hield S
Volume 26, Issue 1
the
August 22, 2013
Saint Thom as Aquinas High School
Inside
WELCOME CLASS OF 2017 Saint Thomas Aquinas students and staff are excited to welcome the next class of Saints
Introduction to Father Daniel Schmitz Page 2 This Year’s Changes at Aquinas Page 2 Trip to France Page 2 Advice to Freshmen Page 3 The Best and Worst Summer Jobs Page 3 Students Perform at Theatre in the Park Page 3 50 Things to do before you graduate Pages 4-5 Opinions Page 6 Jamie Kutey Named Soccer All-American Page 7
Photo by BRYAN ZACK | The Shield
Senior Mikaela Hult enthusiastically escorts freshman Nick Bulleigh on his first day of high school at Freshmen Orientation. Upperclassmen, dressed in Hawaiian attire, lined the red carpet outside of the school doors and welcomed the freshmen into Aquinas.
STUCO PREPARES FOR BEST YEAR YET Executive Student Council Officers voice their plans to make Aquinas a “home”
by ANNIE SCHUGART Editor-in-Chief
a huge part of the student body events and mixers.” For Burgess, the school who see it the same way.” While the idea is not official leadership this year will serve the While StuCo has already yet, this is just one example of school well in terms of school begun to accomplish their goal of how the STA Periods will provide spirit. making Aquinas a home, they still abundant opportunities to unite “Annie Lind is such a great have many more ideas in mind the school. leader and has so much energy,” to reach this goal and truly make StuCo also has plans to make Burgess said. “Who wouldn’t this year the best year in Aquinas history. Lind said StuCo “really, want to follow her lead? Her history. To emphasize the family really” wants to beat the canned enthusiasm is genuine, and people aspect of Aquinas, STA Period food drive record this year— will follow her. Chris [Ernst], classrooms will serve as a smaller which means breaking the 2011 Grant [Mayfield], and Holly family within the larger family. [Hanson, all executive “We are really going talk to StuCo officers], are the seniors during the first town “Last year was the 25th anniversary, also great leaders for hall about being the represenour school.” but this is one step further.” tatives for their seminar,” Lind The combination said. “The seniors will be kind of all of this—stepANNIE LIND of like the moms and dads of ping it up after the Senior, StuCo President their seminar. And we really want 25th year, the new to get the underclassmen to see STA Periods, hopes them getting excited about stuff.” record of 113,000 cans. for a record-breaking year, an Activities director Sarah BurAnother aspect that could action plan for even more school gess also finds a lot of potential make this year the best year yet spirit, unique leaders, and the in the STA Periods and the family is the goal for even more school hopes of creating a home at aspect it can bring to the school. spirit. Last year, according to Aquinas—will shape the 2013“I would like to see the STA Lind, there was an increase in 2014 school year. periods compete against one anschool spirit during football sea“I’m pumped, and I’m ready other and have a grand champion son. StuCo hopes to spread this to go,” Lind said. “It’s going to be STA Period at the end of the school spirit around to all sports, a great year.” year, which would get the faculty so they plan to award class comMayfield agreed. involved too,” Burgess said. petition points for participation “I’m blown away by the way “Each class could create a name at both girls and boys basketball our community is [already] startfor themselves, design their own games. ing to come together,” he said. T-shirt and a representative or “We really just want to see “There’s nothing holding us back the mentor [or] teacher from each an increase in school spirit,” Lind from daring greatly.” g period could take attendance at said.
Last year may have been the 25th year celebration of Aquinas, but Student Council President Annie Lind said this year is going to be the best year yet. “Last year was the 25th anniversary, but this is one step further,” Lind said. “We got the new schedule, so new things are happening, but there are so many traditions that are still here that we’re just trying to amp up.” At orientation, Lind and the Executive Council presented their goal of having Aquinas become more than just a school. They want it to be a home—the cafeteria is the kitchen where no one sits alone, the freshmen are younger siblings, Mass is a family reunion with the communion of Saints, Spring Olympics is an “epic family game night”—and a place where the love of our Father is evident in the halls of Aquinas, making it a place where love really does conquer all. “StuCo has such a beautiful vision for what we want [Aquinas] to be,” executive officer Grant Mayfield said. “We’ve already kicked off the year and recruited
Random HOlidays
Weekend Weather
August 22: Be An Angel Day August 23: Ride the Wind Day August 26: National Dog Day August 30: Toasted Marshmallow Day
Friday
90
Saturday
88
68 Sunday
89
67
68
8 11 30
Countdown
days until Welcome Back mixer
34 265 271
days until the first day off
days until Homecoming
days until Top Dawg Rockhurst soccer game days until graduation
days until summer for underclassmen
Campus News 2 The Shield
August 22, 2013
FR. DANIEL COMES TO AQUINAS byJordan Bartz Opinions Editor Father Daniel Schmitz will be added to the Saint Thomas Aquinas family as the new chaplain and will assist Father Andrew Strobl, who will be entering his fifth year as chaplain. Fr. Daniel grew up in the small town of Holton just outside of Topeka as the middle of five children. He went to Jackson Heights, a 2A school, where he participated in basketball, cross country, track, French Club, Future Business Leaders of America and was even the class president. He then went to Wichita State University where he got his
Fr. Andrew says new priest has contagious faith, can dunk a basketball
degree in finance and entrepreneurship and strived to become a real estate mogul. This is also where Fr. Matt McGuiness, a priest at Wichita State University, told him he should join the seminary. He then went to Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis. He has been the associate pastor at St. Michael’s in Leawood since July. He is the assistant chaplain at Aquinas and the current plan is for him to stay for three years unless the archbishop decides differently. “Aquinas is very big and very faithful,” said Fr. Daniel after his first day at Aquinas. He will also be reunited with Fr. Andrew Strobl, who he meet
