The Dart: Vol. 76 Issue 5

THE

DART

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWS SOURCE OF ST. TERESA'S ACADEMY | KANSAS CITY, MO

INCORPORATING INCLUSION: SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS The Dart takes a look at various special needs education programs around the area, exploring the similarities and differences between public and private schools.

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P. 14 WHEN HIGH SCHOOL "THINGS" BECOME LONG LIVED FLINGS

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P. 26 ATHLETES COMMIT TO THE SCHOOLS OF THEIR DREAMS

CONTENTS

4. THE DART RECAPS THE PAST MONTH AT STA WITH NEWS IN BRIEF 5. STA DISCUSSES NEW USES FOR EMPTY KCYA SPACE

JUNIOR FAITH PALAUSKY FOSTERS BABY ANIMALS

6. KANSAN FCC HEAD TO BAN NET NEUTRALITY?

10. REVIEW: RED DOOR GRILL IN BROOKSIDE HAS A LOT TO OFFER

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12. NEW STUDENT-RUN COMPANY CONNECTS AREA STUDENTS TO JOBS

ON THE COVER

14. WHEN HIGH SCHOOL "THINGS" BECOME LONG LIVED FLINGS

EXPLORING AREA PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

21. PATIENT SUFFERS FROM ACUTE FOMO CASE 22. MY UNIQUE BUCKET LIST 23. WHAT MY GRADE SCHOOL HAD TO OFFER

24. LIZ ELM: INSTAGRAM FAMOUS ARTIST

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THE ULTIMATE GUIDE ON HOW TO SPEND YOUR VALENTINE'S DAY

25. ATHLETES COMMIT EARLY TO COLLEGE ATHLETICS 28. NEW DOG PARK/ RESTAURANT COMBO COMES TO KC

30 Cover design by Helen Wheatley Backpage design by Gwyn Doran February 3, 2017

Letter

FROM THE EDITORS

THE STAFF Adviser 2016-2017 Brad Lewis Editors-in-Chief Linden O'Brien Williams Helen Wheatley

WEB

Managing Web Editor Madi Winfield Scheduling Editor Katie Gregory Social Media Editor Anna Louise Sih Social Media Team Members Catherine Ebbitts, Kate Jones Breaking News Editor Victoria Cahoon Multimedia Editor Alex Davis

PRINT

Greetings, Dart readers!

Every year, a good portion of our freshmen enter in from diocesan grade schools, where they learned alongside students with special needs. In high school, however, their friends with special needs will usually attend a public school or a diocesan high school with a program for students with special needs. Well, we asked why, and we found some pretty interesting and enlightening information.

Be sure to give Alex Davis and Linden O’Brien-Williams’ centerspread story a thorough read to find out more about what different schools do to include students with special needs.

As we crawl into February and fall back into our same old pre-new-year rituals, we wanted to provide you with some coverage to keep you going through the winter months.

On our news pages, get caught up on the latest happenings at STA with Hannah Jirousek’s gathered briefs from this past month’s most notable school events. Flip a little further and you’ll find the cute coverage we know you look for, with Gabby Staker’s story on junior Faith Palausky and her fostering of baby animals.

Readers, February is here, and with February comes Valentine’s day - be sure to get your dose of love in and read

Helen Wheatley’s profile on high school sweethearts who are thriving, years later.

If you’re looking to get inspired (or to get hired), take a glimpse at Claire Molloy’s story about a couple area teenagers who are starting their own business to help teenagers get hired around the city.

Last, don’t miss out on our community coverage - on pages 28 and 29, Katie Donnellan outlineS a new dog park and restaurant combo for dog lovers around the city.

Aaaand as usual, be sure to check out our great content on DNO from this month, updated daily!

Keep your heads up, read your Darts, and remember that spring is just around the corner.

Happy reading!

Managing Print Editor Mackenzie O'Guin Visual Illustrator Ellie Grever Photography Editors Cassie Hayes, Paige Powell Page Designers Maureen Burns, Zoë Butler, Gwyn Doran, Ellie Grever, Hannah Jirousek, Julia Kerrigan, Lily Manning, Gabby Mesa, Claire Molloy, Linden O'BrienWilliams, Mackenzie O'Guin, Margaux Renee, Gabby Staker, Helen Wheatley, Madi Winfield

COPY

Features Editor Zoë Butler News Editor Lily Manning Opinion Editor Gwyn Doran Sports Editor Katie Donnellan Staff Photographers Gabby Ayala, Meghan Baker, Helen Krause, Gabby Martinez, Meggie Mayer, Riley McNett, Anna Kate Powell, Sophie Sakoulas Staff Writers Cece Curran, Alex Frisch, Annabelle Meloy, Katie Mulhern, Margaux Renee, Isabel Shorter, Sophy Silva, Anna Claire Tangen, Natalie Telep, Lucy Whittaker

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page design by Linden O'Brien-Williams

Editorial Policies Ownership and Sponsorship

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.

Editorial Policy

The staff of DartNewsOnline and the Dart are subject to prior review by the St. Teresa’s Academy administrative team in circumstances that concern Catholic doctrine, student safety or illegal behavior.

DartNewsOnline and the Dart will not publish reviews of student work or performances.

Personal columns reflect the opinions of the writer, not necessarily the staff or school.

Letters & Reader Interaction Policy

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.

Comment Policy

DartNewsOnline and the Dart encourage readers to comment on all posts. However, DartNewsOnline and the Dart reserve the right to monitor and edit all comments on DartNewsOnline. Comments that disagree with the editorial policy will not be published.

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Photo illustrations are conceptual photos that combine drawing and photography. All photos on the website are free for public use.

If a reader is interested in high-quality copies of photos, please email DartNewsOnline at dartpaper@gmail.com.

Corrections Policy

DartNewsOnline and the Dart will publish corrections as soon as possible after the error is discovered.

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News in brief FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY Story by Hannah Jirousek | Page Designer

The Dart compiled the most notable campus news since the start of second semester.

NEW ACTIVITY SCHEDULE ELECTIVES FAIR As of second semester, teachers will be open for either activity one or two. This new system is in place to allow teachers time for a personal lunch or collaboration with colleagues, as well as to encourage students to remain in the Commons during their assigned lunch period.

Father-Daughter Bowling

The Elective fair for the 2017-18 academic year was held Tuesday Jan. 17 during Activity 1 and 2. Students were able to ask teachers questions about elective courses offered and collect flyers for more information about these classes. Next year, many new elective courses will be available such as ballet, Women as Witnesses and a Jazz/ Musical theater dance class.

FATHER DAUGHTER BOWLING Students and their fathers gathered at Ward Parkway Lanes Jan. 8 to bowl and bond at the Father-Daughter Bowling night. The St. Joseph’s Society hosts this event annually, consisting of family bowling teams and dessert contests.

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CLASS MEETINGS The first class meetings of second semester were held on Friday, Jan. 6.

The freshman class met in Windmoor to hear a speaker from Kansas State University. Sophomores met in the Commons to discuss the college major search. Juniors assembled in the gym to make Valentine’s Day cards for children at Children’s Mercy Hospital. The senior class gathered in the auditorium to discuss suicide and depression awareness.

CDC SHOWS FILM HONORING MLK STA's Cultural Diversity Committee showed the film Mighty Times: The Children’s March on Jan. 12 during activity periods to celebrate Martin Luther King Day on Jan. 16. The event also featured discussion and free popcorn from Glenwood Arts Theater.

February 3, 2017

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STA NEWS

1. Freshmen Grace Guame and Hannah Gant talk by the dessert table at Ward Parkway Lanes Jan. 8. photo by Meghan Baker 2. Freshmen Anna Johnson and Abby Schipfer pose for a photo with European History teacher Mike Egner.

Egner dressed in Medeival armor to promote his European History class. photo by Julia Kerrigan

KCYA's new location is located at 3732 Main St. Before moving to their newest space, they were operating at STA.

NEW PLANS For FORMER KCYA SPACE Story by Anne-Claire Tangen Writer Photos by Anna Louise Sih Photographer

KCYA vacated the third and fourth floors of M&A providing the administration with curriculum expanding opportunities.

Kansas City Young Audiences (KCYA) moved out of the third and fourth floors of the M&A Building, moving to a bigger location on Main Street in Nov. of this year. Plans for the space are not yet resolute, but include propositions such as a recording studio, French and Spanish conversation tables, new classrooms and relocation of faculty and staff.

STA administration asked KCYA to look for a new space almost a year and a half ago to expand academic curriculum, according to STA president Nan Bone. Bone insists the parting was not something done out of spite, but an opportunity for both institutions to stretch their wings.

“We told them that we liked this

partnership and we loved to support a nonprofit,” Bone said. “But, they used our facility all summer, which was hard on us, and there were some spaces we needed at the same time.”

As for exploring the curriculum needs, the administration has taken the M&A teachers on tours to see if they would like to do anything in the office spaces, according to Bone.

"Mr. Perry said that he’d love to have a recording studio and so would we,” Bone said.

Principal of student affairs Liz Baker adds that they’re considering building a production studio. Since a lot of teachers do flipped classrooms, Baker wants a quiet room for them to record their videos, along with opportunities for students to do announcements online.

“World language [suggested] conversational French and Spanish [tables], kind of like a hub,” Bone said.

Head of the STA Language Department Julia Gargallo further explained the conversation table as giving “girls the opportunity to speak more.”

“In class, so much grammar or reading or activities [are done] that we don’t have time to speak much,” Gargallo said.

“Some of the girls feel a little intimidated page design by Margaux Renee

talking to the entire group, so it would be better if [there were] rooms where a few girls could go and [be given] a prompt to talk about.”

Bone adds that the absence of KCYA opens up opportunities to relocate offices in the gym that will be displaced during construction this summer or to move teachers in the basement of M&A near their own department.

Other ideas include department meeting spaces, rooms for monitored frees, college planning rooms and storage space.

In the meantime, Baker notes that admittance to the third and fourth floors are very restricted for students.

“At this point, there’s limited accessibility,” Baker said. “Except for tutors who are helping out on the fourth floor and practice rooms for those who are in fine arts or do piano.”

“For right now, we’re not saying, ‘Yes, you can have that,’ to every teacher,” Bone said. “We want to know what’s happening when we tear into the gym and how long have we displaced those people. We know that the gym will be off limits this summer, but we think we can get back in and have classes this next school year."H

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LOCAL NEWS

FFC head ready to ban net neutrality Story and Photos by Madi Winfield Managing Web Editor

Ajit Pai, a native Kansan, has been named Commissioner of the FCC, and one of his primary goals is to do away with laws protecting net neutrality.

What would you be willing to give up for faster, less expensive internet?

