February 2016

J le

LE JOURNAL

ISSUE 4 VOLUME 34 February 2016

Changing perspectives about depression and anxiety.

Pages 14-17

NEWS Plaza Under New Ownership

5

Chipotle Under Investigation

5

OPINION Mental Health Funding

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What Are We Eating?

8

Fear of Missing Out

9

SPORTS 10

Gerke makes All-Metro

10

StormFit

11

Dance Team Nationals

11

FEATURES Linda Blasdel

12

Liz Oltjen

18

Isabel Thornton

20

Catherine Cox

22

COVER Anxiety and Depression

14

A&E

2

Making a Murderer

24

Galentine’s Day

26

Donut Lounge

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LE JOURNAL February 2016

Welcome to the Jungle Freshmen Molly Conway, Sarah Tappan and Scout Neely stampede into the stands before the Varsity Basketball game against St. Teresa’s Academy. The theme for the game was jungle animals. (Photo by Kate Noble) For more pictures from the game, go to lejournallive.com.

LeJournal 2015-2016

Dive Team Heads to State

Le Journal is the official student publication of Notre Dame de Sion 10631 Wornall Road Kansas City, Missouri 64114 MEMBER

Missouri Interscholastic Press Association National Scholastic Press Association International Quill and Scroll Journalism Educators of Metropolitan Kansas City Missouri Journalism Education Association

CO-EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Sophie Nedelco Ellie Schwartz

PRINT MANAGING EDITOR Rachel Ergovich

WEBSITE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chioma Okuagu

WEB MANAGING EDITOR Alex D’Alesio

EDITORIAL EDITOR Abby Smith

A&E EDITOR

Chloe Barrett

{

SPORTS EDITOR Madison Heide

FEATURE EDITOR Natalie Sopyla

PHOTO EDITOR Laney Ulowetz

REPORTERS

Selena Hunter Aubrey Makar Natalie Williams Lucy Stofer Kate Noble Clare Kimmis Tara Jungden

Paige Dussold Lily Coit Rachel Doctor Megan Ostrander Toni Mathis Taylor Spies Kathleen Watz

Le Journal accepts letters to the Editors in response to published articles. Letters must be signed, verified and no longer than 200 words.

Letters may be edited for length, grammar, spelling and content.

Letters will not be printed if content is obscene, invasive, encouraging disruption of school and/or is libelous.

}

THE EDITOR’S INK

T

urns out, my first grade teacher lied. Humans do, in fact, hibernate along with bears, mice and ladybugs. We retreat into our caves (rooms) for protection from the cold as we entertain ourselves within our own little worlds (via Netflix). We might even put on some weight (purposefully for the sake of warmth, of course). We go out less and try to sleep more.

Feeling in a rut of teenage hibernation a few weeks ago, my sister and I agreed to venture out into the wild of a new restaurant, planning to try the Donut Lounge the next Sunday morning. Determined to break the cycle of sleep, study, Netflix, we stayed loyal to our plan even as the forecast turned colder and snowier by the hour. Waking up on that Sunday, the temperature read 4 degrees, and light reflected off fresh snow, warning us to keep cover and stay in our cave.

Motivated by caffeine and desperation to leave the house, we recruited our mom to drive us to Westport with 4-wheel-drive. We crossed the tundra of a parking lot, teeth chattering in the wind and wished we had a bear’s fur coat to go along with our tendency to hibernate. Once inside, biting into our first-ever s’mores doughnut and taking Snapchats along the way, we were out of our caves, finally human again.

This issue offers so much inspiration to get out of our winter ruts, from the Donut Lounge like my sister and I tried (Chloe Barrett reviews it on page 27) to hiking in nearby Minor Park (page 24). Or, go halfway and go see “The 5th Wave.”

Linda Blasdel (page 12), Margo Gerke (page 10) and Isabel Thornton (page 20) all escape the winter blues by actively pursuing their interests.

There’s no better inspiration than people so invested in what they do every single day.

With so many ways to get out and beat the winter blues, take this issue as your official sign to leave the house and try something new. It’s time to take back winter, Sion.

Sincerely, Sellie 2.0

Online This Month The Power of a Hijab A video column about Selena Hunter’s experience of stepping into her friends’ shoes for a day and her thoughts on religious freedom of expression.

No Pride in New Zombie Movie Although slightly comedic, the “Pride and Prejudice” remix disappoints with unoriginality and unimpressive special effects.

#OscarsSoWhite The lack of diversity in the 2016 Oscar nominations proves that the film industry should accept and encourage more diversity.

lejournallive.com lejournalsion lejournalsion

LE JOURNAL February 2016

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IN BRIEF Iowa Caucuses

Ted Cruz won the Republican caucus with 27.6 percent of the vote in Iowa Feb. 1, according to politico.com. He was followed by Donald Trump at 24.3 percent and Marco Rubio with 23.1 percent.

For the Democrats, Hillary Clinton beat Bernie Sanders by .3 percent. (Photo by MCT Campus)

Zika Virus Spreads Thousands of children in the Americas have contracted the Zika virus since May. Likely transmitted through certain types of mosquitos, the virus infects infants through their mothers when pregnant. It can cause microcephaly, an abnormally small head, brain tissue loss and calcium deposits that can severely limit development and motor abilities.

Since the recent growth of the virus, the Pan American Health Organization has warned pregnant women against traveling to about 24 destinations in the Caribbean, Central America and South America. (Photo by MCT Campus)

Winter Storm Jonas The storm produced over a foot of snow in at least 14 East Coast states. Junior Erin Quinn participated in the March For Life in Washington, D.C. as the weather began. “Right when it was snowing, we were all starting to march. It was impactful because everyone was looking out their windows to look at the snow, but we were there marching,” Quinn said. Returning home, Quinn got stuck on the Pennsylvania Turnpike with 500 other vehicles in the storm. It had a seven mile stretch of standstill traffic for over 24 hours. As a result of the storm, 48 people died. (Photo by MCT Campus)

Marilyn Dreas Retires

After 28 years of teaching, math teacher Marilyn Dreas is retiring. According to Dreas, the decision to retire was tough, but the choice was made after she couldn’t leave early last Christmas to babysit due to final exams scheduled at that time. “I could be very happy continuing to teach. I love the girls and the school, but the time has come to be more readily available to my own children and grandchildren,” Dreas said. Junior Sophie Roberts had Dreas as a maison leader as well as a math teacher.

“Her passion for teaching,dedication and desire for [students] to succeed will be missed,” Roberts said.

(Photo by Kathy McShane)

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LE JOURNAL February 2016

WORLD WORLD

Pope Meets With Head of Russian Orthodox Church

Pope Francis will meet with Patriarch Kyril in Cuba Feb. 12, the first time the Catholic and Russian Orthodox churches have met in history.

-----------

Iran Economy Skyrockets

Tehran’s Stock Exchange was up 25 percent in January, and Iran is currently the single greatest growth spot in the world.

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President Obama Pressed to Open Military Front in Libya

----------Some of Obama’s national security aides pressed him to approve forces to open another front against the Islamic State.

Local Gas Station Deals // Prices Plunge

NEWS

$1.39/gal

151st St. & 69 Hwy Kansas City

$1.36/gal

3rd St. & View High Dr. Lee’s Summit

$1.49/gal

Tomahawk Rd. Prairie Village

$1.36/gal

3rd St. & Ward Rd. Lee’s Summit

UPCOMING

& local

*Feb. 12-14

*Feb. 26 *Feb. 27-28 *Feb. 29

Missouri Mavericks Hockey $16-$38 Independence Event Center

Blake Shelton

Starting @$32, Sprint Center

Family Feud Auditions

KansasCity@familytryouts.com

ACDC

Starting @ $95, Sprint Center

NEWS

Skepticism Grows with Plaza Sale After the recent sale of the Country Club Plaza, students and local business owners question how new ownership will affect Kansas City’s “Crown Jewel.”

BY LILY COIT REPORTER

Junior Abby McLiney eats Chipotle for the fourth day in a row. (Photo by Paige Dussold)

Chipotle Faces Further Investigation for E. Coli Restaurant subpoenaed for down the matter in the intestines. illness linked to the E. Coli Contamination occurs when food comes into contact with fecal matter. bacteria.

BY PAIGE DUSSOLD REPORTER

The federal investigation into the E.Coli outbreak surrounding Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. was inconclusive as the source of the bacteria could not be located. The Federal Grand Jury subpoenaed the records and informed Chipotle on Dec. 21 that they were under investigation for five reported cases of E. Coli in Kansas and Oklahoma, specifically the restaurant located at 11805 Shawnee Mission Parkway in Shawnee, Kansas, according to Chipotle.

Because of the inconclusive results of the investigation Chipotle Mexican Grill inc. will not be charged for the incident.

Chipotle temporarily closed all their restaurants in the nation to train employees with new food safety measures according to CNN. Despite new efforts the restaurant chain faces $14 to $16 million in losses since the debacle began in August.

“I still eat at Chipotle multiple times during the week,” junior Abby McLiney said. “I never even thought about getting sick.”

Since the illnesses have been linked to Chipotle, the company has issued many apologies and plans for improvement in the future. National sales have already dropped 30 percent in December alone and are expected to remain low for the remainder of the investigation, according to Fox News.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, E. Coli is a type of bacteria found in the human digestive tract to break

Although it is still unclear which ingredient caused the illnesses, contamination can be caused by animals kept near fields where produce was grown or a lack of sanitation after harvesting the produce.

“There are many strains,” science teacher Amy Vandenbrul said. “Some will cause you to get sick like the kind in the Chipotle restaurants. It’s different than the E. Coli we use in class. We use a harmless strain.”

Before the most recent illness was contracted, in November there were over 50 additional cases of the E. Coli bacteria causing sickness in nine states total. Forty-six of them reported that they had eaten Chipotle prior to contracting their illness. The strain of E. Coli in these cases was different than the rare relative found in Shawnee, Kansas.

Chipotle restaurant managers were advised not to talk reporters about the outbreak, but it was hinted that this investigation has not altered business in local restaurants.

“I would not have eaten where there was an outbreak, but once it’s known, there tends to be an effort to do something about it so it might even be cleaner now. It was no something I felt I needed to worry about,” Vandenbrul said.

Although cases are still few, the risk is still present since the source is still unknown. People with compromised or weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible.

Symptoms of the illness are an upset stomach or digestive system, vomiting, diarrhea, severe cramping, fever, and nausea according to the CDC.

Looked upon as the “Crown Jewel” of the city, the Country Club Plaza was sold for the second time since opening in 1923. The sale has many Kansas Citians skeptical about what will come with the new ownership and this new era of the Plaza.

