Le Journal September 2014 by Alison Long

LeJournal

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge: The Disease and the Challenge that Swept the Nation. Page 14-17

A PUBLICATION OF NOTRE DAME DE SION

10631 WORNALL ROAD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64114

VOLUME 33 ISSUE 1 SEPTEMBER 2014

INSIDE THE ISSUE news 4

sports

Storm Stomp

Cross Country

Summer Exchanges

College Commitments

Ferguson Shooting Protest for Gaza 5

Ebola Outbreak #yesallwomen

Ferguson Shooting

Staff Editorial

Ice Bucket Challenge

IKEA

Learn about the disease as well as the viral ice drench

Taylor Ramsey

Sophomore shares about KC Superstar competition

Lia Carter

Caroline Lawlor

Alex Hall

Athletic Verbal Commit

A look at Fall trends

Photo Essay

Events from the first weeks of school

Cover Photo

By Laney Ulowetz

SION

Humans of

Abby Jurgeson, junior If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow where would it be?

MEMBER

Florida at Nationals with the Sion Dance Team.

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

ISSUE 1

Fashion

New religion teacher also coaches at Rockhurst

10631 Wornall Road Kansas City, Missouri 64114

CO-EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Sarah Harris Ellie Stingley

SPORTS EDITOR Madison Heide

PRINT MANAGING EDITOR Mary B. Freeman

FEATURE EDITOR Anna Schroer

WEBSITE MANAGING EDITOR Chioma Okuagu

PHOTO & SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Sydney Manning

NEWS EDITOR Ellie Schwartz

LAYOUT EDITOR Georgia Evans

2LE JOURNAL

Sophomore discusses her struggles and triumphs

Le Journal is the official student publication of Notre Dame de Sion High School

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Meghan Kearney

Buzz Beach Ball

Senior talks about her love of music and her father’s legacy

LeJournal 2014-2015

EDITORIAL EDITOR Sydney Daniels

Read our thoughts of “If I Stay” and “The Giver”

Robin Williams Tribute

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

What is the new store in Merriam like?

Student agrees to play at University of Notre Dame

Ella Anstoetter

features 18

Movie Reviews

The Emmys

cover story 14

editorials/opinion

Field Hockey 12

Transfer Students

a&e

Chloe Barrett Alex D’Alesio Selena Hunter Anna Ciani Sophie Nedelco

REPORTERS

Rachel Ergovich Natalie Sopyla Laney Ulowetz Sara Watkins Aubrey Makar

Daria Kinchelow, junior If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow where would it be?

On tour with Miley Cyrus.

Katia Hauptmann, sophomore If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow where would it be?

Greece. For full video and interviews go to lejournallive.com

THE EDITORS’ INK BY SARAH HARRIS AND ELLIE STINGLEY CO-EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

o summer is over ladies. Welcome back to another year of late night studying, early morning Starbucks and an occasional mental breakdown along the way. Just kidding. This year will be great, but only if we make it that way. We all miss the days of tanning by the pool and watching season 2 of Orange is the New Black on Netflix from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. But as much as we hate to admit it that time is over. For the average high schooler, back to school means finding the perfect outfit for the first day, but as we all know nothing about Sion is average. So leave your best J.Crew argyle sweater behind, because our grey kilts and polos take that pressure off our shoulders. And if you want tips about the perfect outfit for next Friday night, turn to page 26 for the hottest fall trends. Now that we have had time to adjust to the routine of homework-filled Sundays and wearing uniform appropriate shoes, we prepare ourselves for the months to come and pray that Christmas break comes sooner rather than later. Seniors: After doing a class-wide ALS Ice Bucket Challenge (see pages 14-17) we have started our last year together with a splash. Finally, we rule the school; screaming “Seniors Rock the House” after every assembly, hoping we aren’t the awkward people on the outside of the moshpit, sitting on the chairs during Mass in our senior maroon polo, saving the day as superheroes at Fall Dance. But with all this fun comes college applications and the infamous “senioritis.” Here’s hoping we make the most of it. Juniors: Congratulations you’re upperclassmen. Relish in it, but remember it was just last year when you were an underclassman, and freshmen and

