The Dart: Vol 74 Issue 6

the St. Teresa’s Academy Kansas City, Missouri

DISCUSSING DIVERSITY FACE-TO-FACE STA diversity initiatives encourage conversations about topics some find uncomfortable FBLA competes in District competition ›› pg. 4 | STA students celebrate Galentine's Day ›› pg. 15| Junior breaks basketball record ›› pg. 26

CONTENTS

the Dart

vol. 74

6 March 2015

issue 6

15

girls night in | Junior Connor Hodes tosses a gummy bear to junior Maggie Knox to catch in her mouth at a sleepover for Galentines Day Feb. 14. photo by AUDREY CARROLL

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discovering diversity | The Cultural Diversity Committee has a panel of teachers and other authorities discuss and answers questions about diversity Feb. 12. photo by MADDY MEDINA

splashin' around | Junior Sophia Prochnow attempts a dive at the STA dive meet Feb. 12. The judges assigned a random dive to be completed for each diver's turn. photo by HELEN WHEATLEY

news

a&e

6 // Giving from the heart

23 // Students pursue theater outside STA

8 // Valedictorian shares tips for school success

24 // Teens should know KC's troubling past

10 // Book of Mormon: hilariously shocking

26 // Diver Sophia Prochnow breaks STA records

15 // Friends share the love on Galentines Day

28 // Profile of Mother Evelyn O'Niell nominees

18 // Admin presents diversity initiatives

30 // What is the most popular name at STA?

star spotlight reviews

features

cover story 2

27

perspectives sports

community last look

From the

Editors

We see it every day walking across the quad. We talk about it in our literature and social studies classes. We consider it integral to the mission of STA. Our diversity is an issue often neglected within the context of our student body. Increasingly, however, the administration is moving to ensure students are educated on what diversity looks like at STA. The Dart wanted to be a part of this conversation.

As staffers discussed planning the issue, it was determined crucial to cover it with objectivity and precision. We wanted to be sure we showed all sides of the story.

The Dart hopes to help educate students about the amazing work our administration is doing to increase diversity. We also wanted to acknowledge the fact that we, as a student body, have our own work to do to increase inclusion here at STA. Coupled with this issue of covering minority students at STA, we also wanted to represent other parts of

STA life that are sometimes lost in the shadows. For example, junior Maureen Whittaker’s story of going to fatherdaughter dance after losing her father or STa friend groups sharing the love on Galentine’s day.

In these moments of covering issues we don’t usually talk about, it become

even more important that we start a conversation about the implications. As always, let us know what you think.

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Staff List

Editors-in-Chief Libby Hyde, Siobhan Miller, Emma Willibey Adviser Brad Lewis

Copy

Print

Opinion Editor Torie Richardson Sports Editor Leigh Campbell Features Editor Mary Hilliard News Editor Anna Bauman

Projects Coordinator MaryMichael Hough Cultural Correspondent Emma Willibey Breaking Local News Editor Meredith Mulhern Graphics Illustrator Mackenzie O’Guin Page Designers Mary Hilliard, Gloria Cowdin, Anna Bauman, Bridget Jones, MaryMichael Hough, Maggie Knox, Maria Donnelly, Mackenzie O’Guin, Christina Elias, Torie Richardson, Amy O’Leary, Siobhan Miller Staff Writers Linden O’Brien-Williams, Alexandria Davis, Alexandra Frisch, Elsa Feigenbaum, Molly Bird, Helen Wheatley, Clare Kenney, Anna Hafner

Photography Web Editor Hannah Bredar Print Editor Jessie Culver Journalism Projects Editor Arinna Hoffine Staff Photographers Lauren Zastrow, Meg Thompson, Maddy Medina, Katherine Mediavilla

Web

Copy Editors Audrey Carroll, Madi Winfield Social Media Manager Katherine Green

Monthly

Question

by MADI WINFIELD and MADDY MEDINA mwinfield17@stastars.org mmedina16@stastars.org

What is one quality on which you get most complimented?

“I'm funny” Senior Lizzy Sanders “My smile" Junior Colleen DeRuyter "I'm very outgoing and crazy" Sophomore Macy Trujilo “'I get compliments a lot that I'm kind of smart” Freshman Camille Goodwin

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Editorial Policies

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DartNewsOnline and the Dart are created by the student newspaper staff and are maintained and published by general operating funds of St. Teresa’s Academy, a Catholic institution sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. DartNewsOnline and the Dart will not publish opinions that contradict the teachings and beliefs of the Catholic church, whether on a diocesan or world-wide level.

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DartNewsOnline and the Dart encourage the community to post comments on the website. Letters to the editors can be sent in the following ways: in person to Brad Lewis in Donnelly room 204; by mail to St. Teresa’s Academy, Attn: Brad Lewis, 5600 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64113; by email to blewis@stteresasacademy.org or to dartpaper@gmail.com. DartNewsOnline and the Dart staff reserve the right to edit or shorten letters for publication.

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Students organize freshman retreat

The annual freshman retreat took place last Friday.

“It was a great opportunity to get to know my classmates and sisters

by ELSA FEIGENBAUM better,” Powell said. “I became friends efeigenbaum17@stastars.org with people I never thought I would be Each year STA holds a student-led friends with.” freshman retreat as an opportunity According to sophomore Anna for the new class to bond and focus Moore, she too enjoyed the retreat. on faith, according to campus ministry She found the activities a great way to director Meredith Snyder. grow closer with her classmates.

Previously run by campus minister “I definitely became closer to girls Joe La Scala, Snyder has taken over the I hadn't known that well during the event. New to the process, she was retreat,” Moore said. “I suggest the contacted by a group of upperclassfreshman really get to know the people men called the Core Team to help her in their small groups.” get started.

Months of planning finally reached These stutheir conclusion Feb. dents were 27, when the retreat It was a great opportuselected last occurred. Though nity to get to know my year for their there were a lot of position on classmates and sisters fun and silly activities the team, and in the retreat, the better.

— Paige Powell, worked to main goal was to sophomore plan everybuild strong friendthing for the ships through serious retreat from reflection, according the activities to Snyder. to the theme. According to Snyder, Senior small group leader Fee Pauthey have “taken a lot of leadership wels said she thought the retreat was a and responsibility” in creating a retreat good bonding experithat will allow girls to get to know each ence for freshmen. other and themselves.

"I had a small group In November, the Core Team sent so I got to learn a lot out applications for positions as group about them," Pauwels leaders or on the utility team. The team said. "It lets [freshmen] that takes care of the logistics is the get to know each other, utility team. This involves the technolespecially when they do Pauwels ogy set up, music, pictures, food and big group stuff, not just more. The small group leaders take small group stuff. They part in the groups of freshmen, leading get to meet a lot of friends and it's a lot group discussions. The interest in these of bonding experiences like games and positions was so large that the retreat stuff." had to double up on the leaders so Snyder believes that it is more everyone could be included. important to build bonds than to just High interest in group leading posileave with a bunch of acquaintances. tions may have stemmed from the “Everyone needs somebody to lean positive experiences at the freshmen on at some point,” Snyder said. “We retreat last year. Sophomore Paige really want to foster those friendships Powell said she loved the retreat, and and that sisterhood between students.” suggests that all the freshmen try to H attend.

“

“

news

FBLA members District results win at Districts Many girls earned honors at FBLA's competition.

Sixteen students will advance to State.

by ALEXANDRA DAVIS adavis17@stastars.org

After being an active extracurricular for less than two school years, 35 members of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) won awards from districts, with 16 members qualifying for State.

Districts was held at the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Liberty Jan. 30 and consisted of a variety of competitive events. The events included multiple choice tests over different aspects of business, different projects such as designing logos for companies or creating business plans, oral presentations and role play scenarios.

FBLA was introduced in the 2013 - 2014 school year as a club by history teacher Alicia Stewart. There were roughly 50 students, with

about 35 students being official members. This year, the number of members has nearly tripled with 128 students participating. Stewart, who also was in an FBLA organization at her college, is proud of all the students who took part in districts.

“I’ve competed in FBLA [and] it’s exciting to win and it’s nerve wracking,” Stewart said. “But I’ve never been so nervous as I was on Friday when they were announcing the winners. I was more nervous and excited for them than I’ve ever been for myself.”

