Issue 8 May 2012 Issue 8 May 2012

Teacher moves to China

Teammates come together

TrojanTrojanthe

the

Students save lives

What’s online?

- Spring Sports Updates

- How-to french braid

-Psycology Personality Test

- Mobil Apps change study styles

- Results for “Vote Drumacracy”

Check out our award winning website, www.myparkhill.com.code compatable with QR code reader app.

editor-in-chief

design editor copy editor

photo editor

web editor

web photo editor

business manager

reporter

reporter

reporter

reporter

reporter reporter

reporter

reporter

Trojanthe

The Trojan, published monthly during the regular school year, is the offi cial publication of Park Hill High School, and is printed by Osage Graphics in Olathe, Kan.All unsigned editorials represent the opinion of The Trojan staff. Editorials do not necessarily represent the opinion of the faculty or administration including the advisor.The student body receives this paper free of charge to encourage readership, promote awareness of school and community events, and issues, and to showcase student journalistic work.The Trojan welcomes letters to the editors. All letters must be signed to be published, but may be anonymous if the author chooses. Letters may be no more than 350 words and must be delivered to room 350 ten days prior to publication. The Trojan staff welcomes comments, questions and opinions. Send comments to berans@parkhill.k12.mo.us 7701 Barry Rd., Kansas City, Mo 64153, or call 816-359-6238.

Park Hill High School 7701 Barry Rd., Kansas City, Mo 64153

graceprose

heatherkennard

camillesmith

nickbuchberg

jessicaswete

coopergardner

alyssavasquez

zachhahn

maddiehemphill

kaylinlake

chloelane

lauraprice

kateryan

mackenziethomas

ninawussow

Grace Prose

Dear Readers,

This is my last issue as Editor-in-Chief of The Trojan. It’s been

an honor. Through this magazine, I’ve found my passion

and will be attending Mizzou next fall for journalism school.

Mizzou is huge and while taking my tour of the J-School, I got

very intimidated. What if I’m not good enough? What if I have

no idea what I’m doing once I get there? We walked through

the modern maze of glass walls and stairs and entered a room

they call the “convergence room.” There were three massive

macs at each table and all the people were wizzing around

me. It was like a blur and all I could think was, “I can’t do this,

I can’t do this” As we went to walk out, I saw the orange

wall. The lone orange wall while the other three were white.

For those of you that haven’t had the chance to be in room

350, we have one bright orange wall in the back of our room.

I thought back to the fi rst time I was in the newsroom. I was

a shy, little sophomore trying not to get shoved into lockers. I

didn’t know many people and I was pretty sure even less knew

me. I’ve grown since then. This wall reminds me of the things

I’ve learned in this room, the confi dence I’ve built, and the

friends I’ve made. This wall reminds me that I’m home and it’ll

do the same for me two hours away in Columbia. It’ll show

me that I’m never alone. I always have people to help and

support me. Even two hours away, I’ll still have these bonds I

formed here in the newsroom and throughout the halls of Park

Hill. Although we’re leaving, our memories will never leave us.

We’ll remember football games and homecomings, AP tests

and Spanish projects. I think what we need to remember most

is that we’re ready for this. Our four years here have prepared

us for college, or the work force, or the military. Although the

vas realm of opportunity that is our future can be intimidating,

we’re ready to take it on. Sometimes we just need an orange

wall to remind us that we’re never alone.

ContentsCampus

Sports

Community

Life

Play

7 Not in vein

14

Family Types

16 Barbizon--scam or scholarship?The Barbazon modeling agency advertises a $10,000 scholarship for students, but is it too good to be true?

19

Senior MapSee where this year’s seniors will be going to school next fall on these senior maps.

It’s not just you

21

Feature

9

Homebound and heatstruckGas prices and temperatures are sky high this summer; vacation plans are forced to change. See what this could mean for you.

5

17

Hints from HeatherTaking a break from fashion and focusing on the future, see what we’ll remember in 20 years.

The Park Hill blood drive was held on April 18. Read how their efforts made a difference.

Many families don’t fi t into the cookie-cutter defi nition anymore. Here, students defi ne how their families are different from others.

photo by: chloelane

Game must go onNext year, the fi elds will be missing some key people. When three coaches step down, how will the game go on?

Many teenagers deal with insecurities, but for some, it becomes an issue that threatens their health.

1414photo by: mackenziethomas

1313

1616

photo by: mackenziethomas

1313photo by: graceprose

77

1616

photo by: kateryan

photo by: mollyweis

photo by: graceprose

55 myparkhill.com may 2012may 2012

$per gallon

5 00

99

102

105

Summer 2012Summer 2012

by: maddiehemphill As springtime fades, the end of the 2012 school year approaches

quickly and students and staff alike are looking forward the summer

season and all that it brings: hours of playing outside in the sun,

relaxed days by the pool, and fun family vacations away from Kansas

City. While those native to the Midwest are used to excruciating

summer temperatures, added twists to this summer’s forecast

have given all of us something new to sweat about. Quickly rising

gas prices may pose as an obstacle to summer travels, and with

temperatures hitting the upper 80’s in March and April, one can’t

help but wonder what weather this summer has in store. Predictions

by newscasters, weather forecasters, and almanacs all warn of a hot,

wet summer for the Midwest region, and with gas prices threatening

to skyrocket across the nation, a change of plans may be in order for

those living in Kansas City.

Considering the strange weather conditions that have already

been experienced, it is hard to doubt that this trend will be continued

throughout the summer. Temperatures in March and early April

reached into the nineties, and with normal Kansas City summer

weather hitting the nineties on an average day, people wonder exactly

how high temperatures will spike this summer. Our own weather

expert at Park Hill gives his input.

“Long term weather forecasts are hard to predict accurately,”

physics teacher Ray Willard said. “But a good indicator is looking at

the patterns of El Niño and La Niña, which will tell you how

warm and wet a particular season is going to be.”

Research indicates that El Niño, a pattern of cool and

wet weather that starts with the cooling of the Pacifi c

Ocean, may hit the United States this summer. El Niño

weather patterns usually include uncharacteristically high

temperatures in the spring, followed by a cooling down

period in the late summer months. Kansas City will likely

be aff ected by El Niño, but it is still too early to tell how

dramactic the impacts of this weather pattern will on the

Midwest region.

