17 02
TALONS volume
issue
dominate at KSPEC
a student run publication Olathe East High School 14545 West 127th Street Olathe, KS 66062
9
Curriculum books you need to read
Advisor
KarenBourland Editors
12
BenSchmitz EmilyFiore JohnWood Business Editor
PeterDu Senior Staff Writers
CalieeBehnke BrettCrawford
Special Report: Inaguration with guest writer Justin Adrian
Junior Staff Writers
EmmaBrockschmidt TessaMagana NehaWahid EmilyFogle EricYarns AmandaEmslie TaraBoyd Sophomore Staff Writers
ZachHunter LexiPanfil MaggieHouston SarahMiller
17
Push and shove with East’s rugby team
the hawk’s eye • february 2009
Tara Boyd
Team Pom
Team Novelty
TALONS
DRILL TEAM
[Emma Brockschmidt]
3
Miss Kansas Drill Team Competition was hosted at Olathe South for the weekend of January 16. The Olathe East Talons brought eight duets, over twenty solos, four team dances, two small ensembles, one medium ensemble, the Talons officers group, and also the senior Talons ensemble. Awards: Solo Finalists- Allison Chael, Brianna Gilmour (Solo Winner) Duet Top Scores- Jordan & Lyndsey Cole, Emma & Maggie Brockschmidt, Nicole Smith & Krista Lind Officer Award Sweepstakes Award Technique- Pom Choreography and Team Design- Jazz Showmanship and Energy- Hip Hop Shining Star Award (248 points or more) Best In Contest
Patti Brockschmidt
Tara Boyd
MISS KANSAS
news
Olathe East Talons Drill Team
Patti Brockschmidt
KSPEC
Tara Boyd
Team Hip Hop
Team Jazz
Kansas Spectacular, commonly referred to as K-Spec, is annually hosted at Olathe East. This year, over the weekend of January 23, teams from Kansas and Oklahoma presented their dances to the crowds that filled Olathe East. Awards: Solo Finalists- Annie Brown, Annie Beile, Michelle Graessle, Taylor Wallace, Brooke Lacy, Breannah Petrak, Brianna Gilmour, Katie Turner (Solo Winner) Duet Awards- Jessica Cassity & Carol Gonclaves, (First Runner Up,) Emma & Maggie Brockschmidt, (Second Runner Up,) Krista Lind & Nicole Smith (Third Runner Up) Small Ensemble #2 (Winner)- Annie Beile, Hannah Powell, Emma Brockschmidt Medium Ensemble- (Winner) Large Ensemble- (First Runner Up) Officer Award (Winner’s Circle) Sweepstakes Award Gussie Nell Davis Award of Excellence Judge’s Award - Pom, Jazz, Novelty, Hip Hop Overall Technique, Presentation, Precision, and Choreography Winner’s Circle (Team) Best Of The Best, 5th Place (870 pts) Most Admired Team of The Day First Place Academic Champions
4
news
the hawk’s eye • february 2009
More Than
Girl Power
Local students make self-defense look good in Ali Kemp fashion show
[lexi panfil]
to feature the show in their magazine. OE junior Morgan Carter represented Olathe East at the fashion show. 2009 marked Morgan’s second year as a volunteer for the foundation, she found out about the show through the leadership program at East. Morgan, a very compassionate supporter of the show, feels that the program really reaches out to women all over the country. “By selling tickets for Ali’s Runway I get to promote the cause and help other girls my age train in self-defense. I believe every woman should take a selfdefense class at least once a year. This will help us be better prepared if we ever need to defend ourselves against a predator.” The show raises self-defense awareness in women young and old, helps women to be aware of their surroundings, and teaches them what to do in suspicious situations. When Ali Kemp was murdered at the young age of nineteen at a Lenexa pool, her family immediately tried to turn this horrible occurrence into something positive. Creating the Ali Kemp Foundation has benefited over 33,000 women across the country so far, and the outstanding effort continues to grow.
OE Junior Morgan Carter models a gorgeous red dress on the runway
O
On January 11, thirty-three high schools in the Kansas City Area took part in the Ali Kemp Fashion Show, the largest prom fashion show in the country. Over 500 girls and boys strutted their stuff on the runway, and all for a good cause. Ali’s Runway, an annual prom fashion show and a self-defense class, wraps itself into one fun, educational event. First comes a showcase of the latest prom dress designs by Alfred Angelo featuring Niki Livas and Zum Zum. Dresses are provided by Natalie M of Overland Park and are modeled by area high school students who have previously attended a T.A.K.E. Defense Training class. Covering the event this year was Seventeen Magazine which had previously decided
“
Be proud to fight like a girl! I am.
