December 2016 Le Journal

J le

LE JOURNAL

ISSUE 3 VOLUME 35 DECEMBER 2016

Standing Up To Stress pages 14-17

LE JOURNAL DECEMBER COVER STORY

14

High School Stress A look at causes, effects and resolutions to teen stress.

FEATURES

18

Carole Wall-Simmons The story behind Graphic Design and Photoshop instructor’s teaching path.

Sinkula 20 Geneva Senior transfer from Oklahoma City uses art to express herself.

22

Uhde Sisters Sophomore and freshman sisters motivate one another on the court.

SECTIONS NEWS

OPINION

AV Club Needs Artists 5 Sister Act 5 School Master Plan 6 KC For Refugees 6 Pennock’s Last Year 7 Pipeline Protest 7

Dakota Pipeline 8 Multitasking Harms 9 Election Wrap-Up 9 Coffee Comparison 10 Death of Vine 10 Passion Over Paycheck 11

SPORTS

A&E

Winter Sports Goals 12 Swim Aims for State 12 Gansner Commits 13 Field Hockey Wrap-Up 13

Fantastic Beasts 24 McClain’s Market 24 Donutology 25 Holiday Traditions and DIY Gifts 27 Upcoming Concerts, Albums and Movies 26

2 LE JOURNAL December 2016

Senior Katie Buhrmeister sings “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac during the Tri-M Club Benefit Recital Nov. 9.

(Photo by Clare Kimmis)

Online This Month

That’s So Raven is Back The iconic show will have a spin off in which Raven Baxter’s child develops psychic abilities.

A Gender Change-Up FOX show “Pitch” features the idea of a woman becoming the first to play Major League Baseball.

Human Impact on Earth Continues to Grow How the way humans live day to day afftects the environment.

EDITOR’S INK

T

he time has come. Thanksgiving turkeys have been eaten, anticipation for the first snow hangs in the air and Kansas City will soon be sparkling with a surplus of Christmas lights. That’s right Sion. Santa Claus is comin’ to town. Even the mounting dread of finals that are approaching at a frightening speed can’t dampen the holiday spirit. Christmas break is near; yes, breathe a sigh of relief. It is so close I can almost taste my grandma’s smoked honey ham...

But back to reality. And in case you haven’t heard, we elected a new president. Read staff member Paige Ritter’s satirical editorial on page 9 for a much-needed laugh after one of the craziest elections in American history.

Even though the semester may be winding down, the chilly weather brings with it a new hustle and bustle to the school. Get ready to dance the night away at Winter Formal and check out page 25 for last minute hair and makeup tips. Don’t forget your dress uniform Dec. 8 as all mothers and grandmothers are invited to celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception with an all-school Mass. After working hard on gathering up those service hours, be sure to turn in any hours earned by Dec. 9. then treat yourself by going to support your musically-inclined peers at the Christmas concert Dec. 13.

Save your mind and body from an overload of stress in a couple weeks and go ahead and get a head start studying for those exams (even you, seniors). The first final is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 15. Stress levels will undoubtedly rise as the test dates approach, but be aware of the consequences that may result in a young, overworked brain. On pages 14-17, you can learn causes, effects and relief tips in regards to the relatable topic of stress.

Even though coming back from Christmas break might have its downfalls, keep your spirits high and get pumped for this year’s musical, “Sister Act.” Read about the changes (page 5) that are sure to produce one of the best performances yet.

Take a few minutes to get to know “Wall” on pages 18-19 and learn something new about one of the most mysterious but beloved teachers at Sion. As we are all learning how and where we want to make our mark on the world, take a minute to learn how two students’ mother has taken it upon herself to make a difference in the Syrian refugee crisis (page 6).

Finally, show some school pride and cheer on the winter sports by attending one of many home basketball games or taking a short trip to watch the swim and dive teams begin their season.

In a little over two weeks, we will officially be halfway through the school year. Make the most of your holiday season; drink some hot chocolate with marshmallows or try one of many local K.C. coffee shops (page 10). Enjoy all the lights that K.C. has to offer and show your loved ones how much you appreciate them with a small gift (page 27). Until next semester, hang in there Sion.

Sincerely, Abby & Megan

LE JOURNAL 2016-2017 Sion Undefeated Debate team left the Rockhurst tournament the same way they came in: Undefeated.

Lejournallive.com @LeJournalSion @LeJournalSion @LeJournalLive

Le Journal is the official student publication of Notre Dame de Sion High School 10631 Wornall Road Kansas City, Missouri 64114 PRINT CO-EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Megan Ostrander Abby Smith PRINT MANAGING EDITOR Tara Jungden NEWS EDITOR Phylicia Barner-Lewis EDITORIAL EDITOR Lanie Jones A&E EDITOR Lucy Stofer SPORTS EDITOR Catherine Frerker FEATURE EDITOR Anna Tomka LAYOUT EDITOR Meg Schwartz

WEBSITE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lily Coit WEBSITE MANAGING EDITOR Kate Noble VIDEO CONTENT EDITOR Kelly Nugent PHOTO EDITOR Clare Kimmis BREAKING NEWS Maddie Young

MEMBER

Missouri Interscholastic Press Association National Scholastic Press Association International Quill and Scroll Journalism Educators of Metropolitan Kansas City Missouri Jounralism Education Association

REPORTERS Reagan Amato McKenna Heegn Ellie Chaffee Ellie Magsamen Rachel Doctor Toni Mathis Olivia Dopheide Emma Miller Paige Dussold Paige Ritter Lauren Graves Sydney San Agustin Madisen Hane Meg Travis

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 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.

LE JOURNAL December 2016

3

Winter Formal//

Dance the night away at the Hollywood Holidaythemed Winter Formal Dec. 3 and watch as both the Snow Queen and Ice Princess are announced. Tickets are $15 for a single ticket or $25 for a pair. Doors open at 8 p.m. “It’s going to be so fun to see everyone dressed up and with their dates,” freshman Madi Brown said. “I’m most excited to get ready with all of my friends and go out to eat with my group.” Pictured is junior Mandy Mayer from last year’s dance. (Photo by Elizabeth Jackoboice)

FFT Recap//

The school raised a total of over 10.5 tons for Redemptorist Social Services, clearing the 8 ton goal with room to spare. The junior class brought in the most with 8,501 pounds. Seniors followed with 7,391 pounds. The freshman class placed third with 2,437 pounds, and sophomores brought in 2,240 pounds. Everyone was ecstatic about the outcome because their whole grade was hoping to win, according to junior class president Haley Ulowetz. “We started by stockpiling cans but then realized we needed to do more,” Ulowetz said. (Photo by Abby Smith)

Silhouette Art//

For the last month, halls and classrooms have been filled with black silhouettes created by students in art teacher Michael Pesselato’s Dimensions in Visual Arts class. “The students used common shapes so that other students can put themselves into the silhouettes,” Pesselato said. This new project was inspired by the study of artist Kara Walker, an African American artist who explores contemporary issues through her work with black paper silhouettes. The project was part of a lesson on shape and value. (Photo by Abby Smith)

Saint John’s Bible//

An exhibit hosting two volumes from the Saint John’s Bible was brought to Our Lady of Sion Chapel Nov. 2-4. The volumes, consisting of the Pentateuch and the gospels, were brought to the school on behalf of parents Rev. Christy Dorn and Larry Ehren through Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral. “It helps us all to understand the message with the new images,” theology teacher Polly Holmes said. “I loved seeing the students pour over the artwork and find the symbolism and contemporary images in them. Pictured are seniors Grace Prusa and Natalie Moussa. (Photo by Marie Orrick)

4 LE JOURNAL December 2016

WORLD WORLD Former Cuban Leader Dies

----------After ruling for nearly 50 years, Fidel Castro passed away Nov. 25 at age 90, triggering both grief and celebration all over the world.

Trump Begins Assembling his Administration

----------So far, U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions and U.S. Rep. Mike Pompeo are among several Cabinet nominees as Presidentelect Donald Trump prepares to take office in January.

Protests in South Korea

----------A growing number of protests throughout the country demand President Park Geunhye’s resignation.

AROUND THE WORLD // DECEMBER

TRADITIONS

NEWS IN BRIEF

Kwanzaa Dec. 26 - Jan. 1

Christmas Dec. 25

MAKKAH

Maulid al-Nabi Dec. 11 - Dec. 12

Hanukkah Dec. 24 - Jan. 1

FINALS

Schedule

Thursday, Dec. 15 Foreign Language Friday, Dec. 16

History

Monday, Dec. 19

Math

Tuesday, Dec. 20

English Science

NEWS

Seniors Clare Carey and Maria Arroyo; freshmen Cara Hiatt and Peyton Wade; senior Maria Arroyo and freshman Erika Sesler; senior Natalie Williams; all practice songs for “Sister Act” at a rehearsal. (Photo by Meg Travis)

“Sister Act” Sees Multiple Changes For the first-time, students will present the musical “Sister Act” with a new director and choreographer at the helm.

BY MEG TRAVIS REPORTER

Music echoes throughout the halls, the walls of the music room just thin enough for sound to escape.

Students line the corridor in correct formation and run through their eight counts until they solidify their routine. Not far off with scripts open and speaking voices at the ready, the young actors and actresses go through their lines until the memorization becomes second nature.

Already several weeks into preparation, this energetic and dedicated environment has been initiated through the addition of director Dan O’Connell and choreographer Brad Shaw. It gives the cast three separate outlets to concentrate on the specific parts of the new show.

“I’ve really enjoyed our new

director and choreographer because they both are really passionate and helpful in interpreting what we need to do,” senior Taylor Ramsey said.

“They’re very fun. They’re not [too] strict; they let us have fun but are still able to get work done.”

O’Connell and Shaw are not fresh faces to the world of the red curtain.

Both have backgrounds involving musicals and theatre and have worked with high school students in the past.

O’Connell, who taught and partook in many productions through a teacher’s lens and also performed in Sion musicals throughout his middle school and high school years, is now returning to those roots as director.

“I taught theatre at Sumner Academy for three years, which is a school of the arts and sciences in Kansas City, Kansas. We did over 50 productions,” O’Connell said. “Right now I teach middle school, so it’s nice

to be working with high school kids again. The girls and the guys are just wonderful.”

The presence of O’Connell and Shaw has changed rehearsal organization and also forced the cast members to be more adaptable to varied ways of thinking, according to sophomore Tess Prusa.

“In ways it’s easier to have three separate people doing directing, music and choreography because, for example, if you’re not working on a scene, you can go do music,” Prusa said.

“Every director works in a different way [though] so you have to learn what they mean by different things and what they’re looking for.”

In previous years, most of the musical responsibilities have fallen on the shoulders of music teacher Elizabeth Mulkey. However, with the added presence of O’Connell and Shaw, though, she has been able to focus on the actual music and work

more closely with the singers.

“I am now just the music director. It’s great. It gives me more time to work with individuals on the music, while Mr. O’Connell works with the scenes,” Mulkey said. “It helps me tremendously, but also helps the students because I can focus with them on the music more.”

In addition to the new director and choreographer, there are eight freshmen faces involved in “Sister Act,” appearing in a wide variety of roles.

“There are a lot of freshmen, which is really exciting,” Mulkey said.

“We have a lot of strong singers in this freshmen class which gives me a lot of hope for the coming years.”

With the turn of the year fast approaching, Mulkey, O’Connell and Shaw are working every day after school with the cast to get parts mastered and numbers down in time for opening night at Avila University’s Goppert Theatre on Jan. 20.

Students are able to get into one show free, with additional tickets sold for $10.

Audio Video Club Looking for Artists A student-produced album is in the works featuring anyone who wants to participate.

BY TONI MATHIS REPORTER

Audio Video Club is currently on the hunt to find artists who would like to participate in a CD project. This is the first time the club has tackled this project, according to AV Club Sponsor Jason Ketter.

“I want the AV club to own the [recording software], put in some hours. The hours are great for colleges or just your own surround sound at home,” Ketter said. “You get lots of experience using this [recording software]. This will benefit them forever.”

The 10 club members are looking for students who want to share their

talents, whether it be through a song, instrument or poem.

Each individual would get one track to put on a single CD for the student body to hear. How many singles there will be on the album depends on how many people are willing to participate.

Students may share their own original poem, song or music piece for the album. The club wants to focus on original work but if someone would like to do a cover, they may.

“We are really hoping to find students with original music they want to record so the AV Club can learn and practice modern recording software and techniques,” Ketter said.

All the club needs now is artists.

Sign up sheets will soon be scattered around the school, asking girls to help out the AV club members.

They might even be putting the

album on iTunes, according to Ketter.

“We have everything we need: recording computer, recording software and a microphone,” Ketter said.

AV Club only started last year with eight members. The club came up with the idea to make a CD at the beginning of last year. However, they had difficulties beginning the project.

They needed more students and appropriate software.

“We never got around to recording. We didn’t have many members last year or the technology to start,” AV Club president and senior Angelina Adams said.

