ATRIOTPTHEshawnee mission south | may 2010 | volume 44 | issue 8

LET’S GET PHYSICAL

Students and teachers share unique ways of staying fit pg. 16

STAND OUT SENIORS pg. 20

MASTERPIECESHOWCASE pg. 18

Editor-in-ChiefMARSHALL MILLER

News EditorKAVYA THYAGARAJAN

Opinions EditorJOSHUA KNOWLES

Features EditorMEGHA GARG

Arts & Entertainment EditorDANIELLE PHAM

Sports EditorMARSHALL MILLER

Staff WritersDAVEY JACKSONJIMMY LANGTONSARAH SALMONTERRISS FORD

ZACH FINKELSTEIN

Photo EditorEMMA HARDWICK

PhotographerELLIE CARTER

Ads EditorASHLEY BLACK

Chief Photo ConsultantsSLADE BURNS

DALTON GOMEZ

CartoonistCLARE DOLAN

Adviser

LINDA BARBER

GOT A QUESTION? E-mail us at

smspatriot@gmail.com

MayPATRIOTTH

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27The missing sardinesRepertory theater produces Noises Off

One last lessonRetiring teachers say their final farewell

Overcoming anorexiaStudent discusses coping with an eating disorder

Mad libbin’ it upDetermine how Dr. Gilhaus’s day will go with your own personal twist

Maloney sandwichPhoto teacher retires after 43 years at South

New beginningsGirls’ lacrosse team recently formed

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Cover: Senior Rachel Vavricek practices yoga on a daily basis. The tree pose is one of the many exercises in yoga.

Right: Samantha Morrow, sr., performs in the spring play. Noises Off was Rep Theatre’s first comedic performance this year.

photos Emma Hardwick

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My Farewell Address As I sit in the journalism room, I can only reflect on the vivid memories that I have had over my last three years on this staff. This newspaper has given me the opportunity to interact with some of South’s most talented students. The experiences and memories are ones that I will carry with me for years to come. I will forever remember the millions of sports games that I reported on, the countless hours track-ing down sources, and the life lessons that I will take away. It’s human nature to believe that it’s impossible for something to exist after we leave it. And even though newspapers around the world are struggling, I know that Patriot is in wonderful hands. Soon to be seniors, Terriss Ford and Danielle Pham are by far two of the most talented writers I have ever had the privilege of working with, and the new editors Davey Jackson, Jimmy Langton, and Casey Lee all have incredible amounts of potential. And though we set the bar high by being recognized as an All State Newspaper this year, I know that next year this publication will clear it. It has been truly wonderful getting the opportunity to be editor-in-chief this past year. While staying at school till 9pm some nights was less than terrific, it has all been worth it in the end. Thank you all for making Shawnee Mission South such a fantastic place to be for the past four years. I will certainly never forget it.

Marshall Miller

NEWSNEWS

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South SHORTS

The Pacesetters and Southettes had to work twice as hard to pull off a successful night of unforgettable performances. This year the dance teams performed in the auditorium instead of the gym in order to cut the cost of the dance filled nights. The cost dropped because the teams did not need to pay for additional lighting and curtains in the gym. Lisa Carson, coach of Pacesetters and Southettes, said, “Literally, we are saving thousands of dollars.” But a different cost for the new setting is the adaptation for the dancers who are used to performing in the gym. “Change, in general, is a challenge,” Carson said. “It’s just that it’s new and different. Everything they could

do in the gym they can do in the auditorium.” Carson said performing in the auditorium will make the nights more professional because of the sound quality and the lighting provided with the auditorium. But in order to achieve this professional look, the dancers had to modify their technique. “It’s hard to get adjusted to the auditorium,” Whitney Fowler ,a junior and Pacesetter, said. “It’s a lot smaller space than in the gym. You can’t see people in the back as easily, so we make sure to switch the formations.” To make these changes, the dancers poured hundreds of rehearsal hours into the show. Fowler said, “We started learning the

dances in February and we have been coming in at 6:30 a.m. for two hours a day, five days a week.” The early morning rehearsals were important, especially since the dance teams learned almost all of their dances exclusively for this performance. “Each team goes in with one contest routine, but everything else is brand new,” said Carson. Even with all the challenges the teams faced, Extravaganza was a night of flashbacks successfully carried out their theme “Do You Remember?” from the song “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire. “It went well,” Michelle Arnold, co-performance captain, “It was tiresome, but we pulled it together well.”

-JOSHUA KNOWLES

The Pacesetters dance to a Fresh Prince mix at the Extravaganza cuttings. The dance teams had to adjust to having the show in the auditorium this year. photo by Emma Hardwick

DANCE TEAMS PRESENT

EXTRAVAGANZA

Beautiful park benches and a quaint little patio represent a memorial dedicated to former associate principal Bruce Roach who died in the summer of 2007. Bookkeeper Sharon Anderson said that over $7500 has been raised by Roach’s family and friends to make the memorial possible. “Everybody wanted to tie in an environmental landmark people could look at outside. It’s going to be land-scaped,” said Bill Stiegemeier, associate principal. Because South faculty wanted to wait to make sure the memorial blended in with the courtyard, the project has been

in the works for two years. Roach left South in 1998, the time Principal Joe Gilhaus came to replace him. “I got to meet him by taking his place at South. He showed me what his job consisted of and gave me words of wisdom. From that, I got to know him more and more and became friends with him,” said Dr. Gilhaus. Stiegemeier feels this memorial is perfect to honor the former principal. “I personally would describe him (Roach) as extremely professional. He was very passionate about the way this building and grounds looked,” said Stiegemeier. -MEGHA GARG

MEMORIAL BUILT TO HONOR FORMER

PRINCIPAL

Bruce Roach was South’s former associate principal. A memorial is being built in his honor in the court-yard. photo courtesy of 1996 yearbook

NEWSNEWS

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RIF PUT INTO ACTION Thirty-seven of 2200 teachers will say good-bye to the Shawnee Mission School District after this year. The Board of Education was forced to reduce the number of teachers due to budget cuts. “It has been a very challenging year with the budget strains on our school. It is sad to have to let people go that you have become close with,” said Dr. Joe Gilhaus, principal. Of the teachers leaving the district, John McFall, Beth Richards, and Kelly Kaczmarczyk will not return to South due to the Reduction In Force. Historically, the district has ended up with fewer teachers than needed after yearly retirements and attrition. How-ever, this year there were more teachers than positions available. “Teachers not needed will be put on excess, meaning that they will be

placed in other schools according to need,” said Deb Zila, Board of Educa-tion representative. As of now, most of the teachers placed on excess have been reassigned to other buildings. The additional oversupply of teachers were RIF-affected and lost their jobs. Teachers who are affected by RIF may still have a future with the district. In fact, several elementary teachers have already been hired back. “People who are RIF-affected will be put on a call-back list. If there are resig-nations by other teachers in the RIF’d teacher’s department, they (the RIF affected teachers) will be contacted for possible reemployment,” said Dr. Gene Johnson, Superintendent of Shawnee Mission Schools. Gilhaus said, “We will continue to live up to the school that South is, and we will move forward despite setbacks.”

-ZACH FINKELSTEIN AND MEGHA GARG

POETRy SLAMMED! Passion-filled words filled Shawnee Mission South’s library April 15 as students performed their original works of poetry. “It’s all about performance poetry. The poet’s dramatization of the poem and the way they present it,” Said Amy Anderson English teacher. Jeffrey Storey, English teacher, and Anderson shared responsibility for the putting together of this year’s poetry slam. Storey said “Poetry slam is a great opportunity for students to perform original poetry in a competitive setting. It’s not just about reading poetry.” Poetry Slam is a competition, and the students are judged on the works they perform. “The judging criteria is loose,” said Anderson,” The judges are not profes-sional and it’s based off their lyrics and performance mostly.” There were only twelve contestants in this years South poetry slam and An-derson credits it mostly to the fact that it was set up last minute and they did not have enough time to advertise.

