The Miegian Newspaper: November 2024

THE

MIEGIAN Vol. 67 Issue 1| November 2023

hitting SNOOZE

Losing sleep creates negative impacts on the mental and physical health of students

DEAR READER,

I am so happy to present the first issue of the first semester. This fall, we’ve been able to make a few changes to both the staff and the design of the issue. I would like to say thank you to the design team. We lost some great designers, but with their help we’ve been able to make such a great issue. I hope you enjoy reading the stories in the paper and connect with them. Luke Frenzel wrote a personal story about the benefits of skateboarding in relation to mental health.

The writers and myself teamed up to dive into the struggles and importance of sleep in our generation. Thank you so much for reading, and thank you to the amazing staff for your efforts and tenacious mindsets in the production of this issue and the website.

SALLY PANIS

PRINT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ONLINE PREVIEW Check out the reporting on bmpress.org.

HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING? As harmonies crescendo throughout the auditorium, senior Ben Balino sings with Cantare Deum at the fall concert. “I am excited for how the rest of the year will go and most of all my senior solo in the spring.” Balino said. | ADDY BURRIS

SMILING SPIRIT Senior Peter Dessert hits his final pose after performing “Jailhouse Rock.” Junior Caitlin Coble is also mentioned in Mary Thompson’s web story as Coble’s dance skills were showcased. | EVAN ULMER

OTHER RECENT STORIES

River Ball’s “Fashion For Fun” about English teacher Jacob Taylor Mary Dunn’s “Fostering Future Doctors” about a new science class Daniel Sullivan’s “Taking Charge” about the referee shortage

TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWS

04 Digital Testing 05 Construction

FEATURES

06 New Teachers 07 Baniewicz 10 Sleep

PHOTOS

14 Perspectives

FAITH

16 Junior Service

ATHLETICS

17 Sports Highlights 18 Luke Whitmore OPINION 19 Three-Sport Seniors 08 Skateboarding 20 Spirit Squad 09 Confidence 2 | TABLE OF CONTENTS

SCAN FOR WEBSITE FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA @bishopmiegepress @b_miege_press @BM_press

ON THE COVER COVER PHOTO & DESIGN | CODY ISRAEL PHOTO CREDITS I MEGAN MAYER

NEWS BRIEFS

LOCAL

LOCAL

ROLLIN’ OUT DESIGNS The Walkin’ and Rollin’ team built a costume for a girl named Malina.

She requested a Camp Cretaceous Jurassic Park car, which was designed by a group of students in the Joseph Pedrotti Innovation Center with the help of teachers Matt Peterie and Jackie Arico.

Arico.

PHOTO | COURTESY OF J.C. CLARK

PHOTO | LUKE FRENZEL

STATE

AMUSING DOWNTOWN The “KC Wheel” is coming to downtown Kansas City before the end of this year. The wheel has the capability to house 216 people during 12 to 15 minute long rides. The surrounding area will contain a mini-golf course and the “Wheel House” with food and drinks.

PHOTO | EVAN ULMER

NATIONAL

PHOTO | UNSPLASH

AWARDS/MEMBERSHIPS Kansas Scholastic Press Association National Scholastic Press Association Journalism Education Association Journalism Educators of Metropolitan KC The 2022-2023 Miegian Staff earned an All-Kansas rating from KSPA, All-American rating from NSPA and were the state champions in the 4A division.

EDITORIAL POLICY

The Miegian and Bishop Miege Press are published by the newspaper staff of Bishop Miege.

The editorial board decides the content of each issue. Opinions expressed are the views of the writer. The Miegian welcomes material (letters, guest columns, feedback) from the community.

This material will be reviewed by the editorial board and published based on the publication’s letters policy criteria.

Materials can be dropped off in

FIRE AWAY

Scott Brown competed in the USPSA handgun national tournament and placed first. He is the youngest competitor to win a national title in the 46 year history of the USPSA. “I win, and I’m good at it,” Brown said.

the journalism room, emailed to newspaper@bishopmiege.com or mailed to the newspaper in care of Bishop Miege. All letters and columns must be signed.

The staff reserves the right to edit letters for length, language or potential libel, and to refuse any articles or advertising submitted.

All opinion pieces submitted should contain an email address and a phone number where the writer can be contacted because the staff will confirm all letters.

STOPPING AI INTELLIGENCE President Biden’s new executive order seeks to impose new rules on companies including directing federal agencies to place more stringent restrictions on AI technology. This marks the first AI regulations made by the federal government.

STAFF LIST PRINT EIC Sally Panis

WEB EIC

Elaina Gibson

PHOTO EDITOR Sophia Gassett

COPY EDITOR Bella Dessert

SPORTS EDITOR Daniel Sullivan

OPINION EDITOR River Ball

MEDIA EDITOR Luke Frenzel

WRITERS

MC Dunn Sophia Hart Mary Thompson Jamie Weiss

PHOTOGRAPHERS Addy Burris Evie McBride Evan Ulmer Megan Mayer

DESIGNERS

Will Atchity Destiny Alcorn Cody Israel Samantha Porter

NEWS BRIEFS | 3

ONLINE TESTING MOVES IN

Students take digital standardized assessments this year

BY MC DUNN

A

STAFF WRITER

digital revolution over the past decade has turned life progressively more technology-based, and even standardized tests are adapting to this age too.

The new digital PSAT has surfaced this fall, which staff hopes to be a productive change for the school.

“This will be the first time that we’re offering it (digitally) for the PSAT,” guidance counselor in charge of the PSAT Dan Meara said. “I think in the long run, it’s probably going to be beneficial to students.”