FBLA’s main goal is to promote business education in schools for students. According to the official FBLA website, the Future Business Leaders of America organization is the largest student organization for business in the world, with more than 200,000 members in high school. H

by ALEXANDRA DAVIS adavis17@stastars.org

*State qualifier

Individual: *Kat Mediavilla: 5th Agribusiness and 2nd Securities and Investments

Kiernan O'Boyle Leeny O'Boyle - Meghan Brownlee: 2nd Webstie Design Alex Mullins - Kailey McNett - Alyssa Sietzer: 2nd Digital Design and Promotion

*Meredith Raymer: 2nd Business Calculations

Claire Benge - Reagan Shatto - Meghan Schmidt: 2nd Business Financial Plan

*Gillian Cutter: 4th Health Care Administration

Moira White - Josie Buford: 2nd Business Plan

*Natalie Rose: 1st Health Care Administration and 3rd Personal Finance

*Kay VanAsdale Anna Hafner: 1st Business Presentation

*Isabela Solorio: Introduction to Business Communications

*Torie Richardson Meredith Raymer: 1st Desktop Publishing

Sophia Prochnow: 2nd Job Interview

Sophia Prochnow Grace Kitts: 4th Banking and Financial Systems

Meredith Raymer: 3rd Electronic Career Portfolio Mackenzie O'Guin: 5th Impromptu Speaking *Sarah Schaefer: 1st Public Speaking *Haley Shaw: 5th Business Math *Hallie Ryan: 1st Sales Presentation *Christina Kirk: 1st Digital Video Production

say cheese | FBLA members pose for a photo at the District competition at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Liberty Jan. 30. photo courtesy of ALICIA STEWART

Team:

Michaela Coleman: 2nd Business Ethics

*Christina Kirk Mackenzie O'Guin: 4th Sports and Entertainment Management Kristina Coppinger Eileen Kerrigan - Kellie O'Toole: 4th Hospitality Management Maureen Egan - Zoe Butler: 3rd Management Decision Making *Brogan Caffarelli - Gillian Cutter - Lizy Hagan - Claire Molloy Kat Mediavilla: 1st Parliamentary Procedures

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news

Blood drive produces 45 units of blood

Volunteers and faculty were important factors in the success of the blood drive.

by ALEX FRISCH afrisch17@stastars.org

STA’s annual blood drive was held February 13. With 106 donors signing up to give blood, 45 people were able to donate a unit of blood each, which is about 500 mL. Many students had to be turned away, however, due to problems in health, recent travel or scheduling problems, according to campus minister Meredith Snyder.

“Our recruiter said we could go until 2 o’clock but then the people running the drive said they would need at least an hour and a half to break down all the equipment,” Snyder said. “They had to be out in time to clean the gym for the basketball game, so we had to stop after sixth period.”

According to Snyder, the blood drive went smoothly this year, with few health related problems.

“We had a couple girls who didn't feel very well and we had one girl who had to go home,” Snyder said. “Percentage-wise, compared to the number of people who passed out to the people who had blood drawn it was very small. From what I heard about last year I think it all went pretty smoothly.

My guess is that because of last year people were much more cautious.”

According to Snyder the the drive was especially helped by the many volunteers.

“There were 60 people who volunteered which was great,” Snyder said.

Snyder also said that the staff was a big help with the drive.

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“We had one faculty member per period just to be extra staff support if a girl wasn’t feeling well," Snyder said.

“A lot of girls were late for their next classes, but I didn’t have any complaints from any teachers which was really great for them to be so flexible.”

According to Snyder, there is a great need for blood drives in the community. “(Blood) is something that money can’t buy,” Snyder said. “We need donors. It’s a great way for students to give back to the community."H

looking down | Students wait to get their blood drawn on Feb. 13. Not everyone could donate blood due to colds or other obstacles. photo by KATHERINE GREEN

let me take a selfie | Junior Machella Dunlea snaps a selfie with the volunteers who drew her blood while she is donating blood on Feb. 13. Many students took pictures of themselves or the needle in their arm while donating blood in the Goppert Gymnasium. photo by KATHERINE GREEN smile through the pain | Shana Prentiss smiles at a volunteer while another volunteers looks at tubes of Prentiss' blood on Feb. 13. Teachers as well as students donated blood in the Goppert Gymnasium. photo by KATHERINE GREEN

Foo's Fabulous Frozen Custard reopens

Foo's Fabulous Frozen Custard opened with a new, colorful update.

by BRIDGET JONES bjones16@stastars.org

One word to describe the update to Foo’s Fabulous Frozen Custard located in Brookside would be: colorful. With bright purple walls and lime green accents, the small frozen treat shop has changed drastically from the older store that had not been updated since it originally opened in 1988.

Foo’s re-opened officially Jan. 23, three months after it closed October 30, 2014. Foo’s owner Betty Bremser claimed the the update mostly involved working with a contractor who set her up with an electrician, carpenter and plumber.

“I sat down and discussed the things I thought I wanted [such as] a wall to separate back and front,” Bremser said.

Bremser was involved almost everyday with the process of the update and remodel.

“I picked out the flooring and procured some equipment and picked out the counter at Ikea,” Bremser said. “[I was involved] everyday calling people and going places for the remodel.”

the NEWS FEED

Bremser has mostly seen a positive response, with few customers saying that they wanted the “old Foo’s back.”

Junior Meg Sweeny worked at Foo’s her freshman and sophomore years.

She plans to start working again in March. Sweeny agrees that everyone loves the update to Foo’s.

“Everyone is talking about Foo’s right now,” Sweeny said. “If you haven’t heard about it or seen something about it you are probably living under a rock.”

Bremser is satisfied with the update and doesn't foresee anymore in the future, she would however like to include smoothies and coffee into the menu selection at Foo’s sometime in the future.H

bright new change |After the new renovations at Foo's Fabulous Frozen Custard in Brookside, the shop was able to keep their traditional chalk board.photo by AMY O'LEARY

welcome home| Foo's Fabulous Frozen Custard in Brookside has completed their new renovations. The counter has been lowered and painted a fresh new white making it more friendly and inviting. photo by AMY O'LEARY

Each issue, the Dart highlights groundbreaking events in the world, US, Missouri and KC.

by LEIGH CAMPBELL lcampbell15@stastars.org

in the world

in the u.s.

in missouri

in kansas city

More than 56,000 people congregated in central Moscow March 1 to honor slain political leader Boris Y. Nemtsov. Nemtsov, a known critic of Russian president Vladimir Putin, was shot dead Feb. 27.

A jury in Stephenville, Texas found defendant Eddie Ray Routh guilty of capital murder in the deaths of Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield Feb. 25. Kyle was the author of the best-selling novel “American Sniper,” the inspiration for the recent box-office hit.

Gunman Joseph Jesse Aldridge allegedly killed seven people and injured another before committing suicide in Tyrone, MO Feb. 26. Police are still investigating a motive in the town of just 50 people.

Several people suffered minor injuries March 1 at the Wheeler Downtown Airport after a plane lost power and crash landed.

The plane came down on a gravel maintenance road.

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star spotlight / bits & pieces

Madalyn

by GLORIA COWDIN, photo by CHRISTINA ELIAS gcowdin15@stastars.org, celias15@stastars.org

Schulte is this year's valedictorian, a National Merit semifinalist and a participant in STA theater and choir.

Schulte

For underclassmen, any words of advice if they’re interested in becoming valedictorian?

“Something I discovered this semester, which is sad, but do your homework as soon as it is assigned to you. Like, I leave Theology and Media seventh hour, I have a free eighth, and I do [the homework] right then. I watch a lot of Ted-Talks, I went on a Ted-Talk kick, don’t listen to four Ted-Talks in your eighth hour free. Do your seventhhour homework for the next day.”

Are you nervous [about your speech]?

“Yes. Not so much the speech giving, because I’m not scared of public speaking, but writing the speech is what scares me, making sure I say everything well.”

What do you want to study in college?

“Engineering and math. I have no specific fields for either of them. That’s for freshman year, I’m just going to figure it out there.”

How long have you been doing theater?

“Well, I tried out freshman and sophomore year, but I didn’t make it until junior year, Urinetown. I was a cop and that was amazing. Then I did Quality Street and Into the Woods, and now Midsummer [Night’s Dream].”

Do you prefer plays or musicals?

“That’s a tough question. A lot more work goes into a musical, so I almost feel a little more attached to it, like the play, I can’t believe it’s already tech week this week. The musicals I’ve done have been really death focused and the plays we’ve done have been very comedic. I like them both. [The plays are] less dismal, but the music is always really great in musicals.”

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Did you ever think about being valedictorian before high school?