What if the speed and cost only applied to certain websites? With President Trump’s Jan. 23 appointment of Ajit Pai to the role of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner, these hypotheticals may become real dilemmas to internet users throughout America.

Pai, a native of Parsons, Kansan, is against net neutrality, “the principle that internet service providers (ISPs) should give consumers access to all legal content and applications on an equal basis,” according to USA Today. Net neutrality prevents ISPs from charging money to certain websites in exchange for faster internet speeds.

Those in favor of net neutrality see this as a way of leveling the playing field and ensuring larger companies like Netflix or Facebook don’t buy up bandwidth, leaving very little for the little guys.

“For example, if Netflix paid million of dollars to have their videos load faster than others, people would flock to that service instead of the ones that loaded more slowly,” computer science teacher Alexa Varady said. “It would also make it much harder for smaller businesses to keep up with the amount of money larger companies could shell out, so

Senior Alex Davis types on her laptop Jan. 30. Changes to net neutrality laws will affect how readily available some websites are around the U.S.

competition would likely die out quickly.”

Another danger of the internet without net neutrality, according to Wired, is that, for example, “the Comcasts and Verizons of the world [could] be able to block Skype or other voice calling applications in order to advantage their own telephone services.”

"I think there are many ideas that look good on paper - it’s when they’re put into practice that things go wrong.”

Alexa Varady These larger media companies that are also ISPs could prevent users from accessing third-party apps that compete with their own programs by decreasing their bandwidth and/or requiring a fee to

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increase it.

However, detractors of this principle believe that the websites that currently take up more bandwidth should have to pay for upkeep. Then, the customers of the ISP who do not use that website essentially wouldn’t be paying for it anymore.

The difference in viewpoints lies within the principle of cause-and-effect. Those opposed see that some ISPs already use more bandwidth and should be charged accordingly, making the internet landscape more fair and even. Those who favor net neutrality, though, believe this model could lead to corruption, where larger companies who can afford to buy up expensive bandwidth will cut off the supply for smaller, less well-off websites.

“It’s a tricky subject, as with many controversial issues,” Varady said. “On paper, it looks like a good idea - ISPs could allocate resources in the most optimal way, instead of letting a small portion of people who use a lot of bandwidth “hog” the internet. But I think there are many ideas that look good on paper - it’s when they’re put into practice that things go wrong.”

The Open Internet Order, enacted

the NEWS FEED

by Julia Kerrigan | Page Designer

in 2015, designates ISPs as “common carriers,” or “private companies that sell their services to all consumers without discrimination,” according to USA Today.

Pai is looking to reverse this decision, having said in a speech Dec. 7 that the FCC needs to “fire up the weed whacker and remove those rules that are holding back investment, innovation and job creation.” The rules referenced include the classification of broadband as a “telecommunications service” rather than an “information service,” which allows the FCC to impose strict regulations on ISPs. In his view, reversing the current legislation would allow ISPs to charge websites for the bandwidth they require, rather than creating a loophole for websites to pay ISPs for more bandwidth. This would, in turn, let ISPs offer more options to their consumers, as well as protecting them from substantial FCC fees.

Pai spoke to a group of Kansas City entrepreneurs Oct. 11 as part of an event posted by Think Big Partners,

a company focused on the growth of entrepreneurship. During this speech, Pai extolled the virtues of freedom of competition in terms of net neutrality.

“We have to promote more competition,” Pai said regarding the prevention of local governmental roadblocks. “And ultimately, we have to make more broadband more affordable and accessible to all Americans.”

But what would the reversal of the Open Internet Order mean for the average American? According to Varady, “things would definitely change a lot.”

“I think the worst case would be these changes happening gradually over time, so that the general population wouldn’t notice what was happening,” Varady said.

“When a particular page is loading slowly, you blame the organization, not your ISP, right? That’s going to become a problem in the future, and I think people need to be educated on the difference.” H

Terms to know

Compiled by Madi Winfield | Managing Web Editor

broadband

dial-up internet

high-speed internet access that is always on; the alternative to

Net Neutrality the principle that Internet service providers should enable access to all content and applications regardless of the source, and without favoring or blocking particular products or websites (Federal Communications Commission) an independent FCC federal agency created to regulate interstate communications by radio, television and satellite; their duties include regulating new technologies and encouraging competition between them, as well as monitoring censorship on television

Bandwidth a measurement of how fast data can be sent over a wired or wireless connection, usually measured in bits per second isp a company that provides subscribers with access to the internet, such as Comcast or Google Fiber

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

in the world

The Indian Supreme Court issued a ban on the sport of jallikattu, where a bull is released into a crowd and the men must see who can hang on the longest in order to win prizes. The sport has been criticized as being cruel to animals, which led to the ban.

Protesters gathered on beaches in support of their sport as part of their culture, and these protests became violent when the police attempted to remove them.

the u.s.

Within his first week of presidency, Trump made an executive order to build a 1,000 mile long wall across the 1,900 mile border between the U.S. and Mexico. President Trump has estimated the cost to be between $10 to $12 billion, and insists that Mexico will pay. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto says that they will not. This executive order also calls for stricter enforcement of existing immigration laws.

missouri

A new bill has been proposed in Missouri by Democratic Rep. Bruce Franks that would require firearm owners to report the loss of a gun within three days or face a fine of $100 for their first offence and $1,000 for their second. This aims to keep guns out of dangerous hands.

kansas city The Roasterie Cafe plans to open a drive through location with patio seating at 2663 Southwest Blvd. It is set to open at the end of March. This space has previously been a junkyard and salvage yard, but Roasterie owner Danny O’Neill hopes to make it a bright spot in the community. “We like to be part of the neighborhood and bring something positive into what we're doing,” O’Neill said.

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page design by Gabby Mesa

STAR SPOTLIGHT

Faith Palausky Story by Gabby Staker | Writer Photo by Meghan Baker Photographer

Junior Faith Palausky has fostered animals twice: a litter of two puppies and four kittens. She began last winter through Wayside Waifs.

Are there organizations you connect with who give you animals to foster?

How does that work?

“We’re on the foster list. Every week [Wayside Waifs] sends out an email of all the animals that need fostering. A lot of the time, it’s older dogs and not puppies, and my dad is never super into that idea because they would have to be in with our dogs. For most of them, that’d be fine. I think he’s just more worried about our dogs. When there’s puppies or kittens on the email that they send out about fostering, I’m usually texting and emailing my mom right away, like ‘Mom, there’s puppies!

We have to get them!’”

Do you have pets of your own?

“We have two dogs already. They’re pretty good about [interacting with the foster animals.] They get freaked out about it at first because it’s different, for sure, especially with the kittens. We’ve never had cats and it was so different for them. They just kind of stay in their own space and give the puppies and kittens their own space.”

Why do you foster?

“It’s a lot of work because they need attention all the time and people to be around them all the time, but I just love puppies. We haven’t had our own puppy for six years because my younger dog is six years old. It’s

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been a long time, so when my mom was like ‘Let’s foster!’ I was like, ‘Yes!’” Do you have any funny stories? Sad stories? Stories in general?

“They’re four kittens, which is a lot of kittens, especially since we’d never had any cats. The whole [experience of] getting used to kittens was kind of funny for everyone. For our dogs- even our adult dogs- we have a baby gate to keep them in rooms if we don’t want them getting on furniture and stuff.

And we had that for the kittens, so for the first two days it kept them in, but then they could just climb over it. They were four weeks old and we were like ‘What’s happening?’ Probably for cat owners, they were like ‘Yeah, duh,’ but we were like ‘Woah! How do we keep you in a room? We can’t contain you!’

Puppies will chew on everything and pee on everything. The animals stay in my room because of my dad, so the puppies had to be in a little [crate], but the kittens could just roam around all day and it was fine. It was a learning curve, for sure, but it was fun.”

And how long do you generally take care of the animals?

“I think we had the puppies for four weeks and the kittens for longer because they were taking medication. I think we had them for six.”

February 3, 2017

Do the animals always go to new owners or back to the shelter for a while after you foster them?

“We have them until they’re eight weeks, which is the age that they’re good to be adopted out. After they’re eight weeks, we take them back to Wayside Waifs and they adopt them out from there. I think some fosters will have friends come over and set it up so [friends] can adopt them out from there once they’re old enough, but we’ve never done that.”

Do you name them?

“They come with names from Wayside Waifs-- they’re sometimes a little funky, because I think they run out of ideas. The puppies were both girls and they were named Popsicle and ‘Lil Smokey. There were four kittens, three girls and one boy and their names all started with ‘E’s. There was an Esmee, Emmy, Eden, and Edgar.”

Is it hard to give them back?

“Yes. Especially with the puppies.

With the kittens, I was attached to them, but not super attached to them. But with the puppies, I’m pretty sure I cried when I gave them back. We had them for a month. They were tiny when we got them and by the time they left, they were going up the stairs super quickly and they were big.” H

THE MONTHLY QUESTION

BITS & PIECES

by Lily Manning | News Editor

I N S TA G R A M S OF THE ISSUE

What's your ideal Valentine's Day? "My ideal Valentine’s Day would be scuba diving in Fiji."

- Sophomore Caroline Franke "My ideal Valentine’s Day would be going to this little Chinese place by my house and then coming home to watch something trashy like the bachelor."

- Junior Camille Goodwin

My ideal Valentine's Day would be playing golf with my friends and then going home and watching “The Bachelor.”

- Senior Claire Franney "My ideal Valentine’s Day is going to the movies and hanging out with gal pals."

- Senior Hannah Grant

by Anna Louise Sih Social Media Team Member

Each issue, the Dart highlights students' Instagrams. This month's theme: school spirit.

MY LIFE SUCKS / MY LIFE ROCKS

by Gabby Mesa | Page Designer "Last weekend I had a soccer game, a team practice, another soccer game, a one-on-one practice and a swim meet. It wouldn't have been that bad but I decided to watch a scary movie on Saturday night and I ended up not being able to sleep."

- Brooke Fallis, freshman

"So 'Girl Meets World' is my everything, mainly because Peyton Meyer is on it, but the one person who inspires me the most is Sabrina Carpenter. I was walking to the line to get in for her concert when she was walking out to her tour bus, which was parked right outside of the venue. When I met her, she gave me the best hug ever!"

- Kate Euston, sophomore

@toricartee: gonna miss this <3

THAT'S WHAT

SHE SAID

Each issue, the Dart shares entertaining student tweets. compiled by Catherine Ebbits Social Media Editor

Bridget Graham @bridgetxgraham: ““the sign of the cross is kind of like the catholic dab”- rich graham” Olivia Cook @occook92: “The Bachelor is literally like: Haley: oh my god I’m not gonna get a rose. So and so is awful. They suck. (A second later) Nick: Haley”

@sloane_smith: Am I not her biggest fan???

