The Miegian Newspaper: May 2021

Vol. 64, Iss. 3 | May 2021 | Bishop Miege High School

2

Content Overview

COVER PHOTOS BY MARY-KATHRYN WERT, ISABEL COPELAND, EMMA LAZARCZYK, MARIA NGUYEN, MADISON ROSENTHAL

Staff List EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Isabel Copeland

PRINT EDITOR

Isabella Guadamuz

WEB EDITOR

Sindy Garcia

STAFF

Colin Batliner Ava Belchez Olivia Cerda Alena Gillespie Delaney Johnson Emma Lazarczyk Maria Nguyen Mary-Kathryn Wert

The Miegian and Bishop Miege Press are published by the newspaper staff of Bishop Miege High School. They are a student-produced newspaper. The editorial board decides the content of each issue. Opinions expressed are the views of the writer and are signed. The Miegian welcomes material (letters, guest columns, feedback) from faculty, administrators, students, parents and community members.

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 the journalism room, emailed to newspaper@bishopmiege.com or mailed to the newspaper in care of Bishop Miege High School. 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 address/email address and a phone number where the writer can be contacted because the staff will confirm all letters.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ISABELLA GUADMUZ, MERRIN O’CONNER, MARIEL ALLEN, CAROLINE GYLLENBORG, DAISY TORRES AND MADISON ROSENTHAL

Dear readers, This year has been such a learning experience for me. For this school year, I was the only returning newspaper staffer who had been on staff last fall, and I was a little worried about how things were going to play out. When the school year started and we were all on Zoom, I thought the newspaper was doomed, because I had no idea where to begin. There were so many things on my mind about the newspaper, and the school year, but the one thing I knew for sure was meeting on Zoom was not ideal.

Luckily, virtual meetings did not last long, and I was very thankful for that. I didn’t know how much I actually missed going to school. I have learned so many things about being a leader for my staff, but most importantly I have learned how to have fun as a leader. Being in this class, I am in my comfort zone. I just feel so safe and blessed to have such an amazing and understanding staff. I know that I can count on them to give ideas and share thoughts about where we should take our next stories.

Every single Miegian staffer brings something else to the table, and I am happy they are able to teach me new things. I’ve made new friends and look forward to seeing them every

Contents

4 Senior Letters 5 Profiles 6 College Map 10 Profiles 11 Baby Pictures

Letter

sixth hour class period.

With this senior edition of the newspaper, it was difficult because there were so many ideas we had, which is a good thing, but I think the difficult part was making sure that this was the best issue yet. For a senior, this is their time to shine and for us, this is their last time to be featured so it is our responsibility to reach out to everyone.

The whole issue is dedicated to them. I wanted to make sure that everyone felt included in this issue so even if we reached out and they did not respond or they told us they didn’t want to be involved, then okay, at least we tried. I am not a senior but I have two senior friends on staff so I wanted to make sure that everything I was doing for this issue was above and beyond for them. It is not my year but for them, this is their year. April was very busy for the staff but I am confident that we put everything we had into this issue.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Instagram: @bishopmiegepress Twitter:@b_miege_press Web: bmpress.org

5041 Reinhardt Drive., Roeland Park, KS

12 Last Stags 13 Profiles 15 Herd Leaders 16 Influential Teachers 18 Slip-Ups

19 Trends 20 College Sports 22 Blessings 23 Retreat 24 Sibling Letters

3

26 Profiles 27 Dorm Buddies 28 Moments 30 Photo Story 32 Signatures

4

Letters

Senior Letters

| COURTESY PHOTO

Dear freshman me, It’s been a while since we’ve last spoken — I’m an adult now, which has been interesting, to say the least. I know you’re in such a rush to grow up and to go to college, but the days of high school are dwindling now, and I would give anything to go back to where you are now.

Just don’t cut your bangs again please for

Dear future me,

I don’t know who you are or who you’ve become, even though we’re the same person, but I know you’re something greater than you once were. I hope you are a confident young lady with goals and dreams making each one come true with all your hard work and dedication. I know for sure you are still a sweet and caring young lady because the sweetness in you will never go away.

I hope you stayed friends with those who understand you and accept you for who you are, and I hope you’ve stayed away from those who don’t want to see you succeed because there are always some of those and you know it. Surround yourself with positive mind thinkers and motivational people who want to make you keep going.

I know for sure you keep your family close because they are the reason why you keep accomplishing your goals and dreams in life. Without them, there would be no you.

the sake of yourself, and others. It might be difficult to stop worrying about the future, but I can assure you that time spent with friends and with family is never wasted.

Remember that you are not “too cool for school.”

The future can wait, the present is more important. You work yourself hard, but that one test grade isn’t going to ruin your life. I have hope that you’re going to try your best, but remember that if you make mistakes you’ll be okay.

Learn from your mistakes and then move forward. You’re boy crazy right now and super jittery, but don’t worry — that’ll pass in time. Sometimes, it can be easy to get in your head — so remember that many people feel the same way about being in high school as you do.

You’re sweaty and awkward, but that doesn’t mean anything. Trust me, your hair and eyebrows look fine, and no one cares about the stain on your sock. Although where did it come from? It’s a big world out there, and you are not alone in it. Wash your face, brush your teeth and laugh hard about the things you find funny.

Trust me, it’s worth it. The world will throw many challenges your way, but don’t be discouraged. I have full confidence and faith that everything will turn out okay, and I hope you believe that too.

I urge you to cherish and keep your friends close to your heart. Remember that they are there for you if you need them. If you ever find yourself brushing them off, remember that they know who you are and they love you regardless.

Don’t ever forget that the same can be said about your family. They love you more than you will ever realize and they will never leave you when you need them. Life is uncertain, but everything has meaning, believe me. Whatever happens to you is meant to happen to you.

You have the rest of your life to figure things out, so if you haven’t figured them out now it’ll be okay. I love you always and forever. Your forever friend.

Family is the foundation of everything, they are precious gems who you will cherish forever. They will always be there supporting you every step of the way. Never forget where you came from and never take anyone for granted. Always say what you want to say to those you love because you

hope college goes well for you and that you get to study biology and medicine so you can become the successful doctor you’ve always wanted to be, helping people and caring for others just like you’ve always done.

When people tell you to be yourself and to not be shy of who you are I hope you know what they mean now.

I hope you are who I wish I could be. I hope you are someone I can look up to and always count on you.

I hope you are you. Good luck out in the real world, I know it’s scary, but it’s nothing you can’t handle.

So don’t mess anything up because I’ll be there before you know it! Also, I really hope you have a pet pig now.

Love you. See you soon,

| COURTESY PHOTO

never know when the last goodbye will be.

Woah, I still can’t believe you’re back there, and I’m WAY over here, on two different sides of the timeline. I know you are going to accomplish everything in life. I

PRINT EDITOR

WEB EDITOR

Setting Sail A MARIA NGUYEN STAFF WRITER

fter graduation, senior Sarah Perico will not be retiring her school uniform like the rest of her classmates.

Instead, she’ll trade it in for another kind of uniform: a U.S. Navy uniform.

