TH E NORTH STAR
BLUE VALLEY NORTH H IGH ScHOOL | OVERLAN D PARK, KANSAS | VOLUM E 36 | ISSUE 5
ZERO TOLERANCE
Learn more about sexual assault policies within educational environments on pgs. 14-17.
CONTENTS 14-17
N EWS
FEATURE
Since We’ve Seen You Last Caroline Clarke, Arshiya Pant 5
Twinning is not Always Winning Reece Bachta 18,19
Hit the Brakes Emmett Abar 6,7
Spring Celebrations Ruby Bierman 20,21
Russia, Ukraine and US Arshiya Pant 8,9
Lights, Camera ... and Cut! Paige Novak 22,23
Zero Tolerance Ella Shafer 14-17
Taking it to the Next Level Anna Sandage, Ella Thomas 26,27
Running on Empty Lauren Austin 11-13
Photo Recap Ella Thomas 28,29
edITORIAL A Word from the Staff Caroline Clarke, Arshiya Pant 4 Want to Learn More? Caroline Clarke, Arshiya Pant 31
ARTS & LEISURE Crossword Ella Thomas, Jack Toal, Max Wolf 30 Learn more about the Blue Valley School District’s policies on sexual assault. Photo by Caroline Clarke
The Oscars Calla Jordan 24,25
18,19
Photo provided by Kate,Taylor Miller
natalie in the mirror doing makeup? / chase’s tools? cars? idk? car things?
22,23
Photo by Reece Bachta
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28,29
Photo by Ella Thomas
Photo by Max Wolf
TH E NORTH STAR STAFF ON LI N E
EDITORS-I N-CH I EF
Taking it to the Next Level Anna Sandage
A Kansan Lense: Black History in Kansas Schools Arshiya Pant
Winter Winnings Sejin Hahn
Boys Swimming Takes Third at State Abi Patterson
North Time Returns for Fourth Quarter Sejin Hahn
21st Century Journalism: Lights. Camera. Action. Addi DeVore
Competition Cheer Places Ninth in Nationals Adelaide Edwards
Caroline Clarke Arshiya Pant
WEB EDITORS Jack Toal Max Wolf
DESIGN EDITOR Ella Thomas
SOCIAL M EDIA EDITOR
Benny’s Baseball Soapbox Bennett Palmer Photos from the Week of Feb. 28 Adelaide Edwards, Anna Sandage, Ella Thomas
TH E NORTH STAR PODCAST
Reece Bachta
COPY EditORs Lexi Newsom Ella Shafer
with Jack Toal and Max Wolf
ADVISER Diana Manglos
STAFF WRITERS
I NSTAGRAM
WEBSITE
BVN N EWS
BVN N EWS
BVN N EWS.COM
Emmett Abar Lauren Austin Ruby Bierman Adelaide Edwards Sejin Hahn Calla Jordan Paige Novak Bennett Palmer Abi Patterson Anna Sandage
APRIL 2022 | The NORTH STAR | 3
A EDITORIAL
Word From The Staff
Content Warning: Mentions of sexual harassment, assault.
I
t seems the same stories occur in a cycle: a girl has to change her class schedule, or switch schools, to avoid the man who sexually assaulted her. Locker room harassment swept under the rug until an athlete snaps under the pressure. This April, in honor of National Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Month, we examine how sexual harassment and assault is handled within our district and our school. At BVN, the response to this issue largely exists as an ambiguous hypothetical, rather than a tangible plan of action. To students, and staff, we ask: would you know what to do if it happened to you? The sheer lack of access to a district policy regarding sexual harassment and assault seems to symbolize the attitude toward prevention and response. In order to find an official policy, our staff had to search through Board of Education documents and scour the Internet for the Student Handbook, only to realize it was only accessible through the Student Hub on Canvas. Finding and reading these guidelines is possible, but not easily accomplished, through a Google search. BOE 3625 states, “The Board of Education believes that all students and employees are entitled to work and study in school-related environments that are free of sexual harassment. Therefore, sexual harassment by any officer, employee, student or other person having business with the school district is prohibited.” A section of the BVN Student Handbook goes on to provide guidelines for reporting sexual harassment. A student, or their parent/guardian,
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“may report such matter to a building administrator, nurse, counselor, or teacher.” Additionally, reports may be brought to a district administrator. The handbook goes on to say that an investigation will determine whether or not the claim was made “maliciously” in order to determine disciplinary action. Again, we ask: have you read those words before? During an already strenuous time in their lives, many BVN students are taking on the work of combating a long-standing culture of harassment, more so than the school itself. The intention of this letter is not to criticize any one specific action by the school district. Rather, it is to call attention to a tradition of inaction. BVN has never been opposed to sexual harassment and assault awareness. On the contrary, the administration has provided support to events illuminating the issue, such as the Glow Out event raising both awareness and money for SafeHome, a local domestic violence shelter. However, there is a fundamental flaw in the way this issue is approached. Sexual harassment and assault should not merely be an issue to occasionally address when it is convenient. It must be approached as something fundamental to the security of our community, with the same energy as any issue that threatens student health. Countless initiatives exist within BVN and the district at-large to target issues such as bullying, drug abuse and suicide. Combating these issues is crucial; where does sexual harassment and assault fit in to this curriculum? We must evaluate whether this issue is less important, or if it is our discomfort that prevents us from speaking openly about a problem that is so ubiquitous.
We would be remiss not to mention that sexual harassment and assault is often reduced to a “women’s problem,” merely a dramatic symptom of some sort of third-wave feminism. In reality, the carnage is indiscriminate — women are dramatic, men are weak, and nonbinary and trans individuals must justify their identity while reckoning with their abuse. Like any social issue, sexual harassment and assault may seem to be ingrained in our society to possibly impact our behavior. Schools are incubators of our society, and when we fail to address harassment and assault among teenagers, we ensure that this issue will continue to plague us as adults. It is vital to changing our larger culture that we begin at this level. The Blue Valley School District needs to be up front about its policies regarding sexual harassment and assault; explicit information should be easily accessible to those both in and out of the district. We must recognize its impact on our culture in order to understand the urgency it requires. Finally, we acknowledge the perseverance of every student who has dealt with sexual harassment and assault, both inside and outside of school. Though our support cannot undo suffering, we hope we can shed light on an immense strength that often goes unnoticed. This is a problem that extends beyond a few pages in our issue, the walls of our school, the boundaries of our district and our state. Still, the hard work begins in our own school and community. Sincerely, The North Star Staff
NEWS
Since We Saw You Last By Caroline Clarke, Arshiya Pant
N
At BVN...
On the week of March 7, Principal Tyson Ostroski announced that Friday North Time would return for the fourth quarter of the school year. According to Ostroski, the free hour was previously discontinued due to littering throughout the school hallways and immature behavior. Preceding the school’s first fourth-quarter North Time on March 25, Ostroski made a school-wide announcement reminding students of the proper conduct necessary to maintain the free hour. To learn more about North Time coming back, scan the QR code below.
Locally... POLICE
Conversations about racial profiling within the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) have resurfaced once again after the Kansas City Star released a story detailing Sgt. Herb Robinson’s experience being pulled over at a traffic stop, which he believes was an instance of racial profiling. At the time of the incident, March 11, 2021, Robinson himself was a detective in the KCPD’s violent crimes intelligence squad. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas reacted to the video, saying, “It needs to be clearer that there is a problem if you step out of line with the rules, the procedures, the policies, and the good judgment that’s expected from this department.” The full video of the incident and Lucas’s reaction to it can be accessed through the QR code below.
Nationally... On March 21, Supreme Court Nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation hearings began. Jackson was nominated by President Biden on Feb. 25 after Justice Stephen Breyer announced his plan to retire at the end of the current term (which will most likely be June or July 2022) on Jan. 27. Several GOP members have already announced that they will oppose her nomination; however, Jackson is expected to be confirmed, as Vice President Kamala Harris can cast a deciding vote in the 50-50 Senate. If confirmed, Jackson will become the first Black woman to serve as a justice in the history of the Supreme Court.