It is hard to fathom how some create their depths of feelings into words that flow and even rhyme. Adam Weinberger sophomore said “I guess I like to perform. I always wanted to perform and I can’t wait to get better when I’m older, and perform.” Weinberger said that it’s his environ-ment that inspires him and he likes to write about things he feels are impor-tant issues that need to be brought to attention. Weinberger was one of the four South students selected to go on to the first ever Shawnee Mission District poetry slam. “All six schools will send four stu-dents to Horizons. If they are chosen for the finals then they [students] will have a second poem ready,” explained Anderson. South did not place this year in the district poetry slam, but both Anderson and Storey expect to see a lot more participation and a more competitive spirit from south next year. -JIMMy LANGTON

Final Exam ScheduleDay 1Hour 1- 7:40-9:10 a.m.Hour 2- 9:20-10:50 a.m.Hour 3- 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Lunch (Optional) 12:30-1:10 p.m.Buses Depart -1:10 p.m.

Day 2Hour 4- 7:40-9:10 a.m.Hour 5- 9:20-10:50 a.m.Lunch (Optional) 10:50-11:30 p.m.Buses Depart-11:30 p.m.

Day 3Hour 6- 7:40-9:10 a.m.Hour 7- 9:20-10:50 a.m.Lunch (Optional) 10:50-11:30 p.m.Buses Depart- 11:30 p.m.

Adam Weinberger soph. performs his poetry at the first ever district poetry slam. Weinberger was one of South’s four highest scorers in the south poetry slam. photo by Ellie Carter

NEWSNEWS

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TEACHERS SAY GOODBYE TO SOUTH

Darrel Meador is a Chemistry teacher, and has been teaching at South for thirty years. He has taught both Biology and Chemistry. “I have never wanted to work in any school but South, and I have turned down all offers I have received Meador said “My favorite thing about South is the wonderful academic programs we have here and the dedicated staff that inspire students to learn.” One interesting hobby of Meador’s is riding his tandem bike with his wife across bike trails. “My parting wish is for South students to carry on the great tradition that South has created both in extracur-riculars and academics.”

DARREL MEADOR Linda Barber teaches Journalism, Advanced Journalism, Yearbook, and English 10, and she has been teaching at South for thirty-one years. “I enjoy my job because it offers a lot of variety. It is nice becasuse my job is different every day. I also personally love the lab atomosphere rather than a lecture class, because I get to know the students better,” said Barber. A little-known fact is that Barber played sports when she was growing up, and she even pitched a no-hitter when she played fast-pitch softball. Barber has enjoyed a whirlwind stay at South, and said, “I hope that South will continue with the excellence that it has achieved over its 44 years. I have al-ways said that I work at the best school in the state, and I meant every word.”

LINDA BARBER

Ken Roper teaches Physics at South, and has an unique tool to teach called Moodle. Roper has been teaching at South for forty years, but he has been teaching for forty four years including a duration at UMKC while teaching at South. Roper said, “I could have been a uni-versity professor, but I liked the students at South and if you feel comfortable then why leave?” Roper revealed that his most interest-ing experience was teaching a blind student physics. He said that it was truly a memorable experience. “When I retire I will find more time to enjoy my hobbies and to enjoy life to the fullest,” said Roper.

KEN ROPER

Guy Malone is the photography teacher and has taught the longest at South. Malone started working at South when the school opened in 1966. “I love the students at South, and I have unwavering belief that our school is one of the best in the state of Kan-sas,” said Malone. Although Malone is known for his duration at South, he is equally remem-bered for his incredible feat of throwing a football over the cafeteria from the faculty parking lot. Mr. Malone’s parting wish is for stu-dents and faculty to remember the rich traditon that South has created over its forty four year existence

GUY MALONE

JOAN MILROY CATHY WOOD

-ZACH FINKELSTEIN

Joan Milroy has been teaching for fourteen years at South and has taught Algebra II, Algebra I, and ACT Prep. “I feel very blessed because I love Algebra and math staff. I truly believe that Dr. Gilhaus is the best principal in the state,” said Milroy. She enjoys watcing KU Basketball games in her free time. “I get so in-volved that sometimes I can’t watch the end of a close game,” she said. Milroy also feels that playing her piono is a great stress reliever. “Some times I even like to sing along while I play,” said Milroy. “My parting wish is the that students and faculty carry on the stellar tradition that South is known for.”

Cathy Wood has been teaching at South for 29 years, and for her first 18 years, she taught KSMS and forensics. She now teaches theater, forensics, and debate. Wood said, “I love my job because no hour is the same. Instead of grading papers, I get to work with kids after school. I used to take part in these activities when I was in school, so its nice to relive those experiences through instructing my students.” When asked what she loves about South, Wood explained, “The ad-ministration is incredibly supportive, the faculty all get along very well, and the students are incredible,” said Mrs. Wood.

NEWSNEWS

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THE RESULTS ARE IN!

PATRIOT EDITORS

Editor-in-Chief: Terriss FordNews: Jimmy LangtonOpinions: Terriss FordFeatures: Davey JacksonA and E: Danielle PhamSports: Casey LeePhoto: Emma HardwickAds: Shay Phillips

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

President: Wesley CreadenVice-President: Caleb MarvinSecretary: Whitney FowlerTreasurer: Matthew George

HERITAGE EDITORS

Editor-in-Chief: Kirby O’NealStudent Life: Alex Alfaro Academics: Mairin KazmiOrganizations: Ariana TurnerCopy: Sheyda AbvabiPhoto: Ali LacyAds: Clare Dolan

STUDENT BODY OFFICERS

President: Ryan KnightVice-President: Doug BrownSecretary: Delaney EiltsTreasurer: Jordyn Smith

JUNIOR CLASS OFFICERS

President: Terra BrockmanVice-President: Elise HaasSecretary: Caroline BuschTreasurer: Hannah Johnson

SENIOR CLASS OFFICERS

President: Dan BoxlerVice-President: Keaton WardSecretary: Jenna PedersenTreasurer: Monica Yeung

SOPHOMORE CLASS OFFICERS

President: Logan VavricekVice-President: Mary DistefanoSecretary: Sarah SpradlingTreasurer: Rachel North

SPANISH HONOR SOCIETY

President: Kindall ShenefieldVice-President: Whitney FowlerSecretary: Alana StewardTreasurer: Kevin SikesHistorian: Rachel Iba

FRENCH HONOR SOCIETY

President: Olivia HansenVice-President: Jenna PedersenSecretary: Kristen JensonTreasurer: Brett WagnerHistorian/Publicity: Vicki Iba

photos by Ellie Carter

LEADERS ANNOUNCED FOR NExT YEAR

OP-EDOP-ED

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Admit it. Everyone has noticed how dirty the school is. If a student puts his backpack on the floor and drags it a few centimeters to pick it up, he will notice a fresh layer of dust straight from the floor. This is no fault of the custodial workers. They are working hard every day to pick up trash, clean up big messes, and keep this school as clean as they can make it. How-ever, you cannot expect them to be scrub-bing the floor on their hands and knees with a toothbrush. There are only thirteen custodians and around 1600 students at South, so why are they the only ones doing any of the work? Aside from the general dust problem, some students seem to be going out of their way to make this school dirtier. When a student spits their gum out directly on the floor or leaves milk to spoil in his or her locker, how can the custodians keep track of everything? Students need a new outlook on how to treat the school. Not only should they just pick up after themselves, they should be respectful of the place in which they spend thirty-five hours of the week. There is no need for someone to spit at the wall for fun or stick a piece of gum under the desk.

