The Shield Senior Issue
Senior Status
Every year the seniors welcome the new freshmen via a red carpet. This was the very start of a crazy, unexpected senior year! Photo by Michelle Gress.
Volume 32
Staff Members
Ron Clemons Award for Editorial Leadership From the Journalism Educators of metro kansas city
Adviser I Matt Hallauer
2017 & 2020
Editor-in-Chief I Rachael Lawler Senior Reporter I Brennan Schroeder
Volume 32
Reporter I Alycen Ellwanger Reporter I Anabelle Goone Reporter I Anna Stoll Reporter I Hailey Krumm
The Shield Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
Reporter I Maria Palazuelos Reporter I Moorea Gailloux Reporter I Connor Klocke Freelancer I Rose Kindred Freelancer I Lorelei Teddy Freelancer I Lydia Saunders
The Shield
Social Media
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M I S S I ON S TATE ME NT The Shield is the student’s’ voice of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. Published by students for the good of the whole Aquinas community, The Shield serves as a source of information and as a spark for productive change. Student reporters learn about the world of journalism while practicing ethical, holistic reporting practices. The Shield staff is responsible for the content published, striving to share information accurately, objectively, and completely for all members of the Saint Thomas Aquinas High School community. A DV E RTIS ING The Shield sells advertisements to help with publication costs. All ads will be subject to the same scrutiny as stories. The Shield will not print any obscenities or any ads promoting products illegal to those under the age of 18. For advertising, please call (913) 319-2418, send an email to mhallauer@stasaints.net, or visit www.stasaints.net/shield S UB S CR I P TIO NS Subscriptions to The Shield are $3 per issue. Subscriptions can be sent to Saint Thomas Aquinas High School c/o Matt Hallauer. Digital subscriptions are free and sent via email monthly. Orders can be sent to mhallauer@stasaints.net L E T T E R S P O L ICY Letters may be accepted by The Shield, provided that they are signed and do not contain libelous statements. The Shield reserves the right to edit the letters for grammar, obscenity, or space consideration, and also reserves the right to not print a letter.
Volume 32 I Senior Issue
CONTENTS
10
12
14
Bucket List
Words of Wisdom
By the Numbers
16
18
19
Charting New Territory
The Soundtrack of our Memories
Fads & Trends
18
26
30
Greatest Memories
Saints for a Moment
Farewell, Dr. Ford
Senior Issue
3
See You Later
Seniors
Letter from the Editor
H
ey, Saints! This is a very bittersweet letter to write, and I am sure, it will be for the seniors when they see this issue. Once this issue is sent off, I will be signing off as the Editorin-Chief of The Shield. I have no idea where the time went. Just yesterday, it seems like it was my second week of freshmen year, and I kept being told how quickly everything would go by. I laughed and rolled my eyes, convinced it was just a classic line used by teachers and older students to get us involved, but then I blinked and here I am writing this letter. Being on the newspaper staff has been such a big part of my high school career, and it is very disconcerting to me to think that I will never again be spending hours in the newsroom working on layouts and writing stories, laughing with other staff members and listening to BeyoncĂŠ. There are no true words, at least in English, to convey this feeling that although everything is ending and changing, it still remains the same. There will always be a version of myself hunched over one of the computers, staring at a layout that I have been working on for hours and still feel needs something. Goodbyes can be very hard, especially when it comes to something you love. I know both myself and most (if not all) of the senior class was disappointed by the way our senior year ended, but we are looking forward to what is to come; with every ending, there is always a beginning. That is the great cycle of life. Time is not linear, and neither are our
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memories. There will always be a part of the class of 2020 that is still in high school, which is still living out the life of a Saint Thomas Aquinas Saint. But in spite of that, I look forward to our new destination, and more that, what all of us will do when we get there. Going to Saint Thomas Aquinas High School was one of the greatest decisions I ever made, I hope you feel the same. Before I go, I wanted to thank a few people. To my staff this year, you amaze me every single issue. Our first issue, I was the only person who had any experience at all; now at our last issue, you all write and design with the best of them. Thank you for making my role as Editor-in-Chief so easy. To all the other staffs I was on, I want to thank each and every member because they helped shape me into the journalist I am today. Without you guys, I would definitely not be writing this letter. To Andrew Schoonover, who took a chance on a scrappy, little sophomore with no experience whatsoeve, you gave me the chance to work as an underclassman and showed me what it takes to be a leader. And finally, Mr. Hallauer, thank you so much for everything. You have taught me so much about writing and journalism, of ethics and how writing truly saves lives. And you let Andrew take a chance on me as a freelancer. Without your support and help, I would never have made it as far as I have. Thank you, for everything.