”
-Morgan Carter
Photos Courtesy of Matthew Hicks
news
5
Labels‘09
the hawk’s eye • february 2009
[emily fiore]
The Fashion Studio classes are currently making preparations for the annual spring fashion show, “Labels 09.” Influences of textiles and clothing construction will be incorporated in the show through expression of personal style and differences in fashion. Fashion II students are leading each of the committees, which include modeling, merchandising, staging and publicity. They are busy laying the groundwork for Fashion I and outside models. The date for “Labels 09” is March 3, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. and will be held in the Olathe East Auditorium.
Please Plan on Joining Us!
03.03.2009
6
column
the hawk’s eye • february 2009
Brett Crawford ’s
What To Do About:
YOUR JOB I need to be completely honest here kids: I love my job. I get to write these articles for all of you, instilling hope into the hearts of thousands, and from what I’ve heard, you seem to like them. But this week I hit some serious writer’s block, which makes this topic rather ironic for me to write about. Aside from that, it has come to my attention recently that many people, students more specifically, dislike their jobs. To me that cames as quite a shock. There are hundreds of reasons why you should get a job. Many of those reasons involve spending money. If you don’t have money, you get a job. It’s a viscious cycle. However, the down side to that is this: we’re just teenagers, and we don’t really get offered the best jobs in the world. It’s hard to imagine that anyone wouldn’t want to spend their time completing menial tasks for an hourly wage that generally just
don’t really get “We offered the best jobs in the world. ”
gets taken by the government. In time when the walls of financial stability are crumbling down, we need to make sure our hard-earned money is going right where it belongs… to the government. NOT We all know that it’s hard to keep your chin up when you’re working a job you don’t like, especially now that it’s winter and you’re stuck back in school all day. The key is to not think too much about working while you’re at work. It sounds crazy I know, but really, it helps. -Think about funny ways to entertain your-
self without being blatantly ridiculous. For instance, when I worked at Target, I would try to only use six words in each sentence when I talked to customers, consequently it made the day go much faster because I was laughing on the inside. -Try to figure out clever ways to trick your co-workers. Whether it be calling them from a number in your store to prank them, or leaving funny letters for them “signed” by the manager.
“
I’m not telling you that money can buy happiness, but it can.
”
-Start making friends with people you don’t know. Sometimes the people you wouldn’t normally talk to end up being really cool people. -Ask your manager to move you around the store a little bit. If you’re getting tired of working the register, see if you can work on the floor somewhere, or another section of the store. Unless you work at a boring place like a carpet store, you should be able to keep yourself entertained. All in all you need to just stay optimistic. Besides, every two weeks you’ll get all that sweet money, and you’ll know why you work that job so much. Think of all the wonderful things you can buy. You could buy some new shoes, a sweet guitar, new Xbox games, an iPod touch, a cd, or a new puppy! I’m not telling you that money can buy happiness, but it can. Just remember boys and girls, to work hard to keep your job so that you may be rich and happy.
Here’s what some East students had to say about things they do to keep entertained at work.
Daniel Jarrett (Junior) - Barley’s Brewhaus “When there’s nothing to do... We fold napkins.”
Bryan Gum (Soph.) - KC Catering “We have races with the chair trolleys and all the free soda we want.”
Sarah Hillis (Senior) - Delia’s “I draw sketches on the inventory lists and talk to the guests who come in.”