Olivia Matlock @nerdybirdy7: “KScott: “I’m sorry you were disappointed.” Me: “Don’t worry, I’ve been disappointed for most of my life.” :)” Claire Franey @cfraney8: “Trump made $649,000,000 last year and I don't even think I made $649” Libby Terril @libbyytibbyy: “i'm going thru that “i'm cozy in my bed & tired, w/ my retainers in & teeth cleaned, butttt i could rly go for some panda

@salscottt: stAYO

express" mood rn”

9 page design by Zoe Butler

REVIEWS

Meet me behind the red door Story by Maureen Burns | Writer

I started my meal off with an appetizer of the smoky green chile cheese dip, Red Door Woodfired Grill served with pico de gallo on top of the recently opened in cheese and chips to the side. It had a tiny bit of spice, but mostly just cheesy. It was Brookside in place of Blue good, but clearly not their specialty.

Grotto.

My guilty pleasure has always been a cheeseburger and fries, and Red HHHH Door Grill did not disappoint. The menu explained that the hamburger meat Red Door Grill is proof that you is from McGonigle’s, “a custom blend cannot go wrong with old school of beef brisket, short rib and chuck American food. When I walked in tenderloin” and is served with lettuce, through the red door (imagine that), I was immediately hit with the smell of tomato, red onions, pickles, mayo and the cheese of your choice. deliciously unhealthy food.

However, if you are looking for glutenA crowd populated the bar, and free options, Red Door Grill is not the tables were filled with people of all place for you. They didn’t have any glutenages. The restaurant was decorated in a classy, appealing and comfortable free items marked on the menu, and the server wasn’t sure of any items that didn’t way. Multiple TVs were mounted on have gluten. every wall making it obvious that I went on a Monday night which is $5 this could be a future sporting event classic burger and $8 specialty burger hangout. night. On a regular night, the classic Around 5 p.m. on a Monday the burger costs $9. In general, Red Door second week it was open, I was Grill’s prices are a little on the more seated pretty quickly, but not long after, people accumulated at the door expensive side. On nights when they have specials, it would be affordable for waiting for tables. students, but otherwise, expect to pay The menu provided lots of tastymore than usual. looking options with specific details.

Red Door Grill had a great atmosphere I appreciate knowing exactly what a certain course entails. Not to mention the menu itself was appealing to look at. So, props to you, Red Door Grill.

It reminded me of a tastier, classier and more expensive Applebee’s.

The service was fantastic, my glass was never empty and the food came out relatively fast considering the restaurant was so crowded. Not only was the staff efficient, but they were very friendly and would engage in nice conversation about the food and whatever else came up. This all could be temporary considering they had just opened, but I hope not, because it played a major role in the experience.

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Feburary 3, 2017

in their restaurant, in the set of house rules on their menu: “If you aren’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.

Tell your server what to do to put a smile on that face.

(Or make it bigger than it already is.)

Within these four walls, there will be no talk of frozen meat, heat lamps or hummus that’s not homemade.

(In fact, pretend that sentence never happened.)

Feel free to chew with your mouth open or talk with your mouth full… or both. We won’t judge.

(But we can’t speak for your fellow diners.)

Ask us why woodfired is better.

We’re always ready to share the gospel of the smokey trinity.

(Or let you taste it for yourself.)

Try the meatloaf. (Seriously.)”

The Red Door Grill has opened its doors to my heart and stomach and will see me again soon. H

The Red Door Grill serves hamburger meat from McGonigle’s, boasting a custom blend of beef brisket, short rib and chuck tenderloin. The hanburgers are served with lettuce, tomato, red onions, pickles, mayo and the cheese of your choice. Photo by Maureen Burns

RoKC isn't worth THE climb Story by Victoria Cahoon Breaking News Editor

The RoKC Climbing Gym definitely did not rock my HHH When walking into the RoKC, a rock climbing gym in North Kansas City, I was optimistic. From what I had seen on their website I was excited to try it out and improve my experience in rock climbing.

The building was in a warehouse and had a bit of a rustic feel to it. I was kind of surprised by the fresh vibes that you wouldn’t really expect from a rock climbing gym. There were two main climbing sections, one section was for climbers with a harness where the walls were much higher than the walls that didn’t require a harness. Other than the climbing sections there were two

small gym sections, one had generic equipment such as a treadmill and weights but the other had more rock climbing oriented equipment.

But as I walked around the facility I realized how many kids were running around, making me skeptical of how the following 30 minutes of my life was going to go. Was this more of a fun place for kids to bring their friends or an actual gym?

My previous rock climbing experience was limited to a seventh grade summer school field trip, and I was ready to redeem myself from that first traumatic experience. It’s not like I fell from a 30-foot wall, but as I made my way up I froze. My classmates were cheering me on but even the slightest fear of falling was getting to me so I slowly worked my way down shamefully.

Looking up at the impressive rock climbing structures, I saw the little kids

who had reached the top with no fear.

The seventh grader inside of me felt ready to take it on, and I knew I needed to make it to the top. I climbed higher and higher with each step, but eventually, old fears resurfaced, and I was stuck, I pushed myself a little farther up the wall, but as I took a deep breath, I realized I needed to accept my fear of heights.

Having a fear of heights may have stopped me from enjoying my time at RoKC but for those who aren’t and don’t mind climbing, RoKC might be worth a try. The people around me seemed to be having a wonderful time and even the staff was enjoying the crowds of people walking in and out.

I don’t think I would be able to put down $65 a month for a visit of two or three days a week due to work and homework getting in my way. RoKC is a new way for an alternative workout, but be sure to get your money’s worth. H

Pigwich is a Food-Truck Lover's Heaven fresh cilantro and Italian meatballs. My first bite was incredible: the cilantro, The Pigwich food truck in the carrot, pickles and sriracha aidi perfectly the Italian meatballs that East Bottoms has incredible complimented were seared to perfection. The balance food with fresh ingredients. of Sriracha was perfect and didn’t overpower the other flavors with too HHHH much spice.

With the rising popularity of food The next sandwich I tried was trucks, I want to expose the wonders equally delicious: the cheesesteak. This of Pigwich and the Local Pig to anyone sandwich melted in my mouth. The unaware of this mouth-watering food. flavors of the fresh, thinly sliced steak The Local Pig is a butchery that resides went perfectly with the peppers, onions in the East Bottoms of Kansas City. Just and mushrooms. As I bit into the soft outside the small building is Pigwich, hoagie roll with a crisp outer crust, the a food truck run by The Local Pig and flavor of steak was incredibly rich. All home to the most incredible burgers, these delicious ingredients are piled onto sandwiches and freshly made chips I the same scratch made bun as the Banh have ever tasted. I made my way down Mi. All of the herbs they put in these to the East Bottoms of Kansas City on a delicious sandwiches are grown at the rainy January afternoon. As a meat lover, butchery, which adds to the flavor. this butchery and backyard burger joint The final item I had was a mouth had me the moment I saw the multiple watering burger called the Pigwich. variations of bacon.

This burger has to be one of the best in Rumored to be one of their best KC. The smoked pork patty, local BBQ sandwiches, I was compelled to try the sauce and homemade slaw had a flavor Banh Mi. I waited for about 10 minutes combination like nothing I’ve ever had on a gravel patio with picnic tables and before. All of their meat comes from local then approached the window as my farms and is completely fresh. With each order was called. I opened the box and sandwich I indulged in their addictive, instantly breathed in the smell of the golden brown homemade potato chips.

Story by Cece Curran | Writer

page design by Hannah Jirousek

The Pigwich food truck sits on the side of the Local Pig butchery Jan. 8. The truck serves sandwiches and burgers. Photo by Cece Curran.

Made fresh everyday, these chips are a popular attraction of the food truck.

Overall, Pigwich was amazing, and the prices weren’t bad with their $9 combo meal that includes chips and a drink with your sandwich. The food was absolutely mind-blowing with great flavors and fresh ingredients. The rustic design of the truck and butchery is stunning, with an outdoor patio a deck leading to the order window. The indoor part of the restaurant is lined with any kind of meat you can imagine. What really ties this place together though is the quality and freshness of their ingredients, which make their food so delicious. H

11

FEATURES

HYRE KC MAKES HIRING TEENS A HIGHER PRIORITY Story by Claire Molloy | Lifestyles Editor Photo by Helen Krause | Photographer

Area high schoolers have created a company to help teenagers get hired more easily. It is a free online service that is geared towards helping teenagers find jobs, internships and volunteer opportunities.

Rockhurst High School senior Orion Taylor and St. Thomas Aquinas High School senior Josh Bethel were so exhausted they were wondering if it was all worth it. They had just worked for 30 hours in one week. They thought they were finally getting somewhere, until Taylor received a call. It was from the developer telling them that he couldn’t finish their website. Bethel and Taylor were both dismayed, being only two weeks out from completion. Now they were set off schedule, just like the time before, and the time before that. Bethel and Taylor have gone through four different developers to get to where they are now with their company, Hyre KC. Hyre KC is a new website for teens looking for work, internships and volunteer opportunities. It currently has about 200 users, and Taylor and Bethel are in the process of getting more companies to post job openings. Their goal is to have thousands of students on the website from schools all over the Kansas City metro area, and enough job listings for all.

Taylor and Bethel have focused on making their website different from others that are similar. They distinguish jjjjthemselves based on the fact that

they cater to teenagers, and they provide service opportunities and internships, as well as jobs. They are still working on getting students and companies to sign up, so they haven’t had anyone officially use their website yet.

Bethel and Taylor have contacted students at various local high schools to be representatives for Hyre KC. This entails getting the word out and trying to get as many people as possible to sign up. At STA, juniors Emily Livingston and Lulu Fiss are representatives and first heard about it through Bethel, who is Livingston’s neighbor.

Both Fiss and Livingston are involved in Future Business Leaders of America, which helps them spread the word to other FBLA members who are looking for jobs. Livingston

has also been getting the word out by sending messages to all the juniors in a gradewide GroupMe. She plans to send another one before summer break this year, to make sure people remember to sign up if they are looking for a summer job.

Even though there haven’t been any official pairings between a job and a student, they did do a test run earlier this year with Rockhurst senior Kevin Crawford. Crawford was looking for a summer job and found one at Taylor Sterling Construction Company while testing out Hyre KC. “The whole process was made super simple and I only needed to hit a few buttons to apply for my new job,” Crawford said. “I may try out working at Waterway, or maybe even at a golf course this summer. I know I'll be using Hyre.”

