Class of 2025, The beanies that welcomed us just four years ago now sit dusted with memories on our shelves, and we’re weeks away from being crowned yet again. From wideeyed freshmen to matured young women, I invite you seniors to reflect back on our four years together. Remember each laugh, each color throw, each small moment we experienced.
We hope you feel pride as you flip through this issue. Admire your accomplishments and those of your fellow classmates. Reminisce on silly pink slips or concluded classes and take a moment of gratitude for every little second. To the rest of our community, we hope you can take something from these pages and recognize our appreciation for each of you.
to your reading experience; you’ll help some seniors get things off their chest and dip into the world of college coexisting. Speaking of roommates, want to get the scoop on how to meet potential roomies? Read through page 11 and prepare your super unique bio.
We also have a few sweet sentiments sprinkled into this final issue. On page 21, read through some thank you notes to our lovely faculty members. Use this page to reflect on how much our teachers and staff do for us. Every day they make decisions out of a true love and support for us and our education. Grab a box of tissues to read the very relatable and reflective letter from our very own Editor-inChief on page 24.
Senior Send-Off
On page 7, take a look at a small timeline to help you get on track for upcoming college deadlines from the advice of someone who has gone through the process. Pages 9 and 10 will bring a little entertainment
Our staff hopes you enjoy flipping the pages. Allow yourself to laugh, cry, and set a small goal for how you want to either live out your final years of high school or remember your time at Sion. We have loved every second on this publication and are honored to have served as your
on the Le Journal staff for 2 consecutive years. They have worked many late nights and extra hours, dedicating signifcant time and energy into putting out their best each issue. In honor of their hard work and contributions to Le Journal, we would like to dedicated this issue’s student space to our eight wonderful seniors. You have worked your hardest to lead the staff with integrity, compassion and determination. You will be missed dearly and we wish you the best as you start a new chapter of your lives!
Cover photo by managing editor Ella Satterwhite
Seniors Greta Martin, Mary Kate Lillis, Lauren Haggerty, Ella Satterwhite, Amelia Bedell, Addie Doyle, Bridget Bendorf and Caroline Deacon have been
First Blood
Standing in the parking lot, senior Terryn Ford celebrates victory. Ford hit her target, senior Aubrey Nichols, as they stepped out of the school on the first day of Senior Assassins, earning the first elimation. “I know it was randomized, but I feel like it was rigged because my best friend had me,” Nichols said.
Expert Assasin
Dressed in a bush costume, senior Tessa Lind poses with her target senior Isabel Heidelmann. Lind eliminated four people before being caught by senior Madison Herald. “I was joking with my friend about how it would be funny to go hardcore in assassins, and as we kept joking about it, I decided to actually get a bush costume,” Lind said.
Each year, the senior class at Sion organizes a game of Senior Assassins, where each player is given a target who they must “assasinate” with a water gun. This year, the game began on March 31.
“It’s been a fulfilling experience to see how excited people are about getting the opportunity to be a bit mischievous with their classmates,” game organizer Mel Laubscher said. People have been thrilled to be able to ‘hunt’ their friends down and get them ‘out’. Even when people get competitive, they’re getting the opportunity to bond with their classmates and I think that’s beautiful, even if it’s through a silly game.”
Throughout the month of April, seniors went to each other’s houses, some even dressed as bushes, and ambushed each other after games. One group of seniors even infiltrated their target’s house with the help of a sibling.
“I pulled into my driveway and opened the car door, and immediately people were yelling and running at me, and I got shot,” sophomore Finley Glennon said. “And then they asked if they could go in my house and hide, and I didn’t know what to say so I just let them inside, and they just hid by the door and waited for Maeve.”
Others enjoy from a distance, listening in on plans and watching the action unfold. Laubscher runs an Instagram account for Assasins, adding new posts each time a person is eliminated.
Sibling Betrayal
In her living room, senior Maeve Glennon stands with her assasin, senior Madison Herald. Herald was invited into the house by Glennon’s younger sister, sophomore Finley Glennon. “I was so scared when we heard the garage door open, but then it was so funny, I was just laughing so hard after we shot her,” Herald said.
“It’s exciting to watch,” junior Amaris Dyke said. “I follow the Instagram, I like looking at it and keeping up with it all. I’ve seen other people talking about getting someone out and I see them eliminated after, so I’m seeing the plotting going.”
Observing Assassins this year gets some people excited about participating, while others love watching so much they want to run the game when they are a senior.
“I feel like I’d rather be the one who organizes it and knows everything,” sophomore Annmarie Wesley said. “I also don’t want to keep my guard up because I go out all the time for sports, so I don’t want to be caught off guard.”
One important duty of the game organizer is holding onto the pot money. Players pay an entry fee and can also buy back into the game, creating a prize for the winner.