Another major concern for the upcoming summer are

the rapidly rising gas prices that have been seen across the

nation. In Kansas City, gas sold for as low as $2.17 during

the winter months, but the prices have increased rapidly

since.

Gas prices are determined by the price of crude oil,

which is sold to the United States by oil suppliers, mostly

located in the Middle East. It is normal for the price of

crude oil to increase in anticipation for the sumamer

season; suppliers of crude oil know that summer is the

peak season for travel and leisure in the United States,

and the most basic laws of supply and demand state

that as demand increases, prices will also increase to

account for the growing cost of supplying the demand.

However, growing unrest in the Middle East also accounts

for climbing costs at the pump. Iran, an infl uential global

provider of oil, and other Middle Eastern countries in the midst

of political turmoil defi nitely play a part in the price Americans pay

for gas every day. Finally, newly industrialized countries like India and

China are rapidly demanding more oil for their expanding industrial

markets, which contributes to increased demand for oil on a global

scale. All of these factors combined foster concerns for record gas

prices this summer.

Experts debate on how accurate gas predictions for the summer

really are–some say that one gallon will cost upwards of fi ve dollars

by mid-July, but an April article in Time Magazine predicted that gas

prices may already be peaking and will decline as summer progresses.

Only time will tell how far pump prices will climb, but if predictions

prove to be true, many students will be aff ected.

“I think it’s ridiculous that I’m already almost paying four dollars a

gallon,” junior Jasmine Lim said. “I can’t aff ord to fi ll up my car all the

way at the pump anymore, and it’s scary to ride around on empty.”

Family vacation plans may also be aff ected by the steep gas prices.

Flights that would normally cost around $200 one way now cost close

to $500.

“I was going to go to Florida for spring break but I couldn’t,” senior

Christopher Walker said. “My parents weren’t going to pay almost a

thousand dollars for me to fl y to Florida and back. It’s just not worth

it.”

can you stand the heat?

made by: ninawussow

6 6myparkhill.commay 2012page designed by: maddiehemphill

Summer 2012

This chart shows average monthly temperatures for the Kansas City region. Summer averages hit the upper eighties, and record highs have been recorded at over 108° in the hottest months.(weather.com)

Since 2010, gas prices peaked at just over $4.00 a gallon in April 2011. A year later in 2012, gas prices again threaten to reach the $4.00 mark.

77 myparkhill.com may may 2012 2012

Campus

by: mollyweis

Aft er fi ve years teaching Design and Draw,

Intermediate Drawing and Painting, Barati

found that she was ready for something

diff erent.

“Being a single person, I thought now is

a good time in my life to do something like

this. I wasn’t tied down,” said art teacher Sara

Barati “If I don’t do this now, when can I?”

In February of this year, Barati attended

the 36 recruitment fair at the University of

Northern Iowa (UNI). Aft er paying $150-190

she got the opportunity to visit with a few of

about 120 schools at the fair.

Starting in August, when she leaves,

Baratis term will last two years.

“It’s intimidating because I can’t even try

to sound things out. I feel that knowing it’s a

longer term; the longest time I spent abroad

was six weeks,” said Barati. “My job will be

diff erent: ‘Artist in Residence.’ I have time to

work on my own things; they want me to

create a body of work.”

The position involves helping teachers

incorporate art into each of the other

subjects. When not focusing on the actual

classes, Barati will work in a studio on her

own personal work. The idea is that students

can come in and observe her working.

Eventually, once a large piece is fi nished the

art may be featured in the school, or around

classrooms.

All of the teachers live in an apartment

complex together. They come fully furnished

with two bedrooms. The apartment is paid

for and all teachers have to cover are the cost

of utilities.

“The fact that I’ll be with other teachers

that speak English helps, then I know that I

will have a little family that knows what I’m

going through,” said Barati.

Other English-speaking

teachers come from the

U.S, United Kingdom and

Australia. Each classroom has

one English-speaking and one

Chinese-speaking teacher, as

to help students learn both

languages easily.

Barati has no specifi c

plans for coming back during

breaks; the unpaid tickets

can get pricey. Although she

holds no plans for coming

back, Barati has debated

diff erent ideas on keeping

in touch with her former

students.

“The internet is restricted

so it’s a little diffi cult. I need to

fi gure that out soon: how to communicate,”

said Barati.

One of the ideas she has thought over was

developing a blog that students can check,

along with regular email. Hoping to stay in

contact with any students that are interested,

she assures that even across the globe she will

be there for college recommendations, advice

or just to catch up.

Aft er checking her resources, Barati has

found that Yahoo email service is allowed,

so she will be easily contacted at seb337 @

yahoo.com

“I do think that they’re [the students] are

going to be more studious, because they’re

paying to go. There’s a tuition; parents are

very involved,” said Barati.

At YCIS, along with many other foreign

schools hosted by UNI, students are expected

a lot from an early age, and focus on

education. The school is a typical kindergarten

through 12 grade school, but there is a focus

on art along with moral expansion.

“[Being a private school], they won’t

feel entitled,” said Barati, “but kids are kids

anywhere.”

Once the two years are up, it’s up to

Barati to decide her next step in life. There is

a possibility of another term at YCIS or even

travelling to teach somewhere new.

“I feel that intimidation of knowing it’s a

longer term, because the longest time I spent

abroad was six weeks,” said Barati, “though

it does help to have a sense of culture, and

know everything is not the same as the

United States. I can see myself coming back

for a while for a break, but I wonder: by then

will I be addicted to travel? I’ll have to see

how this one goes.”

• Chung International School (YCIS) has six locations in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Silicon Valley, Chongqing, Qingdao and Beijing – the position Barati got.• Each academic year there will be two weeks off in December, one week in October for national holidays, one week in January for Chinese New Year and the entire month of July. • Barati interviewed with schools located in Vietnam, Shanghai, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and China.• Barati has traveled to Sweden, England, Germany, France, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Italy.• Initially hoping for a position in Istanbul Turkey, she came in a close second. The position she did get, in Beijing China, actually signed up for the fair last minute. She did not know they were going to be there, but as soon as she did, they were her fi rst choice.• Barati initially wanted a position in Turkey but go second. When she saw the position in China, that was what she knew she wanted.• At YCIS schools Most children learn to play instruments as early as four years old

A Big MovePark Hill teacher moves to China

88myparkhill.com may 2012page designed by: heatherkennard

Students conquer fears to donate blood by: mackenziethomas

Four…three…two…

one. In these mere

four seconds, two

people were in need

of a blood transfusion.

