NORTH  STARTHE Issue 01, Volume 26

Blue Valley NorthOverland Park, KSSeptember 23, 2011

Not only is this the beginning of a Charles Dickens’ novel, this is high school, where

contradictions and clichés are as easy to bump into as those slow-pokes during passing period. As they embark on this experience for the !rst time, these freshmen have allowed their lives to be examined under a microscope. Each student’s column will become an outlet where they can rely on the support of their fellow peers with no judgment passed. "ere is no ending to this story. "e North Star will follow their transformation as they face the challenges and opportunities of high school: relationships, social cliques, growth, loss, emerging independence and dreams. Four years. Four lives. Four stories that will grow and change as they do.

“It  was  the  best  of  times,  it  was  the  worst  

of  times.”    

Continued page 12.

From le# to right: Tori Gomez, David Campbell, Kristin Haug.

Not pictured: Matt Cook.

p. 12-13p. 9 p. 2

02 the north star news 09.23.11

The 2011 school year has begun, and while the administration stresses that policy has

not changed, they do support communicating existing policy in a clearer fashion.   “It can all be summed up in what we [said] to the students at the beginning of the year: are you respectful and are you responsible?” Principal Dr. Tonya Merrigan said. “In my mind, that’s where all of our rules come from.”   But some students argue that these rules feel new and even a bit unfair.   “We can’t play the blow dart game, we can’t hang around our lockers on Thursdays, and there’s just a feeling that the principals are cracking down,” senior P.J. Woodward said.   The administration claims most changes in policy have been for the better, especially regarding the new tardy procedures, which have kids who miss the first hour tardy bell before 8 a.m. go directly to their first hour instead of filling out passes at the attendance office.   “We don’t have anyone standing in line for 10 minutes to get a pass to class, so in my mind, we looked at what we were doing and refined it,” Dr. Merrigan said. “It’s a better approach so kids get to class sooner.”   While the administration expresses satisfaction with advances in tardy policy, controversy has arisen over senior locker area rules on late arrival days, which do not allow students to loiter in the area until 8:45 a.m.   “The whole purpose of late arrival is that on Thursdays teachers are involved in professional learning communities. They are not available to come out and monitor students in the hallway,” Dr. Merrigan said. “So we ask that all students be in the library or in the commons to supervise them.” Some are more welcoming of the way the administration has changed. “The way the administrators react with students is what I’ve noticed has

changed. Other administrators in the past haven’t necessarily done that,” junior Sanjay Parashar said. “I like how they walk around and talk to us at lunch.   But the policy is effecting the school beyond the student body. Teachers have noticed a change in the nuances of administration as well, citing new ways in which tasks are requested.   “I don’t think we feel like policy is necessarily being changed, it’s just the way certain policies are now being communicated where in the past they may not have even come up,” Latin teacher Jonah Baldwin said.   Regardless, many are curious of from where this newly communicated policy comes.   “We have Board of Education policy and that’s the same for all

schools. Then the district has set some guidelines that they want us to follow. They’re not as poignant as policy, but it tells us ‘This is the procedure you should use,’” Dr. Merrigan said. “We do not have a concrete rule book, but many of the policies are the same as other high schools in the area.”    Either way, it is clear that this administration has made up its mind for how policies will work for this year.   “I think [the policies] have always been enforced; I don’t know if we’ve communicated them as well,” Dr. Merrigan said. “So in my mind, if you have a policy, either you enforce it or you have it go away. Our theme will be that we’ll over-communicate it if we have to.”

Reid EgglestonNews Editor

Under control. Principal Dr. Tonya Merrigan, Associate Principal Mickey Masterson, Assistant Principal Shannon Adams and Assistant Principal Dr. Michael Schumacher. As two new principals enter the North scene, students have noticed that policy has shifted to limit confusion. Photo by Christin Smith.

3NEWS BRIEFS

HORSESHOE AWARDS: Horseshoe awards recognize students in achievement in academics, virtue or the brightening of someone’s day. Administrators, teachers or students can nominate fellow students for weekly prizes. On Monday mornings, one name of those who have been nominated will be randomly drawn and the student will win a prize.

NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS: Seventeen students have qualified as National Merit Scholarship finalists. This is the largest number of finalists BVN has ever had. The finalists are: Jacob Anderson, Addison Astroff, Austin Dickey, Carleigh Douglas, Jack Goldsborough, Tyler Haynes, Madeline Hoffman, Megan Keller, Brian London, Vivek Menon, William Parkins, Jacob Reinig, Cooper Rodgers, Alexander Samuelson, Clayton Shuttleworth, Laurel Thomas and Tina Wei.

Administration strives to communicateControversy erupts over newly-enforced rules

smART CARDS: In an effort to encourage student attendance at school events, all students received a smART card Sept. 15. Students have to attend three BVN performances, have their card signed by a teacher at the event and turn in the card to the office. Students will then receive gift cards and cerfiticates to area businesses.

03the north star news 09.23.11

Fall rolls in, and for North students that means swapping out shorts for jeans, concerts for

books and lazy days in bed for early mornings in the classroom, but this year there has been another change. Class size has gone up from around 22 to 32. With teachers gone and new coaches hired, some have raised the question: is the administration hiring for athletics rather than academics? “I’m sure it’s harder to communicate more and harder for personal interactions [between students and teachers]” said senior Tessa Reichel.

‘Two + Two = Too Many’ According to the new Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Michael Schumacher, these changes are due to an overall increase in enrollment to Blue Valley schools. This increase was referred to as a “mass exodus from Missouri” by teacher Mary Jones*. Apart from this ‘mass exodus,’ the lack of dispersion to the other Blue Valley schools is cited as a reason for North’s over population. “We tried to not eliminate the variety of classes with fewer teachers, and as it turned out, our approximate student body was 1,525 and it really turned out to be 1,543…” Dr. Schumacher said. Even though the student body increased by only 18 students, some students and teachers said there is more of an effect than the administration would like to admit; 18 students is still the size of a class. “[Having larger class sizes] is pretty

annoying because [my teachers] are focusing on others or no one. A small class would be nice,” junior Cade Rutledge said. “Of course we hope this is an isolated incident, and I would say that

Larger class sizes push the limits of patienceChris ShanklinStaff Writer

the first step [to solving the problem] would be taking advantage of our before and after school academic support,” Dr. Schumacher said. Unfortunately, some said this is not an isolated incident, and the large class sizes affect teachers’ ability to communicate. “On paper it’s true [that there aren’t too many students in class] but Mr. Wood, Mrs. Worthington and Mrs. Gilman are all having to pick up extra English classes. It’s not the best [way to cover the classes] and the new teachers that [the administration] hired are not for teaching,” said Jones. “We hired three new coaches and that means athletics have taken priority to academics.” Communication Arts teacher, Cynthia Younger expressed her concern about personal interaction in the enlarged classes. “With larger classes I worry about discipline and [student] interaction. There is less teaching going on and more time with friends,” Younger said. “[To solve this problem] we need more teachers. Other than that, our only option [is] to have teams of teachers learn how to work with a student’s [individual] needs. More homework and less in-class learning may be in the future for a school with too few chairs, too few teachers and too many students.”*Name changed to prevent negative repercussions

Students in a larger than average sized math class get ready to begin their daily lesson. A lot of North students have noted the majority of class sizes are becoming noticeably larger. Photo by Francine Gollub.

04 the north star news 09.23.11

Liz GaaEntertainment Editor

Remember in elementary school, when every paragraph had to be painstakingly written in

shaky cursive and you actually had to crack a dictionary when you couldn’t spell a word? New technologies and the birth of social media have changed how we learn and these old-school practices are almost forgotten in the bustle of the digital age. Teachers are finding more ways to integrate technology into the classroom. This is especially true in the CA department, where teachers are finding strategies to teach classic characters in new ways. CA teacher Cynthia Younger assigns students to make Facebook profiles for literary characters. CA teacher Shelly Weir also takes a tech-savvy approach to Contemporary Communications. “We’re just trying to teach for the future,” Weir said. “In college, you don’t hand in papers, you post them online or email them.” Weir uses a variety of websites to enhance the work her students do in the class room. “We use Turnitin.com frequently to hand in papers and check the originality of a document,” Weir said. The Contemporary Communications class has access to one of the school’s laptop carts, so Weir uses them to their full potential. “We’re also going to be using an online polling site to answer questions on the board during class. That way, I can check the students’

understanding,” Weir said. “We also use vocabulary flashcards on the computer. Few students enjoy learning grammar or working on their vocabulary, but by doing it on the computer, they take it more seriously.” Weir also has her students publish their papers on the site Moodle. She isn’t the only one that posts students’ work online. Charlie Huette, broadcast teacher, uses the YouTube-esque video viewing and sharing site Vimeo as a forum for work his classes produce. “The coolest thing [about Vimeo] is all the feedback not involved with North,” Huette said. “Don’t get me wrong, North is important, but there is a much larger audience out there we should be conscious of.” These resources are making an impact outside of the classroom as well. Students are taking advantage of these tools in their clubs and activities. This is especially evident in the activities of the Blue Valley CAPS Robotics team and its utilization of a highly functional online team directory. “The team directory was modified by David Maas last year to track team members’ hours,” Calvin Tran, a junior on the robotics team, said. “The captain has access to Rodney [the server that] can send mass texts to everyone on the directory about meeting updates, like dates and what time you have to be at CAPS or when we have upcoming events.” For members of the robotics team, contact and communication with other teams is crucial to the learning

and designing process. “Chief Delphi! It’s a huge robotics forum where members can post questions and advice about components or anything even vaguely robotics related. It’s like Facebook for robotics,” Tran said. “Most teams also use YouTube to post videos of their robot.” As part of a world-wide robotics league, the Blue Valley Team can’t watch all of the matches or keep tabs on all their favorite teams. Following all of the season has gotten a bit easier with help from an unlikely source: Twitter. “At competitions, every field is hooked up to a field management system to post match scores, penalties and eliminations,” Tran said. “It’s like the scoreboard at football games, except on Twitter.” Despite the benefits of a society saturated in technology and social media, Huette and Weir both maintain that a balance still has to be preserved and warn against a total tech take-over. “We need to make sure we’re always using our resources in a way that is advantageous, or else we run the risk of using it just for the sake of using it, and not for the purpose of progression,” Huette said. “Sometimes I get so overwhelmed and I have to go for a walk and take some photos and not take my phone.” Like it or not, our society is immersed in the use of gadgetry and connectivity to the world wide web and the increasing need for technological literacy is here to stay.

