The Express - Summer 2019

EVERYONE CAN BIKE STRIVING TO ENSURE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES CAN LEARN HOW TO BIKE, BVNW PARENT MANDIE AADLAND HAS HOSTED THE PROGRAM ICAN BIKE FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS.

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THE EXPRESS

2019-2020

VOLUME 27 • ISSUE 1 • BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST

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ISSUE 1 | 08.16.19

CONTENTS 04

A WORLD TO BENEFIT FROM

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EVERYONE CAN BIKE

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LIVING LIKE A LOCAL

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FISHING FOR SUCCESS

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SUMMER OF SUSHI

Crab Rangoon makes its way down the tables on the toy train at Sushi Train on June 19. (Photo by Maddie Beischel).

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Junior Alison Arrigueno volunteers for iCan Bike at Blue Valley Rec Hilltop on June 4. “I loved waking up every morning for 5 days knowing that I’m going to be spending time with some amazing kids, [it] really was one of the highlights of my summer” Arrigueno said. (Photo by Rachel Sarff)

Sophomore Lindsay Mihal (left) posing for a picture in 2017 with her father in Puerto Rico. “The experience was amazing,” Mihal said. “You could see out from this location for miles and the view was absolutely gorgeous.” (Photo courtesy of Lindsay Mihal).

Senior Garrett Torres (left) and his fishing buddy, Matthew Gerber (right), at FLW High School Nationals on June 22. “We sat on that spot all day to get three bites and wwe got the right bites, finishing in 53rd out of 403.” Torres said. (Photo courtesy of Garrett Torres).

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A World to Benefit From Visiting places such as Austria and the U.S. Virgin Islands, traveling has benefitted this sophomore’s knowledge of the world.

BY JACK BENSING & RORY DUNCAN

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uspended in the air and zip lining for 2600 feet in Haiti, sophomore Lindsey Mihal said she conquered the longest zipline in the world.

Mihal embarked on a Royal Caribbean cruise with her family two

years ago. Among the activities on the cruise were snorkeling and zip lining.

Mihal’s travels on this cruise are some of various other travels over the last eight years, she said, culminating in a multitude of memories and an overall

Lindsey Mihal (left) and her mom at Palma de Mallorca. “It was really exciting to visit and a great experience overall,” Mihal said. (Photo courtesy of Lindsey Mihal).

Design by Erin Reece enrichment.

Starting at the age of eight, Mihal said she has traveled with her family to numerous international locations, including six over the summer. These recent trips included traveling to England, the Czech Republic, Austria, the Bahamas, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.

One of the benefits of traveling, Mihal said, is each place has its own characteristics from the people to the environment.

“The environment [of a country] and the way it looks is a lot different than America,” Mihal said. “When you go to the Caribbean it’s a lot nicer and a lot cleaner than America. When you go to Europe the people are different and the environment you are in is a lot different.”

Shawn Mihal, Mihal’s father, said some of his family’s travels are because of his job as the president of a financial corporation at Waddell and Reed, as well as visiting family in Frankfurt, Germany. He said

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Lindsey Mihal (left) and her friend, Maddie (right), in Puerto Rico at a quick stop while on a cruise. “It was a really fun experience because of the environment in Puerto Rico,” Mihal said. (Photo courtesy of Lindsey Mihal). his travels outside of his job helps “Each country has different types of him to understand the far-ranging food and it’s just fun to try it,” Mihal cultural aspects of the world. said. “I’m a foodie so I really like to “We just really enjoy the diversity eat.” of other cultures and getting outside Sophomore Maddie Passett traveled of Overland Park to other parts of with Mihal and her family to the U.S. the world,” Virgin Islands, St. Thomas Shawn said. and Puerto Rico, and she Through her said there are a multitude "WE JUST REALLY travels, Mihal of benefits to be reached ENJOY THE DIVERSITY said it is easier from traveling. Passett rather than explained the benefits of her OF OTHER CULTURES difficult to traveling experience with AND GETTING OUTSIDE break through Mihal when talking about OF OVERLAND PARK TO the language paddle boarding and visiting barrier. turtles, two things that you OTHER PARTS OF THE “If you go cannot do when living in WORLD.” to a touristy Overland Park.

-SHAWN MIHAL place, English With destinations of is like a second Australia, Greece and Japan, language Mihal plans to continue for them so it’s pretty easy to to travel, and she said she will be communicate,” Mihal said. visiting Slovakia next year. Prior to the The traveling has also helped trip, Mihal commented on her trip to Mihal understand how the cultural London in August and some benefits differences between countries are she may be able to reap from her future shown through the diverse types travels. of food. In Spain, for example, she “It’s just really exciting because you enjoyed tapas. get to tour all the history,” Mihal said.

