March 2017 paladin sm

March 3, 2017

Paladin

Kapaun Mt. Carmel

8506 E Central Ave, Wichita, KS 67206

316-634-0315

Cheering at the pep rally, seniors Brandon Le, Shane Channell, Jacob Heeren, JT Bell, Nick Degenhardt, Thomas Wells, Joel Amend and Connor Shank attempt to win the spirit stick by yelling the loudest Feb. 10. The juniors, watching in the background, won the spirit contest, but the seniors are still in the lead in the COTY competition. See page 2 for COTY standings.

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Volume 28, Issue 5

kmccrusade.com

photo by Eddie Flores video by Flores, John Biehler

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Survey Results

Cats vs. dogs

Body Image

Tennis Court

Fitness 101

School-wide survey results including connection with faculty, safety

Staffers debate between which furry friend is better to own

Popular culture’s ideal body type affects how students perceive themselves

Update on tennis courts construction; project expected to be done by April 1

Best ways to stay fit and motivate yourself to stay healthy

2/27/2017 12:14:53 PM

News Briefs Nohemy Moya

Regional, State Piano Seniors Christina DiMattia, Nick Samsel, Thomas Mondry and sophomore Anna Wrinn, all received Superior I ratings at the KSHSAA Regional Piano Festival on Feb. 4 at Southwestern College. On. Feb. 18, at the State Piano Festival at WSU, Samsel, Mondry and Wrinn all received Superior I ratings.

Forensics The forensics team won first place in Student Congress at East Feb. 10.

KMC had medalists in all four legislative chambers, and were led by senior Jacob Hutchins and sophomore Aaron Arriaga, who each won their house. On Feb. 11, KMC forensics had 23 medalists at East, and won first place in five events. Six more KMC students qualified for the state tournament.

Scholars Bowl On Feb. 11, seniors Thomas Mondry, Nick Onofrio, Nick Samsel, Jacob Hutchins and Peter Quayle won the Scholar’s Bowl state tournament, becoming 5A state champions.

World Record Track coach Bob Lida set two world records Feb. 18-19 in Albuquerque, New Mexico: the first one was for the 4 x 200-meter relay, which Lida ran with three other men, and together they beat the previous record by 11 seconds. The other record was for running the mens 80 and over 200-meter dash in 29.84 seconds, making him the first ever to run it under 30 seconds.

Coins for Kids Drive KMC raised a total of $5,396 for the Coins for Kids drive during Catholic Schools week. Seniors won the COTY event. As of Feb. 19, the seniors lead COTY, with 1,210 points; juniors are second with 1,060 points; freshmen, third with 740 points; sophomores, fourth with 705 points.

Correction Junior Crusader of the Month for January, Kevin Mills, was nominated by French teacher Barbara Kral.

photo by Jillian Schmitz In the Media Center, sophomore Philip Nguyen (right) plays his turn in a game of chess vs. sophomore Michael Han (left) during lunch on Feb. 13. “[The game was] legendary,” Nguyen said. “I won the game and it was fun, but after, I was late for class.”

Crusaders of the Month science teacher Brian Carrillo “[He] is a very understanding teacher. He cares for his students and can relate to them. His door is always open and he’s always there when I need to talk to him.”

-senior Elina Do freshman Sebastian Nguyen “Sebastian emulates Fr. Kapaun in his sense of joy and kindness towards all of his fellow students... [He] always has a smile on his face... His joy is contagious.”

-religion teacher Beth Ferraro sophomore Jackie Gifford “She... truly enjoys applying her strengths as an outgoing, social person to create a great feeling of inclusion for all of her classmates.”

-French teacher Barbara Kral junior Grayson Harsh “He has a great attitude, solid work ethic and he is willing to accept constructive criticism and not give up when techniques are not easy.”

-art teacher Lori Sprague senior Sophia Glasgow “[She] was a kind and up-beat presence when tensions were runing high [at the CYO Italian dinner]. She was a calming and cheerful presence for her peers.”

-religion teacher Beth Ferraro Crusader of the Month nomination forms are available throughout the school and should be turned into the main office or G1.

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New year calls for new classes

Four new elective, language classes added to next year’s curriculum Nohemy Moya

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igh school is a way to help students meet new people, discover themselves and find their interests.

It also helps students to make an important decision in life: what career to pursue. For the 2017-2018 school year, students will be offered four additional classes to aid in this pursuit.

Students will be able to sign up for additions including Computer Science Principles, Spanish IV and V, and Fashion Merchandising. There has also been a class merge in the journalism department. The Mass Communications class will no longer be offered, because it will be merged with the Paladin newsmagazine class, creating an updated form of Journalism II. “I hope to see more students going into those fields,” principal Chris Kaylee Stout Bloomer said. “I think whenever we ofDuring the Curriculum Fair Feb. 1, junior Logan Herrington demonstrates how to use a 3-D printfer a new class, we’re offering them beer. Computer Science will be a new addition to the “Project Lead the Way” classes. cause we want to live up to our mission statement, that we’re educating and formsible,” Sawatzky said. “... It takes many hours of exposure to ining a total person... I think, these are minor changes, but I think teresting and understandable reading and listening experiences for that they help us meet our mission statement in an ever-changing learners to acquire intermediate language proficiency.” world.”

Sawatzky said the purpose is to provide students with an addiFour years ago, KMC applied for the “Project Lead the Way” tional option to earn college credit. By adding additional Spanish grant, submitting a plan and timeline showing when a line of class- classes, Sawatzky hopes that it will encourage students who have es would be integrated into the school’s curriculum. Due to this taken Spanish in eighth grade to begin in Spanish II courses, begrant, Computer Science Principles has been created. Original- cause they will no longer run out of classes if they desire to take ly, administration was going to offer Aerospace Engineering, but four years of it.

Bloomer said they saw more students have gravitated to computer “Since it is a fact that each human being develops language at science. Computer Science Princitheir own pace, I hope that this addition adds more time ples was not created as a result of and flexibility for students to engage in what is a very the Coding Club, though.

I think whenever we offer a individual process,” Sawatzky said. “It is my goal to nur“As far as journalism... I think we new class we’re offering them ture the language in each student towards their next levare witnessing a change in society, because we want to live up to el of proficiency for as long as I am fortunate enough to a change in how news is recorded, have them.” our mission statement...in an documented,” Bloomer said. “I Fashion Merchandising is also making a reappearever-changing world.” think we’re witnessing a change ance at KMC, after being discontinued in the 2014-2015 principal Chris Bloomer in how it’s shared, and how peoschool year. The core purpose of the class is to teach stuple consume their news, and so I dents about the clothing industry and the marketing of think that if you’re going to be true fashion, but will not include any kind of sewing. to journalism, journalism has to adapt with the change in times.”

