THE
NORTH STAR
Issue 2, Volume 28
Blue Valley North
Overland Park, KS
Oct. 24, 2013
A
s the district Internet policies evolve, not only do websites get blocked such as Twitter and Vimeo, but also the CAPS students are alleged to have more privileges than high school students and teachers. Read about it on pages 12-13. Photo illustration by: Erica Emert and Elizabeth Tran
News | 10.24.13
News from around the world Silk Road bust “The hidden Internet isn’t hidden and your anonymous activity isn’t anonymous. We know where you are, what you are doing and we will catch you,” Britain’s Crime Agency said this month.
commons.wikimedia.org
Malala Yousafzai
The BCA recently shutdown the “hidden” black market website, Silk Road. This site made more than $1 billion mostly from the sale of drugs in a matter of a few months. It was created in July of 2013 for the sale of illicit drugs for a very hard to trace online currency called bitcoins.
“As the result of a U.S. counterterrorism operation, Abu Anas al-Liby is currently lawfully detained by the U.S. military in a secure location outside of Libya,” Pentagon spokesman George Little said without elaborating.”
On Oct. 5, United States Delta Force Commandos invaded the town of Tripoli in Libya and captured notorious terrorist Abu Anas al Liby. Al Liby is a highly wanted Al-Qaeda terrorist charged with the bombings of United States embassies in Africa in 1988. Currently, Al Liby awaits trial in New York City, where he will be tried for terrorism and high crimes against the United States.
“In my family, women from the previous generations would help their men in the fields and not much importance would be given to their education. But now the tables have turned,” Malala Yousafzai said.
Yousafzai, who is the youngest contender for the Nobel Peace Prize ever, stepped out this month a year after the attempted assassination of her by the taliban to promote her book, I am Malala. She also is gaining support for her organization, The Malala Fund, which strives to promote girls’ education around the world.
Nobel Prize in Physics The Nobel Prize in Physics was given to Francois Englert and Peter Higgs for the theoretical discovery of a mechanism that contributes to our understanding of the origin of mass of subatomic particles, and which recently was confirmed through the discovery of the predicted fundamental particle, by the ATLAS and CMS experiments at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider.
2 | The North Star
en.wikipedia.org
U.S. raid in Libya en.wikipedia.org
Nobel Prizes
Nobel Peace Prize The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize of 2013 for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons. Its importance was highlighted this year in light of the recent of events in Syria. Faryal Jafri
commons.wikimedia.org
• Online editor •
Vijay Ramasamy • Business Manager•
10.24.13 | News
30%
90%
2 1 3 by the NUMBERS
NORTH
of our students take the SAT
of our students take the ACT
Average BVN Scores:
ACT: 25.4 SAT: 1859
National Average Scores:
ACT: 20.9 SAT: 1498
B
ased on information provided by the adminstration, there are many facts that go unnoticed at our school. Although some are just informative, there are several statisitics that deserve recognition.
[
TOTAL STUDENTS:
1,531
]
2013 BVN Graduation rate: 96% 2013 National Graduation rate: 75% Attending 4-year schools: 81% Attending 2-year Schools: 14% Work/Military/Other: 5%
7
National Merit Semi-Finalists in the class of 2014
Total: 368
SENIORS
Total: 410
189 179
192
SOPHOMORES
JUNIORS
Total: 368
848
BVN students took AP tests in 2013
FRESHMEN
187
40%
181
scored a 5
Photos from creative commons.
218 Total: 385
193 192 *as of Oct. 16, 2013
Mallory Bodker • Opinion editor •
www.bvnnews.com | 3
News | 10.24.13
Cracking down on cheating
Honor committee creates new policies for students
W
hen the beginning of the school year arrived, the student body was introduced to some changes around the building that ranged from new faculty and administration members to the new lunch policy and the new honor code. In the school planner, students may have noticed the full page dedicated to outlining the school’s policy on cheating and plagiarism, because the administration is more serious about enforcing it than they have been in years past. One element of the honor code is the addition of student input. To make sure they were able to receive opinions from those who would be subjected to the policy, the administration invited a few members of Student Council to provide input on the subject. “Our role was to work with the administration in creating something that was fair to students and gave students a perspective,” Jane Brown*, who was involved in the creation of the honor code, said. “A teacher might have said, ‘I really think we should do this, we see this happen all the time,’ and we were there to help determine which ideas would be effective for students. We were there to give a student’s perspective on it.”
“I don’t think this is going to be some sort of revolutionary idea to stop all cheating. I don’t think anyone thinks that.” Despite having fellow students play a part in creating it, there have still been complaints from students about the honor code being unfair or too vague. “The reason the honor code is not super specific is because it’s such a case by case situation. If someone lets someone else copy off them and they
4 | The North Star
both get caught, they both have to go through the process stated in the honor code. However, you don’t want to ruin this kid’s life just because he let someone copy off him one time, and so each kid has to go meet with Mrs. Adams [the assistant principal of curriculum and instructions] and the honor committee will assess the situation and decide on a suitable course of action for this situation,” John Smith*, Although copying homework is defined as cheating under the honor code, students continue to who was also involved in copy. Some have already received a first offense. Photo by Lauren Keller. the creation, said. Adams was unavaliabe to comment. reception and effectiveness. While some people have commented that they “I don’t think this is going to be some sort of feel that the academic probation consequence is revolutionary idea to stop all cheating. I don’t too severe and unfair, the committee has stated think anyone thinks that,” Smith* said. “It’s just a that it feels it is an appropriate punishment for new tactic to encourage kids to not cheat. The goal dishonest behavior. is to not be punitive. Kids cheat, not because they “I think it’s a really interesting policy and that want to do something that they know is wrong, it is really important that people know that but they just need to get this homework done. We what they do outside of school can be affected addressed that. We know that it’s not going to be by cheating and plagiarism,” Brown* said. “The an easy thing to just stop cheating. Kids will either bigger deal is that students will complain and not stop or they’ll just get better at it. That’s the risk like the idea that a lot people aren’t going to get that you run with any sort of cheating policy.” caught. If you do get caught, your membership To ensure that students are well-informed of to Honor Societies may be revoked, while some the new policy, read the full version online. The of your friends may also have cheated, not gotten honor code written in the planners is an abridged caught, and are still active members in said Honor version. Society. That’s where it gets a little shaky in the students’ eyes. However, we feel that it’s a fair *Actual students names have been changed to consequence for this type of behavior.” keep their involvement in the honor code private. Through the complaints, confusion and skepticism surrounding the policy, the faculty, administration and students who were involved Kendall Avenia in the creation remain positive about its purpose, • Staff writer •
10.24.13 | News
From Kansas to Israel
Diversity Council at North builds relations with sister school
I
n between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in Israel is the city of Leawood’s sister city, Gezer, Israel. In Gezer, a class of 20 Israeli high school students are beginning to work with the Diversity Council at North to develop a life-long partnership between the two schools. In 2003, the sisterhood between Leawood and Gezer was established, leading to the development of Gezer Park in Leawood, where the park’s design mimics the shape of Israel with the Sea of Galilee on one side and the Dead Sea on the other. With the Diversity Council’s partnership with the students in Gezer, Blue Valley North is now a part of the growing sisterhood between the two cities. “We want to learn about their culture and for them to learn about our culture in school,” Diversity Council sponsor Tim Walker said. In June, a delegation of teachers and community leaders from Gezer visited Leawood. They toured North, as well as the local community, to learn about the area so the two communities could brainstorm ways for the students in both areas to collaborate. Assistant Principal of Activities Dr. Tyson Ostroski, who met with some of the delegation in June, is helping Diversity Council as the project begins. Dr. Ostroski said he sees an importance in the project and in building these international relationships. “In our world today, we need to have global
awareness and we need to know how to interact with people in different cultures and to not be close-minded to just our own surroundings,” Ostroski said. While Dr. Ostroski and Walker have been the main people from North working with those in Gezer, they want the students of Diversity Council to take over and be the ones who are more involved in the collaboration.
“I’m excited to see some of our kids go to Israel, I think it’d be great.” “My goal is for it to be organic, to allow the students to keep it going and working,” Walker said. “It’s not on my agenda – I just want to help get it out there.” Walker said he hopes the partnership will grow into something that will continue to be a part of North. He wants the students in Diversity Council to take over and keep the relationship going. Then, Diversity Council can grow through this partnership and allow more students to see from the perspective of the students from Gezer. “I think this is really important because a lot of people don’t know a lot about Israel and a lot of people only focus on ourselves and don’t realize what others do,” senior Sarah Lakhani
Leawood,
Images are not drawn to scale. Illustration by Hayley Berger.
