The North Star, Volume 37, Issue 4

THE NORTH STAR STAFF

STAFF WRITERS

Stella Ain

Alegria Aguilera

Jessica Assafeen

Kelsey Chellberg

Addison DeVore

Madi Garrelts

Aanya Kabra

Anjali Kambhampati

Audrey Kohnen

Abi Patterson

Alex Robertson

Madisyn Stogsdill

@bvnnews

bvnnews.com

COPY EDITORS

Emmett Abar

Lauren Austin

Ruby Bierman

Bennett Palmer

DESIGN EDITOR

Ella Schafer

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

Lexi Newsom

Arshiya Pant

North Star Podcast

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORS

Anna Sandage

Ella Thomas

WEB EDITORS

Sejin Hahn

Calla Jordan

PODCAST HOSTS

Calla Jordan

Abi Patterson

LETTER FROM THE STAFF

It is indisputable that the 21st century is characterized by intellectual innovation, growth and progress.

As we expand human capabilities through technology, defy nature’s odds by developing modern medicines and raise the bar for our own advancement through academia, we are often reminded that our time is one of endless opportunity. However, this aforementioned intellectual innovation has a devastating side effect: a competitive environment that has crossed the line from encouraging and healthy to pernicious and cruel.

BVN’s notoriously intense culture surrounding academics is demonstrative of a unique kind of pressure that teenagers in the BV School District face. As determined individuals and indirect representatives of top-ranked high schools, the pressure to succeed is constant and oppressive for many students, forcing them to pursue academic success at the cost of their social lives, personal interests and in many cases, their mental health.

Perhaps even more alarming than the sacrifices our students make for academics are the reasons behind their fierce commitment. Unfortunately, hours of sleep lost studying are often the result of worrying about a score, rather than

actual content or education. While it is easy to shake our heads in frustration and condemn this behavior as thoughtless, let us also consider that these students have grown up in a world where college admissions view test results before hearing voices, and use numbers as primary indicators of ambition instead of effort.

In short: perhaps the crippling anxiety of a low number shouldn’t be berated as “shallow” but instead recognized as harmful to students’ educational experiences. It is easier to dismiss student adaptation to this environment as “overreactions” or “just a grade,” but in a world where letters have consumed students’ lives, institutions should instead acknowledge their hand in the antagonistic nature of today’s education model. For our part, we should absolutely criticize this number-oriented attitude towards learning, but we must do so in a tactful manner that is equally — if not more — critical of certain educational systems in comparison to the children who grew up thinking they must succumb to its unrealistic standards in order to achieve their dreams.

Ultimately, high school students are at incredibly different points in their academic journeys. Some have developed

true passions, learning to understand and apply valuable knowledge. Others find themselves basing an entire semester around one phrase: “89.5 and up.” No matter the category, the tendency to connect identity and self-worth with academic success can present itself, serving as a great danger to their development, disposition and ironically, their ability to truly learn.

Although we should be proud to attend a school that has cultivated great minds and pushed the boundaries of success, we should be equally proud to attend a school that boasts caring, perceptive staff and students who are valuable not only for their success, but for their character.

In this issue, our centerfold examines several students’ relationships with academic validation and what this implies on a larger, societal scale. We thank the students who chose to share their experiences, and we hope that through amplifying their stories, we can offer you, our readers, the opportunity to resonate with others’ journeys through a socially and emotionally nuanced topic.

Sincerely, The North Star Staff

WI-FI CRISIS

Faculty reflects on the Wi-Fi issues at BVN.

By Kelsey Chellberg

On the morning of Nov. 18, students walked into their classrooms, sat at their desks and opened their MacBooks. They were ready for a regular day at school, but when they opened Canvas, Google or Cool Math Games, all their computers displayed was one message: no internet.

At BVN, parts in the ceiling are hardwired to a room, which are hardwired to the district office’s IT center. This is how the school-provided MacBooks receive wireless Wi-Fi. A singular system at the BV district office provides Wi-Fi for the entire district.

Technology Integration Specialist John Holloway explained how many computers are connected to the Wi-Fi system.

devices connect to the network.

“Overnight, the Wi-Fi looks great. It seems fine, and then, wham — it gets hit by tens of thousands of people all at the same time,” Holloway said.

When the Wi-Fi goes down, Holloway is unable to fix the issue.

“There’s not a lot we can do in the building to help with the Wi-Fi issue,” Holloway said. “Generally those issues are … not a building issue. It’s a district issue.”

“I think the amount of information and resources that we have at our fingertips right now is incredible. But also the amount of distractions that we have are incredible.

– John Holloway

“[BVN] has 1600 student computers that draw from Wi-Fi … then you multiply that across the entire district, every high school, middle school, elementary school and district office. Everybody’s drawing through the same broad network,” Holloway said.

According to Holloway, the Wi-Fi is overwhelmed each morning as thousands of

Although Holloway cannot directly fix the Wi-Fi, he said he tries to help teachers however he can.

“Mainly what I do … if I can try to help somebody [is ask], ‘how do we teach what you want to teach for right now without using Wi-Fi?’” Holloway said.

When the Wi-Fi was down, English teacher Maria Worthington said she tried to continue class as regularly as possible.

“For the most part, I was able to conduct class … I did an old fashioned, paper-pencil [class] and was able to do that just fine, but it does create a little stress for teachers and students,” Worthington said.

Amid these Wi-Fi issues, the question has been raised: is high school students’ learning too reliant on technology?

According to Holloway, technology is a tool that must be used correctly to be effective.

“I think the amount of information and resources that we have at our fingertips right now is incredible. But also the amount of distractions that we have are incredible, and the amount of screen time that we have now [is a lot],” Holloway said. “Our eyes just aren’t, you know, evolved to be looking at a screen all day, so there are benefits and downfalls

and pitfalls of technology, just like anything else.”

Worthington said working with technology is a skill that she learned during the pandemic and has continued to improve upon to help her students.

“From the pandemic, I’ve learned a lot of blended learning skills to apply to the classroom, and after the pandemic, I’ve used them to enrich education,” Worthington said.

Like Holloway, Worthington views

technology as a tool to be taken advantage of in the classroom.

“We’ve gone too far with technology to not embrace it. And so it would be very difficult to go backward and not do that on a consistent basis,” Worthington said.

In the 21st century, without consistent Wi-Fi, there are obstacles teachers face when trying to teach an internetdependent lesson. Consistent Wi-Fi is a factor to consistent learning.

John Holloway (left) and Steve Loomis (right) work in the library technology room. Photo by Kelsey Chellberg.

By Madisyn Stogsdill

Following months of everything from lawsuits to threats, social media app Twitter continues to provide a platform for millions of people to express their opinions. Now, due to a shift in leadership and the removal of several journalists’ accounts, users worry that the company’s attitude towards freedom of speech will shift as well. What began as merely an online joke — what if one of the world’s wealthiest people owned one of the most influential apps? — turned into an exchange of millions of dollars and several shifts of perspectives.