Hyre KC's homepage displays some of the companies that have used the website, www.HyreKC.com. photo courtesy of Claire Molloy

12 February 3, 2017

Hyre KC co-founders Josh Bethel, left, and Ori taylor, right give a tour of their website. Josh and Ori are both high school seniors in the Kansas City area.

All Crawford had to do was click a button on the website to get started.

From there, he could see which job, internship or volunteer opportunity appealed to him the most. Once he found the job he liked, he signed in and submitted his resume. And if a student doesn’t have an account, he or she can make one that will save his or her resume as well.

The website is free for students, but the businesses that post jobs do have to pay. Prices range from $40 a month to $600 a year, depending on what features the businesses want and how many jobs they intend to post.

Dave McFessel was the position manager at Taylor Sterling Construction Company when Crawford was hired. McFessel has been working in construction management for over 10 years now, and according to him, it can be difficult to find the right people for any given job. McFessel thinks that teens are perfect for labor and cleanup crew, but it can be difficult to find teens in need of a job.

“I didn't really have any initial reservations about [the teens] working,

because the applicants are all prescreened, and I had a chance to review all of their resumes,” McFessel wrote. “It's a neat service. Teens are easy. They get the job done and get out.”

Bethel and Taylor are still calling companies and setting up meetings to try to get them to sign up for a few postings. The two go to the library to work out strategies on the weekends.

But the actual phone call is generally left up to Bethel.

“I was [nervous],” Taylor said. “I suck at sales. I get really nervous and I’m not very good at it, but I’d say [Bethel] is pretty excellent.”

But this isn’t a problem because Taylor handles the more creative side of the business. They work well together, but that may be because this isn’t this first time they have collaborated. The first time they worked together, they were trying to come up with a battery to share between iPhones. This was not a successful venture, but it didn’t deter them from trying to make Hyre KC a reality, which has already proven successful. H

page design by Claire Molloy

Fast Facts Compiled by Claire Molloy Lifestyles Editor The Dart has compiled figures about Hyre KC from the website and co-founders.

Here are some of the statistics about the company

There are currently

2 9 205

volunteer agencies to sign up for,

jobs available and students signed up

13

FEATURES

When high school "things" become Long Lived flings Story by Helen Wheatley Editor-in-Chief Photos compiled by Anna Kate Powell | Photographer

A first love can be unforgettable, but for high school couples, the odds of getting married are low.

Here are the stories of those who did.

Back then, the neighborhood kids did everything together. Many of their backyards lacked fences, so fourth graders roamed the open lawns, climbing apple trees and throwing the fruit at each other. The year was 1956, and current St. Peter’s School teacher Dianna Youngblood was the new girl in grade school, where she first met Harold Youngblood. It wasn’t until the sixth grade that the two “went together”.

One parent would drive a whole gaggle of neighborhood kids to the now nonexistent Waldo movie theater to see Elvis Presley’s Jailhouse Rock. Dianna and Harold sat next to each other,

Sweethearts Kristi and Chris Powell pose for a picture together in 1990.

14

holding hands. At the time, it was just a crush. Fifty-eight years later, the pair has three children and 11 grandchildren.

For couples that meet before college, the odds of marriage are slim. High school couples may have dreams of the future together, but statistics show that they’re likely delusions of grandeur.

Anywhere from 14-25 percent of people marry their high school sweethearts, according to a study by Pennsylvania State University. The Youngbloods managed to become a part of this statistic, as did a few couples growing up at St. Teresa’s, Rockhurst High School and Archbishop O’Hara High School.

Before these couples met however, the Youngbloods lived their own story.

The young couple soon broke off their relationship, as Dianna’s family moved to Modesto, Calif., after her eighth grade year. Harold and Dianna wrote to each other often, but saw other people. While spending a summer with her aunt in Belton, Dianna decided to give Harold a call that would spark the romance anew.

The two were entering their senior year of high school.

“Ever since that summer we wrote

more often,” Dianna said. “It was kind of like conversation...I think we shared mutual feelings.”

But growing up and finishing high school came with great adversity: the Vietnam War raged in the background of everyday life as Dianna joined what seemed like a minority of women attending college in California. Harold was living a separate life in Kansas City where, as Dianna explains, his options were “join the military, go to college or go to Canada." One day, Harold made a decision.

“I thought it was so exciting that he was coming to California,” Dianna said.

Faced with a draft notice, Harold had chosen to train for the Navy in San Diego, Calif., just two hours south of Dianna.

Soon after his move to The Golden State, Harold proposed to Dianna in the back seat of her cousin’s car. Dianna was 19 and Harold was 20 when they were married.

“It was perfect,” Dianna said. “I had gone with a couple of other people, but this just seemed to click. We’d known each other for so long, it just made sense.”

Kristi and Chris Powell smile big for the camera at the annual Arch Bishop O'Hara Junior/ Senior Prom in 1988.

Couple Kristi and Chris Powell flash a smile to the camera at annual Arch Bishop O'Hara high school homecoming dance in 1988.

February 3, 2017

The couple travelled all over the country, but ultimately could only spend six married months together before Harold left for Vietnam for four years.

Their only form of communication was letter writing, which both did every day.

Dianna’s letters arrived in piles of six or seven, after long intervals of silence.

“We missed our first anniversary, our first Christmas, both of our 21st birthdays,” Dianna said. “So we had to make the best of it. It was hard. But it’s the choice that I made and I knew he was in the military when I married him.”

Harold returned home after four years, and the Youngbloods eventually welcomed three children to their family.

Around the time the family was nestling into a quiet life in Kansas City, the 80s had dawned. A few miles away, two brothers, Sean and Chris Powell, navigate the world of high school dating, unaware they will one day marry their sweethearts.

Like the Youngbloods, Chris and Kristi Powell first met in grade school. They “went steady” in seventh and eighth grade, after being childhood friends for many years. To Kristi, Chris was two simple things: cute and nice.

“He could tell you what I was wearing in fifth grade,” Kristi said. “He’d remember that.”

High school dawned, and Kristi headed to O’Hara and Chris to Rockhurst. Junior and senior year brought a serious relationship, complete with dances and football games.

“I loved him in high school,” Kristi said.

“I think as a kid you feel it more than you do as an adult because you don’t know what real love is. And the first time you’re

excited and your chest is pounding and you feel all of those things-- that’s more like love to you.”

Meanwhile, Chris’s brother Sean is dating his future wife, Jennifer, who is attending St. Teresa’s and has just asked Chris on their first date: Teresian. The night went well. So well, in fact, that Sean pulled some strings to bring Jennifer to Rockhurst homecoming.

“I went to Teresian with [Jennifer] and ended up really liking her,” Sean said. “But I had already asked a [Notre Dame De Sion] girl to go to Rockhurst homecoming, who I was kinda dating, but you know. So me being a stupid kid instead of just breaking it off with her, I kinda acted like a jerk at the Sion dance so she wouldn’t wanna go with me [to Rockhurst homecoming] and I could take [Jennifer].”

Sean and Jennifer, Chris and Kristi stayed with their significant others for sporadic periods of time during college.

Sean and Jennifer both attended the University of Missouri, and Chris and Kristi attended the University of Kansas.

Both couples agree that college was one of the tougher times for their relationships.

“That’s growing up, with college,” Kristi said. “I learned that the world is a lot bigger than you think it is. You can be happy without being with that one person all the time. I hadn’t had any adversity in my life, and that was adversity.”

Both Powell pairs connected after college and married before the age of 25.

The vast amount of time spent together is what’s made Sean and Jennifer’s relationship so strong.

Among the most important of the things that have brought the Powell

couples together are family and faith.

“I do think that the main thing that keeps us together is faith,” Kristi said.

“Because that comes first and if we’re fighting about anything, if we take a step back, that’s what we can focus on.”

Kristi and Chris have three kids, including their STA junior Anna Kate Powell. Jennifer and Sean have four, one of whom also attends STA, senior Paige Powell. Both Powell couples spoke to the differences in dating worlds of the 80s and of today. Kristi believes that personal integrity should come before a significant other.

“I always tell my kids, you do you first,” Kristi said. “And then somebody can love that… I don’t think I’d ever tell anybody that it’s beneficial to have a boyfriend all through high school. It’s your personality and it’s the way you feel.”

All couples, Powells and Youngbloods alike, agree that they have been lucky to find each other at such a young age.

There’s no real recipe for a successful relationship, but Dianna believes honesty and communication are the two most important factors. Kristi and Chris fall back on their faith. Sean believes that for young couples, “if it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.”

“You’ve gotta just have fun and be young and have the open mind,” Sean said. “And respect each other. That’s the key.”

Toward the end of the interview, Sean smiled at Jennifer as she sat on the couch laughing.

“We still laugh,” Sean said, procuring more giggles from Jennifer.

“You crack me up,” Jennifer said.

Everyone laughed. “That’s a wrap.”H

Sean Powell and Jennifer Powell pose for a picture at the St. Teresa's Academy Prom in 1988.

Jennifer Powell laughs while visiting boyfriend Sean Powell in the hospital in 1989.

Highschool sweethearts Kristi and Chris Powell hold hands as they pose for a picture at Rockhurst homecoming in 1987.

page design by Julia Kerrigan

15

CENTERSPREAD

PARAPROFESSIONALS, PEER MENTORS AND TRAILBLAZING: AN EXPLORATION OF AREA SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS The Dart takes a look at various special needs education programs around the area, exploring the similarities and differences between public and private schools.

I

t was a September afternoon when Nathan’s parents walked into the office of Elizabeth Baker, former principal of Nativity of St. Mary’s School in Independence and current STA principal of student affairs, to ask her an important question.

“Our son has been diagnosed with autism, and we want him to go to a Catholic school. Our daughter is going to go to St. Mary’s. Can you do that?”

A program for students with special needs at St. Mary’s was unprecedented - no protocol, no instruction manual. At the time, Baker had limited knowledge or experience with special education. But, she wanted to help, so she did some research.

After contacting his previous school, Baker found Nathan would need an aid to attend St. Mary’s, as well as the approval of the school board.

St. Mary’s said yes - the school and parish were willing to “take on the expense of having this child come” and begin St. Mary’s program for students with special needs. However, upon approval from the board, Baker faced her next challenges: how to incorporate a student with special needs into a private school space when no other school in the area had done it before. What would it take to make sure those students were receiving adequate education?

How would a private school program compare to the established public school program?

WHAT IS FIRE? Nathan’s admittance was the first of many students with special needs at Nativity of Mary School. Among those students was one of

16

Story by Alex Davis | Multimedia Editor

Linden O'Brien-Williams | Editor-in-Chief Photos by Cassie Hayes | Photo Editor Alternative coverage by Julia Kerrigan | Writer

Baker’s relatives: Brett Hughes, son of Jeff and Michele Hughes. “[Michele] was really struggling with the Catholic grade school that he was at in terms of understanding how to teach a student with Down syndrome,” Baker said. “[She asked if] we could enroll him and if his FIRE money would follow him.