K an.
said. “I really want to be able to have some type of reunion or meeting with them.” As the partnership grows, Dr. Ostroski said his goal, and the goal of others involved, is to be able to send students from North to Israel and some of the students from Gezer here. “I’m excited to see some of our kids go to Israel, I think it’d be great,” Dr. Ostroski said. “Anytime that our students can see outside of our region, it’s only a positive.” For future activities, the members of Diversity Council want to introduce the students in Gezer to the culture in Kansas, such as through gift packages with Kansas’ foods and history. The group has also suggested having Skype sessions and other similar things to get to know the area and students before any possible trips. “I don’t really know much about Israel so that’s why I’m excited to do these things,” junior Prya Gnanasekaran said. “I’m excited to see what people my age do over there through these activities.” As of right now, the members of Diversity Council are opening the communication lines to start this relationship and make it a part of the North community. “It’s an opportunity to make a global classroom,” Walker said. “It’s cool.”
6582 miles 8-hour time difference 14-hour flight time
Gezer, Israel
Hayley Berger • Co-editor-in-chief •
www.bvnnews.com | 5
Sports | 10.24.13
Fall Sports Round Up
Fall athletes found many ways to be successful this season, whether that meant beating the competition or building team unity. Featured athletes: Cross Country: Will Elloit (sophomore) Volleyball: Alison Kruse (sophomore) Mollie Davis (junior) Hannah Nettelblad (junior) Margot Rhyner (sophomore) Football: Ja’ante Perkins (senior) Soccer: Brock Vanlandingham (junior) Golf: Courtney Sheridan (senior) Tennis: Emma Fields (senior) Photo collage by Erica Emert.
Bentley Hulshof • Staff writer •
T
he girls varsity tennis team has been undefeated all season. An important highlight for the team includes senior captain Emma Fields winning her match at EKL with her doubles partner, junior Joanna Blackford, and North winning overall as a team. “We’ve had a really solid year as a team,” Fields said. The team hopes to continue its past domination at EKL as a team next season.
A T
he varsity volleyball team has had victories over Blue Valley Southwest, Gardner Edgerton and Shawnee Mission East. One highlight of the season includes placing second at the Louisburg Tournament Sept. 28. “The team has really stepped up this season, especially with the majority of the team not being seniors,” senior captain Maria Klug said.
T
he varsity football team currently has not won any games this season. Multiple players, however, have broken school records, including sophomore Alex Blake, is the current record holder for the number of receiving yards with 395; sophomore Carter Howes, the current leader for solo tackles, has 24; junior Dante Hanks has a total of 292 rushing yards; and senior Ja’ante Perkins has earned 362 passing yards.
6 | The North Star
fter a rocky start, the girls golf team has improved its game throughout the season. Aside from the wins and the losses, the team has grown closer this year than ever before. Senior captain Courtney Sheridan likes to think of the team as a family. “Everyone is just so positive, and it makes being on the golf team a blast. The golf team has made my four years in high school just a little more fabulous,” Sheridan said. Sheridan hopes that after she graduates the team will continue the tradition of having the cutest uniforms and playing its best.
T
T
he cross country team has achieved a lot of personal records on both the boys and girls teams. Some highlights from the season include a top 30-place finish at the Forest Park Cross Country Festival in St. Louis, Mo. by senior Sara Hillring and junior Luke Embry, as well as an abundance of strong racing by the entire team in muddy conditions at the Rim Rock Classic in Lawrence, Kan. The team is striving to end the season with a strong finish at the EKL championships Oct. 17, as well as the State Championship Nov. 2.
he boys varsity soccer team has had a rollercoaster season. The team started off strong at the beginning and won the host tournament the second week of September at the DAC; however, they then went on a losing streak for four games. “We are still trying to come ahead of that, but we’re showing improvement by working harder in practice and coming together as a team, and leaving everything out on the field,” senior captain Jonathan Bush said. Although Bush graduates this year, his hope for the team is that they continue to keep playing well and making the school proud long after he is gone.
10.24.13 | Sports
A league of their own
“T
he Backyard Football League is basically a miniature version of the NFL,” junior and creator Josh Armstrong said. Armstrong and his friends got together to create the Backyard Football League because they wanted a place to play recreational football. Since Blue Valley Recreation didn’t have a flag football team for high school-aged kids, they created their own league. “It is a two-hand touch game. There was a draft about a month ago, and then two weeks after that we started the games,” Armstrong said. “It’s different than just throwing the football around because there is a sense of teamwork when we play, and we’ve become a family through BFL.” The league mostly consists of sophomores, juniors and seniors; however, anyone in high school can play. After playing in a game for the first time, junior John Shapland decided he would become more involved in the league. “It was my first time here, and it was a fun experience so I think I will play every week. It gives me good practice, too,” Shapland said.
Sophomore Hunter Kruse said that the league is a good resource for practicing football. He doesn’t play football for the school, so he said it was nice that the league was created so he had the chance to play football with his friends. “It lets me become the best I can be, and it lets me feel like I’m actually playing in the National Football League,” Kruse said. BFL gives players the opportunity to play football with their friends without the stress of organized football. It lets the players come together and just have fun while playing, which is why the players say they have joined the league and love to play. “I like BFL because it lets me be anything,” Kruse said. “I could be anything from a pro-bowl quarterback to an all-star receiver. It’s also fun to tackle others.” Shapland and Kruse, among others, speak highly of Armstrong and how the league was put together. What started as a joke has turned into something real, which is why the league is so popular. Armstrong has even created a Twitter account for BFL. “The Twitter account is basically a way we can
get information to our players and fans,” Armstrong said. “We post when and where the games are, statistics of players, and on game days, the active and inactive players for the day.” The league has about 80 people that come out and play every week. Anyone is welcome to join at any point during the season, which runs through November. Although no girls are currently in BFL, Armstrong says they are welcome to play. “BFL is where it’s at,” Armstrong said. “If you’re not in BFL, you’re not having fun.” The games are played every Saturday at noon at the North football field. Multiple games are played at a time, so every team has a chance to play against each other. The games are then followed by the team going to Sonic to hang out. Junior Jamie Cohen jumps for a ball during a BFL game on Friday, Oct. 11. Photo by Austin Fultz.
For more updates on the Backyard Football League, check out their Twitter @NorthBFL. Lauren Wolfe
• Social media manager •
Sophomore Hunter Kruse attempts to tackle sophomore Charlie Brock during a backyard football game. Photo by Austin Fultz.
www.bvnnews.com | 7
Sports| 10.24.13
Foiling the Competition
“Y
ou have to think on the spot because you only have a few seconds to figure out your next move when you are fighting,” junior Gregory Choong said. When Choong was in sixth grade, he found out about fencing from a friend. His friend convinced him to sign up for a two week camp at the Kansas City Fencing Center. The amount of strategy required in fencing sparked his interest in the sport. “I wasn’t much of an active person when I was younger, but I fell in love with fencing when I first tried it,” Choong said. “I like that it challenges me both mentally and physically.” Choong had to take a two-year break from fencing because his parents could not take him to his practices, but he started fencing again at Heartland Fencing Association (HFA) in eighth grade. “My coach, Emilia Ivanova, saw my experience and talent. With her support, I did everything I could to improve because I knew fencing was my passion,” Choong said. At HFA, there are three classes: beginning, intermediate and advanced. After only a year, he moved from the introductory level to the advanced level. “He has improved tremendously for the short time he has been in our Academy,” Ivanova said.