“I think it will add a lot of what the kids learn about clothing in According to sophomore Mass Communications multimedia ed- general, and just the design area has a lot of fun opportunities,” itor Thomas Searl, the purpose of the merge is to prepare all jour- clothing teacher Kris Osler said. “I think it will just enhance our nalism students for post-high school journalistic pursuits. program quite a bit with adding it to the clothing classes that we “I think it will be fun to be able to tell stories through all modes of already teach.” media,” Searl said. “I think that will make us better journalists. I’m Counselor Margaret Foncannon said she thinks the students are a tad concerned about the logistics, as far as having two blocks of going to enjoy having more electives to choose from. one class and all, but those things will be worked out.”

“These changes show that Kapaun is on the cutting edge,” FonThe Spanish department will also be experiencing changes. After cannon said. “We’re always looking for ways to grow and be better students complete Spanish III, they will be able to take either hon- and be the best that we can possibly be, we want to be a premier ors Spanish IV or AP Spanish V, which are both new additions. The school, and by doing that we’re always adding to our curriculum idea was brought up by Spanish teacher Phil Sawatzky. more rigorous classes so our students are getting well-rounded “We want to buy students as much time in the language as pos- educations.”

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December survey results School-wide survey leads school to push for student advocacy Abbey Fox

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fter the Diocesan Religion Test (DRT) in December, 880 students took a survey about the climate of the school. Students read a series of statements and were asked to respond with strongly disagree, disagree, nuetral, agree and strongly agree. As a

result of the survey, principal Chris Bloomer has pushed for a new student advocacy program for teachers to become more connected to their students. The results of the racial demographics were collected in August.

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Opioid deaths steadily increase Over 60 percent of overdose deaths have involved opioid usage Jacob Morss

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rugs have become one of the leading killers in America. In 2015, lethal drug overdoses took 52,404 lives alone, and opioids are the main culprit in this epidemic. Of those 52,404 deaths, 20,101 deaths were caused by prescription opioids and 12,990 were caused by heroin, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average of 91 Americans die from opioid overdoses every day. Opioid drugs act like endorphins that attach to receptors in the brain to block pain. Not only do opioids numb pain, but they also give a euphoric high which contributes to the addictive property of the drugs.

Although heroin is a major problem in the epidemic, prescription drugs in the forms of oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, fentanyl, morphine and methadone have caused even more deaths due to overdoses. Some of the most common prescription opioids include OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin and Lortab, according to the CDC. Before the 1990s, opioids were only used in extreme cases of pain due to the knowledge of how addictive they could be. However, the amount of prescription opioids sold in the United States went from 76 million in 1991 to approximately 219 million today, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). According to the NIDA, more than 100 million people suffer from chronic pain and most receive opioids as therapy. The prescribing of these opioids can act as a gateway for even stronger versions of opioids like heroin, as Sedgwick County paramedic Brooke Hale explains.

“Unfortunately, heroin is the newest and latest epidemic we’re seeing in the Midwest,” Hale said. “Many people, including high school athletes, when they are injured, get prescribed opioids like Percocets or Lortabs and take one for a while until they need to take two, and your body eventually builds up a resistance. Once they’ve met that threshold, they move to the heavier duty heroin. It starts off as a great pain relief medication, but your body becomes addicted to the way it feels.”

For addicts who start out on prescription opioids, many will move on to heroin.

There are two major reasons for this. The first is, as Hale described, the victim’s body becomes immune to the prescription opi-

oids and requires a more intense high that heroin can provide. The other major reason is affected by money and prescribing restrictions, according to NIDA. They will then turn to heroin which is much cheaper and easier to obtain.

According to Hale, a gram of heroin in Wichita can go from anywhere between $60-75, and can last a first-time user 60 injections. This is a better deal when compared to OxyContin which, when sold illegally, is approximately $80 per pill. According to ASAM, four in five new heroin users started out using prescription opioids, and 94 percent of those surveyed said they moved to heroin because prescription opioids were far too expensive and hard to obtain. Junior Stanley Liss, who has paid attention to the epidemic, thinks the pharmaceutical companies deserve some blame for the epidemic.

“I believe the opioid epidemic in America will never be stopped until the pharmaceutical companies stop their search for money through the mass marketing of opioids,” Liss said. “There are many alternative routes to easing pain, but research will never be conducted on them until the big drug companies get on board.”

Many companies, Purdue Pharma most notably, led very misleading campaigns that encouraged people to ask their doctors for drugs like OxyContin, while downplaying the dangers of how addictive they could be. In 2007, Purdue Pharma faced legal consequences as the company had to pay $634.5 million when they plead guilty for misleading the public about the OxyContin’s risk of addiction, according to the Associated Press.

One of the most controversial decisions of the past year, was the Drug Enforcement Administration’s decision to put the herb

infographic by Kaylee Stout information obtained from CDC

kratom on the Schedule-1 list, according to PBS. Schedule-1 is reserved for dangerous drugs that are addictive and have no medical benefit, although, kratom has been used as a source for heroin addicts to wean off the drug, according to Forbes. Currently, most rehab programs use the opioid methadone to wean people off heroin, but methadone itself is also extremely addictive.

The opioid epidemic has had an effect on thousands of Americans. One of those people effected is Zaine Pulliam whose parents both died from overdosing on heroin. In an interview with the Washington Post, Pulliam describes how people who get hooked on drugs are treated and blamed for becoming addicted.

“As soon as you’re on drugs, it’s like everything is your fault,” Pulliam said. “People think you’re trash. You’re a damn druggie.

You’re nothing.”

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Can U.S. handle its influence?

U.S. must decide what its place will be as leading global power Jacob Morss

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he United States of America is the most powerful nation in the world. Since the end of World War II in 1945, the U.S. has constantly had a major hand in world affairs.

Many critics to the U.S.’s position in foreign affairs feel the U.S. acts as an unjust “world police” that interferes too much in other nation’s affairs, according to Foreign Policy Magazine.

Many of these critics and isolationists today question the U.S. involvement in the National Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), created April 4, 1949, and how useful this alliance really is in dictating foreign policy.

NATO is a treaty between the U.S. and 27 European nations, and one of the main criticisms is that the U.S. practically selfcourtesy of Wikimedia Commons funds the organization. Debate coach Mike video courtesy of Vox Harris thinks the funding can lead to major Greatly outmatching any competition, the U.S. has nearly 800 military bases in over 70 problems. countries worldwide. In the map above, the darkened countries represent places where the U.S. “NATO has to have the joint support of evtheir many military bases as of July 27, 2016. erybody that is involved,” Harris said. “With only five of the member states paying the In 2015, military spending accounted for 54 percent of all federal required two percent GDP (Gross Domestic Product) the U.S. has spending with a total of $598.5 billion, according to the Office been bearing the brunt of the financial burden for the alliance. It of Management and Budget (OMB). When compared to other needs to also be as important to our allies as it is to us.” nations, the U.S. far outranks its competitors in military spendThe one major fear that keeps NATO alive today is that Russia ing. Of the $1.6 trillion in world military spending spent in 2015, will try to invade Eastern Europe again. Russia’s annexation of the U.S. accounted for 37 percent of that total, and the U.S. total Crimea in March 2014 reinstalled these fears. Sophomore Loic roughly matches the next seven nations spending totals combined.

