Summer couldn’t come sooner

Emily Evans, Opinion Editor
May 18, 2012

As the 2011-2012 school year comes to a very welcome end, the left over sophomore and juniors sit in school all day dreaming and drooling over their summer vacation. We have a little over two months off of school, and students and even the teachers, don’t want to waste a minute of it. Big... (more...)

IMG_3907MASCOT2topppp.

Patch brings on the competition

Emily Evans, Opinion Editor
May 14, 2012

Recently this week, three of the Varsity cheerleaders, Megan Bradley, Emily Evans and Amanda Thompson, were chosen to travel with our lovely mascot, Patch, in the hopes of becoming Cool School of the Year. The three cheerleaders and Patch attended Livestrong Sporting Park along with Coach Gilchrist... (more...)

What’s worse than a written test?

Emily Evans, Opinion Editor
April 26, 2012

Everyday students come to school, somewhat knowing what their day is going to be like. Students will have to take on not only class work, but they will have homework most of the time, too. One thing that students hate more than homework is tests. Students hate tests, quizzes and exams with... (more...)

The worst part of the school day

Emily Evans, Opinion Editor
April 16, 2012

Teenagers behind the wheel have been inspiring terror in adults and small children for generations. Being a teenage driver myself, I thought that the people who complained about us and our driving methods were just being overdramatic babies. My previous years as a student at the school, I had... (more...)

The little things add up

Emily Evans, Opinion Editor
April 12, 2012

With today’s generation, it’s tough to come along a genuine hearted person. Most people care only about themselves, or the things that will have an affect on that person. Many people don’t look past themselves, or even care to. So when people meet someone on the street that isn’t like... (more...)

New schedule gets turned down

Emily Evans, Opinion Editor
April 2, 2012

Recently, there’s been a lot of ruckus about next school year’s schedule and how everything is going to pan out. Students hate the thought of everything being switched to something else over one summer. There were plenty of things that were taken into consideration to undergo a change.... (more...)

Lady Pirate earns top spot

Emily Evans, Opinion Editor
March 2, 2012

This past weekend, BHS held their 2nd Annual Pirate Power weightlifting competition at Southwick Stadium. This year had a great number of competitors from all different schools in the area. With well over 200 people participating in the meet, 55 of them being from BHS, several weight divisions... (more...)

Why in the world is there a winter warming?

Emily Evans, Opinion Editor
February 29, 2012

Throughout a student’s high school career, there are many things to look forward to. Some students like things that go on throughout the school day, some seem to enjoy the extra-curricular activities, and others enjoy out of school activities that are still sponsored by the school. Either... (more...)

Students celebrate FFA week

Emily Evans, Opinion Editor
February 23, 2012

Throughout the hallways of Belton High, there are plenty of clubs and activities for students to take part in. One of the most renown clubs within the school are the Future Farmers of America. This week, Feb. 18-25, is National Future Farmers of America Week. FFA week is a week that highlights... (more...)

Obsessed much?

Emily Evans, Opinion Editor
February 9, 2012

A big part of high school, believe it or not, has to deal with the relationships that people have with their friends and other people. In today’s society, it’s not uncommon for males and females to start dating at a younger age. The imaginary bar for the appropriate age to date  gets lower... (more...)

Students who strum the strings

Emily Evans, Opinion Editor
January 30, 2012

Through out the halls of Belton High, there are all different kinds of kids. There are students who are into sports, some are into their studies, and some might not really be into anything. But something that is very common among students here is anything pertaining to music. Whether there... (more...)

Say my name, say my name

Emily Evans, Opinion Editor
January 26, 2012

It should come as no surprise that over the last fifty years or so, most things have changed dramatically. Almost everything in our society is different in some way than it used to be. The older generations would more than likely agree with this statement. Music has changed, television has... (more...)

It’s not as bad as they think

Emily Evans, Opinion Editor
January 11, 2012

As the years go on, students slowly start to realize that high school isn’t all that bad, even if they don’t want to admit it. Yes, the people can be horrible, and even some of the classes, too. But not every aspect is terrible. Underneath all the crummy things, there are a few things that... (more...)

