Northwest Passage Volume 41 Issue 14

northwest

passage Volume 41

Issue 14

May 7, 2010

j-1 issue smooth garage sailing

Sifting through other people’s unwanted things means unique buys for the savvy shopper. 12

returning home Three foreign exchange

students reminisce about their year in America. 16

out on the water Senior Ryan Sanders goes

pro in wakeboarding. 20

Shawnee Mission Northwest 12701 West 67th St., Shawnee, Kan., 66216

_________________________________ 04 / news briefs

news

04

See what’s going on around the school and in the community.

06 / schmix page

Get informed with quick news, numbers, facts and more.

______________________________ 08 / meet my best friend: my mom

opinions

09 / the earth day celebration that wasn’t Northwest needs to find more ways to involve students in going green.

09 / block days aren’t so bad Although not always enjoyable, the block schedule provides many advanages.

scene

Michelle Stuessi

A staff member talks about her open relationship with her parents.

20

11 / scene static Apps of the Issue, Live Noise, Sudoku and the Student Shuffle.

12 / smooth garage sailing From trash to treasure, shopping at garage sales yeilds unusal finds.

14 / reviews Oceans, Nintendo DsiXL, Crazy Busy Beautiful and four CD reviews.

____________________________

16 / returning home

features

Soon the foreign exchange students will head back to their home countries.

sports

19 / slightly out of focus

16 Top: At the 2009 Old Shawnee Days. Photo courtesy of Caroline Boyer from the Shawnee Dispatch.

Bottom: Senior Iago Silva packs his suit case to head home to Brazila. Silva leaves on June 2.

Professional athletes make too much money.

20 / out on the water Senior Ryan Sanders is a professional wakeboarder.

23 / the boss Best sports picture and athlete questionnaire.

/ David Freyermuth backpage photo /Andy Wickoren

cover photo

The purpose of The Northwest Passage is to relay important and interesting information to the community, administration and students of the Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. As a newsmagazine, The Northwest Passage will cater to the interests and concerns of the student body. Outside concerns and activities will only be covered if they somehow affect the school or students. The Northwest Passage is a 24-page newsmagazine. The paper will be distributed every two weeks during third hour. Subscriptions will be available to the community for $25. The Northwest Passage firmly supports the First Amendment and opposes censorship. The content of the newspaper will be determined and created by the entire staff. When questions concerning word choice, legal problems or ethics arise the editorial board and adviser will discuss the problem to find a solution. In these cases, the co-editors-in-chief will the have final say in all decisions. Letters to the editor will be accepted and encouraged, but will only be published if signed. The staff reserves the right to edit for grammatical mistakes, length and good taste.

Letters may attack policy but not people. In no way will ideas or viewpoints be changed. The co-editors-in-chief reserves the right to refuse any letter.

J1 staff co-editors-in-chief / rachael demjanik, michael

griffin copy editor / hayley battenberg design editors / bailey kopp, stephanie spicer photo editors / david freyermuth, hanna meigs graphics editor / tyler absher opinions editors / maria davison, stephanie spicer scene editor / wyatt anderson ads editors /kelsey gasser web technical / andrew keith web managing editor / mary salazar web master / stephanie rupp staff writers / priscila avila, monica castellon, erica chaltas, logan coffman, damon colum, connor mitts, quinn truax, emily utech

northwest passage/smnw.com

Northwest loses three teachers to budget cuts Facing $10 million in budget cuts for the 2010-11 school year, the Shawnee Mission School District implemented a reduction in force (RIF) for the first time in the district’s 42-year history, which led to the elimination of three positions.

“We are saddened by this and having to do so,” Gene Johnson, USD 512 superintendent, told the Shawnee Dispatch. “We are also angered by the state because finances in our district and other districts have been so bleak the past two years.”

Biology teacher Shannon Collins and social studies teachers

Katie Melcher and Rob Hassig were among the 37 teachers whose contracts were not renewed for the 2010-11school year. The 37 non renewed contracts add up to roughly $1.8 million when average salary and benefits are considered, district officials said.

All of the cuts were based on seniority, meaning that the teachers who have been working for SMSD the longest had the best chance of staying. The teachers facing RIF were notified by principal Bill Harrington.

“It’s very sad and discouraging. They don’t deserve to have this happen to them,” Harrington said.

Teachers have suggested their own solutions to the budget crisis, like focusing funding on education rather than on sports.

“If they want to solve it, they can affect sports. Everyone gets upset about cutting sophomore basketball, but they are sacrificing quality to make ends meet,” Hassig said.

Hassig, Melcher and Collins are focusing on being positive and not giving up on Northwest or their students. Each hopes that students learn from this situation.

“It doesn’t reflect who you are as an individual. You shouldn’t let a situation destroy what you want

to do or distract you from reaching your ultimate goal,” Collins said.

But saying goodbye is tough, especially for Melcher, who is also a NW alumna.

“I’m going to miss everything.

This is my home. I grew up here.

This [would have been] my 13th bonfire. This isn’t another job for me. I’m going to miss my kids, faculty, activities and wearing orange every Friday,” Melcher said. “I will still be around, and I will still be part of the Orange Army.”

Melcher received word Monday that she is first on the list of teachers who could be re-hired Rachael Demjanik

43rd annual Old Shawnee Days festival celebrates the history of Shawnee Walking around the carnival that sprouts up near Shawnee's town hall every summer evokes a sense of how the small town of Shawnee used to be and how it evolved into the city we live in today. The festival will be held June 3-6 in Old Shawnee Town next to Blue Jacket Park. For Shawnee residents, this festival is the annual kick-off to summer and features carnival rides, treats, crafts and music.

“We are going to have great new things this year, like a cool dog show performed by Las Vegas trained animals, baking contests and farm animals,” Stacey Bienhoff, head of entertainment for Old Shawnee Days said.

Thursday will be all-you-can-ride wristband night. By purchasing the $20 wristband, admissions to ride all of the attractions are free, but these wristbands don't include booth tolls. For children 6 and under the cost is only $10. Admission for concerts is free. There is no seating, so lawn chairs and blankets are recommended, but don't bring your pets. Only guide dogs for the disabled are allowed on the premises.

“I'm mostly looking forward to the fried pickles. The onion blossoms are awesome,” junior Hailey Esch said, “I love to ride The Ring of Fire, and definitely the Ali Baba. It’s a classic.”

Monica Castellon

Photos courtesy of Caroline Boyer and the Shawnee Dispatch.

The photos were taken at the 2009 Old Shawnee Days festival.

