February, 2017 Issue by The Trojan Bluestreak

e h T

Bluestreak

Volume 34, Issue 6, February 2017

The Official Publication of the Andover High Student Body

Table of Contents News in Brief

Inauguration Trip

World Cancer Day

Black History Month

High School Sweethearts

8-9

Sweet Valentine’s Treats

10-11

Andover Bachelors & Bachelorettes 12

Worst Dates

Valentine’s Messages

Valentine’s Memes

Photographer Spotlight

16-17

Photo of the Month

18-19

Super Bowl Opinions

Wrestling Weight Loss

Trojanettes Through the Years 22-23 2

February 2017 - Issue 6

The Trojan BlueStreak Staff editor-in-chief Emma Starks managing editor Elise Lindemann copy editor Ashley Dorf design editor Emily Stybr assistant design editor Hayley Jones assistant design editor Sophie Braynock in-depth editor Grace Ball lead writer Ashley Shandy

sports editor Ben Smith photo editor Julia Schneider assistant photo editor Kamilla Sims web editor Stuart Jenkins staffers Natalie Anderson Megan Aune Avery Balderston Josie Beaver Hannah Brumfield Bayli Ellerman Josie Hufman Ben Johnsen Annalise Matheny Abigail Parker Kylie Porter Rachel Root Kaitlyn Seabrook Slade Swan Jonny Wagner Published by: Andover High School, 1744 N. Andover Rd., Andover KS, 67002

From the Editor Hey, lovebirds! For our first issue of 2017, we focused on topics that are a little more light “hearted” and fun. In honor of Valentine’s Day, we have devoted much of this issue to stories of love, embarrassment and sweet treats. Since most of us do not have much experience in the love department, we reached out to AHS staff to learn about their life experiences. Be sure to check out the Valentine’s Memes for your favorite teacher! In addition to celebrating Valentine’s Day, you will find stories about other February events such as World Cancer Day and Black History Month. Both feature personal accounts from our own classmates. As always, if you have a story idea or are interested in contributing the Trojan Bluestreak, please let us know. Go Trojans! Love ‘em!

xoxo,

Emma Starks

keep up with the latest news in between issues on our website!

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@ahsbluestreak BLUESTREAK editorial policy

The Trojan Bluestreak is an active newspaper and public forum. Freedom of speech permits members of the Bluestreak staff and the student body to express their opinions in the form of editorials or other opinionated articles. The views presented in opinion pieces do not represent the view of the Bluestreak as a whole. If you would like to submit an opinion piece for possible publication, please contact Mr. Conover in Room 112. The Bluestreak will not publish any piece that has distasteful elements including, but not limited to, libel, plagiarism, profanity, obscenity and falsification.

February 2017 - Issue 6

NEWS IN BRIEF The Trojan Bluestreak’s monthly digest of events around the community Andover hosts the One Acts plays every year. One Acts are student-directed plays that senior Thespian Troupe inductees select and direct. The directors are allowed to pick any play that they like as long as it meets the requirements by Ms. Koehn and the administration. The play also has to be able to be performed on their stage and meet the time requirement, which is normally 30 minutes or less. Ms. Koehn says that she acts as a producer during the One Acts. “I okay the scripts, I mentor the directors, I handle things in regards to coordinating schedules and what order the plays are in. I am hands off as far as the artistic decisions inside the play go.” Koehn also said that she adores the One Acts, and thinks it is one of the very few opportunities that students have to act in a directional capacity.

-averyBALDERSTON

Photo by Kylie Porter

Rallying against Westboro Baptist Church’s protest at Derby High School January 11, students and members of the community gathered in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Tyler Krayer, a transgender male, was recently named Holly Ball King at DHS, igniting a response from the radical Topeka-based church. Dozens of supporters, including some Andover students, met the hatefilled protesters sporting encouraging signs and rainbow gear. Though the group’s protest was intended to offend and breakdown the LGBTQ+ community, it incited a warm and supportive response.

