The Tiger Print — May 2006

May 5, 2006 Vol. 35 Issue 9 6001 W. 159th Stilwell, Kan. 66085

tiger print

Goodbye, seniors Where are your classmates going after high school?

See pages 12-13.

Blue Valley High School

Up, Up and Away Science teacher Charlena Sieve and her sophomore chemistry students launch their hot air balloons lalst week after spending the past few weeks using just-learned equations to build the balloons. The balloons were mostly made with tissue paper, glue, tape and wire. Students used hair dryers to fill the balloons.

Some balloons had successful launches, while others only hovered before slowly drifting to the ground.

“If the launcher would have been better, there would have been a lot more balloons in the air,” Sieve said.

“It gets kids really excited about what we’re studying, and it’s the project the kids look forward to all year.”

emily reinhardt

Long-term teachers to leave BVHS Klein, Braden, Nixon prepare to say their goodbyes garrett griffin

staff reporter

B

etty Klein, a Blue Valley communications arts teacher for 18 years, is retiring at the end of the school year. She said she wished to spend more time with her husband once she leaves. However, Klein would also like to depart from the high school level and move on to a college position.

“I would love to help adults with English as a second language,” Klein said.

In addition, Klein plans to travel.

She will be going to Washington, D.C. to spend time with the twin grandchildren her daughter is expecting in June. She also plans on going overseas and sightseeing in

America.

“I have family in Israel, and I love traveling the United States,” Klein said.

Klein’s favorite memories of the school are of watching graduations each year, saying goodbye to the linedup students and thanking them for four wonderful years at the school.

Klein said she had always enjoyed teaching, especially seeing students fall in love with novels and discovering secrets, such as symbolism, within them. The excitement of teaching has been a strength for her through all these years in education.

Braden to transfer

After 11 years as BV’s campus police officer, Ken Braden is leaving. Braden is being transferred back to the

Overland Park Police Department’s headquarters, and his new assignment is patrol. Catching speeders, handing out tickets and protecting the community will be his next job after the 2005-2006 school year comes to a close and (continued next page) Braden said he was being transferred because he had been here for so long.

In Braden’s field of work, the OPDP Chief of Police advises officers to spend no more than five years as a campus cop at a single school.

According to Braden, the Chief of Police believes that by this period of time officers become “bored” and “complacent” with their assignments and have “been away too long.”

This departure is particularly painful for the school and (continued page 2)

autumn fuller Communication arts teacher Betty Klein instructs her students during CA class. Klein has taught at BV for 18 years as a communication arts teacher and will now retire to travel and spend time with her family.

2 news

May 5, 2006

Randall to be missed by Speaking Briefly friends, family, teachers jessica katzenstein news editor

K

yle Randall, a Blue Valley High School senior, died April 18.

He is remembered by his friends and teachers as kind, outgoing, spontaneous and unselfish, a person who was always true to his friends and who never showed anger.

“Kyle was a quiet kid until you got to know him, but then he was one of the funniest kids I know,” senior Scott Sehorn said. “[His death] brought us all closer together. We talked about it a lot. It makes you cherish life more.”

Randall’s death caused his friends to value each other and their families more as well.

“Anyone can go at anytime,” senior Justin Rowley said.

“You have to appreciate everything you have.”

Randall and his friends often hunted and fished around their neighborhoods, at Heritage Park and at Sylvan Lake. He also liked to party, listen to music and play video games.

“He was a really cool person,” said senior Weston Palmer, who met Randall in first grade. “I never saw him angry. He might have been

upset, but he didn’t show it.”

“I’ve never seen that kid cry, even when we were little,” added senior Casey Manning, who had also known Randall since first grade. “He was a good person and had no enemies.”

Randall was also spontaneous, a man always up for anything.

“I’d just show up at his house, pick him up and we’d go do stuff,” Manning said.

“He’d get out of bed, ready to go.”

Always ready to listen, Randall was an easy person to talk to, according to Rowley.

“He cared more about his friends than about himself,” Rowley said. “He was really honest and very easygoing.”

Randall’s sense of humor and his always cheerful mood made his friends love him.

“He had a unique smile,” Sehorn said. “I couldn’t help but smile whenever I looked at him.”

“I wish he would have been more social at school, so that people would have seen his real personality,” Rowley added. “He was shy around people he didn’t know.”

Randall made numerous memories with his friends during his 18 years. He and his friends had campfires in

Journalism students win 18 awards at local competition

Palmer’s backyard during the summer, went jet skiing in Minnesota and often hung out at his house.

“It still doesn’t seem real,” Rowley said. “Things will never be the same, but it feels like he’s still here. You can still feel his presence, his vibe, at his house.”

Randall’s parents treated his friends like relatives.

“He had a very loving family,” Sehorn said.

Sehorn remembered conversations with Randall about girls, memories and life in general.

“He was really open with me,” Sehorn said.

“He was a really good guy,” teacher Jocelyn Rabbitt added. “He would have done anything for his friends.”

Teachers leave (continued from page 1) for Braden because he does not want to go.

However, his sense of duty and commitment stifles any complaints.

Braden reflected on what BVHS really meant to him: “I think Blue Valley is a remarkable place to work. From the principal down to the last name in the freshman alphabet, this place is remarkable,” Braden said.

So remarkable, in fact, that Braden has turned down opportunities to join both the SWAT team and a “hostage negotiation team,” because this school was the only place he desired to be. Furthermore, Braden says that he has raised his own children based on the scenarios he has seen at this school.

“You learn things every day here and you take them home and apply them to your family,” he said.

Nixon leaves classroom

Mathematics teacher Karen Nixon will be putting down the textbooks and seeking a

new focus in her education profession very soon. Nixon has been at Blue Valley High School for 18 years, and has been teaching a total of 32 years. This year she announced her retirement from the classroom.

“I love teaching…but I want to leave while I still love it,” Nixon said. “It’s all for the benefit of my students.”

Since Nixon is eligible for retirement, she has decided to uphold her promise to her family and decrease her hours. While she is no longer going to teach, Nixon is applying for an administrative position; she would like to be a resource person for teachers. She said that she will probably not be working at BVHS anymore, but hints that she could be in and out of the building occasionally.

In her free time, Nixon said she would spend more time reading and gardening.

Referring to recreation, Nixon said, “I’ve never had time to do what I’ve wanted to.

It should be fun.”

Blue Valley journalism students brought home 18 awards, seven by senior Angela Solomon, at the Journalism Educators of Metropolitan Kansas City competition April 25.

In the yearbook categories, senior Kelly Schute won an honorable mention for student life copy, junior Kelsey Frerking received an honorable mention for sports copy and senior Corey Gray won an honorable mention for overall coverage on a single spread. Angela Solomon won seven awards, including first place for overall coverage, second for non-portrait design, second for student life copy, third for club design, and honorable mentions for activities photography, overall coverage and headline package.

The Tiger Print won second place for overall design. Senior Andrew Robinson won second place for column writing and an honorable mention for facing page design, senior Matt Galloway won an honorable mention for columns, senior Emily Kuykendall won an honorable mention for news photography and junior Garrett Griffin won honorable mentions for editorial cartoon and hand-generated art. Senior Sami Miles, junior Ellen Thomas and Kuykendall won an honorable mention for in-depth story.

AP testing begins

It’s that time of year again, time for AP testing. Testing begins May 1 and the last day is May 11. Over 300 Blue Valley students will be participating in the over 20 AP tests available. Over 500 actual tests will be given.

“One student is taking eight tests,” counselor Ken Elmore said. “How’s that grab ya?”

It costs $82 per test to participate. The tests will be given in different locations ranging from the Blue Valley Baptist Church to the counselor’s conference room. The tests range in time as well; the earliest begin at 7:20 a.m. and the latest end at 5 p.m.

According to Elmore, Blue Valley has a reputation for doing well on these tests.

Junior to play with KC Symphony Junior Hannah Kim will perform as a guest soloist for the Kansas City Symphony on May 14. She won second place in the Symphony’s annual high school concerto competition. Kim is a member of the BV Orchestra, which is going to the concert to support her.

Senior wins pageant title

Senior Andrea Hiesberger recently won the Miss Kansas Homecoming Queen title, which has not been won by a BV student since 1981. She will represent Kansas in the Miss America Homecoming Queen pageant in Anaheim, Cal. this summer, all expenses paid.

news 3

May 5, 2006

What has YOUR State Board been up to? sami miles

staff reporter

T

he Kansas Board of Education has been busy this past month debating what’s appropriate for high school students.

Sex education became an issue to debate when state board member Kathy Martin proposed a change from abstinence-plus education to abstinence-only education in Kansas high schools. Right now, in sex education, teachers explain that abstinence is the best way to prevent pregnancy and STDs, but they also discuss the importance of protection and the proper use of contraceptives.

The abstinence-only education would be at least nine weeks long and would focus on abstaining from sex and the flaws and risks of contraceptives.

“We don’t spend nine weeks on anything,” teacher Peggy Rose said. “I understand parents’ concerns, but the kids can easily get on the Internet and that is beyond the parents’ control. We teach decision-making all the time in class and abstinence is a part of that.”

In the current system, however, students don’t have to take health or sex education classes if their parents do not wish it. Students are allowed to opt out of the class if the kids or parents are uncomfortable with the topics discussed.

Board member Ken Willard proposed that schools discuss the importance

of abstinence until marriage and the dangers of pre-marital sex.

For example, schools would teach that sexually transmitted diseases, unplanned pregnancies and emotional turmoil are common consequences of not abstaining.

Most schools, however, are already doing this. The issue will be postponed to a board meeting next month so all of the board members can have an understanding of what exactly is being proposed.

The state school board was also included in the debate concerning the Blue Valley school district’s process in determining appropriate books for English-class students. On Tuesday, April 11, Blue Valley District officials had to address the state school board in Wichita about the district’s policies and the way its books are selected.

This presentation was mandated after some BV parents protested to the state board about the district’s book review policy.

“The process of choosing books has a specific criteria, including literary merit and good professional reviews and that it’s quality literature,” communication arts teacher Betty Klein said. “Each high school has a teacher read a book to see if it fits the curriculum. I think it’s a good process that provides good books.”

Specifically, the parents did not want their children exposed to the books Song of Solomon and The Lords

Junior Allen Averkamp empties brush from a wheelbarrow at the Kansas City Zoo during Community Service Day April 14.

Juniors and seniors helped the community at the zoo, book banks and other locations.

Tans: $4.00 Each 10 Tans for $30.00 20 Tans for $50.00

photo illustration by emily reinhardt of Discipline, which after lengthy reviews and hearings were kept in the curriculum.

The district provides the list of books and their reasoning for each book on the district’s web site for concerned parents. However, these parents, who lobbied to remove over 14 books

last summer, are still unhappy about the ones left on the list after their challenge; therefore, they appealed to the board.

District officials believe that this is a local issue and that the local school board should set its own policies and procedures.

You’re fired! Some classes cut, others added for next year griffin page

staff reporter

N adam lary

ext year, Current Events will no longer be offered as a class. In its place will be Contemporary Issues, which is a ninth-grade only class.

“The district wanted to change focus of what the ninth graders covered,” counselor Tonya Merrigan said.