And I'm like, ‘FIRE money? What are you talking about?’”

The Hughes were one of the founding families of FIRE - the Foundation for Inclusive Religious Education. Founded in 1996 by the families of six students with special needs, the FIRE Foundation is an independent organization that “makes it possible for partner Catholic schools to hire special educators and paraprofessionals and to acquire learning materials and technology that create successful learning experiences for all children,” according to its website.

Maura Nulton and Mary Anne Hammond were among those founding families. Both have children with special needs, Charlie Nulton, 21, and Kailey Hammond, 23. Hammond recalls the moment that spurred the movement.

“We had just moved to Kansas City,” Hammond said. “We were sitting at mass on a holy day...after mass was over, Maura kept asking me about Kailey.

‘Where is she going to school?’ and I thought ‘I have no idea.’”

When Hammond asked Nulton about schools for Charlie, Nulton replied that she wanted him to go “here, to St. Peter’s.”

But, there was no established program for students with special needs in the diocese.

After a brainstorming session with area parents wanting to send their February 3, 2017

students with special needs to faithoriented schools, six families came together to form what is now known as FIRE. These six “founding families” - the Nultons, Hammonds, Costanzos, Hughes, Levis and Dearths - would forge the path to include their children with special needs in Catholic parish schools.

“In the early years, it was pretty emotional,” Hammond said. “We wanted this for our kids and we knew it could be done, but we didn’t know how it would be done.”

“We talked to everyone about it,” Nulton said. “What we found was people kind of wanted to get on board. That’s how it got momentum. We just had two schools to start out with… We’d love to be in every school.”

Since its founding in 1996, FIRE has expanded drastically. According to FIRE’s website, 158 students with special needs will learn with their peers at 13 schools for the 2016 - 2017 school year.

541 students also receive support from trained paraprofessionals. In total, FIRE has benefitted 4,864 students at partner schools with inclusive learning.

ARCHBISHOP O’HARA HIGH SCHOOL Archbishop O’Hara High School opened its door to students with special needs in 2007 with its founding of their OPTIONS program. Initially driven by FIRE, O’Hara administration hired couple Steve and Nancy McCoy, retired teachers from the Hickman Mills district with experience in special education.

Principal Jane Shafer, vice-principal at the time, researched programs across the nation. Shafer found several schools who utilized peer mentor programs and decided that method would fit

Freshman Pete Whittaker, FIRE student, and senior Ryan Rieger prepare to perform a song with boomwhackers. Rieger assists students in a variety of ways at O'Hara, his main job being assisting FIRE students in learning to drive using golf carts.

O’Hara. McCoy is glad O’Hara uses a peer mentoring program rather than a paraprofessional program.

“We know from studies and from fact that students learn so much more from their peers socially, spiritually and academically than from an adult who is breathing down their neck all the time,” Nancy McCoy said. “And the growth we've seen from having peer mentors... is just tremendous because [the students with special needs] are more inclined to be independent with our peer mentors.”

The OPTIONS program is an elective course available to juniors and seniors only. Students participating in the class are graded and must meet expectations in order to continue as peer mentors.

The program is largely student-run - six seniors, or “head mentors,” lead dayto-day operations, meetings, or even design curriculum to teach students to drive. In total, around 40 students of O’Hara’s student body of under 300 students are peer mentors, meaning they spend one class period a day with one or more students with special needs, as a comforting presence ready to answer questions, guide note-taking, or keep

behavior in check.

To be considered for a peer mentor position in the OPTIONS Program, students undergo a rigorous application process involving an application form, written responses, teacher recommendations and GPA requirements. There is also a mandatory peer mentoring training in the summer, wherein the mentors sign a confidentiality form.

During the application process, McCoy stresses the level of maturity the student must have.

Savannah Gray, O’Hara senior lead mentor and communications and advancements leader, notes that peer mentors are not distracted from their own courses, but instead are wholly involved in supporting the student they are mentoring.

“You’re not worried about your own class and learning, you’re focused on their grade and how they’re understanding,” Gray said.

Having peer mentors also adds another layer of social development for students with special needs. Co-vice life skills directors and O’Hara seniors page design by Mackenzie O'Guin

Tommy Wagner and Ryan Rieger explain the importance of equal ranking and how it plays into the students’ interactions.

“Most of the students in grade school had to listen to their parents all the time and then they had a paraprofessional,” Wagner said. “With us, it’s just a friend helping us helping them.” “...Let’s say you have a student with special needs who is a senior,” Rieger said. “You wouldn’t want a freshman being their peer mentor because that’s kind of a hit to their integrity.”

As O’Hara transitions to its new location, St. Michael the Archangel, so will the OPTIONS Program. The program will undergo rebranding and will be called the SMILE Center. SMILE, St. Michael’s Inclusive Learning Enhancement, will be the same concept as OPTIONS, aside from the new location and classroom setting.

SHAWNEE MISSION EAST AND OTHER PUBLIC SCHOOLS All her life, Pete Whittaker’s mom attended Catholic school and wanted her children to do the same, so she decided on St. Elizabeth’s School. At times,

17

CENTERSPREAD Debbie Whittaker was tempted to move her whole family west just a few hundred feet for access to the Shawnee Mission school district. The public school district presented an easy out - a school with an allocated budget, a school with an established program for students like Pete.

But, Debbie “never in [her] heart felt that that was the right decision.” Her case was different than some - a couple years after Pete was born, his father passed away. Debbie was moved by the outpouring support from the St. Elizabeth’s Parish and felt it would be wrong to uproot her two older daughters, STA alumna Maureen and current sophomore Lucy.

In Debbie’s view, sending her son with special needs to a public school meant giving up control over the process that she couldn’t give up. Even though Pete was the first kid with Down syndrome ever to go to St. Elizabeth’s School, she believes the challenges were worth it. “... I think it’s a double edged sword - you have a lot more input I think in the private schools on your child’s plan, but the people you’re working with don’t have as much experience,” Debbie said.

When examining the differences between public and private schools in general, the issue of funding no doubt plays a role. For non-diocesan and diocesan schools alike, there is no federal or state money for students

with special needs, or even a governing body that dictates a necessary program.

However, at Shawnee Mission East High School, the program is governmentmandated. The Shawnee Mission school district also has an allocated budget for special education programs in the various schools.

At SME, the program comes close to O’Hara’s through classes like the “Special Skills” class, taught by math teacher Andy Walter, alongside two special education teachers and a school social worker.

The Special Skills class “is a class that has regular education students and special education students together.” The curriculum, he says, is tailored to the students in it. Some students are working on leadership skills, some on workplace skills, but everyone, he says “is working together on academic skills.” Along with that, schedules are custom made for each student by various educators, administrators and the student’s parents to ensure that the students interact with the school body “as much as is appropriate”. A main difference between the Catholic school model in Kansas City and the model at East is the use of paraprofessionals. At East, they are present, but at O’Hara, the peer mentors take on that role.

Responding to Debbie’s sentiment that programs at public schools are not specialized enough for the individual, Walter believes issues with special needs programs at public schools are not due

Terms to Know

The Dart defines important terminology from the centerspread story.

Alternative coverage compiled by Julia Kerrigan | writer definitions courtesy of Merriam Webster Dictionary

Autism a variable developmental disorder that appears by age three and is characterized by impairment of ability to form normal social relationships, by impairment of the ability to communicate with others, and by repetitive behavior patterns 501(c)3 a tax exempt non-profit organization

to a disregard for a student’s individual flourishing. He believes “we really work hard to make an individualized program for every kid… We may fall short at times, but it’s not due to lack of effort.”

On top of allocated state funds, SME has the “East Fund” - an institution with grants that “allow our educators, students, and patrons of SME to apply for funding for professional development, classroom programs, and technology.​” The fund allows SME to operate the Columbia Brew coffee shop, a fully functioning coffee shop inside East’s walls, operated all by students with special needs to practice with life skills. This coffee shop is similar to one operated at O’Hara Wednesday mornings.

Similar to the East Fund, the taxexempt FIRE foundation requires schools to go through a formal grant application in order to be considered for aid, which comes from extensive fundraising and donations. In order to maintain the grant, an appeal to the board must be made annually. In most cases, the grant amount is limited.

For Debbie, Nulton and Hammond, the faith community makes all the difference.

“There are great public schools, but for the Nultons and for many people, I want my children to be able to pray from the moment they open their eyes until they go to bed at night and anytime they want to talk to God or to talk about God, I want them to have that opportunity,” Nulton

Dyslexia a variable often familial learning disability involving difficulties in acquiring and processing language typically manifested by a lack of proficiency in reading, spelling, and writing Down Syndrome a few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm

18 February 3, 2017

said. “It just fits with Catholic education…”

SPECIAL EDUCATION AT STA Just a few weeks ago, STA continued its annual tradition of hosting eighth graders on a January morning to take the four hour HSPT, or High School Placement Test. According to STA president Nan Bone, STA’s admissions process is such that the HSPT is required of all students wishing to begin studies at STA. Students are then admitted based on scores.

According to Baker, students at O’Hara do not take the HSPT. Bone describes how the HSPT could hinder a student with severe special needs from attending STA. “The students that we can take that have needs are students that need extended time testing, dyslexic students, students that are on a [504 plan],” Bone said.

The 504 plan, according to Great Schools, is an anti-discriminatory plan put forth by the federal government that supports students with disabilities. Bone notes that the 504 plan is common, and is usually for less severe learning disabilities, but can also include learning, behavior or health-related conditions. To contrast, an IEP, which most students with severe special needs have, is a document detailing a plan for a student who, by law, qualifies for special education, rather than general education.

Bone says that while it is unlikely STA would have the resources to provide an adequate education for a student with an IEP, or individual education plan, the school does meet with parents of students who have IEPs to see what could be done. If the school is not “able or equipped to take certain severe IEP cases,” it will refer parents to the Kansas City public school district.

However, some IEP cases, along with multiple 504 plans, are able to be met.

STA’s established infrastructure and resources for these students includes a recently added full time nurse and on call counselors.

A term in the special education community is “accommodations and modifications,” according to Baker.

This idea of accommodating the need and modifying the setting to suit the student, she says, is another way in which STA incorporates students with 504 plan needs at STA. Modifications can look like having a padded chair ready for a student who uses a wheelchair, and accommodating them to learn comfortably.

