Spotlight
BLUE VALLEY WEST
J a n uary 17, 2013
n a e l C m a Te
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Photo Illustration by Maddy Wilson.
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or many students, having fun means hanging out with friends without alcohol and other illicit drugs. The Clean Team, a new club at BV West, offers students the chance to get together and meet new people in a substance free environment. The new organization has sparked friendships and events outside of BV West.
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Debate Wins State: Spotlight explores how the debate team prepared along their journey to State. Last weekend, the team of Chris Birzer and Spencer Yeamans brought home the state title for BV West.
volume Twelve, number Six
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Senior Tomos Ridenhour acts as a young “Mr. Clean� by creating a substance-free club at BV West
Snap Chatting Up a Storm: Spotlight reporter John Wilson explores the popularity of the new application Snap Chat. With its new update, students seem to have discovered a new means of communication.
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Senior Countdown
121
Days Until Graduation
16200 Antioch road, overland park, kan. 66085
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Letter from the editors...
his month, our staff had the challenge of a relatively short press cycle. Although we had winter break, we were not working on the paper so we only had about a week and a half to organize everything and produce a final product. We tried to have a variety of stories that could be timeless and appealing to all readers. Our In-Depth feature, about BV West’s new Clean Team club, proved both fun and difficult to work with. We enjoyed being able to play with the idea of “Mr. Clean” on the cover, and finding different ways to design the pages. We were also challenged, trying to cover the touchy subject of sobriety among high school students. Overall, we learned a lot about Photoshop, Mr. Clean, and the importance of Clean Team and its role in creating lifelong friendships. Along with covering the Clean Team and various other happenings around BV West, we have been keeping up with the Debate Team and their journey to State. This past weekend, the team of seniors Chris Birzer and Spencer Yeamens brought home the state title. Yes, we get cake! Overall, our staff worked hard and we are very pleased with the outcome of the January Spotlight. It was a wonderful start to the semester, and we’re eager to move along with our last few months as the Editors in Chief.
Meghan Ketcham and Maddy Wilson
Visit our updated website: www.BVWNEWS.com You’ll find the following stories: *The #cutforbieber trend *A review of Les Miserables (Academy Award nominee for Best Picture, Lead Actor, Supporting Actress, and four more.) *A write-up and photos from Music from the Mediterranean- the choral department’s benefit dinner. *Connor McGovern offers his opinion on the best elective classes to take for the 2013-2014 school year. @BVWSpotlight
BVWSpotlight
Follow us on Twitter and “like” us on Facebook for more. Web Editors in Chief: Tucker Paine and Abby Krstulic
Important Dates: • Jan. 21- No school, Martin Luther King Day • Jan. 28-Feb. 1- Spirit Week • Jan. 31- West Round-up •Feb. 1- Sweetheart Assembly •Feb. 2- Sweetheart Dance • Feb. 5- West area choir festival 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. • Feb. 8 and 9- The Wizard of Oz presented in the BV West PAC at 7 p.m. • Feb. 11- Feb. 13- Spring play auditions • Feb. 18- No school, President’s Day • Feb. 21- Foreign Language Honor Societies Induction
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Last Friday, Jan. 11th, a several traffic accidents made the drive to school difficult. Although no one was harmed, the extent of the damage to a number of the cars involved was severe, as seen in the photo above. Photo from Twitter
As noted in the Oct. Spotlight, traffic conditions are far from acceptable at BV West. Parents, students, and busses consistently disregard traffic laws. A new policy regarding traffic flow from the parking lot has been introduced, and there are penalties that can be given to those who choose to ignore the new policies. Turn to page 15 for more information regarding the new system.
Masters of Debate
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BV West Debate team wins 6A 2-Speaker Debate State Championship EMILY MOORE
this [tournament] 30 or 40 years ago,” Fortune said. “They did it because Kan. didn’t allow them to travel to the Tournament of Champions. Because it was outside of the five-thousand-mile travel limit, they couldn’t go. So DCI was started and you could go to the upper-level division of certain tournaments and then if you do well in those, you get a bid. Two bids get you an invitation to DCI.” The tournament locations were difficult to balance this year. The teams could not go to many DCI tournaments because the state tournament required a winning
the large tournament. Some teams use different strategies at State than they do at other tournaments, to try and ensure a win. BV West debaters must be prepared o students who are not involved in debate, it for this. appears that the tournament season and the “They have to prepare for all the eventual affirmaclass end after first semester. However, that is tives that they will meet that they may not have already not the case. The state debate tournament, one of the seen in the year,” Fortune said. “A lot of smaller schools biggest competitions of the debate season, is held at the will sometimes run these really off-topic cases, and beginning of the second semester. This year it was held then you’re not anticipating meeting that because it’s on Jan. 12 and Jan. 13 in Hutchison, Kan. something very miniscule or a non-issue type of a case. The teams worked hard throughout the season so So we have to be ready for all those weird, unexpected that they could be little things besides beeligible for State. ing ready to defend our In order to go to affirmative position State, the speaking that we’re making.” teams had to uphold Another challenge a certain winning at State is the different record in all of their varieties of judges that previous tournathe teams will meet. ments in Kan. The judges have a vari“[The teams] ety of experience levels have to have a winranging from never ning record in four having heard a debate tournaments in the round before to being a state of Kan.,” dedebate coach. bate coach Arianne “We don’t always Fortune said. “So know who is goall of these tournaing to be evaluating ments that we have the debates, which gone to this year in means that it is hard to Texas and Iowa and prepare for,” Yeamans Illinois, none of that said. “With that, many can count.” of the judges can be In debate, going unpredictable in the to the state tournaways in which they ment is considered decide the winner, so an honor. BV West the ‘best team’ doesn’t is only allowed to always come out with take four teams. the victory.” These teams put in Judging is a high a significant amount BV West debate team members seniors Chris Birzer and Spencer Yeamans pose with their coach, Arianne Fortune, and the 2013 State concern, but unforChampionship trophy. Birzer and Yeamans won the 6A 2-Speaker tournament at the state championship on Jan. 12. of hard work into tunately it cannot Photo Couresy of Arianne Fortune. be controlled. The preparation for every tournament, not just students have no idea State. record