Senior Pearl Sonnenschein uses the Mac computers in the performing arts room. Many classes have replaced their PCs with Macs. Photo by Francine Gollub.

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Sept. 11 is hope. Perhaps not Sept. 11,

2001, or even September 11, 2006, but on Sept. 11, 2011, there is hope about this nation. Hope that man will be born free, will live free and will return to the earth free; hope that man’s expression will never be hindered by the hand of bureaucracy; hope that a country devoted to the freedom of millions cannot be cut down by anyone on this earth. Speaking practically, it is impossible to reason that freedom will exist on its own. It requires cultivation. In due time, our generation will become the bearers of this great responsibility. This is why it is crucial to assess where the line is drawn between criticism of and unhelpfulness to our nation. Granted, in a democracy it is necessary to look at government with a judgmental eye — government exists to serve the people. But over the last decade this has become a justification for tearing down the very foundations of our country. While it begins in the classroom with students teasingly claiming that the reason America entered the Iraq War was because “we were stupid,” it ends in the fact that this joke has become something we actually believe, something toxic to the idea of faith in the American system. We have this misguided belief that America can function without our help. The patriotic fervor that comes each and every passing of this monumental 9/11 anniversary can be maintained much longer than those couple weeks we devote to its remembrance. In reality, all America asks of you today and tomorrow and five months from now is support. Support her when you know she is right, and more importantly, when everyone else knows she is wrong, and all of your freedoms will remain as this country has remained for 235 years.

[Reid This:]‘MericaReid EgglestonNews Editor

Get SchooledTechnology changes the way students engage in academics

05the north star sports 09.23.11

Standing at 6’2”, some view Blue Valley North offensive lineman Peter Gallo as too small to play

on the offensive line at the college level. That setback, though, hasn’t crushed his dream of playing football in the NCAA. “Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve dreamt of playing college football,” Gallo said. “Between freshman and sophomore year, I realized that I could play football at the next level because I was getting bigger and faster,” Gallo said. Gallo’s dream seems to be on its way to coming true. He is receiving extensive attention from various NCAA programs around the country. “I have a lot of schools that are both recruiting me and that I’m interested in. I’m still looking at my options and I haven’t made a decision yet. I’d like to play college football at a

Athlete of the Month: Guard eyes college footballlooking for ways to get better and I’m always working on things,” Gallo said. Gallo has faith in the offensive line for the football team this year, and is optimistic for the rest of the season. “The offensive line this year – we’re really big and we move pretty well. We match up well against the opposing defensive lines. My goal is to get as far as we can in the playoffs, and to win our next seven games. We’ve gotten off to a slow start, but Coach McCall is really helping us,” Gallo said. Having started football in second grade, it would be surreal for Gallo to see his work pay off and play football at the college level next year. In spite of this, he constantly sets even higher goals for himself. “I want to compete for a starting spot each year of college, and if I could get invited to the NFL Combine or workout in front of NFL scouts that would be awesome,” Gallo said.

school where I could also get a good education,” Gallo said. During his time as a starter for the team, Gallo has moved around on the offensive line, but he feels he’s found the position which fits him the best. “I play right guard, but I haven’t always. Sophomore year I playedright tackle and last year I played left tackle. My size is better suited for guard, which is why I switched. [Guard] is also what I would be playing in college because of my size,” Gallo said. Gallo feels one attribute giving him an edge over other offensive linemen recruits is his speed. When it comes to strength, he chooses not to divulge anything specific. Instead, he says he is always working on the little things that he hasn’t perfected yet. “I have quick feet for my size. I move pretty well for how big I am. I’m sometimes quicker than the defender I’m up against. Of course, I’m always

PEACH WAVE

Athlete ProfileName: Peter Gallo

Grade: SeniorHeight: 6’2”

Weight: 275 lbsPosition: Guard

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Gallo cites size, speed as reasons he’ll tackle the competition

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06 the north star sports 09.23.11

Although football may be the most popular sport at many high schools, that’s not

necessarily the case at North. With only 14 freshmen football players on the team, there aren’t even enough for a freshman team this year. Senior Erik Hansen said this is a big concern to older football players who would like to see the football program grow. “The fact that we only have 14 players this year is bad because it might hurt the team in the future,” Hansen said. “It’s going to hurt the tradition of the team.” Some doubt that North had much of a football tradition to start with, and according to freshman Michael Valentine the lack of tradition was a main reason why he decided not to play football this year. “I decided to play soccer instead. I felt I’d get farther with it because

the football at North isn’t that great,” Valentine said. Not all freshmen were kept away this year, though. Freshman Joseph Borich wasn’t going to back away from football like his classmates. “I liked football last year, and I’m big too so I basically have to play,” Borich said. Not all freshmen, however, share Borich’s enthusiasm for the game. Many in the class of ’15 transferred to other schools to avoid North football. “A big reason why we don’t have a lot of players is because a lot of our good players transferred to other schools like Rockhurst and Blue Valley because the other schools had better football programs,” Borich said. The small class of freshmen concerns head coach John McCall but only slightly. “We would like for the number of freshmen to be higher, but you don’t just focus on one class at a time,” he said. “You focus on a cluster of three

classes, so eighth graders as well as nonth graders and 10th graders, and we are very pleased with the quality of our sophomore class [and] the eighth grade class so it isn’t much of a problem.” But why is the North football team is so small this year? “I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that there was a coaching change during the off-season, and I did not move in until Memorial weekend,” McCall said. “Also I think it is just a normal trend that happens to all schools. Every school experiences high numbers at certain times and low numbers at certain times.” Just because the football team is experiencing a lower trend,

don’t expect the team to be non-competitive as a result. “In 1999 while I was coaching at Olathe North we had a class of 13 sophomores,” McCall said. “That sophomore class that had 13 players ended up winning the state championship their senior year.”

Athletics increases safety measures for players

The few and the proud

Junior linebacker Josh Davis was told he was about to tackle the opponent before he and a teammate

had a helmet-to-helmet collision. He doesn’t remember. “I remember seeing the trainer looking down at me. It was like the movie Inception, I had no idea what was going on,” Davis said. Three players suffered head injuries during the football game against Gardner-Edgerton. Two days after the

game, Davis continued to struggle to regroup his mental faculties. “It’s hard to go to sleep. Whenever I try, my ears ring,” Davis said. “Sometimes I’ll be walking down the hallway and people ask me, ‘Do you know who I am?’ They could be my good friends, but I really just don’t know.” Davis’ doctor identified his injury as a severe concussion; a seven out of 10 on a damage scale. Davis was rushed to the hospital, but levels of treatment in school sports vary. New injury technology and state policy

focus more on high school concussions, but their prevalence is increasing as fast the physicality of contact sports. Concussions aren’t limited to contact sports, though. “Last year during pole-vault season, I went up and my head hit the bar. When I came down, everything was black. The coach and team didn’t even come to help me for a bit because they thought I was just upset about missing my run,” senior Jeffrey Appelbaum said. “ Afterwards, I just sat out the rest of the meet.” Appelbaum thinks many athletes are unaware of the precautions that they can take, and worries coaches may not either. According to one student, players at North often return to the game before the conclusion of precautionary recovery time. Davis admits, he too, would understate the effects of his injury to return to the field. Other football players declined to comment. “The decision to play athletes after an injury really depends on what they tell you,” former football head coach Jason Jones said. “As a player, I can say a lot of the time you don’t want to sit out. So, it’s hard as a coach to make the right

David TauberSports Editor

Michael HoffmanOnline Editor

On this game day, the freshman football team would normally be in action. But because there is no freshman football team this year, the field is unnaturally empty. Photo by Christin Smith

Sophomore Marland McGee and junior Bryce Simmons get heated in an intense practice. So far, three North football players have suffered concussions this season. Photo by Francine Gollub.

decision when players might not be telling you everything they’re feeling.” The school athletic trainer, Jared Norman, offered ImPACT neurocognitive assessments to athletes in conjunction with Shawnee Mission Medical Center SportsCare at the start of the school year. The ImPACT technology is a tool doctors and trainers are beginning to use to assess athletes' ability to return to play after suffering head injuries. Over 200 free tests are left for any athletes interested in marking their baseline levels. Researchers’ hope they can easily identify the trauma and impact of head injury by comparing pre-injury baseline levels to post-injury assessments. Through computer testing, ImPACT evaluates brain function by timing recognition and basic skills. “I looked into multiple options and attended multiple conferences about ImPACT, concussion, and baseline tests. There’s a bunch of theories about concussions and even though the state doesn’t mandate any test, we wanted to offer it to the community,” Athletic Director Mickey Masterson said. “Ultimately, I’d like to see all our athletes take a baseline test.”

