The Express- September 2017 by The Express

THE

EXPRESS 25 years

Creating Calligraphy Using calligraphy as her creative outlet, senior Jessica Sarff paints and writes pieces and posts them on her calligraphy-based Instagram.

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Volume 25 â&#x20AC;˘ issue 1 â&#x20AC;˘ Blue Valley Northwest High school

THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • September 2017

CONTENTS 04 06

Creating calligraphy

a major musician

10 13

the growing goal

perspectives

stripping away the stigma

A season of spirit

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THE EXPRESS • issue 1• September 2017 Cover: While holding a piece that she created called “have courage and be kind,” senior Jessica Sarff expresses her creativity through calligraphy. (Photo by Kanishka Mehra). Left: A plate of ribs from the new barbecue restaurant Q39. (Photo by Gavin Mullin). Bottom Left: Senior Katie Stonestreet was a part of an open class drum corps and traveled all over the United States this summer. (Photo by Madi Allen). Bottom: Senior Jessica Sarff has an Instagram account documenting her calligraphy. Sarff’s work can be found @jess.studios on Instagram. (Photo by Kanishka Mehra).

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cadet katie meet the meats lifestyled opinion puzzle

THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • September 2017

Creating Calligraphy By Ellie Druten

Using watercolors and brush pens, senior Jessica Sarff draws and paints pieces of calligraphy and posts them on her Instagram, @jess.studios.

s Jessica Sarff’s paintbrush meets the paper the watercolor bleeds into vibrant shades of blue spelling out “may your choices reflect your hopes not your fears.” Sarff explained calligraphy as writing with a brush pen, using watercolor, or writing with something that makes thick and thin lines. She also uses a regular pen to create faux calligraphy. One of Sarff’s tips for beginners is to practice continuously. “I have sketchbooks filled with lettering,” Sarff said. “I doodle in the margins of my school notebooks, and my planner is full of fun fonts and calligraphy.” Sarff’s sister, freshman Rachel Sarff, said her sister started three years ago but has improved significantly in the past year. She said Sarff has purchased cool new brushes and supplies. “When she started, she used a regular marker and just kinda drew it and then filled in places,” Rachel said. “Now she has gotten to the

brush part and she can use different techniques with that.” Senior Anna Weigel follows Sarff on Instagram. Weigel said Sarff has always been an extremely artistic person and she has watched Sarff discover her passion for her calligraphy. “To me it is super interesting [because I have] terrible handwriting and cannot do anything with lettering,” Weigel said. “It is super cool to see how creative Jessica gets in all the different ways she uses her calligraphy.”

“She really loves doing it and she will sit in her room for hours on end. She’ll just draw and draw and draw, and she has these drawings all over her room.” - Rachel Sarff

Sarff started doing calligraphy to progressively make her handwriting look better, but then got her true inspiration from Pinterest. “[I get] inspiration mostly on Pinterest. Sometimes I watch YouTube videos of other people lettering,” Sarff said. “Instagram is a good one too, there are a lot of people who do calligraphy and have videos of it up there.” For beginners, Sarff explained any pens can become calligraphy pens. “I started out using ballpoint pens to do faux calligraphy, and I still

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THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • September 2017 use Crayola markers to do brush lettering all the time,” Sarff said. “Watercolor lettering is also one of my favorite styles to do, and that takes a lot of practice and control.” Sarff also has her own Instagram account dedicated to her calligraphy, @jess.studios. She said she created the account so her friends could see what she was working on, but she has since gained more followers. Eventually, Sarff said she may sell her work on Etsy or on her Instagram account, but for now she creates calligraphy to relax. “Instagram has become a really accessible way to gain a following and gain attention for anything that you are passionate about or want to share,” Weigel said. “So many people, especially [around] our age, have Instagrams and it is really easy to just follow someone and see all of their posts. I think it has been a really good way for her to share what she does.” Calligraphy is a relaxing activity for Sarff, providing her the time to unwind. Along with the relaxing feelings, Sarff said calligraphy’s colorful vibes and positivity keep her a little more upbeat. Out of all of her creations, Sarff’s favorite one reads “Always be honest and kind,” and is accompanied by pretty floral watercolor flowers, which Sarff enjoys. Rachel also has her own favorite which reads “hello beautiful.” “It has flowers around it and it’s really cool and it is written in black and all fancy,” Rachel said. Rachel frequently watches Sarff practice, and she and her friends benefit by receiving various calligraphy pieces she makes for them. “I definitely think it is very uplifting to see,” Weigel said. “First of all, her engaging in something that you can tell she is passionate about really shows her creative side and it also has a positive effect on all the people around her because she will write different uplifting phrases and quotes that just brighten your day and it is also really pretty.”

Top Left: A picture from Jessica Sarff’s Instagram, @jess.studios. Bottom Left: Sarff writes “Whatever you are, be a good one.” (Photo by Kanishka Mehra). Top Right: An array of Sarff’s artwork laid out. (Photo by Kanishka Mehra). Bottom Right: Sarff works on a calligraphy piece in her home studio. (Photo by Kanishka Mehra).

THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • September 2017

Stripping away the stigma In order to better educate people about mental health, two sophomores are working with the Tom Karlin Foundation on its student advisory board.

