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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
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NEWS:
Changes to student scheduling policy
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FEATURES:
Momentous change: student profiles
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League of Legends recognized as sport
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Sports: Introduction to spring sports
COVER PHOTO BY DEANA MASON This Means War! All levels of students and staffed faced each other in a dodgeball tournament organized by Maha Mohamed and John Paul Ameryun to raise money for the Senior Class. In the picture, Jessica Thomas, Leon Douglas, and Jesse Tyler are shown in the picture above in the first round of competition. In the end, Student’s beat the Staff three games to none.
2|editorial
The Hornet’s Buzz
Services in the Student Service Center
There are many departments in Northtown’s Student Service Center, typically referred to as the “SSC.” The SSC is a place for students to meet with IB and dual credit coordinator, Martha DeVries, or +A program coordinator, Sandy McQuerry, and many other staff members that are critical in a student’s high school career. Being as these services are very important, the availability and helpfulness are of equal need. The way a student is approached varies by that student and administrator alike, which causes talk amongst students about how the service in the SSC truly is. Common knowledge as human beings lets us see that more trustworthy, or seemingly trustworthy students, have a certain advantage to others, who may also be victims of stereotyping. However, this
difference in treatment, regardless of stereotypes and satisfied service-seekers, has got a rise out of the students. As seniors are pressed for time, and pressing for answers, they are typically not among the satisfied side of service. Many seniors complain that college information that is directed their way simply isn’t what they’re looking for. In addition, the availability to address their problems and concerns with the proper program coordinator or advisor is limited, and oftentimes misleading to them. Therefore, many seniors have progressively become more and more upset because of the additional stress that they are carrying. More college resources and more access to them on a personal note would help satisfy this piqued portion of the student body. One of the main parts of
the SSC is the counseling offices, in which student opinion is quite mixed. Whereas some students have never encountered a difficulty with meeting with their counselor or addressing an issue that they have, other students have had little to no luck with such task, with various levels in between. At times, it seems that appointments aren’t properly scheduled, possibly leaving a student with extra weight and prolonging situations. Some students schedule appointments and aren’t met with, whereas others can schedule an appointment but have to wait a very lengthy amount of time before being seen. Although it is well understood that meetings are apt to taking an unpredictable amount of time and should not be rushed to ensure fulfilling the needs of the student, and that all angles
Editorial Cartoon:
Sabrina Merrill staff writer/cartoonist
of a situation should be examined, those who are on the waiting end could be missing a great deal of content in another class. The appropriate response to a prolonged wait would usually be to simply reschedule another appointment; however, there is always the likely chance that your appointment could be moved into an unfavorable time slot. The other likely chance is that even that appointment could be skipped by the administrator. Thus, it would be a vicious cycle of cat and mouse to finally meet up whomever it is a student is seeking, in addition to costing more class time for those who can hardly afford it. Other available services do not always bring justice, and send a student in circles to find a simple answer. Many people are busy with their jobs throughout their
day, and do not have time to assist every student that is inquiring upon them. However, a more clear directory of information would be appreciated to be brought forth into the eyes of the students. Yet, not all directory information is askew. Throughout the numerous doors, hallways, and cubicles, many services are offered to the students. Services that serve as building blocks in their high school careers. These building blocks are irreplaceable, therefore making a huge impact on their lives. The availability of these services, and the value and accurate helpfulness they lend help shape the leaders of tomorrow, and are vital to all of our tomorrows. Meant not to be taken lightly, we need an upgrade.
Mar. 12, 2014
Hello, I’m Sabrina Merrill the lady that somehow manages to get to doodle inside of the paper every issue. I was told to write some stuff about inspiration and sappy things such as that. As an official doodler for the newspaper I usually get the topic that I’m making the cartoon about and somewhat think about it for a month. Then I realize that the actual comic is due in like two days and stare at the wall for an hour until I can force from my brain something funny. After calling a fellow member of the Buzz staff to express my ideas I draw it all out and giggle like a little schoolgirl at them. It’s really quite fun. I do hope you as a reader enjoy these comics because I do sincerely love to write them. I think I have just said “I” way too many times in this whole column. Is this a column? I don’t even know and am kind of surprised you as a reader are still reading it. Anyways... Thanks for reading--everyone who actually did--and i hope you enjoy the comics. Adieu!!!
