Le Journal

Le journal senior swimmers pg. 7

Hurricane sandy survival pg. 9

“Oklahoma!” pg. 20 A Publication of Notre Dame de Sion

10631 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64114

Volume 31 Issue 3 december 2012

What’s inside 7 The basketball players are back on the court for the season. (Photo by Emma Eveld)

6

Teachers reminisce about their high school sports. (Photo by Kristine Sullivan)

In Each Issue

3

Editor’s Ink

10-13 20

Cover Story

My Life Is Awkward

15

8

Sion juniors hold a bake sale at Rockhurst High School to raise money for water filters to send to Africa. (Photo by Madison Hummel)

Photo Essay

10 From bulletin boards to quilting inspriational words, REbeL focuses on building students’ self-esteem.

PHOTO BY: Kristine Sullivan and Sarah allen On the cover Cover COVER INSET PHOTOS BY: Meghan Lally, MCT Campus and Kim Fryer

-2- what’s inside

Le Journal Le Journal is the official publication of Notre Dame de Sion High School 10631 Wornall Road Kansas City, MO 64114 MEMBER Missouri Interscholastic Press Assoc.

National Scholastic Press Assoc.

International Quill and Scroll CO-EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Maura Eveld Delaney Bates

MANAGING EDITOR Emma Eveld

EDITORIAL EDITOR Emma Eveld

ARTS & ENERTAINMENT EDITOR Laura Travis

NEWS/ SPORTS EDITOR Sarah Holland

FEATURES EDITOR Shannon Laird

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Lucy Gasal

WEB-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Elizabeth Gianino

WEB SPORTS EDITOR Audrey Saracini

MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Meg Cowan

REPORTERS Sarah Allen Emma Dopheide Kim Fryer Mary Kate Hense Ashley Herring Madison Hummel Meghan Lally Dana Routh Kristine Sullivan Georgia Thompson Katy Zahner

the editor’s ink They’re approaching fast. The dreaded six-letter word.

Finals.

These last two weeks are undoubtedly the toughest of the year. The time of year where many of us get grumpy and stressed.

So if you think you have it pretty bad right now (I know I do), here’s a horrible (but hilarious) Christmas story from the Eveld household: Flashback 19 years. My parents drove three-yearold Neil (my older brother) to St. Louis, where our family always spends the holidays. They arrived at my grandparents’ house on Christmas Eve, just in time for dinner. Neil helped decorate the 11-foot Christmas tree, then put on his PJs and left out a few cookies for Santa.

Once my parents were sure Neil was asleep - about midnight - they went to grab Neil’s gifts to put under the tree. But they were nowhere to be found.

My parents had left all the Christmas presents in Kansas City.

Long story short, after many tears and an offer from my uncle to drive back to KC that night, my grandma suggested they take a look at what the local 24-hour Walgreens had on its shelves. Lucky for them, the store had a giant toy aisle.

Neil never knew all his presents had been bought just eight hours before he opened them.

So, I guess what I’m saying is, it could be worse. You could have left all the Christmas presents - that you worked all winter to pick out - at home four hours

away. Or something like that...

This issue of Le Journal also includes some stories that put things into perspective. For example, at least you didn’t get puked on by a seven-month-old (check out Kim Fryer’s nannying experience on page 17). Or get your tongue stuck to a pole (more where that came from on page 14).

On a much more serious note, we should be thankful that we even have the opportunity to take finals.

Young women in other countries aren’t so lucky (see Malala’s story on lejournallive.com). And none of us lost our homes in Hurricane Sandy. Although one faculty member was in a Manhattan hotel during the massive storm (page 9).

So look at finals this way - that it could be worse. Still not convinced? Well, here are some pages that will at least cheer you up temporarily.

Le Journal documents the stories of four teachers who were high school athletes (page 6). And features two pages of holiday help, from recipes to gift guides (pages 14-15).

And, last but not least, our in-depth look at REbeL explains the new organization’s mission in encouraging women to love themselves (pages 5 and 10-13).

A final word: Don’t stress too much about the upcoming week of exams. In the words of the REbeL poster in the dining hall, “Rock what ya got.”

Maura Eveld Co-editor-in-chief

ADVISER

Alison Long

PUBLICATIONS BOARD Alison Long Michelle Olson Penny Selle Kay Walkup Carole Wall-Simmons Melissa Wilcox Delaney Bates Maura Eveld Meghan Gordon Lauren Ruiz

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Le Journal welcomes letters submitted by readers. The staff reserves the right to edit length and minor grammatical errors, but the letter’s message will not be altered.

The staff reserves the right to review letters and edit material that is inappropriate. Libelous, slanderous or obscene letters will not be printed.

Letters must be signed.

Photo of the Issue

Sophomore Chloie Costello won Photo Club’s Fall Photo Contest with her picture of Shawnee Mission East sophomore Gracie Guignon. A career as a photographer is in the running Costello said.

editor’s ink -3-

Sandy Who?

Leggings controversy

BY LAURA TRAVIS

People affected by Hurricane Sandy still need help and attention.

Arts & Entertainment Editor

BY AUDREY SARACINI

Web Sports Editor

“Who ever reads this I’m DIEING [dying]– I’m 28 yrs old my name is Mike. I had to break in to your house. I took blankets off the couch. I have hypothermia. I didn’t take any thing. A wave thru me out of my house down the block. I don’t think I’m going to make it. The water outside is 10ft deep at least.

There’s no res[c]ue. Tell my dad I love him and I tryed get[t]ing out. His number is ###-###-#### his name is Tony. I hope u can read this I’m in the dark. I took a black jacket too. Goodbye. God all mighty help me.”

Despite the foreshadowing in this note, Mike was rescued by an unidentified waverunner. It is human nature to become enthralled by captivating stories like his. As Midwesterners we safely witnessed Sandy’s destruction and stories like Mike’s on all media outlets for at least a week after the storm hit. Pictures of destruction and debris filled the homepages of every internet site, and celebrities made avid pleas for donations to the American Red Cross.

But where is the news coverage now three weeks after the storm? We are forgetting that Sandy’s victims need saving even after the storm has subsided.

Just eight days after Sandy hit the U.S. on Tuesday, Nov. 6, another storm ravaged our shores. The final battle between President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney commenced. Many worried that the power outages, floods and snowstorms would delay voting on Election Day. The people living through the nightmare of Hurricane Sandy were merely seen as a

-Photo by MCT Campus

red or blue vote. We became lost in the politics of the epic presidential race and forgot about those who needed us most.

As the campaign commercials exited the airwaves so did much of the focus on Hurricane Sandy. Instead, Kristen Stewart’s latest revealing dress and “Breaking Dawn Part 2” advertisements take up two of the top five news spots on yahoo.com. The Petraeus scandal is the dominant story on cnn.com.

The news stories that are no longer on the web or television coverage are our only connection to the Frankenstorm. We cannot relate to those affected in the east because the worst thing that Sandy brought us was a blast of cold weather. We don’t know what it’s like to see our homes washed away one day and buried in snow the next. So how do we remember Sandy’s victims a month after the storm?

We should seek updates about the recovery efforts for Hurricane Sandy. We should visit credible websites like redcross.org to donate and see where help is most needed. Most importantly, we cannot forget how many the storm really affected. Like Mike, many people survived the storm but have no home to go back to. It is up to people like us to keep Sandy’s victims at the forefronts of our minds instead of letting it slip away into the abyss of past media coverage.

Tests, Quests and Finals

The “last day of tests” rule needs some revamping.

BY EMMA EVELD

Managing Editor

On Monday, study government for five hours and then precalculus for six hours. Remember how to graph logs and exponential growth functions. Then on Tuesday I need to focus solely on anatomy. Don’t forget anatomical position! Alright then that leaves me all of Wednesday to type up my Spanish study guide and cut all my flashcards. Ay ay ay! Can’t forget to read the rest of Wuthering Heights, too. I must finish it. Remember: Spark Notes is prohibited. Don’t be tempted.

Whew. I don’t know about you, but my mind goes into organization overload mode when those first semester finals roll around. It’s the time of year where every night I pray that God can magically make a day have 80 hours, just so I can get all my studying and homework done.

So when I go to school and hear five out of seven of my teachers say, “we’re going to have a test” on the last day teachers are allowed to give tests, my brain goes limp.

Don’t get me wrong, I love that there is a day where afterwards no tests are allowed to be given.

It’s fantastic, but maybe it needs to be rethought and reorganized.

I think we should keep up this so-called “last day of tests” date. It’s helpful. It creates less stress, but only if teachers take it the right way.

This date pushes many of our teachers to quickly squeeze in a test. With seven classes, these tests can pile up, all within a day of each other.

