Story by Kay Haas – News Editor On Wednesday, Lee’s Summit North’s seniors had their last day of high school. The senior class attended their second hour and then they made their way to senior check-out. The seniors have worked hard for four years to get to this moment. After all the studying, testing, and general school work, they have finished high school. Their graduation will be next Wednesday, on the 21st, at The Cable Dahmer Arena. After graduation, seniors have the option to attend grad night from 10 pm to 2 am. The Northern Exposure has created an issue, specifically focusing on the senior class. This includes superlatives, after high school plans, advice, and memories. After four years of high school, the seniors checked out of North for the last time. The Northern Exposure Staff wishes you good luck in the next chapter of your life! See below for details on the Senior Issue of Northern Exposure!
Story by Bailee Council – Asst. Editor In a savory collaboration that blends culinary creativity with real-world business experience, students from Lee’s Summit North High School’s Culinary Arts 1 program have teamed up with local favorite Smoke Brewing Co. to design and pitch original sandwich concepts, with the chance for their creation to appear on the restaurant’s menu. This isn’t just a classroom project, it’s a full-fledged partnership. “Students had several business meetings with Smoke and had to work within their business concept, restaurant labor and equipment, taking into account the target market of the restaurant,” Tina Tillitson, culinary teacher, said. The hands-on experience challenged students to research food trends, cost ingredients, and develop menu items that reflect Smoke Brewing Co.’s brand. One standout creation? A barbecue brisket melt imagined by students Laci Brown, Sariya Garda, and Hali Young-Bequette. “We had cheddar, Swiss, gouda, and American cheese,” Brown said. “It’s like a grilled cheese, but elevated — with brisket, pickles, sourdough bread, and bacon lardons.” The students even incorporated Smoke Brewing’s spicy barbecue sauce, which Brown described as “really savory.” What made their sandwich stand out? “It wasn’t on their menu already,” Garda said. “We were confident, and we created something different. All our cheeses had unique flavors, which made the sandwich complex.” But the experience extended far beyond flavor pairings. “This gets students thinking about Culinary and restaurants as a business,” Tillitson shared. “They don’t always think about managing labor or food costs — this project emphasizes all of that from the client’s point of view.” The students agreed. “We learned a lot more about the business side of cooking,” Brown said. “It was cool to learn the difference between how much of a product you buy and how much you use — and how to pitch to a business.” Young-Bequette added, “It’s helpful beyond just culinary — you can apply these skills in so many different settings.” While the students are hopeful their sandwich will make the final cut, they understand the competitive nature of restaurant menus. “I think we have a strong chance,” Garda said. “But I also think people might play it safe. Ours might be a little outside the box.” Still, the pride in their creation is clear. “I would love to eat our sandwich,” Brown said. “I think it sounds amazing — better than everybody else’s, honestly,” Brown said. This project showcases how education can intersect meaningfully with community, industry, and creativity, one sandwich at a time.
Story by Morgan Hill – Sports Editor The Pink Out game annually brings the community and soccer together. In this soccer event, the rivalry game between LSN and LSW is known as the Pink Out game, which helps donate proceeds from the game to charities that support a local Breast Cancer Foundation called “Fight Dirty”. So far, the LSN girls’ soccer season has gone well, and the girls are playing great, lengthy matches. “The team has stayed positive and played a really good style of soccer in the matches, and it will make them difficult for other teams to beat,” Ryan Kelley, girls varsity soccer coach, said. Every year, the team looks forward to the Pink Out game because it gives them a bonding moment during the busy season and a game that is extra special out of the entire season. The fundraising side is also equally important as the game itself, especially to many members of the Lee’s Summit community and those who support the cause. “It is a really great event where the two programs work together to raise money through selling shirts and the auction. Last year, the two schools combined to raise over $10,000,” Coach Kelley said. The Pink Out game not only provides a great soccer game but also helps to fight a bigger cause that the LS community is able to rally behind. The 2025 Pink Out game is hosted at LSW on April 22, and the Broncos are not just looking forward to winning on the field but also off the field. Photo by Kate Gerding – Editor-in-Chief