Rachael Lawler Editor-In-Chief
tips for surviving the next step Deepthi Kailash Washington University in St. Louis class of 2023
Delaney Smith University of Mississippi Class of 2022 1.) Ever yone says this, but wait to buy books until the first week of class because a lot of times you’ll find you can get by without the textbooks. 2.) Also, check Amazon for used books because college bookstores like to upcharge. 3.) It’s OK to prioritize getting sleep over studying or social events.
I think a couple of big things academically are to not worr y about choosing the right major or thing to study immediately. College is a time where you get to explore a lot of different paths and that’s a great opportunity. Also, there isn’t necessarily one right path academically. For me, I was struggling because I wasn’t sure whether I should switch majors and I was worried that I would choose the wrong one, but in that kind of decision, there might genuinely be no wrong choice. You just have to pick one and go with it. As far as nonacademically, make an effort to get to know different people! College is so diverse and pretty much ever yone has a different background. You can learn something new from each and ever y person. Also, it’s really important to keep up with selfcare, as in eating right and getting enough sleep. It’s more important than people realize!
Senior Issue
5
k s A y m m o T These original drawings of Tommy are courtesy of senior Gen Monslow.
I’m struggling with my grades this semester after a close call last semester. How can I get back on track and finish the year strong? The second semester is always very hard because summer seems so close yet still so far. There’s still too much time left in the semester to feel that you are smooth sailing, but you want to be done so bad, however, you shouldn’t give up. Think about how far you’ve come. You’ve done great thus far, so why give up now? Even though it’s hard, keep pushing through, because it will be worth it in the end. All grades from freshman to senior year matter when it comes to applying for colleges so do yourself a favor and continue to put your best foot forward for the sake of your future. Who is your favorite TikTok star at school? Hmmm well, only a few have actually gone viral that I know of... Morgan Ramsey, Kelly Lane, Maddie
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Haruch, and Cade Scherzer are a few worth mentioning. Tommy bro, what’s a good place to go on a date that’s not a restaurant or a movie? Hmmmm try to get creative. In the winter, maybe an ice skating rink or bowling. And maybe when it warms up, you could have a picnic in the park and hammock. Or there’s always places like Dave & Busters and Main Event, or you could attend a sporting event together! I feel like I have no time to get homework done. How do I use my time wisely and lower stress between school and sports? Time management is HARD, but it is also an important life skill and one that will probably play a key role in our lives. It’s all about prioritizing and using any time you have as efficiently as possible. Try to come into each day with a plan and create a list of all things you need to get done in
order of priority. Then, be OK with the fact that there will be a little give or take somewhere. Focus on staying focused and save excessive relaxation or free time for the weekend. How can I keep my locker fish alive for more than three days? Step 1: Feed it. Step 2: Change the water frequently but be careful not to fill it up too high, fish can jump and step 3: Maybe don’t keep a fish in a dark locker?? What are some fun and easy electives to take once you meet all your required credits? It kind of depends on the person, but luckily, we offer a variety of classes! Child Development is always fun, Advanced PE, or weights if you are looking to stay in shape. Or the art classes provide a much-needed brain break throughout the day!
Tommy the Saint Advice Columnist
Ask Tommy
(Carroll
)
Are you the favorite child? I am the favorite child. How do you cope with wrestling, and football and all your school work? I focus on one thing at a time How do you get massive in the weight room? You just got to lift ever y day. How is your hair so long and cool? Genetics How many oranges do you eat per day (on average)? I have 2 and a half oranges a day.