in seminary and through the Totus Tuus youth camp training. “I like him a lot,” Fr. Andrew said. “He is very outgoing and he is very excited in his faith in Jesus, and that can be very contagious.” Fr. Andrew’s advice to him would be to plug into as many events and groups as possible to feel more part of the community faster. Fr. Daniel said, “My goal for here is for every soul to be in a state of grace. That’s one of the main reasons I became a priest: so that I could help people in the most important way.” Fr. Daniel loves Mark 1:15, which states, “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news.” He loves this
verse because they are the first words that Jesus said in the Bible. He also loves the words of Peter and John and said they were a big reason that he became a priest. Another reason that Fr. Daniel became a priest was that he wanted to see the Holy Spirit fruit in the souls of all of God’s people. The Sacraments and Mary are also very important to Fr. Daniel. He said his favorite thing about being a priest is being able to perform all of the Sacraments and has enjoyed doing all of them. “I love our lady. You guys are going to be hearing a lot about her,” he said. Fr. Daniel has also kept up with his love of basketball. He
played it in high school and now he follows the University of Kansas men’s basketball team. “Fr. Daniel is a good athlete,” Fr. Andrew said, “he can actually still dunk a basketball.” g
STUDENTS TRAVEL TO FRANCE French students experience language in real world, meet “hot policemen”
by ANNIE SCHUGART Editor-in-Chief Blonde-haired girls are hard to find in France. “The French men were attracted to my blonde hair, so I’d be walking down the street and they’d be like ‘Oh two Americans!’ Everyone else in our group had dark hair, so they kind of blended in, but Natalie [Seaton] and I just stuck out, so even the cops would hit on us,” senior Jordan Barmby said, “but that was just the funniest thing that the men were attracted to the blonde hair.” In late May and early June, four Aquinas students and French teacher Rebecca Bock had the unique opportunity to take their French-speaking outside of the school classroom into the real world. But the culture of France clearly ended up being much different from America. Other than the rarity of blonde hair, students noticed many differences between France and America during their time there. Senior Natalie Seaton said France was “extremely different” because there were not many fast food restaurants, the weather was cooler, the streets were not very modern, and many people drove mopeds or small cars. Barmby said the biggest difference she noticed was the drinking age because peo-
ple her age would be sitting in bar drinking a beer. But being able to experience these differences provided a valuable learning experience for the French students. “French students get to use the language skills they studied in real situations: ordering food in restaurants, shopping, asking directions, and more importantly meeting and talking to French people. In these situations, students gain confidence to try to speak even if they can’t remember a few (or lots of) words,” Bock said. “It’s different from the classroom because it’s real life, not simulated.” Seaton said that many people in France did not speak English well, so she was able to put her classroom knowledge to use. Barmby, however, said that she was surprised at how many people did speak at least some English. She remembered one shopkeeper especially who spoke really good English—and the shopkeeper said she had learned it from watching the show “Friends.” However, the students’ hard work in the French classroom certainly helped them. When Barmby was communicating in French with a painter about buying one of her paintings, the painter ultimately started speaking in English to
Barmby and was so impressed by her French skills that the painter knocked $20 off the price of the painting for her. During the trip, the students were able to see locations most students only see in their textbooks. They visited Paris, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Versailles, castles, Normandy coast, and other popular locations. “My favorite place was the Arc de Triomphe because we got to go on the top of it and look at the view of the city of Paris,” Seaton said. “I also loved the Eiffel Tower because at night it lit up and changed colors. It was beautiful.” For Bock, this was her second trip to France with Aquinas students but her seventh time to France overall. She visited places she had not ever visited before. One of her favorites was Mont St. Michel, a Benedictine Abbey built in the 1000s out of sheer rock on an island. “Winding up the cobblestone narrow streets to the top was an exhaustingly wonderful experience,” she said. Another one of Bock’s favorite places to visit on this trip was the beaches of Normandy, where the Allies landed in World War II. “As my own son, a marine, recently served two tours in
Photo courtesy of JORDAN BARMBY
French students enjoy the view of the Eiffel Tower. Right to left: Emily Lucas, class of 2013; Natalie Seaton, senior; Jordan Barmby, senior. Afghanistan, it was an emotional tour and visit for many of us,” she said. For Barmby, the best part was the overall experience. “My favorite part was just the culture of it,” she said. “It was so much fun walking in the streets and someone would say something in French, and I was like ‘I know what they’re saying!’” Bock also said another funny
experience was that all of her students told her that “French policemen are ‘so hot.’” Outside of the French’s attraction to blonde-haired girls and the students finding policemen attractive, the students found the experience to be very beneficial. “I’m really happy I went,” Barmby said. “[It was] a once-ina-lifetime experience.” g
NEW YEAR BRINGS NEW CHANGES School is back in session, and principals explain the most recent changes
by TROY HILDERHOF Sports Editor The St. Thomas Aquinas 2013 to 2014 school year has begun, and with school back in session, a plenty amount of changes have been made to the schedule, lunches, seminars, and technology. SCHEDULE The first thing students probably noticed was the start and end time for each day. Aquinas students from years past are used to the 7:50 a.m. “Even” and “A” day starts and 8:20 a.m. “Odd” day starts. But this year, modifications to the schedule were made. Regular school days now start at 8 o’clock and end at 3 o’clock every day. Why the change? Students simply need consistency in their schedules. Principal of Academic Services Brian Schenck further explains why changes were made to the schedule. “We went to a consistent schedule, so we don’t have the confusion we had last year in terms of a ‘Late Start Even Schedule’ and other confusing schedules,” Schenck said. “Be here at 8 o’clock no matter what. All research says that kids need consistency in their schedule; therefore, we have consistency.”
