Le Journal by Alison Long

le journal PG. 10-13

Sion and google fiber PG. 7

Storm Stomp Success pg. 6

Summer 2012 Olympics pg. 17 A Publication of Notre Dame de Sion

10631 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64114

Volume 31 Issue 1 September 2012

What’s inside 8

Editor’s Ink

9 My Life is Awkward

Photo Essay

10-13 20

Cover Story

Junior Betsy Barnthhouse warms up for her Class Two match against The Barstow School. (Photo by Mary Kate Hense)

Sophomore AnnaLissa Redmond transferred from Derrick Thomas Academy. (Photo by Sarah Allen)

-2- what’s inside

Sophomore Maryliz Henning, junior Claire Boehm and senior Caroline Thompson show their individual styles in their favorite fall outfits. (Photo by Kim Fryer)

In Each Issue

Red Rock KC came to Crossroads this past summer, starring The Lonely Biscuits and She’s A Keeper. (Photo by Morgan Peterson)

On the cover Cover Insert photos by: Google, Maura eveld, and MCT campus.

Cover Photo By: Lucy Gasal

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. Columbia Scholastic Press Assoc. International Quill and Scroll CO-EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Maura Eveld Delaney Bates

MANAGING EDITOR Emma Eveld

EDITORIAL EDITOR Emma Eveld

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 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

ADVISER

the editor’s ink Only 242 days left until summer. Thank you, morning announcements. While the idea of high school ending and the summer beginning again is exciting (scratch that, terrifying), I personally still find myself in the summer 2012 mood. My thoughts and feelings haven’t quite switched into “school” gear. I still feel the skin-melting heat that dominated my lifeguard career. I still want to stay up late and sleep past seven. I still can’t grasp the reality of math tests and in-class essays.

too, check out page 17 for a full page of coverage. Also turn to page 5, where we take a closer look at the two-per-country rule for the gymnastics all-around finals. To sum up? Summer is on our minds. But that doesn’t mean we forgot about the first weeks of school. Not to worry - Beanie Week (page 8), a new coach (page 18) and a new baby (page 14) all found their place in this issue.

Le Journal is stuck on summer, too.

This Le Journal also approaches a less obvious topic. Something more serious, and something that demands a call to action (according to page 4).

That’s why we’ve included a timeline (page 6) that recaps this past summer’s most noteworthy events. And devoted a full page to four seniors who spent one month of their summer on another continent (page 16).

Depression, you will learn, is both prevalent and curable in today’s society. We’ve provided you with exclusive interviews with depression sufferers as well as helpful advice on how to conquer this illness (pages 10-13).

For me, the best part of summer came towards the end. Friday, July 27 to Sunday, August 12, to be exact. You guessed it - the Olympics.

We sure stuffed this newsmagazine, so grab a chair (and a snack), get comfy, and turn the page.

I hope I wasn’t the only one glued to the TV when McKayla Maroney attempted to ace her vault for the second time in the event finals. Or when 15-year-old Katie Ledecky demolished her competitors for gold in the 800m freestyle.

Maura Eveld Co-editor-in-chief

If the Olympics were your summer candy

Alison Long

PUBLICATIONS BOARD Michelle Olson Alison Long Penny Selle Emily Taylor 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

Seniors Lauren Martin, Allie Lampo, Lucy Hodel and Mary Humphrey splash in the sprinklers during the Senior/ Freshman field day. (Photo by Allison Elsbernd) Submit your own photo to along@ndsion.edu. It could be chosen for the next Photo of the Issue.

editor’s ink

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Acknowledge the Reality THE FACTS: DEPRESSION

In our society today, depression and who it affects is overlooked by many people.

BY EMMA EVELD

Managing Editor

test.”

“Ugh, I’m so depressed. I got a C- on my algebra

of the U.S. population aged 18 and older in a given year are affected by depression

of women

are dealing with

depression

of depressed women are too embarrassed to seek help

41%

“It’s like it’s a personal struggle to find happiness in life. The smallest things get you down for days and you can’t figure out why.” - Jill moore*

9.5%

30%

Depressed. We all know we have thrown this word around at least once or twice in our lives, maybe even every other day. But what we don’t realize is how many people it affects and what the condition entails. Depression is not just “feeling sad,” like some people may understand it to be. It’s an extremely difficult condition that some have to deal with everyday. “It’s like a battle between mind and emotions. You know you should be happy but you don’t feel happy,” Jill Moore* said. “It’s like it’s a personal struggle to find happiness in life. The smallest things get you down for days and you can’t figure out why.” Depression is real. Our first step is to delete the lax expression of being “depressed” from our everyday language. Depression is so much more than what we imply in those quick sentences we say to our friends about a test or a homework assignment. Belittling this word is offensive to the people who are actually suffering from depression. We need to be careful of what we say. It could deeply hurt someone around us, and diminishing the condition can cause people with depression to become even more troubled. So we need to stop. I think by doing this, we can save a lot of people from stress and frustration. Not only do we depreciate this word and condition, but we don’t realize how common it is. The statistics for depression are off-the-charts. According to the Prime Health Foundation, counties in our area, Jackson, Clay, Platte, Johnson and Wyandotte, have about 27,000 youth 10 to 19 that are suffering from depression. On a larger scale, about 17.5 million Americans alone are affected by depression, twice as many women than men, according to the Uplift Program, an

organization that creates awareness for depression. These statistics make me sick to my stomach. “I know people think, oh, it’ll never happen to me. But statistics are crazy for it, especially teenagers,” Moore said. “I think that people just need to take the time to open up to others.” With so many people being affected by this condition, I say we need to take notice. We need to understand and be educated. It’s the least we can do to help. We need to call attention to depression. Not by getting in people’s faces, but by making people aware of it. So many are ignorant of what it’s like, including me. But by speaking with a classmate who has gone through depression and after researching the Uplift Program, I have come to understand what a struggle it is. “I guess, we just need to make people aware that each person has a personal reason and story,” Moore said. “Maybe we can put the subject out there in a judgement-free way.” Yes, let’s. This is important because according to the Uplift Program, 54 percent of people think that depression is just a personal weakness. These people need to get that notion out of their heads, because that is just dead wrong. The hardest time for Moore was before she told anyone she was suffering. She was doubting herself and what she was feeling, Moore said. “After telling people, though, that’s when you get reassurance and realize that people still love you even if you personally don’t feel it,” Moore said. So everyone, I say we need to take care of each other a little more. Talk to people. Make them feel appreciated. You never know how much a simple “hello” or “how are you feeling?” can affect a person. Ultimately, ignorance of the subject can be detrimental to helping people with depression. So, google the facts. Learn about the stats in our area. Make sure you aren’t ignorant of the truth about depression and give attention to someone you don’t usually talk to today. It’ll help everyone in the long run. *Anonymous Sion student

54% of people believe that depression is a personal weakness

-4- editorials

Information from UpliftProgram.org

Cycling Legend Will Remain a Legend

Lance Armstrong wrongly accused of Check. And then went on to win all seven titles. Creator and endorser of a national corporation drug abuse during professional cycling to help others with cancer of any type? Check. The career. Lance Armstrong Foundation, commonly known as BY SHANNON LAIRD

Features Editor Lance Armstrong. His name is synonymous with success. It would be hard to find something this man has failed to succeed at once he tried. Champion of cycling’s most prestigious and sought after title, the Tour de France? Check. In fact, he didn’t win just once, but seven times, setting an all time record. Diagnosed with and survived testicular cancer?

