The Tiger Print — August 2015

Blue Valley High School — Vol. 46 — Issue 1— August 2015 — Overland Park, Kansas

Forty-six years in the making: BV celebrates traditions old and new to be carried on by future classes, Pages 7-9.

Photo illustration by Sophia Ragomo.

2 inthenews August 2015

inside this issue

NEWS

2

SPEAKING UP

Forensics students participate in national tournament

page 3

OPINION

4

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Satisfaction in KC reaches alltime high

page 4

FEATURE 7 ADVENTURE TIME

summer news explained

LEGALIZATION OF GAY MARRIAGE The LGBT community rejoiced on June 26 when the United States Supreme Court granted same-sex couples the right to wed in all 50 states.

It was a 5-4 decision that ended complicated state-by-state policies previously concerning the issue.

This marks a new era of progressivism in the U.S. and many are reaping the benefits of that ideal.

GREEK ECONOMIC CRISIS

Students share unusual summer experiences

pages 10-11

After two bailouts in the past five years, the Greek economy is on the verge of collapse again.

They are almost 300 million euros in debt. There is a 25 percent unemployment rate, and the banks have closed until they can get emergency loans.

ENTERTAINMENT 13

AME CHURCH SHOOTING

SUMMER MEMORIES

BV tigers reflect on highlights of their summers

page 13

SPORTS

14

GOING THE DISTANCE

Athletes travel for respective sports, collegiate recruitment

page 14 Stories by Sheila Gregory.

Photos courtesy of MCT Campus.

Page designed by Maddie Davis.

While there is no bailout plan in place, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has worked out an agreement to limit spending and help them stay in the eurozone.

This has put a harsh strain on both the European and global economy.

After being welcomed into their prayer group for almost an hour, 21 year-old Dylann Roof took the lives of nine members of the Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston, South Carolina.

There were a series of errors in the FBI background check process that allowed Roof to obtain a gun despite a past criminal record.

Roof also had a website profiling his white supremacist ideas which is why the FBI wants to investigate it as a hate crime or domestic terrorism.

This act of violence ultimately led to the take-down of the Confederate flag which flew over the South Carolina capitol building.

August 2015 inthenews 3 rachellock news & web editor Over the summer, eight students traveled to Florida to participate in National Forensics and Debate Competitions. Among these qualifiers, duo team senior Gracie Goheen and junior Kailey Meacham took their event to the National Catholic Forensics League (NCFL) Nationals in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

“The best part about getting to compete at a national level is having the opportunity to learn from others’ talents,” Goheen said. “By competing against people who are already successful at what they do, you get new ideas from them which can help you improve your own performance.”

Goheen said the national competition was more intense than a typical local tournament and even the state tournament.

“Every person there really cared about what they were doing, which made all of the rounds really fun to watch,” she said. “The talent level across the board was ridiculously high.”

Meacham said the sheer number of people at the tournament led to unique conversations and learning experiences.

“It was neat to meet all the different people and talk to them about the forensics program at their school,” she said. “They were all super good, so it was a little more competitive than the local competitions.”

Goheen said she also enjoyed the diversity brought by the tournament’s atmosphere.

“It was interesting to see how different styles fit to certain areas,” she said. “It was cool to walk into a round and learn that you were about to perform against someone from Smiling with their trophies, senior Gracie Goheen (left) and Alaska, New York and Florida. I junior Kailey Meachem (right) place seventh at a national forensics think I was asked ‘So, where are you tournament. The tournament was held in Fort Lauderdale, Florfrom?’ a thousand times.” ida from May 22 to 24. “It’s nice to have your best friend by your Goheen and Meacham said they side when you’re freaking out right before a round,” Goheen said.

“Having someone who can look at you and say ‘we’ve got this’ is way faced an atypical problem with their more important than you might think.” Photo submitted by Gracie preparation — neither student was

dynamic

DUO

BV students place seventh in national forensics tournament

Goheen.

able to take Forensics and Debate coach Chris Riffer’s class.

