Shawnee Mission South Patriot October 2012

the

PATRIOT SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL • OCTOBER 2012 • VOLUME 47 •ISSUE 02

The timeless tradition of campaign buttons represents the presidential elections through the years, reminding citizens of their responsibilies to their country.

PHOTO BY JULIA LARBERG

POLITICAL PARTY:

a look at teens’ role in today’s politics

ATTENTION

clubs, sports, seniors!

2013

Heritage Yearbook All ad deadlines: December 7th.

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

the

PATRIOT online www.smspatriot.org

the

STAFF ALMA VELAZQUEZ Editor-in-Chief Design

CASEY LEE Managing editor Sports OLIVIA FEATHERS News CALVIN FREEMAN Opinions HANNAH STRADER Features RACHEL ROSENSTOCK A&E DEREK FUHRMANN Copy JULIA LARBERG Photography HUNTER YOUNG Web SHELBY JOHNSON Ads

Writers LUKE HOLLAND NATHAN THIMMESCH

OCTOBER ISSUE

18

MIGUEL PALOMINO GARRETT MOULD GRIFFIN ZELLER TRIVETTE KNOWLES AMBER FELKINS ADAM MATEOS Photographers ETHAN STONE HAYLEIGH CHUDIK SUSAN NGUYEN DEZARAE DUFFEY HANNAH HOLLANDER JULIE FALES Adviser

MISSION

The Patriot is a newsmagazine

that aims to objectively present the facts concerning Shawnee Mission South High School, as well as connect with readers on issues affecting 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, except the Lead Editorial, which represents the views of 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.

In the haunted corn maze at KC Fear Farm, a Trinity actor wore a skeleton mask to scare all media visitors.

PHOTO BY DEZARAE DUFFEY

04 05 06 07 08 09 10 * 11 14

NEWS

An inside look at the marching band’s 2012 theme STUCO unveils new canned food drive tradition, accidents rise in the parking lot An informational piece on presidential elections around the world

OPINIONS

15 16 17 18

Staff member shares personal thoughts on the current political climate Are dirty politics an essential part of any campaign?

FEATURES

19 20 21 22

Club leaders expand on roles and their importance to the school

24

Editors encourage tolerance when dealing with political differences Staff member urges respect for the president regardless of shortcomings

Teens and teachers weigh in on growing political apathy in the younger generation

WANT MORE? * cover story

A&E

A look at how political infiltration affects the media Read about the latest music, movies and other bits of pop culture See SMS’s best dressed in an elaborate photoshoot Read about local haunted houses and Halloween traditions

SPORTS

An inside scoop on South’s switch from 6A to 5A Government teacher Tony Budetti explains the meaning of a tie in the electoral college A cross country update since last year’s state win A look at the phenomenon of freshmen who make varsity teams

SPOTLIGHT

VISIT WWW.SMSPATRIOT.ORG for polls, staff columns, and pictures

TOC

03

mark your

CALENDAR

CONFERENCES

10/26

NO SCHOOL

NHS

initiation nov.

05

MR.AMERI

CAN

11 06 12 PAGEANT NOVEMBER 1/2 DAYS

1 LATE START early release13

MARCHING BAND PERFORMS ELFMAN SHOW

BY NATHAN THIMMESCH

L

ined up in uniform, instruments in hand, the band walks onto the field.

Under the blazing lights of the stadium, the band members take their spots on the field, and wait to begin the show. The audience waits eagerly to hear the band play.The drum majors take their spots, ready to conduct. They lift their arms, and the music begins.

Members of the South band may feel some pressure when taking the field to perform their show. However, this year’s show may give the band a renewed sound.

“I feel like [this year’s show gives] a more refreshed feel to the band,” senior and head drum major Raj Selvaraj said.

The band is playing music

by Danny Elfman. Elfman has written music for TV, film, and Broadway, such as “The Simpsons”, Spiderman, Beetlejuice, and Edward Scissorhands.

Some band members are excited to perform certain parts of their show because they think that they will be intriguing to audiences and judges alike. “[For] the first song, we have a four count turnaround, just a massive powerhouse sound; I

really think [audiences and judges] will like that,” Selvaraj said.

Not only are the songs interesting for band members to perform, but they are also exciting in terms of the physical movements involved in the show.

“With our forms [on the field], we do a lot of different cool tricks, and it looks really cool on the field,” junior drum major Curtis Tobaben said.

Senior drum major Todd Nobles also thinks that some of the forms that the band make on the field during the show will be interesting and entertaining for audiences.

“The field at the beginning of the third song [and] during the performance will be pretty cool at night with all the lights on,” Nobles said.

Saturday, Oct. 6, the band went to competition in Raytown. The band took fifth place overall, third in its division, and the drumline took first in their division, third overall. The band has one more competition in Warrensburg on Saturday, Oct. 20. They will perform at about 3:12 p.m., and if they qualify for finals, they will play between 7 and 10 p.m.

Left: Marching band symbolist sophomore Brandon Hendricks practices for the half time show.

Bottom: Band members practice each morning for the half time show which features music by Danny Elfman. The marching band will compete in Warrensburg Oct. 20.

winter sports

BEGIN 04 NEWS

11 12

PHOTOS BY DEZARAE DUFFEY

SENIORS HAVE A NEW OPPORTUNITY

BY AMBER FELKINS

PHOTO BY GRACE PRITCHETT

TWIST TO CANNED FOOD DRIVE

BY RACHEL ROSENSTOCK

L

ooking to add a creative flair to the traditional canned food drive, STUCO is debuting a canned food sculpture contest to the drive, which takes place from Halloween to Thanksgiving.

“We really encourage students to form teams of six for this one and we’ll give each team like 25 cans,” Student Body Vice-President Raj Selvaraj said.

“And then they’re encouraged to go get more cans to help build their sculpture.”

The winning sculptures, built during one designated class period, will get a prize and the cans used in the sculptures will be contributed to the drive. Last year, the student body raised $10,115.21 collectively, surpassing their $8,000 goal by $2115.21. This year however, STUCO hopes to raise even more money.

“We definitely want to exceed expectations from last year, so this year I think we’re not only trying to raise money, but raise more cans than we normally do,” Student Body Secretary Ali Gascoigne said.

STUCO is accepting both can and monetary donations: two cans equal $1.

They are hoping the new activities will create more participation. “[The] can sculpture contest and [the]

Mr. AmeriCan pageant is coming up, so that will get people to come in and bring cans and get involved,” Student Body Treasurer Justice Scales said.

The canned food drive benefits the Johnson County Christmas Bureau, a non-profit organization that aids the needy in the Kansas City area.

Selvaraj commended the effect South’s contribution had on the cause last year.

“We helped a ton of people in the KC Metro area and just in Johnson County alone, we had an immense pouring out of cans,” Selvaraj said.

STUCO will kick off the drive with “Trick-or-Treat So Kids Can Eat,” where members will get together and trickor-treat for cans instead of candy on Halloween night.

“We dress up and instead of saying ‘trick-or-treat’, we say ‘trick or treat so kids can eat,’” Gascgoine said. “Usually people donate cans, and that really brings in a lot of cans and really is a good start for the canned food drive.”

Last year, senior Brandon Jenkins played the guitar in the talent portion of the Mr. AmericCAN Pageant. The 12 candidates this year will to show-off their talents as well in hopes of becoming Mr. AmeriCAN.

F

or many seniors, this because I feel all the options November will bring open are equally as bad for about a new, yet not our government and our unexpected responsibility. economy,” Amet said.