Treat others as you want to be treated

Emily Evans, Opinion Editor
January 9, 2012

“Treat others as you would like to be treated.” People have all heard it. They have all grown up with that life lesson burned in the back of their heads. And while this saying is known by so many, there are still some of those people who choose to ignore it. Today, there’s a problem with... (more...)

Which should come first: the marriage or the baby carriage?

Emily Evans, Opinion Editor
December 15, 2011

When people think of how they want their future to go, it usually goes along the lines of getting a good job of whatever they want to be, getting married and then starting a family. But the irony of it all is that, for most people, those things will not happen to them in that order. In today’s... (more...)

‘Yell BHS, the best of the best’

Emily Evans, Opinion Editor
December 7, 2011

Cheerleading; stunts, cheers and jumps. It comes along with the everyday practices and the games they cheer at. It’s a year round sport that takes dedication, devotion and time. The best part of it all is getting to compete to become number one. This year, the JV cheer team is throwing something... (more...)

It’s all about the label

Emily Evans, Opinion Editor
December 1, 2011

It’s well known that some teenagers care more about their appearance and materialistic things than they do about other things in life that are clearly more important. Today, it’s all about teens and their ability to impress and outshine others. A new pair of jeans or shoes are expensive... (more...)

DSC_0146FAcultyBball

Pirate faculty brings home a double win

Emily Evans, Opinion Editor
November 18, 2011

Recently, DECA sponsored a Faculty Basketball game against the rivals of BHS, the Ray-Pec Panthers. As the womens basketball team from Belton and Ray-Pec started to warm up, a crowd started to form on both sides of the bleachers. Both teams were warmed up and ready to play, and senior Pt Mahoney... (more...)

‘Half Pint Brawlers’ become barbaric

Emily Evans, Opinion Editor
October 17, 2011

The whole month of October gets kids’ spooky spirits up in play. Everything leading up to the end of the month has something to do with Halloween. There’s tons of things for people to do on that spooky day, like the normal trick-or-treating or going to a friend’s party. But one thing... (more...)

Make it or break it

Emily Evans, Opinion Editor
October 5, 2011

In today’s society, “dating” comes with all ages. It’s well known that dating becomes more serious as people grow older. It’s also known that people start to become more picky. But when does picky become too picky? Each and every person that is interested in dating has some sort of... (more...)

kids

Homecoming headed our way

Emily Evans, Opinion Editor
September 21, 2011

Homecoming is right around the corner, and many students, and even some faculty members, begin to get excited. Students look forward to homecoming weekend the most. It consists of pep rallies, football games, a parade, and most importantly, the dance. One major thing about homecoming consists... (more...)

New law forms boundaries for teachers

Emily Evans, Opinion Editor
September 1, 2011

A law has recently passed in Missouri concerning teacher-student relationships outside of the classroom. Missouri has become the first in the nation to prohibit social networking between students and teachers. After the passing of Missouri Senate Bill 54, teachers and students were no longer... (more...)

Students take on a lot

Emily Evans, Opinion Editor
August 19, 2011

In today’s society, it’s pretty common for high school students to have a job. If some students don’t have a job, chances are that they want one. Having a job equals freedom and money, which are the two things that teenagers love most. It’s also common for students to participate in and... (more...)

Helping today, for a better tomorrow

Emily Evans, Reporter
May 25, 2011

A massive tornado blasted its way across southwestern Missouri May 22, flattening several blocks of homes and businesses in Joplin and leaving residents frantically scrambling through the wreckage. The twister cut a path nearly six miles long and more than a half-mile wide through the center... (more...)

Bridesmaids: The “Her Hangover”

Emily Evans, Reporter
May 23, 2011

“Bridesmaids” is a frat boy’s idea of what a funny ‘chick flick’ should be.  So, hats off to Kristen Wiig  and Annie Mumolo for scripting a movie that is a raunchy hoot, yet doesn’t lose its femininity. This is “Her Hangover,” a smarter and sweeter stumble to the altar that... (more...)

Friends influencing other friends

Emily Evans, Reporter
May 19, 2011

High school; people are either in, or they’re out. Getting liked by everyone and doing good things at the same time is a pretty tricky thing to do. In high school, it’s all about having fun and hanging out with friends. But the real problems arise when friends influence other friends. Friends... (more...)