opinion|3
4|news
The Hornet’s Buzz
In-depth: Schedule policy changes Shannon Horton co-editor
This year, Northtown
has seen an abundance of changes throughout the school. Not all of them have sat well with students and faculty. But, students are having the most trouble coping with the new regulations on schedule changes. Chad Ryerson, Assistant Principal, is new to the Northtown administration team this year. Part of his job is being in charge of Student Services; the issue of scheduling and schedule changes falls under that category. At the beginning of this school year, Ryerson noticed a problem with the system, and took it upon himself to attempt to improve it. “First semester we stopped doing schedule changes about three weeks into school. By the time we stopped doing schedule changes I had done 585 schedule changes. That is one third of the student body that we had to go back in and change their schedules in some way shape or form. So if our scheduling process is thus that we have to change one third of schedules after the fact, then we have a bad process,” said Ryerson. “We decided to change it in two parts. First we started to stop doing schedule changes, that’s the first part. The second part is what [the students] are getting ready to start and that’s course selection.” The reasoning for the new rules and regulations on schedule changes are clear to Ryerson. It is for the good of the students and staff. “It’s really hard. Just think about 500 kids at one point did change schedules. That affects the entire student body because class sizes go up class sizes go down. We’re spending all of our time doing [schedule changes] instead of talking to kids.” The new rules for when administration will do schedule changes are fairly strict. However, there are
two big situations where schedule changes will always be allowed. “Things we never say no to are if you want to schedule up. If a student is in regular Chemistry and they want to take AP Chemistry or if they are in regular Biology and they want to take AP Biology, we will always say yes,” Ryerson said. “And if administration or counseling made a screw up. For insistence if you had American History last year and we put you in it again this year, that’s something we’ll always change.” The type of schedule changes administration is trying to avoid mostly consist of wanting a schedule change because of a conflict with teachers, not liking the class, wanting to change to be in classes with friends, and the class being too hard. “We will always schedule up, but never down,” said Ryerson. “Really and truly that happens for a couple of reasons. Students will come in and say they want to change to an easier class because they are worried about their GPA. My philosophy is that I want you to stay in the harder class because the harder class is going to better prepare [students] for your next step more so than an easier class is.” The ideas of scheduling up and down does not only affect the students, but it affects the teachers in charge of the classes. “If they are failing, like legit they don’t have skills to be in the class then they should be allowed the opportunity to get out. If it’s just them being lazy, then they can stay in the class,” said Andrea Taylor who teaches Pre-IB/Honors World History, IB Anthropology, and Sociology. Another major schedule change that students ask for is to switch from being a full time student to a part time student. This is a sticky subject due to the
fact that there are very strict criteria that one must fit into in order to become a part time student. A student must fit into one of three categories in order to become a part time student. “You can go to part time if you are taking classes concurrently at a junior college. If you work more than 20-25 hours a week, I can drop you to part time. And the third one is hardship. Say, for instance, there’s a family and someone’s mom dies or someone’s dad dies and you have to help with
mester in May, you’ll have a copy of your schedule for next year. You’ll already have sat down with the counselor, gone through conflicts, looked at the classes that you picked, and all of that kind of stuff. So, when we come back next semester at the beginning of the school year, there won’t be any schedule changes.” One of the bonuses of having a complete schedule planned out in May, is some courses that students will be taking require summer homework. Students will now know their classes, and their teacher so they can be sure and get the proper homework that is required. According to Ryerson, there are significantly more positives to the new scheduling rules than there are negatives. “There are a couple of big ones. Number one, it’ll help students pay a whole lot more attention to what they are signing up for. Second thing is I want students to have access to their counselors and people in student services when they need it. It will give you 20 percent more time with counselors. The third one is I want students to take ownership in their classes and not let the adults figure it out and make decisions for you.” Choosing classes, or making fairly big decisions is not something that ends in high school. Ryerson hopes that this will help students later in life as well. “It doesn’t matter if you go to college or a different high school or whatever, it’s one shot. You take that class and then after that, that’s what you’re in. In college you can drop it, but you’re still going to pay for it.” It is not only about taking responsibility and ownership in choosing their classes and having more access to counselors. It also helps out with student’s
“Hopefully what happens from this is that students will see it’s not about me not wanting to change schedules. It’s about me wanting [students] to take more time, more ownership” -Chad Ryerson siblings or something, then I can drop you to part time,” Ryerson said. The second big part of the new schedule changes process has to do with registration. Students were given their plans of study on Tuesday, January 21 during Advisory. They had a week to meet with teachers, advisors, and parents to discuss their course selection for the upcoming school year. Their plans of study and online enrollment on PowerSchool were due on January 29. “My goal is to have 80-85 percent of students go in and choose their schedules at that point,” said Ryerson. “Those numbers are real important to me because those numbers determine how many sections of everything that we offer.” Ryerson then will go in and begin to put the schedule together. During March and April, students will meet with counselors to discuss any scheduling conflicts and to double check all course selections. “When you leave this se-
actual education. “It doesn’t do a student any good to be in a class for a month, and then get a schedule change, and go into another class. Now they’re a month behind in that one,” Ryerson states. As for the negatives, Ryerson understands the main issue with the changes in the process is merely because students must adjust. “Whenever you change something, it’s traumatic. The change part is hard, and I think that students think we’ve kind of taken one of those rights away from them. But, really and truly it’s not that I’m trying to take anything away from them, I just want them to look at it a little bit of a different way than we did before,” said Ryerson. “This is only going to suck for this semester. After this semester, once we’ve worked through this students will be in the classes they want to be in, they’ll know the classes they have, they’ll have a chance to sit down and talk to counselors. All I’m doing is I’m changing the time that we do it,” he continued. Taylor has another view on how students are reacting to the trauma of scheduling changes. “People who were miserable in the first place they are still miserable and I expect they will always be,” Taylor said. The one thing that Ryerson continued to stress was that all of these changes are truly for the bettering of the students and the efficiency of the staff. “Hopefully what happens from this is that students will see it’s not about me not wanting to change schedules. It’s about me wanting [students] to take more time, more ownership, because this is [their] one shot at picking your classes. If anyone wants to be mad at anyone, it’s not the counselors’ fault, it’s not Dr. Wartick’s fault, it’s my fault. I’m the one who said ‘lets make this change.’”
