JagWire Newspaper — Volume 16, Issue 8

CHAMPS — basketball team wins school’s second state title of the year

pages 24-26

MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL | VOLUME 16 | ISSUE 7 | April 14, 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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9

14-19

20 30-31 32

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10-11 24-26

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in this issue NEWS

OPINIONS (cont.)

science olympiad meet the new superintendent local landfill changes

4 5 6-7

FEATURE Dylan Smith: powerlifting seniors in the spring play students who hammock music festivals

9 10 12-13 14-19

OPINIONS TOC

SPORTS winter sports state results runner’s guide overtime

24-26 27 28

A&E rewards program reviews chinese takeout reviews

29 30-31

PHOTO ESSAY

staff editorial

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21-23

staff columns

cover BY tori aerni

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Relay for Life mill valley high school

jagwire

letter from the editors

JAGWIRE 2015-16 staff EDITORs-IN-CHIEF Tori Aerni Sarah Myers Karissa Schmidt

e’re on the home stretch, folks. Issue seven was the last regular issue of the school year, and that means the only remaining issue is the annually anticipated senior issue.

These pages two special sections are included — summer musical festivals and winter sports state wrapup.

We provided coverage with a lighthearted focus for our first special section. As a staff, we chose to overview upcoming music festivals with a motive that it would be a fun yet informative topic for students to read about as summer is only weeks away.

In addition to our usual special section, we added three pages dedicated to the boys basketball team, as well as the girls basketball and wrestling teams’ appearances at state. With all the state tournaments and the two history-making championships, we couldn’t have asked for a better year to be student journalists.

Along with athletic accomplishments, we’ve gotten to see school pride in general growing day by day from the frontlines. Our staff editorial this issue covered the overwhelming success of the school’s first ever Relay for Life. It is new traditions like these that continue to make Mill Valley the amazing place it is.

The three of us agree, this year has been a fun run and as much stress as newspaper can cause, we’ll miss room C101 quite a lot.

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Tori Aerni

Sarah Myers

features/a&e editors

REPORTERS Claire Boone Jason Chen Tricia Drumm Morgan Gurwell Victoria Wright

Claire Biles Margaret Mellott

managing editor

opinions editor

Jillian Leiby

Adri Talavera

copy editor

sports editor

Nick Booth

Braden Shaw

photo editor Madison Ferguson

mill valley news editors-in-chief

business managers

Justin Curto Jena Smith

Abigail Archibong Adri Talavera

news editor Sam Lopez

PHOTOGRAPHERS Claire Boone Morgan Gurwell Nick Precht Victoria Wright

ILLUSTRATOR Jason Chen

social media editors Alison Booth Nora Lucas

JAGWIRE OFFICE

CENSORSHIP POLICY

5900 Monticello Road Shawnee, KS 66226 Phone: (913) 422-4351 Fax: (913) 422-4039 Email: jagwirenewspaper@gmail.com Adviser: Kathy Habiger khabiger@usd232.org JagWire, a monthly publication of Mill Valley High School, is printed by the Sedalia Democrat.

Kansas Senate Bill 62 guarantees the same rights for student journalists as are guaranteed for professional journalists. These rights include, but are not limited to, all First Amendment rights, including the rights of freedom of speech and the press, insofar as published items may not contain libelous, slanderous or obscene statements, may not incite or promote illegal conduct and may not cause a substantial disruption to normal school activity.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS Kansas Scholastic Press Association National Scholastic Press Association Journalism Education Association The 2015 JagWire was named a Pacemaker winner and an All-American newspaper by the NSPA, and earned an All-Kansas rating from the KSPA. The Mill Valley News website was also named a Pacemaker finalist by the NSPA.

SOCIAL MEDIA

EDITORIAL POLICY We value your opinions. If you wish to submit a column or a letter to the editor for the JagWire, you can do so by handing it in to a member of the staff or to the print journalism room (C101). Additionally, you may email any member of the staff with opinions, as well as tweet us at @millvalleynews.

Anonymous content will not be accepted.

Please understand that we have the right to edit all copy that runs in this publication.

Twitter: @millvalleynews Facebook: Mill Valley News Karissa Schmidt

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DESIGN BY Sarah Myers

staff

Down to a Science Science Olympiad team faces challenges with differing grades

by alison booth

reporter jagwire.alisonbooth@gmail.com ight before they compete, two students add last minute touches to the miniature airplane they spent weeks building. In the next room over, another student rushes to finish the final questions on their test on Astronomy. At the same time, several other students prepare to compete in various events such as Experimental Design, Cell Biology, GeoLogic Mapping and others.

These students compete with the Science Olympiad state team, made solely of freshmen and seniors, and placed sixth overall at state on Saturday, April 2.

The team, led by coach Chad Brown, competes in meets throughout the school year.

After placing fourth at regionals, the team advanced to state and competed against 31 other Kansas teams.

According to Brown, the current team’s dynamic works well among members, and placing sixth at state is a large accomplishment after the team placed 12th at state last year.

“We have what could be considered a difficult team to manage,” Brown said. “But it’s

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definitely working out well, the freshmen work really hard and are here every day and our seniors are very good at what they do.”

Freshman Elizabeth Joseph, who competed in Air Trajectory, Forensics, Wind Power and Hydrogeology, admits that the age gap between the two classes creates a few problems within the team that impact freshmen more than seniors.

“The fear of approaching seniors is a problem,” Joseph said. “As a group of freshmen, we are kind of intimidated, and some of [the seniors] are friendly and approachable but then some of them we don’t see that often so it’s [more difficult].”

Brown said the two grades each contribute different ideas and aspects to the team as a whole, ultimately producing a positive effect.

“We have two vastly different perspectives on things,” Brown said. “There’s people that have taken a lot of AP classes [and] can come at it with an array of knowledge.

Then we have the people who haven’t taken those classes, and put in the time to study, and maybe pick up on something that the people who take the AP classes would have missed had they put in the time to study.”

Because of the amount of Science Olympiad seniors graduating this year, senior Science Olympiad member Nadia Suhail wants more students to join the team next year.

“There’s not a lot of middle ground. Next year, when we leave, we will have freshmen who will basically know what they’re doing, which is great, but we need to have depth of knowledge,” Suhail said. “A lot of the events require some AP knowledge, and these freshmen don’t have it, so it’s important that we get current sophomores and current juniors that are taking these AP classes to go ahead and do [Science Olympiad] next year.”

Although the difference between the classes can sometimes prove to be difficult, Brown feels as if the team dynamic has improved throughout the year, as shown in their state achievements.

“I think the seniors have grown a lot of respect for these freshmen,” Brown said.

“The freshmen have gotten used to … working with people older than them and have gained a lot of knowledge from them as well.”

scientific stats A breakdown of Science Olympiad and the team

23 50%

different events to compete in Seniors

50%

Freshmen 16 total team members ABOVE: Holding a weight up, freshman Adam Bachoroski prepares to test air trajectory at science olympiad practice on Monday, March 28.