Those turning 18 before Almost 47 percent of people election day, Nov. 6, will be that aren’t voting in America, able to vote for the first time according to thedailybeast. in their lives. com. However, some seniors “It was the most exciting disagree with Amet. part of turning 18; I’m not “Every vote matters, going to go out and buy a pack because that means one of cigarettes,” senior Caroline more person saying ‘I want Heller said. this,’” senior To be able K a t h r y n to vote, one McCarthy “IT’S A DUTY TO VOTE. said. must send a r e g i s t r a t i o n IT’S A PART OF SOCIETY.” According form to —senior Mark Reliford to recent the local polls, the department of motor vehicles presidential race between (DMV). A student is allowed to President Barack Obama register as long as his or her (Democrat) and opponent birthday is on or before Nov. 6. Mitt Romney (Republican) are They just must check the box getting closer. Although online that says “not eighteen yet.” polls seem to favor Obama Some seniors are keeping with 57.88 percent against themselves updated and Romney’s 42.12 percent, active in politics to keep up Kansas is a predominantly with the election.

Republican state.

“Keep yourself informed, Though some seniors have don’t pay attention to the their reasons not to vote, media,” senior Michael others believe that it is part of Reliford said. our responsibility as American Among the seniors who citizens. have decided not to vote is “It’s a duty to vote,” Reliford senior Allie Amet. said. “It’s a part of society.”

“I am choosing not to vote

“

SOUTH SEES INCREASE IN PARKING LOT ACCIDENTS

BY CALVIN FREEMAN

A

ccording to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, 16-year-olds have higher crash rates than drivers of any other age. As a result, the state driving age in Kansas was raised by one year, and this is the first year the new law has taken full effect. Despite the change, a number of wrecks have already occurred on the school’s property.

Student Resource Officer Fred Lynch acknowledged that this year it seems like there have been more wrecks on school property than expected.

As students, bus drivers, and other faculty members try to exit the building, SROs have a number of responsibilities in front of the school.

“A lot of what we are doing is directing traffic, getting buses out, [and] trying to get the

kids safely across the crosswalk while cars and parents are trying to pick up and leave,” Lynch said.

SRO Rich Spandle also recognizes that dealing with wrecks is part of the job.

“Let’s say a priority-type traffic accident comes out [around school],” Spandle said, “we would have to go to that immediately.”

After a wreck, there are things that need to be taken care of. Spandle believes that students hold some responsibility in taking care of an accident.

“It’s important for the students to know that if you strike another vehicle, the minimum requirement is to exchange information,” Spandle said. “If it’s an unattended vehicle you hit or a parked car then leave your contact information on that vehicle.”

From a student standpoint, junior Brock Hansen is an example of injuries that can happen somewhere as simple as the school exit. Hansen was involved in a wreck exiting school Sept. 11, and notes that he has been bothered by constant back pain since the accident.

As far as why the accidents continue to occur, Officer Lynch thinks that certain habits may have been formed by students during the exit process.

“In the parking lot, some of the stuff I’m seeing now is [that] when people are merging, or trying to get into two lanes to exit, they try to play chicken with each other,” Lynch said. “They try to beat the other person in line.”

According to Lynch, this type of behavior is just an accident waiting to happen.

NEWS

05

it’s not just us a look at international democratic policies

ELECTION MONTHS JANUARY FEBRUARY

Finland MAY

JUNE

MARCH

APRIL

Russia France JULY

Canada Belgium Mexico U.K. Brazil

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER The Netherlands

Switzerland

Iceland Spain

WORLDWIDE VOTING AGES

16 18 Austria Brazil

Canada 19 France NUMBER OF Great Mexico Britain POLITICAL PARTIES 11 Spain Italy United France 06 07 Kingdom Venezuela

Canada

Mexico

06 NEWS 02

FACTS GATHERED BY MIGUEL PALOMINO

Getting caught Up with Politics

senior shares feelings on people overreacting to political views

BY NATHAN THIMMESCH

P

olitics: one of the biggest issues in today’s world, especially during an election year. You’ve got two parties with conflicting viewpoints that are trying to get you to vote for their candidate.

That’s to say nothing of potential mud-slinging, propaganda and testimonials telling you why you should or shouldn’t vote for one person or another. Sometimes it feels like too much. I know I often catch myself feeling confused when seeing a political commercial and then asking, “Was there a point to that, or are we just pointing out the bad about someone?”

But is there a point where enough is enough? Is there a threshold between having strong political views and having nothing but politics? I would have to say so. I have definitely noticed people who seemingly don’t care about anything except politics. Obama this, Romney that, and something about who’s doing what wrong.

Political views aren’t a bad thing.

To say that having strong political views and having only politics to govern your life are the same thing is crazy. However, at what point do we need to just forget our politics for a while so we can look at life with a more open-mind? If you get too wrapped up in your own political beliefs that you’re unable to look at a certain issue from every angle, is it really worth it?

I know that no one can stay perfectly centered about politics, and we all have a slant to either the right or the left. Personally, I’m a little right of center. But that doesn’t mean that I will tune out someone who is left when they start

“

I PROBABLY LISTEN MORE INTENTLY TO LIBERALS/ DEMOCRATS THAN I WOULD CONSERVATIVES/ REPUBLICANS BECAUSE OF THE FACT THAT I WON’T DEFAULT TO AGREEING WITH EVERYTHING THEY SAY.­ —senior Nathan Thimmesch talking about government or their political views. On the contrary: I probably listen more intently to Liberals/Democrats than I would Conservatives/Republicans because of the fact that I won’t default to agreeing with everything they say.

I’ve encountered this plenty in government class. Someone will speak up about what he or she believes, and I won’t agree with it.

That doesn’t mean I automatically dislike that person, I just happen to hold a different opinion. Instead of getting in an argument about whatever topic it is, it is more effective to simply discuss why that person believes what they believe and see what alternatives there are to that belief.

This probably makes it sound like all people who believe in government or politics are bad people. Not at all.

I’d say that nine out of 10 people who have solid political views are good people, and their views are probably fairly balanced (even though they may lean more left or more right in general). But every once in awhile you find someone who is beyond all reason when you get them talking about politics. It can almost be more

harmful than helpful when you talk to these people because they will not budge on their beliefs. They might not even let you get a word in to help them see the other side. And if you get into a full-on argument with these people, you probably push them farther left/right on the subject than bringing them to the center of the issue.

And when are political views too strong? Well, there is a fine line, and a lot of gray area. Some people may think that there is no limit to what is potentially “too far” and there are others who think talking about politics is just plain taboo.

Here is how I like to think about it: politics should be a solid belief system that do not often waver (if ever), though it should not prevent you from doing something that you want to do. Obviously, our beliefs will inevitably govern certain aspects of our lives, and we can’t change that.

Conservatives generally associate with conservatives, and liberals generally associate with liberals, and that’s something that will probably never change. But if you want to break that mold, don’t let your political views prevent you from doing so.

I think government can be a touchy subject. Some people will get offended when you say something they don’t personally believe, and some will be offended when you even bring it up. Don’t change your beliefs because someone is in your face about them, and don’t try to force others to believe what you believe. Accept that we all have our different beliefs, and then, without over-relying on these beliefs, go from there.

PHOTO BY ETHAN STONE

OPINIONS

07

: WORD T E E R T S E H T ON

the

DEBATE PRO

N

BY TRIVETTE KNOWLES

o election would be the same without dirty politics. If it wasn’t for the commercials, billboard signs, and the horrible ads you see in magazines nobody would be able to make a decision.

Because of the negative media, in the 2008 election, many individuals were able to decide who they wanted to vote for due to the political party ads of John McCain’s running mate, Sarah Palin. She was continuously hit with heartless ads that shaped America’s idea of her and her campaign.

Whenever people hear the name Sarah Palin, the automatic gut reaction would be to grimace because they realized that she had the actual opportunity of becoming the vice president of our nation.

When a candidate delivers his

or her speech, there is something we don’t hear from the usual 45minute oration, and that is the other side of things. No matter who you want to win the election, you have to realize that there is still baggage that comes with each nominee.

