THE GRYPHON TIMES Friday, February 9, 2018 Volume 10 Issue 8

America’s Dreamers in Danger By Lily Scanlon

Imagine being a teenager

who was brought from another

country to the United States as a

2-year-old. Imagine the only

country you know of being

ripped away from you. Imagine

having your whole future taken

away from you just because you

were born in a different country.

Deferred Action for Child-

hood Arrivals is an executive

order put in place by President

Barack Obama so that illegal immigrants brought to the

U.S. as children are able to stay in the country and receive

many benefits, including a social security number, an edu-

cation, and freedom from the fear of deportation.

Thanks to the October 5, 2017 cut-off for the renewals

of DACA recipients by President Trump, many Dreamers,

named after the proposed Dream Act which never got

passed, have already lost their semi-legal status. In reality,

these children, teenagers and young adults, are already be-

ing threatened with deportation.

Upper School principal, Dr. Clem Ukaoma said “it’s

going to be a scary time” for the young immigrants whose

futures are uncertain.

One such Dreamer is famous YouTuber, David Dobrik.

Although he is currently living in United States, Dobrik

was born in Slovakia and brought to the US as a child.

Since then, he started a Vine account, quickly becom-

ing popular on the social media platform. Once that social

media platform was shut down, he moved onto YouTube,

where he now has about 10 million subscribers between his

two channels, earning about $2.5

million a year.

Dobrik’s response to Presi-

dent Trump’s decision to end

DACA, albeit sarcastic, reflects

the opinions of many Dreamers.

“I paid $400,000 in taxes last

year, and all I got was a free trip

back to Slovakia,” he said on

Twitter.

Although Dobrik is perhaps

the most famous of the Dreamers,

he’s certainly not the only successful one. There are many

DACA recipients who are currently attending law school or

medical school, paying taxes, and/or working jobs that are

positively impacting American society.

Since the announcement of the ending of DACA, Presi-

dent Trump has insisted that the only way he will sign a

new funding bill where Dreamers are permitted to live in

the United States is if he is able to receive funding for his

wall, which would span the southern border between Mex-

ico and the United States. Sixteen states are now suing the

Trump administration because of the repeal of DACA.

If the Dreamers were to leave the United States, some

experts say that there could be an economic downturn, and

with the recent downfall of the stock market, the economy

could be hit negatively.

“A good portion of them are tax paying … and if

they’re not tax paying yet, they will be once they graduate

high school and college and get a job,” said UA art teacher,

Ms. Kathleen Hammond.

UA Weighs in

on Valentine’s

Day Festivities By Chris Lee

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and it's the

time of the year to sit back and express the love toward

your loved ones and closest friends.

Valentine's Day is celebrated on Feb.14 and is more

formally known as the Feast of Saint Valentine, the cele-

bration of love and affection. Many people exchange

cards, candy, gifts, and flowers with their special

“valentine.”

This specific day came from the Romans. They had a

Roman feast called Lupercalia, which was always in the

middle of February. For this particular feast, the boys

would always pull different girls’ names out of a box,

signifying the start of this holiday.

So on Valentine’s Day, people celebrate in a variety

of ways. Some people actually choose not to celebrate

much at all.

“I don't really do much on this day due to the fact that

I never have a valentine,” Townes said. But she feels the

best gift to give someone will be a bear and balloons.

“I feel you should surprise your loved one with

maybe some balloons and one of those human sized bears,

and then pop out of nowhere and give it to them,” Townes

said.

In fact, you don't even have to spend much money on

somebody; it's the thought that matters most. You could

always simply create something for your valentine at

home. It takes nothing but about $5 to get some construc-

tion paper and make a card and get candy.

Junior Markeiana Wilson said, “I go all out for my

valentine and get them some clothes and maybe even

some shoes depending on my budget.”

“Then I’d take them to the movies and out to eat or

something of that sort,” said Wilson.

So whoever gets lucky enough to be her valentine

will certainly not be disappointed.