sophomores are looking up to you now. We aren’t going to lie, this year is tough. But the positive things make the negatives worth it. Now you can go to prom and get your Sion ring. And don’t be surprised with the overwhelming amount of college mail that you will receive. Every day. Standardized tests and college information sessions will be part of your trimonthly routine, but don’t stress because you have two years to figure it out. Sophomores: You are no longer the new kids on the block. Congrats, you made it through. Now the classes are a little harder and the teachers are a little tougher, but you have the South Six all to yourselves and some of you can even drive. Sweet sixteens are around the corner and the classic drivers license Instagram is inevitable, but make sure your address isn’t in the shot. Been there, done that. Freshmen: Welcome to Sion. Unfortunately, you will never know what it is like to have Panda Express at lunch or leave at 2:10 p.m. every Thursday, but you will get a lot of the new things the school has to offer. A new athletic complex to play all outdoor sports on (see page 13) and a week long Thanksgiving break. T-minus 55 days. By now you know that the academics are rigorous and the spirit is unparalleled, but there is so much more to learn. Lucky for you, there are 320 girls who are here to help you along the way. Even though summer is officially over (Labor Day was our last hurrah) and our Netflix binges are limited to Fridays and Saturdays, we still have Spirit Week, Winter Formal and Christmas Break to look forward to. But for now take one step at a time because any faster than that and we might miss it all. Sayonara Sion, Sellie P.S. Sarah + Ellie = Sellie

Photo of the Issue The dance team performed their pom routine to a mix of “Conga” and “Turn the Beat Around” by Gloria Estefan at halftime during the Rockhurst High School football game on Aug. 29. With two team members out due to illness and injury, the team had to redo formations just hours before the performance. (Photo by Sydney Manning)

LE JOURNAL ISSUE 1

SUMMER JOBS 230 STUDENTS WERE SURVEYED ABOUT THE JOBS THEY HELD OVER SUMMER BREAK

NANNY

35% LIFEGUARD

HOSTESS

RETAIL

OTHER

INCLUDES BARISTAS, INTERNSHIPS AND PERSONAL STYLIST

29%

NONE

ISSUE 1

IKEA // A new Ikea store opened in Merriam, Kansas on Sept. 10. The first 40 customers received free sofas.

RAY RICE // Former Baltimore Ravens football player plead not guilty to aggravated assault. FERGUSON // Rioters pause to wait for the court proceedings regarding Officer Darren Wilson.

STORM STOMPING

4LE JOURNAL

WAR IN GAZA // War in Gaza escalates between Israel and the Hamas controlled Palestinian territory in the Gaza Strip.

TRENDING

BY THE NUMBERS

TRENDING //

NEWS IN BRIEF

KATE EXPECTING // According to US Weekly the Duke and Duchess of England are pregnant with their second child.

21%

Freshmen team “Made in China” won the 3 v. 3 basketball tournament Sept. 19. Student and teacher teams battled it out and raised enough money for seven student scholarships. Last year’s committee raised funds for six. Since 2006, Storm Stomp has raised over $261,000, according to Director of Public Relations and Alumni Affairs, Lauren Golden.

HOT WEEK COLD WEEK

SUMMER EXCHANGES

Students attended three different international exchanges this summer. Senior Megan Sloan went to Germany, seniors Mikayla Zancanelli, Emily Baranowski, Alex Dehaemers, Megan McKenzie, Abbie Young and Madeleine Campbell went to Australia. Meanwhile, seniors Harper Lanning, Julie Steilen, Courney Tushaus, Emma Lisac, Sophie Fisher and Catie Marx traveled to Chile.

GAZA GRAPPELING BY SELENA HUNTER REPORTER

One, two, three, four, stop the killing, stop the war! Five, six, seven, eight, stop the killing, stop the hate! Protesters chanted out, led by Gaza activist, Fatima Mohammadi, catching the attention passerbys. People gathered at the Nichols Fountain on the Country Club Plaza to protest on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza this summer. In the crowd of protesters were junior Manahil Khan and senior Zoya Khan. “Going to this protest meant being a part of a bigger community and standing up for something I thought was really important,” Manahil said. The protest was led by Mohammadi. The protesters were frustrated, but not angry, according to the Khans. This protest helped the Khans to become more motivated to do something to help the Palestinians in Gaza. They were proud because they were able to stand up for what they believe in and use their rights as American citizens unlike so many in Gaza. Both were amazed by the turnout of the protest. “I’ve been to another protest for Syria, and it didn’t even have half the people. I was really happy that a lot of people stepped up,” Manahil said. Leading up to this protest three Palestinian teenagers, one with an American citizenship, and all seminary students, were kidnapped while they were hitchhiking in the West Bank, according to ABC News. For the full story go to LeJournallive.com