“I didn’t necessarily [think about it] before high school, but once I was in high school, I was just sort of like ‘Oh, this would be really, really fun.’ I thought it would be a really fun honor to be valedictorian and now I’m like, ‘Crap, I’ve got to give a speech… I’ve got to sum up four years of experience in, like, ten minutes of speaking and not screw that up.’ So that’s some high pressure. That’ll be fun.”

What’s your favorite class right now?

“I love choir because it’s home.

It’s a place you can always just go back to. But Theology in Media is a lot of fun because it’s all these revolutionary concepts I’ve never heard of before. So that’s a lot of fun to just sit there and think about those.”

Instagrams OF THE ISSUE Each issue, the Dart highlights students’ Instagrams.

This month’s theme: school spirit.

by MEREDITH MULHERN mmulhern16@stastars.org

PHOTO OF THE ISSUE look at me now | Junior Kenzie Grimaldi, left, takes a group photo with fellow juniors using a selfie stick at the Father-Daughter Dance Feb 8. photo by MEG THOMPSON

My life sucks // My life rocks Here, a student shares a moment that really made her cringe.

by MARYMICHAEL HOUGH mhough16@stastars.org

Here, a student shares an especially exciting experience.

by MARYMICHAEL HOUGH mhough16@stastars.org

My life sucks

My life rocks

“I was home alone watching tv and I heard scratching upstairs and then all of a sudden I hear what sounds like people running through my house.

I get the courage to just go out to the living room and my cat is chasing a squirrel. I screamed and called Rachael Skeens and she called her boyfriend and he scared it out."

-Gillian Cutter, junior

“Lily Manning, Anna Kate Powell, Isabelle Begnaud and I were at the McDonalds on Town Center and they picked us to do the “Pay with Lovin Challenge.” So they had us take a selfie with our cashier and we ended up getting all of our food for free.

-Camille Goodwin, freshman

That’s what

she said

Each issue, the Dart shares entertaining student tweets.

by HANNAH BREDAR hbredar15@stastars.org

Photo by senior Megan Ehrnman @meganehrnman

Photo by junior Leeny O'Boyle @leenyoboyle

Sophomore Maura Knopke @MauraKnopke I just spent half an hour dancing to Lana Del Rey in a banana suit with my family... hmm I wonder who else in the world can say that.

Junior Maureen Whittaker @mwhittaker4 can we talk about how it was 75 degrees a week ago and now there’s an inch of snow on the ground ¿?

Photo by sophomore Samantha Panis @samanthapanis

Next theme:

spring break

#dartnewsonline

Senior Suzie Fiss @SFiss “Lets just get a little human,” Mr. Fast talking about getting advisory pets

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 6 March 2015 page design by MaryMichael Hough

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reviews

by LIBBY HYDE by LIBBY HYDE lhyde15@stastars.org

HHH

shocks audiences with crass humor

With its hilarious characters and laughable plot, Book of Mormon has been praised as one of funniest broadway musicals of

when

february 28 - march 8

where

Kansas City Music Hall

run time

2 hours 30 minutes

the its time.

Book of Mormon tells the story of Mormon, Elder Price, and Price’s partner in service, Elder Cunningham, as they are placed in Uganda to complete their two year mission. Throughout their time in Uganda they face comical yet crass situations, such as a warlord who controls the area which they live. He’s a tyrant obsessed with torture.

While the plot is exciting and entertaining, its constant mockery of the Mormon faith goes a bit too far. I found myself laughing in every minute of the musical, but I can imagine that many people who watch it are offended by its constant jabs at the religion.

It also verged on racist at specific moments of the plot. Much of it seems to directly point to many stereotypes

BY THE NUMBERS Lauded as "the best musical of the century", Book of Mormon has won several awards.

by ALEXANDRIA DAVIS adavis17@stastars.org

4 1 9 5 Tony Awards

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that are common for Americans to have regarding native Africans.

The decision of whether or not this is a worthy musical to watch lies at the crossroads of these two issues -- while it is hilarious and entertaining, it is also inappropriate and insensitive. This is especially true for the Mormon faith, which is often misunderstood and misinterpreted by the media.

My opinion may even be swayed to favor the show a little bit, on account of the fact that I saw it on Broadway in New York (and it was my first show). So naturally the awe-inspiring wonder of the “big city” overcame the offensive comments at some points.

While this musical kept me laughing the entire time, it also caused me to reevaluate its humor regarding stereotypes.

Overall, while some may deem it worth your time to see it live in Kansas City, I would warn you that you may find yourself offended by it as much as I was. H

Drama Desk Awards

Outter Critics Circles Awards

Grammy

the viewer is often drained band and withstand rumors trying to keep up with the about his faithfulness (or plot. This is not so with lack thereof). But my heart Selma. The screenwriters also felt courage when Dr. took me on a journey, and I King stood on the front could lines, easily knowfollow ing what the he was From beginning to stomeant to ryline do. From end, I felt drawn in they beginning by this movie. set to end, I out felt drawn for in by this me. movie.

The journey was also This movie was honest, made possible with stunand evoked strong emoning camera work. There tion, not just from me, but was never a time that I felt I from those seated in the was out of the loop when it theater beside me. I didn’t came to viewing the movie. often find myself lost in I saw what was important; thought throughout the nothing more, nothing less. film, but I couldn’t help but In addition, Selma’s think about the beauty of actors were so good, I being seated by blacks and wanted to cry along with whites alike. their struggles. I felt my But my reflection didn’t heart breaking for Mrs. King stop after watching. On my (Carmen Ejogo), who had to way home from the movie often be without her hustheater, after I had stopped

“

“

As I sat in an adjusting seat in a big, warm room -- despite the chill of winter, Selma began to play on the giant screen in front of me. After being engulfed by darkness for a few seconds, the voice of Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) drew me out of my comfort zone and into a troubling and extraordinary movie.

Selma not only follows Dr. King, the face of the Civil Rights Movement, as he encounters Jim Crow Laws, outright racism and the struggle for revolution, it also follows those who might have considered themselves “ordinary” in their quest for change.

While watching Selma, I never felt as if I were watching a documentary; it was as captivating as any other movie, if not more so.

Don’t get me wrong, documentaries have their place, and are often intriguing and educational. However,

raving about the camera work and storyline, I began to wonder if I would have been willing to stand on the front lines opposing police officers and others in authority in the name of justice.

Many people in Selma were based on real human being who simply stood up for what they knew was right. They didn’t know that actors would be honored to portray them less than half a century later.

I am left with conviction: am I even willing to stand up for what is right in my daily life, say, when a friend of mine is gossiping about someone?

Everyone can learn something from Selma. Not only should we be grateful for those who stood for what was right, we can also learn to do the same, even if in ways we deem “unextraordinary.” H

"ONE DREAM... can change the world." rating

PG-13

duration

128 minutes

genre

biography drama the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 6 March 2015 page design by Mackenzie O'Guin

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features

Junior Maureen Whittaker attended Father-Daughter Dances without her dad.

by MADI WINFIELD mwinfield17@stastars.org

DANCING WITHOUT HER DAD

She misses him. She misses riding with him on the four-wheeler at her family’s farm. She thinks about him not being there for her biggest moments: First Communion, graduations, her wedding… and she misses him all the same.

She was five when he passed. She peeked into her parents’ room on the way to the bathroom and glimpsed her uncle performing CPR. “Go back to bed,” her aunt told her.

“Go to your room.” As she walked away, she saw paramedics rushing up the stairs.

“And that’s all I remember.”

Junior Maureen Whittaker lost her father Brian when she was five. She doesn’t recall much about him.

“I think because I was so little, it’s almost a bit easier,” she said. “I didn’t have a lot of memories to hold onto.

It’s actually kind of depressing. The only

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thing I really do remember was the morning he passed away.”

Even so, the reminders still remain, hitting her hard at random times.

“It’s not that I have a mindset of, ‘Oh, I don’t have my dad here,’” she said. “If someone asks me about it, I [think], ‘Oh, yeah, that’s a thing.’ I’m just accustomed to it… but, I mean, it’s never really something that you just get over… As I’m growing older and finding myself, it’s kind of hard not to have a dad… I’m glad I have a group of friends who don’t look at me differently when we talk about dads.”

Luckily, she found a reliable father figure in her life. “[My father’s] best friend Barney became basically my dad,” she said. “He came to all those Father’s Day things with me, and Father-Daughter dances, but he just passed away in May.” She sniffled, eyes welling. “Sorry, I didn’t think I would cry.” Her voice softened.

“It was just like losing him all over again.”

He was her Confirmation sponsor, but he passed away the day before the ceremony.

“We had a Confirmation practice later that day,” she said. “I had to find a whole new sponsor, which I didn't want to do because it was just -” Deep breath. “I wanted him.”

