J le
LE JOURNAL
ISSUE 6 VOLUME 35 MAY 2017
Senior Memories Pages 11-24.
Drawing by Mayme Loyd, Roses by Anna Tomka
LE JOURNAL MAY
SENIOR SECTION
10
Senior Class Profiles
12
Za’Hara Broxton
15
Natalie Hagedorn
16
Claire Ivey
19
Jessica Nicolosi
21
Caitlyn Swope
Seniors look back on the past four years and some of their favorite memories as a final goodbye. Senior pursues her passion for makeup and continues to expand her new business.
Senior says goodbye to a lifelong sport and hello to new opportunities and connections. Hard work and dedication in pursuing a career of serving the United States has led her to a Naval Academy school in the fall.
Senior speaks of her experience leaving her home in Italy and moving to the heart of America. How her healthy lifestyle became a passion she will pursue in college.
Wade 23 Morgan Senior Morgan Wade is a member of a nationally-ranked cheer team.
SECTIONS NEWS
OPINION
News In Brief 4 KC Themed Prom 5
Greek Life 7 What’s In A Gap Year 8
SPORTS
A&E
Sports In Brief 6 Father Daughter Sporting KC Game 6
Crushed Red Pepper 9 Summer Calendar 29
Le Journal staff seniors celebrate their last issue. From top left to right: Megan Ostrander, Abby Smith, Clare Kimmis, Lily Coit, Toni Mathis, Kate Noble, Tara Jungden and Lucy Stofer. (Photo by Lauren Graves)
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Online This Month
Harry Styles New Single Styles’ debut single, “Sign of the Times,” successfully catapults his solo-career.
13 Reasons Why Newly released Netflix show opens conversation on teen suicide and sexual assault.
Seniors’ Last Night In KC This year’s prom celebrated the seniors’ last dance in Kansas City April 8 .
EDITOR’S INK
H
ere it is. The final one. The last hurrah. It’s weird to look back now, thinking about how fast time truly does pass by. One day you walk into a strange place and before you know it, it’s your second home. Peers become family and teachers become mentors, giving advice to lead students on the right path. Walking into Sion for the first time I never thought this place would become so special to me. I always thought high school clichés were too cheesy to be true. But looking back now, I know that I have truly met some of the most inspiring and powerful women while walking the brightly and mismatched colored halls of Sion. However, it is not over yet. These last few weeks of school have been packed full of exciting events for all students, staff and teachers. Fine Arts Day took place April 21 with student performances and art showcases, including chalk drawings outside, revolving around the theme of Mother Earth. The Junior Ring Ceremony took place April 27 when the juniors receivied their class rings from various seniors and relatives, while the dedication of the grotto took place May 1 with our marble Mary gracing the Holy place. For those of you taking AP tests, testing starts May 1, and for you seniors who are stuck taking your last few finals, hang in there. Your tests are May 10-11. For all other students, finals testing begins May 16 and lasts until May 18. Summer is so close we can almost taste it, but don’t lose focus, Sion. Work hard to prepare for your finals and enjoy the long break after. Make sure to revive that old kilt you stored in the back of your closet because (surprise!) they have returned (page 5). Look for the recaps of the Kansas City themed prom (page 5) and the first Father-Daughter Sporting KC game on page 6. And check out Madisen Hanes’s review on Crushed Red Pepper, where you can find artfully chopped salads for your summer picnics. This issue is filled to the brim with everything college and seniors. Look on page 7 for the pros and cons of Greek life, and on page 8 for the benefits of considering a gap year. All your favorite senior profiles are highlighted on pages 11-25, with a sample of the interactive map on Le Journal Live on page 27. Don’t forget to follow your dreams like senior Clare Ivey (page 16). Remember the past like senior Jessica Nicolosi (page 19). Try something new that inspires you, like senior Caitlyn Swope (page 21). Take time for yourself this summer, Sion. Grow and learn and challenge yourself to be ready for next year. Seniors, here’s to you. Here’s to the laughs, the smiles, the moments and the endless amounts of love we have shared. Here’s to the tears we have cried, the emotions we have felt and the people we will never forget. Good luck on your journey. You can do this. As for the rest of you, make the most of your time here. Sion is one special place. Lastly, some important “thank you”s. Thank you to our dedicated staff, who worked tirelessly on every issue and web story. To our second mom Big Mama: we couldn’t have done this without you and will miss you terribly next year. Thank you to you, our readers, for reading every issue and making our work so meaningful to us. Signing off, Abby and Megan
LE JOURNAL 2016-2017 Lacrosse Victory On Senior Night The Varisty Lacrosse team topped Lee’s Summit High School 19-0.
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
Lejournallive.com @LeJournalSion @LeJournalSion @LeJournalLive
EDITORIAL EDITOR Lanie Jones A&E EDITOR Lucy Stofer SPORTS EDITOR Catherine Frerker FEATURE EDITOR Anna Tomka
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 Journalism Education Association
REPORTERS Reagan Amato Ellie Magsamen Ellie Chaffee Toni Mathis Olivia Dopheide Emma Miller Lauren Graves Paige Ritter Madisen Hane Sydney San Agustin McKenna Heegn 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.
LAYOUT EDITOR Meg Schwartz
LE JOURNAL May 2017
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MORP//
‘80s themed MORP attracted students from all grades to dress up and hit the dance floor March 24. The STUCO-ran dance welcomed students from St. Teresa’s Academy and Rockhurst High School and was created to be a fun event for underclassmen who cannot go to prom. The dance cost $5, but this year students were allowed to pay Friday morning and wear their costumes to school. “The ‘80s theme was definitely incorporated throughout the songs and everyone’s bright costumes,” sophomore Ayiana Uhde said. Pictured is Uhde dancing while wearing iconic ‘80s scrunchie and jean jacket. (Photo by Kelly Nugent)
Fine Arts Day//
Fine Arts Day was filled with galleries, chalk art, song, dance and poetry. Classes were shortened and students spent the afternoon either performing or appreciating the arts. In recognition of Earth Day, the theme of Fine Arts day was Mother Earth. Chalk art had an environmental edge and artists Holly and Laurel Hughes , Sion alumnae, shared how their early education affected their art and created an outlet for creativity Pictured is Worley reciting an original poem, The System. “To perform an original poem to me is a lot easier, only because when you write it it’s easier to memorize the words versus perfoming something else,” junior Joileeah Worley said. (Photo by Megan Ostrander)
Grotto Dedication//
The Grotto dedication took place May 1 and was lead by Fr. Jerry Warris. The dedication had been previously postponed in order to wait upon the arrival of the statue of Mary. Located to the right of the sports complex and behind the softball fields, the Grotto is finally complete and open to students and faculty to meditate and connect with nature. “The statue of Mary is the focus of this grotto with the backdrop of nature and is a reminder for our Sion community to spend time in contemplation, as Our Lady of Sion modeled for us,” campus ministry leader Stephanie Pino-Dressman said. Pictured is the statue of Mary in the Grotto. (Photo by Emma Miler)
Walk to REbeL//
The 7th annual Walk to REbeL April 29 raised money for the high school and middle school coalition’s activities and outreach programs which span across 34 school and 5 states. The 3.1 mile walk began and finished at Blue Valley Northwest High School. Along with fundraising the walk also promoted body positivity and made a statement about true health and beauty. “We make it mandatory for all girls to go to the walk if they are a part of our club as well as encourage others in our Sion community to go,” senior Zoé Trouvé said. “It promotes body positivity and just all around loving yourself.” Pictured is senior Katie Byers leading a Sion chapter club meeting on stress and body image. (Photo by Emma Miller)
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WORLD Chemical attack in Syria kills 80 people.
----------A bomb dropped on Khan Sheikhoun killed and injured civilians by exposure to a deadly sarin agent. Source of the attack is still uncertain.
North Korea launches more missiles.
----------In response to another failed launch, the United States and South Korea begin installing a defense missle system.
Presidential election in France
----------Two candidates are battling it out to win the presidency. One is a liberal centrist, the other a nationalist. The run-off is May 7.
Top Four Popular Colleges // Class of 2017
NEWS IN BRIEF
University of Kansas 11 seniors plan to attend University of Kansas.
University of Missouri 10 seniors plan to attend University of Missouri.
Kansas State University 5 seniors plan to attend Kansas State University.
Creighton University 5 seniors plan to attend Creighton University
UPCOMING
& local
*May 1-12 *May 15
AP Exams Awards Assembly during school 8:15 - 9:15 a.m.
Color Fun Run
12p.m. in the circle drive
*May 17
The Chainsmokers Concert
*May 16-19
Finals Week
*May 25
Graduation
Sprint Center Tickets range $24-$75.50
5 p.m. at the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts
NEWS
Comeback Kilts After four years of absence, kilt style skirts will be returning to the list of uniform pieces available for purchase in the 2017-2018 school year. BY LANIE JONES EDITORIAL EDITOR
Juniors Hana Visesio and Sydney Crawford bust some moves on the dance floor during Prom at the Sheraton Overland Park April 8. (Photo by Kathleen McDaniel)
Last Night in Kansas City Juniors and seniors danced the night away at their final school dance of the year. BY ELLIE CHAFFEE REPORTER
For the theme “Last Night in Kansas City,” the dance was decked out in gold with stations emulating popular landmarks in Kansas City. Students took turns posing in front of Loose Park, the Plaza and Union Station. Inside the ballroom, the lights flashed blue and gold. At the Sheraton Overland Park, juniors and seniors attended prom Saturday, April 8. In deciding the theme in the prom committee meetings, it seemed to be a general consensus of what the group wanted to do, according to Head of the committee and junior Paige Shankland. “[The theme] was super original and we didn’t think anyone had ever done it before like we did,” Shankland said. Registration was slightly higher this year than last, according to Director of College Counseling and Co-Prom Committee Sponsor Erin Stein. There were a total of 296 attendees, which is an increase of four students from last year. Tickets were sold in advance at $75 per person and $150 per couple. The prom committee received many compliments from the Sheraton event coordinator as well as the printer where the invitations, menu cards, tickets and table numbers were made about how impressed they were with the designs and creativity, according to Stein. This year’s committee did a fantastic job, according to last year’s committee head and senior Ali Odermann. “I loved the decorations this year,” Odermann said. “I think this year really paid an amazing tribute to the Senior Class.”
The school’s prom, however, was not the only dance of the night. St. Teresa’s Academy hosted their Junior Ring dance the same night. Both schools also happened to choose the same theme for each of their dances. The dates for prom are set a year in advance, and they are communicated with other schools with all calendars taken into consideration, according to Assistant Director of High School Athletics and Co-Prom Committee Sponsor Sarah Johnson. This hindered with juniors finding dates at first, but there ended up being a good turnout at the dance, according to Music Chair of the committee and junior Carolyn Dickey. “I wasn’t a part of last year’s [committee], but I know that our date was set before other schools with conflicting dances,” Johnson said. In the Kansas City-themed atmosphere, students admired the Snapchat Geotag created by the prom committee’s Head of Theme and junior Meg Schwartz which read “Last Night in Kansas City.” The decorative invitations and menu cards, KC themed tables and stations, and the live jazz band trio and mocktail hour brought the theme to life, according to Stein. Dinner consisted of boursin chicken with potatoes and penne pasta. This year’s prom court winners were seniors Lily Coit and Chloe Long, and prom queen was senior Kathleen Gansner. “I was surprised when my name was called for prom queen,” Gansner said. “It was really special to receive that honor and it made the whole prom experience that much better.” Overall, the night was considered a good evening, according to Assistant Division Head for Student Life Fran Koehler. “This year’s prom went very well, and the prom committee worked super hard creating it for all to enjoy,” Koehler said. “I think the Sion girls once again represented why they are called ‘classy ladies,’” Koehler said.
