Notre Dame de Sion High School | Volume 48 | May 2026
SENIORS: PAGE 8
THE CLASS OF 2026’s STATISTICS
OPINION: PAGE 18
PICKING A MAJOR ISN’T A RACE
SENIORS: PAGE 20
SENIORS PLAN THEIR GRADUATION PARTIES
Microschool class went to Kenya
Senior water gun fights have new rules
their history and their traditions
it’s like auditioning for a college dance team
are exploring unique majors
By Sam Vergara
Congratulations
everybody! You’ve made it to the end of the year. Finals lie ahead, but you’ve knocked down another high school year. A special congratulations to the Class of 2026, whom this issue is all about.
Throughout this issue you’ll get a glimpse into the intense process of collegiate dance auditions (page 12), see where the Class of ‘26 is headed next, their advice (page 22) and an array of other stories inspired by you.
Find yourself on page 11 to learn about the reality of rushing and know what seniors have to say about rushing outfits. Or flip to page 21 to see what this year’s graduation dress is all about and some of the opinions regarding the tradition. To explore more from the senior class, explore the top majors
and some of the most unique ones on page 19. On page 17, read Senior Class President Merrill Patt’s letter to her younger self and go to page 16 to read the Le Journal staff’s editorial about senior pranks, and whether the positives outweigh the costs. Finally, to get a jump start on your summer, flip ahead to page 15 to view the staff’s summer book recommendations.
On almost every page, you’ll find details about where each senior is attending college, their funny stories from Sion, which teacher they’d take with them, advice to their freshman selves and more fun questions.
We hope you enjoy this issue and your summer. Once again, congrats to everybody you earned this summer break!
Special thanks to the entire Le Journal staff. You guys have really pulled through and killed it. Let’s have fun at Gloria Shields NSPA Media Workshop!
This year there are two seniors graduating from publications. Surriya Quddus and Adele Milligan have been on the Le Flambeau staff for two consecutive years.
They have worked additional after-school hours and long into the summer to provide awardwinning yearbooks for Sion. Their hard work and dedication has shaped the current publications team.
“Yearbook is some of the best time I’ve ever had in a classroom,” Milligan said. “I’ve gotten to know so many people and I now know some people I wouldn’t have known.”
Thank you for all your hard work and good luck far beyond Sion!
At the Magnolia event venue in the River Market, juniors and seniors celebrated prom April 18. Students danced, took photos and sang through the end of the night.
“I think it went pretty well. I thought the decorations looked good, the prom committee worked well as a team and we had a pretty good turnout,” junior and President of Prom Committee Sophia Roberts said.
PHOTO | SARA RIOS
The class of 2026 will graduate five Complete Sionians: Jessica Hamilton, Mia Hebert, Karmen Hopkins Walton, Lola Schirk and Nola StevensWatson. A complete Sionian has completed a continuous 12 years of education at Sion, or since First Grade.
“I’ve worn that same uniform for 13 years and I’ve been going to Sion for so long. It’s just crazy to think about how it’s almost over,” Hamilton said. “Sion really prepared me well for college and I just feel well equipped with what I need to know to go on in life.”
The five complete Sionians will be recognized at the awards ceremony, and presented with a medal,
A wrap up of the quarter’s major news, both locally and internationally.
BY DANIELLA JOHNSON CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The student directed and partially written performance, Night of One Acts, was performed April 24. Seniors Summer Bannigan, Heidi Nance, and Brooke Stewart directed the play. Thirteen other students participated in the production.
“It’s kind of an expression of students who want to try theatre with low stakes creative choices being made, which is really cool,” Stewart said.
PHOTO | ADELE MILLIGAN
a tradition that has been ongoing since the first Complete Sionians.
“I’m just especially close with them having been through absolutely everything, my whole childhood and high school. I think that’s special,” Schirk said. “It makes it harder [to graduate] because going to Sion’s been my entire life but I feel like I’m prepared for the next chapter.”
The Junior Ring ceremony took place May 3. As part of the ring tradition dating back to 1927, each junior received their ring from a senior or alumnae, signifying the passing down of responsibility and senior leadership to the Class of 2027.
“It’s so sad to see them go, but think it’s a really cool moment of picking up the mantel from them,” junior Lucia Cucar said. “We’re going to carry their legacy on.”
PHOTO | MAGGIE GRILLIOT
Advanced Placement testing for students will begin May 5 with AP Chemistry and conclude May 14 with AP Environmental Science.
“I’m very nervous but I know Dr. Hersh prepares us well,” sophomore Hazel Mallory said. “We’re getting a few days to study in class, so that’s going to alleviate some of the stuff I need to do at home.”
PHOTO | DANIELLA JOHNSON
ALL PHOTOS | REUTERS IMAGES
The NASA Artemis II mission returned from a 10 day lunar journey April 10. This mission marked the first time any person has been to the moon since 1972, the furthest humans have ever been from Earth - at 252,756 miles away - and a debut view of the far side of the moon. Artemis II carried four astronauts, including the first woman, Christina Koch, and non-American, Canadian Jeremy Hansen, to travel beyond Earth’s low orbit.
The United States launched missiles into Iran Feb. 28, sparking a multi-nation conflict throughout the Middle East. Nearly 50 key Iranian officers, including Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei, whose death was caused by a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike, have been killed. The U.S. has deployed over 50,000 troops into Iran, 13 of which have been killed and over 250 injured.
STORY AND DESIGN BY SOPHIA THOMAS CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Every year, a small group of students makes the trip to Kenya to conduct research. But what does the class actually look like?