-eliseLINDEMANN

Photo by Elise Lindemann

February 2017 - Issue 6

Stars and Stripes 20 AHS students visit Washington, D.C. 2017 is a new year and with it comes many new opportunities. The new year also brought a new president into office. Twenty AHS students, history teacher Mr. Joel Schaefer and assistant principal Mrs. Amanda Grier traveled to Washington, D.C. for four days to explore famous sites and to witness the presidential inauguration in-person. “I think this is a terrific opportunity to expose our students to our nation’s institutions, traditions, and history beyond the traditional classroom walls,” said Schaefer. “We brought an amazing group of kids who showed genuine interest in learning about and participating in the civic ideals we’re called upon to uphold.” The group traveled to famous hotspots such as the Lincoln Memorial, Ford’s Theater and the White House. Though most days started quite early and ended late, the group left at 5:30 a.m. in order to find a good spot for the inauguration. “Security was incredibly tight so we were fortunate to get through it and down on the Mall a couple of hours before the ceremony. We had a wonderful view of the proceedings and we were so thankful the weather cooperated with us in that it wasn’t so frigid like previous inaugurations,” said Schaefer. The following day, a large march for women’s rights was held in the city. Although the students did not participate, they witnessed what has been called one of the most widespread protests in history, spreading to other U.S. cities and countries around the world. Schaefer said the trip allows history to come alive for the students. “It gives the kids a chance to see that our founders intended this to be a participatory society in which we need to have a voice in our nation and its future,” he said. The group received local attention from radio station KFDI and on TV via KSN News. In the respective radio and TV interviews, the students and faculty described their activities and documented their experiences. “The trip was amazing,” said Grier. “We were able to have so many great experiences from the Smithsonian to the inauguration to the Women’s March. It was a truly memorable and fun trip.”

-ashleyDORF

Photos by Slade Swan

February 2017 - Issue 6

World Cancer Day: February 4

One student’s story

February 4 is World Cancer Day. This global day raises awareness for all types of cancer and helps others to understand how to reduce the global burden of cancer. With the main motto of “We can, I can,” this is a day to share in the fight against cancer. This date is placed and held by the Union for International Cancer Control. One of the main goals of World Cancer Day is also to raise the profile of cancer in the media for those who are not aware of cancer’s impact. Cancer detection, prevention and treatment are also important facets of World Cancer Day. They also sell different things to raise funds for cancer treatment. Last year, unity bands were sold and the money was donated to help fund treatment.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in children from birth to age 19. According to Cancer.com, childhood cancer makes up 1% of all diagnosed cancers each year. Andover junior Megan Aune was diagnosed with liver cancer on November 12, 2001, when she was 17 months old. One day, her daycare teacher thought she had a “toddler tummy.” This is known as a stage in a child’s life when their stomachs get large as their body is changing. However, after her annual checkup, Aune’s doctor thought differently. The next day her doctor sent her in for a CAT scan where they discovered the cause of her tummyexpanding was a grapefruit-sized tumor on her liver. Liver cancer is a rare malignancy in children and is either categorized as hepatoblastoma or hepatocellular carcinoma. The specific type of liver cancer Aune had is called hepatoblastoma. Though hepatoblastoma is a childhood form, it normally is not as far developed in such a short amount of time; Aune was stage four. The liver breaks down toxic wastes in your blood, urine and stools; it also absorbs and breaks down nutrients that your body needs. The liver distributes bile into the intestines. Typically, liver cancer is either genetic in children or spread from another type of cancer. Tumors can form in the liver which cause it to stretch and become painful. Aune relapsed in August 2002, with the cancer coming back stronger. She then continued with chemotherapy for 19 months until March 2004, when she had her last treatment. “I was cancer free March 5, 2004, and it was the happiest day of my parents’ life. My mom could finally pick me up and hold me. I no longer had tubes in my arms and legs and I could be a kid again.” Since Megan was a young child, she only has a few memories of these years. “The biggest memory that I have of my dad and I is that we always went to watch the fish in the lobby’s fish tank. This was my favorite thing to do because I loved the movie Finding Nemo and there were ‘Marlins and Dorys’ in the tank,” Aune said. Cancer had more than a physical impact. Financially it was also difficult. This did not just affect Aune; it also had an impact on her family. “My dad was making most of the money for our family because my mom recently started working again after being on maternity leave. My dad makes decent money but only having one income to pay for many treatment expenses was hard. Chemo treatments could be up to $5,000 and single shots were $100. Other than the chemo, the surgery for the first time it was $25,000.” Aune said. Almost all of Aune’s family visited her throughout the years to help cheer her up, and that is one of the main things she is most thankful for because it caused a majority of her memories in the hospital to be happy ones. “My most clear memory is my aunts and I doing each others’ makeup. I will never forget this memory