Story by Kay Haas – News Editor As the year comes to a close, Lee’s Summit North’s Student Council is hosting its annual elections again. Student council is a student organization that focuses on engaging the student body in various productive ways. If you have been wandering the halls of Lee’s Summit North, you have probably seen the posters advertising the different things STUCO does. The biggest event that STUCO hosts every year is homecoming. STUCO is not an open club, you have to apply to be a part of it. Prospective members must fill out an application and complete an interview with one of the sponsors of STUCO. The application also includes getting 5 teacher evaluations filled out. Interviews will be taking place from April 28 to April 30, with results announced on May 7th. The requirements of being in STUCO are that you have to have a 2.75 weighted GPA, and you have to demonstrate certain traits that make you a good student leader. The link to the application can be found on the posters in the hallways, and the signup sheet for interviews can be found on Brielle Laster’s, English teacher and STUCO sponsor, door. Laster’s room is located right across from the MacLab in room 2118.. Returning members only have to complete the application and not an interview. The due date for these applications is Friday, April 25th, at midnight. While STUCO is a teacher-sponsored organization, there is a level of student leadership as well. There are officer positions open to only incoming seniors who have at least a year of STUCO experience. Those officer positions are President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Historian. These positions all have different specific roles, but each person has the responsibility of leading meetings and being a good representative of STUCO. These prospective officers must complete a separate application, get 5 teacher evaluations as well as 2 letters of recommendation, and complete an interview with a sponsor. Officer applications are due on Tuesday, April 29, by 2:45 p.m. The link to sign up for interviews is posted in the STUCO SportsYou. The officer interviews will take place after school on May 1st, with results posted on May 7th. Whether you are applying for an officer position or are a new member, STUCO is excited to have you be a part of it. Here is the link to the new/returning representative application: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1105W4zMIKaOiUPdRLQcm3kYNSgMItQNh6_ZuKe2Ep24/edit?tab=t.0
Story & Photo by Ireland Lucas – Staff Reporter The Boys Volleyball team has had a great season so far and hopes to continue doing well. The team always makes sure to lift each other up and has an inclusive setting. They all make sure to have a positive mindset, which allows them to do so well together. “The best part is playing with people I’ve played with my whole life, my team always find ways to have fun which makes the game that much more enjoyable,” Mason Brady, sophomore, said. A lot of the guys have played together in previous years, some even for almost their entire lives. Most of the guys had started playing at a young age, which allowed them to have that upper hand. “I decided to join because I’ve played volleyball since I was nine and I’ve always just found that I am good at it and enjoy it,” Brady said. While it can be hard to manage the schedule of practices and games, they all still show up and put their best effort forth. While the team has a lot of positive notes, they each have an obstacle that holds them back. “The hardest part is losing games that I should’ve won, but it allows me to work harder next time,” Brady said. Overall, the team has high hopes to keep up their good work, which will allow them to keep bringing home Bronco victories.
Story by Bailee Council – Asst. Editor/Entertainment Editor Student teaching is vital to education programs, offering aspiring educators hands-on experience in real classroom settings. This phase of teacher training bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, providing a structured environment where future teachers can develop essential skills under the guidance of experienced mentors. The benefits of student teaching extend beyond the individual educator, ultimately enhancing students’ classroom learning experiences. One of the primary advantages of student teaching is the opportunity to gain real-world experience. While coursework in education programs equips future teachers with theoretical knowledge, it is through student teaching that they apply these concepts in actual classroom settings. “The first time you step into a classroom, you realize that reading about teaching is nothing like actually doing it. You have to adapt on the fly, and no two days are ever the same,” Rachel Voss, student teacher, said. Another significant aspect of student teaching is receiving constructive feedback from mentor teachers and supervisors. This feedback helps student teachers identify their strengths and areas for improvement. Mentors provide guidance on lesson planning, instructional techniques, and classroom interactions, offering insights often unavailable through traditional coursework. “I don’t like conflict, so learning to handle classroom discipline has been a challenge for me. But having mentors guide me through it has made all the difference,” Voss said. Student teaching also provides an opportunity to understand the broader responsibilities of educators. In addition to lesson planning and instruction, teachers are responsible for assessing student progress, communicating with parents, collaborating with colleagues, and fulfilling administrative duties. By participating in faculty meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and school events, student teachers gain insight into the multifaceted nature of the teaching profession. “I don’t want students to think I’m just some person in a room. I have a life outside of teaching, and I think showing that human side helps build connections in the classroom,” Voss said. Student teaching is a valuable experience that prepares future educators for the realities of the classroom. By gaining hands-on experience, developing classroom management skills, receiving feedback, building relationships with students, and preparing for professional responsibilities, student teachers cultivate the skills and confidence needed to excel in their careers. As the final step in teacher preparation, student teaching serves as a transformative phase that bridges the gap between academic learning and professional practice, ultimately benefiting both educators and their students.
