Bentonian

By: Jacob Campbell

In past years the girls and boys basketball teams had a lot of success I this tournament. Both teams in the past have looked way better going into this Tournament.

The girls have lately been better than the boys at basketball going into this tournament they were looking pretty promising. They played Lafayette in the first round and beat them pretty badly at this point we have a lot of confidence. The next game we play this against a Kansas City team that had a great game in there first game and they had a lot of confidence as well. We have problems playing like ourselves we tend to play up to other teams potential which is not a good trait to have. We are winning game by a few points but if we played our game we would end up killing the other team.

The boy went down there only winning two games on the season and looking for a couple wins in this tournament. The first game they played they got beat, they were never really in the game but only ended up losing by a little bit. The next game they played they played a little better but still ended up losing which was a huge disappointment. The boys’ only problem I we cannot finish games so really we get lazy in the fourth quarter and let the other team either take a demanding lead or come back. So now they were looking forward to their next tournament that had a lot of better teams in it the Basehor Linwood Tournament.

In closing the girls and boys had a disappointing tournament but had some good come out of this tournament because they played teams that we would not have even heard of so its good practice. The Kearney Tournament was good practice for the next tournament both the girls and boys teams are in is a really tough one.

By: McKenzie Russell

Screams from the Benton Young Life office fill the streets of 22nd street every Wednesday night. Each week, one by one lives are being changed.

The organization of Young Life began clear back in 1941. Almost every high school had this organization. It is a Christian based group where teens play unique and crazy games, sing songs, and develop not only new relationships with friends, but also a long lasting ever-growing relationship with God. It is an escape from the ungodly ways of the world, and it’s a place where people go to turn their life around. These chances are possible thanks to the Young Life leaders, who lead the games, songs, and worships.

“I feel that Young Life has made a difference in my life because it gives me something every single week to look forward to and know that I can be myself, not worry about making wrong decisions, and praise God! It also strengthens my relationship with Christ. It’s my all time favorite thing!” says Sami Kretzer, a sophomore at Benton High School.

The Benton Young Life leaders are, Kyle Holt, Kaylee Adams, and Kayla Hedrick. They are actively involved in Benton High School, and the students. You can find Kayla and Kaylee at lunch eating and visiting with teens, and you can find Kyle on the football field where he is an assistant coach for the boys. These leaders not only care for teens, but they truly love them, and they want to be involved in their lives.

Andee Wahlert, a sophomore student at Benton says, “Going to Young Life every Wednesday is the highlight of my week. You get to sing, play games, worship God and have an awesome time with friends. The Young Life leaders are great, too and always have something fun for us to do every single week!”

Kyle Holt is majorly involved with the students here at Benton High School. He started by coaching the football team, where he connected on and off the field with the players. He pulled God into many of their lives, through football. Once he developed that relationship he invited them to Young Life, where their lives had a chance to turn around. Then he started coming to other sporting events and supporting other athletes, which led to more students whose lives he could impact.

Young Life is a place where you can go and get away, a place to find God and make new friends. If you like playing games ranging from spitting a live fish into a baby pool to licking peanut butter off glass then Young Life is your place to be. So if  students want a change in their life, and feel like something is missing, have them join the Young Life crew every Wednesday night at eight.

By: Kaitlin Searle

Smoking is very common for teenagers now days. In fact, 80% of people start smoking and became addicted in their teenage years. 70% of young people who smoke say they wish they had never started doing it.Benton Administrators have a lot to say about the teen smoking that goes on in their school and how that effects their students.

“I would say I give around 30 suspensions for smoking cigarettes a year” says Principal, Luke McCoy.

A lot of students waste a lot of education time. Even kids that don’t get caught smoking in school still waste a lot of time, and eventually it all catches up to them. Most of the kids that smoke between classes are late to their next class. Benton’s policy is every seven tardies earns a day in I.S.S. Either way, you’re still receiving a suspension.

“I think the smoking has gone down at Benton over the years.” Says Principal, Jeff  Modis, or “they just got smarter about their smoking” says Offier Shroder. More than likely, teenagers will continue to smoke at school and outside of school.

“We don’t suspend you to be mean, we suspend you because its our job to make sure the rules and policies are being followed here at Benton High School.” Says Dr. Jeanette Westfall. Even though they give suspensions and tickets, the teenagers still smoke and

continue to do so in the school’s bathroom.

