The Express - September 2019

the express

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SETTING THE STAGE FOR STUGO STUDENT GOVERNMENT OFFICERS VOICE THEIR AGENDA, AND FRESHMAN CANDIDATES PROPOSE THE IDEAS THEY PLAN TO INCORPORATE IF ELECTED.

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VOLUME 27 • ISSUE 2 • BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST

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CONTENTS

Issue 2 | 9.19.19

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STAFF EDITORIAL: DEADLY ADDICTION

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OPINION: PE: WHAT’S THE POINT?

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OPINION: LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

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RETURNING TO THE PACK TRIPLE THREAT PLANTING SEEDS FOR THE FUTURE

StuGo Executive President Annabelle Nitz speaks at the pep assembly Sept. 6. “Volunteering at service events like Special Olympics is my favorite part about being in StuGo,” Nitz said. “ I like seeing everyone participate and serve others.” (Photo by Mitri Krishna)

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Above: Sophomore Mikey Pauley warms ups for practice with head coach Cint Rider Aug. 28. (Photo by Grace Davis).

Left: 913 Nutrition offers a variety of flavors of shakes and teas such as “Birthday Cake.” (Photo by Rachel Sarff).

Cover: Student elections were held for all grades last spring except for freshmen which will be held on Sept. 19. (Cover design by Ben Hobbs).

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PLANTING SEEDS FOR THE FUTURE SETTING UP FOR STUGO

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HUSKY HIGHLIGHTS HOGS AND KISSES MONTHLY PICKS SHAKING UP NUTRITION

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TEN SECONDS OF FAME

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QUIZ: ARE YOU A TRUE VSCO GIRL?

Issue 2 | 9.19.19

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Exp. 10/31/19

Exp. 10/31/19

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9.19.19 | Issue 2

STAFF EDITORIAL

DEADLY ADDICTION

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he latest reports of vape-related deaths and sometimes up to half a dozen students each day. health issues have exposed the risk e-cigarette In light of its physical harm and medical problems, users are taking. It’s more important than ever to school districts have taken action to target big-brand put an end to this trend. A little bit of fun is not production companies like Juul for marketing to worth dying for. teenage use, instead of marketing their products as a Recently, six vape-related deaths have been smoking alternative for adults. Goddard School District reported across the U.S., including one case in in Goddard, Kan. recently filed a lawsuit against Juul, Kansas. There have also been more than 450 claiming e-cigarettes pose a significant risk to students’ recorded cases of corresponding illnesses with health and have created a disturbance to the district’s symptoms ranging from shortness of breath and educational mission. chest pain to comas and permanent lung damage.

So even with confirmed cases of negative health These repercussions, after just a few years of effects, deaths and behavioral consequences with the e-cigarettes’ popularity, have drawn concerns for school, why do students continue to vape? the safety of vapers. The state of Students are aware of its harm, but Michigan recently banned the they either don’t care or don’t believe it Your peers are being sale of all vape-related products will affect them. hospitalized— simply and the Trump administration With posters around the school vaping “for fun” or due to is moving to remove flavored stating the dangers of vaping and all the peer pressure is not a good vaping materials from markets information in the media, students can’t enough reason to destroy across America, marking the really say they didn’t know it was bad for your body with potentially beginning of a potential vapethem. irreversible lung damage. less future.

Though many of these vape-related Executive Director of School respiratory illnesses are a mystery in Administration David Stubblefield, along with Blue terms of what specifically causes the damage and how Valley principals, have put in effort to eradicate much it will deteriorate one’s future health, the growing e-cigarettes from school grounds as well, changing occurrences of them should be reason enough for the policy in March of punishing the use of vape students to collectively quit vaping. As a student body, we products to the same degree as the use of marijuana need to take charge to rid vaping’s prevalence at BVNW. and other drugs. In addition, they implemented The recent deaths related to juuling should be the rules requiring exterior bathroom doors to be open fuel to a movement against vaping in young adults. at all times. By implementing a three to five day Though brands have marketed their product as “safer suspension for the violation of the District’s no-vape than cigarettes,” the short term effects across the nation policy and a required program to teach students have foreshadowed vape’s possible effects in the future, the harm of nicotine addiction, Associate Principal and it’s imperative that students quit vaping to prevent Tyler Alexander said they hoped detrimental harm. Your peers are being to minimize vaping among hospitalized— simply vaping “for fun” students and protect them from or due to peer pressure is not a good its harm. However, Principal enough reason to destroy your body with Amy Pressly said the school potentially irreversible lung damage. resource officers still regularly catch students vaping in school,

Issue 2 | 9.20.19

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OPINION PE: WHAT’S THE POINT?

BY COURTNEY KREBS

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fter years of Physical of students don’t need a required Education (PE) being a physical education class at school full year requirement to order to incorporate exercise into graduate for high school their day. students in the state of Explaining her overall experience Kansas, the Blue Valley School District in PE, junior Caroline Barker said has made a change. As of this year, taking Dance Team first hour and PE freshmen are no longer required to second hour her freshman year was take General Physical Education, overwhelming. but can instead choose to enroll “Having Dance Team and PE all in in a variety of other fitness classes one day was just too much,” Barker for their physical education credit. said. “I felt that I was already getting These new options a workout in with include Personal Dance Team so there "Exercise is not a oneFitness, Strength was no benefit at all size-fits-all subject.” and Conditioning, [in doing] PE. ” Team Sports, Group Requiring students Exercise and Fitness to take physical Foundations. This adjustment to the education classes for exercise is curriculum may be more beneficial unnecessary. There are various than the previous requirement, but it electives that provide beneficial is not the best adjustment. High school skills and are more personal to each students should not be required by the individual student, including those state to take a physical education class in art, computer and world language at all. classes.

Physical education classes give Michelle Pothoven, a physical students the opportunity to exercise education instructor at BVNW, during the school day if they otherwise teaches Fitness Foundations, wouldn’t, or don’t have the opportunity Group Exercise and Personal to, outside of school. This may seem Fitness. Fitness Foundations and logical at first, but if you look at the Group Exercise are her freshman statistics, it really doesn’t apply to the classes, but she said Strength and majority of students at BVNW. Conditioning has recently grown During the 2018-2019 school year popular for many other students. at BVNW, school attendance records Pothoven said she thinks the said 56% of students were involved in majority of her freshmen would not school athletics. These records also still take a physical education class if said there were 70 total members on they were not required to. the 2018-2019 Cheer and Dance Teams, “I think the athletes would [take which are considered school activities the class],” Pothoven said. “I guess rather than athletics. If you add those I hope they would, but if I’m being students to the total percentage, honest, probably not.” that number would rise to 61%. This Freshmen Sophia Steketee and still does not include students who Rylee Devorak are currently on The exercised outside of school regularly Pack Dance Team and are part of a or were involved in a sport outside of competitive dance company outside school. These stats prove the majority of school. Both students said they

would not choose to take a physical education class if it were not required because they are highly active outside of school.