If you walk into the library during fifth and sixth hour, you’ll find a small cohort of eight students discussing a range of topics. From poems to conservation to pandemic outbreaks, it seems that there is nothing that this class doesn’t talk about. This class is the Global Impacts Microschool, a signature course at Sion. Every year, the Microschool class travels to Kenya in order to conduct research in various fields and experience Kenyan culture. Students’ research is based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, a set of 17 goals that tackle issues such as poverty or environmental protections.
The research process began in November, when students completed mini research projects exploring a health related issue that featured a local non-profit health clinic, KC Care. Students worked in partners, which is different from the larger, individual research projects done during the second semester.
“Going to KC care was a really interesting and valuable experience,” junior Gracie Goforth said. “It allowed me to better understand what accessible healthcare looks like in my own community.”
In December, students selected a topic of interest and as a part of their winter final, created a research proposal for it.
“It was very tough because it was something that I haven’t done and it was a lot of work,” junior Maggie Grilliot said. “But the feeling of accomplishing it and seeing what I’d worked on was worth it.”
Starting this semester, Microschool students have been hard at work formulating their research, contacting community partners, conducting interviews, and writing their papers. Their work culminated in the annual Kenya trip, which was March 4 to March 18.
“[Leading up to Kenya] has been a lot of computer time,” junior Maria Carson said. “It has been a lot of looking at different websites, making sure these websites are credible, just gaining more background information so I would know what questions to ask when we went.”
While in Kenya, students visited two conservancies and two outside schools: the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Il Ngwesi, Pepo la Tumaini Jangwani Primary School and Leparua Primary School.
These various locations provided opportunities to learn about and continue research in multiple areas, including environmental conservation, rural healthcare and education and different farming methods.
“We got to visit [Lewa’s] Joint Operations Command center, and we talked to the Community Relations staff,” junior
Kate Suter said. “He gave me new insight on how the conservancy works, how their anti-poaching units work, and so I got a lot of really good insight.”
In addition to the research opportunities, students hung out with two Kenyan students and two experienced guides. They did various activities, such as going to an eco-lodge to learn about tourism and swim and make beading projects with a local women’s group.
“One of my favorite memories is when we went to the pool,” junior Alexius Wolff said. “It was so fun being able to connect in another way with my classmates.”
All of this work on their research projects will culminate in a showcase May 13 at Freedom Interiors. There, students will present their research and their experiences for an audience of teachers, incoming Microschool students, parents and anyone interested in what the Microschool has to offer.
“I’m really sad that the class is coming to an end just because I’m going to miss my Microschool girls,” junior Ella Gampper said. “I’m really looking forward to the showcase though and finally being able to present all of our hard work.”
You can scan the QR code below for more information on each student’s research project.
With new rules, travel deep dives and various controversies, the
water-gun battle royal, Senior Assassins, has felt like mission impossible.
STORY AND DESIGN BY LUELLA MOOK FEATURES EDITOR
For a $10 entry fee, every member of the Class of 2026 has the opportunity to participate in the annual game of Senior Assassins. For underclassmen ‘Senior Assassins’ might bring about memories of favorite seniors, long gone now, sprinting across parking lots after soccer practice, dodging water gun streams and screaming friends. This year, on the other hand, has felt a little different.
“Even though we’re arguing, people who haven’t talked have talked more times [about assassins] than they have all year. I think we’ve all kind of bonded together.” - Anna Millard, ‘26-
“It’s just kind of special this year,” senior organizer Anna Millard said. As the organizer, Millard had the responsibility of sharing rules, tracking progress, and managing the pot. The game was organized as a battle royale, the last person standing winning the money, composed of everyone’s entree fee, and the additional money made when eliminated players bought back in after the first round. This year the final prize money was $400.
“Either you have to hit your person or they get you in time,” Millard said. “If you don’t get out, but you also haven’t gotten your person, by the end of the seven days, then you are out.”
Rounds last one week. In typical tournament form, the number of competitors is halved each round. The game took a
break for Deep Dives and Spring Break. It lasted, in its entirety, over five weeks.
The game has changed this year with the addition of new rules, including a ‘no shooting in the parking lot’ policy. This was enacted mid-game after senior Maeve Riley took a tumble trying to get out a classmate.
“Brooke got out of her car and I was going to get her,” Riley said. “So I tried to run and go get her and jump over the bushes to get her. I tripped and fell over the bushes and fell on the ground.”
Senior Addie Hild was in the final three remaining in senior assassins. Hild feels wronged out of a win by the changes in rules, in particular the rule that details what happens players were out of
“[The rules] kept fluctuating,” Hild said. “But Anna did a great
The dispute centered around the addition of a rule stating that, if out of town for more than five days, players are given an extension for assassinating their target. On a trip to St. Louis for a Cardinals game, Hild claims to have been out of town for more than five days, but semantics in the definition of five days led to her elimination, and the ultimate culmination of the game.
So Riley and senior Peyton Preuss came away victorious, splitting the prize money and the pride of success.
“My favorite moment?” Riley said. “Winning.”
For Preuss her favorite moment was capturing an assassination on camera.
“I got paired up to shoot Brook Sobba, who’s one of my closest friends,” Preuss said. “And I was like ‘let’s make this TikTok’, then I pulled out my gun and I shot her.”
Despite the various controversies for Riley, Preuss and Millard, the game was still a positive experience.
“Even though we’re arguing, people who haven’t talked have talked more times [about assassins] than they have all year,” Millard said. “I think we’ve all kind of bonded together.”
The Divine 9 are the nine sororities and fraternities within the HBCU community. Here are four of them.
Founded in 1908 at Howard University. Their call is “Skeewee!”
Founded in 1911 at Indiana University. Their call is “Throw your diamonds in the sky!”
Founded in 1911 at Howard University. Their call that they are known for is “Roo!”
