The Northwest Passage
N W P
Simply Sweet
Meet the 2021 Sweetheart court
Just Short of Super Kansas City reels after a devastating Super Bowl loss
We Heard You Student and teachers share their thoughts on returning fully in person
Issue 6 Vol. 52 Feb. 25, 2021
14 | feature
Dec.10, 2020
smnw.com
TABLE of CONTENTS Behind the Mascot
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Columns
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We Heard You
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Using various depictions of indigenous people as mascots greatly damages their communities
Students share thoughts on returning fully in person
Gamestock Redditors fight against hedge funds and make many wonder how free our “free-market” really is
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34 Days of Executive Orders Since his inauguration on Jan. 20, President Joe Biden has issued more than 40 executive orders
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Simply Sweet Meet the 2021 Sweetheart Court
Uplift and Unite
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Forks Down
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Students name influential figures in Black history.
Sample a world of flavors in the metro area
Lighting the Way Junior Matthew Kucharczyk wants to leave a lasting impact on the film and theater programs
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Issue 6 Vol. 52 February 25, 2021
OUR PASSAGE: The purpose of the Northwest Passage is to relay important and interesting information to the community, administration and students of the Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. As a news magazine, the 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 every four weeks as possible.. Subscriptions will be available to the community for $25. The Northwest Passage staff 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 say in all decisions. 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.
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Putting in The Miles An athlete is made when no one is watching
Just Short of Super Kansas City reels after a devastating Super Bowl loss
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Current Events
February In Photos
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A Look Back
Senior Kennedy Taylor looks to the crowd right after she is crowned Feb. 18 in the Main Gym. Taylor, who was nominated by Young Democrats and the girls’ basketball team, was crowned Sweetheart queen. “I was very shocked [when I was announced queen],” Taylor said. “I turned to look at my dad and I said ‘Oh my God’ and he said ‘Congratulations, baby girl.’” + cover photo by Erin Dory
NORTHWEST PASSAGE
TOC | 03
STAFF PUBLICATION OVERSIGHT: Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief
Rory Dungan Elizabeth Kuffour
CONTENT MANAGEMENT: Photo Editor
Claire Moore
Ass’t Photo Editor
Sophia McCraney
Copy Editor
Emily Alexander
Copy Editor
Stella Grist
Online Editor
Ruth Demeke
Online Editor
Ally Pruente
Design Editor
Erin Albers
STAFF WRITERS:
STAFF DESIGNERS:
Yeretzy Blanco Michael Owens Veronica Meiss Morgan Tate Grace Logan
Olivia Linville Kasi Maniktala Olivia Nagorka Alden Norberg
ADVISER: + cover design by Erin Albers
Susan Massy
Senior Riley Brokeshoulder, junior Zoie Johnson and junior Sophia Brewer spin toward the crowd Jan. 30 in the Main Gym. At a sporting event, only eight cheerleaders are allowed to cheer. “It’s different now because we don’t have the same type of crowd,” Brokeshoulder said. “It’s a little harder to have a lot of energy but my teammates really help with that.” + photo by Claire Moore
4 | opinion
Feb. 25, 2021
UNDERNEATH THE MASCOT Using various depictions of Indigenous people as mascots damages their communities
T
he Shawnee Mission School District Board of Education unanimously voted to adopt a new policy during a board meeting on Jan. 25 that will retire SM North’s current mascot, an Indian, in June. Debate has circulated through the community regarding the importance of this change, with many people passionate on either side. Ultimately, changing this mascot will be a positive move for the Shawnee Mission School district, creating a more inclusive, respectful environment. “In general, community, alum, parents and students are very passionate about both sides of the argument for and against the mascot,” SM North building principal Jeremy Higgins said. Alex Red Corn, executive director of the Kansas Association for Native American Education and a NW graduate, has been actively fighting in favor of changing these mascots. He noted that in all cases he has seen, people tend to be very divided on this issue. As a result, seeing a unanimous vote from the SM board was welcome. “I’m very thrilled that they voted to move on from it,” Red Corn said. “I want to commend the board for their vote. There’s always pushback with these situations…. the unanimous vote from the board shows Shawnee Mission is committed to looking at what the research says about what’s best for students and trying to deepen the conversation.” According to Red Corn, who has worked with other districts on mascot change, politics are always involved in a decision like this. The district’s decision indicates positive and forward thinking. Mascots like SM North’s have been proven
to impede the education and damage the mental health of Indigenous people. As well as contributing to the mis education of nonNative American people. Mascots like the Indian portray an inaccurate and harmful image of Indigenous people. In the United States, 87% of education regarding Native Americans is from a pre-1900’s context, meaning few modern examples of Indigenous culture are referenced in the educational system. The popularity of Indigenous mascots enforces an outdated stereotype of Native Americans. “Research has shown that it limits the way American Indians coming through our
14/2 For Against educational systems see themselves,” Red Corn said. It [also has an impact on] the way American Indians themselves come to understand what it means to be an American Indian in this modern evolving context. Most mascots support a stereotype that all that American Indians are just exotic feather-wearing people [from] the past, and not vibrant, creative and ever-evolving people in the present.” When the American Psychological Association (APA) exposed Indigenous students to common imagery of Native Americans, for example, Pocahontas and Chief
Wahoo, students created positive associations to Indigenous culture. However, they reported lower self-esteem, community worth and fewer achievements. This study demonstrated that mascots depicting Indigenous people are a constant reminder of how other people’s scope of their culture is limited. It changes how they see themselves Higgins doesn’t think that changing the mascot will affect him as the principal. “Obviously, it’s something that we’re working through as a school and as a community, but it still doesn’t necessarily impact positively or negatively what I do on a day-to-day basis,” Higgins said. We all need to educate ourselves so that we can be a better ally to Indigenous people. Now is the perfect time to examine what you know about Native Americans, socially correct references (either Native Americans or Iwndigenous people) and ... We need to unlearn the stereotypes and biases we have grown up with. The Northwest Passage staff encourages students throughout the Shawnee Mission district and the Kansas City metropolitan area to reflect more critically on the information we are exposed through social media and textbooks. If, after a century as the Indians , SM North can break with tradition and step away from their mascot, it’s time for other organizations in the area to reconsider theirs.