Exercise is not a one-size-fits-all subject. Students at varying levels of fitness cannot all benefit from the same exercises as their neighbor.

Different people need different types of workouts at different intensities to individually grow in their fitness ability the most effectively. The opportunity for freshmen to take further specialized physical education classes this year may be a step in the right direction, but still doesn’t account for the many kids who don’t need this scheduled period to exercise. Although it is important for these classes to remain open as optional electives for students who want to take them, a physical education credit should not be a universal requirement. The state of Kansas should reconsider this high school graduation requirement in order to give students more freedom in their schedule.

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9.20.19 | Issue 2

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR:

UNDERSTANDING THE EXPRESS

BY ETHAN KNAUTH

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n the current media climate, some are eager to label news sources as biased or news they don’t like as fake news, as shown through our president’s own words and actions.

Despite this environment, we, “The Express” and “BVNWnews”, strive to inform and intrigue you, the BVNW community. We work to adhere to high standards and ethical principles to provide our readers with the best quality journalism. But, as any studentrun publication, we will make mistakes.

When that happens, we will fix it and issue a correction promptly.

These procedures and principles of journalism, although second nature to our staff, may be foreign to you, our readers.

We seek to change that. The following are some of our practices for producing our publications: News When news occurs in the BVNW community, we first research the event so we can evaluate our ability to cover it. Very rarely, we may opt out of reporting on such an event. Valuing quality over speed, we won’t always be the first to release a story, but we will try to ensure it is the most accurate. To supplement our devotion to accuracy, we inform our readers through our social media updates on the event and issue a short summary on “BVNWnews” with confirmed facts about the event prior to publishing the story.

Anonymous Sources When a source asks to remain anonymous for a story, we are able to, but rarely do, grant this privilege.

Although this is theoretically protecting someone’s identity, our publication feels it destroys part of the source’s credibility, as they are unwilling to identify themselves with their experiences or knowledge. In those

as an Opinion section, so it is not rare circumstances when we do print mistaken for unbiased journalism. With a story with an anonymous source, an attempt to exclude most personal the writer must get approval from the anecdotes, our writers seek to be editor of the story, the Editor-in-Chief observational in their opinions in hopes and our adviser before witholding the of altering peoples’ perceptions of, or name. The name of the source will providing new insight on, a topic. always be known to the reporter and Editorials Editor-in-Chief and information from In our Editorials, we as a staff the source will be confirmed with other stand behind every word printed on sources before it is published. the Editorial page. In conjunction Social Media and Sports with opinions, our staff provides an With our social observation which media, we provide a acts in a variety sneak peak into BVNW of ways: a call for activities, generally “WE WELCOME action, sometimes through our Instagram, YOUR CRITICISM AND to commend Snapchat and Twitter, FEEDBACK.” or sometimes all @BVNWnews to our to condemn an followers. On Twitter, we individual, group or also cover live all major policy. seasonal sports so our followers can Design and Photography keep up with each team’s successes. In In our design and photography addition, we provide game summaries efforts, we augment our writing visually for basketball and football, as well as in hopes of creating a more complete write summary blurbs about regional story. In that spirit, there will be no championship games and beyond.

Photoshop altering of photo content; if We acknowledge that there will be we do, we will clearly label the work as occasional lapses in coverage, but an illustration. promise to attempt to supply our Criticism followers with a complete overview of In the digital age, criticism is BVNW. common. Whether we like it or not, all Arts and Entertainment feedback is accepted with open arms.

In our Arts and Entertainment All feedback is appreciated. If we were section, we set out to provide you to never accept and truly consider with reviews and quizzes involving criticism, how would we ever grow as the greater Kansas City area. With a publication? So, we welcome your pop culture and restaurants regularly criticism and feedback. reviewed, we vow to present our Hopefully reading our publication’s readers with a sensible overview of ideals has helped you, our readers, the topic. In our quizzes, although better understand our process in with humorous intent, we seek to be providing you unfiltered, unbiased accurate in every answer provided journalism. If ever you, our readers, from a source to ensure its validity. ever feel we have let you down, please Opinions Our staff writers share their opinions let us know. on various topics in our Opinions section. This section is clearly labeled

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Issue 2 | 9.20.18

RETURNING TO THE PACK

BY MADDIE OLIVER

Design by Sophie Dellett

2019 graduate Matthew Maher has returned to BVNW as a para professional.

Para professional and 2019 graduate Matthew Maher helps sophomore Ashleigh Eblen develop film in art teacher Melanie Mikel’s photography class. “The students are always so happy to be there. They don’t judge anyone and they always come in with a smile on their face,” Maher said. (Photo by Grace Miller)

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iagnosed with autism at the age of four, 2019 graduate Matthew Maher said that he felt different in his own skin, mentioning he struggled with relating to people. After beginning the Connections class his senior year and now working as a para, Maher said that the judgement—free course and classroom made him feel confident and at ease with being on the autism spectrum.

Initially, Maher said he never believed he would come back to Blue Valley Northwest. Maher graduated in the spring of 2019 and planned on taking a gap year because he said school wasn’t his thing.

After dropping a class first semester of his senior year, Maher said the only available class to take was Connections, Maher shows sophomore Vignesh Jeyakumar how to stock food in the cafeteria. “The a class that promotes social skills love that they give you is something that I wouldn’t trade for anything,” Maher said. development and building friendships (Photo by Grace Miller) for individuals of all abilities.

A friend of Maher and fellow 2019 Resource teacher, said she believes he kids, it was an instant click. You could graduate Lauren Spector said that she connects better with the kids because tell Matthew has a heart for working helped Maher adjust to Connections he can relate to them on a personal with individuals with special needs and class second semester, by giving him level. he was just really dedicated to it. That insight on how to accept the course as “Matthew’s experiences and made him stand out as someone who a whole. perspectives are valuable because might be a good fit for being a para.”

