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VOLUME 72 ISSUE 1 SEPTEMBER 13, 2012 ST. TERESA’S ACADEMY KANSAS CITY, MO WWW.DARTNEWSONLINE.COM
Coming from China, Great Britain and Italy, STA’s international students have stamped their passports and joined the community. On pages 1011, they tell the Dart how they ended up at St. Teresa’s Academy.
photo illustration by EMMA WHEATLEY
2 | news | dartnewsonline.com | the dart | September 13, 2012 the dart people and policies
Eric Thomas............................................................advisor Emily McCann.................managing editor of design Anna Leach..........................managing editor of web Natalie Fitts......................managing editor of stories Emma Wheatley............managing editor of photos print Mickey Redlingshafer................................news editor Caitlin Fletcher.......................................features editor Emily Wemhoff.......................................features editor Shaeffer Smith........................................opinion editor Sara Jessica Dilks.........................centerspread editor Rosie Hutchison..........................sports/health editor Sara Meurer............................................lifestyles editor Katie Parkinson...............................................a&e editor Emma Willibey....................................in the mix editor Jordan Berardi........................................last look editor Maddie Knopke............................................copy editor Lindsey Valdiviez.........................................copy editor Emma Willibey.............................................copy editor Leigh Campbell.............................................staff writer Siobhan Miller................................................staff writer Grace Sly...........................................................staff writer Christina Elias.................................................staff writer Jordan Allen...................................staff photographer Grace Hodes...................................staff photographer Kathleen Keaveny.........................staff photographer Maggie Rellihan............................staff photographer web Lauren Langdon...........................................daily editor Adrianna Ohmes..........................................daily editor Lane Maguire................................................daily editor Meghan Lewis..................................web photo editor Menley Brennan..................................facebook editor Sabrina Redlingshafer............................twitter editor Madeline Best......................standing features editor Hannah Bredar...........................................school liason Taylor Steen................................................school liason Libby Hyde...................................................blogs editor Jordan Berardi..........................................videographer Caroline Fiss..............................................videographer Cecilia Butler..............................breaking news editor policies ownership and sponsership The Dart is created by the student newspaper staff and is published by general operating funds of St. Teresa’s Academy, a Catholic institution sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. The Dart will not publish opinions that contradict the teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church, whether on a diocesan or worldwide level. editorial policy The Dart is subject to prior review by the St. Teresa’s Academy administration in circumstances that concern student safety and illegal behavior by students. Otherwise, the policies above will guide the Dart. The Dart intends to be a public forum for voices regardless of diverse ages, sexes, races, cultures, religions or beliefs. Signed columns reflect the opinions of the individual, not necessarily the newspaper staff or the school community. letters policy The Dart encourages letters to the editor. Letters can be sent in the following ways: in person to Eric Thomas in D204; by mail to St. Teresa’s Academy, attn: Eric Thomas, 5600 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64113; or by email to ethomas@stteresasacademy.org. Letters should be limited to 250 words. The Dart staff reserves the right to edit or shorten letters for publication. photo illustrations Photo illustrations are conceptual photos that combine the limitless possibility of the drawing with the realism of the photograph. They are not intended to be documentary photos of real moments. corrections policy The Dart will print corrections as soon as possible after the error is discovered.
Teachers, students begin flipped classroom method Five STA teachers have adopted a new classroom approach in science and English classes. by SARA MEURER smeurer@dartnewsonline.com
Some STA science and English teachers have adopted a new method to teaching known as the flipped classroom approach, which involves students watching recorded lectures for homework and completing assignments, labs and tests in class. According to science teacher Renee Blake, this approach was begun by two chemistry teachers in Colorado. Teachers using this method include Blake as well as science teachers Mary Montag, Mary Rietbrock and Terri Conner and English teacher Carrie Jacquin. Montag, who is trying the flipped classroom approach for the first time this year, has had a positive experience with it and believes it allows better use of class time. “I love [the flipped classroom approach],” Montag Montag said. “I absolutely love it. Before, there was a lot of class time spent needlessly. I would notice that when I was teaching I would look out and some students were already done but some stuBlake dent weren’t. We weren’t using our time to the best of all of our advantage. It really truly is less about the teacher and more about the student.” According to Blake, the flipped classroom approach is also helpful for when students miss class. “There has always been a problem with students missing lectures,” Blake said. “What I’m finding is that girls in sports that miss school can do all that at home.” In Blake’s classes this approach allows students to work on homework for other classes if they are up to speed with the lessons, according to Blake. “If the girls are finished, they can work on another class,” Blake said. “If they have an English project, they can work on that.” Junior Sabrina Salerno is taking two science courses this year that use the flipped classroom approach--ecology with Blake and chemistry with Rietbrock. According to Salerno, the lectures she is required to watch vary from 15 to 20 minutes. Salerno likes the flipped classroom approach because it decreases her amount of homework. “[The flipped classroom approach] is
workin’ girl H Freshman MaryMichael Hough completes a worksheet in Ms. Mary Montag's Intro to Chemistry class. Photo by KATHLEEN KEAVENY
pretty nice because it’s so much easier to get my homework done in class and I don’t have to sit through a boring lecture in school,” Salerno said. “I don’t have homework at all.” Aside from having less homework, Salerno believes the flipped classroom approach is helpful because it allows students to learn at their own pace when listening to a lecture. “I really like [the lectures] because you can pause it and rewind and make sure you know what’s going on,” Salerno said. “Especially because watching the videos and taking notes at home is way easier. It makes learning a lot easier for me.” Blake believes this approach is effective because it allows for more individualized attention in the classroom and more selfguided teaching. “I’m able to help girls that need more one on one help,” Blake said. “I think it’s really going to help with getting to college
because it is self-guided.” After researching this method with Conner and Montag, Blake found that there are different levels to the approach. According to Blake, there are simple levels that involve videos as well as a more complex level called the mastery level. “What I’m doing is the mastery level,” Blake said. “That’s where I give them an organizational guide and they have to complete so many objectives for each chapter and the homework is optional. They will complete the homework in class and I check it to make sure they completed it, and I give them the answer keys. It’s kind of an honor system.” Montag is certain that she will continue this approach in the future. “I will absolutely continue [the approach] in the future,” Montag said. “There are so many fun things that you are able to do. There are so many different ways to incorporate the technology.”H
September 13, 2012 | the dart | dartnewsonline.com | news | 3
Teacher runs for school board Mr. Stephen Himes awaits Nov. 6 to find out if he will be an elected member of the Kansas City Public Schools Board. by LINDSEY VALDIVIEZ lvaldiviez@dartnewsonline.com
STA literature teacher Stephen Himes is running for the 2012-2014 term for the Kansas City Public Schools Board of Directors. The Board members will be elected by the residents of the 2nd Subdistrict on Nov. 6. If elected, Himes would take the recently vacated 2nd Subdistrict seat. According to Himes, the Board of Directors’ duty is to oversee the administration and their operations within each school of the Kansas City, Missouri School District. “The board doesn’t actually run the school, but they take a look at the big pictures like test scores and budget data to make sure that money is being spent correctly,” Himes said. “They just make sure that the administrative team is running the schools right” Himes attributes his desire to utilize his doctorate degree in educational leadership as one of the reasons for running. Though Himes is still in the process of earning his doctorate, he says the entailments will prepare him to be on the board if elected. “I’ve actually worked in a public school before, so I feel like I can bring a perspective to what [the board] is trying to understand and do,” Himes said. “I felt like this was a way that I could use that training to give back to the [Kansas City, Mo.] community.” Because of it’s un-accreditation, the Kansas City Public School District is another
reason for Himes’ choice to be on the ballot. Due to the failing school district, those that can afford external education are allowed to move their children to schools that meet accreditation standards. According to Himes, helping these schools to meet the proper standards would not only benefit students, but also boost the Kansas City population. “I love my city,” Himes said. “We need to have a good public school system to keep the population growing. A lot of people move to Kansas because they can’t afford to go to private schools and they feel that public schools are not a viable alternative.” As far as change goes, Himes says he would hope to reformat the relationHimes ship between the board and school administration. “I feel like the governing structure of the board could be changed to make the administration more directly accountable to the board,” Himes said. “If we can create stability on the board for teachers and principals within the building, then they can teach students and create a learning environment at the schools.” According to Himes, the Missouri State Legislature has discussed taking over the Kansas City Missouri School District and handing control to the Director of Elementary and Secondary Education. Being a Kansas City, Mo. local, Himes feels he could provide a more knowledgeable voice to the board. “I don’t trust the general assembly to make the right decisions for the Kansas City,
Missouri schools,” Himes said. “People who live locally who understand unique urban issues are better suited to make decisions than legislatures in Jefferson City, [Mo.] that aren’t from here.” Himes schedule at STA would be unchanged if elected. Without support from those within the STA community, Himes says he would not have the opportunity to run for the Kansas City Public Schools Board. “I had to get 250 verified signatures from voters in the district in order to the get on the ballot,” Himes said. “So I did depend very heavily on the STA community to help me get all those signatures.” Himes opponent for the chair, Mr. Gunnar Hand, has a goal of building strong partnerships within the Kansas City community and creating stability within the schools. “Right now [the KC community] has a huge perception problem,” Hand said. “If we get more people into the schools, they will see that the schools are in good shape and the administration is trying to make it work. I believe that there is no reason that my daughter should not be able to go to KC public schools once she’s old enough.” In the eyes of principal of academic affairs Barb McCormick, Himes’ decision upholds the motto of STA of “helping the dear neighbor.” “Administration supports teachers that are making an effort to improve communities, which is what Mr. Himes is working towards in running for the Kansas City Public School Board of Directors,” McCormick said in an email. “I am proud of faculty members that truly are living the mission of the Sisters [of St. Joseph], which is to serve the dear neighbor. Mr. Himes would be doing that in this role if elected.”H
