Senior reaches marine goal
Josh Duden, news editor
May 16, 2012
After working for four years toward a military-related academy, senior Devin Ellison has finally accomplished his goal. This fall, Ellison will be attending the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. which has an acceptance rate of only 23.3 percent. The Academy trains servicemen who... (more...)
High school has helped set me up for future successes
Josh Duden, news editor
May 15, 2012
Thirteen years of preparation have led me to tomorrow – graduation. This pivotal moment didn’t come easily; there have been loads of struggles here and there. But, high school works to prepare us for the difficult tasks that lie ahead of each of us. I have struggled with being motivated... (more...)
Fire department conducts yearly school fire inspection
Josh Duden, news editor
May 10, 2012
The yearly inspection for fire safety was performed by the Shawnee Fire Department on Thursday, May 10. The goal of the inspection is to ensure all fire systems are working properly and to begin working on the new system to assure the exiting of all students from the building more efficiently. The... (more...)
Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream hits the stage
Josh Duden, news editor
May 4, 2012
The spring play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, will begin tonight, Friday, May 4 and run through Saturday, May 5 with both shows starting at 7 p.m. This is the first Shakespearian play ever attempted at the school. Director Jon Copeland said the old English brings new difficulties for the students... (more...)
Q and A with StuCo secretary candidate Olivia Harding
Josh Duden, news editor
April 23, 2012
1. Why are you running for student body office? Well first, a lot of my friends are and also I really care about a lot of the stuff at school and I want to make stuff fun and also as a student body officer you have more influence for change. 2. What makes you qualified for the position of secretary? I... (more...)
Q and A with StuCo president candidate Stephen McEnery
Josh Duden, news editor
April 23, 2012
Junior Stephen McEnery 1. Why are you running for student body office? I have been on StuCo for two years and I feel I know how the system works and I feel like I have the ability and the responsibility to make my and my class’ senior year a good one. 2. What makes you qualified for the... (more...)
Associate principal Matt Fedde heads to Nebraska at end of year
Josh Duden, news editor
April 20, 2012
After the end of the school year, associate principal Matt Fedde will be leaving the school and Kansas all together as he heads to Omaha, Neb. for a new opportunity within his home state. Fedde said many things pushed him to return home, the biggest factor being family and an easier transition... (more...)
Student teacher describes experience
Josh Duden, news editor
April 14, 2012
From the conversations to teaching classes, student teacher Katie McKee experiences what it is like to be a full-fledged teacher while still finishing her degree. As she teaches English teacher Justin Bogart’s classes, which include Sports Literature, AP Literature and Composition and sophomore... (more...)
Silver Stars look forward to upcoming Extravaganza
Josh Duden, news editor
March 30, 2012
In recent weeks the Silver Stars Dance team, the Cheer team and the Silver studs have been preparing for the Silver Star Extravaganza on Saturday, March 31 at 6 p.m. The extravaganza is the last of the performances for the 2011-2012 season for the dance and cheer teams and will feature multiple... (more...)
A trip full of lessons learned
Josh Duden, news editor
March 23, 2012
I have always been told by my parents opportunities are everything and, finally, I believe them. You see, opportunities don’t just come in the form of a school activity or finding a quarter on the ground which can help pay for some gum. I learned over spring break most opportunities come... (more...)
National progression leads to various names for generation
Josh Duden, news editor
March 1, 2012
A generation like ours is forced to alter itself due to circumstances which society creates, and thus we get a name. Our generation has many names, just like the generations who will come in the future will have. For as we progress in society, the rapid effects of what has occurred each and... (more...)
National disasters shape generation
Josh Duden, news editor
February 29, 2012
From the day the twin towers came crashing down on Sept. 11, 2001, to Hurricane Katrina’s rampant destruction in New Orleans in 2005, society’s reaction to large events has helped define today’s current generation. According to USA Today’s analysis of 9/11’s effects on the generation,... (more...)
Fire destroys Shawnee apartment complex
Josh Duden, news editor
February 24, 2012
A fire destroyed the Hampton Woods Apartment Complex at 16945 W. 67th Terrace in Shawnee on the night of Thursday, Feb. 23. The Shawnee Fire Department responded after receiving a call shortly after 7 p.m. The fire lasted from late Thursday night into early Friday morning and fire fighters... (more...)
Underclassmen begin course selection process
Josh Duden, news editor
February 16, 2012
Sophomores and juniors began course selection on Tuesday, Feb. 14. The selection process this year includes the additions of over 14 new classes and new names for previous classes, such as Broadcast Journalism is now called Digital Media Design & Production: Broadcast. In addition to the... (more...)
School nominates King and Queen of Winter Sports candidates
Josh Duden, news editor
February 9, 2012
King and Queen of Winter Sports candidates were finally selected on Tuesday, Feb. 7. Candidates were selected by the student body through voting that occurred within the previous week. This year’s queen candidates are Mackenzie Acree, Sarah Darby, Sierra Miles, Heidi Mustapich and Kati Strickland.... (more...)