By Ethan knauth

orking to make teen suicide less of an uncomfortable topic, sophomores Julia Breidenthal and Julia Boepple joined the Tom Karlin Foundation student advisory board. Boepple said she wanted to change the way mental health and suicide are looked at because she believes suicide is a major problem among teenagers. “Right now suicide is the number three cause of death among teens,” Boepple said. “We want to knock that number down, and make sure we can talk more about helping people, and not the lives lost.” In order to make a difference, the girls started working with the Tom Karlin Foundation. The foundation was created in 2012 when Tom Karlin, a former junior at Shawnee Mission West, committed suicide in the fall of 2011. His parents, Joe and Amy Karlin, started the foundation after their son’s death as a way to address teen depression and suicide prevention, according to the foundation’s website. “We think it is critical that we reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, so that people are more likely to either get help themselves, or agree to help someone,” Joe Karlin said. Karlin also started a s tudent advisory board, comprised of students from Kansas City metro high schools. He said allowing

students to run the board was a good decision because the students’ perspective is important. “We did that from the very start,” Karlin said. “You could have parent[s], who may think they know about or have ideas about what teens are thinking, but really [other] teens are going to know best.

“You could have parent[s], who may think they know...What teens are thinking, but really [other] teens are going to know best.” - Joe Karlin Breidenthal was originally introduced to the foundation through members of her family, who are friends with the founder. When a spot opened up on the student board, she said she could not wait to get started. “Both my sisters were on the student board, so when I got to high school I really wanted to join too,” Breidenthal said. Breidenthal introduced Boepple to the student board, in the idea that she would enjoy it. This is

Boepple’s second year on the board. This fall, Boepple said the board is going to SMW, the school where Tom Karlin attended, to educate students about mental health and share stories. Wherever they volunteer with the foundation, Breidenthal said the main goal is to change the way suicide and mental health is viewed by society. “Our main goal is to get rid of the stigma around mental health and mental illnesses,” Breidenthal said. Boepple said a smaller goal the board has is to create an app to bring awareness to teen suicide and to the foundation. “Our [goal was] to begin a development of an app and to bring an education program to schools, spread the word, and help fundraise for our foundation,” Boepple said. Breidenthal said the app is named Al!ve, and will feature a new communication network making it easier for administrators and adults to intervene when necessary. According to her, the app will help make it less strenuous for students to get the help they need. “The thought around it is it will be for schools to be using it,” Breidenthal said. “Instead of you coming to a friend if you’re worried about them, you can go to an administrator, and the administrator can go to your friend.”

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THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • September 2017 Sophomores Julia Boepple and Julia Breidenthal are on the student advisory board of the Tom Karlin Foundation (Photo by Ellen Bruce).

Karlin addressed the importance of the app and the benefits it can have. “It is something that they are using every day, [on] their smartphone[s],” Joe said. “We think it is critical that we reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, so people are more likely to either get help themselves, or agree to help someone.” While the app is completed, Breidenthal said it needs funding in order to launch. Once the app is up and running, the board plans to have students and schools test it out. Even though the app is not up and running yet, Boepple said just talking about teen suicide will help make it less of a stigma and people will be more comfortable discussing it. “No one really wants to talk about it, so how are you going to solve something if you won’t talk about it?” Boepple said. Once people become more open to learning about mental health, Boepple said progress can begin. “With education there can be prevention,” Boepple said.

Act

Talk

• Give your attention, not advice • Don’t be judgmental or sworn to secrecy • Offer hope • Voice your concerns

Listen

• Acknowledge: the person’s pain; don’t minimize it • Care: express care and concern • Treatment: go with the person to a counselor, coach, or 911 if someone is making a suicide threat

• Listen and watch for warning signs of depression and suicide

• Invite people to share their feelings • Take time to let the person express feelings, don’t lecture or debate, don’t be shocked Information from the Tom Karlin Foundation website

THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • SEPTEMBER 2017

A Major musician For the first time in her music career, sophomore Aleena Li is playing the harp in the BVNW orchestra.

t age 4, sophomore Aleena Li began playing her first instrument, the piano. One year ago, she decided to learn the harp, translating of her piano skills to this new instrument. On average, Li practices six hours a week. “I wasn’t enjoying the violin a whole lot, so my parents asked me if I wanted to start another instrument,” Li said. “I kind of wanted to do one that not a lot of people play, and I thought that since the harp is kind of similar to the piano...that would make it easier for me to catch up and learn how to play it.” Orchestra teacher Mike Arbucci began working with Li when she started violin at Harmony Middle School in sixth grade.

“Not just any student can play as many instruments as she does but it goes beyond that. She’s able to transfer the skills from instrument to instrument and become very adept at playing them.” -Mike Arbucci “Aleena is a really talented musician. Not just any student can play as many instruments as she does but it goes beyond that,” Arbucci said. “She’s able to transfer the skills from instrument to instrument and become very adept at playing them.”

Arbucci said Li plays the violin, her primary instrument, more in orchestra class than the harp, but will play the harp more this year. “If the piece we are doing has a harp part, then she’ll play the harp,” Arbucci said. “She will play the harp at our December concert and in the spring concerts.” Junior and friend of Li, Hannah Thurlby, said the harp is a hard instrument to pick up, but Li caught on very quickly. “The harp is really cool, and I think it’s awesome that she

BY OLIVIA DOWELL

just picked that up,” Thurlby said. “She is doing so good at it, I remember like two weeks after she started playing it, I went over to her house, and she was already playing a song.” Li is involved in the Johnson County Community College and Baker University orchestra, where she plays violin and may be starting harp for both this year. Thurlby is also a member of the JCCC and Baker University orchestra. Thurlby said after playing with Li in two orchestras, she found Li has a natural way of connecting with the music. “She’s just a very graceful player. She definitely has a natural talent for what she does and I can tell she really enjoys it,” Thurlby said. “She always moves with the music and she’s very talented.” Li said she enjoys playing the harp so far and appreciates the work put into having it here at BVNW. “I’m super lucky and super grateful that Mr. Arbucci put in the time to ask the district and to try and convince them to bring the harp to the school,” Li said. “I’m really looking forward to [having] it and I think it’s super cool.” Arbucci said BVNW had an older

THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • SEPTEMBER 2017 Left: Sophomore Aleena Li practices on the brand new harp in the orchestra room. Right: Li poses with the new harp. (Photos by Kanishka Mehra).

harp they shared with Blue Valley Southwest. After Li began playing the harp, BVNW purchased a new harp to replace the older one, which was loaned to BVSW. The new harp cost $16,000. “So this harp is actually a better harp, it’s a brand new harp, it’s made by Lyon and Healy in Chicago and it is a 47-string concert harp,” Arbucci said. “It has an incredibly large range from the low sounds to the high sounds of the harp, which is great for an orchestra setting.” Arbucci said he believes Li has a big future with music in not only the rest of high school, but for post-high school as well due to her high level of talent. “She has a bright future with music. If she decides to major or minor in something to do with piano or violin or harp or maybe even all three, she’ll be very successful,” Arbucci said. “Beyond that, she has the opportunity to audition for district orchestra and All-State for this year and for that I expect a very good showing.” Li said music is a big part of her life and her future. She is considering majoring in music education. “I know this sounds really cliché, but I could never imagine my life without music,” Li said. “I am discovering new ways to use my music.”

To hear Aleena play Pachelbel’s “Canon in D,” check out BVNWNews.com.

Harp facts - C strings are colored red, and F strings are colored black or blue - The harp is one of the oldest instruments in the world that dates back to 3000 B.C. - Harps began to play pop and jazz music In the 1940s - Harp music is read in two clefs, treble clef, (left) and bass clef

THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • September 2017

The growing

The soccer program created a fourth c-team due to the increased number of players. Athletes discuss their reasons for playing at the high school level.

by Jack Plank

his season the boys soccer program added a fourth c-team, making six soccer teams in total. BVNW Athletic Director Kevin Gerke and boys soccer head coach Rick Pribyl both had a part in making the decision. Gerke said Pribyl asked him about adding a fourth c-team, and after pondering the decision Gerke saw benefits to adding another team. “Coach Pribyl approached me and asked if it would be possible for us to add an additional c-team given the number of kids that we had out this year,” Gerke said. “If those [c-teams] get too big, then that jeopardizes the ability of kids to be able to play. We’ve historically had three as I understand it, so it was a change for us to offer that fourth team.” According to the soccer program, there were about 85 players five seasons ago, but the program has grown to 107 players this season. Pribyl said he was shocked by the number of players at tryouts this year. “We had anticipated about

20 to 25 less than who came out based upon the camp we had during summer,” Pribyl said. “We were pleasantly surprised and it’s always been a policy for us to keep any freshman and sophomores on the team who want to play.”

“You’re not overcrowding the other c-teams, but you are allowing more kids to play soccer. It’s opening the sport to more people. [The addition] allows people to get more involved.” -Matt gawlick

Despite different factors, Gerke said the program was able to add a new team largely because of the precedent and tradition Pribyl has set.

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THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • september2017 Left: Sophomore Jackson Million dribbles the ball in his first game as a Husky Aug. 25. Million made the transition this year after playing on a club soccer team in 2016. (Photos by TJ Vore). Right: Sophomore JP Pascarella dribbles the ball against Blue Valley North during the Huskies season-opener Aug. 25. “I like playing with my classmates,” Pascarella said. “It’s really cool to be one big family on the field.”

While players have different reasons for playing high school soccer, sophomore Matt Gawlick, a c-team White player, said he enjoys playing because it lets him stay active and have fun. Gawlick said he likes the new decision to add the fourth c-team so more people get the opportunity to play. “You’re not overcrowding the other c-teams, but you are allowing more kids to play soccer,” Gawlick said. “It’s opening the sport to more people. [The addition] allows people to get more involved.”

“If you ask [the team] I think they want to go to state. I just want them to have a great time, develop sportsmanship qualities, and have the best year of their lives.” -rick Pribyl Along with the addition of the fourth c-team, two sophomore players who previously played on an academy level team, a higher level of club soccer, decided to

make the move to play on the boys varsity team at BVNW. One of these players is sophomore JP Pascarella, who previously played for Sporting Academy. Pascarella said he is transitioning smoothly to the team, but at first had some challenges. “The transition was kind of difficult,” Pascarella said. “But, after getting in with some of the guys at tryouts and these past few weeks of playing with them, it’s been really fun and I have enjoyed it a lot.” Playing alongside Pascarella is sophomore Jackson Million who also made the switch from academy to school soccer this year. Million said there are many differences between the coaching style, change of pace and practice schedules of academy soccer in comparison to high school soccer. “Academy is very different because you go right after school and might not be getting home until nine or 10 at night,” Million said. “Balancing that with school work is really hard, so going from academy to school is a lot better in terms of schedule.” As Pascarella and Million continue to play with the varsity team, Pribyl said they are both key parts of the team who help in each of their own ways.

boys soccer 2017 by the numbers* 8% 20%

39% 33%

Freshmen (42 playSophomores (35 Juniors (21 players) seniors (9 players) *Numbers according to the BVNW soccer program

THE EXPRESS • ISSUE 1 • SEPTEMBER 2017

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THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • September 2017

A Season of Spirit

To celebrate BVNW’s 25th Anniversary, StuGo planned a Homecoming season, consisting of philanthropy, spirit week and Red Carpet dance.