Aside from working on the Masses and other school events, Adams said this CD will really bring the club to life. The members will be working with the gear one on one and will have the freedom to work on the

audio however they want.

“This is a good experience for us,” AV Club vice president and junior Gillian Cruz said. “Being able to work more with the software and audio editing rounds out the club more.”

This project will start as soon as possible after students sign up to perform.

Senior Angelina Adams “Once we get it all put together I think it will be really cool and helpful for the girls who are being recorded so that they can share their talent.”

LE JOURNAL December 2016

5

NEWS

KC for Refugees Offers Helping Hand Sion parent creates organization to welcome international refugees.

is no predetermined guidebook for the refugees on how to navigate the complexities of the transition into American life because there has not been a time before when they’ve had to do it.

“They enter this country with a lot of hope, even after experiencing

we’re one of the countries that actually has the resources to do it.”

Fifty-four percent of respondents to a poll from the Washington Post said they oppose taking in Syrian refugees. The predominate argument of the opposition to refugee acceptance seems to be fear

evaluation, deep background check and an in depth interview a with specially trained DHS officer are just a few of the requirements for refugee admittance to the United States,

BY TARA JUNGDEN according to secretary of Homeland PRINT MANAGING EDITOR Security Jeh Johnson.

Following the admittance of “I have found all the negative the first Syrian refugee family to generalizations made about refugees Kansas City last April, Sofia Khan, in the media to be completely untrue,” mother of sophomore Safa Khan and Khan said. “They bring only hardwork freshman Inaya Khan, founded KC and sincerity to America.” for Refugees, an organization which But however small the amount aims to ease the transition of displaced of refugees allowed into America may refugees into American life. be, KC for Refugees works to ensure “The outpouring of community the welcoming and well-being of those support for that first Syrian family that are admitted after their rigorous is what inspired the start of the rounds of screening. organization,” Khan said.

The KC for Refugees organization The reception of the first offers donations to the refugees and Syrian family to Kansas City came classes for skills that might be needed in lieu of President Barack Obama’s to get jobs, like sewing and language announcement last fall of the intended KC for Refugees volunteer Ann Say offers a sewing class at the Della Lamb Refugee admittance of 10,000 Syrian refugees Center in northeast Kansas City. (Photo used with permission from KC for Refugees classes. Khan also organizes a free clinic to help refugees sign up for to the United States.

Facebook page) health care.

As of October there are more so much suffering in their life,” Khan of violence and crime erupting in “These refugees are wonderful than 11 million Syrian people on the said. “We give them a hug, hold their the United States. Fifty-two percent people, ” Khan said. “They are very run from their country, according to hand and tell them they’re safe now.” of respondents said they believed hardworking, and every single one of Mercy Corps. The status of the refugee the screening process for refugees The United States plans to them has a story that will bring tears crisis has continued to worsen over entering the United States is not accept 10,000 Syrians within its to your eyes.” the past months as the death count strong enough to weed out potential borders. Germany has taken almost According to Safa, her mother’s in Syria has steadily risen up to over terrorists.

300,000 and France has committed ability to empathize with the 470,000 people.

From start to finish, the screening immigrants as a fellow foreigner is a to 30,000 as of Sept. 16. It has been This is the first time a period process of a Syrian refugee includes a highly debated political topic since driving force in her pursuit to aid the of such great war and turmoil has the involvement of the National the announcement of the regulated refugees. occurred in Syria that its inhabitants Counterterrorism Center, the refugee acceptance last fall.

“My parents come from another have felt the need to flee their home.

Federal Bureau of Investigation, the “Countries like Canada have country,” Safa said, “so they know This is the reason such great lengths Department of Homeland Security, taken in thousands of refugees, but what it feels like to try to adjust to a are taken by KC for Refugees to the Department of State and the America has barely taken any,” Safa new country, new language and new help the incoming Syrians. There Department of Defense. A medical Khan said. “That’s really sad because customs.”

“Dream Big” Phase Begins for High School Master Plan Hollis and Miller architecture firm is working on a new master plan for the design of the high school.

BY REAGAN AMATO REPORTER The Board of Trustees has approved moving forward with a master planning process for the high school, according to Head of School Christina Broderick.

The school contracted with the architecture firm Hollis and Miller, Broderick said, who is creating a new layout and design plan for the school.

It will be largely based off of results from a survey that was sent out to the current parent, faculty, staff and student community Oct. 24.

“Right now we’re in the ‘dream

6 LE JOURNAL December 2016

big’ phase,” High School Division Head Natalie McDonough said.

The survey sent out by Broderick will let Hollis and Miller know what problems need the most attention. The firm will take into account everyone’s opinions on what they would like to change regarding the design of the building, according to McDonough.

“Hopefully students answered the survey that was put out,” McDonough said, “so that they will love what will happen.”

The survey included questions to rate school facilities on a scale of “great” to “needs major improvement.”

Some of the bigger possible changes listed in the survey included classroom layout, storm shelters and even what traditions students think the school should preserve in relation to its design.

“I hope that we get a new lunchroom,” junior Lucy Steyer said.

“And hopefully they build a new fine arts center now that the athletics center is finished.”

Hollis and Miller is mainly a firm that deals with the design of schools. The firm has been involved in designing many schools in the Kansas City area, some of which include University Academy, St. Michael the Archangel and St. James Academy.

“It was nice that, for the most part, all of the classes were in the same place,” former St. James student and current junior Anneliese Glickley said. “Overall the design was clean and modern.”

The idea of a new fine arts center is one change that students are hoping for, according to a Le Journal

student poll.

“God, I would jump for joy,” music instructor Elizabeth Mulkey said.

Fundraising and construction are the next phases in the process. No dates have been set yet.

What Should Be Changed or Added?

New Fine Arts Center 71 New Lunchroom

35

Study Rooms

6

New Elevator

5

More Classrooms

4

*108 students surveyed

NEWS

Debate Shines For Pennock’s Last Year The debate team enjoys their last year with Varsity debate coach Kristie Pennock.

BY LAUREN GRAVES REPORTER

Drummers and other indigenous activists march in solidarity with the people of the Standing Rock Sioux in their fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline. (Photo from MCT Campus)

Dakota Access Pipeline Brings Protest New pipeline planning to go under the Missouri River spawns fears of people dependent on the water source.

BY PHYLICIA BARNER LEWIS NEWS EDITOR

Energy Transfer, the company in charge of the construction for the Dakota Access Pipeline, is experiencing backlash from protesters in North Dakota.

The project is being heavily protested in the Standing Rock Indian reservation in rural North Dakota. Nov. 15 was the largest ‘Day of Action’ anti-DAPL protest yet with over 200 demonstrations simultaneously occuring in more than 100 cities.

People protesting the DAPL are concerned as to what environmental damage could occur in the case of a pipe break.

Honors environmental science teacher Amy Vandenbrul has followed DAPL and knows that if disaster were to strike, her family would be affected by the aftermath.

“We’re talking about the head waters of the Missouri River too. We depend on the Missouri River for our drinking water. So those people protesting at Standing Rock, they’re not just protesting for their reservation,” Vandenbrul said. “We all live downstream from that, so they’re speaking up for our water and my family’s water so that’s why I get a little bit involved with the issue.”

The Colonial Pipeline in Shelby County, Alabama sprung a lead and spilled almost 336,000 gallons of gasoline in September, according to an article in the Kansas City Star.

Other big spills include a 90,000 gallon Royal Dutch Shell spill into the Gulf of Mexico May 2016 and the Deepwater Horizon spill in 2010 that spilled over 210 million gallons of crude oil.

“Look what happened to the Gulf. No matter how secure and up-to-code you think it is, accidents happen and you can’t undo that,” academic Environmental Science teacher Kaci Flippo said. “Oil does not mix with water. It

sits.”

Celebrities like Shailene Woodley and Mark Ruffalo have tried to bring attention to the issue. Woodley was arrested along with 126 others while on the reservation grounds taking a stand Oct. 10.

“There hasn’t been a ton of news coverage.

I listen to the news everyday and I haven’t heard much,” Flippo said.

Operators worked with engineers, agricultural experts and farmers to design the safest and the most efficient way to transport the crude oil, according to the founding company. The company also claims that they will accommodate to the individual concerns of those who own land along the route.

“I don’t think any oil pipeline should be present,” Vandenbrul said. “I think that we already have way too many and I think we’ve had significant accidents that have occurred because of the pipelines that are already present. We should learn from our mistakes.”

Though many fear DAPL, the company’s website says that safety is their highest priority.

If something were to happen, a “How to Recognize A Leak” page is located on the company’s website.

People everywhere are showing support for the protesters by going up to North Dakota, signing petitions or even just showing that they are aware of what the situation is and encouraging the protesters on social media.

“I felt like I needed to go, like I needed to be there and protest,” Vandenbrul said. “But then I thought ‘wait a second I can’t because I would be driving out there using gasoline which is coming from oil and the whole point is for no oil. Defeats the purpose.”

The DAPL, spreading 1,172 miles from North Dakota to Illinois and underneath the Missouri river, would transport oil to support the domestic demand and reduce the use of truck and rail transportation, according to Energy Transfer’s website.

On account of delays already costing $100 million, Energy Transfer has now asked for help from the federal court to complete the pipeline.

After working at Sion for 14 years, history and debate teacher Kristie Pennock says this is her last year working for the school. She decided to make a change and go into real estate. But with her intense love for her classes, Pennock said her years at Sion will be missed.

Pennock, who has been debating since her early high school years, says she will miss the team’s competitive environment and the great leadership that the entire team holds.

“As much as I am going to miss the students here as a whole,” Pennock said, “my debate kids, they’re pretty special to me.”

This season, debate junior Anna O’Byrne said the team has been doing extremely well, with especially great results from those new to the debate team.

“We’re all pretty strong headed, brilliant people which definitely gives us an advantage over our competitors,” O’Byrne said.

“We don’t really have any “The Sion weak points as a team, and tournament was if by chance we did, we really impactful would all work together because we had to make sure we fixed the very interesting problem.”

So far this season topics which cause changes have been made us to develop as

by Pennock to add to the people.” debate and the real world - Senior Margo experiences the girls will Gerke have. Practices have been more strongly encouraged and those before events are mandatory. Weekend tournament attendance is now encouraged. But the biggest change is the addition of new coach and teacher Jeri Willard.

“The Sion tournament was really impactful because we had very interesting topics which cause us to develop as people,” senior Margo Gerke said. “Mrs. Willard has been a new change to the team. It’s nice to have a new perspective as well as still having Mrs. P there to hear from.”

Whether it be overall debate events or individual sessions, Pennock has made sure that the girls are thoroughly prepared for anything thrown their way this season.

“The coaches have been so helpful to me because they are always willing to do practice rounds to help me with my speaking,” junior Chigozie Okuagu said.

With this being Pennock’s final year, the team really has taken the time to not only make this year one to remember but also to appreciate everything she and new debate coach Willard have done for the team.

With student’s preparing to say goodbye to Pennock, the debate team makes sure her legacy still goes on.

LE JOURNAL December 2016

7

OPINION

Photo by MCT Campus

Dakota Access Pipeline Intrudes THIS EDITORIAL REFLECTS THE VIEW OF THE LE JOURNAL STAFF. TWENTYTWO OUT OF 28 VOTED IN SUPPORT OF THIS VIEW

Construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline should not be completed because the project is unethical and detrimental to the environment.

Information from time.com

Pipeline Facts

The Dakota Access Pipeline has been under construction for months. However, what first brought mass attention to the issue was actress Shailene Woodley’s arrest from protesting the pipeline. Woodley was protesting because the pipeline was encroaching on the land of the Standing Rock Sioux reservation. The pipeline’s path cuts straight through sacred burial grounds and under the Missouri River, upstream from the tribe’s water supply.

The purpose of the pipeline is to transport oil entirely from reserves in the North Dakota Bakken region to refineries in Illinois as safely as possible, according to builder of pipeline, Energy Transfer. The benefit of using U.S. oil is that it helps the country become energy independent.

This process will allow oil to be cheaper and more accessible.

However, the benefits of the pipeline are overshadowed by the ethical issues surrounding its construction and the long-term consequences its installation will bring to the environment.

The pipeline’s first offense was the project being rerouted to go through the Standing Rock reservation as a result of the mostly white city of Bismarck refusing to allow the pipeline near

8 LE JOURNAL December 2016

More than

3,300 leaks & ruptures at oil and gas pipelines since 2010

1,200

miles of current pipeline

The crude oil supply is unreliable, and the their community and water supply, according to burning of fuel is harmful to the environment.

ABC News. With the United States’ history of According to the Environmental Protection stealing land from Native Americans, it should be Agency, the emission of carbon monoxide from unsettling that their rights continue to be violated vehicles has been contributing to climate change. today.