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency filed to erase 14 years of Lance Armstrong’s career on Friday, Aug. 24, 2012. (Photo by MCT Campus)

Livestrong, has raised almost $500 million for cancer victims and their families, according to his statement. Involved father of five? Check. Despite a divorce and constant media battles, this man seems to be continuously focused on his foundation and his children. Named Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year? Check. And not just once, but four years straight, from 2002-2005. Most drug-tested athlete of all time? Check. And he has passed every single test without a hint of drugs in his system. Even with all these accomplishments, Armstrong has been forced to the breaking point in the witch hunt set against him by Travis Tygart, Chief Executive Officer of the United States Anti-Doping Agency. The USADA accused Armstrong in June of using and possessing performance enhancing drugs and covering up doping charges. The USADA has stripped Armstrong of all seven of his Tour de France titles, his Olympic bronze medal and every other win from 1998 to the present. Armstrong announced in a statement on Aug. 23 that after the three-year fight with the USADA, “enough is enough.” “I refuse to participate in a process that is so onesided and unfair,” Armstrong said in his statement. “Regardless of what Travis Tygart says, there is zero physical evidence to support his outlandish and heinous claims. The only physical evidence here is the hundreds of controls I have passed with flying colors. I made myself available around the clock and around the world. In-competition. Out of competition. Blood. Urine. Whatever they asked for I provided. What is the

point of all this testing if, in the end, USADA will not stand by it?” In spite of all the hype over the past months, nothing will be set in stone until the World AntiDoping Agency and the International Cycling Union have their chance at the case. “USADA must deliver a report to both the UCI and WADA outlining the reasons for its decision in the Lance Armstrong case,” Senior Manager of Media Relations and Communications for WADA Terence O’Rorke said. “And once WADA has received this report it will review it thoroughly and decide whether it needs to exercise its right of appeal.” Lance Armstrong is the example of an American hero. He has trained and competed in the worst possible circumstances: from the weather to his physical health. He uses his celebrity status to do something worthwhile in the world and continuously hopes to help as many families dealing with cancer as possible. It is wrong of the USADA to accuse Armstrong without recent and accurate evidence. They have brought 17-year-old charges against him, despite their own eight-year statute of limitations. Armstrong should not be looked at with accusation but with reverence for the trials he has endured over the years and the poise he has shown throughout his entire professional career. “I know who won those seven Tours, my teammates know who won those seven Tours, and everyone I competed against knows who won those seven Tours,” Armstrong said in his statement. “We all raced together. For three weeks over the same roads, the same mountains, and against all the weather and elements that we had to confront. There were no shortcuts, there was no special treatment. The same courses, the same rules. The toughest event in the world where the strongest man wins. Nobody can ever change that. Especially not Travis Tygart.”

Gymnast’s Failure is Just Part of the Sport

Jordyn Wieber raises controversy over Olympic rule. BY GEORGIA THOMPSON

Reporter

The tense expression on her face was frozen in anticipation, with eyes glued to the scoreboard. The years of training and preparation have led up to this moment, and the world waits with baited breath. When your entire life revolves around such a time-consuming and physically grueling sport as gymnastics, falling short of victory does not seem to be an option. Unfortunately for United States Olympic gymnast Jordyn Wieber, the devastation of losing became a reality witnessed by millions of viewers around the globe this past summer. Wieber was favored for gold in the 2012 Olympic Women’s All Around Final, but her score in the qualifying round was topped at the last minute by teammate and competitor, Aly Raisman. Due to the Olympic rule initiated in 2004 that only two gymnasts per country are allowed to advance to the final, Wieber was unable to proceed. “I for sure can relate to what Jordyn went through,” freshman Milan Cucchiara, a gymnast for 12 years, said. “It’s so hard as a gymnast to put so many hours, blood, sweat, and tears into your biggest accomplishment, and not achieve it.” Olympic fans throughout the world witnessed the gold slip from Wieber’s grasp and thus began the controversy over a bad rule or simply an unlucky day.

This is not a bad rule. Though our sympathies lie with Wieber, they can blur the bigger picture. The Olympics require each athlete to bring their best to the table in every competition, and unfortunately not all can prevail. On this certain day, the rule played against Wieber. This two person rule is in effect to regulate

Wieber’s emotions captured after she didn’t advance to the All Around Final. (Photo by MCT Campus)

the amount of gymnasts allowed to advance from each team. It truly is giving each country a fair shot at victory. The two person rule has been in effect for years and though we feel for Wieber, an outrage against this

regulation is unnecessary. “The gymnasts that I worked with when I was a coach also experienced the highs and lows of competition. In a broad sense, it’s part of the sport,” Traci Putnam, a former Eagles Gymnastics coach, said. The Olympics are a competition in two sorts: one between countries and another among those on your own team. The two person rule was created in an effort to represent gymnasts from a multitude of nations, and though it is wonderful that the United States has many capable and talented gymnasts, that is not a solid enough argument to change this Olympic policy. Though Wieber falling short of her Olympic dream that day created overwhelming empathy among the viewers, one must take into account the nature of the sport which subjects gymnasts to both good and bad performances. Each gymnast must not rely on their past victories to carry them through the next round, and while witnessing Wieber’s reaction to her defeat was heartwrenching, the rule is necessary to maintain equal representation in this competitive sport. Instead of blaming this supposed unfair rule, blame the sport that can turn even the best into failures. “Jordyn’s situation is actually not unique. Other gymnasts have not qualified to the All-Around because their teammates scored above theirs,” Putnam said. “Jordyn had some serious errors in her routine, and her scores were lower than her teammates. Were there strategy errors? Probably. Did Jordyn not perform at the top of her game? She did not. Is this luck? No. This is the nature of the sport.”

editorials

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News

in brief

118 Freshmen

With 118 freshman roaming the crowded halls, most would think this is Sion’s biggest class ever. It’s not. In 2004, the freshmen class was made up of 128 girls. According to Director of Admissions Sharon Radovich, the class of 2016 is one of the biggest classes Sion has seen in a while. “There was a big class at Sion Grade School and we also had more legacies and siblings coming in,” Radovich said. “So we suspected a bigger class.” Radovich also said that the shadow visits helped the girls get a sense of the atmosphere of Sion. “The happiness of current students, teachers, and parents play a role in what draw people into Sion,” Radovich said.

Inset Photo: 2012 Storm Stomp Committee. The Storm Stomp costume winners from left to right: Maggie Keller, Jordan Hermes, Camille Keane and Katarina Qamar. (Photos by Kathy McShane)

Hoops on a Half Day

Storm Stomp successfully raises scholarship money.

BY KRISTINE SULLIVAN Reporter

National Merit

For the first time Storm Stomp, the annual three-on-three basketball tournament, was held on a half day in an effort to raise participation and fundraising levels, according to Mary Feierabend, the Annual Fund and Gift Acceptance Coordinator and Storm Stomp coordinator. “This year we got a half day for the event, which was a pretty big deal,” junior Storm Stomp committee member Margaret Schorgl said. “That way, we hoped to have more people come and participate in the event.” Thirty-seven teams, all sporting themed costumes, participated in the competition. The Best Costume Award went to freshmen Camille Keane, Jordan Hermes, Maggie Keller and Katarina Qamar who each dressed up as different components of a bathtub. The Three Little Freshmen, who dressed up as pigs, won the tournament. Other costume highlights included students as Mariachi Muchachas, The Ninjas, The Cat and Two

From left to right: Mary Humphrey, Grace Keane, Maura Eveld, Cigi Danda and Alexandra Colyer. (Photo by Emma Dopheide)

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced that seniors Mary Humprey, Grace Keane and Maura Eveld qualified as Semifinalists in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program. Seniors Cigi Danda and Alexandra Colyer were announced National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars.

