenny

Sawdust and paint fumes waft through the air as Thespian Troupe 888’s tech crew works on the new set for “Once Upon a Mattress.”

Technical director Judy Tuckness watches and helps her students create an entire castle for one of the most set-heavy productions they’ve put on.

“From the very beginning, you just got a script,” Tuckness said. “You look at the script and the director gets a vision of how they want to block it.”

From there, Tuckness works

ART FOR ALL

with the director and makes a sketch for what the set should look like. Then, the tech crew begins their work.

The crew has been working three days a week preparing for the opening of the musical on Feb. 16. Among the pieces they are working on are arches and a 16- foot bridge. Two staircases are being painted.

The grand castle will be unveiled in two weeks. Tickets cost $10 each, or free with a student ID.

by Grace Logan

Northwest hosts a large-scale art show for the first time in almost two decades

Beaming, a little girl takes her parents by the hand and rushes to show off her latest drawing hanging in the art wing. Her parents have her pose next to her piece and snap pictures of her beaming face. There are smiles all around.

On January 10, the fine arts program hosted their first largescale open gallery showing in almost two decades. Seven area schools, Broken Arrow, Rhein Benninghoven, Mill Creek, Ray

Marsh, Shawanoe, Trailridge, and Rising Star, brought pieces to be featured in the exhibit.

“[This was] super exciting,” art teacher Kimberly Ruttan said. “This is the culmination of what taking art classes is all about. I get a lot of students that enjoy art, but [might] never pursue it realistically. They know that even in high school. It’s nice [for them] to get a little bit of recognition and [for me to] get to see the joy in that.”

Preparing for the upcoming musical, junior Meredith Bonge paints signs Jan. 16 backstage of Greg Parker Auditorium. Bonge and the rest of the tech crew were responsible for outlining and painting the signs. “The hardest part was trying to make it look whimsical in a way,” Bonge said. “The signs will be used in the parking lots to publicize and showcase the show.”

photo by Anna Torres

Pointing at his work, senior Samael Caraveo shows his family his artwork Jan. 9 in the Art Wing. Caraveo won the smnw.com winter art contest. “I felt blessed [to win],” Caraveo said.

“The piece takes inspiration from a mainstream pop artist’s album cover, with the idea that it’ll catch more eyes.”

photo by Evan Johnson

THERE WAS A FULL MOON THERE WAS A FULL MOON

design by Bella Alvarado

by Grace Logan & Zadie Tenpenny

Micah Reeves’ experience making his short film, “Every Day Was Sunny,” taught him the importance of taking breaks throughout creative projects

It was a warm summer night. Audrey Hepburn’s “Moon River” drifts along the breeze. The Boy sits with The Friend against a car, staring at a full moon. This moon begins to call to The Boy. Slowly, it comes closer and closer.

“Hey! Are you all right?” The Friend asks.

“I’m fine, just a little spacey,” The Boy responds.

The scene comes to an end as the screen fades to black.

Suddenly, a new day begins again for The Boy, played by senior Ian O’Neal. The bright greens and yellows of a summer day illuminate the faces of the audience.

On Jan. 6, students, teachers, friends and family gathered in the Little Theater to watch senior Micah Reeves’ short film, “Every Day Was Sunny.” What most people didn’t know was that Reeves didn’t always intend to create a short film. It began as a short story.

During the summer of 2021, Reeves created a boy and a place where you could want for nothing, where every day was sunny.

He created a world with baseball, ice cream, the sun and the moon. Reeves completed five pages of his story before the summer got away from him. The boy was left to sit in everlasting sun until a year later.

Reeves was entering the summer of 2022 with the full intention of polishing his short story and leaving it at that. But before the last bell could ring, before classes were dismissed, before school was officially out, KUGR adviser Billy Dent introduced the idea of a summer project. Reeves thought about his boy and the world he had created.

The idea rushed over Reeves: “What if I make this into a short film?”

He finished the short story and it began to take shape as a screenplay throughout June.

From July 1 to Nov. 1, Reeves had an idea of how everything would happen. He set a timeline that would allow him to use the film in early decision college applications. Everything would be done mid-Sept. and the premiere party would be mid-October. That’s what Reeves had planned.

That isn’t what happened.

“Momentum started to [die off] right when school started,” Reeves said. “I was feeling the deadline of college coming up, and I was sensing that the film wasn’t going to be done in time. So, I sat down, thought about the timeline again and made other things priorities. After that, I took a break and that was for the best.”

During that pause, Reeves took time to reflect. He realized how important it was for him to finish the project he had worked on for so long.

“Taking a break is necessary so you can come back with fresh set of eyes,” Reeves said. “It is really important to try to achieve your vision, 100 percent. It’s also important to be willing to change that vision when necessary.”