Rocheleau disagrees that NATO can actually prevent a Russian According to Politico, the U.S. has nearly 800 military bases in invasion. more than 70 countries around the world. This is extreme when “I think Russia’s too belligerent to actually pay attention to anycompared with Great Britain, France and Russia who have about thing the western organizations throw at them,” Rocheleau said.

30 foreign bases combined.

“If he (President Vladimir Putin) wants to invade Ukraine even President Trump has said, prior to his election, he would be more or invade somewhere else in Europe, he’s going to do it.” focusing more on domestic issues than foreign policy.

The U.S. also has the largest military in the world with bases all “I don’t know that we have a right to lecture [other countries],” over the globe. World history teacher Will Vinduska thinks the Trump said in an interview with the New York Times on July 21, U.S.’s military presence could become problematic.

2016. “We have so many difficulties in our country right now that “I think that we have expanded too far in military presence,” I don’t think we should be, and there may be a time when we can Vinduska said. “That could be consequential to us just having get much more aggressive on that subject, and it will be a wondersuch a massive military, but I think we’re also too willing use that ful thing to be more aggressive. We’re not in a position to be more [military forces] in places [around the world].” aggressive. We have to fix our own mess.” see full story @kmccrusade.com

What a time to be alive: Weird news of the world The Nude Trespasser A naked man on drugs broke into NBC’s Washington Bureau on Feb. 11. The intruder was arrested for simple assault and unlawful entry.

Puppy Drug Addict A Chihuahua puppy named Lucky was fortunate to survive after swallowing heroin. The puppy was rushed hospital after police saw it was overdosing.

Police stop crime of homework An Ohio policeman came to the aid of a 10-year-old girl when the police received a message with questions concerning her math homework.

Wild “cow” chase in NYC A cow led NYPD on a chase through a New York suburb.

The cow escaped from a slaughterhouse prior to the chase, but was cornered by police.

Mother sends a “trashy” gift After her 18-yearold son decided to not take out the trash, his mother decided to mail him the trash as he settled into his new dorm.

New rapper on the scene Jeopardy host Alex Trebek surprised the audience by rapping questions from a category that included lyrics from Drake, Lil’ Wayne and Desiigner

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Mystic’s Monthly Obsession

Debut album becomes work of art

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nce upon a time, there lived a high school basketball star from Long Island with a love for creating music on a beatpad. When his junior year came around, he was so serious about making music, it consumed his entire being. After dropping out of college and releasing four free mixtapes, Jonathan David Bellion Mystic Ross (better known as Jon Bellion), released his debut album “The Human Condition,” on June 10, 2016. If you don’t know who he is, you might know his radio single “All Time Low,” which recently went double platinum.

I remember seeing his colorful album cover in my Spotify recommendations during the summer, but I didn’t listen to him until a fellow staffer told me about him. Being the musical person I am, I decided to give him a shot.

The first song I listened to by him was “Guillotine.” My ears were blessed, I’m telling you. He is a musical angel sent from

heaven. Not to mention, the music video is totally fire, and Bellion has some good dance moves.

“The Human Condition” is a plethora of thoughtful lyrics and super sick beats: all written, composed and produced by Bellion, with the help of a small team of co-writers and co-producers. He successfully incorporated rap, indie pop and R&B into one magnificent 14-song album. When I clicked on the opening song “He is the Same,” I was magically transported into the beautiful mind of Bellion.

With the cover designed by David Ardinaryas I could not get enough of the spectacu- Lojaya and Jacob Caljouw, Jon Bellion's "The larly lush instrumentals of “80’s Films” Human Condition" debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard and “Fashion,” a song about materi- charts during its first week in 2016. alism that you most definitely have to have that one or a couple of songs they alscream out loud in your car. Bellion’s rap ways skip. “The Human Condition,” howevskills are prominent in “New York Soul er, is not one of those albums. I was rather (Part II).” Another song that stood out to surprised at this. me was the final one, “Hand of God,” where Bellion’s album is one major hit after anhe used the same choir that Michael Jackother. Each song is so catchy in their own son used for his song “Man in the Mirror.” unique ways that it is physically impossible The ending brought me to tears, and that’s to skip one song. Bellion has the rawest talsaying something since I do not cry very ofent in the music game currently, with his ten. humbled personality and those homemade Everyone has a favorite album, but might songs he composes himself.

Cats vs. dogs: staffers debate which pet is better to own Abbey Fox

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I have three perfect cats: our regal queen Avery, our little “Lunatic,” Luna, and our fluffy “Novacaine,” Nova.

(Nova and Luna photo courtesy of Abbey Fox pictured right) Cats are quiet and low maintenance. They don’t need to be let outside to use the restroom or be taken on walks.

Cats are natural predators and will keep away pesty mice and bugs.

Cats sleep 12 to 16 hours a day and they are so cute and cuddly when they are sleeping.

Have you heard a cat purr? It is more soothing than a dog’s bark and it is the cutest thing you will ever hear.

According to moneytalksnews.com, cats are around $200 less expensive a year than a large dog due to food costs and vet bills.

Cats are relatively quiet in comparison to dogs; I’ve never heard of a cat meowing at the mailman.

Tina Nguyen

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I have a Siberian Husky named Niko, a German Shepherd named Minnie, and a Chihuahua-Pomeranian mix named Max. (all pictured right) Dogs can lower stress and are good for your mental health. Plus, having to walk a dog helps to lower cholesphotos courtesy of Tina Nguyen terol and keeps you in shape, and you can go on adventures with them.

Dogs are funnier than cats. Have you even seen those hilarious dog videos on the Internet?

Dogs have a great sense of smell which is why dogs are used to sniff out things for police. You can play fetch with a dog. Have you ever seen a cat fetch before?

Dogs save lives. For example, there are avalanche rescue dogs.

They are not only just adorable fluff balls, but can be brave and courageous when they need to be.

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Mystic Ross

arthead by Eddie Flores

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Dogs, 100 percent. Dogs have more personality; there's a reason why they're called 'man's best friend.'"

Business teacher Jim Vanek

I like dogs because while cats are boring, dogs are energetic and loving."

freshman Nathan Hafferty

I'd pick dogs. You can play fetch with them and cats would run away if you were to try and pet them."

sophomore Jacob Nye

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I like dogs because they show you love. I feel as though cats see themselves as superior to their owners."

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You can actually play with dogs, and they are always happy to see you whenever you come home."

junior Michael Korte

senior Caleb Leivian

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I like cats because you can leave them at home easier for long periods of time when your traveling."

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Dogs are good companions, they are fun to play with and I feel as though they have more energy and connection with their owners."

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I pick dogs because they're always loyal to their owner. I find cats to be more aggressive."