in Kan. However, the teams wished to travel, which judge they will meet next. In Birzer’s opinion, it “The entire year’s work up to that point is prepaso they participated in some out-of-state tournaments is better to have a more experienced judge. ration,” senior Chris Birzer said. “I would say that I to get invitations to DCI tournaments. But the records “Judging is something that we struggle to adapt to at probably invest 10-20 hours in debate every week defor Kan. tournaments needed to be monitored to make State,” Birzer said. “In debate, there are different types pending on if there is a tournament or not. We prepare sure that teams were still able to become eligible for of judges based on experience levels. We tend to have pretty meticulously for every tournament, and State is State. success in front of more experienced judging, which no exception.” Yeamans and Birzer earned first place at the DCI means that we sometimes struggle in front of less expeWhile preparing for State, Birzer and his teammate, Championship. In addition, Birzer also won the top rienced judging that we can get at state.” senior Spencer Yeamans, were also preparing for the speaker award at the tournament. Once that had been After all the preparation and hard work, Birzer and Debate Coaches Invitational (DCI). DCI was exactly accomplished, it was time to focus on State, which was Yeamans received a well-deserved first place at the one week before State and is an invite-only tournathe following weekend. tournament. ment. State carries a new set of preparation that most tour“I hope to be able to get cake for the entire school “Mr. Kapfer and a group of coaches in Kan. started naments do not because of the special circumstances of again this year,” Fortune said before the tournament. Managing Editor
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A Successful Snowday?
BV West students have conflicting feelings about the recent snowday RYAN WILLIAMS Reporter
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inter break is normally one of the few times of the year when students do not have to worry about school. However, during this year’s winter break, many BV West students were unable to have the relaxing time that they wanted. Instead of getting ready for the last day of first semester, students woke up to a winter wonderland, with the last day of school being cancelled. Although many were happy to be on winter break early, others were left frustrated that
their break had to be spent worrying about their last two finals. Many believe that this could have affected their overall performance. “It made it more difficult to remember the information that was reviewed directly before finals week,” junior Brandon Martin said. Although students had the entire break to study, that does not necessarily mean that they studied the entire time. As expected, many waited until the night before. “I studied Wednesday night, but over winter break I didn’t do anything until the last two days,” sophomore Nick
Friedman said. The snow day came as a surprise to many, due to the fact that a finals cancellation has never occurred in BV West history. In addition to that, the district did not have a single snow day last year. Waiting until after winter break to take their tests was an inconvenience, but the administration thought it was for the best. With the roads coated under huge sheets of ice and multiple layers of snow, conditions for school busses were dangerous. “The roads were pretty treacherous,” Principal Dr. Tony Lake said. Safety is always the most important
factor when considering the cancellation of school, regardless if it is the last day of finals. “The safety of the students and staff is more important than any one person’s grade in the class,” Martin said. Even though students may enjoy an unexpected day off of school, it can be troublesome to have to make it up at the end of the year. “I don’t like how it cuts into the summer, but I like taking a break,” Friedman said. Although students had finals on their first day back, most of them were still able to have fun over the winter break.
Ferret Fan Shares Crisis
Alumni Andrea Schwagerl raises student awareness of endangered ferrets and shares the study of the black-footed ferret in Western Kansas MEGHAN KETCHAM Editor in Chief
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rom Jan. 7-8, many of the science classes made a trip to the Performing Arts Center to learn about a furry little member of the Kansas Ecosystem, the black-footed ferret. 2010 alumna Andrea Schwagerl has studied these endangered creatures since her freshman year at Kansas State University and was asked by Biology teachers Ken Bingman and Ben Myers to make presentations to their classes. The study takes place in Western Kansas, the native home of the black-footed ferret, and focuses on reintroducing them to the wild after years of captivity. Since her first involvement in the study freshman year at KSU, Schwagerl fell in love with these small mammals. “I was a part of the wildlife society at K-State and it was one of the things
that they were involved in, so I checked into it,” Schwagerl said. “The first time I went out, I loved it. Now I’m actually the only K-State student that goes out every time. It’s just something that I fell in love with.” Schwagerl shares the study with students every year, hoping to make them aware of wildlife outside of Overland Park. With more interest from the students and other teachers in the science department, Schwagerl presents in the PAC rather than individual classes. “Mr. Bingman and Mr. Myers heard all of the stuff that I had been doing and wondered if I could make a speech to their biology classes,” Schwagerl said. “It started out where I was just standing in front of each class and all
of a sudden it has grown to the PAC.” While the conservation of the blackfooted ferret may not affect students directly, Bingman feels that it is still important for students to see the presentation. “I like for the students to see this kind of thing- that science isn’t just done in laboratories, but that science is also done out in the real world of biology,” Bingman said. In her lecture, Schwagerl presented photos, facts, and videos of the blackfooted ferret. Many students Schwagerl’s video of a release from captivity to be their favorite part of the presentation. “My favorite part was the ferret video because it showed the ferrets in action and was more engaging than the pictures,” senior Jackson Knappen said. Through these presentations, Schwagerl hopes to inspire students to help conservation efforts. “Anything you do that helps the environment will help conservation,” Schwagerl said. “Recycling, cutting down on how long your showers are, making sure that the dishwasher is full before you run it, only
taking the food that you need, even making sure that you eat things that are cage-free, organic- all of it helps immensely.” After graduation, Schwagerl hopes to be more involved in conservation and the study of wildlife. “I’ve looked into possibly working as a ranger in a national park,” Schwagerl said. “I’ve thought about doing something with US Fish and Wildlife.” Bingman notes that it is key for students to see alumni in the real world, demonstrating the principles taught in high school biology classes. “It’s important to spotlight our students that have graduated and have gone on to be successful because after all, teaching is not just about high school,” Bingman said. “It’s about college and being successful beyond college.”
