The Patriot: Issue One by Julie Fales

patriot The

SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL

BEHIND THE SCENES

OCTOBER 2013 . VOLUME 48 . ISSUE 02

Table of contents October 2013

ISSUE 02

Arts & Entertainment

Meet the Staff CALVIN FREEMAN Editor-in-Chief

RACHEL ROSENSTOCK Asst. Editor-in-Chief A&E Editor

HAYLEIGH CHUDIK News Editor

ROLA ALASMAR Opinions Editor

LUKE HOLLAND Features Editor

GARRETT MOULD Sports Editor

ETHAN STONE Photo Editor

CHRIS MANGA Web Editor

MIGUEL PALOMINO Ads Editor

ROSE POLLINA Copy Editor

TERESA HEDIGER Infographic Editor

TRIVETTE KNOWLES Writer

GRIFFIN ZELLER Writer

LAUREN ROSENSTOCK Writer

MACKENNA BARKER Writer

DANIELLE LAUDICK Writer

EMILY WILKINSON Writer

ARIELLA DAVIDSON Writer

DEZARAE DUFFEY Photographer

JENNA FACKRELL Photographer

BROOKE HOLMES Photographer

HANNAH HOLLANDER Photographer

JULIE FALES Adviser

Mission Statement The Patriot is a news magazine that aims to objectively present topics affecting Shawnee Mission South High School, as well as connect with readers on issues concerning the student body. Staff members reserve the right to express their views in the Opinions section. These pieces are labeled and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff as a whole, except the Lead Editorial, which represents the views of the editors. Under the First Amendment and Kansas Law, The Patriot staff is entitled to freedom of the press and neither the school nor district is responsible for any content or coverage. The staff encourages letters to the editor, but they will only be published if signed. The editor-in-chief reserves the right to refuse or edit any letters for reasons of grammar, length and good taste. For online news go to www.smsouthnews.com.

02 TOC

Homecoming court was announced Oct. 5. at the football game. This year’s queen is senior Nia Madison and the king is senior Brock Hansen. PHOTO BY HANNAH HOLLANDER

Student reviews on Melophobia, Bangerz, The National and Romeo and Juliet

Students weigh in on whether they like the book or film version of popular series

Senior explains his Netflix addiction, senior gives reasons why to go to a haunted house

How TV shows have changed from generation to generation

News 04

Orchestra prepares for fall concert, NHS to introduce new initiates

Sports 19

South makes the cut and moves up to 6A

National merit semi-finalists receive recognition, STUCO gears up for Mr. AmeriCAN fundraiser

Theatre rehearses for fall play, South anticipates Halloween traditions

Sports with Garrett: a break down on why NCAA athletes should be paid, sophomore gives take on bandwagon fans

The senior girls powderpuff team comes home with a victory, exchange student contributes to football & soccer

Two staff members share stories of their camping adventure

opinions 07

Editors share thoughts on why it’s important to have school spirit

Senior gives her take on trick-or-treating, senior discusses why academics should get more attention than sports

Photo Essay 24

Top photos from the past month

Two seniors debate on whether or not being in the spotlight is really all it’s cracked up to be

Features 10

Administrator runs farm in addition to school job, a glimpse at what it takes to start a school club

A look at what it takes to prepare for college & a brief insider on how class sizes influences learning

A peek at what some of South’s less publicized workers do for their respective organizations

Q & A with one of South’s most passionately involved student leaders, Ben Bernard

Seniors James Marx and Jackson Spencer rehearse for the upcoming school performance of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde opening Oct. 24. PHOTO BY JENNA FACKRELL

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new members announced nhs participants anticipate upcoming initiation BY HAYLEIGH CHUDIK

t the end of the day on Thursday, Oct. 10, National Honors Society sponsor, Molly Fast, posted a list of the 106 new members who will be initiated into NHS. Most years, these initiates are mostly made up of juniors. However, this year is slightly different. “A decent group of seniors are newly eligible which is different, usually there aren’t so many seniors,” NHS vice president Olivia Feathers said. NHS is a group that focuses on academics and community service. To be eligible for NHS, upperclassmen must have a 3.6 grade point average and must receive strong recommendations from former teachers, club president Ben Bernard explained. Once accepted into NHS, members must complete 15 hours of community service each semester. These hours are mandatory and can result in a probation period, and possibly removal if not met, according to Bernard. Where the hours come from, however, is entirely up to the member. New NHS member, junior Riley Brennan, knew exactly where her service hours would come from. “I actually started my own Care Club group for people that go out and do volunteer work, and we’re doing work with Ronald McDonald House, Hope Faith Ministries which is a homeless shelter, and a few other places including elementary schools,” Brennan said. This year’s initiation takes place Nov. 4 in the auditorium at 7 p.m. At the event speakers will include club sponsor Molly Fast, Principal Joe Gilhaus, and the four NHS officers Bernard, Feathers, Lauren McCarthy and Olivia Barling. “It’s a really formal thing, Lots of parents like to come and watch. Each officer talks a little bit about the four virtues of NHS which are character, leadership, scholarship and community service,” Feathers said.

04NEWS

Orchestra Breaks Some Hearts

preparations for fall concert are underway

BY EMILY WILKINSON

broken heart tends to be associated with emotions like hopelessness and despondency. For orchestra students however, a broken heart brings with it a sense of budding excitement. This year, the theme of the orchestra’s fall concert Oct. 29 in the auditorium is “broken hearts.” “The fall concert is a combination of scary and light music that usually pulls the orchestra together,” sophomore and violinist Callie Ross said. “The Elementary School Silver Strings join the high schoolers and play first. The middle school orchestras don’t join the high school on this concert, but some come to watch.” The beginning of this year’s concert includes a light show that will accompany a performance by the orchestra, including students in the strings section taping glowsticks to their bows for added effect. In addition to the light show, many orchestra students are excited for the Halloween aspect of the fall concert including a jack-o-lantern carving contest and dressing up in costumes. The jack-o’-lantern carving is done the day before the concert by orchestra students using their own unique designs, and are placed around the perimeter of the stage for decoration. The jack-o’-lanterns are judged by a panel who announces the winners during the concert. Arguably more competitive however, is the costume contest.

south area

CHORAL FESTIVAL

october 22

DATES TO KNOW October 28

(Orchestra jack-o-lantern contest)

October 29 (Fall concert)

October 31 (Halloween costume contest) “I am most excited for the costume contest because the violin section actually has a chance at winning this year,” Ross said. “The pumpkin carving contest is not as competitive as the costume contest, but it’s just as fun.” Orchestra students are free to choose their own costumes so long as they are appropriate enough to wear to school. The costumes can be judged in a contest with awards being given out for criteria like “most creative,” “scariest,” “cutest,” “best group costume” and so on.

Jeckyll OCT 24 and 25 Hyde 26

oct 25

R A D N E L

PHOTO BY BROOKE HOLMES

SCHOOL

freshmen

OCTOBER 28

check your

Orchestra students perform a piece playing the adjacent viola at Oktoberfest.

JAZZ nov. 4 7 p.m. P.M. BAND orchestra concert

CONCERT

semi-finalists receive high praise hard work pays off for national merit semi-finalists

BY ROLA ALASMAR

or seniors Melanie Powell, Caitlin Duffy and Ginny Friedrich, the days of studying and the hours of stress paid off when it was announced that the three of them were National Merit Semi-finalists. Duffy, Powell and Friedrich, along with many other students, took the PSAT last October with hopes of scoring high enough to become a semi-finalist. “I had hoped, but I didn’t expect it,” Duffy said. There are many rewards to being a semi-finalist. Friedrich hopes that being a semi-finalist will help her get into more selective colleges. According to Duffy a lot of scholarships are offered, some schools offer full tuition and board, and the competition itself gives you around $2,000. For Powell one of the main rewards is having more options for her future. “The main reward is scholarship money. I probably won’t have to pay as much for college which is nice because I have more freedom to choose where I want to go and what I want to do,” Powell said. Although these three girls might make it look easy, they didn’t become semi-finalists without a bit of work. “I studied every day in gifted and I even stayed home from school the day before the test to study,” Powell said. Friedrich also studied daily in gifted. “So about 20 minutes a day for like a month,” she said. Duffy however believes that she became a semifinalist thanks to a lot of luck.

“I didn’t actually do a ton of studying. It’s really luck, what questions you get. Whatever you can do to put the luck on your side will help. Study, reduce your stress, anything that works,” she said. Powell believes that staying relaxed helped her. She recommends not changing your schedule on the day of test and to just be calm. “If you get it, then great. If not, then there’s other ways to get scholarships,” Powell said. Friedrich and Duffy were also not stressed on the day of the test. According to Friedrich, if you do a lot of practice problems and are ready, there is nothing to stress about. Duffy says that she was also having a good day. “It was like I woke up and the “Best Day Ever” song from Spongebob was playing,” she said. Both Duffy and Powell thought that the PSAT was easier than other standardized tests. It lacks a science section, which made it easier for the two of them, but more difficult for Friedrich who is strong in science. “The main difference between the PSAT and other tests is that you only get one shot,” Powell said. Duffy, Powell and Friedrich all felt good after taking the test; however, they had to wait a few months before getting to see their scores. The cut off for becoming a semi-finalist was higher than it had ever been. But with enough studying and just the right amount of luck Principal Joe Gilhaus serves lunch to senior Sam becoming a National Merit Semi-Finalist is possible for Kulikov, National Merit Semi-finalists, and other students who received specific academic honors. everyone. PHOTO BY BROOKE HOLMES

stuco prepares for mr. american pageant

Seniors fundraise for canned food drive

BY ROSE POLLINA

tudents will gather Nov. 5 for the Mr. AmeriCAN pageant which is put together by STUCO. They hold the Mr. AmeriCAN pageant every year to raise canned food and monetary donations for the canned food drive. It’s also just a really fun event for students to go and enjoy. This year STUCO plans to publicize the pageant more than it has in past years to get more students to attend. The more students come, the more money goes to the canned food drive. Mr. AmeriCAN also is a way to spotlight senior guys who represent their club or sport well. The

nominees are chosen by the fellow members in their activity. “It’s spotlighting some fellow students for the seniors, it also gives the underclassman a goal to shoot for and pull from,” STUCO sponsor Nicholas Deffer said. Last year’s pageant was a lot of fun according to STUCO president Kelly O’Connor. She also mentioned the success STUCO had with raising money for the canned food drive. Students who attended last year’s pageant are eager to go this year as well.