“I think it’s nice that there’s a cutoff for tests but

-4- editorials

sometimes it’s hard because every teacher chooses to have a test that day. That’s the only problem,” senior Michaela Bukaty said.

I’m suggesting that maybe our teachers can communicate. I know it could never be perfect, and there’s always going to be times when you have multiple tests on one day, but maybe the load could be lightened. Maybe the tests could be more spread out to give us more breathing room.

Also, I know a lot of teachers do not follow this “last day of tests” rule. Some give us “quests,” as we like to call them, after this date. I get why it makes sense from the teachers’ standpoint. They’re not done with the lesson and need a day or so more before they test their pupils on it. That makes sense.

“Sometimes it’s [the date] not possible because I want to make sure that the students know the information and one of the ways for me to make sure is to test them, even if it’s after the last day of tests date,” Spanish teacher Maggie Adler said.

It just frustrates me, though, because now I have one more test to worry about. This test that’s given after the “last day of tests” date could affect my grade and also affect how well I need to do on my final.

Added stress. Seems silly and over analyzed, but that’s what it comes down to.

I think cutting the last tid bits of class information or planning ahead helps everyone, teachers and students, in the long run.

So keep the date. But teachers and students should both come together to make sure they don’t have tests all on that one day, or after that date, by working together and planning ahead.

Less overbooked school days before finals, less stressed Sionians. And that’s always a plus.

It invaded Sion two years ago. A menace that rocked students and faculty alike. Penetrating its way through the halls as teachers fought with pink slips and amendments to the handbook. However, now it seems that a treaty has been drawn ending the war between this tight, nylon invader and the Sion administration.

In October, the administration officially made the decision that students would be allowed to wear leggings on Civvies Days on one condition: that they wear a sweatshirt, t-shirt or sweater that reaches the length of your fingertips.

Dean of Students Fran Koehler believes the student body is glad they are now allowed to wear leggings. However, she believes there may be a difference between what the school views as appropriate and what students view as appropriate.

“Girls think they’re covered, but they’re not,” Koehler said.

The decision is great, but Koehler’s point is valid.

Just judging by the last Civvies Day, some students don’t even seem to be making an effort to cover what is necessary. That is taking advantage of the situation.

The administration is making an effort to meet the student body somewhere in the middle so we should try to meet that middle ground as well.

If you aren’t up to wearing long clothing or shorts, there is a large plethora of bottoms deemed appropriate to wear on Civvies Days. Jeans are available at most malls and department stores or you can pick up a nice comfy pair of sweats from the Sion Shoppe to show your school spirit. People survived for quite a long time without wearing leggings as pants. You can survive without wearing them for seven hours on a Friday once or twice a month. Unimaginable as it may be, some people don’t even like leggings.

“I don’t like them honestly. I think they are fine for certain occasions. If people want to wear them it’s okay with me, I just don’t plan to,” senior Mia Cotter said.

I’m not trying to put down leggings. I love leggings. I wear them all the time, but as Cotter said, I have come to realize there are certain times and places to wear them that are better than others. There are also certain ways to wear them to certain places.

To school, it may not be the best idea to wear them with just a t-shirt and Uggs. I admit I have done it. Guilty as charged. But since rethinking it, I have become more open to the idea that school may not be the best place for them.

That is why I am so thankful to the administration for allowing us to wear them this way. It is a really good compromise. It isn’t that hard to throw on a pair of Nike shorts over your leggings or dig through your closet to find a big sweatshirt.

Sion has finally ended the epic battle of the leggings. It was a long fought war. Leggings set up camp in students’ closets. Teachers armed themselves with pens and pink slips.

Students took sides or tried to make peace between the opposing sides.

Teachers and the administration will inevitably continue their eternal struggle against untucked shirts and short skirts, but for now, a truce has been drawn with the nylon.

-Drawing by Lauren Martin

-Photo courtesy Booties on my Feet

Price for Perfection

This editorial represents the views of the Le Journal staff - 21 of 21 voted in support of this editorial.

Today’s society has collectively created a “perfect image” for women which negatively affects their opinions and treatment of their bodies.

Flipping through October’s issue of Glamour magazine, several things stand out in particular. Every woman in the magazine is flawless. Literally. They are all stunning, each stamped with perfection.

Their makeup is spotless, hair primped and polished, and not a hint of cellulite can be seen on their long, lean figures.

Perfect. This seems to be a reccurring theme for teenage girls in today’s society.

But what really is perfect?

In every magazine, T.V. commercial or computer ad, women are portrayed as paperthin supermodels with unblemished skin.

Seeing these women who are supposed to be beautiful puts pressure on teenage girls.

Society has collectively come up with this idea of an ideal image for women. When in reality, this image is unhealthy and unrealistic.

The perfect body image is portrayed throughout all of media today.

Entertainment news magazines are infamous for bashing celebrities and pointing out their flaws. A Star Magazine on the grocery store rack screamed skinny headlines at shoppers. The cover read “70 Best and Worst Summer Beach Bodies.” It had candid pictures of celebrities in swimsuits with blurred out faces over a “who’s that” caption.

Pointing out flaws in stars’ bodies makes anything that isn’t thin, ugly. These magazines making fun of celebrities without slim figures lead the readers to believe that only skinny is beautiful. Anything other than slim is insulted and highlighted on the cover of national magazines.

Society is obsessed with being skinny. Every other commercial on cable is about dropping the pounds.

Weight loss companies such as Zumba, Slim Fast and P90X are advertised constantly. The spokesmen for

these commercials are toned, tan and well, perfect.

Once again, it degrades body image making nothing but skinny acceptable.

Girl’s obsessing over body image are portrayed in movies as well. 2005’s Mean Girls is one of the most quoted and most loved chick-flick movies ever.

Although it is a classic among teenage girls, the movie portrays high school girls in a dim light.

In the movie, the girls are constantly obsessing over their body images. At one point, the four girls stand in a mirror and pick out their flaws. At lunch, they count calories and have certain rules about what to wear on what days. Although the movie is humorous,

“WE are surrounded by A SOCIETY THAT PREACHES ‘SKINNY IS THE ONLY WAY’ AND IF YOU DON’T FIT INTO A CERTAIN MOLD THEN YOU AREN’T GOOD ENOUGH.” - ALI CAMPBELL , Junior it shows teenage girls obsessing over being skinny and supports the idea of society’s perfect image.

Seeing how women are portrayed in media causes many girls to become obsessive with their body images, just like the girls in the movie. Many girls often take these obsessions to extremes. According to the South Carolina Department of Health, seven million women in the U.S. have an eating disorder. Bulimia, anorexia and binge eating are common disorders among many teenage girls. Many girls feel that being thin will make them beautiful, no matter the cost. Girls will do serious harm to their bodies in hopes of being thin.

“We are surrounded by a society that preaches ‘skinny is the only way’ and if you don’t fit into a certain mold then you aren’t good enough,” junior Ali Campbell said.

A high self esteem is one of the most difficult, yet important, characteristics a girl can have especially throughout her teenage years. It is important for young girls to remember they are all beautiful in their own way. The REbeL program, recently started at Sion, is a group that focuses on showing girls their self worth and individual beauty.

“REbeL helps girls in today’s society by reminding them of all of the amazing things every girl has to give to the world,” Campbell said.

Campbell is a member of the REbeL program along with 25 other girls from various grades. It is a great way for young girls to feel empowered. REbeL teaches girls to not only tell themselves they are beautiful, but truly believe it. It teaches girls to accept and love their bodies as they are.

Yes, being a teenage girl in today’s society is full of pressure. Skinny has been recently graded as the definition of beauty. Although these “ideal” women portrayed by society today may appear stunning, their body images are unhealthy and not something girls should model.

It’s important for teenage girls to remember that everyone is different. Every woman is a different size and shape. That’s what makes us who we are. Beauty comes from within and every woman deserves to know they’re beautiful.

Get involved with REbeL or a similar program. It’s a great way to bond with other girls who are pressured in the same way. Programs like REbeL help girls build self confidence and become comfortable with who they are.

Everyone is going to have his or her opinion no matter what you wear or what size your waistline is.

Women should live to please themselves, not those around them.

Counting calories and skipping meals is no way to live. Sure, it’s good to be healthy and watch what you eat. But obsessing over your image and dieting to extremes is harmful to both mind and body.

Be comfortable with who you are and know that different is beautiful.

Marilyn Monroe once said, “To all the girls who think they’re ugly because you’re not a size zero, you’re the beautiful one. It’s society who’s ugly.”

editorials -5-

blast

from the

past michelle olson

bob lampen

mary murphy

reynold middleton

Several teachers share their past high school and college sports experiences.