“It is going to be a lot of fun to try new foods and things like that.”

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Issue 1 | 8.16.19

EVERYONECANBIKE For the past three years, the iCan Bike program has been hosted in Overland Park to help those with physical and mental disabilities learn to ride a bike.

BY RAABIA QURESHI

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Designed by Emma Gau

hree summers ago, Overland sophomore Ainsley, said she started or bikes with platforms placed on Park mom Mandie Aadland iCan Bike in Overland Park at the the wheels, providing them with the received a phone call from a Hilltop Learning Center with the balance they need to ride successfully, friend regarding the iCan Bike intention to change the life of her Aadland said. As the week progresses, program for Aadland’s daughter, daughter who has they move on to riding Ainsley. Little did she know, Aadland Down syndrome. tandem bikes and said, that phone call would allow her “We were told conventional two"iCan Shine aims to to host a program which continues by therapists and wheelers. By the end teach recreational to impact families from all over the doctors that Ainsley of the week, riders activities to people country today. wouldn’t ride a and their families As an international nonprofit bike,” Aadland said. should have purchased with physical and organization, iCan Shine aims to “Well, let me tell their own bike. With mental disabilities" teach recreational activities to people you. We’re riding the overall iCan Bike -Mandie Aadland with physical and mental disabilities, a bike when it’s program typically Aadland said. Alongside other ‘iCan’ 35 degrees out achieving an 80 to 85 programs, iCan Bike is just one all around town percent success rate, program the organization offers that, and on bike trails, she said, the iCan Bike according to Aadland, teaches nearly you know, so shame on them, right, program offshoot at Hilltop has fallen 3,000 people with disabilities each year. because that’s not true.” within that line for the past three years.

The goal of the For the riders, Aadland Aadland said participating in the program is for said the five day journey program has changed Ainsley’s and her participants to of learning to ride isn’t family’s life. Senior Danya Radhi, who “It’s so much more be able to ride as easy as it seems. For has volunteered with the program for a conventional 75 minutes each day, the the past two years, said it has altered than riding a bike" two-wheel riders circle a basketball her perspective on life, as well.

-Mandie Aadland bicycle court with in Hilltop on Throughout her volunteering independently their bikes with little to no experience this year, Radhi said she by the end biking experience, while worked with a little girl who was of the fiveonly pausing for restroom discouraged to learn and struggled day period while also building the or water breaks. to grasp the concepts of riding which confidence of the rider.

Beginning at the start of a week, the posed a challenge.

Alongside her friend Melissa program opens with riders spending However, in such situations, Aadland Gilkison, Aadland, the mother to most of their time riding ‘roller bikes,’ said volunteers are asked to step out

FASTFACTS

*Facts courtsey of iCan Shine website *Conducted over 100 five-day "iCan" programs in 35 states and Canada serving nearly 3,000 people with disabilities each year.

Alex, an iCanBike volunteer, guides a participant. With help from the volunteers, the kids were given a chance to ride a bike. (Photo by Rachel Sarff )

8.16.19 | Issue 1 of their comfort zone and use creative, fun strategies to plant enthusiasm and excitement in their riders. Radhi said she and her volunteer partner used the girl’s enthusiasm for food to motivate her to continue riding.

“We’d talk to her mom before hand, and be like ‘Oh your mom is making spaghetti for dinner, pedal for the spaghetti,’” Radhi said.

Along with Radhi, senior Annabelle Nitz also volunteered for the iCan Bike program. Nitz said her rider was a girl who had autism and was non-verbal.

While communicating through an iPad, Nitz’ limited sign language along with her rider’s lack of motivation posed several challenges throughout the first few days.

However, despite the challenges presented by the rider’s disabilities, Nitz said she and her partner were able to teach her through the use of positive encouragement and unique strategies.

Both Nitz and Radhi said although learning to ride a conventional twowheel bicycle is second nature to them, the ability of those with disabilities to grasp the concept holds greater significance. Radhi said by watching those without disabilities ride bikes, the riders are confronted with their disability face to face.

Once they learn to ride a bike, Radhi said, the inclusivity it provides them changes their perspective on their lives as a whole. Similar to Radhi, Nitz said not only is the exposure to physical activity beneficial, but it also allows them to accompany family and friends on an activity as wholesome as bike riding.

