Friday, September 30, 2011 by TitanScroll

Titan Lee’s Summit West High School 2600 SW Ward Road Lee’s Summit, MO 64082

Friday, September 30, 2011 Volume VIII, Edition 2

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eBook vs. Print

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Photo by Michelle Stout

Photo by Joey Franke

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How to Dance

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On the Cover

Staff Editor in Chief

Underage Drinking

Sydnee Owens

Assistant Editors

Haley Roach and Katey Stoetzel

“You see that Rooster Booster, you know there’s something in it.”- Senior Taylor Kinsey

Graphics Design Editor Jesse Eiskina

Assistant Graphics

News

Thieves raid locker room Former Titan charged IB test conflicts with senior send-off Titans perform at Kauffman Center

Opinion Staff Editorial

Katey’s Conundrums Well, if you ask me.... Letters to the Editor

Feature Few Titans are keeping it fresh Student strives for deeper relationships in Club 121 Underage Drinking out of hand?

A&E

October Agenda Celebrities around the school The eBook takes over Fall TV Premieres Abduction Review Dancing for dummies 101

Sports

According to Andy 12 Angry Football Men Fall Sports Update

Kylie Lanning

Photography Editor Ariel Thompson

pg. 3

Assistant Photography

pg. 5

Judd Kirn and Joey Franke

pg. 6

Copy Editor Taylor Jensen

Advertising Manager Gabrielle Hayden

Business Manager Nicole Conniff

Distribution Manager

pg.7

Aaron Brower

pg. 8

pg. 9

pg. 11 pgs. 12-13

Writers

Photographers

Nikki Andriano Meg BrittonMehlishch Annie Greenwell Claudia Guthrie Andy Evans Tiffany Jenkins Riley Manning Carlie Nash Meg Peterson Anna Poudel

Maddy Arsenault Nathan Foster Kathryn Hilger Justin Hunley Morgan Johnson Ryan Miller Alex Palmer Steve Rhodes Bailey Romi Michelle Stout

Page Designers

pg. 14 pg. 15 pgs. 16-17 pg.19 pg. 20 pg. 24

Merrilee Boughan Nate Mitchell Tristan Owen Derec Owens Brooks Rast

Adviser

Carol Ullery

Buisness Adviser Karrie Smythia

pg. 21 pg. 22 pg. 23

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The Titan Scroll is a student publication of Lee’s

Summit West High School. It welcomes all letters to the editor, but reserves the right to edit for libel and for space. No unsigned letters will be printed. Letters may be dropped off in Room 2048 or mailed to 2600 SW Ward Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64082. Volume 8 of the Scroll is published 12 times during the 2011-2012 school year. The opinions contained do not in any way represent the Lee’s Summit West faculty, administration or the R-7 school district administration or school board.

September 30, 2011

Students encouraged to lock up valuables

Anna Poudel she said. room and the girls’ lockers and backpacks. The search Senior Abby Doane had her iPod stolen during her Personal reasons weren’t the motive behind the theft, being unsuccessful, Humphreys and administration disfifth period Girls’ Weights and Conditioning class a cou- Doane said she’s sure. missed the girls in fifth hour gym. ple weeks ago. “I think it was just ‘hey, there’s an iPod, I’m going to Theft is a universal problem for high schools, said Of “That’s all we’ve been talking about for the last week. take it and do something with it’…I was just shocked ficer Bobby Conard. Since people don’t always report It would be nice if it that someone them, it’s difficult to know if would just blow over, would actucrime is on the rise or not. but I want it back,” ally have the “The reported thefts have said Doane guts to do not increased over last year... She said she hoped that,” said last school year we had to get her iPod back afDoane. around 10, roughly, that I ter someone returned W h e n took reports on,” said ConSenior Stevie McRobDoane realard. erts phone, which was ized her iPod Doane said she didn’t put stolen August 8th durwas missher iPod in her locker, which ing the same class as ing, she and could have prevented the Doane’s. After talking her friends theft. to the person who relooked for it “The gym teacher locks turned McRoberts’ around her stuff up so I just kind of left phone and hearing the locker and in my pone and my iPod and person say she didn’t her bag. After Photo by Gabby Hayden. my keys in my backpack,” have the iPod, Doane looking and said Doane. said she felt sure she not being a being able to find the missing While it’s true that gym teachers do keep locker room wouldn’t get her iPod Signs have been posted on the locker iPod, Doane reported it to Coach Susie doors locked during the gym period, it’s still advisable to back. use lockers to prevent against theft, said Humphreys. room doors to inform students of the Humphreys. “It kind of sucks… recurring problem. Photo by Nathan Humphreys called Administration per “We encourage them often; we remind them often to but I don’t need it,” Foster. protocol and they searched the locker lock their things up,” she said.

Former Titan faces charges for abandoning a corpse

potential of two to seven years in prison if convicted. Levens is accused of having discarded the deceased body of former Titan, Brendon Dean. Court documents stated the detective had probable cause to believe that Levens “committed one or more criminal offenses.” The statement of probable cause, which is the legal document filed with the court that resulted in the charges, explains the details of Dean’s disappearance based on an interview between Levens and the police. According to the statement Levens told Mackenzie R. Levens, former West police that he and a friend found Dean’s body, after a night of partying with him, student appeared in court last and they decided to dispose of it in James week; his next court date is Oct. A. Reed Wildlife Area. 19. Photo LSPD. An autopsy determined Dean died Haley Roach from an overdose of methadone. Mackenzie R. Levens, former West According to the probable cause student, was charged with Abandonment statement filed with the court Levens of a Corpse, a felony, which carries a told the detective “they decided that they

September 30, 2011

The statement of probable cause explains the details of Dean’s disappearance in relation to Mac Levens. Photo by Ryan Miller. needed to ‘get rid of him’ ...Before they left, he [Levens] told me that he said a prayer for him. He also told me that he does not know if he did the right thing or wrong thing but he wishes he would have tried harder to wake him up and he wishes they would have taken him to a hospital.” Dean’s mother wants the people who

abandoned her son’s corpse to pay a price. “I don’t expect them to have a harsh penalty,” said Angela Shade, Dean’s mother, “but when you make a wrong choice there needs to be consequences.” Levens was released on a $20,000 bond. and waived his preliminary hearing which had been set for last week. His next court date is scheduled for

