The Northmen's Log - Issue 1, Volume 53

TNL The Northmen’s Log Oak Park High School Kansas City, MO Volume 53, Issue 1 October 2017

We’re crazier than you

Fright under the lights

The behind the scenes of Oak Park’s 2017 musical, “The Addams Family.” (page 6)

Friday, Oct. 13 was the first homecoming game and crowning under the new lights. (pages 14 and 15)

Students struggling with the invisible Many students struggle with mental illnesses their peers don’t see. (pages 8 and 9)

Letter from the editor Hello Oak Park! I’m Dakota, editor-in-chief of “The Northmen’s Log.” I’m excited to share with you the first issue of “The Log” which we have worked very hard on. Our aim year to year, and even issue to issue, is to constantly be improving and innovating. We hope those of you who read last year’s magazines will notice an increase in quality and those of you just now reading will enjoy it as well.

Our feature this issue is about two major stressors students face when adjusting back into school: work and mental illness. Students have to find a way to balance their work and school schedules and the beginning of the year usually yields the most difficulty with that. Mental health is also something that can make starting the school year a struggle. Students with anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses may have a more challenging time completing certain tasks where their neurotypical peers don’t.

Homecoming also features heavily in

this issue from the queen nominees to the floats to the game itself. We diversified our coverage of this event as much as possible and included numerous sides to the festivities. Look for that throughout the issue.

As in previous years, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns about anything covered in “The Log” you can always reach out to us in room E134. If you write a letter to the editor, so long as it isn’t vulgar, we’ll publish it in the next issue.

Since the magazine only comes out four times a year, not everything is as widely covered as we would like. Luckily for us, we have a website where we do keep coverage fresh and timely. If you ever find yourself wanting more news about what’s going on around Oak Park you can go to NorthmenNews.com, or follow breaking news on @NorthmenNews on Twitter.

Online preview:

Publication information “The Northmen’s Log” will publish four times during the school year. “Log” staff strongly supports the First Amendment and opposes censorship. Freedom of expressio nand 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 lubelous, obscene or that may cause a verifiable disruption to the education process at Oak Park.

Advertisers may contact the adviser at christina. geabhart@nkcschools.org for information.

Subscriptions are availiable, $20 for a mailed copy, $10 for an emailed PDF version, or $25 for both.

Opinions expressed in “Log” do not relect 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, MJEA, and JEMKC.

For the most up to date information on what is happeneing in Oak Park, in the community, in the United States, or even the world, NorthmenNews.com is the place to go.

Below is an excerpt from the story “An American collision - the debate on safety of our country’s favorite sport” by Luci Conkling, online editor. The story discusses injuries in football and the ongoing debate about the safety concerns for American children: Football. It’s America’s sport, yet not all Americans agree on who and when it should be played. Doctors and professionals everywhere advise parents to avoid putting their children in Oak Park football players tackle their rivals, Staley contact sports, specifically football, while they are still develop- Falcons, during the football Jamboree earlier in the ing, however it’s hard to break an American tradition that has year. (photo by Sarah Horseman) been rooted in our history for decades.

If you want to read the rest, comment your opinion, or read similar stories you can go to NorthmenNews.com.

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15

Opinion 4-5

Recreation: 10

News: 6

Sports: 11-15

The Log’s View Flying to Neverland

We’re crazier than you

Feature: 7-9

If you got it, haunt it Creeping it real

Shoot your shot Fall-owing tradition Fright under the lights

Struggling to balance Students struggling with the invisible

Staff

Dakota Ake- editor-in-chief, feature editor, news editor Jessica Begley- recreation editor Malea Biswell- writer Mina Buchholz- opinion editor Luci Conkling- sports editor Gisselle Ferman- writer Mackenzie Powell- sports editor Lindsey Dunaway- writer Akout Malual- writer Sequoya Ake- freelance artist Christina Geabhart- adviser

On the cover

One Final Shout. On Friday, Oct. 13, Oak Park crowned its 2017 homecoming queen -- the first “under the lights.” After the crowning, a few of the candidates lead the fan section in the Color Shout. (photo Angelina Garcia)

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Opinion / Fall 2017 / Issue 1

The Log’s View:

Are students more stressed than their adult counterparts were?