School should be treated like another home. You may only be here for four years, but in the those four years, school is prob-ably the place you spend most of your time only second to home. We should be helping out the janitors. It does not have to be anything big but anyone can do their part by picking up that small piece of trash in the halls or cleaning up their own mess. And to see an improvement of the cleanli-ness school, an indoor South Beautification Day is suggested. If the students took one day out to clean the inside of the school, South would be a much more beautiful place in a short amount of time. If every classroom had ten students each dusting, wiping, and Swiffering, it wouldn’t take that much time or work to make this school a brighter place. You would get to spend a few hours with your friends inside the school, not learning, and you would feel accomplished in making the school a lot cleaner. If every student in the school came to-gether to accomplish one task, that is 1600 fewer jobs the custodians wouldn’t have to do, and 1600 small efforts that would make this school a cleaner place.

What could students do to

keep the school clean?

“People need to pick up their trash; we’re old enough to pick up after

ourselves.”Kadijah Lockhart, soph.

“Students should be required to help clean the school every now and

then.”Gabby Hellbusch, jr.

“We should put recycle bins and trash cans in more

places in the school.”Dylan Gomez, soph.

Home away from homeStudents need to do their part to keep the school clean

Illustration by Clare Dolan

OP-EDOP-ED

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By Terriss Ford

Behind the Smile

I’m disgustingly overweight and don’t deserve to eat, can’t

afford to eat.

There’s an undeniable shooting pain in my stomach. I know how to make it stop but I refuse to. It hurts more than I thought it would. It hurts so much and it gets worse everyday. I feel like it’ll never end. It won’t stop hurting until the pathetic day it becomes routine. I’ve been starving for sixteen days, living on two to four granola bars a week. I’m a horrendous whale that could hardly be called a seventh grader. I’m disgustingly overweight and don’t deserve to eat, can’t afford to eat. The cafeteria food at Indian Woods is so tantalizing but there’s no way I’ll indulge. I’ll sit here and watch the other kids eat. The skinny kids will all ask me why I haven’t been eating and I’ll lie to them. I’ll tell them all I have no money in my lunch account. I’ll tell them all I ate a big breakfast. I’ll tell none of them that I’m too ashamed of my appearance to even look at a hamburger. I’m in eighth grade now and the teachers have caught on. I tell them my lies but they aren’t as naïve. They try to force me to eat at lunch but I resist. You can’t make me eat anything. Who are you, my mom? They back off for a while but it’s obvious they aren’t done. They think I’m too poor to afford food. That’s laughable but it’s a problem. I can’t have them snooping around and I can’t have them contacting my parents. I come to school with the lunch money I had been saving since I obviously wasn’t buying anything. I’ve had to adapt to a new system. I buy the food and then dispose of it after a few bites. I’m a genius and they’re a lot less suspicious now; I can get on with my life. I’m a freshman in high school. I’m finally slimming down but the pain is at its peak. I don’t know what to do. My stomach no longer growls but instead it screams in agony, begging me to stop the years of torture but I’m stubborn and cruel. The torture continues.

It’s starting to take its toll. I’m beginning to lose sleep. It’s hard to stand up straight and the headaches never stop. I’m falling up the stairs on a daily basis and most of the time, I feel like I cant breathe. I no longer hate my body but now it hates me. Is this actually a disease? It’s a choice. I’m not sick or unhealthy. I can stop this if I want. This isn’t an addiction. I’m lying again, but this time to myself. I’m aware of what I’ve done. Freshman year is ending and into my life comes a savior; my best friend. He knows what I’ve been doing. Everyone does by now.

My friend is helping me now. He’s makes me buy lunch at school and watches me eat it. I’m contemplating throwing it up. No. I won’t go that far. I eat the food everyday. It feels good but also unnatural. I am no longer accustomed to eating regularly. Food has become foreign. Sophomore year came fast and now I eat quite often. Only because Patrick

makes me, however I am still not a fan. Finally, I decide I have to know why he’s so invested in this. Why do you care if I eat or not? I’ve been doing just fine. I haven’t been. He looks at me and then he tells me his reason. He doesn’t want to lose me because of something stupid. This changes me. Time passes quickly and I mature. I am a junior in high school, almost a senior. My growth has been stunted and my frame, uncomfortably thin. I eat when I’m hungry but the sensation is rare. My mind has been tricked too many times. Years of self-consciousness and insecurity caused me to do terrible things to myself. However it has also taught me plenty. I look back and I find it amusing that my friend was afraid of losing me, when I had lost myself so long before.

Junior reflects on past complications with anorexia

OP-EDOP-ED

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QMARSHALL MILLERNewspaper Editor-in-Chief

Q: What college are you going to and what will you major in?A: Valparaiso University with a double major in sports management and business administration

Q: Where is your favorite place on South’s campus?A: The gym. So many things happened there. Just being in the stands watching games I’ll never forget.

Q: What will you miss most about South?A: The people. I’m going to miss seeing everyone five days a week.

Q: What is your favorite cafeteria meal?A: I don’t really have one. I haven’t eaten a cafeteria meal in three years.

Q: If you were a billiard ball, which one would you be?A: I’d be the 8 ball because you always have to watch out for it.

Q: What Kansas City team do you like the most?A: The Royals. My love for them will never die.

Q: What was the most challenging part of senior year?A: Calc BC because it by far is the hardest class in the school.

Q: What is your favorite book you had to read for school?A: Of Mice and Men from Mr. Allen’s sophomore English class because I thought it was a really good story. It has some themes of the American dream and watching out for your brother.

Q: What was your “Gotcha!” strategy?A: Get them when they least expect it and move them out of their comfort zone.

Q: How has being on newspaper affected your high school experience?A: Well, it’s given me a wonderful opportunity to be in leadership roles. It’s given me a chance to work with people I usually wouldn’t have worked with.

Q: What is your favorite quote?A: “If you put your effort and concentration into playing to your potential, to be the best that you can be, I don’t care what the scoreboard says. At the end of the game, in my book, we’re gonna be winners.” -Gene Hackman, Hoosiers

Q: What is better: Newspaper or Yearbook?A: Newspaper! Hands down. We were recoginized as an All-State newspaper for the first time in the school’s history.

OP-EDOP-ED

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RACHEL VAVRICEKYearbook Editor-in-Chief

Q: What college are you going to and what will you major in?

A: I’m going to University of Wisconsin Stout and majoring in graphic

communication management.

Q: What is your favorite high school event?A: Yearbook Distribution Day! Duh.

Q: If you were a billiard ball, which one would you be?A: The cue ball. It’s the most important and you can’t play the

game without it.

Q: What is your favorite quote?A: “Carpe diem.” (Seize the day.) You can’t let any day pass you by. You have to take every opportunity.

Q: What was the most challenging part of senior year?A: Making it through, but it’s almost done. I can leave now.

Q: What is your favorite Beyoncé song?A: “Telephone” because the video makes no sense and it’s flippin’ awesome!

Q: What does green and gold mean to you?A: Probably not the most flattering colors, but Raider Pride, of course!

Q: What is your favorite book you had to read for school? A: I really enjoyed Slaughterhouse Five because it was crazy awesome.

Q: How has being on yearbook affected your high school experience?A: It has made my career decision for me and taken an ample amount of time. And it has altered my perspective of the high school experience.