“It was the middle of junior year, and I figured out that I wanted to go to the military,” Perico said. “I decided to go to a college fair at Rockhurst. I saw the Naval Academy front and center and went to talk to them. It was just a great experience.”

From there, Perico started the year-long process of being admitted to the Naval Academy. As drawn out as it was, Perico was nothing less than determined to excel throughout the year.

“First, you have to do a pre-application with basic information. Then you have to wait a couple months until they approve you to be a candidate,” Perico said. “After that, you have to get a congressional nomination from either your two senators or your house. And I was able to get Senator Moran to nominate me, which was awesome.”

Perico continued to be on a roll after getting her congressional nomination, and as the year went by, her dedication was tested in a variety of ways.

“Usually in the fall, you have to do a lot of scheduled interviews,” Perico said.

“You also have to work on your essay and transcripts and your regular application.”

Apart from the numerous applications and interviews, the physical test, which included a mile run and ball throw, and the one-page essay both stood out as formidable challenges in the process.

“I heard that they really look at the essays,” Perico said. “So I worked on that essay for a long time. I had a couple of different teachers and my dad help me out with it.”

Following the essay, Perico completed a regular application about citizenship and general information, filled out information for sports and gathered teacher recommendation and approval.

Then began the wait.

“After the fall interviews, there’s basically a dead period,” Perico said. “Then, on Christmas Eve, I got a letter of assurance, which is basically a guarantee that I’m doing track for the Naval Academy.”

With the lengthy application process complete, Perico will do a number of years of service at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. The work doesn’t end there, but Perico is looking forward to what she’ll do next.

“I’m not sure about what I want to do. But I’ve been looking | MARIA at a Surface Warfare Officer role,” Perico said. “Once you graduate from the Naval Academy, you’re commissioned as an officer into the actual Navy and commissioned to a ship. And then, if you’re on it, the ship goes around the world.”

Because she loves traveling, Perico is excited about the places she’ll go.

However, the people who have supported and inspired her throughout the

As Seen On TV

EMMA LAZARCZYK STAFF WRITER

M | DELANEY JOHNSON

Profiles

any aspire to be a profiler from the hit show “Criminal Minds.” For senior Joe Pautler, he is making that his reality.

Pautler is attending University of MissouriKansas City in the fall of 2022 where he will major in criminology, following in the footsteps of his favorite TV characters.

“My plan right now is to go join the FBI after college,” Pautler said. “It’s a bit embarrassing, but I binge watched ‘Criminal Minds,’ and I was just like, ‘Yeah I know this isn’t realistic, but if it’s anything like this —

5

NGUYEN complicated process still hold a special place for her.

“My parents told me that they were not going to remind me of any deadlines.

They said that it was my thing, and if I really wanted to do it, then I would have to work for it,” Perico said. “But my family and friends have supported me since the beginning. I did everything myself, but they were always there, cheering me on.”

I’m in.”

Seniors have often spent much of their high school years contemplating their college major; however, according to Pautler, he chose his major only a few months ago.

“It’s April now, so it’s been about six months,” Pautler said.

According to Pautler, he was spontaneous in choosing his major and has not done any research.

“I don’t really know all that much about what a criminology major is going to entail,” Pautler said. “I have a feeling we are going to be doing a lot of case studies about famous criminals, so I think that will be interesting.”

6

College Map

INTO THE FUTURE

Where the Class of 2021 will be heading next

A

Cassidy Alcorn Kansas City Kansas CC Mariel Allen University of Missouri - Columbia Stephen Allen Kansas State University Citlaly Andrade-Chaparro JCCC Anthony Aquino Wichita State University Yasmin Armendariz Undeclared Luke Attard Saint Louis University Brett Atwell Kansas State University Trey Ausler Pittsburg State University Josephine Axtell Seattle University

B

Timothy Dorsey, Jr.

Illinois State University

Griffin Edds Adreanna Edwards Leilani Elder

Washburn University Undeclared University of Alaska Anchorage

“Don’t let other people’s judgment change you.”

Benjamin Backes Emma Baird Cara Baker Joseph Baska Kolbe Benes Catherine Boling Harrison Braudis Emerson Burris

University of Nebraska-Lincoln The University of Kansas Northwest Missouri State University Kansas City Kansas CC JCCC Elmhurst University Minnesota State University University of Arkansas

William Calovich Brian Candinegara Heidi Carmoney Emily Carrasco Eden Cashman Mariann Castillo Hayden Clements Jada Clements Madilynn Cochran Josh Conklin Henry Coones

JCCC The University of Kansas University of Missouri - Kansas City MidAmerica Nazarene University William Woods University Avila University Saint Louis University Gap Year Northwest Missouri State University The University of Kansas Kansas State University

C

D E

SENIOR ADREANNA EDWARDS

F

Sebastian Farthing Audrey FitzGerald Connor Flanagan Dominic Flores Daniel Fontaine Layne Fortin Angel Franco Donald Freeman

Employment Missouri State University Employment Metropolitan CC - Penn Valley Kansas State University University of Kansas Concordia University Wisconsin University of Kansas

“Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.”

SENIOR AYDEN GREENE

G

Leo Gajewski School of the Art Institute of Chicago Sindy Garcia University of Missouri - Kansas City Erin Garr Stony Brook University George Gibson Kansas State University Ella Gittemier Drake University Jacob Gonzalez Missouri State University Ayden Greene Illinois Institute of Technology Isabella Guadamuz Loyola University of Chicago Caroline Gyllenborg Benedictine College

“Don’t complain to upperclassmen about the hard classes you have. We know your pain, we’ve already had them. Also, don’t be afraid to go talk to someone not in your friend group. It’s good to branch out.”

SENIOR SARAH HAYES

H

Riley Hagen University of Arkansas Nicole Hanson University of Kansas Tayt Harbour California State Northridge StarShine Harris-Palmer Missouri Valley College Luke Hart JCCC Benjamin Hawley University of Missouri - Columbia Sarah Hayes Missouri State University Olivia Hayward University of Kansas Max Heller University of Missouri - Columbia Abigail Henshaw University of Missouri - Columbia Amanda Henshaw Kansas State University Jesus Hernandez University of Kansas Charlie Hill Wichita State University Sarena Hirsch Kansas State University Sophia Hirsch Kansas State University Stella Hokanson University of Kansas Mikayla Holt University of Arizona Audrey Howard Calvin University Caitlin Hutchinson University of San Diego

“Get to know your peers now before it’s too late.”

SENIOR JOSEPH VOGT

J

College Map

7

Jett Jeffries University of Northern Colorado Jessica Johnson JCCC Mary Kathryn Johnson JCCC

K

Carson Key John Kincaid Nathan Kist Genevieve Klobe Elan Kyser

Campbell University Hutchinson CC JCCC Kansas State University Ohio State University

“Take advantage of every single moment because it goes by too fast.”

