Log-Issue 3-November 2015

Nov. 13, 2015 KC, MO

The Northmen’s Teachers’ Lives• Family Feature • Spirit Store

LoG

Issue: 3 Vol: 51

Letters from the

Editors

Hey Oak Park! Mabrey Wathen is the name, and managing is my game. This year Maddie Russell and I are CO Editors-in-Chief for The Northmen’s Log newsmagazine.

For our third issue of The Log this year, we wanted to have more in-depth stories produced and a nicer flow between the Hey it’s Maddie here, I am excited to relay to you that different topics tackled in the newsmagazine. We have two big this is the third issue of The Log, only five more to go! topics in this November issue: family and teachers.

I was given to opportunity to interview and write For the family feature, you’ll find out which students a very heartwarming story about my good have some of the oldest living relatives in the school friend Kimmy Crane-Allen. Most people and a touching story about one of Oak Park’s studon’t know Kimmy has gone through a lot dents: Kimmy Crane-Allen. of hardships in her life including going If you want to read about your favorite through foster care and then later on teachers, read about the cool things teachers adoption. It was the longest and one of have done outside of school in their free time. the most uplifting interviews I have ever Enjoy learning about Pantone’s Color of conducted, and at the end of the interthe Year Marsala and how the North Kansas view Kimmy came to tell me that this City School District took Netflix and Chill to was the first time she has ever been able the extreme. to talk about her real mom without crying.

OP has a massive amount of love and respect I am honored to have been able to get to tell toward one another, which makes OP the best Kimmy’s story and learn about how she has exhigh school in the North Kansas City School District. celled in her life since then.

This year we’re hoping to push the limits and get more Oak Park is filled with many different stories such as students and staff to read the newsmagazine. If you see somethis one. Seeing the same faces every day we only see thing you like or find something absolutely amazing, spread one surface, but as we dig a little deeper we find the most the word. meaningful of stories, like Kimmy’s, who have made us Please turn the page and immerse yourself in the content. If who we are today. you would ever like to write any comments, questions or story I’d like to thank The Log staff for their hard work they suggestions to myself or Maddie, feel free to drop them off in put into this issue and I wish everyone a Happy Thanks- room E134 to Mrs. Geabhart. giving.

Maddie Russell Editor-in-Chief, Opinion Editor Mabrey Wathen Editor-in-Chief, Feature Editor, Recreation Editor Nathan Roppa Sports Editor Tessa McGinnis Art Editor Joseph Haas People Editor Remy Tran News Editor

Carson Egbert Photography Editor Dakota Ake Writer Kaylynn Arshaq-Ali Writer Malinda Berry Writer Courtney Calhoon Writer Bailee Treat Writer Evelyn Vilingia Writer Adam Yazell Writer

Mina Buchholz Staff Stella Chow Staff Michaela Corbin Staff Logan Fiedler Staff Kiara King Staff Lindsay Shofler Staff Miranda Thompson Staff Christina Geabhart Adviser

“The Northmen’s Log” will publish eight times during the school year. “Log” staff strongly supports the First Amendment and opposes censorship. Freedom of expression and press are fundamental values in a democratic society.

Therefore, “Log” encourages readers to participate in the discussion by submitting Letters to the Editor in room E134, by email

to christina.geabhart@nkcschools.org. Letters cannot exceed 350 words and must be signed. “Log” will not run letters that are libelous, obscene or that may cause a verifiable disruption to the education process of Oak Park.

Advertisers may contact the teacher at christina.geabhart@nkcschools.org.

Subscriptions are available, $20 for a

mailed copy, $10 for an emailed pdf version, or $25 for both.

Opinions expressed in “Log” do not reflect student, staff or school district endorsements of that opinion, product, or service.

“Log” is a member of NSPA, MIPA and Quill and Scroll. “Log” is affiliated with JEA and JEMKC.

Design by Maddie Russell

Contents News Entertainment 2 November Calendar Spirit Store to open No Shave November

4 What Are The Odds?

Falling Into Fall A Royal Event Attracts Thousands

Recreation

Feature

6 “What Do I Do Now? Older and Wiser It’s That Time Of Year

People

8 Marsala Fall and Winter Layering Let’s Bake Bunuelos: A Family’s Tradition

Sports

Wrestling Their Way To The Top

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The Secret Lives of Teachers Netflix and Chill Out

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Winter is Coming Wrestling Their Way To The Top Design By Maddie Russell

A lot of people don’t know the holidays in November, some of you might participate with the holiday without knowing and we just wanted to show you the different days of the month.