Senior Micah Reeves explores a forest June 20 at Shawnee Mission Park. In the planning of his short film, “Every Day Was Sunny,” Reeves scouted out and tested potential set locations before each scene was filmed. “This part of the filming process was one of my favorites,” Reeves said. “I found a surprising number of cliffs around Kansas.”

The Boy sits under a tree on a warm summer day, looking at an illustration of the phases of the moon. The screen fades to black for the last time.

Silence fills the theater, for only a moment.

Then, the audience erupts in loud applause and shouts. The lights in the theater rise, and people line up to offer Reeves congratulations and praise. That night, Reeves hugged people he had never hugged before.

That night, he learned that many people related to The Boy.

“I want people to think about why they’re here, what their greater calling is or what their passion is,” Reeves said. “What it is that gives their days meaning? [How do they learn to] accept the less sunny parts of life?”

As Reeves and his girlfriend walked out of the theater that night, she told him to look at the sky. There was a full moon.

WINTER SPORTS RECAP

The boys’ varsity basketball team competed the North Kansas City Invitational Tournament and won 2nd place

by Grace Logan

For the first time, the boys’ basketball team traveled across the river to the North Kansas City Invitational. The team made it all the way to championship and finished in 2nd place.

“We wanted to see some different competition that would bring out the best in us,” athletic director Angelo Giacalone said.

The Cougars won their first game against Lee’s Summit North, 7-49.

“In the Lee’s Summit North game, we played really, really well as a team both defensively and offensively,” Giacalone said. “Everybody got some playing time.”

Then, the Cougars played against the host of the tournament and the ninth-ranked team in the metro; the North Kansas City Hornets. After

back and forth between the teams, the Cougars walked away with a breath-taking 56-55 victory.

“These are the kind of games you want to get into because [they prepare] you for the postseason,” Giacalone said.

The Cougars lost the final game against the Park Hill South Panthers, 59-46.

“[It’s] approached one game at a time,” Giacalone said. “[Coach Birch] wants to give the best effort on all sides of the floor, defensively and offensively; to continue to improve game by game. State championships aren’t won in December, they’re won in March. If we continue to improve, we could be in the hunt to make a deep run in the state playoffs.”

GIRLS’ VARSITY BASKETBALL BOYS’ WRESTLING

The Lady Cougars have struck mid-season. They participated in the Newton Tournament on Jan. 26, 27 and 28, defeating Garden City, 40-36, then losing to Olathe Northwest, 22-41. In their last game of the tourney, they beat WichitaBishop Caroll high school, 47-50, to take fourth place.

On, Feb. 3. the team will take on SM South at 5:30 p.m. in the Main Gym.

The boys’ wrestling team competed against Parsons at Parsons High School Jan. 30 and then took on Blue Valley West two days later at home.

Saturday, the team will face off against Sunflower League teams in the league tournament. The competition begins 9 a.m. at Olathe South.

The district meet is scheduled for Feb. 7 and will be held here.

The January recap of winter sports

by Grace Logan

Dribbling across the court, sophomore Van Collins looks to pass Jan. 13 in the Main Gym. With a score of 57-55 the Cougars beat the Lancers for the third year in a row. “We knew that it was going to be a hard game,” Collins said. “We came out with a lot of energy and were locked in on getting the win,” photo by Sydney Jackson

GIRLS’ WRESTLING

The girls’ wrestling team competed in the Washburn Rural invitational Jan. 28. at Washburn Rural High School, where junior Hannah Mott and sophomore Mia Butler both placed fourth.

On Feb. 3, they will compete in the Sunflower League against multiple schools at Olathe South High School.

Looking for more sports coverage?

Scan the QR Code for web-exclusive sports content about swimming, wrestling and more!

& Sofia Ball design by Veronica Meiss

PULL, KICK, GLIDE

PULL, KICK, GLIDE

s Junior Will Ensley climbs on to the starting block, he looks at his competitors.

The closest swimmer to his right is from SM East. His best time for the 100-yard breaststroke race is 57.4 seconds.

To his left, the BV Northwest swimmer’s best time is 58.4 seconds.

Ensley’s is 1:03.16.

The research Ensley did before this meet gives him not only his own record to beat, but his competitors’. He’s swimming against some of the best high school swimmers in Kansas. The respect Ensley has for them only heightens his competitiveness. He makes a pledge to be better than they are before he leaves high school.

“That got me into [swimming]; the competitive spirit,” Ensley said.

The caffeine Ensley drank before the meet spreads its energy to his fingers, his legs, his chest and his mind. His entire body shakes, and he knows he’s ready.

Ensley thinks of all the time and hard work he’s put into practice before this meet. He remembers all

Junior Will Ensley checks his time after 100-yard freestyle Jan. 7 at SM Aquatic Center. Ensley placed 4th at the Boys’ Varsity Invitational. “After seeing my time and place, I like to watch my race on video and pinpoint all the places I went wrong,” Ensley said. “That way the next time I can race as efficiently and effectively as possible.” photo by Evan Johnson

the pain and time spent struggling to keep going.