“I’m so excited because I want to win the money,” junior Merrill Patt said. “I’m also really competitive. I’m gonna be really salty when I get out, especially if it’s one of my friends, and she tricks me through something like taking photos.”
The game is not all about money, though, it is also a part of the senior experience like other end-of-year experiences. Needing to gather all the details of another person’s schedule and all the paranoia can help the senior class to bond.
“I feel like it can be, oddly enough, a fun way of getting closer to someone you don’t know because it’s randomized,” junior Kayleigh Torres said. “You have a target, someone will have you. Maybe you’re closer to them, maybe you’re not, but it’ll be kind of like a fun game going back and forth.”
Preparing for battle
BY ELLA SATTERWHITE MANAGING EDITOR ILLUSTRATIONS | ELLA SATTERWHITE
The impact of Senior Assassins, a tradition in which seniors try to take each other out with water guns, is not limited only to the participating class.
Emily Bahora
What is your finals horror story?
I tried to hold in a cough and almost chocked.
What is the hardest class you took?
Math. Because it is math.
What teacher would you take with you to college?
Dr. Moore because she is so sweet yet so funny and easy to talk to or get advice from.
University of Missouri
What is your favorite experiential learning memory?
Making mourning dove noises in a pitch black cave on the humanity and the stars deep dive.
What is your funniest Sion memory?
When we voted Anna Medina for an award for being faith filled citizen.
What is your favorite english book?
Loyola University Chicago
What will you miss the most about Sion?
I will miss all of the relationships that I’ve built with the people in my classes.
What was your favorite class?
Internal Impacts because I had so much fun making all of the coffee drinks.
What is your funniest Sion memory?
Watching people play senior assassins.
Saint Louis University
READY, SET, SENIOR YEAR
Senior year goes by so quickly, and planning ahead will allow you to stay on top of applications while also enjoying your last year.
BY LAUREN HAGGERTY REPORTER
Start of Summer
Think of a list of colleges, then pair them up locationally, so you have an idea of what visits you can knock out together. If you can, go a step further and plan when you will visit where.
Prepare for ACT/SAT
Many English classes allow students to spend some time working on and editing their college essays, but that time is only beneficial if you know what you are writing about. Throughout the summer create some ideas of things you can use in your essay.
Gaining Meaningful Experiercences
D
Research Colleges
Even after junior year is over, there are still plenty of seniors who take the ACT/SAT. Find the most convenient testing dates for your schedule, while also keeping in mind to check what colleges accept test optional applications if that sounds more desirable.
Draft College Essay
Use the summer to engage in experiences that will make you stand out from other applicants. To do this you can volunteer, do an internship or even work a summer job. All these will be very beneficial when drafting your resume.
What teacher would you take with you to college?
Val because she always keeps it real.
Advice you would give to your freshman self?
Be more outgoing and less scared, make everything fun. Finals horror story?
Question
Arods chem final, I circled all the questions I guessed on and wrote a note at the end apologizing for how many I didn’t know.
University
uring the summer, spend some time filling out your information on a college application app. Common App is commonly used, but so are websites such as Scoir, Coalition Application, or the college website itself. Additionally, gather your resume and activities list.
No matter where you are planning on attending college, it is so important to do research on financial-aid programs. Also, having an idea of what individual scholarships you can apply for allows you to plan ahead on deadlines and essays.
Amelia Bedell
Little Fires Everywhere
Kaylin Bendon
Bridget Bendorf
Creighton
childhood besties
Two pairs of Sion’s tightest knit seniors reflect on their years of friendship and prepare for the upcoming distance apart.
BY REPORTER MARYKATE LILLIS
Seniors Ava Hoehn and Abbie Duetheman have been friends since preschool at St. Michael the Archangel grade school. Their bond has stood the test of time as they have continued their friendship for over sixteen years.
“Abbie and I met on the first day of Busy Bee’s preschool,” Hoehn said. “We’ve been friends for 16 years, and I literally don’t know life without Abbie. It is the easiest friendship ever.”
Hoehn will be attending the University of Georgia, while Duetheman will be attending Creighton University.
“Ava and I have lived three minutes from each other for as long as I can remember,” Duethman said. “I can’t believe we will be so far from each other, but I know our friendship can last through anything.”
When asking what they will miss most about each other, Hoehn reflects on how their friendship has grown and developed throughout the years.
“Being able to grow up with my best friend has been one of my favorite things ever because we’ve loved every stage of each other,” Hoehn said. “I can’t wait to see how we grow and change in these next couple years and I’m already excited to visit Creighton.”
Seniors Stella McClure and Addie Doyle grew up together at the same elementary and middle school, also living seven minutes down the road from each other. Their friendship has grown and persevered all through middle school and highschool.
