The View Vol 21 Issue 4

he tview

Park Hill South High School Riverside, MO

pages 12 & 13

President Trump’s wall proves to divide more than the southern border.

FEBRUARY 14, 2019 VOLUME 23 ISSUE 4

NEWS

OPINIONS

FEATURES

SPORTS

S TA F F

Editor in Chief: Noelle Alviz-Gransee Art Directors: Annie Buckles Alex Benton Features Editor: Claire Hoy Sports Editor: Ethan Farrow News Editor: Grace Dieleman Opinion Editor: Avery Glover Managing Editor: Annie Woodson Reporters:

03 06 14 18 Speeding Stay vs Go The Bods Girls Tickets

05 07 15 Gun voilence Three Pods BBB Letter from the Editor

This is the first issue without my co EIC Garrett by my side.

With my advisor, Palmer, out having a baby, I tried to do everything on my own, which I quickly learned was nearly impossible. I realized quickly that I have a perfectly capable editorial staff that has my back.

Snow days, while they stressed me out, left the art directors unphased as they put together our newsmagazine with ease.

When I ran into missing pages and stories, I always had staff members who were there ready to pitch something new.

That’s the thing about a highschool newspaper. You can’t do anything alone. The quality of this issue reflects the hours my staff has spent gathering interviews, designs, and information

Basketball

21 Bandits

to educate South on issues they deem. I am lucky to have each and every one of those staff members and editors contributing and supporting me as I learned how to be editor-in-chief alone.

February is the month of love. Whether or not you are in a relationship, there is someone out there who loves each and every one of us, and there are articles in this issue to prove it.

From the Bachelor flipside, to what Valentine’s Day really is, I could not feel more love for the support and work I have gotten from my staff on our first issue on our own. This is our gift to you South, happy Valentine’s Day.

Noelle Alviz-Gransee Editor in Chief

Maria Allred Garrett Anderson Lucas Bowman Laura Distenfano Kiana Fernandes Cameron Gillespie Avery Glover Jessie Hagen Payton Havermann Sadie Hudson Kate Kobayashi Zane Leiker Nico Leluga Kate Maness Jake Powers Parker Rivers Ty Rouse Annie Saunders Derek Thomas Stevie Williams Nicole Wilson Stevie Williams The View is published six times during the regular school year as the student news publication of Park Hill South High School in Riverside, Mo. Opinions expressed here are that of the student journalists and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Park Hill School District.

To access the editorial policies or to submit a letter to the editor, visit our website at phsview.com.

The View is a member of National Scholastic Press Association and the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association and is printed by Osage Graphics in Olathe, KS.

T

urning 16 and getting a driver’s license is one of the most memorable times in high school. A student is finally able to have some freedom and they don’t have to coordinate whose mom is going to pick up and take home every weekend.

But going from an amateur driver as a sophomore to having more experience as one gets older, sometimes they get caught doing the wrong thing at the wrong time.

There’s nothing worse than hearing those sirens and seeing those red and blue flashing lights in the rearview mirror. From speeding to running a red light or stop sign or having expired insurance or tags, South students have experienced it all.

Some people are luckier than others and can get off with a warning. Others, not so much.

“I have gotten pulled over three times and gotten tickets every time, all for speeding,” said Cassidy Taylor, junior. “Two of the times were on 45 Highway and the other was 152.”

45 Highway, as well as many other spots, such as Riverside, are always infested with cops. Recently, Riverside Police have been focused on pulling over people that aren’t stopping for bus arms.

“We are not just watching for speeding, we are watching specifically for a more serious offense involving bus stops,” said Officer Westrich, Student Resource Officer.

There are some ways people believe they can get out of getting a ticket. From sweet talking to crying or just being polite, it all depends on the officer who pulls a driver over.

“There really is nothing you can do to get out of a ticket, because the officer usually is going to have their mind made up after they pull over a car. The common theme among police officers is if people are polite and respectful, depending on the severity of the violation, you can get off with a warning,” said Westrich.

Regardless of the outcome, being respectful to officers is always a good idea. No one likes getting pulled over, but it can happen.

Be aware of one’s surroundings, especially near school zones.

Having a driver’s license comes with many benefits but staying safe on the road is the number one priority.

Tips for Not Getting Pulled Over:

Some Sneaky Spots Where Cops Hangout

1. Don’t Speed 2. Don’t Text and Drive 3. Stop for Buses 4. Use Turn Signals 5. Don’t be an Aggressive Driver 6. Make Complete Stops 7. If You do get Pulled Over Just Be Respectful!

1. Behing concrete structure on Highway 9 across from factories 2. Church parking lot on Union Chapel Rd 3. Riverside exit off of I-29 (Exit 3C) 4. Neighborhood pool parking lots

Have You Ever Been Pulled Over?

41%

59%

Skrt Skrt...

WEE WOO WEE WOO

Nothing makes a teenager’s heart race quite like those red and blue lights in their rearview mirror.

by MARIA ALLRED

3

news

The issue of people kneeling for our National Anthem is now three years in the making and is still more relevant and runs much deeper than people choose to admit.

The stars represent the 50 states.

RED : valour and blood shed The stripes represent the 13 original colonies

BLUE : vigilance and perserverance

STANDING

Data from official Colonial Flag site

It is 2006. I am four years old. My brother and I sit at our computer, patiently awaiting a Skype call.

The call comes in and we answer. Immediately, I am overflowing with happiness as I see my dad’s face smiling back at me.

You may think my dad was on a normal business trip like any other and would be home in a week. For me, this was not the case.

My dad was in Iraq fighting for our country. The scariest part was that we didn’t know when or if he would be back.

This is the reality for so many families across the country.

When I heard about the NFL National Anthem Debate I was filled with anger. I took a step back to look at the facts and became more disappointed at what I saw as our country’s ignorance.

When I was in third grade, I won my school wide annual essay contest. The prompt was “ What does the National Anthem mean to you?” Growing up on a military base, this wasn’t hard to answer.

The National Anthem is a time set aside to think. A time to think about every man and woman fighting for our country. A time to think about the families in our country making daily sacrifices as their loved ones fight. A time to appreciate the opportunities we are given here.

When I hear that football players in our country are kneeling due to the current division in our country, it makes me wonder if they truly listen to the words of our Nation’s Anthem.

“The flag stands for freedom and what all soldiers have died for.

These people kneeling are protesting their freedom to protest,” said Hunter Johnston, senior.

However, we are a country of opportunity and freedom and I believe you have the freedom to kneel. I don’t believe that this freedom takes away from the disrespect this shows for people risking their lives every single day.

I understand that people are upset about the injustice and racial division that is taking place in this country. But this should be more the reason to unify and show that we are not divided. We have the chance to set an example and be leaders.

Rather than dividing our country even more, why don’t we stand unified and honor the soldiers that are fighting for our land of the free and home of the brave?

for

4 opinion

WHITE : purity

something

by Avery Glover

NEVER AGAIN? One year after the Parkland Shooting, has anything changed?

39,773

Americans were killed by guns in 2017

By Parker Rivers

C

olumbine High School. Virginia Tech University. Sandy Hook Elementary.

Stoneman Douglas High School.

The tragedies that occured at these schools are almost unimaginable. But even harder to picture is for it to happen to ourselves.

Last December, South students had to cope with such a concept, when a student wrote a threat on a bathroom stall.