By Lauren Fischer & Carter Fitzsimmons he introduction of a Red Carpet Dance and the changes made to the Homecoming season this year have led to mixed student reactions, including some backlash. Student body vice president and senior Lucy Hulet said the changes were necessary due to the decrease in dance attendance. “Originally, there was definitely a little bit of push back from the student body just because, like with any change, there was some uncertainty and people didn’t quite understand how things were going to play out,” Hulet said. “As time has gone on and we’ve described more in detail our plans for Homecoming, I’ve definitely seen a lot more comfort with the changes and more excitement.” Student body president and senior Ben Murdock said the dance, which is normally held the day after the Homecoming football game, was moved up to accommodate a marching band event and religious holidays. The dance will occur on Sept. 23, with spirit week happening Oct. 2-7 due to the Homecoming football game that Thursday. Because of scheduling issues

and this being BVNW’s 25th Homecoming, Murdock said StuGo decided to stray away from the traditional one week of Homecoming and make it a Homecoming season, to help commemorate the school’s anniversary. “I think the community is going to like it. Overall the school seems to emphasize the 25th Anniversary, which I think is great,” Murdock said. “It brings an opportunity for change to the school, and I think people will be more receptive to it as we bring great new things.” Despite the dance occurring before Spirit Week, StuGo sponsor Sarah Derks said Spirit Week will continue to run the same, with dress-up days and morning dances. Due to the football game on Thursday of that week, the pep assembly will occur on Thursday instead of on its traditional Friday, which is the only change to spirit week this year. The Red Carpet Dance replaces the traditional Homecoming dance. Students are encouraged to dress up as famous duos or groups as part of the red carpet theme, making the dance less formal. In addition to these changes, StuGo announced the dance will be held in the main gym, in hope to fix the lighting conflicts that occurred in the commons, mainly the problem of the commons not being dark enough. “We’ve seen some decrease in our numbers and we’re hoping with these changes it will help bring back the fun that is our Homecoming season,” Murdock said.

Derks said over the last three years, she noticed a significant decline in dance attendance for Homecoming and Sweetheart. “One of the biggest things we do is provide this dance, and when less than 10 percent of your population is coming to a dance, you have to start rethinking how you’re doing it,” Derks said. “We’re hoping that some of these changes will encourage more students to attend.” Left: Senior Student Body Vice President, Lucy Hulet discusses the Red Carpet Dance. “I think because of recent ticket sales and attendance to the dance there definitely needed to be a change,” Hulet said. Above: StuGo Sponsor Sarah Derks said more effort has gone into planning the dance this year. “The five executive board members are working really hard.” Derks said. (Photos by Dan Edmonds).

THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • September 2017

StuGo met at the school on September 2 to decorate the gym for administration approval. “I am very excited about the lights because that’s been such a huge problem the past couple of years and we finally got it resolved,” Hulet said. (Photo by Dan Edmonds). do is provide this dance, and when less than 10 percent of your population is coming to a dance, you have to start rethinking how you’re doing it,” Derks said. “We’re hoping that some of these changes will encourage more students to attend.” To combat this decrease in attendance, Hulet said StuGo put their focus on creating a dance environment students would want to attend, including fixing the lighting issue. “I think students should be attending the dance just to see the changes we’ve made with the lights, and it’s going to be in the gym which is a very exciting change for us,” Hulet said. “Student government has worked very hard to make sure that this new change is going to be fun and exciting for the student body.” Instead of attending the school dances, senior Brianne Lindeman said in the past she has chosen to go out with friends for a more casual evening. Lindeman has not attended a dance at BVNW since her freshman Homecoming, and said she enjoys going out with her friends more. “[Not going to the dance] wasn’t as expensive as going...it was casual, we got ready together, we had fun with that,” Lindeman said. “It just gave us more choice and it fit everybody’s schedules a little better, because some people can’t dedicate

an entire Saturday to getting ready for Homecoming.” Lindeman said she believes students did not want to attend the dance mainly due to the atmosphere, which she thinks could be improved.

“As time has gone on and we’ve described more in detail our plans for homecoming, I’ve definitely seen a lot more comfort with the changes and more excitement.” -Lucy hulet “I feel like the changes they’re making this year are good changes, they’re a step in the right direction,” Lindeman said. “The theme is a really good idea because students can be more involved in it and they can have more fun with it than it just being a regular Homecoming, [it’s] like a pre-spirit week dance.” Toward the beginning of the school year, Activities Director Nacole Boan began working with StuGo on the changes to the dance, mainly moving the dance from the commons to the gym. “When there are things that the student body wants or wants to change, StuGo has the ability to communicate with us and to propose things to us,” Boan said. “That communication is important,

with things like moving the dance into the gym, safety becomes a concern, we want to make sure kids are safe...we want to help [StuGo] make it a successful and fun event for the Huskies.” If not enough students attend the Red Carpet Dance, the Sweetheart Dance could be canceled. Derks said this is due to dance expenses outweighing the profits. “Sweetheart is so poorly attended that I don’t know if I could justify putting a dance on if only 100 people are coming,” Derks said. “I don’t want to deny them the opportunity to come and have a good time, but we aren’t providing a place for enough kids to come.” Derks said the StuGo executive board members have worked hard to create a dance environment all students can feel comfortable in, and said the dance will offer an experience unlike any other. “I think students should attend because it’s going to be possibly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Murdock said. “They will be able to have and experience one of the most unique dances that we’ve seen here at Northwest.”

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THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • September 2017

Homecoming season at BVNW

Information provided by StuGo Sponsor Sarah Derks

2015 total Cost: $1800 2016 total Cost: $2100 (DJ, Photo booth, decorations, flowers, crowns)

Sept. 23 Red Carpet Dance sept. 25-29 philanthropy week Oct. 2-6 Spirit week Oct. 5 Pep assembly, Homecoming football game and crowning of queen and king candidates at the game

2015 Attendance 526 Students

2016 Attendance $

419 Students

Average cost of ticket*

Each attendant

Amount made at the dance

*($12, $15, $20 = $15.50) $

$ $

2015: $8153

2016: $6500

THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • September 2017

Perspectives

1. 2.