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September 30, 2011

Will Senior send-off be missing 67 seniors? Katey Stoetzel

off assembly on May 9, he began to search for ways to When Senior and Student Body President Alec Stanke change the situation. heard the news that he and the other 66 IB English The assembly traditionally takes place as the final seniors would not be able to attend the Senior send piece on the last day of the seniors’ high school careers. It’s a day in which seniors celebrate the past four years and prepare to begin their journey into adulthood: A journey that begins with a speech given by the Student Body President, who at this point, may not be there. The reason for the absence of these students is because the IB English exam has been scheduled for the same time. “At first, I thought we could change the time of the exam. But we can’t because it’s a national test date,” said Stanke. To go about changing the time of the assembly to either the night before, the morning or the evening of, Stanke and the Student Advisory Council went straight to the top: Principal Dr.. David Sharp. Sharp said they are working on a solution to the problem and hope that those kids can be there. Senior Alec Stanke works to have senior send off as Stanke and the rest of the IB English

seniors were told about the situation at the beginning of this month by IB Coordinator Blake Little. Senior Aubrey Brown said she was irritated. “It seems like we miss everything. We didn’t get to run across the gym because of the year before us,” she said, referring to when two years ago the sophomore class was denied their trek to the Junior section. “I feel like they should make a compromise.” Many of the students are in agreement with Brown. Senior Laura Wiltshire called it a “true shame,” while Senior Mark Grimes referred to it as “ridiculous.” Senior Carly Baanders even went to the length of saying she would skip the exam and go to the assembly. The problem here is the fact that this has not happened in past years. “I think the issue is the last day of school versus the test day. Our last day of school keeps getting pushed earlier and earlier every year,” said Little. He also explained why the time of the test cannot be moved. “Everyone across the country is taking the test that day. The IB program sets the test day,” he said. But Little is hopeful the situation will be solved. “There will be a solution. The seniors will be able to attend the assembly as they always have,” said Little.

sembly moved so all seniors may attend. Photo by Bailey

September 30, 2011

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Performing arts rocks Kauffman Center

Claudia Guthrie The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City began its Grand Opening weekend two weeks ago. Lee’s Summit West students who are a part of the Kansas City Youth Symphony performed Grand Opening weekend. “During one of the parts in our song I got goose bumps because it sounded so awesome. As soon as we stopped playing, everyone stood up,” said Junior Joelle Beuterien, who performs with the Kansas City Youth Symphony. The Kauffman Center is a performing arts center that has changed the skyline of Kansas City. Performances from all over the world will be held in the center’s two performing halls. Diverse performances from opera, to the Kansas City Ballet, to the Kansas City Symphony were showcased on opening day. An open house, featured a performance from the Kansas City Youth Symphony in the Helzberg Hall. “It was awesome,” said Beusterien. “The stage was beautiful, it was gigantic, it was giant, it was huge. The crowd was amazing. There were so many people there; there were probably like two thousand people listening to us play.” Seniors Mickayla Chapman and Aaron Ratigan also performed in the Hall as part of the Youth Symphony. “It went really, really well. We performed at the open house and were the very first performance of that day,” said Ratigan. “It was a really cool experience be-

West students took part in the grand opening of the Kauffman center. Photo by Nathan Foster.

cause we got a standing ovation from like fifteen hundred people,” said Chapman. “It was just really cool because there were so many people and it was nothing like I’d ever experienced before.” Chapman is first chair clarinet in the symphony. Ratigan praised the quality of sound the Helzberg Hall provided. “The hall is so perfect, acoustically. A lot of halls you can’t hear well on the stage but the audience can hear well, but everything in the Helzberg Hall was just perfect. And being able to play on a stage like that with a quality group that is the Youth Symphony is just fantastic.” “There were lines going around the block to see the building and performances. It was truly amazing,” said Beusterien. Having the chance to play at the grand opening of a performing arts center this impresPerforming Arts building at the Kauffman Center. sive was not Photo by Nathan Foster.

taken lightly by the Youth Symphony performers.

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“It is a really big deal as a 16-yearold that I get to play at the grand opening and that I even get the opportunity to play at this kind of stage. It doesn’t come very often,” said Beusterien. Chapman said performing at Kauffman in front of all those people was a chance to show everyone what high school musicians are made of. “Performing at the opening is kind of like getting to show Kansas City what I am as a high school musician and how good we can be because a lot of people don’t really expect that high level of musicianship to come out of high schoolers,” said Chapman. “Getting to perform the very first concert at Helzberg Hall on that day showed Kansas City what high school kids can do.”

September 30, 2011

Staff Editorial:

Shenanigans cause downward spiral for Lee’s Summit

It seems as though kids these days are acting more and more rebellious. And not rebellious as in getting a couple extra detentions or breaking curfew. It becomes out of hand when a group of kids between the ages of nine to 14 are vandalizing schools. Yes, that’s right. That actually happened at King Week Elementary school in Kansas City. They did not just spray paint the walls or carve their initials into the bathroom stalls. They caused $25,000 worth of damage by ruining a computer lab with paint. That’s crazy! And you’re probably thinking, “well that’s because that’s down in Kansas City where all the crime occurs.”

Guess what folks, we’re not immune. Look at all the theft that happens in our school every day. You can’t even leave your backpack laying around without getting something stolen. We have bullying, fights breaking out at Oktoberfest, kids doing drugs, and drinking. The drinking is especially concerning because most teens don’t see it as that big of a deal. Well news flash: it is. Some may say, “Well it’s legal for you at some point, so it can’t be that bad.” But the law is in place for a reason. Even though some might not think so since “everyone’s doing it,” but the law does get enforced. If one were to get arrested, which teens ARE getting ar-

rested, then there are lasting effects, some of which cannot be changed. Good luck getting a job when a perspective employer is doing a background check and finds pictures on Facebook. We may think we’re invincible because we’re in high school and we’re not thinking about the future, but we need to start. Alcohol can easily become addictive, especially for young people. A little partying now may seem harmless, but in some cases, it can become a habit leading to an addiction. The bottom line is fun is still possible without messing up our future, ending up on the late night news or with a juvenile record.

Katey’s Conundrums:

World doesn’t revolve around Facebook

Katey Stoetzel We live in a virtual world. Look around. The very essence of this world has turned into who has the latest

September 30, 2011

version of a particular smart phone, who is posting what on Facebook or Twitter, and what new viral video is sweeping YouTube at this very moment. Forget the books and the newspapers, whip out the phones and the Kindles because God forbid we’re too lazy to do anything else. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let me back up to the topic of Facebook. As usual I was avoiding the mass amount of homework I had to do over the weekend and found myself scanning the news feed for anything worth reading. At first the statuses were the same: Joe had an awesome time at Wal-Mart finding ways to get kicked out, Betsy lost her contacts and would you please, please, please message me numbers; you know, the usual daily lives of teenagers. Then. Then I came across complete and utter absurdity. Everyone, and I literally mean everyone, was posting their complaints about the new layout of Facebook. The statuses were

all variations of “Just spent forever navigating the new Facebook layout. Waste of my time. Facebook needs to stop changing!!!!!” Really. Really I don’t see how any other

issues could be more important than the layout of Facebook. Ha. Just kidding, let me name a few: starving kids in Africa, political corruption

throughout the world, homelessness, young girls getting pregnant left and right, serial killers having a hay day, the war in Iraq, the presidential election, bank robberies, the current state of our economy, college, education in primary and secondary schools, child labor, the disgusting lack of chivalry, the rapid descent of print publishing, the sudden increase of revolutions in the Middle East, depression, suicide, anorexia, bulimia, cancer, natural disasters, and endangered species. I’m not saying those are the only important issues in the world. Oh, there are so much more. But it’s not my job to keep rambling about them and telling you you need to go fix those problems. As the human race, we should be aware of these things anyway. So instead of concerning yourself about how a certain social networking site looks, go out and do awesome things.

