2015 April Patriot

THE

PATRIOT APRIL 2015

the comeback kids

Students and faculty open up about their experiences overcoming failure. page 14

Vol. 49 Issue 8 Shawnee Mission South 5800 W. 107 St, OP, KS 66207 (913) 993-7500

CONTENTS Staff Editorial Page 11

School Trips Page 6

Gotcha Pa g e 4

Matt Logan Page 13

Stats Page 8

Twitter Photo Contest Page 21

The Debate Page 12

Take Note Page 7

Extravaganza Page 5

Q&A Page 18

Parochial School Page 10

Cover Story Page 14

ON THE COVER Students who keep organized instead of disorganized appear to be successful. Students can have various situations that make it harder for them to succeed right away, but failure doesn't diminish their chances from being the comeback kid.

PHOTO BY JENNA FACKRELL

MISSION STATEMENT The Patriot is a news magazine that aims to objectively present topics affecting Shawnee Mission South High School, as well as connect with readers on issues concerning the student body. Staff members reserve the right to express their views in the Opinions section. These pieces are labeled and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff as a whole, except the Lead Editorial, which represents the views of the editors. Under the First Amendment and Kansas Law, The Patriot staff is entitled to freedom of the press and neither the school nor district is responsible for any content or coverage. The staff encourages letters to the editor, but they will only be published if signed. The editor-in-chief reserves the right to refuse or edit any letters for reasons of grammar, length and good taste. Letters can be sent to Room 195 or e-mailed to patrioteditors@gmail.com.

02

April 2015 table of contents

Soccer Fundraising Page 31

What’s in the Bag? Page 27

Street Style Page 22

Reviews Page 24 The Final Say Page 23

Gretchen Fiebig Page 29

Born This Way Page 28

Dressed to Impress Page 25

Angles Page 32

Faculty Sports Page 30

MEET THE STAFF Rola Alasmar Editor-in-Chief Opinion Editor

Emily Wilkinson Asst. Editor-in-Chief Web Editor

Rose Pollina News Editor Infographics Editor

Lauren Rosenstock Sports Editor Social Media Manager

Nanae Urano A&E Editor

Amelia Holcomb Ads Editor

Autumn Mock Features Editor

Regina Yan Copy Editor

Jenna Fackrell Photo Editor

Arturo Sanchez-Vera Photographer

Katie Imes Photographer

Savannah Morgan Photographer

Rachel Larberg Writer

Kate Anderson Writer

Andrea Smith Writer

Sophia Belshe Writer

Avery Dorsey Writer

Kendall Barker Writer

Julie Fales Adviser

table of contents

April 2015

03

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN

Seniors participate in water gun fight for cash prizes.

D

on’t be surprised to see students trying to conceal water guns or sprinting out to their cars while darting shots this spring. The end of senior year means that the beginning of ‘Gotcha,’ a water gun fight between the Senior Class, has started and will continue until one senior wins it all.

The rules of Gotcha are simple. You pay $5 at the beginning of the game to get assigned a person who you have to hit with a water gun within a week. If you don’t get them out before the week is finished, or you get hit by the person who has you, you’re out. If you do hit your assigned target, you get a new person and another week. The only restrictions on where you can be hit are the South property, a school sponsored event, church and work. The game goes on until a sudden death last round, with the winner taking $300 of the money collected from all participants, and the runner up winning $200.

Seniors Hannah Bonifield and Rachel Larberg are running Gotcha this year, which includes keeping track participants and updating the Gotcha Twitter page.

COMING SOON: A

The two each keep $50 of the total money collected for constantly running the game. The money was collected at signups April 2.

“I think this year if you give us any problems, you’re just going to be out. In the past years a lot of people have fought with the people in charge because they weren’t out or didn’t think it counted or something like that,” Bonifield said. “But if they give us enough trouble that it’s a burden for us, then we’ll just kick them out.”

The competition this year is fierce, as the winner of the 126 senior players will take home the cash prize. Senior Emma Walker was the first student to get out, being hit April 6, the morning that Gotcha started.

“The most difficult part is not being able to trust anyone, like not even your best friends. Another hard part is the person who got me out is part of a 20-boy alliance, so I was doomed from the beginning,” Walker said.

Another competitor, senior Ethan Belshe, says the hardest part of the game was being patient and dealing with the paranoia, but he thinks it’s worth it.

“What makes it worthwhile to me (besides the possibility of a cash reward) is the thrill of getting someone,” Belshe said. “I do it for the love of the sport.” AMELIA HOLCOMB

Theater members prepare for the spring play Our Town.

fter an impressive series of musicals and plays, the SMS Theatre is going to finish off this school year with a production of Our Town.

American playwright Thornton Wilder wrote this three-act play in 1938. It follows the lives of the citizens of a fictional town called Grover’s Corners. This play has been popular for decades and won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

“It’s about a lot of really cool things,” theater director Mark Swezey said. “The main thrust of it is about how we go through life and we don’t really notice all the cool things that are around us, and the lead character in this, Emily, passes away during childbirth and is allowed to come back and re-live one day of her life, and she chooses to come back on a birthday when she was very young. She’s pretty overwhelmed by everything she sees.”

With any acting group, it’s common to see a new and unique interpretation of musicals and plays. The theater group at South is no different.

“It’s a pretty old play. It was written back in ‘38, and we’re trying to put a new spin on it,” Swezey said. “A lot of it is staged right out in the audience, [so] we’re limiting the seating to about a hundred and then in the auditorium we’re dropping some curtains down to frame the audience.”

The set is not the only aspect of the play that will be personalized to South’s theatre group. The transcendental aspect of the play is arguably one of the most important, and the SMS theatre has no intention of understating it.

“We’re doing something to it to really emphasize the fact that, in that third act in the play, we really notice more of what’s around us. I don’t really want to give away what we’re doing, but Directing the choir, senior Parker Winkler stands anyway it’s a pretty cool idea, and we’re very excited,” on the edge of the stage. Winkler has been a part of Swezey said. theater for four years. PICTURED RIGHT: Practicing for The shows will run from Tuesday, April 28 to “Our Town,” the cast sings. This part of preparation Friday, May 1. Doors open at 7p.m. Tickets for the play requires a lot of memorization. are $10 for the public and students photos by KATIE IMES get in free with their school ID. KENDALL BARKER

04

April 2015

news

CAN YOU DO THIS?

T

onight is the final night to see the Pacesetter’s annual spring showcase, Extravaganza, at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.

The show is $10 for non-students, $5 more than previous years, but with that increase, students don’t have to pay to see the show.

“We decided to have students get in free with a student ID this year because that’s how most South games and events are, and with it being free, it gives everyone a reason to come out and see the show,” senior Pacesetter Madi Smolich said.

Each year Extravaganza has a theme that most of the dances are based on throughout the show, but this year, the theme was chosen differently.

“Instead of having a theme throughout the show, we decided to call it ‘Can You Do This,’ which is our opening song,” senior Pacesetter Savannah Smith said.

Not having a theme throughout the show allowed the drill team to have more freedom in their song choices for dances and personal style for each dance. Although, Extravaganza has never been solely about the Pacesetters. “[Students] should expect a spring showcase of what the drill team has been putting together since January, and it will feature the drumline, teachers, the senior partner routine and a dad performance as well,” Pacesetter coach Allie Stankewsky said.

While the audience will still get to see many of the Pacesetter’s dances, the addition of some of the old feature dances that have been cut out in past years will add a little something extra to the show as a whole.

“I think it breaks up just seeing the same girls all the time, and it makes it a little more exciting. Hopefully from here on

STUCO ELECTIONS New StuCo representatives win by popular vote.

S

tudent Council has taken the plunge into next year’s leaders by determining the new exec board. Juniors Emily Wollard, Natalie Warshaw, Isabel Holcomb and sophomore Cinthia Romo will be the faces of Shawnee Mission South for 2015-2016. Each of these girls ran unopposed, so an election was not held. This past week, elections were held for the class officer positions for the upcoming year.

