The View Issue 3 Vol 17

pg.7

TABLE OF CONTENTS

4

news

No Need to Fear, Ebola Is NOT Here

11 16

issue three, volume 17 november 14, 2014

THE VIEW STAFF editors print editor-in-chief KYLE VANICE

features

art director VIVIAN BROCKMAN

High School Ft. My Parent

features editor ERIN STUMP

opinion

sports editor NICK CLAASSEN

Flipside: College Choices

22

sports

web editor-in-chief CALEB FENNER social media director DARIA GHASEMI

Is Football Worth It?

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

This time of year everyone begins to think of what they are thankful for. Many students and faculty take time to reflect and discover what they are truly thankful for; maybe you’re thankful for finally getting a lead in the school’s musical (pg 12). They might not think it, but, students that have parents that are part of South’s faculty are probably thankful to have someone to watch over them at school (pg 11). Some seniors are thankful because they have already committed to colleges for athletics next year (pg 20), or maybe you are truly thankful because you have overcome a serious struggle (pg 15). Everyone has something to be thankful for and that is what this season is all about.

Kyle Vanice, Editor-In-Chief

PHSVIEW.COM

reporters

ANDRES ACOSTA COLLINS BEATTY EMMA EHLERS SHELBY ERSKINE MORGAN GREER ALLIE HICKEY COLBY HORSTMANN EMARY LANGHORN TAYLOR LENZ HOPE MAYO TANNER McCLARAN SAMMI NAY PATRICK ROBEY DESTINY ROGERS ALEX ROTHERS ADELE ROYLE ALIZA RUSSELL BRADY SMITH AUBREE WILKERSON EMMA WOODSON

adviser

cover photo by SOPHIE HARDIN

2

business manager SHELBY THOMPSON

>> ALL STATE BOYS SWIM HONORS WENT TO IAN MORGAN IN 500 FREE AND 400 FREE RELAY TEAM

MEGAN PALMER

CAP AND GOWN

NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT

CONTROVERSY

by TAYLOR LENZ

I

Seniors struggle with ordering graduation materials from Jostens

t’s early May, and South’s seniors are preparing for one of the biggest days in an adolescent’s life--high school graduation. Many things go into the preparation for this memorable ceremony, such as cap and gowns. This year, like every other year, Jostens came to South to give their informational assembly on how cap and gown orders work.

But Jostens was brought into a more controversial light this year, when multiple parents, teachers, and students commented on the way Jostens does their cap and gown orders.

“Not once was the just the cap and gown mentioned,” said Brittany Coffey, senior. “That was my biggest problem with it.

Not all of us have the means to drop $150 on sweatshirts and sweatpants.”

Senior Schaefer Schuetz also had an opinion on the way Jostens presented their information.

“I mean, I can see where they are coming from because it’s a business, but I feel like by only presenting us with the most expensive packages, they are taking advantage of the ignorance of teens,” said Schuetz.

Deanna Koelliker, communication arts and senior class sponsor, had a strong opinion on the Jostens advertising tactics.

“As a request from my students, I put the form under the overhead to try and explain how the ordering works. It took me a minute to differentiate the required from the optional. If I have trouble finding that as an educated consumer, it had to be confusing for kids,” she said.

Dr. Dale Longenecker, principal, had some wise words for the upset student body, parents and faculty alike.

“Jostens is run by a father and son (in the KC area sector) who works with 19 high schools around the area. I’ve seen Mr. Enger drive from Lawrence to Park Hill South to give one student their robe because they selected the wrong box.

Customer service is the biggest perk of the Jostens Company,” said Longenecker.

But what is the solution? The majority of complaints from students, parents and teachers were that kids felt pressure from the company to buy a package with unnecessary items, spending more than they can afford, and that instructions were unclear from sale reps. Longenecker explained why students should support Jostens.

“They’ve worked hard to build a relationship with all the high schools around the city,” said Longenecker.

But why does South give Jostens the exclusive ability to come market to high school students?

“We don’t allow tuxedo companies, limo companies, etc. to come in and market around Prom time. I think as a community we need to be careful what we market to kids without parents around. Parents need to know this meeting is open to them,

too,” Koelliker said.

As a senior class sponsor, Koelliker said that it is her job not to scrutinize Jostens, but to look out for the senior class as graduation approaches. Students agree that they need to get the right information about ordering.

“I wouldn’t say to just get rid of Jostens, because they’ve been around a long time. But, someone does need to sit in and make sure the information is clear. I feel like Jostens only being at PHS ‘one Friday’ turns into multiple Fridays, and we are pressured into a quick decision causing many to spend over what they’re budgeting for,” said Schuetz.

Dr. Longnecker proposed a different solution.

“Anyone that has questions, we will talk to all day long.

Tell us what you want to order, and we’ll tell you how to do it. There isn’t any pressure to buy anything. The only required piece is a cap and gown. It’s not about the sale pitch... this is the only thing we ask you to pay for,” said Longnecker.

He said the school pays for the venue, and tickets have never had to be purchased for graduation. After all is said and done, the district ends up spending $12,000-$14,000, which helps combat graduation costs for many students.

“We have a wide variety of economic pools at South,” he said.

Some parents write a check and buy their kids everything on the sheet. Some borrow a gown and spend $12 on the tassel,” said Longnecker. “In six months all the seniors will be adult consumers, and you have to be able to sift through the things you don’t want, and purchase what you have budget for. Jostens is not a high pressured sales pitch, but in the real world, that’s what you’re going to run into. No company can accommodate to 400 kids.”

Jostens sales rep Bob Enger explained the challenges they face when selling to students.

“It is a continuous challenge to put all the relevant content on the limited space available (on the order form),” he said.

“Cap and Gown package four has the least amount of items, so it takes up the least amount of space.”

He said he was surprised at the animosity voiced by students and parents as his office has not received any phone calls or e-mails from confused customers. He said confused seniors should contact Jostens in the future for clarification of any concerns.

“Our ultimate goal,” he said, “is a smooth ordering process and Commencement Ceremony for each senior.”

Although the cap and gown process has caused some mixed feelings from Park Hill South’s community, the excitement of turning over a new leaf and starting a new chapter of life is still strong for seniors at South.

“AS A COMMUNITY, WE NEED TO BE CAREFUL WHAT/ HOW WE MARKET TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS.”

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PHSVIEW.COM

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NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT It is the newest virus to spread fear throughout the United States. Originating from West Africa in the late 1970s, Ebola has put the nation in hysteria. However, there’s hope! With vaccine trials, and confirmed patients cured of the virus, Ebola is not so much of a threat to the average American as it is a problem with finding a cure.

Asking students around South, most were fairly familiar with what Ebola was.

“It’s a virus accompanied by a fever, and it’s not a problem in America,” said Quinn Godding, senior.

In addition, students understand how this virus is treatable. Unlike HIV, symptoms are noticeable when infected with the Ebola virus.

“HIV has no survivors when it turns into AIDs, whereas Ebola does. HIV lives in the body till the host dies,” said Grace Heinerikson, Junior.

Though, she says, it is not to be confused with an “absurd zombie outbreak.”

Ebola, a major problem in Africa, is a miniscule dilemma in the United States, Bryan Elliott, Senior, elaborated. “[Ebola is] a virus with a relatively high mortality rate in Africa, but it’s treatable in the United States,” said Elliott.

Nevertheless, there is confusion on what Ebola even is.

Ebola hemorrhagic fever is simply a disease caused by the Ebola Virus that affects functions of the organs to operate poorly. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) asserts that you cannot receive Ebola from water, food, or the air.

Furthermore, the fatality rate of Ebola has been 50 percent, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

People infected by the Ebola Virus have effects to the body such as internal bleeding, organ failure, and tissue damage.

Internal bleeding is caused by clots in the bloodstream from the virus, causing blood to thicken and have a weaker flow. Clots then proceed to cut the supply of blood to most of your vital organs (lungs, brain, liver, intestines, kidneys) that in return affect the blood stream. Organs sooner or later become damaged and eventually quit working.

Symptoms include what would feel like a common fever.

