The Express - January Issue

FROM CLI CKS TO CONSEQUENCES

CONTENTS 4

EDITORIAL Like, Comment, Share, Tag

5

OPINION Congo, I See You

6

OPINION The Downfall of Disney

7

OPINION The Job of the Press

FEATURES

8

Breaking the Ice

Athletes are taking off their sneakers and trading them for skates to prepare for the winter sports season.

18

Cash to Connections

24

Diving into Diet Culture

Cindy Campbell-Barnes acquired a $3,000 grant to expand extracurricular opportunities in the Connections class.

Dive into the complex world of diet culture as individuals share their journeys from extreme dieting to mindful dieting practices.

02 | THE EXPRESS

CONTENTS

ON THE COVER

From Clicks to Consequences

14

Digital footprints have evolved due to the advancement of technology, thereby increasing the importance of mindfulness on the internet.

Actions taken online have lasting effects impacting digital reputation and relationships with others. According to senior Wania Munir respect should be something that’s a given and an act of disrespect should not be so easily forgiven. “It’s not that hard to respect people’s identities and respect people’s race and culture. You don’t have to be making derogatory comments,” Munir said. “You don’t have to be saying derogatory things, like racial slurs. Like you’re not an idiot. You know what that word means. And you know why that word is not good to say. So, grow up.”

PRAJ’S PLAYS

12

Sports Design Editor Prajwal Adhikari revisits recent basketball games.

CONTENTS

A&E

20

INTERACTIVE

27

2023 RECAP: A look at WORD UNSCRAMBLER: Turn significant events from the to page 27 to unscramble past year. words found throughout this issue.

JANUARY 2024 | 03

LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, TAG The internet and social media is deeper and more

aware of the actions we take on the internet, whether it

complex than what meets the eye. While it can be fun

be posting or searching. Association with any content

to post aesthetic pictures of a sunset or hanging out

not deemed appropriate can result in rejection by a

with our friends, there are also potential consequences

college. Do not let a mistake online negatively impact

associated with risky internet behavior. Situations on

your future.

the internet can escalate with a simple like, comment, share, or tag.

A digital footprint refers to what a user does online,

Furthermore, 70 percent of employers screen potential hires by looking into their social media and digital footprint, according to a survey by job seeker

including websites viewed and even emails or messages

website CareerBuilder. This only emphasizes how digital

sent. Digital footprints exist from every interaction a

actions can affect future jobs and careers. Employers

user has with the internet, even though they are not

expectations of a “clean” digital footprint vary, but a few

always viewable from afar.

key items searched for are online personas, what others

Thanks to the internet, the world is more

post about you and any reasons to not hire a candidate

interconnected now than it ever has been before, and

at all. Having access to public information on the

this is a privilege that is utilized daily. People can post

internet and social media gives companies a plethora of

or say virtually anything they want whenever they want,

information to gather, more than ever before.

but it certainly doesn’t mean they should. False senses

People need to post with caution and with

of anonymity associated with private accounts have led

the knowledge content can be viewed, saved or

to people to posting and saying things that are personal

screenshotted by anyone. Those who are applying to

or intimate and later get publicized. Anything on the

college, looking for a job or entering a new stage in

internet can get traced back to the individual who

their life where background checks may be required

posted it and content can never truly be deleted. It is

must take caution and be aware of the potential

essential to be mindful of our digital footprint because

risks that can come with a digital footprint. People,

in this day and age, who we are on the internet reflects

especially teenagers, need to remember every move on

who we are in real life.

the internet has consequences, and actions taken can

Forty percent of college admissions officers

linger forever. As teenagers, it is easy for us to slip up

looked into applicant’s digital footprints during the

and make mistakes, but those mistakes won’t always be

enrollment decision period, according to a survey by

forgiven. It is important to be conscious of our actions

educational services company Kaplan. For teenagers,

on the internet, however that should not stop us from

maintaining a mindful internet presence is crucial.

living our lives and enjoying the digital world. It is OK

Colleges are looking to gather any information they

to post, communicate with friends and contribute to

can before accepting us into their school. They are on

the digital world in a safe manner, and as long as a user

the lookout for anything damaging to the university’s

knows every action on the internet can be traced back to

reputation that can be brought on by accepting us. Be

its origin.

04 | THE EXPRESS

EDITORIAL

I SEE YOU

Written by Saraphina Wambi, Designed by Sri Trikona

E

very year, we hear of The exploitation of people’s labor some new electronic qualifies the situation in Congo modification, from the as one of modern-day slavery. newest iPhone to a new According to the United Nations’ generation of AirPods.

International Labour Organization, But do you know what powers there are about 49.6 million people the latest electronics? Cobalt. trapped in the cycle of modernCobalt is used in electric day slavery. Modern-day slavery vehicles, smartphones, and other is a plague that has poisoned the electronic devices. The Democratic entire world. From fast fashion to Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the latest technology, many things home to the world’s largest reserve today are built on the backs of those of cobalt. However, due to its trapped in the neverending cycle of abundant modern-day slavery. resources, For centuries, the DRC has Western powers also been prey have exploited thirdI’m all for competition, to Western world countries in but when the idea of powers an attempt to steal “winning” can only be hoping to their resources to exploit the beat their fellow achieved by sentencing country for its international millions to the fate of cobalt. competitors. I’m slavery, I draw the line.

This is all for competition, nothing new. but when the idea Since the of “winning” can 1600s, African only be achieved by countries with extensive raw sentencing millions to the fate of material reserves have often been slavery, I draw the line. used for those resources. However, As a world, we need to open to obtain those materials, people our eyes and see that the slavery are often mistreated for their labor. occurring in Congo is not just The mining work has minimal unique to Congo. In countries safety, with the laborers primarily such as North Korea, Saudi Arabia, using their hands, earning less and Russia, millions of children, than two dollars daily. In Congo, women, and elderly are exposed of the 255,000 Congolese citizens to hazardous conditions to meet mining cobalt, at least 40,000 are the high quotas for minerals that children. Cobalt mine production in Western countries demand. Yet, the DRC experiences a growth rate many of us continue to turn our of 20 percent yearly, and to meet backs, pretending not to see the those demands, tens of thousands inhumane treatment of workers that of children are exploited for their plague our world today. labor in the DRC. As a society, we need to do better.

This is a human rights crisis.

