The Northmen's Log, Issue 3, Vol 54 Winter

The Northmen’s

LOG Oak Park High School Kansas City, MO Vol. 54, Issue 3 March 2019

• WINTER ATHLETES DOMINATE • • AHMAD LOUIS • MICKEY SEELY • PAIGE ALLEN •

Letter from the Editor

to run a story on Oak Park’s bowlHELLO, Oak Park! Welcome to ing team. I think many of us don’t our sports issue! While we still run know there is a bowling team. They all of our standbys like an editorial, are dedicated, practicing for hours a review and personal columns in every Thursday to perfect their this March issue, we decided to focus on what our school’s athletes throws and train for competition.

Read more in ‘Spare the are doing. At this time of details.’ year, the winter sports Just because we season has just focused on sports ended and so we this issue doesn’t thought it was mean we neglectthe perfect time ed our duty as to look back on the voice of the our athletes’ best student body. In accomplisments. our editorial, ‘It’s a Our cover story snow from me,’ we features a trio of argue seniors should profiles: senior not have to make up Ahmad Louis, senior their snow days.

Mickey Seely and All in all, even junior Paige Allen.

Editor-In-Chief Mina Buchholz Louis and Allen play (photo credit Mackenzie Powell) though we had a hard time putting this basketball, while issue together, we’re very proud to Seely wrestles. All three of them hand it to you. broke records in their respective Thanks for reading, and have a sports this year, and their stories great day, Oak Park! are inspirational to read.

We also wanted to cover less Mina Buchholz conventional sports, so we decided Editor-In-Chief

Staff

Mina Buchholz, Editor-In-Chief Kayelyn Logan, Photo & Opinion Editor Jessica Begley, Sports/Clubs Editor Malea Biswell, News Editor Mackenzie Powell, People/Recreation Editor Caitlin Anderson, Staffer Leah Beatty, Staffer Emily Byrum, Staffer Lindsey Dunaway, Staffer Gisselle Ferman, Staffer Faith Guinnip, Staffer Ivonee Morales-Mejia, Staffer Christina Geabhart, Adviser

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Table of Contents Opinion - 4

Personal Column: People & Recreation Editor Mackenzie Powell shares what she learned from the life of her younger brother Personal Column: Staffer Emily Byrum explains what it’s like to live without knee cartilage It’s a snow from me: The Log weighs in on the possibility of seniors making up snow days

Cover Story - 8 Winter athletes dominate: Athletes Ahmad Louis, Mickey Seely and Paige Allen each broke records in their respective sports this year. They share their inspirations and goals

Clubs - 12 HOSA gearing up for competition: HOSA gets ready for State while preparing students for careers as health professionals Spare the details: Oak Park’s bowling team prepares to go to its single season tournament

Recreation - 14 Donut miss out: The Log reviews Pike’s Place, a Gladstone donut shop run by the family of an Oak Park student

On the Cover Winter athletes dominate: Senior Ahmad Louis. See pages 8 & 9 for more. (photo credit Mackenzie Powell)

Log’s View

It’s a

S

W

from me

Seniors shouldn’t have to make up snow days

Word in the hallway is seniors might have to make up snow days.

We don’t know where this rumor started, people guess from somewhere in the uncertainty surrounding make up days.

This winter features the most snow days the NKC school district has had in years, and brings up a problem the district can’t ignore, with make up days encroaching on summer school and year round school dates.

According to the district’s Facebook page and assistant principal Mike Dial, Ed.D., “the district will

not make a decision regarding snow days until after spring break.”

As of publishing date Monday, March 11, the Log staff thinks seniors shouldn’t make up snow days.

The state department of education says students should be in class for 1,044 hours/174 days.

Many teachers may have already planned their lessons around the seniors leaving when expected. So changing that date would throw off plans.

After the seniors last day, many

teachers plan lessons that would be more beneficial for returning students to learn for upcoming years. They also teach basic skills for the next class the students will take. For example, after geometry finals are over, some teachers start on the Algebra 2 basic lessons so students can get a head start. Seniors don’t return the following year so that doesn’t apply to them.