BY SARAH ALLEN Reporter

BY MARY KATE HENSE Reporter

BY SARAH ALLEN Reporter

BY MARY KATE HENSE Reporter

A committed physical education teacher. An inspiring and passionate volleyball coach. And little do many know, a high school and college volleyball player.

Teacher and coach Bob Lampen started playing volleyball at St. John Vianney High School in St. Louis, Mo. when he was a sophomore.

“I had never played before, but my height and athleticism gave me an edge,” Lampen said.

Men’s volleyball was a spring sport at his high school. During the season he practiced five times per week. Lampen was one of the few who trained and played year-round.

Lampen is now the co-head coach for the volleyball team. But during his high school days, Lampen was coached

by Jeff Gabbert.

He still keeps in touch with Gabbert and had the privilege of being his assistant for a year. Lampen considers himself to be a similar coach to Gabbert.

“I would say that Coach Gabbert and myself are about the same as far as love of the game, attitude and demeanor,” Lampen said.

Lampen says he learned multiple things from volleyball that helped him later in life.

“I learned about hard work, dedication, and passion,” Lampen said.

“As with life, I learned you have to work hard to reach your goals, and you can’t expect it to be given to you.”

You may have never thought about how your teachers were in your very same situations not too long ago. Walking through narrow hallways, cramming for tests and even participating on school sports teams.

Mary Murphy, social studies teacher, is one of those teachers. She swam at the University of Kansas from 1976-1977.

“I was a walk-on after deciding that my status as a walk-on for KU basketball, my better sport, was pretty iffy,” Murphy said. “In best-case scenario would mean not much playing time for a couple of years.”

During Murphy’s swimming days she mostly swam breaststroke and occasionally some freestyle. They won The Big-Eight Championships in 1977.

She placed ninth in all three breaststroke events: the 50,100 and 200.

“I got just enough points for the team to earn a letter,” Murphy said.

“I believe I was possibly the worst swimmer ever to letter at KU.” Murphy said her favorite swim memory had to be the Big Eight Championships which were held at KU. Her team waited until all other teams were on the pool deck when her team came out in bald-headed wigs.

“We’d made a deal with our coach, who had a crazy head of curly hair, that if we shaved our heads he had to shave his,” Murphy said. “It didn’t work, but we made quite a sensation. It was my idea, and so I was delighted we got such a reaction.”

Math teacher, cross country coach, and Co-Athletic Director Reynold Middleton started running track when he was 11 years old. He first played basketball for a YMCA team and his coach suggested he run track.

After a successful first year of running track for his YMCA team, an AAU coach asked him if he were interested in competing at a higher level. So, Middleton ran on the team, the Kansas City North Stars, until high school.

Middleton won the 1979 cross country state championship running for Northeast High School in Kansas City, Kan. “While there was a team aspect to both, I really enjoyed the individual aspect of competing,” Middleton said.

“I didn’t have to rely on anyone else. My success was mine, but also there was no one to blame if you didn’t live up to expectations.”

Middleton is the cross country coach and led this year’s team to a fifth place win at the MSHSAA Class 3 State Championship.

He tries to pass things he loved about competing and running during high school onto the girls. His experience with competing is evident in his advice on how to be a successful runner and competitor.

“Work hard, set goals, be tough both physically and mentally, and do the best you can do,” Middleton said. “If you do that, you will be successful.”

She was a former golf, track, softball, basketball and volleyball player.

She is the mother of a senior and is a member of the school administration.

Yes, she is Principal Michelle Olson.

She started her high school journey as a blue and white Panther at a small Catholic co-ed school called Colgan soon after the Title IX education amendment was passed in the ‘70s. This was a law that made schools give equal opportunity to girls in sports.

Freshman year she played golf and ran track. Sophomore year she played golf and softball. Her junior and senior years she played golf, softball, basketball and volleyball.

Olson was no bench warmer. She was a guard in basketball, played all the way around on the volleyball court, was the left-fielder, rover and second baseman for softball, and participated in the high jump, hurdles and was a sprinter for her track team.

“Yes, I did play five sports growing up,” Olson said. “Back then it was easier to do.”

But Olson said that her favorite sport is golf.

“I qualified for girls’ state in golf as an individual my freshman year, 1974,” Olson said. “At this time my high school did not have a girls team.”

And Olson has not stopped playing. She made a hole-in-one on a 190-yard hole at a Gardner, Kan. course about five years ago.

“ in high school i played

tennis, basketball and cheer. ”

- Jennifer Brown-Howerton, history

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“ I RAN CROSS COUNTRY AND TRACK IN HIGH SCHOOL. ” - Erika ELLWANGER, counselor

“ I PLAYED VOLLEYBALL AND SOCCER IN HIGH SCHOOL, BUT SOCCER WAS MY FAVORITE. ”

- jennifer CAMPBELL, Librarian

Swim Team Senior Style

The unbreakable bond between eight seniors is as strong as their hunger for swimming success.

BY MEGHAN LALLY Reporter

Eight seniors. Four years of blood, sweat and tears. One goal: to be state champions.

Through the years, Jillian Nelson, Christina Santner, Megan Benson, Sarah Marquardt, Elizabeth Gianino, Hannah Tutera, Laura Klover, and Carolina Dugan, the seniors on the 2012-2013 Notre Dame de Sion swim and dive team, say they have formed an inevitable bond not only in the classroom but in the swimming pool.

“We are so close I think just because we are around each other so much,” Klover said.

The seniors are ready to lead their team to a victorious season. Although, Santner says, success will come from a different approach than previous seasons.

“Last year we were so focused and driven that it backfired. This year we want to have a different approach,” Santer said. “We want to be more relaxed when accomplishing what we need.”

This relaxed environment is easy to come by.

These eight swimmers have a history together which they say has caused friendship to blossom into a sisterhood.

“We try to support each other and make sure the environment is positive and happy,” Santner said.

These seniors have known each other longer than just the four years of high school which they say has made their friendship grow even stronger. Some of them are even childhood friends.

“We all knew each other before high school even started, we were all on the same club team,” Klover said.

All the swimmers started swimming at a young

Laura Klover, who spends an average of 24 hours a week in the pool, pumps her arms as she perfects her backstroke.

Backstroke is one of Klover’s fastest strokes. (Photo by Meghan Lally)

age. Klover started at two, while Dugan began her swimming career at 10.

Some of them have also spent many years swimming together. Nelson and Tutera swam on the Blazers together at the age of eight.

“We have to work hard at practice,” Santner said. “You have to focus on times and pay attention to technique. Everything deliberately, emotionally.”

From pool to school, these seniors describe their relationship as a new experience every day.

“Our bond is so unpredictable. It’s crazy,” Tutera said. “Jillian and I fought yesterday. But we’re good now. We’re like sisters.”

Basketball 2012-2013 A home game victory against Cameron High School starts off the basketball team’s season.

BY LUCY GASAL Photography Editor

There may be a lack of upperclassmen but it does not pose an issue for the upcoming season according to coach Jared Pitts.

“It is not difficult having two juniors,” basketball coach Jared Pitts said. “We have great senior leadership in our five seniors this year and our two juniors have been outstanding for us.”

These five seniors, Jodie Rellihan, Grace Keane, Jessie Corbin, Mallory Elder and Sydney Harris, have all played together since freshman year.

Last year the team beat Lincoln 53-43 for the MSHSAA District 14 Championship, however they lost to Pleasant Hill 42-46 in the sectional.

But according to senior Sydney Harris, the team is now focusing on this year. Their goals are to work hard in practice and get to the state championship.

“I think our basketball team will do well this year,” Pitts said. “We have eight returning Varsity letterman from last year. We have great team chemistry and strong leadership.”

For example, junior Kristen Murphy was selected to the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association All-

State team last year, and senior Grace Keane was selected to the Sportswriter’s All-State team.

“We are happy to announce that Grace Keane will be attending Harvard University and will be playing basketball there,” Conaghan said.

In the first round of the Lee’s Summit North High School tournament, the team lost to William Chrisman. But in the end, they defeated Lee’s Summit High School in the final round to clinch the consolation championship.

The JV team also lost in the first round of the Lee’s Summit West High School tournament to William Chrisman.

“We lost the tournament,” junior Moira Quinn said, “but we learned what to do and what not to do.”

The freshman basketball team is also fun according to Stephanie Fernandez.

“I really like all of the girls on my team,” freshman Sarah King said.

And Pitts said he has high expectations for his team.

“My expectations for the year are for the girls to work hard, be open to learning and give 100 percent at all times,” Pitts said. “If we can do those three things, we will have a very fun year while also being very competitive.”

