Griffin Rites Winnetonka High School
March 12, 2015
Vol. 45 Issue 5
78% of 17 year-olds are
unhappy with their body
page 16
Contents 5
measles concerns
6-9
strange pets
10
a favorite book series
12
teach me how to hobby
14
losing to win
16
unrealistic body image
Front: Cover artwork by Alyssa Magrone. National Eating Disorders Association If you are in immediate danger call 9 1 1. 1-800-931-2237 Hotline numbers: Teens Helping Teens Crisis Call Center https://teenlineonline.org 800-273-8255 or text ANSWER to 839863 Page 5: Virus photo courtesy of the CDC. S.A.F. E. Alternatives (1-800-DONTCUT) All other photos are public domain are not subject to copy right.
Staff members and policies Chloe Minnick- Co-Editor and Copy Editor; Writer, Photographer, Layout & Design Amber Murray- Co-Editor; Writer, Photographer, Layout & Design Emily Elliott- Photo Editor; Writer, Photographer, Layout & Design Brianna Hartleb- Web Page Manager, Assistant Editor; Writer & Photographer Savannah Moore- Assistant Copy Editor; Writer & Photographer Rachel Adamson- Infographic, Cover; Layout & Design, Photographer
Visit: tonkanews.com Photographers/reporters: Alyssa Magrone-Entertainment columnist Baylee Gilliland Eli Stenner Emily Noyes Eva Yang Hayden Weatherman Jocelin Egeland Kayla Pendergrast Mallery Zion Marena Draskovich Adviser Marley Kennaley-Cartoonist Dr. Shannon Rennaker
The Griffin Rites staff strongly supports the First Amendment and opposes censorship. Freedom of expression and press are fundamental values in a democratic society. The mission of any institution committed to preparing productive citizens must include teaching students these values, both by example and lesson. We welcome letters to the editor and reserve the right to edit them for grammar and length, but we will not change ideas. Letters may attack policies but not people. They must be signed and submitted to F6 or mailed to Dr. Shannon Rennaker attention at 5815 NE 48th St., Kansas City, Mo. 64119. Subscriptions are available for $13. Advertising space is also available. Please e-mail shannon.rennaker@nkcschools.org or call 816.413.5500 for information. Our organization is a member of the Journalism Educators of Metropolitan Kansas City, Journalism Educators Association, MJEA and the National Scholastic Press Association.
Page 2- Table of Contents
Winnetonka High School
March 12, 2015
Unrealistic standards lead to negative self image By Griffin Rites staff
A
lthough body image impacts women, people seem to forget that men are also affected. Men can have negative perceptions of their bodies just like women. Both genders tend to see their bodies as less than ideal. As a society, we base our judgments on appearance. We would rather have a news anchor that is attractive and dim, than one who is more intelligent, but missing a tooth. First impressions are important, but sometimes judgments are passed before anyone speaks. When flipping through a magazine, people tend to look at the pictures first to decide what they want to read. If a picture is not something beautiful or tragic, more often than not, the article will be skimmed or just skipped altogether. In advertisements, the women are depicted as beautiful, elegant and skinny. This puts pressure on teens to try and achieve the figures these women perceive. The waist size of a professional model is 24 inches, while the waist size of an average adult women is 37 inches according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. This gap in sizes shows how outrageous the idea is that teens could achieve these bodies. Ideal images for men are just as unobtainable. Men in advertisements are shown as muscular, tall and sexy. The average height for a male model is six feet. While the average height for a teen boy is five foot seven inches to five foot eleven inches (according to teens. lovetoknow). Most teens are not done growing, so trying to achieve the body of a youthful adult model is unrealistic. Another thing that people seem to forget is the fact that photos of professional models are
photoshopped. This generation of photoshopped advertisements are giving teens unrealistic ideas about an “ideal body.” In Photoshop the models are trimmed down and their necks elongated. The lighting is exaggerated and blemishes are cleared. Even the plus size models are photoshopped. Their hair is fixed and their blemishes removed. Some are even slimmed down with excess weight removed. The definition of plus size is “clothing size designed for people who are above the average size,” according to “The Free Dictionary.” Very few male models are classified as plus size. In Australia, there are several males pioneering the plus size field according to Mamamia Women’s Network. The question that is raised by the public is why are plus sized models are called ‘plus size’? Why can they not just be called models? If they have signed a contract with a modeling agency what is the purpose of calling them plus size? Calling models plus size just makes teens who fall into those catagories feel terrible about what they look like. Whenever they sign a contract with a modeling agency they should be classified as a model. They are going to be modeling just like all other models so why do they have a seperate name just because they are larger than “normal”models. If schools educated students after freshman year about the dangers associated with eating disorders and the unrealistic chance to have the body of a photoshopped Marley Kennaley model, students could maintain healthy weights and minds and ultimately live healthier and happier lives.