11 evening of 1 13 cabaret

MR..

american national honors society

11/4

initiation six p.m.

NOVEMBER 5 at 7p.m.

“Sure, because I want to see what kind of funny stuff this year’s seniors will do,” junior Dainan Swoope and senior Stephen Erickson both said. It’s something freshmen and students who haven’t gone yet to go and see. It will cost $5 or 10 cans of food to go. “[Students] should care about it because it’s fun and a great way to raise money for the canned food drive,” O’Connor said. “It’s one of the best ways we get money and so it helps and it’s fun for the students to watch because the boys get in dresses and they go crazy. It’s just a lot of fun.”

NOV. 11 AT 9:40A.M.

late

11/9 8 p.m. science olympiad

]

rt a t s [

NEWS

jekyll & hyde

raiders put a new twist on a classic play

BY MACKENNA BARKER

he darkened, once quiet streets of London have become marked by chaos and scarred with terror. A hideous, sinister figure by the name of Edward Hyde lurked in the London shadows, appearing rarely and briefly, but has left behind him the bitter shock of brutality and death. Curiously enough, the respected Dr. Henry Jekyll had recently rewritten his will to make Hyde the sole beneficiary. No one could anticipate the rapid spiral of events that follows... The SMS Theatre Department is bringing this adventure of the honorable Jekyll and the evil Hyde to life in their upcoming fall musical, Jekyll and Hyde. However, they’re putting their own little twist on the traditionally Victorian style play. “We’re doing a steampunk modern version of the play,” senior Collin Richardson said. Steampunk is a popular style mainly used in fashion, movies, books, bands and in this case, a play. It features the advanced machines and other technology based on steam power of the 19th Century. “You can see the steampunk twist in the set because it’s kind of darker and they’re using a lot of bronzes,” senior Nico Caruso said. The set designers and the costume crews have the unique job of bringing the steampunk presence to center stage with this production. “I’m excited for the set,” senior Jackson Spencer said. “With steampunk you’ve got your cogs and steam and it’s a little bit darker. And then as far

as the costumes, it’s really cool because the Jekyll costume is more Victorian-esque and then the Hyde costume has got the steampunk-esque feel to it with gadgets and gears. It’s a cool mix, you’ve just got to find the right balance.” Putting together a production of this magnitude is not a simple feat though. The theatre department has been preparing for this play since late August. “Right now we have rehearsals that run up to three hours every day,” Caruso said. Strenuous rehearsal schedules are common for the theatre department, especially in the weeks leading up to the play. “It’s definitely a lot of work, but I think every show has a message and being able to share that while working with such awesome talented people makes it all worth it,” Richardson said. Opening night for Jekyll and Hyde is Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. with performances the following Friday and Saturday nights as well as a matinee. But remember: Shawnee Mission South students, tickets will no longer be free with a student ID at the door. Tickets must be ordered in advance. “Go to smstheatre.org and you can reserve tickets there, or go talk to [senior] Josie Anderson. Also, you’ll get better seats if you order in advance,” Caruso said. Reserve tickets and check out the SMS Theatre Department’s unique take on the strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Seniors Tamara Graham and Nico Caruso rehearse a scene for the upcoming musical, Jekyll and Hyde. PHOTO BY JENNA FACKRELL

raiders trick or treat halloween celebrated throughout the halls of school

BY DANIELLE LAUDICK

hat does South do to celebrate Halloween? Of course there’s the annual costume contest dating back to the 1980s. International Club’s hosting a pumpkin carving contest to help the students connect with this year’s foreign exchange students. South’s Repertory Theater and Thespian troupe is continuing their Trick Or Treat So Kids Can Eat (TOTSKE) program. And much more. No October would be complete without KSMS’ annual costume contest. A day for all Raiders to show their creativity and inner child. South is the only high school in the district that dresses up for Halloween, let alone has a contest for both students and teachers to participate in. This can lead to some competition between fellow Raiders. According to KSMS sponsor Travis Gatewood,

06 NEWS

there was a period of years where English teacher Drew Baranowski and administrator Nicholas Platko competed against one another for the best costume. Unfortunately one infamous annual entry for the contest stated that he is officially retired. No longer will Baranowski and Platko battle it out for best costume, due to Platko’s decision to retire from the contest. And as to what Baranowski’s one of a kind costume for this year will be, he has refused to release any information. Among other Halloween themed events South will be hosting this month is International Club’s pumpkin carving contest lead by seniors Ben Bernard and Brittany Multer Oct. 23. “What part of International Club is, is teaching the foreign exchange students about American

culture, so one of the things we do is a pumpkin carving contest...and it’s just kind of a fun way for the foreign exchange students to learn more about our culture,” Bernard said. The event is open to everyone, but it is asked that you be a member so there are enough supplies for members to carve their pumpkins. TOTSKE is a way to kick off the canned food drive every year. Sponsored by the SMS Theater Program and involves Repertory Theater students and those that are members of South’s Thespians Troupe. “I think the most fun part of TOTSKE, besides donating all the food, is we dress up within our groups, and each group has a theme. For instance, one year my group’s theme was crayons so I was Groovy Green,” senior Josie Anderson said.

Staff Editorial

Why School spirit matters

editor discusses the importance of having school spirit

CARTOON BY ROSE POLLINA

7/11

editors agree with the views expressed in this editorial. For your voice to be heard you may write a letter to the editor and send it to Room 195.

e go to school day after day with people of different backgrounds. Different interests. Different personalities. The one thing we all share is that we are all part of the same school community. Every single one of us walks the same hallways, cheers for the same teams and represents the same school. Every single one of us is a Raider. Having school spirit unites us. The feeling of everyone being together at a football game or an assembly is something you can’t get anywhere else. We’re all there for the same purpose, cheering on the same teams. It creates an atmosphere like no other. Showing school spirit lifts everyone’s moods; it makes us all feel good. It motivates our teams and improves their performance. It provides an optimistic perspective. Having school spirit is important. We may technically only be at South because of boundaries, but that’s no reason to not support your school. So you didn’t get to choose where you go. You also didn’t choose your family, but you still love and support them. Having love and encouragement for South should be unconditional, the same way it is for a family. Because we are a family. We all have our ups and downs. Every team, every individual, and we have to show our support through it all. We can’t just cheer on our teams when they’re winning; it’s when they’re losing that they need it most. The sound of the screams and chants coming from the sidelines shouldn’t stop even when a team is at its absolute worst. The undying encouragement inspires our teams. It makes them do better. It gives them something to work for. Having spirit makes school rivalries fun. It becomes not only a competition of who will win, but also of who can get more fans at the game or who can cheer the loudest. School rivalries unite us. They put everyone at South on the same team. Having a rivalry with another school doesn’t necessarily create hatred. We all know where the line is. The way every school comes together when a tragedy hits one school is amazing. There is never a question that every school in the district will give their support and love

and help. So don’t convince yourself that school spirit and rivalries create bad blood, because they don’t. Getting involved, participating in events, and having school spirit is part of the high school experience. It’s a way to show our pride. It’s a way to have fun and enjoy coming to school. It gives us a sense of identity. School isn’t just about taking classes and getting good grades. It’s also about the people you meet and the experiences you have. Some people may think they

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Showing school spirit strengthens the bond between us. It brings us all together in a way that nothing else can.

”

just want to get high school over with, but you have to be here regardless, so you might as well have a good time. Go to sports events. Go to academic events. And cheer on our school. Showing school spirit strengthens the bond between us. It brings us all together in a way that nothing else can. There really is nothing like the feeling of turning around at a football game and high-fiving someone you’ve never met before when our team scores. Or when the entire school is swaying together at an assembly as the choir sings the school song. Or when everywhere you look people are dressed in green and gold on spirit days. We need to realize that every single one of us is in this together. Soon it will be over. One day we’ll look back and remember how loud the gym was at that basketball game. Or how well the Academic Decathlon team did. Or how much fun that football game was. And how all we will want is to do it again. To go to one more game and show our support. To cheer louder than we ever have before. Because the way it brings us together is unbelievable. So show your support. Show that you care. Show that you are a Raider. And proud to be one.

OPINIONS

The

Debate

Is being in the spotlight better than being backstage? PHOTOS BY ETHAN STONE

o be honest, I like attention. Probably more than I should. I mean let’s be real, the main reason I’m writing for this debate is to have a large cut-out picture of myself distributed to the student body. But I get that not everyone likes living in the limelight. I have lots of friends who turn pale just at the thought of giving any kind of speech or presentation. And there’s nothing inherently wrong with that. In my opinion it just means you think too highly of yourself. Most would be inclined to take the opposite view; that those who are living in the spotlight are the hot heads who need to step down off their pedestal. And in many cases those people do come off as arrogant jerks. But at least they are trying to do something great in the process. It’s like the difference between dogs and cats. Want to know why dogs are better? Because a dog will do his best catching that frisbee or bringing back that dead squirrel and he will show it off to get the respect

Pro: Luke holland

he deserves. Cats, on the other hand, carry themselves about with a sense of disregard towards everyone else, and look down on the things that people and dogs enjoy, thinking that they are too good to enjoy themselves. I moved to Kansas from California right before my sophomore year. I hated school because it meant talking to people I didn’t know, and I made maybe five decent friends. Now, as a senior, it’s not like I’m winning any popularity contests, but I actually enjoy interacting with other students. In retrospect, I think it was really just a pride issue. I was afraid to put myself out there and my school life was pretty miserable because of it. And I guess some people thrive on just sliding by under the radar, but I feel like the more you give, the more you get. If you care too much what people think about you, or question yourself too much, chances are you aren’t going to be taking the risks needed to gain some street cred at school, or even make many new friends for that matter.

