March 2021

volume 39

LeJOURNAL Notre Dame de Sion High School | March 2021

FEATURE: PAGE 8

ON THE COVER: PAGE 14

SPORTS: PAGE 22

TEACHERS IMPLEMENT BLACK HISTORY MONTH INTO THIER TEACHING

KANSAS CITY’S ONGOING SEGREGATION AND ITS HISTORICAL ROOTS

CHEER AND DANCE SEASONS ARE EXTENDED DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS

what’s inside news and sports

04-05

Modified Sion Olympics

14-17

Rolling Power Outages

Kansas City Race Relations

08-09

Live Gala Auction Items

Teachers Celebrate

Black History Month

20-21

Spring Sports Captains

Grace Dobbels

Culinary Queen

24-25

Lilly Sutherlin

Karate Kid

LeJOURNAL. 2020 // 2021 LE JOURNAL IS THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF NOTRE DAME DE SION HIGH SCHOOL - 10631 WORNALL ROAD - KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI 64114

MEMBER

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS

Le Journal accepts letters to the editors in response to published articles. Letters must be signed, verifie, and no longer than 200 words. Letters may be edited for length, grammar, spelling and content. Letters will not be printed if content is obscene, invasive, ecouraging disruption of school and/or is libelous.

PRINTER

Neal/Settle Printing, Grandview MO

02 // LeJournal

10-11

Historical Segregation

AP tests with COVID-19

12-13

Shopping Locally

Prison & NonViolent Crime

a&e

22-23

Dance & Cheer Modified

Past, Present & Future

features

06-07

Kairos & The Sion Gala

opinions

cover story

PRINT CO-EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Madeline Hammett Avery Brundige

PRINT MANAGING EDITOR Morgan Herriott

NEWS & SPORTS EDITOR Kate McCarthy

EDITORIALS EDITOR

Liv Zender

A&E EDITOR Ella Rogge

FEATURES EDITOR

Ava Albracht

PHOTO EDITORS

Kate Conway & Keely Schieffer

WEBSITE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Maggie McKinney

video content editor Catherine Crayon

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Grace Hills

COPY EDITOR

Sofia Aguayo

REPORTERS Brianna Legette Lauren Shaw Callie Cameron

18-19

Firefly Lane & Bakery

Black Owned Businesses

26-27

Spring Break in

Kansas City

Student Buy Your Yearbooks!

Yearbooks are still for sale! The Le Flambeau staff is working hard to create a beautiful book full of cherished memories during this crazy year. Please scan the QR code to be taken the site to purchase a yearbook.

Search for Notre Dame de Sion and choose a yearbook package for your student today! If you have any questions you can email Valerie Crook at vcrook@ndsion.edu or Sophia Allen at sophia. allen@ndsion.edu.

editors’ink

H

ello beautiful people!

Happy almost spring break!

With quarter four starting off strong, students are eager for summer break to arrive. Le Journal is excited to bring you our fifth issue and final cover story of the 20202021 school year. Remember to keep up the good work as this year comes to a close. Summer will be here before we know it.

This issue discusses the historical segregation of Kansas City and its effects on our community today. Pages 16 and 17 detail statistics and give an in-depth dive into what segregation in Kansas City looks like with a lot of input from key community leaders.

Flip to page 11 to read about the way AP tests will change due to COVID-19. Finally, turn to page 26 to look at some cool ideas for what to do over spring break while staying local.

This issue highlights some unique members of our school.

Read about freshman Lilly Sutherlin’s passion for teaching and participating in karate on page 24 and flip to page 20 to look at some of Grace Dobbles delicious culinary masterpieces.

We are excited to produce our sixth and final infamous senior issue for this school year.

It is almost time to turn this newsmagazine over to a new editorial staff, but we are as excited as ever to finish this year out strong for you, our readers.

We hope you enjoy turning the pages of this issue of Le Journal as much as we enjoyed creating them for you. Remember to give us your feedback by emailing abrundige@ ndsion.edu or madeline.hammett@ ndsion.edu.

Keep your head held high and work hard as we finish out this year and approach summer break.

Good luck on 4th quarter!

Vive Sion, Madeline & Avery

Photo of the Issue

MONEY ON HER MIND

Senior Brynna Dow points her money gun to the roaring crowd during the annual senior Sion Olymics dance on March 5. “This year’s Sion Olympics was hands down the best one, this part of the dance was easily my favorite” Dow said. “The crowd was so hype and it was a great way to end it.”(Photo

by Kate Conway).

keep up with us: @lejournalsion

Space

Use camera to visit lejournallive.com!

March 2021 // 03

news

SHIFTING TRADITIONS Sion Olympics took place Friday Mar. 5 with activities such as fencing, limbo, charades, and more.

BY FEATURES EDITOR AVA ALBRACHT With COVID-19 restrictions, Sion Olympics had to shift to accommodate social distancing requirements. Instead of congregating as a school for the activities, students met with their maisons to participate in small group activities stationed around the school. Scream Team leader Anna McQueeny wanted to make sure that students got the chance to relax and have some fun since students have not had many opportunities to spend time together as a large group.

“I think the goal of sion olympics is to just give the student body a fun end of the day to at least attempt to make up for the whole year,” McQueeny said.

“We have had so many activities, dances, and events canceled due to COVID-19, we just want the students to know that there’s still hope, and we can have school spirit if we put enough effort into it.”

Rather than everyone gathering in the gym to watch the STUCO dances, every grades’ STUCO pre-recorded their dances to show to the other grades and performed their dances live for their grade only. STUCO choreographed socially-distanced dances to help excite other students about Sion Olympics despite not being able to do the same activities as normal. Student body Vice President Tess Tappan viewed the changes in a positive way rather than being disappointed that it things were not the same as years past.

“I think we were all a little disappointed that we weren’t able to do Sion Olympics the way we usually do, but the new set-up for dances and activities allowed for new opportunities within the tradition,” Tappan said. “Spending time with Maisons allows us to get to know people we might not otherwise see, and we all got to participate in the events rather than only a few per grade.”

Each grade chose a different country to dress up as and decorate their hallways with their colors and flags, freshmen selected Brazil, sophomores chose Fiji, juniors chose Italy, and seniors chose America. Junior Grace Beelman performed with STUCO for the first time this year and loved seeing her fellow classmates getting hyped up for the dances and cheering.

“This was my first dance because i joined stuco my sophomore year and i loved seeing how into it the juniors got,” Beelman said. “I cant wait for next year which will hopefully have some more normalcy to it.”

MAKE IT RAIN

Senior Brynna Dow throws fake money as Partition by Beyonce played during the seniors’ STUCO dance on Friday Mar. 5.

(Photo by Kate Conway)

STRIKE A POSE

STUCO Juniors hit a final pose to finish off their dance during lunch study hall on the day of Sion Olympics.

(Photo by Kate Conway)

COUNTRIES BY GRADE: FRESHMAN: ORDEM

E

PRO

SOPHOMORES:

GR

ES

04 // LeJournal

SO

JUNIORS:

SENIORS:

news

IN THE DARK Extreme weather conditions caused Kansas City to start a city-wide rolling blackout.

BY AVA ALBRACHT FEATURES EDITOR

T

he snow storm and extreme cold weather from Feb. 15 and 16 caused people across the Kansas City metro area to lose power. It was not due to the storm itself, it was a part of a plan to help conserve energy.

The company behind the outages is Evergy, which provides energy to residents of Kansas and Missouri, and is a part of the larger Southwest Power Pool. As of Feb. 15, approximately 60,000 people lost power in their homes, according to Evergy. Many of the people who experienced these outages were students at home due to poor driving conditions. As a result, many students could not complete assignments during the day. Junior Sophia Ong was one of the students who was affected by the outages for an extended period of time and changed her normal routine to accommodate the outages. “[The power outages] stressed me out with all of the assignments I was getting from teachers,” Ong said. “My mom and I ended up going to the Roasterie for an hour to get work done and to get some warm food to eat and get out of our freezing house.”

Principal Natalie McDonough sent out an email at 9:31 a.m. to tell students that Feb. 16 would

be an asynchronous learning day. This lifted a big weight off of many students’ shoulders in light of outages and other obstacles, according to Ong. Senior Katelyn Brinkman was grateful for the chance asynchronous learning offered to get her assignments finished on her own schedule that day.