Hearing Loss by the Numbers: •Hearing loss occurs in
5 of every
1,000 newborns •15 million people in the United States with hearing loss avoid seeking help •People with hearing loss wait an average of
7 years before seeking help
•12% of the U.S. population or
38 million Americans have a significant hearing loss
•30-40% of people over 65 have some type of hearing loss •Over 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents Information provided by www.chchearing.org
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BV West student thrives despite hearing impairment Ashley Oades Reporter
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deaf. I can understand what people say to me.” While some students are stuck on the fact that he suffers from hearing loss, others forget about it within a matter of seconds. “My first impression of Daniel was that he is super cute!” sophomore, Payten Ferneau said. “I was slightly caught off guard by how he speaks, but I got over that really fast. He is so sweet! After our conversation I realized that I had totally forgotten that he has a hearing aid!” Even though hearing loss has been a major part of his life, Hernandez has never really felt hindered by it. He has accomplished everything he has wanted out of life and currently has plans to go to college and become a paramedic. His family and friends are very supportive of Hernandez and what he aspires to be. Hernandez may not be able to hear as well as others but his personality and talents will carry him to success.
aniel Hernandez is just like many other juniors at BV West: dedicated, focused and excited about the future. The only difference is, Daniel has moderate to severe hearing loss in both ears. Hernandez, who has suffered from hearing loss since the day he was born, has many things going for him. He has a girlfriend named Jazmin Rodriguez, amazing grades and a great job at Stanley Sonic as a cook. Despite all of this, there is one thing that Hernandez wants more than anything. “I wish I could be normal like everyone else,” Hernandez said. “No one else uses hearing aids, but without mine, I wouldn’t be able to hear anything. I wish I could hear.” Walking down the hallway at BV West, a student could walk by Hernandez and treat him just like he was any other student. Unfortunately, sometimes when students realize he has a hearing aid, they treat him differently. “People think that I can’t hear what they •Listening to an MP3 player at high are saying, but I can,” Hernandez said. “Sure, volumes over time can cause permanant it’s a little hard for me sometimes, but I’m not
Facts About Hearing Loss:
damage to hearing
•With early identification and appropriate services, deaf children can develope communication skills at the same rate as their hearing peers •Noise is one of the leading causes of hearing loss
Information provided by www.chchearing.org
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Q&Awith Theresa Grospitch
ALEXA HENDERSON Reporter
How long have you been teaching at Blue Valley West? Since we opened—so that would make it 11 years. Could you name the classes you currently teach? This year, I teach Pre-calculus, AP Calculus AB, and AP Calculus BC. Why did you decide to teach math? I enjoy math and I enjoy teaching. Those are my two loves. What is the most rewarding part of your job? Working with students-- watching them suddenly get it, that little light goes on in their head. That’s my favorite part. Could you name a student you feel impacted you the most? Probably a kid named Nick Bigs from the high school I taught at before I came to West. He was one of those kids that just struggled and struggled. I had him in Algebra 1 and then Algebra 2. Then, when I had him in calculus he was just a stud. He worked through it and he just loved the math, which I thought was really cool. You have a reputation for getting to school early, why do you do that? To help the students and also it’s quiet in the mornings so if I’m not helping students I can actually get some stuff
done. You also have a reputation for staying after school, how is after school tutoring different from what you do in class? It’s one on one so I can individually focus on the student. Many people have noticed you don’t have a planning period, would you consider yourself the most dedicated teacher at West? Oh no, no, no, just the craziest. Yeah, just a little crazy. Actually, there are three math teachers this year—myself, Mr. Hayden and Mr. Campbell—who are all teaching what’s called an overload so we don’t have a plan period. So no, I would not consider myself the most dedicated. A few years ago you won a prestigious national award, what was this award called? It was the Siemens Award for Advanced Placement teachers. What attributes do you have that helped you win that word over all the other math teachers in the country? Good students. I think that’s the biggest thing. I have a passion for what I do. I think it transfers to the students and they recognize that. They feel comfortable getting the help they need to earn the scores that I needed to get that award.
Photo by Emily Moore.
DramaCon Theater goes to Wichita for convention
ERIN WALKER Reporter
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rom the tight-packed bus trip to the late night performances, the State Thespian Conference was a unique experience for the 33 BV West thespians that traveled to Wichita at the end of winter break. The theme this year for the conference was cleverly titled, ‘Cowboys and Thespians,’ and aimed to improve student’s skills relating to theater. “The State Thespian Conference is an unforgettable bonding experience that I’ve had the pleasure to take part in for the third year in a row,” senior Jourdan Gish said. At this year’s conference, students got the chance to take part in a series of seminars meant to aid and improve their performance and stagecraft skills in many different categories. The seminars ranged from stage combat to gore makeup to basic acting skills. The choices varied greatly, and gave enough variety for every thespian to find their niche. After the seminars and dinner each day, everyone participating in the conference gathered in the large auditorium to watch award-winning plays and musicals, and individual acting monologues and soliloques. “Going to state is the most important event of the year and we all just enjoy it so much,” drama teacher Laurie Vanderpol said. Representing BV West, seniors Shelley Bushman and Audrey Fox were chosen to sing a heartfelt duet from the musical, Little Women. The performance was later rated in the “superior” category, allowing them to sing in front of the entire conference. Seniors Zac Selstad and Kirsti Stahly and sophomore Justin Brown were also recognized as superior in various categories. Selstad won the Tech Olympic event involving light focus while Brown placed second in knot tying. “State is just an amazing opportunity to meet other Kansas thespians with the same interests,” junior Evan Lite said.