Following a four year hiatus, the kilt style skirt will be added to the Mills Uniform line and returning to the product catalog for students to buy in the upcoming school year. The school currently uses Mills Uniform as its provider, a partnership which began in the 2013-2014 school year. The previous provider, Dennis Uniform, offered the kilts as an option for students while Mills offered only the box pleated and the A-line skirts. For the upcoming year Mills will be adding a kilt almost identical to the Dennis kilt, a wrap-around, three button style, according to Director of Communications Emily Taylor. The new kilt is also said to feature a pocket on the inside of the waist. “The Mills representative e-mailed me saying that they would be offering a kilt option and wondered if we were interested in seeing it, so I said yes,” Taylor said. “It really is very, very similar to the old Dennis ones.” Since kilts were not available for purchase while any current student was in attendance of the school, those being worn now are hand-me-downs. Junior Emily Bello’s sister and alumna Kate Bello ‘13 wore the kilt skirt during her days at the school, but Bello was unable to make the same purchase as an incoming freshman. Though she would like to wear the kilt, she is not willing to buy a new skirt for her senior year, according to Bello. “I was a little disappointed we didn’t have the kilt as an option because I was looking forward to going to Sion and dressing like my sister, but these skirts aren’t bad,” Bello said. Though the kilt style seems to rather popular, junior Khamedriah Grimes prefers the pleated skirt. “I just like it because it’s simple,” Grimes said. “I don’t have to iron it, it basically irons itself.” Other than the simple fact of a new uniform provider not carrying the kilt, there are no other reasons that the kilt was no longer an option. Students seem to be excited about the kilts returning, according to Assistant Division Head for Student Life Fran Koehler. The kilt option also seems to be better suited for different body types, rather than the current pleated and pencil skirt options. “I do think that the kilt is a better option than the pencil skirts,” Koehler said. Though the official price has not been released, Taylor predicts it will be similar to the current pleated skirt, which is $53. The new skirts are available for purchase online and at the on-campus sale July 24 at the grade school. Seniors Nora Malone and Mia Tebbe pose in the pleated skirt (left) and kilt skirt (right). (Photo by Ellie Chaffee) LE JOURNAL May 2017
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SPORTS
Sporting Game Kicked Off New Tradition
IN BRIEF
The first annnual Father Daughter Sporting KC game took place April 9.
MO-KAN Soccer //
The Varsity Soccer team won the Missouri-Kansas tournament for the first time in school history when they beat Lee’s Summit North 1-0 in the championship April 1. The team won against Olathe South and St. Thomas Aquinas 2-1 and 2-0 to get into the championship game. Currently, they’re ranked #3 in Top Drawer Soccer national rankings. “This was a big milestone for the team on our way to State,” tournament MVP and HyVee Player of the Week junior Meghan Frerking said. (Photo by Abby Smith)
BY OLIVIA DOPHEIDE REPORTER
The familiar booming of the drums echoed around Children’s Mercy Park as Sporting KC defeated the Colorado Rapids in a typical Sunday night Major League Soccer game. Fireworks boomed after the national anthem and the game kicked off in a normal fashion. Except this game had a specific section dedicated to Sion dads and their daughters. The first Father Daughter Sporting KC game took place Sunday, April 9. Tickets were available for $27 and in a reserved section, specifically for this event. There were about 100 attendees, according to Father’s Club president Pete Malone. “It was great to spend the night at the Sporting game with my dad and all our other friends for our last time together at Sion,” senior Kameron Koppers said. Sporting KC won the game 3-1 with goals from forwards Gerso Fernandes, and Dom Dwyer and defender Seth Sinovic. Colorado’s goal was scored by forward Kevin Doyle. The game
Lacrosse Senior Night //
The Varsity Lacrosse team shutout Lee’s Summit High School Tuesday, April 17 scoring 19 goals. Seniors Elsa Brundige, Megan Ostrander and Mia Tebbe were also honored at halftime. Ostrander scored her first career goal and Tebbe got a shutout. Freshman Reilly Jackoboice, sophomore Keali Myrick, juniors Sarah Totta, Meredith Oswald, Mariah Lynn, Emma Miller and Aidan McEnerney also scored goals. Pictured are Ostrander, Brundige and Tebbe after receiving their senior gifts at halftime. “It was bittersweet for me because one part of me felt so loved, but the other part of me felt so sad to leave the team and my coaches,” Ostrander said. (Photo by Abby Smith)
School Record Broken //
Freshman Avanni Martin broke the school discus record Friday, March 31 at the Smithville Invitational meet. The previous record was 102’ 5” and Martin’s new record is 103’ 5”. Martin broke the record in her second high school meet and usually competes in shot put and discus. “I was extremely happy and I immediately wanted to tell all my friends and family because I was so proud of myself,” Martin said. “I only hope to keep setting the record higher with my teammates.” Pictured is Martin competing in the discus event. (Photo by Olivia Dopheide)
Community for Coaches //
Athletic Director Kate Pilgreen was nominated for Missouri Female Coach of the Year sponsored by the Community for Coaches organization. Pilgreen coaches basketball and track and field. There are two other coaches nominated in this category which includes high school, college and recreational coaches. Anyone could nominate a coach and voting is available on communityforcoaches.org until April 18. Pilgreen will be honored at an awards banquet April 30 where they will also announce the winner. “I was very humbled by the nomination. It was a huge honor,” Pilgreen said. (Photo by Anna Tomka)
ended The Rapids’ six game winning streak. As fans made their way out of the stadium, victory chants and drumming continued. However, the attendees were able to walk on the field after the game for a quick group picture. “The field looked huge when you finally went down on it so I had a lot of respect for the athletes that had to run up and down it every day,” sophomore Emma Cruciani said. Father’s Club is an organization open to any dad wanting the opportunity to meet other families and get involved in social events. This new Father’s Club event was inspired by the Father Daughter Royals game in August. There have been other Father’s Club events scattered throughout the year like the Father-Daughter Chili Cook Off, Monday Night Football for the Dads and the FatherDaughter Dance. The FatherDaughter Sporting KC game served as a fun end of the year event for the Sion community, according to Malone. “We like spending time with our daughters,” Malone said.
#COMMITTED Tennis
Some of my favorite memories are during the high school season because it’s the only time to play on a team. I’m looking forward to the same camaraderie next year. -Margo Gerke
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Lacrosse
I’m excited to play at a higher level and play other college level teams.” - Megan Ostrander
Cheer
I am most looking forward to having the honor of representing my school and being a leader. -Morgan Wade
Soccer
I’m looking forward to being a student athlete for another four years. - Paige Dussold
Equestrian I am looking forward to the opportunity to be trained and challenged by a very competitive team and coaches. - Hayden Wiens
OPINION
To Greek or Not to Greek Future University of Missouri roomates express their highly differing opinions on Greek life BY TARA JUNGDEN PRINT MANAGING EDITOR
BY KATE NOBLE WEBSITE MANAGING EDITOR
The reputation of sororities and fraternities, especially now due to social media and an abundance of news sources, isn’t always shown in a positive light. The sensationalized social aspect of Greek life can oftentimes overshadow the inner workings of the houses, and the most important, rewarding components of belonging to a sorority. I was even against rushing for a while because of all of the negative hype that surrounds the system. Getting over this stigma required me to take a second to realize that belonging to a sorority means more than having a couple of Greek letters thrown into one’s Instagram bio. When I decided to attend the University of Missouri in the fall, it was after almost four years of swearing to myself that I’d never attend the same college my parents did. For some reason, I absolutely hated the idea of following in my parents’ footsteps. I wanted to pave the way for myself. The second I set foot into Greektown during my first Homecoming experience at the university was one of the most overwhelming experiences of my life. The insane amount of people shocked me, and I didn’t understand why anyone would willingly rush, especially at Mizzou. Growing up, Greek life was always something I knew a little bit about. My mom was a Delta Delta Delta, and my father was a Sigma Chi at Mizzou. As I’ve gotten older, I began to listen more closely to the little comments
my mom would make about her pledge sisters, or small details she’d give while laughing about her days living in the house. I began to weigh the pros and cons of rushing, and everything about it. I was intimidated by some aspects of the system, but at the same time, listening to my parents happily and nostalgically describe their favorite parts of college, all revolving around Greek life, filled me with a newfound sense of excitement to receive my own Greek letters. Mizzou started to make sense to me. So while some might look at sororities as fake for providing an instant group of friends in exchange for paid dues, the social circle the houses create eliminates an amount of the social anxiety that some students may feel in the completely new and foreign environment that is college. Instead of worrying about making friends, I can focus on getting my feet on the ground in a new place, a school with almost 33,000 students, living without my parents making me dinner every night and maintaining good grades where it will undoubtedly be hard at times to force myself to study. A sorority will take a big school and make it smaller, tailoring the student body into girls that share similar qualities to mine. I never pictured myself before as the stereotypical, sorority type, but after considering all of the advantages Greek life has to offer, I began to get over all of the preconceived notions many people use to argue against sororities.
Sororities are fake. They are based on money, attractiveness and sociability. Claims of sisterhood, importance of GPA and emphasis on philanthropy are made to create a sparkly facade for an institution that is truly rooted in money and partying. I know that a decent amount of service hours are required for acceptance into a sorority, and a weak GPA is enough to get anyone tossed out on day one of rush week. But it is impossible to believe that sororities are unaffected by the the popularity and physical attractiveness of their potential rushers. If someone offered to pay me $100 to attend even a single rush week event, I don’t think I’d take it. It’s not the horrifying “kappa theta yaga pi” welcome videos consisting of 50+ bleach blonde girls, freshly crisped from the ultraviolet tanning beds, all wearing x-large matching pastel monogrammed t-shirts that turns me off. And it is not the fact that joining a sorority is literally paying to have friends and be invited to parties. And it’s not the fact that I’ve simply grown up in a family where not a single sibling or parent has in anyway participated in any form of Greek life. Nope, none of these seemingly detrimental details are what have inspired my decision to abstain from rushing when I begin my life at University of Missouri next fall. What it really comes down to are the girls themselves and my desire to be nowhere near them or their high pitched, squealy, giggly voices at any point ever, let
alone live in a house with a whole toboggan load of them. The extensivity of the rushing process is actually insane if you take time to consider the “rewards” of your week of primping and sucking up to the current members of the houses. The absolute highest possible payoff is to make it into the most desireable house, and to me personally, the fees, the commitment and the week of fake, forced charm are not worth the end result. From Orientation, to Open House, to Philanthropy Day, to Sisterhood Day, to Preference Day, to Bid Day, each moment is spent exerting all energy into appearances. The perfect outfit must be chosen,the perfect makeup must be applied, the impression of being smart, social and likeable must be given off to the members of the sororities that are judging your every move and deciding whether you’re good enough for them or not. The institution itself is superficial and unnecessarily exclusive, but what has always shocked me about Greek life is the amount of people that buy into it. This one dimensional social system is fueled by the basics that wish to buy popularity, and a title. After all of these harsh words, I have to admit that my disdain for Greek life is somewhat uncalled for. I personally have had no bad experiences with any sororities or sorority members, it is just the institution itself and the fact that it is essentially paying to hangout with a certain, popular group of people, that I do not agree with.