Q: Where do you shop the most?A: There’s this place on 12th Street and Bridge called the Good Juju and it has the craziest things you’ll ever see in your life.

Q: What is better: Newspaper or Yearbook?A: Yearbook. I love The Patriot; don’t get me wrong. But the yearbook is something you keep forever and you miss half a day of school for it.

&

A

Interviews by Joshua Knowles

SHOW

“Yes. It gives more people opportunities for college

credit.”-David Scott, sr.

“It’s more convenient at home. There’s not as much stress because you don’t have to wake

up at six in the morning.”-Demarcus Knighton, jr.

“Yes. That way people have more time in school to pursue what they

are really passionate about.”-Rachel Bernard, sr.

BY MEGHA GARG Online classes are an excellent tool students have in high school. Right now, only Health and US Government are offered online, but in the future, more online classes should be offered to students. Additional classes in English, science, and math would be great additions to the list of classes. With more online classes, students will have the opportu-nity to get prerequisites and needed credits out of the way. A singer or performer can get English and math out of the way to take more choir and performance classes during the school year. In the end, taking classes centered on the student’s interest will be more beneficial to the student because this makes a high school resume more impressive, especially if a student is applying to a music or art school.

Online classes are a great alternative to summer school. Many students cannot attend summer school because of jobs or prior family commitments. With online classes, students have the ability to study from their computers whether they are in Overland Park or New York City. Compared to summer school, students also do not need to sit in five hour blocks. A student would study a subject on his/her own time. If a student is willing to independently study a subject, the student is probably motivated enough to finish the course and receive an acceptable grade. They paid $150 to take it in the first place so throwing away the money and not finishing the course would not be an option. With online classes, traditional classes could possibly become smaller. This would lead to a smaller teacher to student ratio, which in the end benefits the students academically and the teachers with more focus on individual students. Also online classes would also be less expensive for the district. This is economically efficient for a district that is going through a budget crisis. In conclusion, online classes would be beneficial for students getting ahead in the school year. And they are financially beneficial for the district. More online classes should be adopted in the following years.

PRO

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Should SMSD offer

OP-EDOP-ED

SHOW

OP-EDOP-ED

SHOWDOWN Online classes: Way of the future or flawed system? Many high school and colleges offer online classes, but they are not equivalent to a classroom course. Shawnee Mission South should not offer any more online classes than they already do. South offers US Government and Health online, and for students, this may seem like a great deal. Not only are these classes shorter in length, but you don’t have to travel anywhere except for walking to the nearest computer. Although these online classes could be significantly beneficial, there are many setbacks to online classes. First and foremost, the lack of communication between teachers and pupils can be a problem. For instance, a student e-mails the teachers asking for a grade progress report, but because of the number of students that a teacher may have for an online course, it could take a while before the student heard anything back. Secondly, the lack of connection between student and teacher can interfere with the student’s learning. One of the biggest factors of a student’s work ethic in a class depends on whether the student enjoys the teacher’s teaching style and their personality. In an online class, the student may never actually meet the teacher, and if they do, it will be in a very informal setting for a short amount of time. Online classes aren’t seem fair to students going to school every day and sitting through a 50 minute classes

while online students can work at their own pace and as unconventionally as they want. Another issue is that the teachers must rely on the honor system of the student. For example, when taking a test in a classroom, there is supervision by the teacher. In an online class, there is nothing keeping a student from using the Internet while taking the test. Overall, online classes aren’t a beneficial learning tool due to the lack of formality and the loop holes that supervene during the class.

“Having online school is a good option, but it takes away from

the school experience.”-Katie Walter, jr.

“No. The online classes go by so quickly. You don’t learn as much

as you would in a semester.”-Kathryn McCarthy, fr.

“If you don’t understand something and it’s online, it’s

more difficult to get help.”-Kayleigh Houde, soph.

BY ZACH FINKELSTEIN

CON

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more online courses?

New student organization allows Latin American students to explore their rich heritage Sounds of Spanish music or serious discussions of Hispanic culture can be overheard by anyone walking past room 251 on Thursdays after school. Heritage of Latin Americans, or HOLA is a new student-led organiza-tion aimed towards Hispanic students and those interested in the Hispanic culture. It is the only one of its kind in the school district. “The purpose (of HOLA) is for His-panic students to feel a sense of be-longing and give them confidence to step out and become part of the larg-er community,” said Jennifer Owens, sponsor of HOLA. HOLA was the brainchild of Ber-nardo Carrillo, sr., and president. “I had this idea since junior year,

but people started being interested after Bizfest, a business program for Hispanic students,” said Carrillo. During meetings, students discuss issues facing the Hispanic community such as a law recently passed in Ari-zona regarding illegal immigration, Hispanic leaders in the country, and pop culture. “Our main objective is to help Latin American students at South and to in-spire them to be more school-involved, and we deal with stereotypes and how it makes us feel,” said Vice President Stephany Herrera, sr. Recently, they discussed their future aspirations and plans for the club next year. “Because HOLA is a new group we

still have to earn the respect of the othert clubs,” said Herrera. Since the organization was just cre-ated second semester, the group hasn’t had enough time to bloom. “For the time that it’s been a group, it has been pretty successful,” said Her-rera. There are about thirty members involved in the club. Carrillo and Herrera plan to keep checking in next year to make sure things are going smoothly. “We might come back several times as guest speakers or to help out,” said Herrera, “It’s in the underclassmen’s hands now.”

-KAvyA ThyAgArAjAN

Orquidia Amdino, Fr. (Left), Karen Cierra, Soph. (Middle) and Leandro Cortez, Sr. w(Right) listen intently during an HOLA meeting. There are about thirty members involved in the club. HOLA president Bernado Carrillo(Left) and HOLA member Ulyssus Arriaga(Right) speak at meeting after school. HOLA is a new group that was created at the beginning of the semester.

FEATURESFEATURES

14 Photos by Ellie Carter

heritage

OF

LATIN

AMErICANS

Performing a play within a play may sound peculiar but South’s Repertory Theater pulled it off in their performance of the comically dramatic production Noises Off.

The play within Noises off involves nine people who put on a nonsensical production called Nothing On.

“The first act is when they are running through their dress rehearsal when you learn about all their interpersonal in-trigues” said Lynette Williams, director.

In the second act, the entire set is completely flipped around giving the viewer a look of the chaos that proceeds backstage. Meanwhile as this chaos continues the actors on the other side of the set are putting on the play Nothing On.

“Backstage people are fighting over whiskey, shoving cac-tuses in places, and chasing people with axes,” said Williams. “It’s a good fifty minutes of silence, just actions which they had to memorize.”

Towards the end of their run all the chaos from love tri-angles, rumors, and other private matters spill into the cast’s performance and ruins one of their last few shows.

Williams chose to do Noises Off because she thought it was hilarious. She said Rep Theatre needed a comedy because they have only performed dramatic productions throughout

the year.Christian Goldt, jr., played Selsdon, an elderly drunk who

stashes alcohol on stage. “I had a lot of creative leeway for my character and more

comedic freedom,” said Goldt.Goldt also thought Noises Off was a funny, well-written play

which was what drew him to it. The set of Noises Off is the largest Williams has built during

her five years at South. “It was a two-story, fully rotating set with eight doors and a

set of windows which had to break appropriately,” said Wil-liams.

The entire production involved forty to fifty students and required a technical advisor to build the set, on top of renting blueprints.

“I spent four Saturdays, thirty eight hours, and had two hours of rep every day,” said Goldt.

The issues in Noises Off are still prevalent in today’s society from complicated love triangles to alcoholism, but the manner in which they are addressed is portrayed in a comical way.