+ design by Kasi Maniktala
smnw.com
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Procrastination Purgatory
My struggle with procrastination and maintaining my mental health With SMSD abruptly flinging us back into hybrid, my schedule has become extremely jumbled. Don’t get me wrong — it was far from perfect before, but I have let it go from a messy desk setup with a few stray wires to a pair of + by Grace Logan earbuds forgotten at the bottom of a middle schooler’s backpack. This is mainly a result of my constant battle with the vicious foe known as procrastination. I have always struggled with procrastination, but it has seemingly heightened during the past few weeks. My schoolwork accumulates until I have practically buried myself alive. And don’t get me started on my sleep schedule; to put it simply, the only thing consistent about my sleep is that I get very little of it each night. As expected, the effects these unhealthy habits had on my school day were terrible. It became impossible to avoid the sweet salvation of slumber as classes proceeded. I was now accustomed to the weighted feeling in my feet, the sluggish sensation in every limb and the burning in my eyes. All of these issues put together had a snowball effect. I struggled to maintain so many different aspects of my life at once. I spent the first few of my asynchronous days sleeping and rewatching “The Queen’s Gambit.” Every time I looked at my closed computer during those days, a feeling of dread came over me. It was difficult to think about all the work I was potentially assigned so instead I just avoided it completely. Subsequently, I was behind and my grades were suffering. I quickly realized that I needed to change my schedule, but I struggled to figure out how. I was stuck in habits of procrastination and lack of sleep for so long that I wasn’t sure how I’d feel if I changed. When I spend hours scrolling through Instagram, I always happen upon posts from the popular creator, Ellie Breeden. She wakes up every morning at 5 a.m. to do something different for her mental health. This can
be anything from rock climbing in a dress to making a lampshade out of yarn. It was extremely inspiring to watch Breeden have the willpower to do this for herself every day. I wanted to do something similar. I don’t have the resources that Breeden has; she is an adult with adult things — a car, a bank account, etc — but I could still take time out of my day to do things for myself. I started with little things such as going to bed 30 minutes earlier to fix my sleep schedule. I also began to work out again. To combat procrastination, I now force myself to make a list of everything I need to complete each day. It can be extremely overwhelming to look at all of those assignments, but that feeling doesn’t compare to the relief experienced once I’ve accomplished everything. This method also helps me acknowledge what I’ve accomplished rather than thinking about everything I have left to do. Scheduling breaks has been extremely helpful as well. Having these in my schedule allows me to not feel guilty for taking time to recuperate. Some other methods for overcoming procrastination, shared by McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning at Princeton University, include setting realistic goals. Think about the reason you are doing this task and set positive and meaningful achievement goals. They also suggest to keep self-talk supportive and break down overwhelming projects into smaller, more achievable tasks. It is extremely important to find something that helps you make it through the day. Being a high school student is difficult. Living through a pandemic is difficult. Taking time for yourself is difficult, too, but within your control. Test out different methods to combat procrastination and develop a schedule that works well for you. As cliché as this sounds, balance is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you are struggling, don’t be afraid to seek help from friends, family or a trusted individual.
Here are some other tips that the McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning provided to help students: Be Aware: First, consider the reasons you procrastinate. Note the thoughts you have which may cause you to avoid a certain task. Assess:
Think about the feelings that may lead you to procrastination and how they make you feel. Prioritize thinking positively and focus on how you feel after being productive.
Commit: If you’re having trouble getting started with a task, break it down into smaller pieces. Write down a list, prioritize what needs to be done first, that then regard yourself when all items are completed.
Queen of the Bus
Growing up is hard, but the knowledge you earn makes it worth it 4 a.m., my favorite time of the day! Well not my favorite time every day, really just my favorite time one particular day in June. The day that kicks off Dallas Week. We climb on a bus at 4 a.m. and drive for NINE hours to Dallas! That’s right — NINE. Getting up at 4 a.m. to climb on a bus may not seem too fun but it really is to me. + by Morgan Tate I bounce up and down on the balls of my feet as I get dressed and bounce up and down on the balls of my feet as I brush my teeth. Then I hop in the taxicab to Shawnee Mission East. I’m always excited to see my parents’ students. My parents are teachers and I’m the tag-along — I’m only 10, so I don’t have to take the journalism classes. Instead, I get to run rampant around my domain, the Marriott Quorum. We get to the school, and tired students just wanting to take a nap stream from their cars to the buses are parked in the front parking lot. My parents and I stand on the sidewalk, me with my black rolling suitcase, and I’m absolutely psyched about playing with all these high schoolers. And my parents? They’re just trying to corral these students onto the busses. I’m still bouncing when we get on the bus. I know I have to sit down and just play on my iPad or attempt to take a nap until breakfast in Emporia, but I’m so hyper I don’t take that nap. A hierarchy is quickly established on the bus — those who don’t want to get noticed sit in the front, but the real fun happens on the back of the bus. The journalism program this year has more boys than usual and they’re all gathered in the back. They slowly wake up and start to goof around. As soon as they’re all awake, I quickly gather all their attention and become the queen of the bus. They all become my loyal subjects. I can’t remember all their names so I give them new names — Gla, Peaches and Cream, Pickles and my mortal enemy — Snot. He disobeys many of my orders, so I lock him in the bus bathroom and order two people to guard him — he FaceTimes from the bus bathroom. Then, we finally make it to the hotel. People stream off the bus and scramble to grab their suitcases and get their hotel keys. It’s my dad’s job to distribute those keys — he runs the convention, after all. The best perk that comes with my dad running the convention? We get the presidential suite. It has a large bedroom, living room and a pool table! I feel like a queen as hotel staffers bring up a large buffet table to feed all the teachers… and me. I run around the hotel, chatting with my loyal subjects. But the best part of being queen? Presiding over the auction. A silent and live auction at the end of the week. Students get fake money all through the week, then bid in said auction on items. And I mean awesome items like a mini-fridge, a giant Spongebob plush and a drone. My dad lets me borrow money, and I get emoji pillows, books and more. By the end of the week, life is good. Now I’m almost a freshman in high school. I don’t necessarily feel as excited about waking up at 4 a.m., and now, I do take a nap. And now on the bus, I’m now surrounded by people my own age. None of us really view the trip with much whimsy. I don’t really know anyone on the bus, so I talk to others who I hope will strike up a conversation. I mostly watch recordings of musicals on my phone. Sometimes I watch the DVD of Mrs. Doubtfire my parents are playing over the bus screen. I just don’t feel excited. That doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy the convention, I actually learn how to write for the newspaper, and I make my own Dallas dollars. Now Dallas Week isn’t the most exciting week of my summer. But I learn something. True, I miss the vibrant playtime of my childhood, and while growing up is hard and making that transition from a pretend queen to real worker is difficult. Still, something about the lessons I learn that makes the challenges worth a 4 a.m. wake up and a 9-hour bus ride . . . even when I’m no longer queen.
+ design by Alden Norberg
6 | feature
Feb. 25, 2021
WE HEARD YOU Students and teachers share their thoughts on returning fully in person + by Erin Albers, Veronica Meiss & Morgan Tate
Junior Adam Sakati
Sophomore Alyssa Kempf
“I think it’s important to see that a lot of us really need school as a way to communicate with both teachers and friends, and to help us do better in school. If you are afraid, stay home. We have to be back in school, or there will be more stress on kids and teachers to prepare coursework for online stuff, as there isn’t really a set plan for it.”
“I don’t think it’s a great idea. As much as I’d like to see everyone, there would be the same regulations and most likely even more. I’d prefer just going back and it being completely normal as opposed to going back with a bunch of restrictions.”
Junior Sarah Ellison
Sophomore Jaxie Smith
“I think it’s premature. Most of our teachers haven’t yet been vaccinated, and this could be extremely problematic for students and families with preexisting conditions that aren’t able to go back. We should waWit until the majority of the community has been vaccinated. If that doesn’t happen till next year, so be it.”
“I don’t think it’s a smart idea unless teachers and students are getting vaccinated. I’m glad [COVID-19] cases are going down right now, but I think if we rush into things too fast that they’re gonna go back up and we’re gonna be right back where we started. I think it’s smart to keep learning in hybrid until it’s completely safe to go in-person fully.”
FACS Teacher Sarah Frederickson “I feel like it’s hasty, and the district-level administrators have not taken all of the mitigating factors into account. Although I cannot deny I’m excited to see all of my students at once.”
Business Teacher Beth Johnstone “I want to do what’s best for my students, but I truly don’t know if they’re ready to go back four days a week.”
Social Sciences Teacher Jay Black “I’m excited about it. It’s good to get to see all of the kids again and get back to a normal routine.”
Science Teacher Lindsey Demke “I think the safety procedures will be difficult, at best.”
+design by Olivia Linville
GAMESTOCK smnw.com
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Redditors fought against hedge funds and made investors question how free our “free market” really is + by Yeretzy Blanco
BASICS Investing can be an extremely valuable and profitable tool. This is the allocation of funds into something with the intention of generating profit. You can invest in a variety of things such as art, jewels and stocks. When investing in stocks, you represent partial ownership in a company. The value of a share can increase or decrease depending on how well the company is doing. You can then sell your shares either for profit or for a loss. That is why, when investing, you have to look at the history of a company to study the trendline of the company’s shares. This reassures investors in gaining a profit out of their investment. You can hold stocks for as long as you want and sell when you want. You can invest as much as you want into a company, but what brings real value to your investment is buying multiple shares.
