Issue 3: Friendsgiving

NW PASSAGE NOV. 17, 2016 VOL. 48 ISSUE 03

Friendsgiving Start a new tradition: quick and cost-effective ways to host a holiday event

TRUMPED

MONTH IN #S

ATHLETE MVPS

The Presidential election had an immediate and prominent impression on the student body

Tweets about the Cubs’ championship and Trump’s win kept people intrigued

Students select Britta Coleman and Xavier Perry as the girls’ and boys’ Most Valuable Players of the month through Twitter polls

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STA F F E D I TO R I A L

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DIVISION

Issue 3 Oct .w 17, 2016

5 6 7 8-9 15

As a contentious election has come to a close, can the country unite again?

Trumped

Month in #s

Tweets about the Cubs’ championship and Trump’s win kept people intrigued

Acting Up

F

Senior Abey Lewis leads the cast of the fall musical, Sister Act

Friendsgiving

Start a new tradition: quick and cost-effective ways to host a holiday event

October MVP

Students select Britta Coleman and Xavier Perry as the girls’ and boys’ Most Valuable Players of the month through Twitter polls

STAFF:

The purpose of the Northwest Passage is to relay important and interesting information to the community, administration and students of the Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. As a newsmagazine, the Northwest Passage will cater to the interests and concerns of the student body. Outside concerns and activities will only be covered if they somehow affect the school or students. The Northwest Passage is a 24-page newsmagazine. The paper will be distributed every four weeks during second hour. Subscriptions will be available to the community for $25. The Northwest Passage firmly supports the First Amendment and opposes censorship. The content of the newspaper will be determined and created by the entire staff. When questions concerning word choice, legal problems or ethics arise, the editorial board and adviser will discuss the problem to find the solution. In these cases, the editor-in-chief and editorial board will have the say in all decisions. Letters to the editor will be accepted and encouraged. The staff reserves the right to edit for grammatical mistakes, length and good taste. Letters may attack policy but not people. In no way will ideas or viewpoints be changed. The editor-in-chief and editorial board reserve the right to refuse any letter.

PUBLICATION OVERSIGHT:

02 NOV. 17, 2016 | Vol. 48

the editorial board voted

The Presidential election had an immediate and prominent impression on the student body

OUR PURPOSE:

Editor-in-Chief Online Managing Editor

STAFF WRITERS: Grace Gorenflo Jack Lynch

CONTENT MANAGEMENT: Design Editor Design Editor Copy Editor Photo Editor Photo Editor

Shelby Beaumont Makaila Williams Cadence Elder Taryn Smith Maddy Manning

Opinion & Lifestyle Editor Sports & Mulitmedia Editor Entertainment Editor Ads Manager

Agnès Aycock Kasey Gardner Samantha Joslin Anastasia Kling Michael Rock Jackie Sayers Joshua Sherfy STAFF DESIGNERS: Rachel Albers Mia McDonald

SECTION EDITORS: Asher Norberg Matthew Owens Benjamin Becker Sara Babcock

83 +BY JOSH SHERFY

agree

ear, jubilation and a population divided. In a twoparty system, division is not only unavoidable, but necessary.

Yet Nov. 9, as Americans woke up to the news that republican nominee Donald Trump would be the next president of the United States, it became clear that the division was no longer a matter of political beliefs.

This division reaches far beyond an allegiance to a blue donkey or red elephant.

The triumphant Trump supporters had united to conquer what they thought to be an outdated and inept political system by electing a candidate that will better represent their interests and beliefs.

Those who did not support Trump had no cause for celebration. Many began the struggle of coming to grips with the potential for significant change in their everyday lives.

Race, gender, religion and sexuality have separated the American population.

The current cultural and political divide in America is blatantly obvious, but its origins cannot be found in the 2016 presidential election. Some of the underlying issues existing in America have festered until reaching a boiling point spurred on by the outspoken words of Donald Trump. The next president of the United States is no stranger to opposition, and, time and time again, has appeared eager to generate his own.