“This did not stop Riffer from helping us improve our piece,” Goheen said. “Even when we were on spring break, he allowed me to come in and perform for him. [Drama teacher Jeff] Yarnell also had a lot of helpful insight when it came to our duo. His advice on drawing the comedy out of our piece really helped us to succeed.”

Meacham said she particularly enjoys the collaborative aspect of her work for nationals.

“When you’re working with a partner you get two different perspectives and ideas,” she said.

Goheen said working with her partner was one of her favorite parts of the experience. “[Meacham] is one of the most naturally gifted comedians I have ever met in my life,” she said. “Her ability to take a line and make it instantaneously funny was such an important component to our team.

She is incredible at funny voices and funny characters.”

Goheen said she and Meacham have different roles in regards to their performance.

“This was our first year as duo partners, and I practically bullied her into doing a duo with me. But I am so glad I did,” she said. “Where I brought experience and knowledge about the mechanics on creating a good duo, Kailey brought the comedic ability to make our piece stand out. She helped me be funnier, and I helped her learn how to do a fight scene without touching somebody.”

Both Meacham and Goheen agreed that Forensics has been a large part of their school experience.

“Forensics has given me some of the best moments of my high school career. It has given me a place where I can succeed,” Goheen said.

“Forensics make me feel important, and has taught me that if you work hard you will get results. I can’t thank that department enough for all that it’s given me.”

Page designed by Maddie Davis.

4 outloud August 2015

KC pride Kansans show increasing support for home state

sheilagregory sheilagregory co-editor co-editor Is Kansas cool now?

In the past two years especially, I’ve noticed that we as residents of this fine rectangular state have begun to hold our heads higher when we tell people, “I’m from Kansas City.”

The previous inclination to bashfully say those words is gone.

I’m not ashamed to let anyone know that I call the Sunflower State my home.

What happened?

We went from the kindly folks in the Bible Belt to this hip, upand-coming city.

Our “crappy” baseball team has become number one in the American League. We had seven players go to the All-Star game.

We own the pennant.

Sporting Kansas City soccer games are usually sold-out and brimming with chanting fans that don’t take well to sitting down.

We’ve got an amazing music scene with major bands coming every week to countless venues.

It isn’t just me who is feeling more fond of our town.

Where can you buy those “made in KC” shirts?

Everywhere.

People are lining up to show just how much we love living here.

It may be a passing fad, but I’m pretty sure KC pride is here to stay.

Sure, 90 percent of Kansas is farmland, and we might be a bit red at times, but in terms of our city and our people, we are as good as it gets.

Kansans are some of the nicest, happiest and most passionate people you’ll ever have the pleasure of meeting.

What’s different about us is that our sense of hometown pride isn’t some sort of New York snooty attitude, but an accomplishment of working our way from the bottom to the place we are today.

It took almost 30 years of disappointment with the Royals to get our recognition.

Bands weren’t always coming to the Midland.

KC isn’t just a city for the people who live here — it is now a place to go.

We have Westport, the Sprint Center, Power and Light, the Plaza and three professional sports teams.

The caliber of the arts mirrors that of coastal cities with our own ballet, opera and symphony.

We have great nightlife, a speedway and a huge amusement park.

Our barbeque is to die for and the beauty of downtown is unrivaled.

We are no longer a fly-over state.

We are proud to live here.

I am from Kansas.

Page designed and photos by Sheila Gregory.

August 2015 outloud 5

staffeditorial TIGER PRINT newspaper the

Cartoon by Sophia Ragomo.

Schooling in third world needed in order to improve circumstances staff editorial

11

agree

0

disagree

For years, third-world countries such as Syria, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria have faced corrupt, substandard governments. The people have no real power, and many of them have never had any semblance of an education.

According to sll.org, 26 percent of the world’s population while 98 percent of people in developing countries are non-literate.

This is why these countries and others cannot advance.

Civilians haven’t been given a proper education that will give them the momentum to make the needed changes to their countries and governments.