FERGUSON FADES BY ALEX D’ALESIO REPORTER

Nearly two months ago, on Saturday, Aug. 9, the clenching of one man’s fingers altered life entirely in Ferguson, Missouri. The killing of 18-year-old Michael Brown had fueled an outburst of disastrous riots. Flames engulfed the Florissant Avenue and Northwinds Estates Drive QuickTrip. Looters robbed John Zissler of Zissler’s Tires. As for now, the riots have calmed; however, the effect continues to plague citizens of Ferguson and those of the nation. “I don’t know if Ferguson or St. Louis will be the same again. This has affected everybody in one way, shape or form, whether they live in Ferguson or not,” McGraw Milhaven, St. Louis KTRS radio talk show host, said. At Saint Louis University, 20 minutes from where the shooting occurred, students gathered for a Mass and vigil to pray for those affected by the shooting. “[The homily spoke about] how we needed to be there for one another and be a light in such a dark time,” Sion alumna and SLU student Laura Travis said. During this time, Americans continue to question how far the nation has progressed from past shortcomings, regarding injustice and racial bias. For the full story go to LeJournallive.com

#YESALLWOMEN Women unite on Twitter against the perceived rape culture.

In response to the video uploaded by Elliot Rodger last May, women nationally and internationally rallied on Twitter to advocate for women’s rights by using the hashtag,“#YesAllWomen.” Rodger, 22, targeted University of California, Santa Barbara students in a spree killing six people, injuring 13 others, then committing suicide. Outlined in a manifesto on YouTube, Rodger’s retribution stems from his hatred of women and feeling like an inferior man. Exploding overnight after the tragic shootings and uploaded video, the tweets show no signs of diminishing. #YesAllWomen unites grandmothers, mothers and daughters sharing personal experiences and fears with the online community, revealing a mentality of misogyny that women face daily . “I definitely was someone who didn’t think of gender equality as a problem, but I think when you really examine how society works and the double standards that are in place for women [as opposed to] men you can really see how bad it is,” sophomore Maddi McMaster said. Determined to draw the voices speaking out under a unified hashtag, two young women Kaye and Suey created #YesAllWomen. Starting as a manageable message to stir close friends and fellow activists, the original tweet grew into an urging for women from across the country to speak out. “I was honored. And touched. I didn’t know that so many women would be so brave and share such heart-wrenching stories,” Kaye said. The testimonies and statistics tweeted focus on condemning the unsettling rape culture in the United States. Rape culture is specified as linking sexual violence with the values and attitudes of a culture. Rape culture is blaming the victim while normalizing the violence. “Women are told that they have to dress a certain way, to act a certain way to be treated a certain way when really they should be respected

at all times,” McMaster said. While many would dismiss rape culture and gender inequality as an opinion of uncompromising feminists, the statistics are real. Rape culture exists. According to the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network, ninety-seven percent of rapists never spend a day in jail, and one out of every six American women will be sexually assaulted at one point in her life. “#YesAllWomen because even a taped confession admitting to raping me wasn’t enough to put him in jail,” @jessismiles_said. #YesAllWomen and the vision of changing rape culture is upheld by third wave feminists. Like first and second wave feminism, third wave feminists look to women to accomplish change and acquire equality. They empower women to rise in their own cultures and be strong in their own individuality. T h e #YesAllWomen campaign is not alone in its mission. One organization, Force: Upsetting Rape Culture, is currently operating “The Monument Project,” a crosscountry project that aims to provide rape victims a public healing space. The final goal is for abuse survivors to share their stories on a quilt piece, ultimately to be sewn into a larger quilt blanketing over a mile of the National Mall. From birds-eye view, the squares will read “Not Alone.” Force: Upsetting Rape Culture is an example of third wave feminists standing up for themselves in the cultures they live in. But, while women are encouraged to tell their stories, #YesAllWomen focuses on condemning victimization. “There are women speaking out about this, but it is never a woman’s fault when she is assaulted or raped or abused,” Kaye said. #YesAllWomen isn’t a complaint forum. It’s women fighting what society has turned them into. According to many of the tweets, the best way to change rape culture is to change the way young boys are taught to regard women. “Instead of just telling the man not to do this, [tell them] to treat women as people because it’s basic human rights,” junior Alyssa Moncure said.

“#YesAllWomen because even a taped confession admitting to raping me wasn’t enough to put him in jail.” -@jessismiles

• Symptoms appear 2-21 days after exposure • Ebola is fatal in 55-60% of cases • More than 2,500 deaths (as of Sept. 22)

1 LIA CARTER senior

“Sion is completely polar opposite of my other school. It’s a lot of Midwestern h o s p i t a l i t y. S o u t h e r n hospitality is a lie.”

