The North Star, Volume 37, Issue 3

& LEISURE

As a nation, we have often struggled in our interpretation and application of the past to the present. During the holiday season, traditions are often evaluated and revaluated, bringing to light the relationship between history and modern practices. Specifically, Thanksgiving raises several questions regarding this line and where it is drawn.

Unfortunately, it seems that such a boundary is kept at a distance, rarely considered and rarely addressed.

Tradition is what connects us; yet it is history, and the honoring of that history, that binds us and continuously affects society

@bvnnews

THE NORTH STAR STAFF

STAFF WRITERS

Stella Ain

Alegria Aguilera

Jessica Assafeen

Kelsey Chellberg

Addi DeVore

Madi Garrelts

Aanya Kabra

Anjali Kambhampati

Audrey Kohnen

Abi Patterson

Owen Perkins Alex Robertson

Madisyn Stogsdill

Q Wallace

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORS

Anna Sandage

Ella Thomas

COPY EDITORS

Emmett Abar

Lauren Austin

Ruby Bierman

Bennett Palmer

WEB EDITORS

Sejin Hahn

Calla Jordan

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

Lexi Newsom

Arshiya Pant

PODCAST HOSTS

Calla Jordan

Abi Patterson

DESIGN EDITOR

Ella Schafer

today. It is easier to gloss over this controversy. In many ways, from its establishment of a national holiday in part to unite the country in times of war, Thanksgiving is a prime example of this negligence. Yet in ignoring half of the story, the very essence of this “historic” holiday is compromised. How can we connect, can we understand, can we sympathize, through exclusion? How can we celebrate a union by suppressing half of it?

In a society that has normalized the negligence of this history, textbook explanations often fall short. By limiting our history, we have limited our awareness and knowledge to make reparations and heal our history. Thus rises the

continuing importance of listening to the ancestors of those who lived that history, and continue to remember it in its true form.

During the break, we at the North Star hope that our audience enjoys its family traditions — whether it be in the form of a massive feast or simply a relieving week off from school. Yet we implore students to spend time acknowledging the Native American loss that has led the country to this point in time; we implore students to listen to their voices and to decide for themselves exactly where to draw that line between tradition and history.

Sincerely, The North Star Staff

14-17 Sophomore Janeska Lopez stands in the BVN courtyard. Read more about the Thanksgiving controversy and its significance in the 21st century on pages 14-17.

Stampede

What happens behind the scenes of the school store?

By Lauren Austin

Located next to the 600 hall by the commons, The Stampede has become a busy place for students.

The 2022-2023 school year is an eventful year for The Stampede, as it is expanding its merchandise selections. The students and staff are promoting the store in many ways, trying to share the benefits of the store with the student body and making it a dedicated project for those who work at The Stampede.

Junior Manoa Nicholson is part of the apparel team.

“For the apparel line, we design clothing to stock up in the school store,” Nicholson said.

Nicholson explained her favorite parts school store.

“My favorite part of the school store is when you design something you’re really proud of, and it’s really rewarding when

you see people wearing it around the school,” Nicholson said. “It’s a nice little sense of community.”

Junior Austin Boulton is also part of the apparel line.

“My favorite part [about] school stores is being able to make whatever you want and having the freedom [to],” said Boulton.

There are many other jobs that students can have at The Stampede. Some students are part of the marketing team, like junior Remi Siner.

“My favorite part about marketing is it’s a really creative job because we can market ourselves in different ways [while] also having to sell [and] promote things,” Siner said.

Trenton Sandler is also part of the marketing team.

“I like the TikToks we make the best,”

Sandler said.

In addition to all of fifth hour, the school store opens before and after school.

“For morning shifts [we] get there around 7:10, and we get the coffee going. Usually the mornings are more coffeefocused, and in the afternoons people come in, especially teachers, to buy apparel,” Nicholson said.

With all the activities happening in order for the school store to function, how much of a commitment is school store for the students?

“Everybody that does school stores has other extracurriculars and sports, so it’s not too time consuming, but it is a commitment because you will have things to do outside of the class,” Nicholson said. “It’s a little bit of a learning curve because at the beginning there is a lot of stuff to do to run a business.”

According to Siner, the class may be a commitment, but it’s an enjoyable one.

“There is nothing difficult about this class, and it’s a nice break in the day,” Siner said.

The Stampede was opened in 2009 by the Marketing Management class to help students experience a “real-

life small business,” according to The Stampede website. Since then, the business has grown dramatically. Along with the BVN merchandise sold, it also recently started creating spirit wear for Overland Trail Elementary. The funds raised go towards businessbased activities

such as FBLA and DECA.

Jeff Forker is a long-term sub for the Marketing Management class. Forker said that even though it is student-run, guidance is important for the hardships that may come. He also expressed that The Stampede is more than a store — it is an atmosphere.

“It’s a hub, it’s very much a social hub, and it’s a store all in one,” Forker said. “Retail stores should leverage some aspect of the social scene, like Rodeo Drive in Hollywood and the Plaza. It should be fun to go there to shop, and The Stampede seems to capture that.”

“ All the stampede staff members have fun, [along] with some lessons learned on life issues and business.

– Jeff Forker “

Accommodate to Educate

By Alegria Aguilera

Students trickle into the school building each day, concerned about their ability to get their homework done, get to class on time and pass their tests. The support required to reach these goals can look different for every student. How do BVN’s accessibility features and programs allow students to thrive in their high school experience?

Students can utilize several of BVN’s inclusive features. Ramps lead up to the classrooms rather than stairs, and there

are reserved accessible parking spaces in the lot.

Injuries can cause a need for a more accessible space.

Freshman Coco Akimoto is currently on crutches due to an injury from a volleyball game in late September.

“I went

just struggling with ADHD and dyslexia, it hasn’t been the same struggle I know a lot of kids deal with. I think more inclusivity is always important, especially in schools.

“For

“

up, I landed all of my weight on my left leg,” Akimoto said. “I went to the doctor and got an MRI, and then a couple days later I got my results. It was an ACL and meniscus tear.”

Akimoto said that at BVN, she has not had many difficulties getting around. Though she struggled to use crutches at first, she said that her experience has generally been positive.

“Nothing’s hard to get around, just making sure I leave class early is a big help to make sure I get to class in time, and making sure my leg is elevated can be hard sometimes,” Akimoto said. “For other people [getting around BVN] could be hard, but from my perspective, it’s not.”

me,

-Katie Beck

Students share their experiences with accessibility at BVN.

Accessible by Law

Under the Ameicans with Disabilities Act, certain resources are required to be provided in certain public spaces, including schools. All of the following features are meant to be provided in order to meet the expectations set in this act.

Handicapped bathrooms must reach a certain size requirement, depending on which way the door swings.