French teacher Barbara Kral

I would pick cats because they they're relaxed, cuddle more and they go with the flow more than dogs."

freshman Kaitlyn Blackburn

Dogs; I love to cuddle with my golden lab and I am also very allergic to cats."

sophomore Katelyn Andrist

junior Maura Steincamp

senior Sandy Pham

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Paladin staff editor-in-chief, design editor..................Abbey Fox features editor..............................................Kinta Kail culture editor...........................................Cora O’Brien opinions editor.........................................Mystic Ross news editor...............................................Jacob Morss photography editor..............................Sarah Nguyen sports editor........................................Luke Meyerhoff asst. sports editor................................Kaegan Cowan essentials editor.............................................Elina Do cartoonist........................................................Emily Le marketing manager......................Vanessa Frambers staff writers................... Nohemy Moya, Tina Nguyen contributing photographers...........................John Biehler, Nikki Bulger, Kathia Chavira, Anna Craig, Eddie Flores, Sophia Glasgow, Amber Hanney, Emily Ostmeyer, Natalie Pfeifer, Jillian Schmitz, Kaylee Stout contributing videographers..........................Joseph Antoun, John Biehler, Thomas Clevenger, Ben Hane, Hannah Harpel, Hayes Hungate, Anna Kennedy, Joanie Korroch, Christopher Lam, Eric Matthews, Jack Niederee, Clayton Perkins, Lara Salgado, Ivy Schoenhofer, Thomas Searl, Cooper Steiner, Lucy Vanderpool, Brogan Wuestewald adviser.................................................Elaine Robinson

Editorial policy The Paladin is a student-produced newsmagazine, published to inform and entertain the Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School community and with the guidance of a faculty adviser. Student staff members will be offered opportunities to inform, investigate, entertain, interpret and evaluate: all accepted functions of traditional American press.

The total enrollment of Kapaun Mt. Carmel is 895, with 79 faculty and staff members. Five hundred copies of the newsmagazine are printed by Quik Print seven times a year.

Copies are sold for $1, yearly subscriptions are $18 and electronic copies are distributed to faculty and staff at no charge.

Included materials will be those of responsible journalism, including restraint by the students and adviser in matters such as libel, privacy, obscenity and copyright.

The staff chooses to reflect the mission of Kapaun Mt. Carmel, a diocesan Catholic high school, to serve the interests and needs of the community and to provide fair, objective, accurate and truthful materials. Opinions do not necessarily reflect views of anyone other than the Paladin staff.

Digital photos have not been altered to manipulate reality.

Photo illustrations are labeled to reflect any technical alterations.

Anonymity may be given in the following cases: the information is unable to be presented another way, the information warrants anonymity, the source’s privacy and/or reputation requires protection and the source must be protected from damages.

A student or faculty member death during the coverage period will be covered with a short obituary.

Advertising must meet the same guidelines as the editorial content. Acceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement by the school. Students pictured in advertising must sign a release and accept no monetary compensation.

Advertising rates are available upon request. School organization discount rates are available. Corrections of errors

will appear in the appropriate section of the issue.

The Paladin is an NSPA, CSPA, JEA and KSPA member publication.

Kapaun Mt. Carmel Paladin 8506 E. Central Wichita, KS 67206 Phone: (316)-634-0315 Fax: (316)-636-2437 kmcjournalism@kapaun.org kmccrusade.com

Opioid addictions becoming more common; support is needed for addicts A staff editorial is the opinion of the Kapaun Mt. Carmel Paladin newsmagazine staff. The intent is to state an opninon related to a news story and make suggestions for change or compliment something. pioids often seem like a distant concern for the average teenager. When we think of opiates we think of Kurt Cobain, the ‘90s and Seattle. However, that image has changed as opioid prevalence has skyrocketed in the last decade.

Opiates include heroin, morphine, fentanyl and prescription pain relievers such as OxyContin, Vicodin and Percocet.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 75 percent of heroin abusers begin their addiction by abusing prescription pain relievers.

Painkillers are becoming more common among teenagers as they are being prescribed following injuries, commonly due to sports. Once they begin taking the medication, they can often become addicted. When the prescription runs out, their body physically craves more and the person craves the euphoric high. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, as of 2015, over 276,000 adolescents were using non-medical pain relievers for recreational use. Buying pills off the street is expensive and heroin is a cheaper,

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better high. What starts as a sports injury could end with a heroin addiction.

Heroin addiction is more common than the average American may think. Addiction can only end in one of two ways: death or sobriety.

Unfortunately, overdose is a common threat to any heroin addict. In one town in West Virginia, there were 28 overdoses in a five-hour span. According to drugabuse.gov, the amount of deaths due to heroin was seven times higher in 2015 than in 2003.

Ninety-one Americans die, and approximately 1,000 users go to the hospital, every day due to opioid overdose. Opiates have become an epidemic in the United States, and something has to be done.

Opioids are not inherently bad, but they can be dangerous. They do help a lot of people relieve pain.

However, there are many other methods of treating pain besides pills. There is physical therapy, acupuncture and yoga to treat chronic pain. If those are not an option, ask someone to hold you accountable while taking opioids to make sure you are using them correctly.

In Johann Hari’s “Chasing the Scream,” Hari stated, “The opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety. It’s connection.” He’s saying the only way you can help

Emily Le

an addict is by being their friend. Addicts are commonly characterized by isolating themselves from those around them. For those living with addicts, sometimes we just let them isolate themselves; it’s easier for us to leave them alone than to try and understand their addiction.

Love is the answer. It always is. In no way, shape or form is loving someone struggling with addiction easy. It is an uphill battle full of sobriety and relapses; but you have to keep in mind, one time, the sobriety is going to be a lifestyle change for good. Thankfully, addiction does not equal death; there is so much life to live after addiction. It’s our job to help those struggling with addiction to see that.

Letters to the editor

Dear Paladin readers, As always, we invite your ideas, input and letters. All letters should be under 150 words and signed. We reserve the right to edit or omit any letters. Baseless accusations, libelous statements, insults and unsigned letters will not be considered for publication. Take letters to Room G-1 or mail to the address on this page.

Sincerely, Abbey Fox, Editor-in-Chief and Design Editor

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THROUGH

THICK&THIN

Societal trends affect students’ self esteem Kinta Kail

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ore than 90 percent of girls who are 15 to 17 years old, want to change at least one aspect of their physical appearance, according to The Heart of Leadership. Studies show the more reality television a young girl watches, the more likely she is to find appearance important and want to change something about herself, according to dosomething.org.

“With all of the social media and technology, you see people that are really fit and they’re usually celebrities,” senior Lexi Slupski said. “These are people that we think are cool and look up to and that we want to be like, and a lot of them have the perfect body; however, what people should know is that not everyone is going to have that body or can have personal trainers so you start to think bad about yourself. You think that you will never be as good as those people are because you can never have the perfect body.”

REACTIONS TO WEIGHT LOSS INDUSTRY In a study of approximately 3,500 women, 89 percent of them wanted to lose weight according to about-face.org. With this fact, the weight-loss industry brings in at least $55.4 billion each year in revenue.