In previous years, that lack of “consistency” of school start times led to students being late to school. Occasionally, students would be late to school, and their excuse would be they thought it was a “Late Start.” Many students wouldn’t be sure what time school starts the next day, and would text their friends late at night to make sure if they should be at school at an unusually earlier time. LUNCH Another change was made to the lunch schedule. The familiar “ABCD” Tuesday through Friday lunch schedule remains the same, but modifications were made to the Monday “A” day lunches. A new “XYZ” lunch schedule was implemented to eliminate the extra time in 6th hour compared to the rest of the hours in the day. “We changed to three lunches from four on Monday’s ‘A’ schedule to allow for the 6th hour instructional time to be more equal to the other classes on a Monday schedule,” Schenck said. “In other words, we will have less of the extra time during 6th hour on Mondays.” THIRD HOUR Seminar got replaced this year with STA Period. Why were seminar classes of old switched? The main focus of the change was to gain more individual attention in each room. Four to five more
STA Periods/rooms have been added to lessen the amount of students in a room. In previous years, the average number of students for each seminar was around 30. This year, the goal for each
describes other rooms. “There are a few rooms which have specific purposes as we try to support the academic progress of our students,” Moss said. “They include the ELO a clothing lab, “We are able to give more study time rooms, a biology lab, a chemto students so they can manage their istry lab, a physics lab, and couple of life better outside the school day.” computer labs.” Other rooms include an NHS room BRIAN SCHENCK where students can Principal go to receive peer room is to only have about 22. tutoring, and a StuCo room where With less students in each room, Student Council members can this provides more attention on meet together during school. each student. TECHNOLOGY 3rd Hour also got lengthened Some of the most dramatic by 30 minutes from last year. STA changes of the year involve the Period is now 90 minutes so stutechnology. The school switched dents can manage their life outside Novell Groupwise, the e-mail of school easier. network the school has been using “We are able to give more for over 10 years, to G-Mail. Techstudy time to students so they can nology teacher Al Miner provides manage their life better outside reasons for the switch. the school day,” Schenck said. 1. It’s faster. “Google hosts “We are also able to have more the e-mail servers for us so that flexibility with this 90 minute time we no longer have to maintain for assemblies and other such a server on campus for email,” activities.” Miner said. “This means better More rooms during STA and faster access to e-mail services period have been reserved for spe- for students. “ cific purposes too. For example, 2. It’s bigger. “Google offers Social Studies teacher Elizabeth the Google Drive service with Vrabac’s room is designated to be their e-mail package. The size-rea quiet test-only room. Principle stricted ‘H-Drive’ has been reof Academic Services Craig Moss placed with multiple gigabytes of
storage for each user and, again, students gain better and faster access to their files.” 3. It’s easier. “Google accounts also include the Google office apps, which should allow students to create and share documents from any internet device, even their phones or iPods,” Miner said. “Students and can work on those documents anywhere an Internet connection is available.” On a different note, Apple TVs are being used in some classrooms too. “Apple TVs are being used as an inexpensive and reliable way to wirelessly attach teachers’ devices to projectors,” Miner said. “Teachers can use their Windows PCs, MacBooks, or iOS devices to display their lessons on the projector while moving around the room wirelessly.” Lastly, the school website was redesigned as well. “The new website was moved to a new web-host, so the redesign really came along with that,” Minor said. The new site better integrates the school’s calendars, and has a much better user interface for coaches and club moderators who frequently add and change content on the website. The website also offers a mobile-friendly version that was missing from the previous website. g
Features
August 22, 2013
The Shield 3
SAINTS TAKE THE STAGE Aquinas students performed at The Theatre in the Park this summer
by ANNIE SCHUGART Editor-in-Chief While many students look forward to a relaxing summer, senior Kathleen Mitchell was looking forward to a summer full of daily rehearsals. Mitchell is one of four Aquinas students who, after making the cut during an intensive audition process, put in hours upon hours of time to be a part of The Theatre in the Park musicals this summer. “I think [rehearsing] is fun. Other people think it’s miserable,” Mitchell said, “but I’m a nerd and think it’s super fun.” The process began with auditions in March. The students first sang in front of about 20 directors in a room by themselves. They then had to learn a dance and perform it in a group for the directors. Once the process was over, they had to wait to hear if they were called back. “Auditions were so nerve-wracking,” junior Blaire Butler said. “I forgot my lyrics!” After callbacks, cast lists were posted. Mitchell was an ensemble member in “Children of Eden,” Butler was Vicky in “Hairspray,” junior Taylor Sweeney was an ensemble member in “Hairspray,” and senior Spencer Gochis was Dick in “9 to 5.” “I was on the mission trip at the time [cast lists were posted], and I went and checked my phone on a break,” Mitchell said. “I had like a billion texts from my family, so I figured it out pretty quick, and I started jumping up and down and yelling ‘I got in!’” Butler had a similar reaction.