22/may 7 04/april 2

schedule Thursday 6 p.m.-10p.m.

Old Shawnee Days Festival, Liverpool (Beatles coverband) Friday 6 p.m.- 10 p.m.

Old Shawnee Days Festival, Hells Bells (a tribute to AC/DC) Saturday 10 a.m.

Parade 11 a.m.- 10 p.m.

Old Shawnee Days Festival, Starship starring Mickey Thomas Sunday 11:30-6 p.m.

Old Shawnee Days Festival

Prom was held April 24, at the Shawnee Civic Center.

The theme this year was “Electric Avenue.”

During the dance Misha Modiri and Abdul Ankrah were crowned prom king and queen, followed by first runnersup Matt Broll and Rachael Zdeb, and second runners-up Christian Buller and Sandy Tickles.

“I was surprised,” Modiri said. “The announcer, Alex Geis, was right in front of me and, when he stepped aside after he said my name, my mouth dropped.”

The other winner, Abdul Ankrah was also as surprised.

“I was so surprised and shocked,” Ankrah said, “ I want to say thanks to everyone who voted for me. I really appreciated it.”

Following prom, After-Prom was held at Northwest. The mall was decorated to look like a circus tent.

“After Prom was so much fun. I won a dollar in the money pit, some tickets at the ring toss on the sod bottles, and played all of the casino games,” says junior Ashley Dollard, “I had an outside date and he said that he had a lot of fun and he had never been to anything like it.” Monica Castellon

MIKALA COMPTON

Walking down “Electric Avenue” to “Circus”

Seniors Abdul Ankrah and Misha Modiri are crowned NW’s 2010 prom king and queen at the dance April 24.

Three SM schools change to NW bell schedule Three Shawnee Mission high schools will see a change in the bell schedule for the 2010-11 school year. “[The schedules were changed] in order to maximize instructional time with students, facilitate students taking classes at other buildings in the district and facilitate sharing teachers between buildings; it was determined that the district must have a common bell schedule,” associate superintendent Gillian Chapman said.

Modified block, Northwest’s current schedule, will be implemented next year at North, East, West and will continue at Northwest.

South may not have to participate in the new district bell schedule due to an

agreement between the National Education Association-Shawnee Mission (NEA-SM) and the Shawnee Mission Board of Education. The agreement allows teachers to vote on what schedule to use. If South teachers do not vote to move to modified block, the district cannot force them to.

The seven period day is most efficient and full block is least efficient, according to Chapman High school principals met and discussed bell schedule options, and came to the conclusion that a modified block schedule would best meet the objectives of the district, according to Chapman.

Connor Mitts

Drill teamers prepare for Spring Special With the school year coming to an end, varsity and JV drill team members are preparing for their biggest show of the year.

The theme for this year’s Spring Special will be “Hit the Lights” and will feature a total of 23 dances from the varsity and JV drill teams as well as varsity cheerleaders, drum line, eight senior boys and a few of the girls’ parents. From hiphop and jazz to modern dance, “Hit the Lights” will showcase a variety of styles.

“There is something for everyone.

There is almost every type of dance and music, and it’s really sentimental for seniors,” drill team sponsor Christin LaMourie said.

The show costs about $1,000 to produce. The money comes from ticket sales and fundraisers. The girls have been working on the Spring Special since early February to show their school, family and friends what drill team is really about.

“We are doing this to showcase the drill team. Basketball has their games and football has their games that everyone always goes to,” junior Olivia Rezac said. “It’s our time to shine and show off what we can really do.”

Spring Special will be held today and tomorrow in the auditorium at 7 p.m.

Tickets will be $7 for adults and $5 for students. Rachael Demjanik

StuCo hosts carnival for Head Start students Head Start students were invited to the NW parking lot May 1 to attend the first ever Spring Carnival.

It was held from 4 to 6 p.m. for elementary school students from the Shawnee Mission district from underprivileged homes.

“The carnival is a fun event for the Head Start students,” Student Council sponsor Sarah Dent said. “Since the students already have two events in the fall and winter, we made the carnival in the spring.” The two other events for Head Start students are the Head Start Halloween carnival and Adopt-a-Tot. While StuCo hosted the event, other clubs, including French club, The Girl Effect, Arts and Crafts club, Mural club and Key Club, participated by contributing games, prizes and activities for the Head Start students. Spirit Club, Club 121, Future Teachers of America and girls’ soccer also participated.

“There [were] many carnival-type games, since AfterProm donated some games,” junior Anna Feyerherm said.

“Girls’ soccer did hair spray-painting, and StuCo did many of the games.”

Other games included a sack race, musical chairs and a ring toss. Each club runs games of their choosing. “[The carnival] went really well, although not many [Headstart students] showed up, since we only publicized by e-mail,” Feyerherm said.

The Spring Carnival was funded by the Rock-PaperScissors tournament and StuCo. The tournament brought in $200, and the rest was paid for by StuCo and participating clubs. StuCo coordinators junior Erica Austin and senior Anna Feyerherm ran the carnival.

“This [was] the carnival’s first year, and we’re really excited,” Dent said. “We really hope we can keep doing this for years to come.” Michael Griffin

news\05

the world’s

starting on May 27th and ending on Aug. 16th.

Sears

125,000,000 us dollars

what companies will pay on average to be a sponsor for the 2012 World Cup.

x x

turtles

found dead due to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

www.fifa.com/worldcup

This website is filled with articles on the most recent eating contests and information on upcoming eat contests. It’s packed with extreme records, such as 15 burritos eaten in 8 minutes, 47 grilled cheese sandwiches in 10 minutes and so on. It even gives tips on how to become a better competitive eater.

7pm Spring Choir Concert SR Reception

20

8pm Graduation in the SM North District Stadium

21

Cougar Track

fri

—Stephen

chairman of the petroleum engineering department at Louisiana State University. www.al.com

11

6-9pm Senior Band Banquet

thurs

Typically, a very good well in the Gulf can produce 30,000 barrels a day, but that’s under control.

I have no idea what an uncontrolled release could be

10

7:00pm Drill team spring special

tues

[ 81 days of summer ]

7 8

mon

yard sale

may fri-sat

longest

Highway 127 corridor sale did “the world’s longest yard sale”; it was 675 miles long from Hudson to Alabama. It starts the first Thursday of August and ends the following Sunday. For information about this go to www.127sale.com

finals schedule Monday, May 24 7:40a.m.-2:40p.m.