“That is upsetting,” science teacher Jo Mittman said. “I find it disheartening that we are constantly wanting to change ourselves and not accept what God has given us. There are so many dietary supplements that people think will completely fix the problem, but that’s not the point of it. If you really want to lose weight because it will make you happier, then go ahead, but there are only certain things that you can change. There is some genetics behind it, and

“

I don’t think her body is a bad thing since she has just fallen into the stereotypical idea of what models are. I think it could have been bad, but society is realizing that not all women’s bodies are capable of looking like that. Some girls get way too caught up in it when they try to look exactly like her, but I think most people realize that it is okay to be real and have your own body.” senior Amber Hanney

there are things you just naturally have that won’t go away.”

HOW THE IDEAL BODY IS NOT REALISTIC According to the Huffington Post, the ideal body type of today is to be curvy yet thin at the same time. This image mirrors celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Beyoncé, Kylie Jenner and Jennifer Lawrence. Senior Jason Fondaw said he realizes that not all girls can achieve this current trend in body image.

“No matter how hard most girls try, they will never be able to achieve that standard,” Fondaw said. “This could not only lead to anorexia, bulimia and other eating disorders but also mental illnesses and self-harm. The second problem is that this standard is based on objectification of women, usually by men. This is deemed the ideal body type along with a big bust purely for the sake of a man’s pleasure, which is another problem in and of itself.”

BOY STRUGGLES STUDENT EXPERIENCES Contrary to popular belief, boys struggle with body image as much as girls do, according to The Huffington Post. Rather than wishing to be thinner, boys tend to want to be more muscular.

Ralph*, a KMC student, said he knows what it is like to want to gain weight and muscle.

“When I was a freshman, it was hard to feel accepted,” Ralph said. “I was told that I was really skinny, and people made fun of me for being really boney and things. I always felt like, in order to be accepted, I needed to change the way I looked and become more muscular or manly. It really played on my mental health and

“

I think inherently there is an unseen pressure to have this type of body that is fit and slim and what not. I think it’s a pressure that everyone says out loud to not follow it, but we put the pressure on ourselves. I don’t think it is a pressure put on by society, but a pressure that we put on ourselves that which we blame on society. We use society and these celebrities as scapegoats, but we are the ones that feel like we need to be buff or fit or slim, etc.” junior Gary Woodburn

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affected how I saw myself and what I wanted to do with my life.

“I think that since there are a lot of ‘perfect’ people on the Internet and having social media teaches people to compare themselves to others. If I had been born at a different time, I don’t think I would have had as much of a struggle with it as I do now with social media.”

Ralph said he took action during his younger years in order to gain weight.

“I have had times, especially as a freshman and sophomore, where I overate,” Ralph said. “I also tried to push myself into a lot of sports that I didn’t enjoy, like cross country. Now I know that they’re good for me, but before I was doing them because I wanted to be more muscular or good at something so that other people would accept me. I felt like I had to do those things in order to love myself. When those things weren’t working out, since my body is not structured that way, I started undereating, becoming depressed and doing things that were not safe for my body.”

According to a study done by a Harvard pediatrician Allison Field in 2014, nearly 18 percent of adolescent boys are concerned about their bodies and being overweight. Kent*, a KMC student, shared his experience of wishing to be thinner. “[It wasn’t so much] Hollywood or social media, but the idea I had in my head of what society wanted me to look like,” Kent said. “I felt a pressure to be as close to perfect as I could be. I wanted to change when I realized how the decisions I was making were affecting those around me. Even then, my [eating] disorder became my best friend. To this day, almost a year later, I still miss it.

But I know the way I am today is much better than how I was. The first thing I did was recognize that I had a problem.

I then admitted my problem to my parents and they did nothing but support me and got me the help I needed. My change [for the better] came from within. It took over two years of constant self-hatred to finally realize that what I was feeling was not normal.

“Changing yourself for the better is always a good thing, but just know that my past still comes up every day. I will always be recovering from my disorder, and it tempts me every day, but I am much happier and healthier now. Recognize that you are not perfect and never will me. It’s just a fact of life.” *names changed to protect identity

infographic by Sophia Glasgow photos courtesy of Youtube and Flickr information obtained from healthyceleb.com

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Spangler repeats as state champ Kaegan Cowan

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unior Michael Spangler won his second consecutive state championship and juniors Nick Lowe and Travis Phelps, along with senior Braden O’Donnell, placed in the top six to give KMC an eighth-place finish in the state wrestling tournament at Hartman Arena in Park City Feb. 24-25.

Spangler, winning again in the 5A 106-pound division, was emotional after his championship. Spangler said the second championship felt especially good because it proved last year was not just a lucky run.

“Everyone told me that winning a second one was going to be harder, and it was,” Spangler said. “It feels a lot better to have two, now that people can’t say it was a fluke last year and that I actually earned it this time. I’m just glad to have two and I can’t wait to get another one next year.”

Coach Tim Dryden, Spangler’s uncle, said he was happy for Spangler for reaching his potential through his rigorous training. “[I’m] very proud of [Spangler], but especially pleased that he puts in the extra work to be as good as he is,” Dryden said.

“He knows if you want to be at the top of the podium you’ve got to do extra and we need other guys on the team to have that same attitude. He will give us a great senior leader going on the next season.”

Lowe, who finished fifth at 285 pounds, said he was surprised at himself for making as deep of a tournament run as he did.

“This season really was not expected for me at all,” Lowe said.

“Coming in I thought I would be lucky just to make it to the state tournament.

When I placed at state, I felt amazing. All the hard work finally paid Kathia Chavira off.”

O’Donnell went Holding his opponent to the mat, junior Michael Spangler competes 3-3 on his way to in a wrestling duel vs. East at East Feb. 9. Spangler won the match, and the a sixth-place fin- team won the City League with an undefeated record. Spangler was named ish at 132 pounds. City League Wrestler of the Year and coach Tim Dryden was named City League Coach of the Year. Spangler also won his second straight state title.

O’Donnell said he was satisfied with 18. Dryden said he liked the way the team making it to the podium.

“I’m happy I placed,” O’Donnell said. “I fought through difficult situations.

“The team did a great job battling through think I could’ve placed higher on the podiadversity to win the league title,” Dryden um, but I haven’t wrestled very long, so I’m said.

“We lost one of our best wrestlers [juhappy I placed at state. When I first started and I watched the high schoolers wrestle nior Adam Ayala] to a season-ending injury at state, I always wanted to go to state, let during our first duel and yet we managed to go undefeated in league duels and win the alone place.”

The team also qualified seniors Franklin league tournament by a nice margin. We Le, Anthony Metler and Sam Muir and ju- finished eighth in the tournament, which is nior Kevin Mills for state. The Crusaders always one of our goals – to be in the top 10 won the City League with an undefeated – and we probably would’ve been top four record and finished fifth at Regionals Feb. or five had we had [Ayala].”

Jillian Schmitz

It feels a lot better to have two [championships], now that people can’t say it was a fluke last year and that I actually earned it this time. I’m just glad to have two and I can’t wait to get another one next year.” junior Michael Spangler

“ “ “

I’m happy I placed at state. When I first started and we watched the high schoolers wrestle at state I always wanted to go to state, let alone place.”