The PSAT is a standardized test provided to sophomores and juniors by College Board said to earn a cumulative score that, depending on how well a student performs, can result in merit scholarships and recognition. College Board converted its product from a business standpoint for both consumer convenience and advantages.

On Oct. 10, the two administrators and counselors worked side by side to have the testing day run smoothly for both standardized tests. While having the tests together was beneficial for the school, there were other perks that came from the digital transition as well.

Being able to take the test on computers created a more efficient testing experience.

According to sophomore Brady Beaver, one of the students who participated in the PSAT, students in his class appreciated this comfort.

“It was easier to go back and answer questions, and you still had a scratch piece of paper to write things down so everything was right there,” Beaver said. “On paper tests, you have to write on the test itself, so being online made it a lot simpler.”

NEWS | 4

College Board shared its intentions with the electronic transition on its website.

“Going digital allows us to offer much more flexibility in terms of when, where and how often the SAT is given,” the College Board wrote. “So we’re taking full advantage of what it means to deliver an assessment digitally.”

In previous years, students took this test on a regular school day. This conflicted with class times and caused stress for both the students and standardized testing counselors, Amy Carman and Dan Meara.

“Before with the tests being during a school day, it was hard to shut down the bells and for those kids to miss three classes and so now they don’t have to worry about that,” said Carman, who coordinates the PreACT. While students did not take the physical PSAT last fall, they performed on the PreACT in page-dense packets. The PreACT is currently still in paper booklets, but Carman said that ACT will pilot its first digital test with 5,000 students attending in December. By having these tests digital, Carman said it can help the environment.

“Since we don’t have to mail the textbooks back, there’s less waste of paper,” Carman said. “We’re seeing in society as a whole that we’re moving away from paper, and we’re trying to become less dependent on it. This would be a representation of that.”

The PSAT testing packets approximately contained four pieces of paper per packet with an estimated 2,800 pieces of paper used throughout the school (based on average class size to packets ratio), according to Carman.

According to freshman Josephine Astor, student’s familiarity with devices has made them comfortable in digital environments, making online testing a simple switch for the

young generations.

“We are used to this kind of testing since we have grown up with technology, such as computers,” Astor said. “So I feel like it should be easier than paper.”

While the PSAT was not available to freshmen like Astor this fall, she has had similar experiences with previous standardized testing like Beaver. The two both leaned towards online versus traditional testing because of the ease it added to their experiences.

With time condensation, efficiency and environmental factors playing into the digital transition of testing, there are still potential risks that come with the modification.

“The stresses of a digital test are questions like, ‘Is the internet working?’”

Meara said. “What if kids get booted out?

Things along those lines that cannot be predicted are our biggest concern.”

To combat these uncertainties, the students tested in designated rooms suited to accommodating the best internet performance across the building.

Meara said that he thinks the change will be a good outcome for students in the long term and advises both students and parents to embrace rather than fear a swap.

“We want them to do the best they can, and I think this is the evolution,” Meara said.

“I think more and more tests are going to be offered online, and students are going to have more opportunities that way.”

With scores still pending, it is unclear if results vary with years prior.

“We’re excited to have the opportunity for students here to take the digital PSAT,” Meara said. “We hope that they do well and that we have some students qualify for National Merit, because that’s a good showcase of student ability. We wish them the best of luck and a great future ahead.”

ILLUSTRATIONS | CODY ISRAEL

CONSTRUCTING NEW MEMORIES

BY RIVER BALL

moved to the math hallway, and the math OPINION EDITOR Over the summer, the hallway moved to the school underwent a few ground floor.

Along with the change changes to its layout. The foreign language hallway in classrooms, new flooring was put on became the brand the second level, and new Joseph Pedrotti updates were added to Innovation Center. the gym and the gym Those classrooms

foyer area.

The new spaces, opportunities and tools have been widely appreciated by a variety of staff members throughout the building.

m

m

Classroo

“I think the organization is good, especially Mrs. Dessert and I. We’ve got big plans for this hallway.

We’re going to buy a little table with an awning and have kids paint murals.”

- Mrs. Haggerty “After a month, it’s kind of grown on me. Having two doors is interesting, one into the Math Hub and one into the hallway.”

- Ms. Frank

“It feels tucked in and cozy back here in the new language hallway.”

- Mrs. Dessert

Classroo

ering

Engine tion Innova

ILLUSTRATIONS| CODY ISRAEL

“The new speakers are a leap in sound capabilities for the “My goal is to get gym and were a much every student to come needed upgrade” into the space and - Mr. Creach learn how to use these new technologies.”

- Dr. Arico

WORKING IN THE LAB Making a car in Principles of Engineering, juniors Shea Coughlan and Jayden Reyes each are working in the new Joseph Pedrotti Innovation Center. The lab provides room for students to make their creative ideas come to life. l SOPHIA GASSETT

Students arrived to first day of school with new changes in hallways and engineering resources NEWS | 5

MEET THE NEW TEACHERS PHOTOS | PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF

MS.FEUERBORN Before Miege?

Worked as a pricing and supply chain engineer and taught seventh-grade math

Fun Fact?

Spent a summer in Alaska

What bug would you be?

“A butterfly because they can fly and are beautiful.”

MS.KNAUS Before Miege?

Taught as substitute teacher for two years, earned her master’s degree and student taught with Mrs. Summers

Fun Fact?

Was the president of her sorority in college and a dancer for 16 years

What bug would you be?

“A praying mantis. I like to sit and listen.”

MR.TAYLOR

Before Miege?

Was an English teacher at St. Ann’s Catholic School

Fun Fact?

Has a twin brother

What bug would you be?

“A stick bug because they are clumsy. They seem intelligent and get to hide trees.”

MRS.BURNETT Before Miege?