The Trojans made a big

step in helping save

some of these lives on

Wednesday, April 18.

Students of all ages

and sizes showed up to

make their contribution

of a pint of blood

to the cause. Blood

cannot be made, and

therefore it is essential

for it to be donated.

Student Council

realized this and put

forth a great eff ort to

keep the blood fl owing.

For many students,

it was their fi rst time donating blood. Glancing at the waiting area throughout the

day, fi rst-timers were not hard to point out. There were bouncing legs, wide eyes,

and a lot of nervous laughter. These attributes could be seen in many, not excluding

senior Katie Priddy. One would begin to wonder why someone so nervous would

decide to give blood.

“My friends talked to me and said how I need to help people,” said Priddy.

Sophomore Kyle Ciokiewicz also decided to give blood for the fi rst time and

realized, as many others have, that it’s not as bad as one might think.

“No, it didn’t hurt. I didn’t even really feel the needle,” said Ciokiewicz.

Aft er fi ghting past their nerves, Priddy and Ciokiewicz lost a pint, but saved lives.

They even got to enjoy the splendors all the donors received: free refreshments,

snacks, and t-shirts.

Returning blood donors were more than happy to come back and help more

people. Junior Jordan Dennis decided to donate once again aft er her fi rst time her

freshman year. Dennis is now an advocate of this cause, as it strikes close to home.

“I think it [donating blood] is important because a family member had to have a

blood transfusion and it really helped him,” said Dennis.

At the blood drive, it was not uncommon to see kids come in, but get turned

away from donating. For reasons from low iron to having pierced one’s own ears,

several students got to keep their blood. While issues like having an elevated heart

rate seem miniscule, some eligibility requirements are more controversial. For

example, one cannot donate blood if they are male and have had intercourse with

another male, even if they are in a monogamous relationship and tested negative

for HIV. Although this rule has been deemed unneeded by the Red Cross and other

blood organizations, it still stands with much debate.

While many people are rejected from giving blood, others step in to help out.

Having given almost a gallon of blood, Senior Amanda Panich is nothing but proud

of her contributions, and she used her experience to help newcomers through the

process while working at the refreshment table with Student Council. Along with

past donors like Panich, the nurses and staff were always there to help.

“They [the nurses] talk to you to calm you down if you’re nervous, and always

keep checking on you to see if you’re okay,” said Panich.

Looking past all the nerves and blood, there is a bigger picture behind the drive.

So many students and adults are willing to give up a pint of blood because they

know that by doing this, three other individuals may get to keep all ten of theirs.

“I don’t think that people realize just how much giving blood can help people,”

said Dennis.

THE FACTS

Your donation =

Lives saved

* Less than 38 percent of the population is able to give blood

* The Red Cross started providing blood for patients in 1940

* Statistics show that 25 percent or more of us will require blood at least once in our lifetime.

* Only seven percent of people in the U.S. have type O blood, the universal donor

* Only fi ve percent of eligible donors across the nation donate blood, but the number of transfusions nationwide increases by nine percent every year

* One unit is divided into three parts: red blood cells, platelets, and plasma

photo by: mackenziethomas

On April 18, junior Jasmine Lim donates blood to contribute to

the many people who are in need of blood transfusions.

Not in vein

9 myparkhill.com may 2012

Sticking close toH O M ESenior Trojans stay in Missouri for college

pages designed by: nickbuchberg 10myparkhill.com may 2012

Maple WoodsBrittany AllnuttSarah ArmstrongKayla BallCourtney BockPaige BuckmasterNikki BurnettPaige CiokiewiczChrissy CircoGaylen ColemanJoseph GallagerSophie HartSteven HaskellAshley HendricksonBenjamin HodgesKelly JacksonSavannah LamunyonMiranda LewisMaggie McConnellSydney MorganCatherine NetwalAshley NeugebauerAnita OfokansiAshley PetersonLacey PetersonPreston RushingJoshua RyalsJon SaucedoZachary SayersJessica SweteBria TallyLaura VotrubaNatalie WarrenMiranda WitkowskiNina Wussow

Missouri State UniversityNyu-Nyu AdiangAllison BallardTyler BeitlingCherie ChungKatja GreigTerek HenleyMarissa MahaffeyHallie MooreShane PakKaylee Peterson Kate RyanSamantha ShadidApril ShakerBethany SullingerTyler White

Northwest Missouri State UniversityAnna BallAlex BowserAlexis DaleyChloe FeyAlex Hesketh

Austin LewisAmanda PanichMatthew PittsMatthew SiebelBrooklyn SummervilleAdam StephensBrianna Young

MizzouTeagan AndersonPreston AsbacherAlex ConnorDJ DietrichShirin FelfeliMax FranzenFernando GarciaAvery GardnerBrooke GeisingerRyan HosfordBrooke JacksonChristopher JonesMichael JonesDebonie LewisAllie MehrLucas ObornyEleanor ParrottGrace ProseDerrick RensZachary StevensonBrieann StiensAzania WolfeAlexandra Woods

UMKCAmanda AsherSamantha HaugenTiffi ny MessaRebecca OldsBrianna RepplingerBrittany RepplingerBrooke TurnerDerek VanDolah

Truman StateAmanda AtwellClint ColeAlexis DiazBrynn GuardadoIan HennessyLindsey HorstmannNicole MossCullen RoopSarah StarkSydney Thomas Christopher ToCiera Utter

Park UniversityPaige CollinsHailey SchmidtLeann Williams

University of Central MissouriBrooke BosworthBrittany BrutonSabina CalixteGavin DudleyKyle FiestChauncey HattenNate HufferKelvin JarmonEddie McDonaldHenry MullenixAustin OehrkeJordan RowlettNolan SmithBrett Strickland

MO WesternAustin BaxLucas DiefenbachCaitlin EdwardsAnna KloeppelHalley KnudsonAshley LinderJoshua Nwanguzo