As reported by ABC author Max Zahn, the American social media company launched a discussion-based platform in March 2006. The idea was to remain closer with those in one’s immediate community, but it eventually became a way to connect with those in other countries. Instead of writing tweets about the newest coffee shop in town, users write about protests and politics. With millions of daily users and tweets, information — and opinions — travels fast. According to senior and avid-Twitteruser Alessandra Adriani, the app provides more opportunities of expression than others, but it may not continue to do so.

“I think Twitter is definitely one of my favorite apps because on others like Instagram, you can only see the lives of people, but on Twitter, you can also see their ideas. I really enjoy what others have to say, and Twitter is a lot more interesting than other social media platforms since it’s just so personal,” Adriani said.

As an exchange student from Italy, Adriani provided a unique perspective on the app’s global impact.

“I use it to see what’s happening in the world, especially right now, when society

is changing so much,” Adriani said. “I think it’s a really good way to know what’s happening in politics and different cultures since users have access to all sides of the story. That doesn’t happen a lot in real life, so this just amplifies it.”

Within an era of activism, the app supports both casual and controversial conversations. Junior Connor Cott explained that while feeds may be unique for every individual, it is rare for anyone to scroll without encountering new ideologies or controversy.

“I use it to just kind of stay up to date on everything. Other social media apps are good, but I think Twitter’s pretty funny because of the different things you hear from different people, such as controversies and arguments that are just extremely [entertaining],” Cott said, “especially when they have negative opinions on Elon Musk or other celebrities, and then, their account ends up being suspended. They’re just gone.”

Initially I would have said that Elon Musk buying Twitter would make less people use it, but I think we’re at a point now where it’s old enough, and a lot of people are starting to see that it’s not a great tool.

what they say, or rather, what they’re allowed to. According to the New York Times writers Kate Conger and Lauren Hirsch, when Musk became the largest shareholder of Twitter, he had the largest influence over its policies. As the app relied on donations for income, it acted in ways that would appease investors. Musk was immediately offered a position as director because of his wealth. Not long after accepting, he withdrew his offer. Due to eventual lawsuits, Musk was legally bound to buy Twitter through a $44 million deal. In response to the change of leadership, Cott said he has seen the growth of the renowned app and predicted its downfall.

-Ben Levy

As easy as it is to access other people’s viewpoints, users feel it is even easier to be suspended for expressing an opinion. Users around the country have expressed how Twitter’s new takeover will impact

“These issues might be funny, but at the same time, they’re bad because Twitter used to be somewhat reliable when it came to verified sources. At this point, you can’t even tell what is newsworthy [because] you don’t even know who’s the person behind an account with a verification mark,” Cott said. “Musk made it to where people can buy a checkmark and act like they’re famous, which is a lot when you’re trying to follow specific people for information.”

Shortly after purchasing the platform, on May 12, Twitter announced a temporary hiring freeze, eventually leading to the firing of several long-

Elon Musk’s rise to power over the renowned social media app, and his potential downfall.

reigning executives. AP Computer Science teacher Ben Levy discussed the long-term implications of those early actions.

“Twitter opened Pandora’s Box. They didn’t know what they were getting into, when it was first invented, and they still don’t. We’re kind of at this impasse, like do you really want free speech?” Levy said. “If you do then you’ve got to let everyone and their terrible thoughts and opinions on [Twitter], or even if they try to limit the bad ones, you’re silencing someone. It’s a lose-lose situation.”

Some students overlook the impact that recent decisions have had, and why they occurred in the first place. While the majority of information regarding this takeover centers around Musk himself, the new regulations he imposed have an equal impact.

“In the long run, I don’t think it’s really going to have an effect that he owns [Twitter]. Initially, some people that didn’t like him got off of it, but the rest of them will stay,” Levy said.

Adriani offers a contrasting perspective on the man behind what many have referred to as “madness.”

“He’s definitely a great person. He did really big things for tech and social media, so he’s an inspiration for the world,” Adriani said. “Some people don’t agree with what he’s done in the past, and I don’t necessarily know who’s right, but I do know he’s a great guy.”

Regardless of one’s status, nearly everyone in a technology-reliant society is impacted by a single decision and the single person who makes it. Users of Twitter continue to emphasize the significance of Musk’s involvement in negotiating the takeover, but the world

will continue to observe how the platform changes in the future.

Note: This article’s purpose is to explain Elon Musk’s initial purchase of Twitter, though he has announced plans to resign as CEO. As of Dec. 20, Musk tweeted that he would be stepping down “as soon as [he] found someone foolish enough to take the job.” Musk still has influence at the company, planning to lead the software and server teams.

The average percentage of students who use Twitter (gray) compared to those who don’t (blue). Of 174 people interviwed on @bvnnews on Instagram.

At What Cost?

By Ella Shafer

Many students aspire to attend college after high school; however, many of those aspirations are shot down when they are met with intimidating tuition costs and the fear of crippling debt. The concern of not being able to afford college can often contribute to students’ already-high stress levels during their senior year.

As students start applying to colleges, there are many different factors to consider. These include the campus, majors, student life, teacher-to-student ratio and tuition costs. Senior Ataya Benson decided to attend Rockhurst University largely due to its costs.

“The expense of college has quite an impact on me because I have to purchase books, scrubs and any other materials I need for simulation labs or activities we do in class, along with just general tuition,” Benson said.

Benson has wanted to major in nursing since she was a child, and specified

Cost?

that she looked into colleges that have the qualifications she needs for a job. According to Benson, the fear of debt after college contributed to her decision.

“I am most likely going to attend Rockhurst even though the KU Medical Program is significantly better because of the cost of the program and living expenses,” Benson said.

According to “U.S. News,” the average amount of student debt hovers around $30,000, while the cost of college tuition and fees continues to rise, having doubled over the last 20 years.

The inflation of tuition costs affects enrollment in certain colleges. According to Benson, she doesn’t apply to schools she’s certain she can’t afford, even if they offer a better program for her career

interests.

“If I believe I don’t have enough money to afford the college, I don’t even waste my time applying,” Benson said.

Student loans have a significant presence in the lives of many Americans, especially given the recent rise in inflation. National student loan debt was almost $1.6 trillion in the second quarter of 2022. This knowledge affects high schoolers’ mentalities toward college applications, instilling fear in many, including Benson.

“I am terrified of debt after college,” Benson said.

According to the Association of Public Land Grant Universities, on average, it takes graduates 20 or more years to pay off their college debt, impacting their

Incoming college students as well as graduates often ask themselves the same question. How do colleges spend their money?

*Information from Penn State’s official website

“

I am terrified of debt after college –Ataya Benson “

Students share their perspectives on college tuition and the effect it has on their application process.

career choice and quality of life.

Senior Brady Fisher is planning to attend KU and major in child psychology. Fisher offered a different perspective on the correlation between tuition and major choice.

“Expenses didn’t really affect my major much because I have two scholarships for KU,” Fisher said. “In-state tuition also helps.”

However, tuition drastically influenced the schools Fisher applied to, including his dream school, Vanderbilt University.