MORE ON...
The return of Friday North Time.
Lucas’s reaction to KCPD misconduct.
APRIL 2022 | The NORTH STAR | 5
NEWS
Hit the
Brakes
Minor car accidents have always been common at BVN, but not all students know how to handle such situations. Learn how students have navigated car accidents on school grounds, and what SROs recommend. By Emmett Abar
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eaving through the school parking lot is chaos for everyone. As students rush to leave school, other students’ cars pay the price. With the majority of the accidents being minor hit and runs, students work with the School Reasource Officers (SROs) on figuring out what actions to take to help students reprimand the accident. Some minor accidents are settled among the students and do not warrant the involvement of the SROs even though it is suggested. This was the case for senior Virginia Haas at the beginning of the year. “The parking lots were just a mess, and everyone was leaving at the same time, and it would take us at least 30 minutes to even get out to just wait in line,” Haas said. As she left the parking lot, a student backed out of a parking space and dented the front of her car. According to Haas, the damage was minor. The two students felt comfortable dealing with the aftermath of the accident personally and decided not to involve the SROs. “It was a miscommunication, and yeah, they affected my car, but it wasn’t like it was anything too major,” Haas said. “We had to park and exchange information and everything … but I also had to go, so instead we were just going to work it out with our families.” 6 | The NoRth StaR | ApRIL 2022
Haas said it can be difficult for “Most accidents, it’s 50-50, where newer drivers to navigate the parking you have two students back out at lot. Although, as time goes by, Haas the same time into each other,” Latas also thinks the situation has improved said. “In those cases we help them as students further understand the share information, we contact both dynamics of the parking lot. their parents and make sure the “The whole ‘people coming in and information shared is enough to help out, taking turns and knowing to wait’ them resolve the situation.” … of course everyone Latas also wants to go home said hit and run right after school, but accidents occur more It’s so easy just you’ve got to wait a frequently, and can to snap a picture second,” Haas said. be complicated for In the end, the the students involved. of an insurance damage to Haas’s In these situations, card, the tag car was repaired, the SROs investigate of the car, the and both parties footage and identify successfully settled the vehicles. damage and situation. However, “Maybe there’s their driver’s Haas said the process a hit and run where license may have been easier someone backs into -Tony Latas if they sought the your car and leaves help of the SROs. before anything gets “We probably fixed,” Latas said. should have [went “[The SROs] will look to the SROs] because it might have at the video, and we’ll try to find a tag made the situation easier, but I know or a car description to identify the car we both really didn’t … know what that backed into the other.” to do and were kind of new to that According to Latas, he has situation,” Haas said. been thankful for recent school The SROs and school officers help cancellations due to snow, because students coordinate with each other poor weather conditions cause more and solve minor accidents. When accidents. these accidents happen, Officer Tony “If they didn’t cancel school when Latas said he wants to help students they canceled school, we would have through basic processes to help resolve had all kinds of collisions in our problems. parking lot,” Latas said. “So that’s
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Steps to Resolving Accidents
1 Take pictures of license plates and any damage done to vehicles, then share information.
one of the things I was grateful for when they canceled school because we are so congested in our parking lot, a lot more congested than I think the other schools are because we’re on a smaller property with a larger student population.” According to Latas, there are proper steps to handle basic collisions if the SROs are not present to help students navigate the situation. “Exchange information, take pictures of the other car, take pictures of the other car’s license plate, take pictures of their driver’s license because sometimes it’s hard to match this kid with that kid,” Latas said. “It’s so easy now just to snap a picture of an insurance card, of the car tag, of the car damage.” When SROs investigate different types of accidents, they use different resources. For example, hit and run accidents require reviewing footage from cameras in the parking lot and listening to students’ descriptions to figure out all aspects of involvement in the crash. They then request students to describe what happened. At times, one student’s car can be confused with another’s. Junior Annika Zmijewski found herself in this situation when the SROs thought
2 Reach out to the SROs to help solve the situation and/or figure out who was involved in the accident. her car was involved in a hit and run accident in the parking lot. “So I was in fourth hour, I’m sitting there, and someone brings in a pass for me, and I was confused because I wasn’t supposed to be going anywhere. Then I see it says ‘see the SROs,’” Zmijewski said. “I was running through all this stuff in my head, like, ‘What did I do? I don’t remember doing anything that would get me sent to the SROs.’” According to Zmijewski, she met with Officer Tina Morse, who asked her about the incident she was thought to be involved in. Once Zmijewski told Morse that she was not involved, they confirmed the
3 Find a solution that can be agreed upon between both parties involved.
information through a series of questions about the accident. “I was nervous and it was kind of funny, then [Morse] said, ‘Was your car involved in an accident in the parking lot?’ and I replied that I hadn’t been in an accident,” Zmijewski said. “[Morse] said that the car was the same as mine and I was like, OK that makes sense.” After Morse asked a few more questions, Zmijewski was free to go back to class. According to Zmijewski, she understands that the situation was simply a misunderstanding, and the SROs were trying to do their job.
Photo of BVN parking lot as students leave at the end of the day. Photo by Emmett Abar
ApRIL 2022 | The NoRth StaR | 7
NEWS
RUSSIA, UKRAINE As war rears its head overseas, how are students and staff at BVN impacted? By Arshiya Pant
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n Mariupol, workers dumped children’s bodies into a mass grave after an airstrike hit a maternity hospital. In Stanytsia Luhanska, shells were fired at a kindergarten. In Kyiv, a nine-story apartment was devastated by yet another airstrike. The war between Russia and Ukraine may be unfolding more than 5,000 miles away from BVN, yet its harrowing effects are felt among the school’s staff and students. These scenes have been reported to the American masses by major news sources including the Associated Press and The New York Times; nonetheless, the conflict may seem like a distant reality to many. Sophomore Paris Robertson and her family are personally impacted by the conflict. According to Robertson, her mother is Russian, and while part of her immediate family resides in the US, many of her relatives currently live in Russia. “My mom is from Russia, she came [to the US] from Russia when she was 14. We have family down there, on my mom’s side,” Robertson said. “My grandma is [in the US], but it’s her sisters and her brothers, my great grandma and my uncles [who are in Russia].” English teacher Diane Morris also has family in Eastern Europe; however, her family lives in Ukraine. Morris said her cousin initially moved to Moscow, Russia, after the fall of the Soviet Union to serve as a missionary, but he now lives in Ukraine. “My cousin, my mom’s sister’s family .... They have four kids, and my cousin who’s in Ukraine is the oldest boy,” Morris said. “After college, he went over to Moscow … more as a missionary to bring religion back to the people after the Soviet Union … but he met his wife … and has lived over there since, in Ukraine.” According to Morris, her cousin and his wife have two daughters. Although their oldest daughter had begun her first year of college in the U.S., their younger,
