The Miegan Newspaper: October 2025 by Bishop Miege Press

vol. 69 Issue 1 oct 2025

miegian bulletin board material

from campus to community, students engage with updates

Fr.AndrewStrobl, classof ‘00,pg.16

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto Dedication, pgs. 8-9

Spirit Committee & Girls Flag Football, pg. 4

Transfers, pg. 4

dear reader,

It is with great passion that I am proud to present to you our first issue of the Miegian this year. To all our amazing readers, thank you! Your support, excitement, and encouragement mean everything to our newspaper team. Each issue we create is inspired by you, the students, teachers, and staff who make our school such a special place. We’re so grateful for every person who takes the time to read, share, or even chat with us about our stories. Your feedback and enthusiasm help us continue improving, creating, and sharing the stories that matter most to our Miege community.

news briefs staff list

editor-in-chief

Mary Thompson

faith

student life

school

sharing his story

Senior Joseph Charles kicked off the first Summit Night of the school year on Sept. 17 with a witness talk. Charles focused on how God has influenced his spiritual journey, while revealing struggles with his cardiovascular health. Through his faith, he learned how to face these struggles.

celebrating the win

Stag Strut exceeded its fundraising goal, raising approximately $66,000 to help reduce tuition costs, and introduced some new traditions to the student body. This was the first year the “red carpet” was introduced, giving seniors a chance to show off their costumes and have a special moment in front of the school. Afterwards, teachers votes for their favorite costumne, winning the Founding Fathers a $50 cash prize.

design editors

Elise Oblepias

Jack Gelhaus photo editor

Norah Murtha

social media editor

Sophia Hart

photographers

Paul Olson

Megan Ball

Franny Philgreen writers

Hailey Hodge

spirit sports

kicking of the season

The Dazzlers dance team, cheerleaders, and drum line kicked off the home football game schedule and set the tone for the afternoon’s activities. Herd coordinator Jessica Switzer brought the idea of a spirit committee to the new school year and used their help to prepare a skit and game during the first pep assembly.

pioneering a new era

Bishop Miege has launched its first girls’ flag football team. With help from a $6,000 grant from the Kansas City Chiefs, 40 girls are participating in the sport, across both JV and Varsity. The club sport has already gained popularity in its inagural season. Miege is one of nearly 30 schools across Kansas and Missouri now fielding teams. For now, the sport is considered a club activity, but is expected to become an official Kansas State High School Activities Association sport.

Emma Lonergan

Kayla Lueckenotto

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 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.

I PAUL OLSON

I FRANNY PHILGREEN

I PAUL OLSON

what’s new?

New Faces, Stronger Community: Transfers

Embrace the Stag Spirit

by Megan Ball Photographer

This fall, the school has seen fresh faces, new opportunities, and even more school spirit spreading through the halls.

That sense of community carries over to the new wave of students welcomed this year, including a record-breaking number of transfers in the junior class. Dean of students Alex Keith said the increase has made the start of the year especially exciting as the community continues to grow.

“

several family members and friends were already part of the Stag community, which made the transition easier,

“The community is great; everyone is so connected here, and I love the herd competitions,” Koehler said.

Reflecting on experiences at larger schools, transfers have shared experiences.

“It’s really welcoming-everyone knows each other, so it makes it easier to interact with people, which is different from seeing a new face every day,” junior Preslie Kaufman said.

We’re authentic to who we are. “

Alex Keith, dean of students

“Once somebody comes into our building, whether it’s a shadow or a potential transfer, they notice how happy people are and how welcome they feel,” Keith said.

Junior Mary Koehler transferred from St. James because she felt the atmosphere at Miege was a better fit for her. Additionally,

Media

Strut was good this year because the seniors were more involved in planning,” Bridges said. “It’s more special because you finally realize it’s your senior year, and it all hits y” I PHOTO CREDITS

Spirit Committee

Some transfers are even carrying on family traditions. Showing how the school community carries through generations.

“My parents both went here, so they thought it’d be a good fit.”

As the school year continues, the welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of connection remind everyone what makes the Stag community so special.

Upgrades (J-Lab and Video Production Studio)

CREATING WITH POWER.