With the Republican party they have successfully covered the tracks of Mitt Romney’s scandal when an old high school mate came out and announced that Romney bullied and abused him when they went to school together. It later turned out that this certain individual was homosexual. It didn’t help Romney’s campaign because of the fact that he is in support of traditional marriage. Events and scandals like these are what both parties try to silence or at least

T R I D RE

A

P

ropaganda is defined as information, ideas or rumors deliberately spread to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc. While the idea of spreading rumors is included in propaganda, with an issue as serious as electing the man or woman who will be leading our nation for the next four years, candidates should rise above this general sense of the term.

Mudslinging politics not only spread rumors and lies that have the potential to skew election results, but it ruins the overall idea of political integrity. Political propaganda should inform the people about the actualities of platforms, rather than mislead voters.

Mudslinging ads seem ironic in that ultimately they may be counterproductive to the candidate. By sponsoring such

08 OPINIONS

hide. This is enough information to change a lot of individuals opinions.

Another reason dirty politics is imperative to a campaign is because of how funny they can be. Not all commercials against the other candidate are meant to bring attention to a matter you have missed. The majority of political advertisements are meant to defame, bash and destroy their opponents image and give themselves the competitive advantage. With these reasons it is clear that dirty politics might not be so dirty after all. It might just be regular politics that our society deemed inappropriate because they can’t appreciate the harsh truth being spread.

?

K O ICS

T I L O YP

CON

“Dirty politics is unnecessary.

I think that we should be worrying about the real issues instead of trying to tear our opponents down.”

—JUNIOR BRITTANY MULTER

“I think that [dirty politics] are pretty counter-productive to the point that they’re trying to make.”

—SOPHOMORE EVAN WHITMORE

BY OLIVIA FEATHERS

outrageous, fabricated lies, the candidate is inviting voters to believe the same type of information advertised about him or herself. It reflects negatively on the candidates’ personalities, making them appear petty and childish. Elections should be taken seriously, and reducing the beliefs of particular candidates to such trivial terms creates a mockery of true political platforms.

According to Abraham Unger, assistant professor of government and politics at Wagner College, “The current Golden Age of mudslinging and dirty politics is driven by huge increases in campaign spending, television advertising, decreased civility in public life, and a muckraking mass media.” Unger implies that citizens are in part responsible for the growth of such propaganda.

Our susceptibility to believe all

of what we hear encourages advertisers to mislead the public.

We, as voters, should care about the whole truth of statements from candidates and care about the honest personalities of the men or women we are potentially voting into office.

Dirty politics creates a domino effect.

Just one slanderous advertisement can spark a whole chain of rumors that takes our focus off of the issues that matter in debates and conventions.

Therefore, it should not be tolerated in the first place.

There is no “line that can be drawn,” there is no “limit to be reached.” To put it simply, we should not believe and subsequently encourage these lies that advertisers utilize to manipulate us into believing what they want us to believe.

“I think the dirty politics thing is just absolutely ridiculous, because if you don’t have enough self-confidence in yourself, in your ideas, to be able to present them to others and you resort to just saying nasty things about other people then obviously you don’t have good enough ideas within yourself to present to people.”

—SOPHOMORE RILEY BRENNAN

STAFF EDITORIAL:

A new breed of discrimination

L

ikeability isn’t based on political beliefs, religion or any other conscious belief. It just wouldn’t make sense; both religion and politics are positive venues for change.

No one advocates ideas in either area under a malicious mindset. Yet, in both, there are disagreements. People constantly judge others’ set of beliefs. The difference is, discrimination against a religious group is illegal.

Throughout history, hatred has never solved anything. Then again, partisan animosity has never really been at bay. In fact, before he died, George Washington already felt the need to warn the nation against the dangers of political resentment.

Unfortunately, saving the era of Andrew Jackson, the U.S. has never not been politically divided.

This has at times gotten extreme: one Senator was brutally beaten with a cane on the eve of the Civil War. Alexander Hamilton himself was killed in a duel over a lost election.

Despite many complaints about recent rises in partisan rigidity (particularly in the government itself), the truth is it’s not new for America.

However, that doesn’t make it OK. We shouldn’t hate someone for their religious beliefs, so why should we hate them for their political views? Both are conscious choices, and neither is meant to be detrimental. It doesn’t make sense for us to hastily dislike or disassociate with a group of people simply because they think different things would benefit the country.

Obviously, strong party advocates have a hard time not arguing what they believe in. This is perfectly understandable, the modern issues are sensitive areas for most Americans. But it doesn’t mean we should

05:09

label members of either party and instantly view them negatively. Rather, this gives us an opportunity to better understand each other, and each other’s backgrounds. Everyone has a reason for believing what they do. It’s unfair to invalidate any belief because of its affiliation alone. In a sense, it’s part of our patriotic duty to value the opinion of every single American, whether or not we agree with it.

The words “liberal” and “conservative” should never be used as insults, as they frequently are.

Listening to the other side expands the issues.

Staunch supporters may never think of abandoning their party principles, but for many indecisive moderates, the exposure to both parties helps objectify things. Sometimes stepping back from our own beliefs isn’t such a bad thing. Rigid, dogmatic

THE VOTE IS IN: FIVE OUT OF NINE EDITORS AGREE WITH THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS EDITORIAL.

thinking has always proved destructive and warinciting. Though the partisanship in our country is not, thankfully, anywhere near this out of control, it still inhibits us from time to time in our everyday relationships. Co-workers and family members are unjustly shunned for being liberal or conservative.

We shouldn’t follow in the footsteps of generations past, where people died in political duels. It’s archaic.

Our own government was, for most of the year, in an idle gridlock in which very little was accomplished because neither side could tolerate the thought of “losing.”

But the loss is clear: a country so divided can’t progress. We should be able to stand firmly on our views but subtract the hatred and add some tolerance.

WE VALUE YOUR VIEWS. if you wish to respond to this editorial, please submit it in the form of a letter to the editor. These may be submitted in person to Room 195 or e-mailed to almaighty@gmail.com. Responses may or may not be printed in the next issue.

OPINIONS

09

Supporting the President junior shares reasons on why to back the commander-in-chief

BY ADAM MATEOS

PHOTO BY HANNAH HOLLANDER

I

n the history of the United States, we have had 44 presidents. These 44 men have had to deal with the challenge of leading, and making decisions for the people of the most stubborn country in the world. I can’t imagine the stress of being in such an extreme leadership position.

Not only does the president have to deal with America, but also with all of our foreign affairs.

Obviously this is an astronomical amount of work that would be too much for most people to handle, and yet the people of our great nation refuse to give the president a break. Not everybody is going to agree with a decision that the president makes, but that doesn’t mean that he’s doing a bad job necessarily.

I’ve started to notice this a lot more recently.

I mean, a movie just came out that is about how bad the President Obama is. I’m not saying Obama is good or bad, or that I agree or disagree

10 OPINIONS

with his policies, but how ridiculous is it to make a movie that is anti-Obama. Whether you like him or not, he is the leader of our country and you should realize that most of the stuff is not even his fault.

What would be different if John McCain had been elected? Would the housing market be magically fixed? Would it have prevented all those companies from laying off millions of Americans?

Not necessarily. Would the same problems be in place, and would the United States be in the same position we are in today? Probably, but it’s impossible to know because he didn’t win. Obama won. Americans chose him and just a few short years later everyone has turned on him.

The First Amendment does actually give people the right to criticize government, and it is OK to disagree with his policies or actions but you should still respect the president. It’s unpatriotic

to only bash the president for his mistakes and not praise him for his triumphs.

Think back to the beginning of our great country when George Washington was elected.

