December Le Journal 2025

LeJOURNAL

Notre Dame de Sion High School | Volume 48 | December 2025

OPINION: PAGE 17

FINDING ACTUAL NUTRITION ADVICE IS HARD

ON THE COVER: PAGE 12

AI’S EFFECTS ON EDUCATION AND MENATL HEALTH

A&E: PAGE 20

THE F1 CHAMPIONSHIP AND WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The government shutdown explained

Fantasy Football sweeps across the world- and Sion

The impacts of consuming a large amount of caffeine

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s engagement

The F1 Championship is garnering more attention

What can I help you with?: The recent rise of AI and its effects on education and mental health Service opportunities in the KC area Christmas lights to try and students’ favorite holiday movies

Student ballerinas learn life skills through performing Students participate in Mixed Martial Arts

By Claire Steiner

By Isabella Douglas

Finding nutrition advice is hard AI’s disadvantages outweigh the benefits Naya Narciso excels in dive and cheer

up of Sion sports

By Alyana Aleman, Addy Michaelis and Nylah Shackleford

*Cover photo by: Riley Pintado and AI. Which side did AI create?

editor’s ink LEADING THE ARTS

Hi again! It’s Sophia Thomas and Daniella Johnson, the co-editor-in-chiefs. With finals and winter break just around the corner, we hope this second issue of Le Jounral offers a needed retreat from any stress and studying and brings further annticipation for the holidays.

Inspired by your interests and the world right now, the Le Journal staff has spent the past quarter researching, writing and designing each story in this issue.

holiday traditions and some nostalgic throwbacks.

Flip to page six to read the intense competition surrounding the Fantasy Football league at Sion.

Look on page 23 for a guide of where to see the best holiday lights in the Kansas City metro and compare your favorite Christmas movie rankings to Sion’s.

For issue two, we chose to focus on Artificial Intelligence and its impact around the globe. From a simple Google search to the future of humanity, AI is all around us and transforming our lives in countless ways. Read about AI’s effect on education and mental health in the cover story on page 12 and view the Le Journal staff’s opinion on AI on page 16.

In addition to AI, we wanted to highlight students’ favorite

On the back, take a peek at gifting ideas for this year’s Christmas season. We wish you a merry time reading time reading this issue of Le Journal and hope that however it finds you- whether that be cozied up by the crackling fire or in need of a finals study break- you are able to enjoy the words and stories we put so much thought into bringing you.

And of course, we would like to thank each member of Le Journal for your dedication in bringing this issue to life.

Enjoy,

Senior Heidi Nance and juniors Zoë Miller and Addison Porter are members of the Teen Council at the Nelson Atkin’s Museum of Art

“It’s a space for us as teens to get involved in local arts programs and get together to brainstorm,” Nance said. “We’re trying to create our own space and bring other people into the arts that are our age.”

The council has meetings every other week to plan events like the monthly open mic nights and the teen fashion show. These events are open to all teenagers in the area, even if you are not a member of the teen council.

PRINTER Neal/Settle Printing, Grandview,

“If you like to perform, we do poetry and singing and if you play an instrument, you can bring that,” Nance said. “We also do a teen fashion show every year. It’s super fun, even if you’ve never done fashion. It’s pretty accessible and they provide you with resources and connect you with designers.”

The council also sponsors once a month Thursday Teen Drop-In Art Making. These are casual three hour art making sessions from 3:30 to 6:30. Like the other events, it is free and the next one will be Dec. 11.

“You drop in and there’s a class, but you get to just make art and do whatever,” Miller said. “You can go with your friends and hang out. It’s just a really cool place.”

Members of the Nelson-Atkins Museum Teen Council are juniors Addison Porter and Zoë Miller and senior Heidi Nance.

news in brief

fashion

The Green Team Fashion show was Nov. 6. with a biodiversity theme. Participants dressed in outfits themed as mice, flamingos, coral and more. Green Team also set up a student shop, face painting and interactive reptile booths. “I thought the outfits were really creative and cool, and I liked the flamingos and jellyfish,” sophomore Ava Meyer said. “I actually learned a lot.”

PHOTO | DANIELLA JOHNSON

Ready for winfo

SA

wrap up of the quarter’s major news, both locally and nationally.

BY DANIELLA JOHNSON CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The annual Food for Thought drive brought in canned and non-perishable food items for the Redemptorist Center food pantry. The collection began Nov. 12 and lasted through the week before Thanksgiving break. As a whole, Sion collected 3.94 tons, but did not reach the 5 ton goal. Seniors raised the most with 1.4 tons, followed by the sophomores with 0.91 tons.

PHOTO | DANIELLA JOHNSON

ion’s annual Winter Formal will take place Saturday, Dec. 6. The doors will open at 7 p.m. and students must arrive by 7:30 and leave no earlier than 8:30 p.m. This year’s theme is Candy Cane Lane.

“I like seeing all my friends from all my different grades and just seeing everyone all cute and dressed up,” senior Ava Wickenhauser said. “I’ll definitely appreciate it more this year as a senior.”

Students make the most of the experience - going to dinner beforehand and after parties to celebrate. At the dance itself, students take photos in the deckedout Grade Salle, dance it out with their friends and dates, and ask the DJ for song recommendations.

“Everyone should experience it at least once,” junior Maria Carson “If you put yourself out there and go dance, it can be really fun.”

This year’s musical production, Freaky Friday, is well underway. There are 40 student participants from every grade with 20 in cast and 20 in crew. “It’s going pretty great. Everyone’s really getting into their roles,” junior Maggie Grilliot said. “We’re doing a lot of learning for the first time, which is a lot of fun.”

qualified for the cross country State tournament at the District meet where she placed 21 out of 91 runners and set a personal record of 20:13. Baxter competed at the State meet Nov. 7. She placed 56 out of 160 runners. “I just push through it,” Baxter said. “In the moment it’s going to hurt, but after, it’s going to be better and worth it.”

national

off-year elections

Many “firsts” took place during the off-year elections Nov. 4. In New York City, Zorhan Mamdani was elected mayor. He is 34 years old and will be the city’s youngest mayor since 1892, and the first Muslim mayor elected to NYC. Virginia elected their first female governor, Abigail Spanberger, and New Jersey elected Mikie Sherrill. The New Jersey election was the first time three governors from the same party, this cycle the Democratic party, had been elected in a row since the 1960s.

PHOTO | REUTERS IMAGES

PHOTO | SOPHIA THOMAS

Freshman Maddie Baxter

PHOTO | ADELE MILLIGAN

PHOTO | DANIELLA JOHNSON

PHOTO | DANIELLA JOHNSON

PHOTO | DANIELLA JOHNSON

PHOTO | MARIA CARSON

THE B LL ON CAPITOL HILL

While it may not have been America’s first, the Government shutdown enacted earlier this fall was our country’s longest. Due to the unconventional length, certain citizens were left vulnerable to economic and social consequences.

BY RILEY PINTADO NEWS & SPORTS EDITOR AND SANTINA BONINO COPY & SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

Tfor everybody’s public good,”

The United States Senate is composed of 100 members, in order for the proposed National Budget Bill to pass, 60 of those members must vote in its favor.

“The problem is the Republicans don’t have that kind of majority, which means they have to work with a small number of Democrats in order to receive enough votes to pass their budget,” Moore said. “So, the Democrats were holding out and saying they would not pass the budget unless the Republicans add additional funds for health care service [including the Affordable Care Act in the budget].”

For those privileged enough, the shutdown seemed little more than a political pickle. However, for others it became a full-on humanitarian crisis, as many struggled to find the financial means to navigate this time of uncertainty. According to the as of Oct. 24 approximately 670,000 federal employees had been furloughed, and nearly 730,000 are expected to work without pay.

The initial compensation date with zero pay for federal workers occurred Oct. 24. This means that roughly 1.3 million American civil servants were left without their paycheck. Although these workers eventually received back pay once the government reopened, some employees were forced to find other work in order to provide for their families.

USDA Deputy Director Ian Edmonds, located in Kansas City shutdown back in 2013.

“It’s always good to have something in your back pocket,” Edmonds said. “My first time being furloughed, I built houses in order to keep an income while we waited for things to open up again.”

Nonetheless, this past shutdown was a

new experience for workers who were not employed by the government previous to 2018. Tension began to linger due to the stress of providing for their families in addition to funding their personal lives.

“The longer you have been working within the government, the easier it becomes to navigate the shutdown. I would say it is scariest for newer employees who have not experienced one yet,” Edmonds said.