cards from Ms. Julia Berardi or Ms. Kelly Drummond’s office. Each card will have ten “punches” worth 50 cents a piece. A small drink is worth one punch, medium drinks are two punches, and so on. Students interested in buying from the cafe should plan to arrive before 7:30 a.m. in the outside commons area of Windmoor to get in line, order and receive their item in time for class. “This way [students] don’t have to stop before school, but they must plan ahead,” Bone said. Some students appreciate the accessibility and timeliness of the cafe. “Now I won’t have to go to the Roasterie in the mornings and worry about being late,” junior Mattie O’Boyle said. The tentative menu includes juice, hot or iced coffee, tea and hot chocolate during cooler weather. The Roasterie will provide the coffee and five add-in flavors: caramel, hazelnut, chocolate, vanilla and sugar-free vanilla. Food items include bagels, yogurt, fresh fruit, granola bars, baked goods and possibly seasonal items like pumpkin bread and cider. “We don’t have the menu finalized yet and it will probably change from week to week depending on what is available and
any requests we get from students,” said STA Parent Leadership Chair of Starcups Karen Miller. If Starcups becomes popular, the cafe may open other times during the week. “We’ll start with Fridays to see if the students are interested,” Bone said. “If it’s well received, we could offer it another day or time.”H
STA introduces Starcups Starting this Friday STA will be selling coffee and food every week in the Windmore Center. story and photo by SABRINA REDLINGSHAFER sredlingshafer@dartnewsonline.com
STA’s Star Parents Association, formerly known as PASTA, will open Starcups Cafe, a shop available to students, staff and parents, beginning Sept. 14 in the Windmoor Center. The cafe, run by parent volunteers, will serve coffee, additional hot and iced beverages and light breakfast items every Friday morning from 7-7:30 a.m. Last spring, the Student Leadership Team proposed to administration the idea of a breakfast gathering place for students. STA Administration and Parent Association picked up the idea as a fundraiser and quick breakfast option for students. According to STA president Nan Bone, Starcups is a way to “have our students gather, have something healthy [and] grab something quick before [they] head off to advisory.” Parent volunteers will take orders, prepare items and mark a student’s “punch card”. Students can purchase these $5 punch
Track construction earns award
STA’s McDonnell Family Sports Complex merited an honor at the annual Southtown All-Stars Awards Dinner Aug. 16 at the Uptown Theater. The track, shared with UMKC, earned a “1st Round Drafts” title for outstanding construction from Kansas City’s Southtown Council, an organization dedicated to local business promotion. The council nominated area institutions who have benefited Kansas City through public improvement, or, in STA’s case, efficient facilities. “I think it’s the most beautiful track in the city,” STA president Nan Bone said. “[I was] totally surprised and really excited [about getting the award].” While being nominated does not entail specific requirements, a mention in the “1st Round Drafts” category implies attention to detail. According to STA development director Mary Beth Compton, the sports complex’s stone walls mirror the stone exterior of nearby homes to create compatibility with their surroundings. “The track was designed with the intention that it fit well within the neighborhood,” Compton said. According to Compton, durability is the facility’s highlight. The regulation-size track boasts Olympic Games-approved Mondotrack construction designed to improve performance with enhanced shock absorption. While the STA population dominates track usage, the facility is accessible to nearby residents and UMKC students. According to Bone, the entire community has generated positive feedback. “We hear things like ‘STA has made so many positive changes for young women,’” Bone said. “[We’re] always looking at ways to do the best for our students.”
Schedule changes for class meetings
The administration has decided to change the schedule for class meetings this year. Instead of having regular 40-minute classes. Class meeting days will consist of 38 minute classes. Students will eat their lunch in advisory and attend their meeting during both activity periods. “We are trying this class meeting schedule to give teachers more instructional time in the classroom,” principal of student affairs Mary Anne Hoecker said. The overall goal of the administration in this case is to keep the amount of time students spend in the classroom on class meetings days as close to the regular amount of time as possible. “It is always a balance between extracurricular activities and school events, but I will always support increasing classroom time,” science teacher Mary Montag said. Sophomore Gracie Fleming reflects on this change negatively, saying that without activity periods there is less free time in the day to work on homework and talk with friends. “I feel like class meeting days are an extra day, to relax more,” Fleming said. “When [meetings] end up being our lunch and activity time, all the relaxation from it is gone,” Fleming said. “We don’t get a break.” The new schedule for class meetings will begin on the first day for meetings, this Friday Sept. 14. briefs by EMMA WILLIBEY and HANNAH BREDAR
born this
4 | features | dartnewsonline.com | the dart | September 13, 2012
WAY
September 13, 2012 | the dart | dartnewsonline.com | features | 5
rest and recovery H Junior Mallory Radtke lies in bed in India. She had just been prepped to go in for her treatments. submitted photo preserving painH Junior Mallory Radtke poses with her arm sleeves. These sleeves are originally used for burn victims, but she uses them to keep the pain away. photo by CAROLINE FISS
Junior Mallory Radtke deals with a rare condition in her arm, vascular malformation. She travels to India for treatments. by KATIE PARKINSON kparkinson@dartnewsonline.com
Hemangioma. Fasciotomy. Compartment syndrome. Jobst garment. Sclerotherapy. Epidural. Junior Mallory Radtke has grown up hearing terms like these. Words that many others have never even heard of, Radtke can define and then explain in-depth. Why? Because they are a part of her history and her life today. In the Beginning Radtke was born with vascular malformation, a rare condition that occurs in barely 1 percent of all births, according to the Vascular Disease Foundation. This means her left arm has extra veins which are tied up in knots. They can cause blood clots, grow into her bones and physically restrict her movements, as well as bring pain. When Radtke was a baby, doctors thought she had been born with a hemangioma, a patch of extra blood vessels that would go away by the time she was 2. But a few weeks after her second birthday, her parents noticed it was not going away. That is when the doctors discovered her condition and the surgeries began. “I used to get a surgery here in the United States every other month,” Radtke said. “It helped, but [my arm] is never going to be cured.” The Radtkes were told that the doctors in Kansas City were not equipped with technology for the surgery she would need. Treatment for her condition was very complicated, and they had never seen anything like it. When Radtke was 6, she and her family went to Boston, Mass. for her sclerotherapy treatment. They injected alcohol into her veins to try to kill off the bad ones and reconstruct them. The doctors predicted Radtke would only have to stay a few days in the hospital,
Mallory’s condition has not stopped her from living life. “She just deals with the pain and doesn’t let plus recovery time, but something went it hold her back,” Luallin said. wrong. Because of the blood clots, Mallory’s arm “[Mallory] experienced a horrible compliwould swell, causing constant pain. cation known as a compartment syndrome,” “I’ve had pain everyday for my entire life,” Ms. Amy Radtke, Mallory’s mother wrote in an Mallory said. “How bad it is changes based on email. the day. I always tell people I’m used to it, and Compartment syndrome is a painful condiit’s not that big of a deal, but I don’t think peotion that occurs when pressure within the ple realize the kind of things you go through muscles builds to dangerous levels, and the when you have pain everyday. Like during fascia, a tissue under the skin, stops the swellmy sophomore year, [the pain] got so bad that ing from moving outward. sometimes in the mornings I would wake up “The swelling started going into my hand, and have to like into my bones, have my dad and that can lead “Some of the harder times when I was in do my hair to amputations and things like that,” grade school were when my parents Mallory said. To counter this, doctors gave her a fascihad to tell me, ‘Sorry, you can’t go out otomy, a process where they cut open for the volleyball team, or sorry you can’t the fascia in order to stop swelling. Mallory’s brief hospital play basketball. Those were some of stay turned into over two weeks long. things I really wanted to do, but couldn’t After that, she went back to Boston for me because my because of my arm.” for treatments once arm was in so much every two months pain.” for two years. —Mallory Radtke To deal with this pain Each time was the STA Junior Mallory wears a special same. She would glove, called a Jobst have surgery, Garment. Although originally used for burn recovery time and then physical therapy. victims, she uses it to keep pressure on her Strength and Support arm to minimize swelling. In fifth grade, Mallory’s doctor moved to Off to India New York, and she had one last surgery there. In seventh grade, Mallory and her family After that she focused on just being a normal decided to try treatments again. Except this kid. time, they would be going to New Delhi, India. “Some of the harder times when I was in “When your child is in constant pain, you grade school were when my parents had to tell would give anything to take their pain away,” me, ‘Sorry, you can’t go out for the volleyball Amy said. “We will travel to the end of the team,’ or ‘Sorry, you can’t play basketball,’” earth if we have to.” Mallory said. “Those were some of the things They found out about the treatments from I really wanted to do but couldn’t because of family friend Edward Wachtmeister, who was my arm.” in India in 2008 for similar treatments. MalJunior Lizzie Luallin, who has been friends lory’s grandfather accompanied Wachtmeister with Mallory since they could walk, said that