“I don’t understand why people would want to take the health risk” says McCoy. 434,000 Americans die each year from smoking-related diseases, and 53.000 die from secondhand smoke. The smoking makes teenagers tired and lazy because its blocking oxygen from your heart. Cigarettes have tons of harmful chemicals in them, Ammonia (found in toilet cleaner), Carbon Monoxide (found in car exhaust), and Arsensic (found in rat poison). It hurts everyone when you choose to smoke. Think of others and even yourself and all the consequences next time there is a cigarette lit in Benton High’s bathroom.

Smoking is very common for teenagers now days. In fact, 80% of people start smoking and became addicted in their teenage years. 70% of young people who smoke say they wish they had never started doing it.Benton Administrators have a lot to say about the teen smoking that goes on in their school and how that effects their students.

“I would say I give around 30 suspensions for smoking cigarettes a year” says Principal, Luke McCoy.

A lot of students waste a lot of education time. Even kids that don’t get caught smoking in school still waste a lot of time, and eventually it all catches up to them. Most of the kids that smoke between classes are late to their next class. Benton’s policy is every seven tardies earns a day in I.S.S. Either way, you’re still receiving a suspension.

“I think the smoking has gone down at Benton over the years.” Says Principal, Jeff  Modis, or “they just got smarter about their smoking” says Offier Shroder. More than likely, teenagers will continue to smoke at school and outside of school.

“We don’t suspend you to be mean, we suspend you because its our job to make sure the rules and policies are being followed here at Benton High School.” Says Dr. Jeanette Westfall. Even though they give suspensions and tickets, the teenagers still smoke and

continue to do so in the school’s bathroom.

“I don’t understand why people would want to take the health risk” says McCoy. 434,000 Americans die each year from smoking-related diseases, and 53.000 die from secondhand smoke. The smoking makes teenagers tired and lazy because its blocking oxygen from your heart. Cigarettes have tons of harmful chemicals in them, Ammonia (found in toilet cleaner), Carbon Monoxide (found in car exhaust), and Arsensic (found in rat poison). It hurts everyone when you choose to smoke. Think of others and even yourself and all the consequences next time there is a cigarette lit in Benton High’s bathroom.

By: Courtney Moeck

Freshman, Hope Gibson shoots free throws against Lafayette on Tuesday, February 8th

With new freshman ballers comes a fresh basketball team with a new record for the boys of 2-8, and girls 4-3.  The toughest game for the girls was St. Theresas;  mostly because the team was notified at 11:30 that day that they (freshman girls) would be playing later that night.  The boys hardest game was Central High School in the east end of town.

“Central is a Division I school, it automatically gives them an advantage on us.” states freshmen boys basketball coach, Ray Brown.
When asked who Coach Brown would consider his team leaders he responded,
“All 10 of them!”  According to him, you cannot single anyone out on his team because they all work hard.
As for the girls, Coach Lafasciano has two girls that stand out, Lucy Mollett and Hope Gibson.  The girls not only play on freshman but also play up on junior varsity, they can bring that maturity back to their freshmen teammates.
Starter Lucy Mollett says she enjoys Benton basketball.  For her she sees a team not a bunch of girls fighting to stand out.
“[I like] how the team comes together as a family and it isn’t everyone trying to be a star.” Says Mollett.
Freshmen boys also say that the cool thing about Benton is the unity and leadership.
“[I like] being able to play as one team.” Says freshman Dontae White.
“I like the coaches!” Says another freshman, Micheal Gray.
Walking onto the court gets excitement from freshmen, whether it is for practice or a game.
“[I look forward to] getting to go out there and play our hearts out and picking each other up when we’re down.” Encourages Mollett.  For the boys, or at least Dontae White, he likes both practices and games.
“[I look forward to] practice because we scrimmage one another; games being able to play other teams.”            
Most importantly, the players and coaches are proud of their team this year; for their understanding of the team’s weaknesses and strong point, chemistry with each other in the game and lastly, teamwork.  Coach Brown says, “Yes, I am proud of them whether they win or lose, they always work hard!”

By: Morgan Wheeler

Benton High School is taking action to improve ACT scores. Benton’s students continue to score low on the ACT test and now that is going to change. Benton has started sending teachers and students to an academy to help improve ACT scores among Benton students.

