The Pirate Clipper Winter 2016 issue

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The PIRATE CLIPPER Magazine Winter Issue. Platte County High School

Not the Average Athlete

Students participate in sports outside of MSHAA-sanctioned activities

Explore KC

Downtown businesses offer oneof-a-kind experiences for everyone

The View on Valentine’s Day A guy and girl share their thoughts on the day meant for love

Feature

Break a Leg

Table of Contents 4

One Man, Two Guvnors takes a contemporary approach to theatre

Couple’s Quiz

Students participate in sports outside of MSHAA-sanctioned activities

Social Awareness

Today’s world needs greater cultural understanding

5

Three couples were quizzed about their significant other

InDepth

Opinion

6

A&E

Explore KC

Downtown businesses offer one-of-a-kind experiences for everyone

8

With March Madness in the not-so-distant future the top teams in the country make their postseason push

Dab on Denver

Panthers look to continue an unforgettable season

Winter Sports Round-up

Looking for Direction

Undefined phase does not convey intended message

14

The View on Valentines Day A guy and girl share their thoughts on the day meant for love

15

The Pirate Clipper Staff

Sports

March to March

Brooke Zenner

Jake Nicholson

Aaron Samuels

Ian Byrd

Editor-in-Chief

10

Feature Editor

Skylar Koontz A&E Editor

Alysse Maxwell

Assistant A&E Editor

11

Athletes from winter sports share their stories from this season

13

Zachary Regan Sports Editor

12

Staff Writer

Staff Writer

Mara Tharp Staff Writer

Emma Hessefort Staff Writer

Steven Garvey Staff Writer

Zoe Mayne

Liberty Smith

Kianna Castro

Mckennah Houlahan

Opinion Editor Staff Writer

Staff Writer

Staff Writer

Who we are:

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The Pirate Clipper is a student-run newspaper dedicated to informing students on current local, national and worldwide issues without bias. Opinions and editorials do not reflect the views or opinions of the Platte County staff, school, administration or adviser. For questions or concerns, contact adviser Kari Johnson at johnsonk@platteco.k12.mo.us.

Letters to the Editor:

The Pirate Clipper will strive to meet professional journalism standards. We report news accurately, objectively and fully in-depth. We will acknowledge mistakes and correct errors in content when brought to our attention. Letters to the editor are subject to be condensed for space and grammar. They will not be subject to editing for content. Anonymous letters to the editor will not be accepted. To contact the Pirate Clipper, email PCHSpirateclipper@gmail. com or deliver letters to Room 23.

Follow the Pirate Clipper on Twitter:@PCClipper Instagram:@thepirateclipper The Pirate Clipper is a member of the Journalism Education Association, National Scholastic Press Association, Missouri Interscholastic Press Association and Quill and Scroll.

piratestudentmedia.com 3

Break a Leg “One Man, Two Guvnors” takes contemporary approach to theatre

Aaron Samuels Feature Editor

“One Man, Two Guvnors” has been selected for the spring play.

Set in England during the 1960s, this play follows the antics of Francis Henshall attempting to prevent his two employers from meeting each other.

Director Kim Foster is familiar with this play.

“I had heard of it on Broadway,” said Foster. “I saw it performed in Phoenix, and I could see my students performing it.”

One of the things that sets this play apart from others is the timeliness of this performance. “One Man, Two Guvnors” is relatively new, having first opened in Britain in 2011. Since it is so new, this will be one of the first performances done by a high school.

“It is a lot of pressure,” said sophomore Brianna Moore. “We’re kind of setting the bar.”

Moore plays Dolly, a secretary to one of the other characters.

“I wanted to be a part of this production,” said Moore. “I was a part of the musical, and I really liked the energy it had.”

Junior John Cogdill plays Henshall, a man struggling to cope with two different lives.

“I did the plays in middle school, and I recently had a bit more free time, and I thought it’d be fun, so I auditioned,” said Cogdill.