So what does this have to do with living in the spotlight? No, I don’t think that everyone who isn’t the varsity quarterback, most talented violin player in the orchestra, or lead role in the play has an insignificant role in the food chain of Shawnee Mission South. You’re more like the herbivores, content to eat your salad and oblivious to the taste of fresh, hard-earned meat. But the good news is that it’s easier to get a steak around here than you might think. I’m not going to pretend that the aforementioned student legends don’t have a blast in high school and get more attention than they know what to do with. They do. But everyone has their own spotlight. Finding areas where you can excel and become more networked is a crucial part to enjoying high school. The real issue isn’t about how far those areas actually take you. It’s about being a go-getter and taking on the challenges involved with pushing yourself to the things that intrigue you, and at the same time intimidate you.

Con: mackenna barker

ctor, Royals player, ballerina, singer. Those were the types of answers that the elementary school versions of ourselves gave when asked what we wanted to be when we grew up. Typical answers for children that live in a culture dominated by the chase for the spotlight and fame. Our society is so focused on winning attention that we often forget where the real magic is going on: behind the scenes. Have you ever watched a movie without background music? Dull. Ever watched a football game through a crappy handheld recorder? Unsatisfying. And you can guarantee that J. Cole’s latest album wouldn’t be as incredible without innumerable hours of editing. Yes, your person center stage can be breathtaking, but without that magic of behind the scenes, they’re reduced to simply average. My point is, we should be thanking the nameless, faceless people doing the real heavy lifting for the things we love.

08 OPINIONS

Let’s say you’re only the biggest Harry Potter fan ever and completely idolize Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson for bringing your favorite characters to life. But remember that there wouldn’t be a Harry Potter if it weren’t for J.K. Rowling sitting and typing away behind a computer for years, writing every single word that Harry and Hermione would ever say. There wouldn’t be a spotlight to fill if not for the people backstage. Our tendency to praise and look up to the people on TV or in magazines is all part of a mentality that Susan Cain calls the “extrovert ideal” in her book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. This ideal that dominates Western, particularly American, culture is described as “the omnipresent belief that the ideal self is gregarious, alpha and comfortable in the spotlight.” Yeah, that sounds like us all right. But why do we praise and award the conceited

actors and actresses who use their wealth for drugs and partying? Why do we aspire to become NFL players when 78 percent of them go bankrupt within two years of retiring? Or similarly, NBA players, 60 percent of whom lose all their money merely five years after retirement? Our misplaced and questionable reverence makes one think that maybe we shouldn’t just be thanking the people hanging in the back, but maybe we should take some tips from them too. After all, according to Cain, kids that are more comfortable behind the scenes win a disproportionate number of National Merit Scholarship finalist positions, cheat less, don’t break the rules as often and are less likely to get into car accidents. Bottom line is this: the spotlight is exhilarating, but often times the real worthy role models of our world are the unsung heroes quietly working miracles in the background.

Go online to smsouthnews.com to vote for your opinion

Too Old to Trick or Treat? senior shares her opinion on trick or treating WHAT STUDENTS THINK: “It’s an activity for kids. We high schoolers should have better things to do.” -Senior Connor Viets “I’d dress up but I wouldn’t go trick or treating.” -Junior Dan Sirna “No, everyone loves candy.” -Freshman Molly Whiskur

“No, because candy’s awesome.” -Sophomore Maria Herrera

BY TERESA HEDIGER

uring Halloween, dressing up as the hottest superheroes and stars is a holiday tradition that intrigued us during grade school and probably earlier as small tykes. To top it all off at night there is trick-or-treating. Whether you’re going out as a group, roaming the streets like zombies with friends, going up to doors groveling for candy, or just going alone, it’s still a lot of fun. Two years ago my friends and I went out to scavenge the town for treats. We went for about an hour and scored a bunch of candy. Spent the whole night eating it till we puked. Last year though we just sat at one of our friend’s houses and passed out candy. Why did we not go out again that year? We didn’t go out, because apparently, we were too old to go out asking strangers for candy. If it’s socially acceptable for small children to go

outside dressed up in outlandish garb, why can’t teenagers and adults do it too without being looked at as strange? Why does the fun have to stop now? I happen to love candy with all my heart. If I could, I would marry that candy. Just because we are older doesn’t mean that we can’t have fun and trick-or-treat. I know many people who like to go trick-or-treating but won’t because they feel old. Some are lucky though. If you have a younger sibling then, awesome, you can walk around and get candy without looking awkward. We need to stop being afraid of what other people think of us. If you want to dress up as Spiderman go ahead. The Kool-aid man sure. Pikachu, sorry. Nobody can be Pikachu because I’m Pikachu. Some groups trick-or-treat for charity. That is a great idea

that I support. Some churches and schools have trunk or treat. Trunk or treat is like going trickor-treating, but instead of going to houses you go to peoples cars and take candy out of the trunks. Don’t forget that there are parties, too. Time Magazine says that, “According to the National Retail Federation, a record 170 million Americans will spend close to $8 billion on candy, pumpkins, decorations and costumes – both for them and their pets. More than 70 percent of people in the U.S. say they’ll celebrate Halloween this year, the most ever recorded by the NRF. The average American will spend almost $79.83 on the holiday, compared with $72.31 last year.” Let’s stop saying we are too old for this day of candy and just enjoy being young for a day, even if you’re not.

Athletics vs Academics editor discusses why academic groups should get more recognition BY RACHEL ROSENSTOCK

f you dream of becoming a professional athlete, sorry, but the chances are slim. Statistics show that only 0.08 percent of high school football players go pro, 0.03 percent of high school men’s basketball players and .04 percent of high school men’s soccer players. Yes, playing sports is many students’ favorite past time and even something they excel at throughout high school. It builds character, keeps you in shape and is an easy way to make lasting friendships all while representing your school. But the reality is, the game ends after high school for almost all athletes. The number of high school athletes who play in college is much the same as the number who go pro. The harsh reality is, unless you’re the next Peyton Manning, David Beckham or Lebron James, the buck stops here. The other 99 percent of adult professionals in the world are in finance, law, medicine, business, sales, management and more, or the academic world. The world school spends 18+ years preparing you for. You take math, science, English classes in hopes for a real, steady, job. There is no “NFL prep class,”

or “Intro to the NBA.” School focuses on the subjects that will matter in the future for the vast majority of students. So why don’t these academic groups and clubs get the same recognition sports do, if not more? As a society, we need to place higher value on organizations such as NHS, AcaDec, Robotics and Raider Researchers. The students involved in these clubs are the future of our generation; writing code and communicating in various media platforms are a million times more useful than scoring touchdowns in this day and age. Schools need to place an emphasis on the value of these skills and how being involved in academic organizations can not only boost your resume, but teach you life-long skills. I’m not saying don’t bother with high school or college sports, but I am saying that it’s essential to keep your priorities straight. Don’t be that person who spends his or her entire adult life reliving “the glory days” when they “had it all.” Make a good future for yourself by working hard in both sports and academics and you can be sure to enjoy both in the future.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JENNA FACKRELL

OPINIONS

Mr. Flurry’s Farm

administrator balances office job with ownership of 500 acre farm BY CALVIN FREEMAN

tuber Centennial Farm, located just outside of St. Joseph, Mo., is a 500-acre farm in the business of producing corn and soybeans and is owned by associate principal Ryan Flurry, who is currently in his fourth year at here SMS. The farm has been up and running since 1868. That makes Flurry the sixth generation of his family to be in charge since he took the reins in 2007, following the death of his father who had been the owner for about 35 years before him. As for being able to run a production this big and having an everyday office job on top of that, Flurry seems to have a pretty good grip on the workload. He doesn’t even believe that working with two big time jobs is the most taxing part of the lifestyle. “I would say the harder balance is balancing family time, having two little kids, with the farm because there are times where I have to go up there and just take care of those time sensitive items,” he said. Growing up on a farm, Flurry makes it easy to understand his motivation for his intense balancing act. “The family tradition is a big piece of it,

keeping it in the family. It also is that I enjoy going up there. You’re your own boss, making your own decisions, doing your own thing,” he said. What makes running a farm difficult is the ongoing responsibilities and problems that come up in any given workday. But with the large production of two less-sensitive crops like corn and soybeans, Flurry is able to keep the production going by putting his time in on weekends, going up there during the seasonal breaks or days off during the school year, and by taking the occasional personal day away from SMS when need be. “I have to look at it as things that are in your control versus things that are out of your control,” Flurry said. “I see the difficulties more as the things that are not in my control that you really can’t do anything about, which is primarily the weather.” Whether it be putting the weekends aside to plant, dealing with weather, fixing ongoing mechanical problems, weeding, fertilizing, or harvesting, these are just a few things that keep Flurry busy in his days at the office up in St. Jo.