The spread of the virus can be caused through direct contact of bodily fluids of those infected. Spread occurs to health takers, when strict precautions with treatment are not practiced.

With over 9000 cases of Ebola reported by the CDC, and close to 5000 deaths coming from Africa, new articles confirm that hope is in the air. In Spain, the infected nurse, Teresa Romero, has been cured and so has the nurse from Dallas, Texas. Romero proved negative for the virus four times, and is said to be completely free of Ebola.

The World Health Organization declared on Oct. 20, that Nigeria was free of the virus after 20 cases and eight deaths.

Their Main Website claims that there have been zero cases from Nigeria in the past 42 days as of Oct. 20.

Students around South offer the opinions of Ebola just being another virus that will soon be irrelevant.

by ANDRES ACOSTA

BY THE NUMBERS...

13.3

1 in 13.3 million chance of getting Ebola in America

4

PHSVIEW.COM

EBOLA

NO NEED TO FEAR

ISN’T HERE

“The media is blowing it out of proportion and putting terror in American minds. It’ll end up like swine flu in that nobody gets it anymore,” said Hannah Fasbender, senior.

There is some worry in how the security of flights traveling from West Africa come to the United States.

“If anything, there needs to be more security in flights coming from West Africa because they’re letting people infected with the virus come here and spread it,” said Aesha Ward, senior.

Though there are changes that not only the CDC is implementing, but also the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the DHS is forcing passengers flying from Ebola infected countries to fly to five airports with the tools and equipment to scan for Ebola. The airports are: JFK, Newark, Dulles, Atlanta and Chicago.

“There needs to be an understanding that it’s not necessarily a problem with the United States. We need to focus our problems on curing the virus from West Africa with better treatment, as well as worrying about distribution of a vaccine,” said Jon Tinoco, senior.

Some students, if not most, display little to no fear for the virus.

“Doesn’t worry me because more and more countries are getting better treatment and are becoming healthier and some are even cured of the disease,” said Quintin Jaeger, senior.

Like Jaeger, Jason Jeong, sophomore, is not concerned about the virus for its weak distribution.

“I’m not afraid because you can only contract it by bodily fluid,” said Jeong.

With only a handful of cases, neither of which being near Park Hill School District, not much worry comes from Ebola spreading to our school.

“It’s hasn’t become a problem locally and even so, it’s very difficult to contract the virus, therefore i’m not too concerned about Ebola,” said Anna Thompson, sophomore.

The newest disease to hit the market is seemingly short lived as far as its travels into the States. With hope in cures and help for different countries, the issues are more centered around how vaccines will be distributed to West Africa and also how treatment can improve where Ebola is at its worst.

Your chances of getting Ebola in America compared to these extreme situations

9.6

1 in 9.6 million chance of dying from a lightning strike this year

3.7

>> THE FIRST EBOLA OUTBREAK OCCURED IN 1976 IN CENTRAL AFRICA, ACCORDING TO CNN.COM

1 in 3.7 million chance of being killed by a shark in your lifetime source: NPR

C200 takes

D.C.

Newspaper and yearbook students attended the National High School Journalism Convention November 5-9

by ADELE ROYLE

T

photos from VIVIAN BROCKMAN

>>NEWSPAPER PLACED 9TH BEST OF SHOW OVERALL >>NINE STUDENTS PLACED IN WRITE-OFF CONTESTS

his past week members of the South Newspaper and Yearbook staffs traveled to Washington D.C. for the JEA/NSPA Fall Convention.

The conference included keynote speakers such as Bob Woodward and other noteworthy people who had successes in news, sports, or opinion writing as well as successful photographers and photojournalists.

“I really enjoyed getting to hear from well-known journalists from all across ther country,” said Nick Claassen, junior.

On top of being able to learn from the best of the best journalists, these students got to sightsee all of

D.C. which included the U.S. Capitol, The Smithsonian, The Holocaust Museum, Georgetown, and much more in just four short days.

“I really enjoyed the Holocaust Museum because I had never been before and it was really interesting,” said Vivian Brockman, junior.

Newspaper and Yearbook plan to apply the various things they learned at the conference to make South’s newspaper and yearbook even better.

“Many of the people there has new ideas to share as well as taking new ideas back with them,” said Daria Ghasemi, junior.

Bring this coupon for Free Appetizer with the purchase of a Large Specicality Pizza!

SCP IS PROUD TO SUPPORT PARK HILL SOUTH

PHSVIEW.COM

5

NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT

the season for

GIVING

by DARIA GHASEMI

“

Each year around the holidays students at South decide to give back to the community in many different ways From something as simple as volunteering at a soup the charity organization last year. His family went to a less kitchen to helping someone completely redesign their house privileged area in downtown Kansas City. this is the time of year that students make an extra effort to The Ehlers family redesigned a lady’s house that they put others first. were paired up with. They repainted it, retiled it and Park Hill South’s yearbook staff has decided to go to completely redesigned the house. Not only were they only volunteer as a class at a soup kitchen. Senior Lauren working on the house but they also got to get to know the Powers, yearbook co-editor, thought of the idea to use the owner of the house. Davis’ parents have participated in volunteering as not just a way to help the community Christmas in October the past three years. but also as an opportunity for the class “Thinking about all you have and THINKING ABOUT ALL YOU to bond. everything I’m blessed for just makes “I think it’s a good time for stuff like HAVE AND EVERYTHING I’M me want to give back even more to our this. Around the holidays it’s a good BLESSED FOR JUST MAKES ME community,” said Ehlers. time for people without families,” South offers many opportunities for WANT TO GIVE BACK EVEN students said Powers. to help volunteer around the MORE TO OUR COMMUNITY community. Key Club is a great way to get Though it is close to the holidays that was not a huge factor for the reason they are involved if you are looking for more ways to volunteer. Key volunteering. The class seemed very excited about the idea Club is a student led organization that performs services and is very willing to help out others Powers said. acts throughout their communities.

Christmas in October is another way South students are “They learn leadership skills by running meetings, choosing to give back to people in the community. It is a planning projects and holding elected leadership positions volunteer opportunity where a family adopts a household for the club,” said Trevor Allison, math. and helps renovate the house for the family. St. Therese Each year students at South find different ways to give Church plays a large role in organizing it and rallying back to the community in many different ways around volunteers for the cause. the holidays.

Davis Ehlers, sophomore, and his family participated in

“

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>> 38% OF THOSE WHO DONATE TO CHARITY SAID THEY ARE MORE LIKELY TO DO SO DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON (ATYM.COM)

NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT What do blueberries, broccoli, pumpkin, spinach, turkey and dark chocolate all have in common? They’re all known as superfoods. Health.com categorizes superfoods as foods that are “nutrient powerhouses that pack large doses of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.” These calorie sparse and nutrient rich foods have many health benefits and may be easier to include in your diet than you think. by EMMA EHLERS

Blueberries may be small, but are packed with nutrients. They help soften the skin and give your brain an extra boost. The antioxidants in blueberries help reduce age related memory loss and some types of cancer TRY IT: 1/2 a cup a day, or the equivalent of a slice of blueberry pie

{

PUMPKIN

Pumpkin seeds help the body produce serotonin, leading to better sleep habits--something most teenagers need.

Pumpkin is also rich in potassium and Vitamin B. TRY IT: This year, when carving pumpkins, clean the seeds, toss them in olive oil, season with sea salt and roast to perfection

TURKEY

“WATCH ‘PLANES, TRAINS, AND AUTOMOBLIES’ WITH FAMILY. ALSO WE CELEBRATE MY BIRTHDAY BECAUSE I WAS BORN ON THANKSGIVING.”

Turkey contains half the saturated fat of ground beef, and is high in protein.

This helps keep blood sugar levels steady and keep bad cravings away, so make sure to fill up your plate this Thanksgiving.

HANNAH WARMAN, SENIOR

TRY IT: Next time you go out for burgers, try a turkey burger

FALLING FOR SUPERFOODS

{

BLUEBERRIES

“PLAYING KICKBALL AGINST THE PARENTS AND THE KIDS ALWAYS RIG THE GAME” EVAN MARROW, JUNIOR

As Fall and the Thanksgiving season is approaching, one teacher at South is planning to make this Thanksgiving one to remember. Sarah Adkins, science, can’t wait to create a mouthwatering menu that has a special twist. Almost all of the dishes will have a superfood in them.