Cogdill is optimistic about the play’s contemporary qualities.

“It’ll appeal to a select younger audience very well,” said Cogdill.

“It’s got a lot of immature humor

Photo by Aaron Samuels

Juniors John Cogdill and Elise Benne share a laugh during rehearsal.

Benne plays Rachel Crabbe, who pretends to be Roscoe Crabbe, one of Henshall’s employers, and is also his sister.

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that I tend to enjoy.”

Two other aspects that make this play unique are the musical performances by the characters and the improvisation in some scenes.

“It has music in it, but it [the music] doesn’t drive the plot line,” said Foster. “It is still considered a play.”

Cogdill’s character has some scenes of improvisation comedy.

“People will see a different play each night due to the improv,” said Cogdill.

“There’s a lot of improv comedy in the show,” said Foster. “We have a surprise for the audience, which is my favorite [scene].”

“One Man, Two Guvnors” runs from Feb. 18-20 in the Wilson Auditorium.

Photo by Aaron Samuels

Sophomore Colin Kinnick speaks while junior Spencer Kunz stares into sophomore Cristyn Chauvenne’s eyes. Chauvenne plays Pauline Clench, fiance to Kunz’s character, Alan Dangle.

Couple’s Quiz

Skylar Koontz A&E Editor

Zach Hamilton & Rylie Collins

Three couples were quizzed about their significant other, some faired better than others Girls Quiz: Rylie Collins Final Score: 3/5 What is his favorite sports team?

Mizzou Mizzou What is his biggest fear?

Spiders Needles Who is his favorite music artist?

Drake Drake What is his favorite restaurant?

Chipotle Cheddar’s What is his favorite color?

Blue Blue

Photo by Zack Regan

Tori Farr & Anthony Guillory Boys Quiz: Anthony Guillory Final Score: 4/5 When did you guys start dating?

October 19th Oct 19 What TV series does she like to watch on Netflix?

One Tree Hill Gossip Girl What is her shoe size?

10 10 Who is her favorite music artist?

Does not have one Does not have one What is her favorite restaurant?

Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo Wild Wings

Payton Ward & Matt Blaha

Photo by Aaron Samuels

Photo by Aaron Samuels

Girls Quiz: Tori Farr Final Score: 1/5 What is his favorite sports team?

LSU MU What is his biggest fear?

Snakes I don’t know Who is his favorite music artist?

Fetty Wap Young Simme What’s his favorite restaurant?

Chipotle Bravo What is his favorite color?

Red Red Black-Guess Red-Correct Answer

Boys Quiz: Zach Hamilton Final Score: 4/5 When did you guys start dating?

March 3rd March 3rd What TV series does she like to watch on Netflix?

The 100 American Horror Story What is her shoe size?

66 Who is her favorite music artist?

Fetty Wap Fetty Wap What is her favorite restaurant?

Chipotle Chipotle

Boys Quiz: Matt Blaha Final Score: 1/5 When did you guys start dating?

November 26 November 26 What TV series does she like to watch on Netflix?

How I Met Your Mother Grey’s Anatomy Whats her shoe size? 9 ½ 8 Who is her favorite music artist?

Hunter Hayes Nicki Minaj What is her favorite restaurant?

P.F Changs Cheesecake Factory Girls Quiz: Payton Ward Final Score: 2/5 What is his favorite sports team?

Royals K-State What is his biggest fear?

Snakes Snakes Who is his favorite music artist?

G-Eazy Drake What is his favorite restaurant?

Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake Factory What is his favorite color?

Blue Orange

piratestudentmedia.com 5

NOT THE AVERAGE ATHLETE

Photo by A To Z Photography

Junior Emma Martin drifts around turn two at Valley Speedway in Grain Valley, Mo. Martin was born into the racing world . “My family has been around it for so long and there is something about it, and being on the track that pulls me in,” said Martin.

Ian Byrd

Staff Writer

of all the sports.