I’ve been having a lot of trouble mustering up the courage to ask a girl I like out, and with school almost over I feel like I won’t have a chance with her over the summer, how can I A. Share my feelings with her and B. Ask her on a date? When I’m scared to talk to my crush, I just pretend I’m Charlie McCormick Is it hard to have multiple family members who are athletes, is it always competitive around the house? No What teacher are you genuinely going to miss? Ms. Davis
What’s your beauty secret? My beauty secret is that I go to the fountain of youth ever y other month What’s the hardest part about being an upperclassman and what’s the funniest thing that you have done while being a senior? The hardest part of being a senior is losing interest in school and the most fun thing was red carpet day. Who was your favorite teammate from this year that wore #6? Hank Sheeley
Tommy Carroll Advice Columnist
Senior Issue
7
The pieces to the puzzle The senior class’ thoughts on things you should do before graduating from Aquinas
Eat lunch in the courtyard
Go to the choir’s coffeehouse
Watch the dance team’s Winter Finale
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Take a picture with Santa
Be on a Spring Olympics team
Be a Bleacher Creature candidate
Be on the football field at night
Attend one game of every sport
Take a trip to the empty basement
Win a round of school bingo
Donate blood during the NHS Blood Drive
Spend over 12 straight hours at STA
Moorea Gailloux The Shield
Reporter
Putting the pieces toďż˝ gether
Seniors Terrrance Collins and Zarian Navy work on a puzzle in the Leanrning Commons. Photo by Hailey Krumm.
Go on Kairos
Visit the outdoor classroom
Go canning for the Canned Food Drive
Attend at least one school dance
Memorize the Alma Mater
Say hi to Moe when you see him
Microwave a cafeteria cookie for 22 seconds
Be the person of the day in Mr. Hammons class
Rub Saint Thomas Aquinas’ head before a test
Go on the Walk for Life
Sing during karaoke at lunch
Watch a school musical
Participate in Homecoming Week
Do service hours at Turnstyles
Senior Issue
Walk a freshman down the red carpet
11
words of wisdom As the Class of 2020 prepares to close the chapter of high school in their lives, the Class of 2024 is barely preparing to start theirs. Photo : Annie Rokusek Photo : Jackson Kraft
N
ow that the seniors have made it through their four years of high school, they have much more wisdom than they had as incoming freshman. We asked our seniors what advice they would give the incoming freshmen class about high school. Here are some responses:
Photo : Michelle Gress
“Don’t take high school for granted. Just be yourself and naturally you’ll be surrounded by the right people.”
Photo : Brady Hall Photo : Michelle Gress
Phillip Bell Photo : Gabby Warrender
“GO THROUGH THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE DOOR AND DON’T STAND IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HALLWAY.” Morgan Ramsey
Smiling seniors
With the senior’s year being cut short, they have been taking time to recognize all of the wonerful memories they have made and people they have met.
“Go try something you’ve never done before. Try out for a sport you’ve never played. Take a class you never thought you’d want to take. If you don’t like it, it is okay to give it up! For me, that sport was cross country, and that class was debate. I don’t regret it! Go take a risk.” Jackson Kraft
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Photo : Molly Hartnett
Photo : Anna Simmons
“Class of 2024, I know this whole high school thing might seem scary at first... trust me it isn’t.
Photo : Elizabeth Hesser
Photo : Ellie Johnson
“Go to as many events
as possible to meet new people and get out of your comfort zone! One of my biggest regrets is being too shy to be myself around people and not wanting to put myself out there.” Annie Rokusek
“Get good study habits early. Even if the tests and quizzes are simple.” Paul Loughman
“I know people say it all the time, but high school seriously flies by. Don’t take any moment for granted.”
My advice to you is that you branch out, and get involved. Be a friend to someone. Don’t just stick to your friend group because it’s ‘comfortable.’ You will only truly succeed when you leave your comfort zone. Trust me, if you do this, then your high school experience will be 10x better. Be kind to everyone, savor every single moment, every event, whether it’s a football game or a school dance (WPA for you guys since you can’t go to homecoming freshman year).
“Be yourself and don’t be afraid to do what It may seem like a long Callie Ingram you love even if that is ride ahead, but you will not what the crowd is soon realize the years doing or isn’t considered will fly by and soon you “Start strong from the ‘cool.’ Don’t change who will be seniors. Live in the beginning and take it one you are due to others moment and remember day at a time.” you are at Aquinas for a around you and always reason. It is an amazing be looking for more Melanie Valle place with people that will friends and for the best stay in your life forever.” in people.”