Senior Amelia Bridges enjoys her final Stag Strut. “Stag Strut was good this year because the seniors were more involved in planning,” Bridges said. “It’s more special because you finally realize it’s your senior year, and it all hits you at once.” I MEGAN BALL

STRUTTING ALONG

Senior Ame senior year, and it all hits you at once.” I PHOTO CREDITS

Writing Lab

STRUTTING ALONG

Senior Amelia Bridges enjoys her final Stag Strut. “Stag

new teachers

Now that the new faculty have settled into their roles, did you know...

Cliff Erwin

Advanced VIdeo Production Fun Fact: Speaks German

Movie: Gladiator

Jake Klausner

Geometry, Algebra 2 Fun Fact: Graduated from Miege in 2015

Movie: Star Wars

Jerry Neal

Fact: Has six kids

Brittani Richardson Family and Consumer Sciences, Interior Design

Fact: Graduated from Miege, ‘08

health tips

Valerie Jamison

Rescource Teacher

Fact: Graduted from Miege, ‘98

Staying healthy in the fall is particularly important as the weather cools and indoor gatherings and events increase, which can lead to the spread of influenza and colds. According to school nurse, Malisa McEachen, maintaining your health in the fall is crucial for your overall well-being and mental health. When fighting off sicknesses and your immune system is overworking and causes a lack of sleep. Which also causes your mental health to decrease. By prioritizing your health, you can enjoy the fall activities and celebrate fall festivities in the cooler weather. By Sophia Hart 1. Don’t share water bottles. 2. Listen to your body. 3. Don’t touch your face. 4. Wash your hands. 5. Exercise in moderation. 6. Spend time outside 7. Prioritize your sleep. 8. Give yourself patience to get better and manage activities. 9. Cover when you cough. 10. Advocate for yourself.

Christopher Bergida

Mustan

Movie: Jane Eyre

walkin’ and rollin’

by Franny Philgreen staff writer

When junior Rita Baca first learned about Walkin’ & Rollin’s mission as a freshman in 2023, it opened her eyes. Making costumes for children who are bound to wheel chairs called to her… an activity that combined her love of creativity, engineering and compassion checked all her boxes for involvement in an extra curricular activity. This year marks her third year participating.

The annual Walkin’ and Rollin’ costume reveal party was held on Oct. 18. Baca and a team of Stags helped 5-yearold participant, Alicia, develop, design, build and show off her Halloween costume, a “Doc McStuffin’s” ambulance.

According to walkinrollin.org, Walkin’ & Rollin’ Costumes hosts workshops in the fall to invite volunteers to work on multiple wheelchair costumes for kids. In conjunction with the Pedrotti Project studio opening at Miege, students including Baca have participated each year.

This year, students in the program chose Alicia, a young girl in the community reliant on wheelchair for her mobility. Since the project kicked off in September, students have volunteered their time in the project studio before and after school to build a Doc McStuffins-themed costume, her favorite cartoon.

final checks

Before going on stage, the team makes final adjustments and modifications to the costume.

| PAUL OLSON

wheels of joy

Dressed up as Doc McStuffins, Alicia recieves her new costume based on the ambulance from the show. Alicia and her family were filled with with bounds of joy and grattitude for the community. | PAUL OLSON

Connor Droege said. “When we first met her, she brought in this Doc McStuffin’s toy of the actual ambulance.”

“(When she first saw the costume) she just kept wanting to touch everything,” Baca said. “I was very happy to see her mom, I felt like she was very moved by what we’re doing, especially because this is for her daughter.”

“I could tell that she was definitely really excited,” sophomore

Even with the challenges faced, including limited team numbers, it was all worth it for the volunteers. Baca and Droege both were excited to see the look on Alicia’s face when she saw the final costume.

“Alicia’s face lit up, and she started jumping up and down, so excited to see her costume,” Droege said.

safety tips with Officer Gregg

We’re already three months into the school year. Are you making safe choices?

Staying safe in high school is about being aware, prepared and responsible. From protecting your personal gear to staying alert in on the road and in the parking lot, these top 5 safety tips from school resource officer Gregg Schiffelbein will help you make smart choices every day:

1. Lock your vehicle door

Locking your vehicle door can give you and your car a sense of security. A locked car ensures a better chance for no break-ins.

2. Know your surroundings, especially at night

Always make sure you check your surroundings in any setting, but especially at night. You don’t know who could be waiting for you to lower your guard.

3. Don’t have valuable objects in plain sight

Having valuable objects in plain sight makes your car an easier target for theft and break-ins. This brings back to the first tip, lock your door.

