2015 May Issuu

THE

PATRIOT MAY 2015

requiem for a dream

Graduating seniors take on opportunity and hardships as adults in America. Page 14

Vol. 49 Issue 9 Shawnee Mission South 5800 W. 107 St, OP, KS 66207 (913) 993-7500

CONTENTS Staff Editorial Page 11

New Principal Page 7

Bui l di ng C hange s Pa g e 5

Retiring Staff Page 8

Para Funding Page 9

Freshmen Failing Page 6

The Debate Page 12

Stats Page 10

Q&A Page 18

Farewell, Dr. Gilhaus Page 13

Financial Aid Page 20

Cover Story Page 14

ON THE COVER Graduating students worry about what will happen when they leave high school and enter the real world to achieve the typical American Dream, while others imagine what their own unique American Dream will be like. “My view of the American Dream is sort of the typical get a house, build a family, have kids, and I mean, I’m not opposed to that, but I don’t know if that American Dream is the one I want for myself overall. ” senior Tom Lundine said. “The Dream I want for myself is really to find what I’m passionate about, and do that for the rest of my life.” 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.

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May 2015 table of contents

Dressed to Impress Page 27

Exchange Students Page 21

Twitter Photo Contest Page 23

The Final Say Page 24

Taylor Christie Page 28

Reviews Page 25

Sports Space Page 31

All-American Page 29 Angles Page 32

Lacrosse 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 May 2015

03

IT’S COOL TO BE A

HAIRSTYLIST HAIRSTYLIS IT’S COOL TO BE A

Tap into your talent, refine your skills, and create

the life you really want! You belong in a Paul Tap Mitchell into your talent, refine your skills, and create

School.

IT’S COOL TO BE A

the life you really want! You belong in a Paul Mitchell School.

HAIRSTYLIST www.pmtsoverlandpark.com

For more information about our graduation rates, the median loan debt, who completed the program, and other important information, please visit paulmitchell.edu/ge. Financial Aid is available for

Tap into your talent, refine your skills, and create the life you reallyabout want!

You belong in a loan Paul For more information our graduation rates, the median debt,Mitchell who completed the program, and other important information, please visit paulmitchell.edu/ge. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify.

School.

8731 W 95th Street Overland Park For more information about our graduation rates, the median loan debt, who completed the program, and other important information, please visit paulmitchell.edu/ge. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify.

RECONSTRUCTION AND RELOCATION

Bond issue allows security increase and district program to move to South, relocating classrooms and little theatre.

T

en years ago Stan Stern began his career at South by transforming the empty little room below the library and across from the journalism room into the gifted room. He took over the gifted program and created a unique environment in the school. Similarly, the journalism room has housed a distinct environment for The Patriot and Heritage publications for all 49 years of South’s history.

Both these rooms, and the little theatre, will be transformed over the summer to accommodate students who are part of the district’s post-high transition program, currently held at Broadmoor Technical Center. Construction could possibly disrupt the classrooms currently in that wing of the school before school is out.

“I’m not that happy about having to move during the school year...” gifted teacher Stan Stern said. “I think it’s real difficult to finish a year out, try to finish grades, finals, IEPs, and also have to worry about moving your classroom all at the same time is kind of disruptive. And I think a lot of the students like this room and wish we could stay in it.”

Junior Hannah Hall appreciates having a separate area for the gifted room, but also recognizes the need for change.

“I think the area where it is now is good because in gifted we have a place where we can all go together to work collaboratively and to do things that we couldn’t do just on our own,” Hall said. “I feel like it’s a good idea that they’re trying to redo that area of the school because we have a very old school and it’s not exactly laid out the best way it could. But, it’s kind of disrupting classes now.”

As for the little theatre, there are no definite plans for the future yet.

“We’re kind of hoping that since we’re losing the little theatre, which is down underneath the library, that we will be able to build something to house smaller productions somewhere by the auditorium,” associate principal Nicholas Platko said. “That might be a couple years into it. This bond issue will probably take three or four years to complete, so we’re hoping that in the next couple of years that will take place.”

The post-high transition program that will be moving to South

is a program to assist students in transitioning from high school to becoming independent in work, an educational or training agency, and a home living environment. The wing below the library will be completely re-done over the summer to accommodate the needs of the program.

“The idea is to create four classrooms plus a life skills kind of laboratory. So it’d be a kitchen, there’d be laundry facilities, shower, toilet, those types of things to help those kids become more independent,” associate principal Ryan Flurry said. “The course they’re all enrolled in is called Independent Living… It’s basically life skills, job skills, to try to make students as independent as possible.”

The construction will cost $690,000 and will be paid for by the bond issue that was voted on and approved earlier this year. In addition to the major changes in a somewhat secluded area of the school, the bond issue will extend South’s main entrance to add more security.

“They’re going to create a room right outside you’ll enter in, check in, and [an officer will] buzz you into the building,” Platko said. “Also there will be all of the security rooms there, so they’ll have video of all of the cameras and security doors.”

The security updates are partly a result of recent school shootings and the acknowledgment that South’s current security isn’t the best.

“We have probably 60 or 70 doors into the building.

So it’s a big facility and it wasn’t built for really security.

So the more secure entrance coupled with cameras and buzzers on every door will make it more difficult for somebody to come in,” Platko said.

The construction over the summer should allow students and teachers to come back to school in August with rooms with better technology for gifted and journalism, an updated security system and a whole new program that will help students become more independent.

AMELIA HOLCOMB

The bottom of the east wing of South will be relocated to accomodate the post-high transition program.

PHOTO by ROSE PoLLINA

news May 2015

05

RESHMEN FAILING

Freshmen struggle to pass certain classes.

E

very high school student knows that the transition from middle school to high school is a challenge.

Changing from a small school filled with only two grades to a mammoth building full of tall, intimidating upperclassmen is, at the very least, uneasy. This year, however, rumors have been filling the halls that the newest freshman class is doing worse than usual. Some have even said that 40 percent of the class of 2018 is failing.

While the rumors do indeed seem shocking, each year South’s incoming freshmen have a tendency to fail more than the other classes. In fact, about 25 percent of all high school freshmen fail to graduate on time.

“Freshmen fail every year because it takes them a while to figure high school out, and so some people worry too much about that. But yes, there are a lot this year that are failing,” Doug Buning, the Counseling Department Head said.

The grades of each freshman class seem to suffer mainly because the new high school students need time to adjust.

“Remember your freshman year when you kind of really didn’t get it, you know, how it all works and how important it is, and for a lot of freshmen it just takes them time to grow up a little bit,” Buning said.

Despite the fact that a large number of freshmen fail each year, it is unclear whether this year’s freshman class is really different from any other.

“I don’t know if there’s an inordinate amount. Freshmen fail the most and

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sophomores fail the next, and juniors fail the next, and seniors fail the least, and you can probably figure out why, because you get more mature and older and more focused on what you want to do, then you don’t fail as many classes.

But there are a lot, and everyone always makes a big deal out of that. It’s true, but it’s not any different from before,” Buning said.

Indeed, in a study published in a journal called Education, freshman high school students have the lowest GPA, the most missed classes, the majority of failing grades and more misbehavior referrals than any other high school grade.

Unfortunately for South’s ninth graders, poor grades and behavior in their first year of high school are detrimental for a number of reasons.

Failing required classes often means that students have to make up their credits in summer school.

Poor grades are also highly destructive to students hoping to get into elite colleges. While junior year is, to most colleges, the most important year to gain insight into a student’s personality and potential, many universities are beginning to place a higher value on the earlier years of a student’s record as well.

Whatever the reason, freshmen really do exhibit a trend of lower grades each year. The poor grades of this year’s class don’t seem to be anything out of the ordinary, and thus little cause for concern. Perhaps the numbers are larger this year, but in all likelihood, the class of 2018 will only improve their grades as the years go on. kendall barker

photo ILLUSTRATION by SAVANNAH MORGAN

May 2015

news

After 17 years, Principal Joe Gilhaus will be moving from his current office to the administrative building.