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16-year-old daughter lived in Ukraine at has been complicated by the conflict. the beginning of the conflict. She is now “We barely get in contact with [family one of more than three million people in Russia] now, because of what’s going who have fled Ukraine since the Russian on. When we do, they call and just say invasion, according to the United Nations. how bad it is out there, and just for us to “[My cousin] needed to get [his pray for them,” Robertson said. “I haven’t younger daughter] out, before things talked to [family in Ukraine]. Recently, got too bad, so he was able to get her I found out that a family member in out through a group of unaccompanied Ukraine, their friend died from the missile minors,” Morris said. “Some friends of that was blown from Russia.” his stepped up and Robertson said helped him out, and this onslaught everything just kind of disheartening We barely get of fell into place to get information has taken in contact with her out safely and get an emotional toll on her back here to the her and her family. [family in Russia] States. So she is with “You wonder now, because of her grandparents, my if something aunt and uncle.” happened to them. what’s going on. To stay up-to-date Like sometimes I’ll When we do, they on both the conflict sit in my room and and its effects on her think, ‘Oh, I haven’t call and just say family, Morris said talked to them for how bad it is out she has used several a while. Are they methods including okay?’ Or if anything there, and just social media, direct happened to them, for us to pray for communication and and it’s just bringing them. news outlets. me to stressing out “We get updates and worrying about -Paris Robertson from Facebook posts. them,” Robertson We also can get some said. “[My grandma] updates through my is crying a lot, asking aunt, and we did initially, but I think she’s if they’re okay or wanting to call them, just really stressed out right now. And just but they either don’t pick up, or the line through news, watching the news and disconnects.” what’s going on,” Morris said. According to Morris, a lack of Morris said she has received difficult awareness about the international news from these sources. situation may have contributed to the “[My cousin] is involved in a group conflict. that will go to Kyiv and bring refugees “One reason we’re kind of in this back to safety. And just yesterday, he situation is because people may not have posted a kind of obituary for another guy known, or may have been a bit naive, that’s doing the same thing, and their bus about Putin and what his strategies really was hit with a bomb, and he was only 26,” were, what his desires really were,” Morris Morris said. “So my cousin over there put said. “What I’ve read, too, is that since that on Facebook, and I’m thinking, that’s the fall of the Soviet Union, I think the exactly what he’s doing.” U.S. has become more complacent and According to Robertson, maintaining unaware that Russia does want to communication with her family overseas become a superpower again, and
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AND US Putin especially wants to bring back the glory days of the Soviet Union.” International Relations teacher Jason Smajda believes understanding global issues is a critical skill. Smajda shifted the syllabus of his class to focus on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, moving the unit to echo current events. Smajda said the access and selection of information plays an essential role in understanding international issues. “What happens when you get pinned into [a domestic point of view] is you don’t have the opportunity to understand what other countries are going through,” Smajda said. “... Our kids don’t get enough perspective. They see what they see on their phones, they’re fed a certain diet of info, they see what they see with their friends and their family, and that’s all they get.” According to Smajda, selective perspectives in information consumption can cause a lack of realistic understanding of issues, including those on a global scale. He said
Tracking Tracking theWar Warin in the Ukraine Ukraine Russia-Ukrainecrisis crisisisisanan TT heheRussia-Ukraine ongoing conflict which continues ongoing conflict which continues unfolddaily. daily.TT infor mation totounfold heheinfor mation presentedininthis thisarticle articleisisupdated updated presented to March 29. to March 29.
students can gain a more well-rounded understanding of these issues by taking a practical approach to information. “[Using resources wisely] starts with getting away from what you like and getting to a point where something is functional,” Smajda said. “You have to be a little bit more pragmatic about it … something that’s useful, not pleasant.” From early history to current politics, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is complex, with many facets to take into account. Smajda said it is important to understand that the war’s reasons, effects and reactions are nuanced topics. “There are no absolutes,” Smajda said. “Understanding the frustration and understanding the complexity of it, I think, is needed.” According to Morris, the most efficient method of support for
IvanoFrankivsk Airport struck by a Russian missile on Feb. 24.
Approximately 190,000 Russian troops accumulated at the north, south, east and west Ukrainian border before the invasion began.
those who are struggling as the conflict continues to rage on is through donation. “Just find those reliable sources that you can donate to. A lot of churches will have donation sites, Doctors Without Borders, Feed the Children, those kinds of worldwide organizations are definitely reliable, and you can donate to the Red Cross ... Try to do what we can to encourage leaders to try to do everything they can,” Morris said. For families and individuals struggling, Morris said it is helpful to communicate with and support others as well as refrain from overconsumption. “It’s good to stay in touch and support each other,” Morris said. “Try not to be too glued to what’s going on, give yourself a break from it once in a while. Realize that you can only do what you can do.”
Missile strikes in the capital city result in gun battles and street fighting.
Kherson becomes the first major Ukrainian city seized by Russian troops on March 2.
APRIL 2022 | THE NORTH STAR | 9 apRil 2022 | THE NORTH STAR | 9
GET READY! Yearbook Distribution Day is May 13
NORTHERN LIGHT YEARBOOK - VOLUME 36 *Ad paid for by the Northern Light Yearbook*
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News
RUNNING ON EMPTY How are students affected daily by not getting enough sleep?
Story by Lauren Austin Photos by Anna Sandage
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S
tudents go to sleep hours after the sun goes down, but are required to wake up before the sun comes up again. How do their sleep schedules affect their day-to-day lives? Dr. Nancy Hamilton is a professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Kansas. She conducts many studies surrounding sleep, specifically, its effect on the brain. Hamilton said based on her studies, sleep and academic performance are directly related. “Sleep is really important for academic success,” Hamilton said. “One of my studies that may be most interesting to students in high school, was the study that looked at the relationship between sleep and anxiety … and what we found was that sleep and anxiety kind of fed off of each other, and that students with high test anxiety actually scored lower on a statistics exam. [You] can think of the pattern as poor sleep [can lead to] greater anxiety, [which] predicted more poor sleep, [which] predicted poor performance on an exam.” Hamilton also said adolescents’ internal clocks can contribute to their lack of sleep. “High school students, and adolescents in general, tend [to set] their biological clocks such that it’s difficult to go to sleep early,” Hamilton said. “So students go to school sleep deprived because they haven’t been able to get to sleep. And then, they have a seven o’clock algebra class, and it’s difficult to pay attention under the best of circumstances.” Hamilton explained the science behind the effects of sleep deprivation. “When you haven’t had enough sleep, people actually do something called micro sleeping. So they can sit in class, they can look like they’re awake, [but] their brains
basically have shut off for seconds or minutes,” Hamilton said. Do students at BVN experience this fatigue? Freshman Ada Boyd said she does in her early morning classes. “I’d say [I get] six or seven hours of sleep on school days,” Boyd said. “I’m
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When teachers are teaching the students that aren’t getting enough sleep, it’s pouring water into a city. - Nancy Hamilton
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definitely tired when I wake up and through my first hour … it’s hard to pay attention.” This amount of sleep is typical for many students, according to a BVN News social media poll (below) of more than 250 student responses, which showed an average of six hours of sleep per night. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), six hours is two to four hours of sleep less than the recommended amount for high school students. The CDC reports that teenagers should sleep for eight to 10 hours every night. The CDC also stated that, “More than two out of three high school-aged
adolescents aren’t getting enough sleep, and the situation seems to be getting worse.” This could cause a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, injuries, poor mental health and problems with attention and behavior. As AP tests slowly approach, and spring sports are in season, free time, including time to sleep, becomes limited. What can students do to get enough sleep to make it through the end of the year? “I need to set aside maybe 30 minutes for my brain to calm down and to relax, so that when I get into bed, I can actually get to sleep because I think part of the problem is you [have] to, with these early start times, get an adequate amount of sleep,” Hamilton said. “You have to go to bed before your body’s really ready to do that.” Sophomore Suditi Challa said there is a difference in her sleep schedule from even to odd hour days. “I definitely get more sleep [on even days] just because I have that extra hour of sleep and I’m not as tired,” Challa said. “[Starting school later] I think would, just because [I would be] more awake, honestly help me learn more. I learn better on my even days than I do on my odd days. I personally believe later days would be better.” Challa described her sleep schedule during the school year. “I get eight hours approximately. I try to go to bed at 10, but that doesn’t always happen,” Challa said. “On Sundays I get 12 hours at least … and I definitely feel rejuvenated after the weekend.” Like Challa, many students tend to find themselves in these rituals of “making up sleep” through the weekends. According to Hamilton, this type of schedule may not be healthy.
How many hours of sleep do you get daily?
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Out of 281 student votes, the average amount of sleep is 6 hours. The lowest scored is less than 2, and the highest scroed was more than 10.