You can make long-term investments into trusted, established and growing companies such as Apple or Tesla. While stocks are sometimes unpredictable, a long term investment is made into a company that guarantees profit over a long period of time. You can also make short term investments, but these are more risky. When investing in such stocks, you essentially wait for when their value is at a low, and collect your gains and reposition yourself to do the same thing repeatedly. Making short-term investments can result in extreme loss, but can potentially end in large gains as well. There are a variety of ways to invest into stocks, but the two methods previously mentioned are the most common.
THE GAMESTOP SITUATION
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO INVEST NOW?
What happened with GameStop? Hedge funds, or professional investors, began shorting GameStop stock. Shorting a stock is when one bets on a stock value to fall below or go beyonce a certain amount. This is usually a method with a fair amount of success as it is judged off of trendlines, or past activity, of the stock. Shorting a stock usually goes unnoticed by the public, but a group of amateur investors on a Reddit group called “wallstreetbets” caught wind of the GameStop shorting and began a coordinated effort to buy GameStop stocks and drive the price higher and higher. This movement gained even more momentum when Tesla founder, Elon Musk, tweeted “Gamestonk!!” while attaching a link to the ‘wallstreetbet’ subreddit. Due to the influx of shares being bought, the stock trading platform, Robinhood, announced that it was suspending any trading of GameStop stock. Investors began to complain and question the integrity of the platform. Many public figures, including U.S. Representative Alexadria Ocasio-Cortez, spoke out concerning the events through Twitter. OcasioCortez deemed Robinhood’s actions “unacceptable,” while essentially demanding a deeper investigation to take place. This was followed by over 30 class-action lawsuits claiming that Robinhood was protecting hedge funds from their shorted positions. These lawsuits might not go far, as Robinhood’s customer agreement states that it has the power to restrict stock buys without notice. Robinhood claims that the reason GameStop stocks were restricted was because the platform did not have the funds to cover the influx of transactions. “The amount required by clearinghouses to cover the settlement period of some securities rose tremendously this week. How much? To put it in perspective, this week alone, our clearinghousemandated deposit requirements related to equities increased tenfold,” the company wrote in a blog post. While Robinhood is now allowing users to buy up to 20 shares, the platform’s image has already been damaged. Many investors have completely left the platform and traded it for an alternative. The platform that once claimed to be committed to smaller investors has brought light to many issues within the market.
If you aren’t 18, you can’t personally invest in stocks. Not only that, but we aren’t taught about alternative options in school. Fortunately, your parents can invest on your behalf. What you can do is open a custodial account or a UTMA/UGMA account. This is a brokerage account used to invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds and more. These accounts would be used to make more long-term investments rather than short-term ones. If you aren’t able to do so, the path you want to take is to save, save and save some more. Set a portion of your income aside every month (or as often as you want) and put this into a savings account. You can invest in other things as well, such as shoes. You buy them for retail and resell them for a profit. This method has proven to be a relatively secure investment; you just need to know what shoes to look for by analyzing why they’re popular and whether they will stay that way. There are many methods to build wealth. Just because you cannot trade stocks doesn’t mean you can’t invest and be smart with your money. It’s important to build wealth and put yourself in a comfortable position financially; money isn’t everything, but it’s smart to have something to fall back on, because you never know what the future holds.
WORDS TO KNOW INVESTOR
a person who puts money into something with the intention of making profit
STOCK OR SHARE
partial ownership in a company.
BROKERAGE ACCOUNT
an investment account
BONDS
an investment that provides a return in the form of fixed interest payments; a loan made by an investor to a borrower.
MUTUAL FUNDS
an investment strategy that allows investors to pool together their money in order to purchase a collection of stocks, bonds, or other securities.
HEDGE FUND
a special type of management fund where a limited partnership of investors use highrisk methods in the hopes of realizing large profit. Sometimes they invest with borrowed money, which is what happened with GameStop. +design by Erin Albers
08 | feature
34 Days of
Feb. 25, 2021
EXECUTIVE ORDERS + by Veronica Meiss
Since his inauguration on Jan. 20, President Joe Biden has issued over 40 executive orders
During Joe Biden’s first day of office, he signed a total of 11 executive orders. The next day, he signed eight. Then seven. Then two. Then four. In his first week, he signed 24 executive orders. In his first week in office, Donald Trump signed five, Barack Obama signed five and both George W. Bush and Bill Clinton signed none. Here are the highlights of the executive orders that President Biden had signed prior to Feb. 19, 2021.
MASK MANDATE ON FEDERAL PROPERTY
STRENGTHENING MEDICAID AND THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
Signed on his first day in office, this requires all federal employees to wear masks and social distance while on federal property. It also encourages American citizens to wear masks every time they go outside or to public places. The President has no executive power to issue a nationwide mask mandate.
Signed on the ninth day of Biden’s administration, this order countered Trump’s attempts to remove the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It directs agencies to take another look at practices that may undermine protections needed for those with preexisting conditions, including complications related to COVID-19.
THE REUNIFICATION OF FAMILIES AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER
REPEAL OF TRANSGENDER BAN IN THE MILITARY
“My administration will protect family unity and ensure that children entering the United States are not separated from their families, except in the most extreme circumstances where a separation is clearly necessary for the safety and well-being of the child or is required by law.” - Section 1. Policy. This executive order creates a Task Force tasked with identifying children separated from their families at the southern border between Jan. 20, 2017, and Jan. 20, 2021, and providing extra mental health and trauma services to the children and their families. This was signed on day 13.
Signed on the sixth day of Biden’s presidency, this order directly clashed with former President Trump’s order to ban transgender people from serving in the military. Biden wrote that “[the U.S. Military] thrives when it is composed of diverse Americans who can meet the rigorous standards for military service, and an inclusive military strengthens our national security.” - Section 1. Policy. It also allows for gender transitions to occur while serving.
BAN ON DISCRIMINATION BASED ON GENDER IDENTITY OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION “Everyone should be treated with respect and dignity and should be able to live without fear, no matter who they are or whom they love.” - Section 1. Policy. On his first day, Biden signed this executive order to further protect the LGBTQ+ community against discrimination. It built on the Supreme Court decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia. From 2020 to expand protections for all gender identities and sexual orientations. It makes discrimination in the workplace against the LGBTQ+ community illegal.
These are some of the many executive orders that Biden has issued. Biden has gained 61% of America’s approval, however, while some may approve of his actions, many Americans are still set on the idea of “settling for Biden”. “I appreciate what [Biden has] done because it’s all kind of surface-level executive orders, like undoing what Trump has done,” sophomore Michael Houser said. “I do not think it is enough. Obviously, this has only been less than three weeks, but there’s definitely more that can be done. For example, I’d like [for ICE to be abolished].” Houser thinks there’s no point in pushing all of these executive orders out if they can just be undone by the next Republican president. This results in what’s called an executive order war, where every president fires order after order as soon as they assume office. Biden continues to push out executive orders regarding COVID-19, human rights and the Affordable Care Act. Read more about Biden’s actions as president on the White House’s website, www.whitehouse.gov. +design by Erin Albers
SIMPLY SWEET
Meet the 2021 Sweetheart Court
Senior Evan Battles hugs his mom as he is announced Sweetheart king Feb. 18 in the Main Gym. Battles was nominated by Link Crew, Cheer, National Honors Society, Young Democrats, and KUGR. “I was thinking about all that led up to the moment [of being crowned],” Battles said. “I’ve met so many great people at Northwest and tried so many different things, it was weird to see it all culminate to that.” +Photo by Erin Dory
+STORY BY RORY DUNGAN, ALLY PRUENTE, ELIZABETH KUFFOUR AND EMILY ALEXANDER
Feb. 25, 2021
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SIMPLY SWEET
Meet the 2021 Sweetheart Court MAGGIE DOLINAR & DUKE HENKE Yearbook, Chick-Fil-A Club and Prom Committee What will you miss most about Northwest? Assemblies, especially Bonfire. It’s always the best one.