“Stella and I have been best friends for as long as I can remember,” Doyle said. “Growing up with her has been one of the best gifts of my life. She knows everything about me and I know everything about her.”
Doyle is attending Mizzou, while McClure is attending the University of Kansas. This turns the seven minutes to over three hours between the pair.
MOLLY BLOUNT
Favorite class at Sion and why?
Spending time after school with my friends and going and getting food before lacrosse practices
Most obsecure pink slip?
Cutting someones hair in freshman bio
Funniest Sion memory?
Falling on my face during Junior STUCO skits.
College of Charleston
“Me and Addie’s friendship is something that I value most in my life,” McClure said. “It’s very rare for someone to have a friendship for longer than ten years so I’m so thankful that God has given me a friend like Addie. Being friends with Addie is so easy. It’s so easy that she has become almost part of my family as well.”
Doyle and Stella’s families have also become intertwined because of the pair’s friendship. Friendship has quickly turned into family.
“One of the hardest parts of my college journey has been accepting the fact that I will have to go to school without my best friend,” Doyle said. “I will miss randomly driving over and bothering the McClures. They are a part of my family.”
When asking McClure what she will most like about their friendship. She reflected on how much their friendship made an impact on her life.
“ I will miss our late night drives, blasting music in the car, and our adventures,” McClure said. “I will miss having a best friend right by my side to go to about anything, and I know she will still be there for me, just from a distance.
Hardest class you took and why?
Probably honors chem but only for a quarter bc the stuff we were learning made no sense
Most obsecure pink slip?
Not wearing my polo under my quarter zip
Most wholesome Sion memory?
Spending time after school with my friends and going and getting food before lacrosse practices.
University of Arkansas
CHRISTINA BROOKS
Hardest class you took at Sion?
Algebra one honors with Mid.
Finals horror story?
Every single final freshman year.
Most obsecure pink slip?
Just turning my chair around to talk to Camryn for five seconds
Kansas State University
KATE BURDETTE
Most wholesome Sion memory?
When I didn’t have anyone to sit with during Deep Dives and Karmen invited me to sit with her.
Favorite class? US history
Favorite place at Sion? The Pub Lab
Pittsburg State University
ADDI BOWES
Roommate Horror Stories
Sion faculty share their roommate horror stories that have endured since college.
BY DANIELLA JOHNSON REPORTER
Director of High School Admissions, Katie Glatz, graduated from KU. While she had many incredible roommate experiences, one stood out unexpectedly.
“My freshman year roommate was a nightmare,” Glatz said. “She used to leave lunch meat in to-go containers on the floor in our room. When I told her she needed to put it in the fridge, she would say ‘IT’S FINE!’ while the meat would start to curl up on the ends.”
Like Glatz, Marketing and Content Coordinator Sally Marrow’s freshman roommate was one to be remembered.
“My first ever college roommate was a nightmare,” Marrow said. “She would wake up in the middle of the night and hang feathers from the ceiling above her bed. She never went to class and mostly slept. She moved out after one semester and that was a relief.”
However, the roommates are not always the problem. Sion president Alicia Kotarba attended Washington University and shared what happened one day during winter break.
“We had to live in our dorm rooms over winter break while the university was still closed down for basketball practice,” Kotarba said. “One day after practice we made our way back into our room to find it had flooded (not sure what we had done or not done), but we lost everything and had to replace our bedding, clothes, and computers. The university helped us replace everything, but talk about a mess.”
As counselor Laura King shared, in considering your roommate there are some important things such as allergies should not be overlooked.
“I got to learn to be very open, very soon after the start of college,” King said. “My suitemate Tiger loved shrimp. I’m deathly allergic. She would use her hotplate in her room across the hall from my room to cook shrimp almost daily. We learned to keep all the windows open and prop the suite door. Tiger is an amazing person, she taught me to keep my EpiPen close at all times.”
What will you miss most about Sion?
The people. I love my grade so so much, and the staff and underclassmen.
Hardest class you took and why?
Anatomy ACCP. It is a LOT of memorization and just a work heavy class overall.
Which teacher would you take to college?
Mrs. holmes, she is my favorite teacher ever.
Why did you chose your college?
I have always wanted to go there and it just felt right and like home.
Which teacher would you take to college and why? Dr. Moore, because she always knows how to give the best advice and never fails to make me laugh. Advice to your Freshman self? Everything will work itself out, so don’t stress and live in the moment.
University of South Carolina
Most wholesome Sion memory?
I just failed my first Mid test and I was crying in the locker room and my whole softball team came in and comforted me and let me know everything would be ok.
What are you most proud of accomplishing?
I’m proud of stepping into who I always wanted to be before I graduated. I’m proud that I have learned to express my opinions when I feel it’s necessary.
