The View Vol 16 Issue 5

Sports With Ceej pg 20

Snow Day Selection pg 5

When the sirens flash behind them or a knock comes at the door, what can happen to students in an underage party situation?

pg 12

Park Hill South High School 4500 NW River Park Dr. Riverside, Mo. 64150

Feburary 7, 2014 Vol. 16, Issue 5

SPORT

NEWS FEAT

OPIN

PAGE 5

PAGE 19 PAGE 23

Snow Day Selection /

Team Morgan /

PAGE 7

Love is in the Air /

Boys’ Basketball /

FRESHMAN MENTORS DRESS IN COSTUME FOR THE DRESS YOUR MENTOR COURTWARMING CONTEST photo by SHELBY THOMPSON

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Love: /luv/ (n.) 1. an intense feeling of deep affection; 2. a person or thing that one loves.

Teenagers tend to associate the word love with many different things. Love can be seen, it can be felt, it can be heard, it can even be tasted. Teenagers may love small moments such as hitting the snooze button and sleeping in on snow days (pg 5) or watching their favorite Netflix series (pg 14). They may also love taking home a plentiful paycheck from their part-time job (pg 8) that allowed them to buy the beloved Nikes on their feet (pg 20) . Whatever it may be, love is an intense feeling that is associated with all of the senses.

As many teenagers know, love is an experience that can also be tasted. South students love enjoying their favorite flavor of smoothie Fridays at lunch (pg 6) or crunching on a candy bar from the candy cart (pg 6). It is safe to say that these students truly love that taste in all definitions. Again, love is an intense feeling that is associated with all of the senses. Love can be heard by the simple utter of the word but it can also be heard in many different ways. Teenagers may love

listening to the newest album that just dropped (pg 17) or listening to the cheers at a local Kansas City game (pg 22).

However, this intense feeling of deep affection which we define as love can also be associated with those who teenagers are closest with.

Many South students love supporting their fellow friends. They may love shouting in the stands as the boys basketball team takes home another victory (pg 23) or watching the South Side Girls perform at each assembly (pg 21). Teenagers may also love dancing the night away with their closest friends at Courtwarming (pg 11) and supporting the students on court.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it is important for all South Students to embrace what they love. Whether they see it, feel it, hear it or taste it, the feeling of love is important to everyone.

cover design by DEREK BRAUN

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NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS ON FRIDAY, FEB. 14 OR MONDAY, FEB. 17

STEREOTYPE

SHATTERING the scholar

A look at the changes South will make in the curriculum

A

photo by KENDRA ALLEN

a variety of topics from math and history to miscellaneous, which can include pop culture, sports and movies.

The practices prepare both the junior varsity and varsity teams for their competitions, which mainly occur on Saturdays or Wednesday afternoons. Here, Scholar Bowl faces other schools in the area, answering questions faster than them, in hopes of winning and going to Nationals.

“Most people think it’s just for smart people but it’s not; it’s just people who like answering questions,” said Tristin Stickole, a sophomore from Van Horn.

Some of those people who like answering questions, in fact, play sports. With the height of Scholar Bowl being in the beginning of the year, most of the sport-playing scholar bowl members are football players.

Every player can be extremely different from the next, in scholar bowl. Everyone’s knowledge is different from someone else’s.

“I enjoy that there are questions that I can answer that sometimes other people won’t be able to,” said Peter Coyne, sophomore. “And that I get to learn things that not even the teachers of that subject teach us.”

With this varied knowledge, the varsity team managed to get second place in the Jan. 18 tournament, qualifying them for a spot at 2014 Nationals in Chicago..

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Losers, nerds, smart people, exclusive; any of these could be what students think when they hear scholar bowl. But what is it really?

“To put it in its most simple terms,” said Arjun Joshi, freshman, “it is Jeopardy on a team.”

Members of Scholar Bowl practice after school every Monday, using questions from past years. These questions cover

project LEARN

by KENDRA ALLEN

s you were picking your new classes, you probably Although many classes are being removed, many more will noticed a few different classes available to take, and be added, like Forensic Science, which was created because of if you saw the class list of an eighth grader, you the interest many students had for the class. Another change is probably noticed classes not there. that a few classes changed their names like Chemistry 1 became The next class of freshman, Class of 2018, will Chemistry and Chemistry 2 became Accelerated Chemistry. be getting a whole new set of required classes and “It’s very beneficial getting new material, because before it will be losing some of the required classes that students before held back students who wanted to excel but couldn’t because the them needed to take to be able to graduate. classes were limited,” said Elliott.

Physical science, personal wellness and Project Lead the Way, PLTW, will offer “I THINK GETTING computer applications are possibly the biggest more classes for students to better follow their THE OPPORTUNITY career path. changes in the new curriculum for South.

With all three of these classes no longer being “Project Lead the way is a path of classes TO GET MORE required, the class of 2018 will no longer have for student wanting to go into biomedical, ADVANCED the option to take them. engineering and computer career,” said “I think getting the opportunity to get more CLASSES IS GOOD counselor Traci Dorrell. advanced classes is good for students, but some PLTW gives students the ability to take FOR STUDENTS” students might feel cheated for having to take classes having to do with what they want to the classes that the next freshman won’t,” said learn in college and with the profession they freshman Nathan Jurries. want to have. Students get to try and see if they It was decided by the school district that a class such as will like it. If they do not, they still have the option to pick another Physical Science was more of a middle school class than it was a profession. PLTW also gives students the ability to work with high school course. The classes are unnecessary for most students major industries like Cerner and North Kansas City medical and to take because they already have learned most of the lessons get a hands-on experience. taught. For example, most middle school students have already “I think Project Lead The Way is good for people who know learned the requirements for a keyboarding course, according to their path,” said Jurries, “but for students that have a vague idea of counselor Glynis Chambers. what they want to do it is good to have general classes,” “In the long run, students who want better credit can have

by PATRICK ROBEY upper level classes and will be able to have more opportunities,” said junior Bryan Elliott.

GIRLS AND BOYS STATE APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE NOW--SEE MS. LANE IN COUNSELING

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HORNmoves on For the last four years, the South football team has had the same defensive coordinator, by the name of Scorpio Horn. However, on Jan. 15, it was made official that the coach was leaving his duties as the defensive coordinator and becoming the new head coach at William Chrisman.

Horn grew up in the Kansas City area and went to Blue Springs High School. After high school, he went on to play college football at Missouri Western and then played in the arena football league for a few years. While at South, Horn helped create the defense into one of the best in the city, proving a point why he had the potential to go on to lead a team on his own. “[Horn] and I talked for several weeks before he actually took the job,” said head football coach Mark Simcox, “I helped him prepare a resume and how to answer some of the questions that schools will be asking him.”

William Chrisman had a record of 1-8 in 2013 and are looking for Horn’s intensity on the sideline to help turn the program around. Not only can he help them on the field but in the classroom, as well.. Horn has helped out with students in several schools.

Players that have gotten the opportunity to be coached by him and even some fans that hear him yelling on the sideline, know his unique personality.

South’s four-year defensive coordinator leaves and takes a head coaching job at a nearby high school

Other players, such as some juniors and sophomores, did not have as much of a chance to know Horn as the Varsity players did. Junior Chad Thetford practiced with Varsity more than most players, but never got to be a part of the defense on a Friday night.

“I’m a little disappointed because since he’s been there, our defense has been unstoppable and I wanted a chance to be a part of that,” explained Thetford.

While Horn was at South, the defense allowed only 20.6 points per game while the offense was scoring 29 points a game. It is safe to say that he put the team in a situation to win games.

Although some players, like Thetford, are upset that Coach Horn left, they still work hard in the winter months. Everyone knows that the replacement cannot be like Horn, but members of the team know that one coach will not determine the outcome of a season.

“His absence might affect the team a little but the amount of dedication our team has for next year I know we will find a way to come through and be alright,” stated Thetford.

No matter how next year’s season ends up, the people who had the privilege to be coached by Horn will always remember his intense personality on Friday Nights.

by RYAN PROFFITT

prison BREAK

South seniors have the right to know the truth about the final stretch of their ‘sentence’ and what affects it by NICK HOCHSTATTER

04

asking me why I am not having school on Wednesday, I can explain that we are graduating, we have practice. I can explain that. Now Tuesday, we have to have a rationale,” said Dr. Longenecker.

With the overall senior attendance, that would only apply if they started having weekly ‘senior skip days’, and this is not an anticipated problem by administrators. On the other hand, the planned senior days towards graduation might become a problem if the past repeats itself, when students near the end of their high school career become more and more apathetic.

Teachers like Deanna. Koelliker, Senior Exec sponsor, urge students to look beyond senioritis.

“We want our students that have been working so hard to enjoy their final days here together,” said Koelliker.

But when no students are signing up for the planned activities, then the administrators have no choice but to lock the seniors up in the classroom.

Now that being said, South’s Senior Executive Council is working on scheduling fun and affordable trips the seniors can take as a class to enjoy their last moments together.

The thing is, if no seniors sign up for these, then there is no logical reason for Dr. Longenecker to keep seniors out of the classroom.