“It’s like an equalizer; it gives them the freedom and independence to be able to go on bike rides with their families or even around the

*Around 80% of participants learn to ride a conventional twowheel bike without assistance by the end of the five day camp.

07 neighborhood,” Nitz said.

Despite teaching participants how to ride a bike, iCan Bike sends a message to society regarding empathy, Aadland said. Many young adults have yet to be exposed to working with special needs individuals, which is essential in giving them the opportunity to learn and grow. Aadland said she encourages young adults to get involved with programs like iCan Bike in order to experience the sense of pride and joy it gives to its volunteers and build relationships most volunteers don’t expect to form prior to getting involved.

“It’s so much more than riding a bike,” Aadland said. “It’s really a gift and, yes, it started off for our family, but the gifts that have been given to other families as well have been amazing.”

Above: Cole smiles as he sits on one of the specialized bikes. The back wheels were replaced to make riding a bike easier for kids with disabilities. (Photo by Rachel Sarff ) *wAbout 20% make major progress and leave with family members who can spot them until they are ready to ride alone at home.

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Junior Marguerite Dyke in the Dushanbe botanical gardens, Jun. 28, 2019. “I thought it was unique that interspersed among the plants were a lot of really beautiful, old historical structures and buildings,” she said.(Courtsey of Marguerite Dyke).

Living Like a Local As a result of being involved with the organization NSLI-Y, a sophomore was provided the opportunity to study abroad and live among locals in Tajikistan over the summer, in order to strengthen her ability in speaking Persain.

BY KATHRYN CASE AND TESSA REGAN

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raveling to the opposite side of the world to the central asian country, Tajikistan, junior Marguerite Dyke had to face the challenges of not being able to speak English while she is there and the obstacles of finding her way around a foreign country, as she immersed herself in the culture.

While in Tajikistan, Dyke said she was not allowed to speak any English, but only Persian, because the host family she was staying with did not speak English. Over the past few months leading up to the trip, Dyke said she had been taking a pre-program class through NSLI-Y, National Security Language Initiative for Youth, to learn the language before

she went abroad.

The class taught her basic phrases that would aid her while she was in Tajikistan.While there, Dyke said she walked to class every day where she learned more about the language.

“Class helped a lot and as I learned the language I got a lot better at it,” Dyke said. “By the end of it I could fully communicate with my [host] family which was really nice.”

Looking to have a career in international relations, Dyke said knowing a variety of languages is something essential for such a job. This trip provided some practice for her possible career.

“I am looking to have a career in international relations, so typically

Designed by Emma Gau

the more languages you know, the better it is for future careers,” Dyke said. “Knowing Persian will be very helpful, because Tajikistan is one of the countries the U.S. is trying to improve relations with.”

The trip was arranged by NSLI-Y. The program was launched in 2006 to improve the ability of the youth in America to communicate in different languages.

All students went through an application process which included an essay and an interview. More than 3,300 applications from across the United States were submitted, and Dyke was one of the 660 students selected.

NSLI-Y employee Rebecca Berman helps with the placement and

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recruitment of the students. During the They take a lot of safety precautions application process, Berman said there and they prepare the students very are certain things the program looks well,” Colyer said. for in each student.

Besides these concerns, Colyer said “We look for students who are very her job allowed her to understand passionate about both the language and why Dyke would want to travel. the culture,” Berman said.

Colyer works as a lawyer for Water After studying abroad for two Equity, a company that works with months, Dyke, who answered this prior groups around the world to get clean to her trip, said she expects to have a water. Due to her job, Colyer said she different view on the world. has experience with international “I think it will businesses and has definitely change been overseas many the way I see the times. Colyer said “We look for world,” Dyke said. she encourages Dyke, students who are very “It will be a really along with her sister, amazing experience Isabel Dyke, to travel passionate about both to see how different and earn similar the language and the the culture is and experiences she gets culture” how different their with her job. way of life is.”

However, -Rebecca Berman There was a list Colyer said even if of places Dyke said she had a job which she could pick from required less travel, including Morocco, South Korea and Dyke and her sister would still be Russia. Dyke said she chose Tajikistan interested in traveling. even though the country has safety and

“I think they both would have security troubles. This is something done it anyway,” Colyer said. “They Dyke’s mom, Catherine Colyer, said she both have always loved languages was worried about. To ensure the safety and have been interested in different of the students, the State Department cultures and really came to have a thirst has been working with the students to for learning.” inform them of the matter, Colyer said.

In order for Dyke to travel to “I just trust that the State Tajikistan, she said there was a lot of Department knows what it’s doing. preparation to be done, such as taking

the pre-program course and doctor’s appointments for immunizations..