“Ideal images for men are just as unobtainable.”
Volume 45 No. 5
Griffin Rites
Editorial-Page 3
12
16-20
24
25
Spring Rally 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Main gym
Spring Break No School
Vocal Music Spring Concert 7 p.m. Auditorium
Senior Oscars 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Auditorium
27
10
11
15
Relay for Life 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. Track
Jostens Cap and Gown Delivery 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
1st Annual Tonka Block Party 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Main gym
16
16
16
A+ Deadline Counseling center
16
Mr. Tonka 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Auditorium
Commencement Speaker deadline Main office
17
Professional Development Day No school
Size 22
brings change to the catwalk By Chloe Minnick
M
aking history by being named a top model by “Italian Vogue” magazine, Tess Munster continues to astound by being the first model of her size to sign to a major agency. Most agencies will not consider hiring a model unless she is 24 inches around the waist: a pants size of zero. Munster is almost twice as big, with a 42-inch waist and a pants size of 22. “I think we’re the only agency with a model of her size. She is by far the largest model I have in the
Page 4- News
Gold Medallion senior deadline C10A
Jostens Cap and Gown Delivery 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
16
Annual Student Art Show 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. D Quad Hallways
March/April Events: division [Curves division],” Anna Shillinglaw, the director of MiLK Model Management, told New York Daily News. Munster, 29, is 65 inches tall and has numerous tattoos on both arms and on her back. Despite this, MiLK signed her in January of this year. Before becoming happy with who she is, Munster was bullied so severely she was forced to drop out of school at 17. Since then, she has developed a better sense of self-confidence. “To me, it’s such a simple concept [being happy]. It’s all about loving your body, regardless of your size, and chasing your dreams,” she told Health Magazine. Some members of the public are bothered by seeing Munster in revealing clothing “normal sized” models wear because of her weight. “Not everyone understands what I’m about. But everyone deserves to be happy. For some reason, the fact that I happen to be plus size and happy seems to bother people,” she told Health Magazine. Being the opposite of a mainstream model, Munster has broken from the slender model stereotype and attempted to set a more realistic body image for young adults everywhere.
Winnetonka High School
March 12, 2015
JUST BECAUSE IT’S LEGAL... Below are symptoms of the measles virus beginning with the onset of the first symptom and continuing in no particular order. (Information courtesy of Mayo Clinic)
Flu-like symptoms Dry cough, runny nose, sore throat and/or high fever.
Conjunctivitis Inflammation of the eyes.
Koplik’s spots White spots with blue centers. Usually present in the mouth.
Skin rash Red, slightly raised or flat blotches that often connect to one another.