Math Strategies and Art History are being offered for the first time

Super Intensity Beds 50 cents Extra or $5 Single 14876 Metcalf Ave. Overland Park, Kan. 66223 (913) 85109494

next year. Also, Advanced Algebra students will be able to receive college credit hours through Johnson County Community College for the first time.

For a class to be offered, it must have a minimum amount of students enrolled. Some of the classes that won’t be offered are Home Industrial Tech and Individual Racquet Sports.

There will be classes on the comeback as well. 3D Animation and Aquatics I and II will be offered next year.

4 opinions this is your column ‘headSpeaking Adamantly line’ only more ike the topic

aise R !

May 5, 2005

your VOICE

adam lary

editor-in-chief

What grade would you give TCB? Schools need to toughen up Students should be allowed to pass or not

E

ducational Darwinism: a phrase coined to describe a system of education in which passing students are allowed to continue their education while failing students are forced out of the educational system. Popular in some countries in Europe. My idea? Bring it here.

The current system of education in some areas of the U.S., including Blue Valley, is at best disappointing. Students who can barely pass through high school on their own are being shuffled along to college where they are even less prepared. I propose a system in which students are required to test out of each grade before advancing to the next. This would involve a cumulative test at the end of the year over what students should be able to do before advancing.

A system like this would certainly help reduce the number of failing students and those who squeak by with various options, like Contract for Credit. It would become a form of motivation that could help keep students on the right track. If they knew they wouldn’t have a successful future without attaining certain competencies, students might actually try.

It’s sad to look around and see students who are failing out of classes because they have no motivation or ambition.

I realize that this is mostly against what America as a country stands for: equality in everything for everybody. Leaving behind so many students would be completely contradictory. But in the long run, it is necessary. There is a discomforting lack of basic knowledge in this country resulting from districts who want to hold their students’ hands throughout there K-12 years. Teachers are constantly being pressured to make all their students into “high achievers.” The belief is that the bell curve no longer exists. That everyone should be highly intelligent, and there are no excuses for anyone not to be.

But let’s step back into reality. The reality is that in life, there are a few dumb people, a few smart people and a whole bunch of mediocre people. Without this basic truth, society would not work as it does today. Otherwise, there would be no one working the kitchen in our restaurants, no one there to pick up our trash and no one to mow your lawn.

You may think that I am stereotyping “dumb people.”

That isn’t my intention. I would just like to see everyone get a chance at a good education. But if they choose not to take advantage of that chance, they shouldn’t get another. Move up or move out. Maybe it’s too unforgiving or too harsh. But if it helps to educate the future population of this country, those who want to be educated, then why not?

“It would be a form of motivation that could help keep students on the right track.”

“B- it’s a good opportunity, but it’s a drain.” -junior Lindsey Hanson

the staff

“B- when you have it, you don’t have enough time to do anything.” -freshman Kyle Anderson

“C- It’s not long enough to actually help people.” -sophomore Molly Anderson Compiled by Autumn Fuller

tiger 2005-06 print (913) 239-4946 The_Tiger_Print@yahoo.com

Blue Valley High School

Managing Editors: Adam Lary Andrew Robinson News Editor: Jessica Katzenstein Opinions Editor: Ellen Thomas Features Editors: Andrew Robinson Nina Humphrey Brooke Thurman Sara Ster Sarah Weaver

Entertainment Editor: Matt Galloway Sports Editors: Hank Driskell Frank Lasley Photo Editor: Emily Kuykendall Artist: Garrett Griffin Advertising Editor: Adam Lary Adviser: Susan Agee

Staff Writers: Colin Brown Nina Humphrey Matt Killen Griffin Page Sara Ster Brooke Thurman Sarah Weaver Emily Kuykendall Sami Miles Photographers: Emily Reinhardt Autumn Fuller

The Tiger Print is published nine times a year for the students, faculty and the surrounding community of Blue Valley High School. It is an open forum for student expression. Therefore, the opinions expressed within this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of the administration or Blue Valley School District #229.

editorials 5

May 5, 2006

Speaking English should be national priority for all matt killen

staff reporter

I

n the United States, we are reminded far too often that Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language in the world.

Everywhere you go, you see signs written in Spanish or at least with Spanish subtext.

To the average American, this is an inconvenient problem.

To the immigrant it can be a significant handicap.

Therefore, speaking English should be a re-newed emphasis in the United States for its citizens and those who wish to be one.

According to the 2000 Census over eight to 11 million illegal aliens have crossed over the border to live in the United States. Overall, 30 million Americans speak Spanish, which makes the United States the fifth largest Spanish-speaking population in the world. In addition, one in every five Americans speaks a language other than English at home. This has become so much of a problem that Speak Spanish Inc. Company, a California-based company, teaches English speakers Spanish, so that they can understand their employees. This company alone is a perfect example of why immigrants should learn English.

American citizens should expect English to be spoken in this country. It’s a hardship to the U.S. citizens who must learn a new language. It is also costly to its infrastructure, which must accommodate a bi-lingual direction in its

schools, hospitals and local governments. Even private companies are affected.

If people come from outside the United States and aren’t willing to learn the main language spoken in the U.S., that shouldn’t create a problem for those already here; it should be a problem for new residents. And many times it is. Although there isn’t an official language in the United States, over 89 percent of Americans speak English. Other than problems with legal status, not speaking English can force immigrants into low-paying jobs.

However, less than half of the Spanish speaking American culture is made up of immigrants, which means that many Spanish-speakers are United States residents.

This may suggest that even though the majority of Spanish speakers are legal U.S. citizens, they still feel more comfortable speaking Spanish than speaking English.

Immigrants, especially those interested in becoming a U.S. citizen, should assimilate into this culture. If they want the rights of an American, they need to be an American. That process starts with learning the English language.

Overall there are logical reasons why Spanish is so infused in our culture; it is a good thing to speak a second language. However, it is better for the country if there is only one language. It is good for its citizens and good for those immigrants who want to take advantage of this country’s opportunities.

Staff Editorial

Taking Care of Business time found to be helpful It’s not always appreciated, but TCB raises students’ grades

T

he infamous lyrics of Bachman-Turner Overdrive’s “Takin’ Care of Business” have rang annoyingly in our ears once or twice a week for a whole school year.

Song aside, the idea of Taking Care of Business (TCB) is a good concept. Having a time available where teachers can be found in their rooms is useful for many students, but some dislike the fact they are being forced to raise their grades. These students who are complaining are typically the ones who need it more than anyone. They should quit complaining and get on with it.

TCB was designed to help students with D’s and F’s raise their grades. Last year students were not required to attend, but this year it became mandatory and grades began to rise.

Twenty to 30 minutes is taken out of the regular schedule on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

This time is given to students with good grades a chance to leave school early.

“I feel like that is a pretty big perk,” principal Scott Bacon said.

However, some of the students required to attend TCB don’t appreciate the time given them to essentially raise their grades. These students are usually the ones who need the

help the most.

Many students reflect negatively on TCB, but like it or not, the numbers show improvement.

Based on the feedback, [TCB] has been very helpful, according to Bacon.

The number of students with D’s and F’s has been lower every semester compared to last year. TCB, as annoying as it may seem to some, has helped reduce the number of failing students. 2005 ended with a record low of students with a D or F: 18.5 percent.

This semester has the potential to set another record low, according to Bacon.

Having tutorial time is not a new concept.

TCB provides a time for students to see their teachers. The numbers of failing students in classes like science, math and electives may be improved, but they are still high.

The sad fact is that in a perfect world, the school would not have to force students to attend TCB. No matter how many voices can be heard complaining, the numbers speak much louder to the administration. As long as TCB is helping lower the percentage of students with D’s and F’s, we are meant to hear “Takin’ Care of Business Every Day.”

Celebrities voice opinions over subjects they know very little about brooke thurman

staff reporter

T

om Cruise. The man that is the epitome of speaking out and sharing his opinion. Why is it that everything he says makes headlines? Because he is Tom Cruise. Cruise is the king of the trend called “saying whatever you want because you’re a celebrity.”

Cruise started to make headlines in 2005 when he made public comments

on his disappointment in Brooke Shields for taking a prescription drug after her pregnancy to help with depression. Of course, since Cruise is the one of the newest experts on pregnancies, he might know a few things.

However, Mr. Scientology didn’t stop there.

Cruise’s antics popped up once again, in June 2005 on The Today Show, during an interview with host Matt Lauer. This little interview started off as most would

until, the conversation turned to Cruise’s comments about Shields and the interview went into complete chaos.

This gave Cruise another chance to show his expertise in another subject, psychiatric medications, a subject Cruise knows very little about.

Cruise made many statements during the interview but one part of his banter made for quite a debate.

“Matt, you have to understand this. Here we are today, where I talk out

against drugs and psychiatric abuses of electric shocking people, okay, against their will, of drugging children with them not knowing the effects of these drugs,” Cruise told Lauer. “Do you know what Aderol is? Do you know Ritalin? Do you know now that Ritalin is a street drug?

Do you understand that?”

All the blame for celebrities being opinionated cannot solely be put on Cruise. Rapper Kanye West has also thrown in his two cents. In 2005, West

made a public statement saying, “George Bush doesn’t care about black people.”

Being the “intelligent soul” that West is, many people took this comment seriously.

To the rest of the world everything celebrities say is not taken to heart. They are just one of those many things that are read about and tossed aside. Hopefully there will come a day when all the Tom Cruises’ of the world will keep their opinions to themselves and just stay quiet.

6 features

May 5, 2006

SUMMERtime

stories by Sarah Weaver and Griffin Page

Camps attract BV students

A

midst the heat and humidity of summer, some Blue Valley students will take advantage of the long nights and relaxing days off to better themselves as people, athletes or scholars.

Whether it be a debate, dance, cheerleading, journalism or religious

camp, Tigers are finding destinations to get away from parents, meet new people, gain new skills and bring back memories that will last a lifetime.

Sophomore Lauren Callison heads to Michigan just a few days after the final bell rings for summer to be volunteer at TimberWolf, a Young Life camp, where she will spend much of June.

Preparation for the 2006-2007 school year for many Tiger organizations will be courtesy in June and July as well. The cheerleaders photo will pick up their pom-poms starting midsummer and learn new chants as well as new routines for competitions.

“It’s hard but fun,” freshman Maggie Baker said.

Standing on the black tar of the parking

Senior Jenna Southerland tackles a ropes course while at summer camp at Kanakuk last June.

Junior Alex Santa Maria makes a smoothie while working at Robeks last summer.

Photo by Karen Melton

lot reading music notes has become part of the rich tradition that makes the Stridin’ Tigers band what they are. The annual band camp during the first week of August gets the Tigers off on the right foot for the marching season that follows in the fall. Along with the Stridin’ Tigers band, the Tigerettes find themselves dancing and throwing in the parking lot.

“It’s really hard to get up in the morning,” junior Meghan Burns said. “But you get to know the girls a lot better.”

The Tiger Print and Reflections yearbook staff will be keeping up with journalist trends.

Page editors, as well as photographers, head to Mount Oread on the University of Kansas campus to learn from top professionals, as well as working on templates for the fall.