PHOTO by SHELBY ROFF

FROM ONE PRINCIPAL TO ANOTHER

South’s 50th year brings new changes to administration.

I

n its 50th year, South will be going through a sort of transformation. From building changes to a new principal, the school seems like it’s gearing up for a substantial 50th year. Todd Dain will be taking Joe Gilhaus’s place as principal.

“I am very excited,” Dain said. “All of the students I have met have been…so welcoming. All of the staff have been very excited and encouraging, and I can’t wait to serve the people at Shawnee Mission South.”

Currently, Dain is the assistant principal and activities director at Blue Valley Southwest High School. Prior to his duties as an administrator, Dain spent 20 years coaching and teaching language arts at Olathe Northwest, Shawnee Mission East, Shawnee Mission West and Washburn Rural High School.

“I spent nine years in Shawnee Mission and I spent 11 years in Olathe and now I’m here in Blue Valley, and I can tell you I think education as a whole has changed dramatically,” Dain said. “The fact that technology [is used as a] learning model and as an instructional piece is very different than what it was when I was in Shawnee Mission

in 2003.”

Dain had no say in the new structural changes being implemented because the plans were finalized before he was hired. His main goals for the next year lie with the student body.

“My goal is to try to effectively improve student achievement for all students, but do that without a lot of changes,” Dain said. “I want minimal changes because there will be enough of change because of who I am and who Dr. Gilhaus was. There is going to be a very dynamic change just because I am not Joe Gilhaus.”

Seventeen years ago, Gilhaus became the principal at Shawnee Mission South. During this time, he saw countless awards and achievements given to his staff and students including the Award of Excellence in the state of Kansas and many more athletic, fine arts and academic successes.

His success doesn’t stop here though. Next year, Gilhaus will be the director of secondary schools–middle schools and high schools–in SMSD. “I’m looking forward to figuring out the direction the superintendent would like me to go,” Gilhaus said. “[There are also] the day in and day out duties with the schools and the challenges they have that I can help support.”

KATE ANDERSON

2015-2016 PATRIOT EDITORS LAUREN ROSENSTOCK ROSE POLLINA

EMILY WILKINSON Editor-In-Chief Opinion Editor

Assistant Editor-in-chief Sports Editor

Features Editor Graphics Editor

News Editor

AMELIA HOLCOMB

Web Editor

A&E Editor

KATE ANDERSON

Copy Editor

Photo Editor

Ads Editor

JENNA FACKRELL

JACOB COX KENDALL BARKER

SOPHIA BELSHE

news May 2015

07

Science teacher Jan Alderson, office secretary Linda Catlett, science teacher Bruce Bove, gifted teacher Stan Stern. math teacher Jane Distler and head counselor Doug Buning will all be retiring from South this year. photo by SAVANNAH MORGAN

THANK YOU FOR THE MEMORIES

Long time teachers and staff retire and relocate at the end of this school year.

T

eachers and staff with a collective total of 143 years of experience as Raiders will be having their last day in the building along with the class of 2015.

After 27 years of being the face of South, office secretary Linda Catlett will finally be able to sleep in. Someone else will take her place to greet people in the office. “[I will miss] all the people, kids, teachers, everything,” Catlett said. Catlett said the first thing she will do when she retires is to clean her house.

Head counselor Doug Buning will retire after 15 years at South and a total of 27 years in Shawnee Mission District. “[I will miss] the people, the students, the faculty,” Buning said. The current counselor Mike Heil will take over as head counselor.

Biology teacher Bruce Bove will be retiring after teaching at South for 40 years. He also coached the boys and girls swim teams.

“I still plan to continue coaching at South, but other than that I don’t have any plans,” Bove said.

Math teacher Jane Distler has been at South for 24 years and is wrapping up her final year. “[After I retire], my daughter is getting married on Aug.

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May 2015 news

29, so first, we will get through the wedding. My husband, who is an architect, has inherited a farm, so he is going to retire and I am going to travel,” Distler said.

Science teacher Jan Alderson has taught for 46 years in total, with 15 years at South. After this year, she will hang up her lab coat and retire.

“After I retire, well since I’ve taught so long, I am going to be writing some articles, books and probably some enrichments,” Alderson said.

Gifted teacher Stanley Stern, who officially retired in 2013, but came back to teach two more years, will finally leave South. Long time gifted para Marilyn Vranicar will also be retiring.

“I enjoy working with everyone here. There were some really good teachers, and I really like my students.” Stern said. “I truly enjoyed working with them.”

Other teachers are leaving, but South is not their last stop: PE teacher Ryan Lonergan will move to SM West; Russian teacher Shagane Sigler will go to SW North; Japanese Kumiko DeRigne will go to SM Northwest; Chinese teacher Hau-in Lau will go to SM East; English teacher Kendrick Blackwood will go to SM Northwest; industrial teacher Jay Sharbutt will go to SM West; nurse Danielle Shockley is going to further her education; social studies teacher Ed Doris is moving to Wisconsin and choir director Elise Peterson will be moving to Olathe South High School.

ANDREA SMITH

Paraprofessionals, like Joyce Pennington, work in the special education office when they aren’t helping out in the classroom.

PHOTO by jenna fackrell

A SHIFT IN SPECIAL EDUCATION

Three paras to be reassigned, new special education teachers sign on.

P

araprofessionals, or paras, help support students throughout the school with individualized assistance. Next year, three paras from South will be reassigned to other schools in the district. To cover the loss, one and a half special education teachers will be added to the staff.

“Nobody is being cut. We’re actually getting people added,” special education department head Lori Harmon said.

These changes will help bring more highly qualified teachers into the building. It will also help create better co-teaching classes to give students as much support as possible.

Co-teaching classes involve two or more teachers sharing responsibility

Takee...

Not ANDREA SMITH &

for the students in a classroom. This can help to provide students with more individualized attention and help. Co-teaching is not the same as having two math teachers in an algebra class, rather it means that students who need extra attention and help can get it. Specially trained educators work in these classrooms to identify the individual learning styles of students and help them better understand the curriculum.

The difference between a para and a special education teacher is that the special education teachers have a bachelor or masters degree in special education. They have more specialized training than paras and will continue to provide the same help to South that paras do now.

“If you were taking a math class, would you want a math teacher teaching you, or just somebody else?”

Harmon said.

Most of the changes being made

to the special education program will be positive, but some students are still concerned about the possible repercussions.

“My mom’s a para and her job has been threatened for the last five years. For a really long time, I wanted to work with special ed students and without paras being there, there’s going to be no support,” junior Cadence McGary said. “The teachers are going to be overstressed and the students are going to be overstressed.”

Despite some concern, the longterm effects of the changes should be beneficial, according to Harmon.

Harmon also ensured that special education students will still receive the same individualized attention they are used to.

“They will still have the paras in the building, but they will have more teachers to help them and support them,” Harmon said. SOPHIA BELSHE

The South Acade mic Decathlon te am placed seventh in their division and 17th overal l in the national competition in Ap ril. Individual medals were w on by: senior A lex Hardwick in essa y and math; seni or Matt Ely in mat h; senior Elizabet h Weesner in inte rview; junior M ax Bortka in interv iew and Regina Ya n in interview, social science and spee ch .

This was a reco rd eight medal s for the team

Congratula tion Matt Logan s to , who earned a G rand Award at th e SMSD 2015 R&D F orum

graphics by Rose Pollina

news May 2015

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THE AMERICAN DREAM

BY THE NUMBERS

A statistical breakdown of the experiences and opinions

of Shawnee Mission South students concerning the American Dream.