“I helped Matthew transition by he knows what it feels like to maybe After Richter discussed the sharing stories and the joy that the sometimes feel different,” Richter available para job with him, Maher students had brought to me,” Spector said. “But, I think it makes him really said he applied over the summer said. “I made sure that he knew it was relatable to our students, and he after graduating. Maher later had an a place to feel loved and accepted doesn’t let that get in the way of who he interview and was hired. and that when you fully embrace is. He’s a really good role model for our As a para, Maher said that his job is Connections, it’s one of the best things students. [It] doesn’t matter what your to accompany and help the kids, but in life.” ability is, if there’s something you want to also let them be independent with After joining the Connections class, to do, you could do it if you set your themselves.

Maher said he found the atmosphere of mind to it.” “[In] some classes I will sit in the class relaxing Richter said the back because the kids are more and it allowed that Maher was independent,” Maher said. “If they “HE WAS FABULOUS WITH him to be himself a good fit for need help, or if they’re off task, I will OUR KIDS, IT WAS AN INSTANT the upcoming when he’s there. walk up to them and say ‘we need to “The CLICK. YOU COULD TELL para job opening be on task.’ Every para does a little bit atmosphere because he of both: one on one and letting the kid MATTHEW HAS A HEART FOR in there is clicked with work by themselves.”

WORKING WITH INDIVIDUALS incredible,” the kids and he Thinking of the future, Maher said Maher said. “They WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AND HE was devoted that he plans on taking classes online really bring you a to helping in at Johnson County Community College WAS JUST REALLY DEDICATED lot of joy, because Connections. and getting his undergrad in teaching.

TO IT.” there is no “We got to Overall, Maher concluded that he could judgement in that -LAUREN RICHTER know him not become a special education teacher room. You don’t only through quicker by working as a para; working need to act like Connections, but as a para now could strengthen those you’re a different he would also chances. person when you’re in there.” spend seventh hour coming in and Knowing that Maher is on the autism just giving time during his study hall,” spectrum, Lauren Richter, an Intensive Richter said. “He was fabulous with our

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TRIPLE THREAT

Issue 2 | 9.19.19

Since kindergarten, a sophomore has played football, basketball and baseball and is playing as a varsity athlete in all three this year.

BY JACK NITZ

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aving played three sports since kindergarten, sophomore Mikey Pauley is now a varsity athlete for football, basketball and baseball. Pauley said that his brother, Jack, is the main reason he plays all three sports.

“My older brother also played three sports and I just followed after him,” Pauley said. “He always helped me out and taught me pretty much everything I know.”

Pauley’s mother, Sabrina Pauley, said she loves everything sports has done for Pauley’s life. Sabrina said that all of Pauley’s sports are a big time

Design by Tessa Regan commitment for the entire family, but they make it work. Sabrina mentioned how important of a role sports have in building Pauley’s character and improving time management.

“Sports have helped Mikey so much, especially with building character and improving time management,” Sabrina said.

As a freshman, Pauley took over as the starting quarterback for varsity midway through the season last year and has solidified the role as a sophomore.

Head football coach Clint Rider said Pauley had a great season as a freshman and did a good job taking

care of the ball.

“The good thing about being a freshman is that the pressure is off,” Rider said. “Now that he’s a sophomore, that pressure has risen up.”

Rider said that even though Pauley threw for 68 yards with four interceptions, he is sticking with him at quarterback, following a 41-14 week one loss to St. James.

“We weren’t running the ball very effectively and that’s why we were forcing some passes,” Rider said.

“Some of that’s on Mikey, some of that’s on me and some of that’s on the run game.”

Mikey Pauley warms up before the first football game of the season against St.James Academy, Sep.6. Pauley said he likes to clear his head by listening to music before games. (Photo by Lola Shipman)

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Mikey Pauley, third from the left, poses with his club baseball team, Building Champions. (Photo courtsey of Mikey Pauley) Rider mentioned Pauley’s strong and maintains his competitive drive. arm and mobility make him a great “I think it’s great that Mikey plays quarterback. The potential is there three sports,” Fritz said. “His other for Pauley, Rider said, and if he keeps sports help him stay in shape and he’s working, he will become a great player. able to compete all year round.”

“There isn’t really a cap on his Along with football and basketball, ceiling,” Rider said. “I think he could Pauley played on the junior varsity and become one of the all-time memorable varsity baseball teams last year as a quarterbacks in school history.” catcher and designated hitter. Pauley Coming off a 0-9 football season said his favorite moment from last last year, Pauley said he began year was the substate championship the basketball season ready to game against Blue Valley High when compete. Pauley played on the state the Huskies won, 7-6, on a walk-off championship basketball team, playing single. Mirroring Rider’s sentiments, for the junior varsity and varsity teams. baseball coach Jade Samborski said Pauley said not that Pauley started off winning a football well on the junior varsity "I ENJOY SPORTS game last year team and did a great job BECAUSE I CAN was frustrating, as he made the transition but during the onto varsity in the middle COMPETE AND HAVE basketball season, of the season. Samborski FUN, BUT I’VE ALSO that changed. mentioned Pauley’s BECAME A HARDER The varsity team-first attitude and basketball team strong hitting made him WORKER” went 23-2 on the fit in very well with his - MIKEY PAULEY way to the state teammates. championship, “Mikey is a great guy and Pauley said and his teammates really it was great to experience after going like him,” Samborski said. “He is a very winless in the football season. strong player and a really good hitter.”

“Being on an 0-9 team wasn’t what Pauley plays with many people we wanted, but the family we built across the three sports but one during football was like no other teammate, he said, is very supportive sport,” Pauley said. “Being on the state of him. Senior Jake Dolesh played championship team was a very special football and baseball with Pauley last moment that I will never forget.” year, making him a teammate Pauley Head varsity basketball coach Ed easily gravitated toward during the Fritz said he hopes Pauley will improve baseball season because he got to know from his freshman performance as a him well during the football season. sophomore and be an essential piece “During the football season, all in the basketball program for the the guys really embraced Mikey even next three years. Fritz said being a though he was a freshman,” Dolesh three sport athlete helps Pauley with said. “I played the same position as basketball, because he is in good shape him during baseball, so we became

11 even closer.”

Fellow sophomore Joey Robinson played basketball with Pauley on the junior varsity and varsity teams.

Robinson said that Pauley was a very strong player last year who brought a lot of intensity.

“Mikey brings a lot of intensity to the game, plays strong defense and gets a lot of rebounds,” Robinson said.

“He’s a really good teammate because he always wants to win and he is very positive and supportive.”