the hawk’s eye • february 2009
S
CHMITZ
ns
[be
z]
it chm
column
7
and
GRINS
I’m sick of people saying it’s JUST a game
T
This article was written in the early morning hours after the greatest Super Bowl ever played. For those of you who don’t know, I am a die-hard Pittsburgh Steeler fan. And for those who claim fair-weather, I grew up wearing former Steeler quarterback Kordell Stewart’s #10 jersey and my best friend’s entire family is from Pittsburgh. That’s what I thought, haters. Anyways, the game was mindboggingly good. I literally lost my voice entirely on a single play… James Harrison’s 100-yard sprint amidst a swarm of Cardinal defenders, down the sideline, juking, jiving, and diving into the endzone. I thought he might die right there on the beautifullymanicured Tampa field after the best defensive play in SB history, and I will almost guarantee he wouldn’t have minded. And just a reminder, Harrison was undrafted out of college and it took him years to even make something more than a practice squad. Ahh, once again, I digress (can you blame me?) Before, during, and after the game was indescribably exciting. But there was one thing that I continued to hear, and that I’ve heard plenty of times before: It’s just a game. Of course, this came from only the women at the gathering I attended. Girlfriends, moms,
“
sisters, cousins, and unrelated strangers were all saying that awful phrase. Why would anybody think that the Super Bowl, whether it features your favorite team or not, is a game? That’s one of the most absurd things a person can say. Athletics are unique. Athletes know the feeling. The feeling of becoming one with your team, spending more time with them than you do with your family. The feeling of putting in hours upon hours of work for a game that lasts only a fraction of that time. The payoff internally received after a beatdown of your opponent or the heartache and sickness one gets after a tough loss. There are so many emotions s w i r l i n g around when participating in athletics that those who don’t play sports can’t possibly grasp it. I guess you could compare it to shopping for women. If a guy were to say, “It’s not that big of a deal; your hair looks fine,” or “just because they don’t have the purse you want doesn’t mean you can shout and pout.” Of course, most men know better than that. Women, on the other hand, repeatedly state that gruesome phrase mentioned in a previous paragraph. When Cardinal stud wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald finally heated up in the second half, then
Girlfriends, moms, sisters, cousins... all saying that awful phrase
”
caught and ran a 60-some odd yard touchdown pass, seemingly placing the entire state of Arizona on his shoulders, I felt like I might break down and cry. My face must have had some sort of prominent distortion about it becasue my mom turned to me and said with what I thought was some sort of satisfactory grin (she is one of those people who can’t get over Kurt Warner’s “story”), “Settle down, Ben. There’s two minutes left...” If it would have ended there, I would have been content with that little bit of reassurance from my mother... but I wasn’t so lucky. She continued to say, “... it’s not that big of a deal anyway, it’s just a game.” You have GOT to be kidding me. What has this world come to?
8
opinion
the hawk’s eye • february 2009
[katie hunte r]
‘09, So Fine...
In a school that prides itself on respect and integrity so much that it would ban potentially disrespectful song lyrics from sporting events, certain other acts of chutzpah go not only unnoticed, but in fact supported by staff members. “Some of the shirts I see with slogans are pretty funny,” said Michael Wallace, coach of OE’s football team, whose shirts generally boast Hawks eating Eagles, Falcons, and other rival poultry. Other school teams and organizations tend to be more explicit in their apparel. The newest girls’ basketball tee-shirts proclaim, “Because we’re better than you, and we know it!” This catchphrase from a Vince Vaughn movie is funny to those familiar with the film, but confusing and offense to an older generation who may not know the line’s original context. Another popular shirt was Cross Country’s inflammatory advice, “Cheat on your girlfriend, not your workout.” “I have seen other sports teams at East have sayings that I as a coach would not agree with,” admitted girl’s golf coach Kathleen Lilley. “USGA and golf itself dictates that sportsmanship is extremely important, and we [girls’ golf] follow that premise at East.” In fact, state guidelines regarding sportsmanship in all Kansas high schools are readily available to coaches and students. The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHAA)’s 2008 handbook includes as part of their mission statement the “development of effective citizenship through the practice of good sportsmanship.” KSHAA proceeds to list specific actions that qualify as “good sportsmanship,” but all may be embodied in the emphasized statement, “ALL ACTIONS are to be FOR, NOT AGAINST; POSITIVE, NOT NEGATIVE or DISRESPECTFUL… failure to do so may result in the official’s registration being suspended or revoked.” Common in major universities, is this type of spirit tee merely a reflection of our peers in higher education? “It is a fine line in high school,” says entrepreneurship teacher Keeley O’Grady. “The college shirts are offensive but people buy them so people want things like that for our high school games. We try to keep them positive, and humorous. It all depends on perception.” Olathe East attempts to preserve respect of their alumni in the armed services, but cannot even respect itself when students don bright orange tee-shirts exclaiming “Rock out with your HAWK out!” Really, OE? If a school’s students are clever enough to come up with these kinds of insinuative statements and catchy one-liners, are these same students not smart enough to see that the message really sent out is one of immaturity and disrespect? O’Grady admits “The students in the class approve or come up with the ideas and slogans on the stores apparel.”
t a u h o y W are g? n i r a e W “It’s a fine line in high school... ”
“ Some of the slogans I see on tee-shirtsare pretty funny.
