vol. 44 • issue 8March 8, 2013

The Final KickBlack belt Maurice Loridon places fourth in international karate championship.

Dodging for DollarsStuCo hosted the annual dodgeball tournament to benefit a worthy cause.

pg. 14 pg. 19

DARK SIDE OF THE MIND

pg. 10Depression affects more students than

ever according to a Department of Health and Human Services study. Students share

their thoughts on dealing with the

05 • Northwest NewsUpdates about happenings at Northwest.

06 • CurrentlyPop culture and news from around the world.

07 • Finding a balanceHormonal testing may be a breakthrough for those suffering from depression.

07 • Media is what you make itRecent developments in media technology should be embraced, not feared.

08 • On PatrolThe crossing guards that protect students who are walking to and from school are much more than smiling faces.

10 • Dark Side of the MindStudents share their experiences about their battles with depression.

14 • The Final KickSophomore Maurice Loridon III ranked as one of the top competitors in an

international martial arts competition in Portugal.

19 • Dodging for DollarsLast Saturday, students raised money for the Johnson County Christmas Bureau by participating in the annual dodgeball tournament.

16 • ReviewsMaroon 5 concert, House of Cards + Depression Quest

17 • Panels to RememberCheck out drawn work from three comic student artists.

18 • Standing their GroundDespite bad weather, the varsity wrestling sent half of their team to compete in the 2013 state championship.

22 • A Family AffairDespite coming 5,066 miles from Italy and going to school four miles away from each other, twin brothers were reunited on the basketball court.

22 • Live in the MomentIt may be hard to cherish moments in sports, but it will definitely be worthwhile when they are over.

Issue 8 • Vol. 44 • March 8, 2013

NEWS /

OPINIONS /

FEATURES/

SPORTS/

ENTERTAINMENT /

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The purpose of The Northwest Passage is to relay important and interesting information to the community, administration and students of the Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. As a newsmagazine, The Northwest Passage will cater to the interests and concerns of the student body. Outside concerns and activities will only be covered if they somehow affect the school or students. The Northwest Passage is a 24-page newsmagazine. The paper will be distributed every two weeks during third hour. Subscriptions will be available to the community for $25. The Northwest Passage firmly supports the First Amendment and opposes censorship. The content of the newspaper will be determined and created by the entire staff. When questions concerning word choice, legal problems or ethics arise the editorial board and adviser will discuss the problem to find a solution. In these cases, the editor-in-chief will the have final say in all decisions. Letters to the editor will be accepted and encouraged, but will only be published if signed. The staff reserves the right to edit for grammatical mistakes, length and good taste. Letters may attack policy but not people. In no way will ideas or viewpoints be changed. The editor-in-chief reserves the right to refuse any letter.

EDITOR’S NOTE:

I was laying in my bed after a particularly rough day. I had been feeling hopeless since the moment I woke up, just like I did every day. It was an unending pit that I couldn’t claw my way out of. A darkness that overwhelmed and refused to dissipate.

In the midst of sobs, I proceeded to explain to my parents how I had been feeling for the past three years. They listened intently and comforted me more than I expected them to. My father, who also suffered from similar symptoms, was particularly sensitive towards me. He helped me the most out of anyone.

My mom then suggested that we go to see the pediatrician. She called my doctor’s office, and she said she wanted to see me immediately. So we hopped in the car first thing the next morning. The whole way there, I couldn’t believe that I finally had the courage to stand up and say how I was feeling. I have always been a private person and chosen to never express myself, especially not these dark, haunting thoughts.

I was also afraid of what others would think of me when they found out I was a “psycho, depressive maniac.” What I didn’t realize was how supportive everyone around me was, and how understanding they were about the condition. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 14.8 million Americans suffer from a major depressive disorder, so it’s unreasonable to believe that you are alone in the struggle. I started to realize how much these people could help lift me out of the depths.

After three years of near constant suffering, I felt a relief that I hadn’t felt in years. Simply telling someone helped relieve so much stress and negative energy. Even before seeing the doctor, I felt a dramatic shift in my mood, giving me a glimpse of the way my life used to be.

And it was only up from there.Since the time I told my parents about my depression, I have

become a much better person. I may have my bouts of sadness and dark thoughts, but most of the time, I can think clearly and positively, something I struggled with for a long time. I have realized how much potential I have in life, just as I know everyone who is struggling with a mental disorder has infinite ability to do whatever they want in life.

Don’t be afraid to speak out about how you are feeling. There is no greater relief.

Sincerely,Ashlee CraneEditor-in-chief

STAFFEDITOR-IN-CHIEF / Ashlee Crane

DESIGN EDITOR / Bailey Kopp

COPY EDITOR / Mac Cook

PHOTO EDITORS / Mikala Compton + Nate

Compton

ASSISTANT DESIGNERS / Grace Amundson +

Maddy Grimes

GRAPHICS EDITOR / Mitch Feyerherm

NEWS EDITOR / Brooke Courtney

FEATURES EDITOR / Atalie Black

OPINIONS EDITORS / Ashlee Crane + Aaron

Messick

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR / Sam Bellmyer

SPORTS EDITOR / Gabby Lorino

ADS EDITOR / Paige Waltman

STAFF WRITERS / Sarah Egger, Haena Lee,

Davis Millard + Alaura Moore

WEB MANAGING EDITOR / Edelawit Hussien

CONVERGENCE DIRECTOR / Aaron Messick

MULTIMEDIA STAFF / Hope Kang, Davis

Millard + Crystal Osei

ADVISERS / Susan Massy + Wes Mikel

WORDS AND PICTURES WITH MITCH FEYERHERM

News 05

Last month, the Business Professionals of America (BPA) team competed at the state competition. Several students received honors, including the Broadcast News Production team of sophomores Paul Bachelor and Sam Nobrega, junior Jennifer Smith and senior Chris Wartko, which placed first overall in broadcast news. Seniors Graham Wills and Ethan Alquist placed in the top 10, and senior Peter Rebori received first place honors in administrative support research.

Due to the inclement weather, arrangements had to be made in order for students to attend the competition.

“This year, we had 31 students who planned on going, but unfortunately the district cancelled our buses due to the weather,” Wartko said. “A smaller group of us, I believe it ended up being six, went down and competed.”

Wartko, who received top 10 honors in Entrepreneurship, Project Management Concepts, Insurance Concepts, Business Meeting Management and Administrative Support Concerts, among others, is the president of BPA for the state of Kansas and felt it was important to be there to fulfill his duties.

The team will compete in the national competition on May 12 in Orlando, Florida.

“The big one to watch is the team of Paul Bachelor, Sam Nobrega, Jennifer Smith, and myself,” Wartko said. “That is our headlining project that we plan to take to the national competition.”

BPA COMPETES IN STATE COMPETITION

HEAVY SNOW CAUSES CANCELLATIONS ACROSS DISTRICT

The Jazz Ensemble hosted their annual Jazz Cabaret on Mar. 1 at 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. The ensemble invited many other jazz groups such as the Trailridge jazz band, Hocker Grove jazz band, the NW Jazz Band Alumni and many more.

“ I think our concert was quite a success,” junior Brett Christianson said. “Especially considering that we had one day of school this past week and two snow days proceeding.”

During the concert the audience was given the chance to learn a jazz dance to dance along with the live music. The dance was for partners, so it gave couples and friends a chance to dance.

“It was really fun,” sophomore Carolyn Osbern said. “I felt like the dance lessons weren’t really helpful. It was confusing, but it was fun.”