SENIOR DAISY TORRES

L

Undeclared Andrew Ladwig Margaret Latenser University of Missouri - Columbia Rockhurst University Margaret Lisac Trade School John Liston Andrew Lombardi University of Missouri - Columbia Creighton University Molly Lombardi Benedictine College Joseph Lopez

M

Cumberland University Sam Mannebach Colorado School of Mines Ella Martin Gap Semester Maggie Masoner University of Kansas Christian McCool University of Arizona Charlie McCray Kansas State University Bennet McCoy University of Missouri - Columbia Eli Mehaffey William Meiners University of Missouri - Columbia Rockhurst University Alma Mejia University of Kansas Mack Moeller JCCC Angelie Molina Purdue University Noah Mugmon Missouri State University Joey Murphy

8

R

College Map

N O

Donovan Nicely Victor Nino

Pittsburg State University Vocational/Technical School

Merrin O’Connor Aiden Oblepias Robert Olson

University of Iowa University of Notre Dame Pittsburg State University

“Make sure to take time to not stress out.

Talk to someone you don’t usually.”

SENIOR HAYDEN CLEMENTS

P

Evan Parra Amy Patterson Joseph Pautler Jonathan Pedrotti Delaney Pepin Sarah Perico Ngoc Nhi Pham Henry Philgreen Alexander Pinela Mia Putnam Jude Putz

Creighton University Kansas State University University of Missouri - Kansas City University of Missouri - Columbia Wichita State University United States Naval Academy Rockhurst University University of Central Missouri JCCC Texas A&M University University of Arkansas

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help with anything. Cherish and enjoy every moment.”

SENIOR MARGARET LISAC

Andrew Ramirez University of Missouri - Kansas City Karla Ramirez JCCC Christian Raygoza Vocational/Technical School Lillian Reed The University of Kansas Coleton Reel JCCC Julianna Rice Truman State University Thomas Robey University of Kansas Zephan Rodriguez Wichita State University Madison Rosenthal Metropolitan CC Elizabeth Ruiz Creighton University Veronica Ruiz Creighton University Emma Ryan University of Kansas

S

Undeclared Khol Saint-Louis JCCC Michelle Sanchez JCCC Aidan Sands University of Kansas Julianna Schroder University of Missouri - Columbia Cora Scranton JCCC Frances Shaughnessy Washburn University Logan Shull Washburn University Luke Shull Rockhurst University Ariana Sierra Quincy University Nathan Smith Kansas City Kansas CC Saracyewski Smith Daytona State College Nathan Stanley University of Kansas Jaden Stevenson Vocational/Technical School TreVon Stewart Macalester College Parker Summers

T

Lillian Taylor Hayden Thilges Kate Thomas Marisol Tinoco Daisy Torres Ethan Tridle Audrey Tubbert Anissa Tyler

University of Kansas Morningside College University of Arkansas JCCC University of Kansas JCCC JCCC University of Arkansas Pine Bluff

V

Caitlin Vaca-Washington Alexa Valdez Jack Valdivia Alex Vani Aaron Vega Payton Verhulst Joey Vogt Eric VonWyl

Y

Mazie Young

University of San Francisco University of Kansas Undeclared Undeclared University of Kansas University of Louisville Kansas State University University of Arkansas

Drury University

“Go to Kairos, enjoy the people in your class, because it’s gone in a flash.”

SENIOR VERONICA RUIZ

W

College Map

9

Michael Warczakoski JCCC Aidan Ward Kansas City Kansas CC Gabby Waris Undeclared Jill Watskey JCCC Paige Weiner University of Missouri - Columbia Emma Werner University of Tampa Lukas White JCCC Nathan Wilcox University of Missouri - Kansas City Kennedy Williams University of Kansas Tomos Williams Drake University

Z

Michael Ziegler

Saint Louis University

“Get your work done, get sleep while you can. Have fun.”

SENIOR NATHAN WILCOX

*ILLUSTRATION AND PAGE DESIGN BY MARY-KATHRYN WERT

Taking the Stage AVA BELCHEZ

STAFF WRITER

M

usical theatre has been nothing less than transformative in senior Yasmin Armendariz’s life. Growing up, Armendariz struggled with feeling different from other girls and trying to find out who she is.

Once she began to perform, she discovered her passion and place in musical theatre. Armendariz said that ever since being in her first show, musical theatre has been her thing.

“I loved singing, loved acting, loved dancing,” Armendariz said. “It [is] a way to get my energy out, and it also has helped me find who I actually am as a person and not just who everyone else wants me to be.”

Freshman year, Armendariz was in Bishop Miege’s production of “Annie,” in which she had a solo and few lines.

She said that as a freshman, she was very happy with that role and found herself in a positive and welcoming community.

According to Armendariz, Miege’s drama

department has supported her passion for acting and performing. “[I love] the adrenaline of going onstage for the first opening night and just really being able to be someone else for an hour or two,” Armendariz said. “Just being able to play a different character in life to see different people’s stories or play them out.”

Fortunately, even during the pandemic, Miege was able to put on a virtual musical, “Emma: A Pop Musical.” As a senior, Armendariz said it meant a lot to her to be able to put on a performance despite the circumstances. | AVA BELCHEZ “To me it’s like a runaway, it’s a KCCC for either major. The thing she knows way to get away from the problems for sure is that she wants to keep musical and have fun doing what you’re doing,” theatre in her life, in any way possible.

Armendariz said.

“I hope I do a lot of singing, if not, I The pandemic has also played a large hope I do a lot of acting, even if it’s just at part in Armendariz’s plans for her future.

Starlight theatre, even if it’s not Broadway As a back-up plan, she wants to major in or it’s not being the next Selena Gomez,” business/marketing, specifically for the Armendariz said. “I just hope that I still cosmetology company she has started. have the passion to sing and have the She is thinking about going to JCCC or passion to perform.”

Announcing Coones COLIN BATLINER

STAFF WRITER

G

oing to sporting events is one of the highlights of the high school experience. Especially with the winning tradition at Miege, senior Henry Coones takes this experience to the next level by announcing games and trying his best to make it more fun for everyone involved.

Ever since he was a kid watching the Royals and Chiefs on TV, Coones said he dreamed of being able to announce their games and bring his energy into their broadcasts.

“I’ve always been big into sports and always wanted to be a broadcaster on ESPN or PA announcer for the Royals or the Chiefs,” Coones said. “I always thought that’d be a really cool job.”

While Coones has announced this season for the boys’ baseball team, he

said he thinks he’s able to get them more hyped up and ready to win.

“I enjoy getting the boys into the game,” Coones said. “I feel like we played better when I’m playing walkup music and I announce enthusiastically.”

As the online announcer for many home basketball games during the winter, Coones said he tried to give the fans a sense of being at the game through his spirited announcing.

“I love announcing the basketball games for the people online because it’s kind of a fun way to watch the game, and I feel like if you have a good announcer, then it’s a lot more fun to watch it online so I try to be that fun announcer,” Coones said.

| COLIN BATLINER

a. Madison Rosenthal b. Carson Key c. Audrey FitzGerald d. Emma Ryan e. Leo Gajewski f. Molly Lombardi g. Alexa Valdez h. Kolbe Benes i. Saracyewski Smith

i.

Profiles c.

S T A G S

*ILLUSTRATIONS BY DELANEY JOHNSON

g.

h. e. f.

d.

10 a.

b.

