Senior Column: ‘The people you associate with have an impact on your life.’
Jordan Huesers, Co-editor
May 4, 2012
You all remember the days when you were friends with everyone. It didn’t matter if you were athletic, if you liked math or reading, or even if your clothes matched. You shared your crayons with everyone. You played with everyone at recess. And, most importantly, you got along with everyone. I... Read More
Music suggestions for students
Jordan Huesers, Co-editor
March 30, 2012
Music. Such a simple word encompasses so much. We have different genres, different artists, different songs, different instruments, different lyrics. We have the hip hop, the jazz, the alternative, the blues. We have the wonderful world of country music (I say this in a sarcastic tone, unless... Read More
District to announce results of bond referendum
Jordan Huesers, Co-Editor
January 27, 2012
Facility Improvements: $167 million. Technology: $84 million. Safety: $20 million. The Blue Valley Board of Education elected to propose a $271,285,031 bond to voters this January. If the bond passes, it will allow the district to maintain or enhance current levels of technology, facilities... Read More
Opinion: Selfish manner brings future success, achievement
Jordan Huesers, Co-Editor
November 11, 2011
If I could spend time with my family more than a couple nights a week, I would. I would join them for a nice family dinner around the kitchen table, or in the living room while we watch our favorite TV show, Friends. Despite what they might tell you, I do in fact love eating dinner with them. It’s... Read More
City debates construction of amphitheater on park property
Jordan Huesers, Co-Editor
October 27, 2011
The plan for the new amphitheater includes a 200-space paved parking lot, a 50-space grass overflow lot, a truck road, concessions, bathrooms, offices, VIP seating and a balcony. The building will have dressing rooms, bathrooms, a trap door, a basement and storage. Where would it be located?... Read More
Sounds of Spring: previews for this month’s hottest shows
Jordan Huesers, Features editor
April 8, 2011
Middle of the Map Fest: Middle of the Map fest will showcase 25-30 local and national bands on April 8-9. Ink magazine and The Record Machine bring this festival to KC in an attempt to further establish the area as a musical and cultural center. This event features bands such as Two Door... Read More
Licensed to kill — Seniors compete for cash prize in assassins game
Jordan Huesers, Features Editor
April 8, 2011
His weapon of choice: The leaky red water gun. His backpack holds two more. If he sees his target at long range, his Super Soaker is readily available in the passenger seat. Senior Ryan O’Toole is one of 193 seniors participating in Senior Assassins. “It makes it really hard to focus on... Read More
Tan culture changes image of beauty, affects self esteem
Jordan Huesers, Features Editor
April 8, 2011
“Do you disappear when you stand against a white wall?” Yes, as a matter of fact, that is exactly what happens. Thanks for asking — again. I am pale. I’ve always been that way. I don’t worry about spending a ton of money on tanning salons or going to the beach as much as I can. I... Read More
2 swimmers named to All-Metro team
Jordan Huesers, Features editor
March 25, 2011
The Kansas City Star named junior Austin Averkamp and sophomore Chris Hearl to the First All-Metro Boys Swim and Dive Team. Averkamp received first team honors in the 50 freestyle and Hearl in the 100 butterfly. “It was kind of a big deal,” Averkamp said. “I didn’t expect it. I heard... Read More
Forensics squad features large novice class
Jordan Huesers, Features Editor
March 9, 2011
With 13 State qualifiers after five weeks of competition, the forensics team plans to compete in their next tournament on Friday, March 11. “Our goal is always to do well at invitational tournaments, to go to State and to qualify people for Nationals,” coach Chris Riffer said. Typically,... Read More
Journalism students place regionally for carry-in contests
Jordan Huesers, Features/Entertainment editor
February 25, 2011
Journalism students were unable to attend the on-site writing regional contest on Feb. 24 because of inclement weather; however, carry-in contests were judged. The regional placers are listed with their category: Senior Gretchen Hess — Honorable Mention, Yearbook Theme Development Junior... Read More
A rush to the head — Literary magazine supports student expression, defends controversial topics