By the time seniors come back, senior finals should already be over since that’s the schedule given to teachers when planning

Opinion // Logan

infographic by staffer Emily Byrum

earlier this year, and lessons will be finished for the year in senior classes.

After their finals are over, most classes don’t do anything so the seniors also wouldn’t benefit from sitting through the extra few days.

Since we rotate between “A” and “B” days, the seniors would only be sitting through a few days of each of their classes. In the end, that wouldn’t make much of a difference.

Seniors also say they may skip the make-up days. According to our student poll, 91.7 percent of

156 seniors said they would skip if asked to attend beyond the originally set May 3, senior last day. With seniors skipping the make-up days, they wouldn’t be learning anything at all. The snow days would still count against the senior’s attendance and would just hurt the seniors more in the end.

If seniors choose to skip the possible make up days and hurt their attendance, it’s on their own terms. However, in our opinion, it shouldn’t be a requirement for them.

On the flip side, it looks good

5

on paper for the seniors to be in school for as many hours as the state of Missouri says they need to be. But, it ultimately doesn’t benefit the seniors’ education.

The seniors shouldn’t be required to make up any days missed for weather out of their control, and we shouldn’t hold their diplomas for the few days that they’re missing.

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Column // Logan

Personal Columns:

Learning from a brother

by People and Recreation Editor

his favorite green Hot Wheel. Upon figuring out I had the car, Aydin walked to the toy box and began Feb. 14, 2019, I was called tossing toy cars at my head. After down to the office. Immediately, I running out of cars, Aydin began thought of everything bad that I’ve apologizing profusely, and he ever done. Little did I know, I was disappeared for a while. I thought walking into something much he was crying because that’s worse. In the conference what Aydin did when he room, three counselhurt someone. After a ors and my mother couple of hours, he were all seated at came back into the the round table. All room with a red velof a sudden, I had vet cake. That was a gut-wrenching Aydin’s kind of apolfeeling something ogy - always more was wrong. As I took than “I’m sorry.” my seat, my mothAydin was ober said words that sessed with Curichanged my world Photo of People and Recreation ous George. Until forever. My brother Editor Mackenzie Powell. (pho- he was 10, he had had committed sui- to credit Madyson Stephens) something Curicide that morning. ous George at all According to Missouri CDC times, and he wanted to climb demographics, suicide is the 10th on anything he could get his leading cause of death. It has grubby hands on. One evening many signs, but most go unnomy dad took us to T-Rex Cafe. It ticed. That was the case with was heaven on Earth for all of my Aydin. siblings, especially Aydin because To the outside world, Aydin was he loved adventure. Once we were a happy kid. Always hugging peoinside, Aydin saw his opportunity ple hello, willing to give anyone the to climb on the rocks covering the shirt off his back. He was the most side of the sand pit. After dinner, genuine boy I ever had the priviwe all piled into the minivan while lege of meeting.

“Fearless” by Taylor Swift played Getting to know Aydin was the in the background. My dad looked biggest blessing the universe gave into the rearview mirror and said me. I got to spend 14 years with “I hope you enjoyed your first him. I got the good, the bad and and the only time there because the stupid. These memories give we will never be going again.” He me a part of him not even death looked at Aydin, showing he was can take away. the reason. In that moment, Aydin Once when I was 7, playing cars showed me the importance of alwith 4-year-old Aydin, I grabbed ways having fun, no matter if it can Mackenzie Powell

never happen again.

Growing up, I was always closer to my brothers. One weekend at my dad’s, Aydin te some dandelions. He ended up sick, so we had to take him to the doctor. My brothers held in laughter as they explained they were being “human lawnmowers,” and we watched my dad’s face go from concerned to disappointed in a fraction of a second. When we arrived home, Aydin asked if he was in trouble until my dad burst into laughter. It is moments like this that remind me it’s okay to be silly.

Aydin’s funeral was nothing like these stories. We were packed into a chapel wearing all black remembering Aydin’s life. Everyone in the room was murmuring “I’m sorry” as they hugged us. Aydin’s life was full of happiness and laughter.