Hammond and Nulton, while wholly content with O’Hara’s OPTIONS

“spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically” would be complimented greatly by inclusive education similar to what is found at O’Hara.

Both Baker and Bone remark that while STA’s current structure does not include a program for students with special needs, STA is not necessarily opposed to something of the sort down the road.

The distinction is that while STA’s curriculum is purely academic at this point, schools with special education programs have both an academic curriculum and a separate curriculum more about functional needs and practical life skills. STA, as of now, simply does not have the department for such a program, which would require hiring new teachers and the establishment of an entire resource center, among other things, according to Bone.

“What I would say is it’s a 180 degree difference in what we’re doing now,” Bone said. “It would take years…”

“It’s just like going from here to here,” she said, moving her hands from one side of her desk to the other. “But we are here in the middle, doing as much as we can to incorporate the needs of the students that we can.” H

"We really work hard to make an individualized program for every kid… We may fall short at times, but it’s not due to lack of effort."

Andy Walter program, express that STA is missing an opportunity due to its lack of students with special needs. Hammond remarks that for regular education college applicants, involvement in something like the peer mentor program at O’Hara “will then set them apart from others, which is really what we want every potential college applicant to do.”

Hammond also says that O’Hara’s peer mentors “tell impressive stories of leadership and compassion and inclusion.” Nulton believes that this development of young men and women of STA and other non-diocesan schools

O'Hara senior Bridget Hogan, left, works with freshman Pete Whittaker as his peer mentor in an art class. FIRE students are assisted by a mentor to guide them through the class.

page design by Mackenzie O'Guin

19

MAIN ED

INCLUSION FURTHERS THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION FOR ALL The inclusion of special needs students in Catholic classrooms benefits not only them, but their peers and teachers.

T

he FIRE Foundation, a program created by the parents of children with special needs, was founded with a very simple concept in mind. Although these parents were the first to create an organization like FIRE, the desire behind creating it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t anything particularly revolutionary or high-asking of Catholic administrations.

At the core of the founding of FIRE was a very simple desire- for their children to be included, treated the same as any other student in the classroom.

Not only does the inclusion of students with special needs in the classroom positively impact those with special needs, it also leaves a long lasting value of diversity, embracement and overall love of every person in the minds of all the students who attend school with these children.

Incorporating special education into

RIGHT ON TARGET compiled by Zoe Butler

features editor

a classroom does not teach students to love their classmates in spite of their disability, but rather, because of it. The unique perspective and life lessons that loving a person with special needs brings is something that cannot be replicated by any other manner.

This is not to say that we should include children with special needs in our schools because it helps neurotypical children- they, of course, are not the focus. This is simply to say that the argument that including special needs children pulls the attention away, or otherwise harms children without special needs, cannot stand. We must look only to those who have had the experience of attending school with special needs children to solidify this stance.

Attending school with special needs children inspires, teaches and motivates peers. It teaches these children the value of inclusion of people unlike themselves, how to communicate and work with people with special needs, and reinforces the idea that their school welcomes and

7 OF 8 EDITORS VOTED IN AGREEMENT WITH THIS EDITORIAL

Should private schools like STA be more inclusive to special needs students?

"I feel as if STA "I do think that private should become more schools like STA inclusive as far as should be more special education inclusive to special ed goes. This school students. Special ed would be a great students are just as learning environment capable of the same for girls with special endeavors as we are. needs considering the Here at STA we strive amount of students to be inclusive of all and teachers who and a great way to do that is by opening our doors to everyone, like would be willing to help in their development and growth." -Freshman Kate Schaefer special ed. We have the resources to help most of those with special educational needs and it would be great if we could expand those resources to include all." - Junior Katherine Cory February 3, 2017

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embraces all people. This is a value that the Catholic Church holds incredibly dearly and constantly preaches to all those who attend Catholic institutions.

Testimonies from those who have attended school with special needs children holds strong and recurrent. Most will tell you that the experience has had a lifelong, positive impact on them. Students at Catholic schools across the United States would greatly benefit from the same experience students at public schools encounter.

The FIRE Foundation is one that fights to include students with special needs in Catholic education. Not only does this fight benefit those who have special needs, but it teaches the importance of the common Christian value, love thy neighbor. H

Illustration by Ellie Grever Visual Illustrator

PATIENT EXHIBITS SEVERE SIGNS OF FOMO

PERSPECTIVES

FROM THE DESK OF DR. WILL IMISSOUT Story by Linden O'Brien-Williams Editor-in-Chief

Patient's parents have requested in situ study of patient in natural habitat. Observations from the extended house call and secretly installed observation cameras are recorded below.

FRIDAY 1/13

· 8:30 p.m. Patient returns to nest after errands, et cetera. Patient appears unable to eat contents of freshly obtained red and white paper fast food bag reading “ChickFil-A” despite numerous Snapchats taken with the bag, sent to multiple recipients.

I was able to see phone screen - patient sent text saying, “I think I’m tired and I have to catch up on my reading tonight so I might stay in :/” · 9:00 p.m. Patient finishes food and sends Snapchat to update that her food is “gone :(.” · 9:04 p.m. AMAZING. Patient has received two texts. Upon further investigation, it seems patient sent texts while I was in the bathroom. Texts transcribed below: · From: Claire: “Hey wyd?” (this is code for “what are you doing?”) · Response: “Not much, kinda tired…

Probably should stay in. What’s up? · From: Claire: “Oh shoot… We’re getting ice cream if u wanna come.” · Response: “Ok! I can be ready in 5…

Can you pick me up?” · 9:15 p.m. Patient leaves nest to go “get ice cream” because “all [her] friends are going out!”** **Side observation: According to parents, patient accepts most invitations for social outings, despite waiting commitments, regardless of patient’s current emotional or mental state.

SATURDAY 1/14 · 10:48 a.m. Patient opens eyes and promptly examines mobile device. · 12:23 p.m. Patient finally wakes up.

Patient walks downstairs and announces

to paternal unit, “I think I might work on homework today and be productive so I’m not so stressed tomorrow.” · 5:00 p.m. After telling herself she has done enough homework to go out (but simply having done three math problems), patient receives call. Patient promptly begins dressing into nicer clothes and applying makeup to visage. · 5:15 p.m. Patient leaves home unit saying she is going out and eating “sushiiiiiii.” · 10:00 p.m. Patient returns. Appears visibly distraught. Upon inquiry, distraughtness is because “[she feels] like [she] came home, like, way too early.” · 10:00 - 10:30 p.m. Patient sends an unquantifiable mass of Snapchats and texts in order to find plans.** **It was noted by patient’s parents that this is normal behavior for patient. Despite a curfew in between 12 - 1 a.m., patient will go in and out multiple times in a night.

SYMPTOMS Observed symptoms: severely butthurt attitude, feelings of exclusion, strange compulsive need to socialize constantly Possible cause: Low blood sugar, dehydration, excessive viewing of social media, or FOMO Reported symptoms: distrust in friends, easily distracted, auditory hallucinations, cramps in fingers Possible cause: anxiety, stress, phone overuse, early adolescent arthritis, or FOMO Analysis: Tests were performed page design by Madi Winfield

on patient, disproving the following hypothesized causes of condition: low blood sugar, dehydration and early adolescent arthritis. Tests came back positive for the following: excessive viewing of social media, anxiety, stress, phone overuse and FOMO.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT PLAN Diagnosis: Acute case of FOMO (acronym for the grave illness’ scientific name, Fear Of Missing Out), mild anxiety and stress FOMO - defined as “anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may currently be happening elsewhere, often aroused by posts seen on a social media website.”

Treatment plan: While anxiety and stress are strong issues, I suggest the patient begins by limiting phone usage.

Clearly, the social media viewing is the root cause of the acute FOMO case and worsens. Deleting social media altogether would work wonders, but for Linden’s case, even limiting Snapchat will ameliorate situation. I suggest she journals to evaluate friend situations - at times, parents / friend units should be willing to “reality check” her so she knows her selected social outing is sufficient.

If situation worsens, patients with similar situations have been known to lose grasps on reality -- extensive action may need to be taken. Please react accordingly if the situation should arise. H

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PERSPECTIVES lifestyle than what I’m used to for at least a month. The first month I would want to live in Greece. Then I would come home for a few months, then live in London, and so on until I feel like I’ve visited all the places I desire.

HOW I'M GOING TO ACHIEVE THIS

ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS BEFORE AMBITION FADES Story by Isabel Shorter | Writer

Life is too short to leave your bucket list incomplete.

The renowned term “Bucket List” would be more accurately described as an “I wish, but let's be honest, these things are never going to happen-list.”

Everyone has their list of places they want to go, people they want to see and activities they want to experience, but the issue is that we all tend to look past these dreams of ours. It has been engrained into the back of our minds that the little amount of money we make a year or the time that we lack will hold us back from achieving or experiencing what we want. Thereby, that Bucket List, whose contents we know all too well, sits in the back of our mind while gradually becoming empty as our ambition fades. Life is too short to not do exactly what you want, and the time you waste pushing off your goals or desires can never be regained.

It is immensely important that we achieve our goals and reach our destinations before this ambition fades.

Whether your Bucket List is a list of 30 countries you want to visit or just to graduate high school with a 4.0 GPA, you can achieve that goal as long as you don’t let time or money get in the way. I know it sounds cliche, but you are the only thing getting in the way.

If you want to travel the world, get a decent paying job, put

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one check a month into savings and in 10 months you’ll have enough money to travel for a month straight. And there is no better time than right now to start saving. Think about it...this is probably the only time in our lives where we won’t be paying for a roof over our head, food on the table or any bills of the sort. What better time to get a job and start saving for things like college or a trip to another country? The time is NOW, and that’s why my Bucket List may look a little different.

My Bucket List isn’t just a list of where I want to go, it’s also a realistic list of how I’m going to get there. I’m a very strong believer that you will never actually achieve anything if you don’t write it down and plan how you’re going to do it.

So, being the practical planner I am, I laid out a more planned Bucket List.

A SNIPPET FROM MY BUCKET LIST

WHAT I WANT TO ACHIEVE

Travel to a different country for a month (after I have graduated college).

I want to experience a totally different

During my next two years of high school, I will work at an average paying job where I will make about three to four checks a month, each of about $180. I will deposit one of these checks each month into my college fund, and half of one check each month into my travel savings account. The remaining money will be used to help pay for high school and for spending cautiously. At this rate, in just two years I will have saved $4,320 to help pay for college and $2,160 for travel.

After college, assuming that I will not be having job offers thrown at my face so soon, I would begin traveling for a month to Greece to experience things while I’m still young and not yet settled.