Aside from MSHAA-sanctioned activities, many “I’ve had two or three crashes, karts have no belts students alter the average for extraordinary hobbies. or roll cage, and I was once pushed against a wall and Students such as junior Emma Martin and seniors the rear axle was completely bent,” said Martin. “I Aaron Rogers and Justin Richardson dare to defy student norms. remember one time, this guy flipped a bunch of times and then the car fell off the Martin races mods as her tow truck, and he started extreme sport. Mods are race You race against all kinds running around it screamcars that have various moding.” ifications added onto them, of ages and I’m the only dividing them into various Racing has primarily been girl.

It’s awkward as a girl male-orientated. classes.

“I race E-mod on dirt “You race against all kinds racer. of ages and I’m the only girl,” tracks,” said Martin. “They’re basically a car, but not a car.” said Martin. “It’s awkward as Martin went on to explain the various race mod a girl racer.”

When talking about her passion of racing Martin classes. explained what she wanted to do with her life.

“A is the most expensive, B has some enhanced “I want to continue racing or building cars, someparts, while E is just the stock car,” said Martin.

When it comes to racing, it is not always the safest thing with racing,” said Martin.

“

6 In Depth

”

Photo by Chris Hale

Senior Aaron Rogers goes through the corner trying to complete a double pass. Rogers races at Sweet Springs Motorsports complex in Sweet Springs, Mo. “The best part about racing is the fact that every second of the race, you are taming an untamable beast that is scaary powerful,” said Rogers.

Martin started in go-kart racing before moving on to mod racing.

“I started go-karts when I was 6, most of my family raced before, and that’s how I got involved,” said Martin.

Martin used to race with Rogers when she raced gokarts. “I used to compete with Aaron Rodgers; we gave each other a lot of competition,” said Martin. Rogers, drives sprint cars and used to race go-karts.

“Last summer I sold all my kart equipment and bought a sprint car,” said Rodgers. “There’s not a lot of places to travel for sprint car racing, but I used to travel all over the Midwest for karts.”

Rogers’ love for racing started at a young age when he visited Kansas Speedway.

“It was something I always wanted to do since I saw my first race at Kansas Speedway,” said Rogers.

After receiving his go-kart equipment, Rogers went out for his first race ever at the biggest race of the season. “[In] 2010 was my first race, it was the biggest race of the season called The Boogeyman,” said Rogers.

When talking about favorite racing memories Rogers’ talked about triumphs and hard-fought competition.

“Winning the 2011 season championship at Emma raceway,” said Rogers. “At Thunderlake Jeff, Emma and I were so evenly matched, it was one of the funnest races ever.”

Rogers is currently preparing for another exciting racing season.

“I’m currently fixing up for the next racing season,” said Rogers. “I’m very thankful for the opportunity to race.”

Photo by Zachary Regan

Senior Justin Richarson rides down handrail at Snow Creek in Weston, Mo. Richardson started skiing when he was 12. “I like to ski because it’s my passion and it’s what I’ve always liked to do,” said Richardson.

On a different side of the world of extreme sports Richardson skis competitively and for recreation.

“When I was 4, my dad started me early,” said Richardson. “My dad started us because he was good, and it came naturally to me.”

Richardson’s earliest memories about skiing were about his beginnings in the more difficult areas of the sport. “I started to remember about starting skiing at 12 when I got into pipe and freestyle,” said Richardson.

When asked about skiing locations Richardson talked about his favorites.

“Usually one or two places around here that I like to go to but mostly in Colorado,” said Richardson. “I go to Colorado every year and ski on several spots up there, I like Copper Mountain the most.”

When discussing injuries Richardson talked about what he had seen and experience when on the slopes.

“I’ve gotten five concussions and a few fractures,” said Richardson. “The worst thing I have seen was when my friend broke both his ankles.”

The skiing community has grown larger over the years and is forming a larger community for skiers like Richardson.