One of the most successful programs in the school doesn’t win their state championships without work in the offseason. The Debate team sends members to various sites to get a head start on the competition as they look to defend their 2005-2006 state title. The Debate team receives their affirmative case for the year and learns negative strategies, according to debate member sophomore Brian Israel.

As the temperature rises and the pool fills up with water, students send their camp brochures off to reserve their spot in an American tradition that has been around forever, summer camp.

FUN!

Students want fast cash

S

ummer is finally here. You are ready to just go outside and jump in a pool with friends. Soon, you realize that before you do that, you have to finish checking out that growing line of shoppers at Target.

“I have to do something to pay for gas,” sophomore Drew Williams said.

Summer jobs provide teens with some much-needed cash for those bare necessities: clothes, movies and cars.

For some teens though, finding that job isn’t always so easy. According to the Center of Labor Market Studies, the past two summers have seen record lows in teen employment, for teens ages 16 to 19. The summer of 2006 doesn’t promise a much better outlook.

“I have applied to 16 different places, and I haven’t been [hired] yet,” sophomore Simon Yu said.

Teens choose different jobs for different reasons. Some choose jobs for the hours; some for the pay. Then there are those teens that do it for the more pressing matters.

“I like to develop my nice summer tan,” sophomore Matt Otterstedt said. Otterstedt chooses to work outside mowing lawns.

Teens also choose jobs for comfort reasons.

“I umpire baseball because it’s easier and more money,” sophomore Sean Elliot said.

Not all teens end up slaving away all summer, however.

Those lucky few claim that they have “important” things to do instead.

“I happen to be very busy,” sophomore Megan Adams said.

A select few teens do have a solid reason to continue their unemployment though.

“Work takes time away from synagogue,” sophomore Michael Rawitch said.

Teen jobs aren’t set in stone, however. Teens change jobs for many different reasons. It could be the last boss was evil. It could be that creepy kid from Comm Arts kept showing up every day. Or it could be that one just needed a change.

“I still wanted to work with people, just in a different way,” sophomore Melissa Biagioli said. She changed jobs from Dillon’s to Applebee’s.

Jobs are one of life’s many wonders. Nobody likes them, but most people will spend a good chunk of their life working one.

May 5, 2006 Vol. 35 Issue 9 6001 W. 159th Stilwell, Kan. 66085

tiger print

Senior section

(Left to right, top to bottom) Meredith Luker, Kathryn Moravac, Keeley McVey, Tiffany Mitchell, Stephen Blumhardt, Regan Gangel, Patrick Cocherl, Christine Hansen, Joel Cundiff, Tiffany Mitchell, Becca Brower, Dillon Huckabey, Lance Morris, Andrew Iliff, Tim King, Regan Gangel, Emily Brown, Luke Matheis, Paresa Tafreshi, Tom Gnoza, Courtney Rager, Brad Harris, Jon Teel, Tyler Hodges, Nicole Sowden, Aaron Ortbals, Darrin Hicks, Emily Reinhardt, Jamie Nutt, Adrienne Fields, Ashley Ratliff, Patrick Cocherl, Brett Bolton, Jordan Foote, Randy Watts, Jacob Tupper, Tyler Hodges, Curt Alderman. page by emily kuykendall

8 seniors

May 5, 2006

Today

May 12

May 16-18

May 19

May 21

Class Competition Celebration

Picnic, Yearbook distribution

Senior Finals

Class Day

GRADUATION!!

Days full of events, celebrations to come sami miles

staff reporter

W

Senior Scott Wightman (foreground) rebounds in the annual senior-faculty challenge as basketballs get stuck in the net. After a round of half-court shots it came down to senior Stephen Blumhardt and English teacher Keil Pittman.

Blumhardt walked away with the victory for the senior class. Photo by Adam Lary

ith graduation just around the corner, seniors are looking forward to an easy end to the school year. With all of the activities coming up, who could blame them?

Senior activities began on Thursday, April 27 as the seniors and faculty got ready for the annual seniorfaculty challenge. This was a time for seniors to take on their teachers in various competitive games.

This year, instead of the traditional volleyball and basketball games, there will be a three-point contest, free-throw contest, trivia contest and a tug-of-war.

“I think the senior-faculty challenge is a great final way to get that last bit of faculty interaction with the students. But I wish they wouldn’t have done away with the basketball game,” coach Andy Unrein says.

Since the seniors, once again, won the class competition by beating the sophomores in the penny wars, they were entitled to the class competition day today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day will be spent at AMF Bowling Lanes where they will bowl with their friends and enjoy their day off. Included in the day are free lunches and the ceremonious opening of the time capsules that they put together freshman year. This is a time to look back on memories and realize how much they have changed since they sealed up that capsule four years ago.

“The time capsules show how much we’ve changed since we were freshmen,” senior Max Greenwood says. “It’s a reminder of what we used to be.”

Following class competition day is the Senior Picnic on May 12. Seniors are required to go to the

All-American Sports Complex of Lenexa and have a picnic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Besides just getting out of class, eating and playing games, they get their yearbook separately from everyone else so they have a chance as seniors to exchange yearbooks and say farewell to their friends.

Friday, May 19 is the last day that the seniors have to be at school before the long awaited walk for their diploma. From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., seniors will participate in Class Day — a time for family and friends to see the students and find out who wins the different memorial scholarships handed out in memory of former Blue Valley students who have passed away. Some memorial scholarships include: Linda Creamer Award, Wade Holt Scholarship, Jen DeFranco Scholarship and the Rene Sauer Memorial Scholarship. Also, fellow seniors Greg Allen and Laura Cline will deliver their speeches that were prepared for this event. This mock graduation will be a closure for the seniors so they can appreciate their last day as a Blue Valley Tiger.

“Class day is the last time we can come together as Tigers and see our friends before we graduate,” senior Ashley Coleman says. “It’s a tradition that serves as a closure to the school year.”

Finally on Sunday, May 21, the seniors will gather one last time at Kemper Arena to say farewell to their friends and to their school. Seniors report at 11:45 to prepare for the ceremony, which will begin at 1 p.m. Speeches were prepared by Brett Bolton and Eric Min. Family and friends will come to offer their congratulations. Students will go their different ways but they will forever be Tigers and the senior class of 2006.

Pomp and Circumstance

Leaving a Legacy: Seniors walk with numerous honors jessica katzenstein news editor

G

et fired up, seniors, because it’s 16 days until graduation and it’s time to look back on the amazing legacy we have left.

Let’s start with the more tangible things. Academically, we ruled the school. We led the school to the 2005 Standard in Excellence in nearly every subject, earning the highest scores the school has ever had on social studies and writing. Zhitao Luo got a perfect 36 on the ACT, the only one in school history. We had 25 National Merit qualifiers, the most ever in school history. We had the most AP Scholars (32) ever. We won $4.3 million in scholarships.

We did more than that, though. We helped raise over $18,000 for cancer research at this year’s Relay for Life. Among all of us, we have a combined total of over 6,000 hours of community service.

We did pretty well in sports and activities, too. The chess, debate, golf and forensics teams all won state this year. Football made it to the state championships, while journalism had 11

students qualify for state May 6. Band, orchestra and choir all won numerous awards. Several art students won gold keys and other honors.

And all of that is just from this year. Freshman year, we placed in the top nine percent in the country on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills.

Throughout our three years as underclassmen, we helped teams win a myriad of awards and honors.

But if one looks past everything our senior class has won, a legacy of compassion, good leadership and school spirit emerges.

We pulled together in hard times. We gave the underclassmen an example to follow. We fought for the class competition sophomore year and finally won it this year.

Our legacy will out last our presence in this school. Even when they eventually paint over the walls listing our honors or take down our pictures, our legacy will be remembered as one of achievements in every subject and an example for incoming students to follow.

seniors 9

May 5, 2006

Senior Farewell Senior staff members give send-off, advice, memories to underclassmen

‘A bit of sound advice’

Senior makes Kentucky new home

Student examines important parts of life

andrew robinson

adam lary

editor-in-chief

C

all it my new Kentucky home. Good-bye Johnson County, hello Warren County. On Aug. 19 I start a new chapter away from home, away from the Highway 69 corridor and sadly away from Jersey Boyz.

Western Kentucky University is situated about 200 feet above Bowling Green. Their mascot is appropriately the Hilltoppers. How I got to Western Kentucky, or Western as those close to the university call it, starts right here at Blue Valley obviously. I believe it was sophomore year; I was enrolled in Broadcasting II with Denny Brand. We were chatting about colleges, and he talked about the college he had attended. He encouraged me to research it when I really began the college search process. My research led me on to the rolling hills and country music that Kentucky is home to and onto the campus of Western Kentucky. I knew there was something special “I’ll be sure never to about Brand’s alma mater, and I thought it would be forget the roots that a place that I would like to call my mine. They had just helped me grow at built a multi-million dollar Blue Valley.” journalism building, and the students seemed to offer that “southern hospitality.”

I continued my college search through spring of my junior year and the fall of this year. I thought about playing tennis at Baker or a small school in Nebraska, but my heart seemed like it was at Western.

It seems with the rising cost of college, students aren’t venturing out as much unless a college offers them a fair amount of money. I have always known for a while that I wanted to get out from underneath the Johnson County Bubble. I’m excited for the opportunity that Western presents to me and am anxious to get there.

I already have my schedule and am enrolled and ready to roll. As for any good advice for those beginning the college search, venture out when it comes to college. College leads to the real world, and I’m not talking about the Real World with seven strangers in one house, because there is more to the world than the I-435 loop.

I’m ready for what the next step has to offer, and I’ll be sure never to forget the roots that help me grow at Blue Valley.

editor-in-chief

K

eep it funny. Meaningful, but funny.

And not too cliché. Those were my parameters for writing my final column as a BVHS student. So prepare for a few hundred words of mediocre wit, attempts at humor and maybe a bit of sound advice. Most of you have read at least something I have written for the paper in the last three years.

But most of you probably don’t understand why it is that I write.

Writing is something that I have enjoyed since the day I picked up a pencil. It is my chance to share with all of you what I think and believe.

With every column I write for the paper or every poem I write for my communication arts class, I put in a little piece of myself. I write to create my own reality. Author Tom Clancy once said, “The difference between fiction and reality? Fiction has to make sense.”

In my writing, I try to make sense of reality.

My goal is to inspire thought and to make people question why things are the way they are, rather than just accepting everything how it is. I want to reach out and give the reader something to think about. So far, the only response I’ve gotten is from high school girls who hand out lap dances like hotcakes. But the time will come. If I can even reach one person, make one person question the world, share one moment with my reader, then my stamp has been paid.

Writing is my passion, but a piece of advice I can offer you is this: like me, find something you are passionate about and follow it to the grave. It doesn’t matter what other people think of you. You must decide what you want to do with your life. Not your friends, not your siblings, not your parents. You. Whether it’s fixing cars, owning a business, flipping burgers, or, God forbid, becoming a Kansas biology teacher, do what makes you happy.

A good friend once told me, “Don’t not do

something just because you are afraid to get hurt.” Don’t let fear get in the way of your passion (Unless it’s the fear of Dick Cheney with a shotgun. Then, your fear is totally legitimate). Take your dream and run with it.

Another piece of advice? Never forget to laugh. Ever. Laughter is the most important thing in life. Laugh until you cry. Laugh until your chest hurts. Laugh until milk comes out of your nose. Humorist Erma Bombeck said, “When humor goes, there goes civilization.”