By Dakota Ake editor-in-chief

“

A massive debate rages between parents and their kids about the stress students are under. Many members of older generations view their offspring as more sensitive to the world around them and think young people complain too much for their situation. The younger generation on the other hand believes their elders are belittling the struggles they go through. They believe the standards they are being held to are no longer applicable as the times have Many adults may changed. argue that in their day According to a study conducted by the American Psychological Association rethey were in a very ported on their website apa.org, students similar boat with their are more stressed than adults are during responsibilities- what the school year, but aren’t reporting nearly as many negatives effects on their mental makes us special? and physical health.

For most adults, their jobs are “9 to 5” on weekdays. For many students, they have to show up early to school for some activities, and end up staying late for others. Some activities may also have events on weekends, so their regular “work week” is much more time consuming than the average adult and that’s just with school alone. When you take into account many teenagers also have part-time jobs, their work seems to never end.

With so much time being taken up with all these obligations, it can also be a struggle to complete homework. With students getting home so late at night they either have to lose many hours of sleep and show up to school exhausted, or they have to skip out on homework and end up with poor grades. Their older counterparts, as aforementioned, are done when they clock out. Perhaps they do coach a sport or serve in their community, but even after that there is nothing in the way between them and the warm embrace of their bed.

Many adults may argue that in their day they were in a very similar boat with their responsibilities - what makes this younger generation special? Two studies reported by the APA on their website found children have become more anxious than psychiatric patients were in the 1950s.

“Why the increase in anxiety? In both studies, anxiety levels are associated with low social connectedness and high environmental threat. During the study period, social connectedness decreased because of higher divorce rates, more people living alone and a decline in trust in other people,” apa. org said.

We are in a different time in the U.S. history, so the social culture is much different. Many people, and countless studies, can agree social media plays a major part in the low social connection we have developed, a thing older generations didn’t have to worry about.

Opinion / Fall 2017 / Issue 1

Flying to Neverland

By Lindsey Dunaway & Jessica Begley writer & recreation editor

AHOY, MATEY. The freshman float sails in the parade. (photo credit Gisselle Ferman)

TOOT. The Marching Northmen prepare to play at Homecoming. (photo credit Gisselle Ferman)

An essence of Peter Pan filled the gym during the 2017 homecoming dance. Students had overwhelmingly positive opinions on this year’s theme for homecoming, Neverland.

“I think it [the theme] is cute,” senior Kalani Earls said.

The theme of last year’s dance was Alice in Wonderland.

“The theme [this year] is very similar to last year, but I like it more because I like Neverland and Peter Pan. I like the Disney theme and it’s magical,” senior Maddie Bailey said.

For some students, the fun of the dance is all in getting together with friends, dressing up, and having fun dancing through the night. “[My favorite memory is] just dancing with my friends in a big group, that’s always fun,” senior Kenya Foster said. “I’m looking forward to going crazy on the dancefloor with all my friends Saturday night.”

For this year’s graduating class, the dance was more than just a dance, it was a bittersweet last Homecoming.

“It’s sad, but it’s also happy because we are moving onto bigger and better things,” Bailey said.

EXTRA MILE. Cross Country walks in the Homecoming Parade. (photo credit Gisselle Ferman) PIXIE DUST. A truck emblazoned with the Homecoming theme leads the parade. (photo credit Gisselle Ferman)

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People / Fall 2017 / Issue 1

Boogie time. “Addams Family” musical cast rehearse the dance for “Just Around The Corner.” (photo by Malea Biswell)

We’re crazier than you Malea Biswell writer

The Addams family musical is well under way, with opening night coming up fast. Students in the cast and crew worked to be ready to perform.

“Personally, I’ve still got a long way to go. I’m still learning some routines and trying to improve what I [have learned], but things are coming along fairly smoothly,” said senior Charlotte Sipple, who plays Morticia.

Students have been working since September on this musical building and putting together the set, the lights, sounds, dances, songs, costumes and everything else that goes into making a successful show.

