LeJournal
The Senior Issue As seniors prepare for their final moments at Sion, they start a new tradition of signing one another’s shirts on the final day to wear uniforms. Pages 14-27
A STUDENT PUBLICATION OF NOTRE DAME de SION
10631 WORNALL ROAD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64114
VOLUME 33 ISSUE 6 APRIL 2014
INSIDE THE ISSUE news
sports
senior section
4 REbeL Walk
10 Sydney Manning’s Column
14 Senior Survey
Students walk to promote positive body image State Debate Senior Rose Puthumana competes at state debate tournament
5 Feminism and White Privilege Peggy McIntosh addresses white privilege in our society The German Exchange Students discuss favorite things in America
Senior reflects on the lessons learned throughout her high school career Spring Sports Update Soccer, track and lacrosse
11 Brookside Soccer
Students participate in co-ed intramural soccer Extra Curricular Sports Summer sports outside of Sion
a&e
6 College At Every Level
12 ‘Age of Adaline’
7 College Enrollment
Find enrollment comparisons to other metro high schools
8 College Legacy
Following the footsteps of family members to college
Review of the romantic drama ‘The Longest Ride’ Review of the film based on the book by Nicholas Sparks
13 Dorm Shopping New uses for old items
9 Senior Myths
LeJournal 2014-2015
Le Journal is the official student publication of Notre Dame de Sion High School 10631 Wornall Road Kansas City, Missouri 64114 MEMBER Missouri Interscholastic Press Association National Scholastic Press Association International Quill and Scroll Journalism Educators of Metropolitan Kansas City
CO-EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Sarah Harris Ellie Stingley
SPORTS EDITOR Madison Heide
PRINT MANAGING EDITOR Mary B. Freeman
FEATURE EDITOR Anna Schoer
WEBSITE MANAGING EDITOR Chioma Okuagu
PHOTO AND SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Sydney Manning
NEWS EDITOR Ellie Schwartz
LAYOUT EDITOR Georgia Evans
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Meghan Kearney
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Senior studies music at Columbia College Chicago
17 Quasha Collins
Senior is awarded the Gates Millennium Scholarship
19 Amabelle Palomares
Senior discusses her involvement with Camp WIN for Kansas City Senior discusses her passion for music and theatre
24 Anna Redmond
Senior pursues her love for music beyond high school
26 Sydney Summers
Senior shares her passion for fashion
28 Photo Essay
Senior’s Rock the House Cover Photo by Ellie Stingley
Dispelling the rumors of senior year
EDITORIAL EDITOR Sydney Daniels
15 Sarah Berkowitz
20 Lena Kincaid
editorials/opinion Success can be achieved at any school
Seniors share favorite memories and experiences from their four years
REPORTERS Chloe Barrett Rachel Ergovich Alex D’Alesio Natalie Sopyla Selena Hunter Laney Ulowetz Anna Ciani Sara Watkins Sophie Nedleco Aubrey Makar
SION
HUMANS OF
Maria Nessim
What advice do you have for people still in high school? Don’t take anything for granted.
Lena Kincaid What advice do you have for people still in high school? Try to get involved.
Maddie Beshoner What advice do you have for people still in high school? Keep your grades up.
THE EDITORS’ INK
BY SARAH HARRIS AND ELLIE STINGLEY CO-EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
The time is almost here. The time we’ve been waiting for since August. When we returned to school in the fall, we may have felt a mix of emotions. Some regret came with knowing that summer was over. On the other hand, we were partially excited for the year ahead. As the seniors look back on our past four years, we feel both of those feelings: some excitement, but also some regret. The excitement comes from the idea of the future. A future of finally walking across the stage in our white dresses and receiving our diplomas. A future of living on our own. However, there is also some regret. Regret that we’ll be leaving our families and friends. Regret that maybe we took for granted those chances to spend with our family or make a little harder of an effort in a certain class. Regardless of these emotions, we realize that, as much as we try to deny it, we’re growing up and high school is almost over. However, we also have countless memories, friendships and lessons that we can pack in our suitcase and take with us. For other things to pack in your suitcase, seniors, see page 13 for dorm needs for college. As we seniors look forward to the next chapter of our lives and underclassmen prepare for the years to come at Sion, we have one word of advice which we, Sellie, vow to take: Live in the moment. There are plenty of events to plan for in the future, but one of the lessons we’ve learned is life doesn’t slow down even if we aren’t ready to move on. Here are some things to remember. Freshmen: Senior year may seem far away, but it’ll come before you know it. You’ll be told that multiple times, but there is no easy way to describe how quickly high school flies by. Sophomores: You’ve nearly made it to the second half of high school. As a class, you’ve proven your spirit and school pride, which is something worth keeping. Keep up that positivity and your
class will become amazing leaders one day. Juniors: Congratulations, you’re almost the leaders of the school. It may seem like a daunting position, but we know you’re perfectly capable of being great role models for your Sion sisters. However, there is one thing to remember: You’ll make mistakes. It’s part of being human. Just as you’ve been told before, it’s important to learn from those mistakes. Remember that perfection is not attainable, but greatness is right up your alley. Seniors: We’d like to thank you for being the best 101 girls with whom we had the chance to spend the past four years. It’s probably fair to say that most if not all of us are at least a little nervous for that next step. Whether you’re going to Yale, Saint Louis University, the University of Kansas or somewhere else, Sion has given us the tools to achieve whatever we dream. We’ve heard the college experience is different for everyone, and apparently it’s what you make it. For more on this, check out senior Sydney Daniel’s column on page 6. Each one of us has our own niche, some are musical like senior Sarah Berkowitz (page 15) while others are rooted in service like senior Amabelle Palomares (page 22). No matter what it is, we all have one thing in common: Sion. And as a collective piece of advice to all Sionians: Kenny Chesney said it best, “don’t blink.” One day you’re a freshman looking up to the scary seniors, thinking you’ll never be that old. The next day you’re that “big, scary” senior, praying that you survive the rest of high school, but also that it doesn’t fly right by you. Class of 2015, we’re almost there. Whether you feel that excitement, some regret or are just counting down the days until “freedoms,” there is no denying a big change is about to happen in our lives. Some of us never thought we would arrive at this point, but it’s here. Sayanora Sion, Sellie
Photo of the Issue Le Journal staff seniors (top row)Sydney Manning, Anna Schoer, Sydney Daniels, Georgia Evans, (bottom row) Meghan Kearney, Ellie Stingley, Sarah Harris and Mary B. Freeman celebrate the last issue of Le Journal after two years on staff on top of the Sion rock in the parking lot. (Photo by Laney Ulowetz)
Letter to the Editors Issue 5—“He Can Do It” In an opinion piece recently published in Le Journal entitled “He Can Do It,” the “Meninist” Twitter account was excused as only a “joke,” but I don’t consider the comments made by this account to be comedic. This account, which we have dismissed as merely anti-feminist, also makes racist and Islamophobic “jokes,” and condones drugging and raping women. It was shocking to me that a Sion publication, at an institution that aims to empower young women, attempted to validate these aggressions. There is a point where we must stop excusing hate speech as satire blown out of proportion by those who are hypersensitive, and realize that the effects of such speech have legitimate effects in regards to institutionalized inequality. Jokes are funny. Discrimination is not. -Maddi McMaster, sophomore
Le Journal accepts letters to the Editors in response to published articles. Letters must be signed, verified and no longer than 200 words. Letters may be edited for length, grammar, spelling and content. Letters will not be printed if content is obscene, invasive, encouraging disruption of school and/or is libelous.
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BY THE NUMBERS
College Tuitions Comparison of private and public college tuition, including room and board. BY SARA WATKINS REPORTER
University of Missouri In-State: $19,926 Out of State:$33,952
Texas Christian University $53,630
Creighton University $39,808
University of Kansas In-State: $15,548 Out of State:$24,095
University of Notre Dame $64,775
Information from respective university websites.
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On April 7, the Snapchat Headquarters released a new update where friends are put in a hierarchy based on emojis. Many are blaming the new update for ruining friendships and relationships, because it classifies people based on their snap score.
COACHELLA//
The music festival known throughout the world, has come to a close. Coachella featured artists such as ACDC, David Guetta,Drake, and Interpool. The festival took place in California April 10-12 and April 17-19.
ROSE TO STATE//
TRENDING
IN BRIEF
TRENDING//
NEWS
SNAPCHAT UPDATE//
Senior Rose Puthumana qualified for the State debate tournament April 25. Puthumana didn’t make it past the first preliminary rounds, but still competed very well according to senior Zoya Khan.
WALK TO REbeL//
The REbeL organization will host their annual ‘Walk to REbeL’ on May 9. The walk will feature uplifting posters, music, Chick-Fil-A, and hundreds of men and women walking for a cause.
Junior Ring Ceremony On April 30, Junior Ring will take place as the coveted class rings and leadership roles are exchanged. This tradition takes place every year and is one of the most anticipated events for juniors. As the Senior Class prepares to leave the Sion community, the upcoming class prepares to lead the school into a new year.
NOW THEN
Fine Arts Day On Fine Arts Day, April 24, students were able to showcase their creative talents throughout the day with the underlying theme of “Raise Up All Voices.” The sidewalk chalk competition, talent show and presentations from AP Art filled the afternoon. Performances in the talent show included singing, dancing and poetry readings.
ROSE TO STATE BY MEGHAN KEARNEY A&E EDITOR
The successful power partners have closed in on their final journey together. Seniors Rose Puthumana and Zoya Khan finished their fouryear commitment to debate April 22 at the district tournament hosted by Sion where they placed second. “Rose and I have been a pretty successful team. Much of this can be credited to Ms. P and our upperclassmen mentors throughout the years,” Khan said. “We came into Sion not knowing each other at all, but our relationship with the rest of the team has pulled us closer.” Puthumana also qualified for the Power Speaker event in the MSHSAA United States Extemporaneous Speaking on April 25, where she didn’t break the first preliminary rounds, but still competed very well according to Khan. Puthamana also qualified for the Nationals in debate. This tournament is June 14. According to their Coach and History teacher Kristie Pennock, the local district they compete in is one of the most competitive in the state and just making it to State is a victory in itself. “I felt pretty good but I wish I would have practiced more. Since this is the first time I have qualified for State, I just went in with an open mind and found it to be an interesting experience,” Puthumana said. “It’s bittersweet to be finishing my career. I will miss all the debaters and competing.”