So construction on the Dakota Access Even more concerning, the pipeline is being Pipeline should be halted and the efforts of Energy built under the Missouri River, directly upstream Transfer and other energy from the tribe’s water source. If Even though building companies need to be refocused there were to be an oil leak or the pipeline will aid the on finding safe and clean energy spill, the Standing Rock tribe’s only source of water would United States in becoming that will help power the future. be contaminated. The greater energy independent, it The United States can still become energy independent Kansas City area also uses the is only encouraging the without the pipeline, and Missouri River for its source of country’s dependence on making clean energy more water.

Not only is it concerning fossil fuels that are not accessible could lead to longterm improvements and the that the pipeline will travel sustainable. lessening of strain on the underneath a source of water environment. A modernized power grid will help relied on by many Midwest states, but the high maximize renewables like solar and wind energy, possibility of oil spills anywhere along the route is and energy-conscious choices in today’s home frightening. The recent Colonial Pipeline explosion will save energy and money, according to the in Alabama is an example of a pipelines’ threat to Environmental Defense Fund. both people and the environment. The pipeline The Dakota Access Pipeline is violating the explosion killed one worker and injured five others. lives and sovereignty of the Standing Rock tribe The explosion also sent harmful gases in the form and many other states it will pass through. The of black smoke into the surrounding air. This is pipeline needs to be rerouted around the tribe’s not the first problem to occur with the Colonial land, or better yet, not built at all. Though the Pipeline; in September the pipeline leaked and profound disrespect of the Native American caused gas shortages in the South, according to Fox people is disheartening, it is positive that attention News. has been brought to the issue and conversation Even though building the pipeline will aid the about the harmful effects of pipelines and fossil United States in becoming energy independent, fuels on the environment have become more it is only encouraging the country’s dependence prominent. on fossil fuels that are not sustainable. There is a limited supply of crude oil. And at the rate it is being consumed, there is no guarantee that it will be available a century from now.

570,000

barrels of crude oil transported daily from North Dakota to Illinois

More than

140

protestors arrested

Route of Dakota Access Pipeline. The pipeline will pass through four states. (Photo by MCT Campus)

OPINION

Multitasking Proves to Hinder More Than Help

IQ loss of up to 15 points. Constant interruptions from cell phones, social media and other distractions create a lack of focus and impair both short and long-term memory.

These dangers don’t affect solely the present. Simply spending time ily on two devices at once, otherwise m known as media multitasking, can a f or create permanent damage. Those ts n e who frequently multitask showed r a less brain density in the Anterior tp T n N i Cingulate Cortex, according to a po ME p E G n sa A study by the University of Sussex i o i N d A at in the U.K. The ACC is responsible n’t E M riv E p o R e d for regulating blood pressure and TIM ep d FUTU sle THE heart rate, aids in decision making, es r regulates emotions and detects errors. u s res In other words, this part of the brain tal p e i c so can potentially turn to grey matter and hinder all of these processes because of media multitasking. The scariest part? This research suggests (Photo and the damage could be irreversible.

Illustration by To help prevent more stress and Lanie Jones) destructive habits, try to focus on the task at hand, finish it wholly, then thinking it has completed multiple tasks, until reality sets in and nothing move on to something else. Take things day by day. Elevated stress has been entirely finished. Fulfilling levels can induce further problems responsibilities partially adds to the tension within one’s own mind. It can and are only heightened by doing too many things simultaneously, which also lead to over-stimulation of the overwhelms the brain. As profitable brain and a decreased IQ, according as it seems to be, multitasking reaps to a study at Stanford University. negative consequences that far Those who multitasked during outweigh the seemingly convenient cognitive tasks, meaning things that advantages. require purposeful thought, saw an

earn good grad es and high GPA Instagra m like ra tio SO CIA pers LL RE onal IFE time LA A N TI 10 D ON 0 s FR IEN SH ervi DS ce IP ho S ur s

From the beginning of time, qu women have been known as the izz es ultimate multitaskers. Whether it’s , te st from practice or simply how the pe s, pr rso female brain is wired, countless oj na ec studies have proven it to be true. But, le ts x A ,e p P ec the time has come to debunk the ss cla t s a a ses ti idea of multitasking as a whole being on ys h s e alth advantageous. Though multitasking and seems to be beneficial, experiments wel lnes s are further proving that trying to accomplish more than one thing at a time can be detrimental on brains both young and old.

There’s no denying that a lot is expected from high school students.

Perhaps even too much. Make good grades. Study. Have a social life.

5.1 out of 10, according to a study Spend time with family. Volunteer. done by USA Today. The numbers Get a job. Find a perfect college. Eat healthy. Stay active. Get enough sleep. are stunning, especially when the side effects are so serious. Things The list goes on for what seems like chronic illness, poor health and like an eternity, but there simply shorter life spans are all at risk. isn’t enough time in the day to Not only does multitasking balance it all. As if all of that isn’t stressful enough, it’s only exacerbated overall lead to extreme stress levels, it’s much less productive than by trying to multitask. Students’ monotasking. This false sense of average stress level was a 5.8 out of productivity tricks the brain into 10, compared to an adult’s average,

catch up on Netflix shows

BY LANIE JONES EDITORIAL EDITOR

Y BIKINI BOD spring break EGE OLL es for C practic ” sports date me AT andi i S t ec t c ily and perf s fam ACT KS b in “ EA l jo ine te TR ea dl ipa T S t, r ea rtic HA en nd d pa c C AP a de s a SN d on fin cati to li ed app ne ge lle co

Students spreading themselves too thin in an attempt to accomplish more is damaging their brains.

Post-Election: The Next Steps Forward for America

An array of great, legitimate options to consider and actions to take once complaining on Facebook and Twitter get boring.

BY PAIGE RITTER REPORTER

“If a baby were president, there would be no taxes, there would be no war, there would be no government, and things could get terrible,” Steve Carrell said while portraying Michael Scott on the TV show “The Office.”

“And actually probably, it would be a better screenplay idea than a serious suggestion.”

Many didn’t think he was a serious option. Some think there will be no taxes. He doesn’t always act like a civil adult. But at least we know he isn’t a baby because there is no way a baby would get a spray tan. Either way, the American people have taken

billionaire and reality television star Donald Trump as a serious option.

While Republicans and Democrats always agree on everything, for some odd reason Trump seems to be something they disagree on. Many Trump supporters say America is terrible and he is here to “make it great again,” while others think he could make it terrible. For those that think America is on the brink of inevitable doom and are tired of tweeting and ready to take action, there are some great places to take refuge.

Since Trump plans on sending people back where they came from, the United Kingdom would seem an obvious choice. The great thing there is that it is still a monarchy, so feeling unheard in a democracy would no longer be a problem. There is no need to fear losing internal political divide as the Supreme Court case over Brexit is in full swing between the UK and Scotland.

Australia is also a great option, especially if someone is actually okay with living in Australia. One wouldn’t have to worry about refugees in Australia as their Immigration Minister Peter Dutton of Australia has re-established its lifetime ban on refugees. So if you dislike Trump’s immigration policies, this is the place for you. While it might be close quarters if everyone moved to Sydney, there is plenty of room in the Australian Outback. Siri even has a customization option for an Australian accent, so “uncivilized” shouldn’t be a fear.

Another popular option seems to be Canada as the Canadian Immigration and Citizenship website shut down election night, according to The Huffington Post. Canada’s free healthcare system will be easy to deal with because it is reserved for citizens only. But why should this matter? Obviously all those coming have been planning on becoming a

citizen of the Great North for months because the shortest entry time is six to 12 months as a skilled worker, according to CIC. Or maybe one can use “Maple Match,” an online dating website that sets up a Trump-hating American with a Canadian. True love will still have to wait 14 months to become a citizen. Marriage doesn’t equal instant citizenship.

If those don’t seem like truly great options, stay. Stay in America.

Give Trump a chance to make things terrible or great and watch democracy work. The tried and true American government isn’t exactly known for its efficiency anyway.

Empathize with the other Americans who already knew that America isn’t as perfect as some think.

But most importantly, since Michael Scott is no longer here to comment, watch Saturday Night Live and learn to laugh again. Because after this election, everybody needs a little break.

LE JOURNAL December 2016

9

OPINION

Comparing Kansas City Coffee Shop Creations Parisi, the Roasterie and Kaldi’s Coffee are great hometown, Kansas City coffee shop options over Starbucks.

BY MADISEN HANE REPORTER

From what I’ve gathered, there are two ends of the visible coffee shop spectrum. On one end of the spectrum lies Starbucks, with soccer moms piloting silver mini vans in the drive-thru, clutching skinny Pumpkin Spice Lattes for dear life.

At the other end are underground coffee shops full of ironically bearded hipsters schmoozing their favorite barista for extra fancy foam art so that their flat whites will be more Instagram-worthy.

For the most part, I lean towards the Starbucks side, but at times frappucinos and cake pops can be a bit much. However, navigating outside of the comforts of Starbucks is easier said than done. Luckily, Kansas City offers three comparable shops that can help even the most clueless of coffee consumers get their caffeine fix. I explored these options with an open mind, determined to

find a favorite.

My first stop was Parisi.

With one location at Park Place in Leawood and a small shop inside Union Station downtown, it is not the most accessible coffee shop for the majority of people in the metro.

Regardless, it lived up to all my expectations about how potentially intimidating getting coffee can be. There were only a few people inside, who were for the most part sitting alone on their laptops, making the coffee shop eerily quiet except for the soft instrumental music playing in the background.

I ordered a small mocha for $4.17. I’m definitely not a coffee critic, so the only adjective I know how to describe Parisi’s coffee would be ‘good’. It was more bitter than I was expecting a mocha to be.

It wasn’t life changing, but it was definitely worlds beyond Starbucks.

My second stop was the Roasterie. With two locations that sell coffee (Town Center Plaza in Leawood and at 62nd and Brookside Blvd) and a factory location that offers free tours downtown, this coffee shop is considered by many to be a Kansas City favorite. To be honest, I was biased going into this comparison in the first place since I had been to the Roasterie a few times before. As I ordered another mocha (for $4.53), I noticed that unlike Parisi, the Roasterie offered a larger menu that included smoothies and teas. The Brookside location was packed with people at 2 p.m. on a Sunday, but I Photos by Madisen Hane still got my coffee in a matter of a few minutes. The coffee shop itself felt more welcoming than Parisi, but that’s probably because I could actually have a conversation without the entire building hearing me. The mocha from the Roasterie was rich and smooth; perfect for a

Time to Say Goodbye to The video-sharing social media has announced its shutdown after almost four years of entertainment.

BY ELLIE CHAFFEE REPORTER After bringing people six seconds of joy since Jan. 24, 2013, it is time to say goodbye to the famous social media, Vine. After a poor executive decision, the app is said to be shut down within the coming months.

Vine has been through just about everything that any regular app goes through. It’s had its awkward stages, its improvements and its bug fixes just like other popular social media applications including Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat. However, those apps have outnumbered in popularity compared to Vine recently, and on Oct. 27, Twitter, the owner of Vine, announced it would be shutting down the app altogether, breaking the hearts of beloved Vine fans.

Cameron Dallas, Shawn Mendes, Lele Pons, Marcus and Cody Johns.

Sound familiar? All these peoples’ fame

10 LE JOURNAL December 2016

came from their popular Vine accounts.

Ever heard of the group Magcon? The group of teenage boys and one or two girls all came together through Vine to travel across the United States, meet their fans and put on shows that involved doing random things that no one understood, but young teenage girls adored. The app has brought millions of dollars to people who have become famous just because of their entertaining vines. Sadly, the fame has led to them depart from the app for more profitable forms of social media like YouTube and Facebook. These stars have left their fans in the dark, leading them to stop using Vine for they have nothing to look forward to on the app anymore.

Instagram’s video launch was unpopular and questionable when it first came out, but truthfully, it overtook Vine by storm. Instagram video was a way for people to share their own videos, and for a longer time. With most people already on Instagram, they were able to share their funny videos and not many people would get back on Vine, making it less popular and only used every once in awhile. In fact, there are many videos posted on Instagram

that are Vines, but people aren’t aware of this because they never even get on Vine anymore.

Although its popularity has declined as most people stop creating vines and only go through old ones or like and retweet funny ones on Twitter, there are still people who find joy in vine; it is completely underestimated nowadays. However, since the announcement of the shutdown of the app coming supposedly in the next few months, more people are starting to realize how inspirational and influential vine has really been to teenagers over the past years.

“What are those!?” “Eyebrows on fleek.” “Look at all those chickens!” All iconic vines. All will be gone because of an upsetting decision to close the app. Without realizing how precious Vine’s time was before, this decision is now affecting those who took Vine for granted. It has always been known to boost people’s moods and bring out the best in people.

Now, in a few months, those vines that made people laugh until they cried will all be deleted, and some may never be seen again. Too bad these vines cannot be saved to keep the memories

Starbucks convert who can’t drink black coffee.

