The Patriot September 2017

The

Patriot

Volume 52 / Issue 1 / September 22, 2017

We the People Shawnee Mission South 5800 W 107th St, Overland Park, ks 66207 (913) 992-7500

NETIAN NAILS 10639 ROE AVENUE 913.642.2828 Year-round discount.

20% off for students.

Must bring ID. Get your nails done for Homecoming!

Red Wing Store 8920 W. 95th Street OP, KS 66212 913-648-7860

Help Wanted Dining Room Wait Staff

Shifts Available: Evenings (Mon. - Sat.) -- 4:00-7:00 pm (Sun.) -- 12:00 - 3:00 pm Pay rate starts at $10 with advancement opportunities.

Call for more information The Atriums 7300 West 107th St., Overland Park, KS 913-381-6000

RED WING STORE

Contents

Cover photo by Cassandra Awad Assistant Photo Editor

Features

15 Cover Story: First Amendment 18 Teacher Amy Read 19 DECA 20 Q&A with associate principal Josie Herrara 21 StuCo Staff Editorial 22 Debate: Confederate Memorials 23 Elena Kernen Guest Column 24 Graduating Early | Abortion Law 25

Opinion

A&E

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, they will only be published if signed. The editor-inchief reserves the right to refuse or edit any letters for reasons of grammar, length and good taste.

04 Newsfeed 06 Homecoming Changes 07 School Renovations | Marching Band Football 09 New Stadium 10 Fall Sports Look Book 11 Sports Swap 12 Gymnastics 13 Fishermen 14

Sports

Editor-in-Chief

Sophia Belshe Assistant Editor-in-Chief

Avery Woods News Editor

Lily Wagner Sports Editor

Avery Woods Features Editor

Madison Holloway Opinion Editor

Sophia Belshe A&E Editor

Miah Clark Infographics Editor

Madison Holloway Web Editor & Social Media Manager

Nichole Thomas Ads Editor

Ansley Chambers Photo Editor

Savannah Morgan Assistant Photo Editor

Cassandra Awad Editorial Cartoonist

Lauren Bass Photographers

Jillian McClelland, Abby Cox,

Weston Glendening,

Trinity Clark, Derrick Gill Reporters

Pablo Jimenez, Brynn Taylor,

Brett Conner, Blake Atkinson,

Gini Horton, Daniella Campos, Parrish Mock Adviser Julie Fales

News

Patriot Staff

26 Summer Music & Movie Recap 27 How to Pack a Good Lunch 28 Homecoming Essentials 30 KC 1-2-3: Coffee 31 Culture Corner Table of Contents 03

Newsfeed by addie soyski copy editor Graphics by Madison Holloway and Nichole Thomas

irma devastates florida

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ot more than a month after Hurricane Harvey ravaged southeast Texas, Irma unleashed its wrath on the Caribbean and southeastern United States.

It’s estimated that 25 percent of homes in the Florida Keys have been destroyed and 65 percent have been damaged.

Millions lost power, multiple states have experienced intense flooding and flights were canceled.

Sophomore Caroline Tuohey was in Orlando when her family learned of the approaching hurricane.

“My dad was hearing all the warnings and we were all freaking out about it and throughout the week it continued to get worse...” Tuohey said. “Going out into the street, you would hear the adult’s panicked whispering about it. Everyone was very paranoid, but it was obvious they didn’t want to scare anyone else and were trying not to scare their kids. Our flight was canceled on the way back and we were really lucky to find another. We missed the hurricane by about 20 hours.”

The death toll has risen above 60 from weather related car accidents and falling trees. Already, Irma’s economic toll is between an estimated $20 million and $40 million in the U.S.

Resident Jack Bellflower removes plywood from the windows of his home in the Lake Sybelia neighborhood during the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, in Maitand, Fla., Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017.

(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/TNS)

The vending machines are now closed between 7:40a.m. and 2:40p.m.

“It defeats the purpose of vending machines. What’s the point of having them if they’re not open during the school day when students get hungry and when the can’t go to the lunchroom that’s closed the most of the day?”

---junior Lexi Link

Kudos

photo by abby cox

“They’re a distraction. Kids go down during the day.”

----Athletic Dir. John Johnson

“If they’re gonna have them, they might as well have them available during the day. If a kid wants to leave class, they’ll find a reason to leave class.”

--- SPED teacher Seth Peck

Senior Harrison Polen placed first in the Kansas Book Festival.

Seniors Madison Burch & Nicholas James scored a perfect 36 on the ACT.

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Sophomore Kennedy Ash was named Second Team All-State for soccer.

footloose tickets on sale

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reparation for the fall musical is well underway. Tickets are available now and go for $10 but are free with a student ID. Teachers and senior citizens also get in free of charge.

Show times for “Footloose” are 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 18-21, as well as a matinee at 2 p.m. Oct. 21.

Students can purchase or acquired tickets with a student ID in the cafeteria during lunch the week before the show opens.

photo by cassandra awad

college clinic on oct. 11

Who: High school students from around the Kansas City metro area What: A college fair hosting over 200 colleges from across the country, as well as financial aid and scholarship info When: Oct. 11 from 6:30-8:30p.m.

Where: Shawnee Mission East High School 7500 Mission Road, Prairie Village, Kan. Why: To give students an opportunity to explore college options and talk to college representatives

How: Admission, parking and shuttles are free

daca delirium Dreamers face uncertainty as President Trump cancels DACA.

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ight months into his presidency, Donald Trump is making good on one of his most controversial campaign promises: ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy that protects illegal immigrants who grew up in the United States from deportation and allows them to get a driver’s license, go to college and work legally.

DACA recipients arrived in the U.S. before they were 16 and have been living in the U.S. since June 15, 2007. Currently, 800,000 people are

trumpdate

protected by DACA. These people are commonly known as Dreamers, after the DREAM act, which would have granted legal status in exchange for going to college or joining the military, had it not been voted down in 2010.

Although the Trump administration is currently dismantling DACA, the president’s views on the program have changed.

Once he took office, he made statements that were seemingly sympathetic towards Dreamers. The president has taken action of late in response to pressure from state attorney generals.

“His entire campaign he’s been very anti-immigration. He obviously wanted to build the wall and it doesn’t get more anti-immigration

than that. He tweeted about how we shouldn’t blame the kids for their parent’s decisions which I think is very hypocritical...I’m just very confused,” sophomore Ali Harrison said.

Without DACA, immigrant lives will revert to the way they were before 2012. Many are concerned that the personal information the was collected when applying for DACA, could be used by the government to round up dreamers once the program’s benefits come to an end.

“These people came to America when they were children, and they’ve lived in the U.S. having most of the opportunities US citizens would have.

It’s unfair to, now that you don’t want them, kick them out and send them to a country they don’t know,” sophomore Arden Larsen said.

Calls for “tougher” travel ban after Sept. 15 terror attack in London Visited Fort Meyers, Florida, Thursday, Sept. 14, to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Irma Hosted a bipartisan group of senators Sept. 12 to discuss overhauls to tax codes

News 05

parade to stay during the day Protests and conflicts cause administrators to move Homecoming parade to afternoon.

By daniella campos reporter he school proved to be a true democracy when the students decided to speak up for what they wanted, Friday, Sept. 8. Senior Ben Smith, who’s a member of KSMS and Pep Club, decided to lead a student-run protest, arguing against the changes the administration made regarding the start date of the annual Homecoming parade.

“I threw it together really fast because we found out in Pep Club that we wouldn’t be having our parade during the day like we usually do. We wouldn’t be having our bonfire normally like we usually do.

We’re not having it at all,” Smith said.

This year, the administration listened to the request of parents who wished for an evening parade with the hopes of increasing attendance from the community. At the beginning of the school year, it was announced that the parade would be a Wednesday night at 6 p.m..

But for students like Smith, Wednesday night evening classes, practices and youth groups made it hard to attend the parade. Smith initiated this protest on behalf of most students and said that he was doing this not for himself, but for the voice of everyone else to be heard.

“Everyone in the room shared my resentment. A lot of people wanted to storm right into the office and talk to the administrators and it seemed like I was the more calm one,” Smith said.

The protest began before first hour in the front lobby of the school.

Students gathered in numbers with signs, chanting the changes they wished for. Smith said it started out with just a few and grew to many as the minutes dragged on.

“Annaleigh, our Pep Club Secretary, she said, ‘You know there’s nothing we can do about it. It’s already set and done; we’ve already made the plans;

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Freshman Lilly Howard signs a petition to move the Homecoming parade to the afternoon. The petition was passed around among students at the protest.

photo by madi harwick

it can’t be changed.’ I just simply don’t believe that. I know for a fact that school administrators can move mountains if enough people get involved,” Smith said.

And that is exactly what happen.