NW alumni were invited to perform as the last performance. Even administrator Tom Moss performed a piece on his trumpet. Before becoming an associate principal, Moss was the band director for 14 years. The alumni performance gave him the opportunity to play with a couple of his own former students.

“I thought the concert was great,” Moss said. “[There was] a lot of variety, a lot of different groups and a lot of fun.”

JAZZ ENSEMBLE HOSTS THE JAZZ CABARET CONCERT

/BY DAVIS MILLARD

/BY SARAH EGGER

/BY HAENA LEE

Snow storms Q and Rocky leave Kansas City covered in up to 20.3 inches of snow. On Feb. 21, 9.2 inches of snow fell, breaking a record from 2011. There was also a record broken from 1960 on Feb. 26 when 8.4 inches of snow fell. In total, 20.3 inches of snow fell in the month of February, breaking the record from 1900 when 18.4 inches of snow fell.

The Orchestra concert, originally scheduled for February 26, was moved to March 1, the same night as

the Jazz Cabaret. Because of the snow, the WPA

assembly, originally scheduled for Feb. 22, was rescheduled to Feb. 28. Voting for the Queen of Courts and the Big Man on Campus took place from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the dance on Feb. 22. The candidates did not get to walk in the original assembly due to the snowfall.

“It was horrible. Finding out about that [we weren’t walking in the assembly], I talked to my dad

about it and he was upset,” senior Laura Crosley said. “He said he was disappointed because he really wanted to walk with me. I feel like the main point of being on court is getting to walk in front of the whole school and get to do the assembly. Finding out that we weren’t going to do any of that and they were changing it was awful. It was an awful day when we found out”

However, they did get to walk before the WPA basketball on

Feb. 22. The Queen of Courts and Big Man on Campus were crowned halfway through the dance.

“It was a lot more exciting just because I still got to be able to walk with my dad and it was awesome,” Crosley said. “It was pretty nerve racking. My friend Clayton kept telling me that I was going to fall. It was a lot of fun. That made me happier than not getting to walk at all.”

While waiting to perform, senior Kate Tarne smiles at senior Emily Babcock at the jazz cabaret in the cafeteria on March 1. PHOTO BY CARLEIGH WHITMAN

At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nev., on Jan. 17, the waterproof, drop proof and crush proof Armor Series OtterBox iPhone case was revealed as the "toughest case ever." According to Otterbox and AT&T, the Armor Series can tolerate

submersions for

30 MINUTES in up to

6.6 FT. of water.

06

COMPILED BY ATALIE BLACKGRAPHICS BY BAILEY KOPP

Currently

of snow, according to the

National Weather Service.

The snowstorm that hit Kansas

on Feb. 25 dropped

of snow in Wichita, breaking the city’s snowfall

record for the month of February of 20.5 inches, set

in 1913, with

XBOX 360 CONSOLES HAVE SOLD ACROSS THE 37 COUNTRIES WHERE

IT IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE.

MORE THAN

kotaku.com

media.otterbox.com

teen

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11.6 MILLION

PSYCHIATRY IS A FIELD THAT

IS BEGGING FOR TESTS BECAUSE ALL OF OUR DIAGNOSES, FOR THE MOST PART, ARE BASED ON CLINICAL ASSESSMENTS, AND CLINICAL ASSESSMENTS ARE VERY SUBJECTIVE AND CAN BE BIASED,” —Dr. Jennifer L. Payne, MD, a psychiatrist and co-director of the Mood Disorders Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, said in a blog by HBC Protocols, Inc.

of sexually active teens will contract an STD before they turn 25

of teens will suffer from more than one episode of depression before they reach adulthood.

Eight thieves in Brussels, Germany absconded with $50 million dollars worth of diamonds and other gems which were to be transported to Zurich by Swiss airlines. The robbers dressed as security officials with camouflage masks, wielding submachine guns and drove a black van and an Audi A8, both with flashing lights similar to that of a police car. Within 5 minutes, the men had breached a security fence, drove to the plane, held up the pilots and security, and made off with 120 packages of gems, which were in the belly of the plane.

hbcprotocols.com

teens.webmd.com

abcnews.com

Toward the beginning of last year I began to notice that I wasn’t feeling normal. I would go through long periods, lasting for weeks, where I felt alone or hopeless. I had no energy, and I wanted nothing more than to sleep all day. I would ask myself why I wasn’t happy and why I didn’t want to spend time with anyone. I knew what I was feeling wasn’t just a consequence of being stressed from school, of course I feel lonely every once in awhile, but this feeling didn’t go away.

I thought it was just a phase, but after a couple months I decided to look up symptoms and causes of depression. I found that my lack of

energy and reclusiveness may be a part of something more than just depression.

I decided to tell my family, which was one of the scariest things I have ever done; I didn’t know how they would take it. I was worried they’d think something was seriously wrong with me and rush me straight to a psychiatrist, which was the last thing I wanted. I told them that I had found my symptoms may have been caused by a hormone imbalance, since one of my mother’s friends had been diagnosed with hormonal imbalance with the same symptoms.My mother told me the best option was to talk it over with my doctor.

When I explained how I had been feeling for the previous months, my doctor asked me questions about lack of motivation and other symptoms

of hormonal imbalance I had been battling without knowing. He then recommended that my hormone levels be tested.

Hormone testing is used to gauge if a person’s body is functioning correctly. Doctors examine hormone levels to see if someone may have an illness or condition which would cause an imbalance in their hormones. Hormonal imbalance can lead to a diagnosis of depression based on which hormones are at higher levels.

Although hormonal testing can pick up imbalances in chemicals in the body, there are many other causes for depression. Imbalances with chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters as well as trauma, stressful events and grief can all cause depression.

I had my blood drawn for hormonal testing and my doctor found that I had an underactive thyroid gland. The thyroid is the gland that produces and regulates hormones which control mood, energy and can also be a factor in depression. This explained why I had felt different for so many months.

I was relieved that I finally knew what was going on with me. I finally had an explanation for the way I was feeling. After I was given thyroid medication along with some vitamin recommendations, over about a period of two months, my symptoms started to be less severe.

Although it was difficult to tell my family how I was feeling, in the end I’m glad I did because I no longer have symptoms of depression and my hormone levels are back to normal.

FINDING THE BALANCEAlthough everyone may feel “down in the dumps” at times, there may be a concrete solution for those who suffer the most.

by Atalie Black

Very recently, Sony finally released an announcement and the specifications for their Playstation 4 console. When the Playstation 3 came out, it was one of the most powerful things on the market, with the ability to run Blu-ray. But now, according to PCGamer, even though Sony calls it “the most powerful console they’ve ever created,” it’s projected to be weaker than top-of-the-line personal computers, even on the day of its release.

The way we consume media is quickly changing to benefit the convenience of the consumer in new and shocking ways. Making a move into a console as the center of entertainment could mean a massive boost for not only console sellers but the creation of new console brands. Even further, it could make gaming

consoles move almost completely away from gaming.

With the advent of digital downloading on programs like Steam or Origin, which are almost invariably cheaper than buying even used games, personal computers are the new epicenter of gameplay. This move could make things like a cable box, traditional cable companies and the live watching of television obsolete. A transition to viral videos and streaming is changing the very makeup of our living rooms.