“The thing that I’m most excited about, is that fact that we are doing ‘The Addams Famil’y for our musical. The first time I saw this musical

it was at starlight and I was 7,” said junior and production assistant Joe Lunares. “I can still remember it to this day and it has always been one of my favorite musicals. I’m so happy to be building and designing for this show.”

“I’m most excited about performing it and seeing it all come together,” said set crew member senior Dawson Sinnett.

“I think there is so much talent in this department that no matter what the audience will be entertained, I have no worries about my fellow cast or crew members in their efforts to put on a great show,” Sipple said.

There were several different jobs on the musical for all types of people.

“My favorite part of working on the musical is probably building. I love to just pour my sweat, blood,

and tears into everything I build. So far, my favorite thing I have built for the musical is all of our tombstones, and my favorite thing that I have designed so far would have to be the crypt,” Lunares said.

The theatre department has been a home to many students throughout the years and it’ll be there for years to come.

“My overall experience in these past two years have been amazing thanks to our old theatre teacher,” Lunares said. “He helped me out a lot these last two years. He gave me a lot of opportunities that weren’t exactly realistic for a sophomore, and I truly appreciate it. My experience has been absolutely amazing here in the Oak Park Theatre Department.”

People / Fall 2017 / Issue 1

Struggling to balance

Homework, part-time work, sports, clubs and more demand attention

By Jessica Begley writer

a time, and sometimes it feels like everyone else is ditching because they’re taking too long driving or For many students, the day something else to that extent,” doesn’t end with the bell at 2:30 Sinnett said. “A lot of the time, like p.m. Many students pick up partjust thinking about like not having time jobs to make money. enough time during the week to do In addition to their jobs, stuanything is stressful, it’s hard to get dents also juggle rigorous homehomework done.” work, sports and other school Although working while in activities. school has its downfalls, it does “I have theater and band with come with more benefits than just school, so I don’t really have much money. time,” senior Dawson Sinnett said, “Stress can serve as a motiva“I stay at school most days until tor. Most of us are stressed be5:30 and work is at 6.” cause we fall behind or know we Most working students spend can do more. Focus on fixing the nearly their entire day at school and things we can control and that will work. Not having much free time reduce stress and give a sense of makes it difficult for them to balaccomplishment,” Principal Chris ance academics and work. StuSartain, Ed.D., said. dents often have to make sacrifices If you are a working student and so their grades don’t suffer. feel you have too much on your “I don’t really think it’s a matter plate, there are helpful resources in of balancing, it’s a matter of like the building. you have to get it done regardless.

“All of the adults in our buildIf you get like four or five hours of ing are a great resource. Talk to sleep, so be it, it has to be done,” your teacher, counselor, our social junior CJ Major said. worker, a coach, an administrator, Many students also like to or anyone else you trust,” Sartain relax after school by checking their said. “They can help you find some phone or watching TV, but those great additional resources. Also, who work get little time to. surround yourself with friends that “Sometimes it [working] gets make you a better version of yourpretty stressful, because there’s like self.”

50 pizzas that we need to make at

Hardly workin’: Charles Major works at Pizza Ranch. (photo by Jessica Begley)

Order up: Dawson Sinnett works at Domino’s. (photo by Mackenzie Powell)

Marinara Time: Senior Dawson Sinnett pulls pizza at Domino’s. (photo by Mackenzie Powell)

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Feature / Fall 2017 / Issue 1

Students struggle with the Mina Buchholz Writer

invisible

Everyone has days where they don’t want to get out of bed in the morning. When math tests are being handed back or someone realizes they forgot to do their homework, it’s not uncommon to hear, a muttered “I’m going to jump out a window.”

Sometimes, you just want to be alone for a while. However, it can often be difficult to tell whether these are just average reactions to the stress of everyday life, or signs of a much deeper problem.

“Where is the line between someone who’s having a rough day or a hard time versus someone who is really struggling with a difficult-to-manage mental illness?” said school psychologist Natalie Koster.

