Congrats Class of 2026! ,
THE DART
Table of Contents
4-5 Photo Essay: Spring Events
6-7 Student Stats and Current Events
8-9 News: New Plaza and Town Center Business, World Cup
10-11 STA News
12-13 Features: Greek Life
14-15 Features: Met Gala 2026
16-17 Features:: Lake State Vacations
18-19 Last Look: Best Bag for. . .
20-23 Centerspread : What seniors will miss the most about STA
24-27 Class of 2026: Senior Columns
28-29 Class of 2026 : Colledge athletes
30-31 Class of 2026: Academy Women
32-33 Class of 2026: Val/Sal and Officers
34-37 Class of 2026: Sibling Farewells
38-39 Class of 2026: Sentimental Skirts and Shirts
40 Staff and Editorial Policies
DEAR READER,
Hello loyal fans and distinguished critics, and welcome to a very exciting grand finale of TheDart2025-2026. What better way to celebrate our last issue than with a 40page magazine: the newspaper’s first in STA history!
Between printer problems and difficult deadlines, Everyone has grown through many setbacks, and we are so proud of our staff.
To Anna, Birdie, Joelle, Katherine, Teagan, Rue and Siena, our stellar sophomores: Thank you for your willingness to take on any project we throw your way. Your dedication is admirable and your talent remarkable. The contributions you all make to TheDartis inspiring, especially as first-years, and we cannot wait to watch you guys flourish.
Anna and Marcella: thank you for your enthusiasm. Your desire to help with any task (sorting old newspapers with Mrs. Hirner, for example) does not go unnoticed. Next year, we know you guys will continue to improve the paper and assist in all of The Dart’sadventures.
To our fellow seniors, Wynnie, Lauren, Jo and Paloma: it has been such a pleasure to learn and grow beside you guys. We have come so far! As our time at STA comes to a close and we spread out to six different states, we will remember all the important lessons we learned from each other. Don’t be a stranger. Special mention to our girl Odelia (if you know you know), who is attending NYU next fall.
Julia, Addi and Kennedi: congratulations on being next year’s Editors-in-Chief of The Dart.You have big shoes to fill because we are awesome (JK). We are so excited to see where you take our beloved paper--you will do amazing things!
And to you, our reader, thank you for everything; for bearing with our spelling errors and sometimes untimely news. Thank you for embracing the beauty of journalism, and reading our stories and viewing our designs that we pour our heart and soul into. Happy Summer Stars, and thank you for a great 2025-2026 school year!
Today is the day! Class Day has arrived, and our amazing seniors are leaving the nest, beginning our journey as your new Editors-In-Chief of TheDart. We are so excited to lead TheDartthrough our last year at STA. We are following in the footsteps of two incredible EICs, Stella and Cassie, who are the backbone of this year’s five issues, especially our final, record-breaking 40 page issue celebrating the Class of 2026.
To get started, spring on over to pages 4 and 5 for Jo’s final Photo Essay, this time presenting some of STA’s favorite springtime events. Next, put your headphones in, get your tickets out and head on over to pages 6 and 7, where Teagan and Julia highlight students’ favorite summer songs and upcoming concerts in KC.
On pages 8 and 9, Anna S. gives all the details on incoming trendy stores that everyone should be looking out for and Callie brings the news on the World Cup this summer. Then, head on over to pages 10 and 11, focusing on upcoming changes at STA. Katherine writes about all things skorts and Addi tells all about the new computer science requirements.
Look out, seniors! Anna M. is on pages 12-13 to tell you all about Greek Life and how you can continue the sisterhood in college. Next, on page, 14 Cassie takes a sentimental look at the class of 2026. Let out your inner fashion critic on page 15 where Marcella reports on the Met Gala from its deep history to this year’s looks. Does summer make anyone else think of the lake? Siena will make sure it does now. On page 16, she features the history of lake vacationing, a common summer pastime in the Midwest. Next up, Capstones are a long-standing tradition at STA, and on page 17, Kennedi is here to reveal all the details on advice and highlights surrounding these important student projects.
On pages 18 and 19, Birdie gives us the perfect bag for whatever you may be doing. Seniors, see pages 20-39, dedicated to the amazing class of 2026! We will highlight your memories, our DartStaff seniors, future college athletes, awards, sibling farewells and sentimental traditions. Happy summer, Stars! See you next year!
SENIOR SNAPSHOTS
As the class of 2026’s time at STA comes to an end, students partake in many traditions. Take a look at some scenes from the Senior Fashion Show, Prom and Senior Sunrise.
Senior Fashion Show Photos by Claire Solis
Prom Photos by Jane Dunn
Senior Sunrise Photo by Julia Fisher
At the conclusion of the Senior Fashion Show on April 26, seniors parade towards M&A, dancng to Miley Cyrus’s “Party in the USA.”
Seniors Laila Rollie and Savanna Love hip bump during their runway walk at the Senior Fashion Show on April 26.
Senior Margot Stuckey signs the shirt of a classmate at Senior Sunrise on April 29.
Students gather on the dance floor at Prom on April 10.
Seniors Ashlyn Haverty and Mallory Williams model for Alaskan Fur at the Senior Fashion Show on April 26.
student stats SUMMER SONGS
You can’t go into summer without an amazing playlist! STA students recommended their summer faves for the sunny season.
“Brazil” by Declan McKenna - Junior Katy Carter
“Springsteen” by Eric Church - Senior Francie Brewster
“Walking on a Dream” by Empire of the Sun - Freshman Zoey Petet-Snyder
“Lush Life” by Zara Larsson - Sophomore Audrey Kingston
“Ribs” by Lorde - Senior Margot Stuckey
Story by: Julia Schwaller | Design Editor and Teagan Carnahan | Staff Writer
The DART | Current Events | Designed by Julia Schwaller
current events UPCOMING CONCERTS
Story by: Julia Schwaller | Design Editor
Whether you are North or South, Kansas or Missouri, there is a summer concert for you!
AZURA AMPHITHEATER
Country Stampede 2026 (Treaty Oak Revival, Zach Top, Rascal Flatts and more) - June 25-27
KAUFFMAN STADIUM
Post Malone - July 15, 7:30 P.M.
MORTON AMPHITHEATER
Kesha - June 3, 7:00 P.M.
RÜFÜS DU SOL - June 10, 7:30 P.M.
Meghan Trainor - June 22, 6:30 P.M.
Luke Bryan - July 9, 7:00 P.M.
Empire of the Sun - August 16, 7:30 P.M.
CABLE DAHMER ARENA
Louis Tomlinson - July 2, 7:00 P.M.
T-MOBILE CENTER
Don Toliver - June 17, 7:30 P.M.
Forrest Frank - July 24, 7:00 P.M.
Megan Moroney - August 16, 7:00 P.M.
Welcoming New
Waves of Retail
New stores open in The Plaza and Town Center.
Story by Anna Salinardi | Assistant Social Media Editor
As Kansas City continues to grow, popular stores are moving into the KC metro area. Those stores include of Alo Yoga, Love Shack Fancy and Solid Core. This is reflective of the growing popularity for high-end fashion and wellness stores.
Alo Yoga is a name known for its high quality yoga clothes and focuses its brand around wellness. They sell clothes, accessories and products and as of now, there are 70 stores across the US with two Kansas City locations coming soon. There will be a store opening in the spring of this year at The Plaza and the other at Town Center.
Love Shack Fancy features very feminine clothing and has 24 stores throughout the US. A location opened on The Plaza on March 20. Love Shack Fancy is known for dresses, skirts and prints and patterns using florals and pastels
Solid Core is the most expansive store out of the three, with over 160 locations ranging across the US. It’s known for its high-intensity workouts using Pilates machines and will open sometime this spring in Town Center.
All three are very popular, especially in the demographic of teens to young adults.
“I love the entire brand of Alo; it’s perfect for activewear,” senior Lydia Anielak said. “ I’m super excited that we are getting two locations; it’s going to be awesome business The Plaza and Town Center.”
Students who score purchases at Alo might find an opportunity to put them to use at workout classes at Solid Core.
“ I will definitely be trying a workout there once it opens,” junior Carly Lewellen said. “I love going to workout classes and have heard amazing things about Solid Core classes.”
From those looking for less athletic fashion and fun dresses, Love Shack Fancy will be a big draw.
“I haven’t got the chance to go to Love Shack Fancy yet but I’m definitely going to soon; I want to see all the dresses they have--they’re always so cute,” sophomore Kate Sobba said.
These stores are also expected to help elevate the shopping experiences in Kansas City with the substantial increase of people coming due to the FIFA World Cup this summer. But having these shopping options here are also a long-term win for KC residents.