The Amazing Spider-Man comes out in theatres July 6, 2012

The Dark Knight Rises premiere and Aurora shooting July 10, 2012

All-Star Game played in Kansas City July 10, 2012

July 6, 2012 104 degrees New heat record in Kansas City

June 5, 2012 Starlight Theatre season opens with “In the Heights”

Things, Ginger Snaps and The Sparkly Sisters. Faculty members dressed as The Denominators, The Susie Sions and Cowgirls with Mustaches. “Storm Stomp was basically the best day of my life,” junior Moira Quinn said. “I got to dress up like a ginger snap and play basketball. Two of my favorite things.” Storm Stomp may be characterized by silly costumes and raffle prizes, but its proceeds proved it is a valuable fundraiser. Junior Storm Stomp committee member Ali Campbell said that their goal was to raise $30,000 this year, and they reached it. Over $32,000 was raised for high school scholarships. “Every year we try to raise more money to provide more scholarships for the high school girls,” Campbell said. Storm Stomp’s monies have grown from providing one scholarship to five last year. And this year the tournament raised enough money for six. Each committee member had to do their part and raise $1,500 by giving presentations and asking companies to sponsor the event, Feierabend said. Some of the sponsors this year were: the Klein family, the Reintjes family, the Tutera Family and the Westhead family.

July 13, 2012 Red Rock KC

July 27-Aug. 12, 2012 London Olympics

SUMMER

2012

-6- news

Rewind

-Photos by MCT Campus and Wikimedia Commons

Google Takes on KC Google’s new broadband network, Google Fiber, will launch at the Sion Grade School campus Summer 2013.

as Google Fiber. “Hopefully, the high-school will eventually receive access to Google Fiber,” Head of School Christina Broderick said. “It’s just that it is not available yet for this district. Whereas, the grade school got free BY KATY ZAHNER access because the Hyde Park area had Google Fiber Reporter connection.” Kansas City is known for its barbeque and its The unambiguous rainbow bunny truck parked historical jazz roots. The city has the Nelson Atkin’s itself on the Sion lower playground on August 24 Museum of Art, and is famous as the city of fountains. and distributed promotional fliers and Shatto Milk Now, Kansas City will be known for something ice-cream sandwiches for all the students. This was new. Kansas City and the Notre Dame de Sion Grade in celebration of Notre Dame de Sion Grade School School have the opportunity to be the first in the getting the opportunity to receive free access to Google nation to take part in the Google Fiber project. Fiber’s internet service, Broderick said. “Over one thousand communities across “Google Fiber is a delicious ice-cream truck,” America expressed interest in this project. Our goal kindergartner Tate Maguire said when asked what was to find a location where we could build efficiently, Google Fiber was. make an impact on the community and develop But, Google Fiber provides more than ice cream, working partnerships with the local government, according to Google Fiber’s programming manager utility and community organizations,” James, an Annie Thompson. Google Fiber is guaranteed to benefit the 25 percent of Kansas Citians still lacking internet and to provide the high speed internet that Google Fiber offers, she said. Sion Director of Public Relations and Marketing Emily Taylor said that students will be mostly impacted by the Google Fiber service when they are working on video projects. This is because Google Fiber will make its biggest impact on uploading and downloading large files. So now, students will spend more time actually working on their assignments and waste less time impatiently waiting for their projects to upload, Taylor said. “Google Fiber is doing it for education, because the Google team wants to bring communities together and make high speed internet available for a much wider range of people, in particular kids,” Thompson said. “We want people to have as many opportunities as possible to access the Internet. Our goal Sion Grade School student Henry Goeke creates a video for class. Google Fiber is to allow kids to have highplans installation in the summer of 2013, which will speed up the downloading speed Internet within their process. (Photo by Katy Zahner) homes, instead of having to go online Google Fiber representative unable to provide to their local McDonald’s for free WiFi access.” his last name due to privacy policy, said. “We believe Adrienne, also an online sales representative, said we’ve found this in both Kansas City, Kan. and Kansas Google Fiber offers an Internet connection speed 100 City, Mo. We’ll be looking at ways to bring ultra high- times faster than today’s average broadband, instant speeds to other communities across the country, but downloads and crystal clear high definition TV. And for now we’re focused on building our network and endless possibilities, she said. offering service in Kansas City.” Installation of this new service is slated for And Notre Dame de Sion Grade School will be summer 2013, according to Adrienne. So move over the first independent Catholic school in the country barbecue, jazz and fountains. Sion Grade School will to receive the cutting-edge broadband service known soon be up and running at lightening speeds.

Sophomore Hannah Snyder tries out Sion’s newest addition to the lunch room. (Photo by Lucy Gasal)

Ice, Ice Baby “Glad there’s ice so my water can always be cold.” Addie Ismert, junior

“Greatest invention/ addition to the cafeteria ever.” Mary Kerns, junior

“The ice makes all the difference. Water is just okay. Ice makes it better.”

Isadora Comens, freshman

“Revolutionary, life changing.” Jo Jo Moynihan, junior

“When I give tours to incoming freshman, I will use it as my new recruitment strategy.” Brelahn Wyatt, junior

news -7-

Falling Into Fashion

GOT BEANIES?

From colorful jeans to metallic accessories, students Anna Fotouhi, Claire Boehm and Caroline Thompson show off the Fall trends.

CLAIRE N OMPSO H T E N I CAROL Senior

Junior

ANNA

FOTOU HI Freshm an

“My favorite fall trend is knee boots and big sweaters.”

“Colored and print jeans are a fun way to stylize your outfit and stand out.”

“Colorful jeans, fun patterns, riding boots, blazers and metallic accessories are what I’m most excited about wearing this fall.”

where? “Kate Spade and Tory Burch.” Junior Ali Campbell “Nordstrom’s and The Buckle.” Junior Sydney Cucchiara “Francescas, they have cute girly clothes that go with the seasons.” Junior Allison Elsbernd “Forever 21, Polo, Nike, H&M, Nordstrom’s, and Pink.” Freshman Selena Hunter “J. Crew.” Freshman Danielle Mollerus

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BOEHM

hot trends this

what? “I see others wearing loud and obnoxious colors.” Senior Alex Lozano “Riding boots.” Junior Mary Kerns “Colorful skinny jeans and Uggs.” Freshman Gabby Accurso

fall

“Leather boots and leggings.” Freshman Abby Breckenridge “Combat boots.” Freshman beanie week was Freshman Madeline Brown August 27-31. From top to bottom are: Caton Wilson, Emma Holland, Caroline DeCoursey, Stephanie Ostrander, and Anna Demetree. (Photos by Lucy Gasal)

Red Rockin’ at the Crossroads

Local band She’s A Keeper kicks off the fundraiser concert. (Photo by Morgan Peterson)

Summer concert Red Rock KC raises money for the American Red Cross. BY ASHLEY HERRING Reporter

A starlit summer night served as the backdrop for the Red Rock KC concert debut on July thirteenth at the Crossroads entertainment venue located in the art district of downtown Kansas City. The concert allowed for teens to both listen to music from local bands and contribute to Kansas City’s American Red Cross. Proceeds from the concert went towards the purchase of a new ambulance. Two local bands, The Lonely Biscuits and She’s A Keeper, headlined the event. “We were asked to perform at Red Rock KC when

we were booking our hometown shows,” lead singer of The Lonely Biscuits John Paterini said. “We were stoked to get the opportunity to play, especially since it was for a good cause.” With over 600 people attending the event, it turned out to be more than what was expected. Paterini said the crowd was fired up the whole night. “Everyone was grooving to the music and having a great time,” junior Devon Vickers said. “It was cool how we were all there for a good cause.” Run by a group of Kansas City teenagers, Red Rock KC was a successful summer concert, Pembroke junior Morgan Peterson said. Pembroke senior Max McCallister volunteers regularly at the American Red Cross. McCallister organized a group to be on the Red Rock KC sponsorship