L I L Baby Pictures

11

12

Last Stag

THE END OF AN ERA

Family legacies come to an close after generations of graduates OLIVIA CERDA

Although Miege was the fan favorite in both families, they didn’t want to stray away from the family tradition.

“I would not have picked anywhere else because I really enjoyed Miege and the atmosphere that it brought,” Fontaine said. ishop Miege High School has been around for 63 years and Masoner said she was certain from a young age that Miege was thrives off of tradition. Many families have come in and out of the place she would spend her high school years. the Miege community, but sometimes certain families like to

“I grew up going to games and knew I extend their stays. was coming here since I was 2,” she said.

Seniors Maggie Masoner and Daniel Technically, Masoner is the last child in her Fontaine come from a long line of alumni family, but she said she hopes her children could families. From parents, to uncles and “There is a legacy you have continue the tradition. aunts, and even grandparents, they are “I definitely want my kids to come here,” she officially the last ones to represent their been a part of, and that said. legacy while walking across the stage in you’re building on.”

The Miege motto “Nova et Vetera” or “the new May. and the old” has lived up to its standard with “All my aunts and my mom went the many generations of graduates both families to Miege,” Masoner said. “My mom have contributed to. The era of the Masoners and graduated in 1986.”

Fontaines has come to an end, but will not be Both Masoner and Fontaine were able forgotten. to spend a little time of their high school “It has been interesting to be part of an alumni family because experience with their older brothers, Paul Masoner (‘20) and even though teachers might confuse you with your brothers, it’s Patrick Fontaine (‘19). still always nice to see that you aren’t just yourself,” said Fontaine.

“It was super fun going to school with my brother because I “There is a legacy you have been a part of, and that you’re always took classes a year or two after him, so I knew what to building on.” expect,” Masoner said. “I also loved seeing him in the halls and knowing upperclassmen and teachers going into Miege.”

STAFF WRITER

B

SENIOR DANIEL FONTAINE

Senior Daniel Fontaine walks with his parents during this year’s Homecoming football game. Daniel’s mother, Jennifer (Tylicki) Fontaine was in the class of 1990, and his grandfather who was Walt Tylicki, the namesake of the Tylicki herd. | ABIGAIL HENSHAW

Bigger than Basketball OLIVIA CERDA

STAFF WRITER

K

ansas Gatorade Player of the Year, USA National Team MVP, McDonald’s All-American, two-time 4A State Champion and Louisville commit, senior Payton Verhulst has a well-decorated basketball reputation.

But there’s more to Verhulst than her basketball resume.

Verhulst is planning on continuing her education and basketball career at the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky, where she plans on majoring in special education.

“My little sister, Addy, she has epilepsy, and I was kind of the one who helped her when she was younger at school,” Verhulst said. “I was always her buddy whenever she started needing more help.”

Payton has gotten a head start on her major through the Peer Mentoring program offered at Miege.

“I know a lot of colleges don’t offer that type of support until junior year, and I just feel like that experience is really going to help me when I do begin those classes my junior year,” Verhulst said.

During Verhulst’s time as a peer mentor, she has worked both one-on-one and in a classroom setting by assisting math teacher

Taryn Frank’s Algebra I class and working closely with freshman Lola Kernell in fine arts teacher Sarah McCambridge’s journalism class.

“I loved being with Payton, she always gave good advice, and it was really fun,” Kernell said. “We always had a lot of funny things going on.”

According to Verhulst, Peer Mentoring not only helped her grow her knowledge in special education, but also create new friendships.

“I still talk to Lola every day, it’s not just about learning how to teach and help them work in class, but also just building relationships with them outside of the classroom,” Verhulst said.

Whether it’s on the court or in the classroom, Verhulst continues to find ways to go above and beyond the standard.

“Payton really has a kind heart and a great knowledge of how to work well with others and adapt to what is needed to be able to let that student learn in a style that works best for them,” learning resource director Mallorie Hurlbert | OLIVIA CERDA said.

History in the Making ISABELLA GUADAMUZ

STAFF WRITER

W

ill Calovich has an affinity for learning about history.

His love of history began in middle school when he started learning about World War II, Ancient History and the Industrial Revolution.

“My love of history began when I was in the sixth grade,” Calovich said. “I loved learning about different concepts, inventions, and chain reactions that have occurred throughout history.”

Calovich said he enjoys learning about the impacts these events have had on modern-day society and hopes more people would appreciate history.

“I wish more people would appreciate world history. History

might help people prevent mistakes that have already happened, and they help guide us in the future,” Calovich said.

This year, Calovich conducted a project on the original “Godzilla” movie.

Calovich placed first at districts and state for National History Day in his category.

His project is titled “Gojira vs. Godzilla: Lost in Translation or Censored Communication.”

According to Calovich, he never knew how much he would have enjoyed learning all about history, but it has become a big part of his life.

“Try it out,” Calovich said.

“Stick with it, and you might just realize how cool history really is.”

| ISABELLA GUADAMUZ

Profile

13

14

Profile

Saddle Up ALENA GILLESPIE

STAFF WRITER

A

fter picking up a book on horses in her elementary school’s library, senior Eden Cashman’s passion for riding horses began at age 10.

Looking up to her own horse trainers, Cashman has always had a desire to be one herself, she said.

“I really like working with horses and watching them progress as they get older and advance in their training,” Cashman said. “It is fulfilling to see all of that.”

For service work, Cashman shares her love for horses by volunteering at a therapeutic horse riding center to help kids and people with disabilities.

“It lets them have something that is fun to do, but also helps them with muscle strength,” Cashman said.

To prepare for the therapeutic riding sessions, Cashman helps the individuals

by getting the horse ready, mounting them on the horse and either leading the horse or walking beside the horse to make sure the individual does not fall off.

“It is on the time of the person, so they still feel like they are in control and not just like you are leading them around,” Cashman said.

Cashman plans on majoring in Equestrian Science at William Woods University where she will take riding classes, prepare to be a trainer or riding instructor and teach some college level courses.

“I wanted to do something I knew I would enjoy,” Cashman said. “I just decided to go for it.”

| MARY-KATHRYN WERT

Hungry for More MARIA NGUYEN

STAFF WRITER

F

or senior Aidan Sands, the culinary arts have been a long time interest. It started at a young age with an appreciation for food and the culinary arts, which remained constant throughout Sands’ childhood.

“Since I was younger, I’ve just been surrounded by food my whole life,” Sands said. “I’ve just always liked eating, like a lot of people do.”

Family played a significant role in Sands’ taste for the culinary arts.

Not only did Sands’ family provide support, they have impacted Sands’ diverse palate.

“My mom has a lot of Italian influence, so that’s why spaghetti is my favorite food,” Sands said.

“My favorite thing to make is also a pasta recipe that has garlic, shrimp and bacon.”

Sands’ appreciation for culinary skill continued into high school, and led him to take every foods class

at Miege. However, for Sands, it doesn’t end there.

“I plan to go to Johnson County Community College,” Sands said. “I think I have a good chance over there, especially since my dad is the photography professor.”

Sands’ interest in the culinary arts will continue into college, proving that this long-time pastime still hasn’t gotten old.

“I love how there’s science or experimentation with food,” Sands said. “You can make one thing into something bigger than what it was.”