November

Remy Tran News Editor

Sunday

1 National Authors’ Day

Monday

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National Famiy Literacy Day National Deviled Egg National Cook for Day Your Pets Day Traffic Directors National Vinegar Day National Deep Fried Clams Day Daylight Saving Time Ends

8 National Cappuccino Day National Parents Teachers Day National Stem/Steam Day

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National Bundt (Pan) Day National Philanthropy Day National Clean Out Our Refrigerator Day National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day National Rasin Bran Ceareal Day America Recycles

22 National Cranberry Relish Day

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2

9 National Scrapple Day

16 National Fast Food Day National Button Day

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Wednesday Thursday 4 3 5

Tuesday

National Housewife’s National Chicken Lady Day Day National Sandwich National Candy Day Day

10 Marines Corps Birthday National Forget-Me-Not Day National Vanilla Cupcake Day

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News Design By Remy Tran

November 2015

National Sundae Day Veterans Day

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National Pizza with The Works Except Anchovies Day National Chicken Soup For The Soul Day

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24

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National Parfait Day Blase Day Shopping Reminder Day Internation Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women Day

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13 National Indian Pudding Day

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14 National Pickle Day National Spicy Guacamole Day

Basketball Boys Jamboree

20 National Peanut Butter Fudge Day National Absurdity Day

26 National Bavarian 27 National Cake Day National Day of Mourning Thanksgiving Day Turkey-Free Thanksgiving

Saturday

National Bittersweet Chocolate with National Nachos Day Almonds Day Saxophone Day National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day

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National Carbonated Beverage With National Baklava Day National Vichyssoise Caffeine Day National Take A Hike Day National Play Mickey Mouse Day Monopoly Day Birthday Basketball Girls National Educational Great American Jamboree Support Professionals Smokeout Basketball Boys JV Day Scrimmage Basketball Scrimmage

National Sardines National Cashew Day Day Basketball Boy JV National Eat A game Cranberry Day Basketball Varisty National Espresso Game Basketball Girls Tournament

National Mousse Day Computer Security Day Stay Home Because You’re Well Day Cyber Monday

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National Doughnut Day National Love Your Red Hair Day National Men Make Dinner Day

Friday

Joseph Haas People Editor

Cream Pie Day National Day of Listening National Native American Heritage Day Black Friday Buy Nothing Day Flossing Day Maize Day You’re Welcome Giving Day

21 National Stuffing Day National Adoption Day Swim Girl JV meet

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National French Toast Day Small Business Saturday International Aura Awareness Day Electronic Greetings Day International Day Of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

The New Spirit Store Opens Stella Chow Writer

Adam Yazell Writer

“Chop Shop” - The name of the new spirit store won with 28 percent of the votes. The new store will be run by the Oak Park’s Booster Club and sell everything the club has: T shirts, hats, jerseys and more.

Last year, the Booster Club brought back to Oak Park $60,000, but the parCarson Egbert Photography Editor

ents had to go around and sell the gear to bring back the money.

This year, with the new store, students can buy the Oak Park gear whenever they want and the Booster Club doesn’t have to go around and sell it all themselves. The products don’t have tax, the price would be a

whole number, and it won’t be expensive. The store will be located next to the Attendance Office.

“I’m excited the kids will have more access [to Oak Park gear]. [It’s] something everyone wanted and a push in the right direction,” activities director Casey Vokolek.

Guys Growing Beards

Eleven staff members have volunteered to participate to help raise money for “Shop with a Sheriff,” a benefit for North Kansas City School District students.

During the month of November, students and staff have the opportunity to donate to their favorite shave design.

On Nov. 30, the top seven staff members, according to donations, will be revealed.

Those that have been selected will don their correlating designs all day on Dec. 1.

The people who volunteer to participate in no shave November were Scott Archer, Travis Montgomery, Josh Howard, Mark Maus, Danny Pearson, James Dye, Brant Winn, Alan Parks, Larry Katzif, Christopher Sartain and Brian Gehrlein.

Visit Pitt State!

Schedule your visit TODAY!

pittstate.edu/beagorilla

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Less than two hours away.