For my last coffee shop, I went to Kaldi’s. Although the company was originally founded in St. Louis, there are five locations across the metro, with one near State Line Station, two locations on the Country Club Plaza, and one location in Briarcliff. The Country Club Plaza location was cozy to me, but could be claustrophobic for others. I ordered my final small mocha for the day for $4.05. By that point, the caffeine from the previous two drinks had fully kicked in, and I wasn’t exactly craving a third cup.

The mocha itself tasted more similar to Parisi’s than the Roasterie’s; it had a strong coffee taste and wasn’t very rich. It was definitely a great cup of coffee, but I would recommend it for a more seasoned coffee drinker.

Each coffee shop I went to offered something different, leading me to conclude that Kansas City is home to diverse options for coffee lovers. Visiting each place was much less intimidating than I had expected going into this coffee investigation.

If you’re looking for something beyond the syrupy seasonal drinks of Starbucks, the Roasterie is the place to go for quality coffee with Kansas City pride.

for those who loved them.

As this era of the forever loved Vine comes to a close, the emotions are coming back, the awkward stages are being remembered and the hilarious vines that stole the hearts of people all over social media are being rewatched over and over. Those friendly phrases, songs, dances and complete nonsense will now only be but a memory.

#TBT...

Senior Kathleen Gansner’s vine of alumna Molly McCarthy running cross country has almost 50 million loops.

(Used with permission from Gansner)

OPINION

(Photos by Meg Schwartz)

DESIGNING LIFE: Choose Passion Over Paycheck Personal fit and passion should be more of a priority in making life decisions.

BY MEG SCHWARTZ LAYOUT EDITOR

M

oney. It can bring joy, it can cause devastation and it can be a driving factor in making major life decisions.

When paper and coins hold so much power, longtime passions and childhood dreams are often discarded in lieu of what society considers a “serious” job or a sixdigit paycheck.

But this shouldn’t be the case.

As students begin to tackle the daunting task of planning their personal futures, genuine interest and passionate energy should fuel decisions.

College decision day, what some may consider the apex of a high school student’s career, doesn’t necessarily make or break the future.

Yes, it would feel fabulous to walk down the hall sporting a sweatshirt embroidered with the name of a highly prestigious university. But, for a number of reasons, this isn’t always possible and that isn’t all that matters. At the end of the day attending a top university is not the end-all be-all of success.

The “perfect college” for a student isn’t perfect because it has a competitive acceptance rate, but because stepping on the campus feels like home. Students should be honest with themselves in what is important to them, what they enjoy and most importantly, what they dread. The “perfect fit” college will offer opportunities to explore even the most obscure of the student’s deep-rooted passions and will offer the best environment to lay the groundwork of an invigorating future.

Prestigious internship.

Graduation. Impressive nine-tofive job. Money. Because attending college is a monumental investment of both money and time, students of all caliber and motivation are often under immense pressure to pursue a rigorous major that initiates this all too familiar process. This idolized sequence narrows students’ options and devalues courses of study outside of a select few.

Ultimately, people tend to invest more time and energy into what is meaningful to them, according to the American Psychological Association. Even the most arduous task becomes pleasant when it aligns with a passion. This concept may seem obvious, yet when it comes to selecting a college major, it is so easily overlooked.

Students shouldn’t feel an

obligation to pursue a major that justifies their investment to society.

Studying a passion should be the priority. A major should be less about the money and more about what excites the student to leap out of bed each morning and feel as if she is contributing to something greater. Whether it be accounting or puppetry, a major should excite, challenge and promote growth.

Finally, this process amounts to a career. With the average American spending over 90 thousand hours at work in a lifetime, selecting a career path sets the tone for a generous percentage of one’s life.

Although 80 percent of Americans report being unhappy in their jobs, according to Business Insider, it is certainly avoidable.

Choosing a career that fills not only the bank account but also personal aspirations creates a lifestyle of multifaceted success. With this personal fulfillment and happiness, the importance of money as a source of joy will diminish, too. With a genuine passion to work hard at a certain job comes plentiful opportunities for advancement.

Admittedly, all of this is much easier said than done. At the ripe age of eighteen or nineteen, it’s difficult to have developed passions in mind and to know how to work a passion into a career or lifestyle.

Just thinking about that is enough to

get a migraine. However, it is never too early to simply begin thinking about this process. In order to design a tailor-made, captivating lifestyle, students should focus more of their attention on their inner feelings and experiences than on external pressures and influences.

An excellent way for a student to start this process is for her to prototype life like a designer, making a list of what she loves about life, what she dreads about life and why she does what she loves. Taking a step back, examining what brings joy and what brings anxiety and asking “why” can create the framework of what should and shouldn’t be in a personal job description. Read more about the “designing” approach in “Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life” by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans.

It’s never to early to begin designing the future. What seems so far away is easy to put off, but being proactive in developing passions and seeking out corresponding opportunities now is invaluable.

As students at the cusp between childhood and adulthood, the time is now. Don’t let fear of money or the opinions of others determine the future. Design a lifestyle rooted in genuine passion in order to be constantly learning, evolving and actively contributing to society, in whatever way that might be.

Take It From the Teachers...

“Combining something you love with something that would be able to support you would probably be the best way to go.” -science teacher Kathleen Teel

“Think about what you love and what you spend your free time doing and go for that and figure out how to make that a vocation.” -religion teacher Polly Holmes

“I would say it’s probably more important to be happy than make money and not be happy.” -math teacher Reynold Middleton LE JOURNAL December 2016

11

Swim’s Sights Set on State

SPORTS IN BRIEF

The swim team is focusing in on their goals.

Cross Country// Cross Country finished their season at sectionals with no runners advancing to State. “I’m really excited about the potential we have coming back,” Head Coach Reynold Middleton said. “The underclass runners ran really well this year and hopefully we can improve on that next year.” Pictured is senior Kathleen Gansner running at the Kearney Invitational Oct. 10. (Photo by Clare Kimmis)

Basketball//

Varisty Basketball faces St. Joseph Benton Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. in the gym. After a tough season last year, the basketball team is hoping to come back with new determination, according to interim varsity coach Kate Pilgreen. Leadership and communication are needed for the constant improvement they seek, Pilgreen said. “I can already see the changes in them in these first few weeks,” Pilgreen said. “It’s going to be an exciting year.” Pictured are junior Sarah Totta and freshman Kamryn Rogers during practice. (Photo

by Lauren Graves)

Swim & Dive//

Swim and Dive enter their seasons with only two seniors and a wealth of younger teammates.

“They’re kind of the future of the team,” swim coach Kelly Timson said. “Hopefully it’ll set a good stage for the next few years.” The dive team is hoping to grow as a whole by adding more difficulty to their competition dives according to junior Sammie Nesslein.

“I predict that we will only get stronger and be successful this competition season,” Nesslein said. Pictured is junior Meredith Oswald practicing her butterfly stroke. (Photo by Ellie Chaffee)

BY KELLY NUGENT VIDEO CONTENT EDITOR

With both morning and afternoon practices, waiting to practice until 5:30 in the afternoon and that lasting perfume of chlorine embedded into the skin are just a few things that come with being a swimmer. Although some might find it inconvenient, for junior Meredith Oswald, all those things are added perks to the joy she already gets from swimming.

“I honestly can’t imagine my life without it,” Oswald said. “The smell of chlorine and the early morning practices are worth it because I know my dedication will show up in every one of my races.”

Before actually getting into the pool at practice, the swim team has a workout routine outside of the pool, informally known as “dry land.” Dry land consists of each day focusing on a different area of the body and, new this year, one day a week they will have a yoga instructor come in and help them focus on stretching and central balance, according to senior captain Katie Vopat.

“Building muscle outside the water is just as important as building

muscle in the water,” Oswald said. “Dryland gives us the opportunity to strengthen and focus on a particular muscle group.”

Swim’s season is approximately four months long. In these four months, they don’t have any home meets, which would have been at their practice pool, the Red Bridge YMCA. Their traveling ranges from Lee’s Summit to Kickapoo to North Kansas City. As the only returning senior, Vopat is skeptical for the night that is supposed to be dedicated to her, senior night.

“I would’ve liked senior night to be there [at the Red Bridge Y],” Vopat said. “It’s what we’ve always done in the past.”

As a team, the ultimate goal is to have everyone go to State. Last year, only one relay team and one individual, current junior Ellie Magsamen, made the necessary times. With a more focused mindset of improving not only as individuals but as a whole team, swim coach and chemistry teacher Kelly Timson is hoping for improvement, while also teaching the girls valuable life lessons.

CHECK IT OUT

ONLINE For the rest of the story, go to lejournallive.com

Winter Sports #CAPTAINGOALS Basketball

Basketball

“My hope for this year is in playing better together so we can achieve our seasonal goals.” -senior Chloe Long

“Our main goal is to win districts and make it to state this year, but also to become really close as a team these next several months.” -senior Abby Smith

12 LE JOURNAL December 2016

Basketball “I hope to build on our relationships and gain on the progress we made last year. #stormneverstops” -senior Marie Orrick

Basketball

Swim & Dive

“During this season, my team and I hope to win districts and make it to state. I want my last year to be very memorable and full of excitement.” -senior Madeline Dercher

“I’m hoping to keep the team happy and minimize the tension that usually comes later in the season when we’ve been spending a lot of time together.” -senior Katie Vopat

SPORTS

Gansner Commits to Rockhurst Senior Kathleen Gansner has committed to Rockhurst University to continue her cross country career.

BY RACHEL DOCTOR REPORTER

(Photo by Rachel Doctor)

After developing a passion for running her freshman year, senior Kathleen Gansner plans to continue her dedication to cross county as a collegiate athlete at Rockhurst University in Kansas City next year. Unabating commitment to athletics as she furthers her education is most definitely manageable, but it won’t come easy according to Gansner.

“I’ve been doing sports non-stop since elementary school and it’s always been a big part of my life,” Gansner said. “It has helped me learn to manage my time better and I think it’ll help me stay focused in college.”

Gansner began her cross country career when she was in seventh grade.

Successful in each race she competed in, it drove her to want to continue to improve, she said.

When she reached high school, the competition became much harder but ultimately made her better by providing her with a challenge. Initially it was just a great way to socialize with other kids, take part in something healthy, and compete with not only others, but against herself according to her mother, Amy Gansner.

“My favorite thing about her running has been that it has given her a great appreciation of what her body is capable of doing when she pushes herself,” Amy said. “The emphasis has been on what her body does rather than how it looks, and I think this is a great message for all of us.”

As the only senior on varsity this season, Gansner was in a position of leadership. With 6 underclassmen, she impacted the team with her role according to coach, Reynold Middleton.

“She had a huge responsibility in leading,” Middleton said. “I could not have asked for a better senior.”

Gansner said she didn’t seriously consider another school even when

Playing For the Love of The Game In contrast to the outcome of the season, the Field Hockey team remained in good spirits.

BY PAIGE DUSSOLD REPORTER Despite a tough season with few victories, the field hockey team held on to their good attitude as they took on each game. Each game held its own unique challenge that the team faced together, determined to play to the best of their abilities, according to senior captain Elizabeth Jackoboice.

“Throughout the season we stayed pretty positive,” Jackoboice said. “Even with the losses, we love playing the sport and I think that’s what kept everyone going.”

At the end of the season they held a record of 0-10-1.

Their first game of the season against Eureka High School in the St. Louis tournament ended in a tie.

Senior Angela Neunuebel scored the only goal of the season during that game.

“I was excited. The goal I scored was in the very first game, so it was a great experience to begin our season,” Neunuebel said.

Several key players graduated and key player sophomore Rose Crowe transferred to St. Teresa’s Academy. Among the graduated players are Carolyn Crowe, Katie Donnelly and Maddie Kahl.

This left holes in positions.

“It was always going to be a tough season for the field hockey team losing so many starting seniors and going the majority of the 2015 season without a field,” Coach Gwyn Savage said.

To prepare for last season the team focused more on their fitness because of the lack of places to practice skills. They won some games last season just because they were able to run harder and longer than their opponents according to

senior co-captain Courtney Soukup.

“We had a tough schedule, coming up against tough opposition, including St. Joe and Cor Jesu, eventual Missouri State Champions and Finalists respectively,” Savage said. “Nearly 50 percent of the team had never played field hockey before the summer, but their skill development by the end of the season was encouraging.”

Senior Elsa Walz hits the ball against Cor Jesu Academy Sept. 30. (Photo by Anna Tomka)

she would receive letters from them.

Rockhurst was the right fit for Gansner due to the smaller school environment and location closer to home, but the decision to continue cross country into college was a more recent choice.

Initially in opposition to the idea, Gansner had a change of heart.

“I used to say ‘over my dead body’ when someone asked me if I wanted to run in college,” Gansner said. “After time though, I decided running at Rockhurst would be the best decision for me and that I would enjoy it.”

Due to her commitment, Gansner also will receive a scholarship for her education. The potential scholarship she would be receiving impacted her decision to become a collegiate athlete according to Gansner.