Adkins’s menu will include a pumpkin bisque, a spinach salad, green bean casserole, turkey and/or ham, and a pumpkin tart with a toffee topping.

“I actually saw the pumpkin tart recipe in Southern Living and I got really excited about including it in my Thanksgiving dinner,” said Adkins.

BROCCOLI

Eating broccoli can reduce your risk of esophagial, lung, breast and stomach cancer. It is also shown to reduce your risk of developing stomach ulcers.

With this list of benefits, you may want to listen to your mom next time she says, “Eat your broccoli.”

TRY IT: 1/3 cup steamed broccoli seasoned with sea salt

SOURCE: Health.com

SPINACH

Spinach is the ultimate superfood. It is packed with iron, which gives you more energy for the day and its antioxiddants may help prevent ovarian, breast and colon cancer.

TRY IT: Instead of Caesar salad, try a strawberry and spinach salad

DARK CHOCOLATE

Yes, this is real. Chocolate can be good for you. Dark chocolate is shown to benefit the heart. Studies show that eating a serving of dark chocolate every day may reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure or diabetes TRY IT: Trade your favorite candy bar for a dark chocolate one

“WE EAT A TOFURKEY, IT SOUNDS WEIRD, BUT ITS MADE OF TOFU AND MY FAMILY TRIES IT EVERY YEAR AND THEY SAY IT ACTUALLY TASTES LIKE REAL TURKEY.” JOLIE DUNLAP, SENIOR

Thanksgiving TRADITIONS

>> THANKSGIVING FALLS ON NOV. 27 WITH NOV 26-28 OFF FROM SCHOOL

PHSVIEW.COM

7

“I like being busy, so I kind You wake up before the crack of do it to myself but I like to be of dawn, having to wear your 25 involved,” said Donna pound backpack for another day.

Shahbazi, junior.

You show up to learn while taking Many high schoolers have notes after notes and tests after minimal downtime. While on the tests. You come across people you other hand others can not seem may or may not enjoy, while just to have enough free time. A vast trying to get through the day. majority are affected by stress, Just when you think you have while others do not seemed to gotten a break, you have hours of be phased. homework to do along with outside “I am found on my couch eating activities. Welcome to high school.

Cheezits and watching T.V.. I Stress plays a big part in am not very busy,” said Isabella affecting performance levels; sleep Brockman, freshman. can play a role in this. Studies There is always a solution show that teenagers should get up for a problem. to nine and to a half hours “THE MORE YOU WORRY According Health.com there of sleep each ABOUT HAVING SO are healthy ways night. The to deal with your University of MANY THINGS TO DO unhealthy feelings.

Chicago also found that AND HAVING ENOUGH Keeping a positive mindset, setting inadequate TIME TO DO THEM, THE your priorities shut-eye straight, and caused levels LESS YOU ACTUALLY facing the problem of the stress FOCUS ON EACH TASK” will help you cortisol to prevent stress. spike in the “You have got afternoon and evening. to keep a positive state of mind Another trigger for stress is the and not let bad thoughts ruin your atmosphere. It can play a big part day and bring you down. Just chill, in your energy and stress. How you everything will work itself out, manage your time while under a good vibes are the way to go,” said lot of stress can have a positive or Colton Smith, sophomore. negative effect.

High school schedule and the “The more you worry about atmosphere is not going to change having so many things to do and much from the moment you walk having enough time to do them, into the doors from when you the less you actually focus on each leave. That is the truth of reality, it task, resulting in a lack of quality when it comes to work output,” said is a process to be completely stress free but it can be accomplished.

Dylen Propes (senior).

Some bring stress upon themselves.

stress south AT

A look at how stress can take a heavy toll on a high schooler’s life and how to cope with it

by MORGAN GREER

8

PHSVIEW.COM

10 1.

TOP

NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT

struggles of a

PHS STUDENT

by ALEX ROTHERS

2.

Varying Temperatures

An average student goes from 80 degrees to 50 degrees, back up to 90 and down to freezing all within one eight hour school day.

3.

5.

7.

9.

Dress Code

“The fact that we are being judged by teachers for our choice of clothing is disappointing,” said Georgia Campell, junior.

Cafeteria Food

“It sucks. The food does not taste good because of Michelle Obama. I miss the variety and taste of how the food used to be,” said Brandon Rice, junior.

Chairs Pulling Out Hair Lean back and relax in a nice, comfy desk chair…

Come back up and feel the worst pain of our life.

Only students with long hair will understand this struggle.

Cell Phone Rule

For students who check their phone as much as they breathe, the cell phone rule is very difficult to follow.

4.

Thin Toilet Paper

The school’s toilet paper is like Chuck Norris. It’s rough, it’s tough, and it doesn’t take crap from anybody.

Card System

“I think it’s stupid that the card system is based on attendance.

If you have really good grades, but you’re sick a lot you don’t get the incentives that you deserve,” said Kristen Williamson, sophomore.

6.

No Wifi Park Hill South: Using student’s data and draining phone battery since 1998.

8.

Crowded Hallways

Finally getting through one of the most crowded class hallways only to move on to the busy staircase... crowded halls are a struggle every student has encountered.

10.

Security Rules

Ask any coffee lover, getting your drink stolen by the security guards as you walk into school is an automatic day ruiner.

>> WHEN YOU ARE SLEEP DEPRIVED, YOU ARE AS IMPAIRED AS DRIVING WITH A BLOOD ALCOHOL LEVEL OF 0.08% (SLEEPFOUNDATION.ORG)

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YOU

NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT

From hatchets to hazmat suits, Riverside Survival Supply is ready for anything

ARE

READY?

by PATRICK ROBEY

How far would you go to be prepared for an emergency?

Would you have dehydrated foods? A first aid kit? Or even a gas mask? The Riverside Survival Supply store on Vivion Road was built to prepare people for emergencies.

In an instant anything could happen. Such things as power outages or tornados are things that happen yearly, if not more often, and to be ready for such instances is crucial. Within the just the past two decade, events like Y2K and the Mayan calendar ending in 2012 caused many people to believe that doomsday was upon us.

The result of these “doomsdays” was that nothing actually happened; however, many people started to fear that a doomsday would come one day or another. Today, a societal line between prepared and over-prepared has been created.

“It is always good to be prepared, but I believe being prepared for things that aren’t likely to happen is unnecessary,” said Saxton Watson, senior.

With diseases like the Ebola virus giving a scare to people across the world, making some people think that doomsday is coming some are preparing just in case it were to happen. Luckily for people who are afraid there is the Riverside Survival Store.

“Alex Rothers told us about the store so we went during collaboration. We went in and there were a ton of cans and knives for people surviving an apocalypse,” said Jordan Hammond, senior.

The store has items for any situation or emergency.

“It is a place for people to get all the survival things they need to be prepared. It is specifically for people to survive and thrive when things happen like electricity or gas goes out,” said Jennifer Gonzales, Riverside Supply Store manager.

They have a wide variety of survival gear including hazmat suits, knives, water purifiers, ghillie suits, tents and fire starters.

“The most interesting thing in the store was the gas masks, because they were really creepy and I tried one on,” said Hammond.

The store has been open since July. The store’s most popular items are dehydrated foods and water purifiers with their number one item being the Life Straw, which allows people to drink water from anywhere. The store will be doubling in size and will have more items, including more first aid equipment, after the addition is built, according to Gonzales.

“Being prepared isn’t as extreme as many people think of. People come down expecting extreme doomsday prepping items, but this store isn’t the case,” said Gonzales.

The Riverside Supply Store is ready for any emergency, but will you be?

10

PHSVIEW.COM

>> YOU CAN LIVE THREE WEEKS WITHOUT FOOD, BUT ONLY THREE DAYS WITHOUT WATER

>>SCAN HERE FOR MORE ON SURVIVALISTS photos by PATRICK ROBEY

NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT

HIGH SCHOOL ft. my parent

Most students leave their parents behind when they take off for school each week day, but for some South students, their parents tag along--they work here.