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Well if you ask me...

The White House is no place for Bachman

Commentary by Ally Ralls If you ask me, Michele Bachman should not be considered for the position of Commander-in-Chief. With so many other options available why would we choose her? There are several reasons that the politician from Minnesota should not

gain voters’ favor. One, she has no concept of how the national economy works. During the debt ceiling debate Bachman made statements that defaulting on the debt would be no big deal. Most economists agree that if we had defaulted on our debt, America would have fallen into another “Great Depression.” The ignorance that Bachman has would only hurt the country that she apparently loves and wants to serve. Secondly, Bachman demonstrates no knowledge of American history. She stated that the founding fathers were somehow responsible for the abolition of slavery. Thomas Jefferson, a founding father, not only owned slaves but was rumored to have impregnated one. She cited John Quincy Adams as one of the founding fathers who helped reach this goal. At the time of the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the

Constitution, John Quincy Adams was nine years old, which does not qualify him as a founding father. Third, Bachman could be considered a hypocrite because during the election of 2008 she criticized Michelle Obama, but when asked a question of her husband who believes that you can “Pray the Gay away,” she told reporters that her spouse should be left out of the election because he doesn’t affect her policies. Lastly, Michele Bachman, if elected would move our country toward a Christian Theocracy. She openly supports policy that would destroy the separation of the “Christian” church and state. Some of her biggest support comes from a group known as “Wallbuilders” and one of their biggest goals is to support candidates that will “develop pubic policies which reflect Biblical values.” Michele Bachman is that candidate.

This is a scary thought to any American that isn’t a Christian or believes in the separation of church and state. I’m not saying that Michele Bachman is a bad person or that her intentions are not for the best. What I am saying is that she is not the right person for the job of leading our country. If you look at her she does not represent what this country stands for or what the women of this country stand for. What America should look for in a president is someone that you trust and that you are okay with representing not only yourself but your country as a whole. Michele Bachman does not have that quality and as I said before should not be considered for the job. Bachman 2012 could only lead to the loss of respect and credit of the United States.

should have that. I know it doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it is in some ways. If you need to meet up with someone and you don’t know their schedule, or if I have Facebook notifications on my phone. Sometimes I can’t wait that long for lunch I’m too excited and thinking of who it is. But however you look at it, I still appreciate the extra opportunity we have at lunch. Makayla Russback Freshman

Sports Coverage I would like to start off with what a great job you did on the article about the varsity football game. But I think you should also write about the freshman A&B games, sophomore, and JV games just a little bit. I think that should go for every sort, not just football. Why don’t you already do that anyway? Anyway please take this into consideration. Brayton Cooper Freshman

Letters to the editor

Lessons learned from Dean I just loved how you wrote the article Gone, but not forgotten on Sept.. 25. It opened my eyes about how who you hang out with is you. Now I’m going to try hard to avoid people who do bad things. When I read this, I felt as if you were reading it to me. It’s so detailed. Whoever reads this article, I hope you know that this is real life and these things happen. Skyi Lasley Freshman

Texting opportunities I really liked the staff editorial titled “Always complaining, never satisfied” about using cell phones at lunch. I have felt the exact same on what you said the complaints were. I didn’t understand why they let us text at lunch because I’m already sitting with the people I text and everyone else is in class. Texting did come in handy many times when I couldn’t find where everyone was sitting. And about texting during passing periods, I still think we

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September 30, 2011

Student juggles high school, college life Taylor Jensen

The thought of high school alone is enough to stress anyone out. Now imagine being in high school, college, working, and juggling everyday life. Senior Diorlena Natera does just that. “I’ve always wanted to do things ahead of my time, so I wanted to get into college as soon as possible,” said Natera. This being her senior year, Natera is enrolled in only four classes at West and leaves after fourth hour on a work release. But she isn’t slacking off, as seniors may do. “I’m in IB English, MGI, College Algebra, and CCE. After I leave West, I go home, do homework, and get ready for either work or Maple Woods. I work at Outback Steakhouse as a hostess everyday except Tuesdays and Thursdays, in which I’m at Maple Woods,” said Natera. Maple Woods Community College in North Kansas City, which Natera admits is a far drive, is where she’ll be receiving a total of 15 credit hours. “It’s the only Metropolitan Community College that has the foreign language interpreting certification right now. I like that my professor is actually a state certified court interpreter. She’s an inspiration,” said Natera. M eg Even further Pe ter a w a y , s Most

ub on

life

freshman finish their 8th g r a d e year at Summit Lakes before they enter the doors of Lee’s Summit West. Others come from far away Freshman Luke Byler transferred to West from Kenya, Africa. His stay at West is only a temporary one. His family goes to Africa not only for missionary work, but for his dad to be a doctor as well. “My family and I live in Africa because we are missionaries there and my dad works at a mission hospital in Items purchased Sanyati,” said in Africa over the Byler. years. Photo by Although Kathryn Hilger Byler’s family

September 30, 2011

–o

Natera spent last summer in her hometown of the Bronx, New York. “Over the summer I took a cultural anthropology class, the study of why people are the way they are, at Fordham University in the Bronx. I got three credit hours,” said Natera. She also said that even though she stayed in her grandmother’s apartment, she was on her own and felt independent taking the train to class everyday and watching documentaries for reports. “It was a growing up experience since I didn’t have my mom and dad there, or any of my siblings,” said Natera. While she didn’t have her family the entire time, her sister, Sophomore Dannybell Valerio-Natera, and friend, Senior Alexus Salinas, came up for three weeks to visit. Salinas said, “It was amazing, fun, and a life experience. I think me going up there brought our friendship together. I thought it fit her personality because she’s from New York and I got to see how she grew up, who her friends were, and all the little hot spots she used to go to.” Although Natera is from New York, that didn’t mean she was totally comfortable with being out east. “I was completely out of my element and it made me appreciate the support system I have at home. Even though I’m from New York, I really missed Kansas City, which I didn’t expect. I guess it was that part of me that doesn’t want to grow up just yet.” New York was a mixture of work and play for the three girls. Valerio-Natera said, “We partied like college students. There were times when does Alexus and I some wanted to go ministry while in Africa, their main focus is medical work. “The first time I ever went to Africa was when I was only three years old and we have been going off and on for the past seven years. Toward the beginning to middle of this summer we will be heading back down there for another three years which will be our last long trip,” said Byler. When in Africa, the Byler’s live on a rural compound, about 90 minutes away from the city. When they return, Byler will no longer be home-schooled when going to Africa, but attending a boarding school in Kenya instead.