While playing three sports, Pauley said he has had to work hard to manage his time. Pauley said that he tries to focus on one sport at a time so he doesn’t have to worry about doing too many activities at once. He said he also has to find time after practices to get his homework done and it can become challenging.

“It can become difficult at times to manage my time with school and sports,” Pauley said. “It can become really tough when I have a lot of homework to do and I have to finish it all after a long practice or a game.”

Through sports, Pauley said he believes that he has become a better person in all aspects of his life. Pauley mentioned that sports have made him a harder worker and better at managing his time.

“I enjoy sports because I can compete and have fun and I’ve also became a harder worker,” Pauley said.

“I feel like playing sports has made me a better person in many ways.”

Mike Pauley goes up for a layup in the Blue Valley Northwest basketball game, against Blue Valley Southwest, on Feb.2.

BVNW defeated BNSW, 70-48. (Photo courtesy of Mikey Pauley)

Issue 2 | 9.20.19

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PLANTING SEEDS FOR THE FUTURE Blue Valley Northwest received a grant from the City of Overland Park dedicated to building a prairie restoration on school property, which will be led by the Environmental Club.

BY RAABIA QURESHI

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his past May, biology teacher Linda Strieby applied to receive part of a Water Quality Education Services Agreement grant for $10,000 from the City of Overland Park dedicated to creating water quality projects. Along with other schools, BVNW received $2,500 as part of the grant and plans to create a self-sufficient prairie on the school property, Strieby said.

One of the many requirements for the grant, Strieby said, was that the project must be student-led.

In order to achieve this, the BVNW Environmental Club, sponsored by Michaelyn Podany, has taken the project into its own hands.

“This is a three-year project,” Strieby said. “Every year the Environmental Club would be responsible for making sure the mowing gets done once a year and making sure there’s no weeds invading the prairie plants and things like that.”

Among its many purposes, a prairie can act as a filtration system.

Jeff Vickers, a retired environmental scientist and volunteer at the Wilderness Science Center, assisted Blue Valley High with installing its prairie in the past and is working

with the BVNW Environmental Club to do the same. He said the prairie grass’ fibrous roots pull up water from the ground for the grass to grow. In the process, they extract nutrients or contaminants for the organisms within the prairie to grow, while filtering the water simultaneously.

Senior and co-president of the

Design by Erin Reece club Benjamin Sallman said the club has assembled around 30 members who will work together to plan out and build the prairie. This includes the location on the school property, the size, the layout of the land and how students use it as a learning resource.

However, prior to getting their hands dirty, Sallman said the club

Blue Valley North’s tallgrass prairie was started three years ago. “BVN’s prairie will be used as a model for the future BVNW prairie”, Strieby said. (Photo by Alyssa Peterson).

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must work together, along with Strieby and Podany, to create a step-by-step plan. Using an outline from BVH, which implemented a prairie last year, the members of the Environmental Club will finalize a proposal for the city to approve before beginning the project, Strieby said.

Once the proposal is approved, she said, the students will dive right in to the construction.

Contrary to prairie grasses, Vickers said fescue, which is the grass that covers most people’s yards and school grounds, does not provide food sources nor protection for organisms. The fescue must be removed by the students, followed by preparing the soil and putting down the seeds for grasses and plants the students can choose for themselves.

In order to exercise the project as a learning tool, Strieby said part of the grant money is allotted to buying signs used to help identify different species and plants. “[The prairie is] going to start out as a really small area, then eventually it’ll grow bigger and bigger every year, probably going Juniors Eric Sinyavskiy and Ava Eaton walk with each other at the Blue Valley North through a three-year process,” prairie. “The prairie is a good place to be able to relax and just enjoy the weather. I’m Strieby said. looking forward to one being built at BVNW so we have a relaxing place to go and Ultimately, the grasses and hang out,” Eaton said. (Photo by Alyssa Peterson). plants should flower in the spring, Vickers said, as the prairie it, Sallman said, the entire student end of a tough day. continues to expand over the next body can reap benefits from the According to Strieby, the grant few years. prairie through the money must be spent this school year.

To Vickers, the incorporation of With fall right around the corner primary purpose classes and leisure. and this season being the best time "IT MIGHT NOT LOOK AS of a student-made “This is going to start the planting of the prairie, IMPRESSIVE COMPAREDTO to be so awesome prairie restoration Strieby said the restoration process IF YOU CAME ACROSS is education, he because I know that will kick start in the next few months. said. It serves as in the art hallway, Until then, the planning process A BIG FOREST, BUT... an eye-opener to teachers are going will continue in hopes of building THERE’S A LOT MORE everyone about to be like, ‘Hey, let’s Northwest’s first self-sustainable SPECIES OF PLANTS AND what a prairie go outside, we need prairie. really is and the some inspiration.

ANIMALS THERE THAN impact of such an Go walk through the YOU’VE PROBABLY EVER ecosystem. prairie area,’ and IMAGINED.” “It might not that’s absolutely look as impressive great,” Sallman -JEFF VICKERS compared to if you said. came across a big Alongside forest, but... there’s inspiration, the a lot more species of plants and prairie can function as an area animals there than you’ve probably students can visit to relax, he said. ever imagined,” Vickers said.

Drawing from personal preference, Although the Environment Club Sallman said nature has the ability to will lead the implementation of let students unwind and relax at the

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SETTING

Issue 2 | 9.19.19

THE STAGE

FOR STUGO Discussing their personal and overall agenda for the school year, the Executive Board provides the ins and outs of what they’d like to see happen this year.

BY JACK BENSING AND NATALIE POLICKY Design by Ben Hobbs

SARAH DERKS SPONSOR

Sarah Derks said she’s been impressed with the executive board so far, referring to their drive being the main asset of the group. In addition, Derks said communication overall would be an area needing improvement for the 2019-20 school year.

“I think they want to really increase our presence on social media because I feel like that’s an area that we really can get more involvement from the whole student body, and make sure that we are representing everybody.”

ANNABELLE NITZ

EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT Senior Annabelle Nitz, hopes she can make necessary changes students and teachers want to see at BVNW by including the student body’s input. Nitz also plans to increase school spirit.

“My hope, as student body president, is to make the changes people want to see in our school. It is pretty clear that school spirit is on a decreasing trend, so I hope this year will be a turnaround.”

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MACLAIN MICHAEL

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Maclain Michael plans on listening to the ideas and opinions of the student body as much as possible when making decisions and will make organizing spirit weeks a major focus.

“I believe that I will make an impact on our school by helping plan the best two spirit weeks of all time!”