Clockwise from Left: Senior Shelley Bushman learns hair techniques from the ‘Rolling to Victory’ workshop. • Drama teacher Laurie Vanderpol teaches a general acting class at the convention. • Senior Jourdan Gish displays what she learned in a fantasy make-up workshop. • Sophomore Brittany Gonzalez practices costume hair in the ‘Rolling to Victory’ workshop. • Vanderpol closes out her session with a small chat. Photos by Erin Walker.
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A Clean Dream
From left to right clockwise: Junior Mackenzie Lujin takes a brownie from senior Kirsti Stahly at the Jan. 10 meeting. • The meeting on Jan. 10 was themed “Let’s Get Bubbly”, where students enjoyed sparkling juice to promote “clean” events on the weekends. • Seniors Tomos Ridenhour, Kirsti Stahly and Macy McKee pose for a photo during the Dec. 15 event at Bump City. • Senior Will Hershberger discusses potential fundraisers with members at the Dec. 6 meeting. • At the first meeting themed “Getting Chocolate Wasted” on Dec. 6, 78 students were in attendance to get chocolate brownies and chipotle burritoes. • Junior Cooper Scott gives a flyer to senior Natalie Bates. The flyer tells prospective members the club’s mission and future meeting dates. • Photos by Coleen Bost, Lea Puech, and Meghan Ketcham.
New club promotes alcohol & drug-free activities ABBY KRSTULIC Online Editor in Chief
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enior Tomos Ridenhour thought long and hard about the plan that he wanted to unveil to the school. After attending BV West for a little more than one year, he felt that students needed a network where they could share one common goal: to be themselves, without the influence of alcohol or drugs surrounding them. He decided to put his dream into action, and as a result, BV West created the Clean Team. Clean Team centers its goal around getting students in high school to connect with each other in an environment that is drug and alcohol-free. To create this network, Ridenhour and the team reach out to students in the BV West or Blue Valley community and invite them to a fun, off campus event once a month. Events include lock-ins at Bump City and dodge ball tournaments at SkyZone. The only rule is that students who attend these off campus activities cannot come under the influence. “I wanted to get everyone involved in something and give them a place where they can feel comfortable and safe,” Ridenhour said. “[A place] where they don’t have to feel pressure to be someone that they aren’t or do things that they don’t want to do.” Another goal of Clean Team is to create a network of students who are all unique, and to be as inclusive as possible. In order to do this, members are expected to reach out to anyone and everyone. “I wanted to open it up to a lot of different groups of people,” Ridenhour said. “People who have drank before and people who do drink now. I wanted to show them an alternative lifestyle...I also wanted to reach out to people who never get the opportunity to go out and do something on a Saturday night.” Vice President Morgan Mobley, realizing that her time at BV West is limited, also mentions that the new network gives students the opportunity to make new friends and reach out to people that they would have never associated with otherwise. “[Senior year, you realize that] your time is running out to make an impact or a difference,” Mobley said. “You don’t want to leave with any regrets of ‘I could have reached out to these people.’” Many of the club members share this sentiment- hoping that the student body will understand the message and goals of the group. “We’re not trying to section people off by saying ‘you can’t come if you drink’ and so on,” junior Cooper Scott said. “We’re just trying to get everyone to be themselves.” Each club at BV West holds special meaning and value to its members, however, activities director Bryan Brutto feels that Clean Team in particular holds a special value to students that participate. “I think it’s more of a way of life than just activities,” Brutto said. “It’s about finding that friend group. Maybe it’s three or four
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people, or maybe it’s twenty or thirty people.” Because the events take place off campus, he also notes that BV West is merely a platform for the students to create their own network, and is not affiliated with activities that take place off campus. “The big part [with clubs] is that you want to provide a spot for those students to meet and identify each other,” Brutto said. “BV West can’t orchestrate every single activity, but the least we can do is provide a spot where students are able to say ‘hey, you’re interested in that? So am I.’” In order to provide that spot for students, Clean Team hosts a meeting the Thursday before each of their Saturday events. To maintain a light atmosphere, the meetings have different themes, such as “getting chocolate wasted” and “drinking sparkling wine.” Participants enjoy food (provided as a result of benefit night fundraisers at restaurants such as Chick-Fil-A and Chipotle) and the company of their peers as the board reminds everyone to check their Facebook page and Twitter account for details on a fun get together for the following Saturday. In addition to this, they will recap anything that has happened in the club since the last meeting. “We want to keep everyone on the same page,” Ridenhour said. “We want them to feel like they’re involved. Everything that we know, everyone in the club will know.” So far, the meetings have been successful. The Dec. meeting managed to cram 78 students in club sponsor Laura Restivo’s room. Restivo was pleased with the amount of interest in Clean Team. “I was very impressed with the response that it got,” Restivo said. “It is very clear that that is something that kids are looking for. It’s been received very well, and it’s only growing.” Growth is something that the club’s leaders are enthralled to see. Because the entire board is comprised of seniors, the club’s longevity will depend on the interest of the under-classmen. “One of our biggest efforts in this club is to carry it on,” Vice President Morgan Mobley said. “We would love to come back and see that it’s grown even more and that we have left an impact. [Seeing it grow] would be the most rewarding.” Though the club has been in action for a short amount of time, Ridenhour is already beginning to see an impact on the student body. “There was someone who I didn’t expect at all,” Ridenhour said. “They texted me and said ‘I want to make a change in my life’ and they came out to Bump City. That’s pretty rewarding.” Though the team has been around for a short amount of time, members are confident that their time has already ignited a spark in the BV West community; a spark that they hope is here to stay, and grow even brighter. “The club has had a great impact so far,” Scott said. “And I think it could have a greater impact than it already has had. We are in its beginning stages, but it’s only going to get better.”