Her dad never attended any fatherdaughter events, but Barney often took his place.

“People obviously looked at me and [thought], ‘Oh, who’s that guy with her?

She doesn’t have a dad,’ but for me it wasn’t like that,” she said. “It wasn’t, ‘Here’s this person who’s standing in for my dad.’ It was, ‘Oh, I’m here. With my dad.’ But not.”

Her father-daughter experience took a new turn when she came to STA. The particular day is etched in her mind, burned into her brain.

1.

2.

1. Then-sophomores Maureen Whittaker, left, and Grace Girardeau pose with Girardeau's father at the 2014 Father-Daughter Dinner Dance. photo courtesy of MAUREEN WHITTAKER 2. The texts above were sent between current juniors Grace Girardeau and Maureen Whittaker during their freshman year at STA. Girardeau and her father invited Whittaker to join them at the 2013 "Decades" Father-Daughter Dinner Dance. illustration

by MAGGIE KNOX

“It was a Monday night [freshman year],” Whittaker said. “Grace [Girardeau] had texted me a selfie of her and her dad. She [said], ‘We have a serious question for you...’ She waited 30 minutes to respond. And then [she sent] a picture of her and her dad holding a poodle shirt, and she said, ‘It’d be so nifty if you’d step into the fifties with us at the Father-Daughter Dance!’

I thought, ‘Is that what getting asked to homecoming feels like?’”

After discovering that Whittaker would not be attending the dance, Girardeau decided to ask her herself.

“Father-daughter [events are] so much fun, and [I was] so excited for it,” Girardeau says. “I figured she should have an opportunity to go.”

Girardeau presented the idea to her dad, who loved it.

“He loves Maureen and he loves the Father-Daughter dance,” she said. “I have two sisters, so for the past couple

years, he [attended] with multiple girls.

He thought it’d be fun.”

Attending the dance together allowed the girls' budding friendship to blossom.

“I guess we were pretty close friends,” Girardeau said. “Now, we’re best friends… but this definitely brought us closer. It’s become one of our favorite memories together.”

After missing the registration deadline, they “weren’t feeling it this year,” according to Girardeau.

“This year it didn’t interest me as much,” Whittaker said. “I wasn’t upset or anything. I just stayed at home with my family, which was nice.

Though Girardeau “doesn’t really know much” about Whittaker’s situation, she appreciates her best friend’s spirit and resilience.

“She frames a lot of photos,” Girardeau said. “She has given me a couple throughout the years, and I love

them. She’s a very nostalgic person.

She loves picture frames and remembering things.”

Maureen still misses her father with her whole heart, but the pain has subsided over time, thanks to friends like Girardeau.

“Last year, I went over to her house to get my [costume] and we tried everything on,” she said. “We went downstairs and her mom [said we] looked ridiculous. We took a family picture, but with me in it. It was just kind of cool to be there with her family… because not everyone gets to have that experience.

They’re great.” H

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 6 March 2015 page design by Maggie Knox

13

features identity crisis| Senior Caroline Crockett sits with her older brother Chase Johnson at the Freaky Friday themed Father-Daughter Dance Feb. 8. photo by ARINNA HOFFINE

Here, other STA students attend the Father-Daughter Dance with their brothers.

DIFFERENT DUOS table manners| Senior Gigi Gray sits with her brotherin-law Daniel Brocato during dinner at the 2015 FatherDaughter Dance Feb. 8.

Gray's father, Kevin Gray, passed away from cancer.

The fourth annual Kevin Gray Father's Day run will take place this year. photo by ARINNA HOFFINE

14

STA sisters before misters

pizza my heart| Juniors Grace Girardeau and Maggie Knox reach for a slice of pizza at the Galentine's Day party hosted by Girardeau Feb. 14. photo by AUDREY CARROLL

From the Heart The Dart surveyed 63 students about their plans for Feb. 13. compiled by MARIA DONNELLY mdonnelly15@stastars.org

63% lost in the shuffle| Junior Maureen Whittaker shuffles the cards from the game Ammonia Feb. 14. photo by AUDREY CARROLL

of surveyed students participated in Galentine's Day.

50% of surveyed students celebrated Galentine's Day on Friday rather than Saturday.

80% of surveyed students had casual plans for Galentine's Day.

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 6 March 2015 pages designed by Maggie Knox and Maria Donnelly

15

features

The story of Galentine's Day

clear as mud|Junior Lauren Ryan puts a facemask from Zum on junior Audrey Carroll's face at a Galentine's Day party Feb. 14. photo courtesy of CAMILLA CESTARO

by MEREDITH MULHERN mmulhern16@stastars.org

Multiple girls sit around in a circle on the floor of junior Grace Girardeau’s room. They are all dressed in pajamas; some went as far to dress in printed onesies. Crispy M&M’s, popcorn, and chips surround them. They’re focused on an intense Cards Against Humanity game, and many let out bursts of laughter. Alternative music plays softly in the background.

For Girardeau and her friends, this is Valentine’s Day. Girardeau got the idea for the name “Galentine’s Day” from the popular show "Parks and Recreation", which airs on NBC. The main character of the show, Leslie Knope, holds a Galentine’s Day party ever year on February 13 to honor her friends and the love they have for each other, not for significant others.

Girardeau’s boyfriend, Rockhurst High School junior Chris Massey, was out of town over Valentine’s day.

Girardeau decided “it would be really fun to bond with all my girl friends, and

16

wild card| Juniors Maggie Knox, from left, Grace Girardeau, Maureen Whittaker, and Connor Hodes play the card game Ammonia at a Galentine's Day party hosted by Girardeau Feb. 14. photo by AUDREY CARROLL

[Valentine’s Day] would be the perfect Kreighbaum was also inspired by night to do it.”

Leslie Knope on "Parks and Rec".

“I think [spending time with friends] “I really could care less about Valis a great way to spend [Valentine’s Day] entines day, but then when I watched because people make it weird if you’re 'Parks and Rec' I decided I was totally single,” Girardeau missing the point,” said. “People Kreighbaum said.

Everything we ate was awkwardly don’t “You can make Valenknow what they’re tines mean whatever either heart-shaped or gonna do that you want, and since strawberry. night, and I invited Galentine’s means so — Eden Kreighbaum, people who are much to me, why not senior single and not celebrate that?” single so it won’t To both girls, Valbe a pity party or entine’s Day is more anything.” than appreciating romantic love.

Senior Eden Kreighbaum also held “I think putting requirements on any a Galentine’s Day party, except Kreighday, whether you are single or not, is baum’s was held Feb. 13. just too confining,” Kreighbaum said. “If “My Grandma Bunny was a home Valentine’s Day is about love, celebrate it ec teacher for years,” Kreighbaum however you see best.” said. “So I decided to ask her to host “[Galentine’s Day] is a fun way [to celmy Galentine’s Day. Everything we ate ebrate] because it doesn’t make it about was either heart shaped or strawberry Valentine’s Day,” Girardeau said. “Then and we ended dinner by making edible you’re just hanging out with your friends valentines.” and it doesn’t matter what holiday it is.”

“

“

STA girls put an untraditional twist on Valentine's Day by celebrating with friends.

lay it on thick | Junior Lauren Ryan applys a facemask to junior Italian exchange student Camilla Cestaro's face at a Galentine's Day party Feb. 14. photo by AUDREY CARROLL

Junior Payton Seever decided to spend her Valentine’s Day with her boyfriend Rockhurst junior Matthew Ruskamp.

“I would’ve gone to Grace’s Galentine’s Day party if I didn’t live so far away and if it wasn’t such a hassle to get back to Grace’s,” Seever said. “But I had fun with Matt.”

However, Seever did have a Galentine’s Day of her own. “[STA junior] Kristina Coppinger and I did [Galentine’s Day] the day before Valentine’s Day,” Seever said. “It worked a lot better than trying to work against being with our boyfriends.”

Overall, all three girls agree that their unique Valentine’s Day plans were a success, but according to Seever, “girls shouldn’t worry about Valentine’s Day as much.”

“We’re a bunch of girls,” Seever said.