As it turns out, the line is fine and difficult to draw, especially as rates of mental health problems have grown. Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, have become increasingly common among teenagers and young people, not just in America, but all over

the world. Researchers and journalists alike have called the problem a “mental health crisis” as rates of teenagers afflicted by mental illness have soared. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, it is likely that up to three-fifths of the people around you every day are affected by some sort of mental disorder or illness.

“One of the major things about depression is that it makes you feel like nobody cares about you.

Nobody wants to know about how you’re feeling and how you’ve been doing better,” said junior Emily Hildebrand.

Hildebrand has been diagnosed with depression and anxiety, and struggled with various mental health issues since middle school.

“It was the first day of seventh grade, and we were writing down what we were excited about for that year. And I remember I was like, ‘I’m so excited to be taking all honors classes.’ And then I was like, ‘I’m not really excited, though.’ About seventh grade, or really about anything. And I knew something was off right about then,” Hildebrand said. She said she suspected problems began in her sixth grade year, but she didn’t notice until that day.

The causes of mental illnesses

Feature / Fall 2017 / Issue 1 can be wide and varied, but there are some specific risk factors.

“Having no access to [stable housing, food, utilities, heat] is a big risk factor [for mental illness],” Koster said. “Exposure to violent or traumatic events is another big risk factor. People who have parents who struggle with mental illness are at a higher risk of struggling with mental illness, too.”

There is no one reason depression may start.

“You don’t have to be in a bad life situation to be depressed. Depression can affect everyone,” Hildebrand said.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 50 percent of mental illness cases begin by age 14. 75 percent begin by age 24. Adolescence is a particularly vulnerable time, and young people today are more at risk for mental health problems - ranging from anorexia to schizophrenia - than ever before. It is because of these and other factors that an invisible mental health crisis faces young people. “[Mental health problems] make daily activities more challenging in a large sense,” Koster said. “The things that can seem really easy for people, can sometimes become overwhelming or unmanageable.

Even daily things like just taking a shower or brushing your teeth or showing up for work.”

Other signs of a developing mental illness can include losing interest in passions, eating or sleeping either much more or much less than usual, frequent stomaches and headaches for no obvious reason, and prolonged or uncontrollable irritability, depression, or euphoria. Though every mental illness is different, many of these symptoms are common across multiple conditions and disorders.

“I don’t think it’s very easy for people who are not doctors to tell the difference,” Hildebrand said. “I always thought my biggest problem was anxiety, but when I went to the doctor, I took two separate surveys [and] I [had] completely misdiagnosed myself.”

After a mental illness is identified and diagnosed, there can be a long and grueling path to recovery, and one of the most important factors in recovery is a support system.

“People have a tendency to start avoiding [individuals whose behavior is affected by mental illness] and start isolating those people.

Or sometimes people [affected by mental illness] even take actions withdrawing from others,” Koster said. “When people feel isolated that often tends to make issues with mental illness worse.”

Having a small or unstable support system is also another of the biggest risk factors for mental illness.

People who feel isolated from their peers are more vulnerable. Therapy can help people feeling isolated, or experiencing other symptoms, both before and after a diagnosis.

“Be honest with your therapist because if you lie to them it’s not going to help you progress. Try to establish a baseline of trust with them. If you don’t think that you and this therapist are working, it’s okay to ‘break up’ with them and go find a new therapist,” Hildebrand said.

She visited a therapist for some time before leaving the therapist because they didn’t ‘click.’

However, it’s important to also be open to medication as an option for treating mental illness.

“I was recently prescribed Zoloft and honestly I love it. It’s the most effective thing for me. I haven’t felt this great in years. I love how it’s affecting me,” Hildebrand said.

Of course, neither medication nor therapy may be a one-size-fits-all solution. Hildebrand said she was

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very lucky with her medication working so well for her and said neither therapy nor medication may be for everyone. Medications can also have unsavory side effects, and therapy can be less effective than medication.

Oak Park also offers some services related to mental health.

“We have good old-fashioned counseling services. [The counselors] can help you figure out some strategies and coping mechanisms, and that also applies to Mrs. [resource specialist Heather] Brennan and myself,” Koster said.