His funeral was full of sorrow and tears. He would’ve wanted us to celebrate his life, not be mournful of his passing.

Suicide is something everyone talks about, but no one thinks will happen to them. Aydin was a light in my life. I am his older sister and will always be his older sister, and his funeral was the hardest day of my life. After 14 years of getting to know this precious boy, I became a better person. I learned how to be as genuine as possible, and he taught me to never give up my childlike sense of wonder.

My world is now dimmer without his ray of light. My goal now is to make my little brother proud, and I hope one day I can fulfill that goal.

Logan // Column

Take a knee my brace makes me very unsteady; and it is a very agonizing All my life, I have grown up with pain. two amazing, supportive parents I feel like I am so ready for this, who would do anything for me. but I know when we actually get Even if it seems impossible, it was the call my world is going to turn accomplished. upside down. I will no longer be In the last 10 months, I have had able to play with my nephew or to learn to accept that even if babysit him easily. I will not they want to help, they be able to have fun and can only do so much. hang out with friends, Even if they hate because I will be seeing me in pain, on crutches for at sometimes they least 12 weeks. I literally cannot do have found no way anything. I know it to prepare myself kills my mom every for something that time I get my hopes drastic. No matter up that she got “the how excited I am call” today. for this surgery and In June, I had to be back to my an accident that Staffer Emily Byrum (photo credit normal self, it is caused me to need Photo Editor Kayelyn Logan) very nerve-wracksurgery on my ing for me. knee. they only needed to scope Doctors prepare me for the it and figure out what was wrong. worst. They didn’t tell me what the But, just my luck, the doctors end- best outcomes are. We are just ed up having to remove most of supposed to hope for the best and my cartilage out of my knee. see how it goes.

I have been awaiting a cartilage I remember the moment I found transplant/replacement for 124 out I would need another surgery. days. Which to me seems like an We had just left the hospital after eternity. On the daily I experience my first surgery, and we were a variety of pains, depending on almost to the store. My mom was what I am doing. Just the other talking to me and asking me how I day my mom and I were at the was feeling, what I thought about store and my knee popped and the doctor, etc. and then she and she thought it was my shoe, and my dad were talking to each other jokingly she kept telling me, “I up front, but I couldn’t quite hear should really go see a doctor them. I heard the word surgery, about that.” In turn this makes it a and I immediately asked if I had struggle to do day to day activities to have another surgery, and the like walking, squatting down to answer I got was “Yes”… they said pick something up, basically easy they planned on telling me that day to day activities. Not wearing night when we got home. I was not by staffer Emily Byrum

7

super happy about having to be put under for another operation.

As the next couple of hours went on, I asked more and more questions about this next surgery. They did not have very many answers, but they told me what they could.

I was supposed to have a doctor’s appointment in a week to discuss my options.

At that doctor’s appointment, I ended up having two options. The first option was to have them go back into my knee and remove whatever was left of the good cartilage so they could regenerate it to create more. Then after a couple of months, they would go back and implant it. The second option was to have cadaver cartilage put in my knee. I was very nervous at first, as my appointment went on I became more comfortable with the two options and made my decision.

I ended up choosing to do the cadaver cartilage. I chose this route because it is known to last longer and be stronger. I was not prepared to hear that it would be an emergency surgery, that we had no control when it would happen. The doctor’s exact words were “It could be tomorrow, or it could be February.” At that moment in time, I did not think it would really be February. But to my surprise, he was not joking.

At the moment I am waiting on that amazing call, but the catch is it has to be a perfect match.

I learned the longer you wait for something the more you start to appreciate it.

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Opinion // Logan

WINTER ATHLETES

DOMINATE

Sports // Begley

9

ahmed louis

25.9 PPG | 3.1 APG | 42% FG

by writer Ivonee Morales-Mejia

-coach Brennan Scanlon

I would watch my stepdad and his friends play outside and would try to mimic what they did,” said Louis.

Since then Louis has scored over 1,000 points in his basketball career, so he achieved a lot of individual goals for himself and with more to come as college comes around.