This is not the first time such topics have been cause for political upheaval. In the presidential election of 1860, no southern state included presidential nominee Abraham Lincoln’s name on the ballot in protest of his anti-slavery ideals. In 1884, presidential nominee Grover Cleveland was elected, despite news during the campaign that he had fathered an illegitimate child, a fact that he tried so desperately to hide. And the man on the face of the twenty dollar bill, Andrew Jackson, was reelected three years after instituting a mass deportation known as the Indian Removal Act. A key factor was present in all the above scenarios.

Though each of the three men carried with them the

disagree

baggage of a controversial ideology or past action that brought about significant dissention amongst the voting population, all three were successful in winning the presidency. All three were able to win the required number of electoral votes, despite significant moral opposition and contention from their rival political parties. In every scenario the divide in the country was resolved by level headedness or compromise.

The divisions may have been drastic, but none were unmendable.

The actions and repeals posed by Trump are not just cause for fear, but also disgust. But it is unarguable that this candidate has been elected president, regardless.

There have been 57 presidential elections in the history of the United States, and the 2016 election was just the twelfth closest in terms of electoral votes.

The popularized slogan “Not my president” is painted across signs and blasting from the empowered voices of those who fear oppression by way of their nation’s president elect. These protests are a clear indication of division and a poignant reminder of why America is the great country that it is. There are few rules as to who can become president, and even fewer that dictate how they must act or what they must say.

Democracy allows for anyone who garners enough support to win the presidency, just as it defends the freedom to protest with fervor.

Trump’s proposals and beliefs may be cause for protest, but there are still many who rejoice knowing he will be seated in the oval office.

In an interview aired Nov. 13 on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” Trump addressed the protests and hate crimes that followed his election, expressing his distaste at the actions of his supporters. His victory speech Nov. 8 also spread a similar message, as he acknowledged the need for unification amongst the people.

Though nobody living today is able to recall a division such as this, in the not-so-distant past, when our nation battled through adverse ideologies, it has always been able to unify. And it will, again.

ADVISERS Adviser Assistant Adviser Assistant Adviser

Susan Massy Wes Mikel Catie Madderom

NW PASSAGE | staff editorial 03

Visit http://www.vrbo.com/239569

04 NOV. 17, 2016 | Vol. 48

TRUMPED

Understanding the immediate impact of the election on the student body +BY JOSHUA SHERFY AND ASHER NORBERG

PHOTO BY ADDISON SHERMAN

A

fter an election filled with ‘never befores’ came to its climactic end, a generation that has never refrained from voicing its opinion continues the political discussion.

For students who were eligible to vote, their first trip to the ballot box was a chance to cast a vote for two of the most controversial candidates in recent memory.

Following the announcement early in the morning Nov. 9 that Republican Donald Trump would be the next president of the United States, students were left with little time to react and reflect on the implications before they arrived at school.

“There has been some hateful rhetoric going on from both sides of the political spectrum,” Young Republicans secretary Mihir Shroff said.

Offhand comments and heated disputes dominated the talk in the halls in the days that followed, causing a disruption that left teachers searching for the right words to relay to concerned and unsettled students.

The harassment reached its pinnacle when a former student took a screenshot and tweeted a picture of a comment posted by a teacher on a private Facebook account.

Reactions to the post and a continuation of the arguments and comments from Wednesday prompted a response from principal Lisa Gruman during sixth hour Nov. 10.

In her comments, Gruman urged the student body to be understanding of the viewpoints and beliefs of their peers. Hateful speech, she reminded students, would not be tolerated in any capacity or connotation within Northwest, a sentiment reflected by the leaders of both student-run political organizations within the school.

“I don’t think there is any club-versus-club stuff going on at all,” Young Democrats sponsor Rebecca Anthony said. “I think what you have is individuals who are either associated with the club or assumed to be a part of the club [causing the disturbances].”

The issue didn’t just reside in mockery or jeers bouncing through the halls. The visual or verbal celebrations of some enthusiastic Trump supporters were unwelcome in the eyes of those who chose to side with another candidate.

Monday Nov. 14, students and staff wore orange ribbons safety pinned to their shirts as a symbol of respect and solitude towards those who feel as though they are being attacked because of their race, beliefs, sexuality or heritage.