”
GO HAWKS!
1
Silly Rivals, Wins are for HAWKS!
LES. EAG re ’ They ’s for t a Wh r. e n n i D
Because We’re Better Than You... And We Know It!
CHEA T YOUR ON G FRIEN IRLD, NOT YOUR WORK OUT
d own an Bend D Class r Kiss Ou
ROCK OUT with your HAWK OUT
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the hawk’s eye • february 2009
feature
Required Reading Review
9
The Hawk’s Eye previews three books you may have to read in your high school English classes.
Fahrenheit 451 The Great Gatsby
1984
[emily fogle] Winston Smith begins to write in a diary. So begins 1984 by George Orwell, a book about a dark and dreary world where freedom does not exist. Winston Smith, an IngSoc Party member, works in the Ministry of Truth. When Winston realizes that the government conceals major flaws, he works to start a revolution. But
Big Brother is always watching, and no crime, including those never committed, goes unpunished. Now Winston must hide from the all-knowing if he means to change the world. Filled with excitement, betrayal, and intrigue, 1984 proves to be an interesting read. The beginning might confuse even the most willing reader, but Orwell’s mes-
sage becomes clear as the story unfolds. By creating an unsettling picture of a world overrun by censors, Orwell effectively portrays the worst-case scenario. As 1984 contains so many disturbing twists, this book may not top students’ lists of favorites. However, reading it enhances a reader’s understanding of the concept of freedom.
In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, a young man named Nick Carraway moves in next door to Jay Gatsby. Gatsby desperately loves Daisy, Nick’s cousin. Over the course of the story, Nick discovers the lavish world of the insanely rich as Gatsby works to reclaim Daisy. Fitzgerald’s story of mis-
guided, unrequited love amongst the impurities of the American Dream continues to provide a view into life in the Jazz Age. Many of Fitzgerald’s characters have very few redeeming qualities, which creates what one would imagine to be an unlikable story. However, he crafts the sto-
ries of these people in such a way that readers feel pity, if not sympathy, for them. A short if not a necessarily easy read, The Great Gatsby remains a compelling story. The hope of love and a better life drives the main character, making his quest relatable to the reader.
Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451features a twisted firefighter, extreme censorship, and a book-burning America. Guy Montag, the fireman, sets fires intended to burn offensive books. He meets a girl named Clarisse McClellan one day, and she causes him to wonder whether or not this form of censorship actu-
ally benefits humanity. Then Guy breaks the law by reading a book and must run from his former coworkers. Something about how he finds likeminded people, willing to risk it all to bring books back to life. Although similarly themed to 1984, Fahrenheit 451 is lighter in tone. Even though the book is not so bleak, the
anti-censorship message remains clear and effective. Bradbury manages to weave a tale simultaneously desperate and hopeful, creating a book into which readers can easily absorb themselves. Unfortunately, the characters can at times behave in irritating and idiotic ways.
The librarians share why they believe students should read the required books: “Books are chosen because they meet curriculum requirements, they’re chosen for a reason, and I still remember the books Mr. Luckert had me read, and they’re some of my favorites. Some chosen are not my favorites, but reading them in class can give kids a love of reading.” - Mrs.
Reeves “Required reading will introduce incredible literature experiences for students. What students take away from these readings are cultural facts, impressions, and experiences that will inform their learning throughout their lives.” -
Mrs. Franklin
Mrs. Reeves and Mrs.Franklin
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feature
the hawk’s eye • february 2009
Future Planning
The Hawk’s Eye determines potential career paths for students [neha wahid]
B
By the year 2020 Olathe East’s graduates of our generation will be full-fledged members of the corporate world. As students make their way through their high school experience they are faced with endless questions about their future careers. What are the best career options for students in this technology enhanced day-and-age? Technology is the defining aspect of most industries today. The enhancement of the internet has allowed businesses to communicate faster, reduce costs, and make production simpler. Careers such as software engineering, website designing, network system analysts, and database administrators are soon to be in high demand due to the need for companies to maintain their efficiency. As the average lifespan increases, the demand in the healthcare field increases as well. Medical assistants, doctors and nurses, pharmacy technicians, and physical therapists are all examples of careers that are not affected by the economic crisis. Radiosurgury, a field that has recently been developed, allows doctors to treat various forms of cancer
without the use of invasive surgery. Environmentalist career opportunities are at a high rise as the nation becomes increasingly environment conscious. Even celebrities are endorsing the so-called “green movement�— Leonardo DiCaprio makes a statement by flying exclusively on commercial jets, using solar panels to power his home, and driving a hybrid car to lessen the negative effects on the environment. Engineers are needed to find innovative ways to build hydrogenpowered cars. Conservation Biologists use science to protect and find ways to retain naturally functioning land, water, and plant and wildlife systems, in efforts to reverse the effects of global warming. Determining a future career is the most vital decision that is made during high school. It is important to consider interest as well as society’s need. Jobs in healthcare, technology, and environmentalism will get considerably higher in future generations.