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THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • September 2017

4. Freshman Raabia Qureshi, uses an elliptical to get her heart rate up during her fifth hour Physical Education class Sept. 6. “Heart rate monitors can be a pain, but I think they’re really convenient in making up days you’ve missed and reminding you to keep going.” (Photo by Ellen Bruce).

5. During the first football game of the season Sept. 1, freshman J. Michael Sturdivant runs after catching a pass against Blue Valley North. BVNW went on to lose, 48-13. “The players are really energetic, the coaches are really involved and everyone goes full speed and enjoys what they are doing,” Sturdivant said. (Photo by TJ Vore). 1. During the tailgate before the football seasonopener Sept. 1, math teacher CJ Armenta gets dropped into the dunk tank. All the proceeds went to fighting pediatric cancer. “It was fun, it was nice to see the students outside the classroom,” Armenta said. (Photo by TJ Vore). 2. Senior Gabby Gillespie paints an eastern dragon on her parking spot Sept. 9. “Painting the parking spots is a really cool way for students to get creative and express themselves” Gillespie said. (Photo by Kanishka Mehra). 3. The solar eclipse on Aug. 21 captivates senior Audra Elford as she protects her eyes with solar eclipse glasses. “I was actually very afraid of accidentally hurting my eyes. While [the eclipse] was really cool... I wouldn’t want to go blind because I looked at it by mistake,” Elford said. (Photo by Gavin Mullin).

THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • September 2017

6. As a student aid for art teacher Melanie Mikel, senior Selena Badami hangs artwork in the art gallery during Photo I. Sept. 11. Badami, has taken eight art classes. “[BVNW has] some of the best teachers and a wide range of classes for just about anyone at any skill level,” Badami said. (Photo by Kanishka Mehra). 7. During Husky Night Aug. 25, junior Pandi Lau performs with the Dazzler dance team. “I’m most looking forward to traveling with the team for nationals this year,” Lau said. (Photo by Gavin Mullin). 8. During her fifth hour drawing class, Chris LaValley works on her own art piece with her students. “While they’re working, I just paint along with them so if they have questions as they’re working, they can come and watch me for a little bit,” LaValley said. (Photo by Dan Edmonds).

9. Junior Mark Ibrahim pours milk in preparation for baking biscuits in his fourth hour Baking and Pastry class Sept. 6. Ibrahim said he recommends the class due to its great atmosphere. (Photo by Kanishka Mehra).

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THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • September 2017

10.

10. Participating in an Algebra I scavenger hunt on Sept. 6, freshmen Lydia Pope (left) and Erin Fitzgerald (right) complete a worksheet together. “It was fun to do something new, and not just be at our desks all day,” Fitzgerald said. (Photo by Gavin Mullin). 11. Junior Rachel Pang sits in on the Diversity Club’s Islam panel on Sept. 13 after school. “I liked how [the panelists] seemed very devoted to their religion,” Pang said. (Photo by Dan Edmonds). 12. In a doubles match against Blue Valley High School on Aug. 30, sophomore Annabelle Nitz returns the ball across the net. BVNW defeated BVHS in the dual, 9-3. (Photo by Gavin Mullin).

11.

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THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • SEPTEMBER 2017

CADET KATIE After a summer of traveling with Drum Corps International, senior Katie Stonestreet brings the skills she learned to her third and final year on the BVNW Color Guard.

BY JAELEN MATTHEWS pinning rifles, sabres and flags are all a part of Drum Corps International Color Guard. Senior Katie Stonestreet experienced this and many other aspects of color guard while traveling with a DCI team, the Colt Cadets, throughout the northern half of the United States over the summer. “DCI is a platform for junior drum corps to perform a show all summer, grow as people and learn more skills as performers,” Mitchell Stolberg, the Caption leader of the Colt Cadets, said. Stolberg’s job as the Caption leader is to teach the members of the Colt Cadets how to spin a flag, rifle, saber and how to dance. Stonestreet auditioned in February, and was given a spot on the Colt Cadets, an Open Class corps. Compared to a World Class corps, an Open Class corps can have 70 to 90 members on the field instead of 150 members. Stolberg plays an important part in the audition process and said the group has a rehearsal to find what part of the drum corps best fits them.

“Katie really grew as a performer this summer. She has a really lovely way of moving as a dancer and so we took those skills and really tried to help them flourish and give her more skills to build on.” - mitchell stolberg “[Members] spend the afternoon learning basics skills and trying out different skills to show to the instructors,”

Stolberg said. “It helps them gauge if this is something they should be doing.” Before joining the Colt Cadets, Stonestreet started as a color guard member at BVNW. “A friend of mine actually talked me into [auditioning], and I just loved it,” Stonestreet said. Stonestreet started color guard her sophomore year and has continued into her senior year. During her sophomore year, Stonestreet saw some videos online of drum corps performances and was fascinated by it. “I talked to my coach, Megan Hennes, and we talked about how I could get into [DCI], so I signed up for the Colt Cadets,” Stonestreet said. Joni Stonestreet, Katie’s mother, thought that doing DCI was a great experience for her daughter, but also a stepping stone for when she eventually goes to college. “This was a big step, for both of us, for