Volume 45 No. 5
Why is it right that infected people have poisoned healthy lives with no repercussions? By Brianna Hartleb and Emily Elliott
J
ust as the United States irradicated the swine flu, a new challenge has emerged: the measles virus. According to a Feb. 9 online NBC news article, measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease spread through the air. If someone is not vaccinated, they have a 90 percent chance of contracting it, whereas with the vaccine there is a 95% chance one cannot contract the virus. Each victim can infect 12-18 people. “The state has a law that states if there is an outbreak, the people who are not immunized have to be excused from school for an incubation time of 21 days,” nurse Diana Wilson said. According to ABC, the most recent outbreak began with a group of infected people visiting Disneyland in 100 to 200 December 2014 or from a traveler who nanometers in had became infected overseas. diameter, the above “I don’t want to believe that photo shows the measles virus under people would take their children to a transmission places to infect and expose others,” electron micrograph Wilson said. (TEM). According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the outbreak All photo credits on has spread to 17 states since Jan. 1, page 2 with 154 reported cases. Of 154 cases, 104 of them are out of California. “I feel sorry for the children who have it [measles] because of the complications that accompany it. It can be severe and cause heart damage,” Wilson said. People have developed anxiety-based fears about having a measles vaccination and vaccinating their children. “People don’t want to immunize their children because they had a bad experience with it or they read bad information about it on the internet,” Wilson said. If the public is not educated about the diseases that can be easily spread, we will encounter several other outbreaks such as the current measles issue.
Griffin Rites
News-Page 5
OH, so
STRANGE
PETS
Page 6- Features
Winnetonka High School
March 12, 2015
Animals are used for many things: seeing eye dogs, protection, medicinal purposes, security, research, food and last but not least, companionship. The two students on the following pages have taken on the challenge of owning strange animals and keeping them to close to their hearts. A pig and a degu, both being taken care of and raised as house pets. Strange house pets, but pets all in the same.
Volume 45 No. 5
Griffin Rites
Features-Page 7
P E P P A the By Savannah Moore
J
unior Jeffrey Thompson has taken on a challenge: raising a small pig. The Thompson house received Peppa from another family member as a gift. “We got Peppa from my niece as a Christmas present [this year],” Jeff said. The name Peppa comes from the TV show, “Peppa Pig.” “My granddaughter named her after Peppa the Pig,” Jeff’s mother, Carolyn Thompson, said. Despite the typical schema people have regarding pigs, Peppa, and other house pigs, are not as dirty as some may think. “We have bathed her twice, but she gets lotioned [moisturized] often,” Jeff said. Pigs do not have the same characteristics of other animals, so they do not need bathing nearly as often. “Pigs don’t have dander, and they don’t shed. They’re a very clean animal; they don’t stink,” Carolyn said. Peppa eats potbelly pig food, among other things every day. “She gets potbelly pig food in the morning, an apple in the afternoon, and potbelly pig food at night,” Carolyn said. Juliana Pigs are typically smaller, and spotted with color. The
Page 8- Features
P G
curly-tail prototypical pig comes from this breed. “She’s a Juliana Pig, not a potbelly pig,” Carolyn said. When they got her, Peppa was only about eight weeks old. “She’s right around 16 weeks old now,” Carolyn said. Potty-training Peppa has been the family’s biggest challenge. “She has a litter box inside the house,” Jeff said. The Thompson’s appreciate the light Peppa brings into their home, and she is one Christmas present they will never forget. Pictured below, junior Jeffery Thompson and his young pig, Peppa, February 10. Photos by Savannah Moore
Winnetonka High School
Pictured above, senior Paden Osburn’s adult degu, Luna. Photos submitted
By Chloe Minnick
A
t some point, most children have a pet. Cats, dogs and hamsters are what typical kids get. Senior Paden Osburn has never been the typical kid. In 7th grade, Osburn met Luna: a degu (day-goo). This animal is small and furry with a rat-like tail and always seems to have a smile on her face. “She’s [Luna] a Chilean rodent. I may be wrong, but to me she looks like a cross between a squirrel and a chinchilla,” she said. Actually, a degu is its own species, not a cross between two animals. This is a common misconception, as describing a degu is nearly impossible without referring to another small rodent
Griffin Rites
A N L the U G E D
like hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, gerbils and chipmunks. “She’s like my little baby. She acts like a cat, she’s caged like a bunny and I take care of her like a hamster,” Osburn said. Luna was originally a class pet. She is about six years old and is only around 10 inches from head to tail. “My old school had her as a pet and I took her home for the summer. I kind of just never gave her back,” she said. The most common sound a degu will produce is a squeaking sound similar to a guinea pig. “She squeaks a lot. Especially
when my mom walks in the room. She just squeaks like crazy. She [Luna] loves her,” Osburn said. There are pros and cons to owning a degu or any other uncommon house pet. Taking care of Luna is just as easy as taking care of a rabbit or hamster. They eat similar food and reside in a cage with similar bedding. “They’re less expensive than a lot of other pets, but I can’t take her for a walk and she can’t sleep with me,” Osburn said. Sadly, Luna is near the end of her lifespan. After she is gone, Osburn says she would like to own another unusual pet: a chinchilla.