He was the most important and popular American figure. Through the years, the president has gone from a symbol of American success and power but now I feel like the president is mostly a scapegoat.

It may not sound like it so far but I’m really not a fan of Obama, or Romney, or any president for that matter. It doesn’t really matter to me as long as they take care of business to the best of their ability.

It’s hard to not sound biased while defending Obama, but it’s much more than that. Any president, it doesn’t matter who, should be given the utmost respect because I promise you that you can’t do a better job.

COVER STORY:

part of

growing up T he day that millions of Americans have had in the back of their minds for the past four years is fast approaching. It’s time to elect a new President of the United States of America. U.S. citizens have been strategically analyzing the views and policies that the candidates President Barack Obama and Republican candidate Mitt Romney have laid out on the table for all to see. Numerous conspiracies are kindled as to the hidden flaws that may be found in the futures these men are planning over issues such as taxes and birth certificates.

Debates arise, conflicts deepen and perspectives are either strengthened or changed. And all the while the

BY LUKE HOLLAND

pressure on the American voters is increasing. But not everybody cares as much as it seems. According to the Voting and Registration in the Election of November 2008 national report, only 39.9 percent of high school graduates from 18 to 24 years old cast a vote when elections rolled around, and 44.8 percent, less than half, of graduates from 25 to 44 years old showed up to the voting booth.

Those who can vote are establishing their views.

But what about those who can’t? How much do the teenagers, who still live under their parents’ roofs and are more or less financially naive, really care about the next four years in America’s history?

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JULIA LARBERG

11

FEATURES

DEMOCRAT est.

IS IGNORAN

us Figu o r am

es

F

1824

a discussion about teen

BY LUKE HOLLAND

Butting

AT HOME

F Franklin Roosevelt

John F. Kennedy

VIEWS favoring minimum wage higher taxation for upper class

$

decrease military spending

12 FEATURES

reshman Ryan Conley lives in a family who cares about politics about as much as the average American family. He follows the Democratic views of his parents, and is convinced that this election will concern this generation.

“I feel like the issues in this election concern us, because whatever the next president does is what our future will be. Teens think it won’t affect them presently, but really the current election is their future,” Conley said.

Conley believes teens should stay informed as to the political campaigns and the events surrounding them. He believes that the apathy that characterizes most teenagers when it comes to politics should be eradicated.

In contrast with Conley, junior Ernesto Lopez could really care less about politics. He more or less stands by the Democratic policies upheld by his family, but he acknowledges that’s about the extent of his interest.

“Yeah, my parents care about politics, but it’s not really a huge deal at my house,” Lopez said.

He admitted that he really only calls himself a Democrat because his parents do, and although his family will be voting for Obama, he says he doesn’t care that much.

AP Government teacher Tony Budetti acknowledges the “slant” that students tend to have towards the political standards of their families.

“The values transmitted from their parents really help kids to form their own views,” Budetti said.

However, there comes a point when

young adults need to let go of mom’s and dad’s hands and decide for themselves.

IN THE CLASSROOM

P

olitics. The one topic that is so often off limits when it comes to discussions in class and among students. Why do students avoid the taboo topic of politics in the one place where they should be gleaning the majority of the information needed to better understand politics?

“We all have friends with political views, but we don’t often investigate their views on politics because it can get a little messy, say, on the car ride home from practice,” Budetti said.

The fear of what other students will think, and the avoidance of conflict, leads to a student body bursting with emotion and perspective, and no one they feel they can share it with.

“I think if someone else started the conversation, I might join in,” Conley said.

“But I would never start a conversation about politics.”

It’s often too easy to go with the flow, and why risk arguments and high tempers with friends when you can easily find something else to talk about?

NCE BLISS?

republican est.

1854

“It’s just sort of uncomfortable to talk about,” Lopez said. “I’d rather talk about sports or school.”

Most claim it is simply a mere fear of their peers and how they will view them, but it seems to affirm the overall lethargy that society assumes is present in the lives of the teenagers of America.

IN STUDENTS’ LIVES

T

his election has a lot at stake, not the least important issue being the declining economy. But to what extent will the next four years affect the current generation of high school students? Especially when over 75 percent of high schoolers aren’t even eligible to vote?

“I think that until teenagers are able to vote that there’s an obstacle in the way, at times, that hinders them from fully going after information and becoming informed on issues; they can’t vote, so why should they be interested?”

Budetti said.

Freshman Colson Sargent has the bigger picture in mind. He recognizes the unencouraging state of the economy and is worried about how it will affect

him in the years to come.

“The economy will affect how I can save for college and a car,” Sargent said.

Education, transportation and general costs of living aren’t always at the forefront of teenagers minds, who are already stressed with the issues of the present and often find it hard to be concerned with post-college issues.

“I know there are more important things,” Lopez said, “but honestly, it’s hard to care about things that don’t concern me.”

Budetti recognizes the understandable nearsightedness that so many high schoolers are prone to have.

“It’s hard to focus yourself on issues outside your current ‘crisis’ in your life,” Budetti said.

IN CONCLUSION

38.4 percent. That’s how much of the American voting age population, more than 60 million people at the time, failed to cast a vote in the 2008 Presidential election. Over one third of adults in the country already don’t care enough about politics to take the time to vote, and the numbers are only getting higher. This generation of teenagers and young adults has seen levels of apathy far surpassing the levels seen in previous elections. And it is even evident before they reach voting age. This year at Shawnee Mission South, 354 people voted for homecoming, roughly 27 percent of the student body. Patterns seen in teenagers regarding voting are seemingly established earlier in their lives. Is it just a fact that teenagers care less?

us Figu o r m a

es

Heads

F

n involvement in politics

Abraham Lincoln

Ronald Reagan

VIEWS no tax increases for anyone

$

wages based on free market increase military spending

FEATURES

13

candidates of the classroom

a look at the leaders that drive South’s clubs and other activities

BY AMBER FELKINS

I

magine no pep assemblies.

No fundraisers.

No Green Fridays. No school spirit. Without school leaders, cheer captains, and pep executives these foundations of Raider spirit that fill the halls wouldn’t happen. Leaders, such as STUCO member Susan Kroh, choir president Leah Heathcote, and pep executive Monica Funk help organize events and communicate to the student body.

Whether it’s ordering new choir robes or getting blood donations, student leaders work to make sure events and fundraisers run smoothly.

“I think it’s important to have a choir president because it gives people something to strive for. I’ve always looked up to the choir presidents and thought, ‘That’s what I want to be,’” Heathcote said.

As choir president, Heathcote plans on making sure that the other choir officers have more responsibility and that the new members feel like a part of the choir “family” by participating in activities and groups. Other groups, such as pep club, are trying to bond the student body with pep assemblies, T-shirt promotions and Spirit Week.

“I do feel like I have an impact on the school. I feel so peppy, like I can get other people to be excited to be at South also.

Being able to put together things like assemblies where we can get everybody involved is a great way to impact my peers,” Funk said.

While Funk has a positive attitude

about the assemblies, keeping the balance can be difficult.

“We have to be really sensitive about not offending the other schools. We just promote our personal sports instead of putting school’s teams down like in a rivalry. We can’t cross a certain line, so we have to be politically correct,” Funk said.

As Funk helps plan the pep assemblies, STUCO members like Kroh are decorating for the homecoming dance and leading the cheerleaders to show South some spirit.

“I just want to make it so that everyone has fun and that they get to do what they want to do and not have to worry about anything,” Kroh said.

STUCO helps plan events such as the Mr. AmeriCan pageant, which benefits the canned food drive, the blood drive and even spirit dances, such as Blackout. Leaders in the school donate their time and effort to make sure that students aren’t just sitting in class and reading books.

“We want to get students involved and have a great time while they’re here,” Funk said. “School would be pretty dull place [without these leaders].”