“I was totally blown away,” she said. “I thought I didn’t make it because everyone at auditions was amazing.” Because performers cannot choose a specific show to audition for, they can end up being cast for any of the five shows. However, all of the Aquinas students were excited about the show and part they received. “I love the movie Hairspray,” Sweeney said. “Also, it’s a show made up of mostly dancing, and
Mitchell said. “We were onstage a lot, which was great, and I just love doing theater, so it was just a great experience.” Sweeney agreed and said “It was hard some days because I wanted to hang out with my friends but had to miss out because of practice. But in the end, it was still a great experience.” Many of the students enjoyed the experience so much that they will be auditioning next year. This was Mitchell’s first year at The Theatre in the Park and said she cannot wait to “They expected more audition next year. Butler, has had no prior professionalism. But it was in- who musical theater experience, said she plans to tense in a good way.” audition next year as well. Gochis had participated KATHLEEN MITCHELL in The Theatre in the Senior Park once before and will “definitely be trying the 60s dance style is my favorite.” out next year.” Sweeney enjoyed Gochis was also happy about the experience but may consider the show he was in and the part taking a break next year. he received. “This year was my fourth year “I didn’t really care about at Theatre in the Park,” Sweeney what show I got into, but I am so said. “The shows are always fun, happy that I made it in 9 to 5,” but now that I have done it for a he said. “When I got the part of couple years I would like to take a Dick, I was overly excited because break and relax over the summer.” I actually had a named part, and Another highlight of the I knew I would have lines and experience was that “Hairspray” scenes.” was ranked number one on Although rehearsals were KCstage.com and was given five five days a week for most of the stars. Butler described this experishows throughout a significant ence as “phenomenal.” portion of the summer, the Mitchell had similar experistudents all said they enjoyed the ences with “Children of Eden.” experience. “I love the show itself, so it “It was definitely a higher was really fun to be a part of a level theater group than I’ve been show that had such a message that with for a while, so they expected was so close to home for me,” a little more professionalism. But Mitchell said, “because it’s very it was intense in a good way,” religious and God-centered.” g
Photo (above) courtesy of KATHLEEN MITCHELL
ABOVE: Senior Kathleen Mitchell (second from left) with Aquinas alumna Bridget Angles (far left) prepares for the opening of “Children of Eden,” where she performed a fabric dance. RIGHT: Senior Spencer Gochis performs onstage in the show “9 to 5.” Photo (above) courtesy of MADI COLE
SENIOR ADVICE TO FRESHMEN Upperclassmen give tips to survive freshmen year by BRYAN ZACK Campus News Editor Freshman year can seem like a confusing time, but follow these tips from upperclassmen and you can make it a whole lot easier. - Get involved in something. There is something for everyone. There are 14 sports teams, 34 clubs, and the musical arts. You can do anything from the Quidditch club to Ping Pong. During Homecoming Week, Student Council is always looking for people. Most of the activities are open to every skill level. - Go to Rosary after school. It takes 10 minutes. - If you walk past Ms. Vrabac’s room, make sure your uniform is perfect. If it is not, you will hear about it. - Don’t ask your date to the dance months ahead of time. - Use your planner. Write down assignments and other activities. Make sure you keep track of your planner or else it might end up with some embarrassing material. - Warm cookies in the microwave for 22 seconds. - Do not procrastinate, especially on the Latin note cards and Latin project. - Go to the football games. Actually cheer, don’t just sit and talk. There will be many times when it is just with your class. This is a time when we come together as one family. Dress up for the theme. - When going through the doorways, stick to the right. Swinging doors hurt. - Talk to people that didn’t go to your grade school.
- At lunch, don’t hover around the table. If you are in the second layer, go to a new table. People will follow. - Don’t give into peer pressure. - Get into the class competition. - Find a teacher you can trust. Teachers are great resources for anything from finding your way around school to getting involved. Most have been here for a while so they know how things work. Or if you need it, they can be someone to give you good advice. - Get into Mass. It is really easy with Father Andrew. - Don’t be afraid to ask questions. - If you see someone sitting by themselves, talk to them. - If you want easy service hours, go to Turnstyles with Mrs. Hilgers. Also, Key Club has fun activities that you can do for service hours. - Get as much Aquinas gear as possible. - Don’t have a negative balance on your lunch account. - Don’t be afraid to fail. Everybody does it at one point. - Go canning (can collecting). - Don’t be afraid of upperclassmen. They’re here to help, not hurt. - Try your best at everything you do. - Thank God. - Get to know somebody each day. - Live each day to the fullest. High school flies by. - You don’t know who is going to be your friend senior year. - Go on the mission trips. - Shower after gym class unless you have it 8th hour. - Keep an extra belt in your locker. You never know when you or a friend might need one. g
Photo by CLAIRE FERGUSON | The Shield
Junior Maddy McCormick spent part of her summer working at Gigi’s Cupcakes.
BEST AND WORST SUMMER JOBS Aquinas students take up unique summer jobs
the Overland Park Golf Course. “The job was hard for the most part,” said Bollig,” but I liked it.” Summer. Three months of Bollig said, “My favorite free time to do whatever. So what memories were digging holes that have the Aquinas students four feet deep all to fix “The best part of working at Gigi’s were been up to? Many students sprinkler heads.” have summer jobs. Ranging Bollig said he would be up [Cupcakes] is meeting new people from lifeguarding to mowing for working there again. lawns to being a bagger at Hyand building frienships.” Senior Zoe Schmidt Vee, the students of Aquinas worked at Schlitterbahn Water have done it all. Maddy McCormick Park this summer in the gift Junior Maddy McCormick Junior shop. Schmidt said that she works at Gigi’s Cupcakes. Mcliked working there, but it ocCormick gets to make, decorate, Sweeney actually loved working casionally got a little dull. Schmidt sell and taste test the cupcakes. there, but the only problem with thinks she will probably work there McCormick said she loves her job her job was that the social aspect again next year. and highly recommends students did not live up to her expectations While not all of their jobs getting a job there. McCormick and just was not what she wanted. were easy, the students of Aquinas will continue to work at Gigi’s in Juniors Kyle Bollig and Ethan have found useful ways to spend the fall. Meyers worked on maintenance at their summer vacation. g
by CLAIRE FERGUSON Last Look Editor
“The best part of working at Gigi’s,” said McCormick, “is meeting new people and building friendships.” Last summer, senior Kelly Sweeney was a carhop at Sonic.