Who’s your celebrity crush? Matthew McConaughey, no question + PHOTOS BY ERIN DORY +DESIGN BY KASI MANIKTALA
CORA MANICA & ALBERT HOELTING Band and Tri-M
Worst song of all time? Africa by Toto
Coolest person you know? My older sister, Adelaide. She does whatever she wants to simply because she wants to What’s the best shoe brand? I hate wearing shoes
SADD
What are your top baby names? Albert IV, nickname Quattro What’s your favorite fast food restaurant? Chick-fil-a Coolest people you know? My parents, for always being massive role models
What’s the best shoe brand? Ugg, because of their slippers
Chick-fil-a Club and Croc Club
Best song of all time? Mr. Rager by Kid Cudi Who’s your celebrity crush? Chantel Jeffries or younger Jennifer Aniston What’s your nickname? El Duké
EMMA MLIVIC & JUSTIN MITCHELL Chick-fil-a Club
Best song of all time? Happy does by Kenny chesney Coolest person you know? My dad. He’s strong and he is a rock for my whole family to lean on What’s your nickname? Memma
Fellowship of Christian Athletes What will you miss most about Northwest? Football
What are your top baby names? Dalton and Hannah Who’s your celebrity crush? Jennifer Aniston
MORGAN KASTELAN & HARK SINGH Spirit Club
What will you miss most about Northwest? The community. I’ve made so many friendships here, and the environment at school has always been a happy one to me What’s your nickname? Morg and Morgie Favorite class you’ve taken at Northwest? Sociology 1 with Mrs. Moore
Link Crew
Worst song of all time? Savage Love by Jason Derulo What’s your favorite fast food restaurant? I’ve never been to more than two fast food restaurants but the best would be Garazzo’s. Who is your celebrity crush? Selena Gomez
LAUREN SWEARINGEN & CALEB ANDERSON Choir
Best song of all time? Ivy by Frank Ocean Coolest person you know? Ciara Sandnes What’s the best shoe brand? Converse
Choir
Best song of all time? Anything by Stevie Wonder What will you miss most about Northwest? The cafeteria ladies Who is your celebrity crush? Nicki Minaj
smnw.com
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RILEY BROKESHOULDER & EVAN BATTLES Cheer
What are your top baby names? Rowan What’s the best shoe brand? Doc Martens What’s your favorite fast-food restaurant? Culver’s
Link Crew, Cheer, National Honor Society, Young Democrats Club, KUGR Worst song of all time? Gary’s Song from Spongebob
Who’s your celebrity crush? Shakira, but unfortunately she has a boyfriend What’s your favorite fast-food restaurant? Five Guys
KENNEDY TAYLOR & GABE HOLGATE Young Democrats and Girls’ Basketball
Best song of all time? Killer Queen by Queen What are your top baby names? For a girl, Poppy, for a boy, Adonis Favorite class you’ve taken at Northwest? Advanced Foods or Forensic Science
Wrestling, Educators Rising and Math National Honor Society Favorite class you’ve taken at Northwest? AP Physics, Honors Biology, Spanish and Cadet Teaching
Who’s your celebrity crush? I think Cinderella seems pretty awesome.
YAMI CENTENO & BRIAN HARRELL Educators Rising and Race Project KC Who is the coolest person you know? George Lopez. I’ve even met him a few times What is the best shoe brand? Anything off brand because it’s always cheaper
Cheer and Boy’s Swim Who is the coolest person you know? Coach Ryan Lee
What is your favorite fast food restaurant? Chick-fil-a What is your nickname? Bridog
What is the best song of all time? I love cumbias. I think it’s the best type of music to dance to
Coolest person you know? My mom and the Steinmetz family
National Honor Society
Who is the coolest person you know? Mrs. Moore, because she’s such a chiller and so funny. Who’s your celebrity crush? Besides my hubby Patrick Mahomes, I’d say Michael B. Jordan Favorite class you’ve taken at Northwest? I actually kind of enjoyed Ceramics
KENDALL TOOMAY & MATT STEINMETZ Link Crew and Chick-fil-a Club
DANIELLE ESTRADA & JETT JOHNSON
KUGR, Bowling, Spirit Club, Chick-fil-a Club, Educators Rising and Croc Club Celebrity crush? Beyonce
What are your top baby names? Dalton, Elena & Hudson
Nickname? Matty B, Machew, and Mathius
Favorite class you’ve taken at Northwest? Medical Science 1 or CNA
What’s your favorite fast-food restaurant? Hawaiian Bros
Student Council
Best song of all time? Tiny Dancer by Elton John Coolest person you know? Cullan Bower, because we can always laugh about anything What’s your nickname? Jetter and Jett Jo
OLIVA WAREN & JACKSON REESE Cheer and National Honor Society
Worst song of all time? Baby Shark Favorite class you’ve taken at Northwest? AP Psychology
What are your top baby names? Opal and Henry
National Honor Society Worst song of all time? Thrift Shop by Macklemore
Who’s your celebrity crush? Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow Favorite class you’ve taken at Northwest? IB Euro
UPLIFT AND UNITE
12 | feature
Feb. 25, 2021
Students name influential figures in Black history + by Ruth Demeke, Stella Grist & Ally Pruente
Black History Month may be coming to a close, but the celebration and recognition of influential African Americans is year-long. “Black History Month is a month to celebrate the great people that came before us,” Black Student Union (BSU) vice president Immaculee Muragizi said. “It’s a month to uplift one another and unite. Black History Month is important to celebrate because it educates so many people about past and current issues African Americans face. It also highlights not just the bad but the good parts of our history and acknowledges the amazing heroes who make America what it is today and who’ve helped us get to where we are.” Important figures throughout history have advanced civil rights, and inspire BSU president Naudia Thurman, who believes Black history should be celebrated all year long. “[Black History Month] is a time where I can be unapologetically me, and honor the Black people who were before me,” BSU president Naudia Thurman said. “I think it is important because it is the only month out of the year Black people are recognized in our world. It’s sad because every day should be Black History because Black history is American history.” According to CNN, the creation of Black History Month is accredited to Carter G. Woodson. Woodson noticed history books ignored Black history and took it upon himself to emphasize the importance of it. His writings soon expanded to a week-long celebration of black history, which then turned into the whole month. He chose February as Black History Month, because both Frederick Douglass and former President Abraham Lincoln were born in this month. During this month, we celebrate people who are influential in Black history, especially those who are lesser known. Muragizi believes Ruby Bridges is a very important figure that not enough people know about. According to the National Women’s History Museum, at only six years old, Ruby Bridges paved a path in civil rights. Bridges lived in Louisiana, and was born shortly after the Brown vs the Board of Education ruling to desegregate public schools. While this ruling made an impact in most states, the South was still unabiding, including Louisiana. A year after Bridges attended a segregated kindergarten, Louisiana was
ordered by the court to desegregate its schools. Bridges and five other African American students passed entry exams and were accepted into the all-white William Frantz Elementary School. For her first year at this school, Bridges and her mother were escorted by marshals as people screamed slurs and threats. Barbara Henry, Bridges’ teacher, was the only educator in the building willing to teach Bridges. “I learned about [Bridges] when I was her age so her story always left an impact on me,” Muragizi said. “She is still alive today and continues to be an impactful activist.” Thurman looks up to Claudette Colvin and wishes more people knew of her. Similarly to Rosa Parks, Colvin also refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus. However, Colvin did it nine months before Parks did, according to NPR. At the age of 15, Colvin took a stand against the racist laws plaguing the country. Parks is more widely known, because the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) viewed her as a better face for the movement. Colvin was just a teenager and had a darker skin tone than Parks, so her story wasn’t told as often. Colvin is an inspiring figure for Thurman and she celebrates her life during Black History Month. Nat Turner, an enslaved man, led a rebellion of slaves on Aug. 21, 1831. This set off a movement of 200 Black Americans opposed to enslavement and segregated education. The incident caused fear throughout the south, causing higher tensions between abolitionists and slave owners. “In a lot of history books, it talks about how all slaves were submissive and didn’t fight back, when in reality they did,” senior Kennedy Taylor said. “[Turner] is the perfect example of the fight that slaves fought.” Although February is ending, Muragizi encourages everyone to continue to educate themselves on Black history year-round. “As great as it is to have a month to highlight and celebrate together, Black history shouldn’t be neglected the other 11 months of the year,” Muragizi said. “It’s upsetting to sit in classes [where] the only time we touch on Black history is to talk about slavery, and even then, they sugarcoat it and don’t tell the full stories. Black history is a significant part of American history and I feel that it should be acknowledged more through education and through our communities.”