Get your OP news online: www.NorthmenNews.com @NorthmenNews on Twitter

Pittsburg State University 800-854-PITT (7488) • Pittsburg, Kansas

@NorthmenNews on Instagram NorthmenNews.com on Facebook News Design By Remy Tran

November 2015

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5 11 17 21 9 What Are the Odds?

How to play:

Evelyn Vilingia Writer

What are the odds that you’ve played this game already? Students have been taking this game to new lengths, literally.

At Oak Park, students have done many daring challenges:

“It was the summer of 2014, me and my friends were playing “What the Odds?” And one of the rounds, I said, “What are the odds of us jumping into our 10-feet pool from the roof?”

Our house is two stories high and as we counted the 3, we both said 5. I thought “oh snap, we have to jump.”-junior James Swofford “At the [Royals’] parade downtown, I had to start a chant of ‘Lets Go Mets’ and I almost got killed.”-- junior Gabriel DeLaFuente

“My friend had to drop his phone from the ceiling and the whole back of it was shattered.”-- junior Jeremy Webb

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Entertainment Design By Madison Russell

November 2015

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The person daring the other asks what are the odds that the other person will complete a certain daring task.

The person being dared then decides what the odds are. Whether that be 1-5 or 1-25.

Both people silently pick a number between the range and on the count of three they both say their number.

If the numbers are different the person being challenged doesn’t have to complete the task and the game is over. If the numbers are the same the person, being challenged has to complete the challenge.

If they decide to back out, then the person being challenged owes the challenger $10.

Michaela Corbin Writer

Fall is the start of chilly weather and warm clothing. On Wednesday, Sept.

23 fall had begun. As unfortunate as it was to end summer, many students were finally ready for a cooler breeze.

Since the end of summer is kind of a bummer, it only makes sense that the season that follows summer would be awesome. This cooler weather means it’s the time of fuzzy socks, boots, jackets, scarfs, gloves and many other pieces as it may get very chilly on some occasions.

Sophomore Mia Nguyen said, “I like the clothes and getting dressed up.”

Also junior Jalen Stevens said, “The

colors of leaves change. It’s hoodie season and I get buckets (basketball).”

Bundled up and cozy is an essential for this time of season. As it gets deeper into the season and we enter November, many students get together with friends and hang out at bonfires.

Sophomore Kenya Foster said, “You can see breath turn to fog in the air. I like to keep warm huddles together with friends.”

Others play “fall sports” such as football, soccer and basketball.

Freshman Damone Harris said, “I look forward to colors change outside and I like being outdoors playing foot-

ball.”

In late November, most are excited for Thanksgiving. During this time of the month, schools enter their break.

For some who celebrate this occasion, delicious food is most looked forward to. Most people enjoy their gatherings with turkeys, ham, side dishes and many desserts.

It’s a time of year where family and friends come together and celebrate our thanks. Then end of fall is on Monday, Dec. 21 this year.

During which we enter winter, when the nice breeze ends and it becomes even colder. Get ready Northmen!

A Royal Event Attracts Remy Tran News Editor

Thousands

The Royals during the fifth World Series game started out really rough, but in the end they won the series, after 30 years. During the ninth inning, the Royals scored against the New York Mets at their stadium.

The Royals came back and, as a city Kansas City celebrated their victory with a parade on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

“I thought the Royals parade was exciting and really fun. Everybody was happy and pumped because we haven’t won the world series since 1985 so it was a really big moment,” said junior Dominic Cole.

Junior Zoe Garcia said, “I thought the parade was something to remember. A time in history that I will remember forever. I’m glad to be a part of such happy city.

Who can come together as one over our team’s victory.”

Also senior Nora Cutler said, “The Royals parade was “lit,” there was a ton of people plus it’s a great experience as well as it’s good to know that the Royals have so much fans and support out there.”

During the parade, which included about 800,000

people from Kansas City and other areas.

Many people thought the parade was great but some people thought otherwise, such as junior Ibtisam Jeilani, “It should have been more organized, it was chaotic.”

“I think the Royals parade was an experience no matter all the inconveniences. It was worth the wait,” said senior Andy Leon.

On the day of the parade, schools were let out to celebrate the Royals’ victory. Many people thought it was worth shutting schools and some work places down just for the parade.

“We got to be a part of history and enjoy the moment our Royals won the World Series,” junior Dominic Cole said.