Taught in public schools for 31 years, most of it at Baldwin High School

Fun Fact?

Can tap dance and fosters dogs

MRS.STILWELL Before Miege?

What bug would you be?

“A dragonfly, it’s going to be my next tattoo.”

A counselor in private practice and a consultant for the Archdiocese school office.

Before Miege?

Taught sixth, seventh and eighth grade at St. Agnes

Fun Fact?

Fun Fact?

Mrs. Hafey’s twin sister

Water skied 18 miles

What bug would you be?

“A butterfly so I could transform.

I'm all about change.”

What bug would you yo be?

“A firefly because I think they are pretty at night.”

MRS.NELSON 6 | FEATURES

ON GOD’S TIME

ALL SMILES HERE President Phil Baniewicz watches the senior class costume contest. Stag Strut took place on Sep. 29 with a new event, the field goal herd competition. | EVAN ULMER

New president intertwines faith into his career path

BY RIVER BALL

MR.PAULE

Before Miege?

Worked in the mental health field at Swope Health Services

Fun Fact?

Is the oldest of six kids

What bug would you be?

“A roly poly, so I can roll around places rather than walk.”

time I walk by there, there’s something great happening and students are excited about that,” Baniewicz said.

According to Baniewicz, he deeply cares for his own family, along with the one at Miege. He enjoys spending time with his family on vacation or playing golf but also in the realm of music.

“Our son’s a professional musician, singer and songwriter,” Baniewicz said.

“Several of our daughters sing, and some of them dance. We have fun just being together.”

He said he is looking forward to continuing his journey as an administrator and can tell that the community he has now entered is an integral part of his journey.

“When you see the Lord shining through others, and I’ve encountered that already, it just makes it great to be here,” Baniewicz said.

Before Miege?

Taught at Olathe South for 35 years and coached basketball

MR.ALLEN

W

OPINION EDITOR

alking into the halls of Miege for the first time, President Phil Baniewicz knew that he was ready to start a new chapter surrounded by administrators, staff and students.

For Baniewicz, this was only a change in location not position. Baniewicz served as president of Maur Hill Mount Academy for 14 years and was ready for a new environment.

“This opportunity came about and I thought, as I got to know about the school more, it’s definitely the place I wanted to be,” Baniewicz said.

According to Baniewicz, understanding God’s path for him wasn’t always easy.

Initially, he wanted to be a professional baseball player but with faithful

guidance, was led to the Catholic community.

“I ended up being a youth minister and then became an executive administrator,” Baniewicz said. “I’ve really just tried to be faithful to Him.” He said he is impressed with the entire environment as a whole, especially the friendliness of the student body.

“I walked out to a football practice one day,” Baniewicz said. “I probably had eight different guys walk up to me at some point during the practice and just said, ‘Hey, I want to introduce myself and I’m glad you’re here.’”

Baniewicz said he feels grateful for the welcome and enjoys seeing students engaged in the resources that the school offers. Many classes dazzle Baniewicz; however, the Joseph Pedrotti Innovation Center stands out to him.

“Not only does it look great, but every

Fun Fact?

Going to Europe next summer

What bug would you be?

“An ant because it’s a little worker.”

FEATURES | 7

PUSHIN’ FORWARD

Student boosts mental health through skateboarding

ILLUSTRATIONS | WILL ATCHITY

BY LUKE FRENZEL

I

MEDIA EDITOR

n, out, in, out, see it. Take it in, visualize it, feel it, now slow down. In, out, go. That wasn’t it. What went wrong? Why did I mess that up? How did I mess that up? How can I do it better this time? In, out, in, out; see it: go.

I look around for the gentle eyes of others, did anyone see that? I did it. Eyes fall as mine browse between them, I’m alone in that moment and it’s spoiled. In, out, do it again.

This time, for me, in, out, GO. Perfect pop, the perfect flick. Time freezes as the skateboard whips over itself, contained in the space beneath my feet, finding the soles of my shoes as my knees reach their peak.

Ancient wood and polyurethane partner with my body as we meet the concrete with momentum, the power and the acoustics of the park joyously respond in alignment. The faces of distraction are out of sight, out of mind. This is nirvana; I think? Maybe if I land the tre-flip I’ll feel bliss … maybe but only if I do it right.

8 | OPINION

YouTube tutorials with step-by-step instructions leave me more confused than I was before, trying to mimic the obtuse foot of the man behind the screen, failing. I can’t actualize the motion without practice. Though ego may speak differently, I can’t simply learn a new trick by watching it happen.

Trips from the driveway to the park, repeating the same motion with slight alterations and bubbling frustration, unable to breach the blockade, an intangible something is in the way.

I sit, disregarding the board for a moment (we’re acquainted enough to find mutual solidarity) and bring my focus to my breath.

Immediately my ears are activated, enhancing my awareness beyond the noise of my thoughts. Eyes still closed I encourage this awareness to wash over the rest of my senses.

In … out … in … out.

In a blink I’m soaring, a calculated launch places me higher in the air than I’d prepared for, but preparation was a low priority. My right hand finds the body of the deck as my shoulders make a counterclockwise semi-circle, and I land crisply into the backside of the ramp. A perfect backside-180-melon-grab Grounded board taps and small claps of approval radiate for a brief moment, but inside Debussy performs “Clair de Lune” exclusively for me.

I find my water bottle on the bench corner and take a sip; swallow. In, out, in, out.

Nirvana is a punk band, and I’m a skateboarder.

“The faces of distraction are out of sight, out of mind.