LOCAL BLACK HISTORY George Washington Carver
Prominent Black Kansans and notable civil rights events in Kansas history + by Ruth Demeke, Stella Grist & Ally Pruente
Gwendolyn Brooks
Considered one of the world’s most important scientists, Carver did extensive agricultural research and discovered over 300 uses for the peanut.
Born in Topeka KS, Gwendolyn Brooks was the first African American to win a Pulitzer Prize for Literature for the book “‘Annie Alle.”
+ photo courtesy of Tuskegee Institute
+ photo courtesy of John Mathew Smith/Celebrity Photos
Brown v. Board of Education In Topeka KS, 1954, the Supreme Court voted unanimously that segregation in schools was unconstitutional. The Brown v. Board of Education case stood out as a major turning point in the fight for civil rights and proved that the “separate but equal” education method was not actually equal.
Hattie McDaniel First African American woman to receive an Academy Award for her role in “Gone With the Wind.” + photo courtesy of United States Department of State
+ photo courtesy of Jasperdo/Flickr
Gordon Parks Famous photographer who depicted life for African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement in his work. + photo courtesy of United States Information Agency
Wilt Chamberlain Standing at 7 feet and 1 inch, Wilt Chamberlain was a professional basketball player that played for the University of Kansas before joining the NBA. He won two NBA championships and is also inducted Into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. + photo courtesy of Fred Palumbo/World Telegram
+ design by Elizabeth Kuffour
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feature | 13
Forks Down: Small Business Edition The Passage samples locally-owned ethnic food establishments to support small businesses amidst the COVID-19 pandemic + by Ruth Demeke
Forks Down is a recurring segment in which the Passage staff tries similar dishes at several local restaurants and rates them in a head-to-head showdown to determine the best place to find a specific meal. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many establishments have been struggling in response to the lockdowns, rapidly changing COVID-19 statistics and additional restrictions placed on food service. Many restaurants have found innovative solutions and
Chai Shai: 651 E 59th St Chai Shai is a Pakistani restaurant that serves a variety of foods. I ordered the samosa which is a fried pastry filled with beef, onions and cilantro and served with imli chutney. The samosas were a bit spicy when served with the side, but it was still very tasty and a nice meal to have during zero degree weather. They were crisp and having all the fillings stuffed into a small fried triangular shape makes it very easy to taste all the flavors in each bite. I also got to try the pakora, a mix of spinach, potato and onions in a chickpea flour batter. The pakora had a strong similar taste to fries but when adding the chutney it’s served with, it brings a whole new experience of flavor and was
amazing to try out. Chai Sai currently doesn’t allow indoor dining due to COVID-19 safety precautions, but that shouldn’t distract from the delicious and savory food served. Their menu is filled with authentic Pakistani and Indian food that makes you want to come back for more. It feels like a secret spot that you can go and enjoy on a nice summer day. Although we couldn’t enter the restaurant, the food was served quickly through curbside pickup and delivered warm and tasty. This is definitely an establishment that I want to visit again.
El Pulgarcito: 5921 Merriam Dr El Pulgarcito is a restaurant that serves authentic and fantastic Salvadorian food. I ordered the pupusas de revueltas, a dish of corn flour tortillas stuffed with pork, bean and cheese. Served quickly and at a low price, this meal was great. I added some hot sauce and salsa onto it which really brought out the flavor of the dish. The tortillas are cooked well and crisp and the ambience of this restaurant was cozy. I do wish I ordered more items from their menu, but the portion served of the pupusas was very filling and tasty.
This restaurant currently allows indoor dining but does make sure not to place people close together by having every other booth be roped off. It was nice to visit this restaurant on a cold day since it was so warm inside. There weren’t many people there, yet the voices of the workers filled the room and made it feel welcoming. The people working there were also welcoming and made sure to talk to us and ask if we’re enjoying our meal.
workarounds, such as outdoor dining, delivery and carryout options. For this edition of Forks Down, the Passage visited three ethnic restaurants in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area in an effort to support local businesses and expose the Northwest community to new cuisine options they may not be aware of. During these times, it’s vital to continue support of establishments around you and give back to the Kansas City community.
Sophomore Sophia McCraney orders Pakora Feb. 13 at Chai Sai. Pakora is a fried vegetable ball with potatoes and green onions. “It was definitely better without the sauce but the sauce was still good,” McCraney said. “They were definitely similar to hushpuppies.” + photo by Josie Torres
Senior Ruth Demeke orders a pupusas revueltas Feb. 9 at the local restaurant El Pulgarcito located in Merriam. The pupusas revueltas is a Salvadorian bread dish with pork, cheese, and chicken baked inside of it, often eaten with tomato sauce. “I thought it was really good!” Demeke said. “I loved the spice I added on top of it and thought the tortilla was cooked perfectly.” + photo by Kate Reese
Awaze: 3415 Main St The restaurant was dimly lit with the ceiling full of patterns, shapes and lines all spray painted onto it. There were white spray painted shapes like hearts and diamonds plastered onto the wall. I got a plate of Shiro Wot and Miser Kik Wot. A classic and staple Ethiopian dish, it’s a plate of split peas mixed in berbere sauce, a mix of Ethiopian spices, served with injera which is an Ethiopian flatbread. The food here was absolutely delicious. It’s a cuisine I’m very familiar with and it’s pleasing to see it recreated locally. The spices and injera were all very flavorful and enjoyable and tasted authentic. It surprised me to find out that the owner of this restaurant is actually Jamaican and not Ethiopian. Walking into Awaze, I first noticed the walls
were decorated with pictures of Bob Marley. His gleeful smile welcomed you even before you walked into the establishment as there’s even frames of him against the windows that you can see from the outside. Since they currently don’t allow indoor dining, the stools in the bar were all put in and it felt quite empty. Still, it’s obvious that if there wasn’t a global pandemic currently happening, the restaurant would be much more lively and an exciting place to visit seeing that Awaze used to have open mics and live music every week. This restaurant serves not only great Ethiopian cuisine but also has Caribbean food options on the menu as well. Although I didn’t get the chance to try those meals, it’s nice to see a large variety of food on the menu to choose from.