“It was worth closing streets and missing school because it was a time in history that doesn’t even happen every year, in fact in the past 30 years. Our city made history, we deserve to celebrate such an honor.” said junior Zoe Garcia.

Entertainment Design By Madison Russell

November 2015

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“What Do I Do Now ?”

“Everyday was a “how am I going to get through this” day. I was just always concerned about my mom.”

If you didn’t know senior Kimmy Crane-Allen three years ago you would’ve never known that she got into fights, that she was quiet, and that her life was about to change forever. At age 15, Crane-Allen found out what it was like to be taken from her home and placed into foster care. “[My mom and I] had lost our apartment because she was unemployed and she had schizophrenia and bipolar [disorder],” said Crane-Allen. “She wasn’t taking her medicine and she hadn’t been consecutively taking it for awhile and I didn’t realize that until [child services] did come in.”

Crane-Allen was then placed into a foster home; taken away from everything she knew before.

“I was very terrified,” said Crane-Allen. “I thought that these people were gonna do everything in their might to hurt me, so when I came in I was very stand offish. I was very rude at first and I was very quiet. I shut myself in my room; I just came out when I had to go to school which during that time I didn’t want to go to school at all.”

Although Crane-Allen could not live with her mom anymore she was still allowed to have contact with her.

“I was able to visit her [but] it was only for one hour a week. It was on Sundays for an hour and it sucked, it was so hard. But thankfully I got to talk to her on the phone everyday for as long as I wanted to.”

Although things were tough, Crane-Allen was starting to adjust after being in foster care a little under a year, until the day her whole life changed.

“My mom passed away while I was in foster care,” Crane-Allen said. “I had nowhere else to go. My first instinct was “What do I do now?” I needed to perservere and move on with my life but that was hard, because I didn’t know what I was going to do.”

Crane-Allen previously went to a school in Liberty where she relays that she was a completely different person than who she is now.

“I was scared of what I was going to become. I had no goals, I had no aspirations, I had at that point no accomplishments. When I went to school I didn’t do any work, I got into fights a lot, so the fact that I was able to be in a new family and they took me in and took care of everything that I needed and taught me to have morals.”

Crane-Allen said that when her foster parents sat her down to discuss morals with her she had no idea

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Feature Design By Mabrey Wathen

November 2015

Maddie Russell Editor-in-Cheif

Senior Kimmy Crane-Allen with her birth mom and younger sister Shea Crane.

what morals even were.

From her life three years ago, Crane-Allen has gone through a 180-degree change in her life.

“I had not done anything compared to all of the things that I’ve done now in the past three years that I’ve been with my new family. I go to school now, I have perfect attendance, I’m on the honor roll, I’m involved in several different things at school. I’m in theatre, I’m in choir, show choir, student council, all kinds of different things. I’ve become involved [and] I have learned communication skills. I know how to talk to people respectively now and I know morals and have values for myself.”

Crane-Allen was devastated when her mother was taken from her, but with everything that has happened she knows it was all for the better.

“Now looking back at my life I know why my mom was taken away from me, because the Lord had a plan for me. He does have a plan for me to do great things.”

Senior Kimmy Crane-Allen pictured in a green dress with her birth mom and younger sister Shea Crane.

Editor-in-Chief Mabrey Wathen

Older and Wiser These grandparents have figured out the secret to living a long and happy life:

“I think the secret to living a long time is a mix of things, like being healthy, being active, eating the right things and the right amount because when you get old your body does some weird stuff and you get constipated within 2.5 seconds. And that’s something I like to call #TheStruggle. But just have a healthy lifestyle.

Don’t do drugs. And according to this website I was looking at, you should be social,” said Malaisia Durrant, about her 105-year-old grandma.

People Editor Joe Haas

“I think the secret to a long life is just staying healthy. My great grandma has lived a pretty long life because she doesn’t just sit around all day she’s pretty healthy, active and she doesn’t eat anything with sodium. It’s pretty crazy how she’s hanging on but to this day she’s relevantly happy and healthy,” said junior Kaitlyn Hawley-Hughes, about her 98-year-old grandma.

“I think the secret to living so long is doing this you like and being involved in things in your older years,” says sophomore Sydnee Boswell, about her 96-year-old grandma.

“I guess staying active, like she doesn’t just sit around and do nothing. In her old age she goes out and does stuff,” said sophomore Keely Tomlin, about her 98-year-old great grandma.

