March issue

Blue Valley North High School

12200 Lamar Ave, Overland Park, KS 66209

March 2018 | Volume 32 | Issue 5

The North Star

Mustangs United.

2| The North Star | March 2018

The North Star Staff Editors-in-chief Connor Clary Nicole Dolan Laura Evans Copy Editors Shantha Burt Mathew Cotton Lauren Graham Kristen Xu Social Media Editor Lexie Herman Photographers Grace E. Rudman Design Editor Taylor Mills

Staff Writers

Briley Everhart Katie George Angie Giglione Lyndsey Henkel Merall Janjua Sooim Kang Caroline Koenig Anna Martin Brooke Werp Graphic Designer Anna Krutz

March 2018| The North Star | 3

Table of Contents

Student Life

Health and Fitness

4 Great Expectations

16 Pornography: the New Sex

6 BVN Models 8 Diversity Assembly Photo Story

12 Rave the Roof 13 A Teacher’s Guide to Spring Break

14

The Invitation of “All Inclusive”

Education

18 Pin it to Win it 20 The Real Deal on Real Meals

Education 22 A Day in the Life 24 Reasons Behind the Ranking

26 Electives for Everyone 28 Prairie Plans 30 So Long, Stubbs

The North Star is the official high school news publication of Blue Valley North High School, an open forum distributed to all students six times a year. This is the March issue of volume 32. The North Star is printed by the Sedalia Democrat. This is a student publication and may contain controversial material. Kansas law prohibits the suppression of a student publication solely because it 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.

ON THE COVER: The step dance team waves their lights at the Diversity Assembly.

Photo by Connor Clary. ABOVE: Senior Jacob Petree helps freshman David Sjoberg with his headgear. Photo by Wonbin Park.

4 | The North Star | March 2018

Great Expectations

G

By Anna Martin

oing into high school, freshmen each have their own thoughts of what their experience will be like.

Expectations range from good to bad and from realistic to unrealistic.

Although everyone has their own opinions of high school, some people have set the same expectations.

“I thought there would be more school spirit like there are in the movies, but there really isn’t,” junior Tara Sabih said.

“I didn’t have really that high expectations going into it.”

Oftentimes movies about high school are filled up with school spirit, relationships and drama. Although these features are found in a high school, they are often exaggerated in movies.

“People who do sports are friends with people who do their own sport, people who do band are friends with people who do band,” Hoffpauir said.

One thing Hoffpauir found similar to movies was how most people are friends with people who have similar interests and goals as themselves.

“I thought it would be like movies,” senior Avery Hoffpauir said. “I thought there would be mean girls, and I thought everyone would be sectioned off.”

Comparing high school to the movies can make students realize how movies can portray high school falsely.

“I think I thought it would be more open. I thought you would have more

Paige Cote reads. Photo by Grace Cote.

March 2018 | The North Star | 5

Students and future BVN students discuss what they think high school will be like and what it was actually like.

freedom,” Sabih said.

“I don’t think I was expecting to be this tired.”

Sabih agrees with Hoffpauir that there are drawbacks to high school.

“I think it’s better than what I thought. At least with tennis, we have a lot of fun with each other and make friends,” Sabih said.

These expectations start at a young age as young kids look forward to high school.

“I think I will [be busy] because I will have a lot of homework,” third grader Paige Cote at Overland Trail Elementary School said.

Although Cote is predicting she with be busy, she is still excited for high school and has many expectations.

“I think high school will be fun because I will have friends there with me,” Cote said. “[I’m excited for] meeting new friends and learning

new things. I don’t think [high school will be scary] because I will have friends there who support me.”

Although Cote thinks high school will be exciting, she knows there are disadvantages of high school.

“I think it will be different because in elementary school we have recess, and in high school we don’t,” Cote said. “I’m least excited because [high school] won’t have recess.”

In the end, whether Sabih was expecting it or not, she found the good in high school.

“I think [the benefits of high school are] being able to get to meet new people and having a greater understandings of people from different backgrounds and your still with people you know since elementary school and people you have got to known for the last four years,” Sabih said.

Tara Sabih studies during North Time.

Avery Hoffpauir works on a computer.

BVN

6 | The North Star | March 2018

POSING

GABBI LUMMA

GETTING A CLOSER LOOK AT BVN STUDENTS IN THE MODELING INDUSTRY.

By Brooke Werp

I ETHAN GABRIEL

ASHLEY SIMS

n the midst of classes, spring break and extracurriculars, there are BVN students laying their foundations in the modeling industry. Many of them that have signed to modeling agencies, companies that represent models and source modeling jobs, have booked jobs and gained real word experience in the industry.

Junior Gabbi Lumma began modeling a few years ago with Hoffman International, a local modeling and talent agency. Lumma’s first look into the modeling industry began on a field trip to Hoffman International with Marilyn Gold’s Fashion and Apparel class.

Before Lumma started her professional career, she went through Hoffman International’s preparatory and professional courses. These courses provide a formal introduction to the modeling industry and cover basic modeling skills.

“For my agency, I had to go through two classes, and at the end, we did a fashion show, and you had to say something about yourself and what you learned in the class,” Lumma said. “It was very hard to get up in front of all these people, but you have to have a lot of self confidence. You have to speak and know that you are conveying yourself and representing the agency [in the right way].”

In addition to covering important aspects of the modeling industry, public speaking and self confidence, the courses’ curriculum discusses: visual poise, skincare and cosmetics, hair care and styling, nutrition and exercise, manners and dining etiquette, wardrobe planning, personality development and time management.

“I think that [modeling] makes me

more of a confident person because I go out there and put myself out there in front of so many people that I don’t know,” Lumma said. “Even if I don’t get the casting or the photoshoot [or] whatever it may be, it’s still a confidence booster because they looked at my pictures. They [took] interested in me.”

When it comes to rejection, Lumma takes it with a grain of salt. Lumma carries the mentality that clients already have a set idea of the image and look of the model they are wanting for a specific job.

“The most normal look in the industry is stick skinny, really pretty skin and long hair,” Lumma said. “I think it’s hard for me because I’m not the super skinniest girl, and I have been rejected because my body is different than other girls, or I have a different look. Any failures I get, it pushes me back up in a way because I know that the client just wasn’t looking for my look, and other clients are.”

Lumma’s biggest inspiration is 23-yearold model Winnie Harlow. Harlow gained prominence as a contestant on the TV series “America’s Next Top Model” and became known for her skin condition vitiligo, which is caused by a lack of melanin in the body and creates white patches on the skin. “[Winnie Harlow] is huge in the industry, and I think that is amazing because she’s come so far,” Lumma said. “She is very different from all the other models.

She sets apart from the norm.”

Similarly, senior Ashley Sims, currently signed with Voices& Agency, was introduced to the idea of modeling by “America’s Next Top Model” and inspired by the contestants’ composure and ability.