“Even if I did get accepted, I couldn’t go [to Vanderbilt] because student aid only covers $30,000, and tuition is $85,000 a year, even after applying for scholarships,” Fisher said.

Fisher elaborated on his feelings towards the disappointment that college tuition can often bring.

“Not being able to go [to Vanderbilt] because of the cost really pissed me off because I’ve wanted to go there since I was a sophomore in high school,” Fisher

said.

The question every incoming student asks is, ‘why is college so expensive?’ Schools have to raise tuition to keep up with their own costs, along with nationwide inflation. These costs cover a wide range of areas including instruction, academic support, student aid and research.

The government has acknowledged the issue of student debt in the past in an attempt to make change. In order to decrease the burden of debt after COVID-19, the government instilled many policies to put a pause on the collection of defaulted loans. One of these included the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) which originally waived interest and halted loan collections in September 2020. The CARES Act will end this year, leaving some students with the choices of going into debt or dropping out.

Benson acknowledged the effects that

college debt could have on her future.

“Debt would completely change my life after college,” Benson said. “If I had debt in the future, I probably wouldn’t be able to travel, move to my own apartment or do things that are outside of my budget. I would be so focused on paying that money off, I wouldn’t really be able to focus on myself.”

An additional aid for struggling current college students and graduates is Biden’s debt relief plan. This outlines that those who earn less than $125,000 a year, or are in households with a combined income of less than $250,000, are eligible for up to $10,000 in debt cancellation. An additional $10,000 of student debt will be erased for those who received federal, need-based aid during college.

However, this plan is currently under tight observation and debate, facing criticism from many opponents. As the Supreme Court reviews the constitutionality of Biden’s proposal, it will be stalled. Biden has presented his case, and the Court’s decision is expected to be made in a few weeks.

“These plans being cancelled makes it a lot harder on future college students,” Fisher said. “Knowing that they have to pay for college with little to no help takes away the idea of going to their dream schools.”

“ Not being able to go [to Vanderbilt] because of the cost really pissed me off because I’ve wanted to go there since I was a sophomore in high school.

–Brady Fisher “

One Step at a Time

Many students have heard someone say, “freshman year is the worst!” or “senior year is a breeze,” but between classes, social life and extracurriculars, every year of high school presents unique obstacles to get to the finish line.

By Emmett Abar

Freshman year

Freshman year is the first taste of high school, and after the first semester, freshmen like Hannah Kruegar are off to a strong start.

“It’s good. It’s a big jump from middle school for sure because I was online due to COVID. So far it’s been really good,” Kruegar said.

The transition from middle school gives new responsibilities and opportunities.

“[Between] the amount of work and the expectations, I definitely have more responsibilities as a freshman than I did in eighth grade,” Kruegar said. “Soon softball and soccer season[s are]coming up … So I’m really excited about that.”

Kruegar is in a unique position, as she

plays two sports while also balancing new responsibilities with freshman year.

“It’s definitely going to be hard because I’m trying to do two sports at once, and I’m not gonna have a lot of time because we do get a lot of homework,” Kruegar said. “So I’m just hoping I can finish it in time.”

Kruegar is already worried about problems she could face in coming years.

“I don’t know where to put myself in classes [to prepare] for college ... I get really confused about it,” Kruegar said. “So right now I’m kind of just doing classes that I have more of an interest in, but hopefully, I’ll figure it out.”

Hannah Kruegar (left) with softball teammate Jada Soto (right) after a club game. Photo provided by Hannah Kruegar.

Sophomore year

Sophomore Athan Tran’s transition from freshman to sophomore year went relatively smoothly. Due to increased familiarity with school and more independence, Tran has been enjoying his second year at BVN.

“I think that the expectations are higher since we’ve had a year to adjust to high school, and so, it’s a lot more independent and more like ‘do your own work,’” Tran said.

Tran gave advice to the freshman class to help transition into sophomore year as easily as he did.

“[During] my freshman year, I made a bunch of friends, and some upperclassmen

even took me under their wing, [which] really helped me get through the year while also feeling welcomed,” Tran said. “A lot of sophomores would probably say, ‘enjoy [freshman year],’ but I think you should take your time, so it’ll be easier going into later years.”

Tran also said he’s been able to see the change from freshman to sophomore year.

“Knowing the school, like the familiarity of it is better, so it’s easier to get from class to class,” Tran said. “You know how to plan for classes, sports and stuff.”

Junior year

Some students feel that junior year can be intimidating as it is their “make-or-break” year before college applications. One such junior is Eddie Mu.

“It’s definitely harder. To be honest, freshman year was kind of light, sophomore year was where it started to pick up a bit and [junior year is] the year you [have to] grind,” Mu said. “That’s the year everything goes on the college application.”

However, Mu believes junior year has multiple benefits as well.

“You know your classmates a lot better

Senior year

… it’s a lot more specialized, and you can be more interested in specific subjects,” Mu said.

Mu has been involved in many activities since his freshman year, which increases his workload.

“Junior year’s where you start to consolidate a bit. I know a lot of people start quitting stuff, but I didn’t really quit anything, so I [have] a lot to do,” Mu said.

Some students associate senior year with a payoff of all the hard work put into their past three years of high school, but that isn’t always the case. Senior Riley McConnell has chosen to have an active schedule during her last year at BVN.

“It depends on what you do. I’m taking all AP classes this year, and so, it depends on your workload,” McConnell said. “Last year, I actually had less homework. The [junior-year] classes were harder, but I’ve definitely had more homework [senior] year.”

McConnell also said that college applications are a huge amount of work for seniors to deal with, on top of extracurriculars and difficult

classes.

“Depending on what you’re doing for college, you have a lot of applications to get done. I personally am doing musical theater, so I have three times as much work as some other seniors,” McConnell said. “So, personally, senior year is a little harder, but it really depends on what you do.”

Despite the stress, McConnell said that there are benefits to senior year.

“[One benefit is] probably the confidence in school involvement because you know the school, you know the traditions and [you] can feel like a leader in a way so that you don’t feel as much pressure,” McConnell said.

Riley McConnell (center) with her costars in a local production. Photo provided by Riley McConnell.

Eddie Mu performing at the Homecoming Parade with the marching band. Photo provided by Eddie Mu.

Athan Tran competing in a swim meet last year. Photo provided by Athan Tran.

LOVE ON THE BRAIN

The science and psychology behind attraction and perception.

By Audrey Kohnen

After the lifting of many pandemic-related restrictions, socializing and dating have become increasingly prevalent. Many cosmetic trends are resurfacing, exemplifying how individuals are trying to connect once again. Behind these trends lies an abundance of science and psychology.

Pheromone fragrances are taking the world by storm as many perfumes on the market claim to be infused with synthetic pheromones. Supposedly, these perfumes enhance natural scent and create a smell that makes the wearer seem more approachable and likable.

Pheromones are airborne chemicals that mammals produce to change the behavior of other mammals. This can serve as a form of communication and attraction between members of the same species. Although pheromones are documented in many animal species, research on their existence in humans is still inconclusive.