“When you wear the safety pin you understand their plight,” English teacher Fran Koenigsdorf said. “It’s a silent way of supporting people who feel they might be open to attack such as minorities or immigrants, LGBT community, anyone who feels they might be verbally or physically attacked.”

The purpose behind the pins is not political censorship nor to inhibit the expression of one’s own opinion. The national dispute between the hotly contested candidates does not stop when students walk through the door; a fact that is well understood by both the winning and losing parties.

“It is possible to have political discourse without it being hateful,” Shroff said. “[We want to] make sure that anyone who decides to engage in politics, and anyone who doesn’t, is treated with respect.”

The discussion has died down recently, but Trump’s outspoken nature may lead to statements that ignite more clashes between the two sides of the political spectrum.

In the upcoming months, sympathizing and understanding the views of others will be crucial to maintaining an environment where polite but fervent political discussion can be held.

“As [members or sponsors] of Young Democrats and Young Republicans, we can set an example for the school of how to have respectful political dialogue,” Anthony said.

As of press time on Monday, Todd Boren, sponsor of Young Republicans club, had no comment.

Electoral College Map/Popular and Electoral Vote Clinton

232

61,047,207 popular votes

270

290 Trump

to win

60,375,961 popular votes

NW PASSAGE | feature 05

Left: Counselor Jennifer Fontaine takes part in the relaxation in the library on Nov. 2. The meditation is run by psychology teacher Amy Walker as a way to relieve students’ stress. PHOTO BY NATASHA

NEDWETSKY

BELOW: Speaking softly, Amy Walker narrates relaxation in the library on Nov. 9. Walker tells participants to repeatedly breathe in and out as they “transcend.” PHOTO BY DYLAN MITCHELL

De-stress North-west Students gather in the library for meditation on Wednesday afternoons 2:40 p.m.: the bell rings.

through your mouth,” Walker said.

As most students rush to their

According

to

Walker,

deep

+BY CADIE ELDER

to be. You can just get the healthrelated benefits.”

cars to be the first to leave the

breathing is one of the most

school, a few make their way to the

important skills because it can

between

now dimly lit library.

translate into a wide array of

relaxation, Walker and Mesh each

situations. Even her four-year-old

approach the after school sessions

knows this.

differently.

Taking a minute to slow down their

fast-paced

jackets

calm herself down,” Walker said.

start to focus on something beyond

the students lie flat across the

“My four-year-old says ‘breathe

your

cool, carpeted floor.

in’ and ‘breathe out.’”

“Mine is just straight relaxation.”

you

have

For Walker’s daughter, tiredness

So one

far,

Mesh

Wednesday

said.

has

led

stressors that result in crying

where he guided students through

Harrell said. “It’s like that.”

or whining. It’s not that much

meditation by asking them to

different for high school students.

focus on their hearts.

become

only

Walker

feel refreshed?” senior Brandon

have

common

breathing,”

and

Meditation and other relaxation

are

“In true meditation you

taken a nap and you wake up and

techniques

frustration

and

pillows and removing their shoes,

when

heads

meditation

“I try to remind her that she can

know

their

placing

Because of the difference

as

“You

behind

lives,

meeting,

a

“When I’m stressed, I’m more

“Direct your attention to the

routine for Harrell since summer.

inclined to not be nice to people

heart,” Mesh said. “Allow it to

It’s a skill that is not acquired

and to argue,” Harrell said. “I feel

release and open. Your lungs as

overnight and the benefits are

so much better when I’m not like

well, let them open. Breathe in.”

not immediate, but, according to

that. Meditation is a great way to

psychology teacher Amy Walker,

become more relaxed.”

the benefits are worth it.

“Research [shows] when you

When Walker is not available for Wednesday meetings, counselor

meditating

or

over.

Mesh

say

taking

time

to

unplug

is

effective.

