Le Journal

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An inside look in

THE “STUDY” DRUG SEE PAGE 10-13

A PUBLICATION OF NOTRE OF DAME SION 1063110631 WORNALL KANSAS MO 64114 A PUBLICATION NOTREDE DAME DE SION WORNALL ROAD, ROAD, KANSAS CITY,CITY, MO 64114 A PUBLICATION OF NOTRE DAME DE SION 10631 WORNALL ROAD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64114

VOLUME 33 ISSUE VOLUME __ ISSUE 1 SEPTEMBER 20

3 DECEMBER 2013 VOLUME 33 ISSUE 3 DECEMBER 2013

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B & E’s GIRL CODE

THE

INSIDE LOOK PAGE 6 Excited students awaited Nov. 28 when Kansas City native Rob Riggle flipped the switch for the Plaza lights. (Photo by MCT campus)

PAGE 8 Senior Lexie

Johnson, among several seniors committing to college athletics, signed with United States Military Academy West Point on Nov. 20.

(Photo by Mary Kate Hense)

PAGE 14 New French teacher Liz Bono shares her experiences at three metro schools, comparing all to Sion.

(Photo by Ellie Stingley)

PAGE 15 Freshman Tara Jungden shares her love for playing drums inside and outside of school.

(Photo by Anna Schroer)

Carpe Diem Edition

BY MARY B. FREEMAN & ELLIE STINGLEY REPORTERS

Driving down the street, you expect today to be a normal day. Shawnee Mission West junior Houston St. John probably thought the same thing on Nov. 5th as he drove down Interstate 435 in Lenexa. Little did he know, this would be his last drive. His last thoughts.

His last breaths. We will never know for sure what was going through St. John’s head at that moment. All we know is that he was a teenager just like the rest of us, and he had the potential to do great things with his life.

Just like the rest of us.

Live life to the fullest. We’ve all heard it. Just like St. John, we will never know when our last moments might be. All we can do is take advantage of every moment we have. We will never know when it is our last chance to say “I love you”, to be a friend to someone who needs it, to say “I’m sorry” or to thank God for the many blessings He has given us.

JOURNAL

Le

Le Journal is the official student publication of Notre Dame de Sion High School 101631 Wornall Road Kansas City, Mo. 64114

MEMBER Missouri Interscholastic Press Assoc.

National Scholastic Press Assoc.

Journalism Educators of Metropolitan Kansas City International Quill and Scroll CO-EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Sarah Allen Georgia Thompson MANAGING EDITOR Madison Hummel NEWS/EDITORIAL EDITOR Emma Dopheide ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Ashley Herring SPORTS EDITOR Mary Kate Hense

ON THE COVER

2LE JOURNAL ISSUE 3

ILLUSTRATION BY: KATY ZAHNER

FEATURES EDITOR Kim Fryer PHOTO EDITOR Kristine Sullvian

Christmas is almost here. A time when we focus on our many blessings. For most of us, this means the season of joy, family and thanksgiving. Typically, people associate happiness with the holiday season. It amplifies our many blessings and everything we have to be thankful for. According to Psychology Today, the Christmas season also means sadness, loneliness and depression for those who are less fortunate and might not have loved ones to celebrate with. For these people, seeing everyone’s happiness can amplify their lack of blessings.

There are people like this all around us. It is important to be aware of this and be ready to provide a source of hope for the hopeless. Especially in a community where the bonds of sisterhood are emphasized so much, it is important to be ready to pick each other up. Even though someone might seem fine, throwing out a smile or some words of encouragement can make a big difference.

B and E have made another pact. We vow to take that opportunity to be that extra greeting in the hallway, to try and make someone’s day just a little bit brighter.

There is an old Latin saying that reads “carpe diem” meaning “seize the day”. It means take advantage of every single moment. Meaning, take that extra second to be a friend to someone and brighten their day because you never know what moment could be your last. So go ahead and carpe this diem. Girl Code.

2013-2014 MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Katy Zahner WEB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Meghan Lally REPORTERS Sydney Daniels Georgia Evans Mary B Freeman Sarah Harris Meghan Kearney Sydney Manning Dana Routh Anna Schroer Ellie Stingley ADVISER Alison Long PUBLICATIONS BOARD Sarah Allen Alison Long Natalie McDonough Moira Quinn Kamryn Schropp Penny Selle Carole Wall-Simmons Georgia Thompson Steven Turner Melissa Wilcox

THE EDITOR’S INK

BY SARAH ALLEN CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Freshman year, I, like most freshmen girls, was stuck.

I had no one to ask to winter formal. I wouldn’t blame this on my anti-social nature but instead on the fact that nobody from my grade school went to Rockhurst.

So, I did what any sensible freshman would do: I asked a complete stranger. Literally. I had never met, seen, or talked to this boy before.

One day after school, I had my mom drive me and two other friends to his house. The nerves rumbled in as we rolled up to his house. I prepared my cookie cake, ready to drop it off on his doorstep, ring the doorbell, and then run for my life.

As I walked up closer to his home, I noticed something.

The number on the house door was different than the one I had gotten from a friend of his. I was at the wrong house. At this point I panicked sprinted back to my mom’s white Suburban and told her it was the wrong place. But instead of taking us home my mother of course decided to go and ask neighbors which one this boy’s house was. I was mortified. Not only was I about to ask a complete stranger to winter formal but now all of his neighbors knew about it as well.

So, we finally found his house. I sprinted up to the door dropping the cookie cake that had “Winter Formal?” written in blue icing and a yellow stickie note that said “-Sarah Allen” and my phone number. After I rang the door bell, I sprinted back to the car. Once I got in, I screamed at my mom “GO GO GO GO” like I had just robbed a bank or something. As we drove off he was outside cookie cake in hand waving at us. He probably didn’t know this but as he waved I hid under the window because of my fear of seeing him in person.

It doesn’t sound like my freshman winter formal was a success, but surprisingly it was. My date and I talked four times and while taking pictures I could feel his hand hover on my shoulder, but that’s the way winter formal freshman year is supposed to be. It’s a night of awkwardness. It is for everyone (See My Life is Awkward on page 18). Just embrace it because senior year you will come to fully appreciate all the awkwardness.

But as winter formal and its occasional awkwardness approaches so does the most wonderful time of the year, Christmas.

It is obvious that the whole Le Journal staff is excited.

Walk in during our class time and you’ll hear Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” blasting throughout the room. Staffer Kristine Sullivan’s enthusiasm is easily shown on her editorial on page 5.

We also have a guide to the multiple holiday traditions students have on page 17. And of course we couldn’t forget about the nine most memorable and timeless Christmas movies shown on page 19.

As you prepare for the winter time festivities, Le Journal hopes you find a source of entertainment and joy in our December Issue.

Happy Holidays.

-Photo courtesy 20th Century Fox Film Corporation

“The Book Thief” Captures Hearts

Now playing in theaters, “The Book Thief ” brings to life the bestselling novel by Markus Zusak, a required reading for freshmen. Go to LeJournalLive. com for Multimedia Editor Katy Zahner’s review.

Debate Tournament Held at Sion

By Ellie stingley Reporter

Debaters from nine schools and 60 teams gathered Thursday Nov. 14 to discuss controversial topics such as the Cuban Embargo and Russian military enhancement. Performances ranged from team competitions in current events and parliamentary to individual performances in poetry, prose and oratory.

Senior Julia Balmaceda and junior Alex Dykeman placed second in Varsity. They were followed by juniors Zoya Khan and Rose Puthumana who took fifth, juniors Maura Healy and Megan Sloan who placed sixth, and sophomores Katie Pendergast and Olivia Dugan who took seventh place. In the novice level, freshmen Honor Schleicher and Paige Jones took ninth.

“I have high hopes for the girls in parliamentary and the girls repping us at weekend tournaments,” Balmaceda said. “Sion has for the past two years done exceptionally well and I have no doubt we will do better. We always have teams placing in the top 10.”

PHOTO OF THE ISSUE

MAISON PILGREEN

At every maison meeting, students in physical education teacher Kate Pilgreen’s maison anticipate a fun activity period. With a new experiment each meeting, they learn about different types of chemical reactions that will explode an object on Nov. 21.

Juniors Quasha Collins and Elizabeth Walker, sophomore Rebecca Jacobs and Freshmen Bridget Koppen and Kate Noble all jump as a water bottle explodes after mixing a cleaning agent with foil. (Photo by Meghan Kearney.)

LE JOURNAL ISSUE 3

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OPINION

BLAME IT ON THE ADDERALL The illegal use of Adderall without a prescription is a problem affecting high schools and colleges across the nation.

THIS EDITORIAL REPRESENTS THE VIEWS OF THE LE JOURNAL STAFF. NINETEEN OUT OF 19 VOTED IN SUPPORT OF THIS VIEW.

T

wo girls walk into the final exam testing room.

They look similar in every way--same messy ponytail, same black leggings, same mechanical pencils in hand. But there is one important difference. One of these girls took Adderall and one did not.

It’s not uncommon during finals season to hear people talking about how many milligrams of Adderall they’ve taken to make it through the week. But how many of them actually have a prescription? Adderall, along with similar stimulants treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is not hard to find at many high school and college campuses. According to the New York Times, up to 20 percent of college students use Adderall without a prescription to improve their performance in school.

People who have taken Adderall, Vyvanse, or any other prescription drug treating ADHD say it makes them focus for hours at a time and helps them engage and be interested in what they’re working on. For those who actually have ADHD, it allows them to perform at a normal level. But many who take it before big tests or project due dates do so simply because they want higher grades, not because it’s a real necessity.

Some colleges, like Wesleyan University, consider the practice of taking Adderall without a prescription for the sole purpose of doing better in school to be cheating. They recently added the prohibition of the misuse and abuse of medications prescribed to someone else to their Code of Non-Academic Conduct.

Others, like senior Mattie Carter, think it’s a different type of cheating. She has taken Straterra and Adderall XR and is currently prescribed 90 milligrams of Vyvanse per day. Carter considers taking these types of pills without a prescription a shortcut that doesn’t provide long-term success.

“Honestly, you are only cheating yourself. You are not going to be able to perform as well day to day,” Carter said. “I think that people, especially at Sion have become so caught up in being “the best” that they will do anything to ensure their success. However, they are only diminishing their chances of success because they are taking a shortcut.”

Whether taking Adderall without a prescription is cheating or not, it’s still illegal. Adderall, along with opium and cocaine, is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Food and Drug Administration. Drugs are classified in this group if they have a high potential for abuse, have a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States and if abuse of them may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

Possession of Adderall without a prescription is a crime, a felony in many states. And distributing or selling Adderall, something many students across the nation do casually every day, is also illegal.