It’s all Greek to me... 20%
of undergraduates are involved in Greek life.
20%
of undergraduates are involved in Greek life.
10%
of undergraduates are involved in Greek life.
20%
of undergraduates are involved in Greek life.
26%
of undergraduates are involved in Greek life.
LE JOURNAL May 2017
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OPINION
College Rankings Present Possible Trap Despite their increase in popularity over recent years, the system of college ranking flaws the college decision process. BY ABBY SMITH PRINT CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
As the college admission and decision process becomes more complex and strenuous with each passing year, it is natural for students to want to take the easy way out. College rankings provide a quick and effortless way for students to judge a multitude of prospective schools with the click of a button or the flip of a page. However as these rankings have grown in popularity, more often than not they create more harm than good. The college ranking system has blown up and disfigured the relationships amongst colleges themselves along with their potential students. Instead of providing high school students with an authentic glimpse into campus life, the race to be #1 has created a popularity contest among some of the nation’s top notch institutions. With so much pressure on the universities to look great on paper, marketing strategies and insufficient analyses blur the integrity of a system that once had good intentions. Reviews and rankings often fail to distinguish what sets one great school apart from another. Three-quarters of the ranking is formulated from opinion-based surveys with the other quarter looking at factors such as test scores, student-teacher ratios and acceptance rates, according to Business Insider. The desire for a high ranking presents the danger of schools hiding essential differences or highlighting trivial aspects in order to appear better than its ranked neighbor. The only way to avoid this trap is to personally tour the campus and form unique opinions on what may or may not be right for that individual. A ranking also runs the risk of deluding or distracting a student from what they really want out of their next four years. Of course an elite education, even simply a prestigious name, sounds appealing when the school is ranked in the top ten on every college ranking resource out there. However, no matter the school name or education available, any lasting success comes down to the student themself. A college education- whether ivy or state, public or private- is all about work ethic and what one makes of the resources available. The institution has little importance after college if the student has not formed strong friendships and networks, or lacks in character or morals. A nice metaphor for this can be found in the annual March Madness tournament, shown especially in this year’s bracket. A team’s ranking doesn’t mean much, thus the “madness” that ultimately ensues. It is the players themselves, along with the work they have put into the game that determine whether or not the “lower seed” will upset the fan favorites. Finally, there are a surplus of other factors that should be considered when choosing a school other than the statistics that may appear along with a school’s ranking. Campus atmosphere, one of the most crucial and often a central deciding factor, can in no way be experienced through the pages of a ranking manual. Price (along with scholarship opportunities), academic philosophy, the school’s mission, academic opportunities best suited for one’s interests and many other intangibles should also all be included in a student’s final decision: one of which certainly should not be based on biased ranking alone. What it comes down to is this: do not let the system choose for you. Find the school that is right for you, based on your goals, your identity and your opinion.
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(Photo by Paige Ritter)
$$$$ $ $
Higher Education’s Prices Are Too High
Student Loan Debt
1.2 Trillion National Total
Student Loan Debt
37,172 Avg. 2016 graduate
According to COLLEGEdata.com
$ $
Private Colleges
33,480Avg. Tuition per year
Out of State Public Colleges
24,930 Avg. Tuition per year
$ $
In State Public Colleges
9,650 Avg.
Tuition per year
Local Community Colleges
3,347 Avg.
Tuition per year
To College or Not To College Taking a gap year should be considered a serious option for students after high school. BY PAIGE RITTER REPORTER
At the age when children are focused on criss-crossing their bunny ears with the ultimate goal of tying their own shoe, kids are often asked what they want to be when they “grow up.” Before the realities of college, money and social pressure plant their seeds most kids answer honestly. Fast forward to the child’s senior year in high school. Both shoes are correctly tied, but many 18-year-olds can’t seem to answer the question they answered so easily as a child. Rather than taking the ample time to realize what they really want to spend thousands of dollars, years of their life and hours of hard work on, seniors march off to a college whether they have a purpose in their step or not. In a school community that is do or die college, a gap year is never looked at seriously. The taboo surrounding gap years is costing unsure seniors money, time and happiness. A gap year is a break from formal education, not from learning. Traveling abroad, volunteering, working, learning more about who they are as a person and focusing on what is important to them the top rated outcomes of gap year students, according to the American Gap Association. With a gap year, students transform their learning space from a formal classroom into the whole world. The ability to realize what one’s true interests are, outside of forced classes and peer pressure, is an important skill students need to be able to complete their education. Only 36 percent of high schoolers choose a major equating their interest, according
to U.S. News. What students learn about themselves and the world during a gap year contributes and helps make more out of the formal education they return to than if they were to have immediately drudged into university after graduation. The benefits of college are plentiful. The average income gap between Millennials with a Bachelor’s degree and those without one is close to 20,000 dollars a year, according to the Pew Research Center. But to reap all the rewards, the student has to graduate. Sadly, the University of Kansas reports that only a mere 32.7 percent of its fulltime students graduate in four years. Going to college in hopes of “figuring things out” or not really putting purpose behind the debt-ensuing education plays heavily into the high rates of transfers and dropouts. Once out, the former student is buried in the debt from college without the degree. Universities reported to the AGA that students who took a gap year before entering have a higher GPA upon graduation, more campus involvement and most importantly, higher graduation rates. It is not a coincidence that these same students also reported more satisfaction with their major choices and enjoyment from their classes. Their education has a purpose. The passion and interests students gain during their gap year separates them from the students who float through college, uninterested and undriven. Gap years are not for everyone just like a large state school or a small private school isn’t for everyone. Unsure seniors are far better off to take a gap year to work, travel or volunteer and realize their own interests and passions than they are to enter university without direction hoping to realize their interest through required courses. The option of a gap year needs to be seen the same way different colleges are, as a serious option.
A&E
Crushed Red Crushes Expectations “Artisan fast food” offers fresh new options in Overland Park. BY MADISEN HANE REPORTER
In the shadow of Top Golf ’s driving range fence right off Interstate-435 and Roe sits Crushed Red, a new restaurant in Overland Park. Self-labeled as “artisan fast food,” Crushed Red’s vision of a sustainable and communityfriendly dining experience is truly unique. Former Panera Bread bakery director Mike Marino partnered with restaurateur Chris LaRocca to establish the chain of restaurants in 2012, according to the Crushed Red website. The Overland Park location opened March 16 and is the only location in the Kansas City area, however there are other Crushed Red locations in Columbia, Mis. and in other states across the Midwest like Illinois and Colorado. When walking through the doors of the restaurant, customers are met with a typical bustling and lively fast-casual restaurant atmosphere. Bright red and yellow wall decals with Crushed Red logos compliment aesthetically pleasing dark wood table tops throughout the dining area. Everything about the environment of the restaurant is welcoming except for the layout of areas for ordering. Initially glancing at the stations for ordering pizza or a salad can be intimidating for those that fear making quick decisions about ordering. Luckily, Crushed Red understands that the kiosk system that they utilize can be confusing, so a friendly employee stands guard nearby, willing to assist any customers who look especially lost. The first station of three in the restaurant
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Photos by Madisen Hane
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Future, Migos— Sprint Center- June 4 Glass Animas+ Miike Snow— Providence Medical Center- June 10 Bad Suns— the Record Bar- June 12 Portugal.theMan—the Midland- June 16 Ed Sheeran—Sprint Center- June 29
involves a place to order a specialty pizza or to create your own pizza combination. A lengthy list of toppings is posted above this area, with options for varied sauces, cheeses, vegetables and proteins. Wood fired ovens hum behind the ordering area, proving that each pizza is made to order. The 14 specialty options range from $7-8 as each pizza is a personal sized meal. Moving further down the line, the second station houses a salad bar with extensive options for specialty salads or the choice to create your own salad. Again, a wide variety of greens, fruits, vegetables, cheeses and proteins are available, creating the sense that there are seemingly endless different combinations for salad creations. The 11 specialty salads range from $6-12 based on choice of 3 sizes or topping decisions. What truly sets Crushed Red apart from other pizza or salad restaurants is its commitment to organic and local produce. Part of their mission involves minimizing waste produced by each restaurant so that the community is positively impacted. This meaningful message is definitely a selling point for many customers. Ultimately, Crushed Red’s convenient location makes it an excellent option for seniors looking for a new lunch checkout restaurant. With the option to carry out meals and the fact that ordering is designed to be faster than conventional restaurants, “artisan fast food” means healthy food is more accessible to customers than ever. Crushed Red is open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and FridaySaturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Middle of the Map Fest 2017— Varied venues- May 5 Garth Brooks— Sprint Center- May 7 the 1975— Starlight Theater- May 9 Chance the Rapper— Providence Medical Center- May 13 Travis Scott— Uptown Theater- May 15 Red Hot Chili Peppers— Sprint Center- May 21
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Maddie Marquardt takes a selfie with the crowd at a St. Teresa’s basketball game.
Natalie Williams performs in “Sister Act” the musical.
STUCO members Nora Malone and Liliana
Maddi McMaster and Morgan Ciocca dance at the 80s-themed MORP.
Kathleen Gansner and Emma Kurtz dress in office theme.
Josie Weck, Maria Arroyo and Elizabeth Jackoboice call o
Zoé Trouvé laughs while posing for a picture during the Senior Tailgate.
Lilia Nicholson performs an original song for Fine Arts Day.
Molly Marx and Chloe Long pose for a picture during Prom.
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What teacher would you like to take to college with you?Mrs. Stewart. She is an amazing teacher and would help me with all my nursing classes. Funniest pink slip? Texting my mom during prayer because I had just thrown up in the bathroom. Senior year memory? Lifetime Sports class.
ANGELINA ADAMS
LYDIA ALLEGRI
MARIELLE ALLEN
sity of Kan iver sa n U
ory Universit y Em
Song that describes your Sion experience? “I’ve Had the Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing. Funniest pink slip? My only pink slips have been continuously from Lamp for out of uniform. What teacher would you like to take to college with you? JCam so I could vent everyday.
Major? Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology. Freshman year memory? Freshmen basketball team. Best costume for a Sion event? Ken Bone. Song that describes your Sion experience? “Breakthrough” by Lemonade Mouth.
What teacher would you like to take to college with you? Mrs. Mulkey; she’s been with me since the 4th grade and always makes me laugh. Freshman year memory? I learned Natalie Arreguin’s locker combination on like the 3rd day of school, and she was super freaked out when I opened her locker for her the next day.
LIDDY ANSTOETTER
NATALIE ARREGUIN
MARIA ARROYO
tate Univ an S ers m u
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Senior year memory? Going on a date with 12 of my closest friends to BRGR after the musical. Favorite spot at Sion? The courtyard. During long lunches it feels like we have recess again. Best costume for a Sion event? Troy Bolton for Halloween freshman year.