and took the opportunity to tell doctors about her condition. “He asked us for my MRIs and all my information to send over there,” Mallory said. “Then [the doctors] looked at everything and said they thought they might be able to help.” But not only were the treatments far away, they are not FDA approved, meaning the Food and Drug Administration cannot guarantee its success. “Mallory’s pediatrician here is supportive of the treatment because he knows that the traditional treatment, like sclerotherapy, is very painful,” Amy said. Leaving in October 2008, Mallory, her mom, dad, grandpa, his wife and Wachtmeister would be gone for five weeks. “I think it was hard on her because she had to miss school for a month, and I think she missed her friends a lot,” Luallin said. Luallin and other friends decided to get together to support Mallory before leaving on her first trip to India. “It’s not really in my personality to go and tell the whole world, ‘Oh, I’m going to India in a few months for treatments,’” Mallory said. “So most of [my friends] didn’t know until a few weeks before, or even a few days before. When they found out they kidnapped me the night before and took me to IHOP and gave me magazines and candy all this stuff to take with me.” On the plane ride to India the next day, Mallory was most anxious about the multiple injections she would be getting everyday. “I was deathly scared of needles,” Mallory said. “When I was a 6 year old,w it literally took them seven doctors to hold me down because I didn’t want to have anything to do with [needles.] After that trip though, I am okay with shots because I’ve had them so often.” The treatments in India improved the condition of Mallory’s arm. “My arm could almost straighten the whole way,” Mallory said. “The treatments are supposed to be a continuous thing. You’re supposed to go every few years, and my parents didn’t know if the improvement was a fluke or what, so they wanted to go back, and this time if the treatments worked we would know that they really worked.” India: Take Two This July, Mallory and her mother left for India for the second time. They stayed in the hospital for three weeks, and everyday Mallory had morning injections, physical therapy for around three hours, and afternoon injections. Mallory also received two procedures along with her daily treatments. “I had 12 injections each on those days, and they were in places like my spine and my armpit, things like that,” Mallory said. “I was freaking out about the spinal injection, which is called an epidural, because I kept imagining, ‘What if they paralyze me?’ and things like that.” Sweet Success The second round of treatments in India worked, and Mallory gained relief from the constant pain in her arm. Mallory hopes the pain will stay away, so she does not need to return to India for more treatments. “We feel lucky to have discovered something that provides Mallory some relief, even if it is on the other side of the world,” Amy said. “No parent wants to see their child in pain, [and] while we would never have wished this on Mallory, we are extremely proud of how well she has handled herself.” H
6 | features | dartnewsonline.com | the dart | September 13, 2012
group gratitude H Hattie Svoboda-Stel and the other members of EQUAL gather to discuss action methods which include writing thankful letters to supporters of their organizations. photo by JORDAN ALLEN
The start of something new fresh ideas H Svoboda-Stel speaks to the EQUAL community about some of her new ideas on Sept.9. photo by JORDAN ALLEN
chatty hattie H Hattie Svoboda-Stel speaks in regards to youth leadership opportunities for EQUAL outreach groups in the Kansas City metropolitan area. photo by JORDAN ALLEN
September 13, 2012 | the dart | dartnewsonline.com | features | 7
Hattie’s Plan for the Future Fall 2012
Leaves STA after her junior year
Fall-Winter 2012
Receives GED
taking orders H Former STA student, Hattie Svoboda- Stel, works at Foo’s Frozen Custard, and often sees old STA friends. photo by JORDAN ALLEN
Would-be senior Hattie Svoboda-Stel left STA to pursue a career in human rights. by CECILIA BUTLER
cbutler@dartnewsonline.com
T
he life story of 17-year-old Hattie Svoboda-Stel could easily be taken by Hollywood and turned into a movie. It would not be a cliché high school drama or a sappy chick flick. It would be one of those films that actually makes one think—a movie that illustrates the hard, cold reality of a girl’s ambition and drive to achieve. To make the world better. The credits open with a flashback to 13 years ago. In the background is a slow, yet uplifting song with a male vocal. The camera focuses on a little girl, around the age of 4, looking up at a tall man. She is grinning at him, holding her arms in the air so that he will pick up and toss her around his back. She squeals and laughs as he runs around the house. The camera flashes to another scene conveying the reality of this man’s life. He is an unemployed homosexual living with AIDS. The world has shut him out. The little girl does not understand this. He is her neighbor, her family friend. She sees the man for whom he really is, not the labels society defines him by. The screen zooms in on the little girl’s face as she begins to realize how this man is struggling. She has a look in her eyes that shows the audience she wants to help. But
Interns for Equal for fall semester
Spring 2013-16
2017
Receives degree in women’s studies.
Attends Webster University
plaza protest H Hattie Svoboda-Stel and STA alumna Molly O’Boyle protest on the Country Club Plaza in protest of Proposition 8. photo submitted
she is only 4. graphing with decimals. This is what her story would be like if it “I wanted to be doing something rather were a Hollywood film, but this is Svobodathan studying about doing something,” Stel’s reality. Svoboda-Stel said. Svoboda-Stel sits in the middle of a coffee This is where EQUAL came into play. shop telling her life story to a newspaper EQUAL is an organization that brings student reporting to the school she left together kids that are confused about their behind. She introduces herself as Hattie. sexuality, in addition to trying to gain rights If she had not left STA, she would be a sefor homosexuals and transgenders. nior. Svoboda-Stel stands among a crowd of at She has her least 100 on a cold bleach-blond hair winter afternoon. clipped back, wearOne can easily spot ing a black dress the breath of the I basically loved STA. I felt like and sliding her STA people, the redness an empowered young womclass ring up and of their skin. “WE an when I went there. I just down her finger. ARE EQUAL” they got to the point where STA Svoboda-Stel scream, “LOVE IS couldn’t offer me anymore. begins to tell her LOVE.” -Hattie Svoboda-Stel story, describing the They are dressed two different worlds in large wool winter she had been living coats, with LGBTQ in the three years of pride posters scather high school life. tered throughout. “I basically loved STA,” Svoboda-Stel said. Many have their faces painted and “I felt like an empowered young woman rainbow emblems are everywhere. Svobodawhen I went there. I just got to the point Stel is smiling, professing to the people where STA couldn’t offer me anymore.” of the streets her beliefs about accepting homosexuals, transgenders and everyone in Deciding to act It’s December 2011 and Svoboda-Stel sits between. According to Svoboda-Stel, their meetings in her junior math class, dressed in tartan are powerful, and the crowd is practically plaid, staring at a word problem. Her eyes the opposite compared to an STA classroom. droop down and she shakes her head to Around 50 people pile into a room to watch keep herself from falling asleep. a lively man preach to them. He has pink, As she looks around her, girls giggle and shoulder length hair and calls himself Wick. discuss their Saturday night plans. HatSvoboda-Stel sits in the crowd, listening tie does not partake in the conversation intently to what he is saying. She knows this because she will be spending her Saturday night at a meeting for confused LGBTQ, help- is where she belongs.
“
ing these kids to be content with their lives. She watches the clock, ticking, ticking, ticking, as the teacher in front of her explains
2018...
Helps human traffiickng refugees in Thailand.
noting ideas H Svodoba-Stel leads meeting at EQUAL. The goal of EQUAL is to gain equality for LGBTQ causes. photo by JORDAN ALLEN
“
Spring 2012
Making a difference
Svoboda-Stel spent her junior year making gay rights posters, speaking in front of
crowds and doing research about how to get a GED and what colleges offer the best human rights programs. Svoboda-Stel sat down with her parents to talk about what she wants to do with her life. She told them the plan. Drop out of high school after junior year. Get her GED. Intern for EQUAL. Attend Webster College in St. Louis the next spring semester, earning a degree in human rights and social concerns. When asked where she would want to go from there, Svoboda-Stel mentioned the woman studies program Webster offers. She wants to help human trafficking refugees in Thailand. They gave her their approval, applauding her for wanting to dedicate her life to helping others.
What STA thinks
Admissions director Roseann Hudnall sits at her large desk, hands crossed, eyes focused. She is asked what she thinks of Svoboda-Stel’s situation. Answering on instinct, “Sometimes we think we know what we want but further experiences help us to define what we want. Limiting that to me is kind of unfortunate.” Some students have a different idea though. Junior Libby Torres smiles when Svoboda-Stel’s name is brought up. “Seriously, mad props to her for going after what she wants.” Svoboda-Stel looks off into the distance, trying to describe her decision to leave the Academy. “Some people take a gap year to figure their [stuff] out,” Svoboda-Stel said. “I’m not really figuring my [stuff] out, I’m just doing my [stuff].” BAM. Screen goes black. “Power” by Kanye West plays for the ending credits. H
8 | opinion | dartnewsonline.com | the dart | September 13, 2012
cartoon by Shaeffer Smith
Students encouraged to find own way abroad Word has gotten around of our two exchange students here at STA. Meeting these girls brings up the fact that no STA students have studied abroad in recent history. St. Teresa’s does not have a written study abroad policy for students, according to Principal of Academic Affairs Ms. Barb McCormick, because students have not shown interest in these kinds of programs for years. Maybe no one is interested in these types of programs because we are uneducated about the means of doing so here at St. Teresa’s. McCormick said that in most cases, students would have to repeat the year or semester they are missing because she cannot ensure the same quality of education at any other school, especially abroad. She also says that students studying abroad here are aware that they will not be receiving school credit for their attendance, but that they are here for exposure to American culture and language. Arianna Guglielminotti of Italy and Kathy Zhang of China, are both studying at St. Teresa’s as part of study abroad pro-
RIGHT ON
TARGET Each issue, the Dart asks three people their opinions of the issue discussed in the main editorial. Here’s what they said: compiled by SABRINA REDLINGSHAFER
grams. Both Guglielminotti and Zhang said they wanted to come to the United States to learn about American language and culture. Neither girl is getting school credit for their time here, but they will have to take a test when they return to their regular schools. Guglielminotti said that “you have to be brave and have a lot of courage [because studying abroad] is hard.” McCormick wants STA students to know that the administration is not saying no to study abroad programs. She encourages students who are interested to look into programs that do not affect their academic year, such as summer programs. She also makes the point of the availability of technology as a tool to learn about other cultures without affecting a student’s academic year. If a student is very serious about studying abroad during her time here at St. Teresa’s, McCormick encourages her to really look into the courses within the school with her parents and then come to her. It may seem like STA administration is denying us the opportunity to study abroad
offer international trips to practice language like Kathy and Arianna, but they have a good point. Yes, studying abroad would be about every other year. These trips often an incredible opportunity, but we go to St. include a family stay which is the best kind Teresa’s because of its incredible academics. of immersion you can get. These trips, if taken advantage of, can be very beneficial It is almost impossible to be sure you are for students and are hosted by STA teachers getting the same, rigorous education at any other school. and faculty members. This is why There are a variety of programs for students credits do not The staff editorial represents the to learn about a new transfer from views of the Dart editorial board: culture and practice a studying anynew language that do where else. 5 out of 5 editors voted in support There are not affect the academic of this editorial year at St. Teresa’s. Of incredible course, there is always opportunities time in college, but for to learn about students who can’t wait, get involved in a new culture and learn a new language that do not affect our academic year at St. summer programs. Or if you are dead-set Teresa’s. Interested students should look on studying in Argentina your first semester junior year, start researching exteninto summer programs like Amigos de las Americas and Rotary Youth Exchange. These sively with your parents. Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity, but not easy. kinds of programs take place during the Students should be absolutely sure that summer and offer the same immersion as studying in another country. they are ready to do something like this. If The foreign language departments at STA you are, bon voyage! H
“STA needs a program. It means us investigating a school in other countries, especially those exchange students come from.”