Photo by Victoria Wright

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DESIGN BY Tricia Drumm

mill valley high school

jagwire

Future superintendent Frank Harwood to replace interim Ron Wimmer, has plans for

CONTINUING THE

TRADITION DISTRICT LEADERS Five superintendents have lead the district in the last 25 years

july 2016 FRANK HARWOOD

2015-16 DR. RON WIMMER ABOVE: New superintendent Frank Harwood smiles with his family. Photo by Leslie Knox Photography

by tori aerni

editor-in-chief jagwire.toriaerni@gmail.com

JagWire: What has been your impression of the district so far?

Frank Harwood: My impression of the district has always been very positive. I taught in Perry-Lecompton High School which used to be in the same league as De Soto and Mill Valley, so I’ve known about the district for a long time ... I’m really excited to get started, all the people I’ve met have been great.

There’s still a lot for me to learn, there’s still a lot of people to meet ... It’s a great district and I’m happy to be a part of it.

JW: What are some of the positive aspects of the district you’ve seen so far?

FH: Academically USD 232 has a great reputation if you look at things that have been in the news lately — graduation rates, the number of national merit scholars — those are some of the obvious positive things. Some of the things I’ve liked underneath are some of the things the district is trying to do to promote the community. Even the rebranding process: trying to make the whole district more as one community, but also then the idea of the signature programs at each of the [high] schools ... that’s very forward thinking and looking at, ‘we’re really good right now, but how do we continue to get better and offer a better experience for our students?’

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JW: What do you see for the future of the district?

FH: Certainly school funding in Kansas is a big issue, so short term there are certainly some good things going on. Financially, there’s going to be some preservation … but for the whole educational experience, what are the things we aren’t doing that we’d really like to be doing?

But then how do you get there knowing that financially there could be some difficulties.

JW: What are you most looking forward to in this position next year?

FH: I think one, in the near term, meeting people. Most school districts spend 85 percent of their budget on people, and the most important thing to have is really good people working with their students every day. So in the short term it’s getting to know not only the staff, but the students and the parents and the community and finding out where I fit in that ... The next piece is, it’s nice coming into a district that has a lot of positive things going on so that you can keep looking at enhancements.

2011-15 DR. DOUG SUMNER

2009-11 DR. RON WIMMER

2003-09 dr. sharon zoellner

JW: What do you like to do outside of education, and in your free time?

FH: Spending time with family — coming back to Kansas because both my kids live in Lawrence and my parents live in McLouth, [Kansas]. I really like to read, I like to do a lot of things outdoors: hike, kayak, things like that ... I got two degrees from [the University of Kansas] so I’ll be back to follow the Jayhawks. Photos from district archives

1991-2003 dr. marilyn layman

DESIGN BY Jena Smith

news

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taking out the

trash Landfill owner works to control odor following spike in complaints

A Fresh start

Deffenbaugh, the previous landfill owner, and Waste Management, the current owner, take steps to diminish odors from landfill

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Increasing the use of deodorizing agents at the facility

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Installation of a passive landfill gas flare system at the active disposal area to capture landfill gas

3 4 ABOVE: A Deffenbaugh Industries truck enters the Shawnee Landfill, located at Holliday Dr. and I-435, on Monday, April 4.

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Expansion of the existing landfill gas management system including an additional 32 landfill gas extraction wells and associated piping for the capture of landfill gas An additional landfill gas flare that places the new gas extraction wells under vacuum allowing the landfill gas to be collected and safely flared

*Information from Deffenbaugh Industries

by nick booth

copy editor jagwire.nickbooth@gmail.com fter a significant increase in odor complaints concerning the Johnson County Landfill during the latter half of last year, Waste Management, which bought Deffenbaugh and by extension the landfill in March 2015, began to take measures for odor reduction.

According to Waste Management spokesperson Lisa Disbrow, there was an increase in odor last year because of an unusually high amount of rainfall during the summer months.

Disbrow said that the increased amount of rainfall from April to August 2015, which was 15 inches more than the regular amount, made the trash decompose much faster, and made landfill gas much faster as a result.

This caused the increase in odor.

City of Shawnee Communications Manager Dan Ferguson said the city took noticed of a sharp increase in odor complaints in fall 2015, and promptly contacted Waste Management, urging them to take action.

“The city, any time we have an issue that we believe is a quality of life issue, and a negative quality of life issue for our residents, we address it as quickly as we possible can,” Ferguson said via phone. “When we noticed the spike in complaints regarding the odor odor last fall, ... we communicated with the owners of the landfill on multiple occasions.

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We asked them what they were doing to address the issue. We let them know that we felt this needed to be addressed as quickly as possible.”

After the odor became a noticeable problem, Waste Management began working on a solution. In January, the company expanded the current gas collection system by adding more piping and extraction wells. This system collects gas coming from the landfill using a vacuum, where the gas eventually goes to a place where it will be burned, according to Disbrow. Disbrow also said an onsite facility at the Johnson County Landfill

We need to keep a close eye on [the problem] and monitor it so it doesn’t come back up.

CITY OF SHAWNEE COMMUNICATION MANAGER DAN FERGUSON specifically uses this to “heat and cool more than 5,000 area homes.”

After the new measures the odor has significantly improved, according to Disbrow.

“The odor complaints have decreased substantially with the expanded gas col-

lection system,” Disbrow said via email. “As Johnson County Landfill is an operating facility, there may be trash or ‘garbage odors’ from time to time.”

Freshman Lyrik Cooper, who lives within three miles of the landfill, also believes the situation has gotten better. “[The odor] appears to be better than it used to,” Cooper said. “It’s not as noticeable as it used to be.”

For Ferguson, the improvement is a positive sign, but he thinks it’s too early to declare the problem fixed.

“I think time will tell,” Ferguson said. “We as a city, we look at the owners of the landfill as community partners that we work with.

We have seen some improvement in terms of the odor complaints being reduced and the odor being reduced. But we need to keep a close eye on and monitor it so it doesn’t come back up. We’re obviously appreciative of [Waste Management’s] hard work to get this fixed.”

Cooper is glad that Waste Management took steps to reduce the overall odor.

“That’s great [that they’re implementing new measures],” Cooper said. “The more they can control the odor, the better.”

Disbrow is hopeful for the future, and sees the odor control as part of Waste Management’s obligation to the surrounding community.

“We believe it is important to be a good neighbor,” Disbrow said. “And part of being a good neighbor is controlling odors.”

What’s that Smell?

A map of odor complaints due to the smells coming from the Johnson County Landfill

= odor complaints

= Landfill

= Mill Valley

*Information from Shawnee Dispatch

design by Sam lopez

Photos by nick Precht

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You are doing the work.

Are you getting the credit?

Save money on four-year university tuition by earning college credits in high school.

Sign up for JCCC College Now classes this spring.

See your school counselor for details, visit jccc.edu/collegenow or call 913-259-7447.

12345 College Blvd. | Overland Park, KS 66210

04/30/2016

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ads

DESIGN BY ABiigail archibong and adri talavera

mill valley high school

jagwire

People Pieces: Dylan Smith

A series on our students and staff and what makes them unique

Personal Best Junior Dylan Smith has broken personal records during his career

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Junior Dylan Smith hang cleans 315 lbs. during his Advance Strength and Conditioning class on Thursday, March 31.