ApRil 2022| The NORth StAR | 12
News “[This is] called social jetlag, meaning they have sleep shortchanges during the week and they try to make it up on the weekend. We don’t think that that’s necessarily great,” Hamilton said. “I make up some sleep on weekends. The jury’s out on whether that’s a good thing in general. But what it does mean, is it makes it hard for you to get to sleep what you want to get to sleep.”
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There’s a lot going on right now to be very stressed, anxiety’s higher, depression higher. And what should happen when you go to sleep is a period of time for your brain to do emotional housekeeping. -Nancy Hamilton
Facts About Sleep
Seven out of 10 high school students do not get enough sleep.
13-16 year olds ahould get 8-10 hours of sleep every night.
33% of high school students report fallling asleep in school
Adolescents who do not get enough sleep are more likely to not get enough physical activity.
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So how might students be able to get enough sleep during the school year in a healthy way? “One of the things that can be helpful for adolescents is to develop a bedtime ritual so that they can relax and quiet their mind and wind down before they get to sleep,” Hamilton said. “The most important thing to do for [your] sleep is to try and have a regular sleep schedule.”
43% of U.S. schools start before 8 a.m.
Adolescents who do not get enough sleep are more likely to not preform well in school.
Sources: CDC, National Center for Education Statistics
Did You Know?
By adding one hour of sunlight at night from daylight savings, the amount of electircity used per day is reduced. 13 | The NORth StaR | ApRil 2022
NEWS
ZERo TOleRANce As Sexual Assault Awareness Month approaches, students address BVN’s policy towards sexual assault and express their opinions. By Ella Shafer
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onsent: to give permission for something to happen (Oxford Dictionary). A simple definition that is often blurred when debating legalities such as sexual assault and harassment in schools. According to the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), sexual harassment is the most underreported crime; their data shows that 63% of cases go unreported each year. What contributes to the lack of reports, and what is BVN doing to lower that number within the school? Sexual Assault Awareness Month is dedicated to recognizing the prevalence of sexual assault and educating people on how to prevent it. Senior Caroline Tryban explained the significance of the month. “Having a month for the awareness of sexual assault is important because even with widespread messages against [sexual assault], nothing really seems to get done,” Tryban said. Junior Brady Fisher said he believes that sexual assault awareness is equally important as other, more openly discussed issues, such as mental health. “Sources of Strength hosted ‘Fight the Darkness’ for suicide awareness, so I think BVN should have something similar for sexual assault because it is just as important,” Fisher said. The Gender Equality Club has held events in support of domestic violence awareness, which bring awareness to sexually abusive relationships. In October, senior Roda Ahmed planned a glow-out event against domestic violence. The event gave BVN students a night of glow-in-the-dark capture the flag while
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also raising $400 for Safehome. She agreed with Fisher that people should not be afraid to discuss difficult topics such as domestic violence or sexual assault, and said that events to raise awareness such as Go for the Glow have given people the opportunity to instigate change. “Domestic violence is a difficult topic and it’s not as widely talked about,”
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It’s been through awareness and the breaking of social norms that have made topics like domestic violence and sexual assault easier to talk about..
-Roda Ahmed
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Ahmed said. “It wasn’t until I had gotten involved with Go for the Glow that I realized the awareness and impact that could be created at BVN.” Ahmed said that conversations about domestic violence and sexual assault bring awareness to the issues and cultivate change. “It’s been through awareness and the
breaking of social norms that have made topics like domestic violence and sexual assault easier to talk about,” Ahmed said. “It’s through discussions that change is created.” According to the safety and security section of the Blue Valley Student Handbook, “Building administrators are responsible for ensuring that an individual who has exhibited ‘threatening or other concerning behavior’ is effectively assessed regarding their potential for violent activity.” Does this statement apply to students and staff accused of sexual assault? According to Fisher, the policy is far too vague to answer this question. “The school’s policy is very short and not that thorough,” Fisher said. “There should be a longer, more detailed section on how to deal with specific violent issues, so they can each be handled effectively.” According to a poll on BVN News’ Instagram, less than half of students are aware of the consequences of sexual assault in school. “I think schools should enforce zerotolerance policies for sexual assault and advertise it the same amount, if not more, as the no vaping, no bullying, no littering policies,” Tryban said. Officer Tina Morse had been an Officer in Patrol for 12 years when she decided to become an SRO to expand her skills and work with kids. She has firsthand knowledge of how schools legally deal with sexual assault cases. Morse said the school has a very strict policy on sexual assault. “They take every report seriously, and they are all looked into in a timely manner
Spreading Awareness at BVN Getting involved with organizations inside the school is the first step to spreading awareness about sexual assault. Gender Equality Club and Sources of Strength both bring awareness to current issues, such as domestic violence and sexual assault, in and out of the school. Maya Ivkovic, President of Gender Equality Club, explained what they are doing to inform people about Title IX. “A lot of studemts aren’t aware of what the school can do for them, so we really want to let people know about their options,” Ivkovic said.
Steps to Success 1. Educate yourself about sexual Assault 2. Volunteer 3. Use social media to gain support 4. Be compassionate 5. Engage the Community 6. Donate to specific organizations
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The school’s policy is very short... There should be a longer, more detailed section on how to deal with specific violent issues so they can each be handled effectively.
-Brady Fisher
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to ensure the victim is heard and feels safe entering the school,” Morse said. When a student is accused of sexual assault, first the school begins their investigation, and Morse assists as the SRO with her own investigation as well. “Anytime a student is accused we also start a Title Nine investigation,” Morse said. “This is done no matter the student’s sexual orientation.” According to Morse, students who feel a victim of sexual assault should report
The Gender Equality Club student raises money at Go for the Glow event against Domestic Violence in October. According to Ahmed, the club helps raise awareness for other causes, including sexual asssault. Photo from BVN Gender Equliaty Club’s Instagram.
APRIL 2022 | The NORTH STAR | 15
NEWS the issue to the administration, SROs or “Social media plays into the idea that anonymously using the P3 app. only women get assaulted, which can be “Sexual assault ostracizing to male cases are not typically victims,” Fisher said. common in schools as Tryban said this many victims do not dividing line enforces Creating rules report the assault,” a negative, often for what schools Morse said. “I think gendered stigma on [sexual assault] occurs victims of sexual consider way more often than assault. ‘appropriate anyone knows because “I think part of clothing’ based it is not reported.” the negative stigma According to is that girls who have around what Tryban, many factors been assaulted are hormone-clouded contribute to how seen as ‘dramatic’ society treats sexual and ‘attentionboys get turned on assault victims in and seeking’, and boys by is ridiculous... out of school. She said who have been social media presents a assaulted are seen as [they] shouldn’t be complicated perspective ‘weak’ or ‘less of a seen as ‘disruptive’ when weighing in on man’,” Tryban said. the stigma surrounding “It’s very frustrating, or ‘asking for it. sexual assault. The first as well as suffocating, -Caroline Tryban question: what really and it feels like defines assault? nothing can be “The media has done.” one idea of assault, and Tryban said that that’s either straight-up dress codes can be an rape or physical violence,” Tryban said. underlying factor when determining the “In reality, it’s not that clear-cut.” verdict of specific sexual assault cases. Fisher agreed with Tryban and said “Creating rules for what schools that social media can also have a negative consider ‘appropriate clothing’ based effect on victims of sexual assault. around what hormone-clouded boys get
“
turned on by is ridiculous,” Tryban said. “Things like skinny jeans or leggings and God forbid bare shoulders, shouldn’t be seen as ‘disruptive’ or ‘asking for it.’” According to Tryban, the secrecy and stigma surrounding sexual assault will only cause more harm to victims. “Being secretive about sexual assault is more damaging because people know they can get away with it or will face no social repercussions,” Tryban said. Ahmed said creating an environment in which victims feel comfortable discussing sexual assault is crucial. “Victims of sexual assault should never have to feel ashamed, and they don’t need to be,” Ahmed said. “Discussion is the start to something greater.”