March 2018 | The North Star | 7

ETHAN GABRIEL

GABBI LUMMA

Ever since Sims began modeling, she has attempted to replicate the technical and life skills seen on the show and more. “[In the industry], you always have to be prompt and on time, which is something, I am not going to lie, I am not the best at,” Sims said. “But, when it comes to castings and jobs, I am always early, as in 15 minutes early at the least. [Modeling has] taught me how to communicate well with clients and how to show my personality. Personality is a super huge thing in the industry. They want someone who is fun to work with, they don’t want someone who is bland and a pretty face.

I have booked more jobs because of that, because when I go to castings I’ll have a good attitude and be outgoing about the task at hand.”

However, the industry did reveal its negative aspects to Sims as well. Sims has identified some red flags in the modeling management world and is now prepared to avoid them and stay true to what best fits her life and career. “[When I started modeling,] my issue was my skin, and to clear up my skin [my agency] had me do all these crazy diets,” Sims said, “like going free of gluten and being sugar and dairy free. They even tried to make me go vegan, which was really stressful for me. What they should have done was have me talk to a dermatologist, which is what I ended up doing. Their definition of healthy is not the same as a nutritionist’s, and I know because my mom is a nutritionist, and she doesn’t agree with a lot of their views on diets.”

When looking to sign with an agency,

Sims advises aspiring models to steer clear of agencies with high priced fees.

Sims explained that agencies should never require high amounts of money for a service. Exceptions would include a one-time website fee to upload your profile to the agency website and commission for any jobs booked through the agency.

In addition, agencies should never push certain products for skin or hair care or specific photographers when building a portfolio. “[Agencies] should not have a registration fee or charge you for ridiculous things,” Sims said. “Agencies can recommend certain photographers you should go to for your portfolio, but they should not require you to have specific photographers who charge ridiculous amounts of money.”

Sophomore Ethan Gabriel began modeling two months ago when Sims recommended he model for a homecoming themed photoshoot with Natalie M., a local social occasion dress boutique. Gabriel initially thought of the idea of modeling when he was scouted by a modeling agent from Next Model Management a year prior.

“I think [modeling] would be pretty fun,” Gabriel said. “I talked to a Next Model agent down in Florida about a year ago. But their headquarters are all the way down in Miami.”

Even though Gabriel’s first attempt at joining an agency fell through due to distance, he hopes to get an offer from a local agency soon. In the long run, Gabriel dreams of booking an Abercrombie &

ASHLEY SIMS

Fitch modeling campaign.

“I think Abercrombie & Fitch would be really nice,” Gabriel said. “I think it’s pretty cool to be a model, to be on paper and walls. People know you. If it works out well, it could be a really good paying job.”

Despite Gabriel’s beginner status in the industry, he has garnered technical skills from fellow models and practice at photoshoots for his portfolio.

“You need to relax when you’re [modeling],” Gabriel said. “You have to act natural and move around in every shot.

You need to go for it and don’t be scared.”

8 | The North Star | March 2018

By Caroline Koenig and Grace E. Rudman Photos by Grace E. Rudman

Appreciating

Diversity

S

ome call it the best day of the year. Others simply call it the Diversity Assembly. Celebrating the diversity of the students and faculty at North, the Diversity Assembly featured students carrying flags representing more than 20 countries, a few dances, such as step, Bollywood and K-Pop, spoken word poems, and it concluded with the choir singing “America the Beautiful” in several different languages.

The Diversity Council at BVN plans this assembly over several months to make it represent North as a whole. One of the student performers, sophomore Emma Schinstock, sang “Same Love” by Mackelmore, representing the GSA club.

“I did it for GSA club, and the song is supposed to represent how we’re all together. Everyone in GSA is all equal, and we love each other,” Schinstock said.

March 2018 | The North Star | 9

1 1. The step team performs a routine that is new to the Diversity Assembly.

2. Adriana Cordero and Ashley Emery walk with a pride flag, representing the LGBT+ community at North.

3. BVN chorus sings “America the Beautiful” in multiple languages in order to represent the diversity at North.

Junior Makaila Pelter expresses the fear she felt before the performance. “[Performing} was nerve wracking because singing in front of your peers is always worse then singing in front of strangers,” Pelter said.

3

2

10 | The North Star | March 2018

1 2

3

March 2018 | The North Star | 11

4 5

1. K Pop club members, junior Brienne Sommerauer, senior Abby Headley, and senior Cindy Liao, dance to K Pop music for the third year at the diversity assembly. Becoming a staple of the Diversity Assembly comes with some responsibility to put on a good show. “We practiced every day after school, we picked out our music, our songs, and learned everything individually then put it all together,� Sommerauer said. Photo by Grace E. Rudman.

2. Senior Rhyann Gray and sophomore Taylor Bagsby dance in a step routine. Photo by Grace E. Rudman.

3. Senior Ashmika Behere and Victoria Gaa participate in the Bollywood dance. Photo by Grace E. Rudman.

4. Senior Shubham Rai throws powder in the air as the rest of the boys of the Bollywood dance join him.

5. Freshman Gabrielle Kill performs her spoken word poem.

Photo by Connor Clary.

6. Senior Priyanka Kotipalli smiles while participating in the Bollywood dance. Photo by Connor Clary.

6

Rave the Roof

| TheNorth NorthStar Star | March 2018| #12| The

By Mathew Cotton

What are raves, and what makes people want to go to them?

A

fter emerging in San Francisco in the 1980s, raves have become more common, with more than 32 million people attending at least one rave in 2016, according to Billboard.

Raves are electronic dance music (EDM) concerts that feature sporadic lighting and bright visuals.

Some students at BVN consider themselves frequent rave-goers.

Senior Austin Pierron described the experience to be different from any other concert.

“The environment is like otherworldly. You’re completely outside of reality,” Pierron said. “It’s crazy. It’s an environment full of love and peace.”

Senior Kimberly Jung, who typically goes to raves at least two times per month, also describes raves to be “otherworldly.”

“People go to raves to get away from reality for a night,” Jung said. “There’s people wearing the craziest outfits and people being all kind of weird. It’s amazing. It’s just a beautiful thing.”

One of the most important aspects that draws

people to raves is the highenergy environment.

“Raves are exhilarating,” senior Shyann Clark said.

“You go to meet new people.

Everyone there is really crazy and fun.”

PLUR, an acronym that stands for Peace, Love, Unity and Respect, also contributes to the environment of a rave.

“

When I first went [to a rave], everyone there was so loving and welcoming, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

- Kimberly Jung

”

“When I first went [to a rave], everyone there was so loving and welcoming, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” Jung said.