8 | The North Star
“He is one of the hardest working fencers I have coached. He is a very motivated and dedicated fencer.” “Gregory is a very talented fencer. I have seen the amount of effort that he puts in to fencing,” senior Raj Burt, who has watched Choong, said. Throughout the week, Choong’s schedule is filled with a variety of fencing practices. He has endurance and stamina conditioning on Mondays and an individual lesson on technique on Wednesdays. His coach gives him and his teammates a drill that they will have to use to score points on Thursday. He practices fighting with his teammates on Saturday. “We have an intensive practice schedule because in a bout or fight you have to have agility, stamina and endurance to be successful,” Choong said. Fencers score points in a bout by touching the opponent with the tip of the blade. There are three types of fencing, each of which uses a different weapon: foil, sabre and épée. In foil, the target is only the chest. In sabre, the target is the upper body, and in épée the target is the whole body. “I fence with the foil because my club (HFA) specializes in this type of fencing,” Choong said. Before tournaments, Choong must strategize mentally to figure out a game plan for the bout. “Everyone is warming up, practicing their
Junior Gregory Choong (right) outlasts his opponent at a tournament over the summer in Blue Springs, Mo. Photo provided by Gregory Choong.
moves. I’m extending my arm to practice reaching for my target. I’m scouting my opponents before the tournament, figuring out their strengths and weaknesses,” Choong said. This technique worked to Choong’s advantage at a recent tournament in St. Louis when he was up against Alexander, a top-rated fencer. “I thought I had no chance against Alexander, but I scored four touches in the first minute of play. My coach and teammates were screaming and cheering me on; it was the most surreal feeling,” Choong said. The rest of the match was close. Choong ended up losing by only a couple of points. “After the match, my coach told me that I just need to have more confidence and not worry about how good my opponent is. I was super close to beating the second best fencer at the tournament,” Choong said. In the future, Choong hopes to compete in Summer Nationals and maybe even pursue fencing in college. Choong is interested in the fencing programs at New York University and Ohio State University. “I want to go as far as fencing will take me,” Choong said. Sydney House • Co-editor-in-chief •
10.24.13 | Sports
Four years, three seniors, one team
I
Morale contributes to positive season and everlasting friendships
n the past, the varsity volleyball team would be overly anxious about its next move, but now they are relaxed. The 2013 volleyball season has been fairly positive with a record of 10-9, but beyond the wins and losses, senior Tessa Mathews has an optimistic outlook on what the team has improved on: team spirit. While last year the team may have had more wins, the three seniors say it wasn’t nearly as much fun as this season has been. “Last year the team was really cliquey, but this year we have developed a good team connection. We have really tried to include everyone,” senior Samantha Weems said. The seniors agreed the best part about playing volleyball didn’t have to do with winning. For them, it’s the environment and the team bond that were the best parts of the sport. Reflecting on the past four years, Weems recalled that volleyball has really been an upbeat aspect in her life despite the ups and downs. “I’ve made friends with people that I probably wouldn’t have met if it wasn’t for BVN volleyball. It’s taught me good time management, especially with senior year being so stressful,” Weems said. With a young team, players have worked harder this year to develop team chemistry and unity. Sophomore Eden Gray expresses how much she enjoyed playing varsity this year because of the team atmosphere. “I’ll definitely be sad when the season ends,” Gray said. “Spending time The varsity girls volleyball teams huddles up for a pep talk from head coach Matt Allin during a timeout in their match against Bishop Miege. Seniors Tessa Matthews, Maria Klug and Samantha Weems encourage their younger teammates with your team and playing together is what volleyball is really about, to be aggressive and go after every ball. Photo by Erica Emert especially this year.” Although this year was sophomore Alison Kruse’s first year on varsity, she felt included and respected on the team. “I’ve really enjoyed getting to play and become close with new people, and the opportunity to play more challenging games,” Kruse said. Head volleyball coach Matt Allin has always told the team that volleyball is more than just a sport. He says volleyball creates your character. “It has always been kind of a joke when [Coach Allin] says that, ‘Volleyball teaches you how to be strong and independent,’ but when we really think about what volleyball has done for us, it makes sense,” senior captain Maria Klug said. Allin says he has seen the team grow and his sayings have come true during the season. “The girls are working hard and improving every day. They have really come together to embrace the challenges and excitement of playing at the high level of varsity,” Allin said. Bentley Hulshof • Staff writer •
Sophomores Alison Kruse and Margot Rhyner and juniors Mollie Davis and Hannah Nettleblad set up their defense for the next point in their match against Bishop Miege on Oct. 8. Davis has been on varsity since her freshman year and is the Libero for the team. Photo by Erica Emert
www.bvnnews.com | 9
Feature| 10.24.13
Recreating pop culture W
Students use existing books and TV shows to create works of their own
hen people hear the phrase “fan fiction,” many think of “50 Shades of Grey” or something similar. While E.L. James’s trilogy is arguably one of the most famous pieces of fan-turned-commercial fiction – the story, which started as fan fiction of Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” series, has sold more copies than the “Harry Potter” series on Amazon UK– fan culture has existed for far longer, and goes far deeper than this. Junior Peyton Dwyer has been writing stories for years, and she started writing fan fiction a few months ago. For Dwyer, fan fiction is a way to express herself and become more actively involved in various fandoms. “People in the fandom want some things to happen and the writers won’t necessarily do the things that we want, so [fan fiction] is a way to get creative freedom and just have fun with the characters,” Dwyer said. “It brings people together in a sense that it hasn’t before.” Dwyer notes that though some perceive fan fiction to be a new phenomenon, it has actually existed in different forms for hundreds of years. “Fan fiction started with the Sherlock Holmes books because people weren’t happy with how the first one ended, so they started writing their own,” Dwyer said. While some fan fiction like “50 Shades of Grey,” has been published and become quite successful, this is the exception to the rule. “There’s a difference between publicly publishing your fan fiction and publishing it maybe online where you give credit to the owner. When you publish it out for the world, there’s a lot of copyright issues, so I don’t think that’s going to happen very often – or at least
not in this time frame,” Dwyer said. The value for most fans who create their own content, therefore, is in exploring stories and characters from different angles. “It’s easier to work with [established characters] because they already have a personality, they already have a look, people recognize the characters,” Dwyer said. “When you get to take control, it’s really fun to write the characters in a different light.” Senior Brooke Smith channels her creativity Senior Brooke Smith adds some finishing touches to her latest work of art. Photo by Erica Emert through a different over America, all over the world, and I feel like these medium – she creates original art featuring characters are friends that if I were ever to meet them in real life, from her favorite comics and television shows. we would have a really strong friendship.” “If somebody wishes they could see more of a While fan-created media is sometimes discounted certain character that they don’t really see in the actual and viewed as illegitimate, both Dwyer and Smith show, [they] come up with their own stories for that feel that creating content based on other works have character,” Smith said. “It’s really cool to see how other helped them improve their own style. people would portray that character. It’s like, you have “I think it [fan fiction] has made me more free your own visualization of the character, but then you to think of the way I write things. I can kind of look at somebody else’s drawing and it could be so personalize my writing because now I know different different that it’s amazing, really.” writing styles that are more comfortable for me,” Conversely, members of the fandom with similar Dwyer said. ideas often form bonds based on their Smith expressed a similar sentiment. passion. “Before I started doing fan art, all I could do was “A lot of people have similar ideas for draw little furry cats– and they weren’t even that cute, the characters, and if someone has the they were just really weird-looking,” Smith said. “Then same idea, they talk to the person and I started focusing on fan art and learning how to do relationships start forming. People send that, and I got so much better. I have an entire binder in prompts for more fan fiction, and the full of [drawings].” community just grows bigger,” Dwyer To those who argue that fan fiction is not real said. writing, Dwyer points out how hard fans work on their The passion that content creators share pieces. for a certain book, comic, TV show or “When you’re writing, you’re supposed to express movie serves to unite them and create a yourself – body, mind, soul. When people say that true online community. fanfiction isn’t real writing, it hurts because these “A fandom – it’s a close-knit people work really hard on what they write–when I community very similar to a family,” write my fanfiction, I work hard myself,” Dwyer said. Dwyer said. “Because we have the same “I think it’s going to be a while before fan fiction is interests, it’s easier for people to get to Senior Brooke Smith displays a few pieces from her stacks of artwork. Smith often Emily Levinson know each other. I’ve met people from all recognized as real writing.” features Dr. Who in her fanart. Photo by Erica Emert
10 | The North Star
• Feature editor•
Performing Under Pressure
10.24.13 | Feature
Sophomore finds comfort on stage
A
s the Royals season comes to an end, the fans place their hands on their hearts and remove their baseball caps for the National Anthem. Sophomore Avery Gray stands on the field performing in front of the largest crowd of her career. “While I was singing, I could see myself on the huge screen,” Gray said. “It was nerve-racking because I kept hearing feedback in the stadium even though I had noise canceling headphones in.” Gray had the opportunity to sing at the Royals game because of her performances at American Royal, which hosts horse shows and exhibitions. Acting, singing and dancing have been Gray’s passions for as long as she can remember. She started taking voice lessons when she was 8. Her parents also signed her up for her first theater camp, Camp Center Stage, at age 6. “Once I started talking, I started singing. From then on I became super interested in theater and dance,” Gray said. Although Gray did try out for a variety of sports, she didn’t find the same passion as she has had for performing. Instead, she began dancing competitively at Le Dance company when she was 9. “I just love performing. When I am in the moment, I just lose myself in the character. I’m not thinking about all the other stuff in my life,” Gray said.