4. Pay attention to speed limits

Speed limits ensure safety to pedestrians but also yourself. Driving at high speeds is dangerous for anyone around or with you.

Don’t text and drive

Texting and driving can lead to getting pulled over, hurting yourself or hurting other people. Don’t drive distracted.

by Franny Philgreen, staff writer

a stage for new beginnings

Seniors Seize the Spotlight in ‘Mamma Mia!’

by Hailey Hodge writer

The energy at the theater department’s production of ‘Mamma Mia!’, Oct. 15-18, was electric—not just because of the pulse from ABBA’s iconic soundtrack, but because of the group of 9 new seniors who chose to make their final curtain call also their debut on the high school stage.

Senior Brady Beaver, who lead the charge of the rookie actors, as the lead role of Sky (fiance of Sophie), had never set foot on stage prior to this production.

“Mrs.Fitz(Simmons) has been wanting me to participate in the musical since I was a freshman,” Beaver said. “I’d always considered it, but never really thought I was going to do it until senior year.”

He’s not alone. Driven by a “last-chance” mentality and the pull of friends, seniors like Jayden Contreras (Pepper) also took the leap.

“I just wanted to try something new,” Contreras said. “A lot of my friends were

making an entrance

doing it, so I might as well try.”

For the veteran members of the theater community, the influx of new faces was a welcome surprise.

“I was really excited to see all of the seniors auditioning,” senior Sophia Nguyen (Donna) said. “It made me really happy because then everybody could be a part of something that I love.”

Junior Issac Frenzel (Eddie) shared the sentiment, noting the positive atmosphere they brought.

“I like when people join their senior year because they don’t worry about being judged… they’re just there to have fun,” Frenzel said.

That fun, however, came with a steep learning curve. For Beaver, the biggest challenge was the art of performance itself.

“The hardest part, for sure, is just overacting,” Beaver said. “It feels really weird and awkward at first, but once you get into it, it’s fun.”

For Contreras, the test was in the choreography.

“The hardest part was probably the dancing, because I’m not the strongest

dancer,” Contreras said. “We had a lot of really good teachers to help me.”

That spirit of support defined the production. Experienced actors helped guide the new actors rather than get frustrated.

“I just want to be their friend so that they know it’s a friendly environment, a place where they can relax,” Frenzel said.

Nguyen echoed this approach, focusing on camaraderie over formal guidance.

“It’s less about helping them and more about just being next to them to do it together,” Nguyen said.

Amidst the hard work, the new seniors found joy in the connections they made. For Beaver, he had the most fun hanging out with his friends on stage.

“It makes me wish I would have done the musical the past few years,” Beaver said. “But it’s definitely special, the relationships I’ve gotten with these people.”

Contreras enjoyed making people laugh, and sharing the stage with friends and family. He performed alongside his younger sister, sophomore Maiya (ensemble) for the first time.

passionately singing

jumping for joy

Junior Issac Frenzel (Eddie) escorts senior Beatrix Preu (Lisa) down the aisle during the wedding scene in ‘Mamma Mia!’. “There are so many eager young people bringing the energy, and it’s making the show really fun to be a part of,” Frenzel said.

| PAUL OLSON

Senior Jayden Contreras (Pepper) puts some humor into his walk down the aisle during ‘Mamma Mia!’. “I think that one of the main reasons why I wanted to do it is to make people laugh,” Contreras said. | PAUL OLSON

Senior Sophia Nguyen encapsulates raw emotion in her role as Donna during “Mamma Mia!’. “This was one of Donna’s first vulnerable moments in the show,” Nguyen said. “And I really wanted the audience to get to know her that way.”

| PAUL OLSON

Hail Mary, Full of Grace our lady of lourdes grotto

Teacher shares journey to Lourdes

by Emma Lonergan staff writer

As the bus drove through the winding streets of Lourdes, France, framed by the background of mountains, french teacher Leigh-Ann Haggerty, her husband Chris, and their two sons, Alex and Nicholas, arrived at the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto. The grotto has long served as a pilgrimage destination for people who are searching for healing.

“When we pulled up, all of the students who were there volunteering were standing in front singing,” Haggerty said. “Like a Sound of Music moment.”