111 STUDENTS WERE SURVEYED

2 STUDENTS out of

TBELIEVE H R INETHE E AMERICAN DREAM

70%

Don’t believe that the American Dream is fair for everyone

77%

Believe they will be able to achieve the American Dream

51%

OF STUDENTS DON’T BELIEVE THEIR FAMILY HAS ACHIEVED THE SUCCESS MOST WOULD REGARD AS THE AMERICAN DREAM

MOST IMPORTANT PART OF STUDENTS’ VISION OF THE AMERICAN DREAM:

18%

FAMILY

17%

ECONOMIC STATUS

7 STUDENTS out of

NBELIEVE I NAE

COLLEGE EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT IN ACHIEVING THE AMERICAN DREAM

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May 2015

news

5%

INFLUENCE

60%

HAPPINESS AND/OR CONTENTMENT

SEVEN out of NINE students believe that certain aspects of CHARACTER, RACE, SEXUALITY and IMMIGRATION STATUS make it more difficult to achieve the American Dream.

CARTOON BY REGINA YAN

STAFF EDITORIAL

F

Raiders We Ever Shall Be

or 49 years, South has been a school where students have been excited to be. It’s been a school dedicated to making everyone feel like they’re part of a community and that everyone can be accepted for who they are. South has always done a wonderful job of providing students with a positive environment for their education.

Recently several changes that have been announced for the upcoming school year have created a bit of controversy. But, regardless of the fact that there are going to be a few differences next year, South is still going to be the same amazing place it’s always been.

One of the changes that several students have not supported is the removal of a study hall option. Some students feel like they may need a study hall, particularly if they participate in several activities or work several hours a week. And although students may feel like having a study hall benefits them, students should try to see this change in a more positive light. Look at it as encouragement to take an extra class that you otherwise wouldn’t have taken the time to fit into your schedule: an art class, or a music class, or a science class. Take classes that allow you to expand on your interests and maybe even find new ones. It will be an opportunity to gain new knowledge and meet new people.

Another adjustment to South is the new security changes, which is another change that many students were quick to take a disliking to. But the new security is really not a hassle to students. Having doors locked to keep

people from coming in and having a security officer in the front hallway does nothing but protect us and keep us safe.

Another significant change South will be seeing next year are the renovations getting rid of the little theater and moving the location of the journalism and gifted room in order to accommodate students in a Broadmoor program.

Although students may be sad to lose the classrooms they’ve always been in, allowing the Broadmoor students to have easy access to this area of the school is a helpful and beneficial change. And students will have new classrooms that they will learn to love just as much as the old ones.

One final change in the year to come will be new principal, Todd Dain. Dr. Gilhaus, whom we’ve all come to cherish so much, will be moving up to a higher administrative position. But as he goes on to bigger and better things, Dain will be working just as hard to keep South the wonderful place that it is.

Change doesn’t have to be seen as a bad thing. Students just need to learn to embrace the changes and to give them a chance before deciding they dislike them. Students at South are some of the most fortunate there are. Not everyone is lucky enough to have their school give them their own MacBook or to have all of the opportunities that South provides. At the end of the day, we all have the same goal in mind, to make South as great as it can be. South’s 50th year, and all the years to follow will continue to be ones to remember. Regardless of the changes, Raiders we ever shall be.

6/9 EDITORS AGREE WITH THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS EDITORIAL

opinion May 2015

11

THE DEBATE I

No: Kendall Barker

Is it a good idea to take a gap year after high school?

VS

S

Photos by Jenna Fackrell and Katie Imes

Yes: Regina Yan

enior year is finally coming to an end, and while there is an entire summer to look forward to, there is also the big subject of college that looms intimidatingly less than four months away. For most students, this is an accepted future. But for others, approximately 3% of American teens that is, returning to school immediately after their senior summer is not their ideal plan, and a gap year offers an appealing alternative. The trend of taking a gap year, or an extended period of time off school, has grown exponentially over the years, representing over 27 percent of teens in the United Kingdom and an increasingly prevalent percentage in the United States.

There are many benefits of taking this break before returning to studies. The most commonly cited reason is the academic burnout that students feel after their high school career. After four years of heavy workload, some don’t feel the same motivation to return to an even more competitive level of education immediately after graduation. Taking a gap year allows these students to take a well deserved rest and return with renewed vigor.

Another benefit of a gap year is the opportunity for students to “find themselves.” These students usually return with a better sense of who they are as a person and what they truly want to do with their lives.

But, of course, gap years have their disadvantages.

For starters, the process of even beginning a gap year takes an appeal to defer enrollment to a university and large amounts of money, time, and energy. Parents also are often anxious about their college-bound student will just end up streaming Netflix marathons instead of pursuing their environmental research in South Africa.

And that’s totally understandable. We’re teenagers, prone to being lazy. But statistics show that those who take gap years are actually more likely to attend university in comparison to their traditional peers.

Students are also reported as being “happier” and “more engaged” when they take this gap year, and some prestigious universities like Tufts and Princeton actually offer integrated gap year programs.

So don’t be afraid of stepping out of the norm. If high school has zapped all your energy, maybe a gap year will be the best way to recharge your battery. If you’ve got a clear plan of what you’ll be doing, if you’ve devised a clear vision of where you’ll end up and if you promise your parents you won’t spend 12 hours watching Game of Thrones each day, then by all means go for it.

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May 2015 opinion

n the midst of stressing out over finals and fretting about leaving our parents for the first time, it’s strange to think that there are those who aren’t on the brink of starting their college journey just yet. However, each year, thousands of high school students take a year-long break after graduating before resuming their education. While many of these students spend these gap years abroad, volunteering or learning, there are a number of reasons why gap years are superfluous and sometimes detrimental.

90 percent of all students who take a gap year attend college the following year. These students must transition from a more laid back atmosphere to the hectic and stressful atmosphere of school life. This transition is undoubtedly difficult for the majority of these students.

A few months is all students need to have an adventure, learn something new, or relax and recharge. This is why our longest breaks throughout primary and secondary schooling are only a few months, not a whole year. Extended periods away from the classroom cause students to lose heaps of the information they gained while in school.

More time spent away from the classroom also means more difficulty adjusting when students attend college after their gap year. The transition to life without parental supervision or superfluous funds is already difficult enough without having to readjust to schooling in general.

That being said, spending a year volunteering in Nepal is never a bad idea. There are simply better times in one’s life than right after high school to take a year off to help others and explore. Traveling abroad after college provides no difficult learning gap and means that potential volunteers are already fairly experienced and prepared to deal with difficulties.

For students desperate to have these life-changing experiences before their college years, spending just a summer, and not a year, abroad is an excellent option. Three months is plenty of time to learn and experience new things, and this way students don’t have as much readjusting to do upon their return.

In conclusion, while gap years may be fun and may have a few benefits, they are overall more damaging to a recently-graduated high school senior than they are beneficial. It is more advantageous and more convenient if students should continue their schooling without any breaks until they finish. The time and money spent on pre-college gap years have hundreds of more constructive uses.

The Results are in...

NO 19%

Yes 81%

South students voted on whether watching movies in class is beneficial to their learning.

Signing Off

Editor-in-chief reflects on being part of The Patriot staff.

T

hrough three years of being on The Patriot Staff, I’ve worked my way up from writer to Opinion Editor to Editor-in-Chief. And I have cherished every moment of it all. I joined newspaper simply because I kind of liked to write and thought it would be a good fit for me, but it ended up being so much more than just a way to pursue a passion of writing.

Through being involved in journalism, you come to understand that there’s a story behind everyone and everything. You learn how important communication and cooperation really is. You learn the real meaning of responsibility and

come to realize that the work you do affects not only you, but everyone around you. And I will forever be thankful for the skills I’ve gained from being involved in journalism.

But more so than that, I am thankful for the bonds I’ve formed with my staff and the memories we’ve made together. The amount of time you have to spend with your fellow staff members has you finding a family amongst them. I’ll never forget the time we walked into class to find goldfish in the sink of the back back room, and Griffin Zeller called the Ozarka water company to ask if he could keep goldfish in their water.

