Volume 23 Issue 5

SPOTLIGHT

WHAT’S INSIDE

Page 8: Senior Assassins

Page 18: Diversity Assembly

Page 22: Spring Sports

Volume 23, Issue 5

April 25, 2024

PHOTOGRAPHED BY K.

GILLIAN

CONTENTS

OPINION

Pg 4 & 5: Colleen Hoover

Pg 6 & 7: The Bachelor

A&E

Pg 8 & 9: Senior Assassins

FEATURE

Pg 10 & 11: Senior Spring Break

Pg 12 & 13: Alex Lahasky

Pg 14 & 15: K9 Veterans Day

Pg 16 & 17: Gun Control

Pg 18 & 19: Diversity Assembly

Pg 20 & 21: CPKC Stadium

Pg 22 & 23: Spring Sports

SPORTS FINAL

Pg 24: Student Spotlight

OLETTER EDITORS

FROM THE

ur final edition of Spotlight has arrived. Thank you so much to anyone who took time to read any of our stories, interact on social media, or be interviewed. This is a student run publication and we could not do this without your support. We hope you enjoy our final edition for the 2023-2024 school year. Be on the lookout for more stories on bvwnews.com in the coming weeks. Have a great end to your school year and a fantastic summer!

Your Editors in Chief, LANEY BOSSI & REBECA FLORES LUNA

ON THE

COVER

Friendship on the FIELD

On the first game of the season, two varsity soccer players congratulate each other after scoring during the second half of the game.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY K. GILLIAN

STAFF

EDITORS IN CHIEF

Laney Bossi & Rebeca Flores Luna

SOPHOMORE REPORTERS

Aubree Bowsher & Mallory Love

JUNIOR REPORTERS

Lexi Reeder, Olivia Snyder, Mady Starkey,

SENIOR REPORTERS

Lamya Alam & Allie Friesz

ADVISER

Mrs. Sinclair

POLICY STATEMENT

Spotlight is printed six times a year for the BV West students. Our goal is to inform, entertain, and interpret through bylined articles while providing an open forum of communication for the diverse student population. We aim to be fair, accurate, and impartial. The content of the print publication, online news site, and social media is determined by the KSPA and may contain controversial subject matter as the students use their First Amendment rights. (Spotlight doesn’t necessarily reflect the opinions of the faculty advisor, the adminitration of BVW, or USD 229.)

WRITTEN BY LANEY BOSSI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

B

efore 2021, I had yet to learn who Colleen Hoover was, then she took over my entire timeline. I could not go 3 minutes without seeing a video about “It Ends with Us,” so I bought it. After finishing it, I thought it was a passable book. It was a fast read that was captivating and got me back into reading, however, after I read higher-brow books I came to notice the palpable faults of her work. For starters, Hoover approaches sensitive topics such as abuse, drugs, suicide, and miscarriages in a deplorable manner. In her most popular novel “It Ends with Us,” Lily Bloom falls for Ryle Kincaid, a man who soon becomes her abuser. Kincaid engages in “spur of the moment” abusive attacks that Bloom brushes off. Readers experience the ever-racing thoughts Bloom has regarding her safety. Hoover almost hits a noble point when Bloom decides to leave Kincaid and break the cycle of abuse for her daughter, who was the product of Kincaid raping Bloom out of “jealousy.” Still, it gets undone when Kincaid goes to pick up his daughter at the end of the novel. Bloom nurtures a relationship between her daughter and Kincaid even though Kincaid is a serial abuser. This novel misses

ITENDS WITH

the mark exponentially and has left a message that women are not strong enough to escape abusive relationships. Additionally, there has been a surge of these books being written. I keep seeing TikToks of young women praising books that frame abuse as “hot” and “desirable” because the guy is “protective” over his girlfriend. Trauma is not love and it pains me that so many young girls believe that it is because of the literary negligence of Hoover and similar authors. Additionally, Hoover has done some inappropriate things such as creating a nail polish line and a (now canceled) coloring book surrounding “It Ends With Us,” a book about abuse. I encourage everyone to explore books outside the confines of “BookTok”. There are thousands of amazing, thought provoking books out there that are waiting to be read.