PLUR is also related to the trading of plastic beaded bracelets called “kandi,” which involves the exchange of specific bracelets

to demonstrate each of the values of PLUR. A common misconception about raves is that it is a center dedicated to taking drugs and illegal activity. Jung claims that this is not the case.

“The first thing that people think about when they hear “rave” is people doing all kinds of drugs, just tripping on something,” Jung said.

“But people actually go sober. They go because they enjoy the music and want to have a good time.”

Although there is no way to stop the use of illegal drugs at raves, many rave-goers do not consider raves to be an environment to do drugs. “[My least favorite part about raves] is people who do drugs, because they give raves a bad wrap,” Pierron said “People just assume that it’s a drug fest.”

Regardless of any illegal activity that may go on at raves, the purpose of raves for many is to have a welcoming environment in which fans of electronic dance music are able to enjoy themselves freely.

A Teacher’s Side to

March 2018| The North Star | 13

Spring Break

Teachers share stories and give advice about senior spring break.

By Katie George

Daniel Smalley handles a stingray in Belize.

W

ith spring break just ending, many seniors went on fun and exciting trips with their friends and/or

family.

Spring break is a chance for students to have the time of their life with a group of friends before they part ways at the end of the semester.

Since this is their last year as a high school student, this time off is typically more significant than underclassmen break.

Whether the time is spent with family or friends, this spring break is one they will likely remember.

According to science teacher Daniel Smalley, going on spring break is a great way to have fun with your classmates.

“I think it is always cool when people go on vacation and have lots of fun,” Smalley said. “It helps remind us to not take life too seriously and play.”

At BVN, teachers share similar experiences when they were a student. As a senior, Smalley went on a trip to Belize with his entire class.

“We went to a beautiful orange orchard in the Maya mountains,” Smalley said. “The

Erica Benson and her father camp on the Yampa and Green Rivers.

Allison Gossick and three of her friends in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

orchard supplied oranges to Tropicana, and they were ripe and delicious. You could walk down the rows of these trees and pick these oranges right off the tree. It was neat because this orchard was actually family owned. They took us into their home and let us ride the horses that they used for work. Then they took us up to the edge of the jungle by the orchard, and we jumped off of cliffs into the clean tropical water. It was idyllic.”

Business teacher Allison Gossick took a trip to Fort Lauderdale, Florida her senior year of high school with three of her girlfriends without parents. “[The best part of the trip was] just being away on a trip like that by myself for the first time, and there were thousands of people there,” Gossick said. “It was crazy.”

However, senior spring break might not always go as planned.

“My parents gave me the trip for my graduation present” Gossick says. “But they didn’t give me any money, and I didn’t have any

money. So I ran out of money like on the third day. I literally did not eat for like four days.”

On the other hand, social studies teacher Erica Benson had a different experience.

“I never went on a spring break with friends,” Benson said. “My parents were opposed to that.”

According to Benson, her spring breaks consisted of camping trips, baseball spring trainings and family road trips.

Whether you travel with your family or friends over spring break, it is important to make good decisions in order to protect yourself, Benson said.

“Don’t eat or drink things from strangers,” Benson said. “Don’t get in cars alone, stay with the group. If there’s ever trouble, leave the situation as soon as possible, and try not to stay out late, especially if you’re in a foreign place.”

According to Gossick, it is important to have fun, but essential to check on each other and be safe.

“Be smart, never be alone,’’ Gossick said.

“Have fun, but come back safe.”

“It helps remind us to not take life to seriously and play.”

-Daniel Smalley

“Be smart, never be alone. Have fun, but come back safe.”

-Alison Gossick

14 | The North Star | March 2018

?

The Invitation of ‘All Inclusive’

The formation of the Gender Equality Club and how its process has shed a

by Taylor Mills light on the political culture of BVN.

T

he laptop stickers say it first. One has three fists raised in the design with all fingernails poising pink nail polish. Another had “girl power” embedded in various drawings of flowers and vines. The largest one is a diagram of a uterus with the words “grow a pair” printed across.

A multitude of these techno-feminine décor were plastered on the laptops of the members crowded in the classroom. It was the first official meeting of the Gender Equality Club — a gathering that this generation of BVN students hadn’t seen before. At the head was the founder, junior Abby Carpenter, an outspoken feminist

and now president of the club.

“I wanted there to be a space for people to talk, where everyone can feel really comfortable, and I think we’ve done a really good job with that so far,” Carpenter said in an interview among the other officers of the club.

These officers, all but one of them a part of the junior class, are in charge of planning the meetings, outreaching to local philanthropies, the overall branding of the club and any other events associated with the group. They gave a speech to a group of students at an election meeting and were later voted in. “[They] want to bring change, or at

least awareness, to what feminism is at BVN,” the club sponsor and social studies teacher Erica Benson said. “They are saying ‘this is feminism club, it’s not something to be scared of or mad about.’”

The group has spread awareness to feminism already by bringing in activists to speak to the student body. One of them was Nedra Bonds, an artist and activist whose work is recognized around the world.

“We’re really focusing on bringing people in to talk to us from our community,” junior event coordinator Grace Needham said. “We’re focusing on speakers who will empower us, and in turn

March 2018 | The North Star | 15 we [will] empower them.”

As for how word spread about this club, Carpenter took to social media, more specifically GroupMe, and started adding people who wanted to be a part of the feminist club. After the initial meeting in December, the chat had over 100 members from various grade levels. However, in the past month the group has leveled to 95 people. Of this number, there are only 12 who identify as male.

According to Carpenter, the majority of those participating in the club’s activities already identify as feminists.

When implementing the idea of the club, she didn’t know if boys from BVN would be involved as well.

“I didn’t realize men would be interested in coming to a feminist club,” Carpenter said. “I thought, ‘this would probably be all girls, but hey I’m okay with it.’ I think the people who aren’t feminists are slowly opening their eyes to what’s going on.”

There was fear in the planning stages that people would turn away because of the term “feminist” possibly being attached to the club’s name. The officers’ fear in this is supported by a 2015 Vox poll showing that only 18 percent of Americans consider themselves feminists, while 85 percent of those polled believe in gender equality. Both terms are, by definition, synonyms of each other, but the study concludes that one carries a greater negative connotation than the other.

“I always thought that feminism was like women’s rights, but not necessarily women’s equality,” Needham said.

“Then I did my research and realized that feminism is equality for everyone; they’re pushing for men’s rights and women’s rights, and they’re trying to make both sides of the scale equal because there are definitely inequalities on both sides.”

The demographics of the group chat and membership weren’t the only controversy that has come up since the formation of this women’s rights club.

Several other group messages were made after the large one with all of the club’s members was sent out.

In these chats, several students

reported obscene and vulgar content being sent out that directly mocked not only feminism but liberalism as well.

Sophomore and gender equality club member Delaina Sanden, who was added to one of these group chats, noted the connection often linked between feminism and the liberal bias.