Along with the legal dangers, there are possible medical complications. Possible side effects of Adderall include aggression, depression and high blood pressure. The pills can be dangerous even with a doctor’s supervision.

An example of this is the story of Richard Fee from the New York Times. Fee was a popular medical stu-

4 LE JOURNAL ISSUE 3

dent who started as a typical Adderall user, taking a pill every once in a while to make it through a rough night.

But he quickly became dependent, faking symptoms in order to get prescriptions with continually increasing dosages. Annoyed with the efforts of his parents to get him off the drugs, Fee began to fill prescriptions behind their backs. He continued on a downward spiral, with the Adderall abuse saga culminating in suicide.

While Fee’s story is extreme, most who take it regularly experience some kind of side effects. Those who are prescribed, like Carter, understand the dangers that come with taking these medications.

“There comes a point when you just have to trust that the doctors know what they’re doing,” Carter said.

“You have to realize that the reason why the drugs require a prescription is because they are dangerous.”

Along with the dangers, there is an additional problem with taking Adderall without a prescription.

If students rely on a “magic pill” to get them through hard times at school, how are they going to function in the real world? In life, there isn’t an instant solution for obstacles like finals or big projects--things students think they can “fix” with Adderall regularly.

By counting on Adderall to carry them through, they are developing habits of dependence that may inhibit them from being completely self-sufficient and successful later in life. Instead of relying on the pills, students should put down technology to prevent distractions, get more sleep before big tests, and start studying in advance.

INTERPRETING the

1 5 in

DATA

high school students have taken either Adderall , Ritalin or Oxycontin , Percocet , Vicodin Xanax without a prescription

34.5 college students percent of

have admitted to using

Adderall

& Ritalin Adderall are on the

NFL Banned Substances 81

list

percent of

surveyed college students thought the illicit use of ADHD medications was either “not dangerous at all” or only “slightly dangerous”

(Information from the Center for Disease Control and Protection, the Suffolk Medical News Daily, the NFL Players Association, and the University of Kentucky)

BEHINDKilt the

After rude stereotypes of students are posted, girls strive to demonstrate what the kilt really means.

BY ELLIE STINGLEY REPORTER

“Puke rich kids.” “Affluent brats.” These are the labels a handful of people sitting behind computers have assigned to girls in the Sion community, through comments on a KCTV 5 website report. The story covered the Student Council campout on Oct. 23, something the school does to raise awareness of homelessness.

The naysayers seem to think they know each and every one of us. They have trouble looking beyond the gray skirt.

“Those types of comments come from ignorance.

First of all, ignorance on the purpose,” High School Division Head Natalie McDonough said. “Yes, we may not ever be able to completely understand the plight of the homeless, but the purpose of the campout is to bring awareness.”

The “rich kid” stereotype we have been given is not the only one. Some assume that the all-girls atmosphere contributes to our interest in boys.

“It’s not negative, but who are they to judge,” senior Sydney Popp said.

Constantly being asked, “Oh, you go to Sion, so are you rich?” or “Do you ever even see boys?” can be exhausting and even offensive. Those who jump to conclusions based on what they think they know seem to have little sup- Drawing by senior Maggie Keenan port for their assumptions.

“They aren’t aware of what our true intentions are,” Social Studies teacher Jennifer Brown-Howerton said. “The true Sion girl is smart, strong and independent.”

Just because there are a few haters around us does not mean that we do not have any supporters or cheerleaders. Regardless of the negative names, there are still people who recognize the school for academic excellence and acceptance of all faiths. For over a century Sion has encouraged its students to educate minds, expand hearts and empower lives. According to freshman Claire Ivey, people who stereotype Sion students would change their minds if they took the chance to get to know students.

“If they actually knew who we are, they would have a different opinion,” Ivey said.

Seeing and hearing the handful of negative stereotypes is one thing, but allowing them to affect us is another.

“You can defy these generalizations by just continuing to do your good works,” McDonough said. “At Sion I do believe our good works will continue to prove them otherwise.”

We can show people who we are through the school mission and fundraisers. We can show them who we are by continuing to succeed in everything from sports to the arts to academics. We can show them who we are by continuing to bring awareness to the poor, despite their negative opinions. We can show them what is really behind the gray skirt.

KEEP TO THE CHRISTMAS CODE

BY KRISTINE SULLIVAN PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR ake yourself back to when you were 8 years old.

It’s the night before Christmas and you can’t sleep a wink, because you are too excited for the morning. Your alarm clock reads 5:30 a.m. and you run downstairs to wake up your parents. Now imagine a 17-year-old girl acting the same way. Call me childish, I don’t care, but saying Christmas is my favorite holiday is an extreme understatement. For me, it’s not just about the presents but about the joyful spirit surrounding the holiday season. Also, the fact that I’m technically a human raised by elves plays into my obsession with Christmas. The following is what Papa Elf taught me growing up:

Code of the Elves Rule #1: Treat every day like Christmas. For me, Christmas is a year-round holiday, because it is a time when people come together and are thankful for what they have been given. Sounds a lot like Thanksgiving, huh?

My theory is they start playing Christmas music before Thanksgiving, because both holidays are similar in the way they emphasize gratitude, joy and togetherness. Both serve as opportunities to come together with people you love and show thanks for the life you have and the gifts you have been given. Try to apply rule number one to your everyday life. Treat every day like Christmas. Be jolly, and don’t underestimate the Christmas spirit within you.

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Code of the Elves Rule #2: There is room for everyone on the Nice List. This one is for all of the “Scrooges” in the world. Christmas is a time when the majority of people feel generous and kind, but some see it as a time for them to be showered in gifts, and thus they forget the true meaning of Christmas.

I have a simple response for such people: Giving is better than receiving. See, simple.

I love Christmas, because I feel comfortable hugging any random person around me and sharing the gift of Christmas cheer. And guess what? About 43 percent of the time they hug me back, and that is a beautiful thing. Seeing the bliss on others’ faces when you hug them or give them a little sugar (as in the four main food groups of elves: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup) is what Christmas is all about. My heart jumps for joy at the ability one has to make one day a year mean the world to those around them. So, “Scrooges” make like the Grinch and have your heart grow. There should be no such thing as the “Naughty List”. Be kind. It is the simplest gift you can give to a person. You might be surprised about the chain reaction of love and joy that can come from it.

Code of the Elves Rule #3: The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. Embrace the Christmas music. It is better to start playing it sooner rather than later, because it instantly makes people happy.

}

The facts about

Latin

Latin teacher Steven Turner engages his Latin I students while teaching a langauge he has known for over 20 years. (Photo by Anna Schroer)

Latin Alive at Sion

BY ANNA SCHROER REPORTER

T

est time. You look down and your palms are sweating as you are trying to decipher that one word that seems to be a sentence long. Knowing the roots of the word could save much heartache. In the end you think to yourself, “Why couldn’t I have just learned Latin, it would have helped.” Right?

“Today Latin is a good written language to know for English vocabulary purposes as over 90 percent of words in English with over three syllables come from Latin,” Latin teacher and Associate Head of School Steven Turner said.

Because Latin promotes the development of accuracy and logic, taking this class is beneficial because it can help in deciphering difficult words such as cacophony or grandiloquence, which have both showed up on the SAT test, according to SAT College Board.

“It has been seen that students who have studied Latin usually score 50 points higher on the SAT vocab section,” Turner said.

Of the 12 girls in Turner’s class, freshman Darby Hurlbert said she has noticed benefits of learning the language even now as Latin has been shown to help in other subjects such as English and Science.

1. Latin

is the official language of the Vatican City

2.

In the past 10 years, the number of students taking the National Exam has risen by 30,000 to about 135,000 students

Latin

3.

According to the National Council of State Supervisors for Languages, learning trains the mind in other subjects such as Algebra

Latin

OPINION

ELF TIPS FOR MAKING THIS SEASON JOLLY.

(Photo by Moira Quinn)

When someone starts to hum or sing a Christmas tune, others are going to hear it and join in. The chain reaction of Christmas joy is a beautiful thing, but spreading Christmas cheer goes far beyond singing Christmas music. Try buying a gift for someone you barely know, pay for a stranger’s Starbucks, wish every person you see a Happy Holiday. Do everything you possibly can to spread Christmas cheer. So while jamming to Michael Buble’s “White Christmas” is a sure way to bring the Holiday spirit to your peers, try performing acts of kindness during this season of giving.

Shop Til’ You Drop

BY SYDNEY DANIELS REPORTER lack Friday. The epitome of American culture and consumerism. Some are puzzled by it, others find the practice to be a highly revered tradition. Despite the never-ending lines, and the competitive, albeit aggressive customers, millions choose to capitalize on their money to the best of their ability.

Instead of lounging around a dinner table, stuffing oneself with a Thanksgiving spread, millions of Americans spend their Thanksgiving day camped out in front of retail stores. Obviously there’s something to be said for the fact that 139.4 million shoppers, spent an average $423 on the after Thanksgiving sales, according to the National Retail Federation.

Despite the fact that the great bargains are limited in quantity, the best deals really can be found on Black Friday. In today’s economy, it’s not always easy to come across things cheaply.

It is often assumed that electronics, out of all discounted items, have the steepest price decline on Black Friday. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

In actuality it is the clothing retailers that mark apparel down as much as 80 percent, compared to 30 percent with electronics, according to finance.yahoo.com. So from Urban Outfitters to American Eagle, a plethora of deals can be found capitalized on.

And for those who enjoy people-watching, the day after Thanksgiving is the best. There are many adventures to be had with people from all walks of life.

Afterall, who doesn’t want to save money?

Furthermore, the mad dashes to the racks and the counters is actually a great workout. According to the Huffington Post, carousing aisles, lifting heavy bargains and pushing shopping carts can help burn up to 900 calories.

So shopping on Black Friday is the best place to people-watch, littered with clothing markdowns and it’s a great outlet to rid one’s body of the undeniable fat gained from the previous day’s edible indiscretions.

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NEWS} in BRIEF

One of the Elder’s band members, Brent Hoad, plays the violin in their free post-ceremony concert. (Photo

by Georgia Evans)

Plaza Lighting

BY GEORGIA EVANS REPORTER

Thanksgiving night, Nov. 28, is the annual lighting ceremony located at the Country Club Plaza according to Melissa Greenstein of KSHB News. And actor Rob Riggle, former resident of Overland Park, graduate of Shawnee Mission South High School and the University of Kansas, will be flipping the switch to light up the Plaza this year. According to Lisa Gutierrez of the Kansas City Star, he will be taking time off his newest movie “Dumb and Dumber 2” to participate in this 84-year-old Kansas City tradition. Along with Riggle, 41 Action Weather Meteorologist Gary Lezak will host the ceremony.