This is a move into an on-demand age, one where any program can be watched at one’s own convenience, and recording or waiting will become almost non-existent. It could mean television shows getting released in entire seasons rather than individual episodes, such as with the new Netflix-exclusive series House

of Cards. It may mean the advent of a long-form show spanning dozens of hours instead of breaking into 30-minute intervals. It would become possible to transcribe entire novels into single films or shows, without having to omit content in order to fit in a timeslot. The possibilities are difficult to predict accurately and functionally limitless.

But if you are still attached to the excitement of waiting for a program, do not fear. If a market exists, it will be catered to. When digital cable boxes grew in popularity for their superior efficiency and quality, it still took us an extra three years after the notion of a switch was introduced to make the move from analog. We will not see the departure of traditional television for a long time, and the prospect of a complete transition to streaming isn’t likely for years.

A situation like this is one that few arrive at. We are at the dawn of a new age in media, where accessibility is going to reign supreme. I have never been more excited for the future. With the world now worrying about how easy it is to see something, this could level the playing field between blockbusters and independent films. We could see an age of new talent being able to produce in spite of location and still reach fans. The implications are truly incredible.

For all others, we are living through an age of change, however you wish to view it. We are transitioning into a new world of entertainment and consumption, and it’s all defined by what the people want and do. As a consumer you have more of a voice right now than ever before, and I for one will exercise that.

MEDIA IS WHAT YOU MAKE OF ITWe are making leaps forward in media, but you shouldn’t be scared for the old ways.

by Sam Bellmyer

7Opinions

I t’s 2:49 p.m. on a snowy Thursday afternoon. Crossing guards John E. Holliday and John

Weber are making the trip to Rhein Benninghoven for the second time today. Both have been retired for years, but they still come to school five days a week.

Holliday and Weber get to work at 7:25 a.m. and 2:55 p.m. and stay for an hour each shift. This is Weber’s third year on the job. Holliday has been here for six years, but this year will likely be his last.

“It’s something to do, and it keeps me on a schedule,” Holliday said. “But my knees are going on me and it gets rough at times.”

While both like what they do, there are a few downfalls.

“The rain is probably [the worst thing], but the heat is second,” Weber said. “I don’t mind the cold so much, but it’s the heat that gets horrible. Last summer was just unbelievable.”

Weather may be the biggest discomfort on the job, but it isn’t the biggest danger.

“There are people who don’t know this is a school zone. They come through here going 30 plus miles an hour, even though the speed limit on

both ends says 25,” Holliday said. “There have been a few [incidents], and I let them know about it.”

Standing on the busy corner at Caenen and 67th Street has presented Weber with a number of close calls as well.

“A couple of the cross country runners were standing [at the crosswalk],” Weber said. “I had my back turned, but I saw the look of

their faces. A [car] made the turn, and I felt [it] go by... I won’t forget that. After Northwest gets out, [67th Street] turns into a freeway. But it’s actually not the kids who are the problem so much as the parents.”

When Holliday and Weber aren’t busy helping pedestrians cross the street on Caenen Avenue, they each have hobbies. Holliday enjoys building, painting and flying model

airplanes.“I’ve been doing it ever since I was

old enough to be trusted with a single edge razor blade,” Holliday said. “I saw my brothers [with planes]. I saw classmates trying to get one airborne and they never could do it. I got a model engine for Christmas one year. I learned how to [work the engine], so I built an airplane.”

Weber lived in South Carolina, where he worked in the printing industry. For him, collecting cameras is a tie to his past.

“I’m a photography buff,” Weber said. “I buy digital cameras now. I only have about half a dozen, but they’re good ones. They’re collectible.”

Travelling is also something Weber is passionate about.

“You name it, I [went] there for my job,” Weber said. “I travelled the United States; I’ve been to all 50.”

Weber really enjoyed his job in South Carolina, but “retirement” seems to be treating him well.

“This is a good job,” Weber said. “It’s fun and I enjoy doing it. I don’t know people, but I see the same ones every day. I don’t know who they are, but I see them and it’s like I got a connection with them.”

Watching out for people coming to cross the street, crossing guard John Weber waits on March 1 at the corner of the sidewalk. Most of the Benninghoven students do not walk home on snowy days, but the crossing guards are out there for any that do. PHOTO BY NATE COMPTON Stopping traffic, crossing guard John Weber helps Benninghoven kids cross the street after school on Feb. 16. . PHOTO BY LOGAN BERBERICK

08 Features

PATROLCrossing guards John E. Holliday and John Weber are more than just friendly faces on the way to and from school. / BY PAIGE WALTMAN

of the

MANY STUDENTS STRUGGLE WITH THE OVERWHELMING DARKNESS OF DEPRESSION, IT CAN MAKE EVERYTHING SEEM LIKE TOO MUCH TO HANDLE.

by NATE COMPTON, SARAH EGGER, MADDIE GRIMES, EDELAWIT HUSSIEN, HAENA LEE

10 Features

''I can’t do justice to what years of depression feel like to someone that has never experienced it,” senior Peter Madrigal said. “I can’t say it was like

this, or felt like that, but it wasn't sadness. For me, it was more like a fog that obscured everything until I was clutching at whatever I could reach.”

The feeling of depression is unique for each person who is diagnosed. Depression is not just a continuous sadness like the majority of people think.

“Well, it sounds cheesy, but [it feels like] emptiness,” sophomore Julia Davis said. “You’re just not there. It kind of feels like you are drifting a lot.”

Students with depression believe that they cannot come forward about it to their parents or the people around them. The reason most often cited by NW students was a fear of their parents’ reaction. According to familyaware.org, 80 percent of teens do not receive help.

“If people asked that I didn't trust, I would pretend it was something else,” Davis said. “In sixth grade, I had to go to the counselor once a week and I would be like ‘Oh yeah, my dog died’ or something. I would have an excuse. Especially back then, people didn't understand. Little kids would

say ‘Okay, why aren't you crying if you have depression.’”

Although it is commonly misunderstood, several factors can contribute the development of depression. Teenagers experience a roller coaster of emotions, but it is important to identify whether the emotions displayed are symptoms of depression or the normal result of hormonal changes. According to WebMD, early detection allows professionals to determine the severity of the teen’s depression, treat them with drugs, therapy or both and reduce the risk of suicide. Kidsheath.org notes that suicide is the third leading cause of death among teens between 15 and 24 year olds.

“It turns out that those warnings on antidepressant commercials that go something like ‘may cause increased risks of suicidal thinking and behavior’ actually aren’t there for irony,” Madrigal said. “Imagine you have a wall — you’ve been thinking about painting it but haven’t had the energy to get started, boom, energy.”

At times, those who suffer from depression may feel hopeless and often express a sense of impending doom. They think that the only way to escape is suicide. However, because depression saps their energy, they are not able to take the action they have been fantasizing about day and night. Once a depressed person begins

medication, their emotions may not stabilize for up to six weeks, yet their energy will return soon after beginning treatment. This increases the chance that they may actually follow through on their suicidal thoughts. Medication may take four to nine months before it takes its full effect, returning a person back to their ‘normal’ state of mind.

“It got to the point when I was really mentally unstable,” junior Sarah Lang said. “I wasn’t sure at first if I wanted to get help. I was so used to feeling nothing at all, all of the time I just wanted to keep feeling that way. I knew if I told my mom she was going to do something about it, but I wasn’t sure I wanted anything to be done. Probably one of the hardest things I’ve had to do is admit that I needed help.”