-JIMMY LANGTON

REPERTORY THEATRE PRESENTS CLASSIC COMEDY

Junior Charlie Meredith acts frantic with a blanket “glued” to his head. Noises Off is a comedy about a play within the play. photo by Emma Hardwick

NoisesOff

27

FITTEST

Bender BallPro: More comfortable than a regular crunchCon: Statistics are not proven or very believable

Belly Burner weight loss BeltPro: Works with your body to create more heat than normal exerciseCon: Weight lost is mostly water weight, not actual fat

neckline slimmerPro: Actually tightens necklineCon: Expensive and works better for tightening loose skin rather than burning fat; results are questionable

FITTESTWhen most people think of dance

exercises -- old ladies, jazzercise, and Richard Simmons come to mind. However Zumba is a fresher take on old school aerobic exercises.

“Zumba is dance style aerobics, but it’s set to Latin music like salsa, me-rengue, and some hip-hop too,” said Elizabeth Gordon, Spanish teacher.

Gordon first learned about Zumba while in Mexico last summer.

“My ex-boyfriend’s mom dragged me to class. I almost died,” said Gordon. “The instructor ran the class boot camp style; it was intense.”

However intense the workout may be, Gordon still greatly enjoys Zumba.

“I always look forward to going [to class] because it’s fun,” said Gordon. “Rather than running ten miles or dreading working out at the gym, I think, ‘yeah I got Zumba class to-

night!’” Varsha Subramanyam, sr., also en-

joys Zumba.“It’s an informal atmosphere, and

the group class makes it better,” said Subramanyam.

Subramanyam decided to take Zum-ba because it is offered at her athletic club and sounded interesting.

“My instructor was a very young, attractive, Hispanic man; that was an incentive,” said Subramanyam.

However, Zumba isn’t always full of good looking men.

“It tends to be mostly older ladies, sort of like a water aerobics class,” said Gordon.

Old ladies and boot-camp instructors aside, Zumba is a good way to make getting exercise more enjoyable.

-daVey Jackson

FITTESTZumBa

FITTESTFITTESTFITTESTsurvival of the

ZUMBA ZUMBA ZUMBA ZUMBA

Varsha Subraman-yam, sr., demonstrates some moves commonly used in Zumba. She takes Zumba classes at her athletic club. photos by Emma Hardwick

16

odd ways to get fit...

Many people have a preconceived no-tion that yoga is all about twisting one’s self into pretzels and an assortment of other complex poses. This is far from the truth.

“Anybody can do yoga,” said Shagane Sigler, Russian and French teacher. “It’s all about focus, determination, and peace of mind.”

In addition to teaching a foreign language, Sigler also teaches a special type of yoga called Bikram Yoga, more commonly known as “Hot Yoga.”

“It’s an intelligent sequence yoga,” said Sigler, “There are twenty-six poses and two breathing exercises, each re-peated twice.”

Another thing that makes Hot Yoga

different from other forms of yoga is the atmosphere.

“The lessons are an hour and a half long in a 108 degree room with thirty percent humidity,” said Sigler. “It will kick your butt like nothing else.”

In addition to providing a great work-out, Hot Yoga also offers other health benefits.

“Its very therapeutic. It massages your organs and works almost ninety-percent of your muscles,” said Sigler.

Sigler has taught Hot Yoga to many different people including Priest Holmes, former running back for the Kansas City Chiefs.

-daVey Jackson

FITTESTchicken nuggets calories - 240protein - 15 gcarbs - 14 gtotal fat - 13 gsat fat - 3 gchol - 75 mgsodium - 450 mg

otis sPunkmeyer chocolate chiP cookies (per cookie)calories - 180protein - 2 gcarbs - 27 gtotal fat - 8 gsat fat - 4 gchol - 10 mgsodium - 130 mg

colossal Burgercalories - 694protein - 35 gcarbs - 35.5 gtotal fat - 45 gsat fat - 18 gchol - 103 mgsodium - 1213 mg

deli wraPscalories - 336protein - 15.8 gcarbs - 40 gtotal fat - 11.2 gsat fat - 3.6 gchol - 36 mgsodium - 1262 mg

FITTESTFITTEST

“Difficult, intense, and rewarding,” said Jordan White, sr., when explaining the new phenomenon P90X, a DVD workout that claims to create “ripped abs” in ninety days.

Some may wonder if paying $120 for an at-home exercise DVD is costly, but according to three seniors, it is well worth the cost.

Customers of P90X typically work out for an hour a day. Within this hour the users are subject to a rigorous sweat-in-ducing workout that is supposed to push users into another level of fitness.

“I have been doing some other work-outs and they were kind of boring,” said Jordan White, sr., “I needed something more structured and intense.”

Some have probably seen P90X in-fomercials on late night TV and thought the program looked a little cheesy.

Nathan Shaw, sr., says the infomer-cials make P90X look “ridiculous,” but he believes the program works and is worth the cost.

“The program is aimed more to-wards middle-aged people, but they have different levels and apply to any demo-graphic,” said White.

All three seniors felt the program gave them the results around the time promised in the program.

“Around the forty day mark, I saw a big difference,” said Kirth Cannon, sr.

“I was becoming over all stronger and my cardio improved,” said White. “I was lifting a lot more in weights and other people commented on my appearance.”

White also felt that the program helped him gain determination and self will by dedicating time to the program.

-Jimmy langton

P90X

yoga

FITTESTFITTESTFITTESTsurvival of the

P90XP90XP90XP90XP90X

YOGAYOGA

YOGAYOGAYOGA

17

inside your cafeteria food...

For more nutrition facts on your favorite school treats, visit

httP://www.smsd.org/Parents/foodserVices.htm

If the old saying, “a picture tells a thousand words” were true, then the Shawnee Mission School District Art Show would have talked, and talked, and talked, but not for nearly as long as it used to.

“We lost a permanent venue when the Mission Mall closed,” said Guy Malone, photography teacher. “The problem is finding a public place where people would be attracted to go in and look at the work.”

For the past few years, the District Art Show has been in many different locations including a furniture store near the Plaza and a warehouse in the Crossroads Art District. Many of the locations have also been smaller than previous years, causing each teacher to choose less pieces to be displayed.

“We have to display a third to a fourth less pieces. We could display about thirty pieces at the mall and now we can display only five to ten,” said Malone.

In addition to finding an accessible location, the district has had trouble finding a spot that is available for a reasonable amount of time.

“This year it’s one night and one morning,” said Malone. “It used to be a week at the mall.”

Because of the limit on the amount of pieces shown, many students felt especially honored to have their work selected.

“I was so thankful. South has some awesomely talented people and to have my work displayed with theirs was great,” said Ashley Jagow, soph.

Jagow had a photograph of icicles

entered in the art show. But for her, photography is more than just a hobby.

“When I take a picture it’s not just something I capture with my cam-era. It’s like taking a picture of your memory and turning it into art,” said Jagow.

Joan Brandt, art teacher, looks for many qualities in a student’s piece before selecting it to be displayed.

“It has to have good craftsmanship, show advanced skill, be pleasing to the eye, exhibit elements, and principles of design, and the student has to have a good work ethic,” said Brandt.

These qualifications make getting into the art show tough, but for Emily Jackson, fr., it made her selection even more satisfying.

“It was exciting because I was the only freshman with a photo displayed, so I felt really lucky and proud,” said Jackson.

Elizabeth Allen, jr., also had a piece displayed in the show.

“It was a still life of random objects. It was hard to draw because all of the objects were so random, including a very old-fashioned, intricate table fan,” said Allen.

Allen has had an affinity for art ever since elementary school.