SENIOR LUKE FRENZEL

“

PHOTOS | ADDY BURRIS

THE DIFFICULTY OF SELF-LOVE Confidence carries strength, vanity interrupts growth

BY MIEGIAN EDITORS

A

STAFF EDITORIAL

s Demi Lovato once asked, “What’s wrong with being confident?” Not only is this an empowering pop song, it is also one of the best examples of someone confident enough to tackle the lack of selflove in society.

Out of the 128 students surveyed, 64.4% reported that their level of confidence sits at a seven or higher. These numbers could be influenced by a number of factors but the main theme still exists: people remain afraid to be confident.

In a world surrounded by filters, popularity and competition, there is rarely an opportunity to live up to the standard of being perfect. For some individuals, perfection can be something to strive for and for others, it can be a disgusting concept that festers negativity.

Society demands perfection. How can we achieve it? What unrealistic expectations can we meet? None – that’s how many. To develop a sense of beauty, individuals resort to confidence to build themselves up.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, confidence is “a feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities.” Confidence is an outlet to realize that who you are is who you are meant to be. Do you want to express yourself? Be confident. Do you want to get the grade? Be confident. Do you want to live for today? Be confident. It is not always this simple, and this type of confidence is

ILLUSTRATIONS | WILL ATCHITY

often misinterpreted as bad.

Confidence makes you stand out but with being yourself, there comes judgment.

To not be judged by society, you have to do nothing, say nothing and be nothing. Beauty must not be flaunted, smarts must not be shown and gifts must not overshadow others.

This ideology holds no actual weight in the grand scheme of life. Pride in one’s accomplishments doesn’t equivocate to selfishness. It’s only when that pride becomes a weapon against others that BASED ON A GOOGLE SURVEY OF 128 STUDENTS it is vain.

Vanity has the tendency to fall under the Oxford Dictionary defines belief that every single thing someone else vanity as “excessive pride in or admiration does is a jab at one’s character or a form of one’s own appearance or achievements.” of praise. This is where confidence really Vanity is the result of a confident individual differentiates from excessive pride. praying on the insecurities of others.

A confident person will not interpret Confidence is a one-way street, unlike praise as a backhanded compliment. The vanity. Internal struggles can create a more core of confidence is believing that you’re a superficial human being. Confidence is good person and not allowing others to deter influenced by a person’s own self-love and that notion. It is more of an internal ambition their love of others; it is the appreciation of when it comes to confidence. “abilities or qualities” while vanity is pride in Imagine a confident person as a brick “appearance or achievements.” wall. Thick, strong bricks glued together are Yes, confidence can include a person’s difficult to break down. A conceited person physical attractiveness, but confident is like simple siding. Sure, it looks beautiful individuals are ones who take pride in their on the outside but even the smallest bit of internal gifts. The definition of vanity holds dismissive commentary can cause the siding a negative connotation, while confidence is to fall off. It still looks good, but specific words more grounding and less materialistic. reveal the ugliness underneath.

It is a constant battle between the ideals of perfection and confidence. Does being vain lead to perfection or does it create an even larger problem? Confidence is a clear indication of an individual’s character and shows how strong, powerful and beautiful they truly are. Before society jumps to the conclusion that selflove is vanity, it should question if confidence threatens them or makes them feel imperfect.

To experience a more fulfilling life as a species, we must find inner confidence before we present our authentic selves to the vanity of the world. Together, as a society and a school, we can make those levels of confidence soar.

OPINION | 9

LOSING SLEEP, LOSING FOCUS

As students get less rest, their cognitive abilities in elements of life start to suffer in performance, enjoyment

BY SALLY PANIS, ELAINA GIBSON, JAMIE WEISS PRINT EIC, WEB EIC, WRITER

A

sharper, intertwining well with learning in a school environment.

With the recommended amount of eight to 10 hours of sleep, rates of creativity grow in teenagers. Tasks like studying for a test, learning an instrument or implementing job skills, sleep is essential for teens in their

t 4 a.m. each morning, junior Oliver Busenhart stumbles out of bed, often setting over five alarms to finish homework assignments and relieve stress from after-school commitments. Busenhart admits his morning routine appears strange but benefits like lower levels of stress, more energy at school and a positive mindset motivate him to start the day sooner than most individuals.

The American Psychological Association defines a lack of sufficient sleep, less than eight hours, as a rampant problem among teens. Adolescents are at risk for JUNIOR OLIVER cognitive and emotional difficulties, poor school performance and BUSENHART accidents, as statistics show less teens fail to reach a healthy night of performance across every spectrum of rest. activities.

“It becomes more of a control Although waking up early can thing and a way to ease any anxiety and help to ensure all his schoolwork stress that you may have,” Busenhart is complete, facilitating less than said. “If you want to manage, maintain six hours of sleep impacts his and control your sleep schedule, make mental health and areas of his sure it benefits you and you have personal life. thought it through.”

“I barely manage,” Busenhart According to the National Library said. “I have a lot of things I need of Medicine, Biotech Information, to be doing throughout the week sleep benefits the brain by promoting and on top of that, there is also attention, memory and analytical thought. home life where I have to get Information and conversations become

“If you want to manage, maintain and control your sleep schedule, make sure it benefits you and you have thought it through.

“

10 | OPIN-

ION

chores done or make dinner for my family. It is a lot to balance out.”

A multitude of factors play into why young adolescents fail to reach the amount of sleep needed to function properly at school, work and after-school commitments.

Senior Margaret Brennan believes too much energy is required of students or rather too little time appears available for each aspect of student life to be fulfilled.

“Teens need the most sleep because we’re growing the most,” Brennan said.

“We need to facilitate our minds and bodies, but sometimes it feels like there is no time.”

The first step of Brennan’s morning routine consists of drinking a grapeflavored Celsius. Just like the other 49% of students who reported reliance on energy drinks on a Google survey of 137 responses, Brennan utilizes caffeine to compensate for the negative effects sleep deprivation carries.