The school can also help families get connected with outside counselors if necessary. Another service offered by the school is the ‘Blue Dot’ program. “[The Blue Dot] was brought to us by our resource specialist, Heather Brennan. Essentially, it’s for suicide awareness, and teachers who have the Blue Dot have put themselves out there as a welcoming spot for students to talk about how they’re feeling or if they’re struggling with thoughts of suicide,” said history teacher Megan Pabon, who has a blue dot in her classroom behind her desk. “I think that it has at least opened up conversation with students, as ‘feel safe to come talk to me about things if you need to.”

The most important thing about mental illness is that, if someone suspects their problems run deeper than day-to-day stress, then they should seek help.

“If something is making you sick, you don’t have to take care of it by yourself. You can get the help just like you would if you had a cold or the flu,” Hildebrand said.

“One big thing that I would like to make known is that there are people who are here to support the students of Oak Park,” said Koster.

“Everyone cares, everyone wants to help, everyone wants to listen.”

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Recreational / Fall 2017 / Issue 1

If you got it haunt it

By Dakota Ake and Akout Malual editor-in-chief and writer

Of all the months of the year, none give of such a distinct feel as October. As soon as the clock hits midnight on Oct. 1, we are transported to a reality that can only be described with one word: spooky. October seems to fuel people’s fascination with the supernatural. OP has students who have experienced this phenomenon in a suburban school.

Freshman Liz Littleton and her brother both believe a deceased renter haunts their basement “We had people living [in our basement]. We rented it out and this family moved in and their daughter had cancer or something. A lot of diseases. She died in the basement and now we think there are ghosts down there,” Littleton said.

Sophomore Mikey Tennison hasn’t had much else happen to him personally, but his brother has.

“My brothers told me he’s seen this tall figure. I didn’t really believe him up until then, but he said it was this tall, shadowy, black figure. I haven’t seen it, but now that happened, I definitely believe there is something in there.”

Hitting much closer to home, junior Ryleigh Sims has been haunted in these very halls.

“I was in the hall like at 6 p.m. no one else was here, but me because I was the last to leave and I heard someone calling my name and I went around like half the school and couldn’t find anyone,” Sims said.

Sims’ ghost stories don’t end at OP though. Much like the others, he’s had paranormal experiences at home.

“There was always paranormal activity going on when I was sleeping. Like books were being thrown off my shelf and stuff like that. That’s about it though.

There was no poltergeist stuff and stuff like that. I am a big believer in the paranormal though.”

Creeping it real

By Jessica Begley and Lindsey Dunaway writers October marks the start of chilly weather, all things pumpkin, and most recognizably, Halloween. The most popular Halloween tradition is trick-or-treating, which brings up a tough question for high school students, how old is too old to trick-or-treat? Many students still partake in this classic activity, such as sophomore Jackson Ruth.

“I still trick-or-treat, you’re never too old to trick-ortreat, I’ll stop when I die, I want free candy,” Ruth said.

Other students believe there is an age limit.

“I did last year, but I’m not going to this year,” senior Renee Hill said, “I turned 18 this year and I feel it gets creepy at that point, I’m just gonna hand out candy this year.”

There are many alternatives to trick-or-treating.

“I usually just eat a bag of candy and watch a movie,” junior Jordan Green said.

72 Students 98 Students

*170 students polled

Sports / Fall 2017 / Issue 1

Shoot your shot

By Akout Malual writer

For many, high school remains a fond memory to look back on because of the various extracurricular activities students are encouraged to participate in. These activities include things such as choir, band, student council, theatre, orchestra; the list goes on.

Boys Basketball

(graphic by Sequoya Ake)

However, one type of high school activity seems to stand out because of its ability to allow students to carve out a legacy. Sports. We interviewed boys basketball coach Twydell Love and girls swim coach Kris Roberts to get inside information.

To read more go to NorthmenNews.com.

Q: How does one join your sport?

A: One joins our sport by coming to off season workouts that are everyday, Monday through Thursday, 2:45 to 4:15, right after school. And attending try outs the last week of October Q: What are the requirements?