STORY BY ADDISON PORTER A&E EDITOR
“HU…You Know!” If you’ve stepped on campus at either Howard University or Hampton University, this chant is second nature. “HU…You Know!” is filled with pride, competitiveness, and strength. The two universities share one of the most wellknown rivalries among Historically Black Colleges and Universities, with students on both sides proudly and confidently claiming the title behind those two letters: HU.
Yet beyond rivalry and historic school pride, Howard, Hampton, and other HBCUs share something much deeper. HBCUs across the country were built on the mission of developing students who are not only successful in their careers but confident in who they are and the impact they want to make on the world.
Founded in 1913 at Howard University. Known for their call of “Red Hot!”
HBCUs make up approximately three percent of colleges and universities in the United States. Yet their impact is far greater. Nearly 80 percent of Black judges, 70 percent of Black doctors, and 50 percent of Black lawyers have attended an HBCU. For two centuries, these institutions have fostered generations of leaders and changemakers. Former Vice President Kamala Harris attended Howard University and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., while Stacey Abrams attended Spelman College and served for 11 years in the Georgia House of Representatives. These women are among many HBCU graduates who have made lasting impacts on our society.
The legacy of these institutions began in 1837, when the first historically Black college was founded. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania was created Feb. 25, 1837, originally known as the African Institute. The school later became known as the Institute for Colored Youth. Cheyney was first established to provide African-
Americans with education in trades, agriculture, and mechanical skills during a time when most colleges in the United States refused to admit Black students.
As the nation changed following the Civil War, more HBCUs were founded to educate newly freed enslaved people and provide opportunities that had long been denied to them. Many of these institutions began as schools focused on teaching, industrial skills, and basic education, eventually growing into comprehensive colleges and universities that offered a wide range of academic programs.
Over time, as segregation laws were dismantled during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, HBCUs opened their doors to students of all races while continuing to maintain their historic mission of empowering Black students and communities.
Today, HBCUs continue to build on that legacy. Predominantly, these Institutions remain committed to developing wellrounded students. That same motivation is reflected within Sion as well. In the past 10 years, four Sion students have attended an HBCU.
HBCUs will forever be dedicated to preparing students to become leaders in their fields and in their communities.
The chant “HU…You Know!” represents school pride and competition, but it also symbolizes a shared legacy of excellence and opportunities that continue to shape generations of leaders and change makers.
University
Kansas
Proudest
Hardest
University
Seniors top four favorite checkout spots:
Seniors were polled on their high school stats. BY
RILEY PINTADO NEWS & SPORTS EDITOR
For two seniors, a lifelong commitment to their sport has turned into a commitment to compete in college.
STORY AND DESIGN BY LUELLA MOOK FEATURES EDITOR
Even before freshmen step into the building on the first day of class, many have already been recruited to play a sport in high school. At new student night, tables are set up, encouraging the incoming freshman class to try cross country, or maybe field hockey, or if that’s not their thing, how about softball?
Many of us claim the identity of ‘athlete’ while in high school, but very few continue that journey in college. This year the class of 2026 has two impressive athletes taking their sport to the next level.
“I’ve been playing soccer since I was probably 3,” senior commit Mia Hebert said. “When I was little I wanted to play in college, and I knew that.”
After 15 years of soccer, Hebert has committed to play at Vanderbilt University, a Division I university in Nashville, Tenn. Their women’s soccer team is ranked eighth
“Trust in yourself and trust the process.” - Avery Young, ‘26 “don’t give up and don’t compare yourself to other people.”
- Mia Hebert, ‘26
in the nation. For Hebert, the recruitment process began as soon as sophomore year was over.
“It was pretty stressful. All of sophomore year I was looking for schools that I want to go to,” Hebert said. “Then after August first, I was able to go on visits and I went on five.”
For Hebert, visits included being flown out by the school, watching a game and then getting dinner with players and coaches.
“Vanderbilt was my fifth [visit]. And I just kind of knew that that was the place for me,” Hebert said. “The
school. The coaches. It just felt right.”
Senior Avery Young is committed to play basketball at Baker University, a private Methodist university in Baldwin City, Kan. that competes in NAIA Division I. Similar to Hebert, her love of the sport has been a life long commitment, beginning at the age of 6 years old.
“I’ve known since fourth grade I wanted to play in college,” Young said. “I went to Baker for a camp and I’ve known the coach for a while. After the camp I decided right on the spot that I was going to commit.”
For Young, it’s the competitive nature of the sport that keeps her coming back.
“I feel like you have to be competitive to be in the sport,” Young said. “If you’re not competitive, then it’s just not very fun at all.”
The recruitment process can be stressful contacting coaches, sending e-mails and doubting your skills.
“Just don’t give up and don’t compare yourself to other people and their process,” Hebert said. “Some people commit early on and then some people commit their senior year, or late their junior year. I don’t really think that when you commit matters. I think it’s just that you feel comfortable with the school.”
For athletes currently in the depths of the recruiting process, Young has one vital piece of advice.
“Trust in yourself,” Young said. “And trust the process.”
The process of rushing a sorority has many facets.
STORY BY SANTINA BONINO COPY AND SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
DESIGN BY NORA GEDNEY DESIGN EDITOR
For many college freshmen, rushing is a big part of campus life. Despite how fun being in a sorority might sound, the rushing process can be very stressful and overwhelming. Strict dress codes and social expectations, result in many girls planning their outfits months in advance.
Half of the 2026 graduating seniors intend to rush. Even with this excitement, there is so much pressure to be perfect. Rushing has multiple rounds, each very different, and girls find the need to be in the best attire.
Every college rushes differently, but the excitement from the girls are all similar. Senior Ainsley Switzer, who plans to rush at Kansas State University, said she feels a mixture between nerves and excitement.