eri

shopping and she would be too tired from “I’m getting a head start on my future. school, so she would be kind of a party Also, since I’m taking high school classes pooper. It was that are dual credit, I’m kind of different getting college credit because now that for much cheaper than we’re older, we got usual. When I graduate to do a lot more high school, I’ll have stuff. We were out about 24 college credit and about all day. hours,” said Natera. She was always Natera’s busy exhausted, but schedule and hard work other than that, it doesn’t go unnoticed. was fun.” Her friends and family School turned are well-aware of the out to be an stress and sacrifices experience that she’s made. influenced her in “I think what she’s many ways, big Diorlena Natera is living the high doing is wonderful and small. actually. I know its school and college life. Photo by “It’s definitely going to benefit her Morgan Johnson making me more studies and what she responsible. In college, nobody’s calling my does in the future. It gives her a sense of parents to say I didn’t go to class. It’s all on how college is going to be,” said Salinas. me. It’s a lot of pressure from my parents Her sister also recognizes, and admires, since they’re paying for the classes,” said her dedication. Natera. “It’s not a joke. It’s college. I have “It’s an inspiration. I think it’s incredible to take it seriously. It’s costing money while how she can fit all of these things into her high school is free.” schedule and still have time for her family. Unlike the population at West, Natera I’m proud of her. Everyone in the family is,” said she noticed she was no longer the said Valerio-Natera. “I think all the cousins minority. look up to her and all the parents in our “My favorite part was the diversity of family are really proud of her and wish my class. It was the first time in a long their kids would follow in her footsteps.” time that I wasn’t the only Dominican or Her sister goes on to say, “It’s a big risk Latina in the class. Diversity in the student because it’s her senior year and she doesn’t population is definitely something I will have much of a social life anymore. She’s look for when applying to college now,” kind of given it up.” said Natera. Natera’s work pays off every day, but the With her overall goal to be accepted day she sees everything come together is into a good college, she’s debating what she’s looking forward to. between Northwestern, Oklahoma “College is really expensive and by State, or Savannah State to study mass putting myself under this hectic schedule, communication. I am lowering the debt I will be in after Her acceptance will be assisted by her student loans. I know at the end when I early start and credits that put her ahead of get my transcripts and see all the credit I’ve the other freshmen. gotten, it will be worth it.”

, another in Africa “Living in Africa is a great experience to have and I have met so many people. I have about four to five really good national friends that live around me and some more that live closer to town. Typically they are friends who have parents as nurses that also work at the hospital,” said Byler. “My dad is the only doctor that works at the hospital so whenever we go back there is always a lot that he has to take on. The hospital is very well-known and many people travel a long ways to be able

to be treated there,” Byler said. Byler has one particular memory that stands out. “One of the best memories was when we had another missionary family there for about two years with us and they had five kids so that was really fun to be around people that I could really relate more too,” said Byler Byler is excited to be here at West but like always, is looking forward to being back in Africa.

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September 30, 2011

Meg Britton-Mehlisch and Anna Poudel TV shows and movies like MTV’s “Jersey Shore” and “The Hangover” are sometimes blamed as influences that cause teens to drink. While Snooki and Jwoww do know how to party, statistics show that the issue is not a new one for teens, that just came about since the debut of “Jersey Shore” two years ago. For the cast – being over 21 – underage drinking isn’t problem. Still some feel that the frequent drinking that is a part of a show with a high teen viewership, is bound to have a negative effect. “It seems like now all these TV shows that you have, and kids see, is reality television — your “Jersey Shore” and all those shows,” said Principal Dr. David Sharp. “Aren’t those folks under the influence of alcohol most of the time on those shows? It seems like they are to me when they’re ranting and raving and tearing up the room.” Senior Taylor Kinsley said, “It’s almost advertised sometimes on TV now. On shows they show parties and kids drinking, like attractive kids that kids look up to, and it’s almost like well, the’re doing it and not getting caught.” And though many people at West would agree with Sharp and Kinsey, there are those who said they believe the media is getting unfairly blamed for things. Freshman Harrison Koford said that he thinks people watch reality shows because they think they’re funny, not because they’re looking for role models. “I think some people are smart enough to think that they [reality shows] are dumb,” said Koford. “I have a strong will and I don’t let the media affect my decisions,” said Senior Joeroly Johnson. Sophomore Austin Williamson agreed, “it doesn’t really affect my decisions.” There is more to the story that statistics and reality television. There are real-life stories. “I wanted to stop before I got ahead of myself and [messed] up my life,” said a sophomore girl. “It’s fun to drink, but you have a better feeling when you’re doing what’s right…and hangovers suck.” “I’ve seen a friend hook up with someone that they didn’t even know. They went like, ‘Did that really happen?’ People just do things that they wouldn’t normally do and you see that a lot, you see a lot of regret with it,” said Senior Brooke Martin. “You’re stupid when you’re drunk,” said the anonymous source. “I remember I had a really rough night with my parents and I actually tried alcohol for the first time and it was fun at the time but it was really not worth it in the long run because I went to bed that night thinking, ‘Who am I?’ It was just not my thing, it wasn’t my scene. I don’t know why all these kids do this every single weekend because it’s just like

an escape but you ... hit reality when you’re not drunk,” said another source. Part of reality is the impact of alcohol on teen bodies. Most students have already heard about the adverse effects of drinking from DARE and health class, but here’s a quick rundown: • Alcohol can shorten attention span • Cause memory problems • Decrease ability to focus • Cause brain shrinkage which may sound straight out of a sci-fi movie, but actually affects long-term cognitive functions and doesn’t usually happen to people until their mid-seventies, according to Addiction Specialist David P. Robbins and Pediatrician Dr. James McEntire.

Contrary to what some believe, McEntire and Robbins both said that alcohol is no safer than using other drugs. Addiction to alcohol is another possible result of underage drinking. People who start drinking before the age of 15 are five times more likely to become addicted as people who start at 21, according to the CDC. Urban Dictionary classifies addiction as something you do “more times than a frat boy says yo.” Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as a “compulsive need” for a substance. Addiction is rare for a teen, but not unheard of. One sign of addiction is feeling the need to have the object of the addiction constantly present. Addicts will even act on their addiction in places where it’s banned. Bringing alcohol to school is an example of this type of behavior, though it doesn’t necessarily mean someone is an ad-

Information provided by www.jhu.edu

Many teens ignore warning labels on alcoholic products which can lead to negative effects on the body.

