The Bearcat Pausepage by Tristan Fitzgerald and Alex Delekta March 7, 2013 Volume 25, Issue 8

Burlingame High School100 Bloomquist Drive, Suite A

Burlingame, KS 66413

Beats

Driver’s Ed creates memories for students It is something that most people go through at least once in their life. Something that can be just a class that ruins your summer plans, or something that can be remembered as a once in a lifetime opportunity. This is driver’s ed. Getting up early during the summer is something that most teenagers probably do not look forward to. Class for driver’s ed starts bright and early about the same time that school does, eight o’clock. A lot of people will tell you that the classroom part of driver’s ed is easy, but they did not enjoy it. Most of the memories from the class come from the driving part. At Burlingame, the instructor for driver’s ed is elementary principal Tamara Buche. Most people have to go through driver’s ed only once in their whole life. She gets to go

through it every year with all kinds of different drivers. Keep in mind this class can be where some people get behind the wheel for the first time. “One of my first years, one student didn’t know how to put the car in gear or turn on the turn signals. It took us 30 minutes to drive about four miles and we were in the ditch three times. The look on the kids’ faces in the backseat was priceless,” said Buche. “People say that I drifted around a corner on a country road. I did not. I had complete control of the vehicle,” remembered junior Brandon Quaney. “Cut me some slack, I was only 14 years old. Everyone makes mistakes at 14, but I’m now a much better driver and I’m basically driving for Nascar.” With all the good times that people can have in driver’s ed, there is also

by Parker LeeSports Editor

the dim reality that it is the real world. Driving is still dangerous. With kids learning how to drive, maybe for the first time, it can also lead to scary moments. “In Topeka, one of the kids in my car went around the roundabout the wrong way.” said junior Skyler Giffin. “We parked too close to the superintendent’s car one day. The driver hit Dr. Will’s car with a car door while getting out, then ran.” said Buche. “One person in my car almost hit the fence at the rodeo grounds when she was ‘trying’ to back up around a corner.” said senior Samantha Shaffer. When one is driving around and there is a driver’s ed car nearby, it honestly can cause an uneasy feeling knowing the fact that somebody who may have never driven before today is in the next lane over traveling 70 mph.

“How other drivers react to us makes me uneasy,” Buche said. Driver’s ed can definitely be the cause of some funny or scary memories in one’s life. Being an instructor is probably a job that most people would not be comfortable with. “My dad, who was also a driver’s ed teacher, encouraged me.” Buche said. There is no need to be scared of messing up in driver’s ed. There have obviously been some people in the past who were pretty bad drivers. No matter how bad that someone thinks he/she does, most likely there was somebody in the past that did worse. If not, then maybe some extra practice would be good. So before anyone freaks out about driver’s ed, it can also be a fun time that will only be experienced

PHOTO BY: TRISTAN FITZGERALD

Mar. 7End of 3rd

Grading Period

Mar. 8Well Child Screening

Mar. 8No School

Mar. 8Teachers’ In-

Service

Mar. 12JH/HS Band Clinic and

Concert @ESU

Mar. 13Class Pictures

Mar. 13Grade Cards

Mailed

Mar. 17St. Patrick’s Day

Mar. 18Spring Break

Begins

Mar. 25Classes Resume

Mar. 29No School

Good Friday

Apr. 4HS Spring

Concert

The KAYs Pennies for

Patients donations has been

extended all through March.

The KAYs will be sponsering

another Cupcake Wars in April

Top Row: from left, Coach Eric West, senior Briana Lewis, senior Jessica Zabokrtsky, junior Ashton Dorr, junior Hayley Lewis, freshman Ali Vandevord, assistant coach Tomas Lambotte. Bottom Row: from left, freshman Taylor Carson, freshman Hannah Young, freshman Nikki Ritter, sophomore Kayela Ullmer. The Burlingame Lady Cats accept the runner-up trophy at the Alma-Wabaunsee sub-state tournament finishing their season with a record of 11-11. The Lady Cats were defeated by the Northern Heights Wildcats in the finals match 59-48. Earlier in the week the boys basketball team was defeated in the semi-finals by the MdCV Trojans.

once in a lifetime, hopefully.