The Haggerty’s went to Lourdes in search of hope in closure after Chris was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

“They have given him six months to live, (just being there) was hope,” Haggerty said.

Leigh-Ann who has served Miege for 5 years, teaching French I to VI, is a devout Catholic with a very strong faith, and said that trip to Lourdes helped significantly strengthen her and her family’s faith. She noted that the sheer amount of people present at the Grotto was mind-blowing. Everyone there were all tied together by their faith and struck her in a way she didn’t expect.

to go to Lourdes,” Haggerty told students and faculty during the all-school assembly in the gym.

Haggerty brought back a small vile of water along with small rocks from Lourdes to add to the Grotto. These items were brought back by Haggerty to give students a small piece of Lourdes.

“I love Miege and all the students and I want them all to have a little piece of (my family’s experience),” Haggerty said.

Inspired to spread the wonders of Lourdes, Haggerty announced that she would lead a service trip for students to Lourdes in 2026.

“I think that this service trip sounds like a really awesome opportunity,” french student and sophmore Rosemary Holm said. “(I like that ) it’s focused on helping people and being connected to your faith.”

Dedication Plaque

Commemorates the date in which the grotto was dedicated and the benefactors that made it possible, including: the Dunn Family, JE Dunn Construction, and HTK Architects.

“Bubbler” Fountain

“They all say the Hail Mary in their own languages,” Haggerty said. “For me what was very profound was this showed me that Catholicism is the universal church.”

A reference to the spring of water that came from the Grotto in Lourdes after Mary appeared to St. Bernadette. The sound of running water creates a prayerful atmosphere.

This trip had such a huge impact on the Haggerty family that Leigh-Ann was asked to speak at the dedication of the grotto at Miege on Sept 9.

“It definitely was a moving experience

driven

French teacher Leigh-Ann Haggerty shares her experince going to the grotto in Lourdes, France during the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto dedication ceremony on Sept. 9. Haggerty shared a family experience with students and faculty before inviting students on a Lourdes service trip in 2026. | Emma Lonergan

9 Special Candles

9 perpetually lit candles: one for each Herd and a Miege “Power M” for all those in our community.

grotto dedicated

About the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto

Location

The grotto is located along a popular walking/driving route, near the circle drive on the south side of the campus, so that the outside community can be reminded of Mary’s intercession within their lives.

Dedication

Archbishop Shawn McKnight helped dedicate the grotto during the dedication ceremony on Sept. 9, blessing the student body, faculty and staff on the momentuous occasion. Altar servers, choir members, Herd Executives and more helped out to make this ceremony special.

Split Ceremony

Due to rain, the ceremony was held in two locations: the outside grotto location (with special guests including the Dunn family, a few members of Miege administration and herd council), and in the gym (with remainder of student body and faculty.) Teachers passed a microphone saying special Hail Mary’s for different intentions.

Mary

The statue of Mother Mary mirrors similar ones found in grottos all over the world, paying homage to the BMHS grotto’s roots.

St. Bernadette Statue

The Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to a young woman named Bernadette Soubirous 18 times in 1858.

The Grotto of Massabielle

Lourdes, France

The Grotto of Massabielle, or the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, gained historical significance in 1858, when St. Bernadette had a vision of the Virign Mary. People began visiting the grotto, located in Lourdes, France, after this. It is known for its miraculous healing that can sometimes occur there when people visit and drink from the water at its spring.

Source: lourdes-france.org/en/the-grotto-of-the-apparitions-at-massabielle/

Mary’s Grotto

Source: benedictine.edu/faith-life/grotto/story Atchison, KS

Benedictine College built Mary’s Grotto in 2008 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of two 1858 events: the appearance of Our Lady in Lourdes, France, and the founding of Benedictine College.

Located on the University of Notre Dame campus, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes is one-seventh the size of the famed French shrine. Visiting the site on one of his many trips to his native country, Notre Dame founder Father Edward Sorin vowed to reproduce it on the campus of his new university.

Source: tour.nd.edu/locations/grotto-of-our-lady-of-lourdes/

Infographic designed by Elise Oblepias

fall drink review

Swig Introduces 4 New Autumn Classics

by Megan Ball and Kayla Lueckenotto staffers

Imagine getting a differet drink flavor every day of the week. Now factor in the fall, pumpkin spice and the newest drink spot in Mission, KS. You get Swig. According to swigdrinks.com, Swig specializes in “dirty sodas.”

