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” It will be different because he wants to change so many things in the war.” Freshman Sara Easterwood

“He has alot of different views and he’s going to change alot.”  Sophomore Tessa White

“Some things may improve but in the long run it wont”  Junior Allie Tozier

” I have no idea. Because you hear some pretty crazy things and i hope we get out of our economic recession and i hope Obama does something about it.” Senior Katherine Dewitt

“I think our future will stay relatively the same as the present.” Senior Stephen Zuiss

“I have to be happy because I can’t change it.” Freshman Kandy Branham

“I think it’s going to be good for the U.S.. I think we needed it, to be honest.” Senior Mason Huntington

“It feels like we’ve finally gotten somewhere.” Junior Tristan Jones

“I wanted McCain to win, but if we could survive eight years of Clinton, we can survive Obama.” Sophomore Lane White

“I’m absolutely excited. I’m pumped.” Secretary Pat Sprenkel

Photography By: Heather Richerson and Haley Holliday

By Haley Holliday, Katie Altendorfer and Aaron Buettgenbach

January 20 has gone into the history books as U.S. President Barack Obama took oath at approximately noon eastern standard time. Many people in America have different views toward the newly elected president.

Students of all grades had the opportunity to travel to the special event, as well as some teachers.

However, the students and teachers who remained at school celebrated the event by watching it in their classrooms or out in the commons.

Among this school, students have a wide variety of opinions, while teacher opinions are very similar. Some students are very conservative, but others are leaning toward a new hope for Obama.

“I really don’t like him that much. I don’t share his same beliefs. I’m worried about our country,” junior Dalon Hastings said.

Some students were unbiased about Obama being in the White House.

“It’s definitely a big change for America, but I think his expectations are too high and he won’t be able to do all of the things he promised,” senior Daniel Hobble said.

Unlike Hastings and Hobble, a few students are totally for a new change. “It’s about time we have a black president, “ sophomore Jealani Alley said.

Teachers had mostly the same views, being supporters for Obama.

“I’m excited. I think he offers a lot for our future. He will change ways we do business around the world, which is definitely a positive thing,” history teacher James Harris said.

Even teachers who did not vote for Obama had a positive view towards him.

“I’m encouraged and hopeful, and even though I didn’t vote for him, I think he’s going to do a good job,” Spanish teacher Vicki Hadley said.

The future is unsure because it is too early on, but hopefully, just hopefully, he will do a good job and prevent us from danger and fix our economy.

bycourtneyMOORE

Shannon Miskell has a skill, a plan, and a health license.

As a member of the Youth Entrepreneurs of Kansas (YEK), Miskell has already begun to form her future career: owning a bakery.

“I want to close the niche between Starbucks and Panera,” Miskell said.

It all started when she first picked up cooking utensils at Hillside Christian Church, helping prepare church dinners. She was only nine at the time.

“It taught me to respect my elders,” Miskell said. “I learned a lot of cool things from the elderly ladies there.”

At 12, Miskell had her own baking business at home. From there, she knew she wanted to own an actual business as her future career.

“I always wanted to be my own box,” Miskell said.

Miskell’s interest grew as she took home economics classes in middle school. Her first job was at Creative Catering and Café, where she experienced firsthand working at a restaurant.

“By actually making the food, it broadens what you think about it,” Miskell said. “My boss wasn’t very strict about eating the food, either.”

She received her health license at the beginning of the summer, which was her first step to owning a business.

YEK has provided all the resources and learning experience an aspiring entrepreneur, such as Miskell, could ask for.

This is Miskell’s first year in YEK.

“She has unique insight,” Michelle Woltz said, YEK advisor. “She always participates, and always has a smile on her face.”

YEK was designed to help kids learn and possibly support themselves after high school. According to Woltz, some of the most successful students have skills and gifts that are not traditional for school.
Miskell will be submitting a business plan to Koch Industries soon. Her dream is to start a chain of bakeries.