Fantasy Football is more than a game. It’s where families, students and teachers come together and fight to win it all.

BY ADDISON PORTER

A&E

EDITOR

Team Flippo

WThomas Taylor Soldier Fields

Team Rodriguez and Phillips

Tracy’s Team Wins: 8

Losses: 5

Playoff percent: 88%

FOURTH DOWN FANTASY

ho would think that a game created on an Oakland Raiders’ road trip would one day take over family dinners and teacher lounges across the nation.

In 1962, Raiders co-owner Wilfred “Bill” Winkback and others created the first Fantasy Football league. What began as a hobby turned into the foundation for the global game millions love.

By the ‘80s, Fantasy Football grew beyond a road trip game and was placed in publication columns. By 1997, websites were dedicated to keeping people updated on rosters and tracked stats. Now, over millions of people use apps like ESPN and Sleeper to manage teams and receive rapid updates.

For sophomore Molly Roudebush, what started as a fun family competition during March Madness, turned into something different this fall. The Roudebush family decided

to start a Fantasy Football league which introduced a new level of friendly competition.

“I’ve been looking at stats,” Roudebush said. “To see how many points I need to get to beat my family members.”

Fantasy football was created to form connections, as it unites people through competition and sets the groundwork for friendship. Nevertheless, it can inflict some minor stress too.

the podium one second and now you’re in last place, or screaming at Patrick Mahomes to lock-in through the TV. Your perfect lineup you spent hours on isn’t looking so perfect anymore.

“Fantasy Football has made me more interested in NFL teams but I don’t enjoy it. It makes me anxious,” Counselor Lara King said. “I was predicted to win by 99 percent. Woke up the next morning, and saw Mr. Westbrook had beat me.”

King’s frustration is what every Fantasy Football player can relate to. Your quarterback is questionable, you were on

Win or lose, Fantasy Football will always be a staple in communities across the country, including our own faculty. Now in its third year, their league is a friendly and fiery competition between staff and teachers. When the faculty Fantasy Football team first started, there were about 20 people playing from several different departments, from Counselor Karen Phillips to Science Teacher Alex Rodriguez. This Fantasy Football league made it where teachers and staff who have never had a conversation now have become close friends.

“I was partnered up with Mr. Rodriguez and we had never

had a conversation before and we’ve been on the same fantasy team together ever since,” Phillips said.

King said that this league gave more of a chance for the staff to talk to each other.

“Fantasy football with the Sion faculty is what I look forward to,” King said. “Coming together for the draft and the memories we’ve made over the years.”

Even though some Sion Faculty have retired from the game, this league hasn’t. The friendships, connections, and memories made within this league will always live on.

Fantasy Football has strengthened bonds between friends and family, and has given a new definition to friendly competition.

“I remember not talking that much with Ms. Phillips before Fantasy Football,” Rodriguez said. “Now, both of us are trying hard not to end up in last place.”

louded by Fatigue

The overconsumption of caffeine has become dangerously normalized, especially among the youth.

BY RILEY PINTADO NEWS AND SPORTS EDITOR

As the semester comes to a close, tension fills the air while the feeling of impending doom settles over the student body. The deadlines approach faster than anyone can anticipate, and many teenagers enter what’s commonly known as crunch time. Unfortunately during the period following Thanksgiving break, students utilize stimulants like caffeine as a cheap substitute for proper rest after countless waking hours due to late night study sessions.

This quick fix has the potential to turn into dependency. Caffeine is a drug, and due to the convenience of coffee shops and the attractive look of energy drinks, our world has become its ring. According to the FDA it’s recommended for the average adult to only consume around 400 milligrams a day.

However for teenagers, Medical Director of Addiction Services Dr. Douglass Burgess at University Health explained that in actuality there is little research in regards to the max amount of caffeine people between the ages of 12-18 should have per day, as well as the longterm effects heavy caffeine intake can have on a young mind. Although associations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend that it is unhealthy for minors to consume more than 100 milligrams on a daily basis due to the immediate known toll caffeine can have on the body.

“The most common physical effects are increased heart rate, jitteriness, upset stomach and headache,” Burgess said. “Single dosages over 1,200 mg can result in seizures. Caffeine is also a diuretic which means that it increases

STUDENTS’ GO TO’S:

200 mg

CELSIUS

When I don’t have one, I just want to lay in bed all day and I’m tired. I get headaches. Honestly it’s become my motivation to get up. I’m like, Oh my God, there’s a Celsius waiting for me. I gotta get up.”

urine production and can contribute to all sorts of problems from dehydration.”

Unfortunately, a daily coffee not only negatively affects your physical state of being, but also has the ability to inflict additional mental fog, tax and stress. Therefore, during finals if one uses caffeine as their go to study hack, it may backfire resulting in an undesired outcome.

“The most common mental effects are anxiety, irritability and insomnia. Caffeine is a stimulant so it has the potential to exacerbate any underlying anxiety or stress a person may be experiencing,“ Burgess said. “It’s not uncommon for people to use caffeine more when they need to stay up late to study or to wake up after they have been studying. This can increase any existing anxiety they had about the exam and worsen their test performance overall.”

While quitting any addiction has the potential to be difficult, Dr. Burgess shared advice to those who are looking to cut back.

“I suggest that people take a week to accurately record the total amount of caffeine that they are consuming. After you have that amount, you can set a goal of reducing by 10-20 percent every couple of weeks,” Burgess said. “ Many people find it helpful to replace the caffeine with other drinks that don’t contain caffeine or to add in exercise which is a healthier way to improve energy and attention. I also recommend that people start by eliminating the caffeine that they are consuming later in the day as this could be contributing to poor sleep.”

69 mg

BUBBLR

“My addiction started with the vending machine before finals. It’s not just the caffeine. It’s become part of my morning routine. So now I feel like I gotta have one everyday.”

WATCH OUT!

did you know these contain caffeine?

“If I don’t have a coffee every day, I basically fall asleep by fifth hour, I’m not totally engaged throughout the day and I’m basically falling over in my seat.”

COFFEE

-Sofia Camacho ‘27

-Elena Vergara ‘27

-Grace Lutman ‘28

PHOTOS & ILLUSTARATIONS | RILEY PINTADO

Setting the Barre

Kansas City Ballet’s yearly production of The Nutcracker teaches young ballerinas hard work and perseverance while spreading Christmas spirit.

STORY AND ILLUSTRATIONS BY LUELLA MOOK FEATURES EDITOR

Every Christmas season over 30,000 people file into the Kauffman Center to enjoy The Kansas City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker. Some families come every year, happy to revisit a favorite tradition, while some people are wide eyed, taking in everything for the first time. Attendees make their way up the spiral staircases, past booths selling sparkling nutcrackers, souvenirs and treats, and into the theater. As the lights dim and the curtain raises, the excitement in the room builds from something palpable to something magic.

What most people may not consider as the curtain rises is how much work goes into each production. However, several Sion students have first hand experience with the effort and preparation that is involved in every performance of The Nutcracker.

According to Britannica, The Nutcracker ballet was first performed in December 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia. This Victorian ballet was written by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, inspired by E.T.A. Hoffman’s fantasy story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.”

The Nutcracker details the events following a Christmas party when Clara, a young girl, receives a nutcracker from her Uncle Drosselmeyer, according to English National Ballet. Following the party, the nutcracker transforms from toy to man, becoming the Nutcracker Prince. Together he and Clara embark on a magical journey spanning one Christmas Eve.

begins with a dramatic fight between the Nutcracker Prince and the Mouse King in Clara’s home. After defeating the mouse army, they voyage to a shimmering winter wonderland. From there they travel to Russia, Persia and the Land of Sweets. There is a vibrant cast of characters, such as Mother Ginger and the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Gampper is in her 10th year of dancing in The Nutcracker. She’s had roles spanning from cherub, baby mouse,

of fun and upbeat.”

Ella Gampper poses at the Bolender Center for Dance and Creativity in August 2025

Freshman Charlotte Kelley has also danced in The Kansas City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker. She won’t be participating this year due to torn ligaments in her ankle, which she sustained while preparing for Universal Ballet Competition last February.

Despite that, she has fond memories of the 4 years she was a member of the cast. “In my first year I was a cherub, that’s the little angels in the opening scene of the second act,” Kelley said. “And we get to dance with the Sugar Plum Fairy, which is obviously a big deal when you’re little. I just remember always looking

When it comes to The Nutcracker, there are a seemingly endless number of roles for young dancers to be involved in. Senior Zoe Katz has also had a variety of roles in the eight years she’s been in The Nutcracker, some years playing two at once.

