Log, Vol. 53, Issue 2, December 2017

TNL The Northmen’s Log Oak Park High School Kansas City, MO Volume 53, Issue 2 December 2017

Celebrating our differences

The season of giving

Taking their shot

What holidays do your fellow classmates celebrate and how do they do it? (pages 8 and 9)

Around the holidays is when charity and goodwill to fellow man is most endorsed. What can you do to get involved? (pages 12 and 13)

The girls and boys basketball teams are working hard to improve; and the seniors’ goals are to make it a good last year. (pages 14 and 15)

Letter from the editor

Hello, Oak Park! I’m Dakota Ake, editor-in-chief of “The Northmen’s Lo”g and I hope you enjoyed are first issue and are excited to read our next installment of The Log. This issue is very holiday-centric. We are covering the diversity of holidays celebrated with our feature. There are interviews with numerous students about how they celebrate this time of year and a poll on what religions are celebrated here.

Very closely related to that we decided to tackle the controversial debate on whether Americans should say “Happy Holidays” or “Merry Christmas” during this time of year.

We asked students their take on the issue and then shared our own in the stories “Holi-dividing us” and “The Log’s View” which can be found on pages 6 and 7.

Worlds of Fun is having a holiday display this year for the very first time and we wanted to cover that. News editor Jessica Begley and writer Lindsey Dunaway reached out to Worlds of Fun and talked to them about what inspired the display and what the set up for it was.

We also have a story on volunteering during the holiday s- from things clubs are doing to things that you can do in the area. Hopefully, this story will inspire you to do some charitable deeds and give you the tools necessary to do so.

We hope you have a great holiday season and come back to school in January refreshed and ready for the last half of the school year!

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.

Staff Dakota Ake- editor-in-chief, feature editor,

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

On the cover

News 4-5

Lighting up the holidays

Opinion: 6-7 Holi-dividing us The Log’s View

Feature: 8-9

Celebrating our differences

Recreation: 10-13 Tis the season to be jolly. Gearing up for the holidays, many deck their houses out in lights for the Christmas spirit. photo by Dakota Ake

What’s in the box?

Resolving to get better The season of giving

Sports: 11-15 Taking their shot

4

News/ Winter 2017 / Issue 2

Lighting up the holidays

Jessica Begley and Lindsey Dunaway news editor and writer

tre where they put on the play, ‘Charlie Brown’s Christmas Special’,” junior Faith Guinnip said.

A lot of favorites in the Worlds of Fun park appeared Many students celebrate the holidays with traditions at WinterFest with a holiday twist. such as decorating, going to the Plaza lighting, and lis“During Winterfest, they had their annual train turned tening to festive music. This year, a new holiday tradi- into ‘The Polar Express’ and it would take you around tion came to Kansas City at Worlds of Fun: WinterFest. the park to get an overview of the park,” Guinnip said.

“Planning [for WinterFest] began in 2016. When we It took 16 months of planning, preparation, and trainended the 2016 season, we reconfigured our front ing to set up for the and bright scenes at WinterFest. gate and made some other The staff at Worlds of Fun really enchanges to the park. During joyed setting up the event because it’s this progress, ground work new, the decorations and the music. for WinterFest was literally It’s so much fun to go to. “Nothing really [was hard about setlaid down,” public relations up Winterfest] other than time. But You get to go see shows ting and communications manstaff worked around the clock to make ager Eric Burke said. “Lights it wonderful and we opened on time,” the entire time, dance started going up in August of with elves, walk around Burke said.

2017, and as soon as Haunt Winterfest opened on Friday, Nov. ended, the real work began.” with your friends and 24. The staff’s hard work paid off. The Winterfest is the newest atfamily and have a lot of park was packed and the night went traction at Worlds of Fun. There smoothly. are a variety of new events and fun.

“It’s so much fun to go to, you get to attractions to visit at WinterFest, go see shows the entire time, dance and plenty of lights. with elves, walk around with your “[There are] 10 new shows, 16 -freshman Maya Hubbard friends and family and have a lot of characters, nightly Christmas fun,” freshman Maya Hubbard said. tree lightings, millions of lights, new festive foods and a WinterFest’s lights, live animals, and entertaining living nativity,” Burke said. shows have turned it into one of Kansas City’s newest Some of the most popular attractions amongst stu- holiday traditions. dents were the plays that were put on, the ice skating “It will be back. This is a staple, just like Haunt. It will rink, and the nativity petting zoo. be here for years to come,” Burke said.