WRITTEN BY MADY STARKEY JUNIOR REPORTER

If you asked me four years ago what my favorite book was, I would have laughed in your face. I hated reading with a passion and I could not stay engaged enough to even get halfway through a book. In March of 2022, on a spring break trip to Washington D.C, I brought the book “It Ends with Us” by Colleen Hoover on my flight as a last resort to solve my boredom. I somehow ended up reading the whole book on the flight home. Hoover did a great job of taking a sensitive subject, in this book’s case was abuse, and demonstrating the reality of how difficult it is to leave the situation. Protagonist Lily Bloom had seen her father, Andrew Bloom, abuse her mother throughout her whole childhood and later in the book, we see her husband, Ryle Kincaid

WITHUS

demonstrated those same characteristics. After the actions of her husband, she knew she had to make a decision in the best interest of herself and their child, Emerson. In the book’s entirety, the goal was to spread the idea of “breaking the cycle” of abuse through generations. Once I finished reading “It Ends with Us,” I began obsessessing over Hoover books and how she was capable of taking harsh topics and demonstrating the reality of emotions. My most recent read was “Regretting You.” This was a brilliant book because of how the mother daughter relationship was portrayed. Hoover did an outstanding job demonstrating the truth behind miscommunication and how trauma affects both adults and children. Another thing to keep in mind is how Hoover has reached “BookTok,” which is a side of TikTok that shares book recommendations and discusses plots. This has helped Hoover reach her target audience of mostly female younger readers and help to spread awareness. Hoover’s books have helped me get into reading and although I’ve read a variety of books now, I will always have a soft spot for Hoover and her writing.

THE BACHELOR

WRITTEN AND DESIGNED BY LAMYA ALAM SENIOR REPORTER

The new season of “The Bachelor” began airing on Jan. 22, 2024. For the first time in three years, this season featuring the bachelor Joey Graziadei brought in a large amount of viewers. The season began with Joey crying on the beach where he was to propose to the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. This automatically brought in more viewers as everyone wanted to know how the show would end. In week one, Joey welcomed 32 women into the mansion, this was the most women in Bachelor history. From the beginning, the episode was full of drama, including stealing a one-on-one and a kiss. In week two, the viewers finally got to see some connections form. There was the first group date, which consisted of a wedding. Then Daisy got the first one-on-one, which included a helicopter ride, a music festival, and a

dinner with Joey, where she finally got to open up about her health issues. By week three, the group of ladies had gotten a lot smaller. It also featured some of the ladies from the Golden Bachelor. One of the big things from this week was the drama between Sydney and Maria. After Maria opened

up to Joey about bullying, the house became extremely divided. The drama between Sydney and Maria continued into week four, where it was finally put to an end when Joey sent Sydney home. This week included two episodes, Lexi getting a one-on-one and Kelsey T. also getting one. They both opened up about their pasts, growing their connection with Joey.

The remaining women and Joey headed off to Canada after being in Europe for a couple of weeks. At this point, there were less than six ladies left. With hometowns coming up, Joey had to get it down to four women. Those being Maria, Daisy, Kelsey A., and Rachel. During hometowns, we saw some connections grow and some break. By the end of the week, Joey sent Maria home, a heartbreak to Bachelor Nation. Daisy, Rachel, and Kelsey headed to Tulum, Mexico to finish off the season. They had soon of their final dates with Joey, which ended in Joey sending Rachel home. This left Daisy and Kelsey to fight food the final rose. It is seen in the last episode, that Joey had a greater connection with Kelsey. Daisy knew this was true, and decided to leave Joey so he would not be able to break her heart. The episode ended with Joey and Kelsey getting engaged.

BACHELOR

This season was full of drama and romance, at some points we even questioned if Joey would find the one, but it ended in the most beautiful way.

She said... YES

Contestant Joey Graziadei proposes to Kelsey Anderson during the finale of the 28th season of The Bachelor.

PHOTOGRAPH PROVIDED BY THE TODAY SHOW

Celebrating LOVE

Contestants Joey Graziadei and Kelsey Anderson talk about their engagement at After the Final Rose during the Bachelor Finale.