“Obviously I’m a bit nervous, but I know whatever happens will work out,” Switzer said. She also added that the dress code actually helps because it gives her an idea of what to wear instead of having to guess.
Senior Merrill Patt is planning on rushing at the University of Iowa and is going in blind to sorority recruitment.
“I am nervous because I don’t know anything about the rush process at the University of Iowa, but I know that I want to find a sorority that shares similar values and the people are people I would want to stay close with for many years after college.” Patt said.
Senior Lola Schirk opinion as she’s going to rush at The University of Kansas.
“I am pretty nervous for rush because I’m kind of going in blind since no one in my family was in a sorority,” Schirk said. “But I am mainly just excited.”
Even with all the stress that revolves around rushing, one of the biggest parts is the dress code. Each day has a different vibe, so the girls have to plan for 3-7 outfits.
Senior Madeline Green attending Baylor University, is extremely excited for the outfits for each day. She already has some of them planned.
“For open house, I think I am going to wear skirts with the Panhellenic shirt both days,” Green said. “For philanthropy, I am going for a homecoming vibe mini dress. For
sisterhood, I am planning to rewear a strapless floral House of CB dress I already own. Lastly, for preference, I am searching for a cute southern style mini dress with puffed sleeves.”
Just as Green said, girls tend to plan each outfit with specific intent and realize the days are so different. Open House is pretty casual, but Preference Night is more dressy. Girls try finding outfits that can help get them recognized but still on theme.
Outfits can also get pricey, especially because you need a new one eachday. Some girls are trying to find ways around that. Senior Siobhan O’Connor said she is thinking about renting clothes instead of buying all new ones.
“I love having to get new dresses because I don’t like wearing the same dress twice,” O’Connor said. “I want to get a Nuuly or Rent the Runway subscription for the events.”
Even with all the planning, most girls say they are the most excited for Bid Day, which is when they find out which sorority they get into and finally meet their future sisters.
“I think I’m most excited about Bid Day,” Green said.
Karmen Hopkins Walton Hardest
University
BY SANTINA BONINO COPY AND SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
It’s officially college dance team tryout season. This is something many dancers look forward to since they were little girls being inspired by their dance big sisters committed to dance at colleges all over the world.
Senior Karleigh Miller recently finished tryouts for the Alabama Dance Team and became a member of the team. Although we only see the instagram posts of girls who made it, we don’t see the long nights, hours of practice and all the stress that comes with this process.
For Miller, one of the most challenging processes of the tryouts was her filming the audition videos. This took more time than one would expect.
“The videos were about two minutes long, and for the technique video I had to submit it without cutting the video. This meant I had to film multiple skills, without messing up, all in one take,” Miller said. “If I messed up on a turn earlier in the video, then I had to redo it. It took me around a couple of hours to get a take that I was finally happy with.”
Even with the stress and pressure Miller had some moments that really made the experience worth it, like meeting new people and getting to learn all about them. She met some girls on the Alabama dance team and clicked with them instantly.
“I already feel like I know everyone on the team. They are all so nice, and you can tell the team is always putting in their work.” Miller said. “They have a great team mentality, and talking with them was always one of my favorite parts of the clinics. “
Since Miller has been dancing for such a long time, she’s wanted to dance in college for quite a minute.
“Dance has always been such a big part of my life,” Miller said. “I wanted to keep training at a high level, but still go to a school and have that experience. Being on the Bama dance team allows me to keep training at a high level, while also getting to perform at fun football and basketball games.”
Similar to Miller, senior Hayden Zschoche just finished tryouts at Kansas State University to be a Classy Cat. Zschoche was ecstatic to find out she made the team.
“I always knew I wanted to continue dancing and college was the next step from graduating high school,” Zschoche said. Zschoche made the decision to attend K-State based on many things. She wanted to find a school that was right for her, but also had a dance team she felt comfortable being on,
“I tried many clinic until i figured out what team would be the right fit for me as a person and that’s when I went to a K-State clinic and realized this is the next path for me to take tried out and made the team and am so incredible honored to continue dancing” Zschoche said.
Before fully committing to Alabama,
Miller visited Ole Miss, Samford and Auburn. She enjoyed all of them but realized that Alabama felt like home. She didn’t realize this until the summer before senior year which is very late compared to others when they started going to clinics freshman year.
Despite that disadvantage, she did everything she could to help her chances at making the team. She was noticed at a dance convention and made it a priority to stay in contact with the dance coach.
“I introduced myself to the coach at Prodigy, and she talked to me after the event,” Miller said. “From there I sent e-mails to her saying I was excited for the upcoming clinic, then after that I would send an email thanking her for the opportunity to attend the event.”
Alabama’s dance tryout process is a little different than some colleges. Instead of in person tryouts, they were required to send videos in. There were multiple rounds and submissions required.
“I submitted my videos, then a couple months later I got an e-mail about an interview, and then I made the team,” Miller said.
While the process required a lot of difficult things, Miller admitted the hardest part for her was waiting.
“Waiting after I submitted everything and after I went to clinics was so tough.” Miller said. It was constantly on my mind when I would get an update which made the time I did so much more exciting. “
Although this process took a lot out of her, she was very open to giving advice to girls who are thinking about dancing in college and taking that next step.
“It’s never too late to begin training to try out for a dance team. There is a school that will feel right for you, and with hard work you can make your dream team,” Miller said. “Do not be afraid to put yourself out there. Coaches love it when you show that you are interested in their program and are dedicated to the school.”
Miller also believes that being kind and getting to know people can help the process feel so much more comfortable. She believes this was one of the best parts of the whole tryout process.