The race was on for the Senior Class president, junior Rachel Dukes. Dukes ran against two other opponents and will have junior Emily Wilkinson by her side as vice president. The Senior Class treasurer, junior Remy Gordon ran against only one opponent while the Senior Class secretary, junior Rachael Ashcraft, ran unopposed.

As for the Junior Class, the president is sophomore Jackie Stidham who ran with one opponent. The vice president is sophomore Amelia Holcomb and the class secretary is sophomore Rakiyah Martin, both of whom ran unopposed.

Pacesetters perform in annual Extravaganza.

out, m ay b e o t h e r g r o u p s will want to come and get involved with it,” Stankewsky said.

Since the beginning of January, the Pacesetters have Keeping in unison with their been dedicating hours teammates, the girls strike a of work each week to pose for an Extravaganza PICTURED LEFT: ensure that this show will dance.

Pacesetters practice their go off with a bang.

“People should go to dance for Extravaganza Extravaganza because these during first hour. are routines that have never photos by SAVANNAH been seen before. We put a MORGAN lot of hard work into putting together a great show for everyone to enjoy and to support the seniors as we take the stage for the last time,” Smith said.

AUTUMN MOCK

The treasurer for the Junior Class is Sara Prideaux.

The Sophomore Class will be lead by president, freshman Annaleigh Hobbs, vice president Elana Kernen and secretary Joy Knowles. Samuel Rowe won in the race for Sophomore Class treasurer.

The upper leadership of Student Council is excited for the new year to being.

“I hope that we gain more student involvement and that people get excited about Student Council activities,” Wollard, future Student Body President said.

With most of the upper leadership positions filled and ready to go, Student Council elections are not over yet. The class representatives are yet to be elected. Students will be able to pick up a packet to apply from StuCo sponsor Cynthia Hartwell’s Room 374. The packets will be due May 1 and elections will take place after that. Each grade will have six representatives. Even though it is a time consuming process, each elected officer was required to go through a process of getting his or her name on the ballot.

“To run for a sophomore, Junior or Senior Class office, candidates must have a minimum grade point of 3.0 and not have received any F’s,” Hartwell said.

Students were required to fill out a packet that outlined their experience in Student Council, position they desired and evaluation from teachers.

RACHEL LARBERG

news April 2015

05

LEARNING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM 06

KSMS members sail on the Pacific Ocean.

PHOTO Courtesy OF KSMS tudents involved in classes, clubs and extracurricular activities can get the opportunity to travel and take their learning experience outside of the classroom with class trips. Students from orchestra, KSMS, Arabic Club and yearbook have had these opportunities recently.

Over 80 orchestra students packed their bags and loaded onto a bus to Chicago March 26. The students spent four days in the Windy City sightseeing and working on their playing skills. The main reason for the trip was to go to a workshop with Robert Hasty, a conductor at Northwestern University, to work on music for their State competition.

Students also visited Shedd Aquarium, performed at the Museum of Science and Industry, saw “Beauty and the Beast” and watched a Chicago Symphony performance.

“We got to do a lot of things on our own which was kind of weird, but fun,” freshman cellist Cassandra Awad said.

Money for the trip was raised through a number of group fundraisers as well as individual contributions from students and their families.

KSMS went to San Diego April 1 to participate in the Student Television Network Convention. Out of the 20 KSMS members, only two stayed in Kansas while the other 18 flew to San Diego. At the convention, they competed with students from across the nation. KSMS took third place for their Man-on-the-Street feature, shot and edited by junior Erin Bunker, and seniors Nicole Sanchez and Brenden Brooks.

“It gives us a real opportunity to show what we’ve learned, compete with other people and see how we are compared to them,” KSMS member Noah Birkel said.

All fundraising for the trip was done individually rather than through group fundraisers.

“I asked family members and neighbors. Other people asked businesses for money or put in their own money,” Birkel said.

In addition to traveling to San Diego, Birkel spent his Spring Break in Qatar with the Arabic Club. Five students from South, along with other students from across the country, traveled to Qatar to participate in a student exchange program. Along with visiting a school, students also went to museums and stayed overnight in the desert.

Students who went to Qatar had their trip paid for through the exchange program.

“I was selected among… a lot of schools around the country and about six kids from every school were selected. We had kids from Chicago, Oregon and Hawaii go with us as well,” Birkel said.

Two students from Heritage staff will be going to Denver in April for a journalism conference where they will take classes to work on different skills such as design, photography and editorial leadership.

They will also be participating in carry-in contests that will be critiqued by judges.

“The classes are really helpful and you learn a lot cause they get really good instructors to teach you, and they come and help you personally and individually on your work, and you get a lot of one-on -one time and a lot of critiques, which is good,” junior Bailey Cook said.

More class trips taking place this year include the Academic Decathlon team’s trip to Garden Grove, Cal. for the national competition and the band students’ trip to Germany this summer to participate in a foreign exchange program.

SOPHIA BELSHIE

S

KSMS members visited San Diego for a convention. PHOTO Courtesy OF KSMS

Shwanee Mission South Arabic club students take a picture by the Persian Gulf.

PHOTO Courtesy OF ARABIC CLUB

PHOTO Courtesy OF ARABIC CLUB Students take an Arabic calligraphy class.

PHOTO Courtesy OF ARABIC CLUB

April 2015

news

Takee...

Not

team m poetry South’s sla at Louder Than cond at the placed se March 28 ers ls a n fi b a Bom memb ter. Team Gem Thea Emily Wilkinson ior inter, were jun Jordan W e’ah s r io n e s and Ann-Dr mar and Rola Alas Norton.

Interpersonal Skills Class placed second in their division at Job Olympics April 1. Individual medal winners were seniors Ben Jones and DJ Osborn, sophomore CJ Mort and freshman Wesley Hansen.

ANDREA SMITH &

KSMS plac ed third in the nation for its Man-on -theStreet featu re at the S tudent Television Network n a tional convention in San Dieg o.

Junior Erin Bunker, an d seniors Nic ole Sanche z and Brendan B rooks shot and edited the feature.

Freshm an Ma deli for wi nning ne Bermond the ov Wordw er r the 9th ight Challen all ge for grade. went t Second o third p Cullom Stap place p, a la James, ce tie went to nd a Madis Nicolas on Nichol as and Burch, Adam Sarah Schafe r.

graphics by Rose Pollina

news April 2015

07

STUDENT FAILURE

STATS COMPILED BY ROSE POLLINA

A statistical breakdown of the experiences and opinions of Shawnee Mission South students concerning failure 154 STUDENTS WERE SURVEYED

23% of students have failed a class.

7%

of students have taken summer school because they failed a class.

74% of students gave up on a hobby or sport.

49% of students have been discouraged from continuing a sport they enjoy.

21%

of students have been cut from a team they tried out for.

83% of students believe failure is an important step in achieving success.

HOW WELL STUDENTS COPE WITH FAILURE: GOOD

VERY WELL

23%

12%

SO-SO

42%

NOT VERY WELL

18%

HORRIBLY

5%

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April 2015 news

HOW LIKELY STUDENTS ARE TO DROP OUT OF A DIFFICULT ACTIVITY: VERY LIKELY

LIKELY

NOT LIKELY

NEVER

6%

64%

19% 13%

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One and the Same The transition from parochial school to public school allows for reflections on fitting in.

C

onformity isn’t for the weak. It’s a well-oiled machine spinning at a thousand miles per hour; operating smoothly on the surface, yet running the same risk of crashing at any given moment.

And for high school students who spent upwards of nine to 10 years in Catholic schooling, conformity was a gruesome game that we all played.

At first glance, schoolchildren united in dress and morals seems far from harmful. Our uniforms encouraged a level, non-biased playing field for friendships to form. Physically, one could not distinguish a child living in a low-income family from a child living in a high-income family. Articles of selfexpression were kept to a bare minimum.