Many of these people don’t have the background to get well-paying jobs — which would help unemployment, homelessness and hunger issues developing nations face.

While going to school may seem like a burden to Americans, it’s a privilege a fourth of the world is being denied.

The knowledge of the general public affects worldwide issues. If there is only a small amount of people in thirdworld countries who can make decisions, how can we expect progress?

Imagine if everyone was required to have a high school education.

Everything would be different.

Governments would be able to cooperate with the public because many more people would have the qualifications to add to ideas.

The quality of life would increase dramatically.

Unnecessary conflicts

would diminish, rebellions could be calmed in Middle Eastern countries, and people could have more exposure to ideologies they would otherwise not have the chance to learn about.

Through teaching at a young age, children can develop maturity, critical thinking and values they may otherwise not establish.

Think of all the growth an education could give these countries. Schooling directly affects productivity — making governments more successful.

Some could even transition to democracies. People would be in a better position to vote, make decisions and have better lives. Diseases would decrease, while medical knowledge and overall health would increase.

The rest of the world deserves the same education we’re getting, and we should speak on these issues and fight for them.

co-editors Maddie Davis Sheila Gregory

photographers Isabelle Allen Chloe Breau

photo editor Sophia Ragomo

cartoonists Mandy Novicoff

news & web editor staff writers Rachel Lock Talia Amjadi Chloe Breslin opinion editor Julie Freijat Charlotte Rooney Macie Lawrence Connor Heaton features editor Amelia Lock Hope Brown Lydia Hsu Lauren Huesers entertainment Makayla Nicholis editor Ifrah Sayyada Courtney CarpenterBella Umentum Alli Williams sports editor Kaitlin Yu Megan Hegarty adviser Michelle Huss “The Tiger Print,” published seven times a year, is an open forum for student expression. Therefore, the opinions expressed within this paper do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrations of Blue Valley Unified School District #229.

Letters to the editor are encouraged for publication. “The Tiger Print” reserves the right to edit all submissions for both language and content. Letters should be submitted to Room 450, emailed to thetigerprint@yahoo.com or mailed to: The Tiger Print c/o Blue Valley High School 6001 W. 159th St. Overland Park, KS 66085

6 outloud August 2015

Summertime Sadness Summer homework puts unecessary stress on students, is not effective

maddiedavis co-editor Peanut butter and jelly.

Ben and Jerry.

Mario and Luigi.

Summer and homework.

Salt and pepper.

Wait.

Something here isn’t quite right.

Most of these are classic combinations, but there’s one odd one out: summer and homework.

Summer homework has become a norm, so much so that it could probably be placed on the list of “things that always go together.”

However, unlike pairings such as “peanut butter and jelly,” summer and homework just don’t mix.

Every year without fail, students are handed multiple large, colorful — probably to try to cheer us up or something (it doesn’t work) — packets outlining the work we must do before the next school year.

And I think I speak for my fellow classmates when I say that none of us even touch or look at these packets until the begin-

ning of August, and that’s usually because our parents have been nagging us to get them done all summer.

Most attempts to prove summer homework is necessary stem from the argument that we lose the information we learned the past school year throughout the summer, so summer homework helps to “stimulate” our brains to prevent us from losing this knowledge.

However, if none of us complete these assignments until right before school starts, what’s the point?

The only thing summer homework “stimulates” are my stress levels.

Plus, last time I checked, summer was meant to be a break from school.

Summer is meant for vacations with family, relaxing by the pool, staying out late with friends and trying new things.

Not stressing about school work.

And furthermore, I can’t remember a time when we have actually gone through and reviewed the information on the summer homework packets during school.

Usually we all just hand in our packets and get them back a few months later with a checkmark on the top to signify completion.

All that stressing for just a measly ten points in the gradebook, and all the teacher did was probably check and make sure you completed the packet. You could’ve written random facts about bananas for each question and still gotten credit.

And this makes it obvious that even some teachers don’t like summer homework. It’s a hassle for them to grade, and they know that the students didn’t try their hardest on it.