AP Environmental Science teacher Daniel Smalley said that although there is no scientific proof of human pheromones, there are other hormonal releases that affect humans.

“As far as we know, we don’t have true pheromones. But we do have some hormonal releases that come out. For example, there’s oxytocin,

which is a bonding hormone that is released when women nurse their babies,” Smalley said.

Both hormones and pheromones can cause psychological and behavioral changes in the body; however, hormones only occur inside one individual, while pheromones occur between multiple individuals and are released outside of the body.

“Our sense of smell is about 1,000 to 10,000 times less sensitive than that of a dog.” Smalley said.

The human sense of smell is far less developed than other animals’, as people tend to rely on sight and sound far more in social situations. It is possible that human pheromones exist, however, none have been identified in scientific studies as of now. Despite the uncertainty of human pheromones, other perceivable smells still play a role in attraction, or lack of attraction. Senior Joe Hudson got his first cologne when he was in seventh grade, but started his collection only a few months ago. He said he has a total of 14 bottles at the moment.

“The way you smell can definitely give you confidence and change other people’s perception of you. If you know you smell good, and other

people see that, it can definitely change the way people think of you,” Hudson said.

The olfactory system in the body controls sense of smell, which is directly connected to the amygdala and hippocampus. These areas of the brain are responsible for generating emotions and forming memories. Therefore, smells often trigger vivid memories or other past connections.

The brain continues to develop until the age of 25, so teenagers

“

Our sense of smell is about 1,000 to 10,000 times less sensitive than that of a dog.

–Daniel Smalley “

may think and respond to situations differently than adults would. A psychological study at Rochester University found that adults think mainly using the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which responds to situations rationally and with awareness of consequences.

On the other hand, teens process information with the emotional part of the brain, the amygdala. As young people hit puberty, the brain releases a group of hormones called androgens which causes emotional and hormonal changes. This is why people may start to develop romantic interest around the ages of 10 to 15. A study from the University of California Berkeley showed that adolescent relationships with family, friends, teachers and romantic partners are a very important step in development. Having healthy relationships builds a base for social skills, emotional intelligence and open communication.

Senior Sydney Adams has taken a child development and

health class, and said romantic relationships are often avoided in discussions at school. According to Adams, sex education and relationships are important to discuss despite the stigma around the subjects.

“I think relationships should be talked about more in school because there are some things that I could’ve learned if I knew how relationships should be, instead of just getting thrown into it and trying to figure it out myself,” Adams said.

Both short-term and long-term relationships can also provide learning experiences, influencing self-worth, personal beliefs, selfesteem and goals. These romantic relationships can assist teens in developing more mature and less emotionally dependent relationships with their parents, and can act as a precursor to independent living.

Cosmetic trends have also been inspired by emotional connections with color, aiming to influence physiological reactions and therefore, affecting decision making and judgment. The “red nail theory” is a hypothetical way to attract potential partners and make one more attractive. It was created on social media and quickly gained momentum. A study at Rochester University concluded that men were

more likely to approach women who were wearing red nail polish. In one experiment, women shown wearing red were rated significantly more attractive by men than the same women shown with other colors.

Marilyn Monroe was one of the many iconic women who wore red nails. She was known for her trademark red lipstick while working as an American actress, model and singer in the 1960s. She is considered by some to be a special figure in American pop culture through her popular films, and was labeled one of Hollywood’s most beautiful bombshells.

According to multiple studies, the symmetry of one’s face is another factor in attraction. The Evolutionary Advantage Theory says that this is because it shows good health in an individual. Everyone’s genes are designed to develop a perfectly symmetrical face, but as people grow, they are faced with age, diseases, infections and injuries which can cause asymmetrical appearances. Having an asymmetrical face is very common. Taking a closer look at Marilyn Monroe, asymmetry naturally exists between the two sides of her face.

Despite the many nuances of research and psychology, the science of attraction eventually boils down to how elements such as scent and color make users feel and react to others.

External factors may affect one’s initial perception or temporarily boost confidence, but connections and bonds are still primarily determined by personality and engagement.

“ There are some things that I could’ve learned if I knew how relationships should be, instead of just getting thrown into it and trying to figure it out myself.

–Sydney Adams

value A STUDENT’S

Photos by Alegria Aguilera

By Alegria Aguilera

student may spend thousands of hours in school over the course of their life. During this time, they have the opportunity to learn, interact with their peers and explore fields that may prepare them for the future. According to “The Washington Post,” school is a cause of stress for 83% of teens. That begs the question: has academic stress gone too far?

Academic validation refers to the self-worth gained from academic success, but the term also has implications relating to the obsession with that academic success, particularly when it becomes the entirety of someone’s self-worth. This obsession can manifest in different ways for different students, but for junior Brendan Kelly, it comes in the form of anxiety.

“I hate having late work or anything like that. When I see low scores on tests, it really stresses me out. I just prefer to have higher grades,” Kelly said.

As students reach higher levels of education, courses tend to become more advanced and have greater workloads. According to Kelly, this has been particularly difficult since most of his course load consists of AP and honors classes, starting freshman year.

“When you just start out in high

school, you get a lot of work really fast. It negatively impacts your mental health, and you just get so anxious and stressed,” Kelly said. “You get to the point where you’re not learning. You’re just going through the motions to get the grade that everyone expects you to get.”

As authority figures, teachers play a role in the increased stress, at least for sophomore Ella Grant. While she said that some teachers understand this dynamic, many teachers make schoolwork-related stress worse.

“I think [BVN teachers] don’t understand how bad [school] can be for people’s mental health, the many other

classes and the amount of work that school takes,” Grant said.

According to Kelly, BVN has a general culture of academic competitiveness and superiority. Though it isn’t a main motivating factor for him, he recognizes that the environment at BVN alone adds pressure to be academically successful.

“I feel like BVN is obviously a really good school,” Kelly said. “I think because of that, people are pressured to be able to keep up with all the learning and the need to have good grades. BVN has [had] such good test scores in the past, and we want to keep them up. We don’t want to disappoint the school.”

Additionally, Kelly has been part of the gifted program since he was in kindergarten. This environment has increased stress and anxiety for him at school, starting at a young age.

“In the gifted program, we were always expected to be smarter than everyone else. That was just the idea around the entire thing, even from early elementary school,” Kelly said. “There was always this added level of pressure.”

gifted program

Environments like a

or

A“ We don’t want to disappoint our parents. No one wants to disappoint their parents. It has been drilled into me since I was a little kid that you always want to have an A or a high B, and if you don’t, you’re not doing something right.

–Brendan Kelly “

How is a student’s personal value defined solely by their academic achievements?

a top-rated school aren’t the only factors contributing to an increased reliance on academic validation. Parents can also add to these dependencies. Although a fair amount of Kelly’s stress about grades comes from a desire to go to a competitive university, familial pressures are another driving force.

“We don’t want to disappoint our parents. No one wants to disappoint their parents,” Kelly said. “It has been drilled into me since I was a little kid that you always want to have an A or a high B, and if you don’t [get it], you’re not doing something right.”