HOUR 1 EXAM HOUR 2 HOUR 3 HOUR 4 HOUR 5 Lunch 1 Lunch 2 Lunch 3

HOUR 6 HOUR 7

7:40-9:10 9:15-10:00 10:05-10:45 10:50-11:30 11:35-1:00 11:35-12:00 12:05-12:30 12:35-1:00

1:05-1:50 1:55-2:40

Tuesday, May 25-Thursday, May 27 7:40a.m.-11:30a.m.

Tuesday: 2nd hour final Wednesday: 4th hour final Thursday: 6th hour final PASSING PERIOD: Tuesday: 3rd hour final Wednesday: 4th hour final Thursday: 7th hour final

} }

7:40-9:10 9:10-9:20 9:20-10:50

optional lunch:

10:50-11:20

BUSES LEAVE:

3:30

(cafeteria only, teachers supervise)

the number of shark attacks happened along the coasts of the United States according to Museum of Natural History.

06/may 7

Until 3:20, teachers on duty assist students, make up exams and grade final exams. (Tuesday and Wednesday only)

Bring this coupon for a free small fry!

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One Coupon per person

Meet my best friend: my mom Unusual for most students, my mom and I talk openly about my problems.

I

love my parents. But more than that, I like

them too.

But I seem to be the only teenager who thinks that parents can double as friends.

I’ve had people tell me they hate me because I tell my mom almost everything that goes on in my life. My friends think it’s weird that I like to spend Friday nights at home on occasion, and, sometimes, I actually enjoy family activities. I have been openly teased because I like my parents enough to be friends with them. I would like to ask these fellow peers of mine why they think families have to be so separated from friends?

Sure, friends understand particular situations better than parents, but the majority of time parents can relate to what you’re going through. They were teenagers once, too. Had a fight with your best friend? They get it. Going through a rough patch in your love life? They know all about that. Worried about your future, what college you’ll go to, what classes you’ll be able to handle

08/may 7

or how to fix that low grade in math?

They can sympathize. And, most of the time, they are more than willing to give what advice they can.

My mother is in on practically every detail of my life, and I like it that way. She’s helped me through some tough times in my life, and now she feels that she can trust me because of the decisions she knows I’ve made. We can talk about problems I’m having with my druguser friends, my sexually-active buds and those teens who relentlessly make awful decisions.

She judges, as any parent would, but she keeps those thoughts to herself and treats these friends of mine like she knows nothing besides how wonderful their algebra grade is or how amazing they are at babysitting. That’s because she and I have such a strong enough relationship that she knows I wouldn’t surround myself with people who could get me into trouble. Sure, they could get themselves into a huge mess, but I can keep myself separated from their issues.

I will admit however, that, on

occasion, there is nothing I would like more than to trade families with one of my classmates. I would swap moms so I would get the exciting and flaky parent, and they’d get the overly-cautious and paranoid one. I would be able to stay out however late I wanted, sleep at whoever’s house I chose and do whatever pleased my adolescent brain, no consequences.

But then I remember all of the moments when my parents look at me and tell me how proud of me they are, the times when I realize that if my mom had let me go to that party or that concert, I would have ended up just like all the deadbeats that make me cringe. I think of the instances when my dad puts his arm around my shoulders and just smiles at me.

I wouldn’t have these memories if I wasn’t honest and respectful with my family.

It’s not always easy telling them 100 percent of the truth every day.

Sometimes I feel that parts of my life should remain for my eyes only.

I don’t think they need to know each grade I get on my assignments, some of which are pitiful. They don’t need

HAYLEY BATTENBERG to rehash all of my weekend activities and they don’t even need to know where and how much of my money I spend. I do have boundaries for what I will and won’t tell my parents, but those boundary lines are drawn pretty far back.

You can look at your family as a nuisance, or as a blessing. They may not let you stay out until 2 a.m., but that’s because they don’t trust the sorts of people who are out at that hour.

You might get grounded because you’re failing chemistry, which isn’t hard to do, but they ground you because they want you to live up to your potential. They are constantly looking out for your best interests, the way your best buds would. They just show it in a different way.

If you are lucky enough to have a family who loves you, you shouldn’t push them away or dismiss them as people you are stuck with until your 18th birthday. You should appreciate them right back, let them into your life and show them that you are grateful for their concern.

The earth day celebration that wasn’t Earth Day passed without much recognition at Northwest this year.

I IEarth Day. Maybe it was heard

April

22

was

just a rumor, for it went by almost completely unnoticed here.

Among a recent storm of Disney movies trying to compete with the phenomenal Discovery series Planet Earth and Life, one would think that interest in Earth Day would be growing. I remember in elementary school my fourth grade teacher gave everyone in class a baby pine tree and told us all to go plant it somewhere for Earth Day. I tried my backyard, where my dog promptly killed and ate half of it, but at least we took note of the day and its importance.

The morning announcements on April 22 never mentioned Earth Day. In fact, I heard more hype in my classes over Hitler’s birthday.

Dennis Moore, a Kansas Congressman, came to Northwest to

present prizes for the top three pieces of art in the fourth annual Earth Day Art Festival. First place went to senior Grant Brady, second place to senior Jordan Key, and third place to senior Emanuel Medina.

These three made some amazing sculptures and artwork from recycled materials, and were not recognized or even mentioned to the school as a whole. Even worse, Dennis Moore was in the building and the vast majority of us had no clue.

We as a school wasted a wonderful opportunity. This holiday deserves to be celebrated, instead of losing its place in the school and community.

The announcements that preached at us to plant more trees, recycle all of the paper we used and make sure to buy recycling bins if we didn’t already own one are gone. Now, every day, I see people

throwing away water bottles and plastic milk cartons when they could be placed in the red Coke can-shaped recycling bins. I’m not innocent of this either, but it might help if we had a few more in the cafeteria and not scattered throughout the hallways.

It’s amazing how many water bottles end up in the recycled paper bins when the bins for plastic are just outside in the hall.

But it’s not just about putting the wrong recyclable in a bin. In many cases, I’ve found that people prefer to play basketball with their paper and use the trash cans rather than aim a little to the left and shoot for the recycling bins.

Maybe teachers should recycle our old assignments instead of returning them to us, since most of us will throw our papers away.

Nobody wants to remember their

CONNOR MITTS literary analysis, much less keep it.

Maybe next year, we could finally do something for Earth Day again.

We should all be handed a plant in our science classes and take a field trip over to an empty, ugly patch in the forest part of the outdoor lab and plant it. It doesn’t have to be big.

We could grow our own vegetables and use those for a day or two in the cafeteria, or plant some flowers and use those for the plant sale. Everyone would feel more included.