Tuesday, Sept. 12, the Homecoming planning team met to discuss the upset with the time of the parade.

After the meeting, it was concluded that the parade would be moved back to the traditional start time of 1:40 p.m., Friday, Oct. 6.

“I think it will be a good thing that the parade has been moved back. StuCo, Pep Club and the administration have been working together for a while to make this decision. This way more students will be able to participate,” Kernen said.

In a letter to students, parents and teachers, Principal Todd Dain provided the reasoning for the initial reasoning and the switch.

“As our Homecoming team began planning the details and logistics for an evening parade start, we realized there were multiple obstacles to our success: Extended / extra hours beyond the contract day for teachers, coaches, sponsors and elementary school staff; athletic conflicts with volleyball, cross country, and soccer.

After examining all of these impediments, the planning team decided that starting the parade in

homecoming events Spirit Week- Monday, Oct. 2 to Friday, Oct. 6 Parade - Oct. 6 @1:40pm Pep Rally- after the parade in the stadium Orchestra’s Oktoberfest and #TeamSOUTH Kidfest @ 5 p.m.

Royalty Coronation @ 6:30 p.m.

Football Game Kickoff vs SM Northwest @7p.m.

Homecoming Dance Oct. 7 @8 p.m.

the afternoon is our best option.”

Co-StuCo sponsor Joe Cline saw both sides.

“I think it’s a good change. I think the ideas that were behind why they wanted to change it to the night in the first place are still valid. It’s just that now we’re trying to do those things and move it to the day, ” Cline said.

Raider Band revamped Field show takes a bite into stadium redo.

by ansley chambers ads editor arching in unison, the band enters the spotlight. All eyes in the stadium are on the percussionists and wind players, waiting to see what changes have been made to the show.

The field show has been choreographed by one of the band directors, Paul Schapker. He also wrote the percussion music for the small collection of songs played by the marching band during half time at football games, to showcase the band’s strengths.

“We have a simpler drill, which makes it cleaner for the judges,” baritone section leader Ryan Bare said.

The theme for the show is Dracula. Senior Patrick Sturm is playing the part of Dracula because there were not enough Pacesetters to fill all the parts.

“Bands with themes get more points, which makes for more competition,” Bare said.

Competitions will be Oct. 14 at

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Early before school, the marching band is on the field practicing their pregame show.

They are working hard as they prepare for the first football game.

photo by abby cox

the Blue Springs South Marching Festival and Oct. 28 at the Festival of Champions in Warrensburg.

Due to stadium renovations the band is now playing on the opposite side of the field than before.

“We love the other side,” field captain Claire Kelly said. “We are front and center, so we can really fill the field with sound.”

Another change is the title of a fight song. The song “Waiting on the Robert E. Lee,” based off a steamboat race during the Civil War, is being retitled “Southern Jamboree.”

“We’ve been asked to change it

by administration. We want to be sensitive to people at South,” Kelly said.

However, the song may not be played in the future.

“After Charlottesville, it might make students uncomfortable,” band teacher Steve Adams said. “It would be celebrating someone that we really shouldn’t celebrate.”

One tradition that is staying the same is the Overland Park Fall Festival Parade where the band will play tomorrow morning at 10.

lookin’ fresh Renovations bring new spirit to South.

by Pablo jimenez reporter n the first day of school, when students walked in, they saw big screen TVs in place of the trophies and principals’ pictures.

Instead of trying to avoid the school seal that was tiled in the middle of the front hall floor, now it’s a free open space.

“It’s [the seal] currently in 120 pieces, the plan is to reassemble it and place it in the left of the screens,” associate principal Nicolas Platko said.

Over the summer the seal was chiseled off. Now the individual tiles are stored until they are reassembled in the alcove where the phones used to be.

The smell of coffee from the Green Bean leads students down to the newly renovated library-now called the Learning Commons.

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“I think it will draw kids to the library because the library is at the end of the universe,” Librarian Debi O’Brien said. “You don’t pass the library unless you’re coming for an important reason. The more students I can get in here, the more books I can get checked out. That’s my theory.”

Last year the Green Bean was operated off of a bookshelf. This year the DECA students have a full fledged Starbucks looking coffee shop.

“I really like the Green Bean; I think that’s good for kids that have to come early on Thursdays they can just go study there,” sophomore Hannah Dennington said.

The library also has other changes.

“The big deal is that everything can be movable, the tables and chairs obviously,” O’Brien said. “You can move it to whatever configuration you want so you can make it do whatever.

There are five white board tables.

The idea for them is that kids can get together and work out ideas.”

On the opposite side of the

The newest painting added to the SMS hallways as students pass by.

photo by dj gill

building the theater entrances have transformed into bathrooms.

“The new bathrooms in the theater room will be welcoming and it’s all going to take some time,” senior Ben Helm said.

The administration said that improvements will continue as funds are available.

News 07

Maniacs on the court

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The year of South Mania starts off with eye-catching performances.

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1. Showing off their strength, the varsity cheerleaders flex their muscles for the crowd. Senior Daniel Reichart and junior Maddy Musson are both captains for the varsity squad.

2. The final pose, the varsity Pacesetters perform their jazz routine. Junior Zeb Lyons said, “[performing] was a littler nerve-racking but exciting.”

3. Rallying up the crowd, seniors Ben Smith and Kameron Ozburn chant, “Raiders!” to the senior section. Smith and Ozburn are senior Pep Executives and memebers of KSMS.

4. Catching air, the boys varsity soccer team hoists senior Kameron Ozburn into the air for their annual

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assembly dance. The boys performed their routine to the song “Jumpin’ Jumpin’” by Destiny’s Child.

Photos by savannah Morgan

Relentless Raiders Raider football: improvements and expectations on and off the field

By Brett Conner reporter photos by Savannah Morgan Varsity quarterback Jack Roberts works on his passing skills during practice.

Roberts stepped up to be varsity quarterback his sophomore year.

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ince the 2015 season, the football team has only won one game in two years. However, this year is home to grounds of optimism following a win Friday, Sept. 1 against Shawnee Mission North.

“All of the kids have bought into the program more.

They want more out of it than players from other years did,” senior linebacker Luke Benson said.

The players grew as a whole team and it seems that they have put in the work that is necessary for a winning season.

“The attendance levels in the weight room were way up. Where we’re at this year compared to where we were last year is 10 times better,” offensive coordinator Bob Ray said.

And the three hour long days in the weight room this summer seem to be paying off.

“The improvements in the weight room have been unbelievable,” head coach Brett Oberzan said. “The strength, the speed, the physicality has gotten a lot better.”

The football players and coaches weren’t the only ones working at the football field for most of their summer. Construction workers spent most of their summer days working on the renovations to the stadium. The renovations include new bleachers, a new press box and Turning quickly, junior Sam Macklin signals for a pass with open arms. The varsity team won their opening game against Shawnee Mission North 22-12.

most popular, the brand new jumbotron. These additions to the stadium represent a rebirth for the football team.

The renovations have brought along energy in fans this year. But as for the players, the expectations haven’t changed.

“They’re still playing the same game, just in a different environment,” Ray said.

Players and coaches here are hoping that the atmosphere in the weight room this summer will be transitioned over to the football field on Fridays this fall.

“It was a great atmosphere. We’re all very excited. Very enthusiastic. We’re all ready to win,” junior linebacker and tight end Austin Conner said.

According to Oberzan, the transition of hard work in the weight room and field in the summer to the field in the fall “is what makes this game exciting”. Those who can make that transition are the ones who succeed in the fall.

Last year, the team was sophomore-based, with only four seniors remaining on the team. This year, the sophomores of last year are matured.

“All the sophomores that played last year got the playing time. That’s usually not a thing for young players,” junior quarterback Jack Roberts said. “We’re a lot more intense and into it. There’s no playing around like last year. Last year, the seniors [who quit] were just playing around and didn’t take it seriously. Everybody wants to get better this year.”

Their first two games have shown the improvements from the hard work put in during the summer with a win against SM North and a better performance against Lawrence Free State compared to last year. That determination is what separates this year’s team.

“They don’t have that quitting mentality,” Ray said.

Hopes for a long overdue winning season are high for the football team. Come see them in action tonight at home against Leavenworth.

Sports 09

photos by jillian mcclelland

back and better than ever Construction has finally ceased and the stadium is back up and running.

By pablo jimenez reporter

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fter the stadium renovations, school now has the third biggest scoreboard in the city. It is a big attention grabber which then helps the students notice the new concession stand.

“Instead of two different stands there is only one, so both the home fans, and the visiting fans will meet at the south end of the stadium,” concession stand supervisor Joe Laurenzo said.

The students helping now haven’t really changed from last year.

“Dr. Johnson, the athletic director, assigns two groups for each night.

They indicate that they are interested in volunteering and they work together and share the profits,” Laurenzo said.