“It was just myself, just knowing where I want to get to, and I want to play basketball at the next level, it’s just having that drive and it keeps me motivated to keep going, I want to win and that has kept me motivated to win,” Louis said.

“He was someone I wanted to be like when I was young, he died by gunshots due to drug-related activity, so that is something that has kept me focusing on more positive aspects of life,” Louis said. “I remember a when I was about 6-years-old when he and my grandfather beat me in a game of basketball on an outdoor court. I was so mad that I lost that I cried and wouldn’t accept anything they tried to give me including McDonald’s.”

His interest in basketball began with simple childhood curiosity which eventually grew to a life-long passion.

“I’ve been playing basketball since I was really young, I picked up the ball when I was around 3 years old,

Louis holds off a North Kansas CIty High School guard at the Oak Park boys’ jamboree. OP and North Kansas City tied 30-30. (photo credit Ti Tran)

This year senior Ahmad Louis solidified himself in the records for OPHS boys basketball team, Louis beat OPHS alumni “ and guard for the Kansas University Jayhawks boys basketball team, Ochai Agbaji’s record of 40 points- which was the single scoring record Agbaji held. Louis scored 47 points in his final game as a senior, making it significant because the national average of points basketball players usually score in a basketball game is 5 points per game.

“It was something I didn’t expect,” Louis said. “I just do what I have to do and I’m glad that I did it.”

Louis is well known for his basketball abilities, playing point guard for OPHS varsity boys basketball team this year, the goal for him is to play for a college and wanting to major in engineering once he’s in college.

“Ahmad is the best player on the team, he’s the leader on the team, and he’s also an honors student so he is good in the classroom as well,” said head boys basketball coach, Brennan Scanlon.

His uncle, who was known as Marckendy Laurent or simply known to him as ‘Uncle Mackenzie’ was his inspiration growing up.

Ahmad is the best player on the team, he’s the leader on the team, and he’s also an honors student.”

10

Sports // Begley

mickey seely

Placed 4th at State Competition

by staffer Ivonee Morales-Mejia Senior Mickey Seely made her mark, by not only being the first female wrestler to qualify for the 2019 State Wrestling Tournament, but Seely also placed fourth place in the State.

“The most memorable match Mickey had this season was her match at districts which determined whether she would be a state qualifier,” senior Mary Anello said. “She pinned her girl, immediately got up, and started crying because she knew that she just made history. I watched her hug her dad and they were both crying.

I know that match was so special to her.

Seely graples her opponent at a practice. Her practice would eventually pay off, as she qualified for state. (photo credit Adrian Berry)

The state tournament was held for three days in the Mizzou Arena .

“State was extremely fast-paced,” Seely said. “They had ‘the walk’ which brings all the wrestlers out onto the mats to show us off and say ‘these are the top wrestlers of the state for girls’ and 15 minutes later I was already out on the mats because they had us go down the tunnel,” Seely said.

Seely is known for her resilience and her determination to push forward in the face of adversity.

“Mickey has a heart condition that prohibits her from doing a lot of things, just watching her push through that every day in practice was amazing. She kept going despite being told she should quit by professionals,” said senior Lilyana Law. “That’s what’s so amazing about her.”

Seely made history - being the fourth best female wrestler in the state of Missouri and being the first OPHS student to place in the girls wrestling state tournament.

“I know she was disappointed in herself at first, but I think she eventually came to terms with it and realized that she wanted more than anything to be a medalist on that podium, so she did. She is more deserving of

“She kept going despite being told she should quit by professionals. That’s what’s so amazing about her.”

-senior Lilyanna Law that accomplishment than anybody I know,” Anello said.

Seely has played for both women’s softball as well as track and field teams for years, but was only able to be a part of girls wrestling for one season due to its newness this year.

“This is my first year and my only year in wrestling and I qualified at State, and I placed at State so it’s never too late to join. And it’s something that you’ll enjoy, but it’ll be hard.

It’s one of the hardest sports I’ve been in but I’ve loved every second of it,” Seely said.