Opinions 2page by Samantha Shaffer and Jordan Herrick Mar. 7, 2013

The Bearcat PauseEditor-In-ChiefSamantha ShafferSports Editor

Parker LeeReporters

Tristan FitzgerladChris MohnAlex DelektaJessica Lewis

Reagan GreenwoodJordan Herrick

Editorial Policy:The views expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the entire staff, students, faculty, or board of USD 454. Letters to the Editors are always welcome. The staff reserves the right not to publish any letters that are slanderous, profane, or unsigned. Letters are also welcome through e-mail at thebearcatpause@hotmail.com

school I have never seen or heard of someone being bullied because he/she is gay.

I think the opposite as those that oppose gay relationships. I am proud to support them in any way that I can. I see them no different than you or I. They think the same

and act the same as we do. Why can they not love the same?

When I grow up, I will not have a problem getting married, so why should they? Gay marriage is currently only legal in Connecicut, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, and Washington (NCSL.org). There are organizations and celebrities willing to stick up for the cause, but in order to make all marriage legal, everyone is going to have to unite and push for the cause, just as we have in the past.

By looking at a person you cannot tell that they are gay, so why should they be treated any differently than us? Think about that the next time you walk down the hallway.

As we walk down the hall, seeing it filled with classmates and teachers, it has never occurred to us that one of them may be different. At least he/she might be different from most people’s definition.

Growing up we are taught to believe that we will graduate high school, go to college, get a job, get married, and then have children. What we are not taught is what if along that process, while we are developing into our own person, that times can change. What if along that process someone decides that they have feelings for someone of the same-sex?

Often for teens, the realization that they are gay is frightening because they think that no one around will understand. Sometimes they are right; there are people out there that think a relationship between a man and a man or a woman and a woman is wrong. Religion can also play a key role in an opinion on gay relationships. The kids can even catch hate for being gay. I am glad to say that at my

Change brings a new definition of normal

by Jordan HerrickReporter

The crowd starts cheering; one can hear the beat of the drums, the rumble of the bass, the harmony of the guitar and the rhythm of the lyrics. All these tunes and thoughts musically flowing into your head. All of this and it is only just a live recording of your favorite band, flowing from your iPod through the cords and out the ear buds like water through a garden hose.

Music can touch people in many ways. It can change a persons mood, no matter what kind of day he/she is having. Some say music is the sound of emotion. Others say music is a spiritual healer; and even some say there are only three things you need in this life; food, love, and music.

Believe it or not music has not always been in my life. It was just noise that came out of a car radio. It was introduced to me by a friend in elementary, whom I later started a nowhere band with. He showed me bands like, AC/DC, Jimi Hendrix, The Ramones, The Who, all the classics his dad showed him. That is when music hit me.

I did not fully start playing music until I came to Burlingame, where

opportunities opened up for me. Yet, there was still a music boundary between me and the majority of the school in our musical likings. Musical taste is different in various societies.

In urban areas preferable music is indie, alternative rock and rap genres, whereas in

more rural areas people prefer country, pop, and southern rock. People’s musical taste from what I know, are preferred by certain people because they can relate to the artist who make their favorite songs. All I really wanted to look forward into music was to express myself. Yet I never really had gone anywhere with it. I was in a list of nowhere bands. So I decided to pursue music in education.

I looked into band, started to read music and understood most of what music really was. Within a semester, I learned how to play a new instrument and read music.

I don’t mind being called a band geek because music is fun to me and I love it. I do regret not pursuing it earlier because when I look back the only thing that got me through hardships and difficult situations was music. Music has got me through. Music has got my back.

byAlex DelektaReporter

Music has the power to inspire us all in different ways

Have a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day!!!

people 3page by Chris Mohn and Reagan Greenwood Mar. 7 , 2013

Who should pay when you go on a date?

Paul Holt-“The guy should pay all the time, because it is the polite, gentleman thing to do.”

Kaylyn Quaney-“The guy should pay all the time. Most guys are courteous enough that they do pay every time, and it is considered rude by most people if they do not.”

Daniel Ricley-“The guy should pay the first couple of dates, but after a while it should be split.”

Casey Weaver-“The boy should always pay. But in reality, I end up paying most of the time in my relationship.”