What teacher would you like to take to college with you? Officer Al to shoo off the haters!! Senior year memory? When I was making fun of Coach Gwynn at field hockey and he shot the ball at my head. Favorite spot at Sion? Whereever the party is aka Mr. Conaghan.
Freshman year memory? When I dressed as Jesus and sat at the field hockey game in my costume. All the other team’s parents judged me. Song that describes your Sion experience? “I Was Here” by Beyonce. Funniest pink slip? For “skipping class” when our volleyball team left class three minutes early.
LUCY BAHNER
PAIGE BEHNKEN
ZA’HARA BROXTON
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What teacher would you like to take to college with you? Mrs.Cox because she tells you how it is and has your best interest in mind all the time. Best costume for a Sion event? I was a Rockhurst boy for Halloween freshman year and I had people come up to me telling me they thought I was an actual boy at first glance.
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Song that describes your Sion experience? “Masterpiece” by Andy Grammer. Best costume for a Sion event? Cow onesie with a tie for “business cowsual” theme. I got a pink slip for it because it wasn’t “business casual” enough. Major? Theatre technology with an emphasis in light design.
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liana Capelli prepare for their Olympic dance.
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Jessica Cloughley portrays Lance’s son in the Food for Thought skit.
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ELSA BRUNDIGE
KATIE BUHRMEISTER
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Funniest pink slip? Talking too much to Elsa Walz in English class freshman year. Best costume for a Sion event? A grumpy old grandpa for Storm Stomp. What teacher would you like to take to college with you? Mrs. Blasdel. Senior year memory? Leading Kairos 52.
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Funniest pink slip? All of mine are for not having a sweater for dress uniform. Senior year memory? Being the only people at MORP for like 15 minutes and going super hard. Best costume for a Sion event? Zoé and I painted our entire faces in camo and I dyed my pimple green for a week.
Best costume for a Sion event? When Anneliese dressed as Hilg. Senior year memory? Senior tailgate and checking out for lunch. Song that describes your Sion experience? “Sweet Caroline,” by Neil Diamond or the school song. What teacher would you like to take to college with you? Stewart/LaFaver.
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Major? Engineering. Song that describes your Sion experience? The school song accompanied by Madame Bono’s cue cards. Freshman year memory? Going to Winter Formal and being a good 6 inches taller than my date.
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Whether it’s adding a simple touch of blush or layers of multicolored eyeshadow, makeup makes a statement. Women, as well as men, wear makeup for a variety of reasons and oftentimes are shamed for it. However, senior Za’Hara Broxton prides herself in the detail behind makeup. “Makeup is art and if someone wants to wear makeup they shouldn’t be shamed,” Broxton said. “I think the people who shame other people for wearing makeup probably just don’t know how to do their own eyeliner.” Broxton has been experimenting with makeup since sixth grade, but this year she formally declared herself a “makeup artist.” She discovered her passion after getting her makeup done for prom her sophomore year by an artist named Tiffany Hall. Broxton was entranced by her collection and astounding talent. “When I walked into her makeup room, I fell in love,” Broxton said. “She had a huge table with great lighting and tons of makeup including brushes, lipsticks and foundations. It was makeup artist heaven.”
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Broxton began to scour Instagram and Pinterest for new ideas and the latest trends. Occasionally, she recreates posts she finds while adding her own unique style which she discovered while hunting for the pictures of makeup by which she was intrigued. “I’ll sit down with my palettes and just experiment,” Broxton said. “If it looks good, I’ll keep going and if it’s not going the way I hoped it would, I start over.” Broxton was driven to take her ability to do makeup to the next level by advertising. In order to recruit clients, Broxton created her own Instagram account called “wellillbeglammed,” so that potential customers can examine her work. Spanish teacher Leah LaFaver has always supported Broxton’s decision to pursue makeup. “I’m excited for her because you can see how passionate she is about her makeup. She brings that love to class and even asked me if she could do a presentation on it in Spanish,” LaFaver said. “She’s always teaching me about makeup.” Broxton always feels especially accomplished whenever she witnesses her clients showing off their freshly done faces on social media. Junior Joileeah Worley had Broxton do her makeup for a family photoshoot. “I’ve always thought that her makeup looked beautiful, so it was no surprise when she announced she was starting her own makeup business,” Worley said. “I really like that she puts her own twist on what’s already trending with makeup. She loves to experiment with glitter and it always looks great.” Broxton officially launched her makeup business on Feb. 24 and has plans to create a website where her own line of glitter makeup can be purchased. While she enjoys doing her own makeup, doing others’ makeup and witnessing her clients relishing her work makes Broxton feel a sense of pride. “My plan is to get my name more well known as time goes on, so I can continue doing makeup, but also earn money,” Broxton said. “I hope that one day I’ll be able to do makeup for celebrities as a career.”
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Senior Za’Hara Broxton pursues her passion for makeup and continues to expand her brand new business.
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Major? Music Therapy. What teacher would you like to take to college with you? Kram because he can set me straight when I need to focus, but is also always up for a chips and guac party. Freshman year memory? The final Blue and White dance. RIP.
Finals week horror story? Taking a Wilcox final for the first time. Senior year memory? Doing “seniors rock the house” for the first time and being like “this is so weird...” Freshman year memory? I cried because of Mrs. Dreas’ Algebra I Honors class. I wasn’t in honors math the next year.
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Best costume? I wore a killer pantsuit for Spirit Week and haven’t gotten more compliments in my life. What teacher would you take with you? Mrs. Mulder because she’s like the big sister I never had. Favorite place at Sion? Madame Bono’s room because of all the crêpes and blankets.
Planned major? Global studies. Best costume? Dressing up as the Cheshire Cat. Funniest pink slip? “Wearing turquoise socks.” Freshman year memory? Meeting my best friend on the first day. Favorite place to go in Sion? The art room.
Freshman year memory? My most unfortunate haircut. Teacher you’d take with you? JCam; she’s been there for me no matter what in the last several years and she’s really cool. Finals horrror story? I don’t know...I just cry a lot during finals week... Funniest pink slip? “Socks.”
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LILY COIT
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Funniest pink slip? Continuing to pull another student down the hall in a chair, after a warning. Best costume? Ross Lynch. Song that sums up Sion? “Mambo No. 5.” Freshman year memory? Carpool. Teacher you’d take with you? Koehler.
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Planned major? Biochemistry. Favorite place to go in Sion? Señora LaFaver’s room because you can talk to her about anything. Funniest pink slip? I forged my parent’s signature on the freshman field day form. Senior year memory? Lunch checkout.
Senior year memory? Getting assigned my best friend in Assassins and getting her out. Song that sums up Sion? “We Are Family.” Funniest pink slip? Looking at laptop during prayer. Finals horror story? Spanish finals were a horror story themselves.
Freshman year memory? Not being here. Best costume? A surpisingly decent USA outfit for Sion Olympics. Finals horror story? Not knowing if we were supposed to wear our uniforms or not. Funniest pink slip? Chewing gum in French.
Best costume for a Sion event? When we dressed as guys. Senior year memory? Being surrounded by my basketball team. Funniest pink slip? I colored the stem of a flower for Gabbie Ismert. Favorite place to go in Sion? The couches.
ANNA COSNER
LUCY CRUCIANI
SARAH CRULL
MADELINE DERCHER
Like Mother/Father, Like Daughter BY MEG TRAVIS REPORTER Seniors and their parents, who teach at school, describe their experience. Senior Chloe Long: “It would be so different if we didn’t get along, but we have such a good relationship that it’s a blast. I like being able to do this with her.”
Senior Zoë Mulkey: “I’ve learned a lot from her as a teacher but also as a human being and a mom.”
Journalism teacher Alison Long: “It’s really a treasure. I love being able to share part of her high school experience like this.”
Music teacher Elizabeth Mulkey: “Having her in classes and the shows with me has really strengthened us quite a bit because we get to share a lot.”
Senior Mary Kate Wilcox: “We’re definitely different people but just being in my mom’s class I now get more where she’s coming from.”
Senior Anna Cosner: “It’s definitely helped me figure out what I want to do in life. I will definitely miss him and our chats in the robotics room.”
English teacher Melissa Wilcox: “I try my best to make it as much Mary Kate’s experience and less mine as possible.”
Engineering teacher Ron Cosner: “It is a joy to occasionally see Anna in the halls or to catch a glimpse of her in a classroom.” LE JOURNAL May 2017
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ABBY ENGLERT
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Major? Textile and Apparrel Management. Freshman year memory? Winter formal. Finals week horror story? I left my computer in Mrs. Holmes’ room. Before finals I had to run to school, then had to convince Lamp to let me into the school to get it.
Freshman year memory? Zoé Trouvé spilling 10 gallons of water in the NGS before soccer practice. What teacher would you like to take with you to college? Mid because he would have my back. Senior year memory? Emma Kurtz accidently flinging glue from a glue bottle across the room.
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KATHLEEN GANSNER
MARGO GERKE
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NATALIE HAGEDORN
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Best costume at a Sion event? I was relish freshman year for Storm Stomp. Our group theme was condiments. Freshman year memory? Pilgreen’s gym class with Bridget. Senior year memory? Freshman Senior field day when we turned the long jump pit into a slip and slide.
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Texas A&M
Funniest pink slip? Pink slip for trying to do yoga during La Faver’s class. Freshman year memory? Planning out my freshman year Winter Formal... two months early. What teacher would you like to take to college with you? Ms. Pennock. I need a debate master by my side to win any argument in college.
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What teacher would you take to college with you and why? Lamp because who else would teach me math? Favorite spot at Sion? The library because it’s cozy and comfy and a good place to do homework. Finals week horro story? Finals week itself is a horror story.
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Best costume at a Sion event? I was Joseph, Chloe Long was Mary, and we had a baby Jesus. What teacher would you take to college with you and why? Mr. Conaghan because he’s always down for a Koomba doomba good time. Planned Major? English.
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Funniest pink slip? I have talked my way out of every pink slip, so I’ve never had one. Favorite spot at Sion? Lunch room because that is where we all talk. Freshman year memory? Getting in trouble in Señora’s class with Elizabeth because we couldn’t stop laughing for no reason.
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Song that describes your Sion experience? “Living on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi. Favorite spot at Sion? NGS because that’s where my friends are. Finals week horror story? Sophomore year for finals week I had Mono and junior year I had a concussion.
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Freshman year memory? Kathleen Gansner, sorry for dropping the coffee. Best costume for a Sion event? A Hawaiian themed Christmas costume. Finals week horror story? I fell asleep. Senior year memory? Being accepted to college.
Freshman year memory? Doing Children for Peace with the Irish students and meeting the love of my life, Tre. Finals week horror story? When the proctor decided to dismiss and warn students with different animal calls. Favorite spot at Sion? The grotto.
Senior year memory? Field day when the fire department came and sprayed water on us. Freshman year memory? Beanie week. What teacher would you like to take to college with you? Lamp so that he could help me with math homework..
Freshman year memory? Carpool with Jessica, Kathryn, and Daria. Senior year memory? Becoming best friends with Gabbie Ismert. Planned major? Animal Sciences. Finals week horror Story? Freshman year I didn’t know any of the Spanish subjects the day before the final.