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Titan Scroll

dict. Other motivations could be to impress people, forget stress, or to feel dangerous. There have been instances at West. “There have been people who have even come to school drunk...teachers don’t notice, you probably wouldn’t even notice. People know how to act sober,” said Martin. “It’s the Quik Trip drinks, the classic Quik Trip drinks. You see that Rooster Booster, you know there’s something in it,” said Kinsey. Other motives to bring alcohol to school could be to impress people While these sources seem to feel that underage drinking is quite common, others take a different view. “We don’t have too much of a drinking problem here,” said Sharp. “Last year at Lee’s Summit West we had less than one percent of all discipline infractions that dealt with people being in possession of or under the influence of alcohol.” “For every kid who drinks on the weekends, there are kids who don’t,” said Officer Bobby Conard. Sharp and Conard said West has a minimal drinking problem based on the number of incidents occurring at school, there are, however, policies set in place for the occasional “Rooster Booster.” Any student caught drunk or in the possession of alcohol will be suspended for 10-180 days and authorities will be contacted. It’s not always legal and medical issues that make teens change their drinking habits, sometimes it’s the social ones. “I just don’t think it’s classy,” said Kinsey. “If you really want to stop drinking and if you really want to change, you have to find new friends who lead you to be the person you want to be,” said the anonymous source. “Some are like, ‘Omg, I stopped too’ and some of them are like ‘once school starts, you’ll totally start drinking’ and those are the people I have to stay away from.” “If I know those people real well or if it’s just anybody I’ve been any type of close to, I’ll talk to them and not try to preach to them because that’s their choice and they can take the consequences; but I try to talk to them and maybe get them to stop,” said Sophomore Blaise Howard. “It’s something that most people will try, even if it’s bad,” said Freshman Delaina Deefinley. “It’s not going to stop, underage drinking is not going to stop, no matter how much trouble an administrator gets someone else in. It’s almost like the Brendon Dean story like whatever he took, all those pills, and all his friends gave up on it, people are still doing it and it’s almost like nothing’s going to stop them except like death or something, like a car wreck,” said Martin.

September 30, 2011

Alcohol Through the Ages Circa 10000 BCE Earliest known time that humans drank alcohol on purpose Circa 4000 BCE Ancient Egyptians used alcohol for medicine and nourishment, as well as offerings to gods and goddesses. 1116 BCE Drinking in China was highly spiritual and gave people inspiration. Circa 600 BCE Wine had become the common drink for everyone in Persia, including the very young. 336 BCE Drunkenness was the epitome of manliness in Macedonia. Alexander the Great, a famous drunk, became king. 500-1100 CE Most alcohol was made by Catholic monks after the fall of the Roman Empire 1620 CE * Puritans landed in the New World, bringing with them a value for drinking in moderation. In preparation for their voyage, they Mayflower loaded the Mayflower with more beer than water. Late 1800’s CE The Industrial Revolution required that people be reliable workers and added to people’s poor opinions of drunkenness. However, the increased stress of working lead some to drink more. 1919 CE** Prohibition went into effect in the U.S. and created a black market for alcohol. It was repealed 14 years later. 1984 CE Congress established 21 as the nation-wide minimum drinking age. Before, different states had different drinking ages. 2000’s CE Reality TV shows feature drunken fights to entertain the masses. All from Potsdam.edu except *pilgrimhall.org **archives.org

• News • Opinion • Feature • Arts&Entertainment • Sports • 13

Sunday

Monday

October

Tuesday

Thursday

Wednesday

2 Chiefs vs. Vikings at Arrowhead

10 Nicholas Spark’s “The Best of Me”

13 11 12 All school Testing Fall Choir Concert PSAT, PLAN, 7 p.m. ACT Practice

17 Fall Orchestra Concert 7 p.m.

19 Early Release Day

24 Michael Buble “Christmas” Album release

50/50 hits the Theaters

College Night at John Knox Pavillion 7pm

30 Homecoming Game vs. Truman

7 Football @ Park Hill

27 Football vs. Belton at Home

Saturday Homecoming Dance

LS Safe City Celebration 10 a.m.4 p.m. Summit Fair

14 Early Release Day BorderWar@LSHS

20 Early Release Day

Friday

22 21 No School ACT Test Football vs. Ruskin @ Home 28

Halloween

Steppin’ Out The Studio, Inc.

dance and cheer classes offered

(816)537-4315 Mon-Fri: 9:30am-8pm Sat: 9:30am-7pm Spa French: $25 Spa French Pedicure: $25 Regular Set: $20 Spa Regular: $20 Student Discount if you go to any LS school!

816-525-7464 14 • News • Opinion • Feature • Arts&Entertainment • Sports •

September 30, 2011

“Omg! They look like_____!” Some of our very own students have been said to look like celebrities. Try to match the picture of each contestant with a line or quote from the bottom that their celebrity look alike is most known for.

Senior Aaron Vanwormer

Junior Jessalyn Doss

Senior Ashley Beltch

Junior Payton Lyon

A. “You complete me.” hint: starred in Jerry McGuire

Junior Evan Whyte

Junior Emilie Abrahamson

B. “You have a price sticker on your forehead.” Hint: Died in “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.” C. “Baby you’re a skyscraper.” Hint: stars in a disney movie. D. “I had never given much thought to how i would die. but dying in the place of someone i love seems like a pretty good way to go.” Hint: Starred in “Catch that Kid with Corbin Bleu. E. The main character in The Secret Life of Bees. HInt: her first name is the same as a state. F. “You gotta keep trying, and never give up.” HInt: youngest X games winner for skateboarding. A. Aaron Vanwormer (Tom Cruise) B. Jessalyn Doss (Jenna Boyd) C. Ashley Beltch (Demi Lovato) D. Emilie Abrahamson (Kristen Stewart) E. Payton Lyon (Dakota Fanning) F. Evan Whyte (Ryan Sheckler).

September 30, 2011

• News • Opinion • Feature • Arts&Entertainment • Sports • 15

Polls prove West favors print,

Claudia Guthrie As time progresses, technology is becoming more and more abundant. Now, almost everything is accessible online. News stories, videos, and even books are easily reached through technology. This leads to the question: what is the future of print? In recent years, e-readers such as the Kindle and Nook continue to sweep the nation. Readers everywhere have begun purchasing e-books in place of printed books. Recently Amazon.com announced that in the last few months Kindle e-books sales have outnumbered the sales of hardcover books. This raises the question if books will still be around in future years. “Print basically has no future,” said art teacher Brandon Briscoe. “I think, initially, people will leave books and do more online and e-book reading. I don’t think in the long run it will be quite as lopsided as it is now,” said English teacher Lisa McWain. Science teacher Frank Vovk also agrees that print lacks a future in the world. “Books and newspapers are going to be gone. There’s no point in them. What’s the point of books? If books were so important, that’s the same thing as saying we should still have stone tablets. It’s silly. It’s the same thing, just in a different format. It’s like, why drive around in a buggy when I can use a car?” said Vovk. Others, such as Junior Jessalyn Doss, are more optimistic about books still being around. “I think the majority will be online, but I still feel like there will be books and newspapers. They’re going to be scarce,” said Doss. “You can’t have everything on the computer. There always has to be a hard copy,” said Senior KC Milota. “You have to have a hard copy because it’s something anyone can get to. With digital you have to have either a device or internet, whereas newspapers you can go down and get one for fifty or forty-five cents. It’s easier to find.” It’s easy to see why some people find e-readers so enticing. A Nook can hold up to 6,000 books. With just a few touches to

