The Express - October Issue

the express

A MINUTE’S INFLUENCE Students and teachers find they can be influenced by Tik Tok and other social media posts concerning candidates and the election.

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VOTE HERE!

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INSIDE COVER | 10.28.20

THE EXPRESS VOLUME 28 • ISSUE 1 • BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST

Editor-in-Chief

Design Editor

Co-Sports Editors

Emma Johnson

Erin Reece

Jonny Isaacson

Executive Editor

Graphics Editor

Jack Nitz

Bella Rinne

Courtney Krebs

News Editor

Social Media Editor

Megan Yates

Lola Shipman

National Editor

Managing Photo Editor

Jack Bensing

Rachel Sarff

Chief Writer

Quality Photo Editor

Maddie Oliver

Assistant Executive Editor Tessa Regan Print Editor Izze Lentfer Online Editor Maggie McCready

Mitri Krishna Writers Anna Bailey • Elizabeth Caine • Kathryn Case • Katelyn Gau • Rachel Hostetler • Reagan Kauth Reagan King • Abbie Kratofil • Liz LaHood • Matthew Lemke • Lizzie Lively • Emily Moser • Julia Moser Mauri Peterson • Raabia Qureshi Photographers Savannah Bridges • Amanda Carvalho • Grace Davis • Lauren Kline • Jenna Soltwedel Designers Sophie Dellett • Emma Gau • Alyssa Peterson • Sabrina San Agustin Adviser

Assistant Adviser Amanda Ford

Jim McCrossen

@BVNWNEWS

BVNWnews.com

10.28.20 | TABLE OF CONTENTS

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CONTENTS 04

EDITORIAL EDUCATING YOURSELF ALLOWS FOR WIDESPREAD EQUALITY

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OPINION REDEFINING SUMMER

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OPINION AMERICA THE BLIND

OPINION MORE THAN THE STEREOTYPE

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THE MENTAL MIXUP

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A MINUTE’S INFLUENCE

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ART OF THE BODY

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A WILD WEST WORK

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A LOVE LIKE NO OTHER

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THE ULTIMATE JOCO BARBEQUE REVIEW

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UNPOPULAR OPINIONS

Junior Nicole Hiemenz drives the ball during a tournament at Leawood Country Club, Sept. 15. (Photo by Lauren Kline)

Students find the struggle for keeping up with school work, different schoool schedules and being at home for half their classes to be stressful. (Photo illustration by Mitri Krishna)

EDITORIAL | 10.28.20

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STAFF EDITORIAL

EDUCATING YOURSELF ALLOWS FOR WIDESPREAD EQUALITY The best thing you can do for your community is to educate yourself in order to make change.

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eing in the midst of a pandemic has Some groups react to this lack of education by drawn out inequalities in our society. mobilizing to create organizations like Black Lives Discrimination, access to health care, Matter. The formation of these organizations are wealth gaps and housing are all major reactions to the lack of education in our society. contributors to minorites having Instead of continuing to be uneducated, we should a higher chance of contracting coronavirus, instead listen more to what these organizations according to the Centers for Disease Control and have to say. In doing so, we might become more Prevention. Our society cannot be fully functional educated in the process. The real recipe for unity without more of an effort to become educated is to recognize a different side’s point of view and about these matters. move forward from there. In the age of knowing, Unfortunately, these inequalities are present in ignorance is a choice. our own backyards without many having sufficient The abhorrent problems with race are only knowledge. As residents of the Kansas City examples of the larger situation with social issues metropolitan area, the Country Club Plaza is one as a whole in the United States. It comes down to of our biggest sources of entertainment. However, the fundamental principle that everyone should Jesse Clyde Nichols, who built The be treated equally and held to the same Plaza and much of the surrounding standards. housing in Kansas City, was Often, people do not realize that if If we take a second notorious for his segregationist and everyone is engaged at the local level, to expand past the racist views. Throughout his career, change will occur nationally. Even issues in Johnson he built neighborhoods in Kansas though most high schoolers are unable County, we can see City where only white people to vote, there are still clubs to get our lack of education could live. In doing so, Nichols involved with to build self-awareness is doing a disservice contributed to the decades of racial for racial tensions. Just to name a to the country. division and redlining that are couple: the Diversity Equity Committee still present to this day. Becoming and the Black Student Union. educated includes knowing these troubling When looking at today’s societal norms, such historical realities well enough for a complete as it being acceptable to be uneducated, the older understanding of the injustice. generations have failed to provide us with the If we take a second to expand past the issues in tools needed to become exceptionally educated. our area, we can see how our lack of education is The tendency of the older generations is to shy creating a disservice to the country. Nationally, away from an injustice when it begins to get we must become educated on the events that have uncomfortable. Removing the four books from the transpired in 2020, from the death of George Floyd ELA curriculum in Blue Valley is a prime example to the death of Breonna Taylor, and begin to open of this. As members of Generation Z, we must our eyes to fully understand these injustices. rise to the challenge when an injustice gets to be The brutal police killings against unarmed Black intolerable. Now, more than ever, young people men and women, along with minorities having understand the importance of the issues. At a time a higher percentage of contracting coronavirus, when young voters are among the least likely to show that social inequalities have accelerated. The vote, we have enormous potential to improve our disparities are becoming more and more apparent engagement numbers. Momentum is on our side. while we are becoming increasingly closed off to these realities.

10.28.20 | INFOGRAPHIC

STAYING EDUCATED AND ACTIVE

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Designed by Emma Gau

ACTIONS ANYONE CAN TAKE 1

Educate yourself on local government.

• Subscribe to local news outlets • Follow local elected officials • Attend or livestream city council meetings (www.opkansas.org)

2

Contact your Senators and Representatives.

• To call your Senator or Representative you can call the United States Capitol switchboard (202) 224-3121 and the operator will connect you to the office of who you request

3

Attend protests and sign petitions to support causes you believe in.

4

Join or create political/justice clubs at our school.

•

5

Gender Sexuality Alliance, Diversity Equity Comittee, Black Student Union, Pro-life club, Young Democrats

Share what you learn with your friends and family.

ACTIONS FOR 16+ 1

Become an election worker.

• https://www.jocoportal.org/ElectionJudgeApplication.aspx

ACTIONS FOR 18+ 1

Vote.

• Exercise your civic duty by voting in the upcoming election

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REDEFINING SUMMER

OPINION | 10.28.20

Written by Raabia Qureshi

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ake a second to recall every transformative moment from this summer. The thousands of comments about student experiences with racism on Blue Valley’s Instagram post. The peaceful Black Lives Matter protest on 135th street and the violent one at the Country Club Plaza. The black squares on Instagram that, without the feature of beneficial information, did practically nothing.