Mar. 12, 2013
Gay Straight Alliance goes to Jefferson City Rylie Lyon co-editor
This past month, a few members and sponsors of Northtown’s GSA went on a trip to Jefferson City to meet with our state representatives and to share and discuss their feelings about Missouri’s current legislation. Northtown’s Nancy Kelso, student counselor and GSA sponsor, explained that the groups reason for going was on account of two bills; one being the Safe Schools Act, and the other being Missouri’s Non-Discrimination Act, otherwise known as MONA. The Safe Schools Act is “legislation that would be added to the already existing anti-bullying law, adding to [its] enumeration,” Kelso said. Where as MONA is meant to “overturn existing legislation in the state of Missouri. Right now in
Missouri you can be fired from your job, kicked out of your home, denied lodging, or denied service at a restaurant [for your sexual orientation].” Senior Amanda Tripp was one student who was able to meet with the representatives, and said “we were pretty well [understood] even by the people that don’t agree with us. It felt great [being listened to] by people who were really intelligent.” GSA’s meeting in Jefferson City was their first time as an activist group, and had an impact on the students; “It made me feel like a better person, because a lot of people just talk about what they want to do, we were actually out there lobbying for rights. I feel like it was a great change to talk to people who actually have power,” said Tripp.
Dividing students into two groups between Kelso and the other GSA sponsor, Steve Epley, students were able to spread out across the capitol to share their views with Missouri state representatives. Kelso’s group met with representative Ryan Silvey. “We talked about the Safe Schools Act, he is already on board with [MONA]. [He] doesn’t believe in enumeration, so we’re hoping to give him something to think about,” said Kelso. Kelso’s group even met with another representative who was not familiar with MONA. “What is cool is you can sit down with your representative and they will listen. This gave us an opportunity to see our government and educate them,” she said. Epley also met with rep-
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resentatives that were not supportive of the addition to the Safe Schools Act. “[One representative] was not supportive of enumeration to add sexual orientation to the already existing law. What we were advocating was the addition. Enumeration matters, and it does tend to emphasize oppressed groups.” “One role of government is to provide a level playing field,” said Epley after the trip to Jefferson City. “I want to live in a place that doesn’t discriminate against anything, even sexual orientation. I want to live in a state that has civil rights.” Epley explained that politics and activism slowly became part of the GSA meetings held with students after school, and hopes that the trip to the capitol “will help students see that they
really can influence lawmakers. I really think that this was a powerful thing for them to see.” Meeting with representatives in the capitol was the first activist part of GSA in Northtown, and opened the door of opportunities for more involvement in their community through PROMO. “[PROMO] advocates for LGBT and is a non-profit organization that educates [people on societal issues in Missouri],” said Kelso. Although GSA has a new activist portion to their group, they will largely remain the welcoming educational support group that they are. “GSA is a great thing that everyone can be a part of, it’s just a safe place, it’s a place for love in a cruel world, we really need more place for love,” said Tripp.
walk even begins, there is an opening ceremony that takes place. “The opening ceremonies really pump you up and get you going,” said Berkland. But after the opening ceremonies are over, the journey through cancer begins. “You will have ups and downs, you will be tired, but somehow you keep going. That is what the team is for – to keep you going.” Berkland continues. Just like there was an opening ceremony to get people going, there is a closing ceremony to prepare participants for what happens after. “The closing PHOTOS FROM THE RELAY FOR LIFE WEBSITE ceremonies to finish Fight against Cancer The American Cancer Society is never going to give up on the fight against cancer and this event is up treatment and get going to push people to not give up. To keep on fighting even you on the road to though your tired and lacking self-motivation. It’s showing recovery,” Berkland people that their are always people there who are going to said. support you and help you keep moving forward. Just like Some people how family and friend are always there to support cancer pledge per hour while survivors when they get to tired and want to give up.
some just sponsor a team member for the entire relay. Each team member needs $25 to register and at least $100 pledged to stay for the 12-hour relay. But the journey to the actual night isn’t always an easy one. Many teams spend a large amount of time fundraising so they can participate. “I think our teams are struggling right now, Berkland said. “Some teams are strong but others are not doing so well.” The weather hasn’t helped the cause much either. “We have had a couple of meetings during Advisory, but our meetings seem to keep getting canceled due to weather, etc,” Berkland said. The school committee members are Matilda Ellison, Tramea McCray, Lauren Lopez, and Kaitlyn McGuffin.
Relay for Life raises cancer awareness Alyssa Stoner opinion editor
Relay for Life is a fundraiser for cancer survivors and their families to raise money for all cancer researchers. Most people participating are either family members supporting a cancer sufferer or survivors them self. Northtown is participating in Relay for Life this year, just like they have for countless years in the past. That includes fundraising, and then actually participating in the event on April 5 into the 6 at Staley High School. “NKCHS has been selling candy and bracelets to raise money. We will also be selling t-shirts to help raise money,” said Andrea Rees, school nurse and helper for Relay for Life. Erin Berkland, leader for
Relay for life, said, “Relay for Life is an event that lasts 12 hours – from 6 pm to 6 am to symbolize a person’s walk through cancer treatment,” Berkland said. “The night time is the darkest time when we are really tired and that is why you have a team – to help you through all of it and come to the morning when the sunrises and your treatments are done,” Berkland continued, further explaining the symbolism. “The whole point is to symbolize a person’s walk through the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of the cancer diagnosis.” But before the
6|features
Foreign Exchange Program
The Hornet’s Buzz
The foreign exchange program is nothing new to Northtown. Over the years, Northtown has seen students from all over the world. This year, Northtown has three students, Patricia Novillo, Julius Hauser, and Jon Lindau. All three of the foreign exchange students will stay in America until the end of the school year.