Students may think school spirit may magically happen but behind the scenes there is definitely more to it.

“All these leadership roles in high school prepare our students for future leadership, and this country needs good leaders. It would be a huge loss without [student] leadership, it adds to all aspects to student life,” Principal Joe Gilhaus.

Top Choir president senior Leah Heathcote. Middle Senior pep exec Monica Funk. Bottom STUCO member and senior cheer captain Susan Kroh

coming up...

10/31 Canned Food Drive Begins bring canned food to your fourth hour to be donated

14FEATURES

PHOTOS BY HAYLEIGH CHUDIK

11/06 Mr. AmeriCan the annual boys’ pagaent is back to benefit the canned food drive

12/06 Headstart

the Christmas party for students at the pre-school will return and is seeking volunteers

from the

MOVIE:

OBAMA 2016

WHITE HOUSE to your HOUSE

BY GRIFFIN ZELLER

I

BY CASEY LEE When I saw the previews for Obama 2016, I assumed it would be all reasons to not vote for him. The tagline reads “Love him, hate him, you don’t know him.” It was absolutely true. The movie turned out to be a factual, unemotional documentary of Obama’s life.

The filmmakers are Gerald Molen and Dinesh D’Souza. D’Souza narrates, interviews, and stars in the documentary.

He travels to Kenya to interview Obama’s distant family, and even uses quotes from the President’s book “Dreams from My Father.”

The documentary is factual, but doesn’t necessarily make Obama look good.

The film portrays Obama as completely anti-colonialist and shows why Obama has beliefs learned first-hand from his communist father. Molen and D’Souza claim Obama detests what America is and stands for and claim the change he wants to bring will destroy our cultural heritage.

The documentary shows what America will look like in 2016 if Obama is re-elected, but the producers leave the viewers to consider what the future holds.

The documentary serves the great purpose of letting us learn more about Obama before we go to the polls. D’Souza is openly conservative, and is obviously not a fan of Obama, but doesn’t try to push your opinion one way; he simply states the facts. This movie helps people have a better understanding of the President and is a must see, whether you’re a Democrat or Republican.

TWITTER

n the 21st Century there are more media outlets besides the traditional TV and radio for candidates to convey their messages. Social media The 2012 GOP and Democratic conventions were has revolutionized politics in a way where citizens the first political venues to utilize Twitter to its can understand the ideas and opinions of not only fullest. Over 13.5 million tweets were sent between the candidates, but their friends and neighbors in the two conventions. seconds.

Nearly 70 percent of the world’s governments “Every single mistake that politicians make is on have a presence on Twitter. Twitter has even come up the front page the next day,” junior Connor Viets said. with a new algorithm-Twindex. Each day you can see This could be detrimental for candidates who which candidate is trending up and down, and follow make mistakes. the mood of the voters. According to the Realtime “It really shows the flaws Report, in 2008 between the Democratic of the candidates when and Republican conventions there were everything they do is being OVER 13.5 MILLION TWEETS only 365,000 tweets. This year the watched,” junior Ben Bernard WERE SENT BETWEEN THE increase is exponential. The Democratic said. convention was the most talked about So how does the media TWO CONVENTIONS. political event in 2012 with 52,000 affect our opinion on politics? tweets per minute. Twitter gives people chance for people to get their voice across. They can look at trending topics and see what other people are Youtube has caused political reaction across saying or see the opposing view of an argument. the world. In the 2012 presidential campaign, both “I like to tweet about politics because it’s candidates have been highlighted on Youtube interesting. During the debate I got into a twitter positively and negatively. The comments from fight with Peter McAtee,” sophomore Bruce Hollis Romney on the 47 percent of citizens he believes said. think that the government has the responsibility to provide for them, are now posted all over Youtube. A speech given by President Obama in 2007 to religious Our generation is generally getting less information leaders in New Orleans, apparently inciting racism, from TV. According to Foster Web Marketing, the was recently released by Fox News. It’s hard for median age for viewers of the evening news is 63. The candidates to cover up rumors when there is video presidential debate broke a 32-year-old record with proof. Youtube isn’t going away and the candidates 67.2 million people watching the debate from their aren’t perfect, they might need to be more careful to home. TV has news about the election, but satire be more careful. Despite being able to catch the flaws television also draws a large audience. “Saturday of the candidates, Youtube has become a vital tool for Night Live” is famous for its skits involving the both. Each has his own channel. Obama’s channel presidents and the candidates. They’re most famous has 235,157 subscribers, with over 200 million video for the ones with Tina Fey as Sarah Palin, and Amy views. While Mitt Romney’s channel has 21,964 Poehler as Hillary Clinton. subscribers, with over 24 millions video views.

“I like to watch Fox News. It’s where I get most of Junior Will Skoog watched the debate and a mock my news,” junior Cole Bunker said. debate on Youtube.

Getting your news today is easier than ever. To “I watched the Bill O’Reilly and John Stewart be a well informed voter be sure to use a variety of debate on Youtube. It was really funny and I learned media outlets to find out about the election. a lot about the economy. When I got onto Youtube “I think that when people say there is a media all I saw was this debate so I just had to watch it,” bias it’s overstated,” AP Government teacher Tony Skoog said.

Budetti said, “because we’re all picking and there are lots of different options; you can choose where to get your media.”

“

YOUTUBE

TELEVISION

15

A&E

reMIX

reviews of the latest in pop culture

MUSIC:

DEADMAU5

BY HUNTER YOUNG deadmau5’ newest creation, creatively titled Album Title Goes Here, is one of the most disappointing albums I’ve listened to in the past two years. Not because all the songs are terrible, but because of the lack of direction and wasted potential. The album starts off with a great progressive beat, with a nice ambience which reminded me of a mix between Daft Punk and chiptune. The first jarring bump in the road is “Professional Griefers,” a song that sounds like a gang of robots and anarchists decided to fight each other in a dance club with knives and crappy subwoofers, and turns out to be nowhere near as cool as you’d think. The album continues on, and peaks at “There might be coffee” From that point on, the entire album goes downhill. “Take care of the proper paperwork” abruptly cuts into dead silence in the last five seconds, and “October” and “Sleepless” sound like they were ripped from an earlier album. He isn’t content to stop there; apparently he thought a rap song about smoking dope, properly entitled “Failbait,” would fit in perfectly with his Not-rap album. If deadmau5 had just taken out the vocals to most of these songs, and actually put effort into crafting an album, I’d be able to recommend this album to everyone. So unless you’re a hardcore deadmau5 fan, I’d stay away from this.

Album Title Goes Here is just Failbait.

16A&E

BY HANNAH STRADER Countless movies depict high school life with wild parties, drug experimentation and the forever young attitude. What these movies fail to encompass is reality. The Perks of Being A Wallflower, released early at AMC 30 in Olathe Oct. 5, is one of the most accurate tellings of the normal teenage life I have seen thus far in a film.

The book, written by Stephen Chbosky, has been recently heralded as a modern Catcher In The Rye. It provides the same basic plot of a teenage boy, trying to fit in and find himself along the way. The screenplay, was also written by Chbosky, was something that did not go unnoticed by fans of the book.

The story follows Charlie (Logan Lerman) as he begins his first days at high school. The narration makes it apparent that the story is being written as letters to someone Charlie hopes will understand his situation and withhold judgment. Throughout the film, Charlie’s voice is heard as he describes the events being played out on screen. He sets the tone for the movie, making subtle hints at his emotional state and that of those around him. It is immediately clear that Charlie had trouble in the last year with depression and is struggling to find himself again, viewing high school as somewhat a fresh start.