Abbie Duethman
Creighton University
Terryn Ford
Webster University
Ava Lynn
Senior statistics
The statistics voted on by the seniors. BY
ONLINE EDITOR IN CHIEF BRIDGET BENDORF
of the seniors were in at least one theater production. of the seniors wear their sion ring every day. of the seniors prefer coffee over energy drinks. of the seniors know all of the words to the school song. 44% of the seniors prefer the senior polo over other uniform options. of the seniors played a sport for all four years. Top Lunch Checkout Spots
ID Picture Perfer pearl Picture
Cuties TO BEAUTIES
Tessa Lind
Aubrey Nichols
Francie Keithline
What was your favorite class?
Spanish because of the teachers!! Señora Gonzales and Señora McClung are THE BEST.
Favorite place at Sion?
Counsler office couches.
What will you miss the most about Sion?
The teachers and the small school enviroment.
University of Virginia
Most wholesome Sion memory?
When my sister, Gwen, and bestfriend, Ellie, gave me my junior class ring.
Favorite place at Sion?
The chapel.
Finals horror story?
I slept through my alarm for my math final and I forgot my calculator. I had to have my friend tell my teacher, but I did make it on time and was actually my best finals grade ever.
These seniors were voted by their class as having the biggest transformations throughout their four years at Sion.
BY SANTINA BONINO REPORTER
Kat Jansen
Most obscure pink slip?
Turning off my phone while it was loudly ringing during class.
How did you choose your major?
I grew up on politics and I know it’s something I want to be involved with for the rest of my life.
What are you planning on majoring in?
Pre-law and political science.
Drake University
Ava Hoehn
What was your favorite English book?
The Great Gatsby. What teacher would you take to college with you?
Kram because he wouold be the best person to debrief with and get advice from. What will you miss the most about Sion?
Seeing my friends in the hallway and checking out during 4th period study hall.
University of Georgia
MadisonHerald Ava Pammenter
Madison Herald
Funniest Sion Memory?
Getting breathalyzed at every single dance I’ve ever been too.
Advice to your freshman self?
Learn what concealer is and don’t take life too seriously.
What are you most proud of accomplishing these past 4 years?
I am most proud of discovering who I am and coming to terms with my weaknesses in life.
University of Missouri
Becca Houlehan
What are you most proud of accomplishing these past 4 years?
Starting a non-profit organization!
Hardest class you took?
AP Bio or Algebra 2 Honors. Mids tests!
Favorite experiential education memory?
Going on safaris in Kenya.
University of Oregan State
Annie Johnson
Creighton University
Row, Row, Row, YOUR BOAT LEVEL UP
In the Class of 2025, 6 seniors have committed to playing a sport for thier future college.
BY RILEY PINTADO REPORTER
Taelyn Abby Terryn
Emerson DRURY UNIVERSITY Stella UNIVERSITY of KANSAS
Gretchen Kowalewich
Senior Maeve Glennon is committed to Drake University for a sport she has never played.
Senior Maeve Glennon has been playing soccer and swimming for as long as she can remember. However, starting in fall of 2025 she will be a member of Drake University’s rowing team.
“When Drake contacted me about rowing I was a little confused, but I thought I might as well visit to see what Drake and this rowing team was all about,” Glennon said. “After the first visit I knew Drake was where I wanted to go to school, but I wasn’t sure if rowing was what I wanted to do.”
Glennon visted a second time to sit in on a practice. Her future coaches also informed her that her experiences in other sports would benefit her.
“I knew what rowing was, but I didn’t know any of the particulars,” Glennon said. “When I visited they explained that rowing is a lot like swimming because you don’t pull (the paddle) through your arms or your back, it’s all through your legs. Plus being on a team sport like soccer really helps to adapt to the
team dynamics of rowing.”
Glennon fell in love with Drake, and the city of Des Moines. The college commit also explains that she looks forward to where her new experiences in her new city will lead her.
“Once I saw it I was in awe with the campus and classes,” Glennon said. “Everyone there was so welcoming, and I felt a strong sense of belonging.”
What are you most proud of accomplishing?
Winning the sta vs sion plank contest my junior year Finals horror story?
My backpack got stolen from my car, and they broke my window, one week before it!!
Most obscure pink slip? told my teacher “ill take the pink slip” and therefore he gave me 2 more. SO 3 TOTAL
University of Kansas
Vivian Kuntz
Favorite experiential education memory?
Going to Kenya with the Microschool, it’s something I will never forget and always be grateful for.
Funniest Sion memory?
Probably the talent show or sion Olympics.
Advice to your freshman self? Do not be afraid of talking to people and making friends because it can only lead to more laughter and fun
University of Missouri
Emerson Kraus
Advice to your freshman self?
Cherish every positive moment and focus only on what you can control.
What teacher would you take with you to college?
Dr. Hersh because she would be an amazing person to get coffee with.