Lack of freshman footballers incites concern, determination

07the north star sports 09.23.11

Volleyball spikes out teammates

Every year, school sports lose a number of athletes due to a lack of interest. This year,

however, the volleyball team has had a more substantial loss than normal. “There is a strong junior class on the team this year. I figure some of the girls who quit wouldn’t want to have competition,” volleyball coach Matt Allin said. “Some decide to quit if they figure they won’t have a huge role on the team, whereas some really enjoy the experience.” Some say there is bound to be an effect on the team due to a loss of invaluable experience from upperclassmen and veteran players. “The loss absolutely affected the team. There are only nine girls on varsity now, so if one were to get injured then the whole team would suffer,” Sally Smith* said. The student requested to remain anonymous to avoid possible repercussions. Allin thinks otherwise, noting no apparent change to the team. “We make sure every year there are about 10 kids on each team, so it wasn’t a huge effect on us. There are four seniors on the team. Other sports don’t have a lot [of seniors] either,” Allin said. “This year is going so far so good. This year’s girls make a good team and they mesh well together.” Whether the loss of players affects the team or not, there is no denying many players dropped for one reason or another. Competitiveness is present, but there were other factors that contributed to the girls’ decisions. “There is competition for certain positions, but not a lot. [The] main reason I quit was I wasn’t being treated fairly by other girls and also that I wasn’t being put to my full ability,” Smith said. “I was only treated by what the coaches thought of me and not by my ability.” While some thought their abilities weren’t being challenged enough by the coaches, others said there was too much pressure and testing of their abilities. They were led to believe they had to live up to the expectations set by teammates to be treated fairly. Hours of free time are devoted to

tryouts and practices for the team, which played a part in the pressure the girls felt. This time commitment ultimately ended up being the reason one girl threw in the towel.

“Summer is devoted to volleyball; if you show up or not leads to the decision of you getting on the team. It’s like a year-round try-out,” junior Audrey Wellford said. “You were either there or you weren’t. It’s just taken too seriously and [it’s] not the most friendly environment to be in all the time.” Unlike the girls, Coach Allin thinks that all the time put into practicing is necessary and the high expectations are important in any sport. “Having balance is important for student athletes...The coach staff does a good job of making time for the girls to do other things. What we do is

no different than any other team sport at Blue Valley North,” Allin said. “I think a good program always has high expectations and part of being a good person means you have to set high goals for yourself.” Despite the opinion of those who quit on last year’s experience on the volleyball team, the girls say they will definitely support those who remained playing by going and cheering them on at the games. They still care about the team’s achievements and are glad to watch the girls win. “Yeah, I’ll absolutely continue to support them this year. I’m not completely against the team. I’m proud of the girls still on the team for sticking it out,” Smith said. The girls who returned to the team have noticed the loss in players, but they have a positive attitude about how the team is playing this year. “Yeah, I think a lot of people who quit had a lot talent, but that’s just what happens. Every year there are people who leave,” sophomore Lauren Becker said. “I think we’re doing pretty good; we’ve won our games so far.” *name has been changed

Nothing compares to grilling brats and burgers with a couple of friends before

the big game. Lately, though, the excitement I associate with tailgating and Friday night lights is absent. Maybe because there’s nothing like watching my team lose and friends walk off the field with injuries. Losing head coach Jason Jones and nine assistant coaches disrupted progress seen in the past two years. The defense is struggling, unable to hold a team under 30 points. Three consecutive defeats of that magnitude is a rarity, even with our lackluster tradition. Last year against Gardner-Edgerton, the team had it pretty bad. Then again, that was against Bubba Starling, a Heisman-caliber quarterback. We haven’t faced any extraordinary team or player yet, but we lose all the same. With a low freshman turnout, maybe the only answer is to summon all able-bodied, male Mustangs to join the team. This is my last year at North, and since I’ve been here, the football team hasn’t come close to a state championship in football. Friday night games are memorable parts of high school. There’s still time, and hopefully, I look back on high school football when I’m older and remember kicking the living daylights out of our rivals. Winning the state championship in tennis the past three years doesn’t compare to a state title in football or soccer. Enough with bragging about the country club sports, I want to win in the one sport everyone cares about: football.

[Dave’s D.M.C]

DeepMeaningful

Conversation

Hayley BergerStaff Writer

David TauberSports Editor

The volleyball team is off to an impressive start to this sesason, The JV squad is undefeated thus far. Keep an eye out for junior Maddie Ehlers, a rising star on the varsity squad. Graphic by Christin Smith.

Football team stops losing now or never

“It’s just taken too seriously and [it’s]

not the most friendly environment to be in

all the time.”

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09

“It was my first day of kindergarten, and I was just being woken up by my mom,

who was freaking out because my uncle lived really close to the World Trade Center. It was really scary, and I was little so I didn’t know what was going on,” sophomore Sakshi Mahajan said. On Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, the world held its breath as the news was broadcast. Two planes crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center; one crashed into the Pentagon, one into an open field within miles of Pennsylvania’s border. “My mom was calling everyone to make sure my uncle and his girlfriend were okay. They were both fine, but a lot of their friends died,” Mahajan said. An estimated 3,000 lives were taken that day, but the exact number is still unknown. The sites of the attacks have been cleared, and some repaired, but nothing can fix the broken homes that resulted from the deaths. “Several of my family friends were in the towers and the effects from that are horrible. Just seeing the pain the families were in still hurts me,” sophomore Ben Brock said. “My next door neighbors at the time were Iraqi. They were too scared to leave their house, which had several inappropriate...offensive things

adults were directly involved, they still felt the effects of the tragedy. “I remember thinking, ‘How in the world could a plane crash into an office building like that?’ We [my employees and I] knew something was terribly wrong, but it was difficult to logically make sense of what we were seeing and what it meant,” said Kevin Braun, father of junior Eric Braun. “It was difficult to concentrate [on work] knowing so many lives were lost,” Braun said. In commemoration of those that lost their lives, throughout the month of September, the social studies department will be focusing on how 9/11 changed us as a nation, and how we were able to come together to live through it. At the football game September 9, the band honored those who lost their lives. “[The social studies department] came together to decide how we wanted to teach our students about 9/11, and we each decided to do our own thing in the classroom. In my Middle East class, I showed an interactive video through Time Magazine’s website. It had interviews from everyday people and celebrities that were affected by 9/11,” social studies teacher Hedda Winetroub said. Winetroub was teaching her second hour class when the first plane crashed into the World Trade Center. Winetroub said she feels that it’s important for students to understand what actually happened, along with the events that followed. “The president at the time [in 2001] made it clear that the war we were entering was a war against terrorism, and not against the Muslim religion. As a teacher, I’ve realized how important it is to convey this message to my students,” said Winetroub. Though the situations and memories are different, each family agrees that 9/11 stands as a reminder to us about how lucky we are. It was a scary time for our country, but one when we were all united. “It was a day of unthinkable evil, of unimaginable sadness, of heroic acts by ordinary people like you and me,” Braun said.

9/11:Ten years later, we rememberwritten on it. We had to bring them groceries for a month, and the pain they were in also still haunts me to this day,” Brock said. The majority of us were only kids at the time. At most, we remember bits and pieces of our personal experiences during 9/11. Now that the 10 year anniversary has come and gone, it’s important to talk to people, like our parents, who recall experiencing the horrors of this day. Those that remember 9/11 can offer valuable insight. They lived

through the past, and by listening to them, we can learn how to prevent tragedies like this in the future. “We should never forget it, or the people who died that day. However, we have to move forward and not dwell too much on the past because we cannot change what has already happened. We shouldn’t let our bitterness prevent us from moving forward with optimism,” said Shamita Mahajan, mother of Sakshi Mahajan. Although not all students and

Keeping up with the times is hard. Every few weeks it feels like it’s out with the old

and in with new. There is always that latest gadget on the market or that unique style of clothing or a hit song. And often we scramble to adapt to the change in an effort to keep up an image. Although, in the end all we’re left with is a room full of has-been meaningless objects--in other words, clutter. We think of having very little as a hardship. It’s awful to have nothing. And while all that is true, it’s also not. Freeing yourself of possessions and materials can be quite satisfying. In fact, by doing so, it increases a personal level of happiness. Start to reduce everything in your life that isn’t needed. Watch less TV, and only tune in for the programs you absolutely cannot miss. Buy less stuff. Instead of drowning out the world with music in your room, go see a concert. It wasn’t too long ago, as kids, when all we needed was a football and an open field; when hanging out was going to the park, not through the chat-room of an Xbox; when face-to-face time actually meant, in person. We were happier because the simple pleasures brought peace of mind. Though we’ve grown up, it’s all still the same. By separating everything until you’ve got the bare basics of what you need, will then lead to a more authentic and fulfilling life. Though don’t get the wrong image, you don’t have to go pre-historic, however, just do what show-cases the best you.

Danny RosenbergStaff Writer

Families all around the world remember the tragic day of Sept. 11, 2001, as the 10-year anniversary approached. For the North community, it is an event that defines our generation. Photo Illustration by Ali Fallucca.

“It was a day of unthinkable evil, of unimaginable

sadness, of heroic acts.”

Less is more

[Lovelace ties it together]

Berkeley LovelaceFeature Editor

the north star feature 09.23.11

10 the north star feature 09.23.11

Peers jump to conclusionsBlue Valley Academy gears students toward success

Blue Valley Academy: The facts

“This school is a privilege,” Blue Valley Academy junior, Talie Barns said.

Large decorated classrooms, massive windows around every corner, laughter in the halls, luxurious sofas and a Foosball table. This is the common atmosphere at Blue Valley Academy High School. The Academy is a school aimed to nurture students’ potential, who otherwise struggled in the traditional classroom environment. Rumors, however, contradict this image and have been giving the students and school a negative reputation. “People think we’re bad kids here,” Blue Valley Academy junior Michelle Steal said. “The common misconception is that we’re on drugs or unruly kids. Really, most people are here because they couldn’t deal with their home [or] school environment. The fact is, being locked in school all day, a classroom with no windows, 20 some kids in class and teachers that don’t even know your name isn’t great. You feel as if you’re in a jail.” To compensate for the lack of close interaction in traditional school, students find comfort at the Academy. As a result, they’re able to recharge their interests in academics, connect with others and improve their leadership abilities. “Everyone here is a family,” Steal

said. “You feel less anxiety and more comfort throughout the day because of smaller classroom sizes. Also, you don’t really have cliques. Within a few days of going here, you’ve probably met almost the entire bunch.” No one seemed to care of what others had to say about the school. Instead, the students laughed it off and focused their attention on what the Academy offers them. “Who cares?” Blue Valley Academy sophomore Michael Cleat said. “Most people who say things about the school are only going off of what their friends say.” Cleat is new to the Academy this year. Although a little nervous at first, he’s come to enjoy it. “This school turned out to be a great for me,” Cleat said. “You get more one-on-one attention from teachers and, it is a lot easier to focus.”