“I’m really excited to be part of this academy. I feel like it’s really helping me and I can’t wait to see how my ACT score improves.” Carolyn Pease.

Benton is sending teachers to the academy to learn strategies to help students improve their scores. Benton sends two teachers from each department, so they can learn strategies specifically for each section of the test. From the English department the two teachers are Mrs. Lock, and Mrs. Laipple, from the Math department, Mr. Gier, and Mr. Snider, form the Science department, Mrs. Nash, and Mr.Reynolds, from the Reading Department, Mr.Nash, and, Mrs.Sherard

“After going through the ACT Academy I’m fully prepared to help our kids navigate the tricks and pit falls of the test. The ACT Academy is one of the most beneficial professional development I have ever attended.” Mrs. Laipple.
Benton is also sending students that have already taken the ACT and have a qualifying score.

By: McKenzie Russell

When the leaves start to fall, the bats and cleats come out, the dirt fields get lined, and the 2010 Benton Softball season begins. The season began a few weeks back, and the varsity team leads off with an 11-4 record. This record does not just reflect their talent, but also all the hard work at practice. They practice Monday through Friday from 3:00-5:30 PM. These girls represent the Southside, by practicing hard and playing their hearts out.

“Coach is always telling us if you practice as hard as you can, the games won’t be any different.” Says sophomore, Courtney Moeck, a varsity runner.
The Benton varsity starts three sophomores, four juniors, and two seniors. While a freshman, three sophomores, and a senior sits the bench. They have about two more weeks of practice and games to get in, and then they face districts.
“Our biggest challenge will be Jefferson in our tournament, but we will just keep working hard!” Says sophomore, Justice Vannaman, a right fielder.
Last year, the team struggled on connecting a relationship with each other but this year all that has changed. It is not easy to play as a team if you’re not friends with each other. But this year the team has realized that they need that connection.
“I think were a strong team this year, stronger than we ever have been in the past, we bond a lot as a team on the field, and off.” Second basemen, junior, Cheyenne Ellis says.
In the last couple of games, the stands have been full of fans, which keep up the spirit of the team. We hope they keep up their hard work to complete a great season and hopefully finish off with a great record. These girls love the game, and they aren’t afraid to get down and dirty to get a win.
“Like the saying goes, no one has ever drowned in sweat!” Says left fielder, junior, Keelie Arbuckle.

By: Kenzlee Flowers

Sophomore, Cole Gresham Playing Hockey for the Griffons

Cole Gresham is a sophomore that makes A’s and B’s in most classes. Cole looks forward to Mr. Nash’s history class. “Mr. Nash is pretty awesome. The work in his class isn’t much fun, but the class is pretty cool.”

If Cole could change one thing about Benton High School, he would change the whole Modis Gym into a pool. When asked why, Cole said, “Well, who doesn’t like swimming?”

Cole’s favorite thing to do is to play hockey. He started playing hockey when he was five years old. He really enjoys hockey because he gets to hit people, he also thinks it is very different from the norm.

Cole enjoys the outdoors: fishing, hunting, and playing hockey. On weekends, he usually has hockey games, but if not, he likes to spend time with his friends.  After high school, Cole plans to attend college for at least four years to major in criminal justice. If Cole could choose any college to go to, he would choose Northwest. “I would choose Northwest because it’s close and seems like a good school.”

When Cole was asked what he considered unique about himself, he said ” For the most part, I am completely invincible.”

Sophomore, Cole Gresham hanging out with his hockey team

By: Jenna Reeves

At Benton High School, students cannot wear caps, hats, or head coverings unless the administration approves it. Sometimes Benton has spirit days, so students get to dress up if they want. During spirit week, the teachers also get to dress up if they want to. The dress code goes for more than just the students. Teachers have dress codes also.  They can only wear jeans on Fridays, and must dress professionally during the other days of the week. Every school has a dress code some schools are less strict about it than others.
Student’s tank tops must be a width of three fingers wide to be approved. Boys can not sag their pants or shorts. Girls shorts or skirts have to be long enough to cover their bodies. Shirts for girls should not be low cut or they should wear a tank top underneath it.  Trench coats are not allowed because it is gang related. Anything that is gang related is not permitted on school grounds. Also, anything that represents drugs or alcohol is prohibited.
“I do not like the dress code, I think we should get to wear what we want.” said Sara Autenrieth.
During Gym class, students are expected to dress out in shorts, a t-shirt, and tennis shoes. Jewelry is not allowed during gym class, because it is a distraction. For health and safety reasons, the students have to wear appropriate shoes and are not  allowed to walk around barefoot. If you walk around barefoot, you could get fungus or athletes foot, because other students do walk around without shoes on.  Administration has the right to request a student to modify his/her clothes if it interferes with learning or poses a safety risk to the student or others.  The students know what the dress code is, if they do not they should read the Benton handbook.
“I think the dress code is alright, but it could be different.” said junior, Jessica Noble.