Because let’s be honest, summer - homework = a win-win for everyone.

Page design and photo by Maddie Davis.

August 2015 upclose 7

1.

2.

black & gold since 1969 3.

1. At the end of each school year, the seniors face off against the teachers in a competition called the Senior-Faculty Challenge. Games such as volleyball, basketball and relay races are included, as well as commentary from an announcer. The teachers usually win this competition. Photo by Molly Johnson.

2. When a student earns a 36 on the ACT, he or she is presented with a number 36 football jersey. This usually takes place at an assembly and is met with much applause from the student body. Photo by Molly Johnson.

3. Class cheers are one of the main ways to get points in the Class Competition — a competition between all grade levels for a bowling trip at the end of the year. Cheerleaders from each grade level will lead each class in a cheer and whichever class is the loudest — as judged by a select group of teachers — will receive points. Photo by Isabelle Allen.

As the first school of the Blue Valley School District, Blue Valley has had plenty of time to create traditions that students today still uphold.

Even as freshmen on our first day of high school we are ushered in on the red carpet — one of BV’s many traditions. And when we are seniors and our time at BV is al-

most up, we find ourselves in the gym competing against teachers and faculty members who have been a part of our lives at school in the Senior-Faculty Challenge.

Tradition is what carries us from our first step in the halls of BV to our final ones.

Story continued on pages 8-9.

Page designed by Maddie Davis.

8 upclose August 2015

traditions and new beginnings

Review of annual Blue Valley traditions, freshmen share expectations for high scho

1.

3.

2.

4.

1. The homecoming parade held each year not only gets students out of class early, but also gives each class the opportunity to make its own float. Judges decide whic the best, and points are given accordingly for the Class Competition. Homecoming royalty canidates ride in convertibles. School clubs throw candy to the elementary kids while the band students march and play their instruments. Photo by Molly Johnson.

2. Around the time of the Sweetheart dance each year, all classes perform a dance for the rest of the school. Classes try to include as many members as possible and u try to coordinate outfits or make shirts depending on the theme of their number. A judging panel decides the best dance and points based on places are added to the C Competition scores. Photo by Isabelle Allen.

3. When a sports team wins State, it is a tradition for Principal Scott Bacon to dress up in the uniform of that team. Additionally, when the trophy is presented to Bac assembly, he will hoist it up into the air and roar like a tiger along with the rest of the student body. Photo by Sophia Ragomo.

4. Each year on the Friday of the first week of school an event called the Class Picnic takes place. Students get pizza and are able to eat their lunch on the bleachers of football stadium. A radio station will come and play music, and there will be small competitions like the one pictured above to earn Class Competition points. Photo Johnson.

s

ool

August 2015 upclose 9

other bv traditions $ $

10

$ $

ten dollar tuesday

freshmen red carpet CLASS COMPETITION

FRESHMEN

JUNIORS

SOPHOMORES

SENIORS

75

100

state championship donuts

Q&A

brick by brick

“it’s a great day to be a tiger”

Matin Tavicoli

Charisma Gochenour

Question: What are you most anxious about?

Answer: I’m nervous about all of the older people.

Everybody says they’re really mean to freshmen.

Question: What are you most anxious about?

Answer: Honors and AP classes because we didn’t have them in middle school. We had a higher level of math, but we didn’t have AP classes.

ch float is y school

usually Class

con at the the

by Molly

Q: So if you got lost, you wouldn’t try to find your sister [senior Mercedeh Tavacoli]?

A: No, no. I’m going to try to stay away from her.

I already have a class with her. That’s going to be rough.

Tavicoli

Q: What do you think will change throughout high school?

A: My friends and what I’m interested in doing. In middle school, they were a lot of popular people.

Since we’re going to high school, they’re not going to be as big as what they think.

Q: What do you think will be the biggest change from middle school to high school?

A: Our freedoms. In middle school, [teachers are] just now allowing eighth graders to use their phones for agendas. I’ve heard you’re allowed to use your phone more [in high school] and listen to music.