2 LISBETH JUAREZ-LOPEZ junior

“In classrooms, it’s more quiet and less rowdy. The atmosphere here feels like a second home.”

JOSIE WECK sophomore

“In New Mexico, I was never new and I thought it would be hard, but it’s really easy. The all girls thing hasn’t really made a difference. It’s been a good transition.”

MIA TEBBE sophomore

“I don’t notice at all that there’s no guys. It’s a good environment. I feel happier here, like I belong.”

5 HALEY WEST sophomore

“Coming to school here makes a big difference in everything you do. Everyone is welcoming and nice. The homework is a lot more intense and you’re learning harder stuff.”

EBOLA OUTBREAK

• Deadliest outbreak to date

(Photo by MCT Campus)

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BY THE NUMBERS:

Transfer Students PHOTO S BY SYDNEY DANIELS

BY SOPHIE NEDELCO REPORTER

MEET THE...

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• Spreads through bodily fluids, contaminated objects & infected animals • 1st outbreak started in West Africa

-Information from the CDC

LE JOURNAL ISSUE 1

EDITORIAL

The Race Debate Erupts The community of Ferguson, Missouri has the right to protest the wrongful death of Michael Brown.

BY SOPHIE NEDELCO REPORTER

aking a break from standing next to the charred, burned down QuikTrip while holding signs in objection to the latest civil rights issue, men and women drag their feet. They are shuffling to the Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church. The heavy bags under their eyes only grow more pronounced when they note the expanding line outside the building. With the 2,500 seats in the church filled, these few protesters will have to add themselves to the growing crowd of 2,000 more people outside on the church lawn. Peeking inside the building for a split second, a protester wipes at his eyes with the sleeve of his black dress shirt. Towards the front of the church, flowers are clustered around a black and gold casket, and teetering on the edge of the lid, a St. Louis Cardinals ball cap. A picture collage of the same smiling boy that lies in the casket stands upright next to the memorial. According to CNN, this smiling boy is African American 18-year-old Michael Brown. He was killed nine days earlier by Caucasian police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri. The crowd packed inside and outside of the church supporting Brown has a right to pay their respects to him and his family. They also have a right to protest his wrongful death. The protesters aren’t breaking laws by holding demonstrations. This is included in their first

amendment rights. The Ferguson police force itself has broken the law in this case. According to the Missouri American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU had to file a lawsuit against St. Louis County and the county police department in order to obtain basic information on the incident report covering the shooting. A glaring open space was left blank as the police waited to release valuable information such as who shot Brown. Gaps of time lasting as long as 40 minutes were unaccounted for in the report. Clearly in violation of Missouri’s Sunshine Law, why would police wait to release information most of the Ferguson community was already confident of, such as the name of the shooter? The Sunshine Law requires governmental records be open to the public. The Ferguson police force had to have felt ashamed, the need to hide something or thought Wilson had done something wrong to have waited so long to officially release his name. Wilson was said to have been driving his police car towards Brown and his friend, Dorian Johnson, telling them to not walk in the middle of the street. While it is possible Brown started to become violent towards the police officer, Wilson clearly was in no way trapped by Brown. He could’ve driven away in his police car and called for backup to return and safely reassess the situation. He should’ve just driven away. Simple. But Wilson’s bought of bad decisions didn’t end there. After threatening to shoot Brown, he pulled the trigger. He fired his gun more than once or twice, which would at least make someone realize the seriousness of the situation or even disable them from attacking back. Yet, Wilson shot Brown six times, including twice in the head. Even worse, according to the audio recording from the shooting, Wilson took a slight pause before continuing to shoot at Brown. That split second Wilson took, holding a gun, in his police car, aiming at an unarmed 18-year-old that was likely no longer able to fight back, revealed he wasn’t solely acting on instinct and defense anymore, but possibly on racism and violence. This comes back to Wilson not having the best history to back up his motives for shooting