Photo by Karissa Schmidt

pounds deadlifted

RAISINGTHE BAR Junior Dylan Smith pushes himself to become a powerlifter

by sarah myers

editor-in-chief jagwire.sarahmyers@gmail.com ith a 405-pound bench press, a 585-pound squat and a 565-pound deadlift, junior Dylan Smith is the sitting 5A state champion in powerlifting.

Smith began powerlifting after he committed to living a healthy lifestyle.

After struggling with weight management during his childhood, Smith began living healthier when he was around 10 years old. He said that at the time, he was unhappy with his body. After getting a weight set for Christmas, he started setting goals to lose weight and build muscles.

Smith’s initial goals were too difficult to begin with, ultimately causing issues.

“At first, I went a little too quick. I lost a lot of weight really quickly,” Smith said. “Over the next few years I learned how to slow down and do things a little bit more intelligently, more safely.”

Smith has since adjusted his diet and workout regimen to better suit his weight loss and fitness plans. He spends two to three hours at the gym each day and around one to two hours cooking himself meals with ingredients like oats, rice, potatoes and lean meats.

This constant planning and time devotion is what helped Smith set a state record and win two state titles in a row.

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“Really, [those achievements] just set me up to set new goals,” Smith said. “I’m always excited to meet a new goal, but then unfortunately ... once you meet a goal, you have to set a new one.”

Besides working on improving his personal growth, Smith is also a personal trainer at iRISE Performance in Lenexa. He enjoys this particularly, since a large part of his passion for fitness is helping others transform themselves like he was able to do for himself.

“I like that I can motivate people to get in shape,” Smith said. “I don’t really promote bodybuilding or powerlifting, but just overall fitness. Helping people start their healthy lifestyles is exciting for me.”

Junior Blaine Boudreaux works out and competes with Smith regularly. Since they began lifting together freshman year, Boudreaux has enjoyed working out with Smith.

“He just really knows what he’s doing,” Boudreaux said. “He’s a real smart guy. He’s not just a meathead.”

After winning his state titles and competing in multiple powerlifting competitions this past winter, Smith is now preparing to compete in his first-ever bodybuilding show this summer. Bodybuilding has always been an underlying theme in his goals and progress in powerlifting. Smith also hopes to continue his lifestyle into the future.

“I’m going to try to do it in a safe and healthy way that allows me to continue for my whole life,” Smith said. “I hope I still enjoy this when I’m 40 or 50. A lot of guys will get injured but I’ve just got to stay safe.”

405 pounds bench pressed

585

pounds squated

2

state titles received in March of 2015 & 2016

design by Claire Biles

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hang ing d n u o r a 10

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PHOTO BY JENA SMITH

mill valley high school

jagwire

POPULAR

PLACE Shawnee Mission Park areas serve as popular hammock destinations among students

ABOVE: Smiling, senior Brian Fitzsimmons hammocks at Garrett Park alongside his friends on Saturday, April 2. Photo by Jena Smith

Hammocking serves as unique pastime for a multitide of friend groups

by jillian leiby

managing editor jagwire.jillianleiby@gmail.com

by morgan gurwell

reporter and photographer jagwire.morgangurwell@gmail.com s the sun sets behind Shawnee Mission lake, it’s common to see a line of students’ hammocks stacked up between two trees. Hammocking has given a new meaning to the term hanging out with friends. Many call this growing trend the ultimate relaxation experience.

Senior Brian Fitzsimmons learned about the activity through his uncle, and has been doing it ever since.

“My uncle does a lot of camping ... and he uses a hammock often because ... it’s easier to carry when he’s backpacking, so that’s kind of how I got into it,” Fitzsimmons said. “I think it’s a great way to just get out and relax and connect with nature.”

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I think it’s a great way to just get out and relax and connect with nature SENIOR BRIAN FITZSIMMONS Now, Fitzsimmons has recommended the new craze to others. Senior Brendan Tener learned about the activity from his longtime friend.

“I saw my friend Brian [Fitzsimmons] and

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he’d always post stuff online about it … he’s always talked about,” Tener said. “So a few months ago I asked about it … he told me it was great, so I went out and bought a hammock.”

The hammock is just the beginning, according to sophomore Kennedy Yosick.

There are multiple products available to enhance the hammocking experience.

“You can buy a bug net and go camping in your hammock. It’s so cool. There’s [also] little lights you can hang from the top of your hammock, so if it’s dark outside, then you can still see what’s going on,” Yosick said.

Junior Maria Porzelt learned about hammocking from her friend and loved it immediately.

“My friend actually had one and she brought it to a camp we both go to,” Porzelt said. “I sat in it and I was like, ‘I need one, this is the best thing ever.’ They are so comfortable, I want to live in one.”

Tener enjoys the calming effect that hammocking has, as well as being able to hang out with his friends.

“It’s relaxing. I really like how it supports your whole body,” Tener said. “It’s just kind of an excuse to get outside and do something outside with your friends and … be lazy.”

Being alone is an important part of the hammock experience for Porzelt, as friends tend to be a little loud.

“Other people don’t understand that’s kind of like a quiet time, so they like talk a lot and it just kind of ruins it,” Porzelt said.

Aside from just sitting in her hammock, Porzelt listens to music or reads a book. More than that, she finds the relaxation to be a defining part of her love for hammocking.

“I find it really relaxing. I do a lot of deep thinking there and it’s just really fun,” Porzelt said. “There’s really no one else around you.”

A place with adequate trees that area good distance apart … a nice little scenic area senior Brendan Tener The south side of the west side of the lake sophomore Zach Barcus Next to the lake in a tree sophomore Gabe Santilli There’s so many places to hammock there. You can pick a new tree every time. sophomore Allie Harvey

At the very back of the park where it’s just a bunch of trees sophomore Kenedee Yosick

Down by the lake is my area that I really like junior Maria Porzelt

design by Tori aerni

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shakespeare and

ABOVE: Senior Siera Thompson, playing Hermia, confronts senior Carson Vitt, playing Demetrius, during a scene on Wednesday, March 23. Photo by Abigail Archibong

ABOVE: With the attention geared towards her during a team building exercise, senior Hannah Schrepfer discusses with her group who she admires most at Mill Valley on Thursday, March 31. Photo by Abigail Archibong

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DOMINANT: Portraying her role of Puck, senior Camille Gatapia yells across stage to her castmates playing fairies during a scene at rehearsal on Thursday, March 31. Photo by Abigail Archibong

mill valley high school

jagwire

seniors Shakespeare play draws largest senior class in department history

by adri talavera

opinions editor/business manager jagwire.adritalavera@gmail.com istorically, underclassmen comprise a majority of the drama department, which makes this year’s cast for the spring production, Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, different. Seniors make up nearly a third of the cast, and many are taking the stage for the very first time.

Drama teacher Jon Copeland said he believes the increased senior involvement could be a result of the quality of the productions the department puts on.

“I’ve noticed in the last couple of years, more seniors that have never been in a show want to do it. I think partly that’s a tribute to the good shows that we do,” Copeland said.

“Maybe they came to shows as an audience member and said, ‘Wow that looks really cool, I’d like to be a part of that.’”

Despite taking Copeland’s Drama class as a freshman, senior Mason Cooper is participating in a production for the first time after a friend persuaded him to join. Cooper said he was surprised by the size of his role in his very first show.