Public spaces such as stadiums should provide accessible seating options, with an accessible path to get there.

“I get different accommodations based off my different strengths in socialization and my education needs,” West said. “I don’t like testing quickly, so they say, ‘let’s give you your time and a half and a quiet environment.’”

West’s IEP centers around both educational and social needs. One of the accommodations is extra time to complete tests and assignments. West said she doesn’t have to use this resource too often.

“I don’t really use the extra time accommodations for tests on anything except math,” West said. “I also do use them on finals to make sure I’m efficient.”

Junior Katie Beck gets testing and classroom accommodations under a 504 Plan due to dyslexia and ADHD. Like West, Beck gets a time extension for inclass tests but also on standardized tests like the ACT.

“[These accommodations] have been amazing for me, especially in the reading

Ramps can be used to substitute for stairs in some instances. Sometimes, longer lights of stairs require other accomodations, such as elevators.

“I had to work with a couple of my doctors,” Beck said. “I don’t think it’s Blue Valley North’s problem. I think that the people who run the SAT, ACT and AP tests really want to make sure that you actually need those accommodations.”

Beck said there is value in increasing accessibility, no matter how simple the process has been for her.

“For me, just struggling with ADHD and dyslexia, it hasn’t been the same struggle I know a lot of kids deal with,” Beck said. “I think more inclusivity is always important, especially in schools.”

Having disabilities can result in students having to advocate for themselves. Beck said that in middle school, she struggled to get the accommodations she needed because of this.

“I didn’t really know what I needed in middle school, and there was no one really telling me what tools were at my disposal,” Beck said. “I didn’t know what things were

“I think a lot of times people see IEPs and 504s as people getting a leg up, but really it’s something that puts everyone on the same level playing field,” Beck said. “I think there’s always room to be more inclusive to people with disabilities.”

THE JOY OF JOURNALING

A glimpse at the benefits journaling has had on individuals.

By Stella Ain

When thinking about journaling, the first image that comes to mind might be a diary, full of secrets and stories, written in a pretty gel pen. Or perhaps it’s a book full of college-ruled pages, stuffed with pages of important “to-do’s.” Some of the most popular forms of journaling are styles that most people don’t consider, such as gratitude journaling, stress management journaling, bullet journaling and stream-ofconsciousness journaling.

Journaling can be an emotional or creative outlet for people of all ages. Gifted Education teacher Lisa Bauman began to journal after going through a divorce. After reading “The Book of Delights: Essays” by Ross Gay, a collection of essays about joys he found in his daily life, Bauman became enthralled by the idea of gratitude journaling.

“[Ross Gay] talks about how it changed his life and made him see the world through positive eyes because he was always looking for something delightful,” Bauman said. “I’m not going to write a book of delights, but if I wrote a few things I’m thankful for, that’d be good.”

somewhere every day,” Bauman said. “I have a thankful journal where I try to write down, every day, five things I’m thankful for. I also did this thing with my daughter called ‘Write Out,’ which means go outside, so I made this nature journal.”

Bauman uses journals as a way to document her days and travels. She also varies what she decides to write.

“Sometimes I have a project that I’m writing for. A lot of times, the morning writing that I do is part of something I’m working on,” Bauman said. “Right now I’m working on chronicling the trip that I took with a Holocaust survivor over the summer, so I am pulling parts of his diary that he kept when he was a teenager, and then I’m writing about France and about what we were doing with him this summer.”

“Getting help is absolutely important, but that’s not always doable. Journaling is a really great way that you can offer yourself help.

Bauman has developed a deep appreciation for journaling, as it’s become meaningful to her.

Neidlein was a senior humor writer for Hallmark, has written material for Chris Rock and is now a freelance writer. Neidlein also teaches journaling workshops around the community and journals in her free time.

“I would call [my journaling] probably expressive journaling. I would say it’s sort of off the top of your head, a stream of consciousness journaling, if you had to sort of give it a name,” Neidlein said.

Neidlein was first inspired to start journaling during the pandemic, as she was dealing with “writer’s block.”

Although Bauman attempts to journal daily, she finds herself experimenting with different styles.

“I would say I write something

–Tina Neidlein

“

“I think it’s an extension of something conscious inside of us that must be just lurking there that you don’t know, and it just brings it out, gives it life,” Bauman said. “It’s part of the brain process, processing things in a new way. Maybe your hidden self is in there somewhere.”

While journaling can be a way for anybody to channel their emotions positively, even professional writers find journaling impactful. Tina

“When I was having a really hard time figuring out what to do, I read a book called ‘The Artist’s Way.’ And it’s a really intense book to get you up off your feet and get you out of creative block,” Neidlein said. “One of the things the author tells you to do is something called ‘morning pages,’ and those are three pages you’re to write every morning. They’re really meant to kind of get all the gunk out of your head … When I started doing that, everything changed. I just realized how good that was for my mental health, [and] that’s what made me get started and keep going.”

Trying to get every single thought down onto paper can seem overwhelming, but Neidlein has helpful advice for how to start.

“The trick is literally to get your pen and have whatever is in your head come out through your hand,” Neidlein said. “Don’t leave anything out. Don’t think about what you want to write. It’s almost like you’re transcribing exactly what’s in your head.”

Neidlein has found solace in journaling and considers it to be a valuable tool for boosting her mental health.

“All of us have gone downhill these past couple [of] years just being isolated. Getting help is absolutely important, but that’s not always doable. Journaling is a really great way that you can offer yourself help,” Neidlein said. “It’s just such an easy way to take care of your mental health by yourself, it’s almost like self-directed therapy. You get that good stuff that’s deep underneath, [and] it’s pretty, pretty cool to get to know yourself pretty well.”

Journaling can even help with selfdiscovery.

“It’s important to me because I think the most important relationship in your life you will have [is] with yourself,”

Travel Journal

Neidlein said. “Journaling gives you a way to really, really uncover ‘what do I want?’, ‘what makes me happy?’ … So journaling is like a way of sitting down and having coffee with yourself, it’s almost like meeting a friend every morning.”

Senior Maia Sol started journaling in the summer and in a short amount of time, has incorporated it into her everyday life.

“I mainly journal about what I go through every day, like my routine, obstacles that I face on certain days, what I liked about every day,” Sol said. “Kind of just opening up as if I were to talk to a friend.”

Sol decided to take up journaling as a

way to connect with her emotions.

“I think holding a lot of things in and not talking to people kind of pulled me down. It was hard to open up to people, so I started just journaling and it helped me a lot,” Sol said.

To Sol, journaling has been a method for her to improve her mental health.

“It’s just good to reflect on how each day went and how you feel about certain things after you write about [them],” Sol said. “Sometimes you overthink things a lot, and after you write [them] down, you realize and analyze [them] from a whole different view.”