HALLE BANEGAS

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Secretary of the executive board Halle Banegas seeks to revolutionize the recycling process at BVNW. Along with Murdock and Ganesh, Banegas agrees with the idea of improving communication between students, specifically through social media.

“As secretary, my job is to take notes and keep everyone accountable for remembering important information and dates. Keeping everyone accountable helps StuGo run more smoothly so we are able to make changes in the school.”

AMITA GANESH

EXECUTIVE TREASURER

Amita Ganesh agrees with Nitz on uplifting school spirit and focusing more on school dances. Ganesh said she would like to see the student body gain more Northwest pride and use their means to help others through their participation in philanthropy week. Ganesh also plans to improve social media usage and use it as an opportunity to communicate with the student body.

“Within my position as treasurer, I can work to help StuGo with our budget and use our funds reasonably to complete our goals for the year.”

JOSH MURDOCK

EXECUTIVE HISTORIAN Josh Murdock agrees with Ganesh on increasing the communication with the student body, as well as between the student government and administration.

“As historian I will create and manage social media accounts for StuGo to send information to the student body as well as receive feedback from the students.”

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FRESHMAN CANDIDATES

With the election for the Class of 2023’s StuGo board today, the freshman candidates* preview their plans for the school year.

STELLA SCHIFFMAN PRESIDENT

Stella Schiffman is running for StuGo to strengthen her resume and have fun in the process.

“Well, if I’m being honest, it’s good for colleges, and you know, I thought it would be fun.”

“I just don’t want to be the stereotypical class president. I want to be more unique, more fun.”

REAGAN CAVIN PRESIDENT

Regan Cavin said she is planning on volunteering and participating in school events. Cavin said putting others and their ideas first is a major goal for her in the upcoming year, if elected.

“I want to run because I like getting involved in school, and I like making changes; it’s not about me running for the position, it’s about me running for everyone else and taking responsibility, so just like volunteering and getting involved and going to events.”

ALLIE PANNELL PRESIDENT

Allie Pannel had a desire to run for StuGo as she sought to get involved early on in her high school career. Since Pannell is still learning about the school, she is open to her peers’ suggestions in regards to implementing change.

“I really want to be involved and StuGo appealed to me. I was in the StuGo for middle school, and I thought it was a little boring, and I knew this was a lot more interactive and a lot more involved and fun.”

“I’m still learning about the school, and I’m not sure yet, but I would be very open to all my peers’ ideas.”

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CAMERON LYNN

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VICE PRESIDENT (UNOPPOSED) Cameron Lynn is running for StuGo and seeking to bridge the gap between the students of the class of 2023. Lynn also mentioned helping his peers learn throughout the year as being a goal of his.

“Well, I think that I’m a pretty good leader, and I like to see my peers learn and grow within the year.”

AMBER FOLLETT

SECRETARY (UNOPPOSED) Amber Follet decided to run for StuGo for the purposes of improving the school by creating an ideal learning environment and helping to get students involved.

“I decided to run for StuGo to help improve the school and make the school a better place and make more students involved. I would try to stop drugs and alcohol and vaping because that’s not cool.”

KINLEE ROBERTS

HISTORIAN (UNOPPOSED) Kinlee Roberts believes she can help ease the transition into high school for the class of 2023 by making herself available to answer questions. In addition, Roberts plans to run social media accounts for the freshman class in an effort to increase transparency.

“I want to run for StuGo because I think I would be a good example for other students because I always do my best in my work and also if you ever have questions, I am always open to helping people. I would want to run an Instagram page, so that people could check in with what’s going on with StuGo for freshmen, like freshman officers.”

DAVID WEN

TREASURER (UNOPPOSED) David Wen plans to become acquainted with the treasurer duties, including managing money and fundraising.

“I wanted to have some experience managing money. It would probably be to set up more interactions with the upperclassmen, and find ways to fund events.”

*Canditates running as of Sept. 6

Issue 2 | 9.19.19

18

HUSKY HIGHLIGHTS Senior football player Evan Ranallo,center, reacts dramatically to a point scored by the varsity volleyball team. “We like to cheer on and support the other sports at NW, a ton of people come out to the football games and we want to share the same support,� Ranallo said. (Photo by Lola Shipman) Teacher Andrea Smith writes her lesson title on the whiteboard during her seventh hour Spanish 2.5 class. Aug. 28. (Photo by Lola Shipman)

9.19.19 | Issue 2

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Junior Bailey Gladfelter paints the color spectrum in her seventh hour Painting I. Aug. 30. “It’s a relaxing way to let yourself be creative,” Gladfelter said. (Photo by Savannah Bridges) Junior Emily Moser dissects a sheep brain in Anatomy. Aug. 30. “It was super cool to see everything we were learning in a hands-on way,” Moser said. (Photo by Emma Johnson)

Issue 2 | 9.19.19

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HUSKY HIGHLIGHTS Sophomore Ally Rehg prepares to hit a ball at tennis practice Aug. 30. “My favorite part about playing tennis is probably the community,” Rehg said.

(Photo by Grace Miller) Freshmen Sohail Mukadam and Vrishank Kulkarni work on their carbohydrate identification lab during Biology Sept. 5. “It was fun seeing how substances reacted to the chemicals,” Kulkarni said. “During labs, it’s fun working with people.”

(Photo by Mitri Krishna)

9.19.19 | Issue 2

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School social worker Anyssa Wells competes in a scooter plunger race with students and teachers at the first school assembly of the year Sept. 6. “It was super fun but awkward at the same time. It was super fun to be a part of that and challenge students in a race, but it was definitely one of the more awkward things I’ve ever done”. (Photo by Alyssa Peterson) Senior Jackson Mehlin leads the rollercoaster chant during the varsity soccer game Aug. 30. “I like leading spirit [chants] because it gives me a chance to support my friends in a different way. Not many people like to be as loud as I am, so I try to use that to support everyone,” Mehlin said. (Photo by Lola Shipman)

4.

Issue 2 | 9.19.19

22

HOGS AND KISSES

BY JENNA WEYFORTH

Design by Emma Gau

After adopting a pig being raised for slaughter, sisters Olivia and Paige Rigdon often visit him at the pig rescue where he lives.

Junior Paige Rigdon (left) and her sister, BVNW 2018 grad Olivia Rigdon, pet their one-year-old pig at Redbud Refuge. “Getting Franklin has changed the way my family and I value other animals’ lives,” Paige Rigdon said. (Photo by Lauren Kline).