Liver cancer is represented with a green ribbon and cervical cancer is represented by teal.

February 2017 - Issue 6

because my mom documented the beautiful aftermath. Other than the makeup they would also take me shopping in the gift shop and buy me all the stuffed animals that I wanted,” Aune said. “The last thing I remember is that my favorite foods were mac and cheese and Doritos and they continue to be my favorite combination to this day.” Aune said. With the impact of cancer, Aune expressed it does not affect her mentally. Nor does she want it to be used as a pity party. Physically, Aune has two scars from the chemo tube across her heart and two from the surgeries. One of the scars is on her stomach in the shape of her rainbow from part of her liver being removed. Aune said that her family has a history of cancer, but not the kind she had or at the age she had it. The outcome of those family members was not as miraculous as Aune’s story. Shortly after Megan finished chemotherapy, her family got news that her mother had cervical cancer. Angela Aune’s diagnosis came in 2006. “We found out she had cancer only months after my sister was born. This was very dangerous because if she would have been diagnosed any sooner, my mom and sister could have been in critical danger,” Aune said. One month after she was diagnosed, she received a hysterectomy to remove her cervix and uterus. Post-surgery, Megan’s mother was cancer free. Although Aune had a rough childhood battling cancer, she is healthy and cancer free today. “It’s crazy to think that my chance for survival was twenty percent and I beat all the odds. I thank God everyday for blessing me with such amazing and uplifting family members that helped me through the hardest time in my life. I also want to thank my amazing doctors, Dr. David Rosen and nurse Kim Rosen, because they truly are miracle workers and are some of my favorite people,” Aune said.

-ashleySHANDY and graceBALL

Black History Month Black History Month is well known, but not always well understood. Its history is trivial, and its purpose is often misinterpreted. Unlike holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it isn’t immediately clear how to celebrate. When one is able to understand the premise behind it, the controversy often associated with it can be eliminated easily.

What we now know as Black History Month emerged from something that was first conceptualized in September 1915. Spearheaded by Carter G. Woodson, the Association for the Study of Negro Life & History was established. In February 1926, the first Negro History week was subsidized by the ASNLH. It occurred on the first week of February, which was chosen so that it fell within the same month as Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass’s birthdays. It was celebrated during an entire month amongst many communities of historically black colleges and universities, but wasn’t officially recognized nationally until 1976.

Black History Month is a recently curated event, and stems from American history. Because of this, there are few traditions built upon ancient rituals. In fact, Black History Month was originally named African American History Month, and aims to focus on how the U.S. history that is commonly known was largely influenced by African Americans. Woodson noticed that African Americans were underrepresented throughout his grade school and secondary education. During his undergraduate education at the University of Chicago, he discovered many inequities within the backstory of America that can best be summed up in this James Baldwin quote: “When I was going to school, I began to be bugged by the teaching of American history because it seemed that history had been taught without cognizance of my presence.”