“I let that settle, then shut off my brain and let my muscles do the work,” Ensley said.

The starter instructs all swimmers to take their mark. Ensley moves into position. He tenses up, ready to take off. Seconds after, a beep is heard and Ensley dives into the cold water.

Ensley’s dive propels him through the water as his muscles repeat the same motion; pull, kick, glide. Those movements take up all of the space in Ensley’s mind as he continues in the water. He soon reaches 25 yards and turns around to swim another.

Since the beginning of the school year, Ensley has broken the school record for the 50-yard breaststroke. The first time was Dec. 16. He did it again just over a month later on Jan. 21. Ensley qualified for the state tournament his sophomore year where he won two medals and beat swimmers older than him.

“The first time I figured out I broke the school record, I touched the wall and looked over at the time,” Ensley

said. “I saw that it was at 27.60 seconds. I was really excited about it. I was slapping the water.”

His goal is to beat that record again. In the water, that is his motivation.

“Just seeing a little improvement is really important to keep me going.” Ensley said. “It can be extremely hard when you’re working on something. Your muscles are weak and you’re gonna do terrible. But if you give it more time and rest up, you’ll be ready to take on the next thing. It’s not going to be super easy immediately, you have to give it time.”

Ensley finishes swimming 75 yards and turns around to swim the final 25. He’s on the home stretch.

Pull, kick, glide.

He hits the wall and immediately looks up to the scoreboard, waiting for his time to appear. He wants to know where he has placed. And then it’s over.

“I congratulate the other swimmers and clamber up out of the water,” Ensley said. “No time to think about how I did. That was my one shot.”

by Veronica Meiss design by Greta Grist & Veronica Meiss

Junior Will Ensley propels himself toward his goal and breaks school records along the way

MONTH UPCOMING EVENTS

Sweetheart Assembly

Feb. 3

10:15 a.m. in the Main Gym. Don’t forget to vote afterwards.

Feb. 4

Feb. 8

Sweetheart Dance Parent Teacher Conferences

Feb. 10

Feb. 13

Feb. 16-18

Feb. 20

Feb. 21

Feb. 22

No School/ Parent Teacher Conference

8-11 p.m. in the Cafeteria. This year’s theme is Disco Fever. Walk-in conferences will be available from 5-8 p.m. Conferences are from 7:40-2:40 p.m. and can be scheduled on Skyward.

Board of Education

Public comments to the Board begins at 5:30 p.m. Board of Education workshop starts at 6 p.m.

Winter Musical

“Once Upon a Mattress”

7 p.m. in the Auditorium. Tickets are $10 or free with a NW student ID.

No School

Presidents Day

Enjoy the time off.

Band Chili Concert

6-9 p.m. in the Cafeteria

The concert is free, but the chili dinner price has not been determined.

PTSA Meeting

6 p.m. in the NW Library

Sophomore Tatum

Hanny guides second grader Daenerys Abrego as she molds clay

Jan. 9 in the Cafeteria. Students sponsored an art exploration. “I really liked watching [my little sister] explore.” Caraveo’s brother senior Samael Caraveo said.

photo by Sidra Sakati

IN PHOTOS

IN PHOTOS

IN PHOTOS

IN PHOTOS

Center Ethan Taylor jumps for a layup Jan. 13 in the Main Gym. Taylor plays offense near the rim. “[As center,] you have to be strong,” Taylor said. “A layup takes body control and strength.”

During a halftime performance, kindergartner Juliet Eichman poses for the crowd Jan. 10 in the Main Gym. Eichman learned to perform a dance at the basketball game. “My favorite part was performing in front of everyone,” Eichman said. photo by Ashley Broils

Swimming the 100-yard butterfly, freshman Stefan Jovanovic comes up for air Jan. 11 at Summit Trail Middle School. Jovanovic also swims the 50-yard freestyle, 100-meter fly, and 200-meter relay. “[During a race] in my head all I’m saying is ‘fast, fast, fast, fast....” Jovanovic said. photo by Sidra Sakati

Leg extended, senior Alexis Petry performs at the LSN dance competition Jan. 20 at Lee’s Summit North High School. Cougar Classics members choreograph their own solos. “I think this solo is important to me because this is the only solo I’ve ever done because I get nervous very easily,” Petry said. “I feel like doing the solo has made me less nervous.”

photo by Sydney Jackson

photo by Evan Johnson

N W P N W P

At the LSN Dance Invitational, senior Hillary Romero performs a calypso leap during her solo Jan. 20 at Lee’s Summit North High School. Romero performed to the song “Oceans” by Hillsong UNITED.

photo by Annamarie Torres