Senior Ruth Demeke orders a classical Ethiopian dish Feb. 13 at Eskco Bar. This dish is a shiro wot and misir kik wot served with injera. “I thought it was really good. It’s something that I always have when I’m home and it’s nice to see it recreated in KC,” Demeke said. “The spice was my favorite part.” + photo by Josie Torres
+ design by Livi Nagorka
14 | feature
Feb. 25, 2021
LIGHTING THE WAY Junior Matthew Kucharczyk wants to leave a lasting impact on the film and theater programs at Northwest + by Elizabeth Kuffour Junior Matthew Kucharczyk is always shining a light (both literally and figuratively) on the lives of others. Whether its looking through the viewfinder at his peers through his work as livestreaming director for KUGR or watching Northwest’s theater productions from the catwalk, he’s always putting others in frame. But if asked to stand on the other side of the lens or step into the spotlight, he would hope to be recognized as not only the guy who ushered in a new era for the theater and video programs, but a genuine person and loyal friend. Kucharczyk’s self-described second home is the auditorium, where he currently serves as the master electrician and lighting designer. “I plan out where the lighting instruments are on the stage, I [do] maintenance when there’s no shows and, overall, make the stage look presentable,” he said. Kucharczyk initially became involved with theater tech in middle school, and was mentored by 2020 graduate Zach Dulny upon arriving at Northwest. Kucharczyk cites Dulny as his biggest inspiration, and the person who got him through high school in what he called “a wild ride.” “He was not just a mentor, he was my best friend,” Kucharczyk said. “When I first met him, he was a crazy man, but he really got me through theater and school. Honestly, he trusted me way too much. But I trusted him, too.” Kucharczyk points to “Oklahoma” and “Clue: On Stage” as his favorite Northwest productions. “‘Oklahoma’ was one of the first big shows I was part of,” Kucharczyk said. “It was just me learning how to use the instruments, just bare bones basics. ‘Clue’ was just a step up with me being involved. I helped design the show with Zach, so I had input on what the show would look like.” Kucharczyk enjoys the fast pace and detailed preparation that comes with live performance. But with the onset of COVID-19 and the restrictions the pandemic has placed on in-person events, the theater program has shifted to producing entirely virtual productions.
“
“[Going virtual] has significantly changed my role,” Kucharczyk said. “I went from lighting designing in person to editing the shows. So far, I’ve made two shows and the third one just started filming. It’s a new thing that we’re trying, but honestly, compared to the other schools in the area, we are among the best.” Kucharczyk took the knowledge he learned from lighting design into room 153, where he quickly discovered a passion for
and activities for a monthly $10 subscription. The relationship with NFHS has altered the way KUGR operates regarding livestreaming. “Before, we would stream to the YouTube channel,” Kucharczyk said. “But since COVID hit, a contract magically appeared with NFHS and now it’s ten bucks a month. By contract, we can’t livestream to YouTube anywhere that has one of those AI cameras.” Despite the added restrictions, Kucharczyk still considers streaming one of his biggest talents. He streamed all but one home basketball game, and frequently assists with livestreaming at the district level. “Last weekend, I was livestreaming [a] swim event and there was a district administrator and a state administrator both watching the stream,” he said. “They both commended me personally, which was really cool.” Kucharczyk hopes that all his commitments — junior Matthew Kucharczyk in high school will push him toward his ultimate goal of working in videography professionally. videography. “I want to work in the TV industry, so everything that I’m doing “I first started off doing photography,” he said. “I found out my right now is helping me get there,” he said. “I don’t really care freshman year that I could do Video Production 1 and 2 and then which division or subteam, I just would like to be on set, working eventually got into KUGR sophomore year, where I got to make with cameras or lighting and being around people.” amazing projects.” Kucharczyk often leans on a forward-looking way of thinking as In his time in KUGR, he’s tackled large endeavors, from he works toward his personal and professional goals. whittling down 30 hours of footage into a three-minute project “I say ‘it is what it is’ a lot,” he said. “‘It is what it is’ can mean called “Real Life: The Game” to helping record footage of shows two different things: ‘cool, that sucks, but you’ve gotta move on,’ back in the theatre. But his current venture, and perhaps most notable accomplishment, is his role as director of KUGR TV, the or ‘yeah, that happened, and you should remember it.’” He plans on remembering as much as he can from his high livestreaming facet of the video production team. school experience. “I actually got into livestreaming just a few months ago,” Kucharczyk said. “The first livestream that I did was during the soccer season. I honestly just fell into streaming. I had no plans of doing it, but it’s fun. Mr. Dent calls me ‘stream god.’” In the fall, the school district entered into an agreement with the National Federation of State High School Associations Network (NFHS), in which NFHS would install artificial intelligence cameras in every high school in the district in return for an exclusive partnership with the network to stream sports + design by Erin Albers
I want to work in the television industry, so everything that I’m doing right now is helping me get there. I just would like to be on set, working with cameras or lighting and being around people.
”
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Putting in the Miles
feature | 15
An athlete is made when no one is watching
+ by Ally Pruente The definition of determination isn’t found between lines on a dictionary page. It’s found when someone like junior Pedro G. Gonzalez Marroqiun, proves to themselves that they can do anything they set their mind to. On April 20, 2018, Gonzalez knew he wanted to make a change for himself. He laced up his shoes and began. “At first, running interested me because I saw it as the easiest way to lose weight quickly,” Gonzalez said. “[When I first started] I couldn’t run for longer than a minute without stopping.” Gonzalez worked to gain endurance. His goal of losing weight stayed with him. For five tedious months, he worked on interval training, running for 20-30 minutes, walking for 2030 minutes and repeating for approximately an hour. This training created physical and mental stamina. He found that all this hard work wasn’t just about losing weight anymore. “When I first started running, no one really believed I was serious about it,” Gonzalez said. “Most people thought I would quit after a few weeks and there were times when I thought the same thing.” Then it was August, and the start of cross country season. Gonzalez had been running five
months now, and had a choice to make. The doubt others had in Gonzalez made him work harder. And, with that motivation, he joined the cross country team. He had thought of playing soccer over the summer, but running meant more to him now than it had in the beginning. “I decided to do cross country to prove people wrong and prove to myself that I could do it,” Gonzalez said. “I [see] cross country as the better sport to do to challenge myself mentally and physically.” Since he started in 2018, Gonzalez has become a happy and dedicated runner. During his sophomore and junior cross country seasons, Gonzalez raced on the varsity team. All high school teams run 5k races (3.2 miles). This was the product of his own hard work. Although making varsity was a huge accomplishment for Gonzalez, it wasn’t his most important moment. “My biggest accomplishment would be the first time I ran a 5k,” Gonzalez said. “I’ve ran so many 5ks a lot faster since then, but finishing that [first race] was when I proved everyone wrong and showed them I was serious about running.” The impact that running has made on Gonzalez is huge. His day-to-day routine revolves around running and the people he has met through the sport. Something that started as a comfortable way to stay healthy became his lifestyle. “There are days when I really don’t do much or plan to do anything until I get my run in for that day,” Gonzalez said. “I just focus on getting a run in [before anything else].” Whether it’s running with his team or on his own, a typical day on the cross country and track teams involves a lot of social interaction. Gonzalez’ hard work
doesn’t go unnoticed by others. He leaves a big impact on everyone around him. His teammates, along with many of his classmates, find him to be an outstanding source of positivity and a role model for true determination. “Pedro is always super focused and determined,” teammate Alexa Magstadt said. “You’ll see him doing laps around the parking lot to hit his daily mileage goal and he’s always smiling.” Gonzalez thanks his teammates for his success. He realizes how much they have done for him, but doesn’t know that his energy truly ties his team together. “When [Pedro] had to quarantine for two weeks, people showed up less,” teammate Lincoiln Bartelt said. “We were less enthusiastic and the balance of the group was toppled.” The bond that Gonzalez has formed with his teammates and the love he has found in running keep him going every day. “Before [I started running] I was very shy and I didn’t really have much motivation to dedicate myself to anything,” Gonzalez said. “Thanks to the team, I now have close friends and I’m willing to branch out and talk to others. Because of running, I’m more open to challenging myself whether it’s taking a really hard class or something related to running.” As his running journey continues, Gonzalez works hard to make new goals and beat them, just as he did in the beginning. He plans to run track this spring and avoid injury. He also hopes to go under five minutes in the mile and run in the varsity two-mile race. With big goals ahead, Gonzalez still remembers how he got to where he is today and keeps a positive outlook. “If a day or week hasn’t been the best, running can help clear my head,” Gonzalez said. “And even make my day a better one.”