Louder Than a Bomb Group is Exploding at UA By Arsema Berhane

It’s poetry season! Louder Than a Bomb

(LTAB) is a poetry competition that began in

Chicago in 2001 and spread across the country.

This is University Academy’s third year

competing in the Kansas City division, and UA

competes with other schools in the area, some of

which include Lincoln College Preparatory High

School, Paseo Academy and Raytown South

High School.

LTAB competition rules state that a school

must have at least six members, enough spoken

word poetry to last through four rounds, have at

least one solo piece and have at least one group

piece. During preliminary rounds in Kansas City,

more than 20 high schools gather together to

compete against each other in bouts that are made up of at

least four schools. Each school competes for the top two

positions that advance to semifinals.

Once at semifinals, schools again compete for the top

two spots to advance to finals. The city winner at finals goes

to the national competition in Washington, D.C.

Last year, UA’s LTAB group had less than 10 mem-

bers, mainly composed of seniors. This year, that number

has more than doubled and there is now a variety of all

grade levels, from freshmen to seniors. Meetings are held

twice a week after school in poetry coach Andrew Blake-

more’s room from 3:10 to 4:20 p.m. Poets edit and practice

performing their pieces.

Sophomore Elijah Hudson-Moore said he’s looking

forward to “being able to work with all of the poets and

compose beautiful pieces of [poetry].”

When it comes to the content of student-

written poetry, there are almost no re-

strictions. Sophomore MyAun Boyd said

she usually addresses “the issues of vio-

lence, racism, and other societal topics”

in her poetry.

According to LTAB members, chal-

lenges range from memorizing both

words and choreography, to writer’s

block, to stage fright.

Mr. Blakemore said, “The biggest

challenge is putting together duets or

group pieces. LTAB is about getting

people to work together and unite over

common interests.”

There’s nothing quite like walking on the stage to

perform. According to returning senior Simone Adgers,

“Although its nerve-wracking ... it's also really exhila-

rating and exciting.”

The preliminary rounds this year for UA’s LTAB will

be held on March 5 at Kansas City’s Central Library in

downtown KC. The event will start at 6 p.m. Come

support your fellow poets! 1

People in the U.S. have been defending DACA.

LTAB participants

shared their poetry at

last year’s Black History

Month assembly.

Artists to be Featured in Brookside

Some of Ms. Hammond’s students have

been working on murals that will soon be

prominently displayed in the Brookside

neighborhood. Stay tuned!

2

Valentine’s Day Entrepreneurs Make Sales By India Sorrells

Valentine’s Day, also known to

many as the day of love, is around the

corner.

Everyone wants a gift or some

delicious treats on this day, and what

better way to do that than by sharing gifts and treats right

here at University Academy.

Junior Eriana Townes and myself, senior India

Sorrells, have come up with an idea to make festive items

available for purchase by Upper School students and staff

members. A list of items for sale can be seen on the

left. Items include the option of purchasing and writ-

ing a secret admirer note to be delivered on Valen-

tine’s Day, and of course various kinds of candy.

With help of University Academy entrepreneur-

ship teacher Mr. Tyler Kemp to make this go

smoothly, there will be a pre-sale of the items being

sold, and then the purchased items will be distributed

on Valentine’s Day.

The pre-sale began on Feb. 1 and has continued

ever since during Upper School lunch periods.

Students purchasing notes to be delivered can

write their notes during lunch. If you don’t want to

write a note, you can send that special person some

candy that we have for sale.

Anything purchased during the pre-sale will be

delivered to the designated recipient on Valentine’s

Day.

Hopefully this will be a successful event and all

of the students will participate in spreading the love

this Valentine’s Day.

Items can be purchased through today, so come

see us to make your order before the ordering win-

dow closes.

The Olympics

Have Arrived! By Doriann Morris

The 2018 Winter Olympics have started and will con-

tinue through Feb. 25.

Some of the sports that will be showcased include

alpine skiing, biathlon, bobsleigh, cross-country skiing,

curling, figure- skating, freestyle skiing and ice hockey.