“It’s cool having my mom be on staff here at South. It’s easy to get ahold of her.”says Jacob Kline, (sophomore).

Staff member parents agree about the convenience.

“Having Jacob at the same place as me every day, I’m sure, can annoy him sometimes, but I don’t think he minds it too much. It’s easy for me to keep up on how he’s doing in school.” said Jacob’s mom, Jolina Kline, South’s technology specialist.

Chase Hoffman’s (sophomore) father, Mike Hoffman, has taught geometry at South since it opened. Chase had the experience freshman year of having his own dad for a class.

“The main question I get is, ‘Is it weird raising your hand and saying dad?’” said Hoffmann. “It’s cool sometimes. He keeps me on a tight leash when it comes to grades.”

One parent is enough, but how would you like to have both of your parents on staff at your school? Just ask Kaleb Lenhert (junior).

Kaleb’s dad, Clay Lenhert, has taught at South since the school opened in 1998, with his main class being AVID, but has also helped coach football, track, and fishing club. Lenhert’s wife, Laura, has also taught at South since it opened teaching Design & Draw and Ceramics.

“It’s nice having them here when I need lunch money; other than that, it gets annoying sometimes.” said Kaleb.

Kaleb said he feels more pressure having his parents

What it is like to have your parent as a part of South’s faculty

by ALLIE HICKEY

at South.

“My parents keep a close eye on my grades and how I’m behaving at school,” he said.

However, Kline disagreed.

“My mom doesn’t really get in my business, and she knows that I would strive for good grades whether she was on staff or not. I don’t feel pressured at all having her here,” said Jacob.

Now, imagine having your dad as the school’s principal. Erika Longenecker (sophomore) experiences that first=hand as her dad is South’s principal, Dr. Dale Longenecker. Dr. Longenecker discussed the pros and cons of having a daughter as a student.

“I doubt having your dad as your principal goes along with the ideal high school experience, but I don’t think Erika dislikes it too much. Once we get to school in the morning, we rarely see each other the rest of the day,” said Dr. Longenecker.

Dr. Longenecker said he is not the only staff member that is thankful for his child being able to be a student here.

“Parents often think, ‘Is it good enough for my kid?’ and being the principal of a great school like PHS makes me happy to know that I’m certain my kid is getting the best high school experience/education,” said Dr. Longenecker.

These students and teachers that have family members either as a student or teacher have mixed emotions about each of their situations, but regardless, all are thankful to attend such a great school.

“Park Hill South is a special place,” said Longenecker.

“Parents want their kids to attend school here, and I feel like all of our students are proud to attend PHS.”

“PARK HILL SOUTH IS A SPECIAL PLACE. PARENTS WANT THEIR KIDS TO ATTEND SCHOOL HERE, AND I FEEL LIKE ALL OF OUR STUDENTS ARE PROUD TO ATTEND PHS.”

photos from right to left: Kaleb Lenhert and Laura Lenhert, art Jacob Kline and Jolina Kline, technology Erika Longenecker and Dale Longenecker, principal

>> THERE ARE NINE TOTAL SOUTH STUDENTS WITH PARENTS WHO ARE STAFF MEMBERS

PHSVIEW.COM 11

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by ERIN STUMP

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The Seussical is bringing a new vibe to South compared to the past musicals. With change comes new authority which is where Kyle Lackey, new director of the musical, comes in.

The style of the Seussical is fun and lively.

Lackey says, “I wanted to hit a target audience of kids that they couldn’t hit with Phantom last year.”

Lackey has been involved in theatre since middle school. Since then he has been a part of high school and college musicals. He fell in love with directing his senior year of high school when he did the Seussical.

The greatest thing, however, for Lackey, is getting to know the students involved.

Lackey says, “The greatest thing about what I do is being a part of the natural buzz the kids have and seeing them get this moment of confidence right before they go out. It’s exhilarating.”

Based on several of Dr. Seuss’s works, Seussical the Musical is an imaginative story of believing in yourself. Seussical follows the adventures of Horton, a compassionate elephant, as narrated by the Cat in the Hat. Horton hears voices of “Whos”on a clover, including Jojo, a tiny Who with a big imagination and many “thinks” that often get him in trouble. However, no

Dr. Seuss once said, “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” This quote couldn’t be more true for one of the lead roles of Gertrude played by Connor Locke, junior.

Gertrude is Horton’s friend who wants to get his attention throughout the musical.

Locke says, “It’s fun to not be yourself. Gertrude is pretty shy in the beginning and then she comes out of her shell. I can relate to her because that was how I was.”

one believes Horton, so he alone is tasked with protecting the Whos from the dangers of the world. Horton travels all across the Jungle of Nool, from adventure to adventure, meanwhile interacting with Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie and the Sour Kangaroo. Ultimately, it is one of Jojo’s troublesome “thinks” that saves them all.

by ERIN STUMP

Just because Gertrude and Locke relate to each other doesn’t mean that Gertrude is an easy character to play. Locke talks about how it’s always hard to get into character in the beginning and it’s all about not caring what people think of you.

Locke says, “I get to use a different voice for Gertrude. It helps if I go home and look at myself in the mirror and see if I’m actually doing enough.”

Locke’s dedication to Gertrude is displayed by her additional effort towards the Seussical and her role.

by BRADY SMITH

Sour Kangaroo, played by Taylor Lenz, senior, is the epitome of sass in the musical. Lenz is excited that this new role will push her acting abilities.

Lenz said, “You have to convince yourself first that that’s your identity or you won’t convince anyone else. Walk in and leave all the embarrassment at the door.”

Sour Kangaroo is often looked at as the villain of the Seussical. However, she grows throughout the musical and is a developing character.

From Homecoming queen to Cat in the Hat, senior Janae Hammond does it all.

After participating in theatre for the past three years, Hammond has the experience necessary for a lead role as the mischievous, fun-loving Cat in the Hat, who narrates the plot of the Seussical, stirring up trouble and creating obstacles for the characters.

“Mr. Lackey told me I was a good leader for the show,” said Hammond. “I also feel comfortable on stage, and the Cat has to be comfortable taking risks.”

Years of experience and Hammond’s approach toward auditions may contribute to her relaxed attitude onstage.

“I like to go into auditions open-minded, so I practice all the songs, but don’t pick one until right before,” said Hammond. “It keeps me on my toes.”

Being able to adapt to change an important quality for someone in theatre, especially for the role of the Cat in the Hat. “It’s a good way to step out of your comfort zone, or even step out of yourself and be someone else,” said Hammond.

Although acting seems to come naturally to Hammond, she and the entire cast have been practicing every day to master the musical. Hammond said that having several seniors in lead roles is helping the cast make Seussical a show worth watching.

“We have a lot of talent in this show,” said Hammond. “Everyone is giving 100 percent effort.”

Jake Mazeitis, senior, plays Horton the Elephant in South’s rendition of Seussical the Musical. Having a major part in this year’s musical, Mazeitis is looking forward to portray a new kind of character.

“In years past, the musicals have been very dramatic and I’ve had to play serious roles,” said Mazeitis. “Getting to play a light hearted one this year has been really fun.”

Horton is seen as the nice, kind, elephant that is With sass you sense a mile away, the high maintenance Mayzie LaBird is played this year by senior Alyse Weatherford.

“Mayzie starts problems throughout the musical and then leaves them with others,” said Weatherford.

“She has an egg in the story and decides to leave it with Horton... this way it now becomes his problem.”

Being the talk of the town, and stirring up drama,

“It’s fun to play someone mischievous who causes the problems and to watch all of those unfold,” said Lenz.

Although playing Sour Kangaroo is fun because of her sass, another exciting aspect is the freedom of vocals.

Lenz says, “She is the only character who has the liberty to sing notes not on the page.”

The originality of this character is brought to life

by Lenz’s free spirit. by BRADY SMITH

is

by ERIN STUMP

willing to help in any way he possibly can.

“I absolutely love the character I play, and the energy he brings to the stage,” said Mazeitis.

With Horton’s story being a big part of the musical, he learns multiple lessons along the way that are lessons for all.