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Alternative Activities Band: Hosts pool parties, go bowling, and stay at lake retreat
Cheerleaders: Go to camps over the summer and host pool parties
Chamber Singers: Organize secret santa exchange and carol at the plaza
Broadcast: Organizes dodgeball games LEO Club: Hosts socials once a month
Programming Club: Create video games and let others play them
NAHS: Recycles and cleans the school
School sports: Eats team dinners before games
History Club: Goes to WWI Memorial
Volleyball: Has a lock-in sleepover at school
French Club: Eats at restaurants
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t t r is of the Month
TAYLOR LAKE Reporter
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he art wing at BV West is a constant flow of student creativity. Junior Christopher Kassien has contributed his creative talents to this section of the school and has enjoyed his time taking the variety of art classes available to students at BV West. Kassien had a good time taking Photo I with teacher Aimee Price. During his time in this class, he learned new techniques and tricks to improve his photographs. “He was never afraid to try new angles, try those extreme shots, and get close to his subject,” Price said. “Those things are what really make his work stand out.” Kassien typically has an idea in his head of how he wants a picture to turn out, and then he does his best to imitate the picture he has thought of. “I just picture in my head what I want the picture to look like then I try and replicate it,” Kassien said. “I also do some editing in Photoshop.” Kassien is not only a photographer; he also has learned to play the drums. His family’s emphasis on music and the arts is what helped Kassien discover his passion for photography. “We have always had a strong musical family,” his sister Lauren Kassien said. “My dad’s love for music got Chris into playing the drums and other artistic talents.”
C. Kassien’s passion for photography has grown since he took Photo I. His favorite subject is nature, but he does not have a favorite, specific part of nature. C. Kassien enjoys spending time outside on a trail by his house, taking pictures. “I go a few times a month when the weather is not bad,” C. Kassien said. “I normally just look for something that catches my eye or looks interesting.” Photography has become a passion for C. Kassien because it is something he really enjoys. “I just like how you can capture a moment in time and turn it into art,” C. Kassien said. “I plan to go into photography in college and hopefully make a living out of it.”
Kassien Chris
Nature Photography by Christopher Kassien
Photo of Christopher Kassien by Coleen Bost Photo Illustration by Lauren Pino
Doughnut Delights
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MEGHAN KETCHAM & CHEYENNE JONES Editor in Chief and Reporter
Spotlight reviews local doughnut shops
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ocated beside Smallcakes on 143rd and Metcalf, Twisted Doughnut offers alternative types of doughnuts, with ‘sophisticated’ flavors, according to their website. Despite its ‘alternative’ nature, young hipsters are not rushing to claim their trendy doughnuts. Instead, the store is surprisingly empty, filled with unwanted, overpriced donuts. Cake lovers will enjoy these doughnuts. They are fluffy, with frosting similar to cake. Out of the four doughnuts we sampled, the Pink Sprinkled and the Dark Chocolate doughnuts were the most cake-like. The Pink Sprinkled doughnut and the frosting were both very dry. The Dark Chocolate was better because of its rich flavor. An adventurous doughnut we sampled was the Orange Creamsicle. With a fizzy feel, the Orange Creamsicle resembles Italian soda. The sugar and the tangy taste work in
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Location: 10390 Metcalf Ave. Overland Park, Kan. 66212 You are veiwing (starting left, clockwise): cinnamon apple donut, featured double dark chocolate, and cherry filled dnouts. Total cost: $3.42 Staff rating: 3 out of 4 stars
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harmony to create a mediocre doughnut. It was nice for the first few bites, but the taste quickly grew stale. And finally, the pièce de résistance: the Bacon Maple Doughnut. Although bacon lovers may rejoice, the Bacon Maple’s sizzle ends with its name. Although the union between the salty bacon and achingly sweet maple frosting reminisces of a pancake, the cold bacon leaves much to be desired. In the end, all of these doughnuts tasted more like cake than actual doughnuts. Rather than enhancing the flavor, the cake-like texture causes these doughnuts to falter. Those who want a classic doughnut should go elsewhere. For cakelovers, do not be discouraged—you will probably love these doughnuts more than we did. As Marie Antoinette supposedly said- “Let them eat cake.”
s convenient as picking up a box of Krispy Kreme donuts at the local supermarket may be, nothing beats a fresh donut. The nearest Krispy Kreme store is 17 minutes away from BV West, but it is beneficial for BV West that it is farther away. If Krispy Kreme was right down the street, we would be unable to resist the allure of their sugary, fried rings, and thus, throw all healthiness out the window. Despite the richness of the donuts, people need not be rich to purchase one. The price range averages $1.10 for a donut. There is an array of flavors to choose from, varying from the classic glazed donut to a strange glazed sour cream. Krispy Kreme’s classic glazed donut was tasty; it was not too fluffy or dry. A donut that still lingers on my taste buds is the cinnamon apple filled donut. This was no ordinary donut; there were apple chunks enclosed that exalted a happy marriage between an apple strudel and a
amar’s Donuts, located on College Boulevard and Pflumm, in addition to a shop on 127th and Quivira, offers an assortment of tasty donuts. The Lamar’s on 127th and Quivira—in the KU Edwards Campus Bookstore—has an unmistakable college feel. The store resembles a university coffee shop, offering sandwiches and hot coffee along with delectable donuts, and embellished with cheap, plastic furniture. Despite the shop’s minimalistic appearance, the donuts are not minimalistic in flavor. A simple donut, but none less the tasty, is the chocolate iced cake donut with coconut. The donut was not dry or too sweet. Fluffier than the typical cake donut, the chocolate iced still adheres to the staple characteristics of a cake donut. Two more memorable donuts were the cherry and the blueberry donuts. Fruity donuts end in one of two destinations—either the wastebasket or the stomach. These two donuts ended up in the latter of the two-the
Location: 14383 Metcalf Ave. Overland Park, Kan. 66223 You are viewing (top, clockwise): vanilla bean glazed, maple bacon and strawberry Poptart donuts. Total cost: $7.25 Staff rating: 2 out of 4 stars
jelly-filled. A donut that was unique to Krispy Kreme was their Cinnamon Bun. It was a delicious cross between a typical cinnamon roll and a donut. The dough was inundated with delectable cinnamon flavor and was more substantial like a cinnamon roll. However, it is to our belief that the roll was possibly fried like a donut. Then, the delicious concoction was topped off with donut-style icing. The chocolate cake donut was a classic, and well done at that. This warm donut was pleasant with its rich, but not invasive, chocolate flavor. The chocolate icing was perfectly melted onto the donut, giving it an overall delicious complexion. But the icing that tops off my donut experience was the ability to watch my donut slide down the conveyer belt and under the waterfall of icing before our eyes. As Cheyenne’s Chinese grandfather would say, “shan zhen hai wei.” Now we say to you, go forth and gorge on donuts.