“When I first woke up, I was worried that I would miss out on classes or lessons because I was not sure when my power would go out,” Brinkman said. “When the asynchronous day was announced I was relieved of that stress and was able to focus on doing what I could when I had the chance to.”

However, it was not just Kansas City that was affected by the power outages.

Texas was hit hard by the storms as well.

Two million Texans were without power on Feb. 15 and many continued to not have power for several days, according to the Texas Tribune. It was difficult for freshman Ava Townsend to see so many people struggling to stay warm in Texas because of the outages.

“Seeing so many people without power was crazy,” Townsend said. “It showed who was able to work together and find solutions and who just freaked out and didn’t know what to do.”

March 2021 // 05

news

GALA GONE VIRTUAL COMMUNITY CONVOS Christy Shively chats with friends in her home as they wait for the Gala to begin. “I really look forward to hearing whoever talks about the fund-a-need each year,” Shively said.

GET YOUR BID ON Christy Shively’s guests focus on the virtual Gala being streamed to the T.V. They switch between their phones and the screne in an effort to make sure the bids continue going up.

GALA GIGGLES Kristin Hammett and Christy Shively discuss upcoming Gala bid items and the infamous fund-a-need. “I am an alumni and my heart is truly always for Sion,” Shively said.

GIVING IS WINNING Christy Shively and friend Kristin Hammett get excited to bid on live auction items.

The annual Sion Gala was held on a virtual platform due to COVID-19 regulations.

MADELINE HAMMETT PRINT CO-EDITOR-AND-CHIEF

T

he Sion Gala was held Saturday, March, 6 on a virtual platform in an effort to abide by COVID-19 restrictions. The virtual gala had its benefits and downfalls. Advancements Event Coordinator Molly Fisher, Class of 1986, prepared and put together the majority of the Gala this year, in addition to heading the cash raffle ticket selling.

“We have really generous parents and alums and benefactors,” Fisher said. “People are generous, they know that we need fundraising more than ever, and we do.”

The gala took place on a virtual platform called Vimeo and was combined with pre-recorded and live videos. In an effort to raise as much money as possible for the school, a large part of the Gala was live auction items. The live auction cannot take place as it normally does in person with people raising their paddles, alternatively, it took place in a set timeframe during the virtual Gala.

06 // LeJournal

“Some people don’t like to throw their numbers up in public,” Christy Shively, Class of 1995 said. “So that helps with people who would rather be on the quieter side of an auction. The virtual Gala allows you to be that way.”

Students were not able to sell tickets to attendees in person this year. Rather, tickets were sold online through the website. It was up to attendees to purchase them as opposed to students selling them.

“I think that a pretty similar number of tickets sold,” Senior Cash Raffle Board Chair Grace Hill said.

“People are more willing to support Sion since there is no in-person event and it is easier for people to make online donations.”

Despite COVID-19 restrictions, the Gala was a success. For some, the virtual platform was just as enjoyable as the in-person tradition.

“I like the virtual Gala better,” Shively said. “You can do it on your own time and take some time to actually prepare for the live auctions.”

news

Live Auction Items

Caribbean Escape This item comes with a choice between four locations: Cancun, Costa Rica, Riviera maya, or Punta Cana. A trip for two in the Carribean for seven days and six nights includes walks on sandy beaches and swimming in crystal clear oceans.

This item is valued at $2,000.

Luxury Chicago Weekend This item includes a three-night stay for four guests in a two-bedroom condo on Michigan Avenue. The condo is located on the 55th floor. $250 in gift cards will help with dining out in Chicago’s famous restaurants. This item’s value is listed at $3,000.

Ireland Trip This item includes a trip for eight with six days and nights in Weaver’s Cottage in Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland. Weaver’s Cottage has four bedrooms and four baths. Highest bidder will also get a private tasting at the Jameson Distillery. This item is valued at $4,500.

Around the Region Golf Tour This item includes five separate exculsive golf dates in and out of town. Golf for four at Blue Hills Country Club, Milburn Country Club, Kansas City Country Club, Prairie Dunes Country Club and The Club at Porto Cima Resort are all included in this bid item valued at $3,200.

Summer in Steamboat Springs This item includes a two-bedroom condominium that sleeps seven at the base of the Rocky Mountains. $500 in gift cards is included for a Land Up Activity pass and local restaurant dining in Steamboat Springs. This item’s value is listed at $4,000.

Photos via Vimeo

March 2021 // 07

Feature

In-Class

Four teachers take initiative to incorporate Black History Month, both in our communities and around the world, into their curriculum.

W

ith over half of the countries in Africa speaking French, 29 to be exact, French teacher Elizabeth Bono decided she wanted to make sure her students learned about French and African history through a project the entire French program would take part in.

“We wanted to celebrate the French speaking people of Africa because French is spoken in 29 different countries in Africa, and so we wanted to give a little history of why,” Bono said. “The reason is because of French imperialism.”

Bono wanted to emphasize the oppression the Africans were under during French imperialism and the damage that the French left through their unfair practices towards the native African people, according to Bono.

“The French colonized these countries and it’s not a good history. They abused the people there and exploited the resources,” Bono said. “There’s a lot of scars from that imperialism and there was a lot of suffering.”

She had all of the French students research a famous Franco-African and create a poster about them which she then hung up on the wall outside her classroom which also features an enormous map of Africa.

“My favorite part about making the posters was getting to learn about all these new people I had never heard of and the amazing things they did,” senior Emma Aguayo said.

I

nspired by the emphasis this past year on the Black Lives Matter Movement, music teacher Elizabeth Mulkey decided to take time in her choir and drumline classes for students to learn about black artists from the past, present and future.

“Everything that we’ve been studying and reading as a faculty along with the Black Lives Matter Movement made me think, ‘What do I do, and what do I not do enough of,’” Mulkey said.

“Black musicians are very underrepresented in the classical world so I was trying to focus very hard on that.”

She hopes that her students not only learn about how influential these black musicians and singers are, but also learn how to integrate the skills they use to practice into their own musical lives. Sophomore Eden Davis was inspired by these artists and was interested in learning about their achievements.

“I think it is really interesting to hear about back musicians that kind of changes music and are also really up and coming,” Davis said. “There’s a little girl and she is about 10 and she plays drums which I thought was really cool.”

A WALL OF INSPIRATION After all her students made a poster about a famous FrancoAfrican, French teacher Elizabeth Bono hung them up across her wall in the hallway.

08 // LeJournal

A DRUMMER’S DREAM Paying close attention to musician and drummer Josh Jones, senior Sharon Kramschuster listens to the advice he gives about staying loose and relaxed while drumming.

Impacts

Feature

BY SOFIA AGUAYO COPY EDITOR

I

n an effort to spread awareness of past oppression of the black community in our own city, English teacher Casey Engel introduced her AP language and composition class to The Kansas City Star’s recent apology for the racism they have participated in the past through both “commission and omission”, as stated by the paper.

“I introduced The Kansas City Star’s series ‘The Truth in Black and white: An Apology from The Kansas City Star,” Engel said, “to stand at the forefront of our unit on open letters and OpEds.” With February being Black History Month, Engel thought this would be a perfect segway into the class’s upcoming unit on open letters. During the discussion, she tried to focus equally on both the english side of this lesson and the real-world side of the letter which demonstrates just how unjustly black Americans were treated and how they were ignored when they reached milestones and achieved greatness and were instead portrayed as criminals, according to the letter.

“As Kansas Citians,” Engel said, “I think it’s so crucial that we study and understand the real history of this city and how The Star’s reinforcement of systemic racism has been, to use its exact word, a ‘poison,’ the effects of which still very much play out today.”

“The letter was extremely eye opening to the history of Kansas City that sometimes gets brushed under the rug,” junior Lizzy Hoffman said.

I

n addition to incorporating minority artists into her studies all throughout the year, art teacher Elizabeth Smith specifically chose a black female artist this month to provide her students with a project to let their personalities shine while learning about Faith Ringgold’s art.

“I actually show a lot of Black artists throughout the year,” Smith said, “as well as indigenous people of color.”