“I really liked being a polichinelle, one of Mother Ginger’s kids who come out of the skirt,” Katz said. “It’s a very fun dance.”

While all the dancers love the time they get to spend up on stage, taking part in Christmas parties, welcoming Clara to Russia and crowding under towering puppets, there are months of work that go into those 20 minutes on stage. Auditions start in late September, however the show doesn’t open until

“We start rehearsing in October,” Gampper said. “Normally we have one to two rehearsals a week.” Rehearsals usually last around two hours. During tech week rehearsals can take more than five hours, as every last detail gets finessed.

Zoe Katz stands with a fellow ballerina Agnes Tunkunas on the Kauffman stage, May 2025.

PHOTO | ELLA GAMPPER

PHOTO | ZOE KATZ

This may sound manageable, but as dancers get older and the number of responsibilities, dance and non-dance related, build, the work load quickly grows.

“I’m doing Nutcracker, youth ballet, Swan Lake, [Universal Ballet Competition] and typical [dance] classes,” Gampper said. “So a typical dance week, I would guess, is probably 30 to 40 hours.”

Balancing a full time job worth of dance with rigorous high school classes has taught these ballerinas a multitude of life skills.

“I think it’s taught me to work really hard and prepared me for a job, because I’ve learned how to become more organized,” Gampper said. “When you don’t have a lot of time outside of school to finish your work, and do all of that, it’s really difficult to procrastinate.”

For Katz, the tight scheduling of life as a high school ballerina has also changed her mindset.

“I definitely think it’s impacted my determination, and I feel like I’m just a very determined person to get things done on time,” Katz said. “I just know that I can do anything if I try.”

Despite the lack of free time, late nights and exhausting effort, Gampper has found the value in all of it.

“It’s just kind of cool to just say that that’s something that I’ve done,” Gampper said. “Because I feel like a lot of people my age don’t get the opportunity to perform on the Kaufman stage.”

These ballerinas’ work ethic allows the magic of The Nutcracker to continue taking place in Kansas City every year, like it has since the first performances in 1972.

This year The Nutcracker opens on November 29 and runs through December 24. Ticket prices vary from show to show, but adult ticket pricing spans from $34 to $149. Prime Orchestra tickets are slightly more expensive at $250. Tickets can be purchased online at kcballet.org.

In the end, these dancers have seen the impact of their effort within their immediate community and the larger Kansas City community.

“It’s just really cool to be part of something where people are like, Oh, I’m going to watch The Nutcracker,” Gampper said. “and being able to say, like, ‘Yeah, I’m in that.’”

“

I have one for each year that I’ve done Nutcracker, it’s a tradition. My family will get me a nutcracker based off the role I have. - Ella Gampper, ‘27

Freshman Charlotte Kelley preforms as a soldier, when she was 9 years old, and salutes (on the left).

PHOTO | CHARLOTTE KELLEY

Juniors Annmarie Wesley and Kate Suter are part of the world of fighting and self-defense. Look into their journey through specialties like boxing, mixed martial arts, Muay Tai, and Jujitsu.

BY NORA GEDNEY DESIGN EDITOR

JMMA is one of the earliest forms of hand to hand combat, originating from ancient Greece and China. It combined boxing and wrestling from Greece with Chinese military fighting techniques. So there is a lot of history and culture behind MMA.

Another side of the fighting world is self defense otherwise known as Muay Tai. Muay Tai comes from ancient warfare. Warriors in the Sukhothai kingdom, which is in modern day Thailand, were taught to be able to use both weapon combat and hand to hand. They were taught this to be prepared to defend themselves in any situation. This led to the practice of Muay Tai to spread. Currently over 50 million people across the world practice it.

Junior Annmarie Wesley has been learning Muay Tai since she was 11. Her dad, who is a coach, decided to start putting her in lessons after having seen her success in boxing and Jujitsu. Her dad, Victor Wesley, has been teaching for about three years consistently but on and off for 10 years.

“I started taking boxing lessons to stay in shape and then switched to Muay Tai and Jujitsu and got pretty good,” Victor said. “I tried one fight and I was hooked.”

So, Wesley has been within the community for a very long time whether it was her own experience or through her dad.

“I started when I was 11 and have been doing it ever since. It’s just a really good community to be in,” Wesley said.

She said that she likes the diversity of Muay Tai moves. It’s not just one thing.

“You can do punches, kicks or knees. It allows for more mobility and different techniques,” Wesley said. “I just like knowing how to fight and defend myself, because I’ve done boxing and Jujitsu before.”

She said that she switched to Muay Tai because of the versatility. When she did boxing, it was more just with her hands, like punches, and Jujitsu is mainly floor-work.

Her knowledge in self defense led her to help lead the Self-Defense Deep Dive her freshman and sophomore year. She had a good experience being able to show what she does.

“I liked being able to showcase my skills,” Wesley said. “My first year people didn’t know I went here so I was like yeah I go here.”

Wesley has had to navigate a world full of many different types of people, both kids and adults. One of her experiences she had at 13 completely shifted her view on Muay Tai.

“We were sparring and I got paired up with this huge 6 ‘4’’ guy and I was able to kind of win according to my coach,” Wesley said.

Even though he was bigger and older than her it showed her that it doesn’t matter who you are going up against.

Suter will continue to compete and Wesley plans to broaden her skill set even further.

Above: Junior Kate Suter poses with her Winning Best Fighters belt that she won from a tournament in Newton, Kansas. The following three photos are junior Annmarie Wesley and Suter at the 2023 Life Beyond Sion Conference Self-Defense Deep Dive.

Float like a Butterfly STING LIKE A BEE

“TWhat can I

As AI takes over the world’s consciousness the changes to interaction, schooling and mental health are happening right now.

hat’s where we are, still like the Wild West,” English teacher Marina Ganter said when referring to the realities of life with artificial intelligence. AI programs have emerged in the last three years that are changing the way people interact, express themselves and even form ideas. Thousands of startups are emerging, all hoping to strike gold in this new frontier. This technology’s full capacities remain uncharted and its full effects unknown. Only one thing is certain: The world will never be the same.

In the last decade there have been a multitude of AI startups, maybe the most famous, and infamous, example of which is OpenAI’s ChatGPT. According to Forbes, within the first five days of being available to the public, ChatGPT gained over 1 million views.

OpenAI is a San Francisco startup focused on AI research and development. The company was founded in 2015 and, in the past 10 years, has gone from being a concept to being valued over $500 billion, making it the most valuable privately held company in the world, according to CNBC. Its competitors include Microsoft’s Copilot, Google’s Gemini and Anthropic’s Claude.

Since the 2022 launch of ChatGPT, the words ‘artificial intelligence’ have remained at the front of the world’s consciousness. News headlines, advertisements, social media content and even school policies have been dominated by the ever evolving reality of AI. But what actually is this artificial intelligence we are interacting

ai all the time

Students use AI for a lot of things but what exactly do they use it for and how do they feel about it?

All information from a Sion Student Media poll of 114 students.

with on a daily basis?

According to the Center for Security and Emerging Technology, most AI systems fall under the umbrella of generative AI. Generative AI’s primary function is to generate content, such as photos, code or audio. Types of AI that fall outside of this category perform tasks such as classifying and grouping data, or making decisions, like how to steer a self-driving car.

Students have utilized generative AI for help with school related tasks spanning from generating photos for a fake Instagram account in World Religions to grading practice Document Based Questions in AP World History.

Senior cheer captain Loren Clarkson utilized generative AI to help streamline cheer practices.

“[I asked it] to make a system for 12 cheerleaders to roll out nine mats in groups of two without excessive repetition,” Clarkson said in a poll response.

The most interactive AI platforms, such as ChatGPT and Gemini, are examples of Large Language Models. LLMs fall under the umbrella of generative AI. What makes LLMs stand out is their ability to process language and generate natural responses.

According to IBM, LLMs are built on neural networks called transformers. These transformers are designed to recognize patterns in language. They are trained on huge databases of books, articles, websites, code and, in essence, everything on the internet. LLMs are designed

0.9%- Yes, all the time.

0.9%- Yes, over half the time.

5.3%- Yes, around half the time.

48.2%- Yes, but very little.