WALK TO REbeL BY AUBREY MAKAR REPORTER
As the 5th annual REbeL walk quickly approaches, the club’s positive and confidencebuilding messages continues to spread. REbeL has been influential around the school as they set up posters promoting healthy self image and made uplifting videos. On May 9, REbeL is hosting a walk to spread awareness starting at Blue Valley Northwest High School. Starting at 9 a.m., the volunteers will welcome participants in the three-mile walk. The walkers will join hundreds of other people as they prepare to reject society’s unrealistic standards of beauty, acknowledge how advertisements can lower your self-esteem and make you feel “not good enough” and stop any form of bullying. Teenage girls can struggle with negative body image and body criticism on a daily basis. Leaders hope the REbeL program, can help to stop these ideas and help teens to realize that they are more important than a number on a scale. “My favorite experience [from last year’s walk] were all the positive signs around the whole walk. They were so encouraging. Also, afterwards we got food from Chik-fil-a which was nice,” junior Lisbeth Juarez-Lopez said. Registration is open until the day of the walk and anyone can join. Sign ups are available online at re-bel.org.
NEWS
Unpacking Privilege At recent assembly, feminist and antiracism activist speaks about diversity and privilege. BY MEGHAN KEARNEY A & E EDITOR
Exchange Traditions:
German Edition
Johanna Kortbuss “Johanna’s favorite activity was either going paintballing or going to Prom. And she liked how relaxed the classes were. And she loved wearing the uniform.” - Michaela Elsbernd, junior
Sophia Heidbrink
“Sophia loved paintball the most and shopping at Oak Park Mall.” - Devon Graham, junior
Charlotte Louise Behrendt-Richter “Charlotte liked the food and how nice the people were.” - Blair Allen, junior
Lena Schawartenbeck “Lena said her favorite thing that she did was going paintballing and she loved Taco Bell.” - Isabella Lightner, junior
The words resonate in the students’ thoughts. It’s not your fault. It’s not your fault that you grew up in a more fortunate household. It’s not your fault that you were born a certain gender or that you have a certain color of skin. It’s not your fault. These were the words that Dr. Peggy McIntosh, Associate Director on Research of Women at Wellesley College and co-director of Seek Educational Equity and Diversity club, shared at the school assembly April 7 following the diversity assembly just one week earlier. “I read McIntosh’s paper back in college and then I did a fellowship which was part of me becoming head of school that encouraged me to look at her work on privilege,” Head of School Christina Broderick said. “With all the different talks we have had about diversity, I decided that I would just reach out and call to see if she was available.” McIntosh stressed the issue that no matter what one’s background is, whether it is a privilege of socioeconomic status, skin color, gender or religion, it is important to acknowledge and understand the privilege one receives through birth. According to the value system, “one must work for the decent to survive, for therein lies your
own best chance for survival,” McIntosh said. Broderick’s hope for this assembly was to have students receive an educational presentation from a college professor who has deeply researched and studied discrimination and the privileges in our society. However, some had different interpretations of the presentation. “I think that McIntosh was making excuses for people who are prejudice. I did not agree with some of her ideas and beliefs, but our school received a beneficial opportunity by having such a renowned speaker come and share her reasoning,” junior Katie Donnelly said. Not only does this assembly relate to the school’s recent push to discuss diversity, but it also relates to Pope Francis’ Ash Wednesday lenten message about his purpose to make sure that people are not content with living in a world of intolerance and injustice. “[This assembly] is a great way to end the year as it reflects on our true mission, which is to be thoughtful and respectful of all faiths and cultures in our Catholic community,” Broderick said. The words keep resonating throughout students’ minds: It’s not your fault. It’s not your fault if you are born in a certain gender, race socioeconomic status or religion. However, McIntosh left a lasting impression that everyone has a choice to give up some of their priviledge from birth and acknowledge the inequalities in society. The question is now up to you to answer: will you allow the world to oppress who you are or will you be the one to make a difference?
Thea Vennemann
“Thea loved paintballing and loved going to Chicago and seeing all the big tall buildings because they don’t have many like that.” - Anna Sell, junior
Josefin Hemker
“She liked the school spirit, paintball, shopping and Taco Bell.” - Jessica Korth, junior
Matthea Losing
“Matthea’s favorite moment was when she went paintballing and her least favorite part was the food.” - Chloe Barrett, junior
Dr. Peggy McIntosh uses the overhead projector to draw a diagram illustrating her understanding of the levels of privilege present in today’s society. McIntosh spoke on race, gender, socioeconomic status and religion. (Photo by Meghan Kearney)
Johanna Buntkowski
“Johanna’s favorite part was going to Denver and the horseback riding there.” -Olivia Garrison, junior LE JOURNAL APRIL
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OPINION
(Photo by Meghan Kearney)
Education: It Is What You Make It Students don’t need to attend an elite university to gain a Grade A education. BY SYDNEY DANIELS EDITORIAL EDITOR
S
tudents need to develop 50-year plans. Not four-year plans. A name-brand education may carry the weight of traditional excellence, but a state school education can be just as beneficial. With enough hard work and determination, I believe that students can attain anything. To me, success isn’t measured by the selectivity of the college that someone chooses to make home for the next four years. But rather by their utilization of the opportunities offered. Opportunities can be found on every campus, from alumni databases to internships to extra time with professors. These institutions don’t necessarily represent the “best” students, but often times, those with more opportunities or economic advantages. The location where someone hopes to end up is important when choosing a school. Lastly, the responsibility falls on the student to extract as much as they can from their education, wherever it may be. Highly selective universities don’t necessarily represent the best and brightest of the nation. Sometimes they are simply generational legacies. Sometimes they are students whose parents donate to the university. Other times they are simply geniuses who excel on standardized tests but can’t produce real world results. The admissions “lottery” is flawed in some aspects and a number of qualified and brilliant students don’t apply, for fear
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of the shocking price tag. Harvard graduates may have more notoriety, but University of Kansas graduates get hired in the Midwest. “The best,” in one region, isn’t the best for everybody. According to Dan Cranshaw partner at Polsinelli Law Firm, one must always consider where they want to live after college. Cranshaw went to Princeton University for his undergraduate degree and University of Kansas law school for graduate school. He is content with his degree because it served him well when looking for employment in Kansas City, Missouri. KU’s locality and recognition in Kansas City is preferred to the cold, strangeness of foreign, deemed pretentious East Coast universities like Harvard. According to Cranshaw, it is all relative. If one wants to pursue a career in New England, then they should aim to attend a university in New England. If one wants to stay in Kansas City, then KU, Kansas State University and the University of Missouri are excellent options. It all depends on the long-term goals of the student. Furthermore, students who attend schools with less pomp and prestige sometimes work harder than those who attend elite universities according to a New York Times article. Instead of focusing on the allure and glamour surrounding an institution, students are able to benefit more from their education by focusing solely on the knowledge gained in the classroom, not the reputation of the institution itself. According to college counselor Erin Stein, non-ivy level schools provide students with more access to their professors, research and more opportunities for leadership and growth. So much of “success” is gained by a student’s own drive to enlighten themselves both
intellectually and culturally. According to the New York Times article, in 2014 the alma maters of the CEOs of the top 10 Fortune 500 companies were the University of Arkansas, the University of Texas, the University of California-Davis, the University of Nebraska, Auburn,Texas A & M, the General Motors Institute (now Kettering University), the University of Kansas, the University of Missouri St. Louis and Dartmouth College. “There are two names on the college diploma,” Stein said. “The name of the institution and your name. I fully believe the most important name on that diploma is your name, the name you’ve made for yourself during your time at that institution: the ways you got involved, the connections you made, the opportunities you took advantage of, the impact or legacy you left behind.” Ultimately, it’s up to every student to decide what is right for them. My path happens to be one that led me to a “name-brand” institution, but that doesn’t mean any of the pathways others took are lesser. Education is meant to be individualized and different environments cater to different students. American society is overly obsessed with the prestige that comes with a degree from a selective university. It’s not the degree that breeds success, but the person behind it. Whether that degree is obtained from the University of Missouri or Yale, it’s the student who will determine their fate. The name and connections garnered from an institution can only go so far. They may get someone the job, but then that person is charged with keeping it. When choosing a school, one should look longterm, because in the end, four years of education will be virtually nothing compared to the next 50 years of their life.
Preparing for Different Futures Attending a school focused on preparing students for college is not necessarily the usual and provides an unique experience. BY ELLIE STINGLEY CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
S
ion has a 100 percent college acceptance rate and enrollment rate. In the Class of 2014, 98 percent of students went on to attend a four-year college while two percent went on to attend a two-year college the next fall. This school prides itself on its college preparatory title and the guidance it gives students to receive a higher-level education after high school. However, numbers decrease with schools such as Blue Valley North High School where 81 percent of students in the Class of 2014 attended a four-year college. The number drops even lower with 31 percent of students from the Class of 2014 at Grandview High School attending a four-year college the fall after high school graduation. This proves that high school is not just the final stepping stone on the road to college for everyone. High school is a different experience for each student and the next step afterward is just as personal. Although students at Sion have college nearly pounded into their minds as the next step, it is not true for many students across the country and even in the Kansas City, Missouri area. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, 65.9 percent of high school graduates in 2013 were enrolled in a college or university. That leaves 34.1 percent not attending. This is not necessarily a bad thing. It is simply different from the “norm” at schools like Sion. One of the advantages of attending a school such as Sion is the focus on making college a part of life after high school. The college conversation begins almost immediately freshman year. It is just a short amount of time after entering high school before counselors, teachers and parents start talking about how to build a resume and impressive class schedule while also searching for the perfect institution to attend after graduation. Unlike several schools around the country, Sion is a place driven by the goal of attending college. That is the main reason why many girls and families choose this school. As a school proud of its college prep status, Sion teaches students study habits they will use in college, assuming that all students will go on to receive higher education. “In college, the homework is not just all worksheets and math problems, but a lot of it is preparing by critically reading and thinking deeper to have ideas to contribute to in-class discussion,” Sion alumna Moira Quinn said. “Sion gave me a
desire to work hard and strive not only for good grades, but also for an education beyond the textbook.” Although college is not meant for everyone and not every school is meant to guide students to college, there are benefits that come from attending a school meant to prepare students for that next level of education. Not only does this school assist students in receiving college acceptances, but it also prepares students for the college academic experience itself. First, counselors and faculty begin a sort of college training from the minute freshman orientation ends. Study tips, organization tricks and encouragement to set up meetings with teachers all typically precede the phrase, “this will help you in college.” Even beyond the typical Sion classroom setting, the school provides resources to students that are not typically found at other schools. For example, English teacher Melissa Wilcox and college counselor Erin Stein offer a college essay writing class during the summer to assist students in crafting the perfect essay needed to hopefully receive that acceptance letter later in the year. In addition, Stein meets frequently with students to create a list of universities and colleges to potentially attend after high school. Sometimes it seems as though the high school experience at Sion is all about college. These are opportunities simply not offered at other schools because their sole mission is different. For example, Grandview High School’s mission statement includes “unleashing our potential through rigor, relevance, and relationships”. Although this is different from Sion’s mission statement including preparing students for college, it is perfectly acceptable and can create a high school career that is beneficial and positive in it’s own right. An education at a college preparatory school means preparing for the next step in classroom learning, an experience that many strive for. Others have different goals in life and therefore their high school experience means something different. It may not include classes and workshops about writing the perfect college essay or how to choose classes that will impress colleges, but that does not mean the learning environment is less credible. The missions of several other schools, those that are not college preparatory, include expanded knowledge, growing as people and learning how to work in a cooperative environment, skills absolutely necessary for success in the “real world”. On the other hand, however, attending a college preparatory school allows high school to be the final stepping stone before the college experience. And this is not something that should not be taken for granted because it is not as universal as one may assume.