“Free style is getting bigger and bigger, there’s more guys going out there,” said Richardson. “I’m going to Maple Woods then Colorado and just continue it for the rest of my life, it’s my dream.”

piratestudentmedia.com 7

e Kansas City r o l p Ex Downtown businesses offer one-of-a-kind experiences for everyone

Story and Photos by:

Kianna Castro Staff Writer

Town Topic

In 1937 Claude Sparks opened a diner on Broadway Street in downtown Kansas City, Mo. Some popular items on their menu are banana pie, burgers and their chocolate shakes. You can reach them over the phone at (816)-842-2298 or at their downtown location 2021 Broadway St., Kansas City, Mo., (open 24 hours).

Breakout KC Breakout KC is a live-action escape game testing knowledge and patience. Inside, the questions range from cryptography, to riddles, to math equations. Make reservations online at www.breakoutkc.com, over the phone at (816)-945-CODE (2633), or at their location 114 West 3rd St., Suite #101, Kansas City, Mo. The cost is $28 per person.

Buca di Beppo Buca di Beppo is a chain Italian restaurant on the Plaza. Their menu consists of all things Italian, and is served family-style. Buca can be fancy or casual and is used for many types of parties. Visit them at 310 West 47th St., or on the phone (816)-931-6548.

Union Station

Union Station was once used as a transportation hotspot for people everywhere. While now it’s mostly museum, history, and fun things for kids such as Science City, it’s still one of Kansas City’s biggest and most exciting attractions, according to Tripadvisor. Browse on their website at www.unionstation.org, reach them on the phone at (816)-460-2020, or at their location 30 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, Mo., 64108.

Memorial Tower

This museum is dedicated to the soldiers of World War 1. The Memorial (tower) has views of the entire downtown area, and is particularly popular at nighttime and has been there since 1926. For tour dates and times, reach them on the phone at (816)-888-8100, on the website www.theworldwar.org, or at their location 100 West 26th St., Kansas City, Mo., 64108.

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March for march With March Madness approaching, the top teams in the country look to make their post-season push Michael Boydston Staff Writer

College basketball has had some exciting non-conference games, but now conference play begins, and every team is ready to go.

The powerhouse teams are Kansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Virginia.

Kansas had a thrilling 109-106 (3OT) victory over Oklahoma and are 5-2 in conference play. They have a shot at winning the Big 12 regular season conference title.

“Kansas is good, but they don’t have a solid superstar like they did the past couple of years,” sophomore Noah Brinton said.

Brinton and sophomore Nick Catlin share a love of college basketball.

“Kansas needs to play more as a team because they don’t have a highly-recruited freshmen,” Catlin said.

Kentucky lost on the road at LSU 85-67 Jan. 5. They have talent, but

25. Notre Dame 24. Duke 23. Oregon 22. Wichita St. 21. Purdue 20. Kentucky 19. Indiana 18. Arizona 17. Baylor 16. Louisville

10 sports

little experience. They also lost to a bad Ohio State team on a neutral floor. They have to get it going and win road games to get a good seed in the tournament.

“Kentucky is struggling because of little experience, but they’ll improve and more than likely make a run in the NCAA tournament,” Catlin said.

Kentucky is ranked #20 in the AP poll. “[Kentucky] is disappointing season so far, they need to pick it up to go to the NCAA tournament,” Brinton said.

Oklahoma beat #11 Iowa State on Jan. 2, but lost to #1 Kansas on the road Jan. 4. They still have a shot at winning the Big 12 title, but they have to beat Kansas.

“With the leadership of [guard] Buddy Heild, they can make a run at the national title,” Catlin said.

Heild had an amazing game at

5. Texas A&M 4. Kansas 3. Iowa 2. North Carolina 1. Oklahoma

Associated Press Top 25 *As of Jan. 25*

Kansas scoring 46 points.