“Going into it for the first time, I had lower expectations [for myself],” Cooper said. “I really didn’t expect to even get a call back really. I’m Nick Bottom which is one of the more prominent people in [the play]. I really didn’t expect that for myself. I never really thought of myself as an actor before joining the play.”

For senior Hawkeye Mitchell, who plays Cooper’s double and has acted in all but one production during his high school career, the rush he receives from performing has motivated him to participate in the theater

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department every year.

“I continued because after that first time it became super fun,” Mitchell said.

“Kind of like how people get those runner’s ABOVE: Playing the role of a fairy, senior Maria Guilhighs … we have our ford (right) directs senior Carson Vitt to his resting ‘theater high’ … I love place on Thursday, March 31. Photo by Abigail Archibong it.”

Out of 31 seniors participating in the production, only three — seniors Abby Laning, Eileen Marti and Danielle Stompoly — have participated in all eight productions since their freshman year, either as a member of the cast, set crew and/or tech crew.

Marti, who has participated in both the cast and crew, said she is happy to see higher senior participation.

“I’m really glad a lot more [seniors] have decided to give it a chance,” Marti said.

“We’re all really close, so I think people are finally starting to be convinced [to join] because we’re all good friends.”

The close relationships that form throughout the duration of the production are what make it especially worthwhile for Laning, who participates in the tech crew.

“There’s an atmosphere that is indescribable,” Laning said. “You’re a family but then when you’re offseason you go your separate ways, [and] then when you’re back and it’s like nothing’s ever changed.”

ABOVE: After listening to the prompt Stompoly, who has acted and student diCopeland presented during cast rected, said she believes the most rewarding bonding on Thursday, March 31, senior part of theater is watching herself develop.

Dani Stompoly shares who her favorite “I’ve really got to see myself change. people are. Photo by Abigail Archibong Now that I’m a senior and I’m graduating I get to look back and be like, ‘Wow I remember when I was a freshman and I was really quiet and I had zero lines and I stood in the The show will take place at 7 p.m. on back,’” Stompoly said. “It’s just a really cool Tuesday, April 26 through Friday, April 29. thing to look back on and see yourself grow Tickets will be available for purchase during up.” the week of Monday, April 18.

Majority Rules seniors

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cast and crew

With more seniors participating than ever before, the class dominates cast and crew as the largest group

= 10 students

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design by Sarah myers

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MUSIC FESTIVAL GUIDE

FESTIVAL by tricia drumm

reporter jagwire.triciadrumm@gmail.com

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special section

by jillian leiby

managing editor jagwire.jillianleiby@gmail.com

photo courtesy of country stampede

by sam lopez

news editor jagwire.samlopez@gmail.com

mill valley high school jagwire

FRENZY The JagWire previews this summer’s can’t-miss music festivals, including ...

Buzz Beach Ball Country Stampede Middle of the Map Fest

jagwire mill valley high school

design by Alison Booth & Justin Curto

special section

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MUSIC FESTIVAL GUIDE photo by Mark Schierholz

Buzz Beach Ball Festival Fans

Why are you going to Buzz Beach Ball?

“A lot of my favorite bands are going to be there. It’s a festival rather than a concert, so you get to see a lot of people, and it’s outdoors, which will make it fun.”

SOPHOMORE CAROLINE GAMBILL

When: july 16-17 | where: Children’s Mercy Park | Cost: $49 to $99

ponsored by KRBZ 96.5 The Buzz, Buzz Beach Ball is a two-day event featuring alternative headliners Alabama Shakes and Cage the Elephant, along with over 20 other artists.

This year, the festival will take place over two days, July 16-17, as opposed to last year’s one-day event. The event will be held at Children’s Mercy Park, with a general admission pit and three levels of seating. The large general admission field and two stages give plenty of room for fans to see artists who they love and fall in love with new bands.

Buzz Beach Ball is focused on alternative and rock bands, with other notable pop artists including Fitz and the Tantrums, Bleachers and X Ambassadors. Along with those bands, Violent Femmes, who recently released their first album after 16 years, will be performing, as well as Eagles of Death Metal, the band that played Le Bataclan during the November 2015 Paris terror attacks.

In addition to those bands, Brave The Spirit, Madisen Ward and The Mama Bear

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and Hembree are all bands native to the Kansas City area. The Buzz is known for supporting local alternative artists, and featuring these artists keeps with the station’s tradition.

What makes this festival stand out from others is the variety of acts, giving everyone something to look forward to. With Glass Animals being the only returning act from last year, The Buzz will re-introduce at least 22 acts. Thanks to the festival now being two days, this is nearly double last year’s 12 artists.

As far as tickets go, two-day ticket prices can range from $49 to $99 for regular admission seats or pit, with higher prices for VIP. The only available passes are those for two days. The passes are limited, though. The gates to Children’s Mercy Park will open at 2 p.m. and general parking is available at the Speedway.

The Buzz brings together a vast array of artists, creating an unforgettable summer festival experience for those who enjoy music.

Bands to watch for “I have been going for the past two years now ... and it’s all alternative bands, so it’s a good way for me to see all of my favorite bands.”

FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS

GLASS ANIMALS

Sounds Like: pop-

indie

Sounds Like: cool, calm

centered alternative

Song to listen to:

song to listen to:

“Gooey”

“Fool’s Gold”

Three artists to check out

THE MOTH AND THE FLAME Sounds Like: an alternative-indie mix, leaning toward indie song to listen to: “Live While I Breathe”

JUNIOR SHELBY SUMAN

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jagwire

photo courtesy of Country Stampede

country stampede Festival “I really want to go because it’s going to be three days of just awesome country music. It’s just going to be a cool place to go and hang out with friends and listen to a lot of good music. “

FANS

Why are you going to Country Stampede?

“I’m excited because me and my friends are planning on going this year and it’s a lot of our favorite artists at a [three]-day festival.”

JUNIOR LAUREN ATCHLEY

SENIOR OLIVIA BARBER

When: june 23-25 | where: tuttle creek lake | Cost: $79 to $140 he largest music festival in Kansas, the Kicker Country Stampede in Manhattan, is a three-day campout from June 23-25, with a lineup that features today’s biggest country artists such as Sam Hunt, Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley and Jake Owen.

The hosting company, Kicker, offers a three-day “Jump the Line” ticket, a one-day general admission ticket, a three-day general admission ticket and VIP passes.

If attendees wish to camp, they will have to buy at least a three-day general admission ticket along with a $150 camping pass.

There are also other camping passes such as four-day reserved camping, family camping and preferred or premier camping, which includes first pick on your campsite and other luxuries such as a power source and working water.

Attendees may also purchase multiple add-ons such as food and beverage tickets, early-bird camping or party pit passes to a performer, which give you access to standing room right in front of the stages. Festival

T

goers may also purchase early bird camping for as low as $10.

There are three stages at the festival; the mainstage, home to the biggest names there, and the other two stages, boasting a lineup with a huge amount of smaller country artists for those looking to find new music while at the festival.

On top of that, one lucky contestant has the chance to create and enter a song into competition to play on the mainstage during the festival. As of now there are five contestants going through a number of rounds of public voting.