We all know how much the administration pushes us to get involved. So maybe if we finally took their advice and came up with a whole school project, we could make our small chunk of Earth a better place.

Block days aren’t so bad

Although we personally don’t enjoy block days, through research we’ve come to understand the benefits of block scheduling. am sitting in math class,

But as we prepared to write this column and explain why we table, looking at the clock and feeling don’t like the longer class periods the moments tick slower and slower. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, we It feels like this class is never going interviewed students and teachers. to end.

While doing that, we discovered that I look around the room and people there are some really good things are falling asleep — their heads are about the partial block schedule on the desk. My teacher is going over Northwest adopted two years ago. the same lesson again... and again...

Block scheduling is beneficial and I feel so unfocused. because of the additional time My classmates are already allowed for receiving help. When complaining about going to their I learn something new and I don’t next classes. understand it right away, I have more “I like to get through the day time to ask the teacher questions and to understand it We didn’t think that block days were all as best I can. And that great at the beginning of the year, teachers see that but we have realized that we need that advantage, too. extra time not only to finish our home“I’m a science work, but to understand it better. teacher so, when we fast,” freshman Leondra Reed said. have block days, my students get to “I fall asleep in my third hour [on do the labs and understand it all the block days].“ way,” biology teacher Debra Brewer Block days are too long. I just said. can’t sit there for 90 minutes and “It’s more of a convenience for kids focus on the teacher’s words. who may have doctor appointments

I tapping my pencil on the

in the morning,” Spanish teacher Evelyn Thompson said, “because they may have only missed one class and have to check with that one teacher.”

When students miss class, they can use seminar to check with that teacher and get missing work, and even complete it.

Because classes are longer, rarely do I have to take work home on Wednesdays and Thursdays. It’s not that teachers are assigning less, it’s that we have time complete our homework in the hour and an half long classes on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Block scheduling was first introduced at Northwest in the early ‘70s, but as educational theory changed, block scheduling disappeared. Two years ago, it was revived as administrators and teachers tried to reduce the impact of the International Baccalaureate program on electives, according to associate principal Tom Moss.

Pricila Avila & Damon Colum “We have been using the block schedule for two years now,” Moss said. “One of the biggest reasons we have seminar is because the IB class, Theory of Knowledge, takes place during seminar.”

“It’s not a full day of school,” Thompson said. “[The day feels shorter] and goes by faster. It gives more time for teachers to teach their lessons, gives them more flexibility.

This also makes students make good choices and to be successful.”

We didn’t think that block days were all that great at the beginning of the year, but we have realized that we need that extra time not only to finish our homework, but to understand it better. Now we take advantage of every block day.

opinions\9

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STUDENT SHUFFLE difficulty: EASY

9 2 3 4 1 6 5 7 6 1 9 4 6 5 5 1 8 3 7 2 5 8 5 2

Matthew Styers Freshman

8 2 9

2 2 7 9 5 6 8 3 9 1 4 3 4 2 3 7 6 8 3 8 2 1 5 1 5 8 9 1 2 6 4 1 7 7 7 4 5 2 3 6 5 1 1 4 9 5 9 8 4 2 8 3 8 1

You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) Dead or Alive “The original song prior to when Flo Rida [ruined it].

1980s classic alternative is boss.”

The Bottom Line Big Audio Dynamite

“One of the first new wave songs to be introduced in the mid ‘80s by the four DJs in BAD explodes at the clubs in the UK as one of the best dance songs ever; a mustlisten-to song by any sane man’s standards.”

Centerfold J. Geils Banad

“Referring to his high school girlfriend appearing in a centerfold of a magazine, Peter Wolf creates a wide array of sounds that are literally music to my 15-year-old ears.

VJ Martha Quinn also appears in the music video.”

Apps of the ISSUE Bamboozle at Sandstone Amphitheater 12 p.m. June 9

Sugarland at Sprint Center 7:30 p.m. June 18

Plants vs.

Zombies

Justin Bieber at Sprint Center 7p.m. July 28

Rascal Flatts at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater 7 p.m. Aug. 27

Chaos Rings

Zenonia 2 11/may 7

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Amazing graphics and simple-butintuitive battle controls make this easily Squenix’s best effort on the iPhone so far. $15.99 The sequel to last year’s unlikely hit, Zenonia 2 improves on its predecessor’s Zelda-style hack ’n’ slash game play with improved customization options and tightened controls. The lack of real change is the game’s only real flaw, but if you’ve never played the first Zenonia, you owe it to yourself to try Zenonia 2. $4.99

Above: Items found at various garage sales on April 9.

Right: Junior Haylee Slocum shops around for some unique items at a garage sale on April 26. Slocum goes to garage sales on a regular basis. “I usually go with my grandma because she does craft stuff. She’ll tell me if something was expensive or not when it was new.” said Slocum. “It’s fun to know the back stories.”

Photos by David Freyermuth

12/may 7

smooth garage sailing

It’s more than a shopping opportunity, it’s an adventure.

From the first step onto a stranger’s driveway cluttered with decade-old cardigans and gaudy cubic zirconium earrings, the feeling is in the air — the hope of finding the perfect 25 cent piece, the expectation of a day well spent doing nothing but looking at others unwanted stuff. It’s the garage sale atmosphere.

A few people mill around, running their hands over yellowed books and well-loved teddy bears.

Toys the children of the household grew out of line the edges of the driveway, grass residue dampening their plastic surfaces. Gaudy costume jewelry from decades gone by is splayed out on the table by the cashier. This is a standard garage sale.

There are variations, but the vast majority are as predictable as the topic of Justin Bieber songs.

You can expect to come across certain items: sweaters in colors that call bodily fluids to mind, tricycles with dents in all the right places and the old standard of crusty stuffed animals. But the thrill of garage sales, the driving force that keeps people coming out weekend after weekend, is the anticipation of finding something completely out of the ordinary. It is the excitement that comes with not knowing what could be lurking underneath the box of rusty forks.

“I go there expecting to find something that I normally wouldn’t find in a store, and I get things that no one else has. That’s why I love garage sales; they’re really unique,” junior Haylee Slocum said.

Slocum buys all of her jewelry from garage sales, and there is much more these trash-to-treasure sales have to offer. It’s entirely possible to find a hollow water fountain, DC shoes being held together by frayed duct tape and any variety

of useless knick-knacks.

“There was this chair at this one garage sale that was $45, but you literally could not sit in it. One of the arms was hanging off of it, and if you sat in it, it would sink halfway down. And, of course, there were mysterious brown stains on it.