“If I get a grant, I plan on putting flyers around the school,” Miskell said. “I’m excited to begin set up of the technical parts of it.”

bykatherineDEWITT

Photographs are taken to capture moments in time and to help one remember memories. Senior Trent Bishop wants to be a photographer for his career and for this he posses one key element, which is creativity.

“I really just love art in general,” Bishop said. “I picked up a camera one day and just did it. I do a lot of digital editing, too, so I taught myself to do Photoshop and that helps.”

Bishop has been interested in photography for about a year and has been involved in theatre since freshman year, participating in numerous plays and helping with tech.

“Eventually I do want to do photography. Theatre is my passion, as well, because I see it as art too, but they both go hand in hand,” Bishop said.

Bishop recently purchased a professional camera to help him advance in photography. Bishop owns an Olympus E-420. He has been working on photography and has plans to progress himself even more.

“I want to take photography classes in college, as well as visual art classes. Every weekend I try to take as many pictures as I can,” Bishop said.

Bishop recently was accepted to the University of Northern Colorado and plans to attend undergraduate school there and possibly double major in theatre and photography. Bishop has been working toward his career in various ways.

“My favorite thing to take pictures of is nature; it’s really easy sometimes, but I also like to shoot more abstract shots,” Bishop said.

Along with photography outside of school, Bishop participates in school publications and does design and photography for the publication. Photojournalism and school publication teacher Kelly Glasscock recognizes Bishop’s quality photography.

“He’s not taking a photography class, but he still has the experience. He does a lot of design [for school publications], and he’s extremely creative,” Glasscock said. “He comes up with the design used for all the pages, and he’s really good at finding fonts. He has a lot of knowledge in Photoshop, and even though he’s never used In Design, he’s a wiz in it.”

Glasscock was not aware of Bishop’s interest in photography but realized how advanced Bishop is when looking at some of his work. As Glasscock is a correspondent for the Wichita Eagle, he gives advice to Bishop.

“Trent should take tons and tons of photos to get lots of experience,” Glasscock said.

Bishop said he has been doing this. Senior Amanda Mavis was used as a model for some of Bishop’s photography.

“I found out on Facebook that he wanted models, and I told him I could do it for him,” Mavis said.

“He’s fun because we just laugh and joke around. It wasn’t awkward at all. I know that doing photography is his passion and I know he can go far with it.”

Mavis finds Bishop’s work appealing.

“I love his photography, especially when he Photoshops. He’s got an eye for what looks good and he’s just really good at it,” Mavis said.

Not only is Bishop working progressively toward pursuing a career in photography, he found himself starting to enjoy theatre, and is now interested in majoring in it as well.

“I have been in ‘King Stag’, ‘Les Miserables’, ‘Hamlet ESP’, ‘Kid Purple’, ‘Annie Get Your Gun’, and ‘Little Shop of Horrors’,” Bishop said.

Although this is Bishop’s first year at Andover High, he dove into the drama department with a positive mindset and is now participating in the fall musical, having the role of the Chef in “Cinderella”.

“I was talking to Trent before he moved here by e-mail, and he asked about the department,” drama teacher Sarah Tucker said. “He established himself in that respect, and now he’s directing a one-act play, designing the T-shirts for the play, he’s in the play and he’s working on the program for the play. He’s just been really proactive.”

Tucker is another individual who recognizes Bishop’s talent.

“I think he has a very good chance going into theatre for numerous reasons. One, he sounds good. Two, he’s very smart. Three, he’s a guy. He’s talented, smart and proactive. I really think he could do whatever he wants,” Tucker said.

Bishop carries artistic traits that will greatly impact a career in photography and theatre.

“Being an artist is one good exercise in problem solving skills. Creativity is always a boon when being an artist,” Tucker said.

If interested in seeing Bishop’s photography, visit “http://www.flickr.com/photos/31823206@2N02/”. Bishop will keep snapping photos and gaining experience.