Laughter truly is the best medicine. And the best part? There is no such thing as laughing too hard. I have never heard the words “You laugh too much” out of anyone’s mouth. A great sense of humor is the best personality trait I can think of.

Here’s some more advice: never give up hope. I came close a few times in high school.

I thought that I would be stuck living in my mom’s basement until I was 40, working at Wal-Mart pushing shopping carts and wishing I had done something with my life. My biggest fears are the fear of failure and the fear of rejection. But I didn’t let it get the best of me.

Don’t let it get the best of you. Sometimes, stuff just doesn’t work out. Figure it out and move on, and in the future, don’t make the same mistake.

But by far the best piece of advice I can give you is this: find someone who shows you that the world is still beautiful. Someone who inspires a bit of hope in an otherwise bland existence.

Someone that reveals a talent you didn’t know you had, and pushes you to pursue it (even if she is a bit of a tease sometimes). I don’t care if he/she looks like sasquatch or that one model from page 27 of last month’s Victoria’s Secret catalogue. You will thank yourself later.

Now that you are probably sick of me, and are looking forward to my graduation (almost as much as I am), I bid you adieu. I hope you all find what you are looking for in life and live happily ever after. Stay classy, Blue Valley.

10 seniors

May 5, 2006

Friends most important Teachers have more part of high school to offer than homework emily kuykendall staff reporter

I

t took me a while to figure out what I would say in my final writing to the members of this school. For once, I could write about whatever I wanted. No news story, no finding out information or facts to make sure what I was writing made sense. Just some advice and last thoughts to those I’ve been around for the past four years. As I’m writing this, I’m still not sure exactly what will end up being on this paper by the time I’m done, but hopefully it will be something you could all learn from.

We all have our own crazy adventures throughout high school. For some of us, those adventures are coming to an end, and for others, they’re just getting started. I’ve learned a lot from the roads I’ve taken. Most importantly, the people you surround yourself with are the ones who help mold you into who you are.

The most important thing you should take away from high school are the things your friends teach you, not what you’ve been taught in a class.

I can already tell you I’ve forgotten how to find the square root of a fraction (sorry Mr. Ortman) or all the muscles on a cat (see Mr. Hare’s anatomy and physiology class if you’re interested), but I could never forget the things my friends have taught me.

Your friends are the ones who teach you how to dance when you don’t know how.

They come with you to an upperclassmen’s party because you’re kind of nervous and intimidated. They come over with MooLates after a bad breakup and sit with you until you just can’t cry anymore. They burn you the best summer mix CD’s that you rock out to in your car with the windows down. They sit in your driveway with you in the middle of the night while you talk about your latest crush. They come visit you at work until you get off so you can go hang out afterward.

They help you study for your huge AP Government test, even though you both know you’ll probably fail anyway. They stick by you when you get in trouble, because hey, at least you can be in trouble together.

Your friends are the ones whose lessons will actually be memorable long after high school. I’ve had the most amazing friendships I could ask for.

I know I’ll be far away from all of them next year, but these memories and friends will stay in my mind forever. I’m not trying to say blow off school, because of course, that is something you’ll need, but I hope that each of you can say you’ve had a friend teach you something that is far more valuable to you than your SAT score.

If you get anything out of this final piece of writing I have for you, I hope that it is this: Cherish the time you spend with each and every one of your friends. They help you get through this crazy adventure called high school, and that is what will stick out in your mind long after it’s over.

emily reinhardt

staff reporter

I

hated my first day of school 13 years ago. I hated that my mom made me pose for a picture getting on the kindergarten bus. I hated that I had to stay there during the time when my favorite cartoons were on. I was scared, alone, and I had to memorize a new schedule. I was in tears. And here I am again, in tears. Not because I hate Blue Valley, but because I don’t want to see myself leave.

I’m in love with Blue Valley.

Without the teachers who teach in this district, I would not feel this way. The attitudes here are extraordinary, and the things we have learned cannot be replaced. Most teachers I’ve had have taught what they’re getting paid to teach. But there are a few who go above and beyond, free of charge.

Without our teachers who take that extra step, how could we ever go on to accomplish the things we’ve done?

My second grade teacher taught me one of my biggest lessons by omission. During my second grade year, my teacher missed a lot of class.

She started losing her hair, and to a second grader, the problems she faced, were left unclear. As someone who is almost an adult, I now know that the issues my teacher faced that year were very personal issues, and being a teacher that year, might not have been the best idea. It is safe to say I missed a lot that year. Everyday my teacher was gone I lost the opportunity to learn. However, I learned the most when that year was over. Each year following second grade, I had to catch up. I’ve learned more about myself since second grade. I know how hard of a worker I am. I’m great at catching up last minute. Maybe these lessons weren’t in the second grade curriculum, but I learned them nonetheless.

My favorite teacher of all time taught me about my passions. I was graced with her presence as a teacher for five years. Not only was she a teacher to me, but also she became my role model and my second mother. She taught me the fundamentals of the violin and of music itself. The biggest and most valuable thing she taught me those five years, was never to lose my passion. I quit the violin in 2003, which was one of my biggest disappointments. She never was disappointed in me. For five years she helped me establish my passion, with or without the violin. I used to dream of being a famous musician, and keeping music as my one and only passion. But since then, I’ve forgotten the idea of being famous, but kept my love for music.

When I reached high school, I realized how important my teachers were. One of the best teachers I’ve ever encountered is someone who I’ll continue to remember.

Unfortunately I only really got to know him my senior year. I’ll always say his daily life lessons annoy me, but the reality of it is, if I don’t remember the lessons I’ll never benefit from them. I might have thought I knew everything I needed to about ethics, and right and wrong, but I learned more than I thought I could.

Important teachers might remain in our lives forever, and they might not. We’ll never remember all of the lessons our parents taught us, but the ones we learn from teachers will never leave us. It’s ironic that 13 years ago I begged my mom not to make me go to school, and now, I’m wishing I could stay forever.

seniors 11

May 5, 2006

Senior encourages being yourself colin brown

staff reporter

W

hen I first walked into Blue Valley High School as an eager young lad, I thought I was actually walking into Blue Valley Football Academy. Who cares about schoolwork? I’m just going to dominate on the gridiron and get a scholarship. All I did in my Prairie Star days was go to football games on Friday nights and watch football games while salivating, wishing for it to be my turn to be a state champion. That happened my sophomore year, and almost happened again my senior year. And just like I planned, there were around 10 colleges calling for my services.

But all of the sudden thoughts began running through my head. I don’t want to play football anymore. My love of lifting, practicing and playing has turned into a chore. I’m not going to play in college. What do I do now?

For me it has become going to junior college off the free money I can get for being the product of divorced lower/middle class parents, and figure out what I want to do with my life. I’m perfectly fine with that. Outside of Blue Valley, that is a normal or positive thing.

So now that I’m content with where I’m going; why does it seem like a lot of people aren’t content with where I’m “My love of lifting, going?

I have found that if you practicing and playing don’t speak or mold into the has turned into a person other people want chore. I’m not going to you to be, many of them (not all) will grow to dislike and play in college. What disrespect you. Some teachers do I do now?” and administrators tell you to act like an adult, and when spoken to as an adult, they change their stories. So am I writing this just to complain about things?

No. I’m writing this to tell everybody I’m happy. The most important advice I could give to anyone is to be yourself. I’ve tried the whole “I’m cool because I’m exactly like you” thing many times in my high school career and all it does is make you miserable.

Be yourself, burn some bridges, and enjoy the rest of high school because if you want to, you can make it one of the best times of your life.

Grades, ACT scores don’t mean everything matt galloway

entertainment editor

1

993. A time when the World Wide Web debuted, the VHS market was booming and Michael Jordan retired from basketball.

13 years later, 2006. The Internet is the largest form of mass media in the world, the VCR is extinct and Michael Jordan is finally retired from basketball… again.

1993. The year we began our journey on the rollercoaster ride that is our education.

2006. The year it all ends.

It’s hard to believe that 13 long years have passed since the day many of our parents drove us to kindergarten enrollment in their fancy new vehicles. Now we all drive ourselves, perhaps in the same car that was used to drive us on that warm August day in 1993, only less fancy.

I guess the reality hit me personally when I was asked to reflect on my school life earlier this year. I still can’t believe or understand it, which is surprising because high school, for many of us, was a pain to be involved in during the most awkward years of our lives.

Maybe high school is so awkward because it is like a bad scavenger hunt that everyone completes. Its list includes tasks such as, “must embarrass yourself at a school dance,” “must eat too much pizza at a party,” “must accidentally break something on school grounds,” and the easiest one to achieve, “must trip and fall in public at least three times.” If you’re really lucky, you can accomplish all four of those in one night.

Now, as the months, days and minutes tick down to the time I will shake Mr. Bacon’s hand and take my diploma to ride off into the sunset that is Kemper Arena, I am beginning to regret that I didn’t appreciate the good moments that I had. Maybe I am fickle for anxiously awaiting the chance to graduate for 12-and-a-half years,

only to put the brakes on and wish it would never end during these last five months.

But if I learned one thing in high school, I learned that it doesn’t matter what you learned. It truly doesn’t matter if your class rank is 1 or 400; it doesn’t matter if you think AP stands for “awesome party!” and it doesn’t matter if you scored a negative number on your ACT. No, all of that will matter when you go to college. So no, high school was never about what you learned; rather, it is about how you learned. The life lessons you learn in high school are far more valuable than the textbook lessons you learn.

It has been that way since kindergarten.

I can remember when I was four or five years old, and I was sitting next to my mom and telling her that I didn’t want to go to school for the first time. I didn’t want to go to the unknown elementary school just two blocks away from my house, for five hours of the day, and sit on the alphabetically themed rug. But I did go, and I did learn how to recite the alphabet, and I did learn to count to 20 and I did learn to tie my shoes (a lesson that many of us have seemingly forgotten). Looking back at that day and what I told my mom, I guess it’s a little ironic that now I tell my mom that I don’t want to stop going to school.

A famous man once said, the more things change, the more things stay the same. This is especially true when it comes to the first 18 years of our life. The memories you have of high school will always remain one of the things that never changes, no matter what direction you take in your life. While this is a much different world than it was in 1993, 2019 will be much different than 2006 is, so enjoy it while it lasts.

And who knows? Maybe we might get to see Michael Jordan come out of retirement again before its all said and done.

“But if I learned one thing in high school, I learned that it doesn’t matter what you learned.”