“Playing a sport in college is like having a job. It takes time and dedication, so getting money to run helped me decide that running would be worth it in the end,” Gansner said.

“It’s like getting paid to go and exercise and do what I love.”

CHECK IT OUT

ONLINE

Basketball Is Back

BY ANNA TOMKA FEATURE EDITOR AND MEGAN OSTRANDER PRINT CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The purple and white scrimmage marked the start of the basketball season.

Players and coaches stood frozen in time. The camera panned the gym, players still as statues in various poses.

The basketball team participated in the popular “mannequin challenge” on Nov. 8. Find it @LeJournalSion on Twitter.

The team thought this would be a fun way to start the season and create a positive energy before the season kicked off Nov. 18 with the annual purple and white game in the gym.

The white team, called the marshmallows beat the purple team, nicknamed the grapes, 22-21. Interim Head Coach

Interim Head Coach Kate Pilgreen leads the “marshmallows” in the Purple and White Game Nov. 18.

(Photo by Anna Tomka)

Kate Pilgreen coached the white team and JV coach Laura Carter coached purple.

“The game is more about showing to the community and the parents what we’ve been working on as a team,” Pilgreen said. “It’s meant to get everyone excited for the rest of the season.

For the rest of the story and photos, go to lejournallive.com

LE JOURNAL December 2016

13

A+ $ 14 LE JOURNAL December 2016

f

$

A+

9

1 10 1 12

8 7

6

5 4

1 2 3

A+

COVER STORY

Standing Up To STRESS High stress levels in teens are having detrimental effects on their health and well being.

A

STORY AND DESIGN BY BREAKING NEWS EDITOR MADDIE YOUNG, A&E EDITOR LUCY STOFER AND REPORTER MCKENNA HEEGN

s finals and college deadlines approach, the topic of stress becomes a common discussion thread. A good way to prepare for stress is to be informed about its causes, effects and resolutions. So when stress occurs, it can be identified and handled properly before it leads to other serious health problems.

Psychotherapist Dr. Kelly Jameson came to speak to the high school on Nov. 30 about stress in teens and the effects that it can have.

“Dr. Jameson spoke at the grade school two years ago and her and Mrs. Broderick used to work together and are good friends,” High School Division Head Natalie McDonough said. “She did a great job, so I knew I wanted her to come speak at the high school.”

Though stress is magnified around deadlines and big tests, the feeling always exists. In high school students having to navigate the balancing act of juggling school and extracurriculars, it is always present. When asked to rate their stress on any given day on a scale from one to 10, one representing little to no stress and 10 representing a significant amount of stress, students responded with an average stress level of 7.3, according to a school-wide survey with 205 student responses.

CAUSES

Stress is inevitable. It provides motivation and allows tasks to be completed in a timely manner. For example, having deadlines and multiple responsibilities to attend to at once provokes a healthy stress level by allowing the skills of time management and balance to be developed.

However, not all stress is healthy. Stress can transform from this positive arena into a problem when extreme levels are experienced continuously. This daily stress is a big issue in top private high schools where students experience many factors contributing to their stress level, according to an article from New York University about a survey conducted on the stress of students who attend highly selective private high schools. For instance, 49 percent of top high school students who attend private high schools and have an average GPA of 3.46 reported feeling a great deal of stress on a daily basis and 31 percent reported feeling somewhat stressed, according to an exploratory study conducted by the New York University College of Nursing in July of 2015.

“I think it goes back to the kind of student that wants to come to Sion,” College Counselor Erin Stein said. “They’re

academically motivated, they are looking to their future and they are wanting to position themselves to be as successful as possible when they are going to college. I think it’s part of the culture here.”

The distinction between inevitable stress and toxic stress can be defined in three different levels based on the severity of stress that one is feeling, according to Jameson.

The first layer can simply be identified as stress, which encompasses the general stress that students operate under on a daily basis and the stress that helps to get things done.

For example, this layer emcompasses general to-do lists and deadlines that act as motivators for staying organized and on top of assignments.

The second layer is distress; in this layer one starts to lose control of her emotions and symptoms such as irritability and withdrawal begin to appear. In this layer discouraging thoughts and negative self-talk can begin, leaving one in a frenzied state with no clear plan of action. This state can be the result of having too many commitments pile up at all at once, or not having enough time to complete the aforementioned tasks.

The third and final layer can be identified as overload in which one is at her breaking point and the littlest thing can cause a meltdown, according to Jameson.

“Overload is when we get to the point of having meltdowns and crying aimlessly for hours,” Jameson said. “In some cases we can’t get out of bed or we are so irritable that something small will set us off. Usually whatever sets us off is not what we are actually upset about but our emotions have been building for so long that that little thing is enough to send us over the edge.” meltdown.

Jameson’s distinctions of stress into three layers show that serious problems and consequences arise when stress reaches the levels of “distress” and “overload.”

These two layers demonstrate what comes to mind when the word stress is mentioned and are the two levels where common Story continued on Page 16...

LE JOURNAL December 2016

15

COVER STORY

...Story continued from Page 15

causes can be easily identified.

The causes of the “distress” and “overload” layers vary far and wide and are different for every individual. School, family, friends, work, finding a balance, being healthy, college, time management and excessive homework top the list of stressors, according to the school-wide survey. Jameson agreed with these results.

“I would say that academics and the pile up of work top the list as the number one causes of stress in high school students,” Jameson said. “And the second cause would have to be problems with friends.”

When discussing the causes of academic stress, the idea of perfectionism and the procrastinator mindset prevail as common sources.

For the type-A driven personalities, the issue of perfectionism contends as one of the highest stressors. This mindset of needing to do everything perfect all the times is unrealistic and is impossible to healthily maintain as to-do lists continually grow longer and tasks become more difficult, according to Jameson.

“Perfectionism is not anything that should be praised,” Jameson said. “It is an allusion and something that is unattainable.”

This need for perfectionism, if not corrected appropriately, can lead to more negative side effects and end up doing more harm than good. This idea is running rampant among the school’s students and the need for a balance and resolution is evident, according to Counselor Erika Ellwanger.

“I think a good portion of you girls put a ton of pressure on yourselves to be the top at everything, especially academically, so I think that there is a lot of academic stress,” Ellwanger said.

On the other hand,

Psychology Teacher Linda Blasdel said.

The sympathetic OVERDRIVE nervous system then releases neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine into the brain and epinephrine into DISTRESS the rest of the body.

These chemicals cause immediate physical reactions such as muscle tension, an increase in blood pressure (hypertension), a rapid heart rate, an increased breathing rate and an increase of blood flow to muscles. It also has less obvious effects such as decreasing metabolism, and slowing the digestive process, according to Harvard Health Publications.

“I think we all know that a little bit of stress is a good thing because it gets you up and gets you going,” Kilo said. “But when it’s chronic and you’re constantly feeling that pressure where your body is always producing an increase of stress hormones is where it can become damaging.”

Also in the brain a fight or flight hormone known as cortisol is released. This hormone is designed to give you the energy to get out of an unsafe environment, is released when symptoms of stress are felt, according to Jameson. This hormone in a weird in between phase where encounters is not designed to stay in the brain and is supposed with outside peer pressures are beginning, and to just peak and wane. But when students stay freshman’s stress stems from experiencing an stressed, elevated levels of this hormone remain in entirely new school and environment while trying the brain and cause problems of their own. to make new friends at the same time.

“The problem is when students stay stressed because this causes cortisol to become toxic and lead to migraines, fatigue, hypertension, and EFFECTS stomach ulcers,” Jameson said.

With the causes of “distress” and “overload” While quick reactions to stress help save lives identified, the next step is to take a look at what in dangerous situations, the body is not designed results from these academic-based stresses. In to stay in this state. If the body is constantly in these two layers, the feelings of being overwhelmed this stressful condition and has little to no time and out of control prevail and start to affect to relax and recover, it gets put in “overdrive” or a person’s physical and mental health. These a state of hyperarousal which can lead to stress stressed-out feelings trigger the body and brain to disorders such as high blood pressure, headaches, react in a way that can be destructive, especially if muscle tension, stomachaches and other digestive the feelings are not intercepted and reversed. problems and even mental illness, according to the “We are seeing an increase in the rate of Mayo Clinic. suicide attempts and successful suicides in “The more stressed we are, the more we run teens across the country,” Dr. Michele Kilo, around like a chicken with our head cut off, and the Director of the Division of Developmental more stressed we get,” Blasdel said. “We have to use and Behavioral Sciences at Children’s Mercy, our knowledge and kindness to ourselves to say ‘we said. “I really do believe that it is this crazy need to take a break.” intersection of access to everything through The more noticeable effects of long term stress electronics and social media, as well as in teens can be feeling nervous, anxious, tired, extreme pressures to do everything so well.” procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities, The immediate reaction that the body feeling overwhelmed, having negative thoughts and has when placed under stress occurs in the experiencing changes in sleeping habits, according amygdala which is located in the brain’s limbic to the Mayo Clinic. Problems with concentrating system and controls emotions. The amygdala and changes in eating habits (eating too much or processes signals coming from the other senses too little) are also linked to stress. and if any kind of threat is perceived, the amygdala “The other thing that has happened with this reacts and sends messages to the rest of the brain generations of teens is that you guys all go to bed that the body is in harm’s way, according to with your phones so you have texts coming in and Harvard Health Publications. you’re not sleeping as well or as long as you should “We don’t think as clearly because we don’t be,” Kilo said “So the lack of good solid sleep with maintain that high level of hypervigilance,” the increase in stress hormones can potentially be procrastination provokes stress in a entirely new manner. Stress from procrastination usually amounts from waiting until the last minute to do projects or study for tests and not staying organized, according to Jameson. It can also be sourced from not managing time wisely or from being involved in too many things.

“I think in this community some of that pressure is self inflicted because we have a lot of ambitious, highly motivated driven girls, type A students who want to do things right and may be a little bit afraid of failure,” Stein said. “I think also being surrounded by other people that feel that way too heightens that sense of ‘I need to be perfect in order to get accepted into that school.’”

Besides the division of academic stress, the causes of stress can be broken up among grade levels, according to Ellwanger. For example, seniors have the added stress of applying to college and leaving family and friends, while juniors have a strenuous course load, are taking standardized tests and are starting to get involved in the college pool.

For sophomores, stress comes from being stuck

“Perfectionism is not anything that should be praised. It is an allusion and something that is unattainable.”

- Dr. Kelly Jameson, LPC

GRADES

HOMEWORK

FRIENDS SLEEP COLLEGE DRAMA

TIME MANAGEMENT

FAMILY BALANCE

SCHOOL TESTS LIFE

EXTRACURRICULARS SO WORK PERFECT CIAL JOB DEADLINES LIFE

DRAMA HEALTH FAMILY SPORTS PRESSURE TESTS STUDYING SERVICE 16 LE JOURNAL December 2016

STRESS

COVER STORY

to de-stressing is to stop thinking about what is very damaging to your health.”

Students have so much going on in their lives, worrisome and causing negative thoughts.

One thing Blasdel recommends is exercise. trying to maintain good grades in difficult classes when there are such high expectations to also have Take a walk, get into nature and out of the brain’s world of never-ending thoughts, because it is the a job and keep their slew of extracurriculars like sports as well. Most students have so much on their mind that is sent into overdrive when stress starts accumulating. Really focus on the surroundings of plate that this state of high stress has become the nature, the squirrels burying norm that they have to deal Hours of Sleep Reconmended nuts for the winter, the with.

“On any given day I Ages 6-13 leaves changing colors and falling from the branches. have pretty high stress but it’s become manageable because Ages 14-17 Through these close observations one is allowed that’s just how it always is on Ages 18-25 to practice mindfulness a daily basis,” senior Mayme and really be present in Loyd said. the here and now instead Ages 26-64 As the school year go on, of the permanent past or students’ plates just become unforeseeable future. more and more full with a = 2 hours of sleep “You aren’t thinking constant list of things to do about what just happened * According to the National Sleep Foundation and catch up on. or what’s going to happen,” “Everybody who says Blasdel said. “You are in the present moment and senior year is easy is lying. It’s basically the same that is a real healthy place to be.” thing as junior year if you’re taking challenging Something else Blasdel suggests is what she classes, but then add college, your senior service calls “tend and befriend,” or give a hug-get a hug. project, graduation, and everything else on top of This process involves generating a hormone called that,” Loyd said. oxytocin that causes one to feel better. Oxytocin These effects can be detrimental to the is produced when an affectionate look is given to physical and mental health and highlight the importance of finding the best ways for you to cope a person of endearment or when people give hugs or cuddle. In general, the more oxytocin that is with the stress that many teens feel. produced, the better and happier one is likely to While most stress stemming from school feel. Even smiling at someone while walking down and sports can’t be avoided, the key to handling the hall can cause oxytocin to be produced and this stress is finding a resolution that best fits with therefore, a happier mood to be enlisted because one’s individual lifestyle. For example, activities even though the smile might have been fake or like exercise, relaxing and taking a break from technology help the mind grow. Often when one is intended for someone else, the fake smile will trick stressed they begin a to recall things that have been the brain and the same muscles will be in use as going wrong in the past few weeks and head into a those when happiness is truly felt. “[When] someone sees you smiling at them, downward spiral, according to Blasdel. you are going to get a smile back,” Blasdel said.