Hardest class you took Anatomy because if you ever miss class, you are cooked.
Drury University
Mel Laubscher
Most wholesome Sion memory?
Noelle Bertrand and Suzanne Sade pulling me aside junior year like concerned parents and talking to me about getting a headstart my senior year.
Funniest Sion memory?
The entirety of Puffs.
Advice to your freshman self?
Take a break!
University of Missouri-St Louis
Lily Krumm
What are you most proud of accomplishing these past 4 years?
Branching out and making so many amazing friends and memories.
Favorite experiential education memory?
Going to France for my Deep Dive.
Finals horror story?
One year I didn’t have any motivation to study so I played Papa’s Freezeria games and did really bad on all my finals.
University of Arkansas
Mary Kate Lillis
Hardest class you took, and why?
AP physics, feel like the name is pretty self explanatory.
Most wholesome Sion memory?
Meeting my best friend Francie.
Advice to your freshman self?
Stop being so hard on yourself!
Crieghton University
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY SAINT MARY’S
BY GRETA MARTIN REPORTER
AP Students Just aren’t That Cool
Program: Public Democracy Scholarship
What made her stand out: Upbeat and positive in her interview and showed off her people skills, (like any good politician), and being a nursing major amongst many political science and history applicants.
Program: Maryville Nursing Program
What made her stand out: 400+ service hours, specifically working with children with disabilities, when her intended major is nursing, with an intent to become a pediatric nurse.
Program: University of Notre Dame
What made her stand out: Leadership in extracurriculars(NHS President, Stage Crew manager, LeJournal EIC), extremely thoughtful essays that were emotional and meaningful.
Building your college resume can feel overwhelming, but a few simple guidelines can make choosing classes and activities easier— and help you create a stronger resume overall.
AP Physics or Ceramics? ACCP Environmental Science or AP Chemistry? Newspaper or Computer Science? These are the decisions we all make when choosing our classes every year. We factor in what we want to take, what our interests are, but also, in the back of our mind, we think about how that class will look on our resume. Will it give you a GPA boost? Does it demonstrate interest in your intended major? Are you challenging yourself as everyone says you should be, or are you just overloading your schedule so much that you’re going to be drowning all year? Will this class help you get into college, or does it even matter?
“I definitely focused on having a well-rounded application,” senior Natasha Wulff said. “I took AP Physics, had a good GPA, did extracurriculars, and wrote my essays tailored to the Purdue engineering program, but I also took some classes, like Spanish III, that really weren’t necessary, and because I wasn’t really interested, the class definitely dragged on.”
Colleges will make their first judgment about you based on your GPA. It’s one of the first things they see, so it’s inevitable. However, that does not necessarily mean that a 4.2 weighted GPA is so much worse than a 4.5 weighted GPA. They want to see that you had success in the classes you took and that you challenged yourself — specifically in your areas of interest. If you hate history and are terrible at it and you plan to be an engineer, no college is going to dock you points for not taking AP World History. It’s a balancing act that honestly no one has the perfect answer to.
Most wholesome Sion memeory?
The first varsity volleyball game I played in.
Advice to Freshman self? Be open to new opportunities.
Hardest class you took and why?
Statistics, it’s just hard to understand.
University of Arkansas
Tessa Lind
How did you chose your college?
I love the student environment and how it feels like a large version of Sion! I’m also really excited to be in their brand new nursing program. Favorite experiential education memory?
Traveling to Guatemala on a service trip with Sion because I learned so much about what the world looks like beyond my privileged lens. I was such an eye-opening experience that I am forever grateful for.
Drake University
The idea of being well-rounded is something that maybe can help you, but can also result in wasting your time on unnecessary classes. For example, if you have been committed to nursing since fourth grade, taking yearbook as a “resume booster” isn’t going to help you that much. If you aren’t interested in the challenging or work-heavy classes, it’s going to make your life far more difficult than necessary.
“If the only reason people want to take a class, especially something like publications, is for resume building, then they need to really think about whether it will actually help their resume,” senior Caroline Weber said. “If you’re looking for things that will make you stand out, or something to write your essays on, you need to actually feel passionate about it. It needs to be meaningful for you. If it’s not meaningful or you’re too busy with other things to commit time, there’s no reason to write about it and there is no purpose behind taking the class.”
Overall, colleges are actually looking for what they say they’re looking for. That seems obvious and unhelpful, but it can be a good guideline to follow. They want someone curious, either exploring their options or seeking more knowledge about their intended field of study. They want people who show passion and dedication, whether that’s a sport, volunteering, or a job. And they are looking for people who aren’t afraid to do the hard things. The most random things can make you stick out on your application, so follow your passions, try new things, and don’t limit yourself.
Camryn Markey
How did you choose your major?