For those who are unaware of the backing behind it, misconceptions about Black History Month can quickly be formed. One might ask, why isn’t there a white history month? Simply put, white history month doesn’t exist because every month is white history month. The ASNLH was originally formed to draw attention to black artists, inventors, scientists, etc. who were discredited due to blatant racism in the past. Because plagiarism wasn’t a common occurrence for Caucasians in America due to race, this is unnecessary. With a grasp of its founding, Black History Month can be more easily appreciated. Ways to participate are not immediately clear, so keeping up with the Association for the Study of Negro Life & History and the themes for celebration each year can help to actively circulate the intended message. The theme for 2017 is ‘The Crisis in Black Education,’ and can be read about on asalh100.org. With more people making an effort to engage, disputation will be less common, and joint understanding will occur.

-malachiWATSON

“When I was going to school, I began to be bugged by the teaching of American history because it seemed that history had been taught without cognizance of my presence.” -James Baldwin Carter G. Woodson, founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, or ASNLH. Black History Month theme for 2017 February 2017 - Issue 6

(Sweethearts) Stories of young love that lasted

Mrs. Woodward

“We met at our church youth group; we would hang out with each other there. He was two years older then me and we went to different schools. He asked my dad first before asking me out and my dad said that we should just be friends for a while, but he asked me out anyway. We dated for about three months, but it didn’t work out. That was my sophomore year and his senior year of high school. Then I went to Wichita State and he was going there too. We were both in the Student Ambassadors Society and we were both helping get the college ministry started for our church, so we ran into each other a lot. Then we decided we were going to try to be friends again. We started dating again this time more seriously, we knew if were going to date each other, then we were going to marry each other. If we had to do it all over again we probably wouldn’t date in high school.”

Dating advice: “I would make sure that the person you’re dating has qualities that you would want in a spouse. Especially if you’re an upper classmen and you’re serious about dating that person then I would make sure you think about that and have your parents approval.”

lqlqlqlqlqlqlqlqlqlqlqlqlqlqlqlq “Well in 8th grade you didn’t date, we called it going together. One day Rob asked me if I wanted to go with him and we went to a birthday garage party, because that’s what you do in 8th grade; and we were each others first kiss. We broke up about a week later and then in high school we were always best friends. I have a picture of us hugging at our high school graduation on my kitchen counter. I dated a boy for two years of high school and two years of college and he dated a girl for two years of high school and one year of college. Then when we both broke up and we didn’t date anyone but each other, then we got married two years later. We are going to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary on May 21 which is graduation day.”

Mrs. Anderson 8

February 2017 - Issue 6

Relationship advice: “I think people need to experience

college or after high school, maybe not be tied down for all of it and get some experiences then come back together with your high school sweetheart. “

Mr. Harris

“My wife Kathleen and I actually met in Mr. Schaefer’s room. We were both debating in the Andover debate tournament; she was from Southeast and I was from East. We both made it to the final round where she won on a 2-1 decision. While I thought she was cute, she hated me and thought I was a jerk. We only debated each other one more time and I won that round. We started dating a year an a half later after we met up through mutual friends. We started dating February 8, 1998. It was her senior year of high school and my freshman year at WSU. We were married on June 8, 2001.”

Dating advice: “Don’t stress over whether or not the person you are dating is the one, if you are meant to be together it will work out in the end. Be with people who make you happy and don’t try to be something you are not. Relationships change the longer they last; if yours was based on only one thing like physical attraction it won’t last. Be honest with each other and communicate clearly, never assume they understand something you haven’t clearly expressed. If you do get into a fight, don’t obsess with winning it or making them say you were right. While you might win in the short term, its hard to overcome hurt feelings and in the end it might cost you the relationship.”