Productivity Journal

Record travels, write down places to visit, keep a log of daily itineraries.

Keep track of daily goals and tasks and shows progress over time.

Different Types of Journaling

A journal full of things that make people grateful.

Gratitude Journal

A type of journaling where the writer is supposed to write the things they want for themselves or the way they want their life to be, which some people believe causes them to exist.

Pray-Rain Journal

THE SEPARATION OF

Can art be separated from the artist who creates it?

By Ruby Bierman

Popular musicians have large fan bases with fervent supporters of any project they might involve themselves in. From albums to tweets, fans are involved in art and artists alike. In the age of parasocial relationships, celebrity culture often makes it seem that famous artists are untouchable, but in the wake of controversy, is it necessary to separate an artist from their art?

Controversy has surrounded many celebrities in Hollywood, with many musicians facing public scrutiny. Artists including Kanye West, Rex Orange County and Morgan Wallen have had their actions revealed to the public, with varying reactions.

In Wallen’s case, he was declared ineligible from the Country Music Awards and saw a 71 percent drop in radio play in the week following the release of a video of him using a racial slur. However his newest single even saw a jump from 14 to 9 on the Top 200 Spotify chart. Junior Lillie Mock says that she is a fan of Wallen’s music, not Wallen as a person. Mock believes it is possible to separate the art from the artist.

“It’s his form of self expression, and his actions don’t directly correlate to his

ART

music because his music isn’t, from what I know, anything bad or offensive. So I definitely think that you can separate their actions and what they do in their daily life versus their art,” Mock said.

Mock said this separation can be difficult but is ultimately achievable.

“You kind of just have to block it out.

It’s not the best situation. You don’t want to support somebody who does that. But I just kind of go back to their form of self expression, and everybody kind of deserves a way to release their emotions and thoughts,” Mock said.

“If you don’t listen to his music because of what he does, I totally agree with you.

I also don’t think it’s bad to listen to it,

like I said before, it’s just him releasing his emotions.”

Even during times when social media is more popular than ever, not all listeners are aware of what singers may be doing behind the scenes.

“I feel like it’s definitely two different categories. There’s definitely [Wallen’s] music and then his actions because I feel like a lot of people, if [they didn’t] go on social media and everything, wouldn’t know what he’s done,” said Mock.

According to Mock, separating the art from the artist is essential in certain situations.

–Lillie Mock “

“[It’s necessary] especially with celebrities because a lot of them are setting examples. So if you follow them, then it can give some people wrong ideas,” Mock said. “I definitely think that there should be a separation, especially with artists like their art is one thing and their personality and what they

“

I definitely think that there should be a separation, especially with artists, like their art is one thing and their personality and what they do is totally different.

do is totally different. It’s so hard because I feel like that’s kind of a case by case thing.”

In the past month, West has also made headlines with his remarks on Twitter against Jewish people. In the past West has made statements that have caused him to be restricted from numerous social media sites. His recent comments resulted in the termination of his work with Adidas, known for distributing his Yeezy shoe brand. West has also been dropped by his talent agency Creative Artists Agency and MRC Entertainment, which was set to release West’s newest documentary.

According to senior Will Wallace, past actions do not make it necessary to stop streaming an artist’s music.

“I think that based on who a person is, doesn’t always mean that you shouldn’t listen to their music. I mean, sometimes some of the things they say on social media and whatnot are kind of skeptical, but I think it doesn’t change the fact that they make good music,” Wallace said. “I think that people should still listen to Kanye even though sometimes he does stuff to ruin his reputation on social media.”

Like Mock, Wallace believes that art and artist can exist separately.

“Their music isn’t terrible just because

Do you like Kanye West?

Are you a fan of Morgan Wallen?

of what they do,” Wallace said. “I think that you can still listen to their music and be judged free of the person they are, even though they make skeptical decisions.”

Last month it was made public that singer Rex Orange County was charged with six counts of sexual assault in the UK following the cancellation of his European tour. He pleaded not guilty to all six charges and was released on unconditional bail according to “The Guardian.”

Their music isn’t terrible just because of what they do. I think that you can still listen to their music and be judge free of the person they are, even though they make skeptical decisions.

to think about when he’s getting accused of going and sexually assaulting girls,” Chavez said. “I don’t know how to believe the love that he had for someone else [in prior songs] if he’s just gonna come and do that. So, yeah, I used to be able to but not anymore.”

In more general terms Chavez still believes that art can be separated from the artist who created it.

Junior Madison Chavez was a Rex Orange County fan until the recent accusations and debates whether you can separate art from artist.

“A lot of his music is about his past relationships. Which is like, weird for me

“Yeah, I think it can be separated. I mean, we listen to so many rappers who have done such terrible things. We enjoy their music,” Chavez said. “So I think it can be the same with Rex Orange County, just because he creates music about sentimental and like deep things while rappers rap about drugs and everything.”

“

–Will Wallace “

yes yes

no no

A Salute to SERVICE

Students and graduates at BVN reflect on their family’s military ties.

By Q Wallace

The U.S. has faced many struggles throughout its history, and some of these issues have been solved by the nation’s military. Dating all the way back to the late 1700s, when America stood up against the British, the country has tried to protect its values. The struggles of serving in the military and being a military child may have been somewhat forgotten, but there are certain students at BVN who truly understand it.

Julianna Riegel is a sophomore at BVN, and she was born after her father, Mark Riegel, served in the U.S. Army, however, the army still plays a huge part in her life. She talks about “watching army football every Saturday,” and her dad was even recruited by the Army to play college football. However being part of the Army in the Riegel house is far more than just watching football every Saturday. Mark Riegel deployed to Iraq before Julianna was born. During this time, her mother,

Ali Riegel, went to school to become a counselor.

Mark Riegel came to BVN to discuss with the football team the importance of brotherhood and selflessness that he’d learned at war. He struck the hearts of many coaches and players with just a few simple words and gave them a card.

Everyone deals and copes with things in their own ways. Junior Calvin Albert has a father that is currently serving in the U.S. Army as an Apache Helicopter pilot.

According to Calvin Albert, his father, Stewart Albert, “had wanted to be a pilot since he was younger.” Stewart Albert returned a month ago from Kuwait and has been deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia. Calvin took all of these a little hard and struggled to make it through every day without his dad in the house. However they FaceTimed every day and Albert was always excited to see his father’s face. While Stewart Albert deployed multiple times, the family only ever moved once, from Shawnee Mission.

“It wasn’t that hard of a move, minus the long drive every day,” Calvin Albert said.

He thinks that his dad has many

different morals as opposed to a lot of the students around BVN and that he is held to a higher, stricter standard in his household.