12 seniors

May 5, 2006

Sayonara Seniors Abilene Christian University Landon Boyter Conner Snedden Arizona State University Kristen Petrick Avila University Anna Frazier Ashley Ratliff Klarissa Skinner Baker University Emily Beye Kristen Burchett Danielle Scarafile Baylor University Jenna Southerland Belmont University Jason Nash Brigham Young University Kori Hawkins Annie Littlewood Butler County Community College Tywon Hubbard Central Missouri State University Brian Anderson Tyler Madl Cody Scribner Cathryn Spencer Clemson University Corey Gray Coffeyville Community College Devin Bennett

Creighton University Erin Redhair DeVry University Evan Selba Drury University Jessica Burke Parker Sargent Emporia State University Rebecca Browar Rachel Deckard Maria Ramos Emily Sterk Grinnell College JP Prouty Tony Tonev Ibmec-Brazil Erik Alexandre Passaro Indiana University Angela Solomon International Academy of Design and Technology Matthew Wiggins Iowa State University Nick Goedken Johnson County Community College Grant Apple Brandon Ballweg Scott Beuer Chad Bourgeois Robert Boyd Lane Briggs Colin Brown Maggie Carey Zachary Carpenter

Michelle Cathey Jennifer Cobb Scott Cummings Jayson Diedrich Valerie Dobbins Caitlyn Dooley David Drimmel Autumn Fuller Matthew Galloway Austin Gillard Maxwell Greenwood Michael Hatutian Hannah Horsell Jennifer Humphrey Neil Hyde Shaun Kelly Kyong Kim Regan King Ashley Kuzmich Meredith Luker Casey Manning Kathryn Moravac Kellen Murray Tyler Nigus Ryan Ogden Weston Palmer Rachel Passman Joshua Prince Myriam Ramos Ashley Rapp Jamie Rieger Kristina Robb Rachelle Roman Jon Routh Nicole Sadir Calder Sagen Michael Schilf James Schneider Cody Simon Thomas Sisneros Jessica Smith Pam Van Cleve Randy Watts Carly Welch Meagan Wickham Brooke Wiegers Kansas State University Sam Aamot Tom Badeen Jonathan Chinn Laura Cline Talmage Cox Joshua deFlon Joanne De Jongh Jessica Donahoo

Krista Dunleavy Thomas Gnoza Mark Gruber Jason Harper Scott Kellenberger Ryan Kirkeby Megan Korte Nathan Lane

Mid-America Nazarene University Tim King Millcreek Technical William Howard

seniors 13

May 5, 2006

We’re not in high school anymore

Ottawa University Curt Alderman

Stanford University Timi Okah

Pittsburg State University Ashley Coleman

Stetson University Lindsay Martin

University of Advancing Technology Stephanie Allmon University of Colorado Jennifer Eliason Brad Harris Stephanie Sparling

Amanda Castanon Lisa Collins Kyle Combes Stephanie Cooper Daniel Cuevas Joel Cundiff Natalie Dallman Matthew Dirks My Do Christina Dickerson

John

Allison Mahoney Maxwell Miller Samantha Miles Jonathan Nee Jamie Nutt Aaron Ogilvie Aaron Ortbals Garrett Palm Matthew Palmer Kristin Parrish Thomas Peterman Heather Piernick Nerissa Praderio Courtney Rager Emily Reinhardt Michael Rollins Eric Tabaka Michael Vaught Timothy Versch Laura White Geoffrey Whited Sarah Wyatt Meranda Zeckser

Missouri State University Kelsey Shelton Daniel Smith Kimberly Varner New York University Eric Min

Keeley McVey Megan Richards Courtney Smith Amy Ster Jesse Stromme Paresa Tafreshi Jacob Tupper

Northwest Missouri State University Patrick Cocherl

Rockhurst University Tiffany Mitchell

Oklahoma State University Courtney Jerome

Saint Louis University Danielle Ford

Suffolk University Jonathan Eckman

Trinity University Melissa Stevens

Truman State University Kelly Schute

University of Illinois Maleeha Iqbal University of Kansas Hope Aguilar Nazia Ali Kevin Allen Mila Altman Zachary Ansaldo Danielle Ashner Hoyt Banks Stephen Blumhardt Austin Brown Emily Brown Leah Brown Kelly Bubeck Stephen Burton

Dickson Adrienne Fields Lauren Fitzpatrick Sean Flynn Jordan Foote Regan Gangel Darrin Hicks Andrea Hiesberger Matthew Hill Jessica Hoffman Cooper Ide Michael Ivanuska Jason Jones Robin Jonsson Lindsey Kearns Jonathan Kemmerer Ryan Koehler Kaitlyn Kruse Travis Lang Neil Likens Andrea Long Derek Lucas

Bader Madoukh Luke Matheis Christopher McGillivray Kelsey Miller Tosin Morohunfola Lance Morris John O’Neal Melissa Pilney Morgan Proud Jill Randall Emma Rothbrust Kelsey Slack Benjamin Smith Clark Stinson Jonathan Teel Matt Tierney Nhan To Ashley Wanger Scott Wightman

University of Southern California Schaeffer Nelson University of Washington Marianne Ahlmann Vanderbilt University Brett Bolton Washburn University Jacob Thomas

University of Miami Nicole Sowden

Washington University in St. Louis Greg Allen Lauren Chesis Christine Hansen Jessica Katzenstein

University of Missouri-Columbia Ian Smith

Western Kentucky University Andrew Robinson

University of Missouri-Kansas City Amr Abu Alnadi Adam Blue Tyler Davis Andrew Iliff Jenny Lui Jessica Lui Ryan Robertson University of Missouri-Rolla Joshua Bohde Paul Conrad Christopher Crooks Kimberly Martin Steven Wallace University of Nebraska Chelsea Knott

West Point Military Academy Adam Lary Willamette University Caitlin O’Neil Wright State University Cori Davis Wyotech Luke Johnson Undecided Lacey Bailey Justin Bisel Ashley Bledsoe Nick Andrasik Robert Dercher Emmett Drummond

Ryan Forgy Sarah Geoffrion Andrew Gillard Erin Goode Seth Gordon Ayushi Gupta Melissa Harwood Tyler Hodges Whitney Hunt Stephanie Imber Robert Keeney Emily Kuykendall John Liu Joey Long Zhitao Luo Hunter Madl Samuel Miller Wyatt Nelson Justin Rowley Patrik Schantell Scott Sehorn Eliza Smithson Andrew Stanley Jacob Thompson Military Marc Rinke, Air Force Sam Stilley, Marines Work Joseph Brobeck William Chase Andrew Cox Dillon Huckabey Marissa Hutchison This list is based on information from the counseling office.

If there was no information regarding your choice by April 17, we could not include you.

12 seniors

May 5, 2006

Sayonara Seniors Abilene Christian University Landon Boyter Conner Snedden Arizona State University Kristen Petrick Avila University Anna Frazier Ashley Ratliff Klarissa Skinner Baker University Emily Beye Kristen Burchett Danielle Scarafile Baylor University Jenna Southerland Belmont University Jason Nash Brigham Young University Kori Hawkins Annie Littlewood Butler County Community College Tywon Hubbard Central Missouri State University Brian Anderson Tyler Madl Cody Scribner Cathryn Spencer Clemson University Corey Gray Coffeyville Community College Devin Bennett

Creighton University Erin Redhair DeVry University Evan Selba Drury University Jessica Burke Parker Sargent Emporia State University Rebecca Browar Rachel Deckard Maria Ramos Emily Sterk Grinnell College JP Prouty Tony Tonev Ibmec-Brazil Erik Alexandre Passaro Indiana University Angela Solomon International Academy of Design and Technology Matthew Wiggins Iowa State University Nick Goedken Johnson County Community College Grant Apple Brandon Ballweg Scott Beuer Chad Bourgeois Robert Boyd Lane Briggs Colin Brown Maggie Carey Zachary Carpenter

Michelle Cathey Jennifer Cobb Scott Cummings Jayson Diedrich Valerie Dobbins Caitlyn Dooley David Drimmel Autumn Fuller Matthew Galloway Austin Gillard Maxwell Greenwood Michael Hatutian Hannah Horsell Jennifer Humphrey Neil Hyde Shaun Kelly Kyong Kim Regan King Ashley Kuzmich Meredith Luker Casey Manning Kathryn Moravac Kellen Murray Tyler Nigus Ryan Ogden Weston Palmer Rachel Passman Joshua Prince Myriam Ramos Ashley Rapp Jamie Rieger Kristina Robb Rachelle Roman Jon Routh Nicole Sadir Calder Sagen Michael Schilf James Schneider Cody Simon Thomas Sisneros Jessica Smith Pam Van Cleve Randy Watts Carly Welch Meagan Wickham Brooke Wiegers Kansas State University Sam Aamot Tom Badeen Jonathan Chinn Laura Cline Talmage Cox Joshua deFlon Joanne De Jongh Jessica Donahoo

Krista Dunleavy Thomas Gnoza Mark Gruber Jason Harper Scott Kellenberger Ryan Kirkeby Megan Korte Nathan Lane

Mid-America Nazarene University Tim King Millcreek Technical William Howard

seniors 13

May 5, 2006

We’re not in high school anymore

Ottawa University Curt Alderman

Stanford University Timi Okah

Pittsburg State University Ashley Coleman

Stetson University Lindsay Martin

University of Advancing Technology Stephanie Allmon University of Colorado Jennifer Eliason Brad Harris Stephanie Sparling

Amanda Castanon Lisa Collins Kyle Combes Stephanie Cooper Daniel Cuevas Joel Cundiff Natalie Dallman Matthew Dirks My Do Christina Dickerson

John

Allison Mahoney Maxwell Miller Samantha Miles Jonathan Nee Jamie Nutt Aaron Ogilvie Aaron Ortbals Garrett Palm Matthew Palmer Kristin Parrish Thomas Peterman Heather Piernick Nerissa Praderio Courtney Rager Emily Reinhardt Michael Rollins Eric Tabaka Michael Vaught Timothy Versch Laura White Geoffrey Whited Sarah Wyatt Meranda Zeckser

Missouri State University Kelsey Shelton Daniel Smith Kimberly Varner New York University Eric Min

Keeley McVey Megan Richards Courtney Smith Amy Ster Jesse Stromme Paresa Tafreshi Jacob Tupper

Northwest Missouri State University Patrick Cocherl

Rockhurst University Tiffany Mitchell

Oklahoma State University Courtney Jerome

Saint Louis University Danielle Ford

Suffolk University Jonathan Eckman

Trinity University Melissa Stevens

Truman State University Kelly Schute

University of Illinois Maleeha Iqbal University of Kansas Hope Aguilar Nazia Ali Kevin Allen Mila Altman Zachary Ansaldo Danielle Ashner Hoyt Banks Stephen Blumhardt Austin Brown Emily Brown Leah Brown Kelly Bubeck Stephen Burton

Dickson Adrienne Fields Lauren Fitzpatrick Sean Flynn Jordan Foote Regan Gangel Darrin Hicks Andrea Hiesberger Matthew Hill Jessica Hoffman Cooper Ide Michael Ivanuska Jason Jones Robin Jonsson Lindsey Kearns Jonathan Kemmerer Ryan Koehler Kaitlyn Kruse Travis Lang Neil Likens Andrea Long Derek Lucas

Bader Madoukh Luke Matheis Christopher McGillivray Kelsey Miller Tosin Morohunfola Lance Morris John O’Neal Melissa Pilney Morgan Proud Jill Randall Emma Rothbrust Kelsey Slack Benjamin Smith Clark Stinson Jonathan Teel Matt Tierney Nhan To Ashley Wanger Scott Wightman

University of Southern California Schaeffer Nelson University of Washington Marianne Ahlmann Vanderbilt University Brett Bolton Washburn University Jacob Thomas

University of Miami Nicole Sowden

Washington University in St. Louis Greg Allen Lauren Chesis Christine Hansen Jessica Katzenstein

University of Missouri-Columbia Ian Smith

Western Kentucky University Andrew Robinson

University of Missouri-Kansas City Amr Abu Alnadi Adam Blue Tyler Davis Andrew Iliff Jenny Lui Jessica Lui Ryan Robertson University of Missouri-Rolla Joshua Bohde Paul Conrad Christopher Crooks Kimberly Martin Steven Wallace University of Nebraska Chelsea Knott

West Point Military Academy Adam Lary Willamette University Caitlin O’Neil Wright State University Cori Davis Wyotech Luke Johnson Undecided Lacey Bailey Justin Bisel Ashley Bledsoe Nick Andrasik Robert Dercher Emmett Drummond

Ryan Forgy Sarah Geoffrion Andrew Gillard Erin Goode Seth Gordon Ayushi Gupta Melissa Harwood Tyler Hodges Whitney Hunt Stephanie Imber Robert Keeney Emily Kuykendall John Liu Joey Long Zhitao Luo Hunter Madl Samuel Miller Wyatt Nelson Justin Rowley Patrik Schantell Scott Sehorn Eliza Smithson Andrew Stanley Jacob Thompson Military Marc Rinke, Air Force Sam Stilley, Marines Work Joseph Brobeck William Chase Andrew Cox Dillon Huckabey Marissa Hutchison This list is based on information from the counseling office.