Q: What will you miss about middle school?

A: There’s nothing to miss about middle school.

Everyone was annoying.

Q: Do you know what the PAC is?

A: Nope. I know it’s a company. I think it’s a vacuuming company. I’ve seen commercials.

320

class competition

with incoming freshmen

Q: What is your biggest fear for the first day?

A: Probably getting lost or going to the wrong class.

Seventh and eighth grade P. E., I went to A instead of B [the first day].

240

Gochenour

Q: Will you be an annoying freshman?

A: Yes. I’m really talkative. Actually, I’ll probably be really shy. But once I get to know people, I’ll be really annoying.

Q&A gathered by Hope Brown.

Page and infographic designed by Maddie Davis.

10 upclose August 2015

Summer Spotlight

Stories by Hope Brown and Sheila Gregory

BV students share unique summer experiences Karla Prats: Cuba

Prats said. “I went with my entire family [this year].”

Prats was previously able to travel to communist-controlled Cuba because her mother and grandparents were born there.

“Americans aren’t really allowed to go to Cuba unless you’re of Cuban descent, like [my family and me],” Prats said.

“That’s why last year we were able to go because if we weren’t Cuban, we wouldn’t have been able to.”

Prats said she and her family stayed with relatives in a poor town called Los Arabos.

“Our whole family - all 6 of us were staying in one tiny room with two mattresses on the floor,” Prats said.

Prats said a typical day in Cuba began with an early wakeup call followed by road-tripping for an hour or two to meet family or explore the country. “[My favorite part of the trip] was when we went to this naturous town called Las Terrazas and we ziplined through mountains and over rivers,” Prats said. “Then, we went to another place called Soroa and we climbed a waterfall.”

Ziplining was an adventure Prats has always wanted to try, and she said it was her favorite part of the trip.

“We did 6 different sets,” Prats said. “We were going right through The main dirt road in Cuba showcases the differences the mountains and there were trees

On June 4, junior Karla Prats embarked on a two week trip to Cuba with her family to visit relatives.

This was Prats’ second visit to Cuba.

“I went the same exact time for the same exact length of time last year with my dad,”

— both technological and cultural — between there and here. Photo submitted by Karla Prats.

everywhere. There were two times where we almost hit a tree because it’s hard to steer the zipline.”

Prats said Cubans eat a lot of meat, rice and beans, avocados and tomatoes. However, certain meat is restricted in the country.

“The only meat they eat is pork and chicken,” Prats said. “If you’re not in a tourist-populated town, you’re not allowed to eat steak.

If you get caught eating cow, you get thrown in jail.”

Prats said she would return to Cuba in a split second if she could.

“I definitely miss my family and the friends that I made there because no one here is that outgoing and weird as they were,” Prats said. “I also miss being around nature because here there’s always telephone poles or lights and stores everywhere. Over there, it’s like going back in time because there’s not all of this technology.”

Prats said her experience in Cuba was eye-opening and she admired the simplicity of the Cuban’s lives and happiness.

“I knew [Cuba] was going to be really poor, and they don’t have phones or TVs,” Prats said. “But the most surprising thing for me was how happy and content they are.

They knew that they didn’t have a lot. We went there with our iPhones and iPads and big cameras, and they didn’t care. They were still so happy with their lives.”

August 2015 upclose 11 Zaynab Jamil: Pakistan

While most Blue Valley students adjusted to a summer schedule of working or watching Netflix, senior Zaynab Jamil and her family boarded a plane to Karachi, Pakistan for a five-week trip.

“We went to visit family because a lot of them live there,” she said. “The last time we were able to go was 2010, so it had been a while.”

Jamil said although this was her sixth trip to Pakistan, she was still apprehensive about traveling to the country.

“I was scared of how Pakistan is portrayed in the media because the news is always reporting things about kidnapping and robbers,” Jamil said. “I was also nervous to see all of my family after so long [and] wondering if they would still be the same.”