PHOTOGRAPH PROVIDED BY DAILY EXPRESS U.S.

WRITTEN AND DESIGNED BY LEXI REEDER

JUNIOR REPORTER

EWest seniors play the game Assassins. The game has been a tradition for many years among the senior class. The goal of the game is to be the last person standing. At the beginning of every week, the managers send out everyone’s target, then the game begins. Two juniors are always the managers, this year it’s juniors Sebastian Poe and Millie Reitz. The managers are the people who run the game. They’re the ones who have to do everything like create the group chat, run the assassins Instagram page, and keep track of all of the seniors who are playing. Poe says that the hardest part of being a manager for the assassins

Within the first two weeks of the game, there was a situation where one player dumped alleged toilet water on another player. Conflicts like these are what the managers are having to deal with. The players have had to become creative in thinking of strategies and ways to assassinate their target, so that they can advance to the next round. When senior Kenny Hall’s target attempted to get him the first time, they used an unfair method so he took it to the managers. This created a lot of conflict because not everyone agreed with the manager’s decision to let him back in the game. His assassin had blocked him into his driveway, so he couldn’t leave which he stated was not fair. He contacted the managers and they agreed with him, so that was added to the rules. His assassin did technically get him, but because of the rule change, it didn’t count and he was allowed to come back into the game. Halls has had one of the more unique experiences this year during his time in the game. When attempting to get his target the first time he failed, so he had to think of a new strategy. Halls said “I camped outside of her house in the morning before school, but that didn’t work. Then, I found

Sebastian Poe

out her plan to get her assassin and intercepted the kill.” Finding out the best time to get your target can be difficult, because you have to work around both players schedules, and know when the target is out of one of the many safe zones. Safe zones are locations where no one can be eliminated. These spots include all Blue Valley property.

While playing the game you are learning so much about people you might not have even known existed. Halls said the most fun part of the game has been “learning about

people in my grade I had no idea about before and strategizing with friends.”

One of the qualities of this game is how time consuming it is. Players will camp outside of their target’s homes, or follow them around for hours in order to eliminate them.

Senior Ava Hefner said “it’s been a lot of fun but keeps me super busy.”

Along with all of the time that goes into eliminating a target, players have to strategize ways to stay safe from their assassin, so they don’t get eliminated.

Money is a big factor in this game because you

can buy back in or buy people out. If a player does get eliminated, but wants to keep playing, they can buy back into the game which means they pay a fee and are automatically back in. Buying people out is a little different. If a player is struggling to eliminate their target, they can offer to pay the person however much money they choose, and then the target just lets themselves be eliminated.

There are many different rules and quirks to the game, but overall it’s a super fun tradition for the seniors.

SENIOR SPRING BREAK

WRITTEN AND DESIGNED BY MADY STARKEY JUNIOR REPORTER

As time flies and the class of 2024 gets closer to graduation, the annual senior spring break trip is used to commemorate the class and how far they have come since starting high school. This year the senior class took a trip to the Dominican Republic. “The weather was so nice and the scenery was beautiful,” said senior Quin Breuckmann. Along with the beautiful location, it was also a great opportunity to build closer relationships with peers. “It was fun to be around my

classmates outside of school, I would definitely say we got closer as a class and a lot of us who aren’t as close became closer because of it,” said senior Taylor Gaither. Senior spring break trips have maintained similar traditions throughout the years. These traditions help to maintain a sense of routine and similarity. Some of these traditions include; fake patties day, a boat day filled with snorkeling, and white night, typically towards the end of the trip where everyone wears white and many photos are taken. “My favorite

event was definitely the boat. We went snorkeling with sharks and sting rays and that was really fun. Later we met in a cove area with friends and family. This was my favorite part because we got to enjoy being with each other and bond before we all go back home,” said Gaither. Although the entire class does not attend the trip, memories are still made, and friendships are still built and strengthened.

SPRING EXPLORING...

Holding on TIGHT

On annual white night, a group of seniors take a photo with other members of the class of 2024.

PHOTOGRAPH PROVIDED BY

GWENYN REMBOLD

Under the SEA

On the traditional boat day at the end of the trip, seniors pose before snorkeling with fish in the Dominican Republic.