“They choked in a big situation against Kansas, and they need to beat Kansas to win the Big 12,” Brinton said.

Virginia lost on the road to rival Virginia Tech 70-68 Jan. 4. They also lost to George Washington on the road 73-68 in non-conference.

Virginia needs to win road games and win against quality opponents, to get a great seed for the NCAA tournament.

“Virginia has a good coach and defense, but come tournament time, we’ll see how they do, because they don’t do well in the tournament,” Catlin said.

Virginia is 7th in the ACC conference.

“They need to beat Duke and North Carolina to win the ACC and to make the tournament,” Brinton said.

15. Miami (FL) 14. Iowa St. 13. SMU 12. Michigan St. 11.Virginia 10. Providence 9. West Virginia 8. Maryland 7. Xavier 6.Villianova

Dabbin’ on denver Zachary Regan Sports Editor

For half a century a single game has brought millions of Americans together. It started off as just a championship game, but it is now one of the biggest TV and worldwide sporting events of the year.

This is Super Bowl 50.

This year the Denver Broncos (14-4), representing the AFC, will face the Carolina Panthers (17-1) who represent the NFC. Both teams will enter San Francisco as their conferences’ one seed and with a lot of momentum.

The Broncos finished the regular season with a 12-4 record, tied for best in the AFC. A lot of eyes are on veteran quarterback Peyton Manning who is in his 18th season and fourth Super Bowl appearance, but he is not the reason why they are here. The stellar play out of their defense is.

This Denver defense is in the top three rankings for net

yards allowed, pass defense and rushing defense. Along with that, they are leading the league in regular season sacks with 52.

Denver was able to stop Tom Brady and the usually powerhouse New England Patriots’ offense in the AFC Championship game, allowing just 18 points. In addition to the low scoring, they forced two turnovers and recorded three sacks. Like in the AFC Championship, that same defense will have to show up to stop the future MVP quarterback Cam Newton in the Super Bowl.

The Panthers are all around great this season, finishing 15-1 in the regular season.

From offense to defense to special teams, they are the most complete team I have seen in years. Their high octane offense has averaged more than 31 points per game,

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were second in the league in rushing and were +20 in the turnover differential. Newton has thrown over 3,500 yards and has rushed for another 600, being a part of 45 touchdowns.

The two playoff games that have been played already, the Panthers averaged 40 points and allowed an average of 19. So the key to winning this game for the Broncos is containing Newton. If the Broncos give themselves a chance to win in the fourth quarter, they have a shot. They have the best defense the Panthers will see this season.

If the Broncos can shut down Newton and make it a shootout, they will have a chance. But at the end of the day, the Panthers are just too hot and too much to handle right row. The Panthers win 34-24.

piratestudentmedia.com 11

Winter Sports Round-Up

Aaron Samuels Feature Editor

Wrestling

Wrestling is 5-1 and has racked up impressive tournament placings, including winning the Platte County Invitational and taking fourth at the Kansas City Stampede.

Sophomore Cody Phippen has an impressive resume, including an international title.

“My favorite memory is wrestling in Brazil two years ago in the Pan-American Games and winning [in my weight class],” said Phippen.

The Pan-American games are an international sporting competition similar to the Olympics.

It hosts athletes from countries all over the world and are held the year before each summer Olympics.

Phippen started wrestling when he was 6.

“My dad put me in it when I was really little,” said Phippen. “My dad wrestled in high school.”

Phippen wants to continue in college, and plans on competing in Division 1 athletics.

12 sports

Girls Basketball Boys Basketball

Girls Basketball has been fairly successful this season, claiming a 7-5 record as of Jan. 25.

Sophomore Racquel Chambers is the starting point guard, despite this being her first year here.

Chambers moved from Bloomington, Ind., where she began playing. “[I’ve played] since I was 5,” said Chambers.

“My parents bought me basketballs, and I kind of picked it up.”