Or the late night swims during journalism camp with Katie Imes.

Or how Emily Wilkinson and I spent hours at a Starbucks trying to pick

out fonts for the paper.

Every hour spent at late night and every minute spent in the journalism room during fifth hour may seem stressful and overbearing at the time, but in retrospect, some of the greatest moments of my high school career were spent in that exact place, with the only other people who share the same love of fonts, respect for a good page design and enjoyment of a clever headline.

Being a part of newspaper has given me a voice. It’s given me the opportunity to talk to people I otherwise never would have met.

It’s given me the chance to produce work to be seen by the entire South community. And it’s shown me that there really is no place like the back Rola Alasmar of Room 195.

Gilhaus Bids Farewell

A

s this school year comes to a close, I have been asked many times, “What one thing will I miss the most?”

Immediately, my thoughts go the students and staff through the years and relationships formed over time. However, now that I have been asked to write a farewell message, I have been tested to dive into a more thought provoking response, the “common core” of the question, “What will I miss the most?”

After a thorough self-reflection, I will mostly miss the individual conversations that I have had with many of you through the years and opportunity to offer help, advice, or just listen and truly make a difference. It has even been noted that on some occasions that you, the student, have actually taken the elderly advice — it helped your situation or maybe helped you to be a better person.

But, through your lives you’ll always remember your days at SMS, fondly I hope.

And within those memories of friends, PHOTOS BY JACKIE STIDHAM AND JESSE YORK

teachers and the confusion of pleasant and unpleasant experiences may you remember the lessons that this school and its dedicated staff of teachers have taught.

Because no matter what you do, no matter where you go, all through your lives you’ll only be richer with the understanding and knowledge that you’ve gathered from your schooling experiences.

Wherever your future leads you, I will be cheering for you. I am looking forward to updates from your lives and seeing where your education leads. Before you go though, I want to make sure I say thank you for all that you have taught me over the past 17 years.

If I can inspire others half as much as you have inspired me, I know I will have been successful. If all else fails, just remember to be kind to one another and you will never go wrong!

Fare-ye-well to one “stellar” high school……….

Principal Joe Gilhaus

Opinion

May 2015

13

14

Photos by Jenna Fackrell

May 2015 cover story

“The American Dream is the innocence of our nation. It’s us basking in the glory of everything we thought we were, but are no longer.”

- junior Adric Tenuta

Requiem for a Dream E

Graduating seniors take on opportunity and hardships as adults in America.

ver since the human race began, it’s evolved. It’s changed. It’s hoped, suffered, lost.

But it’s always dreamed.

The American Dream has historically been a continuation of this premise in the United States.

Though, much like humanity, the Dream has evolved over the course of centuries to encompass all races, genders and, more recently, sexual orientations, the idea that anyone can achieve true contentment and success in the United States with hard work has remained a staple of the national identity, though junior Adric Tenuta argues the American Dream lost its relevance over the course of the 20th century to today.

“The Dream is the innocence of our nation.

It’s us basking in the glory of everything we thought we were, but are no longer,” Tenuta said.

“Conservative America tries to protect the idea of it, because the Dream has traditionally consisted of the demographic of people that have always been on top throughout history, and the American Dream put

them on top where they still are.”

Since the United States’ conception in the minds of its leaders in the wake of post-British rule, the American Dream was born from the belief that liberties could be afforded to any American citizen, with the caveat of being a white, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant male. Over time, the American Dream shifted to accommodate more people, first with the abolishment of slavery, then first and secondwave feminism, and then civil rights, though many argue that America has much farther to go in terms of the Dream being inclusive to all.

“Generally speaking, if you’re a straight, white, cisgender male, then you are a majority, and over the course of history, men, especially white men, have been in this position of power, and so for women, queer people and people of color, it’s very hard to achieve that Dream,” freshman Lauren Bass said, “and it’s partly because [these groups] feel that they’re less than they are.”

This perceived inequality between classes in

“There’s a cultural change happening in us. This generation is approaching the American Dream in a different manner. The American Dream may be shifting into putting off the demands of family and having the freedom to choose and navigate the way you want.” - US history teacher Ed Doris

cover story

May 2015

15

America manifested in protests and violence in Ferguson, Mo., last August and more recently in riots in Baltimore, Md., in response to the police shooting of Freddie Gray, calling into question the relationship between the police and the urban, mostly African American citizens they were sworn to protect.

“After the civil rights movement, the majority of people thought and truly believed that we lived in a post-racial society,” Tenuta said. “But, the events of not only Ferguson, but Baltimore clearly show that we still live in a very fragmented and racially divided society. We do live in a bubble in Johnson County, where regardless of how you want to see it here, there is still a massive income gap, there’s hunger, there’s racism, sexism, things in America we choose not to realize.”

Although civil unrest revealed facets of the American Dream that felt unachievable for those lacking a certain level of privilege, it also left room to wonder what directions millennials can to turn to next.

“There’s a cultural change happening in us,” United States history teacher Ed Doris said. “This generation is approaching the American Dream in a different manner.

You’re not seeing people run off, create families and try to invest in a home. You’re seeing this realignment towards people living in cities and civic centers, putting off what was traditionally thought to be the progress that you would leave school, go get a job, marry, have a family. Those things are getting further and further pushed off.”

This is in the stark contrast with how US citizens viewed the American Dream in the 1950’s: suburban living, ownership of household appliances and strong family bonds.

The migration of millennials to urban areas may partially be due to the state of America economically in the form of cheaper housing and more opportunities for employment, but it may also be due to sociological changes in how relationships are formed in the digital age. Millennials now have the choice to explore further, meet more people and gain deeper knowledge of the culture surrounding them.

With all this freedom at their fingertips, settling down might take a back seat to curiosity and adventure.

1940

1 in 4

involuntary parttime workers lived in poverty in 2012.

“Is the American Dream so much about owning stuff, owning a home, and starting a family, or is it having the freedom to create these new relationships?” Doris said.

“The American Dream may be shifting into putting off the demands of family and having the freedom to choose and navigate the way you want.”

And no one understands this new navigation better than this year’s graduating class, most of whom will be on their own in terms of living, finances and support.

“It’s weird,” senior Ben Luancing said. “I know people, but I don’t. Like I know the general crowd here [at South]. I’m

Land of Opportuinity 28% 16

28% of the population has a bachelor’s degree (in 2010).

May 2015 cover story

12.5% of the population has outstanding student loan debt.

12.5%

62.7%

used to them, but moving onto college, it’s a whole lot bigger.

I don’t know what the crowd’s going to be like.”

Most students see college as more than getting a degree and subsequent career, but as a gateway to adulthood, finding themselves through education and eventually using what they’ve learned to access their version of the American Dream.

“The whole idea behind school is that you go off, you get educated and you get a job. That’s not necessarily what college is about. It’s been conflated,” Doris said. “College is an opportunity for individuals to hone the skills to develop the ability to think critically about the world around them. In that capacity, there is no value you can place on education at that level or the ability to see the world and interpret it, because then you have the ability to make change across social spheres.”

According to the US Census Bureau, in 2010, people 25 and over with a bachelor’s degree earned an average salary of $62,618 annually, opposed to the $26,349 annual salary of those who never completed college. Though the financial gain is apparent, many students worry about student debt, which affected 40 million people in America as of last year.

“Education inflation is a huge issue. It shouldn’t cost that much money to go to school. It’s better for all of us to have everyone educated. The unfortunate side of it is though that because of this inflation, the American Dream becomes more difficult to achieve,” Doris said. “We are putting it out to a point where you have to come from a certain background.

You have to have the luck of birth to be born into a certain order to be able to access those things. Hopefully as we move forward, [millennials] and future generations will be able to come together and we can solve that problem and figure out a way to make education more accessible.”