stomach. Many donut connoisseurs attempt to please consumers with artificial flavors or old fruit as opposed to fresh fruit. However, these two donuts do not fall short. At first glance, these two donuts appeared lackluster, however appearances may deceive. The fruity flavor stood out from other donuts in that it was real but not too Locations: 8615 College Blvd. Overland Park, Kan. invasive. These two cake donuts really took the cake in 66210•12520 Quivira Rd. Overland Park, Kan. 66213 flavor and texture. You are viewing The Bavarian Crème donut was especially delicious. (left to right): Even though many cream filled donuts are misleading— Bavarian Creme, with only a tiny blob of cream in the center—Lamar’s Two Tone Donut Bavarian Crème does not adhere to this usual stereotype. and Cherry Icing In addition, the dough was fluffy, delicious, and was (topped with certainly not too dry. This is a donut all Bavarian Crème peanuts). Total enthusiasts can rejoice about and satisfy their sweet tooth cost: $5.13. impulses. Staff rating: 3.5 Not only flavorful, the donuts were filling. In addition, out of 4 stars Lamar’s donuts were a large size for a small price, making it our favorite of the three.
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spotlight sports Visit bvwnews.com for the most recent sports scores
Sports Recaps Wrestling
Wrestling team performs well at several regional competitions Photo by BVW Takedown Club BV West Senior Nadir Zayyad grapples with his opponent in his weight class’s championship match. Zayyad won the division after winning this match.
Recent Results: 3rd Place at Louisburg on 1/12, 4th Place at
TUCKER PAINE Web Editor In Chief
Boys Swim and Dive
Boys Swim and Dive gains experience as season progresses
A BV West swimmer performs the butterfly stroke in the pool.
Photo by Lea Puech
Marysville on 1/5, 2nd at Johnson County Classic on 12/15
Recent Results: Greg House Invitational (Diving) Daniel Fecteau 2nd, Kyle Fecteau 3rd
Upcoming Meets: BV Northwest on 1/19, Osawatomie on 1/26
Upcoming Meets: 01/22 Vs. Olathe East, 01/26 @ SME
Boys Basketball Boys basketball team upsets BV North, 4-3 on the season
Sophomore Blaise Gammon goes up for a layup against BV North on January 11 Photo by Ariel Mittleman
Recent Games:
Girls Basketball Girls basketball team improving with each game, 2-6 so far
Won at Gardner Edgerton in OT 67-65 Lost at BV Northwest 61-39 Won at home against BV North 61-56 Upcoming Games: 01/25 @ STA BV West senior Jordan Wright dribbles by sophomore Katie Witaszak. Photo by Elise St. Louis
01/29 Gardner-Edgerton
Recent Games: Lost at home against BVN, 60-38, Lost at Aquinas 63-13, Lost at BVNW 38-26, Lost at Gardner 55-34
02/01 Bishop Miege
Upcoming Games: 02/01 Bishop Miege, 02/04 @ BVN
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thletes around the world have different things they play for or special words to live by. These things serve as motivation for the athlete. Senior Conley Wilkins is the running back for the BV West varsity football team and a guard for the BV West varsity basketball team. He is also involved in the Jaguar Pride Coalition at BV West. Wilkins is among those athletes who have a motivational saying that reminds them why they play the game. “Giving it all I got and giving the glory to God,” Wilkins said. “Without Him, I am nothing. He has blessed me with talent and it is my job to repay Him and maximize that talent to its fullest.” Wilkins started playing football and basketball since the age of seven, and has never looked back. He has been a passionate player ever since. Through sports, many people create unforgettable relationships with fellow teammates. “I stuck with these sports because of the friendships that were created,” Wilkins said. “The bond I have with my teammates is like nothing else. I also enjoy being very competitive with everything that I do, and sports are the perfect place for that. I want to be the best I can be by the time I’m done.” Wilkins finished his senior season in football by breaking three BV West records. He now holds the record for most rushing attempts in a game with 41, most rushing attempts in a season with 227, and the most yards in a season with an impressive 1747.