Pursuing the culinary arts is not without its challenges, as Sands is well aware, but even so, he plans to tackle them head-on.

“There’s a lot of critiquing,” he said. “You’ll be getting judged a lot for doing something wrong or doing something right.

When you make something you think is good and people say otherwise, you just have to learn from that and keep going.”

| MARIA NGUYEN

Herd Leaders

15

PASSING THE TORCH

Juniors Jacob Welsh and Lizzie Weixeldorfer observe the relays on herd day while keeping score and commentating. Both Welsh and Weixeldorfer won executive for their herds. | SARACYEWSKI SMITH

School elects new herd executives who take over at herd day OLIVIA CERDA STAFF WRITER

A

s the 2020-2021 school year comes to an end, the time of the eight current herd executives does too.

Each herd member had the opportunity to vote for the junior they believe will lead their herd to success, and they did just that.

The student body voted for the new executives on April 19, and they also viewed the videos the candidates put together to campaign.

“I wanted to become an executive because I wanted to follow in my brother’s footsteps and wanted to make a lasting impact on the Rost Herd,” junior Lissy Fahlstrom said.

In some herds, the race for executive was so close that candidates lost by only one or two votes, according to the herd coordinators.

But in other cases, such as the Sister Martina, Reardon and Perrini herds only one junior ran for executive.

“I was nervous during the election because I knew it was a close race between me and Will [Anderson],” said junior Emily Lynn of the Millie Herd. “It’s also really nerve-wracking to put yourself out there like that without knowing what the outcome would be.”

Just like the year 2020, this year’s election was a memorable one. The original election date was April 16, but due to a system error that allowed seniors to vote, eligible students voted again three days later.

“The re-election made things very stressful, and I was still very nervous because I had to wait longer to hear the outcome,” junior Tylicki member Jacob Welsh said.

On April 23, the newest herd executives were put to the test while organizing a

2020-2021 Herd Executives

day for the entire school to participate for herd points.

“Organizing herd day and helping out was kind of hectic and it included a lot of spot-on thinking, but overall it turned out great,” said junior Lucas member Blake Allen, “It was both stressful and exciting, probably more exciting though just because it was my first time getting to help out with everything.”

While the most recent herd day was just a sneak peak to their senior year, the newest herd executives received words of wisdom by the current executives.

“My current herd exec, Ayden Greene, has just told me to make sure everything is communicated between the students and the teachers,” junior Reardon member Allie Burns said, “Make sure everyone can participate in some type of activity and make sure everyone has a good time.”

2021-2022 Herd Executives

Bohaty- Maggie Latenser

Perrini- Olivia Hayward

Bohaty- Lizzie Weixeldorfer

Perrini- Matthew Mohler

Martina- Merrin O’Connor

Rost- Henry Coones

Martina- Charles Cahalan

Rost- Lissy Fahlstrom

Lucas- Daisy Torres

Millie- Caroline Gyllenborg

Reardon- Ayden Greene Tylicki- Payton Verhulst

Lucas- Blake Allen Millie- Emily Lynn

Reardon- Allie Burns Tylicki- Jacob Welsh

16

Influential Teachers

A POSITIVE INFLUENCE:

Mrs. Reynolds “I’ve spent a lot of early mornings and late nights with Mrs. Reynolds because of debate and forensics, and even though I get on her nerves sometimes, she always wants to see me succeed and will do whatever she can to help. Mrs. Reynolds has high standards and can be brutally honest, but that’s why she gives the best advice and guidance. Once, she told me I need to channel my passion into accomplishing things that matter more than just winning an argument. That’s something I took to heart and will never forget.” — Julianna Rice

“I think some of my favorite things about this class is how creative they are, how willing they are to take chances, and to risk doing something that maybe they’re not comfortable with and trying it, and maybe decide it’s not for them, but in the long run, having just that strength to go ahead and try it anyway.” — Mrs. Reynolds

Seniors Julianna Rice and Josephine Axtell with their most influential teacher, debate and forensics coach, Melissa Reynolds. | AVA BELCHEZ

Mr. Dessert “He taught us that respect is all about doing your best to see other people’s point of view. Before his class, I just saw people as being right or wrong. He influenced me to see other’s perspectives and try to treat all people with respect even when I disagree with them.” — Julianna Schroder “He made learning about faith relatable to the teenage experience, and I understood a lot more how it works in my life, not just in the grand scheme of things.” — Sarah Hayes

Senior Sarah Hayes with her most influential teacher, theology teacher, Ross Dessert. | AVA BELCHEZ

“This senior class just has so many really good humans in it. They are good people, caring people, giving people. They brought a lot of energy and spirit, a lot of smiles and joy to our school. They showed spirit for Miege, for their class of 2021 and for their herds. Go out into the world and be who you are meant to be.

Let your unique light shine. Always try to be a good human. Try to give more than you receive. And don’t ever forget that you have a Father who loves you no matter what!” — Mr. Dessert

Influential Teachers

17

Seniors and teachers reflect on their time together Mr. Anderson “Mr. Anderson has taught me that it doesn’t mean I’m stupid if I don’t understand something. He has taught the value of asking questions, and trying a problem.

He has been a role model, and has given me hope that even if I don’t get a problem on the first try, it does not mean I am not smart.” — Isabella Guadamuz

“It would have been really easy for a lot of the seniors to just throw their hands in the air and say ‘Okay, forget it, we’re done’, but I think especially the ones that stepped up and took leadership roles did just a fantastic job of trying to remain positive and keep moving. The biggest piece of advice would be to enjoy where you’re at right now. . . because if we’ve learned nothing else in this last year, it is that the time that we have together is really precious.” — Mr. Anderson

Seniors Isabella Guadamuz and Zephan Rodriguez with their most influential teacher, science and robotics coach Scott Anderson. | AVA BELCHEZ

Mrs. Reed “She has gotten me even more intrigued into going into pre-med and all her classes are fun and enjoyable to be in.” — Nathan Smith

“She’s always inspired me to do my best on everything I tried to do, and she’s just such a positive person.” — Catherine Boling

Senior Cate Boling with her most influential teacher, science department chair, Amy Reed. | EMMA LAZARCZYK

“It’s difficult to sum up this senior class with one quote.

[This] class genuinely touches my heart and makes me smile on a daily basis. I am going to miss all of you, but especially Lillian Reed! My advice to you is be kind to others. Stop and think about your words and actions before you put them into action. You have such potential to touch many lives, so make the most of those moments. I love you all so very much!” — Ms. Reed DESIGN BY AVA BELCHEZ

18

Embarrassing Moments

“I hit Mrs. Carman’s parked car in the parking lot in the morning.”

SENIOR SLIP-UPS “Messing up cheers in front of big crowds at football games.”

“I fell over in front of my crush freshman year and poured a drink all over my shirt.”

“During the bouncy ball relay, my legs could not reach the ground so I kept falling.”

“I had a flat tire on Stag Strut, and me and my friends had to sit in the Miege parking lot for another hour waiting for the tow truck to come.”

“I showed up to a formal band concert freshman year in a hoodie and sweatpants.”