the screen, you can download millions of available books, newspapers, and magazines in mere seconds. Junior Tana West owns a Nook, but says she would still rather read regular, paper books. “I could never give up my regular books. I love my Nook, but regular books I still love to read. Plus, what if all your books got deleted and stuff? You’ll always have your regular books with you.” McWain owns a Kindle. “I love the Kindle except that one of my pleasures of reading a good book is passing it on to somebody and it’s much more complicated to do that with a Kindle,” said McWain. Doss doesn’t own a Kindle or Nook, and proudly refers to herself as “pro-paper.” “I think everything is starting to go online. Everyone is accessing it because it’s a cheaper form of information. I think it’s less tangible. You can’t keep it, look back on it, and remember it,” said Doss. “I like having a connection with the book, I feel like it’s mine.” With e-readers on the rise, the future of bookstores and libraries are also brought into question. Will anyone buy or check out books when they can easily download them from their own home? “Libraries are going to take the form of digital drop boxes, and they’re going to be virtual, like clouds. The idea of books is going to be gone. There’s no point in it,” said Vovk. “I think if libraries can embrace it, I see a future for them,” said Briscoe. “There’d be no books on the shelves, just catalogs. Librarians could save books to your Kindle so you could check it out. I think it’d be cool if a library looked like an Apple store.” “Books will still be around, but no one will be buying them. They’ll be in libraries for historians,” said Junior Joelle Frye. Other than books, the future of newspapers and magazines are also at stake. More articles are appearing online. This can be

a quicker way to spread new information as soon as it happens. “I think newspapers are more negatively affected than books because so many people can read their newspapers online,” said History teacher Steve Smith. “The advantage of technology is that it’s accessible. Do you know how much more news I read now than nine years ago? I know so much more about the world. You get a more diverse opinion news wise. More diversity, and it’s faster,” said Briscoe. Books and newspapers are not the

only things affected by the rise of technology. All across the country, post offices have been closing due to low demand and fewer customers. The amount of mail is slowly declining. Social networks like Facebook and Twitter, texts, and e-mails all provide a much faster and easier way of communicating than having to wait days to receive a letter in the mail. “Well before my

Total: 604

*Student survey conducted by Tiffany Jenkins day, the post office used to deliver twice a day because there was that level of mail. At this point when we have better technology, I’m not at all surprised that the post office isn’t being used as much as it was. However, there’s nothing like getting a handwritten letter from someone so I hope post offices don’t disappear completely,” said McWain. Like it or not, the level and abilities of technology are ever expanding. Only time will tell if print still has a place in the future.

16 • News • Opinion • Feature • Arts&Entertainment • Sports •

The Nook was released in November 2009 Photo by Michelle Stout.

September 30, 2011

despite technology growth

movie. “There can be too much in a book to fit into a movie and the message Taylor Jensen or theme won’t transition into a movie well,” said Mather. Think of all the movies “Normally, it turns out you’ve seen. Now think of to be a good movie, but all the books you’ve read. it’s always different from Were any of them the same? the book. It always seems The chances are they weren’t. like they take things out With today’s society so or add different things socially and technology in. Sometimes, if you based, more and more people watch the movie first, choose to visit the local movie it changes how you theatres or rent a Red Box, view the book, but I rather than sit down with a don’t think it ruins it.” book on a Friday night. Who So why does really wants to experience Hollywood even bother? the same storyline and Chances are that if the characters more than once? book was a success, A great deal more do than the movie will be too. one would initially think. Taylor said, “If a book There are countless becomes really popular, numbers of books that have people start looking been made into movies. at it as a possibility to Critically acclaimed and New be made into a movie. York Time Bestsellers are The book must have typically the ones that make a really good plot or the list. Movies are one of the setting, and the visuals basic forms of entertainment have to be standout. I these days, whether it’s at think if the author is home or the movie theatre. Despite decay of print, results from the poll taken in advisory, students prefer print. still living, they should They’re a go-to date plan, a Photo by Michelle Stout somehow be included girls night out, or a place to get those younger siblings out of the house. It’s supposed to try to convey what the purposes for these two students, but in the production of the movie.” Seeing the movies and reading author is saying, so I don’t think certain disappointment is a factor for both. Many would plainly state that the books are nowhere close to being parts should change,” said Taylor. “I think that it’s hard to get the books are better than the books; the same experience for many people. Mather said the changes producers idea of a book across in a movie, and others vice-versa. But can that “Reading a book is very personal. make in the movies are oftentimes with a book you can get a lot more in really be claimed that easily? There’s more ownership and the biggest bother when it comes depth and there’s not a time limit,” said While some may say books are how that book makes you feel to books being made into movies. Brummett. “The movies usually aren’t more “personal” and “in depth”, that and what you personally gain,” “It’s my least favorite part. Normally as detailed so you get disappointed may not be what others are in it for. said West Librarian Amy Taylor. the author wrote it to be one specific if you’ve already read the book.” Mather said she thinks more people Senior Lauren Mather said, “In way and when it’s changed, it changes “People have a very specific way a see the movie, versus reading the book, reading, you can start and stop when the meaning, theme, or outcome of the character is in their mind. People don’t because it’s a lot faster and easier. you want. If you don’t like a part of movie.” She goes on to say, “When you like it to look different when the actor Brummett said something along it, you can ignore it. Books are more read a book, you picture what you think brings them to life. All the mannerisms, those same lines, “I think more individual, different people feeling it’s like with your own imagination, voice, looks can be different,” said people see the movie because it’s differently about them. The movie and when you see the movie, it never Taylor. “In a movie, those things are more convenient. Going to a movie is usually the same for everyone.” turns out like you thought it would.” determined by the producers, directors, only takes a few hours but reading So many things get altered and Junior Haley Brummett said, “In and actors. Sometimes they don’t a book can take a few weeks.” tainted even before the book is read, the book, you get more attached to the do it the way the reader imagined.” So who’s to say whether books are during and afterwards, not to mention characters and it’s more personal, and Mather said she thinks that ultimately, better than the movies? “It all depends how the movie itself has changed. you can understand their thoughts. I’m nothing is ruined, not the book or the on the individual book or movie, and the person involved,” said Mather. “I can understand leaving things out. You can’t

September 30, 2011

fit a huge book into an hour long movie. I don’t like changing things. I see books as a very artistic expression.

more likely to cry in a movie than a book though because the person is alive and in front of you and it’s easier to feel sorry for them, while in the book it’s more in your imagination.” Maybe imagination serves different

• News • Opinion • Feature • Arts&Entertainment • Sports • 17

18 • News • Opinion • Feature • Arts&Entertainment • Sports •

September 30, 2011

Reviews by Sydnee Owens and Katey Stoetzel

Desperate Housewives

Top TV Show Reviews Glee New Girl

Brewster). Prentiss, however, did not die, instead she was sent away in hiding from her killer. The remainder of the team being uninformed. The BAU will finally be reunited this season as not only does Prentiss return, but JJ (A.J. Cook) also returns to the show after being absent last season. Viewers can only hope the show will continue to be just as thrilling as before now that the favorite characters are back in business. With an astonishing premiere, the season looks promising.