“Here’s looking at you, kid!�
Enter the CAVALIER FILM FESTIVAL 2009 Open to current Johnson County high school students. Entries must be received by 5 p.m. March 23. For complete info, call 913-469-3807 or visit www.jccc.edu/filmfest Prizes awarded at the Cavalier Film Festival April 23 | 7-10 p.m. | Craig Community Auditorium
Johnson County Community College
12345 College Blvd. | Overland Park | www.jccc.edu
Most Popular College Majors provided by collegeboard.com Business Administra- Psychology tion and Management Career Counselor Accountant Human Resource Management Risk Manager Advertising Executive Health Care Administrater Hotel Manager
Criminologist Marketing Executive Social Worker Substance Abuse Counselor
Education
College Administrator Guidance Counselor Teacher Professor
Biology
Botanist Veterinary Surgeon Physical Therapy Neuroscience Ecology Biotechnology
Nursing Dentist Occupational Therapist Physician Paramedic
Coinage
the hawk’s eye • february 2009
feature
11
For
[tessa magana]
College
This time of year, the idea of college looms over our heads like a ridiculously expensive rain cloud. Finding a major or a compatible roommate doesn’t matter if your bank account is dry before buying books. With the morgage crisis affecting loans, receiving aid might seem impossible. There are foundations ready to send out a lifeline to deserving students, though, and the first step is learning about them.
The Ayn Rand Foundation Ayn Rand, a famous author known for her controversial works, focused on trying times in Soviet Russia and the strong will of the persecuted people. Her foundation offers $10,000 for first place in essay constests for three of her passionate books. The books are seperated by grade and use different prompts.
The Johnson County STOP Underage Drinking Project This organization will award one or more $1,000 scholarships to youth who are positive, alcohol, tobacco and other drug-free role models for their peers.
The Greater Kansas City Chapter of the
Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America The AAFA is an organization that provides sholarsihps to area high school seniors who have a history of asthma and allergies, have suceeded adademically, and have shown interests in school and community. The scholarship is $1,000 and will be applicable to any college or university.
Anthem The Fountainhead Atlas Shrugged Freshmen and Sophomore
Juniors and Seniors
Open Entry
March 20, 2009
April 25, 2009
Sept 17, 2009
Applicants Must Be: A high school senior in Johnson County Kansas. A positive, drug-free role model for others. Involved in underage drinking/substance abuse prevention efforts. Able to submit a personal biography. Willing to submit to an oral interview.
Application Essay Tips Be specific Avoid clichéd, generic, and predictable writing by using vivid and specific details. Don’t write a resume. Don’t include information that is found elsewhere in the application. Your essay will end up sounding like an autobiography, travelogue, or laundry list. Don’t forget to proofread. Typos and grammatical errors show carelessness.