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spotlight sports bvwnews.com Athlete of the Month: Conley Wilkins
JACOB PASCHAL Section Editor
Wilkins averaged an astounding 7.7 yards a carry and finished the season with 17 touchdowns. In the last two seasons, Wilkins received many different accolades. He was awareded 1st Team All-EKL, 1st Team All-State, 2nd Team All-Metro, and All-EKL Honorable Mention twice. Wilkins has also received scholar athlete awards throughout his career at BV West. As a senior, Wilkins will depart to a college of his choice next year. Although Wilkins has not made his decision, he has certainly narrowed down his list of colleges. As of right now, he has chosen to not release his top college choices. Wilkins plans on getting a great education in college while also playing football. “I am definitely going to miss the Friday night lights, the amazing fans, and the school spirit leading up to the game,” Wilkins said. “It is definitely something you can’t describe, you just have to experience it for yourself.” It wasn’t only natural born talent that led Wilkins to be this successful on and off the field. It took a lot of hard work and determination to become the player that he is today. “Always stay humble and don’t take a second for granted,” Wilkins said. “It can all be taken away from you faster than you know. But most importantly, make sure you have fun at whatever you are doing.”
Senior Conley Wilkins looks for an open teammate as he dribbles down the court on a fast break against BV North. BV West prevailed in a close game, 61-56. Photo by Ariel Mittleman.
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spotlight opinion Students obsess over new communication application
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John wilson
Reporter
urprise! There is a new program in the app store. For once, though, this app has remained popular. Snapchat is a new form of messaging that has taken over BV West for the past several months. Snapchat gives users the ability to send pictures or videos that are only visible for a selected time to friends. It informs users of screen shots, received times, and when the message is delivered. For the most part, the app is fool proof. The only problem I have with it is that 90% of the time users take a “snap,” they look like a complete idiot. The point of Snapchat is to have casual conversations with people while seeing their face every message. Snapchat describes their app as the “quickest way to share experiences.” However, be wary; although your snap only appears for one to ten seconds, screenshot is still available. Sure, users are informed of the shot, however, that doesn’t mean damage hasn’t already been done. For the people that take their Snapchats in class, don’t make it so obvious. I see way too many “Duck Faces” every day from a mile away. Trust me, it looks stupid. Another problem I have with Snapchat is when people forget to turn off their flash. Secretly taking a picture of your friend or teacher is a lot easier to do without the blinding miniature floodlight coming from the phone and alerting the target of the snap. One thing I really like about the app are the video
capabilities. This new update is potentially the best part of Snapchat. For some reason I love the awkward pauses people make when they are trying to speak. I also love the friends that sing to me. Their voices are so bad, it’s amusing. With videos, friends can be alerted of what is going on. For the people who decide to film their videos in the loudest situations possible, I hate you more than the duck face person across the classroom. Another thing I do like about the app is that you can see your friends “favorites.” If a friend claims they don’t talk to a certain person, just go check their Snapchat favorites. It’s funny to see who is “snapping” who--and sometimes awkward. Also, when you send a “snap” to a friend, it informs the user when it’s delivered, and when it’s opened. This is convenient and similar to the features on “iMessage” on iPhones. As with all technology, however, there are dangerous downsides. Be careful with risqué pictures, and listen to your mom when she says, “those could end up anywhere.” Don’t get me wrong; I love Snapchat. I use it all the time. It is a great app that is fun to mess with. Be mindful of awkward selfies in public, but let them fly free in the private sphere. I really think that Snapchat will take a long time to fall from popularity because it is a simple app that has the same qualities of texting or Skyping. I will make the most of it, I guess, because everyone else is. After all, I wouldn’t want to be out of the app loop!
Derek Bullis
isney
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ars
With Disney’s purchase of the Star Wars franchise, an old era comes to an end
ince the beginning of my childhood, I have been fascinated within the obsession that all Star Wars fanatics share. I have seen all the movies, played and beaten most of the games, and dominated neighborhood kids in light saber fights. My love for the franchise could only be questioned by those extremists with websites who know absolutely everything about Star Wars, and yet I still feel I am among the most passionate. I’m sure students are aware of the shocking news concerning the future of Star Wars. Disney has bought Lucasfilm for $4 billion, which includes the Star Wars franchise. To me, this deal was bound to happen as Disney has already bought Marvel and Pixar. This new deal brings questions to the surface. Will Disney meet Star Wars fans’ expectations or just ruin the series? Who is going to be cast in the films? Could this be only for the money, with no respect for the franchise itself? The questions will go on, but will hopefully be answered in the future, starting as early as 2015 when the first of three episodes is introduced to theatres. Disney has a myriad of opportunities with their various theme parks to bring the popularity of Star Wars to the public in the form of attractions. I am sure ice shows and videogames are not far out of reach for Disney as well. Merchandising tie-ins are a definite thought for this company. The popularity of the series will not be a problem as much as the expectations that Disney will have to live up to. Disney will definitely make their money with Star Wars, but they could hurt their reputation through it. Although there are currently no answers for the endless amount of question Star Wars fans have, I am strongly supportive of this move and for the future. As a lifelong fan of the movies, it is hard not to be supportive of an opportunity to see more episodes of such a world renowned series.
Some critics are angered by this deal because of the belief that Star Wars will never be the same without George LuReporter cas, producer and director of the previous films. However, Lucas will still have influence on the future films. Others are relieved that Lucasfilm will not have full ownership, though, because Lucas has not been the same producer with the last couple of episodes. Even the Indiana Jones series (also a part of Lucasfilm) had diminished in quality in recent years. These people want a fresh start for the future of this series. I am the middleman; I want a new fresh start for this series but also want the influence of George Lucas that will hopefully uphold the legacy Star Wars has built. The highly complex and ever changing story in Star Wars is an issue for Disney and their future episodes. The story needs new characters, especially villains, as at the end of Episode VI we see the truth surrounding Darth Vader and his son. Another issue Disney is going to have trouble with is many actors are too old to play the same characters they once played. This problem calls for new and young actors who will have to be able to live up to standards obtained by world-class actors such as Liam Neeson, Samuel L. Jackson, and others. Although Disney has their work cut out for them, they are determined to make Star Wars a success. With the reputation they have built up over the years, to tear apart a legacy like Star Wars would be devastating. I believe they will be cautious; I fully support and trust that Disney will make the future of Star Wars one to be remembered and not disregarded.