Famous for her story quilts in which she combined detailed patterns with her personal memories, stories and female-empowered political viewpoints, Black artist Faith Ringgold is an inspiration to artists around the world. Smith had her Dimensions in Visual Arts class recreate their own story quilts after learning about Ringgold and the history she made at the end of the Harlem Renaissance, a very artistic time in New York City for Black writers and artists.

“Her pieces are usually really politically charged.” Smith said. “They are about her personal stories and the role of women in general.”

Smith hopes that her students take away that art is storytelling and that people’s personal lives and memories are important in the artwork they produce. Junior Anna Golian said that she enjoyed learning about how Ringgold influenced art in her time.

“I loved how she was able to express the struggles of black Americans at the time through her stories.” Golian said. “We got to see how her art gave a voice for Black Americans and voiced ideas concerning civil rights and African American culture.”

BLAZING A NEW PATH

WOVEN THROUGH TIME

After learning about the Kansas City Star’s racist past, junior Lydia Poe constructed this art project in a reference to burning away divisions in our community.

Encouraged by the work of Harlem Renaissance artist Faith Ringgold, freshman Mae Trotter created her own story quilt made of patterns and personal experiences.

March 2021 // 09

opinion

A CITY DIVIdeD Historical segregation has led to opportunity isolation in the Kansas City Metro today.

O

ver time, it has become clear that historical segregation led to opportunity isolation in the Kansas City area. This divide is fueled by land use and zoning, public housing, and urban renewal. Discrimination shaped segeration n real estate and large and small scale governments. The division burned for decades and it continues to shape today’s environment.

Racial segregation in the residential relm did not exist until 1900 according to the KCMO Public Health Connection.

While African Americans continued to be discriminated against, the neighborhoods were a mix of races until the time of WWI. “In Kansas City, African Americans were originally concentrated in the West Bottoms area, however, expansion of railroad and commerce left families looking for new housing with close proximity to public transportation”, according to The KCMO Public Health Connection. Houses and opportunities west of Troost Ave. became harder for people of color to obtain.White people fled west of Troost. This was done mainly through the racial restrictive measures. As racial division furthered, interracical neighborhoods became obsolete. The Troost divide was formed from the Kansas City School Board.

“Experts agree that racial segregation is the reason for urban disinvestment, employment discrimination, and the persistence of biased attitudes among Whites,” according to

10 // LeJournal

the KCMO Public Health Connection.

During the time of FDR’s New Deal, the practice of redlining became one of the most instrumental factors in racial segregation. Redlining is the “The Home Owners Loan Corporation classified “risky” and “safe” areas in large part by demographics. Many of the neighborhoods where minority populations lived were marked on maps in red, which became known as red-lining. Minority occupants were considered high risk for mortgage lenders,” according to The Flatland KC. Redlining denied opportunities to entire neighborhoods and areas based on race. J.C. Nichols played an instrumental role in the segregation of Kansas City .“J.C. Nichols and other real estate developers such as Fletcher Cowherd and the Kroh Brothers of Leawood used covenants as a tool to create a white paradise outside the confines of the urban core. These racial restrictions weren’t solely the idea of one man in one city but were common practices supported by the federal government across the nation,” according to The Martin City Telegraph.

The recent conversation of racial segregation sparked from the pain of witnessing George Floyd’s tragic death highlighting the systematic racism which was trailed by powerful protests according to The Martin City Telegraph.

Historical racism and segregation has been a silent terror to the Kansas City area for long enough. It is time to talk about this issue and strive for change in this generation and those to come. This editorial reflects the views of the Le Journal staff. Sixteen out of 16 voted in favor of this editorial.

opinion

Is the Test Worth the Stress?

The COVID-19 pandemic caused the College Board to make some adjustments to the format of AP tests and how students will take them.

STORY & DESIGN BY LIV ZENDER EDITORIAL SECTION EDITOR

T

he sudden outbreak of COVID-19 last March plunged the College Board officials, teachers and students into the unknown with little time to make adjustments. In-person testing was not an option, and the College Board officials, as well as teachers, had no way of knowing whether students would have extended access to the internet. The coronavirus pandemic completely changed the way teachers taught information to their students and how students learned. Due to these changes, AP and higher education communities worked to guide and support teachers and students by giving them many testing options, according the College Board. The quick fix that took place last March was the best possible scenario for the situation at hand, however, there were still many complications that needed to be changed for the following year, regardless of COVID-19 and if students were learning in-person or not.

The shortened tests that students took last year changed the effectiveness of these difficult AP-level tests.

The possibilities of cheating were heightened, and less information on the test caused students to be uncertain of which bits of information out of an entire year’s work would be on the test. These factors turned these tests into a gamble. If students had even just one gap in their studying, they were risking the entire test. In light of the situation, all AP tests were shortened to 45 minutes apiece and taken online. This plan was partly based on the lack of education in the final months of the school year when schools closed, according to the Washington Post. Putting an entire year’s work into a test that spans over multiple hours and covers a wide range of information is fair. However, putting a year’s work into a 45-minute test completely disregards the hard work students have been putting in since day one.

It was these factors that caused the College Board to immediately get to work creating a better, more fair plan for this year. A plan that involves anti-cheating procedures, inperson and online options, and yes, a full-length test. These adjustments and accommodations have allowed for the test to be available to any and everybody. The hard work put in

by College Board led to the creation of a test that is fully effective in offering students college credit that they have worked hard to deserve. A full-length test with little to no possibilities for cheating, but could also be taken from home or at school was exactly what students needed.

An important layer added to this year’s modified AP tests is extended anti-cheating procedures. The at-home testing option will implement several procedures to guard against cheating, including synchronous start times, plagiarism detection, computer-camera monitoring and restrictions on going back to previous questions to revise answers, according to the Washington Post. This will require online students to truly study and learn the knowledge necessary to receive a college credit grade on the test. For students taking the test in-person, this year’s test will seem completely normal and identical to previous years.

Another factor that led to this year’s test modifications is the uncertainty of what information would be on the test.

Students last year had no way of knowing what they were going to be tested over, whereas this year all students, regardless of online or in-person learning, will take the full-length test. It is true that last year’s tests did not effectively test the students’ knowledge of the subject. The test could either be easier or harder to pass depending on each student’s gaps in knowledge. Having students take the full-length test levels the playing field for all students, creating a fairer representation of knowledge, reinstating the effectiveness.

The AP test schedule has been extended this year in order to accommodate all different schools and their situations. The College Board is offering three test sessions for each subject, starting in early May and ending in midJune. This could allow schools to “mix and match”. For example, a school could spread students testing in-person out over all three dates to allow for social distancing or they could have all in-person test-takers sit for the exam on a single date, according to Edsurge.

The hope is that with every passing month life will continue to return to a more “normal” state. Therefore one can predict that by the time next year’s tests roll around, most, if not all, students will be back in person, and ready to take the test with pencil and paper. However, since that is not a possibility for this year, the modifications made by the College Board are the next best option. It’s important to note that while all fees for AP test cancelations have been waived, the changes made to the testing procedures, in comparison to last year, have restored the AP tests to almost complete normalcy.

March 2021 // 11

opinion

The Prison Cycle Incarceration for nonviolent crimes is wrong.

BY MADELINE HAMMETT PRINT CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

D

rugs. Crime. Sentence. Jail.

Drug possession often gets participants long jail sentences despite the fact that drug possession being a nonviolent crime. Mandatory jail sentences for issues, such as drug possession, are often excused with a blatant remark mentioning that jail time deters the crime, according to the Connecticut General Assembly. Unfortunately, rather than deterring from using illegal drugs, mandatory sentencing starts a cycle of convicts repeatedly returning to jail according to Villanova University Law. Once convicted of a crime that earns jail time, convicts enter a cycle that is nearly impossible to break: the jail cycle. Nearly five million people are jailed in the U.S. each year and 25% of those return once released, according to The Crime Report. Once criminals are jailed for the first time, they are extremely likely to become repeat offenders, especially if they have a low income or are a minority. Jail is simply used as a holding place for drug users.

The state has the option to give drug users help, but rather, history shows that sentencing jail time is easier and quicker - but not a fix.

Convicting drug users and punishing them with jail time puts their futures at risk, as Villanova Law points out. Villanova Law calls it “The Incarceration Addiction”, and it’s exactly as the name states.