Though most would consider a high salary as a sign of success in the United States, money is not the only factor in the American Dream for some students, as some still consider family life and settling down to be a key part in finding contentment. Yet as the American Dream is everchanging, so is the makeup of the average American family dynamic.

To freshman Abbie Hindle, this evolution only means that the American Dream of settling down and raising children should be inclusive of every family, including LGBT parents.

“There are stereotypes, but then there’s just ignorance,” Hindle said. “People say, ‘I don’t want you near my kid because you’re gay, and obviously you’re going to make them gay,’ but I mean, my parents are straight. They raised me straight, but I’m still not. People don’t understand how it’s not a choice. Making the American Dream fair for all families means proving to people that we’re not that different and that it’s not a big deal just because we aren’t the majority.”

Some students wish to take after their parents, who they believe have achieved the American Dream.

“I’m hoping to go into sustainable energy,” Luancing said.

“My mom took that course in sustainable energy. She was the first in both Kansas and Missouri to take on the project, and she was widely recognized for that. She showed me a few things about it, and I thought it was cool.”

Regardless of post-high school plans, whether it be enrolling in college, entering the workforce, or enlisting in the army, every student leaving South will be faced with a new set of opportunities and challenges on the horizon.

Each student may differ in values and character, but each is united with a common goal: to strive for excellence, success and happiness in their place of origin or elsewhere, pursuing passion and happiness wherever it may lead.

This is not the pipe dream of those who wait for success to be granted, but for citizens who work hard so that achievement may be earned through time and experience. It is not this dream that keeps us intrinsically successful and accomplished, but it is indeed what keeps us uniquely American.

Emily Wilkinson

Then and Now 1940

2010

5.5%

28.5%

3.8%

27.9%

G

ra

ph

ic s

by

Ro

se

po

ll

% of men 25+ who are college grads 62.7% of the population are part of the labor force.

% of women 25+ who are college grads

According to the US Census Bureau

cover story May 2015

in

a≠

17

America manifested in protests and violence in Ferguson, Mo., last August and more recently in riots in Baltimore, Md., in response to the police shooting of Freddie Gray, calling into question the relationship between the police and the urban, mostly African American citizens they were sworn to protect.

“After the civil rights movement, the majority of people thought and truly believed that we lived in a post-racial society,” Tenuta said. “But, the events of not only Ferguson, but Baltimore clearly show that we still live in a very fragmented and racially divided society. We do live in a bubble in Johnson County, where regardless of how you want to see it here, there is still a massive income gap, there’s hunger, there’s racism, sexism, things in America we choose not to realize.”

Although civil unrest revealed facets of the American Dream that felt unachievable for those lacking a certain level of privilege, it also left room to wonder what directions millennials can to turn to next.

“There’s a cultural change happening in us,” United States history teacher Ed Doris said. “This generation is approaching the American Dream in a different manner.

You’re not seeing people run off, create families and try to invest in a home. You’re seeing this realignment towards people living in cities and civic centers, putting off what was traditionally thought to be the progress that you would leave school, go get a job, marry, have a family. Those things are getting further and further pushed off.”

This is in the stark contrast with how US citizens viewed the American Dream in the 1950’s: suburban living, ownership of household appliances and strong family bonds.

The migration of millennials to urban areas may partially be due to the state of America economically in the form of cheaper housing and more opportunities for employment, but it may also be due to sociological changes in how relationships are formed in the digital age. Millennials now have the choice to explore further, meet more people and gain deeper knowledge of the culture surrounding them.

With all this freedom at their fingertips, settling down might take a back seat to curiosity and adventure.

1940

1 in 4

involuntary parttime workers lived in poverty in 2012.

“Is the American Dream so much about owning stuff, owning a home, and starting a family, or is it having the freedom to create these new relationships?” Doris said.

“The American Dream may be shifting into putting off the demands of family and having the freedom to choose and navigate the way you want.”

And no one understands this new navigation better than this year’s graduating class, most of whom will be on their own in terms of living, finances and support.

“It’s weird,” senior Ben Luancing said. “I know people, but I don’t. Like I know the general crowd here [at South]. I’m

Land of Opportuinity 28% 16

28% of the population has a bachelor’s degree (in 2010).

May 2015 cover story

12.5% of the population has outstanding student loan debt.

12.5%

62.7%

used to them, but moving onto college, it’s a whole lot bigger.

I don’t know what the crowd’s going to be like.”

Most students see college as more than getting a degree and subsequent career, but as a gateway to adulthood, finding themselves through education and eventually using what they’ve learned to access their version of the American Dream.

“The whole idea behind school is that you go off, you get educated and you get a job. That’s not necessarily what college is about. It’s been conflated,” Doris said. “College is an opportunity for individuals to hone the skills to develop the ability to think critically about the world around them. In that capacity, there is no value you can place on education at that level or the ability to see the world and interpret it, because then you have the ability to make change across social spheres.”

According to the US Census Bureau, in 2010, people 25 and over with a bachelor’s degree earned an average salary of $62,618 annually, opposed to the $26,349 annual salary of those who never completed college. Though the financial gain is apparent, many students worry about student debt, which affected 40 million people in America as of last year.

“Education inflation is a huge issue. It shouldn’t cost that much money to go to school. It’s better for all of us to have everyone educated. The unfortunate side of it is though that because of this inflation, the American Dream becomes more difficult to achieve,” Doris said. “We are putting it out to a point where you have to come from a certain background.

You have to have the luck of birth to be born into a certain order to be able to access those things. Hopefully as we move forward, [millennials] and future generations will be able to come together and we can solve that problem and figure out a way to make education more accessible.”

Though most would consider a high salary as a sign of success in the United States, money is not the only factor in the American Dream for some students, as some still consider family life and settling down to be a key part in finding contentment. Yet as the American Dream is everchanging, so is the makeup of the average American family dynamic.

To freshman Abbie Hindle, this evolution only means that the American Dream of settling down and raising children should be inclusive of every family, including LGBT parents.

“There are stereotypes, but then there’s just ignorance,” Hindle said. “People say, ‘I don’t want you near my kid because you’re gay, and obviously you’re going to make them gay,’ but I mean, my parents are straight. They raised me straight, but I’m still not. People don’t understand how it’s not a choice. Making the American Dream fair for all families means proving to people that we’re not that different and that it’s not a big deal just because we aren’t the majority.”

Some students wish to take after their parents, who they believe have achieved the American Dream.

“I’m hoping to go into sustainable energy,” Luancing said.

“My mom took that course in sustainable energy. She was the first in both Kansas and Missouri to take on the project, and she was widely recognized for that. She showed me a few things about it, and I thought it was cool.”

Regardless of post-high school plans, whether it be enrolling in college, entering the workforce, or enlisting in the army, every student leaving South will be faced with a new set of opportunities and challenges on the horizon.

Each student may differ in values and character, but each is united with a common goal: to strive for excellence, success and happiness in their place of origin or elsewhere, pursuing passion and happiness wherever it may lead.

This is not the pipe dream of those who wait for success to be granted, but for citizens who work hard so that achievement may be earned through time and experience. It is not this dream that keeps us intrinsically successful and accomplished, but it is indeed what keeps us uniquely American.

Emily Wilkinson

Then and Now 1940

2010

5.5%

28.5%

3.8%

27.9%

G

ra

ph

ic s

by

Ro

se

po

ll

% of men 25+ who are college grads 62.7% of the population are part of the labor force.

% of women 25+ who are college grads

According to the US Census Bureau

cover story May 2015

in

a≠

17

Q&A WITH ETHAN STONE 18

May 2015 features

Senior holds leadership position in the North American Federation of Temple Youth.