“Another thing is to be open to meeting new dancers.” Miller said. “I know so many people who have made multiple dance teams, and some of my new teammates are dancers I first met at other clinics and conventions.”
Miller’s journey has already started to inspire younger dancers at Sion who hope to follow a similar path.
“I first knew I wanted to go to Alabama and hopefully dance there when I was visiting my sister and we went to the football game,” junior Channing Chambers said. “I already knew that the girls were so talented, but after seeing it in person I decided to go to a clinic.”
Chambers, who still has a year before tryouts, says seeing former Sion dancers pursue college dance has motivated her to take that next step.
Hardest class?
Funniest memory?
Dressing up as the Lorax for Storm
What’s your major?
University of Missouri
Favorite experiential education memory?
What teacher would you take with you?
I
University of Missouri
Finals horror story?
Favorite place at sion? Favorite English book?
University of Kansas
What will you miss the most?
My amazing friends!.... and the GroupMe drama.
Favorite class?
Proudest accomplishment?
Kansas State University
University of ColoradoBoulder
University
Arizona
Three seniors who were voted by their class for having the biggest glow-up since freshman year.
BY ELENA VERGARA REPORTER
Review by Santina Bonino Copy and Social Media Editor
“The Summer of Broken Rules” by K.L. Walther is a romantic and coming to age novel centered around Meredith Fox. Meredith has been coming to Martha’s Vineyard since she was a little girl, however this year is different. It’s Meredith’s first year back since her sister’s tragic passing in a car crash. Meredith is stressed and nervous to go without her sister, but knows she must because her cousin is getting married so her whole family will be there. After arriving in Martha’s Vineyard, she becomes determined to win the annual family assassin water gun game. As she progresses through the game, we see the amount of growth she achieves and
“Fher progress to overcome substantial grief. During the game, Meredith hurts a groomsman, Wit, by accident. Strangely enough, he wasn’t upset but instead intrigued with her. They end up clicking and she opens up to him with multiple things, but especially her sisters passing. She teams up with Wit but she ends up getting out by her uncle. Wit won, she thought she’d be upset but it really just showed her that even though she misses her sister doesn’t mean she needs to become her.
I loved this book so much! It’s such a fun Summer read and a very calming one too. I rate this book a 4/5 because the romance part was good but the whole story wasn’t fully centered around it. We get to see Meredith go through so much personal growth and it’s very inspiring.
Review by Sophia Thomas Co-Editor-in-Chief
irst Time Caller” by B.K. Borison follows a radio show host who works on Heartstrings, a romance hotline in Baltimore. When a young girl calls in for advice about her single mom, it sets off a chain of events that eventually lead the host, Aiden, and the single mom, Lucie, starting a radio series together where Lucie tries to find love. Lucie has the whole city of Baltimore charmed, but can she find the one?
I really enjoyed this book! It involves a really unique situation— I feel like you don’t often see single moms portrayed in romance books, especially single moms with a good relationship with the father of the child. The relationships other than the main one are written so well and elevate the characters beyond what a romantic relationship could do.
The main relationship in this book is also so adorable (for those who love tropes: grumpy x sunshine, slow burn), and it was entirely believable, which is often the hardest part for me for romances. The banter, feelings, dates, all of it was just there! Seeing the relationship evolve throughout the book was definitely one of the highlights. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartwarming, realistic romance. And if you like this book, it’s part of a connected universe. Book two (named “And Now, Back to You”) is out now, so you can enjoy this series even further.
Senior Prank isn’t just a prank but the conclusion of the seniors time at Sion, but
very year, seniors across the nation look forward to pranking their schools as one final hurrah to the school. Senior prank should be to be a lighthearted celebration of seniors’ time at school and the ending of that chapter in their lives. In the past, Sion seniors have received infractions and detentions for their senior prank. And yes, that makes sense to a certain extent. The prank can be disruptive to students and faculty. But senior prank is a nation wide tradition should be celebrated instead of being frowned upon and disciplined
It takes away the reason to even do senior prank if you have to worry about not walking at graduation. What is supposed to be fun and
Instead of being a real tradition that seniors can enjoy together, it turns into
As long as it doesn’t cause harm to the student body or teachers, there shouldn’t be any misconduct appropriated.
What makes this even more frustrating is how seriously senior pranks are treated compared to other senior traditions that carry much bigger risks. Take senior splash, for example. This is a game played nationwide where seniors drive around trying to eliminate their targets with water guns. Somehow, teenagers driving across Kansas and Missouri with objects that could easily be mistaken for real weapons do not receive the same concern as harmless school pranks.
Senior prank is contained, lighthearted, and happens on campus. Senior splashes have far more potential for misunderstanding. Yet the senior prank is treated like the bigger problem. It makes sense that senior splash happens outside of school hours, which limits the school’s responsibility. But those students still represent Sion. If safety is the concern, it should be applied consistently. But instead of punishing the tradition, maybe it’s time to rethink it.
Teachers could be part of the senior prank each year, and the prank was on the students instead. With this being Principal Ellen
Carmody’s last year, imagine making her part of the senior prank and creating something fun and memorable for everyone. Bring in Alex Rodriguez for an Elephant toothpaste senior prank. Or Rick Knowles, and bring in some animals to put in the lunch room. It keeps the spirit of surprise while removing the tension of getting in trouble.
Senior prank doesn’t have to be erased but evolve.
By re-imagining the tradition in a way that includes both students and staff, Sion can keep what makes senior year special while still maintaining respect and safety. Because at the end of the day, senior year is about memories, and tradition shouldn’t be lost when there’s a way we can preserve them.
Date: 5/5/26
Name: Susie Sion
Cause: Senior Prank
Why
University
Senior class president Merrill Patt writes a letter to her younger self.