This year the lights turned on at 6:53 p.m. and was followed by a fireworks display, according to Karen Yancy of KMBC News.

After the fireworks display, the Elders closed out the ceremony at 7 p.m., then continued with a free concert until 8 p.m. People crowded around the main stage and wrapped themselves with blankets while they listened to them.

The ceremony’s main stage was once again located at Nichols Road and Pennsylvania, near Brio Tuscan Grille and the Burberry store. Before the ceremony, there was a KCP&L pre-show at 5 p.m., according to Melissa Greenstein of 41 Action News. This part of the show featured local performances, surprise appearances, contests and giveaways for attendees.

Many girls such as junior Jacquie Whalen was excited to see Riggle. She says her 10-year-old tradition of seeing the lighting of the Plaza has never been so exciting for her.

“It’ll be cool to see an actor from a famous movie like the Hangover,” Whalen said.

Junior Uzoamaka Obi says she was also excited to see Riggle.

“This will be the first time I’m going to the Plaza lights, and it’s just to see Rob Riggle,” Obi said.

Although the weather was cold, hundreds of people remained after the ceremony to look at the lights, and enjoy the Irish music from the Elders.

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ISSUE 3

Model UN Park Conference

BY SYDNEY MANNING REPORTER

Debating international policies, presenting speeches and resolving foreign disputes constitutes a typical day at the Model United Nations conference.

On Monday Nov. 11 the Model United Nations team traveled to Park University in Parkville, Mo. for a conference, one of the two meetings in the Kansas City area over the course of the school year.

The Model UN program may sound intimidating, but students involved say it’s fairly easy to understand. Each country has a few representatives competing in different rooms on different policies to find solutions. But the final goal of all the discussions remains the same.

“You have to debate foreign policy while following your country’s beliefs and try to come to a consensus with other countries to ultimately get world peace,” junior Katie Andrews said.

Andrews and Jacquie Whalen are two of three

juniors who compete in Model UN. This year, they have stepped up and taken responsibility with fewer numbers.

“The juniors have really stepped up this year,” theology teacher Paul Kramschuster, a teacher involved with the program, said. “They’re helping the underclassmen write their position papers and prepare for the conferences.”

There are about 10 schools in the Kansas City area that have the program. While it may seem intimidating from the outside, the girls say they have a lot of fun at the conferences too.

“Sometimes everyone will just goof off and make really funny resolutions like nuclear war,” Whalen said.

“It’s not all intense all the time.”

While neither of the girls say they want to be a part of the real United Nations in the future, they say they are enjoying their experiences now.

“It’s a great way to become part of the larger community and get a sense of what is going on around the world,” Andrews said. “I’m so glad I’m a part of it.”

Affordable Healthcare Act Website Stumbles to Start

BY MEGHAN KEARNEY REPORTER

Technology worked against the Obama Administration in early October. Why? Because the government’s newly launched Affordable Health Care website crashed when approximately 250,000 U.S. citizens in need of affordable health insurance coverage tried to sign up at the same time. The Obama administration blamed the web site issues on this unexpectedly high traffic.

In USA Today, U.S. Technology Officer Todd Park said, “The site was expected to serve only 60,000 simultaneous users.”

In spite of its rocky start, the website is considered the launch of “Obamacare,” which is a program that will rebuild the nation’s healthcare system. The new law makes health insurance mandatory for all Americans. Those who do not comply face a fine. According to the White House website, the Affordable Health Care Program “makes it easier to get insurance you can afford, ensures you have the care you need when you get sick and covers the preventive services you need to stay healthy.”

A month a half after the website shut down, it still is not working efficiently. When senior Emma Dopheide tested the website, a dialogue box appeared and

The “Nicest Cast” in Town

BY DANA ROUTH REPORTER

Rehearsing every day after school, the cast of Hairspray is preparing for their opening night on Jan. 24. This year, Avila University is hosting our musical instead of performing in the Original Grand Salle, where plays and musicals have been held since the opening of the school in 1962. Cast member senior Samantha Ruiz said the change of venue will give the cast members more space to dance.

“Our dances can now be more intricate with the extra room on stage,” Ruiz said.

Ruiz scored the lead role of Tracy Turnblad at auditions. It’s a role she says she has dreamed of acting since she was a kid.

“It has been my dream role since I was nine years old,” Ruiz said. “Being able to do it my senior year is a

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius testifies about the governemnet website problems. (Photo by MCT Campus)

said that it was unable to make a functioning profile for her.

Congress is holding Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius responsible for the problems of the website.

“The administration plans to reach out to people who may have tried to sign onto the site and stopped trying because they were frustrated,” Sebelius said to examiner.com. “We have a plan to re-invite people to the site.”

President Barack Obama also acknowledged that Healthcare.gov can be frustrating at times, according to Whitehouse.gov. He also said when it does get fixed it will allow all families to have high-quality affordable health insurance.

The program’s enrollment deadline is March 2014. dream come true.”

Because of Avila’s technology and professional theater, the musical will have more special effects than ever before.

“We will have a proper stage to do more lighting and have better sound quality than we did before,” Ruiz said.

Performing Arts Director Elizabeth Mulkey says the cast is rehearsing for the show earlier than they have in the past in order to better prepare.

“I run things a little bit differently,” Mulkey said.

“We jumped in quicker, and I have them practice more outside of rehearsals.”

With a more modern play, the music is more pop oriented than it has been in the past, according to cast member senior Mary Sizemore who plays Lou Ann, a dancer on the Corny Collins show.

“Everyone loves Hairspray and we have a big cast this year which is exciting,” Sizemore said.

Food For Thought The annual can food drive sparked controversy as the Student Council and administration announced it is no longer a competition.

by sydney daniels REPORTER

Food For Thought has the same goal of collecting cans to help feed the hungry in Kansas City, but this year the drive aims to do so in a whole new way. Instead of the class competition that has riled the halls for the past 20 years, Student Council has decided to unify instead of divide the school. Now, students are encouraged to participate with all grades and to focus more on helping to feed starving people as opposed to beating another class, according to Student Council President Moira Quinn.

The food gathered is donated to Redemptorist Food Pantry, which serves 23 of the 25 Jackson County zip codes. This is the only food pantry that provides fresh produce for those in need daily.

“The amount of food we receive from Sion keeps the food pantry stocked until August,” Donations Coordinator for Redemptorist Diana Kennedy said.

“Without the annual donations from Sion, we couldn’t donate food. There would be a lot of starving people.”

The majority of the clientele served are mentally ill, elderly or HIV positive. Ninety-five percent of the

customers live below the poverty level, and of that 95 percent, over 55 percent live on a fixed income. The average annual income of clients is between $3000 and $9600. According to Kennedy, every single cent of that income is consumed almost immediately. Every dollar goes towards the basic needs of survival—food, shelter and medical bills, and everything else falls by the wayside.

“The need is growing, the economy isn’t getting better,” Kennedy said. “There is a new phase of need— people like me and your parents who just simply lose their jobs and have to turn to agencies like Redemptorist for help.”

Last year, Sion raised 28 tons or 56,000 pounds of food. In 2011, 31.5 tons or 63,000 pounds was raised.

Every year, the food drive gets off to a slow start, because people feel that they have a lot of time, according to Student Council Sponsor Jennifer Brown-Howerton. Yet she says she has faith that Student Council will be able to generate more participation in the fundraiser.

“I really love when the Redemptorist people come and pick up the cans,” Brown said. “They are so blown away and just so thankful.”

Quinn believes that due to the new spin on the popular food drive, the goal of 30 tons may have been set too high this year.

-For the full story go to lejournallive.com

Redemptorist By the Numbers:

$3000 23/28

The average income of the people served at Redemptorist.

The number of Jackson counties that Redemptorist serves.

95%

The percent of people served that live below the poverty line.

55%

The percent of people served that are living on a fixed income.

0

The number of other agencies that also provide fresh produce everyday.

4 16,331 The number of different services provided by Redemptorist.

The number of people who enter Redemptorist once.

The Backpacks are Coming Back A new backpack policy, with regulated measurements, was revealed on Nov. 7 as a surprise during the morning announcements.

BY SARAH HARRIS REPORTER

Sore shoulders and aching backs are no longer expected thanks to the new backpack policy set to commence Dec. 2. Tote bags are no longer required as the new administration announced the new option of a regulated backpack during the announcements on Nov. 7.

Sophomore Katie Pendergast was one of the spearheads putting the backpack policy in place. Pendergast went online and researched the dimensions of all the popular backpacks and picked out a suitable choice. Pendergast says she is shocked with the immediate results.

“The one condition that was talked about when we were getting backpacks was the size of them. We didn’t want them to be huge, so in order to get the size approved we looked at the acceptable sizes and then chose from there,” Pendergast said. “I think that this is one of the best decisions I have seen made at Sion, so I will definitely be sporting my backpack.”

Along with Pendergast, the Student Advisory Council sat down with High School Division Head Natalie McDonough and voiced their concerns about the no backpack policy.

“At our first meeting the girls brought to me several different issues that they wanted a voice in. They brought me things like Ugg Boots and other things, but

out of all the things the backpack [policy] made the backpack policy will be effective early. Although the most sense,” McDonough said. “They talked a lot about goal wasn’t reached, 18 tons were still collected and shoulder issues with the tote and just asked if it could the backpacks were awarded early. Backpacks may be a new phenomenon in the halls for now, but Mcbe an option.”

Although the tote is still an optional bag, many Donough thinks this is just the tip of the book iceberg.

“My hope is that eventually we don’t need to cargirls are ready for the switch.

“[With a tote] my shoulders start to hurt towards ry bags around, and that we move to E-books and that the end of the day, because they get tired of carrying all the girls need is their laptop or device, and they’re all the books around. And sometimes you even have to not lugging a bunch of books around. Until that time, carry them in your hands too,” sophomore Mary Co- I understand that you need something to carry [your laric said. “I would just rather use a backpack, but I books in], and there’s no reason a backpack can’t be a part of that,” McDonough said. might keep the tote just in case.”

Students aren’t the only ones interested in the new policy. Faculty members are also behind the new policy.