“I think STA can provide more information for programs who take girls to study abroad, be more open to discussion and create policies.”
“STA should have more programs that promote [studying abroad] because you get a taste of another culture and language.”
Ms. Sarah Knopik English teacher
Grace Spencer senior
MaryMichael Hough freshman
How could STA be more helpful students wanting to study abroad?
Knopik
Spencer
Hough
September 13, 2012 | the dart | dartnewsonline.com | opinion | 9
Why I hate all standardized tests
by KATIE PARKINSON kparkinson@dartnewsonline.com
Whether it’s the SAT, the MAP, the ACT or the PLAN, many students across the country and at STA are afraid that standardized tests will be a FAIL (Failed Action In Life). So what if it’s a beautiful Saturday morning? Who cares if it’s the first sunny day Kansas City has seen in half a year? There are more important things to do, like taking a practice test for the practice test for the practice test for the real test which you don’t even know the name of. Everyone knows standardized testing is the key to getting into your dream college, or actually, any college at all. So unless you want to end up working at Burger King for the rest of your life, it would probably be wise to start preparing the minute you start kindergarten. After years and years of rigorous preparation and hard work you’ll know exactly how tall Bobby is if he is half the height of Jane, who is one inch taller than Jared, who is just a little bit shorter than Carol, who doesn’t even compare to Michael Jordan, who is taller than the girl walking outside in the quad. You’ll know that pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis is a lung disease caused by breathing in dust, and that mixing razzmatazz, sunset orange, and aquamarine makes fuchsia. Not only do standardized tests rank your intelligence against millions of people across the country, they also help you judge whether or not your friends are the right type of people to be hanging around (“You got a WHAT on that math section?!”) If you’re lucky, you might even get to take a career aptitude test. These can help determine whether you’d be better suited as an ice-cream tester or a school bus driver. Questions like, ‘Would you like to work with screaming children slobbering all over you?’ ‘Do you love writing essays?’ and ‘Do you think taking out the trash is fun?’ aid in your amazing (100% accurate) future career placement. And the best part of standardized tests? Getting the results. Although you may experience some mild signs of nervousness such as heating up, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and the possible stroke, it will be worth it when you finally know whether or not you have a chance to succeed in life. Besides, what’s the worst that can happen anyway? You have to tell mom and dad about your future career as an IMAX screen cleaner or a fortune cookie writer? Please. H
YOLO’s gotta go by MEGHAN LEWIS mlewis@dartnewsonline.com
Ever since Drake resurrected the acronym “YOLO” in his popular song “The Motto”, the phrase has erupted as a critical part of nearly every young person’s vocabulary. YOLO has many controversial origins, but it is mainly believed to have started in a Florida restaurant. The acronym seemed to have been lost for many years (Marco…) and when Drake had the horrible idea of casually mentioning it in his new song, it was found once again (YOLO!). Ugh. For those of you who do not know, which I’m sure is none of you, YOLO stands for You Only Live Once. There are a couple of different reasons why I am not YOLO’s biggest fanmainly because it is overused and misused. I first became familiar with the term before my junior year spring break. We decided to design tank tops with “#yolo” on them. We chose this because there is an actual store on the island of Captiva, Florida (shout out to all my Captiva spring breakers 2011!) with YOLO as the name. Things went downhill from there. Let’s just say I came home with a YOLO bumper sticker and the bad habit of instinctively regurgitating the phrase every other sentence. In essence, YOLO is like word
vomit. It just comes out. Now YOLO is everywhere from O’rear’s skit during Frosh Fest to the wall of third floor Donnelly (I quote, “Haterz are my motivatorz #yoloprobz #lawlz”). Some have taken YOLO to a whole new level. A short British film is set to be released this year titled YOLO Therapy. Granted, some people have thankfully figured out YOLO needs to leave just as quickly as it came. For example, one boy decked out in YOLO gear at Rockhurst High School’s Blue and White mixer. Thankfully, the theme this year was “it used to be cool”. YouTube sensation “Kingsley” has also dubbed YOLO overexposed in one of his videos.
your motivatorz has anything to do with you only living once. I also don’t understand why it is acceptable to use acronyms for excuses. In the words of Kingsley, “So you put pepper jack on your burger instead of American cheese, oh my gosh tell me more!” or “please tell me how making your bed this morning is giving you an invigorating and fulfilling life.” All in all, YOLO is done. Dead. It has lived its one life and doesn’t need to come back. I have removed the YOLO sticker off the back of my car. So please, stop tweeting it. Stop Facebooking it. Stop texting it. Stop saying it. But hey if you don’t, it’s not like it really matters. YOLO. H
Not only is YOLO overused, it is misused. Sorry to target you, mystery girl who wrote on the third floor wall, but I don’t understand how haterz being
Six secrets to STA success by ROSE HUTCHISON rhutchison@dartnewsonline.com
Dear Freshmen, How many times have you gone to the wrong class this year? Thought you were in Donnelly when really you were strutting through the second floor of M&A? Couldn’t find the bathroom? Called your teacher Dad (even though she’s a woman)? Been there, done that. Now that I’m a super-smart, impressive, pretty, funny, talented, basically perfect senior, I have discovered some STA secrets to success. From one Star to another, here are some tips to get you through freshman year fairly unscathed. 1. Be Not Afraid - Though your classmates and teachers are brand new to you, don’t be afraid to ask questions or speak out in class. Believe it or not, people are actually nice here so ask away. 2. Eat A Lot - Seriously, no judgement from this end. I’m the queen of mooching a second lunch from my friends in the cafeteria. People will think you’re weird if you
turn down a free cupcake, cookie, or heaven forbid a bite of Chipotle. And if you’re a “healthy eater,” cookies are good for you. I don’t know why, they just are. Also, there are obviously no boys here so DO WHATEVER YOU WANT. 3. Get Involved - Sports, clubs, and other organizations are fabulous ways to meet new girls with shared interests. By this time fall sports are well underway and club signups are over, but just in case you are on the fence about playing a winter sport (shout out to all my fellow swimmers out there) DO IT. I cherish the bonds I’ve made these past three years with my classmates, and a I’ve gotten to know a lot of them through activities outside of the classroom. STA is known for much more than our superb academics, so get out there and show us your stuff. 4. Know Your Teachers - These fine men and women will mold your young, bright minds for the next four years. They work here to help you learn and grow as a student, and aside from all the homework they give they’re pretty much awesome. Mr. Bertalott is ALWAYS making sure girls are in proper uniform. Ms. Prentiss and Ms. Dolan are hostesses to fun free periods. You can count on Mr. Sanem to interpret your weird dreams, and if you love your dog, go chat with Ms. Wallerstedt. Ms. Berardi isn’t a bad time either, and I guess Ms. Bone is pretty cool too. Actually who am I kidding, she’s the coolest lady I’ve ever met! Sorry mom...
5. Use Frees Wisely - I know it’s tempting to spend entire free periods decorating your planner or shopping for dresses, but the stellar student inside me tells you please no. I have a slight (okay, maybe major) issue with procrastination, but using my free periods for homework or studying helps immensely. As high school goes on, your life will probably become busier each year, so time management skills are vital to your survival. My favorite place to spend frees is the library. OMG I’m obsessed with it (ps I’m not being sarcastic) and I always have a great time listening to Pandora and knocking out math assignments. I promise you will prevent late nights and meltdowns by using frees to get stuff done. BE PRODUCTIVE! BE BE PRODUCTIVE! 6. Be Yourself - This is the most important thing I have to tell you. I took a break from writing this to watch the video to Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me” and I cried. See, I just told everyone that and I have no shame because that’s who I am and I’m darn proud of it! STA is an environment where we as young women are encouraged to discover who we are with no judgement. If you’re a science nerd, I salute you. If you wear combat boots, rock on. If you listen to sappy music, join the club. If you’re still a Twilight fan, move on girlfriend Peeta is the new Edward (just kidding). The point is, you are accepted here and if you be yourself you will find your niche. H
10 | centerspread | dartnewsonline.com | the dart | September 13, 2012
all around the world The Dart surveyed 204 STA students about their views on
culture, travel and studying abroad.