August 22, 2013 5
SENIOR YEAR:
Order pizza for lunch, and have them deliver it at Aquinas.
Play assassins. Hug a freshman.
FRESHMEN
vor in the cafeteria.
Go canning for the canned food drive. Read every single quote on Mr. Farnan’s wall.
YEAR:
Get stuck in SMC during a thunderstorm.
JUNIOR YEAR:
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Try every cookie fla-
SOPHOMORE
--------------------------
YEAR:
Bring the best item to Senior Mass.
Centerspread by Annie Schugart
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Centerspread
4 The Shield
Chalk the entrance of Aquinas.
Experience the whoosh bottle in Mrs. Olson’s class. Pull an all-nighter before school.
Girls: Cut your hair for Wigs Out.
Go to the decade of the rosary after school.
Get 100 hours of community service.
Sticky-note someone’s car.
Rub Saint Thomas Aquinas’s head before a huge test.
Be in the Homecoming skit.
Try every possible drink at QuikTrip..
Talk to Mo.
Leave a note in a library book.
Shower at school. Run for Student Council.
Host a Saint for the Day.
Go to daily Mass.
Get in a debate with Mr. DuBois.
Participate in Spring Olympics.
Go on the balconies.
Participate in the Walk for Life.
Pull the shower cord in the chemistry room (if you want a detention).
Learn the Alma Mater word-for-word.
Write an STA Compliment.
Sleep in the chapel.
Buy a cookie for the person behind you.
Make a video announcement.
Stay until the very end of a dance.
Sit at a different grade’s lunch table.
Volunteer at Turnstyles with Mrs. Hilgers. Put up the flag outside.
Be a Eucharistic minister. Win class competition. Get a picture with “Santa” all four years. Win state! Go to games for every single sport.
Have a class breakfast in the parking lot. Boys: Be a spirit boy. Eat lunch in the courtyard. Complete a senior prank. Bike to school (on senior bike day). Go on Kairos. DARE GREATLY g
Opinions
6 The Shield
August 22, 2013
TRUE POWER IS SERVICE Service through mission trips is rewarding, even after three years
by MEREDITH POWER Guest of The Shield As a third year missionary, I was surprised to find out that there were aspects to a mission trip that could still surprise, touch, and reward me. Every year, Holy Cross Parish takes about 50 adults and teens on a life-changing week of service. We meet up and stay with
hundreds of other missionaries through Catholic Heart Work Camp. This summer, we went to Oklahoma City—the sight of much tornado damage—though our trip was planned before the disaster. We stayed at a local high school (Catholic Heart Work Camp also stayed at Saint Thomas Aquinas this summer) and worked in the community. It was my third year, and, as usual with mission trips, I got way more out of it than I was expecting. I go to mass most Sundays and attend Holy Cross Youth Group, but there was plenty of room for me to grow in my faith—not to mention a fun-filled week with friends. Every day, Mass was offered, and I often at-
tended with my sister, Mia Power, and friends from different schools. Everyone attended morning and night programs each day, which
and other students from different parts of Kansas, Nebraska, and Minnesota. Other work groups were simply assigned to walk “It is truly humbling to go in the around Oklahoma City and ask people if first day and then, over the course they needed help with debris clean up or with of a week, become a family.” rebuilding. As Pope Francis MEREDITH POWER said, “True power is Senior service.” I encourage everyone to go on a gave us a chance to focus on God mission trip, whether through and how He was working in our your parish or through Aquinas. lives. It is truly humbling to go in the My work group was assigned first day, meet your group, find to the home of a very sick woman out what you’ll be doing, and who was not able to do what was then, over the course of a week, needed for the upkeep of a home. become a family. g I worked with a priest from India
SOCIETYCANNOTDEFINEBEAUTY The definition of “beauty” has been distorted
by MAGGIE BOONE Guest of The Shield THIS IS THE WORD OF GOD. Well, not exactly, but I wanted to write from the heart and find a way to catch your attention—because this is important. God’s word is often masked by society, and it’s about time it be heard. But this is not only about our faith right now. This is about the word of God written in each of our lives—and God’s love does not depend on society’s perception of whether we are pretty or not. This is about God-given beauty, and about how I truly, with
all my heart, know that each person at Saint Thomas Aquinas is beautiful. God told me so. During my junior year, I learned a lot about the true meaning of beauty, how to find it in others, and how our society has twisted its definition to mean something awful. Being a teenager in the twenty-first century is a lot different than being one, say, sixty years ago. Did you know that at one point a super skinny model was unheard of ? Yep, everything our media has tried to tell us about what beauty is did not actually start until the mid-1960s with a woman named Lesley Lawson, also known as Twiggy. Now I don’t know about you, but I absolutely hate it when I walk into a bathroom and hear girls talking about a part of themselves that they hate. Whether it is their weight, their hair, their nose, eyes, whatever it is—it does not matter because each person is unique, and they need to realize that being
different is not bad. It’s beautiful. We are all made in the “likeness and image of God” by God himself. This being said, why do we always put ourselves down? Why do we care so much about tiny imperfections that no one but ourselves actually notice? If we are made in God’s image, then automatically we are beautiful. No matter what. We are beautiful no matter what we look like because the human eye is so corrupted by an idea that the media decided is true. For women, this media-influenced definition of beauty is having skinny waists, long legs, and flowing hair. For men, it is a broad physique, being tall, and being athletic. Yeah, some people really are built like this, and they are really awesome. But for many others, the reality is that they are not, and that’s okay! There are other things that make them beautiful. I know that as a little girl, I wanted to be a Victoria’s Secret
model. When I grew up, I realized that it wasn’t in my genes at all, and I had to get over it and realize that I love who I am. If everyone at Saint Thomas Aquinas realized how beautiful they really were, our school would be so great. In the words of Audrey Hepburn, “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” So Saints, walk with the knowledge that you were created perfectly by God and that no one can tell you otherwise. Dare greatly! Admit that you are beautiful and watch as people turn to look at you shocked that you have this wonderful quality called confidence. Look for beauty in others because that’s how we can find peace and beauty in ourselves. Last but not least, know that you are loved by so many people, and that you are a Saint chosen by God himself. g
QUESTIONING AREA 51 Is the government hiding extraterrestrial activity?