“I worry about the student’s backs and their health, because they carry so many things and the tote is only on one shoulder,” Siren sponsor Jenny Campbell said.

“Whereas if it was dispersed between two shoulder straps and a normal backpack it would hurt your bodies less.”

The backpack policy originally wasn’t scheduled to begin until the first day of second semester. But due to an incentive for Food For Thought that changed. If the school met their 28-ton goal Junior Lauren Groszeck walks through the courtyard sporting her backpack with

by Thanksgiving break, the junior Julie Steilen. Backpacks are allowed at semester. (Photo by Sarah Harris) LE JOURNAL ISSUE 3

7

It’s Time to Make it Official Kristen Murphy Megan Neisius Lexie Johnson Kristine Sullivan

BY MARY KATE HENSE SPORTS EDITOR

Each year, dedicated athletes are given the opportunity to sign for their future school at an earlier date. This year that date happens to be on Nov 20.

Senior Kristine Sullivan has made her decision to swim at Wagner college in Staten Island in New York. Her decision was long and hard. Having to decide between Wagner and University of Nebraska Omaha. She decided to take the early signing route because it takes the pressure off meaning she is in the first wave of schools that really want her.

“I’d rather be someone’s first choice rather than their second,” Sullivan said.

Although her decision is made before other senior athletes, it doesn’t mean she didn’t go through a stressful time to get here. Recruitment processes are different among all schools.

“It’s very stressful because normally the visits are three day trips.

Leaving on a Friday and returning on a Sunday so there really is no time to do any weekend homework,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan has been competitively swimming since the 6th grade. When she was asked why she wanted to continue her athletic journey, she said if you’re good enough to continue, really enjoy it and want to be apart of a bigger team, than there really is no reason for stopping.

“College sports are way more fun than high school sports because they are more intense with more meets,” Sullivan said. “ It’s a completely different atmosphere.”

Narrowed down to three schools, senior Kristen Murphy continues her long and stressful route to her final selection. Murphy first started receiving letters from schools her sophomore year but last summer is when everything started to pick up. She went to countless recruiting camps and college showcase tournaments, talking to different coaches every week.

“It is hard to determine which school is the best fit,” Murphy said.

She is either going to attend University of Chicago, Mount Saint Mary’s or St. Mary’s-IN. She always knew that basketball was a big part of her life but her family has really impacted her decision to continue on.

She has seen how much her siblings have enjoyed playing and their life long friendships they have made. She too loves the game and can’t imagine her career ending in high school.

“I feel like there is so much more to experience at the next level,” Murphy said.

Sports have always been a big part of senior Megan Neisius’ life. From the start she has been inspired by her coaches, teammates and other athletes to keep pursuing her goals. She knew she didn’t want this passion to end.

And it won’t, for she will sign to play lacrosse at Marquette University.

Neisius has been in touch with the school board via phone and e-mail ever since she went to their camp last summer. She caught the attention of some of the coaches early on.

“The recruiting process wasn’t very difficult, because they recruited me at their summer camp,” Neisius said.

She will be signing with Marquette on Wednesday Nov. 20.

“I chose November, because I am confident in my decision now,” Neisius said.

Swimming Into a New Era

After eight years of Winkeler’s endless dedication, he hands over the position to coach Ann Adams.

BY MARY B. FREEMAN REPORTER

Intense. Caring. Knowledgeable. Passionate.

These are all words used by junior swimmers Sophie Fisher and Claire McGannon to describe Paul Winkeler who, after nine years as a swim coach for Sion, will be passing the position onto incoming coach Ann Adams.

“He was a great coach,” Fisher said. “He knew how to be serious for the swim meets but also how to have a good time. It’s going to be hard without him.”

Shown by the Storm’s second-in-state victory last year, Coach Winkeler helped the Sion swim team achieve great things. It is the hope of Fisher and McGannon that the incoming coach will bring the same passionate dynamic as Winkeler.

Adams says she is ready to help swimmers become the best they can be. Adams also says she is ready to have a good year and does not expect to make any drastic changes to the program.

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ISSUE 3

“I’m looking forward to seeing my teammates and coaches there [at Marquette] to support me.”

Every senior in high school longs to discover the place that they can finally call their “home.” The school that is the perfect fit. It’s not an easy decision for most, but senior Lexie Johnson decided to continue her athletic journey not only for the love of volleyball but for the opportunities it brought about.

“Volleyball brought West Point. It is where I want to call “home” for the next four years as any other girl does in college,” Johnson said.

Although she discovered that West Point was the place for her, this decision didn’t come easily just as it hasn’t for the other athletes.

Head coach Alma Kovachi found Johnson in March of her junior year at a National Qualifier. She sent her emails of interest, and soon Johnson started sending her transcripts, ACT scores and resume. After her visit, she was offered a position on their team as a middle blocker. But she first needed to be admitted.

“With acceptance to the school, I can now accept the position and sign to play with the volleyball team,” Johnson said.

She is not only signing early to relieve some of the pressure but also to allow herself for more enjoyment while playing the game.

“I’ve noticed in my friends and a little in myself that we play much more relaxed,” Johnson said. “Because we know that we don’t have to impress the dozens of coaches watching and critiquing.”

New head coach, Ann Adams gives freshman Elizabeth Jackoboice technique advice. (photo by Mary B. Freeman)

“Coach Winkeler has produced a winning team, and as the adage goes: ‘if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it,” Adams said. “I look forward to building upon his success and ensuring another winning season.”

McGannon says that she hopes Adams will bring a new perspective to the team.

She hopes that the intensity level of swim will not be as high under a new coach.

“I think it will be better if instead of trying to follow him she tries to do her own thing here, because I don’t think anyone could possibly follow what he did,” McGannon said.

Adams believes that she has big shoes to fill, but she is also confident that her 14 years of experience will get her and the team far this season. According to Fisher, losing nine seniors from last year will make this season a challenging one, but she is still confident that it will be a successful and fun-filled season.

Fisher is especially excited that Rex Tullius, Olympic trial swimmer and former roommate of Olympic swimmer Ryan Lockte, will be helping coach.

Tullius will be stopping by practices as much as he can to coach the team, thanks to the recruitment of senior Jennifer Bolton.

“The season will go well,” Adams said. “I have heard wonderful things about Sion’s swimmers and divers, and I’m excited to work with these outstanding athletes. My goal is to have each swimmer and diver achieve her personal best this season and in doing so, create a winning team.”

One Team. One Trophy.

Cross Country team wins third place trophy at the state meet in Jefferson City on Nov. 9.

BY SARAH HARRIS REPORTER

State trophy. These are the words junior Julie Steilen used to motivate the cross country team during grueling workouts. On Nov. 9 the words became a reality as the team traveled to Jefferson City to win their first trophy since 2007. The third place finish was an impressive end to the season. However, the cross country team is no stranger to winning or trophies.

“We have won the district championship 16 of the last 18 years in a row, we have been to the state meet 14 years out of the last 15 years, we have won 3 state championships and we have 12 trophies,” Head Coach Reynold Middleton said.

With their high success rate, the team hasn’t changed their routine this year to prepare for the infamous state meet. The team arrived at state on Nov. 9 in Jefferson City relaxed and ready to compete.

“I think the girls are a little bit more relaxed, because in the past the only time they could be on the

state meet course was at state, and this year they had a meet on the course in early October, where they got to experience the course without having the pressure of the state meet itself,” Middleton said.

The team placed third in the Jefferson City meet on Oct. 4. The teams that beat them, Ste. Genevieve High School and Festus High School have two of the best programs in the state. Each features runners that are among the best in the state. The cross country team would see them again in a month to compete again for the state championship.

One girl who seemed relaxed about the state meet was district champion Steilen. Steilen blew away the competition in the district championships on Nov. 2 at Raymore-Peculiar High School. Winning districts was only the beginning when Steilen took eighth place at the state meet in Jefferson City on Nov. 9.

“Placing in the top ten individually was exhilarating. My hopes were to place better than I had the year before, but never in my dreams did I imagine I would be in the top ten,” Steilen said.

This year two freshmen, Kathleen Gansner and Ally Koehler, ran varsity at state. For any team member state is a big deal, but there is nothing like going for the first time according to Middleton. He said both

Cross Country runners junior Meghan Kearney, freshman Kathleen Gansner and sophomore Lauren Blando compete in the state meet. (Photo by Madie Redmond)

Gansner and Koehler ran varsity all year and have been assets to the team. Gansner was able to place high enough to receive all state. After her accomplishment, Gansner had a scare at the end of the race when she blacked out after finishing.

“When I finished the race I fell over and blacked out. I was really dizzy and don’t remember much at all, but when I heard that I got 23rd place I was so excited, because if you place in the top 25 you get all state,” Gansner said.

Towards the tail-end of the season the team had one goal according to Steilen. Win a trophy. Last year the cross country team placed fifth at the state meet, but were one place shy of winning a trophy. This year the team exceeded their goal of a fourth place trophy, and placed third in a thin margin behind second.

“It couldn’t have gone any better. We had four people acknowledged as all state athletes, five people finished in the top 30, and we received third place overall when our goal was to aim for fourth,” Steilen said. “We really found ourselves as a unit this year, and that was the difference maker.”

New Face To Freshman Basketball College athlete Kate Pilgreen steps up as the new freshman basketball coach for the 2013-2014 season.

Varsity player senior Kristen Murphy agreed that Pilgreen’s energetic personality will benefit the team in more ways than one. Murphy said her encouraging tone and lively presence motivates the girls and makes

BY MADISON HUMMEL them want to work hard. Murphy said the freshmen, MANAGING EDITOR as well as the upperclassmen, will enjoy having her as

Every morning loud hip-hop music and cheerful a coach. laughter is heard from the gym as freshman first hour

“We learn a lot from her while still having fun,” gym class warms up for the day. Leading these vivaMurphy said. “She’s a great new addition to the procious warm ups is Physical Education teacher Kate gram. ” Pilgreen. Fortunately, P.E. students won’t be the only

Conaghan said Pilgreen was originally hired only ones enjoying Pilgreen’s peppy spirit. as the P.E. teacher and After two years of then administration previous coachrealized she had a ing, the freshman sturdy background basketball team will in basketball and see a new face on the proceeded to offer sideline this season.

- Coach Kate Pilgreen her a further position.

Pilgreen is stepping Pilgreen has played up as the freshman basketball coach for the 2013-2014 basketball since she was five and lettered all four years season. Athletic Director Dennis Conaghan sat in on in the point-guard position for her high school team.

