Shawnee Mission West High School: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox School |
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|name= Shawnee Mission West High School |
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|image=SMWestlogo.png |
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|size= 150px |
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|city= [[Overland Park, Kansas|Overland Park]] |
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|county= |
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|state= [[Kansas|KS]] |
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|country= |
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|district= |
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|principal=Charles McLean |
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|schooltype= [[Public high school]] |
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|enrollment= 2,000 |
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|grades= 9-12 |
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|campus= Urban |
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|classification= 6A |
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|athletics conference= Sunflower League |
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|colors= [[Black (color)|Black]] and [[Gold (color)|Gold]] |
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{{color box|black}} {{color box|#FFD700}} |
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|mascot= Vikings |
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|newspaper= The EPIC |
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|established= 1962 |
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|address= 8800 West 85th Street |
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|information= 913-993-7800 |
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|website= [http://www.smsd.org/Schools/smwest// School Website] |
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|bgcolor_section= #800000 |
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|bgcolor_label= #FFD700 |
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|bgcolor_value= #FFD700 |
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|bgcolor_address= #FFD700 |
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|bgcolor_url= #FFD700}} |
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'''Shawnee Mission West High School''' is a fully-accredited high school located in [[Overland Park, Kansas]], [[USA]], serving students in grades 9-12. Shawnee Mission West was founded in 1962 in order to help educate the increasing number of students due to the emerging population of Overland Park. Shawnee Mission West's mascot is the [[Viking]] and the official school colors are black and gold. As of 2006, the student population is 2,042. It is located at 85th Street and Antioch Road. Shawnee Mission West has a student body population that is 9% African American, which is the highest African American population of any Shawnee Mission high school. Statistically, Shawnee Mission West is the most ethnically diverse high school in the district. Shawnee Mission West draws its student population from both [[Overland Park, Kansas|Overland Park]], [[Lenexa, Kansas|Lenexa]], and from small parts of [[Shawnee, Kansas|Shawnee]]. |
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The former principal, Dr. Karl Krawitz, was named the NEA III District Educator of the Year for 2004-2005. Shawnee Mission West is home to both an award-winning school newspaper, the EPIC, and yearbook, SAGA. |
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==History== |
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Shawnee Mission West was established in 1962 due to the increasing numbers of students within Overland Park, Kansas. Since then, it has been remodeled several times. Additions have also been made to the school, the most famous of which is "the bridge," an actual bridge between halves of the school that later had classrooms added beneath it. |
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==Extracurricular Activities== |
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=== Athletics === |
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SM West won state championships in 1972 and 1985 in football, in addition to runner-up finishes in 1977 and 2006. Of late, the SM West football team, and its "Viking Power" slogan have become a dominant force in class 6A football under head coach Tim Callaghan. In November 2006 the Vikings defeated [[Lawrence Free State High School]] in the Sub-State playoffs, then lost to [[Hutchinson High School]] 21-14 in the state title game in [[Emporia, Kansas|Emporia]] on November 25. They were the first Shawnee Mission school to reach the state championship game since West won in 1985. |
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In recent years, the girls tennis team has taken the region by storm. In 2006, the girls won the Sunflower League, which had been largely dominated by [[Shawnee Mission East High School|Shawnee Mission East]] for the past eight years. In both 2006 and 2007, the team turned out a state doubles runner-up title. |
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West has competed in four state title games for basketball, the most recent being in 2005, led by coach Mike Brinsko, but has never been able to come away with the title. The SM West baseball team also has enjoyed their fair share of success, winning state championships in 1977, 1987, and 1988. In 1991, West's soccer team won the 6A state title, defeating two [[USA Today]] nationally ranked teams in the process: ([[Wichita South High School]] and [[Shawnee Mission South]]). Also, the SM West girl's soccer team was 2005 and 2006 Sunflower League Champions; 2005 and 2006 Northeast Kansas 6A Regional Champions; 2005 and 2006 Kansas 6A state quarter-finalist; 2005 and 2006 Kansas 6A State runners-up. |