Q. Are people forced to go to Blue Valley Academy? Are their special circumstances? A. No, that’s illegal. People may go to the Academy due to a struggle in traditional school or it could be to specific preferences.

Q. Is music really played during passing period at the Academy? A. Yes, music is played, instead of a bell. Students are allowed to make recommendations to which music is played.

Students are only required to take four classes a term, which are generally the core classes: math, English, science, and reading. Students are usually not required to do homework. “At a traditional school, you’ll normally have a week to learn a lesson. At [Blue Valley Academy] we learn it in one day,” Barns said. “The class size is so small, it is easier for a teacher to get through the assignments. Therefore, there is really no need for homework, unless, you don’t finish your in-school work.” The Academy also provides out-of-school programs such as HERO.

HERO is a program that helps students achieve getting a job. “HERO is an incredible program, in my opinion,” Blue Valley Academy sophomore Katrina Lusso said. “It really helps you get a grasp of the real world, including hands-on quality learning.” Even though Blue Valley Academy does not provide extra-curricular sports, the students have just as much school spirit. “Here our unofficial mascot is the phoenix,” Blue Valley Academy senior Rockey Beck said.

Q. Are students allowed to leave class whenever they want? A. No one is allowed to leave class whenever they want. Everyone at the Academy has just as much freedom as we do here.

Q. Is the school is equipped with a Foosball and pool table?A. Yes, the Foosball and pool table is used during passing periods, lunch and activities throughout the school.

Top right: Juniors Talie Barns (center), and Laura Acuff (right) discuss their Blue Valley Academy experience, during passing period. Photo by Francine Gollub.

Above: Blue Valley Academy juniors Brice Burgmen and Shelby Comen work on their art projects. Photo by Francine Gollub.

Above: Blue Valley Academy sophomore Michael McCartney polishes his pool skills during passing time. Photo by Francine Gollub

Berkeley LovelaceFeature Editor

11the north star feature 09.23.11

Cruise on through the checkout

Berkeley LovelaceFeature Editor

How to purchase a vehicle the right way

Blue Valley North students’ cars at the parking lot. The parking lot is full of a wide variety of cars, showing all the different options to pick from when purchasing a vehicle. Photo by Francine Gollub.

Getting a first car is an exciting experience. And for those just at the precise age, or those who saved up money from their summer jobs, it can be overwhelming. It is, however, important

to make sure to get the right car. If the purchase is the wrong choice, the complications of it can be a little undesirable.

Step 1: Figure out what you like. This is probably the most simple and fun part of the process. Start to get a feel for what model of car you would like. After all, this will be your car--most likely for a long time. For example, do you see yourself in an SUV, a truck or a convertible? Decide if you would prefer a two-door or a four-door--keep in mind accessibility, friends and space. Figure out, afterwards, the color of the car that best suits you. Then, narrow down to a few choices. It will make the next process a lot easier.

Step 2: Do your research. It might be the last thing you feel like doing, but it can save you from a lot of unexpected stress and possible financial problems in the future. Get online and find out what are some common mechanical issues with the model of car you chose in Step 1. Try recommended sites like carsurvey.org, a forum site that allows owners of the specific vehicle to write about their experience. Then, get into the smaller details--for instance, the gas mileage. If the car gets fewer than 15 miles to the gallon, be prepared to become the gas stations best customer. Furthermore, once you’ve done your research, when you do find a car, you’ll have confidence and know the right questions to ask.

Step 3: Start the search. If money is no object: go ahead and go for the dealerships. The newer cars have better safety features, a wider selection to choose from and guaranteed warranty. Discounts are also available if you bring in your report card with your shining A’s. If you’re on a budget: buying by owner is probably the best way to go. Some local dealers, may overprice their vehicles for more than they’re worth. Visit sites like Craigslist.com, Yahooauto.com, etc. Be alert for scams on sites such as Craigslist. For example, scammers may try to work out deals through eBay or other money transferring sites. Best advice, use your intuition.

Step 4: Don’t jump for the first beauty you see. Take it slow. There are plenty of fish in the sea. Before seeing the vehicle, give the owner a call. Request the background of the car and get as many details as you can. If possible, get photos of the car. Additionally, never go to look at a car alone. Take another person, preferably an adult--so you don’t get taken advantage.

Step 5: For the moment when you do find the right car. Take the car to a reputable mechanic, just in case the car isn’t what the owner says it is or they’re hidden problems. Ask the mechanic if anything needs to be worked on in the near future. Take the cost to fix the car into account of what you will pay for the vehicle. Make sure the car is allowable to drive in Kansas. If it’s not a Kansas registered car, you must get checked out by a Kansas patrol officer--www.kansashighwaypatrol.org/. Get car insurance beforehand.

Step 6: After the purchase. Reward yourself, have a little fun. This is your first car, the car you will remember for the rest of your life. And be safe; follow the rules of the road.

13the north star feature 09.23.1112 the north star feature 09.23.11

Vijay Ramasam

y,

freshman

!e car I hope to rock: “Mini van.”

What I make my mom play in the car on the way to

school: Justin Bieber

My favorite spot to hang out: “Math lab.”

My comment on the seniors’ driving skills: “Great

driving.”What I hope to be like at 17: “An Asian pop star.”

Gregg Buehler, social studies teacher

My "rst car: “I didn’t get a car until my senior year of college, but it was a 1991 Ford Mustang.” My favorite song to jam to in the car: “Kickstart My Heart” by Motley Crue or “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns ’n RosesMy "rst date: “My !rst date was junior year Homecoming. My second was senior year prom and I went with a friend’s girlfriend. "ey just had a !ght and broke up. She went on to be a Notre Dame cheerleader which made my head really big for a few years.” My biggest high school splurge: “Air Jordans. You arrived when you got them.” What would you say to the 17-year-old you? “Lighten up!”

My "rst car: “’1973 Red Maverick–my grandparents gave me a

down payment for a gi#, then it was up to me.”

My favorite song to jam to in the car: “Anything the Beatles did.

And Motown. And the Rolling Stones.”

My secret high school crush: “It was some guy I thought was just

fabulous! When we went on the real date, he wasn’t so

fabulous.

He was a nice guy, just not as nice as I thought he would be.”

My "rst date: It was a disaster. Tall girl, s

hort guy, school dance...”

My biggest high school splurge: “Bell bottom jeans.”

My senior prank: “"e senior boys brought a small compact car

into the senior locker area. No one could get past th

e car, or

into their lo

ckers.”

What would you say to the 17-year-old you? “Get to class!

Take more classes for fun that you were afraid to try. I

always wanted to take French, but I n

ever did.”

Nanc

y Pe

nce,

Social

stu

dies

tea

cher

My "rst car: “It was a ’56 Dodge with huge !ns and a push

button gear shi#. It was really my mom’s.”

My secret crush: “(I’m not revealing his name) was a nice

person, a good student, and my honors bio partner. We

$irted over our fetal pig for weeks, but alas, when a new

girl from Texas (with a really annoying southern accent)

joined our lab group, all hope that he would ask me to

Homecoming died.

Irony: I told him at our 25th reunion and he was hugely

entertained. He thought I was ‘stuck up.’ What? I was just

shy.Biggest High School Splurge: “My prom dress–it was

awesome. I still have it and it still !ts.”

What would you say to the 17 year old you? “For heaven

sake, high school is not life.”

Comm. arts teacher

I drive: 2000 Jeep Cherokee

My favorite car jam: “Adele or Kid Cudi depending on my

mood.”

My idea of a great "rst date: “Anything that’s a mix of fun

with time to talk, and it has to be romantic.”

Funny date story: “My boyfriend took me to a pond in his old

neighborhood to swim, but the cops came and thought were

trespassing. So we hid underneath the deck in the middle of

the pond for 15 minutes until they le#.”

I hang out at: “My house – my friends come to me.”

My biggest splurge/must have: Concerts and eating out

Describe myself in one sentence: “Steph is excited for

college.”

Stepha

nie Hu

ghes, s

eniorLily Lieberman

Staff Writer

Sarah CampbellDesign Editor

Seventeen is a crucial age. It’s when people start to truly discover who they are. "ey develop their morals and learn

more about life than at almost any other time. "e show “When I Was 17,” allows celebrities to re$ect on that year immediately before they became adults, and we’ve decided to bring this concept to BVN. "ree teachers andtwo students shared their memories of and hopes for that tumultuous time in their lives.

13the north star feature 09.23.1112 the north star feature 09.23.11

Vijay Ramasam

y,

freshman

!e car I hope to rock: “Mini van.”

What I make my mom play in the car on the way to

school: Justin Bieber

My favorite spot to hang out: “Math lab.”

My comment on the seniors’ driving skills: “Great

driving.”What I hope to be like at 17: “An Asian pop star.”

Gregg Buehler, social studies teacher

My "rst car: “I didn’t get a car until my senior year of college, but it was a 1991 Ford Mustang.” My favorite song to jam to in the car: “Kickstart My Heart” by Motley Crue or “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns ’n RosesMy "rst date: “My !rst date was junior year Homecoming. My second was senior year prom and I went with a friend’s girlfriend. "ey just had a !ght and broke up. She went on to be a Notre Dame cheerleader which made my head really big for a few years.” My biggest high school splurge: “Air Jordans. You arrived when you got them.” What would you say to the 17-year-old you? “Lighten up!”