While the prices may seem exceptionally high, there is a payment plan that will allow attendees to pay for all expenses over the course of five months. Also considering the fact that attendees — most likely going in a group and not alone — are provided with camping sites, food and beverage with a pass, a bath house and a huge line-up, the cost is plenty worth it for a three-day-long, constant, country-fueled party.

Bands to

watch for

Three artists to check out

HIGH VALLEY Sounds Like: pop country with folk

influences

song to listen to: “Make You Mine”

TIM MCGRAW Sounds Like: classic 2000s country song to listen to: “Shotgun Rider”

CHASE RICE Sounds like: Modern stadium

country

song to listen to: “Whisper Sounds

Like” jagwire

mill valley high school

design by alison booth and justin curto

photos by Jillian Leiby

special section

17

MUSIC FESTIVAL GUIDE photo courtesy of Middle of the Map Fest

middle of the map When: May 4-7 | where: Kansas City, Missouri | Cost: $30 to $80 rom May 4-7, Kansas City will host the sixth annual Middle of the Map Fest, a local festival that highlights the talents in the area. The festival also devotes days to feature films and speeches from esteemed entertainment professionals, but the music is the real highlight, and this year’s festival features over 100 bands, both local and national.

As opposed to previous years, Middle of the Map Fest now takes place in seven new locations across downtown Kansas City.

Westport venues such as Californos and Mills Record Company will have shows May 4-5, and now-popular music venues such as

F

FESTIVAL FANS

the Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland, CrossroadsKC and the RecordBar will have shows May 6-7.

The Middle of the Map Fest stands out among other festivals because of its wide variety of local music. Due to its emphasis on local bands, the genres that are featured range from alternative to country, jazz to rock. The headliners include the alternative band Cold War Kids and the electronic dance music artist Zhu, as well as rock band Manchester Orchestra and rapper Vince Staples. And that doesn’t even include the local bands.

The grassroots bands that come to Middle

Why are you going to Middle of the Map Fest?

of the Map are always enthusiastic for the opportunity to perform at festival. It can be a great stepping stone for artists, especially those with a coveted opening slot, such as the alternative band Rachel Mallin and the Wild Type which opens for Cold War Kids at CrossroadsKC. Other Kansas City fanbase-bred artists have a large fanbase and will be watched by many, such as pop artists Connor Leimer and Gracie Schram.

In the same line as Austin, Texas’ South

by Southwest, Middle of the Map Fest is a great showcase for local bands, with a few established headliners peppered in. With Kansas City being a popular place to find some great new talent, one could hope for a great show from the new performers.

Bands t0 watch for Three artists to check out

THE GRISLY HAND Sounds like: country with a small folk

influence

song to listen to: “Paris of the Plains”

ME LIKE BEES “I really like the idea of supporting local music and local artists ... and discovering bands from Kansas City.”

JUNIOR MARIANA CRUZ

“I’m really interested in our community of Kansas City and how it brings together all of these cultural aspects that we don‘t necessarily get in the suburbs. It showcases different artists of our general area.”

JUNIOR KRISTEN SCHAU

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special section

Sounds like: new-age pop rock song to listen to: “The Ides”

YOUR FRIEND SOunds like: contemporary indie-electronic

fusion

Song to listen to: “Come Back from It” mill valley high school

jagwire

Facts

about the

Fests

Ninety-two students answer surveys about the festivals they will attend

39

Find an area festival to attend that interests you

of those ...

percent of students plan to attend a summer music festival

67

18

4

Center Amphitheater

percent plan to attend

middle of the map

mill valley high school

COACHELLA RED, WHITE & BOOM SUMMERFEST design by alison booth and justin curto

ROCKFEST Type: rock When: Saturday, May 14 Where: Liberty Memorial

country stampede

18 percent plan to attend other festivals, including ... jagwire

Type: local When: June 17-19 Where: West Bottoms

Type: punk and hip-hop When: Thursday, July 28 Where: Providence Medical

Buzz Beach Ball

LOLLAPALOOZA WARPED TOUR ROCKFEST

BOULEVARDIA

WARPED TOUR

percent plan to attend percent plan to attend

More Music

DANCEFESTOPIA Type: electronic dance When: Sept. 9-11 Where: Berkley Riverfront Park

SOJO SUMMERFEST Type: jazz When: June 17-18 Where: Corporate Woods

photos by Jillian Leiby

special section

19

STaff Editorial

The JagWire gives its opinion on a topic covered in this issue

relay for life reflects student generosity The event tops off a year where students have shown amazing school pride through work and service he school-hosted Relay for Life event was a resounding success, bringing together students and staff with the common cause of ending cancer. The event raised over $48,000 for the American Cancer Society, and demonstrated the impact of our student body’s enthusiasm in a year filled with accomplishment for our school.

We’ve always had an involved, passionate group of students, but it’s easier to see than ever when looking at how our students handled the event. Nationally, it’s uncommon for students to start, manage and plan a Relay for Life event for their own school. The Relay for Life committee, made up of 33 students and five adults, ran the event almost entirely on its own. It worked on every aspect of the planning and logistics of the event from start to finish.

The incredible involvement of our student body isn’t limited to just those who planned the event, though, with 45 teams and an estimated 1,000 people attending the event. After such a large turnout, it’s clear that our students genuinely care not only about the cause they’re raising money for, but also the school as a whole.

This widespread enthusiasm represents something bigger happening at our school: We are gradually moving into a new time of pride and involvement. This event proves that our students are willing to look beyond themselves and work toward more important causes.

The Relay for Life event is just one of many examples that show our school is on

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20

opinions

DESIGN BY adri talavera

the rise. It came in a year when we won two athletic state championships, and saw more spirit and energy in our school than ever before. During this year alone, the students have continuously showed their support for the school, from the student section at state football to sold out nights for the musical. This was the year our students founded a new club sponsoring the Make-a-Wish Foundation, and ending up being incredibly successful with Wish Week and winter homecoming. This was the year the school found itself rated as the best public high school in the state of Kansas by StartClass.

All of this success was especially noteworthy among the members of the senior class, who made monumental contributions to the school as a whole over the past four years.

The Relay for Life event was spearheaded by seniors Megan Feuerborn and Isabel Crain, while senior Logan Koch played quarterback and point guard on two state-winning teams and our own senior Justin Curto was named Kansas Student Journalist of the Year. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The school has reaped the rewards of its success, and the recognition Mill Valley is now receiving serves as a gratifying legacy to leave behind.

The event’s success proves an age-old lesson to be true: Working hard, supporting others and having enthusiasm pays off. It’s obvious that our students — and our seniors in particular — have taken this to heart, and set an example for the underclassmen.

illustration BY madison ferguson

This year has been an amazing start of something new. An overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment currently characterizes our school’s atmosphere. However, we need to keep it up and sustain that energy for the next several years. There’s only one thing left to do: Get to work, Mill Valley.

JagWire staff vote agree

22 DISAgree

0

mill valley high school

jagwire

taking pictures

Never

stop...

a collection of mini editorials answering the phrase ‘Never Stop’

Learning When I leave high school next month, one of my biggest regrets will be something I can’t change — I wish I could have taken more classes. I’m not a masochist who enjoys the stress of school, and I’m not wanting to have been able to trade a science class for an elective. Instead, I just want to have learned more.