JADE HARVEY
KATIA HAUPTMANN
HANNAH HAWVER
LIZ HAYES
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Golden Girl Says Goodbye and traveling keep her plenty Natalie Hagedorn says hello to new opportunities busy, but Hagedorn keeps school a top priority nonetheless. and connections. BY ELLIE MAGSAMEN REPORTER
ALLI HUNT
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Funniest pink slip? Answering my phone in Dreas’ class. Favorite spot at Sion? The mobiles, rest in peace. Senior year memory? Making the long jump pit and slip n’ slide on Freshmen Field Day. Song that describes your Sion experience? “Wade in the Water.”
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Freshman year memory? When our class won Sion Olympics. Senior year memory? I think senior year as a whole has been amazing. What teacher would you like to take to college with you? Mrs. Mulkey because she always asks how I’m doing and would always try to help us destress during her classes.
Funniest pink slip? Mrs. Brown thought my costume during spirit week wasn’t “spirited enough.” Freshman year memory? Becoming best friends with Za’Hara Broxton after spraying her in the face with the lunch room cleaning spray. What teacher would you like to take to college with you? Mrs. Cox.
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MACKENZIE HUCHESON
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Senior year memory? When Lauren Cordes and I slept on the counselors’ couch. Funniest pink slip? I haven’t gotten many pink slips and they are all uniform violations. Song that describes your Sion experience? “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars.
Freshman year memory? Field day when they turned on the sprinklers and Lauren Cordes tried to use a folding table as a slip-n-slide. Song that describes your Sion experience? “Sanctuary” because it reminds me of Pino and she’s a pretty key part of Sion. Major? Live and Performing Arts .
What teacher would you take to college? LaFaver. Best costume for a Sion event? Ross Lynch. Senior year memory? Lifetime Sports adventures. Song that describes your Sion experience? “JuJu on that Beat.”
NATALIE HYLAND
GABBIE ISMERT
They say all good things must come to an end, and this is no exception for senior Natalie Hagedorn. Before Hagedorn moved to Kansas, dance was the sport she was proud to call her own. But once she and her sister got involved in gymnastics at ages eight and six, she immediately fell in love with learning the routines and carrying them out in performances, a love Hagedorn still holds today. For the past eight years, Eagles Gymnastics and Dance Center has played a crucial role in Hagedorn’s life. While her older sister moved from gymnastics to swimming, Hagedorn was driven by her passion for the sport and the need to improve in her technique. “Seeing her dedication to her sport made me want to do better in mine,” said sister alumna Kristina Hagedorn ‘16. “She’s really fallen in love with the sport.” Hagedorn has gone through blood, sweat and tears in her journey as a competitive gymnast, including a broken leg, foot and finger. Through these struggles, she has learned to keep pushing herself and not to let anything hold her back. Though these injuries may have held her back physically, Hagedorn has been sure to make an even stronger comeback with a more positive attitude. Hagedorn practices for up to four hours every day, five days a week, and in the past has even had to leave school early to attend practices. Neverending practices, competitions
“In our meet season between December and April we mostly do traveling competitions on the weekends,” Hagedorn said. “It’s hard coming back and catching up on school but I get it done.” Coach Kim Fuchs has been with Hagedorn every step of the way for eight years. She credits Hagedorn’s success as a Level 8 gymnast to her hard work and confidence she shows in practice every day. She has been a witness each day to Hagedorn’s powerful drive and unrelenting determination to make practice perfect. “She has really taught me patience,” Fuchs said. “She has shown me relentlessly that when she puts her mind to something, she will get it done.” Planning on studying elementary education at the University of Kansas next year, she will very soon say goodbye to the sport she has come to love. But Hagedorn hopes that she can use her years of experience and training to begin to coach others. Throughout the summer she will work at Eagles, hoping to tie her passion for competitive gymnastics to her planned major. “I hope to help my students see what gymnastics is like,” said Hagedorn. “I can’t wait to teach them the skills and dynamics of the sport, while showing them how fun it is.” Coaching will allow for Hagedorn to continue to be involved in competitive gymnastics without the strain of competing in college. She hopes to be able to work her way up to coach the upper levels. “I’ll miss having the rush of adrenaline at every competition,” Hagedorn said. “It truly is a feeling like no other.”
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Freshman year memory? I didn’t talk the first week of school. Which teacher would you take with you? Lance because he always fist bumps me in the halls. Funniest Pink Slip? “Manipulating a teacher” because I told Señora LaFaver freshman retreat was three days long so she couldn’t give us homework.
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Funniest Pink Slip? What are pink slips? I can’t find any on PowerSchool. Which teacher would you take with you? Mr. Lampen, because he’s the best math teacher I’ve ever had. Song that sums up Sion? “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson. Favorite spot at Sion? Wall’s room. Major? Arabic.
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While many seniors select their colleges for reasons such as size, location or rigor, senior Claire Ivey had a unique qualification in mind. She hoped to attend a military academy. Next fall, Ivey will be attending the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island. She will train for less than a year, then she will move on to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where she will decide to train for either the Navy or the Marine Corps. “My dad was in the Marine Corps and he served in Vietnam, so learning more about that helped me make the decision to consider serving, myself,” Ivey said. “I haven’t decided whether I’ll go Navy or Marine Corps, but I do know that I want to serve in the military somehow.” With the unique physical and disciplinary components of a military academy, Ivey has faced an unusual checklist of preparations for the upcoming semester. “The requirements for admission to the Academy go far beyond what is necessary for college, and Claire has been accepted to many colleges, so I know the differences,” Ivey’s mother Mary Ivey said. “My pride stems from Claire’s perseverance and dedication throughout the admission process and continues with knowing that it is Claire’s desire to be challenged academically, physically and mentally, as is expected from the Naval Academy to become an Officer.” Through her two-and-a-half years of working with the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, a U.S. Naval-based organization which provides training to middle-schoolers and high-schoolers aspiring to join the Navy, Ivey has worked hard to understand the basics of
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seamanship and Naval customs. She has also been preparing physically. “I will be leaving mid-summer for training, so I try to run five miles a day at least,” Ivey said. “I do ruck marches with 35 pounds in a backpack and I’ve done Krav Maga which means contact combat in Israeli. It is a special defense tactic that they use.” As most students are rolling out of bed at 7 a.m. groggily complaining about the earliness of their 8 a.m. classes, Ivey is already hard at work. She takes Arabic classes a few days a week for two-and-a-half hours in the morning because she aspires to serve in the Middle East. As Ivey has pursued this path, she has found support in her Maison leader and social studies teacher Dennis Conaghan. Conaghan helped Ivey throughout the application process by writing a recommendation letter for her nomination. Conaghan has known Ivey through all four years of her education and he is confident in her ability to serve as a strong member of the U.S. military. “In my three decades at Sion, there have only been five different individuals that have attended military academies. And out of the five Claire is one of the top two,” Conaghan said. “Through her diligence and hard work, she is more than capable to attend the Naval Academy.” Ivey’s decision to attend NAPS and the Naval Academy extends far beyond the cost-free education and the five-year military service requirement. Ivey intends on making a commitment to service as a career, and is motivated to use her service as a tool to make the world a safer place. “I see the next five years of my life being in school and hopefully travelling a lot to the Middle East. There is a lot of opportunity for that within the Navy so I am excited about that,” Ivey said. “After that, there’s five years of service that [Naval Academy attendants] are required to do, but I hope to do much more than that. I hope to make a career of it, hopefully working in the Middle East trying to resolve disputes and eliminate terrorism. That’s my goal.”
John son
Senior Claire Ivey’s hard work and dedication in pursuing a career of serving the United States has led her to choose the Naval Academy Preparatory School as her home next fall.
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Freshman year memory? Being with friends and accidentally hitting Mrs. Koehler’s mailbox after spring finals. Which teacher would you take with you? Lamp. Finals Horror Story? Making a whole quizlet with more than 400 vocab definitions and not saving it. Favorite spot at Sion? Choir room.
Freshman year memory? Spending the whole year hating everyone in my class and wanting to transfer. Which teacher would you take with you? Big AlTheSionGal. Best costume? When I wore my first communion dress to Fall Dance this year with wings for “Angels vs. Devils.” Funniest Pink Slip? “Eye rolling.”
SAMANTHA JOHNSON
TARA JUNGDEN
ne d e B
ictine Colle ge
sity of Kan iver sa n s U
Song that sums up Sion? “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor. Which teacher would you take with you? Mrs. Cox. Senior year memory? The fire truck at the beginning of senior year. Best Costume? I dont think I have a favorite. Major? Biology.
Best Costume? Rockhurst dude. American flag chubbies, white button down, and a vineyard vines hat. Which teacher would you take with you? Señora Schendel because she always makes my long school days more interesting. Freshman year memory? Mrs. Dykes 6th hour English class.
BILHA KAHINDI
CHRISTY KENTFIELD
SENIORS
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Favorite spot at Sion? Conaghan’s Dungeon. There is always good music. Which teacher would you take with you? Mid. I have to make sure I get my steps in too. Funniest Pink Slip? “Turquoise bra showing through polo.” Thats the only one I ever got.
Freshman year memory? Meeting a boy at the fall dance and dating him for 24 hours. Senior year memory? FreshmanSenior Field day when we slid down the long jump pit. Finals Horror Story? I forgot to study a whole section of vocab for my French final freshman year.
Best costume? Freshman year I dressed up as Lindsay Lohan from “Mean Girls.” Song that sums up Sion? “Hall of Fame” by The Script. Funniest Pink Slip? Hilg gave me one for not washing a lunch table that I did not even sit at. Senior year memory? Sion Olympics.
CLARE KIMMIS
ALLY KOEHLER
BRIDGET KOEPPEN
KAMERON KOPPERS
y of Alab ersit am niv
urst Univer sit ckh o R
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Un lane iversity Tu
Freshman year memory? Biology class and meeting all my friends in “the cave.” Which teacher would you take with you? Conaghan because he always has funny stories to tell. Funniest Pink Slip? Laughing too much in study hall. Best costume? ”The Office” attire.
Final Horror Story? Every final I have ever taken at Sion. Which teacher would you take with you? My mom Polly Holmes. Funniest Pink Slip? “Arguing with teacher about removing sweatshirt” from Hilg. Freshman year memory? When I transferred to Sion.
Best costume? Uniform. Favorite spot at Sion? Cafeteria. Every time I go there, I know it is time to eat and play with my friends. Funniest Pink Slip? Someone gave me a fake pink slip from Señora. Song that sums up Sion? School Song. Major? Hospitality.
Freshman year memory? My date wore a top hat to Winter Formal. Favorite spot at Sion? Mid’s mobile. Which teacher would you take with you? Kram, to liven up tailgates with reminders that college football is the “opium of the people.” Senior year memory? Senior skit. Best costume? My Heelys.
EMMA KURTZ
CAROLINE LAWLOR
JUNE LIU
ZOE LOCKE
e College Hop
State Unive sas rsi n a
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Best Costume? I wore a Taylor Launter muscle suit freshman year. Which teacher would you take with you? Pilgreen or Engel... or I guess my mom. Song that sums up Sion? “Sanctuary. “ Freshman Year Memory? Freshman basketball team. Major? English and Communications.