MARIA PALAZUELOS Elise Handley
Reporter
Amanda Hamm Senior Issue
13
Disciplinary Actions
2020 Seniors by the numbers 575
Tardies
698
Detentions
326
Phone Fines
226
Dress Code Violations
College
Applied to
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40%
922 Colleges
Going Out of State Accepted into
128 unique institutions
*These numbers are based of a survey that 82% of seniors completed. Due to COVID-19, many colleges and universities have extended their college decision deadline to June 1 and beyond. Therefore, the class of 2020 has additional time to decide.
Faith .
182
Athletics
Attended Kairos
5,576.75
Service Hours
26
Signed Collegiate Athletes
18
State Championships
Academics Average
ACT 25.3 Score
Kansas State Scholars
National Merit Scholars Commended Finalist Sholars
6
82
Members in NHS
5
61 Senior Issue
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Some Special Seniors! The 2020 Seniors are doing anything and everything! Here’s a look at a few Saints with some extraordinary aspirations. Gen monslow Many know Gen for her creative illustrative talents. What many don’t know, however, is that she is taking her talent and hoping to pursue it as a career. She is attending Minneapolis College of Art and majoring in Illustration. She is also considering minoring in art history. She is excited to live in a big city that “[has] such a strong community of artists [who] support one another.” Gen has been interested in pursuing an artistic route for college for some time. She loves concept art, where she “designs characters and creates scenes and environments [for the characters she illustrates.]” She considered majoring in animation, but in the end, illustration fit her better.
Photo courtesy of Gen Monslow
Morgan ramsey
Photo courtesy of Morgan Ramsey
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After leaving Aquinas, Morgan hopes to make a change in our community. Morgan will be attending the University of Dayton and is planning to major in forensics psychology and criminology. What does that mean exactly? Well, forensic psychology is a complicated major, but it has to do with the psychological process of people involved in the legal system. Criminology, by definition, is the study of law enforcement and the justice system. Morgan isn’t completely sure on what she will do with her education, she knows she wants to “[work] with people to understand and help them.” She would like to take the forensics route which may involve crime analysis, but if life doesn’t take her that way, she will most likely pursue a career in mental health and maybe specialize in trauma.
Elise handley Elise has been singing all her life, so it’s no surprise that she’s taking a step towards a musical education. Elise will be attending KU and majoring in vocal performance. She has sung at KU basketball, volleyball, and soccer games for many years now. She feels at home at KU, “through the community and people [she] has worked with at KU in the past.” Elise chose to study vocal performance because “it gives [her] the ability to work with other musicians of different backgrounds.” This means she gets to work with people who focus on different types of music. Elise wants to take her education and use it to help people through performing. She says that “when people are dealing with tough situations in life, she wants to help [them] through their struggles with music.”
Photo courtesy of Elise Handley
Grace Ludwick
Joseph roth
Next fall, Grace will be attending KU and will be a part of their design school and major in Interior Design and Architecture. Grace has had an interest in interior design and architecture since she was in middle school. She kept her interest all throughout high school and excelled in math and art, which helped her stay on her path towards interior design. Grace chose KU for three main reasons. Her parents are alumni from KU, she was looking for an in-state college that she could attend, and KU also has a very good design school that Grace is excited to be a part of!
Joseph’s future will be taking flight after leaving STA! He will be attending K-State Polytechnic in Salina where he will be majoring in Professional Piloting. Since his time in Boy Scouts, Joseph has always known that he wants to take this route after high school. He plans on being a professional pilot after college. Joseph chose K-State Polytechnic because he has heard many wonderful things about it and he was very impressed by their “[specialization] in hands-on learning.”
Hailey Krumm Reporter Senior Issue
17
Reliving the glory days The Class of 2020 will forever remember certain music and trends.
M
usic is such a strong thing that brings back memories of good times. Many people use music to remember their favorite memories. In high school, the perfect soundtrack means everything. Each sport and activity
has a different song that will forever bring them back to high schoo,l when they’re listening to the radio twenty years from now. There are certain songs that only make sense if you’ve attended aquinas for the past 4 years. From the questionable songs played at
school dances to the memorable songs played at assemblies and masses. Each student has a song that will forever remind them that they spent these past four years at Saint Thomas Aquinas.