KICKSTARTING CLUBS

NEW CLUBS some of the recently created student clubs (past two years)

iMade (Volunteer/service hours)

Voice in Verse (Poetry)

Compass Club (Catholic devotion)

Students in Action Club (English as 2nd language)

Green Club

(Environmental awareness)

Computer Programming Club Gay Straight Alliance (GSA)

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what it takes to get a school club up and running

BY LAUREN ROSENSTOCK

pproach an administrator, find a sponsor, create a name, establish a purpose and get started; creating clubs can take a couple of weeks or sometimes just a day. Finding a sponsor, getting people to join or often running a club alone takes more time to do. “I don’t get many questions very often...Getting out there, online, from announcements I get lots of follow ups about those clubs,” senior Ben Bernard said. Bernard is one of many students who has helped start clubs with friends from a simple idea, and has also helped revive clubs that were not as popular as they are now like Jewish Student Union and International Club. The difficulty with starting clubs is often finding people to join. “The struggle with JSU is that people are skeptical that it is a religion based club, when we are open to everyone who is thinking of joining,” Bernard said. Creating new clubs that would interest more people is difficult to do. For instance, JSU meets every other week in sponsor Stan Stern’s Room 193 after school. They have bagels and donuts for every meeting and they bring a new topic to discuss whether it is religious, school and work- related or political. JSU also focuses on the traditions and culture of the Jewish faith throughout the world.

The International club has a similar approach in this way. “The first couple of months (most of first semester) we introduce our culture to the exchange students, and the last couple months we learn about their cultures (second semester),” Bernard said about the International Club’s monthly meetings in the cafeteria. Reaching out to people and having the confidence to talk to new people can make some nervous. Being nervous is a feeling that can be gotten over faster than one might think; like at the speed of the internet. The internet has helped attract crowds of people to French Club who mostly communicate through online chats on places such as Facebook. “Online tends to attract more... They can see more [notifications] for and about new club events and things like that,” Bernard said. If one had the confidence to talk to new people or post about their new club on Facebook or Twitter, they would find that classmates, teammates and followers might also like and support their idea. “It is all the student’s responsibility,” associate principal Nicholas Platko said. That minute bravery, when putting one’s ideas into the world, could help build a for a new personal confidence and can also lay a strong foundation for their club.

college prep BY ROSE POLLINA

how to begin planning for the next step after high school graduation

GRAPHIC BY TERESA HEDIGER

ollege is probably not at the forefront of your mind when you’re going through high school, but it is something that requires more than an afterthought. Start planning early; it’ll take stress off your senior year. “I feel students should begin to prepare for college their freshman year, starting to think about possible careers and what interests them,” counselor Nichole Dosland said. “Junior year you’ll want to take your ACT, get your first time score then senior year take it again if you need to. [Then] start applying and see your counselor the semester of your senior year to start planning for your financial aid, government loans, and stuff like that.” Whether you want to take the ACT or the SAT it doesn’t really matter, but if you have any desire to go to college you need to take at least one. Another factor to consider is the difficulty of the classes you take during high school. “The more you stretch yourself, the harder the class, the more prepared you’ll be for college,” counseling department head Doug Buning said. Some classes which are higher level and usually involve an opportunity to earn college credit are available. These would be the AP classes such as English 12 AP or Biology 2 AP. These courses can also be taken to acquire the AP designation on their transcript.

The next thing to consider would be where to go to college. “[Students] need to find one that fits them whether it’s a big one a small one, whatever their interests are they need to fit their personality into the college,” Buning said. “[They need] to decide how far away from home they want to be or whether they want to stay close to home. They need to decide how much freedom and flexibility they want.”

Some colleges cost more than others and you may have to consider taking out a loan. But before taking out a loan, try to get as many scholarships as you possibly can. “Try to get as many scholarships and financial aid as possible so that you don’t have to take out a big loan,” Dosland said. “You need to look at the interest rates of the loans. And it can take anywhere from one year to 20 plus years depending on how much you take out and how long you’re in school.” If you’re late to the game and haven’t really prepared for college before senior year then talk to your counselor. “We would try to figure out where he/she can still go, if it’s April or May many scholarships will be gone,” Dosland said. “We would still help them as best we possibly could figuring out where to go. There’s some great community colleges in the area as well you can still go to four-year colleges and apply for those late, but you won’t get as much financial aid.” Most would agree that college is the door to a successful future, don’t let the opportunity pass you by. Prepare early. “Dream,” Buning said. “College is an awesome time, find one that fits you. Find a major that you’re passionate about and go for it.”

COMPARING THE DYNAMICS OF BIG AND SMALL CLASSES BY EMILY WILKINSON

. 16. 24. 31. 42. It’s not a mathematical pattern. It’s just a handful of class sizes to be found at Shawnee Mission South. “My largest class is seventh hour Computer Apps. It has around 31 people, and my smallest class is my second hour Focus on Foods class. It has 16 people,” freshman Jacob Robertson said. “Going into high school, you would think that there would be a drastic size difference; like class sizes would double, but honestly they don’t. My largest class this year is not that much different from the previous year in middle school.” A study in 1992 by the Office of the Director of Curriculum in the San Mateo Union High School District revealed that the chance for students to achieve exemplary grades was significantly increased in classes smaller than 20 students. These classes also reported fewer discipline problems and a higher rate of participation overall. “[Class size] affects the energy of the teacher, their planning, and their ability to help their students,” graduate of South and long-time substitute teacher Leeann Reed said. “From my experience of subbing all over the district and all the high schools, Shawnee Mission South has the smaller class sizes, and the teachers are able to give more individual attention because they have less students that they have to work with.” The Department of Education estimates that the average nationwide class size sits at around 25 students. In hopes of improving academics across the board, a large effort has been made by teachers’ unions and nonprofits like Class Size Matters to push the federal government into reducing class size. Such legislation however is scarce, particularly in the state of Kansas, leaving most school districts to set their own standards in the way of class size. “There isn’t much [schools] can do. I think they realize the problem, but don’t have the money or resources to hire more teachers,” Robertson said. Smaller class size is not just for the benefit of students. According to a 1990 study by the National Council of Teachers of English, “a teacher who faces 25 students in a class period of 50 minutes has no more than 2 minutes, at best, per pupil for one-to-one interaction during any period.” In comparison, larger classes provide teachers with less opportunities to teach but rather to manage their classes.

Juniors participate in discussion in AP US History with Scott Hirons. PHOTO BY ETHAN STONE “You have a lot more energy, you can do a lot more group work, and you have more room with a smaller class size,” Reed said. For most students, a preferable class size is more often than not, a smaller one. “I think it’s a more intimate atmosphere. I feel closer with my classmates,” junior Regina Yan said. “Whenever we get distracted in my larger classes, it’s pretty overwhelming when everyone is focused on different things, and it’s hard to get us all on the same page.” Others see class size as a delicate but necessary balancing act. “If the class is too big, then you don’t get the help you need,” sophomore Maddie Locke said, “but if the class is too small, then you might get overly helped. Teachers won’t let you have independent studies as they might if it was a bigger class. It needs to be just right: in between.”

FEATURES

PHOTO BY SYDNEY HARVEY

PHOTO BY DEZARAE DUFFEY

fathers’ connection

LAB ASSISTANTS

BY CALVIN FREEMAN

stablished in 2003, the Shawnee Mission South Area Fathers’ Connection is a group of dads involved here at South with one general goal in mind, to establish a positive presence in the SMS community. They do this mainly by taking the helm in a number of big projects on the school grounds that include relandscaping the courtyard in front of our school, providing the white rock sign at the school’s entrance, relandscaping the area in front of the main gym, building the island with the “RAIDER COUNTRY” sign in the circle drive and most recently, providing the school with the electronic message board that is most easily seen when driving past the front doors. Just this past September the Fathers’ Connection had two big events scheduled to show their involvement. On Sept. 7 the organization coordinated their yearly Fall Clean up, which is exactly what it sounds like, a beautification or fix up day for the school building. The second was the First Annual Raiders Golf Classic, a fundraiser held at the Golf Club of Kansas. The Fathers’ Connection is able to do these things for our school through fundraisers and donations and encourages parents to get involved.

12 FEATURES

BY ARIELLA DAVIDSON

ver considered being a lab assistant for your favorite teacher? Being a lab assistant can be a lot of work, or a little depending on the teacher. Different teachers have various assignments for students to do. For some teachers being a lab can involve grading papers, tutoring, passing back assignments, giving passes or schedules out to kids who need them. “If you are labbing for Mr. Borne in environmental ed, he might have you cleaning out the snake cage. If you are labbing for a math teacher, you might be doing various assignments for them, such as tutoring or putting up bulletin boards and passing back folders and assignments,” counselor Dave Mesh said. Some teachers allow freedom to complete homework and catch up with school work. “If a teacher is really asking for a lab assistant, they’re really going to use them to put them to work and to help out,” Mesh said. Senior Sam Cashion is a lab assistant twice during the day once for the counseling office, and the other for Stankewsky. She really enjoys labbing for both of them. “I find the time useful, especially with sports and stuff. It’s nice to have two labs to be able to get my homework done,” Cashion said. To be a lab, there is a form from the counseling office that requires signatures from the student, the student’s parents, and the teacher. For being a lab, students get an activities credit which can count as one of their 7 ½ elective credits.