“It doesn’t take a week to process grades anymore… That all happens pretty quick now,” explained Dr. Longenecker.

Dr. Longenecker said that he is impressed

by the level of school pride that the class of 2014 has, specifically the Rage Cage, and wants students to be rewarded and celebrate their accomplishments together as a class.

“You will never all be together again. Never.

Guaranteed. It’s impossible. It cannot happen,” said Dr. Longenecker.

The consensus is that administrators and students alike would prefer to keep seniors out of the classroom for their final week. And if South’s seniors continue what they are doing with their school spirit, and do not get hit by the ice storm of the century, the Class of 2014 might just be getting out early on good behavior.

THERE ARE 103 DAYS LEFT FOR SENIORS UNTIL GRADUATION

Scan to hear seniors’ opinions about Senior Week

The remaining class of 2014 is counting down the days until they close the doors at South for the final time. But many seniors do not know what will affects when their final day will be.

First off, it is important for people to stop perpetuating the rumor that seniors do not make up snow days, because they can and actually will if they have to.

The administration has to make sure that all of the curriculum is completed and they do this by working missed days back in at the end of the year. The way seniors would have to make up these days would not be having extra school days added on at the end after graduation just to spite us. The way that teachers would find extra time in the classroom is for there to be activities canceled during senior week. Seniors have a multitude of activities they can participate in, such as the senior picnic, going to a Royals game, going bowling etc.

“I’d much rather participate in senior week, than spend pointless days at school.” said Bailey Thompson, senior.

The seniors last day is not decided until March, after the snowy season, and is ultimately the decision of Dr. Dale Longenecker. He said he decides on the senior’s final day in the classroom by three things: how many days of school get canceled, overall senior attendance and what Senior Executive Council has planned for the last days.

“You have to understand, my bosses are

NEWS - FEAT - OPIN - SPORT

snow

The most key factor that plays into getting kids to school safely is transportation, on which the district relies on the bus company First Student.

First Student is a service provider for the Park Hill district and provides bus transportation for all school activities. Sean Duckworth is the Location Manager for PHSD First Student.

“We don’t necessarily have any input as to whether or not a snow day is called, however our service plays a very large part. We pride ourselves on getting kids to and from school safely and we will do that in the worst of conditions if there is school with inclement weather,” Duckworth said.

Many things can go wrong with the large buses that First Student uses, and to ensure that that is kept to a minimum, many safety precautions are taken.

“We have a start-up team that comes in about an hour before our drivers arrive to run their routes who turn on the buses and make sure they are heated up for the route, as well as checking on the engines, tires, etc.,” Duckworth said, “Since we use diesel fuel for all buses, sometimes it will gel up in the extreme cold so we keep a good eye on that, as well.”

Luckily, Park Hill has never had a major wreck on inclement weather days and according to Kelly, there has never been a completely wrong choice on whether or not school will take place or not in the 10 years he has been a part of the district.

“No matter what we decide, we will always get complaints.

We try to please everyone, but we will always make the decision that seems right at the time,” Kelly said.

Next time one tweets to Park Hill begging for a snow day, comments on the Facebook post or replies to the text sent out, keep in mind the work that goes into making the right decision to keep everybody safe while maintaining an educational environment.

by CHASE WHORTON

“By Platte Valley Bank: No school Monday, Jan. 6 due to weather and forecast of dangerous temperatures.”

Every Park Hill School District (PHSD) student loves getting this text, whether it is the day before or the morning of a snow day.

However, many students, parents and teachers alike, are unsure about how a snow day is actually determined.

There are false impressions regarding snow days, such as what factors go into the decision, who makes the final call and if snow sometimes even gets put into play.

According to Paul Kelly, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Technology, there are many steps that must be carefully followed in order to execute this complicated decision.

“We keep a constant watch on weather forecasts from a few days prior, up to the day the cold or the storm is supposed to hit,” Kelly explained. “If there is a call for questionable weather in the morning, we have a large group of maintenance employees who are at work around 2 a.m. throughout the district to help give our team at Central Office some feedback on the safety of schools. We also stay in contact with other school districts around the area, such as Platte County and North Kansas City and make it a sort of group effort.”

A team, including the Superintendent Dr. Scott Springston, along with Kelly and other assistant superintendents, gather reports and feedback from the maintenance employees and the weather forecast and the Superintendent makes the final resolution.

The number one matter that the Central Office team attends to is getting the kids all throughout the district to school safely.

“It is all about safety. We must have a very high level of confidence that we will get every student to school and home safely, and that is all we worry about,” Kelly said.

DAY SELECTION

Park Hill School District goes through many steps to determine whether school will take place in inclement weather, in other words, a snow day

THE AVERAGE WINTER SNOWFALL IN KANSAS CITY IS 18.8 INCHES

05

QUIK TRIP

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As students walk past the commons on their way to lunch they see a group a five guys loafing around a cart of tasty looking candy, and they might be wondering why they are there. These five seniors were approved to use their third block to sell candy at the school store.

The school store is a DECA fundraiser that helps raise money for this organization. DECA is a business marketing organization that goes to competitions, and if they qualify, they will go to districts in February.

Two years ago, DECA got the wooden cart used to display the candy. Students are required take a marketing class to run the school store, so most of the time seniors are the only ones who are able to do it. Dan Dunkin is in charge of running and supervising the school store. The seniors that run the school store this semester are Dylan Worth, Austin Miller, Trey Allred, Daniel Herrejon and Dalton Lightner.

The top seller this semester is the Watermelon Sour Patch Kids and the large Gatorade. You can buy a much smaller Gatorade for $1.25 in the lunch room. This is a great opportunity for South students to support their school, while getting a nice deal.

STUDENT STORE

$1.59 $1.00 $1.79 $1.00

$1.19 $1.00

[

[ candy shop Take you to the

South’s school store allows students to purchase different candy and drink at a convenient price

by DARIA GHASEMI

>> scan here or log on to phsview.com to view more coverage on South’s candy shop

SMOOTHIE KING SUPRISES SOUTH South has introduced spectacular smoothies to the Friday schedule

by SUSAN MONROE New Orleans, Louisiana, 1973: Steve Kuhnau opened a health food thought that Smoothie King had so much to do with it? store, selling vitamins along with healthful drinks, and so, Smoothie Even though Smoothie King sells over 60 different kinds of sweet King was born. smoothies, they decided on two of their most popular flavors to sell Now the 41-year-old company is spreading its delicious smoothies here at South: Strawberry Kiwi Breeze and Caribbean Way. to South students. Contacted early on in the school year, Dr. Dale “I like getting smoothies because it is nice to have something Longenecker and Smoothie King owner Patti delicious and different after a long Friday schedule,” Caoli came to an equally beneficial agreement said Chase Beeler, freshman.

“IT IS NICE TO to sell their product every first and third Friday Not into to the flavors available at lunch? No HAVE SOMETHING worries, rumor has it that Smoothie King will of the month during lunch hours. After the decision was made, Dr. Longenecker, gave over the DELICIOUS AND start selling at other school functions and introducing responsibilities to Sarah Mathews, science flavors.

DIFFERENT AFTER new“[Smoothie and STUCO sponsor, to handle where the King] would love to start selling at proceeds would go.

A LONG FRIDAY basketball games, football games and club events.

“STUCO decided to put the money toward Whatever we can help raise money for, we would be SCHEDULE” the bell tower, as every $1 out of $3 made off more than happy to help anyone,” said Caoli. of a smoothie goes to its construction and Whether South students enjoy the delicious development.” said Mathews. smoothies at their Friday lunch or at upcoming sports games, Now, thanks to STUCO’s fundraising and the generosity of Smoothie King is here to stay. With a local store a few short minutes several donors, South is privileged to have a specialty that will stay away, students can now enjoy their favorite smoothie flavors both with the school throughout the year. However, who would have during and after school.

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JUNIOR SCHAEFER SCHUETZ WAS NAMED CO-HOST OF THE STN CLOSING CEREMONY IN MARCH

morgan

Morgan Coombe travels the country to compete in the 2014 Special Olympics

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TEAM

by MEGAN MCMULLEN

1,153 miles. 3,500 athletes. 1,551 students chanting two words: Team Morgan.

Every four years, the Special Olympics conduct a National Summer Games in the United States that includes athletes from all 52 US Programs, according to specialolympics.org. This June, South’s own Morgan Coombe, senior, will be traveling to New Jersey to compete in the “most dynamic, innovative and largest” Special Olympics Games to date, according to the official website. “[The 2014 Games] will help lead a change in understanding and acceptance of persons with intellectual disabilities in communities throughout New Jersey as well as the United States,” according to the official Special Olympics website.

Like all other Special Olympics athletes, Coombe lives with multiple disabilities. She was born with Klippel-Feil Syndrome, a rare skeletal condition in which there is abnormal union or fusion of two or more bones of the spinal column, according to kfsalliance.org.

Coombe first began participating in Special Olympics her freshman year at South, after Sarah McDaniels, Special Education, provided the information about South’s team. Eager to participate,

“LET ME WIN. BUT IF I CANNOT WIN, LET ME BE BRAVE IN THE ATTEMPT.”