David

and lets your body relax,” Walker

became interested in meditation

[but with] any sort of relaxation

said. “For a lot of people, quiet

in college when he found himself

program, some students feel like

is stressful. We all run a million

overwhelmed by school.

they have better control over their

“Not

just

with

meditation,

“I think it’s true that

lives,” Walker said. “When you

to take a break and be given the

we have a lot of stressors in our

feel like you have a little more

permission to relax [helps].”

lives and they accumulate,” Mesh

control

said.

improves

usually a little bit happier. Sheer

deep breathing, muscle relaxation

focus, it improves concentration,

relaxation gives them energy to be

and visualization exercises.

it improves health. For me, it’s a

able to attack whatever the next

spiritual thing but it doesn’t have

problem is.”

Walker guides students through

“In through your nose and out

06 NOV. 17, 2016 | Vol. 48

takes

Whether

unplug it gives your brain a break

miles an hour constantly. Just

Mesh

relaxing, both Mesh and Walker

“[Meditation]

over

your

life,

you’re

Meditation 101 + Meditation focuses on how the mind, body, behavior and brain interact + There are different types of meditation but most have a few things in common such as: a quiet space, comfortable position and focus on a specific word or breathing + Can improve balance + Can cause more folds to form on the brain, known as gyrification, which help the brain’s ability to process information + Effects activity in the amygdala, which is the brain’s emotional center According to https://nccih.nih.gov/ health/meditation/overview.htm, meditation has effects on the body.

Acting

Up T

Senior Abey Lewis leads the cast of the fall musical, Sister Act +BY JACK LYNCH

his is it.

Three years of being in the background. Of learning to dance. Of retraining vocal chords. Of sweating. Of striving. Of loving every minute of it.

After three years in the theater program, Abey Lewis earned the lead.

Sister Act follows the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a woman on the run from the mob after witnessing a murder. When she goes to the police and is hidden in a convent, she struggles to balance her new life with the one she had led previously: that of a lounge singer in South Philadelphia.

“I’ve never had to curse or be sexy in a show before, so this is very different for me,” Lewis said. “I don’t dance. I don’t dance at all. And Deloris has to dance, so that’s a huge reason I’m like ‘Wow, this is different.’”

In order to get over these new challenges, Lewis had to get into the mindset of Deloris.

“Well, there are some parts that are a little uncomfortable,” Lewis said. “But, as it is for the rest of the characters I play, it doesn’t really matter how I personally think.

Once I step on stage for the show, [I’m in] that character’s mindset. Deloris didn’t give a crap of what people thought of her. I just had to go with it.”

Lewis knew that this role would challenge her abilities as a performer, but based on her audition, director Keli Rodgers was confident Lewis could handle it.

“We obviously cast her for the voice and I think she does a lovely job with that,” Rodgers said. “She handles it beautifully.

This certainly is vocally harder for her [than her previous roles] because there’s a lot, lot, lot of singing.”

Sister Act was also uniquely difficult for Lewis because of the ‘sister act plague’ which swept the cast.

“That whole time I was sick, so Thursday I didn’t really have to do anything, just drink water. And then Friday, I lost my voice so I was very frustrated. Backstage I was chugging 20 things of water at a time,” Lewis said. “Saturday, to prepare for the show, I was on vocal rest the whole day and I had cough drops and throat coat tea and water and that fixed it right up for the show.”

Lewis wasn’t the only cast member affected.

“Kenzi Parsons, I’m pretty sure, is the one who gave it to me, but we called it the ‘Sister Act plague’ because now everyone has it,” Lewis said.

Lewis’ portrayal of Van Cartier has earned the praise of her on-stage boyfriend Curtis Jackson, played by junior Jared Berlin.

“Abey played the role really well,” Berlin said. “She captured the sass and the feistiness that Deloris has in her, and she sounded awesome.”

Before every performance, Lewis had a unique way of getting into character.

“I put on a playlist called pre-show and the only way to not freak out is to dance,” Lewis said. “I just dance and do my makeup.”

While the show was challenging for Lewis and everyone else in the cast and crew, they wouldn’t change a thing.

“Yes, we complain, but in the end it’s worth it,” Lewis said. “We want this show to be our best, especially for me and my other friends who are seniors, who want to knock [our last fall musical of high school] out of the park.”