Penn ValleyShelby ElifritsMegan FallsHermuleen Hebel

Missouri ValleyAdam FosdickAndrew KeckGage Wright

RockhurstUyen HoangParsa Javan

OTCAmanda LawrenceToni Hutsel

St. Louis School of PharmacyAnna Karasiewicz

The Art Institute- Kansas CityJerica Davis

Savannah School of Art and DesignSergio Flores

Crowder College-NeoshoMarcus Cross

Avila UniversityTiffany Ritter

Hannibal GrangeShelby Blanchard

Washington UniversityMitch McMahon

BenedictineParker Melott

Paris IITroyonna Robinson

Central Methodist UniversityTaylor Thomas

Missouri Science and TechnologyTrevin HowertonZoe Wesley

Drury UniversityAvery Smith

MarinesNolan AndersonRyan BeckLogan ChevalierChristopher JohnsonBrandon PaytonIsaiah Jorda

Air ForceJohn Chisolm

ArmyAustin Storts

NavyMary-Jane Sapien

11myparkhill.com may 2012

StretchedStretched a c r o s sa c r o s s the the countrycountry

Oral Roberts UniversityOlivia Derry

Oklahoma State UniversityLyle Anderson

University of ArizonaMatt Johnson

Kansas UniversitySebastian BohnCorrine GeorgesBrooke McWhirterRebecca WeeseGarrett Wooldridge

Pittsburg StateErica RichZach Thompson

Kansas State UniversityAustin CarrillTaylor Craghead

Golden Gate UniversityMackenzie Miller

Creighton UniversityShannon Joyce

The next step for seniors

University of ColoradoKyleesha Weston

1212myparkhill.com may 2012pages designed by: nickbuchberg

Wesley UniversitySuzanne Barth

Rutgers UniversityHeather Kennard

Murray StateIan Kirby

Stretched a c r o s s the country

Georgia StateTekeyah Lawson

see previous

page for

Missouri

Arkansas UniversityJoey HostetterSarah Sumpter

Harding UniversityChris Walker

University of AlabamaJake Nickell

Buena Vista UniversityAustin Williamson

University of IllinoisBailey Cation

Michigan UniversityOndre Pipkins

Ohio StateJeddy Choi

Case Western Reserve UniversityDevan Belew

University of MississippiJames Pollard

13myparkhill.com may 2012

Sports

Kevin Levetzow has

coached for the Park Hill

athletics department

for 30 years and he has

decided that it’s time to

step aside.

“Some of my fondest memories from coaching are all of the great

coaches I have had the opportunity to work with and learn from. The

thing I will miss the most is working with kids on a day-to-day basis,”

said Levetzow.

The feeling is mutual between him and the athletes when it comes

to being missed.

“I am going to miss him [Levetzow] just being around us players

in general and being able to help us every day,” sophomore Ricky

Trammell said.

Trammell has played basketball both his freshman and sophomore

years, with the latter being on varsity. He enjoyed Coach Levetzow’s

style of having fun at appropriate times and still being able to get down

to business.

“He was always there to joke around and have fun, but when it

came to practice and games, he was very serious and always strove for

us to work hard and win,” said Trammell.

The soccer fi elds will also be missing someone special this upcoming

season: head coach Dustin Sollars. As many students already know,

Sollars has recently opened the new CrossFit gym in Platte Woods and

it is doing a lot better than expected. In addition, he and his wife are

expecting their third child. With all those priorities on his plate, Sollars

decided that coaching the soccer team would be too much.

“Those two items will take up so much time that I’m not sure I

could be as committed to soccer as I would need to be in order to be

successful. So I’ve decided to resign my position as head coach so the

team can have a coach that is 100 percent committed to their success,

because they deserve it,” said Sollars.

In his last 10 years of coaching, Sollars succeeded not only in

coaching, but also in being a strong leader to his athletes.

“The way he coached was just diff erent. He taught us about more

than just soccer, things I will be able to use the rest of my life; the major

lesson being to never make the same mistake twice,” junior and varsity

soccer player Keaton Anchors said.

Throughout his coaching journey, Sollars’ hopes of being more than

a coach were apparent.

“I hope that I’ve taught them the value of hard work and the power

of ambition. I always tried to get my players to believe in themselves

and to set loft y goals. I hope it stuck,” said Sollars.

Not only will the track be missing someone next year, but also the

golf course. Coach Gourley was not only one of the head track coaches,

but also the head golf coach. One person that has been with him

coaching for over 15 years is Tari Garner, fellow golf and track coach.

“I will miss his sense of humor, his positive attitude and willingness

to always have fun, and how he treats everyone around him with the

utmost respect and loyalty,” said Garner.

With two people coaching together for so long, a special bond is

created that can never be replaced.

“I have so many great memories but the times when we took

athletes to the State track meets stand out. One year, the weather was

terrible and we had fun entertaining the athletes who were trying to

hide and keep warm. We ran through their camp doing diff erent dance

movements. It was silly and fun and the athletes thought we were

crazy! I don’t know how the years ahead will be diff erent but Gourley’s

infl uence will continue for years to come. He is a good man that values

God, family and everyone around him. He will be greatly missed by

many at Park Hill and defi nitely by me, but I will look forward to many

years of friendship that will continue beyond retirement,” said Garner.

The Game Must Go OnPark Hill recognizes retiring coachesSSppoorrttss

The Game Must Go OnPark Hill recognizes retiring coaches

by: chloelane

Every school has coaches

who have been around

for years. Without them,

things wouldn’t seem the

same. Unfortunately, every

great thing has to come to

an end, and next school

year will not be the same.

Basketball coach Kevin

Levetzow, soccer coach

Dustin Sollars, and track/

golf coach Mark Gourley

will not be returning

next year to continue

their coaching careers.

There are various reasons

for their decisions, but

nonetheless, Park Hill will

miss their phenomenal

coaching.

1414myparkhill.com may 2012page designed by: chloelane

by: graceprose

In early March, senior Adam Fosdick received

devastating news. His father was diagnosed

with stage four throat cancer. Although

Fosdick was very scared and unsure of what

the future would hold, he found strength

in the sport he loves---baseball. Fosdick has

been a part of the baseball program since

freshman year. Going into tryouts this year, he

had a lot more on his mind than many of his

teammates.