“A lot of times gender equality and feminism is seen as a liberal idea,” Sanden said. “So, people just lump that in there, and so anyone who is an openly liberal person, they’re just kind of attacked.”

Sanden, as well as sophomore and fellow club member Olivia Humphrey, reported some of the apparent offensive and “nasty” things in the chat to the school administration, and some students faced punishment for their actions. The screenshots they provided only showed people voicing conservative opinions. Both girls claim that some of the pictures sent were provocative to the point of straight harassment “I wanted to send them to get this known because this stuff goes on all the time, and it’s literally bullying and harassment by definition, and it’s still ignored and really looked over even when it can affect some people,” Sanden said.

One sophomore, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of further punishment, was given a two day inschool suspension for what he sent.

“They went on the person’s phone and looked at what we sent,” the anonymous sophomore said.

“That was their use of evidence. They called it ‘misuse of social media.’”

The anonymous sophomore says multiple of his friends received the same punishment. When asked about what feminism was, he correctly defined it as equal rights between men and women.

But, even in spite of his idea of feminism, he said he still sent those things aimed at making fun of the movement since

“They want to bring change, or at least awareness, to what feminism is at BVN.” - Erica Benson

everyone else was.

“I regret it,” the anonymous sophomore said. “It hurt a lot more people than I intended. I wasn’t thinking about it at the time. Kind of looking back on it, it seemed pretty stupid of me — pretty foolish.”

Both Sanden and Humphrey agree that the activity they saw within these “retaliation” chats after the gender equality club was formed prove that there has been a strong, negative reaction to its existence at BVN. However, the officers of the club, Benson, and even the anonymous sophomore noted that the positive response far outweighed the negative from their viewpoints.

“They’re trying to say don’t make fun of each other, don’t be hurtful,” Benson said.

“You would rally a Republican the same way you would rally a Democrat to push for these things, and you need as many allies as possible and to come together rather than divide yourselves.”

In the future, the club wants to continue their mission of spreading awareness to not only BVN students but also the community through outreach programs to younger generations and local women’s philanthropies. Currently, the club is planning on selling merchandise at First Fridays in the downtown Crossroads District to raise money for Safehome, a shelter for survivors of domestic abuse.

“We need to make people feel safe at BVN and educate people at BVN and outside of BVN about sexual harassment, sexual assault and the movement of feminism overall,” junior CAPE and Safehome liaison Michael Adamson said.

Adamson, along with the officers of the club, hope that in reaching out to community leaders and students, the needed change to the stereotypes and sexism still apparent in society can be addressed here at BVN. “Anyone can be a victim and anyone can be a perpetrator,” Adamson said. “Even if you aren’t a victim you should be educated on it. We need to open [the club] up and say it really is for everyone. We need to make it a place without judgment where we can say this is right, this is wrong and help people move on from their experiences.”

We need to make people feel safe at BVN and educate people at BVN.” - Michael Adamson

16 | The North Star | March 2018

Graphic by Anna Krutz

By Nicole Dolan

Pornography: the New Sex Education A look into porn culture at BVN

P

ornography is any material that contains explicit content with the intention to stimulate erotic feelings, but is also used as a tool for learning about sex. The first time most people come across porn is at the age of 11, according to sex and porn addiction psychiatrist Dan Gabbart. Young people use porn as the primary way to educate themselves about sex in efforts to prepare themselves for future encounters.

March 2018 | The North Star | 17 Middle school is when most people start watching porn, specifically in the seventh grade, according to senior Noah Stuart*.

“I don’t exactly remember how I got into porn, but I probably came across it the first time by accident,” Stuart said.

“You’re disgusted when you’re that young, yet intrigued.”

Gabbart explains that 11- to- 13-yearolds are even more susceptible to getting addicted due to their lack of development physically, mentally and emotionally. The information about sex that these children are comprehending can then distort their view of sex.

“Over time boys and girls alike will begin to think what they see in pornography is what sex will be like or what it is like to make love. It changes the way people see or think about true human intimacy,” Gabbart said. “There’s this very pleasing reaction to viewing pornography at this age, but it’s 100 percent out of context of what healthy sexuality is, and of course an 11- or 12-year-old wouldn’t know that. All they know is that it gives them a very pleasing sensation, and they’re hooked.”

Senior Charlotte Graham* first came across porn in middle school, affecting how she viewed relationships. Graham felt that no other girls could relate to her porn use, as it seemed more common for boys to watch porn.

“It’s hard as a girl because it’s usually viewed as a guy problem, and it’s hard to talk about with other girls because you don’t think other girls have the same curiosity as you,” Graham said. “[Porn] affected how I looked at what a relationship should look like. In porn, I think it’s all dramatized, and in real relationships that isn’t at all how it is. It’s supposed to be very authentic in real ones, and it’s not in porn.”

Stuart admits that his knowledge about sex stems from his porn usage, claiming that he didn’t have any other sources to be informed about it.

“I had no idea that what I was seeing wasn’t what the real deal would be like,” Stuart said. “I thought that that was how sex went down when I was younger. I didn’t have any other sources to pull from.”

Senior Adam Carter* claims that the younger the person is, the more susceptible they are to being addicted to porn. He attributes this to children not knowing any better because they are not taught enough, and porn is something they have never experienced before.

On the other hand, porn usage is more to reach out to their parents about the intentional the older the person is. topic, as the district wants to respect what “When you’re older, you just do it to parents want for their students’ education. do it, and it’s like air, but when you’re “I hate to hear that students are younger, it’s exciting, and you have more reverting to other sources for learning ability to get addicted,” Carter said. “It’s a about this,” Ott said. “I’d have these healthy thing that most men do because students talk to their parents because if you don’t know anything about sex this is a real issue that students feel that and you get to college, it’s going to freak they are uninformed, but I believe that you out, and you’re going to have bad Blue Valley wants to be able to deliver experiences. Porn is a healthy way that a curriculum that instructs kids in a introduces you to the realities of sex before way that is inclusive of all perspectives actual sex.” out there and making sure what we are However, “The Nature and teaching in school isn’t counter to what Dynamics of Internet our BV families believe.”

Pornography Exposure Graham doesn’t think that for Youth,” states that conversing with parents about 23 percent of U.S. sex would have any real effect When you’re in youth ages 10-15 have because the conversation middle school purposefully sought wouldn’t be in depth enough they tell you out sexually explicit and students are usually material. exposed to porn at a young age. about what “I feel like I’m “When you talk to your happens, but more knowledgeable parents about sex, it’s very they don’t tell about things because surface level, and you’re of porn,” Carter said. typically younger when you the reality “When you’re in you first stumble upon sex,” of it. middle school they Graham said. “I don’t think that -Adam Carter* I learned enough about sex in tell you about what happens, but they don’t school and probably wouldn’t tell you the reality of it.” have learned that much about According to the it [had I not been] curious Blue Valley District Curriculum and about it on my own. I used porn for a little Instruction curriculum document, middle bit of both of learning about sex and just school students are taught about changes because it was interesting to me. I don’t in physical and emotional patterns of really remember if one was more so than adolescents, various stages of puberty, and the other.” the effects on adolescent behavior. They Carter believes that sex education is also are taught to recognize that there is an necessary to prepare for future encounters increase in sexual feelings in adolescence in college that may come up. and that this is natural.