Some of the groups helping include the swim team, cross country and the cheerleading squad.

After starting the renovations last year and through summer, the stadium was ready for the first home football game Friday, Sept. 14.

“It was almost 50 years old, and [didn’t comply] with the new laws that have changed for access with people on wheelchair,” athletic director John Johnson said. “The idea that the game has changed. It’s more technical. There needed to be space for video and for those who were handicapped in wheelchairs. They wanted to make sure it was structurally safe.”

The seating amount was reduced from about 10,000 to about 7,500.

There are 76 reserved seats with comfortable chair backs available for $70 each for the four home games, plus a possible playoff game.

Two other sections with 76 seats each may be available soon. These special seats will be available to anyone who wants to purchase them.

Additionally, South fans will now sit on the other side of the stadium.

“On hot, sunny September and August days if we sit on [the east side] we are looking right into the sun and so a lot of people wanted to think about not looking into the sun,” Johnson said. “I think it was a good time to switch because the new access to the stadium makes it easier to do that.”

A new press box was added to the stadium, outfitted with suites for media, technology and the home coaches. One suite, with an outside terrace and additional seating below, will be available to rent by South sports teams and organizations.

These changes will hopefully work out for everybody and help the game change for the better.

“The renovations are nice. I like the concession stands which could bring a lot of people to the school and game. The seats also look better for the football program,” freshman Troy Kanichy said.

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The jumbotron during the game will play back big plays and will have entrance videos for starting varsity football players. The jumbotron was made by Dakteonics, the company who built the jumbotrons for the Royal’s stadium and the Chief’s stadium.

The new press box has been put in for the commentators. The 76 new blue seats that have been added to the stadium are available to anyone who purchases a $70 season ticket..

Take a look at what varsity athletes are wearing to their games, and get the latest scoop on what the best brands are.

Fall sports look book

by Daniella Campos reporter Photos by Jillian McClelland

Senior varsity tennis player Kylie Hance wears a green racerback tank top. Her white tennis skirt is a classic and “comfortable,” Hance said.

For her shoes, she wears white tennis shoes. She is super particular about her brand.

“I like Nike, they’re very supportive,” Hance said.

Bethany Ward, a senior varsity cross country runner, wears her green uniform, and her compression shorts, which she says she loves. Ward says cross country uniforms are “more appealing than track uniforms, and the varsity girls get to wear compression shorts which is nice.”

Varsity gymnastics junior Meg Blinzler wears the old gymnastics uniform. “Our old uniforms were very tired... the new ones are much nicer and make us look more like the high scorers we are,” Blinzler said.

The varsity volleyball uniform has been revamped.

“Instead of green, we have these new black ones ... they have these stripes on the side, they’re so cute,” sophomore Sydney McDonald said. She wears black spandex, and as for shoes, her favorite brand is Asics.

Freshman soccer player Phillip Nunez wears his all white uniform, which is identical to the varsity uniform. A wish among all of them is to make the green shorts match the green jersey.

As for cleats, senior Kameron Ozburn prefers, “Nike tiempo cleats [because] they’re really comfortable.”

Junior Marquez Briscoe, a varsity football player, loves his green jersey but wishes it were looser. His cleats are Nike. “There are different types, longer spikes for more traction ... I don’t like the high top, it’s not enough speed and I don’t like the low cut because it cuts up my ankles,” Briscoe said.

Senior Abbagael Johnson is a varsity girls golf player. “Our uniforms this year are really simple,” Johnson said. The girls wear either a white or black skirt and wear whatever shoes are comfortable.

Sports 11

Fall Sports Swap

Instead of running across trails after school, these cross country runners have switched to other sports. by gini horton reporter photos by trinity clark

Sophomore Emily Lang sophomore mason vick junior faith danaher

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ophomore Emily Lang participated in cross country since middle school, but she traded in her running shoes for a tennis racket.

“A lot of my friends graduated. I had friends in tennis and I wanted to try something new,” Lang said.

A new sport can bring new challenges such as new schedules, practices and rules.

“I have probably close to eight or 10 hours a week,” Lang said. “I’ve been keeping up with my homework and I’ve been able to hang out with my friends during the week.”

The girls tennis team has 43 girls playing this season. They practice at the courts at 103rd and Marty Monday through Friday. Tennis coach Kurt Hodge hopes to get the girls team to finish in the top four at Sunflower League.

“There are pros and cons, but I’m having a lot of fun playing tennis,” Lang said.

12 Sports

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ophomore Mason Vick ran cross country since middle school, but his heart belonged to soccer.

“I’ve played soccer like my whole life, and I started running in middle school because the coach said the team should be in shape and I was really good at it and I decided to run last year,” Vick said.

Even though he was on the varsity cross country team freshman year, he gave it up for soccer.

“It’s a different challenge; for soccer it’s to win. Cross country is a battle with yourself. Soccer is more a battle with you and your teammates,” Vick said.

The boys JV soccer team has tied one out of three games. The boys team practices from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday. They have games every Tuesday and Thursday.

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unior Faith Danaher ran cross country her freshman and sophomore years.

“I’m doing club soccer instead of cross country because I want to play college soccer and I need to focus on improving my skills so I can play in college,” Danaher said.

Danaher played soccer for seven years. She joined cross country to stay in shape and get involved at school.

“Both sports have different challenges but I would say cross country was more challenging, mainly because in soccer I enjoy learning from the challenges and getting better,” Danaher said.

Danaher is more dedicated to soccer.

“For me, soccer is more of a time commitment because I go to practice at least twice a week and condition every other day,” Danaher said. “On the weekends I either travel for tournaments or play in scrimmages to stay in practice.”

small victories

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arrying all the gymnastic equipment might be a challenge for the eight team members, but they would do it 100 times if it meant they would get to keep tumbling and perfecting their floor routines. That is why, when the sport got a second chance, these girls seized every moment. The idea of shutting down the gymnastics programs throughout the district was circling for many years because students didn’t seem interested and coaches were becoming hard to find.

“When the decision was made I mainly felt happiness, and relief after all of the wavering of whether it was going to stay or not,” junior Hannah Carter said.

While this year’s low numbers aren’t necessarily the kiss of death, gymnasts like sophomore Madeline Ramsay are concerned that without more people, they will have a hard time showing their sport is worth keeping.

“If you go up against a larger team they have the advantage because they can easily get a higher score,” Ramsay said.

Carter and Ramsay believe that with a larger team points would be easier to obtain because there are more people to buffer the score, but the gymnastics team might not be as small as everyone thinks. Gymnastics coach Jennie Turflinger said that they have a larger team compared to others in the state. One reason gymnastics teams may be smaller than other sports is because KASHA rule states that girls can’t do both club and school gymnastics. Carter competed club gymnastics from fourth to ninth grade but thought it became too time consuming.

When she started high school gymnastics she felt it was a good balance.

While there are negatives to having a small team, Turflinger said the team can only compete five JV and five varsity gymnasts every meets anyways.

“If we had more girls they wouldn’t be able to compete a lot so it gives them an opportunity to compete more and to compete in more events so I think that is a positive

The gymnastics team gets another chance this year.

by Parrish mock reporter

photo by jillian mcclelland The gymnastics team practices their balance by doing handstands.

The next gymnastics meet is Sept. 23 at Shawnee Mission North.

thing,” Turflinger said.

A small team is also more personal.

“Honestly my favorite part is at competitions being with the other girls...even though we are competing against each other we are all honestly one big happy family,” Carter said.

The small team also allows the coach to build a closer connection. Turflinger thinks that girls need someone who isn’t a parent, but can still push them and help set goals.

“I think that girls today need somebody in their life that can give a positive influence to help them along their life,” Turflinger said.

At the SM East gymnastics invitational, the team won, scoring 98.8 points, the highest score in the state so far.

Carter placed third on floor, second on bars and third all around and sophomore Phoebe Holmes placed second on vault.

“We went into the meet knowing Freestate and Lawrence were really good and to come out on top was really shocking and nice,” Carter said.

athlete snapshots What are you most excited for this season?

freshman Amelia Tapko volleyball “I’m excited for volleyball because I’ve been playing with the JV and I’ve improved a whole lot just within this short span.”

sophomore Dylan Bloom soccer “I’m most excited for just playing a lot of games with my teammates and trying to get a lot better this year.”

junior Mara Baine tennis “I’m most excited to see how I improved compared to last year and working with my teammates again that I haven’t really seen over summer break.”

Photos and Quotes gathered by Weston Glendening

senior Bethany Ward cross country “I’m really excited for the girl’s team. We have a bunch of really talented freshmen girls coming in this year, and we’re looking forward to state.”

Sports 13

Big fish in a small pond Three sophomore fishermen bring their talents to South.

By Brett conner reporter

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few students have ‘gone fishin’.