12
feature
the hawk’s eye • february 2009
Special Report:
Witnessing History My day at the inaguration of Barack Obama On January 20 , 2009 at 1:00am, I met up with my friends Kayla and Jon and we walked down to the Woodley Park Zoo Metro stop. The Metro stopped running at 2:00am, so we knew we needed to get there soon! Once we arrived to the Judiciary Square stop we made our way down to the United States Capital. What an amazing sight! The stage displayed flags from our History along with the seats to accommodate all of his invites. When we got as close as we could, a Secret Service agent told us to go to the nearest entrance at 3rd and C streets. We wandered down there after taking a few pictures of the building aglow. Being there at 1:40 in the morning was quite a feat because it was hovering around a blustery 15 degrees. We reached the barricade that would serve as a barrier for me and my friends for the next 6 or so hours. Sitting down and cozying up with our newly purchased Snuggies, we found more people from the group with which we were traveling. Once it was time for us to enter, we did! Making our way around Pennsylvania Avenue to the Mall, we hit our final destination: 3rd Street. It felt like minutes, but two hours rolled by, watching dignitaries and ex-Presidents find their seats, we finally came to the point we were waiting for: Barack Obama. He walked down to his seat, greeting people left and right and then finally his family. He sat down, the
Justin Adrian
Justin Adrian
O
by Justin Adrian, History teacher
th
ceremony started. First a welcoming, then a prayer, then Joe Biden getting sworn in. After Joe became our 47th VicePresident, Barack and Michelle Obama walked up to Chief Justice Roberts and the swearing in began. Barack placed his hand on the Lincoln Bible, repeated after Chief Justice Roberts, and he entered into the small secret society known as the Presidents of the United States of America. He then gave his inaugural address to the crowd and the nation, promising better times to come for all! Once the poem was read and we sang our National Anthem, we made our way under to the I-350 tunnel and back to the Metro to head to the hotel and de-thaw. What an amazing experience! The rush of standing in an area no bigger than a half of the front page of a newspaper and losing feeling in all fingers and toes; we witnessed history as it happened.
Justin Adrian
Justin Adrian
2 4 the hawk’s eye • february 2009
feature
13
nd
Thursday, February 19Saturday, February 21
Street
Evening Performances- 7:30 Matinee Performance- Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
*The matinee includes understudy performances. 42nd Street combines acting, singing, and tapping toes.
“It’s a show inside a show, “ said junior Alex Johnson who plays Andy Lee. The musical, set during the Great Depression, follows the story of Julian Marsh, a director, working on his last show. The star of the show, Dorothy, breaks her ankle shortly before the big night, and her understudy, Peggy, has 36 hours to learn the lead role.
Junior Emily Monrad, who plays Dorothy Brock, said, “42nd Street is all about the team effort- how every single person is needed to create something worthwhile.”
[tara boyd] [john wood]
Starring:
Understudies shown in parentheses
Dorothy Brock Emily Monrad (Breawn Bradford) Peggy Sawyer Molly Wetzel (Kayli Jamison) Maggie Jones Alisha Morris
Annie Reiley Karen Edwards
Julian Marsh Nick Snodgrass (Lucas Pherigo) Billy Lawlor Joel Chambers Bert Barry John MacBride Andy Lee Alex Johnson Abner Dillon Brian Weideman Pat Denning John Wood
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feature
the hawk’s eye • february 2009
Howto
[maggie houston]
A
After just the first week of working on your new goal for the new year, over 25% of you have already moved on and given up (and that’s including the fact that less than half of our population in the United States makes one in the first place). So, why do we always end up failing these missions? Because, among other reasons, we haven’t been realistic. Make sure you drive for a plausible goal. Don’t choose to add on three sports to your weekly schedule or lose 30 pounds by the end of the month. First of all, that’s not healthy, but also you’re just setting yourself up for failure. By setiing a goal that is actually attainable, you can always work your way up from there. Start out with a reasonable idea and you will be on your way.
StickWithYour NewYear’s Resolution the hawk’s eye • february 2009
One of the most important things you can do to make sure you succeed is to stay determined. If you’re not serious about your goal, it’s not going to happen. Try to anticipate any roadblocks that will come up and have a plan for how to plow through them. Just be prepared your whole way through this and it can work out. Another tip that can help immensely is planning long-term, instead of just for the few upcoming months. This is a gradual process, so plan your strategy to fit an entire year or so, not just within the next few months. You need to develop a schedule that you can follow throughout the year. This should help you become accustomed to your daily ritual of improving yourself.
r u re a d y
Also, be flexible. There’s no way you can forsee everything thats going to happen this year, so don’t beat yourself up if you slip up every once in a while. It’s going to happen. The only thing you can make sure of is that you keep on trying even afterward. Write down your goals and how you plan on achieving them. Keep all of the previous tips in mind when planning out your schedule. Remember, organization is key in this process. Be patient and you can get what you want this year. By beginning this process early in life, you can benefit from this for years and years to come.