The people who you believed to be supportive but soon showed their true colors.

Our perception of ourselves and our community was torn down and rebuilt in a matter of a few weeks.

Each instance reconstructed our perspectives, so to bury them in the back of our heads is an act of hypocrisy and injustice toward the Black community. They must constantly be playing in our minds as reminders and sources of virtue.

At the same time, pausing to acknowledge our growth is also imperative for us to keep going.

Before quarantine, I was an ignorant person. I lived in a bubble in which the words “Black Lives Matter” simply meant don’t be racist. I watched movements and protests with awe yet never considered joining one. The line between what I thought to be offensive versus a “joke” with no bad intentions was blurred.

George Floyd’s murder jolted me awake from a slumber of ignorance and naivety, from which I opened my eyes and saw the reality of systemic racism in our country.

Overnight, social media changed insight. The key is to embody enough completely. Gone were posts and humility and vulnerability allowing stories of anything other than a call you to acknowledge your mistakes and for justice for Floyd’s death. Any learn from those who can educate you. content otherwise screamed privilege On top of that, when friends or family and practically asked for judgement members make mistakes and apologize, and rightfully so. I hustled to repost it’s not your apology to accept if you’re every useful and thought-provoking not Black. infographic on Instagram with the The truth is, we weren’t given intention of educating those around a handbook. I’ve made countless me. mistakes, from posting a black Soon, I realized, “don’t be racist” just square with the wrong hashtags to didn’t cut it anymore. spreading traumatic We must actively videos with the right instagramuser Posts condemn racism by intention, but wrong listening to those outcome. Although instagramuser who were victims the process often of it and amplifying involved immense their voices to benefit guilt, anger toward others. Read a book and making THE FIGHT FOR myself about the history of amends, overcoming [BLACK] LIVES the situation with police brutality in America. Listen to a an enlightened ISN’T A podcast by someone perspective made it who is Black and worthwhile.

MOMENT, IT’S talks about the Black back to the A MOVEMENT. lastThink struggle in America. time you signed Pay attention to their a petition or donated wounds and how you to a bail fund. The can heal them. Watch Black community a Netflix film about is still struggling, liked by janedoe and 1,028 others the disadvantages of yet somehow we’ve instagramuser Black children in poor stopped fighting. The communities, “When fight for their lives They See Us” is a great isn’t a moment, it’s a one. movement. How about I realized it’s OK we start treating it to not know. It’s OK to make mistakes like one and bring back the energy we as a result of not knowing. However, had in June. Go find ways to help at once you do know, do better. With blacklivesmatters.carrd.co every mistake comes growth and June 2020

10.28.20 | OPINION

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AMERICA THE BLIND Written by Courtney Krebs

t one time or another, many students have placed their hand over their heart, memorized the lines to the Pledge of Allegiance, and recited them in sync with their classroom peers. It is imperative for us to take a second look at practices we’ve been doing out of mundane routine after the progressions toward racial equality that transpired this summer.

The Pledge is outdated, misleading, and should not be included within the school day of young, impressionable children.

In 1943, the Supreme Court ruled in West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette that “the Free Speech clause of the First Amendment prohibits public schools from forcing students to salute the American flag and say the Pledge of Allegiance.” Despite this, Kansas legislature’s Statute 72-5308 says public schools in Kansas must provide time in the school day for students to recite the Pledge as part of “patriotic exercises” that “best meet the varied requirements of the different grades.” This means, although time to recite the Pledge must be incorporated into the day, it is not required for students to participate. Furthermore, if the Pledge is deemed an inconvenience to the school day, such as for high schoolers, this time is not required.

According to the Blue Valley School District’s Administrative Guidelines Policy 2500, “the District shall encourage the regular recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by students and staff at all schools,” suggesting that they hope to regularly incorporate the Pledge, if time permits.

Because grade schoolers tend to have a more flexible school schedule, the Pledge is most prevalently practiced in grades K-5. Although participating in the Pledge is voluntary by law, there are social pressures on young children to join in and follow what everyone else is doing. Do you really expect a firstgrader to courageously explain to their peers why they are the only one not

standing for the Pledge?

It is not required of teachers to inform students of their choice to participate, so many kids are not even aware of the option. This encourages blind patriotism in children who are often too young to understand what they are saying. Most children begin saying the Pledge every day at age 5, but the truth is, most 5-year-olds do not understand the message of the Pledge, nor do they understand the racist and xenophobic history of the United States which it ignores. Many grade-schoolers are too young and uninformed to properly consent to pledging their allegiance to a country.

The Pledge of Allegiance was originally composed in 1892 by Francis Bellamy. While working with a children’s magazine, he was asked to create patriotic programs for schoolchildren for the upcoming National Public School Celebration of Columbus Day. Hence, the Pledge was born.

According to the Wiley Online Library, ages 12-18 are classified as the most impressionable years of one’s life. The Pledge is a white-washed and blatantly deceiving rendition of American history that was created solely to instill nationalism in American youth, targeting them as impressionable Americans.

Bellamy had originally considered using the word “equality” in his Pledge, but decided against it knowing that the state superintendents of education were against equality for women and people of color. He even noted that “equality was a dubious word.”

The Pledge was created to appeal to racist and misogynistic leaders, and therefore should not be a part of American youth’s lives. It encourages blind submission to the ideas and political opinions of important adult figures from above, such as school teachers to whom many children trust and admire.

Furthermore, Bellamy believed in

07 the separation between church and state, and therefore did not include the words “under God” in the original version of his Pledge. However, upon hearing the convincing sermon of George M. Docherty, years later in 1954 U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower introduced bills to Congress to add the phrase “under God” to the Pledge.

This addition violates the separation of church and state and upholds the idea that a God, who some people don’t believe in (nor are they required to), rules the country. It is a direct violation of the religious freedom that our Constitution clearly gives us, and makes those who do not follow God feel like outsiders in American society.

LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL IS NOT SOMETHING THAT ACTUALLY EXISTS IN THIS COUNTRY–THE U.S. HAS NEVER HAD, AND STILL DOES NOT HAVE, LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

Lastly, the phrase “liberty and justice for all” is a horrible lie that does not accurately represent the country. U.S. history (and frankly, the present) is full of racist, xenophobic, and unjust discrimination of others, so why would we ever think the phrase “liberty and justice for all” would correctly encompass that? It doesn’t. Liberty and justice for all is not something that actually exists in this country–the U.S. has never had, and still does not have, liberty and justice for all. What about justice for Breonna Taylor? Justice for George Floyd? It has been decades since the Pledge was written and justice has yet to be served. How can we allow our kids to believe this fairytale of “justice for all” that our country has never truly lived up to?