University
Isit here, writing this letter, questioning how I have changed over the past four years. The years I thought would never come are here. I look at myself on the surface level and feel I haven’t changed all that much, but I know if I look deeper, I will see meaningful change that I have strived for as I’ve grown.
You sit in a circle in the gym, saying your first name, what middle school you went to, and a fun fact about yourself, hoping to click with someone else. It’s scary to put yourself out there, especially if you don’t know anyone. Who will I be friends with? Fears of judgment, loneliness, and fitting in cloud your mind. You walk into Arod’s class, unsure where to sit, feeling that constant urge to belong.
THOMAS CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
turned out okay. Stressing over a B won’t do you any good. You are still the caring, empathetic, independent girl we all know. Even though nothing fell into place the way you thought it would, I am so proud of you. You made it to the finish line of something you thought would never come: the Class of 2026. That sure did seem far away back in 2022.
And if you’re still wondering where you belong, don’t worry, you’ll
I wish I could tell you this will be easy, that high school is always fun, with no bumps and bruises. There will be times when you sit in Ms. Glatz’s office, wondering if you made the right decision. Wishing you had a solid group of friends, it can feel lonely. A “what if” nags in the back of your mind, telling you you’ve made a mistake. But every day, it gets a little bit better. And at the end of this, you’ll realize there is nowhere else you could ever end up. I want you to know that these times shape you.
Honestly, if I could go back to my freshman-year self, I would probably cry, then laugh, then smack you on the side of the head to remind you that progress is never linear. Mistakes are normal. You are going to hurt your friends’ feelings, apologize, then accidentally do it again. You are going to laugh until your stomach hurts during class and remember why you loved Sion when you shadowed. That self-doubt you’re feeling, about not belonging, about not being enough for yourself or others, won’t last. The world keeps moving, and so will you. Who knew that after four years, you would become so much more confident in yourself? Looking back, I’m almost surprised myself.
I want you to know that you
Don’t stress about declaring a major.
BY RILEY PINTADO NEWS & SPORTS EDITOR
High schoolers don’t receive enough credit. When we, as students, enter our freshman year, high school is marketed as a fun and carefree period, claiming that these four years will be the best. With their whole lives still ahead of them, there’s no way to know for certain if they were lied to. However, there’s one thing that nearly every student can recognize. While high school definitely has its ups, the downs are filled with packed schedules, intense but senseless drama, demanding academic stress and the weight of your future looming overhead.
Think about it. Society tells us that the outcome of your life depends on how well you performed in school as a teenager. After working hard their entire high school careers just for the opportunity to be accepted into college, 17-and 18-year-olds are faced with a pressure to have their entire life path and career already planned out. Ergo, this leads many seniors to declare their major prematurely due to the fear of falling behind their peers. According to Best Colleges, this ultimately causes 75 percent of students to change their majors at least once before they graduate college. While in the long term, rather than feeling stuck in an unsuitable and unfulfilling career path, it is preferable for a student to switch majors if they feel the one they chose no longer resonates with their plan for the future. However, a switch may cause a delayed graduation, and more tuition. So, in the end, a student who declared early to avoid feeling behind, would ultimately feel like they were playing catch-up with their peers.
According to Drake University, an estimated 20-50 percent of students begin their freshmen year of college as open enrolled, or undecided. Therefore, it’s perfectly normal to enter college without
declaring. In fact, there are many benefits. For example, it allows a student to consider all their options. College is a time of self discovery. Therefore, by entering as an undecided major, one is allowed the freedom to explore other areas of study while completing their general education requirements. It allows students to find what they’re passionate about. Some may even be surprised by what they gravitate towards.
In addition, you may have the opportunity to raise your overall GPA. Drake University states on their website that if given the chance to raise your GPA through general education courses, it will allow your application to stand out among those who are applying straight out of high school when submitting an application to be in a certain major. While not all schools require applications to be in a major, it is a great option for those who do.
Lastly, it allows a student to avoid taking unnecessary classes. Committing to a major too early will most likely result in courses that do not align with one’s academic path. According to Saint John’s University majors has the potential to limit the transfer of credits, which may force a student to retake classes.
Sion is a rigorous school, and senior year, while sentimental and full of memories, is also stressful and chaotic. Between prepping and
planning for our many traditions, applying to college and fighting senioritis, seniors are already under a lot of pressure. As a college preparatory school, students are expected to work their hardest throughout their time at Sion in order to be accepted into college.
As a result, 100 percent of the class of 2025 got into one of their top two schools. That’s impressive. Despite the air of expectation to succeed cultivated here, getting into college is hard. It’s a feat not everyone is able to accomplish. So as a senior, one should celebrate. A student should not diminish their achievements due to the stress of picking out a major, when you are unsure about what you want for your future.
Therefore, don’t rush into anything, slow
As the graduating class of 2026 makes their final choices for college find the paths in which they would like to study, two seniors in particular have made unique decisions of what they will be pursuing in the years to
BY CLAIRE STEINER WEB EDITOR
here are various majors to choose from when beginning college: STEM, business, pre-med... the list goes on and on. While there seems to be more common majors chosen by students, others take different and more unique paths with certain motives and dreams in mind.
Adele Milligan takes a unique yet quite familiar approach, in her case, to her major as she chooses Drake to pursue her musical theater aspirations. Being part of the yearbook staff and involved in reporting and writing, Milligan was dead set on majoring in journalism. In fact, until the 2025 summer, Milligan had not thought of majoring in anything else. Yet after an impactful conversation with a friend majoring in acting, she made a life altering realization.
“I realized I didn’t want to leave it behind,” Milligan said. “I’ve been doing musical theater since I was 8, so it’s a really big part of my life.”