Sophomore Avery Gray practices playing her guitar and singing after school in the choir room. Gray has been singing for many years but has just recently picked up the guitar. Photo by Austin Fultz
For the past few summers Gray has participated in Theatre in the Park, a community theater production that takes place in Shawnee Mission Park. To be in the production, there was an audition process, and there are around five productions a year. Her favorite role was playing a Von Trapp kid in the production of the “The Sound of Music.” “When other kids are at the pool hanging out over the summer, Avery is going from theater camp to dance lessons to rehearsal for Theatre in the Park,” Mindy Gray, Avery’s mom, said. During the school year, Gray has voice lessons on Monday, guitar lessons on Tuesday and dance lessons on Thursday. She also just started master acting classes on Sundays at the Coterie Theatre. “I practice so much because musical theatre is something that I am very passionate about. I need to make sure that I know all of my material, so that I feel mentally prepared for performances,” Gray said. Gray just started guitar lessons this year, so that she can pursue songwriting more seriously. She hopes to start recording the music that she writes. “I have always written songs in my free time. I write about events that are happening in my life. Sometimes words or phrases will pop out at me,” Gray said. From voice recitals to community theater productions, Gray has performed at a variety of venues. “Thanks to hard work, perseverance and learning how to survive the extreme ups and downs of performance life, Avery is becoming a versatile singer and actor,” voice coach David Yoss said. Sydney House • Co-editor-in-chief •
www.bvnnews.com | 11
As
the Internet evolves in its use in the educational process, more websites are being curbed by the school district’s filtering policies. The district justifies this by explaining that they are doing everything they can to strike the balance between Internet safety and student education. Recently, Vimeo has been added to the list of blocked websites.
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Educators react to district policy
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roadcast teacher Charles Huette explained the circumstances behind Vimeo being “In 2004, Vimeo was banned for all grades. founded by a group of “When I came in two weeks ago, I tried filmmakers who wanted to to get on [Vimeo] and it was blocked, so I share their creative work sent a tech request over to district office. Later I got an and personal moments email from the librarians that the website was blocked,” from their lives. As time Huette said. “What I learned from Kristy Sailors (the went on, likeminded Director of Educational Technology) was that a third people discovered Vimeo and helped build grade student was researching Russian New Year, a supportive community typed that into Vimeo, and the teacher saw the student of individuals. Today, with naked ladies on the screen. [The administration] millions of people from all blocked it outright to students.” around the world enjoy Huette contends that blocking Vimeo has a large Vimeo.” impact on the North broadcast team and the developing –vimeo.com North Report website. “It affects the way the broadcast team uploads and manages its online presence, especially right now when [the broadcast students] are gearing up for a website “Blue Valley’s Center for based around the Vimeo player. It means we had to use Advanced Professional one login for students to use it, either I do it myself or I Studies is all about have students on the computers using my login. I trust students solving real everyone on the staff, but it’s not the best idea,” Huette problems, with real tools (used by real said. professionals), being Another issue that has been brought up is the mentored by real discrepancy between the filtering policies at North employers, leading to and the filtering policies at CAPS. While students at real contributions in the CAPS have access to sites such as YouTube, Twitter and professional arena.” Facebook, students at BVN do not. –bvcaps.org Ian Roozrokh, a junior at Blue Valley Northwest and a Filmmaking student, said that students are allowed “Filmmaking: to use a large array of blocked sites to learn new video This class will guide skills or advertise themselves using social media. students through every “At CAPS we are allowed to use Facebook, YouTube, aspect of the filmmaking Tumblr; it’s like whenever you need to look up how to process from story do something, it’s easy to look up YouTube videos on development to the [the computer],” Roozrokh said. production of their own Librarian Abby Cornelius commented on how the short films....With the expansion of film into difference in policy at CAPS is unfair to the whole advanced computer student body. generated imaging, this “I think that if you are going to create a program that course will keep up with enables certain students with privileges, that is kind the industry by exposing of elitist. You have to allow all students those same students to the latest and privileges; if they are expected to meet educational greatest industry gear.” –bvcaps.org excellence, and some kids are getting opportunities that other kids are not, that’s not fair,” Cornelius said. Huette argued that although both CAPS and the Blue Valley North broadcast team do the same work, CAPS
is provided with more Internet resources. He thinks that blocking websites can take away important access to information and limit the students’ knowledge about the Internet. “Free speech is limited. I think it’s important because we’re a school. If this is a media class and what’s primarily blocked are platforms of expression, how are my students supposed to learn how to participate in media, especially in this century? Blocking student access is essentially blocking student learning,” Huette said. Agreeing with Huette, Cornelius thinks that allowing the access to these websites is critical for teaching students to be better Internet users. “Part of my curriculum is teaching students to be effective ethical users of information in terms of what you do when you come across something that you shouldn’t have seen. We can’t really teach that because there is no access [to the sites],” Cornelius said. The disconnect between the filtering policies at CAPS and the filtering policies at North has made Huette argue that more responsibility is given to CAPS students than to teachers at North. “Not only do CAPS students have more protections [of free speech] than North students, they have more protection than North teachers. They can access websites that I can’t access. The implication is that the work they do is more important than the work that I do, or that the professional work they are preparing to do is more important than my actual professional work. The district is naive if it thinks that blocking something means a student can’t access it,” Huette said. Senior Raj Burt, a student who has experienced the filtering for a few years, said that there are better
alternatives to handling the school’s Internet policies usage rather than outright blocking sites with inappropriate content. “I think it’s important that we shouldn’t restrict the Internet as it’s a tool for information. There should be a penalizing action for looking at inappropriate sites, but outright blocking YouTube is a bad decision,” Burt said. “The solution to the problem is that [the district] needs to step back and realize its ultimate goal and that goal is to raise good kids into good adults. For a lot of these decisions, [the district] needs to consider us as adults, not like children.”
Ram Sivakumar • News editor •
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceable to assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” –1forall.us
Vijay Ramasamy • Business manager •
“The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires that K-12 schools and libraries in the United States use Internet filters and implement other measures to protect children from harmful online content as a condition for the receipt of certain federal funding. It was signed into law on Dec. 21, 2000 and was found to be constitutional by the United States Supreme Court on June 23, 2003.” –wikipedia.org
“Naive: adjectivehaving or showing a lack of experience or knowledge innocent or simple” –Merriam-Websters Dictionary
“Vimeo content restrictions: You may not upload, post, or transmit (collectively, “submit”) any video, image, text, audio recording, or other work (collectively, “content”) that:
Assisted in reporting by Broadcast II class
–vimeo.com
• Infringes any third party’s copyrights or other rights: •Contains sexually explicit content or pornography; • Contains hateful, defamatory, or discriminatory content or incites hatred against any individual or group; • Exploits minors; • Depicts unlawful acts or extreme violence; • Depicts animal cruelty or extreme violence towards animals; • Promotes fraudulent schemes, multi level marketing schemes, get rich quick schemes, online gaming and gambling, cash gifting, work from home businesses, or any other dubious money-making ventures; • Violates any law.”
Filtering Internet content raises questions about policy
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few weeks ago, if you wanted to go online and catch the latest segment of Awkward on the North Report or look up a video made by one of your buddies in broadcast, it was just a click away. Now, doing so will only yield the notorious “blocked screen” page, the one that many students see on a daily basis while trying to access websites. Greg DeYoung, the executive director of Information Technology for the district, outlined the school district’s policies regarding Internet access for students. “We are bound by a federal law called CIPA, which is the Child Internet Protection Act,” DeYoung said. “It requires the district to filter harmful content for minors, and that is the major and only real piece and policy that drives Internet access for students by protecting students from harmful content on the Internet.” In order to comply with this federal legislation, the district employs a company called CISCO to create a filter of websites with harmful or inappropriate content. The filter includes websites such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and most recently Vimeo, which broadcast students, journalism students and teachers across the district use to share and host their projects. “In the case of Vimeo, we actually did encourage a lot of our teachers to use Vimeo in their courses,” DeYoung said. “Vimeo has recently had a change in its terms of service where they are now hosting inappropriate and adult content, and one of the challenges we have is that our tools don’t allow us to look at a video from a systematic standpoint and say that’s a piece of adult content, and so once a site has inappropriate content in it, we have to block the entire site. It’s an all or nothing piece; we don’t have the ability to redact words or redact videos.”