Several BVN alumni went on to do amazing things in the U.S. military. Clay Daniels graduated from BVN in 1996 and is a school record-holder in the Hall of Fame.

“My dad was in the Navy during the Vietnam era.

infantry officer. And then I went through the Special Forces Qualification Course and became a Green Beret for the last five years. Special Forces ... consists of 12 people [with] different specialties on the team. I was the team leader ... We do foreign internal defense on conventional warfare, direct action, special reconnaissance and counterterrorism missions.”

Daniels believes that he will always carry the military with him.

“The Army made me a man and a leader. A lot of the intangibles that I learned from the Army are applicable to a lot of things in today’s world,” Daniels said.

”

And yeah, there’s all kinds of ... lineage of the military in our family,” Daniels said. After breaking school football records, Daniels was recruited to play at the Army’s West Point. Due to his love for football and his family history in the military, it was almost a no-brainer. Daniels went on to make a lot of fun memories at West Point, and he is “still very close with all of his buddies in college and on the football team.”

After finishing at West Point, Daniels served for 10 years in the U.S. Army. “Well, for the first five years, I was an

The U.S. Military is something that our nation sometimes forgets, but its legacy still lives on, even in the halls of BVN.

Left: Mark Riegel is reunited with Ali Riegel after his deployment in 2005. Photo provided by Julianna Riegel.

Right: Clay Daniels’ plaque in the BVN Hall of Fame. Photo by Q Wallace.

“

“

The Army made me a man, and a leader. A lot of the intangibles that I learned from the Army are applicable to a lot of things in today’s world.

- Clay Daniels “

THANKSGIVING

THOUGHTS

Thanksgiving has been celebrated for nearly 400 years. Does its history affect the way people should celebrate?

By Addison DeVore

Thanksgiving is a widely celebrated holiday all around the U.S. Traditions can range from eating dinner with family and friends to hosting extravagant parties. This being said, its history isn’t as simple. How do Thanksgiving’s present and past create its complex legacy?

Sophomore Janeska Lopez celebrates the holiday and enjoys the festivities involved.

“We make a huge Thanksgiving party, and everyone brings food, and I enjoy doing that with all my friends,” Lopez said.

The origins of Thanksgiving date back to 1621, when the Pilgrims had a three-day festival with the Wampanoag tribe.

them and forcefully taking land due to their belief that they couldn’t make a stable colony with the Natives still living there.

The historical background of Thanksgiving has caused some people to question whether or not Americans should celebrate the holiday. Sophomore Nadine Bell Kirkland, a descendant of the Cherokee and Blackfoot tribes, thinks the celebrations and traditions today, such as the parades and dressing up as pilgrims, aren’t okay. However she believes these traditions will change in the future.

“We’re still here. Our language is still spoken. Is it in fear of being lost? Of course it is. Is our dances and our traditions and our ceremonies and our spirituality in jeopardy of being lost? Of course it is. It’s only as strong as those that remain here.

–Dennis Rogers

The Wampanoag people taught the Pilgrims how to cultivate corn, fish and other basic necessities of living in the geographical area around Plymouth to help them survive. Although the Pilgrims had agreed to live in harmony with the Wampanoag tribe, they eventually started attacking

“I think we’ll continue with different variations of it. Not tell the story of it and tell kids what happened and fake it,” Bell Kirkland said.

“

Others, while taking the history of the holiday into consideration, believe celebrating thanksgiving is still okay.

Dennis Rogers is a part of the Navajo tribe from the state of Arizona, teaches American Indian Studies in Topeka and is a full-time visual and performing touring artist.

“I can’t speak for all Native people, but I think I speak for a good number of us when I say that we still honor the

tradition of Thanksgiving because it does incorporate who we are as Native American people,” Rogers said. “I think we still recognize Thanksgiving for what it is. It is a time for native people to stand up and be accounted for, to be proud of our culture, that we are still here, after many years of the hardships that we’ve endured.”

According to Rogers, there are many chaotic things going on with the modernday world. Having a day to sit down and be proud of the good without distractions can help people feel hopeful.

“We do have a lot to be grateful for, to be thankful for, to give praise to the almighty [and] to our higher spirit. Life is very fragile,” Rogers said.

Rogers feels that society can honor Native history and celebrate thankfulness. “We’re still here. Our language is still spoken. Is it in fear of being lost? Of course it is. Is our dances and our traditions and our ceremonies and our spirituality in jeopardy of being lost? Of course it is. It’s only as strong as those that remain here,”

“We’re still here. Our language is still spoken. Is it in fewar of being lost? Of course it is. Is our dances and our traditions and our ceremonies and our spirituality in jeopardy of being lost? Of course it is. It’s only as strong as those that remain here,” Rogers said.

Left: Sophomore Janeska Lopez enjoys the autumn weather.

Photo by Addison DeVore

Thanksgiving through the years.

The rst Thanksgiving

The Piglrims and the Wampanoag tribe held a three-day celebration at Plymouth. This is now referred to as the rst Thanksgiving.

1621

1775

Colonies celebrate

George Washington said December 18th would be put aside for a feast. 1777

The national holiday

President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday to try to bring the U.S. together during the Civil War.

1864

Boston Patriots

The Boston Patriots called for a day of Thanksgiving right before the Revolutionary war. This was celebrated with the Massachussetts colony on November 23rd.

The campaign for the holiday

Sarah Hale wrote letters for a 17-year campaign. She was attempting to convince the U.S. Presidents to make Thanksgiving a national holiday.

The rst

The rst Thanksgiving between There were people who game in

The national holiday President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday to try to bring the U.S. together during the Civil War.

The rst Macy’s Parade

Macy’s department store held its rst Thanksgiving Parade on Thanksgiving day in1924. When it rst started out, live animals were led through the streets. These were replaced in 1927 by balloons.

1876

1864

1924

The campaign for the holiday

Sarah Hale wrote letters for a 17-year campaign. She was attempting to convince the U.S. Presidents to make Thanksgiving a national holiday.

The rst football game

The rst football game for Thanksgiving was played between Yale and Princeton. There were around 40,000 people who watched the game in 1893.

According to “New Mexico Quarterly,” in Navajo belief, the First People carved the sun from stone. It now symbolizes immortality and eternity. According to Nativelanguages.org, the rainbow on the Navajo seal represents a pathway of the holy spirits.

*NOT AFFILIATED

By Anna Sandage

With a total of 825 followers and thousands of Tweets, Barstool BVN has grown to create a presence in Blue Valley sports.

Barstool Sports was created in 2003 as a social media platform for college and professional athletics. Most prevalent on Twitter, Barstool Sports has grown in popularity partly due to their controversial posts, which often emphasize animosity between teams, discuss athletes’ personal lives or highlight issues that do not directly relate to what happens on the field.