“I think the biggest one is the pre-program course and learning the language. It started during the school year and so I had to do that during finals which was really rough,” Dyke said.

In Tajikistan, Dyke had the opportunity to live like a local. The host family was to go about their lives and show the students what a typical day is for them. The student was not guaranteed any special excursions, but their adventures were based off of what the host family chose to do.

According to the website of NSLI-Y, 99% of alumni respondents report doing the study abroad program through NSLI-Y was the most influential, educational experiences of their life.

“Because this program has been around for many years it's interesting how the studies impact the students beyond the summer but several years down the road,” Berman said.

In agreement with Berman, Dyke said the trip had a big impact on her.

“I'm really glad I went because I think it was a life changing experience and a really unique opportunity,” Dyke said.

Tajikistan is located in Asia and shares borders with China, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. While abroad, junior Marguerite Dyke stayed with her foreign exchange family in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan.

Dushanbe

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F O R

FISHING SUCCESS

Since the fourth grade, senior Garrett Torres has engaged in a sport involving patience, prizes and fish.

BY MEGAN YATES AND JACK NITZ

S

ince the fourth grade, a senior has engaged in a sport involving patience, prizes and fish.

When an uncle, Randy Miller, accidentally left behind a couple of fishing rods in 2013, senior Garrett Torres’ fishing career began. Torres took those fishing rods, and with the help of his father, Jerome Torres, fished in a pond near his house. Torres has since left the comfort of that pond and ventured to lakes all across the United States.

The lakes he has competitively fished at include Table Rock Lake, Lake of the Ozarks, and Melvern Lake, where he won his state title. This summer he competed at Pickwick Lake in Florence, Alabama at the national level. In total, there are 10 - 12 fishing tournaments in which Torres competes in during the year.

His parents, specifically his father, Torress said have been the people who have helped him out the most along the way. They bought him a boat, which his dad taught him how to drive, Torres said.

Aside from his parents, Torres said his fishing partners, as well as the local fishing community, have helped him along his journey.

“Through fishing, I have made a ton of connections, the local fishing community is a really tight-knit group,” Torres said.

In particular, Torres said he has grown close with Josh Flynn and

Mathew Gerber. Flynn is a 2018 graduate of BVNW and a current member of The Kansas State University fishing team.

“Josh is a mentor to me, he taught me a lot about fishing when I was first getting into it,” Torres said.

Flynn, who began fishing at the age of 12, won the state tournament in 2018 and drove the boat for Torres during this year’s state tournament.

“Since Garrett has only fished competitively for two years, he is still

Design by Ben Hobbs an amateur,” Flynn said. “He is really good for his age though. He learns from his mistakes and makes as many mistakes as he does the right things, which is good.”

Gerber is a fishing partner of Torres’ and a 2019 graduate of Olathe Northwest. Gerber will attend The University of Kansas this fall.

“Garrett is really good at staying committed and focused,” Gerber said. “I’ve noticed that he has the same passion [for fishing] as Josh

Senior Garrett Torres and his partner Matthew Gerber show off their largemouth bass at Fishing League Worldwide high school nationals in Florence, Ala. June 17. (Photos courtesy of Torres).

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Senior Garrett Torres holds up a largemouth bass at a small conservation lake in north Kansas City. “This was one of my first big ones for the year so I was pretty excited when I caught it,” Torres said. April 27. and I. We all just like to fish in a lot of fish in college, whether it be at the tournaments and have fun.” professional level or just for fun.

Competing at the high school level “I want to fish for the rest of my life, through the Kick Back Bass Club, it is a sport that you can do up until Torres said he also competes in adult you die,” Flynn said. competitions through Mondo Tackle, Aside from establishing meaningful a tackle shop in Shawnee. Torres and friendships, fishing has also helped Gerber won the Torres to develop 2019 High School important life skills.

Fishing League “Fishing has taught “FISHING HAS TAUGHT Worldwide State me how to work hard, ME HOW TO WORK Championship. connect with others HARD, CONNECT Torres said it’s been and be patient,” he the highlight of his said.

WITH OTHERS AND BE fishing career up to In the summer, PATIENT” this point.

Torres spends four “As far as fishing days a week fishing, -GARRET TORRES goes, winning the each day lasting about state championship eight hours. While has been my best career moment so school is in session, Torres fishes far,” Torres said. after school and on the weekends.

All three plan on continuing to Sometimes, he misses whole days of

school to fish. During tournaments, he fishes for seven days a week, ten hours a day. However demanding this all may seem, Torres said he lives for it.