Because the Internet filtering service is unable to catch all types of harmful content, the district is forced to be reactionary rather than proactive. DeYoung maintains that the district holds no liability because of this issue, citing that his team takes the issue case by case and blocks content only when an issue arises. “The filter is constantly evolving and changing,” DeYoung said. “When we found out content that needs to be filtered that isn’t in our filter policy, we take corrective action [blocking of the website]. There are millions of websites out there; we don’t have a staff of 20 people looking at sites all day. As we come across a website that has inappropriate content, and we take a look those sites to see what kind of content they have, they are added to the filter.” Apart from policies regarding Vimeo access, there has also been controversy over the district’s stance toward allowing Internet usage at CAPS, as CAPS students are allowed to access YouTube, Twitter, Facebook that are blocked to all other students. The district, however, argues that all of its filtering policies are not exclusive, but inclusive. “[The CAPS students] are under the same filter policy,” DeYoung said. “Vimeo is blocked for all students, and all websites are screened for all students.” Additionally, teachers like Mr. Huette and Mrs. Cornelius believe the CAPS program not only receives a broader access to content, but also a broader access to resources like teaching materials and technology. The district, however, contends that it treats all programs equally and has maintained that ideal in terms of funding and policy. “We have a common set of resources that are available to all students and all instructors,” DeYoung said. “From a technology standpoint, we invest quite a
bit in all programs, so I wouldn’t say that CAPS has more resources than say, Blue Valley North, in terms of an Internet perspective or a tools perspective; we spend quite a bit of money on both schools.” These Internet and resource policies have caused students and teachers to call for compromise, as they insist that the district should meet them halfway to ensure that they can access information and share their work. DeYoung contents that even if the district may want to allow a compromise, it won’t be possible. “Sometimes that is a limitation of our tool, so we may have the desire to do so [allow access for students], but the tool won’t let us,” DeYoung said. “We don’t have the control points in order to do that granular type of access. It’s a combination of the tools, it’s a combination of the policies, and it’s a combination of having compromise and doing what’s best for kids; it’s something we are always evaluating. There are good parts to sites, and when they have inappropriate things, that makes them have bad parts. Because our tools don’t allow us to only show the good parts, we have to block the entire site.” DeYoung contends that the district is constantly evolving and adapting, working every day to ensure that students have access to the websites and information that will help them achieve academically. “We are constantly looking for more tools and having discussions around opening up different parts of the Internet and services for our students to use in education,” DeYoung said. “Believe me, we want to open up as much as we can to provide the best education we can for you guys. It’s a balance between following federal law, what our tools allow us to do, and what we then can actually open up. It’s something we spend a lot of time on.”
Opinion | 10.24.13
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Head to Head: Who is the better rapper? Eminem VS. Kendrick Lamar
“good kid, m.A.A.d city” is told through n this corner, weighing 175 a solemn and dark tone, surrounding pounds, 400 assaults, four gang violence, poverty and drugs, murders, the undisputed, most wrapped in a 60 minute story of his life diabolical villain in the world: Slim and completed with insightful vignettes Shady.” said Eminem in his song Crack after each song. His relaxed tone makes a Bottle. Marshall Mathers, known his message towards these problems as Eminem, moved to 8 Mile, Detroit more powerful. On the other hand, he is when he was 11 years old. He skipped upbeat and optimistic with his verse in school to battle kids on the street Robin Thicke’s “Give it 2 U” and jocular corners. After failing the ninth grade in Schoolboy Q’s “Collard Greens” three times, he dropped out of school by rapping the intro of his verse in to pursue his rapping career. To expand spanish. He is one of the most versatile his vocabulary and hone his freestyling rappers because he can conform to any skills, he would set aside a few hours situation. each night to read the dictionary. These Eminem, on the other hand, uses the childhood experiences, helped shape same depressing, sardonic tone with Eminem and his lyrics into what they every song he performs. Outside of his are today. Kendrick Lamar may have dark tone, it seems as if that’s the only grown up in Compton, but Eminem knows how to translate his lifestyle into Staff members Austin Fultz and Ram Sivakumar imitate their respective rapper. Illustration by Elizabeth thing he can do. He can’t work with a large range of artists unless they are able Tran his lyrics. writes back, he realizes Stan killed here are two types of rappers. The to produce the depressing tone that he Some say Eminem can’t work well himself and his wife with their unborn first kind are the ones who only does (Dido, Bad Meets Evil, Rihanna). with other artists, but he has done songs baby. rap about getting “mo money,” The second point that people with many other rap Eminem can convey his stories “mo women” or “mo illicit substances” want to talk about is whether (in a artists, including effictively while Lamar can’t do the such as Wiz Khalifa, Rick Ross, Chief hypothetical situation since they’re both Drake, Kanye d l u o same. Although Lamar creates Keef, Lil’ Wayne and Tyga. The w good friends) Lamar could beat West, Dr. Dre, m e Emin catchy beats, he doesn’t use the second kind revolutionizes Eminem in a rap battle. r Lil’ Wayne, ma Kend same emotion and he doesn’t rap and brings powerful rick L beat La p Although Eminem has 50 Cent, amar t h a put in as much work into his lyrics, and of all of the e r o i proved himself over T.I., Jessica in any who nly rappe s lyrics. names, there is one who , e c and over and over Simpson, r o m uld m yti song n a Eminem competes in a lot brought the greatest e a l t k t again, that doesn’t and Cashis. t ea hat c ba . d o e of rap battles and wins almost lyrics from Rosecrans r n r i d e n mean Lamar couldn’t This proves em kin anywh every one of them. This is one Avenue, Compton the C g popula ns stand a chance. Eminem can r a advantage Eminem has over Lamar. U.S.A. statio lifornia r on Lamar set the whole complement a adio ns fo Eminem would beat Lamar in any rap Kendrick Lamar r rap game on fire with wide variety of styles mont hs. battle anytime, anywhere. There aren’t has only recently his incredible “Control” used by many popular artists. any words that rhyme with orange right? emerged out of obscurity verse. If he has a “Control” If you listen closely to his albums, Wrong. During an interview on “60 into mainstream music, and verse part two in the works, such as “Encore”, you can understand Minutes,” Eminem found five words emerged he did. His first commercial then Eminem had better watch out. the emotion he is trying to get across. that rhyme with orange, four-inch, door album, “good kid, m.A.A.d city” sold Some people say he’s overrated, some His song “Mockingbird” is about hinge in storage, and porridge with Geo- over 250,000 copies in the first week say he’s underrated. But regardless of how his shaky marriage affected his rge. Since then, he has worked with Dr. Dre, the diverging opinions, Kendrick Lamar biological daughter Hailie and his Eminem is the only rapper to have his Robin Thicke, E-40, the cast of “SNL”, is the only rapper who could make a adopted niece Alaina. “Hailie, I know own movie that won multiple awards Big Sean and many other famous artists. song that condemns drinking popular you miss your mom, and I know you for it. Eminem has 13 number one Admittedly, there is only one other on California radio stations for months. miss your dad, well I’m gone but I’m singles worldwide. He has also won 10 rapper who can compete with Lamar, That’s pretty commendable on its own. trying to give you the life I never had.” American Music Awards. Although and that’s Eminem. In an interview, Lamar sits on an island in the world of This is just another example Eminem both are good rappers, Eminem comes Lamar said that he was inspired by rappers, abstaining from marijuana, portrays with his raw emotion. “Stan” out on top because of the awards he Eminem. Although this may be true, Molly and ostentation. He has only is one of his most powerful works. In has won and how, through his music it is clear to the average listener that released one album, yet the whole rap the song, “Stan” is a fan that writes to and emotions, he stands up as the best Lamar is the better overall rapper. spotlight is shining on him. It’s your him all of the time but Eminem never rapper of all time. The first reason he’s better is his move Eminem. has time to write back. When he finally versatility as a rapper. On one hand,
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Austin Fultz • Photographer •
Ram Sivakumar • News editor •
Opinion 10.24.13 What do you think about the Russian anti-gay laws?
Take a stand across the globe
Join the protest against Russia’s homophobic legislation
A “In light of the fact that the Olympics is supposed to represent a type of unified spirit and accepting spirit of accepting different races and cultures, I think the antigay laws are absurd. I think the United States should be taking further action to action to look into possible punishment for them,” senior Mady Womack said.
“We should go to the Winter Olympics because withdrawing would not affect Russia in any way. The United States would see more change if they would do other things like be more verbal about how we disapprove of Russia’s new policy,” sophomore Pranav Rajendiran said.