The Plaza was sold for $660 million from Highwoods Properties to a joint investment between Taubman Centers and Macerich Company.

Highwoods Properties released a statement explaining that they are looking into investing more in office spaces rather than retail, according to kcur.org. Highwoods Properties owned the Plaza for 17 years.

New owners Taubman and Macerich are acquiring 18 properties with both retail and office space with the sale of the Plaza.

Ryan Hurren, director of investor relations at Taubman Centers, said that both Taubman and Macerich will use their “expertise together to ensure the long-term growth and success of [the] Country Club Plaza.”

That “long term growth” began back in 1923 with the Plaza’s opening where it was the first “suburban” shopping center in the U.S. specifically designed for shoppers arriving by car at a point in time where most shopping

The new owners say they are committed to keeping the Plaza’s ambiance and traditions. (Photo by Wikicommons)

centers were located in downtown parts of cities. However, the Plaza has grown from a suburban shopping center to an urban hotspot attracting locals for a bite to eat and tourists to peruse the shops.

Junior Zoe Mulkey enjoys shopping on the Plaza with friends and family and believes there is something there for everyone. However, Mulkey is hesitant about the news of the new ownership.

“I would hate to see it turn into something that people don’t want to go to or [become] more corporate,” Mulkey said.

Hurren said that Taubman and Macerich will make sure that the Plaza has the correct mix of stores and merchandise to appeal to Plaza consumers.

“We intend to build upon this coveted mix of brands to offer shoppers an unmatched shopping and dining experience,” Hurren said.

Mulkey isn’t alone in her hesitations about the new ownership.

Halcombe Miller, manager of local Plaza business Cupcake à la Mode, hopes that Taubman and Macerich give Cupcake à la Mode the same security that Highwoods offered them and hope no drastic changes occur that could potentially hurt their business.

Kansas Citians also covet the beloved traditions that come with the Plaza experience. The annual Plaza Art Fair in September and the annual Plaza Lighting Ceremony in November come to mind when locals think of the Plaza. But locals don’t have to fear for those traditions are too much apart of Kansas City to simply get rid of.

“The center enjoys nearly 50 unique to market tenants, an amazing array of food and dining options and traditions such as the Christmas lighting event and the art fair which are unique to the broader market. Collectively these tenants and events provide a true destination,” Hurren said. “We are committed to continuing the traditions of the center and to expanding the unique to market retailers.”

Kansas City locals pride themselves upon the beauty of the city, and the Plaza is one key element that plays into that. As Taubman and Macerich’s new ownership comes upon the Plaza, locals watch intently and with caution as a new era of the Plaza is ushered in.

LE JOURNAL February 2016

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OPINION

Mental Health Needs Resources To stop sufferers of mental illness from slipping through the cracks, the government should rework the confusing and neglected government-funded mental health care system.

THIS EDITORIAL REFLECTS THE VIEW OF THE LE JOURNAL STAFF. EIGHTEEN OUT OF 22 VOTED IN SUPPORT OF THIS VIEW.

The media is notorious for exaggerating things. Whether it’s an “unbiased” news station or a gossip magazine, sensationalized press is consumed everywhere and in all outlets. It can be written on just about anything. Knowing this, it’s understood that media outlets hyperbolize topics like mental health, among others.

Sensationalist press expresses stigma towards those with mental illness. Consequently, mental illness has a bad connotation in society.

According to Psychologytoday. com, it’s possible to split mental health stigma into two types: perceived and social stigma.

Perceived stigma is defined as a person with mental illness subjecting themselves to discrimination, leading to shame.

Social stigma, defined as prejudice and intolerance aimed at people with mental illnesses due to the negative connotation given to them, is responsible for the tainted views on mental illness in today’s society and in the media.

Due to the negative undertone of mental illness, many individuals with mental illnesses don’t seek help or treatment.

According to Healthline.com, approximately one in four Americans have a mental illness that could be treated, yet three out of four of those individuals don’t pursue help.

The current system of government-funded mental health

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LE JOURNAL February 2016

care is overly complicated. Different services are provided by all of the states as well as different federal agencies. These federal agencies minister a plethora of different programs and different social services agencies in each of the states. So while some states may offer many services for those with mental illness, other states may offer little to no services.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, there aren’t any practicing psychiatrists, psychologists or social workers available in half of the counties in the United States.

Services need to be available and equally as beneficial in every state for all individuals with mental illness seeking help.

According to USA Today, about a million Americans with mental illness are ignored in today’s system of government-funded mental health care.

illnesses. The misplacement of these people results in patients not getting the help they need.

According to USA Today, due to fewer hospital resources and useless community services, about 590,000 people with mental illness wind up in jails, prisons, city streets and homeless shelters.

Consequently, the displaced persons are not only deprived of treatment, but they take up room and money in the institutions they are assigned.

According to the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 5.5 million people end up in hospitals each year because of mental illness.

This is approximately four percent of all hospital visits.

The issue of misplacement would be solved for the mentally ill and for the institutions that care for them if the government made an effort of ensuring that the mentally ill had the opportunity to receive treatment.

The government needs to create and establish a nationwide system in which they clarify where an individual should go to receive help and make sure patients end up in places that will be beneficial for them.

If the government would solve the seemingly never ending problem of individuals not receiving the help they need, and of the mentally ill ending up in places like hospitals and prisons, where they just cost those institutions more money, the misplaced persons issue would be solved.

Finally, the government needs to educate the public on mental illness. In a society in which stigma towards mental illness is so prevalent, education to counter that social stigma would benefit not only the public but those with mental illnesses. With less stigma, sufferers of mental illness would be more likely to receive treatment and ultimately would live easier, happier lives.

“The complicated system prevents individuals from receiving the help they need, and the government needs to simplify it.”

The complicated system prevents individuals from receiving the help they need, and the government needs to simplify it.

The government ignores the fact that the current funded mental health care system isn’t working, and by ignoring their own system, they are negligent to all of the sufferers of mental illness incapable of receiving care and treatment. Once those individuals seek help for their illness, it’s important that they end up in the correct facilities.

As reported by USA Today, many times people with mental illnesses wrongly end up in places that aren’t meant or specialized to cater towards those with mental

20% 20 percent of children 13 to 18 years old have some type of mental illness, defined as disorders that affect an individual’s mood, thinking and behavior.

Approximately 50 percent of individuals with mental illness between 8 and 15 years old didn’t seek treatment last year.

50% 61.5 million people in the United States discover that they have a mental illness in a given year.

25 percent of mental illness sufferers felt as if they were supported by the people they surrounded themselves with, rather than experiencing stigma.

OPINION

I Am Successfully Living Out My New Year’s Resolution In the past, I have found my resolutions to be difficult to live out, but this year, I have finally chosen to stick to it.

BY KATHLEEN WATZ REPORTER

It is about this time of year when I typically look at those promises I made with the arrival of January 1-commonly known as New Year’s Resolutions. Throughout the month of December, I take a hard look at myself and try to figure out what I need to do in order to make myself a better person. This usually includes getting more exercise, eating better and spending less time binge

watching an entire series on Netflix in 24 hours. In the past I have even resolved to try and be nicer to my brother, which means avoiding any contact with him at all in order to succeed in keeping my resolution.

In previous years, the results of my actions have been less than stellar. By the end of January, my workout clothes, which I wore religiously every day since the celebration in Times Square and have yet to get even a single drop of sweat on them, suffer a lonely existence wadded up under my bed.

(My theory is that if I can’t see them, I don’t need to exercise.) The theory has proven quite nicely actually.

Before you think my efforts completely useless, I was able to increase my heart rate as I ran

into the kitchen for a slice of pizza during a break of Netflix binge watching, which gives you an idea of how successful the rest of my resolutions were.

My Netflix watching was increased to 48 hours straight because of all the pizza breaks, I count that as a success. It is not that I intentionally sabotage the promises I made to myself; I really do want to succeed. It is just that I start to develop a vision problem: I don’t see the need to change the lifestyle I have perfected over the past 18 years. Why mess with success? I’m still here, and I can still see my toes, exercise is not the key let me tell you.

So this year I tried a new approach to the whole New Year’s Resolution thing. My 2016 New Year’s Resolution was to not to make another New Year’s Resolution. So far I am doing pretty well!

Toy Industry Overlooks Sexism Purposeful exclusion of the female character in new Star Wars movie exposes sexism in the mainstream toy industry.

BY LUCY STOFER REPORTER

Since the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, there has been Star Wars swag everywhere. Clothes, legos, even sleeping bags lined the aisles at any store. Among this overabundance of “The Force Awakens” themed items, one item Star Wars fans noticed missing was the heroine of the movie, Rey’s figure in the “Star Wars: The Force Awakens edition of Monopoly.

The game included Finn, Kylo Ren, Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader but noticeably left out the film’s main female character.

This exclusion exposes the issues in the modern toy industry and the lack of toys made to inspire and encourage young girls as well as boys.

Fans are outraged because Rey is the main character, and the title of the movie is named after her “awakening the force.” #WheresRey had been trending to bring attention to the confusing issue. Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader figures are both included in the game and according to nydailynews.com, one of them has zero lines in the movie, and the other is not even in the movie at all. Hasbro toy company claims that they left Rey out purposefully to keep from spoiling her role, which makes about as much sense as including characters who aren’t in the movie.

Monopoly hasn’t been the only obvious exclusion of Rey that

has gained attention. According to nydailynews.com, fans in the Disney Store have been told that they don’t stock Rey’s merchandise in stores.

Director of the movie J.J. Abrams has openly reached out to Hasbro, advocating for Rey’s addition to the game, and the strange exclusion of the main character in the movie’s merchandise has drawn attention to the clearly sexist industry.

American Girl, on the other hand, continues to become more commercial and move farther away from its original message of female empowerment.

When the dolls first came out each doll used to come with six books entailing the problems the girl encountered in their lives which covered issues of race, class, slavery and child labor, now sells dolls with only one book and a computer game. This company was known for featuring strongwilled young girls who were figuring out life in these hard situations. The headstrong girls the dolls used to embody inspired young girls to take a stand for what was right and taught them about history through the eyes of a girl their own age. The original dolls confronted some of the most heated issues of their times.

Just a few years later, One of the most popular dolls, Mckenna, struggled with the fact that she was reading below her grade level in school and wasn’t doing well academically.