an unarmed teenager. The previous police force he was on, controlled the adjacent town of Jennings, Missouri. Known for using excessive violence and for high tensions between the white police force and predominantly African American community, the team disbanded and fired every police officer in attempt to gain a fresh start with the residents. Maybe it was Wilson’s misunderstanding and ignorance when it came to dealing with the issues of the African American community. Such issues which, unsurprisingly, include a high poverty and unemployment rate; combine a misguided police education with an aloof attitude towards the Ferguson community, and you have a recipe for the wrongful homicide of an innocent boy. This is not an isolated incident. The United States has an extensive history of neglecting to handle the issues of minority and impoverished communities. For example, Japanese internment camps during WWII, the Freedom Riders, the 1992 Los Angeles Riots, ongoing immigration issues with Latin America and more recently the murder of Trayvon Martin. So yes, the protesters that flock Ferguson day and night have a right to protest. Because Michael Brown could very well have been one of them. It could’ve been another African American kid shot by a caucasian police officer. The racial walls that often divide white police officers and African American communities need to be torn down.This can be accomplished by de-militarizing the police force and teaching the police to act with compassion and to work conflict out peacefully instead of resorting to that automatic reach towards their hip that is too easily engraved in their muscle memory. Police officers need to be trained to calmly assess situations in order to de-escalate violence. That way, trust can be built between officers and the communities they serve. Since when did it become okay for our democratic government to run such an authoritarian system where both police and citizens are unrelentlessly apprehensive of violence? What Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Amadou Diallo and Rodney King all suffered cannot be repeated. Darren Wilson may be forgiven, but the act cannot be.

Timeline of events: (All photos by MCT Campus)

Michael Brown is shot and killed Saturday, Aug. 9 Ferguson, Missouri

6LE JOURNAL ISSUE 1

Sunday, Aug. 10 Looting and QuikTrip Burning

Monday, Aug. 11 Ferguson Police use Tear Gas

EDITORIAL

During Riots and Protests Daren Wilson and other police officers should not be found guilty for shooting because it’s justified under self-defense. BY SYDNEY DANIELS EDITORAL EDITOR

ust Main Street and Holmes Road divide Wornall from Troost Avenue. Yet crossing these few miles is all it takes to pass from one world to another. The two sides of the Troost divide are so inherently different that thousands of feet separate the wealthy from the impoverished. Thousands of feet separate the posh college prep academies from the unaccredited public schools. Thousands of feet separate those showered in opportunities from those blanketed in destitution. The Western side of Troost is characterized by middle to upper class people while the Eastern side features a heavy concentration of poor African Americans in the Greater Kansas City area. Imagine being a police officer East of Troost in Kansas City. Day to day witnessing violence and criminal behavior, all by African American people. It’s only natural that a police officer would be inclined to view the community and its people in a certain light based off of their first hand experiences with those that live there. Our Troost Divide is indicative of the blatant separation of the black and white communities in Ferguson, Missouri. Our own preconceived notions about areas like Troost are synonymous with the misconceptions that the Ferguson police force has about the community that they serve and protect. Every city has ethnic enclaves, that’s just the way it

is. Ferguson, Missouri is no different. People are drawn towards others who look like them, talk like them and think like them. There is an overwhelming amount of communities that are separated by everything from race to class to education to economic power. Officer Darren Wilson was not justified in the actions that he took that day against Brown. However, there is no doubt that Brown’s race was a catalyst for the events that unfolded. Racial bias is an unfortunate consequence of the world in which we live. Lack of diversity in the government and other positions of power contributes to this cyclical sense of separation. Officer Wilson cannot say that he didn’t acknowledge Brown’s race before apprehending him. Yet, regardless of whether Officer Wilson admits that he recognized Brown as an African American or not, the events in Ferguson aren’t about race, at least not explicitly. Yes, the Chief of Police, Mayor and six out of the seven city council members are Caucasian(the seventh being Latino). Out of the 53 people on the police force, only three of them are African American. “Increasing the diversity of the police department has been one of my top priorities,” Police Chief Jackson stated in an interview with CNN. “I promoted the first two African American supervisors in the history of the department and we’ve been recruiting African Americans.” Jackson’s main goal is to double the efforts to diversify the department. Therefore, the events in Ferguson weren’t a result of racial bias-existent or not- but one of poverty. Ironically enough, being a person of color is often associated with being impoverished, and being impoverished is often associated with being a criminal. These are the misconceptions that we need to break. There are 21,000 people who reside in the city. Two-thirds of them are African American. So, there is a higher chance of more poor African Americans than Caucasians. This divide among class boundaries contributes to an increasing separation between the middle and lower classes.