Features-Page 9
Drama, romance and violence By Alyssa Magrone
T
he popular book series “The Mortal Instruments,” is a complex story world in which readers will find their escape from reality. The first half of this gripping series, written by Cassandra Clare, includes “City of Bones,” “City of Ashes,”and “City of Glass.” Teenage protagonist Clarissa (Clary) Fray seems to have a normal life. A crazy night at Club Pandemonium. She witnessed a murder no one else could see. Fray has always seen the world differently than others, but the truth behind this is revealed when her mother goes missing. “City of Bones” is a foundation for the rest of the series. It establishes the main plot and conflict and all the under stories that will keep readers reaching for the next book In this book
Clare brings back the classic paranormal creatures; angels, demons, faeries, vampires, warlocks and werewolves. Clare manages to mix modern with tradition, without making her vampires sparkly like Stephanie Meyer did in “The Twilight Saga.” Fans of “Harry Potter” will find themselves intrigued by “The Mortal Instruments,” for it contains the same concepts; discovering a new world. The ending of “City of Glass“ was rather abrupt, with no suspense or cliffhangers. Clare did admit that the series originally started out as a trilogy, but since expanded to six books along with a prequel trilogy. Clare will have to step up her game for “City of Fallen Angels” if she wishes to keep readers engaged in her world of shadow hunters and demons. As a whole, the beginning to “The Mortal Instruments” deserves an A.
Hayes Hamburgers is top bun By Jocelin Egeland
T
hough it may not seem like much on the outside, Hayes Hamburgers is a restaurant that everyone should visit. Hayes’ menu consists of classic diner foods like juicy cheeseburgers, crispy onion rings and thick milkshakes. They also serves breakfast all day long. Hayes has been open since the 50s and is still thriving today. People of all ages enjoy eating their meal in the family friendly environment. The restaurant’s regulars have been eating there for years, continuing the comfortable vibe. The small-diner feel is a big change from fast food chain restaurants that are common today. The service at Hayes has always been wonderful. The chefs and waitresses are friendly to everyone. This is a major change from waitresses that act like everyone is a burden to them when they order. This is one of the many appeals that has kept Hayes
Page 10- Entertainment
Hamburgers open for so many years and sets them apart from other burger joints. Located on Vivian Road, Hayes’ is an easy commute for students and their families. The downside to Hayes is that they only accept cash, which can be an inconvenience to newcomers. The prices at Hayes are a little more than other burger restaurants, but the quality of the food makes it worth it. Altogether, for three people to eat there, it cost about $40. One of the first things people notice about Hayes is how small it is. From outside, the restaurant looks no bigger than a shed in someones backyard. Most people just drive right by without realizing that it is a restaurant. Once someone stops to eat, they cannot get enough. Overall, Hayes Hamburgers is a perfect restaurant for the family. Hayes Hamburgers gets an A.