As Charlie adapts to this new environment, he makes friends with two seniors, Sam (Emma Watson)

MUSIC:

MUMFORD AND SONS: BABEL

MOVIE:

THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER and Patrick (Ezra Miller). The somewhat odd duo take a liking to the ever-shy and socially awkward Charlie, allowing him to sit with them at a football game and even dancing with him at homecoming. When Charlie attends an after party with the two, he mentions to Sam in passing that his best friend committed suicide a few months previous. Sam realizes Charlie has no one and they adopt him into their group. From there, Charlie experiences all the extreme highs and lows students know all too well.

The great thing about this movie is the subjects it deals with, that all other films centering around high school students tend to forget about. It’s the real story of what growing up feels like. While other Hollywood movies want to shy away from real issues, Perks faces the truth when it comes to dealing with depression, sexual abuse, homosexuality and moving on. Simultaneously, it tells the story of those little moments in life that really do make us feel “infinite” without the glamour other big films portray. Watching the sunset, hearing a really good song while driving through the city, going to Christmas parties; that’s what high school really is. This string of seemingly small events make the high school experience so unique. It’s what makes us feel so invincible and Perks so relatable.

BY LUKE HOLLAND Mumford and or regarding the previous album, it is by no means Sons’ newest a bad set of songs. In fact, it’s great; all thanks to album, Babel, is Marcus Mumford’s one-of-a-kind voice along with the by all means a incredible fusion of guitar, mandolin and banjo, which quality album give the band its distinctive sound. with extremely Without a doubt, the lead single “I WIll Wait” is well-performed music. Especially when it is compared the best song on the album. It characterizes Mumford to the junk that is constantly spit out on iTunes these and Sons’ style in a nutshell with it’s energetic and days, music that at times seems as though it could ingenious progression of instruments and voices be made by any kid with a Mac. The group’s second alike and is definitely among their best tunes to date. studio album, released Sept. 25, is a unique blend Others like “Lover of the Light” and “Holland Road” of songs that can only be classified as indie-folk- start slow and progressively build, just as the band rock due to its unmatched compilation of bluegrass often does. And “Babel” is an awesome compilation of instruments and upbeat melodies. the musical talent and innovative rhythm that can After the three-year wait since Sigh No More, it’s only be produced by Mumford and Sons. hard to listen to Babel without high expectations.

Babel is absolutely a must-buy for anyone even The first listen through, frankly, was somewhat remotely interested in the band. Though different disappointing, after falling in love with “The Cave,” from what any fans would expect from Sigh No More, and “Roll Away Your Stone,” from the previous album, it won’t take long to warm up to this great mix of folk, just because of the seeming lack of memorable tunes. rock, and just plain feel-good music.

But after listening to Babel again, without bias

DRESSING

WHAT YOU SEE:

2 9S THE

RINGS: FOREVER 21

Jewelry always adds that needed flair to any outfit; they can dress up, add edge or even complete a look. Seen here, they accent the dark sweater and necklace.

BOOTS: SHOE CARNIVAL A necessity for the approaching cold-weather, boots make a potentially light outfit warm, and are a musthave for snow and rain.

JUNIOR KELSEY WALKER

NECKLACE: FOREVER 21

A simple necklace gives this outfit the perfect amount of simplicity to the ripped jeans and studded rings. A unique object like the sailboat here is an eye-catcher.

ABOUT D29 The Patriot holds a monthly competition to find fashionable students around the school. On the 29th of every month, The Patriot photographers will be in the cafeteria during 1st and 2nd lunch to photograph anyone willing to enter the competition. The winner each month will be featured on this page, and the second and third place winners will be on SMSPATRIOT. ORG, along with other finalists. The competition is based on creativity, variety and individuality and anyone is able to enter.

See

more

photos @ PHOTOS BY SUSAN NGUYEN

SMSPATRIOT.ORG

A&E

17

FEAR

FACTOR seasonal festivities commence

BY TRIVETTE KNOWLES

S

tudents from South have been dressing up for decades, from astronauts to princesses, to superheroes to ballerinas.

Every year KSMS has a costume contest for students and staff. The greatest outfits are awarded prizes for their best ideas. Groups or individuals can win prizes. Even teachers go all out when it comes to Halloween. Assistant principal Niko Platko has won best staff costume a consecutive three years.

“My last year’s costume [was] the Pillsbury Dough Man from Ghostbusters. It took my family and I 140 man hours,” he said.

Even though Platko is retiring from the dress up game, he still has advice for the newbies and students looking for ideas.

“[You need] inspiration for costume; make sure you do something that you like. Don’t dress up as something other people would dress up as; be original,” Platko said.

A South tradition that is apparently coming to an end is the senior haunted house, which has been going on since at least 2004 is no longer taking place.

While most people are trick or treating, STUCO will be collecting cans to give to Harvesters, a food bank for the less fortunate. Even though in the Halloween costume they’re still in the giving spirit.

HALLOWEEN RECIPE: CANDY BARK ingredients:

FROM ANNIES-EATS.COM

1 lb. bittersweet chocolate, chopped 3 Butterfinger candy bars, chopped 3 toffee candy bars, chopped 8 Reese cups, cut into wedges 1/4 cup honey roasted peanuts 3 oz. yellow and orange peanut M&Ms, chopped 3 oz. white chocolate, chopped directions:

Line a baking sheet with foil. Melt chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Heat until completely smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the foil and smooth into a thin layer. Sprinkle the chopped candy bars, Reese cups, honey, M&MS and peanuts over the melted chocolate. Press gently to adhere to the melted chocolate.

Put in refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes.

Melt the white chocolate until smooth and drizzle over chilled candy bark. Chill in refrigerator 30 minutes. Lastly, peel the chocolate away from the foil and break into pieces.

18 A&E

LOCAL HAUNTS

The Edge of Hell, Kansas City’s infamous haunted house. The world’s longest snake, Medusa, recorded at 25 feet and 2 inches, weighing 350 lbs is currently on display. The Edge of Hell is in a five story warehouse, beginning in Heaven and ending in Hell. Each floor is a new scary platform for whomever dares to walk through the 30 minute adventure. Created in 1975, it’s Kansas City’s oldest haunted house.

PHOTOS BY DEZARAE DUFFEY

BY TRIVETTE KNOWLES

The Beast, It’s the biggest haunted house in America, created in 1991. The Beast is different from most haunted houses because you explore the scenes instead walking through a traditional line. It takes about 40 minutes to travel through mazes, a Werewolf Forest, and a three story light tower. The only exit is a four story slide that is incredibly fast.

It’s been voted KC’s best haunted house.

KC Fear Farm, is the newest haunted house to be added to the KC area. Its main attraction is the field of screams. There’s a long walk through a cornfield, every turn is filled with excitement and terror or the clown asylum, based on the circus with insane clowns who are not looking to create laughter, but screams. As Kansas City’s newest haunted house it definitely is rising as one of the scariest.

eleven away from 6A barely missing the cut, south becomes a 5A school

BY CASEY LEE AND DEREK FUHRMANN

F

or the first time in Shawnee Mission South’s history, the school has moved from division 6A down to 5A. To be qualified as 6A this year, each school needs a population of 1,336.

With a current population of 1,325, South missed the 6A cut off by 11 students. However, at an even closer margin was Leavenworth, who missed the cut off by a mere three students.

So what exactly does moving to 5A mean?

Does it change the whole schedule, will South get to play rival East? Is it even effective this year?

The transition was effective immediately for every sport besides football, which runs on a two year count. So, in-season sports such as boys soccer, volleyball etc. all have a different schedule for substate, regionals and state. However, the regular schedules will not change.

While it is calming to know that South will still have rivalry games with Shawnee Mission West and East, one can only wonder what effect this switch will have for future generations of Raiders.

According to athletic director John Johnson, this classification switch can potentially be reversed next year.

“The incoming 9th grade class from Indian

Even though South was only 11 students away from being 6A, it wasn’t the largest school that qualified as 5A. Leavenworth has a current population of 1,333. So even if one school had dropped students and moved down to 5A, South still wouldn’t be next in line to take their spot.