Max Peek, junior, said “It was one of those things where I acknowledged that the threat existed, however the actual circumstances surrounding it ensured that I somewhat dismissed it.”

The majority of opinions seemed to align with Peek’s statement in finding little meaning to the threat.

“It more affected me just because people were talking about it, not because it could actually happen,” said Conor Roe, sophomore.

While most students have moved on, seemingly unfazed, there is still the reality that anything can happen. As sad as it is, the students of each of the schools that have been affected by gun violence felt safe that day, too.

A growing number of teenagers across are nation are banding together in a push against this trend. Caroline Bennett, junior, is the citywide leader for the Gun Sense Movement.

“Everyone’s lives have been impacted by gun violence in one way or another. For

me, personally, My dad was in the military when I was growing up so a lot of my friends, all of our parents were going overseas all the time and a lot of my friends’ parents got shot and died. I [knew] we needed to do something,” said Bennett.

While our school wasn’t attacked, it doesn’t mean anyone here hasn’t experienced something similar. Many schools around our area and throughout the nation have implemented safer security measures to prevent bad things from happening.

Among these here at our school, the new Panther Preserve saves the parking lot nearest the main entrance for late students.

They must check in using the doorbell system outside and waiting for two sets of doors to be unlocked to be allowed to enter the school.

Numerous caution signs can be spotted throughout the halls warning against leaving doors open, etc.

“School Safety: A shared responsibility.” they read.

But amongst all this, a View poll revealed 40% of South students said they don’t believe these precautions have increased safety and an­­­other 46% said while they have been effective, it has been an annoying adjustment.

Nonetheless, for the students of these victimized schools, any sort of nuisance would have been worthwhile in exchange for the lives lost to be undone.

“We need to do something.”

#1

Rank of school shootings compared to other issues in a matter of motivating students

8

States passed “red flag” laws after the Parkland Shooting

11

Murder-suicides each week, on average

200%

Of kids killed by gun violence, compared to the number of kids killed by cancer Statistics from: Trace, 12-252018, “13 Statistics That Tell the Story of Gun Violence in 2018,” https://www.thetrace.org/2018/12/gun-violence-facts-statistics -2018/

5

news

The question stands on whether we should stay home or travel as far as our finances can get us during breaks. Which option is better?

Does your answer differ depending on how often you take trips?

“I like to stay home during break . . . If you’re used to not leaving, then you are used to staying home.”

Maddisen Clevenger, Junior

When South students were interviewed...

“I would rather go on vacation. I go on trips during spring break pretty often.

I’ve been to Nevada, Florida, Mexico and Illinois.”

August Webb, Senior

43% 57% would rather stay

need a vacay.

“During spring break, I’d just like to just stay here.”

Daine Carlson, Sophomore

Pl a ne s and Cars How Far Will You Go?

6

features

By Nicole Wilson

3 2018

Pods.

No

A common word among teenangers everywhere. Whether we’re talking about the ones you put in your washing machine (or mouth), the ones you put in your juul, or the ones you spend $160 on to put in your ears, they have all become a strangely relevant topic of discussion in 2018.

As I’m sitting here chewing a tide pod, listening to Sicko Mode in my airpods, and watching all the freshman get OSS for hitting their juul pods, I think to myself, which one is the best? We may never know.

2018 was a big year for our generation. We had the Yanny and Laurel debate, the Fortnite addictions, the IHob scam, and the vast amount of Kardashian babies. Most popular of everything we went through was the talk of all the pods. You know, the juul pods, the tide pods, and the airpods.

In 2018 alone, there was over 12,000 poison control calls for people consuming tide pods for the “tide pod challenge”. Wow, our generation is stupid. I mean, the brightly colored laundry detergent pod looks like a delicious fruity candy so maybe we should just, you know, eat them. Right?

Because that’s a smart idea.

“I’ve never done the challenge but “I don’t think our whole sadly, I know someone who has.” generation is stupid, but a said Maddie Olson, junior. lot of people in it are.”

In a poll on twitter, 6 percent of South students said they have done the tide pod challenge.

Olson also said, “The challenge is stupid. You’re putting harmful chemicals into your body. I don’t think our whole generation is stupid, but a lot of people in it are.”

Shortly after the tide pod challenge, came the biggest epidemic among our entire generation. Juuls and their pods. You’ve heard the name before.

A 15 billion dollar company thanks to the teenangers of the world. mint pods, mango pods, cucumber pods, you name it.

The very addictive nicotine product, that for some reason high schoolers just can’t take their hands off of, comes in eight different flavors.

Unhealthy, yes, but to the kids of South it’s no big deal that one juul pod is equal to an entire pack of cigarettes. Because, that’s not concerning for our health at all.

In a poll on twitter, 37 percent of South students said they own a juul.

Only 63 percent said they do not. Why couldn’t we have just left these pods in 2018?

“Juuling is truly killing lungs and it’s also killing all the air in PHS bathrooms.” said Maggie Hyberger, senior.

Yes

No

Last year was full of pods, and almost everyone has been impacted by: Kate by one.

Maness

Do you own airpods?

Yes

Do you own a Juul?

Have you tried th?e Tide Pod Challenge

Pods of

Yes

No

We’ve had many, many cases of kids juuling at school.

“The juuling problems are stupid and can be easily avoided. It’s mostly the stupid kids who don’t think.” said Kyle Dibernardo, senior.

Not even here at South, but all over the United States juul pods have taken over the high schools and ...but to the kids of South it’s even the middle schools. no big deal that one juul Finally, we got the airpods. The pod is equal to an entire unnecessarily expensive, bluetooth pack of cigarettes. apple headphones. You know, the ones only the “rich people” own. $160 for a pair of headphones without a cord.

Airpods came out in 2016, but really started to blow up on social media in 2018. They have became such a joke online. If you scroll through twitter, it’s airpod memes left and right.

“I got them spring of sophomore year, so 2017. I feel like I had them before everyone started talking about them.” said Mikey Jones, senior.

People are constantly making jokes towards others with airpods since it has become such a huge gag.

“I think the memes and jokes are funny, it doesn’t affect me because I don’t really care what people think about me owning them. They’re just haters.” said Olson.

Now, the big question is: Are they really worth it?

“Not gonna lie, I do think that they were kind of a waste of money. They shouldn’t be $160, maybe $75 or $85 at most.” said Jones.

What makes the airpods different? Why do people spend so much money on them if they aren’t that much different?

“I think they are nice for exercise because you don’t have to run around with the cord in your phone.” said Jessica Matthews, senior.

While some people like having the “I think the [airpod] bluetooth so there’s no cord, lots of memes and jokes are people actually prefer the cord. funny, it doesn’t affect me “I drop my phone so much that if I had because I don’t really airpods, they wouldn’t catch my phone care what people think.” like my regular headphones do.” said Macie Bolger, senior.

2018 has brought many, many things to us. Ladies and gents, let’s leave the pods behind and have some fresh trends in 2019.

7

features

ValentinesAppreciation ,

U ROCK

U ROCK

THX U THX U

South singles share how they express love and appreciation for loved ones on Valentine’s Day.

TH X U

BY ANNIE WOODSON

LUV U

Valentine’s Day. A day most people typically think is just for couples Adam Henn, sophomore, believes that sending a giving gifts, chocolates, and flowers to one another, showing their message on Valentine’s Day to the people who look out appreciation for their relationship on this love filled day. But has it ever for him is an easy thing to do and will make someone’s day.L U V U said been considered that Valentine’s Day isn’t just for the love between two “It is always a good thing to reflect on others that you love,” people who are dating or married, but can also be for the love shared Henn, “never hurts to let them know you appreciate them.” with family and friends?