I can’t imagine a day without learning.

Sometimes, my learning comes from an insightful article; others, it’s because of an interesting lecture in one of my classes; still others, it’s based on an experience I had. To me, the source of what I learned doesn’t matter as much as finding out something new about the world.

As I near the end of my senior year, I’m starting to notice my drive to learn decreasing. Some may call it senioritis, but to me, it just feels like I’m ready to move on. I know I’ll be in college in a few more months, where I’ll be exposed to myriad learning opportunities, so part of me is just counting the days until then.

At the same time, I don’t think anyone should give up on learning in high school, even if it’s a month before graduation. High school is the last opportunity we’ll have to learn a variety of subjects, for free, from knowledgeable people. Let’s make the most of it, and whatever other learning opportunities we find afterward.

// Justin Curto

As a kid, my older sister had a Polaroid camera that she would run around the house with. The pictures she took were never good, but I still followed after her in awe of the camera.

Twelve years later and nothing has changed.

I’m still amazed by photography — getting to see how it’s changed over the years is incredible. People used to stand for hours to have their portrait painted and now all we have to do is hold our phones out and take a selfie.

Now, more and more memories of our daily lives are being stored. We’re taking photos of everything: food, family, dogs, #ootd, selfies, basically anything you can think of, people are taking pictures of it. These memories seem unimportant when we’re living them, but in 50 years when we’re sitting in a nursing home flipping through an old photo album, we’ll remember the good ol’ days of our youth.

I know some pictures may seem obsolete and unimportant but each one carries a story that has shaped who you are. That snapchat story you posted of prom night? You’ll tell your kids of how much fun that night was. The picture you took at Relay for Life? That will be remembered as the night we raised over $48,000 and helped change so many lives. That picture you took at the football state tournament? You’ll remember that as the year Mill Valley won two state championships.

// Margaret Mellott

asking questions Whenever something even mildly eventful occurs when I am babysitting, the four year old girl I watch continuously asks the question: Why? She keeps asking this question until I answer it, and then will continue to repeat the word “why” until my answers become less and less interesting.

While this can become very repetitive and vexatious fairly quickly — one can only explain why spoons are used to eat cereal so many times — the complexity of this recurring sequence struck me, and caused me to wonder why the trait of explicable questioning often disappears as we grow older.

This epidemic of apathy does not only pertain to the question “why”; the act of questioning for the sake of questioning is slowly beginning to disappear. In high school classrooms, for example, we shouldn’t only question things when questions are asked for, but should desire to simply know more.

We shouldn’t not question aspects of society just because the answers are seemingly inherently acknowledged. You should want to ask questions in order to form your own opinion regarding issues and become more educated.

Yes, it may seem extremely silly to ask questions with a difficulty level equivalent to that of a mind of a four year old, but I believe it is still interesting to simply want to know why. We should want to know and understand and consistently keep questioning the workings of the world, because well, why not?

// Alison Booth

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opinions

mill valley high school

jagwire

exploring If someone would’ve asked me what extracurricular activities I would be doing in high school as a sixth, seventh or eighth grader, or even as a freshman, my response would probably be playing basketball.

Ever since I began playing basketball, I thought it was something I would do for a long time, or at least through high school. However, after taking 21st Century Journalism and Photo Imaging classes my freshman year, I realized sports are not the only things I can do.

When I heard that newspaper was taking applications for staff member for the 2015-2016 school year, I didn’t think much of it. However, after being encouraged by a friend and journalism adviser Kathy Habiger, I decided I might as well give it a try, and I’m glad I did. While I may not agree with many of the views people have on staff and I get annoyed with people a lot, it has been an experience that has taught me a lot.

For a while, I have wanted to be a sports photographer,. Being on the JagWire staff has allowed me the opportunity to cover the football team, the boys’ basketball team, the state basketball tournament and many other unique experiences. I have realized things I need to improve on, but also that my goals can be achieved. This year helped me become a better photographer and has helped me to be confident in doing what I love.

If I wouldn’t have explored the options given to me, I would be missing so many cool and fun experiences that help me grow as a person, writer and photographer. So, try a new club, a new sport, a new food or travel to a new place. Just explore what’s around you and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone — I did, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.

TELLING YOUR PARENTS YOU LOVE THEM If my daughterhood was an essay and I was being graded on Mrs. Swafford’s Pre-AP English 10 rubric, I’d probably get a solid C-. I don’t clean my room, I stress my parents the heck out with my procrastination, I overuse data on the family’s cell phone plan pretty much every month and constantly forget to tell them how great they are.

But wow, am I lucky to have two parents who love me immensely regardless.

As I think about going off to college next year and leaving so much familiarity behind, the thought of leaving my parents always hits me the hardest. Nobody to be my personal therapist (thanks mom), nag me to finish my homework or make me dinner every night.

Showing my parents how much I love them and how grateful I am for them in person won’t be a luxury I have in a few short months. Shifting my mentality has made me more aware of the little things they do for me on the daily and how much I fail to show my appreciation for them.

What I’ve learned in the past six months — and what I want anyone who will soon still has the leisure of home cooked meals — is that no matter how much you may think you want to get away from your parents, never stop appreciating all the often things they do for you. And show your appreciation as much as you can; it’ll go a long way.

I love you mom and dad, thanks for everything the past 17 years. Thanks for raising me to be a prepared, independent young woman ready to take on the real world. (And no, mom, this isn’t an obligatory column because I want something).

// Victoria Wright

// Tori Aerni

talking about politics Usually, when a conversation turns to politics, most people become passionate messes or are too afraid to stand up for their opinion. Both of these reactions I see in everyone I talk to — the uncontrollable gesturing, stumbling over words and the uncomfortable recoil of someone who does not want to be talking about this.

It’s the passionate messes that I actually enjoy having conversations with. They make me feel like an informed person, or they inform me of new things. It’s why these conversations are so important.

It can be easy to want to silence a conversation about politics. It’s awkward to hear something you really don’t agree.

You’ve been conditioned since birth to avoid talking about certain (usually political) topics that could make someone mad.

And yet, an informed debate can be a beautiful thing. Not only is it a way to become more educated and intelligent — it can open your eyes to another side of an argument.

When I, someone who is firm in their beliefs, listen to an informed position, I learn something about the position that I hadn’t known before. It can be enlightening.

To tell you to never stop being involved in politics would be counterproductive: If the entire world hasn’t been able to convince you, I won’t be able to. I will remind you that this entire country is built upon the opinions of people just like you. I didn’t talk about the people whose eyes glazed over because they simply didn’t care — that’s not an option for either you or me.

// Jillian Leiby jagwire

mill valley high school

design by adri talavera

opinions

23

STATE COMPETITION m

a

k

i

n

g

HISTORY

In light of the recent basketball state title, the JagWire reflects on state competiton for winter sports teams

by braden shaw

sports editor jagwire.bradenshaw@gmail.com

s the boys basketball team walked off the court on the Topeka Expocenter at the end of the 2014-15 season, following a first round loss to Maize South in the state tournament, the team was disappointed yet hopeful for its most recent season, where the team went on to win a state championship.

The loss provided inspiration for the team and pushed them throughout the season, according to senior guard Kasey Conklin.