OPINION | 10.28.20

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MORE THAN THE STEREOTYPE Written by Julia Moser

magine a cheerleader. Often, the image of a dumb blonde with a short skirt and bratty personality pops into people’s minds. This stereotype is what people have seen on TV all their lives, and therefore, what they believe to be true. As a cheerleader, I believe the way we are portrayed is damaging to our reputation.

The Kansas State High School Activities Association classifies cheerleading as an activity, not a sport. As a member of the BVNW cheer team, I feel that very few people know the level of work that actually goes into being a cheerleader. If you told a football player the thing they dedicated their time to is not technically a sport, chances are, they would be upset. Cheerleaders devote the same amount of time and energy as any other sport, so you can imagine how we feel as we are not categorized alongside them.

Being classified as a sport, rather than an activity, would bring more respect to cheerleading. In the eyes of KSHSAA, we are not seen as athletes, and therefore not treated like ones.

Activities director Andrew Addington said he has watched cheerleading become more competitive over his time working in schools.

“The way their peers view them and the activities they do matter,” Addington said. “If a cheerleader wanted to be designated as an [athlete] it would be because they feel the work and the effort they put into [cheer] is similar to the work and effort other students put into their own activities.”

Anyone can work hard at the activities they participate in, but what separates cheerleading from other

activities is our athleticism. A sport at state in 2019, it definitely changes is defined as an activity involving the way they are viewed by others. physical exertion and skill in which an “I know the girls had put in a lot individual or team competes against of time and effort last year to have a another or others for entertainment. successful state run and show that Cheer is not your average activity. It is they are capable of performing at a simply much different. We fit the mold high level,” Addington said. of a sport rather than an activity.

At our state competition the student What we do may look easy, but in body sees us in our pleated skirts and reality is difficult and requires hard full makeup assuming we participate work. While football players work in cheer for our looks, but in reality, hard to get better at their game, we our motivations are much different. build our strength to throw girls Senior and varsity captain Presley above our heads and flip in the air.

Ward said when she started cheer, she We are just as physically active. What soon figured out how much she loved we do athletically might differ from the sport. other stereotypical sports, but that “I really got into cheerleading, but does not mean we are not athletes. We it wasn’t for the look of it or being show off our skills to an audience and cool, it was because I really liked it compete against others, again, just as and it’s what I enjoyed doing,” Ward other sports do. Just because we don’t said. tackle people or use a ball, we aren’t The stereotypical cheerleader considered a sport? the media has created is degrading You have to be tough to be to the sport. I take offense when successful in cheerleading, both people think of me as a stereotypical mentally and physically. You have cheerleader. I am tired of people to be able to fall from a stunt and laughing when I tell them I am on the get back up. If one person fails, the cheer team or being stared at in the whole team fails. If halls for wearing my one person messes up uniform. We want to while performing, you be respected like other OUR COACH lose. We put all our sports are. Our coach DISCIPLINES AND disciplines and treats effort into practice, which can become us like athletes, so it TREATS US LIKE quite difficult. is infuriating to be ATHLETES, SO IT While we perform viewed as anything IS INFURIATING in traditional less. competitions, we People classify us as TO BE VIEWED AS also attend a state cheerleaders like it is ANYTHING LESS. competition, just like our entire personality. any other sport. We We are more than that. practice for strenuous We are hardworking, hours to be named Kansas State committed, athletic and strong. We Champions, yet KSHSAA classifies our work to win. We are athletes and hard work as a “non-athletic activity.” deserve to be acknowledged as such.

Addington said that due to the success our BVNW cheer team has had

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10.28.20 | FEATURE

THE

MENTAL MIXUP

Students and staff have attributed an increase in stress levels to various factors that come alongside the learning models this year.

Written by Emily Moser, Design by Erin Reece, Photo Illustration by Mitri Krishna

VIRTUAL LEARNING

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enior Ethan Hunt wakes up five minutes before class starts, attending classes alone from his bed, struggling to grasp concepts with the few resources available at home. Hunt said this has been reality for him and other Blue Valley Northwest students this school year.

In March, the Blue Valley School District switched to online learning in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. At the beginning of the 2020-21 school year, the Blue Valley School District Board of Education created their own gating criteria to be evaluated every two weeks to determine what the learning model will look like. Following the Aug. 18 District BOE meeting, Superintendent Tonya

Merrigan announced that middle and high school students would learn virtually for the first four weeks of school.

According to sophomore Aspen Larson, the unprecedented start of this school year has caused an increase in stress and anxiety across the BVNW community.

“I’ve talked to a lot of people on the phone and most people didn’t like online learning. No one knew what was going on,” Larson said. “It really raised my stress a lot because I felt like I didn’t know what I was doing.”

Senior Sravya Narahari said she has personally experienced struggles with scheduling and finding time in her day for all seven of her classes. She said the first two weeks were very stressful,

simply because she was trying to arrange her schedule in a way that would accommodate all of her classes. She said it was particularly difficult because this was not something she would have to worry about during a normal school year.

“My stress definitely has increased since school started,” Narahari said.

“When you’re not doing stuff for six months straight, it’s super easy to feel like what you’re doing is pointless or to not have motivation to do anything.”

Whether it was seeing a friend in the halls during passing period or sitting down for Husky Halftime with a table full of friends, students are not receiving the same social interaction from school as they have

10 in years past.

Narahari said not getting to see her friends on a daily basis has negatively affected her mental health.

“Humans are social beings, so we’re not meant to live in isolation,” Narahari said.

Larson attributed student’s increase in stress levels to the social interaction that virtual learning fails to provide. She said being around other people is what helps to relieve her stress, anxiety and depression.

Hunt said, “It’s been upsetting to not see all of my friends at school or to not get that normal interaction we took for granted.”

Hunt said sitting in the same place all day, every day at home for school contributed to the mental health issues students are facing. Students were encouraged by teachers and administrators to set up a dedicated work space to complete all of their assignments during virtual education.

“Not being able to get up and walk around the building like we would during passing periods is hard because instead of walking in the halls, you just click on a Canvas tile,” Hunt said. “You don’t get the ability to move around or see friends.”

Not only have students voiced their concerns for their own mental health, but parents, teachers and healthcare professionals have also expressed their worries.

Prior to the start of school, many parents and students voiced their opinions on virtual learning at the BOE meeting Aug. 18. Pediatrician and BVNW parent, Christine White offered her opinion on the issue.