“Everyone should try to pick up a camera and create art themselves. It’s not the camera that does a good picture; it’s the eye behind it,” Bishop said.

byaaronSCHNEIDER

Believe it or not, there is a reason why many men are suddenly growing scraggy beards and foregoing the long tradition of the razor.

No-Shave November has fallen upon the calendar once again, and with it, many beards are falling upon the faces of men. For some, this month is a tragedy, for there are many who can not grow any facial hair at all.

No-Shave November is the act of not shaving any hair, especially on ones face, for the duration of the month of November. Often times men will still shave their neck hair, which in today’s society is an acceptable practice.

Some men are like the mountain men and it appears that they use Rogain as shaving cream. Many men like to show off what kind of facial hair they can pull off.

“I want to see how big my beard gets,” senior Trey Bryan said.

Unfortunately, not everyone can grow a beard and thus there is not a full scale participation turn out.

“I can’t really grow,” senior Philip Betthauser said. “I grow sparse facial hair, I might not do it.”

Maybe even a few men are trying out a new look, or trying to find a significant other.

“Everybody loves a manly man with a little bit of gruff,” junior David Anderson said.

The exact origins of No-Shave November are just as mysterious as the actual reasons for participating in it.

Many believe it came from places where beards meant extra warmth in the winter like the mountains of Peru or from the frozen Norse in Greenland. Others believe in the theory that it was the pact of a few drunken guys in college trying to get some attention that just stuck.

Maybe it is somehow related to the traditions that some teams have of not shaving during playoff season, such as hockey teams. Whatever the reason, it is here to stay and it’s not going away.

The question of where No-Shave November is a question no one knows the answer to, and very few people even ask it to begin with. It is a tradition that has stood the test of time.

Not everyone is able to participate in No-Shave November, whether it is because of a job or they are so patchy they look like the shaved in the dark. Not many people seem to care about those who do not participate.

It is not often that girls participate in the event. Their scratchy legs would be a change from the normal way of life, just like the many scratchy beards.

As season cools, keep your wallet warm

byhillaryLAWRENCE

As winter rolls around, students begin to bundle up; however, there are ways to bundle up without spending a bundle.

A big fashion this year is scarves, but nobody wants to spend $29.50 for a scrap of fabric from American Eagle. The cute styles are next for nothing at Wal-Mart. It’s only $9.99 for an easy way to dress up a simple long-sleeve tee.

“I found my scarf for $4 in Cambodia. I’ve liked scarves for years, before they were cool,” senior Jenna Dolecek said.

Another fashion is oversized sweaters. Not only are they comfortable, they keep you warm and are easy to dress up.

For the high prices Hollister is the typical place to find sweaters in every shape, size and color. But a much more economical version is at Target, with prices beginning at $17.99.

An easy way to dress up sweaters is to pair it with skinny jeans.

Speaking of jeans, that’s a critical staple to a girl’s winter wardrobe. Make sure you buy jeans that are comfortable and fit correctly. These are one thing that you shouldn’t skimp on. A dressy pair of jeans can complete any outfit.

Coats are necessary to cover up. While the NorthFace jackets are in, they can cost you a load of money, beginning at about $65. Old Navy sports a cheaper version of this pricey jacket for a mere $15.

“TJ Maxx is a great place to find cheap NorthFace, but the Old Navy fleece does me just fine,” senior Madison Starns said.

Shoes and bags are the final accessory. While everyone covets the UGG brand boots, a much cheaper and simpler alternative is available. For a pair of short slippers, three different colors can be found at Target for a mere $16.99. For a longer pair, $24.99 is the price, with color options to choose from as well.

Senior, Tiffany Wilson said, “I find cheap boots at TJ Maxx. I have a real pair of Ugg boots but I wear my knock-offs more because I can buy more colors.”

Several other knockoff Uggs can be found as well in the mall at places such as Charlotte Russe for anywhere between $30 to $40 or American Eagle for $69.50.

Winter bags can be hard to shop for, but anything black or brown can tide you over in the winter months. No need to splurge on the Guess or Coach purses though.