OPINION
College Enrollment
65.9%
of United States high school graduates in 2013 were enrolled in a college or university.
100%
of Sion students in the Class of 2014 attended a four-year college in 2015.
99%
of Rockhurst High School students in the Class of 2014 attended a four-year college in 2015.
81%
of students in the Class of 2014 at Blue Valley North High School attended a four-year college in 2015.
2 million
of 3 million high school graduates in 2013 were enrolled in college the next fall. (Information from The U.S. Buraeu of Labor Statistics and respective school websites)
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OPINION
FINALS: COPING WITH
CHANGE
Spring finals schedule creates more opportunity to study between tests. BY MADISON HEIDE SPORTS EDITOR
As the end of the year approaches, finals are a looming fear in every student’s mind. But as an upperclassmen, my routine has already been established, and although it is a stressful time of year, I have finally found the best possible study habits for my personal success, both mentally and physically. But with the new schedule change, and finals being broken up over a weekend, it changes my normal routines that I have established since my freshmen year. But as possibly unnerving as change can be, the new finals schedule offers the chance to study over a weekend, giving me the much needed extra time to study for those last couple finals. It also gets us out of school that much sooner, because instead of having to wait for the beginning of the week, we jump right into finals on Thursday May 14 and end the next Tuesday, May 19. This particular finals schedule was created last summer by the administration. This schedule has happened before, but it comes as a rarity, only happening a few times before in years past over the winter finals. With the weekend as a break between the scheduled finals, it is not ideal for testing, but Systems Administrator Elizabeth Middleton says this schedule only falls this way because the administration must take into account the number of school days that are required. Exam days count as school days, and because of the day graduation is on, the schedule ultimately worked out the best when breaking up finals week. The current schedule is more of a last resort, rather than a newly implemented schedule. But even if it’s a last resort, the change in the usually chaotic studying week may allow me, and everyone else, for a couple hours of needed relaxation. The weekend can give us a couple more hours of rest, or a couple more hours of studying. Finals week will never be enjoyable, but breaking up the testing may make it more tolerable.
Spring Finals Schedule Thursday May 14: World Languages 8 a.m. Friday May 15: Mathematics 8 a.m. Monday May 18: English 8 a.m. and Biology and Chemistry 11 a.m.
Tuesday May 19: History 8 a.m. and
Electives
Senior Year: The Timeline of our Lives Senior year was filled with many traditions such as the Father-Daughter BBQ and the Ring Ceremony to new things such as the SEED and Interfaith Assembly. It was a year to remember and say, “We made it.”
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Finding Home Under the Dome Senior Mary B. Freeman (center) and family pose in front of the famous Notre Dame dome during a visit to her parents’ beloved alma mater. (Photo submitted by Mary B. Freeman)
Senior connects to family through college tradition. BY MARY B. FREEMAN MANAGING EDITOR
Every torturous day waiting for my letter from the University of Notre Dame, he would text me. “Has it come?” “Has mom seen it yet?” “Keep me posted.” He was almost as excited as me. Later I learned that he was planning on flying down to watch me open the long-awaited letter. My 24 yearold brother Tommy, lost in the demand of medical school, wanted to stop his world to watch me open the same letter he opened six years ago. The night I finally got the letter with the words “Welcome Home” painted across the cover, he called me offering congratulations. “Did it say ‘Welcome Home’ on the front?” He said. “Mine said that too.” It was a special moment. The realization that I would be following in my brother’s footsteps had sunk in. I was honored. Tommy was Magna Cum Laude, the second highest academic honor, when he graduated from Notre Dame. He moved on after graduating from Notre Dame to attend Vanderbilt University’s medical school. So you could say his footsteps were rather large. But then the knowledge that we were both going to have a diploma from the same university took on a different meaning. When I attend Notre Dame, I am going to look around my new home and see my brother everywhere. When I go to Notre Dame’s grotto to pray every Sunday after mass I am going to remember that he used to do the same thing. When I study in the Hesburgh Library I am going to picture him there four years ago, poured over books, doing the exact same thing as me. My brother will be everywhere I look, keeping me from being homesick, because to me home is where your family is, and Tommy will be everywhere at Notre Dame.
First Day of School Fall Dance September 13 August 13 Beanie Presentations Storm Stomp August 25 September 19
The day after I was accepted I got an unexpected text. It read: “Notre Dame student tip of the day: South Dining Hall is superior to North Dining Hall in every way. But it gets crazy at normal eating times, so try to go around five or seven.. Another is to follow tomorrow.” I immediately smiled and texted him back that I would be sure to write that down. Going to the same college as my brother also means that he is going to have the lowdown on many things, dining options for one, convenient “ND Hacks” for another. Tommy has continued to give me good advice about my future college, and because of him I will be ahead of many freshman. But further than my brother attending Notre Dame, two of my aunts, my parents, my grandfather and my great grandfather also attended the university. Much like seeing my brother around campus, it is going to be very special for me to look around and see my other family members. Particularly my mom and dad. Notre Dame is where my mom and dad met and fell in love. They first laid eyes on each other in South Dining Hall, where I will be eating every day in the future. My mom likes to tell the story that my dad walked her around both lakes on campus during a date of theirs without her knowing that this was a superstition meaning that they would be married and together forever. My father proposed to my mother on campus. When I look around I will see them. I will see them holding hands, accidentally meeting and falling in love. Because my family has attended Notre Dame, they will never not be with me. Going to the same college as my family is very special to me. We will not have the same memories, but they will all be in the same place. College can be scary when arriving for the first time, but with the knowledge that the footsteps of my aunts, father, grandfather, great grandfather, mother and brother are everywhere I look, I know home will not seem too far away.
Mother-Daughter Luncheon September 21
Kairos 45 September 30- October 3
Spirit Week September 22-26
Graduation Dress Picked October 15
OPINION
Senior Year Myths
Senior dispels myths about the infamous final year of high school. BY SARAH HARRIS CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
When I was a freshman, I wished I was a senior. I remember walking down the halls with my beanie on thinking of all the ways I would initiate my freshman buddy. I remember looking at the seniors and being unable to fathom ever getting to be their age or look as mature and intimidating as them. But somehow I did. For four years we are told about the infamous “senior year.” We heard that seniors always win because it is rigged or that first semester is the only one that counts, but as a senior I am beginning to learn that most of these senior year myths are just that: myths. I’m not going to say that senior year isn’t fun and doesn’t have perks, because I would be lying. However, in my experience, senior year isn’t the “best year of your life” experience everyone makes it out to be. It is another year with a few extra benefits. Every year students gain new privileges. Freshman year: students are in high school. Sophomore year: students get to drive. Junior year: students get their beloved Sion ring and attend prom. Senior year: students get their own parking lot, get to go out for lunch and get first dibs on everything. However, these privileges come with a lot of responsibility. When seniors go out to lunch we have to be back at a certain time and must sign in. Also when making decisions, we have to be careful because often what we choose will affect the rest of the school. That is a lot of pressure that comes with getting Chick-fil-A for lunch. Another rumored benefit to senior year is that it only counts for one semester. False. Senior year, more than any other year, counts for both semesters. This is because colleges want to make sure that your grades haven’t dropped after gaining admission. This puts an equal amount of pressure on second semester as there was in the first semester. This pressure demands that homework is completed and tests are studied for which dispels the rumor about how easy senior year is for everyone. The key word is everyone. I know a lot of girls that haven’t done homework since January. These girls think senior year is so easy. Being one of those girls is not a bad thing. You get to enjoy your last year of high school. However, that isn’t what high school is for.
Food For Thought Skits October 16 Winter Formal December 6
High school is there to push you and prepare you for college. This means pushing yourself in the last year of high school. Try taking a harder class or joining a new activity. Not just for your resume, but for yourself. Working hard isn’t a bad thing. There is nothing wrong with working hard during senior year. That is what colleges want to see. Although, try not to go overboard. Take a few challenging courses. Try a new activity not six. Working hard doesn’t mean never having fun. Senior year may not be easy, but make time to spend with your friends because this is your last year to be all together. This is the last year to have a Spirit Week or a Food for Thought skit. The last year to wear the gray kilt everyday to class. The last year to walk into school and be surrounded by 450 other girls that love and support you. Senior year is the last year for a lot of things, but it is also the first year for somethings, such as winning. Yes, the oldest rumor in the book: seniors win everything because it is rigged. In my previous three years I believed this rumor wholeheartedly. Winning everything was a senior rite of passage right? Wrong. This can be proven by the car raffle and the hallway decoration challenge in Sion Olympics. Yet most of the time seniors do win, and I know why. The reason seniors are always winning is because they are always trying. For three years grades don’t try as hard as the seniors because they believe it is rigged anyway so there is no need to try because the seniors will win. This gives the motivated seniors an easy win. As a senior, I wish we won everything. But that isn’t the case. But when we do win it isn’t because we cheated. It is because we tried the hardest, performed the best and put the most time into practicing. We always win fair and square. When I was a freshman, I wished I was a senior. Now that I am a senior, I wish I was a freshman. Not because I liked the way the seniors made us sing the senior song if caught without our beanies or because I liked being one of the new kids. It’s because that means I would be able to do it all again. I would be able to sing the school song at the end of assemblies for four more years and be apart of Sion Olympics and Food for Thought again. It would mean that I would be able to stay at home for four more years and not have to venture into the unknown. But most of all, it would mean that I still believed in all the glorious senior year myths. I believed that senior year would be the best of my life and that seniors always win. I would look forward to being a senior while never letting the present slip past me. I would see the seniors in the hall and know that someday I won’t only be them, but I will exceed them.
“Suessical: The Musical” January 24 Catholic Schools Week January 26-30
Kairos 46 February 4-6
Sion Olympics February 27
Father-Daughter Dance February 8
MORP March 28
Top 5 Myths of Senior Year by Seniors on the Le Journal Staff
1 2 3 4 5
Senior year is easy.
This is not true. After taking three APs, one Honors class and applying to 12 colleges I can say that senior year isn’t always easy. Senior year can be easy, but only if you don’t challenge yourself.
Seniors win everything because it is always rigged. This was proven untrue during the car raffle and other all school events. The truth is the seniors win fair and square. Nothing is rigged.
Deciding on a college is easy. Deciding on a college could be easy. If you were recruited for a school to play sports or have your heart set on one school, then it probably is easy. Unfortunately, that is the minority. Choosing a college is a big decision and it will be a very hard decision.
Seniors always get away with breaking rules.