“I don’t think we should intervene [with the laws] because it would probably only result in more violence,” senior Peter Heausler said. Photos by Corey Minkoff
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s the Winter Olympics approaches once again, the United States has an incredible opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to truly granting freedom toward people from all walks of life. The options are as follows: refuse to attend the games in Sochi, Russia in February or go and risk having athletes jailed by foreign authorities. As much of the world now knows, the Russian legislature passed a law in June which banned “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations to minors.” In simpler terms, what the legislation says is that it’s illegal to be anything other than heterosexual in Russia. This is because the word “nontraditional” is not defined specifically in the law and therefore can be interpreted to mean anything that doesn’t fit the outdated ideals of the government. Thus far, actions taken to uphold the law include the banning of gay pride rallies, the ridiculously heavy taxation among gay support groups, and the splitting of children from parents who were suspected of having encouraged homosexuality. Not only that, but police have also been known to ignore the brutal attacks against gay citizens. It has become a well-known trend in Russia to weasel out suspected gays by inviting them to confidential support groups. If the suspect arrives at the meeting, he is then beaten until he is black and blue, and in some cases, even until death. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly made the statement that this was done not to discriminate against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ) community, but to “protect the children” from these “unnatural ways.” What Putin claimed is that these laws don’t make homosexuality illegal, they only ban people from encouraging it. The point of this article isn’t to attempt to classify this law as a violation of basic human rights, which it absolutely is. I don’t even find it necessary to try and make a case for why the U.S. should intervene, because the question isn’t if international intervention is necessary, but to what extent should international intervention take
place. With the Winter Olympics right around the corner, a multitude of gay rights’ groups across the globe have been up in arms over the fact that the United States has not yet withdrawn. Quite honestly, I still have not come to a conclusion on how the U.S. should act. If we do withdraw, other nations of the world may choose to do the same, but hundreds of athletes would be disappointed beyond belief and no impact on the law would occur. But if American athletes were to participate, win a game, and make some type of statement supporting the LGBTQ community in Russia, the U.S. will take a strong stance of opposition. There is, however, a risk of gay American athletes being arrested by Russian authorities. I’m not just offended by these laws; I’m disgusted. The only thing that could make this situation worse is if the leaders of the world remain bystanders. Don’t let the issue go unheard any longer. Stand up for the innocent being discriminated against. Only after the citizens of the United States take action on the matter can we see some type of change take place here and around the globe.
A protestor advocates for Russian gay rights. Illustration by Elizabeth Tran.
Corey Minkoff • Staff writer •
Miss America backlash amplifies racist sentiment
10.24.13 | Opinion
How do racist or prejudiced comments affect you?
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a terrorist or somehow isn’t American enough. My e live in a relatively modern and liberal family and I have experienced this sort of ignorance age, so most people think that America first hand, and we know that it is going to continue has transcended its racist and prejudiced to be a stigma against our ethnicity and religion for past. We pride ourselves in thinking that we are a a while to come. melting pot of acceptance and that all are welcome It’s a sad time when my parents have had to have a here. I have come to realize, however, that racism discussion with me about how there will be people and prejudice are not dead in America and they who will simply discriminate against me based might even be thriving in this age of the Internet. on my ethnicity and faith and that I’ll just have My wakeup call to the sheer magnitude to learn how to deal with it. It’s a sad time of this problem was when I recently when my parents exchange stories about saw the backlash of the Miss America how they have been personally snubbed, like winner, Nina Davuluri, the first winner of when a patient once asked for another doctor Indian descent. Hours after her crowning, upon seeing that my dad was a Muslim there was a large negative reaction on Pakistani. social media websites like Twitter I don’t want people thinking that that included posts like, “How the I’m calling all Americans racist. f*** does a foreigner win Miss That is exactly what I’m trying America? She is an Arab! not to do. I know that there #idiots,” “Congratulations are wonderful people who Al-Qaeda. Our Miss have either made the effort America is one of you,” and to educate themselves in “9/11 was 4 days ago and diversity, or simply don’t even she gets Miss America?” consider ethnicity and faith to The ignorance of these and be a difference. My family has other tweets frankly disturbed also been touched by people like me. I couldn’t understand how this. For example, the day after the there were people who would so 9/11 attacks, my mom took me to an ice quickly stereotype someone based solely on their skin color and America takes two steps forward and one step back skating lesson. There were these ethnicity. One reason I think regarding the dividing issue of the crowning of Miss women who started whispering America 2013. Photo illustration by Elizabeth Tran. and giving looks to my mom that people were so willing and I as soon as we entered the to broadcast their judgments room. They had no shame in blaming the tragic is that they were able to post their uninformed events of the days before on our entire faith and thoughts behind a screen. When they can post ethnic background. They weren’t the people who their comments practically anonymously, people affected us, though. Upon hearing the women’s are more willing to be negative without thinking nasty comments, my ice skating instructor sat down about the consequences. It almost seems like we have regressed further since people are more willing next to us and started a conversation to distract us from the pointed remarks next to us. It’s people like to speak their minds, and they are able to circulate this who tend to stand out in my mind; it’s people their opinion more by sending it into the online like this who continue to touch me. world. Prejudice has become much more visible Although many have learned to keep an open with the online era just because of how easy it is to mind, there are still those who refuse to just share ideas with millions of people. listen. There will always be a new challenge like Whether the comments are sent online or in anonymous online forums that create obstacles for person, what hurt me the most is that people are progress. We need to come together as a society to still quick to point fingers at the nearest person make sure there is not a double standard when it of Middle Eastern descent, or Muslim, whenever come to the internet. As long as we work to educate someone mentions the word “terrorist” or anything and encourage tolerance, progress will be made. about 9/11. There are some people who still think that anyone who is a Muslim or has brown skin is
“Honestly it doesn’t affect me too much because I am multiracial. It doesn’t really bother me as much as it does other people. I don’t think everyone should joke around as much about it as they do now. It gets to a certain point to where it should stop,” junior Dreyah Cushman said.
“[Racist comments] bother me. It usually means that they are self-concious about themselves,” freshman Miriam Adler said
“When the caucasians call African Americans the N-word and think that’s okay, I think it’s very disrespectful. Then again I get why they think that it’s okay since African American people on their own say it. It depends on how they say it as well,” sophomore Zanaiya Pebbles said. Photos by Vinnie Garimella
Faryal Jafri • Online editor •
www.bvnnews.com | 17
Opinion | 10.24.13
Look up from the screen T
Why face to face communication maintains its value
wo little girls argued in front of me: one begging her sister to play a board game, and the other, with her eyes glued to her iPad, refusing to participate until iOS7 had updated. After several minutes, I finally got their attention. They both looked at me for a solution, but to be honest, I didn’t know what to say. When you’re babysitting, coming up with a compromise for two nice elementary age girls is not usually a difficult task. In the moment, however, I was completely dumbfounded that I had to settle an argument because a 10 year old was too preoccupied with her iPad update. Now that everyone is constantly checking Twitter and refreshing their Instagram, I cherish the days when my entertainment consisted of swinging on the playground and playing tag with the neighbors. It’s just not the same for these future generations to look back on their childhoods and think, “Wow, that was so fun when we used to go on our iPads and text on the messaging app!”
“The act of expressing oneself through words is so much more powerful than typing brief messages every few minutes.” Not only is it saddening that later generations will not value those carefree activities, but this shift will also have negative health effects. Scientists say that human interaction is a main key of brain development, and becoming so dependent on technology at such a young age will lead to communication issues. In fact, these issues are already surfacing as we see more and more people using social media to communicate and face to face interaction becoming an increasing rarity. Nowadays, even job interviews are done through video chat. The exchanges when two people are physically together are undoubtedly more valuable
18 | The North Star
A 5-year-old girl plays a game “outside” on her iPad. Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Tran.
experiences. When you are in front of someone, you are able to see their facial expressions, listen to their tone of voice and observe their body language to understand what they are saying. The impact of this adds more meaning to the interaction and creates stronger relationships. Communication through technology, on the other hand, can be interpreted in different ways and many times does not get the intended message
across. Two people that constantly text and two people that meet for coffee once a week are not going to have the same relationship. Sure, maybe the two people that meet for coffee only communicate on one day for a few hours, but the act of expressing oneself through words is so much more powerful than typing brief messages every few minutes. I am not suggesting that we all throw our phones in the toilet, but that we become more aware of how much time we spend engrossed in technology. Instead of chatting on Facebook or tweeting at people, we should be directly interacting with the people around us. We need to make a conscious effort to look up from our iPhones more often and actually talk with our friends and family to strengthen those bonds. If we devote the time and energy to do so, the connections we make will become more meaningful. Years from now, we’re not going to remember the times we sat on the couch Snapchatting. The times we went to that football game or drove down to the plaza are what truly create memories. Mallory Bodker • Opinion editor •
10.24.13 | Opinion
The North Star Staff Editors-in-chief Hayley Berger Sydney House Danny Rosenberg Online editor Faryal Jafri Photo and Design editor Erica Emert News editor Ram Sivakumar Feature editor Emily Levinson Sports editor Jake Goldman Entertainment editor Erica Richardson Opinion editor Mallory Bodker Business manager Vijay Ramasamy Social media manager Lauren Wolfe Photographers Austin Fultz Vinnie Garimella Lauren Keller Elizabeth Tran Staff writers Kendall Avenia Bentley Hulshof Corey Minkoff Julian Hoffman
The senior class throws balloons in the air to celebrate the seniors winning the ten legged race in the Homecoming Olympics assembly. In addition to the balloons, the seniors threw streamers and blew bubbles, which they cleaned up right after the assembly. Photo by McKenna Yates.