Shannon Horton
Kentucky and she was so changed and happy about it, so I also wanted to do it.” Hauser said. Not only that, but he was really looking forward to a change in scenery and culture. “I also wanted to get out of Germany for a while and experience every day life.” But the adjustment to American culture and customs did not happen overnight. Hauser stated that it was hard and that it took him a while to get used to the school, weather, and the social rules that come with being in the States. Yet for Julius there have been quite a few things to like about America, one of which is the fact that it helps him to improve his
English. He says his favorite thing about America is “how Americans transform every thought into something nice and pleasant.” Julius explained how the way that people talk to each other here is vastly different from in Germany. He said that in Germany they don’t engage in small talk. For most things, they only speak when it is for a specific purpose, unlike here in America where everyone talks to everyone. He says that is another one of his favorite things about America. “I absolutely adore how [Americans] are social and so well involved in communities,” he stated. A big part of the program is the
school the students are now attending. The American schooling system is extremely different from those in other countries, and often gets ridiculed for its administration and teachers. But it seems to be working in the eyes of Hauser. “My favorite [thing about Northtown] is the staff members. Teachers are very friendly, nice, and in some ways a role model for me. They influenced me a lot and I am thankful for having such a diversity of different teachers. The Student Service Center is great,” he said. He also added, “Mrs. DeVries is the best counselor ever,” only slightly biased to the fact that she is indeed his “mother” for the year. There were a few struggles that came with coming to America, such as filling out condition papers and getting Visas so that he could actually enter the U.S. But after it was all said and done, it was worth it for Hauser.
Patricia Novillo, or Patri, arrived at the beginning of the school year from Spain and she is currently staying with the Dewitt family. For Patri, there were quite a few factors that came into play when she was deciding if she wanted to do the foreign exchange program or not. One of her big motivating factors was that she really wanted to learn the language. “For my career they require me to know three languages, which are Spanish, German, and English,” Novillo said. She, just like Julius, wanted to get out and experience something that was different than what she grew up with. She said that the program has really helped her a lot, and has caused her to become more independent and mature.
One of her favorite things that she’s experienced since coming to America has been the change in churches. In Spain, Patri grew up a Catholic. But here in America she’s been going to a Baptist church with her host family, and has really enjoyed it. Another one of her favorite things about America is the schools. “It’s like High School Musical!” Patri said, laughing. “I go to a private school and it’s so different. We don’t have a relationship with our teachers. They are also so strict. Here, we get to do whatever we want, pretty much.” Northtown in particular as a few qualities that Novillo enjoys, such as its school spirit. “When I went to the first football
game, it was the first football game of my entire life. It was awesome. We were yelling, it was so much fun. I really enjoyed that.” The hardest part about Northtown for her would be making friends, and the mastering language. “When you come here, you’re like ‘Oh God, I thought I knew English but I actually don’t.’ Like, listening to the teacher because they’re not going to slow down because of you. They have to teach their class. They speak really fast and you have to get everything and they use a lot of slang words that I’ve never heard before. You have a lot of homework too!” The hardest adjustment to American society and culture as a whole was the food.
“I see junk food everywhere! I just want to eat everything because I know when I go back to Spain, I won’t be able to eat that. Like Oreos are my favorite cookie and they have a whole stand full of just Oreos here! But for her, the positives outweigh the negatives, especially when it comes to all the good it will bring her when heading back to Spain. “I think I grew up a lot here. I miss my family and my friends. Back in Spain I would always be with them. I learned a lot. I’m more mature, more independent, like I said. So, I think it’s been a great experience. It wasn’t ‘the year of my life’, but it was. I don’t want to leave.”
Jon Lindau is the second German at Northtown. He only arrived at second semester, and is currently staying with the Busch family. One of the big motivating factors for Lindau to come to America was to compare the two countries through both seeing and experiencing. “I wanted to see America and the differences between Germany and America and the schools,” Lindau said. Another big difference between the two countries that Jon was really interested was in the Sports programs. In Germany they only
have two hours a week dedicated to sports and every year in school they only focus on one sport and they change sports every year. “Last year it was Volleyball and the year before that it was soccer,” said Lindau. With all of these differences between the two countries, it was difficult for Jon to pick one thing to be his favorite. But he said that the food was number one in his book. “In Germany we don’t have that much [variety] or that big of food,”
he said and then goes on to state that he is a big fan of Mexican food, and that his favorite food here in America is tacos. For Northtown specifically Jon enjoys the fact that it offers Tennis, and he is looking forward to playing this year. He also enjoys guitar club. Jon would agree with his peers when saying that one of the most difficult things about coming over to America would be the language. Also, he said that it could be hard to be
away from home. “I’m not homesick,” he said, laughing. “But I think for some people that would be the hardest part.” As for how coming to America will impact Jon once he returns to Germany, he said that it is great just to have the experience, the practice of speaking another language. He also said that it will be hard to return because German schools are boring. Though this process may be hard for some students, Jon said that he has adjusted to the American culture fairly easily. To him, the two countries aren’t all that different.
co-editor
Julius Hauser is the first foreign exchange student from Germany that Northtown has seen this year. He is currently staying with the DeVries family. The idea of picking up everything and living in a completely different place for a year might be strange for some people to think about, but for Hauser it sprouted from a place of curiosity and fascination with the United States. “I wanted to get to know the real America. I’ve been fascinated from high schools and their spirits since I was little,” Hauser said. Besides, the idea of going to America through the foreign exchange program was not completely new to him. He had a sister who experienced it. “My oldest sister spent a year in
features|7
Mar. 12, 2013
Playing catch up: past foreign exchange student
students keep in touch with their host families they had and friends Every year Norththey made while they town is the host to foreign exchange students. were here, at Northtown. After they get to expeYekaterina Golovenkorience high school in America, they go back to va: their hometowns carrying with them, a very Q: How did you enjoy the unique experience. The US? opportunity to become A: My host parent and a foreign exchange stumy American friends. dent opens many doors for the student; especialQ: What was the most ly because they know memorable memory of their own language as well as English. Beyond Northtown? learning a new lanA: My teachers, friends guage, these students again and doing differget to discover a whole ent sports! I loved my new culture. Many of coaches! the foreign exchange Sierra Smith guest writer
Q: What exciting things have you done since you have been back in your hometown?