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Speak Now: Help Is Available Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Domestic Abuse Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 16 | The NORth StaR | APRIL 2022
KNOW YOUR
Procedure
Protection
Recognition
According to the U.S. Department of Education, Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in any educational program or activity receiving any type of federal financial aid. What does Title IX specifically entail when dealing with sexual harassment cases?
Sexual harassment under Title IX includes dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. The Office for Civil rights (OCR) evaluates, investigates and resolves sexual harassment complaints. No matter what the OCR determines, the complainant has a right to file a suit in a federal court. Survivors decide what happens after an incident of sexual harassment occurs. Schools must respect a survivor’s decision to file, or not file, a formal complaint. To protect younger students, K-12 schools must respond promptly when any school employee has notice of sexual harassment, including sexual assault. Right to live hearings with conduct cross-examination. Right to an impartial finding based on evidence. Equal opportunity for both parties to appeal the finding. Gives schools flexibility to conduct Title IX investigations and hearings remotely. APRIL 2022 | The NORth StaR | 17
FEATURE
TWINNING IS NOT ALWAYS
WINNING By Reece Bachta
S
Twins at BVN express the pros and cons of being a twin.
ince day one, juniors Katherine and Taylor Miller have been at each other’s sides. Through the first day of school, sports, tutoring and other new experiences, the twins have always had each other. According to Katherine, Taylor has always been a support system for her, and someone she could lean on when going through hardships and new experiences. “I really do enjoy having a twin because, throughout my whole life, I’ve always had someone that was with me,” Katherine said. “So every new experience that we had, we were able to do it with each other, which was nice because we had each other as a support system and we were able to relate with each other on it.” Because they are twins, many people expect the sisters to be similar, according to Taylor Miller. The girls have the same friend groups and grew up involved in most of the same activities, but have found separate academic and extracurricular passions in high school. She said having a twin helped her develop her own identity. “Honestly, I think it’s helped almost, because so many people expect you to be the same and that’s helped me realize I am my own person,” Taylor said, “We’re not just like a set of twins.”
Freshman Landon Nelson said that he enjoys having a fraternal twin brother, but faces difficulties, such as being called his brother’s name, although they are not identical. “Sometimes I’ll get mistaken for him even though we don’t look alike just because a lot of people meet us at the same time, so that’s one of the challenges,” Landon said. His brother, Gavin, said that because they are in the same grade and have the same friends, he is sometimes compared to his brother, but he ultimately enjoys that they share similar experiences. “We have a lot of the same friends, so it’s sometimes good and sometimes bad. Ultimately, I like having a twin because it’s helpful,” Gavin said. “We’re in the same grade… he can help me with homework.” As an identical twin, freshman Audrey Bell said that being confused and compared with her sister, Andie Bell, can get irritating at times. It upsets her because she wants to be seen as herself. “There’s a lot of ups and downs, but honestly, I don’t really like it just because I’m an identical twin, so I get mistaken for her. It’s a recurring thing every single day,” Audrey said. Andie stated that although she is
Young photo of Katherine and Taylor Miller.. Photo provided by Taylor Miller
Photo of the Bell and Miller twins together. Photo provided by Andie Bell.
18 | The NoRth StaR | ApRil 2022
frequently compared to her twin, they still share a special connection and love one another. “I think that we’re just really close, closer than like normal siblings or best friends because we’ve been together our whole life,” Andie said. Sophomore Sophia Baehr said she finds comfort in knowing that her twin brother, Wyatt, has been, and always will be, there for her. “[Being a twin has] affected my life because [Wyatt and I] always will have each other and know that we will always have each other’s back,” Sophia said. According to Wyatt, he couldn’t imagine a life without his twin companion. He said he and Sophia have a strong bond, and always knows that he has her at the end of the day. “I don’t know what it’d be like to not have a twin, but I wouldn’t want to not have a twin,” Wyatt said. “I think it’s made me a better person overall, because I can see her perspective on things… she’s just always there. She’s always there to support me if I ever need anything. If I’m not feeling good, whatever, we will go into a room and we will talk and it’s great. We’re so close and I love having a built-in best friend.”
Recent photo of Katherine and Taylor Miller.. Photo provided by Katherine Miller
Andie and Audrey Bell when they were young (left) and older (middle top). Photos provided by Andie Bell Sophie and Wyatt Baehr when they were younger (middle bottom), and older (right). Photos provided by Wyatt Baehr
CL
STE L
TH R
LA
MASON
EE PEAS IN A
E
R AI
D PO
Sophomore triplets, Claire, Stella and Mason Ain discuss the insights on being triplets.
what is your favorite memory with your siblings?
what is a challenge that comes with being a triplet?
what makes being triplets different than other siblings relationships?
“When we were younger we always had triplet birthday parties... we went to Pump It Up.” - Stella Ain
“Sometimes they know too much about what is going on in your life and they can get annoying.” - Mason Ain
“Even if you’re mad at one of them, there’s always someone else to fall back on.” - Claire Ain
ApRil 2022 | The NoRth StaR | 19
FEATURE
Spring Celebrations Holidays are universally recognized as a time to celebrate and come together. In April, Ramadan, Passover and Easter take the stage across the world. It is no different at BVN, where students and staff uniquely celebrate many holidays throughout April. By Ruby Bierman
Emma Jacobson (Passover)
P
assover is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the Jewish people’s exodus from Egypt. It is a time of rebirth and renewal, as well as a celebration of freedom, joy, nature and the strength of the Jewish people. According to senior Emma Jacobson, president of the BVN Jewish Student Union, while many Jewish holidays have traditions connected to them, Passover is one where everything is intentional. “Everything about this Seder is intentional. Everything that you eat, everything that you see, everything that you smell,” Jacobson said. What is Seder? The Seder is a traditional meal that marks the beginning of Passover. At the forefront of the Seder meal is the Seder plate. This Seder plate contains six symbolic foods, each arranged on the plate, having special significance to the retelling of the story of Passover, which is the focus of this traditional meal. Jacobson said along with the Seder plate, there is a tradition of eating matzah. Matzah, similar to a gluten free cracker, is traditionally eaten during Passover. The tradition is a reminder that the Israelites, the subjects of the Passover story, fleed slavery with Pharoah’s army at their heels and had no time to let their bread rise, and ate flat matzah instead. “We don’t eat wheat, we don’t eat
20 | The NORTH STAR | APRIL 2022
anything that is related to bread or leaven or [rising],” Jacobson said. “So everything that we eat is gluten-free and does not have any bread or flour.” Though the Seder meal, Seder plate and eating of matzah are common Jewish
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It represents the strength of the Jewish people and just acknowledgment of our ancestors. -Emma Jacobson
“
Passover traditions, Jacobson said there are also traditions which her family has created throughout the years. “Every year growing up, we would go to my grandparent’s house, and they had a really beautiful big house. [Now] that they’ve downsized, it’s been fun every year to let someone be a new host. So my cousins are hosting this year, my great aunt will host [the next]. But it’s
always the same vibe, no matter who’s hosting,” Jacobson said. “All the kids will sit together. All of the adults at a different table, and we always just sing fun Hebrew and Israeli songs and bring new tunes in. It’s just kind of that tradition of being together and singing and rejoicing, having fun no matter where we are.” In the Jewish tradition, many holidays are celebrated throughout the year. For some, choosing a favorite may be difficult, but according to Jacobson, the answer is easy. “Passover is probably my favorite Jewish holiday. Because I think it’s really just the best. It’s, to me, a time of renewal, it’s right when spring always hits. I feel like there’s this new fresh energy in the world,” Jacobson said. “It represents the strength of the Jewish people and just acknowledgment of our ancestors. I think it’s really wonderful. You don’t really find a lot of holidays that are like, intentional, and every single aspect, from the meal, to the songs, to the blessings, to the people there.” Bottom left: Seder at the Jacobson household. Photo provided by Emma Jacobson Top right: Sam Jones’ family decorating eggs for Easter. Photo provided by Sam Jones Bottom right: Haya Boda dressed and ready for Ramadan. Photo provided by Haya Boda
Jason and Sam Jones (Easter)
Easter is a principal holiday in the Christian church, which celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Common celebrations involve church services, family gatherings and Easter egg hunts according to social studies teacher Jason Jones. “Easter Sunday is a big Sunday, in terms of a church service,” Jones said. “We also do traditions like the Easter bunny and the kids getting up and getting an Easter basket and spending time with family and ... So it’s a big family Sunday.” Jason Jones’s son, junior Sam Jones, shares similar memories of Easter celebrations in their household. “We usually come home from church about noon or one. After, we have a big meal. That’s our pretty typical Easter,” Sam Jones said. For Jason Jones, Easter is a time of excitement, happiness and hope. He questions where people find their hope and notes that with Easter, he can find some of his own.