She said her worries were calmed when she arrived at her grandpa’s house and realized she was not in danger.

“Thankfully, it was nothing like it seemed in the news,” she said. “We would go out late at night and it would be perfectly fine. We never heard or saw anything dangerous.”

According to Jamil, typical day in Paki-

stan consisted of hanging out with cousins the middle of the streets for people to break and family in addition to different activities. their fast with,” she said. “They would also “We loved going on the roof in the evehand out boxes to people in their cars if ning because the weather would be really they were late going home so they could nice,” Jamil said. “We went out for ice cream break their fast.” a lot because it was very hot. We had a lot In Pakistan, there are always people out, of family to visit, so when we weren’t doing and Jamil said she misses the energy that that, we were making plans to go out to eat, encompassed the country. shop or [visit] the beach.”

“I miss the loud environment over there,” Jamil said she loved spending time with she said. “I really miss being able to go on her family and partaking in activities that the roof because it’s not something that we are both typical and atypical to vacations in get to do over here. I also miss having the the United States. house full with all of our cousins.” “[Pakistan has] lots of small stores right next to each other similar to things you would see in California,” she said. “They also had camels at the beach, and I loved riding them.”

One of the most rewarding parts of the trip was experiencing Ramadan in Pakistan, Jamil said.

“It was touching to see people putting out tons of food at the mosques and in Senior Zaynab Jamil rides a camel on a beach in Pakistan. Photo

Lance Jewett: Theatre in the Park Pursuing his love of performing this summer, senior Lance Jewett auditioned for Theatre in the Park’s “West Side Story” production and landed the role of Action, which he said came with new challenges.

“I played Action, the hot-headed Jet of the gang,” he said. “For those who know me, I am in no way hot-headed or violent, so getting into that character was difficult. But once I got a hold of it, it was almost therapeutic to perform with, as I was able to express a side of myself I’d never tapped into before.”

Jewett said an audience comprised mostly of strangers adds a new level that isn’t found in Blue Valley’s theater.

“The energy is so much better than at high school shows, and it’s easier to perform all out when you don’t know 98% of the people watching you perform,” he said. “You lose the stress of judgement and give it your all, which almost always makes your performance better.”

Jewett said the best part of this summer’s performance came from both his perfor-

Submitted by Zaynab Jamil.

mance and the audience’s involvement.

“My favorite moment was the feeling of pure joy when we’d finished singing my character’s big, vaudeville song ‘Gee, Officer Krupke’ on the night when we had over 2,000 audience members,” Jewett said. “The energy from that crowd was palpable and electric, and it brought everyone’s performance to entirely different and better level than it had been previously. Believe it or not, the more you invest yourself as an audience member for shows, the better the actors will perform and more enjoyment you will get out of the performance.”

While there were adults performing alongside him, Jewett said “West Side Story”was similar to BV’s shows.

“A lot more high school-aged kids are in the productions than you’d think, so the actors are similar in age, just like in high school shows,” he said. “Also, we rehearse for fairly long periods of time, just like high school shows.”

The time commitment was something

Jewett said took up not as much of his summer as he thought.

“They actually were pretty flexible up until tech week at the Park,” he said. “Rehearsals were usually four hours Sunday through Thursday. We rehearsed and performed for a little over a month and a half, which — for a large production show like that — isn’t much of a time commitment at all.”

Having the shows over the summer gives the performers an edge, Jewett said.

“Every actor in the show is committed to the show and to performing with this group of people,” he said. “They audition because they love performance, not the people they perform with. Also, since the productions occur over the summer, everyone is much more focused because the students don’t have school work to worry about. Finally, the performances are just bigger and better.

With opportunity to acquire talent from all over the area to perform for crowds upwards of 2,000 sometimes, the production qualities are high.”

Pages Designed by Sheila Gregory.

12 payin’thebills August 2015

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August 2015 centerstage 13

Over the Summer I . . .

The strangest thing I’ve done this summer was...