Senior Night Spirit The varsity cheerleaders are cheering on the basketball team during senior night. Senior cheerleader Katie Hulla said that when she thinks about cheer, the song “Archie Back,” comes to mind. If you’re not a cheerleader, you probably don’t know this song, but its an iconic STA cheer squad hype up song.
JUST GETTING STARTED The lacrosse team takes a warmup lap before the 2019 season. According to senior lacrosse player James Withers, “Heartbreak on the Dance Floor” by Jon Pardi was always played before games. Teammate Gabe Schnieders said the team would hype up with “Hells Bells” by ACDC.
Hands in the Air The seniors dancing the night away at prom 2019. Although it is questionable, the music choice at STA dances is one to remember. Full of memorable songs like, Come on Eileen, Sweet Caroline, Don’t Stop Believing, Lipgloss, Soulja Boy, and of course Footloose. No matter how much they complain, it’s something they’ll never forget.
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A
nother thing that will always take the class of 2020 back to the good ole days is the crazy trends that they have endured throughout their lives. Every year seems to have a new trend that everyone had to get their hands on.
Looking back on middle school trends, the seniors wonder why some of these things were even trends. Which they will also probably wonder later in life looking back on high school trends. However, as strange as the trends might be looking back, they offer a
hint of nostalgia. To help reminisce on their childhood. Without further ado here are the trends that stick out to the class that they will always remember, from middle school to high school.
Trends from Middle school to High school HydroFlasks
Lululemon Headbands
Silly Bandz
White Air Force 1s
Vineyard vines belts
Reebok Zigtech
Phiten necklace
TikTok
Hair Feathers
Senior Issue
19
senior rewind As the school year comes to a close, we send our seniors off to the next chapter of their lives. Many memories come to mind as the seniors look back at their time at Aquinas. We surveyed the senior class and asked what their best memory at Aquinas was from the past four years. Here are some of their responses. Extracurriculars One thing Aquinas is most well known for is our outstandingly successful extracurricular activities, such as sports teams, clubs, theater programs, and many more. These activities make our time at Aquinas unforgettable as we grow closer to our classmates by doing what we love. We get to showcase our talents and show that the Saints community is unstoppable. Here are a few of the seniors’ favorite moments having to do with extracurriculars from over the past four years.
State Championships The senior class was a very talented and involved class, with 18 state championships over the course of their 4 years. Winning a state championship is not something many high schoolers can say they’ve ever achieved, but many of our seniors said that winning STAte was the most memorable part of high school. Some of the most frequently mentioned were boys and girls cross country, girls golf, girls basketball, volleyball, girls swim, and football.
Triple Overtime against St. James’ basketball team During the current seniors’ freshman year, our basketball team took on our rival, St. James, in a very intense game.
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HUG IT OUT
Senior Katie Muckerman hugs her teammate after winning the state championship in Girls Cross Country in 2018. Photo courtesy of Katie Muckerman.
Ultimately, we reigned victorious and took the win against the Thunder. It was a very memorable game for our seniors.
Being apart of a team Many seniors voiced that their favorite part of their four years of high school was getting to do what they loved with their peers. Through these activities, they grew closer to their classmates and formed new bonds with their teammates. These teams and coaches had a personal effect on many seniors when thinking back on the last few years.
Friday Night Lights Picture this: it’s a Friday afternoon in early September. Class gets out and you rush home to find an outfit for tonight’s theme. You arrive at school, decked out in costume and you see your classmates dressed up as well, cheering in the bleachers for the boys of fall. The seniors said that football season was one of their favorite memories of Aquinas. One student even admitted to never missing a football game in their four years at Aquinas. Here were some responses from seniors about their favorite part about football season.
1. Cheering in the bleachers at Friday night games 2. Dancing on the sidelines at games 3. Being a spirit boy Spirit boys are a group of senior boys who stand on the sidelines at football games and get the crowd hype. They go all out for the theme and show us what our student section is really made of.
GO SAINTS!
Our cheerleaders cheer on our boys of fall at a home football game. Photo courtesy of Valeria Taborda.
Spring Olympics Spring Olympics is one of the biggest class competitions of the year. Each class creates a team for the event and competes against other classes. The different classes show how much class spirit they have at the Spring Olympics. Last year, the current seniors and juniors were in a close matchup for class competition points. The loser of the game wouldn’t get their day off from school. The two sides were screaming and cheering, hoping to beat the other. Ultimately, the then-juniors beat the then-sophomores and they were victorious. This day is one that the seniors will remember for a long time.
jumping for joy
The senior class celebrates as they win an event in Spring Olympics in 2019. Photo courtesy of Kelly Lane.