PHOTO BY JORDEN DURKEE

1. Junior Noah Septer rolls eyes in the Greg Parker Auditorium on Nov. 1. This is Septer’s first year involved in Thespian Troop #888 after transferring to NW. PHOTO BY MADDY MANNING 2. Senior Paige Holgate sings in the Sister Act on Nov. 1 in the Greg Parker Auditorium. Holgate played the role of Mother Superior who guided Deloris Van Cartier to become a nun. PHOTO BY SEBASTAIN EMERSON 3.

Senior Abey Lewis grips Holgate during the Sister Act in the Greg Parker Auditorium on Nov. 1. Deloris Van Cartier played by Lewis must learn to be a nun and hide from her dangerous boyfriend. PHOTO BY MADDY MANNING

NW PASSAGE | feature 07

Friendsgiving + BY ASHER NORBERG & AGNÉS AYCOCK

The holiday season is all about spending time with family. But sometimes you’d just rather not.

A Friendsgiving is essentially all the great food without your extended family nagging you about why you don’t have a girlfriend. Instead you are surrounded

by your chosen family, your best friends. Preparation for all that food can seem daunting if grandma isn’t around to help, so we’ve come up with five easy and inventive

The Menu Hors d’oeuvre

Winter Caprese Canapé

Entrée Rotisserie Chicken

Side dishes Bacon Green Beans Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Dessert Glacé Au Chocolat

GARLIC MASHED POTATOES You will need: Instant mashed potatoes 2 tbsp butter 3 ½ tsp garlic powder 2 tsp salt 3 tsp pepper 2 tbsp parsley (optional) Directions: Follow the box instructions to make the instant mashed potatoes.

Whip 2 tbsp of room temperature butter into the potatoes.

Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley.

recipes for an hors d’oeuvre, two side dishes, entrée and a dessert. You can host for six friends for just $50. It’s a gourmet meal on a high school budget.

WINTER CAPRESE CANAPÉ You will need: Bagel chips Soft swiss cheese Canned sun-dried tomatoes Rosemary to garnish Directions: Take one bagel chip.

Smear with soft swiss cheese.

Top with sun-dried tomato cut into ¼ inch pieces.

Garnish with sprig of rosemary (optional).

TWO ROTISSERIE CHICKENS You will need: Store bought rotisserie chicken Rosemary twigs Directions: Carve the store-bought chickens.

Garnish with twigs of rosemary (optional).

BACON GREEN BEANS You will need: 2 lbs. fresh green beans 2 slices bacon 2 tbsp butter 1 clove minced garlic ⅔ cup water Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Chop bacon and cook it with butter and one minced clove of garlic until it begins to turn brown.

Add green beans to the bacon and garlic. Add water and cover, cook over medium heat until the beans turn a vibrant green, are no longer crisp, and the bacon is well browned.

Salt and pepper to taste.

GLACE AU CHOCOLAT You will need: Your favorite chocolate ice cream ½ cup melted dark chocolate chips 1 tbsp coconut oil

Talking with senior Agnes Aycock, senior Alyssia Vallejo eats Friendsgiving dinner at Lake Quivira Nov. 5. Aycock served a five course meal to eight people. PHOTOS BY TARYN SMITH

08 NOV. 17, 2016 | Vol. 48

Directions: Add coconut oil to chocolate chips and microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring until you have a smooth consistency.

Drizzle melted dark chocolate around the inside of the bowl.

Scoop ice cream into bowl and serve.

NW PASSAGE | feature 09

Best Of

Northwest Photography

1. The cross country boys’ raise their arms during the Kenyans at Rim Rock Farm Oct. 29.

The Kenyans is a warm-up where the runners all stand in a huddle, raising their hands and yelling. “It didn’t matter if it was before my first race as a freshman, or my last race senior year, it still shared the same core value,” senior James Lang said. “To unite the team together before we were separated by the gun.” PHOTO

BY MADDY MANNING 2. Senior Daniela Silva leaps during the halftime performance at SM North District Stadium Oct. 14. The halftime show was Journey to Neverland. PHOTO BY ABBIE ROBERTS 3. Running off the soccer field, senior Ty Ball is stopped by senior Carter McPheeters at SMAC Oct. 18. The Cougars won 4-1 against Olathe North, finishing the regular season 106. PHOTO BY SHELBY BEAUMONT 4. Junior AJ Naumann plays the marimba Oct. 7 during half time at the homecoming football game. PHOTO

BY BRYCE REX 5. Senior Benjamin Becker staples senior Treyvon Mays’ ribbon onto the chain of life. Sponsor Sarah Dent and other members of StuCo helped hang up the new chain of life in the mall Oct. 13. PHOTO BY NATE THOMPSON 6.