by BRENNA MICHEL Guest of The Shield What seems to be the world’s worst kept secret was confirmed on Friday in a 407 page document released by the CIA. Rather than confirming its involvement in alien affairs, however, the document acknowledged Area 51 as the base for its U-2
spy plane program. While Area you wonder how much you can 51 has been referenced in other actually trust your government. government documents, this is the It’s no secret that the government first time it has not been redacted. purposely hides things from the Ironically enough, the area was people; history has shown time never and time again “Sure, they say [Area 51] is for the scandals of meant to be rebadly kept the spy planes, but what is it every ferred to secret. as Area The real really for?” 51 but question it seems rather most people are BRENNA MICHEL “Pardying to know, Senior adise however, doesn’t Ranch.” have much to do with the confirThis revelation comes as no mation of the base but rather its real surprise to anyone, but it is involvement in all things extraterinteresting. It brings to light what restrial. other government secrets are beAfter all, most everyone knew ing kept from the public. It makes Area 51 existed even before the
government confirmed it, but why it exists is still up in the air. Sure they say it is for the spy planes, but what is it really for? If we cannot always trust the government to even tell us what they are doing, why would we trust what they say when they do tell us something? It is just another thing the government pointlessly spent their time on trying to keep hidden when most people believed it was real. It would be nice for me to one day actually trust the government. But in the meantime, I will proudly proclaim my belief that aliens are real—and I do not need the government to support my belief. g
Ask
Tommy Advice Column Ask Tommy is a new, anonymous column that will be in The Shield this year. These two questions are examples, but you can ask your own by e-mailing asktommy2014@gmail.com or by dropping a letter in the box in the library labeled “Ask Tommy the Saint.” We look forward to publishing both humorous and helpful advice about the common (and not-socommon) struggles that plague the lives of Saints. --Dear Tommy, I have a very serious question. Will you go to Homecoming with me? - Scared I Won’t Get Asked SIWGAWoah, slow down there. Tommy is just a pen name. It doesn’t mean I’m a boy (or a straight boy for that matter), and it also doesn’t mean that I would want to take you (just kidding – I’m sure you’re wonderful). Let’s just admit it: I’m not a saint (but to be fair, I’m not dead yet either, so I’ve got time), so I’m not sure you’d want to go with me anyway. If I were a straight, age-appropriate boy, that still wouldn’t seal the deal. There would be a few deal-breakers when making the decision. For example, do you like Vampire weekend or Miley Cyrus better? But in all seriousness, Homecoming is a while away, and I’m sure you WILL get asked. If not, go with friends. IT IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD. Trust me. Tommy --Dear Tommy, How am I supposed to live up to my older sister’s rep? She’s smart, popular, athletic and perfect. I’m just an awkward freshman. What should I do? -Living In My Sister’s Shadow Dear LIMSS, First off, I can guarantee your sister is not totally perfect—no one is. It’s humanly impossible to be perfect, mainly because everyone’s perspective is different. Second, I don’t think you’re giving yourself enough credit. It’s only the beginning of your freshman year. You have four years (and the years after that) to find your spot to shine. If you’re not athletic, who cares? Join something you like to do, even if you’re not “perfect” at it. The only way to go is up. Tommy
FARNAN OFFERS LESSON ON MANNERS by PHIL FARNAN Letter to the Editor After several years on lunch duty, I have observed a number of behaviors and habits that demonstrate a lack of courtesy, rudeness, dishonesty, selfishness and blatant disregard for the welfare of students and Saint Thomas Aquinas. I realize that I am not addressing the majority of students—far from it. However, the actions (or lack thereof) of a minority of students impacts other students, causes more work for the custodial staff, impacts school image, effects cafeteria prices, and negatively impacts the environment. 1. LUNCH LINE A. Do not crowd the line. Crowding is NOT a senior privilege. It is rude and selfish. Stop it! B. Leave room for others to exit the kitchen. A student exiting should not find it necessary to say “excuse me” multiple times to get
Lunchroom duty teacher explains the importance of lunchroom etiquette
students waiting by the door to move. C. Stay in single file. Crowding into little groups of people makes it difficult for students to get anywhere. 2. KITCHEN A. Do not “pack” the lines when no one is watching; it slows the entire process. B. Once inside, do NOT switch sides. The foods, drinks, etc. are the same on both sides (with rare exceptions). Switching only adds to the confusion, crowding, and delays. There are now four cash registers operation, two on each side—stay on your side! C. Do not go into the kitchen area if you are not purchasing anything. Again, it only adds to the crowding and delays. Each of you is quite capable of getting your own food. D. Remember your card, cash, etc. and HAVE IT READY before you get to check out (there are enough problems with the system already). If one of the ladies has to write down your purchase, it slows
everyone behind you. E. When your money runs low, bring more. Quit taking advantage of the good humor/compassion of the lunch ladies (who, being nice, won’t let you go without a lunch). In addition, it is necessary for them to write down your purchases, thus slowing EVERYONE behind you. Be considerate. F. Quit stealing food (note: adding to your french fries basket or chicken strips basket is stealing). Stealing is wrong, rude, selfish, unlawful, and sinful. It also increases the food service costs, which almost always causes price increases; thus, your stealing affects everyone! 3. COMMONS A. Share your table—do NOT exclude. MAKE room. Do NOT send someone away; that is mean and hurtful. If the table is too crowded and other tables nearby are available, several of you move. B. Do NOT take a chair from another table; there are almost always