The list of sports go on and on. The Olympics will be held

in PyeongChang, South Korea.

There are even four new Olympic sports that athletes

will be competing for medals in this year. They are mixed

doubles curling and mass start speed skating, and then on

the slopes there will be air snowboarding and freestyle

skiing.

The opening ceremony will have all the teams march-

ing together, the national anthem will be sung, there will

also be a release of doves, and plenty of other exciting

displays will take place.

The first Winter Olympics in history were hosted in

Chamonix, France in 1924, and the 2018 Winter Olym-

pics will be the 23rd Winter Olympics.

Senior Amaya Zwiefel said, “I enjoy watching bob-

sledding, snowboarding and figure skating. I find both of

them interesting.”

Some people really forget about the Winter Olympics

and focus more on the Summer Olympics. But don’t let

that happen to you!

A few of the notable

U.S. athletes who will be

competing at the Winter

Olympics this year in-

clude Gus Kenworthy,

Jamie Anderson, Kelly

Clark, Chloe Kim and

more. They will be par-

ticipating in a variety of

sports, so keep an eye

out for these Americans

while watching the

Olympics over the next

couple weeks.

Black History Month is Back By Jordan Howard

NOTE: This article was written prior to last Friday’s Black

History Month assemblies.

As January comes to a close, February is approaching,

and we all know that February is Black History Month.

People all around the United States take this month to

admire some of the most valued African-Americans in his-

tory. This isn’t just for the people who are talked about con-

tinuously, but anyone and everyone who chose to make a

difference in our society and to make our world a better

place.

It’s important to appreciate those who came before us

and what they have contributed to the world we live in to-

day. Although we are given a specific month to recognize

this part of history, some may agree that Black History

should be recognized throughout the year.

That’s why University Academy has recently started a

Black History Month Committee to help educate students.

Sixth grade ELA teacher Ms. Tenaya Rhinehardt, who

is a committee member, said, “I believe it is pertinent that

African-Americans and non-African Americans in the com-

munity are allowed to see African-American achievements

and traditions in a positive light despite what is going on in

the world.”

Many staff members have joined Ms. Rhinehardt to

form the committee that’s planning the program for the

Black History Month.

The 2017 Black History Month was very successful,

and the committee plans to continue the success of this pro-

gram. Ms. Rhinehardt said, “What made last year’s pro-

gram successful was that everyone was involved and came

together as a school; everyone played a role.”

This year, there will be Black History Month programs

for all grade levels to be presented on Friday, Feb. 2. All

students and staff members have been invited to participate

by showcasing their talents.

Another committee member, Assistant Activities Direc-

tor, Coach James Jennings, said, “The main goal of the pro-

gram is to make the students and staff aware of the great

history and accomplishments of black people.”

In order for the goal to be accomplished, the committee

would like people to come out, participate, and learn as

much as they can.

Students will also be invited to participate in dress-up

and themed days throughout the month. These include:

Blackout Day, African Attire Day, Hair Show Day and Di-

versity Day.

Students Shine While Performing

Upper, Middle and Lower School

students came together to create an

exciting program for Black History

Month assemblies last Friday. Stu-

dents recited poetry, cheered,

danced, and more. Above: Perform-

ers posed with Mr. Barnett Helzberg.

Shaun White will compete in

snowboarding.

Caption here.

Courtwarming: Kicked to the Curb? By Sydney Lyles

Historically, University Academy High School students

have celebrated basketball season with Courtwarming, but

as years have progressed the Courtwarming dance seems to

have lost its spark, and student turnout has been poor.

The turnout of Courtwarming is totally different in

comparison to Homecoming, as Homecoming results in a

higher turnout of students at UA. This might be because

Homecoming is a huge tradi-

tion throughout all high

schools in the United States,

especially to lowerclassmen

who are entering their first

years of high school.

Unlike Homecoming,

Courtwarming is not a big

tradition at UA.

“Many schools have

dance[s] in the winter, [but]

it's not a unified thing [at

UA],” said Ms. Amanda

Adreani, Upper School UA

Student Council advisor. “So I

think it's more difficult to get

the same level of attendance

[for Courtwarming] because it lacks the notoriety of Home-

coming.”