“As a pediatrician, I know the risks of Coronavirus,” White said. “I know that it’s risky for a small subset of people. To punish all these kids, in my

FEATURE | 10.28.20

Many students say they are stressed while dealing with hybrid learning. medical opinion, is inappropriate and learning just fine, she said there are it is unethical.” still 15 to 20 percent of students who Since the beginning of the COVID-19 will struggle with mental health issues outbreak in March, both White and because of the circumstances. fellow pediatrician, Deborah WinburnWhite described the two groups of Antovoni, said they have seen an students that she has seen come into increase in the number of children her office throughout online learning. seeking medical attention for mental She said the first group is composed health issues. Both doctors added that of the students who are self-starters, since online schooling has started, that organized and type-A, who will be just number has continued to increase. fine regardless of what the learning Winburn-Antovoni said the average model looks like. The second group of number of children students are those she is treating for who need to be held mental health issues accountable, do not Humans are has doubled. connect well with social beings, so “One day, I saw Zoom and need onewe’re not meant 24 kids in my clinic, on-one interaction which is a normal with teachers to live in isolation. day for me,” White and classmates to said. “Six of them succeed.

-SRAVYA NARAHARI came in specifically “Those kids are for new onset anxiety or depression going to eventually just disconnect because they were not allowed to go from this,” White said. “They’re going back to school in person.” to stop logging in. They’re going to get Winburn-Antovoni attributed the frustrated and their grades are going increase in screen time that comes to fall. Some of them will become very with online learning as a factor of the anxious because they know they should mental health issues she is seeing. be doing better, but they don’t know She believes kids are feeling trapped how to.” in their screens which is taking the BVNW gifted education teacher hope out of learning. She said Zoom Sally Noltemeyer said teachers and is not the same as 3-D interaction in a staff members have their own set of classroom. difficulties to navigate. Noltemeyer said White also recognized that while the she has been struggling with the fact majority of students will handle online that she does not feel like she is able to

10.28.20 | FEATURE provide an adequate education to her students via Zoom.

“I’ve been taking advantage of as much professional development as I can, and I still don’t feel like I’m learning enough to provide the quality of education that I feel like my students deserve, but I’m doing my best to keep up with it,” Noltemeyer said.

Noltemeyer added that she is not the only teacher who is feeling this way.

“It’s the same fiddle being played in different tunes,” Noltemeyer said. “Everyone has the same stress right now. We’re all so lonely and so frustrated.”

Noltemeyer said there are simple ways students can help support their teachers during this time of online learning, despite not being able to see them in the classroom every day.

“Use the chat feature [on Zoom],” Noltemeyer said. “Send private messages to your teachers saying ‘You’re doing a good job, this makes sense!’ because they see it and it helps them to know that how they are teaching is working.”

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HYBRID LEARNING The Blue Valley School District high schools switched to a hybrid learning model on Oct. 5. Allowing half of the student body to be in the school building at a time.

Hunt said the hybrid learning model has caused a reduction in stress and anxiety levels across the student body.

He attributed this reduction to the human interaction that hybrid learning provides, both with teachers and peers.

Hunt said getting to see people in the halls and in classes has made him enjoy school more so far this year.

“I think I’ve been less stressed now because I learn better when the teacher is teaching in front of me,” Hunt said.

“I think it is more efficient and easier for students to learn this way.”

Narahari attributed her reduction in stress levels to the routine that she has been able to establish with hybrid learning.

“I feel a lot more like myself,” Narahari said. “The interest I have toward learning and my motivation to

Students say they are overwhelmed with school work without the daily accountability and structure of in-person learning on a daily basis.

get assignments done is a lot better.

Hybrid has improved my stress levels and I am able to manage my time better.”

While these students and staff members believe the hybrid model is an improvement from online learning, they agreed it is still not the ideal school situation.

Noltemeyer said she does not believe hybrid is as efficient of a learning system as full-time, in-person learning is for students.

“I don’t think we’ve figured out how to do it right, but I think it could be,” Noltemeyer said.

Larson and Noltemeyer both said they have noticed that students are receiving more school work than in years past.

“I feel like people, in general, seem a little calmer and more rested, but I think the amount of work that any average student is dealing with right now is overwhelming,” Noltemeyer said.

In order to minimize the negative effects of a heavy course load on students, Noltemeyer said teachers need to be more understanding of the circumstances. She added that teachers need to think as a whole group in terms of the effect they are having on the mental health of students.

Narahari recognized the fact that having up to half of the student population back in the building at once increases health concerns.

In order to maintain the early success of hybrid learning, Hunt said the community will need to continue to doing its part to keep everyone safe.

He said this includes wearing masks, sanitizing frequently and following the one-way hallway directions.

As a BVNW community, Noltemeyer said, “We need to adopt flexibility as our new motto. We have to let go of what used to be, and we have to embrace that there is something new coming.”

COVER | 10.28.20

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A MINUTE’S INFLUENCE Students claim social media influences their political beliefs with the presidential election only a few days away.

Written by Kathryn Case and Mauri Peterson, Design by Courtney Krebs, Photos by Rachel Sarff

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10.28.20 | COVER

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hile scrolling the case for only myself, but a lot of said. “It is important to have a view through TikTok, younger people’s political ideologies and have an opinion on what you senior Matthew have been swayed because of believe, but you have to be careful Bridges said he TikTok.” on what you say, what you post and noticed a change Along with Bridges, senior Declan what information you get it from.” in the content on his “For You” Franey said he uses his social media Although TikTok is well liked by page. Instead of the entertaining as a political outlet many teens, Bridges videos his feed was normally filled and information said his parents with, the content began to revolve source. aren’t particularly [Gen Z is] not around the death of George Floyd, Due to his fans of the app. afraid to voice their Bridges said. This abrupt change mother being a “They are not opinions which in videos sparked his interest to reporter, Franey fans of TikTok only further research political issues, he said he was taught because TikTok again goes all the said. to always see both has been the sole way back to that Having been raised by sides of an issue. platform that has engagement, conservative parents, but never Recently however, influenced my having a view on politics, Bridges Franey said he has political ideology,” and that’s exactly said that TikTok influenced him to become more vocal Bridges said. “I what we need. form a political opinion of his own. on his social media honestly don’t “My parents are conservative, platforms. think that they’re -KEN THOMAS but TikTok influenced my political “I’m choosing accepting of my opinion to to post political content instead of political opinion, which I’m OK with be more just posting things about myself or because at the end of the day, it’s liberal,” things that mean less to America,” my choice and my parents still love Bridges said.

Franey said. “Even if it doesn’t me.”

In contrast change anyone, I’m still building Despite not being the biggest to Bridges, a platform that’s standing on fan of TikTok, Bridges’s mother, senior Corey important ideas.”