“I think for sure we need to have sex Kelly Ott, the Blue Valley District education,” Carter said. “I feel that people Executive Director of Curriculum, need to know about it. I think people explains how the district takes into need to be better educated about the safe account the opinions and goals of families practices and so they don’t get freaked out of Blue Valley when deciding how to teach later. [Sex] is just something people need the sex education curriculum to students to know about because it’s something that best. exists.”

“Here in Blue Valley, we have chosen Gabbart disagrees with how young awareness of the importance of healthy people are educating themselves through minds and bodies as our goal for health pornography, stating that sexuality should class, and we want to empower students be learned through firsthand experience to develop positive behavior, so they can instead. reduce health risks,” Ott said. “That’s “People are learning about sex through how our community and our Board of their porn consumption, and that’s not the Education has chosen to approach the way it should be,” Gabbart said. “For eons, topic, knowing that there are all sorts of man has learned about sexuality with a viewpoints and perspectives throughout partner, and now when you add porn into the community.” the equation, people believe that that’s a Ott said she regrets to hear that good substitute. I don’t think that’s the way students feel let down by their curriculum it should be. ” regarding sex education, urging students *Names were changed for privacy.

18 | The North Star | March 2018

Reflection of the 2017-2018 wrestling season.

By Lyndsey Henkel

Pin it toWin it I

n America, high school wrestling has doing as great, according to junior Jared gotten increasingly popular, according Hailey. He thinks it’s because they lost a to the Statistics Portal website, and lot of their veteran wrestlers, and now they some believe it’s because of the hard work have a young team. and dedication for the sport.

Hailey has been wrestling since From November to February, wrestlers freshman year, although at the beginning of commit their time to staying in shape and the 2017-2018 season, he injured his hand. keeping their weight He was out for about half There is no other for the wrestling of the season. sport that teaches season. However, “I had to try and stay before the season kicks in shape while I couldn’t the amount of off, the wrestlers have wrestle, and I overcame dedication, willpower to lose weight to stay that by working hard and commitment like in their weight class, once I got back,” Hailey according to senior said. the sport wrestling does Jacob Petree.

Despite the injury, among many valuable life Hailey pushed through There are many lessons. I feel the sport techniques that help and wrestled his way to wrestlers lose weight, made me a better person, state. including running “I would advise and I wanted to lead in sweatshirts and young wrestlers to push sweatpants in order to other kids to be successful themselves and wrestle sweat as much water people that are better on and off the mat.” weight as possible. This than them because it’s -Coach Casey Curran can be challenging, the only way they will according to Petree. succeed,” Hailey said.

“One of the most difficult parts of

There are four coaches who teach wrestling is cutting weight because I have to wrestling, coaches Casey Curran, David lose weight from football to wrestling to be Tindle, AJ Sambol and Chad White. Head able to be in my weight class,” Petree said. coach Curran said the boys have great Petree has been on the wrestling team attitudes, and they are always trying their for four years. This season, he felt that he best, which leads to a successful season. was successful, and he made his way to Matches are scored based on a point Kansas Class 6A State. system. There are three periods that last However, the team as a whole is not two minutes each, and points are rewarded

“

for various moves such as takedowns, escapes and reversals. Similar to any other sport, wrestling has rules and violations.

For example, one can’t intentionally step outside of the mat to avoid an opponent without the permission of a referee. It is a technical sport, and Hailey believes it takes a lot of practice to be strong in the sport.

“Wrestlers have improved their stance, footwork and technique,” Curran said.

“Their pace in practice has increased and [has] improved their cardiovascular endurance from the beginning of the season.”

According to Curran, the best part about the season is getting to know the new wrestlers and forming relationships with the others. Petree also enjoys spending time with the team because of how much they are together.

“They have bonded together because they see each other put hard work into becoming the best they can,” Curran said.

State wrestling was Feb. 23 through 24, and BVN was 23rd out of 32 teams that competed. Petree, Hailey, Jack Stallard and Nick DiGiorgio were the wrestlers who represented BVN at state.

“We wrestled tough and hard, but came up short of making the podium,” Curran said.

DiGiorgio went 0-2, Stallard 0-2, Hailey 2-2 and Petree 2-2. Even though state didn’t turn out as planned, they believe they tried their best and had fun.

March 2018 | The North Star | 19

Paul Garcia looks at his opponent before the match.

Fans of BVN wrestling cheers on the team.

Teammates Jacob Petree (left) and Jared Hailey(right).

Jacob Petree in the midst of wrestling his opponent.

Ahmed Mohammed (left) after winning his match.

BVN wrestling at a team dinner.

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20 | The North Star | March 2018

March 2018 | The North Star | 21

A

ccording to one of the most recent ComRes polls, about 32 percent of people add “eating healthier” to their list of New Year’s resolutions. However, many difficulties can arise that stand in the way of trying to accomplish this, such as price. It can be difficult to eat healthy because most organic and trusted brands cost more, while questionable and “fast-food” products cost less, therefore making it the easiest and cheapest option.

Furthermore, foods that contain most of the same ingredients range in cost depending on where they are sold.

For example, “The Garden of Eden” salad at The Mixx, a local restaurant that sells salads and sandwiches, costs $7, while the “Apple Pecan Chicken” salad at Wendy’s, a popular fast-food restaurant, costs $4.69. The ingredients in “The Garden of Eden” and the “Apple Pecan Chicken” salads both include green apples, pecans, and assorted greens.

Higher priced food products and meals at certain locations, however, are not the only thing standing in the way of people striving to eat healthy. According to a recent study led by economist Roland Sturm, one of the main reasons that people are continuing to have difficulty eating healthy is because consumers are surrounded by tasty temptations and unhealthy foods that cost very little.

For example, it can be easy to choose a “happy meal” from McDonald’s over something that is healthier due to the fact that it only costs $2.49 for a hamburger, fries and a drink.

According to an article posted on the “Thank Your Body” website, while McDonald’s stopped putting the “pink slime” in their food products, a vast majority of their menu items come from CAFO, the Concentrated Agricultural Feeding Organization. This means that the next time someone wants a hamburger from McDonalds, they might also be getting the antibiotics and hormones from the sick cows.