“I found out during tryouts that my dad

was diagnosed with cancer,” said Fosdick. “I

felt a lot more pressure to perform well for my

dad.”

When the season started, junior Sam

Heustis tried to fi nd a way to show support for

his teammate. Aft er brainstorming, he came

up with the idea for the team to wear lavender

laces in their cleats.

“I think that the whole team is one big

family,” said Heustis. “We all care about each

other so I thought we should wear the laces in

support of Dave (Fosdick) and show him that

we are there to care for him.”

Lavender, although not the color of

throat cancer, is the color of general cancer

awareness. The team chose this color to

represent all of the people dealing with cancer,

not only Fosdick’s dad.

Senior and varsity baseball player Zach

Anderson heard of this idea, but thought it

could be bigger. He proposed the idea that the

entire baseball program should wear them.

“I thought it was a great idea, but I wanted

the whole program to do it to show that we

all care,” said Anderson. “We’re all behind him

through his family’s situation.”

Having support from his teammates and

couching staff made the diagnosis slightly

easier for Fosdick.

“I really appreciate it. It just shows that my

family is like a second family to my friends,”

said Fosdick. “They really respect my dad. It’s

easier to deal with everything knowing I have

so much support behind me.”

Although there have been trying times and

hospitalizations, Fosdick’s dad has made it to

all but two baseball games.

“I know it means a lot to him to be able

to watch me play, especially because it’s my

senior year, so I’m really happy he is still able

to come,” said Fosdick. photo by: graceprose

Tying the team togetherBaseball boys show support for teammate by sporting lavender laces

15myparkhill.com may 2012

CommunityCommunity

by: camillesmithWhen sophomore Adrianna Vivas gave her name and

number to representatives of the Barbizon program who

were advertising in the Park Hill cafeteria, she thought

that she was signing up to get more information about a

scholarship program. However, it turns out that Barbizon is

not a scholarship agency. Barbizon is a school of modeling,

and instead of giving her money for college, this program

ended up costing Vivas more than $2000.

“There’s a $2000 fl at fee, but there are so many

other costs,” said Vivas. “I thought it would get you to a

scholarship if you went to the class, but I also used to be

a model and I wanted to get back into modeling, so that’s

why I did it.”

Soon aft er Vivas gave Barbizon representatives her

information, she received a call from the agency asking

her to come to a free informational meeting. It was at this

meeting that Vivas decided to participate in Barbizon—a six-

month time commitment of one class session every month.

Aside from the fl at fee, participants were also required to

make several other purchases such as a bag, book, makeup

kit, and clothing. Another Park Hill student, senior Laura

Votruba, has also participated in this program.

“At fi rst I just did it for fun. Before the program started

I got this little bug in my head that I could be a model

and maybe earn some money for school on the side,” said

Votruba.

Teacher Matt Magnuson serves as Park Hill’s contact

with all businesses and internship programs that advertise

within PHHS, and it was him who signed off on allowing

Barbizon to recruit Park Hill students.

“I would tell students that when these outside

companies come in, these are presented as opportunities

for you,” said Magnuson. “It’s not necessarily an

endorsement for that company by PHHS. If they’re

misrepresenting themselves, that would be an issue.”

However, some students—especially those who have

experience with Barbizon—feel that misrepresenting

themselves is exactly what the company is doing.

“I didn’t hear about them through the school. When I

saw them at school aft er I’d graduated the program, they

advertised themselves as a $100,000 scholarship. I didn’t

hear of anybody winning it,” said Votruba.

In addition to the lack of scholarship opportunity she

was off ered, Votruba also feels that Barbizon is misleading

about their modeling program—even aft er graduating from

the class, participants are not guaranteed representation

by an agency. For many who pay for the class, all their

expenses will come to nothing. However, Vivas feels

diff erently--although she didn’t get what she expected from

Barbizon, she plans to use the insights gained to help her

restart her modeling career.

“It teaches you a lot about the industry and it also builds

your self-esteem a lot,” said Vivas. “It’s worth your time. I

don’t want to say money because it’s super expensive, but it

was a really good experience for me and I think it’ll pay off

soon.”

Barbizon is able to advertise themselves as a scholarship

agency because once a year, they off er a $100,000

scholarship which is awarded on the basis of a random

drawing. They defend the fact that some consumers are

unhappy with their business, saying that despite complaints,

Barbizon has been around since 1939 and is accredited by

the Better Business Bureau.

“There is no agency worldwide that guarantee a job,

because at the end of the day it’s the client that provides

work, not the agency,” Senior Executive Director of

Barbizon, Kylie Callendar, said. “A lot of kids come into

Barbizon thinking they’ll be a star overnight, but we focus

more on personal development.”

Administrators urge students to exercise caution when

choosing business or scholarship programs to participate in,

even if they hear about those programs through the school.

“My reminder to all students and parents in the

community is that nobody is giving anything away for free,

so make sure that your contact with anyone is part of a

good sense of how you want to make your way in life. Just

because somebody tells you this is what they do, doesn’t

mean this is what they do,” administrator Bill Sobbe said.

scholarship or scam?

scscsccscsccchohhhhohhh lalarsrshihippppppppp

fefefefefefefefeeelels s ththatat B Baaaaaaaaa

mmmmmmmm—e—eveveveeeen n aftaftft

gugugugugugugugug aa

1155 yypaparkrkhihillll.c.comommymy mamay y 20201212

16myparkhill.com may 2012 page designed by: camillesmith & nickbuchberg

by: kateryanAround the halls of Park Hill, many have heard of the program

DECA. It’s been around for over 60 years and continues in

schools all over the country. DECA (Distributive Education

Clubs of America) has been a part of the lives of more than

ten million students, educators, school administers, and

business professionals alike. However, there is still confusion

and misunderstanding about the club.

“DECA is an organziation for the students interested in

the marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. It is an

opportunity for students to learn and gain experience in their

chosen fi eld. And the networking and travel opportunities are

second to none,” DECA teacher Matt Magnuson said.

And that’s just what it does. The mission statement of

DECA is to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for

careers in marketing, fi nance, hospitality and management

in high schools and colleges around the globe. DECA

enhances its members’ preparation for college and careers

by providing co-curricular programs that integrate into

classroom instruction. These programs apply learning in the

context of business, connect students to business and the

community, and promote competition. Student members

leverage their DECA experience to become academically

prepared, community oriented, professionally responsible,

and experienced leaders.