Unfortanelty, this isn’t true. If anything seniors get away with less. This is because we are the leaders of the school and have to lead by example. Seniors get in trouble just like everyone else.
First semester is the only one that counts.
Both semesters count. Colleges do look at your second semester grades so you don’t want to let your grades drop. The first semester helps you get into college, but the second semester keeps you in.
Kairos 47 April 8-11 PROM April 18
Ring Ceremony April 30 Graduation May 21
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SPORTS
Sports Update
track 4th place Bishop Miege Invitational 3rd place finish for senior Meghan Kearney at Kansas Relays 2nd place Grain Valley Invitational (Photo by Sara Watkins)
Wisdom through Sports and Sion Senior reflects on the lessons learned throughout her high school career.
lacrosse 16-7 win against Olathe 9-3 win against Blue Valley 19-9 win against Lee’s Summit 8-9 loss against Shawnee Mission
soccer 2-0 win against Divine Savior; Wisconsin 1-2 loss against Kapaun; Wichita 1-0 win against Lee’s Summit West 3-1 win against St. James Academy
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BY SYDNEY MANNING SPORTS COLUMNIST
Four years later. Here I sit in the same room where I painstakingly sat in my first hour tech-lit class. Thinking back to that time, I was just a 14 year old that was obsessed with country music and a 19 year old soccer professional player. I was still worried about making good first impressions and wondering if I would meet any boys on Friday night at the Rockhurst football game. Luckily, I’ve changed in more ways than one over the four years. A lot of things have come and gone from my life, but a few things have stayed the same; one of those being Sion. Sion has taught me a lot about who I am in a very indirect way. Some things I would be uncomfortable with freshman year I can do now at ease. From starting conversations with a random stranger to fully embracing my feelings, many things can be carried over from my school life to life beyond Sion’s front doors. Another thing that has remained constant since my freshman year is my love for Sporting Kansas City. I knew then that I would be involved with this soccer team for a long time, but I never imagined the kind of relationships I would develop with the players, fans and staff. For almost five years I have been a dedicated fan. During that time, I have learned how to apply so many life lessons that I have applied to everyday life as a Sion student and as a sports fan. I have learned confidence. Confidence that drove me to run against Courtney Tushaus for sophomore class president (bad idea). Confidence that made me stand up for a Sporting player when he was being yelled at by another fan. Confidence that has given me a voice to scream cheers and chants with 20,000 other fans. I have learned patience. Patience that has inspired me to sit through three hour assemblies because we got Sion cookies after. Patience that has
taught me how to live without my sister at sporting events. Patience that has given me the grace to watch countless Royals “rebuilding” seasons. Patience that has helped me watch players make full year recoveries from season ending injuries. I have learned joy. Joy that I see everyday in each face I pass in the hallway. Joy that I experienced after winning the MLS Cup Championship on my 17th birthday. Joy that was shown on my sister’s face after meeting her favorite player for the first time. Joy that has made me more than excited for Mizzou, and whatever I do for the rest of my life. I have learned faith. Faith that drove me to join the Daily Decade club freshman year. Faith that went beyond my religion. Faith that made me believe in the Cardinal’s postseason hope every game seven. Faith that made me feel like I was more than just a fan, like I was part of something bigger. I have learned love. Love that showed me how truly special each one of my Sion sisters is. Love that made me adopt a soccer team and care for all the players like my own family. Love that opened up my eyes to all that really matters to me, from God to sports and so much more. I have learned hope. Hope that made me look on the bright side after every change that Sion made completely altering my everyday life. Hope that made me believe there was a way to still win the game, whether we were down by two goals in the 90th minute or when we were going into the second round of penalty kicks that would determine a championship. Hope that has made me look to the future and all the great things that are yet to come. In the grand scheme of this, Sion is a small physical part of life. The four years here have flown by and have briefly prepared me for what’s ahead. Although I’m not completely sure what is coming next, I plan to keep spending my life around sports in every way I can. From going to the Women’s World Cup this June to following baseball more and more each year to spending my next four years in an SEC environment, there is no stop for my life around sports anytime soon. I couldn’t be more excited.
SPORTS
Alternative Outlets Students find athletic opportunity in noncompetitive teams, recreation leagues and premier clubs outside of Sion sports.
Summer Sports
BY SOPHIE NEDELCO REPORTER
Forty percent of students will not participate in a Sion sport, according to Athletic Director Reynold Middleton. Some of these students commit to other activities or sports not offered at Sion: rowing, ballet, horseback riding, for example. Others simply don’t enjoy sports and have other priorities. Yet, some of these students play the exact sports offered during the school year, but also choose to participate in them outside of school. Whether it’s a casual recreational team or competitive club setting, students are looking beyond the Storm for an athletic outlet. “If someone’s looking for a rec league, and they just want to go and have fun, I would encourage that. Because athletics is a great thing. It doesn’t always have to be the top level competitive,” Middleton said. “I think there’s huge benefit to [playing competitive and for Sion] but at the same time, there’s a huge benefit to just having fun.” This is the goal of the Catholic Youth Organization. According to cyojwa.org, CYO intends to organize and support athletic activities for youth as well as encourage good sportsmanship. “CYO is a great way to get exercise, be with your friends and have fun,” sophomore Taylor Downs said. “We just show up to games on the weekends so you definitely have more time on your hands. For Sion, you have to practice every day and you have multiple games.” According to senior Isabel Grojean, the substantial commitment of school sports is difficult to balance with homework and extracurriculars. A summer swim team is another alternative to the intensity of high school sports. “My neighborhood is a really kid-friendly neighborhood, and it’s a way to get to know the teenagers and hang out with them,” senior Julie Steilen, who swims on Deer Creek’s summer team, said. “I’ve made a lot of friends throughout the years from that.” Similarly, previous friendships, an almost a decade-long commitment and a difference in dance style leads juniors Mary Claire Muehlebach and Delaney Dorman to favor The Pulse Performing Arts Center over the Sion dance team. “Sion dance team is more like the sport of dance, and The Pulse is more focused on the art of dance,” Dorman said. While students such as Muehlebach and Dorman have different expectations for a team
than Sion offers, other reasons that students turn from high school sports to the laid-back, fun atmosphere and reduced stress levels that come with noncompetitive teams aren’t necessarily the ideal for a serious athlete. “If [students] are playing noncompetitive only because they’re afraid to try out for the school team, and they’d rather be in a competitive situation, I’d say they need to try out for the school team,” Middleton said. Many competitive clubs such as Sporting Blue Valley Premier Soccer Club are year-round, but take a break during the high school season to allow students to play for their individual school teams. The college recruitment process for an athlete can be dependent on both the athlete’s performance on a competitive club team as well as on their high school team, according to junior Stephanie Ostrander. Through participating in a high school sport, the opportunity to interact with people outside of an immediate friend group opens up. Academic promises open up as well: students who play a sport are more likely to complete more years of education and achieve higher grades, according to truesport. org. “Swimming for Sion makes it easier to meet people, especially as a freshman, and you build closer friendships,” freshman Sarah Schaffer said. Nevertheless, there is a benefit in keeping active whether playing for the Storm or a club team. Participation in sports promotes a sense of acceptance and teamwork, improving social skills and encouraging lasting friendships. Participation also supports better health, a lower risk of negative influences and a higher level of self-esteem and confidence, according to livestrong.com “When I was growing up, girls didn’t have the opportunities you have now. I had high school friends, girls, that would’ve loved to have been able to do some of the things you guys do and they weren’t allowed,” Middleton said. “Appreciate that you have the opportunity.”
kindergarten were the snacks after every game,” George said. According to senior Lexi Churchill, playing Brookside Soccer as a kid was good for her because she got to play a sport you liked without the commitment a club team would require. But rejoining the Brookside Soccer League in the high school division is becoming a high school phenomenon. According to the Brookside Soccer website, all members of every team were welcome to join the annual Brookside St. Patrick’s Day Parade for their float. Throughout the season, the league allows for many fun activities like that for all the members to join in on such as “open gyms” for players to attend to practice with professional players and other sorts of clinics. According to senior Uzoamaka Obi, playing recreation league soccer is a way to relieve stress and have fun with both her girl and guy friends. Her team is currently 1-2-1 on the scale, and it doesn’t matter to her- the goal isn’t to get goals, it’s to have fun. “I love being able to get active with a group of my friends. It’s very easy going and fun,” Obi said. Churchill says that Brookside Soccer is a good release from the weekly stress that senior year brings. For most other current seniors, Brookside soccer is a way to spend time with friends that they might not see for a long time. And since most high school teams are co-ed, it allows for guy friends to play too. “I like having guys on my team because they’re as competitive as I am, but I don’t when they become overconfident,” Churchill said.
Brookside Soccer BY GEORGIA EVANS LAYOUT EDITOR
For many preschool to grade school girls who grew up in Brookside or areas around it, Brookside soccer was just part of the springtime routine. A girl and her friends would be on the same team and create the same, probably embarrassing-tosay-out-loud, team name. There was probably a schedule for the moms to all bring a snack during the halftime of every game and according to senior Meredith George, everyone knew what the consensual favorite snack was: orange slices and Capri Sun. “The best part of Brookside Soccer in
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REVIEWS
Film Fails to Achieve Depth, Emotion “The Age of Adaline” fell short of expectations as a romance about a woman who has remained 29 years old for the past 80 years.
WATCH To see the trailer of the movie, visit lejournallive.com.
BY SOPHIE NEDELCO REPORTER
A phenomenon was occurring in 1937 California: snow. The frosty air bit at 29-year-old Adaline Bowman’s pristine hands as she gripped the steering wheel. But minutes after starting her car, she was found lying next to it in a stream. Body temperature lowered and heart stopped, Bowman had died in a crash. But the story did not end there; as a lightning bolt struck the river and defibrillated her heart, Bowman was resurrected and the magic began. Because of this medical miracle, she was rendered immortal. The same hands that held onto the wheel moments before would cease to age for nearly eight decades in this disappointing and farfrom-magical romance, “The Age of Adaline.” For Bowman, the fact that she would never age again troubled her. She scoured medical libraries searching for answers she would never find. Determined to steer clear of the label of a scientific curiosity, Bowman turned to decades of fake I.D.’s and changes in location. The film begins in present time with Bowman seeking out a new I.D. and preparing to move to Oregon to continue concealing her identity. Her daughter (Ellen Burstyn), born before the accident, now appears triple her age.