It may seem difficult to reach out and talk about such a serious topic, but therapy is an important part of depression treatment. People suffering from depression should not feel that they are alone.

“My psychiatrist said ‘I think you have clinical depression,’” Lang said. “It all made sense. I wasn’t just feeling this way for no reason. It had a label. It was relieving that I wasn't the only person that felt this way.”

Depression not only affects students, but their families as well. Family members may have to adjust their lives to help their loved one recover.

“[Depression] is not anything any parent wants their child to go through,” Lang said. “[My mom’s] reaction was really good compared to how it could

“When you hear about people going through struggles or hard times it’s alarming,” English teacher Marc Gibbens said. “Especially when you have a relationship with somebody you can’t help but care for them.”

A student often has a certain teacher he feels close to and he may choose to talk to that teacher about issues that concern him.

“I think if there is already a relationship between a student and teacher, a teacher provides a role for a student that neither a peer, friend, or parent can fulfill,” English teacher Marc Gibbens said. “Peers lack the larger perspective to give advice of real authority, not saying friends don’t give good advice. If the situation is really serious, they may

feel that a peer cannot relate. Also, I think for obvious reasons, [teachers] outside the classroom don’t carry the authority or tendency to punish that a parent might.”

CCC teacher Ron Poplau makes it easier for students to talk to him. On his board, there are three numbers. One means you are pregnant or got someone pregnant. Two means you have been kicked out of your house and need a place to stay.

“And a number three, surprise me,” Poplau said. “If it’s not number one or not number two what is it? There is nothing I haven’t heard in 51 years of teaching.” If a student needs to talk to Poplau, she can just reference one of the numbers rather than needing to spell out the problem.

Teachers are mandated reporters, required by law to report anything that a student tells them that might put them in a dangerous situation. They often report it to the school social worker, Susan Hartman, as well

as Children and Family Services.“When a student comes to me,

I feel like they come to me for the proverbial cry for help because there is no where else to go and they didn’t know who to talk to.” Gibbens said. “It’s a legal obligation on my part to go tell somebody [if the information indicates that the child is in danger]. It might be really upsetting to them if I would go tell somebody, but I have to do that whether they know it or not and whether or not anything comes of it.”

Teachers do not like reporting their students, but they have to follow the law. Reporting also assures teachers that the student will receive the help she needs.

“It’s really sad [to hear that a student might want to harm herself] and you want to help that student out of that place,” Gibbens said. “Sometimes there are chemical issues and there isn’t anything to say or any advice to give to solve the problem.

I think anybody wants to know that there are people who care and want to see them to do well.”

Even if a student was not telling the truth, the teacher who reported the incident could not be sued because they have immunity.

“If a student lies to us and the parent is angry, there is nothing they can do to us,” Poplau said.

Talking to a teacher during tough times allows the teacher to help. Most would be glad to offer assistance.

“I can’t offer to help or provide flexibility if I don’t know what is going on,” Gibbens said. “It’s totally impossible to know very many details of a student’s life outside of school. You never think of students having those kinds of issues, [like] suicide or abuse, going on. It is eye opening and always contextualized in the student’s behavior. They act out or don't do their work and you come to find out they have heavy stuff going on.”

''I THINK [PEOPLE] LOOK AT ME DIFFERENTLY BECAUSE THEY THOUGHT OF

ME AS BEING THE OUTGOING GIRL, THE HAPPY GIRL THAT HAD IT ALL. THEY TOLD

ME THAT THEY THOUGHT THAT THE GIRL THAT HAD IT ALL WAS THE HAPPIEST GIRL

ON EARTH,'' - junior Heidi Mox

STUDENT TEACHER confidentiality

11March 08, 2013

people worldwide.

Depression affects

sciencedaily.com

have gone. Depression runs in my family. She understands that help, if you need it [is achievable]. Her reaction was just how I wished it would have been.”

Some parents, however, don’t see depression as a legitimate clinical disorder. They may believe that their child is just suffering from a short-term sadness or going through teenage moodiness that they deem as normal.

“My dad refuses to believe that I have it,” Davis said. “He doesn't really think the medicine does anything. He’s just like ‘Well why can't you stop being depressed?’ I can't. It’s just the same as any mental disorder. I can't decide to turn it off.”

Misconceptions about depression persist and, due to a lack of knowledge, many fail to recognize or treat it as a serious mental disorder.

“Society treats mental disorders as a taboo,” Lang said. “People don’t understand that it isn’t something that you want. I think people are really judgmental... because they don’t really understand what a mental disorder is.”

For many people with depression, happiness is a rare emotion that is hardly felt, if at all. Their minds may turn into a dark storm cloud of unpleasant emotions and thoughts through which the sun rarely peeks.

“To those who say ‘happiness is a

choice,’” junior Marieanne Kaminski said, “Yes, it is, Unless there is a chemical imbalance in your brain that causes you to be depressed. Or you're susceptible to depression because it is a part of your genetic makeup. Then happiness is more like.. an old friend that you haven't talked to in a long time. You don't know why you haven't talked to him, you just can't seem to reach him.”

Depression can affect anyone. The person who appears to be the happiest can be suffering from hidden depression.

“If you have a lot of friends and a good family life, then you aren’t allowed to be depressed because your life seems

Although I can’t remember his exact words, I’ll never forget the message. My best friend had attempted suicide more than once. He was planning on attempting it again and again until, as he put it, he “succeeded in his plan.”

We’ve all heard that when a friend is talking about killing themselves you should tell a trusted adult, that you should get help. But it isn’t as simple as it sounds.

I remember sitting there, frozen, in the CVS parking lot staring at the text he had sent me. He had told me before about how unhappy he was, but I never thought he would actually attempt to take his own life. My best friend was hurting so badly that he didn’t want to live anymore.

I knew what I had to do, but he made me promise not to tell anyone.

I had two options:

1) Tell someone and worry about his reaction, or

2) Spend every night trying to comfort him, not knowing if that would be the last time I would speak to him.

I lived in a cloud of fear and worry. I feared for the worst, hoped for the best, and worried I would never see him again.

I couldn’t tell my other friends what I was going through without revealing my friend’s secret. At school, he acted normal and happy; I was the only one who knew his plan. I also had to pretend I was okay so my other friends couldn't see how much distress I was in. I felt like I had nowhere to turn.

I don’t know how much time passed until I finally told my mom. It was probably only a few days but it felt like an eternity. My mom encouraged me to tell a school counselor. The next day

I went into the office and just broke down in tears. Both the counselor and my mom contacted my friend’s parents. After that I’m not certain what happened. All I know for sure is that he was offered the help he needed.

Today he is doing fine.My friend’s reaction wasn’t a pretty

one. He isn’t grateful for what I did, and maybe he never will be. In his eyes, I was the person who didn’t keep his secret. In his eyes, I betrayed him. We are still friends, but even now, three years later, he does not completely trust me. I've regained a lot of his trust back, but it has been a long road, and his trust is still is not at the level it used to be. This was one of my biggest fears as I contemplated telling his secret; however, it gives me comfort and peace to know that I did everything I could do to keep him safe. I could never have

forgiven myself if he had killed himself and I had done nothing.

My friend lived. But that isn't the case for everyone struggling with suicidal thoughts. The tough reality of the situation is that you cannot be anyone's savior. If you have been there for them and tried to get them professional help, you can’t hold yourself responsible. You can’t blame yourself if your friend commits suicide anyway.