Not all people want to celebrate Valentine’s day unless they have a “I have never really thought to tell my family that I love and significant other. appreciate them on Valentine’s day, that’s always been on Thanksgiving “I think Valentine’s Day has been catered more towards couples for me,” said Hayden Glover, because it has always been a day freshman, “but that’s a really “Being single on Valentine’s Day associated with romance and good idea.” affection,” said Tj Carroll, junior, There’s never a wrong time to doesn’t define you as lonely; it’s a “Plus, it’s a lot easier to sell show your appreciation towards over-prices boxes of chocolates the ones you are close with day of love and you can be single to lovestruck boyfriends than to on any day of any month, but a person simply wanting to show reaching out to them on the day that they appreciate their friend.” and still have love to give.” of love can be even more special.

This Valentines day, don’t dwell Giving them a little gift from the heart could do measures for them that on the relationship status, make sure to be surrounded with loved loved wouldn’t be expected. ones, and tell tell them how much they are appreciated; it’ll change the Ciara Mattson, junior, will typically bake cookies or other sweets as a common Valentine’s Day norms. gift to give to her oved ones to show how grateful she is.

“Being single on Valentine’s Day doesn’t define you as lonely; it’s “I always make sure to reach out to my family and friends on a day of love and you can be single and still have love to give.,” said Valentine’s Day,” said Mattson, “I think it’s important to show that you Mattson, “Spend it with people you love and care U about, you’ll have K of all the mushy love them.” U so much more fun and it will also take your mind R O C off ROCK Even though gifts tend to be a big part of Valentine’s Day, from teddy gushy stuff happening.” bears, to jewelry, to edible arrangements, gifts are not required to show When February 14th comes around and a significant other is your appreciation to your close ones, sending them a quick message or nowhere in sight, don’tX feel down in the dumps, try something new; U TH giving them a call will also make someone’s grab a box of chocolates, watch a romcom, and reach out to loved and CK R Oday.

U thank them for all they’ve done.

U ROCK

THX U

LUV U

LUV U

Kat is a girl with traits that don’t usually attract many boys. Sadly for her little sister, Bianca, she can’t date until her older sister does. This seems like an unfair deal, until a very handsome and charming Patrick comes along to try and sweep Kat off her feet.

MOVIES

After high school graduation, Jade and Elliot fall in love quickly.

Her father does not approve, and his father tells them to be careful.

This only drives them to keep their love going.

LUV U

for the

MOOD

When a writer for a magazine, Andie Anderson, has an idea of a story to write, she ends up having some troubles.

Her story is about how to lose a guy in ten days, so she must find someone for her experiment. She ends up having some complications and her plans backfire.

U ROCK

THX U

Allie and Noah are madly in love, but her parents do not approve of the relationship.

When Noah goes off to World War 2, it appears their love would be over. They had no clue what the future would hold.

THX U

LUV U

by ANNIE SAUNDERS

LUV U

Paige and Leo are newlyweds that are madly in love, until everything changes in a car accident. The crash caused Paige to lose every memory from the past five years, including her husband.

Leo works his hardest to try and renew their and rebuild their marriage.

U RO

Inside The

M I N D

of a

Serial Killer

By Noelle AG

“We serial killers are your sons, we are your husbands,

“What a lot of serial killers would do is like if they we are everywhere. And there will be more of your don’t get caught for a long time, they’ll get frustrated children dead tomorrow,” said Ted Bundy. and contact authorities or maybe leave some evidence.

Serial killers have been an American fascination for It’s not necessarily that they want to get caught, it’s that decades. With the help of modern technologies, psythey want to get acknowledgement or recognition for chologists have a better idea of what is going on inside what they’ve done,” said Cantrell. the brain of a killer.

For a long time, psychologists believed that people “What’s happening in the brain, is there’s a decrease were who they were as a result of nature, and how in volume of the frontal lobe and prefrontal cortex, people were raised. and the frontal lobe does lots of things. They are really “Imagine a triple venn diagram. You have the bio responsible for things like judgement and inhibition”, side, the psychological side, which is the cognitive said Andy Cantrell, psychology. thinking, and then you have the social side, which is “Most serial killers have at the minimum psychophow you were raised. It’s different for everyone...but athy and what that means is a lack of, or inability to those three factors combine in different ways,” said feel empathy for other people. It’s not that they don’t Cantrell. understand what other people are feelings, they cant Another things psychopaths tend to have is antisocial feel what other people are feeling, which is why they personality disorder, meaning they have a lack of can torture people and not feel anything,” said Cantrell. respect for society’s rules.

In 2015, psychologist Pascal Molenberghs conducted “They know society thinks it’s wrong, but they a study to see how peothemselves don’t think ple react to killing others, wrong. They sewe “How am I going to subject it’s and if or how a person society as sheep and myself to the lives of sheep . . .” they’re the wolf. How justifies killing.

Molenberghs had 48 am I going to subject subjects get a functional magnetic resonance imaging myself to the lives of sheep basically,” said Cantrell.

(FMRI). This test scans the brain as they watch three While both serial killers and teenage school shooters different scenarios, having the perspective of a soldier. tend to kill multiple people, there is a difference The first scenario showed killing an enemy soldier. between the two.

The second was killing a civilian, and the third was a “School shooters tend to be much more methodical control, themselves shooting at nothing. and plan the shooting in detail in advance with a specifAfter viewing these videos, they were to rank on a ic target. School shooters also tend to either be killed or scale of one to seven how guilty they felt. Molenberghs commit suicide at the scene of the crime, which I think discovered that people felt more guilt when they killed indicates most school shooters commit the act knowing the civilian due to the fusiform gyrus. This portion of the they are unlikely to survive, whereas most serial killers brain analyzes faces, suggesting that the subjects studied go to great lengths to avoid capture,” said Kimberly the victim’s expression and in turn humanizing them.

Fernandez, licensed counselor in college campus threat “True serial killers. True psychopaths will never fully management. regret their actions because they don’t think what they Serial killers also tend to kill in more “personal” did was wrong,” said Cantrell. ways like strangulation or stabbing, while Something else that goes along with serial killers is There’s way more psychopaths out there and I don’t narcissistic personality disorder. Narcissism is a feeling mean serial killers, just people who lack empathy. They of self importance, meaning you put yourself in front of don’t all become murderers, sometimes they become others and to some extent, everyone has those tendendoctors, lawyers, CEOs of companies, and special forccies. This explains why some serial killers play cat and es. So they kind of use their difference that they have mouse with police.They think they’re so good, so smart, for good I guess to a certain extent, said Cantrell. that they’ll never be caught, said Cantrell.

New advances have made it possible to better understand the mind of a serial killer.

The Most Dangerous Serial Killers

1. Ted Bundy 2. Andrei Chikatilo 3. Jeffry Dahmer 4. Albert Fisch 5. John Wayne Gacy

#9

news features

10

Iceland

by Avery Glover

My trip to a beautiful, unpredictable, and striking country.

L I F E

Over winter break my family and I took a trip to the country of Iceland. The country is 39,769 square miles. To give a frame of reference, the United States is 3.797 million square miles. But everything packed inside this place is truly incomparable; from glaciers to volcanoes and waterfalls to hot springs. I have always wanted to go to Iceland, but never imagined that I would get the chance till I was in my 20’s or 30’s.