Kathia Chavira

Coming in I thought I would be lucky just to make it to the state tournament. When I placed at state, I felt amazing. All the hard work finally paid off.”

Kathia Chavira Holding Goddard’s Lucas Glover’s head down, senior Franklin Le wrestles in Regionals at Goddard Feb. 18. Le finished fifth and qualified for state in the 113-pound weight division. Le was one of eight Crusaders who qualified for state. The team placed eighth at state.

senior Braden O’Donnell

Kathia Chavira

junior Nick Lowe

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Multi-sport athlete excels Bell makes impact in basketball, baseball Elina Do

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enior forward JT Bell has scored 151 points so far this season, averaging 8.4 points per game, helping his team to a 16-4 record and a City League title.

“Well, I’ve never been on a team with as much chemistry as our team has now and we have a really good student section,” Bell said. “I think [this] is why we’re so successful this season.”

Basketball coach John Cherne III said Bell’s part on the team is to defend, assist and crash the Featured board for rebounds basketball.

His teammates also trust him and know what he is capable of doing.

Senior guard Christopher Meitzner said Bell is always ready to play and work hard.

“He’s an interesting guy,” Meitzner said.

“It’s really fun to play with him. He’s our big man. He’s just our guy.”

In addition to being a star basketball player, Bell also plays baseball. He is a starting pitcher on the baseball team and has been for two seasons . Bell plans to go to Fort Hays Community College to play baseball.

“JT will be asked to lead this year’s team,” baseball coach Steve Lienhard said. “He will be one of the top pitchers on the team. And when not pitching, he will be playing one of the corner spots, either third or first.”

Bell’s goal for the upcoming baseball season is to win their second game in regionals. “[As a freshman,] JT was very quiet. It has been a pleasure to watch him grow and come out of his shell,” Lienhard. “He has grown into a very good pitcher.”

Athlete

Shooting the ball, senior JT Bell competes in a game vs. South at South Jan. 10.

The Crusaders lost 71-64. With a Feb. 23 victory over South, the Crusaders claimed the City Leage title.

Hurling a curveball, junior JT Bell faces Bishop Carroll April 5, 2016. The Crusaders lost the doubleheader 5-3 and 2-1, and finished 11-8 last season. Bell was named All-city honorable mention last year.

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Kaylee Stout

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Jillian Schmitz

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Spring Sports Preview

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Anna Craig

1. The track and field team lost 26 seniors from last year, and will look to improve on the team’s 18th finish in state.

2. The boys golf team will return after last season’s second-place state finish under the leadership of seniors Joel Amend and Brian Moore.

3. The girls swim team will be lead by a large senior class of nine swimmers. The team finished fourth at state last year.

4. The baseball team will be a predominately young squad after losing eight seniors. The team will look to improve on an 11-8 record.

5. The softball team looks to bounce back after finishing 13-8, and losing four seniors.

6. The boys tennis team enter its season as defending City League champs. After losing nine seniors, the team will have to deal with inexperience.

5

Madison Ames

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Sarah Nguyen

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Sophia Glasgow

New tennis courts projected to be finished April 1 Luke Meyerhoff

Since its official groundbreaking in December, the tennis courts on campus have been a little behind schedule, president Rob Knapp said.

“There was a pretty significant rainstorm between Christmas and New Years that left water standing for several weeks,” Knapp said. “You can’t pour concrete while water is standing, or even prepare to pour concrete while water is standing.”

The new walkway and spectator areas are already completed, and waiting for the concrete on the courts to cure, which takes around 30 days, Knapp said. He expects it to be finished near the first of April.

Meanwhile, the boys tennis team is preparing for the upcoming season. While their practices will be held at College Hill

Park to start the season, it is expected that teams play City League matches,” Reed the team will practice on campus when the said. “It’s been a long time since we felt part of Kapaun’s ‘athletic’ environment.” courts are completed. “(We are) very excited,” senior Daniel House said.

“It’s exciting to have home courts now that are actually on the Kapaun campus.”

The last time the Crusaders hosted a home match on campus was in 2011, and coach Chip Reed said it will be nice for students to not have to leave campus Sarah Nguyen to watch the matches.

“Also, it will be really nice As crews let the new courts dry, president Rob Knapp said for students to be able to he expects the new tennis courts to be finished by April 1. The new walk outside and watch our spectator area and walkway are already completed.

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College hoops in Kansas heats up Kansas teams’ seasons explored; NCAA tourney chances explained

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Infographic by Sarah Nguyen; photos courtesy of Jeff Jacobsen, Kansas Athletics, Kansas State Athletics, and Wichita State Athletics

he 2016-17 season has been pretty ing at KU Jan. 3. K-State was mediocre at successful for all of the Division I best in conference play, mixing big wins (at men’s college basketball teams in Kan- West Virginia and Baylor) with bad losses sas. The University of Kansas (KU) won (vs. TCU, Iowa State). KSU’s shaky year its 13th straight Big 12 Conference cham- will put them on the bubble for making the pionship, and Kansas State University NCAA Tournament. If they are unable to (KSU) has been fighting for an finish strong, coach Bruce Weber may be on his way out.

NCAA Tournament bid all season. Wichita State University WSU had no results that were even remotely impressive in their (WSU) has racked up wins in a non-conference play. They won weak Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), but lost to any noan important conference game table team they’ve played. against Illinois State, dismantling the Redbirds 86-45, the same KU had a strong non-conferKaegan Cowan ISU team that handled the Shockence schedule to back up their ers 76-62 earlier in the season. I record, and they notched big wins for their résumé over top-10 teams believe the MVC only deserves one bid to like Duke, Kentucky and twice against the NCAA Tournament, and likely only a Baylor. They struggled at times with weak double-digit seed at that. Other than ISU defense and an inability to recover from and WSU, the rest of the teams in the MVC off nights behind the three-point line. are fighting for a winning record this year, Their loss to Iowa State snapped a 51- much less a tournament bid. WSU must game winning streak at home, but KU win the MVC Tournament to guarantee a rebounded with difficult wins on the road trip to the NCAA Tournament.

KU is the only Kansas team that has seat KSU, Texas Tech and Baylor, ultimately locking up their 13th straight conference cured an at-large bid to the tournament, so KSU and WSU may both need to win out to championship.

KSU did not get the same non-confer- extend their seasons. The next few weeks ence tests, but they went 12-1 before los- will be March Madness indeed.

See full story on KMCCrusade.com

Kansas City Royals lose young star Ventura

Staffer looks at Ventura’s shortened career, analyzes moves to fill in void

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ansas City Royals’ starting pitcher Yordano Ventura died Jan. 22 in a car accident in the Dominican Republic. This is a shocking blow to the Royals’ organization and fanbase, as he was lined up to play in his fifth season. His career was highlighted by his on-field performance, along with his energy and passion for Luke Meyerhoff the game of baseball.