My "rst car: “’1973 Red Maverick–my grandparents gave me a

down payment for a gi#, then it was up to me.”

My favorite song to jam to in the car: “Anything the Beatles did.

And Motown. And the Rolling Stones.”

My secret high school crush: “It was some guy I thought was just

fabulous! When we went on the real date, he wasn’t so

fabulous.

He was a nice guy, just not as nice as I thought he would be.”

My "rst date: It was a disaster. Tall girl, s

hort guy, school dance...”

My biggest high school splurge: “Bell bottom jeans.”

My senior prank: “"e senior boys brought a small compact car

into the senior locker area. No one could get past th

e car, or

into their lo

ckers.”

What would you say to the 17-year-old you? “Get to class!

Take more classes for fun that you were afraid to try. I

always wanted to take French, but I n

ever did.”

Nanc

y Pe

nce,

Social

stu

dies

tea

cher

My "rst car: “It was a ’56 Dodge with huge !ns and a push

button gear shi#. It was really my mom’s.”

My secret crush: “(I’m not revealing his name) was a nice

person, a good student, and my honors bio partner. We

$irted over our fetal pig for weeks, but alas, when a new

girl from Texas (with a really annoying southern accent)

joined our lab group, all hope that he would ask me to

Homecoming died.

Irony: I told him at our 25th reunion and he was hugely

entertained. He thought I was ‘stuck up.’ What? I was just

shy.Biggest High School Splurge: “My prom dress–it was

awesome. I still have it and it still !ts.”

What would you say to the 17 year old you? “For heaven

sake, high school is not life.”

Comm. arts teacher

I drive: 2000 Jeep Cherokee

My favorite car jam: “Adele or Kid Cudi depending on my

mood.”

My idea of a great "rst date: “Anything that’s a mix of fun

with time to talk, and it has to be romantic.”

Funny date story: “My boyfriend took me to a pond in his old

neighborhood to swim, but the cops came and thought were

trespassing. So we hid underneath the deck in the middle of

the pond for 15 minutes until they le#.”

I hang out at: “My house – my friends come to me.”

My biggest splurge/must have: Concerts and eating out

Describe myself in one sentence: “Steph is excited for

college.”

Stepha

nie Hu

ghes, s

eniorLily Lieberman

Staff Writer

Sarah CampbellDesign Editor

Seventeen is a crucial age. It’s when people start to truly discover who they are. "ey develop their morals and learn

more about life than at almost any other time. "e show “When I Was 17,” allows celebrities to re$ect on that year immediately before they became adults, and we’ve decided to bring this concept to BVN. "ree teachers andtwo students shared their memories of and hopes for that tumultuous time in their lives.

14 the north star feature 09.23.11

Custodian Paul Conley, 65, is a sturdy, gray-haired, bespectacled fellow with a

strong chin. He arrives at school at 6:30 in the morning and leaves at 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. Conley is the kind of man who hardly ever sits down. One morning this past month, though, he did sit down long enough to discuss his faith, his family, his love of books and his appreciation of the natural world. He demonstrated, too, a passion for life: an infectious pleasure in and reverence for existence itself, which makes his story, for all its trials, ultimately one of joy.

“Not a fearful thing” Conley said his relationship with his father growing up was important to him. He came from a military family. “My father was a career army officer,” Conley said. “He’d sit and wonder what Walter Cronkite was getting at, and be angry at the TV. But he was very open-minded in many ways.” Though his father has passed away, Conley said their connection has given him courage when facing his own mortality. “When I think of joining…[my father] for a conversation, I am intrigued,” Conley said. “I really loved my dad. He was a great man. To be gathered to my father is not a fearful thing.”

A lot of reading to do Conley suffered from a sense of confusion in college, which prompted his decision to drop out and join the Navy in 1967. “I was struggling some with the 20th century Nihilism—the change of direction that became the ’60s. I had a lot of doubts and regrets and fears about life. I just left school, and I thought, ‘I can’t go home. There’s no way I’m taking up with my parents again.’ So I joined the Navy.” Conley found the stability and structure of Navy service reassuring. “[I liked] not having to be responsible for anything but what you were told to do. And in that

environment you could explore your capabilities,” Conley said. “Any of the armed forces takes care of your meals, your bed, your housekeeping. Basically all you have to do is learn to develop yourself personally,” Conley said. “I experienced some relationships and friendships that hadn’t been available before. I was just beginning, I think, to struggle with the intimacies of life. I needed to grow up in those ways.” While Conley’s self-awareness increased during his time in the Navy, he said his political awareness remained insubstantial. “I really didn’t know what Vietnam was about,” Conley said. “I went with the Marine Corps to float along the shores of the South China Sea, but I never went into combat.” Conley’s education on the Vietnam War eventually occurred in large part because of a book. “The book, ‘We Were Young and Soldiers’, exploded my impressions of what Vietnam was really about,” Conley said. “Mistakes were made. The U.S. was not up to the task of determining what our real goals were, and how to get the goals achieved, and still maintain a semblance of moral standing. It was a whirlwind that we were caught in.” But Conley’s opinions on the conflict are not yet fully formed. “I still have a lot of reading to do,” Conley said.

Coming of age Conley’s love of books was born when he received “Demian”, a famous coming-of-age novel, as a gift from one of his college professors. “During the World War II era, “Demian” was—and Hesse’s writings were—foundational for the German youth. They were caught by his imaginative writing and how he described the interface of our psyche and our experience,” Conley said. “There have been many other books. But I would say that book...confronted me as I needed to be confronted.” Since then, Conley’s taste in books has become diverse, ranging from scripture to science.

“My proverb is ‘scripture first,’ so I go to the Old and the New Testament as my base. But I like to read everything that has any meaning to it,” Conley said. “I like good history, theology and science. ” Most recently, Conley has become fascinated with books about nature. “The practical and experiential side of [studying the natural world] is being exposed to the elements and seeing nature in her raw beauty,” Conley said. “I guess you could say [I’m] enjoying the fellowship of her company.” Conley enjoys human company, too, especially that of young people and students at North. That sense of comradeship and community, he said, explains, in part, his committed involvement in school events: Conley attends every football game and school play that he can. “I’m fairly young myself in my own experience and the way I approach things. I have a strong sense of community that I develop, so in part it’s like you all are my children,” Conley said. Conley’s own children are both grown, and he went through a divorce in 2000. His empty nest leaves him more time to devote to school events. “I don’t have a family at home, so I have some extra time that I devote to rooting for our team,” Conley said. “And you know, I need to do this. It

suits me.” Though Conley has found happiness here, he said that some of the existential questions of his youth remain unresolved. “The natural state of life is doubt,” Conley said. “Each day you’re confronted with a new question. You’re constantly reaching for an answer that may elude you, but asking a question is a wonderful thing. It’s a human thing.” To those experiencing feelings of uncertainty or restlessness similar to those he felt as a young man, Conley counsels the pursuit of friendship and perseverance. “Friendship is very important,” Conley said. “Catch your breath and tread water as best you can. If you get through that initial takeoff period, life will become more interesting. Not necessarily less difficult, but more interesting.”

Searching for answers, finding joy Custodian Paul Conley shares his thoughts on growing old and growing up

Jessi GlueckCo-Editor in Chief

Paul Conley displays his love of nature, posing by the bird feeder he placed near the trailers at school. He pays for it out of his own pocket. “I have always been fascinated by biology,” Conley said. Photo by Christin Smith.

15the north star feature 09.23.11

Flags waving, band playing, and kids cheering, it looked as though the fall sports assembly was in

full spirit swing. That was when a voice interrupted my hype. “This is so stupid,” someone behind me scoffed. His friends seemed to agree. As BVN’s moderately successful and undoubtedly hardworking football team ran out on the basketball court to scattered cheers and applause, our narrator struck again. “One of the worst teams in the state.” It seems negative remarks and shame about being a Mustang are becoming more and more prevalent. In a poll of 20 students from each Blue Valley school, students were asked to rank their home school’s spirit on a scale of one to 10. BVN came in dead last, averaging 6.6. This statistic is nowhere even close to the average of the winner, Blue Valley High, at 9.1. Senior P.J. Woodward, a varsity football player, said, “People say, ‘Oh, BVN football has never been that good’, [but] things can change. Teams aren’t always good, there are good periods and bad periods.” Why is a student body with so many achievements - professional sports players, dedicated students and a record ACT score - so unmotivated to show Mustang pride? Sociology and AP Government teacher Nancy Pence suggests the answer lies in our academic competitiveness. “I honestly don’t think our school spirit is bad,” Pence said. “We have good spirit, but other schools like Northwest and Valley have really extreme spirit. We’re content to be focused on academics rather than sports... the crux of our spirit lies in academics. We’re very competitive, but not necessarily in the same area as other schools.” While academic focus is one reason that students could be neglecting to vocalize their support for their sports teams, Woodward said that another factor is embarrassment among freshmen and

sophomores. “It’s really just juniors and seniors right now,” he said. “Sophomores and freshmen don’t feel like they need to be involved at games or activities, and I feel like they might be scared to yell and be embarrassed to act out. If we can get everyone yelling instead of just the first four or five rows, it could play a factor in the game.” Pence said that it’s important for the student body to be involved not only at games, but also in activity and assembly planning. “Administrators are working on increasing student involvement,” Pence said. “We need to get students more involved in planning assemblies... everything good will come from the students.” Pence even cited the “roller coaster”, a cheer introduced by students last winter, as an example of successful, student-initiated spirit.