At the finish line, mother Joann Lang embraces her son, senior James, after he ran his final race for NW cross country at Rim Rock Farm Oct. 29. This race meant a lot to James as he had dedicated the race to his aunt, who had died as a result of cancer just days before. “This was a very emotional race for James,” Joann said.

“When the race was over, James showed me his spikes on which he had written the initials of my sister. [The fact] that he ran so well, placed 11th at state and did so while honoring his aunt is more than I could have asked for.” PHOTO BY SHELBY BEAUMONT 7. Blocking the ball, senior Annie Connor defends her team’s side of the net at the Expocentre in Topeka Oct. 28. Northwest went on to lose the game against Lawrence Free State, leading to their overall loss at the state tournament. “We [are] always hype when scoring any point, no matter what the score, because we are so excited to have made it that far,” said Connor. PHOTO BY PIPER SCHUERMAN 8. Coach Alex Goodpaster celebrates as the varsity football team scores Sept. 23 at SM North District Stadium. The Cougars took their fourth loss of the season. PHOTO BY SKYLAR BROGAN

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+BY SARA BABCOCK

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

PHOTO BY BRYCE REX

4

Look for 6 differences in the picture below!

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY BRYCE REX AND JOSHUA SHERFY

For the Answers, go to SMNW.COM

Forks

Cupini’s

Garozzo’s

FROM THE ATMOSPHERE TO THE FOOD, GAROZZO’S IS THE EPITOME OF FAMILY-OWNED ITALIAN

T

he trees blocked the noise of the road so that the Italian music playing over the speakers could clearly be heard in the peaceful outdoor dining area. Garozzo’s is a place to relax and enjoy the food, whereas even the mostly empty dining room at Cupini’s was full of noise and distractions, from the TV in the corner to the nearby drink station.

The food was spectacular with unlimited free bread in addition to the meal. The bread was soft on the inside with a crunchy crust. The pasta itself was exemplary: the noodles were soft and covered in a rich Alfredo sauce.

The dish was sprinkled with parsley flakes that added flavor as well as decoration. The portion sizes were giant, and customers will most likely be taking half of their meal home to enjoy later.

The Garlic Cheese Bread at Garozzo’s was softer and more cheesy than Cupini’s version. The dessert, Chocolate Mousse Cake at both restaurants, was also better.

The chocolate mousse was layered on top of a hard chocolate bottom and under a light sheet of white cream, with whipped cream on the side, thus creating a perfect mixture of flavors.

Although the three-course meal at Garozzo’s was $28, in comparison to $24 at Cupini’s, the difference in the quality of the food, service and atmosphere make the $4 difference well worth it.

The wait staff wore formal clothing and the atmosphere was elegant.

Garozzo’s is affordable enough for a high school student while still being fancy enough for a pre-dance meal or a nice date.

CUPINI’S EARNED A 5 OUT OF 5 FOR ATMOSPHERE AND A 4 OUT OF 5 ON THEIR FOOD

C

upini’s Italian Deli brings the intimacy of a quaint Italian café into Old Westport, creating an atmosphere that makes it hard to leave. It is easy to spend hours in the charming dining area that’s lit by daylight streaming in through the front windows. The brick walls and creaky wooden floor give Cupini’s a rustic feel.

The fettuccine Alfredo featured handmade Italian noodles in a creamy Alfredo sauce, ornamented with chicken. The chicken was soft, moist and so delicious.

The garlic cheese bread was made from Texas toast, mozzarella cheese and garlic. Although it was wonderfully soft in the middle of the slice, it was too dry on the edges.