Though students get a significant amount of social interaction through their schools, the internet provides a setting for social interaction and comparison

that is separate from the academic setting. Despite the distance, even on social media, academic validation has been romanticized. Many Instagram moodboards, Spotify playlists and Pinterest boards revolve around the idea of being high academic achievers. Grant acknowledged the culture created around this drive for high accomplishment and the consequences.

“I think it’s like, if you have good grades and do well in school, you’re worth more to people.

You’re going to be able to get better jobs and be at a higher place in society,” Grant said.

“People push for that and push for their kids to do that.”

Whether given for an assignment or a test, higher grades are often associated with greater learning. However, Grant believes that these higher grades can be achieved without learning, which prevents people from trying to learn material to retain it.

“I think for a lot of kids, they’re just trying to meet the expectations to learn the stuff they need to know for the next test coming up, and not focusing on what they’re learning,” Grant said. “Finals come up, and everyone’s scrambling and trying to remember everything again, because after each test, they kind of lost it.”

For Grant, the emphasis on

academics from school and parents have been detrimental to her mental health.

“I have spent many nights crying, stressed about whether I’m going to do well on a test or overwhelmed with assignments. We spend so much time in school in the week, and then, [at] home, we have homework and studying,” Grant said.

Grant “

According to “Psychology Today,” seeking validation can hold people back from living their lives. However, according to Kelly, the constant stress is part of the BVN experience.

“I think it’s a self-worth issue. When people get high grades, they tend to think of themselves as better,” Kelly said. “I feel like we put such an emphasis on grades because people want that gratification to feel powerful and in control.”

“

I think it’s like, if you have good grades and do well in school, you’re worth more to people. You’re going to be able to get better jobs and be at a higher place in society,

–Ella

Information from Mayo Clinic

Driving Deluxe

What are common first cars for students at BVN?

By Jessica Assafeen

Most rites of passage take place during high school.

From first relationships to graduation ceremonies, students look forward to many new experiences during this stage of their lives. One rite of passage, however, changes daily life: getting a driver’s license and possibly, one’s own car. While some students start in a less expensive and more practical car, others operate higher-end vehicles from the beginning of their driving experience. What drives this choice, and what effect does it have?

Taking a look at the BVN parking lot, Jeeps tend to be a popular choice. In a variety of colors and styles, Jeeps are appealing to teens and their families. Additionally, they provide many safety features such as visibility over other cars due to the height of the vehicle.

Senior Jake Sayers enjoys his Jeep, although he said it was an unexpected part of his life.

“A Jeep is my dream car, and [my family and I] were looking at a [cheap car lot],” said Sayers. “I [told my parents] ‘yeah, any of these.’ And then they roll up on my birthday with [the Jeep].”

However, the purchase didn’t come without compromise. According to

Sayers, his parents set new rules regarding his car.

“[They said,] ‘Here’s the deal, you’re going to share this with all of your siblings’ … I’m now the family chauffeur, so I take them to practices, … dance, friends’ houses,” Sayers said.

At BVN, it’s not uncommon for students to be gifted cars from their parents or other family members. Senior Sean Sullivan was given his 2019 Buick Cascada from his grandparents unexpectedly, as well.

wants, Sullivan enjoys being out of the house more frequently.

“I barely see my parents anymore because I’m hanging out with friends,”

“My grandpa wanted an excuse to buy a convertible, and [he said] he’d just give it to me when I went to college. However, instead of giving it to me when I went to college, he gave it to me when I got my license.

“My grandpa wanted an excuse to buy a convertible, and [he said] he’d just give it to me when I went to college. However, instead of giving it to me when I went to college, he gave it to me when I got my license,” Sullivan said.

While Sayers still sees his family often because he drives his siblings everywhere they need to go, Sullivan experiences the opposite. Now that he has the freedom to leave home whenever he

–Sean Sullivan “

Suditi Challa didn’t play a prominent role in choosing her vehicle, she receives many comments on her car, a Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

“A lot of people make fun of the fact that I specifically drive a Mercedes, but I just really liked the car … I didn’t choose what my dad did, but I did help him pick it out,” Challa said.

Regardless of what others have to say, Challa believes the car is a perfect fit for her, despite minor complaints.

“I really like the aesthetic of all-black car[s] and the black exterior,” Challa said. “[But I don’t like that] it gets really hot during the summer.”

Like Challa, most BVN students with vehicles have come to embrace their cars.

THE OWNER: JAKE SAYERS

THE MAKE: JEEP THE MODEL: SAHARA FUN FACT: SAYERS KEEPS TWO RUBBER DUCKS ON HIS DASHBOARD, A COMMON TRADITION FOR JEEP OWNERS.

THE OWNER: SUDITI CHALLA

THE MAKE: MERCEDES-BENZ

THE MODEL: E-CLASS FUN FACT: CHALLA’S LICENSE PLATE HAS BEEN CUSTOMIZED TO BE HER LAST NAME.

JANUARY 2023 | THE NORTH

DIVING INTO

TRADITION TRADITION

The boys’ swim team at BVN has a series of traditions and rituals that take place every year. What are these traditions, and what role do they play in the team?

By Anna Sandage

From breadsticks to bald heads, each year the BVN Boys Swim Team partakes in a variety of traditions. The team practices these traditions in order to build camaraderie and grow spirit. This team bonding has played a large role for the boys for many years, and will continue to fuel them during the 2022-2023 season.

The vast majority of the team’s traditions take place during an athlete's first season on the team. According to junior Klein McGraw, the underclassmen generally experience two traditions including buzzcuts and eating with chopsticks at team dinners.

Additionally, at the beginning of the season the freshman boys on varsity have the option to get a buzzcut to help create team unity. According to sophomore Wilson Riekhof, the haircut isn't as bad as it seems and actually proved useful for him during his freshman season.

“[The haircut] was fine,” Riekhof said. “My hair was dead from the pool, so I think it was good to restart.”

In general, the traditions focus more on the freshmen and new athletes on the team. This means as the athletes become upperclassmen, the rituals “die down.” According to junior Alec Lopez, he doesn’t have to participate in nearly as many traditions compared to previous years.

“There just aren’t as many for this year, especially as upperclassmen,” Lopez said. “Some [juniors and seniors] are getting mullets for State, but that’s really it.”

One of the most notorious freshman traditions is to eat solely with chopsticks, which sophomore Trey Wichman participated in.

“All of the freshmen have to use chopsticks, and it is kind of unspoken,” McGraw said. “They can’t use anything else [besides chopsticks] at school or when we are at a team dinner.”

One of the final traditions is the role of the Weatherman. According to Lopez, the annual breadstick eating competition is one of the most enjoyable team rituals.

“We do a breadstick challenge… at Fazoli’s every year,” Lopez said. “Whoever eats the most breadsticks wins, and whoever eats the least has to get up before everyone else, everyday until the end of the swim season and tell everyone the weather in the GroupMe.”

However, not all swim traditions are fun and playful. According to McGraw, some of the consistency with the boys swim team comes from their Head Coach Rob.