“Right by my bed when I wake up, there’s a big canister of Celsius,” Brennan said. “I’ve always been a big fan

of caffeine. Celsius is just one aspect of it that I really cling to.”

Junior Emma Masters starts off the day by subsidizing her morning grogginess with a caffeinated beverage. She then drinks a Red Bull toward the end of the day to give her a boost of energy to make it through after-school cheer practice.

“I think that on days when I drink less caffeine I’m completely drained and don’t want to do anything,” Masters said. “My body can’t focus, and I have withdrawal symptoms like jitteriness and headaches.”

Caffeine doesn’t just keep Masters awake during the day, but it takes a toll on her at night, making her incapable of going to bed before 12 a.m. In her attempts to cut back, Masters realizes how deep her dependence on the substance actually is.

In the same survey, 42% of students said they need caffeine to just make it through the day.

“It’s definitely an addiction for a lot of people, and it affects our health because

we’re so reliant on it,” Masters said. “It then messes up our sleep schedules, which makes us need it more.”

A high caffeine consumption could pose a threat to maintaining focus during school, and could impact a person’s academic performance over time. But students like sophomore Izzy Hyde and freshman Lura Bracht are not worried their work will be impacted, both feeling grateful caffeine doesn’t have a huge effect on their bodies.

“For me caffeine doesn’t impact my learning, but depending on the person, I could see how it would cause them to get worse grades or have withdrawals,” Hyde said.

Junior Lucy McArthur notices a difference in her overall ability to function at school when her body has too much caffeine running through it. McArthur has since tried to limit her intake of energy drinks and make a conscious effort to drink more water, claiming it gives her a more natural source of energy.

“When I drink an energy drink before school, I’m constantly shaking and get bad headaches,” McArthur said. “It makes me unable to concentrate fully on my schoolwork, which is bad for my grades.”

Only able to attain three to five hours of sleep, senior Caroline Beck, like Brennan, starts her mornings with an energy drink or iced coffee. Despite acknowledging the health risks, Beck failed to fix the root of her lack of sleep due to work responsibilities.

With so much to try to fit into each day, Beck doesn’t allocate sufficient time for sleep. She may stay up late during the week to finish homework or during the weekend when hanging out with friends, both of which can reinforce a night owl schedule “I work 30 hours a week,” Beck said.

“When I get home so late, I hate doing homework. Most of the time, I stay up till 1 a.m.”

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that the less sleep

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse: When young people consume too much caffeine, it can stunt brain development, impair physical growth.

ILLUSTRATIONS | CODY ISRAEL ILLUSTRATIONS | WILL ATCHITY

ILLUSTRATIONS | WILL ATCHITY

FEATURE | 11

SLEEP TIPS

ACCORDING TO CDC

- Go to bed at the same time every night (even weekends) and wake up at the same time each morning.

- Make your bedroom a quiet space with dim lighting.

- Avoid screen time on any electronic devices 30 minutes before bedtime.

- Avoid snacking and caffeine.

- Exercise during the day to help you fall asleep faster and deeper. students achieve at night, the lower their grade point average will be. Over 82% of students either agreed or strongly agreed that student performance at school is affected by the amount of sleep they attain.

The Sleep Foundation found the pressure to succeed while simultaneously coping with these activities led to stress, which has been known to contribute to sleeping problems and disorders.

Some teens have poor sleep because of an underlying sleep disorder.

Sophomore Katherine McGee’s insomnia diagnosis around sixth grade validated her fragmented sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness.

“I was not at that age where you understand,” McGee said. “It was more of, ‘Why is this happening because all of my friends sleep like eight hours and they are fine and they can keep doing this?’”

With her inability to concentrate in class, the diagnosis forced McGee to quit many of her sports and extracurriculars, which has taken a toll on her mental health.

“I physically could not do it anymore because of the lack of sleep,“ McGee said. “If I have gotten no sleep, I am super irritable, and it’s hard for me to actually want to engage in school.”

12 | FEATURE

As she has grown with the diagnosis, McGee learned new ways to implement.

Her little sleep is another part of her daily routine. According to McGee, she has learned to accept it as part of her.

“You just slowly grow into not feeling tired,” McGee said. “You wake up a little less tired each day, even though you have got the same amount of sleep or you have got to run off adrenaline.”

In the 20th century, increased usage of screens paired with the marketing of caffeine drinks toward adolescents, has led teenagers who experience inadequate sleep to spend twice as much time on devices with screens than their peers, reported a 2019 study at the University of Minnesota.

Adolescents develop a strong tendency toward being a “night owl,” staying up later at night and sleeping longer into the morning. Experts believe this is a two-fold biological impulse affecting the circadian rhythm and sleepwake cycle of teens.

Teens’ sleep drives form slowly, meaning feelings of

tiredness don’t start until later in the evening. Then the body produces melatonin, which is the hormone that induces sleep.

If allowed to sleep on their own schedule, many teens would get eight hours or more per night, sleeping from 11 p.m. or midnight until 8 a.m. or 9 a.m., but school start times in most school districts force teens to wake up much earlier in the morning. Because of the biological delay in their sleep-wake cycle, many teens simply are not able to fall asleep early enough to attain eight or more hours of sleep and still arrive at school on time.

With reduced sleep on weekdays, teens may try to catch up by sleeping in on the weekend, but this fails to fix the root of the problem.

The implementation of late start days occurring every other Wednesday combats delayed sleep schedules and inconsistent nightly rests. In that same

About 5 out of every 10 students drink 1-2 caffeinated drinks a day BASED ON A GOOGLE SURVEY OF 128 STUDENTS

27% of students said their favorite energy drink is Celsius ILLUSTRATIONS I SAMANTHA PORTER

2019 study, schools that started after 8:30 a.m. had attendance, standardized test scores and academic performance in math, English, science and social studies increase, while tardiness declined.