Sophomores Matthew Leach, Mark Early and Ethan Offutt took their fishing talents to the next level. They fish outside of school and are working on a fishing club for those who are interested.

They already have a couple of sponsors: Ardent Outdoors, WOO! Tungsten, Lew’s Mach 3 Speed Spool, Fly Tying Express and Favorite Rods.

“They give us huge discounts on their products and in return, we put pictures of us using their materials and telling people to use their materials,” Offutt said.

They promote sponsors by using the Instagram account @angling_kc.

Despite not being in a competition, they’re in a tournament at Grand Lake, Okla. Oct. 27. This competition is a big step for them. If they do well they could possibly gain new sponsors.

This so-called ‘hobby’ is not your normal fishing-with-your-grandpa session to these fishermen. There is plenty of competition going around with these three.

“My favorite thing about fishing is catching bigger fish than my competition,” Early said.

Offutt is much more vocal about his competitive spirits.

“My favorite thing about fishing is catching more fish than my friends Matthew Leach and Mark Early because they are poor fishermen,” Offutt said.

While Offutt and Early like competitive fishing, there are some who enjoy fishing for other reasons.

“My favorite thing about fishing is how peaceful it is,” Leach said.

When in a boat, these fishermen have their eyes on the prize.

According to Early, fishing takes a lot of concentration and hard work.

“All of my stresses come from

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fishing,” Early said.

These fishermen obviously take their beloved sport seriously. The mood in a boat with these three can vary, but one thing can be for sure, they’re there for two things: fishing and having some good fun. They can joke around but when they get a tug on their line, everything is 100 percent focused on reeling in a big bass. They go to a variety of places to fish.

“Farm ponds around here and we also like to go to big lakes and take out boats around the Ozarks and Grand Lake,” Offutt said.

Early’s favorite place to fish is Hillsdale Lake.

“It’s a multi-species lake and there’s walleye,” Early said.

Fishing is usually viewed as a lazy and relaxing activity but not to them. Competition and victory is what Early, Leach and Offutt fish for.

And these three fishermen have no problem about speaking out on their opinion of their competition and their skills.

Graphics by madison holloway

Sophomore Mark Early shows off his catch of the day as he poses with a carp.

Sometimes he goes fishing with other South students, Ethan Offutt and Matthew Leach.

photo courtesy of Mark Early

Sophomore Matthew Leach shows off his new catch.

photo courtesy of Ethan Offutt

photo courtesy of Mark Early

we the people

The First Amendment guarantees five basic freedoms, but in a public high school, the application changes.

By Sophia Belshe Editor in Chief

O

graphics by madison holloway

n Sept. 17, 1787, after three months of intense deliberation, the U.S. Constitution was signed by 38 of the 41 delegates present at the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention, creating a strong central government with a nuanced system of checks and balances. By 1791, 10 of the 12 amendments proposed by the first Congress were ratified by the states, creating the Bill of Rights.

The Bill of Rights protects the basic rights and freedoms of citizens. The First Amendment being one of the most recognizable of these 10. Within the First Amendment, there are five guaranteed freedoms: religion, speech, press, assembly and petition. These five rights have defined American freedom since their adoption in 1791. Each is unique, but connected in their importance to law making and American identity.

“I think the average American has a sense of confidence, as an individual, that we can take on large companies, movements we don’t agree with, governments at all levels and we can do so without feeling that we are putting our lives or futures at risk,” social studies teacher Tony Budetti said. “It’s an American value.”

The First Amendment protects five basic freedoms, but in a public high school, there are certain limitations. Teenagers have heard about the Constitution their whole lives, but what does it really mean for them?

“I really like the First Amendment, because it’s the fundamental idea that America was built upon is the right to be free,” senior Annaleigh Hobbs said. “[In high school], we’re at a place where it’s safe to learn and express views, even if they may be opposing.”

religion “

... and to the republic, for which is stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

The voice of senior Annaleigh Hobbs rings over the intercom every Monday to recite the Pledge of Allegiance during third hour announcements. The expression is as familiar as a school bell to most students, having learned it when they were toddlers, but to some students, one phrase stands out.

“We have freedom of religion, but not everyone practices monotheism or follows just one god,” senior Brittany Kulla said.

The phrase “under God” was added to the Pledge in 1954 under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, 67 years after it was composed by Rear Admiral George Balch and 13 years after it was officially adopted by Congress as the Pledge of Allegiance.

At the time, the change came with relatively little opposition, but has since been brought into question periodically, the main argument being that it violates the separation of church and state that the Founding Fathers intended.

“I just don’t understand why we say it,” Kulla said.

Defenders of the phrase, however, cite that it is more about American culture and less about one specific religion.

“By now, the courts would probably rule that it’s more historical than anything,” government teacher Tony Budetti said. “It doesn’t push one religion over another.”

Senior Ben Smith also feels that the phrase reflects American faith.

“Without faith, this country wouldn’t be what it is,” Smith said.

Under Kansas law, the school is required to provide students with a daily opportunity to recite the pledge of allegiance. However, there is no law requiring students to stand or recite the pledge. To do so would violate a student’s right to practice free speech and, to an extent, religion.

Features 15

asssembly“

We want our parade during the day!”

The crowd of approximately 50 students, led by senior Ben Smith, chants in the front hallway the morning of Sept. 8. The protest broke out over the Homecoming parade, which had been scheduled for the evening instead of the afternoon, as it had been in previous years.

“I see a lot of the good changes that are coming to South... but I was not very happy to hear that we were dropping these traditions,” Smith said. “Everyone in the room shared my resentment. A lot of people wanted to storm right into the office and talk to the administrators [but]... we can have our voices heard another way...

I figured that by trying to create an area where a lot of people could learn about the situation, because that’s what... I was mad about... it was done without student input.”

The right to assembly guarantees people the right to hold public meetings and forums to publicly express, promote, pursue and defend their ideas.

“The protest was wonderful. It was done appropriately from what I saw,” Budetti said. “I think the administration understands that and is supportive of good first amendment usage.

September 13, less than a week after the protest, administration announced that the parade will be Oct. 6 in the afternoon, instead of Oct. 4 the evening, as originally stated. Principal Todd Dain sent out an email via Skyward to South families, and did not mention the protest in their reasoning for changing it.

“As our Homecoming team began planning the details and logistics for an evening parade start, we realized there were multiple obstacles to our success,” Dain said in the letter.

The letter states that conflicts with traffic, teacher contracts, athletics and the lack of Student Resource Officers in the evening prompted the change in schedule.

While the Homecoming protest made waves in the South community, national protests have been on the rise in recent months. One of the most notable being the November Women’s March on Washington D.C., that began in D.C. and spread to cities across the country and world.

“It just felt like such a strong sense of community. I didn’t have to be worried about being maliciously attacked,” Hobbs, who went to the D.C. protest, said. “Everyone I met there was so kind and uplifting.”

press A

s of Sept. 13, President Donald Trump has used the phrase “fake news” 165 times on his Twitter, according to an online archive of his Tweets. But, what does that phrase really mean, and how do students navigate “fake” media?

“We all have confirmation bias,” Hirons said. “We tend to like articles that confirm what we already believe. So, it’s important, regardless of your political leaning, that you’re reading other sources than the things that you naturally agree with.”

Fake news articles circulate primarily on social media. It’s easy for students to be influenced by what they see, but more work is required to get to the truth.

“There are so many “news outlets.” It’s up to you to do your due diligence to find and make sure you are truly getting news and not something that is incorrect,” Budetti said.

Students like Hobbs are fascinated with fake news, not because it’s believable, but because it’s interesting.

“It shocks me when people backup their opinions with “fake news,” just because they don’t research in depth the things they stand for.

While fake news doesn’t limit the press, the topic of student media rights varies depending on your state. In Kansas, student press is more protected than in other states. In what’s known as Hazelwood states, named after a 1988 Supreme Court case that limits student press, the administration can review and ultimately censor any content in student publications they deem unfit for the student body.

However, in 1992, the Kansas Student Free Expression Law was passed to protect Kansas student journalists from administrative censorship. Kansas student journalists have all the rights and responsibilities of professionals, and the student editors are legally in charge of any content produced.

“The school is not in charge of this newspaper, the teacher is not in charge of the newspaper,” Budetti said. “They can make suggestions, but they cannot remove stuff in Kansas.”

NEWSPAPER

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SpeechT

he bell sounds for the end of first hour. On cue, students rise from their desks, sling their bags over their shoulders and pick up their phones. It takes two seconds to access their smartphone home screen and before they make it to the hallway, they’re on Twitter. Tweets load after a few seconds and it’s a buzz of today’s news. #BlackLivesMatter. Scroll. #PrayforHouston. Scroll. They like a few tweets from friends, glance at the headlines, and it’s time to get back to class. 140 character messages whiz by at the speed of social media and teens are practically numb to the din.