As high school students, we are the

OPINIONS

OPINION

CONGO,

future generation. If we want certain laws and practices to be abolished, we must educate ourselves and act to get rid of them. Many say we’re too young to worry about these issues, but I disagree. We have the resources and power to make small changes in various systems, no matter how complex or multifaceted they may seem. Therefore, I urge you to educate yourself on how the abundance of cobalt has devastated the DRC economically, socially, and politically.

Yes, we are only teenagers, but that shouldn’t be an excuse to stay uneducated. So, as students and human beings, I encourage you to educate yourselves. Encourage regulated working environments that provide proper equipment and safety measures. Speak up against child labor to ensure that no child has to endure these atrocities.

Donate to and support non-profit organizations fighting to end the human rights crisis in Congo, such as the “Friends of the Congo” organization. Speak up not just for Congolese people but for all of those around the world who have been suffering day in and day out due to the system of modern-day slavery that has engulfed our world.

JANUARY 2024 | 05

OPINION

THE DOWNFALL

OF

DISNEY

Written by Danielle Croom, Designed by Sri Trikona

T

hrough recent years, the debates between adapting to magical realm of Disney modern trends while also preserving appears to be losing its the timeless magic of “The Mouse.” unique charm. What was As the ongoing disagreement once a creative powerhouse unfolds regarding Disney’s for storytelling has now declined to evolution, I foresee the years leading a repetitive cycle from being the soup to the ultimate death of Disney. called “happiest place on Earth.”

Until then, I have chosen to limit While Disney’s evolution is my contribution to the billions arguably an essential response to the Disney already has by not going to frequent shifts in the entertainment the movies. Three years have passed business, I can not grasp the fact since my last visit to the theaters, that Disney is losing its core qualities and I intend to extend this streak, that made it a cultural icon. The urging others to do the same. primary concern is the noticeable Regarding my Disney+ absence of originality, replaced subscription, I plan to keep it. But by a handful mostly just to of sequels watch “Boy meets and remakes World.” This that dilute the streaming service exclusive spark lost 14 million This loss of magic that defines subscribers in is transforming Disney.

2023, according Undeniably, to Statista. Their our shared cultural Disney operates new series and experience. as a savvy movies within the business, past few years have strategically been pointless and recycling not what I would beloved classicconsider classic animated films into live-action Disney. “Timmy Failure: Mistakes remakes, ensuring a reliable stream were Made” (2020) seemed to take of successful revenue. It is a given the title too far. It was released on that past generations will crowd the Disney+ during quarantine, but theaters, seeking to relive cherished thankfully this is one of the many memories to bask in nostalgia. movies that have been removed Yet, I wonder if this reliance from their streaming site. on yearning risks the growth in Disney’s continued descent is creativity by mainly producing further evident in its theme parks. visually appealing films with modern When I recently entered the Disney technology, like AI, rather than Parks, I did not feel like I was a good storyline. Though these walking into the “happiest place on remakes may be financially safe, this Earth.” Other visitors must feel the solution will compromise the legacy same way because it is obvious that that Disney once held. The challenge the wait times are decreasing. An

06 | THE EXPRESS

average day at the park is expensive, with one typically spending $200 on just food and souvenirs. While the experience may be fun, it is not worth hundreds of dollars to get sunburned and soaked in sweat. Every year, Disney ticket prices increase even though Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, expressed how he wanted ticket prices to be accessible. To enter the park for one day, prices vary between $109 to $159. It is unfortunate that Iger has the capability to change the current downfall, but his hunger for money is stopping him from the magic we are craving to have back.

I have no doubt Walt Disney is looking down, frowning upon the tragic collapse that is happening to the magical childhood experience he brought to my life. After his death in 1966, the movie era progressively got worse. What many fans consider “the golden era” (1937-1942), included the classic tale of “Snow White and Fantasia.” Six eras later, the downfall of Disney was clearly shown in “the experimental era” (1998-2008). With advancements in technology, Disney experimented with CGI which was reflected by the profit made at the box office.

This loss of magic is transforming our shared cultural experience.

No longer will children gather and ecstatically wait for Elsa to appear on the screen to sing “Let it go.” So before you think about buying those tickets for “Mufasa: The Lion King” in 2024, remember your money and public reviews, good or bad, contribute to the pitiful remake trend.

OPINIONS

OF THE

PRESS

Written by Inaya Zaman, Designed by Sri Trikona

T

oday, many people, abuse of children by the Catholic especially high school Church merely by making sure they students, are getting their understood all aspects of the story. information from social If this story and other stories like it media, which poses a were not published, systemic abuse risk of misinformation and biased and exploitation would run rampant news. Specifically with the Israeli in our world. and Palestinian conflict, I have seen Journalism is a core ideal of our fellow students post different news democracy. I have been taught that, articles reflecting their opinions without news we cannot properly on Instagram, but some of those understand those in power, and people are not educated enough the world as a whole. Without it, in journalism to address such a we would be living under a shadow controversial topic. Some of the few while corruption flourishes because students that are educated enough there is nobody exposing it. to report on these topics are staff At The Express, we are told members on to keep all of various BVNW our stories as publications. unbiased as Evaluating and When BVNWnews possible. We have reporting news mentioned the a responsibility to conflict on social cover all aspects is the job of the media, we were of a story to press, not the job simply reporting avoid perceived a demonstration bias. Not all of of influencers or for Palestine the social media random kids on held by students news sources I before school. have seen are social media.

Even though completely we had zero neutral and mention of political opinions, most of them are showing incorrect people contacted our adviser and information. Common news sources questioned his teaching methods such as Fox News contain distorted, for allowing us to report this. The sensationalized, and blatantly weird thing is, we were simply doing incorrect facts. It is extremely our jobs. As journalists, our job is disheartening that people see these to report events that happen at our things as real news without even school, which is exactly what we considering its background or were doing. motive. In this age of social media, When done well, journalism has we must be all able to figure out if the ability to expose and bring about what we are seeing is reliable or not, change to corruption. Look to the especially when most of GenZ gets Spotlight team at the Boston Globe. news from apps like TikTok. They were famously able to uncover The rise of influencers has a systematic plot to cover up the made the issue of reliable news

OPINIONS

OPINION

THE JOB

ten times worse. Their main goal is to get as many views and followers as possible, often making them sensationalize and change information. For example, Deloix is a gossip account notorious for their false celebrity news. Teenagers see this strategy as an opportunity to get attention and will begin doing the same things with silly high school rumors. These people should not be your sources of information. The absurd posts on political figures and world issues are too serious for us to depend on biased news. I am sick of it. The amount of opinions people have that are based on this is absurd. News should be news, not gossip and rumors.