“Sitting on a desk and having it flip over in front of a whole class.”

“I was dared to give Coach Holmes a hug one day and got a round of applause.”

“Getting up on stage to lip sync in front of the entire school. I’m pretty sure I died a little inside that day.”

“When I somehow completely forgot my uniform and had to borrow from the attendance office. It was the most uncomfortable thing I had ever worn. Ever.”

“When I fell on the stairs and Wyatt Grable (captain of the football team) caught me.”

ILLUSTRATIONS | MARIA NGUYEN

TOP TRENDS: 2017-2021 TIK TOK- 37.3%

Trends

19

MONTHLY ACTIVE USERS, MILLIONS

TIK TOK USERS IN THE U.S.

*Data from Business of Apps.com

SHOES- 13.3%

VSCO- 25.3%

AIR FORCES FILAS PLATFORM SHOES

HYDRO FLASKS SCRUNCHIES CROCS

*ILLUSTRATIONS | MARIA NGUYEN

FORTNITE- 5%

VINE- 2.6%

MUSICAL.LY- 2.6%

Based on an online survey of 75 seniors

20

College Sports

Standing together having a conversation between innings, Logan (left) and Luke (right) Shull wait to continue the team’s consistent start to the season. Both brothers will be playing baseball at Washburn University as other members of the senior class head to 28 different colleges to play. | COURTESY PHOTO

Next Level Athletes

Student-athletes continue careers into college COLIN BATLINER STAFF WRITER

I

t is fairly common for children to play sports with siblings as they try to figure out what sport or activity is right for them, but seniors Logan and Luke Shull are taking this to the next level by both committing to the same school to play baseball together at Washburn University.

The step up to college sports is a big one for any student-athlete.

The competitors are skilled but the

brothers are ready for adversity and said they want to take the challenge head on.

“Finals would just be another unnecessary issue to deal with.”

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR ANDREW GROENE “It’s just a different atmosphere and higher-level baseball that we’ve never played with before,” Luke Shull said. “It’s

better competition, more intense crowds, and completely new people that have me the most excited for playing in college.”

Playing together in college was not something the brothers expected, but it was a welcome surprise when they both got offers from Washburn University for their skills on the baseball field.

“We didn’t really know what was gonna happen, and then it just kind of worked out in a way that we both applied to the same college without knowing,” Logan Shull said. “We were okay to go to separate places, but then it just worked out that we got to go together and that

was pretty cool for both of us.”

The twin brothers use each other to improve and push themselves harder in games and practice by using the bond they’ve created over the many years playing together.

“It makes it fun, our chemistry we have, we give each other trouble for bad plays and even on good plays we’ll make

By The Numbers

27

Different colleges studentathletes will attend

32

Student-athletes committed for college

8

Different sports student-athletes will be playing *based on online survey of the senior class

Equestrian:

Sarah Hayes Missouri State University

Baseball:

Luke Shull Washburn University Logan Shull Washburn University

Griffin Edds Washburn University Nathan Stanley Daytona State College Joseph Lopez Benedictine College

a joke or say something stupid to each other, so it’s kind of fun,” Luke Shull said.

“We for sure have a rivalry that makes it worse if we have a bad game because we like to make fun of each other, but it’s all jokes and it’s fun being out there together.”

It is not just the Shull brothers going on to represent Miege’s athletic program in college. Out of this year’s senior class about 20% of all the students are going on to college to play a sport.

According to Athletic Director Andrew Groene, only about 7% of high school athletes go on to play a sport in college.

“I think it has a lot to do with the people that are involved in the lives of our students, whether it’s their teammates, their friends being there for support, whether it’s their coaches helping them learn, and it definitely has a lot to do with their parents for all the many things they do,” Groene said. “So athletes, remember all the things that have been sacrificed for you to get to this point in your life and thank them for the many things that they were able to do.”

Recently, Groene congratulated Sarah Perico on her signing to the Naval Academy for the heptathlon in track and field and complimented all the members of the Bishop Miege community on their work in making the school what it is.

“I’d like to thank Sarah’s parents for letting us be a part of her life for the last four years and letting us be a part of her growth,” Groene said. “Miege is a great school, and it’s a great school because of the people that are in it, and Sarah is

2021 Commitments

Jude Putz University of Arkansas

Basketball:

Cate Boling Elmhurst University Harrison Braudis Minnesota State University Tayt Harbour California State Northridge Payton Verhulst University of Louisville

Football:

Starshine Harris-Palmer Missouri Valley College

College Sports Hayden Thilges Morningside College

21

Nathan Smith Quincy University Jack Kincaid Hutchinson CC Timothy Dorsey Illinois State University Mack Moeller University of Kansas Khol Saint Louis Benedictine College

Track and field:

Trey Ausler Pittsburg State University Carson Key Campbell University

Soccer:

Mariann Castillo Avila University Ayden Greene Illinois Institute of Technology Caroline Gyllenborg Benedictine College Tomos Williams Drake University Emily Carrasco MidAmerica Nazarene Coleton Reel JCCC Marisol Tinoco JCCC

Volleyball:

Erin Garr Stony Brook University Leilani Elder University of Alaska Anchorage Sam Mannebach Cumberland University Ella Martin Colorado School of Mines

Golf:

Audrey Howard Calvin University

22

Blessings

God Is Good

Seniors find blessings even through pandemic

"My blessing in disguise is I tore my ACL, which led me down a path to chose becoming a physician assistant because I met some good surgeons."

ANDREW RAMIREZ

"I know during quarantine a lot of people were stuck inside, but that was not the case for me. I was going out playing soccer with friends and being able to enjoy my time."

AARON VEGA

"Rolling my ankle during semifinals for volleyball really helped me keep fighting. My ankle was so bad, but it made me work harder for state."

CAROLINE GYLLENBORG "During the last year is that my mom has been doing very well at her new job at reconciliation services after a long job search due to a career transition."

ELI MEHAFFEY

"I feel like COVID helped me discover how much my family and friends really mean to me. It allowed me to become closer with my family because we were stuck in quarantine together. It made my friendships stronger because although I couldn't see them all the time like I used to, we all put in the effort to see each other and talk."

PAIGE WEINER

"My blessing in disguise would be to be in person my senior year, to experience all this."

"I still was able to enjoy my senior year with my closest friends and managed to continue to make memories despite the global pandemic. I'm just really excited and pleased to graduate soon and to be attending college next year."

JESUS HERNANDEZ "I started cooking over quarantine and carried that over. I cook with my mom, and I make a mean mac and cheese."

JILL WATSKEY

JACK VALDIVIA

"I have become a lot closer with my family because I was spending more time with them."

"Because of COVID, I did not get to play state basketball last year, so it helped us be more motivated for our next year and it payed off."

JOSH CONKLIN

"I really enjoyed hybrid because I got to stay at home and hang out with my dad a bunch because he was working from home. I also got closer with my brother, which was nice because we didn't have the best relationship with each other."

STELLA HOKANSON

CATE BOLING

"For me, I have been able to focus on sports and finish my senior year strong. I was able to get on top of both school and sports with all the COVID changes."