Funky and Fashionable Freshmen

Freshmen showcase creations in new class.

their

fashion

BY SARAH HOLLAND

My Life Is Awkward:

1st Day of School Edition

Sports/News Editor

The fashion world is ever-changing. This fall’s fashions, according to Glamour magazine, are cozy sweaters, raincoats, belted dresses, black and white prints and bohemian print dresses. Although students wear gray skirts and white polos with the optional navy sweater five out of seven days a week, some freshmen are exploring the ins and outs of the fashion world. Twenty-four girls bustled into the art room, ready for another day of Fashion, Fibers, and Funk. “In class, we will design jewelry, create wearable art and accessories and make fibers such as embroidery, surface design and knit,” Fashion, Fibers, and Funk teacher Penny Selle said. Many of the girls have interests in the fashion world, which makes this class a perfect fit, according to freshman Aden Mitiku. “I am considering being a fashion designer when I grow up,” Mitiku said. Selle said that she shares a similar enthusiasm for the class and is really happy it was added to the curriculum. She said the class is an opportunity for the girls to showcase their talent and interest in fashion and design.

committee. Peterson was on the committee along with ten other Kansas City teens. The committee wanted to put on a concert at the Crossroads with the goal to raise the $30,000 needed to purchase a new ambulance for the American Red Cross. It will serve over 1,000 people each year in the Kansas City area according to McCallister. They tried to get the word out about the concert starting early in the year. “We went all over the city asking for sponsorships, as well as going on the radio, putting up flyers everywhere, making facebook pages and selling tickets at hot spots like TCBY and Waterway,” Peterson said. With over $36,000 raised, and an amazing turnout, Peterson said the Red Rock KC committee plans to make it an annual event.

“On the first day last year, I accidentally called one of my teachers ‘Grandma.’ I felt so bad!” -Becca Renton, freshman “On my first day of Freshman year I tripped up the stairs and my books fell. A lot of people saw and I was so embarrassed!” -Hanna Meek, junior Freshman Maddie Manson and Tess Pereira create friendship bracelets. (Photo by Sarah Holland)

“Being an art teacher is helpful in teaching this class,” Selle said. “I am learning a lot about the fashion industry and using [Adobe] Illustrator.” Freshman Maddie Manson said she would recommend this class to next year’s freshmen. “I would recommend this class because it’s something different and I am learning a lot, all while having fun using my interest in art and fashion,” Manson said.

“On the first day of school this year, John Dennis did not want to come to school. He said he had nothing to wear and was totally embarrassed. So I let him stay home and when I got back, we went shopping at a thrift store.” -Dennis Conaghan, Athletic Director

arts & entertainment

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-10- cover story

Facing the realities of

Depression A Vision of Possibilities: Community and Hope Replacing Secrets and Silence Layout By Delaney Bates Story by Meghan Lally And Kim Fryer

annah Jones* sat quietly in her counselor’s office with her eyes on the floor. She tugged at her sleeves that covered the story of a broken girl fighting a silent battle. After a few minutes of hesitation, she rolled up her sleeves and broke the silence. She spoke the first words of a new life of recovery. “Ok. So, I have depression. I have an eating disorder. But I want to change,” she said. And her journey began. Many are on the same journey as Jones. Teen depression is on the rise, according to the non-profit organization Mental Health America. Their website claims that one in five teens suffers from clinical depression. KidzWorld.com reports approximately one in eight teens are affected by depression in North America. Another website, TeenHelp.com, posted that between 10 to 15 percent of teenagers have some symptoms of teen depression at any one time. And according to an April 2012 article from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, even one in 10 adults report suffering from depression. The statistics that flood the web are staggering and sobering. But Dr. Kaoru Williams, Kansas City child psychologist, said that depression is increasing not necessarily because there is more depression than years ago, but because more people are coming forward and admitting they have depression. Depression in teens and children was not truly recognized and treated until the 1970s, she said. “Once [depression] was recognized, you see an increase,” Williams said. “You have to diagnose it before you can treat it. So, I think there has been a steady increase since [the 1970s].” But hope, restoration and treatment is also on the increase. One example is To Write Love on Her Arms. Jamie Tworkowski, a California resident, founded this non-profit organization in 2006 to focus on providing hope and help for people struggling with depression

and addiction. A TWLOHA representative, who would not give his name, saying that this is a non-profit organization made up of many different people who come together to help others, said that while a person might not be directly affected by depression, he or she can help give hope to those that are suffering. “Everyone can relate to pain, all of us live with questions, and all of us get stuck in moments,” the TWLOHA representative said. Currently, 121 million people are suffering from depression worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. But depression is curable. Part of that cure includes support from other people. “The world can unite to find hope for a better future,” the TWLOHA representative said. “There is hope.”

In The Beginning

Early symptoms of depression include mood change, fatigue, decreased energy and not acting like one’s self, according to Mental Health America. “At first, I didn’t understand what I was feeling,” student Julie Doe* said. “Sometimes you don’t really have a reason, you just know you’re not yourself.” Williams said when one is depressed, he or she may feel like giving no effort. The person may exhibit lack of concentration, and his or her sleeping pattern might fluctuate. She also said struggling with grades is a sign of depression. “In high school it got worse. I cracked under the pressure of my academics, my relationships with my friends and my relationships with boys,” student Jennifer Jackson* said. “I had to deal with much more than I ever had to in my life.” According to Mental Health America, feelings of guilt with depression are normal even though in reality 20 percent of teens will suffer from depression by the time they are adults. Depression can be triggered Story continued on page 12

cover story -11-

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by various causes, including stress, family issues and substance abuse, Williams said. “I went through a hard time in my life and I felt like I couldn’t do anything,” Anna Smith* said. “My friends just easily threw me away, and the people closest to me were no longer there.” Williams said that not being interested in friends and interacting with people differently are common signs of depression. Associating with the wrong people is another indication one may be suffering from depression. “When I had my first boyfriend, it was great until the drama started,” Smith said. “We fought all of the time and I never focused on my schoolwork. I cried constantly and my anxiety started. We weren’t good for each other at that time.” According to Dr. James P. Hughes of Inspirations Youth Treatment Center, depression can often coexist with other illnesses such as anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and eating disorders. These disorders may precede the depression, follow it, cause it, be a consequence of it or a combination of all these. “I tried to deal with what felt like an uncontrollable life and tried to gain control by skipping meals. Eventually I stopped eating altogether,” Jones said. Jones battled this eating disorder throughout her depression, and by the time she received help, at five foot three inches, she weighed under 100 pounds. Stress and anxiety are also major symptoms of depression, Williams said. Hopelessness and lack of

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5 15 10 8 the signs: e e n s a r e s uffe

School friends college family boys

low spirits despair bleakness bummer cherrlessness desolation desperation discouragement distressed downheartedness dreariness dullness gloom gloominess heaviness of heart hopelessness lowness melancholia melancholy misery mortification sadness sorrow the blues trouble unhappiness woefulness worry

ow per cent o

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the facts:

-teendepression.org

Changes in sleeping patterns

increased anxiety, agitation, or restlessness

Change in Appetite or Weight

Fatigue or loss of energy

feeling of hopelessness, worthlessness, or inappropriate guilt

decreased concentration, indecisiveness, or poorer memory -afsp.org

effort or concentration are other warning signs. “My depression was destroying every part of me. I felt like I had nothing. Depression took everything away from me at that time,” Jones said. Kathy Quinn, spokesperson when Fox 4 Meteorologist Don Harman took his own life, said it is important to notice a change in people’s personalities and be aware if someone is moody. These can be warning signs that one may be depressed. Quinn said the Fox 4 News family is still struggling with the loss of Harman, and everyone at Fox 4 was shocked when they learned of his death. “It’s still hard here,” Quinn said. “And the main key is if there is any inkling that they are depressed, talk to them and ask them what you can do.”