If you have a friend who is thinking about or has attempted suicide or is harming themselves, encourage them to seek out help. If that doesn't succeed then don’t hesitate to tell a trusted adult or to call a suicide hotline.

The loss of a friendship can be temporary. The loss of a life is final.

OPINION / by Mikala Compton

The consequence of losing a friend doesn't compare to the consequence of losing a friend's life.

Antidepressants take two to six weeks to become fully effective, during this time side effects, such as lack of appetite, drowsiness, insomnia or decreased appetite, may be magnified.

ABOUT

5%OF TEENS ARE SUFFERING FROM MAJOR DEPRESSION AT ANY GIVEN TIME

12 Features

teendepression.org

At its most severe, depression can lead

to suicide and is responsible for

850,000 deaths every year.

sciencedaily.com

famillyaware.org

WOMEN ARE

AS LIKELY TO HAVE DEPRESSION AND

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION AS MEN OF THE SAME AGE.

upliftprogram.com

80 % of teens w

ith depression do not receive help.

famillyaw

are.org

SUICIDE IS THE 3rd leading cause OF DEATH OF TEENAGERS AGED 15-24 YEARS OLD.

CEREBRAL CORTEXThe cerebral cortex makes up most of the brain and is divided into lobes, each lobe controlling a different function of the brain. The cerebral cortex is divided into two hemispheres, and, according to a report by the New York Times, those who suffer from depression have shown thinning of the right side, which adversely affects mood, attention, etc.

March 08, 2013

perfect,” Lang said. “But it isn’t always that way.”

Depression is the result of unbalanced levels of serotonin, a chemical in the brain which allows people to feel calm and happy. Serotonin also affects the body’s mental functions, social behavior and regulation of the body’s temperature, according to WebMD.

“I haven't been as outgoing as I used to be, but the medicine has helped that, of course,” Davis said.

The majority of those who suffer from depression will deal with it for the remainder of their lives. Even at the point that it virtually disappears, it can boomerang back. Depression is like a

wave that continuously beats the shore, never ceasing. Be that as it may, With the help of medication and/or therapy, a depressed person can build a barrier between the ocean’s currents and the shore and reach something close to a ‘normal’ life.

“I don't know if I will ever completely not rely on medicine to be able to face the day because it’s been such a big part of me,” Lang said. “For five years I have felt like this and, in a way, I don’t want to let go of [my depression]. It is the only emotion that has been consistent in my life.”

Those with depression can eventually begin to feel better over

time. “I think my depression has shaped

me into a much better person,” Lang said. “I wouldn’t want to be friends with the person that I was before because I was really mean to people and just not a good person. I’m able to be more understanding and less judgmental. I don’t look like [the stereotypical depressed person], so that person over there that you are going to make a joke to about, might actually struggle with depression. And I think I have become more self-aware, more understanding, less judgmental and just more compassionate with people in general.”

Symptoms of Depression One may be persistently depressed,worried, or nothing.

One may have thought about killinghim or herself, or have tried to kill him or herself.

One may feel hopeless, useless, or remorseful constantly.

One may become easily irritated and agitated.

One may have trouble focusing, recalling memories, and making choices.

One may binge on food or show signs of appetite loss.

One may constantly feel tired, sleepy, or exhausted.

One may have difficulty sleeping, wake up too early, or sleep in a lot.

One may lose passion for activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

One may experience pains, muscle aches, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not get relieved with treatment

webmd.com + nimh.nih.gov

13

THALAMUSThe thalamus is a large lobe of gray matter buried beneath the cerebral cortex, the part of the brain covering the cerebrum and cerebellum. The thalamus controls motor function and fear and emotion, receives sensory signals and controls some functions of sleep. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, individuals with depression have roughly 30 percent more neurons in the thalamus, causing heightened emotional responses

HIPPOCAMPUSThe hippocampus, located deep inside the brain, is the part of the brain that is involved in memory forming. According to a study from the National Academy of Sciences, the hippocampus is nearly 20 percent smaller in volume in those who are affected by depression.

PINEAL GLANDThe pineal gland, a part of the endocrine system, transforms nerve signals into hormones, which it then releases into the body. It is also the producer of melatonin, which influences sleep cycles. At the University of Maryland Medical Center, studies have shown that depression sufferers do not produce adequate amounts of melatonin.

NEUROTRANSMITTERSNeurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that are secreted neuron-to-neuron through a space called a synapse. In people diagnosed with depression, abnormal levels of neurotransmitters and receptors disrupt the balance of activity in the brain. According to the Mayo Clinic, increasing low levels of neurotransmitters with antidepressants has successfully treated depression.

A drop of sweat rolls down sophomore Maurice Loridon III’s face. He performs different types of kicks

and punches to the heavy bag. He starts to breathe heavily, but pushes through it for his own benefit. That is an average Tuesday night of karate for Loridon.

“Karate class usually consists of having fun and working hard to learn new things,” Loridon said.

Loridon has been doing karate since the age of twelve at American Sport Karate Center. Since then this 16 year old has been to approximately over 14 tournaments and received his black belt.

“To have a black belt it means to be responsible actually the key aspect is responsibility,” Loridon said, “Getting my black belt is one of the most difficult tasks I have ever accomplished in my life. It was a lot of hard work and practice to work on fine techniques. Having my black belt does give me a little respect. The people that know I have a black belt tend to not mess with me.”

It all began when his little brother started three and a half years ago. After a couple months, his mother forced him to join as well.

“The only reason I did karate was because my mom made me,” Loridon said, “She told me ‘get your [butt] down there, you are taking classes.’”

It only took Loridon three and a half years to earn his black belt. It usually takes others three to five years. This year, Loridon is planning to test for his second degree black belt.

“Right now I am a junior shodan, and the next time I [test], I will get an adult black belt,” Loridon said. “My ultimate goal is to get an adult black belt, which will probably [be a] second degree [black belt].”

At tournaments Loridon competes in traditional weapons, the bo, oar, tonfa and kama, traditional forms ,a practicing of martial arts in a certain sequence, in both Korean and Japanese, and occasionally sparring. At tournaments, Loridon tries his best not to be the worst.

“I don’t want to be placed last because last [place] is the worst [place] to have,” Loridon said.

In March 2011, Loridon placed high enough to move on to the regional tournament, which was held in Detroit, Michigan. There, he placed second in his

division, giving him a position at the World Karate and Kickboxing Council’s (WKC) International Karate Tournament, where he competed with about 150 other martial artists in Albufeira, Portugal. Nine others from the Shawnee area attended and all from Loridon’s karate school.

“I was so excited when I made the national team,” Loridon said, “I just couldn’t wait until I went to Portugal. Some of my friends didn’t think as much of it as I did, but when I got back they thought it was one of the coolest things ever.”

Once a competitor qualifies for the international tournament, they are given a spot on the WKC United States National Karate Team. After competing, Loridon placed fourth and received a bronze medal in traditional weapons.

“I couldn’t get my smile off my face,” Loridon said. “I felt so accomplished.”

To Loridon, karate is more than just a sport. It is a way for him to meet new people and make new friends. Loridon is close friends with everyone in his karate class.

“I have great relationships with everyone at karate because everyone is their own character and its great to get to know everyone,” Loridon said.

In karate, Loridon has friendly competition with friends and people of higher ranks. He also has a little competition with his girlfriend.

“I met my girlfriend at karate, so I always go to see her, and we do competitions [during classes] to see who is better,” Loridon said, “Having little competitions against Ia (my girlfriend) pushes myself to work harder because she is way better than I am and she is a second degree black belt.”