Beck finds that late-start days offer relief with her busy schedule.

“I love late-starts,” Beck said. “I feel SOPHOMORE like I have more time to get coffee and make breakfast. I just feel so much KATHERINE MCGEE better.”

As a student athlete, sophomore “Teenagers definitely expend a lot of Meg Joseph pushes the majority of her energy during school, and it takes a lot of energy in the afternoon, making the end brain power,” Joseph said. “That tends to of the day difficult. According to Joseph, make people tired and especially student she arrives home at 6 p.m. after wrestling athletes, who not only have to expend a practice.

bunch of brain power during the day but also have to go after school and work for two hours.”

This experience of expectations on students to participate in outside activities, work and perform well in school can continue the cycle of inadequate sleep.

“I think that like my work life was interfering with my sleep schedule,” Beck said. “Even my homework was interfering with my sleep too. I just didn’t have time to get everything done. When you wake up early the next day after going to bed late, it just leads to a spiraling moment of always being tired.”

“I physically could not

take it anymore because of the lack of sleep. “

Deepest sleep, muscles are completely relaxed

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ILLUSTRATIONS | SAMANTHA PORTER

1

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St a

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Brain/heartbeat slows and body relaxes

St a

ACCORDING TO VERYWELL HEALTH

St a

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St a

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Body is paralyzed and dreams begin

PHOTO I SALLY PANIS

Eye movements stop and body tempurature drops

FEATURE | 13

stag

1.

PERSPECTIVES

1. HEART TO HEART Seniors Carrina Villanueva and Gianna Collins laugh while carefully dissecting a sheep heart. The lab expanded Villanueva’s knowledge in the medical field.

“It was really cool being able to see how sheep hearts are related to human hearts.” | BELLA DESSERT

2. STARTING WITH A BANG

Drumming it out, junior Echo Turpin plays in the drumline. The drumline performed at the tailgate before the game and during the game. “I was nervous because I am a co-captain this year, and it is a lot of responsibility,” Turpin said. “I wanted to play well and entertain everyone.” | EVIE MCBRIDE

2.

3. SPOOKY SPIRIT Carving

“Boo-Haty” on a pumpkin, freshman Evelyn Howard competes in her first herd competition. “We couldn’t get the guts out of the pumpkin,” Howard said. “Justin [Pullen] had to dig his hand in, it was gross.” | EVIE MCBRIDE

4. CROWNING MOMENT

Smiling from ear to ear, senior Carly Kurt grins as she wins the title of the 2023 Homecoming Queen.

“I was super excited and felt so blessed to be seen as someone people can look up to,” Kurt said. “I am grateful for the opportunity.” | EVIE MCBRIDE

3.

14 | PERSPECTIVES

4.

5.

5. TEST OF STRENGTH

Fighting for the win, senior Kate Pedrotti arm wrestles math teacher Andrew Groene in the Lucas tent during the Homecoming tailgate. “We were going at it for a while, but then he finally was able to pull through,” Pedrotti said. “It was fun watching people arm wrestle and try to challenge their friends.” | EVAN ULMER

6. RING A NEW SOUND

Ready for his debut, senior Jude Ferraro performs at Mass. Although it is Ferraro’s first year in the bell choir, director Robin Christie noted his quick improvement. | EVIE MCBRIDE

7.

8.

6.

7. PULSING BEAT Plucking

the bass strings, senior Sergio Valdivia-Mora showcases his familial musical legacy at the fall concert. “Most of my family members are musicians,” Valdivia-Mora said. “They’re very musically talented.” | ADDY BURRIS

8. PERFECT PASS Searching for an open pass, junior quarterback Marco Rodriguez analyzes the field. The team came short against Rockhurst with a final score of 21-14. “We’re definitely putting in the work that needs to be put in to win again and get back to where we know we can be,” Rodriguez said. I EVIE MCBRIDE

PERSPECTIVES| 15

BUILDING CONNECTIONS

Juniors choose one organization for their service hours

BY MARY THOMPSON

T

STAFF WRITER

aking a step outside the Uplift truck late on a Saturday night, junior (then sophomore) Michaela Wilcox saw two men she recognized standing under street lights. Right away, she knew how to help.

“I knew exactly what he wanted,” Wilcox said. “He wanted batteries and he gave us his water jugs to fill up. I think being able to know exactly what he was already going to ask for just really impacted me.”

Wilcox expects she will volunteer at Uplift for 50 hours in her junior year and chose the organization for her junior service focus.

According to a new school policy, all juniors must choose only one organization for their 25 hours of junior service work, instead of choosing as many different organizations as they want.

Director of Campus Ministry Bill Creach said that the policy can help the students learn what the organization’s cause is, how they help the community and develop a connection to it.

“It’s a chance to partner with an agency, to not only help people but also learn about the operation that does the helping,” Creach said. “I think there’s a chance to make some connections that UPLIFTING OTHERS Junior Michaela Wilcox hands out coats to homeless people during her time volunteering at Uplift. Wilcox chose this organization to complete her junior service hours because of the positive impact the community had on her. | PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAELA WILCOX

16 | FAITH

could lead to adult service when you’re all grown up, or it could also lead to some potential careers and vocations as well.”

If a junior has fallen behind in meeting the service requirements from previous years, that student must reach a total of 55 hours this year before moving on to a different organization.

“ I think it’s a good policy

because it can help you build community with a specific agency and makes you fall in love with it a little more. “ JUNIOR ELIJAH OLSON

According to junior Jordan Ortiz, the new policy will help students get closer to the organization and create a strong relationship that could lead to future work opportunities.