A Dirty Soda is a signature Swig creation that combines your favorite soda with a customized mix of flavors, fresh fruits, purees and creams. It’s not Dirty Soda if it’s not from Swig. This

Spice Spice Baby

Dr Pepper, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Pumpkin Pie Sauce, Half & Half, Cinnamon Stick

MEGAN BALL: The “Spice Spice Baby” is a refreshing yet cozy fall drink. The light fizz of Dr Pepper mixes perfectly with the pumpkin flavor, making it a great choice for a fall drink, sweet, spicy and super smooth. Perfect for those who wanna try something new and festive but still wanna keep it light and bubbly.

Megan: Kayla:

Spice Queen

Blended Coke, Pumpkin Spice, Pumpkin Pie Sauce, Pumpkin Spice Cream, Pumpkin drizzle

MEGAN BALL: The “Spice Queen” is a great drink when you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, tastes just like fall in a cup, like liquid cinnamon, sweet, spicy and warm. Perfect for fall lovers craving a cozy kick, but a little intense for daily sipping.

Megan: Kayla:

chain, based in Utah, blew up on the internet with a variety of influencers drinking and promoting the chain. In the KC area, there are also locations at Blue Springs, Lee Summit, Mission and Overland Park. After several delays, thier new store finally opened in Mission, KS last June.

This fall, Swig introduced new fall flavors, adding to their robust menu. These drinks find stiff competition with other fan favorite chains’ fall drinks, such as Starbucks, Dutch Bros. and Dunkin’.

We decided to give Spice Spice Baby, Dr. Spice, Spice Queen and Pumpkin Please a try and let you know what we think. Our thoughts are below.

Dr Spice

Dr Pepper, Cinnamon, Coconut, Cinnamon Stick, Half & Half

KAYLA LUECKENOTTO: This drink I expected not to be the best, but it surprised me. The combo of cinnamon and coconut was surprisingly not that bad, because the flavor is not too strong or overpowering. It kinda grew on me, and I wouldn’t mind getting it again if I went back.

Megan: Kayla:

Pumpkin Please

Frozen Hot Chocolate, Cinnamon, Pumpkin Spice, Pumpkin Pie Sauce, Pumpkin Spice Cream, Whipped Cream, Pumpkin Drizzle

KAYLA LUECKENOTTO: The “Pumpkin Please” is the perfect cold fall drink for when you are craving a hot chocolate, but it is not quite so cold out yet. The pumpkin pie flavors mixed with the nostalgic hot chocolate flavor make a perfect fall sweet treat. Overall, this was the favorite out of the four drinks.

Megan: Kayla:

the summer it got messy

by Mary Thompson Editor-in-Chief

The Summer I Turned Pretty’s (TSITP) final season released over the course of nine weeks, with its final episode releasing on Sept. 17. TSITP took the world by storm since its debut season in 2022, sparking a rivalry between the two romantic interest teams. The long-awaited season finale brought the drama to a head, giving fans a long-awaited romantic conclusion that also sparked intense debate.

“

I’m team Conrad because he has always loved Belly and was always protecting her.

Senior Luke Allen

have you seen The Summer I Turned Pretty?

“

I just wanted it to be longer and to see more development, especially in her time in Paris.

“

Senior Jayla McClinton

“

“ “

I’m team Jere Bear because he’s openly shown he loves someone, which is pretty cool.

have you seen The Summer I Turned Pretty? team Jeremiah or Conrad? did Season 3 live up to your expectations?

did Season 3 live up to your expectations?

Senior Luke Nelson

team Jeremiah or Conrad? did Season 3 live up to your expectations? have you seen The Summer I Turned Pretty?

team Jeremiah or Conrad?

setting up their future

Volleyball standouts commit a year early

by Emma Lonergan staff writer

Volleyball players, Oliva Stevens and Maryn Dean, have both officially committed to D1 schools this year as juniors in high school. Having experienced success on and off the court during high school, led to the news. Both made varsity for three consecutive years, and have won state each year.

“I was surprised, and never expected I would commit North Carolina A&T,” Dean said. “It’s far from home, but its more comforting knowing Liv and I would be close.”

While Dean committed to NCA&T, Stevens committed to Elon University, who had a rush of feeling come over her when she found out.

“My initial reaction was I was just happy and excited,” Stevens said.