Pilgreen’s interview with the administration and said She went on to play in college at Loyola University in he instantly knew she was special.

New Orleans where she led as co-captain and played

“Her enthusiasm stood out big time,” Conaghan several positions. She admits she’s a little competitive said. “She had great recommendations from Pemwhen it comes to the sport, but realizes the main goal broke Hill High School and Middle School where she is to have fun. previously coached which also made her stand out

Pilgreen said she enjoys all aspects of coaching from other interviews.”

“I love seeing the light bulb go off in the player’s head”

Freshman basketball coach Kate Pilgreen encourages players during the Purple and White basketball scrimmage on Nov. 18 at Sion. (Photo by Madison Hummel)

but her favorite part is finally seeing the players truly understand what they’re being taught.

“I love seeing the light bulb go off in the player’s head,” Pilgreen said. “And by the end of the season I hope to see the freshman grow exponentially in their knowledge and skills.”

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Twitter

& Adderall

“PEOPLE WHO SAY THERE ISN’T ENOUGH TIME IN THE DAY, NEED TO STOP SLEEPING HALF OF IT AWAY. #UPALLNIGHT #VYVANSESWAG” - @VYVANSESWAG

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“WHEN PEOPLE ASK ME ‘HOW DO YOU SLEEP???’ I JUST LAUGH..I DON’T” - @ADDERALL_XR21

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“ADDERALL HAD ME SOLVING A RUBIK’S CUBE IN ONE TURN” - @ADDERALLHADME

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“STILL UP. WHAT ELSE IS NEW. #ADDERALLPROBLEMS” - @ADDIEPROBLEMS

DDERALL

In 2010, a junior at Columbia University, Stephen Perez, was arrested along with four other students for illegally selling Adderall on campus. The massive drug bust, dubbed Operation Ivy League, resulted in the expulsion of all the boys involved and required them to perform 300 hours of community service, according to nbcnews.com.

Perez said he felt the pressure to obtain the pills, first from a friend in the library and later by faking symptoms to the campus psychiatrist, because of the overwhelming academic rigor at Columbia. He was astonished that he could read and work for hours on end, and soon his use turned into selling to his like-minded classmates.

Professor at the University of Kentucky and Adderall researcher, Alan DeSantis, found in his study of the medication’s abuse that 30 percent of students at his

university have illegally used the stimulant, according and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Working as stimulants by increasing dopamine levels in the to cnn.com.

“It’s abused more than marijuana and easier to brain, such medications have been proven to boost concentration and focus, according to Helpguide.org. get,” DeSantis said in a CNN interview.

But it is because of medications like Adderall’s

The use of “focus pills” like Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin, all a form of methylphenidate, is rising positive effects on the brain that have dubbed it the “study drug,” making it inside the popular among students walls of high nationwide. Adderall is schools and prescribed to over 1.6 colleges across million kids ages 10 to the country as 19, while 4.1 million students strive children in the same age to keep their bracket are prescribed to focus on their Vyvanse, according to studies. How-Senior Claire Boehm diffen.com. ever most fail Between 1993 and 2003, to see the dangerous side effects, not to mention legal ramifications, the number of prescriptions given out for Adderall more than tripled, according to USC Science Review. that could result in taking these pills unprescribed.

Today there are many different prescription op- com. And these numbers do not account for the high tions on the market to treat Attention Deficit Disorder ...Story continued on page 12 LE JOURNAL

“I want my success to be an accomplishment that is really me, not the result of drugs,”

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Quick

Stats

1IN10

U.S. children have ADHD

(According to a government survey)

$2 to $5 Average street cost per pill

(According to Sulfolk, Medical News Daily)

IN 2006,

7

MILLION

AMERICANS ARE ESTIMATED TO HAVE MISUSED STIMULANT DRUGS MEANT TO TREAT ADHD (ACCORDING TO A COMPREHENSIVE NATIONAL ANALYSIS)

11.4% OF YOUNG PEOPLE AGES 12-25 USED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS NONMEDICALLY WITHIN THE PAST YEAR

(According to 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health)

12 LE JOURNAL ISSUE 3

For those with ADD, Adderall helps reach a norschool and college students who take the drugs illegally mal level of focus. But when people with normal focus skills take the pill it overcompensates and can take a in order to get ahead in their studies.

Based on a survey taken in all English classes, serious toll on their bodies.

“When you don’t have ADD and you take that, it’s about two-thirds of the 200 students surveyed admit- ted that they knew someone who had taken the pills processing the pill to do other things like losing weight without a prescription. A quarter of students said they or making you moody,” senior Maggie Nelson, who has a prescription, said. themselves had taken it.

Adderall is an amphetamine, which means on top

Senior Madi Lamb does not have a prescription of negative side effects it can be highly addictive and for Adderall, but knows how some students think it is habit-forming, according to npr.org. some kind of ‘smart pill.’

The government actually lists both Adderall and

“Most people say that Adderall helps them stay on top of things and that they are able to work more effi- Vyvanse as Schedule II drugs, meaning they have high ciently,” Lamb said. “I understand the argument that potential for abuse. They are currently accepted for many think it gives some girls an unfair advantage, medical use, but abuse of the drugs can lead to severe especially those that are not prescribed. There is such psychological or physical dependence.

Other Schedule II drugs include codeine, mora large gray area on who should be allowed to take Ad- phine and oxycodone. derall and who should not.”

Stevens said that students don’t take the harm There are a variety of psychological reasons that ful effects of Adderall seriously since it is a prescribed students feel the need to take some kind of ADD/ ADHD medication, ranging from wanting to get ahead drug.

“People think that buying something off the street in the classroom to pulling an all-nighter to cram for a would be really awful but it’s a prescription so it doesn’t test.

According to senior Mary Sizemore, students feel seem as dangerous,” Stevens said. “If you don’t have the bar is set higher at a college preparatory school ADD and you take it, it’s going to have harmful effects.”

The constant stimulation of nerve receptors is than students at other high schools who don’t have the the mechanism behind Adderall addiction, according same motivation or drive to get good grades. Sizemore to USC Science Review. It states that “with continued herself has not used the drug.

“I think [students are using the drug] because we use over time, a tolerance is developed to Adderall, as hold ourselves to a higher standard,” senior Mary Size- seen with other addictive drugs as well – the more frequently these drugs, including Adderall, are used, the more said. “We don’t want to let ourselves down.”

Jane Doe* said that she felt she wasn’t living up greater the amount that is needed to supply a response. to the high standard she held for herself so she start- The reinforcement behavior produced by Adderall can ed taking Adderall without a prescription during her eventually cause long-term dependence.”

Sophomore sophomore year as a way John Smith* to help her stay focused said he has while she was studying taken Adderall for finals. Doe had rethough he has cently fallen behind in not formally some of her classes and been diagnosed needed to score well on with ADD or her tests in order to have -Senior Maggie Nelson ADHD. He did a decent final grade. not see it as a “I really didn’t think taking it was a big deal to take it,” Doe said. “I major problem at school.

“It appears to give me the focus I need to get my just wanted to do well and it was helping me do that.” studying done. And I’m so used to taking it now that I

Although Doe did claim to have done better on her finals than she believed she could without the pill, wonder how I would do without it,” Smith said. “I don’t she admitted to noticing various side effects the drug think it’s a problem since it’s helping me academically.”

But according to a 2010 University of Pennsylhad on her body.

“I was definitely really jittery and irritable when I vania study, Smith only thinks he is doing better. Dr. was taking it, like I didn’t want to socialize and I didn’t Martha Farah said, in an interview with the Daily want to stop what I was doing to even eat,” Doe said. “I Beast, that after reviewing this research she is less convinced that there is any enhancing effects. couldn’t sleep at night, it was really strange.”

Farah also referred to a 2013 study published in

For those who take amphetamines like Adderall without a prescription from a doctor, major physical “Biological Psychiatry” that compared 20 men givramifications might ensue, according to Dr. Anne Bray, en single doses methylphenidate, atomoxetine, and a physician at the Pediatric Care Specialists in Overland placebo. The amphetamine failed to enhance any of a dozen cognitive tasks.

Park, Kan. Farah continued in the interview that the drugs

“[Drugs like Adderall] are stimulants and if mixed with other stimulants will have additive and possibly mostly amp up the motivation. But strong motivation toxic effects on the cardiovascular system, such as does not actually translate into better results.

And despite Smith’s beliefs, research from the blood pressure and heart rhythm, and on the central National Institute of Drug Abuse shows illegal (unnervous system, such as agitation and seizures,” Bray prescribed) use of prescription stimulants, including said.

According to WebMD, the other common side Adderall and Ritalin, may also lead to use of drugs like effects of Adderall include nausea, chronic trouble cocaine and heroin. Farah also echoed this informasleeping, increased anxiety and irritability, and loss of tion.

Another typical result of Adderall is a significant appetite—all side effects Doe experienced. change in personality while taking the medication.

“Adderall gives people a false sense of security, but it’s dangerous,” guidance counselor Nancy Stevens Such a dramatic yet temporary alteration in character said. “People think that because it’s a prescription drug and mood is often visible to classmates, teachers, and it can’t be harmful to them but when it’s not your pre- friends and indicates an unnecessarily high dosage.

“As long as the dosage is correct, the medication scription it is.”

Continued from page 11...

“It’s not fair to have that advantage over people who are actually working hard.”

EFFECTS OF ADDERALL ON YOUR BODY ADDERALL XR

HEADACHES

DIZZINESS OR LIGHT-HEADEDNESS

ADDERALL XR

CHANGES IN MOOD

INSOMNIA OR TROUBLE SLEEPING

SHORTNESS OF BREATH IRREGULAR HEARTBEATS

SEVERELY HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

LACK OF APPETITE OR NAUSEA

MALNUTRITION DUE TO LACK OF APPETITE

TREMORS THROUGHOUT THE BODY

RALL XR

LOSS OF APPETITE

33%

NUMBNESS IN ANY AREA OF THE BODY

ADDE

SUFFER FROM HEADACHES

26%

OF PEOPLE ON ADDERALL EXPERIENCE THIS

OF PEOPLE ON ADDERALL EXPERIENCE THIS

SUFFER FROM INSOMNIA

17%

OF PEOPLE ON ADDERALL EXPERIENCE THIS

(According to Sulfolk, Medical News Daily)

should not affect your personality or sense of humor,” Dr. Larry Silver, clinical professor of psychiatry at Georgetown Medical Center, said on attitudemag.com.

“An excessively high dose could temporarily “flatten” your personality, causing you to seem unusually quiet.”