“My favorite part would be going through the park and seeing the lights until you finally reached the thea-

“

News / Winter 2017 / Issue 2 ROUND AND ROUND. Winterfest attendees watch the carousel whirl around under the lights. (photo credit Jessica Begley)

BRIGHTEN UP. The nightly lighting of the Yule-Tide Christmas tree takes place at the front of the park. (photo credit Jessica Begley)

WELCOME TO WONDERLAND. Visitors waltzing aorund WinterFest find a sign welcoming them to the Winter Wonderland. (photo credit Jessica Begley)

JINGLE JAZZ. WinterFest performers harmonize classic Christmas carols at the Hometown Square Gazebo. (photo credit Jessica Begley)

5

6

Opinion / Winter 2017 / Issue 2

Holi-dividing Us

By Mackenzie Powell opinion editor

It’s the time of the year when everyone is gearing up for the holidays. With Halloween being done, we open the annual debate of whether we should say “Merry Christmas,” or “Happy Holidays.” With varying religions, celebrations, and cultures, some people have mixed opinions on the issue. Does America keep to the norm of saying “Merry Christmas,” or does America try to be more inclusive with “Happy Holidays?”

In Oak Park alone, many leaned toward saying Merry Christmas for a multitude reasons. Christmas has always been the norm in America. Many grew up saying Merry Christmas, so when If it’s somewhere it slips out they that houses different don’t think twice about the religions, that say other holidays different things, say that take place in the ending Happy Holidays. months of the -junior Clara Hommon year. Most people hit on the fact that it really hasn’t offended anyone until recently because of new sensitivities.

“

“Christmas is just a Christian-based holiday, so it applies to most of Americans now. Now, everyone gets triggered by little things,” sophomore Ivonee Mejia said.

There are some people who believe you should be able to say what you want based on personal preference - while still being respectful, that is. Based on the teachings we recieve as a youth, we learn how to politely disagree.

“I think it’s important to respect other religions, but also you don’t have to step down from yours to respect others,” junior Clara Hommon said.

On the other hand, some people prefer Happy Holidays to try to be as inclusive as possible thinking that if you try to make a blanket message that everyone can be happy.

“I think it should be Happy Holidays to try to avoid hurting any religion. Happy Holidays because it includes more people in the cheer,” sophomore Makenna Rogers says.

As a whole, Oak Park leaned more toward the Merry Christmas side of this argument because it has been that way since the beginning their lives. Whether it be for personal beliefs or some other reason, everyone seemed to have an opinion on the issue. Leaving us with different opinions and different ideas on the topic at hand.

Log’s View:

Opinion / Winter 2017 / Issue 2

7

Should we say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?

The holiday season is the time for joy and charity and good will to our fellow man. It’s a time for spreading love and understanding, for greeting our neighbors with open arms. It’s a time where, despite the things that divide us year-round, we come together as one. Or so it is supposed to be.

The holiday season prompts an annual debate about the proper way to greet the season due to the diversity in the nation. Some people find the replacement of “Merry Christmas” with “Happy Holiday” a cardinal sin. They feel as though the new terminology threatens Christmas and even Christianity. A term coined for this is “the war on Christmas.”

Others find Happy Holidays more inclusive. Those who celebrate different holidays such as Hanukkah or Kwanzaa may feel more inclined

to use this greeting. Making more holidays included in the holiday cheer. They don’t mean it to be attacking towards Christmas, but more open to others.

But which is the “right” greeting to use? Does it matter? Who’s to say?

The Log staff debated for some time and came to the agreement that we prefer Happy Holiday due to its inclusiveness.

It’s just a simple way to not come across as rude or forceful towards others. You shouldn’t feel bad though if you do slip and use Merry Christmas by default though because it’s the thought that counts more than anything. Staff member Jessica Begley found Merry Christmas more applicable to the population at Oak Park and in her experience, hasn’t offended anyone with it.

A general rule would to just be respectful in whatever you say or receive. Even if you prefer to say Merry Christmas, you shouldn’t be insulted by the use of Happy Holidasy and go on a rampant rant over it, or vice versa.

No one owes you a greeting after all.

WIth so much culture and religion in the United States, we are constantly trying to be as politically correct as possible; trying to respect as many people as possible. Happy Holidays is a way for all the celebrations to be a part of the wonderful end of the year time.

After doing a survey, our opinions represent a small portion of Oak Park’s. Our staff as well Oak Park’s student body was pretty well divided.

Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays

*150 students surveyed

HOLIDAY JOY. Hy-Vee sets a “Happy Holiday” sign out on one of their displays. Around this time, many public places want to be as sensitive as possible.

8

Feature / Winter 2017 / Issue 2

Celebrating our differences

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

Holidays are so influential that people are happy to partake in gifting luxurious presents, handing out free

money, missing work and school, and abstaining from eating just to properly follow these traditions.

To get a greater level of understanding, here are some facts on some different holidays celebrated by students.

Islam

“We have something called Eid,” junior Niveen Al-Saoudi said, “We fast from sunrise to sunset for about a month.”

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the Islamic holy month called Ramadan. Muslims are devoted to praying and fasting during this time in the name of spiritual growth. It is believed that the Qu’ran was revealed to the prophet Muhammad during this time. Eid al-Fitr is a day of festivities and celebrations for those practicing the faith of Islam.

Al-Saoudi said, “We have the second Eid after 70 days.”

Eid al-Adha meaning “festival of the sacrifice” is the second Eid holiday and is considered the most important; celebrating the story of Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his own son in the name of love for God, and God, in turn, allowing Ibrahim to sacrifice an animal in place of his son.

“On the Eid day, we pray in the morning and then we get together as a family and that’s when we go out and do something like go to Chuck E. Cheese or go watch movies. We can either go out to eat or make some feasts at home.”

Judaism

Hanukkah is the eight-day holiday those of the Jewish faith celebrate that usually falls in either November or December. It’s a well-known tradition to add a candle to the menorah, a candelabra with nine candle slots, each night after sundown and light it with a ninth candle called the shamash, as blessings are said.

“Usually on the first night or the eighth night, which is the last night, we’ll have a big dinner with our family and we’ll make latkes and matzah ball soup and so you do your prayer at sundown and then you eat and then you play games,” said senior Kenya Foster.

Feature / Winter 2017 / Issue 2

9

Buddhism

In the Buddhist faith, the new year is not celebrated on the first of January, but is instead celebrated at the end of January or beginning of February.

“We have Lunar New Year”, senior Hieu Bui said, “you’re supposed to wish [others] good luck, you tell them ‘Hey, I hope you have a great year!’.”

An interesting aspect of Lunar New Year is the handing out of red envelopes from elders to younger members of the family. The unique things about these envelopes is they don’t contain sappy letters from grandpa, they hold cold, hard cash.

“A lot of older adults give you money in red envelopes,” said Bui, “it’s pretty nice.”

The giving doesn’t end there.

“Around that time, we go to a temple and donate money to the temple,” said Bui.

Lunar New Year is celebrated in several East and South-eastern Asian countries. Celebrations include meals, festivals, and beautiful firework displays.

Catholicism

The winter holiday most familiar to students is Christmas. Now, Christmas to many Americans is a celebration of gift giving and receiving. Images of a commercialized Saint Nicholas in a cherry red suit are plastered over media and cover coffee shop cups and store displays.

To Catholics, Christmas is about commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, an extremely significant figure in their faith.

“My family goes to church on Christmas Eve,” said senior Olivia White.

While at the service, White said that Catholics pray and talk about Christ’s birth. However, even though it is a holiday embedded in faith, there is still a strong sense of merriment.

“[The service] is more holiday-spirited I guess you could say. All the songs we sing have to do with Christmas spirit and joy.”

Religion Break Down

No religion 22%

Other 8% Buddhist 2% Muslim 3%

Christian 64%

Do you ever wonder about the diversity of beliefs at school? One hundred and sixty-nine students were asked about what religion they practice.

10

People / Fall 2017 / Issue 1

Resolving to get better

“ “

By Mina Buchholz recreation editor

I do an accountability group. I always have somebody to be my partner. And that is probably the best thing because if you mess up the person asks ‘are you doing the right things?’ The other thing is your mindset. You have to make sure that your mind is in the right place. You have [to have] a goal, [and be] serious about accomplishing that goal. It really shouldn’t be about losing weight. It’s about being healthy.” -Kelly Rule, business education teacher and small health business owner

Don’t dig yourself a hole early on. Start studying, [and] ask for help immediately when you need it. Be checking with Canvas and PowerSchool and stay up with your grades. Make use of all the resources that are out there. We have tutoring Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2:30 to 4:30 in the cafeteria, [and] most teachers stay after school. Talk to them about staying after.”