Many high school and college students come to DECA for

the learning experience and stay for fun. The competition

works at regional, state, and national levels. Recently, over

12 Park Hill competitors traveled to the Lake of the Ozarks to

participate in the DECA state competition.

“It was an interesting experience I learned from, and

hopefully will attend next year. There were a lot of side

activities which were a blast,” junior Connor Samenus said.

Many students wonder how exactly DECA works. When

competing in events, participants are graded on two

activities: test scores and role plays. At the beginning of the

competition, all participants are given a test over marketing

as a whole, which they must complete within an hour. Aft er

that, they are given a business scenario involving marketing,

which they must act out.

Nationals are just around the corner and many students

are set to compete. DECA is organized into two unique

student divisions: The High School Division, which includes

185,000 members in 5,000 schools, and The Collegiate

Division, which includes over 15,000 members in 200 colleges

and universities. And only the top ten percent will compete in

nationals.

“I placed fi ft h in my event with my partner Kate Ryan

at state. We are going to nationals to compete, specifi cally

in (the category) travel and tourism. I am really excited to

compete. Only 6 percent of the nation places for nationals, so

this is an amazing chance for us and the rest of the students

going,” junior Delaney Stevenson said.

THE DL ON DECA

Senior Brooke Geisinger holds up her fi rst place trophy from DECA regionals. Geisinger won this trophy on

February 14 in the Fashion Merchandising and Promotion Planning category.

16myparkhill.com may 2012 page designed by: camillesmith & nickbuchberg

17myparkhill.com may 2012

Family?What makes a

“It’s my mom, my dad, and my older sister, who is a senior here. We are all really close. I am especially close to my sister Brooke. We

both share an interest in clothes. I am glad to have this time with my sister, but I’ll be sad when she leaves for college. Living with just

my parents will be weird at fi rst, but I will get used to it. Our family spends a lot of time together. We all eat dinner together every

night, we watch our favorite shows together like “Desperate Housewives” and “Pretty Little Liars,” and we go out together, too,

like on trips and family outings. I think it’s wonderful to have such a special bond with my family and I am so grateful to be in my

situation. We are a loving, happy family. All of us look out for one another.”

Traditional (Nuclear): Freshman Mallory Geisinger

Family types from then to now.

Then

:

Adopted: Senior Samantha Haugen“It’s really just my mom and I. We are super close and she’s like

my best friend. I used to be close with my dad, but he has a ton

of issues and he doesn’t live with us. I knew I was adopted when

I was about three, but I didn’t meet my biological family for the

fi rst time until sophomore year. When I was younger I didn’t

want to meet them at all or have anything to do with them, and

honestly nothing really changed my mind till I made a Facebook

and curiosity caused me to try and fi nd them. I found my sister

and started asking her questions and told her I was her younger

sister. We exchanged numbers and spent hours texting each

other--we couldn’t believe it was happening. I am so glad I tried

to fi nd them. I see them every year in summer down in Florida

where they live. Now my older sister Ashley and my biological

mom and I are really close, and they will actually be here for

graduation. My adoptive mom was really shocked when I told her

I found my biological family. She was happy, but sad at the time

because she thought I would forget about her. It’s not that way

at all. They are just like extra support--it’s really cool. And I have

two sisters and two moms now. It was a great experience, and

now I have them in my life. I just didn’t expect it over Facebook.”

“It’s my mom, my dad, and my grandpa Pharce, who we call Bahbah. He

is my dad’s father and is from Afghanistan. Most of my friends don’t live

with their grandparents, so I think that (my family) is something diff erent.

Aft er my parents fi rst got married, my grandparents’ and aunt’s house

burned down, so they moved in with me and my parents. My grandma

has passed away, and my aunt is actually a translator in Afghanistan,

but my grandpa still lives with us. Over here in America, you put your

parents in a home or in their own apartment, but in my dad’s culture you

don’t have to do that. My dad is also from Afghanistan; he came here

when he was eighteen. He is from a place more family-centered and close

together. He had 13 brothers and sisters and they all lived close together

or with each other. I haven’t known anything diff erent than living with

my grandpa and it’s always been great. I have learned a lot from him.

Instead of being stricter, he helps me out more, like when I wanted to get

my ears pierced. My dad was always against that, but when my grandpa

bought me earrings that changed. It’s good to have him around-- he’s

always on my side. “

Multigenerational: Senior Allie Mehr

Now:

by: kateryan

“Four people live in the house. It’s me,

my friend, my mom, and my stepmom.

Before, it was just my mom, so we

are really close. My dad comes and

goes; I am not really close to him.

Now that Wendy is here she is like my

best friend. My mom and step mom

have been together for eight years. I

didn’t know my mom was gay until

fi ft h grade. She never told me growing

up--I think she was scared to talk about

it. I noticed signs, and then she met

Wendy and I knew. I am really close

with both of my moms. We hang out

a lot. I really feel like I can talk to them

about anything and I am comfortable.

I love my family. Having two moms

has taught me to stand up for what I

believe in and voice my opinions. “

18myparkhill.com may 2012pages designed by: ninawussow

“My parents got divorced almost 12 years ago. They

have 50/50 joint custody. My dad is remarried and I

have two half sisters, a full sister, and a brother. I was

about four or just turned four when they divorced. I don't

really remember them together. They can get along well

enough to take care of us kids, but they don't have much

to do with each other otherwise. It's diff erent living in two

houses. My dad's house is a lot more hectic and seems to

always have something going, while my mom's is really

laid back and we have a lot of free time. I love having

both. We go to one house at 6:00 Sunday night and

then stay there until next Sunday night at 6:00. One of

my least favorite parts is to pack a bag of clothes I want

to wear at one parent's house for the next week, and it

gets old lugging the heavy thing around. But I guess I

wouldn't have it any other way--this is the perfect life for

me. We are all very close. We make sure that everyone is

taken care of and if there is a problem, we do everything

we can to help fi x the problem as soon as possible. Most

of our family friends describe us as weird, but they say

that they can tell that family comes fi rst.”