If there was no information regarding your choice by April 17, we could not include you.

14 seniors

May 5, 2006

Despite time, distance, friends will always be there

High school full of great memories

sami miles

jessica katzenstein

staff reporter

F

rom best friends and bad break-ups to making the grades and eventually graduating, high school has been a roller coaster of ups and downs.

Since we first stepped into this school, we have been changing.

Our families, teachers, and most importantly, our friends, have helped to mold us into the people we are today. High school is a place where we shift from adolescent fantasies to the dreams we will forever work toward. We have grown up and learned a lot of lessons that we will need as adults.

Over the years, I have learned so many important things, but mostly I have realized the importance of friendship. I have lost friends and gained friends, but without them in my life I would feel completely alone. Especially now, as I get ready to finish up this year, I am becoming truly grateful for all of the people who have traveled

this road with me – the ones who have cried with me when I was missing my dad, laughed with me when I get one of my laughing fits and sometimes even did stupid things with me ­­— like writing on peoples cars in the middle of the night and TPing Wal-Mart’s parking lot.

Whether this next part of my life includes them or not, I will never forget them or the crazy things we did.

As George Washington once said, “True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.”

Sticking around, being there for a friend in need, and crying with them when things get rough – this is what separates a friend from a best friend.

Those few people who have truly stuck by me these past four years, who have never left my side, those are the ones that are true friends.

These are the girls who I called every time I had a problem. They were there for me when my dad died and every anniversary since with flowers and their support, even though it was also extremely hard on them. They stood up for me when a boy broke my heart, or when other people were wrongfully accusing me.

These are the girls I will always remember.

As I move on and go away this fall, I think about what will happen to the friendships that have gotten me this far. I know that distance cannot change the fact that we are best friends.

Even if we lose touch over the years, they will forever be in my heart because true friends are never forgotten.

news editor

S

eniors, no one has to tell you to “get ‘er done” anymore — you’ve got ‘er done, so get fired up! As you leave Blue Valley, you will take many things with you. You might take away a secure knowledge of who you are, a realization of who you want to be or maybe even a diploma, if you’re lucky.

However, some of the most important things you will take from this school are memories. For example, there was that time your team or group won state. It doesn’t really matter what team you were on or group you were in; you’ve likely won state at least once.

Or there is that time we got Standard of Excellence in nearly every subject.

Remember when we were little innocent freshmen, wandering through the hallways, wishing someone would tell us how to get to the 600 hallway? We have changed so much since then. We’re bigger, stronger, better navigators for the most part, and we have made a boatload of memories along the way that we should hold onto.

Freshman year, I walked into Richard Gill’s Honors Geometry class, saw the integrals and graphs scrawled across the board, and panicked, deciding it was Advanced Algebra for me all the way.

Now that I’m in calculus (a momentary lapse in judgment), I’ve realized integrals aren’t quite as bad as they seem. At least, I know the thrill of leaving ridiculously complicated-looking problems on the board for freshmen to freak out over.

Sophomore year, on a drill team trip to San Diego, two of my friends clogged the toilet in our hotel room. We took a picture of them plunging it, and unfortunately, the water is visible — a fact everyone noticed when the picture ended up on the slideshow during spring show.

Junior year was the year of AP Chemistry. That is not a memory I’d particularly like to cherish; however, I did learn from it. I learned that spectrophotometers are impossible, being six chapters behind is detrimental to one’s health, and having a teacher who bumps grades up one percent at the end of the year is very, very good.

Then there was this year, a bittersweet nine months. On the one hand, we killed ourselves over college applications; on the other, we had special privileges and a right to call laziness “senioritis.”

When I look back on high school five years from now, I won’t remember how crowded the freshmen hallway was or how the lunch line required 20 minutes to get through. I will remember how we shared silly inside jokes, how brilliant and amazing some of our teachers were and how bright the possibilities for college and beyond seemed. I’ll remember 9/11 and Bret Volker, who should be sitting with us at graduation. Not all our memories are happy, but they made us stronger and more caring and better able to appreciate life.

In a few months, most of us will be scattered all over the country, learning how to live on our own, share space with a roommate and do our own laundry (or maybe not). We’ll be leaving our safe, sheltered lives and moving into the adult world. However, as we go, we have to remember. Remember the good times and the bad, the funny and the challenging, because those times are part of who we are. Remember.

seniors 15

May 5, 2006

Dormitory Down-low

All the accessories to make your dorm room floor others when they walk in e a b l e. il m w o s h f orm rom list o d f d ust ay iled a houl . g u s w s p n A me a s com men ampu e i g h c o th a rtin t’s h int h e fres e on ons, m a t o S den r Pr leg riv corati d fr to l r e u o a t g n c i i s g e T that they all de ur m goin e a h T s w us yo are en item e wh gs to keep you all to f hav m ru re to me o the h Fro is su hat so own . d list fact t alk troom s w the e to ity re hav mun com

Even Coverage: Dorms are traditionally equipped with tile floors. Small area rugs that are 3 feet by 5 feet or 4 feet by 6 feet are great to cover the exposed tile on the floor and a lot less than having traditional carpet laid down.

Chill Out: While most housing departments have strict regulations on which appliances are in and which are out, minifridges never are on the list. Use a mini-fridge not only just to store beverages but also take advantage of the space on top of the fridge to put a small crate in which you can keep books and magazines. And hey, even though mom isn’t there to do it you can still hang all those good grades on the fridge door.

Wall-eye: Ask your parents if they have any cool old record albums, if so frame them and then hang them on your new wall, and then you have some vintage music influences that are different from all that “crap” your parents say you listen to today.

Get Lit: While dorms provide the basic lighting requirements, lamps or rope lighting are great ways to enhance the lighting and even possibly set the mood. PBteen.com offers stylish lampshades and even cooler lamp-stands.

Sheets Happen: Throw out the king bed you’ve been sleeping on since you were just big enough to climb out of your crib and welcome to the world of extra-long twin beds. Special sheets are needed for the longer beds and places like Bed Bath and Beyond or Linens n’ Things are a great place to start when it comes to looking for that perfect set of sheets.

Jersey Sheets that feel like a cotton t-shirt take wear and tear really well and can stand the harsh lifestyle of a college student.

BEST IN CLASS

16 seniors

Most Fr iendly

May 5, 2006

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The senior class voted on its senior superlatives last Thursday. A special thanks to seniors Steven Wallace, Tom Peterman and Sam Aamot for creating the software program to make voting easier for the seniors. Photos by Emily Kuykendall

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Laura C line and orohun

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Adam Blue and Kaitly

on and My Clark Stins

Patrick Cocherl

May 5, 2006

seniors 17

c i t e l h t A t s o M

Class C lown

Biggest Flirt

18 seniors Senior to attend military academy ellen thomas

opinions editor

T

he first day of college can be scary new classes, new people, new places.

Students are thrown into unfamiliar situations to see if they sink or swim.

These common concerns are the least of one senior’s worries, though.

Senior Adam Lary will have to deal with yelling drill sergeants, grueling physical training and very early mornings on top of the usual college freshman’s worries when he starts West Point Military Academy.

West Point, unlike most other universities, requires new students to attend a basic training program. Lary will leave for the eight-week program on June 25.

“I’m hoping that I go prepared,” Lary said. “I’ve been going to the gym a couple times a week and running, but I know that it will a lot worse than I can imagine.”

Getting into West Point reflects the impending life at the academy. Lary had to fill out the usual college applications and write essays. On top of that Lary had to complete a physical exam, get recommendations from Kansas senators and representatives in Congress and pass the Cadet Fitness Test, which included basketball throws from the knees, push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups and runs, among other tests. Just completing the basic requirements does not automatically get a candidate into the academy. Being a very competitive school, only about 10

May 5, 2006 percent of the people who apply actually get in.

While the lifestyle might be difficult for some to adjust to, some of the benefits of the academy outweigh some disadvantages. Most importantly, a West Point education is worth a lot of money — $320,000, to be exact. While Lary will have to pay $2,900 up front, he will receive all that back. Being technically a part of the military, Cadets at West Point are paid $7,200 a year. Part of that income goes to uniforms, tuition and other necessities while living there. The other part is placed in the Cadet’s checking account.

After being accepted into the academy, students spend a lot of time there.

While West Point students get all the basic holidays off like Thanksgiving, winter break and spring break, his summer vacations only last three weeks.

After that, he is required to attend another training program.

“The first summer I attend basic training, then my sophomore year there’s field training,” Lary said. “My junior year I am required to be a drill instructor for basic training. Senior year I get to choose a training program.”

Lary will graduate as a second lieutenant and be commissioned into the U.S. Army. He will be required to serve at least five years of active duty and three years of reserve duty.

“You have two years to decide if this is for you,” Lary said. “After you take your oath in your junior year, you are required to complete your time in the military” While Lary will have some of the same worries that most other college freshmen will have, there are some that will differ greatly. New people and places are not as big a concern as intense physical and psychological aspects of the military and attending West Point.

CONGRATULATIONS!

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features 19

May 5, 2006

Smoke Signals to Morse Codes to RAZR Cell phones Phone history changes rapidly nina humphrey

staff reporter

Ph by oto Ni Illu na st Hu rat mp ion hr ey

W

e’ve all seen the brutally vague educational videos when we were in elementary school about the first inventions. We remember the names of who invented what and when, but do we remember how?

Do we understand how it is possible to communicate with someone through a small device just by dialing a 10digit number and without thinking, we expect the person on the other end of them to pick up with a familiar “hello.” At one point telephones were limited only to receiving and sending one message at a time. This communication system was known as the dot-and-dash Morse code.

Alexander Bell, who is the one to first invent the first, real logical telephone came up with the idea in 1874 that he could develop a device that would transmit speech electrically.