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Mr. Lee

“We both lived in Coffeyville; I moved there in the 8th grade and my wife had lived there for most of her life. We knew of each other, but the first time we interacted with one another there was a snow storm and she came up and smashed snow in my face. Then I was working for the school newspaper and they wanted to do a male and female athlete of the fall. My wife was a state level tennis player so she was one of the choices. So I went to her house to interview her then I wrote the article. A few months later I asked her out and that was when we were juniors. We dated for the rest of high school, we broke up our first semester of our freshmen year in college and I’m sure it was something I did, I can’t remember. Then we started dating again that summer, then we got married the following spring when we were 20. Then we had our first child at 22. This spring will be our 35th wedding anniversary.”

Keys to a long marriage: “Patience and forgiveness. My wife demonstrates them

much better then I do at times. Those things can go a long way. Another thing is my wife and I have always been friends, so that makes it easier to talk to her.” February 2017 - Issue 6

Sweet Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Treat

February 2017 - Issue 6

WHAT YOU NEED • • • • • •

Chex cereal 16 oz white CandiQuik chocolate 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 bag frosted animal crackers Sixlets candy (pink) Rainbow sprinkles

HOW TO CREATE

• Melt the chocolate according to directions. • Fill a bowl with Chex cereal and pour the melted chocolate on top of the cereal. • Stir until the Chex is consistently covered with the chocolate. Crush the frosted animal crackers and add them into the Chex mixture. • Add sprinkles and Sixlets, as much as desired, and mix. • Add 1/4 cup powdered sugar and mix again. • Add more Sixlets or animal crackers for decoration if you wish and let the mix set before serving. Enjoy! February 2017 - Issue 6

Worst (dates) “One Valentine’s Day, I was running late after work. I went to the florist. By the time I arrived at the florist, they were completely out of roses, and the store clerk said, ’You could buy a dozen plastic roses. They will last all year.’ So, I bought them. I gave them to my wife. With no hesitation, she accompanied me as we drove back to the florist to return the plastic roses. Never again!”

Mrs. Kaylor

q151V (art)

“We planned to go to the Pretty Prairie Rodeo, he picked me up in his grandmother’s car. And so we were going to see the rodeo and it was like 100 degrees and the air conditioner was broken. He was really careful about sticking to the speed limit because if he got another ticket his license would be suspended. Sure enough when I noticed he was speeding, he got pulled over. The officer came back and told him there was a warrant out for his arrest because he hadn’t paid his last ticket. He got arrested right then and there. I just followed the officer and ending up bailing him out (thankfully I had his wallet). We ended up making it to the rodeo a bit late, when it was over I told him I wouldn’t bail him out again!”

Mrs. Lewis

q151V

(registrar)

February 2017 - Issue 6

Mr. Roper

P161o

(English)

“A guy named Russ who was from Salina and was going to WSU to become a police officer took me out ONE time. There used to be a place where you could rent roller skates and then go skate outside around downtown and along the river. On a scale of 1-10, I was about a six skater and he was about a nine. We were skating across a busy intersection, and I threw my arm up in the air as I lost my balance...and punched him in the face. We never went out again. Too bad I liked him and would never hit him.”

Ms. Mendenhall

P161o

(Spanish)

“When I was fresh out of high school, I was set up on a blind date with a young entrepreneur type who was running a successful body building website at the age of 19. He had muscles, expensive clothes and a really cool sports car that he even let me drive! I expected him to be really great, until he started to talk... His voice sounded just like Fred’s off of Scooby Doo and he had a personality to match it. It was hard to keep a straight face throughout the entire date. Needless to say, that was our first and only date.”

Andover’s

(Bachelors and Bachelorettes) Eligible AHS students share the secrets to their heart

1. What do you look for in a partner? 2. Why do you make a good partner? 3. What is your ideal first date?

(Josh Busch)

“Sexy, smart and funny. I’m Lord of the Hougun Manor in England. Going to Jason’s Deli and not buying anything but eating as much free ice cream as possible then going to the beach for a nice walk at sunset, finishing the evening watching the sunset.” -Josh Busch 12

(Olivia hessman)