Varsity swimmer Kristine Sullivan, junior, said that the seniors make working hard fun. The energy around the pool makes tough practices seem easier.

Their determination is contagious, she said.

With high energy, and a lot of leadership, the swim team seniors are pumped for the upcoming season. And the seniors are not the only ones who are feeling invigorated for this season.

Coach Paul Winkeler also feels the energy radiating from his swimmers.

“This is a very, very hungry team,” Winkeler said.

“I think a lot of the girls have unfinished business from last year, and are returning extremely motivated.”

Jodie Rellihan goes up for a layup and Grace Keane rebounds in the game against Cameron High school Nov. 20. (Photo by Emma Eveld)

sports -7-

news

in brief

215 shadows

by sarah holland

Eighth graders shuffle into the building, greeted by purple folders, their hostess and hundreds of unfamiliar faces. The seemingly daunting scene becomes more comfortable as the first bell rings and everyone gets settled into class. The first of seven introductions is given and the shadow slinks back into her seat.

“Sion continues to improve year after year with getting our name out, whether it be our new ‘Passport’ that contains facts about our school that we give to girls, or seeing Sion in the newspaper,” Director of High School Admissions Sharon Radovich said. “We already have 215 shadow visits scheduled.”

Feedback Radovich commonly hears is how the shadow visitors are surprised at the lack of drama and how comfortable an all-female environment is.

“Small changes, such as Maisons and clubs to help break up the day, have made a huge difference in helping improve Sion and its overall atmosphere,” Counselor Erika Ellwanger said.

Freshman religion teacher Bonnie Haghirian said the shadows really seem to enjoy their day here at Sion.

“Many girls who shadow end up coming to Sion,” Radovich said. “It isn’t surprising because Sion is such a warm, welcoming community.”

kristine plaza pizza bysullivan

-8- news

election results bytravislaura

The most wonderful time of the year has drawn to an end. The shelves at the stores have been emptied. Young children around the city will now wake up to a wonderful present, the knowledge that they will be able to eat today.

Canning season is now over as Sion’s annual Food for Thought canned food drive for a local food pantry at Redemptorist Social Services Center concluded on Nov. 16.

Since the Food for Thought count is by weight and not number of cans, the final tally was 28 tons of food for the entire school. The seniors came in first, the sophomores second, juniors third and freshmen came in fourth.

Student Council, who sponsors Food for Thought, chose not to release the total for each grade due to the close count.

In addition to the regular tally, nearly $1,000 was raised through proceeds from Purple on the Plaza, Sion’s second quarter spirit night at California Pizza Kitchen. Almost $100 and additional cans were raised from the Costume for Cans civvies day on Halloween where students and faculty brought in donations to wear costumes.

STUCO also held a breakfast where $237 were raised.

“Food for Thought is a great way for Sion to come together and do something worthwhile for the community,” senior Kathryn Surmeier said.

On the evening of Nov. 6, news stations across the country announced that President Barack Obama had won the 2012 presidential election and second term defeating Republican nominee Governor Mitt Romney.

As predicted, the final numbers came out very close. Obama just edged out on top in the popular vote with 50 percent, just 2 percent higher than Romney. Both candidates won states where their party traditionally dominates in both the electoral and popular, leaving the final deciding factor to who won the battleground states.

Obama had a major advantage in these states.

Except for North Carolina where Romney was victorious, Obama won all of the battleground states including Ohio which was considered the most crucial one in the 2012 election and really sealed the Democratic victory.

In the electoral vote, which truly decides the next president, Obama snagged the victory with 332 votes to Romney’s 206.

In his re-election speech, Obama said the intensity of the 2012 presidential race reflects the concern all citizens share for America’s future and their love of the country. However, he hopes people of all political beliefs can find common ground from that passion.

“Forward, that’s where we need to go,” Obama said in his acceptance speech.

sky diving byeveldemma Twenty-four miles above the earth, and what does he do? Jump.

Felix Baumgartner, a world renowned 43-year-old Austrian skydiver, was the first man to break the sound barrier on Oct. 14.

Baumgartner was lifted to this unthinkable height in a box attached to a 55-story helium balloon. He was dressed in a pressurized suit to protect his skin and entire body from the extreme heat and flames.

According to Baumgartner, his life came second though.

“When I was spinning first 10, 20 seconds, I never thought I was going to lose my life but I was disappointed because I’m going to lose my record.

I put seven years of my life into this,” Baumgartner said, according to the New York Daily News.

Librarian Jennifer Campbell has skydived before and heard about Baumgartner’s accomplishment.

“He had to go through a bunch of simulations of the ride up to make sure he could handle it psychologically,” Campbell said. “Not to mention how much engineering went into his jumpsuit, years of practice and general mental stability.”

Campbell said she doesn’t think she would do a jump as drastic as Baumgartner’s stunt anytime soon.

“I’m not sure if I’m prepared to break the sound barrier, but I would push the limits in terms of how high I jump from,” Campbell said. “If I could go every weekend I would.”

sarah Bake sales byholland It was 3 p.m. The bell rang. Boys bustled down the stairs. They were greeted by Sion girls and a long table of desserts.

The juniors are raising money for a water filter, a follow-up from their well project last year.

“We are working through a company called WaterIsLife because it seemed like it would help the most people,” junior Mary Sizemore said.

The juniors also plan to have a car wash, more bake sales, sell t-shirts, have a civvies day and have another bake sale at Rockhurst at the end of the year to raise more money.

“We needed a lot of money. We had great results last year, made $350 at Rockhurst alone, so we decided to do it again this year. Rockhurst guys and Sion girls love food,” junior and self-proclaimed ‘second in command to this project’ Neda Awad said.

The juniors are not alone in raising money for a good cause. The sophomores are raising money for several organizations: Wounded Warriors, Operation Warriors and Harvesters.

After a phone call from a family friend asking Sydney Daniels if she would be interested in partnering with Rockhurst’s Patriotism Club, sophomores began collecting money for the cause.

“We will be having bake sales at Sion and Rockhurst, assist the Patriotism club with “adopting a soldier” for the holidays, then have a drive for care package items in the spring,” sophomore Sydney Daniels said. “Our goal is $500 and we will distribute it among the organizations.”

for full stories go to lejournallive.com

Twenty-eight tons of food wasn’t enough.

So to cap off three weeks of Food for Thought competition, Sion successfully raised almost $1,000 at its second spirit night on Nov. 15. Sion families from the high school and the grade school went to California Pizza Kitchen’s Plaza location for dinner.

And 20 percent of the proceeds from the evening went to Redemptorist Social Services.

“When you say ‘Spirit Night’ it sounds productive and makes me think there is going to be a lot of people there,” Kipp Ochsner, California Pizza Kitchen Manager, said before the event.

And his words proved correct. Sion families flooded the restaurant and had as much as a 30 minute wait for a table. But most said it was worth it because it was a great way to end Food For Thought week, and it brought both schools together.

“I was really impressed by the amount of people that showed up to support your school,” Ochsner said. “So far, it has been the best fundraiser we have had.”

food for thought bytravislaura

From left to right: Hurricane Sandy affected the New Jersey Coastline of Long Beach, it flooded Crisfield, Md., and strong winds affected E 21st in Brooklyn, N.Y. Guard members responded quickly to help evacuate the citizens. (Photos from Wikimedia Commons)

Surviving Sandy

Sion Alert Coordinator Mary Broshcart experienced the chaos of Hurricane Sandy firsthand.

BY Maura Eveld

Co-Editor-in-Chief

On the 23rd floor, five women finished off their room-service meal and finished up their rented movie.

They scurried down to the lobby of the hotel in robes and pajamas. In fascination, the sisters watched the rain spill and the trees bow down to 80 mph winds.

The doormen, bored by the absence of passersby, happily took pictures for them of the chaos that was a tempestuous Manhattan.

And then, unexpectedly, a loud crash rang through the streets, prompting the ladies to sprint away from the windows and doors.

“A big chunk of the building across the street had fallen off the building,” College Guidance and Sion Alert Coordinator Mary Broschart said. “So then we decided it probably wasn’t very smart to be out there.”

Broschart, her three sisters and a family friend arrived in New York for vacation Oct. 26. Little did they know they were to be trapped in one of the biggest hurricanes to hit the East Coast in United States history: Hurricane Sandy.

“At that point [Oct. 26], the hurricane was iffy,” Broschart said. “There was a chance that it was going

to take a left turn and go out to sea, so nobody was really talking about it.”