But Bell’s greatest success was achieved on March 10, 1876, which marked the death of the multiple telegraph system. And it is proved through a notebook entry that describes his successful experiment. Speaking through the instrument to his assistant, Thomas A. Watson, in the next room, Bell utters these famous first words, “Mr. Watson, come here; I want to see you.” The end of 1880 completed the construction of the regular telephone line; there were 47,900 telephones in the United States. Almon Stowger, a Kansas City undertaker, invented a

switch that could connect one line to 100 lines by using relays and sliders, which became known as the “Strowger Switch.”

As time progressed and we explored deeper into the science of the telephone we are brought to the most modern communication device that nearly

Congratulations Blue Valley High School Seniors Class of 2006

Parents considering a move? Have them give me a call!

Jeannette Leroux Keller Williams Realty 11005 Metcalf Ave. Overland Park, KS 66210

913-266-5858

jleroux@kc.rr.com

every high-school teenager has. The basic concept of cellular phones began in 1947 when researchers looked at car mobile phones and realized that by using small cells with frequency reuse, they could increase the usage of mobile phones considerably. As the consumers demand heightened and they quickly overtook the cellular phone systems. In 1982 cell phone subscribers exceeded one million and the airways were crowded.

Through the last 28 years scientists and researchers have found solutions to these temporary problems, which allows billions of cell phone users to talk from various distances and still have a connection.

This next time you call your mother who is downstairs in the kitchen, asking her what time dinner will be, remember the labor and the science that is involved in that simple call.

20 entertainment

May 5, 2006

EntertainMatt matt galloway

entertainment editor

I

BYE - TIS

Departing seniors reflect on years of pop culture, relish in the memories of ‘Gettin’ Jiggy with It’ FAVORITE MOVIE

FAVORITE TV SHOW

Top Three Movies: 1) She’s All That 2) Billy Madison 3) Wedding Crashers

Top Three Shows: 1) Friends 2) Saved by the Bell 3) Full House

Senior Adam Blue: “The Big Green. The thespians did a beautiful, heartwrenching performance”

Senior Catie Spencer: “Friends (was the best).

Chandler was my favorite!”

FAVORITE ARTIST

FAVORITE CARTOON

2006

like Shakira.

There, I admitted it. There is something about a girl who sings in a language I don’t understand in the slightest while gyrating in the mud that really catches my attention. For all I know, “La Tortura” could be a small town on the outskirts of Mexico City. But that doesn’t matter to me.

You see, when I’m in the car with my friends, I’ll keep the channel on 96.5 The Buzz, singing along to Weezer or other 90’s alternative. But when they get out, it’s a completely different story. I find myself switching to Mix 93.3, and singing along to my favorite Latina lyricist’s creative wordplay.

“No sólo de pan vive el hombre y no de excusas vivo yo!”

Only, when I sing it, it comes out a little bit more like this: “Hans Solo’s bed pan visits homes, no excuses, yo!”

Clearly, that one year of Spanish I sophomore year paid off.

So why am I admitting this? How could it possibly benefit me to let out some of my biggest (and more embarrassing) pop culture secrets to the entire student body? The answer is this: 16 days.

16 days until graduation, that is. And I’m airing all my dirty laundry right here.

Want to know something else? I watch Date My Mom constantly. Although I don’t advocate anyone actually dating my mom, I think the show is hilariously entertaining. Plus, some of the moms are actually pretty hot themselves. Some are even hotter than their daughters. I guess the hilarious awkwardness between a teen-age man and a middle-aged mom, who are in the middle of rock climbing, just makes my day.

Guess what television show I watched religiously when I was a kid? Dawson’s Creek. That one stings. I can’t believe I just typed that. Yes, I am ashamed, but you try telling a seven-year-old kid that the future of Joey and Dawson doesn’t matter in the real world. Just try it! Yes, while you were watching Rugrats, I was hanging on the edge of my booster chair, wondering if Pacey would ever go to college.

Another thing, I think “Grillz” is one of the best songs of the last year. Nelly is a genius, even if all of his songs sound the same. It’s a perfect idea.

Why take care of your old teeth when you can just replace them with new ones worth more than your car? The entire song is great. Paul Wall and Nelly in the same song? Forget the Internet; that’s got me goin’ nuts.

Let’s see, what else do I have to get off my chest?

I know the lyrics to every No Doubt song ever made; I TiVo programs on the Food Network; I watch professional wrestling for the stories; and I actually paid for an album where Major League Baseball players sing karaoke.

There, I feel much better about myself. At least I was honest. What can I say? My lips don’t lie.

SENIOR -

CLASS OF

Hips that don’t lie

Top Three Artists: 1) 311 2) Spice Girls 3) N*SYNC

Senior Conner Snedden: “Will Smith. He drops a lyrical hotness unlike any other.”

Top Three Cartoons: 1) Rugrats 2) Doug 3) Hey Arnold!

Senior Joey Long: “Rocko’s Modern Life. It was funny because of his dog, Spunky.”

45 seniors polled

Pop Culture GRID ‘06 edition If I were a celebrity, I’d be...

Andrew Iliff

What teacher would make a good celebrity?

Favorite Hanson song, besides “MMM’Bop”?

Least favorite candy bar?

Almond Joy

Oprah

Pollard Caldwell

“I Like Boys”

Coach (Rick) McNerlin

“Lost Without Each Other”

Heath

senior

Reese Witherspoon

Krista Dunleavy

Julia Roberts

Mel Baskett

“Penny and Me”

Almond Joy

Melissa Stevens

Meg Ryan

Mel Baskett

“Penny and Me”

3 Musketeers

James Schneider

Kid Rock

senior

Kristin Parrish

senior

senior

senior

Melissa Hansen “Where’s the Love?”

Nutrageous

entertainment 21

May 5, 2006

Rock, Chalk...

Majority of summer concerts announced

Lawrence Rocks!

Break concerts forming, appear promising for KC

Jayhawk Nation not only delivers on the basketball court; college town quickly becoming known as the entertainment capital of Kansas

hank driskell

co-sports editor

S

imply put with this simile, Kansas is like an entertainment desert. Do not worry there is an entertainment oasis. The best way to get to this oasis is probably to take US 69 north to I-435 west and then hit K10 west until you get there, sounds a lot like directions to get to Lawrence. Lawrence, Kan., has proved over the years to be a city that is rich in entertainment, a city that is like an oasis to Blue Valley Tigers that are sick of baking in the entertainment desert they call home and are thirsting for entertainment.

Lawrence is home to one of the best-known hank driskell streets in Kansas.

Massachusetts Lawrence is home to Liberty Hall, which Street, more provides an arena for various forms of c o m m o n l y entertainment. Liberty Hall has hosted a known as variety of events in its 142-year history.

Mass, is home to some of the best shopping around. Many students flock to Mass Street to enrich their wardrobes and feel the history of Lawrence.

Weaver’s Department Store has been supplying Lawrence with clothes since 1857.

R

ockin’. That’s the only way to describe Godsmack’s new album, IV. Released on April 25, the CD features radio favorite “Speak,” along with 10 other tracks that will keep your head banging for the length of the CD. Godsmack took a bit of a risk with this album, however, with the addition of some acoustic guitar sounds that are unusually uncharacteristic of the typical metal they play. Despite this, the band has reached a much more mature level than that of their previous albums, but it might take a few run-throughs to fully appreciate their

emily kuykendall

editor-in-chief

co-sports editor

“I love shopping in Lawrence,” junior Madeline Bailey said. “Urban Outfitters on Mass St. is one of my favorite stores around.”

Others flock to Mass for the great food and atmosphere.

Many restaurants like Buffalo Bob’s Smokehouse, The Free State Brewery and Dad’s Place provide great food and even better atmosphere’s to enjoy a meal, especially if it is Jayhawk basketball season. Lawrence provides a wide selection of food. From burgers to Indian food to barbecue to sushi, Lawrence has it all.

“I love going up and getting a burger at the Free State Brewery before the basketball games,” junior Brock Souders said. “The atmosphere at the Brewery is almost as cool as Allen Fieldhouse.”

One of the biggest reasons students flee to Lawrence is the entertainment. The entertainment possibilities are nearly endless. There may not be a better location in Kansas for live entertainment. Most venues are small. Many people enjoy the feeling of being close to the performers. For example, Liberty Hall will hold a maximum of around 1,800 people while Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre holds ten times that amount at 18,000.

“The smaller crowds give you an up-close and personal feeling at the concerts, it’s awesome that a general admission ticket can get you that close,” junior Vanessa Abenoja said.

Many cafes and bars are a double-sided sword of entertainment. They can provide great food and entertainment. The Free State Brewing Co. and The Meat Market can provide this double threat. The Meat Market provides live music every Thursday night.

All in all, most Blue Valley students consider themselves lucky to live so close to Lawrence.

“I think it’s great that Lawrence is so close,” junior Jake Osmundson said. “It’s a really cool college town that provides us with a lot of awesome opportunities.”

Godsmack releases IV-star album adam lary

frank lasley

newer sound.

The band seems to have strayed a little from its hard rock/metal roots into a somewhat more subtle form of rock. Overall, it is a more balanced album, with a few harder songs like “Speak” and “The Enemy,” paired with slower songs like “Voodoo Too” and “One Rainy Day.” Though “Voodoo The new Godsmack CD, IV, Too” may not compare to the original features the single “Speak.” It “Voodoo” from their Godsmack album, is Godsmack’s fourth album. it sill has a catchy beat and lyrics. a welcome change to Godsmack After three years of waiting since and shows that they are a truly Godsmack released Faceless, they have diverse band. Godsmack is one certainly come out with a hit album of those bands one can hope to with IV. They went out on a limb by see well into the future. For now, softening up their sound a bit, but IV is just buy IV.

W

ith summer fast approaching, many students will look to see what bands will be visiting the Kansas City area for concerts.

While some groups have already posted summer tour dates, some are still in the middle of their spring tours and have yet to post summer dates.

For 96.5 the Buzz fans, here is what to expect: Depeche Mode and She Wants Revenge will be at Starlight Theatre on May 10; on May 11 Tool will be coming to Memorial Hall, although it is already sold out; Dave Matthews Band will be at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre on May 31 (the last day of school) for what looks to be a very promising show with G. Love and Special Sauce opening; the Warped Tour is coming to KC on June 19 at Verizon Wireless amphitheatre.

Buzz fans can also look forward to the Kottonmouth Kings and (HED)pe playing at Memorial Hall on July 3; AFI will be in town on July 5 at the Uptown Theatre; the Dresden Dolls and Panic! At the Disco will be performing at the Uptown Theatre on July 21; the same evening as the Dresden Dolls show, Jack’s Mannequin will be performing at the City Market.

98.9 the Rock only has two other concerts posted, but Live and Queensryche will be performing at the Uptown Theatre on May 17. Rockfest will be at Liberty Memorial on June 10. The main stage starts off with Staind and Shinedown. Three Days Grace, Candlebox and Shadow’s Fall will perform for the middle acts. The concert will wrap-up with Trapt and Evans Blue.

For pop music fans, Kelly Clarkson will be performing at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre on July 21 with Rooney for the Addicted Tour.

While not all tour dates are posted and there are sure to be more coming to KC, the summer concert scene is shaping up to be more than enough to keep many concert-goers happy.