Freshman Year Memory? P.E. class when we ran the mile and Chioma Okuagu passed out. Which teacher would you take with you? Kram. We have yet to discuss the French Zola novels. Best Costume? ‘80s theme; kids’ leotard with lime green tights and a tutu.
Freshman Year Memory? Freshman team basketball and crying everyday after practice. Song that sums up Sion? “That’s What I Like” by Bruno Mars. Senior year memory? Cross country sleepover and making the freshmen do a funny dance. Best Costume? Hammerhead shark.
Senior Year Memory? When we added “STD for Homecoming Weekend” in our senior Food for Thought skit. Which teacher would you take with you? Conaghan so I can have someone to yell koomba to. Best Costume? Riff Raff. Shout out to him for retweeting me. Major? Business.
CHLOE LONG
MAYME LOYD
NORA MALONE
MADDIE MARQUARDT
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Which teacher would you take with you? LaFaver because I need someone to be sassy with. Senior year memory? Walking my last cross country meet. Best costume? I dressed as Austin Butler for famous couples. Katie Buhrmeister was Vanessa Hudgens. Major? Psychology.
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Funniest pink slip? When I received about 10 pink slips from Norberg, that I didn’t know about, for having my phone out in class. Freshman year memory? When we won Sion Olympics! Song that describes your Sion experience? “Stressed Out” by Twenty One Pilots.
MOLLY MARX
TONI MATHIS
sity of Kan iver sas n U
sity of Minne ver so i n
U
Senior year memory? Jessica Cloughley eating clay in ceramics. It just looked too smooth and tempting. What teacher would you like to take to college with you? I would definitely take Mrs. Long with me because she is like my second mom and she always makes me smile! Plus she gives a mean hug!
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Lauren Cordes
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Lilia Nicholson
“Now that my face has finally matured and I look my age, I’m just waiting for my height to follow suit.”
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“I looked like an anime character freshman year. Glad that’s not the case anymore.”
Teacher’s #TBT Theology Teacher Paul Kramschuster
“I was kind of a hefty baby. That classic sailor outfit every baby had.”
Funniest pink slip? From LaFaver freshman year for getting as much of my body outside of the window as possible while she was teaching. Favorite spot at Sion? The library. I love talking to J Cam and getting her advice. She’s a ray of sunshine and like a second mom to me.
ABBY MCLINEY
MADDI MCMASTER
tate Univ an S ers m i u
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Math Teacher Robert Lampen
Senior year memory? Jessica as Lance’s son. Best costume for a Sion event? My grandpa’s weird blue suit that I wear too often. Song that describes your Sion experience? “Survival” by Eminem. Finals week horror story? All of them.
“You can see between these two pictures that I was a pretty cute kid, then I just gave up.”
English Teacher Janet Zacharias
“I would tell my 18-year-old self ‘Cherish those who seek the truth but beware of those who find it.’”
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Best costume for a Sion event? Snookie freshman year. Freshman year memory? Best Friends With Everyone - It was great and I miss it. Favorite spot at Sion? The counselor’s office because everything is so cozy and I get a sense of calmness after I enter.
Funniest pink slip? Señora LaFaver gave me a pink slip for wearing my hair like Dora the Explorer. What teacher would you like to take to college with you? Polly Holmes because she always brings the zen. Senior year memory? Getting in trouble for stealing coffee from the teacher’s lounge.
ESOBEL MOORE
NATALIE MOUSSA
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Methodist Un iv
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Sou th
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From Italy to America Senior Jessica Nicolosi speaks of her experience leaving her home in Italy. BY TONI MATHIS REPORTER
Song that sums up Sion? Reese’s Puffs Theme Song. Freshman year memory? Awkwardly transferring and getting lost on the first day. Funniest pink slip? “Boo-ing Mid.” Senior year memory? Leading the last STA basketball game as Dwight Schrute.
ZOË MULKEY
ANGELA NEUNUEBEL
Undecided
Undecided
Freshman year memory? Accidentally giving Honor a concussion. Song that sums up Sion? “Helpless” by Phillipa Soo. Best outfit for Sion event? During Catholic Schools Week, I dressed as Veronica for “Favorite Bible Character Day.” Mrs. Haghirian then proceeded to tell me that she is not in the Bible.
Song that sums up Sion? “Sanctuary” by Jaci Velasquez.. Which teacher would you take with you? Mrs. Blasdel, she is such a chill person and always believes in me, even when I don’t. Freshman year memory? Freshman Mixer. It was really awkward and no one danced until it was time to leave.
LILIA NICHOLSON
JESSICA NICOLOSI
hristian Univ er
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Senior year memory? After Fall Dance, Mary Kate Wlicox made our group stop and stand silently in the parking lot listening to this faint bird call and taught us all about this bird. Best outfit at Sion event? Dressed up as Kate Middleton and carried a fake baby all day. Favorite spot at Sion? Music room.
Best outfit at Sion event? Troy Bolton during Spirit Week. Song that sums up Sion? “Best Song Ever” by One Direction. Freshman year memory? Abby Smith and I dressed up as Pippa and Kate Middleton during Spirit Week, we were so lame.
Which teacher would you take with you? Wilcox so she could read me bedtime stories. Best outfit at Sion event? Deb with Elizabeth Jackoboice as Napoleon. Finals horror story? I don’t have one, I crush finals. Song that sums up Sion? “We R Who We R” by Ke$ha.
KATE NOBLE
LIZZIE O’CONNELL
At six-years-old, senior Jessica Nicolosi left her home country. At first, she thought it was another typical visit to America to see her mom’s side of the family. She did not realize that she wasn’t going back home. She did not realize that she would remain in America. She did not realize that it would be a long time before she would ever see her dad again. Nicolosi grew up in Italy in a town called Sciacca. Her mother Andrea Nicolosi used to live in Kansas City before moving to Italy. Her family decided to move to America because of the better school opportunities available. Her mother and two older sisters, Mari and Cristina Nicolosi, moved to America, but her father stayed behind. The reason her father Denise Ferro still resides in Italy is because he prefers Italy over America, and he does not speak English. Luckily, Nicolosi is able to return to Italy every summer to see her father. “Every time I have to leave my dad it is really hard. Leaving him for the first time, I did not really know it was going to be for such a long time,” Nicolosi said. As soon as Nicolosi settled
into her new home in Kansas City, Missouri, she was put into school without knowing much English. She attended public school for two years, but her mother came to the conclusion it wasn’t for her. Nicolosi ended up attending St. Thomas More from third to eighth grade. “I was so confused with the English language and I couldn’t work with the teachers at the public school so I was put into private school,” Nicolosi said. Living in Kansas City, Nicolosi is unable to find anything that reminds her of home. In Italy, she loves seeing the mountains as well as going to the beach with her family and friends. It is even difficult for Nicolosi to recall memories from Italy because she can speak Italian and English. For memories in Italy, she has to think in Italian. Nicolosi also loves to watch shows that are in Italian, like “Grace and Frankie”, to keep her wrapped up in the language. “Thinking in one language is very different from thinking in another,” Nicolosi said. “When I’m in Italy I can remember more since I’m thinking in Italian, but when I’m in America I can’t remember since I’m thinking in English.” In the future, Nicolosi wants to move to a farm in Florence, Italy to grow grapes. Whether Nicolosi lives in America or Italy, she will always consider both countries her home. “My home is where my story begins,” Nicolosi said. “I have two homes.”
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Top 6 Unique Majors
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SYDNEY SAN AGUSTIN REPORTER
Theater Technology
As a theater technology major, students learn to apply artistic, technical and dramatic principles through technical theater methods.
Angelina Adams-Missouri State University “I chose theater technology because nothing is as rewarding as seeing all my hardwork pay off by bringing to life a whole new world on stage.”
Neuroscience
A neuroscience major studies functions of the brain and nervous system. Some careers in neuroscience include: psychiatrist, doctor and surgeon.
Freshman year memory? Red hair.... What teacher would you take with you? I would take Hilg of Rhee math expertise and Señora LaFaver because she’s my home girl. Song that sums up Sion? Katiebyers13 Spotify Playlist. Best costume? My lady liberty outfit for Sion Olympics.
Song that sums up Sion? “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day What teacher would you take? Mrs. Mulkey because she helped me learn to be stronger and more confident. Favorite senior privilege? Going out for lunch. Planned major? Nursing
ALI ODERMANN
ANNA OLIPHANT
tate Univ an S ers m u
is Univer sit Lou . t y S
Freshman year memory? Awkwardness. All I remeber is freshman year Latin class. What teacher would you take with you? Mr. Conaghan because he keeps it interesting and always cracks me up. Best costume? Tom Haveford, Parks and Rec. Song that describes Sion? “Sanctuary.”
Freshman year memory? I was on a postcard that said “Welcome to Sion.” I had just gotten in a car wreck so I looked pretty awful. Favorite spot at Sion? Locker room. Bball team basically lives in there for five months, it smells awful but it is a very comfy place. A lot of funny things have happened in there.
GABBY ONG
MARIE ORRICK
Margo Gerke-Johns Hopkins University
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“I chose my major because it was a combination of biological science and psychology - 2 of my favorite subjects.”
Equine Studies
An Equine major focuses on horses, particularly breeding horses, the anatomy of horses, horseback riding/training, and running horse-related businesses.
Hayden Wiens-Savannah College of Art and Design “Horseback riding has been my passion since I was 6 and I dreamed of working somewhere in the professional field.”
Communication Disorders
With this degree, programs prepare students to diagnose and treat a variety of hearing and speech disorders in people who have suffered speech or hearing trauma.
Corrinne Willems-Truman State University
“I worked with some kids who have communication disorders at my work last summer and realized that was what I wanted to do forever.”
Historic Preservation
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Students of historic preservation and conservation learn how to protect and restore historic buildings and areas. With this major you can become an historian or archivist.
Jade Harvey-Southeast Missouri State
“I chose my major because I like learning new things and history gives me the chance to do that.”
Dietetics The study of human nutrition and other sciences in preporation for designing and managing nutrition programs in hospitals, schools and other settings.
Caitlyn Swope-University of Missouri
“My mom stressed how important healthy eating was my whole life. After reading about the amazing benefits of eating nutritious food,I knew I wanted to help others do the same.”
Illustrations by FreePik
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Freshmen year memory? Lauren Cordes’ bangs. Song that sums up Sion? Kram singing “Total Eclipse of the Heart” Funniest pink slip? Mrs. Haghirian gave me one for using my phone even though the whole class was on theirs. What teacher would you take with you? Mrs. Watts to talk about movies.
Funniest pink slip? I don’t get pink slips, I am an angel. What teacher would you take with you? Wall, she always listens to my problems and gives really great advice. Favorite place to go in Sion? Journalism room, It’s so snuggly and Mrs. Long has great snacks. Best costume? Most definitely camo.
GRACE PRUSA
MEGAN OSTRANDER
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Pursuing Passions Senior Caitlyn Swope turned her healthy lifestyle into a passion, which she plans to pursue in college. BY MEGAN OSTRANDER PRINT CO-EDIOTR IN CHIEF
TAYLOR RAMSEY
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Senior year memory? When one of the cast members locked themselves in the bathroom during tech week for the musical. Finals horror story? I always get sick or am just getting over being sick during finals, so my nose is always running during my tests.
les nge sA
Planned Major? Psychology Which teacher would you take? Haghirian. Song that describes your experience at Sion? “Huntin’ Fishin’ Lovin’ Everyday” by Luke Bryan. Funniest pink slip? Crying my way out of three my freshman year.