Bits of lemon and raspberry were mixed into the lemon-raspberry cheesecake and raspberry sauce was drizzled over the top. Each bite was more satisfying than the last.

12 NOV. 17, 2016 | Vol. 48

+BY SAMANTHA JOSLIN

The most admirable thing about Cupini’s was that they kept things traditional with simple ingredients and classic spices. The portion was appropriate for a single serving. At Garozzo’s, the portions were large enough for two.

Cupini’s has locations in Westport and Mission, both owned by the same Italian family.

The eating experience at Cupini’s was perfect down to each little detail, from the well-cooked chicken to the comfortable atmosphere. From the ambience to the food, Cupini’s was definitely the better choice for families. Cupini’s is the less expensive option of the two restaurants, making it more affordable for a high school student. If you want great quality, classic Italian food and low prices, Cupini’s is the place for you.

Noodles down, Cupini’s wins.

+BY ANASTASIA KLING

#

Month In #TrumpsAmerica Following Trump’s victory in the presidential election, protesters cried out against those who were responsible for committing racist, homophobic and anti-semitic acts believed to be spurred on by some of the president-elect’s controversial statements. The hashtag has a predominantly negative connotation and is being used in relation to the hateful events in what some now consider “Trump’s America.”

Tweets about the Cubs’ championship and Trump’s win kept people intrigued

’s

+BY SAMANTHA JOSLIN AND ANASTASIA KLING

#CubsWin

Wednesday Nov. 2, the Chicago Cubs won the World Series crown, breaking an infamous 108 year curse. They beat the Cleveland Indians 8-7 in the 10th inning in game seven, sending the Windy City into a frenzy. Millions gathered to celebrate the victory along the parade route that stretched from Wrigley Field to Grant Park in downtown Chicago.

#OklahomaEarthquake In the past two months, Oklahoma has experienced well over 100 earthquakes, some strong enough to feel here in Shawnee. These earthquakes are have been linked to the underground disposal of wastewater from the production of oil and gas, which different from fracking but still disruptive to the environment.

#HalloweenCostumes

#TheWalkingDeadPremiere The Walking Dead’s season six premiere was no doubt one of the darkest and bloodiest in the show’s history. Seventeen million people watched as two main characters were brutally murdered.

Although this premiere didn’t break any records, it was a mere two percent away from matching its season five premiere audience of 17.3 million total viewers.

Halloween costumes this year have been centered around Suicide Squad, with Harley Quinn and the Joker being the most popular costumes for adults, according to the National Retail Federation. A multitude of political costumes have also been seen, such as masks of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump depicting them normally, as clowns, or political cartoon look-alikes.

HOMECOMING SPIRIT WEEK WINNERS These are your 2016 Homecoming Spirit Week winners. Participate in the polls on SMNW Media’s Twitter next spirit week for your chance to be featured.

Seniors Sarah Joslin and Jordan Ray Groutfit Day

Senior Anna Taylor Tall Tee Tuesday

Junior Bryan Morpin Well-Dressed Wednesday

Freshman Jackson Tomlin Cougar Crazy Day

Seniors Michaela Keller and Jake Snider Decades Day — 80s

NW PASSAGE | entertainment 13

11-24-2016

Don’t forget to visit smnw.com

14 NOV. 17, 2016 | Vol. 48

MVPs of October Four female and three male athletes who have performed well in their respective sports were nominated for Most Valuable Player of the Month. Students had the opportunity to select the winners by voting in a Twitter poll. Senior Britta Coleman received 45 percent of the 282 votes cast for the girls, while senior Xavier Perry received 40 percent of the 186 votes cast for the boys. +BY JACKIE SAYERS AND MATTHEW OWENS

SENIOR BRITTA C LEMAN

SENI R XAVIER PERRY

S

enior Xavier Perry has been avoiding Perry rushed for 713 yards, averaging 4.63 defenders with spin moves and jukes yards per carry, along with scoring 14 since he was in second grade. Since starting touchdowns in nine games. on the varsity team his sophomore year, “He’s definitely a leader on the field,” Perry has developed into a two-way player junior BJ Harvey said. “He does this not as a linebacker and running back. only vocally by keeping us in the game, “It is an enjoyable sport,” Perry said. but also physically by making big plays and “In football, everyone is super close. We encouraging us when we make big plays act like a family.” ourselves.”