We got off the airplane at four in the morning and as a group we made up eight of what was probably 40 people in the airport. We walked outside and were nearly knocked over by the wind. It was cold and dark and empty. None of us knew exactly what were walking into. What I did know, was that it was going to be quite the adventure.

The sun rose as we reached the town of Reykjavik. We spent the first day in town and while there weren’t nearly as many people as you’d see in most capitals, it did not lack in liveliness.

We were driving along the southern coast of Iceland and as we came around a ridge I saw a waterfall. The closer we got, the larger and more unreal it felt until I was standing next to a stream flowing with shards of ice, and looking up at a 197 foot tower of falling water. There was freezing mist blowing in my face, but it was hard to mind while I was looking at something so breathtaking.

For me, this was a realization moment. It was a realization that these are the moments that truly make up our lives. I don’t mean that you have to travel to Iceland to experience this or see the Northern Lights.

It’s a mindframe. Time is fleeting and nothing lasts forever but if you can capture the moments like these and just stay in them for as long as possible, life can be more. Ignore the millions of distractions buzzing in your ear. It’s a mindframe that life is about the moments when you can pause time and forget.

Iceland is simple yet complex. While driving I looked to either side of the car and saw what looked like huge bubbles coated in moss covering the whole landscape. It was actually the lava flow that had cooled and over time moss had grown over top. There’s a simplicity of an untouched environment and a true complexity of what has been created purely by mother nature. For me, this can in a way represent life. You have to find the simplicity and the beauty in the flowing and ever changing pace of things.

A major goal of our trip was to see the Northern Lights. The visibility of the lights is extremely unpredictable and relies mostly on cloud coverage. On the third day of our trip, New Years Eve, the weather was beautiful and the sky was completely clear. The sun set and you could see what felt like every star in the universe. We sat outside and waited for the lights. It slowly started to show and after about an hour of looking at a dull glow my family had retreated from the cold. I felt that there was more to see.

I sat down at a small picnic table and looked up at the billions of stars staring right back at me. Being so close to the north pole, you can feel the whole earth rotating and see the constellations moving through sky. In a moment of weakness, my toes numb in my boots, I almost gave up and went inside. Before I could make my decision the green glow got brighter and brighter and started spiking up through the sky. Then, a second streak of light ran underneath the first. I ran inside and got my whole family.

My grandma and I stood together and looked at her watch. The hands hit 12 and we all yelled “–Happy New Year!”.

As I sit in this plane flying away from Iceland and writing this I look over a sea of clouds being lit on fire by a sun that is setting along the horizon. I think to myself that maybe if everyone sought out the sheer beauty that this life has to offer that we may all live much more joyful lives. And in doing so, we may also find ourselves while standing underneath a waterfall, or walking across a beach, covered in chunks of glaciers or looking up at billions of stars. opinion

There are only 4 showers in the Bachelor mansion and contestants are restricted to 2 suitcases

No one eats during the dates; Chewing sounds weird and they don’t look attractice when they eat

It takes 3-5 minutes inbetween every rose at the rose ceremonies.

Most of them last until 3AM or later

I

magine a guy telling you he likes you, of course you like him back, and you think things are going good. Then come to find out, he’s talking to at least 20 other girls at once. Boo hoo. You girls complain about guys leading you on, talking to multiple girls, and cutting you off, yet you obsess over and support a show that is ALL about that. It’s stupid.

The Bachelor is a complete waste of time. Half of the show is staged and fake. The producers tell the girls what to say, tell them to cry, tell them to argue, and even make you drink multiple drinks off camera so you’re drunk half the show and your words start to become loose.

On this season of the bachelor, Colton Underwood is a Ken Doll that comes to life. He is an extremely attractive man (obviously, since he’s on the show) and a former NFL player. Believe it or not, he claims he’s a virgin. What?!

Think what you want, but I think it’s fake news.

The Bachelor himself doesn’t even live in the same house as the girls. You really want to marry and move in with someone you’ve known for a couple months without even knowing how they live? Or their domestic style? It’s so unrealistic and gives girls a false sense of hope on how relationships work.

The entire show is basically about women trying to find their “true love”. Some girls even get on the show just to get more fame so they can be the next famous model on instagram selling tummy tea. Girls from all over tune into the show religiously every week over a course of years

giving them false expectations for relationships.

If a guy doesn’t tell you he loves you after four or five weeks then your life is like “OMG like literally just over!!” Sorry to break it to you, but that’s not how relationships work. It’s all fantasy.

Did you know that from The Bachelor itself, only one couple is still together? ONE couple. This show has had 23 seasons since 2002, and only one couple is still together over the past 17 years. Yes, there are couples here and there still together from the silly spinoffs like The Bachelorette or The Bachelor in Paradise, but that’s an entire different story.

Point is, they don’t last long after the cameras stop rolling. You and the “love of your life” lasted an entire 4 months after the show! That’s such real and genuine love!

The extent these girls go to to be on the show is ridiculous. Months of applications, interviews, and contracts. Many girls even quit their jobs to be on the show. THEY QUIT THEIR JOB. How stupid is that? You get paid absolutely nothing to be on the show unless you’re the star and they decide to quit their jobs.

In the end it’s all a matter of opinion. You can love the show, and that’s fine, but you’re wasting your time. All the drama on the show comes from the dramatic girls who have been spoiled and babied their entire life.They over analyze everything that happens and cry every 5 minutes.

And honestly, if I wanted to watch that every week I’d just save my time and join a sorority.

The BACHELOR

The hot take on America’s most watched dating show. Read about the good, by GRACE DIELEMAN and the bad, by KATE MANESS If the couple breaks up within 2 years they have to give the Neil Lane custom engagement ring back

There are 5 Bachelor spinoffs and adaptations in 22 different countries

Bachelor: 18 seasons and 2 marriages Bachelorette: 10 seasons and 3 marriages

M

ondays suck, but only until 7p.m. At this time, ABC’s The Bachelor is on TV and more than 7 million people tune in to see who will get a rose. The Bachelor gives you a reason to have friends over and drink soda during the week and I’m here for every minute of it.

Middle-aged women (and men) across the United States crave a good episode of drama, tears and gossip; And boy do we love gossip, I mean just ask the girl ‘friend groups’ at this school.

Not only is it entertaining to watch the contestants gossip on screen, but being able to talk about it on Tuesday morning with your own friends is just as fun.

This show serves as an escape from our daily lives. You can critique what the women and men on the show are doing, outline what you’d do differently and at the same time be happy that you don’t stoop to some of their levels.

Plus, I feel like social media was invented for this show #TheBachelor In fact, this show could be considered healthy for us fans. Studies outlined by Medical Daily show that when we see a familiar action, our mirror neurons activate and fire for exactly as long as the observed action and is what allows us to instantly understand the action, its goal, and even the emotions linked to it.

This is why you get excited and worked up watching athletes play sports, and that is essentially what’s happening

in The Bachelor. The contestants are playing a game, and winning entails an engagement. It makes it intriguing, and our brains release dopamine when we watch it.

I mean why wouldn’t this show make you feel good? You get to live vicariously through the contestants on TV. I WISH someone would take me on a helicopter tour, or to a beach for a picnic, or to a private concert as a first date.