Woods is bigger than our outgoing senior class. I would expect that we will jump back to 6A next year, but anything can happen,” Johnson said.

While most are indifferent to the change in classifications, some are more passionate about where Shawnee Mission South stands among other state schools.

“It’s nothing against 5A but I’ve been 6A my whole life. I came to Shawnee Mission South to be in 6A. That’s where I’ve played, that’s where I’ve always coached,” head basketball coach Brett McFall said.

Basketball is one of the sports whose regular season schedule will not be altered by the change.

Rest assured Raider fans, South will still play our favorite school on Mission Road. Football, on the other hand, will remain 6A for two more years. By then, it is projected that South should meet the requirement to be classified as a 6A school.

While the stage is set for most sports, the spring sports’ fates have yet to be officially released.

Senior baseball player Tanner Pinnell describes the switch from his perspective.

“It is a little upsetting since this is my senior year and we aren’t going to be able to play our

2276-1336

1325 1333

Shawnee Mission South’s population is currently 1,325. South had 2,400 students in 1975. The schools population has greatly decreased since the school first opened in 1966.

usual teams in the post-season,” Pinnell said.

The most crucial factor in the fate of classification is the growth of other schools. There is no “static, cut-off number” determining where schools will lie as the number fluctuates from year to year.

From an administrative standpoint, this change revolves around the way that the district conducts its business. Most of the details about this decision are insignificant to the everyday student. From a fan’s perspective, nothing will change. The emotion-packed rivalry games will still be there. The switch has affected post-season schedules, but there is one thing that will not change.

“There’s nobody in the Sunflower League that is going to prepare for us any less than they have in the past,” Johnson said.

The future is not written and anything can happen. What it all boils down to is this: Shawnee Mission South will continue a tradition of success no matter the classification. For the athletes, it’s just back to business, it’s the same ol’ song and dance.

According to the Kansas State High School Activities Association, to be qualified as a 6A, a school’s population must be between 2276-1336. With a population of only 1,325, South was short by only 11 students.

“

THERE’S NOBODY IN THE SUNFLOWER LEAGUE THAT IS GOING TO PREPARE FOR US ANY LESS THAN THEY HAVE IN THE PAST—Athletic Director John Johnson

PHOTO BY ETHAN STONE

SPORTS

19

TIES BETWEEN POLITICS AND SPORTS government teacher shares thoughts on a potential crisis GUEST WRITER TONY BUDETTI

C

an you imagine Coach McFall shaking hands with SM East Coach Hair at the end of the a game that ended in a tie? How about Coach Lonergan walking over and shaking hands with SM West Coach Callaghan after a tie?

Seems ridiculous, right?

This summer, while many teachers were attempting to re-charge their batteries, I went to the Olympic Track Trials in Eugene, Oregon. Ah, a moment away from my AP Government duties at South. Athletics, not politics was on order.

Fitness, not quarreling over policy would be the focus. Decathlete Ashton Eaton, who would go on to easily win the gold medal in London, set a world record in front of the rain-soaked crowd during the first two days. Not even hanging out with fellow teacher and track coach, JJ Wannamaker, could overshadow that feat. Simply amazing!

Except something happened that forced me back to politics. In only took about 11 seconds to run the women’s 100 meter final. Carmelita Jeter won the event, and I was lucky to snap a “selfie” with her as she did a victory lap. Tianna Madison got second. The third and final spot on the team, after a brief review, indicated Jeneba Tarmoh would get to go to London. Like a bad NFL game, the race went to “further review,” and officials determined a tie had occurred between Tarmoh, and training partner Allison Felix. Uh oh. A tie?

Really? A few track nerds (Wannamaker) quickly figured out that this was unique. There were no rules to break the tie!

So, what does the political nerd in the group (me) think about? Why, our November 6th election of course! Visions of a Mitt Romney-Barrack

Obama tie in the Electoral College danced in my head. My former Raider students who were watching the 100 meter race must be thinking the same, right? I expected a flurry of e-mails/ texts/tweets. Surely, students are connecting the events on the track to the events in the ballot box.

What is the Electoral College? It is a device of the Constitution that helps select the President.

Election day is Nov. 6 this year, and if a candidate gets at least 270 of the 538 electoral votes, he/she gets to hang out in the White House for the next four years. But, as you many of you might have noticed, 538 is an even number. (Mr. LaVergne had to help me out with that!) Our popular vote does figure into the equation; it is the Electoral College that selects the President, unless a candidate does not get 270 votes.

So, the Electoral College vote could end at 269-269, if the right states fall to each candidate.

Thus, an Electoral College tie could happen.

Unlike the track, we have some rules to help break the tie. The details are not widely known, but we usually get a President when the Electoral College votes are counted by the newly elected Congress in January.

I don’t think most people are thinking about a tie this November. There are many potential outcomes if we get a tie between Obama and Romney in the Electoral College.

For example, could we end up with President Romney (Republican) and Vice-President Biden (Democrat)? You betcha! How about President Hillary Clinton (Dem.) and Vice President Ryan (Rep.) Yes we can!

You see, the House of Representatives will

elect a President if there is a tie in the Electoral College, choosing among the top three votegetters in the Electoral College. If a single elector decides to vote for someone not named Obama or Romney, that person could also be President.

The Senate will have the honors to break a tie for Vice-President, choosing among the top two vote-getters there. Thus, we could end up with President Oprah, but we will probably end up with Ryan or Biden as Vice-President.

While the football and basketball teams would play overtime periods until the game gets decided, an Electoral College Tie would be settled, just with a bit more scrutiny. If you want more information about the potential of a political tie, visit my website, www.electoralcollegetie.com.

By the way, the 100 meter race in Oregon was settled when Jeneba Tarmoh pulled out of the runoff, giving Allison Felix the coveted third place spot. Alas, Tarmoh would be an alternate. This November, there will be no alternate. Someone will get elected (we hope).

A lot of crazy things could happen this November, but I am fairly sure neither Mr. Romney nor Mr. Obama will step aside if a tie happens in the Electoral College. A close race is always fun to watch; a tie can sometimes expose a weakness in a system, be it politics or athletics.

Perhaps, if our presidential race comes down to a tie, we could simply head down to the track for a race. Coach Wannamaker could help officiate.

Let’s just hope that race does not end in a tie as well. Then, we would be in real trouble!

Clinton/Biden ? Romney/Biden ? Clinton/Ryan ? Obama/Ryan

269-269

It is possible for each Presidential candidate to receive 269 votes from the Electoral College. Therefore, an Electoral College tie could happen.

20 SPORTS

HOME

GUEST

269 00:00 269 ‘12 BONUS

FOULS

4

SCORE

PERIOD

PLAYER

538

BONUS

FOULS

6

SCORE

50% 50%

Has a tie ever happened? In fact, yes, but it was over a 100 years ago. In the election of 1800 Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams both received 73 electoral votes. The vote was then put into the hands of the House of Representatives and they elected Jefferson.

an uphill battle

BY DEREK FUHRMANN

runners cope with loss of seniors

S

enior Curtis Cline still remembers the moment his dream became reality. The scene felt straight out of a movie. The cross country team was cooling down after a grueling race at Rim Rock Farm, wondering if all the miles they ran preparing for this day would yield a State championship.

One of their coaches, Jonathan Wiebe, comes sprinting up a hill carrying a sole finger in the air.

This finger could mean one thing: victory.

After winning the 2012 State Championship, head coach JJ Wannamaker is proud of the work his athletes have invested into the program.

“You can’t attain your goals without putting in quality work,” Wannamaker said.