“Sometimes Valentine’s plans are all we can think about.” H

pizza pizza| Junior Darcy Sullivan, far left, and Maureen Whittaker, far right, listen to someone telling a story while junior Kellie O'Toole takes a picture of fellow junior Connor Hodes in the background during a Galentine's Day party Feb. 14. photo by AUDREY CARROLL

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 6 March 2015 page design by Maria Donnelly

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cover story

By the numbers The Dart compiled statistics about the racial diversity at STA, according to the administration.

by CHRISTINA ELIAS

White 86% Hispanic 6.2% African American 3% Multiracial 2.8% Asian 2% 50 figures total

18

let's talk about

diversity In this issue, the Dart explores administration efforts to improve diversity at STA. Because it is a core value of STA, many students say an increase in diversity is very important.

by MARY HILLIARD and ANNA BAUMAN mhilliard16@stastars.org and abauman15@stastars.org

A

ccording to the STA mission statement and philosophy, the school community “values, and therefore embraces, a culturally, economically, ethnically, and racially diverse student body.

Community members bring divergent backgrounds and experiences that help develop the understanding and appreciation of others that are vital in today's global community.”

This philosophy has been at the heart of the mission of STA since its founding, but some students believe the

school needs more diversity.

“I think [diversity at STA is] pretty lacking... there’s not that many people of diverse backgrounds here,” senior Abigail Ellias said. “[Backgrounds are] fairly consistent, at least at surface level.”

However, according to principal of student affairs Mary Beth Compton, diversity is a “broad term” that expands past ethnic or racial backgrounds.

“It’s certainly that, but also cultural background, socioeconomic status, religion, your upbringing, your learning style,” Compton said. “That’s really what

we’ve kind of been trying to communicate at our student event and then our recent faculty and staff inservice.”

According to Compton, there are more white students than minority students at STA. “But there’s still diversity on our campus,” Compton said. “Can we take steps to learn more and maybe to create more parity in those numbers [of white students and minority students]?

Absolutely.”

Junior Jewell Allen agreed that STA could improve its diversity.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

the Kansas City

stack up

The Dart compiled statistics from the 2006-2008 U.S. census bureau regarding racial diversity in Kansas City, Mo.

by SIOBHAN MILLER

White 59.2% African American 29.9% Hispanic/Latino 10% Other 4.5% Multiracial 3.2% Asian 2.5% Native American 0.5% Hawaiin/Pacific Islander 0.2%

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 6 March 2015 page design by Christina Elias

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cover story

20

School fairs are a way to held together by gravitationreach public school students al attraction, an assembly of outside of the school day. brilliant or notable persons “We will go wherever they or things,’ she thought that will allow us to,” Hudnall said. was a great definition of “[Local Catholic high schools] people coming together all go to the same schools so with a lot of intelligence, a anybody that’s willing to have lot of brilliance and coming us come, we go to them.” together for the good of St. In an effort to increase diTeresa’s and I thought it was versity and the perinclusion fect title.”

[Diversity is] also culturawareAcal background, socioeconess, cording The STA to Wimes, nomic status, religion, Board of the goal your upbringing, your Directors of the learning style. approved committee a new is three— Mary Beth Compton, prindiversity fold: to cipal of Student Affairs initiative increase in the fall educaof 2014. tion and awareness around “[Diversity] has always the concepts of diversity been a goal and a huge and inclusion, to develop a component of our school common language so people mission, but we want to bring feel comfortable talking it to the forefront and kind of about these ideas, and lastly, reenergize it,” Compton said. recruiting diverse students One element of the initiaand faculty to STA. tive is the creation of a new During the 2013-2014 parent committee. Last year school year the Star Galaxy the Star Parents Association committee conducted a formed a sub-committee climate and needs survey for called the Star Galaxy Comall students, faculty and staff, mittee, co-chaired by STA the results of which were reboard members and current cently shared at the student parents Michelle Wimes and diversity assembly Jan. 26.

Dr. Marion Spence Pierson.

In addition to the recent According to Wimes, the diversity panel for students, name of the committee was the faculty had a diversity coined by Dr. Spence based training in-service on Feb. 9. on the definition of the word “These trainings have galaxy in conjunction with the been the start of those kinds STA mascot, the star. of sessions for us to learn “[Dr. Pierson] wanted and lean in to conversations to build on your mascot, that sometimes if you don’t the star,” Wimes said. “She feel certain, can kind of feel thought that this whole nouncomfortable,” Compton tion of how you define galsaid. axy, ‘a large system of stars According to Wimes, em-

“

“

“I think we do do a good job diversifying but I think we could do a lot better especially with our teachers,” Allen said. “I think we should make a huge point to diversify our staff.”

A faculty with various backgrounds is “an important component” to diversity at St. Teresa’s as a whole, according to Compton. It would allow “all students here[to] look at someone and see someone who looks like them”.

Scholarships are another element that could contribute to a more diverse student body as well, according to Allen.

“I think it would be a good idea to offer scholarships specifically for girls who are not as economically stable,” Allen said.

Most current scholarships are around $3,000, according to Compton. But there are efforts to provide scholarships to support two students from a low income Catholic elementary school.

“We don’t want economics to be a barrier for a whole class of girls to come here,” Compton said.

Recruitment of potential students is another way STA could become more diverse, according to senior Grace Sly. “Most of the places senior ambassadors go are Catholic schools anyway,” Sly said. “It’s all people who are going to end up here.”

According to admissions director Roseann Hudnall, it can be difficult to recruit students from public schools because they do not have time in their school day.

bracing diversity and inclusion and becoming culturally competent are “vital skills” STA students will need to succeed in the 21st century.

“If STA is not teaching students how to navigate situations with people from vastly different cultures, backgrounds and experiences, with varying thoughts, perspectives, and opinions, then the school is really doing a disservice,” Wimes said.

To be successful in the 21st century, according to Wimes, the focus of education will be on creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. All four of these skills will “require the ability to operate comfortably in heterogenous environments”.

“The development and nurturing of inclusive behaviors while welcoming people of diverse backgrounds are critical to students’ success,” Wimes said.

According to Ellias, a more diverse student population would be an asset to education.

“I think it would just bring a lot of perspectives that we don’t have,” Ellias said. “Different cultures coming together is something we should be having as people who are about to go out into the real world...the more diversity, the more well rounded you are.”

“Diversity is at the core of our mission, of our vision for the school,” Compton said.

“It has been since we were founded by the sisters of St. Joseph.” H

1.

1. inclusion inspiration|The Cultural Diversity Committee showed the documentary “Mighty Times: The Children’s March” Feb. 5 in the auditorium. The film was about the children protesting for the rights of African Americans in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963. photo by MADDY MEDINA 2. sister sister|The fibers and textile class listen to STA teacher Lisa Dibble explain how to use a sewing machine. photo by MARIA DONNELLY 3. work it|The United States History class works in groups to fill out a worksheet in class Feb. 20. photo by MARIA DONNELLY

2.

IN THE

CLASSROOM 4.

3.

4. sister sister | Juniors Moira White, from left, Abby Small, Annie Alderman, and Nicole Blanck work on a lab in the Forensic Science class on Feb. 20. photo by MARIA DONNELLY

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 6 March 2015 page design by Christina Elias

21

cartoon by MEREDITH MULHERN

main ed / A&E

STA should continue discussion on diversity After watching a panel on diversity awareness, the administration can continue to educate students on the importance of diversity and inclusion at STA. As I open the most recent “Starbeams,” I notice the colorful smiling faces featured on the cover -- girls of all different shapes, sizes and races.

What does this say about St. Teresa’s Academy? It sends the message that STA is an ethnically diverse community with opportunities to offer anyone who walks through its doors. It shows a colorful and diverse student body with girls from all different backgrounds.

This is indeed the exact issue that the administration should continue to try to improve.

Is STA a place filled with girls of all different cultural, ethnic and economic backgrounds?

STA has a strong philosophy that emphasizes “neighbor to neighbor without distinction” heavily in every situation.

Diversity and awareness are concepts that are preached daily within the walls of this academy.

[

]

5 of 5 editors voted in support of this editorial

ber of caucasian girls without seeing much else.

Because of this obvious disparity, the administration has begun to open lines of communication with students about what this level of diversity means.

It is so important for the administration to continue to take measures to educate students about diversity. For

example, students have participated in a panel discussion on what diversity looks like at STA, yet this panel focused too much on what STA is already doing to increase diversity. While it is good that STA is acknowledging area for improvement in diversity, I have not yet witnessed enough conversation about what diversity looks like right now.

Isn’t the first step to acknowledge the dangerously low numbers of diversity we have here?

In a perfect world, St. Teresa’s would be as diverse on campus as it looks on paper in our “Starbeams” newsletter.

The reality of STA: we have more work to do before we are at this level of diversity.