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In recent May 2008, Coaches Jeff Onnen and Rick Rogers lead the Varsity Boys 4x800 Meter team to a Kansas 6A League, Regional, and State Championship. |
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===Forensics=== |
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SM West has twice (1986 and 2007) placed second at the [[National Forensic League]] tournament for policy debate. |
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=== School Song === |
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:Alma Mater, hail to thee! |
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:Sing we now so joyfully! |
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:Honor, praise and loyalty! |
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:Ever shall our promise be! |
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:Onward, we are always striving! |
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:For thy colors brave, undying! |
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:Hail to thee, Shawnee Mission West! |
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:Hail to thee, Shawnee Mission West! |
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===Music Department=== |
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The Shawnee Mission West marching band is presently directed by Bill Thomas. The Shawnee Mission West marching band has been invited to play in London for the New Years Parade every three years for the past fifteen years. Participation in the band program has declined in recent years from a 180 person high in 2005 to less than 90 in 2009. Criticism has been leveled towards Director Thomas for recruitment and logistical issues. The Overland Express Jazz band is directed by Berklee School of Music graduate Kevin Hupe. Percussion is directed by Kansas City musician Brandon Draper. At the end of the regular football season, the Shawnee Mission West marching band has a light show where the band straps glow-sticks and flashlights to themselves. This show is performed each year at the end of the last home football game of the regular season. |
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The Choir Department is headed by Laura VanLeeuwen. The Madrigal Singers, the school's top choir group, was selected to represent West at [[Carnegie Hall]] in the 2006-07 year. The Orchestra Department is led by Curtis Mulvenon, and the orchestra support website can be found here[http://prestowest.org/] |
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===Notable Alumni=== |
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*[[Roy Foster]] - NFL football player |
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*[[Matt Freije]] - NBA basketball player, Played 4 Seasons |
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*[[John Lehr]] - Actor, star of the TV show "[[10 Items or Less (TV series)|10 Items or Less]]" |
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*[[Rob Neyer]] - Author and [[ESPN]].com baseball columnist |
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*[[Ande Parks]] - comic book artist/writer |
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*[[Paul Rudd]] - Famous actor, and constant visitor to the theater department |
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*[[Kelsey Smith]] - 2007 murder victim |
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*[[Scott Hill]] - Radio Morning Show Host (Whitey Whitney) |
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*[[Jason Sudeikis]] - Comedian ([[Saturday Night Live]]) |
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*[[Sean Tevis]] - Politician |
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*[[Steve Towle]] - NFL football player |
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*[[Jason Wiles]] - Actor/director |
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*[[Tyler Lawrence]] - University of Kansas (KU) Junior college football player |
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==References== |
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{{reflist|2}} |
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Revision as of 06:51, 5 June 2009
| Shawnee Mission West High School | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Address | |
 | |
8800 West 85th Street , | |
| Information | |
| School type | Public high school |
| Established | 1962 |
| Principal | Charles McLean |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Enrollment | 2,000 |
| Campus | Urban |
| Color(s) | Black and Gold |
| Athletics conference | Sunflower League |
| Mascot | Vikings |
| Rival | Shawnee Mission South High School |
| Newspaper | The EPIC |
| Information | 913-993-7800 |
| Website | School Website |
Shawnee Mission West High School is a fully-accredited high school located in Overland Park, Kansas, USA, serving students in grades 9-12. Shawnee Mission West was founded in 1962 in order to help educate the increasing number of students due to the emerging population of Overland Park. Shawnee Mission West's mascot is the Viking and the official school colors are black and gold. As of 2006, the student population is 2,042. It is located at 85th Street and Antioch Road. Shawnee Mission West has a student body population that is 9% African American, which is the highest African American population of any Shawnee Mission high school. Statistically, Shawnee Mission West is the most ethnically diverse high school in the district. Shawnee Mission West draws its student population from both Overland Park, Lenexa, and from small parts of Shawnee.