Since the girls have played for a number of year, committing as a

junior came as no surprise. Their volleyball careers span years, having played most of their lives, separately on school teams and together on the MAVS, a club volleyball team. Over the years, both club and school volleyball have resulted in them forming a very close bond.

“I’ve played with Liv so long and absolutely love getting to play and spend time with her,” Dean said.

Coincidentally, both girls will be going away to NCA&T and Elon are minutes

“It’s very exciting to go to college in the same state as Maryn,” Stevens said. “Knowing that I will have someone that I know and am close with is a big stress relief.”

In addition to playing volleyball, Stevens will study criminal psychology. Stevens independently decided to go to Elon, knowing that this college would be the place for her. At the rest of her time here, she plans on running for herd exec and

“I feel good going to Elon, but also

know that I still have work to do but definitely proud that I’m getting seen,” Stevens said.

Dean committed to North Carolina A&T Augus where she will study nursing.

“I loved the city and with me being already a very independent person,” Dean said.

The girls are thrilled to be given this opportunity to go to college together, and are grateful for the opportunities given to them by the school and the support from their coaches and teammates.

“I absolutely love the school and the small family-like environment,” Dean said.

football looks to make ‘state’ment

on the run

by Paul Olson staff photographer

As the varsity football team took the field for the last time during the last regular season game on Oct. 24, sophomore and varsity quarterback Khilan Allen took a moment to reflect on a season of anguish and opportunity. Having started the season as third string quarterback, he never imagined finishing the season as the starter.

Throughout a turbulent season, injuries plagued the team. From a broken collar bone to a torn ACL, backup quarterbacks were kept busy.

Even though Allen endured some hardships himself on the field, he and original starting quarterback, junior Landon Cole, who broke his collar bone during the first game, expressed confidence that the team has bounced back and is ready for a deep playoff

bracket run, and possibly a state championship.

“Going through the whole process of surgery and recovery really makes you realize how special everything is,” Cole said. “It has made me more ready for every game going forward, especially when it gets to playoff time.”

Allen and Cole have not been alone in playing games where the “next man up” mentality came into play. In the game against Saint Thomas Aquinas alone, the role of quarterback was played by three separate team members: sophomores John Watskey and Will Scaletty, and junior Micheal Blount.

“We have faced a lot of injuries this year, especially at the quarterback position, so being able to step in and take snaps as the wildcat quarterback is a dream come true,” Blount said.

“We are a hard team to stop, but with everyone healthy I think a state championship is in our future,” Blount said.

Sophomore Khilan Allen plays in his second full game as Varsity quarterback. After junior Landon Cole was injured in the first game of the season, Allen filled his place. “I got thrown into the game, you know, it was new to me. So I’m, learning a lot of stuff.”

I PAUL OLSON

I PHOTOS BY HAILEY HODGE

HOCO 2025

putting on a show

Homecoming Queen

Jayla McClinton twirls across the gym floor with Victor Axel during introductions of the homecoming court.

“My grandma won homecoming queen when she was in high school, so I felt really happy when I won too.” McClinton said. “My favorite part of homecoming was dancing for the last time during senior year and not caring what people think.”

By Norah Murtha

heat of the moment

Homecoming King

Eugene Brown grins in the center of a mosh pit. “I was happy to see everybody all dressed up,” Brown said. “My favorite part about the night was the dance circle.”

By Paul Olson

sweets and smiles

quite

the stunt

Perrini Exec Beatrix Peru entertains the crowd with her Homecoming Court handshake by being lifted in the air by Eugene Brown. “I felt fearless and confident in that moment,” Peru said. “After lots of practice Eugene was able to lift me and we had such a great routine.”

By Norah Murtha

honored

After being nominated for Homecoming Court senior Kathryn Nicely laughs with Mateo Gajewski as she walks across the gym floor during the assembly on Oct. 10. “I was shocked but excited to find out I was nominated,” Nicely said. “I felt really honored that my classmates thought of me as somebody for that position.”

By Norah Murtha

Martina Exec Mateo Gajewski makes cotton candy for all the kids at the Homecoming Bonfire on Oct. 9. “I really enjoyed teaching Liv Stevens how to make the cotton candy and bringing smiles to all the kids faces,” Gajewski said. By Norah Murtha

we’ve got spirit

STRUTTING ALONG

target locked

Junior Maiya Contreras throws a pass to her teammate during the flag football game aginst Olathe East on Sept. 20. The girls flag football team kicked off it’s inaugural season in September.