With the instant nature of social media, it’s easy for teenagers to state their opinions freely online. But, that freedom of speech comes with a price.

“We have removed a bit of the filter because of the immediacy of social media and students are at risk in using poor judgment and immediately just saying what’s on their minds,” social studies teacher Tony Budetti said. “Which they are entitled to do, but may not be in their best interest.”

According to a Pew Research Center study, 59 percent of American adults said that their social media interactions with those with opposing political views are stressful and frustrating.

“Social media just adds on another layer of conflict and a complete, whole new layer of tension between opposing political views, because it’s not like you’re talking to actual people,” senior Annaleigh Hobbs said.

Hobbs said she avoids voicing her political opinions on social media.

“It freaks me out that I’m not the one saying it and someone’s reading it through a screen and they may misinterpret what I say,” senior Annaleigh Hobbs said. “You’re just saying what you feel to a small box or screen. You don’t see the repercussions of what you say.”

Some students, like senior Brittany Kulla, find that it’s important to voice your opinions on legislation.

“It prevents political apathy,” Kulla said. “Whether you’re a Democrat or Republican, it’s important to have opinions.”

Social studies teacher Scott Hirons also feels that students should have the opportunity to freely express political views, and incorporates debate into his classroom.

“Schools very much are microcosms of society. If you don’t have open debate in a school... it’s going to be hard outside of a school to have it,” Hirons said. “Teachers need to encourage good dialogue and make people explain their reasoning for believing something, and then leave it up to everyone else to decide whether or not they agree with it.”

While freedom of speech is guaranteed by the Constitution, there are certain limitations on that speech, especially in a school setting.

In Dec. 1965, students at a high school in Des Moines began wearing black armbands in protest of the Vietnam War. The school told the students to remove the bands, and suspended them when they refused, but their parents sued the school district, claiming a violation of free speech. The Tinker v. Des Moines Independent School District case went all the way to the Supreme Court, and while the court sided with the students, citing that rights are not shed at the school door, they did state that certain rights are suspended when they disrupt education.

“Our job here isn’t to provide a forum for your first amendment rights. We are charged with the task of educating kids, and if your first amendment right gets in the way of somebody else’s education, we will squash your first amendment right,” Budetti said. “You can still have opinions, but you can’t disrupt the educational process.”

NEWSPAPER

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petition P

etition is often seen as the forgotten first amendment right. But, it gives students and citizens the right to freely question, oppose and ask for change from the government or

administration.

Online petition sites like change.org allow people from any corner of the U.S. to create an easily accessible petition that can be virtually signed by anyone. Some sites even send issues to Congress once they’ve garnered enough support and signatures.

“I think it’s very important to be able to state your opinion, not just singularly, but in a group community view through petition,” Hobbs said. “I was really upset in sixth grade once, because our students didn’t allow us to wear Halloween costumes all day. So, I put together a petition. It failed, but we got the opportunity to wear our costumes for an hour during the school day.”

The main goal of petitions is to bring issues to the attention of those in power, even if change is not immediately made.

“I think our administration has an open door policy... and that’s where your petition is. You go in there and ask [principal Todd Dain] about policy,” Budetti said. “You might not like his answer, but at least you had the opportunity to ask... You’re not gonna get in trouble just for asking.”

Features 17

count on Mrs. read

Math teacher adds Physics to her schedule.

by gini horton reporter lgebra 2 teacher Amy Read has replaced her calculators with beakers. Read is now teaching AP Physics as well as Algebra 2.

“I enjoy math, but I also enjoy the application of math.

In Algebra 2 classes I like to include word problems, we even do some labs” Read said.

To teach physics, Read had to move from Room 350 to Room 163 in order to do experiments and labs. Now it will be easier for her to do the labs she does in Algebra 2.

She has been introducing some scientific methods into her teaching for the past four years.

“Whenever someone asked Mrs. Read how something related to the real world during class, she always did her best to answer, and most of the time she had a very applicable answer to give,” junior Emma Ross said. “I remember doing a project where we used the functions we were learning to create business models. During the statistics unit a lot of the problems we did seemed to be based on numbers from real companies, which was cool.”

In order to teach chemistry, Read spent time studying.

She majored in secondary English and minored in secondary math. Last spring she took a Physics 1 course at Johnson County Community College, a class she took in both high school and college. She spent the summer taking a Physics 2 class and going to an AP physics conference.

“I am excited for Read to teach both. Ultimately, we want each teacher to work with content they love,” math department chair Vince LaVergne said. “She had expressed an interest in teaching physics. After going through lots of extra preparation work the last couple of years, she is now doing it. Physics is ultimately applied math, so it’s a great complement to the math she was already teaching.”

Read is excited to be teaching both classes and has high hopes for the school year.

“I enjoy teaching Algebra 2 and the physics class has been fun too,” Read said.

Ross had Read for Algebra 2 her sophomore year and currently has her for AP Physics.

“Mrs. Read is very considerate and respectful to her students, she really cares about what’s going on in your life,” Ross said. “My freshman year I had her for honors Algebra 2, and I got a concussion during track season.

She really helped me through that by giving me the time I needed to recover from my injury before asking me to turn things in and make up tests. She definitely cares about the well-being of her students.”

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18 features

Photos by Jillian McClelland

In the middle of class, Amy. Read lectures the students on her new subject.

Junior Tanner Thurlow serves coffee to students at the Green Bean. The new coffee shop served coffee out of a cart when it started last year.

photos by Weston Glendening

The New face of deca

The Green Bean coffee shop a new library addition. by blake atkinson reporter

E

very morning in the library you might not be able to tell if it’s a library or a coffee shop.

The smell of coffee fills the air and people are huddled around talking and drinking. This scene is thanks to the students of the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA).

By 7 a.m. they are there selling coffee to students and teachers.

“It’s really nice because it’s kind of annoying when you have to buy your coffee in the morning before going to school,” senior Mark Holland said.

“It’s nice to have a cheap option that’s actually pretty good coffee that you can just pick up at school when you need a good early morning boost of energy.”

Starting last year, DECA students experienced real world business skills from running the Green Bean.

DECA, sponsored by business teacher Bryce McElroy, allows students to compete against other schools in many different business categories.

Competitions allow students to meet with business professionals and roleplay different scenarios. They can learn real world skills like how to network to prepare for the business world.

“It gives them the opportunity to

not only have this real world activity here that we can use for marketing and for selling, but also to be able to practice that real world activity,” McElroy said.

The Green Bean started last year with several students selling coffee in the library to pilot the program.

They created a partnership with The Roasterie to mentor the students and help them set up everything they needed.

“We created a partnership with The Roasterie which is a local Kansas City coffee company and by doing that they kind of mentored us into what we see now which is a brand new coffee shop. Getting administration on board, getting the school district on board, getting the school, everybody has been amazing to partner with,” McElroy said.

For the price of $1.50, or $1.25 for teachers and those who bring their own cups, you can receive a cup of coffee.

“I work at the Green Bean currently and I mean it’s not hard work really. It’s just a matter of taking change really, pouring a cup of coffee which isn’t really hard at all,” sophomore Tyler Wissel The addition of coffee before

school has improved many people’s performance and allowed many to save time and money. In past years many students would come late with coffee in hand or be tired due to a lack of energy.

“I feel like people at South in the morning need the extra boost and the coffee really gives it to them. The Green Bean has been a great idea and very helpful,” junior Yale Dorsey said.

Features 19

QA &

with Josie Herrera

by Brynn Taylor reporter photo by dj Gill

After many years of an all male administration, Josie Herrera is bringing a woman of color’s perspective to the operation of our diverse student body.

Tell me about your teaching background?

I went to K-State where I majored in graphic design and art education and joined a sorority where my older sister was the president. When I went into myjunior year of college I had changed my major three times before I finally chose to settle on the major of Education Administration.

If I were to stay in the art field I would earn more money, but changing my path would open more doors for me. Going to college for art didn’t really help professionally, so I started seeking administrative jobs and then found South.

Is there anything you hope to achieve?

Positivity. I want to do what I can to bring a woman’s perspective to a work environment and to build trust with the students.

How do you feel the student faculty relationship interaction is?

What I have seen in my first month here is a positive report from the students and faculty. The students are very respectful. Even in my encounters with students who don’t even know who I am yet they are very, very respectful. And when I see teachers talking to students, I see teachers who care about kids and they are always talking to students kindly, respectfully asking them to comply with school rules without having to raise their voice. That seems like the norm here.

Are there any relationships being made with South faculty?

[Jill Oliver] and I were both art majors together. She has always been a creative person. We were also in the same sorority and went to the same social events. I didn’t know she was here until I started and got an email from her. It was nice to already have a fun tie when I got here.