D

uring her veterinary medicine class at CAPS, 2018 graduate Olivia Rigdon said she was told not to get too attached to the baby piglets at the farm where they were working.

The pigs were to be slaughtered for food. Instead, Olivia said she formed a special connection with a small piglet with a black spot around his eye that

would always come up to her. In order to save the piglet, named Franklin, she bought him for $300 from the farm.

“Once it came close to the time that we were supposed to send them to slaughter, I felt like I was almost in charge of his life at that point,” Olivia said. “If I hadn’t saved him, nobody else would have.”

Junior Paige Rigdon said she has

also formed a bond with Franklin since her sister adopted him when he was 6 months old.

“We knew we couldn’t adopt all the pigs because there were about 19 of the piglets,” Paige said. “But, Franklin just really stood out to Olivia because he had this black spot in his eye and would always come up to her. He just stood out with his little spot and his

9.19.19 | Issue 2

23

personality. I know it’s just a pig, but he’s so bubbly and happy.”

The day Franklin was adopted, he was brought to live at Redbud Refuge in Cleveland, MO. Redbud Refuge is home to primarily pigs, plus peacocks, chickens, goats and horses. The farm fosters the animals and allows visitors throughout the week.

Paige said she always enjoys going to visit Franklin at the farm because of the happy environment for the animals.

Getting to interact with the different wildlife, Paige said, is uplifting because they are being cared for as animals with hearts and brains, instead of just as food.

Redbud Refuge owner Teresa Kearney is also the cofounder of the Kansas City Pig Rescue Network. The group consists of many people in the The Rigdons board Franklin at Redbud Refuge with owner Teresa Kearney. Franklin Kansas City area working together has more than doubled his life expectancy with the help of the Rigdons and Kearney. to find homes and shelters for pigs, “Franklin seeks love and attention just like any dog or cat,” Kearney said. “He loves as well as doing fundraising and belly rubs and I love handing them out!” (Photo by Lauren Kline). community outreach.

“We originally found a home for him “Ever since we moved Franklin slaughtered have changed. Many of out in Wichita,” Kearney said. “He was over there, I’ve gotten to know her them, Kearney said, stopped eating waiting here for over a month, and in really well,” Olivia pork and other meat altogether. that time he got said. “I look forward “It’s interesting to see how people very attached to to going out and can meet him and realize that their the other pigs “He’s still very much a seeing Franklin, but I pork chops aren’t coming from some here and got definitely look forward crazy thing,” Kearney said. “This is a piglet at heart, but it comfortable with to going out and talking feeling, loving, attentive, puppy-like the routine.” is interesting watching to her because she’s animal that we’re slaughtering by the Franklin ended how people have just the most friendly thousands every day. I know a lot of up staying at person I’ve ever met. people think that veganism is extreme, changed when they Redbud Refuge I’ve learned a lot from but choosing kindness and not killing and has been come and meet him.” her, just learning about things, how is that extreme?” sponsored by the pigs and things that The pig’s visitors aren’t the only Rigdon family, -Teresa Kearney I never would have ones to feel this way, as Olivia and who’ve covered the known before.”

Paige stopped eating meat from pigs cost of Franklin Kearney said after adopting Franklin, and slowly living at the farm Franklin has gotten worked up to not eating any meat. for the last year and a half. many visitors in the time “ThreeSponsoring a pig, Olivia said, has he has been at Redbud, and fourths of also strengthened her relationship has grown more than 100 my family with her sister and helped her build pounds since he first came has become “He just stood out connections with many people around to Redbud, weighing in at a vegetarian with his little spot her who are interested in Franklin.

300 pounds. because of “I’ve gotten a lot of people and his personality.

“But, he really hasn’t him,” Paige interested in going out and seeing changed, he’s just as sweet said. “You I know it’s just a pig, him and made a lot of connections as he’s ever been,” Kearney realize that but he’s so bubbly and with people I hadn’t usually talked said. “He’s still very much was a life that to before,” Olivia said. “It’s been eye happy.” a piglet at heart, but it is was supposed opening, not only for me, but the interesting watching how to be taken for -Paige Rigdon people around me as well.” people have changed when food. And, just During her frequent visits to see they come and meet him.” seeing him and Franklin, Olivia said she has also After meeting his life now, it formed a close relationship with Franklin, Kearney said many makes you so much happier because Kearney, and admires her for the work people’s perceptions of pigs set to be he’s so sweet.” she is doing.

Issue 2 | 9.19.19

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E D I TO R ’ S P I C KS The Editors of “The Express” share their opinions about current trends and their favorite things from this month.

By Izze Lentfer WHAT IS THE BEST TWEET YOU’VE SEEN THIS WEEK? “If your boyfriend is from Britain you’re single to me, what is King Arthur Pendragon, King Of Knights, Wielder of Excalibur gonna do.” @chaselyons -Jonny Isaacson “I was in a park and a lady loudly called out “Anyone who wants an ice cream come over here.” I headed over with several others.

She handed out ices to them all then asked me “Who are you?” I realized the rest were all her family. 30 years later I still cringe.” @nwalks -Emma Johnson “I can’t safely answer this question.”

-Jim McCrossen

cup and it overflowed a little bit. “Nervous?” asked the interviewer, I simply replied, “No I just always give a 110%” @doubletexts -Izze Lentfer “Anything from @bvnwnews :)” -Maggie McCready

“During my interview today I poured some water into a

MEET THE EDITORS

BELLA RINNE

Opinion Editor

MAGGIE MCCREADY Online Editor

BEN HOBBS

ETHAN KNAUTH

IZZE LENTFER

Design Editor

Editor in Chief

A&E Editor

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WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TIK TOK? “I hate Tik Tok.” -Bella Rinne “Any with old men dancing.”

-Jonny Isaacson “The one with my dad dancing to “Smooth Criminal,” because it currently has 800k views and is giving me the Tik Tok clout I’ve always dreamed of, hehe.”

-Emma Johnson

“Emma Johnson dancing with her dad. As a father, I know that dancing with your daughter is very special--especially when it goes viral.”

-Jim McCrossen “I like dog Tik Toks; they make me happy instead of the “nerdy” boys hitting the woah.”

-Maddie Beischel

WHAT’S THE MOST OVERRATED FASHION TREND? “Shell necklaces because I don’t see the point. Like, we’re not in California or Florida?!?”

-Olivia Dowell

“I don’t know any fashion trends but if we’re talking underrated, I say sandals.

Very comfy.”

-Ethan Knauth

“Barrettes; leave that back in first grade please.”