Quiz bowl experiences regional success
Josh Duden, news editor
February 3, 2012
At the 5A regional tournament hosted at Mill Valley on Thursday, Feb. 2, the Quiz Bowl team placed second and qualified for state competition. Last year, the team failed to qualify for state, the first time in many years. But now the team is again eligible, and according to coach Mary Beth... (more...)
Students dedicate time to Fantasy Football
Josh Duden, news editor
February 2, 2012
Fantasy player enjoys the game despite losses Standing in front of his Fantasy drafting board, sophomore Alex Rounds shared his experience with Fantasy Football and the ups and downs of the game. Each time a team or league is created, a player starts with the Fantasy draft, and this was no... (more...)
Graduation ceremony moves outdoors
Josh Duden, news editor
January 27, 2012
Graduation is set to change to a new schedule and system this year. It will occur on Saturday, May 19, and is planned to occur outdoors. According to the released graduation statement from principal Tobie Waldeck, graduation is planned to take place at the Jaguar football stadium, instead of... (more...)
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo does not disappoint
Josh Duden, news editor
January 20, 2012
As I walked into the movie theater sparsely filled with the few people attending so late at night, I braced myself for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, based on the international best-selling novel of the same name, by Swedish author Stieg Larsson. The movie had a raunchy reputation, but I... (more...)
Swim team to be added as district sport
Josh Duden, news editor
January 13, 2012
After two months and two denied requests for a school swim program, the board of education approved the addition of a swimming team at the board meeting on, Monday, Jan. 9. The sport will be available to both De Soto High School and Mill Valley High School, beginning of next year. Both schools... (more...)
Google heads to Kansas City to launch ultra-high speed Internet, Google Fiber
Josh Duden, news editor
December 14, 2011
Google, as promised earlier in the year, is set to begin development and construction of Google Fiber in the Kansas City, Kan. and Mo. areas within the first quarter of 2012, pending various city council approvals. Building close partnerships with businesses such as the Kauffman Foundation... (more...)
Lack of government consensus makes agreements impossible
Josh Duden, news editor
December 14, 2011
I was given an opportunity recently that has never happened before; to experience the thrill of being relatively close to the President of the United States while he was in Osawatomie. The President is like the Megan Fox or the Ryan Reynolds of my world; I was starstruck. However, it wasn’t... (more...)
School evacuates due to smoke scare
Josh Duden, news editor
December 5, 2011
At approximately 9 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 5, a smoke detector in the art wing of the school triggered the fire alarm that led to an evacuation for the students and staff to Monticello Trails Middle School. The evacuation, lasting approximately 17 minutes, was due to an art project in the Survey... (more...)
Absences rise due to flu season
Josh Duden, news editor
November 18, 2011
As the winter season enters into full swing, the amount of absences due to illness at school has drastically increased. But as absences are on the rise, many methods of prevention are essential to know about, in order to keep students healthy and in class. The flu is one of the most common... (more...)
Expulsion from the European Union a possibility for Greece
Josh Duden, news editor
November 15, 2011
The European Union faces a tough consideration–whether or not to allow Greece to downgrade the value of the Euro. In October alone, value of the Euro went down by 0.6 percent against the American dollar. Now, Greece faces the potential expulsion from the Union entirely, a fate that could... (more...)
Students recognized as Kansas Honors Scholars
Josh Duden, news editor
November 11, 2011
Twenty-four students, comprising the top 10 percent of the senior class, have been announced as the recipients of the Kansas Honors Scholars recognition award. The program’s goal is to bring focus to academics and recognize those students who worked hard consistantly throughout their high... (more...)
JAGS club promotes community service
Josh Duden, news editor
November 4, 2011
JAGS, the school’s community service club, is entering one of the busiest seasons of the year for volunteer work. The club volunteers around the community once or twice a month at various locations. Among those locations is volunteering at Harvester’s once a month until January. Club... (more...)
KCTV5 selects Mill Valley High School as “Cool School of the Week”
Josh Duden, news editor
October 26, 2011
KCTV5 will be broadcasting live from the school on Friday, Oct. 28 starting at 5 a.m. The school was selected as KCTV5’s “Cool School of the Week” for all non-athletic clubs to be recognized for their achievements. All students are welcome to take part in the Cool School event.... (more...)
10-month-old Lisa Irwin still missing, the search continues
Josh Duden, news editor
October 20, 2011
During the night of Tuesday, Oct. 4, 10-month-old Lisa Irwin was taken from her home. Lisa’s mother and father, Deborah Bradley and Jeremy Irwin, have appeared on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and the nightly news numerous times, pleading for their baby to be brought home bringing... (more...)