P161o

“I look for a male that’s close to my age and taller than me. I’m a good partner because I’m very single. My ideal first date is food, food of any kind. For real any food, watching a movie or two, and some card or board games if we’re feeling crazy.” -Olivia Hessman 11

(Shanti Henry)

“He has to be in touch with his feelings and has to know how to treat a girl right. I have a good shoulder to cry on. On a calm summer evening, my Prince Charming picks me up in his black Ferrari and takes me to a nice seafood dinner. We have nice small talk and we decide to go on a walk to the beach. We lay out on a blanket and look at the stars for hours on end. He takes me home and gives me a goodnight kiss and we part ways, and I have the best sleep I’ve ever had. Then the next day he doesn’t call me.” -Shanti Henry 10

(Chase robertson)

q151V

“I look for a good personality and good looks. I make a good partner because I have a good personality and treat my women well. My ideal first date is to watch Disney movies together.” -Chase Robertson 9

February 2017 - Issue 6

Valentine’s Day Messages Students send in messages to friends and lovers

Hannah, Elise and Lauren, Love you guys. Long live the fearsome foursome.

Alex Bunting, Happy Valentine’s Day sunshine! Thanks for always making me smile.

Carly Flake,

Who’s Beckham Jr.?

Love, Chris Reardon

You are(n’t) the worst.

Love, Mac February 2017 - Issue 6

You are rad.

Love, Nathan Hammar

Love, The Senior Basketball Boys Hannah Steinert,

Joey Brown,

Love, Garrett Dorf

Love, Hannah Olson Chad Wilmott,

Cause all of me loves all of you .

Thank you for being great friends!

It is 12.

Love, Jack Maki Ashley Gorton,

Love, Abes Nick, Nathan & ChASE

Anonymous,

Your bodacious body is stunning! <3

Happy Valentine’s Day dolls, y’all are the bestest!!

Love, Isabella Vardaman

Love, Liana Tauke Paul Stuart,

Abby, Emily, Liz & Saige

Sidney Rucker,

Hey baby I’ll be your lightening, you be my ma queen.

Love, JACKSON BLIZZARD

I declare bankruptcy!

Love, Julia Schneider

Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Memes

Cut out these Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day memes of teachers and give them to a friend

February 2017 - Issue 6

Photographer Spotlight A Kylie Porter What started your passion for photography? “I’m just a creative person and I’ve always wanted to put out a part of me and I didn’t know what medium to do it through. Once I picked up a camera I didn’t put it down.” Are there any photographers that have influenced you?” “Brandon Woefel. I found his photos, he’s based in New York. He does a lot of work with lights and the whole bokeh effect. Those type of complex photos totally inspire me.”

What do you want to say with your photographs? How do you get your photographs to say that? “I want to inspire thought in other people. I just want to have complex photos that make people think or wonder what my intent was.”

Do you have any formal training? “My freshman year I took photojournalism with Conover and then sophomore year I took advanced photojournalism. Junior year I took yearbook for the first semester and now I’m in newspaper. I just kind of picked it up as an elective my freshman year and then fell in love with Conover and the class. But I don’t take classes outside of this, I’ve just done stuff through Andover.”

February 2016 - Issue 6

Cary Conover What started your passion for photography? “Just finding a class that I could grow into and make my own. Because I came to Southeast from a private school, I was just trying to figure out who I was. At the time, I was very passionate about bicycles and photography let me capture that.”

Are there any photographers that have influenced you? “The whole tradition of K-State photography was a huge influence, especially when I was in high school. Otherwise, just all the iconic photographers throughout the 20th Century. Henri Cartier-Bresson is my biggest influence. Simple black and white street photography. I really like the idea of photography coming along with your life.” What do you say with your photographs and how do you get your photographs to do that? “What speaks to me as a photographer is how pictures age over time. That’s what I’m trying to do myself. Take a picture that in the future will really speak to a new audience. I really like the idea of here and now versus there and then.” Do you have any formal training? “Other than high school photography class, no. It’s all been hands on, learning from others, etc. Very little classroom help.”