Getting Help Keltie Colleen was depressed because, as a dancer living on her own in New York City, she often faced ruthless criticism. But while at a Warped Tour concert, Colleen saw some of her favorite bands wearing TWLOHA shirts. She reached out to them and never looked back. Colleen said TWLOHA helped her while she was in the thick of her struggles. “It’s just nice to know that there is a community of people to turn to, even if they are strangers,” Colleen said. “For me, sometimes it can be easier to gush to a stranger when I am in a low place, because I feel like I am not being judged and can be 100 percent honest.” Fears of being judged or ostracized, as well as an uncertainty of who can be trusted, hold many back

from seeking help. “I didn’t know who to turn to or how to turn to them [for help],” Jones said. This uncertainty, mixed with feelings of shame and guilt for burdening loved ones with personal problems, keeps depression a silent fight and oftentimes may go unnoticed. But according to Williams, it is vital to receive help for depression. “Having someone there for me was a distraction from all the things I was doing to myself. I would get a text from her and it would just say ‘goodnight’...or just saying ‘you matter’ and I listened to her,” Jones said. “It was only one person telling me that she cared about me, but just one was enough to stop me. I know she saved me.” Colleen not only said receiving help is important, but simply carrying on through the tough times is a critical step in defeating depression. “I think my advice would be to just keep going. I’ve been in those dark spots, and there was always something bright on the other side of the low points,” Colleen said. “Also, there is always help. I also encourage people to find others who are going through the same thing. I certainly try to inspire people on my blog [www.aprettyheart.com] and I’m always around to talk on twitter [@keltiecolleen]. I reply to everyone, and sometimes all it takes is someone noticing that you are out there to make you feel better.” Colleen noted that TWLOHA is still affecting her life today. “I’m always blown away by following Jamie on Twitter and the tweets and blogs he posts,” Colleen

said. “And I’m always thankful for all the videos that they make, and how much they inspire me.” People that do not receive help or use an outlet for a proper release are not able to heal from the pain of depression, according to Life Script, a women’s health foundation. It is important to accept and realize you may not be in control of a bad event occurring, but you can control the feelings from becoming overwhelming. Getting involved in an activity or hobby can also help to release the strong feelings associated with depression in a healthy way. Aside from physical activity, volunteering your time at a charity can be a healthy way to channel negative feelings into something positive, Stacey Jones, mother of Hannah Jones, said. “After Hannah [returned from her treatment], we got really involved at an animal shelter. I could visibly see the stress lift off her shoulders while she focused on helping someone else,” Stacey Jones said. “It helped her realize that the world did not revolve around her problems.” With the help of therapy, many girls with depression recover and understand how to handle extremely difficult situations in the future. In an article on WebMD, finding a good therapist to talk to is like striking gold according to Don Turner, a private practice psychiatrist for 30 years in Atlanta. Doe said that her therapist was like a sponge who listened and soaked up everything, which helped Doe to spill her story. “I don’t know why therapy gets a bad rep,” English teacher Casey McCabe, who struggled with depression after the death of her mother, said. “I think it can make the world of a difference. People have to work through what’s going on with them.” Smith’s best friend encouraged her to see a therapist. And Williams said if your friend is suffering from depression to help them, just as Smith’s friend did. She said encourage them to tell an adult, like a parent or a school counselor. That way they can get to

someone knowledgeable who can help. After the problems were called to the attention of Jones’ mother, she visited a therapist. It was decided there that the problem she was facing was major and she needed to be away from home, in a controlled and private environment, with lots of support to help her. “I felt bad for the nights [my friend] had to stay up texting me, all the sleep that she lost, the worrying she went through,” Jones said. “To this day I wish I

understand what I was feeling and taught me healthier ways to deal with my emotions aside from hurting myself and isolating myself away from other people,” Jones said. “They showed me how I can be in control of my life [in a way that is healthy].”

Going Forward

Jones, Doe, Jackson and Smith have moved on from their struggles with depression and have gained a new perspective on their experiences. Treatment and life after recovery opens new doors for individuals, Jones’ mother said. And many times these doors aren’t really new at all. They were there all along, but because of depression, weren’t able to be opened. “Today I know that I can’t handle depression on my own and that it’s okay to ask for help, to fall short, to fail, and most importantly, it is okay to not please everyone,” Jones said. “I love and respect myself again.” According to TWLOHA, -Photo by Delaney Bates research shows that those who seek professional help and therapy have a very good chance of recovery. could take that burden away from her. But I am glad Although less than 33 percent of teens with depression she didn’t run the other direction because I don’t know seek professional help, 80 percent of these teens are where I’d be now if she had.” successfully treated. Each treatment plan for depression is different Jackson advised seeking professional help and varies from person to person, depending on the quickly before the depression gets worse. Aside from specific needs of an individual. the professional help, Jackson suggested surrounding Some regimens of rehabilitation are short-term (a oneself with friends and family. few weeks) and other stays are long-term. Jones stayed “Just tell them that you care and that you want in the rehab center for nine months. Hughes said that them to get better because what they are doing hurts by teaching new ways of thinking, an away-from-home you too,” Jones said. “It’s not betraying them to tell a treatment environment helps individuals produce trusted adult. They will thank you in the end.” positive, long-term change and allows for continuous, individual attention for each student, while earning *Julie Doe, Anna Smith, Hannah Jones and accredited high school credits. The structured setting Jennifer Jackson represent four local students of a treatment center has effective and proven positive who requested anonymity. results, Hughes said. “The staff at my rehab center helped me

the help ways to help a friend who struggles with depression

-twloha.com

Tell a trusted adult. Encourage them to seek professional help. Offer support and positive reinforcement.

be there

por

sup

listen

2 3 1above all else... Listen without judgement. Express willingness to help. Show concern and ask questions.

Be a shoulder to cry on. Sometimes there are no words- just a presence is enough.

love them.