I couldn’t figure out why they were selling it; it wasn’t worth anything,” sophomore Isabel Zacharias said.

Sometimes the garage sale is a let-down, but half of the thrill is finding the proverbial broken chairs. For the seller, it’s a piece of junk that needs to be gotten rid of.

But for the buyer, it could be just what he or she wanted.

“I had a lady come through looking for things for her daughter’s wedding in July. I had some tablecloths that I had made especially for me for my wedding, but they were perfect for what her daughter’s wedding will be. She got a bargain, and I got rid of some junk. Everybody’s happy,” said Senta, Shawnee resident and garage sale host.

The tablecloths that Senta sold held special meaning for her, but because she wasn’t using them, she decided to turn a small profit. She has held two garage sales in the last six months — one when she and her teenage son moved out of their old house and another when all of their belongings wouldn’t fit into their new home. She decides what to sell the way most individuals do.

“Basically, I just go through and find things I’m not using that might have some value to someone. I’m loathe to just throwing things in the trash,” Senta said.

The longer you linger at a garage sale, the more information you can gather on a person’s life and the possible new purchases.

It’s always more fun chatting with the people you meet at garage sales

than wandering silently.

“You meet the weirdest people at garage sales, but it’s really fun bonding with them over their stuff,” Slocum said.

Maybe that typewriter in the corner belonged to them when they were a literature major in college? Perhaps the onesie in the bucket of baby things belonged to their first born who now runs a successful bakery? Being a Chatty Cathy, along with surrounding you with the nice feeling of bonding with a stranger, could also bring material gains.

“I met this one lady whose garage sale consisted almost entirely of sprinkled cupcakes. I just chatted with her for a while. I asked her where the rest of her stuff was (she only had like five other shirts out

“We definitely prefer [garage sales] to retail stores. [Our daughter is] going to grow out of them soon, so we’re not spending retail prices on her clothes,” Justin said.

While garage sales are amazing for cheap, practical buys, they are also wonderful for silly whims and inexpensive bric-a-brac. For $10, one could easily buy 15 Precious Moments figurines, four shirts and five bracelets and/or rings.

“I bought this really ugly pair of cow slippers that come halfway up my calves for $1. They’re so big, and I love them; I wear them all the time. I also got this Sesame Street eye chart that still hangs on my wall for like 25 cents. [I always buy] lots of little random useless stuff,” Zacharias said.

From bunk beds to broken

for sale) but she told me she was basically having a bake sale. She ended up giving me a ton of free cupcakes,” Zacharias said.

You can bring home all sorts of things from garage sales, mentally or physically, but every one of them are dirt cheap. No one is willing to pay retail prices for someone else’s unwanted goods.

“Jewelry can get expensive.

Everything is getting expensive because of the economy, but for a quarter, you can get a $10 necklace at a garage sale,” Slocum said.

Baby clothes are also a huge hit with the garage-saleing crowd.

Out of 11 garage sales on April 9, eight of them were packed with little bibs and pants that you could fit on an American Girl doll. Shoppers Justin and Cheri, along with their tiny 5-month-old, red-headed daughter, were out searching for cheap infant shirts and toys.

computer monitors, baby clothes to fake plant lamps, books older than the wheel to rusted bike handlebars, garage sales have a little bit of everything for everyone.

There’s something for the working mother who just needs a jacket for her rapidly growing son, the nostalgic old woman who wants a pendant to match her pearls or the quirky teen who is looking for the treasure among the trash.

Running out of cheap ways to have fun? Find a garage sale and come armed with zero expectations. You can’t predict what you’re going to find, but that’s what makes garage sales so entertaining.

“I love [going to] garage sales because it’s like thrift store shopping but slightly riskier,” said Zacharias.

Hayley Battenburg

features\13

northwest passage/smnw.com

Oceans

Disney Nature has come out with an outstanding documentary about the waters that cover three-fourths of the earth’s surface, taking audiences into a world of never-before-seen footage of life under the sea. Oceans uncovers how human pollution has endangered many of the ocean’s plants and animals, threatening their survival.

The movie has been in production for the past seven years, and was released to excited audiences everywhere on Earth Day 2010. It is the second Disney Nature movie released by Walt Disney Studios, the first being Earth. This movie is a must-see film for anyone who loves the interesting aspects of the deep blue sea, or any creature that resides in its depths. Rachael Demjanik

Nintendo DsiXL I walk in the double doors of Best Buy and pass everything from cash registers to Blu-ray DVDs on my way to the Nintendo Gameboy section. When I reach my destination, I feast my eyes on game upon game. Everything from racing games, adventure games, brain games, boy games and girl games fill the shelves.

Different colored and sized boxes of Nintendo Gameboys rest not far from the games. The white rectangular price tags hang below the boxes, ranging from $169 to $189. The face of Nintendo’s most popular item has changed over the past 21 years since the first version was released in 1989. What was once a somewhat bulky, colorless hunk has now evolved into a multicolored, slender, flip-screened device. Nintendo’s newest release is called the Nintendo DSi XL, XL meaning extra-large.

The DSi XL is sure to appeal to newer demographics. With a 93 percent larger screen accompanied by a larger stylus, it is likely to attract older gamers or those who just did not like a tiny screen.

The most frequent age range of DS users is still younger children. However, there are people of all age ranges playing these games because there are

so many different types of games. What was once a product aimed at the ten and eleven year olds will now encourage 30 to 40 year olds, and even the elderly, to enjoy the gaming experience.

The same kind of push in demand for the DSi has not been seen for the DSi XL. When the DSi came out, Nintendo Gameboy’s hottest item equipped with a camera and wireless internet connection, it was a much bigger deal than the DSi XL. The next system that Nintendo is talking about unveiling at this summer’s E3 Expo, a gaming convention, is the 3DSi, which is a system with 3D screen capabilities. With the demand for 3D on the rise, Nintendo’s next product can be expected to be a huge leap in the technology of a classic.

Logan Coffman

Crazy Busy Beautiful by Carmindy This is for all the ladies.

Geared entirely toward a female audience, complete with women-only pronouns, Crazy Busy Beautiful is the Holy Grail of beauty how-to books.

Written in 2010 by Carmindy Bowyer, widely known as the makeup artist on TLC’s What Not to Wear, Crazy Busy provides women of all ages with cheap, inventive ways to enhance their natural beauty. Ranging from quirky skin care techniques to getting the perfect brow, there is something for every girl and her appearance issues. All the guys out there could get some use out of the bare minimum skin care chapters, as long as being referred to as "girlfriend" doesn’t bruise any male egos.