Nail polish and makeup, shields from the insecurities of our pubescent girlhood, were “distracting” and banned over the course of years. Eventually, the school would regulate smaller things like the length and color of our socks. For an institution that boasted egalitarianism and acted as though looks were our least relevant features of character, I couldn’t help but feel like a product on an assembly line every time a ruler was pressed against my thigh, measuring whether my skirt was an appropriate length so the “boys wouldn’t be distracted.”

They never were, as it turned out.

But as a girl, I found myself wondering if this was how male attention was meant to be achieved: one

retracted inch at a time.

As a public high school student, there are some days where I admittedly miss the ease of white polos and plaid skirts day after day. As powerless as it felt looking like a black, white and red carbon copy of the girl standing next to me, I found comfort in it as well. It was easy to hide, to become a cog in the machine that cared so little about my individuality.

Yet as it turned out, fitting in wasn’t as simple as looking like everyone else.

I lived my life school year to school year alone and without many allies.

Contrasting from my counterparts when they were just as plain as me on the outside forced myself to realize that whatever they didn’t like about me had to be deep inside: something I couldn’t change.

As much as I hated my reflection, I knew my circumstances wouldn’t change even if I could. I hated everything I wasn’t and everything I could never become, and I was only a kid.

Was this what a level playing field looked like?

Today when I think of true equality, I picture my equals who fill the hallways of Shawnee Mission South. Our individuality does not divide us, it unites us. We see the physical differences between each other and have the ability to choose acceptance over rejection. We have the freedom to choose how much attention we receive based on how we present ourselves.

Conformity is no longer a foundation on which friendship is based, but a condition depending on circumstance and personal conviction.

This is the kind of camaraderie no machine can emulate.

Isn’t it beautiful? Emily WIlkinson

PHOTOS BY KA TIE IMES

10

April 2015 opinion

STAFF EDITORIAL

Complete and Repeat Editorial staff explains how failure should be used as a motivator.

O

ften times we are way too hard on ourselves when things don’t turn out the way we want.

Failure is a part of life, whether we like it or not. We beat ourselves up about it, and people tell us “you’ll get it next time.” But the important thing isn’t trying to fail less; it’s trying to fail better.

Failing at something doesn’t decrease your value, potential or importance. It shouldn’t be seen as the end of the road, but as a new beginning to start working harder.

The ability to bounce back from failure is one that we all need to develop. When we fail at something, we should have the intention of trying harder, of aiming to improve ourselves, not of giving up.

Many of us have failed a class or have been cut from a sports team, and sometimes it’s hard to keep a positive mindset, especially when you thought you gave it your all. But your failure isn’t a reflection of who you are. Going back and passing the class in summer school or the next CARTOON BY REGINA YAN year instead of allowing yourself to get more and more behind shows who you are. Finding it in yourself to try out for another sport or to train more and more on your own shows who you are. It shows your determination and your strength.

It’s difficult to hear that things didn’t turn out your way, that you didn’t get into the college you’ve always dreamed of, or didn’t win the competition you worked so hard for or didn’t make the team you’ve dreamt of playing for. But the fact of the matter is, everyone’s working hard. Everyone is giving everything they have to get into that school, or win that competition or make that team. And when it comes down to it, not everyone can. Failing isn’t a representation of lack of hard work or ability. It should be used as a motivator. Don’t let the disappointment keep you down. Some of the greatest things to happen to you might end up being a result of something you were once disappointed about.

Failing at something doesn’t make you a failure. What makes you a failure is giving up on the things you want and letting one coach, or one college, or one whatever, convince you that you’re not good enough.

9/9 EDITORS AGREE WITH THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS EDITORIAL

opinion April 2015

11

THE DEBATE I

No: Rose Pollina

Is watching videos in class beneficial to students’ education?

VS

T

Photos by Jenna Fackrell and Katie Imes

Yes: Avery Dorsey

oday, technology is easier to access than it has ever been. Technology is being implemented into schools in many ways, one of the most influential being through movies. One of the biggest supporters of implementing movies is the Sociology course at South.

Last semester when I took the class, we would watch movies. The movie always had a relation to the branch of sociology that we were studying and was definitely a good idea for positive learning.

Movies in class extend learning beyond the textbooks.

Popcorn reading in class can somewhat capture the attention of the students but not to the same extent as playing a timely example of the topic. Watching movies in the classroom portrays a clearer picture, such as what a group of people may experience and endure in a certain time period. Movies can place the student in any moment.

Class can often turn dull as students space off and drift into sleep. Movies serve as an interest-building activity to regain students’ attention. It also can mix up the everyday classroom schedule by replacing the usual classroom activities with educational eyecatching movies. Movies are an additional learning style that teachers should choose to implement into classroom plans because they regain the class’s interest.

Not only do movies extend learning from the textbook and open up new, interesting learning activities, they also reveal teachable moments. Movies touch upon topics not mentioned or forgotten. They can highlight key subjects that broaden students’ horizons of said subject. Movies in class is a good idea because teachers can include worksheets including questions and a list of items to look out for. This guarantees participation unlike just reading or giving a lecture. Students will stay attentive, and teachers can pause and discuss with an observant classroom. Movies are a good idea for the classroom because they’re an entertaining, creative and positive way to learn.

12

April 2015 opinion

t should be stated that I do not believe that there shouldn’t be any videos shown in class. I just think they should be limited. Next to no one would agree with a complete removal of videos. Whether or not videos should be in class is dependent upon the relevance to the class’s subject. Classes shouldn’t be showing videos that are irrelevant to what the class is about, distract students away from class instruction and waste class time.

Watching The Avengers in classes such as Health or Social Studies is an example of a video having nothing to do with a class’s subject. I don’t believe The Avengers teaches students how to stay in shape like the Hulk or explain the details of Asgard’s history with the United States. When videos such as The Notebook, Star Trek, Ice Age, The Avengers are shown in the classroom, they serve as nothing more than time wasters.

Movies and other videos should not be used in place of actual class instruction. Students are less likely to doze off during a teacher’s lecture than if a video is playing with the room’s lights dimmed. Class time is about learning, not sleeping or talking with friends during a video. Chances are that as soon as a video comes up, so do cellphones and laptops.

Teachers shouldn’t use too many videos because it comes off as lazy. Videos are not as engaging as a teacher’s interaction with his or her students in the classroom.

Teachers know their students better than the narrator and actors in the videos. Watching videos constantly makes it harder for students to get the personal lectures where teachers call them by name and give them feedback about what they’re doing right and wrong. Videos don’t address students personally, so the lessons in the videos are more likely to be brushed off and not given much consideration.

Teachers should teach while at school, not show videos.

Students can go home and watch videos recommended by their teachers to get the extra information.

Instead of videos, teachers should have more hands-on lessons. Videos are very impersonal and don’t provide a lot of opportunities for hands on lessons. Benefits of hands-on teaching include the development of critical thinking skills, encouragement of communication, building of language skills, restoration of focus and sparked engagement.

If videos are to stick around, then they should only be short clips, 15 minutes at the max, and should be discussed afterwards. The discussion should also include a written response of some sort about what students took away from the video.

Videos should not be teaching classes. They shouldn’t be wasting instruction time. In small doses they can be useful, but they shouldn’t be abused.

The Results are in... yes 17% NO 83%

South students voted on whether study halls should be removed from students’ schedules.

Go online to smsouthnews.com to vote in this month’s debate!

Senior wins first and $2,000

at Junior Science & Humanites Symposium Matthew Logan declines trip to nationals in favor of attending senior Prom.

T

wo years of research and determination paid

Photo by jenna fackrell

The day of the competition, each competitor gave

a presentation to a panel of six judges. The top eight projects moved past the preliminary rounds and presented again in front of a new set of judges.