Arresting drug offenders and anyone who committed a nonviolent crime endangers society as a whole. After serving time in jail for a nonviolent crime, one in four convicts will return to jail

for another crime, according to Prison Policy. The cycle is endless, and it only gets more violent with time. One in five nonviolent crime offenders are arrested again after release for committing a violent crime according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. This endangers the individual and society. Over-jailing is a serious problem in the U.S. despite the many alternative convictions for drug offenders, unfortunately, those alternatives are made less available to the court and more difficult to sentence. Substitute options include accelerated rehabilitation, community service labor program, probation, the alternative incarceration program and treatment for drug dependent defendants are all alternatives, according to the Connecticut General Assembly.

Over the summer, Kansas City made the decision to stop punishing citizens for possession of less than 35 grams of marijuana with jail time, according to the Kansas City Star.

Although this decision was made by Kansas City’s city council, this does not change Missouri law nor does it legalize recreational use of marijuana. Kansas City made this decision because the majority of city’s jailed citizens were jailed for drug possession, use, or sale.

These nonviolent crimes put convicts at risk for being arrested again later in life. They are also putting Kansas City at risk for becoming a more violent city. Kansas City is fighting violence, and stopping “The Incarceration Addiction” where it starts is a good first step.

Mandatory sentencing for drug possession is doing nothing but hindering society’s growth and making cities more divisive rather than unified. Long jail sentences for non-violent crimes such as drug possession is wrong, risky, dangerous and avoidable. Together, through stopping unnecessary jailing for drug possession, communities can help to stop the jail cycle.

52%

2 arrests

928,000

of convicts arrested multiple times report a substance abuse issue disorder 100%

63% WHITE

53% WHITE

3 or more arrests

428,000

1 arrest

3.5 million PERCENT UNEMPLOYED

46% WHITE

PERCENT WITH NO HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA

PERCENT WITH ANNUAL INCOME BELOW $10,000 49%

36%

8% OTHER

50% 8% OTHER 8% OTHER

18% HISPANIC

18% HISPANIC

17% HISPANIC

12%

21% BLACK

1

15% 11%

4%

2 NUMBER OF TIMES ARRESTED IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS

(photo by RODNAE Productions, Pexels)

12 // LeJournal

21%

20%

28% BLACK

12% BLACK 0%

36%

3

0

1

2+

0

1

2+

0

1

2+

NUMBER OF TIMES ARRESTED IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS

(statistics according to the Prison Policy Initiative)

opinion (photo by Kaique Rocha, Pexels)

KEEP IT LOCAL Amidst the pandemic, shopping locally is more important than ever before.

BY MORGAN HERRIOTT PRINT MANAGING EDITOR

C

OVID-19 created a crisis for small businesses. To no one’s surprise, 80% of small business owners say the pandemic hurt their business, according to a survey by Small Business Trends. While some businesses have just had to scale back their operations, others have had to close for good.

Small businesses are essential to our communities and economy, so it’s important to keep these institutions alive.

It can be easy to feel as if there’s not much one can do to help in this time of crisis, but in reality there are a multitude of ways by which communities can support local businesses.

The best thing that you can do to support local businesses during this time is to just keep shopping - safely, of course.

After the nation went into lockdown, over 100,000 small businesses had to either be temporarily or permanently shut down, according to Fortune. While companies

like Amazon flourished during this time, independently-owned companies suffered immensely. Instead of shopping through places like Amazon, it’s best to turn to local businesses as much as possible. Buying their goods and services is the biggest way to help - it keeps the companies alive and booming. Most small businesses have become more accessible to their customers during the COVID-19 pandemic, too. The shift to both in-person and online operation has been hugely beneficial for locally owned businesses.

While shifting towards shopping local is one of the most obvious ways to help keep small businesses afloat, there are more ways to help that could possibly make a much more substantial impact in our communities. Communities around the world have created campaigns to aid locally owned businesses. These crowdfunding campaigns are a major way to contribute.

Whether the campaign is focused on one specific business or the businesses throughout the community as a whole, this funding offers aid to the most vulnerable of small businesses. If you want more ways to help then just the surface level, find out which independently-owned businesses in the community have a crowdfunding website and contribute if possible.

The closure of small businesses has not only created a crisis of morality, but also an economic crisis. Small businesses generate 44% of the United States’ economic activity, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy. Find ways to encourage your community to push Congress, state representatives, and city/county councils to push for the advocacy of support for small businesses in government. The greatest need these businesses currently have is a steady income and cash flow. Possibilities to support these needs are grants from either local, state or federal legislators.

This creates a solution for small businesses that can be crucial for their reopening or continuation of business.

In modern society, shopping locally has even become a trend to help keep communities unique. But it’s more important now than ever during the time of COVID-19. Small businesses are powerhouses in our economy and they create character throughout local communities across the country. The choice to support independently-owned businesses is the biggest step in the right direction towards recovering from the crisis that small businesses have suffered throughout the past year.

Independently-Owned Businesses Across Kansas City:

Jinkies! Coffee and Hangout

Made in KC Marketplace

Sweet Petites KC

The General Store & Co.

8350 W 151st St.

306 W 47th St.

108 E Missouri Ave.

7922 Santa Fe Dr.

A unique 70’s-inspired space serving local roasted coffee and an array of homemade pastries.

A storefront showcasing goods, gifts, apparel and more from local brands, artists and makers.

A woman-owned and operated bakery offering freshly baked desserts that are quality in taste.

A modern mercantile curating a wide selection of design-led everyday goods and gifts.

March 2021 // 13

Cover Story

walking the

line 14 // LeJournal

Cover Story

A look at race relations in Kansas City and the effects of geographical segregation, unequal education and food deserts.

Cause and Effect

Years of geographical racism created an unofficial division along Troost Ave. Redlining, which prevents residents of certain areas from having access to services

BY A&E EDITOR ELLA ROGGE & PRINT based on their race, disproportionately affected areas CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AVERY BRUNDIGE east of Troost. Those west of this area are majorly misinformed of this, only labeling the area as unsafe.

Eighty-three percent of 124 students polled believe there lue skies illuminate well-kept lawns and cul-deis a stigma surrounding areas east of Troost. sacs. Parents’ warnings of streets beyond their “Growing up in Kansas City and living over in own linger in the air. Unspoken restrictions Shawnee, we just didn’t go past Brookside except when and bias based solely on broad assumptions we went to the zoo. And that was it,” Assistant Principal seem cemented into the foundation of the city. for Curriculum and Instruction Ellen Carmody said. “I Generation upon generation, children grow unaware didn’t even know that there was another area, until I went of the vastly differing realities happening four blocks to college and started hanging out with other people, away. Four blocks away, economic, academic and because you’re just kind of trapped in the suburbs and geographical disadvantages are prevalent in the lives so I do think that we broaden our perspective from that of unacknowledged neighbors. standpoint of knowing that the city is bigger.”

Kansas City’s history of racism and segregation Nichols’s Kansas City was meant to be segregated; began with implementation of the City Beautiful areas like Prairie Village were meant to be completely Movement, which was visualized by Board of Park white, while the residential region north of 27th St. Commissioners August Meyer and enacted by was reserved for black citizens, according to the internationally renowned city planner J.C. Nichols.

Dividing Lines Tour. Many homes in the area still hold Nichols created the Country Club District based on racist covenants in their deeds, declaring that black a vision of sophistication and exclusivity and a goal homeowners were not allowed to live there. These to increase property values, according to Pendergast covenants often go unenforced today, but Nichols’s KC. Nichols sold these properties only to homeowners sturdy legal plan has made removing these racist policies who met his ideals by creating deed restrictions which extremely difficult. segregated these divisions by both race and class.