Whining about whiners

Emily Evans, Reporter
May 3, 2011

If there’s one thing that anyone should take out of life, it’s that people aren’t going to get everything they want. Whether it’s impossible to get something or you just don’t feel like going for it, people are not always going to get what they want and when they want it. That’s... (more...)

I’m telling the truth…NOT

Emily Evans, Reporter
April 27, 2011

Personally, liars go hand in hand with some of the worst of the worst. During high school, it seems like the inner liar comes out the most in everybody. But honestly, lying about those things just starts more drama, so why do it? People lie for a number of reasons. They lie because they want... (more...)

Focus on focusing

Emily Evans, Reporter
April 13, 2011

High school; you either love it or you hate it . At times, there are some things that are more important to a teenager than school. Every student does the occasional weekend homework pushover, waiting until the last minute Sunday night to finish everything up. But where do students draw the... (more...)

Just do IT?

Emily Evans, Reporter
April 10, 2011

A large part of everyone’s lives change during their high school careers. Along with the drama, the grades, and the friends, sex is a large part of high school. Not only high school, but it’s a large part of life. To do it, or not to do it? That is the question. Many people, especially... (more...)

Don’t judge a book by its cover

Emily Evans, Reporter
March 28, 2011

A big part of life is the people who are in it. Throughout our lives, we will meet new people that we have never even heard of or seen. First impressions are important, they’re what makes us remember new faces and the impression lasts a lifetime. But is judging such a good thing? First impressions... (more...)

Too much skin is too big of a problem

Emily Evans, Reporter
March 9, 2011

Every student knows that school isn’t like home, or a friend’s house, or a place just to chill out. One major difference is that people come here to learn. Another difference is that at school there are rules, and there are lots of them. But why is it that school faculty is more strict... (more...)

It’s easier said than done

Emily Evans, Reporter
March 2, 2011

Looking for the perfect boyfriend? Well, it’s easier said than done. Relationships, among many other things, are essential for having a healthy and happy lifestyle. Having a good relationship is even better. But what makes a good relationship is the people who are involved in them. There’s... (more...)

The special one, the favorite

Emily Evans, Reporter
February 20, 2011

Every family that has more than one kid focuses on that special one; the favorite. While the issue is often laughed off, having favorites in a family can have serious, long-lasting consequences, for both the favored child and the other children in the family. It’s perfectly normal for... (more...)

Stupid cupid

Emily Evans, Reporter
February 15, 2011

Valentine’s day: the holiday that can be considered to be good, bad, or maybe even ugly. Personally, I don’t really care about Valentine’s day. I don’t care to walk down the hallway and hear stupid girls screaming and crying about their stupid presents that their stupid boyfriends got... (more...)

Pirates beat the bears

Emily Evans, Reporter
January 25, 2011

The re-scheduled wrestling meet was held on Thursday night against the William Chrisman Bears. Despite some seniors with injuries, the Pirates came home with a tight win of 39-36. Many Pirate wrestlers were successful at the meet. Junior Kevin Estell and Sophomore Zuberi Muwwakkil both won... (more...)

Snow days go away

Emily Evans, Reporter
January 25, 2011

Along with holiday breaks throughout the school year plus summer break, unexpected snow days are something that most students want and look forward to. But when students realize the policy of having to make the snow days up, the days spent at home aren’t so exciting after all. This school... (more...)

A new year, a new start

Emily Evans, Reporter
January 14, 2011

As a new year arrives, new ideas and goals come to mind. When previous years come to an end, people often see the new year as a new opportunity to change some of their old ways and decisions they’ve made in the past. Resolutions are a big part of a new year. Resolutions can be anything, like... (more...)

Pirate wrestling takes 8th place in tournament

Emily Evans, Reporter
December 20, 2010

This past weekend, the Pirate wrestlers competed in the Raytown South Holiday Tournament. The Pirates came home from the two day tournament with a of ranking 8th out of 17 teams. Although the Pirate wrestlers improved from last year, they said they would have liked to get a higher rank than... (more...)