Senior Issue
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Homecoming Week
Photo courtesy of Amanda Hamm.
Homecoming events were the most mentioned of the senior responses. For most students, it is one of the best weeks of the whole year because of how much you can be involved in. Here were some of the top memories from homecoming week that stood out to students.
1. The Homecoming Dance 2. Senior skit 3. Hallway decorating One of the seniors’ favorite memories is decorating their hallway for homecoming week. Many seniors stay from 8 am to 8 pm, as much time as allowed, to make their hallway the best it can possibly be. They even spend the weekend before gathering decorations and coming up with ideas.
one last time
The seniors pose in front of their hallway after a long day of decorating. Photo courtsey of Sydney Taylor.
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“My favorite memory was when I was unknowingly getting promoted to a higher rank in the Kansas Army National Guard at one of the football games.” Corbin Haskett
ANNA STOLL Reporter Photo courtesy of Amy Gassel.
Photo courtesy of Corbin Haskett.
Aquinas is our home Whether we’re walking in the halls with our friends or saying “hi” to a teacher in the hallway, we always feel at home while at Aquinas. As saints, we are so blessed to have such a great community of people surrounding us, whether that's teachers, students, or anyone in between. Seniors mentioned they will definitely be missing the home-like atmosphere at Aquinas.
Photo courtesy of Emily Manning.
Photo courtesy of Nolan Mauk.
Senior Issue
23
Homecoming Week
Homecoming events were the most mentioned of the senior responses. From hallway decorating, to skits, to the dance itself, homecoming is a magical week at Aquinas and for most students, it is one of the best weeks of the whole year. Here were some of the top memories from homecoming week that stood out to students.
1. 2. 3.
The Homecoming Dance Senior skit Hallway decorating
One of the seniors’ favorite memories is decorating their hallway for homecoming week. Many seniors stay from 8 am to 8 pm, as much time as allowed, to make their hallway the best it can possibly be. They even spend the weekend before gathering decorations and coming up with ideas.
one last time
The seniors pose in front of their hallway after a long day of decorating. Photo courtsey of Sydeny Taylor.
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“My favorite memory was when I was unknowingly getting promoted to a higher rank in the Kansas Army National Guard at one of the football games.” Corbin Haskett
ANNA STOLL Reporter
Aquinas is our home
Whether we’re walking in the halls with our friends or saying “hi” to a teacher in the hallway, we always feel at home while at Aquinas. As saints, we are so blessed to have such a great community of people surrounding us, whether that's teachers, students, or anyone in between. Seniors mentioned they will definitely be missing the home-like atmosphere at Aquinas.
Senior Issue
23
The Ones That Got A Avery Ain
Current High School: Blue Valley North Plans for Next Year: He will attend Miami of Ohio or American University, where he will study political science. Most Missed Aspect of Aquinas: He misses his friends the most.
Avery Ain
Cecelia Braun
Cecelia Braun
Current High School: Benilde St. Margaret (Minneapolis, MN) Plans for Next Year: She is going to Villanova to study theology and pre-med. Most Missed Aspect of Aquinas: She misses the school spirit and the atmosphere; she misses being somewhere people are proud to be and a school people are proud to call home.
Camille Coffey Current High School: Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Plans for Next Year: She is going to Texas A&M and majoring in sports management. Most Missed Aspect of Aquinas: She misses her friends and how the senior class felt like a family the most.
Camille Coffey
Lily Connley Current High School: Shawnee Mission East Plans for Next Year: She will attend KU to study interior architecture and plans to join Greek life. Most Missed Aspect of Aquinas: She misses the community the most because it feels like a family, and you can’t find it anywhere else.
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Lily Connley
Away
Marcus Dixon Current High School: Grandview High School Plans for Next Year: He plans to start EMT training to become a firefighter. Most Missed Aspect of Aquinas: He misses the food and sporting programs the most.