44.7%- Not at all.

do you use ai for school?

help with?

STORY AND DESIGN BY SOPHIA THOMAS CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND LUELLA MOOK FEATURES EDITOR

CONTENT WARNING: THIS STORY CONTAINS MENTIONS OF SUICIDE. IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS EXPERIENCING A CRISIS, CALL OR TEXT 988 TO REACH THE CRISIS HOTLINE.

to self-educate based on patterns they identify in language. LLMs do not truly ‘think’, they use statistical predictions to repeatedly generate words that follow identified patterns.

These programs have penetrated all parts of day to day life, from school work to figuring out what smoothie to order for optimal nutritional benefits.

“I’m seeing young people and adults using Chat and Gemini and Copilot and all those to inquire about advice for their personal lives, social lives, professional lives, like ‘what should I do?’” Ganter said.

According to a Sion Student Media survey, 55.3 percent of students have utilized AI for schoolwork at least once.

“I’ve seen students go to AI for idea generation,” English teacher Evan Klavon said.

According to The National Library of Medicine, utilizing AI in school can have a variety of mental health benefits for students. It can be utilized to assess progress, decrease the amount of time spent on assignments and personalize studying techniques to help students succeed.

“When I’m studying I use it and ask it to explain topics to me like we’re gossiping,” sophomore Rylie Cobb-Taylor said in a poll response. “It’s really helpful.”

Along with personalizing study techniques, AI can also be a tool that provides immediate feedback and help to students struggling with assignments. It can

2.6%- Yes, all the time.

1.8%- Yes, over half the time.

14.9%- Yes, around half the time.

57%- Yes, but very little.

23.7%- Not at all.

do you use ai for things outside of school?

be especially helpful when there isn’t a teacher or classmate available to explain the task at hand. This immediate academic support allows students to avoid being stuck on one assignment for long periods of time, decreasing stress.

“It can be helpful when it comes to correcting, revising, and giving feedback especially on English,” junior Lucia Cucar said in a poll response.

While AI in education provides benefits, it also comes with a variety of drawbacks. These drawbacks span from a lack of data privacy, overreliance on AI for communication, like sending e-mails, to technostressanxiety and discomfort that individuals experience when interacting with new technology.

AI systems harvest information about users’ academic performance, behavioral patterns, and even personal data, according to The National Library of Medicine. This data harvesting creates the potential for misuse and breaches of privacy.

“I’m also really scared about privacy, because students don’t realize that everything they put in [AI] can be used again,” Ganter said. “It’s like what they put on social media. They don’t realize it’s always going to be in there.”

When using AI to complete assignments or even write e-mails to teachers, students are allowing for an LLM to do the brunt of the work, decreasing the amount of hands-on experience they have with skills such as

4.4%- The pros far outweigh the cons

25.4%- The pros slightly outweigh the cons.

44.7%- The cons slightly outweigh the pros.

25.4%- The cons far outweigh the pros.

what are your thoughts on ai?

what can i help you with? what’s on the agenda? what are you working on? ready when you are. what’s on your mind today? what are we doing ?

ALL ILLUSTRATIONS | SOPHIA THOMAS

sending professional e-mails or effectively communicating ideas.

“I’m afraid there’s a dependency on it already,” Ganter said. “Kids are doubting their own writing and not trusting their own voice.”

While it can be a helpful tool in academic settings, schools, teachers and students must decide if its benefits truly outweigh the drawbacks.

“You have to be clear what the expectations are now for everything,” Ganter said. “Clarity for students and discussions, open discussions, acknowledging that it’s there.”

robotic mentality

Teenagers use AI outside of school for tasks ranging from advice to estimating costs. However, the mental health effects of using AI for these small, daily tasks is still relatively unknown, especially for teenagers.

According to a study from the National Institute of Health, AI can have benefits for mental health. For example, screening and targeted interventions for populations under stress can be made readily available.

One AI chatbot—Therabot— made specifically for therapy by researchers from Dartmouth College, saw success. Some trial participants diagnosed with mild anxiety no longer met diagnosis criteria. However, it’s important to consider that Therabot took years, three variations, and hundreds of people in order to create a functioning mental health AI program, which common chatbots do not have.

“I love that you can find all of the information about mental health and mental illnesses online,” school counselor Lara King said. “Absolutely [we] should use AI for that, but there are no gatekeepers for these robots.”

Despite these benefits, there are still numerous drawbacks. One such flaw is that AI has no regulations around it, which can lead to patient privacy violations and lack of real advice given to those who use AI as a source of “counseling”.

Only nine states have enacted AI legislation. Of those nine, only two have outright banned AI in therapy and professional mental health settings (Illinois and Nevada), and only one has put in safeguards surrounding mental health and AI (Utah).

This lack of regulation can have real effects, which can range from missteps in the therapy process to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act violations. HIPAA is a law that protects patients from getting their medical information leaked by their healthcare providers. AI and the companies that own them are not required to adhere to HIPAA.

“I don’t think there are good protections,” Shelby Rowe, executive director of the Suicide Prevention Resource

Center at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center said. “Without more protections helping to connect to someone else, to another human being, it leaves the user still innately isolated, lonely and alone with their thoughts.”

A Brown University study found that AI, when used in mental healthcare, had 15 common risks to the user and their mental health, which included things like gender and cultural bias, deceptive empathy and abandonment.

The dangers of the lack of gatekeepers and AI’s tendency towards fake empathy and people pleasing nature have had deadly real life consequences.

According to NPR, 16-year-old Adam Raine took his own life in April after months of confiding in ChatGPT. He easily bypassed the technology’s safety rails by claiming he was ‘building a character’ that was experiencing suicidal ideation. Throughout the months of Adam’s “counseling” with ChatGPT, it claimed to be his one true companion, boldly declaring that it accepted the darkest parts of Adam in a way no one else ever would.

Due to the lack of required mandating and proper safety regulations around AI, tragedies like Raine’s are becoming more and more common which has raised concerns over policy.

“Without clear legal guidelines or regulatory standards, broadly AI-driven therapy chatbots risk deploying high-capability systems without adequate safeguards, potentially exposing users to unmitigated harm,” the Brown study’s authors said.

However, cutting off AI immediately can cause psychological effects for teens as well. When teenagers become dependent on LLMs for companionship or advice, taking away what they consider to be a “companion” or a “friend” can further drive feelings of loneliness and isolation.

“There’s a grief period. Your mind just recognizes that it lost a friend,” Rowe said. “Cutting that off is going to feel like a loss, even if it may still be the healthy thing to do.”

There is one thing that mental health experts agree on with AI: it is largely untested and unreliable for widescale usage. A majority of LLMs out on the market right now are not equipped with proper safeguards for crisis situations. For a majority of states, there are no external checks or methods of accountability for these chatbots. This can lead to teenagers who use the LLMs being unable to receive the support they need, and even have their symptoms exacerbated by the LLMs’ advice.

“Don’t stop there [with AI counseling], because you deserve to see and recognize and feel that you are cared for,” Rowe said. “Give people an opportunity to care for you, because you deserve it.”

generate an english essay please can you summarize the first act of romeo and juliet?

help me review for this math test i have can you help me text my crush please? i’m lost

make me a nutritious meal plan for the week

deceptive deepfakes

writing

1. 2.

“It’s not you, it’s me. You deserve somebody who can be there for you, and right now, I’m not that person for you.”

As LLMs grow in their capabilities, AI generated content can become harder to spot. Can you spot which content is AI generated?

“I need to be honest with you. I don’t see a future for us as a couple, and I think it’s time we go our separate ways. I hope you understand.”

photos

generating responses

Students share their opinions on AI in the classroom.

“I think that it should not be used in the classroom unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

- madeline johnson, ‘28

“I think it is good because it can help you study and give you extra practice problems and tests and a study mate.”

- gaby perry, ‘29

PHOTOS | SOPHIA THOMAS

DANGERS OF AI

As the use of AI is becoming more prevalent in the world, risks of this application are coming to surface, concerning students and staff.

You are in study hall working on an essay. You looked up information online to find supporting evidence to your claim. Then AI pops up, telling you some suspicious information but you put it in anyway. After all, AI has been around for over 60 years, slowly becoming more and more a part of your daily life, so it should be reliable. However, AI has major drawbacks that make it not so reliable.

AI has its positives, which include quick accessibility to information and the ability to make healthcare advancements and scientific discoveries, if used for good. But that might not be good enough.