The problems that the modern American Girl dolls are faced with are light hearted in comparison to those of the original dolls. They are so extremely different that they highlight the fact that though American Girl dolls were once a character-building toy, they have fallen onto the same

mainstream level as other dolls that the toys they play with for the majority they are competing with on the market of their day so their parents should Instead of emphasizing intelligence put more thought into the toys that and perseverance, storylines like they give to them and how it could Mckenna’s only glorify small problems affect them. High school students may not have the widest in today’s society when influence on children more pressing issues and the toys that they such as body image play with, but you can affect young girls today. choose to buy your American Girl needs to cousins, siblings, etc. focus on these issues toys that will encourage and continue to use them to want to be their dolls to teach and leaders and embrace inspire young girls as their individuality. Also opposed to covering 42% of don’t let boy children up more pressing 1st-3rd think that they can’t issues with non grade play with a girl action confrontational stories girls figure because that that don’t teach girls want to kind of attitude is anything other than be thinner what started the whole that their education isn’t as important as In 2013 #WheresRey debacle. making the gymnastics Disney Toy companies should team. sold take note of Barbie’s progress and catch up Barbie has Avengers with society’s progress previously been t-shirts for and start making toys to ridiculed for giving young girls unrealistic girls with the slogan inspire children again “’I Need a Hero” and as opposed to leaving expectations for their bodies, now is breaking an Iron Man T-shirt out a female character’s barriers by prominently for boys that reads action figure in fear of boys’ rejection. featuring a boy actor in “Be a Hero”. Debacle. Progressives their commercial and like Singh and now making a commercial Girls Barbie have changed the portraying the idea that as game in the mainstream girls can do anything toy industry and they want to. It features young are promoting self young girls doing as five acceptance and are their dream job and report showing young children is supposed to inspire weight that real girls don’t have young girls to aim for concerns and to look glitzed and the top and not give up express a desire to glammed all of the time on their dreams. be thinner. and that it is perfectly The minds of these fine to just be you. children are shaped by

BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW...

LE JOURNAL February 2016

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OPINION

We Are What We Eat With the rise of E. coli from various Chipotle locations, Americans need to learn to be more careful and conscious of what they are eating.

BY NATALIE SOPYLA FEATURES EDITOR

Nowadays, it seems like no one knows where their food comes from. The Food and Drug Administration regulates anything and everything that Americans consume, but even that doesn’t seem to be enough to stop foodborne illness. With the recent outbreak of E. coli at Chipotle restaurants around the country, it’s clear that even society’s favorite foods aren’t safe from contamination. People are not paying attention to what they eat. Now more than ever, the public needs to learn to be proactive, to ask questions and figure out exactly what they are putting into their bodies.

For one thing, people need to know exactly how much processing their food has gone through and understand the problems that arise with mass production of food. Ever wondered how McDonald’s gets its french fries to taste exactly the same, every time? According to howstuffworks.com, the food sold at fast food chains is actually produced in a factory and frozen; in other words, none of it is made from scratch in the restaurant. In addition, factories add artificial and natural flavors to ensure that the taste of each individual product is consistent. These flavors are manufactured, unsurprisingly, in a factory of their own.

If the fact that the “food” in chain restaurants is manufactured isn’t stomach ache-inducing enough, consider the problems that arise when the factories where food is manufactured aren’t well inspected. One well-known case of this occurring was in the recent listeria outbreak in various Blue Bell Ice Cream products. Listeria is an infection brought on by consumption of contaminated foods, and can cause death in some cases. The cause of the contamination was linked to several of Blue Bell’s plants in Texas and Oklahoma, where sanitation was not up to par, according to CNN’s website. This is proof of the danger of consuming factory produced foods, and if it’s not enough to make people think twice about what they are eating, humanity is heading towards an unhealthy future.

Another important factor to consider is where people are getting their meats and produce from. Just as there are factories that manufacture pre-cooked foods, there are factories that raise farm animals too, and they are equally

terrible. According to the website for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, factory farms pack animals into pens so tight that they can barely move. These animals are not able to go outside or roam freely and often sit in their own waste their whole lives, making these farms a breeding ground for E.coli and salmonella.

But E. coli is not limited to meats; vegetables can be just as easily infected. In 2006, an outbreak of E. coli was detected in bagged spinach that infected over 100 people and killed one person. While vegetables are not commonly infected on their own, they can be infected if they are cross contaminated with bacteria strains from animals, from runoff water, or from farm equipment. While these cases are very rare due to the nature of E.coli bacteria, it is definitely possible that a contaminated vegetable could have been the cause of Chipotle’s outbreak. Fruits and vegetables are the food groups that are supposed to be “healthy,” yet even they are not safe from foodborne illness.

While Kansas City and the other affected cities wait for this to blow over, there are a number of things that people can do to ensure the safety of their food. When buying meats, eggs or dairy at the store, the ASPCA recommends looking for labels on packages that say things like “Certified Human,” “Animal Welfare Approved” or “Global Animal Partnership” to ensure that they are buying products that are clean and were well cared for. People should also make sure that their kitchen habits are sanitary; thoroughly washing all produce items is a must, as well as avoiding cross contamination by using separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables.

The ultimate lesson people need to learn from this is to think before they eat.

(I ju llust ni ra or ti M on ay by m e L AP oy art d) st u

BY THE NUMBERS:

E. COLI OUTBREAK 8

LE JOURNAL February 2016

53

total number of individuals affected

by E.coli in America

9

number of states that have experienced E. coli outbreaks

20

de nt

number of individuals hospitalized, but no deaths have occurred

OPINION

FOMO FUELS ANXIETY “Fear of Missing Out” is linked to negative impacts on health.

BY RACHEL DOCTOR REPORTER

(photo by MCT Campus)

Clinton Cannot Strike Sanders Hillary Clinton cannot win with Bernie Company and Lehman Brothers, according to opensecrets.org. Herbert Sandler, former CEO Sanders still in the race.

BY TONI MATHIS REPORTER

It all started with the flip of a coin between delegates.

A few flips and the win went to Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton in Iowa. Clinton may have eked out a win, but the true victory belonged to Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders. Only eight out of 72 polls, according to fivethirtyeight.com, gave the nod to Sanders. But he proved the pollsters wrong.

Even his lead in New Hampshire slowly mushroomed to 61 percent this week, reported

by CNNpolitics.com. Sanders is gaining momentum and it’s clear to see that he should be the next presidential candidate.

This is a candidate who is authentic, not a candidate that panders to the people. Clinton is her own worst enemy. Back in July, she posted a Snapchat which later went viral in the form of a vine. Clinton said she was chillin’ in Cedar Rapids. To go along with it, she sells koozies and a wide assortment of other options that read: ‘More like Chillary Clinton. Amirite?.’

Some examples of her pandering include her own campaign calling Clinton an abuela to Latinos and when she changed her Twitter logo to represent Kwanza. Then in January on the Ellen Show, she hit rock bottom. The presidential candidate showed she was cool to all those millennials and our lost generation by whipping and doing the nae-nae on “Ellen.”

But Bernie is not a try-hard. He is comfortable with his gray hair. When he goes on the road, he is authentic and doesn’t lapse into southern twang when speaking in front of a southern group. He doesn’t try to conform to the audience, but persuades his audience to his point of view.

Next follow the money. Clinton’s top donors include Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase &

of World Savings Bank, and hedge fund manager Donald Sussman both gave $1.5 million to Clinton, according to the Huffington Post.

Sanders on the other hand, says he doesn’t want money from billionaires. His plans include breaking up the big banks. In fact, his top donors are Machinists/Aerospace Workers Union, United Auto Workers and the National Education Association, also according to opensecrets.org.

Clinton has to woo her voters with social media instead of her positions on policy. There are several issues that Clinton has not fully addressed. She does not go into detail with her stances including immigration, violent crimes and military funding. She only states that she will change them to be better.

By trying to win the campaign through centering her strategy around social media, she draws attention from the issues that young voters should care about. Voters should demand strong stances. Sanders has always stayed true to his positions and never has switched them because of a majority. Sanders wants the world to know his policies even if most of the world does not agree.

Clinton and honesty don’t exactly go hand in hand. Look at the email debacle. She could have ended this whole affair in 2014 with transparency in the investigation and admission that she made a mistake. But it drags on and on with more information trickling out.

But Sanders is honest. He looks forward for what is best for all Americans. He is a true democratic candidate.

Overall, the real democratic candidate should be Sanders. He has a pulse on the young voters. He believes in policies that will bring all Americans to the table. If Clinton wants to stay in the race, she should start focusing on the entire nation, not a percent of it. She is a paper candidate.

Many face the constant dilemma of choosing a life with fewer obligations and more fun or one with more stability and more responsibility. There’s the fear that further down the road in one’s life, there will be regrets of not having done more. No one wants to have regrets like wishing they had pursued our dreams further, invested more time with loved ones, taken a dream trip or seen more of this world.

Recently a new fear has arisen, we have fallen into a fear of missing out on experiences or events in life. This fear, has become known as “FOMO,” meaning the “Fear of Missing Out”. While it may sound like a joke at first, FOMO is an serious sickness that is affecting nearly 56 percent of people in our society according to mylife.com.

Social media is a large aspect of everyday life in this generation, but at the same time it has displaced humanity from living in the moment and constantly puts society into the realms of what our friends are doing without us.

On sites such as Facebook, within every 60 seconds 510 comments are posted, 293,000 statuses are updated and 136,000 photos are uploaded, according to The Social Skinny. The constant ability to have a connection at the fingertips combined with the mass amount of posts made makes it more difficult to avoid the feelings of anxiety and being left out associated with FOMO.

Humans are naturally apprehensive about not being included. Saying “no” to an opportunity could mean missing out on something that one would regret not participating in. Patterns determine the way the brain functions and forms habits, specifically triggers according to Medium.com. A trigger is something that sets off a memory or transports one back to something they have already experienced according to psychcentral.com

Social media sites are aware of this, and sites such as Facebook use the concept of triggers to their advantage in their designs. Through several redesigns, one thing has remained constant: the notification alert. The small red circle on top of the blue globe holds indications of how many notification users have that are waiting to be checked.

Keeping these notifications creates a trigger or habit in the human brain to constantly desire to check them, which encourages attachment to social media.

FOMO has also become associated with a perceived low social rank, which negatively impacts health. Along with the perceived low social rank, comes anxiety and depression. But FOMO is more than just a case of people feeling unsatisfactory. People with high levels of FOMO are more likely to send and read text messages while driving and to get distracted by social media during their college classes, according to a study by ScienceDirect.com.

Although it is much easier said than done, focusing on living in the moment is healthier than dwelling in the past. The dreaded sense or not being included or that sense of being forgotten has no positive effects, but happens too often.. The constant connection we have available to us makes fighting FoMo and its effects challenging. The sense of putting social lives on platforms for the follows, the likes, or views on snapchat has no real benefit. When the tables are turned, sitting at home alone rewatching that snapchat story with frustration doesn’t change the situation. Why should you care whether or not someone else’s night will be better or more talked about on Monday than your own?