It was a once in a lifetime experience for Loridon to go half way across the world to Albufeira, Portugal to represent his country. Even though Loridon hasn’t made it to the international tournament since, he keeps trying. Loridon plans to continue with karate and try out for the WKC US National Team.

“I am passionate when it comes to tournaments and testing,” Loridon said. “Karate is different because it allows me to work in close quarters and its only me where as soccer is an open team sport. I like the challenge and the discipline of karate.”

Sophomore Maurice Loridon III placed fourth in an international martial arts competition in Portugal.

Arms raised, sophomore Maurice Loridon stands in

a fighting stance on Mar. 1 at American Sport Karate

Centers. The fighting stance is used before sparring

to practice combinations of kicks. PHOTO BY

CARLEIGH WHITMAN

/ HAENA LEE

the final

14 Features

11. SECONDDEGREE BLACK BELT

12. THIRD DEGREEBLACK BELT

13. FOURTH DEGREE BLACK BELT

14. FIFTH DEGREEBLACK BELT

15. SIXTH DEGREEBLACK BELT

THE FOLLOWING ARE A FEW TRADITIONAL WEAPONS USED IN KARATE:

BO: A long wooden staff usuallyabout 5.9 feet long. It is used for a various types of blocks, strikes and sweeps.OAR: sometimes called an Eku; is a heavy, oar-shaped weapon. The bo is typically mastered before learning the oar.TONFA: a stick with a handle; about 15-20 inches long. It is usually used in pairs.KAMA: A weapon that is shaped like a small scythe.

In karate, the belt system is used to mark the progress a student has made in their study. Students advance

through the ranks to show their honor.

(DOMINANT) Loridon performs a palm strike. To perform this move, Loridon drives the wooden boards with the palm of his hand. Loridon can break up to five boards at one time. PHOTO BY CARLEIGH WHITMAN

(BOTTOM LEFT) Loridon performs a front snap kick . To perform this move, Loridon uses his instep to strike upwards at an opponent. PHOTO BY NISHA BISHT

(BOTTOM RIGHT) Concentrating on his target, Loridon performs a rear leg-round kick. In this kick, Loridon extends his rear leg with the use of his instep. PHOTO BY CARLEIGH WHITMAN

IN A MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOLS STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO LEARN AND MEMORIZE COMMON PHRASES

AND TERMS USED FOR KARATE:

1. WHITE2. YELLOW 3. ORANGE 4. GREEN5. BLUE6. PURPLE7. BROWN8. RED 9. RECOMMENDED

BLACK BELT 10. FIRST DEGREE

BLACK BELT

Commands (Japanese):KICK: GeriINSTRUCTOR: SenseiMASTER INSTRUCTOR: ShihanSCHOOL: dojoBOW: ReiJUNIOR SHODAN: Black belt under 16

Commands (Korean): KICK: Cha-gi GRANDMASTER: Kwan-jang-nimATTENTION: Chal-i-yutSTART: shi-jakMASTER: Sah-bun-nim

15March 08, 2013

HOUSE OF CARDSHouse of Cards very well may represent

the future of entertainment. It is the first Netflix original series, meaning there are no cliffhangers caused by commercial breaks, the episode can be longer or shorter than a normal timeslot and that there is no restriction on content. While this may be the first step into the future of how we watch television, it’s not a perfect one.

House of Cards is the story of Democratic U.S Representative Frank Underwood’s revenge on the various parts of the White House after he was passed over for Secretary of State. Underwood uses under the table dealings and employs help from an aspiring journalist, Zoe Barnes, who he uses to leak stories to help further his plans. Meanwhile, the president-elect is pushing Frank and his staff for an education reform.

Kevin Spacey starring morally questionable representative. Spacey has an air of pride and intimidation around him that translates perfectly into his character. Even in between the shady

deals, affairs and political schemes, Spacey always remains relatable. But other than Underwood, not a single character remains memorable, and it is easy to see why: they are all pawns of Underwood. He uses each one to his own advantage, and it’s hard to make a lackey look good against a lord.

But House of Cards is not perfect, and where it falls flat, it falls hard. The lowest moment is when the show is ground to a halt to try to throw in a pop culture reference. A series of mistakes during a televised debate is auto-tuned and put onto YouTube, a fad that died nearly a year ago.

Despite the sometimes subpar writing and failed attempts to be hip, House of Cards is very well worth your time. It is a very tight and suspenseful political thriller. It never leaps to the conclusion that it’s Underwood’s political party that makes him corrupt or underhanded; it merely states that this is politics, and that any of these characters could be helping run your country.

/ AARON MESSICK

Driving downtown to the Sprint Center, my dad stepped on the breaks more often than the gas pedal. The streets were packed with people walking in every direction and cars laying on their horns to get other drivers and walkers out of the way.

Once I arrived at the Sprint Center, the excitement was palpable. Children of all ages were arm and arm with their parents, couples were holding hands and big groups of people cluttered the sidewalk as they waited to get into the warm and crowded Sprint Center.

Owl City, Neon Trees and Maroon 5 T-shirts covered the first wall as you entered the arena, and every ten feet there was another merchandise stand with fans crowding around trying to get their favorite band’s T-shirt.

As I got to my seat, I noticed that most of the seats were empty, and as Owl City started to play, I understood why the seats were empty. Owl City put on a good show, but the live voice was different than the studio recordings. Although I didn’t expect perfection, it was more off than I had expected. Toward the end of its set, the crowd started to grow exponentially.

As soon as the crews got Neon Trees’ equipment set up, the crowd started to go crazy, and once the band took the stage, the crowd filled the Sprint Center with more screams and clapping, especially when the band played “Lessons in Love.” Not only did

Neon Trees put on a great show, the voice I heard in the Sprint Center was the same one I hear on radio. I would almost say that the lead singer’s voice was better than what was on the radio. Their set definitely made me like the band a lot more than I had before the concert.

Then, what the crowd was waiting for: Maroon 5 finally took the stage at 9:30 p.m. The band played a mix of their early and newest works, but lead singer Adam Levine said he had added and taken away certain songs depending on how the crowd had reacted to the songs he chose to play.

Maroon 5 had amazing graphics on the screens to go along with their songs, ranging from flames to disco balls filling the ceiling. Halfway through their set, Levine went up to every band member and gave a brief description about each. One of the cooler parts of the show was how each member interacted with the crowd, not just Levine.

The band capped off the concert with a crowd-backed performance of “She Will Be Loved.” Even though Levine told the crowd that he was experiencing throat problems throughout the day, his voice still sounded amazing. When he came back on stage for their encore, I fell in love with his voice all over again.

/ BROOKE COURTNEY

DEPRESSION QUEST

Depression Quest is a game that aspires to reveal a true understanding of how depression works. Zoe Quinn’s 40,000 word, text-based game is a wonder to behold. Comparing it to games like Analogue: A Hate Story is absolutely unfair to both games: they operate on totally different levels. While Analogue requires picking through dialogue boxes to find important clues and creation of super-detailed flowcharts, Depression Quest is more like an analysis of a mind.

As an avid player of games like Bards Tale and Zorc, this game may have hit me harder in its sudden limitation of decisions as a mechanic. Positive choices such as going out with your significant other for fun, are denied to you. The

game congratulates you on guiding your character to the front door for a day at work. It’s unlike any film, game, or book I have seen.