PHOTO BY JENNA FACKRELL

student teachers BY TERESA HEDIGER

illon Simmons, Hannah Erbert, and Rachel Peterson are all student teachers testing out the waters of the teaching career. People come in from different colleges and spend a total of 15 hours with at least two teachers to experience the feel of different classes. “It’s eye opening seeing what teachers do when you don’t see them in class, it’s definitely a professional job,” Simmons said. Their first few weeks is the time when student teachers get to observe how a class is normally run. Slowly they adapt to what students expect from them and how they act in the classroom. Student teachers learn how to behave, instructional strategies, disciplinary actions, instructional strategies, along with other teaching philosophies. While teaching they are slowly transitioning from being a college student to becoming a teacher. Peterson attends Emporia State University and is graduating with a bachelors degree in December. She meets with her professors three times a year during pre orientation, midterm, and the final meeting to go over how she is coming along with teaching. “One of my favorite things about the math department is that it is so collaborative and the teamwork between teachers. I think that is one of my favorite things about it and the students are awesome,” Peterson said. Struggles with the process of becoming a teacher is that you always have to be on top of your game. Dealing with students being write when you are wrong while trying to fill up the class period with enough material while still maintaining the classes attention. What’s fair is not always equal, it’s a difficult job but it’s something that student teachers have to learn.

behind the scenes GRAPHIC BY TERESA HEDIGER

PHOTO BY BROOKE HOLMES

PHOTO BY JENNA FACKRELL

PHOTO BY ETHAN STONE

Trainer: Megan Schorr

Theater crew

team managers

BY DANIELLE LAUDICK

BY MACKENNA BARKER

Q: Why did you become a trainer? or centuries, people have enjoyed the A: I had switched through about five different art of theater, marveling at the wonder majors just trying to find a career I would love and of their favorite stories coming to life. I kinda just fell into an athletic training class and But even since those early days of plays, the loved it. I switched my major for the last time. general public only ever credits the actors for the incredible productions. While of course Q: What do you do as a trainer? the actors are to be commended for their A: Everything from wellness and education to hard work and performances, a large and injury evaluation to communicating with parents crucial set of people are going unnoticed: the and admin, working with doctors from certain crews. hospitals. “Basically, without the backstage effort, there would be no show. There would be no Q: What does a trainer do? theatre in general,” said junior Gavin Carter. A: I do a lot of injury evaluation. So pretty much Suffice to say that these crews play a vital from the moment I arrive I’ll go inventory and role on their own. treatment, then after that I’ll do evaluations. I also “Set crew, lights crew, sound crew, props do inventory or order supplies. Talk to parents crew, costumes crew, business and publicist about injuries. I do do rehab, not that much do to crew,” senior Mark Ham lists off. “They are time restraints though. all just as essential as the roles of the actors. Without the people backstage, nothing would Q: How many times does a kid come in to see be possible. It would be very boring and you? without essence.” A: Depends on the injury. Take for example a These crews make the play come alive by ligamentous injury. It takes about a couple months investing countless hours into the production. to heal. Then you have a muscle strain injury and Each specific crew has a job essential to that take less time to heal. So it varies from perbringing the play together, whether it be son to person. painting sets, buying creative props, or making the lighting just right. Q: How serious, on average, are the injuries you These grand productions are see? ultimately a collaborative effort. So the next A: I’ve seen the extreme. I’ve seen someone time you’re at the theatre, cheer for the who’s got hit by a car to a minor sprain. You name hardworking actors but also give a shout out it and I’ve probably seen it. Knock on wood, I have to the people working the backstage magic. not seen a compound fracture. Q: How stressful is it to be a trainer? A: It probably depends on the day and depends on the sports staff. Here we got some amazing coaches and amazing admin. Plus my contacts from my job at the hospital. With that it makes it so much easier. My job is super stressful, but here at South it’s good.

BY LAUREN ROSENSTOCK

illing water bottles, shagging balls and taking statistics during games are some part of what managers do for sports teams. Just like the players these students dedicate their time after school to support their friends and team, they work with the atmosphere of the activity and apply a positive attitude to any situation, good or bad. “We help them prepare for the game during the warm-up, get waters and if there’s injuries, we do what we can.” Sophomore boys’ soccer manager Mallory Reynolds said. Helping the players every day at practice and giving them positive criticisms during the games is another thing they do. Whether one of them is having a bad day at practice, they help set a mood that is encouraging and helpful. In sports such as volleyball, along with shagging balls and supporting the team, they take statistics of each player in different aspects of play during games. The stats that they take help the coaches calculate how well they did overall in play. Along with finding a general performance in a percent, the stats help the coaches know how to help the athlete. Managers aid the team in more ways than they might think. The smallest things like telling the team good game after a rough night, or even just helping them shag a ball can sometimes make an athlete’s day. The atmosphere of comfort and support through their actions benefit the team tremendously.

a closer look at under-appreciated students and staff

13 FEATURES

Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A:

Q and A

How many clubs or organizations are you currently involved in? “The main ones I’m involved in are National Honors Society, Spanish Honors Society, International Club, Jewish Student Union.” In how many of those groups are you in a leadership position?

“Well, I’m actually leading all four.”

Are you involved in any other special classes or groups?

“I’m in orchestra, and I’m also a member of Pep Club, along with half of the school.” Do you have a favorite club?

“I think International Club is probably my favorite, because you get to help form a connection between the foreign exchange students and the students at South. We get to learn about their culture and they get to learn about ours, and it makes the year a lot easier for the foreign exchange students. It’s just a unique opportunity to be in this club that I don’t think exists in many other places.”

NHS President Ben Bernard leads a monthly Tuesday morning meeting.

with Ben Bernard

Senior Ben Bernard kneels next to the “Welcome to Raider Country” sign.

14 FEATURES

A look at one of South’s most actively involved students

Q: A: Q: A: Q: A:

QUOTES GATHERED BY LUKE HOLLAND PHOTOS BY CALVIN FREEMAN AND BROOKE HOLMES What would you to say to any students who aren’t in any clubs? “The best way to get involved and to branch out and make new friends at South is joining new clubs. You don’t have to be in a leadership position; even if you’re just a member, it opens so many doors and you never know where it will take you and you may end up finding your niche and loving the club. If you come into a club as a freshman and stay with it and become passionate about it, you may even become leadership in that club if you want to. But to make a difference you don’t have to be the leader.” Have you been in clubs all four years at South?

“Yes, not as many freshman year, but my sophomore year I decided I should do more at South. From day one I decided I wanted to be in clubs and luckily I had older siblings who went to South, so I kinda knew what I needed to do to become involved.” Do you think you will have any regrets about your involvement here after you graduate? “I’d say I’m really satisfied with what I’ve done at South, I mean I guess there’s always room for improvement, but I feel like I’ve put in my whole-hearted effort into the clubs and gotten a lot out of it. So overall I’d say it has been a success.”

october reviews

thoughts on movies, music and more BANGERZ MELOPHOBIA MILEY CRYUS CAGE THE ELEPHANT BY LAUREN ROSENSTOCK

BY TRIVETTE KNOWLES

Formed in 2006 in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Cage the Elephant was originally a American-rock band. After the release of their second album, Thank You Happy Birthday, the band had success in the United Kingdom and the United States. Melophobia, their most recent album that was released Oct. 8. This album has been called “an attempted reinvention of Cage the Elephant” but this shift was a significant change from other albums, and I think this change could bring them success. Cage the Elephant shows punk-infusion throughout, but also upbeat blues and funk infusions into songs like “Spiderhead” and “Come a Little Closer.” Out of their 10 new songs, “Take It or Leave It” is my favorite, mostly because of its interludes of funky beat breaks. As much as I loved the sound of all the songs, it was a little difficult to understand what Matthew Shultz, the lead vocalist, is singing. Although that was a minor issue, the slurred speech is just their style and it works for them, so why change it? The slight adjustments in sound in their new album I think will interest many people. The heavy rock based choruses were catchy and the alternative beat breaks made it hard for me not to dance.

Miley Cyrus’ Bangerz is one of the best pop albums of the year to the surprise of many music fans. Aside from all the controversy of twerking and showing a fair amount of skin in music videos, Cyrus has done a rather convincing job of distinguishing herself from her former alter ego Hannah Montana. After the Video Music Awards, America was left wondering whether this was the same Miley twerking her goodies on Robin Thicke, as the one who sang “Best of Both Worlds” to thousands of preteens five years ago. Venturing from hip-hop to country to pop to R&B. Bangerz feels like a diary of Miley’s depressing tales of heartbreak. The other three songs are about partying to your hearts content and living in the moment. Most people would expect Bangerz to be just another CD by an artist trying to claw to fame, but it was anything but. Cyrus’ album displayed a good balance between love, money and partying. The only negative about this record is the occasional time when Cyrus spills her personal thoughts for the public. We see how vulnerable Cyrus was in all of her past relationships, but not in a good way. After listening to these songs, you’ll feel as if you were in the relationships with Cyrus and were the reason her life went in a downward spiral. So, for some tracks, the skip button will be a used feature.

THE NATIONAL WITH TAME IMPALA

ROMEO AND JULIET CARLO CARLEI

BY RACHEL ROSENSTOCK

Walking into the The National and Tame Impala concert Oct. 11, I knew maybe two songs. I had decided when buying my tickets to keep an open mind. Tame Impala were understatedly powerful, with long instrumental parts to each song with a distinctly electronic feel and a light and color show playing behind them that surprisingly, added to the vibe. After Tame Impala’s hour set, The National appeared. Dressed in black suits or your typical “older male Hipster” outfit, their ages surprised me. Composed of lead singer Matt Berninger and two sets of brothers, all ranging in ages from mid 30s to early 40s. Not my usual cup of tea. The set started with “I Should Live in Salt” off their newest album, Trouble Will Find Me. The song was emotional, dark and powerful and the group continued with songs laced with melancholy, love and confusion. In “Sea of Love” Berninger blew me away with the emotion he channeled in his performance, despite staying mainly stationary over the mic stand the majority of the time. Guitarist Bryce Dessner blew me away the entire set; he frequently took the spotlight with his guitar solos and creative effects. They closed out with one of my favorites, “Terrible Love.” The encore concluded with an a cappella version of “Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks,” which immediately became one of the most memorable ends to a concert I have witnessed.

BY MIGUEL PALOMINO

Romeo, Romeo why art thou remake so dull? Every generation has their Romeo and Juliet movie. This remake of the famous Shakespeare play was just so-so. With a fresh faced young cast and a hugely successful play, if not one of the most famous of all time, where could you go wrong? Well, first off the entire movie doesn’t feature Shakespeare’s original dialogue, which makes the film feel dumbed down. Hailee Steinfeld where are you? Where is the girl who blew audiences away in True Grit? Steinfeld’s Juliet is OK, but doesn’t do the character justice. Douglas Booth’s Romeo is just a pretty face with very little substance. He looks like a beautiful robot spouting out line without and actual emotion to back it. The lack of chemistry between the two is so blatant you can’t help but laugh. The adult cast, particularly Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis, are superb and outshine the younger cast. The sets and costumes are lavish and beautiful, but even that isn’t enough to make this movie likeable. The movie lacks depth and spirit, the last live action Romeo and Juliet was Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation, which in my opinion was a brilliant rendition. But this film just falls flat.