Put the phone down, and enjoy the time of living in the moment.

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SPORTS

Gerke Makes All-Metro Girls Tennis Team Junior Margo Gerke’s tennis career grows as she joins an elite local team.

BY ALEX D’ALESIO WEB MANAGING EDITOR

(Photo by Rachel Ergovich)

Ten years of dedication to tennis has certainly paid off for junior Margo Gerke, as she was recently named to the Kansas City Star’s All-Metro girls tennis team.

With a season record of 35-2, Gerke finished fifth in the Missouri Class 2 state tournament according to Athletic Administrative Assistant Kate Pilgreen.

As a child, Gerke was involved in golf, volleyball, basketball, swimming and gymnastics. Tennis is the sport that stuck with her.

“I really love [tennis]. It keeps me busy, and it’s very fun,” Gerke said. “For Sion tennis, I love the team atmosphere - it is just a really fun team to be on.”

After playing the sport for so long, Gerke has learned that her least favorite part of it is also her favorite. When she steps on the court, she is alone. The pressure falls on her shoulders, but at the same time, there is relief in knowing Finished fifth in the Missouri class 2 state tournament

Gerke’s 2015-2016 season stats

35-2 season record

that she has the total support of her teammates and coaches on the sideline.

“The most memorable piece of advice that Coach O’Neill and Coach Phillips gave me would just be to relax,” Gerke said. “Both coaches would always tell me just to calm down and play my game during matches, something that helped me tremendously as I sometimes get overwhelmed while playing.”

According to assistant tennis coach Karen Phillips, Gerke works with a tennis coach throughout the year. She was also undefeated in regular season tournament and match play.

“This is an individual honor which is so well deserved,” Phillips said. “Margo is so humble and the first to support her team members. We are very fortunate to have her at our school and as a part of Sion tennis.”

With such a passion for the sport, Gerke looks forward to her college career. She is currently visiting five different colleges: Johns Hopkins University, West Point Military Academy, Emory University, Columbia University and Brown University. Though she does not know where she will attend, she is sure that she will play in college.

Ranked 153 out of all the 2017 graduates in the nation

Practices around 22 hours every week during the school year

Dive Team Perseveres Through Obstacles, Four Qualify for State

Dive team challenges adversity in hopes of State.

BY CHLOE BARRETT A&E EDITOR

Dive team has met hardship after hardship as they acclimated to a new coach and dealt with multiple injuries. But with difficulties camescloser bonds, according to senior Margaret Brandmeyer.

Beginning the season, the team faced an immediate challenge: getting used to their new coach, Shelly King. While she is different from their previous coach, they enjoy her more laid back nature.

“She has done a really good job of bringing the team together,” Brandmeyer said. “She pushes us but not to the point where we would want to quit. She’s done a good job being the happy medium of diving.”

The team’s resilience has also been tested through multiple injuries, the most disturbing being senior Kaitlin Wagner’s break of both her hands in a collision with the board during a difficult dive.

“I think that was really traumatic for all of us seeing that happen and seeing one of your teammates really hurt,” Brandmeyer said.

Other injuries include a severe sprain to the

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ankle for Brandmeyer, but through these injuries the team has bonded.

“I think that really affects you as a team and brings us closer because we went through that hardship. I think we can thrive from it,” Brandmeyer said.

Through these hardships, the team has come together to support one another.

“No matter what, even though when you dive you’re against everyone and it’s not necessarily a team sport, we support each other in doing our best,” Brandmeyer said.

And even through these challenges, there’s four divers that qualified for State. So far it’s Wagner, Brandmeyer, senior Rebecca Jacobs and sophomore Sammie Nesslein.

However, according to King, Nesslein will not be competing at State due to dance team performing at State the same weekend. Nesslein is a member.

“Marge qualified in her first meet back [from her injury] and Kaitlin will be diving next week.

She hopes to compete in State as well,” King said.

According to King, all the divers who have qualified have a chance of making it to the awards stand.

“The question is: Who is ready to compete and who wants it most,” King said.

Senior Margaret Brandmeyer practices dives for an upcoming meet. (Photo by Sophie Nedelco)

SPORTS

STA Rival Game Ends in Loss Sophomores Afton Sion fell behind early, but Fennewald and Maddie Young kept up a strong defense.

BY PAIGE DUSSOLD REPORTER

Sophomore Carolyn Dickey warms-up during the class Feb. 1 at 6:15 a.m. that is lead by High School Events Coordinator Sarah Johnson. (Photo by Sophie Nedelco)

Class Creates Healthy Habits Storm Fit is a new, free exercise class offered to students before school.

BY LANEY ULOWETZ PHOTO EDITOR

Event Coordinator and Administrative Assistant Sarah Johnson is leading a free high-intensity workout class to help girls get in shape and into healthy exercising habits.

Storm Fit runs from 6:15 - 7 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the gym, and although it began on Jan. 11, all girls are welcome to join the group at any point in the semester.

“It’s nice because it’s a workout geared towards high school students, versus most of the classes at the gym,” senior Danielle Mollerus said. “You’re already at school so you don’t have to go anywhere else, and then you just go to class.”

Johnson decided to use her experience as a group fitness leader at the YMCA as well as being a college athlete to create an opportunity for

student athletes to improve their sports performance. She tailors every workout to what the girls want to improve on. With everything from strength and cardio to yoga, this class is designed to fit a wide range of girls’ strengths and abilities.

“It’s beneficial to get in shape for the sport you’re doing,” freshman Keely Roudebush said. “I like [Storm Fit] because it pushes you to try harder.”

A 2010 report in Science Daily cited a study from the American Heart Association that links physical fitness to better school performance.

With this in mind, Johnson aims to connect girls’ minds, bodies and spirits by creating a vigorous as well as convenient option for students. She also wants girls to start establishing healthy habits that they can carry over with them to college.

“My main goal is to create for them a passion for taking care of themselves,” Johnson said. “And if they hit other personal goals, then that makes it even better.”

Varsity Basketball fell short against St. Teresa’s Academy with a score of 40-56 Feb. 29. The tone of the game was set very early as St. Teresa’s drove toward the basket, and Sion’s defense stopped the advance, sending the message that they would be relentless for the duration of the game.

“There’s never a bad moment.

There were mistakes made, and that’s always going to happen.

You learn from them,” Varsity Basketball Coach Leslie Young said. “It was an incredible game.”

Though the play looked rather evenly matched, it all came down to the end details. Sion wasn’t able to capitalize on all of their chances while STA rarely missed their shots and sank the vast majority of their free throws.

Experience was a major factor in the game. Although the Sion team is young, they continue to learn, according to Young.

“What’s cool about the rivalry is the emotions involved, you see people do things that they normally wouldn’t do… there’s only learning opportunities,” Young said. “It’s about figuring your character out. They worked so hard and they never quit.”

held their own on defense. Quick rebounds on Sion’s offensive end bettered the chance of equalizing the score, but the hurried shots against the strong STA defense were unable to fall into the basket, and STA led the score in every quarter.

Junior Madeline Dercher manned the top of the key and sophomore Amaya Adams created chances by stealing the ball on the defensive end and utilizing her speed to break away and make layups. Her non-stop efforts resulted in 16 points, seven of which came from the free throw line. After a foul early in the fourth quarter Adams left the game with a torn meniscus.

“I felt like I let my team down because we had [gotten] the score back so close,” Adams said. “I hated that I couldn’t help them, but I realized there was nothing I could do about it.”

According to Young this game was much deeper than the numbers on the board because the score didn’t convey the tenacity of her team. “[The outcome] showed us what we need to get better at as districts are approaching,” Adams said. “These tough rival games we play make us stronger and bring us closer together as a team.” .

Dance Team Dominates Nationals

Team places in the top for has been such an amazing and hard Kick at national competition. working group.”

BY MADISON HEIDE SPORTS EDITOR

Dance team earned a fifth place national ranking in Varsity High Kick while in Orlando, Florida Jan. 31.

They spent two days performing at the Walt Disney World Complex, moving through preliminary, semi-final and final rounds, according to Head Coach Shelli Vaughan.

The dance team has spent the last seven consecutive years in the finals and the last six consecutive years being named top 10 in the nation. The National Dance Team Championship is the largest high school dance championship in the country.

“I am so proud of the girls,” Vaughan said. “And I couldn’t be happier with the results. The team

Learning their routine since November, the team focused on dancing as a team, working together and on the technical aspects of kick.

“After kick finals, our coach was about to cry,” senior dance team captain Daria Kinchelow said. “She doesn’t really show emotion, so it was a really special moment.”

With over 200 high school teams dancing without differentiation in school size, the team competed in pom and kick routines with divisions solely based on squad size. The championship had an estimated 10,000 people in attendance.

“I am so proud of what we did,” Kinchelow said. “We performed each routine to the best of our ability, and I couldn’t ask for more.”

Sophomore Amaya Adams drives to the basket while guarded by St. Teresa’s Academy players Eleanor Lueke and Grace Kitts. Adams was fouled and fell to the ground, injuring her knee. (Photo by Rachel Ergovich) LE JOURNAL February 2016

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FEATURES

Expressi

As her career shifted, teacher Linda B

H

Art and psychology teacher Linda Blasdel uses a variety of media to create both 2-D and 3-D artwork. Above, three pieces of her art are combined: “Memory Crows,” “Souls of 9/11” and “Caledonia Crow,” and she won the National Art Educators Best of Show award for “Memory Crows.” “Usually when I’m very happy with a piece, it’s expressing something I feel strongly about,” Blasdel said. (artwork submitted by Linda Blasdel, photo by Sophie Nedelco)

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er white knuckles wrapped around a marker, and eyebrows furrowed, she dug the felt tip into the page. Streaks of red passion and black darkness drowned the white paper.

Pain.

Violence.

Confusion.

Combined: unmeasurable anger.

The assignment was to abstractly give shape and form to eight different emotions, yet she could only give one. But to psychology and art teacher Linda Blasdel, that was okay.

Blasdel was at Hilltop Residential Center, somewhere where the kids may not be safe or encouraged to express feeling. Part of a government grant to infuse Hilltop as well as McCune Residential Center, both juvenile prisons of Jackson County, Missouri, with the arts, she allowed this particular young girl and the other children to do just that: give form to feeling.

“She couldn’t do anything but black and red, and everything was angry.