February 2016 - Issue 6

Photo of the month >Students and cheerleaders encourage the boys basketball team during their home game against Maize South January 6. With games at Koch Arena and at the Salina Invitational, there have been fewer home games during the middle stretch the season. The next home game is Tuesday, February 7 as the Trojans host Eisenhower. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I really enjoy this picture because of the way it shows a behind-the-scenes moment. I also like how every student is focused and involved in the game, which is a reason why we are the number one student section in the state,â&#x20AC;? said photographer Ben Johnsen.

Photo by Ben Johnsen

The great debate Staff member discusses the over-hyped event I have never been much of a football fan. I do not have the loyalty or the ability to access the state of torpor necessary to sit through an entire football game. However, I do admire those who have the skill and physical ability to excel at this sport. Many may argue that football is an American pastime and has the ability to unite and encourage citizens. I can agree, football unites and encourages fans to sit on their couches and eat--very American indeed. Food consumption on Super Bowl Sunday is at a record high, second only to Thanksgiving. According to the American Institute of Food Distribution, Americans consume an estimated 1.25 billion chicken wings, 14,500 tons of chips, 120 million pounds of avocados and 3.8 million pounds of popcorn, all washed down with 325.5 million gallons of beer. To put this in perspective, 750,000 gallons of water flow down the Niagara Falls every second. So it would take longer than 7.2 minutes for the immense amount of Super Bowl beer to flow down the waterfall. How refreshing! How Heineken! Though it can be fun to indulge, this crosses the line into gluttony. In order to give back to the community, the Houston Super Bowl encompasses a community service fund. This year, a generous $4 million will be donated to nonprofit organizations in the area. By contrast, Fox Sports, the host of this year’s show, is charging more than $5 million for each 30-second commercial. If every commercial time slot the Super Bowl offers were filled with 30-second commercials the total revenue would sum to be $600 million. It is sad that there is enough money to throw at moronic, nonsensical, puppy-monkey-baby commercials but not enough to go towards organizations that have legitimate needs. Americans have lost sight of truly important things, blinded by trivial games. More people watch the Super Bowl than show up on election day. to vote. If a fan’s team wins the Super Bowl he receives bragging rights and the feeling of victory watching his team triumphantly accepting the Lombardi trophy. If a citizen’s desired president wins the election he receives a four-year span of policy strides in the right direction. Who holds the power in Washington is infinitely more important than who holds a trophy. Super Bowl winners receive $97,000 and losers receive $49,000, their incomes relying solely on the outcome of a game. The President of the United States earns a yearly salary of $400,000. To put this in perspective, if the president worked for the duration of the Super Bowl he would earn a little less than $137, almost $97,000 fewer than a winning player. It is good to have something to entertain and inspire Americans. It is not good when this entertainment evolves to become of more importance than the things that truly matter.

-eliseLINDEMANN

The Super Bowl is America The Super Bowl is the epitome of what a professional athlete strives for. Players do not put blood sweat and tears into practice every day to be rewarded with a pat on the back and an “attaboy.” The whole goal of competing in sports is to be rewarded with a trophy. Dating all the way back to 1967, the Super Bowl has been the largest viewed sporting event every year. On average, over 110 million people watch the Super Bowl each year; that is nearly 13 times as many people that live in New York. Not only is the Super Bowl the most watched event, it also makes the most money. Each year the Super Bowl brings in more than $620,000,000, which will benefit the host city economically. Small towns around the country will also bring in revenue from Super Bowl parties held by many families throughout the evening. When it comes to companies wanting to advertise, the Super Bowl is a prime venue. Every major company from Taco Bell to Toyota wants people to see their product, so they are willing to pay the $5 million cost for a 30-second ad. Even when people think of the event as a football game, people should think of it more as a gold mine. For players however, they couldn’t care less about what is going on outside of the game. The players have made the journey from hot 100-degree practices in July, through injury, through adversity, through trials and tribulations and all the hard work and dedication put into the sport since they were kids. This was the goal all along. Not just the money, but for the fame and glory among holding up the Lombardi Trophy.