Even though Ventura was only 25 when he died, he already had a lot of experience, especially in the playoffs. Ventura may be most remembered for his huge start in Game 6 of the 2014 World Series. The Royals were on the brink of elimination, two games down. Ventura threw seven scoreless innings, and kept the Royals’ chances to win the series alive. Even though the Royals

lost the next night in Game 7, Ventura came through in his young age, showing the Major League Baseball his potential.

Ventura was only beginning to fully blossom as a ballplayer. He had all the right pitches necessary to be a successful starting pitcher, especially his electric fastball and knee-buckling curveball.

His fastballs ranged in the upper 90 mph range, sometimes over 100 mph, and his curveballs were in the mid-80 mph range, a drastic difference. Ventura, though, had two major problems throughout his career: controlling his emotions and consistency.

Ventura would seemingly have one or two great, quality starts, then the next three would be shaky or just terrible.

Many may remember Ventura for letting his emotions get the best of him during the games, sometimes in negative ways. A perfect example of this was June 6, 2016.

Ventura intentionally hit Baltimore Orioles’ infielder Manny Machado, with a 99 mph fastball, and Machado charged the mound starting a fight between the Royals and Orioles. Ventura was notoriously known for other incidents similar to this one, and many who did not follow him or the Royals closely would be under the impression he was a trouble maker. Those who followed him closely, however, knew differently.

In the midst of the Royals losing Ventura as a person, they are losing out on a starter, projected to make around 30 starts in 2017. Royals’ general manager Dayton Moore signed a couple of key free agents a week later to help fill the void. Among those signed, pitchers Jason Hammel and Travis Wood made the headlines. Each of these new additions are great moves in my opinion, and will help fill the gap in the rotation Ventura left behind.

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Sports Briefs Boys Basketball Heights (1/24) West (1/31) North (2/7) Southeast (2/10) Northwest (2/14) Bishop Carroll (2/17) East (2/21) South (2/23)

Opponent 53 37 42 76 72 61 70 60

KMC 60 69 62 88 81 68 62 65 Eddie Flores

Girls Basketball

Opponent 63 52 31 52 35 36 40 59 40 40

Boys Swim

Opponent KMC 40 109 100 67 Team Score Place 4 31st

Bishop Miege (1/26) Shawnee Mission NW (1/27) Garden City (1/28) West (1/31) North (2/7) Southeast (2/10) Northwest (2/14) Bishop Carroll (2/17) East (2/21) South (2/23)

Southeast (1/26) Heights (1/26) State (2/16-18)

KMC 37 43 39 36 61 37 51 30 46 32

Qualifiers: Seniors Sean Barleen, John Klimiuk and Elliot Merck and sophomore Eli Herlocker. Merck finished 13th in the 100-yard backstroke at state in Topeka Feb. 16-18.

Wrestling

Northwest (2/2) Southeast (2/2) Regionals (2/18) State (2/24-25)

Team Score Place 1943 3rd

Girls Bowling

Team Score 1859

West/Bishop Carroll (1/23)

Natalie Pfeifer Diving for the ball, sophomores Jack Barrier (2) and Scott Valentas (10) attempt to steal the ball from their North opponents Feb. 7 at North. The Crusaders won the game 62-42, led by 20 points from junior Mitchell Woodward. The boys basketball team won the City League outright for the first time in 42 years.

Opponent KMC 20 42 20 60 Team Score Place 122.5 5th 77.5 8th

Boys Bowling

West/Bishop Carroll (1/23)

During the senior boy/pom pon dance in the pep rally, senior Sara deNoyelles holds on to senior Tate Heiland as he spins her around while sophomore Kaylee Burgardt (left) watches. “I was really just enjoying the moment in the dance to shine,” deNoyelles said. “I could hear my friends cheering for me and Tate from the audience so I just remember having a really big smile on my face the whole time.”

Place 2nd

The girls bowling team of sophomore Paige Birmingham, freshman Virginia Holzman, and juniors Clare Korroch, Regan Lipphardt, Erin Renollet and Breanna Zarchan, coached by Marie Thomas, qualified for state at Regionals Feb. 22-23. The state tournament at Northrock March 2 could not be covered due to press time.

Jillian Schmitz Holding the ball over her head, sophomore Mary Short looks to pass to a teammate in the North game Feb. 7 at North. The Crusaders won 61-35.

Jillian Schmitz Keeping his head above the water, junior Jordan Schumacher swims during practice Jan. 23. The Crusaders qualified four swimmers for the state meet Feb. 16-18 in Topeka.

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Administrator writes military thriller Vanessa Frambers

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any know Ryan Burr as an assistant principal, coach and math teacher, but few know he is the author of the book “Target Prep.” “(‘Target Prep’) is a military thriller,” Burr said. “It’s a very realistic book. The main character is actually based on a student who went here and who became an army ranger. His name is Dan Sullivan and he was kind of the inspiration for the book. It is about a high school girl who is taken hostage because she is related to the Secretary of Defense. The terrorists have taken her hostage trying to get other terrorists out of prisons.”

Burr knew he wanted to write the book after he wrote the first chapter in 2013.

“I had a story in my head and I needed to get it out,” Burr said. “A friend I knew who wrote a book told me just to write a chapter and see how it goes. After I wrote the first chapter, I knew for sure I was going to finish writing it, but I didn’t plan to publish it.”

Burr was a father of four with a full-time job when he started writing the book four years ago.

“I wrote as often as I could,” Burr said. “About once a week my mother would watch the kids and I’d spend that time writing and editing, along with the summer, nights or whenever. One time actually I was on a business trip for Kapaun to Texas and our flight got delayed for three hours, so I pulled the story out and started writing while we waited.”

After the book was written, Burr decided to self-publish in 2014 after several attempts to find a Featured publisher were unsuccessful.

“When I had the book written and what I thought was taken care of, I then went to find an agent,” Burr said. “I really had no idea about the professional side of publishing. I sent a onepage, kind of an introductory letter of my book, and I sent that to about 100 different publishers, it was kind of like speed dating— absolutely awful. Some liked it, but didn’t publish those types of books, some didn’t [like it]. After all that I decided to self-publish. I found my own graphic artist for the cover, I edited it by myself and with some friends, including Mrs. [Pam] Simonitch (secretary).

She was my main editor. Writing the book was easy, everything after that was the difficult part.”

Burr said he did not expect profit since it was his first book.

“If you want to be a writer, most of the time you have to write for newspapers, deliver pizzas or have some other job,” Burr said. “There are those writPublished in 2014, administrator ers who have Ryan Burr’s “Target Prep” is about broken that terrorists taking a high school girl wall [of suchostage because she is related to cess] and can the Secretary of Defense. Photos have it as their courtesy of Ryan Burr main job, but the majority can’t depend on it. When I made my book, it wasn’t profitable at all. I think, not counting the price of running my website, now we’ve pretty much broken even with cost and profit. I didn’t advertise at all. In the future, when I have more time, I hope to be profitable and have time to advertise.”

The book can be purchased on Amazon and Barnes and Noble for $6.99, online only. Burr does plan to continue writing but no official date has been set to finish his next book.