Lady Pirates defeat Griffins

Emily Evans, Reporter
December 16, 2010

The Lady Pirates basketball team played a tough game and stole a win from the Winnetonka Griffins in a close score of 43-37. Sophomore Ashley Cole played her part and managed to score nine points during the game. She said she felt the team played a great game and she thought she did good as... (more...)

BHS band member shows his talent

Emily Evans, Reporter
December 16, 2010

Many people said they agree that our band is made up of people that are pretty good at playing their instruments. All of that was proved when one clarinet player went to state to compete against hundreds of other students to show just how good Belton really is. Sophomore Tevis Kilpatrick said... (more...)

Outrageous price for parking

Emily Evans, Reporter
December 16, 2010

In most cases, the best part of sophomore year in high school is reaching that ‘Sweet Sixteen’ and being able to go places on your own. That includes cruising with friends, going to the mall, and even stepping off of that school bus and switching to driving yourself to school. Some birthdays... (more...)

Hard work proves a successful year so far

Emily Evans, Reporter
December 2, 2010

Among all activities and groups that are available at BHS, debate and forensics is just one activity that has proven itself successful. Along with staying focused, sophomore Carolyn  Hennessey says that the debate team does a lot of important things to prepare for the up coming tournaments... (more...)

Think before you ink

Emily Evans, Reporter
November 17, 2010

Along with a drivers license, important birthdays, and graduating high school, getting a tattoo is just one more exciting event in a high school student’s life. Tattoos can be of anything and everything. They can range from a picture of something or saying something important. Whatever you... (more...)

A chance to help teen moms

Emily Evans, Reporter
November 17, 2010

Currently, the school is giving an opportunity for students to donate baby items for the mothers who are in need at BHS. Diapers, blankets, bottles and any other baby items are some of the little things that could be a big help. The items are donated to Parents as Teachers. Once all of the... (more...)

Spooky and safe Halloween for all

Emily Evans, Reporter
October 26, 2010

Halloween’s easily considered one of the most liked holidays among little kids. Life at a young age has everything to do with dressing up like a favorite superhero and getting tons of candy. Teenagers and even adults still have a very good time on Halloween. But in order to have a good time... (more...)

The time to end bullying is here

Emily Evans
October 22, 2010

In today’s society, bullying is a very common thing to see. People can see it anywhere and everywhere. Bullying can come in any form or action that can harm a person in anyway. It’s an aggressive behavior that causes unwanted, negative actions. It’s also as simple as calling someone a... (more...)

TSA hosts Halo Reach tournament

Emily Evans, Reporter
October 13, 2010

On Friday, Nov. 5 the school will hold a Halo Reach tournament between all of the students that sign up. The tournament begins at 3 p.m. Each student that is wanting to participate must fill out a sign-up sheet that is located on the bottom of the fliers posted up around the school. The participants... (more...)

BHS nominated for ‘cool school’

Emily Evans, Reporter
October 13, 2010

On Oct. 8 the school will host a spirit assembly in celebration of becoming KCTV-5’s ‘Cool School.’ The KCTV-5 news station is coming to the assembly that starts at 4:55 a.m. and the assembly will be broad-casted on the morning news. During the spirit assembly, all of the clubs and organizations... (more...)

Food drive helps students out

Emily Evans, Reporter
September 23, 2010

A teen-friendly food drive is being held and sponsored by FCCLA from Sept. 20 to Oct. 1. Students can bring food in on any day during the two weeks of the food drive. All of the items that the students bring in can be turned into their first and fifth hours. All food items will be held at school,... (more...)

Purple Friday back in play

Emily Evans
September 15, 2010

Belton encourages students to start participating in Purple Friday. Purple Friday is the Friday in every week when students and faculty members can show their school spirit. This is a good way to get school spirit into every ones hearts and to encourage one another in an easy and positive way. Many... (more...)

We don’t need a change

Emily Evans
September 7, 2010

The set up of homecoming is a hot topic. Should homecoming weekend change because of students opinions? Some students like that the game and the dance occur on the same day, and others don’t care. Sophomore Hayli Davidson said she joined in for all homecoming events last year as a freshman... (more...)