SOPHIE ROBERTS
sity of Ka ns iver n a U
sity of Nebra ver sk i n
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CLAIRE RAULSTON
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Major? Chemical Engineering Funniest pink slip? I am perfect. Senior year memory? Unfinished Business basketball game. Finals horror story? My calculator kept flashing low battery during my math final. Favorite spot at Sion? The gym because I love cheering on my school.
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Song that describes Sion? “My Boo” by Usher. Favorite senior year memory? Our music stopping during the Sion Olympics dance. Favorite spot at Sion? Lamp’s room but only while he’s playing the Ramanujan movie.
When you think of freshman year, what memory comes to mind? Lilia and I were joking around when she shoved me and I lost my balance. I got a concussion. Favorite place at Sion? Parking lot because it means school is over.
Planned major? Architecture Song that describes Sion? “Hold On” by Alabama Shakes. Senior year memory? Food for thought skits. Favorite spot at Sion? The comfy chairs in the library. Funniest pink slip? Never gotten one.
HONOR SCHLEICHER
GENEVA SINKULA
With the ever-increasing popularity of new diets and more eco-friendly lifestyles, several students have begun turning to healthier ways to fuel their bodies. One of these students, senior Caitlyn Swope chose to become a vegan in order to live a healthier lifestyle and have more energy. “I actually went vegan two years ago because I saw a lot about it on social media,” Swope said. “A lot of people said that they felt better and lost weight and different things like that. Then I decided to be a vegan just for Lent because I thought it was going to be so hard, but I loved it so much that I just kept doing it.” After becoming a vegan, Swope feels more energized. She believes that being a vegan is better for the environment, climate change and especially for animals. However, not only is it better for the environment and has affected her overall health, becoming a vegan has also improved her confidence levels. “I think I’m just more confident with myself and I know myself better,” Swope said. “It’s also given me opportunities to play around with different foods which is really fun.” Despite the general stereotype that veganism is hard without the use of any animal products, it is easier than it seems, according to Swope. Along with senior and fellow vegan Katie Buhrmeister, Swope is able to try new ways to serve dishes and often tries different vegan restaurants and bakeries. Two of her favorites are Mud Pie and FüD. “It is fun having a friend to do it with you because it just makes it easier,”
Buhrmeister said. “There is always someone that has to eat the same food with you at places that no one else wants to eat.” Swope cooks some of her own meals and often collaborates with Buhrmeister for school events and dinners. While she is the only vegan in her family, it isn’t harder for family meals, according to mother Elaine Swope. “I make the same foods, but serve things separately. That way Caitlyn can take vegetables or pasta and add what she likes and the rest of the family can add meat if they like,” Elaine said. “Our family does eat a lot more vegetables and fruits now and less meat and cheese, so we’re all eating healthier because of it.” After watching several documentaries like “Food Matters,” “Cowspiracy” and “Forks Over Knives,” Swope realized that along with its health benefits, living a vegan lifestyle is also healthier for the environment. “Not only is it good for your body, it’s a lot better for the environment,” Swope said. “Climate change is something that I’m really passionate about and I like that [veganism] is kind to animals.” After reading “The China Study,” by T. Colin Campbell and Thomas M. Campbell, Swope learned more about the benefits of eliminating certain animal proteins from one’s diet. By comparing the consumption of animal products and proteins to the spread of chronic illnesses, the authors concluded that if animal products are avoided, one’s disease could be reduced, reversed or even escaped. “[In China] they really don’t eat much animal protein and there’s barely any cancer or heart disease, and I think that’s really cool,” Swope said. “I am going to the University of Missouri to be a dietician and my goal is to help heal people and reverse their diseases through nutrition.”
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Funniest pink slip? I don’t get pink slips because I’m perfect. Senior year memory? Not dying. Finals horror story? I was sick during finals week junior year so I missed most of my finals and when I took them on the makeup dates I had to have a trash can next to me just in case I decided to ralph.
What teacher would you take with you to college? Kram for sure, because I need the intellectually stimulating conversation. Funniest pink slip? Throwing an apple at the window during lunch. Favorite spot at Sion? Sometimes when I really need to get things done I go to the chapel because it’s silent.
Freshman year memory? Looking like a ghost-vampire hybrid after getting my makeup done for Winter Formal. Song that describes your Sion experience? “Best Friends” by Young Thug. Funniest pink slip? Calling Pilgreen “Coach Kate.” She doesn’t like it.
ABBY SMITH
KAITLYN SMITH
GRACE SNIDER
COURTNEY SOUKUP
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Major? Biomedical Engineering. Freshman year memory? Basketball season where I met a lot of my best friends. What teacher would you take to college with you? Mrs. Long becuase there is never a dull moment with her. Favorite spot at Sion? The couch in Long’s room.
What teacher would you take to college with you? Lamp because he’s the only one who can explain math in a way I understand. Finals horror story? Sophomore year I missed my Biotech final because I thought it was another day. Best costume for a Sion event? Effie from the Hunger Games.
What teacher would you take to college with you? Kram because he can throw a killer party with sparkling apple cider. Song that describes your Sion experience? “Up All Night” by One Direction. Senior year memory? Kairos 52.
Major? Dietetics. Freshman year memory? The first day of school when I tied the dress uniform tie like an actual tie. Final horror story? I once had a headache so bad in the middle of History final that I forgot who won the Civil War.
Song that describes your Sion experience? “Hotel California” because no matter what I feel like no one ever really leaves Sion, its always with them. Senior memory? Jessica as Lance’s son in the senior skit. Favorite spot at Sion? Mrs. Cox’s room. She’s my woman.
TAYLOR SPIES
LUCY STOFER
CAITLYN SWOPE
MIA TEBBE
2013-2017
Changes at Sion
Counseling Office, Personal Laptops, Sion/Storm Schedule, Assigned Parking Spots, New Track & Field, Hot Lunch Program, Late Start
New Uniforms, No Early Dismisal, Senior Polos
20132014
20142015
New Grading Scale, Backpacks Allowed
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20162017
New Water Fountains, Improvements to Library, New Lounge Furniture Ordered for Grande Salle, Girls Locker Room Painted
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Reaching for Greatness Senior Morgan Wade is a member of a nationallyranked cheer team. BY CATHERINE FRERKER SPORTS EDITOR
State Univer sas sit n a
sity of Misso ver ur i n
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KATIE VOPAT
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Finals Week Horror Story? Finals binders. Song that Describes Your Sion Experience? “Happy.” What teacher would you like to take to college with you? Timson. Freshman year memory? Zumba in the gym on field day. Favorite spot at Sion? Library.
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Freshman Year Memory? Spilling 10 gallons of water all over the NGS floor right before a soccer game. Senior Year Memory? Conaghan“Who was the greatest rock and roll artist that died 29 years ago?” me- “Keith Urban.” Song that describes your Sion experience? “If It Ain’t You.”
MORGAN WADE
ELSA WALZ
tate Univ an S ers m u
bilt Univer d er sit n Va
Major? Psychology. Freshman Year Memory? Side bangs, yikes. Song that describes your Sion experience? “You’ll Be in My Heart” from the Tarzan soundtrack. What teacher would you like to take to college with you? Engel because she never fails to make me happy.
What teacher would you like to take to college with you? Mrs. Wilcox, obviously. Senior year memory? Finishing the Common App (finally). Finals week horror story? Timson’s AP Chem final . Best costume for a Sion event? Awkward stage day this year.
EMMA WARREN
JOSIE WECK
ity
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Freshman year memory? My cheetah print UGGs and pink flare leggings. Song that describes your Sion experience? “Sweet Caroline.” Finals week horror story? Fell asleep studying and got a 47 percent on my French final. Favorite spot at Sion? The nook.
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Funniest pink slip? Not being “business casual” enough on business casual day during spirit week. Senior year memory? Freshman field day. What teacher would you like to take to college with you? Conaghan. Song that describes your Sion experience? “Wade in the Water.”
Jump. Tumble. Stunt. Repeat. For hours upon hours, senior Morgan Wade practices for competition with her cheer team. She runs her routine over and over, with each member striving to make every movement perfect. “I like cheer because it challenges me,” Wade said. “It’s the hardest sport I’ve ever done.” Wade is a cheerleader on the Ferocious Kansas City Cheer team, and much of her free time is spent in intense practices with nationallyranked teammates. “Just like any sport, the time commitment to all star cheerleading in general is like a full time job,” Wade’s coach Harrison Whitney said. “Practices are just as hard as any sport, and coming from a football and baseball background, the determination and commitment is the same. The aches and pains we feel are the same if not worse.” Wade practices three times a week with the team and works on tumbling, jumping and stunting on her own, according to Whitney. The team also watches competition videos, analyzing every movement and noticing what members need to improve on for the next competition. “The team aspect is the most difficult part by far– it takes one person to do one little thing wrong, and it can affect the whole team,” Wade said. “The best feeling in the world is hitting a zero deduction routine and knowing that everyone on the team executed everything to the best of their ability.” The most difficult part of cheering is the time commitment, according to Wade. Last year she was unable to attend prom, junior ring and winter formal due to out-of-town competitions. This year she is missing these same events, plus senior retreat. “It’s frustrating, but honestly there is nothing I would rather be doing,” Wade said. Wade originally started cheering in
eighth grade when she wanted to get involved in her school. She got started with competitive cheer when she filled in for an injured cheerleader on her friend’s team. “I decided to move to KC Cheer because they competed at the biggest competitions in the world, and I wanted to be able to experience that,” Wade said. “I was on an all-girl level four team called Fortune my first season, and this season I moved up to a co-ed restricted large level five team called Ferocious” “Restricted level five” means that Wade’s team can do level five stunts and jumps, but members are limited in what tumbling they can do. “KC Cheer has never had a restricted level five team before,” Wade said. “The jump from level four to level five can be a very difficult transition with stunting and tumbling skills, so the restricted division is a good halfway, and can ease athletes into the extremely competitive level five division.” Wade’s team competes one to three times a month, all year, in cities around the nation. Recently, her team attended the Summit All Star Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, Florida. “There are so many things that we have watched her learn from this demanding sport,” Wade’s mother Susie Wade said. “Watching her problem solve her way through situations, whether in town or while traveling, sometimes without us, has been fantastic to see especially knowing her plans and goals are to continue to cheer through college.” Cheer has taught Wade selfrespect, confidence and perseverance as well as the ability to keep a positive attitude, mentor teammates, never give up and step outside her comfort zone, according to Susie. “We have had the most joy seeing her excel, setting goals and achieving them and being a wonderful teammate,” Susie said. “There is nothing more satisfying than watching your child do something they love, work hard at, makes them happy and are so fully committed to.”
Photo by Catherine Frerker LE JOURNAL May 2017
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BY LUCY STOFER A&E EDITOR MODIFIED PINTEREST RECIPES
Mug Mac & Cheese Major? Nursing. What teacher would you like to take to college with you? Señora Schendel because she is a major confidence booster and she tells you that ‘you can do it!’ Favorite spot at Sion? Senior hallway because it’s senior territory and more quiet.