“These are all three really popular and well-known places, so it’s super cool that Kansas City gets the opportunity to have them now, too,” junior Parker Seltman said.B
ON THE PITCH
What is KC going to look like
this
summer while hosting the World Cup games?
Story by Callahan Weber | Staff Writer
Starting June 11th, the international FIFA soccer World Cup will begin. This will mark the 22nd quadrennial event on a global scale. It is one of the most viewed and anticipated sporting events of all time.
While Americans have a tendency to lean towards American football, it’s more common internationally to have a greater soccer (or football, as called in other countries) fanbase, especially in South America. That’s why it’s such a great honor this year for the U.S to host 78 matches out of the 104 across four cities, one of which is--of course--Kansas City.
Kansas City will be the host of six matches, including a qualifier game held in Arrowhead Stadium. On top of this already very exciting event for KC, the first match in Arrowhead will feature Argentina, the biggest global soccer super power. There have also been circulating rumors that Lionel Messi, one of the greatest soccer players of all time, may be making a comeback for team Argentina.
Along with matches being held in KC, we will also be the host for training for four countries: England, Algeria, the Netherlands and Argentina. Metro area leaders believe the World Cup events will have a significant impact on the area. The city has shown up and shown out for its visitors. Meadowbrook Park will be used for training for the English team and the whole Meadowbrook Hotel will be shut down to accommodate them. There will also be practice scrimmages hosted in the KC Current stadium for the Netherlands team.
This past year, the metropolitan area has been dedicated to preparing for the World Cup visitors with expanding the metro system, cleaning up some infrastructure, fixing roads, adding new stores and attractions and highlighting some of our best local spots for the crowds on the way. The Plaza especially has brought plenty of new stores and restaurants to bring foot traffic. (See page 8 for more news on new stores here and some coming soon.)
Even if you are not going to see any of the games, there are so many fun things to do in KC to celebrate the World Cup. This past year, KC opened its first women’s sports bar downtown, The Dub KC, highlighting women’s games, hosting fun events surrounding women’s sports and encouraging people to become even more invested in the world of female athletics. This summer the bar will be showing games from the World Cup and hosting watch parties to celebrate the events.
Another more affordable option for people unable to attend any of the games is the KC Fan Fest, which will be hosted at the World War I Museum from June 11th to July 11th. The month-long celebration will feature local stores, restaurants and sellers to connect with the Kansas City soccer scene and its devoted fans. With free access, it is expected to host thousands over the course of the summer and will bring a great amount ot publicity to our city.B
GAME DAYS IN KC
Story by Katherine Campbell | Staff Writer
The Story
New skort policy to be rolled out starting with members of the St. Teresa’s Class of 2030
One of the first things many students envision when they think of St. Teresa’s Academy is the classic plaid skirts. Past Academy women have spoken about the symbolism of sisterhood within the skirts, and how the pleats and pattern make them feel more connected to their classmates.
Earlier this year, the STA Administration announced that the Class of 2030 and beyond will be required to wear skorts instead of classic skirts for their uniforms, a significant evolution.
The following quote was taken from an email sent out to all STA parents from administration on February 25:
“The pilot [skort] was initiated in response to ongoing conversations about dress code consistency and a desire to provide a comfortable, practical choice for our students.”
For decades, St. Teresa’s students have been required to wear uniforms. The attire displayed in the Windmoor cases from the early 1960’s and 70’s show how the skirt and uniform have evolved to reflect changes in culture and fashion.
For example, both of these displays feature saddle shoes, which have historically been associated with school uniforms. Because of this, during the 1950’s, they became a popular fashion staple for teenagers. Today’s STA students, however, wear much more casual, comfortable and individualized footwear. Likewise, students in general have more freedom with jewelry, piercings and hair color following conversations and debates around self-expression and a growing desire for inclusion.
Although the new skorts are a significant shift, they really are just another form of the same uniform students have to come to know and love for years.
“At first I thought the skort was interesting,” STA alumna and math teacher Isabel Burnett said. “But when I saw them in the Star Shop, I thought they were actually really cute. I think since [the skirt and the skort] are the same pattern, it doesn’t affect the distinctive look that’s unique to St. Teresa’s. The plaid is just something you see in public and know that person goes to STA.” B
Photos courtesy of Megan Schaefer
Uniform from 1962
Graphics by Julia Schwaller | Design Editor
Coming Soon : Computer Science and Digital Portfolios
Looking ahead at new opportunities for STA students
Did you know that over 92% of jobs require digital skills, according to a recent study by the National Skills Coalition?
Beginning with the Class of 2029, students will be required to take one semester of Computer Science at STA. After research and reflection done by administration, this course requirement was implemented with students' futures in mind. Computer Science is important as technology advances, so it is imperative that students develop these skills. To fit this course in students' schedules, they are no longer required to take a semester of Physical Education.
Mandi Sonnenberg, director of STEAM projects and education at STA, identifies key reasons for requiring Computer Science:
• Workforce Readiness & Career Opportunities: As technology becomes ubiquitous, CS education offers skills necessary for high-demand careers in software engineering, data analysis and cybersecurity, as well as roles requiring tech literacy in other fields.
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: CS curriculum teaches students to break down complex issues into manageable components, promoting a growth mindset and “logical thinking” that applies to any career or life challenge.
• Digital Literacy and Ethical Responsibility: Students learn not only to consume technology but to create it, while understanding responsible online behavior, digital citizenship and the implications of artificial intelligence.
• Closing Opportunity Gaps: Mandatory CS ensures all students—regardless of background—have access to foundational tech skills, promoting equity in technology-focused fields.
• Increased Engagement and Achievement: Studies show CS education can boost performance in other subjects and increase the likelihood of students enrolling in college.
Story by Addison Moylan | Staff Writer
In addition to the new Computer Science requirement, STA is now allowing all students to create a digital portfolio. Previously, students in certain programs such as STEM/STEAM had the ability to create a digital portfolio. Students start building their portfolio in science class of freshman year and continue to add content through their senior year.
What exactly is a digital portfolio?
“A living journey (similar to a resume) with their yearly experiences ranging from courses, clubs, extracurricular and service activities to specific interests that an individual student participates in over the year,” Sonnenberg said. “Many times students forget all the service and activities they participate in along the way and it becomes challenging when they start thinking about college and filling out applications.”
The portfolio is a way to keep students’ involvement at STA documented and organized. B
letters,legacy & sisterhood
Does the Sisterhood Stick?
Feature by Anna Mudd | Staff Writer
When starting the transition from high school to college, an important consideration for many students is whether or not they want to rush or participate in a sorority or fraternity.
Sororities or fraternities are social organizations on college campuses, often named by Greek letters, made to create lifelong bonds through sisterhood or brotherhood.
Some major aspects associated with Greek life are academic achievement, community service (also known as “philanthropy”) leadership development and social networking. Members within these organizations participate in recruitment, formal events, philanthropic service and many other activities.
To get into a sorority, one will need to participate in the rush process. which is several days long and depending on the college or university, this process takes place in the fall before classes start or in the spring. The word “rush” refers to the selection process or recruitment of potential new members as they visit different sorority chapters to find the best fit. There are several rounds, which usually include Open House, Philanthropy, Sisterhood and Preference.
Open House is designated to get first impressions of each chapter and to hopefully help perspective students meet all or most sororities on campus. This round is casual and usually just contains tours, short conversations and discusses the basic information of each house.
Philanthropy is round two of the recruitment process. On this day, sororities focus on informing people about their community service efforts. It is still a casual event but there are more in-depth conversations about values and charity work.
The third round, Sisterhood Day, is for understanding bonds and personal experiences within each chapter. This day is more formal and dressier; the conversations are focused on social life, including sisterhood events.
Preference Round, or the last round, is the final step that is usually held with the selected one or two houses a potential new member visits. This day is very formal and contains serious, intimate ceremonies which can often be emotional.
Sororities and Greek life differ depending on which university students attend. At STA, a significant amount of girls each year go to either the University of Kansas or the University of Missouri. Both of these universities feature sizeable Greek life involvement.
2025 STA alumna Molly Kate January is a Pi Beta Phi at the University of Missouri and shares the rush experience that she went through last fall.
“ My rush experience was a 10/10,” January said. “While it is intimidating, at the end of the day, rush is a week-long process of meaningful conversations and finding a place that you feel comfortable and happy in.”
January goes on to discuss advice she would give to those preparing to rush.
“If I could give myself advice before starting rush, I would say to focus on who I am, not what I could be,” January said. “You must pick a house you feel most yourself in, because that house holds your home and sisters for the rest of your life.”
Caroline Emerson, who is also a 2025 STA alumna, is currently a Gamma Phi Beta at the University of Kansas.