79% of students are interested in studying abroad during college.
94% of students have traveled outside of the United States.
of students are interested in studying abroad during high school.
85% believe STA should provide more support for students to study abroad.
66%
September 13, 2012 | the dart | dartnewsonline.com | centerspread | 11
arianna guglielminotti georgie legg
kathy zhang
Hometown: Turin, Italy
Hometown: Canterbury, England
Hometown: Guangzhou Shi, China
Who knew that 36 hours of travel time was nine months in the making? For STA exchange student Arianna Guglielminotti, the process of becoming eligible Guglielminotti to study in the United States was a long one that started last November. First, she had to select the countries she was interested in traveling to. “My first choice of country was actually Canada,” Guglielminotti said. “The United States was my second choice and since there were not many host families in Canada, I came here.” Guglielminotti took her first preparatory exam in November with psychologists. “I had to have my first examination to make sure I was ready to travel in the United States,” Guglielminotti said. “They did a personality test and confirmed I could study abroad.” Following her psychological exam, Guglielminotti took an English proficiency test in January and was told she was cleared to study abroad in the fall. “After I was cleared to go abroad, I started communicating with the Burnette family,” Guglielminotti said. “I was talking to Basil on Facebook and her mother on email.” When it came time to travel across the ocean, Guglielminotti traveled to Rome with
Germany, England, Greece, Poland, India and the Netherlands. All these countries sound like ideal destinations for once in a lifetime vacations. For recent transfer student, junior Legg Georgina Legg, she has called all of these countries home. From a young age, Legg has had to adapt to the countries and specific schools she has attended. “[St. Teresa’s] is the 13th school I’ve attended,” Legg said. “I’m done with being scared all the time.” Legg moved to Kansas City in December 2011 where she initially attended The Pembroke Hill School. She transferred to STA this year because the credit from her English boarding school wasn’t accepted at Pembroke. “I think [STA] has been very welcoming,” Legg said. “It is also my attitude. This is the last high school I’ll ever go to and since I’ve been to so many I can just get really into it.” According to Legg, she has grown used to moving often throughout her childhood. “[We move around so often] because my dad’s job keeps changing,” Legg said. “Right now he’s doing some type of online advertising.”
her family where they said their goodbyes. “My parents were excited for me to leave,” Guglielminotti said. “They wanted to leave [Italy] when they were younger and it is good for them to see me having this experience.” After goodbyes were said, Guglielminotti and fellow exchange students got on a bus and headed to the airport around 3 a.m. “I took a plane from Rome to Frankfurt, Germany to Houston and then to Kansas City,” Guglielminotti said. “There were volunteers from the organization that picked us up at the airport and took us to a hotel where we spent the night. The Burnette family picked me up at the hotel that next morning.” With just 44 pounds of luggage allowed, Guglielminotti brought only her essentials and will have to buy more clothes for the coming season. “My laptop was so heavy that I couldn’t bring it,” Guglielminotti said. “I have had to buy a lot of my stuff here.” Guglielminotti has several words of advice for those looking to study abroad. “You have to be really brave,” Guglielminotti said. “I didn’t know it could really be so hard. Having a different language and learning things can be really hard.” She says you have to have lots of conviction to make the commitment to go abroad. “I had to be really convinced,” Guglielminotti said. “A full year is a long time and half of that time is just getting adjusted.” H
globe trotters This year, STA welcomes three new international students into the junior class. The Dart captures the stories behind their drastic moves. by Emily McCann and Sara-Jessica Dilks
Legg has had to find a way to cope with all her different homes. “Moving is still emotional,” Legg said. “I’ve accepted it because I can’t change it. I make friends everywhere.” Legg and her family spent the first years of her life in Great Britain. They proceeded to move to several different countries during her childhood. When Legg became a teenager, her family moved back to England. “After a while, my parents moved to Amsterdam,” Legg said. “I stayed at boarding school with [my older brother] Henry. I would only see my parents once a term. It’s different now for me to live with my parents all the time.” Legg says the transition from boarding school to STA has been smooth. “I have the freedom now to not have a routine all the time,” Legg said. “Day school is more independent, but I like both kinds of schools in different ways.” The move to America was not easy for Legg but she is enjoying her new lifestyle. “The move to America was the hardest because of the age I’m at,” Legg said. “But [STA] was welcoming and I wasn’t very nervous. It’s not so snobby here and you just get on with what you do.” H
Junior Kathy Zhang sits in the St. Teresa’s Academy Commons, smirking at the plate of syrup-drenched pancakes in front of her. Surrounded by ten eager classmates, she is bombarded with Zhang carefully articulated questions about herself. When asked about her favorite television show, Zhang responds simply, “‘Gossip Girl’. I like Chuck and Blair.” When another student inquires why she doesn’t have a Twitter account, Zhang must explain that most social networking sites, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, are “not allowed by [the] government.” With a Dart videographer, camera and tripod nearby, Zhang’s reaction to her first taste of an American-style pancake has stirred up much anticipation. After taking a bite, Zhang flashes a smile to those who surround her. “It’s good... yeah.” It’s one of the first uniquely American customs Zhang has experienced since she arrived as an exchange student from her home in the metropolitan city of Guangzhou, China through the study abroad program CIEE. The program matched her with a “host mom,”Kansas City local Jennifer Dye, a single mother who works at Operation Breakthrough. “I had always [thought], ‘Oh,
if I stay in America what will I do? How to make friends? How should I stay with my host family?’” Zhang said. “All because this is a very important [step] in my life.” According to Zhang, the primary reason why she wants to attend high school in the United States is because she “wants to learn more about the American life.”However, American pop culture is not entirely new to Zhang, who enjoys watching the Twilight movies and listening to Taylor Swift. Her favorite songs include “You Belong With Me” and “Never Ever Getting Back Together”. On Zhang’s first day in America, she describes how she felt “nervous and scared”, especially since English is not her first language. “[There were] many things I didn’t know and I felt horrible,” Zhang said. Despite her initial anxiety, Zhang recognizes St. Teresa’s students and teachers in helping her to transition to her new life here, which she describes as being “harder than I thought it would be”. “This school is so nice and the girls are also. The teachers always help me because sometimes I don’t know [how to do something].” In addition, Zhang plans to live in Kansas City for one year and is also hoping to attend university in America once she finishes high school. “I knew what [Kansas City] would look like [because] I googled it and saw pictures and thought, ‘Ohhh!’” Zhang said. When asked about her favorite part of the United States so far, Zhang replies with a smile. “I like the people.” H
KEY Use the map key to identify how many of the 204 students who were surveyed have traveled to a specific country.
20 or more 10-19 6-10 2-5 1 none
12 | sports | dartnewsonline.com | the dart | September 13, 2012 SOFTBALL Number of players: 19 Returning seniors: Shaeffer Smith, Rachel Tovar, Anna Woolery
DANCE
Head coach: Ty Abney Assistant coach: Luke Naccarato Pitching coach: Tracie Tiensvold
Number of dancers: 19 Returning seniors: Sarah Meurer, Caroline Fiss
“2012 should be a great year for our program. The team has a lot of character and it will be fun to see how far their hard work will take us.” - coach Ty Abney
Varsity coach: Savannah Vose JV coach: Natalie Ebbert 2011 All State ranking: 4th place
TENNIS Number of players: 24 Returning seniors: Elizabeth Arensberg, Mickey Redlingshafer, Nicole Sakoulas 2011 record: 8-6 2012: 5-0
Head coach: Lana Krause Assistant coach: Janice Redlingshafer
“I would have to say that the hardest part about being on the dance team would be waking up early in the morning for 6 am practices, but it is fun at the same time.” Ali Yancey, freshman
1.
GOLF
Number of players: 6 Returning seniors: Peyton Gajan, Emily McCann, Maggie Kenney, Alex Jackson, Jackie McGee, Kate Sanders
“We have a great team and Meaghan King, our number one freshman, will be leading us to State this year.” - Kathleen Connor, junior
2011 All State Player: Emily McCann Head coach: Teresa Borchert Assistant coach: Mark Hough
VOLLEYBALL
Number of players: 43 Returning seniors: Holli Hogge, Elaine Schmidt
2011 All State players: Nicole Wemhoff, Taylor Migliazzo 2011 record: 26-7 2012: 2-2 Head coach: Abbie Lane Assistant coach: Amy Carlson
“Our goal is to continue to improve every day and be one of the top teams in the nation by the end of October.” - coach Abbie Lane
CROSS COUNTRY
Number of runners: 59 Returning seniors: Samantha Adams, Madeline Barth, Courtney Coppinger, Grace Doran, Sadie Duffy, Jane Evans, Caitlin Fletcher, Alice Green, Becca Lueke, Lane Maguire, Hannah McCausland, Danni Porter, Sara Schwartz, Kelly Stokes, Lauren Taylor, Sarah Vickery, Hailey Waldenmeyer, Serenity Wallace, Kate Witt
“I feel like we have a team with a lot of potential this year. I am most looking forward to seeing the team as a whole reach out [with their] full potential.” - Frankie Neunuebel, junior
2.
Fall Sports Preview 2012: New seasons, new goals Dart Staffers compiled statistics on STA’s fall sports teams. Players and coaches revealed their hopes for the upcoming seasons. by JORDAN BERARDI & HANNAH BREDAR jberardi@dartnewsonline.com hbredar@dartnewsonline.com
3.