Not to mention, when you’re not on a date you’re relaxing by the pool in the Bachelor Mansion or in an exotic country. Watching them do that makes me forget about the hours of homework I haven’t started yet, the snow and ice on the ground and everything wrong with the world. I am focused on one thing: who gets that rose.

Particularly, the roses give a little glimpse of hope that chivalry isn’t actually dead. Men are actually giving women flowers (hint, hint, it’s Valentine’s Day) and talking about their feelings directly to their significant other rather than just to their friends.

At the end of the day, yes, it is just another reality TV show with a generally low success rate. But, some people actually find love and I will be on my couch, in some pajamas, watching the proposal when they do. The Bachelor always makes my Mondays a little bit more interesting. opinion

11

Border Wars

In lieu of the recent State of the Union addrress, South students comment on the controversy in our government and their opinions on the problems happening

Are you in favor of the wall?

37% yes

63% no

The Great Wall

By Claire Hoy and Jessie Hagen “I will build a great wall. And nobody does walls better than me. I will build a great, great wall on our southern border and I will have Mexico pay for that wall,” said then presidential candidate Donald Trump in 2016.

During the controversial 2016 election, one of Trump’s biggest campaign promises was to build a wall along the southern border to try to reduce the amount of illegal immigration.

It is now 2019, three years since the promise of a wall was made. Since then, Mexico has rejected his proposal of them funding the wall and Trump is now asking Congress to approve of his proposition and asking the country for the immense amount of money needed to build it.

“Illegal immigration is a lot more than just people crossing the border into Texas and Arizona and those border states because you can fly, there is boat transportation, and things like that,” said Samuel Andersen, Junior.

In 2018, according to CNBC, Customs and Border Protection seized just under 400,000 illegal immigrants at the border, which has decreased in thousands since the Obama Administration.

The government was shut down for a total of 35 consecutive days, the longest shut down in history. This was a result of the inability to agree on if the wall should be built or not.

“I was surprised he took such a firm stance to go as far as to shutdown the government over the budget. I think it will remain shut down until the

12 centerspread

budget issue is resolved, with the wall being a part of that budget resolution,” said Dane Urmacher, Junior.

Trump tweeted this information, letting the country know that their government isn’t functioning via Twitter.

Whether the wall gets built or not, Americans are constantly impacted by the decisions of the government, especially when it is not running. According to Quinnipiac Poll University, 62% of Americans want the government to reopen before finding the solution to the funding problem.

For the duration of the shutdown, 800,000 people were forced to work with a delayed paycheck and the situation was dire for the government workers.

“You could say our country was built on a lot of things, but one of the most important things is the art to compromise. We as a country need to acknowledge that there are very different sides, but in the end we are a country and we should try to work together,” said Kirk Henry, Social Studies.

A campaign promise that led to a government shutdown has now turned into a big controversy whether people agree or disagree with the border wall. The 35 days that the government was down has affected many lives, and no matter what the solution is, the majority of Americans think this problem needs to be solved.

By Jake Powers

Build That Wall!

116 billion.

This is the price of the 12.5 million illegal immigrants in the United States. These numbers have devastated our nation and need to be dealt with immediately.

The opposition of the wall is mostly from people that do not support Trump. Personally, I don’t always agree with Trump’s ideas, but this doesn’t mean everything he says is incorrect. The wall is vital to controlling our border. If the wall was made it would reduce, but not eliminate illegal immigration.

“BodThere is a lot of ies on debate about top of the the cost of fence.” the “Bodies just to the east...at the rose plants.”

“We found a pair of female tennis shoes...tied together...someone sat down next to them.”

In Douglas, Arizona, the Border Patrol base gets horrific radio messages like these as units locate and report the fallen migrants they find who had tried to make their way into the US via the Sonoran Desert. Clearly, it is exceedingly difficult to cross the border without being caught or suffering serious bodily harm, so why is it necessary to build a wall?

Despite what you may have heard from certain elected officials, the border “crisis” is nothing new, and in fact the situation is better than it has been in the past. In 2017, there were 170,000 successful illegal crossings over the US-Mexico border. Compare this to 2005, when over 1.7 million migrants completed the crossing.

On top of that, the majority of illegal US immigrants don’t even get here by crossing that border. Instead, they go through legal airports like Laguardia or JFK in New York and let their Visas expire. 700,000 immigrants became illegal in this way in 2017-more than four times the amount who crossed the border!

One of President Donald Trump’s favorite explanations to use for the necessity of the wall is how much crime it will reduce. However, there are statistics to support that immigrants are not, in fact, the cause of all crime in America. When compared to native-born Americans, legal immigrants are charged with crimes 67% fewer times, and illegal immigrants are charged 16 percent less. It is extremely misleading and potentially dangerous to blame outsiders for an inside problem.

Despite these statistics, Trump is still demanding $5.7 billion to fund his 27 foot wall. Apparently, $1.3 billion won’t be sufficient to adequately increase border security. In fact, he is willing to keep 800,000 people from being paid in the longest government shutdown in history, a shutdown that may continue for even longer starting tomorrow .

The border wall is absurd. Spending over $5 billion to not even address the root of the illegal immigration process is absurd. Ignoring the fact that people think that to die trying to make it to America is preferable to remaining in their own countries is

wall as well. According to Fox News, the actual physical cost of the wall would be around 25 billion. Our government spends an incredible amount of money every single year.

According to the National Priorities Project, the government spends approximately 598.5 billion dollars every year. So, building this crucial wall would only be 4.1% of our average spending. This organization has also estimated in 2015 that the United States spent approximately 1.11 trillion dollars.

If the average price of the wall holds true than that would only be 2.3% of our governments spending in one year. The National Priorities Project is a non-governmental organization that aims to help citizens of the United States understand and shape the federal government.

Our country needs to start cracking down on illegal immigrants immediately. According to FAIR in 2013, the Federation for American Immigration Reform, there are more than 12.5 million illegal “aliens” and about 4.2 million citizen children of illegal aliens. That being said, that amounts to a tax burden of approximately $8,075 per illegal immigrant family member with a total cost of about $115,894,597,664.

The total national cost illegal immigrants is approximately $134,863,455,364. If you were to take this number and subtract it by the total tax contributions by illegal aliens ($18,968,857,700) you would get approximately $116 billion. $116 billion is the total economic impact of illegal “aliens”. I respect Donald Trump for putting a stand to these numbers and fully support the construction of the wall. $116 billion is much more than the price of the wall so even reducing this number by 21% the wall would be paid for by the amount the US would save. Compared to the saving and our government spending the wall is not only feasible but abmandatory. surd.

Keeping our own citizens out of work to try to get money for this cause is absurd.

We need to stop vilifying immigrants and instead try to find ways in which we can make it easier for them to be legal. America is known as the Great Melting Pot, and that is one of our greatest assets. Fearing outsiders because of things they might do, when those things aren’t even backed up by statistics, is counterintuitive to the American Dream. If we wish to remain the beacon of democracy that we claim ourselves to be, it is high time that we address this problem in a democratic way, instead of trying to strongarm our way into an “agreement”.

Wall Worries

By Kiana Fernandez

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Now that second semester is in full swing, many students at South are working on their Spring Break bod, in more ways than one. South has a wide variety of body types, ranging from dad bods, to complete workout maniacs. There’s no right or wrong way to achieve the body of your dreams, but many people have their respective regimens.