“I feel like if you choose a single agency, it just grows a connection with you and that agency, and you just make a bond from that,” Ortiz said.

Alongside Ortiz, junior Jiselle Araiza also picked the Guadalupe Center as her focus agency because she went there as a child.

The Guadalupe Centers offer kids a space for fun as well as summer school. Ortiz and Arazia volunteer at the center due to their past experiences.

In the summer, Araiza and Ortiz went to go see “Elemental” at the AMC in Merriam. Ortiz said she feels closer to the kids.

Junior Elijah Olson has not chosen his agency yet but remains calm about the new policy. Olson believes he will find an organization that does the area of work he wants to be a part of.

“I think it’s a good policy because it can help you build community with a specific agency and makes you fall in love with it a little more,” Olson said.

Junior Shea Coughlan hasn’t picked her organization yet, as she fears she will pick the wrong one.

“I’m super nervous about it because if I pick the wrong one I’m going to get stuck with it for the whole year,” Coughlan said.“Then, I won’t get any of my service hours done.”

According to Creach, this policy took several years of planning to make the service a more immersive experience. However, the COVID-19 pandemic derailed the plan until this year.

“I have assured the juniors, if this goes well, then we’ll continue this for the sophomores next year and make it a junior-senior tradition,” Creach said. “If it doesn’t go smoothly, then we’ll re-evaluate everything and make a decision at the end of the school year.”

sportsHIGHLIGHTS DRIVING AWAY

Sophomore Ashley Myers shares a laugh with junior Kate McGuire during a practice on September 21. Myers was listed as one of KSHSAA’s 25 girls golfers to watch this season and lived up to the billing by placing 9th at state on Oct. 17. | EVIE MCBRIDE

BRINGING THE ENERGY

Libero senior Gabby Anderson cheers on her teammates during the Saint Teresa’s Academy Slam, on Aug. 26. “As the libero, I don’t get to score points,” Anderson said.

“It’s really fun to be the person that brings the energy when the other people do score.” The varsity volleyball team won the state title on Nov. 1. | ADDY BURRIS

SENIOR SPIRIT Senior captain Cooper Greene drives the ball forward, searching for an open pass. Greene was named on the 1st Team EKL for soccer, with 60 goals scored this season. The soccer team won its 8th consecutive state championship title on Nov. 4. | MEGAN MAYER

player SPOTLIGHT cross country edition

Carson Lemon

Junior Carson Lemon has been running for the Stags for three years, and this is his second year qualifying for state. He has also embraced the role of team captain this year.

“I guess I was just good [at running] as a little kid, and I liked the team,” Lemon said. “So I stayed with it. It’s been fun getting to know the new freshmen this year.”

Ella Aquino

Junior Ella Aquino has dropped nearly 90 seconds off of her 5K time from last year. She is now a two-time state qualifier. “[Running] is something that can really calm you down at the end of the day and the feeling of having a good workout or just getting your legs fresh,” Aquino said. “It just makes you feel very complete.”

Griffin Bloemker Freshman Griffin Bloemker is one of just 23 freshman state qualifiers in the 4A division. “[Running] was a lot over the summer, a lot of work,” Bloemker said.

PHOTOS | PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF

ATHLETICS | 17

THREE TEAMS, TWO ATHLETES Seniors Livi Shull and Carly Kurt balance varsity careers

BY BELLA DESSERT

D

COPY EDITOR

ribbling the ball up the court, the stands cheer for seniors Carly Kurt and Livi Shull, players who have played on the court for all four years. After winning three state championships, Kurt and Shull look forward to their last season of girls basketball together.

The two athletes are part of the few in the student body who are connected to three varsity sports this year. Shull and Kurt began their athletic careers together in the fifth grade, playing for Shock recreational basketball.

Shull has played tennis, basketball and soccer for her entire high school career.

From three soccer state titles to tennis state performances, basketball is not the only state title for the pair.

Navigating her senior year, Shull’s busy schedule has led her to gain time management skills.

“It's definitely challenging to have to balance all the schoolwork and having a sport every single day out of the school year,” Shull said. “You definitely have to be able to manage your time and be able to miss school when you have to leave for games.”

According to athletic director Joe Schramp, multi-sport athletes can have an advantage over single-sport athletes, as studies have shown improved muscle development.

“You have to be motivated,” Schramp

said. “You have to be pretty emotionally charged because it can wear and tear on both the mental and physical toll. You just have to really want it and have a passion.”

Schramp applauds Shull and Kurt as playing three varsity sports requires endurance to balance elements on and off the court or field.

“You have to be really passionate about all three sports,” Schramp said. “It is a toll on the body; they have to manage their time really well because in high school there's always homework too.”

In the summer, Kurt participated in tossaround for lacrosse as well as night tennis matches with friends. Kurt also prepared for the upcoming basketball season.

“In high school, there is more pressure,” Kurt said. “You just want to be successful for the team, and you want to make it to a state championship, whereas our club was not super intense.”

This level of competition aides upperclassmen athletes in welcoming underclassmen to their team, building a stronger community and carrying on kindness in every practice and game.

“I focus on making sure they don’t feel out of place because if you it can limit your ability to perform,” Kurt said. “I do not like if there is a divide, it makes it less of a family.”

Shull recalled early memories in her teams that have stayed with her, like her first soccer state semifinals sophomore year.

“We went into PKs (penalty kicks) and won in PKs and double overtime to go to the state championship,” Shull said. “The next day we won state, and having a lot of my close friends and my whole family there was super nice.”

According to Shull, she has loved her high school sports career but has decided to not play for a college team.