Following the popularization of Barstool Sports, high school students have created Barstool pages for their own high schools, with which they claim the accounts are unaffiliated. Since its creation in 2018, Barstool BVN is one of many Blue Valley Barstool accounts changing the atmosphere of high school sports.

A handful of athletes at BVN have been targeted by posts on other schools’ Barstool Twitter accounts. During his time playing for BVN’s varsity football team in the 2022 season, senior Will Wallace was targeted.

“[The Tweet] came at me pretty hard. I thought it was funny at the moment,” Wallace said. “They posted … and DMed me, telling me I was awful and asking why KU is recruiting me even though [they think] I’m terrible.”

Although Wallace didn’t feel deeply affected by the comment against him personally, he said posts about other teammates can often impact an entire team. According to Wallace, there have been certain incidents that have gone “too far.”

“With the … incident, that was too far. That’s something you don’t post about, you don’t bring up at all because that’s something that has impacted that person’s life exponentially,” Wallace said. “Posting something about someone that could affect them not only then and there, but overtime as well, is something they should definitely not be posting.”

Wallace referred to a post from a high school Barstool account outside of the Blue Valley School District. Before the 2022 playoff game, the post exposed personal details about the past history of two BVN athletes’ familial lives. Both of these athletes declined to comment.

According to senior Ellie Hargens,

who has also been targeted by other high schools’ Barstool platforms, these accounts will use any means in order to “expose” a player, coach or supporter.

“The other team is trying to dig up dirt on the team they are facing, no matter at what cost,” Hargens said. “They will talk to players, they will talk to families, they’ll do anything that they can to get dirt on someone else and then post it, which a lot of the time is too far.”

Hargens said these accounts often directly target students who have a reputation of being kind and genuine among their peers and teammates.

–Will Wallace

“These are nice kids too, who[m] these posts are being made about,” Hargens said. “I think it is just a good way to get in their head, and it definitely affects them

“

[The accounts] find something to show that you aren’t a perfect human being, I guess it’s just what people want to see.

a lot.”

Athletic Director Kelli Kurle believes that these Twitter accounts often impact players both on and off the field.

“I think it takes a big hit on self-esteem. No one wants to see themselves in a negative manner,” Kurle said. “I also think it adds one more layer of pressure to not make mistakes, or it could be used against them later.”

When Barstool Sports first began, the intention was not to reach high school audiences. Originally targeting high level college and professional athletes, the social media craze found its way into a younger atmosphere. According to Kurle, this is likely due to fans playing a larger role in the game through the internet.

“Like most sports in high school, influence starts at the professional level and trickles down,” Kurle said. “I think fans like to think that they have power and that their Barstool Tweet made an impact on the game.”

According to Hargens, the anonymous nature of the accounts fuels the controversy of their posts, as people are more comfortable without fear of repercussions.

“[Barstool accounts] are [often] talking trash on another school,” Hargens said. “And because it is anonymous, no singular person is being impacted by the consequences.”

These accounts are not, in any way, affiliated with the Blue Valley School District. Several Barstool accounts, including Barstool BVN, have even blocked educational administrators to avoid facing scrutiny from authorities at school.

“I honestly have no idea [what gets posted on Barstool BVN],” Kurle said. “I’ve been blocked from seeing the account for years, and no one shows me.”

According to Hargens, Barstool BVN can influence the way the school is presented to others.

“I think … what we post displays what kind of school we are,” Hargens said. “If we’re posting something that reflects

positively towards our school, it is beneficial, but if we’re stooping down to other schools’ levels, that makes us look just as bad.”

According to Wallace, the BVN Barstool account has not been living up to its responsibilities and makes the school “look quiet.”

“[Barstool BVN] hasn’t posted anything about our teams: football, basketball, volleyball, anything,” Wallace said. “Granted [football] didn’t really win a lot of games, but even then, when we did win a game, our Barstool didn’t post anything about St James.”

Despite the fact that Barstool BVN is comparatively dormant, other accounts have not stopped targeting athletes. According to Wallace, part of the nature of Barstool Sports is the eagerness to bring down another athlete.

“High school has a very negative mindset sometimes, and people like to see other people in pain,” Wallace said. “So if you are a very successful athlete on the team, and they find something to show that you aren’t a perfect human being, I guess it’s just what people want to see.”

How far is “too far” when it comes to what to post and what not to post? Where is, or rather should, the line be drawn?

From an administrative point of view, Kurle believes that while posts may be appropriately “clever,” it is also important that the accounts don’t cross certain boundaries.

“I wholeheartedly disagree with a lot of the things that do get posted,” Kurle said. “I believe, especially at the high school level, that the accounts should not make fun of weight, appearance, gender, sexuality, race, disability, self-harm, sexual assault or any traumatic experience.”

Likewise, Wallace felt that there is a line that should not be, but has been, crossed.

“If it’s a post that shows who the person isn’t and gives the wrong perspective on the kind of person they actually are, [that] should not be posted,” Wallace said.

ver?

By Kelsey Chellberg

On the morning of Friday, Nov. 4, the road was invisible without headlights as students got in their cars and drove to school. On the morning of Monday, Nov. 7, the sun was shining when students walked into the halls of BVN. This drastic change in time of the sunrise is due to Daylight Saving Time (DST).

For the past century, the U.S. has participated in adjusting the clocks when the seasons change. In 1918, the Standard Time Act was implemented in the U.S. to create DST and time zones. Every year since, clocks have been set forward by one hour in the spring and set back an hour in the fall. But people have begun to wonder

if this is necessary. On March 15, 2022, the Senate passed a bill that would end this century-old practice. Throughout its history, a question has been raised: is DST helpful or hurtful?

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) released a statement in October 2020 about DST. The AASM published that due to DST in the spring, there is more light in the evenings and less light in the mornings, disrupting the body’s natural rhythm. The AASM supports year-round standard time to match the human body’s circadian sleepwake cycle.

school students coming back more tired than usual on Mondays after DST.

“I feel like there’s almost a hangover from it … You can always anticipate kids coming back, and they’re kind of lethargic, kind of worn out,” Buchanan said. “Their schedule has been turned upside down, so they just don’t have as much energy.”

Just like everyone, [DST] can mess me up too. I am more of a night-owl person, so when you take that daylight away from the evening hours, it makes it difficult to be as productive. It’s easier to get sleepy when it’s dark at 6 p.m.

While some believe that DST adversely impacts teenagers, senior Emma Gaebler said she did not feel affected by the time change.

“I slept right through it ... But I know there’s people that are mad about it, like nurses had to work an extra hour,” Gaebler said.

As a mother of two, Buchanan said the concept of DST is challenging to explain to younger children.