2011 All State runners: sophomore Ann Campbell, senior Courtney Coppinger Head coach: Karen Moran-Redlich Assistant coaches: Dana Stram, Kerry Jones, Melissa Moody
“Compared to last year, I think both varsity and JV are going to be a lot better. I am looking forward to seeing how our team does at State and seeing if we can improve on our fourth place finish from last year.” Ann Campbell, sophomore
finishing strong H Sophomore Brit Maguire finishes the varsity race at Longview Community College Sept. 1. photo by KATHLEEN KEAVENY
homerun honey H Senior Shaeffer Smith swings at a low ball during a game against Raymore-Peculiar High School Aug. 30. photo by ROSIE HUTCHISON
4. 1. hit it hardH Senior Elizabeth Arensberg serves in a singles JV tennis match against The Pembroke Hill School Sept. 4. photo by KATHLEEN KEAVENY 2. DT4L H Freshman Alex Mullins stretches at a varsity dance team practice Sept. 4. photo by EMMA WHEATLEY 3. FOREH Senior Jackie McGee makes a chip during a golf tournament against the Pembroke Hill School and The Barstow School Aug. 30. photo by MEGHAN LEWIS 4. blocking beauties H Senior Holli Hogge, left, and junior Abbey Haines block the ball in the varsity game against Raymore-Peculiar High School Aug. 30. photo by KATHLEEN KEAVENY
September 13, 2012 | the dart | dartnewsonline.com | sports | 13
College recruiting survival guide
Three juniors recently committed to play sports in college. These are 10 of the steps they took to play at the next level. by EMILY WEMHOFF ewemhoff@dartnewsonline.com
Step 1: Make yourself stand out from other athletes. Both DeZeeuw and Luallin have been playing soccer from a very young age. Kropf has been playing club volleyball for six years. Kropf said the best way to get noticed is to show that you have the potential to play at a higher level and that you have room for improvement. “The college coaches want to see that your coaches have taught you good techniques and habits,” Kropf said. “They look at how you interact with your teammates on and off the court. A player stands out if they have a good, sportsman-like attitude and leadership skills.” Step 2: Join a club team. According to Kropf, college coaches roam the national volleyball tournaments in masses and that is where she was first seen. Luallin and DeZeeuw also joined high level club teams and went to different camps. They both traveled around the country playing in national tournaments. Step 3: Show your interest to college programs. All three girls had to email the schools interested in them in order to establish relationships with coaches and see if there was any interest. “I narrowed down the schools [interested in me] into a huge list and sent out emails,” Kropf said. “Over the next few months, all I did was play volleyball, with the occasional call to a coach, which I dreaded every minute of.” DeZeeuw said she really had to stay on top of the communication or else an opportunity could have slipped away and the schools might lose interest. Step 4: Trust and use your own coaches for advice. According to Kropf, Luallin and DeZeeuw, their club coaches did a lot of the communication to college coaches to see if there was any interest. “[My coach] is constantly talking with the
BY THE NUMBERS: The Dart collected statistics reflecting DeZeeuw, Kropf, and Luallin’s sports careers.
24 9
the total seasons of club sports played by Luallin, Kropf and DeZeeuw
total seasons of volleyball and soccer played by the juniors at the varsity sport level at STA
shining stars H Juniors Cristina DeZeeuw, Lizzie Luallin and Anna Kropf pose wearing T-shirts to represent their future college teams. The three juniors have been recruited to play college level sports. photo by MAGGIE RELLIHAN colleges we are interested in; calling them, emailing them, speaking with them, inviting them to our games and practices,” DeZeeuw said. “[My coach] plays a huge role in all of the recruiting. Due to the NCAA rules, the college coaches can’t directly communicate with us. They can email us directly starting Sept. 1 of our junior year, and then they can’t call us until our senior year.” Step 5: Visit different colleges. DeZeeuw, Luallin and Kropf visited multiple schools to feel for what they wanted in a college and all three believe they have found the perfect fit for them. DeZeeuw said it is important to look at all the different colleges you are interested in before committing. “I think sometimes the pressure becomes a bad thing if someone commits after looking at one school and they don’t give themselves any other options,” DeZeeuw said. Step 6: As the recruiting process starts
3
the number of college scholarships accepted by the three juniors to Duke University, University of Oklahoma and Vanderbilt University
dozens
15
of national tournaments competed in by the juniors
the total number of college visits made by the juniors before they committed. compiled by EMILY WEMHOFF
younger and younger, be prepared to make a decision. According to DeZeeuw, the age for soccer recruiting has gotten younger in the past five years because one of the biggest women’s soccer programs in the country, the University of North Carolina, started recruiting all the best players during their sophomore and junior years. In order to compete with them, other schools had to start doing the same thing. According to Kropf, if colleges had the choice, they would want to delay the recruiting process in order to watch the players develop. The nature of the system forces them to take their pick early. Kropf was recruited starting her freshman year, and Luallin and DeZeeuw were recruited at the beginning of sophomore year. Step 7: Prepare for stress. All three girls constantly had to be performing at a high level in order to get noticed by college coaches. For DeZeeuw, there was a lot of pressure to play well at big events when there were a lot of coaches there. Luallin felt overwhelmed by the recruiting process at first because she had no idea what she wanted to do for college. Kropf was stressed because did not want to miss an opportunity and wanted to make sure she was completely satisfied with her decision before committing. Step 8: Try to enjoy the process. According to Kropf, originally she was frustrated that other schools would pressure her to commit so early, but eventually she realized she was glad she does not have to go through the stress of the college application process. Luallin thinks the process can be good
because it is exciting to look at different colleges and find the one that fits you the best. She says it is important to always have fun with what you’re doing. Step 9: Keep an open relationship with your new college coach. Kropf still has to call her coach every once in a while to catch up. She also has to keep her grades up and get the ACT and SAT scores needed to get into Duke University. According to Luallin and DeZeeuw, they also have to continue to do good in both school and soccer and call their coaches periodically and invite them to games. Step 10: Choose a school where you know you would be happy without the sport. Luallin chose teh University of Oklahoma because it was the best fit for her. “I wanted a big school that I could play soccer at that also had sororities, a good football team and was not too far from home, “ Luallin said. “Oklahoma has all of these things, and I knew right away it was a good fit.” According to Kropf, she chose Duke because she loved the entire school. “I loved the coaches, the program, the campus, the facilities, and the people,” Kropf said. “I loved it all. It was also the best fit for me because I wanted a great Division 1 volleyball program, but also great academics. I also have always loved the Blue Devils so its a dream come true.” DeZeeuw chose Vanderbilt University after falling in love with it after she visited. “It is a great school, the campus is beautiful,and it isn’t too far from home,” DeZeeuw said. “They have a good program and are rebuilding and I really wanted to be a part of it.” H
14 | lifestyles | dartnewsonline.com | the dart | September 13, 2012
STA welcomes new faculty members This year, STA welcomes five new teachers and staff members to the school community. Ranging from math to music, the Dart interviewed each teacher to let the school get to know them a little better. compiled by MADELINE BEST
MS. JILLIAN HAMILTON computer graphics
1.
What is your first impression of STA? “Very good. Everyone’s so nice. I’ve subbed in other public schools, and all you girls are so polite and kind.” How long have you been teaching?
“This is my first year. I’ve subbed, but as far as teaching my own class, this is my first year.” What made you want to teach computer graphics?
“I’m a graphic designer myself. Before this, I worked for a magazine for three years and did design, illustration and layout. I still do that on the side and freelance, but I’ve always loved teaching so I figured I could also teach what I’m passionate about.” What is your favorite aspect of graphic design? “Definitely typography. I love type and lettering.” Fun fact?
“I have four sets of twins in my family. My best friend from college is a St. Teresa’s grad. I snowboard and ski.”
1.
MR. GREG MONSMA music
MS. MARY FISHER math
What is your first impression of STA?
When did you first start teaching at STA?
“It’s a welcoming place and the students seem to feel really comfortable at it. The atmosphere is about fun and learning, but it is obvious how academically challenging the course load is.”
“I started teaching in 1995 at St. Teresa’s until 1997. Then I stayed home with my kids for 7 years. I worked part-time at St. Charles [Borromeo Catholic School], teaching middle school math for 8 years and 1 year full-time and now, I’m back here. “
Where are you originally from? “Louisville, Kentucky.” Fun fact?
“I am one of four brothers. I have a dog named Derby, who is a silver lab and five months old now. I played soccer for 16 years and have skied backwards down a mountain.”
300
WORDS Modeled after Brady Dennis’s original 300 words, this series captures people and moments in 300 words: no more, no less by NATALIE FITTS
2.
What is it like having a daughter go to the same school you teach at?
“I taught [junior] Claire [Fisher] in middle school math at St. Charles. I really don’t see her much, but I enjoy seeing her a lot.” Fun fact?
“I am teaching in the same classroom I was in 15 years ago.”