SENIOR LIVI SHULL “I've loved all the people that I've met along the way and all the experiences “This year our basketball league was that have come out of all those sports,” at Shawnee Mission Northwest,” Kurt said.

Shull said. “There’s no specific reason, “You would go and play two games and I just wanted to have a normal college schools like Pembroke.” experience and not have to worry about a According to both Kurt and Shull, sport. I've been playing for a while, it will be the level of competition marks the vast 18 years of my life.” difference between club and recreational Both athletes are thankful for their teams versus high school competitions. school teams but are ready to go a different route.

“I’m just going to play club lacrosse because I would be super overwhelmed with my nursing major and a full-time sport,” Kurt said.

Despite switching directions, athletes keep their experiences and lessons learned from their high school careers.

“You're not just playing for your team, you're playing for your school, the people who support your V FOR VICTORY Multi-sport school, and your athletes Carly Kurt and Livi Shull community,” Shull tip off their senior basketball campaign on Dec. 6 at Pembroke said. “You need to be able to be Hill. After basketball, Kurt will a role model to play lacrosse in the spring, and them and show Shull will play soccer. Shull will be the returning 4-1A goalkeeper them the ways of the year, and Kurt returns after and the traditions a junior season of averaging 6.33 that this school goals per game. | EMMA VOGT & has laid out for KATE PEDROTTI us.”

“I’ve loved all the people

18 | SPORTS

I’ve met along the way and all the experiences that have come out of those sports.

“

KICKIN’ IT WITH LUKE

Junior excels in diverse set of varsity roles during fall season

BY DANIEL SULLIVAN

T

SPORTS EDITOR

he kickoff song faded away. Four return specialists watched the ball fly off the tee into the air, but not one of them made a move for it. The ball landed perfectly between each of them, then died on the ground.

It was a live ball, and the kickoff team jumped on it. Three plays later, the Stags were in the Blue Valley West endzone.

The unique abilities junior Luke Whitmore brings to the table showcase why the football program has embraced the right back, whose first sport is soccer, as the kicker for the past two seasons.

Whitmore’s athletic career has centered around footwork. The dualsport athlete began playing soccer at the age of 3, then discovered his talent for football in middle school.

“In sixth or seventh grade, I started playing football, and it was natural to kick a ball,” Whitmore said. “I was pretty good at it, so I continued doing it.”

Upon his arrival in high school, Whitmore showed no signs of slowing down. The junior has been dual-sporting from the moment he walked into the building.

“Freshman year I didn’t go to all the freshmen games, but I suited up for varsity to have a backup,” Whitmore said.

“I played as many of the games as I could, same with JV.” Whitmore has found instant success in both sports, winning four state championships in fall sports through three seasons. This season, he made 38 of 40 extra point attempts and 5 out of 7 field goal attempts, as well as being an All-EKL honorable mention. Still, his ability to balance the two sports is a constant battle.

“Coach Huppe sends out a text with our whole practice schedule on Saturday because soccer changes weekly,” Whitmore said. “Football is always the same because games are always on

Friday night.”

Keeping an open line of dialogue between coaches is a cornerstone of Whitmore’s ability to continue to excel in both sports. Head soccer coach Nate Huppe kicked for the football team in high school as well and supports Whitmore’s commitment.

“Communication is key,” Whitmore said. “I’m always talking to Coach Huppe and Coach Holmes on my schedule and on what I can do. I also need to be able to make time for all my other classes in school.”

Despite the seamless transition, Whitmore must constantly adjust to different pressures in both sports. Soccer and football both demand mental and physical strength in different ways. “[In] soccer, if you make a mistake you might have 75 minutes to make up for that mistake, because I usually don’t come out during the game,” Whitmore said.

“Football I might only get one opportunity to make a field goal or PAT (point after touchdown), and the whole game could be written on that.”

NEW HEIGHTS Ready for the competition, junior Luke Whitmore showcases his skills in the Stag Strut field goal contest. Whitmore’s athletic talent became known in his middle school years | ADDY BURRIS

Whitmore’s season highlights 38 of 40 successful extra point goal attempts

5 out of 7

successful field goal attempts

All-EKL

honorable mention for the soccer team

ILLUSTRATIONS | WILL ATCHITY

SPORTS | 19

BRINGING THE SPIRIT

FLYING IN THE SKY Practicing the pyramid, junior Emma Masters prepares for the cheer state at the football game. “Practice has been pretty intense,” Masters said. “It’s been a lot of fun getting to have a choreographer because this year we brought in somebody to help us perform the best that we possibly can at state.” | EVIE MCBRIDE

POMS UP Showing school spirit, senior Emma Hansen starts to make the tunnel for the varsity football players on senior night.

“Everyone was really pumped up to be there and celebrate all the senior players,” Hansen said. “I really like doing all the cheers and spending time with all the girls on the team.” | EVIE MCBRIDE

PYRAMID POWER Standing tall, junior Julia McCaffree smiles as she is on the top of the pyramid during the Homecoming football game. “I started flying over the summer, I was a base last year,” McCaffree said. | EVAN ULMER DANCE IT OUT Performing with her team, sophomore Nora Butler claps to the beat in the dance team’s halftime jazz routine. Butler shared that the dance team spends lots of time preparing for its dances as there are many new elements. “The new team especially, we understand each other,” Butler said. | EVAN ULMER

20 | PHOTO STORY

SMILING SPIRIT Eyes on the prize, junior Franny Chaffee-McClure looks at her teammates as they prepare to dance at halftime. “It’s a great experience to just all be there together experiencing the same thing at the same time,” she said. McClure has been dancing her whole life, but describes the dance team as “her people.” | ADDY BURRIS