Dad bods have gained popularity in recent years; they’re very easy to maintain and you can have a diet consisting of your favorite foods. Some of the famous dad bods come from the football program: buff juniors Brock Ivy and Tyler Brown. Both are currently in offseason from the football team but still, manage to get in some form of a workout. “I’d say my body type is closest to a grizzly bear because they’re fierce, big and fluffy,” said Brown.

“It’s a lot like how I would describe myself: cuddly, broad and thick.”

Brock Ivy Grade: Junior Body Type: “Dad Bod ish” Animal: Rhino Favorite Snack: Nugs

Tyler Brown Grade: Junior Body Type: cuddly, broad andthick Animal: Grizzly Bear Favorite snack: Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Grant Mulligan

Ivy is very fond of his diet; he gets to eat his favorite junk food which consists of a double quarter pounder with a large fry and coke. On top of that, this time last year he chowed down 40 McNuggets at our local McDonalds.

Don’t be confused though, dad bods don’t hinder athletic success. Ivy was awarded wide receiver of the year for the Panther football team.

On the other hand, there’s that population who just can’t quite reach the dad bod level, but don’t work out enough to flex in the mirror. Sophomore, Grant Mulligan, is among that group. He’s a big soccer player but an even bigger fan of cheese. When not on the field, you could find Mulligan snacking on a meatball and mozzarella hot pocket, pirate’s booty popcorn, or Culver’s staple cheese curds. Right down the road from Culvers are two favorite snack places for seniors Nick and Kevin Ryan: Wendy’s and McDanks.

“Two for five Mcdanks are the move and another go to is the King pizza from Pizza Shoppe,” said Kevin.

Although Kevin claims he is in peak physical condition the Ryans take no steps to achieve their physical state, unlike some swole students at South.

Senior, Alex Hammond, is just a couple steps up from the Ryans. You could probably catch him in the national gym with the rest of Scrap Pack a couple times a week. Although he eats fairly healthy, he will still indulge with oatmeal creme pies and Costco brand croissants. One south student that will never break their diet is Junior, Garrett Lee. He has his family genetics to thank for part of his ab success, but on top of that, Lee works out 6 times a week. He rarely eats junk food and his go-to after-school snacks consist of a protein shake or granola bar.

One thing can be clear from all of the dudes at Park Hill South, the dad bod is perfect for that staycation, relaxing, or your offseason. Abs are great for any beach vacation to flex on the ladies, and in between bodies are a great medium this time of the year. To get your ideal Spring Break Bod, follow the routines of some of South’s best bodies.

Grade: Sophomore Body Type: Skinny with more skinny Animal: Sloth Favorite snack: Pirate’s Booty

By Laura Distefano and Stevie Williams

Nick Ryan

Grade: Senior Body Type: average, possible dad bod Animal: Sea Otter Favorite snack: Wendy’s

From

Dads Abs

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to

An exposé on South’s famous figures.

entertainment

Kevin Ryan

Grade: Senior Body Type: “Peak Physical Condition” Animal: Bull Favorite snack: Mcdanks

Alex Hammond

Grade: Senior Body Type: Athletic/Skinny Animal: Monkey Favorite snack: Oatmeal Creme Pies

Garrett Lee Grade: Junior Body Type: Skinny Animal: Monkey Favorite Snack: Protein Bar/Shake

tow

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Tay’s Burger Shack

Hayes Burgers

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Hayes serves up more of a slider than a burger making them perfect for devouring multiple in one sitting. Add on good fries, service, and that cozy diner feel and you’re in for a great meal.

A great all around burger with a phenomal burger to bun ratio. They are known for their great sauce and their fries are second to none. The building offers a great getaway from the world where you can just sit back and enjoy a good burger.

Highly recommend two or three patties so you can fill your belly correctly.

By Cameron Gillespie

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Grandstand

15

entertainment

Rookie of the Year

Derrick Nnadi, Defensive Tackle Chris Jones, Defensice Tackle

Defensive Player of the Year

Seemingly the only man amongst 11 NFL defenders who knew who to consistently stop the run, not very flashy, but effective.

All-pro at defensive tackle, and set the NFL record for consecutive games with a sack? No further questions your honor.

Most Valuable Player

sports

Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback

16

Come on now, don’t be a fool.

T

OUCHDOWN KAN-ZA CITY! This is a phrase that Chiefs fans know too well, and they had the luxury of hearing that phrase 71 times throughout their historic season. This is mostly due to one man, born September 17th, 1995, in Tyler, Texas, the man known as Patrick Lavon Mahomes II. Patrick “Showtime” Mahomes got the opportunity to lead the Kansas City Chiefs football team after a year in waiting behind Alex Smith, who was dealt to the Washington Redskins in the offseason, as the Chiefs were confident that their young quarterback would do something that they hadn’t seen since 1969: a Super Bowl.

Now, sad to say that this year was not the right time, as the Chiefs lost 37-31 to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game; But, the future is as bright as it has ever been in the city of fountains.

It is unusual for a team that just went 10-6, won their division, and had a first round bye just trade away the quarterback that led them to this great season, but the organization was confident in Mahomes, so they went with him, and, buddy, they

12-4 35.3 52 425.6

couldn’t have made a better choice.

Starting with the regular season, Mahomes had 5,097 passing yards (8th most ever in a season), 50 passing touchdowns (3rd most ever in a season), and 12 interceptions. Now, by most metrics this is already the greatest 2nd season by a quarterback in NFL history, but he also was a Pro Bowler, First Team All-Pro, and NFL M-V-P. This year was verall successful for the whole team, as the Chiefs had 5 additional Pro-Bowlers to Mahomes and 5 All-Pro members.

The team won the division again, this time going from 10-6 to 12-4, with the best offense in football; The tradeoff being a bottom 5 unit on defense, which would be the cause all of our four losses, as well as our downfall in the AFC Championship game versus the New England Patriots.

The team has the brightest outlook of any team in the league right now, as we have the best quarterback in the NFL, Mr. Patrick Lavon “Showtime” Mahomes the Second.

KAN-ZA CITY is very proud to be the home of the Chiefs.

First in the AFC Avg points per game Total Sacks Avg yards per game

only the

BEGINNING The Chiefs may have ended this season sooner than we hoped, but it’s only just the beginning for the future of Kansas City by Lucas Bowman

REVIEW

Super Bowl

Bottom 5:

Commercial

Top 5:

1. NFL 100 Commercial. A fun commercial with former and current NFL players and legends. Ninja was there for whatever reason but other than that the commercial was fun to watch. It was the only perfect rating I gave of the night.

Rating: 13 Tom Brady’s sons kissed out of 13.

2. Verizion Anthony Lynn Commercial. A really cool commercial in which the Chargers Coach met the first responders who saved his life. I didn’t give it a perfect grade just because it didn’t really relate to Verizon and I typcally don’t like serious commercials but it was a good commercial. Rating: 12 Tom Brady’s sons kissed out of 13.

3. Fast and Furious Commercial. I really like these movies. It has The Rock in it and it was honestly funnier than most of the other commercials that were trying to be funny.

Rating: 12 Tom Brady’s sons kissed out of 13.

4. Bud Light Commercial. I was gonna give this a bad grade because I’m kinda sick of Bud Knight, but then they did it. They actually did it. They killed Bud Knight!

I couldn’t believe it! Rating: 11 Tom Brady’s sons kissed out of 13.

5. WeatherTech Commercial. They hit me where it hurt. Dogs. Dogs and Cats. Can’t hate a commercial with animals in it. Rating: 10 Tom Brady’s sons kissed out of 13.