Preaching "enhance, not mask," Bowyer bases the majority of her tips on maintaining the skin underneath the foundation. Use SPF every single day; exfoliate for longer, don’t scrub harder; pick a moisturizer that’s right for your skin type; never, ever go to bed without washing your face first; and so on and so forth. If more people got back to basics using the steps Bowyer sets out, the cosmetic industry would be making far less than their current $10 billion plus per year.

The money spent on Crazy Busy is more than compensated for by the money saved on beauty products after reading Bowyer’s suggestions for home remedies and quick fixes for everyday troubles. Entirely unheard of, and surprisingly amaz-

14/may 7

ing methods for clearing blackheads, covering under-eye circles and reducing redness are just a few of the wacky rituals shared. Bowyer opens up her manual to her readers, and, every few pages, someone’s crazy grandmother or pesky younger sister contributes her own advice. Who knew chilled Visine could take the red out of a pimple?

Sometimes girls can get a little carried away and end up with raccoon eyes or the dreaded bronzer streaks, but with Crazy Busy, those problems are a thing of the past. All of the common mishaps and makeup mistakes are done away with in approximately 200 pages.

While skin care is covered thoroughly, makeup takes up approximately 90 more pages and goes into further detail. Looking at pictures of Bowyer, one can clearly tell she knows how to apply the perfect liner and lipstick, and with the help of Chapters 6 and 9, the rest of the world can learn her secrets Need the perfect cat eye? Page 137 is for you.

Looking for your summer shades? Try pages 121 through 123. From redheads to grey-haired beauties, pale skinned to deep tans, big eyes to big lips, Bowyer covers it all with budget-friendly guidelines.

Every girl and her mother could appreciate a book like Crazy Busy Beautiful.

Hayley Battenburg

Raymond v. Raymond

BY USHER

Usher’s new album Raymond v. Raymond was so good, it may even be one of his best albums so far. A couple of his songs were better than others, and the best song on the CD was “There Goes my Baby;” the beat to the song and the melody just flowed as one. Usher’s new album is worthwhile and an album that you should definitely go check out. Damon Colum

Manners

BY PASSION PIT

Passion Pit’s album is a fantastic CD, full of unexpected high vocals topped with a catchy rhythm. One track on the new album, “Making Light,” is filled with upbeat keyboard rhythms that make you want to jump on your bed and dance. “Making Light” has a techno-pop mix underscore with electric beats.

Another track on the album is “The Reeling,” a fast track that is a good party song with its quick, awesome tempo.

Monica Castellon

Freight Train

BY ALAN JACKSON Alan Jackson’s new CD, Freight Train, is a great CD for anyone who loves country music. Compared to Jackson’s 2008 album, Good Time, this album is more mellow. The songs on Freight Train define country unlike on Good Time, where they were more fun and upbeat. None of the songs are much different than his usual songs, but the lyrics stand out because of the stories they tell. A must-download song is “It’s Just That Way,” whose beat and music stand out more than the lyrics. Quinn Truax

Congratulations by MGMT MGMT’s new album, Congratulations, is definitely a trip off of the beaten path.

Most of the nine songs are a blend of acoustic guitar chords and sounds that can hardly be described in terms of an instrument.

MGMT was brought to fame by their previous album, Oracular Spectacular.

Their single, “Kids,” a more mainstream alternative song with synthesizer mixed in, was not like the rest of their album. The band’s true colors were not well represented by this song.

Congratulations is lyrically unique, creating poetry that can be interpreted in any way; which makes listening

to the songs over and over entertaining instead of monotonous.

The instrumental genius of “Lady Dada’s Nightmare” runs through the plot line of a good dream turned sour.

With screaming and wailing sounds to accompany a heroic sound, it makes you feel as if you are walking through a forest at night.

Many of the songs share a similar sound, such as “It’s Working,” and “I Found a Whistle.” Both utilize a soft falsetto. Some individuals might not like the far out songs at first. After a few listens though, they too will be humming along with the catchy beats. Connor Mitts

Big Country Lawn and Landscape Call for Estimate

Bryan 913-499-9417 scene\15

northwest passage/smnw.com

returning home

After spending a year in the United States, the foreign exchange students are sad to leave the lives and friends they have made.

As senior Diego Babuder walked in from the plane to find his host parents and their three children, he didn’t know what to expect. Many thoughts ran through his mind; he was scared and nervous, but nothing could compare to how excited he was to starting this new journey. Now however, he is preparing to return to where his journey began: Italy.

“I will always remember my host family and the memories I have had.

This past Christmas, when the whole family was gathered together in Wisconsin, it felt great to be a part of the new family I’m living with,” Babuder said.

Throughout his time here, Babuder has gotten to know some of the other

“In about a month, I will go back to my home country and leave half of a heart with my friends and host family here. It will be very hard to leave everyone I have grown so close with.” ­­—senior Diego Babuder foreign exchange students.

“I didn’t know anyone on the first day, so it was lonely, but everyone was very nice and welcoming,” Babuder said. “Right off, I made a close connection with the other exchange students as well; we’re all best friends. But thinking about leaving them will be a very hard challenge for me.”

Babuder came to America to learn to be a pilot; it has been his dream since he was a little boy. He flew solo for the first time ever this year. Even though it was scary for him at first, he quickly got used to it and isn’t frightened anymore.

16/may 7

“I always loved to travel, and I have always been into flying; I have just learned to love it,” Babuder said.

Babuder plans to return to the United States in one year to finish flight school in California. Before leaving for his home country, Babuder wanted to sky dive with an instructor. For his 18th birthday he was able to reach his goal.

Despite the initial culture shock, Babuder has come to hold dear the friends he’s made.

“In about a month, I will go back to my home country and leave half of a heart with my friends and host family here. It will be very hard to leave everyone I have grown so close with,” Babuder said.

When he returns to Italy, Babuder will be leaving behind friend and fellow exchange student, senior Iago Silva.

Silva became acquainted with his host family over e-mail, but was still nervous when getting off the plane from Brazil.

“When I got to the airport, my host mother was wearing a Brazilian jersey and holding a sign with my name on it.

It was a pretty funny and cool way of greeting me,” Silva said.

Silva was grateful for all of the student events he was able to participate in, and was particularly excited about going to prom.

“I wanted to go to prom because American prom is known in other countries, and it is the only chance I would get to go to one. But then the limo broke down so we had to get rides from our parents; it was still worth going though,” Silva said.

Even though it will be hard for Silva to say goodbye, he thinks it is time to leave and start his life back in Brazil.