Chambers likes basketball because of the experience and the feelings that come with the game. “[I like it because of] the rush of winning a big game, championship, it’s really fun,” said Chambers.

Chambers wants to continue playing in college and strives to make it to Division 1.

“Notre Dame is my dream college,” said Chambers.

As for this season, Chambers thinks the team will improve a lot, with a team goal of conference champions.

Boys basketball is 2-14 so far. They took sixth place in the Savannah tournament and seventh at the Kearney tournament.

Senior Kodee Martin is the starting point guard.

His basketball career started in third grade. “[My favorite memory] is seeing the chemistry grow throughout the year,” said Martin.

“Growing to be like brothers rather than just a team, you just make a bond you can’t break.”

Martin’s favorite high school memory is defeating St. Joseph Lafayette last season to advance to the district championship. This season, Martin hopes to keep playing as long as possible.

“I expect us to keep putting effort into every game and practice and playing as hard as we can,” said Martin. “[I expect us to] be the best we can by districts and make our run at districts.”

Girls Swim

In the first annual PCHS Swim & Dive Invitational, girls swim placed second behind St. Joseph Central. Additionally, four swimmers have qualified for state: sophomore Bailey Newell, and juniors Hannah Havemeier, Hailee Baer and Rachel Valentine.

Valentine swam on varsity all three years of high school and qualified for state two out of the three.

“Sophomore year, I qualified in the 100 meter breaststroke and the 200 meter medley relay,” said Valentine. “This year just the 100 meter breaststroke, so far.”

She stays motivated with the help of the team and her family.

“We’re pretty competitive on the team,” said Valentine. “My parents also want me to do it.”

Valentine wants to continue swimming at the collegiate level, but does not know where.

Photos by Gretchen Morris and Aaron Samuels

Social Awareness Today’s world needs greater cultural understanding

Alysse Maxwell

Assistant A&E Editor

In a progressive country where deceased rappers can perform for thousands via hologram and anything you need to know is just one Internet search away, a dated systematic social construct like race is still a problem. This is why a social awareness class should be made just as mandatory as a credit of physical education.

Society has come a long way when it comes to race relations considering I, a young black woman, can have white friends and live without fear of being made to use a “colored” bathroom or water fountain. But we still have a ways to go.

Racism can stem from a variety of things, but it often stems from a lack of respect and knowledge on proper etiquette. We’ve been taught that a person should be judged by their character and not by their ethnicity. We must learn to respect these cultures and not try to exploit them by using them as fashion trends or punchlines.

For example, every Halloween, costume stores have sold Native American costumes. This usually includes the stereotypical brown suede outfit with a pair of moccasins and a large feather headpiece.

This horrible act of cultural appropriation offends many people of Native American descent who feel their culture should be respected and not mocked.

Although selling these kind of costumes is wrong, it is not illegal.

Thus people have had to take other actions in order to draw attention to the growing epidemic.

Students at Ohio University started a campaign called, “We’re

a culture not a costume,” in 2011. ed together in protest in hopes Their ad campaign consists of stuof getting the university’s system dents of different cultures holding president, Tim Wolfe to resign. up photos with people dressed as Many said the president did not their said culture though in a cliché do his job in taking action against way. The sad thing is, many people racist incidents such as harassment do not see the harm in this. Someand the use of racial slurs directed one’s culture should not be worn as towards black students. Wolfe later some gag costume on a commerresigned in the interest of the stucialized holiday. It’s mockery, plain dents and faculty. However there and simple. have been many reports from black Be that as it may, not everyone students on the campus saying knows what’s offensive and what’s they have received death threats. not. To learn, we must start at the So much so, that students are too root of it afraid to even atall, schools. tend their classes We must in the wake of the Someone’s culture teach future threats. should not be worn generations Many people that respect as some gag costume felt the students must have being “too on a commercialized were knowledge sensitive” when holiday. It’s mockery, it comes to the to back it up, not just unfair treatment plain and simple. what counreported. It’s try they crazy that racism stem from, towards black but their people talked values, traditions, languages, and about by black people is looked at more. Knowing that African Amer- as being “too sensitive.” Though icans’ ancestors came from Africa this situation has many compois not enough anymore, we need to nents, this is what a lack of social know that things like blackface and awareness looks like. cultural appropriation should not There are dozens of examples be tolerated. that could be used to further justify Many people today do not even my point, but the statement is know what cultural appropriasimple. To truly thrive in this world tion and blackface is, not because accepting everyone must be taken they are uneducated, but because a step further. We must become they have not been taught on the more enlightened on the people matter. If you don’t believe me, around us and how to treat them take the University of Missouri for with proper respect or we will nevexample. er come together as a community.