Though many agree that increasing student spirit is a goal BVN should work toward, Pence said it is possible to overstep the bounds of appropriate school spirit, especially when it leads to the attack of other schools or individuals. An example is last year’s basketball game against Blue Valley Northwest, at which some

Northwest students targeted BVN’s Jewish population with anti-Semitic cheers and slurs. “Northwest came last year with all of their great school spirit and did some horrific things,” Pence said. “There’s a line and I think they crossed it.”“When it comes to crowd involvement, yelling at the other team might not do a whole lot, but when it comes to cheering on your team, that makes a huge difference,” Woodward said. Whether it’s football, soccer, choir or academics, Blue Valley North students are notorious for giving their best effort. “We’ve gotta know they’re giving it their all - on the court and in the classroom,” Pence said. “Kids give their all all the time. They deserve to get [it] from us.”

Searching for Spirit

The five Blue Valley high schools are rated by their spirit. According to the poll, Blue Valley North came in last place. Photo illustration by Francine Gollub.

BVN morale lowest of the Blue Valley Schools?Sarah Evans

Business Manager

“We have good spirit, but other

schools like Northwest and

Blue Valley have really

extreme spirit.”

S

SPIR

IT-O

-MET

ER

16 the north star 09.23.11

17the north star 09.23.11

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18 the north star entertainment 09.23.11

High school has long been known as a time to experiment. For some, that

experimentation may be joining a bunch of clubs, meeting new friends and going out to different places on the weekends. For senior Austin Scrivener, however, this experimentation meant exchanging his football pads and cleats for a chef ’s hat and a cutting board. “It all started with the gym. I would come home after a workout and make myself an omelet. They’re really simple, but you can add anything to change them up. I tried making omelets with all sorts of ingredients,” Scrivener said. After years of being somewhat of a jock, Scrivener had a sudden change of heart. He decided after his sophomore year to quit football and try something new. In March 2010, he got a job at Yia Yia’s Eurobistro as a food runner, delivering all of the different dishes to customers. Seeing the chefs whip up everything from margarita pizzas to a

sweet corn risotto, Scrivener quickly realizing his passion for cooking. “It was a few months after I started working [at Yia Yia’s], and I was talking to some of the chefs–just watching them cook and seeing how they made the food–when I really decided that it was something I was interested in. They looked so focused, like they knew what they were doing. I wanted to try it,” Scrivener said. Soon enough, Scrivener was presented with an opportunity. After expressing interest at work, he was

invited to assist the chefs at Yia Yia’s, helping them prepare a smorgasbord

of foods in the kitchen. He started splitting his time between food-running and cooking. Over this past summer, Scrivener heard about Broadmoor Culinary Center, a program offered through the Shawnee Mission School District that teaches high school students all about the restaurant business. As a Broadmoor student, Scrivener, along with a few

other BVN students, is taught the ins and outs of restaurant life. In addition

to basic lessons about kitchen safety and sanitation, Broadmoor students take part in a restaurant class where they learn how to virtually run and operate a real-life restaurant. “The restaurant experience is kind of an extracirricular on top of the program itself. You learn how to be a server, how to bus tables and eventually how to cook in a restaurant. It’s like being a real restaurant chef,” Scrivener said. “My ultimate goal is to own my own high-class, five-star restaurant.” In the meantime, Scrivener is working towards that goal by applying to all sorts of culinary schools around the country, like C.I.A (Culinary Institutes of America) and Johnson & Wales. But in the end, it’s the freedom and experimentation in cooking that Scrivner is so taken with. “I love the idea of making new things and experimenting with them. You can take anything you learn how to make and turn it into something else by just adding or swapping things. It’s limitless,” Scrivener said.

Many people don’t realize what an impact pop culture icons have on society. Such

celebrities as Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj have already shaped our pop culture universe, and the rise of more obscure artists like Mac Miller and Foster the People provides us with a constellation of rising stars. Lady Gaga is risky and not afraid to do what she feels she should. One of her biggest contributions is telling her

Musical artists compose the futurefollowers, or “little monsters,” to be their authentic selves. Gaga struts her stuff in a bizarre and daring wardrobe. Aside from her outfits, Gaga is a strong supporter of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community. She refused to sign a deal with Target to produce her latest album "Born This Way” because Target had supported Tom Emmer, a strict conservative running for governor of Minn., who opposed gay rights. At the Video Music Awards, Gaga took another stand for LGBT equality when she dressed as

her alter ego, Jo, who had also appeared in her music video “You and I” and on a Japanese magazine. “Lady Gaga is so different than anyone in the industry and for the most part, sends a

good message.

She is over the top and eccentric,” sophomore Hannah Bergwell said.“She definitely has already changed music and she’s going to be around for a while,” sophomore Meghan Minkoff said. Nicki Minaj, a rapper, is another inspiring female artist. She is helping to pave the way for other lady rappers, just as Lil Kim did. Growing up in Queens with a father on drugs and a single mother, Nicki Minaj found her escape from life’s tough realities by getting involved with singing and acting in high school. After graduating high school, she tagged along with rap groups and sang in the background, which led her to write her own raps. “She is a babe with her outgoing, glistening personality,” freshman Mason Morse said. “I think...people deem her as a bad influence because[they] don’t know her story or her background. [She’s gone through a] hard time trying to be in the industry. Her hard work paid off,” said Junior Aaron Lawrence. In addition to icons like Gaga and Minaj, new sensations like Mac Miller are also breaking onto the music

scene. Much like Eminem, Mac Miller produces catchy and fun beats. “I didn’t know who [Mac Miller] was until the start of the school year and I fell in love. [His music] tells a story that is meaningful,” senior Jake Belzer said. Miller is a Jewish teenager from Pittsburgh who has been successful in making mix-tapes. His creativity inspires many. “I downloaded his first album in 2009 when I was a sophomore... it was really original. It connected well, it sounded good and was creative,” senior Joel Perowsky said. Foster the People, another previously unknown group, has risen quickly in popularity after its nomination for “Best New Artist” at the Video Music Awards. Mark Foster, Mark Pontius, and Cubie Fink formed this band in 2009. Foster, the lead singer, felt alone in his adolescence as an only child. The band’s song “Pumped Up Kicks” is actually about a homicidal school kid. “I think they kind of sound similar to a song...by Peter Bjorn that was popular a few years ago. It’s not exactly my kind of music, but I do like it,” sophomore Jack Tideman said.

Influential music artists like these revolutionize pop culture and our world today. Illustration by Christin Smith.

Rachel AndersonStaff Writer

Alex GoldmanCo-Editor-in-Chief

Swapping the gridiron for the griddle

Senior Austin Scrivener flambés part of a Sunday brunch meal at Yia Yia’s Eurobistro. Photo by Alex Goldman.

Senior proves that he can take the heat of the field and the kitchen

19the north star entertainment 09.23.11

Whatevs:

Adjective. Synonymous with cool, awesome or any other exclamation of that nature. Commonly used in phrase “That’s so legit”, as in “That robot is so legit.” Macy Reitz, sophomore, admits to using this word because “everyone else said it, so I started to and it’s a hard word to let go.

Adjective. This joyous tidbit of British slang means tired or exhausted, but with English flair, as in, “After staying up all night to study, I’m rather knackered.” Matt Mcleod, sophomore, picked it up because he “likes using random English slang.”

Swag:Boozghie:Adjective. A derivative of the French word Bourgeoisie, this odd-looking slang fits well with the German-rooted word Über (adverb), meaning ‘a whole lot more” according to Mr. Skiles, who enjoys using the umulaut-peppered word.

Interjection. This abbreviation is a favorite of Austin Dickey, senior, who uses it to be “hip and cool, like the hipsters” because “whatevs” is clearly just “whatever, but with hipster flair.” As in interjection, this is fun slang stands for itself, and can be used in almost any conversation.

Noun. Apparently, this noun is the new synonym for freshmen, according to Isaac Walten, a freshmen who thinks all freshmen meet this quota, as in “freshmen have swag.”

Increasing your vocabulary skills doesn’t have to be a torturous experience. Urban Dictionary, though a ton of fun to use, doesn’t know what words are hip at North, so here’s a look at what lingo is all the rage. *Disclaimer* – Do not use the following words on AP exams or any test with a name composed of three capital letters!

Knackered:

Adjective. A phrase meaning “that’s cool” or “I like that.” This ’70s-inspired phrase was submitted by Makayla Lewis, junior, who uses it at any given opportunity because it “makes me feel cool.”

I can dig it:Legit:

Study up: Vocab that’s actually fun to learn

Liz GaaEntertainment Editor

20 the north star entertainment 09.23.11

David Campbell and Google are well-acquainted. Campbell relies

on his trusty sidekick for anything from research for debate to going more in-depth about a topic he sees on “Mythbusters.” As a silent partner in crime, Google has yet to give Campbell a solid answer to his most pressing question: how to ask a girl to Homecoming.

“I guess there are a few girls worth taking,” Campbell hints. Campbell may not have all the answers yet, but he seems to be on the right track. As a high achiever, Campbell dabbles in everything from soccer to engineering, challenging himself with three honors courses and even competing in dirt biking competitions on the weekends. “I went to one of my friends’ races about a year ago and was hooked,” Campbell said. Talking with this down-to-earth, intelligent and all around good guy, it’s clear Campbell is wise beyond his years. “I really value respect. I learned from my parents to treat others how you want to be treated. I picked up on those habits,” Campbell said. With this strong value for respect and a well-rounded moral compass, Campbell enjoys the simple things, opting for a weekend with friends and family at his farm in La Cygne, KS. If Campbell is ever MIA, you can find him at Cactus Grill. “We’re on a first-name basis with the waiters,” he said. If he’s still no where to be found, check his couch, where he can be seen watching ridiculously inappropriate episodes of “South Park”and having a good laugh.