“When I went to Alaska. The time change was so tiring because it was light outside 22 hours of the day.” — freshman Tori Strickbine “Waking up for the first time at 5 p.m.” — freshman Alison Tinberg “Petting a sloth at a zoo in another state.” — senior Georgia Killen

The most rewarding thing that’s happened this summer was…

“Vacation Bible Camp, and helping little kids grow in their love for Christ.” — junior Sarah Day “Finally getting a new car.” — junior Waseem Ahmad “Going on vacation to Florida with my whole family.” — sophomore Avery Wright

“Visiting Bourbon Street in New Orleans. That was pretty weird.”

— sophomore Katie Upton

My favorite memory this summer was . . .

“Going to the Rolling Stones Concert.” — Junior Gabe Eubanks “Probably [senior Sheila Gregory] and [alumnus Gabby [Gunnerson] singing on cross country summer runs, and having some of the old seniors coming back to run with us.” — Sophomore Caitlin Fitzpatrick “Hands down my mission trip to South Africa. We stayed at a camp with South African kids our age and then did a ton of different service projects, and it was really one of the most amazing experiences in my 18 years of living.” — Senior Lucy Hall

The scariest thing that’s happened this summer was…

“Getting hit on by 30-year-old men at the pool.” — junior Natalie Cooper “Probably getting hit in the face with a softball — black eye and concussion!” — junior Kylie Hays “Getting pulled over and getting a ticket for the first time ever.” — senior Liz Allen

Quotes collected by Courtney Carpenter and Sheila Gregory.

Page Designed and Photo by Sheila Gregory.

14 tigerturf August 2015

the

On Road

Stories by Megan Hegarty

Students must travel for respective sports for competitions, recruitment Striking a connection

Senior AJ Johnson travels every weekend in the summer for baseball. He’s been playing competitively since he was in fourth grade.

“We probably play like 75-100 games a year including summer ball, fall ball, and the school season,” he said.

Johnson’s wants to play baseball at a Division I college, and

Volleying her time

Junior Lauren Stubbs has been playing competitive volleyball since she was 10 years old, and as she’s gotten older, she said it has required more time and commitment.

“I just thought I would try it out because it looked fun, and I fell in love with it,” she said.

Stubbs has played for the KC Power for the last two years, but played for the Mavs previously.

“So far this year I’ve traveled 6 times for volleyball,” she said.

Although she said KC Power only competes in 10 tournaments a year, many volleyball players, including Stubbs, go to college camps to get recruited. She said her main goal is to play in college.

“In the summer I visit the camps of colleges who are showing interest in me that I am also interested in,” she said. “[At the

has to travel to get exposure to different college coaches.

“We travel so often to get seen by as many scouts as possible, and the competition is better,” he said.

Johnson said he’s been talking to a lot of colleges hoping to get recruited.

“I’m interested in [the University of] Central Arkansas and [University of] Central Missouri, but I’m still looking for other options,” he said.

He said his summer has been completely centered around baseball, and it makes it hard for him to see his friends.

“It’s impacted my summer because I haven’t had much free time,” Johnson said.

Johnson said the tournaments are about a week long.

“When we have road trips we leave on Tuesday, and usually play Wednesday through Sunday,” he said.

He said a lot of the time each family goes, but on one road trip to Texas the team all bussed down together.

“A teammate and I usually stay in a hotel room together,” Johnson said. “It’s a lot of fun being with the team and going to dinner and playing video games in our rooms.”

camps,] we do positional training and also play competitively.”

So far this summer, she said she’s been to three camps for Division I schools — University of Virginia, Northwestern University and Cornell University.

“I’m most interested in playing at Cornell,” Stubbs said.

She said that although traveling so often makes it hard to see her friends, she loves it.

“It’s fun traveling to different parts of the country while playing the sport I love,” Stubbs said.

“It’s definitely made my summer focused around volleyball, but we sometimes turn volleyball trips into vacations.”

Photos submitted by AJ Johnson and Lauren Stubbs.

Page Designed by Sheila Gregory.