“I didn’t think I was going to win at all,” Logan said,

off for senior Matthew Logan when he found

“Through the final round it looked like they had put our

at the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium

from the preliminaries, and I went second. So it was a

out that his science fair project took first place

(jSHS) , awarding him $2,000 and a trip to Maryland to compete in the national competition.

Logan competed against about 40 other people. Each

chose his/her own topic, carried out research, wrote a

paper approximately 50 pages in length and prepared a presentation.

presentation order from worst scores to best scores huge shock when I won.”

About 200 projects compete at nationals, and the

winner receives $25,000. Unfortunately, Logan is

declining the offer because the competition will be taking place the same day as Prom.

“When [Logan] told me he had nationals the same

“I was really interested in the field, and I wanted to

weekend as prom, I was supportive of either; it was his

later on,” Logan said, “Also, I knew the benefits of doing

“He basically said that he had given up so much for

I wanted to spend my time.”

do that this time and miss senior Prom.”

a circuit to run it, with the goal that the machine

events by leaving the competition’s awards banquet

This would result in faster healing. This is a proven

decision had to be made.

own, better version of it. Logan spent countless hours

lot of people thought I had a chance of doing well at

“She was probably the biggest help because I had

up and [the competition is] not all about the money to

acclimated and allowed me to use the lab even when

Stollsteimer said, “When he told me that, I have to

get experience to figure out if it was what I want to do

decision,” Logan’s girlfriend, Megan Stollsteimer said.

it and what I could get out of it and decided it was how

school over the past four years, and he wasn’t going to

Logan made a machine out of LEDs and designed

would increase the amount of energy cells produced. therapy technique, but Logan was trying to create his

Logan had planned to attempt to make it to both

early, however the jSHS would not allow it, so a “A lot of people are not happy that I’m not going. A

working in the lab with scientist Sandy McNorton.

nationals. But [prom is] something I don’t want to give

no idea how to work in a lab, and she helped me get

me,” Logan said.

she wasn’t there,” Logan said.

admit, I was quite glad. I agree with him.”

Rola Alasmar

features

April 2015

13

The Comeback Kids Students and faculty open up about their experiences overcoming failure.

14

PHOTO BY JENNA FACKRELL

April 2015 cover story

Failure.

noun; /fail-ure/; lack of success, falling. short.

F

ailure has many negative connotations in society, apart from the fact that it already has the negative denotation of meaning, well, “failure.” Failure is the worst possible outcome, the reason why people are afraid to try, the complete opposite of success.

But failure can be a motivating factor. It can be a reminder of past events that encourages someone to work harder for the future, or it can teach invaluable lessons that spur further growth. Even the very best go through some form of failure in life, but they are able to bounce back and grow from the experience.

Maybe a student who was dropped from his high school basketball team will eventually became a sports legend. Maybe a failed entrepreneur and bankrupt cartoonist will end up leaving a lasting legacy in movie animation. Maybe a teenager deemed mentally handicapped and socially inept will discover famous formulas to explain scientific phenomenons.

While their cases are not usually this extreme, many high school students, too, experience these “lowest of the lows” outcomes, yet they are still able to turn it into a positive experience.

Take senior Raz Loback. Loback failed Honors Algebra 2 sophomore year and had to attend summer school to get his GPA back on track.

“Failing that class was disappointing and I didn’t want to let down my mom, but she was alright with the idea of summer school,” Loback said. “In summer school, I had to go through three weeks of classes that lasted five hours each day. Looking back, I definitely would rather have done better in class “I got through it in the first place.” and I overcame.

Instead of taking failure as a disappointing setback, Loback saw it as a reason to work harder Throughout in class, but a busy after-school schedule made it junior and senior more difficult to maintain high grades.

“I try to take care of my mom and give her year, I just kept some money by working at Price Chopper. I’d thinking about leave right after school, and sometimes I would shifts that would end around 10,” Loback said. summer school and have “I would try to squeeze in homework somewhere in there, but I also visited the gym right after reminded myself or right before school, so it was definitely how much I didn’t work very busy.”

However, Loback was able to make time for like it and didn’t school work and remind himself of his goals. want to be there.”

“I got through it and I overcame. Throughout -senior Raz Loback junior and senior year, I just kept thinking about summer school and reminded myself how much I didn’t like it and didn’t want to be there again, so I always made sure I didn’t reach the C-range and tried to stay all A’s and B’s,” Loback said.

College was a particular motivator in Loback’s life and inspired him to put more time into school activities. In the end, the work was rewarding for Loback as he received a large scholarship to attend Kansas University in the fall.

“Getting a huge scholarship from KU was great, and it definitely meant a lot,” Loback said. “I feel like all my work paid off because everyone wants to go to college and strive for success, and the first step for me is done!”

While Loback experienced a setback in academics, senior Sam Stueve went through a sports-related disappointment when he tried out for soccer but did not

cover story

April 2015

15

make the team senior year.

“Yeah, it was a little disappointing, and I had been playing soccer since I was little, so I loved the sport but I didn’t have any ties to it. I just didn’t really fit into the make up of the group,” Stueve said.

Stueve, instead of seeing this event as a failure, chose instead to open himself to other opportunities available. “[Not making the soccer team] gave me time to make some money, and I ended up working every day at Panera,” Stueve said.

Stueve also used this time off to prepare for track and field in the spring.

“The fact that we went to State last year for track and the fact that we still have the same four-way team really built in a lot of motivation for me to get back to that spot and hold up my speed,” Stueve said. “So for me, not making soccer wasn’t a big disappointment because I moved on and found other things to focus on.”

English teacher Joe Cline, too, had his fair share of teenage incidents and disappointments with various car accidents, and he finds the experiences and life lessons to be especially meaningful.

“One of the first times I crashed my car, I was a junior in high school driving with my girlfriend and wasn’t paying attention,” Cline said. “While it was in the shop, my dad let me borrow his little 1985 Ford Festiva while he was away for work.”

Cline then went on a field trip to a local school, where he and his friends skipped class to drive around a parking lot.

“We were doing doughnuts around the neighborhood when we hear this sudden bang in the car. Smoke just started pouring out, and because we had no idea what to do, we just parked the car and let it sit,” Cline said.

Luckily for Cline, he was able to return the car intact to

“It’s kind of a fear of failure, or just not wanting to fail because I think about college and what I want to do with my future, and I tell myself if I can’t get this done, I can’t get into the program I want to attend.”

-junior Ellie Bartlett. his father, although the four-speed was never in the same condition.

“I mean it’s one of those things where, when you get in an accident and you weren’t paying in attention, it really puts things in perspective,” Cline said. “Being a teenager, I almost totaled my car, and as a high schooler that would’ve been crushing. But looking back as an adult, we really could’ve gotten hurt, and it just gives me perspective on being more responsible with what I’m doing.”

While Loback, Stueve and Cline overcame a first-hand experience with failure, others used the mere possibility of failure as a reason to succeed. Junior Ellie Bartlett understands this on a personal level with her history of illnesses.

“I have a lot of health problems. I get sick a lot, and I have a really bad immune system that makes it hard to come to school at times,” Bartlett said. “First semester I missed a

total of around 25 days of school, and it’s really hard to come back and have all this makeup work. I’m actually just now finishing my English final from first semester, and it’s almost fourth quarter.”

Because of her numerous absent days, Bartlett had to deal with the stress of a heavy load of make-up work as well as the struggle of learning the material on her own.

“Some classes are difficult to teach myself, and all the tests and quizzes just stack up. The hardest part is just making everything up and scheduling times,” Bartlett said.

“This whole quarter I’ve been doing work for this semester and last semester, and because I got sick again, I’m getting behind trying to finish stuff from before while at the same time keeping up with current work. It’s a never-ending cycle.”

However, her college future and the determination to not fail her classes spurred Bartlett to concentrate on her schoolwork.