“There are homes in Prairie Village that are no This geographical segregation created a lack of nicer than the homes east of Troost, but you’re paying banks within these areas, which made it difficult for for the idea,” Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy grocery stores and businesses to stay afloat, thus Enrichment Teacher David Muhammad said. “You’re widening the economic gap. This gap is still enormously paying for parks that you can walk to, you’re paying for present today, and likely will be for many more Shawnee Mission East, you’re paying for the feelings of generations to come. safety, the test scores, all this manufactured excellence The Fair Housing Act of 1968 brought hope for that didn’t exist 50 years ago and people buy into it.” equal opportunity but was challenged through realtors’ Kansas City, described as being safer than only 4% use of blockbusting at the time. As minority groups of cities in the United States by Neighborhood Scout, moved into neighborhoods south of the “27th St. Wall” exhibits higher rates of crime in its more impoverished where they were not previously allowed, realtors would areas created by the effects of redlining. Because of this, warn their prospective neighbors claiming that with western Kansas Citians often utilize their privilege by the influx of minorities, property values would diminish. avoiding areas east of Troost over initiating much needed Deeply-instilled fear allowed real estate agents to change. buy properties for cheap and sell them for inflated “We need to try to make sure people stay safe in our prices with little to no inspection. Although blatant community, black or white,” Kansas City, Missouri Mayor segregation was abolished by this time, practices like Quinton Lucas said. “In particular, where teenagers can blockbusting went on secretly with relatively minimal walk down the street without feeling threatened either by pushback. public safety, sexual assault or from police brutality, and “Race relations are not only Kansas City, but the I mean that respectfully to the police too. I know they United States, it’s all been based on what would look want to have the opportunity to engage and interact in a good,” president of the KCK branch of the NAACP way that is positive, and so we all see those needs and I Richard Mabion said. “And it looks terrible having the think we’re seeing reasons for change.” black folks standing up eating while the white folks and As a result of the dwindling numbers of banks, sitting down at the tables.”

B

March 2021 // 15

Cover Story

grocery stores and other retail in neighborhoods east of Troost, the area has become a food desert. This means that this district has limited access to healthy and affordable food due to a majority of low income residents lack of accessible transportation. Many residents must ride the bus for over 40 minutes to buy groceries, according to the Dividing Lines Tour. Many citizens are unaware of what food deserts are, but senior Mady Jenkins and her Designing Real World Impacts group aims to change that.

“I barely knew anything about food deserts before taking the DRWI class,” Jenkins said. “I’d heard about it from volunteering at Harvesters, but I had no idea how complex and expansive food insecurity really is.”

Food deserts create food insecurity within families who cannot afford to travel far for healthy food and with the influence of the pandemic causing many to become unemployed, countless families struggle to stay afloat and find new jobs as there are few businesses, banks, and grocery stores close to them. This created a heightened independence on food banks in these communities and others across the metropolitan area.

“Right now with a pandemic, there’s really a food shortage, as well as food deserts. Some people have relied on access to food pantries for a long time, but now people that never needed it before,” Micah Ministries Reverend Sharon Cantrell said. “It’s gotten so much worse, so raising awareness for the importance of food pantries and making donations to food pantries so that it really gets in the hands of people are increasingly important.”

In Director of Entrepreneurship Prentiss Earl III’s experience living near Troost, he recalled finding himself and his family walking on the shoulder of busy streets because the area lacked sidewalks, parks, and jogging paths. While there were thrift, convenience and liquor stores within walking distance, the closed grocery stores and banks were approximately five miles away, which can cause getting fresh food to be a challenge for those who do not have access to a car. There was no access to high-speed internet and insurance premiums were at higher rates.

“The first time I went for a run down Ward Parkway I cried because I couldn’t escape feeling extreme sadness for my friends and neighbors who lived just four miles away.” Earl said.

As improvements are made to these economically neglected areas, long-term inhabitants have sometimes been pushed out of

16% 83%

Is there a stigma surrounding areas east of Troost Ave? yes no Not sure

All infographics are based on a poll of 124 students.

16 // LeJournal

Do you know what food deserts are?

14% 39% 47%

yes no Not sure

the area. This process of gentrification, where impoverished areas are established by wealthier occupants attracting new businesses and developments, and thus driving up property values displacing the current inhabitants who can no longer afford to reside there.

“Houses that a year ago were listing for $180,000 to $200,000 are listing for like $400,000. Those are the sorts of things that are pushing out a lot of working class families, and it is not just pushing further east but pushing them out of Kansas City, and to inner ring suburbs, a lot of your older suburbs.

People who for a long time have been at the core of the city, are no longer able to stay.” Lucas said.

Common misconceptions describe a need for diversifying neighborhoods as well as manufacturing exceptional improvements, whereas Muhammad describes the simple need for equal resources and opportunities. He believes that there ought to be certain guidelines which allow those who need it most to benefit from the redevelopments.

“I think that we have to kind of get out of the ‘Kumbaya’ desire to create diversity. It’s more so shifting the idea that resources are deserved by every community,” Muhammad said.

“There’s nothing wrong with east of Troost being predominantly black, there’s nothing wrong with Leawood being mostly white, or Audubon and KCK being mostly Latinx. The problem is recognizing that everyone’s space is deserving of the same human dignities. That’s we want for ourselves and that’s going to take a shifting of mind sets, it’s not a money thing. Money is an idea, they find money for what they want to find money for.”

The Education Problem When the metro area entered the 1950s, a cascade of events created what is now the Kansas City School System.

White flight led to two intense dividing lines: Troost divided white from black, while State Line divided quality education and Missouri.

“When the Kansas City, Kansas School District was integrated in the late 60s there was a real outflow of people [who] moved out of the school district and moved out of the county because they didn’t want to be educated with African

Cover Story

Americans,” Kansas City, Kansas Mayor David Alvey said. “So, there’s always been this thing where people just don’t want to be associated with those they think are inferior, of a lower class, or somehow a threat. And so it’s always problematic.”

Education, or lack there of, lies at the root of segregation, according to Muhammad. The Dividing Lines tour begins at Shawnee Mission East in its vast, newly paved parking and then takes an intermission Central High School’s pale gray lot as the narrator discusses clear differences in funding.

“I think my growing up in schools where I was typically a minority influenced my thinking,” Muhammad said. “When I taught at Shawnee Mission East and saw some of the dynamics that students of color and such were facing, it triggered some things and just through community efforts and working with other educators who were also like minded. I got involved in Race Project KC which that’s where I got involved with the creation of the Dividing Lines Tour.”

This educational divide has been half-heartedly combatted since its origin, including a series of educational facelifts specialized to create “magnet schools”. These schools created reputations to draw suburban kids in, like Central High School’s athletic reputation, or Paseo’s fine arts program. These adjustments mostly failed, according to the Dividing Lines Tour.

“They fixed the aesthetics of the issue without fixing the root of the problems,” Muhammad said. “People were not moving out of those neighborhoods because of the school buildings not having swimming pools and the hallways not being immaculate.

The reason people were moving out is racial tension.”

One of the most influential resources in low-income communities is early childhood education. Pre-K is not openly accessible to the urban core, which causes academic set-backs for children who end up not being ready for kindergarten.

Organizations like Operation Breakthrough work to close the gap of unequal academics through after-school classes, daycare and summer school, according to OB Education Supervisor Evelyn Etienne.

“You can travel across one block and see a huge difference in the way property is kept and the value of a home and even the beauty of the neighborhood,” Etienne said. “You can also feel it when it comes to policing, you can feel it in housing, and in education it is huge. The gap is amazing, not in a good way.”

Although Kansas City has moved down on the list of segregated U.S. cities, schools are still a long way from being fully integrated, according to Lucas. The population of Kansas City, MO is over 60% white, yet Center High School, has a white population of only 15%, according to Public School Review.

“There are not as many white students in [northeast Kansas City], and so living patterns are still pretty segregated,” Lucas said. “We need to continue to do better in how we can live together and interact, how we can make sure there’s adequate and consistent funding across the different types of schools and schools in different areas.”

Do you know what redlining is?

53% Yes 25% No 22% Not Sure

Moving Forward One of the most effective ways to support areas east of Troost is to provide economical traffic, according to Lucas. Supporting local minority-owned businesses or art galleries create jobs and help prevent gentrification by allowing neighborhood citizens to participate in the upbringing of their community.

“Just keep breaking down barriers between either braces or economic groups and all of that,” Lucas said. “There are festivals, there are galleries, there are music spaces that you should really make sure you’re a part of before you leave.”