Staff Editorial:
Seniors step it up
Adviser Melinda Gilman The North Star is the official publication of Blue Valley North High School, an open forum distributed to all students six times a year. This publication may contain controversial material. Kansas law prohibits the suppression of a student publication solely because it may contain controversial matter. Blue Valley Unified School District No. 229 and its board members, officers and employees may disclaim any responsibility for the content of this publication; it is not an expression of school policy. Student authors and editors are solely responsible for the content of this publication. Letters to the editors are encouraged from students and nonstudents alike and should be less than 500 words in length. All letters must be signed and turned into room 411 at least one week prior to publication. All letters require a signature. Names will be published. The North Star reserves the right to edit with regard to libel, without changing the substance of the letter. The North Star will not publish obscene or libelous material.
The North Star Blue Valley North High School 12200 Lamar Ave. Overland Park, KS 66209 (913) 239-3000
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t the Homecoming Olympics assembly a few years ago, the senior class threw bouncy balls across the gym, injuring sophomores and a staff member. The following years, the senior classes started a “tradition” to throw things, such as sex toys, eggs, chalk dust, baby powder and even dead fish, at the Homecoming Olympics assembly, hurting others or leaving a mess for the janitors to clean up. When last year’s seniors left their mark on their assembly, it was clear that they weren’t the group to bring change. Our newspaper printed stories about how disrespectful the senior class was and how the senior class needed to “step it up.” And that’s exactly what we think the class of 2014 has done. At this year’s Homecoming assembly, the class of 2014 turned the “tradition” into a fun and exciting celebration. Instead of hurting anyone, the seniors blew bubbles.The second the assembly ended,
every senior started to clean up the streamers and balloons. This time no janitors had to clean up the mess. Although it is only the start of the school year, the seniors have sent a high precedent for the rest of the year. Along with many teachers in the school, The North Star staff commends the class of 2014 on the respect and spirit they’ve exhibited so far this school year. We think that this class has done a good job of trying to change the poor examples set by their predecessors, and for that, the class of 2014 should be congratulated. As the year continues, we hope the class of 2014 continues its positive streak of school spirit and respect. So far they’ve set a great example for future seniors at North, and we can’t wait to see what else they have in store.
-The North Star Staff www.bvnnews.com | 19
Entertainment | 10.24.13
AT THE MOVIES
“Captain Phillips”
G
one are the days when the mentioning of pirates would conjure the swashbuckling Jack Sparrow or a mischievous Captain Hook. Instead, my thoughts will forever be tainted by the chilling images of the Somali pirates in “Captain Phillips.” Based on a true story, the movie stars Tom Hanks as the titular Richard Phillips, a civilian captain charged with the task of navigating the ship Maersk Alabama from southern Oman to Kenya in March 2009. When we are first introduced to Phillips, he’s preparing to leave his home in Vermont; he packs his bags and makes sure to include a portrait of his family, and then he is off to the airport.
Concurrently on the other side of the world, a and screen time, and it’s his performance that young man named Muse is selected to lead a crew determines the movie’s authenticity. He portrays into the water in hopes of finding a ship to hijack the captain as calm and unruffled, which and hold for ransom. We never learn much about makes his cleverness all the more praiseworthy. Muse, nor do we learn much about the rest of the Although the other characters weren’t as crew, but what we do know is that they are young, developed, I liked how the writers initially ruthless and eager to please their money-hungry introduced us to both the American crew and the elders. pirates. This added a depth to the film Late one night after that I didn’t expect from the previews. Rated PG-13 for sustained, the Alabama sets sail, Like so many other movies “based intense sequences of menace, Phillips receives an email on a true story,” the ending is not only some violence with bloody warning of recent pirate predictable but was at one time all over images and for substance use attacks in the area. Sure the news. That puts a lot of pressure Run Time: 2 hours, 14 minutes on the director, who then has to enough, two skiffs appear Stars out of 4: on the ship’s radar the convince millions of moviegoers to sit very next morning. From through two-plus hours of history that the moment that Phillips could just be Googled in five minute’s and Muse spot each time. Here, director Paul Greengrass other in their binoculars, does not disappoint. Known for his the movie becomes a series of mind games that shaky-cam style and fast-pacing, Greengrass Phillips has to play if he wants to keep his crew employs similar tactics as those he used in “The alive. To stay one step ahead of the pirates, he Bourne Ultimatum.” Although this style might must be inventive and quick-witted. And quickbe nauseating to some, it is extremely effective in witted he is, using his walkie-talkie and shards of making the movie that much more energetic and glass on a moment’s notice to deter his captors. thrilling. That being the case, the best words to describe What I liked most about “Captain Phillips” “Captain Phillips” are “intense” and “pulsewas its relevance. It dealt with the timely issue pounding.” There were definitely moments during of Somali piracy in a way that was more exciting the movie where I had to remind myself to than political. I was actually able to enjoy the breathe. movie instead of worrying about the filmmakers’ As the title might suggest, the movie is largely political agenda. Future directors could learn a a one-man show. Hanks has the most dialogue thing or two from Greengrass. Danny Rosenberg
Tom Hanks stars as Ron Phillips, the real-life captain whose ship was hijacked by Somali pirates. Photo from indiewire.com
If you like this “United 93”
D
irector Paul Greengrass employs his signature shaky cam style of filmmaking to tell the true story of United Flight 93, a plane that was hijacked on 9/11. Both tragic and uplifitng, “United 93” reconstructs the events on the plane and on the ground as the passengers and crew unite together against the terrorists.
20 | The North Star
• Co-editor-in-chief •
try these
“Inside Man”
F
illed with suspense and action, “Inside Man” is a cleverly-crafted bank heist thriller. Starring Clive Owen as the mastermind thief and Denzel Washington as the hostage negotiator always one step behind, “Inside Man” will have you on the edge of your seat until its jaw-dropping conclusion.
“The Terminal”
V
iktor Navroski’s (Tom Hanks) attempt to immigrate to America is thwarted when his home country’s government is overtaken and his passport his invalidated. Unable to leave the Kennedy Airport or return home, Viktor befriends the airport’s employees, and adapts to the American lifestyle.
10.24.13 | Entertainment
Day in the life of CAMPUS POLICE
B
eginning at 7:30 a.m., I was an honorary member of the North campus police. From the routine morning coffee to catching bad guys in the parking lot, I spent part of my day following in the footsteps of a cop. Here’s a recap of my day in the life of a campus policeman.