Only after recognizing what STA looks like now can we move forward to look at how we can actually implement initiatives to reach out to diverse communities and welcome them to STA. H

Does STA have a diverse community?

right on

TARGET

The Dart asked students their opinion of the main editorial. compiled by ANNA BAUMAN abauman15@stastars.org

22

Yet, how often do we talk about where we actually stand in terms of how we reflect that mission? It seems as though the marketing of STA suggests a large diversity on campus, yet, walking across the quad during passing period, I seem to pass an infinite num-

Abigail Ellias senior

“I think it’s pretty lacking . . . there’s not that many people of diverse backgrounds here; it’s pretty consistent, at least on surface level.”

Micah Welch senior

“Diversity is more than just race and religion . . .

We’re diverse in terms of each individual person being themselves, and I think that’s something that we foster too, being yourself.”

"I think we could do a lot better especially with our teachers . . . I would really love to have a black teacher.”

Jewell Allen sophomore

Take a Bow

STA students in outside theater organizations must juggle various responsibilities.

by LINDEN O'BRIEN-WILLIAMS LOBRIENWILLIAMS17@STASTARS.ORG

Just like any sport, the more you practice, the better you get. This is also true with theater, according to head of drama department Shana Prentiss.

At STA, multiple students take on the extra commitment of various theater productions in addition to commitments at school.

According to Prentiss, currently “a good majority” of students involved in STA’s productions participate in theater companies outside of school. Among these students is sophomore Libby Terril, who has been in 40 different productions with various organizations such as Christian Youth Theater, or CYT, Rockhurst High School, Immeasurable Productions, and Leawood Stage Company.

For Terril, it all began when she was 5 years old and participated in The Sound of Music at her church. At age 8, she auditioned for her first show with CYT, which she is still involved with now. CYT’s auditions are open, meaning Terril has no room to be preoccupied with stage fright.

“I don’t get stressed out about it,” Terril said. “I think starting at such a young age gave me a lot of confidence so I never had stage fright.”

For Terril, balancing theater and other parts of her life is “hard, but not impossible.” Though it requires a lot of energy, she says her 40 productions are a huge part of her life.

“The thing I love more than anything else is performing,” Terril said.

Like Terril, freshman Bella Pichardo also participates in theater outside of school. In addition to Into the Woods, Pichardo has acted with Theater at Vis and Rockhurst.

According to Pichardo, Theater at Vis is more relaxed than STA, but prepared her for the difficult process that the STA musical was.

“It helped me get some knowledge of music, learn how to harmonize and all that,” Pichardo said. “It teaches you the basics before you get into the intensity of high school theater.”

Senior Hillary Talken is also involved in theater outside of STA. Talken has been involved with CYT since the summer before her seventh grade year, when she did a summer camp. Not only is Talken’s family heavily involved, but she has made many lifelong friendships.

“Some of my best friends in the whole wide world, I’ve met through theater here and CYT,” Talken said.

Beyond friendships, Talken says her faith has grown through her involvement in theater outside STA, specifically because CYT emphasizes God in their organization.

“It calms me down, because the one thing they always say is that you’re not doing it for the audience, but you’re doing it for God,” Talken said.

But Talken has not only grown in faith. Having extra practice with performing has carried over to other aspects of her life, as well.

“Well, it definitely gives you confidence, like speaking in public and all that and I’m a lot more comfortable with adults, too, through CYT,” Talken said. “I think those have helped me a lot, especially as I’m going into college and having to have interviews. It makes it easier to communicate.”

Perhaps the most challenging aspect for Terril, Talken, and Pichardo is balancing other commitments with the sizeable commitment of multiple shows.

“It’s just balancing but then also realizing that you have to rest,” said Talken.

“If you are constantly focused on all the things that you have to do, it becomes too much and you think you can’t do it, even though you really can.”

Though theater asks for quite a bit of time and energy, the three girls agree that the auditions, practices and late nights during tech week are fully worth the end result: the show. H

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 6 March 2015 pages designed by Christina Elias and Mackenzie O'Guin

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Know your past...

perspectives

Teens should understand KC's racist history

by EMMA WILLIBEY ewillibey15@stastars.org

As I investigated the Country Club Plaza’s history for a news article last semester, I perceived founder J.C. Nichols as a visionary. From browsing the Plaza’s website, I learned to admire Nichols’ use of “ornate” Spanish decor, as well as his forward-thinking incorporation of roads throughout the shopping district. But, after further research, I discovered Nichols’ genius was reserved for a select few.

In short, Nichols’ housing developments included racially-restrictive covenants, allowing the homes to be available to whites only, according to a UMKC article.

These racist operations, which peaked in the 1920s, explain Troost Avenue’s identity as Kansas City’s “segregation line.”

The Troost area did not

24

originate as an AfricanAmerican hub, according to an Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City blog. From the mid-19th to early-20th centuries, the location attracted the city’s wealthiest homeowners, with a stretch called “Millionaire’s Row.” According to a KCUR article, “moderately priced homes” were constructed along Paseo Boulevard in the 1880s, but a market crash opened these homes to lessaffluent African-Americans.

In addition, many AfricanAmericans living in the West Bottoms around the turn of the century relocated after “an expansion of the railroad and commerce.” The community headed east, past Paseo.

To elites who associated African-American neighborhoods with low opportunities, Nichols’ western developments were appealing, according to the Reece & Nichols agent’s article. Upper- and middleclass homeowners like judges and doctors shunned the eastern parts of Kansas City, leaving these areas to the lower-class AfricanAmericans unable to leave.

According to the UMKC article, the drawing of school districts in the 1950s confirmed Troost as a racial dividing line, with Southwest High School west of Troost admitting whites alone.

When integration attempts

reappeared in the 1970s, the Nichols Company bought Plaza-area land at high values to repel AfricanAmericans from the area, as author Tanner Colby noted in his book “Some of My Best Friends Are Black: The Strange Story of Integration in America.”

Today, although Southwest’s demographics have shifted, Nichols’ influence persists.

In the zip code 64112, which encompasses the Plaza’s shopping area, the median value of a housing unit with a mortgage in 2011 was $335,690, according to City-Data.com. For zip code 64109, with two-thirds of its area east of Troost Avenue, this value is more than halved: $142,266. In addition, African-Americans account for 3 percent of 64112’s population; in 64109, this number jumps to 71 percent. And, according to Mapquest, the drive from 4702 Oak Street (at 64112’s northern border) to 3901 Locust Street (at 64109’s southern border) is two minutes.

Despite Club KC’s benefits, could we create a solution that breaches rather than manages Kansas City’s divide?

According to Dr. Jacob Wagner, the director of UMKC’s Urban Studies program cited in the UMKC article, we cannot integrate until the inner city improves.

For those managing our city, this means directing money toward poverty-stricken neighborhoods, not toward another upper-class suburb.

Developers must also allow the urban neighborhoods to financially sustain themselves by reserving contracts for local business owners.

Wagner said this improvement requires open-mindedness from college graduates, the next generation of leaders and of home-buyers. In both areas, we need people who understand the difference between Kansas City’s urban and suburban residents as one of circumstance, not one of ambition. Such citizens will revamp these areas to relieve those confined to poverty, as well as to unlock their city’s potential.

When we STA students become college graduates, I hope we see similar opportunity in the inner city. I do not condone living in the suburbs, but I would hate for someone to believe that is the only route to a prosperous lifestyle.

Perhaps inner-city poverty will continue throughout our adulthood. If so, as privileged recipients of quality education, we should alter these standards. If we use our resources to further our careers while neglecting our city’s well-being, we only encourage Nichols’ legacy. H

...change your future It's about time we all did the earth a favor

by MADDY MEDINA mmedina16@stastars.org

Every day, forestland larger than the size of New Hampshire, Delaware, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Jersey combined is destroyed.* In the next 40 years, 70% of Earth’s coral reefs will cease to exist*. As much as one-fifth of all species on Earth today will become extinct in the next 30 years.* An average of two million people worldwide die each year due to air pollution.** I think it is safe to say that we are all in a lot of trouble.

However, every little effort put towards helping the environment can make a huge difference. In particular, we at STA could improve our efforts to creating a better world.

The other day I was walking across the quad and a girl in front of me tossed her aluminum can into the trash, instead of the recycling bin, and a little part of me died inside.

A big part of helping our environment is just bringing an awareness to others. We can help at STA by planting gardens, recycling more, stopping balloon releases (it

kills birds) and restricting the killing of butterflies freshmen year (monarchs may soon be on the endangered species list). These are just a few specific examples I noticed in my experience at STA, but there is so much more we can do as well.