PHOTOGRAPH PROVIDED BY AUDREY DRYDEN

Senior Hope Acosta did not attend the senior class trip but instead traveled to Athens, Naxos, Santorini, and Austria. Acosta went with her best friend Jacey Herholz. “We got to experience new countries together and I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” said Senior Acosta. They attended a boat trip around the island of Santorini and later rode horses around historical sites. Alongside that they hiked to the highest point of Naxos and got to see wild mountain goats. “In Austria we toured the city and saw the beautiful castles where Austrian royalty used to live,” said Acosta. The trip came with so many new experiences and opportunities that gave them memories that will last them a lifetime.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY HOPE ACOSTA

MR LAHASKY

WRITTEN AND DESIGNED BY LIV SNYDER JUNIOR REPORTER

on February 6th, one

of our very own, Alex Lahasky, received the prestigious Milken Education award. The Milken Education Award recognizes exemplary educators within the state of Kansas. “It really was a special day,” said Lahasky. “I was caught very much by surprise, I felt very honored but more than that I felt humbled because I know how many good teachers there are at West.” Lahasky recognized all of the teachers at West, saying “As I was walking down there I kept thinking about all of my colleagues and how fortunate I am to work with them.” He recognized all of those he works with but when asked who he thought was going to receive the award, he had only one in mind. “Theresa Grospich,” said Lahasky. From learning calculus to becoming a colleague, Lahasky said Grospisch was the “first

name to come to mind” when learning of the award. “She has had such a decorated career and is an incredible teacher.” Along with being recognized with the award, there were other benefits along with it. The most memorable being the $10,000 check to the recipient of the award. “The money I’m afraid is mostly already

spent” putting the money towards a brand new minivan for their family of four. While the money was made out to be the biggest reward of the award, Lahasky soon realized the other opportunities and benefits that go along with it. “There are a lot of networking opportunities. I received a lot of messages,

got to meet with several previous winners, and learned of the conference every year for the new award members which I will attend in June.”

Lahasky has been known for his innovative and creative teaching styles, creating fun activities to go along with the subject students are learning, creating music videos to help further understand the content for the week, or having passionate discussions over the article of the week where he urges students to get involved with the history. I am in Lahasky’s AP US History class and I have never had a teacher you can tell truly cares about his students and their education. He forms personal connections with each one of his students by asking the question of the day, to talking to us during AST, you can never say he doesn’t care about his students. I can’t think of another teacher more deserving of the award.

LAHASKY

Drew Ely

“Mr. Lahasky was the most deserving recipient. He’s a great teacher and a better man. He always tries hard to make sure we understand the content, and brings a special kind of joy to the classroom for all of his students.”

Mr. Lahasky is such a great teacher. He always makes class so engaging; from the lecture competitions to the mock simulations of specific events. I appreciate the time he devotes to help us. His lecture videos explain everything really well in depth. I have really enjoyed being in Mr. Lahasky’s class this year and wish him another congratulations on the Milken Award.”

Mr. Lahasky’s love of teaching and West, and passion for U.S. history pour through everything he does here and beyond. He commits himself thoroughly to students’ learning, growth and well-being, and at the same time supports the Social Studies team. He lifts up each colleague he encounters. It’s a pleasure and gift each day to get to work with Alex Lahasky.”

Mr. Lahasky creates a very engaging environment for us to learn. He ensures that every day he has lesson plan that helps us learn the material while also teaching us in an engaging way. His constant creative lessons have made me really enjoy his class and want to learn more about US History. He has encouraged me to work harder and not just “try to pass the class.” He is such a fun and enjoyable person and I have so much fun every day I am in his class for APUSH.