Last year in 21st Century Journalism, I learned that all pieces of media you see need to be scrutinized, no matter what it is. I was taught the many skills needed to do so such as looking for signs of bias or evaluating accuracy.

Unfortunately, many people lack the necessary skills.

It is imperative that students and adults are aware of the reliability of the source. Do not post something you do not understand. Evaluating and reporting news is the job of the press, not the job of influencers or random kids on social media.

If a media company claims they are a news source, they cannot act like childish influencers. As a high school student, I should not be the one upholding journalistic standards better than they are. They cannot be only looking at one side of the story, rather than the whole picture.

JANUARY 2024 | 07

BREAKING THE ICE Athletes take their talents to the rink Written by Madison Kraft and Sara Scheibel, Photographed by Lila Vancrum, Designed by Sanaee Joshi

A

s senior Jordan Ouyang walks into practice on a Tuesday night, he can expect a fast-paced practice, filled with drills, fundamentals, edgework and high-pressure defense. While this seems like a practice on a court or a mat, it is actually on the ice.

Ouyang is a high school athlete who competes in the rink as a hockey player. He said he joined the Kansas City Stars hockey team a year and a half ago because his friend played for years.

According to Ouyang, playing hockey was difficult initially, especially since most players start much younger, some as young as the age of 3. Ouyang said one of the aspects of hockey that made it difficult for him was being able to skate well.

“You could be as athletic as the most athletic person in the world, but if you’ve never been on skates, you can never play hockey,” Ouyang said.

To combat this challenge, Ouyang said he practiced every weekend leading up to his first season, and still, when he got to practice, he was nowhere near ready.

“I didn’t even know how to stop, so my very first practice I collided with my coach,” Ouyang said.

Even though hockey and using skates was difficult at first, Ouyang said he persisted. Now, Ouyang plays on the JV and varsity teams, mainly playing the forward position.

Ouyang’s varsity coach, Jim Blachowicz said that although Ouyang is still behind on some of the fundamental skills such as skating, he is a hard-working athlete.

08 | THE EXPRESS

“He gives you everything he’s got concussion, Ouyang still said that every time he’s out there. He might hockey is the biggest driving force not be the most skilled player but for his physical health. He started he’s got a very good work ethic,” to drink water consistently and eat Blachowicz said. better foods for himself.

According to Ouyang, high school According to Ouyang, a negative hockey is different from pro hockey, aspect of hockey is the low amount which he said is what most people of playing time that athletes receive. base their knowledge of hockey on.

Blachowicz said that for a team, he “There are not as many fights as has three or four lineups of players you think there are. A majority of that rotate onto the ice every 30 or hockey is going up and down the ice 40 seconds. trying to score, but the media mostly “You change your [lineup], you shows a lot of the fights that you change your people. It’s called ‘fresh see in professional hockey,” Ouyang legs.’ You just get someone that’s said. “They are exciting, but it’s just able to keep skating,” Ouyang said. not as frequent [in the high school Another reason one could sit out level].” in hockey is the penalties. Penalty Although there are fewer fights kills, or when a player has to sit out in high school hockey, Ouyang said of the game for two minutes because that the players are slammed up they did something such as slashing against the wall during games, so someone with their stick could end the team works up hurting on how to handle your team, getting pinned according to You could be as into the glass Ouyang. Instead athletic as the most during practices. of subbing According someone back athletic person in the to Balchowicz, in during a world, but if you’ve the fast pace penalty kill, of hockey and the game never been on skates, the physical continues, you can never play stress players four versus experience five, giving the hockey. getting pushed team with one -JORDAN OUYANG into the wall and less player a hit, make hockey disadvantage. a difficult sport.

“If you have a “[Hockey is] probably the only very short temper [it] can negatively game where it’s based on skill and affect your team a lot,” Ouyang said. being physical,” Blachowicz said.

He said one of his favorite things Ouyang said that when he was about hockey was not the sport playing last year, a player from itself, but the friendships that come Rockhurst skated toward him at along with it. Ouyang described full speed, and gave Ouyang a nights he spent in hotels with his concussion. teammates where they would spend Even after he experienced the their time playing mini hockey

FEATURE

on their knees in the hallways of the hotel. Blachowicz agreed with Ouyang, saying that he loves visiting the locker room and witnessing the camaraderie that develops between players.

Sophomore Natalie Vu is another athlete who used to spend time on the rink. As a retired figure skater who competed with the Kansas City Figure Skating Club, she said skating taught her many life lessons.

“It just showed me that I needed to work hard to accomplish things and nothing would be given out for free,” she said.

Vu started figure skating when she was about 4 years old. She said she did the sport on and off for many years but eventually quit because she grew out of it and did not have as much fun as she previously had.

According to Vu, figure skating can be very physically demanding.

Some practices lasted multiple hours and could include ballet training along with ice skating.

Though ballet classes aren’t on the ice, she said that they can help with valuable skills like technique, flexibility and power.

Along with the grueling practicing, Vu said that there are

mental challenges involved with figure skating. According to her, skating requires an immense amount of patience, awareness of your environment and acceptance of criticism.

“Figure skating is like a neverending learning experience. You never stop learning skills [and] techniques,” Vu said.

Sophomore Anna Hoskins has been skating for about six months in a class, and she agreed with Vu

that figure skating is mentally and physically challenging. Hoskins said that skating caused pain throughout her legs. She said that although it is a mental challenge at times, it can also help her relax.

“Whenever I feel stressed, the one thing I want to do is just skate,” Hoskins said.

Vu quit figure skating about three months ago, but she said she still loves the sport and appreciates the values of discipline, attention to

Senior Jordan Ouyang has been playing hockey for a year and a half.

“I’ve had fun playing hockey,” Ouyang said. “It sucks that I won’t really be able to go anywhere for college with it, but I’ve had a fun journey.”

FEATURE

JANUARY 2024 | 09

detail and perseverance it has given her.

“I really did enjoy figure skating,” Vu said, “It’s such a beautiful sport. And I think everyone should experience what it feels like because it gave me so much.”