“For a person is a person no matter how small.”

(Horton hears a Who) by EMMA WOODSON

Weatherford puts all she can in making Mayzie as sassy as possible.

“It’s a bit of a challenge making yourself super sassy without being over the top,” explains Weatherford. “But I absolutely love my part!”

Although her character may seem a little selfish, Weatherford said that she loves the cast she is working with this year and cannot wait for opening night.

by EMMA WOODSON

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NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT

1989 An indepth review of Taylor Swift’s newest album, “1989”

by ADELE ROYLE

ADELE’S FAVORITES BLANK SPACE SHAKE IT OFF ALL YOU HAD TO DO WAS STAY

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single and she’s happy about it. In a recent interview, Swift talks about how her last album was about the hardships of being in a relationship and then out of the relationship and dealing with the breakup, almost depressingly. But now, this new album is about how when you get over the break-up, how you’re fine even though you went through something painful. Swift also expresses how she deals with the “haters,” “fakers,” and “players,” with her song “Shake It Off.” I mean, honestly, if you haven’t noticed how much hate Taylor Swift gets, you’re living under a rock. Every move she makes gets criticized, literally. If there aren’t 300K tweets and vines making fun of Taylor Swift’s disorganized and jumbled dance moves at the latest award show then Twitter and Vine must not be functioning.

But Taylor says not to “get down and out about the liars and dirty, dirty cheats of the world,” but to have more fun than them and be yourself despite what the world might say or do because the world will hate, fake, and play anyway.

Taylor’s plan to release her album was well thought out and planned to the last detail. Her first song on the new album, released October 20, 2014, is called “Welcome to New York,” (hints the whole top of the Empire State Building thing) and is all about the boisterous lives that New Yorkers and what she has discovered about the city in her time living there.

The album is a new sound of Swift that has attracted a whole new generation of Swifties and after the work done on “1989” I cannot wait to see what The Queen does next.

>> 1.287 MILLION ALBUMS OF 1989 WERE PURCHASED WITHIN THE FIRST WEEK

Track List

1. WELCOME TO NEW YORK 2. BLANK SPACE 3. STYLE 4. OUT OF THE WOODS 5. ALL YOU HAD TO DO WAS STAY 6. SHAKE IT OFF 7. I WISH YOU WOULD 8. BAD BLOOD 9. WILDEST DREAMS 10. HOW YOU GET THE GIRL 11. THIS LOVE 12. I KNOW PLACES 13. CLEAN

>>SCAN HERE TO SEE MORE TAYLOR SWIFT

I

t all started on December 13, 1989. Taylor Alison Swift was born in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. When she was five years old she started singing and writing songs, and when she turned 16 she released her debut album after releasing her first number one hit, “Tim McGraw” in 2006.

Four record selling albums, seven Grammys and more than 200 awards later, Taylor Swift released her fifth album on October 27, 2014 labeled “1989” which turned out to be it exactly what any Swiftie could have hoped and dreamed for.

Taylor doesn’t do anything ordinary.

She always has some creative, entertaining way to do something, like release an album for instance. On August 18, 2014, Swift had a worldwide livestream broadcast on Yahoo.com. On the days leading up to the broadcast she gave clues to her fellow Swifties about what this live broadcast might be about.

Her first clue was a video of her in an elevator of a skyscraper, pressing floor number 18 over and over again.

Her second clue was a screen shot on her iPhone with her background being a drawing of a New York skyline sitting next to her new kitten, Olivia Benson. The third and final clue was a picture of someone typing into a yahoo search bar “clue # 3.”

By this point, all T-Swizz fans were restlessly trying to put the pieces together when finally Taylor announced that her news was about when her next news was going to be announced; on a livestream, on top of the Empire State Building.

I’m telling you: nothing ordinary, everything extravagant.

The whole album expresses how happy she is about her life right now. She’s

NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT

MOVIE MADNESS: NIGHT CRAWLER

Nightcrawler is one of the most exciting thrillers of the year fueled by a manic performance by Jake Gyllenhaal

by CALEB FENNER

Jake Gyllenhaal can be one creepy dude. That’s essentially what makes his latest movie, “Nightcrawler” such an exciting and unexpected experience.

Louis Bloom (Gyllenhaal) is a character that has no background information given to us. We see him breaking in to a closed off industrial area where he is cutting wire so that he can sell it. A security guard comes by and Louis jumps on him and beats him wildly.

We first see the crazy in this scene. Driving home, he witnesses a car crash where people called “nightcrawlers” come and film the incident then sell the footage to news crews.

Lou quickly becomes fascinated by this practice and starts to excel at it, and sells to a struggling news director (Rene Russo), desperate to improve ratings.

Through these experiences, we see how desperate and crazy he is. Lou seems to have no end to how far he will go.

Tampering with evidence, and unlawfully entering homes is

I’M A SURVIVOR Life seems like it would be a breeze for me as a normal kid. But this isn’t the case.

In fact, life isn’t all that easy for me.

Being a brain tumor survivor is tough and not at all easy, unfortunately. To be honest, life could actually be a lot better for me. Not only do I struggle physically, but I also struggle mentally as well. I’m not like other kids at all. I’m different, and there’s nothing I can do about it.

I hate it when I often go unnoticed.

I can’t help it that I’m quiet. I grew up around adults and not kids my age.

The whole time I was in the hospital, struggling to survive a deadly brain tumor that could have easily killed me at three years old if it hadn’t been curable, I was living around adults. I actually do better interacting with adults than I do with other kids my age. It’s depressing!

I don’t even know what life would be like for me if the brain tumor wouldn’t have happened. That fact not only scares me, but it also depresses me like crazy.

I often feel like I’m treated unfairly

just the start for him. Rene Russo also has a little bit of that in her, refusing to listen to her co-workers who argue that Lou’s footage is journalistically unethical and too graphic to show on live television.

Gyllenhaal is exceptional. He has quietly worked his way to being one of Hollywood’s best actors. He walks the line of normal crazy and absolutely psycho. It’s a performance as good as any I’ve seen this year. Bill Paxton plays Lou’s rival and Riz Ahmed plays Lou’s reluctant co-worker. Both are solid in supporting roles.

“Nightcrawler” is an exciting thriller with exceptional performances. Gyllenhaal is phenomenal, and the supporting work is good as well. The interesting plot adds a fresh storyline that isn’t common. Nightcrawler is one of the best thrillers I’ve seen all year.

The story of a brain tumor survivor

by COLLINS BEATTY

because I’m different. Again, I CAN’T HELP IT AND I CAN’T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT! NO ONE UNDERSTANDS WHAT IT’S LIKE BEING A BRAIN TUMOR SURVIVOR BECAUSE THEY’RE SO RARE. ONLY 1 IN 1,000 CHILDREN ARE DIAGNOSED WITH A CHILDHOOD BRAIN TUMOR AND NOT EVEN THAT MANY SURVIVE. It saddens me that most kids that don’t survive brain tumors because not only is there no cure for brain tumors, but because brain tumors are the number one killer of young children in the United States. That’s right, more than any other natural disaster combined. The numbers are breathtaking.

Ever since Cyndi Lauper and Sara Bareilles released their recent music video ‘Truly Brave’, the fact that I have been really wanting to bring more awareness about childhood brain tumors, has almost become more of a reality. I think this music video actually speaks for itself. Us childhood brain tumor survivors are the truly brave ones. We have overcome what can’t be overcome.

We have a reason to celebrate. Once I

>>SCAN HERE FOR MORE FACTS ON BRAIN TUMORS

watched this video, it not only made me think back to the awful year I had spent in similar conditions, but it also made me realize that I’m not alone. There are other kids like me out there somewhere, and I wonder if they often feel the same way I do. But for now, there’s only one thing I can do, and that’s “be brave”.

However, there are ways that you as individual people can do to help those young children who have and are suffering from childhood brain tumors.

Every year, all across the United States, individual motorcycle rides called, “Ride For Kids”.

These events, hosted throughout the year, donate money to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. As you can probably guess, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, located in Asheville, North Carolina, is a research center that, for many years, has tried tirelessly to find the cure to childhood brain tumors.