Many students agree that taking unprescribed Adderall is an unfair advantage, while also giving the students who actually need those medications to focus a bad reputation.

Nelson has been prescribed various medications to control her severe ADD since the second grade and said that taking it without a perscription is not right and should not be seen as okay.

“It’s not fair to have that advantage over people who are actually working hard,” Nelson said.

Senior Mattie Carter echoed Nelson’s thoughts on the issue and was upset with the way Adderall-users now appear since students want to take it without medically needing it.

“I hate how I am judged for taking a pill I cannot function without. I have to take it everyday,” Carter

said. “It bothers me how people think the pill is a “cure all,” because for me it’s not. I still have trouble focusing even when I’m on meds.”

Senior Claire Boehm agreed that Adderall has recently gotten a bad reputation and said that there is a pressure on students in society today to take some kind of ADD medication, though she herself has never taken it.

“It’s becoming a dog-eat-dog society where if you’re not on Adderall you’re like looked down upon,” Boehm said. “It seems like everyone is using it and everyone wants to be prescribed to it.”

But where are students getting Adderall if they don’t have a prescription?

Senior Louise White’s* cell phone dings and she looks down at a text message from an unknown number.

“Hey, I have a big test tomorrow. Could I buy some Adderall from you?” the text says.

White, along with many other students nationwide, are asked to sell their own ADD and ADHD

medications to fellow students, friends and sometimes random strangers. White says she doesn’t have to advertise the fact that she has a prescription or is willing to sell her pills, because word spreads quickly.

“I guess a lot of people just know that I have ADD from being my friend or hearing through the chain,” White says. “When I don’t take it, you can tell, so word just gets around.”

But the issue of illegally selling ADD and ADHD medications goes way beyond Kansas City. In fact, about 14 percent of college students note that they have been asked to sell, trade or distribute Adderall, while only two percent actually have a prescription from their doctor, according USC Science Review.com.

The average street price of Adderall is $7 to $10 per pill, but prices can shoot up to around $25 during finals time, according to nymag.com.

“People would pay any amount for it. So many people are desperate for good grades that they don’t care about price,” White said.

The price is relatively low in comparison to other prescription drugs, and dealers make a large amount of profit.

“It’s cheap, especially when one considers the cost of more difficult-to-acquire drugs,” the Medical Billing and Coding Organization website states. “A college student diagnosed with ADD/ADHD can sell off their prescriptions and make a nice little profit — sometimes up to 800 percent— from exploiting their peers’ drive to succeed.”

What many high schoolers, college students and others who wrongfully sell or buy ADD and ADHD medications often forget is that such actions are punishable by law. Both possessing and dealing these medications are considered felonies that can result in a $10,000 fine and anywhere from 180 days to 10 years in prison, depending on the quantity of pills, according to DailyToreador.com.

When the urge to obtain Adderall from a friend to aid in studying for a big test or final hits, just think of the legal ramifications of obtaining prescription drugs.

For most students, spending years behind bars is not worth getting an A on the test.

According to Stevens society has the mindset that all problems need a medication to be cured.

“You don’t always need medicine to fix doing poorly on a test,” Stevens said. “You just need some strategies to help you refocus.”

As the problem with illegal use of medications climbs and students are faced with more and more stress as they get older, a solution needs to be found before the Adderall epidemic completely takes over.

According to Doe, who has recently stopped taking Adderall, instead of taking other people’s prescription drugs to get ahead or to cram for finals, students should try and pace themselves and try working hard without the pills.

“If everyone would just stop taking these prescriptions there wouldn’t be so much unnecessary pressure on people,” Doe said. “If we studied in advance instead of waiting until the night before we wouldn’t be so stressed.”

Boehm also suggested that instead of striving to be perfect young women and perfect students all the time, students should aim for their personal best and work hard, but give themselves some room to improve.

Getting good grades should not be dependent on anything other than each person’s own abilities.

“I want my success to be an accomplishment that is really me, not the result of drugs,” Boehm said. “Even if that means I have to work really hard and study for longer, I know that getting good grades is something I can achieve on my own.”

*Denotes anonymous area high school students.

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13

Madame Bono Goes

French teacher Elizabeth Bono talks about teaching at Sion, St. Teresa’s Academy and Rockhurst University.

BY ELLIE STINGLY REPORTER

French teacher Liz Bono walks into her secluded classroom after greeting everyone in the halls with a sunny smile. Even at a bright and early 7:30 a.m. she carries herself with an enviable amount of energy. It’s even more impressive to look at the whiteboard in her classroom with the list of six French classes she juggles on a day-to-day basis.

But Bono is no rookie. She has experienced the teaching life at St. Teresa’s Academy, Rockhurst University and Sion among other schools. According to her, no two schools have been exactly alike. After teaching at St. Teresa’s for 10 years starting in 1990, she found various commonalities between both allgirls schools. However, there were aspects of each that set them apart in her opinion.

Historic. Bono enjoyed the history of the buildings on the St. Teresa’s campus when she taught in a building that was built in 1910, two years before the Kansas City Sion school even existed. Although the

Bold

schools differ in age, Bono says they are very similar as far of the type of girls and teachers.

As for the comparison between the all-girls high schools and the co-ed university, Bono has no problem finding differences.

Magis. It means “better” or “excellence” and is a core value of the Jesuit education at Rockhurst University, according to Bono. The nearby university strongly enforces a strive for excellence through the teachers and in the classrooms. Since it is a university, parents are not involved, which makes a difference, according to Bono. It also requires a more fine-tuned and professional presence from teachers, which was a downside for the bubbly, blond Bono.

Although her hair might be pulled back, Sion has given her the chance to let it down every once and a while.

“Here I can be more myself and allow myself room to be loud and funny,” Bono said. “Sion is also much more intimate compared to other schools, partly because the campus is smaller. I like the feeling of closeness here.”

After reflecting on all three teaching experiences, Bono say she has encountered one of the best parts of Sion, something many girls miss after graduation.

“I can see the bond between the girls because the

OPERATION

Senior Catherine Spale talks about NHS and how they prepare for giving back this Christmas season.

BY EMMA DOPHEIDE news/editorial editor

She’s been involved with Operation Christmas Child since before she could read. After graduating preschool, she continued the project within her family until last year she expanded it to her maison. This year she’s gone even bigger—turning it into an all NHS service project. Senior Catherine Spale said she loves the organization’s mission and wants to continue being involved with it throughout her life.

Operation Christmas Child sends shoebox gifts to children all over the world, filled with items like school and art supplies, hygiene items, toys, socks, gloves and others.

“It’s really cool because it’s the first Christmas gift that many of them have ever received,” Spale said.

“Sometimes it’s the first gift period—not even just Christmas. I know that kids really appreciate getting these because finally they have something of their own.”

Spale, who is the service chair of NHS, said that this year’s project differs from how NHS did service in the past.

“Last year everyone did random things. There were a bunch of small opportunities and it was kind of hard to keep track,” Spale said. “So we decided it

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classes are smaller,” Bono said. “The girls have a lot of good ties together even though they might not be in the same friend group.”

Regardless of the contrasts, all three schools have shown something that is important to Bono: high achievement.

“It’s in all three schools,” Bono said. “Especially at Sion, girls give their all and really care about learning.”

Bono seems to fit right into this institution of high achievement, and her vibrant personality is already a special part of Sion, according to junior Lauren Groszek.

“She cares about her students and makes it interesting and fun,” Groszek said.

The connections with education in the metro do not stop with teaching for this 1985 graduate of Bishop Miege High School. Her father, Marion Nickel, was the basketball coach and a math teacher at Rockhurst High School in the 60’s and 70’s.

Her oldest daughter is a 2013 graduate of St. Teresa’s Academy, her son is a current junior at Rockhurst High School and her youngest daughter will be attending Sion next year.

Needless to say this Kansas City native has experienced quite the realm of schools in the area. Maybe she has reached her final destination.

SPALE

would be easier to do one big project and just have a more collective effort.”

NHS sponsor Beth Ingram said she likes the change in the structure of service this year. She said she thinks the project has gone extremely well so far.

“This year it included an opportunity for members to work on team-building and service,” Ingram said. “I think it will directly affect lots of kids in need.”

Spale and her family have worked with NHS to ensure the project’s success. Spale said she and her mom went to stores to find the best prices for each item, while her dad calculated how much money each girl would spend and what items she would buy. Spale also made a Google doc where people signed up to bring items and sent out reminders of deadlines for the project.

Spale said one of her favorite components of Operation Christmas Child is that when the children receive the gifts they also learn about Christianity. They go through a discipleship program and each shoebox gift includes a brochure about the life of Jesus.

“I just think it’s really important that we do this because that’s how God’s love is made known to them when they see that someone all the way across the

Senior Catherine Spale works with NHS to prepare Operation Christmas Shoeboxes. (Photo by Emma Dopheide)

world cares about them enough to send them a gift,” Spale said.

Even though the project has been difficult and time-consuming, Spale said she thinks that it has been successful so far.

“People have been really excited about it, so I’m glad,” Spale said. “It’s been a lot of work, but I think it will be worth it in the end.”

DRUMMING

5

UP A

STORM

with GIRL

drummers

1. NEON TREES

.

3.

2

Freshman Tara Jungden shares her talent of drumming at Sion and outside of school.

With Elaine bradely

WHITE STRIPES With Meg White

SKILLET

BY ANNA SCHROER REPORTER

Lights flash. Neon colors. The crowd cheers going crazy for the band who is rocking out on stage.

In the back, behind the singer who is belting out an addicting rock anthem, the drummer sits pounding away on the colossal drum set. Her hair flips and a vibrating base keeps the crowds’ musical spirits up as the drum solo transitions into effect.

This rock and roll dream isn’t what freshman Tara Jungden is thinking about, but it is the opposite of what is heard during recent school assemblies when the student body hears the simple beats to the school song and other songs from the religious genre.

Jungden started playing the drums when she was nine years old, following in the footsteps of her dad and brother who also play.

“I really got started by playing Rock Band, the video game. I was good at the drums on the game and we always had a set around the house so I started to learn to play,” Jungden said. “The first song I ever learned to play was “Strange Magic” by ELO.”

After finding out that drumming was a hobby she wanted to pursue, Jungden decided that the right

Bands

With Jen Ledger

4. BANGLES

With Debbi Peterson

Freshman Tara Jungden rehearses after school, preparing for a school assembly. (Photo by Anna Schrorer)

choice was taking private lessons at Explorers Percussion on Wornall Road once a week with long time drummer Kent Burnham.