A: Well it has changed all my life! Completely! IT changed the way I think, my opinion about some things. It helped A: Now I help other me to learn English Russian kids to become better and understand FLEX (the name of the other people of differprogram) kids so they ent nationalities and could go to America too. religions. It made me to Q: What are you doing be ore mature, indepennow that you are back in dent. My life wouldn’t be your hometown? the same without this program. USA also gave A: I am helping with me a better understandthe Paralympics. I am a ing of people with disvolunteer and work as abilities. I am so happy a translator of the main to be in Sochi and see all doctor. the Paralympic athletes right now. Q: How did coming to the US impact your life?
Drew Witherspoon: his road to recovery
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 37 million adults are diagnosed with a sinus infection each year. Due to its common occurrences; most people brush off its seriousness and are easily treated with a quick visit to the doctor and some antibiotics. However, in rare cases, sinus infections can spread to the brain and cause a life-threatening illness. Drew Witherspoon, a senior at North Kansas City High School is a rare case. According to Fox 4 News, “Drew was rushed to North Kansas City Hospital where an MRI revealed infection in the lining of his brain.” Doctors said that the bacterial infection had started in his sinuses and worked its way up. Drew’s mother Monika McMillian originally thought he just had a cold or the flu. However as time went on, she knew it was more than that. “He was talking very delirious, swearing. That’s completely out of character for him,” explained Ms. McMillian during an interview with Fox 4 News. She also recalls how Drew was so weak he couldn’t walk to the restroom by himself. After the MRI that revealed the infection, Fox 4 says “Drew was transferred to the University of Kansas Hospital for emergency surgery to remove the abscess caused by the infection.” At first doctors thought he had meningitis based on his CT Scan
and symptoms. Once Drew arrived it was revealed that he not only had meningitis but a very server condition of the brain called subdural empyema and sinusitis as well. Drew had to have immediate brain surgery to save his life. His surgery began at 12:00 am on January 5 and finished at 6:54 am. Despite the surgeries, his condition began to rapidly decline. Drew developed sepsis, a severe blood infection. Drew also began to have intracranial pressure from increased spinal fluid and needed an external ventricular drain (EVD) to drain
excess fluid. That night, he had difficulty breathing and suffered two seizures. After being put on a ventilator, Drew was doing great and was even able to get out of bed and walk around. However, the next day an MRI showed that Drew still had a substantial amount of infection in the brain. This resulted in yet another surgery. Ms. McMillian said he was very unresponsive and that “[she] just knew that day, it was gonna be over.” Doctors soon discovered more infection in the brain, so
PHOTO COURTESY OF MONICA MCMILLIAN
Recovery Room A picture of Drew snapped by his mother after one of his many surgeries. The photo can also be found on his fundraising website. www.gofundme.com/pray4drew
they did more surgeries. “I just prayed and prayed and prayed and prayed,” said Ms. McMillian. “It was only by the grace of God that my son is alive.” Ever the fighter, Drew did incredibly well and on January 21 he was moved from the University of Kansas Hospital to the North Kansas City Hospital Rehabilitation unit. Although Drew did sustain some brain damage, he is currently taking physical, occupational, and speech therapy to help regain some of the skills he lost due to his illness. Although the doctor said it will be another two years until Drew is completely recovered, Fox 4 News says, “[he] feels fortunate.” “Just the other day, it dawned on me I could have lost my life,” Drew said. “I appreciate everything 10 times more now.” On top of Drew’s amazing recovery, he recently found out that he will be able to graduate on time and walk with his class. The Hornet Buzz looks forward to chronicling his progress and will be cheering for him every step of the way. Please continue to show support for Drew and his family by making donations at www.gofundme.com/ Pray4Drew or through Mr. Jackson in room 212.
Written By: Morgan Tolson and Fatima Delic
8|arts & entertainment
Product Reviews
Ariel Paul a&e editor
When it comes to a girl’s bathroom sink, sometimes piles and piles of makeup and hair products are lying around; some that are great, but some that just aren’t cutting it. Here’s a list made up of some great products and reviews: Makeup: Tarte™ Amazonian clay 12-hour full coverage foundation $38 4/5—This foundation is good and smooth, but it feels kind of greasy.