“My recruitment experience was a 10/10 because it was extremely fulfilling and I gained a lot from it,” Emerson said. “Before starting rush I would just say to not compare your rush experience to anyone else because it is true that you end up where you are meant to be.”
But rush is only the beginning of the sorority experience. Both Emerson and January emphasize the sisterhood aspect of Greek Life.
“In my sorority, there is a strong sense of sisterhood,” Emerson said. “You always have support and someone to rely on and I feel that it is very similar to the sisterhood at STA, where we are encouraged to share our voices.”
January also compares the sorority sisterhood to the STA sisterhood.
“I feel sisterhood every day here,” January said. “In college, you can feel like such a small fish in a big pond. However, seeing a girl wearing Pi Phi merch on the way to class, eating lunch at the house with my sisters or attending chapter every Monday brings connection and bonds to my everyday life. In comparison to STA’s sisterhood, I would say it feels the same. While everyone is different and unique, girls still bond under their love for each other and know they will always have a support system behind them.” B
legacy letter:
Q and A w/Alumna
Amy Aldrich, STA Class of 1997
Q: Where did you attend college and what sorority were you in?
A: “I went to the University of MissouriColumbia, and was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha - Zeta for short.”
Q: What is the most important takeaway you would share about sorority life?
A: “The biggest takeaway about sorority life is that it gives you a built-in community of support. There are so many ways to get involved on campus, but sorority life offers this really unique mix of sisterhood and leadership opportunities. it makes a big university feel smaller, and you’re surrounded by people who want to see you grow and succeed.”
Q: Overall, how would you describe your experience with Greek life?
A: “Overall, Greek life reminded me a lot of going to St. Teresa’s — the same sense of sisterhood, shared traditions, and a community that felt instantly familiar. It was really fun, and it helped make a large university feel a little smaller. The friendships and support echoed what I’d experienced before, and just like in high school, only women held all of the leadership positions, creating a strong environment of female empowerment.”
Amy Aldrich, Class of 1997
SENIOR season
As the Class of 2026 spreads out across 30+ states and 60+ institutions in two countries, take a moment to reminisce on all the times
we’ve shared together.
Story by Cassie Hallier | Editor-in-Chief
If you could hit replay on the last four years, it wouldn’t be one big moment. It would be a thousand small ones: a handful of color thrown in the air, a shushing from a teacher for laughing just a bit too loud in church, giddy smiles as we slide our rings on for the first time: these moments are all connected, just as our class will be forever.
As our proximity changes from four different buildings to 30+ different states and two different countries, the unity of our class will never fade. The Class of 2026 is built on sisterhood and support, and whether it be the use of a skirt to wipe tears or a thousand minutes being patiently mentored by a peer in the Math Hub, the kindness and happiness found in the halls of 5600 Main St will never be forgotten, and those halls will always be home.
The Class of 2026 has come so far from the timid freshman roaming the halls on orientation day. We’ve grown and changed, tried and failed, persevered and flourished. How lucky are we to have spent four years in the most special place in the world? We’ve banded together to struggle with accountability stamps, missing fobs, many Microsoft updates and a new pen or two.
Look at the hands in the picture above; every single pair is different: nails, fingerprints, shape and size. However, every single right hand has a STA crest fitted snuggly on the ring finger. “Deo Adjuvante Non Timendum,” it reads. “With the help of God, we need not fear.” As we leave this most special place, we need not fear, as our backs will always be had by our STA sisters. Though it is “so hard with my girls not around me,” “just call on me [sister] when you need a hand,” because don’t we all need somebody to lean on?
CANVAS FASHION ON fashion on canvas
Where art meets the iconic culture and history of The Met Gala
Story by Marcella Buckley | Assistant Social Media Editor
The Met Gala is an annual fundraising benefit for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City, held on the first Monday of May.
According to Vogue College of Fashion, the Met Gala is often called “fashion’s biggest night out” and one of the most-watched fashion events in the world. The Met Gala fundraiser was founded in 1948 by fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert. The original reason for the fundraiser was to “support the newly established Costume Institute and champion fashion.” Over the years, this iconic event has grown from a small charity dinner into a huge event attracting many from all over the world.
Many celebrities attend The Met Gala as a mark of influence, to celebrate fashion and support the arts and values that they stand for. However, it is not only important for the dazzling celebrities that appear, but the event also connects to fashion, art and entertainment. This event is so noteworthy because it combines charity and creativity, allowing those who are invited to celebrate art and design.
Each year, the Met Gala has themes “to coincide with the annual spring exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute.” According to “Vogue,” this guarantees that the designers and celebrities are imaginative and have the creativity to serve every year. This also ensures that every year, every outfit is different and unique.
It is not just fun for those who are attending this glamorous event, but also for those who are watching.
“Some of my and my mom’s favorite looks were definitely Blake Lively’s in 2022, and another great outfit were Kendall and Kylie Jenner went together in 2019,” junior Maddie Mohart said. “I would say Zendaya and Blake Lively always have good outfits; they never disappoint.”B
However, under all of this glamour is often some scandal: this year, Jeff Bezos is the hot topic. In November of 2025, Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, were named lead sponsors of the 2026 Met Gala, but were accused of “trying to buy their way into high society and politics,” according to Yahoo Entertainment.
In the prior weeks leading up to this event, an anti-Bezos campaign had blown up on New York’s streets, subways and on social media, describing the Met Gala as “Amazon Prime Gala” or “Bezos Ball.” Then, on the Sunday before the long-awaited event, an anti-billionaire group projected video interviews with Amazon workers onto the Empire State Building as well as the Bezos’s penthouse, showcasing the unfair treatment of Amazon workers. “If you can buy the Met Gala, you can pay more taxes,” one of the protesting message proclaimed.
Consequently, many celebrities boycotted going to the Met Gala, such as supermodel Bella Hadid, Taraji P. Henson and mayor Zohran Mamdani, who broke tradition this year by becoming the first mayor in New York City to not attend the Met Gala since 2002. US Senator Elizabeth Warren stated, “If Jeff Bezos can drop $10 million to sponsor the Met Gala, he can afford to pay his fair share in taxes.”
Through all of the chaos of the Met Gala, it still remains a prestigious event that hundreds attend, and millions watch.
“It’s a tradition with my mom: we love to watch it and rate everyone’s outfits,” Mohart said. “It’s so funny to look back on all the other years we have watched it because I used to dress up as a fun tradition!”
Life on the Lake:
Popular Lake States YOU should visit...
Lake vacationing has been a part of U.S. culture since the late 19th century and has spread to Midwestern states, one of the most prominent being Missouri.
Story by Siena Logan| Staff Writer
Ozarks, George, Okoboji, Truman, Table Rock, and Erie: these are some of the most popular lakes in the U.S. and great spots for summer vacationing. Becoming more of a part of Midwestern culture in the late 19th century, lake vacationing first started including destination spots like Lake George in the New York Adirondacks and Lake Michigan bordering Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.
In Missouri, popular lakes include Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock, Truman Lake and Lotawana, and span over 54,000 miles of coves, canals and caves. Lake of the Ozarks is considered one of Missouri’s largest man-made lakes.
The show “Ozark” also helped to increase tourism after the pilot episode in 2017. Although it was mainly filmed in Georgia, “the Ozark effect” took place after the thriller initially began to gain popularity.
Fun fact about Lake of the Ozarks: there are actually remnants of underwater cities in the lake such as Old Linn Creek, Old Gladstone and Osage Iron Works (Irontown). While most buildings were abandoned and demolished before the making of the Ozarks, some ruins of buildings, roads and even gravesites still remain in the lake.
In Iowa, Okoboji sits on the eastern shore of West Okoboji Lake with a population of 969 during weekdays and over 120,000 on weekends. Being a natural body of water and a part of the Iowa Great Lakes, Lake Okoboji has been a part of human history for centuries, being home to the Santee, or Dakota Sioux. Fun tourist sites around Okoboji Lake include Arnolds Park Amusement Park and The Barefoot Bar, which are great spots to find live music and fun outdoor activities.
Camp Foster, located on the coast of West Okoboji Lake, is a popular kids camp that focuses on inclusivity and spiritual health through Christian-based morals. The camp includes a number of water sports including canoeing, kayaking and paddle-boarding,
along with the challenge of “sugar cookie” during the Foster Fling, where a team of two has to jump into the lake and roll in the sand, imitating a sugar cookie. Camp Foster focuses its time on teaching campers the importance of respecting nature and heavily shows the importance of Okoboji Lake.