Knowing you went to SM North, differences between high school then and now?

So 30 years ago Johnson County or Shawnee Mission looked very, very different in its diversity. When I went to Shawnee Mission North, there were very few people of color. There was myself, maybe five others and their families, all had siblings with Mexican descent. When I come here and saw how much has changed over the last 30 years there is much more diversity.

Activities you’re most excited about this year?

20 Features

Definitely seeing the Homecoming Parade. I’m anxious to see how the Jurassic theme will play out and I would love to see the Homecoming game, the Homecoming court too. It will be really great to see them.

Yeah, so I am just really excited.

The West Wing of South Meet the StuCo representatives that organize events throughout the year.

by lily wagner news editor hile it’s only September, Student Council has already kicked into high gear planning events for the student body. With Homecoming right around the corner and the canned food drive later this semester, StuCo is getting ready to rock the 2017-2018 school year.

“I think StuCo, especially here at Shawnee Mission South offers a sense of community to our student body by coordinating events that are really fun for the student body and also serving the community by going out and doing service and volunteer projects,” StuCo vice president Annaleigh Hobbs said.

Even though StuCo’s events are for the whole student body, few actually know what StuCo does.

“There’s a lot of stuff that StuCo does that the school doesn’t know about, which is fine, we do it behind the scenes,” StuCo president Elena Kernen said.

StuCo has a president and vice president, as well as a secretary and treasurer. These executives are elected by the student body.

“We share responsibilities. It’s not ‘one person does specifically this, one person does specifically that,’” Hobbs said. “We all kind of work together to get things accomplished.”

In addition to the executives, each grade level has a class president and a vice president.

“They’re in charge of leading class projects and being good representatives of student council and the school,” Kernen said.

“They’re in charge of creating the class floats for each grade level and anything special or above and beyond that they want to do as leaders.”

StuCo is made up of three committees: dance, service, and special events.

“Service does the canned food drive and Walk A Mile and any other service projects that we’re gonna do, Dance does Homecoming and Sweetheart, and then Special Events does really everything else,” Kernen said. “They handle the elections for Homecoming and Sweetheart candidates and the banquets and teacher appreciation and student appreciation.”

Class representatives and executives work together on the three committees to make events happen.

“I think it is really important to be aware of the big picture of our community and that is basically StuCo’s job,” StuCo secretary Madison Holloway said. “We try to plan fun events and host fundraisers that will benefit our whole school and surrounding community.”

One way StuCo will be promoting community service this year is the annual canned food drive.

“This year for the canned food drive, we’re gonna do a schoolwide trick or treat for cans,” Kernen said. “We’re gonna have people sign up as teams and they’re gonna go ding people’s doorbells and ask them for cans to donate, then we’re gonna see who wins.”

Keep up with StuCo events at stucosms.wixsite.com/stellar.

“We have some pretty cool things planned for this year so we’re

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happy to have a great group of students involved,” Holloway said.

Elena Kernen President

Annaleigh Hobbs Vice President

Kylie Hance Treasurer

Madison holloway secretary Photos by Trinity Clark

Features 21

Staff Editorial

S

ince the founding days of America, we have been dreamers. The American Dream is a concept so tightly woven into our national identity that it seems as if we would be nothing without it. This country was founded on the idea of building a better life from the ground up, of making a place where people could come to turn a new leaf and have a chance at any kind of life they wanted to have. So why are we turning our back on the people seeking to do so?

On Sept. 5, President Donald Trump announced that he will be ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

DACA provides a two year, renewable work permit and protection from deportation to young, undocumented immigrants who have lived here since they were younger than 16. The decision by Trump to remove this program puts nearly 800,000 young people at the risk of losing the lives they’ve created.

Originally created through executive order by Barack Obama, DACA has been active since 2012. To qualify for this program, people who entered

22 Opinion

the U.S. before their 16th birthday must have a high school degree, be in school, or be a member of the military, in addition to having a mostly clean criminal record.

The people who are in the U.S. because of DACA are not people to be worried about. In more cases than not, they are making positive contributions to our country. They are educated, hard working people who want to be here. There is absolutely no reason to waste time and resources deporting the nearly 800,000 undocumented young people who have been given the right to live and work in the U.S. without fear of deportation.

There is an argument to be made that this program encourages people to immigrate to the U.S. illegally, but many of the people DACA protects did not choose the means by which they came here. In many cases, that was their parents’ decision, and they should not be reprimanded for it.

They haven’t done anything wrong.

They are not strangers coming here to hurt our country. We have known them their whole lives.

Furthermore, DACA does not put people on the path to citizenship. It only protects recipients for two years, and they still have a long, thorough

Editorial Cartoon by Lauren Bass

vetting process to go through before they are allowed to stay on a permanent basis.

To end this program is to destroy the very fabric of the American Dream. Such a small percentage of American families originated in the U.S.. Nearly everyone is descended from immigrants. That is what has made this country so great for so long. As overused as the saying is, America is a melting pot. It’s lunacy to imply that we have ever been anything other than a nation of immigrants, or more importantly, a nation of dreamers.

The Statue of Liberty stands in New York Harbor, poised to welcome newcomers into the bay. The message of America has always been one of just that: welcome. We cannot turn our backs on these dreamers. We have long promised to protect the tired, the poor, the huddled masses yearning to breathe free.

10/10 editors agree with the views expressed in this editorial

The Debate: Confederate Memorials Pro:

By Nichole Thomas Web Editor ace is and will always be an issue in America. This is a sad reality that we will be fighting every day to change. The statues of Confederates are sparking conversation all over the country, but why now?

For years these statues have stood without question or hate and now they are being targeted.

The statues feature a Confederate supporter or soldier, but that doesn’t mean we are glorifying them and their beliefs. Many polls come to the conclusion that the majority of Americans think the statues should stay.

Eight of our presidents owned slaves while in office. A few of those eight include George Washington, Andrew Jackson and Thomas Jefferson. People are having an issue with the statues of Confederates, but do they know that the fathers of our country owned slaves? There are George Washington statues all around the country, but no one is protesting against that. If you have a problem with people who owned slaves, then that means you have a problem with all of them, not just Confederate soldiers.

Taking down the statues is the equivalent of trying to erase parts of history that we don’t like. We can choose to look at these statues as a reminder of America’s history.

People seem to be using the statues as an excuse for violence and racism. Peaceful protests are commendable, but when it starts getting violent, the rally loses all credibility in the eyes of the opposed.

The issue with many of the statues is that they “offend” people. You can’t rally against everything that offends you.

There are lots of offensive things in the world, and to be offended by simple things like a statue is fine, but that doesn’t mean you have the right to demand it be taken down. Statues don’t change their meaning, you change their meaning.

The statues are local issues. The entire nation should not have a say in taking down a small Confederate monument that has stood for years. If a neighborhood collectively decides to keep or take down their monument, that should be their choice and their choice only.

If you feel like a Confederate statue should be taken down, there are other options besides rallying to get attention. You can write a letter to officials, government leaders or your local representative.

These statues do represent bad times, but they represent history that we shouldn’t repeat. The statues mean and represent different things for everyone, but it’s up to you decide if you want to be offended.

R

Raider Response:

Pro: 49.8%

Con:

By Blake Atkinson Reporter uring the height of the 20th century “lost cause” movement, many monuments to Confederate figures were constructed as an attempt to fight back at what few rights African Americans earned after the Civil War. These statues were put up to honor men who wanted to see our country ripped in half. They were put up to show that African Americans weren’t welcome or respected.

The highest profile example of what these statues represent was Charlottesville. A massive protest was planned to try and block the removal of the statue.

Thousands of white nationalist and Confederate sympathizers came from all over the country. They marched on the statue with torches chanting “you will not replace us” before clashing with counter-protesters. Things escalated as police failed to keep the groups separated.

At the height of the tension, a car rammed through the group of protesters, killing one and injuring dozens.

These things are also happening in our own area.

On Aug. 25, a United Daughters of the Confederacy monument was removed from 55th and Ward Parkway.

This came after a letter was received by the Prairie Village parks board asking for its removal. After receiving hundreds of calls and emails, the monument was moved to a secure location. Shortly before its removal the monument was vandalized several times.

As the prevalence of these statues in our society has come to question, they also represent many flaws. For centuries, African Americans lived under slavery. Most of the men who led the Confederacy owned slaves. Even after we removed slavery, the lives African Americans living in the south only got worse. Few could vote. They had to have their own services and many lived in sheer poverty. This was all thanks to the men represented by these monuments and those who had them erected. While thousands would like to say that these men were standing up for state rights, the right they were standing up for was the ability to own another human. The entire purpose of these monuments is to show white supremacy and hatred for minorities of every kind.