Mrs. Maria Henderson, science teacher-“The guy should pay if it’s a first date, and if they have been dating they should split it. However, it also depends on who asks and their financial situation.” by Chris Mohn

Reporter

DaviD Patrick Love christoPher Lee MohnNicknames: Turtle, Dr. Love, Love-Connection, Kick’n Wing, AmphibiousBirthday: May 23, 1995Parents: Roger Love Jr. and Kathy LoveSiblings: Shelby LoveWhat activities are you involved in? “Football, FBLA, and Baseball.”What would you change about your years in high school? “I would have tried harder in sports.” What are your words of wisdom? “Be yourself and don’t be afraid to say no.”What are your future plans after high school? “I want to go into the military or become a hunting guide.”What was your favorite year of high school and why? “My junior year, it was a lot more fun.”

Nicknames: Mohner, Mohn Machine, Gingy, GingerbreadBirthday: April 26, 1995Parents: Calvin and Connie MohnSiblings: Erin Dilkes, Shaun Strunk, Shari Perscher, Mike MohnWhat activities are you involved in? “Scholars’ Bowl, Band, FBLA, Show Choir, School Play, Newspaper.”If you had a superhero power, what would it be? “Ability to shoot water out of my fingertips.”What was your most memorable moment in high school? “The Council Grove cross country meet junior year, when my leg went out for the final time.”What would you change about your years in high school? “I would not have stepped in a hole and tried to push through my injury.”What was your favorite year of high school and why? “Freshman year because I was healthy.”

What was your most memorable moment in high school? “My most memorable moments include:

Wichita, snow drifts, gut checks, and hunting.”

What teacher has influenced you the

most and why? “Coach Cauthon, he sets a good

example to live by and gives great advice.”What was your favorite childhood TV show? “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”If you had to pick an idol or hero, who would it be and why? “Aaron Rowley because he has been through a lot in life and still lives it to 100%.”How do you want to be remembered after you leave high school? “Plain old dude who did what he loved.”If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? “Arizona because I can hunt and fish with no mosquitoes.”

by Chris MohnReporter

What are you doing for spring break?

Tanner Tyson-“Psh, I’m doing nothing, man.”

Jordan Herrick-“I’m gonna stay home and watch tv and run.”

Maggie Clem-“I’m visiting my grandmother in Colorado and saving Julia from Germany.”

Samantha Shaffer-“I am going to softball practice.”

Ms. Pam Trimble, math teacher-“I’m going to stay home and get well.”

by Jessica LewisReporter

What was your favorite childhood TV show? “Pokemon!”

Do you see yourself living in Burlingame in 10 years? If not,

where? “No, I’ll be living on a space station, plotting to rule the world.”What teacher has influenced you the most

and why? “Mr. Burkdoll, he taught me to never give up.”

What are your future plans after high school? “Go to KU and major in music.”What are your words of wisdom? “Don’t worry, be happy.”If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? “New Orleans during Mardi Gras.”If you had to pick an idol or hero, who would it be and why? “Carl Azuz because he has great puns.”If you could pick an actor to portray you in a movie who would

it be and why? “Chris Owen from American Pie.”

by Tristan FitzgeraldReporter

Sports 4Mar. 7, 2013page by Parker Lee and Jessica Lewis

Records

Upcoming Events

Mar. 26- SB/BB @ Baldwin

Mar. 28- Track @ Lyndon

Apr. 1- SB/BB vs. Oskaloosa @ Home

Stats

WrestlingLeaders

WinsWhalen 27

TakedownsWhalen 24

EscapesJones 10

PinsWhalen 19

As the snow finally begins to clear, it is time for many athletes to hang up their winter coats and boots, and dust off their cleats and shorts and get ready for the new spring season of sports. Within the next few weeks, Burlingame athletes will be practicing for the next two weeks and even some over spring break to prepare themselves for the new season.

The Burlingame softball team started their practices early this year. The team was suppose to begin practice on February 25, but due to the snow days , practice began on February 28. The girls have a large number of girls going out this year, which include seven returning starters from last season’s roster. The Lady Cats will be hosting games against Oskaloosa in April 1, Central Heights on April 19, and Lyndon on April 29. The team will spend most of the season traveling to places like Baldwin, Moran, Garnett, Northern Heights, and Wellsville to play.

The Bearcat baseball team will also have some returning players stepping up to the plate. However, the team has a total of only fourteen players. The schedule for the boys looks the same as the girls, but with one added double header against Santa Fe

Trail at Overbrook on May 6. Practice for the boys started on March 4 and will practice until their first game on March 26 against Baldwin at Baldwin.