Photo by Jenna Fackrell

S

Kansas,

e n i o r

E t h a n Stone

is

Colorado,

W y o m i n g ,

a

Nebraska,

leader in the North American

Federation

of

Temple Youth. NFTY is the

Illinois

minus Chicago and Iowa.

of Reform Judaism in North

What do the duties of a Regional President entail?

supported by the Union for

to do, I have to be in charge

to supplement and support

board and the cabinet. I have

synagogue level.

NFTY because if anyone has

How did you become involved in NFTY?

know them instead of tell to go

organized youth movement

and

More concrete things I have

Reform Judaism, NFTY exists

of the rest of the regional

Reform youth groups at the

to be an expert on all things

America.

Funded

any questions, I’d rather just

After you graduate, will you be moved into another position or organization?

No, once you graduate

high school, it’s over kind of as

a participant. I could have run for North American board, which is usually college freshmen or people

of the age of college freshmen.

temple

a network of all of the regional

How has NFTY changed your life?

involved has their own youth

the group including the North

become a stronger leader. I think

It

grows

from

the

somewhere else. I’m also part of

level. Each synagogue that’s

presidents, so there’s 20 of us in

group. At my temple, we have

American president.

participated in so I kind of knew

How often do you have to leave school to attend conventions?

a youth group that my brother when I got old enough I would participate in it as well.

What position do you occupy in the organization?

Right

now

I’m

a lot of school which can be

really difficult at times trying to catch up. I am gone roughly Regional

President. The region is NFTY Missouri

Valley.

The region covers

Unfortunately I have to miss

once a month, sometimes twice

a month depending on what I have going on.

I’ve grown so much. I’ve

I’ve become a better person from in

had

my

NFTY.

experiences I’ve

awesome

experiences

with

all my friends, and it’s been a really

good time being that

leader and go to guy, the

role model people look up to.

Rose Pollina Photos By Jenna Fackrell

seven states. It’s Missouri,

features May 2015

19

$

Financial Fiasco

Seniors realize the importance of financial aid and scholarships when choosing colleges.

T

he first thing students and their parents think of when college rolls around is money. How much they need or don’t have of it is the ultimate question that comes to mind.

Debt after college is almost unavoidable, but the amount of debt due to college loans varies for each student. Every college or university has a certain amount of money set aside for financial aid, some being more generous than others. At many institutions, financial aid is given out based on financial need/circumstances rather than merit.

Although both sides can be argued, every college student is in desperate need of financial aid, especially when it comes to paying for their dream college.

“My dream school is UCLA, which is roughly $56,000 a year. I want to live in a place that is very different from Kansas - like the West Coast. I only got $5,000 in loans and expected at least half of the cost to be covered by financial aid, so I’ve decided on attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,” senior Ethan Belshe said.

Some students feel at home in Overland Park and choose to attend college close by, while others seek to venture off to unexplored parts. The factor that affects students’ decision to go to their dream college depends heavily on the amount of financial aid they received.

“I was offered a full ride to Washington University in St. Louis. I was not expecting that at all,” senior Julia Rose said. “I feel very lucky to have been offered a free college education at WashU, which I have decided to attend in the fall. It was a bit of a challenge not to let that affect my decision too much between WashU and St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.”

Students now decide their education based on financial aid rather than what students should be paying attention to like location, majors, classes, work, internships, diversity, campus, etc.

“Financial aid is pretty much the number one factor in where I go to college. I got into all of the schools I wanted to go to, but I could only afford KU,” senior Peter McAtee said.

“It was really frustrating because I had

20

May 2015 features

“

As a nation, we don’t prioritize education and it shows in how some schools aren’t able to make it possible for students who are very qualified to attend their school.

This is unfair to both the institution and prospective students.

-senior Ethan Belshe

“

put in the work and gotten the grades to get into the schools, but I wasn’t able to go because they were too expensive.”

Public universities in the United States award on average $3,296. About 90% of that is made up of federal grants and a measly 10% of scholarships awarded by the university. Private universities on the other hand tend to award more scholarships, but the competition for those are even greater. More often than not colleges fall short as they fail to recognize scholars and students in financial need.

“I think it really speaks to the industry that is higher education in our country,” Belshe said. “As a nation, we don’t prioritize education and it shows in how some schools aren’t able to make it possible for students who are very qualified to attend their school actually attend. This is unfair to both the institution and prospective students.”

Students constantly ponder how they will come up with the money to pay for a college education. Students have their own solutions such as free college education, adjusted tuition costs based on income, and adaptation of the European nations’ lead of subsidizing education through higher taxation. Overall, to solve financial aid problems, higher education needs to be given greater attention. Avery Dorsey

Foreign Friends Exchange students leave South after a culturally enriching experience.

F

or most exchange students, coming to America meant ending their last year of school on a high note. Graduation parties ended high school careers and, while everything was ultimately a learning experience, it was enjoyable too.

Students see many diverse cultures through the foreign exchange program. It provides the opportunity for host students to experience high school through an alternate perspective. The students who come to South must adjust to the new culture, language and customs of America.

At the end of the year, all foreign exchange students graduate with other South seniors in the stadium.

But for foreign exchange student Iffet Genc, going back to Germany means another one and a half years of school.

“I had always wanted to come to America,” Genc said. “The second half of 11th grade in Germany isn’t that important, and I didn’t really want to repeat, but I can make it.”

Genc had to get used to a new school system when she came to America for the school year.

“First of all we have school until one, and then we have a big lunch break for one hour or so,” Genc said.

“We have more breaks; we have two big breaks that we don’t have here.

It’s also a lot harder…there’s more homework.”

Genc leaves for Germany June 5 and will take back with her new experiences and unforgettable memories.

“I really like the basketball games and all the school spirit,” Genc said. “I like New Year’s Eve and Halloween.”

Many students at South have participated in the hosting program.

Junior Grace Wilson has been a host for Luzia Berinstain from Spain this year.

“It’s been a really great experience,” Wilson said. “I mean it’s hard having a whole other person, but it’s super rewarding and I’m really glad we decided to [host]. I’ve learned so much about her and I got to meet her family.”

The hosts form a special bond with their student. The program creates friendships that last a lifetime.

“It’s really fun having another sister,” Wilson said. “We have done two activities together: tennis and swimming.”

South gets its foreign exchange students through the Academic Year in America (AYA) program. AYA allows hosts the opportunity to choose a carefully screened student who best fits their family. Trained Local Coordinates are close by to help the host and the student.

When you agree to host, you complete a Host Family Application which includes a high school profile, a community profile and a criminal background check release form. AYA wants to ensure that your family will be a good fit and provide a culturally enriching experience for your student.

Junior Emily Wollard is coPresident of International Club and hosted a foreign exchange student last year. “[Hosting] was an absolutely amazing experience,” Wollard said. “I now have a sister for life and I talk to her probably six out of seven days a Photo By Arturo Sanchez Vera week.” Kate Anderson

features May 2015

21

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TWITTER PHOTO CONTEST Students tweeted photos of their own superlatives, and The Patriot staff picked the top four photos. The winner received two tickets to Vans Warped Tour July 30 at the Cricket Wireless Ampitheater.

1

2

Senior Kristen Shaw: cutest couple

3 Senior Tom Lundine: Most likely to be as creepy as Joe Biden Sophomore Isis Perez: Most likely to cry over a band

4

Senior Hannah Bonifield: Most likely to be mistaken as a freshman 1. Sent in by senior Kristen Shaw @_kristenrenae

2. Sent in by sophomore Steffen Seamon @rolledjeancuffs

3. Sent in by senior Hannah Bonifield @HBonifield

4. Sent in by sophomore Isis Perez @alltheifonlys

A&E MAY 2015

23

THE

FINAL SAY

Warm weather and sunny days are rapidly approaching. The perfect place to spend those days is at a local park. These parks are not only local, but each offers a multitude of activities like fishing or picnicking.

Senior Rachel Larberg frolicked through the parks to find the final say.