PG-13 Blake Lively and Michiel Huisman star in “The Age of Adaline.”(Photo by MCT Campus) Bowman struggles with her inability to form deep relationships with anyone other than her dog without the risk of revealing her condition. But as she celebrates at a New Year’s Eve party with her blind friend, she, of course, catches the eye of a charming young man named Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman) from across the room. What follows, well, can be derived from simply watching the trailer. The movie rarely shifts from its predicted plotline and fosters some uncomfortable moments between Jones’ father, William Jones (Harrison Ford), and Bowman when it becomes clear there is history between the two- literal history that goes back to before Jones was born. As Bowman experienced a fascinating range of American history, it was disappointing to find that “The Age of Adaline” did a poor job of
revealing the wisdom and perspective she might have gained from living through events such as the Great Depression, World War II, and civil rights movements. With an expectation for the movie to choose a side between highlighting a sophisticated woman and providing the current American public with yet another unrealistic love story, it was awkward to watch the movie’s attempt to fulfill both aspects. For a movie that reeked of potential, much of this was crushed in the forced storyline, Lively’s stiff acting and strained symbolism. The movie was a mere shadow of what it could’ve been, although it succeeds in confirming that immortality may not be as glamourous as expected and that we should instead embrace cliché adages and “live this year as though it were [our] last.”
Timeless Classic Captivates The latest Nicholas Sparks movie interweaves the past with the present as two love stories unfold in different times. BY CHLOE BARRETT REPORTER
Easy to follow, simple to enjoy, and unambitious, “The Longest Ride” is conventional with a twist: two stories instead of one. The latest Nicholas Sparks novel-turned-movie, is a lightly wrapped, commercially popular gift: an enjoyable romance. The story is packaged, wrapped nicely and tied with a neat little bow, and shipped directly to the viewers’ hearts in Sparks’ traditional way. Professional bull-rider Luke, played by Scott Eastwood, oozes country charm and is looking to make a comeback after a serious injury while Sophia, played by Britt Robertson, is a soon-tobe college graduate preparing for a prestigious internship at an art gallery in New York. They meet when Sophia rescues Luke’s cowboy hat from being trampled on the dirt floor of his bullriding competition, which Sophia is forced by her friends to attend. Although she is reluctant to start a relationship, she relents and says ‘yes’ to a date. After their first date, they encounter a crashed car and rescue the old man inside, Ira, played by Alan Alda, as well as the wicker box he insists they
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must save. Sophia grows close to Ira as she visits him, and upon her discovery of the contents of the box - old letters addressed to his late wife Ruth - she reads them aloud to him. As Ruth and Ira’s story is revisited, Luke and Sophia’s is just beginning to unfold. Of course, no Nicholas Sparks work is complete without letters to drive a plot along. This is just what Ira’s letters do, interweaving Ira and Ruth’s story with that of Luke and Sophia. As Sophia reads the letters aloud, the story shifts to another time, first the 1940s, then on to the 1950s and 1960s with each new letter. It is in this time that the story of a younger Ira, played by Jack Huston, and his late wife Ruth played by Oona Chaplin, is told. The two relationships follow a similar pace, as they learn that love does not come without sacrifice. They easily fall in love and then fall challenges along similar points in the movie, but the story is prevented from being redundant as their challenges are so dissimilar because of the differing eras. However, the issues Ira and Ruth deal with are much more resonating. Chaplin and Huston have a strong connection and skillfully relate the audience to the hardships Ruth and Ira face, including separation during World War II and the struggles of infertility in the time of the postwar baby boom.
Photo courtesy Michael Tackett
They are more deeply connected and their story more deeply affecting. While Ira and Ruth deal with heavy outside forces, Sophia and Luke face problems created among themselves- conflicting hopes for the future, where each has a choice to make. Robertson and Eastwood portray Sophia and Luke as a couple of a lighter mode and with a lessened severity of subject. “The Longest Ride” is a romantic’s movie. It is not the best of the Nicholas Sparks franchise, but it is engaging and entertaining and fits in as one of higher rank. It delivers just what one would want out of it, a movie filled with romance and drama and equal parts country and historical to taste. Rating: 3 cowboy hats.
Dorm Room Hacks Notre Dame de Sion
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Attach charger heads to binder clips to keep them all together. Label your chargers so you know which one is yours. Put more than one clothing item on a clasp hanger to conserve space in your closet.
Attach dryer sheets to fans to make your room smell fresh.
Make a chore chart with each roommate’s name on it.
Use a waterbottle as speakers for music in your dorm room.
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Living the Dream: Class of 2015
Four years ago, Sion recieved 110 new faces. We were scared, awkward and the all-girls environment was foreign. Fast-forward four years and the same girls are confident, prepared and ready to take on the challenge of college. As we evolved, the school evolved with us. The changes that we have experienced will set the standard for what it means to attend Sion in the future. We were the first class with maisons. We were the Silver Sophomores in Sion. We were the Junior Class that won the Penny War. We are the Class of 2015. (Photo by Laney Ulowetz)
Catherine Ancona
Katie Andrews
Mekam Anya
Alex Aye
University of Kansas
University of Missouri
University of Kansas
Kansas State University
Which teacher would you take to college? JCam because she makes me work harder than I want to and because I want to take her dog with me. Favorite lunch checkout? Cactus Grill on block days.
Favorite senior year memory? Spring break in Grand Rapids. Favorite freshman year memory? Starting the John Dennis trend with Sydney Manning by putting him on Mr. Conaghan’s desk for him to find overnight.
Favorite senior year memory? Sion Olympics when the Senior Class threw confetti after we won and just watching it rain on top of us and looking at everyone smiling. What song sums up Sion for you? “Upside Down” by Paloma Faith
Which teacher would you take to college? Mrs. Frederick. She would help me with every paper and we would start a garden together. What song sums up Sion for you? “Almost There” from Princess and the Frog.
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Emily Baranowski
Sarah Berkowitz
Creighton University
Columbia College Chicago
Favorite senior year memory? Pushing Kelly Lowndes into Wilcox (accidentally). Favorite place in Sion? Old senior parking lot. Funniest pink slip? I only got pink slips for when I chose to rebel.
Which teacher would you take to college? Señora Gomez because I love her. Funniest pink slip? Tossing a pencil to a classmate. Planned major? Music/Performance
Maddie Beshoner
Jenna Bolton
University of Missouri
Pittsburg State University
Favorite senior year memory? Fall dance. Abbie Young and I dressed up as Batman and Superman. What song sums up Sion for you? “Masterpiece” by Jessie J because I am a masterpiece ready for college.
What song sums up Sion for you? “B0$$” by Fifth Harmony. Favorite senior year memory? Basketball season because I will remember it forever. The friendships I created with my teammates are irreplaceable.
Madeline Browne
Haley Buckley
Loyola University Chicago
University of Minnesota
Favorite senior year memory? First day of school with our class breakfast in our rockin’ new parking lot! What song sums up Sion for you? The school song or “I’ve Had the Time of My Life,” by Bill Medley.
Favorite place in Sion? The couches in the NGS. Favorite senior year memory? Participating in the ALS ice bucket challenge, which was the first thing we did as a Senior Class and then doing seniors rock the house.
Sarah Berkowitz Persuing her dream of music and performance, senior Sarah Berkowitz heads off to the windy city. BY ANNA SCHROER FEATURES EDITOR
Sirens blare and taxis zoom down Michigan Avenue. Chicago is alive with the hustle and bustle of big city life. This will be senior Sarah Berkowitz’s new home for the next four years. The place where she will be harnessing her singing skills by studying performance and music. In pursuit of her dream to study music Berkowitz will be attending Columbia College Chicago, a school that specializes in the the study of the arts and media disciplines. After having been involved in singing and performing for the past 11 years it was the obvious choice for her to pursue music at a higher level at a school such as Columbia College Chicago. Her place in the Class of 2019 will allow her to jump right into her performance major, where unlike at other schools she won’t have to
take as many classes that don’t apply directly to her focus. “I chose to pursue music because you are never done learning and growing,” Berkowitz said. “I like to challenge myself and music will never leave me without a challenge.” For Berkowitz her passion resides in contemporary music, looking to study aspects of contemporary urban pop and pop R&B through a performance major. These focuses have interested Berkowitz since her early music days when her then piano teacher urged her to start singing after learning that she had a good ear and perfect pitch. Piano lessons turned to voice lessons in the third grade but it wasn’t until sophomore year that she knew she wanted to continue music at a higher level. “I quit voice lessons because I hated the song they made me sing but after that music was still always present in my life,” Berkowitz said. The creative feel. The shopping. The windy city. Next year Chicago awaits as Berkowitz will embark on her journey to study what she loves.
THROW BACK Thursday
During freshman welcome week sophomores Lexi Churchill, Lauren Groszek, Sydney Daniels, Maria Vidal, Emma Lissac, Mary B. Freeman and Courtney Linscott pose during mini golf. (Photo submitted by Lauren Groszek)
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TRANSFORMATION
TUESDAY MARIA
NESSIM
“Honestly, I don’t even recognize myself from freshman year. Thank God for puberty.”
MOLLY
Madeleine Campbell
Lia Carter
Natalie Caruso
Indiana University
Elon University
University of Missouri
Favorite freshman year memory? Accidentally dressing the same as Anna Schroer to Blue and White. Favorite senior year memory? Dressing up as Napoleon Dynamite for Halloween. Planned major? Education.
Song that sums up Sion? “What’s Your Name” by Jesse McCartney. Favorite place in Sion? Art Room. What teacher would you take to college? Midd because who doesn’t need an endless supply of dry jokes?
Favorite freshman year memory? When Devan Merchant put rose petals all over freshman hallway on Valentine’s Day. Favorite place in Sion? Vending machines. Planned major? Journalism.
Lexi Churchill
Quasha Collins
Sydney Daniels
University of Missouri
University of San Diego
Yale University
Favorite freshman memory? Rockhurst football games. “The Hill.” Enough said. Planned major? Journalism. Favorite lunch checkout? QuikTrip is easily my most often traveled to destination.
Favorite place in Sion? NGS. Favorite freshman memory? Maria’s car broke down in the Smoothie King parking lot after a football game and I danced outside the car. Favorite Senior Memory? Kairos.
Funniest pink slip? Pink Slip? What’s that? Favorite lunch checkout? Chipotle. Chipotle is my life. Favorite place in Sion? The visitors’ locker room. Sion girls know why.
Alex Dehaemers
Alex Dykeman
Georgia Evans
University of Dayton
Southern Methodist University
Loyola University Chicago
Favorite place in Sion? Any of the couches are nice, I like to rest. Favorite senior memory? Every second spent with my classmates makes for a special memory. Favorite lunch checkout? Chipotle. Can’t go wrong with that.
Favorite place in Sion? The couches in the NGS. Favorite lunch checkout? Chick-fil-A. Always. Favorite freshman memory? Eating all the snacks at freshman retreat.
Song that sums up Sion for you? “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore. Favorite freshman memory? Partnering with Meredith George to teach my gym class hip hop. Favorite senior memory? “Grilling” STA in basketball.
MCCARTHY
“It’s so crazy to think about how different everything is–my priorities, worries, goals, even my physical appearance. A lot changes in just four years.”
MADDY
LEWING
“I’m really glad that’s not how I look now.”
MICHAELA
RUPP
“I’ve grown so much from freshman year academically and responsibly. Sion has shaped me into an amazing woman.”