The shooting in Ferguson was not racially motivated. Wilson was simply defending himself from a perceived threat. Wilson was protecting himself from someone who fit the description of a recent perpetrator of a crime. Wilson has worked for the Ferguson Police force for the past six years and prior to the incident he’d never been disciplined by his superiors. According to a CNN article, police say that Brown got into a scuffle with the officer and attempted to reach for the officer’s gun, while other eyewitnesses say that Brown stuck his hands up in a sign of submission to the officer. Regardless, it is confirmed that Wilson’s face was swollen and treatment was given at an area hospital for the bruises he sustained. Still, there are a number of witnesses all with different stories and viewpoints on the incident. Due to that fact, it will take the police department quite some time to corroborate all of the stories and asses the credibility of each witness. To ensure that Brown’s death and similar ones like it are never repeated, every police force should implement the use of personal cameras. In Rialto, California, the police force equipped every officer with their own camera. As a result, use of police force dropped by 59 percent, and complaints filed against the police fell by 88 percent, according to an article in USA Today. Use of these cameras would have told us what actions Brown took that resulted in Wilson’s use of force against him. This case would be much less complicated. As the protests in Ferguson cool down, the real battle emerges. The Grand Jury will be charged with either convicting or releasing Officer Wilson. Either way, one investigation won’t address the underlying problems that caused the riots in the first place. Justice can take weeks, even months. Assumptions take mere seconds. Our system was put in place for a reason and the hope is that through due process, we can finally reach some consensus on the matter of Brown’s murder.

The Michael Brown case is presented to a Grand Jury Tuesday, Aug. 12-21 Riots and Protests

Wednesday, Aug. 20 Ferguson, Missouri

Monday, Aug. 25 Michael Brown’s Funeral LE JOURNAL ISSUE 1

Lowering Temperatures, Raising Awareness OPINION

The Ice Bucket Challenge proves its effectiveness in raising awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

THIS EDITORIAL REPRESENTS THE VIEW OF THE LE JOURNAL STAFF. TWENTY OUT OF 21 VOTED IN SUPPORT OF THIS VIEW.

By now almost everyone who is active on at least one social networking site has heard of the Ice Bucket Challenge. Videos of people dumping buckets of icy cold water on themselves have dominated news feeds everywhere for the past month. The purpose of these videos is to raise money and awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a rare but serious condition that affects approximately 5,600 people in the U.S. each year, according to the ALS Association’s website. The Ice Bucket Challenge has taken the world by storm, but some skeptics are questioning whether or not it is really benefiting the cause. Some view it as a silly, shallow social media fad rather than a legitimate fundraising movement. Dumping buckets of ice water on people might not seem like a very effective fundraising effort, but it truly is benefiting the cause in many

ways. With the enormity of this campaign, the Ice Bucket Challenge has been hugely worthwhile to ALS research by raising millions in funds, but also by calling the disease to peoples’ attention and encouraging them to be more actively involved in charity and volunteer work. Participants in the challenge are encouraged to either dump ice water on themselves and donate $10 to the cause, or skip the ice and donate $100 instead. While these amounts may not seem like much, with so many people participating in the challenge, it is beginning to add up. As of Sep. 7, the ALS Association had raised $110.5 million from the Ice Bucket Challenge alone. This is especially impressive when compared to the fact that at the same time last year, the association had only raised $2.5 million. If cold, hard cash isn’t convincing enough, look at how the Ice Bucket Challenge has impacted peoples’ awareness. The way the challenge works is a person dumps ice water on their head, posts a video on social media as proof, and nominates five friends. Those friends nominate five of their friends, and little by little, the web grows larger. With every person who completes the challenge, five more

people become aware of ALS. For a condition that was once virtually unknown to many, this kind of attention and support is a godsend. Overall, the Ice Bucket Challenge has affected more than just ALS research; it has encouraged people to get involved with charity and volunteerism in general. The challenge has become a platform for celebrities to encourage their fans to donate to worthy causes. With stars like Katy Perry, Leonardo DiCaprio and Iggy Azalea participating in the challenge, fans follow in their footsteps. The Ice Bucket Challenge has become a way for stars to have a positive influence on their fans and encourage them to do good. For those who are still skeptical about whether or not the Ice Bucket Challenge is really helping anything, consider these facts. When a movement like this reaches such a massive scale, it becomes more than just the latest internet/social media craze. The uniqueness of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has helped it become a chain reaction of kindness that will continue to change the world. It is no longer the next Harlem Shake or Gangnam Style; it is something much bigger. Juniors Aree Tomes and Abby Hamilton pour ice water on English teacher Melissa Wilcox during the school-wide Ice Bucket Challenge Aug.22. (Photo by Laney Ulowetz)

8LE JOURNAL ISSUE 1

OPINION

Early Recruitment Proves Worth the Commitment Junior Madison Heide commits as a sophomore to play softball at the University of Notre Dame. BY MADISON HEIDE SPORTS EDITOR