Rockhurst University is ready to prepare you for your life, with strong academics, leadership opportunities and community service in the Jesuit tradition. People thrive here. t .PSF UIBO BSFBT PG TUVEZ JODMVEJOH excellent graduate programs t 'SJFOEMZ DBNQVT DPNNVOJUZ JO UIF WJCSBOU heart of Kansas City t UP TUVEFOU GBDVMUZ SBUJP BDDFTT UP nationally recognized professors Ready to learn more? Sign up for Rockview, our overnight campus visit, March 1-2.
www.rockhurst.edu/rockview
Rockhurst University admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin.
The Horrific Birth of The Unborn
[sarah miller]
the hawk’s eye • february 2009
I
Imagine this: You’re in a snazzy movie theatre with your beau when you see a preview for a super creepy horror movie. Now picture yourself seeing that movie and realizing that you wasted your money. Yeah, not the best feeling in the world. Previews for The Unborn lead you to believe that the movie is about a girl being haunted by her unborn twin, which holds just the scare you desire. The plot sounds original and never heard of before. Well guess what, you’re in for a big surprise. Plot twists occur every several minutes, each one more drab than the next. It turns out that her twin was possessed by a demon, or dybbuk, and now the thing wants revenge because Casey’s grandma killed it in--wait for it--Auschwitz! (What is with all these WWII movies?) And guess what else! Los Angeles Times’ critic, Glenn Whipp, stated that the writer and director of the movie, David Goyer, reused scenes from The Exorcist, which explains the feelings of déjà vu throughout the “thrilling” experience. Yet another problem with The Unborn is that it reuses its own scenes. Whaaat?! Seeing the dead kid for the first time may be a little creepy, but after the hundreth time, he looses his affect. The worst thing he does is stand several yards across from the main
review
15
character, Casey, played by Cloverfield’s Odette Yustman, and stare. That’s not scary -- that’s not even creepy -- it’s just super annoying. The movie insists on explaining every single mystery, and while some would find that ideal, it makes the movie awfully repetative. Varitey’s Peter Debruge insisted that, “Whereas Japanese horror movies have been criticized for not making sense, The Unborn errs on the opposite extreme, coming off all the more ridiculous for overexplaining itself.” Ladies and gentleman, I could not have said it better myself. Now to discuss the acting... or lack thereof. Holy freakin’ cow. Could it get any worse? Over-acting or under-acting, either way, there was just too much. A good horror movie does not consist of dialogue. A good, hair-raising, skin-crawling, spinetingling horror holds spooky suspense music, jump-out-of-your-seat moments, and pasty, blue-skinned Asians. The Unborn holds none of these, not a one. In fact, USA Today’s Claudia Puig said that, “For chuckles, if not chills, The Unborn delivers.” It’s always nice to know that someone agrees, no?
1 out of 5 stars
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sports
the hawk’s eye • february 2009
Brand New Possible Shoes Head
The new face of the Kansas City Chiefs
A
As the football season comes to its sad close, the Kansas City Chiefs have much to look forward to next season with their new general manager, Scott Pioli, to replace Carl Peterson and Herm Edwards, and also designs for a brand new spring training facility close to home. For 19 years Chiefs tradition has been to train in River Falls, Wisconsin at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls facilities, but after this next season the Chiefs will abandon the sanctuary of their small Wisconsin town of 12,560 people. Cause for this dramatic change came from the now former Governor Matt Blunt, who had approved a $25 million in-state tax credit for the Kansas City Chiefs to make the change to St. Joseph in the fall. The succeeding Governor Jay Nixon has no objections to these policies established by his predecessor and will otherwise approve the tax credits. The plans include a $13.5 million indoor training facility at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph expected to be completed in 2010. This kind of change is more than necessary to avoid clinging to the old regime of Carl Peterson and his legacy of making the Chiefs one of the worst teams in professional football. “Now that Carl Peterson is gone, I think that the Chiefs have a better chance of winning,” said Kevin Hazelton, senior. Along with Scott Pioli, the Chiefs will enjoy a renewal of faith in their leadership, and of course a brand new multi-million dollar indoor training facility courtesy of the state of Missouri. In addition to the $25 million tax credits for the training facility, in June of 2006 $25 million was given to the Chiefs for what some would consider much needed renovations to both Arrowhead and Kauffman Stadiums. That figure puts government contri-
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[eric yarns] butions at a staggering $50 million, a gift from the Missouri taxpayers. Perhaps the most influential change for the Chiefs will be the filling of the vacant spot of head coach. With Herm Edwards out on the street, the prospects of a replacement look optimistic. Former head coach of the Pittsburg Steelers, Bill Cowher, is a possible choice along with Mike Shanahan, the recently fired head coach of the Denver Broncos. This optimistic transformation of a declining team will show its improvements as early as next season when Pioli takes the reigns. Perhaps with investing $50 million in a brand new training facility close to home as well as a new proven general manager, the Chiefs might finish better than next to last in the league.