Deborah Bridges, said social media McCready said With the election only a few days can be a good starting point for a he is a Donald away, Franey said it is crucial for news source.

Trump supporter teens who are able to vote to have a “It is a good place to start to and believes that well rounded understanding of the learn about different things that TikTok is a more political state of the world. have come out, but then I think you conservative platform.

“It’s good that people are starting “I’m a big Donald Trump to get more into [politics] and really fan, and I support everything trying to develop their own ideas,” that he does,” McCready said.

Franey said. “I feel like people have “TikTok is a big Donald Trump stepped up and started to learn supporting app, I feel like. When more. As long as you are not just I see Joe Biden posting things to posts on there, promote yourself, it is everyone and you are actually It’s good that attacking him.” educating yourself.” people are starting Due to the Along with Franey, rapid spread McCready agreed to get more into of information that students should [politics] and really through social vocalize their trying to develop media, younger political beliefs on generations are social media, but their own ideas. given the ability to make sure what -DECLAN FRANEY to be immersed in they are posting is the political scene accurate. and have a voice of their own.

“It’s important for kids to voice “I would say social media has had their opinions on social media, an impact on Gen Z. I would safely but they have to watch what they Senior Matthew Bridges loads TikTok say that there are more liberal Gen say because if they say something while registering to vote for the first Z’s than there are conservative for wrong, they can’t take it back time. Bridges said his political beliefs sure,” Bridges said. “I know it’s not because it’s out there,” McCready have been influenced by TikTok.

COVER | 10.28.20

14 have to double check it yourself and make sure it is accurate,” Deborah said. “Anything that is on social media is meant to sway [your opinion] one way or another.”

Due to the monthly rumors of TikTok being shut down, many users are suspicious that the motives behind the banning are for the wrong political reasons.

“I’m not necessarily saying that Trump is banning TikTok so that liberal news isn’t being spread, but I feel like there’s definitely people who believe that if Trump were to take down TikTok, their political voice would be silenced only because it’s such a big platform now,” Bridges said.

Although many teens use TikTok as a news platform, government teacher Ken Thomas said social media isn’t the best source and keeps us in a bubble.

“I hate to say this, but we want to take the easy way out and we want to be in an echo chamber that we believe only what we want to believe, and social media reinforces that,” Thomas said. “For decades, study after study show that people that are the most informed, most knowledgeable, even today, are people that read newspapers.”

Not just relating to social media, Thomas said to not get information from just one source or event, such as the presidential debates in October.

“Please do not decide by watching the debate [alone],” Thomas said.

“A lot of the undecided voters just threw up their hands, quit watching and said ‘That’s it, I’m not even going to vote’ because that’s the feeling that you got from watching that debate the other day, so my advice would be to look at multiple sources.”

Even though Thomas doesn’t think social media is the best news source, he said the younger generation’s participation in politics is what the country needs.

“I think folks under 30 years of age are much more willing, and very set in their belief systems, when they see hypocrisy, they call it out,” Thomas said. “They’re not afraid to voice their opinions which again goes all the way back to that

Bridges scrolls through TikTok on his phone. Bridges said TikTok has changed the perspectives of many young voters during this election. “TikTok has completely influenced my political opinion,” Bridges said. engagement, and that’s exactly what we need.”

Due to this awareness, Thomas said younger generations have the ability to make a difference in the current state of the country.

“It’s folks your age and the millennials that want to change things for the better because they’ve got 50, 60, 70, 80 years of life for

God’s sakes,” Thomas said. “They’re going to be affected by this stuff, so I really am proud of the young people, the way they are engaged and their willingness to say, ‘Hey, you know, that’s just not right.’”

10.28.20 | COVER

15

THE WAR ON STUDENT P L I T I C S Do you have similar political views as your parents?

22.2% 60.3%

17.5%

No

42.9%

No

38.1%

Moderate Right

Similar to one, but not the other

Yes 61.9%

Left

Yes

Has social media or TikTok ever changed your political beliefs?

38.1%

Where are you on the political spectrum?

19%

Do you think social media is harmful or helpful for people deciding their political beliefs and ideologies?

35%

20.6% 44.4%

Both Helpful Harmful

63 students participated in a Canvas survey from Oct. 9-15.

16

Senior Lucy Vincent paints a portrait, Sept. 23. Vincent was inspired by her grandpa and older brother to begin drawing and painting.

FEATURE | 10.28.20

10.28.20 | FEATURE

ART OF THE BODY

17

Senior Lucy Vincent plans to incorporate her love for art into a medical career.

Written by Liz LaHood and Katelyn Gau, Design by Bella Rinne, Photos by Grace Davis

Y

ears of honing her art skills and studying different science disciplines has allowed senior Lucy Vincent to pursue medical illustration, a career that requires the application of two of her uniquely opposite interests.

Vincent said her experimentation with different styles of art from a young age initiated her desire to use her artistic talent in a future profession.

“Since I was really little, when someone would ask me what I wanted to be I’d always say ‘Oh, I want to grow up and be an artist,’” Vincent said.

Her older brother, Kyle, and her grandfather have greatly influenced her path to becoming an artist, Vincent said. Her grandfather was a photographer, and she and her family would often go to his exhibits at art fairs. Vincent said Kyle was also interested in art and encouraged her to take art classes, even before she was in school.

“She’s always been doing some form of art,” Kyle said, “whether it’s drawing, watercolors, oils, acrylics or ceramics.”

Kyle said he has always been

supportive of her art and expected her to pursue it as a career. He said he was very impressed by her growth, not only in terms of artistic talent, but also in her work ethic and creativity with different concepts.

“I think what she’s doing now is really awesome, and I think she has improved a ton in the last couple of years,” Kyle said.

Vincent said she has taken just about all of the art classes that Blue Valley Northwest has to offer. Two of her favorite classes at BVNW are painting and portfolio. According to Vincent, her specialty is painting, which is what she is currently focusing on.

“Portfolio class is what I really enjoy, because it’s oriented toward preparing your art portfolio to show to colleges,” Vincent said. “You get to come up with the theme of art you want to pursue for your portfolio and you get to work on whatever projects you would like to put in there.”

Vincent said she likes to paint the interaction between humanity and nature, and tends to focus on the tiny details within her realistic drawings.

The specific style of art Vincent said

she wants to pursue is called “medical illustration.” She said she thinks medical illustration is a good fit for her attention to detail and interest in science.

“Medical illustration basically is where you illustrate medical diagrams, people’s bodies or a specific part of the body to help patients or families understand the medical process,” Vincent said.