-Matthew Duffy, math teacher and ACT prep teacher

People / Fall 2017 / Issue 1

What’s in the box?

By Malea Biswell writer & photographer Every year kids seem to want more and more pricey items. iPhone Xs, Nintendo Switches, X Boxes, and every other hot new electronic device. Plus, for the high schoolers who are starting to drive or already driving, parents may see things like cars, money, or gas cards on their teen’s holiday wish list.

We asked the student body what’s on their Christmas list this year. The top 3 most popular responses were blankets, money, and shoes/clothes. A lot of these things are cheap and can make someone feel loved. *154 students surveyed

WHAT’S IN THE BAG?: Just getting someone something simple can make them really happy. (photo credit Malea Biswell)

Obviously, some of the items on your loved ones’ wish lists can be pricey, for example, giant teddy bears average about $25. Not to mention the cost of a new camera, which can be $50 to $200 or more.

Others want smaller, cheaper items, such as candles, blankets and candy.

It can be stressful trying to pick what to give your friends and family, but a simple $5-$15 gift card or a bag of their favorite candy or a fuzzy, soft blanket can make someone feel loved and wanted without going broke.

WE FLASH PEOPLE: Another popular answer to the holiday gift poll was new cameras. (photo credit Malea Biswell) COLD HARD CASH: The second most popular response to the poll was money. (photo credit Malea Biswell)

11

12

Feature / Winter 2017 / Issue 2

Compiled by Luci Conkling

Feature / Winter 2017 / Issue 2

13

14

Sports / Winter 2017 / Issue 2 SHOOT YOUR SHOT. The JV/ varsity basketball player junior Arnold Moore warms up with some shots. Moore moved around the court shooting from different angles trying to nail each shot. (photo by Raya Cranfill)

HUDDLE UP. The boys varsity basketball players start practice.

Before practice, coach had a talk with all the players telling them how practice would be set up. (photo by Raya Cranfill)

THE BOYS ARE BACK. The varsity boys basketball team warms up for practice. The boys were getting stretched, warm, and ready for the hard practice. (photo by Raya Cranfill)

GAME TIME as the Park Hill girls prepare to score, the Oakies were aggressive, stole the ball to their side, and scored. (photo by Gisselle Ferman)

Sports / Winter 2017 / Issue 2

15

Taking their shot

By Gisselle Ferman, Emily Leibold, and Dakota Ake play the game. writers and editor-in-chief “The most exciting thing about the game is when it’s

fourth quarter and it’s really close and comes down to It’s that time of year where our fan section chants its the very last seconds to winning,” said senior Gabrielle hearts out to the beat of basketballs bouncing from the Sanchez. basketball teams. It’s a time to see how our favorite A major part of being on any sports team is being teams and players have improved from last year and able to work together effectively as well as efficiently. for new players to show what they’re made of.

The basketball teams encourage one another and grow A major part in sports is being able to continually im- fonder the longer the time they spend together. prove. Both teams have numerous different ways they “We work together as a team because we encourhope to improve. age each other, and play our positions,” junior Niveen Al-Saoudi said.

“I think we could improve on encouraging one another more. Not This will be the last season for everything has to be a competi- The most exciting seniors and it can be emotional for tion,” senior Trent Larkie said. the whole team. thing about the game Another goal both teams share “What I’m going to miss the most is when it’s 4th quarter about is that they both want to win more the seniors is their enthusiand it’s really close and asm, and energy,” said Al-Saoudi. than last year. “[We want to improve so] that we comes down to the At the end of the season, eams are better than last year and we can will say farewell to members of their be something, be district champs, very last seconds to team they’ve become close to. conference champs and possibly winning “I’m going to miss my teamsters go further,” said senior Kevin Orthe most. This is the last time we will ange. ever play together,” said Larkie.

-senior Gabrielle Aside from winning more than There are also memories made last year, they also want to make and bonds formed, two things that Sanchez some personal gains in skill. go hand in hand.

“I want to improve my shooting “My favorite memory will be this and my athleticism. Also, I’d like to improve my bas- whole year, being able to play with the best group of ketball IQ. Basketball IQ is making the right decisions people I’ve played with, being in the floor with my brothat the right time,” said sophomore Mikhai Richardson. er. I’ll miss playing the seniors a lot,” said Richardson.

Basketball players said they find it thrilling and fun to

“

Do you hear what I hear?

Mackenzie Powell Opinion editor

Are you a music fan, but you can never remember concert dates or when albums release? Below is a calendar of school, local, and even national music news.