Sophomore Jake Goldman and Officer Jon Lindquist monitor the lunchroom for misbehavior and any food fights. Photo by Austin Fultz
B
(From top to bottom) Sophomore Jake Goldman, sports editor, learns how to direct traffic at an intersection near school. Goldman rides in the passenger seat of Officer Jon Lindquist’s campus car and heads to the scene of a parking issue. Goldman places cones to cross off a restricted area. Photos by Austin Fultz
lurry eyed, I woke up eager for the day that sauce. I had to get my heart pumping full of carbs and lay ahead. Today I would be one of North’s proteins for the afternoon’s festivities. After eating, I campus police officers. I quickly brushed my gazed at the bustling lunch room and gave the stink teeth and began the laborious process of putting on my eye to any student about to cause a ruckus. uniform. In place of the bulletproof vest that Officer I hightailed out to the football shed and helped Jon Lindquist strapped on over his undershirt, I put on unlock the colossal monster from its cage. It was the my police trafficking vest. Blue Valley campus polices’ off-roadster. Lindquist and After changing into my uniform, it was time to head I utilized the car to handle some issues in the parking downstairs for a nutritious breakfast. I ate an egg and lot. I rode around in the vehicle going a steady 15 mph sausage sandwich to start my metabolism. Then I toward the scene of a parking issue. Next, I witnessed poured myself a toasty cup of Folgers coffee with a hint Lindquist writing a ticket for a car that was parked in of pumpkin spice flavoring. Unfortunately, Blue Valley the wrong spot. I then placed some cones to mark a doesn’t supply its campus police with cop cars, so I had deteriorating parking spot and directed some traffic to make do in my mom’s Honda as near school. I ventured to school. Thankfully, Blue Valley North is a “My main goal is to Once I got to school, I went into pretty safe place without any violent help each student crime (knock on wood). Lindquist, the SRO office and turned on the and ensure every who I shadowed for a day, worked computers with Lindquist. While waiting for everything to power student’s safety.” for the Lenexa Police Department for up, Lindquist went across the hall 24 years; however, Lindquist believes to the main office and checked with the office staff. North is a pretty terrific place. He inquired about any lost items and parking issues “It’s a much better atmosphere and environment and also asked if any students had their phones stolen coming to BVN and dealing with the parking lot the day prior. After that, I went with Lindquist to the and students’ problems. I enjoy that because I’m a commons to patrol before first hour. parent myself, and I can use that knowledge plus law During first hour, Lindquist and I made a sweep enforcement knowledge to prevent crime,” he said. around school to make sure all of the doors were Shadowing a campus police officer kept me closed. It was a necessity that the building was secure constantly busy. To be honest, the job was intense but from outsiders. Then I began the normal routine. quite enjoyable. The officers interact with students all After every hour, I stood guard by the statue in the day and are always there for us. They aren’t scary, but commons, but during classes I did my ever-changing in fact, very sympathetic. They aren’t sent to school to procedure. Lindquist and I started by answering scare students away but rather to help them be better emails from parents. It might sound boring, but in people. fact, it wasn’t. Many of your parents email Lindquist During my experience, Lindquist told me, “My main and Overland Park Police Officer Christina Batalia goal is to help each student and ensure every student’s regarding questions about laws and other issues. safety.” Next, we did some office work which included writing reports about the latest MIP’s and school thieves. It then came time for lunch. I ate a balanced meal Jake Goldman • Sports editor • which included the school’s terrific spaghetti and meat
www.bvnnews.com | 21
Inside Shalice’s World Strutting down the hallway in six-inch blue pumps wearing a blue cheetah tank top and black suede pants, it’s senior Shalice Lott. Since kindergarten, Lott has worn high heels and dressed up for school, creating her own style. Lott doesn’t just want to be seen as a glamour girl. “I want people to see me as an ambitious, smart, fun person. I don’t want people to judge me just based on my outfits and think, ‘Oh, she’s just a girly girl, she has to be dumb,’ because I’m a very smart person. I’m actually pretty nerdy,” Lott said. Lott is extremely motivated to follow her mother’s advice. As a child, her mother told her to dress for success, so ever since kindergarten, Lott has worn unconventional and glamorous clothes to school. “I’ve always dressed my daughters very girly, and Shalice has always just wanted the sparkly heels and always wanted dresses. Shalice has always had a real fashionable style,” Lawona Jeffery-Lott, Shalice’s mother, said. Many people assume that Lott would want to pursue a career in fashion, but that’s not the case. Dressing up is just something that makes Lott feel good about herself. After attending college, which she intends to do at KU, Lott hopes to become a pediatrician and better the lives of children, which is another of her passions.
22 | The North Star
Jake Goldman • Sports editor •
Austin Fultz • Photographer •
As you enter Lott’s closet, you’re amazed by the magnificently organized vault of clothes. Her wardrobe is arranged in shifts depending on the season of the year. If it’s not summer, you won’t find any jean shorts or bikinis. But despite her ever-shifting wardrobe, one spot in her closet has always been reserved since the eighth grade for her dance dresses.
A perfect outfit to Lott is one that makes her feel good. For Lott, the outfit is formfitting, but for anyone else chasing her own inimitable style, Lott has some words of wisdom, “It doesn’t matter what people think about your style or how people look at you. It only matters what you think of yourself. Go for it.”
People often ask where Lott buys her clothes. She purchases most of her clothes from many stores that students shop at every day. These stores include Forever 21 and Charlotte Rusee. Lott likes to buy all of the clothes that she knows no one else will buy.
Every day you can count on Lott to strut through the halls in one of her 50 pairs of high heels. The shoes, which are often imported from Texas or California, are a trademark of her style. She has a different color pair of shoes for every outfit. Her favorites are six-inch blue pumps bedazzled with studs and sparkles.
10.24.13 | Entertainment
Where do I belong?
I
t's that time of year again: school is in full swing, and clubs are popping up all over the place. But with so many options to choose from, trying to find the right one can be intimidating. So we're making it easy for you. Take this quiz, and find out where you fit at BVN.
DISCUSSION
Do you prefer to have discussions or participate in activities?
Are you more interested in academics or art?
Would you rather discuss social issues or pop culture? SOCIAL ISSUES
LOCAL
Join
Black Leadership Club, Diversity Council, GSA or Ignite.
GLOBAL
Join
Anime/Manga Club, Book Club, Doctor Who Club, Fashion Club, Mustang Film Association, or writing club.
Join
A
s is typical at the beginning of each school year, this fall saw the addition of a few new clubs and the rejuvenation of some old groups that had disappeared.
IGNITE is a student-driven organization that seeks to educate high school students about healthy relationships and respect. The club meets every Thursday after school in room 417.
ART
YES
Join
NO
Join
Academic Decathlon, Categories, Chess club, DECA, FBLA, Scholar's Bowl, Science Knowledge Bowl, or Technology Students Association.
Knitting Club: Even though it’s called knitting club, students can learn to both knit and crochet, and no prior experience is required. Knitting Club meets every other Tuesday after school in room 411. Students should bring a pair of knitting needles between sizes 10 and 12 and a ball of yarn.
Join
THEATRE
Are you more competitive or service-oriented?
COMPETITION
Introducing new options
Are you more theatrically or artistically inclined?
Do you speak a foreign language?
Spanish Club, French Club, Latin Club, or German Club.
Environmental Club, Political Science Club, International Relations Club, Young Republicans Club, or Youth Court.
ART
ACADEMICS
POP CULTURE
Are you more interested in local or global issues?
ACTIVITIES
SERVICE
Knitting Club or Art National Honor Society.
Join
guitar club, TRI-M, Mustang Film Association, or Thespians.
Join
FCCLA or KAY Club.
Old clubs renewed: Guitar Club, Environmental Club and Family, Community and Career Leaders of America (FCCLA) are all getting revamped with new leadership. Guitar Club and Environmental Club meet on Tuesdays in rooms 415 and 116, respectively, and FCCLA meets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in room 512. Emily Levinson • Feature editor•
www.bvnnews.com | 23
10.24.13
Trick or treat
Give me something good to eat Halloween is just around the corner, and for those of you looking for some treats to make the holiday even sweeter, here are some scrumptious and spooky delights.
Jack Skellington cupcakes
What you’ll need: -1 prepared batch of chocolate cupcakes -white buttercream frosting -2 toothpicks -1 tube of black decorator’s frosting Steps: 1. Frost the cupcakes with the white buttercream frosting, making sure to cover the entire top. 2. Use a toothpick to etch the outline of two eyes in the frosting 3. Pipe the black decorator’s icing into the etched lines and fill in the two eye circles completely. 4. Spread the icing out with the other toothpick. 5. Pipe two short lines for the nose and one long line across the bottom of the cupcake for the mouth. 6. Top the mouth with about ten short horizontal lines to achieve an extra spooky look!
Eyeball doughnuts
Photos by: Elizabeth Tran
24 | The North Star
What you’ll need: -2(11 ounce) bags of white chocolate chips -12 doughnut holes -12 semisweet chocolate chips -1 tube of red decorator’s frosting -2 tablespoons of vegetable oil 12 cake pop sticks Steps: 1. Melt the white chocolate chips mixed with the oil over low heat( let the mixture sit over the heat while you work). 2. Place a doughnut hole on the tip of a fork and submerge it into the melted chocolate to fully coat the doughnut. Gently tap off any excess. 3. Stick a semisweet chocolate chip onto each doughnut hole 4. Use the tube of red decorator’s frosting to add squiggly eyes coming out from the pupils, imitating veins. 5. Stick each “eyeball” onto a cake pop stick and enjoy! All recipes from spoonful.com Want the recipe for Corny Cookies? Go visit bvnnews.com! Erica Richardson • Entertainment editor•