Hoskins said she enjoys figure skating because it has helped her learn new tricks on the ice and she enjoys meeting new people in her class. Her mother, Caroline Hoskins, said that Hoskins has the drive and desire to be a good figure skater.

“She wants to do it because she wants to accomplish it. She wants to conquer it and she wants to be a good ice skater,” Caroline said.

Sophomore Anna Hoskins has been figure skating for less than a year.

“I am glad I started figure skating because it’s really therapeutic for me and also great for endurance and strength training,” Hoskins said.

At practices, Caroline said she has noticed that Hoskins always listens carefully to the instructors and is a coachable athlete who will try over and over again until she gets a trick right.

“It’s fun to watch her confidence.

And when she gets [a trick] she usually looks over at me in the audience and smiles so we know that she got it,” Caroline said.

Hoskins said figure skating is less popular than other winter sports due to location. She said that in Kansas, there are only two places where someone can figure skate all year and both places are about 40 minutes away.

On the contrary, Blachowicz believes hockey is a growing sport.

He said the Kansas City Stars high school program has more than 5,000 kids in it.

New skates can make all the difference for figure skating, according to Caroline. She said that

by Hoskins’s third lesson, they had to get her special skates customized for figure skating.

“They fit you for [the skates] and they tell you which blade to get,” Caroline said. “It was way more

detailed than I thought ice skating was at this level but it made a huge difference in what she was able to accomplish in those next few sessions. So it was worth it.”

According to Ouyang, hockey equipment such as pads, helmets and skates can end up being very expensive. Helmets alone can cost more than $300, and he said his friend spent $1,000 on skates. Instead of going the more expensive route, Ouyang chooses to buy his equipment at Play It Again Sports, a store that sells new and used sports items.

Balchowicz, Ouyang, Vu and Hoskins all said their sport was difficult, but Blachowicz said it is never too late to start hockey, as Ouyang proved when he started playing hockey many years later than most other players. Though these athletes said the mental and physical aspects of these sports are a challenge, Hoskins said it is all up to your mindset in figure skating.

“It’s not about whether you think you can [perform a trick] or not. It’s just if you can convince yourself you can,” Hoskins said.

FEATURE

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JANUARY 2024| 11

Sports Design Editor Prajwal Adhikari shares his favorite basketball performances of the past month Written and Designed by Prajwal Adhikari, Photographed by Rachel King

boys basketball The boys varsity basketball team had a dominant win at home against Topeka High School, 77-50. The Huskies displayed an explosive offense, succeeding heavily in the paint with a seemingly major height disadvantage from Topeka High.

Senior Joey Matteoni put up an impressive 26 points throughout the game and contributed to the team’s massive victory. Matteoni credits the

team as a whole for their win.

“I felt like I played well, but it was more of a team win,” Matteoni said. “Our point guards were forcing help and able to get easy wide open layups.”

He believes his leadership on the court is a key factor to their success.

“I like to lead by example. As long as I’m talking, it leads [to] everyone else talking and everyone bringing

energy,” Matteoni said.

Head Coach Aaron Ihm explained the impact that Matteoni has on the team’s dominant performance.

“He’s a competitor. On the court, he’s his best when he’s defending and when he’s aggressive.

Sometimes, nice guys, they can forget to be aggressive,’ Ihm said.

In the Huskies win against Topeka high school, Senior Joey Matteoni had a high-scoring game earning 26 points. “I felt like I led the team through my communication and determination to be the best.” Matteoni said.

16 | THE EXPRESS

A&E

gi rls basketball The girls varsity basketball team experienced a major win against Topeka High School, 59-25. The Huskies locked down their opponent defensively throughout the entirety of the game, forcing a blowout as a result. Senior Josie Grosdidier was second in points on the team with 10 on the board. Grosdidier believes her recent improvement has affected the team and by increasing energy.

“I’m proud of the way I finished into the basket, because that’s something I’ve been struggling with,” Grosdidier said. “I got a

A&E

Senior Josie Grosdidier helps the girls varsity basketball team in their win against Topeka high school, Jan. 4. “My goal is to try and bring a lot of momentum influences and give energy to the rest of the team,” Grosdidier said. couple steals, which helped with the momentum. I try and work really hard to set an example based on the way I work.”

She explained communication is crucial when playing, and how her voice has an impact on her teammates.

“I try to communicate well with my team. Especially this year being a senior, having stepped it up as a vocal leader, I’ve always tried to set an example with my effort so that it sets a good culture for the rest of the program,” Grosdidier said.

Grosdidier has many individual goals for the rest of the season.

“I want to continue to build up my average scoring per game, hopefully get eight to ten points per game minimum,” Grosdidier said. “I also want to be more active defensively and get more steals and stuff like that.”

JANUARY 2024 | 13

FROM CLICKS TO CONSEQUENCES The impact of a digital footprint has grown and changed as the Internet became part of everyday life Written by Harper Latta and Nafsiya Hafiz, Photographed by Remi Nuss, Designed by Prajwal Adhikari

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iving in an era where social my gosh I have to be so careful what media and the internet can I post,’” Naquin said. serve as platforms for selfNaquin said that he would not expression, high schoolers advise students to think they can often find themselves post whatever they want without the navigating between showcasing their possibility of colleges finding out. authentic selves and maintaining “I would not use that as a, ‘Noa positive digital reputation. The one-looks-it’s-fine’ pass to post effect of digital footprints can be whatever you want,” he said. intense, particularly at the academic Social studies teacher Rob level when heading toward the path Meacham said that applying for jobs of college admissions. and colleges looked different when Boston University’s Kansas he was younger and it was a much regional representative Evans simpler process back then. He said Naquin explained people his age the role of a did not have to student’s digital worry about their footprint in the digital footprint Anything that college admissions or the possibility you type onto a process. He of colleges said the average finding a post screen and hit applicant will not that would affect submit is saved have an admissions their chances of somewhere. officer look over getting in. their digital “It’s footprint. definitely an - ERIN IZZO Due to the added step that number of they look at with applications received by colleges like kids and getting into colleges. The Boston University, looking up every process was a little bit simpler back applicant would cost admissions then to get into school,” Meacham officers time they do not have. said. “I wasn’t held accountable for However, Naquin emphasized that any misspoken words that I would this does not mean digital footprints have said growing up because are inconsequential. nobody knew,” “If someone gets their admission Career and Technical Education offer rescinded because they posted teacher Erin Izzo said along with something problematic, people hear the rise of social media came about that. That puts the idea of, ‘Oh mixed thoughts about one’s digital

14 | THE EXPRESS

footprint.