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Brown-Howerton’s Baby Bundle Social Studies teacher Jennifer BrownHowerton introduces baby Nola Mae to the world and to the Sion family. BY LAURA TRAVIS

Arts and Entertainment Editor Even before they were married, social studies teacher Jennifer Brown-Howerton and her husband already had the name picked out for their future daughter. And when they found out they were having a girl, they knew that it was perfect. “I really wanted a name that was classic and not very common, especially working at an all girls school,” Brown-Howerton said. Nola Mae Howerton was born on Aug. 27, 2012 at 12:35 p.m. and was 7 pounds, 11 ounces and 20 inches long. Brown-Howerton said she loves being a mother and spending time with her baby. She wasn’t sure what to expect at first but hasn’t had any trouble adjusting. “It’s amazing how natural it all feels,” BrownHowerton said. “So far my favorite part has been snuggling with my little peanut.” While she is on maternity leave, BrownHowerton said she feels her classes have been left in good hands with her substitute Becky Haden. Haden

is enjoying her first teaching experience and has taken over AP US History, American Government and Lifetime Sports. Haden is a Sion graduate and enjoys experiencing the school from a different angle. “It’s just been fun being back seeing it from the other side,” Haden said. Haden has also taken on Brown-Howerton’s role as STUCO moderator. Brown-Howerton plays an important role making sure STUCO runs smoothly, but so far, everything has been going well according to Student Body President Hannah Tutera. However, the STUCO girls have kept in contact with BrownHowerton and even did something special for her before she left. “We made her a poster, and girls made an effort to decorate the teacher’s lounge,” Tutera said. “It was such an exciting event for her, and our student council group got a picture of baby Nola when she was swaddled up. Nola is our mascot.” Upon her return to Sion from maternity leave, Brown-Howerton predicts balancing her work and time at home will be hard at first but that things should eventually all fall back into routine. “We will all adjust and get used to it,” BrownHowerton said. “Luckily, I have a lot of love and support from my friends and family which always helps.”

Nola Mae Howerton was born August 27 with black hair and bright, blonde highlights. (Photo submitted by Jennifer Brown-Howerton)

Top Baby Names of 2011 Girls

Boys

1. Sophia

1. Jacob

2. Isabella 3. Emma 4. Olivia 5. Ava

2. Mason 3. William 4. Jayden 5. Noah -Babycenter.com

twin wars sraW niwT Meet the three sets of twins in the Class of 2016 Favorite Parts

“Always having someone there for you and going through the same things as you.” -Alexis

Worst Parts

“Sharing everything like our birthdays, room and electronics.” -Milan

Same Friends or Different?

Compete with each other?

Relationship in one word

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Alexis and Milan Cucchiara

features

“Our personalities are a lot different so our friends tend to be different too.” -Alexis “I never try to compete with Alexis because I know that she usually will win.” -Milan “Everlasting.”

Emma and Izzy Romano

“Sharing clothes!” -Izzy

Abbey and Hannah Valentine

“Having someone that is going through the same stuff and can relate to what’s going on in your life.” -Abbey

“Being together ALL the time.” -Emma

“Trying not to leave your twin out when your other friends are over. Sometimes you need time to yourself.” -Hannah

“We mainly have the same friends.” -Izzy

“We have a lot of the same friends but some are different.” -Abbey

“No, we never feel like we have to compete with each other.” -Emma

“I never think I have to compete with her. We are twins but we are still our own person.” -Hannah

“Pyschotic.”

“One-of-a-kind.”

ALL SMILES

Sion Spotlight

Transfer student AnnaLissa Redmond says she made a great choice.

BY SARAH ALLEN Reporter

ith her bag slung over her shoulder, she opens the door and walks into Sion at 7:30 A.M. She swiftly walks through freshman hallway, briefly stopping to chat with some friends. Turning at the end of the hallway, she reaches her locker. It’s decorated in blue and orange polka dotted wallpaper. She pauses, and thinks about her combination then whips open her locker. Sophomore transfer student AnnaLissa Redmond does it all with a smile. “I’ve seen her in the hall and she is a sweet

BYthe

numbers

Student Transfers This Year

Seniors

Juniors

Sophomores

girl, always smiling,” counselor Erika Ellwanger said. Redmond always knew she wanted to go to Sion. Last year she finally got the opportunity to come. Redmond transferred from Derrick Thomas Academy, a Kansas City, Mo. charter school. She went to Derrick Thomas Academy fifth through ninth grade but always had the idea of coming to Sion in the back of her head. “I wanted to come here, the people were so nice,” Redmond said. When Redmond applied and was accepted in May 2012, it was perfect timing. Redmond’s old school came under fire for financial woes and low test scores. A letter from the University of Missouri, Kansas City, the charter school’s sponsor, described the school as financially stressed. This Sophomore AnnaLissa Redmond played scattergories during maison letter circulated throughout the school time. (Photo by Sarah Allen) In addition to adjusting to single-sex education, causing around 20 members of Derrick Thomas Academy staff to leave their jobs to look for Redmond also had to get used to the differences other work according the the charter school’s principal in academics. Even though the academics can be challenging at times, Redmond is glad that she now Dr. Terita F. McCauley. Despite the claims the media made about the goes to a school where all of the students are as school closing, McCauley said, “We have no desire of determined as she is. “It’s a lot easier when the closing. The letter caused us people around you care too,” to rework some aspects of our Redmond said. school but Derrick Thomas is This is one of the reasons not closing. We are up and at why Redmond and her family them and ready to have a great were drawn to Sion. year.” “They knew about the But Redmond noticed college preparatory education changes in Derrick Thomas and decided to pursue it.” Academy as time went on. Sharon Radovich, Director of “It was such a tiny Admissions, said. “They were school and there were too also interested in the idea of a many people in it. It just got single sex education.” really hectic,” Redmond said. Redmond had mixed Sion and Derrick Thomas Academy are, in Redmond’s opinion, different feelings about leaving Derrick Thomas Academy but in about every way. But different in a good way she knows that Sion was the right decision for her. “I was sad because I was leaving my friends, but said. Redmond is still having to get used to the it was something I had to do for me and my future,” bells and having lockers because at Derrick Thomas Redmond said. Redmond said that she is looking forward to Academy they had neither. She is also getting used to the idea of a single sex finishing high school at Sion, and it is evident in her facial expressions. education. “I’m definitely excited for the years to come, “I had good feelings about Sion, but it was a lot different. I was trying to wrap my head around the but it’s hard. I’m still getting used to everything, but I idea of all girls, but I liked it a lot when I shadowed,” just try to push myself because I know it will get a lot better,” Redmond said while, of course, smiling. Redmond said.

“I had good feelings about Sion, but it was a lot different. I was trying to wrap my head around the idea of all girls, but I liked it a lot when I shadowed.” -AnnaLissa Redmond

features

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Sion Students Visit the Land Down Under of Melbourne, including Graffiti Alley, a collection of streets lined with graffitied buildings, and Phillip Island, a nature park home to koalas and penguins. They also attended several Australian sporting events such as netball, a version of basketball, and footy, a sort of quasi-football. Ruiz said her host family took her on the Great Ocean Road in southwest Victoria. From there she took a helicopter ride overlooking The Twelve Apostles, a rock formation on the coast. “We were looking out the window of the helicopter, and there’s this whale breaching in the water,” Ruiz said. “And then we saw some more as we were heading back towards Melbourne, and we pulled