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Quasha Collins
Gigi Failoni
Sophie Fisher
University of Arkansas
Brown University
Favorite freshman year memory? At freshman retreat, Anna Romano and I started making these people out of our fingers and we named them “Squirts,” I have no idea, but we’ve been best friends ever since. Planned major? Psychology.
Funniest pink slip? From Lamp for not wearing tall socks with my leggings so you could see an inch of my ankle skin. Favorite place at Sion? The patio outside the South Sixperfect for tanning with friends.
Mary B. Freeman
Mary Gates
University of Notre Dame
Undecided
What song sums up Sion for you? “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child. Favorite freshman year memory? Getting out every Thursday at 2:10 and enjoying the extra hour. Favorite lunch checkout? Oklahoma Joes, duh.
Favorite Freshman Memory? Secret handshake with Elizabeth Shay in biology Favorite lunch chekout? Sydney Manning’s house and QuikTrip. Planned major? Nursing.
Meredith George
Katherine Glaser
University of Mississippi
Creighton University
Which teacher would you take to college? Madame Bono. She can make me crepes when I’m stressed. Favorite place in Sion? NGS. All the seniors hang out there together. Favorite senior memory? K46.
Which teacher would you take to college? Kram. Do I need to say much more? Favorite senior year memory? First hour Forensic Science table. Favorite lunch checkout? Madeleine Campbell’s kitchen.
Senior’s hard work and determination pays off when she is awarded a scholarship that provides a free education at any college she chooses. BY RACHEL ERGOVICH REPORTER
As senior Gequasha Collins sat down with college counselor Erin Stein at the beginning of her senior year, she had many questions. One of which was the question of scholarships. Stein gave Collins a list of scholarships that she would be a candidate for, but one stood out among the rest. Stein had suggested the Gates Millennium Scholarship, a scholarship funded by technology mogul Bill Gates. According to the Gates Millennium Scholars website, to qualify for the scholarship, an applicant must be African American, American Indian, Asian American or Hispanic American. Applicants must have at least a 3.3 grade point average on a 4.0 unweighted scale, display leadership skills through community service or extracurricular activities. Students applying for the scholarship must also have a nominator who evaluates the student’s record academically and a recommender who evaluates the student’s extracurricular and leadership activities. As a requirement for the scholarship, Collins was required to write eight to 10 essays about a wide
variety of topics such as her favorite school subjects or her goals. Each essay had a one thousand word limit, and Collins spent the majority of her winter break writing these essays. “I just wanted to make sure [the essays] were really good,” Collins said. “It was a lot of revising and mainly just essays, essays, essays.” Collins applied along with 57,000 other students across the country. Stein was notified of Collins’ status as a finalist in March, and, just this past weekend, it was announced that Collins was one of the one thousand recipients of the scholarship. That means that Collins is a part of the top 1.75 percent of students in the country, more selective than the most selective universities in the nation. The Gates Millennium Scholars receive a scholarship that covers any unmet need a student might have, meaning Collins will be able to attend any college she chooses with zero cost. Currently she is deciding between attending the University of Southern California and the University of San Diego in the fall. No matter where she goes, she plans double major in Biology and Spanish. She hopes to pursue a career in the medical field, and being awarded the Gates Millennium Scholarship will help her achieve her goals. “Once I got the Gates Scholarship, I realized that I didn’t have to decide on a school just because of money,” Collins said. “I am able to take other things into consideration now.”
Senior Quasha Collins flanked by English teacher Melissa Wilcox and Counselor Erin Stein. (Photo by David Shaughnessy)
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Ali Gregory
Angela Griffin
Isabel Grojean
Lauren Groszek
University of Arkansas
University of Kansas
Boston College
Saint Louis University
What teacher would you take to college? Ellwanger because I love her so much. What song sums up Sion for you? “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” Favorite freshman year memory? When I transferred to Sion.
Favorite freshman year memory? In Mrs. Hull’s class we talked about unique talents, and I told everyone I could put my whole fist in my mouth. Then I showed them. Favorite Lunch Checkout? The Mix! Julie Steilen and I went one day.
Funniest pink slip? I’ve only had one while at Sion, and I’m still bitter. What song sums up Sion for you? “Sancutary”- Pino edition Favorite freshman year memory? Messing around with Mrs. Haghirian.
Which teacher would you take to college? Ms. Campbell Favorite freshman year memory? Mrs. Norberg telling me I was a horse whisperer. What do you plan to major in? Six year physical therapy program.
Krysten Harden
Sarah Harris
Evie Hauptmann
Maura Healy
Undecided
Villanova University
Texas A&M University
Creighton University
What teacher would you take to college? Mr. Bonsai man just to confuse my peers in college Favorite place in Sion? The dark room Favorite Lunch Checkout? QuikTrip
Funniest pink slip? Sophomore year I got one from a teacher I have never had for not bringing materials to class. It was confusing. Favorite freshman year memory? Armadillo. Shout out to Mary B. Freeman and Elizabeth Shay.
Which teacher would you take to college? Mrs. Wilcox because she laughs at all my jokes. Favorite lunch checkout? I don’t check out much, but I love it when people get Chipotle and give me their leftovers. Yummmm.
Which teacher would you take to college? I’m a strong independent woman, and I don’t need no teacher by my side. Funniest pink slip? I’m too pretty to get a pink slip. Favorite lunch checkout? Blue Koi
Michaela Henne
Maryliz Henning
Elizabeth Herbert
Aubrey Horstmeier
Creighton University
University of Kansas
University of Kansas
Colorado State University
Favorite freshman year memory? The first day I sat with Anna Schroer, Madeleine Campbell and Courtney Linscott, and we shot grapes from a plastic baggie. Favorite senior year memory? Winning State in doubles.
Funniest pink slip? Hiding my phone in my book during English class lol #amateur Favorite senior year memory? Being appointed the Row Leader in Photoshop. Thanks Wall. Planned major? Marketing.
Funniest pink slip? Probably just the fact that I have received 41 pink slips. Favorite senior year memory? Saying “who tryna kiln” so I don’t have to walk to the kiln by myself in Ceramics class.
Funniest pink slip? Mrs. Watts gave me a pink slip for looking up People Magazine on my Nook with 30 seconds left in the school day. Favorite senior year memory? First “Seniors Rock the House”...I got punched in the face.
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Amabelle
Palomares Hannah Ismert
Natalie Ismert
University of Alabama
University of Missouri
Favorite place in Sion? The NGS What song sums up Sion for you? “Single Ladies” by Beyoncé. Favorite freshman year memory? Getting to leave at 2:10. Favorite lunch checkout? Home Planned Major? Biology
Favorite freshman year memory? Carpooling with Ellie Fritz Favorite lunch checkout? Jimmy Johns. Favorite place in Sion? The New Grande Salle because it’s fun and the pleather lounge.
Maggie Kane
Meghan Kearney
University of Kansas
Drake University
Favorite lunch checkout? Panera. Funniest pink slip? Eating an apple in Norberg’s class. Favorite senior year memory? Being a wickersham in the musical. Favorite place in Sion? The chapel. Major? Business.
Which teacher would you take to college? Mike (the security guard) because he will hold the door open for me and say “Yerrr welcome.” What song sums up Sion for you? “Gotta Go My Own Way” by Vanessa Hudgens.
Katie Kentfield
Zoya Khan
Creighton University
University of Kansas
Planned Major? Political science. Favorite senior year memory? Senior skip day. Favorite freshman year memory? Discovering the vending machines. Which teacher would you take to college? Mrs. Murphy.
Favorite senior year memory? The SEED and Interfaith Assembly that took place on March 24, 2015. Which teacher would you take to college? Ms. P because she’s the most well spoken and informed person I know.
Student thrives as the cochair of Women’s Intersport Network for Kansas City’s Youth Advisory Board.
Senior Amabelle Palomares has tirelessly dedicated her time to Women’s Intersport Network for Kansas City. From being a Camp WIN team captain to co-chair of WIN for KC’s Youth Advisory Board, Palomares has put forth the effort and zeal needed to successfully volunteer with this organization. After discovering Camp WIN on Sion’s service board as a freshman, Palomares took an interest and liking to the organization and decided to find out how she could get more involved beyond her 100 required service hours. “Amabelle does a great job of leading and organizing the Youth Advisory Board. You can tell she is very passionate about WIN for KC and its mission,” fellow board member sophomore Angela Neunuebel said. On the Advisory board, Palomares attends monthly meetings for about three hours a month where
she participates in mock interviews, coordinates the organization’s yearly events and meets with women from male dominated fields. These meetings are not only useful for planning WIN for KC’s events, but also benefit Palomares and all the girls involved, providing them with resources and real world experiences. “I’ve learned so much about marketing and getting my name out there and have gained a lot of much needed connections and knowledge about becoming a leader through WIN for KC,” Palomares said. Camp WIN empowers young girls by introducing them to over 14 sports such as rugby and wrestling. Team captains teach the girls how to play each game while encouraging them in a safe and fun environment. Palomares also works alongside many other Sion students at Camp WIN over the summer to help girls in the community learn about the value of teamwork and sports. “I have really enjoyed getting to know the girls and Amabelle better this year,” fellow board member junior Maggie Keller said. “Amabelle has been a great leader to the board. As chair, she has shown a great side of leadership.”