“I think life here is pretty awesome, but it’s supposed to be even better when you go to heaven,” Jason Jones said. “That’s how I feel about [Easter]. That’s what you’re striving for.” Over the years, the Jones have fond memories of their traditions, and how they’ve grown. “I loved always getting up and doing the Easter egg hunt with my family. Me and my sisters for years would race downstairs and see who could get the most eggs,” Sam Jones said. “Then, more recently, both of my sisters have dressed up as our neighborhood Easter bunny” For Jason Jones, Easter Sundays as a child meant celebrating with his grandparents. “It’s always been such a big family day, usually you’ve spent with grandparents. Those are just things I remember, traditional meals or just being at my grandparents on Sunday after church and usually in the Spring, a sunshiny, warm day,” Jason Jones said.
Haya Boda (Ramadan) Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the holy month of fasting. It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon. Sophomore Haya Boda shares what goes on within the month. The most common form of celebration during the month is fasting, Boda said. “Every day for 30 days, we’ll fast from sunrise to sunset, which means that we don’t eat or drink anything, even water,” Boda said. “A lot of people believe that even though you might be able to refrain yourself from eating or drinking all day, if you become super angry, raise your temper, or don’t focus on your prayer, then there’s no point in keeping the fast anyways.” According to Boda, Ramadan is also celebrated by focusing on prayer. “There’s actually a belief that in the last 10 days of Ramadan, if you spend a lot of time praying and reading the Qur’an, then on one of those nights you will be given the rewards of praying every day for 80 years,” Boda said. Along with the common practices of Ramadan, Boda’s family has unique traditions for the holiday as well. Boda’s
family makes time to come together. “In the morning, we’ll all wake up right before the sunrise and we’ll just eat together,” Boda said. “Then at the end of the day, I feel like the meal that we eat to break our fast is a lot more significant. My mom makes really good food and we all just kind of eat together, even if we’re all super busy.” At the end of Ramadan, Boda celebrates Eid with family and friends. “On the last day of Ramadan, we celebrate Eid, which is like a three-day holiday. If it’s during school, I usually skip school, go to the mosque and [my family and I] pray. We also go to people’s houses, and we have food, and we just party,” Boda said. Boda said she looks forward to Ramadan each year, not just for its fun foods, but for its ability to allow her to focus on her faith. “It’s nice to know that I’m always going to be doing a religious act, even when I’m at school,” Boda said. “It really allows you to focus on that, especially because you’re going the entire day without water and without food. So what else are you going to really think about?”
ApRil 2022 | The NORTH StaR | 21
FEATURE
Lights,
Camera,
...And CUT!
The crew shines light on how they make the productions at Blue Valley North come alive for the audience at showtime.
By Paige Novak
The cast preform the musical “Grease” for a live audience. Photo By Reece Bachta.
T
he crowd grows quiet as the lights dim and focus on the stage. The curtains pull back to reveal the actors, ready for their time in the limelight. The smell of popcorn fills the noses of the audience. They hear the tapping of the microphones being tested and chit-chatter of the excited parents seeing their children. In the darkness, the opening scene is set as the running crew rolls the first set pieces onto the stage. Soon after they run off the stage, glowing spotlights highlight the actors who take their place. The show begins.
22 | THE NORTH STAR | APRIL 2022
Behind the scenes of the theater department’s productions, the crew ensures that shows run in accordance with the direction of theater teacher Rachel Cain. According to sophomore and crew member Tatum Warren, the crew prioritizes both style and safety during their process. “We have to build the sets for the school plays and musicals, so I think that’s a lot of pressure and making sure everything is built right and presentable,” Warren said. “[Safety] is very important because we don’t want anyone to get hurt.
We have to wear safety goggles when using any electric tools. We have a rule where we have to wear shoes because there could be a screw on the ground and we have to sweep the floors every day so there’s no huge messes left behind.” Senior set builder and crew leader Aubrey Stone said the crew aims to bring scenes to life and provide actors with a space that allows them to connect with the characters they are playing. “Crew basically sets the scene for the musical. In ‘Grease,’ we built a car for ‘Greased Lighting’ and we built stairs
Why Should You Join Crew? Current students involved in crew recommend why other students should participate in crew.
“I would recommend to join crew if you want to meet a lot of different people and to always stay busy after school creating items that make a show come to life. It’s also very flexible and the theater community is amazing. I have met my bestest friends in crew due to the fact we were always together and constantly problem solving.” -Junior Addison Brandau
for ‘Teen Angel’… it just helps set the scene for the actors to be able to immerse themselves in the characters and the actual show,” Stone said. According to senior Ty Eubanks, who participated in both cast and light crew throughout his high school career, the crew is essential to all of the theater department’s productions. “[Crew] is absolutely crucial,” Eubanks said. “Everything from lights and sound to building sets and running crew. I mean, we have to get the sets on and off stage for there to be scene changes and the flies have to go up and down to signify what scene it is [and] where they are … it also helps portray to the audience where everyone is and where everything is happening. Without it all, it would just be people on a stage reciting lines. It wouldn’t be a show.” According to Stone, setting the scene for the musicals is worth the responsibility and effort it requires. “A lot of work is put into [crew],” Stone said. “Normally, we work from 3:30 to 4:45 or 5 most nights, and when it gets closer to the show we are staying until 6, 7, 8 o’clock after school ends. Some of us will also go in for free periods to help work on what needs to be done, so it’s definitely
“I’m known to recommend tech to everyone. It’s a great environment and you end up making some of your closest friends and family through the course of a show. Even if you aren’t certain where you fit, there’s a place for you!” -Junior Supriya Bolla
“I would recommend crew to other kids at BVN because it’s a really nice environment to be around, and it’s fun to have something to do and see what you built on stage with actors to really bring it to life. It’s also nice if you don’t have musical talent ’cause you still get to be around that theater vibe, which is very fun!” -Sophomore Bibi Igbaseimokumo
a bigger time commitment, but definitely worth it.” Stone said there are various lines of work within crew.
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Without it all, it would just be people on a stage reciting lines. It wouldn’t be a show.
-Ty Eubanks
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“There’s a lot of different stuff you can do.” Stone said. “In crew, you can do lights, sound, stage managing, assistant stage managing, building the sets, painting the sets, costumes, makeup and hair and at certain times, assistant directing.” Senior crew head Peter Mombello said the crew’s work transforms performances
into productions. “I’m lucky enough because I’m in a leadership position, so I get to see the rehearsals,” Mombello said. “It’s just a completely different world when you see the rehearsals without costumes, without sets, without lights and … you see all of it coming together and it really just elevates the whole thing. It looks a lot less like doing it for funsies and instead, like a real, legit production.” Eubanks said being involved in any part of the theater department is beneficial, and he recommends it to students. “Being a part of the [theater] department in any way is so much fun, and it gives you a chance to meet new people,” Eubanks said. “Doing crew is an amazing way to stay involved in the department and also just having a bunch of fun. I can’t stress enough the energy they have at crew, and the people they have … are amazing people. You will find something you will enjoy, whether it’s costumes, lighting, sound, sets and more.”