Q and A with Homecoming king Connor Bickle
Josh Duden, news editor
October 11, 2011
Senior Connor Bickle was announced as Homcoming king on Friday, Oct. 7 at the Homecoming game against Baeshor-Linwood High School. Bickle describes his reaction to his win. Why did you want to win Homecoming king? I wanted to win Homecoming king because it would be awesome! How did it... (more...)
Spirit week begins with changes in place
Josh Duden, news editor
October 4, 2011
Homecoming is well underway and with it, the spirit week. As usual, music has played, the halls are decorated, and the week ahead is planned to include a rally and a bonfire. Themed around Beatles music and the movie Across the Universe the spirit days commence. Students have had mixed feelings... (more...)
Candidates selected for Homecoming court
Josh Duden, news editor
September 27, 2011
As the bell went off on the morning of Friday, Sept. 23, the announcements rang over the intercom announcing the candidates for Homecoming king and queen. The new nomination system where only seniors voted on the candidates was implemented for the first time ever this year. Even though the... (more...)
Sept. 11 anniversary memorials help students remember day’s significance
Josh Duden, news editor
September 21, 2011
Standing on Ground Zero, President Barack Obama and the first family, in addition to President George W. Bush and Laura Bush, honored those lost on that day. As the World Trade Center fell on Sept. 11, the nation was in a state of shock. Today, as students and teachers recall the importance... (more...)
UNICEF works to recruit new members
Josh Duden, news editor
September 14, 2011
As club meeting times become more difficult with the new seminar schedule, clubs such as UNICEF are attempting to work with the changes. The organization, comprised of almost all seniors according to the first meeting roster, has changed the time of the meetings in order to work better with... (more...)
Seven questions with attendance secretary Sonny Thomas
Josh Duden, news editor
August 23, 2011
How did you go about getting the new position of attendance secretary at the school? I have been a teacher for three and a half years in Mayer, Ariz. I was a high school English teacher but moved back to be closer to my family and was looking for substitute teaching jobs. I saw this position... (more...)
Students adapt to new schedule changing system
Josh Duden, news editor
August 17, 2011
Changing schedules is an annual activity for some students. But, due to changes this year, students now must justify their reasons for the switch in their schedule. First, a form must be completed stating which course they wish to drop and which they would like to take in its place. Along... (more...)
Freshman Forensics member Clare Young
Josh Duden, reporter
April 11, 2011
1. What’s your biggest fear? “Bridges. When I was little my brothers used to torment me and say it was going to collapse and my whole family would die.” 2. What’s your favorite candy? “Sour gummy worms, but they have to be the ones from Aldi’s because those... (more...)
District removes policy and now allows bags
Josh Duden, reporter
April 11, 2011
The bag policy previously in place due to safety concerns, has been changed after district officials decided the policy was no longer needed. The policy stated until recently that no bag that was large enough to carry a book was allowed to be taken to class. Principal Tobie Waldeck says the... (more...)
Math teacher Laurie Deuschle
Josh Duden, reporter
February 10, 2011
What is your favorite thing to drink? “I love Diet Coke with Lime. I hide them in the house. If we have company I don’t offer it unless they are really close friends.” What did you want to be when you were younger? “My mother swears I wanted to be a nurse in elementary... (more...)
NHS will partake in fashion show for fundraising
Josh Duden, reporter
December 16, 2010
NHS will be participating in the Tony Bowl’s Fashion Show Sunday, Jan. 9 at 2 p.m. at the Overland park Convention Center to raise funds to support future endeavors. The show is being put on to support organizations that participate in the show, such as NHS. Tony Bowls is one of the top homecoming... (more...)
District selects new board member
Josh Duden, reporter
December 16, 2010
Westside Church’s counseling director Dick Dearwester was selected as the new Board of Education member on Monday, Nov. 8. He will take the place of Janine Gracy, who stepped down due to her relocation to Colorado. Dearwester’s first night as an active board member was Monday, Dec. 13.... (more...)
Fred Phelps does not have the right to protest funerals
Josh Duden, reporter
November 17, 2010
It should be up to question whether Fred Phelps can protest soldiers’ funerals with picket signs that say things such as “God hates fags” or “Thank God for 9/11.” But can one’s freedom of speech be limited? It should be limited if the speech is harassment. According... (more...)
Trunk or treat involves student clubs
Josh Duden, reporter
October 25, 2010
Diversity and UNICEF clubs are participating in the annual Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 30. UNICEF sponsor Chris Dunback says it is a great opportunity to provide Halloween alternatives for children. “It’s a neat way to give back to the community,” Dunback said. “Something about... (more...)
Foreign exchange students far from home
Jill Applegate, features editor
September 23, 2010
Along with a new cafeteria, new classrooms and new teachers, the school can add another new thing to its list: exchange students. Having been over capacity the last year, the school has been unable to host students from other countries. However, this year is different. Susanna Donati from Italy... (more...)