Please check out more information online at abta.org to learn more about childhood brain tumors and how you can help.

>> THERE ARE 120 DIFFERENT TYPES OF BRAIN TUMORS, ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN BRAIN TUMOR ASSOCIATION

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NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT

FLIPSIDE: Transitioning Relationships

by COLBY HORSTMANN College is about a fresh start, meeting new people, and having fun. How do you decide where you want to go to college? Where you got the best scholarships? Sure. Where you like the campus most? Probably. Where they have the best program for your major? Definitely. Where your girlfriend or boyfriend is going? Better not.

You should be able to choose what college you go to without any consideration of a significant other. If you feel the need to follow your boyfriend or girlfriend to college you need to do some serious reconsidering. Your choice of college should not even remotely be affected by a high school relationship.

College is about a fresh start, and you can’t have a fresh start with old baggage. Having a boyfriend or girlfriend going into college will hold you back more than you think, starting with where you go. I think that your choice of college should be made purely by you and how much you like the college and what you want to do. Going somewhere just because your significant other is going there is probably one of the dumbest choices you will ever make. What happens when you break up? Then you are stuck somewhere you don’t want to be, forced to be around someone that you don’t want to be around, and you’ve wasted money and years of your life.

Meeting new people is a huge part of college and if you are in high school dating someone in college and you don’t think that person is going to meet new guys and girls you are ignorant. Honestly, everyone knows how college is and knows the amount of temptations there are in college. So, to think that they won’t find someone else while they are away at college not able to see you is pretty dumb on your part.

They are obviously going to replace you, I know plenty of people that have had high school college relationships and almost none of them have worked out. Seriously just think logically about it; it’s most likely not gonna work and you’re College is supposed to be the best time of your life, right? That is when you are supposed to find who you really are and start taking the steps towards the rest of your life. Can you really take as big of a step as you should if your significant other is holding on to your feet?

I think it is a situational answer. Some couples help each other, and some hurt each other.

Some are together because they think they are in love, some are together because it is convenient. I think you know what kind of relationship you are in and I think

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gonna get hurt in the end.

So if you choose to go to the same college that your significant other is going to, make sure it is because you really like it and you want to go there yourself.

In any other case don’t follow your boyfriend or girlfriend to college because you never know what is going to happen, and don’t date someone in college when you are in high school because you know what is most likely going to happen. So really, whether it is where you go to college or what t-shirt you buy, just don’t make decisions based on a significant other.

you can make the best decision for yourself.

Personally, I think following your significant other to college is a big waste of time and money. If you don’t think your relationship would work out if you didn’t go to the same college, it probably wasn’t meant to be in the first place. If you can’t trust them to be at college without you, or you can’t trust yourself to be at college without them, there are some deeper problems in the relationship that can not be fixed by going to college together.

If you don’t think you can bear college without them right next to you holding your hand the whole way, I think there are some problems there, also. College is the time for you to grow up. You’re not in high school anymore, nobody is required to be there to hold your hand. You have to do things on your own and if you can’t even go to school by yourself, image how much life is going to suck having to rely on someone AFTER college.

But there is another side to this. If you can see you spending the rest of your life with this person, and you legitimately enjoy spending time with them, go to college together. Not just to be together, of course. Make sure you are getting something more out of it. College is suppose to be the best years of your life, and if this person really makes you that happy, then go for it.

But don’t just be going through the motions while you are there.

Make sure you get your college education along the way.

Moral of the story, do what you think is best. Whether that means learning how to trust them/yourself, learning how to be independent, or just making sure you have the best time of your life with someone that makes you legitimately happy. Do what you got to do to make yourself happy, just be smart. You do you.

by SHELBY THOMPSON

>> 32.5% OF COLLEGE RELATIONSHIPS ARE LONG DISTANCE (STATISTICBRAIN.COM)

NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT

TAKE 3: MOVIE THEATRES Around this time of year the weather gets colder and the more I want to stay indoors and just relax.

Going to the movies is a great way to stay inside, while still enjoying your time. With Oscar season right around the corner it’s time to make sure you know which theatre is best suited for you.

AMC BARRYWOODS 24 This is the theatre that most of us know best, and the addition of the Prime Theatre is great, but it could get better.

I have seen countless movies here and I have never been disappointed. It is a fairly clean facility, and they always have plenty of show times and films to choose from.

The addition of AMC Prime, which includes the most comfortable theatre seats you will ever sit in, also has the best sound and vibrating seats that allow you to feel like you are inside the movie.

This option is really the best you can get if you are willing to pay the price. A ticket in the Prime theatre goes for $12, just a little pricier than the regular ticket which is around $10.

Even though it’s a little more expensive, it is definitely worth it. The reclining seats make my entire life; you can sit back, relax and feel like you’re at home while enjoying a movie on the big screen.

This is an overall good theatre, but it would not be nearly as good without the Prime theatres, so I have to give it 3 stars.

ALAMO DRAFT HOUSE This theatre is a breath of fresh air for someone like me who is easily annoyed by texters and annoying pre-teens that often clutter movie theatres. They have a policy that you must be at least 18 or have a parent with you to go inside, which works as a great filter to keep out all those bratty kids.

This place is the epitome of classy theatres. The dinein factor takes this place to the highest level of theatres in Kansas City. The pizza is fantastic, way better than you could get anywhere else.

Even though it doesn’t have a plethora of show times, it is understandable since you can have such a good time and service that you really can’t find anywhere else in the city.

This theatre is great and I think if you really want to go to the movies to actually enjoy the film you will have a great time too. Overall, this place was great and I give it 5 stars.

LEGENDS PHOENIX THEATRE 14 I remember going to the grand opening of this theatre. My dad got advanced screening tickets for Zathura, which at the time seem extremely cool to me.

Walking in for the first time I was amazed, this theatre is definitely a step up from AMC, the lobby has a level of class that other theatres just don’t.

Inside the theatre the class continues, the seats are nice and don’t feel worn out like many other theatres do.

Another great thing about this theatre is that Phoenix is a much smaller chain and you can tell with only a few across the country that more detail and work goes into this theatre than does in bigger theatres.

The biggest downfall of this theatre is the options for films and show times available. They have a lot less options than other theatres because they are a smaller theatre, and definitely fewer showing times with only about four showings a day for a newly released film.

Even though this theatre feels much classier it doesn’t give you as much to choose from and that’s why I gave it a 4 stars.

by KYLE VANICE >> ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE IS PLAYING THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 1 AT 7PM

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NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT

by NICK CLAASSEN

After almost three decades of frustration, the Royals have done more than make it to the World Series: they changed Kansas City and had us partying like it’s 1985 again 1985 was a historic year.

This was a year the first version of Microsoft Windows came out, the year U.S. president Ronald Reagan was sworn in for a second term, and it was even the same year that the movie “Back to the Future” came out.

But for Kansas City this year meant a lot more than that.

This was the year the Kansas City Royals won their first World Series.

In a way, the 2014 Royals team has gone back to the future. The 2014 Royals baseball team made the playoffs for the first time since that World Series, and now 29 years later, they went back right where they started.

“It’s a big accomplishment for the team, and for many it was the first time they’ve ever witnessed something like that in KC,” said Matthew Dieleman, sophomore.

After 29 years of pure disappointment and loss after loss, they finally made it to the postseason. Between then they’ve had four 100-loss seasons and had the longest postseason drought in all of the major four sports in America. But that era is over.

“The loyalty of the fans helped the Royals get this far.

They never gave up and packed the K with loud fans every night no matter what,” said Dieleman.

Through the loses and depressing Octobers, Royals fans held on and continued to support their hometown team like they did in 85’. After squeaking by to the postseason and grabbing a WildCard spot the team began their magic run.

“It’s been one big celebration. All the fans and players were hyped,” said Dieleman.

The Royals started with a miracle one game Wildcard win vs. the Oakland A’s at Kauffman Stadium. They overcame a 7-3 deficit to win on a walk off by Salvador Perez. From there they continued to stun the world and swept the best team in baseball, the Angels. Then the boys in blue swept the Baltimore Orioles in four games to advance to the 2014 fall classic, otherwise known as the World Series of baseball.