Most people are aware that healthier foods are safer and cost more than unhealthy foods, but is it worth spending a few more dollars on food that is safer to put in your body?

Senior Maryn Petty believes that eating healthy foods and knowing what ingredients you are putting into your body is important and worth paying a few more dollars.

Smoothie at “The Mixx”: $6 Smoothie at “McDonald’s”: $2.29

“I think that a few dollars more is not going to make a big difference when you’re wanting to eat the right foods and stuff that’s not processed,” Petty said. “Not knowing what’s in the foods you eat is really scary, and if you know that what you’re paying for is what you’re going to get, then it’s definitely worth paying for.”

However, some people believe that while eating healthier is safer and cleaner, some foods are overpriced, making it very difficult for some people to have access to healthy foods.

“I believe that healthy foods are worth the cost, but healthy foods should cost less in general because many lowerincome families cannot afford the high costs” senior Hunter Woosley said.

According to the American Diabetes Association, countries with poverty rates of 35 percent or greater have obesity rates of 145 percent greater than wealthier countries.

Woosley believes that paying the price for healthy foods is worth it, but they should be made more affordable for everyone.

However, having to choose between overpriced healthy foods and cheap unhealthy foods is not the only option.

“One thing I think is crazy is Nutso, it’s a brand of nut butter, and people are obsessed with it,” junior Emma Brunner said. “However, it can be like $7 to $15 dollars a bottle, so I’ve decided to make my own. You just get all of the ingredients and a food processor and it’s super easy.”

Some people believe that having home cooked meals and making their own food is less time consuming and costs less, as well as that it opens up more opportunities to eat healthier.

“Some people say that it’s more expensive to buy healthier things and to make your own food but it’s really not,” Brunner said. “It’s kind of cheaper because I only go to the grocery store like once a week. But it’s really time consuming for these people that are constantly working and trying to make a living and kind of in a lower income area.”

Salad at “The Mixx”: $7 Salad at “Wendy’s”: $4.69

22 | The North Star | March 2018

A Day in the Life

by Lexie Herman

An observation showing the similarities and differences between BVN and Paola High School

I

assumed Paola High School, situated about 33 miles away in Paola, Kansas, to be very different from BVN. On Wednesday, Feb. 28, I was given the opportunity to shadow a newspaper class at PHS to observe these differences.

When I first arrived at the school, I was not anticipating the size of the building, as it seemed to be at least three times larger than BVN. However, I was even more surprised to learn that there are less than 600 students at PHS. That means that, although BVN has approximately 1,000 more students, PHS still has much more building space for much fewer students.

I also noticed that PHS seemed much more yellow and light in color, while the halls and classrooms at BVN are all painted different colors.

As a student showed me to the journalism classroom, I became aware of the other students walking to class around me. At BVN, students typically can be seen wearing name brands such as Vineyard Vines or Lululemon. But at PHS, I barely saw any name brands. While the styles of clothing were pretty similar, I could tell that there was a difference in where people liked to shop.

From the moment I walked into the classroom, all of the students were instantly welcoming and friendly.

As I sat and observed the class, it was obvious to me that the combined newspaper and yearbook staff is very committed to their work and their school. However, I wanted to get a better idea of the social differences between the two schools, so I individually spoke to a few students and their teacher.

The greatest contrast between the two schools seemed to be students’ plans post-graduation. While it is not

uncommon to hear about students at BVN going out of state for college, most students who choose to continue with education after high school at PHS stay nearby.

“K-State [is the most popular], but I see quite a bit more kids going to University of Central Missouri,” journalism teacher BriAnne Chayer said.

While BVN does have students who go to K-State each year, there is always a much larger percentage of students who go to KU if they decide to stay in state.

However, both schools have students that choose to skip the college process.

“A couple students go straight to the military or get jobs,” junior Hannah Menefee said.

The only other differences that really stood out to me were the classes students choose to take.

According to Menefee and junior Trinity Miller, most students at PHS want to take P.E. and Rec Sports, compared to BVN where most students tend to want to be in more electives.

Overall, both schools seem to be packed with students who want to be immersed in student life somehow. Whether it is at a basketball game or theatre performance, there will always be students found in the audience supporting their classmates.

“I feel like everyone is involved in the school,” Miller said. “Most of the students go to the sports games...not just the ‘popular crowd.’”

While the lives of high schoolers outside of Johnson County may not be completely the same, deep down we are all just teenagers living through the same experiences that come along with the four years we spend in high school. It does not matter where you live, the reality of high school is that everyone is exposed to the same situations. We are all on the same journey.

“I feel like everyone is involved in the school.”

-Paola Junior Trinity Miller

March 2018 | The North Star | 23

Difference in Numbers all data from Niche.com

PHS

BVN Approx. 1,600 students

Approx. 600 students

17 students to

13 students to

97 percent of students

91 percent of students

Average ACT score of

Average ACT score of

31 percent of students

8 percent of students

every teacher

typically graduate

30

enroll in AP classes

every teacher

typically graduate

25

enroll in AP classes

24 | The North Star | March 2018

Reasons

Behind The

Ranking A feature on how BVN earned its number one ranking and became the best public school in Kansas.

W

ith the highest ACT average, the most national merit qualifiers and the strongest AP test results, BVN has been acclaimed by US News and World Report as the best public school in Kansas. This ranking is a source of school pride, yet the factors that prompted the success are still unclear. While some attribute the achievement to a strong teaching staff or the presence of an academically oriented culture, others claim that the test scores are merely a result of its high socioeconomic status.

“I haven’t really experienced other schools, but from what I hear, we have it really good,” sophomore Annika Petriken said. “I know we have a lot more opportunities and support, especially academically, than given at less privileged schools.”

With multiple academic honor societies, tutoring programs and AP courses offered, it’s no secret that BVN stresses academics.

Petriken also believes that the wealth in the area gives students more opportunity than other schools.

“The wealth in the area means that we have more funding for different activities and more opportunities as a result,” Petriken said. “Also, in wealthier areas you can focus more on stuff. Like you can apply to 20 colleges or take the ACT six times. So wealth does give

you more opportunity, but I don’t know if it’s directly correlated [to BVN’s success].”

For Petriken, the school culture, along with wealth, has led to its number one ranking.

“I think just as far as school culture goes, we are definitely an academically focused school,” Petriken said. “There’s none of that

“

There’s none of that stigma that you see in pop culture about how being smart or nerdy is a negative thing.

At BVN, it’s almost like a competition to see who can be the most academically successful.”

-Annika Petriken

stigma that you see in pop culture about how being smart or nerdy is a negative thing. At BVN, it’s almost like a competition to see who can be the most academically successful. So I think peer pressure helps to motivate, and of course, as talked about, I think the wealth in the area contributes.”

Sophomore Nirvan Silswal also said that student mentality contributes to the school’s success.