sabre- Used for tradition, the point is not sharp

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THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • SEPTEMBER 2017 her to be away from home all summer,” Joni said about Stonestreet’s travel with DCI. While competing with drum corps all summer, Stonestreet said she learned many skills, including patience and how to grow as a performer. “I [gained] more discipline and [there is] definitely a physical aspect because you’re out there all day, every day and you gain a lot of muscle,” Stonestreet said. “You also gain a lot of friends because you live with 90 other people for the entire summer.” As Stolberg watched and taught Stonestreet, he appreciated her eagerness to learn coupled with her previous color guard skill. “Katie really grew as a performer this summer,” Stolberg said. “She has a really lovely way of moving as a dancer and so we took those skills and really tried to help them flourish and give her more skills to build on.” After a month of competing with the Colts, Joni said Stonestreet grew as a person in both the physical and mental aspects of her personality. “She was very independent,” Joni said, “She had to learn to independently problem solve.” In the future, Stonestreet said she hopes to earn enough money so she is able to pay for DCI for the 2018 summer season. “Based tuition is 1500 dollars and for out of state it would be a lot more expensive, considering you just have to get there for

the camps and there are occasional camps in the winter,” Stonestreet said. Following the 2018 summer season of DCI, Stonestreet is looking forward to color guard at Kansas State University. “It’s an amazing experience, and I would recommend it to anyone,” Stonestreet said. Left: During morning band practice Aug. 30, senior Katie Stonestreet practices for marching band’s first performance. The performance was during halftime of the first home football game against Blue Valley North Sept. 1. (Photo by Madi Allen). Right: This past summer, senior Katie Stonestreet performed with the Colt Cadets drum corps. (Photo submitted by Katie Stonestreet).

BASIC COLOR GUARD items

Swing Flag- USED FOR GENERAL EFFECT

6 Foot Flag- USED for general effect

Rifle-Not an actual rifle, IT is spun or tossed

THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • SEPTEMBER 2017

THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • September 2017

Meet the meats

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Staff writer Walker Johnson reviewed some of the highest rated Barbecue restaurants in the KC metro area. Ratings are out of five barbecue sandwiches.

By Walker Johnson

Jack Stack

13441 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO 64145

couldn’t think of a building that embodies old-fashioned barbecue in the way that Jack Stack does. From the bull statue out front, to the dark brick walls, to the actual smokestack jutting from the top of the steep roof, this place screamed classic barbecue. Despite coming in during the dinner rush, I only had to wait a few minutes for

a table without a reservation and was seated in a semi-secluded booth. I was surrounded by figurines and pictures of farm animals as well as numerous black and white photos lining the aged wooden paneling of the dimly lit restaurant. The menu was large and the priciest of the three restaurants, but other than a few salads was very basic, full of simple meat plates, meat sandwiches and meat combos. The waitress was very polite and gave me time to navigate through the array of protein options, until I decided on the meat combo of pork burnt ends and beef ribs, with cheesy corn and fries as sides. The food came faster than I anticipated, considering how busy it

was and was pretty much what I expected: classic, no-frills BBQ; what you see is what you get. While the fries weren’t anything special, the cheesy corn was absolutely topnotch; it was truly the cheesiest of cheesy corns’ I’ve ever had. After tasting my sides, I tore off one of the delicious-looking, thick, charred ribs, slathered in sauce. Sadly, I was underwhelmed. I was hoping for something with more flavor, but it was really quite plain. Yet, there was still hope; the burnt ends could still save the day. They started off strong because they seriously melted in my mouth; I wouldn’t have had to chew if I didn’t want to, but they were also a little plain. They weren’t bad by any means, they just weren’t as flavorful as I’d hoped. There was more than enough food on the plate; therefore, I don’t feel that it was overpriced, but at the end of the night, my stomach may have been full, but my tongue was bored. Still, I wouldn’t be opposed to going back or even recommending it to someone looking for a classic barbecue restaurant. Bottom Left: A platter of baby back ribs, toast and brisket from Jack Stack. Johnson gave Jack Stack a rating of three out of 5. (Photos by Gavin Mullin).

THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • septmeber 2017

Joe’s KC

11723 Roe Ave, Leawood, KS 66211

n the left wall in the entryway there is a copy of an article written by food critic and television show host Anthony Bourdain, entitled “13 Places to Eat Before You Die,” in which

Kansas City Joe’s, reward was lucky number 13. So yeah, I was pretty excited to cross one off my list. While waiting in the long, but surprisingly fast-moving line, I was able to take in the immense amount of photos and awards crowding the wooden walls that seemed to soak up the smoky smell emanating from the kitchen over the years. The overall atmosphere was reminiscent of a Texas family reunion at your great aunt Rose’s old saloon. I decided to order one of the specialty sandwiches, The Z-Man, whose toasted kaiser bun housed a heaping of brisket topped with provolone cheese and two onion rings. I was served, what seemed to be a sloppily thrown

together sandwich on a plastic brown platter and I was wondering what Mr. Bourdain was thinking. However, I couldn’t have been more wrong. While the food was no more expensive than a burger at your favorite sit-down restaurant, I truly felt like I scammed them, because the sandwich I had eaten was worth much more. Although by itself the Z-Man was a little bland, when I added KC Joe’s specialty sauce, it became one of the best barbecue sandwiches I’ve ever had. The crunch of the onion rings complimented the tenderness of the brisket and the airy bun to create a perfect texture combination. As I was eating the sandwich I didn’t even care what it looked like or where I was. So despite some of the restaurant’s aesthetic negatives, it was a wonderfully, flavorful experience to which I would be ecstatic to get the opportunity to try again.

Top Left: Creamy Potato salad, Dirty Rice and a smoked turkey sandwich topped with pickles from Joe’s Kansas City. Johnson rated Joe’s Kansas City a 4 out of 5. Bottom Left: The Joe’s Kansas City logo displayed on the Joe’s Kansas City catering vehicle.