Located in Merriam, Kansas, Ikea offers Scandanavian ready-to-assemble furniture, appliances and home accessories. The store officially opened Sept. 17.(Photo by Sydney Manning)

Build It, And They Wi l l Come Just follow the lines to get in and around the new, huge Swedish store. BY SYDNEY MANNING PHOTOGRAPHY/SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

As I drove up the hill to Ikea, I was greeted with many signs and banners pointing towards the entrances. I was utterly amazed by how much thought had gone into the parking alone. Most stores just have a parking lot and a front door, but not Ikea. My Jeep was immediately directed under the building to a 1,200 spot parking garage, where there were pick-up lanes and employees working tying boxes to cars. I found a spot, parked my car and mentally braced myself for what was ahead. Although it was a Monday at 4 p.m., the store was busy, full of people from every walk of life. Business men, teenagers, couples, families and a myriad of other people sauntered through the new store, which had opened four days earlier. I made my way up the large staircase to the entrances of the store, where a sign that said “Hej,” the Swedish translation of “Hey,” greeted me. Immediately I felt like I had left Kansas and gone to another country. I had never seen anything like this store. Confused and frantic, I found my way to the entrance of the top floor show room. I started walking with the flow of people through the snaking paths made in the furniture displays, occasionally stopping to sit in a chair or take a selfie. I was about halfway through the top level when I realized that I had absolutely no idea where I was. The floor plan didn’t make sense, there were no exits once you started walking through the displays and traffic was one-way only. So I was stuck in this line of people. Traffic was slow, but I finally made my way to the end of the first floor, the food court. Why a furniture store needs a cafeteria style restaurant I am not sure, but the smell of chicken tenders mixed with cinnamon rolls was not a pleasant one. I strolled through tables of people taking full advantage of the store while trying to find a staircase. I got lost a time or two, but I came across

where I entered and discovered that I had already walked passed the stairs about three times. Yay. Down the stairs I went. The lower level had a layout similar to the upstairs, but it was filled with ceramic mugs and placemats rather than walls of couches and beds. Now that I had been through one furniture maze, I thought I knew what this floor would be like, but there was a sign above that said “self-serve furniture area.” I excitedly walked through the bathtubs and shower curtains to get to this promise land. As I grew closer, for some reason I thought of it as selfserve ice cream, which I knew it couldn’t be, but my curiosity peaked even higher. I walked about a half mile through the basement, then I saw the sign leading into a giant room and walked in. It was huge. I was in awe of how enormous it was. Think of Costco or Sam’s Club, but bigger and with furniture instead of cheese balls. It reminded me of the giant room in Monsters Inc. where all the doors are stored. It was that big, and it had that much going on. I made my way through the main aisle, which turned to a straight shot into the checkout where dozens of customers were waiting to be helped. At that moment I was glad I put back the fake plant I was going to buy for Le Journal because there was no way I was waiting in that line. I walked through some closed checkout aisles and a gate I’m pretty sure was off limits and ran into ANOTHER restaurant. It smelled even worse than before so I left as soon as I could. I went out the wrong exit and ended up in front of the store, and on the exact opposite side of where I parked my navy Jeep. I played with the complementary twine and took a few more selfies with the sign, then I made the trek back to my car. After I drove in circles around the parking lot for a few minutes, I found the exit and my Ikea adventure was over. I picked up some well deserved QuikTrip on the way home and reflected on my day. All in all, Ikea was a great idea. I know that Kansas City will benefit from the store. If you’re planning a trip to Ikea, make sure you have a lot of time to spend browsing and go on a full stomach.

“Immediately I felt like I had left Kansas and gone to another country.”

I grab my dirty, broken, oversized softball bag and make my way towards the fields. The yell of the crowds and the bark of the umpire greet me. I try to look unfazed as I pass by the dozens of Division l college softball coaches scattered throughout the park. With university names plastered across their clothes and their formidable looking facial expressions, it’s hard not to be intimidated. As I make an error on a ground ball coming fast and hard, I try to look nonchalant as the college coaches make a mark on their clipboards writing down who knows what. The pressure. The energy. Am I even here to win, or just to impress my audience? And how do coaches from all over the country make a decision based on potential when most kids have not fully developed or even taken one standardized test? Early recruitment is shaping out to be one of the biggest problems in collegiate athletics. The National Collegiate Athletic Association has rules to protect kids from early recruitment, making sure they do not rush into decisions or pick a college before they even start driving. But the system is about being competitive and getting the very best player as early as possible. And finding a school before positions are filled. People are shocked when they find out I already know where I am going to college. But this is the way softball is. In fact, ßI was one of the last players on my club team to commit. And if you are going to one of the top 25 best softball programs, your chances of getting a spot if you are older than a sophomore are slim to none. My process was intense. I sent hundreds of emails, practically begging coaches to come and watch me play. I traveled across the country to attend camps, and had to cope with the devastation when the coaches didn’t notice me or see me fitting in their program. I also had to consider the coach may leave or be fired before I got to college. While school and school sports went on, practicing on my own didn’t stop. On top of it all, my club team continued to hold practices three times a week throughout the entire year. Last summer I had only one weekend free of tournaments or games after five consecutive weeks of travel. But it’s all worth it. Softball doesn’t define the person I am, but softball made me who I am. I believe in me, and the University of Notre Dame believes in me. This is just the beginning. LE JOURNAL ISSUE 1