Sports // Begley

paige allen

23.6 PPG | 5.5 APG | 54.2% FG

by staffer Ivonee Morales-Mejia Junior Paige Allen broke records in the OPHS vs. William Chrisman girls basketball game. Her total career points rose to 1,286, beating alumni Tammy Harmon’s record of 1,285 points.

“It has definitely put some pressure on me for next year, that I have to continue doing great,” Allen said.

“Look at what I’ve done so far, so let’s see how far I can take this.”

Allen also broke the girls basketball record for most consecutive free throws with 13 in total and for the most points per season with 614 points this season alone.

“Paige is really shy and funny, In basketball, she’ll push you and she’s just a really good teammate,” said junior Whitney Hon. Like most high school athletes, Allen aspires to play basketball in college, with little interest in playing professionally after college. Allen wants to eventually work in the animal sciences field when she’s graduated college.

“This year she showed the most improvement as a vocal leader. She built her teammates up which gave them more confidence to excel,” said head girls basketball coach Zane Tanner.

According to assistant girls basketball coach Greg Sims, when high school athletes reach 1,000 points by the end of their high school career it’s a huge accomplishment. Allen surpassed that mark in her sophomore season. With the opportunity of an additional season in her senior year, Allen is on track to not only to break 2,000 career points, but also to set a record that will be difficult to break for future basketball players.

“Basketball has taught me to push through when things get tough, to not give up and that you just have to keep fighting mentally and physically to achieve your goals,” Allen said.

Allen watches her shot go in, as the Oakies face the Liberty Blue Jays to kick off the OP tournament. (photo credit Cambia staff)

Stats

11

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Clubs // Begley

HOSA’s officers pose for the camera. They compete in Rolla on March 25 and 26. (photo credit Mina Buchholz)

HOSA gears up for competition

by News Editor Malea Biswell For its students, HOSA offers the first stepping stone on the road to a medical career.

HOSA heads to its State competition in Rolla at Missouri S&T for the third time on March 25 and 26. Only 20 of the 40 HOSA students go to competition. Mostly the State team consists of juniors and seniors who show they’re the most dedicated and motivated to medicine.

“Kids sign up for what they feel like they’re called, there’s medical terminology which is a test similar format to the way Science Olympiad does it,” said Bethany Kent, HOSA club sponsor.

Students sign up for the area of

study they know best and take a knowledge test over what they know.

Not only is HOSA preparing for State, but they’re also getting prepared for their careers in the medical field.

“HOSA is for students that want to go into the health field, doctors, researchers or something like that,” said club president Alan Scalzi.

In the fall semester, HOSA club sponsors Kent and Kim Bennett hosted guest speakers. They also lead the students in community service projects such as raising money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation by making and selling ribbons. In the spring, they spend the months leading up to State focusing on researching their chosen areas of expertise.

“It’s another way of giving them an

Seniors Mawada Eskander and Ola Thabit investigate through a microscope. HOSA students compete in 63 different events. (photo credit Mina Buchholz) emphasis to learn. Healthcare is so hot right now, it’s such a broad field.

It gives them enrichment in whatever they’re interested in,” said Kent.

Students, like junior Malaina Curtiss, are excited by the opportunities HOSA has provided them, such as the ability to impress colleges with their accomplishments.

“I want to study physical therapy, so if I apply to like a science school they’ll know that I want to be a part of that,” said Curtiss.

Curtiss studies diet and nutrition for competition and hopes her knowledge and experience from HOSA will help her get into Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville.

Clubs // Begley

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SPARE the details Sophomore Devyn Coleman makes a shot. “There’s a correct way to throw the ball,” said junior Grace Burns, also on the bowling team. “But everyone has their different type of form.” (photo credit Mina Buchholz)

by Sports Editor Jessica Begley Every Thursday the bowling team meets at Gladstone Bowl to practice.

The team greets each other with highfives and gets working quickly.

“We have a lot more people now than we used to, we’ve gotten really good,” senior Ashlynn Brown said.