Jordan Huesers, Features Editor
February 18, 2011
They’re not afraid to push the limits. They will not avoid controversy. They don’t turn away edgy submissions — featured pieces from previous years include depression and suicide. The Headrush staff prides itself on offering students a forum to display their artwork in a publication. The... Read More
New brick by brick wall incorporates different theme, deviates from past years
Jordan Huesers, Features editor
January 28, 2011
A football player representing the Tin Man. A spirited student as Dorothy. An artist as the lion. And an intellectual representing the scarecrow. Juniors Hannah Sittig and Aubrey Illig dedicated around 100 hours to painting the new brick by brick wall with a Wizard of Oz theme. Art teacher... Read More
New club rejuvenates old role-playing game
Jordan Huesers, Features Editor
December 10, 2010
In the small, peaceful city of Restenford, something with dark intentions lurked. At first, the citizens did not seem to notice the random disappearances until one of the victims returned to the city. The victim was insane. His gruesome story of how he murdered two guards frightened the townspeople. Each... Read More
Opportunity at Arboretum for community service
Jordan Huesers, Features/Entertainment Editor
December 3, 2010
There is a community service opportunity at the Overland Park Arboretum on Dec. 3 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Dec. 4 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the Holiday Luminary Walk event. Volunteers will help the set up process, including placing candles along the walkway. All volunteers will be admitted... Read More
Taking it to the stage
Jordan Huesers, Features Editor
November 5, 2010
Five minutes to show what she can do. Five minutes to perform with all she has. Five minutes will decide her role in the musical. Senior Lauren Flack is a three-year member of the repertory theater and Chambers, and a two-year member of Chorale. She will audition with around 60-90 students... Read More
CD review: Hands All Over, Maroon 5
Jordan Huesers, Entertainment editor
October 14, 2010
I will admit I am not a huge music whiz, but I am capable of deciphering a good album from a great one. Unlike some of their previous music, Maroon 5‘s latest album Hands All Over falls flat. The band previously released two multi-platinum albums, Songs About Jane and It Won’t Be Soon Before... Read More
Movie review: The Social Network
Jordan Huesers, Entertainment editor
October 14, 2010
The Social Network follows the story of Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook, played to perfection by Jesse Eisenberg. This is the first movie to capture the true meaning of the Internet in our daily lives as it explains the beginnings of social networking via the Internet. It follows the... Read More
In the blink of an eye: After summer dirt bike accident, competitive swimmer faces long, difficult recovery period
Jordan Huesers, Features editor
September 26, 2010
She gouged her bone. Lost skin on her calf and shin. Severed her muscle. She underwent four surgeries and many hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatments that locked her body in a glass tube and provided pure oxygen to help her heal. Hospital stay: 22 days. In the emergency room the doctors told... Read More
Homecoming spirit days this week
Jordan Huesers, Features editor
September 26, 2010
The week of homecoming is Monday, Sept. 27. The spirit days are: Monday – TV/movie character day Tuesday – Multiplicity (dress like twins) day Wednesday – Geek squad day Thursday – Greek/Toga day Friday – Black and Gold day VN:F [1.9.11_1134]please wait...Rating:... Read More
FCCLA members to attend Take Aim Conference
Jordan Huesers, Features/Entertainment Editor
August 27, 2010
Members of the new Family, Career and Community Leaders of America club plan to attend the Take Aim Conference this weekend in Salina, Kan. Juniors Asa Fowler, Hannah Skidmore, Whitney Hare, Kenzie Botts and Sloane Sandmoen will represent BV at the conference. While there they will learn what... Read More
Box office previews for summer movies
Jordan Huesers, Staff writer
May 7, 2010
Iron Man 2 In theaters: May 7 Starring: Robert Downey Jr. With news of Tony Stark’s true identity as Iron Man, the United States Government demands Stark hand over the powerful suit. Meanwhile, Justin Hammer, Stark’s rival, assists the government in duplicating the suit. To top it all... Read More