Pinehurst Estates Park 8111 W. 98th Terrace, Overland Park, KS 66212 Tucked away in the middle of a beautiful neighborhood, Pinehurst Estates Park is located on Hadley off 98th St. It is a spacious park that is perfect for a picnic, playing catch with your dog or even flying a kite. Pinehurst Estates Park also has a playground that includes two swings, a small rock wall and a climbing area. The trees that surround the park help make it more private and provide a medium amount of shade. Overall, it’s a great park to spread out and enjoy the surrounding nature.

PHOTOs BY Rachel larberg

South Lake Park 7601 W. 86th St. Overland Park, KS 66212 Fishing, picnicking or running around the pond are popular activities when the weather is nice at this neighborhood park. Because South Lake Park has a pond, there are two docks, one on each side of the pond, that are great for fishing. South Lake Park also has a new and improved playground for young kids which includes a spider web, swings and various types of slides. Located on 86th St., South Lake Park is not as spacious for playing catch with a dog or flying a kite. Since the pond takes up most of the park, finding a private place to have a picnic can be difficult.

Antioch Park 6501 Antioch Rd. Merriam, KS 66202

Antioch Park is a much bigger park compared to many of the parks in the area. It provides not only multiple shelters varying in size, but also has a large playground that includes a full climbing set and small houses. It also has two small tennis courts right next to one of the parks on the property. The second pond sits lower down a hill and is encircled by a short walking trail. The park is on the larger size with many small open areas and places to grill, but is also not too big to have three or four parking lots. Antioch Park has two different lots, one for the main part of the park and a small one for the other side of the first pond, but still gives a feel of a small park that has much to offer.

THE FINAL SAY 24

May 2015 A&E

Each park has flaws but also great things to offer. Pinehurst Estates Park rises above all because it offers a space to run around, tables to read at or open areas to play catch with a dog. It also provides a great small place to spread out but also keep close to your car or playground if you are with children.

Pinehurst Estates Park is a great place to get away and enjoy a beautiful day outside. RACHEL LARBERG

Movie Review avengers take on formidable foe in second installment of series

“T

here is only one path to peace... your extinction.”

With this ominous declaration, Ultron sets off the action in Marvel’s newest superhero movie, Avengers: Age of Ultron. In this film, the Avengers are at it again, this time teaming up to keep Ultron, Tony Stark’s experiment gone wild, from destroying all of humanity.

Most of the hype for this film stemmed from the success garnered from its predecessor, The Avengers. This film, the first in a planned series of four movies, was the highest grossing film in 2012 and the third-highest grossing film in history thanks to its revenue of over $1.5 billion. Age of Ultron already has surpassed pre-sale projections and is expected to make nearly as much, if not more, than the first film.

Having enjoyed The Avengers and all the other Marvel movies, I attended the midnight premiere with high hopes, expecting nothing but the best directing from Joss Whedon, the

best acting from the lead characters and the best soundtrack from Danny Elfman. Still, I can easily say that this film exceeded my expectations.

The entire cast was just as incredible as they were in The Avengers, with Chris Evans as the moralistic Captain America, Robert Downey Jr. as the ambitious Iron Man, Mark Ruffalo as the indestructible Hulk, Scarlett Johansson as the lethal Black Widow, Jeremy Renner as the relatable Hawkeye and Chris Hemsworth as the good-natured Thor. In addition, Age of Ultron introduces two new kids on the block, Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch (played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen, respectively).

The movie perfectly weaves in these new characters, witty humor and intriguing backstories throughout the Avengers’ mission to stop Ultron and save the world.

Overall, this film has a little bit of everything and will appeal to nearly

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A&E May 2015

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Q&A: TAYLOR CHRISTIE

Senior Taylor Christie is the captain of the girls soccer team with a promising future ahead of her. After a scary ACL tear and MCL partial tear in the third game of the season, her soccer future is now put to question. Her hard work and perseverance will be put to test as she goes through the road to recovery from her ACL injury.

During which game

Q:

did you injure yourself?

A:

I talked to KU right after the injury. The head coach

was in Europe at the time so it was difficult to get in touch

I injured myself

with him so I called their assistant coaches first. I was

in the Olathe NW

just said, “Hey, so while I was playing a game the other day

A:

in the third game

pretty nervous so when I told them I was very blunt and

tournament, also the

I tore my ACL.”

season. I stuck my

Q: Does it affect your scholarship?

A: It doesn’t affect my scholarship because I’ve signed my

third game into the

foot out and planted

weirdly, twisting my knee.

letter of intent and they understand accidents happen. I

will have to redshirt my freshman year. Redshirting my freshman year definitely wasn’t the most ideal thing to

Q: What is the injury?

A: I tore my ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and partially tore my MCL (medial collateral ligament). Most ACL injuries damage other parts of the knee as well.

happen. I was really excited to be there with the team and

train so now I feel like I’m just going to be like a year behind everyone else. On the positive side, it’s a good way for me

to transition into college because I won’t be so busy with soccer and it will give me time to get in shape and recover.

Q: What was your first reaction to the injury?

A: I was really scared because ACL injuries are really Q: How did they react? common in girls soccer for many reasons: females’ knees A: They’re very understanding and obviously bummed. are more turned in towards the midline of the body, their knees bend less for jumping and landing and females jump and run on the soles of their feet in a more rigid manner.

Q: How long are you out for due to your ACL injury?

A: I won’t be able to play soccer for eight months, which

They have to restructure how they plan to go about the season.

Q: Describe your road to recovery.

A: I had surgery last week, so I wont be able to do

anything for a few weeks. After that, I’ll be on rehab and

is the typical recovery time for an ACL injury. You can try

will proceed to go about different levels towards recovery.

puts you at greater risk of getting hurt again. It really

Q: Has your role as a leader increased with you on the

to speed up the recovery to shorten that time but that also sucks being out for so long because you get out of shape

and lose your touch on the ball. It also is hard just sitting back and watching games and wanting to be out on the field.

A:

I’ve had to become a much bigger leader off the field

and from the sidelines. I’ll try to encourage from the bench

and make sure that everyone is ready to go before the

Q: Does KU know about your injury?

28

sidelines?

May 2015 sports

game or practice. Avery DOrsey PHOTO BY SAVANNAH MORGAN

HEY NOW, YOU’RE AN ALL STAR South honors a handful of individuals every year by presenting sports memorial awards to athletes.

awards ceremony Tuesday, May 19, there are three senior athlete scholarship awards handed out. These are the George Kurtz Award, the Steve Little Award and the Dirk Ochs Award.

The George Kurtz award is a scholarship that was provided by the Kurtz family in remembrance of their son, s the athletic seasons come to a close, students are George Kurtz, who was a track member who succeeded awarded for their seasons in numerous ways. All in academics and athletics. He died in a rock climbing State and All Metro awards are some of the highest accident after graduating from Stanford, causing his awards a high school athlete can reach. This year there parents to set up the award. The track coaches chose one have been four senior boys to reach All State: seniors track member to receive the award.

The Steve Little award is awarded to one football Ryan Sweat for swimming, Jackson Conrad for diving, Brian Harness for basketball and junior Connor Hill for player chosen by the head coach. Steve Little graduated in the late ‘70s and went on to be the kicker and punter for basketball.

“It was gratifying to see all of the years of hard work the University of Arkansas. He received the All-American pay off and to be recognized as one of the best in kicker award and donated the money to create this award.

Out of the three awards, the Dirk Ochs comes out on top. the state,” Sweat said.

These awards are not the only Any female or male athlete can receive this award and awards that are noticed this was set up after Ochs graduated in 1991 and played throughout the year. football for Kansas State University. He received a national At the senior sportsmanship award while playing as a defensive Sierra lineman, and he donated the money back to create the Dirk Ochs award for graduating high school athletes. A female Lyons and male athlete are recipients of this award. is South’s first The All-State and All-Metro awards received have been awarded to the cheerleader to commit a recipients during the school “very to cheering in college. year in the assemblies. hey’re at every football and basketball surreal and Rachel Larberg game, standing on the sidelines no exciting” feeling for matter what the weather or score; Lyons.