A&E

FROM THE PAGE TO SILVER SCREEN MATCH-UP:

16 A&E

popular book series turned into movies BY HAYLEIGH CHUDIK

ne of the most popular book series of all time is the Harry Potter series. The seven books were written by British author J.K. Rowling. The first book of the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was published in 1997. Since then there have been six books and eight movies. The seventh and final book was divided into two movies. Joining the success of the books, the movies gained an astounding fan base. One of those fans being senior Lauren McCarthy. “I actually read [the series] twice,” McCarthy said. Unfortunately, most movie adaptations of books receive a lot criticism because they are held up to the high standards of the books that they are based off of. The movies will leave out what the producers feel is unnecessary or will add in what they think will make the movie more interesting for their potential viewers. “They chose the things that were more important and they’re on the time limit. They don’t want to put the viewer to sleep because their movie is ten hours long,” McCarthy said. When asked which she preferred, the books or movies, McCarthy responded quickly saying, “The books! The movies were still really good, it’s just that the books were so good it’s impossible to live up to. There’s no way to do the books justice.”

HARRY POTTER

THE HUNGER GAMES

newcomer to the scene of famous series is The Hunger Games. The three books consisting of The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay, written by Suzanne Collins, has made a huge splash in pop culture within the last couple years. The first Hunger Games film came out last year in March of 2012 received rave reviews from audiences everywhere. Die hard fans, including junior Chloe Matthews, are getting prepared for the movie adaptation of Catching Fire which premieres Nov. 22. “They did a really good job with the first movie. I’m so excited to see the next one.” Matthews said. As far as major changes go, the film left out some key things from the book such as from whom Katniss receives the Mockingjay pin, and that the Mockingjay pin is allowed to be brought into arena where as in the movie it was a secret between Katniss and her stylist, Cina. Despite these differences, Matthews was understanding. “I’m OK with them changing the scene because honestly the mayor’s daughter doesn’t play a huge role, and you would have to have some background information on her to know who she was which would have taken another ten minutes. It probably wouldn’t have played in as well as it did.”

LORD OF THE RINGS

n “oldie but a goodie” as they say, is the series The Lord of the Rings. The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King make up the three books not including the prequel, The Hobbit. Written by J.R.R. Tolkien, the first book was published in 1954. While these are older, they still have quite a large fan base which intensified when the movie adaptations came out in the early 2000s. “There’s so much story to the books and [Tolkien] created a whole world and new languages. He literally made a different language,” fan and senior Sam Tankel said. Like most, the movies took a few creative liberties that were not included in the books. While this may be looked down upon by most fans, this was necessary in order to keep the movie at a reasonable length. “The movies are the same story, but the movies just make everything come alive and they are so visually incredible, but they leave so much out. The books are so good, but they take a lot of time to read and get through,” Tankel said.

VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED senior admits to online movie streaming addiction

NETFLIX:recently watched BY GRIFFIN ZELLER

t’s 12:30 a.m. My eyes mindlessly stare at an episode of Mad Men. The episode ends and I don’t even have to press anything, the next one automatically starts. What do you expect me to do, just stop watching? You’re kidding right? I can be the first to admit that I have a problem and I can’t stop. I’ve spent countless nights, sleepless and binge watching TV shows. I watched Orange Is the New Black in one day. I watched House of Cards faster than Buster’s hand got bit off by that seal in Arrested Development. I want my intervention from Netflix to be like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia where my friends verbally insult me, put me in a corner and throw salt on me. Scrubs made me go mentor some young freshmen, and want to perform open heart surgery. I donated $50 to rabies research after watching The Office, Rabies has a cure! My personal hero, Don Draper from Mad Men, made smoking cool again. I can’t wait to go home and dive into a new TV show. I want to see what shenanigans Barney Stinson and his crew will get into on How I Met Your Mother. Will Lucas choose Brooke or Payton in One Tree Hill? These are actual concerns I have. But, the great thing is I don’t have to wait for the answer to these questions. It’s right there, unless my Dad cancels my subscription or I throw my Ipad out the window. I’ve cancelled plans just so I can watch Netflix. Oh, a beautiful women wants to hang out with me? Sorry I can’t I have a date with this beautiful lady. She’s nice, beautiful and is always ready to go. That lady

is Netflix. This girl is always up late at night with me like Andy Dwyer waits for Anne in a pit outside her house in Parks in Rec. I’m thinking about taking things to the next level; I might have her spend the night, if you know what I mean. I’ll take her on a nice expensive seafood date, and then I’ll most definitely give her a call the next day. I’ve seen most of the TV shows that are good. Will I have to quit cold turkey once I see all the episodes, or will they release new episodes and new shows? We live in the golden age of TV, but for some reason they can’t put The Sopranos on Netflix. The Wire, Dexter and Game of Thrones are shows that I need to see. Not want, need! There is so much left to do this year, so many new seasons of shows that I have to watch. So, first off I would like to apologize to most of my teachers, my homework might not get done. I might be tired because of late nights, and I might have to sneak a couple of shows in on my phone during school. Late at night my eyelids desperately try to close for the sleep that they very much need, but I won’t let that happen. The episode ends, the credits roll, and I wait. Should I watch the next episode? My body is telling me no, but I’m dying to see if Coach Taylor and the Dillon Panthers are going to win the state championship in Friday Night Lights. 3...2...1… I don’t even get to make the decision, Netflix has made it for me. I will continue on my pursuit watch Netflix, nothing can stop me.

your HAlloween horror story editor encourages teens to experience a haunted house BY RACHEL ROSENSTOCK

o you feel as if Halloween has lost some of its charm now that most of us are too old to go trick-or-treating? Do you feel too cool to dress up in a costume? Do you sit by your front door on the 31st, handing out candy to little kids? If you do, you might be a high-schooler. But Halloween can be so much more. Put aside your notions of what’s cool and what’s not for a teenager and enjoy the holidays. What better way to celebrate Halloween than by going to a Haunted House? I challenge you to grab a friend, two friends or 20 friends and go to Edge of Hell, The Beast, The Fear Farm or even World’s of Fun Haunt, which has a special Halloween area during this season. Edge of Hell and The Beast are continually voted among the best haunted houses in the country; what’s to lose? Maybe a little dignity while screaming your head off or a couple bucks

for the ticket, but won’t the memory of your best friend seconds away from peeing themselves out of fear forever be imprinted in your mind?(And isn’t that the best kind of blackmail anyway?) Scared of anything scary? Conquer your fear once and for all at a haunted house and never sit through Insidious terrified again. Never fear that the prices of these Haunted Houses are too much either; you’ll end up shelling out just about the same as dinner and a movie. Edge of Hell and The Beast is just $27, Fear Farm is $21 and World’s of Fun Haunt is $29.99 on Friday nights. Go to a haunted house. I am excited to go for the first time to a real one (elementary school doesn’t count, sorry) and be absolutely terrified the entire time. And you bet I’m dragging some friends with me and they’ll be scarred for life alongside me.

SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT EDGE OF HELL 1300 W 12th St, Kansas City, MO THE BEAST 1401 W 13th St, Kansas City, MO WORLD’S OF FUN HAUNT 1 4545 Worlds of Fun Ave, Kansas City, MO

FEAR FARM

29755 W. 191st Street Gardner, KS

A&E

Timeless Classics and promising premieres old tv throwbacks and the latest fall line-up THE BRADY BUNCH

FAMILY MATTERS SEINFELD

FREAKS&GEEKS

LIZZIE MCGUIRE GOLDEN GIRLS

BY ARIELLA DAVIDSON

emember waking up early on Saturday mornings to catch reruns of your favorite TV show? Or still do? Join the club. “Every Saturday morning when I was little I used to get up really early to watch That’s so Raven and now they don’t play it anymore and I am really disappointed,” junior Hannah Bonifield said. The phrase “throwback” has been used on social media, picture tags and even in daily conversations. It is often a reminder of the past. Watching reruns of your favorite TV shows fits the bill. The Millennial generation grew up watching reruns from the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and even a few from the early 2000s. “I’ve seen every single old episode of Tom and Jerry that came on Cartoon Network. It definitely was my favorite show,” senior Jordyn Johnson said. Television popular with parents and grandparents continually make comebacks with new generations. Such programs include, Happy Days, The Brady Bunch, The Golden Girls, The Dick Van Dyke Show, That’s 70’s Show, Saved by the Bell, Seinfeld, Family Matters, The Fresh Prince of Bel-air, The Cosby Show, Full House, Freaks and Geeks, Sister, Sister, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Who doesn’t like shows that you can connect with and fantasize about? The Millennial generation enjoyed TV channels such as Disney Channel and Nickelodeon and shows such as Drake and Josh, Spongebob, Lizzie McGuire, Even Stevens, That’s So Raven, Kim Possible, Hey Arnold and Doug. “It’s funny how I can remember every episode of That’s So Raven

18 A&E

but I can’t even get a B in AP Euro,” sophomore Anna Molteni said. Social Studies teacher Brett McFall grew up only having four channels on his television set. “Our parents didn’t have cable and they didn’t want us watching TV so we were always outside playing that much TV,” McFall said. “When we did watch TV we pretty much watched whatever came on.” Some of the shows that McFall remembers watching as a kid include The Brady Bunch, Family Matters and Seinfeld, with his personal favorite Family Matters. “I liked Steve Urkel. He was a great character. I just liked his high pants and that he was a nerd,” McFall said. Various students agreed that TV shows have changed a lot nowadays, don’t have as many morals and aren’t as original as they used to be. Senior Malik Griggs, who is a The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air fan, said “A lot of shows today are cliche and kind of copy off each other. Every episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was very original and there is nothing else like it.” “I think [TV shows] have changed over the past few decades because the TV shows nowadays everybody hates everybody, and everybody makes fun of everybody, and they don’t teach you anything,” Bonifield said. “Whereas show’s like That’s So Raven, The Cosby Show, and The Dick Van Dyke Show taught lessons and morals,” Sophomore Leorah Addadi said, “Back then it was more realistic, and the actors were much better.”