“Everyone at BVN is really hard working, so that contributes a lot,”

#1

By Shantha Burt

Silswal said.

Furthermore, Honors Precalculus and Algebra I teacher Sheryl Stein said she believes one of the biggest factors is an emphasis on education in the families that go to BVN. “I think one of the reasons we are academically successful is because there is such a high value placed on education,” Stein said. “I think we have really great teachers, but I also think a lot of the students here would be successful no matter where they went because of the value placed on education around here.”

However, Stein also believes that this emphasis and culture focused on academics is only present for some of the students at BVN. “I think we have two types of students at BVN,” Stein said.

“There’s a group that’s very highly motivated and grade driven [that] put a lot of stress and pressure on themselves, maybe to the point where it’s almost unhealthy. There’s also a group that’s not invested in school at all, and are not getting by or just barely getting by.”

Stein pointed out that despite this disparity, BVN’s AP test results are strong due to the specific range of students taking them.

“When they are looking at the AP Scores, the people who are taking them are the highly motivated students,” Stein said.

Senior Ayush Pandit said

March 2018 | The North Star | 25

that, while the environment of BVN contributes to its success, a large factor is also students’ determination.

“If you have the right environment, you still need personal determination to succeed,” Pandit said, “and if you have personal determination, you still need the right environment.”

Petrikin also said that the right mindset makes a huge difference in terms of individual achievement, even more than wealth.

“It’s self motivation,” Petriken said. “I don’t think there’s anything you need to buy or get in terms of resources, but it is helpful.”

Assistant principal of curriculum and instruction Tyson Ostroski also said that success isn’t necessarily determined by wealth.

“I don’t believe that wealth or socioeconomic factors directly create a person who wants to achieve more,” Ostroski said. “We have students all over our building who come from very different backgrounds, wealth or not, that have individual determination to do more.”

“

When they are looking at the AP Scores, the people who are taking them are the highly motivated students.”

-Sheryl Stein

Instead, Ostroski believes the success is due to staff and students.

“I think it’s attributed to our students and their work ethic and also our staff,” Ostroski said.

Ostroski noted that the teaching staff specifically is responsible for generating the strong academic culture at North.

“I think our academic culture has been cultivated since the school’s been opened,” Ostroski

said. “We have educators in our school that have developed that mentality in students that, ‘Hey, we want to be strong academically, and the sky’s the limit for our future.’”

However, Ostroski explains that we hire teachers the same way as all other Blue Valley schools.

“When we hire teachers, the number one thing we look for is a professional who can connect with students,” Ostroski said. “There’s really nothing that’s different in terms of how we find teachers.”

Pandit also commended the teaching style at BVN, saying that it was engaging and easy for students to learn from.

“The teaching style is very integrated with students,” Pandit said. “They are always there to help you and willing to support you.”

Silswal also noted the impact of the inclusive teaching style at BVN. “I think it’s really involved because teachers, especially history teachers, like to make sure you’re really involved in the discussion,” Silswal said. “They’ll randomly call on you, not to see if you’re paying attention, but to make sure you understand what’s going on, and if you don’t, then they’ll explain it.”

Petrikin believes that the effectiveness of her classes in general has allowed her to be academically successful.

“I don’t have any classes where I feel like we are just doing busy work or we aren’t focusing or learning,” Petriken said.

Overall, the staff and students at North have cultivated an academic culture that contributes to the high test scores and number one ranking.

“I think North has established itself as a place where students want to achieve more for their future,” Ostroski said. “It’s really just a culture of excellence.”

Despite these factors, many believe that other schools, specifically other Blue Valley schools, have the potential to achieve the same academic standing as BVN. Pandit even believes that specifically with standardized tests, everyone has the same capability.

“

If you have the right environment, you still need personal determination to succeed,and if you have personal determination, you still need the right environment.”

-Ayush Pandit

“I think anyone has the potential to get any score on any standardized test,” Pandit said. “Obviously, our school does really well on them, but I think that’s because it’s so heavily [emphasized] here.”

Silswal also commented on this, saying that all Blue Valley schools have the potential to achieve the same scores as BVN because there isn’t a wide privilege gap among Blue Valley schools.

“I feel like all the Blue Valley schools are at the same level in academic ability and every student has the same opportunity in Blue Valley schools,” Silswal said.

Petriken also believes this, explaining that at the end of the day, BVN is like most other schools.

“It’s going to be harder in some places, but I don’t think there is anything magical about Blue Valley North,” Petriken said. “I think what we’re doing can be achieved by other schools, it just comes down to culture and opportunity.”

26 | The North Star | March 2018

Electives for Everyone

A look into how some elective choices vary between two different school districts.

Blue Valley

Story by Angie Giglione Icons by Anna Krutz

Shawnee Mission

Textile Design and Fibers This course includes both the creation of woven materials and the surface decoration of pre-woven fabrics. Processes may include silk painting and textile construction.

International Foods Cuisines of the world are emphasized through food selections and preparations.

Students learn how cultures and traditions influence worldwide food choices, habits and preparation.

Philosophy This course studies existence, knowledge, ethics and aesthetics as discussed by the philosophers of many cultures. The course includes the study of the nature of being, knowledge, beauty and morality.

Robotics This course introduces students to the many facets of robotics through hands-on research and products. Students learn how to program complex systems to perform a variety of useful tasks.

Peer Tutoring This course is designed for students who are interested in helping semi-independent learners. Students work cooperatively to assist in academic areas and help encourage a positive learning environment.

Automotive Essentials Students learn basic skills and knowledge needed to own and maintain a vehicle.

Topics include vehicle safety, purchasing a vehicle, maintenance and roadside emergency procedures.

Field Biology This course includes an exploration of the impact of humans on various natural habitats. Students go on field trips to have hands-on experiences related to plant and animal studies.

Introduction to Biotechnology This course is designed to give students an introduction to the biotechnology industry including a description of the science of biotechnology, examples of careers and job responsibilities.

Astronomy This course provides students with an in-depth exploration of the universe. Topics include contributions to astronomy, space exploration, origins of the universe and interstellar objects.

Global Issues in Science Critical issues about the environment are studied as related to the impact on the planet. Topics include mineral resource use, population growth, infectious disease, genetic engineering and agriculture.

mark your calendars MAY

04

Yearbook Distribution Day

Seniors: Leawood City Park*

*Rainout location in the auxiliary gym Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors: auxiliary gym

NORTHERN LIGHT YEARBOOK

28 | The North Star | March 2018

Prairie Teachers and students discuss the past and future of the prairie.

A

rt students sit on a bench, sketching out pictures of coneflowers and milkweed.

Field biology students investigate the different plants in the area, fascinated by the different species, creating their own experiments to learn more about them.

This is the vision that biology teachers Chris Ollig and Daniel Smalley have in mind for the prairie they’re creating.