You are remade as a man with a generally good life, an attractive, supportive girlfriend, a steady job, and a mother who wanted him to succeed even if she doesn’t quite understand him. It’s a relatable life, with nothing particularly strange or out of the ordinary to jolt you out of the immersive text. The writing is impressive combine that with the somber music, and it’s easy to teleport yourself into a life that’s radically different from the one you’ve come to know.

The game does a superb job of making the protagonist’s feelings seem real and

relatable. It takes long stints to describe the laborious process of removing oneself from bed. It then fills in dead space of the action with statements about how difficult life is. It makes the world actually weigh heavily on one’s shoulders. Depending on the route you pick, you could end up with a new perspective on mental disorders, or a new hope for those who suffer from it..

This is a perfect representation of the unique power that games have to convey messages. This game represents depression better than anything else I’ve seen. If you don’t understand depression, this game has a lot to offer.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SALON.COMMAROON 5

WITH OWL CITY + NEON TREESFEB. 27, 7 P.M. AT SPRINT CENTER

EDITOR’S PICK

/ SAM BELLMYER

16 Entertainment

albums:The Next Day by David Bowie — MARCH 8The 20/20 Experience by Justin Timberlake — MARCH 19Wiser for the Time by The Black Crowes — MARCH 19

movies:OZ: The Great and Powerful — MARCH 8The Call — MARCH 15The We and I — MARCH 15

video games:Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 — MARCH 12Gears of War: Judgment —MARCH 19Bioshock Infinite — MARCH 26

books:Truth-Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock — MARCH 12Crossed by Ally Condle — MARCH 12Heaven is Real But So is Hell: An Eyewitness Account of What is to Come by Vassula Ryden — MARCH 16

sudoku DIFFICULTY:medium

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FELIX GOODMAN WITH PETER CAMPAIN

LRSKY COMICS WITH SKYLR HECK

PANELS TO REMEMBER

17March 08, 2013

Early on Feb. 22, seven wrestlers—sophomores Emilio Amunatigui, Alex Quinn Zack Newcomb Juniors LaPhonso McKinnis, Mario Galvin and Seniors Reed Bowker, Colton Almos—climbed into a van headed for Hartman Arena in Wichita, Kans. The seven man state qualifying team was composed of half of the fourteen member varsity team. During the three hour drive some slept, some of them were stressing but each was preparing themselves for what might be the most important event in their high school career.

“It was stressful, it’s almost a three hour drive,” Alex Quinn said “We really only got excited once we got to Wichita and checked into the

hotel.”Normally, the wrestlers travel to

the state tournament on Wednesday afternoon, but because of the bad weather the team had to leave later. The team had originally planned on leaving Wednesday to beat the weather, but the district shut down all of the travel after a school van drove off the road in Wichita. Due to the snow, the Kansas State High School Activities Association had moved the tournament back several hours changing the start time to 4 p.m. and the weigh in to 2 p.m., giving the wrestlers plenty of time to prepare once they arrived.

After several hard fought matches, five of the original seven members

remained. Only Amunatigui and Newcomb had been eliminated. Then Bowker lost to the eventual state runner up.

There was really nothing the guys who got eliminated could have done any differantly,”wrestling coach Howard Newcomb said “One of my biggest things is that you’re not going to maybe win every match, but you need to win the winnable matches.”

Amunatigui and Newcomb both lost their consolation matches on the second day, ending their run at the state competition.

The only members left were Almos, McKinnis and Galvin. First up was Almos after the three rounds he lost his match 7-6. In his semi-final match Laphonso played against a wrestler from Derby High School winning with a 7-4 victory. Galvin ended his match 6-1 . Guaranteeing them all a place in the Semi Finals

“Colton had a tough tough match coming up. He had to overcome a huge emotional letdown after the semi-final loss and battle a wrestler that had gotten the best of Colton the week before in the regional finals.” Newcomb said.

At the start of each round Almos gained a quick lead until the third

round after a set of stalling calls he completed a takedown winning the match and giving him a chance to compete for third instead of fifth. In the next match Almos was called back into to ring. He was up against an opponent from Wichita Northwest. In the third round Almos finished 3-2 earning his 40th season victory and a third place medal.

“When they step onto the mat they’re not only battling the person right there in front of them,” Newcomb said “They’re battling their emotions, their mental toughness and everything less”

McKinnis easily defeated the wrestler from Garden City earlier in the season, but had been pinned by him in the regional tournament. Quickly, McKinnis attempted a heel pick. Resulting in an early four point lead for McKinnis then with the same move he advanced his lead to 9-2. Quickly McKinnis’ lead shrunk to just two points. But after a counter, McKinnis had a 16-11 lead in the last ten seconds of the match. After running out the clock, McKinnis was officially the state champion wrestler in his weight class.

“It was really emotional,” Quinn said. “Mrs. Almos cried and Coach Wall teared up and started crying. It’s the happiest I’ve ever been and I didn’t even win.”

But after the celebration ended there was still one wrestler left. Mario Galvin still had to wrestle with an opponent that accounted for two of Galvin’s five losses. After a match of quick escapes and a failed takedown, Galvin’s junior wrestling career ended 3-2 in overtime with a State Championship runner up.

“Mario is a really great wrestler,” Quinn said. “After Laphonso’s wins everybody wanted him to win but when he lost it was really sad everybody thought he really deserved to win.”

After the award ceremony was over, the varsity wrestlers were leaving with a first, second and third place medals. As a whole, the team placed tenth. The last time NW had a state champion was in 2002 with Blake Trullinger, and the last time they placed in the tournament was in 2010. With the state champion and state championship runner up both juniors, coaches and players hope to see McKinnis become a two time state winner and Galvin become a state champion.

STANDING THEIR GROUND

The Cougar wrestlers left the state

tournament with a state champion

the first time since 2002.

BY SOPHIE FLORES + AARON MESSICKPHOTOS COURTESY OF ALLIE QUINT

Junior Laphonso McKinnis is recognized at the 1st place state champion of his weight class on Feb. 23 in Wichita.

18 Sports

Senior Colton Almos wrestles his opponent at the state meet on Feb. 23 in Wichita. Almos earned third place in his weight class after gaining his 40th win of the season.

March 08, 2013

Sixteen teams battled for bragging rights in the annual dodgeball tournament in the main gym last Saturday. The big winner of the day was the Johnson County Christmas Bureau (JCCB).

Teams paid $60 each to enter the tournament and those attending paid $1 admission.

“After all the teams paid to play and we had 35 people attend the tournament we raised about a thousand dollars for the JCCB,” Student Council adviser Sarah Dent said.

Each team competed in a round of three games with the winner advancing to the next round.

The teams Red White and Natural and the Trippy Nickels played in the championship. Red White and Natural, comprised of seniors Brett Skillett, Matt Peterson, Luke Fields, Lucas Karlin, Haley Waters and Tim Blake, won the tournament on a surprise play by Waters.

“It was cool for our team to win in the last seconds like that. I was shocked but it felt good to do something right,” Waters said.

/ ALAURA MOORE

1

3

2

NW students participate in the dodgeball tournament to raise money for the Johnson County Christmas Bureau.