For much of our history, we have lived in the shadow of the racial tension and horrible treatment of African Americans under slavery, under Jim Crow, and during the civil rights movement. These monuments only further these tensions and until they are removed, these issues will never be tackled in our modern age.

Con: 44.4%

Poll of 132 voters via SMSPatriot on Twitter and Facebook

D

Other: 5.8%

Opinion 23

We’ve got spirit

Marching with the Pacesetters, the marching band holds a banner in the 2016 Homecoming Parade. The band performs at every home football game. photo by savannah morgan

Student body president clarifies Homecoming week events to get more students involved.

By Elena Kernen Contributing Columnist omecoming is just around the corner. As usual, several events will take place the week leading up to Homecoming, including the parade and the crowning ceremony. The Shawnee Mission South 2017 Homecoming dance will take place Oct. 7, from 8 to 10:30 p.m. in the auxiliary gym. As usual, the crowning ceremony will be before the varsity football game on Friday night before the dance. And similarly to years past, the Homecoming parade will be in the afternoon Oct. 6 at approximately 1:40 p.m. The parade has been a hot topic at school for the last week or so, so this should address some of the questions and concerns.

For two years, since the parade first occurred, the Homecoming parade has taken place during the school day following the Homecoming assembly. The changes for this year were made solely by administration before the school year even began,

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24 opinion

and by the time any members of Student Council, Pep Club or KSMS were made of aware of the change to their events, it was thought to be too late to talk about changing it back. The way this decision was made was frustrating, and it caused a lot of confusion and anger around the school.

However, as these frustrations and logistical concerns with an evening parade came to the attention of the administration, eventually they came to the decision with the Student Council and Pep Club to reschedule the parade to its original time.

This may seem confusing to those who believed the parade was too close to change, so it’s important to understand the reasons this decision was made.

1. In order for all students to be represented in the parade, it needed to be more accessible to all students.

This means that it needed to be scheduled where it did not conflict with any sports events, and it needed to allow bus-riders to come if they may not otherwise have a ride to school.

2. Lamar is a busy street around rush-hour time and it would be nearly impossible for the city of Overland Park to close that area of road as heavy traffic is trying to pass through.

photo by DJ Gill

3. Past the school day, school resource officers will not be at school and they need to be present for any events on campus.

The changes this year to the Homecoming Parade were sprung on us, but now it’s time for us all to make the best of it. We want people watching the parade to think, “Wow, South kids are involved in a ton of stuff. Shawnee Mission South is a great school.” Go grab your sports team, club or class and get involved in the parade. Invite your neighbors, family friends and kids you babysit to come watch. Like most things, it will be what we make of it, so let’s make it huge.

EARLY RELEASE H

igh school provides

opportunities for students such as basic knowledge in many different subjects, as well as a surplus of electives to broaden a student’s set of skills. In my experience, high school showed me my interests. As a freshman, I had no idea what I was going to do for a profession when I got older. But of course over time, that changed, and I figured out what I wanted to do and who I wanted to be.

For many entering the adult world, beginning their path is frightening because they have no clue what they want to do even after they graduate.

Personally, I had made my decision fairly early in high school which then

By Savannah Morgan, Photo Editor made me wonder why I did not begin senior year and I will miss all of the working towards my goals. I realized fun in-school activities but I have also that I could graduate a semester early watched pep assemblies for three and begin investing time into my years now and hardly remember any profession of choice. It was actually of them. a simple process. All I had to do was I am now living the high school take my second semester of English dream of being a senior and nothing Language Arts 4, or ELA4, in summer has changed. New teachers, same school. Of course using three weeks classmates, new lessons, homework of my summer to go to school was over said lessons and the same loud not ideal but three weeks of five teenagers blocking the hallways. I hour days compared to an extra five will miss all of my favorite teachers, months of eight hour days was really being forced to see my three friends nothing. every day and believe it or not I will At the time, there were just so miss the chaos and bizarre incidents many positives to graduating early: everyone puts on their Snapchat. I can I can spend my time working and also say that I will most likely find saving for college during my free another likeable teacher, I will see my semester or I can go to Johnson three friends again and I will still see County Community College, get a the weird incidents on Snapchat after semester ahead in my core classes I get home from work. and graduate a semester early from college as well. Of course it is my

Abort Mission S

ince the start of Trump’s presidency, the topic of abortion and the governmentfunding of abortion services has been a breeding ground for controversy and complaint. The idea of a woman having the independence and ability to make her own healthcare decisions is something that shouldn’t ever be up for so much debate. The Republican-controlled Congress does not seem to share my belief in a woman’s ability to make her own medical decisions though.

Across the United States, state legislatures have introduced 1,053 reproductive-health-related provisions since 2017. By June, 41 of the 431 provisions intended to restrict abortion services access became laws.

Over the summer, bills were passed in Arkansas, where doctors are now barred from the procedure of dilation and evacuation, a form of secondtrimester abortion used often in case of a medical emergency. Also, in Utah, doctors are now required to inform women of the claim, not supported

Graduating early offers opportunities to grow.

Government shouldn’t interfere with personal choices.

By Miah Clark, A&E Editor

by evidence, that medical abortions can be reversed, or ineffective.

Among these also stood one of the most attention-grabbing bills of the summer: the Arkansas Tissue Disposal Mandate, or House Bill 1566. The bill states that an undeveloped fetus must be disposed of in a manner consistent with that of a deceased family member, including that other family members have to agree what to do with the body. Many have interpreted and implemented this as a woman needing consent of the father, and on occasions, possibly her rapist, before going through with her abortion procedure.

It makes absolutely no sense that a woman would need the consent of anyone other than herself for her unplanned pregnancy. What a woman decides to do with her body, with her reproductive organs, is of nobody’s concern but her own. No woman should be forced to endure the pregnancy she did not plan because of the intrusive and unfair decisions made by her government.

Luckily, the Guttmacher report has noted that proactive reproductive health legislation has also seen an increase in 2017.

Virginia has been the only state so far this year to enact a proactive measure, a bill that requires insurance plans covering contraceptive allow enrollees access to a year’s supply as soon as possible. Still, there is hope for more pro-choice legislative action in the future.

It is still a long, hard fight ahead, that with the passing of the Hyde Amendment in January 2017, and the increasing targeting of reproductive service providers by Congress and other conservative-led legislatures.

Through proper education of the issues at hand and the bills in process, high school students and their families can help to include themselves in the passing of acts and laws that could later affect them.

All people, and women especially, should have the option and rights to do whatever they deem best when it comes to the medical attention paid to their body. No woman should be denied her option of abortion, and no legislature should be working harder and harder to take away such a right.

Opinion 25

summer sendoff

Relive the summer with these songs and movies. by nichole thomas, web editor

songs of the summer That’s What I Like- Bruno Mars Something Just Like This- Chainsmokers Stay- Zedd and Alessia Cara Believer- Imagine Dragons There’s Nothing Holding Me Back- Shawn Mendes staff favorite Slow Hands- Niall Horan Shape of You- Ed Sheeran Strip That Down- Liam Payne 2U- Justin Bieber Galway Girl- Ed Sheeran

Everything, everything Maddy is a lively girl who has been trapped in her house ever since she was diagnosed with an illness that prevented her from leaving. New neighbors move in next door, and one of them is Olly. He is determined to not let her sickness stop them from being together.

staff favorite

wonder woman Diana Prince grew up on an isolated island training to be an Amazon warrior.

When an American army pilot wrecks on their island, Diana learns about the wars outside the island, and is convinced it’s the work of Ares, the god of war.

This movie is empowering and action-filled from beginning to end.

spider-man:homecoming

Colorful lights and loud music surround the Starlight Theatre as the band Alt-j perform their set. Alt-j was the main act for the Buzz Under the Stars concert sponsored by the radio station 96.5 Aug. 3.

26 A&E

After his fight with the Avengers, Peter Parker returns home. Tony Stark has been helping Peter to achieve his full potential as a superhero. His strengths are tested when the Vulture threatens to destroy his home.

photo by savannah morgan graphics by nichole thomas

Hydration is key! If not plain water, add fruit or bring some juice or tea.

how to pack a good lunch by avery woods assistant editor in chief sports editor photos by cassandra awad

Cucumbers, carrots or celery are good choices to get your greens. If you don’t want to pack some extra veggies, put some lettuce on your sandwich. “Veggies are really important and cut down on fat,” foods teacher Chris Hornbeck said.

Another good snack to eat is almonds. They pack lots of protein and they taste good.

Cheese or a yogurt is always healthy.

You’ll get hungry in the morning, so pull out a baggie of crackers that you packed for third hour. Hornbeck recommends popcorn, which can be considered a whole grain, or a granola bar.

Make sure to get some protein in your lunch with a good sandwich! You can make a PB&J, BLT or a turkey or ham and cheese sandwich.