Those were all of her emotions. Just anger,” Blasdel said. “And, as an art therapist you recognize that you don’t try to move her anywhere because she got the opportunity to say ‘I’m angry, I’m angry, I’m angry, I’m angry.’”

Blasdel’s art career didn’t originate in art therapy but began back when she was in elementary school.

With fresh scratches on her knees from roller skating and climbing trees, “Linda the Teacher” would sit up straight at the table in her home, prepping for an art class. Smiling at the imaginary camera, she would lay out all the materials her audience would need.

“Now you’re going to have to have scissors and construction paper and glue, and here’s what you do…,” she said, mimicking her favorite “learn how to” art programs. She was destined to be a teacher. That is, according

FEATURES

sing the Inexpressible

a Blasdel developed her peception of art, the power of the mind and the connection between them.

BY SOPHIE NEDELCO CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF to her father she was.

After graduating from the University of Kansas with a degree in art, Blasdel ran a lucrative sign painting business for 15 years before computers overtook the industry.

While making art one Saturday, she discovered the perfect transition out of her beloved business, a transition that would lead her to an alternative understanding of art.

“I watched a PBS show, and there was man named Bob Ault talking about art therapy, and I’d never heard of it before. So here I am painting, and I’m watching this man, and I say, ‘Well yes! Well of course! So it was very exciting to me,” Blasdel said. “It just seemed to fit. Everything just kept making sense.

It seemed like the right thing to do.”

She applied to Emporia State University to take the psychology courses required for certification in art therapy. One of Blasdel’s favorite classes was education psychology, and her father continued to insist she follow her destined path.

“We used to have kitchen debates over all kinds of topics, but my argument to him was ‘I’m not ready to teach because I don’t have anything to teach yet. I’m still learning,’” Blasdel said. “It wasn’t where I wanted to be.

But, art therapy seemed to be the right thing to do. I was forty, and I wanted to give back. I wanted to help people.”

All of Blasdel’s experiences while obtaining her certification and serving as an art therapist combined to create her understanding of emotion, art and how to express the inexpressible.

“I think that’s helped me as artist as well as an art therapist: the focus on the process of making and expressing things in a visual way,” Blasdel said.

At Accessible Arts at the Kansas School for the Blind, Blasdel functioned as an art therapist to two boys who were blind and severely autistic, and in doing this, adapted a shift in perspective, furthering her appreciation for the process over the finished product.

“One of the first things I did was

I tried to think about how you create an image if you’re blind because I’m so dependent on my eyes. I had [the boys] draw a picture of the room, where we were,” Blasdel said. “What was interesting was they drew it like a map, looking from above, because that’s how their brains saw things, and so that gave me a lot of information...

I set things up for tactile feeling. We used different materials: soft, scratchy because they were reluctant to touch.”

Blasdel also emphasizes building creative critical thinking skills through art and won the Kansas Psychological Association Paper after completing

“When I’m working on a piece of art, I’m using everything I know about the world.” -Linda Blasdel research at Banneker Elementary School on the topic.

“The idea being the arts in the grade school level promote thinking, promote innovation, and promote expression of feelings and emotion,” Blasdel said.

While at Hilltop and McCune, Blasdel supported the children as they let out feelings in a safe way within art and used this type of critical thinking, allowing them to open up and begin to heal.

“When people go to a therapist, they use words. I think sometimes, we don’t know the words,” Blasdel said.

“A child might not be able to express exactly what they’re feeling in words or what the problem is. Or a middleaged person might not be able to put into words a multitude of things over their lifetime that are kind of coming together and crashing at one time. Or a teenager, they’re acting out, but they don’t know why.”

The process of exploring what one’s thinking visually without words serves as an alternate form of expression. According to Blasdel, art therapy is very different from an art class but is similar in that the artist puts herself into the art she makes.

As an art therapist at the juvenile prisons, the school for the blind, then later at Menninger’s on the top floor of Providence Medical Center, Blasdel found unity in her different experiences as well as in her own art.

“There’s just so many universals.

We all have a full range of feelings.

There’s some commonalities in how we express some of those feelings in a visual way,” Blasdel said. “Like, for instance, what color might you pick up if you’re feeling sad? Blue. If you have a lot of downward lines or shapes, if there’s low energy, lack of color, it might indicate a feeling. If it’s really full and loaded with color and done really fast, it could be kind of hyper.

All of those things are universal, the feelings that we have.”

The question, “What is art therapy?” was thrown around while Blasdel was in graduate school and continues to be contemplated with only a handful of states granting art therapist licensure. It is defined by the client, constantly morphing and changing.

“In art therapy, you start where the client is. It’s important to honor the expression of where that child is even if that expression does not meet some expectation,” Blasdel said. “In a group, everyone takes turns talking, but in art therapy, everybody’s speaking through their art at the same time, and they have the opportunity to share what they meant, what they discovered, what they’d like to or to not share. So I can’t imagine having a therapy group without art-making.”

After working in Menninger’s for only two years until it closed, Blasdel’s art journey lead her to where her father knew she would end up ever since she was a little girl putting on “learn how to” art shows for pretend audiences.

“I saw an ad in the paper, and it said this school is looking for a psychology teacher and an art teacher.

Sion,” Blasdel said. “So, I cut it out, and I put it by my computer, and I said [to my husband] ‘Well, I think I’d like to try that.’”

With nearly 100 students every year, Blasdel believes that teaching is right next to being an art therapist as an altruistic, giving profession. She

sends students out every year with a better understanding that what they think and what they do changes their brain, just as art therapy can be a release of emotion, therefore altering the mind.

“The most important thing that [Blasdel] has taught me about the process of making art is not to fear it and to enjoy it instead. She wants us to enjoy the process more than she expects us to produce blue pearls,” AP art senior Caroline Hodes said.

“I used to think of art as just creating something beautiful, but she has changed my perspective by showing me that it’s more about expressing emotions in ways that you just can’t with words and presenting the world the way you see it in a way that you enjoy.”

Psychology and art are two separate subjects, but in many ways they overlap, and Blasdel prepares her students to use the critical thinking they have developed to discover new perspectives about the world, just as she has.

“When I’m working on a piece of art, I’m using everything I know about the world. I’m using my intellect, I’m using my emotions, I’m using my eyes, my hands, and if I get into it, I get into like a flow state where I love it, and I’m making all these decisions, and I’m putting things together in unique and fun ways,” Blasdel said. “And that being said, it can also be frustrating because you can spend a whole day working on something, and it just doesn’t come together. I always tell my art students that frustration is a part of the creative process.”

The full range of feelings is universal, and there is a full range of colors to accompany them. Yellow is cheerful, blue is trust, and red is anger.

Rather than choosing a favorite color, Blasdel admires how colors combine and the energy between them. She sees her thoughts and feelings embedded safely within her artistic expression, just as the girl that colored red and black at the juvenile prison did earlier in her art therapy career.

“Art making within itself is therapeutic,” Blasdel said. “It’s authentically you.”

LE JOURNAL February 2016

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Reinterpretin

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ng Mental Illness

Recent legislative changes have increased the conversation surrounding mental health, prompting the realization that there is a full spectrum when it comes to mental illnesses, and there is more to it than meets the eye.

STORY AND LAYOUT BY REPORTERS TARA JUNGDEN AND TAYLOR SPIES AND MANAGING EDITOR RACHEL ERGOVICH

P

resident Barack Obama recently announced a series of executive actions which included the allocation of $500 million toward treating mental illness. While this proposal was aimed at reducing gun violence in America, it has much larger implications when it comes to treating those suffering from some form of mental illness, specifically people suffering from depression and anxiety.

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adolescents with diagnosable depression are not beginning of the school year. Kilo said that in the e didn’t feel like himself. He was usually an getting treatment. Without treatment, mood past five to 10 years she has noticed a significant outgoing person, but now he felt anxiety disorders like depression will worsen, especially increase in teenagers receiving treatment at the when socializing. He was making assumptions when those afflicted try to take matters into their hospital with anxiety and depression. And she believes the amount will continue to steadily of things that weren’t true. He slept all the time. own hands.

This past year, junior Kaitlyn Smith was increase.

His grades were slipping. He struggled to even go to school on a daily basis and was unable diagnosed with major depressive to cope with what he was feeling. He wasn’t disorder, bipolar disorder and “Teens are seeking their identity. generalized anxiety disorder. She himself.

That’s kind of their goal during these This was senior Alex Davenport’s life said the road to diagnosis can be years, and they are a little more beginning his sophomore year at Rockhurst tough going.

“More than the amount that High School. He was displaying symptoms susceptible to emotional reactivity.” of depression, but he wasn’t sure what he was are diagnosed are probably dealing with depression in some type of -Linda Blasdel, psychology teacher feeling. He didn’t think he needed to talk to anybody. It wasn’t until his mother, Jody form,” Smith said. “Especially “The pressures of having to do well in Davenport pieced together the symptoms in the high school age group [depression] can and contacted Davenport’s pediatrician and definitely be intense because that’s when you school, and be on all forms of social media, and counselor from previous ADHD testing at tend to be finding yourself and questioning who live up to the expectations of parents has really Children’s Mercy that they figured out what you are. That can lead to a lot of problems and affected youth,” Kilo said. “Because so much confusion.” of the pressure and anxiety afflicted teens feel prescriptions he should start taking.

Psychology teacher Linda Blasdel also is caused by parents and their expectations, “That was the first step, me reaching out to the doctors and them being very responsive,” reiterated that this period in life is a difficult teens are reluctant to share their symptoms and worries with their families.”

Jody said. “I don’t know that everyone could time.

“Teens are seeking their identity.

That’s kind According to the Center for Disease Control, have gotten that quick response.”

According to the 2015 Child Mind Institute of their goal during these years, and they are a in 2013, 17 percent of students in the U.S. Children’s Mental Health Report, 60 percent of little more susceptible to emotional reactivity,” seriously considered attempting suicide. Eight Blasdel said. percent of students who actually attempted, had According to Michele Kilo, a Sion Grade depression serving as a main source of fuel and School parent and Division Director of anxiety co-sponsoring these violent behaviors.

Developmental and Behavioral Sciences at Dr. Erin Donnelly, clinical psychologist and Children’s Mercy Hospital, there have been Sion alumna, said that symptoms of anxiety and 10 successful suicides amongst depression often go hand in hand, and the most teens in Kansas City effective part of treatment is the recognition of alone since the the symptoms.

“They’re kind of like best friends,” Donnelly said.

Smith has attended numerous forms of therapy in varying regularity since the time of her diagnosis. Her experiences have included family therapy, group therapy, and one-on-one sessions.

“Therapy, for me, has always worked,” Smith said. “Finding the right medications really helped me to start feeling better and gaining control, but I think therapy definitely helped the most.”