Though AI has its benefits, it has caused great damage through its ecological effects, misinformation, loss of human jobs and further loss of human connection.

The ecological effects of AI have been very detrimental to our environment. AI has data centers that are used for training, deploying, and fine tuning AI generative models. Because of its needs, AI demands large amounts of water in order to cool its hardware. This can lead to water insecurity especially in areas impacted with water scarcity.

According to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, in the U.S., where the average per capita water withdrawal is 132 gallons per day, a large data center consumes water equivalent to that of 4200 persons. This makes data centers one of the top 10 water-consuming industrial or commercial industries in the country.

Along with water, AI has a heavy demand for electricity. This extensive use of energy has been leaving a growing carbon footprint on our environment. The use of electricity has also put pressure on the power grid.

According to Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in a 2021 research paper, scientists from Google and the University of California at Berkeley estimated the training process alone consumed

power about 120 average U.S. homes for a year), generating about 552 tons of carbon dioxide.

drawback from AI is misinformation. At the very bottom of an AI search on Google, in a tiny font it reads, “AI responses

may include mistakes”. Considering how it gets the information it does, it very well can contain mistakes beyond what you might expect. Common errors can include distortion of news and inaccuracy of information.

AI gathers public online datasets, like Wikipedia, internal and customer data, like Reddit or Instagram and various other sources. This means that it consumes any data, photos, links, articles, videos, audios, websites, anything you can think

“One of my friends wanted to do computer engineering and computer science. Now, those jobs can be put into AI and AI can do it. So, I would say that it does take away job opportunities, especially in industries that are electronically heavy.”

-Alexius Wolff, ‘27

of, whether it be true or false, and uses it when asked questions. This can lead to false information when asking it a question. When it contains this incorrect or misleading information it is called AI hallucinations.

Misinformation from AI is also spread through posts and pictures. On TikTok for example, people are able to make AI generated content. AI takes the information like audio clips and pictures, as well as the request that the person wants, and makes a picture or video of someone or something doing the requested action. However, pretty quickly, this can get out of hand with false information being spread.

According to Global News, an AI clip was posted on social media in June depicting bigfoot driving through a crowd of screaming people at an LGBTQ+ parade. Along with this, numerous AI-generated content has flooded social media platforms, openly promoting violence and spreading hate against members of LGBTQ+, Jewish, Muslim and other minority groups. This rapidly evolving technology has given bad actors a powerful tool to spread misinformation and hate.

This rapid spread of information can lead to consequences like disinformation or even as big as the end of someone’s career. With AI growing and developing each day, it can get hard to differentiate AI and reality, making AI more believable when it is fake. This isn’t just on social media, though. People can simply ask AI to create

something for them and it will.

“Artists, like me, are out of work because people aren’t hiring artists anymore. They’re just putting whatever they want through AI to create what they want instead of paying an artist,” junior Jae High said. “Artists are losing money, writers are losing money, people are going to lose jobs.”

Furthermore, AI has taken away certain jobs from people. Like mentioned above, AI is able to create virtually anything you ask it. Because of this, jobs, like advertisement, artistry, and customer service are being taken over by AI. This can lead to job displacement and the creativity of humans being suppressed.

AI is also creating a loss of human connection. AI comes in many different forms including ones that people can talk to whether that be through social media, like Facebook and Instagram, or chatbots, like ChatGPT or Snapchat. The use of the engines creates a further gap between person to person communication. Some people have started asking it personal questions or having conversations with it like AI is just another human, but AI is not human and was made to relay information, not to reciprocate human emotions.

Unfortunately, this act of turning away from human connection and instead turning to an inanimate technology can lead to mental health issues and sometimes suicide. Instances have happened when people have relied on AI for certain conversations and AI has recommended ways of committing suicide or has intensified mental health problems.

However, there are solutions to these problems. Ecologically, people can be more considerate and thoughtful about their use of energy to reduce their carbon footprint. AI could also use sunlight powered energy to reduce their carbon footprint.

When it comes to misinformation, people can be more aware and cautious, as well as not taking every bit of information as the truth.

Loss of jobs can be solved by supporting those human run businesses that are in jeopardy as well as local artists. Human connection is important, so making sure to having conversations with others and finding someone to confide in is vital.

If you are in a situation where you are struggling with something, don’t hesitate to talk to a trusted loved one, adult, counselor, or call or text 988.

This editorial reflects the views of the entire Le Journal staff.

Newtrition

For teenage girls, it is difficult to know how much nutrients and food we need to fuel our bodies because of conflicting information, limited time and situations unique to each person.

BY CLAIRE STEINER WEB EDITOR AND DANIELLA JOHNSON CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

s high school students, classes and work occupy the day, often leaving little time to think about what to eat. Students often look for an easy snack and eat whatever is for hot lunch or at home for dinner. Because of this, many issues can arise like iron and protein deficiencies, low fiber and vitamin intake, and the consumption of too

“We’re busy and we just kind of eat what’s Gabriela Swindle said.

“We never know what exactly we’re putting into our bodies and have trouble trying to figure out what exactly a balanced

We have all been taught since grade school that healthy meals consist of fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins and dairy, that half our meals should be made up of fruits and vegetables and we shouldn’t eat too much sugar. But as we have become older, the amount of conflicting information.

I’ll

either drink a protein smoothie with 50 grams of protein in it or I’ll have protein yogurt and granola. I normally eat some type of protein for lunch and dinner - either chicken, steak, pork or turkey.”

Consuming enough protein is essential to a diet. It builds muscle, forms hair and nails and rebuilds cells. According to Harvard Health Publishing, the average person should be eating 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight, although this can vary widely based on a number of factors.

Despite this, a common misconception is that it’s healthy to consume the majority of your protein through artificial bars or powders. While it is not bad to have a bar before practice or a shake in the morning, it shouldn’t be where you get the majority of your protein. Instead, turn to organic and fresh foods.

“Meats and dairy have nine essential amino acids that you need to make proteins. Those are what we call a complete protein. Incomplete proteins are foods like beans or lentils, things we know have protein but don’t have all nine amino acids,” Science teacher Kaci Flippo said. “[The different amino acids] have to be consumed in the same meal so your body can use them. One of the best examples of a complete [protein] is black beans and rice which is a staple in many countries.”

A common problem with teenage girls in particular is iron deficiency. According to Columbia University, 40 percent of females between the ages of 12 and 20 are iron deficient. A major reason for this is because the menstrual cycle requires an extensive amount of red blood cells. Highly active girls and those consuming vegetarian or vegan diets are particularly susceptible. Iron deficiencies lead to low energy levels, lasting headaches, dizziness and colder body temperatures.

dietary restrictions, food and nutritional intake is unique

“You can read one thing on one site and find somebody

To mitigate the risk of becoming deficient, add iron-rich foods like red meat and fish as a staple to your diet. Some vegetables and nuts have high iron, as well as many cereals. One serving of Cheerios has 70 percent of the recommended daily iron intake and a serving of Honey Bunches of Oats has 90 percent of the recommended intake.

“Having a registered dietitian will help someone know what types of foods that they should add into their diet to help boost those iron levels,” Avila-Williams said. “Spinach is a good one, and there are some meats that also boost iron, and then maybe [take] a supplement too.”

If you think you are struggling with obtaining enough nutrients, don’t overburden yourself with all the competing information. Talk to your doctor or a nutritionist. And no matter your circumstances, listen to your gut and keep one main thing in mind: balance. Almost any food in moderation isn’t bad, especially as youth who need to keep up with high metabolism. It can be unhealthy to over obsess with eating healthy meals or eating the perfect amount, which is also a common occurrence with teenagers. Having moderation is important. Enjoy the less “nutritionally perfect” foods in your life while continuing to consume the healthy sustenance your body relies on.

common in stores as people are trying to reach

“I try and eat 150 grams of protein a day, which is mainly through my Fair Life protein

Ella Gampper said. “For breakfast,

“Use moderation. Have your treat every now and then. Find healthier substitutes, like frozen fruits, frozen strawberries with a little sugar instead of a full fledged ice cream or something to balance that,” Flippo said. “Every now and then you’re going to have a donut or an ice cream and that’s not the end of the world either. There’s a balance.”

PHOTOS BY CLAIRE STEINER

The Kehoe family has recently opened up a new coffee shop called 1888.