By: Autumn Evans

Students at Benton High School might like to read but for one week in October, they had many ways to express their reading in many other forms. For example, on Wednesday, October 20th Cameron Pike won the challenge. The challenge was to see who could dress like their favorite book character. Whomever won this challenge would win a ten dollar gift card to Borders. Now that is a great way to show how much you like to read.

That week had many opportunities to show how much you like to read. Many people talked about that week and most of them were good complements.

“ I think that this week went very well because there were many kids who participated in this week. I am very happy that this went so well.” Benton High Schools’ Librarian Mrs. Corey said with a smile on her face.

Monday during lunch, the students came to the library to watch the movie, School of Rock. The following day, Glee was shown. It was shown all through the lunch periods.

“Throughout all of the lunch periods, I think we had forty for students’ come for School of Rock and fifty for Glee. I was amazed by the number of students who came to the movies.”  says Mrs. Corey.

Wednesday, was the a the day when the ten dollar gift card was going to be handed out. There were many kids who dressed up as their favorite book character but only one had the most imagination. Freshman Cameron Pike was the big winner. He won a ten dollar gift card to Borders.

Thursday the students’ who love and read anime books, they library had a meeting all about anime. The students who came to the meeting were supposed to find ways to encourage students who never heard about these types of books or want to know a just a little about it.

“Brown Bag Anime is a meeting that happens every other week. It is just a meeting to find ways to tell kids about book and movies that are anime.” explains Mrs. Corey.
The students’ participated very well and I hope that more kids will read more. The students at Benton High School who helped the library with Teen Read Week had a lot of fun and I hope that we can do this next year, too.” says Mrs. Corey with excitement.

By: Courtney Moeck

The Drowsy Chaperone rolls onto the Benton High School stage for the first time since 1997.  The musical wakes up the auditorium with catchy songs and complex dance numbers.  The Drowsy Chaperone tells the story of a lonesome man who puts on his favorite album, The Drowsy Chaperone, as soon as the needle of the record player touches the vinyl, his apartment bursts to life.  The 1920’s musical may sound as if it was from another time but it is very modern.  The play was performed on Broadway just four years ago.  Because this year’s fall production is a musical it opens up many roles for anyone and everyone.

“It gives a lot of students a lot of different roles to play.” Says Benton’s Theatre Arts director, Mrs. Schultz.

With this year’s fall play, many changes and modifications are being made.  One of which involves combining the theatre, choir and band students.  Among those changes are their teachers, Mrs. Schultz (Theatre), Mrs. Welter (Choir), and Mr. Siasoco (band).  The musical is guaranteed to be an amazing performance, with all these wonderful minds working together.

This year, the production has been entered into a contest called “The Blue Star Awards”.  The contest consists of judges coming all the way from Kansas City to watch the students and their  fellow classmates perform.  Benton is not the only high school the judges are visiting.  Central High School, has been in this competition for quite awhile, but Benton is new to the scene. The awards are in categories such as, best overall show, best costume design and best set designs etc.  Though winning the whole any of these awards would be amazing, having the feedback from the judges is always a huge benefit.  This puts pressure and excitement on the students.  The contest pushes the students to work hard in the midst of all of their fun.

“Oh the play is amazing, it’s really fun to be a part of and a great way to make new friends.” says Samantha Lundy, junior at Benton High School.

Although there are many students working on this production one freshman stands out.  Camille Carter.  She plays Kitty in the musical, one of the main characters. Kitty is Feldzeig’s dim-witted companion.  Which makes the show very comical, it is full of gangsters, monkeys, showgirls, and Asians in an airplane. All around the show is sure to be a comedy, love story and all out chaotic story line.  The show goes on November 12, 13, 19 and 20th 2010 at 7:30.  Go and enjoy a night of laughter for only seven dollars.