I have always wanted to become a nurse because I am very interested in healthcare. What are you most proud of accomplishing?
Being motivated and hardworking in all of my classes. Advice to feshman self?
Don’t be too hard on yourself and just enjoy highschool, because it goes by very fast.
San Diago State Universtity
Greta Martin
“If you follow the things you’re passionate about, do the things you love,” senior Caroline Deacon said. “Then your resume is going to develop on its own, and it will be a more enjoyable experience because you will be doing things that actually interest you.”
Favorite class and why?
Anatomy with Mr. Knowles. That class inspired me to go into the medical field and Mr. Knowles is actually my number one hype man, he made that class such an amazing experience.
Most obscure pink slip?
I got three in one week from Shrock for playing Tetris Favorite place at Sion? Pub Lab hands down period.
University of Michigan
Tessa Lind
Emily Schimmel
Caroline Deacon
Sophie Falk
Greta Grossman
MOST LIKELY TO BECOME PRESIDENT
Most wholesome Sion memory?
Getting to play field hockey with my sister
Funniest Sion memory?
Doing karaoke to My Way by Frank Sinatra with all my friends at field day... All the teachers were filming us
Advice to your freshman self?
Trust the process! Everything will work out exactly as it should.
University of Wisconsion-Madison
Meave Glennon
MOST LIKELY TO BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY
MOST LIKELY TO CURE CANCER
Hardest class you took, and why?
AP Chem. I think it’s self explanatory.
Most obscure pink slip? I swore in Arod’s class. I was talking really loud, and the room was empty so my F bomb was clearly audible. Arod just yelled, “Elwyn!”
What will you miss the most about Sion?
The uniform skirts I’ve been wearing since seventh grade
What are you planning on majoring in?
Psychology
How did you choose your major?
I think it’s really interesting, and I want to help people by being a therapist
What are you most proud of accomplishing these past 4 years?
Surviving every Spanish class at Sion
Undecided
What are you planning on majoring in?
Buisness Administration or Marketing
What teacher would you take with you to college and why?
Sra.Gonzalez, she has done everything to support me in every way she can.
Favorite experiential education memory?
Going to Kenya.
Angeline Robles Feliciano
Maddie Patt
Elwyn Patterson
Smith College
Brooke Petro
Creighton University
Run it Back
Sion seniors voted on their favorite traditions.
BY MANAGING EDITOR ELLA SATTERWHITE
Mary Schumm
Why did you choose your college?
I have always been a Jayhawk, cheering the basketball and football teams on for as long as I can remember.
Most wholesome Sion memory?
The beginning of my freshman year, the cross country team surprised me with a birthday picnic after one of our runs.
The University of Kansas
Most obsecure pink slip?
Shrock thought I was playing a game on my computer when in reality I was writing a paper.
Most Wholesome Sion Memory?
My most wholesome sion memory would either be my senior night for tennis and receiving the sweetest letters from all my teamates
University of Missouri
The Next Cycle
Becca and Izzy are moving on to new things across the country from each other, what will happen to Equity.Period. next?
BY SANTINA BONINO REPORTER
#2 Junior Ring #1 Tailgate
“It really sinks in that it’s a year of lasts and you get to see everyone in the senior polos for the first time.” - senior Vivian Kuntz
Your favorite class, and why?
“I love that we are passing on something special to our friends, it feels like a bitter-sweet goodbye” - senior Kat Jansen
What will you miss the most about Sion?
Missouri State University
Finals horror story?
My finals horror story would have to been when I had to take the AP Pre-Calc , and I had pink eye, so it was really hard to see my paper but somehow I still passed! Favorite class?
Faith-Filled Life with Mrs. Holmes! It was such a fun class but also such an important class to take, because it allows you to reflect on yourself and learn more about moralities that define who you are as a person!
Equity.Period. is a non-profit created by seniors Becca Houlehan and Izzy Zschoche that donates menstrual products to anyone who needs them in an attempt to fight period poverty. The two were initially struck by the fact that 2 in 5 women have experienced period poverty, defined by a lack of access to menstrual products, in their lifetime. Equity.Period. promotes normalizing periods and making sure girls aren’t ashamed of their bodily functions. Over the last four years, Houlehan and Zschoche have accomplished a lot within their organization, including becoming an official 501c3. A 501c3 is a nonprofit group with a specific motive.
But the question remains, what will Houlehan and Zschoche do next as they’re off to college?
“Since we are an official 501c3, we have a board.” Houlehan said. “Our parents, Izzy, and I will stay on the board and run things online from wherever we end up. Izzy is going to Missouri S&T and I will go to Oregon State University.”
What are you planning on majoring in?
Strategic Communications through the Journalism school.
Hardest class you took, and why?
Algebra II with Mid because its Mid.
Funniest Sion memory?