“If I didn’t know her age and had to guess I would say she is 34 years old and looks like Beyoncé. #SoFierce,” said junior Malaisia Durrant, about her 105-year-old grandma.

“She spends time with people whose company she enjoys to live a happier, fuller life,” said sophomore Mahlete Massa, about her 102-year-old great grandma.

Graphic by Mabrey Wathen

It’s That Time of Year

There are actually some students in the school who celebrate some rather unique holidays, that everyone may not celebrate.

Freshman Bilal Jabr celebrates holidays unique to his religion, Muslim.

“Ramadan is a month long and you fast [which means no eating or drinking,” said Jabr.

Instead of celebrating Christmas, Jabr participates in something a little different.

“Eid [which is like Christmas, but for Muslims, is] when you get up early to go to a mosque, then you go to the store and get presents. It’s very fun,” said Jabr.

Freshman Alex Treat also celebrates religious holidays.

Mabrey Wathen Miranda Thompson Editor-in-Chief Writer

Ramadan June-July (date varies)

“I’m Catholic and celebrate St. Nicholas Day. During this time the family spends all day together and eats a lot,” said Treat.

While this may not be considered an official holiday, in freshman Kyle Gahllagher’s home it is. Gahllagher and his family have big celebrations for football.

“My family comes over to my house and eats chips and dip and tell stories. This is a very fun event because the family gets to spend time together and enjoy themselves,” said Gahllagher.

Other holidays celebrated by students may include, but are not limited to: a dog’s birthday, adoption anniversaries or ‘Gotcha Days,’ and the Day of the Dead.

Eid

Fall (date varies)

St. Nicholas Day Decemeber (date varies)

Feature Design By Mabrey Wathen

November 2015

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Marsala Mad for Mabrey Wathen Editor-in-Chief

Sophomores Jade Williams, Jasmine Werninger and Neomi White huddle together in their on trend outfits.

Joe Haas People Editor

Michaela Corbin Writer

Marsala isn’t an exotic animal species and Marsala isn’t a rare jewel found in a remote part of the world. Marsala is a color, in fact, it is the Color of the Year.

Every year the Pantone color company comes out with a Color of the Year, a color that will be popular for both fashion and interior design for the coming year. Past Colors of the Year include Radiant Orchid for 2014 and Emerald for 2013.

Marsala is a rusty burgundy color and compliments many different skin tones.

“I have a darkish skin complexion so I just really like it cause it’s a darker color so it looks really good in the fall,” said sophomore Jasmine Werninger.

“I think it makes me look

really tan, which I really like and it just goes with my skin tone I guess,” said junior Maya Rupard.

The color Marsala can also be paired with many other colors.

“You know probably like olive green or like a nude color, a cream,” said sophomore Neomi White.

Finding this color in stores isn’t hard, you can find it pretty much everywhere.

Sophomore Jesi Bediakl got his shirt from the MCX military store in California, “I like the shirt, so I guess it makes me feel happy.”

Werninger says, “[I bought my dress and scarf in this color because] I see a lot of people wearing it and it’s a big color for the season and I just think it fits.”

Junior Maya Rupard models her t-shirt from Trinity University in Texas.

Fall and Winter Layering

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Recreation Design By Mabrey Wathen

November 2015

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Senior Lauren Boeding demonstrates a possible outfit for the fall and winter season.

Sophomore Jesi Bediakl shows off his shirt from the MCX military store in California.

Junior Enza Cangelosi poses in her cardigan from Forever 21.

Mabrey Wathen Editor-in-Chief

Step 1: Grab a plain t-shirt/ sweater, or a top that has a simple pattern like stripes or polka dots Step 2: Put on a cardigan, vest, or jacket over your shirt Step 3: Pick out a fun scarf to layer on top of the jacket and shirt Final Result: Add it all up and you get fashion forward layering for the fall/winter season

Let’s Bake!

Turkey Cupcakes

Lindsay Shofler Writer Kiara King Writer

Ingredients: -Chocolate cupcake mix -Chocolate icing -Oreos -Yellow, black, and white pipe icing -Mini peanut butter cups -Whoppers -Candy corn -White cupcake holders

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Directions: Step 1: Bake the chocolate cup cakes, or flavor of your choice and bake in a cupcake tin.

Step 2: Let cupcakes cool and ice with icing.

Step 3: Place one Oreo in the center of the icing on top of the cupcake.