Lack of inte While experts at the Anxiety and rest Depression Association of America say they are not sure exactly what causes anxiety and bipolar disorders, they say genetics, brain biochemistry, an overactive fight-flight response, stressful life circumstances and learned behavior all contribute.

Davenport returned to Rockhurst High School, but before his senior year decided that while he was there it was too difficult for him to handle his depression. He then transferred to Center High School, but while there he still experienced too much negativity. He then switched to Center Alternative High School where he got his GED and received a high school diploma.

Shortly after, he was approached with the idea of participating in a peer modelling program in which he tutors and guides children from bad backgrounds. Through this program Davenport has been able to help these kids believe in themselves and realize that they can become the best people they can be. His own perspective on Symptoms of depression and anxiety life has helped him give the kids insight on the world and has helped him better relate to them.

(Illustration by Aubrey Makar) This program has helped Davenport not only to Story continued from Page 15...

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have a different view of the people around him, but it has also helped him in his personal growth.

“It has helped me become a lot closer to myself because I’m helping someone else, and I’m helping them to live life to the fullest,” Davenport said.

For high school students dealing with these mental illnesses, schoolwork can often be neglected as their mental issues become more pervasive. Whether it be due to a lack of ability to focus on a given assignment or a prolonged absence from class, grades and attendance are usually negatively affected. School requirements and policies regarding students with mental illness vary school-to-school and state-to-state.

“Sion has been absolutely great. I was hospitalized two times, so I fell back by probably a month, but there have been no penalties. I’m not in trouble for not coming to school because they recognize mental illness as an actual illness, so all the days I’ve missed have been excused,” Smith said. “Mrs. Ellwanger who is my counselor has been especially great.”

The Sion community, specifically the counselors, have been attentive to the struggles and needs of the student body. Counsellor and Accommodations Coordinator Nancy Stevens and counselor Karen Phillips plan to host a parent workshop to discuss stress management, after they received a suggestion from the Mother’s Club.

“I hope that we can give information and provide them with suggestions. So much of it is just awareness,” Stevens said. “If we can be aware, then that helps us do a better job at responding to what we experience or what our daughters experience.”

While America may not have the strongest or most advanced set of policies regarding recognition and treatment of mental illness, Obama’s proposal has brought mental illness to the attention of our nation.

The impending plan, according to Yahoo News, should mean there will be better access for anyone suffering from mental illness, especially those in low-income, high-crime areas whose facilities are usually the most underfunded.

This will also mean that more resources will be allocated to state-run facilities.

“There has been an increase in poverty rates, and an increase in number of people struggling with mental illness while at the same time there has been no increase in availability of treatment,” Kilo said. “By creating legislation that is going to positively affect mental health care, Obama is

making a big difference.” officers to First Lady Michelle Obama.

According to a 2009 National Alliance on Around 2 million people with mental illness Mental Illness study which graded each state’s end up in jail, which means that there are 10 performance when it came to public mental times more mentally ill people in jail than there health services, the state of Missouri was given a are receiving psychiatric treatment, according to C, while Kansas received a D. The United States’ NAMI. While the Crisis Intervention training average grade was a D. No state earned a grade initiative aims to help some of these people higher than a B. receive treatment, another NAMI study found Countries like Norway and Sweden have that only 15 percent of law enforcement agencies incorporated treatment of mental in the United States have this illness into their nationalized program. health care system. According There are large variances to to the Commonwealth Fund’s the manner in which different 2014 International Profile of if you suspect that parts of the world recognize Health Care Systems, Norway and treat mental illnesses, with has implemented preventative you or someone some being more successful services directed toward children you know needs than others, but Kilo says that and adolescents through the across the world there is still a school system. Both countries help with anxiety or long way to go in the treatment offer treatment for mental illness depression... of mental health. through general practitioners “As a country we need who can later refer patients to be less judgemental, and Children’s Mercy to hospitals with specialized be aware that it’s a legitimate Kansas Developmental disease,” Kilo said. psychiatric care.

“In the United States there’s Jody believes that her and Behavioral a lot more of an emphasis based son has experienced dramatic Sciences Clinic on diagnosis and whether or not 5520 College Blvd. Suite 425, personal growth in the past people fit in a box rather than the few months which includes Overland Park, Kansas services and support that they a positive change in how he need,” Donnelly said. “I think that understands the world and how other countries tend to provide he understands himself. She more of a holistic care.” attributes that growth to his There are large variances to Kansas City Center for practice of praying daily, as well Anxiety Treatment as an increase in the healthy the manner in which different parts of the world recognize 10555 Marty St. Suite 100 choices he makes.

Overland Park, Kansas and treat mental illnesses, with “He understands that some being more successful than physical activity and keeping others. But Kilo says that across his body healthy helps keep him the world there is still a long way emotionally healthy as well,” Midwest Anxiety to go in the treatment of mental Jody said.

Treatment Center health.

Davenport’s experiences The National Council for 10880 Benson Drive #2339 after being diagnosed with Overland Park, Kansas Behavioral Health announced anxiety and depression have a campaign to train 1 million ultimately helped him become Americans in Mental Health First more like himself, more like Aid. According to their press the person he wants to be. It release, the goal of the eight-hour has given him a more positive Crisis Call Center course is to teach people how to outlook on the world that he 800-784-2433 recognize when somebody might hopes everyone can have. be experiencing a mental health “Nothing can break you problem and to encourage that down. That’s what everyone person to seek help. needs to realize,” Davenport National Hopeline Currently over 500,000 said. “Nothing can affect you.

Network people have completed the Only you can affect you.”

800-784-2433 course, from law enforcement

Resources Resources

Of 200 Students Polled...

90% 90 percent of students think mental health issues are widespread

88% 88 percent of students know somebody who has depression

54% 54 percent of students have struggled with anxiety and depression LE JOURNAL February 2016

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FEATURES

Oltjen Carries Charism friend and cinematographer of “Trust Fund,” Isaac Alongi, was in search of a look-alike younger version of the main character of the movie.

“I think she has the personality and the right look,” Alongi said. “She’s a fun girl that doesn’t take herself too seriously, and that’s exactly what we were looking for.”

When he thought of Oltjen, she was more than happy to be a part of the experience.

“Knowing that I was getting to be in a real-life movie was unbelievable,” Oltjen said. “I’d say now the best part is really getting to see myself on screen.”

She acted as the childhood Reese Donahue, who would grow up to steal family money and run away to Italy, only to later realize the importance of the love she had at home. Recently, Oltjen and a group of friends went to see the movie together.

people’s lives by fixing their teeth is mesmerizing,” she said. “I want to make people smile, which is why I feel that being an orthodontist is a great fit for me.”

For now, though, Oltjen spends

BY ALEX D’ALESIO her time involved in cheerleading, WEB MANAGING EDITOR Campus Ministry, REbeL and Girl Up. peaking with freshman Liz She is enjoying the life of a teenager Oltjen feels like chatting with - hanging out with friends, going to an old friend. Her easygoing the movies and, of course, indulging personality draws you in, and in Netflix. She reminisces about an her enthusiasm is contagious. Her blue all-time favorite movie of hers - the eyes fill with excitement, and a warm “Wizard of Oz.” smile spreads across her face as she “I’ve been watching it my whole gushes about an experience few could life. I watched it every day, over and only imagine - hitting the big screen. over, when I was a kid,” she said. “It’s Riding bikes through downtown very whimsical, and I think it has a with co-star Sophia Self who plays the good message that ‘no matter where childhood Audrey Donahue, Oltjen you go, there’s no place like home.’” transformed into the young Reese Both the “Wizard of Oz” and Donahue, engaging in sisterly banter “Trust Fund” share this underlying in the midst of autumn trees in the theme - both main characters, Dorothy new movie, “Trust Fund.” and Reese, have a strong A first time actress, Oltjen to return home, “Knowing that I was getting to be in desire eased into the world of show because home means family, business with a small part in a real-life movie was unbelievable. something that resonates the film shot almost entirely with Oltjen.

I’d say now the best part is really deeplyAnd in Kansas City. home means “I didn’t have a lot of getting to see myself on screen.” friends. experience being in any “Liz is really friendly, — Liz Oltjen movies, so just not getting outgoing, open and easy nervous while we were to talk to,” Koppers said. “I shooting was pretty hard, because “I loved seeing her in it,” freshman feel like we are such good friends even while acting you have to act normal,” Melissa Koppers said. “It was very though I haven’t known her for that she said. “Because we did so many surreal to see her in one of the opening long.” takes, after the first couple times, we scenes of the movie.”

You may see Oltjen on the got comfortable.”

Yet, Oltjen does not aspire to be big screen again, or you may see Oltjen pursued a short stint an actress in the future. Though she her donning a white coat in the in acting at age 10, as her middle says she would definitely act in another orthodontist’s office. Either way, her school friend encouraged her to join film given the chance, her heart is set charisma will not fail to captivate you. classes. For one year, Danceworks on orthodontics. Since the first time As for her ambition, Oltjen continues Conservatory became the home of she walked into her father’s office at to follow the advice she gives others. her acting career. Though she had three years old, she knew she loved “Just go for it,” Oltjen said. not acted since, her break for the big every second of his job.

“Because that’s what I did, and I had a screen was set in motion when a family “The way that he gets to change great time with it.”

After acting in a Kansas City-based film, a freshman seeks her passions with excitement.

S

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ma On and Off Screen

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PliĂŠs and Pirouettes Thornton practices her dance routine in the studio at the Kansas School of Classical Ballet. (photos by Megan Ostrander)

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Thornton Thrives Freshman Isabel Thornton finds balance between ballet and schoolwork as competition approaches.

BY MEGAN OSTRANDER REPORTER

She finds satisfaction after performing; the feedback from her teacher and peers is an amazing feeling. Thornton pushes herself earts pounding.

Sweat against all odds because she knows there is dripping. Heavy breathing. room to improve.

Pain only recieved from doing “Even though I don’t think I’m always that hard physical performance. good, the audience and my parents will be like, Momentarily the pain stops. Bending over, the ‘Oh, that was so good!’, but deep down I know smooth strings are re-laced in a simple criss- that it can always be better,” Thornton said. cross motion. The instructions are given, the Currently, Thornton is preparing for music starts and it begins again. A strained face the Youth American Grand Prix, the world’s morphs into one of delicacy and gracefulness. largest global network of dance Feb. 4 to Feb. Movements become memorized and practiced 7 in Chicago, adding an extra two hours at the until perfection is reached. No, this does not studio each night. take place on a court or field. It is in a studio. “[At the YAGP], you pretty much get on It is ballet. A type of dance that is harder than stage and do your solo for classical ballet and what some may expect. then you can advance to the finals in New York Freshman Isabel Thornton knows this City,” Thornton said. “In the finals you could get firsthand. Four years ago, Thornton started contracts to different companies dancing at the Kansas School of and scholarships.”