ELLA MARTIN

Retreat

23

LEADING THE WAY During the final meeting on April 27 before the junior retreat in May, senior small group leaders eat their lunch as they listen to Campus Ministry director Bill Creach. For the first time, the junior retreat will be led by 21 seniors. | ALENA GILLESPIE

Starting a new tradition, seniors help with junior retreat ALENA GILLESPIE

and helping people feel comfortable with sharing in their small groups,” Young said.

STAFF WRITER Creach said he believes the juniors may connect more to the seniors leading the retreat. athered together in the auditorium with lunches in hand, “I am hoping the juniors are more open because they’ve got senior small group leaders listened to the plans of the people close to them in age giving the retreat,” Creach said. “I junior retreat prepared by Campus Ministry director Bill hope that some of them (juniors) will help next year because Creach. they had a good experience on the retreat.”

This year for the first time, 21 seniors Coming out of the retreat, Patterson said will be dedicating their time on May 14, her goal is for the juniors to come together the day before graduation, to lead the “I hope they can get closer as “Ione. juniors in their retreat. hope they can get closer to each to each other as a class “The idea is getting the juniors ready other as a class and get some deep level of to be seniors,” Creach said. “It'd be like understanding before senior year,” Patterson and get some deep level handing off the baton of the old guard to said. of understanding before the new guard.”

Young said she wants the juniors to senior year.”

For the first time in more than 10 years, recognize that they will be the new leaders of the juniors will have their retreat together the school. as a class, rather than being split into two “I hope they gain fellowship and are more groups over a two day time period. open to being vulnerable to peers as well as Senior small group leader Amy learning what it means to be a leader,” Young Patterson said she is looking forward said. to being a leader as she will meet more According to Creach, there is always room underclassmen before she graduates. for friendships to grow stronger within classmates.

“I don’t know that many juniors, so I would say I look forward “I hope they get closer as a class and new friendships are to getting to know the juniors,” Patterson said. formed or old friendships get closer,” Creach said. “I still think Prior leadership experiences led to being selected as a small there’s a lot of people in the class that don’t know each other group leader. yet.”

“I love getting leadership roles,” senior small group leader Being seniors, both Patterson and Young have words of Maizie Young said. “I’m excited for another opportunity to do wisdom for the juniors before they graduate. that before I graduate.”

“Enjoy it and power through,” Patterson said.

Leaders have been prepping for the retreat by attending Young adds that being open and having a positive mindset is meetings led by Creach that go over the day, small group key. activities and preparing speeches. Young said she feels that her “Be open to other people you aren’t really friends with and goal is for everyone to be themselves. enjoy your time at Miege while you have it instead of “I think my main responsibility is helping lead discussions anticipating getting out,” Young said.

G

SENIOR AMY PATTERSON

24

Sibling Letters

SIBLING LETTERS Final send off for Stags

Dear Ella,

You are the best younger sibling ever, I will miss you dearly. You are one of a kind, and I can’t even describe how much you mean to me.

There are no words for how much I will miss driving with you home from school and eating dinner and talking about how our day went.

I’m afraid to go away to college, because even though I’m older, I look up to you.

You are creative, smart, adventurous, strong, caring, and absolutely amazing.

You inspire me to be my best even when I don’t see myself as the best as you.

College is a scary place, especially if I will be 12+ hours away. Stay strong for mom and dad for me, hug them when I’m not there.

I know you aren’t a hug person, but I would love it if you would do it for me.

I love you Ella, even if I don’t say it. Stay strong.

I will miss the funny moments and stories we had in the car.

Thank you Ella.

Dear Ava & Dominic,

PHOTO COURTESY OF AUDREY HOWARD

What a fast four years it has been, and I am so excited to see addiction, making me the shortest of the three of us, and what you two accomplish in your remaining years at Miege! I will listening to me rant about literally anything. give you one piece of advice: live in the present.

I want you both to know no matter how far I go, whether that’s That does not mean slack off on your grades or ignore college Florida or down the street, I will always be your short, big sis. admissions, but enjoy the time you have left being a kid.

Love you mucho, Emma Stay out late with your friends, go on the retreats, shoot one more shot, scream at the football games, sleep in, and eat the cookie because these are going to be the moments you will be telling my kids and your kids about one day.

Dominic, I am going to miss our postworkout jam sessions, being your personal chauffeur and you tackling me out of nowhere. I cannot wait to see how you improve on the field and court and how you succeed in the classes I picked out for you next year ;) Ava, I am going to miss our late night talks about nothing, our runs with the dog, laying in each other’s rooms just to watch Tik Toks without speaking and borrowing each other’s clothes.

I have happy nerves just thinking about what you decide to do after Miege I want to say thank you to both of you for always barging into my room to annoy me, making me pay for everything(even though you PHOTO COURTESY OF EMMA WERNER pay me back), participating in my coffee

Dear Addy Bug, I am so incredibly proud of the young woman you are becoming, and I could not have asked for a better little sister.

I’ve watched you grow before my very eyes and blossom from a small, fragile, crying baby to a smart, caring, outgoing kid.

I admire you, buggie, from the way you boldly say what’s on your mind, to the way you don’t play by the rules, to the way you beautifully and nonapologetically showcase who you really are.

But my overall favorite quality that you possess is your loud, goofy and contagious laugh. You light up every room you walk into and put a smile on each and every person’s face.

You will be your own person; you’ll be able to strongly go against what everyone is doing without feeling judged.

I want you to realize how beautiful you are, inside and out, and that you don’t need anyone else’s approval to

Sibling Letters

25

see that about yourself.

I want you to know that I admire you and even though you probably look at me for inspiration, know that I look at you.

I want you to be better than me; I want you to shoot higher than the stars, beyond the galaxy, past my dreams.

I want you to be the best you can be. Know that I will always be proud of you, no matter what.

Know that I will always be at your side, even in the darkest of times. Even if I am not in the room next to you, know I’m with you. You deserve all the happiness in the world and even though sometimes I want you to leave me alone, I will miss you more than you know next year.

Keep on being you, because you are truly one of a kind.

Love you weirdo, Emmy (aka: the best sister ever) PHOTO COURTESY OF EMERSON BURRIS

Dear Emma,

I know I don’t always act like it, but I love you so much.

Even when you’re being super annoying around the house or making our parents angry, I have always really cared about you.

I know you’re going to do amazing things in the future and can tell that whatever you put your mind to you can achieve no problem.

I can’t wait to see you grow up into an amazing person!

Try and stop being addicted PHOTO COURTESY OF JOEY VOGT

to Tik Tok, though.

Mom can hardly stand it. ;)

26

Profiles

On the Runway MARY-KATHRYN WERT

STAFF WRITER

F

ashion can just be the clothes people wear every day, but for senior Caitlin Vaca-Washington, they are the way people are represented.

“The clothes that I design are clothes that fit me, and they represent who I am, and I know there are a lot of people who are like me, so I want to represent them too,” Vaca-Washington said.

Vaca-Washington will be attending the University of San Francisco next fall, majoring in fashion marketing and entrepreneurship. According to VacaWashington, while fashion design is her main goal, she is also interested in learning about what it takes to be financially successful in her future career.