chairs against the wall not being used. Be considerate, not lazy. C. Clean your table AND pick up stuff you drop on the floor. D. The person who “volunteers” to wipe the table should NOT have to take everyone’s tray to the trash. Quit taking advantage of people and/or bullying others to take care of your responsibilites. E. Seniors: Don’t leave junk on your table and go outside and then pretend you have been outside the entire time. F. Recycle your plastic bottles—it takes two seconds extra! G. Make sure you get ALL of the trash into the dumpster—not on the floor or left on a tray. H. SORT and stack your trays on the tables. It isn’t difficult and it would save Mo a lot of extra work. Besides, carelessly stack trays fall, adding to the garbage on the floors—more unnecessary work. I. If you are responsible for cleaning the table, do it. Take turns—do
not expect the same person to do it every day! Last Thursday and Friday, during the first week of school, seven tables (various lunches) did not get wiped despite the fact that I brought the student the wipe and someone, at each table, “said” he/she would do it. Thus, you compound the problem by lying. Make sure it gets cleaned; there are few things more unappetizing than sitting at a dirty table. Quit leaving trays, garbage, bottles, etc. on the table. There are no “bus boys” here (blatantly rude/ selfish—you are no better than anyone else)! Don’t clean because someone might be watching—a righteous person does the right thing even when no one is watching. Last, if you spill something— anywhere—clean it up yourself. All of these things are common courtesies. Think about others, not just about yourself. The entire lunch experience will be better for all! g
Sports
August 22, 2013
The Shield 7
SOCCER PLAYER MAKES HISTORY Varsity soccer player Jamie Kutey named youngest All-America player from Kansas in history
by ANNIE SCHUGART Editor-in-Chief
compare to her in the history of Aquinas,” Ewing said. “She’s one of the best players I’ve ever coached.” For most athletes, sophomore Kutey, who has played on year is just the beginning of their varsity since her freshman year, high school sports career. But for had a “remarkable season,” soccer player Jamie Kutey, she had according to Ewing. She scored a already made her mark on Kansas total of 24 goals in her 19 games history. last season. During her six state Last school year, Jamie games from the past two years, Kutey—who is now a junior— Kutey scored in every single one was named the youngest National of them. Soccer Coaches Association of “People watch [video highAmerica (NSCAA) All-America lights of her goals] and go, ‘Wow, player in Kansas history. This I don’t even believe that just hapsummer, she attended the conferpened,’ because she does things ence and awards ceremony for the that are just amazing,” Ewing said. All-Americas in Orlando, Fla. “She is one of the toughest kids “Being recognized for this I’ve ever coached, and she gets honor [at the conference] is like results. She’s very competitive.” nothing I have ever experienced,” Varsity soccer captain Mary Kutey said. Disidore, who plays both high In order for Kutey to be school soccer and on the KC selected, Coach Craig Ewing Dynamos club team with Kutey, nominated Kutey as one of about spoke highly of Kutey’s work 10 girls from across Kansas who ethic as well. were also nominated. From here, a “She will go harder in a committee game than of college anyone on “Receiving this award makes me coaches the field. voted for realize how much potential I have Even after who they so many believed to become a better player.” attempts, should she always receive JAMIE KUTEY seems to the award. Junior find the Because will and strength to make another Kansas has an allotment of two hard run, tackle, or whatever the players to be named All-America team needs,” said Disidore, who players, the two players with the is a senior. “She sets a goal and most votes received the award. won’t stop until her goal is met.” Kutey was the top vote-getKutey’s dedication and talent ter, which meant she was also has also led her to already comnamed Kansas Player of the mitting to a college. After being Photo courtesy of JAMIE KUTEY Year. She was competing against recruited by University of Missou- Junior Jamie Kutey poses with her family as she received her award at the All-America conference in Ormany talented juniors and seniors ri, Kansas, West Virginia, Notre lando this summer. during this process, including the Dame, Drake, Purdue, Iowa, and other Kansas All-America player, But Kutey is thinking even named an All-America player. Aquinas, which Ewing is excited Miami, Kutey has verbally comShawnee Mission East graduate further ahead. “Receiving this award makes about because she “fits into the mitted to Marquette. Addison Steiner, who will be at“Hopefully [I will] play me realize how much potential I team well and does a lot of things “The coaches [at Marquette] tending Northwestern University somewhere professionally out of have to become a better player,” that people admire in a player.” are awesome. They’re in the Big on a soccer scholarship. the country [after attending Marshe said. “I’m so blessed to have But Kutey plans to only get East conference and have been But Ewing believed Kutey dequette],” she said. “Playing for the the coaches and teammates to better and better. really successful in the NCAA served the honor completely. women’s national team has always help me win this award. Without “Winning the All-America tournament in the last couple “That was my 25th year been a dream of mine, too.” them, this wouldn’t be possible.” award has given me something years,” she said. “It’s such a great coaching here, and there’s not But for now, Kutey is thankKutey still has two years to to strive for again in the future,” school overall, and I’m really excitmany [soccer players] that even ful for her experience of being play on the varsity soccer team at Kutey said. g ed to play there in two years.”