“With the advent of social media, it’s become much more prevalent.

People might post something they think is funny and not really think too much about it,” Izzo said.

Izzo said people will often forget their posts are still out there and can be found with a Google search.

A seemingly harmless post might be something that causes offense to another person, or it could be something that is counted against an individual when they are applying to jobs and schools.

However, Naquin said there seems to be a level of indifference among teens when it comes to their digital footprint.

“Teenagers are inherently bigger risk-takers than anyone else. [Teens] don’t have the mental capacity to weigh risks and benefits,” Naquin said. “Some people tend to have the mental model of ‘no one’s ever cared before. Why would they start caring now?’”

Although Meacham tends to share very little on social media beyond information on the golf team or a family picture, Meacham said that it is difficult to know how he would have acted with social media as a teenager.

“I know who I am with it now… but it could have been totally different back then. I can say, I wouldn’t have done anything stupid, but who knows?” Meacham said.

FEATURE

Though a digital footprint may not be checked on average in the admissions process, there are cases where a student’s digital footprint has been checked in instances of students posting hateful content and it getting back to the college. For example, if a student were to post something racist or homophobic and the college found out about it,

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the admissions office would verify the post via an outside source, like a school counselor.

“If we see a screenshot of a tweet, and it’s got the same first and last name of the student and even a profile picture, we can’t then just take that at face value. We have to say to the counselor, ‘Hey, is this actually that student?’” Naquin said.

$

If the post were to be verified, a discussion with a committee would take place to decide a course of action.

When it comes to deciding what constitutes canceling someone, senior Wania Munir said that it comes down to the ‘isms’ and the ‘phobias.’

“I feel like one of the appropriate

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FEATURE

JANUARY 2024 | 15

times to cancel someone is when and grow as a person, I feel like they’re saying derogatory things and that says more about the people when they’re saying slurs, whether canceling than the person who got it be like, racial slurs or just like any canceled.” slurs. When they say anything that Munir similarly expressed this has to do with like, homophobia, as the excessive need for privacy is Islamophobia, racism, sexism, like unfair and has become too much. all the phobias and the isms. Like, “On TikTok, I swear people are that’s when it’s appropriate to so sensitive. Either you’re politically cancel the people,” Munir said. correct, or you’re not. And we’re According to senior Roy Muchori, at this point where you’re not even with an increase in social media allowed to have your own opinion. If there also comes an increase in you have an opinion, that’s not like keeping a strong image through your the public’s opinion…you might as online presence. well be the most horrible person on “You can’t be going out every the planet,” Munir said. night posting pictures and videos Additionally, Munir said of you smoking and drinking and she believes people should not go thinking this won’t affect you in around and cancel others for minor your life. I’m very aware of my social things. media footprint. I keep everything “Someone’s not gonna like I do super something private,” he someone has said. to say about Muchori something.

Freedom of speech said that he I can’t does not mean has grown cancel you the freedom of to be more for saying, exclusive “Your shoes not receiving with his are ugly,” repercussions for the presence on like OK, the internet, whatever, things that you have especially you think said. on TikTok to my shoes keep from are ugly, no - ROY MUCHORI being viewed big deal. But poorly. if you say, “Oh my God, “Sometimes I’ll repost some wild you’re a terrorist,” I think I’m gonna things on TikTok just because I have to cancel you,” Munir said. thought they were funny,” Muchori Naquin said that living in the time said. “And then like 20 minutes later, of cancel culture is especially scary I’ll be like, ‘Oh that’s probably pretty because of the disproportionate stupid.’ It has my name on it. I can’t responses that one can receive. have people thinking that I support Though Naquin said it is advisable to this or that I do these things.” have a little bit of caution, living in a Despite having his own social society of cancel culture has become awareness, Muchori said that perilous. he often finds that high school “Everybody’s kind of on edge, like, students tend to forget about the ‘Oh, anything I post could be taken repercussions of posts; however, he and made much bigger than it is,’” said that he finds the consequences Naquin said. “I will say it’s a good more extreme than necessary. attitude to be a little paranoid about “There’s going to be something it because you are going to have to you said or something you did that worry about it at some point, but people aren’t happy with. Everyone’s I think living in cancel culture is a done a bad thing in their life,” big [thing] that makes people very Muchori said. “If we put everybody scared.” on blast for small mistakes they The culture of digging deep into make and don’t allow them to learn another person’s posts with the

16 | THE EXPRESS

intention of finding “dirt” on the person feels judgemental at times, Meacham said.

“To me, it feels like you’re judging people by something they said when they were a different person,” Meacham said.

However, Meacham also said that his feelings on the matter change depending on what exactly the situation is.

“If it’s a serious screw-up on the person’s part, if it’s like, ‘Wow, that kid was really immature,’ then yeah.

But [if] they’re 30 now and they were 14 then, I don’t know if they should be judged by that,” Meacham said.

According to Izzo, posting questionable and possibly harmful content seems to be easier because when faced with a screen instead of a face it’s easy to forget the impact such content may have on someone.

“It’s not as personal when you are not looking somebody in the eye, and, you know, have a statement to make and you just have a keyboard.

You might not think through what the implications of what you’re saying are,” Izzo said. “Sometimes it’s easier to be impulsive when you’re just typing as opposed to looking at somebody’s face and reading the emotion on their face when you’re talking to them.”

Additionally, Muchori said there is a line that people need to be careful of crossing when posting on social media.

“You can share your opinion online. You can give these hot takes online. You can express yourself freely. Freedom of speech does not mean the freedom of not receiving repercussions for the things that you have said,” Muchori said. “At the end of the day, you have to realize that you can have consequences for the things that you say.”

On the other hand, Munir said respect should be something that’s a given and an act of disrespect should not be so easily forgiven.

“It’s not that hard to respect people’s identities and respect people’s race and culture. You don’t have to be making derogatory comments,” Munir said. “You don’t have to be saying derogatory things, like racial slurs. Like you’re not

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an idiot. You know what that word means. And you know why that word is not good to say. So, believe that you have deleted whatever that information is and you don’t see it anymore, but somewhere it is still saved even years later.”

If the post has been put out on

the Internet, there is very little a person can do to completely erase its presence, Naquin said.