-Maddie Beischel

“Hydro Flasks, scrunchies.”

- Jim McCrossen

OLIVIA DOWELL

EMMA JOHNSON

Print Editor

Managing Editor

JONNY ISAACSON Opinion Editor

WHO ARE YOU ROOTING FOR THIS FOOTBALL SEASON? “BVNW. When football wins, we all win.”

-Jim McCrossen “The Chiefs, two words, PATRICK MAHOMES.” -Maddie Beischel

WHAT’S THE MOST RECENT MOVIE YOU’VE WATCHED? “I recently put on ‘Princess and the Frog’ to fall asleep to, but I stayed up to watch the entire thing. Zero regrets, I forgot how good that movie is.”

-Emma Johnson

MADDIE BEISCHEL Photo Editor

Jim McCrossen

Adviser

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26

SHAKING UP NUTRITION Self described nutrition clubs, offering meal replacement shakes, calorie-burning teas and digestive-cleansing shots, are staking their claim in the constantly changing world of high school trends.

BY MEGAN YATES Design by Izze Lentfer

ENERGIZING MISSION 5813 Johnson Dr, Mission, KS 66202

T

Energizing Mission is the farthest of the three from BVNW, and similar to the others, they use Herbalife products to make their shakes and tea. (Photo by Rachel Sarff)

hirty minutes away from BVNW, Energizing Mission is one of three locations that claim to provide healthy shakes and teas to consumers.

In addition to the commute, there is limited parking available and the store is somewhat hidden, making it hard to locate.

Despite these drawbacks, Energizing is able to compete with Vibe and 913 Nutrition due to their staff’s likeability as well as their delicious shakes.

Workers at Energizing Mission are very relatable and approachable. With a laid-back mentality, Energizing offers a comfortable space with a homey feeling. At $8 for a shake and a tea, Energizing is the cheapest of the three locations.

At Energizing, their Wedding Cake shake is a best seller and for good reason. It taste like an actual slice of wedding cake, while still providing 24 grams of protein to the consumer.

Their teas, however, do not match the satisfying taste their shakes provide. Their Raspberry Lemon tea lacks flavor and gives off a tart aftertaste. The raspberry part of the tea is minute, if at all evident.

Overall, there are minor inconveniences that may turn customers away. Yet, the pleasant taste of their shakes outweigh the possible problems consumers may encounter, making all of Energizing Mission’s items a must try.

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VIBE NUTRITION 12591 Antioch Rd, Overland Park, KS 66213

V

ibe Nutrition, located off 127th and Antioch, has a welcoming atmosphere and provides a comfortable place to hang with friends.

Workers at Vibe are energetic and eager to help customers, which notably contributes to Vibe’s overall positive environment.

One of Vibe’s most popular shakes, Brownie Batter, alludes to the delicious taste of uncooked brownie batter; in reality, it pales in comparison. The protein content is very apparent in the shake, leaving no space for any real flavor.

On the other hand, Vibe’s Cherry Limeade tea is full of flavor, and is a staff and customer favorite. In addition to having a sweet taste, the tea is high in antioxidants.

In terms of cost, customers have the option of paying the full price for their purchases, or they are able to receive $1 off their check by posting on their personal Instagram and tagging @vibenutrtionkc.

Where Vibe’s shakes may fall short, their customer service is unparalleled. Friendly from the moment one walks in, Vibe workers prioritize personal connections and make sure that customers have a satisfying experience.

Out of all three nutrition clubs reviewed, Vibe offers the healthiest options while also presenting the most aesthetically pleasing environment. The only drawback to Vibe is that their shakes, at least the one reviewed, lack flavor.

‘The Mermaid’ tea, ‘Birthday Cake’ nutrition shake, and an aloe shot from 913 Nutrition are shown in front of the colorful wall full of customer signatures. (Photo by Rachel Sarff)

Located at 12591 Antioch Rd, Vibe Nutrition is the store closest to BVNW. They offer multiple flavors of nutrition shakes and teas. (Photo by Rachel Sarff)

913 NUTRITION 11144 Antioch Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

L

ocated off College and Antioch, 913 Nutrition is yet another place to get a healthy shake or tea.

913 workers have a personal approach, even discussing their own experiences using the products they sell.

For instance, co-owner Kaley Raber said that she lost 40 pounds just by drinking the very shakes she sells.

Birthday Cake is not only 913’s most popular shake, it also reigns supreme compared to Vibe’s Brownie Batter and Energizing’s Wedding Cake. The Birthday Cake shake tastes like uncooked cake batter and leaves the customer wanting more. Plus, the addition of sprinkles just makes it even sweeter.

913’s most popular tea is their Mermaid tea; this tea is sour, yet sweet, allowing for an all-around fruity and delightful taste.

Even though it is more expensive than Energizing Mission, $14 for a shake and a tea, 913 does offer the same discount Vibe Nutrition does; by posting on Instagram and tagging @913.nutrtion, the customer will receive one dollar off the bill.

913’s overall environment is unmatched. Equipped with a play area for kids and walls to colorfully write positive reviews on, 913 is the best to be.

Issue 2 | 9.20.19

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TEN SECONDS OF FAME From dancing with friends and making relatable content, TikTok, a social media app, has increased in popularity with some students gaining notoriety including three BVNW students.

BY KATHRYN CASE

W

ith 1.2 billion downloads, TikTok is the fastest growing social media platform right now, according to 60 Second Marketer and has taken Blue Valley Northwest by storm, with multiple students getting more than one million views across their posts.

TikTok is a free app used for creating, sharing and discovering short videos that can be easily navigated by scrolling up and down on the “For You” page. This page displays a curated collection of personalized video recommendations based on the user’s preferences.

The “For You” page is designed to provide people the opportunity to go viral, motivating many teenagers to try to achieve TikTok fame, including junior Nick Schemmel. Schemmel has become a popular creator, amassing close to 14,000 followers. Along with Schemmel, freshman Tatum Veatch and senior Jackson Mehlin have also acquired a large following with Veatch at 2,354 followers and Mehlin at 19,700.

The first step toward TikTok fame is downloading the app, Schemmel said, and over time many people find themselves attached to the fast paced app. After a month of scrolling through videos on TikTok, Schemmel said he decided he wanted to create some of

his own.

Creating and posting videos is the next step, Schemmel said, when trying to achieve TikTok fame.

“I started posting a little bit and it became addictive; [Tik Tok is] a super fun thing to do and a way to express your emotions onto something that you can see visually and record,” Schemmel said.