Coombe began bowling with the Special Olympics team. From there, her success in Special Olympics skyrocketed. She began competing in basketball, softball, track and field, tennis and bocce, in which she is competing at the 2014 Games.

“Morgan is very self-motivated to do her best,” said Kerry Coombe, Morgan’s mother. “We just have to take her to practices and competitions.”

Throughout many years participating with Team Missouri Special Olympics, Coombe has received medals at local, district and state levels. In order to qualify for the 2014 Games, she had to receive a gold medal at both the district and state competitions, as well as be selected by the Special Olympics coaches last summer. “[The 2014 Special Olympics] events and educational programs throughout the week will be an experience of a lifetime for all athletes, families and volunteers in attendance,” according to specialolympics.org.

In communities around the world, Special Olympics sports training and competition transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, providing life-changing benefits which transcend the playing field. Through Special Olympics, Coombe is able to exercise within her range, providing her with life changing benefits.

In order to prepare for the 2014 Games, Coombe attends training once a month in Fayetteville to practice with Team Missouri. On June 14, Coombe will travel to New Jersey and stay with the Team Missouri delegation. She will have the support of her family that will be traveling with her and all of her friends at South. “[Morgan’s] older sister, Rachel, and I will travel there to be her support,” said Kerry. “We are her cheering section.”

In order to pay for the traveling cost and admission fees for the

photo courtesy of KERRY COOMBE 2014 Special Olympics Games, Coombe approached STUCO for help with getting to the national games. Coombe was a member of STUCO last year so the members have a close relationship with her.

After being approached by Coombe and her family, STUCO members brainstormed ways to help her out. The Team Morgan assembly at the end of first semester came as a result of the committee’s vision.

“STUCO decided sharing Special Olympics Missouri, SOMO, with the whole student body would be beneficial to both the South athletes as well as the student body,” said Sarah Mathews, STUCO Sponsor.

Led by seniors Sara Parolin and Ashley Scott, the Team Morgan assembly recognized all of South’s Special Olympics athletes as well as bringing attention to Coombe’s trip to the 2014 Special Olympics. In order to aid in paying for Coombe’s trip, STUCO began selling Team Morgan t-shirts that day to raise funds. Members also sold coupon books, worked to gain sponsorship donations and made donations from STUCO events, such as Big Cat, to help get Coombe and her family to New Jersey.

As South students cheer Coombe on from afar this summer, they will chant not only “Team Morgan,” but the Special Olympics Athlete Oath as well. “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

BUY POPCORN FOR $2 AT LUNCH TO SUPPORT TEAM MORGAN

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BRINGING HOME THE BACON High school is a time for students to learn, and for some students, that learning doesn’t stop in the classroom setting by KATIE BLECHINGER Bussing tables, folding clothes, babysitting kids. The job possibilities for a teenager may be limited, but some South students still put in time and effort to find and keep their jobs --and they are rewarded every two weeks with a nice paycheck.

Cha-ching.

Being a full time student and a part time worker can be stressful, but many South students have found ways to successfully balance the two.

“I try to get homework done during class or in Tutorial,” said Mark Fricke, junior. “I have to be productive at school.”

While having a part-time job takes away from a student’s free time, some believe it has taught them to make better use of spare time that they have.

“Working makes it hard to get stuff done on the weekends,” said Lauren Powers, senior. “So I have to get more things done on the weekdays.”

Powers works at UMB Bank Tech Center every Saturday and Sunday, for eight hours a day. Though working only on

“WORKING FOR MY OWN MONEY HAS HELPED ME” APPRECIATE THE VALUE OF A DOLLAR.” weekends has its benefits, it also has drawbacks.

“I work all weekend, so I don’t have to worry about working on school nights,” said Powers. “[My job] is pretty easy and has good pay, but I just don’t like that it takes up my whole weekend. Plus, I have to wake up early and work until 3 p.m.”

However, work schedules for some South students require hours during the week. Fiona Bledsoe, sophomore and Einstein Bros Bagels employee, said she works around 20 hours per week. Her shifts are mostly weekends, but also include Thursday nights.

“I work Thursdays through Sundays,” said Bledsoe. “I work the later shifts on the weekends, so if I have homework, I try to get it done in the morning. On weeknights I have to stay up later to get my homework done, but I get off around 8 p.m. so it’s not that bad.”

Minus the weeknight shifts, Bledsoe said she enjoys her job.

She has learned customer service, how to be fast paced and has developed a strong work ethic.

Though it may be stressful for some to balance both work and school, many South students would agree that the benefits definitely outweigh the fallbacks.

“I’ve learned how to get along with people better and have better social skills.” said Powers. “Working for my own money has helped me appreciate the value of a dollar.”

08

where to apply

IF YOU NEED A JOB >> scan here to view and fill out applications for local businesses

HY-VEE

64th Street (816) 505-1311

RUSTY HORSE Parkville Commons (816) 746-5400

MAZE CRAZE Zona Rosa (816) 587-MAZE

SMOOTHIE KING

Village at Burlington Creek (816) 746-5464

APPLY ON LOCATION

JUNIOR MIKALA PETILLO EARNED A GOLD KEY IN REGIONAL SCHOLASTIC ARTS AND WRITING CONTEST

2013

CAMPUS

VISIT DAYS

Park University is located in historic Parkville, Mo., only minutes from downtown Kansas City.

VISIT PARK

DISCOVER AND EXPLORE ALL WE OFFER AT AN EXCITING PARK UNIVERSITY EVENT OR A PERSONAL CAMPUS EXPERIENCE

FALL PIRATE PREVIEWS

Get the whole story at this event where we feature every academic program, visit with current students and show you why Park is such a great value.

November 16, 2013

PERSONAL CAMPUS EXPERIENCE

Make any day your visit day. Tour the Parkville Campus, meet faculty, talk with current students and discover historic Parkville. Schedule your experience at park.edu/theview or (816) 746-2533.

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Come visit our NEW

www.worthharley-davidson.com 816-420-9000

GUESS WHO?

“It makes me look like a man.”

“I’m just too lazy to shave.”

CARTER HEDRICK, JUNIOR

PAYTON IRELAND, FRESHMAN

WILD beards gone

(

(

South men proudly show off their facial hair

by ROBERT POLLAN

10

“If I do not have my beard I look like a little kid.”

TREVOR ALLISON, MATH

<< scan here to learn the best way to shave

“Embrace your beard and just let it grow, bro.”

?

DM @PHSView your answer for a chance to win a

PRIZE!

THERE ARE 35 DAYS LEFT UNTIL SPRING BREAK BEGINS ON MARCH 14

FESTIVITIES A look at the Courtwarming events that went on at South the week of Jan. 27 by EMARY LANGHORN

assembly game There were many sites to be seen at this year’s Courtwarming Assembly.

There were twerking boys, plexiglass licking and even upside-down drum playing.

“Performing at assemblies is always really fun,” said Hope Mayo, junior.

“Everyone else’s energy pumps you up and makes you have more fun.”

This year’s candidates looked stunning as they walked out freshman to senior, as their candidate questions were read aloud.

To end things, there was a competition between classes to see who could lick the most marshmallow fluff, Nutella and finally Crisco off plexiglass as their partner licked off the other side.

Sophomore Nicole Cummings won after Senior Eli Williams couldn’t take the taste of the Crisco.

Due to a Winter Weather Advisory, this year’s Court Warming basketball game against Lee Summit West was canceled, but was rescheduled for Feb. 5. This did not stop the South Basketball boys from staying pumped for the game.

“Courtwarming is always a fun game, because so many people come to support you and there is so much more energy than most games,” said Easton Fortuna, junior.

Due to the fact the game was canceled, all half-time events were as well, such as Dance Team’s performance and announcing the winners of Courtwarming King and Queen.

dance

Courtwarming took a dark and whimsical twist with this year’s Forbidden Forest theme. There were mushrooms and flowers galore, along with a new DJ, after high demand postSTUCO districts.

“We went with a more unique theme this year. It was something we’ve never done before” said Sara Parolin, senior. “I think STUCO really went out of their comfort zone with this dance, and I think we really pulled it off with all of the decorations.”

Due to bad weather, South was left King and Queenless for a night, but STUCO’s quick thinking saved the day.

Halfway through the dance, Tim Dunker and Lizzie Jurries, 2013 King and Queen crowned Beau Pieper and Lindsey Harris as this year’s winners.

NEWS - FEAT - OPIN - SPORT

forbidden forest

photos by KYLE VANICE

THERE ARE 85 DAYS LEFT UNTIL PROM ON MAY 3

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by LAUREN POWERS

L

oud music, South students standing shoulder to shoulder, drugs and alcohol everywhere… suddenly, someone screams, “Cops!” A swarm of people dash out the back door, climbing over one another, to try and escape, running from the police and their possible arrest for all of the illegal actions taking place.

The possibility for the police simply showing up due to a noise complaint is common. Therefore, 100 intoxicated teenagers tearing through backyards is usually a good indicator of a party that has illegal actions taking place.