“Last year we thought we would do a lot better,” Conklin said.

“We didn’t think we’d lose in the first round. It gave us motivation to try harder.”

That motivation to succeed propelled the team into this season, looking to improve upon last year. Sophomore Cooper Kaifes noticed the team’s potential of a state championship at a midseason tournament after defeating quality competition.

“The tournament at Saint Thomas Aquinas when we beat Barstow [was a key point during the season],” Kaifes said.

“They’re one of the best teams in Missouri and once we beat them it was a real confidence booster.”

The team finished second in that tournament, and went on to finish second in the Kaw Valley League. After, the team wonsub-state. Once it moved to the state tournament, head coach Mike Bennett knew the team had to have the right mindset.

“Each game was the most important game,” Bennett said.

“We just tried to put a lot of emphasis on who we were getting ready to play and understand that we couldn’t have tomorrow if we didn’t prepare for today.”

Postseason basketball took a different route this year, as the team defeated Salina Central, Washington and finally Kapaun Mt. Carmel in the state championship game, leading to the team’s first state title in program history.

After the final victory, Bennett could feel the raw emotion of the team and joined in the celebration.

“It was just a great sense of accomplishment and achievement for this program and this school,” Bennett said. “A lot of years and time were dedicated to ... reach this goal and finally they get to celebrate a state championship.”

Kaifes values the win even more, since the school has now won two state titles. He hopes to continue this trend in his final two seasons.

“It was our first [title] ever and especially to win it the same year that football won it is just incredible.”

Kaifes said. “I hope I can get two more, honestly.”

Conklin is also proud of the improvement in school pride and the program’s reputation.

“Everybody’s called us soft and said that we could never get past just a good regular season,” Conklin said.

“So, with basketball and football winning state titles, it helped the image of Mill Valley and shows everybody else [who we are].”

A

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sports

mill valley high school

jagwire

LOOKING BACK

Statistics from the season and state tournament

. e season ..

th ries from o t c i v l ting a ar i ruc arst ow st

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Barst. o2w1 JAN

84-83

State

The B cluded lineup in yers thre e pla n to Divisio ed it m m co ow st Bar 1 scho ols. se cond in finished uri stat e the Misso ent. am rn u to

AQUIN. A2S2 JA N

54-43

e was the This gam e se as on th of t n poi layers, p h ic in wh phoso g includin er Kaifes, more Co op e team’s “noticed th a state of al ti poten ip.” sh n io champ

H a rRmCHo n4 MA

58-42

ainst Har A win ag at e st b su e mon in th e ance d th game adv s the Kansa to s ar Jagu ent for am rn u stat e to ve conse cuti a se cond ed am n as w year, and se ed. h rt u fo the

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49 poominortes

soph Cooper Kaifes

36 proints

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36 proints

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gainst ip game a ampionsh ch to the e s ct at a st re e t section sket in th a en b Photo d e u .

5 th st 7 r e ches fo e tied at IDDLE: Th Kaifes rea to overtim Salina Central ABOVE M er in p s o t o er id C d m re sa phomo the Cru idmer moves past rissa Sch oto by Ka behind, so guars and onent far urday, March 12. Ph d sending the Ja t, senior Jaison W p p o e th at h as misse state tournamen ders on S EFT: Wit e the shot w ABOVE L Mt. Carmel Crusa ds before e first round of th aret Mellott n n co u a se p t a o th rg sh a g g the K n M in ri y n u b D 9. Photo RIGHT: game win ay, March potential chmidt ABOVE d es n d e W aS

by Kariss shoot a basket on defense to

jagwire

mill valley high school

photos by karissa Schmidt

design by tori aerni & margaret mellott

sports

25

STATE COMPETITION senior stats: Senior catie kaifes Kaifes finishes her career as the top scorer of the girls basketball team for the second year

Average points per game:

17.4

401 Points During state game: 25

Total points:

ABOVE: Boxing out her opponent, junior Ashlyn Hendrix prevents the Salina Central offense from passing during the first round of the state tournament on Thursday, March 10.

Photo by Karissa Schmidt

Q&A

GIRLS BASKETBALL

bound Further coverage on winter sports state results

What did it mean to you to make it to the state tournament?

Freshman Claire Kaifes: It really meant a lot. It really showed how much our hard work paid off throughout the season, especially with our rough start. We started off 3-4, then we went on to win 15 straight games which was pretty exciting.

Junior Ashlyn Hendrix: It was really exciting because I had never been before. The only person that had been was [senior] Catie Kaifes, so most of us didn’t know what to expect, but it was really exciting to even make it.

What was the team’s mindset like going into the state tournament?

CK: We really talked about our defense, because Salina Central was a really good three-point shooting team, so we talked about our defense and moving our feet and moving the ball on offense.

AH: We had a scouting report on [Salina Central], but we were all really excited and we knew we needed to focus a lot.

26

sports

WRESTLING

WRAP-UP

individual placers:

by tori aerni

editor-in-chief jagwire.toriaerni@gmail.com

(in their weight class)

2 3 rd 3 rd 3 rd 5 th

Nd sophomore conner ward

What are your hopes for next season?

CK: Next season, since we’re going into the EKL, I know that there may be more intense games just because of the league change, but I hope we can make it back to the state tournament because that’s what our expectation is now that we went this year.

AH: Next year we have to be more focused and not let the nerves get to us.

I think nerves were our biggest problem going in. I want to go back to state and not go home in the first round.

sophomore jarrett bendure Junior dylan gowin senior peyton bendure senior seth burnett

overall team finish:

DESIGN BY tori Aerni and margaret mellott

3rd mill valley high school

jagwire

j a g w i r e

s p o r t s

overtime An inside look and additional coverage on this season’s sports and athletes

Increa

WHat is your Favorite

se in Mill Valle yL ac ro ss

eC

Sports Movie?

e siz lub

The Sandlot

ngs bri

The Blind Side Remember the Titans

deter

“I think our [junior varsity] has gotten a lot stronger. Last year we only had three girls that threw, and this year we have 15 and they’re all really good. We have a lot of talent coming in.”

JUNIOR MORGAN THOMAS jagwire

mill valley high school

17%

10%

rs ye la

Unexpected growth in javelin team requires

op

Game of Throws

Other

last year and our defense is something beautiful.”

Senior Brooks Wright who, along with Cole, has been on the team for both seasons of its existence and enjoys the sport due to the progression of the team.

“I’m involved because ever since I started playing lacrosse I’ve loved this sport,” Wright said. “Now that we have a varsity team, [I want] to compete at the varsity level.”

Looking towards the future, Cole hopes to continue to improve team chemistry and have a successful season.

“I feel like we’re going to bond together a lot better,” Cole said.

“We’re going to come together and make something beautiful.” adjustments

aking shots from his teammates on the Mill Valley lacrosse team, sophomore Preston Cole practices as a goalie for the upcoming lacrosse season in the spring.

It may be only the team’s second season, but they have grown from 14 to 28 players, and now have the addition of the turf to play games on.

However, Cole knows that the team has had to overcome obstacles to get here.

“The first year we were mainly a freshman team and a lot of us were new,” Cole said. “[Now] we’ve just learned so many skills.