Getting pantsed by Gretchen during our double overtime game against Blue Valley North.
University of Missouri
What are you most proud of accomplishing?
Becoming EIC in yearbook and being nominated for a pacemaker.
Hardest class you took?
Freshman Bio: no matter how hard or long I studied I never got above a 70% on my tests or finals.
How did you choose your major?
I did the Personal Finance Deep Dive and loved it.
With the girls going to different colleges, there will definitely be challenges when it comes to management, but both are determined to make sure the organization continues for all the women and girls who need their help.
“We’ve been talking to some freshmen and people we’re close with,” Houlehan said. “To just manage if there’s an emergency. We’ve organized people who will do that for us.”
They work with a lot of other nonprofits too, such as Hope and Health, which ships period products to Africa. Hope and Health has a strong community that allows them to get their products to the places and people who need them most. The challenge of running a nonprofit has given Houlehan and Zschoche skills and experience that they can draw from in the future.
“Equity.Period. has helped me speak up for myself, be confident and stand my ground,” Houlehan said. “Like when I was testifying in front
Allie Serville
Ava Sheedy
Any math class. I find math fun and I have loved almost every math teacher I’ve had. Even on days we have free, I ask for extra math problems
The coffee shop, working there will always be one of my favorite parts of my Sion experience.
Elizabeth Vance
Ella Warden
Texas Christian University
Caroline Weber
Kansas University
#3 Beanies #4 Serenade
“I wasn’t at Sion as a freshman so it was so special to me to make the beanies for my maison.” - senior Ella Warden
Taelyn Smith
How did you choose your major?
I am majoring in Nursing ecuase I’ve always wanted to work in the medical field and I like helping people.
What teacher would you take with you to college and why?
Mrs.King - She has the perfect soul for a mentor and leader.
Lincoln University
Favorite experiential education memory?
Riding horses on my princess bride deep dive!
What are you most proud of accomplishing these past 4 years?
I’m proud that I got a full scholarship for basketball which is something I have been working towards since I was very young.
of the Kansas House. We’ve had legislators kind of pick on us, calling us out because we are the youngest people there, which was a challenge.”
The two have also gotten to see how their organization has benefited the people in the community, and how important it is to have proper healthcare.
“We’ve had a woman break down crying in front of me because we had free period products because they weren’t affordable any other way,” Houlehan said. “It’s not something a lot of people think is a big issue but it makes a huge difference for each individual.”
Zschoche and Houlehan have been working on multiple projects regarding feminine healthcare and
“My dad and I are really close and this was a really special opportunity to show that. We both cried.” - senior Avery Williams
Most obscure pink slip? Doing a backflip sophomore year and landing on my head. Hardest class you took, and why?
Anatomy, there’s so much to learn and memorize and it goes by quick.
Your favorite class, and why?
Also anatomy, I love all the labs and learning about the body and how it works.
University of Missouri
Funniest Sion memory?
When Camryn hid underneath Dr. Furrys desk and scared her.
Advice to your freshman self?
Fear of the future might give you the illusion of control but it doesn’t.
What are you majoring in?
On the Pre-OT track, maybe majoring in Kinesiology
period awareness, and it’s a project that has left an impact on them and the people in their community.
Even as the two move on to the next stages of their lives, this organization will continue fighting period poverty, one pad at a time.
“I think I’ve mainly learned empathy and awareness,” Zschoche said. “Before I was like ‘yes, it’s period products some people don’t have access to them.’ But now I see it as more than period products because some people have to choose between them or other necessities like heating or food, and it’s just such an important cause that I truly believe in and want to continue.”
#5 Fashion Show
“My mom and my aunts are all alumni and it is a fun reminder of our shared history!” - senior Becca Houlehan
Funniest Sion memory? Completely wiping out during lifetime sports while playing kickball.
Finals horror story I accidentally brought my history stuff for a math final also forgetting to bring a calculator.
What will you miss the most about Sion? How close everyone is. I love having connections with freshmen and teachers.
Iowa State Univerdity
Funniest Sion memory?
Getting a automatic detention for a back flip
How did you choose your major?
I love science and I can’t imagine studying anything outside of it.
Advice to your freshman self?
Do everything even if you’re terrified.
Kate Spenceri
Annie Sullivan
Abby Wendte
University of Saint Mary’s
Avery Williams
Kansas State University
Elise Williams
Dayton University
so it’s
2025 now
Senior Caroline Deacon’s letter to herself going into her freshman year at Sion.
BY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CAROLINE DEACON
To my younger self,
You’re 13 now. You’re probably opening that purple cardboard box, the one with the tiny strands of confetti and the Sion emblem pasted in white on top. In a couple minutes, you’ll pose for a picture in the shirt that just came in the mail, its calligraphy printed in bold letters. “Freshman Class of 2025.” And you’ll think to yourself: 2025? That seems like a lifetime away.