Another effective way to support the urban core is through policy change, according to Etienne. Advocate for policies that support things like early childhood education and earned income tax credit, which subsidizes funds for people with low income jobs. These policies would allow greater opportunities to flourish in all parts of Kansas City and have positive effects on the city’s economy, tourism draw, crime rate, and many other important factors of a successful community.

“The major thing is policy,” Etienne said. “We can march and we can sit in and definitely use your voice, but it would be so powerful to see you or others that think that being an antiracist means that I can form policy that actually gets passed. I can form policy that gets implemented and executed in order to bring change that is lasting so that generations from now we’re not still talking about the same thing.”

Race relations in Kansas City is not a single issue - it envelopes them all, spanning education, public policy, housing, and even basic necessities like food and running water. Racist tendencies are deeply sown into Kansas City soil and the roots have grown deep, according to Alvey.

“Once in a while only when something happens that is clearly about race like the death of George Floyd, there’s a lot of conversation,” Alvey said. “This is a conversation that has to be ongoing, you have to look at it through everything all the time because it’s always present, and it’s so deeply ingrained in our psyche that, unless we surface it and actually look for it every place and say ‘well we didn’t find it here’, It might be lurking.”

March 2021 // 17

A&E

BLISSFUL

Butterfield Bakery opens up in a trendy new venue in Lenexa.

BY KEELY SCHIEFFER CO PHOTO EDITOR

T

he mainly glass building shows a sneak peak of the surprises inside at the Lenexa Public Market. As the doors open, an aroma of sweet goodness mixed with the potent coffee wafts towards the customers. The modern yet homey building houses several restaurants and stores, while leaving the middle of the venue open with tables for eating.

Butterfield Bakery lies inside the Lenexa Public Market. Their set up gives off very cheery and cozy vibes and their employees are welcoming and eager to help. Their counter rests on industrial wood with gold accents and clean glass that their pastries lie behind. The aesthetic

of the little restaurant sells the customers with greenery on the walls featuring a gold Butterfield Bakery sign.

The bakery showcases their delicious pastries that are hard to choose from.

The sweets vary from bold creme brulee macaroons to a classic blueberry muffin both selling for $2.50. The macaroons have strong and tasty aspects that live up to their fun flavors such as fruity pebbles and honey lavender. The presentation and taste is on point, but for only one macaroon, the price was a little overkill. On the contrary, the blueberry muffin exceeded satisfaction with a fresh and heavy amount of blueberries scattered inside the soft muffin. It is a perfect blueberry muffin for a steal of a price.

Breakfast and lunch are offered at Butterfield’s. The options vary from scrambles, sandwiches, soups and salads.

I ordered the breakfast sandwich which

Blueberry Muffin Price: $2.50

Breakfast Sandwich Price: $9.00

consisted of eggs, bacon and cheese resting upon your choice of bread; I selected the bagel. It came with a side of breakfast potatoes, that could never go wrong. Overall, the sandwich was mediocre; the bagel wasn’t very firm which led to the sandwich easily falling apart, but the taste was satisfactory. I personally believe the sandwich, costing a total of $9, seemed overpriced for its quality.

All in all, this bakery exceeded my expectations. The variety of options, location and presentation all created a solid experience. The service and hospitality of the building as a whole was positive. The experience was so diverse in the sense that you weren’t just experiencing Butterfield’s, but the Public Market and Lenexa as a whole. Butterfield’s Bakery creates a unique scene and their food, along with the other places inside, are worth the time.

Macaroons

(Birthday Cake & Creme Brulee) Price: $2.50

THE FRIENDSHIP OF THE DECADE A must watch Netflix Original; Firefly Lane will keep you on your couch and your toes.

BY KEELY SCHIEFFER CO PHOTO EDITOR

A

new show is in town on Netflix and this one is full of romance and drama. The Netflix Original, Firefly Lane, hit the charts hard. After the show was released, it landed in Netflix’s Top 10 for two weeks. Producer Maggie Friedman takes the series through ups and downs, both wholesome and blunt, but highlights one consistent theme: friendship.

In the show, “besties forever” are two polar opposite characters. Actresses Katherine Heigl stars as Tully Hart and Kate Malarkey played by actress Sarah Chalke are polar opposites. Kate, the nerd, and Tully, the cool girl, find their way together in the mid 70s and spend every moment growing up with each other. They navigate their teenages years together and celebrating life. Their pasts lay the foundation for their friendship, even from a young age, which calls for a very dynamic relationship. With that being

18 // LeJournal

said, the producer beautifully orchestrates numerous flashbacks and connections within each episode keeping every moment of the show utterly fascinating.

Tully and Kate continue to do life side by side, but the combination of love triangles, competitive, yet completely different lifestyles and jobs take a strong toll on their friendship. As they dive into their adult years, they give the watchers a run for their money with various twists and turns of their complex relations with each other, while also sparking the conversation about societal issues such as the shame around miscarriages, rape and divorce.

Overall their relationship endures more than imaginable, but how many strains will it take until the friendship breaks?

The plot of Firefly Lane is more than enough to keep the watchers engaged, but the romance and heartwarming friendship captivates and relates the audience to more than just the show.

The set up of the filming and acting creates this sort of realm that keeps the watchers wanting for more. The 10 episode series leaves the watchers on a cliffhanger as they wait to hear more of the complex story of the two in hopes of a second season.

A&E

Fannie’s

Big Momma’s

Bakery

African and Tropical Cuisine

4707 Bannister Rd Ste B, Kansas City, MO 64137

4105 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64110

Craving a sweet treat at a local blackowned business after school? Opened in 2004 by Joyce Brown and her husband Fabian Brown, Big Momma’s Bakery, previously located in Raymore and Crown Center, has now found a home within ten minutes from our school campus.

Big Momma’s specializes in decadent homemade cinnamon rolls which come in three sizes, “Big Momma”, “Little Momma”, and “Mini Mama.” The “Big Momma” cinnamon roll overtakes the size of the plate. With limited seating offered, these cinnamon rolls are an easy treat to bring home. Included on the menu is baked breads, made-to-order sandwiches, and various baked goods.

Fannie’s African and Tropical Cuisine offers traditional plates served in all parts of Africa. From a tender chicken leg with fried rice to salmon with plantains and rice, Fannie’s is the perfect place to expand your palette and immerse yourself in the culture.

Jollof rice, included on the menu and commonly compared to fried rice, is a traditional Nigerian dish served with plantain and vegetables.

Although service was a little slow, the jollof rice with chicken was worth the wait. Opened in 2018, this traditionally cultural restaurant is a must-eat this spring to welcome with open arms and an empty stomach. Get out of your comfort zone and walk into Fannie’s African and Tropical Cuisine.

Order Up

Four Black-owned businesses in Kansas City to support.

Love is Key

BY CATHERINE CRAYON VIDEO CONTENT EDITOR

Food and Dessert Innovation

4707 Bannister Rd Ste B, Kansas City, MO 64137 Offering innovative waffle cake sandwiches, a crunch cheesecake for dessert, and other breakfast items, Love is Key opened on October 3, 2020 by Tameisha Martin. Love is Key is open Tuesday-Saturday from seven a.m. to three p.m., the perfect opportunity to enjoy brunch with a friend. Starting out as a catering business, Martin opened Love is Key in October of 2020 after COVID-19 ravaged the country. Walking in, I was kindly greeted by Tameisha Martin and ordered the “Queen” which is stacked with bacon, egg, and cheese enclosed within two waffle cake slices and drizzled with caramel. While my food was being made, I hopped on over to Ruby Jean’s Juicery just next door. Love is Key has amazing seasoned potatoes and fruit juice pouches. Love is Key is an amazing family owned and operated business to support.

R uby Jean’s

Kitchen and Juicery

4707 Bannister Rd Ste B, Kansas City, MO 64137 Ruby Jean’s Juicery is the perfect place to grab lunch and a refreshing drink. Founded in 2015, Chris Goode opened the first Ruby Jean’s Juicery with the intent of making his community a healthier place. From chicken nachos to a strawberry, banana, red apple and agave infused “Pink Zing” smoothie, you can purchase almost anything, from juice cleanses, to breakfast and lunch. Within the store is a fridge with premade and ready items like chicken salad and salmon salad. The inside of the store is very comfortable and welcoming. With natural lighting and charging outlets in the tables, it’s a perfect place to grab a snack after school and get some studying done.