“I have two brothers and my parents are divorced because my dad decided to become a woman. It started about fi ve years ago, but he has had

this belief since he was seven. Before I knew [my dad was a woman], my brother Cory and my mom found out, and when she did she moved us

out that night. I knew my parents were going to get a divorce, but I didn’t know why. I just knew we would have two Christmases and I would

be living in an apartment for a while. With time I started to pick up on little cues, like him wearing mascara and seeing him at shop at Forever 21.

When he fi nally told my brother Tyler and I, he explained it like, ‘I am still your dad, but I was born to be a woman.’ I was fi ne with him telling me

this. It was hard to deal with, but like any other family there are hard times. I think we became more of a family through it all. It taught me to be

accepting and when stuff happens you have to put up with it. In the end, it was better for everyone. It brought us closer, and my parents became

more like friends to me. My mom was depressed before the divorce, but was better aft er. They stayed friends and get along. We all still spend time

with each other; for holidays, my dad is always invited. When my dad had a heart attack we all went to support him. We are always there for each

other. Despite everything, we still love each other.”

Transgender: Junior Morgan Paul

“I have three sisters and six brothers. All

of them are half brothers except two. My

mom raised all of us on her own for 13

years until she was married. All of us live

together except four of the kids, who live

elsewhere. I’m the oldest. My mom had

me when she was 16. I take care of my

siblings; I fi ght for them and protect them.

With so many, you have be independent.

We don’t have bad lives. It was great

despite being raised by just my mom. I met

my dad when I was eight but he’s not really

around. He lives in Chicago. I have a step

dad now, though, and we always go to his

family reunions. We are loud and we are

not to be messed with. Friends come and

go, but family is forever.”

Divorced: Sophomore Kellen Hammons

Sa

me

-Se

x C

ou

ple

: Se

nio

r Ja

von

Sutg

rey

by: kateryanIn 1950, the typical family was made up of a working father, a stay-at-home mom, and two children. This was the universally accepted

model of a family in the United States, but this doesn’t hold true today. In modern society, with all the changing lifestyles and personal

mobility you fi nd in 2012, there is no mold for a typical family. Families are still a central element in contemporary society, but a

variety of family types are found and accepted. In Park Hill, one can fi nd multitude of families, from blended to same-sex couples. Even

though they may be diff erent, each fi nds a way to support each other and create a loving home. It’s the love and support within it that

makes a family a family.

Single Parent: Senior Sean Cash

19myparkhill.commay 2012

by: kaylinlakeWhen you look in the mirror, what you see may not always be how

other people perceive you. Teens have high expectations for how they

should look. Sophomore Zoe Butler has been diagnosed recently with

anorexia and bulimia.

More than half a million teenagers have been diagnosed with an

eating disorder. According to Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorder

(ANAD), eating disorders have the highest mortality rates of any

mental disorder. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized

by markedly reduced appetite or total aversion to food. Bulimia is an

emotional disorder in which bouts of extreme overeating are followed

by depression and self-induced vomiting, purging, or fasting.

Butler was diagnosed with both of these eating disorders last month

and is being treated by refeeding and breaking the cycle. Refeeding

is the process of balancing one’s body with the reinstitution of food

and nutrition. Butler also sees a therapist in Liberty for her anxiety and

depression, and the therapist focuses on helping her work through

the trauma in her life. She is currently out of school and will be taking

online classes starting this summer.

“I’ve felt fat and ugly since seventh grade. It has a lot to do with my

childhood. I always strived for my extended family’s approval. I never

felt good enough because they always favored my cousin. That’s when

I started feeling second best,” said Butler.

One of the hardest things for her to do was to tell her parents.

“I was afraid they wouldn’t believe it. A lot of people tried to

convince me that I didn’t have a problem,” said Butler.

Publications such as “Fitness Magazine” show teens multiple ways to

lose weight, claiming that this will make them happier. However, some

believe that this obsession with weight loss is what has led so many

teens to develop eating disorders.

“Society has false perception of beauty. It’s unrealistic in every way.

The airbrushed skin and their thinness is unhealthy and unattainable,”

said Butler.

Most girls who become anorexic are 13 and older. The rate of these

eating disorders has increased immensely in the past thirty years as the

expectation that the media sets for girls has dramatically changed.

Adele, one of the top artists of the past year, has received multiple

comments on her weight. When confronted with comments about her

weight, she said, “I love food and hate exercise. I don’t want to be on

the cover of “Playboy” or “Vogue.” I want to be on the cover of “Rolling

Stone.” I’d rather weigh a ton and make an amazing album than look

like Nicole Richie and do a horrible album. My aim in life is never to be

skinny.”

Sophomore Jake Bjornlie is one who believes in the gravity of these

disorders.

“It’s a real issue, and it’s hard for people to understand and get

over it, but it it’s a psychological problem and they need to get help to

overcome it,” said Bjornlie.

Other students of Park Hill were able to speak their mind about

these diseases.

“They should be who they are and not worry what other people

think about them,” freshman Sean Moise said.

However, there are those who disagree.

“It has more to do with culture aff ecting your way of thought, more

than a disorder,” senior Keaton Richey said.

When a person is suff ering from an eating disorder, they cannot

recieve treatment until the disorder is recognized. Butler was strong

enough to tell someone. She told her parents and a few friends, and

she was able to get help before it got too out of control.

Anyone who shows signs of suff ering from anorexia or bulimia

should contact the National Eating Disorders Association’s toll-free

hotline at 1-800-931-2237 (Mon–Fri, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm PST).

“Tell someone. Ignore society’s idea that you have to be dangerously

thin to have an eating disorder--that’s not accurate at all,” said Butler.

Nearly 300,000 people die yearly from these eating disorders. In

fact, only one in ten people will actually get help for such problems,

and even if society makes it easy to fi nd fl aws in every person, next

time you look in the mirror and you think you’re fat, remember; it’s not

just you.

It’s Just Not YouDealing with an eating disorderLife

20myparkhill.commay 2012page designed by: nickbuchberg

Double TakePHHS Staff have astonishing similarities to celebrities.