Seniors Stephanie Nesslein, Sydney Daniels and Mira Scavuzzo at Mother Daughter Luncheon sophomore year. (Photo submitted by Zoey Sweeny)
Seniors Lauren Redmond, Ellie Stingley and Cat Ancona getting ready for Fall Dance freshman year. (Photo submitted by Zoey Sweeny)
BY LANEY ULOWETZ REPORTER
THROW BACK Thursday
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Lena Kincaid
After leading drama club and art club, senior Lena Kincaid pursues a career as director. BY ELLIE SCHWARTZ NEWS EDITOR
While many children squeal in protest or burst into tears in a haunted house or at the sight of a dead body, senior Lena Kinkaid has always been interested in the grotesque and the horrifying, even as a young child. Her imagination ran rampantly as she explored what others initially cringed at. She entertained herself with the gory, fantastical images in her head. Today, Kincaid similarly uses her expansive imagination and creativity as a leader in the fine arts department to entertain others. By pursuing only what she loves, Kincaid has laid the foundation for an eventual career as a director. Beginning freshman year, Kincaid pursued the fine arts through her involvement in art club, drama club and musicals. She never pressured herself to participate in athletics, the primary extracurricular of many students. “After doing my first musical, I thought, ‘Maybe this is something I want to do with the rest of my life,’” Kincaid said. Four years later, Kincaid is the president of both art and drama club, the director of the Night of One-Acts and a dedicated AP Art student. She is likely attending Illinois Wesleyan University to pursue a broad major in theater to prepare her for a career as a director. While some parents and students view fine arts majors as impractical, Kincaid and her family place her passion above practicality. “I’m lucky that [my parents are] supporting me because I feel like a lot of other parents might be scared that their child is studying art,” Kincaid said. “I feel like I can succeed in life, and they just want me to be happy.” Kincaid is especially proud of her contributions to the Night of One Acts event as director and primary organizer. She has made it more focused on student involvement by
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featuring student-written plays and ensuring all performers get a chance to speak onstage even if they had a smaller part in the larger school productions. “I never expected to direct. It was more thrown on my shoulders,” Kincaid said. “I have to be more in control and more of a leader.” According to drama club member junior Elizabeth Arroyo, Kincaid is a strong leader because she corrects others’ mistakes in “the nicest way possible” and often comes up with entertaining club activities on the spot. Because Kincaid is dedicated to making others experiences in fine arts as transformative as her own, she is completely dedicated to her leadership roles. “Lena finds a way to make everything work, but always in a totally unexpected way,” Arroyo said. Although Kincaid makes others’ visions a reality through the Night of One Acts, she has a specific goal in her own artwork and work in musicals: to shock her audience. Staying true to her lifelong fascination with gore and darkness, Kincaid wants to bring this image to the stage. “Of course, whatever I direct is going to be dark and creepy and shocking,” Kincaid said. “And it must have cats in it.” Kincaid explores these same ideas of darkness in her drawings in AP Art. She looks beyond the darkness in the external world, finding it in people instead. “[I explore] all of those dark things that are really hidden behind people in their minds,” Kincaid said. Kincaid uses daily conversation to shock others in the same way her artistic themes do. While she “turns down” her exaggerated sense of humor upon first meeting, she is unafraid to show her love of surprise in daily interaction once she knows the person she’s talking to well. “I’ll be having a conversation with somebody, and I’ll say something they didn’t expect me to say, and it will stay with them the rest of the day,” Kincaid said. “That’s what I give to people.”
Lena Kincaid
Emma Lamphear
Illinois Wesleyan University
Truman State University
Which teacher would you take to college? Mrs. Watts. She’s quiet so I could hide her in my dorm closet and nobody would know. Every night I’d listen to her sass and cats. Favorite lunch checkout? I’d rather stay in the art room.
Favorite senior year memory? Kairos. After night two everyone had puffy eyes. .. but a few people told me that I looked like I had been drowned. What song sums up Sion for you? “The Show” by Lenka.
Harper Lanning
Maddy Lewing
University of Missouri
Texas Christian University
Favorite Place in Sion? Not the Chemistry lab. Favorite Senior Year Memory? Playing Mrs. Murphy in the senior FFT skit. Other teachers came up and congratulated me on my performance (of a lifetime).
Favorite Senior Year Memory? Being interviewed on Fox 4 News because dance team got 5th at Nationals. Favorite lunch checkout? Panera, my mom’s credit card is on my account.
Courtney Linscott
Emma Lisac
Wheaton College
University of Dayton
Favorite senior year memory? Cheer competitions and trips. Favorite lunch checkout option? Gates BBQ. What song sums up Sion for you? “Ready or Not” by Britt Nicole (ft. Lecrae).
Which teacher would you take to college? Señora Schendel because she’s one of my favorite people to talk to because she instantly lifts my mood. What song sums up Sion for you? “Out of Time” by The Rolling Stones.
STUDY WHAT YOU LOVE:
UNUSUAL
MAJORS Kelly Lowndes
Laura Mann
Sydney Manning
Loyola University Chicago
UMKC School of Medicine
University of Missouri
What song sums up Sion for you? I think everyone can agree that Beyonce’s “Flawless” describes my high school career and me. Which teacher would you take to college? Engel. I need someone to proofread my papers.
Funniest pink slip? Beyoncé doesn’t get pink slips. Which teacher would you take to college? Beyoncé. No explanation needed. What song sums up Sion for you? “Ways to Go” by Grouplove.
Which teacher would you take to college? Conaghan, he’s like a mix of my little brother and my mom. Funniest pink slip? Lighting things on fire during chemistry labs. Favorite place in Sion? Rainy days in the Chapel.
Michelle Martinez
Catie Marx
Molly McCarthy
Undecided
University of Tulsa
University of Kansas
Funniest pink slip? I got a pink slip sophomore year for trying to skip Mrs. Knotts’ study hall. She saw me outside and made me sit next to her. Favorite place in Sion? The library’s pretty cool.
What song sums up Sion for you? “Beautiful Day” by U2. Favorite Senior Year Memory? Kelly climbing across the desks everyday in Mrs. Wilcox’s class, and only stopping when threatened with an automatic detention.
Funniest pink slip? Failing to acknowledge Mrs. Norberg’s quiet sign. Which teacher would you take to college? Probably Midd. Over the past four years he has really had my back.
film Cat Ancona: Film and Law
animals Aubrey Horstmeier: Equine Science (pre-vet)
music Anna Redmond: Music Education
Clare McGannon
Megan McKenzie
Mary Mertes
University of Kansas
Fontbonne University
University of Missouri
Which teacher would you take to college? Kram because he’s my maison leader and I adore him. What song sums up Sion for you? “Sanctuary-” can’t even guess how many times I’ve sung that by now. Favorite lunch checkout? Fuzzy’s.
Which teacher would you take to college? I would take Mrs. Frederick with me so she can revise all of my papers and we can drink tea together. What song sums up Sion for you? “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield.
Favorite senior year memory? When the robotics team surprised me with an impromptu Senior Night during the 3rd quarter pep assembly. Favorite lunch checkout? Sonic with friends.
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Katia Milazzo
Maria Nessim
Stephanie Nesslien
Uzo Obi
Police Academy at MCC
University of Arkansas
University of Kansas
Juniata College
Favorite place in Sion? Mr. Adam’s music room. What song sums up Sion for you? “I Lived” by One Direction. Favorite freshman year memory? Throwing pie on Elizabeth Walker’s face.
Favorite place in Sion? Probably the NGS. It’s where I spend my quiet time. Favorite senior year memory? Doing the ice bucket challenge. Favorite lunch checkout? Defenitely Fuzzy’s.
What teacher would you take to college? Senora Schendel because she’s a fun gal. Favorite senior year memory? Winning first at cheer Nationals. What song sums up Sion for you? “We Can’t Stop” by Miley Cyrus.
What song sums up Sion for you? “Keep It Movin” by Keke Palmer. Favorite freshman year memory? Presenting my STUCO freshman speech in a dinosaur onesie. Favorite lunch checkout? Happy Dragon.
Amabelle Palomares
Hannah Panjada
Lakin Powell
Rose Puthamana
Loyola University Chicago
University of Kansas
University of Kansas
UMKC School of Medicine
What song sums up Sion for you? “Bad Girls” by MIA Favorite senior year memory? Getting to lead Kairos 47. Favorite lunch checkout option? Latte Land (not for food just for my much needed caffeine fix)
What song sums up Sion for you? “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by The Rolling Stones. Favorite freshman year memory? When we walked out of freshman mixer and it was still light outside. Planned Major? Psychology
Funniest pink slip? For having baller socks. Favorite Senior year memory? Getting the highest grade in my math class test over matrices. Which teacher would you take to college? Mr. Conaghan.
What song sums up Sion for you? “Flawless” by Beyonce. We alll definitely woke up like this. Favorite Senior year memory? The SEED and Interfaith assembly. Favorite place in Sion? The hallway outside the Chapel.
The Evolution of Sion
‘12
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1) New Chapel 2) New school entrance 3) Maisons 4) Clubs during school
‘13
1) New Head of School 2) New Principal 3) Senior/Freshman field Day 4) End of Beanie Song 5) No Thursday 2:10 schedule
Anna Redmond
Annalissa Redmond
Lauren Redmond
Madie Redmond
Missouri State University
Pittsburgh State University
University of Missouri
University of Missouri
Funniest pink slip? I fell in a pink strawberry smoothie one time. What song sums up Sion for you? “Gangnam Style” by Psy. Favorite senior year memory? Dubstep jingle bells at Winter Formal.
What song sums up Sion for you? “Boss” by Fifth Harmony. Favorite senior year memory? Going to Europe. It was my first time out of the country. Favorite lunch checkout? Chipotle!
Which teacher would you take to college? J-Cam because we’re invisible. What song sums up Sion for you? “Me and My Gang” by Rascal Flatts. Favorite lunch checkout? QuikTrip
Favorite lunch checkout option? The time Natalie Ismert and I made it to Chick-fil-A breakfast for lunch. What teacher would you take to college? Mrs. McShane so I can have my own personal paparazzi.
Renae Rogge
Anna Romano
Michaela Rupp
Meredith Sanders
Missouri S&T
Benedictine College
Pittsburg State University
Kansas State University
What teacher would you take to college? Midd. Math just wouldn’t be the same without Suzy Sion. What song sums up Sion for you? “This Is How We Do” by Katy Perry. Planned major? Engineering.
Funniest pink slip? “Stapled hem” - Stewart. Planned major? Nursing. What teacher would you take to college? Pilgreen because she’s a nice ice breaker. Favorite lunch checkout? Chipotle.
What song sums up Sion for you? “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper. Favorite senior year memory? Kairos for sure! Favorite lunch checkout? Sonic.
What teacher would you take to college? Wall because she has great stories and makes me laugh. What song sums up Sion for you? “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flats. Favorite senior year memory? Winning Sion Olympics.
A few of the ways Sion has changed as a high school from the Class of 2015’s freshman to senior year.
‘14
1) New uniforms 2) Only one club per week 3) Sion Spirit Days 4) Reconciliation during school time 5) Original Grande Salle is now the music room 6) ‘No Homework’ nights for Sion Family Spirit Nights
‘15
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Anna Redmond
Involvement in choir and theater inspires senior to pursue music as a career. BY NATALIE SOPYLA REPORTER
Whether she’s starring in the school musical, performing a solo on Fine Arts Day, or the cantor at allschool Mass, senior Anna Redmond is a major fixture in the music department at Sion. Music has been a constant presence in Redmond’s life, having been in choir and performing in musicals since elementary school. However, Redmond says that the entrance of music in her life goes back farther than that. “My grandma told me I started singing before I started talking. Not singing with words, but humming,” Redmond said. Throughout the years, Redmond has honed her musical talents through participation in three Sion musicals, as well as in choir. While in high school, Redmond said her taste in music has shifted from pop and musical theatre songs to classical and instrumental music. Because of this, Redmond has decided to make music her career. She will be attending Missouri State University and majoring in music education, in the hopes of one day teaching high school students the
music she has come to know and love. After learning from her during Sion’s recent production of “Seussical,” junior Aneliese Peeler believes that Redmond will be a very successful music teacher in the future. “I learned how to move from her. She’s really good at moving around and reacting onstage, and I learned a lot of that from her,” Peeler said. In addition, Redmond hopes to continue doing music for herself as well. Recently, she has been writing more music and hopes to continue performing on the side. Her writing process begins with trying out various notes and chords and finding what sounds she likes best. “I don’t think music should be written just to get money,” Redmond said. “It should be something you love, not just like you’re trying to keep up with the trends of what is selling.” Music has been with Redmond practically her whole life, and she hopes to keep it that way throughout her life in college and beyond. Whether in good times or in bad, Redmond says she turns to music for any type of comfort or positive energy. “Sometimes music makes me cry. Sometimes it makes me laugh,” Redmond said. “That’s why it’s great. It does everything.”