Beginning at a young age, Milligan has constantly been invested in musical theater inside and outside school. Since she was 8 years old, Milligan has been part of the company Stage Right, participating and taking lead roles in musicals produced.
“I did “Urinetown” last summer, which is such an odd musical title but it’s one of the funniest shows I’ve ever done,” Milligan said. “Then when we did “Wizard of Oz.” It was really cool because it was the first time I’ve ever had a lead.”
While playing Glinda in the “Wizard of Oz,” Milligan had the revelation of what it could be like if she pursued this in the foreseeable future.
This love she said she feels for musical theater also stems from her love for her cast mates.
“People who do theater are some of the most kind people I’ve ever met and I don’t want to leave them behind,” Milligan said.
Now, Milligan decided to take the path of majoring in acting and minoring in MT at Drake. She plans on taking the stage and immersing herself in all it has to offer.
Senior Lauren Walls approaches her major with passion and excitement as she decided on
pursuing fashion merchandising. From the very beginning, Walls has been immersed in fashion. Her mom and sister, loving clothes, introduced her to a passion which drove her ambitions of creating something more.
“I have a passion for owning my own boutique one day and having a clothing line,” Walls said.
Growing up in Dallas, Texas, Walls was surrounded by beautiful booths stacked with clothing from various businesses making an impact on her love for fashion before she moved to Kansas City.
Earlier this year, Walls was able to join on the Deep Dive to Waco, Texas where they learned about interior design but along the way, she was able to revisit the Dallas Market Center where she saw these booths. It strengthened her passions, making a full circle moment. Additionally, during winter break, Walls was able to learn about the fashion world through the very own “fashion bible.”
“I got to hear from people that work at Vogue,” Walls said, “and learn what it’s like to work in the fashion industry.”
Her love for fashion stems from not only her childhood but her personal interests and drives. Fashion trends, in which styles, clothing, fabrics and accessories rapidly change, seem to grab the attention of Walls as well as the need for a versatile piece for ageless perfection.
“I find it interesting how people can go from one thing to another so fast,” Walls said, “and how you can create something that’s timeless but also trendy at the same time.”
Walls plans on majoring in fashion merchandising and minoring in digital marketing at LSU surrounded by the culture of New Orleans. In the future, Walls plans on using her skills to become a buyer for a company to choose what is placed in stores or to have a boutique of her own with her mom.
“I think my mom and I would be great partners,” Walls said. “My mom always supports me in what I want to do.”
BY DANIELLA JOHNSON CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
As seniors prepare to graduate and leave home, grad parties are a “last hurray” to celebrate their many accomplishments.
April and May are filled year after year with many of the same anticipated occurrences: budding gardens, rainy days, the sound of birds, the end of school in sight. And as a high schooler, graduation parties inevitably become added to this list. In the invitations received and festive afternoons, each graduation party is four years in the making.
“A grad party is like a celebration of all that we’ve accomplished over our past four years, and then also what’s to come,” senior Ava Wickenhauser said. “It’s really good to just celebrate with your friends, family and extended family and family friends an achievement that you’ve had, and look forward to the future.”
Grad parties tend to carry a similar bittersweetness in the ending of a monumental chapter, and the anticipation of a new one. Yet in the significance these celebrations hold, seniors are able to just enjoy themselves in the planning process.
“I like doing it with a group because it’s fun to plan things with Sion friends that I would otherwise have to do by myself and you kind of get to brainstorm together,” Wickenhauser said. “It’s also more fun because I get to see all of their various friends who I may not have known outside of the grad party.”
Students begin planning a month or two in advance. Preparation includes choosing a theme, catering food, and sending out invites. Some popular themes are Love Shack Fancy, floral spring and memory lane.
“We’re doing a dirty soda bar, so we’re going to have different types of mix-ins and syrups, kind of like Swig. Adele [Milligan’s] ordering one of the banners, and we’re going to have Drake and Mizzou on them,” senior Anna Millard said. “We’re also planning to have a little book to write notes and we’ll have time with family and friends as a send off to say goodbye.”
However, with 71 Sion seniors and many graduating friends from outside of school, details like organizing to host at different times and differentiating your party in its own way can create an added challenge.
“It was kind of interesting trying to find a good day and trying to schedule a time that would work for parents and everyone, and make sure they have the day off. Our grad party’s in early June which is different from a lot of people,” Millard said. “Having a day that is separate is nice so we can go to others and not have to worry about hosting that day.”
Once the day finally arrives, when senior year is over and the planning is done, the past four years will be captured and relived with those who created our experience alongside us.
“All my friends and family are going to be there, and I’m going to have a bunch of my babysitting kids come. I’m hosting with my cousin and we’re having a bounce house, pickle ball and outdoor games,” senior Mclean Williams said. “Just seeing all the people I know and love, and having them together in one place [will make it successful].”
The longstanding tradition of the graduation dress has a lengthy process in order to select it.
BY NORA GEDNEY DESIGN EDITOR
There is a multi-step process to choosing the senior graduation dress. The process for picking a graduation dress is multiple steps. First, in the fall of senior year a handful of people from the senior student council go to a bridesmaids dress store to look for a handful of options to bring back to try on and show our grade. There is however a list of guidelines for what the dress can and cannot look like.
Next, they have a class meeting where they look over the prices and styles of each dress that was chosen, allowing people to try them on and see them all in person before they vote on our top three.
Then, once they have narrowed down a top three, they vote for the actual dress they will all wear then schedule appointment times to go get sized so that they are able to order them and get them altered in time for May.