“I have been giving Tara drum lessons for a couple of years now. I have seen major improvement in her skills,we started from square one so I have seen every step of her progression. I teach a lot of fundamentals, technique, coordination and independence so that students can play songs in any style they like.”

Burnham said.

While at school, she plays during assemblies, mass and at orchestra events at her home. During lessons she enjoys playing old rock and roll songs and lively alternative rock songs.

“My favorite songs to play right now are “Dani California” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and “Joker and The Thief ” by Wolfmother.” Jungden said.

5. ARCADE FIRE

With Régine Chassagne

These beats differ from the sets music teacher Elizabeth Mulkey has her play and what the student body hears.

“We have Tara play drum sets in mass and have added sets to many hymns and songs that wouldn’t normally encompass drum playing,” Elizabeth Mulkey said.

Even though Jungden doesn’t want to pursue drumming through going on tour with a rock and roll band, she still enjoys playing as a hobby and hopes to continue playing throughout her life.

“I hope to be playing drums for the rest of my life.” Jungden said. “It’s fun to try and push myself with hard songs and I like that I can change up songs by playing the drums,” Jungden said.

INTERFAITH HOLIDAY TRADITIONS The holiday season is upon us and Christians are not the only people celebrating.

One holiday that is consistently during the winter is the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah. The eight day celebration is widely known this time of year and is a celebration of the Jewish people’s liberation from oppression and their commitment to God. The Jewish

BY SARAH HARRIS people lighted a candle of oil that was only meant to REPORTER last for one day, but the candle burned for eight giving hope to the Jews. During the week of Hanukah every

“Merry Christmas.” It’s a common phrase to night a candle is lit on the menorah symbolizing the end a conversation or even to a stranger on the street eight days the oil lasted for the Maccabees accordduring the holiday season. As Christians it becomes easy to assume that everyone is gearing up for another ing to History.com. Although Jewish, Junior Sarah Berkowitz was able to experience both Christmas and Christmas season due to the commercialism of the Hanukkah as a child. holiday. In reality according to

“My family Adherents.com only 2.1 billion “I usually sleep in, get up around has always gotten a people are celebrating Christ- noon and go back to sleep. I don’t Christmas tree bemas each year. So what are the celebrate Christmas at all.” cause my dad didn’t other 6 billion people on the want us to miss

plant doing? out on ‘Christmas,”

“[On Dec. 25] I usually

-Junior Zoya Khan Berkowitz said. “I sleep in, get up around noon, believed in Santa eat, and go back to sleep. I don’t until fifth grade.” celebrate Christmas at all,” Islamic junior Zoya Khan

There are about 14 million Mormons in the said. “I just enjoy the days off.” world and about 6.2 of them live in the United States.

As one of the non-Christian students at Sion, Today, the religion has 14 million members, and one Khan has been able to see the holiday in a different of them is freshman McKenzie Roth’s mother. light and even grow in her own faith tradition.

“In my faith we of course go to church every sunday. We go to the Latter Day Saint Temple and do temple work as often as we can,” Roth said. “You can go to the temple when you’re 12, but only if you’re baptized and we can get baptized at age 8”.

Roth dispels the common misconception that Mormons don’t celebrate Christmas and don’t accept the Christian faith or Bible.

According to CNS News, there are 20 world religions with 1 million or more members and 850,000,000 proclaimed atheists. Although Christianity does account for 33 percent of the people in an organized religion, that is still not enough to assume everyone is like you. Christians consistently continue to force our ideas and beliefs on others. In stores and other consumer outlets the advertisements and promotions are only geared toward the Christians of society or those who celebrate the “consumer” holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving. As students of an interfaith high school, aspire to know more about your peer’s faith traditions.

“Going to a Catholic school has helped me build a better understanding of Catholicism, and it has helped me build a better understanding of Islam.

Especially through our interfaith aspects within the school,” Khan said.

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ISSUE 3

Lots of family sometimes means lots of chaos, especially during the holiday season.

Kim’s Declassified Survival Guide (Photo by WHO???)

-Photo submitted by Kim Fryer

BY KIM FRYER

FEATURES EDITOR

I

f you’re anything like me, you’ve been bracing yourself for the coming months ever since Halloween ended. The holiday season in the Fryer household means lots of cake baking, lots of Christmas carols and lots of family time. And when I say lots of family time, I truly mean lots of chaos.

Picture “Cheaper by the Dozen” times 10, add some Christmas lights and a smorgasbord of food, and you have what the holidays are like for me, a member of the Massman family dynasty. So, in random fashion, I have for you a few tips for surviving the holidays with a ginormous family.

Survival Tip #1: Guard the goods.

One of the biggest parts of the holidays in our household is the food. What can I say, we like to eat. A lot. And that could still be an understatement.

Food in the Massman family gets competitive, and for some reason we always think we’re going to run out of it and starve (which we never do). It’s like every year there seems to be a multitude of pies and cakes and cookies and dips and chips and everything else you could possibly imagine, but somehow everyone ends up tweaking about who ate what and who’s making more and yada, yada, yada.

So basically, if you’re as concerned as I am, do the right thing and stay in the kitchen at all times. If you want the first bite of dip, you stand over my grandma’s shoulder while she makes the dip and then you swipe it before it even leaves her hands.

This strategy might sound simple, but you’ve got to make sure your reflexes are quick or your little cousin Joe, who happens to be going through a growth spurt (ies... growth spurts are just excuses to eat more), might just have quicker reflexes than you do. And that would be a tragedy.

What’s really a tragedy, however, is when the food makes it’s way from the kitchen to the TV room. At that point it’s best to just give up hope and try to snag the next round of buffalo chicken dip. Why is the TV room fatal? Well, for starters, the name of the room speaks for itself. TV room. As in, all the grown men with the big stomachs are crammed in there watching whatever sport happens to be on the screen.

That is, unless my grandpa’s in the room, in which case they’d be watching Jeopardy on mute. No one knows why he watches the TV on mute and everyone’s too afraid to ask. But that’s besides the point, back to the food debacle.

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Once the food reaches that final destination of the coffee table in the men’s headquarters it’s gone within moments. Consumed is too nice of a verb to even use for the way that food is devoured. Torn apart. Shredded. Destroyed. Demolished, if I may.

People always say that bears protect their cubs fiercely, and this is the kind of fierce protection required to get first dibs on food during the holidays. I’ll also let you in on a little secret, most grandparents have a hiding spot for their most treasured treats.

It’s like trying to find the gold at the end of a rainbow--impossible. But the Massman family likes a good challenge, and so it was my cousin Kay who defeated the impossible and discovered where grandma hid the cookies. Quite literally.

Once the kitchen clears out Kay and I army crawl to the back of the pantry and dig in on grandma’s secret stash. It makes up for the chicken dip we never got to taste.

Survival Tip #2: Claim your territory

As one might imagine, seven families under one roof can get a little crammed, and arguments may ensue. After many years of small children crying over not getting the seat at the head of the kids’ table, my grandmother devised a plan.

The bucket of fate. Before it’s time to play musical chairs trying to snag a seat at the main table, you have to reach into the bucket and draw out a number. Each number on the paper coincides with a number at the table, and voila, you are assigned to a designated seat.

Or in my case- you’re always stuck at the kids table. I have a feeling I’ll be 40 before I officially graduate from sitting with the babies to sitting at the adult table with the “big kids.” I guess I’m not complaining though because no one at the kids table ever tells me to sit up straight or bring the food to my mouth not my mouth to the food (old habits die hard).

Aside from the eating-seating arrangements, there are certain rooms in the house that are coveted.

For some reason the basement is always fought over, perhaps because it is the farthest away from the crowd.

Survival Tip #3: Smile and say thank you.

Regardless of my age, I still get overly excited for opening Christmas gifts. Something about the ribbons and the wrapping paper sitting patiently under the tree just makes me all jittery. By the time I’m allowed to open, I’m tearing the presents apart.

But there’s always that one gift, you know, the one you open and your heart shatters into a million tiny pieces, and you start to sob, because you really wanted a new pair of boots and not this gift card to a place you don’t even shop. Am I being dramatic?

Take my cousin Stephen, for example. He’s one of the few boy cousins in my family and for some reason my grandma never gives him jewelry like she does

for the girls. One year each older girl cousin opened a beautiful blue Tiffany box and shrieked with excitement over our new charm bracelets.

As you can imagine, Stephen was pretty stoked, coming up with ideas of all kinds of awesome gifts for a dude that would equate with a Tiffany bracelet. We all sat in hesitation, anxious to see what my grandma had bought for him.

Drum roll please… and...a…. pillow.

Like, a plain, styrofoam, wedged pillow. I had to cover my mouth to avoid from laughing out loud at his dumbstruck expression. A pillow. Compared to a Tiffany’s bracelet. You get the idea. But he handled it well with a simple “thank you” and saved the complaining for the years after that.

After the pillow incident we started to realize a pattern in the gifts my grandma gave. Each year there is a set gift that 99.9 percent of the cousins receive and then that one designated grandchild who gets something totally absurd (Grandma, if you’re reading this, the flashlight still works).

There’s a right way to handle this situation and after watching many, many family members deal with this scenario, I’ve decided the proper response to a subpar Christmas gift is “thank you.” Pretty simple in theory, but much more effective than a teary eyed and awkward “oh.” And hey, something is better than nothing, right? It’s the thought that counts.

Survival Tip #4: Enjoy every minute.

Before I know it, the holidays are already over, and my cousins are on airplanes headed back to their homes, ranging from places like L.A. to Boston to Texas and Utah. If there is one survival guide tip that is most important, remembering to enjoy every moment you get with your family is definitely it.

While having the entire extended family together for the holidays always results in some chaos, it also results in some of the best memories of my life. Being under one roof with seven siblings, all their children, and a happily married set of grandparents is a blessing not everyone gets to have.

I cherish the time I get to spend cuddling with my newborn cousin, the time I get to teach the toddlers how to walk and how to say “Kim is the coolest,” the time I get to hear stories from my grandmother’s childhood, the time I get to spend laughing with my aunts and uncles over the crazy things they did in high school.

Before I know it I’ll be grown up with my own family to spend the holidays with, so I’m taking extra time this year to remember to be thankful while we’re all together--and you should too. Families grow up too fast and everyone should be able to say they truly enjoyed every minute they were blessed to spend with their families on Christmas--chaos and all.

FAMILY

TIES

Le Journal quizzed two sets of twins and one mother/ daughter combination to see who knew each other better.