-sladeSWAN

February 2017 - Issue 6

Making weight

Student athletes share their weekly struggle For most of us, having the willpower to turn away a second helping of grandma’s “world famous” cookies would be preposterous. Wrestlers, on the other hand, are not granted the same luxury most of us are blessed with. For those athletes on the wrestling team, making weight is a struggle they face every week. With most weight classes only separated by a few pounds, there is never any wiggle room to work with during meals. “I have to watch what I eat all the time,” said junior Wyatt Voth. “I usually eat a salad for lunch and just little bits throughout the day, no big meals,” he said. The day before weigh-ins can be a very stressful time for wrestlers. Everyone is trying to shave that last few pounds by whatever means necessary. “The day leading up to a duel or tournament I wear sweats and a sweatshirt to get rid of excess water weight, about as much as I can,” said junior Chase Gummeringer. “Depending on the practice I can lose anywhere from three to six pounds in two your body. hours. If I am still over after [practice] then I go to the YMCA to Although losing a small amount of water from your body, a run and sit in the sauna,” he said. drastic loss of liquid results in severe dehydration which can Gummeringer has lost a total of 15 pounds already. Voth ultimately lead to organ damage. managed to lose as much as 22 pounds in only a month’s time Researchers at Vanderbilt University conducted a study earlier this season. that showed as many as eight percent of competitive wrestlers Cutting weight can be very dangerous if the athletes are used purging and 75 percent of the athletes used extreme not smart about it. Bel Air, Maryland-based certified health fasting methods. counselor Maya Paul has stated that eating habits you pick up There can also be an upside to cutting weight. If you as a child can stick with you as you grow up. Indeed, days of cut weight in a healthy way, you can begin smart weight starving yourself to make your designated weight followed by a management practices at a young age. cycle of binge eating can be very harmful on “The art of successfully meeting challenges begins during childhood,” said John Graybeal in his book “The Art of Empowering Children.” “To cut or maintain your weight safely you have to watch what you eat throughout the week so that you can have a good meal the night before a tournament. If you starve yourself all week you won’t feel energized for your match,” said junior Grant Staehr.

-benSMITH

Photo by Peyton Owen

February 2017 - Issue 6

Trojanettes through Years The Andover High School dance team, better known as the Trojanettes, perform at all home football and basketball games. Each performance includes a new dance, hairstyle and new costume choice from their collection. A commonly asked question--“Is that a new top?”--sparked the investigation of just how old the dance team’s tops and uniforms are. Although they have gotten a few new costumes in previous years, most garments they wear are aged. Most of them were hand made by Vicki Hiebsch, a former Trojanettes mother. One particular uniform, the “KU Outfit,” was passed down from the University of Kansas dance team, whose members wore it to the college dance team nationals the year before. At the beginning of each season, the previous seniors pass down their garment bags filled with tops, bottoms, unitards, arm bands and two sets of poms.

-emilySTYBR

“Mermaid”

“Disco”

“Purple Velvet”

Estimated age: 17 years

Estimated age: 16 years

“Trash Bag Pants”

“Blue Two-Stripe”

“Pink Two-Stripe”

Estimated age: 15 years

Estimated age: 12 years

February 2017 - Issue 6

“Red Tank Top”

“Red One Sleeve”

“KU Outfit”

*passed down from KU Dance Team*

Estimated age: 12 years

Estimated age: 11 years

Estimated age: 10 years

“Palm Tree”

“Blue AHS Turtleneck”

“White AHS”

Estimated age: 9 years

Estimated age: 8 years

“Blue Sparkly”

“Confused Starlight”

“New Long Sleeve”

Estimated age: 8 years

Estimated age: 4 years

Estimated age: 1 year February 2017 - Issue 6