“Once it’s out there, it’s out there—which is kind of a scary concept. Once you tweet that tweet and someone takes a screenshot… it’s out of your hands,” Naquin said.

“That’s why you have to be proactive on the preposting side of things.

You shouldn’t be posting things you wouldn’t want an adult to see.”

According to Muchori, the way to combat negative consequences regarding social media posts is simple.

“Think to yourself before you post…‘Could this destroy my life?’”

Muchori said. “‘Could this small insignificant thing that I say on Twitter mean something?’

‘Could this come back to bite me… later?’”

Munir stated that if you believe you are innocent, the best way to go about it is to simply step

While walking through the hallway, senior Roy Muchori scrolls through TikTok, Dec. 11. “If a future employer pulled up a stupid video I made in high school because I thought it was funny, that might hurt my chances of getting a job,” Muchori said. “That’s something I don’t have to worry about because I keep a clean digital footprint.”

back and ignore it. You don’t owe the public anything and you’re not forced to give them any sort of reasoning for why you do what you do.

Furthermore, it is possible to be negative on the internet without incurring negative consequences.

Naquin said that, for example, a student proclaiming that they do not like their school is a valid opinion they can share on the internet.

“I think you can be negative on the internet and not lose the integrity of your digital footprint,” Naquin said. “If what you’re posting is not portraying you in a positive light, that’s when you need to be concerned.”

Past the preposting side of things, it is possible to build and maintain a positive digital footprint.

“Posting about the good, [like] whatever volunteer type opportunities you might be involved in, would definitely increase the positive nature of your digital footprint,” Izzo said.

According to Naquin, having a neutral footprint, like running a makeup account, is positive. In addition, it is not necessarily hard to maintain your positive digital footprint.

“It’s very possible to have a positive digital footprint,” Naquin said. “If you’re quoted in an article in your school newspaper about academic integrity, or you’re on your local news for holding a food drive, or something, that’s a really positive digital footprint.”

CASH TO

CONNECTIONS Connections teacher Cindy Campbell-Barnes received a $3,000 grant for her classroom, boosting the out-of-classroom experiences students can have Written by Blen Belachew and Adria Heinauer, Photographed by Remi Nuss, Designed by Alex Cowdrey

T

Placement or honors classes in he perspective of addition to Connections, clarifying others, talking to peers that academics are not the focus of and having a selfher class. awareness of one’s Campbell-Barnes said she loves surroundings are all seeing her students make progress things that occur in everyday life. and accomplish new skills every day.

For most students, these are seen “I see them making progress. I as basic social skills that are crucial see them finding friends, I see them for living, however, Connections dating someone, and I see them teacher Cindy Campbell-Barnes doing the things that we’ve talked said some students may see these about in class,” Campbell-Barnes tasks as intimidating and have to said. “That’s the biggest piece [for work extra hard at it. me], is giving them the skills that “A lot of our students struggle they need in order to be able to have with making friends and knowing all of those same how to talk opportunities to people that other people and that Social skills are have.” hinders their Campbellrelationships,” something that’s Barnes received Campbellapplied everywhere, a $3,000 award Barnes said. from the “Grants This is it’s not just in a of Excellence” by Campbellspecific class. the Blue Valley Barnes’ second -CINDY Educational year working CAMPBELL-BARNES Foundation. at Northwest Barnes said she and 10th applied for the year teaching biggest grant because she knew social skills. She said some people how costly it was to fund class get Room 802 and Room 102 activities such as the Little Husky Connections classes confused Holiday reading program, where her but they both teach social skills. students went to Oak Hill and read Campbell-Barnes teaches in Room books to elementary students.

802 and said the two classes are at Campbellp-Barnes said her different levels, and her curriculum grant is specifically to help fund her is geared more specifically toward students to be able to do more social social skills whereas 102 is toward activities and experiences outside life skills. She added that some the classroom. As well as providing of her students are in Advanced

18 | THE EXPRESS

opportunities for everyone, she said she doesn’t have to worry about students not being able to afford the experiences.

“The grant is driving the lessons that I’m teaching because I want to make sure that we can get in all of those fun field trips and activities that we plan to do,” CampbellBarnes said. “It’s helping me focus on those lessons that we need to talk about so that we can go do those fun things.”

Sophomore Amira Bowers is a student in Campbell-Barnes’s Connections class. She said she is grateful for the grant enhancing her experience in the classroom.

“I am really grateful that we got the chance for the grant. We get to go on field trips to Oak Hill and [it] will help us with step-outs,” Bowers said.

Campbell-Barnes said her students do step-outs three times a semester. She requires her students to meet in smaller groups to hang out and socialize outside the classroom. She said it allows them to put the social skills they learn in class into practice.

“We talk a lot about the things that we need to know in class but then apply them outside the class. They have to get together with at least two people outside of school and go to a school function or social event such as a musical or football game,” Campbell-Barnes said.

Bowers said she has gained

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many social skills that have helped her navigate difficulties in her life. Bowers said that when she went through a hard time in her relationship with one of her friends, the skill of communication she acquired in Connections allowed her to maintain the friendship.

“My friend and I had a pretty rocky relationship, but we ended up talking about it,” Bowers said. “I’ve grown so much based on wanting to go out with friends. I used to not want to [go out] but now I’m like, ‘OK, this is actually kind of fun.’”

Similarly, sophomore Addison Deich said she has learned about how friendships can impact her positively in the future.

“When we were talking about friendship in class, it really stuck out to me because I realized I could make more friends too. This skill can help me meet new friends and help out other people who are struggling,” Deich said.

Deich has been in Connections class since her freshman year and has enjoyed it ever since. She said her class plays lots of games, goes on field trips and does class activities to boost peer socialization.

“When I’m not in school, I feel like I can step further into the world and do more outside my comfort zone.

Connections class has helped me with that,” Deich said.

Bowers said Campbell-Barnes has helped her gain confidence when meeting new people, something that used to be difficult for her. “[Campbell-Barnes] is a wonderful mentor as well. She helps me through tough times,”

Bowers said.

Deich said Campbell-Barnes helps her through her assignments and knows how to make the class a fun place.

“She’s very nice and knows how to get people talking because I was super shy when I went into the class,” Deich said. “At first, I was scared and didn’t want to meet people. But then I started to get to know them and I started loving Connections.”