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Although they may have lost in game seven of the World Series by one run, losing that game doesn’t take a lot away from the magical run that brought KC together and baseball back. You can take it two ways: people can complain about how the Royals were 90 feet away from tying game seven in the ninth and possibly winning the Series, or you can look ahead to a promising young team that has brought faith in baseball back to KC and will continue to improve.

“The pitching, the speed, timely hitting, and our unstoppable defense got us that far,” said Hannah Carlson, junior.

A Royal World Series meant a city covered in blue. Every store, every street, every hallway there was a sea of blue on game days. No matter if they watched baseball or not, everyone in KC was a Royals fan. From day one super fans to those girls who went and bought a Royals shirt the day before, it didn’t matter as long as you were in blue.

“I sacrificed my hair for the team and shaved a postseason mullet. I kept it all throughout the playoffs,” said Andrew Troha, junior.

Kansas City hadn’t partied like they did this postseason since ‘85--something to finally cheer about in the city other than BBQ. The team even picked up a tab of $20,000 at McFadden’s in Power & Light after a sweep.

“The World Series was huge for us. We’ve waited way too long for it. KC was partying,” said Troha.

There was a lot of popular and clever slogans from the postseason like “Take the Crown” and “Blue October”. But the one that really caught on was “Party like its 1985.”

“Both the 1985 team and 2014 team had a lot of young talent and a lot of players from Omaha,” said Troha.

Although the teams had many similarities, the 2014 team wrote their own story. It was an unbelievable playoff run, hopefully not just a once in a lifetime kind of run, though.

Hopefully sometime soon KC will be partying like it’s 2014.

DURING THE ‘85 SERIES

DURING THE ‘14 SERIES

OPPONENT: ST. LOUIS CARDINALS PRESIDENT: RONALD REAGAN FEDERAL DEBT: $1.823 TRILLION MOVIE TICKET: $2.75 GAS: $1.20

OPPONENT: SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS PRESIDENT: BARACK OBAMA FEDERAL DEBT: $17.9 TRILLION MOVIE TICKET: $12 GAS: $3.12

>> 27.8 MILLION PEOPLE WATCHED GAME 7 OF THE WORLD SERIES (SACRAMENTO CBS)

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season wouldn’t have been nearly as thrilling. It doesn’t matter when you started supporting the team; all that matters is that so many people came out to support their town that finally made it.

With the loss we all have to realize that we were lucky, no matter what the outcome ended up being. This was the first time in almost thirty years that Kansas City has been able to experience the feeling of a winning team, so we should all just be thankful that we got to experience this.

Even if it takes just as long to get back here again we should all just wait to anticipate a fun wiining season again, and allow the players to do their best without feeling like they have to get here again.

Baseball is America’s pasttime. It’s supposed to be fun. It is the game an entire family can attend and have fun, no matter if the team wins or loses. We had a great fall in Kansas City, and we should just be thankful that we came this far.

>> ”I REALLY WISH I HAD BEEN ABLE TO TO TO A GAME, BUT WATCHING AT HOME WAS FUN, TOO,” SAID KELSI JONES, SENIOR.

<<scan here to see who at South is a bandwagon fan

J

ust because we lost the game doesn’t mean that this city hasn’t been revitalized by the Royals this year.

We can all see that the city has changed, everyone put hope into the team, and even though they lost, Kansas City didn’t.

The city was filled with electricity and excitement the entire month of October. The school’s halls filled with blue just as fast the fountains did, or as fast as Billy Butler ran.

We all soon realized that this was not like any other year; it was something special. The student body had never experienced the excitement that came with the Royals post season and eventual trip to the World Series.

No matter if you had been a fan your entire life or just joined in on the fun, you were thrilled that the rinky dink team from our home town could finally make it to this exciting event.

Many of those who say they “hate bandwagon fans” should realize that without their support this post-

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NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT

E G E L L

D N U O B s te

CO hle t a As high school comes to a close, most athletes wrap up their sports careers. For the lucky ones, they are just getting started.

Everyone knows that college sports are on a completely different level from high school sports, but not everyone knows what it takes to get to that level.

Someone who excels in basketball, believes that he knows what it takes to continue on from the high school level.

Easton Fortuna, senior, will be playing baseball for Kansas City Kansas Community College. Fortuna is always striving to improve his playing.

“I worked extra hard in the off season to make sure I stayed in shape,” said Fortuna.

Another college bound athlete at South is familiar with this work ethic. Michaelee Turner, senior, will be attending Mizzou next year and joining their gymnastics team. Turner puts in 20 hours of work each week to ensure that she gets the results she is looking for.

Along with putting in the work to become a college athlete comes the burden of deciding which college to commit to.

For Jake Purl, senior, the choice to play baseball for Kansas City Kansas Community College was not an easy one.

“I had multiple offers and I wanted to make sure to choose the best fit for me,” said Purl.

Turner also felt the pressure of deciding which college she would go to.

“It was really hard for me to choose because each school had something different to offer me and I liked them all,” said Turner.

For others, the decision was not as difficult. Anna Courtney, senior, will

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of arelevel s te xt thlee ne a n th th ou n to etitio S ny o mp Maovingic co m hlet at

O AY M E OP be playing soccer for H University of Kansas next by

year. Smaller schools contacted Courtney but she knew that a bigger school was what she wanted.

“I fell in love when I visited KU. I really liked the coach, they just built a new stadium and the school is close,” said Courtney.

Eli Patterson, senior, has committed to play baseball at Lindenwood University and, like Courtney, choosing his school was not an extremely difficult decision.

“I talked to about four different schools so at first it seemed like it a hard call to make but over time more pieces started falling into place and it was clear by the end,” said Patterson.

What really sold Patterson in the end is the strong coaching staff that Lindenwood has to offer that helps to develop players into major league prospects.

The amount of work that college bound athletes have to put in is a large, and choosing which school to attend can be very stressful, so what keeps these athletes wanting more?

“I’ve been playing soccer since I was four and I have put so many hours into the sport and I just love it so much,” said Courtney.

Patterson and Purl are continuing to play baseball in college in hopes of having a chance to one day make it to the professional level.

Beginning a sport at the college level can be a very exciting experience for college freshman athletes.

“I am more excited than nervous because it has always been one of my goals to be a college athlete and being able to accomplish that is very exciting,” said Fortuna.

South has had many athletes go through and continue on to the college level. It is easy to see the dedication and passion that they have for their sport.

Although these certain students are finishing out their years of putting on the Panther jersey, they are about to embark on an exciting journey of college athletics.

>> 6.1% OF HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PLAYERS MOVE ON TO PLAY IN COLLEGE, ACCORDING OT THE NCAA

F

rom the beginning of the season the Park Hill South Softball girls looked to make a big impact. With many returning veterans and a lot of senior talent they were confident in how the season would turn out, wanting to make sure their last season as a South panther would be a memorable one.

“Our goal from the beginning of the season was to go and win state. We wanted to give these seniors the season that they deserved,” said Kaitlyn Roos, sophomore.

Although that goal was not achieved, the season was still impressive to say the least. The softball girls acquired a final record of 18 wins and 9 losses, including beating the cross town rival Park Hill’s softball girls in both games they met each other.

However the biggest accomplishment by these girls would have to be becoming the first team in South softball history to ever be districts champs.

“It definitely felt great to achieve winning districts. We wish we could have went farther and felt like we had the team to do it, but Liberty North was a great school. It is a true honor to be the only softball team in school history to ever be district champs,” said Alyx Hagen, Senior.

This was a great season for the South Softball girls and the amount of young talent they have coming back next year means they will have a bright future ahead of them.

season

A WINNING

photos by RILIE BARNES

South softball wins Districts for the first time

NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT

“IT IS A TRUE HONOR TO BE THE ONLY SOFTBALL TEAM IN SCHOOL HISTORY TO EVER BE DISTRICT CHAMPS”

by TANNER McCLARAN

the fifth quarter

After a postseason cut short trying to defend their title, Sporting will prepare for a conference change and a new MLS I believe that we will win? Some may be questioning this well-known chant that is very popular with fans of Sporting KC. After a mediocre season and a very short playoff appearance as the fifth seed, Sporting looks forward to next season and a new era of MLS. Kansas City has proudly worn the title of the Soccer City of America this past year, winning titles in all three types of American soccer leagues: the MLS men’s major league soccer, NWSL women’s professional soccer league, and the MISL indoor men’s soccer league.