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THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • septmeber 2017

Q 39

11051 Antioch Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

rom the outside, I would have never guessed this was a barbecue restaurant. In fact, until I was handed the menu, the only giveaway was the wall filled with bottles of Q39 barbecue sauce behind the host’s desk. The light colored wood and brick exterior instead reminded me of a fancy, expensive bistro. The inside was simplistic and modern with tons of natural light and I could tell this was not your typical barbecue joint. There was a wide variety of seating options, from booths to high-top tables to patio seating. I elected to sit outside, and since I had made reservations was seated almost immediately. I would not recommend attempting to walk in during lunch or dinner hour, due to the long wait for a table. After I was seated, the waiter took the time to take me through each section of the menu and gave me his recommendations. He kept reiterating that Q39 was

“competition barbecue” that had won multiple awards all across the country and I can honestly say I was shocked it didn’t win literally every award. No, this review won’t have any surprise changes of heart like KC Joe’s or disappointing finishes like Jack Stack, because Q39 was one hundred percent the best barbecue I’ve ever had ever in my life. My sizable burnt end sandwich topped with onion straws came out fresh on a wooden platter, next to a hot serving of the most masterfully salted of fries. I really, honestly have nothing bad to say about this food. The sweet barbecue sauce complimented the meaty burnt ends, while the bun was toasted to a heavenly crunch-to-fluff ratio and the onion straws added a taste bud tantalizing splash of flavor. The sandwich was perfect. The ingredients were perfect. Even the water was somehow perfect. Plus, it was very respectably priced. The only thing I could possibly list as a

con was that it took longer for my food to come out than the other two restaurants, but that doesn’t even matter because I could’ve waited hours for this food and still been more than satisfied.

Bottom Left: A barbecue sauce collection displayed at Q-39. Bottom Right: Q-39’s Judge’s Plate, containing spare ribs, brisket and pulled pork.

Life styled

THE EXPRESS â&#x20AC;˘ issue 1 â&#x20AC;˘ September 2017

BY SARA ROONEY & GIA SHIPMAN

This edition of Life Styled consists of end of summer trends as well as the beginning of the fall season.

Off one shoulder top Price: $20-60

The off one shoulder top is a spin off the off the shoulder top. The one shoulder top is the perfect shirt for the end of summer and start of fall. It comes in a great variety and can be paired with any type of denim. These off one shoulder tops can be found at Free People or Urban Outfitters.

embroidered JEANS Price: $20-80

Embroidered jeans or jean shorts are coming back into style. These jean shorts offer a spiced up version of the simple denim look. Going into the fall, the embroidered jeans are an affordable way to stay warm. They also can be worn with a variety of shirts and sweaters. Many stores also sell jean skirts to change up an outfit. Any of these looks can be found from Target, to H&M, to Nordstrom.

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THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • september 2017

Fuzzy slides Price: $15-40

Fuzzy slides are the perfect combination of slippers and shoes. They come in many different colors and designs. These shoes serve as the perfect staple piece in the way they can be worn with any style of outfit. With many variations offered, fuzzy slippers are easy to come by. These are sold anywhere from Urban Outfitters to Von Maur. The more commonly known slippers are from the brand Steve Madden, but they can be purchased at a lower price from other brands.

FRINGE JEANS Price: $27-70

Fringe jeans are an incoming popular piece for this fall. These jeans have the basic denim look with long fringed edges. This new jean style takes on a bohemian feel and is the perfect way to dress up a casual shirt. These jeans can be found at Nordstrom, Forever 21, as well as online through ASOS & Revolve.

Left: Senior Sophia Perkin models an off the shoulder top from Free People and embroidered jean shorts with an inspired Guns and Roses pocket. (Photo by Madi Allen). Right: Senior Ally Monaghan models her fringe jeans from Nordstrom Rack. (Photo by Madi Allen). Above: Fuzzy slides are a up and coming trend. You can buy these shoes at Urban Outfitters or Von Maur. (Photo by Madi Allen).

THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • SEPTEMBER 2017

OPINION Pay to play in public school Opinion Piece Submitted BY ALEX THILL

t’s 10 o’clock. I’m a little late to third hour, but it’s senior year, so who cares? My first two hours don’t really matter anyway, but I’m just ecstatic that, despite my other faults, I can count on being able to afford a reserved spot. A couple days ago I saw some kids sprinting from the DAC to get to class on time, but I gladly ignored them as I cruised into my reserved spot in the front row. I’m on StuGo, so we got the first benefits of the plan that we created. Nice, right? Side note: what is conflict of interest? Someone said it at lunch yesterday and it sounded mean. This reservation system is the best thing to happen to BVNW, hands down. First, I got to reserve a parking spot, but that was only the start: a front-row spot at football games only cost me $35! At school, before the game, I got to get my reserved spot in the lunch line (only $25!) and I

got to sit at my reserved lunch table ($250 but we got to split it amongst our tablemates). My entire day was so great! And all because my family can pay!

“A couple days ago I saw some kids sprinting from the DAC to get to class on time, but I gladly ignored them as I cruised into my reserved spot in the front row.” -Alex Thill God, I would hate to be one of those kids who has to sit in the back of the bleachers at the games. They really must not have any school spirit to not buy a reserved spot. They didn’t have to get a spot, sure, but all those kids who chose to get one totally deserve it. Also, I heard that our administration is announcing a new

fundraiser where if you donate just $100, you can get a free pass for one of your classes! That’s so cool! Now I can pass AP Chemistry for cheap! And I don’t even have to work hard, or- like - show up to school even. I also heard that it’s effective only for the first twenty kids who donate, and that donations start in twenty minutes! What a grand idea. Now the kids who maybe could have been able to afford it won’t even have the time to ask their parents for money! The faster the better. That’s the way it’s always been done. I just hope no one tries to complain about it. I just hate listening and understanding dissenting opinions. As long as those kids that our “supreme administration” deems less worthy of happiness suffer, my life actually gets better. Sounds worth it to me!

THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • SEPTEMBER 2017

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painting a new tradition opinion piece submitted by senior class president Grace Fugate

n behalf of the senior class student government, we would like to issue a statement regarding the recent change in the senior parking lot. Due to the unexpected amount of criticism the decision garnered, I would like to clear things up for everyone. We were given the task of choosing our own legacy to leave behind at Northwest. Taking into account recent student complaints about a decline in school spirit, we found ourselves searching for ideas on how to involve the senior class in leaving a mark on our school. We believed a unique way to encourage the senior class to express themselves and be excited about a new senior privilege would be to

allow students to designate a parking spot of their own for the year and also design it. After reaching out to various students and working tirelessly to prepare the idea for presentation, we were able to share the plans with the whole class. After being met with some criticism from our peers, we realize there were some errors in our method, and we thank everyone for their comments and suggestions. We are taking them into consideration. Though our main goal was to increase class spirit and involvement, we understand the concerns brought up by students. We noticed the main concern was students that did not want to participate in the fundraiser felt as if half the spots were taken

away, but because the same people that were parking in the senior lot prior are still buying a spot, we felt it wouldn’t take away any chance for students to park in the senior lot. We’ve learned from this experience and are still grateful to get an opportunity to possibly start a tradition at Northwest. Despite all the backlash, this fundraiser was successful, selling all but four spots. We’re excited to put this money toward our class gift, senior pancake breakfast and future class reunions.

we can particularly help - it’s just the way society functions. However, the way someone was raised shouldn’t be an excuse for homophobia, racism, being against a certain religion, etc. It often takes someone from the group being oppressed to say something before we understand how hurtful a comment is. And after being told, change should be initiated. Once we have been told we are being insensitive, we must take some time to think about what has happened. What did we say? How did we act? Whether it was something we feel was harmful or not, if someone calls us out on something, chances are they found it upsetting, and we

should do whatever we can to make it right. After being told how we messed up, we should begin brainstorming ways to make it better. Educating ourselves about how to do better in the future is a great way to start. I urge you to think before you speak, especially the next time you are frustrated. It is when we are angry or upset that we say the most hurtful things. Maintaining respect for one another is the most important thing to do when it comes to interaction with others, and while none of us are free from saying hurtful things, we can all make ourselves better each and every day.

THAT’s SO GAY BY EDEN KURR

alking through the halls of our school, you don’t have to listen very hard to hear a slur. The words we throw around are generally said so often we don’t even stop to think about what implications they hold. One thing people love to do at our school is call things “gay.” Calling something bad “gay” makes it seem as if being gay is inherently bad, which is not only rude, but perpetuates the thinking that samegender attraction is “less than” compared to heterosexual attraction. For some of us, society has conditioned us from birth to think poorly of others. This isn’t something

THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • september 2017

sTAFF EDITORIAL

THERE ARE BIGGER PROBLEMS As Northwest students, maintaining our GPAs and social lives are often our biggest problems. However, these problems pale in comparison to what people in the South are going up against. The people in hurricane danger zones are facing much more pressing issues. While some don’t have homes to sleep in, or schools to go to, we complain about walking to the school from the DAC parking lot and how unfair it is because we can’t wear hats. They are suffering, and in all honesty, most of us probably aren’t. It is not that our issues are not valid, but there are much

more serious problems facing those who have been affected by the hurricanes, and it is our responsibility to help them. An executive member of StuGo said they are considering dedicating the Philanthropy Week money to hurricane relief, which is a step in the right direction. We recommend, in addition to Philanthropy Week donations, the senior class take the money they have raised, and will raise, for their class gift and forgo a more orthodox gift. Instead, they should donate it toward relief for the victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma as a gift from the Class of 2018.

This tradition does not have to stop with the Class of 2018. Philanthropy is something to strive for and could be continued for years to come. This selflessness is the true mark of an authentic gift, and will invariably be more valued than a tangible item given to the school. We can make a difference. We can use the resources we have to better the lives of many people in the affected areas. We must rally around those hurt by the disasters, and ensure they can recover swiftly. Even playing a small part in those people’s lives would be far more fulfilling than any other gift.

Editorial Cartoon by Eden Kurr

THE EXPRESS • issue 1 • september 2017

PUZZLES

“In this issue” word search

Word Bank

Homecoming Spirit Calligraphy BrusheS

Prevention Education Harp Orchestra

Soccer Expansion Cadet Rifle

Brisket Sauce Jeans Slippers

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About us

Ellie Druten Carter Fitzsimmons Jaelen Matthews Olivia Dowell Ethan Knauth Jack Plank Dan Edmonds Paige Fulenwider Walker Johnson

Gabe Swartz

PRINT EDITOR

Lauren Fischer

ONLINE EDITOR Ryan Jones

DESIGN EDITOR

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kaitlyn Noon

Madi Allen Ellen Bruce Kanishka Mehra Gavin Mullin TJ Vore

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 25. Subscription rates are $10. The Express is printed by The Sedalia Democrat, 700 South Massachusetts, Sedalia Mo. 65301.

MANAGING EDITOR

Disclaimer

OPINION/ETHICS EDITOR

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.

WRITERS

Eden Kurr

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Jim McCrossen

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Sara Rooney

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