“Our coach, Rob, insists on water bottles at practice,” McGraw said. “If you ever don’t bring a bottle to practice, you immediately have to swim 100 Fly, and that is never fun.”

Despite the fact that many swimmers do choose to participate in these various activities, McGraw assures they are always optional and never harmful.

“I think right now we’re at a good point where our traditions are pretty fun,” McGraw said. “If the person or swimmer really doesn’t want to do it, they don’t have to. No one is forcing them to do [the traditions].”

The general consensus around the team is that these traditions aren’t just good for team fun and goofing around. They play a deeper role in forming connections between athletes of all grades.

The swim team’s traditions influence the team comradery at BVN. The traditions make it easier for the different-aged athletes to get to know each other and make everyone feel welcome, according to Wichman.

“[The traditions] play a part in making everyone feel like they are a part of something,” Wichman said. “[They] help with overall team bonding and fun.”

“

[The traditions] play a part in making everyone feel like they are a part of something.

-Trey Wichman “

Photos by Anna Sandage.

Buzzw rds

Words such as gaslight and manipulate are being used more and more in day to day conversations. What effect are these buzzwords having on society’s language?

By: Alex Robertson

What is a buzzword?

Words and phrases such as gaslighting, manipulating, lit and peanut gallery have all earned the label despite being starkly different from one another. Merriam-Webster defines a buzzword as “an important-sounding, usually technical word or phrase often of little meaning used chiefly to impress laymen.” If these buzzwords have lost their meaning, why are they used so often, and what effects do they have on societal jargon?

Merriam-Webster’s word of the year is “gaslight.” With a 1740% increase in searches, the word gaslight has come to represent an age of accusation. Merriam-Webster defines gaslighting as “psychological manipulation of a person usually over an extended period of time that causes the victim to question the validity of their own thoughts, perception of reality, or memories.” The word comes from the 1938 play “Gaslight” in which an abusive husband convinces his wife that she is going insane by dimming the gas candles throughout the house and denying the change. Today, gaslighting is often used when someone feels they are being taken advantage of or manipulated. According to senior Katherine Koplik, the word is used in situations much less dire than originally intended.

“I feel like those terms have been so overused, and it’s kind of taken the weight and gravity away from them,” Koplik said.

Koplik has seen the negative effects of using words such as “gaslight” and “manipulate.” She is not the only one. Senior Brady Fisher has seen the word “gaslight” be used in merchandise and everyday pop culture. Both believe the unnecessarily abundant usage of the word

takes away its impact and has the ability to cause harm. While using these words may seem to make one’s vocabulary educated, it has the opposite effect.

“If you’re going to use it in a conversation, know what it actually means,” Fisher said.

While words like “gaslight” and “manipulate” inherently come with a negative connotation, not all buzzwords do. “Lit” and “shade” made The Red & Black’s “Top 10 Buzzwords of the Decade” list. These words have a much lighter meaning now than they originally did. MerriamWebster defines “lit” as “affected by alcohol.” Adults often use the word incorrectly. Parents and teachers alike use “lit” to describe many common teen activities or to relate and joke with the younger generation, blind to the true meaning of the word.

An importantsounding, usually technical word or phrase often of little meaning used chiefly to impress laymen.

–Merriam-Webster Dictionary

“Peanut gallery” — often used in the phrase, “that’s enough from the peanut gallery” — has a history that many are unfamiliar with. The peanut gallery was the highest and cheapest section of the theater. These seats were mostly occupied by segregated groups and low-income patrons. The name “peanut gallery” comes from the peanuts that were served in that section, which people would often throw at acts they disliked. Theatergoers in the lower sections believed the peanut gallery’s judgments were uninformed and

unintelligent. Today, criticisms of the peanut gallery are attributed as largely racially or class motivated. The negative connotation of the phrase today is lighter than the implications of its sinister past. Some phrases have origins that go farther back than others. “Pulling someone’s leg” originates from the 18th and 19th centuries. Robbers would implement teamwork in pairs to ambush people on the streets. One robber would strike first by tripping the walker, and as they hit the ground, the second robber would strip the person of their valuables. Today, “pulling someone’s leg” refers to innocent jokes; now a momentary comment, pulling someone’s leg was once a life-changing experience. These common buzzwords are just a few examples of the increasing trend of using language to appear educated despite one’s actual knowledge of a word or phrase. The misuse of buzzwords may be having a negative effect as words lose their meaning and impact. So what is a buzzword? Is it a common word thrown around in everyday conversation, or is it a representation of society’s increasing tendency to use information and words of which they have little to no understanding?

“

“

Gaslight Verb

gas · light · ed or gas · lit; gas · light · ing; gas · lights

1 : to psychologically manipulate (a person) usually over an extended period of time so that the victim questions the validity of their own thoughts, perception of reality, or memories and experiences confusion, loss of confidence and self-esteem, and doubts concerning their own emotional or mental stability: to subject (someone) to gaslighting (Merriam-Webster)

Ghosting Verb

ghost; ghost · ing

1 : the act or practice of abruptly cutting off all contact with someone (such as a former romantic partner)[,] usually without explanation[,] by no longer accepting or responding to phone calls, instant messages, etc. (MerriamWebster)

Manipulate Verb

ma · nip · u · lat · ed; ma · nip · u · lat · ing

1 : to control or play upon by artful, unfair, or insidious means especially to one’s own advantage (Merriam-Webster)

2 : to change by artful or unfair means so as to serve one’s purpose (Merriam-Webster)

BVN’s BEST

A photographic recap of a successful year for Blue Valley North students.

By Lauren Austin

Homecoming Happenings

The homecoming week theme was Hollywood. BVN had the homecoming parade on Wednesday with many great floats, the assembly on Friday and the dance in the commons on Saturday. Hannah Chong and Eden Kay won homecoming queen and king, and the dance at BVN ended the night on a positive note. Photoby AnnsaSandage

Friday Night Lights

The football team ended the season with a 1-8 record, beating St. James high school the week before regionals with a 25-20 score. The team then faced Olathe South in regionals, but was defeated in the last minute by 3 points, with the final score of 23-26.

PhotobyAnnaSandage

Scoring to the Semis

The boys soccer finished with an 11-5-2 record. The team made it to regional semi-finals by beating Blue Valley, but fell short to Shawnee Mission West, ending their season. PhotobyEllaThomas

OF 2 0 2 2

Tennis Talents

Placing second overall, girls tennis also made it to the state championships in Wichita, Kansas, while also securing the EKL championship title. PhotobyKelseyChellberg

Serving at State

The volleyball team did great during their season going all the way to Salina for the state championships. On day one they continued on with a 6-0 score, however, lost to Blue Valley on the second day for a 3rd place overall at State.

Sandage

Marching Into State

Scholarly Success

As for academic achievements, BVN had 19 total National Merit scholars, including seven Commended Scholars, 11 National Merit semi-Finalists, and one National Merit Hispanic recognition. PhotobyAlexRoberston

PhotobyAnna

Six students made the gold roster for the band at State. PhotobyCaitlynCoal

GOTTA COLLECT THEM ALL

Collecting has been around for years, but what are students around BVN collecting?