“I love when you’re working on something and you lose track of time,” Allen said. “You stop thinking about everything else and your thoughts be-come another language when making art. The world simply becomes what you are working on.”

-DAVEY JACKSON

for the ARTS

Students submit art to annual district show

CLARE DOLAN, JR.

MEGAN PYLE, JR.

STEPHANIE MORROW, SR.22

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FEATURESFEATURES

This is Mad-lib-ness!Instructions: Do not look at the story below this box. Instead, write down one word matching the category (e.g. plural noun) for each of the numbers. When you’re done insert them into the story below. Have fun!

1. adjective ____________________2. noun _______________________3. noun _______________________4. noun_______________________5. noun _______________________6.song _______________________7. past verb___________________8. -ing verb ____________________9. exclamation _________________

10. body part _________________11. same body part ____________12. -ing verb __________________13. teacher ___________________14. piece of clothing ___________15. -ing verb __________________16. -ing verb __________________17.-ing verb __________________18. plural noun _______________

19. -ing noun ___________20.-ing noun____________21. noun_______________22. past verb___________

It was just like every other (1)__________morning for Dr. Joe Gil-

haus. Wake up, grab some (2)__________, kiss the (3)__________ “Good-

bye,” and head up to good old (4)__________.

Driving in his (5)__________ Dr. G. cranked some (6)__________

and (7)__________ on into the parking lot. When he got out of his car, he

stumbled across a couple (8)__________.

“(9)__________!” he yelled. “What are you kids doing?! My

(10)__________! My precious (11)__________!”

“Oh sorry Dr. G! We were just (12)__________,” said the students.

“It won’t happen again!”

Suddenly, (13)__________appears wearing a(n) (14)__________.

“Good golly Miss Molly!” exclaimed Gilhaus. “What are you wear-

ing?! This is a place of learning not a place of (15)__________.”

“Get hip Dr. G, it’s 2010, the year of (16)__________ and

(17)__________.”

“I’m tired of these (18)__________ disgracing our school with

their (19)__________and their (20)__________.” Gilhaus announced

at an emergency staff meeting. “We need to do something to stop this

(21)__________.”

The next day Gilhaus (22)__________.

If you have a cool mad-lib show us! Submit to smspatriot@gmail.com or go to room

195. The winner will receive a $5 gift card to IHOT and have his/her mad-lib placed in the

announcements!

Students receiving admis-sion to prestitigious schools and programs include (from left to right) Mikhail Yakhnis, Matthew Hennek, Johannes Swanepoel, and Maria Taboada. Taboada and Yakhnis were accepted to Ivy League schools while Hennek and Swanepoel were accepted to prestigious programs at the University of Kansas and Boston Conservatory.-photos by Emma Hardwick

and Ellie Carter

4The Fantastic

Next year, this student will join the ranks of Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and President Barack Obama. With goals toward becom-ing a big name publisher, Maria Taboada, sr., will at-tend Columbia University in New York City, New York. “I am hoping to major in English and maybe double major in economics or just take business classes instead,” said Taboada. She plans to use her busi-ness classes to her advantage. “Publishing is a business,” she said. “It will give me a bit more of an edge to take some business classes.” One factor that influenced Taboada to go to Columbia was the location. “Columbia is situated in New York City. It is the pub-lishing capital of the United States, if not the world,” she said. Columbia University also gives its students many internship and work study opportunities. Other than her career, Taboada looks forward to the student body at Columbia. “It seems like it will be very diverse and colorful,” said Taboada.

-JOSHUA KNOWLES

When people think of the student ranked first in his class, they think of a complete nerd who doesn’t participate in school activities and whose only love is school. Mikhail Yakhnis completely shatters this stereotype by not only being intelligent but also well rounded in sports and music. “Being studious is very im-portant to me, but I believe that it is equally important to be well rounded, which I will take into consideration in college,” said Yakhnis. Mikhail scored a thirty-four on the ACT and a 2260 on the SAT. Along with this, he also wrote a total of three essays in his application to Cornell. As successful as he has been in high school, Yakhnis is looking forward to a fresh start in college. He will attend the Cornell Univer-sity the fall. He will study mechanical engineering and has very high ambitions for college. He has already been awarded a $34,000 financial stimulus for attending Cor-nell and hopes to do research on renewable energy.

-ZACH FINKELSTEIN

The Writer The Engineer The Athlete The Singer Some people may consider themselves all around ath-letes, but not many people’s achievements even rival the accomplishments of Shaw-nee Mission South student Johannes Swanepoel. Johannes was on the foot-ball team, plays rugby, and is a star javelin thrower. He plans to attend KU in the fall on an athletic scholarship for javelin. Swanepoel said, “My reason for going to KU is that my javelin coach is one of the best in the country.” “Because of sports, I will most likely be out of town every weekend. My hope would be to walk on to the football team my sophomore year,” said Swanepoel. Johannes revealed that his future would have been much different in his home country of South Africa. “Back in South Africa, I would have taken over six family farms with the smallest having 4000 acres of land,” said Swanepoel. Overall, Johannes will definitely be a force to reckon with in the sports world.

-ZACH FINKELSTEIN

Most high school students would do anything to avoid listening to opera, but Matthew Hennek, sr., hopes to major in it. “I am going to Boston Conservatory of Music for Vocal Performance in Opera,” said Hennek. “I would like to get my master’s in music education.” He looks forward to going to the city of Boston where he can make connections with other people in music. “The location is great,” said Hennek. “Boston is a great city for opera.” Hennek hopes that his time in Boston will help launch him into a singing career and eventually perform at The Metropolitan Opera in New York, New York. “I’d love to perform there one day,” Hennek said. “It would be a dream come true.” Hennek said his dream is to professionally sing opera and to get others to see the joy he sees in it. “Everyone thinks they hate opera, but if they give it a chance, they may actually like it,” said Hennek.

-JOSHUA KNOWLES

Students receive acceptance to elite universities and programs

21

CLASSROOMcouture1 Chain-Link NecklaceThis necklace is one small detail that gives this pol-ished look more of an urban feel. Even being such a trivial aspect, any accessory can add an “umph!” to an outfit. Urban Outfitters

2 Cotton Motorcycle JacketPerfect for windy days and chilly classrooms, this motorcycle-inspired jacket adds an edgy but clean feel to this classy ensemble. Forever 21

3 Crop TopThis pleated top is easy on the eyes with the soft pas-tel color. The shirt’s drapery is flattering on any body type and gives off an effortless chic vibe.Forever 21 4 Leather Shoulder BagBags are a must for girls at school, on a shopping trip, or on the go. And of course, what hard-edge look would be complete without some leather? Arizona Trading Company

5 High-Waisted Mini Skirt This year, high-waisted is the new low-rider and Sharden knows exactly how to sport this mini. Forever 21

6 Metallic Lace-UpsThese oxfords add a pop of glitz and glam to this ensemble with its space-age metallic silver. This type of shoe is very practical for school but still gives you a sense of style. DSW

photo by Emma Hardwick

SHARDEN GRIMM, jr., knows how to look sophisticated with a hard edge twist.

”My sister is my inspiration because she’s going to school for fashion.”

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Cobra StarShip & 3oh!3

Coming up in kCUptown Theatre 5.19

50 Cent Midland Theatre6.10

DaughtrY Sprint Center 5.25

mgmtUptown Theatre

6.13

SugarLanDSprint Center6.18

baCkStreet boYSMidland Theatre

6.21

miChaeL bubLeSprint Center 6.26

JuStin bieberSprint Center 7.28

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After forty-three memorable, inspir-ing, and fulfilling years, Shawnee Mission South will be saying goodbye to a legacy.