Despite her past belief that she is not Barbie material, Kristin

Haug has charisma and unintentional charm that would turn even Ken’s head. “I used to think I was too skinny; not tall enough,” Haug said. Haug makes up for her 4 feet 11 inches in height with personality and bold presence. Haug now realizes judgment cannot be based on physical appearance. “I view every life as uniquely different; even though I may not know someone personally, they have opinions that are important,” Haug said. Growing up in a home with seven siblings, Haug experienced the power of diversity firsthand when her family adopted three children when she was eight. Haug participates in International House of Prayer KC, rolling her eyes at those who call it a cult. “I enjoy what I do despite what people say,” Haug said. Over the summer she did a church internship and “learned a lot about going deeper into the world of God.” As a self-described floater, Haug saw a significant change in her friends during the summer when the transition from middle school to high school was in full force. “A lot of people changed in the summer. I asked myself, ‘do I really want to hang out with you in high school if you’ll treat me this way’?” Haug said. Haug finds that high school is more suited to her individuality. “In high school,” Haug said, “There’s more room for me to fit in.”

Tori Gomez surprised herself by taking on the commitment as one

of the four freshmen of High School Confidential. “I always give the most awkward answers,” Gomez said. A gymnast since she was 12, Gomez oozes athleticism, planning to try out for soccer and track in the spring. After losing count of failed relationships in middle school–only her diary knows the true number–Gomez is undoubtedly “single and ready to mingle. It’s annoying to have to deal with only focusing on one person,” Gomez said. During the interview, Gomez broke out in song at least three times, once belting Etta James’ “At Last” in a high falsetto and in public. She gave no explanation for her random bursts of energy because she has no need to. Her unwavering sense of self and the fact that she “doesn’t care what people think” goes along perfectly with her mantra. “There are too many fish in the pond to worry about the piranhas,” Gomez said. Her bubbly and goofy personality is further highlighted in her search for a career. “You’ll need a whole paragraph to describe my interests,” Gomez joked. “I have no idea what I’m interested in. I just want a high-paying job so I can shop.” Gomez is not all fun and games though; on a serious note, she plans on experiencing the freedoms of high school without “getting caught up in it and forgetting who [she] is.” Gomez is extremely generous when doling out laughs. “I live for laughs,” she said.

Matt Cook sits on the bleachers, gazing intensely out at the

baseball field. After several seconds of serious thought, Cook concludes that he can’t place his friends into a stereotyped category. “Not everyone is the same thing. I hang out with a bunch of different people. I guess you could call us the funny guys but it’s really based on whoever is nice and treats others nice,” he said finally. As the son of a retired pastor, Cook attends church every Sunday, and enjoys the occasional youth group get-together where he says they talk, eat and “really just hang out.” Making sure to clarify the distinction between playing percussion in band at school, and jamming out on the drums in his free time, Cook plans on trying out for the snare drum next year. “In middle school I practiced for two hours every day, but now with school I just practice as much as I can,” Cook said. Although Cook isn’t taking art classes this year, he likes to draw on his own time, creating vivid cartoons of “Family Guy” and “American Dad” characters. Time seems to be a recurring theme with Cook; he never seems to have enough. His greatest fear is not being successful. “I can be a perfectionist at times. On math homework it’s just completion, but tests are where the problems lie. I’m the last one done,” Cook said. For now, Cook has one main goal: to finish high school. “I don’t think that it will be too hard,” he said.

Lily LiebermanStaff Writer

High School Confidential: A Tale of Four Freshmen

21the north star opinion 09.23.11

Of all the trends on social networking sites these days, this one is among the most benign. But it still bothers me that we had to wait for a new Facebook game to find a reason to reconnect with people. Why is it only cool to tell your best friends you love them, to tell faraway family that you miss them, if it’s part of a public Internet trend? Is there not equal or greater satisfaction in saying these things in person or over the phone, letting your voice express emotions that emoticons can’t? I get it. People lose touch, and some times you feel you no longer know a friend well enough to start a real conversation. Maybe you never see an old friend during the day, and phone conversations are awkward, and even chatting online gets uncomfortable—neither of you has much to say.I would suggest, though, that instead

That phrase, and its equally prevalent counterpart, “To be honest,” pops up pretty

commonly on our Facebook news feeds these days. For those high-minded ascetics who still haven’t gotten into the Facebook trend, the game is this: you post “To be honest” or “Truth is” as your status, and then write an honest paragraph on the wall of anyone who “likes” that status.People use this gimmick to reconnect with old friends and express affection for new ones; it’s an excuse to chat with an acquaintance or drop hints to a crush. Some of the “to be honest” paragraphs I’ve read are heartfelt and kind. They’re often filled with humor and entreaties to get back in touch.

of circumventing that awkwardness through a Facebook wall post, you power straight through it. Be nice. Be nicer than you think you should be. You’d be surprised how many people have been wanting to reconnect just as much as you have, how many comparative strangers have been meaning to have a chat with you sometime. And as for those who pull back, who think you’re “weird” or “annoying” for being so excited to talk to them—they probably weren’t worth talking to in the first place. The world is a busy, populous place, and it’s easy to lose friends amidst the throng. But you don’t have to make it easy. Hold on to the friends you care about. Next time you’re tempted to “like” someone’s “To be honest” status, pick up the phone instead. Or at the very least, start a Facebook chat.

Jessi GlueckCo-Editor-in-Chief

Clubs are not places to simply meet new friends as our moms or dads might

say; they are a way to do what you enjoy and in the process find others who share the same passions and interests.   With a student population of 1,583, North is huge. Every student is different. We all have distinctly individual social groups and interests. But what if there was a way to bring us together? Something more than the cliche “Proud to be a Mustang”? Sure, being a Mustang is great, but so was being an MTE Bulldog and an LMS Eagle. The thing about high school is that we are allowed to become our own person. We find out who we are and what we love as we mature.   There will always be those of us who are shy and conversely there will be those of us whom no one will forget.

In clubs, everyone has an opportunity to make their mark.   This is a new year for everyone. We should all push ourselves and every one of our friends to give it a shot,

to try a new thing. The best part? If you don’t like what you tried, at least you tried and you can get out of it. How many times have you noticed an interesting poster in the hallway and then blown it off? Try not to this year.   Getting out of our comfort zone

can be difficult. Often, students avoid clubs not because they don’t have friends in them, but because they’re afraid of what people will think. If you want to avoid something let it be

a club that you don’t have an interest in. A closed mind could hold a football player back from joining writing club because he’s afraid of a dorky image or keep a straight girl from joining the Gay Straight Alliance because she’s afraid of what people might think.   Open your mind and help our school boost its club attendance. If you enjoy guitar, even just to listen, don’t be afraid to try guitar club. If you want to help the needy join KAY club or

NHS. If you want to be more involved with any foreign

language, join its club. Finally, if you can’t find a club that you want, start a new one. Just because there hasn’t been a club established, doesn’t mean people don’t want to join. We can all be leaders if we just give the effort to care enough.    

Join the club

“Truth is...”

Help the bring school together through clubs

The upside to the stressed life

Chris ShanklinStaff Writer

My dad has told me the same little anecdotes for years now. While I vaguely remember

playing a part in some of them, many of them seem unfamiliar. As home-work piles up, I add hours to my work schedule, and my extracurricular activi-ties leave me forgetting what my house looks like, I sometimes forget that I was once a kid.  It amazes me when my dad reminisces that I once had time to sit on the couch and watch TV or accompany him to the supermarket and befriend cashiers.   It would be easy to say I would like to go back to having unlimited free time. What’s not to love about the ability to go play outside, maybe read a book or watch cartoons, then take a nap? Well, call me crazy, but I wouldn’t trade the rushed lifestyle of a stressed out high school student for the world.  Of course I cherish my summers and weekends where I get the rare eight hours of sleep, but I also take pride in knowing I can groove on a schedule where I run constantly on coffee. I’m not one who likes having down time, spending hours in bed or shopping. It’s so easy to complain about hours upon hours of studying and homework, but in reality, having my life planned into portions of work, school, study, robotics and the rare friend time makes it all seem much more manageable to me.   And besides, if it weren’t for the killer Monday morning tests or the nights when I push myself to complete every last item I’ve written on my to do list, whether it be baking cookies for a friend’s birthday or finishing my AP US History homework, I doubt I would cherish those weekend mornings when I don’t have to set an set an alarm the same way I do now. Of course there are mornings when I wish I could press snooze, but life in the high stress fast lane has its benefits too, if you look for them.

[Ellie’s Insights]

The bulletin board outside of the lunch room gives notice to all clubs. With many to choose from, most students are involved in many clubs or activities. Photo by Ali Fallucca.

Ellie HolcombOpinon Editor

22 the north star opinion 09.23.11

Ellie HolcombOpinon Editor

Healthy takes a dangerous turn

There’s a fine line between healthy and dangerous. This is a mantra that people need to

start thinking about before they swear to stay under 800 calories a day or ban anything with carbs, fats, sugars, sodium, cholesterol or dairy from their diets. As a girl who knows how many calories are in a Chipotle wrap, won’t touch McDonald’s fries with a 20-foot pole, and asks the barista to put exactly three tablespoons of SKIM milk into my iced coffee, I might sound a bit hypocritical preaching about body image issues. But I’m not advocating a self-loving gluttony-fest. I just want to make sure crash dieters and teens who are endangering themselves know the facts. Crash dieting is big these days. Whether it’s because a girl just has to fit into that homecoming dress or because someone doesn’t want to wait to lose that extra 10 pounds in a healthy way, the problem is growing ever more prevalent in our food-obsessed society, with girls especially. There’s nothing wrong with cutting out sweets and fast food. There’s something majorly wrong with cutting 1,000 calories out of a diet that a doctor would recommend. Not many people would deny that America has a size problem. More Americans are becoming overweight and obese at younger ages. Living in a society where many aren’t healthy can cause body image issues pretty easily. There is a healthy and an unhealthy way to handle these. Ideally, if someone was unhappy with how they looked, they’d cut out processed and greasy foods and work out a healthy amount. But it seems like more often, teens are choosing to take a less healthy course of action.