‘Desperate Housewives’ announced that this season, their eighth season, will be their last. The season premiered Sunday on ABC with many problems needing resolved. In last season’s finale, Gabby (Eva Longoria) was stalked and almost attacked by her step father who molested her as a child, until Carlos (Ricardo Chavira), Gabby’s husband, killed him to protect his wife. The neighbors on the street arrived in time to see the crime scene and helped them dispose of the body. There’s no question that this murder will haunt all of the housewives throughout the season. Hopefully the final season With 11 Emmys under their belt, the number one comedy on will end with a bang. television, ‘Modern Family’, has very high standards for its third season. They kicked off the show with an hour long premiere last week on ABC. The show did not The Behavioral Analysis Unit disappoint, as it continued to returned last week on CBS with provide humor for all different a continuation of the murder members of families. From the investigation of one of the team’s looks of it, the family sitcom members, Emily Prentiss (Paget will have yet another successful

Modern Family

Criminal Minds

September 30, 2011

season generating many more laughs.

New Girl, starring Zooey Deschanel as the eccentric Jess Day, premiered on Fox on Sept. 20. The show starts off with a monologue from Jess explaining the nature of horror movies and how it relates to her life. The story line is this: Jess gets dumped by her boyfriend, Spencer, and is now in need of an apartment. The only availability is an apartment with three guys as roommates, who are reluctant to take her in, but do so anyway. Complete with clever dialogue and interesting situations, the show made for a great first episode. More adventures with Jess, Nick, Schmidt and Winston are scheduled for

Glee came back on the air waves on September 20 with a list of musical numbers in their repertoire. But unfortunately, that was the only difference between the start of the third season and the past two seasons. The plot line is the same: the Glee club is in danger of going extinct, and Sue Sylvester is in charge of extinguishing them. The drama between the members is same old same old. However two members are missing in the form of Quinn and Sam. Sam is MIA so far and Quinn has turned to the dark side. To watch this show spiral into a downfall, tune in on Tuesday nights on Fox at 7 p.m.

Charlie’s THE Angels

OFFICE

Tuesdays at 8 p.m. With the devastating loss of office manager Michael Scott (Steve Carrell), the show strives to survive in their eighth season. Actor James Spader filled in the office manager position and the employees of Dunder Mifflin have mixed feelings about their new boss. He is less social than Michael and is not as easily manipulated or fun to mess with. This season will be interesting with the adjustment of the new manager, the other characters are still hilarious, so it should still generate a good laugh each week.

Charlie’s Angels, a remake of the series that aired 1976-1981, premiered last Thursday on ABC. The angels are played by Minka Kelly, Rachael Taylor, and Annie Ilonzeh. The show started out without Minka Kelly as an angel. The third angel was blown up in the first scene, with Kelly being an old friend, she helped catch the guy you planted the bomb. Then Kelly got offered the open spot of the third angel. Although the show had some extremely cheesy lines, it was action packed and had a good plot. At this point, this new show could sky rocket or plummet.

• News • Opinion • Feature • Arts&Entertainment • Sports • 19

Release of “Abduction” yet to steal viewers’ attention Claudia Guthrie

Review: For me, the only thing worse Who were Nathan’s real parents? Why learn anything until the near end of the utter confusion. than an action movie with no plot, is an action movie with a bad plot. This is the case for “Abduction” which premiered in theaters Sept. 23. “Abduction” stars Taylor Lautner, who is best known as the often-shirtless werewolf Jacob Black from the Twilight saga. The film also stars Lily Collins, as well as more notable actors Sigourney Weaver, Alfred Molina, Maria Bello, and Jason Isaacs. Nathan (Lautner) is a popular, hunky kid living in the suburbs of Pennsylvania, but, ironically, refers to himself as a “freak” and often feels like he is a stranger in his own life. One night, while working on a school Sociology paper, him and childhood friend Karen (Collins) come across a picture of Nathan on a missing persons website. He comes to realize the people he has been living with for as long as he can remember are not his real parents. But when he finally confronts them, the house is attacked and his parents murdered by an anonymous group of foreign criminals. Nathan and Karen, along with help from Nathan’s CIA special agent therapist (Weaver), begin a search for the truth–

are people trying to kill him? Why can’t the CIA be trusted? The answers to all of these questions do not come quickly. In fact, you don’t

movie. It takes forever to reveal the simplest facts you need to know in order to understand the plot. For the duration of “Abduction”, the audience is in a state of

Another major weak point is the actors’ inabilities to…well, act. Lautner remains stony throughout the film, rarely showing a fragment of emotion. Even when his parents are brutally murdered in front of him and his house blown to smithereens, he only shed two manly tears. Collins is another perfect example of acting incapability. If anything, she must have been hired because of her relatively attractive looks, since her acting skills are virtually nonexistent. Those who are actually capable of performing, such as Weaver and Isaacs, got surprisingly little screen time. For the duration of the movie, there are numerous poor attempts at humor in the form of cheesy one-liners. If people do find themselves laughing, it’s by the sheer ridiculousness of the lines. “Abduction” was designed to show off Lautner’s skills as an upcoming action star, but ends up making audiences question his abilities as an “Abduction” stars Taylor Lautner and Lily Collins, who portray two friends, Nathan and actor. Is Lautner just a pretty face? All Karen, that discover his true identity on an internet site advertising missing people. one can conclude is, the movie is not After this discovery, they use any means to try and escape those striving to kill him. worth the $8.34. Photo illustration by Justin Hunley, Gabby Hayden, and Brooks Rast.

Support the Titans and shop at your local Price Chopper 251 Southwest Greenwich Drive, Lee’s Summit • (816) 537-0700 20 • News • Opinion • Feature • Arts&Entertainment • Sports •

September 30, 2011

According to Andy: Demise of the Big 12 Conference Andy Evans

The Big 12 Conference has been a breeding ground for unrest, turmoil, and potential change. So let me take a minute and fill you in on what’s been going on. Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, and Texas Tech were in serious discussion with the Pac-12 about the possibility of creating a four team pod and forming the Pac-16. Texas, on its own, had conversations with the ACC on joining, so the Longhorns could keep their beloved, lucrative Longhorn Network. This idea seemed to lose momentum when Big East schools Syracuse and Pittsburgh were accepted, filling the two final open slots left in the

ACC. championship now, or probably Mizzou was and possibly still is ever. in contact with the SEC, and rumor Another thought is what is going has it that to happen the SEC to Baylor has opened and Iowa it’s door State. The BIG 12 CONFERENCE to MU if honest the Big truth of 12 finally the matter dies. is that if The only school that has the Big 12 collapses, the Bears “officially” left the Big 12 to this and the Cyclones will be left out point is Texas A&M setting sail to dry. Because these schools are for the SEC. I guess they got tired not “big names” such as Texas or of all of the “Aggie Jokes,” so Oklahoma, they may be forced they decided to leave a conference to join a smaller conference or where they could’ve had a worst case scenario, become an chance at being in contention, independent school. for a conference where they So, what last year was the Big will not even have a chance at a 12 with twelve teams, before

Nebraska’s exit to the Big 10, which now has twelve teams and Colorado’s departure to the then Pac-10, now Pac-12, this year has ten teams, and next year is going to have nine members. In my opinion, the massive amount of interaction between collegiate conferences means the Big 12 is living on borrowed time. Teams are itching to get out and lining up at the Pac-12, Big 10, and SEC’s doorsteps, begging for admission. It’s sad but its reality. But just wait, by the time this Titan Scroll issue goes to print I’m sure things will have changed, so stay tuned. The on-goings between the conferences is turning out to be more entertaining than the college football season itself.