Mark Harman looks like Ian

Harding from “Pretty Little Liars”

Dr. Tori Cain looks like Chandra

Wilson from “Grey’s Anatomy’

Kevin Rask looks like Ana Ruck

from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off ”

Mark Gourley looks like Clint

Eastwood from “Gran Torino”

Play

21myparkhill.com may 2012

Grace ProseYou may have walked into room 350 a

soft spoken writer searching for her voice,

but you have found it and it is heard

loud and clear. Your passion, not only for

journalism, but for life, is inspirational…

even for this old lady. I am honored to

have taught you and know you will go on

to do great things. Your leadership and

kind heart will change the world.

Heather KennardYou have already made your mark on

KC, and now you are headed to take

on the East Coast. I am so proud of

you for always following your dreams

and never compromising. Your unique

sense of style follows to your infectious

personality. Your creativity fl ows through

the pages and into life and I cannot wait

to see your happily ever aft er.

Jessica SweteIt is your strong personality that allowed

both of our dreams to come true. I am

so honored to know you and be a part of

your life. Your hard work never fails and

I know I can always count on you. You

always give all of your heart to everything

you do and for that I know you will be

successful in anything you choose.

Nina WussowYour growth over the years amazes me.

You have overcome so much and it has

truly been an honor to be a part of your

journey. Your crea tivity comes across in

all you do and I am so excited to watch

your passion for art only grow. There are

no boundaries….dream big.

Katlyne RyanWelcome back! It has been so great

having you on staff and your dedication

this year has been noticed. Your

perfectionist quality fl ows into all you

do and I am confi dent it is what helped

make this year a success. Carry it on in all

you do.

Saying good-bye is hard to do

Beran salutes her seniors

Seniors give advice as graduation nears

“When something goes bad, don’t stress out too much

because usually there will be time to fi x it. Also, take

chances and risks because you don’t wanna miss out

on something during your senior year.” – Kelvin Jarmon

“Get involved in whatever you have the slightest interest in. Surround yourself with a healthy group of

people. Immerse yourself in what makes you happy;

embrace it and enjoy the ride.” – Amanda Atwell

“Don’t get caught up in all the little drama.”

– Amanda Huff

“Don’t stand in the middle of the

hallway and act like you run the place!”

– Cherie Chung

“Only join clubs that you want to join, not just because

you think it’ll look good on applications.” – Sarah Stark

“Always have character.” – John Harris

“Keep your eyes on the big picture.” - Brent Collins“Don’t allow peer pressure to allow you to make bad decisions. Don’t be intimidated by anyone. Be

yourself and don’t let your friends ruin your goals in

life.”- Anesia Jamerson

“With AP classes, don’t procrastinate. Read

your book and do your work. These classes

aren’t like others.” – Tekeyah Lawson

“If you can’t handle a job and school, go with school

fi rst.” - Foster Patton

by: lauraprice

As these next few weeks roll around, seniors will be graduating and moving on to

other places. Aft er being here for four years, they have gathered plenty of tips and

tricks to navigate this high school and make these years some of your greatest.

Tips from the top

pages designed by: zachhahn & heatherkennard 22myparkhill.com may 2012

by: heatherkennard

May 20th, 2032

Dear Class of 2012,

Our 20 year class reunion is coming up quickly and we would like

to invite you to attend. The event will begin at 6:30 pm on Saturday

and will continue until midnight. Please mark your calenders and begin

making plans to come.

If you show up, you will come across some of your classmates, all

of whom have dispersed in various directions away from Barry Road.

You’ll see old friends and old teammates and will mutter the expression

‘back in the day’ more times in the hours you’re there than you have in

your entire life. More than anything, you will remember your days at

Park Hill High School.

You’ll remember our freshman year, when the school was a maze

and running to classes was a necessity. You’ll remember trying to

fi gure out which club to be in, or what sport to try out for. You’ll

remember the fi rst day of school, when you couldn’t fall asleep the

night before and you still woke up way to early to get ready. You will

remember how four years of school seemed like an eternity back then.

You will recall our sophomore year, when we lost beloved coach and

teacher Jerry Alexander, someone that Park Hill High School will never

forget. You will recall how the rush of being in high school wore off ,

and the feeling that somehow, the three years you had left seemed like

forever.

If you can, you’ll bring to mind the fuzziness that was junior year,

from dealing with several AP classes to getting ready to go to your

fi rst-ever prom. You’ll recall how junior year seemed like it took under

a month to fi nish. You’ll remember how it felt like one of the most

stressful, crammed months of your life.

If junior year only felt like a month, your senior year felt as if it lasted

a week. Suddenly high school was at its fi nal stages, and you had to

fi gure out your future plans. Whether that was getting into college,

fi nding a job, or joining the military, life aft er school was so close you

could almost grab it. Most thought graduation was the end, but we all

knew it was just the beginning.

But what you didn’t understand back then was that the last few

days of senior year weren’t so bad, and that May 20 came much sooner

than expected. While it was wonderful to have classes end, it wasn’t

so nice to say goodbye to wearing red and white and screaming on

our Trojan football boys. It wasn’t so nice to say goodbye to friends

you’ve grown so close to. It wasn’t so nice to leave the wonderful

teachers that have guided us throughout our years at PHHS. Hopefully

you won’t regret wasting those days waiting for the future, while the

present was slowly slipping away.

You will remember all of this, and you will come away with the

understanding that, aft er 20 years apart, we are still Trojans, and

Trojans we will always be.

Hope you can all attend.

“Don’t wait till the second semester of your senior

year to fi nish your A+ hours.” – Brieann Stiens

“Don’t climb the ceilings in the old gym… you will get

in trouble.” – Nolan Smith

“Just because it’s your senior year, don’t slack off . It

won’t prepare you for college.” – Teagan Anderson

“Don’t let these years fl y by you. Think ahead

starting as a freshman. All these classes matter,

especially when you apply to college. “- Chris Allen

“Don’t slack off and think you’ll have enough time to

play catch-up. Just stay on top of everything so school is

fun.” – Tanner Chrisman

“No matter how hard it gets… stay in school.”

- Cody Holt

A Final

Hints from HeatherTaking a break from fashion to look back on high school

“Get involved in as many things as possible,” - Anna Kloeppel

“Don’t make awkward faces when people from yearbook are around.” – Maxx Tittone “Work hard while you’re a freshman so you can slack off as a senior.” -Kate Ryan

“Do what makes you happy. Don’t let other people

judge you for it”- Jessica Sweete

“Take the ACT and apply for scholarships early.” - Allie Mehr