Cheerleading in college is they are more than the team’s biggest fans, they are athletes themselves. Cheerleaders. extremely different from high school; the Senior Sierra Lyons has been a cheerleader programs treat the cheerleaders like any at South for the past four years and is about other collegiate athlete, and diversity in to take the next step by cheering at the each athlete’s skills is key. An athlete needs to be able to adjust and learn to do whatever collegiate level. “[Cheerleading] is the one thing I’ve ever is best for the team as a whole and not just felt passionate about, and after spending the what they are comfortable with.

“Here at South we focused more on last nine years of my life devoting all my technique and cleanness; as for college, they time and energy to it, I wanted to continue to focus more on stunting, etc. I will also have do what I love,” Lyons said.

Lyons will be attending and cheering more freedom with college cheer, being at Neosho County Community College in able to try new things that were ‘illegal’ for Chanute, Kan. Getting noticed to play for a Kansas high school cheer,” Lyons said.

Lyons will be going to school a week collegiate sports team is no easy task and earlier than the rest of the students in cheerleading is no different.

“They had noticed me last year when order to begin weight training and practice we went to Chanute for the [basketball] for competitions and games. Neosho’s tournament. They emailed me asking if I cheerleading team is a competitive team, so would be interested, so I went and toured they spend the fall time traveling around the school and practiced with them. Then a doing competitions and spend the winter week later, I got a letter in the mail offering cheering for basketball games.

After devoting half of her life to me a full ride,” Lyons said. cheerleading, Lyons will be taking the next After accepting Neosho’s offer, Lyons became the first cheerleader at South to sign step by trading in her gold poms for black PHOTO BY a letter of intent to cheer at a college. It was and orange. Autumn mock KATIE IMES

A

CHEE

RS O

T

F JO Y

sports May 2015

29

‘LACROSSING’ BOUNDARIES South’s Lacrosse Club has a growing following, but isn’t classified as a school ‘sport.’

L

PHOTOS BY Arturo Sanchez-Vera

30

May 2015 sports

acrosse is a sport that’s been sweeping the nation in recent years. The number of high school programs has grown by 36 percent in recent years, according to uslacrosse.org, and more and more kids and teens are opting to play the game over traditional American sports, like baseball. Even with the rising popularity of lacrosse, it still isn’t a school sponsored option for students who want to play a spring sport.

The Raider Lacrosse Club was founded in 2000 as the first high school lacrosse team in the state of Kansas, according to their website. Now, even after 15 years as an independent club, Raider Lacrosse still isn’t a part of the official South sports program.

The team is made up of students from South, North, West, Northwest and Bishop Miege. On the 2014-15 roster, 17 out of 35 players on the team were from South. Head coach Eric Olson was a cofounding member and has 20 years of lacrosse experience. Assistant coach George Fales has five years of experience with the club as a parent, coach and board member.

Despite being a program for 15 years, lacrosse has never been considered an official school sport. If lacrosse were a school sanctioned sport, it would help draw more players to the team from South.

“That’s one of our big issues, not having enough players,” senior Alex Dextraze said.

It would also help bring more funding to the program. Currently, players and their families fund the team with the help of fundraisers.

“Right now we don’t have very much [money] and we pretty much just pay for it at the beginning of the season,” junior TJ Ball said.

But, lacrosse being an official sport would also have some drawbacks.

Right now, the team can have players from multiple schools. If it were school sanctioned, they would be limited to students from South only.

“We’d lose a few people from other schools, but I think we’d get more from South playing,” senior Beckett McQuitty said.

The state also doesn’t recognize lacrosse as a school sport, according to Dextraze. The team is part of the Lacrosse Association of Kansas City (LAKC), an independent league that also has teams such as SM East, Olathe East, Rockhurst and other local schools. Most of these teams aren’t school sponsored and contain players from various schools.

“They’d just prefer that kids play baseball and golf and other spring sports that are sponsored,” Dextraze said.

Not only is boys lacrosse not a school sanctioned sport, but Lady Raider lacrosse doesn’t even exist. Girls from South who want to play lacrosse have to play under another school’s name, usually East.

The Raiders practice at Indian Woods Middle School or Bluejacket Park and play home games at South. Away game locations depend on the team they’re playing.

The team will be losing 10 seniors at the end of this season and is always looking for new recruits. Summer programs are available for first time players and students can be involved in the club regardless of experience.

The teams’ postseason will begin May 15 with the LAKC Quarterfinals. The LAKC Championship is May 29.

Sophia belshe

[Sports Space]

Senior athletes share their excitement about participating in college athletics.

Quotes gathered by Andrea Smith PHOTOS BY SAVANNAH MORGAN

What made you decide on continuing to play sports in college?

Aidan Johnson

Sidney Holler Depaul University Softball

Emporia State University Track and Field

softball is my “ Playing favorite thing to do,

and I just decided that I wouldn’t be happy if I didn’t keep playing after high school... [my favorite positions are] 3rd base and catcher.

I started running, “ Onceit really gave me

”

direction and purpose.

It’s made me happy and I can’t imagine my life without running, so I would have run in college whether I had gotten a scholarship or not.

”

BREAK THE FAST

Science says a small breakfast, big lunch and small dinner will maximize your energy intake.

I

n the morning, the last thing you need is a sugar high.

An energy boost for the first hour of school is nice, but what about the rest of the morning? Studies show that eating sugary cereals, glazed or refined pastries or even toast with jam will give the body an insulin burst, but no long term energy.

Especially in growing teenagers, a small, but healthy, breakfast can immensely benefit health and vitality. There are new trends for breakfast: fasting and just eating a bigger lunch, or eating too big of a breakfast with a smaller lunch.

Neither of these will benefit growing individuals.

Teenagers, especially, need to consume a medium sized breakfast and a medium sized lunch to keep a balance in their biological clock. This clock will alert the body when it’s time to eat breakfast, and by skipping breakfast, the body will continue to work, just not as efficiently.

Each meal should provide enough potential energy for the body to use before we consume the next meal. This

Christina Mountain

“

Ned Bingamin

Tiffin University Actually, I wasn’t going to and I did my college visit at Tiffin, and they just happened to have softball practice on the same day so they were like, ‘Hey just come out and see,’ and I got offered a spot that day. So I wasn’t going to it just kind of happened.

“

Pittsburg State University Football

I just liked [football] a lot. I had the opportunity so I was able to do [football in college].

”

”

should be a continuous cycle, but who has that kind of time?

According to the Harvard Health Watch, the average American drives 200 miles a week, watches 24 to 33 hours of TV a week and on average use the internet and social media eight to 11 hours a day.

Today, we have so many distractions, and food is one of the biggest ones. As our body follows its cycle of breakfast, lunch, dinner, repeat, we might stray and add a snack during mid-morning and a snack in the early afternoon.

Most of the time, this keeps our bodies on track, in case we aren’t consuming enough food at meal time.

Lauren Rosenstock

sports May 2015

31

The seniors of theatre practice their final bow to be taken at their final show Our Town. “Unlike my other high school activities, I plan to continue theater, but taking that final bow and knowing I wouldn’t be on that stage again was a very strange feeling that any senior can tell you about after their final bow or final game or final meeting - that last time being with their group or club,” senior Abbey Loewen said.

ANGLES

As characters of the play Our Town, sophomore Tucker Barry and senior Abbey Loewen start the final rehearsal going through curtain

English Teacher Travis Gatewood attends the last National Honor Society meeting to accept his student-voted award for Teacher of the Year.

32

May 2015 photo essay

photos by JENNA FACKRELL