Earth is such a beautiful, incredible home and we need to take care of it and all its inhabitants, just like it has done for us. H *According to “World Centric” **According to “LoveToKnow”

Students will benefit from challenging theology classes

by AUDREY CARROLL acarroll16@stastars.org

“I really want to take Theology and Media, but I don’t think I will; I heard it’s really hard!”

“Yeah, Contemporary Theology sounds interesting but theology classes aren’t supposed to be hard! I don’t want to hurt my GPA .”

These are parts of a conversation I heard in a free period the other day. As a current Theology and Media student and a prospective Contemporary Theology student, I was really surprised at what I was overhearing from my peers.

It’s true that STA offers theology classes that are considered more challenging, but I think they are

some of the most interesting classes offered in our whole curriculum. I have learned interesting things in Theology and Media such as media theory and gender biases in society, and have also analyzed how different TV shows reflect or impact culture.

Many would be surprised to learn that the class is not all centered around theology. I have a couple of friends who say that Contemporary Theology is really challenging, but they are glad they took it because it has helped them learn more about philosophy and their personal beliefs.

The argument that a theology class should be easy and help you maintain a good GPA is invalid because all classes at STA are designed to

challenge students and help them explore their personal learning strategies. Also, an opportunity to take a class that could expand your knowledge from previous theology classes with topics like media theory and philosophy is one that should be taken to prepare for college when many courses are very different from the ones taken by high school students.

So although class registration for next year is over, consider changing your theology class choice or plan on taking a more challenging course next year. I can guarantee you will gain a lot more from a harder class than a class you took to get an easy A. H

Homegrown businesses cultivate the community

by ANNA HAFNER ahafner16@stastars.org

Kansas City is home to some of the best locally-owned restaurants, and offers numerous opportunities to buy local foods and goods. Increasing the amount of local products we buy helps local businesses and their owners to reap the benefits.

By supporting places right around

the corner, we are giving vested interest in the community in which we live. While local goods may be more expensive, the money circulated in the community is beneficial for consumers and producers alike. Small businesses are vital to the sustainability of the community because they encourage

entrepreneurship and increase creativity. By breaking away from a “chain-store” mentality, consumers are able to see the value of impacting the life of a local business owner.

So, the next time you’re looking for a place to eat, try Googling “best local Kansas City restaurants" and paying one a visit. H

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 6 March 2015 page design by Torie Richardson

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sports

Sophia Prochnow breaks STA dive record

Junior broke the 6 dive and 11 dive STA records.

by LEIGH CAMPBELL lcampbell15@stastars.org

Junior Sophia Prochnow broke two STA dive records Jan. 27 and Jan. 30 at the Red Bridge YMCA and Springfield Invitational.

“You kind of have a feeling that you break a record just based off your scores but you don’t know where you stand until the meet is completely over,” Prochnow said. “You don’t know what your cumulative score is until all is said and done. So I knew it was a possibility but I wasn’t positive.”

According to Prochnow, she broke

26

flippin' out | Junior Sophia Prochnow competes at the dive meet Feb. 12, as the STA swim team watches from behind. photo by HELEN WHEATLEY

the 6 dive record and 11 dive record.

The 6 dive competition consists of completing six dives for judges and adding each of the dives scores together. Similarly, the 11 dive competition consists of completing 11 dives, each dive with varying degrees of a set difficulty.

Prochnow broke the record by 6 dive record by 5.6 points and the 11 dive record by 28 points.

Alumna Kennedy Reller previously held the 6 dive record with a score

of 199. Reller also held the 11 dive record with a score of 314, according to STA athletic director Mark Hough. “[Prochnow] has always had a natural talent for diving, but until recently, she was reluctant to attempt some of the more difficult dives,” head dive coach Steve Robbins said. “In the last month Sophia has shown a new level of determination and confidence which has made her success possible.

She has overcome the fear of her difficult dives and replaced that fear with a positive outlook.”

Robbins credits Prochnow’s growing success to her new willingness to try more difficult dives; according to Prochnow, this means completing dives like a front double flip.

“For me my hardest dive is probably my front double flip because I have been scared of it for a long time,” Prochnow said. “I can do it fine, it is just scary every time I do it.”

Although excited about the records, Prochnow’s greatest goal is to qualify for the State competition. She was only 5 points from qualifying in the six dive competition.

“I am really pleased Sophia has elevated her game,’ Robbins said.

Prochnow plans on continuing to dive as a senior next year. H

Fast Facts The Dart compiled information on how divers are judged. compiled by HELEN WHEATLEY hwheatley17@stastars.org

4The judges consider the starting position, approach, take off, flight, and entry into the water when judging a dive.

4Divers are awarded a score from each judge, ranging from one to ten in 1/2 increments.

4The scores from each judge are added together and multiplied by the degree of difficulty of the dive.

Junior breaks record Eleanor Lueke scored eight three-pointers in game against Belton High School.

by MACKENZIE O'GUIN moguin17@stastars.org

Rewind to Eleanor Lueke’s freshman year. After making it onto the varsity basketball team, she easily broke the previous three-point record of five in a game when she scored seven three-pointers. This record remained undefeated until Jan. 29, when Lueke once again broke the record with eight three-pointers in a game against Belton, which STA won.

“At first, I didn’t react much because there were still a couple minutes left in the game and I tried to stay focused, but when I got to the bench and they announced it to the crowd during a timeout is when it really excited me,” Lueke said.

Lueke is not alone is her excitement, according to teammate AnnaMarie Fiorella.

“I was on the bench with four other girls,” Fiorella said. “When Eleanor hit the eighth three, we literally went nuts.

We were like animals on the bench.”

Lueke credits her success to support from her team and coaches, both on and off the court.

“All the girls on the team and the coaches were all happy for me,” Lueke said. “There were a couple minutes in the game when they were all trying to just get me the ball so I could hit my eighth [three pointer] and beat the record, and it meant a lot that they were all so supportive of me. Let’s just say there were many three ball signs from [AnnaMarie Fiorella] and the girls!”

Head basketball coach Megan Nyquist agreed that Lueke couldn’t have broken the record without her team Nyquist, however, give Lueke full credit for her athletic accomplishment.

“The only involvement we as a coaching staff have had in [Lueke’s] success is letting her know that she has the green light to shoot in our offense,” Nyquist said. “El worked hard in her off seasons and put in the time to be the good shooter she is.

There is not much we as coaches do for a player like that besides provide an offense where someone with her basketball skill can excel.”

Nyquist went on to say that she had high hopes for not only Lueke, but the team as a whole.

“Not only do I see [Lueke] breaking any record she wants at STA," Nyquist said. "I see a [team] that can do great things].”

Lueke is unsure of what her future in basketball might hold for her.

“I mean, who knows?” Lueke laughed. “I might break more records.

Maybe I’ll get a few more three pointers someday.” H

kick it | STA varsity dance team performs during half time February 10. The dancers brought in gradeschoolers from their yearly dance clinic. photo by JESSIE CULVER

ballin' | Lueke shoots a basket during STA's home game against Belton February 10. photo by JESSIE CULVER

BY THE NUMBERS The Dart compiled a series of statistics from junior Eleanor Lueke's year. compiled by KATHERINE MEDIAVILLA kmediavilla16@stastars.org

On average, Eleanor has...

12.5 points per game 5 rebounds per game 45 3-pointers for the season 77% free throw shooter 2.5 steals per game season high of 30 points

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 6 March 2015 page design by Amy O'Leary

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community

growing in service ...........................

Freshman Gabrielle Pesek, as a volunteer team leader, shows girls the value of faith and friends.

by EMMA WILLIBEY ewillibey15@stastars.org

After freshman Gabrielle Pesek saw a family’s gratitude at a bake sale for "adopted" Christmas families, she experienced not only surprise at the difference between her circumstances and those of the family, but also satisfaction in bridging this gap through service.

“The mom was just in tears,” Pesek said. “She said, ‘Thank you so much; this is the best Christmas ever.’”

Pesek has engaged in many such efforts since joining Challenge, an all-girls volunteer organization at 10 years old. Pesek, now a team leader, nominated herself for STA’s Mother Evelyn O’Neill Award for service this year.According to director of development Barbara Cusick, Pesek is one of five finalists who will be recognized at the ceremony March 10.

“I don’t know if that’s the norm—if most girls nominate themselves,” Kindle Pesek, Gabrielle’s mother and club president for North Kansas City’s Challenge

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groups, said. “I was proud of [Gabrielle] for taking the initiative and being her own self.”

Gabrielle discovered Challenge through her mother’s position in the organization. “[Challenge] asked me to help out with the camps and stuff—putting together themed dinners and little gifts for the girls,” Kindle said.