“My main goal for the prairie is a couple of things,” Ollig said. “First, to create a natural environment on the school

plans

grounds that anyone in the school — any students or teachers — can use for whatever purpose… research, an ecological study, an art project.”

According to Smalley, converting the acre of land outside of the tennis court has been no easy feat.

“It’s not like we’re two little teachers over here with a couple of students like, ‘Hey, let’s try this whole thing!’” Smalley said. “We’ve really sought a lot of outside help, from biologists from the Kanza prairie, from Lawrence Free-

State, from several professionals in Kansas City. We’re going to continue to do that as we go through this, so we continue to have success.”

Apart from the official steps taken to obtain the area, Ollig and Smalley have recruited both students and teachers alike to help convert a patch of grass to a prairie.

“There are four groups that we have — public relations (which I’m in) ... seeds, trails and signage,” junior Sajni Saravanan said. “So all of our ideas are sorted into these

March 2018 | The North Star | 29

four groups, and we have people in each group who take those ideas and make it into a reality.”

Saravanan first got involved with the prairie when she went to an Environmental Club meeting.

“It started with the BVN environmental club,” Saravanan said. “I got interested and went to Environmental Club. Mr. Ollig introduced the idea.”

Smalley said that because teachers have provided no incentive to help, all the students working to make the prairie are “sincere.”

“There’s no hidden motive, like a kid just showing up for a grade or big reward — they’re really just showing up because they want to change the world and make a difference,” Smalley said. “That’s what we want to see, and that’s what we want to foster.”

In fact, students do the majority of the creation. Ollig believes that planning and building the prairie can lead to success for the students later in life.

“I think it’s important because [planning and carrying out plans] are the type of skills a students need going forward in the workforce, not just taking a test,” Ollig said. “Being able to design and build and implement something is a huge skill.”

For Smalley, implementing the prairie will inspire the students to make a bigger difference in the world as they get older.

“I think one of the most important things we can give students is a chance to actually try something that’s real, and have a real sense of possibility of failure and possibility of success, and have them work through and navigate to the completion of a goal,”

Smalley said. “Anytime you can help a student do that, that’s going to be a really amazing point of their life where they can look back and realize ‘I can make a difference in the world.’”

The students agree that teachers have been very hands-off in the prairie-making process as well.

Junior Hannah Rock says their role has been more of setting guidelines, and pushing the students to what they believe to be the right direction.

“It’s all student work,” Rock said. “Mr. Ollig overviews it — he says ‘no’ or ‘yes’ or ‘HELL yes!’”

While Saravanan works

[The kids are] really just showing up because they want to change the world and make a difference.

—Daniel Smalley

on the communications and presentations, Rock has a more science research-based job — she’s in the seed group, resulting in a small collection of books about seeds at her house.

Helping isn’t for the faint of heart.

“It does take time,” Rock said.

“You can’t just show up every few meetings. I have like three books at home about seeds. It takes outside research as well.”

In order to get their helpers excited about helping, Ollig and Smalley planned a field trip for all those involved with the making of the prairie at the beginning of

the year.

“We went to the Kanza prairie, which was so cool because we got to see all the different types of seeds and plants and stuff,” Rock said. “We also got some ideas for decorating.”

The project is still in need of new members, and the current team is excited to add more people to the cause.

“When [Sajni and I] first came to the meeting, everyone was so nice,” Rock said. “They welcomed us in with open arms. It’s a great community to be in.”

Students and teachers alike have dedicated hours to planning the prairie. Ollig says the step he is most excited for is actually putting it into place. “[When we start actually building the prairie] is when it gets fun,” Ollig said. “I mean it’s been fun the whole time, but once you get to start putting the seed in the ground, it’s exciting.”

The fun is accompanied by worry. Smalley says the scariest part of the process is letting nature run its course with the many seeds planted.

“We talked about probabilities,” Smalley said. “A lot of the seeds will not grow, and so what you do is you put down a lot of seeds, so that the many of them that don’t grow — that’s part of the game. Your average rate of seed germination can be one in a hundred, so you might put down one hundred times more seeds than are actually going to develop.

That’s how nature really works.

You’re really just playing Mother Nature’s rules, and you end up having success.”

By Kristen Xu

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March 2018 | The North Star | 31

By Briley Everhart

Principal: leader, listener, role model, David Stubblefield.

F

or principal David been my home for the last six Stubblefield, work isn’t years.” merely about arranging Future principal Tyson school events or telling Ostroski has many memories staff what to do — it’s also working with Stubblefield. helping students one-on-one, “[Stubblefield has] become participating one of my in closest “I support our assemblies, friends,” driving Ostroski students that three hours said. “[He’s] to watch want to positively a pretty fly the football dresser, so I’ll engage in any team play never forget in the state dialogue to make the first time I game, and saw him wear our schools safer.” fake glasses.” even letting a student paint Despite -David his face into the difficulty Stubblefield a zombie. of leaving Many of his principal Stubblefield’s position, favorite Stubblefield is memories are times of climbing up the ladder of high school spirit and student school administration. involvement.

“I made the decision to “[My favorite memories take this new position in early at BVN are] the homecoming February,” Stubblefield said. “I assemblies, parade, will be the Executive Director graduations, best high school of School Administration for ranking, and all of the state High Schools.” championships,” Stubblefield However, as principal, said.

Stubblefield has had to make All of these thing made many decisions. Recently, for leaving BVN a hard choice for example, he has had to make Stubblefield. choices regarding the BV “It was a difficult decision,” walkout.

Stubblefield said, “North has The Nation-wide High

School Walkout is planned for the luxury of expressing their April 20, 2018, and there is thoughts at school, so having controversy surrounding it in this ability and the support of the media, student group chats the principal is something to and other platforms. be recognized.

Some students are Another topic under concerned that if they discussion is whether or not participate they will teachers and staff should be be punished. However, armed. Though it is not a Stubblefield has decided to decision of the schools, the support the walkout. impact made by discussing “There will be no school the topic is important for consequences for students lawmakers. participating in the walkout,” “I do not believe that Stubblefield said. “I will be putting firearms in the hands [walking out] to supervise of educators is the answer and ensure a positive, safe to making schools safer,” environment.”

Stubblefield Any said. “We “He’s a pretty fly should student, no matter what leave that dresser, so I’ll their views up to law never forget the may be, will enforcement be accepted by that have first time I saw Stubblefield the proper him wear fake whether or training.” not they walk Though glasses.” out.

Stubblefield -Tyson Ostroski “I support is leaving our students in just a that want to few short positively months, he engage in any dialogue to make is still our principal and will be our schools safer,” Stubblefield in our hearts. said. “[I will miss] BVN There are some schools students and staff [the most],” throughout the country Stubblefield said. where students do not have

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