So for three days Broschart and her sisters went about their vacationing in New York City. It wasn’t until Sunday that the news came out that Hurricane Sandy would be a direct hit.

They decided to grab some essentials at a nearby grocery store. Broschart said everybody had the same idea. The grocery stores were packed.

“So Monday morning they said subways are going to shut down at two o’clock, the last bus out of town is going to leave at seven o’clock,” she said. “So then we knew that this was the real deal.”

A sign scrolled through Times Square, reading, “It’s coming. It’s really coming.” Saks Fifth Avenue, a street regularly lined with massive picture windows, had been completely boarded up.

“You know what it feels like when we’re going to have a snow storm? That was the feeling,” Broschart said. “It was kind of exciting, you know, that this big storm was coming.”

That night they ordered room service at the hotel and waited out the massive hurricane. She said the windows trembled and the wind howled.

“The city that never sleeps, it did,” she said.

The next morning, however, was another story.

“It went from dead, nobody out, to jam-packed the next day, everybody talking about the hurricane,

and people trying to get warm”, she said.

Broschart said that their hotel was located on 50th street, so they didn’t lose power. But thousands did from 35th street up, and these thousands swarmed the streets Tuesday in search of heat and electricity and water. Some had to walk down 50 flights of stairs in the complete darkness just to get outside, she said.

The hotel allowed her group to stay one night past their reservation, but come Thursday the hotel forced them to leave because they had already re-filled the rooms with those who lost electricity.

“They canceled our airline flights. Subways weren’t running, trains weren’t running, and we were like, ‘We have nowhere to go,’” Broschart said. “And so finally we had to rent a van and drove to Baltimore and flew out of there two days later.”

Broschart said that since they weren’t victims to loss of electricity, the week was more of an adventure than an inconvenience. But seeing the thousands of displaced people on the streets was tough.

“You just felt so sorry for these people,” Broschart said. “They had no electricity, they had no water, they were cold.”

From falling buildings to chaotic streets, she said the experience was both exciting and scary.

“It really made me appreciate Kansas City, you just have no idea,” Broschart said. “We are so lucky to live here.”

Model United Nations Awards Student of the Year

Senior Kathryn Thompson is the first Sion student to receive the recognition.

BY AUDREY SARACINI Web Sports Editor

Senior Kathryn Thompson is on top of the world. The Model UN world that is. The United Nations Association of Greater Kansas City announced Thompson as the 2012 Model UN Student of the Year.

“My brother was involved in Model UN when he was in high school,” Thompson said. “I went to New York with him for a national conference and I became interested.”

Thompson’s involvement in Model UN is largely credited for the revival of the club. Club sponsor Mary Murphy said the club has transformed since Thompson’s freshman year.

“Kathryn was always very active in the club from the beginning,” Murphy said. “Her leadership and recruiting efforts helped make the club what it is today.”

Murphy said that Thompson’s leadership and strong commitment to the club is why she was awarded Model UN student of the year. The win is that much sweeter because she doesn’t come from the typical Model UN powerhouse school.

“I am hoping that Kathryn winning this award will make the club more visible to students,” Murphy

“I want people to realize that model UN is an activity that is both challenging and fun.”

- Mary Murphy, Social studies said. “I want people to realize that Model UN is an activity that is both challenging and fun.”

Thompson said the club is an opportunity to gain a wealth of knowledge at every conference. She said that her favorite thing about Model UN is collaborating

Senior Kathryn Thompson accepts her award from Kansas City Mayor Sly James. (Photo submitted by Mary Murphy)

with others at conferences to learn more about global issues. Although this is her last year in the club, she still plans to stay informed about world happenings.

“I hope to use the things I learned in Model UN to continue to expand my view of global conflicts,” Thompson said.

news -9-

Be

Pictured: senior laura klover, senior natalie wood, junior ali campbell, junior allison elsbernd and sophomore emily baronowski

t n e r e f f i D is

story, Layout and pictures by Shannon Laird, Georgia Thompson and Sarah HOlland

-10- cover story

Beautiful Rebel club helps redefine what “beautiful” is by taking a stand against negative body image. *Starting the REbeLution*

Eating disorders. Diets. Fat talk.

The list goes on. Women and girls continually attempt anything and everything to gain a better body image, psychologist Laura Eickman, Director of REbeL, said.

She said the plan for REbeL formed and grew from a combination of her own personal and professional experiences as a clinical psychologist.

Eickman and her friends struggled with body image issues. She said they felt inadequate, not pretty enough and worried about acceptance. And she heard more issues about this on the job.

“Professionally, I would see these individuals with eating disorders work so hard to achieve health and recovery,” Eickman said. “Yet they would return home and to school and be surrounded by fat talk, dieting and messages, telling them they need to purchase specific products to be good enough.”

So Eickman decided to do something about it. According to Eickman, she began researching prevention and outreach programs across the country.

She talked with teenagers throughout the U.S. and realized a program such as REbeL was not only wanted

but needed.

“I think teens need a space in which they can

“i wanted to help youth feel better about themselves, to feel more confident and to be able to celebrate their strengths and their differences.”

-Dr. Laura Eickman

explore these issues, think about their own thoughts and feelings about their bodies and appearance and consider ways to become healthier and feel better about themselves,” Eickman said. “In doing this, they

can also become agents of change within their schools and community and start to create a healthier, kinder culture for all of us.”

According to the REbeL website, REbeL is a student-led peer education program. Students apply to the program and if selected, are trained as peer educators. This training begins with the students examining their own thoughts and feelings about their appearance. They are educated on such topics as the prevalence of eating and body image issues, the inefficacy of diets, the Health at Every Size philosophy, the impact of negative self-talk and media literacy.

Members dialogue about these issues, strive to improve their own self-esteem and confidence and eventually become leaders in encouraging their peers to move toward healthier relationships with food and their bodies.

“REbeL confronts a number of issues including body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, the media’s unrealistic standards of beauty and attractiveness, peer pressure, conformity and bullying,” Eickman said.

And the idea of “REbeLing” against society’s demands spread quickly throughout the Kansas City Story continued on page 12

cover story -11-

*The REbeLution at Sion* Entering the halls of Sion, she was plagued by her low self-esteem. She struggled with a low image of herself, which inhibited her ability to open up and make friends with her new classmates. One day as she flipped through the pages of a local Leawood magazine, she found her answer.

Sophomore Emily Baranowski was inspired by an article focusing on a new program implemented in a few schools around the city, educating teenage girls on body image, healthy eating, the distorting images the media displays and more. From her own experiences, Baranowski was excited about the idea of “REbeLing” against the norms of society and being a part of a community that embraced everyone’s unique beauty.

“I loved how students would go out there and encourage people to be themselves and see that they are beautiful just the way they are,” Baranowski said.

“I wanted to feel that and I wanted others to feel that also.”

Baranowski decided to take the idea of REbeL to Sion’s administration, and the next year, the program launched, making it the first private school to participate.

2

percent

81

of all women want to change at least one aspect of their physical appearance

onl y

90

By the Numbers

percent

has already received requests for the program at 20 schools and opened chapters in seven new locations: Blue Valley, Blue Valley West, Blue Valley North, Blue Valley Southwest, Olathe East, Prairie Star Middle School and the one and only private school, Notre Dame de Sion.

“In starting REbeL, I wanted to help youth feel better about themselves, to feel more confident and to be able to celebrate their strengths and their differences,” Eickman said. “I wanted to help individuals realize that they are beauty-full and that everyone has value and worth even if they don’t look like the images on a magazine. My hope was that, in doing this, we could prevent disordered eating and body image problems from developing or worsening.

And if I could help a small group of students to do this, then perhaps they could create a larger movement (or REbeLution) among their peers and truly start to change the culture.”

of women think that they are beautiful

percent of 10 year old girls are afraid of being fat

34

of girls with low self-esteem engage in negative activities, such as disordered eating, bullying, smoking or drinking

“i loved how students would go out there and encourage people to be themselves and see that they are beautiful just the way they are.”

-Emily Baranowski Though REbeL has only been a club at Sion since August, its presence can already be felt. The club works, through its many school-wide activities, to positively influence both the club’s members along with all Sion students, REbeL club sponsor Erika Ellwanger said.

Chalking the sidewalks with positive messages, baking “Confidence Cookies” for the sophomore retreat, and the “Be Thankful Week” are just a few of the ways in which REbeL has been involved in the Sion community.

“We have tried to dig into the activities, but we

-12- cover story

confidencecoalition.org

Story continued from page 11

Pictured clockwise: juniors itzel perez and michelle king, senior jillian nelson, sophomore sydney daniels and sophomores ellie stingley, lauren redmond and megan Mckenzie

What does REbeL mean to you?