A&E 27

THE hair THE nails THE SHOES

Homecoming in a snap: DSW

12160 Blue Valley Pkwy, Overland Park KS 66213 www.dsw.com

Off Broadway Shoes

DSW has a huge variety of shoes to choose from whether you’re male or female. For the ladies DSW has flats all the way up to 6-inch heels, and for the gentlemen there are sandals to dress shoes you see on the runway.

8600 Ward Pkwy, Kansas City MO 64114 www.offbroadwayshoes.com Get your Barbra Streisand on at Off Broadway Shoes. There is such a wide variety for the ladies and gentlemen.

From athletic shoes to heels that will make you taller than Lebron James.

Majestic Nail

Star Nails

Make your Homecoming look

Get your star look on for

9078 Metcalf Ave, Shawnee Mission KS 66212 (913) 341 - 2994

9266 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park KS 66212 (913) 341 - 6895

complete with some majestic mani-

Homecoming by going to Star nails

pedis. Majestic nails has plenty

to complete your look. Reviews say

of spots for your whole group of

the environment is inviting and the

girlfriends.

owners are great conversationalist.

Par Exsalonce

Salon Spice

Par Exsalonce is a great place to

Salon Spice is much smaller so if you

get that perfect updo and there are

want an appointment call ahead for

plenty of spots available, but just to

sure. There is only a limited amount

Oak Park Mall (913) 602 - 8444

be safe you might want to make an appointment in advance.

9561 Nall Ave, Overland Park KS 66207 (913) 766 - 0001

of spots available.

on average...

Girls Spend: ticket dress shoes jewelry hair nails makeup

28 A&E

$15 $50-$150 $20-$50 $10-$30 $50 $50 $30

Guys Spend:

ticket $15 shirt $50-$80 tie $50-$80 pants $50-$75 shoes $40-$70 boutonniere $7-$25 corsage $7-$25

Students Share their Top Places to Find Homecoming Essentials

The Dress

Nordstrom

11143 W 95th St, Overland Park KS 66214 shop.nordstrom.com

Red Dress Boutique

Nordstrom has a larger price range and that comes with a large variety in style, color and length. The materials are dependable and almost all of the items are true to size. Also if you’re concerned about what the item might look like just go to the mall and check it out for yourself.

www.reddressboutique.com

All right ladies let’s shop because these dresses are cheap and great quality. Most people like to keep it classy when it comes to Homecoming. This site makes it so easy to find a super cute dress for a great price. Shipping isn’t a problem either because they will have it to you in 1-3 business days.

Camille La Vie

LuLu’s

Oak Park Mall

www.lulus.com

Now LuLu’s is pricier, but your getting more variety. Also be sure to read the reviews on your dress before purchasing, as for anything else. Some of the items run small or appear different than they do in real life, but there is a chance that you can pick a golden ticket.

by parrish mock reporter

Camille La Vie is the place for that bright purple dress that will make everyone turn their heads. Now this place is definitely pricier, but Camille photos by cassandra awad

Hereford House is a Kansas City steakhouse perfect for a casual dinner, private dining, meetings, banquets or catering. With high ratings the restaurant was known for its prime rib.

La Vie has sparkle and color.

the dinner

Jose Peppers

10316 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park KS 66212 (913) 341 - 5673

photo by abby cox

No matter how large the group or how different everyone is, there is something here for everyone. Jose Peppers has Mexican food, but they also have those all American chicken fingers. Another aspect people love about Jose Peppers is their famous esponoca.

Hereford House

Buca di Beppo

5001 Town Center Dr, Leawood KS 66211 (816) 931 - 6548 Hereford House has that classy feel without the outrageous prices. Hereford House is known for its steak and ribs. Without going very far you and your group can get that perfect medium rare steak.

310 W 47th St, Kansas City MO 64112 (816) 931 - 6548 Have a big Homecoming group? Buca di Beppo can serve to your needs because they have sizes that are big enough to share, while also keeping a great price. Buca di Beppo has large portions of pasta, fettuccine alfredo chicken and salad.

A&E 29

KC1 The

2 3

: coffee

Exhausted and don’t know where to get your coffee?

The Patriot has your back. by brynn taylor, reporter

Caribou Coffee

C

aribou Coffee Company is a specialty coffee and espresso shop that was first created in Minnesota.

They specialize in espresso beverages, their own blends of coffee, tea, sandwiches and baked goods. It is conveniently located in the Hy-Vee on 95th and Antioch.

The booth is great because you walk into the store, get a coffee and get your shopping done with energy. When I walked up to the booth there wasn’t a line and I got the attention of the cashier. She was nice and when she walked up and I was greeted with a smile. I ordered a small caramel iced coffee for $4.20 and there was a special for free upgraded size and I got it. I ended up paying $5.01.

She made it quick and it came out in under 5 minutes. As I was drinking it I realized that it was too strong and most of the caramel taste wasn’t there completely. I still enjoyed it but I wouldn’t get the same thing again.

Students visit the Green Bean instead of stopping to get coffee before school.

Scooters

Grocery convenience, the local Hy-Vee grocery store offers their shoppers an in-house coffee shop.

Caribou Coffee sells brand merchandise, hot and cold beverages and light food choices.

photos by savannah morgan

The Green Bean

T

he Green Bean is an in-house student coffee shop run by the students in DECA. DECA is an academic club all about marketing (Distributive Education Clubs of America). Green Bean Coffee helps keep your energy going on Monday mornings, setting the mood for the rest of your school year. I ordered Betty’s recipe and ordered two sugars and one creamer. When I received my coffee I went and sat down at a table read my book and watched some of the television that they had broadcasting while I sipped on my coffee. The coffee was very smooth and quite strong at the same time. When I ordered they were very nice and it came out quick and I was on my way.

S

cooters. A small shack of a drive thru with a big punch of taste located on College and Antioch right across from its new and well known competitor, Starbucks Coffee. Yes, they do have some competition, but Starbucks doesn’t even compare to Scooters. Does Starbucks have a super friendly drive thru employee?

Well, maybe they do; but do they know how to make an amazing cold brew for only $3.15. No. It was sweet and smooth and overall a great tasting brew. Through my week of tasting I have declared that Scooter’s coffee is my winner for sheer taste and workers to get your coffee and send you off with a smile.

30 A&E

Syrups and coffee, Scooters coffee provides a daily fix of coffee as well as tea and smoothies. First time goers are given a coupon for their next visit.

Culture Corner photos by trinity clark I’ve been thinking About our imminent demise And about how brains works and stuff

poetry

’Cause I had a near death experience Well, not really a near death experience More of a “the-check-engine-light-cameon-right-before-I-got-on-the-highway” experience An “I-changed-lanes-at-the-very-last-second” experience But it really got me pondering About our imminent demise And how brains work and stuff ’Cause I never thought that I was scared of dying But in that moment I held onto life with clenched fists And torn knuckles And bared teeth And all that rushing blood whining in my ears

deductions by claire elscott

“

I put [this poem] out there for people to interpret it their own way and to address mental illness and the really weird ways our brains work.

But it really got me considering About our imminent demise And how brains work and stuff

”

skirts “

Freshman Ipo Watts

’Cause I heard about this rumor It’s kinda gross That in theory you can bite off your own finger like a carrot And the only thing stopping everyone biting off their own fingers Like carrots Is our brain going, “Dude, no.”

But it really got me wondering About our imminent demise And how brains work and stuff ’Cause I’ve come to the conclusion After a very scientific conversation with myself That everybody who looks at that bottle of melatonin In the back of the drawer Next to the unused floss and toothbrushes from the dentist’s office With those eyes with the deep dark bags That had been there since fifth grade And that voice in their head, that acts and sounds like theirs but isn’t says, “I might” Could probably bite their finger off.

fashion

Junior Bergen Cooper

I like skirts because they aren’t like normal jean skirts, they come in so many different colors which is fun, and they look good on anyone whether they are tight or loose.

Junior Savannah Hasker

”

- Bergen Cooper

A&E 31

South Speaks:

by madison holloway Features editor & infographics editor photos by cassandra awad

“What makes you happy?”

freshman chase horner “I like when people say ‘Hi’ in the hallway. When someone else says ‘Hi’ it make you feel like you’re appreciated. Really, just compliments in general.

They make you feel noticed and people are paying attention to what you’re doing right.”

freshman Laine Hochenauer “Being in the theatre. Contributing to the bigger picture of a show is really cool. Seeing how everything runs and how the different elements come together is neat.”

Senior Paiton Schafer

senior adam zahnd

“Makeup makes me happy. That seems kind of weird but I like it because it’s a form of selfexpression for me and it’s just really fun. ”

“My baby black lab, Olive. Yeah... that’s the best one. She makes me happy because she’s super cute and playful. ”

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32 Features

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