Ivanka Joshi

Mrs. Hooven

Mayank Shrestha

K-9 HEROES

WRITTEN AND DESIGNED BY ALLIE FRIESZ SENIOR REPORTER

K-9 Veterans Day is celebrated on March 13. On this day, K-9 breeders and handlers honor the service of their furry companions. K-9s serve roles in the military and law enforcement. They are also embedded in the Coast Guard, FBI, and sometimes even the Secret Service. This holiday also recognizes service dogs who help people who may have special needs and also mental health issues. Service dogs often risk their health and lives

to accomplish their mission. That is why we recognize them every year for what they have done. Joe White, who is a Vietnam War veteran from Jacksonville, Florida started K-9 Veterans Day. He was a dog handler who saw firsthand how valiantly K-9s served and he was disturbed by the way the dogs were treated after service. So he wanted to help raise awareness for the dogs and that is how he came up with K-9 Veterans Day. During WWI, dogs were used as messengers by

Pako SEEK

Staff Sgt. Radames Leon and Pako are a 96th Security Forces Squadron military working dog team at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY U.S Air Force

European forces. They were also used to help haul supply carts and machine guns. They helped locate wounded soldiers. In WWII, dogs served in various branches like helping guard supplies and also rescuing downed pilots. Unfortunately, less than 200 military working dogs made it back home from the 20,000. Today working dogs detect explosives and narcotics, and hey have much better welfare thanks to the military learning from its past mistakes.

K-9 Axel served as a Tactical K-9 for the ATF Special Response Team. He conducted over 200 high risk operations in his career all over the U.S. Axel specialized in conducting search warrants and missions to locate and apprehend the nation’s most wanted and dangerous criminals. Axel routinely performed fast-roping from helicopters, rappelling from towers and buildings, water insertions, rural tracking, and urban operations with some of the most elite police and military units in the world. The rope operations that he performed he would be connected to his handler as they did the fast-roping when they got into the building or the ground he would be released so that he could help them catch whoever they were looking for. Axel was forced to retire at the age of eight years old from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms because of how active his career was.

Military Working Dog Dodo spent seven years assigned to the U.S. Army’s 513th Military Working Dog Detachment in Fort Bliss, Texas as well as an assignment at Fort Lewis, Washington. Dodo was certified as a Patrol and Explosive Detection Dog that served with the utmost distinction during his career. Dodo deployed in support of combat operations in Syria, as well as a combat deployment to Iraq. In addition to his service overseas, he was attached to the United States Secret Service to protect the President of the United States over ten missions. After his last deployment to Iraq, Dodo was medically retired due to severe arthritis that has been increasingly giving him significant mobility issues. He also has been diagnosed with Melanoma Cancer and Lumbosacral Disease. Currently, Dodo is living with his still serving active-duty handler and her family.

K-9 Remington, the 2020 Search and Rescue Hero Dog, is more than just a retired search and rescue K-9. He is a cancer survivor, and an advocate for dogs in fire service and retired K-9s. Remington was nationally certified in human remains detection and worked many cases across the United States with Special K-9’s Search and Rescue, a unit dedicated to assisting in the detection, location and recovery of buried primary crime scenes and hidden remains. Remington spent his entire life fighting for those who would not fight for themselves. When not on searches he worked with the fire service, first at the New Cany Fire Department and later with Navasota Fire Department. He was a constant figure at public relations events. On June 19, 2019, he was medically retired. He still has cancer and now only has three legs, but he continues to live his life.

GUN CONTROL

WRITTEN AND DESIGNED BY AUBREE BOWSHER

SOPHOMORE REPORTER

With around forty percent of American adults saying that they own a gun, it’s no surprise Americans have grown accustomed to hearing about shootings in their communities. Because of these shootings, students from elementary to high school participate in active shooter drills throughout the school day, and many students have experienced a school shooting firsthand. Although about 72% of American gun owners say that the main reason they own a gun is for protection, gun violence has been increasing in the U.S. Guns can be a tool for protection, however, many people are scared of the risk that is now simply

going to school or the grocery store.

“It puts fear into people,” School Resource Officer Cerwin Young said about gun violence. Now more than ever students across the country are scared to go to school because of gun violence. “I think some people can be really scared to leave their

Students shouldn’t be afraid to go to school. “ “

SRO

Officer Cerwin Young

house, especially if they’ve had someone who has been at the Super Bowl Parade or even at the Olathe East thing,” Senior Kerah Stewart said.

It is a reality that people

in the U.S. have come to accept as normal however in other countries this reality is far from normal. “I came from a different country. And when I came here it said that those countries are like they have a lot of violence. But I went there in schools for like 10 years and I never heard about a single incident where a single student was killed. And when it came here, it’s like every other day there’s a new shooting and people don’t really think about it,” Junior Mohammad Qureshi said.