Winnetonka High School
March 12, 2015
Volume 45 No. 5
Griffin Rites
Entertainment-Page 11
Confidence builds in novice magician By Emily Elliott
J
unior Cesar Porras has developed a passion for magic. With only a couple years of practice, Porras has become very familiar with a deck of cards. “I practice everyday. I usually have one or two decks of cards in my pocket just in case I have the opportunity to show people a magic trick,” Porras said. His favorite trick includes a deck of cards and a lot of steady hand-holding (handling the cards). “I don’t really say names, but I really like the card control trick called the Herman Pass,” Porras said. Card handling and the illusion part of the trick, is what he says is the most challenging part to learn. You can learn basic tricks pretty easily, but handling the cards is the hardest technique to learn,” Porras said. He encourages people to try magic and wants young magicians to continue their intriguing hobby. Porras enjoys card tricks rather than studious magic tricks. “You can show a basic magic trick, but cards make the whole thing more interesting,” Porras said. Even with years of experience, Porras still gets nervous before every performance. “I get nervous all the time, even in front of my mom and dad. They don’t know what I am doing [the trick], but I do. Knowing I’ve messed up or have a chance to mess up, makes me nervous,” Porras said. Despite the nerves building up before each trick, Porras still continues to show off his magic skills. “It’s the people’s reactions that keep me motivated. I could do it all day because it’s fun to show people, especially groups, because if one person gets into it, they all do,” Porras said. His main goal is to make his magic skills remembered to the people around him, and to be a well known magician. “Right now this is just a hobby, but it would be cool to be a
professional or even to become famous on YouTube would be cool,” Porras said. Porras prefers showing random people other than his friends and family as a self-assurance boost. “I mostly show strangers to build my confidence. Plus my family already knows I do magic and its fun to see a stranger’s reaction,” he said. Porras encourages people to try magic and wants young magicians to continue their intriguing hobby. “My advice [to young magicians] would be to practice holding and handling the cards before you get into the actual magic tricks,” he said. Porras will continue to perform his magic tricks with hopes to become a popular magician.
Junior Cesar Porras presenting an overhand shuffle. Photos by Emily Elliott
Page 12- Focus
Winnetonka High School
March 12, 2015
Odyssey takes home accolades By Jocelin Egeland
D
uring the 2013-14 school year, the school yearbook, the Odyssey has won the All- Missouri Award. AllMissouri is the highest-level award at state competition for journalists. “We and the other yearbooks in this state submit our yearbooks for critique every year. After the yearbook comes out, they are judged and different levels of awards The 2013-14 All-Missouri yearbook staff. are given,” Odyssey adviser At the time of this award, Odyssey was the Bethany Drobeck said. only yearbook staff to be given this award. This is not the first time Photo courtesy of Reed Portrait Group the Odyssey has won this award. dedication and effort for the “We have won it [the AllMissouri award] four times since I yearbook. “We were really excited and have been here,” Drobeck said. it’s a really rewarding feeling to Winnetonka was the only get such positive feedback on school to achieve this kind of something you worked so hard recognition from the North Kansas on,” Drobeck said. City School District (at the time The staff is happy that other the story was written). people are recognizing all of their “We beat the other schools in hard work, too. our district and it feels really good “It is always rewarding to hear to know that we came out on top,” that other experts out there think junior Autum Ladehoff said. their [our staff] work is as good as The staff is thrilled to be I do,” Drobeck said. getting recognized for all of their
The staff is changing up the design of the yearbook this year. “Last year we did a really bold and clean cut yearbook because we knew it would win but this year we are trying to do a more abstract design,” Ladehoff said. The staff is putting in a lot of effort to make sure the yearbook looks perfect for competition. “We’re working really hard. Every class period we have we are working constantly so the yearbook will look the best it possibly can,” sophomore Amanda Hass said. More is on the line for this year’s staff to win All-Missouri again with their new design ideas. “The stakes are higher because we are designing a different kind of book,” Ladehoff said. It is intimidating to new members to create another yearbook as great as the last. “There is a ton of pressure being new to the staff because we want the yearbook to be as good or better than last year,” Hass said. Contact the school office or Drobeck if you are interested in getting a copy of the 2013-14 school yearbook or the 2014-15 copy.
’s
lUso a c a M
Phone: 816-452-7989
FAX: 816-453-1412
Store Hours 7 A.M.-11 P.M. Deli Hours 7 A.M.- 9 P.M.
5004 NE Parvin Rd, Kansas City, MO
Volume 45 No. 5
Griffin Rites
Arts-Page 13
]
LOSING
Senior Jacob Walker tries to take down his opponent in the Winnetonka varsity tournament on January 24.