Kat von D Lock-it tattoo foundation $34 5/5—LOVE THIS FOUNDATION it seems like it lasts forever! And
The Hornet’s Buzz
covers up blemishes very well! Kat von D eye shadow palettes $36 5/5—Totally recommend for long wear eye shadow that doesn’t fade. Maybelline New York® Master Hi-light™ Face Studio Light boosting blush and bronzer $10 5/5—Great bronzer that has a mix that isn’t too bronze based, natural colors that compliment face features. Maybelline New York® Baby Skin™ Instant Pore Eraser $8 3/5—Like it, but kind of expensive for a product that doesn’t really ‘erase’ them nor minimize them at least! Maybelline New York® Master Smoky™ Longwearing pencil in black smoke $8 5/5 —Great product! Ease application, very black, and is very bold, new and improved definitely compared to the other crayon-type eyeliners Maybelline New York®
has. Maybelline New York® Volum’ Express® The Mega Plush® mascara in blackest black $6 5/5—If you want bold lashes that are very noticeable, go with this mascara. Hair: Not Your Mother’s® Beach Babe® Texturizing Sea salt spray $6 5/5— Helps bring out your inner wavy hair, smells great, and it stays! Not Your Mother’s® Clean Freak™ Refreshing dry shampoo $6 5/5—This product is excellent if you’re in a hurry and your hair is feeling a bit greasy. After these makeup and hair reviews, the next makeup and hair product haul should be knowledgeable and will give a little inspiration to branch out to different products and give them a try.
hard to achieve. Bledsoe said he was to play pro because “[I] have been so influenced by other professional gamers that I would just absolutely love to be a part of the community even more”. “Lots of practice dedication, self-confidence, and showing myself to the community like saying hey [I’m] good at this game support me please?” said Bledsoe about his journey trying to get into the pros. In the coming years after graduation Bledsoe hopes to pursue his dreams with a professional spot in the League of Legends community. Taking place right now is the spring challenger series, for both North America and Europe, a tournament to bring afloat new talent to the League of Legends community. This tournament runs along side the spring League Championship Series [LCS] season for both North America and Europe for the season. The top team right now for North America is Team Solo Mid, close behind is Cloud 9. In LCS Europe at the top is ROCCAT, and in second is SK Gaming. LCS is split into the regular season and play offs, the regular season is when each team plays all of the other teams four times. Play offs in League of Legends is when the teams go though a regu-
lar tournament [much like March Madness or NFL play offs] and the first and second place teams go on to semi-finals. The biggest tournament a LoL team can be in is the World Championship. This is where teams from all over the world come together to fight for the Summonor’s Cup. This year it will be in South Korea, with a huge audience of at least 32 million based off of last year’s viewers. The monetary prize for the winners of this tournament is a large two million dollar sum to be split with the entire team. League of Legends is a game that takes logic, skill, and smarts to play well. Games like League of Legends, StarCraft, and Dota will become larger and more viewed everywhere in the world come from gamers far and wide. These games are not just about looking at computer screen and pressing buttons; these games take effort, maybe not in the traditional sense of athleticism, but instead as a mind sport; something that has to be trained for and worked for just as any other sport does. As technology progresses games like League of Legends will become bigger and more widely viewed. This is just another way to show that there is no escape from the increasing use of technology.
League of Legends: new sport Emma Medill staff writer
For many years e-sports [video games with an audience] were, and still are, not considered an athletic sport to the general public. Now according to the U.S. government e-sports are now known as a real sport, even earning the players who are on the teams an athlete’s visa to live in the United States. For gamers this was a huge achievement to now be recognized as an athlete by the government. League of Legends is a MMO [Mass Multiplayer Online game] and RPG [Role Playing Game]. League of Legends is a sport growing in popularity; even making it’s way to mainstream media. Many of the pro players in the League of Legends community make close to a million dollars a year, between the tournaments themselves and through the streaming that many players do in their free time on Twitch.tv. The player with the largest revenue last year at $29,000 was Hai “Hai” Lam of team Cloud 9 with many of his teammates following close behind. For many gamers everywhere it is a huge dream to go pro playing League of Legends and for senior Josh Bledsoe it is a dream he is both determined and is working
Retro video games
Sierra Cawthon photo editor
Sierra Cawthon photo editor
Why do people still play classic video games? I’ll tell you why. It is because classic video games have a certain charm to them that make them stand the test of time. Let me tell you why I love playing classic video games. First of all, classic video games are very nostalgic. A lot of people played video games when they were younger and still enjoy playing those same games because it brings back good memories. For example, when I was little and my siblings and I were fighting over something, we would settle it over a virtual brawl. We would play games such as “Super Smash Brothers”, “Street Fighter”, or “Pokémon Stadium,” and to this day, playing those games remind me of getting served by my brother, who is 10 years older than me, because I wanted the last brownie. Some people might complain that the graphics are unrealistic and outdated, and to those people I say boo. I think 8-bit games are beautiful and are really interesting. It is pretty complicated to make a goblin out of differently colored squares. So if you want to give pixel art a try, go for it, and you may just appreciate it a little more. Also an 8-bit character is more iconic. The very first “Legend of Zelda” and “Super Mario Bros.” was released on the Nintendo Entertainment System, which played 8-bit games; both of these franchises are still at large today. Think about that next time you give a classic video game a try.
arts & entertainment|9
Mar. 12, 2013
Cosplay
Ariel Paul a & e editor
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Many people don’t understand cosplayers and their ways, mostly because they don’t truly understand what cosplay actually is. Cosplay is for everyone. Cosplay is anything you can make into a costume. Since “cosplay” is short forcostume-play. Some may think in order to be a good cosplayer you have to be skinny, or a certain race to do so. But that’s not true. In reality, cosplay is for everyone, all shapes, sizes, and colors. There aren’t any written rules that say so. Though, many feel like there are unwritten rules but some of the best-known cosplayers are a variety of races, none in particular. Like Shana Stella who is African-American, best known for her cosplay as Jade from Mortal Combat, Yaya Han (Chinese), best known for her cosplay as Carmilla from Vampire Hunter, and Jessica Nigri (Caucasian) best known for her Teemo cosplay from the online game League of Legends, and Harley Quinn from Batman.