People have different views on guns and how guns should be handled in the U.S. “I’m a firm believer in training. No matter what age you are, even if you’re an adult I believe you need to have the proper training to operate,”

Officer Young commented. Others expressed different opinions. “I feel like there’s too many guns,” Qureshi said. “I know that there are a lot of bills going around, but people don’t really believe in them,” Qureshi added. Often people take extremes on gun control thinking that civilians shouldn’t be allowed guns at all or thinking that there isn’t a need for strict gun control. However some people believe that it is acceptable for civilians to have guns, but restrictions need to be more heavily enforced and for those who own guns there needs to be “very strict conditions, they can use it but you don’t need twenty just laying around at home,” Qureshi said. “You can have it for safety reasons, but just basically

one and one, and only the adult of the house should know where it is, instead of like telling your kids.” Stewart shares her thoughts on civilians owning guns saying, “I think again, the background checks. I think the right people should have those and if you have kids I feel like you should have them in a safe or make sure it’s hidden or not tell them where it is … I understand the right to have a gun and stuff, but I feel like recently, they’ve been just used for wrong purposes.”

While some Americans believe that it is their right to own a gun, guns make others feel unsafe and scared of what could happen in public spaces. Shootings can seriously affect the community and

can be a very controversial topic to talk about. For example, the Olathe East shooting on March 4, 2022 left three wounded, and the 2024 Super Bowl Parade resulted in 39 injured and one dead. Both shootings hit close to home for students at West. Olathe East is close to West and many students have friends and family at Olathe East. Many students were also in attendance at the parade or knew people who went and both cases could cause stress from not knowing what was going to happen. Although many people have different opinions on the matter, most people agree that gun violence can have a serious effect on the community.

Too Close to HOME

The violence that erupted during the Super Bowl parade raised questions

CULTURE ON

WRITTEN AND DESIGNED BY REBECA FLORES LUNA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

BV West cornerstones are key components to becoming an outstanding jaguar: Pride, Grit, Excellence, and Family. Families come in all different shapes and sizes. The Family of the students and staff from Blue Valley west come from all different places from around the world with a variety of different backgrounds. With such a diverse community at our school. The students and staff make an outstanding attempt to help everyone feel appreciated and incorporated of all their cultures.

The BV West diversity club has the goal to work

towards achieving inclusivity in the diversities of our community. By organizing religious celebrations, showing appreciation to cultural holidays, and drawing attention to an unnoticed

variety of customs, The BV West Diversity club does their best to emphasize all different types of cultures and religions during their time of commemoration.

On April 2nd, 2024, The club held their annual Diversity Assembly during AST and Advisory for all the students and staff at west in the main gym. They took volunteers, held auditions for speakers and performers to showcase their religions and cultures at the assembly, with lots of time and dedication put into

DISPLAY

the organization of the assembly.

Each year, The BV West diversity council showcases different cultures and traditions at the assembly. This year, they had a variety of clubs participate like the Black Student Union, Hispanic Student Union, Southeast Asian Student Association, and the Asian Multicultural club. The Assembly started off with a fashion show brought to us by the BSU traveling through the decades of black fashion. From the 80s to the early 2000s, the BSU wanted to honor the black fashion of the past to show how it’s changed over the years. Secondly, the diversity club organized a game in

which they took volunteers from each grade level to shoot a basket and guess a flag from a country across the world. Next, the Club had featured dances from a variety of cultures from all over the world. Then, they had a game hosted by senior twins Andy & Julian Duarte with the world language teachers from BV West. Ending with a Student walk showcasing a variety of flags representing countries from all around the world, the club strives to make students feel represented and acknowledged where they came from. Blue valley west has worked towards achieving diversity among their students and making

them feel included for years. This assembly and involvement in the club are great opportunities to get involved with people from similar backgrounds and cultures as you, or if you’re looking to expand your horizons and knowledge about different cultures then it’s a great place to meet new people. The Club wants to emphasize the importance of inclusivity and emphasize that all are welcome in the community of BV West.