Similar to Schemmel’s experience, Mehlin said he downloaded the

Design by Erin Reece app and started posting videos for entertainment and didn’t expect the attention he received. Before getting on a plane, Mehlin said he and his club baseball teammates posted a video, not expecting it to go viral.

“We made it in the airport, and I got off the plane in Kansas City and it had over 100,000 views after an hour,” Mehlin said. “It just kind of happened. I wasn’t trying to do anything special.”

In order to maintain a steady

Freshman Tatum Veach makes a TikTok, Aug. 29. Veach said she uses Tik Tok in her free time and likes to see what others have posted. (Photo by Grace Davis)

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CHECK OUT THESE STUDENT’S

VIRAL TIKTOK VIDEOS:

TikTok is the reinvented app that was originally known as Musical.ly. It has gained popularity and currently has 31.5 million users. (Photo illustration by Grace Davis) following, the final step is to continue interact with people from all over, and to create original and relatable he enjoys the encouragement on his content, Schemmel said. videos.

“If I hear a sound, I try to think of Along with the several students who something that hasn’t been done yet make videos on TikTok, there is an because I’m trying to not steal ideas,” even larger selection who use the app Schemmel said. “I scroll through for entertainment. Junior Presley Ward the sounds to get basic ideas and is one of the many who spend their free then I think of how time watching videos on it applies to my own TikTok. life and what could be “TikTok is a really "TIKTOK IS A GREAT funny.” good way to pass the WAY TO HAVE Along with time when you’re bored, Schemmel, Tatum because you find yourself FUN AND MAKE Veatch also started scrolling through the SOMETHING THAT posting as a joke with “For You” page for hours YOU WILL ALWAYS her friends, she said, since the videos are so but eventually had funny and entertaining,” REMEMBER.” some of her videos Ward said.

-NICK SCHEMMEL go viral. When she The reasoning behind realized the attention the attention TikTok is she was getting, receiving, Ward said, is Veatch said she was surprised. due to the ability to openly be oneself “I was kinda shocked; I was like, through the app. wait, this doesn’t make sense,” Veatch “TikTok is different than other said. social media platforms because there With their TikTok fame and is such a large selection of content and viewership, Schemmel and Veatch different types of creators that make have both received comments on it such a diverse app,” Ward said. “It their posts. Schemmel said the makes people feel like they can post comments are his favorite part about whatever they would like to.” the experience because he likes to

JACKSON MEHLIN @JACKSONMEH8

NICK SCHEMMEL @ITSNICKSCHEM

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Issue 2 | 9.19.19

11144 Antioch Rd, M-F: 7am-7pm Overland Park, KS 66210 Sat & Sun: 9am-5pm

31

9.19.19 | Issue 2

ARE YOU A REAL VSCO GIRL?

VSCO girls are all over the internet and in our hallways, take this quiz to find out if you’re a real VSCO girl.

2.) What kind of water bottle would you use?

a. Swell

b. Hydro Flask

c. Camelback

d. Plastic disposable water bottle 3.) What phrase do you use the most?

a. “And I oop”

b. “Sk sk sk sk”

c. “Tea”

d. “Sad boi hours” 4.) What are you most likely found doing on your vacation?

a. Wishing you were on the

trip with a significant other

b. Taking artsy pictures

c. Eating good food

d. Enjoying time with my family 5.) What Acessories would you most likely be seen wearing?

a. Lots of string bracelets and anklets

b. A puka shell necklace and

scrunchies

c. Chokers and star themed jewelry

d. Layered neckalces pearl earrings

7.) What color pallete do you like best?

a. Light blue and lavender

b. Pastel pink and yellow

c. Neon colors

d. Black and white 8.) What is more your aesthetic?

a. Country

b. Surfer

c. Skater

d. City 9.) What outfit are you most commonly seen wearing?

a. Croptop and jeans

b. Oversized tee and Lululemon shorts

c. Sun dress

d. Suit and tie 10.) What’s your dream car?

a. Volkswagen Beetle

b. Jeep

c. Range Rover

d. Mustang

Mostly B’s- 100% VSCO girl Mostly D’s- 0% VSCO girl

ANSWERS:

6.) What is your camera roll mostly pictures of?

a. Candids of you and your friends

b. Sunsets and nature

c. Food

d. Family

Mostly A’s- 50% VSCO girl Mostly C’s- 25% VSCO girl

1.) Do you know what VSCO is?

a. Yes

b. Yes, that’s my most used app

c. I’ve maybe heard of it

d. No, I have no idea what that is

THE EXPRESS STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PHOTOGRAPHERS

CONTACT INFORMATION

Ethan Knauth

Mailing address: 13260 Switzer Rd, Overland Park, KS 66213 Phone: 913-239-3544 Website: BVNWnews.com

DESIGN EDITOR

Savannah Bridges Maddie Clark Grace Davis Lauren Kline Mitri Krishna Grace Miller Ethan Minter Vivien O’Keefe Alyssa Peterson Rachel Sarff

Ben Hobbs

WRITERS

PHOTO EDITOR

Jack Bensing Kathryn Case Sophie Dellett Courtney Krebs Matthew Lemke Jack Nitz Maddie Oliver Natalie Policky Raabia Qureshi Erin Reece Tessa Regan Megan Yates

MANAGING EDITOR Emma Johnson

PRINT EDITOR Olivia Dowell

ONLINE EDITOR Maggie McCready

Maddie Beischel

A&E EDITOR Izze Lentfer

OPINIONS EDITOR Bella Rinne

SPORTS EDITOR Jonny Isaacson

CHIEF DESIGNER Emma Gau

CHIEF WRITER Jenna Weyforth

SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Lola Shipman

ASSISTANT ADVISER Amanda Ford

RESPONDING TO THE PUBLICATION Letters to the editor may be submitted electronically on our website at BVNWnews.com under the “Contact Us” tab. Letters may be published either on BVNWnews.com or in our print edition. Letters may be edited.

ABOUT US The Express is the official high school news publication of Blue Valley Northwest High School, an open forum distributed to all students seven times a year. This is the September Issue of Volume 27.

Subscription rates are $10. The Express is printed

by The Sedalia Democrat, 700 South Massachusetts, Sedalia Mo. 65301.

DISCLAIMER This is a student publication and may contain controversial matter. Blue Valley Unified 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.

ADVISER Jim McCrossen

Blue Valley School District #229 Blue Valley Northwest H.S. 15020 Metcalf Avenue Overland Park, KS 66223

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Stilwell, KS 66085 Permit No. 38