She had made it. She was on the team. She had met the coaches. She had seen the practice space. She knew the performance schedule. She was ready to start practicing. But she had not met her new team. As freshman Molly Riffel sat on the bleachers in Goppert Center just a week before school began, her 18 varsity and JV dance team teammates, who had made the team months earlier, were only a swing of a door away. She had only danced with one other group of girls her entire life. And they had been the same girls for 3 years. The girls on her competition team at Priscilla and Dana’s School of Dance were her
best friends. She carpooled the 40 minute drive to the studio with them at least four days a week. She then practiced about 20 hours a week with them. During competition season, she traveled to new cities with them almost every weekend. She even hung out with them in the little free Riffel time they all had. Being homeschooled all her life, dance and the friends she made from dance were basically all she knew.
photos by MENLEY BRENNAN
2. Scan this QR code with a smartphone to read about new math teacher Ms. Kelsey Ryan and new director of service Ms. Kate Absher or go to dartnewsonline.com But all that she knew was about to be changed. Sitting in the huge gym by herself, she realized just how hesitant she was to be joining a new team at a new school with new girls. Would she find new best friends to take the place of the ones she said good-bye to just days before? Would they like dancing with each other? Would they even accept this “surprise” new girl? But when she walked into the weight room and heard one of her new teammates say, “Aww, Molly! This is so awesome! Congratulations!” she realized she belonged. She realized she had no reason to ever be hesitant. H
September 13, 2012 | the dart | dartnewsonline.com | lifestyles | 15
The best of the STA’s annual Frosh Fest was held Aug. 22-24 to welcome the class of 2016. Every advisory competed in a sidewalk chalk contest in the Quad and performed skits for the student body. The chalk contest and skits were both judged by a panel of STA faculty judges, and the top two winning advisories from Donnelly Hall and M&A Building won either a Waldo Pizza or Mr. Goodcents lunch. Winners for the chalk drawing in first and second place, respectively, included Brewer and Blake for Donnelly and Jacquin/Fast and Amick for M&A. For the skit contest, first and second place in Donnelly were Conner and Rueshhoff, and Monsma and Marquis for M&A.
fest
1.
2.
3.
1. H Sophomore Basil Burnette introduces the new additions to the Marquis advisory in the skit inspired by the movie “The Hunger Games.” The Marquis advisory received second place for their skit. 2. choo-choo H The freshmen in the Thomas advisory, as well as foreign exchange student Kathy Zhang, wave to the crowd dressed in their “Thomas the Train” attire. 3. break it down H Junior Katie Daniels, left, and senior Elena Spaulding introduce the freshmen in the Conner advisory as the “hot mamas.” photos by JORDAN ALLEN
16 | A&E | dartnewsonline.com | the dart | September 13, 2012
Prentiss prepares to plant performance STA’s upcoming musical, “Little Shop of Horrors” revolves around a humaneating plant named Audrey II. by MICKEY REDLINGSHAFER mredlingshafer@dartnewsonline.com The musical “Little Shop of Horrors” will debut Nov. 7-10 in the M&A auditorium, with junior Katherine Viviano and Rockhurst seniors Drew Jurden and Ian VonFange holding prominent positions. Although these boys and girls are portraying important characters, the most important character of the show is not a human at all. It is a plant. According to Prentiss drama teacher Shana Prentiss, the whole musical “Little Shop of Horrors” is about a plant that begins to grow, talk and eat humans. “The plant is the most important character in the entire production,” Prentiss said. “It is important it looks a certain way.” According to Prentiss, STA students usually make the sets for shows, but in this case they are going to rent the plant. “It is essential [the plant] looks a certain way, and it would be very difficult to create it [like] that,” Prentiss said. “To me the most important thing is that [the plant] has a strong presence. It has to be big. It has to have personality, and it is essential it makes a statement.“ According to Prentiss, she rented the plant from UMKC, who put on “Little Shop of Horrors” last spring and made a 9-foot plant themselves. [I like UMKC’s plant because] they made their own,” Prentiss said. “And it is a little different than what is traditionally used.” According to Prentiss, senior Ruby Dibble was cast as the voice of the plant, and Rockhurst senior Sage Mason will be the puppeteer. As the show progresses, the plant grows, so there are four different plant props Mason will work with. “It starts as a hand puppet pod, then it becomes a larger [hand puppet], then there is a third [plant] where
graphic by MCT CAMPUS
ARTIST OF THE
ISSUE
Every issue, the Dart interviews one of STA’s rising artists about her talents and inspirations compiled by MADELINE BEST
looking at historical clothes. I have a bunch of books about clothes throughout history and other cultures.
RACHEL BIRCHMIER junior How long have you been designing clothes? Ever since I was younger I loved drawing clothes on people.
Who are your favorite fashion designers or artists? I really like Alexander McQueen because his dresses are so giant and elaborate. I also really like Betsey Johnson. She’s has a lot of cool designs.
Birchmier
Where do you find your inspiration? I like reading fashion magazines, but I also like
What is you favorite thing to design? I love to design red carpet dresses and couture gowns. I like a lot of formal clothes, and I love drawing things that might be impossible.
Sage will be sitting in a pot,” Prentiss said. “The final one is the whole big thing. It is a seat built inside [of the plant] and it has controls that control the movement of the mouth.” According to Mason, he is happy to be playing the plant, which he thinks looks like a giant venus fly trap with lips. “It is going to be very hot and sweaty in the plant but I can fix that with short shorts, a bro tank and a sweatband,” Mason said. “I am most excited to eat my fellow cast members.” According to Dibble, Prentiss has decided to play the character of the plant in an unconventional way. “The plant is usually like a big black guy’s voice, but we’re doing it differently, obviously, because I’m a girl,” Dibble said. “[The voice] is going to be more seductive than usually played. During auditions, Prentiss asked for a more seductive-pleading than threatening voice.” According to Dibble, the plant sings a couple times in the musical. She enjoys all the music, but is especially excited for her songs, because they are different from what she normally sings in choir. “I belt a lot,” Dibble said. “It is very poppy. The songs are really fun and really soulful, and it’s different than my normal [songs]. They are sassy and fun songs so I like [them].” According to Dibble, Mason and Prentiss, they are all excited for the musical and anticipate it to be very good. “It is my last musical so I am ultraexcited,” Mason said. H
act it out H Senior Ruby Dibble auditions for the part of the plant for “Little Shop of Horrors.” photo by MENLEY BRENNAN
What kind of environment do you like to draw in? It doesn’t matter where I am. I’ve drawn in planes and buses, but I almost can’t draw without my iPod. What are your plans for the future? I definitely want to be Art by Birchmier a fashion designer or at least work in fashion. My goal is to eventually have my own company. H
September 13, 2012 | the dart | dartnewsonline.com | A&E | 17
up With everything from athletics to authors stopping in Kansas City this fall, the Dart offers an entertainment preview. by NATALIE FITTS nfitts@dartnewsonline.com
What’s
KC?
Use your smart phone to scan this code for more events.
Florence + the Machine
Light the Night Walk
Gymnastic Champions
Kate White
Florence + the Machine will fill Starlight Theatre’s last concert slot of the 2012 season Oct. 1. The alternative band has been on the mainstream radar since their 2010 hit “Dog Days are Over.” They previously toured with U2 on their 2011 tour. Tickets start at $25.
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society puts on Light the Night walks in cities all over the US and Canada, including one Oct. 5 in Overland Park. According to LLS’s website, these “leisurely walk[s]” consist of participants carrying “illuminated balloons” to raise money and “bring help and hope” to those with blood cancers. Nickelodeon star Miranda Cosgrove is an ambassador for the organization. The walk is one to two miles long, beginning at 7:45 p.m. Participants are expected to raise $100.
This gymnastics showcase will feature Olympic favorites McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman, Kyla Ross, Jordyn Wieber, Gabby Douglas and Nastia Liukin, as well as St. Louis native Sarah Finnegan. This 40-city, 2-month tour will stop by the Sprint Center Oct. 18. Tickets start at $36.50.
Editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine Kate White visits Rainy Day Books to discuss her latest book, “I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This: Success Secrets Every Gutsy Girl Should Know” Oct. 29. White, a New York Times best-selling author, has written over 10 books, including non-fiction books and mystery novels. Admission costs $24.99, which includes a copy of White’s book. After White speaks, she will sign copies of her book.
Madonna
Tour de BBQ
hittin’ the high note H Singer Florence Welch of Florence + the Machine performs at the Greek Theater June 12. photo by MCT CAMPUS
The Royals The Royals will finish up their 2012 season at home against the Detroit Tigers Oct. 1-3. INK Student Night is Wednesday, Oct. 3, which means high school and college students can buy certain outfield and infield tickets for $7.
Kansas City’s fourth annual Tour de BBQ takes place Oct. 6 in the Power and Light District. The event combines cycling, music and barbeque. While riders are on their 15, 35 or 65 mile trails, they will stop at various restaurants in Kansas City, including Gate’s Bar-B-Q and Jack Stack Barbeque, to sample barbeque. Fundraising and donations go to support cancer research at the University of Kansas and Children’s Mercy Hospital.
Color Run
After visiting Arrowhead Stadium in June and July, The Color Run will stop in Lawrence Oct. 6. The Color Run is a 5K in which participants wear all white and volunteers throw colored powder on them as they pass by. Runners of any age can participate. Registration is currently $45 for a solo racer, but will be $50 anytime after Oct. 1.
flying high H Gymnast Gabby Douglas performs on the balance beans Aug. 7 at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, England. photo by MCT CAMPUS
Justin Bieber The 18-year-old pop star stops by the Sprint Center for the second time Oct. 26. Beiber’s 2010 My World tour sold out, earning $53,341,886 over 130 shows. His second major headlining tour promotes his latest album, Believe, which features the singles “Boyfriend” and “As Long as You Love Me.” Carly Rae Jepsen, whose summer hit “Call Me Maybe” spent nine weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, is the opening act for the Believe tour. Tickets start at $39.50.