Although in 2014 the soccer capital had its trouble with defense. SKC has many well-known defenders, but it seemed to have problems most the season due to injuries. Even with 2013 MLS Cup MVP Aurelien Collin and USA National team defender Matt Besler the defense had holes in.

KC’s biggest loss after their postseason last year was the retirement of Jimmy Nielsen, better known as the

white puma. From there, Sporting’s goalie problem began. Eric Kronberg looked to be a very good heir to the throne after winning MLS player of the month in June but fell to a long injury. KC native Andy Gruenebaum took the job until he was also injured. SKC then resorted to their third string goalie and homegrown player Jon Kempin until both returned.

On the other hand, the SKC offense sparked a record setting year. With the breakout of Dom Dwyer, Sporting had no trouble scoring goals this year. Dwyer set the record for the most goals in a single season in the history of the Sporting KC and Wizards program.

Before KC had success in baseball and football in the past couple years we had Sporting KC winning and continually being a top team in the MLS. Although they are still a MLS powerhouse there going to have to work hard to pull off another title. The MLS announced that Sporting KC and Houston Dynamo will be moving to the stacked Western Conference as two new MLS teams are introduced

to the East and a new era of American soccer begins.

Next year will mark the 20th season of the MLS and the next phase in popularizing the most popular sport in the world into America. The MLS announced they will go away with their former logo of a cleat and soccer ball to a simple crest that still says soccer but in a different way.

With the coming of a new era means the entrance of former and current stars and also the rise of new ones. Worldwide known players like David Villa, Frank Lampard, and Kaka will be joining the league next season with the new clubs New York FC and Orlando City FC. Sporting hopes to make some crucial moves in the offseason like these other hopeful MLS teams. Including a very possible homecoming of Honduras National Team player Roger Espinosa. As we wrap up a stellar year for American soccer, club and country, we look forward to a new age ahead.

by NICK CLAASSEN

>> TUCKER MELLES AND EMMA ROTH FINISHED ALL STATE IN CROSS COUNTRY ON NOVEMBER 8

PHSVIEW.COM

21

NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT IS FOOTBALL WORTH THE LONG TERM RISK OF MENTAL AND PHYSICAL DAMAGE?

Say yes 34%

76% Say no

Football in America has been considered the greatest game ever played since its kickoff in the late 19th century. Originally it was just a bunch of guys running around in jerseys and lightly padded pants playing the game. With little protection, the first players were very vulnerable to serious injury in a full contact sport.

Over the years, rules and protection have changed drastically. One of the most important design improvements was the Riddell 360 helmet. It helps to reduce the chances of concussions which is one of the biggest safety issues faced by the game of football today.

The repetitive brain trauma and the long term effects football can have on a player is the reason that people have started to ask, is football worth it?

To many football players football is more than just a game.

“It teaches you how to be a man. Sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do but you do it for the people around you,” said senior Richard Fullerton.

From a fan's standpoint, they usually don't see that side of the game. They see the dangerous hits and the constant brutality.

“Its scary to see the players constantly get hit, the scariest part is when the play stops and you can't see who is hurt and the fear that it is something serious is high,” said senior Shay Jackson.

These things don’t stop the players from playing the game.

Senior Shaefer Scheutz was out for part of last football season due to a shoulder surgery. In seventh grade he chipped his bone which detached his subscapularis rotator cuff. This went untreated, and last year he tore his labrum. The surgery did

is it

not change his way of play, though.

“The people that get hurt pull back, but not me,” said Scheutz.

Since new technology has been created, the need to pull back has decreased. The new versions of helmets have been a big factor in the decrease of concussions.

Yet, new research is showing that CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) is appearing in the brains of many athletes as they reach an older age. This disease is caused because of the repetitive brain trauma including concussions as well as asymptomatic subconcussive hits to the head. It has been known to affect boxers but recent reports have showed CTE in retired football players and other athletes who have histories of concussions and repetitive brain trauma.

With knowing about this disease and other long term effects caused by football, many players would still push their bodies to extensive limits to play the game.

Sophomore Everett Horton said “Death would be the only thing that could hold me back from playing the game.”

At South, football is a big part of the fun of sports.

“Without football we would have no spirit. It brings PHS together. It’s hard to imagine what it would be like without football--you fall in love with the sport, the players and Friday nights,” said seniors Kalie Jones and Chad Thetford, Others argue football teaches lessons not found elsewhere.

“Park Hill South would lose an avenue for players to have success, learn discipline and life lessons,” said South Offensive coordinator Kent Cramer.

Knowing everything football can bring, it’s all up to you--is football really worth it?

Recent studies have speculated that football may no longer be a high school sport in a few years

WORTH IT?

221 PHSVIEW.COM

by SAMMI NAY

MORE THAN 1500 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYERS IN MISSOURI SUFFERED CONCUSSIONS IN 2012, ACCORDING TO THE KC STAR

NEWS FEAT OPIN SPORT

panthers outside

THE CAGE

by ALIZA RUSSELL

South students particitpate in activities after school hours

W

ith talk about school spirit accumulating during the fall season, the activities South students participate in outside of school are sometimes overlooked. South is filled with talented athletes and artists. However, these talents are not always recognized.

What are some students off to do after the bell rings at 2:38 p.m.?

Michaelee Turner, senior, slides on a leotard and hits the gym 20 hours a week.

“Being a competitive gymnast definitely takes up a lot of my time,” said Turner, “but it’s worth it.”

Turner took her first gymnastics class when she was 20 months old and has not quit since. All of her hard work is paying off. Turner received a gymnastics scholarship from Mizzou and plans to join their team next fall.

Dakota Karns, junior, heads to the soccer field. On his own, Karns had been involved with soccer since he was four years old. He now plays for Sporting KC junior academy. His team has won State and qualified for all-state two years in a row.

In order to build the strong team Karns is on, everyone is required to be fully committed. This a disadvantage to Karns, as he can’t participate in soccer at South.

“I wish that I could do both,” said Karns “but being on Sporting is my top priority.”

Taylor Ware, sophomore, glides into the ice rink. Ware has been a competitive ice skater for eight years, attending competitions all across the US. She recently got back from Colorado, where she placed second at regionals.

Ware practices at least six days a week, for two hours at a time. Although it’s time consuming, she is always excited to go to practice after a long day of school.

“It sounds cheesy, but it’s cool to be able to express yourself on ice, and even in front of an audience sometimes.

It feels awesome,” said Ware.

This is just a handful of students that take interest in activities beyond the walls of South. From acting to gymnastics and everything in between, the student body holds a variety of talents you don’t see in the classroom.

photo courtesy of MICHAELEE TURNER

photo by MADDIE POPE

photo courtesy of DAKOTA KARNS

>> “IT IS AWESOME THEY’RE STILL REALLY INVOLVED EVEN WHEN THEY’RE NOT IN A PHS ACTIVITY,” SAID SARAH CARNEY, SENIOR.

photo by MADDIE POPE

PHSVIEW.COM

23

THE VIEW

ONLINE

PHSVIEW.COM Red Ribbon Week Arrives

Left Behind

by DESTINY ROGERS

by AUBREE WILKERSON

Natural Helpers promoted drugfree Panthers through a spirit week in November

A slow start to this remake drags down an exciting climax

*****

Turkey Trot Approaches

Babies and Bellies

by SHELBY ERSKINE

by SYDNEY LOWE

Student runners gear up for Novemberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Turkey Trot in Parkville

The Child Growth class simulates the experiences of being pregnant and having a baby

Sophomore competes nationally in figure skating

Are you a bandwagon fan?

by BRADY SMITH, ALEX ROTHERS & AUBREE WILKERSON

>>scan here to watch the video

by MADDIE POPE & LIZZIE THIBEAU

>>scan here to watch the video

1 in 1600: Taylor Ware

#ENJOY THE VIEW