Table Rock Lake, located in southern Missouri and part of northern Arkansas, is a manmade lake home to over 32,000 people. Table Rock features over 800 miles of shoreline and is the deepest lake in Missouri, with its deepest point reaching 220 feet. Table Rock Lake attracts millions of visitors every year with the addition of the city of Branson, which is a popular tourist site nearby. Also located nearby is Silver Dollar City, a popular amusement park with the theme of 1880’s Ozark mountain life. While Table Rock is mainly known for the city of Branson, it is also famous for its bass fishing and clear waters.
Other popular in Missouri include Lake Lotawana, Lake Longview, Lake Truman, Smithville Lake and Blue Springs Lake. While they aren’t as large, they still are hotspots for many water activities such as sailing, windsurfing, boating and fishing.
Whether it’s tubing with friends, tanning on boat docks or waiting for homemade hamburgers to be ready while your hair is still dripping lake water, life at the lake can bring an abundance of memories that live through the “fail” videos, photos and stories shared by those who experience it. B
THAT
HOW TO CAPTURE Capstone
Capstones, presented last month on April 28, are a major landmark and milestone for STA Seniors.
Story by Kennedi Fritz| News Editor
Whether you’re a freshman hearing about Capstones for the very first time, or a senior who has spent countless hours perfecting their topic and research for the presentation, Capstones represent a semester of academic preparation and effort.
The projects, which are required in all senior English classes, begin with a student-generated topic and involve research, interviewing, an academic paper and a presentation. Seniors presented these Capstone projects on April 28.
In a recent interview, AP English literature and college composition teacher Sarah Taber discussed the process and purpose of Capstone.
Q: What is Capstone?
A: Capstone is a self-driven, independent research project in which students choose a topic to write an essential question about and plan their curriculum for the semester. They choose a book to read, research sources, people to speak to and other field work so that they can answer their essential question in the best possible way. It involves taking the essential question and looking at it through different lenses, like a creative lens, then presenting their findings to the greater STA community in April.
Q: Why is it important for students?
A: I think it is important for students on a lot of levels. First, It’s kind of like this culminating experience for them after all their secondary school. They take all the things they’ve learned in multiple classes and experiences and are able to have a lot of choice in the project. As they are heading off to college, I love it because they develop independence and learn to manage their time, problem-solve and do things like meet experts in the community or go observe meetings.
Q: What skills do students develop while working on the project?
A: They are developing not only writing and research skills but also communication skills that will help them in college, the workplace and other relationships. I feel like the Capstone project hits on so many skill sets.
Q: From a teacher’s perspective, what does a good Capstone look like?
A: If I can tell a student is really curious, engaged, interested and passionate about what they are researching like going after the best resources and making inferences from their reading. It’s not a passive project; it’s very much an active project, if it means going to hear a speaker at the library or going to meetings to interact with from the community to get the best information. From my perspective, It all starts with choosing something you are really interested in and going after the very best sources to research it.
We have a minimum of seven sources, which most students more than double, a lot of them triple. One of them needs to be a book, whether it’s fiction, a memoir or a journalistic approach. They have to look at one academic study, so that they’re getting what other researchers are doing on the topic. Then, they have to interview an expert in the field. A lot of times that’s a person working in business or academia or maybe written on the topic. They also consider all the stakeholders. Who are all the stakeholders, and do I need to read from their perspective or interview them to understand my topic?
Q : What is something you have noticed that students can improve on when they present, research or write their Capstones?
One thing we’ve been trying to improve throughout the years of Capstone at STA is adding more storytelling to the Capstone presentation. My students do a lot of great research with finding facts, statistics, data and looking at studies, but that can come across as sterile to an audience that doesn’t have a lot of context or background. So, making it more human in case studies and giving human examples in stories can bring the research to life. The other thing is engaging the audience. How is it applicable to you? In what ways have you experienced my topic? What can I have my audience members do that can help them apply or engage with my topic?B
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The DART | Last Look | Designed by Birdie Clune
DRAY DAYS
FRIENDS
“I am going to miss my community. Being with my friends for four years has formed such strong bonds and now I am both leaving with and leaving my best friends.”
Vivian Lawhead
STA Loved
FREE S TRADITIONS
What will our seniors miss most about STA?
Story by Cassie Hallier | Editor-in-Chief and Lauren Rando | Design Editor
Adventures with Jocelyn
LSENIOR SEATING CAMPUS MINISTRY
“One of the many things I will miss about STA, is the safety and comfort I feel here. Never in my life have I had a space where I feel I can always be myself, whether I’m happy, sad, angry or in any other emotion I would consider vulnerable. Every interaction I have here reminds me I can always be myself and I hope that I carry this feeling with me for the rest of my life.”
Penelope Lofland-De La Paz
ADVISORY
“I am going to miss the people who make up STA the most. Seeing my friends in the quad between classes, knowing everybody in my classes, and being able to truly be myself everyday. The sisterhood is so strong and I will miss it so much!”
Sophia Gaarder
SPO RTS SISTERHOOD
CHO I R
“I will miss the bonds I have with all my classmates. No matter how close you are with someone STA is such a welcoming environment and community, and I feel like I could talk with anyone in my grade.”
Laney
Alcock
A S S
THE Q U A D STAR SHOP TEACHERS
“I will miss being surrounded by wonderful, educated and talented women that i get to call my sisters!!”
Maura Fahey
For as long as I can remember, I've had a crippling fear of being average. From the moment I could formulate a thought, I knew that I wanted to be someone remarkable. I've dreamt of being an actress, a singer, a Pulitzer prize winner and an Olympic athlete. My imagination runs wild with the potential plotlines of my life: where I could live, what I might do, who I might know. These daydreams have never ended in mediocracy, because for my entire life I've expected nothing but the best from myself.
In the pursuit of being extraordinary, I am well experienced in feeling out candidates for what will be my "thing." I've tried almost every sport one can in Kansas City: soccer, basketball, softball, volleyball, track, cheer, fencing and rowing. I've also tried my hand at creative pursuits, like pottery, theatre, choir, photography and painting. I began every one of these activities for the first time with another grandiose idea of what it would look like when I made it to the big leagues. On the strip, I could see myself fencing legends like Tímea Nagy and Britta Heidemann. I'd imitate the styles of Van Gogh and Monet with my paintbrush, pondering how much my pieces would auction off for one day.
In my daydreaming, however, I've been carrying the seeds of my own destruction. My desire to become the best at everything I do has in turn made me the thing I fear most: average. At least, most people assume I feel that way. And - for a while - I did feel average. I was ashamed of the fact that I never stuck with anything, and I was upset that I had yet to become truly great at something. Recently, however, my perspective shifted.
My senior superlative is "jack of all trades." I was talking to my friend about this, expressing my frustration with being
defined by my inability to master anything. She told me to google the full quote, so I did. It reads: "A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one." The complete idiom praises generalists, suggesting that versatility and a broader skillset are more valuable than having a singular specialization.
In reflecting on this, I realized that I have mastered something: adaptability. I am open-minded, creative and flexible. I never back down from a challenge, and I don't feel uncomfortable being out of my depth. I think that I have an ability to give my love and attention incredibly liberally, because every one of my fleeting fixations was, at one point, my passion.
Being a "jack of all trades" has given me something incredible, and that is the potential to do more. I have no idea what I'll be doing in the next weeks, months, or even years. To me, that is incredibly exciting. I found that my new goal in life is to experience as much of it as I can, which has given me a new crippling fear: not experiencing my life to the fullest. Ironically, this likely means that while my mindset is brand new, nothing about my behavior will really change. B
Jack-of-All-Trades
A reflection on redefining success and learning to value range over perfection.
Thank you to M301 I
n the spring of 2022, a timid eighth-grader sat down in the STA gym and selected journalism as her first choice elective, with the ultimate goal of being on The Dart. She wanted to prepare for her future as a journalist, work hard in class and on the paper, and maybe even ultimately be Editor-in-Chief. It never crossed her mind that the decision to join STA's journalism program --the mere check of a box on PowerSchool--would ultimately bring her some of her best friends.
Coming to STA was a hard transition for me: I knew next to no one and next to nothing about what to expect. I was excited for a lot, though, but mostly…for journalism.
My freshman year journalism table consisted of four unfamiliar faces, girls that were total strangers to me. However, with every new AP style rule learned, a chunk of ice was broken. Quickly, those 40 minutes of 4th period became the best part of my day. We could not be kept quiet (no matter how many times Mrs. Hirner shushed us), and a bad morning could be instantly cured by stepping foot into M301.
The last weeks of journalism were a sad affair, splitting our group apart: two of us to newspaper and one to yearbook. I knew the faces at my treasured table would change, but all of me hoped that my feelings towards journalism would not.