This kind of change is more than necessary to avoid to the old regime of Carl Peterson.
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Coach Replacements
photo courtesy of daylife.com
Bill Cowher History with Chiefs
Cowher was Defensive Coordinator under Chief’s head coach, Marty Schottenheimer from 1989-1991.
Coaching Record
In 15 seasons as head coach of the Pittsburg Steelers Cowher boasts a 149-90 record, eight division titles, six AFC Championship games, and one Super Bowl win.
photo courtesy of the Washington Post
Mike Shanahan Coaching Record
In 16 seasons as head coach of the Los Angeles Raiders from 1988 to 1989 and most notably the Denver Broncos from 1995 to 2008, Shanahan controls a 146-98 record. But most important of all two Super Bowl victories.
sports
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[zach hunter]
Olathe East’s greatest sports team that nobody knew existed
Scott Clark
E
Everybody’s who’s anybody has been out to see our basketball teams in action, and even more have been to watch the football games, but few students at Olathe East have seen or even heard of the Olathe East Rugby Team. This relatively underground sport has a rich history and won the state championship in 03, 06, and 07. And although it was established in 1994, the rugby club has had remarkably little publicity; however, Coach Scott Clark is determined to get the word out. “It [Rugby] is not a traditional sport that kids grow up with,” says Clark “The biggest problem is that students don’t know it exists. However, the popularity and exposure of the sport is growing in KC and the league has added four new teams in the last two years.” That brings us to the big question, what the hawk is rugby? Well, according to the coach, this fifteenplayer, high contact, springtime sport hooks players in with the exciting possibility that every player has a
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chance to score, and the structure of the game mostly closely resembles football. However, Clark says that it’s wrestlers, not football players who make the best rugby players. “Their skills seem to fit in most closely with the rugby skills. What’s great about the sport is that you need fast, slow, tall, short, skinny and large guys. All shapes and sizes are needed.” So are you a natural born rugby player who doesn’t know it yet? There’s only one way to find out; go out for the team this February. Coach Clark is looking for freshman, sophomores, or experienced juniors and seniors to join the team. For more information about signing up check out the team’s offi-
What the Hawk is Rugby?
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Rugby
East
the hawk’s eye • february 2009
cial website at www.geocities.com/olathefc. Scott Clark
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sports
the hawk’s eye • february 2009
Spotlight: Michael Jim Super
Varsity Basketball player
Starling
[caliee behnke]
Q. How many points do you average per game and what is your position? A. 42.3 (really like 2) and forward. Q. What do you do for fun? A. Get my butt annihilated in Wii by Ben Schmitz Q. What are your favorite NBA and NCAA teams, as well as players? A. NBA: Dallas Mavericks; Dirk Nowitzhi NCAA: KU; Brady Morningstar Q. What do you aspire to do after high school? A. I want to go to college at Drake University or KU and study to be a pharmacist. Q. What are the top 5 songs most listened to on your iPod? 1. Abba- “Dancing Queen” 2. Erasure- “A Little Respect” 3. Gloria Gaynor- “I Will Survive” 4. The Village People- “YMCA” 5. The Village People- “Macho Man” Q. Is there a particular game you’ll never forget? A. The first game against Olathe South last year.
dates to
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remember
Feb11 Feb12
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Progress Reports Parent/Teacher
Conferences
Feb16
President’s Day NO SCHOOL
Feb19 42nd Street
es of 005 l a s n i e s crea ndise since 2 n i t n e c r e P rcha e m y a D ’s Valentine en m o w n a c meri s flowers A f o t n e Perc nd themselve y who se Valentine’s Da on
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Jessica Alcorn
Dreams come true; without that possibility, nature would not incite us to have them. - John Updike Author, 1932-2009
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nd
street
The Scene on stage is a blur as rehearsal takes place. Nick Snodgrass, Junior, recites his lines.
The cast rehearses the song “Gettin’ Out of Town”
Alex Johnson, Junior, ties his tap shoes in preperation for the next number.