A: The requirements are you have to have a high physical, you have to be in highs school, and you have to be interested in playing basketball.

Girls Swim Q: How does one join your sport?

A: You just have to show up to the pool. Nov. 6 is our first day. You have to have a physical on file. We’ll take you, it doesn’t matter if you don’t know how to swim, we’ll teach you.

So, yeah, just come to the pool.

Q: What are the requirements?

A: Requirements for swim are: you have to have a physical, you have to have a swimsuit, you have to have goggles, towel and a backpack, and we’ll teach you the rest!

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Q: What should one expect when joining your team?

A: One should expect to work hard, be skilled in basketball, knowledgeable of the game and be able to be coached.

Q: Why should one join?

A: To be involved. I think sports in high school builds a lot of comradery and builds a lot of character because you learn a lot of life lessons and values by playing a high school sport.

Q: What should one expect when joining your team?

A: It’s lots of hard work. We do have morning practices, but we’re very much a family. We all support each other; we have pasta parties, we have team builders, we have great swim meets, great coaches. I just think it’s a really good, family-centered, team building sport.

Q: Why should one join?

A: I think it’s good for your health.

I think it’s a way to get involved in school. You might not know how to swim; we’re certainly willing to teach you. You’re going to meet a lot of new friends. It’s a lifelong sport. Swimming is something you’ll always do.

(graphic by Sequoya Ake)

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Sports / Fall 2017 / Issue 1

Fall-owing tradition

By Mackenzie Powell sports editor

“

Seniors have graduated, freshmen have joined, fall sports were at their prime. Changes presented themselves within team dynamics which made adjustments necessary. Sports were known for their family-like bonds.

From pasta dinners to screaming the fight song on the bus rides home, team bonding was shown different ways. On the tennis team, the ties were on and off the court.

“On the way home from away games, we will sing the alma matter and the fight song while banging on the Before all the meets, we all bus windows. We also sing really girly songs, like One Direction, Justin Bieget together to say a weird ber, and everything in between.” varsity tennis player junior Jessica Rapp said. chant that has always Cross country even went the extra been our ritual. mile to have team dinners, excluding no one. Leaving everyone filled with

-Junior Joseph Lake good food and good vibes.

“I love the pasta dinners we have.

Before every race, everybody gets together at someone’s house and they serve a big pasta dinner,” cross country captain junior Jaeza Robertson said. “We all just sit around, and play video games and we talk.”

For other teams, filling the shoes of players before them brought them the closest together. Trying to keep the strong, dynamic team that has done well in the past was a goal for many.

“There’s a lot of pressure. The really want us to win. The [coaches] all want us to step up and really try to help out,” varsity volleyball player sophomore Natalie Morrison said.

Win or lose, teams supported each other. They rode the high of victory together or spread positive vibes after a loss. Team mates were there to both ease nerves and keep confidence up.

“Last year, I was thrown onto varsity as a starter since the guy above me got hurt. The game was against Staley and the guy I was going to block was a monster,” football player junior Johnathan Arnone said. “When I got demolished, [my teammates] helped me up and told me ‘I’ve got this.’”

Team traditions plaedy a big part into how well athletes performed.

Whether they were playing, competing, or practicing the family bond kept so many different individuals together.

Sports / Fall 2017 / Issue 1

Just keep swimming. Swimmers cut through the crystal blue water as they race to the finishing mark. (photo by Angelina Garcia) Make a racquet. Facing opponents put tennis players into their game mode. Placing a game face on every competitors face. (photo by Luci Conkling)

Running Along. Boys cross country runners start gearing up for their upcoming meet. (photo by Raya Cranfill) Par for the course. Following a drive, senior Cheyenne Deck grabs her clubs to move to another hole. (photo by Ashton Berry) Fired up. Varsity cheerleaders pump up the Oak Park fans as the football team gains possession of the ball. (photo

by Mackenzie Powell) A tough match-up. Football players cheer their teammates on from the sidelines as the faced off against Staley. (photo by Mackenzie Powell)

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People / Fall 2017 / Issue 1

Fright Under the Lights

By Luci Conkling sports editor

Friday, Oct. 13, brought excitement across the campus as students, faculty and alumni watched the first homecoming football game under the lights. The last game of the season brought out large numbers of students to the fan section to cheer on their boys in blue one last time.