Cosplay is a fandom. If you’re a fan of a certain character from a video game, TV show, comic, anime, anything you can replicate into a costume fitted for you, this is cosplay. I feel if you are passionate about a particular character, you should definitely participate. Cosplayers go to anime conventions, and comic conventions, they go by different names like Naka Kon here in Kansas City, Anime Expo, a big Anime convention that is held in California, and many more. Cosplay is a very bold activity. To get the best results with your cosplay, you have to be the character. Not just look like them. If I were to cosplay as Wonder Woman, I would be Wonder Woman. Here in Kansas City, the next convention coming up is Comic Con Kansas City, and Naka Kon which are both March 14-16. These conventions are normally a full weekend long, which you can get a discounted weekend pass, but you can also just go for one day and
experience the fun. Even if you don’t cosplay, and want to learn, or love the Japanese culture, these conventions are the closest thing to going to Japan and learning about their culture. At cons, they have well known anime writers, voice actors, and experts about the Japanese culture to teach you about the culture and anime itself. Cosplay is not a have-to thing. You do not have to cosplay to go to these events. Cosplay is just something that goes with the cons that have been developed over the years. The first origins of cosplay started in the late 1980’s. If cosplay seems like something you would have interest in, go for it. Even if you are shy, cosplayers welcome all and are like a big family. Just like everything, though, you will find those cosplayers that are strict about their cosplays and think there is an unwritten rule about who can do cosplay. I do cosplay, and I am half American Indian, and Filipino.
JOURNALISM 1 ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A JOURNALIST? DO YOU ENJOY TALKING TO PEOPLE? DO YOU THRIVE AS A WRITER? WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRY TELLING A STORY THROUGH THE LENS OF A CAMERA? IF SO, JOURNALISM 1 IS FOR YOU! YOU WILL LEARN THE PRINCIPALS OF JOURNALISM IN PREPARATION FOR JOINING THE SCHOOL YEARBOOK, THE PURGOLD, OR THE SCHOOL NEWSPAPER, THE HORNET’S BUZZ. TALK TO YOUR COUNSELOR ABOUT SIGNING UP FOR JOURNALISM 1.
10|sports
Girls basketball
Tramea McCray staff writer
The players may change, but the game remains the same. The Lady Hornet Basketball team is in full swing this season, since it’s initial start in November. Though the Lady Hornet Basketball team lost some key members at graduation, they are sticking through it by bonding with each other to make their team the best that it can be. They came together as a team to win their games. From long practices to the even longer games, the girls do not give up trying to win and get better as a team. Just like the ones from last year, the seniors this year will leave behind a legacy and big shoes to fill by the underclassmen. “I will miss the family aspect that Coach Lacy has created. I know those girls have my back,” senior Cierra Murphy said. The girl’s varsity team had a good season this year, with a 15-9 record thus far. They worked hard as a team to get to where they are today, often times overcoming many hardships to get to this point. Even though they are small by number, the Hornet Girls Basketball players are mighty. “The biggest challenge that we faced as a team was over coming adversity. Size wise we are not a very large team,” senior Maggie Brooks said. Just like last year, the team will be graduating a strong senior class, but the girls have a good group of underclassmen that are ready to step up. “I am looking forward to stepping up and being captain and hopefully winning conference next year,” sophomore Selena Salas said. No matter the end result of their games, one thing is for sure: the Hornets are proud of their Lady Hornet Basketball team.
The Hornet’s Buzz
Springing into the new season Alyssa Stoner staff writer
Rising up along with the temperature, in come the spring sports season including girls track, girls soccer, boys golf, and boys tennis. This long winter has got everyone feeling like they’re stuck inside. Everyone is ready to get outside and get exercise. Sprinting into action, girls track coach, Christopher McCullough is “anticipating another successful season.” Last year Northtown had 3 girls compete at state meet. This year, two of those athletes are returning to play; Junior NeKiesha Bailey and junior Sabrina Anderson. McCullough said,
”We think that we can build on the success that we had last year.” Last year’s season went well for the boys golf team also. There are a lot of players that boys’ head golf coach, Joel Peace, is hoping will make this season great. “Junior Galen Gist lead the way for us placing in several tournaments [last year]. Sophomore Blake Howerton had a good year as well,” exclaimed Peace, “This year we have a new face in the program, Junior Cole Gage is a move in student-athlete and went to State Golf Tournament the past two years at his previous school. I look for big things from Cole this year. Senior Galen Gist will also be a big contributor, as well
as Blake Howerton, and Sophomore Caleb Sage” Jeffery Lasswell, assistant boys golf coach, says, “We were a very inexperience golf team last year, lots of players that had recently picked up the sport. During the season the players made strides in improving their golf game. [This season] I’m expecting us to be in a familiar starting place, lots of guys with limited experience that are excited about getting better. I’m looking forward to seeing these guys lower their scores.” The boys’ golf team has high hopes and is putting in the hard work to reach their goals. Safe to say the golf boys are ready to swing into a good season this year.
Girls’ soccer conditioning has already started and they’re being kicked into shape. Heidi Belton, head girls’ soccer coach, is looking at a tough season this year. More girls need to sign up and join the soccer team, but with Belton’s dedication, there is nothing to worry about; the team will make it. Between schoolwork, jobs, and sports, Northtown’s spring sports teams have got their work cut out for them, but with hard work and dedication they can make it work. Every team is getting all hyped up for this year’s season and is looking forward to reaching success.
MOLLY GREEN
Trying and Try Outs During soccer tryouts on March 6, junior Kylie Thompson dribbles the ball down the field her fellow soccer players by her side.