Along with lots of practice and step-outs, Campbell-Barnes takes her students on field trips. She plans on taking the students to Oak Hill to read for first-grade students and give them a holiday gift with a copy of the book they read. In addition, they will be attending an escape room to put group work into practice and an amusement park in the spring to practice their social skills and create an experience many of her students have not yet had.

“We’ll go in groups and socialize and try to have a good time doing something that a lot of them have never done,” Campbell-Barnes said.

“Social skills are something that’s applied everywhere, it’s not just in a specific class.”

Deich said she recalled when her class went to Chicken-N-Pickle on a field trip. She said she is thankful and excited that the grant will help the class do more field trips.

“We played Jenga, pickleball and ate food. We had lots of fun, and everyone talked and got along. You get to meet new people and see if you have anything in common with other students,” Deich said.

By using the grant, CampbellBarnes said she plans to continue field trips and expand the Connections experiences for her students to practice their social skills.

“It’s great to see the [students] blossom and learn and be able to do those things. It makes a big difference and it’s super rewarding,” Barnes said.

Sophomore Addison Deich practices reading a book for her Connections final, Dec. 8. Deich said the class has helped her with her social skills.

“I feel more confident talking to people,” Deich said.

JANUARY 2024| 19

2023 A look into pop culture moments, historical events, and school events that occurred over the past year Written by Bridget Hamlin, Designed by Avery Sigg

JUNE McDonalds released the Grimace shake

START

JANUARY

MAY

- New Guardians of the Galaxy Movie

The annual Met Gala theme was Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty

- Kylie Jenner wore a lion’s head to a Paris runway to celebrate the lion’s beauty

FEBRUARY

- Chiefs won the 2023 Superbowl and Rihanna announced her pregnancy at halftime - Snapchat added an AI bot

20 | THE EXPRESS

MARCH

APRIL

- Taylor Swift’s Eras tour began

- Jack Black wrote “Peaches” song for the new Super Mario Bros movie

- Ted Lasso played its final season

- Elon Musk changed “Twitter” to “X”

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JULY Barbie movie was released on the same day Oppenheimer movie was released

FINISH

AUGUST

DECEMBER

-MTV awards

-Wonka movie was released -Taylor Swift announced 2023 Times person of the year

-FIFA Women’s World Cup

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

-Asking men how many times they think about the Roman Empire became a trend

-Taylor Swift attended a Chiefs game with Travis Kelce’s mom

-Jimmy Buffett died

-Matthew Perry died

-A new app called “Nothing Chats” surfaced making all iPhone text messages blue on their messaging program

FEATURE

JANUARY 2024 | 21

2023 BVNW NEWS

BASKETBALL STATE on

Photo by Bailey Thomps

An extreme heat wave forced certain activities to be canceled, rescheduled or held indoors Every Kansas school was required to have its students regularly practice patriotic exercises, according to Kansas Statute 72-5308 BVNW patron withdrew previous challenge on library book “Living Dead Girl” by Elizabeth Scott.

CHEER BOWL Photo by Libby Addison

OPINION: Reactions to a medical incident at the District Activity Complex were immature and appalling and needed to be addressed Eight board members ran for four open slots on the Blue Valley School Board.

HALL OF FAME Y CEREMON crum Photo by Lila Van

REMEMBRANCES BRUNO HARPER

STEVE HARMS

Former building substitute Bruno Harper died at age 74.

Former coach and athletic director Steve Harms died at age 67.

22 | THE EXPRESS

R LIFE RELAYbyFO Arpa Das Photo

JANUARY STUDENT-LED DEMONSTRATION Photo by Remi Nuss

Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin collapsed in the first quarter due to commotio cordis, a rare event caused by a blow to the chest.

FEBRUARY U.S military surveillance Balloon spotted in California.

MARCH Recreational marijuana is now legal in the state of Missouri for those who are 21 years or older.

APRIL HALLOWEEN AT SCHOOL Photo by Remi Nuss

Kansas banned transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s sports from kindergarten to college.

MAY

The World Health Organization declared that it was ending the COVID-19 global health emergency.

JUNE

A submarine with five passengers used to explore the Titanic presumably imploded after debris from it was found on the sea floor.

JULY Two teens were shot at an apartment complex near W. 102nd and Antioch Rd.

AUGUST Over 100 people died due to Hawaii wildfires.

ANTS BV GR

by Lila Vancrum Photo

SEPTEMBER A judge ruled that former president Donald Trump committed fraud.

OCTOBER

War between Israel and Palestinian militants began when Hamas launched a land, sea and air assault on Israel.

NOVEMBER

Single shot fired inside Oak Park Mall after a suspect got ahold of an officer’s firearm, his bond is now set at $1 million dollars.

TO ITALY BAND TRIPomo re Ella Morris Photo courtesy of soph

DECEMBER

The Chinese Horoscope reveals that 2024 is The Year of the Wood Dragon.

DIVING INTO diet culture

Unmasking the complex layers of a variety of diets, fitness and health journeys Written by Alyssa Gagnon and Adria Heinauer, Photographed by Libby Addison, Designed by Lindsay Maresh

​​F

or eight weeks straight, junior Carter Hughes said he stuck to a strict diet, which consisted of eating five times his body weight in kilograms of carbs and one gram of protein for each pound.

He said his diet was to keep him feeling good while losing weight in preparation for the upcoming wrestling season. When starting the diet, he said he weighed 168 pounds; however, needed to lose weight in order to wrestle in the 150-pound weight class.

Although Hughes saw positive results after completing his eightweek diet, he said there were negative effects regarding his mental well-being.

“While I was on the diet, physically, my body had never been better. I felt the most athletic, the most mobile [and] the strongest for sure,” Hughes said. “But mentally, I hated the idea of going to meals. I would force myself to eat and that’s not a great relationship to have with food.”

BVNW parent, dietitian and personal trainer, Erin Henry said diets have both psychological and physiological risks involved.

“I think diet culture has set [people] up to have negative body

24 | THE EXPRESS

images,” Henry said. “The more restricted you are, the more you ‘fall off the wagon’ where you have this scarcity mindset, that if the diet starts Monday, then the weekends are a binge, and then you do more damage over the weekend.”

Earlier in her career, Henry said she worked in medically supervised weight loss centers where the patient’s only goal was to lose weight. As a result of following a harsh diet, patients did not know how to eat nutritious foods for themselves after the program was complete.