“I liked learning the vocabulary of football and experiencing the ins and outs of this new game,” Contreras said.

| HAILEY HODGE

touchdown triumph

Football coach John Holmes celebrates with sophomore Khilan Allen after scoring the first touchdown of the season against Blue Valley SouthWest on Sept. 12. “I tend to get a little excited on touchdowns, but we had a new quarterback who made a nice throw on the play so I was extra happy,” Holmes said.

| NORAH MURTHA

powering over the net

Junior Samantha Schleicher skillfully sends her serve over during the Volleyball Slam against St. Teresa’s Academy on Aug. 30. “I was really just focusing on getting my serve over, getting back to play, and winning the game.”

Schleicher said. By Megan Ball

sporty stags

ready, set, serve

Senior Kierstin Moore finds her form before sending her serve over the net at the Marysville Tennis Regionals match on Oct. 10. “I feel both sad and happy that this is my last season,” Moore said. “It’s so fun to look back on every year, but not being able to play with my teammates anymore makes me sad.”

| PAUL OLSON

mega flex

After scoring a touchdown against Blue Valley West on Sept. 19, junior Michael Blount celebrates with teammate junior Zach Mohlman. Blount has played football with Mohlman since Kindergarten. “Everyday is like a new adventure with these guys who I love being around,” Blount said. “We have a great brotherhood.”

| PAUL OLSON

for the record books

Varsity captain Wyatt Garr rushes down the field during the game against Blue Valley NorthWest on Oct. 14. Garr broke the alltime Bishop Miege scoring record of fifty six with sixty goals. “This is a big goal I’ve had since before the season started,” Garr said. “When I broke the record I felt so happy and a big sense of relief. Working hard outside of practice is what makes the real difference.”

| PAUL OLSON

get to know Fr. Andrew

he’s back!

by Kayla Lueckenotto staff writer, photographer

When he graduated from high school in 2000, Fr. Andrew Strobl never imagined that he would return 25 years later to his alma mater as the school’s chaplain. Now that he’s living a full-circle moment, he answered a few questions about being back, running into teachers he had when he was a student, like debate teacher Melissa Reynolds and what it was like to relive his high school years:

Q. How does it feel to be back at Miege in this community? It feels awesome, and like a good fit. I love Miege and being back here.

Q. What is a favorite memory you have from your time as a student? Competing on the debate team and the forensics team, but my sophomore year, I was part of the first state championship that we won in debate. We had a lot of fun, and the team was awesome.

Q. What is one thing you miss about the high school experience? I guess it would be all the chances to get to know your classmates better. I wish I had taken more advantage of that.

Q. What is something you hoped would still be around?

I remember the french fries being really good.

Q. What is your favorite place at Miege?

Right now, it is the chapel.

Q. What advice would you give to future and current students at Miege? Take advantage of all the opportunities here. There’s never going to be a time in your life where you’re gathered together with this many people that you get to experience a common mission with, because once you graduate, your pool of people in your life, just shrinks in college and then it shrinks again when you’re out of college, so just take advantage of all that Miege has to offer.

staff picks halloween candy edition

What’s your favorite Halloween candy? Do you love or despise candy corn, taffy chews or wax lips? Are you a chocolate fan, or do you prefer fruit flavors? Whether you still trick-or-treat, go to a party, or just chill at home watching scary movies, the Miegian staff recommends the following be at the top of your list:

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Snickers

“I like the different textures and mix of sweet and salty.”

-Megan Ball, photographer

Mike and Ike

“They’re super sweet and really good overall, and there are lots of fun colors.”

-Sophia Hart, social media

“Peanut butter and chocolate is the best combination.”

-Emma Lonergan, writer

Kit Kat

“The milk chocolate is really good plus the crunch of the wafer inside.”

-Kayla Lueckenotto, photographer

Fr. Andrew Strobl addresses faculty and students during an all school mass homily. Fr. Andrew, class of 2000 returns to his alma mater to be the chaplain. I Paul Olson

Preferred by: Megan B., Mary T., Norah M., Hailey H.

Preferred by: Emma L., Jack G., Paul O.

Preferred by: Kayla L., Elise O., Franny P.

Preferred by: Sophia H.