“It’s kind of a fear of failure, or just not wanting to fail because I think about college and what I want to do with my future and I tell myself, if I can’t get this done, I can’t get into the program I want to attend, or I tell myself if I can do this, then I can get there,” Bartlett said. “I have a pretty strict schedule when I get home. I have hours for each subject set away so I have time to work on things from each class.”

Eventually, Bartlett was able to find a rhythm in her unpredictable schedule and effectively work to achieve her personal goals.

“Looking back, I’m a lot more organized. I’ve learned to delegate all my work so I have time for school stuff and time for myself,” Bartlett said. “I can say I’ve learned a lot about myself, who I am, and what I’m capable of doing, and just seeing myself push through and overcome lots of stuff has really made me proud of how far I’ve gotten.”

When put into perspective, failure isn’t always the scary outcome it’s made out to be. Maybe failure should be redefined as a mere speed bump on a highway to success instead of the end of the road, because when life hands you lemons, download shockwave plugin and become a millionaire on Lemonade Tycoon. Maybe failure should be redefined as a low point that leads to the hope for a better outcome, because when “one door shuts,” its momentum will inevitably push another one open.

That student who was dropped from his high school basketball team and eventually became a sports legend?

Michael Jordan. That failed entrepreneur and bankrupt cartoonist who ended up leaving a lasting legacy in movie animation? Walt Disney. That teenager deemed mentally handicapped and socially inept who discovered famous formulas to explain scientific phenomenons? Albert Einstein.

The basketball star Jordan believed that “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life, and that is why I succeed.” The animation expert Disney believed that “a good hard failure when you’re young makes you aware that anything can happen.” The scientific genius Einstein believed that “a person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” Maybe it’s time we stop failing to recognize failure as something other than “failure.”

Regina Yan

Failure. noun; /fail-ure/; lack of success but anticipation of future accomplishment, falling short but getting up and trying again.

Abraham Lincoln J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter Oprah Winfrey was lost 8 elections and the Sorcerer’s Stone demoted at her first before finally was rejected 12 times job on air before becoming a before being Famous becoming queen of memorialized RH Macy people who published. talk shows.

Thomas Edison failed before president.

Harland ended up making it made 1,000 Sanders had with 7 bankrupt big. failure prototypes his chicken recipe businesses before before finally unveiling rejected 1,009 times finally opening up the his revolutionizing before finally hitting it big famous Macy’s department incandescent bulb. with KFC. store.

Famous Failures

16

April 2015 cover story

cover story April 2015

17

make the team senior year.

“Yeah, it was a little disappointing, and I had been playing soccer since I was little, so I loved the sport but I didn’t have any ties to it. I just didn’t really fit into the make up of the group,” Stueve said.

Stueve, instead of seeing this event as a failure, chose instead to open himself to other opportunities available. “[Not making the soccer team] gave me time to make some money, and I ended up working every day at Panera,” Stueve said.

Stueve also used this time off to prepare for track and field in the spring.

“The fact that we went to State last year for track and the fact that we still have the same four-way team really built in a lot of motivation for me to get back to that spot and hold up my speed,” Stueve said. “So for me, not making soccer wasn’t a big disappointment because I moved on and found other things to focus on.”

English teacher Joe Cline, too, had his fair share of teenage incidents and disappointments with various car accidents, and he finds the experiences and life lessons to be especially meaningful.

“One of the first times I crashed my car, I was a junior in high school driving with my girlfriend and wasn’t paying attention,” Cline said. “While it was in the shop, my dad let me borrow his little 1985 Ford Festiva while he was away for work.”

Cline then went on a field trip to a local school, where he and his friends skipped class to drive around a parking lot.

“We were doing doughnuts around the neighborhood when we hear this sudden bang in the car. Smoke just started pouring out, and because we had no idea what to do, we just parked the car and let it sit,” Cline said.

Luckily for Cline, he was able to return the car intact to

“It’s kind of a fear of failure, or just not wanting to fail because I think about college and what I want to do with my future, and I tell myself if I can’t get this done, I can’t get into the program I want to attend.”

-junior Ellie Bartlett. his father, although the four-speed was never in the same condition.

“I mean it’s one of those things where, when you get in an accident and you weren’t paying in attention, it really puts things in perspective,” Cline said. “Being a teenager, I almost totaled my car, and as a high schooler that would’ve been crushing. But looking back as an adult, we really could’ve gotten hurt, and it just gives me perspective on being more responsible with what I’m doing.”

While Loback, Stueve and Cline overcame a first-hand experience with failure, others used the mere possibility of failure as a reason to succeed. Junior Ellie Bartlett understands this on a personal level with her history of illnesses.

“I have a lot of health problems. I get sick a lot, and I have a really bad immune system that makes it hard to come to school at times,” Bartlett said. “First semester I missed a

total of around 25 days of school, and it’s really hard to come back and have all this makeup work. I’m actually just now finishing my English final from first semester, and it’s almost fourth quarter.”

Because of her numerous absent days, Bartlett had to deal with the stress of a heavy load of make-up work as well as the struggle of learning the material on her own.

“Some classes are difficult to teach myself, and all the tests and quizzes just stack up. The hardest part is just making everything up and scheduling times,” Bartlett said.

“This whole quarter I’ve been doing work for this semester and last semester, and because I got sick again, I’m getting behind trying to finish stuff from before while at the same time keeping up with current work. It’s a never-ending cycle.”

However, her college future and the determination to not fail her classes spurred Bartlett to concentrate on her schoolwork.

“It’s kind of a fear of failure, or just not wanting to fail because I think about college and what I want to do with my future and I tell myself, if I can’t get this done, I can’t get into the program I want to attend, or I tell myself if I can do this, then I can get there,” Bartlett said. “I have a pretty strict schedule when I get home. I have hours for each subject set away so I have time to work on things from each class.”

Eventually, Bartlett was able to find a rhythm in her unpredictable schedule and effectively work to achieve her personal goals.

“Looking back, I’m a lot more organized. I’ve learned to delegate all my work so I have time for school stuff and time for myself,” Bartlett said. “I can say I’ve learned a lot about myself, who I am, and what I’m capable of doing, and just seeing myself push through and overcome lots of stuff has really made me proud of how far I’ve gotten.”

When put into perspective, failure isn’t always the scary outcome it’s made out to be. Maybe failure should be redefined as a mere speed bump on a highway to success instead of the end of the road, because when life hands you lemons, download shockwave plugin and become a millionaire on Lemonade Tycoon. Maybe failure should be redefined as a low point that leads to the hope for a better outcome, because when “one door shuts,” its momentum will inevitably push another one open.

That student who was dropped from his high school basketball team and eventually became a sports legend?

Michael Jordan. That failed entrepreneur and bankrupt cartoonist who ended up leaving a lasting legacy in movie animation? Walt Disney. That teenager deemed mentally handicapped and socially inept who discovered famous formulas to explain scientific phenomenons? Albert Einstein.

The basketball star Jordan believed that “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life, and that is why I succeed.” The animation expert Disney believed that “a good hard failure when you’re young makes you aware that anything can happen.” The scientific genius Einstein believed that “a person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” Maybe it’s time we stop failing to recognize failure as something other than “failure.”

Regina Yan

Failure. noun; /fail-ure/; lack of success but anticipation of future accomplishment, falling short but getting up and trying again.

Abraham Lincoln J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter Oprah Winfrey was lost 8 elections and the Sorcerer’s Stone demoted at her first before finally was rejected 12 times job on air before becoming a before being Famous becoming queen of memorialized RH Macy people who published. talk shows.

Thomas Edison failed before president.

Harland ended up making it made 1,000 Sanders had with 7 bankrupt big. failure prototypes his chicken recipe businesses before before finally unveiling rejected 1,009 times finally opening up the his revolutionizing before finally hitting it big famous Macy’s department incandescent bulb. with KFC. store.