While Silva and Babuder only have

one host family, senior Bastian Hahn has two. The exchange student organization wanted Hahn to learn from two point of views by living with two different families.

“I thought it was a good idea to have two host parents because it was a better experience,” Hahn said.

In his time here, Hahn has learned to adapt, although there were a lot of new things to learn. He found the American mentality more rigorous than the one in Spain.

“If there is one thing that I have learned while being here,” Hahn said, “it is [that] I am going to look back on things differently, because I never really wanted to work back in Spain. Being in America has pushed me to go to school when I go back.”

Hahn has had many memorable moments, such as eating American food, going to New York and attending Big River, the spring musical. But nothing can compare to his memory of arriving in America.

“Every moment is very memorable to me, but when I arrived, my family were all waiting at the airport and I hugged them for the first time. It was one of those feelings like I have known them for forever,” Hahn said.

Back at home, Hahn wasn’t very close to his family. Hahn’s dad died when he was three, so having a host father has provided a sense of support he has never felt before.

“It is always going to feel weird leaving your friends and family,” Hahn said. “I think we are all sad in one way, too, but we know that we are family now. Even though we are so far apart, we don’t have to stop being family because I leave.” Emily Utech

MICHELLE STUESSI

Senior Iago Silva begins to pack for his return to Brazil.

Silva will leave on June 2, after enjoying his time in the United States. “People were very nice, respectful, and understanding to me- it helped me adapt to the life style here. Besides, they all wanted to know about Brazil so it was pretty easy to make new friends,� Silva said.

features\17

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Days A Week

1947-2006 1948-2008 1994-2008 City Counter Pickup 15450 W.108th Street Lenexa, KS 66219

upcoming games Girls’ Soccer: Sat. May 8, at Blue Valley North 12 p.m.

Mon. May 10, vs. SM South at SMAC, 7 p.m.

Tues. May 11, vs. Olathe North at SMAC, 7 p.m.

Girls’ Swimming and Diving: Fri.-Sat. May 7-8, Sunflower League Championships, at California Junior High School, 5 p.m.

Fri.-Sat. May 21-22, State Swimming and Diving Championships, at Hummer Sports Complex in Topeka, 8 a.m.

Baseball: Wed. May 5, at Leavenworth High School Sportsman’s Field, 4:15 p.m.

Wed. May 5, Leavenworth High School at Sportsman’s Field, 6:15 p.m.

Sat. May 8, Olathe South High School vs. SM Northwest, 3 p.m.,5 p.m.

Mon May 10, SM North vs.

SM Northwest, 4:15 p.m., 6:00 p.m.

Track and Field: Fri. May 7, SM North Relays, 3 p.m.

Fri. May 14, Sunflower League Meet, Lawrence Free State, 3 p.m.

Fri. May 21, Regionals Fri.-Sat. May 28-29, State Championships, Wichita State University, 8 a.m.

Boys’ Tennis: Fri.-Sat. May 14-15 State Tennis Championship Boys’ Golf: Mon. May 10, at Trails West in Leavenworth, 3 p.m.

Wed. May 12, at Alvamar Golf Course in Lawrence, 1 p.m.

Mon. May 17, at Meadowbrook Golf Club, 9 a.m.

Mon. May 24,at Alvamar Country Club 8 a.m.

Out of Focus

Some athletes make more money than any politician or scientist, so maybe it’s time than we took a step back and put things in perspective.

Ten hours. That is approximately how long it takes Alex Rodriguez to make more money than the average American male makes annually. That means that while we were at school today, A-Rod probably made as much money as your parents will make in the next 6 months.

That’s ridiculous.

Rodriguez was awarded a 10 year, $275 million contract by the New York Yankees in 2008. His is one of four Yankee players’ contracts that inhabit the top five on the list of largest athlete salaries.

For 2010 the Yankees’ payroll is estimated to be at about $206 million, or almost triple the Royals’ payroll of $70.5 million. Isn’t that strange?

If you asked any business major or Wall Street workhorse what they would define sports as, they would probably give you an answer with two key words- revenue and entertainment. The sports “industry” brings in billions upon billions of dollars annually, thanks to television broadcasts, sponsorships, ticket sales and your kind donations. And that is exactly what the “love of the game” has become; an industry, complete with its own frauds and Enronesque scandals.

I watched a documentary on the life of Ricky Williams recently. It showed his dominance at the University of Texas, which led to a Heisman Trophy. It showed his mediocrity with the New Orleans Saints, his extravagance with the Miami Dolphins- then it showed him throw it all away when he retired after only five years in the NFL.

2

Perfect games Senior Adam Giacalone has thrown this season.

The media tried to portray him trips to Florida, and they wear the in a negative light, saying that he same wrinkled George Brett tie to quit just so that he could go smoke work on every game day.

Instead of a logo on your cepot and be lazy. But in reality he was just trying to find himself and real box, or a utopian cartoon of his love of the game, both of which every stereotypical middle-class had been lost in the corporate child and his family, you get an ostentatiously large Mark McGwire sponsorships and shoe deals.

And now Ricky is back play- cutout, striking the ever-famous “I just hit a home run, ing in the NFL, and what up?” pose, bat to doing pretty well, too.

Maybe if more profes- the sky and roided out sional athletes took a legs askew (1990’s may rest in peace). hiatus similar to his, youI’m trying to say everyone would hustle back to play defense that we have taken it after a basket, and no too far. It’s okay to be a fan of something, one would ever “take

a play off ”. They might c l ay Coff m a n but when fan becomes closer to fanatic, that’s not take their Bentleys for granted and maybe they would where we need to step back and play like they were on the elemen- get ourselves together. Parents tary school playground again, like need to stop timing their kids’ 40’s and making them go to two difthey actually wanted to play.

It’s not the athletes’ fault that ferent practices five nights a week. we mere mortal fans have made Instead, they should start making them into god-like figures. We them read, write and learn how to are just as much to blame. Every- properly speak and communicate. where you look there is an athlete. It gets old listening to athletes say They have become an essential things like, ”I think we played real part of our economy and our life- good and we just got to work hardstyle. There are people who wake er, then if we do that we could be up every day to sports radio talk the most best team in the league” shows, then they call into said ra- (if you don’t find that funny, maydio show on their way to work to be you need to stay awake during voice their opinion on said topic. English class as well).