August 2015 tigerturf 15

Constructing Their Practices

Summer-long work on parking lot affects variety of sports, activities sheilagregory co-editor Construction for the new Blue Valley parking lot began May 22 and spanned most the summer, causing students and staff alike to adjust their usual parking situations.

Summer sports took the greatest impact, with all the students participating using the senior lot.

Junior Marie Young said the construction changed several aspects of summer cross country runs.

“We had to go through the front doors and park in the senior lot,” she said. “We also had to meet in the fixed forum. We used to just meet outside of the stadium and run two laps around the school, but instead we had to walk through the school to the track and warm up there.”

Young said these were inconveniences.

“The worst thing about parking in the senior lot was having to walk through the school,” she said. “[The senior lot] was also smaller, so it was a lot more crowded.”

Students participating the band camp were forced to make do with the less-than

ideal situation.

“It’s really forced the band to be flexible on where rehearsal is and what we can get done,” senior Aubrey Gilchrist said. “Before the construction we had more practice space which allowed the band to break off into smaller sections to get more done, but this year we have to share the turf with the football team in the morning.”

Gilchrist said this impacted the band’s productivity.

“It’s harder to get things done when you have to get the attention of over 100 people as opposed to 25 to 30,” she said.

The work on the main lot altered what runs Young and the cross country team could do.

“Runs did have to change because we weren’t allowed to run through the west parking lot like we used to,” Young said. “A lot of the time we had to go out the front doors and start our routes there. One route we didn’t even get to do anymore because there was just so much construction.”

When the lot was finished, Gilchrist said it only hindered the band more.

“As far as the band is concerned nothing about the parking lot construction has helped us move forward,” Gilchrist said. “When the side parking lot was completed and a football field was painted on, it ended up being 15 yards off the actual field.

The band deals with a lot of precision and accuracy when it comes to where we stand to complete a picture, and, with 15 yards missing, we were not able to use the parking lot for practice.”

TIGER

TURF

BV SPORTS What goals does your team have for the upcoming season?

Cross Country

“We had a great season last year, and it would be awesome to see us take another state title.” — Senior Joey Wiederholt

Boy’s Soccer

“Having fun and learning how to play as well as we can with such a diverse age group are our main goals.” — Senior Niko Drosos

Volleyball

“We want to work together and grow as a team. Also to beat St. James — Senior Georgia Killen

Girl’s Tennis

“Our number one goal is to make the season very exciting on and off the court, while still working hard.” — Senior Mandy Novicoff

Girl’s Golf

“We want to place as a team at both EKL and State, but it won’t just be the awards that are important — we will bond as team and make great memories together.” — Senior Alexis Vance

Football

“All off-season we have worked on coming together as a team, so this year we can put it to the test and have a winning season. Then hopefully bring home a state championship.” — Senior Lawson Holbert Page Designed and Photo

by Sheila Gregory.

16 snapshot August 2015

coastin’ round Costa

1.

3.

1. Posing near a cliff, the group gathers for a photo-opt. Twenty-two students went to Costa Rica. “I would say my favorite part was walking through the streets of Costa Rica and seeing how different their culture is from ours,” junior Tanner Botts said. Photo submitted by Tanner Botts.

2. Taking a selfie, Science teacher Andrew Hulse tries to make learning fun.

The group took part in several interactive activities. “[My favoritve part was staying at the beach hotel where we went snorkeling,” senior Matthew Cummings said. Photo submitted by Tanner Botts.

Rica 2.

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3. Senior Nate Mann holds Costa Rica’s flag with others from his group. The trip lasted 12 days. “My favorite part was snorkeling in Costa Rica,” Mann said. Photo submitted by Tanner Botts.

4. Learning about sustainability, the group gathers at a farm for hands-on work. The main point of going to Costa Rica was to learn about different aspects of the environment. “The emphasis of the trip will be on environmental ecology and global conservation efforts to protect animal and plant biodiversity,” Hulse said on his website. Photo submitted by Tanner Botts.