Stepping foot into M301 on the first day of sophomore year was equivalent to stepping off a long flight home. I settled into a new seat, accompanied by three new faces and one familiar one. As the newbies on staff, we kept quiet, diligently doing our work, scared to break out of our shells.
In the fall of that year, I, along with one other sophomore, Jo, embarked on a weekend journey to Boston for the NSPA conference. As the only underclassmen to go on the trip, we were nervous about being left out or pushed off during the trip, but these anxieties were calmed as soon as we arrived at the airport. We quickly bonded with the upperclassmen from both The Dart and The Teresian staff, and still reference a sea of inside jokes (I wonder how Skipper and Lisbon are doing?) to this day.
Sometime after the conference, there was a shift. What was once hushed conversation among our table of sophomores became shouted questions across the room. Stories that were once written quickly in class became homework because class periods were spent hearing about the juniors' new rings and helping the seniors search for Prom dresses. Third period went from just another class to something that was anxiously anticipated by each member of our little circle.
The end of our first year on staff was sad, but it came with the exciting promise of a promotion to real roles. Lauren and I embarked on our journey as design editors junior year, and the start of a new cycle meant picking color palettes, assigning pages and churning our graphics. The title gave me what I had always craved from journalism: a feeling of accomplishment.
Column by Jo Marshall | Photography Editor
The DART |Columns | Designed by Wynnie Sprague
What started as an elective became the place and the people I will miss most.
Column by Cassie Hallier | Editor-in-Chief
As Lauren and I took this in stride, our fellow juniors, Jo, Stella and Wynnie began to thrive in their positions as well. We were exactly where we were meant to be. As NSPA rolled around again, Wynnie, Jo, Stella and I were excited to travel to Philadelphia. The promise of shopping, eating good food and learning from the best of the best journalists left nothing to be desired. The group of girls on the trip was smaller than the previous year, and ultimately led to the formation of even tighter bonds.
With the addition of new sophomores in the class that year, alongside the seniors we had grown so close with the previous year, the 2024-2025 Dart staff felt unstoppable…but everything good thing must come to an end.
March brought EIC interviews, which meant the members of my little group were all fighting for the same thing. As we each anticipated our EIC interview time in the College Counseling office with Mrs. Hirner, Chloe, Becca and Molly, we tried a million ways to brainstorm how we could all share the title and had a new proposition for Mrs. Hirner every class.
Stella and I proudly stepped into our seats as Co-Editors-in-Chief, knowing that the shoes we had to fill were big, but the support we had by our sides was unmatched.
Wynnie, Jo, Stella and Lauren are truly the best group of girls I could ever share my journey through journalism with, and just when we thought it couldn't get better, Paloma took the empty seat at our table.
The six of us took senior year by storm, working in tandem with staffers both new and old. With Star Shop trips and floor time galore (sorry, Mrs. Hirner!), seventh period remains the best time of my day. They say the third time's the charm, and so one more trip didn't hurt. Jo, Lauren, Wynnie and I took off for Nashville, accompanied by our peers from both The Dart and The Teresian yet again. I can without a doubt say that the bonds and friendships I formed and grew in Music City (or the suburbs of it at least…) are some I will value forever.
There was a day in March where Julia was on aux, as she always is, and I requested that she play the song "Landslide." I had been in a sentimental mood that week, and as cliché as it sounds, listening to those familiar words and looking around the room at the faces of all The Dart staffers made me realize that it was moments like these that I would without a doubt miss about STA.
Journalism gave me my Dart girls, and though we know which is better, it gave me my yearbook girls too. These girls taught me the value of hard work and collaboration. They taught me to always say yes, but also to not take on more than I can carry. (Though I know that if I do someone will be there to help me with my load.)
If I could go back, I would choose STA journalism over and over again. B
There are only two hours between 3:15 and 10:30 p.m..
At least, when I add in driving home from school, taking a shower, eating dinner, making a practice plan, playing piano, taking breaks and doing homework. The math always disappoints me, but there they are: the two hours of piano practice I can fit into my evening on my free days.
I have never really thought about balance before this year. I have always operated under the impression that my life is an open bucket to which I can continually add new pursuits: guitar, friends, writing, violin, choir. It wasn’t until I began to practice for college auditions that I realized that my investments are also tradeoffs; each decision was a rejection of the infinity of options I did not take. There I was in August, indecisive about whether I should begin practicing at the beginning or end of a song, or if math should take precedence over piano. There were so many limitations that made worrying easy. Colleges set deadlines for prescreen videos, then essays, then auditions, then scholarships. My family set a 9:30 p.m. curfew for my playing–admittedly, more for their sanity than mine. I demanded from myself two hours on weekdays and three hours on weekends. Why I picked these numbers is difficult to say; it must have seemed to me an appropriate commitment from a disciplined musician. If I came even 10 minutes short from these quantities, I would fall asleep slightly sick with the impression of having missed something vital.
I read a beautiful poem a few months ago by Fernando Pessoa, translated from Portuguese. He writes, “The best life is the life / lived out unmeasured.” Today, I think about how I used checklists and schedules to exhaustion. I think about how
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I pushed myself to get into reputable music programs; I have proven to myself that I can do the hard thing, yet still do not know where it left me. I am uncomfortable with the moments after competitions, where there is no urgency to immediately begin practicing again.
Time: my rarest and paradoxically most unavoidable asset. There was no perfect practice routine. There was simply the one that I decided to do. It might not have mattered, day to day, which end of the song I started at. I do not regret the hours I spent teaching myself to be better because in them I have grown to find solace in being alone. Perhaps balance truly is a perfectible ratio; perhaps it is simply when you feel that you have done enough.
But even if just to try it, I’d like to live out my life unmeasured. Pessoa writes in the same poem, “The hour in which we live is just as alive / as we are”. The future is a funny tunnel; for all my anxiety of what might happen throughout it, one day I will look back and see that exactly one path took me inevitably forward. In whatever lies ahead for me, I hope to appreciate the small victory of playing 10 fewer minutes of piano. Such frustrations only occur on account of my life being so wonderfully full.
BOn Time
The quiet pressure of trying to do enough
Column by Paloma Greim | Staff Writer
Hi, everyone! This is the first time and last time I will be writing a “story” this entire year just in case anyone was wondering. It is literally so crazy to think that this is my last issue of Dart ever. This class has easily been one of the best parts of STA for me, full of so many memories and laughs. My favorite part of Dart though, is the people. I love every single girl in this class with my whole heart and feel so lucky to have met them. All of them have made this class so special and my favorite time of day, so I’m dedicating my column to them
First, to all of my senior girls: I can’t imagine STA without seventh period, and I am so happy to call all of you some of my best friends. Stella: my day one! You are the perfect EIC and my girl for life. I can’t wait to see all of the insanely amazing things you will do at Notre Dame (Go, Irish) and I will miss basketball morning practices with you. Paloma: The one and only senior staff writer.You’re easily the best writer I know and I’m going to miss our table convos with your homemade coffee so much. Jo: My favorite photographer! I will never get tired of hearing the story of how you crashed into your garage. I know Creighton is going to be amazing and will miss you tons! Winifred: One of the things I’m most grateful for is that STA brought me you! Ever since freshman year English, I knew you were going to be one of my favorite friends. The highlight of my entire three years on Dart was our “Rizz Over Romance” story. Love you always, Fred, and can’t wait to come to Mich to see you. Cassie: I am so incredibly grateful for Dart bringing us together, and can’t imagine life before we were friends. I don’t know what I’m going to do without our daily floor time and Star Shop runs. The separation anxiety is going to be insane, but war eagle!
Addi: Thank goodness I have a class with you this year! I will never not be laughing when we’re together, and I don’t know how I’m going to leave you. You are going to be an amazing EIC, but you’ll always be a junior staff writer to me. Anna S.: I love how off topic we get literally every class, and our weekly debriefs. You are such a great writer (minus the typo) and I can’t wait for you to visit me tons next year Please stop making me cry! Julia: My co-design editor! You are genuinely the best designer I have ever met, and I literally am in awe every time you make a new page. You’re going to be such an amazing EIC next year Marcella: You are one of the sweetest girls I know and I am so happy to have had a class and Kairos with you I’ll miss your hugs most; love you! Kennedi: You are such an amazing part of the Dart staff. You always have the best ideas and I know you are going to thrive as an EIC next year Callie: Even though it’s only your first year on Dart, I’m so so happy to have gotten to know you this year You can literally do it all and always have just the best and most uplifting
attitude.