Famous Failures

16

April 2015 cover story

cover story April 2015

17

Q&A WITH HEATHER JENSON 18 20

Jan. April2015 2015 features features

Junior conquers longterm battle against anorexia nervosa.

Photo by Jenna Fackrell

S

secretive

eventeen-

year-old

Heather

Jenson

has battled with anorexia nervosa for the majority of her life and for the first

time, she’s conquering it. Nine months into recovery, Jenson has opened about her story.

When did your eating disorder start and how long did it last?

I would have a negative body image and thoughts of wanting to look a certain way as early as preschool. It ultimately started when I was in fifth grade, so

when I was 11 years old. I had anorexia for about five years.

How long were you in treatment?

I was in inpatient treatment for four months, and then I

have been doing outpatient treatment since I got back, so at the end of October.

Why did you end up going to treatment when you did?

It wasn’t caught any

was

sooner.

misconceptions about eating disorders?

v e r y

I

of it, and no

one found out.

When people

My parents were

think of eating

in denial, as was I.

disorders

What was hardest part of treatment?

skinny girls that

Mentally

recovering

was

really hard and being fed

through a tube more than half

of the time I was in treatment.

Also accepting that I did have

a problem and that I did need

think

they

of

happy

don’t eat anything but

in

reality

eating

disorders come in all shapes

and sizes. No matter what eating disorder you suffer from, it’s deadly.

Eating disorders are mental

What advice do you have for other teenagers that are struggling with an eating disorder?

and I could have died if I didn’t

anorexia, I would tell them

help was really hard.

What was the biggest benefit in going to treatment?

illnesses, I was also very sick

receive treatment right away

because I had lost so much

weight. Treatment wasn’t just about

gaining

weight

and

becoming physically healthy but it was about how to love your body and how to be mentally stable and how to

deal with the voices, urges and harmful behavior.

What are the biggest

If someone was suffering from that you’ll never be skinny No

enough.

matter

how

small you get, it will never be good enough and

for

you’ll

you,

just

keep

going, and it’s just not worth

it because eventually you will have to get better.

Rachel Larberg Photos By Jenna Fackrell

features April 2015

19

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TWITTER PHOTO CONTEST Students tweeted pictures with #iwokeuplikethis, and The Patriot staff picked the top four photos. The next contest theme will be to create your own superlative and tweet it to @SMSPatriot. The winner will receive two tickets to Warped Tour July 30 at the Cricket Wireless Ampitheater.

2

1

junior Andrew Duffy “I would say I woke up like this but I never went to sleep #tooexcitedforwork”

junior Dom Esparrago

4

3

freshman Brittany Kulla 1. Sent in by juniors Andrew Duffy and Steve Erbacher @PizzaSorcerers

junior Heather Jenson

3. Sent in by junior Heather Jenson @hmjenson

2. Sent in by junior Abby Conaghan @abby_Con 4. Sent in by freshman Brittany Kulla @guccitrashcan

A&E April 2015

21

STREET STYLE

High fashion is a whole other world. Unique styling combined with exotic designs make interesting looks.

Not all of us may be able to afford a pair of $1,345 Valentino sandals or a $2,495 Michael Kors python satchel, but luckily there are more affordable and practical options out there. After New York, Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks, there are some definite trends cropping up throughout collections. Many of the major trends are easy to recreate or to add your own special twist.

REBECCA MINKNOFF

Rebecca Minknoff catered to the festival goers by playing with one of the main trends seen throughout NY Fashion Week – fringe. Paired with chokers and blanket-style ponchos, these looks were not only stylish, but relevant to common tastes.

KATE ANDERSON photoS BY Jenna Fackrell SKETCHES BY REGINA YAN

DELPOZO

Delpozo’s looks brought light elegance to the runway. The use of sheer tops with full skirts added an unusual but playful feeling.

The asymmetrical tops paired with wide skirts was an interesting way to bring a look together.

MARC JACOBS

Designer Marc Jacobs used olive greens and neutral tones to create a military-esque thread throughout the entire collection.

Even the more feminine swing dresses were structured and boxy but still had volume and lift.

22

April 2015 A&E

MICHAEL KORS Michael Kors is known for his “all-American” and effortless clothing lines. In his spring 2015 collection, Kors brings a fresh look on classic sportswear.

Basic button-downs and blazers were paired with flowing skirts with flare.

THE

FINAL SAY

More often than not when searching for the perfect Prom dress or tux, there is one that stands out. The color is stunning, and the size fits your standards. It may be the perfect dress or suit, but keeping it within a budget can be a little challenging. Junior Lauren Rosenstock scouted the stores to find the final say.

Camille La Vie 11149 W 95th St. Overland Park KS, 66214

PHOTOs BY lauren rosenstock

This dress shop is a new addition to the Overland Park Mall and is located on the lower level, next to Macy’s. Although Camille La Vie can get a little pricey, their selection of dress styles, ranging in length, color and glitz, makes up for it. Although they do not sell items for gentlemen, they do have a small clutch purse selection and a variety of open and strapped heels for women. Along with those accessories, they have a small rack for shawls and shoulder covers. Even with all those wonderful extras, Camille La Vie has a small range in sizes. A 0, 2, 8, 12, and 14 may be available in one specific dress, but if those sizes don’t work for you, unfortunately the search isn’t over.

David’s Bridal 9310 Marshall Dr. Lenexa, KS 66215

Don’t worry, a wedding doesn’t have to be coming up for one to shop here. David’s Bridal is an organized but helpful place to go when looking for suits, shoes, dresses and more for any kind of special occasion. They have a wide selection of dress colors, lengths, sheers and many styles of shoes and sandals to go with the dress. If the size you are looking for isn’t on display in the front room, they have a back section where they can look for your size, which is very helpful.

It’s similar to Men’s Wearhouse. They have dozens of size options, styles, shoes and ties. Everything you could want when looking for something to wear to prom is at these two stores. Sure, buying a $300 dress is possible, but it is also possible to find something on sale for less than $85. These two stores are not far from school and the people working there are trained to help you find exactly what you are looking for, all while staying in a budget.

Dillard’s 11149 W 95th St. Overland Park KS, 66214

Dillard’s is one of the largest stores, separated into two sections: men’s and women’s. Dillard’s North houses two levels of clothes from bathing suits to Prom dresses for ladies, and at Dillard’s South, they have two levels for gentlemen. Dillard’s does have a reputation for being expensive as well, but they do in fact, have a large sale section that has just as many options as non-sale items. They also have a large variety of ties, pocket squares, belts and shoes for men. Dillard’s South has a variety of shirts, sports coats and suits ranging from $30 to $350. If you look hard enough, staying within a budget is doable.

THE FINAL SAY

Yes, some of the items are expensive, but it is simple to keep a reasonable budget. With a wide variety of colors, styles, shoes and other accessories to choose from, David’s Bridal and Men’s Wearhouse are wonderful choices when it comes to Prom dress and suit shopping. lauren rosenstock

A&E April 2015

23

REVIEWS Shop Review candy city brings low prices and sugar highs to mall

W

PHOTO BY lauren rosenstock

hether you are buying a present for the holidays, birthdays or just for fun, Candy City, a new candy store in the Oak Park Mall, is home to dozens and dozens of candies. Now, candy shops aren’t just for little kids; they have other kinds of candy to please people of all ages.

They sell more than big stuffed animals and piñatas, but they do have classic candies too. Candy City has classics from rock candy in any color to chocolatecovered pretzels that melt in your mouth.

Candy City even has a few hard candies that you might not find at other candy shops. One of the candies I remember hearing all my friends say they like was the Barch’s Strawberry Bon Bons. They would talk about how they could never find them at CVS or Walgreen’s, and now we have easy access to them at the mall.

There are certain qualities that separate a store that sells candy from a candy shop. One of them is having more than one moderately healthy candy option.