If interested in fishing, Torres said his advice for beginners is to watch Youtube videos and research all the information there is on competitive fishing.

“Anyone can throw out a worm to catch a fish off a bank, but to do well in tournaments you really need to be organized, patient, prepared and able to make personal connections with others,” Torres said.

As for his future, Torres hopes to compete at the collegiate level, but he does not have any plans for going pro.

“With fishing, I hope to get as good as I can,” Torres said. “So, that one day I will be able to just fish for fun.”

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SUMMER

Issue 1 | 8.16.19

OF SUSHI Testing if sushi should be an official summer food, writer Matthew Lemke and Chief Writer Jenna Weyforth tried two sushi restaurants in the area. Each place is ranked out of 5 cats.

BY MATTHEW LEMKE AND JENNA WEYFORTH Design by Ben Hobbs

SUSHI TRAIN 1109 E Santa Fe St. Olathe, Kan

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he overall environment for Sushi Train was welcoming and more family friendly with quaint decorations of cats and different authentic artwork. The revolving train that traveled around the large sushi bar was very convenient for customers to get what sushi they wanted. The process of choosing the sushi was very easy, with the revolving train traveled around the table delivering sushi that customers pick off as it comes by. Sushi Train is very affordable, with dishes raging from two to four dollars a plate either $2.75 or $3.75 per plates of sushi, Crab Rangoon and other options.. The sushi tasted was a California roll, a veggie

roll and a Crab Rangoon. The fresh Crab Rangoon iwas very crispy and the crab and cream cheese filling was appetizing, especially paired with the sweet and sour sauce. The california and vegetable rolls can be purchased in plates of three, and aren’t very filling, but the flavors of the fresh vegetables on the rolls are delicious and flavorful.

Sushi Train is a less expensive and casual option for a dinner with friends or family. Although Sushi Train also offers regular dining, the environment is the main attraction for customers with the train offering entertainment A California Roll passes the tables on and a fun experience. the toy train at the Sushi Train. June 19.

(Photos by Maddie Beischel).

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The “RA”ckin Roll (left) and the Viva Las Vegas Roll (Right) at RA Sushi Bar. June 19.

RA SUSHI BAR 11638 Ash St. Leawood, Kan

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he red glow of the dimly lit Sushi Bar gives the restaurant a calm, but classy, modern atmosphere. Red balloon lights hang from the ceiling and the large red logo of a fish is mounted on the wall behind the sushi bar, which adds character to the environment.

With outdoor seating looking out across Park Place and doors that can be opened in good weather, RA is fancier option for a summertime meal. Although the prices aren’t cheap, depending on the order a roll can range from nine to 20 dollars$9$20, the menu is full of a variety of high quality sushi options. RA’s most

popular rolls, the “RA”ckin roll and the Viva Las Vegas rolls are specialty rolls only found at the restaurant. The Viva Las Vegas Roll is a flashy roll filled with a soft cream cheese and crab, which contrasts perfectly with the crunchy seaweed wrap, topped off with spicy tuna and a shaped cracker. Although the cracker isn’t very flavorful, it serves mostly as decoration for this delicious roll, which doesn’t have a strong fish taste as the flavors compliment each other well. The “RA”ckin roll is a larger roll with crab and cream cheese paired with flavorful guacamole. On the top of the roll is a piece of “RA”ckin shrimp, which gives the roll it’s crunch and provides extra flavor from the crispy

breading and sesame seeds. It was cooked very well and the breading complimented the shrimp very well, and helped bring the whole roll together. This sushi establishment is a popular option for summer with an original and enjoyable menu.

THE EXPRESS STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PHOTOGRAPHERS

CONTACT INFORMATION

Ethan Knauth

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

DESIGN EDITOR

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

Ben Hobbs

WRITERS

PHOTO EDITOR

Jack Bensing Kathryn Case Rory Duncan Matthew Lemke Jack Nitz Maddie Oliver Natalie Policky Raabia Qureshi Erin Reece Tessa Regan Megan Yates

MANAGING EDITOR Emma Johnson

PRINT EDITOR Olivia Dowell

ONLINE EDITOR Maggie McCready

Maddie Beischel

A&E EDITOR Izze Lentfer

OPINIONS EDITOR Bella Rinne

SPORTS EDITOR Jonny Isaacson

CHIEF DESIGNER Emma Gau

ADVISER

CHIEF WRITER

Jim McCrossen

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 Summer Issue of Volume 27.

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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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