The queen of pop will perform in Kansas City for the first time Oct. 30 at the Sprint Center. Her ninth world tour will feature over 80 stops. The tour has already met with controversy for incidences ranging from breast exposure to the singer’s outspoken controversial beliefs. The setlist features old hits as well as singles off her latest album, MDNA. Tickets start at $45.
popstar H Singer Madonna performs during the halftime show of Superbowl XLVI Feb. 5. in Indianapolis, Ind. photo by MCT CAMPUS
18 | health | dartnewsonline.com | the dart | September 13, 2012
serve it up H President Nan Bone smiles with approval as sophomore Averie Stapp adds croutons to her salad. Bistro Kids' salad bar was a hit for students and staff. photo by MAGGIE RELLIHAN
Bistro Kids replaces JoJo’s lunches by CHRISTINA ELIAS celias@dartnewsonline.com
The STA administration recently made the decision to switch lunch providers for the 2012-13 school year from JoJo’s to Bistro Kids as a step forward in the administration’s 2012-16 Strategic Plan, an outline of priorities set for the school to accomplish by 2016. Bistro Kids is a food services company that currently provides healthy lunch and snack alternatives to seven other locations in Kansas and Missouri, including Bishop Ward High School and YMCA of Greater Kansas City. “Nine years ago was the first time I had ever heard of Bistro [Kids], and then it was last year that, as we were talking about what would be the best food service, I said we should really talk with Bistro Kids again,” principal for student affairs Mary Anne
THIS NOT
THAT:
NEW WORKOUTS The Dart offers some alternatives for exercising and workouts. by EMILY WEMHOFF
Hoecker said. order food-wise has to be local and organic. A few food items currently offered by the Our corporate chefs give us pretty strict ordering specifics so, depending on what we company include wraps, sandwiches, pita can get, we kind of derive our menu from bread and hummus, a salad bar, fruits, vegthat.” etables and beverages such as tea and milk, but the menu is subject to change. According to Hoecker, the plan is for the “We’re going to get a suggestion box out menu items to vary throughout the year. “The chef is there at some going to make point,” assistant soups for the chef Matthew Stansfield said. colder weather,” I hope it’s long-term because I think “Whatever you Hoecker said. it offers some of the healthiest food “I think that his guys like, we available. plan is to add want to know. Mary Anne Hoecker, a lot of variety. Whatever you principal for student affairs guys don’t like, But they’re just we want to know. now getting a feel for how It’s hit and miss. many students We’re feeling will eat, and then they want some warm out the menu, seeing what sells and what food.” doesn’t.” Head chef Maxwell Littlejohn commented Senior Anna Woolery was skeptical of that he and Stansfield make up the menu as how different Bistro Kids would be from JoJo’s, but was not against the transition. they go. “I don’t think JoJo’s was particularly “There’s some method to it,” Stansfield unhealthy,” Woolery said. “It’s great STA is said. “For example, 40 percent of what we
“
“
Administration encourages healthier lifestyles by hiring food services company Bistro Kids.
trying to provide a healthier environment for students, but like Bistro Kids, JoJo’s provided salad and chicken wraps too. I don’t think this switch is going to cause any radical changes in students’ diets. However, I’ve heard really good reviews of Bistro Kids.” Hoecker remarked that so far, the reaction to Bistro Kids has been positive. “I’ve not heard any student who said she hated it,” Hoecker said. “I’ve heard students say everything from ‘awesome’ to ‘it tastes really good.’” Even the freshmen, though new to STA, agree with the administration’s choice. “I like how easy and quick it is compared to making my own lunch,” freshman Grace Girardeau said. “I’ve only had a salad, but it was good. And the chocolate milk is the peak of my day!” The administration is also pleased with the food services company thus far, and has no inclination to switch providers again any time soon. “I hope it’s long-term, because I think it offers some of the healthiest food available,” Hoecker said. H
Tabata interval workouts, not running 5 miles
Nike Training Club app, not spending hours at the gym
CrossFit, not Pilates
Tabata, based on a 1996 study by Izumi Tabata, repeats 20 seconds of intense exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest. This four-minute anaerobic interval workout has been proven to burn more fat and improve metabolism more than running. Some exercises in a Tabata workout can include mountain climbers, jumping rope or sprinting on a treadmill. The best part about this workout is that you don’t even need a gym!
This free app for iPhone users is like a personal trainer in your pocket. With more than 85 custom workouts and 130 drills that range from 15 to 45 minutes, there is no time for repetition or boredom. Users can select their goals and skill level ranging from lean to toned to strong. After working out, users can earn prizes and unlock exclusive workouts from celebrities. You can even set the workout to music on your phone all while in the comfort of your home.
CrossFit is a vigorous workout that combines weight training, aerobics and gymnastics. It is a program that prepares the body for better fitness by not focusing on one activity. It can be adapted to any skill level, unlike Pilates. You can choose to do the daily workouts on the CrossFit website free of charge or find a CrossFit personal trainer. It is a program that does not need a lot of fancy equipment, but does offer a variety of exercises to keep up the interest level. Visit crossfit.com to find a location close to you.
September 13, 2012 | the dart | dartnewsonline.com | in the mix | 19
20 QUESTIONS WITH... HAYLEY BURGESS by EMILY MCCANN emccann@dartnewsonline.com
For our first edition of 20 questions, the Dart interviewed freshman Hayley Burgess. Burgess is a member of the Himes advisory and the youngest member of the freshman class. She plays tennis and wants to try out for a Rockhurst High School musical or STA play.
dancing queens H Dance coordinator Darlene Piane leads auditioners in a dance number for the school musical “Little Shop of Horrors” Aug. 28. The production, which stars junior Katherine Viviano and Rockhurst High School seniors Drew Jurden and Ian VonFange, will debut Nov. 7. photo by MENLEY BRENNAN
MY LIFE
SUCKS
[Sophomore] Willa Knight and I were at her dad’s office building working on our homework. We went to the kitchen to make some food and I found an expired French toast stick in the freezer that I wanted to make. I put it in a styrofoam bowl, even though Willa told me not to, and put it in the microwave for 1 minute. Halfway through Cowdin cooking, I opened the microwave and a bunch of smoke came out. All of the fire alarms turned on. They were really loud and flashed bright lights! Then three fire trucks and a Dalmatian came and they ran into the building in their fireman gear and tried to find the fire. It was so embarrassing! Willa’s dad calls me Smokey now. My life sucks. — Gloria Cowdin, sophomore
MY LIFE
ROCKS
I was asked to homecoming by receiving a white rose each class period (via one of my friends) that had a word attached to it! I had no idea who it was, although everyone else seemed to, and spent Shorter the whole day trying to figure it out. By 8th period I had a bouquet of white roses that spelled out “Will you go to homecoming with me?” And during 9th period, I got a red rose with his name [Owen Parra] attached to it! My life rocks. —Ellie Shorter, sophomore compiled by CHRISTINA ELIAS
THAT’S WHAT SHE DAYS OF OUR
SAID
The Dart prowled Twitter for the most catchy and intriguing statuses on the social network compiled by CECILIA BUTLER
LIVES
The Dart created a countdown to some of the most anticipated upcoming days of school Compiled by SIOBHAN MILLER
There are 8 days until the first pep rally. A mere 21 days until the auction skit. Just 30 more days until Teresian. Approximately 55 days until the first showing of “Little Shop of Horrors.” Exactly 91 days until first semester exams. And only 283 days until summer.
1. Most played song on your iPod? “Stand Up” by One Direction 2. Morning person or a night owl? Night owl 3. What do you want to be when you grow up? Lawyer 4. Waldo Pizza or Chick-fil-A? Waldo Pizza 5. If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you would do? Probably buy front row concert tickets 6. Dream first name? Annabelle 7. Who was the last person you hugged? [Freshman] Sophie Prochnow 8. Best vacation you ever took? Italy 9. How many hours of sleep did you get last night? Seven 10. Cell phone provider? AT&T 11. What is your favorite color? Purple 12. If you were another person, why would you be friends with you? I’m really optimistic and I try to be nice to everyone 13. Scary movies or romantic comedies? Scary movies 14. Bistro Kids or JoJo’s? Bistro Kids [I never had JoJo’s] 15. M&A or Donnelly? M&A 16. Cats, dogs or reptiles? Dogs 17. How many siblings? One, [an] older brother 18. Dream car? Light blue bug convertible 19. Your style in one word. Preppy 20. Which celebrity would you switch places with for a day? Taylor Swift H
20 | last look | dartnewsonline.com | the dart | September 13, 2012
Screaming
r a i n
in the
2.
3.
4.
STA fall sports, including cross country, volleyball, softball, tennis, golf and dance are underway with their 2012 seasons. 1.
5. 1. rainy day H Seniors Caitlin Fletcher, left, and Jane Evans have a laugh while watching a cross country race at Longview Community College Sept. 1. Varsity and JV finished second at the meet. photo by KATHLEEN KEAVENY 2. off the bench H Senior Rachel Tovar watches the STA softball team in a game against Raymore-Peculiar High School Aug. 30. photo by ROSIE HUTCHISON 3. in full swing H Junior Frankie Neunuebel tees off during a tournament against The Pembroke Hill School and Barstow High School Aug 30. STA won the match. photo by MEGHAN LEWIS
4. learning the steps H Junior Camille Porterfield practices with the varsity dance team Sept. 4. photo by EMMA WHEATLEY 5. reaching for a win H Senior Nicole Sakoulas plays in a JV tennis match against The Pembroke Hill School Sept. 4. The STA tennis team finished 2nd at the tournament. photo by KATHLEEN KEAVENY 6. ready stance H Junior Miranda Schultz prepares for the Raymore-Peculiar High School players to return the ball in the varsity game Aug. 30. STA won the final match 25-21. photo by KATHLEEN KEAVENY
6.