Then at work, while they listen It’s time that we realized that to more sports radio quietly, they sports are fun, and they are good secretly check their trusty iPhone for kids to build competitiveMLB Almost Too Much Access ness and skills they will use later apps, as they solemnly attempt to in life. But when sports become get something done. These are the more about a material goal than people who come to work with self-enjoyment, they aren’t sports the swine flu so that they can save anymore. They’re just jobs. their sick days for spring training

0

Number pitchers in the history of professional baseball who have pitched two perfect games in a season.

by the numbers

2.27

The ERA of Royals pitcher Zack Greinke, which is near the tops in the MLB. Though Greinke still has not yet to win a ball game.

102

Playoff games Phoenix Suns’ point guard Steve Nash has played in. Despite that he has never won or even been to an NBA Finals.

sports\19

Senior Ryan Sanders enjoys domninating the competition in big time wakeboard tournaments, but what he loves most about the sport is just being

out on the water

If someone types the words "Ryan Sanders, wake boarding," into Google, a few random Myspace and Facebook pages are not exactly what will pop up on screen. It’s more along the lines of multiple videos and competition results from big time wakeboard tournaments.

Being the best wake boarder in his age division is nothing new for senior Ryan Sanders; he has been wakeboarding since he was 11 years old. Sanders competes in cable wakeboarding rather than the traditional style. The difference between traditional wakeboarding and cable wakeboarding is that the rider is pulled by a cable wench system as opposed to the boat.

Sanders has gone from recreational freelance riding on Lake Quivira, the man-made lake in his home town, to competing as a professional in national wakeboarding competitions.

20/may 7

"This spring I officially decided to become a professional wakeboarder," Sanders said.

The decision to go from the amateur to professional status as a wakeboarder was a very important one because it means that Sanders is now allowed to be sponsored, compete against riders of all ages and receive prize money.

"I'm doing an exhibition demo down in Texas called Mayfest and then I'm qualifying for the WWA [World Wakeboarding Association] triple crown," Sanders said.

The WWA is the highest level of competition offered for wakeboard riders and by qualifying Sanders will compete against professionals from all over the world.

Next fall Sanders will attend Texas State University where he plans to wakeboard as much as he can.

“They have a pro circuit that they do down in Texas that I’m going to try and ride on,” Sanders said.

Sanders spends most of his time at the nearest cable wakeboard park for 300 miles, located in Hillsdale Kansas: KC Watersports. Started and owned by fellow Lake Quivira resident Mike Olson, KC Watersports is the only option for wakeboarders in the Kansas City, Missouri area looking to compete.

KC Watersports hosts multiple events during the summer season that draw all different age and skill level riders.

"The biggest competition I have ever won is the Scion Open here at KC [Watersports]," Sanders said. "Once April starts up I go every weekend and in the summer I try to go four days a week."

“He pretty much just dominates the competition, and it’s easy to see that he has loads of natural talent,” junior fellow

wakeboarder Adam Zoellner said.

Zoellner has been wakeboarding since he was 8, almost 3 years before Sanders. He says it’s easy to see that Sanders is a natural because he is very good for only riding for the past seven years.

The world of competitive wakeboarding has been on the rise since the early 2000's, and its popularity continues to grow.

Sanders plans to compete in premiere tournaments all through the summer and hopefully make a name for himself amongst the greats of the extreme sport.

"I just love the feeling I get when I land a new trick, just being out on the water," Sanders said. Logan Coffman

Senior Ryan Sanders performs wakeboarding tricks at the nearest cable wakeboard park in Lake Quivira. Photos courtesy of Ryan Sanders

sports\21

northwest passage/smnw.com

brittany bonsignore

baseball history in the making Adam Giacalone became the first NW athlete to throw a perfect game. On May 3 he outthrew even major league players by pitching his second perfect game.

Senior Adam Giacalone walks onto the pitching mound, touching the tip of his cap. He is focused on the catcher’s fingers, waiting to see what pitch he will call next. He winds up for the pitch. The crowd is on the edge of their seats. He throws the ball. A split second later, it is in the catchers glove.

Giacalone made NW history by pitching the first perfect baseball game on April 20 against Olathe East. In a perfect game, no opposing player reaches first base. Throwing just 77 pitches (61 of them being strikes), Giacalone struck 14 of the 21 batters out during the game. The defense worried about the rest.

At the end of the game, the crowd went wild. They were amazed by what had just happened.

22/may 7

“At the end of the game I stayed calm as everyone around me was going crazy, but during the game I didn’t really think about anything that was going on,” Giacalone said.

Giacalone pitched yet another perfect game on May 3 against Leavenworth.

By pitching two perfect games, he has done something that not only no one in the district has ever done, but no one in major league baseball has ever thrown more than one perfect game.

Giacalone started pitching when he was nine years old and had been taking pitching lessons until his first year of high school.

To prepare before every game, Giacalone and his teammates stretch, play catch, loosen up in the bull pen (the warm up area for

pitchers) and run around the field.

“After we warm up, Greenhaw and I run to the center field fence and pray,” Giacalone said.

Giacalone’s favorite pitch is his fastball, which he can throw up to 89 mph.

In the future, Giacalone wants to play baseball. But if he is unable to continue his career in sports, he wants to go into business.

Teammate junior Derec Olson, had many good things to say about Giacalone.

“Adam is not only a good player, he is a great person. He takes a lot of pressure from the defense and the pitching staff,” Olson said.

“He is really humble and down to earth.” Emily Utech

Adam Giacalone’s

Records ___________ Wins:5 Losses:1

ERA

(Earn Run Average) 1.68

K/BB

Struck out: 56 Walked: 2

BOSS

best of sports shot

This issue’s BOSS photo was chosen for its great timing as senior Jack Thompson pitches the ball at the game on April 29. Photo by Brittany Bonsignore

Garret Allen Freshman Golf

Mack Preston Sophomore Baseball

Joy Byrd Junior Track

Carly Iverson Senior Girls Swim

The one thing i want to do before the end of the school year is...

My favorite childhood toy was…

Worst thing about high school is…

If I could be any animal, I would be…

Get a top five finish in one of the golf tournaments

Anything in the shape of a ball

Homework

A lion because I am “king” and because I’m not a tiger

Go boomtown

Scrap metal

We aren’t in college

A penguin

Grant Pittrich

Go to state

Bratz

Every year I have senior friends and they graduate, leaving me behind.

A white tiger with blue eyes

Someone smacking their gum

Understand what is going on in macro economics

My scooter

No recess

A bird

When people chomp on their food or gum

My worst pet peeve is…

People who pop their knuckles

sports\23

IN focus

“It was the last song of the night and we’re bound for different colleges, so emotions were pouring on the dance floor,” —Senior Camercn Weekly