The former principal, Dr. Karl Krawitz, was named the NEA III District Educator of the Year for 2004-2005. Shawnee Mission West is home to both an award-winning school newspaper, the EPIC, and yearbook, SAGA.
History
Shawnee Mission West was established in 1962 due to the increasing numbers of students within Overland Park, Kansas. Since then, it has been remodeled several times. Additions have also been made to the school, the most famous of which is "the bridge," an actual bridge between halves of the school that later had classrooms added beneath it.
Extracurricular Activities
Athletics
SM West won state championships in 1972 and 1985 in football, in addition to runner-up finishes in 1977 and 2006. Of late, the SM West football team, and its "Viking Power" slogan have become a dominant force in class 6A football under head coach Tim Callaghan. In November 2006 the Vikings defeated Lawrence Free State High School in the Sub-State playoffs, then lost to Hutchinson High School 21-14 in the state title game in Emporia on November 25. They were the first Shawnee Mission school to reach the state championship game since West won in 1985.
In recent years, the girls tennis team has taken the region by storm. In 2006, the girls won the Sunflower League, which had been largely dominated by Shawnee Mission East for the past eight years. In both 2006 and 2007, the team turned out a state doubles runner-up title.
West has competed in four state title games for basketball, the most recent being in 2005, led by coach Mike Brinsko, but has never been able to come away with the title. The SM West baseball team also has enjoyed their fair share of success, winning state championships in 1977, 1987, and 1988. In 1991, West's soccer team won the 6A state title, defeating two USA Today nationally ranked teams in the process: (Wichita South High School and Shawnee Mission South). Also, the SM West girl's soccer team was 2005 and 2006 Sunflower League Champions; 2005 and 2006 Northeast Kansas 6A Regional Champions; 2005 and 2006 Kansas 6A state quarter-finalist; 2005 and 2006 Kansas 6A State runners-up. In recent May 2008, Coaches Jeff Onnen and Rick Rogers lead the Varsity Boys 4x800 Meter team to a Kansas 6A League, Regional, and State Championship.
Forensics
SM West has twice (1986 and 2007) placed second at the National Forensic League tournament for policy debate.
School Song
- Alma Mater, hail to thee!
- Sing we now so joyfully!
- Honor, praise and loyalty!
- Ever shall our promise be!
- Onward, we are always striving!
- For thy colors brave, undying!
- Hail to thee, Shawnee Mission West!
- Hail to thee, Shawnee Mission West!
Music Department
The Shawnee Mission West marching band is presently directed by Bill Thomas. The Shawnee Mission West marching band has been invited to play in London for the New Years Parade every three years for the past fifteen years. Participation in the band program has declined in recent years from a 180 person high in 2005 to less than 90 in 2009. Criticism has been leveled towards Director Thomas for recruitment and logistical issues. The Overland Express Jazz band is directed by Berklee School of Music graduate Kevin Hupe. Percussion is directed by Kansas City musician Brandon Draper. At the end of the regular football season, the Shawnee Mission West marching band has a light show where the band straps glow-sticks and flashlights to themselves. This show is performed each year at the end of the last home football game of the regular season.
The Choir Department is headed by Laura VanLeeuwen. The Madrigal Singers, the school's top choir group, was selected to represent West at Carnegie Hall in the 2006-07 year. The Orchestra Department is led by Curtis Mulvenon, and the orchestra support website can be found here[1]
Notable Alumni
- Roy Foster - NFL football player
- Matt Freije - NBA basketball player, Played 4 Seasons
- John Lehr - Actor, star of the TV show "10 Items or Less"
- Rob Neyer - Author and ESPN.com baseball columnist
- Ande Parks - comic book artist/writer
- Paul Rudd - Famous actor, and constant visitor to the theater department
- Kelsey Smith - 2007 murder victim
- Scott Hill - Radio Morning Show Host (Whitey Whitney)
- Jason Sudeikis - Comedian (Saturday Night Live)
- Sean Tevis - Politician
- Steve Towle - NFL football player
- Jason Wiles - Actor/director
- Tyler Lawrence - University of Kansas (KU) Junior college football player