Whether it’s yogurt-covered pretzels or even chocolate-covered strawberries, it’s nice to be able to get something at a candy shop if you have to eat healthier.

Another reason candy shops are so unique is that there is more effort in handmaking the chocolate-dipped pieces. Instead of always getting chocolatedipped pretzels straight from a factory, having a few homemade pieces of chocolate can go a long way.

One of the last reasons a candy shop, such as Candy City, is different from any store that sells candy is the price. Stores that sell candy can get away with charging $3 or even $4 per pound, where at Candy City they charge $2.50.

Doesn’t that sound fair?

Lauren rosenstock

TV Show Review

netflix continues to break boundaries with new series

N

etflix’s original series have had a history of breaking boundaries set by cable television shows. Originally set for a 13-episode season on NBC, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt was bought by Netflix and has a two-season order. The show goes right up to the edge with jokes about race, sexuality, gender and class. Witty and biting lines left me entertained but others uncomfortable.

The show follows Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper) after being rescued from a underground doomsday cult, and features her antics in New York City. Her roommate Titus Andromedon (Tituss Burgess) is a gay aspiring Broadway performer who helps Kimmy around and provides friendship. Former 30 Rock actress Jane Krakowski plays Jacqueline Voorhees, a vail socialite housewife who has identity problems about her Native American ancestry. The diverse cast adds a deeper and more realistic aspect to the show.

From the opening credits, in which Kimmy emerges from the dark bunker into the blinding sunlight, the show regards the idea of looking at the world from a damaged point of view. In reality, perspectives are skewed. Kimmy’s innocence shines bright as she discovers New York City in her light-up sneakers. For me, Unbreakable is an outlet not only for laughter, but also for a shift in perspective. Even though it’s focused on a somewhat dark subject, the show’s light humor shines through.

Witty shows like Parks and Recreation or Broad City are similar to Unbreakable. If you enjoy borderline-offensive material and puns, you are sure to like The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

Written by creators Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, Unbreakable has proven itself to be a fine comedy. Even through controversy, the show has shed light on unjust issues while keeping an unwavering sunny disposition. Kate anderson

24

April 2015 A&E

“my style changes every day.”

DRESSED TO

IMPRESS

DRESS | City Thrift SHOES | City Thrift SOCKS | Nike

SOPHOMORE MARIN SANDERS PHOTOS BY KATIE IMES

SHOES | Forever 21

CLOSER LOOK

SOCKS | American Apparel

SHIRT | American Apparel

SHIRT | City Thrift SKIRT | City Thrift NECKLACE | New Mexico

A&E April 2015

25

NETIAN NAILS & LASHES 10639 ROE AVENUE 913.642.2828

All year around discount. 15% off for teachers/faculty and 20% off for students. Must bring ID.

WHAT’S IN MY BAG?

Student athletes keep anything from jelly beans to sunscreen in their green gym bags. There is no set list of items for each sport, so what they keep for practices and meets is up to the individual athletes. sophia belshe junior GRETA CARLSON

SWIM AND DIVE

Carlson keeps a swimsuit, a towel, a blanket, a swim cap, a stick of deodorant, a phone charger, a headband, a bottle of leave-in conditioner, a jar of vaseline and a shamie in her bag. The shamie is used to dry off before a dive in order to hold onto the board better. She also has a bag of jelly beans to eat before practice as well as some miscellaneous items such as one sock, one earring, loose jewelry, and a small collection of trash at the bottom of her bag.

senior JAKE ANTHONY

senior SANDIS SIMCHUK

TRACK AND FIELD Simchuk keeps a water bottle, a pair of heavy running shoes for slow running, a pair of light running shoes for fast running, a running shirt, shorts and a headband in his bag. He also keeps a roller in his bag to help with muscle soreness in his legs. Simchuk normally keeps a jacket and pants in his bag as well, but he hasn’t needed them because of the warm weather.

freshman TARA PHILLIPS

SOCCER BASEBALL

Anthony keeps two bats, a Gatorade water bottle, a pair of batting gloves, a catching glove, a pair of sunglasses, sunscreen and a pair of shorts in his gym bag.

He usually throws some granola bars, fruit snacks or M&Ms in his bag before games, and he sometimes forgets his belt.

SOCCER

Phillips keeps basics such as shin guards, cleats, socks, shorts, a T-shirt, uniforms, warm ups and a water bottle in her bag normally. She also usually has energy chews, granola bars and gummy bears in her bag for a pre-practice snack. Phillips also has to carry an inhaler due to asthma.

PHOTOS BY Jenna Fackrell

sports April 2015

27

BORN THIS WAY

BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO BY KATIE IMES

Students can be born with natural talent, but hard work is the ultimate factor in creating a successful athlete.

O

ver one million high school students in the U.S. play football. Over half a million boys and just under half a million girls play high school basketball in the U.S. A few high school students merely play sports for a bit of fun, but the majority of these students are hoping to be drafted to a college team or even a professional team.

Unfortunately, the odds are stacked up against high school athletes, which begs the question: Are athletes born, created, or perhaps a combination of the two?

There are some statistics that suggest that genetics are indeed a crucial factor in determining who gets to become an elite athlete. The average NFL player, for example, is 6’1”

28

April 2015 sports

PHOTOS BY SAVANNAH MORGAN and weighs 240 pounds. The average WNBA player is 6’0” and about 220 pounds, and the average NBA player is about 6’8” and weighs around 230 pounds.

Football and basketball are not the only sports that seem to cater to a specific size, either. Of the five women who represented the U.S. in gymnastics during the 2012 Olympics, the tallest member was McKayla Maroney at 5’4.” Dozens of sports seem to have their own specific size and shape.

Despite these cold, hard (and to some, probably depressing) facts, there is evidence that suggests that you don’t have to be a certain size to play a certain sport on a professional level.

Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues was drafted into the NBA by the Washington Bullets in 1987. He’s best known for playing for the Charlotte Hornets alongside Alonzo Mourning and Larry Johnson. The kicker? Bogues is only 5’3,” making him one of the best examples of the fact that dedication

and hard work, not genetics, is what makes a successful athlete.

Swimmers, too, show that size and build can’t make or break a career.

Most of us have heard of Missy Franklin, the 6’2” four-time Olympic gold medalist who currently holds the world record in the 200-meter backstroke and the American record in both the 100-meter and the 200-meter backstroke. Some people have taken to the belief that Franklin’s speed can be attributed in part to her height and the length of her arms and legs. These people ought to consider Celine Li. At the AT&T Winter National Championships, Li competed against Franklin in at 200-meter individual medley and beat her, despite being only 5’3.”

An imposing height and a colossal build may aid certain athletes, but when you examine all the evidence, it becomes clear that athletes are never born. They are only created. It sound cliché, but hard work and dedication really is the key to accomplishing your goals.

Kendall Barker

Q&A: JUNIOR GRETCHEN FIEBIG

Known in track and field for her impeccable long jump, and throughout South as a beacon of high spirits, junior Gretchen Fiebig is a force to be reckoned with.

What year did you get started with track and field?

Q:

I’ve been doing track and field ever since fifth grade. I started at South freshman year. I used to do volleyball and basketball, but then I realized that I liked the running involved in the sports, rather than the actual sports themselves.

A:

Q: What events in track or field do you participate in?

This year, I do long jump, triple jump, 4x100, and then an occasional 400. I’ve done some 200’s and some 100’s. I tried the 800 last year, but that didn’t work out.

A:

Q: What influenced your choices to participate in these events?

I started long jump in 8th grade and I loved it. Triple jump just came along with long jump this year, and I just like sprinting because I can’t do

A:

the distance.

Q: Which event that you participate in requires the most effort?

Probably long jump because you have one jump and you’re done, like you don’t have any leeway to touch up. I made it to state last year [in long jump], so it pushes me to try and get to state again this year. I’ve always enjoyed it, because last year I had Brooke Holmes with me. She was a really good friend, so she always encouraged me to do better.