“Believing that you are beautiful. No matter what society holds as the standard of beauty, it all begins with yourself. Be your own kind of beautiful.”

-Brenna Dougan, Junior “I felt REbeL was something I could be a part of and not be judged for my thoughts or actions. I love it because I have learned so much about body image that I didn’t know before.” -Maddie Roederer, Senior also want that awareness piece,” Ellwanger said. “We want to spread a positive message not just to the REbeL group, but to the school. We want girls to be really, truly embracing themselves.”

Along with reaching out to the school, REbeL dedicates one club time a week to meeting as a group and explore topics including body image, mindful eating, and the media’s negative influence. They focus on bonding as a group and spend time getting to know each other and discussing different issues, Baranowski said.

“Our goal for the girls that join the group is that they learn more about themselves, that they feel better about themselves, talk more positively about themselves, and be more critical consumers of advertising,” REbeL club sponsor Karen Phillips said.

Through her experiences with the REbel program, Dr. Eickman has found the activities and meeting topics that have proven to accomplish the goals REbeL strives for. Both the Sion REbeL sponsors and the club members all agree that the little deeds they do, each act of kindness and confidence booster, are all steps to raising awareness of the many issues that society trusts upon us.

“And at the end of the day, it’s about rebelling against bullying, rebelling against judging people based on appearance only,” Phillips said. “It’s not just about eating disorders or even body image. It’s about taking good care of yourself and not being so judgemental of others.”

*Joining the REbeLution* For the 25 members of the Sion REbeL club, creating change both within themselves and around the school is simply part of their responsibility.

Having been trained by Dr. Eickman herself in a daylong session at the beginning of the school year, the girls prepared themselves to challenge all of society's "expectations."

The weekly club meetings are spent in discussion regarding issues present in society or participating in activities to expand their message to the entire student body.

“In the club we do things to boost the confidence of the people around us and try to make their day whether it be blocking the bathroom mirrors, posting positive messages on their lockers, or giving out compliment cookies,” junior Ali Campbell said. “It's

“Because of Rebel, I have learned to not only love myself but to also love and appreciate all those around me.”

-Amabelle Palomares, Sophomore

“the goals of rebel are to spread a positive message of encouragement to all people who may be scrutinized for their appearances or anything that makes them different.”

-Gigi conger, Senior the small things that the club recognizes that can really make someone’s day, even if unintentional.”

The girls in REbeL, Campbell said, joined because of their own personal experiences with insecurities and from their observations of our society through the club conversations. REbeL stands for the idea of not being submissive to the norms of the world around us by embracing one’s unique, inner beauty.

“I joined REbeL because I love the message and what the club members stand for,” sophomore Evie Hauptmann said. “I wanted to help other people love their body and realize that they are beautiful in every way. I wanted to be someone who could help others change the way they look at themselves and hopefully have a more positive body image because of me.”

Pictured: senior jenna stanek, Junior anna hamilton and sophomore alexandra dykeman

cover story -13-

My Life Is Awkward: Christmas Edition “Accidentally stole a Christmas tree from Price Chopper...”

-Molly McEnerney, freshman

what do you want for christmas?

2 3 4 5

iPhone5 “iPhone 5, clothes, and money”- Sarah Marquardt, senior “iPhone 5, Macbook, and Marc by Marc Jacobs bag” -Elizabeth Burnham, freshman

Having trouble finding that perfect gift for those closest to you? Here is some good ideas to help you find what you’ve been looking for.

presents for your sibilings:

Patagonia Jacket “Patagonia, clothes, and Ugg moccasins” -Izzy Romano, freshman “Patagonia vest, Tiffany ring, and Livestrong 1/4 quarterzip” -Elizabeth Herbert, sophomore Laptop “Laptop, car, and money” -Sydney Summers, sophomore “Laptop, money, and a puppy” -Ellie Fritts, senior “Macbook Air, iPhone 5, and money” -Sydney Harris, senior Boots and shoes “New uggs and clothes” -Kate O’Keefe, freshman “Sperry’s, clothes, and a new phone” -Nathalie Barbeau, freshman “Uggs, iPhone, and a phone case” -Mary Colaric, freshman Money “MONEY”-Ally Ungashick, senior “Love and money, so I can buy what I really want” -Ariel O’Bannon, senior

-14- arts & entertainment

“The worst thing that has happened to me was sticking my tongue to a pole and my skin ripped off.”

- Maddie Beshoner, sophomore

what to buy your family members:

It’s hard to keep your Christmas lists short! Here’s a list of popular gifts that girls want this year.

1

“My mom didn’t get me a talking furby for Christmas freshman year and I cried and made her get me one.”

-Mary Horn, junior

“My sister loves getting any type of stuffed animal.”

-Christina Rosasco, junior “I got my two brothers (3 and 1 years old) each books, How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? and On the Night You Were Born.” -Brenna Dougan, junior “I always get my brothers Vineyard Vines or Southern Tide buttondowns and they always wear them, so it makes me happy.” -Natalie Caruso, sophomore “Jewelry for my sisters and something outdoorsy or having to do with guitar for my brother.” -Madeline Hollenbeck, freshman

Family gag gifts: “The most awkward gifts possible.” -Mary Gates, sophomore “Ironic cheap things like spam.” -Cory Cole, junior “My mom and I always get my dad a hideous shirt or really ugly shoes as a joke.” -Addy Harris, senior “Ones that make fun of them.” -Margaret Schorgl, junior

What’s your favorite holiday recipe?

Looking for a healthy alternative for yummy holiday cookies? Here is a recipe for Almond Flour Frosted Sugar Cookies from Detoxinista.com.

They are intended for the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, a diet for people with Crohn’s Disease. Crohn’s may affect as many as 700,000 Americans and as many as 1 in 133 are affected by Celiac disease. So this recipe offers a yummy alternative for everyone.

Ingredients

*2 cups Honeyville blanched almond flour *¼ cup coconut oil, softened (or use butter instead) *¼ cup raw honey *½ teaspoon almond extract *¼ teaspoon fine sea salt *For the frosting: 2 tablespoons coconut oil, softened *2 tablespoons raw honey *½ teaspoon almond extract *pinch of fine sea salt

In a medium bowl, mix together the cookie ingredients until a thick, creamy batter is formed.

Preheat

oven to 350°F

Using a cookie scoop, drop the batter onto a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper.

Press and shape the dough with your fingers to desired shape.

“My favorite holiday recipe is Raspberry Thumbprint cookies because we only get them around Christmas and they remind me of the season.”

- Angela Wood, junior

Allow to cool on the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Bake for about 8 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.

“Gingerbread cookies are my favorite holiday recipe because it is a special tradition to make them during winter.”

- Ariana Fotouhi, junior

For the frosting, simply cream together the coconut oil, honey, almond extract and salt, until well combined.

Frost the cooled cookies, and let them set in the fridge for a more solidfrosting.

Almond Flour Frosted Sugar Cookies

-Photos by Meghan Lally

The Life of a Sion Girl

By Jane Crook, senior

arts & entertainment -15-

Le Journal’s Top Christmas Movies 1

“Elf”

2

“Home Alone”

“I like “Elf ” because it’s funny and it never gets old.”

-Senior Michaela Bukaty

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” 3

“I like “Home Alone” because it’s comical, less serious and it makes everyone happy.”

-Co-Athletic Director Dennis Conaghan

4

“A Christmas Story”

“I like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” because it’s just a classic tale of childhood lessons and morals.”

-Senior Chris Flucke

“The Polar Express”

5

“I like “A Christmas Story” because I watch it during Christmas time and it’s funny and cute.”

-Senior Claire Willman

6

“rudolph the red nosed reindeer”

“I like “Polar Express” because of the music and it’s a magical Christmas story.”

-Junior Catherine Spale

Now Playing: Red Dawn

Actor Josh Peck is hard to take seriously in this 1984 remake.

By DANA ROUTH AND KATY ZAHNER Reporters

Foreign invasion and war is a reality for many countries. Yet it is something Americans don’t think about ever happening on our shores. But “Red Dawn” brings that unimaginable fear to life as North Korea invades the United States. All is not lost as a group of teenagers begin a revolution to bring the destructive communists down. If only Josh Peck hadn’t previously played a lead role in Nickelodeon’s comedy Drake and Josh, then maybe we could’ve taken the movie seriously.

This 1984 remake takes a modern spin on a fictional attack against America. The opening scene starts off at a friday night football game, centered around the star athlete, Matt Eckert. The moment he takes his helmet off, pushes his sweaty, long and appearing to be straightened hair from his face it was over. We could no longer watch the movie with a straight face.