Raise the FLAG

4 Students from the Hispanic Student association walk with the Mexican flag accross the gym in traditional clothing.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY REBECA FLORES LUNA

Smile for the CAMERA

After performing a traditional indian dance, the group runs together and poses for a picture.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY KAYLIN BERGERON Walk, Stand, and POSE

During the Fashion show, BSU member Nnaemeka Okpareke waves to the crowd while walking showing black fashion.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY REBECA FLORES LUNA

CKPC MAKES HISTORY IN WOMENS SPORTS

Cheering from the FIELD

The KC Current soccer team celebrates their teammate’s goal during a game.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY KC CURRENT

WRITTEN, DESIGNED, AND ILLUSTRATED

REBECA FLORES LUNA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

For years, Kansas City’s female national soccer team, KC Current, has been practicing and playing in the Children’s Mercy Stadium, which belonged to the men’s soccer team of Kansas City, Sporting KC. After four years since the KC current soccer team has been official, they are now getting awarded with their very own home Stadium.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is the proud founder of the KC Current Stadium currently being finalized. They are a railroad company combined between two major railway companies: Kansas City Southern and Canadian Pacific. They’ve historically made the first and only straight lined railroad network in North America that passes through Canada, The United States, and Mexico, with over 20,000 miles of train tracks and 20,000 employees. To make

history, they decided to team up with KC Current to build the first women’s professional sports team stadium in the world, opening March 16, 2024. In October of 2021 the organizations first announced that the privately-funded soccer stadium was going to begin construction. With the floor plan being set up, they’ve announced that the total cost put into the stadium was an estimate of $117 million. With that being said, the stadium has the capacity to fit 11,500 fans as well as luxury suites and club seating. The stadium

is aiming to be one of the most modernized stadiums in all of Kansas City.

Since the opening date and their first home game against the Portland Horns, fans were estatic to see the KC Current team play against their competators with their very own home stadium. Season tickets and other tickets for fans have been sold out long before their first game. The fans along with the team are very excited to have the opportunity to play in a place they can call their own.

SPRING SPORTS SPORTS

DESIGNED BY

LANEY BOSSI AND ALLIE FRIESZ

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF + SENIOR REPORTER

BY

aggresively. To attempt and score a goal against BVN.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY

Junior, Rose Mary Pujado dribbles through two defenders

KAYLIN BERGERON

Senior Carson Schlup takes a swing to get the ball up the hill to the hole.

PHOTOGRAPHED

KAYLIN BERGERON

Senior Ryan Norkey hussles across the court to get the ball back over the net.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY KATIE GILLIAN

ACE

Ball ball BALL

Kicking and running while looking STUNNING

Our sport is other sports PUNISHMENT

Avery Dawson, Gwenyn Rembold, Emma Baum, and Taya Lewis compete in the 4x4 at BVW all comers competiton and end up placing 1st.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ALLIE FRIESZ

I dont swim I FLY

West Cheers on there team as they are comppeting against the other teams in swim.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY LILLIAN HAMMER

Every strike brings me closer to a home RUN

Junior Mady Starkey waving at the camera as she is playing right field against OE.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY LEXI REEDER

If you wanted a soft serve you should have gone for ICECREAM

West faces of BVSW at there first home tennis match of the season.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY LILLIAN HAMMER

Third aint so bad if nothin’ is hit to YOU

Senior Nick Sawyer is up to bat for BVW West had there first home opner against Lee’s Summit this season on March 18th

PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAMYA ALAM

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

INTERVIEW AND DESIGNED BY

REBECA FLORES LUNA & MADY STARKEY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & JUNIOR REPORTER

PAKITO LANDERES

Student Pakito Landeres enjoys the start of the season for boys tennis as he places first in their Wichita tournament.

“

I love tennis because I love sliding on the court hitting big shots for the team.

“

MOLLIE DOMONEY

“

As a freshman, Mollie Domoney becomes one of the few freshman to make All State band their first year.

This was a goal that i’d been working

towards

for 8 months so I was really hapy to finally see all my hard work pay off.

“

Junior Pakito Landeres

Freshman Mollie Domoney