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• News • Opinion • Feature • Arts&Entertainment • Sports • 21

12th man completes Titan football Meg Peterson

The 2:23 bell rings on a Friday afternoon; classrooms empty and people begin preparations for the night ahead of them. The parking lot is full of screaming and hollering, loud music and huge fans chanting. It is Titan football time and everyone has the spirit. The fan section is full before one person from the opposing team sets foot on West property. Fans are so loud that no one can hear themselves talk. The fan section is significant at every game, home or away. We are the 12th man. “When we were sophomores we decided to be cool and paint ourselves up and eventually were recruited by the senior class and the 12th man came out and now it has turned into this huge, awesome thing. We are trying to get as many people involved as we can to make it even bigger and better,” said Senior Andrew Argotsinger. “From the moment school lets out we start getting pumped up,” said Argotsinger. “Every Friday night we go to Matt Graham’s and one person goes down into his basement to get the sound system

ready. We all run down and we jam out to the techno version of sandstorm and we go completely nuts. We throw punches and we go crazy,” said Argotsinger. “Once we have jammed out for a while we get in ‘Clifford,’ (Matt’s big, red truck) with two little flags and one 12th man flag and drive around in the parking lot and just scream at the top of our lungs,” Argotsinger said. “We go “buck wild,” and all wake up Saturday mornings with no voices because of it,” said Argotsinger. Argotsinger and Senior Hank Mendenhall explained that their loud screaming and chanting contributes to the team, but the main reason they win is how good the players are. “I like to think we contribute a little bit, not a lot though because the team is really good. I would say we help about 2% but the rest of it is coach Boehm and all of the players,” said Mendenhall. “I think that we help them get “hyphy” and all pumped up and then they go out and perform,” said Argotsinger. Argotsinger and Mendenhall both agree that their favorite game was the Lee’s Summit Quarterfinal game last year. “I remember they had to call a time out because we were so loud so I think we are pretty dedicated in our screaming,” said Argotsinger. “It was really fun to beat the cross town rival and everyone was just really pumped for the game,” said Mendenhall. The 12th man has never missed a game, has always been there to cheer, and has had a major impact on how The 12th man paints up before games to support well the team plays. “They our Titan Football. Photo by Michelle Stout definitely give us more

motivation to play better in the game. We already play well but we want to do good in front of all of our friends and everyone in the crowd and have a good effect from them so the 12th man pushes us even harder to do so,” said senior football player Connor Hartnett. “When we were at the state game a lot of people were really nervous so the 12th man eased the nerves a little bit and at half time they sang “Sweet Caroline” which really helped us calm down,” said Hartnett. “I would definitely have to say that they are one of the many reasons that we play as hard as we do,” said Hartnett. Recently the 12th man hit a turn around when a rumor started that Principal Dr. Sharp wanted to move the student section away from the middle of the stands. “We were very upset and betrayed. I felt like Dr. Sharp took my Titan spirit and burnt it to the ground and we had no reason to live anymore,” said Breshears. Sharp cleared up the rumor. “I saw the student fan section was over crowded and that a lot of people weren’t able to Drew Douglas yelling for a Titan victory. fit and be ‘in the crowd’ so Photo by Michelle Stout I wanted to expand it from where the students usually sat to all the “He was really cool and talked to us way down the rest of the bleachers on that about it and gave us what we wanted,” said Mendenahall. side of them.” th “The 12 man is the best thing that “After it is all said and done the has happened to West and I would never 12th man and Dr. Sharp are tight,” said Breshears. want to take it away,” Sharp said.

September 23 @ North Kansas City Titans vs. Winnetonka

Titans took a hard loss at home against Blue Springs South Sept. 16. Photo by Michelle Stout

17-0

22 • News • Opinion • Feature • Arts&Entertainment • Sports •

Homecoming September 30 Titans vs. Patriots

September 30, 2011

A “fall”ow up on sports Varsity Volleyball

West Varsity Soccer is holding a strong reputation with a 10-2 record. Titans face Raytown on Monday, 5 p.m. at Raytown High School.

Golf is competing in districts this week at the Longview Golf Course. Sectionals are next week in Springfield.

Cross country competed in the Roy Griak Invitational last weekend placing 7th out of 44 teams. The KC Metro Championships will be held tomorrow at RayPec High School.

Photo by Alex Palmer

Photo by Ryan Miller Photo by Joey Franke

Photo by Steve Rhodes

West softball lost to Truman with a close 3-1 score in one of their final games. Districts will start next week at Raytown.

Mason Fender

Photo by Bailey Romi

Alex Brown

Although the volleyball team has suffered a few hard losses this season, Senior Anna Hunter said that it’s not a matter of them not being good enough, they just need to play as a team. But overall she said it’s been a good season so far.

Photo by Michelle Stout

Chee r Junior Nate O’Connor won the 500 freestyle Tuesday at the Aquatic Center. West won the meet 219 with Kearny 72 points, and Pembroke Hill 18.

Photo by Ryan Miller.

September 30, 2011

LSW Cheer travels to Colombia Sunday. Cheerleaders are optimistic, “We’re really prepared this year.”

Photo by Ariel Thompson

Nate O’Connor

Alexa Surratt

Tennis will be playing in the Bolivar/Branson Double Dual that will take place tomorrow at Pembroke Hill. West will play at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

• Sports • Opinion • Feature • Arts&Entertainment • Sports • 23

When you get to the Homecoming dance, you may realize that there are quite a few folks that don’t exactly have moves. Don’t fear, fellow Titans will teach you how to bust it. There are many different ways you can get groovy, here are a few. . .

knees. Put r u o y n o s and r “Put your h ur back. Shake you o y cKeia hump in r Leesia M io n e S id a rump,” s then.

Photos by Maddy Arsenault Information gathered by Nikki Andriano and Riley Manning

“You gotta get down,” said Junior Mich ael Holt.

“Be yourself and have fun. Do what makes you feel happy,” said Sophomore Trey Augustine.

Homecoming Schedule! Friday: 3:30 p.m. - Parade (2nd & Douglas) 7:00 p.m. - Football v. Truman

Saturday: 12:00 p.m. - Start Getting Ready 5:00 p.m. - Pictures! e muterpret th in y d o b r u ior “Let yo ,” said Jun t n e m e v o sic with m rton. the Gabby Bro

“Hear the music, forget your worries, move to the beat, and express yourself the way words can’t,” said Junior Megan Barelli.

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6:00 p.m. - Dinner Time! 8:00 p.m. - The Dance Begins September 30 , 2011