Roughly calculated, for a month of living in Greece, it would cost $150 for transportation, $250 for food, $400 for entertainment, $250 for accommodation and $100 for supplies, which adds up to the grand total of $1,150. With a potential budget of $2,160, I could afford this.

If my highly constructed snippet of my bucket list didn’t already show you, it is possible to do things that may seem impossible due to lack of income or time, but as long as you believe that you really will do it one day, then you can. If you want to go to Australia, Denmark or Greece, don’t let money be the thing that holds you back. No one said you need to make six figures a year to travel the world. It sounds cliche, but you can do anything you set your mind to as long as you make that “Bucket List” into a “To-DoList.” H

OTHER COLUMNS ONLINE THIS MONTH

AN OPEN LETTER TO MY MOTHER STOP WISHING YOUR TIME AWAY

by Alex Davis | Multimedia Editor February 3, 2017

by Paige Powell | Photo Editor

ACADEMIE LAFAYETTE HELPED ME BECOME WHO I AM TODAY Story by Margaux Renee | Writer

Each memory and silly story makes up who I am as a person.

Academie Lafayette has a raging reputation that’s fueled equally by lies and truths that you wish were lies. At a glance, AL may seem like a prestigious prep school where students tirelessly work to master the French language day in and day out. However, this is not the case. In reality, Academie Lafayette is a diverse, beautiful and slightly disorganized public charter school where becoming fluent in French serves as a backdrop for one of the most bizarre and unique schooling experiences in existence. As a result, I am blessed to have about a decade of memories that can only be described as hilarious.

Though AL was far from perfect, I credit it with shaping me into the person I am today.

Fourth grade was an important year.

It was the first time we started switching from class to class rather than spending the day cooped up in our homerooms.

This new change along with added tabs in our personally decorated binders brought us one step closer to achieving our ultimate goal: being as cool as the middle schoolers. Though this may sound similar to any other primary school experience, our fourth grade year had a unique focus. For reasons still unknown to me today, nearly two hours of every Friday were devoted to intensely rehearsing for our iconic, year end performance: Le Grand Spectacle. The effort was spearheaded by a disturbingly strict teacher that was clearly attempting to live vicariously through a group of talentless fourth graders. While you were most likely doing arts and crafts or diagramming sentences, we were busy orchestrating a three-hour show in what now seems like some sort of cruel joke. Believe it or not, consistent rehearsal of ridiculous dance routines and complicated Francophone songs does tend to bond a group of nine-yearolds and I came out of that ordeal with stronger, memory-filled friendships.

Around the middle of sixth grade is when we realized that we had finally become those “cool” kids we once couldn’t even fathom speaking to.

This was clearly exhibited in a student production we put together in English class. The goal of the assignment was to write and perform a short play following the standard style of a fairytale. So, naturally my group crafted a piece about a princess named Patrollium who had to teach a homeless man in the enchanted forest how to Dougie in order to find her Prince Fluffy that lived in the “hood”.

Unfortunately, a couple of our points were revoked due a lack of smooth line delivery.

In my opinion, diversity is what held my school together. Academie Lafayette is and always has been racially, ethnically, economically and geographically diverse.

This environment created well rounded, flexible and cultured students. Think about it. When is the last time you saw sixth graders do the Cat Daddy on stage during a school production at St. Peters or Visitation? That’s what I thought.

Another focal point of my schooling was the excessive amount of fire drills.

It seems like almost every other week the entire student body, complete with flailing kindergarteners and angsty eighth graders, was marched outside and made to stand on the street in preparation of a fire. This, however, was all in vain because when there was actually a threat, no alarm sounded. Our English teacher interrupted class to talk with our math teacher about what we later learned to be a fire that someone had set.

A seventh grader threw a match into the bathroom trash can in some sort of rage, page design by Madi Winfield

so the faculty and staff made the obvious decision and had us wait out the fire our very flammable, wooden auditorium.

This experience taught me that if you’re perseverant, you can overcome anything.

To this day, in the third floor girls bathroom of Academie Lafayette sits a burnt, ashy trash to remind us all of what we can face and overcome victoriously.

Also, it’s a pretty entertaining story that once again strengthened the family-like bond we had as a grade.

About a week before our graduation, we were instructed to write a journal entry about our time at AL. I was at a loss for words trying to put what seemed like my whole life on a piece of paper.

It hit me that the person I had become was almost a collage of all the funny comments my friends had yelled out in class, all the fires set and all the songs rehearsed. My very existence reflects Academie Lafayette. Which is as much a bad thing as it is good. So, I proceeded to write my journal entry about what a mess my school was in effort to not confront these sappy emotions. I ranted about the countless times birds flew in the windows, the time we snuck into the attic and nearly fell through the ceiling, and who could forget, the time we snuck into the asbestos-filled basement.

Now I realize that each one of these experiences, no matter how ridiculous, taught me that the most important thing in life is to have fun and be kind to one another. They also taught me that being kind can sometimes include ruthlessly roasting your best friends in front of the entire class. Also, being able to do so in French is pretty cool too. Thank you, Academie Lafayette. H

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A&E

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Instagram Famous ARTIST:

Liz Elm Story by Lucy Whittaker | Writer Photos by Sophie Sakoulas Photographer

Sophomore Liz Elm, @haphizard, has gained thousands of followers on Instagram for her art account.

Q: What first got you into art?

A: Definitely cartoons, and I went to Disneyland a lot living in California so I watched a lot of Disney movies. I always really wanted to be an animator and work on those movies, because I think it’s really cool.

Q: What is your style of art?

A: That’s hard because everyone has a different style. It’s kind of sketchy, really expressive. I obviously focus more on animals; it's all I showcase on my accounts. I really like loose lines, quick, I guess.

Q: How many followers do you have?

A: Right now [I have] about 8,200 followers on my new account, but on my old account it was around 19,000. I created a new account because a lot of my followers weren’t active. People would also see the number and

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3

1 not the person and think I don’t read the comments [so they] would really insult me or my art. I don’t let it get to me, I just thought it was annoying.

Q: Describe the process of people buying your art.

A: I will make a post saying commissions are open with a specific thing I’m selling, or sometimes they’ll come to me with something they want, like a character.

Then they [direct message] me, and I’ll give them a quote and then they’ll pay over PayPal. Sometime in the next three days or so I’ll draw whatever they want and I’ll put it up on my account and usually they’re satisfied - if not I’ll go back and change it.

Q: Why don’t you like to tell a lot of people about your account?

A: There is a lot of stuff that I post that I don’t know if I'm comfortable with people I know seeing it. Also, sometimes I'll share stuff that I don’t know if I want others to know, usually about my depression. I try to keep it upbeat, like you're not alone in this. I just don’t know if people I know need or want to know this. I don't really care though, I know that I’m weird. page design by Ellie Grever

Q: Why did you create your art account?

A: After I discovered that other people were sharing art on Instagram, I thought it was really cool and thought that I should share my own art. It would be something encouraging and motivate me. I also wanted to share it and know that other people appreciate my art.

Q: Where do you go from here?

A: I know people with similar accounts who have had them for like five years... I imagine I will still have [mine]. Hopefully in college, I'll be better at art and can use the money for groceries or something.

It's good publicity with that kind of opportunity.H

[ ] 1. Sophomore Liz Elm sketches an outline for an upcoming Instagram post in art teacher Theresa Wallersteadt's room Jan. 18. The sketch was moved onto Elm's tablet to create a graphic piece.

2. Elm has used written sketches by uploading them to her tablet to create graphic artwork.

3. Sophomore Liz Elm's Surface Pro sits open in art teacher Theresa Wallersteadt's room Jan. 18. Elm sketched an outline that she will use to create a new drawing for her Instagram account, @haphizard.

SPORTS

STA WINTER SPORTS in brief

STARFISH MAKE iT TO STATE Story by Madi Winfield | Managing Editor of Web

T

he Starfish competed at a swim meet versus Park Hill South at Park Hill South High School Jan. 10. They lost 108 to 72.

Several STA divers placed at the meet, including sophomore Caroline Armstrong, who was in first place.

The Starfish later competed at the Mizzou Aquatic Center Jan. 7.

Armstrong placed highest of the Starfish, in 25th place.

The freestyle relay team, composed of senior Libby Hutchinson, junior Maddie Adam and freshmen Brooke and Lauren Fallish, placed 12th with a time of 1:45:20. With that time, the team qualified for State. Hutchinson also placed 16th in the individual 200-yard freestyle race.H

Briefs compiled by Natalie Telep Writer

STA's basketball and swim and dive team have been competing hard this season.

STars defeat sion on senior night Story by Natalie Telep Writer Photos by Anna Louise Sih Social Media Editor

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he STA varsity basketball team defeated Notre Dame de Sion 49-44 Jan. 24. The game was also the basketball team’s senior night.

The varsity dance team performed at halftime, and held their senior night before the performance.

Many pin the win on Senior Olivia Woodbury, who saved the game near the end of the fourth quarter with her free throws.

“Free throws always win games, and I just had that in my mind," Woodbury said. "I just really wanted to beat Sion”H Top: STA's mascot, Twinks, and senior Tess Relihan dance on the court during halftime. The two were entertaining the crowd before STA's dance team began their routine.

Bottom: Sophomores Claire Herrington, left, and Lindsay Blaich block an attempted shot by one of Sion's varsity basketball players.

The game was held at STA Jan. 24.

page design by Lily Manning

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SPORTS

Athletes reach the college level Story by Annabelle Meloy Writer Photos compiled by Helen Krause Photographer

Varsity athletes commit early to have a secure spot on college teams.

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s interest from schools around the country has grown, more and more student athletes have been given the chance to play at their highest levels. But schools can scout for the best talent as early as freshman year of high school, which has led some student athletes to commit earlier and earlier.

Schools reach out to all kinds of students, not just athletes, but in order to get a better picture of what the athletes’ talents are, schools may send scouts to come and watch games in person or invite the players to actually come see the facilities.

Senior Gabby Wimes has played varsity volleyball all four years and received interest from multiple schools over the last four years including Hampton University, Arkansas State University, Wheeling Jesuit University and West Virginia University.

“I remember my freshman year, I had an interest from Arkansas State, and that was the first time I really thought about playing in college, and it was really cool,” Wimes said. “It’s something that I didn’t know that I wanted to do at that time, but I thought it was cool to think about someone that wanted me to play for them at their school.”

Student athletes may seem hesitant to commit early for fear of changing their minds, but Wimes believes her decision is exciting and feels right after committing to Southern Illinois University her junior year.

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“I had no idea about [Southern Illinois University], but then I went there, and the coaches and everyone were so nice,” Wimes said. “Everything just seemed to fit into place, and you want to go somewhere where you’re going to want it, and you know you’re going to have good opportunities to succeed. [The coaches] already had a layout of what their plan was for me when I came there.