It looks like mother does know best.

THE ISMERTS NATALIE

GABBIE

THE MULKEYS

THE ROMANOS

JUNIOR

FRESHMAN

FRESHMAN

ZOE

MRS. MULKEY MUSIC TEACHER

SOPHOMORE

SOPHOMORE

CELEBRITY CRUSH?

CELEBRITY CRUSH?

FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

FAVORITE MOVIE?

CELEBRITY CRUSH?

GABBIE’S GUESS: DAVE FRANCO

BUBBA STARLING

NATALIE’S GUESS:

MRS.MULKEY’S GUESS: CHEESECAKE FACTORY

ZOE’S GUESS: SEASONS 52

IZZY’S GUESS: SPACEBALLS

EMMA’S GUESS: BLAKE LIVELY

ANSWER: CHANNING TATUM

ANSWER: DAVE FRANCO

ANSWER: CHEESECAKE FACTORY

ANSWER: BRISTOL

ANSWER: NATIONAL TREASURE

ANSWER: CHRIS PINE

FAVORITE FOOD?

FAVORITE FOOD?

FAVORITE FOOD?

FAVORITE MOVIE?

FAVORITE MUSICIAN?

FAVORITE MOVIE?

IZZY’S GUESS:

EMMA’S GUESS: SHE’S THE MAN

GABBIE’S GUESS: FRIED MACARONI AND CHEESE BALLS

NATALIE’S GUESS:

CHOCOLATE

MRS. MULKEY’S GUESS:

BREAD

THE PRINCESS BRIDE

ANSWER: CHEESEBURGER

ANSWER: SPAGHETTI

ANSWER: BREAD

ANSWER: THE PRINCESS BRIDE

WHAT ARE

YOUR

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS?

ZOE’S GUESS:

PLAZA LIGHTS

The Plaza lights is a favorite Kansas City tradition that comes to life with the flip of a switch and kicks off the holiday season on Thanksgiving night. 80 miles of glimmering lights illuminate every building of the Plaza.

Junior Gigi Failoni

“For Thanksgiving we go to McCormick and Schmicks to watch the lights, and then my cousins and I always go shopping on the Plaza. I love being on the Plaza during this time of the year because it gets me into the spirit of the season.”

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol comes to life on the stage at The Kansas City Repertory Theatre.

It is a holiday tradition for many. The theatre said the show is celebrating its 33rd season this year. The classic show about hope, generosity and redemption runs Nov. 22 through Dec. 4.

Senior Katie Eilert

“The past couple years my mom has organized a big group to go to Harvesters to help package canned food just in time for the holiday season. It’s a simple reminder of the giving spirit of Christmas.”

EMMA

ONE DIRECTION ANSWER: ONE REPUBLIC

IZZY

ANSWER: SHE’S THE MAN

NUTCRACKER

The Kaufmann Center hosts Todd Bolender’s, The Nutcracker, a Kansas City holiday classic. The stage is filled with beautiful dancers, a magical Christmas tree, dazzling set displays along with the Kansas City symphony playing Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite.

Senior Amelia Jones

“Even though I no longer perform in The Nutcracker, my mom and I still go and it brings back so many happy and great memories. It’s a tradition that my mom and I will always share.”

MAYOR’S TREE Since 1973, the Mayor’s Christmas tree glistens with 7,200 lights at Crown Center. The 100 foot tree is always lit the day after Thanksgiving. The tree stands as one of the biggest Christmas trees in the nation making it bigger than both the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and the White House Christmas Tree.

LE JOURNAL ISSUE 3

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(Photos by Meghan Kearney)

W

N

I

T

E

R

“I liked the colors and the pattern. I thought it was unique.”

Mikaela Gill, senior V-Back Skater Dress by Lush $46 at Nordstroms

F

O

R

M

A

L

“I like this dress because it’s super fun Junior, and flirty but Dehaemers modest at the Alex same time.”

Alex Dehaemers, junior

Lace Skater Dress by Lush $50 at Nordstroms

Paleo Holiday Cooking

The paleo diet is a plan based on eating meat, fish, poultry, fruits and vegetables yet legumes, refined sugar, dairy and grains are not permitted to eat.

Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Vanilla Cinnamon Icing

1

Preheat

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2

Mix

-Mix together the dry ingredients in a small bowl.

-In the bowl of a stand mixer (or for a smoother texture, food processor), combine the maple, pumpkin, egg, and vanilla.

-Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet while the mixer is running.

3

Bake It

-Scoop golf-ball size balls of dough onto a lined cookie sheet. Press down lightly with your palm to flatten them a bit.

-Bake for 18 minutes at 350 degrees. Let cool completely.

4

Icing

While the cookies are cooling, make the icing by pureeing all of the ingredients in a blender or small food processor. Leave at room temperature until you are ready to frost the cookies.

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Cupcake Ingredients

D

R

E

S

S

E

S

“The dress was fun and elegant.

The pattern was perfect for Winter Formal.”

Kathleen Gansner, freshman V-Black Skater Dress by Lush $46 at Nordstroms

MY LIFE IS AWKWARD: How I asked my date to Winter Formal

-2½ cups blanched almond flour, sifted -2 tablespoons coconut flour -1½ teaspoon cinnamon -½ teaspoon ginger -½ teaspoon baking soda -½ teaspoon nutmeg -¼ teaspoon cardamom -dash of sea salt -⅓ cup honey -½ cup pumpkin puree -1 egg -1 teaspoon vanilla

“I texted the guy at an ortho appointment during school asking if he’d go to Winter Formal with me. After school he texted me saying his phone went off during class and his teacher heard and he almost got in trouble.”

Icing Ingredients

“I asked a guy who played baseball and golf, so I wrote on a sign and changed the lyrics of ‘Take me out to the Ball Game’ to ‘Take me to Winter Formal.’ Then, I bought golf tees, big league chew, and a couple golf balls and put them in a bucket with balloons tied to it. I set all of this on his porch and he wasn’t home.”

-1 tablespoon raw honey -2 tablespoons coconut butter (also called coconut manna or creamed coconut) -2 tablespoons coconut milk -1 teaspoon butter -⅛ teaspoon cinnamon -⅛ teaspoon vanilla beans (or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract)

- MARIA ARROYO, FRESHMAN

“I asked my friend’s older brother when he was picking her up from school.”

- AREE TOMES, SOPHOMORE

- MAGGIE KANE, JUNIOR

Nine classics to watch this Christmas season picked by the Le Journal staff.

1

2

The Santa Claus

Ralphie Parker has only one thing on his Christmas list: a Red Ryder BB gun. He convinces his friends and family that this is the best gift one could get. He runs into many obstacles with his family, friends and Santa Claus who disagree that this is not the best gift to ask for.

Will Ferrell stars as Buddy in the holiday favorite, Elf. Buddy was an orphan baby raised by elves in the North Pole. When he grows into an adult, Papa Elf has to tell Buddy that he is in fact not an elf. Santa allows Buddy to travel to New York City to find his father, Walter Hobbs where he runs into many adventures.

Tim Allen stars in the 1994 holiday comedy “The Santa Claus.” Scott Calvin (Allen) unexpectedly receives a visitor on his roof on Christmas Eve. The Santa impersonator falls off the roof leaving eight reindeer, a sleigh and a red suit.

Calvin puts the red suit on and travels to the North Pole where he discovers that he is now Santa Claus.

The Polar Express

Miracle on 34th Street

It’s a Wonderful Life

A Macy’s employee is in desperate need of a new store Santa. She hires Kris Kringle who insists he’s the real Santa Claus. Six-yearold Susan is skeptical of believing in Santa Claus, but she’s given something to believe in when she meets the new store Santa Claus.

George Bailey finds himself giving up on his big dreams and wanting to end a life he felt he has never lived. On Christmas Eve, a guardian angel, Clarence, comes to Earth to help George in his difficult times. He shows George what things would have been like if George were never born.

8

9

4

A nine-year-old boy can’t decide if he believes in Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, a train appears outside his bedroom window. He boards a magical train to make the journey to the North Pole to visit Santa Claus.

7

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas In the little town of Whoville everyone loves Christmas except for one person, the Grinch. The Grinch hates Christmas and tries to steal it away from the jolly town of Whoville. Cindy Lou befriends the Grinch and gets him into the Christmas spirit.

5

Top Picks

Students share their opinions on their favorite Christmas movies.

3

Elf

A Christmas Story

{

Students’

{

9

Movies of Christmas

6

Home Alone

A Christmas Carol

In the 1990 film, Kevin McCallister is left at home while his family travels to Paris, France for Christmas.

He enjoys the freedom of being home alone until he runs into two burglars who try to break into his house.

Kevin is able to set up traps in his house to outsmart the thieves on Christmas day.

Ebenezer Scrooge was a grumpy old man who hated Christmas. After adventures with the ghosts of Christmas past, Scrooge went from “Bah Humbug!” to sharing Christmas spirit with the people in his town.

He is a classic tale of the generous love that Christmas brings.

“My favorite Christmas movie is “Elf.” It is so funny and full of holiday cheer.”

Elizabeth Jackoboice, freshman

“My favorite Christmas movie is “The Polar Express.” It’s a tradition for my family to watch it every year. We even have the bells that are in the movie.”

Anna Daly, senior

“My favorite Christmas movie is “A Christmas Story.” We watch it every Christmas at my grandma’s house. My favorite part is when his tongue gets stuck to the pole.”

Molly Donahue, senior LE JOURNAL

ISSUE 3

19

GRATITUDE in

Different cultures show ways to give thanks through dancing, praying and singing. By Katy Zahner

MOTION

Sion’s annual Thanksgiving prayer service encompassed a universal aspect of Sion: Diversity. Featured in the prayer service Nov. 25 were performances from people of Muslim, Indian, and Irish descent that ranged from teachers’ cultural and religious rituals to students’ own personal ways of showing their thanks.

According to High School Campus Minister Stephanie Pino-Dressman, this year the Thanksgiving prayer service emphasized how different faith traditions respond in gratitude. It’s not just about prayers of thankfulness with words, but movement and prayers with movement, she said.

1.

1. Junior Rosemary Puthumana performed an Indian classical dance that tells a story through expression and movement.

2. Senior Brelahn Wyatt and her younger sister, eighth grader Lauren perform a dance from a Mother’s Day performance at St. Therese Little Flower Parish.

3. Religion teacher Porsia Tunzi (right) with a dancer from Ceili at the Crossroads perform an ethnic Irish dance.

2.

3.

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(Photos by Kristine Sullivan)