Major? Equine Studies. Senior year memory? Senior Sion olympics!! Best costume for a Sion event? My giant lion suit! What teacher would you like to take to college with you? Mr. Conaghan because we are besties and we would have fun.
State Unive sas rsi n a
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JACI WELKER
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Ingredients: 1/3 cup small macaroni elbow noodles (uncooked) 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup milk 1/2 cup finely shredded cheese Directions: 1. Put the macaroni and the water into a mug. Microwave for 2 minutes. Stir. 2. Microwave for another minute. Stir. 3. Microwave for a fourth minute, until all the water has been absorbed. 4. Stir in the milk and shredded cheese and microwave for a final 30-60 seconds. Stir well, and enjoy.
Mug Omelette
(Photos by Lucy Stofer)
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Ingredients: 2 flour tortillas (small size) handful of pepperoni 3/4 cup shredded cheese, Italian blend 1/2 cup pizza sauce Directions: 1. Place the cheese and pepperonis between the two tortillas 2. Microwave until cheese is melted (about 45 seconds) 3. Warm up pizza sauce in seperate bowl 4. Dip the quesedillas in the sauce and enjoy!
Favorite spot at Sion? Peace garden. Song that describes your Sion experience? “I Wanna Be Sedated” by the Ramones. Finals week horror story? I rushed in five minutes late to my first final ever because my mom (a teacher who knows the importance of being on time to finals!) overslept.
MADI WIESELER
MARY KATE WILCOX
tate Univ an S ers m u
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Song that describes your Sion experience? “Zero to Hero” from Hercules. Favorite spot at Sion? The Library! Comfy couches and there are so many chargers. Best costume for a Sion event? We dressed in our grade school uniforms and I looked like a fifth grader.
What teacher would you like to take to college with you? Wall, so she can help me get my life together. Best costume for a Sion event? When I rode around on a scooter as Jason. Favorite spot at Sion? Counselors’ office because the couches are comfy and its nice for a good cry.
CORRINNE WILLEMS
NATALIE WILLIAMS
ity
Pizza Quesadillas
Favorite spot at Sion? NGS. Senior year memory? Dropping my cake straight on Hilg’s floor. Finals week horror story? Accidentally leaving my keys in my running car because I was rushing to get inside because I was running late. What teacher would you like to take to college with you? Blasdel.
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Ingredients: 2 large eggs 1 tablespoon milk or water Toppings (If Desired) Directions: 1. Spray 12- to 16-ounce mug with non-stick cooking spray. 2. Crack eggs into cup. Add milk; beat with fork until well mixed. 3. Microwave 1 minute then sprinkle with desired toppings 4. Microwave 30-60 seconds or until egg is cooked through. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. 4. Stir in the milk and shredded cheese and microwave for a final 30-60 seconds.
SENIORS
Double The Senior, Double The Trouble Kate and Jake Noble
(Photos submitted by Kate Noble)
Mayme and Watson Loyd
(Photos submitted by Mayme Lloyd)
Do you feel closer as twins than you would as normal siblings? KATE: I think we definitely feel closer as twins than we would as siblings. He’s basically been my buddy for every milestone in my life so far. JAKE: I believe that I am closer with my sister because she’s my twin. What is your favorite part about having a twin? KATE: I always have a buddy with me to deal with awkward family encounters. JAKE: Not having to deal with awkward family members by myself. What is the worst part about having a twin? KATE: Strangers always think we’re dating when we go places together. JAKE: The worst part about having a twin is the two years we had to share a car.
What is your most memorable moment with your twin? MAYME: The time we competed in a CrossFit competition and we got first place as a team. WATSON: [Going to] the campfire by our old pond and eating marshmallows. What’s the most embarrassing thing your twin has ever done? MAYME: He got “lost” at our Winter Formal after party. [He was] in the backseat of my car, waiting for me to drive him home. WATSON: Run around the house pretending that she was a horse. What is your twins best quality ? MAYME: His self confidence. He’s such a goofball and so funny! WATSON: Mayme’s best quality is that she is resourceful.
Madeline and Matthew Dercher
(Photos submitted by Madeline Dercher)
What is your favorite part of having a twin? MADELINE: Always having someone there. He’s my best friend. MATTHEW: Having someone you can count on to be there for you and always having someone who cares. What’s your twin’s best quality? MADELINE: His humor. His jokes are hilarious and he always keeps me laughing. MATTHEW: Her personality, she’s very outgoing. She is a very social person. What’s your most memorable moment with your twin? MADELINE: His senior year football season. This was his first year as the starting QB. His season was undefeated and they went to State. MATTHEW: When we would blame each other for everything we did and how she would get in trouble and I wouldn’t, or the other way around.
W AN Ro M ba W AN th M W AN alw M se
Angela and Mitchell Neunuebel
What’s the most embarrassing thing your twin has ever done? ANGELA: Going to all the wrong classes his first day of freshman year at Rockhurst. He was very lost. MITCHELL: Once Angela accidentally hit herself in the head with a baseball bat. What’s the worst part about having a twin? ANGELA: The matching outfits when we were little. I defenitely didn’t like them back then, but now the pictures are awesome. MITCHELL: The worst part of having a twin is that we grew apart overtime. What’s your favorite part about being a twin? ANGELA: Having someone my age to always relate to. (Photos submitted by Angela Neunuebel) MITCHELL: Knowing that I will always see her on my birthday.
Bridget and Patrick Koeppen
(Photos submitted by Bridget Koeppen)
What is your favorite part of having a twin? PATRICK-Not everyone has a twin, and having one sort of makes you different. BRIDGET- Patrick has no choice but to be best friends with me. What is your twins best quality? PATRICK- Bridget’s best quality is her intelligence and drive. BRIDGET- His sense of humor because it’s exactly like mine. What is the most memorable moment you’ve had with your twin? PATRICK- The times we went down to the plaza on our birthdays. BRIDGET- One time we had a screaming match about which was better: strawberry or grape jelly.
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SENIORS
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GUESS WHO?
Guess which senior each Bitmoji belongs to. Answers are upside down at the bottom of the page.
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TRY GALS In this final episode, Le Journal staffers seniors Tara Jungden, Megan Ostrander, and juniors Kelly Nugent and Anna Tomka, The Try Gals, try the Newlywed’s Game. Each Try Gal shares three unknown, or little known, facts about themselves with their partners, challenging them to see how well they really know each other.
CHECK IT OUT ONLINE
Go to lejournallive.com to watch the video.
WHO IS YOUR SPIRIT SPIRIT TEACHER TEACHER?
Take the quiz below to match up with your “spirit teacher.” Find your match with the answers upside down on the bottom of page 27.
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1. What is your go-to drink?
7. What’s your favorite book?
2. What is your dream destination?
8. What’s your favorite subject?
3. What’s the best part of mornings?
9. What’s your favorite type of music?
4. What’s your favorite fast food restaurant?
11. Which Disney character do you relate to?
A. La Croix B. Coke C. Fair trade coffee in the mornings, then water D. Coffee
A. Mongolia B. Australia C. The Austrian countryside D. Germany
6. 7.
A. Not being asleep B. Getting up early to run or walk C. There’s no one to bug me D. Coffee
A. Chipotle B. Chipotle, only if I have to eat fast food C. QuikTrip, but only for a roller dog D. Winstead’s
5. What’s your favorite color?
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A. Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins B. Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien C. The Emerging Church by Dan Kimball D. Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
A. Study hall B. Math C. Religion D. P.E.
A. Mississippi Delta Blues B. Classic rock C. Gustav Mahler and John Prine D. Folk
A. Rafiki from the Lion King B. Mickey Mouse C. Sully from Monsters, Inc. D. Ariel from The Little Mermaid
10. What do you do in your free time?
A. Grey B. Dark green C. I don’t have one D. Regular green
A. Home improvement projects and DIY projects B. Exercise outside C. Read and spend time with family D. Whatever hobby I’m into at the moment
6. What’s your dream car?
12. Your friends would describe you as...
A. 1960 International Scout B. The Batmobile C. R 1200 RT motorcycle D. Vintage convertible slug bug
A. Loving B. Competitive C. Quiet and intellectual D. A 12-year-old
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JCAM JCAM 1. Lily Coit 2. Abby Smith 3. Megan Ostrander 4. Elsa Brundige 5. Anna Oliphant 6. Grace Prusa 7. Za’Hara Broxton 8. Darby Hurlbert 9. Maddi McMaster 10. Natalie Hagedorn
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WHERE TO?
SPREAD BY EDITORIAL EDITOR LANIE JONES AND LAYOUT EDITOR MEG SCHWARTZ
Indicates one or more schools in the selected area being attended by one or more seniors in the fall.
SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-LOS ANGELES
BELMONT UNIVERSITY
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
WHO? Katie Byers
WHO? Claire Raulston
WHO? Natalie Williams
WHO? Lauren Cordes
WHERE? Santa Clara, California
WHERE? Los Angeles, California
WHERE? Nashville, Tennessee
WHERE? Syracuse, New York
WHY? “I always knew I wanted to be on the west coast and Santa Clara made moving super far away from home not that intimidating,” Byers said.
WHY? “UCLA checks all the boxes: a top notch education, a beautiful campus, opportunities in a major city, and a diverse and passionate community of students,” Raulston said.
WHY? “Belmont has incredible
WHY? “Syracuse has a great program for what I want to study, occupational therapy, so I’m really excited to go there,” Cordes said.
programs for music business and to be in the heart of a city like Nashville is so exciting,” Williams said.
CHECK IT Want to see more? Head to lejournallive.com for a full, online interactive map all of the schools OUT ONLINE that the seniors will be attending in the fall, with the name(s) of the senior(s) attending. SION SENIORS’ DAY OFF
Seniors Nora Malone, Katia Hauptmann, Gracie Snider, Kameron Koppers, Maddie Marquardt, Abby McLiney, Liliana Capelli, Katie Byers, Marie Orrick, Ali Odermann and Zoé Trouvé relax on their “senior skip day” the Monday following Prom on April 10 at Loose Park. (Photo by Abby Smith)
Answers to Spirit Teacher Quiz on page 26 Mostly A’s: JCam Mostly B’s: Mid Mostly C’s Mid, Mostly D’s: Pil
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FINE ARTS DAY
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Students enjoyed art activties and performances inside and out April 21. 1. Freshman Kaitlin Lyman reaches for a piece of chalk to add onto a group chalk drawing. “Drawing has always been a good stress reliever for me,” Lyman said. “Our D.I.V.A. class spent about a week picking out a picture to draw and then we practiced for two days before we put it on the ground.” (Photo by Anna Tomka) 2. Senior Catilyn Swope admires the hanging paper butterflies that were made by students with magazines during Maison time. “I love seeing all the artwork students have been working on throughout the year and making the butterflies was a good bonding experience with the girls in my Maison,” Swope said. (Photo by Clare Kimmis) 3. Senior Angelina Adams smiles while performing poetry during the Coffee Shop. “I love writing poetry because it gives me a constructive outlet for my feelings,” Adams said. “I also enjoy reciting poetry because the idea that it could effect or chance one person’s life is the same as changing the world to me.” (Photo by Clare Kimmis)
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