African-American students, faculty and football players band-

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piratestudentmedia.com 13

looking for direction Undefined phrase does not convey intended message Zoe Mayne

Opinion Editor

Can a term, if left undefined, really impact a student body? The answer to that question is no, it cannot. Throwing around a term vaguely and then expecting it to hold some deeper meaning to students and staff is preposterous.

The Pirate Way has been tossed around since the beginning of this school year and even put on shirts distributed to the student body.

Yet there have not been an explanation as to what this new phrase means.

On the first day of school this year in one of my classes the teacher had us all write down what we thought The Pirate Way was.

Never before had an administrator or teacher who was quick to say the term, define what it meant to them or the other members of this school. After a long class period and a staring match between myself and the sticky note, I had my answer: I have no idea. When administrators say “The Pirate Way” there is a passion burning on the tip of their tongue, yet no one knows what it means.

To me, there is no defined Pirate Way. Since the beginning of the year when I first heard the expression , I wondered what it meant. Does it mean being a good student who does not do drugs, drink, or do anything illegal? Is it a student who gets good grades and who applies themselves to their schoolwork and has high goals and aspirations for themselves? Is it a person who lives by the character R.O.C.K. traits? A person who comes to school everyday even if it is by force?

The reasoning behind wanting to unify the student body is appar-

14 opinion

ent. Having a unified school would allow for closer connections with one another. It would ease some tension that is resting between the four grades and create a more connected feeling of a family. It could erase the fear instilled in students about being judged and ridiculed by their peers. These are all important to providing a healthy environment for students.

However, as of right now all of those outcomes are not possible, and they will not be, until the phrase is defined. If there is not a concrete meaning, then there simply cannot be any form of unification.

But there is nothing I can do about that except offer the suggestion that this term should be scrapped or defined. I understand there is an intended deeper meaning of this phrase. It was intended to be positive to this school’s population, but there is not a deeper meaning connected to it for me or for other students.

The things I have said thus far are clearly evident in results taken from a survey of 146 students of varying grades. I acknowledge, that like 68 percent of the people surveyed, the phrase “Live the Pirate Way” is in fact a real expression spoken by the administration.

It exists and there is no denying that it is most likely here to stay with the hopeful future addition of a definition. However, 59 percent of students feel either annoyed or indifferent towards the phrase.

The numbers do not lie, and from a subjective standpoint these quite frankly are not good. To raise them there needs to be a set definition.

If this fails to happen, then the

numbers might even go down in the future as more and more students could grow tired of the phrase.

By leaving this phrase free to interpretations leaves an awful lot of room for false ideas, taking away the intended power it was originally meant to have. It seems it was supposed to make our school feel connected and to instill pride in the students for attending this school and also to place an idea of morality in their minds. A way to say, “Be proud you are a Pirate who should have high moral standards for yourself involving your school work as well as your personal self.”

If this is going to officially be used by the school and administration, there needs to be a set definition. The students, teachers and administration need to put their heads together and decide on a definition. We all share this building for nine months out of the year, so the definition needs to hold meaning for everyone.