The team hopes that winning State will not only bring recognition to the program but will unite the student body to go above and beyond by cheering on and supporting other programs. According to Coach Wannamaker, consistent success can only be established when we collectively come together.

“Until we all get on board and support each other, the successes won’t come quite as easy,” Wannamaker said.

It is true that sports such as basketball and soccer are easier to watch, due to the seating accommodations. Like golf, cross country races

would prove to be less than interesting for the average spectator, unless he or she had any knowledge or level of appreciation for the sport.

Senior runner Erin Bonifield describes the most likely reason that there are not many students attending the races.

“Cross country is harder to watch than any other sport. You would have to run around a lot,” Bonifield said.

After winning State, the runners were treated to their own assembly, the gym plastered with the names of the champions. The student body was on edge, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the team as music blared through the P.A. system.

Then finally, the denouement of a lifetime of waiting, the boys emerge and run to center court to present the championship trophy, which is displayed proudly in the front hall for all to see.

This year the Raider runners face an uphill battle. The road to Rim Rock will be more difficult than ever before, as the sole remaining member from the State championship team comes in the form of Cline, supported by fellow seniors Daniel Huhn and Ben Strobel.

As the top runner on the squad, Cline led by example by starting his season off on a high note by winning his first race.

“Instead of chasing people, I am the one being chased. It is different being in the front,” Cline said.

Teams often go through rebuilding phases; that is what the runners are dealing with this season.

While it is true that a team must consistently perform well, the swing from a team full of seniors to a hand-full is taking its toll.

“This year’s senior class is relatively tiny with only three boys, so most of our team is still developing. We have a really strong sophomore class that could potentially be one of the best teams in the state in the next couple years,” Cline said.

While it appears that the boys may not be able to achieve their ultimate goal of repeating as champions, the girls may pose a threat as a dark horse. Led by seniors Bonifield, Rachel North, Ashley Tripp and Lauren McCarthy, expect consistently strong performances from the ladies.

It is often the case that the results don’t match the effort. The immediate future may not yield the best results, but with time, look for the runners to return to glory and reclaim the title of State champions.

THE SMS score board Football 3-4

Volleyball 0.400

Girls Golf N/A

Boys Soccer 8-6

Gymnastics N/A

Girls Tennis N/A

The football team is entering district play in the last three games and is ready to take the next step on making the playoffs.

- Ryan Lonergan

The team is working hard and making improvements with good wins against Shawnee Mission West and Shawnee Heights. We are trying to get focused and healthy for the postseason.

- Travis Gatewood

They’ve beat every team in the Shawnee Mission district sitting about .400 heading to substate. They have a lot of dedication.

- Danni Sperry

Despite overcoming injuries our team has come together to do more than each girl may have thought possible. They have been driven this season and are a strong group of girls.

- Jennie Terflinger

They were at State at press time. Hannah Sears was voted to Sunflower League First Team golf this year.

- Shaun Henry

It was a good year. Two teams qualified for state. Micah and Chloe Matthews qualified for doubles, and Tegan Jarchow for singles.

-Stephanie Graham

PHOTOS BY JULIA LARBERG AND SUSAN NGUYEN

SPORTS

21

talent over experience thoughts on freshmen playing up on varsity

BY MIGUEL PALOMINO

E

SOPHOMORE

SENIOR

SWIMMING GOLF

TENNIS

BASKETBALL

JUNIOR

very once in awhile, depending on the sport, a freshman will be given the chance to be on their high school’s varsity team. For a freshman, being on varsity can be the highlight of his or her high school career.

Some upperclassmen varsity athletes may resent the idea of having a kid three years younger than them taking spots expected for seniors. Other athletes welcome their young teammates with open arms. Having freshmen on varsity has advantages and disadvantages. But at the end of the day, does it really matter as long as the fans get their win?

“I think that freshman should be able to play on varsity definitely,” senior Amanda Schwabauer said.

Schwabauer played varsity volleyball and soccer as a freshman “Some freshmen are better than seniors,” she said. “Yeah, some freshmen may not have the maturity level, but you have to start somewhere.”

Being a junior or senior doesn’t always guarantee a spot on varsity. A player needs to outperform him or herself and others, year after year, and prove they deserve a varsity spot. Sometimes a freshmen can earn varsity spots outshining their upperclassmen teammates. Ultimately it’s up to the coach. Those decisions aren’t always the easiest to make. Coaches have to make sure letting a freshman on varsity will help the overall team.

“The biggest deal is on the boys side if they can compete physically and if they have the emotional maturity of being 14 and getting along with and being good teammates with an 18-year-old senior,” head soccer coach Travis Gatewood said. “The girls side it’s an easier transition; freshmen girls can compete a little bit more easily with senior girls. We’ve had anywhere from one to three [freshmen] girls a year come in and participate on varsity and their speed and fitness allows them to adapt.”

Unlike in boys’ sports, freshman girls on varsity are a much more common

JV

occurrence. Freshmen girls can more easily transition to playing with their older counterparts. Also an 18-year-old guy is usually more physically developed than a 14 or 15 year old. Girls on the other hand are physically somewhat similar to each other. Coaches want to let their players play to the best of their ability. Giving a freshman to varsity play can really help them mature as a person and an athlete.

“Being on varsity helped with other sports, not just soccer,” Schwabauer said. “Your maturity level it does have to grow and you have to. You’re playing against people that are older so you have to play a lot older than you are.”

Having freshmen boys play on varsity is rare in some sports. Because of their younger age, freshmen are sometimes not as mature as their other teammates. This can cause problems on a team. Before placing a freshman on varsity, coaches also look at the player’s maturity level and not just talent.

If a coach gives them a varsity spot then they’ll be playing with others who are sometimes five years older than they are. A freshman will sometimes feel the need to prove him or herself worthy of the chance they were given.

Junior Dainan Swoope played on South’s varsity team as a freshman.

“I had to work to keep my spot, and I had to keep up my potential just like all the older kids,” sophomore Dainan Swoope said, “[Being on varsity basketball as a freshman] Proved to me that I had a chance and I could play my best to the next level.”

Giving a freshman the opportunity to be on varsity can really help them progress as an athlete. Not only can it mentally make them better, but also physically. Even though they are younger than their other teammates, freshmen players can really improve themselves mentally and physically by being on varsity. By the time they graduate high school they could be better athletes in the long run.

SOCCER

VARSITY CHEERLEADING

22 SPORTS

FOOTBALL

C-TEAM

VOLLEYBALL

FRESHMEN TRACK

girls make up 41% of all student athletes

41%

55.5%, over half, of all high school students play a sport 7.6 million students played sports during the 2010-2011 school year

IT’S NOT JUST DOING HOMEWORK.

IT’S DOING WORK THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE, TRANSFORMING AMBITION INTO ACHIEVEMENT.

umkc.edu/choose

Choosing  a  university  is  one  of  the  biggest  decisions  you’ll  make.

95  Tif fany  Richard,  BS  ‘

Become  a  Gorilla  and  join  the  7,200+  students  who  have  dreams  as  big  as  yours!

big careers start at Pitt State

big value-­   Flat-­rate  tuition. big selection-­ More  than  150  academic  programs.  big opportunities-­  Internships  available  with  the  Â

Â

10362 Mastin Overland Park, KS 66212

                                       world’s  largest  companies.

Â

Pittsburg State University Pittsburg, KS 66762 V 1-800-854-PITT V www.pittstate.edu

sms

Spotlight

Seniors Gabe Guild, John Eric Kelley, and Evan O’Brien are suprised by their mothers at the assembly, Oct. 4. The Pep Execs had them guess the ‘cheerleader’ that kissed their cheek. PHOTO BY JULIA LARBERG

“

I FELT RELIEVED BECAUSE I DIDN’T WANT ANYONE ELSE KISSING ME BESIDES MY MOM. —senior Gabe Guild