Story by Talon Cleveland – Feature Editor Girls’ flag football is back and getting ready for the new season. New players participated in a pre-season skills clinic to learn essential skills to help them decide which team they would play on. “Challenges this year are playing together. Last year trying to separate teams evenly was a challenge. This year we are treating it like a football or softball team would. Varsity, JV, and C. The battle to keep them motivated on whatever team is difficult but I believe once we start playing it will not be a problem,” Deron Washington, head coach, said. There were great turnouts at the tryouts with over 80 ladies interested in the team and 60 tried out. The team wants to include as many athletes to help them develop football skills and understanding of the game at a high school level. “We always want to win but we have to teach them properly first. The only time I will say we want to win is when playing the other Lee’s Summit schools,” Washington said. Girls’ Flag Football is a newer sport at LSN and the coaches Washington and Falkenburg want to establish a team with strong sportsmanship and endurance to win. As a coach, I want to inspire them to be a great adult. Lead and motivate. I have to coach flag football differently than I do tackle football, it is a challenge sometimes. Tryouts have ended but all ladies are welcome to watch this year and start next year running. This season will end on May 2nd and there is a final 24-team Regional Girls Flag Football tournament held at the Lee’s Summit North Bronco Athletic Complex on May 9th. Photo courtesy of LSN Flag Football Team -Instagram
Story & Photo by Morgan Hill – Sports Editor After finishing the 2024 season on a high note by making it to the ALDS, American League Division Series, the Royals are recharged and ready for another great season of baseball. The 2025 season represents a fresh start for the team and a new year to fulfill the players’ dreams of bringing home a championship to Kansas City. “It’s one thing to have playoff hopes, but another thing to have made those hopes a reality. I think this city has shown it supports winners, and we are in for a very fun season,” Josh Keeney, baseball coach, said. Many fans are excited to watch the Royals coming off of their postseason run and to continue investing in Kansas City’s future in baseball. With players like Vinnie Pasquantino, Salvador Perez, Bobby Witt Jr, and many others that make up this star-studded lineup, all contributing to the success of the team and the city, it is a great time to live in Kansas City. “I think Bobby Witt Jr will continue to be a superstar. He might be the best player in the Major Leagues,” Keeney said. With the success of Bobby Witt Jr. and many other young but veteran players, the Royals appear to be rising at the right time and in stride just in time for the 2025 season.
Story by Kate Gerding – Editor-in-Chief The girls’ varsity soccer team won their game against Lee’s Summit West on Friday, March 21, with a final score of 2-1. Goals were scored by Kara Robinson, senior, and Mia Katamura, sophomore, in the first home-game of the season. “We’ve been practicing and conditioning a lot, five or six days a week unless we have a game,” Emma Gerding, sophomore, said. The girls also participate in team-building exercises alongside their usual practices to strengthen their game performance. “On Mondays, we go into the weight room and do journaling and other team bonding things,” Gerding said. Their next game will be tonight against Blue Springs. “I think it’s going to be challenging but good. I think we can win,” Gerding said. Gerding is looking forward to the Pink Out game against West on April 22. The girls are selling Pink Out shirts to support Breast Cancer awareness which can be purchased via QR code or the link posted below. Orders are due by April 4. https://pinkout2025.itemorder.com/shop/home/ Photo by Isabelle Flood – Social Media Editor
Kate Gerding:
Kate is the Editor-in-Chief and this is her third year on staff. Kate dances ballet and enjoys hanging out with friends outside of school.
Bailee Melchion Council:
Bailee is the Assistant Editor-in-Chief Editor/Entertainment Editor and this is her fourth year on staff. She likes to work, go to the gym, cook, and spend time with her dog, Aria.
Morgan Hill:
Morgan is the Sports Editor and this is her third year on staff. She is on the tennis team and she enjoys writing and talking about sports.
Talon Cleveland:
Talon is the Feature Editor and this is his third year on staff. Talon is involved in Wrtiter’s Circle and is Design Editor for the The Ink and Quill.
Kay Haas:
Kay is the News Editor and this is her second year on staff. She is in Student Council, Chinese Club, and she enjoys aerial arts.
Isabelle Flood:
Isabelle is the Social Media Editor and this is her second year on staff. She plays club volleyball and for LSN. She enjoys reading and hanging out with friends.
Ireland Lucas:
Ireland is a staff reporter and this is her first year on staff. She likes to hang out with her friends and her french bulldog, Venom.
Mrs. Haesemeyer (Adviser):
Mrs. Haesemeyer was on the yearbook staff when she was in high school. In college, she wrote for the newspaper at The University of Central Missouri, The Muleskinner. She has been a Language Arts teacher and the newspaper adviser at LSN for the last 24 years.