bvwnews.com
Staff Editorial
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spotlight opinion
A New Way Out of the Lot Spotlight evaluates the new change in traffic policy, how it affects students
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or seemingly unimportant reasons, BV West has once again changed their traffic flow policy. We’re sure many students are rolling their eyes (not because they are inconvenienced, but because they don’t really care about the new policy) but, this could potentially affect seniors and people who park in the athletic lot if students miraculously decide to follow the laws. First of all, the fact that seniors are technically expected to drive all the way around the school into the longest and slowest car line is ridiculous. Aren’t we supposed to have privileges, namely seniority? The new policy has the senior lot and athletic lot cars looping around the school, and the lot in the middle filing out of the main entrance of the school per usual. It never really made sense to us in the beginning that the senior lot was pushed off to the left; it makes more sense for it to be in the middle, closer to both entrances. Regardless, the new policy affects students depending on where they park their car. It seems silly to be bothered by the change in policy. After all, no one is going to follow it. There hasn’t been much of an announcement declaring the new rules, and my guess is that no one knew there was a traffic flow pattern in the first place. On the off chance that the SRO officers decide to punish traffic violators, however, it could cause problems for student drivers. The main problem would be that although this new policy would clear up the
main entrance, it would make the back entrance far more chaotic than it already is. With the school bus drivers who are increasingly avoiding traffic laws, and having to let in parents and students in at the stop sign, the first entrance to the school is already a mess. Adding seniors who are in a rush to get out of school to this equation can only worsen the circumstances. Worsening the traffic is the last thing that BV West needs. We see kids every day who should not be driving; sophomores who took a simple written test to obtain a license and have had minimal practice, and even freshman who we know are most likely too young to be behind the wheel of a car. On top of that, there are angry parents who don’t know how to deal with the inexperienced drivers, and people who are in such a rush to get out of school that they barely even think twice before pounding on the gas pedal. The solution to this problem is not a new, unenforced traffic policy. This policy truthfully seems as trivial as the “no right turn” change at the second entrance. Needless to say, many of the seniors on our staff are glad to be making it out of BV West this year. With all the new and experimental traffic flow changes something is bound to go wrong. Hopefully, within the next couple years, BV West figures out a system that works for the students, parents, and staff who drive through the lot each day. Until then, here’s to hoping!
Traffic Violation Punishments
STOP
$25.00 ticket
For minor offenses, there is the potential opportunity to perform 3 hours of community service Repeated offenses could result in removal of student’s driving privileges Spotlight is printed nine times a year for the students and the BV West community. Its goals are to inform, entertain, and interpret through editorials and bylined articles and to provide an open forum for communication for students and faculty members. Spotlight aims to be fair, accurate and impartial. The content of this publication is determined by its student editors and may contain controversial subject matter. Spotlight does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the faculty adviser, the administration of Blue Valley West, or USD 229. ONLINE at BVWNews.com
Reporters: Rebecca Abraham, Lauren Albers, Derek Bullis, Lauren Hansen, Alexa Henderson, Marissa Hotujac, Cheyenne Jones, Taylor Lake, Calvin Lee, Stephanie Liang, Connor McGovern, Justin Madden, Ashley Oades, Ethan Paine, Kate Price, Tomos Ridenhour, Jack Rogoz IV, Harrison Whitney, Ryan Williams, Erin Walker, John Wilson
Photojournalists: Rebecca Abraham, Coleen Bost, Libby Frazier, Lea Puech
SPOTLIGHT HONORS
Photo Editor: Elise St. Louis Web Master: Danielle Jacobson Business Manager: Emily Binshtok
Assistant News Editor: Mitchell Bird Adviser: Debbie Glenn Section Editors: Katherine Byrket, Emily Binshtok, Jacob Paschal, Lauren Pino Managing Editor: Emily Moore Online Editors in Chief: Abby Krstulic, Tucker Paine Editors in Chief: Meghan Ketcham, Maddy Wilson
Blue Valley West High School 16200 Antioch Road Overland Park, Kan. 66085 Advertising: (913) 239-3904 Fax: (913) 239-3880 Adviser: (913) 239-3730
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spotlight photo essay
Walking On The Wild Side
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Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary & Education Center Provides a haven for endangered wild Cats Photos and Design by: Elise St. Louis
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1: Senior Hayley Barkoviak feeds Oscar, a Serval cat, as part of her volunteer work at Cedar Cove. Barkoviak is able to feed the smaller cats, prepare food for all the animals feeding, clean the pens, and interact with the smaller cats in the sanctuary during her volunteer work. 2: The white Bengal tiger, Kimar, eagerly watches volunteers and keepers prepare meat out side of his pen for feeding time. Public feeding of the cats occur every Saturday at 2:00 P.M. 3: Pandora, a black spotted african leopard, majestically sits and watches the viewers stroll by her pen. 4: White Bengal tiger Ariel is one of Cedar Cove’s oldest residents at age 16. Ariel was recently adopted by Cedar Cove from the Riverglen Tiger Sanctuary. 5: Barkoviak helps prepare the food for the residents of Cedar Cove. All of their meals include extra vitamins and fish oil to promote the health of the cats. 6: Willow the Bobcat yawns, tired of waiting for her lunch. 7: Siberian tiger Sierra happily chows down on her lunch of 35-40 pounds of raw meat. 8:Voodoo the leopard eats her vitamins in the form of baby food. Keepers have to feed Voodoo baby food for vitamins because she dislikes the powder they normally put in the cats’ food.
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Go to www.saveoursiberians.org for more information about
Cedar Cove!
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