You’re nervous. You don’t know almost anyone. You desperately want to fit in, to ‘find your people,’ even though you’re not quite sure what that means. And you will. You’ll carpool with Mary Schumm–the only person you knew going into Sion–and Tessa Lind to Pinstripes Bowling for an incoming freshmen event. You’ll stand awkwardly in a circle with girls just as unsure as you are, exchanging first names, middle schools and sports, hoping something clicks.
You’re curious about the next four years, and I wish I could tell you to relax. To breathe. I won’t lie that this time was always picture-perfect, but looking back at Sion, you’ll say you are so incredibly lucky.
So I wish I could come back and whack you upside the head. Because the overstressing and second-guessing and self-doubt are so much more than you need, regardless of the fact that they’ll probably be there for a long time.
Because what are
you trying to prove? That you’re smart enough? Funny enough? Kind enough? That you’re enough for someone or everyone, or as cliche as it sounds, yourself? Because enough. Enough with that. Trying to be flawless will eat you alive if you let it. And it’s true that it is really, really difficult being happy with imperfection. Or even being okay with it. But it is most definitely and without a doubt worth it.
So a quick heads up. You will procrastinate and feel lazy and be lazy. You will treat someone badly and say something rude and probably do it all over again. You’ll fail a Mid Algebra II test and not understand how so many letters could possibly be used in a math class. You’ll doubt yourself over and over. Are you being the friend you should be? How could you sleep through that meeting? Are you really trying your best? But I wish you could see yourself from my eyes for even a few minutes, you wonderful, scared, endlessly unfinished girl. You’d probably laugh. You’d definitely cringe. You might even cry. But you might feel a little more at ease too. Because in your attempt for perfection you can, at times, forget to take care of the girl trapped behind the late nights and unachievable standards. You won’t see this letter, even though I wish I could slip it in your backpack–the same one I carried to school with me this morning. You won’t read it and you’ll do exactly all the things I’d never do over again, but also all that I would.
I’m 17 now. Not much older and in the exact same position as you. About to go to a new school with completely new people, ready to once again step into that awkward circle and exchange surface level information, searching for common ground. And I don’t have a letter from me four years from now, but I’m hoping this will give both of us some peace as I leave my home behind. We turned out just okay. You aren’t anywhere near perfect, but no one was ever asking you to be.
Love,
Natasha Wulff
What are you planning on majoring in?
Civil engineering.
Favorite experiential education memory?
Junior year, a bunch of friends and I got into the same Deep Dive: Gender and Empire. We had so much fun together gutting a book called Moon Sun and Witches.
Hardest Class?
Algebra H II, that first semester final was super hard.
Purdue University
Most obscure pink slip? Once, Knowles gave me a pink slip for being less than a minute late to class.
Advice to your freshman self?
Be yourself and don’t be scared to talk to people. Nobody cares as much as you think they do.
What will you miss most about Sion?
The all-girls environment. It’s low-pressure and easy.
Saint Louis University
Charlotte Zender
Favorite experiential education experience?
Traveling to Boston my sophomore year.
Advice to Freshman self?
Make as many friends as possible and cherish every moment. It goes by so fast and even though you’re glad to get out, you’ll secretly wish you had more time.
Favorite place at Sion? The publab.
Kansas State University
What are you planning on majoring in?
Chemistry. I love science and have wanted to be a chemist since freshman year.
Most obscure pink slip? The ‘expired’ Sion sweater.
Finals Horror Story?
Forgetting a calculator for stats final (which is all calculator).
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Izzy Zschoche
Sammy Young
“Take your grades and classes serious because it makes college applications so much easier and less stressful.”
“Just stay out of drama as much as you can, it's really not worth it.”
“It’s going to be okay. Nothing is ever that serious. The older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve realized things will change. Sometimes you really don’t want them to, but they need to in order for you to grow.”
“WALK FASTER.”
“Try something new while you're young and explore career paths that you feel passionate about.”
“ Take in every moment because it goes way quicker than you would think.”
“High school is a time to focus on yourself and the person you're becoming and setting yourself up for in the future, so take every opportunity that comes your way.”
“Don't give up on making friends... it happens all the way into senior year!”
“Don't force yourself to do things you don't enjoy.”
“take your grades and classes serious because it makes college applications so much easier and less stressful”
“Be nice to everyone because you never know who you will end up being friends with.”
“Please please be so conscious of anyone who needs friends and invite them to anything”
“Even when things are crazy, remember that you are enough.”
DEAR SION
It has been our honor to work, learn, and engage with each and every one of you. With that being said, we have a few things we want you to know before our time together comes to a close.
Love, Your Seniors
Adventure is out there
The states of colleges where the class of 2025 is going.