According to “Daylight Savings is a Trap,” an article from “The Atlantic,” the one-hour adjustment is a drastic one, especially for adolescents. Teenagers’ melatonin levels rise after the sun has set in the evenings, which causes them to struggle syncing to the sun. Changing the time by an hour for DST adds to this struggle.

AP English Language teacher Kat Buchanan agrees with this sentiment. Buchanan said she anticipates her high

“[DST] impacts our home life and impacts [my children’s] sleeping schedule. Sleeping schedule is everything with a child because it determines how well they function but also how much time you get to get things done as an adult,” Buchanan said.

Despite the emphasis on impacts on children and teenagers, Buchanan said DST affects her day-to-day schedule as well.

“Just like everyone, [DST] can mess me up too. I am more of a night-owl person, so when you take that daylight away from the evening hours, it makes it difficult to be as productive. It’s easier

to get sleepy when it’s dark at 6 p.m.,” Buchanan said.

Because of growing concerns about DST, lawmakers have proposed the Sunshine Protection Act (SPA). The SPA would eliminate DST and establish standard time year round, permanently ending the biannual time changes. If the SPA is passed into law, November 2022 would be the last time the U.S. has a DST change. Gaebler does not think the bill should be passed.

“I do not think it should be passed

because if it was … I feel like it would just be dark a lot of the time, especially in the springs,” Gaebler said. “I like waking up, and it’s light outside when I go to school because [when] we come to school it’s dark, we go home and it’s dark a couple hours later, it’s not a lot of light.”

On March 15, 2022, the SPA unanimously passed in the Senate, the first step in making the bill a law. If the SPA passes, no one in the U.S. will have to change their clocks by an hour, making DST a faint memory.

Do States Want to End DST?

Data from “Almanac” article ‘States Object to Changing the Clocks for Daylight Saving Time.’

States in support of eliminating DST since 2022 States in support of eliminating DST since 2021 States in support of eliminating DST since 2020

States in support of eliminating DST since 2019 States in support of eliminating DST since 2018

States that do not participate in DST

true crime

Delving into true rime’s recent surge in popularity.

By Aanya Kabra

Whether it be interviews with serial killers, old confession tapes or morbid Netflix documentaries, the true crime genre has continued to captivate many through a wide variety of media.

Defined as a nonfiction piece that examines an actual crime and details the actions, true crime has been around for years, embraced by consumers around the world. This raises the question, why has something as gruesome and aggressive as the genre of true crime taken popular culture by storm?

This genre provides insight into cultures, norms, anxieties and values. Researcher and author Coltan Scrivner suggests that the popularity of true crime is due to morbid curiosity, “a common psychological trait.” Morbid curiosity describes wanting to know details involving violence, harm or death without being abnormal or unhealthy. True crime media provides many with the opportunity to explore the darkness of the real world in the safety of their own homes.

Senior Hannah Chong enjoys listening to Spotify true crime podcasts in her free time.

“I listen to true crime because it’s really interesting to see how people think and why they did what they did,” Chong said. “It’s gruesome and disgusting, but it’s also interesting from a psychological standpoint.”

One distinguishing aspect of true crime is simply the fact that it’s true. While fictional works are obliged to make the stories sound believable, true crime has no such obligation. The very thought of these events actually happening is enough to send shivers down one’s spine. Many true crime enthusiasts believe that there is also a lot to be learned or gained from true crime media, such as understanding how to survive in the unlikely event that someone finds

themself in a similar situation.

I listen to true crime because it’s really interesting to see how people think and why they did what they did... It’s gruesome and disgusting, but it’s also interesting from a psychological standpoint.

“Sometimes hearing how the survivors got out of manipulation from that situation helps figure out what you would do if you were in the situation,” Chong said. Being able to observe red flags in actual criminals may help to do the same in real life circumstances. By creating awareness of what to look out for and how to protect oneself from the murkier sides of humanity, true crime could better prepare audiences to prevent these occurrences.

“

Although some believe there are benefits to consumption of true crime

“

–Hannah Chong

media, it has overall remained a controversial topic. Ethical dilemmas have often come to play and cause people to ponder the moral basis of this type of coverage. What is considered ethical and unethical in the world of true crime, and where is the line drawn between the two?

Sophomore August Dunn suggests that audiences must be wary of the romanticization of true crime along with its potential to wrong victims’ families.

“I feel like documentaries that are made just to inform and not to romanticize and should only be made if they have the victim’s family’s consent,” Dunn said.

Critics of true crime may even describe it as exploiting the people who were most affected by these horrendous events, such as the survivors, victims and their families.

shows and movies,” Chong said. “Podcasts have an easier time with this because they just have to state the facts. Shows and documentaries have a lot more elements to worry about.”

Freshman Paz Aguilera also expressed the importance of perspective when it comes to true crime.

–Paz Aguilera

“

“I feel like motivation matters a lot. If [producers] are just using the victim and victim’s family for money and wealth, they’re doing it for the wrong reasons. Instead, [the motivation] should be educating the viewers,” Dunn said.

Some believe staying objective and factual is the only way to remain ethical in the world of true crime.

“[Staying objective] is harder to do in

Investigate True Crime...

“Sometimes the narrators don’t fully understand all the different parts, because there are so many things going on at the same time in all of these stories,” Aguilera said. “Let’s say it’s taken from a random male. He might not have the same opinion or knowledge about women’s struggles, and how they may play a part in those stories.”

Despite all the factors that affect the impact and reliability of true crime media, it remains a popular genre- something people can use to spice up their daily tasks.

“I think true crime can be therapeutic,” Aguilera said. “Obviously, if you’re in a different situation, it can be scary and have the opposite effect. But I think taking a break and being able to interact with life through true crime can be therapeutic and help settle nerves.”

“

I think true crime can be therapeutic. Obviously, if you’re in a different situation, it can be scary and have the opposite effect. But I think taking a break and being able to interact with life through true crime can be therapeutic and help settle nerves.

Incentivizing Service

Community service is widely regarded as a generous and compassionate act. Promoted by charities, local government and various religious establishments, many citizens are encouraged to participate if they can.

BVN is no exception, acknowledging those participating in acts of kindness both inside and outside of school. However, BVN is also home to various honor societies and clubs, many of which require community service hours to apply for and maintain membership. These requirements bring up the question: why are BVN students participating in community service?

One of the school’s advocates for community service is the National Honors Society (NHS) which requires applicants to have completed 40 hours of community service. These hours must be logged and approved to qualify. NHS sponsor and math teacher Sheryl Stein said service has always been personally important to her.

“That’s just [a] value I have. It’s like taking care of your neighbor, taking care of those around you. Doing good, helping others,” Stein said.

According to Stein, requiring community service is an effective way to introduce service opportunities and NHS values to students.