#TBTV and tweet

@smspatriot with your favorite old TV shows

BY MIGUEL PALOMINO

AMERICAN HORROR STORY 01 Riveting, spellbinding, edgy, and provocative are just a few words to describe

the newest season of American Horror Story. This season the anthology series is centered around Zoe; a girl who discovers she is a witch and is sent to a boarding school, located in modern day New Orleans. The cast is phenomenal; Kathy Bates chilling plays 1830’s socialite Madame Lalaurie, a real life women known for torturing and murdering her slaves. Jessica Lange is glamorous as the present day supreme witch. The younger cast consisting of Taissa Farmiga, Emma Roberts, Evan Peters, and Gabrielle Sidibe all stand their ground and and shine brightly. This show isn’t for the faint of heart, just in the first episode you see the heinous torture of slaves as well as the gang rape of one of the main characters. I’m happy the show is back, now I have something to look forward to on Wednesday nights.

GLEE 02 Personally, Glee isn’t my show, but I did enjoy this season premiere. The theme

throughout was The Beatles. This throwback is probably one of my favorite covers the show has done. After some clever scheming, Sue (the funniest character in the show) is now principal of McKinley High, and instead of hurting the Glee Club, she’s supporting it. But who knows her real agenda?

03SCANDAL

Last season ended on a high with Olivia Pope’s affair with the President being leaked to the public. if you haven’t been keeping up with the show, you’ll find all the twists and turns a bit confusing, but still as intriguing as ever. If you like plotting politicians and sexual scandals, this is definitely the show to watch.

04THE VAMPIRE DIARIES

This season Elena and Caroline are off to college, they still don’t know Bonnie is a ghost, and Elena chose Damon over Stefan and Silas is causing trouble using his manipulative magic to gain power in Mystic Falls. Silas is posing as Stefan and Stefan is at the bottom the lake. Elena forced fed Katherine the cure to being a vampire, now Katherine is a doppelganger too.

05 ONCE UPON A TIME

Last season left off with our Snow, Emma, Rumple, Hook and Charming on voyage to Neverland to rescue Henry from Tamara and Owen. With a new setting comes new characters to the show including Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and Ariel from the Little Mermaid. Expect Peter to be a darker villainous version of the character.

06 MASTERS OF SEX

This show is set during the late 1950s and based on the real life story of Dr. William Masters and Virginia Johnson, the first researchers to study human sexuality. At the time the study created huge controversy and was considered indecent by many top scientists of the day. Showtime leaves little to the imagination with intimate scenes. The show reminds us how far we’ve come, how little people actually knew about sex and how complex human sexualty really is.

making the switch

Enrollment Statistics for 2013/2014 School Year

raiders look to transition from 5A to 6A

BY GRIFFIN ZELLER

ast year marked the first time in South’s athletic history where the school competed at 5A classification. With a larger freshmen class, South is moving back up to 6A. With state championships in basketball and swimming, and also many individual state champions, what effect will this shift have on sports? Athletic director John Johnson doesn’t think the move will cause any different challenges. “We’ve been 6A every year and some 5A teams are just as good as 6A teams, and we play in the Sunflower League which is the toughest league in the state,” Johnson said. Senior Mitchell Fowler is a returning state qualifier in tennis which placed second at 5A state and had an individual state champion in singles. Fowler thinks things might be tougher this year. “Well, it’s going to be much harder because I heard there are 10 of the 12 state qualifiers are returning from last year. We’re going to train harder,” Fowler said. Boys swim team coach Bruce Bove doesn’t mind one way or the other about the schools classification, but does think this season will be more challenging. “I don’t have any feeling one way or the other. I didn’t mind being 5A, what classification we’re in is out of our hands so were not going to approach the season any differently,” Bove said. “Well yeah, the 6A teams for the more part are stronger so

we’re going to have to do that much more to place on the state meet. I don’t think it’s out of the question that we get enough good kids out. We work hard enough; we’ll make a run for it.” After going undefeated in basketball last year and winning the Sunflower League and state championship, junior Dainan Swoope is ready for the challenge of moving up to 6A and thinks teams will be gunning for them. “It will be way more a challenge for our team, and we’ll finally get to play supposedly the best team, Blue Valley Northwest,” Swoope said. “Well we already have a target on our backs from winning state last year and going undefeated in the sunflower league and all the teams there will be coming after us.” Johnson thinks that the shift is a good thing. “I thought we were going to be 6A, and I’m glad for our school. We’ve been 6a every year except for one,” Johnson said. The range of schools for 6A was 2258-1357. Blue Valley West was the smallest, and South sat at 1364, a 39 student increase from last year. No one knows how this year will turn out. The athletes at South have prepared themselves for this year no matter who they play. For sports this year, “Only time will tell,” Johnson said.

Shawnee Mission South: 1364

Shawnee Mission North: 1500

Shawnee Mission East: 1653

Shawnee Mission Northwest: 1752

Shawnee Mission West: 1755

Sporting with the Staff predictions and review of the SMS sports world

GARRETT MOULD SPORTS EDITOR

CALVIN FREEMAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

LUKE HOLLAND FEATURES EDITOR

GRIFFIN ZELLER WRITER

TRIVETTE KNOWLES WRITER

1. Standout Athlete

Rasheed Brady Football - LB

Nick Oliver Football - TE

Katie Heeter Volleyball

Calvin Freeman Soccer - F

Marcello Regis Soccer - M Football - K

2. Must see game

Football vs. OE October 31

Soccer vs. SMN October 22 (Senior Night)

XC @ Rimrock November 2

Football @ BVN Oct. 25

Volleyball vs. Olathe Northwest October 19

David Floyd Soccer - D

Zack Ferrara Soccer - D

Kristina Tolson Gymnastics

Dominique Berry Football Lineman

KJ Edwards Football - WR

Football @ BVN Oct. 25 SMS 27 - BVN 9

Football @ BVN Oct. 25 SMS 30 - BVN 12

Football @ BVN Oct. 25 SMS 21 - BVN 12

Football @ BVN Oct. 25 SMS 59 - BVN 2

Football @ BVN Oct. 25 SMS 32 - BVN 9

3. underrated athlete 4. Predict a Score

SPORTS

Should NCAA Athletes Be Paid?

BY GARRETT MOULD

raging debate in the world of college sports today is whether or not student athletes should be paid for the dedication and work they put into their sports, and the revenue they help their schools generate? Behind the scenes of collegiate sports is a well-tuned and highly productive business. Powerhouse football teams such as University of Texas, and Alabama University bring in over $100 million in revenue each year, and many people believe the athletes deserve a portion of that money. While paying student athletes may seem like the correct thing to do, the harsh reality is

that a number of problems would arise in the process. If you think that large schools have an unfair advantage now, wait until college players are being paid. While the bigger schools make more money, that is not the case for smaller, less notable schools. For instance, the University of Arizona barely broke even in 2012, making a profit of $1.22 million. The NCAA reported that only 23 schools made a profit last year, leaving the vast majority with little spending money. The University of Texas, on the other hand, profited by $ 25.2 million. If both schools paid athletes, and used their profits to do so, Texas would have a tremendous advantage. With more money comes better recruits, and better recruits create more profit. The cycle would continue, and large school would get better, while small time colleges would go bankrupt trying to compete. Imagine 23 teams with the ability to pay players like the Yankees do in professional baseball, and the others being forced to resort to money ball tactics. Many games in college football are already blowouts, and widening the gap of talent would only make matters worse. If the NCAA were to work out a system where athletes earned a certain percentage of their jersey sales, recruits would be more enticed by larger schools, with bigger fan bases, because more jerseys would be bought. Once again, teams with a reputation as a “sports school” would flourish, while others struggled. On top of these issues, equal treatment would be a topic of discussion in the sports world. Should student athletes playing sports like swimming,

golf and baseball receive pay as well? If so, how much? You can argue that these athletes work just as hard, if not harder, than football and basketball players, yet receive no recognition. The football team brings in much more revenue than smaller sports, but should that factor into the pay of athletes? College students have to master the art of juggling their priorities. School, work and social life takes up nearly every minute of the day. For college athletes, their respective sports allows them no time for a job. So how are these students supposed to make money, and support themselves for four years? The truth is that many student athletes are already being paid for their hard work through scholarships. While most students work to pay for tuition, room and board, athletes scholarships take care of those expenses. While I don’t agree with college athletes being paid for their athletic ability, I do realize that many of the current rules are excessive and unnecessary. Big time athletes are constantly scrutinized and watched for any slip up on or off the field. They are not allowed to take any money, or receive any special treatment at all. For all the hard work they put in, they should be able to enjoy the rewards and benefits that come along with it. If Johnny Manziel wants to sell his autographs, then by all means he should be able to. It is, after all, his name. A system where athletes were paid for their work on the field seems like a nice idea, but in reality it is far too complex and has too many holes to become a reality anytime soon.