“The homecoming game was really great.

Everyone was really excited and had a lot of school spirit and the fan section was packed that night,” said senior Abigail Clapham.

This game was special to many people in the community. For the first time in 53 years, Oak Park had the ability to play a night homecoming game on campus, rather than at the District Football Stadium at Northtown or the District Athletic Complex near Staley. Spirits were high as the game kicked off.

“When football games are at home I feel like we have more pride in our school because we are playing on true home turf.

It was also really special because one of my close friends won homecoming queen and I was really excited for her,” Clapham

said. “There was just lots of good energy that night.”

During halftime, the homecoming queen nominees drove out onto the field before the queen was announced.

2016 graduate Mahasin Tutu crowned senior Annie Bensyl.

“I’m friends with all the candidates from homecoming, but I was super excited to see Annie Bensyl crowned,” said Junior Peyton Cassity.

It was clear this game meant as much to the players as it did to the fans. Football players felt the pressure to win with all their peers and community members watching.

“Before games, everyone wants the win. We push ourselves so hard in practice so we can walk away feeling like we did well,” said sophomore Colton Balkey.

Unfortunately, even as hard as they pushed our Northmen walked away with a loss bringing the season to a close at 2-7.

“When we lost the game, I wasn’t too upset although it’s not fun to lose I still had a great time cheering on Oak Park,” Cassity said.

Chop Chop. Norman the Northman and cheerleaders excite the crowd with chants during the homecoming game.

Life in the fast lane.

Senior Annie Bensyl rides with her banner holders and parents before being crowned as homecoming queen. (photo by Angelina Garcia)

People / Fall 2017 / Issue 1

Ready to rumble. Oak Park Northmen and Fort Osage Indians faceoff at the beginning of the play. Players and coaches screamed plays until the whistle blew for the game to begin. (photos by Luci Conkling)

Bow down to your new queen. The 2016 homecoming queen Mahasin Tutu comes back to crown her successor senior Annie Bensyl during halftime. The queens embraced each other as tears fell from Bensyl’s face.

Go big blue. Football coaches encourage athletes from the sidelines as the game intensifies. Players, coaches, and fans all buckled down for a rough game.

Defending until the end. Disgruntled football players walk off the field after a hard play against the Fort Osage Indians. The team made a touchdown in the last few minutes of the game.

On Fridays, we wear pink. The fan section arrives to the game decked all out in pink to support breast cancer awareness and the boys in blue.

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Just what the doctor ordered.

Dr.James Marx comes to spread his wisdom to students about his experience with education. He was asked to speak before he became a Hall Of Fame inductee. (photo by Jessica Begley)

Making his Marx

Jessica Begely Writer

As students prepared for homecoming at their assembly, several illustrious former Northmen were inducted into the Oak Park Hall of Fame.

Dr. James Marx was one of these inductees, he is a family doctor who graduated from OP in 1983.

“I got a call from Ms. [alumni volunteer Debra] Scarborough, and ‘she said I have good news for you,’ [that he would be inducted into the Oak Park Hall of Fame]” Marx said, “It’s been a really neat experience.”

The Marx family has a long

history at OP. The oldest Marx brother was in one of the first graduating classes at the school.

“My family has been going to Oak Park for years now,” Marx said.

All three of the Marx brothers, sister Lori Dameron, and Marx’s three kids have attended the school.

“I go back to [science teacher] Ms. Piles as some- Inspiring words. After his talk, Dr. James Marx was joined one who really inspired me,” by students as they questioned him about college. (photo

by Jessica Begley) James Marx said.

Marx said he believes Piles prepared her students to be ready to go into the medical field, and made his OP experience very memorable.

Walk of Fame. Inductee James Marx was joined by the Marx/Dameron family as he became a 2017 Hall of Fame inductee. (photo by Jessica Begley)