Anna M.: You are literally such an amazing designer it’s actually crazy! Every single one of your pages have been perfect and just so cute and aesthetic. I can’t wait to see all the even more amazing spreads to come from the new Design Editor Birdie: My other fav designer! I literally can’t get over how good you are at graphics and making every page look straight out of Pinterest. I can’t pick anybody better to pass my title down to! Joelle: Your stories have been some of my favorite this year and you always have the best ideas. You are perfect for this class and I’ll miss unintentionally eavesdropping on you guys every day. Teagan: I am so happy you were on Dart this year! You are so kind and creative, and I’ve loved watching you grow as a designer Katherine: I knew you would be just perfect for Dart ever since our Portrait of a Staffer together! You are so amazing at every task you get and such a great addition to the staff. Rue: You are one of the smartest and sweetest girls I’ve met. You are so hard working and an incredible photographer. Sienna: I always LOVE your pages and you bring such a great presence to class. I’m still so obsessed with your Dancing With the Stars graphic; I’ll never get over it Last but certainly not least, Mrs. Hirner: You have been such a bright spot in my past four years at STA, and I have made so many memories in this class that I will cherish FOREVER. Thank you for always being down to listen to the seniors’ insane debriefs and weekend stories. You are our literal “school mom” and someone I always know I will have in my corner. Thank you for making STA such a special place and creating such an amazing environment that I will never take for granted! Love you always and I will miss Dart more than anything! B
Love You Mean It
A look back at the people and moments that defined my time on The Dart.
Column by Lauren Rando | Design Editor
Little Women at Sta
Using Little Women to reflect on how each year of high school shaped who I’ve become.
Column by Stella Baska | Editor-in-Chief
When Greta Gerwig’s Little Women released in 2019, I was in middle school and slightly obsessed. I probably saw it three times in theaters. There was something so charming and relatable about the March sisters, Jo, Beth, Amy and Meg.
Throughout high school, I have realized that each year of my schooling has been perfectly represented by the sisters of Little Women. This phenomenon may be an individual experience, but I am sure many of my STA sisters can relate. After all, Little Women is about finding empowerment and companionship in women during formative times- ideals that STA embraces.
My freshman year was personified by Beth. In Little Women, Beth is the sweet, quiet and musically-inclined sister. She tragically catches scarlet fever fairly early in the story and passes away towards the end.
Based on Beth's storyline, it seems like my freshman year was a downer, which is not exactly true. High school is a huge adjustment for everyone, and coming from a small grade school, I didn’t know how to display my personality. So, like Beth, I mainly kept to myself, focusing on my interests and small support system. Also like Beth, many of my grade school selves “died,” which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I found new interests, while simultaneously losing other parts of my supposed identity.
My sophomore year was represented by Amy, the infamous fiery youngest child in Little Women. She occasionally throws fits and sometimes acts malicious towards her sisters, but she is an integral part of the sisters’ dynamic. Beth and Amy are pretty much complete opposite personalities.
Though there was not a noticeable change between my freshman and sophomore year, it felt like a completely different experience. I was making new friends and discovering how extroverted I was. I learned to speak my mind, but like Amy, was imprudent. Amy’s character longs for more purpose, but is trapped: trapped in youth and trapped as a woman during an oppressive era. My sophomore year I was very expressive, but felt trapped in my own lack of independence. It's notable to express that my favorite sister in Little Women is Amy. I have called myself an
The DART | Columns |
"Amy defender" in midst of all the hate she gets. I believe a lot of people don't like her because she defies a man's expectation of a woman. Women aren't always obedient, and Amy embodies this. My sophomore year, I was learning how to defy stereotypes that were ingrained into me, which Amy represents.
Junior Year was embodied by Jo, which means I encountered a lot of character development. Jo is the main character of Little Women. She is adventurous, rebellious and defiant. She longs to be a writer, and loves her sisters fiercely.
Continuing my extraversion of sophomore year, I made new friends and selected challenging and interesting classes. I became a goal-driven person (thanks STA basketball), and focused heavily on school.
While peaking in focus, I also realized that time at STA is precious. Watching my senior friends graduate caused me to truly appreciate the girls around me like I haven't before. When Beth dies, Jo has this moment of realization too.
Overall, junior year was my "main character moment." I finally learned independence, while still feeling immense love for the people around me.
Throughout high school, I expected senior year to be grand and extremely formative, which would correlate this year to Jo. However, I believe Meg, the oldest March sister, is most identifiable to senior year. Meg is seen as a somewhat vain and simple romantic; she acts in interest of marriage and is a calm and collected role model for her younger sisters. Because she gets married young to John Brooke and settles down early, Jo assumes Meg is inherently more shallow and less ambitious than her. Meg debunks this in the 2019 film, saying, "Just because my dreams are different than yours doesn't mean they're unimportant."
As I approach college, I have realized that everyone has differing ambitions. Longing for complexity can be a waste of time, and acknowledging my own interests (no matter how simple they seem) is necessary to maturity. Meg's simplicity and independence seem most comparable to my time of life right now. At some point she has to leave her sisters and pursue her own life with her husband, like I must pursue my own gifts in college. B
Ms. Weber, you are one of the most understanding teachers I have ever had, and it was always clear how much you wanted each of us to succeed. Walking into your classroom was always refreshing, and I am grateful for your seating chart because it is how I met one of my best friends, Lauren Rando, which made your class even more meaningful to me.
Ms. Toma, thank you for being so patient with me and answering all of my questions during freshman year You taught me how to keep up and grow as a student, and I will miss your smiling face and the mints I took every day (more than I should probably admit)
Ms. Blake, thank you for teaching me how to stay organized and manage my work Your class helped me transition into high school so smoothly, and looking back I am really grateful I had you during such an important time.
Mrs. Harman, thank you for making learning fun, from Fridays freshman year to knowing all the countries in Africa, and for teaching me how to salsa, which has somehow become my favorite party trick and something I will always remember.
Dr. Banister, I am so grateful I had you both my first and last semesters of high school. You helped me grow in my faith and reminded me that there is always more for me to learn and discover about myself and what I believe.
Mrs. Hirner, having you for the past four years has meant so much to me. I will never forget finding out I got into Michigan in your class and seeing your reaction, and I will always cherish my time on The Dart and everything I learned from you.
Kogge, thank you for supporting me through volleyball and helping make my transition into high school so much easier. I do not think I would have made it through that season without you in my corner.
Mr. Hicks, I will never forget the lessons I learned in your class, especially about rejecting the single story You changed the way I think about other people and the importance of showing respect and understanding in every situation.
Mrs. Fisher, thank you for your patience with me first period and for teaching me how to actually study and prepare for tests. I am also grateful for all the little things you let slide, because it definitely helped me more than you know.
Mrs. Rinehart, I had such a great year learning the basics of chemistry with you, and I will always remember how patient you were with our class. You made a difficult subject feel manageable.
Mrs. Henson, thank you for teaching me how to
take an AP class and how to properly study in high school. You pushed me to work harder and helped me realize what I am capable of.
Mr. Burns, thank you for keeping us in check while still making class so fun. I will always remember you singing to our class and how talented you are, and how much energy you brought into the room every day.
Mrs. Knifong, thank you for the conversations and for making me love Taylor Swift again. I will miss being able to come into your room and talk, and the way you always made me feel comfortable.
Ms. Devening, thank you for always helping me when I was confused and encouraging me to ask questions. You made me more confident as a student and reminded me that it is okay to not understand everything right away.
Mrs. Stranz thank you for teaching me how to stay organized and take detailed notes. Your class pushed me to be more disciplined and prepared, which has helped me in so many other classes.
Mr. Mulligan, thank you for always supporting your students and making history something I genuinely enjoyed learning. You made class interesting and created an environment where everyone felt comfortable participating.
Ms. Haroian, thank you for making Spanish something I looked forward to every day. I loved our conversations, and I will definitely continue to be ruidoso in future classes. Adios, and thank you for everything.
Dr. Roark, thank you for your patience and for always making sure we understood what we were doing, even if it took a while. I will also miss the way you brought books to life in class and made them more engaging.
Mrs. Young, thank you for your understanding with my late mornings and for starting class with music that always helped wake me up. It made a bigger difference than you probably realize.
Mrs. Boggess, thank you for helping me through AP Chem and for sharing your real world experience. You made such a hard class feel more approachable, and I learned more than I ever expected.
Mr. Flynn, thank you for making me a more informed citizen and for keeping class engaging and fun. I always appreciated how you connected what we were learning to real life. B
A look back at all the teachers who have shaped me into the person I am today; I am so grateful for all of them!
Column by Wynnie Sprague | Features Editor
COLLEGE COMMITS COLLEGE COMMITS
AUDREY COPPINGER
Albeline Christian University: Soccer
What do you look forward to most about being a collegiate athlete?
“I’m most excited about being part of a team that feels like family. But I also look forward to the challenge of balancing academics and athletics while competing at a high level. I am excited to be pushed out of my comfort zone and see how much I can improve.”