Step 4: Slightly melt one side and the bottom of the mini Reese’s cup and place toward the back of the Oreo.

Step 5: While the Reese’s cup is still melted, attach a second Oreo to the melted base/bottom of the Reese’s.

Step 6: Place the candy corn pieces inside of the side of the Oreo with the pointed end inside.

Step 7: Slightly melt the bottom of a whopper and place on top of the Reeses.

Step 8: Decorate with tube icing and enjoy.

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Bunuelos: A Family’s Tradition

Sweetness. Freshman Jaeza Robertson and her family have different food traditions than other familys for Thanksgiving. Bunuelos are a yummy treat you can make in your own home too. Robertson said, “We put Bunuelos in unique traditional handcrafted plates made out of stone that we got from a market in Texas.”

Photo courtesy of Jaeza Robertson.

Ingredients: -4 cups flour -1 tsp baking powder -1 tsp salt -½ cup sugar -2 eggs -1 cup milk -4 Tbsp butter -2 cups oil (for frying) -Cinnamon and sugar combined in desired ratio

Kiara King Writer Malinda Berry Writer

Step 1: In a large bowl mix flour, baking powder, salt and sugar.

Step 2: In a smaller bowl beat eggs and milk.

Step 3: Add this to the flour mixture gradually.

Step 4: Melt the 4 Tbsp of butter and add this to the mixture.

Step 5: Work into a dough then place on a floured surface. Knead until it is silky and elastic.

Step 6: Divide the dough into medium sized balls. Flatten these with your hand then roll out on a floured surface until very thin.

Step 7: Fry in hot oil (370 degrees) until golden.

Step 8: Remove from heat and drain on paper towels then sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar mixture.

Recreation Design By Mabrey Wathen

November 2015

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The Secret

Shifting Giers Courtney Calhoon Writer

From the classroom to the trails math teacher Michael Gier goes above and beyond. While being a teacher is an adventure in itself, it just isn’t enough for Gier. Gier rides his bike to school every day through rain or shine. Along with that he is in the Earth Riders Association, Jackson County Triathlon, KC Metro Bike Club. He also participated in the Colorado Monarch Crest on top of Monarch Pass.

Gier was the president of the Earth Riders Association for three years, on a mission to create more mountain bike trails in Kansas City.

Gier participated in the Jackson County Triathlon in August at Longview Lake. The triathlon contained 750-meter swim, 12-mile bike ride and a 4-mile run.

“Swimming was the hardest part because I did not now how to swim at the time.”

Then Gier participated as a ride marshall (someone who rides a bike along the side of the runners to make sure they do not cheat) in a marathon with the KC Metro bike club.

“If you don’t race regularly your not going to do well, racing is hard, and you will get hurt.”

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People Design By Joseph Haas

November 2015

Cluck Cluck Crane Nathan Roppa Sports Editor

Woods teacher Michael Crane has a few special animals at home.

He owns chickens.

“Fresh eggs and I know where my eggs are coming from. I know what’s going into the chicken as far as food.”

The chickens bring entertainment. The chickens are fun to watch and listen to.

The chickens can have some not so positive effects on their owners.

The chickens can be noisy, messy, can get into flower beds and tear up the flowers, more predator problems such as raccoons and possums coming into the yard.

If you are wanting to raise chickens then here are a few tips for you.

“Research it, study it. Learn what your getting into. Get your chickens from a quality breeder not just somebody that doesn’t know what their doing. Give them good food and keep up on the food and water.”

Baseball Voos Madison Russell Editor-in-Chief

“After my collegiate career was over I briefly pitched for a semi pro team and traveled around the Midwest playing similar competition,” said social studies Jake Voos.

“It was a lot of fun partly because it felt more professional than I was accustomed to, however looking back I believe there was better competition and better baseball played while I was playing in college.

“After playing major college baseball the next best thing for me was playing pro. Although I never signed a minor league deal, I got a taste of it playing semi-pro in a league filled with former pros and recent D-1 baseball players. Those years were challenging and hard because I had to face the fact that my career was closing. However, I really hold no regrets because as one door closes, another door opens.”