“I was at my friend’s party that was busted and did not run,” said Courtney Quinn, junior, “Mainly because I wanted to make sure my friends were okay, but I also felt safer inside than I would have if I would have been running around the neighborhood.”

However, the student responsible for holding the party may be able to handle the situation on their own. If there are no illegal substances being

used at the party and no underage drinking, the problem can be solved quite simply. If the police do happen to invite themselves to the party, The Campus Companion recommends that the student responsible for the party answers the door, walks outside to speak to the police and politely shuts the door behind them.

“We don’t need a search warrant to go inside a party. If we believe there is underage drinking going on we can go in and secure the premises,” said School Resource Officer Matt Westrich.

Police appear at parties for multiple reasons, not solely due to underage drinking or the use of illegal substances. Officers may knock on the door of a party due to noise complaints from neighbors or the illegal parking of cars. These problems can be handled immediately with no further consequences.

According to The Campus Companion, it is important to always remain polite when speaking to policemen. A person’s attitude can determine the outcome of the situation. If the student responsible for the party becomes defensive, there is a higher

possibility that the officer may assume there are illegal substances or underage drinking.

That being said, if there are illegal actions taking place at the party, the police have the right to enter the home.

“We can go in and investigate this crime no different than a domestic abuse call. We get to the door and they don’t want to let us in, it’s an emergency,” said Westrich. “We’re going in to investigate a crime.”

Although it may be common, holding a party where underage drinking and illegal actions are taking place is a crime. By United States law, a student is considered to be an adult at age 18.

However, in the state of Missouri, a student can legally be tried as an adult at the age of 17. In regards to alcohol, if a person is under the age of 21, they will be considered a minor and therefore charged for underage drinking.

In 2005, the state of Missouri changed the Minor in Possession, MIP, law that stated a person can only receive an MIP if they are possessing alcohol on their person. Now, a person can be given an MIP for being in possession of alcohol, whether it be in their hand or in their body.

This enhances the risk of students being charged if they are participating in underage drinking, or simply around those who are.

However, the risks are heightened if the

student is driving. If a student happens to be pulled over and they have alcohol in their car open or closed, they will be arrested and given an MIP. “It’s not hard to call someone and ask for them to pick you up,” said Braeden Bemer, former South student. “I wish I would have been with friends that would not have let me drive in the condition I was in when I was pulled over.”

If a student is pulled over and has been drinking, they have the right to deny a Breathalyzer test at the scene of the crime.

However, they will still be taken into custody.

Although, Platte County is a Non-Refusal County, meaning if a person refuses to take a Breathalyzer, blood or urine test they will get a search warrant and continue to search it for traces of alcohol.

In the unfortunate case that a student is arrested for their illegal actions, The Campus Companion recommends them to ask what they are being charged for and for a lawyer.

Each student should then inform the officer that they would like to exercise their right to remain silent, and do so.

As the flashing blue and red lights pull into the driveway, instead of yelling “Cops!” and fleeing the scene, students with knowledge of their rights can handle the situation in a mature way.

“WE CAN GO IN AND INVESTIGATE THIS CRIME NO DIFFERENT THAN A DOMESTIC ABUSE CALL.”

source: center for disease control

When the sirens flash behind them or a knock comes at the door, what can happen to students involved?

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take3

video services AMAZON INSTANT HULU PLUS

by CALEB FENNER

If you are interested in getting one of the services for primarily TV, Hulu Plus is the way to go. They have a very good selection of shows, both old and new. The movie selection is pretty average. The price is the same as Netflix. Again, it is relatively easy to use. Hulu is better than AIV but not as good as Netflix. Still a good product. 4/5 stars.

NETFLIX

Netflix seems to have taken over the lives of many students with binging on popular tv shows becoming an extremely popular activity. I love the program. There is a good variety of movies and TV shows, separated into easy to understand categories. According to statisticbrain.com, there are 29.2 million Netflix members and justifiably so. It $7.99 a month. It is easy to use and easily the best out of the three. 5/5 Stars

I am not a big fan of it. For starters, you have to pay for most of the movies and the selection isn’t as big as I’d like.

If you want to pay two bucks for a movie, it’s better to just use a RedBox or Netflix. AIV is pretty easy to set up, though. The cool thing is getting to be able to read the reviews people write, something that Netflix does not allow.

That is the only real positive thing to say about the system. 2/5 Stars.

COMEDY OR DRAMA? DRAMA

COMEDY DO YOU LIKE WORKPLACE COMEDIES? NO.

DO YOU LIKE GOOFY COMEDIES? YES, WATCH WILFRED OR SCRUBS

YES, WATCH PARKS AND RECREATION OR 30 ROCK.

NO.

DO YOU LIKE FAMILY SITCOMS? NO.

HOW ABOUT A DRAMEDY?

YES, WATCH ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT OR RAISING HOPE WATCH GREEK OR HART OF DIXIE

Don’t know what to watch on Netflix?

Now you do.

DO YOU LIKE HIGH SCHOOL DRAMAS? YES, WATCH THE LYING GAME OR THE CARRIE DIARIES. YES, WATCH THE SECRET CIRCLE OR THE VAMPIRE DIARIES. NO, WATCH ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK OR TWISTED.

NO.

DO YOU LIKE SUPERNATURAL SHOWS? NO.

DO YOU LIKE ACTION PACKED SHOWS? YES, WATCH DEXTER OR NIKITA.

catch my flow 14

by KYLE VANICE

SENIORS EMERSON LEE AND JOE PHILPOT ARE NOMINATED FOR THE 2014 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR AWARD

by KATIE BLECHINGER Roses are red, violets are blue. And I am single.

Being in high school, I know I do not always have my priorities straight, but then again, who does? We sometimes put things things like having a boyfriend or girlfriend ahead of things that are actually necessary, like getting an education..

I mean, that is why we are at school in the first place, right?

With Valentine’s Day coming up, it is easy to lose focus of the more important things. Ladies: being single on the February 14 is NOT the end of the world; in fact, you should just celebrate.

My first tip to girls who are spending V-Day alone is to treat yourself. Think of all of the money you are saving not having to buy gifts and presents and whatnot. Call up a couple of your other single girlfriends and go out to a nice dinner on the Plaza or even just to Zona Rosa. You can get dressed up or dressed down, it does not matter. And remember, this is a girls night, which means you have no guys to worry about.

There are endless possibilities of things you could do and places you could go. If you are around the Zona Rosa area, you could go see a movie or hit up Maze Craze. It may sound strange, but you are bound to have a blast. On the other hand, if you are on the Plaza, you could go shopping or get dessert somewhere. You could even have a movie night at your house.

If you are having fun, you will not be stressed about living the single life. | Finally, remember all of the freedom that comes with being single. If you had a boyfriend, you would have to plan out your entire evening with gifts and dinner and everything --and what is the fun in that? When you go out with your friends on V-Day, you will have the most fun when things are not planned out and you just play it by ear. Plus, there are so many things you do not have to worry about, such as your hair, your makeup, your outfit and all of those other girly things. That is the real way to celebrate the day of love.

If you are single this year, do not let it get you down in the dumps. Remember the perks of not being in a relationship, and just have fun with your friends. These years of your life are for figuring out who YOU are, not someone else. Live the single life to the fullest.

And ladies, Chase is single and ready to mingle.

NEWS - FEAT - OPIN - SPORT

FRESH PERSPECTIVE

the single life

by CHASE WHORTON

I am 18 years old, and I have been basically single for every minute of my life and I would not have it any other way.

Relationships in high school are absolutely ridiculous and absurd. I have always wondered why people engage in these two to three year long plus affiliations during what is sometimes considered the best years of your life. All that they do is hold you down.

Valentine’s Day strengthens my argument further.

I get tired of reading tweets from girls along the lines of: “OMG another Valentine’s Day, another single day, my life sucks!! 1/1!!1! #lol #single4lyfe #omg #hashtag”.

Girls get desperate, and yet again, year after year, guys read about it and want to stay even further away from the girl that rants about being single on Twitter or Facebook.

This leads to my first tip for Valentine’s day; ignore what girls post. It all has to do with gaining attention and you want to stay away from that. It is a trap, and girls will use it to their advantage, no doubt about it.

Secondly, do what you usually do on Valentine’s Day. There is absolutely no need to go out of your way to “go do something special” with your “boys”. Participate in what you normally do, whether that means hanging out with a group of dudes and girls you plan to continue to be unconnected with, even if the girls think that you are their next boyfriend, playing XBOX with your friends, or even throwing it back to middle school and ding-dong-ditching.

Screw the idea of having a “BNO (Boys Night Out).” I honestly bet the night of Valentine’s Day I will be sitting on my couch in my basement with a few friends playing NBA 2k13 for about five hours on end. We might even throw in a little bit of karate in the garage. I can promise you not one of us will be worried about not having a Valentine’s Day date, and that is the way it should be.