Despite being president of Gabrielle’s group, Kindle said she encourages her daughter to plan the club’s meetings and service projects.

“The idea is that these little girls live up to the team leaders,” Kindle said. “[That] in high school, [volunteering] is still cool; it’s still attractive.”

According to Kindle, having high-schoolers as team leaders inevitably leads to mishaps. Nevertheless, Kindle said the girls’ motivation to perform a service project trumps these errors.

“In terms of the projects, we let the girls decide [what to do],” Kindle said. “If they fail, they fail, but I think they learn from that. We really like for them to actually experience [service], that it’s person-to-person.”

In this way, Kindle said, Challenge integrates Catholic values by asking the girls

to incorporate one “virtue” into daily life.

“The whole point of Challenge is that the girls truly grow and make Christ their best friend,” Kindle said.

“With that, you can really do anything.”

Freshman Jocelynn Morris, who joined Challenge in August, agreed their goal is to present religion as a relatable concept. Each week, Gabrielle and Morris play Christian songs and lead activities related to a theme, such as “Who am I?” or “Does God care about me?” “[We do] a little game of some sort,” Morris said.

“I know the girls love to do skits. That’s always the girls’ favorite thing.”

In addition to leading her Challenge club, Gabrielle assists at her church each weekend. Despite volunteering for years, Gabrielle said she has felt time constraints upon entering STA. “I feel I’ve been so swamped,” Gabrielle said.

“I want to plan a Challenge meeting, but then I also have to do four hours of homework.”

While Gabrielle participates in both sports and extracirriculars, she claims these activities have not overpowered her passion for Challenge.

“School’s always first, and then service is probably

second,” Gabrielle said. “If I have, like, softball practice, and then I have some commitment to service I’ve already signed up for, I’ll probably go to the service [event].”

Furthermore, Gabrielle is utilizing school breaks to volunteer.

“During spring break, I’m going to Chicago to be a missionary for holy week, and I’m going to be serving the poor mostly,” Gabrielle said, also citing plans to perform mission work this June in Atlanta, Ga., and to participate in World Youth Day 2016 in Poland.

Ultimately, the girls’ investment in Challenge’s faith foundations enriches the community, Gabrielle said.

“A lot of the girls, [Challenge] has definitely changed their lives, and you can see it,” Gabrielle said.

“In the beginning, the girls [were] like, ‘Ew, I don’t really want to do [service]; it’s too much work.’ And [now], they have a different attitude toward it.”

Gabrielle encourages other students to partake in similar oppurtunities. “[Many girls say], ‘Oh, I don’t know what I’ll be doing,’” Gabrielle said. “Just try it. You won’t know until you try it, and I can guarantee you’ll love it.” H

the learning garden ........................................... ......

Of The Same Seed

Junior Lauren Ryan, a finalist for STA's 2015 Mother Evelyn O’Neill Award for service, shares her history with volunteering.

by EMMA WILLIBEY ewillibey15@stastars.org

Down to the ROOTS “The LA Catholic Worker was kind of my roots.

My godmother [Hortencia Hernandez] runs the situation out there. … [The children are] from my heritage, all in a Spanish, impoverished area. [Their families] didn’t come here to establish a life of crime; they’re just trying to make a life of their own. It’s sad to see no one will

1.

2.

3.

4.

accept them.”

“I would go [to LA Catholic Worker] in the summers, for the summer camp.

That’s the only time my family can get out there.

I spent most of my summers there for the longest time. [I] started [participating in] the summer camp at age 3, … [but] I started volunteering there when I was older.”

................................................. Branching Out 1. read aloud|Mary Jo Peterson reads her responses regarding friendship questions from her notebook.

2. hands in the air|STA freshman Gabrielle Pesek, right, leads a group of girls in their Challenge meeting Feb. 20.

Pesek has been leading the group since August.

3. show and tell|Gabrielle Pesek, left, watches Ella McNeil read her friendship scenario from the options given Feb. 20.

The theme of the group’s meeting was friendship, including God’s friendship.

4. look it up|Mary Jo Peterson, left, and STA freshman Gabrielle Pesek look for a movie clip to illustrate an example of a positive friendship Feb. 20. The group of fifth and sixth grade girls led by Pesek meets on Friday nights. photos byANNA HAFNER

“I’ve always wanted to go in the medical field, but coming into this experience [at Our Lady’s Montessori], I’ve wanted to do service with my profession. My ultimate goal would be to travel to a thirdworld country and do mission work there.”

“I love serving to children; I have a connection with children. I just feel every child should feel loved. I was

planning on going an AMIGOS trip [to a Spanish-speaking country], but the finances conflicted. I’m trying to set up a medical mission with Joyce Meyer Ministries where [the trip is] just one week and $1000. Also, [there] will be more opportunities in college where I can actually help medically rather than be an assistant, to feel more involved.”

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 6 March 2014 page design by Siobhan Miller

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last look

Give blood, give life photos by KATHERINE MEDIAVILLA kmediavilla16@stastars.org

Students and teachers who were at least 16 and above a certain weight could donate blood Feb. 13. Although people volunteered, due to criteria like iron levels being in a certain range, not everyone could follow through with getting blood drawn.

don't look | Juniors Sarah Gorden, left, and Emily Laird rest during lunch/activity Feb. 13.

The gym was open from second period to sixth period for students and faculty to donate blood for the Community Blood Center. photo by KATHERINE MEDIAVILLA

heart to heart| A roll of heart shaped stickers rests on a volunteer table during the annual blood drive held in Goppert Feb. 13. Those who donated blood were given one of these stickers and a snack. photo by KATHERINE MEDIAVILLA

brace yourself | Senior Maggie Hutchison glances up at her nurse as he checks his watch. Feb. 13 marked Hutchison's first time donating blood for the STA blood drive. photo by KATHERINE MEDIAVILLA

blood pumping | Junior Machella Dunlea gives blood on her birthday, Feb. 13 in the Goppert Gym. Right before finishing her donation, Dunlea's blood splattered, staining her shirt. photo by KATHERINE MEDIAVILLA

the waiting game | Junior Sarah Gorden waits her turn in line before donating blood Feb. 13. Gordon, as well as fellow students and teachers, waited anxiously as their turn to donate approached. photo

by KATHERINE MEDIAVILLA

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take a seat | A table of student volunteers waits until help is needed during the STA Blood Drive Feb. 13. Volunteers passed out snacks and water in addition to assisting fellow classmates back to their classes after donating. photo by KATHERINE MEDIAVILLA

The Name Game

compliled by BRIDGET JONES, designed by TORIE RICHARDSON bjones16@stastars.org | vrichardson16@stastars.org

Ma(di)(ddy)(ddie)(ttie)(dison) (deline)(delynne)(deleine)(daline) Madi/Maddie/Maddy is the most popular name in the school, with a total of 18 girls

Meg(an)(han) and Cla(re)(ire) Meg/Megan/Meghan and Clare/Claire tie for second most popular name at STA with 17 girls each

Elizabeth

Liz/Lizzie/Lizzy is the third most popular name in the school, with a total of 16 girls

Mary Mary has a total of 15 girls, putting it in fourth place

Maggie

Maggie has a total of 12 girls, placing it in the top five most popular names at STA

Allison Emma Victoria ClaireAlex AmeliaJessicaEmily AbigailGrace Katherine Natalie BridgetSophiaMol31 the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 6 March 2015 page design by Katherine Green

In the Humans of STA Take a look at the current coverage on DartNewsOnline

Students perform at Gallery: Diggin' Holes STA varsity basketball lost to Notre Dame de Creative Grounds Sion High School last Friday. STA dressed as photos by KAT MEDIAVILLA and MEG THOMPSON

photos by HANNAH BREDAR hbredar15@stastars.org

characters from "Holes," a 2003 Disney movie.

dancing queen| Senior Sophia Hall performs a personally choreographed dance at Creative Grounds Feb. 12. Hall has danced since she was three-years-old and plans to continue in college.

center stage | Juniors Jed Rellihan, from left, Hayley Burgess and senior Monica Stanely perform the "I Love You Song" at Creative Grounds Feb. 12.

hands up|The STA student section holds up "spirit fingers" while a player shoots a free throw at the Sion basketball game at Sion Feb. 26. The theme was "Holes."

sion meat| Senior Emily Godfrey sits on senior Madeline Mullen's shoulders in front of the STA student section while holding up a shirt with the phrase "What do we eat?".

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 6 March 2015 page design by Mary Hilliard

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