We’ve been scoring more goals than we d i d

T

nt tio na mi

With the ball in his stick, senior Brooks Wright looks to pass to a teammate on Friday, March 31. Photo by Claire Boone

Space Jam 7% 10% Rocky

23% 33%

Survey of 223 students

by braden shaw sports editor

jagwire.bradenshaw@gmail.com “Having one person coaching 38 people … there’s challenges. A lot of kids have to be self-reflective and have to understand what they’re doing by watching other people”

JAVELIN COACH CORY WURTZ DESIGN By Victoria Wright

sports

27

by morgan gurwell

hit the

reporter and photographer jagwire.morgangurwell@gmail.com

Ground running SHOES:

DIET:

“I run in Mizunos because I like how they feel and the ride they give.

They’re really responsive to the terrain you run on.”

“I try to eat stuff with a lot of carbs the day before a meet. I eat a lot of bananas before I run ... so I don’t cramp up.”

FRESHMAN DELANEY KEMP

SOPHOMORE BELLA HADDEN

PRE-RUN:

PRACTICE:

“We do dynamic stretches ... before we run. That would be like skipping or leg kicks or

“When you’re running with a group, it’s fun to talk to everybody and hang out while you run.”

SENIOR ELLIE WILSON

SOPHOMORE JUSTIN GREGA

28

sports

DESIGN BY Nora Lucas and Braden shaw

Distance runners use different tricks for a successful performance in track meets

“You can’t really get better unless you actually put in the work.

It’s cool to see all of [that] hard work being turned into results.” senior Derek Meeks

ABOVE: In the boy’s 800 meter race, senior Derek Meeks rounds the curve on Tuesday, March 29 in the Leavenworth Invitational track meet. Photo by Victoria Wright

Photos by Victoria Wright

mill valley high school

jagwire

Rewards programs provide students a way to save money at popular places

by justin curto

mill valley news editor-in-chief jagwire.justincurto@gmail.com

Starbucks “I like it because the more you buy Starbucks drinks, it helps you get a cheaper price of them the next time. It’s a win-win.”

Sophomore Haley Harvey

Stars per dollar spent

Birthday item

Email and app deals

Stars it takes to get a gold membership

Are free in-store for coffee and tea

Special offers for reward members

Barnes & Noble “It makes me feel really good when I get stuff. I feel super smart when I get all these other fun discounts.”

Sophomore Lauryn Hurley

Ulta Gifts for rewards members

$25

yearly payment Off most reward members’ purchases

“You really get to spend your rewards any way you want. It’s really easy to get a lot of points because I spend a lot of money.

They have a variety of products.”

Junior Bella Italiano

Points needed to get a platinum membership jagwire

mill valley high school

DESIGN BY Jillian leiby

Photos by Madison Ferguson & Jillian Leiby

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29

takeout taste test

The JagWire takes a closer look at nearby Chinese takeout restaurants

by nick booth

copy editor jagwire.nickbooth@gmail.com

by justin curto

mill valley news editor-in-chief jagwire.justincurto@gmail.com

at the restaraunts: Copy editor Nick Booth ate the General Tso’s chicken Mill Valley News editor-in-chief Justin Curto ate the orange chicken

EAST CHINA Nick: Out of the three General Tso’s chickens I had, this was definitely the sweetest.

It still had some spice to it, for sure, but it was noticeably less so than anywhere else.

The meat of the chicken was perfect, with no weird crunchiness like there was at Red Fortune. East China’s version of the General Tso’s chicken may not have the most kick, but it’s still delicious.

5556 Hedge Lane Terrace Shawnee, Kansas

Justin: The orange chicken at East China is very orange in color, but it has too much of a tangy orange flavor. When I first tasted it, all I noticed was an overwhelming sweetness.

As I continued to eat, I tasted strong spices as well — but not strong enough to mask the sweetness. Though I appreciated the added vegetables, the sauce was too overwhelming for me to enjoy the orange chicken.

Rangoon rankings A ranking of the three restaurants’ crab rangoon

3 30

Red fortune

a&e

2

grand wok

1

east china mill valley high school

jagwire

grand wok

15810 Shawnee Mission Parkway Shawnee, Kansas

fan faves What’s your favorite restaurant to get Chinese food from, and why?

“Probably Chen’s [Kitchen]. I just like their food better. Just more sauce I guess. The rice is good.”

Nick: Out of the three places we visited, Grand Wok definitely had the best and most quintessential General Tso’s chicken.

It wasn’t too spicy or too sweet, and had just the right amount of sauce. The dish tasted excellent, with the chicken being perfectly cooked. For a simply really good General Tso’s chicken, this is the place to go.

Justin: Great orange chicken is sweet, tangy and spicy. Grand Wok gets two out of the three flavors right, but misses a necessary spiciness. The sauce is thin, but it’s heartening to see orange peel pieces in it. And, side note: I really appreciate that Grand Wok actually provided me with takeout utensils, unlike the other two restaurants.

red fortune

117 Oak St. Bonner Springs, Kansas

JUNIOR KELSTON SWIFT

“I’ve got to go with Panda Express because they have pineapple chicken, which is really good.”

SOPHOMORE LILY RIDDLE

Nick: This General Tso’s chicken stood out from the others in that it had almost an earthy taste to it. Unlike the other two places, the chicken here was a bit crunchy, and the whole dish just tasted very different than the same one at East China or Grand Wok. The flavor was a little spicy, more so than East China but less so than Grand Wok. This dish wasn’t the best out of the three, but is good if you’re looking for something just a little bit different than the usual fare.

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mill valley high school

Justin: Red Fortune’s orange chicken looks very earthy, to the point where we couldn’t tell it from the General Tso’s chicken without tasting it. It tastes as earthy as it looks, which made it rise above the other restaurants’ food. The flavors in the sauce were layered, and, though the sauce made the breading on the chicken fall off occasionally, it was worth it. Red Fortune has always been my go-to restaurant for Chinese takeout, and, if anything, these reviews confirmed why I love it so much.

photos by morgan gurwell

“My favorite Chinese place is Chen’s Kitchen. I really like the taste of their lo mein. It satisfies my taste buds.”

JUNIOR LANCE MARX

design by nick booth

a&e

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FIGHt Against cancer To raise money for the American Cancer Society, students participate in Relay for Life fundraiser ABOVE: During sunrise yoga, senior Maddie Gerber streches, mimicking the instuctor.

Photo by Claire Biles UPPER RIGHT: Freshman Ally Nguyen (center) plays Twister along with her friends on Saturday, April 2, at 3:30 a.m. in the main gym. Photo by Claire Biles LOWER RIGHT: Tired students finsh out the night by participating in sunrise yoga led by Yoga Fit, at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 2. Photo by Claire Biles

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photo essay

ABOVE: Along with the rest of the accounting team, senior Lindsey Hamner counts donations on Wednesday, March 30.

Photo by Nick Precht LEFT: Playing ladderball for a fundraiser, senior Allison Kubiak tosses a ball on Friday, April 1. Photo

by Madison Ferguson

ABOVE: Seniors Olivia Reyes and McKenna Garvey watch their tower tumble over during a game of Jenga on Saturday, April 2. Photo by Claire Biles

DESIGN BY madison ferguson

mill valley high school

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