After the poor turnout for 2017’s Courtwarming, StuCo

finally decide to take a stand and replace the 2018 Court-

warming with a regular winter dance, and a theme of their

choice.

“I think we realized that something about Courtwarm-

ing wasn’t working,” said Ms. Adreani.

After multiple meetings and discussions, UA’s StuCo

conjured up five themes, then narrowed it down to two, and

finally selected the winner of the two which was:

“Throwback to the 90s.”

There were also a few additional changes made.

“There was no court, and there was a casual dress

code,” said Ms. Amanda Labb, the other UA StuCo advisor.

The dance was hosted on Jan. 20, and from the turnout

has seemed to get a lot of zeal from UAHS’s StuCo.

“[It was] a HUGE DIFFERENCE,” said sophomore

Elijah Hudson. “It was enough people to actually have fun

and dance with [unlike] last year; NO ONE SHOWED

UP!”

Fifty plus students attended this year's winter dance

compared to last year's Courtwarming which around 12

people attended.

Students at the dance

also looked the part and

dressed according to the 90s

theme, which made the

dance more entertaining for

everyone. Ticket prices also

dropped, making the dance

more affordable for stu-

dents.

Other keys to the suc-

cessful event may have been

the advertising and the new

idea of giving students who

had been on Honor Roll first

semester a chance to win

two free tickets.

“Dr. Ukaoma … mentioned it as a possibility, and as

the dance neared, Ms. Labb and I thought it would be a fun

way to encourage attendance at the dance,” said Ms. Adre-

ani.

Although this year’s 2018 winter dance was more suc-

cessful than last year’s Courtwarming, UA’s StuCo advi-

sors aren’t satisfied yet. They are already thinking about

incorporating new strategies to increase student participa-

tion for next year’s winter dance.

“[Next year UA should] keep the ticket prices low,

[and] change the DJ,” said TateAnna Gravely-Moss StuCo

president and current senior at UA.

StuCo advisors also are thinking about incorporating

the free ticket raffle, making flyers, and maybe having a

few spirit days to increase the turnout of the dance.

Rapper Brings Bitcoin Into the Public Spotlight By Jasmin McDonald

If 50 Cent can profit from bitcoin, so

can you!

The famous rapper recently said he

forgot that he accepted bitcoin from fans

who purchased his 2014 album “Animal

Ambition.”

At the time the cryptocurrency wasn’t

worth much, but now it is. If he had

cashed in at the time, he would have re-

ceived $400,000. Today his profits from

that album are worth $7.8 million.

Now, the only question is: What ex-

actly is a bitcoin?

Bitcoin is the new worldwide cur-

rency that was created in 2009 by Satoshi Nakamoto, a

name used by the unknown people who created bitcoin.

Bitcoin can be traded or

used to purchase merchandise

without causing constant trips to

the bank. Because of the easy

accessibility, small businesses

and even teens are using and

investing in bitcoin.

University Academy Junior

student Aunna Wolfe said she

admires bitcoin because of its

reliability and “wide trade of

digital currency, used to buy and

sell items.”

Wolfe also said she believes

bitcoin could potentially affect her future in a positive way

because it “offers more opportunities to become wealthy!”

Unfortunately in 2016, bitcoin was hacked, and tens of

millions of dollars were stolen from Bitifinex. This caused

2,658 incident reports to be filed. The situation then chan-

neled chaotic thoughts about the security of the currency.

Coach James Jennings, Middle and Upper School ISS

teacher, is one of the people concerned.

Coach Jennings said he is reluctant to use bitcoin be-

cause of the controversy behind it—from the hacking in

2016 to reactions from bitcoin users.

For example, Coach Jennings said he has been told

“good things and bad things from bitcoin users,” but overall

he is still considering investing in bitcoin because of “the

amount of money people are making from bitcoin.”