-16- arts & entertainment

Eckert is played by Josh Peck, mostly remembered as the goofy, Oprah-loving brother from the well known TeenNick sitcom.

But we managed to stay seated. “Red Dawn” starts in a typical high school environment. Teenagers eating at a local hangout after the football game.

Laughing. Enjoying life. It was a flawless example of typical teenager life.

Quickly however, this perfect, “life is good” mindset is shattered with the dawn of the next morning. Matt’s older brother Jed, played by the buff Chris Hemsworth, is home for break from the Marine Corps and immediately wakes up when the Eckert’s house begins to shake.

Eventually, after both brothers wake up and look outside they see the harsh reality of bombs dropping and exploding on their neighbors’ homes, North Koreans pouring from the sky in parachutes, and army tanks barreling down their block. Somehow, the entire United States military force disappears leaving it up to the Eckert brothers to gather their own clan of kids to fight back.

And they call themselves “the Wolverines” based on their high school mascot. The movie attempts

“I Like “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” because it’s a classic. The animation is awesome and I just love everything about it.”

-Senior Christina Santner

-Photo courtesy Open Road Films

to appeal to female viewers by trying to add a star crossed romance between Eckert and his high school sweetheart, but it just unnecessarily complicated the already overly complicated plot.

Peck and Hemsworth aren’t the only well known actors in “Red Dawn.” Josh Hutcherson who plays a similar character, Peeta, in “The Hunger Games”, becomes one of the dominant members of the Wolverines in this movie. Also, Isabel Lucas from the 2009 “Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen”, is cast as Eckert’s soul mate in the film.

How the movie ended on a positive note we have yet to understand. After each intense combat scene the movie automatically transitioned to the Wolverines being okay and safe in their various hideout locations.

Which was confusing, because as the viewer, you never knew just how they escaped each situation. You were just supposed to assume everything was okay.

The idea of a domestic war in cities we recognize and kids our age fighting back for our country seemed promising, but turned out to be a disappointment. “Red Dawns” action seemed more exciting in the previews and the cast containing Peck just turned something serious into a comedy.

Diary of a Babysitter

Dealing with the spawns of satan is easier when you have past experience.

BY KIM FRYER Reporter

I held up UMKC student Krissy’s cell phone in the kitchen window and smirked, the laughs of my siblings and I echoing throughout the house as we dialed in her boyfriend’s phone number. She was locked outside in the rain. Again.

Now, in our defense, we were simply trying to help Krissy out. She seemed to be having some troubles with her boyfriend and we really wanted to assist her.

I am 100 percent certain our phone calls improved her relationships more than any Dr. Phil episode ever could have.

A soaking wet Krissy pounded on the window, begging us to put down the phone and let her inside.

This only made me laugh even harder, of course, because nothing gave my 7-year-old self more pleasure than torturing the babysitters. It was not just a hobby, it was a gift. Krissy was just one of the hundred babysitters that went through my family.

That’s not an exaggeration, we just couldn’t keep a babysitter. I wonder if the physical or emotional or mental turmoil we put them through contributed to that fact? Or the injuries that we somehow always made sound like their fault? It’s pretty obvious, though, that the babysitter forced cousin Claire to fly off the teeter-totter and through a glass window. And clearly the babysitter told cousin Stephen to headbutt her but miss and crack his head open on the cabinets instead. So I’d say the blame is pretty evenly split between the babysitters and our family.

Fast forward 10 years and I have found myself in the same position as poor, innocent Krissy. The tables have been turned and I find myself treated the same way I treated my babysitters. Horribly.

Unlike Krissy, however, I am better at handling the spawns of satan. Because at one point, I was the spawn of satan. I know every trick in the book. Heck, I wrote the book. My phone stays locked at all times, and I never step outside the house unless the kids are ahead of me. It’s just common self defense when you’re babysitting.

Energetic little monsters are frequently amazed by my ninja-like babysitter skills, and they should be. I think its earned me some street-cred with the 8-10-year-olds, something I’ve always aspired to have.

This is not to say I am never taken advantage of, or that I keep control of the kids I babysit at all times.

Take the Doe* kids, for instance. I would never admit it to them, but they have outsmarted me on occasion.

It actually hurt my ego to type that and I am wiping defeated tears off my cheeks.

If someone was to ask a group of babysitters, “Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt personally victimized by the Doe children,” I’d bet my life that every hand in the room would be raised.

On the exterior they appear to be an adorable and innocent bunch of kids, but once their parents’ car is safely out of the driveway their sweet smiles are replaced with devilish grins and I brace myself for the battle.

The very first time I sat for the Does was a summer night and we were sitting outside on the front steps

“I FIND MYSELF BEING TREATED THE SAME WAY I TREATED MY BABYSITTERS. HORRIBLY.” -JUNIOR Kim Fryer quietly. I kept thinking about how polite they were and how lucky I was to be getting paid for this.

I probably cursed myself because five minutes after those thoughts ran through my mind, I was being held down by a seven-year-old boy and drowned with the sprinkler by a three-year-old girl. It all happened so fast, the horrific event blurs in my memory.

I’m laying there with my life flashing before my eyes, awaiting my death and struggling to get the evil geniuses disguised as toddlers off of me when finally the neighbor notices and tells the kids to let me go.

After the water situation was under control, I knew the torture had only begun. I was in the process of changing the kids into dry clothes, so I turned around to grab a shirt from the five-year-old boy’s shelf. Literally I turned away for two seconds, tops.

Two seconds was too many because he was gone when I turned back around. Children are sneaky and fast and should not be underestimated, people.

He streaked the entire neighborhood before I stopped him. The kid was fast and running has never

been my favorite leisurely activity.

After babysitting the Doe family, I realized older kids (kids that are old enough to speak and/or run away from me) are generally not my favorite, which is why one of my favorite families consists of three-yearold twins and a seven month old baby boy.

Toddlers are too young to know how to defy my authority...yet. Anyone who knows me has heard me obsess over this baby. It takes restraint to keep me from smuggling him home every time I babysit.

This all sounds great, right? A cute, tiny baby that can’t verbally assault you? Well, most of the time, it is.

But this time was different. I was trying to do one of those stupid games where you lift the baby up a little bit and get into that high-pitched-squealing voice while saying, “Who’s the cutest baby? That’s you, you’re the cutest baby.” Ok, I’m embarrassed now.

He was up in the air smiling and being his perfect self when his tummy got upset. I didn’t have time to take cover and by the time I realized it was happening I was covered in baby barf. If you have ever been thrown up on by a baby, and I mean really thrown up on, you feel my pain. My eyes teared up, my body started convulsing and I went into some kind of shock I was so disgusted. He went from the reason I wanted twenty kids to the reason I was never going to have any, ever.

Thankfully, not all my babysitting experiences have involved trauma. One of my absolute favorite babysitting jobs is for theology teacher Jessica Hull’s sister’s kids. The Bowens are the polar opposite of the Does. I actually look forward to spending my Friday nights playing soccer and making chalk drawings. The three year old worships the ground I walk on, laughs at all my jokes and frequently admires my beauty.

Note: If you admire my beauty or laugh at my jokes I will be your friend no matter what.

The Bowens give me a glimmer of hope in the next generation. They are entertaining, hilarious and genuinely sweet kids. They have never tried to drown me, or lock me out, or made me feel personally victimized. Something that gets major points in my book of babysitting jobs.

Going forward, I will remain eternally thankful for my time with the behaved Bowens and ask for some extra patience when it comes to the Does. In the grand scheme of things, I have to remember that I deserve all the mistreatment. Because of all the babysitters I locked outside. And in a closet. And threw blocks at. And tied to the couch. And called names. And attacked. And got fired. Because of that, I deserve the torture. *Last name of family has been changed to protect the accused. And keep my job.

arts & entertainment -17-

Enduring Diabetes

Freshman Camille Keane does not let diabetes limit her.

BY EMMA DOPHEIDE Reporter

When people think about November, some things that come to mind are changing leaves, colder weather, getting together with family for Thanksgiving and Christmas lurking around the corner. For most people, American Diabetes Month is not on that list.

But for freshman Camille Keane and her sister, senior Grace Keane, diabetes is a normal part of life. Camille was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes on Dec. 10, 2010.

“She started to lose some weight, so we took her to the doctor,” Grace said. “We found out that she had diabetes when they checked her blood sugar at the doctor’s office.”

Camille and Grace’s father also has diabetes.

Grace said that Camille’s diabetes might be genetic, but that they do not know for sure. Because of this family history, and some outside knowledge, both girls said they were familiar with the disease before Camille’s diagnosis.