“We are social beings and the moods we have are RESOLUTIONS contagious.”

In a school-wide survey, students were Just as everyone has different and unique asked how they cope with stress. Some of the things that they are stressed out by, everyone also has their own way to destress.Thoughts and actions most popular responses included: sleep, Netflix, exercise and listening to music. But some students actually improve the brain and neural networks, responded with different methods. Other according to Blasdel. That is why the first step successful techniques included talking to parents or upperclassmen, meditating and finding a Sion vs. National Stress Average In Teens On a scale of 1-10, 10 being overdrive stress healthy balance between work and play.

“If I start freaking out [my parents and I] 7.76 take a break and go on a walk or something to Sophomore distract me,” junior Kaitlin Dervin said.

Unplugging from technology and social 7.33 media is another great way to de-stress by allowing Junior time to strictly be spent alone. Kilo recommends 7.31 no more than three hours of screen time a School Total day, whether it be on a phone, watching TV or computer.

7.24 “[Technology] is not giving your brain any Senior rest time, to just be and think on your own. It’s just a constant intervention that is interrupting your 6.95 Freshmen thoughts,” Kilo said. “Even that brings pressure.”

In maisons a new program has been 5.8 introduced that teachers are encouraged to talk National Teen about once a month. Wellness by Sion promotes seven different dimensions of wellness: social, *National average based off a survery from the American Psychological Association emotional, occupational, physical, spiritual, **Grade average based off a survey of 210 environmental and intellectual. Director of students

Community Wellness/Assistant Athletic Director Sarah Johnson describes the seven different dimensions as pieces of a puzzle that fit together.

When one gets off balance, all the other follow, kind of like a ripple effect. Johnson is looking forward to the way this new program can play a role in the lives of students.

“I hope that students become mindful of these seven dimensions so that they can practice and be conscious of them throughout the rest of their lives,” Johnson said.

While stress is totally normal and necessary to be productive and motivated to get stuff done, the overload that teens are now experiencing is having serious effects on their mental and physical health.

“If we want to be good, healthy people we have to cut back on gettting stressed out,” Blasdel said. Even though school work can feel so overwhelming, it is important to keep personal health a priority. One’s mentality becomes their reality: meaning if one keeps thinking negatively and that it is impossible to get all of that work done, then it isn’t going to happen vs. taking it one step at a time. It is also important to disconnect from technology and give your brain rest time to just be and think on it’s own, according to Kilo.

“And if we could get to the point of that’s how we’re living,” Kilo said, “and we were mediating that constant draw to our phones to look things up or be snapchatting, it would provide a much healthier brain environment.”

TIPS FROM STUDENTS...

Senior Honor Schleicher, National Merit Commended Student “I usually listen to music when I’m stressed. Sometimes I like to go for a run too. When you’re really stressed out it’s good to take a break.”

Junior Afton Fennewald, goalkeeper for nationally ranked soccer team “When I’m really stressed I like to drop everything and sleep. If I have practice and I’m stressed I just drop everything and go to practice.”

Freshman Helen Willis, member of the golf team “I like to turn [my missing assignments] in as soon as I can. When I am feeling stressed out I usually go for walks and listen to music.”

LE JOURNAL December 2016

17

FEATURES

A Walk on Wall St A

(Photo Illustrations by Megan Ostrander)

18 LE JOURNAL December 2016

woman clad in black from head to toe strolls into the building.

Suddenly, “Back in Black” by AC/ DC begins to play over the speakers.

A can of hairspray is shaken and sprayed on her short highlighted hair. In the bleachers underclassmen whisper with each other, “Who is that?” they ask, unsure of why all the upperclassmen are laughing. As she sits down and opens her laptop it becomes clear who she is. The nametag on her computer reads “Wall.”

However, this isn’t the real Wall but rather alumna Blair Allen’s interpretation of her in the 2015 Senior Food for Thought skit.

This only leaves one question in the minds of those who don’t know her - Who is Wall?

Graphic design and photoshop teacher Carole Wall-Simmons, affectionately called “Wall” by students and teachers alike, has been teaching here for 10 years. But this is the 45th year of her noteworthy teaching career - a career that wouldn’t have happened if not for her grandfather, Chauncey Lewis.

However, she never wanted to be a teacher. Instead, Wall wanted to be a reporter at the Kansas City Star and then a magazine editor in New York. Before enrolling in college, Lewis convinced her otherwise. With coaxing from her student-teaching supervisor, Wall went to an interview for a journalism, introduction to mass communications, yearbook and newspaper teacher at Grandview High School.

“I was very nonplussed during the interview,” Wall said. “Then Bill McCrary, principal at GHS and later the father I never had, and Chauncey reincarnated, leaned across the desk and asked ‘Miss Kidwell, what is a teacher?’”

To Wall, a teacher was someone that had to be there for their students. It seemed like all of her past teachers were old, and couldn’t care less about their students. Wall was offered the job, but still wasn’t going to take it. Her then fiance, Tom Wall, wanted her to sign the contract since they were getting married soon and she could just stay there for a year.

She signed the contract and began teaching in August of 1971.

“After my first week I was amazed at how much I loved it and said I’d teach for free,” Wall said. “I still feel that way 44 years later.”

Growing up, Wall lived with her mother, Betty Lewis, who was a model in print advertisements and commercials. While living in Cleveland, Ohio, and for many different periods in her life, Lewis lived with her and her mother. It wasn’t an easy childhood. They moved from Cleveland, Ohio to Warrensburg, Missouri where her grandfather lived when Wall was four. It was here that Lewis stepped in again to help and often stayed with them.

One of the reasons for this was her mother’s addiction to alcohol. “[Chauncey] always said he only did it for me and I truly believe this because he didn’t know what she would do,” Wall said.

Wall went on to attend Southwest High School in Kansas City. While in high school, her mother’s fourth husband Neil Storck, who was a master sergeant in the Air Force, suddenly died, causing Betty to spiral downward. Again, Lewis had to return to living with them. The doctors wanted Lewis to commit her mother to the mental hospital for the second time.

“I can remember running out that front door to grandfather because now all I could think of was how [my mother] was my whole responsibility,” Wall said. “So I ran out to grandfather and I’m sobbing and I said ‘What am I going to do?’ and he said ‘Well I’ll help you. I’ll take care of her. We’ll take care of her.’”

Through it all, Lewis encouraged Wall to finish high school strong. Education was very important to both of Wall’s grandparents. Both were teachers and wanted Wall to go to college.

With very little money available, Wall didn’t believe this would happen. “[Chauncey] and Grandmother were always so focused on education,” Wall said.

“They both had their master’s degrees, which was very unusual for a man born in 1888 and especially for a woman born in 1901.”

Lewis knew Ben Davis, who was a five-star general in the Air Force. Davis was able to pull some strings and got Wall a scholarship to college because of Storck’s service in the military. She attended college in Warrensburg, at what is now known as the University of Central Missouri. While here, she joined a sorority that helped her meet one of her lifelong friends Pat Bock. Often, Bock and Wall would go down to Lewis’s house for dinner and a visit.

“Carole’s grandfather was an important figure in her life. Carole’s mother was not a stable person so her grandfather was her rock,” Bock said. “I remember he and his wife were very interesting people. I always felt he was the one constant person in her life which made it easy to understand why he was so important to her. He was intelligent, well educated and well

treet

FEATURES

Graphic Design and Photoshop teacher Carole WallSimmons’ passion for teaching from her grandfather.

BY MEGAN OSTRANDER PRINT CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

read, [he] sounds like Carole.”

During Wall’s sophomore year of college, her grandfather died. He was her rock, one of the only constant people in her life. He helped her take care of her mother. After his death, Wall had to face many tough times.

“Through all his problems growing up, to having to deal unbelievably with my mother, he just kept going,” Wall said. “I pray all the time about the incredible blessing God sent me, my grandfather and the gift of teaching. If not for the grace of God giving me Chauncey I couldn’t have survived.”

Wall graduated with an undergraduate degree in Journalism and English. While teaching at Grandview, Wall’s student publications became All-Americans, only given to the top 1.2 percent of high school publications in the United States, and Pacemakers, the National Scholastic Press Association’s preeminent award which less than 1 percent of high school publications receive.

In 1983, Wall received the Missouri Journalism Teacher of the Year Award. While giving her speech, Wall spoke about her grandparents and how they shaped her life.

Wall’s grandmother, Sara Lewis, was there, and received a standing ovation.

“I am so glad she was there to see it. She passed away suddenly the next year,” Wall said.

“But I know Grandfather was looking down and saw all of it. I imagine he gave a big sigh and said ‘She made it. I can rest’.”

While teaching journalism at Grandview High School for 20 years, Wall impacted many of her students’ lives. Krista Klaus, former business editor at KMBZ 98.1 and former reporter at KCTV, KMBC-TV and WFLATV, was an editor under Wall at Grandview High School. Currently, Klaus owns her own consulting company in Kansas City, Missouri.

Klaus appreciated the way Wall identified and connected with her students and how she invested in the young women she teaches. “[Wall] basically planted the seed for my love of journalism. She taught me how to have a nose for news,” Klaus said. “She just really nurtured that curiosity within me and that love for sniffing out information and the story, and then sharing it with other people and presenting it in a creative and interesting way.”

Missy Pinkel, another former editor at Grandview High School and current publisher of L-O Profile Magazine, spoke about Wall in the same way. Pinkel valued Wall’s passion for what she was doing and what she was teaching.

This passion filtered down into her students and made them excited to come to class. Her passion for media inspired Pinkel and even influenced her in her future career.

“I try right now, in this position that I have as publisher of my own magazine, to emulate her through my staff,” Pinkel said. “I just think ‘What would Miss Carole Wall do in

this situation?’ So a lot of what she was in the classroom to me, I’ve tried to be in the office and in my staff.”

In 1999 the Grandview School District hired a new superintendent, Dr. Tony Stansberry. As the superintendent of other districts he always had a Public Relations Director. However, Grandview had never had one. Stansberry looked at Wall’s publications, her awards and knew her because she had taught his daughter, and wanted her to be the Assistant to the Superintendent for Communications.

“I had nine schools to cover and report on in eight major publications that I wrote in and produced myself,” Wall said. “I had to go to every school board meeting, every city council meeting and every Chamber of Commerce meeting.”

After her first year she won the Golden Apple from the NSPA, which is the highest award given nationally for starting a public relations campaign.

“I found myself going to conventions, nationally and statewide, and competing again with publications. At first I liked it because I did the publications all myself and didn’t have to worry about kids, meetings or deadlines,” Wall said. “But then I realized this is not what my life is about. I wanted to teach.”

After 32 years in the Grandview School District, Wall decided to retire. After retiring she briefly taught at both the University of Missouri-Kansas City and Longview Community College. However, in 2007, she was interviewed by Elizabeth Middleton and Kay Walkup for a teaching position at Sion.

They wanted Wall to enhance the journalism program at Sion. Wall accepted the position, taking on both the newspaper and yearbook, along with other various journalism classes.

Wall taught yearbook photo editor and senior Katia Hauptmann in Layout & Design her sophomore year. Hauptmann said her and Wall formed a good balance where she would rile Wall up while Wall calmed her down.

“I often find myself in Wall’s room after school ends just talking to her for hours about things I couldn’t talk to other teachers about,” Hauptmann said. “Wall is always willing to offer advice and her own odd personal story behind her wisdom. Behind her dark outfits and intimidating demeanor, Wall truly has a very approachable personality and a kind heart.”

Overtime, she has chosen to lessen her class load. However, her impact on students hasn’t changed. Looking back, Wall remembers what her grandfather told her before enrolling in college. “[Chauncy] looked at me and he was crying,” Wall said. “Because I didn’t have any brothers or sisters he said ‘Honey, someday you’re going to be all alone. But if you teach and you’re a good teacher, the kids never leave you’.”

LOVING MENTOR Chauncey Lewis, pictured above and right holding Carole Wall-Simmons as a young child, influenced and positively impacted Wall’s life growing up. Lewis was Wall’s maternal grandfather.

Her grandfather’s influence continued on through Wall’s life as a young adult (pictured left). Photos submitted

by Carole WallSimmons.

LE JOURNAL December 2016

19

FEATURES

A Piece of Sinkula Senior Geneva Sinkula uses her final year of high school to work on her senior service project and her art.

BY CLARE KIMMIS PHOTO EDITOR

W

ith Oklahoma City in the rearview mirror, senior Geneva Sinkula stares out the window of her car as she makes her way towards Kansas City. It’s another move, one that was very welcome and taken in stride.