Mira Scavuzzo
Anna Schroer
Baker University
Creighton University
Favorite Freshman year memory? Wearing makeup the first day of school. Ha. Funniest pink slip? Suprisingly, talking excessively. What song sums up Sion for you? “All I Do is Win” by Dj Khaled.
Which teacher would you take to college? Stewart. She could help with all my science homework and find me a spin class. Favorite senior year memory? Dressing up as Kip from “Napoleon Dynamite” for Halloween.
Nia Scott
Elizabeth Shay
University of Missouri
Texas Christian University
What song sums up Sion for you? “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri. Favorite place in Sion? The Old Grande Salle where I had my first ever theater performance.
Favorite lunch checkout? Fuzzy’s. Funniest pink slip? Playing with the hair of the girl in front of me at an assembly. Favorite senior year memory? Dressing up as Jim from “The Office” for Halloween.
Megan Sloan
Abby Snyder
Texas Christian University
University of Denver
Favorite place in Sion? Any place that provides food. Favorite freshman year memory? Hey remember when I didn’t go to Sion my freshmen year, that was pretty great. Favorite lunch checkout? Fuzzy’s.
Funniest pink slip? I got three pink slips in one week just for wearing high-top converse, resulting in a detention. I was stubborn, okay. Favorite senior year memory? Spring break in the Dominican. Favorite lunch checkout? Fuzzy’s.
THROW BACK Thursday Seniors Zoey Sweeny and Abbie Young throw up peace signs freshman year while at Town Center. (Photo submitted by Zoey Sweeny)
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Top
4
Universities
1. Hannah Snyder
Hannah Spoolstra
Julie Steilen
UMKC
University of Kansas
Texas A&M University
Funniest pink slip? Laughing and snorting during meditation. Which teacher would you take to college? Ms. Amy - she’s the coolest teacher in the world. Planned Major? Enivronmental Studies and Philosophy.
Funniest pink slip? Out of uniform socks. Which teacher would you take to college? Mr. Bray, because he was a student and professor at KU. Favorite place in Sion? The patio in spring, library in winter.
Funniest pink slip? Multi-colored gray socks. Which teacher would you take to college? Mrs. Wilcox. I don’t think I could write a good essay without her. Planned Major? Accounting
16.8%
University of Kansas
2. 13.9% University of Missouri
3. 5.9%
Creighton University
Ellie Stingley
Lauren Stollman
Sydney Summers
University of Missouri
Saint Louis University
University of Kansas
Favorite freshman year memory? Mrs. Norberg said I was like a female viking at the bow of a ship, looking off into the distance of life. Favorite senior year memory? Going to Disney with XC & Kairos. Favorite lunch checkout? Chipotle
Favorite freshman year memory? Breaking my hand - someone sat on it. Which teacher would you take to college? Stewart so she can tutor me in physical therapy. Favorite lunch checkout? Fuzzy’s.
Funniest pink slip? Playing Mario Kart on my iPad. Favorite senior year memory? Kairos. Favorite lunch checkout? Fuzzy’s. Favorite place in Sion? The couch in the commons.
Zoey Sweeny
Logan Tate
Jessica Tierney
4. 3.9% Texas Christian University Photos by Wikimedia Commons Info from College Counselor Erin Stein
Courtney Tushaus
Regis University
University of Arkansas
University of Missouri
Texas Christian University
Which teacher would you take to college? Can I take the counselors? I’m going to need them. Favorite senior year memory? When Sion SMOKED STA at the barbecue grill themed basketball game.
Funniest pink slip? Non-uniform sweat shirt. Lamp said “pink slip” and just kept walking. Which teacher would you take to college? Señora Schendel. She’s fun and could help with Spanish. Favorite senior memory? Kairos
Favorite freshman year memory? On the first day we went around Biology class and told everyone a fun fact about ourselves. I told everyone about my 20-year-old cat. Favorite lunch checkout? Chipotle.
Funniest pink slip? “Did not adequately dry lunch table” - Kram Which teacher would you take to college? Mr. Conaghan. We can pretend everyday is our birthday. Favorite lunch checkout? Chick-fil-A.
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Sydney Summers
Senior focuses on her love of fashion and uses it to boost her career opportunities, teach life skills and provide advice for fellow peers.
While most of her kindergarten classmates were riding their bikes, playing in the sandbox and watching Barney, senior Sydney Summers was scouring through fashion magazines, and looking for ways to broaden her young brain of fashion. “My mom worked in the fashion industry in a variety of capacities for several years. My parents are both clothing enthusiasts and have always dressed very fashionably, so I suppose that might be the origin that sparked my interest,” Summers said. Summers has recently translated her once young love of fashion into a summer internship that has opened up many doors to the fashion world. In the summer of 2014, Summers worked at the right side of Melanie Knopke, a fashion blogger, local stylist and KC Style Scout. Summers attributes her fortune in finding the ‘perfect’ internship simply to luck. She frequently babysat for a close friend of Knopke, who introduced
the two. “I have had the pleasure of working with Sydney since last summer. She helped me accessorize over 30 looks for the Park Place Lookbook shoot,” Knopke said. “She helped plan and execute a runway show this summer, also at Park Place. I could not have done it without her.” Next year, Summers will be attending The University of Kansas to study strategic communications and hopes to move to New York soon after, to intern in the fashion industry. She hopes to launch her own fashion blog as soon as this summer. However, Summers claims that one of the most beneficial parts of her work with fashion is being able to reflect the trends in her personal closet, but also assist friends with their fashion. “It feels so good when your peers care about your opinion and ask for advice,” Summers said. Although she is off to college, Summers’ fashion career is not coming to an end, as she will continue to work towards her goals and use the lessons from her fashion career every day. “Fashion has taught me about hard work, persistence and to always have passion for what you do,” Summers said.
Lillie Weisse
BY SARA WATKINS REPORTER
Megan Ungashick
Maria Wagner
University of Missouri
Rockhurst University
What song sums up Sion for you? ”Where Does the Good Go” by Tegan and Sara. Funniest Pink Slip? Lying about being able to have my skirt off. Favorite senior year memory? Every day when I leave for lunch.
Funniest Pink Slip? Wearing a fake butt during the Senior FFT Skit Favorite place in Sion? Underneath the benches in NGS... surprisingly good place for a nap. What song sums up Sion for you? “Bo$$” by Fifth Harmony.
Elizabeth Walker
Abby Warrington
University of Kansas
Saint Louis University
Favorite Senior Year memory? Writing workshop at the Westport Coffee House with my Creative Writing class. Funniest Pink Slip? From Mrs. Frederick for not having the third button on my skirt buttoned.
Favorite Senior Year memory? All of it. What teacher would you take to college? Kram because he’s a good teacher and a good person. Favorite lunch checkout? Chick-fil-A.
Caroline Westhead
Jacquie Whalen
Harrison Wilson
University of Kansas
University of Kansas
University of Notre Dame
Kansas State University
Which teacher would you take to college? Mrs. Frederick so we could drink tea and talk about books together. What song sums up Sion for you? The school song. Planned Major? Speech Therapy.
What teacher would you take to college? Señora Gomez because why wouldn’t I want Señora Gomez at KU with me? Favorite place in Sion? The New Grande Salle. Favorite lunch checkout? Home.
Favorite lunch checkout? Chipotle. Favorite senior year memory? Watching Sydney Daniels do a jump split for the first time in her life at fall mixer in front of STA. Planned Major? Neuroscience.
What teacher would you take to college? KRAM! I don’t know what he is talking about half of the time, but who cares. What song sums up Sion for you? “Hold On We’re Going Home” by Drake.
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Seniors Across the States (Photo courtesy of Wikicommons)
Southwest:
Oklahoma State University Southern Methodist University Texas A&M University Texas Christian University University of San Diego University of Tulsa
Northwest:
Colorado State University Regis University University of Denver
Northeast:
Boston College Brown University Juniata College Villanova University Yale University
Tasha Wyche
Abbie Young
Mikayla Zancanelli
Oklahoma State University
University of Missouri
Miami University
What teacher would you take to college? Mrs. Engel because she is so chill and understands life. Favorite place in Sion? Outside in the courtyard area in the spring when we can go outside and soak up the sun!
Funniest Pink Slip? From Mr. Hall because I took a selfie with him and then emailed it to him. Favorite Senior Year Memory? Still having my iPhone 4...S! Favorite lunch checkout? Home because that’s where my dogs are.
What teacher would you take to college? A-long. Favorite Place in Sion? RM 111! #yerd #journalismiscool Favorite senior year memory? Playa and K45. Planned Major? Graphic Design.
Southeast:
Elon University University of Alabama University of Arkansas Universiy of Mississippi
Midwest:
Baker University Benedictine College Creighton University Columbia College Chicago Drake University Fontbonne University Illinois Wesleyan University Indiana University Kansas State University Loyola University Chicago Miami University of Ohio Missouri State University Missouri S&T University Pittsburg State University Police Academy at MCC Rockhurst University Saint Louis University Truman State University University of Dayton University of Kansas University of Minnesota University of Missouri University of Missouri Kansas City University of Notre Dame Wheaton College
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SENIORS
TOP ROW: Student Body President Angela Griffin and Senior Class President Courtney Tushaus lead the senior class in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge last August. (Photo by Laney Ulowetz) MIDDLE ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Senior Catherine Ancona rides on fellow senior Abby Snyder’s back at the senior-freshman field
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day in August. (Photo by Sydney Manning) Senior Maria Wagner, dressed as science teacher Amy Vandenbrul, makes an appearance in the Senior Food For Thought skit in late October. (Photo by Laney Ulowetz) Playing the part of Jojo, Senior Anna Redmond stands beneath the stage lights at the dress rehearsal last January for
HOUSE
“Seuessical the Musical.”(Photo by Sydney Manning) Senior Kelly Lowndes hosts the Catholic Trivia game during January’s Catholic School’s Week. (Photo by Laney Ulowetz) BOTTOM ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT While dancing to Zumba, seniors Mikayla Zancanelli, Alex Dehaemers and Elizabeth Herbert
enjoy the freshman-senior field day last August. (Photo by Sydney Manning) STUCO President Angela Griffin dances with fellow senior Maddy Lewing at the freshman mixer. (Photo by Mary B Freeman) Senior Katherine Glaser serves at the Ash Wednesday allschool Mass. (Photo by Mary B Freeman)