“ I decided to do
cross country to prove people wrong and prove to myself that I could do it.
”
- Junior Pedro Gonzalez
+ photo by Sloan Munson Junoir Pedro Gonzalez sprints to the finish line Sept. 19 at lexington Lake Park. Gonzalez started running to lose weight but eventually started to enjoy it. “When I first started running no one levieved I could really do it, not even my dad and even now 3 years later one of my main motivations is still proving to everyon I can do it, “ Gozalez said. “I am capable of running no matter what and that I won’t quit easily.”
What are three words you would use to describe Pedro? “I would describe Pedro as loyal, empathetic and driven” -junior Lincoln Bartelt
“Hardworking, positive and persistent” -junior Alexa Magstadt
“Determined, kind and high-spirited” -junior Allison Strahl
+Design by Olivia Linville
16 | sports
Feb. 25, 2021
Northwest picked
WRONG
Kansas City was left shocked after a devastating Super Bowl loss
Students overwhelmingly predicted a Chiefs’ win
Student Superbowl Winner Predictions Buccaneers 2.7%
KC Chiefs 97.3%
+ by Rory Dungan On Feb. 7, the Kansas City Chiefs took a 9-31 loss against seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which left fans rattled and confused. Hopes were high for the Chiefs this season coming off of last year’s Super Bowl win. This season, quarterback Patrick Mahomes signed a contract extension with the team, acquiring $450 million over a 10-year span. The Chiefs also added running backs Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Le’Veon Bell to their all-star offensive lineup, which already consisted of Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins and others. However, despite defeating the Buffalo Bills 38-24 on Jan. 24 and making their way to Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium, the team could not defend their World Champion title. “Obviously, the outcome of the game wasn’t what we anticipated going in, or wanted,” Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid said in a press conference after the team’s loss. “We can’t have as many penalties as we had. It just hasn’t been us. We can’t be as inefficient on the offensive side.” Students from Northwest were polled before the game, regarding who they were supporting and which team they thought would win. The responses received overwhelmingly wanted to see a Chiefs’ victory; only 2 out of 75 polled students predicted a Tampa Bay victory over the Chiefs. “Having the best record in the NFL makes you the best team, but the Buccaneers proved themselves as a better team,” junior Andrew Braun said. “It was frustrating accepting that.”
Student Plans during the Super Bowl Other 15.1%
Stay home 50.9% Friends 34%
Chief’s head coach Andy Reid waves to the crowd at last year’s parade after the Super Bowl win over the 49ers. This year the Bucaneers dealt the Chiefs a devastating loss. +photo by Sebastian Emerson
Disappointment and frustration proved to be a theme among students; “I was in disbelief,” senior Kenet Del Cid Sanchez said. “My mind did not think that the results of the game would be what it was. I thought we really were going to take it back home.” Despite the shocking outcome of Super Bowl LV, Mahomes seemed optimistic to get back to work next season to improve the team’s areas of weakness. “As of today, I’m going to do whatever I can to look at the film and try to find ways to get better,” Mahomes said in a press conference on Feb. 8. “We’re going to have to do better things and be more efficient. That really goes with me and not always looking for the big play, but just finding ways to move the ball down the field.” Wide receiver Tyreek Hill also expressed his disappointment after the Super Bowl loss. “They just had a better gameplan,” Hill said in a press conference following the game. “It definitely hurts, because you want to win and you just want to get that other ring. But at the end of the day, I feel like we’re going to bounce back… and do our thing next year.” The Super Bowl loss was not the only event that made for a bad week for Andy and his team. Chiefs’ outside linebackers coach Britt Reid, who is also Reid’s son, was involved in a car wreck that left a five-year-old girl in the hospital with critical injuries. “My heart goes out to all of those that were involved in the accident, in particular the family with the little girl that was fighting for her life,” Reid said at a postgame press conference. “It’s a tough situation, I can’t comment on it any more than what I am here. The questions that you have I’m going to have to turn those down at the time. Just from a human standpoint, my heart bleeds for everybody involved in that.”
smnw.com
CURRENT EVENTS
feature | 17
This month’s biggest news events include former President Donald Trump’s acquittal in his second impeachment trial, an oil spill in San Francisco Bay and a record-setting winter storm sweeping America + by Elizabeth Kuffour
TRUMP’S SECOND ACQUITTAL
BAY AREA BLUNDER
On Jan. 6, thousands of former President Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol as members of Congress counted the electoral votes from the 2020 presidential election. They broke through multiple barriers and made their way past Capitol police in a historic event that delayed the election certification until nearly 4 a.m. the following day. Following the event, many placed the blame for the riot on Trump, who had given a speech to his supporters earlier that day that some claimed incited the attack. With just 15 days left of Trump’s presidency, elected officials moved swiftly. The House of Representatives, with a Democratic majority, adopted one article of impeachment against Trump for “incitement of insurrection” on Jan. 13, one week away from President Joe Biden’s inauguration. Impeachment is a two-step process, involving both chambers of Congress — the House has the sole power to impeach, while the Senate conducts a trial and votes on the President’s removal. After an official is removed, the Senate may also vote to incur additional penalties, such as the removal of the presidential pension or barring their ability to run for office again. The article of impeachment against Trump was delivered to the Senate Jan. 25, after Biden had already taken office. The next day, Republican Senator Rand Paul forced a vote to dismiss the charge on the grounds that it was unconstitutional to try a President who had left office. The motion was defeated 55-45, with all Democrats, five Republicans and
At around 3 p.m. on Feb. 9, Richmond, California, residents began to notice a strange smell wafting throughout the town. City officials soon discovered a pipeline leak near Richmond’s Chevron Corporation oil refinery. California’s Office of Emergency Services says that the pipeline was leaking about five gallons a minute into the San Francisco Bay. The leak was not stopped until about 4:40 p.m. Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia estimates that by that time, approximately 600 gallons of oil had already leaked into the bay. This spill is not the first time Chevron and Richmond have been involved in discussions about environmental preservation. According to The Guardian, the refinery is one of California’s largest polluters, spanning nearly 3,000 acres and producing 245,000 barrels of crude oil every day. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in the last five years, Chevron’s Richmond refinery has faced 147 formal enforcement actions, 207 informal enforcement actions and almost $2.5 million in penalties from enforcement actions and EPA cases, most of which are for violations of the Clean Air Act of 1970. Activists have said that Chevron’s presence in Richmond is disproportionately affecting disadvantaged communities — 80% of Richmond’s population is made up of people of color, and approximately one
The Senate acquits former President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial both independents voting to continue with the trial. This meant that for Democrats and Republicans who opposed Trump, the purpose of this impeachment trial was not to remove him from office, as he had already handed power over to Biden, but to take away the former President’s benefits and prevent him from running for office again in 2024. To do this, they would need to secure a two-thirds majority, or 67 members of the 100-member Senate. But with the Senate’s 50-50 party split following the 2020 election, this meant Senate Democrats would need to convince 17 Republican Senators to join their efforts. The trial began Feb. 9 with a four-hour debate on the trial’s constitutionality, after which Senators voted 56-44 to continue the proceedings. Then, the prosecution and defense were each given 16 hours to present their cases, followed by a four-hour question-and-answer session. Senators then had an opportunity to call witnesses through a four-hour debate session and vote, but the House impeachment managers did not pursue the calling of witnesses for the trial. The prosecution and defense were given four hours of closing arguments, followed by the final vote on Trump’s removal. At the conclusion of the trial Feb. 13, just seven of the seventeen Republicans needed to convict Trump voted guilty. This meant Trump was acquitted 57-43 in a trial that made history as the first time a President had faced two impeachment trials, as well as the first time the Senate tried a former President.