FOR DOLLARS

DOMINANT: Pointing in the air, junior Jake Hoskins celebrates after his team, "Las Mochillas," won a game in the dodgeball tournament. PHOTO BY SARAH DEAN 1. Sophomores Sam Adams, Harrison Chen and Patrick Shreve jeer in victory after winning a sudden death game against the junior team "Las Mochillas." PHOTO BY SARAH DEAN 2. Senior Matt Styers prepares to throw a ball at the other team during a match. PHOTO BY AARON MESSICK 3. Sophomore Patrick Shreve punches the ball across the court. Shreve’s team, the "Channel 4 News Team," went to the quarter finals. PHOTO BY SARAH DEAN 4. Senior Kirk Bado and junior Sam Gross drink apple juice and provide commentary for the event. PHOTO BY AARON MESSICK

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WHAT’S NEW ON

REVIEW: THE FOLLOWING A DIFFERENT KIND OF ART

Two students share the stories of their tattoos and the meaning behind them.

by Brooke Courtney

Fox delivers with its new thriller The Following, which focuses on law enforcement’s attempt to stop a cult of serial killers.

by Mac Cook

See photos from the WPA Assembly, which was held in the NW gym on Feb. 28 after being postponed because of inclement weather.

WPA ASSEMBLYGallery:

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WINTER SPORT SEASON RECAPSCheck out recaps on the last events of the winter sport season, as well as an overview of the season. by the Staff

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by Aaron Messick

“Riccardo Masina is the son of Margie Kelly-Salo and Terry Salo,” senior Kirk Bado

announced.Riccardo and his host parents

walked arm in arm under the balloon archway to the middle of the basketball court and stood next to the other seniors. Across the room, Riccardo’s twin, Vittorio Masina, stood and clapped for him as they announced his name while the SM North fans waved miniature Italian flags.

Vittorio attends SM North while

Riccardo attends Northwest, both as exchange students. Both play on the varsity basketball teams at their respective high schools. On Feb. 22, the last game of the season, North played Northwest, and the coaches assigned the brothers to guard each other during the game.

“We’ve been guarding each other in practice ever since we started playing basketball in Italy,” Vittorio

said. “Especially during all those hours spent at the park playing one-on-one. So it wasn’t a new feeling, and we know each other’s game so well that it’s always a big challenge for us.”

Riccardo had a different opinion.“We are kind of like the same

player, like we were guarding ourselves,” Riccardo said. “It was fun getting to play against each other because we had never played against each other before in an official game.”

North was ahead by seven points during the first quarter of the game,

but Northwest came back for the win with a score of 72-56. Riccardo and Vittorio each scored seven points during the game.

“I was sad that we lost. It also was the last league game ever for me in the U.S.,” Vittorio said. “I was also very grateful for the opportunity I had to come here and play basketball for my school with amazing people to support me.”

Now that Riccardo won the game against his brother, he won’t ever let Vittorio forget that moment.

“Never,” Riccardo said. “If he had won, he would have never let me forget.”

Back home, they had enjoyed playing basketball and looked forward to getting to play on a school team for the first time. In Italy, all sports have to be done outside of school. Before basketball season started, they played on a local team, KC Premiere.

“It [was] the only basketball team in this area,” Vittorio said. “We want to play for our school, but there [was] only this. Our coordinator was looking for a way to let us play basketball [together] even before the season, and she found this team.”

They both chose to attend different schools so they could experience America differently.

“We decided to go [to America] together because we both wanted to do this,” Riccardo said. “We don’t want to stick together because if we [stayed] together, we [would] speak Italian, have some of the same classes, and be together all the time; we wanted a change.”

Although they wanted to have their own experiences, it was important that they remained connected.

“I know that he’s there [when I

need him],” Riccardo said. “I can talk to him and relate to him with what he is doing and what he is feeling. It makes me feel safe to have someone else here. I can understand other exchange students, but he is more than another exchange student; he’s my brother.”

Exchange students Riccardo and Vittorio Masina attend different schools and competed against each other in basketball on Feb. 22. / SARAH EGGER

PHOTO BY CARLEIGH WHITMAN

Senior Riccardo Masina blocks his twin brother Vittorio Masina, an SM North player, from getting a rebound on Feb. 22. The Cougars beat the Indians 72“56. PHOTO BY BRITTANY BONSIGNORE

A FAMILY AFFAIR

We’ve been guarding each other in practice ever since we started playing basketball in Italy.” “senior Vittorio Masina

22 Sports

March 08, 2013

The Cougar Boys’ basketball team lost by one point on Feb. 27 in their final game of the season against Blue Valley with a score of

5 5 - 5 6

People say that you never really know what you have until it’s gone. I guess I’ve always known

that but never fully understood it until now. Many of us are guilty of taking things for granted. We tend to think that there will always be another moment like the last, that there’s going to be another chance. Throughout my high school career, coaches have always told me, “It’s all right, get em’ next time.” But what happens when there isn’t a next time?

My high school sports career, like that of many other seniors, is over.

Done. Gone. The pre-game routines I

meticulously followed before every football game and bowling meet will never be repeated. I’ll never feel the rush of strapping on a helmet and playing under the lights on

Friday night again. I’ll never throw another bowling ball while wearing an orange and black jersey. All that’s left of this big part of my life are medals, a big fuzzy “NW” patch, and memories. Memories of coaches, of teammates, and of all the good times I had playing sports in high school.

I try to live my life with no regrets, without second guessing my words or my actions, but that’s easier said than done. If I could go back in time, I’d change a lot of things in my life, one being the way I handled sports. Looking back, I didn’t cherish the moments. I didn’t step back and enjoy it because I was too concerned with what was next. Too concerned with who we played next week, or how many meets left until regionals. I didn’t live in the moment. I didn’t appreciate the great moments that sports bring to an athlete’s life.

For four years I’ve heard seniors

say that your last year flies by, but I never really believed them until last week, when my last high school sporting event was over. Four years of my life flashed before my eyes as that ball left my hand and made its way down the lane for the last time. I stopped, looked at the orange and black on my shirt and, with tears starting to form in my eyes, thought about everything that I’d done while wearing those two colors we see every day. I cherished the moment for the first time of my athletic career, and wondered why I’d never done this before, why I’d never stepped back and enjoyed a moment that would never happen again.

It’s those moments that an athlete will remember for the rest of his or her life, and it’s those that shouldn’t be taken for granted. Thinking back, I had a lot of those, just like every other athlete. Those times that make

you smile, that make you mad, that make you cry: those are the moments that need to be cherished, that need to be experienced with nothing else on your mind. It’s not easy to do, but it’s worth it.

My advice to underclassmen who are thinking they’ve got another year, or that next game, is to take a step back and absorb what life has given you. You’ve been given an opportunity that not many get: you get to compete for your school. Listen to your coaches, to your team’s leader, and take all the advice that is given to you. When it’s all over, all the trophies and medals you have on display in your room mean nothing. It’s the things that can’t be thrown in a box that mean the most. The moments are what you will remember. They are what matter.

BY DAVIS MILLARD

LIVE IN THE MOMENTThe hardest thing for an athlete to do is the most important.

Foreign exchange students Riccardo and

Vittorio Masina traveled approximately

5066 milesfrom thheir hometown, Bologna, Italy, to atten

school in Kansas.

Junior LaPhonso McKinnis became the first state champion wrestler in 11 years at the state tournament on Feb. 23.

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“I like snow days because it gives

you an excuse to be outside and

play like a kid.”— MCKENZIE IVERSON

SAID ABOUT VISITING LAKE QUIVIRA ON FEB. 27, A SNOW

DAY FOR THE DISTRICT PHOTO BY MONICA CASTELLON