So if you’re interested in investing in bitcoin, do it now,

because bitcoin’s popularity seems to be in its prime. Once

it has reached his peak, investments won’t be cheap!

UA Students Talk About Pets By Eriana Townes

Who has pets? Do you have pets? Why do you have

pets? Let's find out.

According to American Society for the Prevention of

Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) there are roughly 6.5 million

animals that enter into a pet shelter every year. There are at

least 1.5 million animals that are euthanized every year

also. However, the number of animals that have been en-

tered into pet shelters and have been “put down” has de-

creased recently.

The University Academy student population is full of

animal lovers, and they have helped with these shrinkages.

Junior DheVaune’ Mays owns a dog and Chinese water

dragon.

“I love all animals,” said Mays, “because they can be

loving, caring, playful and they have pure hearts.” She re-

ceived her dog, Quibee, for her eighth birthday. She was

given her Chinese water dragon, Frizzle, as a family pet.

Mays’ animals have brought her much compassion

because “I get to vent to my dog because I trust him,” said

Mays.

Mays isn’t the only UA student who cares for animals.

Junior Markieana Wilson is the proud owner of two dogs,

Major and Diamond. She loves being a pet owner for many

reasons.

“It’s fun because we get to go on walks, play, and I get

to have a loving companion,” said Wilson.

For many people, the best part about being a pet owner

is taking care of the animals.

On the other hand, some UA students care for animals

but aren’t owners.

Junior Rae’Nia Graves wishes she was a pet owner.

Even though

she has previ-

ously been a

pet owner,

she aspires to

have that ex-

perience

again.

She used

to own two

birds and a

cat. Then,

shortly after that she had another cat named Roman. Al-

though Graves has a desire to be a pet owner again, she

does not feel like she’s missing out on things.

“Having a pet is a lot of responsibility and is pretty

expensive,” said Graves.

If you are like Wilson or Mays and want to be a pet

owner, there are many pet shelters to visit where you might

find the perfect pet for you.

To name a few: Pet Unleashed Pet Rescue and Adop-

tion (Mission, Kan.), Great Plains SPCA Pet Adoption Cen-

ter (Merriam,Kan.) and Wayside Waifs (Kansas City, Mo.).

Spotlight on

Brittany Smith By Samiah Hafiz

Not only does Senior Brittany Smith have her career

goals set, but they’re looking quite bright, as well. She is

one of the 29 remaining graduating seniors who have been

at UA since kindergarten.

Smith has had her eyes set on being a doctor of some

sort since she was little. Watching shows like “Bones,”

“Grey’s Anatomy” and “I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant”

helped solidify her indecisiveness.

After graduation, Smith plans to attend the University

of Missouri-Columbia while majoring in Biochemistry

and minoring in Anthropology.

She then plans to take her degree and become a neo-

natal surgeon with specialties in OB/GYN and Maternal

Fetal Medicine. Sounds like a lot, right?

The simple explanation of this career choice is her

interest in doing surgery on babies, delivering them as

well as working with the female reproductive system.

Smith still

doesn’t know

what medical

school she

wants to at-

tend after

Mizzou,

though.

Senior

Sydney Lyles,

a friend of

Smith’s, said,

“It’s a good

thing that

Brittany is

looking at her

career now so

that she has a

good plan to

focus on.”

Outside

of Smith’s

planning for

her future

career, she

has been ac-

tive and adventurous at home and school. She used to

teach small children how to swim at Emler Swim School.

She has also climbed three mountains in Colorado:

Pikes Peak, Quandary Peak and Shavano. Maybe she can

climb more mountains when she studies abroad in college,

which she plans to do.

Even as a little girl, Smith always knew what she

wanted to do, and we can’t wait to see what her future

holds. 3

Smith played volleyball during high

school at UA.

Smith works hard in her classes at UA and knows ex-

actly what kind of classes she wants to take in college.

50 Cent recently cashed in on Bitcoin.

This is senior Marielana Ortiz’s dog.

Students enjoyed the 90s dance in late January.