There are four girls and two boys on the team. Everyone on this year’s team is fairly experienced. All grade levels are represented on the team, from freshmen to seniors like Brown, who has been on the team for four years.

The highest the team has placed this season is seventh out of 20.

Unlike most sports, bowling doesn’t divide girls and boys at competitions.

They compete as teams of five.

“The tournaments are pretty hectic because it’s like 200 kids crammed into a small bowling alley, but a lot of fun,” junior Wes Russell said.

Starting in November, there is one “practice” tournament a month. All the team’s work and practice lead up to one important tournament.

“We have one tournament to qualify for State, we actually only bowl one tournament that counts,” coach Todd Haskins said. “The top five teams

Students bowl their way to State

qualify to State.”

While the team has grown successful, at the end of the day what matters most to them is hanging out with their teammates, improving and having fun.

“It’s the same thing with any of the coaching I guess, working with the kids themselves and seeing that they see themselves getting better,” Haskins said. “I just want see them make a change and see what that change does for them.”

Quick Facts: -Bowling pins are required to be at least 15 inches tall -Nine strikes in a row is called a “golden turkey” -The first bowling tournament took place in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1917 -Bowling used to be played with nine pins

Freshman Ava Haskins is congratulated by her teammates after a good shot.

“Every time... when you’re finished throwing, we high five each other or say ‘Good job,’” said junior Grace Burns. (photo credit Mina Buchholz)

-The bowling industry market makes over $6 billion a year in the U.S. (image: Clipart Library with permission)

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Recreation // Powell

Donut

miss out

by News Editor Malea Biswell

When I walked in to Pike’s Place, I was greeted by a smile and a welcome. The man at the cash register was inviting and warm. He was happy to walk me through the menu and help me choose my donuts.

The color scheme reminded me of the rainy skies of Seattle, and the name reminds me of Pike’s Place Market in Seattle.

The family of senior Brooklynne Phillips recently opened a new donut shop called Pikes Place. It is located right between Marco’s Pizza and Family Video on 72nd Street.

To begin, I tried the original glazed donut. It was the perfect classic glazed donut, comparable to Krispy Kreme donuts. It’s a sweet and delightful treat. The only thing I didn’t like was the film the glaze leaves on the roof of the mouth. The donut had

a perfect airy kind of texture that made it flaky and melt in my mouth. Overall, this donut was delicious and I liked it a lot.

The next donut I tried was the chocolate-covered cake donut. The glaze on the donut tasted very sweet to the point where I couldn’t eat all of it. The texture of the cake was a little crunchy, possibly a bit stale. All in all, this donut was one of my least favorite.

The third donut I tried was the blueberry crumble.

It was fluffy and fruity. The crumble on top didn’t satisfy me. I thought it was dry and powdery and dried out my mouth. The best thing about this donut was the moist, muffin like texture. It wasn’t too chewy and the blueberry wasn’t overpowering, but the donut itself had a delightful blueberry scent. I thought this donut was perfectly balanced in flavor and I would have this donut again.

Recreation // Powell

The last donut I had was orange icing donut, which was tangy and refreshing. Orange flavor wasn’t my favorite creative decision, I would’ve better enjoyed a strawberry or possibly raspberry. It didn’t taste very much like a classic donut. I was disappointed because it was really dry and it was advertised as an orange donut but it was a regular donut with orange icing. This donut was probably the least favorite of mine.

In conclusion, the donuts were mostly really delicious and the environment inside was very homey. It feels like they really care about the community and about their products.

On their Facebook page, they’re always posting about what’s new on the menu and what specials they have. In January, where they donated donuts to the fire station. In late February, they handed out donuts to homeless people I would gladly go in for another donut and to see another smiling face. photo credit: Kayelyn Logan infographic by: Emily Byrum

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When you complete the crossword, bring the filled version to the journalism room, E134, for a special treat!

Down 2. Ahmad Louis’s future major 3. Whose record Paige Allen broke 5. What Mickey Seely is known for Across 1. Icing flavor on a least-favorite donut 4. Club president of HOSA 6. A game played between siblings 7. What got removed from a knee

article

crossword where’s

valadez?