Valentine’s Day might be a sensitive day for some, and might even be the “best night of your life” for a few if you know what I mean.. All I have to say is if you are a guy and do not have a date for Valentine’s Day, or even for every day after that, do not get down on yourself. Enjoy being single, and just remember there are lots of fish out there to mingle with; do not tie yourself to one and let it swim away with you.

Bring this Ad in for $1 off any medium smothie

SENIOR S TE P H E N K O M AR S C ORED A PERF EC T 3 6 ON HI S A C T

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BLAME IT ON THE GOOSE, GOT YOU FEELING LOOSE. BLAME IT ON PATRON, GOT YOU IN THE ZONE. BLAME IT ON THE A A A A A ALCOHOL.

to drivinglaws.org.

Although many students believe that one drink at a party will not do them any harm, oftentimes one drink leads to many more. Twenty-two percent of seniors have admitted to having five or more drinks in a row in the last two weeks, according to NIDA. As mentioned previously, it takes the equivalent of three shots for a teenage girl to become legally drunk. In the event of binge drinking, five or more shots would put that teenage girl far past the legal limit. About 90 percent of the alcohol consumed by those under the age of 21 in the United States is in the form of binge drinks, according to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. For anyone under the age of 21, any trace of alcohol in their system is illegal and grounds for an arrest.

No teenager imagines that they will be arrested due to being under the influence. However, the illegal actions that take place during a party amount to the potential of many arrests. Even without drinking alcohol, a student could be arrested. Consumption of an alcoholic beverage does not have to occur for an arrest to be made and a citation issued to a minor. The mere possession

VIEWWORDS

Nearly 9 million youths, ages 12 to 20, in the United States report they have consumed alcohol in the past 30 days, according to the Century Council. This includes everyone from sixth grade students to sophomores in college that have begun to blame their actions on the alcohol. Underage drinking is a persistent problem in today’s society. While rates have declined, alcohol consumption among people under the legal drinking age remains at an alarming level.

Twenty-six percent of high school seniors in the United States admit to being drunk within the last month, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, NIDA. That is the equivalent to at least 100 seniors at South who have found themselves under the influence within the last 30 days. Whether it is the goose or the Patron, it takes an average teenage girl the equivalent of three shots to become legally drunk based on blood alcohol concentration, or BAC. For a teenage male, it would take four shots, according

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>> Find the answers to the clues throughout The View

of an alcoholic beverage is a violation, according to lawrenceks.org.

Any minor who violates Missouri’s MIP statutes will be guilty of a misdemeanor and can face up to $1000 in fines and up to 1 year in jail, according to criminaldefenselawyer.com. Not only could teenagers face time in jail, but they will automatically lose privileges in the event of an arrest. According to Missouri law, drivers younger than 21 years of age will lose their driving privileges if they are found guilty of any of the following offenses: purchasing alcoholic beverages, attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages, being in possession of alcoholic beverages, being visibly intoxicated or having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of more than .020 percent. Any South student can be put behind bars for a single beer.

No matter how appealing it may be to blame it on the alcohol, many students are unaware of the true consequences that can take place. Although underage drinking is common, the consequences greatly impact a student. South students seem to be unaware that underage drinking is illegal. One drink can lead to devastating consequences, such as binge drinking and arrests.

VIEWSTAFFEDITORIAL

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UNDER THE INFLUENCE

>> turn in by 2 p.m. in C200 for a chance to win a $25 Visa Gift Card

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ACROSS 2. Two people dating 9. This recommends going outside to speak with the cops should they show up Across: your people party dating 2.toTwo 10.

An album released on 9. This recommends going outside Dec. 13 that was named to speak with the cops should they after the artist show to your 11. Topupselling itemparty at the 10.

An album student store released on Dec. 13 that was basketball named aftteam er the 13. Boys’ lostartist to Blue Springs South in thestudent 11. Top selling item at the William ___ tournament store 14. These are red, and violets 12.

Boys’ basketball team lost to are blue

Blue Springs South in the William ___ tournament 13. These are red, and violets are blueChrisman High School DOWN flashing a new Super Bowl ring this of William 1. Ryan thinks that knowing what’s time next year 8. ScholarDown: bowl qualified for this on going on in this makes you seem 5. Number one country in ice hockey Jan. 18 1. Ryan thinks that knowing what’s smart 6. Frozen is the retelling of this fairy 12. Love is a sign of being struck by going on in this makes you seem 3. Owner of Smoothie King tale Cupid’s ___ 4. CJ hopes for this person to be 7. Scorpio Horn will be the new ___ smart 3. Owner of Smoothie King 4. CJ hopes person to be SENIORS BEAU PIEPER AND LINDSEY HARRIS WERE CROWNED COURTWARMING KINGfor&this QUEEN flashing a new Super Bowl ring this time next year 5. Number one country in ice hock13

Have no fear this Valentine’s Day -- Ryan has some advice for all of you hopeless romantics who struggle to get through the day of love

Dear Park Hill South,

For all you slackers out there, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and boy, do I have some great advice to give to you.

You’re probably asking yourself ‘who does this guy think he is giving me advice?’ and I can explain to you why I am doing this.

I went around school taking a survey asking girls to rate me on a scale of 1-10 and after 50 people my average rating was a six.

I won’t argue the score I got but what I will say is that this lousy six is dating an easy ten, so if I were you, I would listen.

I will first start with the guys and how you need to treat your girl on this special holiday. The number one thing that I can tell you from my great experience with women is that you need to follow your heart. I know that a lot of you out there think that girls like the so called “bad boy” and this is true, to a certain point.

You want to make sure that you somewhat tease your girlfriend or your secret lover. That means making fun of something small that your partner may have messed up on or maybe even wiping some food on their nose. However, make sure you never go too far and say anything about a woman’s weight or how weird her clothes may be, because that will end with you being alone on a Saturday night with only a box of tissues to cry into.

Even though I encourage you to be somewhat of a jerk to your girl I also want you to know that girls love for you to be nice even more than that. Watch any chick-flick with Ryan Gosling, Channing Tatum or Matthew McConaughey and just watch how they act. These nice gentlemen show their feelings. These three lovely men don’t care about what other people around them think of them when they are with their special lady. Take notes gentlemen, because that’s what girls want. Just don’t be too nice Scan here for more on Valentine’s Day at phsview.com

by RYAN PROFFITT

to them otherwise they’ll send you right on into the friend zone.

Females are mystic creatures who take years to understand, but with just the right moves you could find yourself snuggled up to your dream girl.

Now, on to you ladies out there looking for a nice guy to get to know. I, for one, respect women because of all the things that you have to go through, and that is why I will help give you advice on how to act around boys to get them to notice you.

I can not speak for all boys out there but I know that I like it when girls watch sports. Showing that you know what is going on in any sport is attractive and makes you seem smart. My number one pet peeve regarding girls is how much drama they can create, so my advice is to stay out of it. Who cares what Sidney Lou Who did on Saturday? No one will remember it in a year so why should anyone care about it now.

I am also going to tell you to not listen to everything a guy tells you. I’ll let you in on a little secret with guys: if they’ve been talking to you for three days and then come out and say that I can see us talking for a while they’re probably trying to get in your pants. I know that it’s not a whole lot but trust me, if you do these things guys will take notice.

Hopefully all of you find your special person on Valentine’s Day, but even if you happen to not find them don’t give up hope.

There are plenty of fish out there--you just have to find the right pond.

NEWS - FEAT - OPIN - SPORT

love is in the air. . .

ryan profftt i

sincerely,

MATCHMAKER

by RYAN PROFFITT

Rhett DeLay (senior) and KeeleyShaye Hill (senior) This cute couple, consisting of the STUCO Vice President Keelyeshaye, and Rhett the Vet has the potential to be something special.

I suggest for them to watch out before they are struck by Cupid’s arrow

Andrew Richards (junior) and Mackenzie Stout (junior) These juniors have been friends for quite some time now, and I would say by the amount of time Andrew spends watching Mackenzie play basketball, this friendship could be ignited to a new level.

Chase Putnam (freshman) and Abbey Whisnant (sophomore) There is not much explanation needed here. Why not start where their older siblings left off?

OPEN TABLE NAMED THE AMERICAN AND THE MELTING POT AS MOST ROMANTIC IN KC

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NEWS - FEAT - OPIN - SPORT

movie madness

the oscars preview

Who will and who should win in a couple of key categories.

The time is upon us, once again. The 86th Oscars. Another year of great movies, terrible movies, snubs and undeserving honorees. Here is my look at the Oscars.

BEST PICTURE: WHO WILL WIN: “12 Years a Slave” Steve McQueen’s drama about a free African American living in New York who is kidnapped and sold into slavery has been garnering serious recognition. Chiwetel Ejiofor delivers a powerful performance, as does British actor Michael Fassbender.

These kind of historical films draw big attention from critics and voters.

WHO SHOULD WIN: “The Wolf of Wall Street” Guhhh was the word that left my mouth not nearly as much as the film that should win it all. After I finished watching.

Martin Scorsese’s three hour, sex-filled, drug induced thrill ride of a movie is incredible. It had to be one of the most fun times I have had at the theater. Leonardo DiCaprio lights up the screen. Not only is “Wolf” the best movie of the year, it is one of the best movies made in the last five.