Overall Rating:

5 Tom Brady’s sons kissed out of 13.

It was a very weak year for commercials, which fits with the overall theme of the game.

by PAY TON HAVERMANN

Amidst the absolute debacle of the Super Bowl, the commercials for the most part only added to the misery.

1. Dorito’s Commercial. By FAR the most disappointing commercial of the night. Doritos has produced absolute classics in the past and have had us rolling around laughing. Wasn’t funny at all. Terr–ible.

Rating: 0 Tom Brady sons kissed out of 13.

2. Robot Child commercial. My goodness. Unbelievably creepy. Wasn’t funny.

Was so weird that I can’t even remember what the product was.

Rating: 1 Tom Brady son kissed out of 13.

3. Pringles Commercial. Haha guys the robot was sad that’s so funny and original. Rating: 1 Tom Brady son kissed out of 13.

4. T-Mobile Commercial. They said bae in 2019.

Rating: 2 Tom Brady’s sons kissed out of 13.

5. All serious car commercials. Seriously. You do this all the time.

Do something new. Rating: 3 Tom Brady’s sons kissed out of 13.

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sports

Girls Basketball

Season 78-9. Park Hill South’s 78 to Wyandotte’s 9. The score of a four quarter basketball game,

The Girls’ basketball team has had an incredible season up to this point, but players have even bigger goals for themselves.

by Payton Havermann

combination with their offense has lead to some shockingly huge blowouts including 78-9

between two varsity high school teams.

over Wyandotte, 75-23 over Lee’s Summit, 56-17 over Lee’s Summit again, and 73-42 over

The South Girls’ basketball team moved to an impressive 12-1 record after the drubbing, and

Fort Osage.

the game is a representation for how well the Panthers have played this season.

Perhaps their best performance on defense came on the biggest stage of the season, when

“We’ve been playing well. We’re scoring a lot of points

they suffocated bitter rival Park Hill 44-28 in the Hy-Vee Arena.

“Our goal the second The big stage did not deter the team from getting a huge win. year. It’s been going really well so far,” said Coach Josh Dorr.

“The amount of hype there was kind of threw us off in the half of the season is The Panthers have been scoring at a much more beginning, but we were able to come together as a team and play to ride this momentum a lot better,” Said Dequaria Guillory ,Junior. improved rate than in years past. They have been consistently scoring in the 50’s, 60’s and have been over the This was the highlight for a South team that finished 13-2 and keep winning. We 70 point mark twice this season. in their first 15 games. Many times this can sometimes lead to a definitely have a good team getting complacent or overconfident. South however has The Panthers have a lot of different contributors on the team. Whether it’s the Guillory sisters or someone off enough team to compete remained focused and is determined to make a deep run at the the deep bench, the Panthers seem to get offense from state title this year. for state,” said Cortes. everyone, making them a very difficult team to defend. But “Our goal the second half of the season is to ride this this year. That’s been something we’ve done really well this

one player stands out among the rest.

“Alecia Westbrook has definitely been the most important player for both this team and

momentum and keep winning. We definitely have a good enough team to compete for state,” said Cortes.

me personally. I can always tell her when I’m getting frustrated and she helps me cool off,” said Bali Cortes, Junior.

The Panthers certainly have their goals set high, and only time will tell whether or not they’re able to finish the season out on top.

South’s defense has not lagged far behind the offense either. They have held their opponents to less than 40 points several times this season. The Panthers defense in

The Panthers have completely dominated the court this year.

Through their first 15 games, they have outscored opponents by an average of

17.7 points a game.

18 sports

OUT ON

Parker Greenfield (senior)

TOP

By: Sadie Hudson

Andre Anderson

Parker Greenfield

Sadie: “What’s your favorite part about wrestling?”

Sadie: “What is your favorite part about wrestling?”

Andre: “My favorite part about wrestling would have to be just being able to do the sport I love with some of ym closest teammates that I call my brothers.”

Parker: “Hanging out with the guys on the team and the feeling of winning a close match.”

Sadie: “Why did you choose wrestling to begin with?”

Parker: “Because I wasn’t super athletic. I joined wr compete and win if they have a good work ethic, even if they aren’t super talented.”

Sadie: “Why’d you choose to do wrestling to begin with?”

Andre: “I have been wrestling since I was like in third grade.”

Kale Slader Sadie: “What’s your favorite part about wrestling?”

Kale: “Probably just being able to hangout and travel with friends frequently.”

Sadie: “Why’d you choose wrestling to begin with?”

Kale: “I have wrestled since I was little and it runs in my family.”

19

sports

new team, new season

A year after the Tropical Seamen made their run, a new group of men step on to the fireld.

SAME SPORT

108 recorded

tripped opponents

3stateformer Missouri senators 16

AllState Athletes

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by KATE KOBAYASHI

“A-Rod (Rodriguez) single handedly destroys opponents.

He is an all star athlete. He has the speed, the muscle, the bulk, and the mentality,” said Allred.

The Bandits may not have a winning record, but they do have the physique. Hayes, the team captain has his athletes on a special workout plan.

“I typically tend to run over 700 miles a week. I break it off into 30 mile increments. I mandate that my players run 100 miles a week, but me personally, I run 700 a week. I run to Kansas and back usually,” said Hayes.

The Backdoor Bandits are getting prepped and ready for their next game Friday, the 15th at 4:10 against Sofa King Bad; But, at the end of the day, this team is just out there for fun as the last chance to play with their friends from high school.

“I enjoy playing with the Bandits not only for the brotherhood of the team, but mainly the honor of putting the ball in the back door,” said Bryce Rigden, senior.

The Bandits may look and sound more like a comedy act than a soccer team, but they are a very close knit group of guys that love the game.

ROSTER

ast year, a group a senior boys put together a soccer team, the Tropical Seamen, to compete in an indoor B-3 soccer league. They finished the season undefeated.

Unfortunately, Cooper Hayes, senior, team captain, could not fill in the missing pieces this year for his new team, the Backdoor Bandits.

The Backdoor Bandits are 1-2, but are hoping to turn it around. “You can’t win them all, but through our new plans of unusual intimidation and slightly illegal antics, we will win the rest,” said Hayes.

The Bandits have a fun time out on the field. They have six varsity soccer players, and seven non soccer players. Braeden Denney, Senior, goalie, did not play soccer for South.

“It’s a fun atmosphere playing for the bandits. The varsity soccer players have been good, saucing on the opposition.

They give us the ball on occasions too . Ya know, let us score some,” said Denney.

Of the seven non soccer players, Alex Rodriguez, senior, has set himself apart from the rest. Hayes and Mark Allred, senior, voted him as “MVP.” In the first game he had a goal and three assists.

Coach: Cameron Gillespie

L

Mark Allred Beau Buford Braeden Denney Ethan Farrow Jake Fisher Alex Gardner Austin Gates Alex Hammond Cooper Hayes Isaac Henn Bryce Rigden Alex Rodriguez Ty Rouse Ian Sprick

All games played at:

KC Soccer Dome

2

players in the Fortune 500

“Camel Jockey” “Usain Beau” “Girthquake” “Appendix” “Fish Market” “Big Al” “Shake and Bake” “Rump Ranger“ “Play” “Mother Henn“ “Big Rig” “Roid Rage” “T“ “Brick Wall”

Average IQ of

69

14 registered organ donors 10 36 69 0 26 27 4.20 44 4 5 22 13 10 19

2/15/19 vs. Sofa King Bad @ 4:10PM 2/18/19 vs. Thunder FC @ 1:00PM 3/09/19 vs. Alliance Academy @ 8:30PM

5909 Equitable Road Kansas City, MO

3/10/19 vs. Luke’s Group @ 10:30PM

I

t came as quite a shock to South players when they heard the news of Coach much of his time to this program, which has taken a toll on his family.