HOPPING ON THE BANDWAGON sophomore’s views on fair-weather fans W

BY LAUREN ROSENSTOCK

hen a new coach is signed to a team, fans are usually skeptical. Being one of those fans, I will watch a team if they are doing well, but other times, not so much. For example, last year, many Kansas City Chiefs fans were excited about former defensive manager, Romeo Crennel, becoming the new head coach. The Chiefs had a good start to their season, but soon after, problems arose. They finished the season by tying the 1929 record for most games without ever leading in regulation time, or eight games. When the Chiefs did not go to the playoffs, I dropped the idea of pro football and started to focus on college football. I’m a Kansas University fan, and I usually do not expect much out of them, but when it was mentioned on sports’ radio that KU might be decent these past couple of years, I began to look at the Jayhawk football team with a more open opinion. Seeing already, that they have had a rocky start, and are still getting

20SPORTS

used to last year’s new coach, Charlie Weis, who previously coached at Notre Dame, my mind remains undecided. It is known that KU is not an amazing football school, sometimes I find myself drifting over to the world of Kansas State football. Head coach Bill Snyder, who has lead K-State to 11 straight bowl games from 1993-2003, K-State fans have been able to rely on a very consistent coach from 1989 to 2005, and then returned as head coach of K-State in 2009. Bandwagon can also apply to high school sports. Many schools have trouble in terms of wins and consistency. I think this is true, even at a local level because just like in college and the professionals, there are changes in the coaching staff, and especially players. Sometimes changes, such as a new coach, younger players and injuries of athletes, present difficulties when the team learns new plays or adjusting to new peoples’ skills.

BANDWAGON TEAMS sports teams with the most fair-weather fans 1) New York Yankees 2) Miami Heat 3) Dallas Cowboys 4) NCAA Cinderella Teams 5) Chicago Cubs

Powderpuff showdown lady raiders compete in touch football matchup PHOTOS BY MORGAN HUGGINS

BY TRIVETTE KNOWLES

he game of the century. The clash of the Titans. The battles above all battles. All these descriptions accurately portray the Powder Puff football game. On a Thursday evening, Oct. 3 at 6:30 p. m., junior and senior girls took the field to fight for the title of best football class. Every year the two classes duke it out while being coached by two varsity football players. The game is based off a flag football set up but onlookers could see it get more physical. Both teams were playing for charity but the competition was still burning within. “Our team surprised me. I didn’t know we had such tough girls,” junior leader Gillian O’Brien said. “I enjoyed how physical the game got towards the end. It was fun to go head to head with the seniors.” All star running back junior Taylor Christie had the highlight of the day with a running play that had multiple senior defenders on the ground. Christie ran, juked, hurdled and spun to score the juniors only touchdown. Spectators yelled and screamed to support Christie with her play of the day. “I was nervous, because everyone

was watching and I was thinking what if I mess up and I did mess up but it was fun.,” Christie said. “[Powder Puff] was pretty successful and pretty rough but I liked it I thought it added to the competitiveness of the game. It was great that we played for a cause and not just for fun.” With the seniors winning 21-7 the contest was close for the majority of the game. Senior Allison Hines and senior Maggie Reid both scored, putting their teams in the lead. The energy and intensity was at an all time high. The seniors had a stunning defense which was powered by triumphant effort. “Playing defense was tons and tons and tons of fun. The game created a friendly rivalry between the upperclassmen. We were able to shut their offense down and do work on our offense,” senior linebacker Kellin Martiny said. “The physical play on defense showed everyone that us girls can take a hit.” With the seniors winning by a commanding 14 points it seems as though the juniors have a lot to look forward to for next year. “We’re definitely going to beat the juniors next year,” Christie said.

OLE! OLE! OLE!

Powderpuff coach Ra’Keim Abdul has a talk with his team.

Senior Maggie Reid launches the ball downfield.

Coach Nick Oliver talks with senior player Julie Ferguson.

brazilian foreign exchange student Marcello Regis makes his mark playing two sports BY CHRIS MANGA

ne sport may be enough for most athletes but not senior Marcello Regis. He plays two sports, football and soccer. He is one of the star players on the soccer team and the official kicker for the football team. Regis arrived from Brazil as a foreign exchange student four months ago hoping to get a scholarship for playing soccer in the states. He also desired to try American football, jokingly adding cheerleaders as a reason. “I like trying the new sports,” Regis said. Junior Brandon Maxey and freshman Cameron Maxey are his host brothers and soccer teammates. They all practice and play soccer as hobbies. Without any knowledge or experience of American football, Regis started by helping the football team as a kicker. At the beginning of the season he helped them with a win against Olathe North. He also performs well, having a 7:7 ratio, kicking 50 yard field goals, and a 5-5 PAT (Point After Touchdown), according to football coach Ryan Lonergan. Lonergan says Regis is “All League Quality.” “He’s fearless, he doesn’t know when to be nervous,” Lonergan said. Regís has been playing soccer for all his life. It is the most played sport in Brazil, and it was part of his childhood. “My dream is [to be] a professional soccer player,” Regis said. Regis may be great at two sports, but he does struggle with the English language which makes it difficult to work with his teammates.

“

He’s fearless, he doesn’t know when to be nervous -Head Football Coach Ryan Lonergan

”

“The language is most difficult,” Regis said. “Just the communication.” But that does not stop the star player from playing his favorite sport, he will not give up on his dream. “I love soccer. I always play soccer. In Brazil, everyone plays soccer,” Regis said. With a passion for American football and soccer, Regis continues to work his hardest for the football and soccer teams and slowly works to overcome his language barrier in the States. “I’m glad to have him and he’s a big part of the team; he’s helped us win a big game with a field goal,” Lonergan said.

SPORTS

PHOTO BY ETHAN STONE

INto the wild two wild dudes. no food. one goal: survival

BY GARRETT MOULD

ne night in the wilderness, surrounded by animals and rough terrain. Two men, wild men, sent out to bear the harsh weather. With only remnants of a broken tent, and a bow without any arrows, we walked into the wild. For those of you who don’t know, both Griffin and I are true wild men. We have watched Castaway and read Into the Wild so we know what were doing. Camping out in the woods for a night, like true wild men, is only one of our many bizarre ideas. And just like usual, we were unprepared for this one too. For starters, we decided watching the series finale of Breaking Bad was far more important than setting up our shelter. After the finale was over, we started getting our camping gear ready. “Hey, you have a tent, right?” “Nah man, you have one though, right?” And there you have it. Only minutes before venturing into the unknown we realized we would be sleeping without a tent. Luckily, that wouldn’t be a problem. We had our flannels, and beef jerky, which was all we needed. After taking our first steps into the wild, we knew we were truly unprepared. Without a flashlight, setting up any sort of shelter would be a pain, and after the recent storm starting a fire would soon get the best of us. But, we went on, donned in our flannel shirts, hungry for adventure and food. We trekked onward

22SPORTS

and after one hundred or so yards, we decided to make camp in a dry area near the creek. Like any true wilderness expert, we knew that starting a fire was essential to our survival. Without a fire we could not cook, we would have no light to set our tent up, and we would begin to freeze as the night went on. Griffin and I split up, searching for dry firewood on each side of the creek. As I traveled further and further into the wilderness, flashbacks from Cabin In the Woods and Wrong Turn filled my head. I frantically looked around as the bushes surrounding me began to rustle. Was it a fox, a cougar, or just my imagination? Whatever it was, I was about to find out. With a log gripped tightly in my hand, I swung at the bushes, determined to kill anything before it killed me. My eyes darted around, and my mouth began to foam as I went into Rambo mode, hacking back and forth violently. The creature ran away, terrified, and I made my way back to camp, with all the firewood I could carry. We started a fire with the wood we had, and ate the last of our beef jerky. It wasn’t long before we realized that our food alone wasn’t enough. A trip to McDonalds wasn’t an option, so we decided on cooking the original fisho-filet. Luckily, I had brought along a fishing pole, and worms were everywhere after the recent rain. We ventured along the creek until we found a spot

“

After taking our first steps into the wild, we knew we were truly unprepared.

”

where the fish would surely be biting. Armed with my pole, and Griffin with his makeshift spear, we waited for a catch. Sure enough, around 10 minutes after casting a line, I had my first bite. I gave it a yank or two to make sure it was hooked, and then reeled like a mad man. It was all up to me, either I caught the fish or we went hungry. After what felt like hours, I reeled the fish out of the water and onto land, where Griffin speared it to death. We used our pocket knives to scale it, and we cooked it up nice and crispy. Who knows what kind of disgusting, toxic waste was in that creek water, but it didn’t matter to us. It was the best fish I had ever had. In reality it tasted terrible, but catching, skinning, and cooking it ourselves made it more enjoyable. We slept well that night, with full stomachs, knowing that we had conquered the great outdoors. So there you have it, no mountain, ocean, or wooded area in Johnson County is too wild for us.

2014 senior Year heritage yearbook

Attention: clubs, sports, seniors!

Final ad deadine by DEc. 6th

Leave your mark in the yearbook

For more information, contact smsyearbookads@gmail.com or stop by Room 195

SMSSNAPSHOTS 1

south happenings 1. Pep exec Rasheed Brady sports a super-cute outfit, complete with a skirt, during the homecoming assembly in the gym during seminar Oct. 4 to introduce girls golf.

2. Pep exec Sam Tankel stalls by attempting to place his legs behind his head at the homecoming assembly while the gymnastics team rolls out its mats. 3. GSA President Mona Jahani paints senior Tierra Meysenburg’s face with a rainbow on each cheek in support of GSA and in celebration of National Coming Out Day. 4. Junior Brandon Hendricks beats his bass drum to the tune of South’s fight song right before the homecoming football game Oct. 5, at the South stadium. The game was played against Shawnee Mission East and the Raiders lost 27-21 after going into a tense overtime with lightning-laced clouds rolling in from the west. 5. Junior Trent Flagler, after winning an award for spirit week, runs around in his loose overalls while patriotically waving his large American flag over his head. 6. A group of students at the homecoming game honor West student Andre Maloney with shirts and signs showcasing Maloney’s jersey number 29 and the phrase “Pray for Dre.” Maloney died that night from injuries related to a stroke he suffered at a West football game the night before. PHOTOS BY ETHAN STONE