Guy Malone, photography teacher and head of the fine arts department, plans to retire after the current school year.

Malone started his career as a teacher when the school was just a year old in 1967. He has practically seen it all from the beginning.

Most students know Malone as the charismatic photography teacher down the hall, but in the beginning he was just a twenty-one year old guy fresh out of college.

“When I started I wanted to major in art, and I wanted to do athletics and coach,” said Malone. “So I got a double major, one in art, one in physical educa-tion.”

At the time, South was in need of both art and physical education teachers, so it was as if he was destined for the job. For his first years as a teacher, he was able to teach a combination of both subjects. Malone was also able to take the position of assistant football coach.

After eight to ten years of teaching, the school was in need of a full-time art and P.E. teacher because enrollment was increasing. Malone chose art.

“I was tired of the hassle of the gym, and I wanted to do art anyways,” said Malone. “I like to see if I can stimulate those who have talent in the art area to strive for higher things and better quality of work.”

Over the years, Malone has taught all of the art classes at some point, not just photography. He went from teaching the Art Foundations class where he did not

even have his own classroom to teaching all of the photography classes.

“When I came up from P.E. I would teach on [other teachers’] planning periods so I would have a class in their room,” he said. “I was kind of a [travel-ing] teacher. I would teach in each of the art rooms because I didn’t have a room of my own.”

From the beginning Malone under-stood the work ethic and goal of Shaw-nee Mission South and strived to meet the standard.

“It was very challenging. All of the teachers were very driven to have the best school in the United States and everything was geared towards being the top, and I liked that,” he said. “The administration was very good. They were very disciplined; they backed the teach-ers; we had great kids, good academics,

Photography teacher reminisces past forty-three years before retiring

saying goodbye

to an

24

ICONICONICONICON

good athletics. It was just an ideal place to teach.”

With all of the years spent at South, Malone definitely saw a change with each passing generation, however he said it happened very gradually.

“Everything just kind of evolves,” said Malone. “Everything changed slowly so you don’t notice the change, but there is a huge change between that first year and this year. “

Some of the things that have changed since Malone’s early years were the school dress code and the assigned lunch seating.

“I saw Mr. [Tony] Budetti with his sandals and socks, and I told him our principal when we started school here would have had a heart attack if he saw that,” Malone said. “We were so strict

about the way teachers dressed that I could not come up and eat lunch in the cafeteria with my gym clothes on. I had to put my coat and tie on to come to lunch.”

“And in the cafeteria you were as-signed a cafeteria table. You couldn’t’ leave that table until everybody was finished and the table was cleaned up,” he said.

After all these years and all the history Malone has experienced, he said the reason he wanted to retire was because he had “hit the wall.”

After leaving South, he is thinking about teaching adult night classes, open-ing up a dark room, or reopening the photo studio in his home.

Although the year is not over, mem-bers of the faculty are already starting to

revere Malone. “He’s bought a level of quality and

respect and really safeguarded those high values that they originally had when they started the school,” said Jill Bayne, art teacher. “He is such a pillar of strength for the students and has such a wealth of knowledge that you’re basically losing an icon to South. “

“Part of what I’ll miss is the idea that he’s always been there to take care of things,” said Fritz Buster, Art teacher. “I’d say he’s been the father of the art depart-ment. He’s been very instrumental in a lot of programs that have started in the school. Somebody’s going to have to fill his shoes, and those are big shoes to fill.”

-DANIELLE PHAM

25

The photo collage assignment has been the final project for Guy Malone’s Photo 1 class for many years. Students take many photos of one subject and fit the pictures together.

photo collage by Emma Hardwick

A&E A&E

Avi BuffaloAvi Buffalo

Avi Buffalo is an up and coming band reminiscent of The Shins with a more up tempo beat and a wider vari-ety of instruments.

Avi Zahner-Isenberg, lead singer/guitarist of the group, has a unique resonance, but it can get a little high-pitched and shrill.

With dynamic instrumental back-grounds, Avi adds intrigue to this considerably short album.

Avi has a dash of old fashioned sound and caters to those who like a distinctive alternative sounding band.

The combination of all the different sounds of instruments works for most of the songs on the album but does get a little chaotic in others.

-JIMMY LANGTON

Nightmare on Elm Street

Faced with the daunting task of recreating the classic Freddy Krueger thriller, producer Michael Bay succeeds as he brings Krueger back to life in this suspenseful, edgy remake.

Just like the original film, the plot in-volves a fallen murderer who continues his killing spree in the afterlife through his victims’ dreams.

Jackie Earle Hayley provides a much needed dynamic to the movie through his frightening role as Krueger. The only downside to his performance would be his raspy voice that unfor-tunately compares to Christian Bale’s obnoxious voice in the Dark Knight.

The overall execution of the movie is gripping and Bay’s remake does justice to the term “remastered.”

-TERRISS FORD

REVIEWS

26

Two Door Cinema ClubTourist History

In their debut album Tourist His-tory, Two Door Cinema Club, a fairly new electropop band from Northern Ireland, delivers songs that can be com-pared to those by Phoenix or Vampire Weekend.

Although they seem to be a generic indie band at first listen, their songs prove to be very engaging.

Songs like “Something Good Can Work” and “I Can Talk”, leaned to-wards the pop side of the band, but this album also includes edgier songs such as “Cigarettes in the Theatre.”

Despite the catchiness and alluring qualities of the songs, it was disappoint-ed to find that all the songs only lasted around two to three minutes.

-KAVYA THYAGARAJAN

Furry Vengeance

When you hear of a PG movie about woodland creatures starring Brendan Fraser, you might think that the movie sounds terrible, and quite honestly, you’re not far off from the truth.

Real estate developer Dan Sanders [Fraser] moved from Chicago to Ore-gon to replace the woods with industrial homes and an “nature-themed” mall.

With a posse of woodland animals constantly harassing Sanders, he starts to believe that nature is trying to stop him from destroying their home.

The movie was full of fluff, had a predictable plot, and a lack of any genuine acting.

With stupid humor, only appeal-ing to a 6-year-old, and antics from animatronic animals, there is no need to watch this film in theaters, rent it, or even watch the trailer.

-ZACH FINKELSTEIN

.

(1) While performing a dance routine with lighted wands, the Southette Varsity Color Guard wows viewers with a colorful display of glow sticks. The dance was more visible in the auditorium this year than in the gym. (2) During a routine with both Pacesetters and Southettes, Shelby Minton, sr., takes center stage. Many of the acts were set to classic songs like “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire. (3) Pounding away on the snares, (from left) John Hildebrandt, soph., An-drew Winney, jr., and Blaine Anspaugh, jr., perform in the drumline finale. The drumline took a comical approach with their performance. (4) The varsity cheerleading squad performs various difficult stunts in Ex-travaganza. Professional cheerleader Matthew Pope performed with the squad. (5) The annual faculty dance, choreographed by Jackie Turner (center), cheer sponsor, is always a student favorite. Along with Turner, Vince LaVergne (left), math teacher, and Joan Jacobson (right), counselor, showed their best moves in this routine.

5

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

photos by Emma Hardwick

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SPORTSSPORTS

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Boys’ TrackRecord: 30-4Last meet: 2nd place finish at Seaman RelaysNext meet: Sunflower League Meet, Friday May 14, at Law-rence Free StateStat of the Month: Senior Johannes Swanepoel broke the all time state javelin record at the Seaman Relays with a throw of 231 feet and 11 inches.Senior Will Dubois said, “This season has been good so far and it just keeps getting better. We have seen personal records from just about everyone and records being broken on the state and school level.”