AVA FUGATE
University of South Dakota: Triathalon
How do you handle pressure or adversity?
“I try to stay focused and patient on what I can control. In triathlon especially, not everything will go your way, so being able to reset quickly during the race is super important and adversity motivates me to work harder. “
ALEXIS OLIVARES
What is your go-to hype song or pregame ritual?
“My pre game ritual is more of a superstition. I always put my left sock, then right sock, then left shoe, then right shoe, then left shin guard and right shin guard. I’ve been doing this since I can remember. It’s a superstition that I will get hurt if I don’t do this and now it gives me a little bit of peace of mind.”
Butler Community College: Soccer
LANEY ALCOCK
University of Missouri: Dance
What do you look forward to most about being a collegiate athlete?
“All the new friendships I will make and dancing at games!”
MURIEL GAMBLE
How do you handle pressure or adversity?
“I kind of try to block pressure out. It gets hard at times, but I know that if I work as hard as I can, then it will be fine. That’s all you can do sometimes. You definitely have to focus on what can be controlled. I feel like I play better when my mindset is that I’m trying to prove something. One of my goals for this soccer season was to “be a goldfish.”
Washington University, St. Louis: Soccer
Ten STA seniors are continuing their athletic careers into college. They shared some memories and advice from their time playing so far. We are so proud of you, Stars!
ISLA EGERSETT
What has been the biggest challenge in your athletic career?
“I think struggling to have time for academics and a social life while having SUCH a busy schedule. I’ve learned to be okay to miss out on things because I would rather miss out and do the sport that I love then not be able to do it at all.”
Nyla Tharp
University of Missouri: Dance
Augustana University: Soccer
What is your go-to hype song or pregame ritual?
“I always wear a pink hair tie for games so that my little sister knows which one I am out on the field.”
MAURA FAHEY
What do you look forward to most about being a collegiate athlete?
“My whole life I have done this sport. The opportunity to do it as a team sport is a super exciting, fresh start to the sport I love so much! I can’t wait to be a part of such a great team.”
Oklahoma State: Equestrian
OLIVIA OROSCO
University of Missouri
Kansas City: Soccer
How do you handle pressure or adversity?
“I try and stay focused on what I can control and keeping calm. Adversity helps me to get better and helps push me to grow as an athlete.”
SAMI GOODMAN
What is your go-to hype song or pregame ritual?
“Both my AirPods blasting, chugging two pre workout scoops, and the slap ritual my coach gives me before stepping on the platform.”
Louisiana State University of Shreveport: Olympic Weightlifting
Celebrating Sisterhood : Academy Woman Nominees
At STA, the Academy Woman is the highest honor a student can receive. This honor is awarded to a student who truly lives out her faith in Christ and shows genuine love for her neighbor without distinction.
Seniors Audrey Coppinger, Francie Brewster, and Jocelyn Tovar-Cubias were nominated for Academy Woman, STA’s highest honor. Each nominee reflects what it means to live out the values of faith, kindness and sisterhood that define the STA community. Through their experiences, they share what STA has meant to them and the lessons they will carry beyond high school. This year, Jocelyn was selected as Academy Woman, representing the heart of what it means to be an STA student. Each student spoke about what it means to be nominated for Academy Woman.
“Being nominated for Academy Woman is the greatest honor,” Brewster said. “STA has shaped me into who I am and I just want to give back to the place that has given so much to me. My favorite memories are the small ones, as well as signing “Lean on Me” at all school events and also student sections at STA games! I have learned to not be too hard on yourself, if you can be anything be kind because you never know what anyone is going through and know that you always have sisters to lean on. STA is the greatest blessing in my life. It has gave me relationships and lessons that I will carry with me forever.” “
“Being nominated for Academy is such an honor and means
so much to me,” Tovar-Cubias said. “STA has been my safe space and has helped me become a more confident version of myself. One lesson I will carry with me has to be to love the dear neighbor without distinction, because it reminds me that everyone has their own silent battles. This nomination proves to me that I am becoming the person STA has always taught me to be, and I’m truly blessed for that.”
“Being nominated for Academy Woman means being recognized for the values of leadership, kindness, and sisterhood that I strive to live out everyday,” Coppinger said. “It reminds me that the small ways we support and uplift others truly matter. This nomination represents the joy and community I have found at STA. STA has taught me that growth happens when you challenge yourself and step outside of what feels comfortable. I’ve learned that it’s okay to try new things because that’s where real growth happens. I’ve also learned the importance of supporting others and building each other up because success means more when it’s shared. Most importantly, I’ve learned to appreciate the small moments because those are often the ones that matter the most.” B
Story by Wynnie Sprague | Features Editor
Photo courtesy of STA marketing department
Jocelyn Tovar-Cubias
Audrey Coppinger
Francie Brewster
The DART | Features | Designed by Wynnie Sprague
Mother Evelyn O’Neill Finalists
The Mother Evelyn O’Neill Award honors an STA student who has made a difference in the community or beyond by showing the same qualities Mother Evelyn O’Neill stood for, like strong leadership, service to others, and a commitment to improving education. This year, Maddie Dwyer was recognized as the award’s recipient.
Story by Wynnie Sprague | Features Editor
Senior Lydia Anielak volunteers twice weekly at St. Elizabeth Catholic School, where she mentors the robotics team. At St. Teresa’s Academy, she serves as a math mentor and robotics captain. Through the Stars for Life program, Anielak also visits the Little Sisters of the Poor, organizes service projects, helped collect more than 1,000 diapers for Mothers Refuge and participates in the March for Life.
Senior Drew Kasyjanski is actively involved in advocacy and inclusive community service. Each summer, she volunteers with Camp PALS, partnering one-on-one with individuals with Down syndrome while serving as both an ambassador and leadership team member. She co-founded STA’s B.E.A.M. Club, where she helps raise funds and promote inclusive language. Kasyjanski serves as an admissions intern and choir vice president.
Junior Emma Murray serves as campus captain for The Hidden Opponent, where she leads efforts to raise awareness and support for student mental health. Beyond school, Murray is actively involved at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and works as a Camp WIN counselor with WIN for KC. She also serves on the THRIVE KC Youth Advisory Board, helping amplify youth voices and promote opportunities for women and girls in sports.
Senior Victoria Zaborny is committed to building community both on and off campus. At STA, she is involved in activities that foster connection and meaningful dialogue among students. Outside of school, Zaborny shares her passion for dance by teaching adaptive ballet classes at the Kansas City Ballet School to children with physical and neurological needs.
Senior Elizabeth Breshears recently completed a semester-long internship with Global Ties KC, where she supported citizen diplomacy by organizing programs and connecting with international visitors. At St. Teresa’s Academy, she has served for two years as a Math Hub Mentor and has worked to expand STEM opportunities at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic School.
Senior Maddie Dwyer dedicates her time to service, leadership, and faith-centered initiatives. She volunteers with Mimi’s Pantry 4 Kids, supporting families through creative programming and weekly food distribution. At STA, she leads cross country workouts, volunteers in the front office and serves as president of the Full STEAM Ahead club. Dwyer also co-founded LIFT, a faith-centered club at STA, and has served as a mentor at CSJ Leadership Camp, guiding younger students in faith and service.
Elizabeth Breshears
What was your initial reaction to finding out you were the valedictorian?
I was shocked. I really did not expect it. I was hoping for salutatorian. I definitely did not expect valedictorian because everyone is so smart. I’m always in classes, talking to people like Gabby and Paloma, and I think, ‘You guys made me feel dumb.’
What is your best way to lock in?
I’m actually so bad at locking in so if anyone has any advice, please tell me. I think I just need a space to myself. I’m really bad about doing my homework in my bedroom. I know it’s not good for me to study in there. If I go to the library and go to one of their study pods, I think, ‘Okay, it’s time to work.’
What do you like to spend your time doing outside of school?
I recently just got back into figure skating. That’s a real source of joy for me. What are you most excited for going into college?
[I am most excited about] all the new people I’m going to meet and getting to find out who I am outside of this really safe environment filled with people that I’ve known forever
How has STA shaped you into who you are today?
I think that STA has made me more open to other people. It’s made me friendlier. Coming in as a freshman, I did not talk to anyone. It was really bad, and it made it really hard to make friends. But throughout my four years, STA has taught me that anyone can be a friend, and there’s no reason to see someone else as intimidating or competition or anything like that.
What is your biggest advice to underclassmen?
Just don’t stress too much about it. I think one of my biggest regrets in high school is that I spent so much time focusing on schoolwork. I put everything I had into schoolwork, which is definitely a path to go down, and it has worked out for me, but I wish I had spent more time getting to know people around me.