“When I worked at the weight loss center, individuals were on such strict plans they came to have an unhealthy relationship with food and their bodies,” Henry said.

Similarly, PE and health teacher Michelle Pothoven said growing up, she felt pressure to be thinner and often tried to eat less as a result.

She said at the age of 32 she finally felt comfortable with her own body.

“When growing up, all I remember hearing [was] that we were supposed to be thinner; particularly women,” Pothoven said. “Unless your body looked a certain way, it was worthless or it was ugly, and the only way to [look

good] was to eat less.”

She said she had tried many diets and was on a low-calorie diet where she would try to eat as little as possible for a long time. Pothoven said these diets only sought after the outcome of a perfect body and being skinny which was not sustainable.

“The diets I was on were [focused on] how little can you eat for how long and it was destroying [my] relationship with food,” Pothoven said. “It was not about habits, it was about an outcome unfortunately, and it was about how good you can look and how small you can be.”

Likewise, Henry said many diets are not sustainable. She helps her patients learn how to slowly start replacing unhealthy foods with nutritious foods such as adding more vegetables, fruits and proteins to their diets.

“If someone’s eating a lot of processed foods, I’ll very gradually start to [give] them different recipes that are more nutritious,” Henry said. “You’ve got to learn, ‘how do I incorporate healthy eating practices to where it’s really sustainable?’”

Although some diets are hard

to maintain, sophomore Grace Croutch who is currently on a high-protein diet recommended by her doctor said balance is key.

“You can’t restrict yourself too much because then you’ll have no energy at all. Your mental state will be really bad [and] your body will not be in the best condition,” Croutch said. “[However,] if you’re dieting correctly, it can help with thinking, your sleep schedule improves a lot and your overall body functions are going to be better.”

Croutch said she has been overweight a lot of her life. Due to this, she started dieting last year when she got a gym membership.

She said she had tried many different diets that were not good for her body, however, the highprotein diet she is on now makes her feel better and more energized.

Pothoven believes diet culture has started to go in the right direction.

She said it focuses less on how little someone can eat but instead on what people can do to add healthier foods to their diets.

“I hope diet culture is swinging

back to ‘How is food good for you?’

‘How can you fuel your body properly?’ ‘How can you find a balance?’” Pothoven said.

According to Henry, diet culture refers to the societal norms that put a heavy emphasis on food and exercise in relation to achieving idealized body images.

“Certain body sizes and shapes are often equated with health, beauty, happiness, success or even moral value. Unfortunately, the weight stigma can… promote poor self-esteem, disordered eating patterns and the degradation versus the promotion of healthy behaviors,” Henry said.

To promote healthy eating, Henry said she focuses on teaching her clients to eat more instead of eating less.

“When we are trying to cram our diet and eating habits with good food, we inadvertently have less room for the junk,” Henry said.

Furthermore, Hughes said there are benefits and challenges to many types of diets.

“I think that taking control of

your health is good to a certain degree. If you’re telling yourself that you’re going to only eat healthy for all three meals of the day all the time [then] you’re just lying to yourself, you end up not being able to do it anymore,” Hughes said.

In order to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, Hughes said he currently follows the 80/20 rule, where 80 percent of the time he eats nutritious foods, and 20 percent of the time he has more freedom to decide what he eats. ​“Whether that be a doughnut for breakfast, having a coffee with something, just making sure to

Junior Carter Hughes maintained a strict diet to feel healthy during wrestling season, “It’s important for me to eat healthy to get the best performance out of my body,” he said, “but I would also like to enjoy myself.”

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JANUARY 2024 | 25

Soccer coach and teacher Michelle Pothoven snacking on both healthy and unhealthy food. “Until I was in my 30s it was hard to see food as fuel,” Pothoven said. treat yourself while also fueling your body correctly,” Hughes said. “[On the other hand], I also think that those who don’t diet and only eat badly all the time aren’t going to feel very good in the long run… so there has to be a balance.”

Pothoven also said balance is important. She said she hopes teenagers are aware of what they are putting in their bodies.

“If you have a food that you love, you should eat that from time to time, not all the time, we want balance,” Pothoven said.

Additionally, Pothoven said depending on who people follow on social media there can be a lot of body positivity and accounts focused on healthy dieting.

On the other hand, Croutch said how social media has negatively affected diet culture. She said diet culture affects both boys and girls but in different ways.

“Some parts of social media made diet culture way worse because

26 | THE EXPRESS

fitness [influencers] want you to look skinny,” Croutch said. “I feel like girls have always had a part of their lives where they want to look like something and they just want to get rid of something. But for boys, it could be that they’re too lean and they just want to gain more muscle.”

Despite diet culture improving, Pothoven said unsustainable diets are still a daily occurrence among all ages.

“Unfortunately, crash diets are going to be around forever because they’re enticing and they promise results that are unsustainable, and that’s why everybody wants quick fixes.

So it’s easy to get

sucked into all those things,” Pothoven said.

Diet or no diet, Henry emphasized the importance of eating properly to take care of one’s body.

“There are a lot of great ways a teenager can start improving their health, none of which have anything to do with weight loss or food restriction,” Henry said. “Focus on eating more of something that would be good for you rather than restricting the ‘bad’ foods.”

UNSCRAMBLE Directions: Unscramble each word from a story in this issue.

Designed by Lindsay Maresh

TUOUINTSRI _ _ _ _ _ _ _

WORD ON PAGE 24

EDVRIEIF

WORD ON PAGE 15

________

NLICSEDIPI _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

WORD ON PAGE 9

AEUECDT

_______

WORD ON PAGE 5

________

WORD ON PAGE 19

AGAILSNTO _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

WORD ON PAGE 6

YACUCACR

WORD ON PAGE 7

TEVAIGAN

INTERACTIVE

________

JANUARY 2024 | 27

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ABOUT US The Express is the official high school news publication of Blue Valley Northwest High School, an open forum distributed to all students seven times a year. This is the January Issue of Volume 31. The Express is printed by Valley Print Logistics, 160 S Sheridan Ave, Valley Center, KS 67147.

DISCLAIMER This is a student publication and may contain controversial matter. Blue Valley Unified School District No. 229 and its board members, officers and employees disclaim any responsibility for the content of this student publication; it is not an expression of School District Policy. Students and editors are solely responsible for the content of this student publication.

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