“One of the four pillars of NHS is service. I think that it helps students to see that non-profit organizations are run by volunteers [and] that they could not function without having huge numbers of volunteers,” Stein said.

Stein wants students to see that they can offer valuable investments besides money, such as their own time. She referenced the work that Harvesters, a local organization that aids food insecurity, has done for the community.

“[Without volunteers, Harvesters] couldn’t get food into the hands of our neighbors or friends or families or people we don’t even know,” Stein said. “I think that’s what makes the world go round: giving something when you can.”

Stein’s goal is to continue helping her students build the desire to help others.

“Find something you’re passionate about, and I guarantee you there’s some

place here for you,” Stein said.

Even though community service is about helping others, it can still be beneficial for those choosing to participate. Many different studies have shown upsides of the activity, such as being an outlet for emphasizing citizenship, leadership and skill-building.

Due to these benefits, certain schools and universities have started advocating for requirements of community service. For example, the University of Nebraska Omaha received a proposition for mandatory community service by adding service-learning programs to the school.

“In some cases, mandates have forced students not at all interested in volunteering to try it,” Anderson wrote. “Those students often discover they enjoy volunteering and benefit almost as much as the people they serve. This revelation is the result most hoped for by mandatory service proponents.”

This proposition was written in November 1999, but service-integrated learning has only become more popular as more schools adopt the idea. BVN doesn’t have any service requirements for graduating, however, many clubs and societies either recommend volunteering or require it.

“Little research exists comparing the relative effectiveness of community service hours and service learning, but overall, data show mandating service may be unnecessary. The key to getting students involved may be simply to make opportunities available,” Anderson wrote.

“ I hope that students will continue in life and that if they have the ability to financially give somewhere to an organization to do so, but if not, you always have time to give.

–Sheryl Stein “

Different clubs and societies around BVN either encourage or require community service as an easy way to get students involved in their community. What motivates students to volunteer?

By Emmett Abar

ServiceOpportunities

The debate over required community service has gone back and forth for decades, as different statistics and studies suggest the effectiveness of mandatory service versus voluntary service.

“According to a 1996 survey by the Independent Sector, 59% of 12 to 17 year olds reported volunteering over the last 12 months. Half of those students indicated they got involved through their school,” Anderson wrote. “More than half of the teens (51%) said they were asked to volunteer … Among teens who were not asked, only 24% actually volunteered. In other words, teens were nearly four times more likely to volunteer if asked than if they were not.”

Even without requirements, some students are still gravitating towards community service. Through KAY

Club, sophomore Jack Ramsey has participated in multiple service activities around the community and school.

“I think that [service] is a great opportunity for students to get involved and just show support for their community,” Ramsey said.

Ramsey has found the activities to be fulfilling while also opening opportunities inside of school.

“[Service is] a great way to get yourself out there, and it’s also just such an easy way to get involved as well,” Ramsey said.

KAY Club has a wide variety of service opportunities for club members. Ramsey said the multitude of activities, school connection and scheduling are appealing.

“It’s a very flexible schedule, and the people there are just so nice, and I’ve been welcomed a lot and treated with

Religious Organizations Retirement Homes 20 5 40+ Average Answer How many community hours do you have this year? (147 people) Y 56% N 44%

such kindness,” Ramsey said. “I’ve done community service for kids … we did something special for Halloween at the nursing home nearby.”

Students participate in community service for many reasons. Whether that be through a club at school, outside of school or for an overall goal or selfimprovement, many students better their communities through volunteering.

Neighborhoods Service Organizations Have you done community service for a school organization? (133 people) All polls done by @bvnnews on Instagram

Student Inc usivity in Spe

A look inside BVN and its active role in the special-ed community.

By Anjali Kambhampati

Many schools strive towards inclusive education as they prepare students for the diverse world that they will face after high school. One of the ways this goal has been implemented throughout the country is through special education programs. Special education programs can come in a variety of styles. One popular format is the specialinclusion classroom, which includes both students with disabilities and without disabilities. Many special-ed inclusion classrooms are common in early childhood, elementary and sometimes middle

schools.

While inclusivity is a goal that can predominantly be seen in schools, larger communities aim to achieve it as well. There are many events outside of school that people can participate in to get more involved with the community.

A well-known organization that many students take part in is the Special Olympics, which is the largest sports program for children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. The Special Olympics involve over four million athletes, offering 32 events

to compete in and the chance for families of individuals with disabilities to connect with each other.

Junior Nancy Di Palo said that she enjoys volunteering for the Special Olympics program.

“I coach people with special needs in all different sports. I have made good friends in that program who I look forward to seeing every time I go,” Di Palo said.

According to Di Palo, it is important to create inclusive atmospheres beyond school walls. She regularly attends games with students in the special

education program at BVN.

“I wanted to give these kids an opportunity to feel a part of their class,

and our school had not designated out-ofschool activities for that,” Di Palo said.

Di Palo said that students in these programs deserve a regular high school experience. Although these kids have different classes than the rest of their grade, they should still feel that they are a part

of the community and be able to connect with their peers.

“I have learned that many [students in special education programs] are incredibly intelligent … as a society, we discredit their capabilities,” Di Palo said.

Students are also able to work with special education programs through the peer mentoring program at BVN. Counselor Vicki Peterson discussed the roles of students involved with the program.

“The program tries to find students who would be good role models for other students in the class,” Peterson said. “[Students] should be modeling typical

“

I have learned that many of them [specialed students] are incredibly intelligent and though they may lack social skills, as a society we discredit their capabilities.

–Nancy Di Palo “

ecia Education

behaviors.”

The support that students need in peer mentoring can vary. Peterson said that some students require more academic support while others may not.

“If a student is in one of our center programs, they will spend a good percentage of the day there,” Peterson said. “A peer mentor will go in for their hour. The student might need to go to health class or design fundamentals. [The peer mentor] could technically walk with [the student xthere and spend time with them, helping them in class.”

According to Peterson, successful peer

mentors have good communication skills, are able to interact with diverse people and model standard social behavior.

“[The peer mentoring program] looks for students to be peer mentors who would be good at doing those things,” Peterson said.

Whether it’s through peer mentoring at school, Special Olympics outside of school or any other program that offers students the opportunity to work alongside individuals with disabilities, many are working to recognize the importance of this community despite the obstacles they may face.

First page: students participate in a special education P.E. class at BVN. Photo provided by John Daigle.

Burgundy Ribbon Awareness: symbolizes disabled adults and other causes.

Orange Ribbon Awareness: smybolizes ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, etc.

Yellow Ribbon Awareness: symbolizes Spina Bifida.

Light Blue Ribbon Awareness: symbolizes Apraxia, Developmental Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, etc.