Here’s a quick crash course in how the body reacts when it’s given different amounts of calories. If a person eats a healthy amount, say between 1,200 and 2,000 calories of healthy food for a moderately active person, and more than that for an extremely active person, the body will turn the food into energy and use it. This means that the person will either maintain a weight or lose weight, depending on how active he or she is and how much/what he or she is eating. If a person is eating between 600 and 1,200 calories a day, the body will go into starvation mode. The person will feel tired and have less energy and their body will store fat, so losing weight will be difficult, as will be warding off colds and flu. If a person eats under 600 calories, the body will eat its own muscles and organs first, then fat. Lots of hair will grow on the face, stomach, arms, and back to insulate the body for warmth. If calories are consumed, they will be stored and cause quick weight gain. If

calories are not consumed, this condition will result in death. If you’re unhappy with how you look or feel or move, slow down and take a healthy course of action. I know it seems like a good idea to eat 500 calories of lean protein every day for a week to lose weight quickly, because for that week it’ll work and you can promise yourself to go back to being

healthy soon. But doing it once means your weight will rebound and you’ll end up doing it twice, and next time it’ll be for two weeks and then for a month, and I can promise that more times than not, it eventually can turn into a serious problem. If you won’t do it for yourself, and for the sake of achieving goals healthily, do it for the sake of the younger generations who look up to you. Consider what you would want your little sister or the girls you babysit to see you doing, because maybe they’ll grow up to do the same in a few years.

As obesity rates rise, dangerous crash dieting crazes take a turn for the worse

The facts about crash dieting•Crash dieting can cause anemia, slowed body functions, and organ damage•Weight gained back after crash dieting is gained back as more fat than muscle mass•Crash dieting that leads to extreme weight loss can cause heart problems, impaired mental process, and digestion issues.•The “yo-yo” effect is a problem caused by repetitive crash dieting, making losing weight more difficult due to a slow metabolism. It makes the body hold on to fat because it gets used to being starved.facts from livestrong.com

Body image issues can change the perceived views people have of themselves, leading to unhealthy habits. Photo illustration by Ali Fallucca

“Consider what you would want your little sister to see you doing because maybe she’ll grow up to do the same in a

few years.”

23the north star opinion 09.23.11

The  North  Star  Staff

The North Star[EditorsAlex Goldman, Jessi GlueckNews editorReid EgglestonFeature editorBerkeley LovelaceSports editorDavid TauberEntertainment editorLiz GaaOpinion editorEllie Holcomb Online EditorMichael Ho!man

[Photo editorChristin SmithDesign editorSarah CampbellMultimedia EditorAli FalluccaBusiness managerSarah EvansIllustratorBerkeley LovelacePhotographersAli FalluccaFrancine Gollub

Sta! writersSarah EvansLily LiebermanChris ShanklinRachel AndersonHayley BergerEvan WatsonDanny RosenbergOlga DeckmanAdviserMelinda Gilman

[Gold  from  Goldman]Selling  yourself:  for  dummies

Alex GoldmanCo-Editor-in-Chief

I now understand why high schoolers rebel so much. It’s college. By some strange stroke of

fate, this seven-letter combination is both the most awaited and most dreaded word you can say to a high school student. "e wonderful quest toward college acceptance starts at the beginning of freshman year with your #rst round of practice standardized testing. Once those scores come in, it’s like you’re strapped into the never ending roller coaster of, “what schools are you looking at,” “what are you thinking of majoring in,” or my own personal favorite, “what do you want to do for the rest of your life?” Everyone handles it di!erently. In the wise words of “You, Me and Dupree”, some people will run with it, becoming “15-year-old prodigies, [or] little midget Olympic gymnasts with [our] pictures on cereal boxes.” But for the rest of you who can’t do multi-variable calculus without a calculator and don’t have the $exibility of Gumby, you await college to #gure everything out. Before you get there, however, there’s a complicated obstacle course of $aming hoops, climbing walls and sand pits you have to make it through. "e #rst, and longest, part of this course of death is high school itself. "ese schools scour your four years, making sure that

you’re “up to their caliber.” "e ACT and SAT are next. Once you accept the idea these tests represent a large chunk of your chance to get into college, you are forced to buckle down and mechanically memorize the placement of the special “seven commas” in the ACT reading section, along with other tidbits you will never use again in your life. "en, you write your weight in short-answer essays all about how you’d absolutely love to go to XYZ University. Finally, it’s up to them. In the process of applying, you become a used car salesman. And, of course, the colleges are the picky, high maintenance customers who aren’t sure what they want. "ey’ve got options all over the place – the valedictorian from LA, the semi-pro baseball player in Houston and the nationally recognized sculptor in New York City. And then there’s you. You work to blinding them, $ashing test scores, teacher recommendations and your 3+ page resume. But now, it’s out of your control.

[The  Gluecktionary]Creating  the  world  of  the  future  

Jessi GlueckCo-Editor-in-Chief

Summer feels like an eternity ago now, but I had an experience this past July that

has some relevance to the beginning of a new school year. I visited Yemin Orde, a home and school for troubled adolescents in Israel. "e village provides a haven for kids who have been living on the streets, children of struggling immigrants with empty refrigerators and no showers. "ey are the unwanted, the ostracized, the poor. We met with the director of the youth village, a charismatic and voluble old gentleman who held forth for at least an hour on the strategies he uses to improve life for his charges. Everything he said was inspiring, but there was one phrase that stuck with me. “Schools are microcosms of the real world,” he said. “We must create, in schools, the world in which we wish to live.” It’s a surprising statement from someone who manages a school full of former juvenile delinquents. And yet, the village was a peaceful place. Kids relaxed and chatted in the cafeteria just like we do at North.

Kids strolled around in swimsuits on their way to the pool. "e place was wrapped in that lazy summer quiet I begin to miss so much as we move into fall. "ese kids have walked dozens of miles over African deserts, gone days without food, gone nights without a place to sleep. But it’s a testament to the healing power of the village that no one looked particularly unhappy. If a place like Yemin Orde can create an environment of peace and unobtrusive acceptance, imagine what we can do here at North. "ere some of the most estranged and lonely kids in the world have formed a community. We’re blessed with a school of 1,500 kids who, for the most part, experience lives free of the kind of trauma that plagues the teens at Yemin Orde. But we, like those students, have dreams that will become part of our collective future. What kind of world will we choose to create?

MONDAY: Lumberjack day COMMUNITY SERVICE: Donate school suppliesTUESDAY: Disney day COMMUNITY SERVICE: Donate toys WEDNESDAY: College day COMMUNITY SERVICE: Donate household cleaning supplies THURSDAY: Class color day COMMUNITY SERVICE: Harvester’s food drive FRESHMEN - BLUE SOPHOMORES - RED JUNIORS - GREEN SENIORS - BLACK Pep rally BONFIRE: Car show at 5:30 p.m., Music with DJ 6:00 p.m., Fireworks at darkFRIDAY: NO SCHOOL - TAILGATE 5:45 p.m. - 7 p.m at the DAC $10 adults, $6 students and children 18 and under game at the DAC at 7 p.m. vs. SME SATURDAY: Dance at BVN 8 p.m. - 11p.m. THEME: Candyland

HOMECOMING INFO Oct. 10 - 15

“Well this weird kid last week dressed as a banana and spelled out

homecoming in bananas on the sidewalk and danced around. It was pretty

awesome. I had to say yes to Taylor Wilson.”

-Vanessa Vlasic, senior

“I was gonna ask my Homecoming date and pulled up to her

neighborhood... a guy in a banana suit was there with a sign that said ‘HOMECOMING?’... I thought he

was asking my date.”- Peter Heausler, sophomore

“We were at Sumo and I tried to stand up to go to the bathroom... my heels fell

off my foot and I fell down.”- Lyndsey Saunders, sophomore

“Last year I was a foot taller than my date.”

- Maggie Banks, sophomore

“Sophomore year my date starting bear-hugging

know what to do!”-Brittni Walters, junior

“I tried to dance with my date freshman year and she screamed.”

-Steven Miles, junior

“Freshman year three random guys asked me and I was so shocked

I told them all no. ”-Sarah Jurgensmeyer, senior

24 the north star as we see it 09.23.11

MONDAY: Lumberjack day COMMUNITY SERVICE: Donate school suppliesTUESDAY: Disney day COMMUNITY SERVICE: Donate toys WEDNESDAY: College day COMMUNITY SERVICE: Donate household cleaning supplies THURSDAY: Class color day COMMUNITY SERVICE: Harvester’s food drive FRESHMEN - BLUE SOPHOMORES - RED JUNIORS - GREEN SENIORS - BLACK Pep rally BONFIRE: Car show at 5:30 p.m., Music with DJ 6:00 p.m., Fireworks at darkFRIDAY: NO SCHOOL - TAILGATE 5:45 p.m. - 7 p.m at the DAC $10 adults, $6 students and children 18 and under game at the DAC at 7 p.m. vs. SME SATURDAY: Dance at BVN 8 p.m. - 11p.m. THEME: Candyland

HOMECOMING INFO Oct. 10 - 15

“Well this weird kid last week dressed as a banana and spelled out

homecoming in bananas on the sidewalk and danced around. It was pretty

awesome. I had to say yes to Taylor Wilson.”

-Vanessa Vlasic, senior

“I was gonna ask my Homecoming date and pulled up to her

neighborhood... a guy in a banana suit was there with a sign that said ‘HOMECOMING?’... I thought he

was asking my date.”- Peter Heausler, sophomore

“We were at Sumo and I tried to stand up to go to the bathroom... my heels fell

off my foot and I fell down.”- Lyndsey Saunders, sophomore

“Last year I was a foot taller than my date.”

- Maggie Banks, sophomore

“Sophomore year my date starting bear-hugging

me on the dance floor. I didn’t know what to do!”

-Brittni Walters, junior

“I tried to dance with my date freshman year and she screamed.”

-Steven Miles, junior

“Freshman year three random guys asked me and I was so shocked

I told them all no. ”-Sarah Jurgensmeyer, senior

24 the north star as we see it 09.23.11