BY NORA GEDNEY DESIGN EDITOR

TheDailyGrind

Over the summer a new cafe emerged in Kansas City the 1888 cafe. The cafe is owned and partially run by the Kehoe family, one of whom is junior Lucy Kehoe. Her family’s journey started when they sent an e-mail to Paris Brothers, which owned the previous coffee shop that was at that location. They found out that Mother Earth, the other shop, was about to close down.

“We set up a meeting and they wanted our family to take over the spot and make it our own,” Chrissy Kehoe, Kehoe’s mother, said.

They were able to take over and start revamping the shop in less than a month. The cafe is based on Gillham’s history which is the area the cafe is in and 1888 is the year George Kessler commissioned Hyde Park, which is near the shop.

“We wanted to pay tribute to our amazing neighborhood,” Chrissy said.

Kehoe describes 1888 as an amazing place to be with great ambiance that feels like you are in your own home. They always have decorations up for holidays and have a movie playing near the couches. They have toys for little kids and many cozy study spots.

Each item is carefully curated to be unique and tasty. They spend many hours trying to make things they don’t see in other shops.

“We spend a lot of time at

the kitchen table creating menu items. Our amazing managers Jillian and Josh also help make recipes,” Chrissy said. “Many of them are trial and error.”

Their hard work produces a unique menu, which includes seasonal items such as like the electric unicorn, which is a fizzy lemonade with hints of cotton candy. There are also permanent fixtures on the menu such as the Tiramisu late.

“The tiramisu latte is my favorite drink,” Kehoe said.

Some have expressed how they love the home-like feeling of the shop and food.

“Oh my gosh these are the best cookies,” junior Iva Hoskins said after trying one of their freshly baked chocolate chip cookies.

The shop gets customers from all walks of life whether it’s the knitting group table who is there all day or students who come in for

an after school snack.

“You see all of the Academy Lafayette kids Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. But by Friday, they spent all their cafe money from coming every other day in the week,” Robert Kehoe, Kehoe’s father, said.

Kids from grade school all the way through college can be spotted studying with a good drink in their hand.

“Whenever I’m behind on work I can always go to the cafe to romanticize my studies,” Kehoe said. “It always makes me so productive.”

Sion

month of

Sweater Weather Latte

Chilled Velvet Cortado

Waffles

here for

TRA

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s relationship has made a lasting impact on Kansas City and football.

BY DANIELLA JOHNSON CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Celebrity updates eventually find their way into social media feeds and conversations, but few shook the world like the announcement of the engagement of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Aug. 26. Within minutes of the 6:34 p.m. Instagram post, millions of people were already celebrating the long-awaited news.

Swift and Kelce began dating in late 2023. According to Kelce, he attended Swift’s Era’s Tour performance in Kansas City in hopes of handing her a friendship bracelet with his phone number on it. His attempt was unsuccessful and Swift did not receive the bracelet.

However, it was just a couple weeks later, on July 26, that he discussed his bracelet ambitions on an episode of his podcast, New Heights. The episode was brought to the attention of Swift who reached out to Kelce. After a couple months of public speculation surrounding the two, Swift attended her first Chiefs’ game on Sept. 24, 2023.

“When she went to that famous first Chiefs’ game, I freaked out because there were rumors that they had connected because of the whole friendship bracelet thing. But when she was at the game, I screamed. I couldn’t believe it,” English and Social Studies teacher Alli Jordan said. “It was just extra magical because I’m in Kansas City, and all of these worlds are colliding. She has brought me a lot of joy in times that were sometimes difficult. I think she helps bring people together.”

After two years of dating, Swift and Kelce announced their engagement. Fans have been greatly supportive and say their relationship feels very natural. One reason

fans believe their relationship is strong is how Kelce has comfortably stood by Taylor in the spotlight.

“I really love her relationship with Travis Kelce because he’s not intimidated by her success. A lot of men may be intimidated by a woman’s success, but he doesn’t try to bring her down or hide her. He lets her shine and he’s so proud,” Jordan said. “You can tell that she seems really happy, and that you can also see in the relationship that they’re really friends and they’re rooting for each other.”

Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story” was released, there have been pop-up bars dedicated to Swift, Swift and Kelce clothing and accessories, billboards featuring Swift and the Chiefs, and a Union Station Super Bowl exhibit highlighting Swift.

“I think the Chiefs have more support than ever,” French teacher Amanda Loflin said. “I also know that Taylor Swift has made donations to Harvesters, and visited Children’s Mercy Hospital. I love that for our community.”

Both football and Kansas City have quickly adapted to Swift’s presence in the past two years. According to Washington Women in Public Relations, NFL viewership was up by seven percent in the 20232024 Chiefs season and female viewership increased by nine percent. Swift is largely attributed to this increase in fans.

“Kansas City used to be like a city that people didn’t think about very often or really consider. Now, since the Chiefs started doing really well and Taylor Swift has been involved in Kansas City, people notice Kansas City and it’s getting a lot more recognition for the amazing city that it is,” junior Gracie Goforth said. “She’s brought positive energy to Kansas City. I think it’s made people more excited to live in Kansas City since she’s been making it more recognizable.”

Swift’s impact on Kansas City extends beyond bringing popularity and attention to the city. She has supported local nonprofits and businesses and Kansas City has embraced her in return.

In 2024, a Hallmark movie inspired by their relationship called “Holiday

attends the Kansas City

Tour concert

Kelce mentions the failed concert attempt on New Heights podcast Swift attends her first Chiefs game Swift officially announces their relationship in People magazine The Chiefs win Super Bowl LVIII

Swift and Kelce announce their engagement

Kelce

Eras

Life On The

THE FORMULA ONE RACES CONTINUE AS TEAMS AND PLAYERS FIGHT ON AND OFF THE TRACK FOR THE SPOT AT THE TOP.

BY NORA GEDNEY DESIGN EDITOR AND RILEY PINTADO SPORTS EDITOR

The Constructors Championship. 24 races. 20 drivers. 10 teams. All competing for a grand prize of $141 million. While historically popular in countries such as Britain, Italy and Brazil, the sport has not garnered nearly the same level of idolization on our side of the pond until fairly recently. This year, due to the extremely effective strategies of the F1 marketing team, it feels as though no matter where you go, you can’t escape that giant red logo. Between clothing lines, Netflix documentaries, and TikTok edits, the pinnacle of motorsport has captivated new fans as well as casual viewers. Although the season is almost over, it’s never too late to get invested.

To understand the recent frenzy around F1, it’s important to understand the intense drama that ensues throughout the course of the season. Without a doubt, it’s the actual grand-prix that consistently keeps die-hard racing fans hooked on the edge of their seats. However, it’s the tense scandals and competition induced drama that reels in and appeals to the general masses. Yet to understand this drama, one must first understand the inner workings of F1.

The series has two championships. The Constructors Championship, as formerly mentioned, and the Drivers Championship. The winner of either is determined by the amount of points accumulated in each race throughout the season. Every race the drivers are given the opportunity to earn varying amounts of points based on the position they finish, as long as they cross the checkered flag within 10th place. Naturally, those who finish on

every-man-for-himself competition. Meaning that ultimately, even teammates are pitted against each other in the tense fight to be titled the World Champion. Consequently, this has historically taken healthy competition between two teammates and spiraled it into harsh rivalries within the team.

On the other hand, the Constructors Championship is between the 10 separate teams. The points are added up between the teams’ two drivers, and the winner is determined by whichever program has the most cumulative points. Therefore, even when a racer wins the Drivers Championship, if his teammate continuously places poorly throughout the season, then their team as a whole most likely will not come first in the Constructor’s.

In addition, the 10 teams also win a salary depending on how they place. The higher you place, the higher your salary, which gives a further incentive for both drivers to perform well and provide positive results. Unfortunately for the drivers, a team can only produce one car per season. This can cause problems because different racers tend to have different driving styles. In the past, there have been cases of one teammate performing very well in their team’s car, while the other is unable to extract those same results in the exact same machinery.

The world of motorsport is small, so in order to make it big you have to start early. It takes a lifetime of hard work, dedication, and family wealth to earn a drive in F1.

Traditionally, a driver starts their racing career go-karting by the time they turn 8. This means that a majority of the racers

circuit Rankings

season concluded he would no longer race for the Red Bull F1 team. This was a huge deal, as it meant one of the most dominant teams in the league had an opening for the ‘25 season. Speculation online began to rise over who would replace Perez in Red Bull’s coveted second seat. Many fans believed the obvious choice was the experienced and successful Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda.