Ruby Jean’s Juicery is a family owned and black owned business you should support and pay a visit to this spring.

March 2021 // 19

feature

Chef’s Special 20 // LeJournal

feature

Instead of following the traditional college path, senior Grace Dobbels is going to culinary school.

BY BRIANNA LEGETTE REPORTER

W

ith new ingredients, new spices, and a love for food and plating, senior Grace Dobbels started her informal culinary training at a young age with her parents.

From taking cooking classes as a kid to cooking most meals for her family without a recipe, Dobbels is quite the cook. Instead of taking the traditional college route, Dobbels is going to culinary school.

“I obviously like to cook so it was just a no brainer,” Dobbels said, describing her interest in culinary school. “I hadn’t really thought about it until I started looking at colleges and I came across culinary school.”

From a young age, Dobbels loved food, and was always cooking in the kitchen with her parents and grandparents. She wanted to learn to make all her favorite foods , dishes and just experiment. Once her parents, Kathleen McCarther and Dennis Dobbels, realized her interest in food, they signed her up for multiple cooking classes at summer camps through Johnson County Community College and a Junior Chef class through the Kansas City Culinary Center. It wasn’t only until sophomore year at Sion that Dobbels started to take cooking seriously.

“She’s trying to follow something she’s passionate about.” McCarther said, “It gives her a chance to be creative.”

Dobbels had never been interested in school or the usual classes that she went to. She sees food as an easy way to connect better with people and a variety of cultures.

“Everybody’s connected when eating the same thing,” Dobbels said.”There’s a lot of really interesting cultural aspects about food, just like the different meanings for different cultures behind a family meal or a certain dish.”

As Dobbels started to explore options for college, she realized that culinary school would be the best fit for her. From there, she has narrowed it down to Culinary Institute of America and Johnson and Wales. She wanted travel opportunities and paid internships, and all of the classes she’ll be taking will be geared to the career she wants to pursue, a degree she wants to get.

“For both programs for both schools, I applied for a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Food Studies,” Dobbels said.

Within the Applied Food Studies

major, she can choose a speciality in a specific cuisine according to Dobbels. Dobbels also really wants to travel abroad, because she thinks that it’s the best way to learn.

The schools she applied to offer many study abroad opportunities that she is interested in.

“The best way to learn about it is to see it in person.” Dobbels said, “To be immersed in the culture, to learn from the people who have been doing this for generations.”

While Dobbels is excited to go to culinary school,, McCarther and Dennis have some reservations about the workload, and question if Dobbels knows how hard a culinary career is.

They also worry about the distance because Johnson and Wales is in Charlotte, North Carolina and the Culinary Institute of America is in New York.

“If [culinary school] was closer to home, I’d probably be more enthusiastic,” McCarther said. “I have a hard time with her going so far, especially now. This year has proven so difficult to travel.”

Despite those concerns, Dobbels loves to cook because of McCarther and Dennis, who have encouraged her love for cooking. McCarther and Dennis just want her to find her path.

“I think Grace likes the creativity of it,” Dennis said, “She likes to see what type of dish she can create.

It speaks to her artistic sense.”

1) Egg-Licious In the first photo, it shows one of senior Grace Dobbels’ dishes, an egg omlette with cayenne cream sauce.

“I’ve been cooking for forever, but I started considering culinary school in sophomore year.” Dobbels’ said.

2) A Culinary Masterpiece This shows one of her dishes, a KC strip topped with a chimichurri sauce and a side of sautéed sweet potatoes, onions, and cherry tomatoes.“My parents always cooked. I was always in the kitchen.” Dobbels said, “I’ve always loved food; I love to eat. So I just want to know how to make some of my favorite things.”

3)The Colorful Beauty This shows one of her dishes, Thai rice noodle stir fry in a sweet/spicy sesame and ginger sauce topped with cucumber and pickled carrots.“I think it builds character to see a different culture.” Dobbels said.

4)The Chef Herself “I don’t think you need a college education to get a good job and do what you want to.” Dobbles said, “It obviously helps, but it wasn’t a big goal of mine to go to college.” In this photo Dobbels is cooking in her kitchen.

March 2021 // 21

sports

Same spirit different season The dance and cheer team both face an extended season while adjusting to other restrictions due to COVID-19.

BY LAUREN SHAW REPORTER

W

ith an abnormal season taking place for many sports teams this year, the cheer and dance teams were forced to adjust their schedule to the new guidelines. Due to the national competition for the dance team being rescheduled for April opposed to February, the squad’s season is extended by a couple of months. Many of the dance team’s competitions have been virtual this year besides a local Lee’s Summit West event that included limited entries and strict distancing rules. The pom and kick routines instead, being pre-recorded and submitted to the local, state, and regional judges to determine placements.

“It’s honestly just been really weird not having a crowd when we perform and not having the pressure of doing the dances one time,” senior captain Abbie Sinow said. “I would say it’s so much more fulfilling to be in person for competitions because everyone is at an even playing field.”

The team is also made to carry out COVID-19 guidelines such as distancing for every performance and always wearing a mask. Though this may be practical, according to various teams it makes it difficult for the dancers to get close to the new members.

“The girls have done an amazing job of sticking together, even though they couldn’t do some of the activities that help them to bond as a team,” dance team coach Shelli Vaughan said. “Our goal this year was simply to keep dancing.”

The cheer team is also determined to make the most of the season, considering the absence of stunts in new routines. Tryouts were held over zoom in the spring of last year with an in-person camp the following summer. The team consists of 4 seniors and

march Madness

As the NCAA men’s regular season comes to a close, the top teams prepare to prove their worth, and make or break brackets, in the upcoming tournament.

Are you involved in March Madness?

(Polled out of 139 students)

68%

No 11.5%

20.5%

22 // LeJournal

I’m interested in participating I’m participating

5 freshmen who will have the opportunity in early March to attend Nationals in Fort Worth, Texas.

Senior captain of the cheer squad, Sophia Allen, expressed her excitement towards the in-person event coming up this spring.

“I am happy that we do get to actually compete this year, because I feel like people don’t realize how much effort and work we all put in to perform our best,” Allen said. “It’s nice to know that we have something to dedicate our work to and not just a volleyball or basketball game.”

Along with the dance team, the cheer squad has also faced the difficulty of performing without the approval of an audience this year. Head Cheer Coach Tabby McCarthy claimed that even with the loss of fans in the stands, the entire team made sure to make up for it in the quality of their routines.

“We don’t plan to take this opportunity for granted,” McCarthy said. “The team recognizes how blessed we are to even be allowed to attend the NCA High School Nationals in Texas this year and we’re going to make the best of it.”

MAKING THE MOST OF IT

Senior Cheer Captain Sophia Allen and Sophonore Dance Team Member Kaitlyn Miller both are thankful to still have a season amongst a pandemic. “It’s been really tough not being able to perform in front of the student body,” said Miller.

(Photos by Avery Brundige)

3.3..

Michigan (19-2)

Gonzaga (24-0)

4.

4.

Illinois (19-6)

Baylor (20-1)

5.

5.

Houston (20-3)

Top Teams (as of Mar. 6)

1.

1.

2.

2.

sports

LEADING THE CHARGE Spring sports have begun, and the captains have high hopes for their final season.

BY MAGGIE MCKINNEY WEB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

LACROSSE

SOCCER

Lacrosse captains will not be announced until after Spring Break, but the seniors are eagerly awaiting the start of another new season.

Kennedy Ruark

EMMA AGUAYO Years Played: One Favorite Part of the Season: “Getting better at the game and getting close with the other seniors.”

More captains will be announced after Spring Break.

AVERY BRUNDIGE Years Played: Four Advice To Freshmen: “Keep hustling.

It will really benefit you in the long run.”

Years Played: Four Position: Forward Favorite Part of the Season: “Being able to represent Sion and getting the opportunity to play with my friends.”

Hype-Up Song: “Wonderful” - Travis Scott Favorite Memory: “Freshman year team sleepover.”

Pre-Game Ritual: “I always have to put my right sock on before my left and my right cleat on before my left.”

Advice To Freshmen: “Enjoy every season because it will go by so fast.”