Mike Sharp’s resignation. Though this season didn’t go as planned, players “There hasn’t been a fall since I was 14 that I haven’t been on the football assumed they would just do their best to come back stronger next year. They field.” said Sharp, “Not a summer I haven’t been in the weightroom with the hadn’t yet considered that next season they may find themselves without their guys. I think that’s what I’ll miss the most. I could live without the Friday nights, leader. Every new season required new leadership from players, but losing the but I love the relationships with the players and the time at practice.” only leader the team had known since freshman year posed a new and unique Sharp loved everything about football at Park Hill South. But as one door challenge for an already-struggling program. closes, another will open. While this is the end of a very significant part of his Sharp saw things in players that they didn’t see themselves. Many players life, we all wish Coach Sharp the best of luck in with all of the new opportunities would never have even considered playing football were it not for Coach Sharp’s that come his way. After giving so much to our panther family, he’s certainly recruitment. Players like E.T. Reuben, who is now preparing earned the right to some time with his own.

“There hasn’t been a fall Though we will lose Coach Sharp, the program he has built for a season with the national champion Clemson Tigers.

However, not every player that has rolled through Park up over the years will remain. since I was 14 that Hill South’s football program found themselves playing “Last year was the biggest group we’ve ever had, and I think I haven’t been on the D1 football for big time universities; not every player even the program will just keep growing,” said Senior Payton Murray. football field . . . I could live The majority of the coaching staff will be returning, providing found themselves playing under the Friday night lights. without the Friday nights, continuity for the players.

Though South had some formidable teams in the past under Sharp, his legacy for many players is measured by but I love the relationships “Coach Wilmes and Coach Cramer have done a really good more than just wins or losses; but rather by the values he job building our weights program, so I think there will still be with the players.” instilled in them--values that extend long past high school. consistency,” said Murray.

“Our success as coaches isn’t just measured by our The head coaching role will be filled by former defensive record. There isn’t immediate feedback. It’s 10-15 years down the line when coordinator, Coach Alan Wilmes. Wilmes has been around throughout the Sharp we get to see if we did our job as coaches. When we see the kinds of men and administration, and has been involved in many of the improvements to the husbands our players become,” said Sharp. program. It may be the end of the Sharp Era, but there’s still much to be excited “I still remember the first time he talked to me,” said Senior Tavon Tusa, “I’m about for Panther Football. really glad I got to finish my senior year with Coach Sharp. It’d be a lot different without him.”

This sentiment was shared by many other students that shared the privilege of playing under Sharp. Social media was flooded with statements from players recounting their experiences with coach sharp following the announcement of his retirement.

While it will be a big change for players, it’s not nearly as drastic a transition as it is for Mike Sharp and his family. Over the years Sharp has dedicated so

After years of dediction to the football program, Mike Sharp is stepping down as head coach.

the

END of an ERA

by Johnny Sterrett

21

sports

Valentine’s Day Crossword ACROSS

2 6 7 9 11 12 16 17

DOWN

Be one of the first 3 people to bring the finished crossword to C200 to win a prize!

1 2 3 4 5 8 10 13 14 15

Your heart will ____ if your ____ doesn’t like you back What your parents haven’t been since a year after their wedding What you are when you don’t have a significant other “If I was your _________” -Justin Bieber The “L” word Tasty treats that will go on sale tomorrow There’s 7.5 billion people on Earth, you should find ONE When you’re single but have friends

R

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features

This can transfer up to 80 million bacteria Scary a** baby The nectar of bees He was a saint Bouquets of these make girls happy What you should make for yo girl to listen to “Will you accept this ____” -The Bachelor A necessary organ A warm embrace What your boyfriend never takes you on

M

LOVE for the

SPORT

by TY ROUSE

While many people may be celebrating Valentine’s day with their loved ones and family, Chris Dupree will be celebrating his true love… track.

Since a young age, Dupree, junior, has had a great passion for track. At around the age of 10, his father introduced him to the sport. Since then Chris has developed into a star athlete here at South, in Missouri, and even in our nation.

“God gifted me with running so I use my gift and thank him everyday for the opportunities it will bring me in my life,” said Dupree.

While at South, Dupree has collected some very impressive awards such as, getting second in the 400 meter run both his freshman and sophomore year, as well as Allstate in several relays.

None of this comes easy, but to Dupree, it seems as if the drive and determination needed to do these things comes naturally.

“Chris has an incredible work ethic, he will stay after practice sometimes 2 or 3 hours extra.

Most kids have to be push to work hard but with Chris you have to make sure he doesn’t over work himself,” said Head Boys Track Coach Clay Lehnert.

Dupree is a great role model as a person and an athlete which is why he is such an inspiration and motivation for the other track runners.

“He always gives his 100 percent, no matter what he is doing and never hesitates to go out of his way to encourage his teammates and even his competitors,” said Christian Ludtke, senior.

In this upcoming track season Dupree has his goals set high.

“I want to win state with the 4x800 relay, and individually in the 400 with a 46 low,” said Dupree.

Chris’s love for track will carry on through the rest of highschool and the rest of his life so make sure to go watch and support him this season and be amazed.

Seeking Victory on

L A N O PERS DS R O C E R

100m- 11.48 200m- 22.22 400m- 47.19 800m- 1:59.38

Girls Swim Their Way to State.

Va l e n t i n e ’ s D a y While some might not think not having a valentine is bad, try dating a swimmer. Girls State Swim takes place on Valentine’s Day weekend, but that’s the last thing on their mind.

With a completely different team this year, South swimmers hope to exceed last year’s results of an eighth place overall finish.

“I think this year we are a younger team so it will be a challenge, but I think it’s very possible to get as highly placed again, definitely All-State” said sophomore Emma Clark.

Being a younger team means new beginnings.

“I’m excited to compete against great swimmers in Missouri, and I can’t wait to experience it as a whole. I’m excited about team traveling and going to state with PHS, and I’m hoping it’ll be an experience to remember” said freshman Lola Ruescher.

State is a new experience for some, but also a last for others. The team has been preparing all season for important meets like this one.

by GARRETT ANDERSON

“This year, I treat my practice a little differently than last. I simulate my races to practice, the mindset that I need to succeed in a big meet. Since last year, I learned that a good race is all about rehearsal” said senior, Georgia Clark.

Just because there are a few new faces on the team,doesn’t mean traditions fade. One of them includes not shaving their legs. No-shave-November may seem like a long time, but these swimmers carry it on until February.

“Some traditions we do for State are pasta parties before we leave. We also eat at Garozzo’s before State finals (avoiding the breadsticks) and Shakespeare’s after finals” said Georgia.

As the end of the season approaches, State swimmers look forward to this Valentine’s Day weekend as they compete in St. Louis and hopefully return satisfied.

Stats from State 2018 100 Back - 14th 200 IM - 15th 100 Back (Georgia Clark) - 2nd 200 IM (Georgia Clark) - 3rd

3rd place medley team in State 2018

23 fun