Accessory City is the place to go for all the knockoffs that appear to be real. There is no place better, except maybe New York City. If you feel the need to purchase real purses, TJ Maxx is a good place to find them cheaper than the mall.

This winter, don’t fret about spending your entire paycheck on fashionable necessities. Take this advice, and you’ll have enough money left over for an Orange Julius.

byashtonSCHRAG

As senior year kicks off at East High school in High School Musical 3: Senior Year, relationships start to become complicated, and finding the right colleges to go to stresses all students.

I thought High School Musical 3: Senior Year was great. I think it tops all the High School Musicals.
I think it tops all of the other ones, because it has better costumes, all the characters are older, the props and background sets are much better than the other ones.

The costumes in the third one were good, however, the costumes this time were much more bright and colorful.

Throughout the movie, there are arguments between many different characters. There is a new girl named Tiara, and she becomes Sharpay’s personal assistant.

Troy and Gabriella’s relationship take different turns throughout the movie, and they get closer together through their tough times.

The movie also included their senior prom, and how everyone asked their dates. The way Troy and Chad asked Gabriella and Taylor I thought was adorable!

The music is awesome, its by-far the best soundtrack out of all three.

All the main characters are making decisions about where to go to college, however they don’t want to be separated from their boyfriend or girlfriend.

In the end of the movie, everyone graduates, and tells where they are going to college, however I won’t spoil the end result of the best movie in the sequel of all the High School Musical!

bymorganMESSMORE

After swapping a single George Washington for a newly recorded EP titled “Anatomy of a Disaster” with senior Teddy Bamford, I walked into my third hour graphic design class and plugged in my computer station’s headphones, like every other day. Unlike every other day, I had – fresh out of the oven - Nothing For Now’s five-track CD in hand.

For weeks I had been anticipating the album. The local music scene in Wichita is slowly dwindling down the drain, so I was excited to hear that someone from my own school decided to step up to the plate.

From the moment I heard this, I have been in sheer awe of the epic sound the band spews forth. Not only is it an exceptional progressive metal album, the skill of these young men – ranging in age from 17 to 18 – have proven to have what it takes for an impressive release.

Within five tracks, the album describes things like corrupt cities and dehumanization with intensity, brutality and integrity – nothing but pure metal. The stunning display of ferocious high-speed blasting, heavy bass-driven beats, razor sharp chord ripping, catchy riffs and powerful melodies combined with strong technicality has the ability to numb your senses and lift you into another state of consciousness. I hope that puts a little bit of light on things if you haven’t been following very closely.

With an influence list too long to mention, each and every track is infectious in it’s own way, while never sounding like the last one. Opening the CD is an intro, just giving you a taste of what’s coming. The track pumps you up for the rest of the album, making you want to get on your feet and move. The intro sounds like a calm before a storm with its guitar slowly transitioning in with every chord. After a moment of silence, the storm hits – literally. Drums crash in, with a steady, profound beat.

Following is “I Got the Dews, Dude,” “My Mistake” and the song they’d like to call their first single, “Crab Cakes and Football.” In each and every song, these boys never seize to amaze me. The phrase “they will be coming for you” in the second track puts you in a place where you’re running from whoever “they” happen to be. The fast-paced song sends a rush through your body.

Back-up vocals are coalesced into the third track, which is a nice melodic change of pace. A song about destruction, the lyrics “these fires spread like disease…bring the tyrants to their knees” blow my mind. Props to Dylan – you’re a lyrical genius.

Next on the list is my favorite of the bunch. Though it’s my favorite, I find it hard to describe. I’m guessing that it is because I was speechless when I first heard it. Three minutes into the track is the kind of breakdown I look for in every song. The guitar sends chills down your spine, the bass makes the hair on your arms stand up, and the drums make you want to continuously bang your head. Simply put, remarkable.