By the
3 NUMB RS +
5
49
AQUINAS ALL-AMERICA PLAYERS
girls named All-America players in the history of Aquinas.
29
girls nationwide selected for the All-America award.
INTERESTED IN BEING A PART OF THE SHIELD?
The Shield 2013-2014 staff is hoping to revamp the news program at Aquinas this year. If you are interested in joining or helping, please talk to Mr. Hallauer or contact Editor-in-Chief Annie Schugart at aschugart14@stasaints.net Ways to help out: Be a FREELANCER (or better yet, switch into the Multimedia News class before the schedule change deadline), write an OPINION ARTICLE, help out as a BROADCAST journalist, or take PHOTOS. The Shield staff hopes you will join us!
the
Shield
high schoolers (both girls and boys) received the All-America award this year.
Friday, 8/30 Saturday, 8/31 Tueday, 9/3 Wednesday, 9/4 Thursday, 9/5 Friday, 9/6 Saturday, 9/7 Tuesday, 9/10 Wednesday, 9/11 Friday, 9/13
2
other sophomores selected to receive the award.
1 0
other girl from Kansas received the award. sophomores in Kansas have received the All-America award before Kutey.
Upcoming Sport Events
2013 Spring Sports State Championship Assembly C/JV/V Soccer vs. St. James - 4:30/4:30/6:30 p.m. V Volleyball vs. Blue Springs - 2:00 p.m. V/V Volleyball at Leavenworth - 3:30 p.m. V Soccer LS Shootout vs. LSN @ LSN - 6:30 p.m. JV Golf Olathe North Invitational - 3:30 p.m. V Soccer LS Shootout vs. LSW @ LSW - 6:30 p.m. V Soccer LS Shootout vs. ON @ LSN - 6:30 p.m. V Football at BVNW - 7:00 p.m. Cross Country Greg Wilson Classic - 8:00 a.m. V Tennis at Salina Central - 9:00 a.m. JV Football vs. BVNW - 10:00 a.m. V Golf EKL Round #1 - 1:30 p.m. V Tennis vs. ONW @ JCCC - 3:30 p.m. V Football vs. BVW - 7:00 p.m.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Annie Schugart CAMPUS NEWS EDITOR Bryan Zack OPINIONS EDITOR Jordan Bartz
Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
SPORTS EDITOR Troy Hilderhof
11411 Pflumm Road Overland Park, KS 66215 913-319-2460 www.stasaints.net/shield
LAST LOOK EDITOR Claire Ferguson CENTERSPREAD/ FEATURES EDITOR Annie Schugart ADVISER Matt Hallauer
MISSION STATEMENT The Shield is a newspaper sponsored by Saint Thomas Aquinas High School and produced by its students to provide information, entertainment, and open forum, as well as a learning experience for its staff members. The goal of The Shield’s staff is to meet professional journalism standards. Staff members are responsible for the content of the newspaper and strive to report news accurately, objectively, and completely. The Shield is an open forum for student expression and aims to communicate the concerns of the student body as well as the faculty, staff, and Aquinas community.
ADVERTISING The Shield sells advertisements to help with publication costs. All ads will be subject to the same scrutiny as stories. The Shield will not print any obscenities or any ads promoting products illegal to those under the age of 18. For advertising, please call (913) 319-2460, send an email to mhallauer@stasaints.net, or visit www.stasaints.net/shield SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions to The Shield are $2 per issue. Subscriptions can be sent to Saint Thomas Aquinas High School c/o Matt Hallauer. LETTER POLICY Letters may be accepted by The Shield, provided that they are signed and do not containt libelous statements. The Shield reserves the right to edit the letters for grammar, obscenity, or space consideration, and also reserves the right to not print a letter.
Last Look
8 The Shield
August 22, 2013
FRESHMEN CLASS OF 2017
Photo by ANNIE SCHUGART | The Shield
Executive StuCo officer Holly Hanson pumps up the crowd during Freshmen Orientation.
Photo by ANNIE SCHUGART | The Shield
Senior Andrew Hagemann escors freshman Grayson Smith into her first day of high school.
Senior John Wernel dresses all-out for the Hawaiin theme as he escorts freshman Grace Nielsen into Freshman Orientation.
Photo by BRYAN ZACK | The Shield
Senior Kelsey Beasley walks freshman Joseph Kelly into his first day of school.
Photo by ANNIE SCHUGART | The Shield
Senior Sarah Brekke enthusiastically cheers on the freshmen as they enter the building.
Photo by BRYAN ZACK | The Shield
Photo by ANNIE SCHUGART | The Shield
Upperclassmen dressed in the Hawaiin theme line the red carpet and welcome the freshmen.