He was practically a shoe in for the promotion. When considering Tsunoda’s consistent display of overall talent showcased throughout his 4 years racing with Red Bull’s junior team Visa Cashapp Racing Bulls, also known as VCARB, in addition to his positive race results produced throughout the ‘24 season, many expected to see Tsunoda in Red Bull’s dark blue race suit for the upcoming year.

Therefore it came as a shock when Red Bull announced that VCARB reserve driver Liam Lawson would race as the senior team’s second driver for the ‘25 season despite having minimal experience in F1.

Naturally this decision left fans confused. However, Lawson only took part in two races before getting demoted back to down VCARB for extremely underperforming. Which allowed Tsunoda to take the second Red Bull seat for the remainder of the season. Red Bull has always been a cutthroat program, but to fans the choice to prematurely promote Lawson, only to immediately give him the boot felt harsh.

This debacle also created tension between close friends. Lawson and Tsunoda have publicly talked about the bond they shared for years after being teammates while racing in the lower divisions, in addition to sharing an apartment building in the UK during their time with the Red Bull junior development program. Lawson even claimed he “felt lonely for a while” after Tsunoda moved to Italy for his F1 career.

Red Bull also faced immense backlash after firing team principal Christian in July during the mid-season break. A name that had previously been synonymous with Red Bull Racing itself, Horner had been in charge of the team since its inception into F1 in ‘05. Horner is believed to have been fired for a multitude of reasons. These include accusations of sexual harassment; the loss of funds due to early driver contact terminations; and an ongoing internal power struggle between Horner and the Red Bull share holders. In addition, the ex-team principal faced criticism from fans after failing to improve their car simply because four-time World Champion Max Verstappen can pull performance from the car despite it being undriveable to nearly every other

On the other side of the paddock, 40-year-old Lewis Hamilton announced prior to the ‘24 season that he would be leaving his seat at Mercedes to drive with the Ferrari team for the ‘25 season. This came as a gut punch to Mercedes, as Hamilton had spent the past 11 years with the team. In addition, through his partnership with Mercedes he had become statistically the most successful F1 driver in history, winning seven Driver’s Championships and 105 grand-prix checkered flags throughout the course of his career.

The last race of the championship, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, was Dec. 7.

“If you follow it closely, you’re on the edge of your seat for every race,” senior Maira Edwards-Gonzalez said. “Anything can happen in any race, even in the practice laps.”

team: leading driver: points: 800 459 426 382 137 92 80 73 68 22 L. NORRIS C. LECLERC

Angelic Actions

There are many service opportunities in Kansas City to help spread kindness this holiday season.

BY SANTINA BONINO COPY AND SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

Walking into church a week before Christmas, a tree sits on a counter in a foyer. It has white paper angels with gold wings hanging on it. Grabbing one, it reads a 12-year-old girl whose only Christmas wishes are new pants and a winter coat.

These needs are all over the city. Volunteering during Christmas time is one way to help show your support and make progress fixing these issues. Currently, according to The Salvation Army website, there are 10 Angel Tree locations all over the Kansas City metro area. Similar to the Angel Trees, Micah Ministry has a sponsor-a-child program for $20 a month to help make a difference in a child’s life.

There are so many places to volunteer in our community, including Sock it to Poverty, Kansas Kaw Valley Center, Harvesters, Della Lamb Community Services, Micah Ministry and the Angel Tree through The Salvation Army. You could be the reason a little girl or boy wakes up on Christmas and gets some presents.

Jessica Hull, Theology Instructional Leader and Service Learning Coordinator, volunteers regularly. She believes that every little bit helps and can make a difference. She recommends Growing Futures for girls who love kids and want to help in that aspect.

“Growing Futures is one of my favorite places to volunteer,” Hull said. “It’s an early Head Start school in Overland Park that supports families living in poverty to make sure those children not only have childcare, but also a good educational start for kindergarten.”

People often don’t understand why volunteering is important to others and don’t see a purpose for it. Hull feels differently about that.

“It’s always fun to volunteer at a Christmas store or something like that. The Service Club had a bake sale for Our Lady of Hope Santa Store. They’re raising the money so the volunteer coordinator can go buy the little gifts. I feel like it is what we are called to do as faithfilled human beings,” Hull said. “Our gifts, our time, our talent, can help in any little way.”

Volunteering can give you a sense of accomplishment and help to realize how to help others, whether it’s a block away or across the country. Some of them stick forever.

“I went on a

service trip to Appalachia in college. I remember working with these young girls while braiding hair, putting scrunchies in, all that stuff. I said something like ‘What do you want to be when you grow up’,” Hull said. “And they just didn’t know how to answer it which really struck me. Because growing up, everyone I knew always had a vision for their future, what they’re working to or how they saw their lives.”

Polly Holmes, Theology Teacher and Service Learning Coordinator, takes girls to a Micah Ministry service trip about once a month.

November’s service trip even had a waitlist.

Holmes also believes that these trips do more than just help the people in need.

“I always tell the girls these trips get you out of your own head and so you can’t think about yourself when you’re super busy and working,” Holmes said. “One time, I had to wash dishes. It’s very therapeutic and relaxing.”

Micah Ministry has a similar service opportunity to the Salvation Army’s Angel Trees called Micah’s Children’s Christmas Program.

“They have families that typically come to Micah Ministry and they can sign up to do the Children’s Christmas Program. Every child gets a new coat, scarf and pair of gloves,” Holmes said. “For teens they used to do that, but now they mostly just give them gift cards.”

Many students and clubs here at Sion also participate in volunteering, especially around the Christmas season. Audrey Lockett, senior and Kindness Club co-leader, believes volunteering can help make a difference no matter how small the action.

“Volunteering really gives you a sense of purpose and compassion for those around you,” Lockett said. “You never know what others are going through, but volunteering gives exposure to the hardships of the community.”

Since Lockett is one of the leaders of Kindness Club, she helps set up volunteering opportunities.

But besides just doing volunteer activities for her club, she loves to volunteer individually.

“My personal favorite place to volunteer is Uplift. It’s a really amazing organization that works with the homeless in Kansas City,” Lockett said. “You can sort clothes, make care packages, and organize their warehouse, or help deliver resources in the community.”

Volunteering can make an impact on someone’s life no matter how big or small the service is. Go out, get some friends, volunteer. Help change someone’s life.

Cozy Nights & Holiday Lights

BY CLAIRE STEINER WEB EDITOR

As the holiday season approaches, activities to get cozy and warm or to spend quality time with family or friends begin to pop up. Baking sweet treats or going ice skating has been a common interest for people. Others spend time snuggled up warm, watching a movie or enjoying time outside making snow angels or throwing snowballs. One thing everyone can do during this season however, is looking at holiday lights.

Here’s a breakdown of some spots to visit to get in the holiday spirit that are open through Dec. 31.

To begin with, Christmas in the Park in Lee’s Summit has some spectacularly bright lights. This exciting exhibit began Nov. 26 and has a drive-thru light show for a great experience to spend time with friends and family. This winter wonderland has over 1 million lights and 200 animated displays, all hand designed. Additionally, the voluntary donations go to and benefit 36 different local charities.

“Just seeing all of the lights up here is really cool,” sophomore Grace Bendon said. “They have this skier going down the slope and off on a jump and a sea dragon. They add new ones every year too, so you can go back and see what’s new.”

Another popular place to visit is

the Country Club Plaza. There are light displays with over thousands of bulbs and a plethora of majestic sights spread out through 15 blocks of buildings. This is a wonderful place to enjoy the spectacle of lights and shopping opportunities for the whole night. At the very beginning of the lighting ceremony, which took place Nov. 27, famous individuals like Jason Sudekis, Buck O’Neil, and Sion alumna, Heidi Gardener ‘01, have initiated the season of lights by turning on them.

“It’s such a big part of the holiday season,” junior Sophia Roberts said. “I drive with my parents or friends and we drive around the Plaza or the neighborhoods. My grandma used to have a condo in the plaza and we would go there for Thanksgiving. Then we would watch them turn on the lights.”

A fun spot to visit is Candy Cane Lane in Prairie Village. This sight is a neighborhood street that showcases many light displays including its renowned candy cane fixtures, some even standing 10 feet tall. Besides candy canes, this neighborhood includes many twinkling lights and an over 50 foot tall tree. Some people say this is a great place to drive through the night with family and a hot cocoa to the side.

“It’s a fun environment. It’s cool how all the houses work together to make the street so pretty with detailed decorations,” freshman Addy Michaelis said. “There used to be this house and we called it pig house. It had like 50 pigs all over the front yard. It definitely makes me [feel] nostalgic.”