By Ruby Bierman

Dusting off the shelf to make space for the new addition to an ever-growing collection — that is the life of a collector. Ranging from vinyl records to books and makeup, there are endless possibilities of collectibles. The Smithsonian found that from July to September 2020, collectibles grew by 104%.

For some, collecting comes from tradition rather than the desire to have more of something. Junior Audrey Branner annually receives a specific gift, which she now considers a collection.

“Every birthday, my mother will get me these little herons, which are just like really high quality glass figurines in a way, and they have this pattern on them. I have one for every year that I’ve been alive; they’re in my room on my shelf. Those are one thing that I collect,” Branner said. “They’re kind of a big deal for me. They mean a lot to me because it’s a gift I receive each year from my mother directly. It’s just nice to have that.”

In addition to the yearly herons, Branner has begun other collections.

“Another thing that I collect is kind of more stupid. It’s the Glossier Bomb. com. I’m only missing one flavor or shade or whatever you want to call them. Another thing that I would “collect” is

achievements and video games and all that stuff,” Branner said.

Collecting is not limited to any one object. Collectors often find different items that are specific to their personal interests.

“I don’t know, collecting is just a very general thing, and each one’s different,” Branner said.

Senior Jaren Khiew collects playing cards, which he attributes to the interests he had in his early childhood.

“When I was a really, really young kid, I liked magic. I could never do magic. So then later on, when I got older, I learned something called ‘card history,’ which is basically just doing card tricks. [It’s] not necessarily magic, just like flipping them around or whatever,” Khiew said. “I got into that, and I’m like, ‘oh, I’ll just start clicking and playing cards.’ I thought it was cool, the designs and everything.”

For Khiew, collecting card decks isn’t just a fun hobby, but instead, an interesting way to connect with people.

“It’s kind of like a neat topic to start off a conversation with. Whenever someone is over at my house, they see my decks,” Khiew said.

I can look at each item, and it gives me kind of the memories of the happiness of getting to go to that place. So I really like collecting. It’s kind of a way to connect with your past.

–Caroline Massman “

“It’s just a nice conversation starter, you know, and it’s such a nice thing to collect.”

Sophomore Caroline Massman also has a tradition of collecting. Massman finds snow globes at every new place she travels to.

“I got my first snow globe when I was really young, and it was a gift to me from my aunt. I just was obsessed with it. I shook the snowball, and I was just

“

really interested in it. Then when I went to London, I got a London snow globe, and it was just incredible,” Massman said. “I was like, ‘I have to keep going, keep collecting.’ So I’ve been collecting snow globes since I was probably six years old. Whenever I go to a new city or new place, I’ll get a snow globe and add it to my shelf.”

According to Massman, collecting snow globes isn’t merely a means to fill up a shelf, but rather, a way to collect memories.

“Being able to collect kind of a different memory from every place I’ve been to really makes it more fun when I get home,” Massman said. “I can look at each item, and it gives me kind of the memories of the happiness of getting to go to that place. So I really like collecting. It’s kind of a way to connect with your past.”

In addition to chapstick and birthday herons, Branner enjoys collecting achievements on video games to feel a sense of accomplishment.

“I play video games a lot. I mean I always have — it’s been like that since I’ve been young. It’s because I enjoy playing these games. So then also having these achievements, it’s like, ‘Oh my god, I should try to do this. Oh my god, I should try to do that,’” Branner said.

“I’m like, ‘I feel so accomplished because I did something big.’ And it gives me motivation to keep playing the game because then it gives me something specific to do. It gives me a goal. Although it’s a virtual goal, I still enjoy it because then once I hit the goal, it’s like, ‘Everybody, look, I did it.’ ... It just feels very rewarding.”

Khiew said that individual interests are an important aspect of gratifying collections.

“Don’t buy the overhyped things first because they are really expensive, and they are, you know, obviously overhyped,” Khiew said. “Just buy things that you think are cool first, and then, if you want to do research about other, more-niche things or … other popular brands, you can do that, so just start out small.”

Although collecting quickly can be tempting, Massman said a slow but meaningful method is more rewarding.

“I would totally recommend collecting something. My advice is if you’re not able to, or if you have a really small collection at first, don’t worry,” Massman said. “Just know that it takes time sometimes to collect something that really means something to you instead of just getting a ton of things for the purpose of it.”

According to Branner, collecting is worth the time and expense.

“I do recommend [collecting] because any form of collecting, whether you have to buy something or [you] have to do something, is still very important,” Branner said. “I feel like every time that you collect something, it’s kind of like an achievement in itself.”

“

I do recommend [collecting] because any form of collecting, whether you have to buy something or [you] have to do something, is still very important.

–Audrey Branner “

One of Massman’s favorite snowglobes, bought in London, England. Photo Provided by Caroline Massman.

Top left: Massman’s snowglobe collection. Photo provided by Caroline Massman.

Rose balm dotcom, the very first lipbalm from Glossier that Branner collected.

Producing the Past Producing the Past

By Madi Garrelts

From “Spider-Man No Way Home” to “Dune,” movie remakes and reboots seem to have taken hold of Hollywood. Combined with adaptations and spinoffs, these leave only a small percentage of new movies as original concepts.

In the top 20 movies from the 2021 Box Office, only “Free Guy” and “Encanto” were original ideas. Many can’t help but ask, ‘why is this trend continuing?’

For many production studios, this has been a financial strategy. There is an

existing fanbase for remakes, so companies don’t have to try as hard to catch the public’s attention.

One example of this is Netflix’s hit Korean drama “Squid Game.” According to “Cosmopolitan,” “news stories about the show’s creator having the project turned down by studios for more than a decade” have been spread through social media. This is demonstrative of how hesitant studios are to take chances on new concepts.

However, this strategy can also be used to help original projects. The

THE ORIGINAL

Top: 2002 Spiderman logo

Bottom: 1998 Batman logo

strong amount of reliability remakes and adaptations provide for studios gives productions a larger budget for new concepts.

Similar to remakes, there are increasing numbers of adaptations. Adaptations leave room for errors, which audiences often criticize. When a movie or TV show is created based on a novel, the story plays out in a shorter timeframe than the book. In some cases, adaptations provide the opportunity to explain more themes or conflicts in the story, however, in most cases, important scenes are left

THE REMAKE

Top: 2021 Spiderman logo

Bottom: 2022 Batman logo

Remakes, reboots and sequels have all managed to creep into the box office over the years. What’s the reasoning behind Hollywood’s decisions? How does the public feel about them?

out of the adaptations to save time, leaving viewers and readers unsatisfied.

One adaptation that has been heavily critiqued due to this issue is the Percy Jackson movie series. According to “The Daily Star,” “The movies skipped over essential world building. Most of the plot holes could have been avoided if this issue did not exist.”

Senior Sean Sullivan said he has problems with movie remakes and reboots from the last few years.