A:

Q: How many times have you been to State?

Q: What is your favorite experience from state?

Probably just the bonding that we had. The time that we spent on the track was far less significant than the time we spent together outside of the track at the hotel. We went to a movie.

It was just a good bonding experience.

A:

Do you wish to continue track and field in college?

Q:

I’m thinking about it. If I can get scholarships, I definitely will consider it. But yeah, I’d like to.

A:

Q: Which colleges are you the most A: Once, last year. interested in at the moment?

Q: Have you ever won any awards A: I’m looking at JCCC or KU. Oregon at State?

Not really. I mean, I got ninth, but it was mostly just a really cool experience with some really cool people.

A:

would be my dream track school. It’s where the best people go. They have a place called “track town,” and my mom grew up there, so it’s just a really cool, earthy environment.

Emily wilkinson

PHOTOS BY SAVANNAH MORGAN

sports April 2015

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IN A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN

Teachers find time outside of school to pursue personal hobbies.

S

ometimes it’s hard to imagine that teachers do anything except grade papers and plan lessons after school. But in fact, there are a handful that participate in sports in their free time. These range from cycling to running to soccer.

Indian Woods band teacher Megan Earney has run her fair share of marathons . She hasn’t run competitively as of late, but she won the Saint Louis, Springfield and Kansas City marathons a few years ago.

For English teacher Drew Baranowski, cycling gives him the opportunity to get out and see the world. “[I like cycling because] I like to see things that aren’t necessarily safe to see from a car,” Baranowski said. “You can go a lot more places on a bike.”

For these teachers, sports can be used for competition and exercise or just leisurely activity. English teacher Travis Gatewood uses cycling as a way to escape.

On his Facebook page, Kansas City

By Bike, Gatewood posts photos and stories to encourage others to get on the trails and streets of Kansas City and be immersed in the culture the city has to offer. The page is used as a “celebration of cycling in all of its forms– from recreational to competitive, road to mountain, beginner to expert, individual to team, friends to families.”

Students in sports at South can participate in either a club sport outside of school or play on a team.

The experiences differ from athlete to athlete and from school to school.

For Baranowski, there are a few differences between the two forms of playing sports.

Gatewood was a four-year letterman and in high level soccer club where he excelled. Baranowski had experience with both high school sports and club sports.

“It’s interesting to play high school sports versus club sports because you’re limited to your attendance area [in high school] wherein club sports it [depends on] who tries out... and you can put together the best team possible,” Baranowski said.

Teachers use these sports as ways to connect with their families or the world around them.

“Cycling is my way of trying to stay somewhat in shape and get away for awhile,” Gatewood said. “[I] hit the trail and get outside [my] life for a little bit.”

Kate Anderson photo courtesy of drew baranowski

FRESHER THAN FRESH

Organic food’s benefits for the body make up for its relatively expensive price.

T

he word “organic” refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat. This method of farming is designed to encourage soil and water conservations and reduce pollution.

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April 2015 sports

Growing organic food avoids the use of fertilizers and weed-controlling agents that are put on conventional foods at the farms.

On average, organic foods cost 42 percent more than conventional food or store brand foods, so when a person buys organic foods, they’re expecting to receive more health benefits by eating organically grown produce.

Organic foods are linked to a reduction in toxins produced in the body due to the lessened amount of pesticides. The body reacts this way because these toxins include not only pesticides, but have been federally classified as potential cancer-causing agents. These include metals like lead and mercury, and solvents like benzene and toluene. By eliminating a majority or all of these toxins, the body works faster and more efficiently.

When the body works like it’s meant to, there is noticeable difference in athletic performance after your body has adjusted to the effects of organic produce. These include better blood flow, better delivery of oxygen, improved respiratory function, a stronger immune system and improved metabolism to keep your body burning calories.

Since an athlete’s fuel during exercise is muscle glycogen, a type of stored carbohydrate, organic food gives the body a cleaner and healthier form of glycogen.

The body is a complex machine, so when it runs faster, smoother and better in general, we feel less fatigue during the day, our body flushes toxins out of our systems more thoroughly, and we have more energy.

Lauren Rosenstock

[Sports Space]

Spring athletes share what it’s like to be involved in two activities in one season.

Quotes gathered by Andrea Smith PHOTOS by Arturo Sanchez vera

junior Maddie Krowe

junior Sarah Neal

senior Ashlie Fischer

Pole Vault and Swimming

Cross Country and Band

Soccer Track and Field

What advice would you give to other students who want to do two sports?

How has it been juggling two extracurricular activities?

Has it been difficult juggling two sports?

for band. It was hard to miss practice for meets or miss some meets for practice, and there were some conflicts that I’ve been working out. It’s doable. It’s not easy.

miss some practices for each sport, so it’s harder to do.

“

It’s really time consuming and I get tired very easily, but it’s a lot of fun...Keep up your grades

”

It’s definitely difficult...Last and it isn’t. I mean “year “it’sIt ishard, I was a section leader cause I have to

”

”

BEST IN THEIR FIELD

JV soccer hosts biannual fundraiser in honor of South soccer legend.

B

randon Clendening’s legacy (1974-1991) of his time at Shawnee Mission South and his life are remembered every single day and rejoiced at the biannual JV soccer tournament, held this year today, April 17.

He was a junior at Shawnee Mission South and played on the JV soccer team before losing his battle with leukemia. The tournament is organized to raise awareness and money towards Leukemia and Lymphoma research.

“Every year since 1991 there has been a JV

tournament, started by former JV girls coach Mr. Gatewood,” senior Nikki Haffner said.

The tournament is held twice a year for both boys and girls JV soccer.

This spring SMS, Park Hill South, Harmon High School, SMW, Blue Valley NW, Olathe NW, Liberty and Blue Valley Southwest are participating in the tournament and generous cause.

“It brings all of the opponents together to benefit a good cause,” senior Megan Stollsteimer said.

“The attitude surrounding it is fun and more relaxed, which is nice. It’s still a tournament, but there’s a bigger meaning than just winning,” .

The tournament helps to remember Clendening

and to raise awareness for Leukemia and Lymphoma research. The love of the sport and gratefulness for what one has is evident in the atmosphere.

“The spirit of the JV tournament is to have fun playing soccer,” girls soccer Coach Caroline Ewing said.

“Players are out there for the love of the game. It encapsulates Brandon’s memory and love of the game.”

Last year $3,000 was raised for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and this year family and friends hope to surpass that. A $5 donation is asked for, but it’s not enforced.

There’s also players working concessions stands and announcing games, contributing in all spectrums of the event.

senior Jackson Young Cross Country and Band

How has it been juggling two extracurricular activities?

I’ve done it before “Well, with soccer. It wasn’t

too hard, because band was in the morning and cross country was in the afternoon.

”

“ It brings all of the

opponents together to benefit a good cause. The attitude surrounding it is fun and more relaxed, which is nice.

-senior Megan Stollsteimer

”

Assisting in anyway possible out of kindness and respect for the game and people is the priority of the tournament.

“Doing something in the spirit of helping others and reminding others that they still have the ability to play is very important,” Ewing said. “People realize they have their health and they shouldn’t take anything for granted. We have a responsibility and we should give back.”

Avery DOrsey

sports April 2015

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Seniors gather close to take a selfie with Principal Joe Gilhaus to commemorate his and their last assembly. Gilhaus will be moving into an head office administrative position starting next year. “I will certrainly miss the students and staff and the day to day relationships. I have been blessed to work with so many good people through the years and those are the memories that I will never forget and will be forever grateful.” said Gilhaus.

ANGLES

Seniors Isaac Lanan and Regina Yan switch their winning crowns and take a selfie. Lanan won Heritage King and Yan was the Queen’s First Attendant.

Senior Megan Stollsteimer is crowned Heritage Queen at the final assembly of the year.

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April 2015 photo essay

photos by jenna fackrell