One of the best feelings for a running Off the field, Perry has a positive attitude back is crossing the goal line for a and is a good personality to be around. touchdown.

“He is always encouraging, always “You feel excited,” Perry said. “But you making a joke,” sophomore Spencer can’t lose focus and get Stewart said. “Unless you He is a hard worker and touch his hair, then he too happy. You have to get back and score again.” gets enraged.” determined. Outside When Perry started his Although the football career at Northwest, season ends in November, of that, he is fun to be he looked up to fellow football players continue around, always making to work year-round. player Jake Hoskins.

“He inspired me,” “Off-season is hard,” people laugh.

Perry said. “He was really Perry said. “Waking up in big, super strong and the summer is never easy, super fast. He was a really but it is definitely worth it — B. J. Harvey good player and my goal when the football season was to get to where he defensive back comes around.” was, football-wise.”

While the team only Perry’s biggest won one game this season, inspiration has been his dad, Chris, who Perry still relishes the team camaraderie, has been by his side since he started to play both on the field and in the locker room. flag football in kindergarten.

“I know our team is not good and “The best memories I have with my dad everything,” Perry said. “We still go out and football are him trying to make me and play strong because everybody is close better,” Perry said. “One of the things that to each other. After a win, it is super crazy we would do is train in the off-season, sit with everybody excited and hollering. You down and watch football and talk about just go wild and have a good time.” what is going on.”

Over the course of the 2016 season,

S

enior Britta Coleman has been bumping, she has such a caring personality to the setting and spiking a volleyball since she underclassmen. Britta was a teammate who was in the third grade, so naturally she’s was very supportive of all the other players on made a lot of memories through the sport. the team at practices and games. She would Her mother’s photography allows her to always be cheering loudly for everyone, being reminisce. a great teammate.”

“My mom takes a lot of pictures for Coleman has become especially close with volleyball,” Coleman said. “Being able to look her teammate senior Natalie Egan after the back and see everybody’s faces at the exact two met playing volleyball freshman year. moment after we get a point, or something “Britta is a super positive person,” Egan great happens, is super cool.” said. “Having her spirit and energy out on Over the years, Coleman has developed a the court makes the game more fun for personal strategy that helps her get the most the team. She’s always working to be the out of each practice. best, and constantly pushes herself during “I’ve learned to go into every practice and game, “Our motto is 1 percent while also pushing her [practice] focusing on one specific thing,” Coleman better. If you’re going to teammates to be better said. “Our motto is one players.” percent better. If you’re practice and not getting 1 Coleman going to practice and not recently helped her percent better, what’s the getting one percent better, team defeat Olathe East what’s the point?” to secure a spot in the point?”

One of Coleman’s favorite state tournament: a feat parts about volleyball is the NW volleyball hasn’t close bond she has with her —Britta Coleman accomplished since 1997. teammates, as a result of the Coleman admits this win Outside hitter felt extra good because the many hours spent practicing together outside of school. team lost to Olathe East “I’m pretty good friends with a lot of the earlier in the season. girls,” Coleman said. “Whenever I’m having a “The feeling is literally bad day, I look over at them and they just smile indescribable,” Coleman said. “Olathe and say ‘you’ve got it.’ The little things like East is very, very good, and we didn’t really that make a huge difference. They motivate comprehend what had happened until they me by just being there.” gave us our plaque. Afterwards we went to Specht praises Coleman’s ability to connect Johnny’s as a team to celebrate, and everybody with her underclassmen teammates. just kept smiling. Even thinking about it now “[Britta] is someone that her teammates makes me smile.” look up to,” Specht said. “As a senior

NW PASSAGE | feature 15

+ PHOTO BY NATE THOMPSON

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I cried so hard when we beat Olathe East to make it to state. I feel like we could’ve done better, but us getting that far was a huge accomplishment.”

— SENIOR ANNIE CONNOR