2013 was a year filled with hobbits, superheroes, the 75th annual Hunger Games and too many ‘disaster’ movies. Among the hundreds of movies to choose from, three movies stand out among the rest to me as the best of 2013.

Beginning the countdown at number three is “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.” Though it caused a division among die-hard fans when it strayed from the book’s original story, there is no denying the success of the second movie in the Hobbit trilogy. It made a total of $244 million and has had 13 award nominations.

“Desolation of Smaug” continues the story left off in “An Unexpected Journey”, following the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins and his quest to assist a band of dwarves to reclaim their homeland. Running for two and a half hours, you will have to be in the mood to sit down for a while. But this movie has a little bit of everything: romance, action, magic, Orlando Bloom decked out in his elvish clothes once again and lots of gold.

“...FANS NEED TO VIEW [MOVIES] AS THEIR OWN WORK OF ART.” franchise. I say that it is possible to embrace the new while continuing to love the old.

This movie follows the crew of the starship Enterprise and their venture to capture a villain who seems dead-set on rekindling his race and destroying all beings that he deems beneath him. With a few clever nods to the show from the 60’s and an all new adventure, this movie is great for anyone,

Review on some of the best and most successful movies of 2013

2013

of

BEST ACTOR: WHO WILL WIN: Matthew McConaughey, “Dallas Buyer’s Club” McConaughey has been on fire lately. He has won a SAG and a Golden Globe, two prestigious awards, likely indicating the winner of the Oscar race. McConaughey plays an electrician who helps an AIDS patient get medication, as he battles the same disease. McConaughey is not really a known commodity for Oscar voters (most of his movies suck), but he is terrific here.

WHO SHOULD WIN: Leonardo DiCaprio, “The Wolf of Wall Street” I am probably starting to sound like a broken record but this movie kind of blew me away. Dicaprio’s performance is gargantuan. His energy is massive. You cannot take your eyes off of this man. Voters may be turned off by the vulgarity of the film and I am not making excuses. This movie is filthy.

But I loved that part of it. Leonardo DiCaprio (along with some help), had the best performance in the best movie of the year.

Number two is “Star Trek: Into Darkness”.

Like “Desolation of Smaug”, this movie received a lot of criticism based on the older Star Trek movies and television shows. To truly enjoy movies such as these two, fans need to view them as their own work of art, rather than a byproduct of a classic

top movies 18

by CALEB FENNER

whether you are a long time Trekkie or someone just getting into it.

Topping off my list and claiming the title of the best movie of 2013 is “Frozen”.

This Disney retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, the Snow Queen, has earned 13 awards, 34 nominations, and $333 million and counting. Straying from the Disney princess norm, “Frozen” demonstrates the power of family and shows that ‘true love’ has more than one definition. Elsa is the heir to the throne of Arendelle who was born with powers over snow and ice that she is determined to keep under wraps. When her secret is revealed, she flees from the kingdom and in her panic, freezes the entire kingdom. Elsa’s younger sister Anna sets off, determined to bring her sister back and restore summer to Arendelle. A movie filled with new and lovable characters, amazing music and a great message, “Frozen” is not a movie that you will want to miss.

>>log on to phsview.com for more stories about movies

by JACEY BRUNS

SENIOR MARIAH RAMIREZ IS A QUEST SCHOLAR & WAS AWARDED FULL RIDE TO VANDERBILT

From surprise albums, to making your “own lane,” the music industry has lived up to expectations in 2014 by SAM SOBOTKA

T

he new year has begun and the music game has been Along with Ink’s release, the Christian Alternative band, popping off, with the mystery release of Beyonce’s new Switchfoot released their 9th studio album “Fading West” as well, video album in late December, to Switchfoot’s new album, this is their first release since “Vice Verses” in 2011. Along with “Fading West” in early January. Plenty of other big releases a tour and visual documentary which premiered at their first are on the way, as well. concert of their tour, Switchfoot made a lot of changes with this Beyonce’s newest album self titled “Beyonce” is her first album. One thing is the time taken to make this album--it has studio album since ‘4’ in 2011, so fans of Beyonce and even Jay-Z been almost four years, meaning there must have been more were pleased to see Beyonce’s new “visual” album on iTunes experimentation. Common practice among alternative bands is when they woke up on Dec. 13, 2013. to start with the singer and get a catchy riff started, then build This by no means was a planned album, there had been talk around that. This results in quick songs and albums, but there of a new album among popular music advertisers such as The is much speculation as to whether Switchfoot has broke that Rap-Up, and The Source, but there was never a definite release norm, and instead started with thought provoking lyrics, and date. Beyonce dropped this album with no signs of a release, and instrumented elegant or heavy beats to go along with the chorus that took fans aback. instead of light chords. Some good examples of this are “When With features including Drake, Frank Ocean, and her baby We Come Alive” and “Let It Out.,” common favorites among Blue Ivy, she expressed her love for her husband and baby with myself and fans. tracks such as ‘Drunk In Love’ and Finally, Kendrick Lamar released “THE NEW YEAR HAS BEEN 29 “unreleased” songs on Jan. 8th, the ‘Blue’. Which struck the hearts of fans everywhere, signifying a motherly titled “Unreleased” has over BIG REGARDING THE MUSIC mixtape aspect to Beyonce. With this album, 162,000 listens in the first week after SCENE AND ARTISTS WE the drop. With remixes of popular Beyonce grasped the game at the temples and used the mystery to propel HAVEN’T SEEN IN A WHILE songs, with appearances from other her album forward, giving fans a much members of LA based group Black HAVE BEEN WELCOMED Hippy, Ab-Soul and Jay Rock. different look at the new Beyonce.

Now, into the new year with Kid This is the first release by K-Dot WITH OPEN ARMS” Ink’s release of sophomore album “My himself since “Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City” Own Lane.” It has been nearly two years since the LA rapper in 2012. These songs have a range of vibes ranging from Lamar’s has released an album, however there has been many mixtape heavy freestyles to his dark, low-key M.A.A.D. City-era quick releases by fans and friends of Ink, including “BatGang Begins”, hitting bars, with a quick glance at the Lamar we all love. The and “The Road to My Own Lane.” And a release of his EP Lamar that just walked into music in 2009, with songs like ‘Year “Almost Home”. of the Fire Sheep’ and what he has become and what he thinks This album is certainly is a step up from “Up & Away” and in ‘I Had No Idea’. The only complaint that comes with this tape “Almost Home” with appearances from Chris Brown, Pusha T, is the sheer size, and types of songs on the tape. There is a mix and Meek Mill. Along with a couple hits from his EP including of Kendrick which fans have mixed feelings about, and also it’s Bossin’ Up and Money and the Power. “My Own Lane” brings difficult to listen to the whole thing in a timely matter. So, it’s about an older Ink, an Ink that addresses the fans and his difficult to remember songs you like. devotion to them, denoted in his first track titled ‘Hello World’, The new year has been big regarding the music scene and and not just about the clubs and cars. Along with that the track artists we haven’t seen in a while have been welcomed with is an all-around favorite, with remarks to where he has been, and open arms. Make your way to the nearest computer and give how everything is now a go.

2014’s newest releases a listen.

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new year, new music

photo credit to iTunes

JUNIORS RENEE HUEY AND JULIA HSU WERE SELECTED FOR ALL-STATE BAND

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sports with CEEJ

by CJ WHISNANT

Everybody loves to win. No matter what form it is in, winning gives one a sense of pride and confidence that is hard to create on its own. Kansas City, and even the whole state of Missouri was able to experience a lot of opportunities of success this past year.

After breaking our hearts in 2012, the Chiefs honestly surprised the whole world by starting the season off with a perfect 9-0 record. With pro bowlers Alex Smith and Jamaal Charles leading our offensive attack, and Stuntman & Co. forcing several turnovers on defense, Red Nation was able to see one of the most dominant teams in the league this year firsthand. Arrowhead was filled with crimson and the beer-battered fans weekly as the Chiefs kept delivering top notch performances.

Kansas City was finally on its very own winning high and nobody wanted to look back. Tailgating before games gave off a feeling of hope and redemption, but just as soon as we all thought their success was too good to be true, it was. In the first round of the playoffs, Charles suffered a concussion six plays, I repeat, six plays, into the contest, and although Knile Davis, a rookie, was able to pick up the offensive slack for the most part, he too caught the injury bug and was knocked out of the game by the fourth quarter.

To top it all off, the Colts were able to storm back from their deficit of 21 points at halftime, and end up winning by one, single

NIKES ON MY FEET

by ROBERT LANE

point. That right there is the epitome of the Kansas City Chiefs; once they’re knocked down, there is no stopping until they are knocked out completely. By the end of the game, there were four key starters and one back up out of uniform and unable to play.

Out of the five, three of them were named Pro Bowlers a week before, and two were our running backs.