“The book I’m working on now that I have written about in my biography [on my website], along with my other ideas, will probably not be finished for a long time,” Burr said. “I haven’t been able to work on it much, I kind of spit balled a bit and written notes for but I haven’t been able to work on it much. I have four kids so that doesn’t really lend to it. I am pretty much busy every night and weekend. My kids are much older now so they weren’t as involved when I wrote my first book as they are now I’m coaching almost every night and going to their activities.”

Artist:

“The Quadfather” tells story of teacher’s life with quadruplets Vanessa Frambers

After the birth of their quadruplets on Dec. 17, 2007, physical education teacher Billy Graf and his wife, Monica, hold their newborn children.

Photo courtesy of Billy Graf

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illy Graf, a physical education teacher and former English teacher, is the author of “The Quadfather” as well as the father of quadruplets.

“I was a stay-at-home dad for five years and before that I had several different jobs,” Graf said. “My wife and I married young, so it was hard. I wrote the book to contribute, since I was at home often. My wife was a nurse at the time.”

The book, published in 2011, was a success, according to Graf.

“It was about my four children we had and me being an at-home dad,” Graf said.

“I actually won the Watermark Bestseller.

The book was profitable for about eight months. At the beginning, a lot sold because all my friends and family bought it,

and my blog followers. The sales were constant at the beginning but now not many sell.”

Graf wrote the book over his experience of being a father to quadruplets, who are now third-graders.

“I found a publisher called Unlimited Publishing in this big book a college friend gave me filled with publishers,” Graf said.

“My friend has written some books, so I knew to ask him. I went through two and the second accepted. The publisher sucked honestly. They are print-on-demand which means they make them as they are ordered and they didn’t help with anything besides making the book. I did a lot of the work.”

Graf charges $12.95 a book, which can be found on Amazon.

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Fitness 101: five easy tricks to be healthier Cora O’Brien

Drink half a gallon of water each day Drinking more water improves brain function as well as mood and concentration.

Consume 30 grams of fiber every day High-fiber foods (such as broccoli) are more filling so you have to eat less in order to be full, and are key in weight loss.

Being well-rested is key Sleep and metabolism are based in the same part of the brain. Studies show the better rested you are, the less likely you are to crave sugary snacks during the day.

Workout in the morning Studies show workouts at the beginning of the day can boost your metabolism and increase the amount of calories you burn throughout the day.

The first six weeks are the hardest It takes about six weeks to notice physical differences from exercising and build a habit, and afterwards you will feel weird if you miss a day of exercise. images courtesy of Flickr and Wikimedia Commons info from Mayo Clinic, Health and Authority Nutrition

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Trend Alert: must-see Netflix shows Cora O’Brien

“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” Comedy

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his FXX show, which is currently airing its 12th season, relays the wacky adventures of a group of self-centered friends. Hilarious, witty and sometimes cringe-inducing, this sitcom is sure to keep you glued to your TV. Seasons 1-11 are available on Netflix.

“Bob’s Burgers” Comedy

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he story of restaurant owner Bob Belcher and his family, this animated show portrays the ups and downs of family life while still keeping its humor. Heartwarming and hilarious, this is a show anyone can enjoy. Seasons 1-5 are on Netflix, and season 7 is currently airing on Fox.

“Stranger Things” Drama/Horror

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his Netflix original quickly became a fan favorite due to its compelling story, lovable characters and ‘80s nostalgia.

“Stranger Things” is the story of a missing boy and the supernatural threats his friends and family must face in order to find him. Season two is slated to be released on Halloween.

“Orange is the New Black” Drama/Comedy

“O

range is the New Black”, a Netflix original, is the story of wellto-do Piper Chapman, who is convicted and jailed for a drug-related crime from 10 years before. Tensions between inmates and fast-paced storytelling makes this show ideal for binge watching. The fifth season will be released June 9 on Netflix.

“Black Mirror” Drama

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modern day take on “The Twilight Zone,” “Black Mirror” is an anthology series which presents the pitfalls of 21st century life.

Each episode holds a cautionary or satirical message about modern life and is chalked full of suspense and characters with whom you cannot help but sympathize. photos courtesy of YouTube

Challenge of the Month: showing more empathy Tina Nguyen

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ou will, at some point in your life, not get along with others. This may be due to a lack of empathy.

Empathy is the ability to recognize the emotions of others and understand their perspective on issues or circumstances.

A question that you should ask yourself is how empathetic am I? A 2010 study from the University of Michigan revealed that from 1979 to 2009, students experienced a drop in empathy by 40 percent. A possible explanation for this would be exposure to media containing negativity and violence. Having empathy helps you build closer relationships with the people around you.

The first step to being more empathetic is to examine your attitude and how you treat those around you. The key is putting yourself aside and putting yourself in others’ ‘shoes.’ Having an open mind and positive attitude can help you to build closer relationships with others.

The second step is considering other people’s emotions. You should consider how you treat others, because you never know what that person is going through at the moment. Rather than always talking about yourself, you should listen to others more as well.

Another way to be more empathetic is to think about what you say to people. Sar-

casm can hurt those around you. What you think is funny can hurt the person you are talking to. Consider the person’s circumstances before saying something sarcastic.

Another way to be more empathetic is to reach out to people in your life. If someone seems like they have a lot on their mind, listen to them. Get lunch with them and have a one-on-one conversation. Another way to reach out to people is to invite them to activities you are doing or to sit at your table at lunch.

Having empathy can help you gain a more positive attitude, because it helps you build good relationships with the people around you and be more considerate of others.

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Amy Bui 1 arthead by Emily Evans

Crusader Snapshots 1. Creating her own pattern, senior Lexi Slupski stitches up the side of her robe to figure out the shape and size in block 2 Clothing III class Feb. 16. "I love the class," Slupski said. "Ms. [Katie] Quinn is amazing and super chill and really good about helping us when we need it."

2. As Detective Sergeant Trotter, sophomore Will Niehbur interrogates the actors, including junior Thomas Wrinn (background), trying to find out who the murderer is during "Mousetrap" Feb. 1. "It was an interesting part to play," Niehbur said. "Most characters are complicated, but that one was easy. I'll definitely try out for the next play."

photo, video by John Biehler 2

3. Lip-syncing at the pep rally, senior Brian Moore mouths the lyrics to “Gold Digger” by Kanye West Feb. 3. Moore's performance was part of the pom pon team's dance with the senior boys. The pom pon team wanted each boy to have a chance to do something on their own. "It was fun," Moore said. "It was nerve-racking at first because every practice we had no idea what we were doing, so we winged it [until] the last day. It was a blast—best day of my life."

4. Playing bingo, junior Michelle Bui explains to a sister from the Adorers of the Blood of Christ that she almost has a bingo at the convent Jan. 25. Every month National Honor Society visits the nuns and plays bingo with them. "We pass the time with nuns," Bui said. "It's fun to keep them company and play a few rounds.

Once you get talking with them, they're some of the funniest people."

photo, video by Eddie Flores 3

Abbey Fox

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