APRIL 2022 | THe NORTH StAR | 23
EDITORIAL
THE
OSCARS
The Oscars are shining light on the spectacular must watch movies of 2022.
E
ach year, the Oscars come around, stirring up controversy in the film industry. This year especially, many are wondering why certain movies with five-star reviews and great quality were not nominated for Best Picture. A large part of the controversy this year involves Adam McKay’s “Don’t Look Up,” featuring esteemed actors such as Meryl Streep, Leonardo Dicaprio and Jennifer Lawrence. Many believe the movie is undeserving of its nominations and is only a contender due to its star-studded cast. BVN senior and CAPS film student Carl Azar said, “It’s really a hit or miss movie. I wasn’t a big fan. I feel like it felt more like I was getting talked down to and I didn’t really appreciate that and the editing really was just horrible.”
The Oscar Winners
By Calla Jordan
In total, the movie was nominated for four Oscars. Surprisingly, Ariana
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I feel like sometimes The Academy and with the Editing category, they go for what had the most editing rather than what had the best.
-Carl Azar
“
Grande’s song, “Just Look Up,” which she co-wrote for the movie, did not make
Best Leading Actor Will Smith King Richard
the cut for the Best Song category. Another nomination that sparked conversation was Kristen Stewart for Best Leading Actress for her role as Princess Diana of Wales in “Spencer,” directed by Pablo Larrain. Stewart has been criticized for her acting in her previous role as Bella in the “Twilight” franchise but has since proven herself to be able to take on more complex roles. Others nominated for Best Actress are Jessica Chastain for “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” Olivia Colman for “The Lost Daughter,” Penélope Cruz for “Parallel Mothers,” and Nicole Kidman for “Being the Ricardos.” To the surprise of many, Kenneth Branagh’s “Belfast” was not nominated for Film Editing. It’s unusual for a film such as “Belfast,” which is considered a leading contender for Best Picture,
Best Supporting Actress Ariana DeBose West Side Story
Best Leading Actress Jessica Chastain The Eyes of Tammy
Best Visual Effects Dune Gerd Nefzer
Best Animated Feature Encanto Byron Howard
Live Action Short Film The Long Goodbye Riz Ahmed, Aneil Karia
International Feature Drive My Car Ryusuke Hamaguchi
Best Cinematography Dune Greg Fraser
Best Original Song No Time To Die Billie Eilish, FINNEAS
Best Original Score Dune Hans Zimmer
Best Animated Short Film The Windshield Wiper Alberto Mielgo
24 | The NORth StaR | APRIL 2022
to not be nominated for Film Editing as well. The nominees for these two awards usually go hand in hand. “I feel like sometimes The Academy and with the Editing category, they go for what had the most editing rather than what had the best,” Azar said. In total, there are nine first-time actors nominated for Best Leading and Supporting Actors, including Ariana DeBose for her role as Anita in “West Side Story.” DeBose is following in the footsteps of Rita Moreno, who won Best Supporting Actress for Anita in 1962. DeBose‘s win marked her as the first openly queer woman of color to win an Oscar. Rachel Zegler, however, was not nominated for Best Leading Actress for her role as Maria in “West Side Story.” BVN junior Natalie Blood said, “I thought the actor for Maria was phenomenal. And she did an amazing job. But [West Side Story] was subpar. I think it didn‘t do justice to the original movie. It did not feel as romantic and genuine as the original ‘West Side Story.” Jane Campion’s “The Power of The Dog” has taken the Oscars by storm, with 12 nominations, one of which is Benedict Cumberbatch for Best Leading Actor for his role as Phil Burbank, the perceptive
and skillful cowboy. This is Cumberbatch’s first Oscar nomination in seven years. Along with the film’s nomination for Best Picture, Campion received a nomination for Best Director for the second time. This makes her the first
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I think it didn’t do justice to the original movie. It did not feel as romantic and genuine as the original West Side Story. -Natalie Blood
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woman to be nominated for Best Director twice. “I think ‘Power of The Dog’ deserves Best Picture because it was a really incredible movie. Everyone across the board, everyone on that set was just on top of their game throughout the whole movie,” Azar said. Most surprising of all, Wes Anderson’s
“The French Dispatch” was not nominated in any category. The movie was predicted to dominate at The Oscars and was even called the second-best film of the year by “Variety” Film Critic, Peter Debruge. Lin Manuel Miranda’s “Dos Oruguitas,” featured in Disney’s “Encanto,” has been nominated for Best Original Song. If he wins, he will achieve the prestigious status of an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony (EGOT) winner. He has already won an Emmy, Grammy and Tony, and this nomination puts him one step closer to joining other iconic performers and artists such as Audrey Hepburn and Alan Menkin. 2022 has been a year of many firsts for The Oscars and the film industry altogether. Because of this, people are questioning why all of these firsts are just now happening. The Academy has been called biased by its viewers in the past and criticized for the lack of diversity. Many are excited to see films nominated this year with more representation. However, many question whether or not the Academy‘s shift toward inclusive changes have been made with the right intentions.
Best Supporting Actor Troy Kotsur CODA
Best Picture CODA Sian Heder
Best Director Jane Campion Power of The Dog
Best Documentary Feature Summer of Soul Questlove
Best Orginal Screenplay Belfast Kenneth Branagh
Best Adapted Screenplay Coda Sian Heder
Best Costume Design Cruella Jenny Beavem
Best Makeup and Hairstyle The Eyes of Tammy
Best Short Documentary The Queen of Basketball Ben Proudfoot
Best Film Editing Dune Joe Walker
Best Production Design Dune Patrice Vermette
Best Sound Dune Mark Mangini APRIL 2022 | The NORth StaR | 25
News
TaKi Ng it tO th e N eXt Level
As high school student athletes look to further their athletic and academic careers they must first go through the recruiting process. Story by Anna Sandage Design by Ella Thomas
‘I
am pleased to announce that I will be continuing my academic and athletic career in college at…’ is an announcement for many BVN athletes. Before committing to a school, student athletes must go through the sports recruitment process. The college search can be the next step for high school athletes. For senior running back and Columbia University football commit Lucas Bullock, this process began early on in high school and carried on through his senior year. “I originally got into the recruiting process my freshman year,” Bullock said.
LaRs YARKoSKY
“I took my first unofficial visit to Iowa State before the start of my freshman football season.” On the contrary, for Rockhurst University lacrosse commit senior Lars Yarkosky, recruitment wasn’t as prevalent until later on in high school. “The process started spring of my junior year, that’s when recruiting deadlines open,” Yarkosky said. “So for the most part I was just on recruiting apps, trying to get noticed by coaches.” According to Bullock, social media and online recruitment programs are playing bigger and bigger roles in athletes’ abilities
LucaS BULlOCK
Rockhurst University
Columbia University
Senior Lars Yarkosky plays at the first Lacrosse game. Photo by Max Wolf.
Senior Bullock pauses at the fall football game against Blue Valley High. Photo by Anna Sandage.