It is way too much to ask for the third string running back, Cyrus Gray of Texas A&M, to create even half of what Charles had done for the team this year. He was chosen as an All-Pro running back for a reason, the same reason the Chiefs were able to have the success that they had this year. If this loss wasn’t enough, KC is now winless in their last eight playoff games, which is not an NFL record to be proud of, but what really sucks is that half of these losses have been to the [freaking] Colts.

Dumbstruck is the only word that could describe Kansas City fans, as well as a little bit of depression, but that is what we have had to experience ever since I can remember; disappointment after disappointment.

So even though the Chiefs will be sending 10 Pro Bowl players to Honolulu, the most out of any team in the league, there is no easy way to get over this completely disastrous break up, if you will. Imagine the Chiefs as your ‘girlfriend’ who suddenly dumps you out of the blue, leaving without reason while you thought there were no clouds in

the sky. Nothing will be normal again and everyone knows that, over 2000 yards and 19 touchdowns sitting on the bench will not be beneficial for a team on the cusp of moving forward in the playoffs.

Right when you finally want to believe that everything will be okay and that somehow the team will pull through, devastation strikes again and that is when their true colors finally begin to show; those colors would be disappointment and failure, not red or yellow, and nobody can argue with that.

Moving on is all you can do, but for our sake there is no other ‘Chiefs’ that would give us the same excitement and pleasure we have experienced for the last five months.

As the season has come to an end and Richard Sherman has finally shut up, all we can do now is test the open waters and prepare for a new and better relationship that will soon start up again in early August which hopefully this time, will only be followed by even more success and Dwayne Bowe flashing his new Super Bowl ring as he drives through Riverside by this time next year.

There has been too much effort and work put in by this team for us to just watch as their success turns into only memories and although this kind of breakup is one of the hardest to overcome, eventually the time will come for Red Nation and I believe we are on the verge of something special in Kansas City.

”I have 45 pairs of shoes and my favorite ones would have to be my Jordan Gamma 11’s. That is because they are my most expensive.”

James Byrd (11) “I buy shoes about twice a month I would call myself a sneaker head. I buy so many because I think it makes you different and I like to stay fresh. My mom always bought me new shoes when I was younger.”

Aesha Ward (11) “Lebrons over Jordans because they are pretty comfortable and they give you that extra bounce. My Lebron 10’s are my most special pair because they are good to hoop in.”

Payton Meek (12)

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7 MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH VOLLEYBALL TEAM WERE NAMED ACADEMIC ALL-STATE

The South Side Girls have been working all year for their competition season by SAMMI NAY

photo by KYLE VANICE

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ou may know them for their jaw dropping performances at assemblies or halftime entertainment, but there is more to the South Side Girls than meets the eye. The South Side Girls (SSG) have made numerous changes to their program this year such a costumes, difficulty of dances and more.

Their biggest change this year was the addition of a coach.

Mandy Borgelt, who was on the Lindenwood Dance team and former KU dance team coach, brings encouragement and motivation to the SSG’s.

“I feel everyone is more focused and dedicated and we are excited for competition season,” said Maddie Putnam, senior.

They perform a variety of different dances to get the attention of south students. They perform at all the assemblies and students get to see all of their different dances throughout the year.

“My favorite part is the way they pop, lock, and drop it.” Jack Lysell, junior.

Along with the new coach the SSG’s have also gotten new costumes for their competition dances. Competition season is in progress for the girls.

They made a mark at their Dec. 14 competition in Liberty with Sarah Carney and Aubrey Helling placing second in their duet, a first place in Contemporary, a first place in Hip-Hop and an overall first place at the Liberty Invitational.

These accomplishments did not come as easy as everyone thinks. Through blood, sweat and tears the SSG are pushing themselves to another successful season so far.

When preparing for competitions they have practice every day and sometimes twice a day. During these practices they run the dances as many times as possible to clean and perfect them.

Usually the practices are two hours longer, are twice a day, and sometimes more difficult than usual.

“As a captain we make sure everyone stays on track and focuses in practice,” said Putnam.

The South Side Girls competed at Lee’s Summit North Invitational on Jan. 25. Sarah Carney and Aubrey Helling placed 1st in their duo routine., senior Ryann Smith placed third in her solo, and their group preformances got awards for fifth place (Jazz) and third (Hip-Hop).

Later this month, the girls will be competing in the State Dance Competition at Kemper Arena.

“We will have to work really hard to prepare for state because we are going up against really good schools,” said Aubrey Helling, junior.

The girls will be competing against schools such as Francis Howell out of St. Louis and cross-town rivals Lee’s Summit West. The competition takes place on February 15.

a year in review

2013 marked a serious turnaround in local sports and South students reflect on the improvements of Kansas City teams

by NICK CLAASSEN The crazy touchdowns, the 90th minute goals, the walk-off home runs. It is what Kansas City thrives on, what the fans live for. For years, all the fans have seen was loss after loss, disappointment after disappointment, nothing to cheer for.

The tides are changing in this great American city, though. Things are far from perfect, but there is hope.

“Sports in Kansas City have definitely improved over the last year,” said Andrew Troha, sophomore.

Now barbecue isn’t the only thing KC is being noticed for.

“They are actually comparable to other teams now,” said Connor Jones, junior.

Not just comparable around the leagues, some KC teams can be considered above all teams at times. From the Chiefs outstanding 9-0 start to Sporting KC’s MLS title, KC fans had something to cheer about.

The Chiefs accomplished one of the biggest turnarounds in NFL history this season. The heart and soul of KC, the Chiefs, had an overwhelming 11-5 season and made the playoffs after placing last in the league in the 2012-2013 season and going 2-14.

Even though the Chiefs season ended in despair and tears for many fans in the wild card playoff game against Indianapolis, the city should be proud of this turnaround season and be ready for better seasons.

“Almost no one remembers the last time we went 9-0. It was great getting to watch it,” said Jones.

Chiefs weren’t the only team that represented KC well, though. The KC Royals had a much improved season after years of disappointing, losing seasons. Troha, an avid fan of the Royals, said he was happy with the last season since the Royals had their best season in years and contended for a wild card spot.

“They did pretty good considering we had a garbage second baseman and right field,” said Troha.

The Royals ended the season third in the American League Central with a record of 86-76. A year the Royals go above .500 is a year KC should be proud of for this team.

“The Royals got a lot of new talent from free agency and we have a lot of young prospects in our farm system,” said Troha.

The only thing this city was missing was a title, and there was only one team that could bring it home. Sporting KC won the 2013 MLS Cup and brought the trophy back to the soccer city of America. It wasn’t easy and it couldn’t have finished in any better fashion.

“The key part of Sporting’s winning season was the depth of their roster with Dom Dwyer scoring goals when other players couldn’t, and Benny Feilhaber playing well all through the playoffs,” said South alumni and Sporting KC fanatic Skylar Rolstad.

Sporting KC ended the season second in the Eastern Conference and won playoff series against New England Revolution, Houston Dynamo and the final versus Real Salt Lake in a exhilarating penalty shootout.

KC had a big year in soccer, not only winning the MLS Cup but hosting the MLS All Star game and a decisive USA World Cup Qualifying match.

Rolstad said Matt Besler was the best player who represented KC over the past year or two because he is the local guy that became very successful. He will also be representing the US in the World Cup most likely as a starter. There are five KC Sporting players planning on going to the 2014 World Cup, a true accomplishment.

As the years progress it is certain the sports teams of KC will leave us in tears of joy and despair, but for now, we look ahead to the great years in front of these elite teams and remember the great seasons of improvement they have left behind.

THE GIRLS SWIM TEAM WAS NAMED HYVEE TEAM OF THE WEEK FOR WEEK OF JAN. 13

NEWS - FEAT - OPIN - SPORT

ssg

kc sports

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NEWS - FEAT - OPIN - SPORT

surprise SEC

After last season’s debacle, Mizzou bounced back and

by GRANT LEIBEE captured the Cotton Bowl

T

here is 1:08 left in the Cotton Bowl. Clint Chelf, Oklahoma State quarterback, has the ball ready to give Oklahoma State the lead and the win. The ball is snapped and in a few seconds, Michael Sam, Missouri defensive end, sacks Chelf and causes a fumble that Shane Ray would pick up and return to the end zone, defining a moment for a season no one saw coming.. except the Missouri Tigers.

With everything that happened last season with the Tigers, all the talk about how Missouri couldn’t play in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) can come to rest after achieving an 12-2 record and clinching the SEC East in only their second season in the conference.

Russ McDaniels, communication arts, talked about the success from last season to this season.

“I have to give credit to Gary Pinkel.” he said. “This team was injury depleted and losing six out of their ten lineman last season did not help so a lot of the credit has to go to Pinkel for the great turnaround.”

There were many plays that defined the season for Mizzou.

Viewers could talk about the time when Bud Sasser threw that critical touchdown pass to L’damian Washington in the Georgia game when James Franklin was knocked out of the game or Henry Josey’s 57-yard touchdown scamper against Texas A&M to clinch the SEC East.

Jake Springer, freshman, gave his opinion on what play defined the season.

“Bud Sasser’s touchdown pass to Washington in the Georgia game was the play to me that changed the season for Mizzou,” he said. “The team was backed in a corner and pulling a play out like that told me that this team could win a game anyway they could.”