TO
WIN
By Kayla Pendergrast
D
ieting is always beneficial to athletes, but wrestlers may take it too far in order to make weight. Every wrestler is put in a weight class and must maintain that mass until they weigh in. Some of the boys struggle to make it and some go as far as starving themselves. “If they just diet and exercise as hard as possible, then there should be no problem with them making the weight class they want to be in,” coach Jarrett Morris said. There are about 14 weight classes and only a certain amount of spots for each class. “We don’t just lose weight just for fun. We do it for our own advantage. Losing weight gets you into a smaller weight class where you have more chances to win,” senior Jacob Walker said. Making weight is a self-made choice. It is not forced upon them. Wrestlers can fit into any class they want, but they see more potential for themselves to win in lower classes. “Coach does not tell us to lose weight. He lets us know where we will be more successful and it is our choice whether to lose the weight or not,” sophomore
Page 14- Sports
Photo by Emily Elliott
Ronnie Wiggington said. Each wrestler has their own technique on how to lose weight. “A lot of the weight you lose is water weight so if you lower your water intake and eat light then it is easier to lose the weight,” Wiggington said. Diet and exercise is always an option when it comes to losing weight, but some choose unhealthy ways that could harm them. “Some people take laxatives or just starve themselves which is very unhealthy and horrible on your body,” Walker said. Unhealthy dieting can have a big impact on the body and how a wrestler performs. “When you don’t diet right you don’t have enough energy to wrestle a whole match at your best,” Morris said. It may be hard for some, but others take it seriously and try to lose the weight the healthy way. “I feel like making weight is beneficial for me. In general, I have weight I want to cut and this helps motivate me to diet and exercise to get in shape,” Wiggington said. Losing weight can be a challenge, but if it is a sport you love, staying dedicated is not a problem.
Winnetonka High School
March 12, 2015
Senior Bucket Lists Sydney Smith:
“Our school goes to state in track.” Jared James:
“Drop the hottest mix tape.” Kenneth Du:
“Grow a beard.” Kayla Douglas:
“Get a part in the spring play and go to state in choir.” Tanner Walden:
“Go to France and see the Eiffel Tower.”
Volume 45 No. 5
Griffin Rites
Etc. - Page 15
The “real” ideal body 78%
30% of highschool girls have an eating disorder
5’10
of 17-year-olds are unhappy with their body 110
54% do not have an eating disorder
16% of highschool boys have an eating disorder
Source: hellogiggles.com
By Alyssa Magrone and Mallery Zion
A
ll around the world, specifically in the United States, modeling agencies and the media Photoshop their models’ bodies and faces. The print and television bluishness likes to strip models of their natural looks using Photoshop and airbrush smudges. “The media, TV, magazines, you name it, they all distort the standard of beauty. Young models and young people don’t look like the images in magazines. The search for perfection drives us to create these unrealistic expectations on how we should look,” said
FROM:
assistant professor of photography in the department of art and design Min Kim Park Many feel the pressure to obtain the “ideal” body they see in the media, even though the projections do not show reality. “I feel the pressure to be thinner because they [judges] expect a lot,” sophomore model Laureen Nsoh-Awasom said. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), photoshop can contribute to unrealistic body expectations, eating disorders, and other emotional problems. Although there are those who do not believe photoshopping should be outlawed completely. “I don’t think it should be illegal to Photoshop models; I think it should be monitored with restrictions,” sophomore beauty pageant contestant Madison Burlington said. According to NYMag, the general public likes to see celebrities and models natural and not photoshopped to gain reassurance that their favorite stars are imperfect too.
Winnetonka High School 5815 NE 48 St. Kansas City, MO 64119
Page 16- Focus
“I don’t think it is right for agencies to make them thinner. I think you should just be how you are,” Burlington said. There are many modeling agencies that do not practice the strategy of manually altering photos. Those that do, give warning to their models by making them sign wavers of consent. Advocates of using photoshop in the media believe it is purely to enhance images and that it is a form of art, therefore it should not be banned. Meg Hensley, full time photo re-finisher, believes that photoshop helps promote advertising, and that people should be able to see behind the lies and know that the photoshopped images are not real portrayals of women. Hensley said, “If people don’t understand that advertising isn’t real at this point, is that really the advertiser’s fault?” Photo by Alyssa Magrone: 75% of girls with low self esteem report engaging in negative activities. Source-dosomething.org
TO:
March 12, 2015