Ending the album is an instrumental song that cries, “to be continued.” The transitional sound leaves you wanting more. I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely looking forward to hearing what’s next.
If you haven’t heard them by now, maybe their music isn’t quite in the genre you typically listen to, which is okay. A word of advice? Give them a chance. Their sound is truly epic, and I assure you – you won’t regret it.

Nothing for Now: way to keep music alive. It’s incredible to know that there’s still some talent in Kansas. Keep it up guys. Ultimately – two thumbs up. I wish I had more thumbs.

School funds reduced due to many factors

byjessicaFINDLEY

Every student at Andover High School is worth $195.

This may sound ridiculous, but it is very true according to the Andover School District budget.

According to Principal Bob Baier, the school receives $195 for each student who enrolled at the beginning of the year. Most of this money goes toward classroom supplies. This equates to about $121,680.

The classroom budget goes toward textbooks, library funds, the nurse and counselor’s office expenses and teaching supplies.

The other part of the budget is $79,000, which funds the activities and athletics departments. This includes debate, clubs, advisories, all of the sports and band.

Both of these parts of the budget add up to the grand total of $200,600.

However, the budget for this year is significantly smaller than last year.

The total of the budget before the cuts was $211,300. The cut amounted to $49,000, which brought budget down to $162,300.

The superintendent and budget manager for Andover planned the budget for this year at the end of last year. Unfortunately, that budget did not account for the many troubles that occurred.

“There are many reasons why these changes have been made,” Baier said. “The continued fast growth of Andover Schools, having 43 new staff members, opening two new grade schools, an average 5 percent teacher salary increase and the inflation of motor oil and utilities prices all add up to a smaller budget.”

Baier also said since the two new grade schools have opened, there have been many unexpected constructional expenses.

The budget cuts do not, however, change teachers’ salaries. Teachers are a part of the Andover Education Association, and this association does the contract negotiating for the teachers.

Teachers are guaranteed their contract salary because the salaries were determined before the budget was planned. Once the contracts were signed, salaries were frozen.

The teachers are affected, however. Their classroom budgets have shrunk, which limits the amount of “extra” things teachers do with their classes, such as creative projects or crafts done on the teacher’s budget.

Art teacher Lana Kaylor is feeling the squeeze of the budget cuts.

“I will do less of a variety of projects,” Kaylor said. “I am more limited in experimenting and trying new things with my students.”

This trend in budget cuts depends on the state legislature. All public schools in Kansas were told that next year they would receive an extra $59 per student.

For USD 385, that would be about $300,000 to be split among all of the schools.

This proposal is still up in the air.

“These are tough times for everyone, whether at home or school,” Baier said. “Everyone has to make adjustments.”

Although these budget cuts are crippling to the school, Baier has high hopes for the year to come.

“We will continue to make sure that we are the best school around,” Baier said.

byvictoriaLEE

Spride is defined as a combination of spirit and pride. Out of the whole student body, only about one fourth of the students show school spirit according to the results of spirti week.

“On game days students could wear school colors, paint their face, dye their hair, and get friends to go to the game,” sophomore Phil Johnston said.

StuCo members were required to wear the theme of the day during spirit week clothing and many other students were influenced to participate also.

“Spride is trying to promote students to get them to follow in StuCo leaders footsteps,” Student Council sponsor Kara Flaharty said.

Many students wonder why Spride is important. Sophomore Monica Farfan has an opinion on this matter.

“It will get the school pumped up and it will bring the school closer together and make Andover look more unified,” sophomore Monica Farfan said.

Pride is also a very key part of that equation too, becuase it makes students feel that they can be excited to be from Andover and want to share that when people ask.

“When people ask where you go to school, we want people to be proud to say that they are from Andover,” senior Megan Rahal said.

Other people may not be spirited because they might be new to Andover and many feel loyalties to other schools. There are ways to change that though.

Some of the ways that students could show spirit according to BGnews is to make poster slogans, spirit signs, make yard spirit signs, create big time banners, have a spirit fence and decorate balloons.

“Just get more involved, because it is good to support the school you go to,” senior Richard Gearitner said.