LINDSEY DOUGHERTY Years Played: Four Favorite Memory: “The St. Louis travel trips, dinner and getting closer as a team over the weekend.”

MIKAYLA GUNTHER Years Played: Three Favorite Part of the Season: “The St. Teresa’s game.”

MATIA IANNI

TRACK & FIELD Olivia Overlease More captains will be announced after Spring Break.

Years Played: Four Events: 200m, 400m, 4x200m relay and 4x400m relay Favorite Part of the Season: Getting closer to the girls on the team and watching them grow in their events What You’re Looking Forward To: Meets Hype-Up Song: whatever is on aux Favorite Memory: Gary’s driving Pre-Game Ritual: drink pickle juice Advice To Freshmen: “Stick with it. There may be the occasional difficult practices, but the time we spend together is well worth it.”

Plans For After Graduation: attend Texas A&M University

Years Played: Four Advice To Freshmen: “Don’t be scared to show the coaches that you are willing to work hard to be better.”

DELANEY MINOR Years Played: Four Favorite Memory: “Our St. Louis trips and our tournaments.”

AVERI MYRICK Years Played: Four Favorite Part of the Season: “The annual St. Louis trip.”

GRACE STEYER Years Played: Two Advice To Freshmen: “Just have fun! Running really isn’t as bad as it sounds!”

KATE VANKIERSBILCK Years Played: Four Favorite Memory: “The St. Louis trip sophomore year where we choreographed and performed dances.”

ZOE ZORN Years Played: Four Favorite Part of the Season: “Game days.”

March 2021 // 23

SENSEI

Feature

24 // LeJournal

feature

SUTHERLIN Freshman Lilly Sutherlin channels her passion for karate by teaching to other students.

BY KATE MCCARTHY NEWS & SPORTS EDITOR

S

he grips the two cloth ends of her black rope tightly as she pulls them seperate directions and ties the belt around her waist. She feels the cool floor beneath her feet as she takes her position in front of a class of students, and beaming -

she begins.

For freshman Lilly Sutherlin karate has always been special to her in her life. Her passion for Karate began when she was six years old watching her brother, Jack Sutherlin, in his karate class.

“She came to one of Jack’s first classes with my wife Kristine and I,” Sutherlin’s father Charlie Sutherlin said. “As the class was ending, she pulled Kristine’s shoulder down to her and whispered, “Mom, I need to do this.”

From there, Sutherlin’s passion expanded and she began to practice 3-4 days a week year-round. The organization she participated in, the American Kenpo Karate Association, has allowed Sutherlin to grow not only in her skill of Karate, but also in her personal growth as well.

Sutherlin learned valuable skills such as leadership, self-discipline, and a sense of responsibility, according to Sutherlin’s father.

“I think it’s helped me in so many other aspects of my life, like with school,” Sutherlin said. “It’s holding me accountable to do my homework or if I turn something in late it’s holding myself accountable and trying to fix what I’ve done wrong.”

Sutherlin’s passion for karate motivated her to continue to practice it at a rigorous level for many years of her life. She is currently a second-degree black belt and will be testing for her third-degree black belt in June. This higher level enables Sutherlin to teach others and allow them to share her passion for karate.

“I started teaching and assisting classes when I was eleven or twelve and then I was mostly helping with classes for five to sevenyear-olds” Sutherlin said. “From then, I am teaching any age range from five to adults and currently I am teaching kids between the ages of eight and 14.”

This experience of teaching others is an experience that Sutherlin has enjoyed because of the community, according to Sutherlin. Students who also attend the AKKA such as sophomore Katherine Pineda have also enjoyed the experience of this tight-knit community. Pineda has grown up practicing karate with Sutherlin and is proud of her achievements, according to Pineda.

“She has amazing form and radiates energy whenever she trains,” Pineda said. “After training alongside her for so long, I can definitely say I’ve learned lots of tips and tricks from her.”

Sutherlin’s experience with the community has been the most impactful part of her experience with karate, according to Sutherlin.

Though right now they are practicing online because of COVID-19, Sutherlin still is able to experience this community feeling from home.

“They’re just really great people and it’s a place where you can feel safe and you don’t have to worry about people judging you.” Sutherlin said. “I can go there and know that everything’s gonna be okay.”

GROUP SHOW (above) Posing with her fellow classmate and friends, freshman Lilly Sutherlin performs at a local Black Lives Matter protest.

(Photo submitted by Lilly Sutherlin)

KARATE KIDS

(left)

Six-year-old freshman Lily Sutherlin and her three-year-old brother, Jack Sutherlin, pose for a picure in the AKKA dojo in one of their first karate classes. (Photo submitted

by Lilly Sutherlin)

March 2021 // 25

A&E

SPRING BREAK in KANSAS CITY With COVID-19 inhibiting spring break for the second time, many students are choosing to stay in Kansas City. While KC lacks the beach or ski mountains that are the allure of spring break, it’s still possible to find fun in the city. The following is a randomized list of all things entertainment, but feel free to jazz it up in any way possible.

BY GRACE HILLS SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

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VINTAGE FASHION SHOW Grab any amount of money and head over to the West Bottoms, the best vintage spot in Kansas City. Head over on the weekend so that you can hit every store, as they’re really only open on the weekends. Throw a little runway show with all the eccentric pieces you find- from the 50s skirts to the 90s jean jackets, the boutiques have anything and everything.

MAKE FRIENDS WITH DOGS

The biggest social scene in the city: the dog park. When the UV hits four, every Kansas Citian will be out at the park. Mask up and head to that dog heaven, and try to meet the friendliest dog. If there’s extra money to be spent, head to Blackdog Coffee House and get a to-go order. After about a half mile walk at the Shawnee Mission Dog park (tagged on the map) there’s a “dog beach” with perfect rocks to have a picnic on.

DINNER WITH A VIEW Believe it or not, finding a wedding dress for under $10 isn’t an impossible feat. It may be the ugliest thing anyone has ever seen, but it’s still a dress- thanks to GoodWill for that one. Go out to dinner as a bride and her bridesmaids and enjoy all the confused looks. Tagged on the map is Savers- a reliable thrift store that never seems to run out of eclectic pieces.

LASER TAG Gather some friends and have a day of competition. Start by going back to those overly competitive elementary school roots and play the ultimate game of tag: laser tag. After that, attempt to put on a talent show. Everyone has a hidden talent- whether it be America’s Got Talent worthy or not. Or an attempt at one. Loser buys ice cream. Tagged on the map is Jaegerz Laser Tag- sadly one of the only places in Kansas CIty to offer laser tag.

PEOPLE WATCHING PICNIC The best place to people watch is Central Park, so head to Kansas City’s version of it- Loose Park. In the center of the city, the park attracts every kind of person. So head to the Whole Foods on 51st street (best grocery store, no debate) and pack a picnic.

HOUSE HUNTING

Kansas City has a lot of unique architecture, and honestly a lot of weird houses. Stalk Zillow and find the weirdest one for sale and go to their open house. Tagged is 1217 W 55th St, a 10,000 sq ft colonial house built in 1920, which is definitely a unique find.

A&E

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March 2021 // 27

the final countdown 1. Breakin’ Ankles Senior Katelyn Brinkman takes a fall during the basketball game against STA. “I was super nervous for the game because we weren’t at home,” Brinkman said. “But I was very excited when we got the win.”

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2. Boxed In During the STA Game on Feb 18. seniors Katelyn Brinkman and Olivia Shivley double team and block a play by STA.

3. Biggest Fans Sophomore Claire Coates and freshman Grace Carlson, who play on the JV team cheer on the varisty team during their game against STA on Feb 18. “I just really enjoy the environment of the game, it’s so hype and fun to be at,” Coates said.

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4. Focus Face Co-captian and senior Olivia Shivley gets in the zone while taking a high stakes free throw. “The STA game is my favortie of season, it is usally a fight but thats what makes it fun,” Shively said.

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5. On The Lookout

Freshman Grace St. Peter looks out for her next play during the last half of the game. “I would say it was very challengiing at first but it was a great experience for all of us,” St. Peter said.

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6. Fight For the W Senior and co-captain Shannon Karlin fights off the STA players in an effort to secure the lead. “I missed having my friends there in person,” Karlin said. “But I know the whole Sion community was cheering us on from home.”