While all the seniors give input on the dress, it still always comes with some controversy. No matter what the dress is, people will always have different opinions on it. Some love the dress, like senior Nora Conway. “I actually really love our grad dress this year, I think it is super elegant and flattering and everyone in our grade will look beautiful in them as we all graduate together,” Conway said.
She said that she would like some more options when choosing the dress.
“I would maybe have enjoyed a few more options with lightweight fabric options because lots of the options that were shown to the Senior Class were thick fabric that weren’t going to be as comfortable or elegant as what we wanted or had previously
had,” Conway said. “So it narrowed down the options more than would’ve been ideal when choosing because there were only about two dresses with the fabric we all agreed on.”
Another perspective about the dress comes from senior Surriya Quddus.
“The grad dress was the one I voted for, but I regret it. I think everyone was hyping it up so much that it led me to think it was the best option,” Quddus said.
Modesty has been a problem for Quddus too this year.
“I really wanted another option. It was really classy. With this dress, I am having a hard time being modest with it,” Quddus said. “Since I am Muslim, I have to be modest and cover my shoulders. With this grad dress, it has one shoulder, which makes it harder to cover.”
Sometimes too many options can be the problem. It is hard to really focus on one dress when you are being shown so many different styles of a white dress.
“I think I would change the process by not having too many options. I got overwhelmed with the choices,” Quddus said. “Plus, I think maybe to either send it in an e-mail to see the options first, or even discuss with the whole class what we might want for our dress, before they look for dresses.”
BY NORA GEDNEY DESIGN EDITOR
“Take a deep breath and believe in yourself. You are on your own path and never need to rush life’s process. You have the best supportive family and there are so many good things waiting for you in high school.”
“Get involved and put yourself out there. It’s always good to meet more people and join more clubs and activities.”
“High school goes by so fast. Soak up every single moment and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.”
BY NORA GEDNEY DESIGN EDITOR
With seniors moving into another chapter of their lives, here are a few suggestions to best prepare them to feel most at home in their new living areas.
BY CLAIRE STEINER WEB EDITOR
When you become bored of the same dining hall food or need a little snack throughout the day, having microwavable meals or prepacked snacks in your dorm comes in handy. By purchasing food for your dorm, you are able save money and have ready-to-go food on hand. $15-$25 | Purchase at your local grocery store
A common issue with students is feeling content in their dorm at any time. Brining a mattress topper gives you a plushy place to sit and lie down at all times of the day whether that be to finish up some homework or watch TV before hitting the sack. $50$80 | $50 on Wayfair
Hunger can thirst for something fresh or cold is an obstacle some college students run into. Having a mini fridge freezer helps keep things cool for days, helps the left overs last longer, and saves you a trip back to the dining halls. $80-$150 | $100 at Target
Speaking of beds, sleep is absolutely paramount to having a good school year. What better way to keep yourself well rested and relaxed then by adding more comfort and a personal touch into your room. $20-$100 | $70 at Pottery Barn
Staying healthy is a priority in the majority of people’s lives but some tend to miss the need for clean air as well. To help steer yourself clear of any invisible bacteria floating around, air filters will do the job. They minimize risk so you can go out and have fun on campus. $50-$200 | $100 at Target
When it comes to health and ease, having a water source you can trust and is ready any time your are in your dorm is vital. Being unworried about funky tasting water or how safe it truly is where a water filter becomes beneficial. It can also save trips to the water fountain like if you needed water in the middle of the night. $15-$50 | $40 on Brita
Temperature is almost always guaranteed to never fit your exact requirements. Make your life easier by having a fan to change the temperature to what you like best. Comfort is important to feel at home in your dorm so providing your self the ability to be cool on a summers day and warm in the winter makes a worlds difference. $15-$100 | $15 at Target
A pleasant smell is key to a cozy dorm. Scent diffuser can create relief on a stressful day or add balance to life in the dorms. Scents like a calming warm vanilla or a vibrant tropical paradise give a fragrance to wake up to and feel ready for a new day as well as adding personal style to the room. $15-$30 | $20 at Target
With so many devices at your hands - lights, phone, computer, watch - one plug per person is not going to cut it. Having a multi plug fixes the fights of who gets to charge what and is essential for helping you be prepared for your next day of classes.
$5-$30 | $6 at Target
The number one necessity in a dorm is the ability to feel at home whenever you need it. Whether it be pictures of your friends, family, pets or your favorite things, personal photos can make you smile on a day when you need it most or and help include yourself in all aspects of the room. $5-$25 | $6 printed off Shutterfly
BY ELENA VERGARA REPORTER
The class of 2026 is going to 22 different states this year.
DESIGN
BY
SOPHIA THOMAS CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
KYLEIGH SAFFOLD • MCLEAN WILLIAMS
• ALISSON ZAMUDIO
• KARMEN HOPKINS
WALTON • GABRIELA
CENICEROS • BAILEY HEIM
QUDDUS • JULIE
DANDA • MALAIKA IMRAN • RINI SCOTT • REMY GARCIA
• AINSLEY SWITZER
• NATALIE DIERKS • HAYDEN ZSCHOCHE • ISABELLA RUIZ • LOLA
SHIRK • AVERY YOUNG
• ZOE KATZ • MEREDITH
DALY • MO SYMANSKI • EVELYN KIEWIET
LOREN CLARKSON • BURKE SUTTON • ADDIE HILD • REESE JOHNSON • AMARIS DYKE • OLIVIA ISMERT • JESSICA HAMILTON • LUCY GROMOWSKY • ADDIE BAUMGARTNER • MAIRA EDWARDS-GONZALEZ • LINETTE CARRISOZA-PENA • WENDY CASTRO • SELANNA MUNJAK-KHOURY • GIANA JUAREZ • LYDIA MEIER • ANNA MILLARD
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