“I was actually excited to leave Oklahoma City because it felt like we were returning home,” Sinkula said. “We never really liked Oklahoma all that much because it just wasn’t as cultured as Kansas City.”

Sinkula lived in Kansas City until she was 8 and then moved to Oklahoma City. Sinkula moved back to Kansas City in the summer and said she started her senior year at a new school in the fall with an open and accepting mind. Her parents sat her down and asked her if she wanted to move to Kansas City and it was an instantaneous and enthusiastic choice.

“I think Geneva is fitting in so well. I can imagine how hard it must be to switch schools your senior year, but she seems really optimistic about it,” senior Grace Prusa said. “It also helps that she is easy to get along with and is super funny.”

Sinkula is currently taking AP English, Calculus and Portfolio Art at Sion. Besides her rigorous courses, Sinkula said she is currently focusing on her senior service project and her quill art visual pieces. Sinkula chose a service project which will take place in February in the Northland where she lives.

Sinkula originally was planning on doing her project at KC Pet Project but decided against it. She now plans to teach multiple technology classes to the elderly by going to three different nursing homes with five different, hour-long sessions. In each home, she will teach the elderly how to use phones or computers.

Her inspiration for this project came from her grandmother who is always asking her how to use her smartphone. Sinkula

believes that the elderly are a wholesome group of people to be around because she will be connecting with people who have so much life experience. She likes the idea of bringing something new to those who have been alive for a long time.

“It warms my heart that I am Geneva’s inspiration for doing a technology class for the elderly,” Sinkula’s grandmother Karen Hugo said. “There are so many things the young can learn from the elderly and today’s technology is something that the young in return can be useful in helping them conquer.”

Sinkula’s senior service project isn’t the only thing that sets her apart. She started doing visual pieces with quill pens her sophomore year of high school. These works of art are the result of using a quill and ink which makes a different type of line than a pencil or even a pen.

Her sophomore year, Sinkula took an art class which used different mediums. Some mediums used in this class were painting and drawing, but quill ink visuals were and still are her favorite.

Sinkula said that this kind of art fascinates her because she likes the different types of lines she can create with the quill.

“I feel really centered and in my zone when I do art,” Sinkula said. “I don’t talk to anyone when I’m doing it. It is just me and my art.”

Even with a six hour move, Sinkula has taken everything in stride. She fits into her new school, has new friends, still talks to her old friends, still does her art and has a unique senior service project coming up.

“I think I’m adapting more and more as time goes on,” Sinkula said. “My time at Sion has gone incredibly fast and I’m saddened to say that it seems like just the other day it was my last first day of school.”

Above left is an ink visual piece of Sinkula’s father. Above right shows an art piece done in acrylic paint, printed materials, mod podge and oil pastel that depicts a woman smoking while looking at a factory.

This piece was made in Portfolio Art and displayed at the Tri M recital Nov. 9.(Photos by Clare Kimmis)

20

LE JOURNAL December 2016

FEATURES

a

ABSTRACTION Sinkula presents a drawing of a an abstract building made with quill and ink. (Photo by Clare Kimmis) LE JOURNAL December 2016

21

FEATURES

Double Team Sisters Ayiana and Anaiya Uhde explore their passion for basketball together.

T

BY ANNA TOMKA FEATURE EDITOR

he scoreboard flashes as every remaining second is counted down. The positions, both Uhdes are still able to constantly learn from each other. cheers from the crowd roar louder as freshman Anaiya Uhde dribbles “Anaiya has more of a guard mentality and is not afraid of contact which down the court with determination. Her heart is racing, sweat beading will benefit her in the future,” interim varsity head coach Kate Pilgreen said. down her forehead, eyes darting to her teammates in order to strategically “Ayiana has a post mentality, and we do struggle with a lack of posts so she determine her next move. She finds her sister wide open and swiftly passes definitely helps in the department of having a central presence on the court.” the ball to her. Sophomore Ayiana Uhde receives it and skillfully dodges her As a post, Anaiya said that Ayiana has to have more than height and is opponent before extending her arms to take a shot. The ball soars through the required to be able to drive the ball as well as be willing to work the whole air, hitting the backboard cleanly before falling right through the net with a court. It’s an incredibly physical position that entails protecting the basket. satisfying swish.

“They’re both hard-working and take it very seriously,” junior teammate This scene from Point Guard College Camp at Missouri Western Meghan Frerking said. “I like that they’re dedicated and this motivates the rest State University was where Ayiana said the two grew closest and had the of the team too.” opportunity to build on their relationship through basketball. The Uhde sisters The point guard position, played by Anaiya, must also control the ball and have played basketball side by side since they were merely 4 and 5 years old. essentially direct the offense as a primary leader. Point guards typically happen Their infatuation with the sport initially started with Upward, a “church ball” to be the team’s best ball-handler. league founded for recreation. The atmosphere was “Ayiana plays post, which is how I learned to go up completely carefree and the rules were not enforced. strong to the hoop,” Anaiya said. “Without her, I wouldn’t The league taught the sisters the fundamentals of the be able to play point guard because they have to know how game, but as years passed they wanted to take the to drive and finish.” game to the next level.

The Uhdes plan to play in college and are seeking “My dad was an All-American football player in division one schools in the Chicago area. Their primary college, so hard work has kind of been ingrained into goal is to remain playing together. The sisters created a my family since day one,” Ayiana said. “I wanted to blog almost one year ago called Miss-ScholarAthlete.com be the best, so I said I wanted to play competitive.” to share everything they go through with other athletes.

When Anaiya was 12 and Ayiana was 13 they The blog includes a quote of discovered Eclipse, a Kansas basketball club for girls the week, personal advice, JUMP BALL that focuses on enhancing necessary skills as well daily updates and promotes Sophomore Ayiana and as preparing players to compete at a higher level. positivity. The goal was not freshman Anaiya Uhde According to Eclipse basketball coach Joe Erskine, only to share their athlete demonstrate their skills and the club started with two teams and has grown to perspective but also to face off against each other. accommodate over 300 girls. They are a non-profit share their experiences (Photos by Anna Tomka) organization that stands for giving girls who are as dedicated students. serious about basketball a venue for developing their The girls understand game and showcasing their talents if they have a goal that academics of playing in college. This new team the Uhde sisters are equally became apart of proved to be quite a contrast to their important and former, easygoing league. must be valued in order to achieve their future goal of “Once we got to playing competitively, I knew playing at the college level.

I really needed to catch up and that’s when I started Ayiana spent her freshman year at Shawnee working hard,” Anaiya said.

Mission West, and Anaiya attended Westridge Inspiration to pursue the game came from Middle School. The girls were attracted to Sion watching their older sister, Alexis Dockett, play at because there wasn’t the distraction of boys and Shawnee Mission West in 2014. students took classes seriously.

“Alexis started the whole basketball trend in my “When I went on the tour, I knew this family,” Ayiana said. “I knew I wanted to be just like was the place I wanted to be,” Anaiya said. “I’m her because you just always look up to your older really able to express myself more here and I sister.” felt like I couldn’t do that before.”

Their father, Matthew Uhde, played a major role in their improvement The basketball program was a unique atmosphere and has been training them for four years in Mixed Martial Arts, since he is to them. The Uhdes said they could see players actually a professional MMA fighter himself. He had experienced the high pressure improve from the aid of coaches and the entire team situations in football, which made it easier for him to guide them through radiated enthusiasm. They weren’t afraid to seek assistance tough moments despite the differences between the two sports. Both said he from their coaches or other players. has been their biggest motivator and can relate to what they go through as “They’re intense and gritty players,” Pilgreen said. “Neither serious athletes. of them back down from a challenge which fits in with the “I hope they can achieve their dreams, and I’ll be happy with whatever competitive atmosphere of the whole team already.” they can accomplish. I’m here to help them, but it’s going to be their own drive In the future, the Uhde sisters hope to continue their partnership with that gets them there,” Matthew said. “I’ve always taught them to be very selfeach other through the game and advance as players. Both of the Uhdes are driven.” confident their devotion to the sport will not cease.

The Uhde’s routine involves rising from their beds early every morning “I really just want to continue to play with Ayiana, so we can support each to arrive for workouts in the gym by 6:45, followed by a daily practice after other like we always have been,” Anaiya said. “I’ve never played without her school now that the basketball season has started. Because they play different and I don’t ever want to.”

22

LE JOURNAL December 2016

FEATURES FEATURES

SIDE BY SIDE Sisters Ayiana and Anaiya Uhde share their love for basketball and support each other both on and off the court.

(Photo by Anna Tomka)

LE JOURNAL December 2016

23

A&E

American Wizarding World

Fulfills Its Purpose The first film in a new series, this American wizarding world adequately entertains with a strong cast and brilliant visual effects.

BY ABBY SMITH PRINT CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The theater goes dark and the Harry Potter theme song emerges over the speakers, immediately catching the attention of the mass of fans that wait expectantly in the theater for J.K. Rowling’s latest masterpiece put to life.

While the following 132 minutes will undoubtedly entertain with the powerful cast and incredible visuals of “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” it will ultimately fails to satisfy any craving for a revival of the Harry Potter legacy.

Based off a Hogwarts textbook and set roughly 70 years before Harry Potter entered the wizarding world, this latest fantasy universe

draws viewers in with parallel plotlines that include a balance of action, humor and a hint of romance. Set in 1926 New York City, a surplus of conflict arises between the “no-maj” (muggle) community and the Magical Congress (informally known as Macusa and synonymous with the Ministry of Magic).

The movie, directed by David Yates (who also directed the last four Harry Potter works), starts out slow but quickly picks up due to impressive cast performances including Eddie Redmayne who plays the leading role of Newt Scamander, an English wizard with a briefcase full of magical beasts that escape into the city. Newt illegally teams up with a hilarious “no-maj” named Jacob Kowalski, played

by Dan Fogler; insulted Macusa member Tina, played by Katherine Waterston; and Tina’s telepathic sister, Queenie, played by Alison

(Photo used with permission by EPK.TV)

Sudol.

Newt and Jacob travel the city to re-capture all of Newt’s prized creatures. However, not only are the creatures creating chaos, but an even larger unknown force is simultaneously wreaking havoc on the city, threatening to expose the secret wizarding community to the rest of the world. Combined with the clever inclusion of an extremist anti-witchcraft group located in Salem, the handful of twisted plotswhile each weak in itself-serve their purpose as solid and intriguing entertainment.

The visual effects are perhaps the most stunning addition to this film, allowing this magical world of beasts

practically come to life. Newt’s briefcase provides a prime example of this by acting as a portal to an incredible sanctuary, home to a wide variety of extraordinary creatures in their individual habitats including a giant rhino, an adorable platypus-looking critter and an enormous eagle.

Except for a few brief mentions of Albus Dumbledore and Hogwarts, the movie concludes with a plot twist but little apparent connection to the more familiar European world of magic.

Even though the film and its four future sequels have little to no chance of ever reaching the level of its Harry Potter relatives, the film is nevertheless an entertaining work well worth the time to watch.

McLain’s Market Offers Unique Experience Equally impressive as the variety is the atmosphere. Even with all the changes, McLain’s Market retains the informal feel of a bakery, with customers coming in and out or sitting down for a few moments. However, it is unlike any other

BY CATHERINE FRERKER KC bakery. The industrial chic design, friendly SPORTS EDITOR and fast service and expanded menu set it apart Wood and metal architecture, bustle from from others. An outdoor patio is also available for the kitchen, dining customers of all ages and indie dining on days with nice weather. music playing in the background are the sights People looking for a quick and delicious and sounds of Overland Park’s newest bakery and meal, snack or tasty treat will not be disappointed. restaurant duo.

Within five minutes of entering, What used to be a gas station a delectable order of a cranapple at the corner of Roe and W. salad, mini chocolate cupcake 107th St. is now a cool place to and caramel latte was already set go for breakfast, lunch, dinner on the table. The food was better or a quick snack. Open from 7 than expected; the cupcake was a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through rich and definitely lived up to its Thursday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday high expectations, the salad and and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. its custom dressing were unique Sundays but closed on Mondays, and flavorful and the latte was the restaurant offers delicious perfectly blended, creating a sweet (Photo by Catherine Frerker) options at really any hour. and palatable drink.

McLain’s Market, sister to One final perk of McLain’s McLain’s Bakery on Gregory Blvd., differentiates Market is the location. About five to ten minutes itself in many ways from the older bakery. The from school, seniors can easily go there over their name “market” reflects the increased variety of lunch break. goods: salads, sandwiches, small plates, breakfast, Overall, McLain’s Market is unquestionably a grocery items and juice instead of just bakery success. The delicious food, pleasant atmosphere items and coffee. Additionally, there is a table and accessible location are just a few of the factors stocked with T-shirts, coffee beans, candles and that will undoubtedly make McLain’s the new other items for sale, with most of the products favorite restaurant of many students. priced under $15.