Vincent talked about different classes that helped influence her interest in careers in the medical field, saying that her chemistry and physics classes made her realize her love for science.

She said that she had considered other medical careers before learning about medical illustration, and is currently taking anatomy to further her progress toward that possible career.

“I had thought about possibly pursuing a pediatric medical career because I love kids, and I’ve worked with kids all my life,” Vincent said. “I like helping people in general, and I’d like to be able to help make kids feel better.”

Although Vincent said she would like to combine her love for both science

FEATURE | 10.28.20

18 and art into a career, she said her alternative plan is most likely for a medical career as opposed to one in art, and is looking into different opportunities to further her medical knowledge and experience, such as the medical CAPS program and the medical club at BVNW. “I’d probably look into the medical career if I can’t combine the two,” Vincent said. “I will probably not end up pursuing just an art career because it’s just so difficult to make a living with that, but I would definitely continue to do that on my own.”

After observing her in class for the past three years, BVNW art teacher Chris LaValley said Vincent’s confidence in her skill has had the most effect on her artistic growth.

“I think the biggest thing I’ve seen is just her self-esteem and her understanding of her own talent,” LaValley said. “She definitely feels more comfortable in her own skin as an artist.”

LaValley said Vincent’s attention to detail, willingness to experiment with different mediums and her ability to take her time on projects would help her be very successful in the medical illustration field.

Vincent said she is nowhere near the end of her art journey and will continue to progress moving forward.

Nonetheless, she is hopeful that she will combine her passions for both the medical and artistic fields in a career setting. “[My journey] is still a work in progress,” Vincent said.

Since I was really little, when someone would ask me what I wanted to be, I’d always say, ‘Oh I want to grow up and be an artist.’

-LUCY VINCENT

Top: Vincent poses in front of her self portrait. Vincent painted this piece for her Painting II class.

Bottom: Vincent takes notes for her Anatomy class, Sept. 23. Vincent wants to have a career in art and the medical field.

10.28.20 | FEATURE

19

A WILD-WESTERN

WORK

As a form of entertainment, senior George LaHood and a few of his peers created a Western short film over quarantine.

Written by Anna Bailey and Maddie Oliver, Design by Sophie Dellett, Photos by Amanda Carlvaho

20

FEATURE | 10.28.20

Seniors Caleb Johnson and David Westerhaus experiment with various melodies to see what sounds best with what’s already been composed [for the film]. “Writing music for a film is much different than writing music for a performance. It was fun and interesting to experiment with different programs and instruments,” Johnson said.

Previous page: Senior George LaHood shoots and rehearses for his film, “The Man Who Missed, Sept. 24. “I would block a scene, which [meant telling] the actor where to go [and] what to do,” LaHood said.

D

uring quarantine, senior George LaHood wrote, directed and filmed a Western short film titled “The Man Who Missed.”

The film takes place in 1889 and is about a cowboy seeking revenge on the people residing in a western town.

LaHood said he has always loved movies and that relaying deeper meanings and narratives through video was an interesting way of connecting with people. After working on a project for sophomore ELA involving filmmaking, LaHood said the project sparked his interest in film making.

“I have learned that I really like making [movies],” LaHood said. “I did a project where you had to make a video about an unsung hero. I really enjoyed the process of making a documentary and telling a story through video. My teacher talked about ‘how can we tell stories best?’ and I just ran with [that question].”

Prior to the writing of “The

new project.

Man who Missed,” LaHood said he “I don’t know how he really chose had created two other short films, people [to be in the film], he just texted “Messages” and “Power Craze.” During me one day and asked me to be in it,” a road trip in May 2020, LaHood said Franey said. “He knew I was a good he created the entire outline in the car actor from seeing me in shows since and wrote the story when he got home he works on lighting for Northwest, afterward. and since I had worked with him on his “[Originally, I was] writing a script previous movie.” for the Western Acting as the role that would be two of Bill, a mysterious scenes. One of I would say George man who becomes the my friends told sidekick of the lead has always been me ‘Why does it character, Franey said have to be this really good at that shooting days were short? Why can’t charting his own long. it be longer?’ So, “We had around eight path.

I crafted a story days of filming at four from the two -Christy LaHood different locations, and scenes and then we were at each for four I extended the to eight hours at a time,” Franey said. story,” LaHood said. When I got back “We would rehearse and then film the home, I wrote the story. It took me two scenes a couple times to get different weeks to write.” angles.”

After acting in LaHood’s film After being asked to score the movie, “Messages” last winter, senior Declan senior Caleb Johnson said he created Franey was asked to act in LaHood’s

10.28.20 | FEATURE the soundtrack and that this was a collaborative process with his peers.

“I would have my music writing application up on my computer and then my friends would be playing their guitar on the other side. And we’d have to basically use our ears and just listen to what they were playing and then just write down a piece of music, and then send it to other people to play.”

All of the filming took around a month to complete, LaHood said. The cast involved in the making of “The Man Who Missed” filmed in different locations all over the Kansas City area, LaHood said.

“We filmed in some open fields that were open space and didn’t really have a lot of noise. [Fields that] had a clear background that would look like it was from 1889,” LaHood said. “We filmed at this park in Lee’s Summit called Missouri Town 1855, which is a park that took buildings from the 1800s.”

During the filmmaking process, Christy LaHood, George’s mother, said she supported LaHood as much as she could.

“We give him the time to [create the movie]. George actually never shows us his work until it’s finished, so it’s always fun to watch him go through the process,” Christy said. “For this particular movie, George did have a

21 budget and his dad and I agreed to finance a portion of it for him.”

Though not the purpose of making the films, LaHood said he plans to submit all the films he has made to colleges he hopes to attend next year.

“As far as a portfolio goes, I am applying [to schools that] require a portfolio and a list of works if you have any. So, I’ll definitely put that in the application,” LaHood said. “But I wouldn’t say that I [make movies for college] specifically. I will submit [movies] to colleges, but that’s not the reason why I did it.”

With all the accomplishments she has noticed LaHood achieve, Christy said LaHood inspires her so much, as he has been mature about making his own choices for his future.

“I would say George has always been really good at charting his own path,” Christy said. “Seeing George find things that he cares about and [taking] leadership roles in those areas, that [inspired] me.”

Throughout this pre-professional film experience, LaHood said the most important thing he has learned was how to humble himself as the person in charge of the film.

“When you’re making a movie like professionals do, you have so many people and you have to collaborate

with them. If you don’t, you’re just going to get in your own head and you’re going to get bogged down with the same ideas that you have,” LaHood said. “The ideas that you’re attached to maybe aren’t the best ideas. I have learned to be such a humble person and allowing other people to give their ideas.”