22 sports

May 5, 2006

Q & A with Tiger sports stars

Does KC have a pro baseball team?

Sport: Tennis Favorite athlete: Hercules

frank lasley

co-sports editor

R

oyals? Who are the Royals?

Unfortunately, nearly everyone knows who the Royals are.

Personally, I wish I could completely rid my memory of the team. With a record of 5-18, who in their right mind would want to watch the Royals play unless they were supporting the other team?

Watching the Royals play against such teams as the oh-so-formidable Devil Rays is like watching a hawk swooping down on a crippled, defenseless rabbit. You don’t even want to know what it’s like when they play the White Sox and Yankees. I for one would rather light myself on fire and jump off of the jumbo-tron than watch the Royals attempt to play baseball. Doing so would be far less painful than watching the Royals.

Its disgusting when the highest paid player on the team (Mike Sweeney), who should be outperforming the rest of the team, is just as bad, if not worse, than many of his teammates. Sweeney has a batting average of .176 and things don’t seem to be improving.

Also, Zack Greinke is said to be

returning soon, but it doesn’t look as though that will be enough to completely change the direction that this season is heading. In a phone interview Grienke admitted that he wasn’t sure that he was completely over whatever it was that caused him to visit a psychiatrist and go on the 60day disabled list in the first place.

If he isn’t completely over whatever it was, his pitching may suffer because of it and the Royals will continue to be a royal screw-up and embarrassment to fans.

The next date marked on my calendar: Sept. 10, the Chiefs first regular season game. They are playing the Cincinnati Bengals and it will be exciting to see how Herm Edwards is doing with his coaching of the Chiefs.

As for now, the Kansas City Royals franchise is dead to me. When you go into every game expecting to lose, it’s obvious that some serious change needs to happen. Until that change happens the Royals will continue to be a disgrace to the sport of baseball.

Look at it this way: it can’t get any worse, can it?

Favorite Spectator Sport: Cock Fights One adjective that describes you: The-hardest-worker-ever-born

Name: Andrew Iliff

Favorite meal: Rocky Mountain Oysters Sport: Girls’ Swimming

Favorite athlete: Michael Phelps Favorite Spectator Sport: Football Name: Christine Hansen

One adjective that describes you: Pruny Favorite meal: Lasagna

Sport: Softball Favorite athlete: Laura Berg Favorite Spectator Sport: Softball or baseball One adjective that describes you: Competitive

Name: Devin Bennet

Favorite meal: Pasta compiled by autumn fuller

players selected by coaches

sports 23

May 5, 2006

Lighter side of baseball Rec baseball season kicks off; students relax, enjoy game

“[I participate] so I could play baseball with my good friends,” varsity baseball player Ian Janes said. ust in his face, junior Austin Most of the students use rec. baseball Quarles smacks his glove as more of a chance to have fun, rather anxiously, anticipating the than serious competition. Since there ground ball headed his way. Quarles are no tryouts the skill level varies; is a member of a BV baseball team, some play for their high school, while although it might not be the one you others have never played. For instance, are thinking of. junior Cedric Legrand, a “I didn’t want to break “I didn’t want to foreign exchange student too many school records, from Germany, is playing so I decided to play rec break too many baseball for the first time school records, so with the Rockies. The baseball,” Quarles said.

Quarles plays for the I decided to play practice schedule for most Astros, a BV recreational teams is fairly light as rec baseball.” team consisting of Blue well; in fact some teams Valley students. His team don’t even have practice. is one of three teams made up of This lack of seriousness tends to mostly BV students. Other teams from make games less competitive, though Blue Valley include the Rockies, Sus there are many rivalries between Padres and the Grazing Buffaloes. teams as most players know each Many teams include baseball other. This adds to the competition players who play for the high school, since many of the players are looking but are using rec baseball as another for bragging rights against their opportunity to have fun. These classmates.

Although recreational players are eligible to compete once sports are generally less serious than the season ends. high school sports, the teams aren’t

matt killen

staff reporter

D

submitted by kristen burchett The Tigers, a girls rec softball team, pose for a photo last summer at Miller’s Woods. Above, BV students from top row — head coach Terri Burchett, Nerissa Praderio, Jenna Southerland, Regan Gangel, Erin Goode, Kristin Parrish, Chrissy Ewell and Krista Dunleavy; first row — Amy Ster and Kristen Burchett. Along with boys’ baseball, there is also a rec girls’ softball league. afraid of a little competition.

“Let’s just say that they they’ve reserved the trophies for us already,” Quarles said.

So far, the Astros, as well as the other Blue Valley teams, have an optimistic

look into the new season. The rec baseball season lasts through June and is made up of one division for juniors and seniors and another division for freshman and sophomores.

Athletes train through summer Camps, workouts offer chance to improve; students further team building skills sara ster

staff reporter leeping in until noon, and staying up all night with friends is how some students would describe their ideal summer, but not for dedicated Tiger athletes. The alarm clocks will be set, and the parking lot will be filled, all before 8 a.m. on week days during the summer workouts, sponsored by coach Steve Rampy. “[I go to summer workouts] to become faster and stronger, and my dad makes me,” junior Morgan Snell said.

Workouts will be held in two sessions, one from 6 a.m. until 8:30 a.m., and the second session from 7 a.m. until 9:30 a.m.. Girl’s workouts begin at

S

provided by hank driskell The football team takes a break during camp in 2005. The football team will have camp July 17-21 this summer. Along with camps for individual sports, there are workouts in the morning throughout the summer for anyone wishing to work out and train for the upcoming season.

9 a.m. with speed and agility with weightlifting following.

“It’s necessary for every sport from golf to basketball,” basketball coach Andy Unrein said. “It keeps kids in shape all summer long and gets them stronger and faster.”

Not only do morning workouts take place during the summer, but sport camps are held for each school sport before classes begin in August.

“It helps the new kids know the expectations, and allow us to build off what we already have,” Unrein said.

“Summer workouts are a great opportunity for players to continue working with their team and build camaraderie,” former volleyball coach Keil

Pittman said. “It builds Tiger pride.”

Junior Chris Castor agrees with Pittman.

“It helps team chemistry and getting to know everyone while becoming a better player,” Castor said.

Camp Dates Group.......Date of camp Drill team.......June 12-16 Boys’ Bball.....June 12-16 Girls’ Bball.....June 19-23 Volleyball........July 17-21 Football...........July 17-21 Band.........Aug. 3, 4, 7-12

24 sports

May 5, 2006

Spring Sports Wrap-up Boys’ Tennis andrew robinson

editor-in-chief

I

t was a busy week last week for the tennis team.

They finished the week 12 in a week with temperatures often in the high 80’s and low 90’s. The Tigers fought fatigue and sweat with four matches in four days.

On Thursday, against Olathe East, the doubles team of senior Andrew Robinson and sophomore Kolbe Joens won 86. Joens and sophomore Jared Schmiechel also added wins in singles. On Wednesday Joens and Robinson took seventh place in the Aquinas Invitational. On Tuesday Joens and Robinson won their singles matches against EKL foe, Blue Valley Northwest.

Robinson was down 4-7 at one point in the match and fought back to win 9-7.

The Tigers also took on Bishop Miege last week on Monday. Joens and Robinson again contributed doubles and singles victories. Schmeichel won 8-1, juniors Matt Mulligan and Nate Chastain as well as senior Andrew Iliff also added singles wins.

Baseball colin brown

staff reporter

B

lue Valley baseball snapped a three-game losing streak against a first-time opponent, Nixa, Mo. with a score of 12-4, April 22. Trey Hobson hit a three-run inside the park homerun, while Jacob Tupper hit a three-run outside the park homerun. Nate Kerkhoff allowed only four runs and improved his record to 3-1.

On April 20 the Tigers traveled to Bishop Miege to get beat 7-3. The Tigers were held to only four hits en route to the defeat. Brandon Rusnak’s record dropped to 1-3.

The team set a state record for total runs in a game when they defeated Olathe South, 27-26, April 13. A 35 mph wind that was blowing out contributed to the scoring frenzy.

Golf hank driskell

co-sports editor he state championship tourney is approaching fast for the reigning state champion boys’ golf team; however, the Tigers must not look past their regional qualifying tournament.

This year the 6A regional competition will be held at the Tigers’ home course, Iron Horse on May 15.

If the Tigers can qualify for state they will travel to Dodge City, Kan. The 6A state championship tournament will be held at Mariah Hills Golf Course on May 22.

On May 1 the Tigers completed their second round of the EKL league tournament at Meadowbrook Golf Course.

The Tigers finished fifth at the tournament and are currently in fourth place overall in the tournament.

The third and final round will be played at Alvamar Golf Course May 10.

The Tigers traveled to Carey Park Golf Course

T

in Hutchinson, Kan.. on April 28 for the Hutchinson Invitational. The team ended up with an eighth place finish out of a total of 36 teams.

The Tigers’ best individual finish was from Adam Blue.

Blue shot 71 and tied for fourth place out of 180 golfers at the tournament.

“We will play a quality opponent every game in Regionals,” coach K. Dean Snell said. “There is a good chance it could be one of the Blue Valley Schools.”

Girls’ Soccer

brooke thurman

sara ster

staff reporter

A

s of Monday the Lady Tiger soccer team is 35-2. On April 25 they took on the Huskies of Blue Valley Northwest suffering a 1-5 loss. April 26 the Lady Tigers played the Aquinas Saints, but after a tough battle the Tigers came out on the short end, losing 0 to 4.

“We made them earn every one of their goals,” senior captain Tiffany Mitchell said.

Junior Niki Burczyk leads the Tigers with six goals followed closely by Mitchell with four goals. The team will have its first regional game on May 15. Seedings have yet to be determined. With Blue Valley playing in the 6A division this year the competition level has definitely been raised.

Track staff reporter

T

he track and field team continued its season on Monday at the Belton Invitational. This meet was rescheduled from last Friday because of rain.

The boys’ and girls’ teams both took second place out of 14 teams, with scores of 97 and 82.75, respectively.

The team members who garnered first place showings were: Amr AbaAnaldi in the 1600 m run; Alan Chinery in high jump; Brook Gorthy in the 1600 m run and Devin Wiegers in the 3200 m run.

The girls’ 400 m relay took first.

The members of the team who qualified for the Kansas Relays traveled to KU on April 21 and 22. The girls sprint medley team broke the school record of 4:34.5 that was set in 2000. The girls and boys’ 4 x 1 and one mile teams both established school records.

The team travels to Shawnee Mission North today for the North Relays.

EKL championships are May 12 at Blue Valley Northwest and the state meet is May 2527 at Wichita State.

Softball sami miles

staff reporter

W

ith a 3-8 season so far, softball remians optimistic,assistant coach Jim Laughlin said.

Their last game was against St. Thomas Aquinas on Thursday, April 27. Both games were lost to Aquinas 5-0, and 6-0.

Girls’ softball season began April 4 with a home game against Washburn.

Coach Laughlin said that junior Mary Thompson and sophomore Stacey Carabello were hardworking batters who help the offense immensely. He also added that freshman pitcher Lindsey Muller was a great asset for the defense.

With three games before regionals, the team is looking for a turnaround.

The location is yet to be announced, but regionals will be held from May 15 -18. State follows in Wichita from May 26 - 27.