26 | The NORth StaR | ApRil 2022
to get recruited. “Social mediums were essential in the recruitment process. Specifically Hudl and Twitter,” Bullock said. “Without them I can’t see a way in which, football players specifically, could get recruited. It’s rare to see [recruitment] happen any other way.” These social mediums often use statistics and game film in order to help athletes get attention from college coaches. Because of this, athletes must go to new lengths to get the proper film and recognition. “Making videos was difficult because it’s hard to get clips from the right angles
MaRy CRosslaN d Undecided
Senior Mary Crossland celebrates at the KAMO 2022 classic tournament. Photo by Max Wolf.
and putting all of that together into what you think coaches want to see…” Yarkosky said. “You have to have film from good tournaments, you can’t just send them film from League games in Kansas… so I had to go to the competitive tournaments and get good film.” Throughout this process, athletes often seek advice from mentors. Head football coach Adam Pummill is one of many staff members at North who help their athletes navigate recruitment. “Here at Blue Valley North, one of the things we’re pretty fortunate at with many sports, especially football, is the connections that we have at the collegiate level,” Pummill said. “It becomes easier to get [coaches] attention. So the biggest thing I do is reach out on behalf of each player to the personal contacts I know.” The recruitment process is different for each student. Many athletes commit early on in high school. However, for senior basketball player Mary Crossland, the process is still going on. “I haven’t chosen a place yet because I’m really hoping I can get a spot on [a] Division Two team because they have a good nursing school too,” Crossland said. “They have what I want all together so I’m waiting for them before making a decision.” Alongside athletic opportunities, student athletes consider academic offerings at potential schools. For Bullock, academics became a driving force in pandemic. recruitment as he chose to take the Ivy “Getting schools’ attention and League school route. being able to get “[Academics] recruited [has been ended up being more a challenge] because You should want to important than I had of COVID-19, some originally planned on. coaches don’t know do everything for I would say nobody who is coming back yourself to make is going to want you to play a fifth year if you’re getting all yourself look yet,” Crossland said. C’s and D’s. Coaches “They don’t know more attractive on don’t want to see who will graduate, so paper. That said, that, it makes them it’s hard for coaches uncomfortable,” to open up spots for grades definitely Bullock said. “You next year.” are really should want to do Besides everything for yourself COVID-19, other important. to make yourself struggles presented -Lucas Bullock look more attractive themselves for on paper. That said, Yarkosky as he tried grades definitely are to get recruited. really important.” “In the Midwest According to it is different because there is not a lot of Crossland, the recruitment process lacrosse here…” Yarkosky said. “...to get a has many ups and downs in a normal lot of those East Coast coaches to see your year. However, recently the process has film [can be difficult]...you really have to become even more difficult because of the travel a lot to get seen by coaches.”
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For more stories like this visit bvnnews.com or visit the link in the bio @bvnnews on Instagram
Senior Lars Yarkosky signs to Rockhurst University on signing day, Nov. 10, 2021. Photo by Jack Toal. From a coach’s perspective, there are varying reasons as to why many schools do or don’t offer certain student athletes spots on their teams. “If you get an offer from a fairly large school other schools will know that they [the school offering] did their due diligence and their homework…” Pummill said. “So the other coaches aren’t going to take as much time. They might just offer somebody because they know another school did and they want to throw their hat in the ring.” Bullock feels that despite the hardships, the recruitment process is rewarding and is worth all of the struggles. “Have endurance. There’s a lot of points in the recruiting process where you want to give up and focus on something else,” Bullock said. “... but if you stay with it there is a home for everybody.”
ApRil 2022 | The NORth StaR | 27
FeatuRE
Photo Recap For more photos go to bvnnews.com or @bvnnews on Instagram
Senior Lars Yarkosky and the BVN Stable celebrating a dunk during the BVN vs BVNW subs-state basketball game on March 5, 2022. BVN lost to BVNW 57-65. “Kernan [Bundy] really swung the momentum of that game after yamming all over Mikey Pauley’s head and everyone just went stupid,” Yarkosky said. Photo by Max Wolf.
Junior Archer Nolen pitches during the March 26 baseball game against Veritas Christian High School. BVN defeated Veritas Christian 10-0. Photo by Anna Sandage
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Senior Da’Mah Stacker opens up a track practice by running down the open field and preparing for her sprints in practice on Feb. 28, 2022. Photo by Anna Sandage
Junior Blake Garrett celebrates a basket with senior Kernan Bundy in the March 2 game against Olathe Northwest. BVN defeated ONW 63-56. Photo by Ella Thomas
Kennedy Clark winds up for a pitch in a March 2 softball practice. Photo by Max Wolf
Luzia Thomas cheers during a free throw during the March 2 game against Olathe Northwest. BVN defeated ONW 63-56. Photo by Ella Thomas
Senior Matt Crossland prepares to defend the oncoming volley from a Mill Valley tennis athlete. BVN placed first at the Mill Valley quad on March 25. Photo by Max Wolf
Freshman Anna Bundy leaps over a hurdle. “The hardest thing about hurdles is picking up timing and rhythm,” Bundy said. Photo by Reece Bachta
Ali Piper performs in one of her final band concerts at the band Mid-Winter concert on March 2, 2022. Photo by Max Wolf
Senior Michael Murphy leads laps around the field at the beginning of Lacrosse practice. “I usually like to help [lead practices], but I’m also not as good as some other players, so I do let them take the roles on that,” Murphy said. Photo by Max Wolf
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5. First of the month, for tricksters 8. The ninth month on the Islamic calender 11. The weather event said to bring May flowers 13. Kiss me, I’m Irish 15. Set your clock 17. In Hinduism, a colorful spring festival 18. Stormy day attire
1. Hotspot for sun poisoning and questionable decisions 2. Spring’s most quintessential flowers 3. Netherlands: the land of the ___ 4. First of the month, for celebrating spring 6. “Here comes the ___” by The Beatles 7. ... go away, come again another day! 9. Jewish holiday of liberation, most commonly known for the Seder 10. The only sport where the winners go home 12. 50/50 light and dark 14. The month that comes “in like a lion and out like a lamb”
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EditORIAL
Want to Learn More? Books and podcasts that expand upon three unique topics covered in this issue. By Caroline Clarke, Arshiya Pant
About Sexual Assault Awareness ... “Sex Unspoken” Hosted by Tulane University students Claire Wynne and Maryam Tanveer
Claire Wynne and Maryam Tanveer, Sex Unspoken raises awareness of many sexual awareness issues ranging from sex education to rape culture. While Wynne and Tanveer typically invite guests to discuss how these issues impact college campuses, they are universally applicable topics for any demographic, especially teenage students.
speak
“Speak”
Laurie Halse Anderson CW: sexual assault, self-harm, suicide In her celebrated 1999 novel, Anderson tells the story of Melinda, a high school freshman who reckons with her trauma after she was raped by an upperclassmen. As she struggles to heal, she begins to find her voice. Despite being over 20 years old, Anderson’s story continues to be a relevant portrait of sexual violence and the way it is approached by schools.
About Sleep ... “Sleep Science Podcast” Penny Lewis
“Why We Sleep” Host and neuroscientist Penny Lewis invites a wide variety of sleep researchers and scientists in each episode, exploring and sharing the science behind sleep. Lewis not only explains the effects of sleep on the human mind, but also why these effects exist, aiming to encourage listeners to understand and take advantage of sleep to better their lives.
Why We Sleep
Matthew Walker Walker, a neuroscientist and sleep expert, explores the often elusive power of sleep in our lives. In his investigation, no topic is left uncovered: How does sleep impact our mental and physical health? What is the purpose of dreaming? Can better sleep increase our lifespans?
About Ramadan ... “How Ramadan On this episode of iHeartRadio’s Stuff You Should Know, hosts Josh Clark Works” Josh Carl and Charles Bryant
and Charles “Chuck” Bryant explain the basic customs and traditions of Ramadan. Perfect for those who don’t know much about the holiday, the episode discusses the basics of Ramadan for those wanting to learn more. Clark and Bryant walk through the holiday, focusing primarily on its cultural significance as well as the roots of its traditions.
“Fasting for Ramadan”
Kazim Ali In this collection of meditative poems. Kazim Ali celebrates the Ramadan fast for its communal nature and its sacred connection to Allah. Reclaiming the traditions he lacked in his youth, Ali approaches the fast with a fresh reverence; his inspiration can be felt through the page.
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“The North Star” is the official high school news publication of Blue Valley North High School, an open forum distributed to all the students six times a year. This is the April issue of volume 36. This issue of “The North Star” is published digitally through ISSUU and in print by “Record News.” This is a student publication and may contain controversial matter. Blue Valley School District No. 229 and its board members, officers and employees disclaim any responsibility for the content of this student publication; it is not an expression of School District Policy. Students and editors are solely responsible for the content of this student publication.