“If [movie remakes] don’t add something to the story, I don’t really see a point in making them,” Sullivan said.

Among all the bad remakes that have come out, Sullivan said some enjoyable remakes have emerged.

“When they made more [of the Star Wars movies], I enjoyed those, but making the same things again, I’m not a fan of,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan believes this trend in the industry is here to stay.

“It’s easier when you already have the characters made for you,” Sullivan said. “Or to write a new story with those characters or copy an old one [story] and slightly change it.”

Junior Maddie Beckman holds a similar opinion when it comes to remakes.

“I always feel like the remakes are a cheap play for more money, and usually, the originals are always better,” Beckman said. “I feel like they’re running out of ideas, so I’m just really against remakes.”

Beckman has seen both good and bad attempts at remaking classics.

“The ‘Pet Sematary’ remake I thought was really bad, but ‘Freaky Friday’ is a great remake,” Beckman said.

According to Beckman, she has hope that the industry will escape this trend, but she anticipated that change will take deliberate effort.

“I feel like we could get out of this little hole if we tried, but it’s a lot of effort, and I feel like most companies don’t want to put that effort in,” Beckman said.

In contrast to Beckman, English teacher Tod Smith sees a different future for the industry.

“Netflix used to be that you were a part of a subscription service, but they would deliver DVDs to your mailbox. Now it’s changed [streaming], and probably somewhere down the road, it’ll change again. Maybe it’ll be better but definitely different, and maybe, it’ll even happen in my lifetime,” Smith said.

Smith believes that the industry is constantly changing, which is generally positive.

“The climate is changing, [because of services] like Disney Plus and all of their connections,” Smith said.

Smith said that overall, there is a lot of diversity in the media, so in his opinion, lack of originality isn’t a problem.

“With all the streaming channels, I’d say we’re pretty saturated. I haven’t craved anything that isn’t already there,” Smith said. “I was really happy, though, to see, for instance, ‘Ted Lasso.’ I thought I needed it, and many other people needed it. It’s just a happy show, and I think a lot of us need that these days.”

Out of the Rotten Tomatoes 34 most-anticipated movies of 2023, only three are original concepts. There is a range of opinions on remakes and reboots, but it seems that, for now, the industry will continue this trend in the media.

BEST MEDIA OF 2022

As we enter a new year, it’s important to honor the media that shaped the last one. Movies, music, books and more all played an important part in this past year’s narrative. Ranging from blockbuster movies to New York Times best-selling books, here are the most discussed pieces of media from 2022.

A MARVEL YEAR FOR MOVIES

2022 was full of highly anticipated films, many of which belong to Marvel Studios. As the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) began its fourth phase of projects, fans eagerly flocked to theaters to watch their favorite superheroes.

Another sequel released by Marvel this past year, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” hit theaters on Nov. 11. After the passing of Chadwick Boseman in August 2020, there were many conversations about who would step into his famous role as the Black Panther. The movie was revered for its representation, featuring many Black heroes. Tenoch Huerta played an Indigenous Latino character after a lack of representation of both communities in the past. The movie touches on many subjects, such as grief and the perils of imperialism. The movie scored an 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and grossed over $393.7 million in less than a month after its release.

By Stella Ain

“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” the sequel to “Doctor Strange” (2016), was released on May 6. The film featured the titular hero, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, alongside Xochitl Gomez in her breakout role as America Chavez. The film also advertised fan-favorite Wanda Maximoff (aka the Scarlet Witch), played by Elizabeth Olsen. Marvel fans praised the film’s director, Sam Raimi, who projected a horror theme unlike any other movie in the MCU. However, other fans criticized the film for its “lack of plot” and “predictability.” The film made roughly $955.8 million and won the People’s Choice Award for “Movie of the Year.”

TOP TUNES OF THE YEAR

“Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers” — Five years after his last studio album, Kendrick Lamar dropped “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers” on May 13. The album, stacked full with collaborations from the likes of Taylour Paige, Kodak Black, Baby Keem and more, has received Grammy nominations for both “Album of the Year” and “Best Rap Album.” According to “NPR Music,” the album touches on “Lamar’s bold cultural criticism,” “explores vulnerability” and “tackles issues of trans identity.” “Midnights” — While accepting an award at the MTV Video Music Awards on Aug. 28, Taylor Swift surprised viewers by sharing the release date of her 10th studio album. Over the next few months, Swift began revealing the tracklist of her album, song by song. “Midnights” was released Oct. 23 at 3 a.m. Swift also released another version of her album, titled “Midnights (3am Edition),” which contained seven additional tracks. “Renaissance” — Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” has been named the number-one best album of 2022 by the likes of “Pitchfork,” “Rolling Stone,” “NPR” and “Vulture,” receiving an impressive nine Grammy nominations. “Renaissance” was critically acclaimed and enjoyed due to the dance album’s eclectic tracks and Beyoncé’s strong vocals.

BEST OF BOOKS

“I’m Glad my Mom Died” — Actress, writer, singer and director Jennette McCurdy got her big break by playing Sam Puckett on Nickelodeon's “iCarly.” A decade after the show ended, McCurdy released this memoir detailing her experience as a child actress who dealt with addiction, disorders and tumultuous familial relationships. McCurdy tackles difficult topics with humor and witty writing that communicates even the most heartbreaking details in an open and approachable style.

“It Starts With Us” — This romantic novel by Colleen Hoover is part prequel and part sequel. The book picks up right after the ending of its predecessor, “It Ends With Us.” With both books garnering popularity on “BookTok,” “It Starts With Us” became Simon & Schuster’s most preordered book.

IT STARTS WITH US C OLLEEN HOOVER

I’m Glad My Mom Died Jennette McCurdy

R D CROSS

Wrap up the old year and begin the new with our recap of everything from local to international in 2022.

By Lexi Newsom, Arshiya Pant

10. 14. 17.

13.

7. 11. 12. 15.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 9. 8. 16.

ACROSS DOWN

2. With a star-studded cast, this film earned the most nominations at the Oscars.

4. This English Indie Rock band’s song “Heat Waves” broke a record for the longest-charting hit in Billboard Hot 100’s history.

5. First American stadium to be built for women’s soccer. 9. Date of historic Kansas vote.

11. The late, longest-reigning English monarch.

13. Polemically-titled, NYT bestselling memoir from a famous Nickelodeon child actress.

14. Winners of the World Series.

15. The most powerful space telescope designed thus far, promising to “solve mysteries in our solar system,” according to NASA.

16. Shortened case name of the landmark decision that reversed Roe v. Wade.

17. Nickname given to the famous Marilyn Monroe dress that was worn to the Met Gala.

1. Newest supreme court justice who replaced previous justice, Stephen Breyer.

3. Controversial host of the World Cup.

6. Recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his groundbreaking work studying the genetics of extinct hominids.

7. This celebrity is remembered for more than just winning Best Actor…

8. BVN’s new plan for AST once a month.

10. England’s third prime minister of the year.

12. This renowned quarterback’s retirement lasted 40 days.

“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 January issue of volume 37. 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.