McDaniels also raved about his take on what play defined Mizzou’s season.

“I wouldn’t say it was a play but a game.” he said. “The Indiana game to me was the game, not the play that defined the season for Mizzou.

They went on the road, played on a primetime game, and

S

ochi howdown

This year, 2014, fans of the Olympics are fortunate enough to able to witness a contest full of many different sports. Eighty-eight countries and 2500 plus athletes will have the opportunity to grab the gold. With the motto being “Hot. Cool. Yours.” It is safe to say that this year any country could come out victorious.

Assuming that today is February 7 and most of you are eager for something to do over the weekend, if so turn your TV to your local NBC channel to catch one of the 15 events planned throughout the month. Though the Winter Olympics cant compared to the Summer Olympics’ 39 events, students will still feel entertained no matter what.

“I’m looking forward to snowboarding and skiing because they are the most exciting. But now that Lindsey Vonn has remained inactive our chances at winning gold are slim,” said Freshman Alex Lee. “We still get to watch Shaun White, the most exciting athlete in the Olympics.”

In Sochi, Russia, the people have prepared

22

by ELI WILLIAMS

shellacked them.”

Even though all of Missouri’s games were important, every college football program plays for a bowl game. Missouri’s Cotton Bowl victory goes down inside the top three bowl wins ever. Now there are exceptions to what is the best win ever in the Tiger’s history.

There was the 1969 Orange Bowl against Navy. That is statistically the best win for Mizzou because both Missouri and Navy were ranked in the top five. Other games people mention would be the 2007 Cotton Bowl, where Tony Temple broke the record for the most rushing yards in the bowl, 281 yards. In that game, Temple had a torn hamstring, which made the performance a little sweeter.

Looking ahead to next season, Missouri will be going through a rebuilding year on defense while the offense will have quarterback Maty Mauk and wide out Dorial Green-Beckham to lean on.

Riley Barnes, sophomore, commented on what she thinks of next year’s Missouri squad.

“I expect them to do as well or better than this season.” she said. “I want them to get to the National Championship game.”

With season coming to a close, fans can put this in the memory books and reflect on the season until August 2014. Until then, Missouri will have to figure out how to regain the dominance from last season and keep moving ahead toward greater success with every team in the SEC out to get them.

The 2014 Winter Olympics kick off February 7, and students are looking forward to tuning in

up to four years to get the games started.

Stadiums and other venues will hold sports and events on the ice like hockey and figure skating along with many others.

Hockey, American favorite, hasn’t been good to us lately. On the IIHF level the Americans have struggled and haven’t earned gold in a long time. USA will need the miracle magic used in the 1980 gold run for them to be successful.

“I LOVE WATCHING [THE WINTER OLYMPICS] AND GETTING INTO EACH OF THEM”

“International hockey uses a larger rink and has a few different rules. International hockey is ran by the IIHF international ice hockey federation who basically controls all ice hockey including the NHL and manage international tournaments and keeps track of the IIHF world

rankings with Finland in first and the US in 5th us is first in the women’s rankings” said senior Josh Kirby.

Hockey is more of a hard-hitting sport while some events are more of an art. Figure skating might seem like an event to some but in fact it is a sport.

“To compete you have to design a program five jumps, three spins footwork sequence judged on elements facial expressions speed arm movements” said freshman Taylor Ware Popular or not, the Olympics provide many unpopular sports like skeleton and Nordic combined that have viewers on the edge of their seats.

“Winter Olympics bring many intense and obscure sports like bobsledding and curling,” said Andrew Richards, junior. “I love watching and getting into each of them.”

Sports fan or not, most South students will find themselves watching the events this winter in hopes of a U.S victory. With past years luck, the games look bright for the USA.

THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS BEAT THE DENVER BRONCOS 43-8 TO WIN SUPERBOWL XLVIII

photos by KELSI JONES

are back in

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town

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THE BOYS

The Boys Basketball team is making moves once again

ew semester, new classes, new faces. As we adjust to school once again, there remains but one constant, one uniting force driving the student body: basketball.

That is right, basketball season is upon us once again, along with all the excitement, rivalries, upsets and disappointments.

The Panthers are back and they are looking to build on their success in the past under Coach Rick Zych, in his second season as the Panthers varsity head coach, bringing some continuity to the program that it has lacked in recent years. “ It definitely helps to have someone here for more than year. It just gives you more time to learn the system which obviously produces better results and helps us succeed as a team,” said senior and four year varsity player, Hudson Welty.

The Panthers made it to the district championship last year where they fell just short against St. Joe Central in overtime. This year, however, they look to make it further, but they need to play together as a team.

“I like that as a team we share the ball a lot and have great team chemistry,” said senior guard Payton Meek.

The team is led by seniors Payton Meek, Hudson Welty and Robert Lane. These players are counted on not only to lead on the court, but off the court as well.

“We have so many good leaders on this team. It’s nice to see an example of how to act and I hope to replicate it when I am a senior,” said Junior guard Easton Fortuna.

While any high school basketball team relies on its senior leadership, this team in particular is complemented by young players that have step up and play key minutes, like Mitch

Henderson and Ryan Welty.

“I’m having fun playing big minutes and I feel that I have a responsibility to the Seniors to try to contribute and to make their last year special,” said junior and starting point guard Mitch Henderson.

The Panthers started off this year hot and carried their momentum into the championship game of the Liberty North Invitational Tournament from December 9-11, falling just short to the host Liberty North for their first loss of the season.

They looked to rebound from the loss as they turned around to play in the William Jewell tournament starting on Dec. 26, where the Panthers beat Harrisonville handily and also defeated a talented Lincoln Prep team. Again they made it to the championship game this time against Blue Springs South and again they could not close it out.

This inability to finish became a theme as the Panthers dropped a thriller against Northland rival Liberty High School. A game in which the Panthers led the entire game until Liberty hit a buzzer beater in overtime to win it.

It is not all bad for the Panthers, however, with key wins against Oak Park, North Kansas City, Kearney and Belton. The Panthers sit at 12-4 with big games ahead of them including at Lee’s Summit West on Feb. 18 and the always entertaining Park Hill on Valentine’s Day..

“It’s a great rivalry with great crowds and it is a must win for your school. Park Hill is an excellent team that will challenge us for the league and Districts,” said Head Coach Rick Zych.

The team will need the full support of the student body and the Rage Cage, to spur them to victory, as the toughest part of the schedule still lies ahead.

“IT’S NICE TO SEE AN EXAMPLE OF HOW TO ACT AND I HOPE TO REPLICATE IT WHEN I AM A SENIOR”

by CHRISTOPHER NELSON

BOYS BASKETBALL PLAYS AGAINST PARK HILL AT HOME ON FRIDAY, FEB. 14

23

what i like RIGHT NOW

by SHELBY THOMPSON

I think tattoos are a great way to express yourself. Your body is a temple, right?

I have seen some really cool ones on Pinterest and I am really looking forward to seeing what kind of crazy I will wind up getting put on my body.

fuzzy socks Fuzzy socks have kind of always been my thing. I do not like wearing shoes, but I do not like my feet so I need socks. They are comfortable and they keep me warm Unsweet tea is okay, and I can slide down sweet tea is better, but the hallway into my sweet peach tea is the kitchen to get food. best, especially from It’s perfect.

Sonic. It is the perfect

Peach Sweet Tea

amount of sweet and fruity at the same time, that I can’t help but be happy when I have some.

tattoos

LUCY

Up until about three years ago I cringed at even the thought of eating sushi, but now I can’t go a week without having some. The way each ingredient is specially selected to go with each other, but to also pop with flavor individually, there is an explosion of flavor that I haven’t found with any other food.

sushi

spring 2013 staff Editors

Editor-in-Chief: Megan McMullen Managing Editor: Chase Whorton News Editor: Kyle Vanice Feature Editor: Katie Blechinger

Opinion Editor: Caleb Fenner Sports Editor: CJ Whisnant Web Editor: Kendra Allen Art Directorw: Derek Braun Business Manager: Dylan Worth

Reporters Jacey Bruns Nick Claassen Daria Ghasemi Nick Hochstatter Emary Langhorn Grant Leibee Susan Monroe Samantha Nay Christopher Nelson

Lauren Powers Rob Pollan Ryan Proffitt Patrick Robey Sam Sobotka Shelby Thompson Eli Williams

Adviser Megan Palmer

Design Editors

Katie Blechinger Kyle Vanice Megan McMullen

I was raised on a farm so we had lots of different types of animals, but once we moved to the city we had to get rid of them all.

For my birthday this last year we finally got Lucy.

She is an English Bulldog. She is really lazy and she snores when she sleeps, but look at her. How could you not love that face?

The View is published eight times during the regular school year as the student news publication of Park Hill South High School. Opinions expressed here are that of the student journalist and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Park Hill South School District.

For editorial policies or to submit a letter to the editor, visit our website at www.PHSVIEW.com.

The View is a member of NSPA and the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association and is printed

by Osage Graphics in Olathe, Kan.