running around the city by themselves at night. They all also agreed that the cities were cleaner, except for the fact that everyone smoked. It was winter there, so the temperatures were BY MAURA EVELD much cooler than the Kansas City heat, averaging Co-Editor-in-Chief around 50 degrees Fahrenheit each day. The catch? No heaters. Senior Allie Lampo held up a stack of “I don’t think I was warm once,” Malvey said. photographs, clutching the three-inch-thick collection But the girls agreed that the biggest difference between her thumb and forefinger. was that the people of Australia were much friendlier “And this is just from the first day in Sydney,” she than Americans. Lampo explained that it took a long said. time to buy something because everyone in line would Lampo, along with seniors Hannah Malvey, stop and have a conversation with the cashier before Marina Dennis and Lauren Ruiz, shared and scattered heading out the door. their photographs across the two cafeteria tables. They “So much better social skills than pointed, oohed and smiled. here,” Ruiz said. Apparently, their trip to The girls also contrasted Kansas Australia was a fond memory. City Sion to Melbourne Sion. All four took part in the Physically they were different, Australian exchange program and Dennis said, because the buildings hosted Our Lady of Sion students were much more spread out and the from Melbourne, Australia last students walked outside much more. January. This summer it was their The bathrooms and lockers were both turn to travel. outdoors. Seventeen and a half hours of “And their uniforms take 15 flying. And 15 of those hours were minutes to put on,” Lampo said. spent on a double-decker plane. They started with the socks. Then “The plane ride there was so came the shirt, tights and shorts. Then worth it,” Malvey said. “I would do it the skirt and the tie. Finally, the sweater every day.” and the blazer. Before Malvey began the “Your hair had to be up and back, exchange program last winter, she and you couldn’t really wear makeup or wasn’t planning on going to Australia. jewelry,” Ruiz said of the dress code. She said she thought her summer The girls also said the Australians would be too busy and she wouldn’t have time to take a month off. But Seniors Hannah Malvey and Allie Lampo spend time with a kangaroo at an animal put a lot more emphasis on appearance Malvey and her exchange student sanctuary on Phillip Island. Other animals on the island included koalas and penguins. outside of school. They rarely went anywhere (except school) without Caroline Bermingham skyped several (Photo by Lauren Ruiz) times before Bermingham arrived, and their friendship over and climbed out on some rocks and took pictures makeup on. And they made sure their uniforms were of them.” perfect before boarding the train home, so they could forced Malvey to rethink her decision. Malvey, Dennis and Lampo also visited Sydney present their school in high esteem. “And then I met Caroline [in person], and I knew with their host families, where they toured the Sydney But being “the American” was a special treat in I had to go,” she said. Lampo also explained that before she met her Opera House and climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge. the mix, they agreed. And a trip to Australia wouldn’t be complete “You’re a tourist, so you can just walk up to exchange student Claire Anderson, she hadn’t been set anybody and be like, ‘Hey, I’m from America,’ and on going to Australia for the summer. But after she without one animal in particular: the kangaroo. “I wanted to take one home,” Malvey said. they’re suddenly your best friend,” Lampo said. met Anderson, she said they became very close friends, The girls said kangaroos were a common sight. Dennis explained that she kept getting asked the so it was an obvious decision: she was going. For the others, the decision to travel to Australia Ruiz said she saw a bunch at her exchange student question, “Who have you met?” The Australians were was simpler. Ruiz said that once she knew for sure she Georgia Thomas’ farmhouse. Road signs warned, wondering which celebrities she had seen in the U.S. “A girl was actually starstruck when she met me,” was hosting an exchange student, she knew she would “Kangaroo Crossing next 25 km.” “They worry about hitting kangaroos and Malvey added. “She couldn’t speak. Literally could not travel this summer. Dennis also made her decision wallabies and things like we worry about hitting a get her words out.” early. The girls agreed that it was a trip they wish “I’ve had this planned,” Dennis said. “I heard deer,” Ruiz said. In addition to the distinct animal species, the everyone could get to experience. Malvey said she about the exchange program on freshmen orientation, girls noticed other differences between the United loved immersing herself in a new culture. and I was like, ‘Mom, start saving. I’m going.’” States and Australia. Lampo and Ruiz said they felt “It was the best experience of my life so far,” she And so they went. The girls toured sights in and around the city much safer in Australia, and they were comfortable said. “No, not one of. It was the best.”

Seniors journey to Sion school in Australia as part of exchange program.

Sion’s Got talent senior chloe fernandez talent: contortionist “I get to use my talents in my varsity cheer and as a senior yoga instructor.”

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what you didn’t know about your classmates... sophomore: isabel grojean talent: cartoon imitations “At field hockey, doing funny voices makes it not as intense when we run.”

Junior: Jessie Brown Talent: drawing “I think art is a way to express myself in ways I can’t write in words.”

XXX Olympic Games The 2012 London Olympics caught the official beginning of the games. The opening ceremony featured appearances by JK Rowling, Queen Elizabeth attention of the world this summer. BY EMMA DOPHEIDE Reporter They only happen once every four years. They bring over 200 countries together to compete in over 300 events. They have been an official global tradition for over 100s years. They are the Summer Olympics, and this year they took place in London. Junior Kennedy Whitaker was in London a week before the Olympics began. She was there on an eight hour layover on her way to Africa. Whitaker said that even though the Olympics were not beginning for another week, the atmosphere was already crazy. “It was extremely chaotic. There were specific lanes and parking for the Olympics with the Olympic symbol on them. It was very busy,” Whitaker said. Wherever she turned, there was a reminder of the upcoming games. London was packed with tourists. “There were signs everywhere, even in restaurants. In Trafalgar Square there was a sign with a countdown,” Whitaker said. “It was really crowded. People said that it wasn’t usually that crowded. Although Whitaker did not get to witness the Olympics firsthand, the official London 2012 website said that more than 80 thousand people came to the Olympic Stadium to watch the opening ceremony, the

and Sir Paul McCartney, and concluded with the lighting of the iconic Olympic cauldron. As the flame continued to burn, the athletes began to compete in their events. Michael Phelps became the most decorated Olympic athlete in history, with twenty-two medals, eighteen of them gold. Phelps is not the only American who succeeded in London. Overland Park swimmer Shannon Vreeland was part of the gold-medal-winning 4x200 meter freestyle relay team. Competing in her first Olympics, Vreeland said the experience was special. “My favorite part was definitely swimming the finals relay,” Vreeland said. “It was stressful while it was going on, my first Olympic final in my first Olympic race. And it ended better than I would have imagined before the meet started.” The United States relay team took the gold from Australia in the last leg of the race. Vreeland’s teammate Allison Schmitt from Pittsburgh, Pa. was able to take the lead, securing the gold for her country. Vreeland said that being on the medal podium was one of the proudest moments of her life. “During the race it’s easy to get caught up in the swimming aspect. It’s just another race and the goal is obviously to win, but when you’re up on that medal stand it kind of hits you that you’ve done something

Most tweeted about Olympic Athletes Usian Bolt

Michael phelps

@michaelphelps: Just got a pretty cool phone call on the way to the pool from Mr. President @BarackObama!!! #USA

Gabby douglas

@gabbydouglas: Thank you for all of your support n love means so much! Team USA did an amazing job today Im so proud of them!! So excited for team finals!

@usainbolt: Thanks to all my real fans and people who believe in me. I am now a living legend that’s for sure.

-Photo by MCT Campus

not just for you, or your club team, or your school, but for your entire country,” Vreeland said. Swimmers like Vreeland were junior Mattie Carter’s favorite things to watch on television. “I liked swimming because the United States dominates,” Carter said. According to Bleacher Report, the United States won thirty-one medals in swimming alone, which is equal to the combined total of medals they won in basketball, beach volleyball, cycling, diving, soccer, fencing, gymnastics, judo, rowing and shooting. One popular athlete among students was 18-yearold Tom Daley from Great Britain. The teen diver won bronze in the men’s individual 10-meter platform. “I like Tom Daley because he has a gorgeous smile and a great body and form,” junior Amelia Jones said. “When he dives the rest of the world just goes away.” After the last event, the United States was on top of the medal count, China was in second place and Russia was in third. The countries joined together for a final closing ceremony which featured performances by Ed Sheeran, the Spice Girls and a video version of John Lennon. The Daily Mail posted that more than 26 million people around the world tuned in to watch it. As the games of London came to a close, both athletes and fans begin to look forward to the 2016 Summer Games scheduled to take place in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.