“I want to learn how to run a business and get a good feel for that, so I don’t just have the fashion aspect but the money and managing skills as well,” VacaWashington said.

Her decision to go into fashion was

Twin-tastic SINDY GARCIA

STAFF WRITER

A

bond that will never be broken is what senior twins, Abby and Mandy Henshaw have, a strong sister relationship with different types of creativity.

“All four of us kids would do crafts all the time,” Abby said. “We were always drawing, we had a playroom with a big table, and we were always drawing on it for hours.”

The Henshaw twins are two creative people with bright minds and unique projects up their sleeves.

“Mandy is creative, like right now she’s building a dollhouse,” Abby said. “She’s always doing new crafts.”

Mandy has worked on a new project for a while now; she estimates at around 50 hours total she has been working on her dollhouse that she started from scratch.

“When we were little, we used to like making doll houses out of cardboard,” Mandy said. “At the beginning of last year, we were joking about what if we did that, but like actually tried. ”So then I started

inspired by her passion and admiration for others in the fashion industry.

“I like a lot of Off-White,” VacaWashington said. “I like the way that Virgil does not do anything that everyone else does. The things he does are simple, but they are something I would never have thought of.”

Besides fashion, she was also interested in pursuing a degree in marine biology before deciding to go with her current decision.

“I was also interested in being a marine biologist because I love the ocean, but I love fashion more.”

According to Vaca-Washington, the risk is what attracts her to the fashion industry. She likes the | MARY-KATHRYN WERT uncertainty and the opportunity to Vaca-Washington every day as she prove herself despite the odds. designs her own pieces of clothing.

“If you just put yourself out there and “One phrase I’d use to describe my take a risk, you never know where you style is out there,” Vaca-Washington said. could end up.”

“It can’t be confined in a box.”

Taking a risk is something that inspires

sketching and then in December, I made a total sketch in like, dimensions, and everything in the house. Then I just got a piece of plywood from Home Depot and just kind of started because I’m like, ‘Hey, who cares if I’m 18-years-old, and I threw away all my Barbies?’ I’m gonna buy one more and make a dollhouse.”

Creativity takes a big role for the Henshaw twins. While Mandy shows her creativity by making and creating things, Abby shows her creativity by expressing herself through writing and art.

“I really like writing and doing creative stuff and that’s why I really like yearbook’s,” Abby said. “I love to paint and draw, paintings my favorite and I | ISABEL COPELAND also really like writing.”

Even though both Henshaw twins They both have plans to stay connected will be attending different colleges with each other, said Mandy. due to different majors they want to study “It’s not gonna be that bad because I journalism and architecture, they will think we’ll be FaceTiming, and she’s gonna always be connected to each other.

“It’s definitely going to be really hard not be bombarding me with Snapchats 24/7,” Mandy said. “But we can’t be conjoined at to go to the same college as each other,” the hip forever.”

Abby said.

And they were roommates . . .

Dorm Buddies

27

Layne Fortin and Lillian Taylor will be rooming together at the University of Kansas.

Who is more likely to...?

11

12

1 2

10

9

3 4

8 7

Get lost on campus: Lillian

6

5

Sleep through her alarm: Layne

Stay up all night: Lillian *ILLUSTRATIONS | EMMA LAZARCZYK

Seniors balance each other out EMMA LAZARCZYK

STAFF WRITER

L

ayne Fortin and Lillian Taylor have been friends since freshman year and are looking forward to rooming together next year at the University of Kansas.

Fortin and Taylor both agreed that knowing their roommate in college would make them more comfortable as they move to a new environment.

“We thought we would be a good match together, and didn’t want to room with someone random,” Fortin and Taylor said.

While the girls are looking forward to the next chapter of their life together, they said they are complete opposites when it comes to tidiness.

“I do not think that Layne is going to keep her side of the room clean,” Taylor said.

The future roommates have come to term with these minor differences and apologized in advance for their habits.

“I would like to say sorry for being a little messy and controlling sometimes,” Fortin said.

Taylor is accepting her faults as well and has apologized to Fortin for any inconveniences while they live together.

“I am sorry for being a neat freak and Type A person,” Taylor said.

Even though the girls are already looking on to college, they still remember their journey together and continue to make new memories at Miege.

“Our favorite memories are messing around in Mrs. Wingate’s class and roaming the halls to visit teachers,” they said.

28

Timeline

A Trip Down Memory Lane Senior Parker Summer’s favorite high school memory was “meeting new people at the ‘80s Mixer freshman year.”

“Football games have been one of the most amazing times in my life,” senior Daisy Torres said. “The energy everyone gives is absolutely amazing, and it really shows our tight knit community.”

Theology teacher Steve Koesterer leads one of the seniors’ favorite moments, the fight song, at Miege’s pep rallies.

The Sister Martina herd won the 2021 Ursuline Cup. In previous years, the Lucas, Reardon and Millie herds have won the cup.

Seniors Jon Pedrotti and Emma Werner were crowned 2021’s prom king and queen.

Timeline

The 2020 Stag Strut raised $75,471.50.

29

MING

CO HOME

Seniors Carson Key and Payton Verhulst were crowned 2020’s Homecoming king and queen.

Senior Emerson Burris’ favorite memory was being able to cheer at many state championships during her four years of cheer.

Both the boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams won a 4A state championship this year.

“I loved the experience of getting to know everyone on a deeper level and the friendships that have resulted from Kairos,” senior Audrey FitzGerald said.

*ILLUSTRATIONS BY DELANEY JOHNSON

Perspectives 1. AGAINST THE CLOCK Reading the escape room tasks on the her phone, Perrini herd executive Olivia Hayward guides her faith family in the competition during herd day on April 23. This was the first competition of the day. | MARIA NGUYEN

Stag Perspectives

30

1.

2. TOP OF THE CLASS During the senior award ceremony on April 30, senior Charlie Hill receives his award from Assistant Principal Joe Schramp. Hill is the top male student in this year’s graduating class. | MARY-KATHRYN WERT

3. ANNOUNCING THE COURT As senior Luke Attard and Mariel Allen’s achievements echo throughout the stadium, students and teachers watch as they walk across the field.

They were the first of the seven couples announced on April 23, herd day, for the prom court. | ALENA GILLESPIE

2.

4. THE KING AND QUEEN Following the crowning of Prom King and Queen, seniors Jonathan Pedrotti and Emma Werner celebrate with their friends. The crowning took place during Prom on May 1. | MARIA NGUYEN

April | May

3.

4.

Perspectives 5. TOGETHER IN PRAYER Listening to Fr. Anthony Mersmann, seniors gather in the gym for mass on April 29. This was the last all-school Mass for the senior class. | OLIVIA CERDA

31

6. RAISING THE CUP Martina herd executive Merrin O’Connor shows off the Ursuline Cup at the end of the senior awards ceremony on April 30. Martina was the winning herd of this year’s competitions. | MARY-KATHRYN WERT

5.

66.

7. CHILL AND THRILL Embracing the ice water, one student from each herd participates in the bobbing for apples competition during herd day on April 23. Senior Leo Gajewski was the first to successfully collect two apples and win the challenge. | DELANEY JOHNSON

7.