Marcus Dixon
Alejandra Fernandez
Alejandra Fernadez
Current High School: Mater Immaculata Plans for Next Year: She plans to go to Universidad Autรณnoma de Madrid to study physics. Most Missed Aspect of Aquinas: She misses the people and how everyone would be there for everyone like a big family. Also, the school spirit was really cool and she misses that.
Becca Herbig
Becca Herbig
Current High School: She went to Blue Valley Southwest before graduating a year early. Plans for Next Year: She goes to K-State. After this next year, she will study abroad in Australia for her last two years at the University of Sydney. Most Missed Aspect of Aquinas: She misses Aquinas a lot and the teachers, students, and ranch from the cafeteria.
Anna Praiswater Current High School: Shawnee Mission South Plans for Next Year: She is doing prelaw at KU. Most Missed Aspect of Aquinas: She misses lunch karaoke and food the most.
Anna Praiswater
Senior Issue
27
Anna Standaert Current High School: Olathe East Plans for Next Year: She is going to JCCC, then going to the UMKC med program. Most Missed Aspect of Aquinas: She misses the cookies and the fries.
Mitchell Gilmore Current High School: Shawnee Mission West Plans for Next Year: Marine Corps. Most Missed Aspect of Aquinas: He misses the people and how much they do for the school most; they make everyone have a great experience for high school, better than any school out there seriously.
Anna Standaert
Sarah Holland
Paige Moffet
Current High School: She does online school, which helps allow her to work a lot; the school is very flexible. Plans for Next Year: She is planning on attending KU next year to study Pre-Law. Most Missed Aspect of Aquinas: She misses the feeling of being a part of something big; the Aquinas family definitely gives you the feeling that you are a part of something amazing. It’s something she doesn’t think any other school could do.
Current High School: She finished high school last semester at Lawrence Virtual School. Plans for Next Year: She is going to Navarro College in Texas for cheer. The team was the subject of the 2020 Netflix documentary, “Cheer.” Most Missed Aspect of Aquinas: She misses all of the people in the senior class; she left Aquinas because she was busy with cheer and wanted to graduate early but misses everyone so much.
Hudson Pflumm
Carter Smith
Current High School: Bishop Miege Plans for Next Year: He is training for football and then going to college. Most Missed Aspect of Aquinas: He misses the people and the atmosphere created at Aquinas the most.
Current High School: Blue Valley North Plans for Next Year: He is going to Colorado State University to study mechanical and electrical engineering. He may go to JCCC first semester if COVID-19 continues on. Most Missed Aspect of Aquinas: He misses the community the most at Aquinas.
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The Other Ones that Got Away
Brock Varzaly
Brock Varzaly Current High School: Olathe West Plans for Next Year: He is going to KU and is studying business and psychology while there. Most Missed Aspect of Aquinas: He misses the people at STA the most.
Isabel Yanes Current High School: Olathe West Plans for Next Year: She is going to UCM next year to play soccer. Most Missed Aspect of Aquinas: She misses her freshman soccer and basketball season and all the friends she made.
George Baron Ben Bjorseth Samuel Brady Sydney Burchard Gabrielle CarpenterKevin Charlton Ashley DeVincentZachary Early Cole Effertz Andres Fonseca, Jr. Zach Ghale Connor Harper Elle Kimball Megan Kuckelman Jessica Magallanes Ella Martin Erin Martin Carolyn Mast Isabelle Mohr Mason Nguyen Brett Osterhaus Terrance Parker, Jr. Caitlyn Parr Matthew Roberts Stetson Scavuzzo Teresa Scherschligt Brandon Tyrrell Aidan Waters-Staley
Danny Spell Current High School: He graduated high school already. Plans for Next Year: He plans to go to JCCC next year and do trade school for welding. Most Missed Aspect of Aquinas: He misses being able to see his friends every day and having fun with them.
Rachael Lawler Editor-in-Chief
Senior Issue
29
Farewell, Dr. Ford! After 22 years leading the Communion of Saints, Dr. Ford is leaving behind a stronger, stable, nationally-renowned school.