“We knew a good amount about it, but we weren’t extremely aware,” Grace said. “We had heard about it from family friends and some of it was just common knowledge.”

According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. Of these, 1 in about 400 children and adolescents have the disease. These numbers show that diabetes affects a lot of people around the country, changing their lives drastically.

Camille said that her life has indeed changed since being diagnosed with diabetes.

“I have to be more responsible and aware of what I eat and when I eat,” Camille said. “I also have to constantly know what my blood sugar is.”

The people who actually have diabetes are not the only ones affected by the disease. Diabetes also affects the family members of those with the disease.

“We all just have to be more aware and careful, like when we go out to eat,” Grace said. “We also need to know what to do in certain situations, in case something happens.”

Diabetes is caused either by the pancreas not being able to produce insulin or by cells not responding to insulin normally. This causes high blood sugar, which can have serious consequences, including weight loss, hunger, excess thirst and fatigue.

Diabetes can be treated, although there is no cure at this time. People with diabetes need to be constantly monitoring their blood sugar levels. If their blood sugar is too low or too high, they have to adjust it, through insulin injections, medicine, diet or exercise.

Camille uses an insulin pump as treatment for diabetes.

“I type in the amount of carbs for whatever I’m eating and it gives me how much insulin I need,” Camille said, “I’m able to control it and it constantly is making sure my blood sugar isn’t too high or too low.”

Having to constantly monitor diet and exercise can prevent people from eating certain foods or participating in certain activities. Camille plays basketball, and diabetes could easily limit her ability to participate in active sports. Despite these possible limitations, Camille said that her diabetes has never outright prevented her from doing anything.

According to the American Diabetes Association, American Diabetes Month is for raising money to fund research for the prevention, management, and possible cures of diabetes. The Association also raises awareness and educates people about diabetes.

Grace said that she and her family help raise diabetes awareness both by occasionally participating in Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation fundraisers and simply talking about the disease when the subject comes up in conversation.

For most people, November is a time to give thanks, eat turkey and spend time with family. But some people, like the Keanes, also take November as an opportunity to remember American Diabetes Month and all of the people the disease affects.

the facts 30

Every seconds, a new case of diabetes is diagnosed in the United States.

26 PERCENT

of people with diabetes treat it with some form of insulin.

215,000

About people younger than 20 years old have diabetes.

Camille checks her insulin pump. She uses the pump to regulate her blood sugar and treat her diabetes. (Photo

by Maura Eveld)

The Keane family gathers for Easter. The family completely supports Camille with her diabetes. (Photo submitted

by Grace Keane)

-18- features

Camille plays in her first varsity basketball game on Nov. 20. (Photo by Emma Eveld)

I’ll be home

for

christmas

Junior Chloe Sherkat anxiously awaits the arrival of her father from business overseas.

by Dana Routh Reporter

As the cold weather sets in, we comfort ourselves with steaming hot cocoa and chunky sweaters as we gear up for the beloved Christmas season. Christmas is a time for family and friends to gather and enjoy the long-held traditions of decorating the tree and baking chocolate chip cookies. Although we all get excited to be with our families during the holidays, junior Chloe Sherkat said she is particularly excited for the upcoming Christmas because her father, Ali Sherkat, will be home after four long months.

With her father working as a lawyer helping his family’s business in Iran since Aug. 1, Chloe does not just see the holidays as a time for presents and friends, she sees it as a precious time to visit with her dad. Her

face gleamed when she talked about the excitement of seeing him again.

“When I see him after a long time I am so happy I could cry,” Sherkat said.

Her father will land in Los Angeles, Ca. on Dec. 20 and make his way to Kansas City, Ks. on Dec. 22.

Sherkat planned out her first day with her dad.

“We will go to the airport and freak out that he’s back,” Sherkat said. “Then we will go home and have a huge dinner and talk about what we’ve been doing for the past few months and catch up.”

Sherkat smiled while talking about her holiday traditions with the family.

She giggled and said her dad had always given her and her sisters sparkling grape juice in fancy champagne glasses since she was little and she will follow that tradition and many others this Christmas.

“My dad loves to watch old movies and Christmas classics. We spend a lot of our holiday nights watching

“When I see him after a long time I am so happy I could cry.”

-junior chloe sherkat

Junior Chloe Sherkat anticipates the return of her father, Ali Sherkat, for the holidays. (Photo by Dana Routh)

movies together,” Sherkat said.

Sherkat is especially excited that her dad will be staying in Kansas City. She cannot wait to kick off the return of her father with Christmas.

Sherkat said she believes Christmas is a time to reflect on how important our loved ones are and how we need to acknowledge them. She shares her story on the significance of family and tradition during the holiday season.

Help for the Holidays

Students spend Christmas break serving their communities.

by Kristine Sullivan Reporter Most people spend their Christmas break with their families, going on vacations, or enjoying their time away from school. This Christmas break a few seniors are spending their time by doing their senior service projects throughout the Kansas City area.

Doing service work does not only impact the lives of the people you are helping, but it can impact your life as well.

“I started volunteering at Wayside Waifs after

my freshman year and decided to do my senior service project with them,” senior Megan Benson said. “It has taught me how much an animal can truly make a difference in your life and how you impact theirs.”

Senior Ally Ungashick will be volunteering at Wayside Waifs with Benson over Christmas.

Ungashick said she is looking forward to volunteering with the dogs because knowing she can help them to find a home is an amazing feeling.

Senior Laura Klover said doing service projects helps you take a step back from your busy life and help those who need it. Klover will be helping abused women and children through the MOCSA organization.

“I am doing my service work because it is for

SION’S GOT TALENT: music edition

By Delaney Bates, Co-Editor-in-Chief

TALENT: plays the baritone

FRESHMAN aneliese peeler TALENT: plays the ukelele

“My biggest accomplishment was getting a purple at the state competition in eighth grade.”

“I’ve been playing since January, and I love the feel of the strums and that it’s the perfect size for me.”

JUNIOR Mary horn

the greater good of the community,” Klover said. “The people that you are helping really appreciate it.”

Senior Jane Crook will also be volunteering during Christmas break. She will be helping “Our Little Haven” in St. Louis. This facility helps inner city kids and their families around the area. Crook’s grandma works at the facility and she hopes she will be inspired by the work that her grandma does.

“I would encourage others to do service because you never know who you are going to meet,” Crook said. “There are millions of opportunities to change people’s lives, if only a little bit, everyday. One way to ‘Vive Sion’ is to simply ‘Vive’ and live with your talents at the forefront.”

what you Didn’t know about your classmates...

Freshman Alyssa moncure TALENT: Plays the bassoon “I like that it doesn’t sound like anybody else’s, and it has a really good range.”

features -19-

Oh What a beautiful morning...

Leads senior Natalie Wood and Rockhurst junior Thomas Martin sing a duet together. Wood and Martin played Laurey and Curly, a young couple struggling to admit their love for each other. (Photo by Kim Fryer)

F

or one weekend in November, the Old Grande Salle was transformed into the land where “the wind comes sweeping down the plain” and “the farmer and the cowboy can be friends.” After weeks filled with dancing through and learning choreography, running and memorizing lines, getting every song pitch perfect, constructing sets and making costumes, the cast and crew were finally ready to present their new musical. By the final dress rehearsal, music teacher Gary Adams knew that it was going to be a great show.

“The energy coming from the stage to the audience was palpable,” Adams said. “I told the cast after dress rehearsal I could hardly stay seated on the piano bench during the song “Oklahoma.”

“Oklahoma!” is a story about the complexities of love set in Oklahoma territory in the early twentieth century.

One couple, Laurey Williams and Curly McClain, both know they’re in love but are having trouble admitting it to themselves and each other. To complicate things, Laurey is also being pursued by Jud Fry, a strange young man who helps on her Aunt Eller’s farm.

At the same time, a cowboy named Will Parker has just returned to the territory and is having difficuty convincing the girl he wants to marry, Ado Annie Carnes.

“Oklahoma!” brings something to the table for everyone. Both couples work to fight through their struggles throughout the story as everything finally begins to fall into place.

-20- last look

Clockwise: Junior Amelia Jones takes a spin during the song “Kansas City”. Jones performed in Theatre in the Park’s production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical” last summer. (Photo by Kim Fryer) Playing a farmer named Slim, senior Emily Chu observes a souvenir brought back from Kansas City by cowboy Will Parker, played by Rockhurst freshman Colin Rohach. (Photo by Kim Fryer) The cast of “Oklahoma!” strikes a pose at the end of “Kansas City.” The musical was choreographed by science teacher Suzanne Norberg’s daughter, Kathleen Norberg. (Photo by Kim Fryer)