An estimated 600 gallons of oil spilled into the San Francisco Bay at the Chevron refinery in Richmond, California fifth of the city’s residents live below the poverty line. Studies conducted by the City of Richmond as well as Contra Costa Health Services show that the city experiences higher rates of cancer than is typical in other regions, and about 27% of the city’s children have asthma, which is almost double the county average. Despite these statistics, Chevron remains a key part of Richmond’s economy. Chevron employs roughly 3,500 Richmond residents, making it the city’s top employer. The city’s 2020-2021 budget cites Chevron as the source of over ten percent of the city’s general fund. In 2015, the City of Richmond permitted Chevron to take on a modernization project, and in return, the company vowed to provide $90 million over ten years to the community, and an additional $80 million to fund environmental programs to offset the company’s footprint. Even with the company’s strong presence in the community, some local lawmakers are looking for ways to cut ties with Chevron. Richmond city councilwoman Gayle McLoughlin is aiming to form a task force specifically focused on the oil company. The state of California has set a goal to go 100% carbon-free by 2045, and she hopes to see Richmond distance itself from Chevron to help achieve that goal.
SNOW MORE POWER
Residents in the South scramble to find solutions as they are hit with a brutal cold snap Temperatures plunged to single digits the week of Feb. 15 in a winter storm that broke records and altered daily life for many Americans. The storm began that Monday, sweeping across the nation from coast to coast. Over the next week, several states were hit with ice, snow and sleet in addition to below-freezing, sometimes sub-zero temperatures. As of Feb. 22, a total of 58 Americans have died as a result of the storm, with causes of death including hypothermia, car accidents and carbon monoxide poisoning. The storm resulted in a nationwide power crisis, causing outages in both urban and residential areas. Texas’s power infrastructure was hit especially hard by the unusual weather. Texas decided in 1999 to deregulate its electrical grid, shifting to a web of private energy retailers and generators in an effort to increase competition and lower prices for consumers. However, due to the loosening of regulations and the push for lower costs, electricity companies had little reason to invest in proper maintenance and weather-proofing. This meant that when unprecedented temperatures and precipitation hit the state, no one was prepared to respond to the event, and due to deregulation, there was no guidance from the state on how to approach the crisis. Many Texans were left without power for several days, and as of Feb. 22, roughly 69,000 Texans remain without electricity. Power failures have hit water treatment plants across the state, leaving many Texas residents without water or under orders to boil it before use. Some hospitals are also without water, which has proved
detrimental and sometimes fatal. One man died at a medical center in Abilene, Texas, because he was unable to receive dialysis treatment, which requires large amounts of filtered water. The winter storm has also impacted, and had been impacted by, the COVID-19 pandemic. The storm has delayed delivery of vaccines to areas affected by the harsh weather. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) projected vaccine shipment delays due to weather affecting a FedEx facility in Memphis and a United States Postal Service (USPS) facility in Louisville. Since that prediction, delays have been reported in at least ten states. A delivery of 400,000 first doses and 330,000 second doses to be distributed across Texas was delayed in anticipation of the storm, and continues to be slowed due to the severity of the weather in the state. As of Feb. 22, roughly 35,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine were sent to providers in North Texas, but the remainder of the shipment has yet to arrive. The power outages caused by the storm have made many providers unable to store any vaccines they already had on hand. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has reported that over 2,000 vaccine sites across the nation are in areas with power outages. The storm has also put off vaccination appointments from coast to coast. According to the New York Times, New York City has postponed over 35,000 appointments for first vaccine doses due to shipment delays and dose shortages. The Los Angeles Times reports that Los Angeles has delayed 12,500 appointments. + design by Erin Albers
18 | feature
THIS MONTH Feb. 25, 2021
Upcoming Events All scheduled events are at risk of cancellation due to COVID-19. Check your email regularly for updates on school-sponsored events. + by Rory Dungan
Mar. 2 parent-Teacher Conferences
Mar. 10
Parents of grades 9-12 students will have the opportunity to meet with teachers.
New members of Tri M will be inducted at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.
Tri M Induction
Mar. 18 Musical Opening
Mar.19 No School
Mar. 22 Board of Edu. MEETING
Mar. 22 Fully In-person classes begin
Students in the cast of the winter musical, Overture, as well as their parents, will come together to watch bloopers and hand out awards from their show. This event will be held at 7 p.m. Enjoy the day off! Professional learning workday. Che
The SMSD Board meeting will be held at the Center for Academic Achievement and open to the public.
Students are expected to return fully in-person. This is a target date based on the infection rate at that time and whether required mitigation measures can be provided.
JANUARY 29: BASKETBALL GAME
Freshman Brenner Mitts takes a freethrow during the freshman basketball game on Jan. 29 at SM South. SM Northwest went on to win both the freshman A and B games. Despite COVID-19 restrictions, he was able to make the most of the season. “I’m motivated by my will to win,” Mitts said. “This year I learned that to get something out of it, you have to put the work in” + photo by Sidra Sakati + design by Livi Nagorka
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JANUARY 30: WRESTLING MEET Senior Alvin Horner holds his opponent Jan. 30 at Olathe West. Horner placed 6th last year in Regionals and 2nd this year and is now heading to the state competition. “At this moment, I was thinking, ‘I’m up in points. Should I tech fall or pin him?’” Horner said. “I learned that trusting the process will take you far in life. Sometimes you have to wait patiently to get what’s yours and sometimes you have to attack and take it.” +photo by Kyra Highlander
JANUARY 30: GIRLS’ BASKETBALL From the floor, senior Kennedy Taylor looks to coach Tyler Stewart. Taylor committed to the University of Colorado for next year. “I’m looking forward to the competition we will get from every school,” Taylor said. “[During the commitment process] I kept thinking ‘what if’ a lot but I reassured myself that I will be okay and this is the right step for me.” + photo by Erin Dory
FEBRUARY 9: DANCE
JANUARY 28: SWIM MEET Senior Brian Harrell fist bumps East swimmer Carson Conner Jan. 28 at the SM Aquatic Center. Harrell finished the 100-yard butterfly race with a time of 54.55 sec. “Sportsmanship means to work hard and never give your opponents an easy race,” Harrell said. + photo by Josie Torres
As a part of their performance Feb. 9, senior Lilly Riddell, senior Rylie Gunter and junior Abby Ashlock dance with their teammates in the Main Gym. Junior Meg Freeman and sophomore Alexis Petry choreographed the dance. + photo by Claire Moore
“When Dr. Gruman put the crown on my head, I felt happy and that I accomplished something valuable in my life. I felt fortunate that Northwest gave me this marvelous opportunity to be on court and support me.” –Senior Hark Singh
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