Green Ribbon Awareness: symbolizes Cerebral Palsy and other Spinal Cord Injuries.

Yellow Ribbon Awareness: symbolizes Spina Bifida.

HAPPI

By Jessica Assafeen

Laetus, Felix, Beatitudo and Sublime Beatitudo. These are the four levels of happiness.

According to the website “The World Counts,” Laetus is intense, short-term fulfillment as a result of materialism and can have a negative effect on one’s life if it’s their only source of happiness. The second category is Felix, defined as happiness from comparing oneself to others through competition. This is also short-lived and often leads to feeling worthless. Beatitudo proves that happiness is contagious because in this level, fulfillment

comes from bringing others joy and contributing to making the world a better place. Finally, Sublime Beatitudo is the ultimate fulfillment from all the categories combined and is usually hard to achieve. All of this culminates in the Oxford English Dictionary’s definition of happiness: “feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.”

However, the term “happiness” can mean a variety of things to different people. Happiness tends to have a ‘one size fits all’ stigma surrounding it, but in reality, everyone has different people, places and things that bring them joy. BVN psychologist Sarah Dockendorf is a strong believer in taking time for yourself and those you love to promote mental health.

“Happiness is just anything that brings you joy and fills your cup,” Dockendorf said. “Whether it’s hanging out with friends or going on a walk or reading a good book.”

In a study conducted by researchers at the University of Texas in Austin, over 2,000 adults were split into two groups: one would be given money to buy materialistic things and another was given money to spend on experiences. After tracking their happiness through a series of questions throughout the day,

“

Happiness is just anything that brings you joy and fills your cup. Whether it’s hanging out with friends or going on a walk or reading a good book.

–Sarah Dockendorf“

What really is happiness, and how does it apply to students today?

NESS :):

the scientists found that experiences cause individuals to be happier as opposed to those buying possessions.

According to an article by Kaid Benfield titled “The Pursuit of Happiness: How Do Communities Make Us Happy?” published in “The Atlantic,” the world’s happiest people feel a sense of community. Similarly, Dockendorf encourages people to focus on little things that can improve the mood of the people around them. Whether you simply smile at someone in the hallway or hold the door open at the grocery store, it can have a big impact on the rest of their day.

“I’m a big fan of random acts of kindness and paying it forward and just little things. You have no idea what a small thing can do,” Dockendorf said.

Senior Naomi Roening feels it’s necessary to realize that all people go through hardships and struggles, but staying positive and immersing yourself in things that make you happy can help get through low points.

“As a student, we all have our ups and downs … But at the end of the day, I just have to surround myself with people [that]

I love and care about … People give me energy so having positivity and love in my life [is really important],” Roening said. Additionally, Dockendorf advises that those struggling with their own joy should focus on taking small steps each day to eventually make a big difference in their lives.

“It can be overwhelming to look at the whole staircase of happiness … Instead, what’s one small step that we could do today to get you one step closer?” Dockendorf said.

It’s no secret that people often speak negatively of themselves and don’t support their own mistakes. Dockendorf recognizes this issue and advises individuals to speak to themselves the same way they’d speak to someone else, encouraging a positive self-esteem.

“Talk to yourself like how you’d talk to your best friend,” Dockendorf said. “We often say things about ourselves or think things that we would never say to someone else.”

Finally, it’s crucial to understand that everyone makes mistakes and goes through hard times. But that’s what contributes to their personality and ultimately, everyone wants the same thing.

“We’re all human, and we’re all trying our best, and we all want to feel that we’re valid and someone cares,” Dockendorf said.

Those

1.

-

2.

Being

3.

Are you happy?

(percent of total responses on @bvnnews Instagram poll.)

Happiness is extremely contagious

James H. Fowler

outside has proven to make people happier

who are happier tend to live longer than others

- Nicole Celistine, Ph.D

- Nicole Celistine, Ph.D

“

It can be overwhelming to look at the whole staircase of happiness … Instead, what’s one small step that we could do today to get you one step closer?

–Sarah Dockendorf“

GIFT GUIDE

By Alex Robertson

What once used to belong solely to Utah moms has reached Kansas teens: the Stanley. Stanley’s most popular product, the Quencher, is routinely sold out. Its trademark handle and sleek design make it easy to use and hard to keep in stock. Senior Elie Textor likes that her Stanley can fit in her car. “I’ve had Hydroflasks and other popular water bottle companies; if you want a larger water bottle, it won’t fit in your cup holder,” Textor said. “The Stanley fits in the car cup holder, so it’s great!” While the Stanley may be hard to find, it’s sure to keep you hydrated, even on those long drives.

Gifts for Mom

The slipper trend has returned from last year, with the low-rise Ugg slippers and Boston Birkenstocks rising in popularity. Between low availability and a higher price, many have turned to dupes on Amazon. So if the price tag is making you hesitate, the look is easier to recreate than one might think. For those who already have a pair of slippers, you may consider a slipper care kit. If you’re looking for a way to keep warm and stay stylish this winter, new slippers may be the perfect gift for you.

Gifts for Dad

Looking for an easy item to add to your wish list? According to junior Elijah West, one gift transcends any material item: cash. “Most of all I want cash,” West said. Some want cash to have the freedom to buy what they want instead of receiving a gift that falls short. Some have more responsible motivations. “I’d probably put it in my accounts,” West said. Whether you want to build your savings accounts or have a shopping spree after the holidays, cash is a great item to add to your list.

CROSS

Grab a cup of hot chocolate and unwind with our holiday crossword.

By Lexi Newsom, Arshiya Pant

1. 2. 3. 7.

4.

5. 9. 8.

10.

6. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. W

ACROSS 2. The addicts filling retail stores this season 4. A candle holder alliterative wth its holiday 6. drawn vehcile, homophone of a popular Gen Z compliment 9. Walking device and candy stick 10. First name of the original grumpy old man, holiday hater 12. Name of the ninth candles 14. Sammy Cahn’s weather-related declaration 15. First syllable of one of Santa’s reindeers and a popular football strategy

1. Star-studded winter romantci comedy 3. Winter’s shade, according to simon & garfunkel 5. The mamas & the papas were dreamin’ on such a 7. This classic ornament’s circumference = 2 pi(necone)R 8. Roast them on an open fire 9. Door-to-door choir members 11. Creator of the cartoon that gave us hit holiday specials featuring a happy-go-luvky hound 13. Jim Inhofe and most eight-year-olds’ favorite wintertime toy

“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 November issue of volume 36. This issue of “The North Star” is published digitally through ISSUU and in print by “Record News.” This is a student publication and may contain controversial matter. Blue Valley School District No. 229 and its board members, officers and employees disclaim any responsibility for the content of this student publication; it is not an expression of School District Policy. Students and editors are solely responsible for the content of this student publication.