It was crazy.”

After being recruited for a school though, the work doesn’t stop there. Like any college team, Wimes knows how aggressive the atmosphere can be.

“I’ve always been on really competitive teams where I’ve had to work for playing time or just getting on the court so that’s something I’m used to, and I’ve always February 3, 2017

managed it before, so I feel like it won’t be an issue,” Wimes said. “I just need to work really hard to gain playing time.”

For some students, committing early is not always the best decision and they may decide to change schools. Senior Macy Trujillo, a varsity soccer player, did not have the best luck at first but still believes in committing early after signing her junior year.

“I was planning on going to K-State, but I actually decommitted a week and a half ago and committed to Mizzou,” Trujillo said. “This year, a lot’s happened with my mom passing away. My brother and sister are already down there so it would be nice to actually have them down there where I’m going to school, and then I get to play with my sister for

sports scholarships across america Alternative coverage compiled by Anne Claire Tangen | Writer

Below is the percentage of National College Scouting Association clients who received and accepted a scholarship offer before the recruiting process began according to The New York Times.

Junior Macy Trujillo kicks a corner kick at the soccer game at STA on April 19, 2016.

The Stars lost the game 3-2. photo courtesy of Margaret Queen

one year, so that’ll be exciting. I’m glad I committed early because I feel like since I committed early that Mizzou really wanted me so it was kind of a win-win situation.”

Senior and varsity soccer player Tess Rellihan committed to Mizzou her sophomore year and agrees that committing early is a great choice for student athletes.

“I liked [committing early] because it’s a really stressful time and going on all these visits and talking to all these coaches, you get really nervous, and I got really anxious about it,” Rellihan said.

“I loved to have my decision made. I was relieved, and I was happy with the place I chose. So I guess deciding early is pretty nice.”

Even after multiple injuries, Rellihan has been able to achieve her dream of playing in college.

“I committed, and then a couple weeks later, I tore my first ACL,” Rellihan said. “That was sophomore year, so I missed most of the season. Then I came back junior year, and I tore my other one. The two injuries have been a huge impact, and that’s a fear that I have. I’ve worked hard and all, but there is a difference. I just know I have to work extra hard to prove myself more, but I am put at a disadvantage automatically because of it. That’s a little nerve wracking, but hopefully it’ll all work out.”

It’s a dream for many student athletes to play in college and beyond, but there is only a slim chance of them achieving this as only 7.9 percent of female high school athletes continue playing in college according to The New York Times. To make it at such a high level takes discipline and determination.

“I think it’s just if you want this, you have to work at it,” Trujillo said. “[My coach] just said it was going to be a lot of work, and it was going to be a job, so page design by Lily Manning

prepare yourself for it.”

That work for athletes includes traveling frequently to out of state games, longer practices and a wholehearted commitment to both school work and athletics. Therefore, athletes get certain perks. “[Mizzou] does a good job of taking care of the athletes, and you have tutors if you need them, and you have a college counselor for help like an advisor,” Rellihan said. “So they have lots of help, but it has crossed my mind to be a little worried about the time management.”

It can be an extremely stressful time for those who are seriously considering playing sports in college, and Wimes knows exactly how it feels.

“If you’re an athlete, and you’re wanting to play in college, don’t be intimidated by everyone else committing around you,” Wimes said. “The time will come when you find your perfect fit, and you don’t want to try to rush anything.

Just be 100 percent invested into the school that you want to go to because if you end up not liking it, it’s not going to be a good thing.”H

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COMMUNITY

BAR K TO PUP UP IN BERKLEY RIVERFRONT PARK Story by Katie Donnellan Sports Editor Photos by Gabby Ayala Photographer

Bar K will open late summer 2017 to provide for the growing pet industry.

Aiming to fill the void between people-friendly and pet-friendly establishments, friends David Hensley and Leib Dodell set out to create Bar K, a professional dog park with a bar, coffee shop, restaurant and patio. Located in Berkley Riverfront Park in Downtown Kansas City, Bar K is expected to open late this summer according to Hensley.

“My friend and I, without knowing it, got our dogs on the exact same day,” Hensley said. “We quickly realized the places you go with your friends: coffee shops, bars, restaurants don’t allow dogs, or they are tied up to a fence.

Then we started going to dog parks and there’s not much for us to do. So, if you want to go out with your friends, the dog gets left at home.”

The park will allow people to bring their dogs to have fun in the grass area while they grab a beer or a healthy snack with some friends in the dog-free part of the park. The restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner along with coffee and a full bar. There will also be healthy treats for pets, like brown rice and carrots.

Bar K will allow humans to let their dogs have fun in the two acre off-leash dog park staffed with trainers while they catch up with both dog and non-dog owners in the restaurant.

“When you go to a dog park, you are capturing a tiny portion

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A dog owner shows love to his dog while making conversation with a fellow dog owner. All breeds of dogs are welcomed at Bar K. The dog park has two sections for little and big dogs.

of the dog owning population,” Hensley said. “But, the entire population enjoys grabbing a cup of coffee or getting something to eat.”

Since this is the first of its kind, Bar K has the opportunity to build from scratch.

The group plans to be environmentally friendly by building with repurposed shipping containers and even looking into composting dog waste.

According to Hensely, Missouri is the third highest dog owning state with over 45 percent of households owning a dog.

This makes Kansas City a prime location to begin this concept. Hensley and Dodell hope to see this trend spread across the US due to the $67 billion industry that is the US dog industry.

“We will have treats, we will have a retail area,” Hensley said. “If people are going to come here we may as well provide them with that to pick up while they are there.”

In addition to providing retail, Bar K will February 3, 2017

"When you go to a dog park, you are capturing a tiny portion of the dog owning population.

But the entire population enjoy grabbing a cup of coffee or getting something to eat."

Owner David Hensely

Bar K is a new dog park located west of Berkley Riverfront Park. Bar K will start construction in the spring of 2017.

host speakers, concerts, movie nights and authors. Various breeds can form “breed groups”. There will be on site pet trainers. The park will host activities including weekly “Bar K 5K” along with speakers on pet-related issues along with environmental issues according to Hensley.

“Even though I have never been to a dog park with my dog, I definitely think this would be something most dog owners would want to check out since it is so innovative and fancy,” senior Gabby Wimes said.

Annual memberships are expected to be $180 for the first dog, plus $15 for each additional dog living in the same household as the first dog. Information about pre-purchase discounted memberships can be found on barkdogbar.com.

Until they open the permanent facility in late summer, Bar K Lab is a temporary indoor facility located in the West Bottoms at 515 Liberty St, Kansas City, MO 64105.

“How can you not have fun hanging out with a bunch of dogs hanging out and having fun?” Hensley said. “Because of that, the owners are having fun. The biggest compliment to us is when we get pictures that people post of their dogs completely worn out after a day at Bar K Lab.” H

The owners of Bar K designed a car photo booth for dogs and families. The photo booth had a computer on the outside to show guest what the new additions will look like.

Check Out a Video of Bar K Dog Park on DNO! page design by Maureen Burns

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LAST LOOK

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HAVING THE BEST VALENTINE'S DAY EVER

Story by Alex Frisch | Writer Photos by Cassie Hayes | Photo Editor

With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, the Dart has compiled a guide for readers spending Feb. 14th in KC with the people they love.

No love lost: what to do if you absolutely hate Valentine's Day

If you hate anything and everything romantic, go to a haunted house instead to find all things creepy.

Atchison, Kan., is considered to be one of the most haunted towns in the Midwest. It has been featured on the TV series Sightings as well as the subject for the TV movie Haunted Heartland.

During the Halloween season, Atchison offers trolley tours of the eight most haunted locations in the city. During the off season, however, you can still visit many of their haunted locations around the city and even stay overnight in “Sallie’s House,” considered to be one

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of the most haunted houses in Atchison.

Jackson Park: Located in Atchison, Jackson Park is said to be haunted by a woman named Molly who can be heard moaning and screaming some nights at around midnight.

Atchison Street: This street is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who drowned in the river near this road. It is said that at night a woman’s voice can be heard calling from the river Sallie’s House: For $100 per person you can stay overnight in Sallie’s house, said to be the most haunted house in Atchison, haunted primarily by the ghost of a little girl who died there. The house is known for unexplained fires, voices and moving objects as well as minor injuries of guests at the house.

February 3, 2017

If you hate people altogether, volunteering at an animal shelter may be a great way to spend Valentine's Day. Wayside Waifs is a humane, Kansas City based animal shelter that regularly has more than 300 animals in their shelter. It is the largest no-kill animal shelter in Kansas City. They take in homeless pets and make a point of finding them homes. You must be at least 16 years old to volunteer and go through a volunteer orientation.

KC pet project is a no kill animal shelter dedicated to finding homes for all adoptable pets and they care for about 10,000 pets a year. They have multiple locations around the Kansas City area.

You must attend an hour and a half long orientation program to volunteer. H

PLACES TO GO, FOOD TO EAT & GIFTS TO GIVE The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

4525 Oak St. Kansas City, MO 64111 With free admission and nearly 40,000 works of art, a visit to the Nelson-Atkins is an interesting and low-cost way to spend Valentine’s Day.

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2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108 Even if you don’t have an interest in history, the publically accessible rooftop of this museum offers views of downtown Kansas City that are difficult to beat.

Sea Life Aquarium

Crown Center, 2475 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108

The Sea Life aquarium can be found at Crown Center KC. This aquarium provides an opportunity to watch fish and other sea creatures while spending time with your Valentine’s Day date.

Andre’s Confiserie Suisse

5018 Main Street Kansas City, MO 64112 Andre’s Confiserie Suisse: Andre’s is a local Kansas City chocolate shop that also functions as a tearoom and a cafe. Whether you’re looking to buy chocolates or pastries as a gift or looking for a sit down lunch, Andre’s is a great option.

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National WWI Museum and Memorial

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Personalized Gifts Shutterfly.com

At Shutterfly.com, you can upload personal pictures and have the photos put on everything from iPhone cases to fleece blankets. You can even have your photos placed on candles and pillows. Once you’re done personalizing, Shutterfly will ship the gift to you.

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Chez Elle

1713 Summit St, Kansas City, MO 64108

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Chez Elle is a coffee shop/creperie on Summit St. in Kansas City. Once it gets dark outside, the tables inside are candlelit.

Not-your-typical-bouquet Suburban Lawn and Garden

10501 Roe Ave, Overland Park, KS 66207

If you don’t like giving flowers as a Valentine’s Day gift, Suburban Lawn and Garden on Roe Ave. almost always has a huge selection of small succulents and cacti for around $10 each.

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