Girls’ SoftballRecord: 2-14Last meet:10-2 loss to Olathe NorthStat of the month: Although the varsity squad doesn’t have many wins to show for their effort this year, the team did beat SM West and Lawrence Free State to notch their only two wins of the year.Junior Megan Mccaffrey said, “It’s been a work in progress this year, we’ve worked really hard this season and we are go-ing to keep trying to improve and come together as a team.”

Boys’ BaseballRecord: 4-10Last game: 11-8 win against SM WestNext game: Today, May 7, at Olathe NorthwestStat of the Month: The varsity team earned a big win with their 11-8 victory over last year’s state runner ups, SM West. Senior Peter Del Castillo said, “Beating West was really big, we wanted payback for them beating us earlier in the season. They’re a good team all around and getting a win will be a big confidence builder. I think we are only going to get better from here on out.

Girls’ SoccerRecord: 6-6Last game: 3-1 win against to Olathe NorthNext meet: Thursday, May 13, at SM NorthStat of the month: Senior Ali Kimura and junior Taylor Mc-Dowell have combined for over half of the team’s goals this season, scoring eleven of eighteen goals in twelve games. Senior Sara Busby said “We’ are a pretty strong team all around. We really made some improvements from last year. We’ve played a lot of tough teams and been very competi-tive.”

Senior Brett Wilson pitches the ball against SM East in the Frank White Classic at Kauffman Stadium. South staged an incredible comeback, beating the Lancers 11-10 in extra innings.

photo by Emma Hardwick

SPORTSSPORTS

29

Sports BRIEFS

Boys’ TennisRecord: 4-6Last meet: 5-4 win against Saint Thomas AquinasNext meet: State tournament, Friday May 14, at Shawnee Mission EastStat of the Month: The varsity team placed third in the Sunflower League Tournament, with senior Mar-shall Miller placing first in #2 singles, and freshman Kevin Kochersberger placing third in #1 singles.Junior Caleb Marvin said, “Its been a good year so far. Were coming together well as a team and we’re hoping that it can all come together at regionals.”

Girls’ SwimmingLast meet: Loss against SM EastNext meet: Sunflower League meet, today at California Trail Junior High SchoolSenior Rachel Bernard said, “We’ve been doing a lot better than we expected so far. There have been a lot of underclassmen are stepping up and really perform-ing well.

Boys’ GolfLast meet: Sunflower League TournamentNext meet: Wednesday, May 13, at Lawrence Stat of the Month: In the Hutchinson Invitational, senior Zach Donovan placed first in the closest to the pin competition.Senior Dale Colegrove said, “It’s been kinda mediocre so far. We need to improve our consistency. If we can get rid of those one or two bad holes a round we have, we’ll be a lot better.”

Girls’ TrackRecord: 27-6Last meet: 2nd place finish at Seaman RelaysNext meet: Sunflower League Meet, Friday May 14, at Lawrence Free StateStat of the Month: The girls 4 X 400 relay team of Megan Murray, Justine Podvin, Nora Bingaman, and Clare Bingaman took first place in the Seaman relays, helping the girls’ team place second overall. Senior Allie Antrim said, “We have been doing really well this year. A lot of girls have worked hard over the offseason and its really beginning to pay off.”

Top: Freshman Kevin Kochersberger lunges for the ball in the match against Olathe East. Kochersberger has been a strong contributor for the varsity team this seasaon, highlighted by a third place finish in the Sunflower League Tournament.Bottom: Senior Heather Laurent prepares to hit the ball against SM West. The varsity team beat West for one of their two wins this season.

photos by Emma Hardwick

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Preparing for takeoffTrack teams pick up their game as season progresses

It began as a year with po-tential. For the varsity track team, all the athletes knew what they were capable of, what was unknown is whether the teams could pull through when it mattered. So far, so good.

Both the boys and girls track teams are starting to hit their stride as the season winds down,

“As a team, we’ve all been doing well; we have all improved a lot from the beginning of the year,” said Hayley Cline, sr.

The improvement has certainly showed. At the KU

Relays in April, South had a strong showing for both the boys’ and girls’ teams, high-lighted by a first place finish in the javelin by Johannes Swanepoel.

Two weeks later, both the boys and the girls teams finished second overall at the Seaman Relays, one of the biggest meets of the year.

Captain and senior Sam Lutz said, “Doing so well at Seaman was huge. We proved to ourselves that we can compete with good teams around the state. It also really gave our team chemistry a boost.”

Even though such a high profile finish is a great confidence booster, the team knows that there is still a ways to go.

“Nothing is really differ-ent. We are still the same team. Our goal is to con-tinue to compete at our best for the next few weeks. Our gameplan hasn’t changed. Our focus is state,” said head coach JJ Wannamaker.

Lutz said, “Whatever we had that day, were going to have to use that energy to achieve what we want.”

Regardless of how the season ends, Wannamaker

is trying to teach more than the sport itself.

“If you work hard, good things will happen for you. Not everybody can win a state championship. If you work hard, you’ll find satisfaction in that and that’s what we want our athletes to take away from this year,” said Wannamaker.

-MARSHALL MILLER

Junior Kendra Martiny prepares to compete in the pole vault at the Seaman Relays. Martiny, who placed third, helped propel the girls team to a second place team finish.

photo by Slade Burns

A work in progress Four South girls participate in district Lacrosse team

Sporting their bright blue Lancer lacrosse jerseys, four South girls yell scream and charge down the field with a team of girls from every Shawnee Mission school.

So how does this work? Raiders and Lancers playing the same game in the same uniform?

“We tend to get along pretty well but the rivalry is always there and the South girls take a lot of crap from the East girls,” said Ali Lacy, jr. “We mostly just tease each other and we have a lot of fun.”

Apart from playful teasing the girls also have fun in other ways.

“We have water balloon fights sometimes and it’s always tons of fun,” said Lacy. “It’s a good way to

relax after working hard in a game.”

Working hard is a great way to describe the girls’ progress in their first season.

“We aren’t the best team around but we’re doing pret-ty well for a new team,” said Madison Wear, jr. “We’ve mostly just been improving a lot and getting used to play-ing together.”

The girls’ 4-8 record may not be the most uplifting sta-tistic; however, the girls are optimistic about their team’s future.

“We’ve made a lot of progress this year, and I think once we get used to our mixed team, we’ll be a lot better off,” said Wear. “We’re kind of using this as a trial year and hopefully we’ll be better next year.”

So what is it that draws these girls to this obscure and unique sport?

“Well, I liked it at first because I knew you got to beat people and get re-ally physical,” said Wear. “I thought it would be a really fun and aggressive sport to be a part of.”

And an aggressive sport it is. The girls often find them-selves seriously cutting loose on the field.

“Hitting people is pretty much my favorite part of the game,” said Lacy. “We also do a lot of screaming at the other team as an intimida-tion factor.”

One member of the La-crosse team takes intimida-tion to a whole new level.

“One day at practice a joke developed that we

should bark at our oppo-nents,” said Jyleesa Hamp-ton, sr. “So I barked at a few of the girls on the other team and the refs were not too happy about my behav-ior, marking it as unsports-manlike.”

Along with intimidation the girls exhibit behaviors that are just plain confusing.

“I talk to the girls on the other team when I have the ball,” said Lacy. “’Where am I gonna go? Where’s my ball? Do you see it? Oh it’s in the goal!’ It kind of freaks them out and it actually helps get the ball down the field.”

While things are maybe not at their best for the team, a bright future is certainly on the horizon.

-TERRISS FORD

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Junior Ali Lacy handles the ball in the Lancers’ game against Blue Valley North. Despite their best efforts, the Lady Lancers lost 11-1.

photo by Emma Hardwick