LaHood edits and reviews his short film on his computer, Sept. 24.

Senior Scott Munsch, freshman Nick Westerhaus and senior Vidur Pandiripally act in a Youtube trailer created by LaHood for “The Man Who Missed,” posted Sept. 28 to the Youtube channel Cornelius Studios.

22

FEATURE | 10.28.20

A L VE LIKE

For the past 26 years, one BVNW family develop

H

aving been season ticket holders for 26 years, senior Jeremy Bredemeier’s family has developed a love for the Kansas City Chiefs unlike many others.

Whether a home or away game, the Bredemeiers always have something planned for Chiefs games whether it be going to the stadium or hosting a watch party at their house, Bredemeier said.

“We always host people at our house, everyone knows if the Chiefs aren’t at Arrowhead you’re watching the game at the Bredemeier’s house,” Bredemeier said. “This year we bought a projector screen and a projector to use outside or in the basement just to have a better viewing pleasure of it. When the Chiefs are away we try to have as many people as we can,

Bredemeier and his dad take a photo at the home opener against the Houston Texans. Bredemeier said they take pictures to remember the specifics of how they felt at the games. (Photo Courtesy of Jeremy Bredemeier)

Written by Jonny Isaacson, always open invite and watch the game together.”

According to Bredemeier, his dad, Paul Bredemeier, first thought about buying season tickets after going to a playoff game in 1993.

“In 1993 a close friend of mine that worked for the Chiefs was able to get my wife and I tickets to a playoff game and so after that experience, after that game, I said ‘man, it’d be great if there was an opportunity where I could get those seats and season tickets’ and he was able to pull some strings and get me four tickets,” Paul said.

Despite their recent success, the Chiefs had eight losing seasons from 2000-2013, however, Paul said he never thought about giving up on the team.

“There was never a time where I ever had even an inkling of maybe not doing it anymore and going out there,” Paul said.

Bredemeier agreed with his father and said while it can get overwhelming, there are upsides.

“Going through the [Matt] Cassel era, during those times it was really hard with people asking me, ‘Why even waste your time going to those games?’ and it gets pretty stressful to get so emotionally invested in the team, but I would say there are a lot more positives than downsides,” Bredemeier said.

Spending every Sunday watching the Chiefs, Bredemeier knows it’s the one thing that holds his family together.

“It’s kind of glued to our family. No matter what happens during the week, we always look forward to Sunday, knowing what’s gonna bring us closer and that we’re gonna have a good time no matter what,” Bredemeier said.

“Something that we all bond over, no matter how much we fight or what we fight over. The one thing we always fall back on and come together on is the Chiefs and being in those seats.”

Paul agreed with his son and added

that it’s the one thing everyone in their family can look back on.

“I’ve always been a big fan of football, and as the kids started growing up and watching the Chiefs, they became avid fans like myself,” Paul said. “This is probably the one thing that we all look back on.

The Chiefs and all that really have brought us together and have given us something to root for and to cheer on.”

Unable to go to a full season of Chiefs games this year due to COVID-19, Bredemeier said he was surprised by his dad when they got to go to the Chiefs home opener.

“We just decided to take the year off and not go to every game considering how much more expensive the tickets are, and our seats are far worse than [where we] normally sit,” Bredemeier said. “We were planning on having a party, but my dad called me home, sat me down and surprised me with two tickets.”

While attending the season opener, Bredemeier said he almost felt locked into his section.

“When you go in a specific gate you are almost trapped in that area. You can’t go out of that gate, and the seats are spaced out far more than six feet, to the point where you almost have the whole row to yourself,” Bredemeier said.

Despite not going to the full season of games at Arrowhead, Bredemeier said it won’t stop their family from bonding over the team.

“Right now it seems like we are

10.28.20 | FEATURE

E NO OTHER

23

ped a special bond with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Design by Alyssa Peterson just going to keep our family together and stay at home and watch the games as a family,” Bredemeier said.

Bredemeier said football Sunday is the highlight of his week.

“All my bosses know to never schedule me on a Sunday, never schedule me for a Chiefs game.

Typically those days I really don’t do anything, it’s kind of preparing the mind,” Bredemeier said. “I have a lot of things I do during the day that are superstitious. I go for a drive around the block or town,

matter what the future holds. listen to certain music, I have “Obviously, we’re at a lot of different to drink specific drinks phases in our during [lives]. I’m six those years older drives, The one thing that than Jeremy, I and just we always fall back on have a job, and [get] and come together I moved out ready.” and he’s still in on is the Chiefs and high school and Growing being in those seats. my sister’s in up a college. There’s Chiefs fan, -JEREMY a lot happening Bredemeier BREDEMEIER in each of our said he plans lives,” Lily said. to keep his “But I would say that every Sunday, no fandom going for the rest of matter what, we’re either texting about his life. He also mentioned it or we’re watching together. I just that he hopes to get his think that no matter where we’re at, family’s season tickets which it’s the one thing we always prioritize.” has caused some lighthearted drama in the family.

“My sisters and I tend to have arguments over who’s going to get [the tickets] when our parents are gone, sadly, but we definitely know these tickets will forever be in our name. As long as the Chiefs are here, we will be there,” Bredemeier said.

Despite Bredemeier’s beliefs, his sister Lily Bredemeier said she doesn’t want him to get too far ahead of himself, but will carry on the Bredemeier tradition whether she gets the seats or not.

“I think the biggest joke in the family is who’s going to get the tickets and I think Jeremy assumes it’s him, but I’m willing to fight for that one,” Lily said. “I think that my siblings feel the same way, this is just something that one day our kids will Jeremy, Paul, Laura, Lisa, and Lily just know. It’s like on Sunday, you Bredemeier pose outside their house after know that you’re watching the Chiefs they had finished putting up decorations game with your family. It’s basically for their Super Bowl party. Feb. 2. (Photo one big Bredemeier tradition.”

Courtesy of Jeremy Bredemeier) Going into different parts of their lives, Lily said she knows the Chiefs have become a permanent bond between her and her siblings, no

A&E | 10.28.20

24

THE ULTIMATE JOCO BBQ REVIEW Staff writer Matthew Lemke puts three of Johnson County’s barbecue restaurants to the test for the best sandwich and sauce.

Written by Matthew Lemke, Design by Bella Rinne, Photos by Lauren Kline

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que 11723 Roe Ave, Leawood, KS 66211 Sandwich: Z-man

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is a classic barbeque joint. The inside is filled with brick floors, wood tables, aluminum walls and awards hanging wherever there is space. The most ordered sandwich at Joe’s is the Z-Man, which is piled high with smoked brisket, two onion rings and provolone cheese, all between two soft brioche buns. This sandwich has a smoky and tangy, but sweet taste to it. The onion rings offer a special crunch that is unique to itself. Joe’s barbeque sauce is sharp-tasting, lightly honeyed, with a hint of heat, complementing the sandwich and meat very well.