Classical Ballet, a small intensive According to www.yagp.org, studio in Overland Park, Kansas. the organization has awarded Her mother, Julie Thornton, over 3 million scholarships enrolled her in her first ballet to the world’s leading dance class when Thornton was 7 years schools over the past 15 years old. and over 300 YAGP alumni are “[Isabel] didn’t like it very now dancing with 80 companies much so we stopped,” Julie said. around the world.

“After a couple years we decided Many girls from Thornton’s to start ballet again when she studio won’t attend college and Freshman Isabel Thornton was 10 years old. Originally, it will immediately begin dancing was our idea for her to take ballet, but after she for a company; however, Thornton feels like she started progressing in her training, it quickly needs to attend college because of the education turned into her passion and it was all she her parents are providing for her. With hopes wanted to do.” of attending medical school, Thornton will Like other athletes, Thornton faces many need to find a new balance between college and challenges. Her body becomes exhausted after ballet. the constant repetition of her variation. Her “As far as the future, it’s hard to say how legs and arms become unresponsive, causing long she will continue dancing, but if she her mind to have to push harder. However, she can couple it with her education then we will faces more challenges other than the ones in the support her,” Julie said. “We will encourage her studio. Often, Thornton has little free time or to continue her education and then if she wants no time at all to do her homework. After school, to dance professionally she will always have her she goes straight to ballet and usually doesn’t education in place to fall back on.” get home until 10 at night. After hours of After her ballet career, Thornton hopes to school and then ballet, Thornton finally begins be involved with ballet either as a teacher or a her homework and if she’s lucky, she might be physical trainer. Although Thornton doesn’t asleep by midnight. know what the future holds for her, it is certain Despite these challenges, Thornton that the art of ballet will stick with her for the perseveres. She returns to the studio each day rest of her life. to learn new skills and conquer old obstacles.

H

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Cox Emphasizes Enthusiasm New junior English teacher has a different style of teaching that keeps students engaged.

BY CLARE KIMMIS REPORTER

Students attempt and fail to conceal their smiles as English teacher Catherine Cox dances at the front of the classroom. This is a normal occurrence for Cox, who needs no special occasion to make class fun and lively. Her tight brown curls and bright smile fill the room with a warm sense of belonging. Her easygoing and upbeat persona make her seem more like a colleague or a friend than a typical teacher.

“She’s a great teacher because she makes learning fun. I really like her and look forward to her class on a daily basis,” junior Liliana Capelli said.

During her senior year of high school, Cox’s English teacher, Mrs. Sax, roused a passion for literature she never had before. Her English teacher inspired her to be the enthusiastic teacher that she is today. Literature particularly interests Cox because she believes it is a window into different parts of time. Sometimes it can be better than a history lesson, according to Cox, because there is no memorization of dates. Characters can help students understand the time period on a deeper level.

“Mrs. Sax was larger than life. We started with Canterbury Tales, which is what I started with my students this year. She made everything so interesting and fun. She made me like Canterbury Tales which is a hard book to like,” Cox said.

When Cox graduated from high school, she went to Pennsylvania State University where she got her English degree before receiving her master’s degree in English at University of Missouri-Kansas City. Cox taught two years at Center High School before taking a 15-year-long break to raise her two

children. Now that both her boys are older, Cox decided to begin teaching again, part time. The transition from having a lot of free time to practically none at all has been quite an adjustment, but she wanted to teach again and apply the enthusiasm she has everyday to the classroom.

“My boys have taught me how to deal with students while students sometimes teach me how to deal with my boys,” Cox said.

Cox has a different style of teaching that keeps students engaged. She despises quietness and loves having students work in groups to help each other out, avoiding silence. She tends to dance at the front of the classroom and has normal conversations with students like they are her equals. But that’s not the only thing that sets her apart as a teacher. She believes that enthusiasm helps while teaching because the mundane atmosphere of a classroom can get old and boring.

“I think my style of teaching is based on my personality. The way I teach is the way I act normally as well. I believe that enthusiasm rubs off and I want my students to be as enthusiastic about English as I am,” Cox said.

Cox likes high school students because she believes their age has made a huge transition and has become “human again.” She thinks that they are at a point in their life when they are under a lot of stress, but they are handling it quite well. High school students are more willing to learn.

“There’s a maturity in high school students because they are all dealing with a lot of stress junior and senior year,” Cox said. “They can understand more and delve deeper into themes.”

Cox enthusiastically discusses “Pride and Prejudice” with her students.

(All photos by Clare Kimmis)

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A&E

Uncovering the True Crime Phenomenon Since the release of the podcast “Serial” in 2014, Americans crave real-life, courtroom dramas. With multiple series currently available, viewers should explore their options before settling for the most popular, “Making a Murderer.” Here’s your guide to three series, each important for a different reason.

BY ELLIE SCHWARTZ CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

>> QUIZ: which one to watch? << Are you interested in learning about the criminal justice no system? e tr ea hm

c tea

lly

Which aspect sounds the most interesting? the legal process

role of wealth

religious prejudice

“Making a Murderer”

You must like a good story. What do you look for in a show? suspense romance

“The Jinx”

“Serial”

“Serial” Modernizes Podcasts, Weaves in Love Compared to “Making a Murderer,” the podcast “Serial” (season 1 from 2014-2015) offers more relatable characters and a storyline closer to home.

Over multiple episodes, each focusing on a specific part of or person in the case, journalist Sarah Koenig reexamines a little-known murder case from 1999.

Adnan Syed is currently in prison for murdering his girlfriend Hae Min Lee in high school, a crime

he and his family claim he didn’t commit. Syed is more likeable and educated than Stephen Avery, and he claims the jury was swayed by his Muslim upbringing.

This makes “Serial” less about one case and town and more about the system and jury prejudice as a whole. “Serial” seasons one and two are free on serialpodcast.org. “Serial” proves that a cool podcast is not an oxymoron.

Murderer Charms, Haunts in “The Jinx”

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Instead of looking into wrongful convictions, “The Jinx” examines Robert Durst and the three murders many think he should be imprisoned for but isn’t, one of which is the murder of his wife. It’s easily the creepiest and most suspenseful out of the three series on this page, making it the best for binge-watching. While Steven Avery from “Making a Murderer” seems to be LE JOURNAL

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imprisoned because of lack of good representation and the money to fight his conviction, Durst seems to get off scot-free because of his wealth (his family is a well-known real-estate family in New York City), big-time lawyers and a strange charm. Don’t watch the last episode at night; the last words will leave viewers speechless and sleepless. Watch it on HBO GO or online for a price.

“Making a Murderer” Questions Viewers’ Stereotypes, Legal System as a Whole At one time or another, everyone has been wrongly accused of something they did not do, whether it’s during a playground fight, part of petty gossip or even due to a cheap speeding ticket when the accused was going the same speed as everyone else on the highway but happened to be closest to the police.

But imagine if that speeding ticket, brought on only by a whim of the police officer, cost them their marriage, relationship with their family and 18 years of freedom.

For “Making a Murderer”’s Stephen Avery, a wrongful conviction in a rape case did just that, separating him from his family while his children grew up as his parents scrambled to eventually win his life back through his release after 18 years of prison based on DNA evidence. Even though the storyline drags at times, “Making a Murderer” is worth the watch for its terrifying look into the legal system.

As state officials apologized profusely and locals deemed Avery a hero following his release, Avery moved on in his life, reconnecting with his family, proposing to his girlfriend and filing a lawsuit demanding local authorities be held accountable for their actions.

At the peak of these successes, however, local authorities accused Avery of murder and imprisoned him, likely for life, once again.

Something seem to be missing in this story line? Like proof of his arrest? “Making a Murder” fills in the blanks in Avery’s journey from local celebrity to scorned fake, toppling the fairytale ending he seems to have after his initial release.

Although Avery’s wrongful convictions disgust viewers on the surface, many have to overcome personal biases to trust Avery’s family and point of view, leading them to see how they stereotype criminals. The Avery family owns an auto yard, speaks with a heavy Wisconsin accent and exemplifies a rural, relatively uneducated lifestyle.

Viewers may judge the honest images of their home and unnerving accounts of their lack of education (at one point for example, Avery’s 16-year-old nephew Brendan Dassey asks his mother what “inconsistent” means and neither can define it). However, the combination of these stereotypes with the overwhelming evidence in their favor questions whether the image of Avery contributed to his guilt more than evidence and his actions. Viewers find themselves balancing their personal opinions of the Averys with the objective evidence in the case, making them challenge their initial assumptions.

In some cases, viewers observe more than the Averys themselves, especially when

the lawyers and investigators manipulate Brendan and the media twists the case. With a combination of news clips, interviews at the time on both sides and past footage of the Averys, “Making a Murderer” paints a picture of the context of the crime and the role local prejudice can play in what should be the place of ultimate objectivity, the courtroom.

Each episode, frustrated viewers wonder why certain pieces of evidence weren’t examined, why the lawyers seemed to enjoy the media attention and how the supposed conspiracy to convict Avery encompassed so many freethinking individuals and institutions, prompting them to question the legal system as a whole. This questioning separates “Making a Murderer” from other courtroom dramas by making a statement about the tangled mess of local investigations and personal interests and the role of money in it all.

Even though this look into the legal system makes “Making a Murderer” valuable, its setting slows it down at times. The setting is rural Wisconsin, and that comes with quiet scenery, country drawls and slow explanations, making it a show to watch over a long period of time.

Luckily, you can watch it at your own pace on Netflix For a look into the role of major wealth and religious prejudice in the courtroom, check out the reviews of “The Jinx” and “Serial” on this page.

A&EA&E

Aubrey’s Kansas City Adventures Every time I go hiking I bring my The woods behind Minor trusted pal and best friend, my dog Park hold trails that will call Ruby. It’s her favorite place in the world out your inner mountaineer. and it’s not a real hiking trip without

BY AUBREY MAKAR A&E COLUMNIST

The first step of venturing into the woods is finding a pair of shoes that can be destroyed without you caring. Then you can journey into the woods.

Trails that go on for miles sit in the back of Minor Park and will finally get you off of the couch in these cold winter months. That’s right. Turn off Netflix and actually go outside for a change.

her. I mean I bring my human friends too, but the real fun only begins when there is a muddy dog by your side.