4

Hey love,

You’re an amazing experience that I want to feel forever, but

yet so draining I don’t have the energy to even want to know

you anymore.

It’s crazy how you became such a drug even though you have

no physical form. Feeling you at a young age was my first mis-

take. Thinking that this feeling lasts forever was my second.

Love, you make me insane. I let your little minion Cupid

shoot me, and now I've fallen in love and have become oblivious

to what real love even is. I hate the long term side effects you

come with when I don't feel you near. Heartbreak, insomnia,

paranoia and stress. It’s like a life-threatening disease that will

never let me feel at ease.

Don’t get me wrong, love. Trust me, when I find you within

the right individual, you’ll do me, my heart and my mental

health so much justice. Love, when you cooperate, you become

such a beautiful thing. You create so many bonds, close rela-

tionships and families. I candidly believe this is what love is

suppose to be.

But I know to find love in myself before I can find it in any-

one else because they won’t love me like I do now.

We may share the same experiences, but in a diverse world we all perceive these experiences in a different shade of light. So I believe

love to be a define-less emotion because it can project feelings in a multitude of different ways. Love can stem from family, friends or dif-

ferent types of passions that you have experienced and gained through your lifetime. Love can be acted on through how we show affec-

tions toward others that we truly care about. Love can come from the smallest of things that fills the biggest of things with a sensitivity to

warmth. Love is the first word that comes to mind that is not bound by other words to be controlled and understood. So break the barrier

of putting a label on something so beautiful and don't let the world define how you love—love the way you love, love

what you do, and love the people around you and there will never be a better you.

Dear love,

I must admit you have my heart, captivated me right from the start. The things I used to do I don't do ‘em no more, ‘cause your love is pure.

You stick with me even when life doesn't seem adjacent. You're the only one for me, so there ain't no replacing. You are taking a boy and turn-

ing him into a man. You took a foe and turned him into ya friend. You do the guiding, and Ima take ya hand, Ima follow you ‘cause you got the

plans even in them times I don't comprehend. Lord, give me strength to follow your commands. So you ask, “What is love?” No, the question

is, “WHO is love?” Love is the man who sits on the throne above. Love is the God who sent his son to help us overcome all of life’s tragedies.

Open up that Bible to see all the strategies, and you will see all that love that he has for you and me.

Love is not meant for everyone, it's only for people who can handle it. Love makes me feel a great joy inside. It's a deep feeling toward someone. Love is very rare, you only hold “true love” for someone who means the world to you.

I always thought you were something you weren't. I thought you were happiness and full of alacrity. Love, to me, is heartbreak, acceptance, hardship and fear. Heartbreak because sometimes you just aren't able to tell your significant other exactly how you feel because love is indescribable. Love is something I wish to feel but don't completely know if I have. Love is more than lust and status. It’s about accepting someone as they are—flaws and all. Love can be dam-aging and it makes you never want to feel it again, but everybody needs a little love. Love is never giving up on some-one, but also giving them the space they deserve. Love has a way of making you feel completely euphoric. Love is basi-cally a drug that we all need and crave. Love is loving someone for their mind and body.

“Love is limitless and never-

ending happiness!”

“Love is unconditional and understanding. Something you should be proud of.”

“Love is natural and for the ma-

Love is being willing to do anything for someone, even if it means not being able to do certain things for your-self. Accepting someone and all their flaws and imperfections. You love someone unconditionally.

Dear love,

I hate the fact that you can cause so much pain when you’re such a positive feeling.

“Love to me is when you get butterflies every

time you see that person.”

Hey love,

I messed around and got sprung on you. I just want to say I give you my all, love! You really got me geeked

on you. You’ve been there for me since I can remember.

“Love is a rare thing. Love is everything, but it's rare. My blind eyes are desperately waiting for the sight of you.”

Love is a strong feeling we have for others. It’s a positive

one. You can express your love in forms of a song, a hug,

a gift, and even a simple “I love you” would work. You

might have your ups and downs with each other, but in the

end, you still remember your bond that will last forever.

Dear Love... UA students share their thoughts on love.