Medal count

u sa

ch i n a

104

88 russia

82 -NBC.com

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Making the Switch Tennis team moves to Class Two and takes on larger schools. BY MARY KATE HENSE

Reporter

High school lasts four years. But rivals last a lifetime. Sion is now in St. Teresa’s division as the tennis team makes the switch from Class One to Class Two this fall. This means that Sion will now be taking on larger schools, according to Athletic Director Dennis Conaghan. Tennis Coach Karen O’Neill said Sion has been in Class One ever since she could remember, and the change is a big deal. Junior Betsy Barnthouse said their current

Junior Margaret Schorgl practices her swing before the match against The Barstow School. Schorgl is sixth on varsity. (Photo by Mary Kate Hense)

rivals would be either The Pembroke Hill School or The Barstow School. Come districts, this switch will allow them to leave these teams behind and move on to teams which include Lee’s Summit North and West, Blue Springs, Raymore-Peculiar, Liberty, Belton, Raymore, St. Teresa’s and more. O’Neill said she was a bit anxious to meet their new competition because she had not scheduled a plan on who her girls will be playing. She also said they will have to watch St. Teresa’s play a few teams to find out who their biggest competition will be. According to Athletic Director Reynold Middleton there are only two classifications for tennis, Class One and Class Two. Each sport determines its own classification based on school teams participation. “Sion has had a history of defeating larger schools and our win loss record is tremendous against the larger schools,” Conaghan said. “This switch is a big deal for tennis because it puts them up with the ‘big dogs,’ while Sion’s other sports remain in their current classes.” However, O’Neill said that she didn’t want to focus on how hard the competition might be but rather how hard her team tries. “It will be an exciting competition between all schools,” O’Neill said. “Only four teams from each class continue on to state, which starts on Oct. 3 and ends on Oct. 5.”

Junior Betsy Barnthouse warms up for her match against The Barstow School. “No matter what class our team competes in we still work our hardest to improve each day and hope to go to state championships,” Barnthouse said. (Photo By Mary Kate Hense)

Last year tennis sent Brydie O’Connor, Anna Koutelas, Denise Chiao and Michaela Henne to state, and in 2010 they went to state as a team and placed second. Barnthouse said the excitement of taking on a group of new teams will really rally up the girls. “We take one match at a time and state is always our goal,” O’Neill said. “As far as moving classes, it’s just a change. I don’t care, I just want my girls to make it to team state.”

From Arrowhead to Sion Chiefs Cheerleader is chosen as new cheerleading coach. BY DANA ROUTH

Reporter

Dionne Dyt talks to the team before they perform at halftime for the Sion volleyball game against Grandview High School. (Photo by Kristine Sullivan)

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Igniting a new spark in school spirit, the new cheer coach Dionne Dyt plans to bring positive energy to the team. With experience as a Chiefs Cheerleader for two years, Dyt said she knows how to pump up the spirit of the crowd. “She is very spunky, athletic and is really striving to better our team,” junior cheerleader Claire Boehm said. Dyt was chosen from a pool of 250 as one of the 33 Chiefs Cheerleaders. Dyt said tryouts were a long process and they involved learning and choreographing numerous routines. She also had to take two written tests on her knowledge of football and a test on public speaking. “This is my second season. It’s everything I’ve ever imagined plus more,” Dyt said. “The thirty-two girls I cheer with are some of the nicest girls I know.” With thirteen years of experience cheering, Dyt

brings new energy to the team and shares her love of cheer with the team. “I wanted to be a coach because it’s such a fulfilling position. And I’ve had lots of different jobs, but I knew this one was the most rewarding,” Dyt said. Dyt contacted Michelle Schlitzer, assistant Cheerleading coach, after hearing about the opening through the Chiefs Association. Sion cheerleader Kitty Tankard said Dyt’s young age and active involvement in the sport creates a connection between Dyt and the cheer team. “She is very focused on improving the spirit of our student body,” Tankard said. Dyt said increasing the school spirit should not be too hard for her since she cheers for over 70,000 people when she is on the football field. And she said she brings fun and new ideas to our cheerleaders and hopes to bring the spirit and excitement not only to her team, but to the entire student body. Her goal for the cheer team is to keep advancing. “From what I hear the team gets better and better every year,” Dyt said. “And I want to continue that improvement.”

Nine that Shine

A record breaking number of freshmen are selected for the dance team.

BY MADISON HUMMEL

Reporter

Dance team set a new record this year by adding nine freshmen members to the team, and the team is larger than ever with 22 girls. The coach requested special permission from the school in order to have such a large team. In 2010, six freshman joined the team which was the most that had ever been added. Just five girls were added in 2011. This year, 2010’s record was shattered. Senior captain Kathryn Thompson said usually only three or four freshmen make the team, but this year these nine were too good to turn down. “These girls bring a lot of fresh talent and they each have their strengths,” Thompson said. It’s no secret that high school dance is intense, but these nine show no fear, Thompson said. All of these freshmen have performed before and are capable of handling the pressure. The girls have all danced studio and are used to competing at a high level, she said.

Freshmen

“They really know what they’re doing,” junior dance team member Claire Kramer said. “When we’re dancing, you can’t tell a senior from a freshman.” Adding so many new members to the team has its challenges. The freshmen all come from different studios around the city and each have their own style of dance, Kramer said. “This year we have double the freshman we usually have so it’s difficult to blend all of the girls’ dancing into the same style,” Coach Shelli Vaughan said. But having such a large team also comes with advantages, Vaughan said. With more girls on the team it provides opportunities for a variety of dynamic routines. “Each freshman brings something different to the table. Some techniques the team has never seen before,” Kramer said. During tryouts the girls are scored based upon skills such as technique, showmanship and flexibility, Vaughan said. She said these nine have what it takes and are fully prepared for competition. “These freshmen are really talented,” Thompson said. “They all have something to give which pushes the older girls to keep up.”

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The dance team performs a routine before the varsity volleyball game against St. Teresa’s Academy on the first ever Spirit Night. (Photo by Allison Elsbernd)

meet the Field Hockey Freshmen: figuring out the pros and cons of the sport. Carolyn Crowe What is your favorite part about field hockey? “Meeting a lot of the upperclassmen.”

Jessica Korth What is the best part of playing with so many freshmen? “It is way less intimidating.”

Sixteen out of 118, 13.6 percent. These numbers represent the freshmen who tried out and made the field hockey team this season. Sixteen girls from this very large freshman class have taken an interest in a sport completely foreign to them, according to freshman Jordan Hermes. For the full story go to lejournallive.com.

Jordan Hermes What is the hardest part of field hockey? “Learning how to play and remembering all of the rules before our first game.”

Maddie Kahl What are you looking forward to most this season? “Team dinners and team bonding.”

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-Photo by Emma Eveld

-Photo by Allison Elsbernd

he first spirit night was a success, according to senior Morgan Parker. Students and faculty members came together to support the volleyball team, tennis team and softball team on Sept. 5, in honor of no homework night. According to the Director of Facilities and Operations

Andrew Sheer, there were over 800 people in attendance. The Scream Team leaders Meg Cowan, Audrey Saracini and Jane Crook rallied the crowd. “I hope people will continue going to the games, no homework night or not,” Crook said. “I think this was the most fans softball has ever seen.”

-Photo by Mary Kate Hense

Spirit Night T -20- last look

The next spirit night is in November. From top to bottom right: Senior Laura Klover cheers; Freshman Danielle Mollerus tips the ball; Senior Hannah Tutera cheers on the varisty volleyball team; Tennis coach Tracy Cooper meets with the team before the match against St. Teresa’s Academy.