From there, once the definition is decided it needs to be announced, putting meaning into the phrase that currently is The Pirate Way. Then once it is commonly known around school what the meaning is, students can properly use it and revel in whatever intended impacts it is supposed to have, whether that be a sense of school spirit or an idea of unification amongst everyone. But if we do not define this term in a simple, concrete way, it will end up being open to interpretation.

The season of love is upon us. With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, there is both excitement and apathy. Myself, a male, is on the apathetic side. Now with that being said, I do not hate Valentine’s Day. I do think it is blown out of proportion and an irrelevant holiday in the way it is celebrated.

The concept of Valentine’s Day has changed from a way to honor two martyrs who were executed in ancient Rome, to the completely commercialized holiday it is today.

It puts pressure on both partners in a relationship to buy the other a perfect gift or go on the perfect date.

It is assumed that the only way to have a successful Valentine’s Day is to spend all this money on gifts, restaurants, etc. Then looking at a society that has made the standard that men should pay for dates, it turns a holiday revolved around love into an expense.

So instead of showing love for one another everyday, they reserve it for Feb. 14 of each year.

Valentine’s Day, according to International Business Times, brings the most suicide and depression rates from what is called “broken heart syndrome (takotsubo cardiomyopathy).” The syndrome mimics

Guys

Zachary Regan Sports Editor

that of a heart attack and comes during high stress situations, such as being lonely around a season of love.

Also, calls to suicide hotlines jump from 400 to 600 calls in a typical metropolitan city (CBS St. Louis).

For a holiday that is supposed to bring much love and happiness, that is not a great statistic to claim.

The expenses are ridiculous, too. According to history.com, men, in order to impress their lady, have to shell out $150 on average. Ladies spend an average of $75, which is still pretty steep to spend on this forced-upon holiday. If you really love your companion, why must you waste money to prove you do? Both men and women have become materialistic and have developed the thought that “if they get that for me, I’ll have have stronger feelings for them.”

Through these feelings and thoughts, we have changed the meaning of love and therefore the meaning of Valentine’s Day. My solution is to keep it simple or do not celebrate at all. If you choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day, remember what it is about. Instead of spending time on finding a gift, just spend that time with that special someone.

The VIew on valentine’s day

Gals

Alysse Maxwell

Assistant A&E Editor

Valentine’s Day is a commercialized holiday celebrating arguably the best emotion a person can feel, love. Valentine’s Day is a day to cherish that one guy or girl who makes your heart skip a beat. That one person who reminds you of your favorite food or the first time you heard that perfect verse over a tight beat. Valentine’s Day is a day to be the mushy, gushy and corny lover we all shy away from on the other 364 days of the year.

Whether you are one of those people who hates the idea of romance and relationships or one of those sappy, hopeless romantics, like myself, most can agree love is wonderful. The fact that we all have the capability to give and receive it is wonderful in itself. Why wouldn’t you want to celebrate that by buying fancy chocolate and teddy bears for that special someone?

If you are an active member of the singles club, celebrate solo by buying yourself something nice or treating yourself to a nice dinner.

When it comes to relationships, this generation puts too much focus on not being “thirsty” or making

sure not to “catch feelings.” No matter how heartless you think you are, once you meet that game-changing person, nothing else matters.

Love is not something we should run away from.

Yes, you may fall for someone who decides they are not really feeling you the same way, and you may look thirsty for sending the first text on occasion, but is it not worth it if you end up with the right person? Love is something to be cherished; not abused or taken lightly. Stop making it out to be that way or the only thing you’ll be doing on Valentine’s Day is drowning your sorrows in sad Drake songs.

Valentine’s Day is the day to rejoice and bask in that warm and fuzzy feeling they call love. It’s the day to feel thankful that you sent that risky text or shamelessly, “slid into the DMs.” So when that special holiday rolls around, listen to those love songs, watch those chick-flicks and send those love letters, because if there is one day where you have an excuse to be that sappy, romantic, mushy and gushy lover, it is Valentine’s Day.

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