Lives of Teachers

Miss Beale’s (Fortune) Carson Egbert Photography Editor

Sturgis Scarborough Bailee Treat Writer

“I’ve been riding motorcycles since 2010. I own a Harley Ultra Limited,” said math teacher Debra Scarborough. “One of my worst experiences was going to Sturgis which we have been the past three years. Sturgis is an event where bikes gather from the United States and outside of the United States in South Dakota. You go on this highway called I-90 where there’s nothing around except wind. I describe to people that as you go down the road, the bike literally tilts over so you’re going down the road sideways. Whenever you go under a overpass, you pop up because there’s no wind and go right back down. I literally got off just shaking for like 10 minutes.

“My riding experience is on the back, I don’t have the pressure of worrying about keeping the bike up, I’m enjoying the scenery. We got a toy hauler this year and that’s what we traveled to Sturgis in. We hauled the bike in it and then when you get to the campsite, you pull the bike out and pull all the seats down and have a regular camper. [We also go to] City Union Mission Run which is located downtown and the people housed there and the churches would feed everyone, then you would go for a day ride. “

“I started roller derby about four and a half years ago,” said debate teacher Michelle Beale. “I have played for two different teams and I’ve been involved with three leagues. I have played on the Jessie Janes from St. Joe in the Black Snake Roller Girls league.

The other team I played on was the Vienna Roller Girls and that was actually in Vienna, Austria. I studied abroad for about six months in the Czech Republic, so the closest team to me was the Vienna Roller Girls, so I went down there every weekend to practice with them. I got to play one game with [the Vienna Roller Girls] and that was in Essen, Germany. Now I’m working on getting drafted for one of the house teams for Kansas City Roller Warriors.

“The reason I started roller derby was because my roommate at the time said that he was ‘in like’ with the roller derby girls that came into his coffee shop. I had been looking for a group of girls to hang out with so that I had some girl friends and a good workout was also something I was working for, so that’s why roller derby sort of appealed to me. I figured out that there was a league fairly close to where I was going to school and showed up to their practice and that’s where it all started.

“The only award I ever received was ‘Best Leggings/ Tights.’ My goal for practices was to be as clashed as I possibly could. I have tights that look like a piano and ones that are bright with geometric shapes. They’re obnoxious. I had six different pairs of tights that were just ridiculous. I clearly had the best leggings.”

People Design By Joseph Haas

November 2015

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NETFLIX&CHILL OUT In a recent email sent out to faculty in the North Kansas City district by director of technology Eric Sipes, there has been various complaints about the internet speed.

According to Sipes in a 30-day period of time the school district averaged 6.3 years of surfing time on Netflix, which calculates to 836 hours per school day.

Also, 1.4 years browsing time on Facebook was figured to be used within the same 30-day period. The district was also contacted by a company called SurfGuru that runs servers for the game Call of Duty 4. This company has stated that our school district’s traffic is harmful to his business and his clienteles.

“I believe that these statistics are extremely concerning,” said senior Katie Watkins. “Not just because of the internet speed issues, but also because of the learning block this must create. If students are really watching this much Netflix and playing games to this ex-

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6 yes 9.6% 20 47 no 90.4%

tent during their school day, they can’t be learning to their full potential.”

Even though all of this gaming and web surfing is happening, students don’t seem to be getting disciplined by teachers to keep their computers off.

“Teachers don’t really enforce many rules other than not having it out during instructional time,” said junior Katie Westberg, “other than that they don’t really care.”

With regular classes going on, questions on when students are using these programs are beginning to appear.

“I’d assume that this is going on during flex classes, or blow-off ones,” said senior Rachel Pfleiderer, “in the higher level classes they don’t really allow computers to be out.”

After having meetings with the interim superintendent of schools, along with the cabinet, several solutions have been suggested including blocking Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime between 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Another

51 yes 71.8% 20 no 28.2% 20 yes 4737.7% 6 33 no 62.3%

Maddie Russell Editor-in-chief Courtney Calhoon Writer

suggestion that has been recommended is that all gaming websites should be blocked permanently.

“I think sites being blocked will help, but students will always find ways around the blocking systems and find new games they can play instead,” said Watkins. “I think it’s more something that needs to be fixed by changing teaching methods, but some students need to be more drawn in in order to change their focus.”

Pfleiderer also doesn’t think blocking sites will have much affect on students by changing the content being taught in the classroom.

“I think we could lower it by making [school] content more interesting. It won’t lower from the flex classes because that is really all you can do for the extra time they have, but I think that if people wanted/needed to know the information that was being presented, they would pay attention.”

20

51

Do you watch Netflix on your school computer?