4/5

10.28.20 | A&E

25

Gates Bar-B-Q

2001 W 103rd Terrace, Leawood, KS 66206 Sandwich: Beef and a Half

This old western-themed BBQ joint speaks for itself with its smoky smell that travels all the way onto Interstate 435. Options are endless with its simple menu that offers as many sides as imaginable. The most ordered sandwich at Gates is the Beef and a Half sandwich. The best way to describe this sandwich is a barbeque Big Mac, a brisket sandwich on white bread with a slice of bread in the middle. The brisket is smoky, however not as juicy as expected, with a savory seasoning and crust on the edges.

The barbeque sauce is a deep smoky sauce with light spices, but complements the meat with its nonoverpowering taste.

3/5

Q39

11051 Antioch Road, Overland Park, KS Sandwich: Mr. Burns

Q39 offers a classier experience over the other two restaurants.

The restaurant exudes a farmstyle environment that is family friendly with a helpful staff. The staff is constantly checking in on customers, making sure they are fully satisfied with the experience.

Adding to the welcoming environment, the restaurant is filled with homey furniture like wood tables and chairs, as well as a lot of natural light. The most ordered sandwich is the Mr. Burns, a sandwich stacked high with cubed burnt ends, chipotle barbeque sauce, pepper jack cheese and onion straws, all on a toasted bun.

The meat has a crisp crust, as well as lots of smoky flavor with good seasoning. The chipotle barbeque sauce has a sweet and smoky taste, with a kick at the end. The crunchy onion straws bring a nice texture to the soft sandwich, and the pepper jack cheese adds a needed heat as well. Overall, Q39’s Mr. Burns and the atmosphere of Q39 brings it to the top over the other two restaurants.

5/5

HUSKY HIGHLIGHTS | 10.28.20

26

HUSKY HIGHLIGHTS Sophomores Julia Moser, Kate Newby, Lauren Senderson, Grace Bowling and Carly Worden pose for a picture after the boys varsity soccer game on Sept. 14.

Newby said she loves cheer because it is all year and the cheer team is super involved.

(Photo by Grace Davis)

Activities director Andrew Addington takes sophomore Emily Natanova’s temperature before material distribution day, Sept.21. “It was definitely weird going back to school, even if [it] was only for a few minutes. I was used to the noisy and crowded halls that it was surprising to see only a few people there.

The atmosphere was completely different and it was harder to interact with others,” Natanova said. (Photo by Mitri Krishna)

10.28.20 | HUSKY HIGHLIGHTS

27

OCTOBER 2020 Senior Mark Underwood reads a book outside during Sarah Lee’s Sixth hour ELA 12 class. The class receives freereading time each class period. “It’s a great opportunity to relax from a stressful day at school and enjoy a nice mask break outside,” Underwood said.

(Photo by Rachel Sarff)

Members of ‘The Pack’ Dance Team, junior Ainsley Aadland, seniors Morgan Porter, Abbey Griffin and freshman Saylor Shultz pose as part of the ‘Mad Love’ pom routine during halftime of the varsity football game, Oct. 9. “My favorite part about dance team is getting to do what I love with such a talented group of girls,” Porter said.

(Photo by Rachel Sarff)

28

GAME DAY GALLERY | 10.28.20

GAME DAY GALLERY On a course full of sharp turns and hills junior Andrew Mason pushes himself to stay ahead of his competitors on Sept. 26 at Blue Valley Southwest Highschool. (Photo

by Gabbie Fink)

Drew Kaufman, BVNW junior, interacts with the referee in the varsity football game against Blue Valley North, Oct. 9. The Huskies fell to the Mustangs 34-27. “That game was a pretty rough blow on the team’s morale for the next few days, but overall really made us even more focused on our game versus [Blue Valley] West this week,” Kaufman said. (Photo by Rachel Sarff)

Senior Ethan Hunt and sophomore Sam McIntosh chase the ball in the varsity soccer game against Saint Thomas Aquinas, Sep. 17. (Photo by Grace Davis)

10.28.20 | GAME DAY GALLERY

29 Junior quarterback Mikey Pauley is brought down while running the ball during the varsity football game against Blue Valley North, Oct. 9. (Photo

by Lola Shipman)

Sophomore Emily Chiasson hits a volley against Blue Valley North, Sep. 24. “We had a very challenging match against North and we fought well by having a positive mindset,” Chiasson said. (Photo by Jenna Soltwedel)

Senior Maddie Clark rises to hit the ball during the game against Blue Valley, Oct. 1. “The highlight of this game is how well we worked together as a team. We all trusted each other and did our jobs on the court, and because of that we were able to beat Blue Valley,” Clark said. (Photo by Mitri Krishna)

A&E | 10.28.20

30

WHAT’S YOUR UNPOPULAR OPINION? Type something...

The Express asked its Instagram followers to submit their opinions they think are unpopular in today’s society. Below are a few of the student responses we received.

Design By Sabrina San Agustin

I hate pb and j

The school dances can actually be fun if we decided they are

Charli D’Amelio does not deserve to have a drink at Dunkin

Reply

Reply

Reply

Eating the pizza crust first is the best way to eat it

TikTok needs to be canceled

Timothée Chalamet is not hot

Reply

Reply

Reply

Vibe nutrition isn’t good

Watching movies at home is better than in theaters

I hate avocados but I love guacamole

Reply

Reply

Reply

31

10.28.20 | QUIZ

WHAT STARBUCKS FALL DRINK ARE YOU?

ART T S

Designed by Emma Gau

Reading a book at home or out with friends?

At Home Out

Pumpkin patch or Apple picking?

“Ghostbusters” or “Coraline?”

“Ghostbusters” “Coraline”

Pumpkin patch

Candy corn is Good or Bad?

Sunny or Rainy?

Rainy

Orange or green?

Orange Green

PUMPKIN CREAM COLD BREW

Sunny

Good

Are you an Introvert or Extrovert?

Introvert

Apple picking

Extrovert

PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE

Bad

Go Trick or treating or go to a Party?

Trick or Party treating

PUMPKIN CREAM ICED CHAI

ABOUT THE EXPRESS CONTACT INFORMATION Mailing address: 13260 Switzer Rd, Overland Park, KS 66213 Phone: 913-239-3544 Website: BVNWnews.com 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 April 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.

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