As the baseball and softball teams are practicing, looking over across the parking lot, you will see the Burlingame tracksters running and throwing in preparation for their seasons of long days in the sun or rain. The team travels for all of their meets, with the exception of the Bearcat Relays on April 29. With meets in Lyndon, Emporia, Burlington, and St. Mary’s the track members have a relativley short distance schedule this year.

Although the girls have already had their season, the boys will begin their second season with Osage City golf team. With two Burlingame students, senior Tristan Fitzgerald and junior Tyler Buche, returning to the green, they are ready to tee off and travel to places like Emporia,Council Grove, Hidden Springs, Shawnee Lake, Lamont Hills, Burlington, and Rossville. Practice is set to begin at the beginning of March.

As the school year is coming to an end, many students’ are ready for the year to end, but the spring athletes must compete with each other and other teams, to do their best.

by Samantha ShafferEditor-in-Cheif

Burlingame athletes welcome new season

Some kids want to become professional basketball players, or go pro in football, but Tabitha Patterson wants to be a professional fighter. While growing up, Patterson spent her days watching UFC fighting with her family.

“I thought I’d be good at it,” said Patterson. Patterson and her father bonded while her father taught her how to fight. “A lot of people thought I got it from my mom, but really my dad taught both of us how to fight.”

When Patterson told her family she wanted to start fighting, they were supportive from the very beginning, even her husband Chris thought it was a great idea. “Chris pushed me to start fighting. It’s a perfect time to start,” said Patterson.

She started training back in July after talking to a friend who said she could help, but it was not until November that Patterson became serious.

Since then, Patterson has been training with a Gladior Pro in the MMA, Scott Hesten. She now spends her days training at any free moments but she plans on training six days a week and improve her cardio.

“My trainer says if I can up my cardio, I can’t lose.”Like wrestlers, fighters have to make their weight. “ Ask any wrestler what the diet’s like,” Patterson said, “I spend long hours in the souna.”

Patterson continues to take college courses in order to become a teacher but no longer cheers because fighting takes preference.

Even though fighting takes up a lot of time, it is also flexible. Fighting is one of the few sports that an athlete

can continue performing for as long as he/she wishes. Breaks can be taken whenever; whether it is to start a family or just for a short vacation.

Tabby’s husband, Chris Patterson, has also started fighting. “He is so good,” Patterson said. “I’m actually a little scared he’ll end up being better than me.” Chris’s first big fight will take place in June.

Patterson has been in two fights. The first resulted in little to no injuries. The second, however, left her with a black eye. “It is, by far, the hardest sport I’ve ever done,” she said, “but I want to work and improve. I can only improve myself.”

Like any sport, Patterson knows what she needs to do in order to win. “The hardest thing is you know what to do but when you’re in there with the opponent, so many things are going through your mind . It is so hard to get things straight.”

Patterson’s next big fight will be taking place in July.She plans on turning fighting into a career. “I could go pro in the next year.” said Patterson, “I can fight for the rest of my life.”

Many people put fighters in a stereotype as people who have serious anger problems, but really they are just normal athletes trying to improve themselves.

“We don’t fight because we’re angry. Fighters respect each other,” said Patterson.Fighting is a sport that can be over looked but in reality it is one of the most complex and technical sports that any athlete can take part in.

Burlingame grad fights for respect

BasketballLeaders

Girls

Boys

Points/GameH. Lewis 16.5 Rebounds/GameH. Lewis 7.7 Assists/GameB. Lewis 3

Steals/GameH. Lewis 2.7

Points/GameLee 21

Rebounds/GameRicley 6.7

Assists/GameLee 2.5

Steals/GameLee 2.1

by Reagan GreenwoodReporter

RecordsGirls 11-11

Boys 10-11

Senior Briana Lewis goes up for the tip off in the Sub-State championship game against Northern Heights. The Lady Cats defeated Lyndon on Wednesday, February 29 and Kansas City Christian on March 1 to earn their spot in the championship game on March 2. The championship game left the Lady Cats with an upset of 59-48. The championship game was an end to the season and would also signify the last game for seniors Briana Lewis and Jessica Zaboktsky.PHOTO BY: TRISTAN FITZGERALD