VAL SAL &
STA’s Valedictorian Elizabeth
Breshears and Salutatorian
Gabby Harlow share a little bit about themselves.
Story by Stella Baska | Editor-In-Chief
Gabby Harlow
What was your initial reaction to finding out you were the Salutatorian?
I was with Ms. McCormick, and I called my mom first. I was excited to hear that I was going to be recognized for all my efforts.
What is your best way to lock in?
I actually need complete silence, like I cannot get work done with music. My favorite place to do homework is actually at my kitchen counter, but only when I’m home alone. If any member of my family is home, even if they’re not in the kitchen, I can’t focus. I also have to be standing. What do you like to spend your time doing outside of school?
I love doing musical theater. I’ve done the musical and play every single year at STA. I also do show choir outside of school. That’s pretty fun. I’ve done choir all four years here. I love singing with all my friends.
What are you most excited for going into college?
I don’t know what I’m excited for. Right now, I’m just kind of living in the moment. How has STA shaped you into who you are today?
STA has shaped me into who I am today because it has really given me confidence. In middle school, I was very shy, and I didn’t talk to anyone. I have felt so safe among all my friends and peers at STA that I’ve become a confident person who isn’t scared to talk in class or anything. What is your biggest advice to underclassmen?
The advice I would give underclassmen is to be grateful for all the moments in the school day that make it fun.
The DART | Class of 2026 | Designed by Stella Baska
OFFICER ADVICE
President: Paloma Greim
“I encourage everyone to challenge themselves often. It is a wonderful thing to make difficult commitments that teach you more about yourself and others.”
Vice President: Gracie Cervantes
“Send everyone a friendly smile and be open to becoming friends with everyone. There is a friend waiting to be made in every room; all you have to do is be yourself. Don’t try to become someone you’re not as there is someone who will appreciate you being uniquely yourself.”
Secretary: Lauren Rando
“STA is such a special place, so never take it for granted. The people and environment here are truly all so amazing, so try to live in the moment every day and just be open to everything. Be a friend to everyone and don’t be scared to just try something you’ve never done.”
Treasurer: Nyla Tharp
“The person sitting next to you in English class could be a bridesmaid at your wedding one day, so be open to new experiences and relationships. Be intentional with how you treat everybody around you because you never know what someone could be going through and a smile or compliment could really make a difference in someone’s life.”
Twenty-One Goodbyes
TheRyans
The Chaneys
TheHartmans
As STA seniors head to college, they leave behind memories with underclassman sisters
Story by Paloma Greim | Staff Writer
At St. Teresa’s Academy, there is much talk about the “sisterhood” and how it connects students to one another. For the class of 2026, this takes on a literal meaning as 21 girls in the graduate group leave their underclassmen siblings to walk the halls without them. As the spring semester closes, many reflect on the sisterly memories that were formative parts of their time here.
Senior Penelope Lofland De-La-Paz is saying goodbye to her sophomore sister Gali. Penelope says that her favorite STA memory with Gali was “getting to see her experience the sisterhood for the first time. It truly changes you and I’ve learned so much about myself over the past four years here, through the friendships I’ve built and all of the traditions we have. I look at my sister and realize how much she’s grown into herself, and I love that she gets to experience all of the same things I did, but in her own unique way that reflects who she is.”
Sharing an educational space is something that brings the Lofland De-La-Paz sisters together. Penelope says, “I also have a class with her this year, which has never ever happened to us before, and that’s so special to experience and see everything she can do.”
Seniors Annie Severns, Sophia Gaarder, Isla Egersett, Paloma Greim, Jo Marshall, Gabby Harlow, Finley Chaney and Anna Ryan are all leaving behind freshman sisters. “My favorite memories are driving to school together every morning, getting to see her in the hallways throughout the day and I also love getting to see her make friends--it’s really sweet,” Annie said.
Annie has imparted useful advice to her sister Ruthie over the course of attending school with her.
“I feel like the biggest advice I’ve tried to pass on to Ruthie is that it is amazing to have friends from all over,” Annie said. “You don’t have to be confined to a certain ‘friend group,’ and high school is so much more fun when you have a lot of friends. I feel like this advice has been really helpful to me throughout high school, so it’s definitely some advice I want to pass down to her.”
Sophia Gaarder says about her freshman sister Lila: “I love yelling for her in the hallways and seeing her in the quad! It’s fun to watch her enter STA as a freshman while I am a senior because everything is so new for her.”
The DART | Class of 2026
Sophia reminisces on their time spent together at school, saying “I am going to miss seeing her in the halls and driving her to and from school every day. I love getting to talk about the things that are happening at STA and I will miss not being a part of it anymore.”
She plans to “FaceTime and text my sister all the time to keep each other updated.”
When asked about the experience of sharing an educational space together, Sophia says that “having a sister at STA is something so special that only so many people get to experience. In the beginning of the year I remember me telling her what to expect, classes to take, and all the fun she will have at STA. As cliche as it sounds, I told her branching out and meeting new people, especially your freshman year, will benefit you so much later on and in the moment. There’s also so many traditions I get to watch her see for the first time, and I love seeing her perspective on traditions that we do. She gets to see and do everything for the first time, while I am used to the fun traditions. As a senior, I’ve realized how much growth a person can have within four years, and I see it as she tells me stories from her day on the way home from school. I’ve seen people grow into their true self and build so much confidence throughout high school and I have enjoyed seeing the start to how much my little sister will do during her time here!”
For sisters Isla and Estelle Egersett, shared hobbies at STA have brought them closer together.
“We are both on the Stargirls dance team, so going to nationals together for the first time was really fun! I think when the dance team ended, it finally hit me that I wasn’t going to be on a team with her next year or even be attending the same school,“ Isla said.
Jo Marshall and Ellie Marshall will part in the coming school year, leaving behind memories made and much time spent together.
Jo said, “I love our rides to and from school; we’ve really bonded and gotten closer this year. I think it is so cool to watch her experience the same things I went through. I am so excited to continue watching her grow. I will definitely miss hanging out with her so much; she is truly one of my favorite people.”
To stay in contact, Jo says that she “will be FaceTiming her and texting her for sure. I’m also not going to college too far away so hopefully she will come visit.”
Gabby and Lexy Harlow, like the Marshall sisters, will also miss their commute to school together.
Gabby said, “I’m going to miss all the time we spend talking to each other on our drive to and from school together. I’ll probably call her every day when she’s driving home from school so we can talk.”
Gabby was glad she set the example for theater involvement for her sister, saying, “Lexy signed up for tech for both the play and musical this year. Because we live pretty far away we got to spend a lot of time hanging out in the nearby area together between school and tech rehearsal.”
Anna Ryan and her sister Theresa (TC) also shared a space within the theater department.
The Greims
The Harlows
The Platts
The Dickemanns
The Webers
Anna said, “I love getting to see her make so many new friends, especially with some of my friends too. It’s also really fun to participate in all of the STA traditions with her as well. I am going to miss her yelling my name in the hallways and our morning car rides (with an occasional stop at Crow’s coffee).”
She will keep in touch “by sending Instagram reels.”
Emmy Weber leaves behind two sisters, Callie and Campbell.
“I’m going to miss spending time with my sisters during my activity periods,” Emmy said. “Whenever I am anxious or having a rough day, they never fail to cheer me up.”
Their shared activities at St. Teresa’s have been memorable and enjoyable.
Emmy said, “my sisters and I were in robotics together and I loved when all three of us went to competitions. I get support from my sisters, who each have their own jobs. It made my robotics experience more memorable.”
One of Emmy’s favorite sisterly memories is “when I spend Activity periods with my sister Callie. It’s the most I laugh in a day so it’s the period I always look forward to the most.”
Emmy says that to stay in contact, “I will visit them very frequently since I am not going to be far away as well as keep them updated on my college life.”
Lila Platt and Lauren Rando say goodbye to their respective sophomore sisters, Estee and Emma.
Lila says she will miss “Being at Teresian together. I will miss driving to school together and seeing her in the hallway. I am going to text and call her all the time.”
Lauren must bid farewell to “getting to drive together every day.”
Lauren enjoys “randomly seeing her in the hallways and hugging her if she doesn’t completely ignore me. I will definitely be Facetiming her all the time when I’m in college for updates!” B
TheSweenys
The Powells
The Randos
The Stuarts
CHEERS SENIOR For Year
The DART | Class of 2026 | Designed by Joelle Bouillette
Signing shirts and painting skirts have been a tradition at St.Teresa’s for many years.To continue the legacy of sisterhood,seniorsarealso encouraged to pass down their skirts to underclassman sisters.
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COVER DESIGN BY
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