New combined restaurant and bakery provides a distinct environment and a variety of goods.

24

LE JOURNAL December 2016

Menu Highlights CranApple Salad $7.50 //

Mixed Greens, Chicken, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Carrots, Almonds, Dried Cranberries, Homemade Cranberry-Apple Dressing

Veggie Quiche $5.25 //

Eggs, Cheese, Assorted Veggies, served with Potatoes

Bite-Sized Desserts $1.00-$1.50 //

Peanut Butter Balls, Brownie Truffle, Cheesecake Bites, Cake Bites, Mini Cupcakes

Chicken Flatbread $9.00 //

Chicken, Red Peppers, Red Onions, Fresh Mozzarella, Almond Green Sauce, Blackberry Sauce, Drizzled with Chive Oil on Flatbread (mclainsmarketkc.com)

A&E

Winter Formal: Last Minute Beauty Tips Hair Inspiration

BY ELLIE MAGSAMEN, REPORTER

Sophomore Mia McLey, junior Meghan Frerking and senior Elizabeth Jackoboice offer easy hair options.

Makeup Inspiration Junior Caroline Bono gives helpful hints for last minute makeup ideas. Bono is pictured below.

LIPS: “My advice to anyone looking for a good lipstick shade is to really know your skin tone,” Bono said. “It also helps to do your research because some formulas feel a lot better than others.” Bono used Too Faced Melted Chihuahua, $22. For an alternative lipstick, Bono recommend NYX lipsticks for $5-$6.

Sophomore Mia McLey models a classic half-up half-down look.

Anyone can pull off this look and it can be done in a short amount of time either at home or at a salon.

Junior Meghan Frerking pulls off the popular fishtail braid. Though this look takes some time, the beautiful outcome is worth it.

Pictured is senior Elizabeth Jackoboice styled with a high ponytail. This simple and classy look can easily be done at home.

EYES: “I chose to go with a more nude-colored, smokey eye because it matched my eye color best,” Bono said.

Bono used Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette for $42.

Donutology Offers Satisfying Custom Creations Westport’s newest donut shop takes a clever spin on the classic donut.

BY ELLIE MAGSAMEN REPORTER

With new signature donut shops popping up all around Kansas City, it’s hard for one to outshine the others. However, Donutology is rising above the rest. Located in a small building in the middle of Old Westport, it’s hard to not be entrapped by the warm aroma of dough and coffee that fills the building at 1009 Westport Rd, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.

Neon lights, stringed light bulbs and abstract artwork make up the bright interior. Open at 6 a.m. seven days a week, the cozy atmosphere is hard to resist and it’ll surely satisfy any creative donut sweet tooth.

Immediately customers are greeted with a pen and pad to bubble in their donut order. If they so choose to go with the Build Your Own Donut, known as B.Y.O.D., customers then fill out their preferred donut, icing, topping and

Donutology’s selection of donuts. (Photo by Ellie Magsamen) drizzle. Customers have the option to watch their creation come to life or lounge in the comfortable cafe setting.

Donut options include chocolate, white cake and blueberry. Icings include classic vanilla, chocolate and glaze, but they also offer unique flavors like maple and peanut butter. Toppings range from classic rainbow sprinkles and bacon, to cotton candy and Pop Rocks, offering exceptional flavor for any craving. Finally, drizzles include chocolate, marshmallow, caramel, raspberry and strawberry.

The B.Y.O.D. mini donut packs are offered as a 3 pack for $2.25, a 6 pack for $4.50, a 15 pack for $10.99 or a 35 pack for $24.99. Since mini donuts are the only option for the B.Y.O.D., classic donuts of all kinds are available at $0.99 while twists and long johns are $1.39. Also available is a seasonal special. For the election season, they sold Trumpkin Spice or Hill-Berry.

Donutology also impresses with their wide selection of drinks. Shatto milk is available for $2.50, including their special cotton candy milk, strawberry milk, chocolate milk and classic white milk. Kansas City’s own local coffee shop, The Roasterie, serves classic coffee starting at $1.99, plus drinks such as lattes, hot chocolate, cappuccinos, hot tea, smoothies and more. If looking for dessert, vanilla and chocolate donut milkshakes are also sold for $5.75.

From donuts to drinks, Donutology has the variety to satisfy everyone. Whether looking for a classic glaze or a complex creation, it’s well worth the drive up to Westport for these creative and delicious donuts.

LE JOURNAL December 2016

25

A&E

Album Speaks To All Decades

TRY GALS Le Journal staffers juniors Lauren Graves, Anna Tomka, Kelly Nugent and senior Tara Jungden posted a new Christmas themed video.

In this Try Gals video, they tried making gingerbread houses in teams of two and also discussed their favorite holiday traditions.

CHECK IT OUT

Bruno Mars’ new album “24K Magic” offers a unique and refreshing pop experience.

Go to lejournallive.com to watch the video.

ONLINE

BY SYDNEY SAN AGUSTIN REPORTER

New & Upcoming

Events

After releasing his last hit, “Uptown Funk” in 2015, singer and songwriter Bruno Mars remained under the radar for several months.

That is, until his new album “24k Magic” was released Nov. 18. The diverse album sounds fresh and continues his late-80’s-through early90’s style.

The album has a unique pop twist compared to other classic pop artists such as Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande. Its sly pop theme is shown throughout the album.

Mars uses a variety of instruments that make his songs stand out. The song “Perm” projects a very upbeat drum beat that really drives the song along with other instruments that are bright and precise altogether it really ties the song together well. On the other hand “Versace on the Floor” showcases a more mellow tone and really highlights Mars’ spectacular singing ability that fans fell in love with in his hit song “Grenade.”

The song “24K Magic” was released on Oct. 6 along with a music video. The video highlights the glitz and glam that Vegas is notorious for.

“24K Magic” contains a catchy beat and lyrics that makes it easy to sing along to. It has a showy entertaining feel and can transport watchers to a different time period.

(Photos used with permission

by EPK.TV and Wikimedia)

Dec. 2

“Darkness and Light” by John Legend on iTunes features artists like Chance the Rapper and Miguel.

Dec. 7

The Night the Buzz Stole Christmas at Arvest Bank Theater By 96.5 The Buzz. Tickets are on sale now for $29.65 and any -Photo by Ellie Chaffee remainders are $35 at the door.

Dec. 16

“The Return of the East Atlanta Santa Project” by Gucci Mane on iTunes will be his third of the year, after releasing “Woptober” on Oct. 14.

Dec. 16

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” directed by Gareth Edwards takes place before the original Star Wars film, “A New Hope.”

Dec. 21

Assassin’s Creed Movie directed by Justin Kurzel, is based on the video game series of the same title that furthers the series’ mythology.

Dec. 25

“Hidden Figures,” directed by Theodore Melfi, tells about the life of African-American mathematician Katherine Johnson.

(Photo by Wikimedia Commons)

The album consists of nine songs, with the whole album only being 33 minutes long. But within those minutes one gets to hear how Mars has matured in his music since his last album. Instead of relying on hooks, catch beats and memorable lyrics, the album focus on showing complexity and depth in each song.

With no featured artists on the album Mars remains the star attraction throughout.

With the release of his new album, Mars plans to go on a 85-date world tour. His European leg of the tour starts March 28 and his North American leg will start on July 15.

Mars will be making an appearance at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri on August 9.

Tickets went on sale Nov. 21 with average prices ranging from $49.50 to $125. The VIP Front Row Early Package starts at $689 but doesn’t include a meet and greet. Tickets can be purchased online at the Sprint Center website and ticketmaster.

24K Magic was entertaining and distinct from the current pop hits of today. All eyes are now on Mars. The world will be watching as he hits the stage in 2017. Mars’ new album can be found on spotify for free, iTunes for $9.99 and in stores for $9.99 as well. 24K Magic proves to be Mars’ strongest album of beats and vocal skills.

Go to lejournallive.com to check out more reviews.

Confessions of an Awkward Winter Formal...

Kathleen McDaniel Sophomore

“Freshmen Winter Formal my date was driving to the dance and I didn’t realize that the Sion I put into my GPS was Sion lower, so we ended up at the Plaza.”

26

LE JOURNAL December 2016

Grace Frame Junior

“Sophomore Winter Formal my date was trying to catch shrimp in his mouth and squatted so low his pants ripped.”

Maddi McMaster Senior

“Freshman year I got so nervous while asking my date that I impulsively asked if I could take some of the leaves from his front yard to use for my biology project.”

A&E

TRY THIS: Christmas lights, DIY Gifts and Holiday Traditions With Christmas approaching quickly, try out these last minute gift ideas, festive local light displays and learn about tried and true traditions.

BY OLIVIA DOPHEIDE REPORTER

Tried and True Traditions “My whole family sits on the stairs and makes a video starting with my oldest sibling working my way down to my youngest where we say our name and age.” - junior

“I have to go see Santa every year.”

- sophomore Molly Conway

Melissa Hamilton

“We have lots of Norwegian heritage, so we all dress up in Viking costumes and play viking games with each other, even when it snows.”

- Biology teacher Suzanne Norberg

DIY Gifts: Mom Edition Starbucks Peppermint Latte Soap

KC Light Displays Local Christmas light displays stretch across all of Kansas City.

Magic Tree

10287 NW View High Dr. Kansas City, MO 64134

Christmas Card Lane

West of Ridgeview and north of 151st Street Olathe, KS 66062

Candy Cane Lane

7900 block of Outlook Street Prairie Village, KS 66208

Supplies: -Goat’s Milk Soap Base, 2 lbs. $11 -Peppermint essential oil $6 - Three 8 oz. Starbucks’ cups with lids (a size smaller than “Tall”) free - Spray bottle filled with rubbing alcohol $5 - Pinch of cinnamon/ three cinnamon sticks $3 Process: 1. Remove your soap from its packaging and cut into small pieces.

2. Pile your soap pieces into a large measuring cup or microwaveable bowl.

3. Microwave the soap for 40 seconds. Then, microwave at 10-30 second intervals until the soap is completely melted. Stir to make sure there are no unmelted chunks on the bottom.

4. Add about 30 drops of peppermint essential oil (roughly 10 drops for each soap) and stir.

5. Pour soap into cups and spray soap surfaces with rubbing alcohol. Add a cinnamon stick if you desire.

6. Then, put your soap lattes in the refrigerator for two hours or overnight to harden.

7. Add a pinch of cinnamon on top.

DIY Gifts: Dad Edition Water Color Nail Polish Mug

Plaza Lights

4750 Broadway Kansas City, MO 64112

(Photos by Olivia Dopheide)

Supplies: -White Ceramic Mug $4 -Old or Disposable Bowl/Container -Nail Polish $7 Process: 1. Fill the bowl with warm water.

2. Add a drop of nail polish to the water and let it spread out. You can also use a skewer to swirl the color around a bit to give it the effect you’d like.

3. Dip your mug in the water.

4. Carefully pat mug dry with paper towel.

5. Once you’ve achieved the look you want, let it sit for at least two hours.

LE JOURNAL December 2016

27

Students Get

Involved The fall semester is wrapping up but student organizations such as Robotics and Debate are in full swing.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

1. Juniors Chigozie Okuagu and Haley Ulowetz laugh while handing a compliment cookie to Assistant Division Head for Student Life Fran Koehler during REbeL’s Be Thankful Week. “Having people read the sticker quotes from the cookies out loud was the best part,” Okuagu said. (Photo by Madisen Hane) 2. Freshman Inaya Khan and sophomore M.K. Shevlin light candles during the Thanksgiving Prayer Service put together by the Interfaith Club Nov. 17. “My main point during my speech was to share and let people know what life is like outside of school,” Khan said. (Photo by Megan Ostrander) 3. Senior Taylor Ramsey sings “Summertime” by Ella Fitzgerald in her performance during the Fine Arts Department’s Tri-M Benefit Concert Nov. 9. “It’s always a pleasure doing things that make a difference in someone’s life and getting to do what I love at the same time,” Ramsey said. (Photo by Rachel Doctor) 4. Sophomore Ava Rawson and junior Melissa Hamilton prepare for a parliamentary debate at Rockhurst High School Nov. 9. “The Rockhurst tournament was fun because they had topics that weren’t just about the election like most of the other tournaments,” Hamilton said. (Photo by Madisen Hane) 5. Sophomore Sam Wilson works on trying to perfect the top part of the collector in the Robotics Lab. Sion hosted a Robotics competition Nov. 5 where they performed better than expected, placing fifth. “We made our robot work in less than 48 hours,” Wilson said. “Just taking those last steps and realizing, wow, we will be able to compete.” (Photo by Paige Ritter) 6. Seniors Clare Carey and Maria Arroyo participate in a massage train before a long practice for the musical “Sister Act” in their costumes on Halloween. “I’m excited for this year as a senior taking on more of a leadership role,” Carey said. (Photo by Paige Ritter)

28

LE JOURNAL December 2016