There are a few entrances to the hiking trails, but the best one in my opinion is the one by the tennis courts.

That way you skip the part that is super muddy and somewhat dangerous (considering the huge cliff that is kind of easy to fall off of) and go right to the part where the fun begins with the small lakes and the rocks to climb.

After entering the small gap there is an immediate drop into the deep woods. This is one of many made-up checkpoints because I’ve been going hiking in this location since I was a small kid with my dad. It was always

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a fun time when I was young because we would try to make a small bridge across the water by throwing rocks into the river. Needless to say, we never made it across the river, but it is a memory that I’ll have forever being out there with my family.

After going out about half a mile there is another drop down to the river, and a tunnel leads the way to the next half of the hiking trails. We’ve always called the tunnel Witch Bridge, and it holds a certain mystic sense to it even though it’s just a small part of our trip.

Going the river way always yields a super dirty dog but I could never leave my companion at home for a hike. Ruby always ends up sprinting around the trail going back and forth and tiring herself out for the rest of the day. The only thing that Ruby doesn’t like about hiking is when we climb the

rock fixtures.

There are two rocks that we always climb and (of course) they’re named. The first one we come across is Pride Rock just because it bears the same structure as that huge rock in the “Lion King”. The next climbing rock is named Chloe for no other reason than it sounds cute.

Looping around the entire trail is about three miles total but it feels super quick each time. Ruby always needs a thorough bath when we get home, and every time I beg my friends to help me carry her upstairs because she is too tired to move.

Other hiking trails are fun, but the ones behind Minor Park will always hold a significant place in my heart because of all the memories I’ve had there. Now go grab some boots and a dog and head into the trails.

Go to lejournallive.com to read Megan Ostrander’s review of “Grease: Live!”

Panic! At The Disco Breaks Barriers With New Album With theatrics channeling Freddie Mercury and Sinatra style “Death of a Bachelor” adds new sounds to one-man crooning, the new album features a plethora of musical styles making band’s already diverse musical style.

BET YOU

BY NATALIE WILLIAMS REPORTER

KNOW...

Panic! At The Disco continues their genre exploration and theatrical sound in their latest release, “Death of a Bachelor.” The album, released Jan. 15, is the first release without drummer and founding member Spencer Smith, making frontman Brendon Urie the sole member of the band responsible for the album’s lead vocals, backing vocals and all instruments aside from the horns. The album provides a diverse range of musical styles with songs channeling many different eras and genres. With something for everyone, the album is a hit.

Urie describes this one man creation as the start of a new era and an homage to the band’s beginnings, according to Rolling Stone. He achieves this by writing songs reminiscent of previous releases, such as “Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time” and songs that bring a new sound to the band, including the power anthem “Victorious.” This album continues Panic! At the Disco’s ability to redefine genres with their pop punk style and risque themes.

The first single release of the album, “Hallelujah,” gave fans a good idea of what to expect from Urie’s new releases. With choral backing vocals, a powerful sound and strong themes of redemption and self-acceptance, the single developed the band’s original message into a new style, setting the tone for the rest of the album.

DIDN’T

it a unique entertainment experience. From the high energy swing sound of “Crazy=Genius” to the crooner ballad “Impossible Year,” it is difficult to confine this album to just one genre. It’s an impressive combination of power pop, piano ballads, jazz and rock that holds something for everyone. While long time fans of the band will excitedly blast the new songs, some more casual listeners may be turned off by the lack of consistency. Even if the album doesn’t fall into your typical genres, it is hard to ignore this musical achievement. “Death of a Bachelor” sets Panic! At The Disco’s the bar for alternative music in 2016. most recent concert Panic! will be taking this album on a summer tour in Kansas City was picketed by the that stops at Starlight Theatre on July 10. The band will be joined by Weezer and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness Westboro Baptist Church. in what is sure to be a phenomenal show filled with high energy and great music. However, tickets to this show are much more expensive than their previous visits, with back sections starting at $24 and front seats priced at $75, making some question how badly they want to attend the show. It will definitely be an exciting performance, combining classics with additional songs from their latest album.

The band donated Panic! At The Disco has continued their ability to challenge $1000 to the genres and break barriers with their newest release. “Death of a Human Rights Bachelor” is an album that will excite dedicated fans and draw in Campaign in response to the new listeners. Available on itunes for $9.99, Spotify and other music protesters. platforms, it is an album that any music fan should give a listen.

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Galentine’s Day

BY LUCY STOFER REPORTER

What’s Galentine’s Day? Oh, it’s only the best day of the year, according to NBC’s Parks and Recreation character Leslie Knope played by Amy Poehler.

Galentine’s Day is a holiday created by Knope, celebrated on Feb. 13. The holiday was introduced in Season two in an episode titled “Galentine’s Day.”

In the show it is celebrated as a day when you go out with your girlfriends, celebrate each other and forget about the guys in your life whether you have one or not.

Le Journal is celebrating Galentine’s day this year and we are here to give you ideas of what to do with your gals on the best day of the year.

“Why would anybody ever eat anything besides breakfast food?”

Do the classic Galentine’s day tradition and go to brunch with your best gals to catch up and celebrate.

Try out a new restaurant and go to Succotash near Crown Center for a hearty American eat with a fun, quirky vibe. Meals range from $3-$10.

“Uteruses before duderuses.”

Make homemade masks, paint each others nails, and take some much needed you- time. Try out a fun new nail polish color from Essie for $8.50.

$

“Treat Yo Self.”

Go on a shopping trip and “treat yo self” to something that you’ve been putting off getting for yourself.

“I am big enough to admit I am often inspired by myself.”

Get in touch with your inner DIY side and get crafty with your gals. Head over to Michael’s Craft Store to get your supplies where you can get a student discount.

“Ovaries before Brovaries.”

Have a movie night in full of popcorn, candy, and of course your favorite sleepover movies. Go see the movie “Joy” at Cinetopia in Overland Park for $6 or find your favorite classic on Netflix.

“50 percent more love, 75 percent more action, 125 percent more stunts and 250 percent more explosions.”

Take a walk on the wild side and visit Urban Air in Overland park for a fun, adventurous time.

Tickets start at $13.

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Valentine’s Day Spending // Expense Report

A&E

52%

Will buy a card

50%

Will buy candy

36%

Will buy flowers

19%

Will buy jewery

13%

Will buy giftcards (Data collected from Visual Economics)

A&E

Doughnuts Delight What’s the only thing better than doughnuts?

Artisanal doughnuts, of course.

At Doughnut Lounge, which opened Dec. 17, the doughnuts are fresh, fluffy and highly creative.

With menu highlights like Oreo Stuffed, Maple Bacon and S’More, it’s impossible to leave disappointed.

The Oreo Stuffed, a glazed doughnut with chocolate sprinkles and Oreo instead of a hole in the middle, is a delicious $3.25. The Oreo, rather than being crunchy as I expected, was fluffy and somehow the same consistency as the rest of the doughnut, which created

INVENTIVE //

Lounge’s website, are “part doughnut, part entree,” and perhaps the most truly creative items on the list. The menu features Noduts like the Glazed & Gravy, which is a glazed doughnut served with sage and sausage gravy and a fried egg.

Of course, like more traditional bakeries, not every item on the menu is available every day. What is displayed in the glass case is all that was made for that day, and it might not be your favorite item. But with such creative and diverse flavors available, you’ll come each time wanting to try something new, whether it’s breakfast, dinner or a late-night snack, because it’s open Sunday through Tuesday 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday through Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., but closed Wednesdays.

S’More

chocolate ganache glaze, marshmallow fluff, graham cracker crumble

Maple Bacon

bacon bits, maple glaze

Lucky Charms

cereal milk glaze, cereal bits

Ham and Cheese

baked ham bits, local cheddar, honey mustard glaze

Apple Fritter

yeast-raised doughnut scraps, apple compote, glaze

(doughnutlounge.com)

TOL D US

BY CHLOE BARRETT ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

a taste experience that was more like eating a chocolate stuffed doughnut.

Doughnut Lounge also features more standard doughnuts such as glazed, chocolate and strawberry.

The strawberry doughnut was a plain doughnut topped with powdered sugar and strawberry slices, with strawberry cream filling in the center. It was extremely fresh, and the strawberry cream filling was a subtle flavor that really brought out the strawberries adorning the top of the doughnut.

Located in Westport, Doughnut Lounge was full but without a line.

Because the doughnuts have already been fried, there is no wait to receive the creation you desire.

Unless, that is, you order a Nodut Doughnut, which are made to order.

Noduts, according to Doughnut

YOU

New doughnut shop introduces inventive doughnuts to Kansas City.

Menu Highlights

What’s your favorite doughnut?

Glazed Chocolate Jelly-Filled Other Out of 96 responses

= 5 votes

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1.

Musical with a Message

Since the topic of sex trafficking surfaces in “Throughly Modern Millie,” seniors Olivia Neal, Anna Sell and Madison Masilionis centered their senior service project around volunteering at The Willow Tree and helping victims of sex trafficking. Donations of hygiene products were accepted at all three musical performances Jan. 22-24 for the same cause. “I feel like when you do charity, you need to see that person face to face,” Neal said.

“It’s about humbling yourself, and it makes it more of a lifestyle.”

For a video further explaining this message and more pictures from the musical, go to lejournallive.com

2. 3.

4. 5.

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February 2016

1.Senior Natalie Sopyla belts out “Gimme Gimme” during her leading role as Millie. “I feel that there is so much of Millie in my personality because we are both passionate and determined people that have big dreams,” Sopyla said. (Photo by Sophie Nedelco, Illustration by Aubrey Makar) 2.Senior Guthrie Kimball poses for her mugshot after being arrested at the 1920’s speakeasy. “This has been the best cast I’ve ever been a part of .and I’m so sad to leave them next year,” Kimball said. (Photo

by Sophie Nedelco) 3.Sophomore Emilie Connors fixes her costume during dress rehearsal.

“Opening night, all the nervousness kicked back in and just having the cast be so supportive is what helped me conquer my stage fright and get me through it all,” Connors said. (Photo by Lily Coit) 4.Junior Maria Arroyo sings “How the Other Half Lives” upon her arrival at the Priscilla Hotel. “Miss Daisy is trying to rid herself of the shallow and superficial aspects of her life, and she really just wants to find people that truly care about her, and I think anyone can relate to that,” Arroyo said. (Photo by Sophie Nedelco) 5. Seniors Elizabeth Arroyo and Anna Sell react to the death of Sell’s only family member before being sold into “white slavery.” “The cast was so supportive, and I got to play a character that was really fun for me to portray,” Arroyo said. (Photo by Sophie Nedelco)