Do you play Call of Duty?

Do you go on Facebook?

22 people said yes 33 people said no

6 people said yes 47 people said no

51 people said yes 20 people said no

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People Design By Mabrey Wathen

November 2015

Brace Yourself For Opinions

Nathan Roppa Sports Editor

The wrestling team has recently come into the possession of TVs in the wrestling room and brand new slick singlets which the wrestler can personalize for $80.

Junior Remington Brelsford said, “[TVs] could bring new advantage to the wrestling team.

Junior Izzie Estaban said, “More

beneficial to what we learn, because we can see what we’re being taught.”

“If it’s going to help them then I feel good about it,” refering to the TVs, said senior Gracie Schweinfurth.

Senior Katia Newell said, “If it benefits them, then it’s worth it.” “[The singlets] make us feel better when we’re wrestling, look good feel

good,” Brelsford said.

“They’re a good addition to the team, and how fit I’ll look during wrestling season will make me look better,” Esteban said.

“They’re cool because their names are on the back,” Schweinfurth said.

“I think it’s super cool that they’re personalized,” Newell said.

Winter Is Coming Nathan Roppa Sports Editor

Kaylynn Arshaq-Ali Writer

Brace yourself for the winter sports season is upon us.

Here’s what the coaches are looking forward to and their goals for this long cold season ahead of them.

Wrestling Coach Caleb Dixon “I’m looking forward to this being our third year here our third year in our cycle. I’m looking forward to build on last year’s performances; and I’m looking forward to competing at a high level just like normal. Looking forward to the progress and our continued progress the most. From year one, we saw the progress from year one to year two we saw some extreme growth. And now in year three to continue for that growth to continue happening. My goals this season as a coach are to just come in every day and execute the plan and continue to progress our goal is always to perform at a high level at the district tournament and the state tournament and everything else during the year leads up to that point. My goal also I think as a staff we do a really good job is to make every athlete in the room and the program make them feel important to the process.”

Varsity Girls Basketball Coach Joel Pabon “I’m looking forward to what this team can accomplish.

With this being my second year as a head coach, I’m excited to see how the expectations that we have put in place will come together. I feel that the coaching staff has raised the bar as far as what we expect out of our players. With every year it is a new journey. This year’s team will have to find their own way to succeed. It is now in their hands to see what they can produce together.”

“The goal for the team is to be the best you can be every time they step on to the court. This is a extremely difficult task that takes physical and mental toughness. I have challenged the players this offseason to “Challenge their Limits.” This team can go as far as they are willing to work for it. It should be an exciting season.”

Girls Basketball Coach Bree Kisner “My goal for the season as a coach would simply be to have success! When I say the word “success” I am not talking about the wins or losses on the season. Better measures of success would be the fun our team and individual players had, and how well they learned, developed, improved and matured to become better players, students and citizens. What I am looking forward to the most this season is the fresh feeling. We graduated four senior starters last year and also had a main key player out due to a knee injury. The style of play and the pace of the game will completely be different and I’m extremely excited to see how the girls adjust!”

Varsity Boys Basketball Coach Ryan Nichols “Our goals are always to win a conference and district title, but we also want to perform well in our three tournaments and continue to build on the growth we had last year. We ended up playing a lot of young guys and we will now look to those guys to lead us. We are excited about starting our season against our district rival Winnetonka and the trip we go on in December down to Springfield, Mo.” Sports Design By Nathan Roppa

November 2015

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Carson Egbert Photography Editor

Places to Pose Looking for some unique places to take your senior pictures or just some fun places to shoot some photos? There are some unqiue places to do so right in Kansas City:

Maddie Russell Editor-in-Chief

West Bottoms With graffiti-lined walls and old rustic buildings, West Bottoms is the place to go.

With abandoned buildings and photogenic underpasses, West Bottoms is sure to give your photos that one-of-a-kind background.

Model Credits to Kyndal Smith

Maple Woods Nature Trails Needing a more gentle background? Maple Woods Nature Trails has the perfect dose of wildlife to make and photo noticeable with beautiful tree colors in the fall and a rushing creek bed for anyone daring to get their feet wet.

Model Credits to Nikki Clark

Nelson Atkins Museum Want a little artistic flair in your photo’s background? Nelson Atkins Museum has a unique display of colorful sculptures outside and around the establishment.

Model Credits to Anthony Cusumano