D
r. William P. Ford has made an exceptional impact on the Aquinas community since he became president in 1998. From keeping Aquinas financially stable to promoting a sense of community and leading the school to unprecedented success, he has greatly shaped the Aquinas community we know today. After 22 years of serving Aquinas, and 38 years of administration work in Catholic education, Ford has decided to hang up his hat and take a welldeserved rest from the work he has devoted himself to for so many years. Without Ford’s guidance and vision, Aquinas would undoubtedly be a very different place than it is today. He has played a significant role in several campus expansions and improvements over the course of his years of serving Aquinas. He wrapped up the construction of the theater and southwest wing when he arrived, then launched a project to add the aux gym and WiFi. At the time, WiFi was a much more challenging, cutting-edge, expensive technology. Soon after those projects, Ford launched the “Faith & Reason” campaign to renovate the chapel and upgrade the science classrooms into safe and well-stocked labaroties. For the 25th anniversary of the school, Ford led an upgrade of Saints Stadium to include artificial turf, new bleachers and better lighting. He wrapped up his career with his biggest campaign yet: the Aquinas 2020 campaign for a new fitness center, learning commons, and main entrance with a centralized office. Besides these remarkable additions, Ford has also greatly contributed to the staff community at Aquinas. English teacher and soccer coach Craig Ewing taught at Bishop Miege until Aquinas opened in 1988. He said
30
The Shield
Ford “has always been a supporter of me and others as teachers and coaches,” and that he is largely responsible for shaping the staff into the excellent unit it is today. Lisa Stoecklein graduated from St. Joseph High School and has taught Spanish at Aquinas since 1989. “His foresight and planning has enabled our school to keep up in so many ways ... technology, facilities, etc., and we all owe him a huge thanks and debt of gratitude for his strong leadership and prudent stewardship!” Ford also has had a significant impact on Catholic education
“His focus and vision for our school has been impressive. Not to mention, he leads with a great sense of humor and this humor enhances his leadership.” Principal Brian Schenck throughout the U.S. During his time at Aquinas, he served as a leader in secondary education on the National Catholic Education Association. “[Dr. Ford] has upheld the principles of Catholic education and the goals of Saint Thomas Aquinas even when other leadership was detrimental or critical--he is not afraid to stand up for what he believes,” said Phil Farnan, who has been teaching at Aquinas since it first opened and previously taught at St. Joseph’s. “I do not envy his replacement, I will miss him
immensely.” Academic Principal Brian Schenck said, “Dr. Ford’s knowledge and experience in Catholic education is almost unmatched. He has been an incredible mentor. His focus and vision for our school has been impressive. Not to mention, he leads with a great sense of humor and this humor enhances his leadership.” The departure of such an influential figure may leave many students, parents, and staff members unsettled, however, it is important to remember that the foundation Ford has laid will not disappear with his departure. “We are a great community, and that isn’t going to disappear simply because Dr. Ford retires. It will definitely be different without him,” said Academic Principal Craig Moss. “There is no doubt we are going to miss him, but I believe we will make him proud when he comes back to take a look at how we are doing.” Reflecting on his time at Aquinas, Ford said: “My favorite part of being at STA is the sheer number of great people who have been through our halls these past 22 years. From teachers to the young people and their parents as well as people who have helped us along the way because they believed in what we were doing. There are so many students who have taken advantage of their four years here and became really more than we ever could have imagined.” Ford will be greatly missed at Aquinas, and the Aquinas community is immensely grateful for everything he has done. On behalf of the students, The Shield wishes him the best in his retirement.
Connor Klocke Reporter
Dr. ford in Action
In front of two of the banners that fill the gym, Dr. Ford shares his wit and wisdom. The Saints hung up 95 state championship banners in Ford’s 22 years and packed the gym with more than more than 1,200 students for years. Photo by Michelle Gress.
Senior Issue
31
Name:
Senior Issue Crossword Complete the crossword puzzle below 1
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Created using the Crossword Maker on TheTeachersCorner.net
Across 1. The name of the senior retreat 5. A popular app that Aquinas students have gone viral on 7. The name of the teacher that dresses up as Santa 8. The number of years Dr. Ford has worked at Aquinas 10. An incredible artist featured in the Special Seniors story and the artist behind the Ask Tommy cartoon 11. The tresident of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School 12. Aquinas's biggest rival 13. The name of a popular waterbottle brand
Down 2. This year's homecoming hallway theme for seniors 3. The name of both a Katy Perry song and the title of a story in this issue 4. The title of Saint Thomas Aquinas' most famous work 6. The name of the Aquinas mascot 9. Something that multiple college students emphasized