Buzzline: What do you think about track?
“We’ve got a lot of star athletes. Confident to have success.” -Justin Doung, 10
“Confident and excited.” -Robert Tymer, 10
“Hope we make us all faster and go together as a team.” -Brandon Sanchez, 10
“I feel like it’s gonna be a good expreience and good family bonding for the team” -Anthony Newton, 11
sports|11
Mar. 12, 2013
e h t f to n u o C l a s c d i e m M y Final Winter Ol 2014 Key
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f f a t S Staff Writers Elissa Christensen Ariana Fehrenbach Tramea McCrary Emma Medill Sabrina Merrill Alyssa Stoner Morgan Tolson Adviser Mr. Paul Aubrey
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• The North Kansas City High School newspaper, The Hornet’s Buzz, is part of the educational curriculum of North Kansas City School District. Although the paper is a class activity, NKCHS students may submit materials, such as stories, photography, or art, for publication consideration. Students should bring any submissions to Room MN219. Submissions may be edited for content, length and grammar. • The Buzz is a student publication that is published in accordance with Board of Education Policy IGBD- Student Publications. Schoolsponsored publications and productions are part of the curriculum and are not a public forum for general student use. School authorities may edit or delete material which is inconsistent with the district’s legitimate educational concerns. All student media shall comply with the ethics and rules of responsible journalism. • Any person with an interest in the NKCHS community is encouraged to submit letters to the editor. All letters must be signed. All signatures will be verified through a phone call or personal interview. Letters should be fewer than 400 words in length. The Buzz reserves the right to edit any letter for grammatical errors, libelous content, or space limitations. Letters to the Editor may be emailed to paubrey@ nkcschools.org, or mailed to North Kansas City High School, 620 East 23rd Avenue, North Kansas City, Missouri, 64116.
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News
12|photo essay
The Hornet’s Buzz
Northtown’s Culture Day
Samira Zantout guest writer
Walking around Northtown is like taking a trip around the seven continents without having to leave campus. With students from almost 30 countries, we have a multitude of ethnicities and races around us everyday. Many of those students can offer a world of knowledge about their cultures and different traditions. However, while a lot of us can accurately guess a student’s ethnicity, very few of us can actually describe the student’s heritage. In fact, a lot of the diversity at Northtown goes unnoticed, as the student body does not have a chance to showcase it. This year, however, junior Ogochukwu Agali set out to change this. “We’re all different, but we manage to function together,” said Agali. “I
thought [the diversity] deserved to be recognized.” As the National Honor Society Junior Vice President, Agali is organizing a project titled “Multicultural Week.” The project consists of students from various countries coming together to exhibit their cultures for the Northtown community. “The purpose of [Multicultural Week] is to showcase how many different nationalities and ethnic groups we have in Northtown,” said Agali. Planned for the week of March 10th, the event will take place in the Library Media Center every 7-9 block, which is the lunch period. Each day will be dedicated to a specific continent with students representing
different countries in each continent. Students participating in the event will present foods, presentations, clothes, and symbolic
Ukraine, in order to more closely work with Ukraine politically and economically. The European Union has made many Association Agreements with other countries, all having one essential idea behind them: increased closeness of them and another country’s relationship. Yanukovych’s decision to not sign the agreement was based on the ideas to instead build stronger ties with Russia and assistance from Kremlin. This was the decision that ultimately sparked the protesters to come to the capitol, Kiev, where they
have peacefully demonstrated their frustrations of this decision. According to BBC news coverage, the British Broadcasting Corporation, the protests on Independence Square, located in Kiev, developed into “police attacks on student protesters, severe new anti-protest laws, and the abduction and beating of opposition activists.” Also, according to reports from the Ukrainian Health Ministry, there have been ninety-five deaths of peaceful protesters against “Protesters clash with police in Independence Square in Kiev. the government since last Photograph: Alexander Koerner/Getty Images” Photo courtesy of year on November 30th. theguardian.com
objects that represent their heritage. “Students and staff are encouraged to go to the LMC to discover about
Crisis in Ukraine Rylie Lyon Co-editor
Violence has been brought down on the peaceful protesters in Ukraine, who are speaking out against their government’s decisions. On Tuesday, the eighteenth of February, an abrupt outbreak of violence turned on the people of Ukraine. The protests began because of Ukrainian president, Viktor Yanukovych, and parliament putting off the decision to sign the Association Agreement. The European Union created an Association Agreement, of which was meant to be signed by
different places, taste new foods, learn about new languages, and experience different cultures,” said Agali. The biggest part of the event is perhaps the Friday night performance showcase, which will conclude Multicultural week. It will take place in the auditorium at 7:00. Through dance routines, traditional songs, and simply entertaining exhibits, the night will put together all of the week’s presenters and showcase them and their cultures to the Northtown community. In past years, students have tried to express the uniqueness of our school’s student body, whether it was through The Buzz or NTV. However,
Agali is perhaps the first in recent years to orchestrate an event for celebrating diversity. When asked about her inspiration for the event, Agali recalled her middle school years. “I went to New Mark Middle School, and my favorite memory was our Multicultural celebration,” said Agali. “When I came to Northtown, I realized two things: Northtown was more diverse than my middle school and we didn’t celebrate diversity.” The most important element to celebrate this diversity is, however, the actual students. With the diverse population that we have, students are encouraged to sign up to represent their countries. Students can express their pride in their heritage in any way they choose to. For students interested in taking part in this event, contact Agali at agal3301@nkcschools.org.