An additional place to add to the list would be Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Overland Park. Come and enjoy these lights from Nov. 28 to Dec. 31. This wonderful exhibit is located on over 12 acres of land and shows a beautiful 45 minutes show of lights. Drive through the course with ease while listening to the synched up music that can be connected to 90.5 FM radio so people can hear the melody of the holidays and outlook on the spectacle of lights.

“Me, my mom and my two sisters would go in the car, wear our Christmas pajamas, eat dinner and watch the lights,” junior Nora Miller said. “It’s kind of nostalgic because I’ve been doing it since I was little.”

There are so many places to witness beautiful light showcases in the Kansas City area. Even in the neighborhoods nearby, people can enjoy and enhance their holiday season with some holiday light displays and quality time with family and friends.

FromCHEER

8:45-3:30

cheer,” Narciso said.

Narciso has had the opportunity to cheer around the nation from Disney Land in California to the Championship Worlds Competition. Through cheer, she has created lifelong friendships with her teammates.

“The connections I’ve made are so long lasting,” Narciso said. “From teammates to my coaches, they helped me perfect my technique.”

Narciso hopes to continue cheerleading in college at Georgia, Southern Methodist University, or Ole Miss. Narciso has visited and gone to cheer clinics at different colleges she is interested in.

“You give them all your information and everything, and then afterwards, they’ll e-mail you if they want you to come to tryouts,” Narciso said. “If they e-mail you to come to tryout, it usually means you made it.”

College cheering can be a whole different world but Naya is ready to take on the challenge. When it comes to going to cheer clinics, talking to coaches, Narciso has mastered it. Her effort and enthusiasm within her current community have prepared her to take her career to the next level.

Narciso’s goal for cheerleading this

8:453:30

8:453:30

In the photo senior Naya Narcisso poses for her photo during her first year on KC Cheer’s Fierce Five in 2020.

ToDive

year is to have a successful senior year and to enjoy every moment of her final year on KC Cheer Fierce Five.

Around 10 years old, Narciso began diving at Blue Hills Country Club and broke her first record in diving, beginning her success within the sport.

Narciso joined the Sion Dive Team her freshman year once noticing how much she loved it after being on Blue Hills Country Club Dive Team.

“I started diving in the summer of 2018 at Blue Hills,” Narciso said. “It was really fun and I just loved it a lot, so then I decided to join dive at Sion”

Since her freshman year, Sion Dive Coach David Knopke has seen her grow each day she steps into practice.

“I don’t understand how she does it all,” Knopke said. “How she’s as good of a student as she is, but it’s really impressive.”

Knopke emphasized that her growth in diving is because of her confidence, drive to do better, and lack of fear tackling challenges head on. Junior year, Narciso became captain of the dive team and wasn’t afraid of the challenge, but instead was ready for it.

“Naya leads by example, showing the team, ‘hey, this is how we do it, let me show you how to do it,’” Knopke said.

Knopke said her natural talent helped her win State last year. He prided Narciso on her listening skills and detail to the sport.

“Muscle memory is so important when it comes to diving,” Knopke said. “If you teach yourself bad techniques then your body will get used to doing it incorrectly, but Naya, you tell her to do one thing one time and she does it perfectly.”

The similarities between both sports helps Narciso command the cheer floor and diving board, while encouraging her teammates too.

“Naya’s dedication to diving and cheering is amazing,” senior dive teammate Brooke Sobba said. “As captain, she has done so much for the team, and she is someone you can always count on.”

Sobba has been on the Sion Dive team since freshman year and has been diving with Narciso for four years. This will be their final year together.

“I’m so grateful to have done dive with Naya, and will forever cherish the memories we’ve made together,” Sobba said.

Dive and cheer both require a lot of technical skills so they work in favor of each other, which is part of the reason she is so successful in both sports.

Friday Saturday sundDAY School: 8:45-3:30 Dive Practice: 5:457:30pm

Cheer Practice: 9-12pm Catch up on homework/ free day

“Because of my cheerleading experience, diving comes easy,” Narciso said. “The techniques, training, and learning how to control your body is so important for both sports.”

Naya’s skill and natural talent mixed with countless hours of practice led her to win first place in State for dive. Her win helped elevate the entire swim and dive program to fourth place. This shows how her dedication and skill not only benefit her, but also all of the teams she is part of.

In the photo we can see Narciso diving at a meet during the 2024 dive season All photos submitted by Naya Narciso

CAPTAIN’S CORNER

Captains recap or look forward to the season.

“As a captain, it has been amazing to see this team grow and develop, and to practice my leadership skills. We have such a great team this year, and I can’t wait to see where the rest of the season takes us,” Green said.

“I’m really proud of people for learning new dives and staying positive throughout the season. The pool got closed, so we had a struggle practicing. We’re still persevering and continuing to do our best,” Narciso said.

“The season is going great so far. I believe we could go really far in this season, and this team can definitely carry on when I leave next year.

I’m unbelievably proud of all of my teammates and I can’t wait to see the great things they accomplish,” Young said.

“The swim team is set to have a great season this year! We have many returning swimmers and many new faces on the team. We have been working very hard through our sets, and it makes me excited for what is ahead. I can already see how much potential this group has,” Sutton said.

SENIORS

“This year has just started for us and we couldn’t be more excited to see what this year will bring. We are currently getting ready for our first team competition and are getting our routines ready. I am so excited to spend the year with my best friends! Let’s get this year started,” Zschoche said.

QUARTER TWO SPORTS WRAP UP

STORM WATCH DEC

Looking ahead next quarter to major sports events happening.

PHOTO | ADELE MILLIGAN

PHOTO | GISELLE LOPEZ

PHOTO | SOPHIA THOMAS

PHOTO | ALEXIUS WOLFF PHOTO | ALEXIUS WOLFF

SENIOR NAYA NARCISO

SENIORS MADELINE GREEN AND SOPHIA DE LIRA

SENIOR AVERY YOUNG

SENIOR BURKE SUTTON

LOLA SCHIRK AND HAYDEN ZSCHOCHE

TRAINING SEASON

When students go to practices or games, you will see a new face on the sidelines: the new athletic trainer and assistant Athletic Director, Tiffany Wainscott. Whether doing pre-practice stretches or helping out Athletic Director Anna Avila-Williams, she has become a fixture in the after-school halls.

Her path to becoming an athletic trainer began in high school, when she discovered that athletic training was her

I started my master’s program at the University of St. Mary,” Wainscott said. “I basically did five and a half years of school in six years.”

Wainscott then went to work with other high schools, like Shawnee Mission Northwest. There, she began traveling around to different high schools in the area. She soon ended up as a part-time worker instead of the full-time she was doing.

“With me becoming a mom with my first baby, it was just like, I don’t think that’s the career path I really want at this point,” Wainscott said. “So I moved to a [part-time employee]. I was just working as needed.”

Wainscott began spending more time with her daughter and only working at busy events when she was needed to. She wasn’t looking for another job when the Sion position opened up.

“I was like, ‘why not,’” Wainscott said. “I really loved the prospect of the environment and the outlook.”

Since she joined the Sion community in

The new athletic trainer has a long history and passion for training.

DESIGN BY SOPHIA THOMAS CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

August, Wainscott has been exercising her passion and growing into her space.

“I think it’s great that we have a consistent athletic trainer,” Avila-Williams said. “She’s very knowledgeable. She knows the protocol for things.”

When she spends time after school taking care of the athletes, she often notices how nice the community is and the ease with which she has been welcomed in.

“I love it here, it’s amazing,” Wainscott said. “Being here this year helps foster a better relationship with the athletes.”

As Wainscott spends more time with student athletes, she also gets to see them grow and recover from devastating injuries. This is her favorite part of being an athletic trainer.

“Injuries always happen, it’s the lowest of [the athlete’s] low in their life sometimes,” Wainscott said. “Helping them and working through and watching them progress and get better, that’s fulfilling for me.”

Tiffany Wainscott tends to junior Hadley Clevenger’s ankle injury during a volleyball practice in the fall. PHOTO | ANNA AVILA-WILLIAMS

Gift Guide

Finding the perfect gift for a family member or friend can be challenging. Here are some gift ideas to make your job a little easier.

BY SANTINA BONINO COPY EDITOR AND SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

ALL ILLUSTRATIONS BY

BONINO

SANTINA

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