dance

Sports

SPORTS

By the

Numbers ANGLE LEG REACHES DURING “CONGA” ROUTINE HIGH KICKS

180°

field hockey

PLAYERS ON THE FIELD

tennis

cross country

golf

cheerleading

softball

volleyball

CURRENT RECORD

11-5

GAME SCORE SEPT. 9

21-0

NUMBER OF GIRLS ON THE SQUAD

AVERAGE NUMBER OF GOLF CLUBS

PLACE AT LIBERTY INVITATIONAL SEPT. 6

3rd

NUMBER OF MATCHES AT SION TOURNMENT

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Sophomore Kathleen Gansner lead the cross country team with her seventh place finish at the Liberty Invitational Sept. 6 in Liberty, Missouri. (Photo by Madison Heide)

Crossing the Class Line The cross country team moves into class 4A and works to compete at a higher level. BY MADISON HEIDE SPORTS EDITOR

Following last year’s third place State finish, the cross country team is under even more pressure to succeed. Not only because the State finalists want to place higher, but now the Missouri State High School Activities Association standards have changed. And based on Sion’s enrollment compared to other schools, the cross country team moved up classes from class 3A to class 4A. The 4A divsion has a larger population, which goes hand-in-hand with more competiton. The team will have a post-season schedule of districts, sectionals, then state. This differs from years past, where they did not compete in sectionals. With the additional races, training will be a little different, but according to Head Coach Reynold Middleton, not too different. “We are just going to do what we have always done and do the best we can,” Middleton said. But it doesn’t mean they still aren’t nervous about the upcoming season.

Junior Lauren Blando said she felt they normally are guaranteed a spot at State, but that this year the team will have to work just to make it to sectionals. “There is probably a little more pressure, just because we did so well last year in 3A,” junior Olivia Dugan said. “Now we have to try to even harder to make it to State.” But they aren’t letting adversity stop them. The girls run before and after school get in top shape to perform. “Its hard to know where we will pan out, it depends on how hard we push ourselves,” Blando said. “We just have to step up and do it at the right time.” Although the girls are nervous, Middleton is not. He said when put in a theoretical bracket with all classes combined from last years state meet, Sion’s cross country team beat out all other Kansas City competitors, even in 4A. And with the core group of runners back this year, Middleton hopes the outcome will be the same. “Last year’s team at the State meet had probably the best showing of any team I’ve ever coached,” Middleton said. “Even though they didn’t place as well as some others, as far as ability level and the level they stepped up, they peaked at the right time, better than any team I’ve ever coached.”

SPORTS

Field Hockey Contemplates Future with New Field an old, non-air-conditioned gym stood where the new field. “[Our coaches] talked to us about wanting South Six currently resides. Directly after it was built, Conaghan said that the team to look more the teams exerted more professional next year,” pressure on themselves sopho m o r e C o urtney BY GEORGIA EVANS because they were proud of Soukup said. LAYOUT EDITOR their new complex. And he According Conaghan, thinks that the new field will Whether it was the scorchingly high the new complex will not be no different. temperatures, the long, steep hill runs while only improve admissions “As girls drive around dripping sweat, or Athletic Director Dennis at Sion, but will give the with their friends, they will Conaghan surveying the practice, something students a sense of pride. purposefully drive by the Eight years ago, was different at the practice. Some girls on this -Gwen Savage, Coach school just to show off their year’s field hockey team realize there are high Sion built a new sports expectations for performance that come with a gymnasium and the New Grande Salle. Before, new field,” Conaghan said. Field Hockey Coach Gwyn Savage said he thought the girls needed to be pushed harder to succeed and thrive throughout the year. “Before, we could blame the field for mistakes. Now we have no excuses,” Savage said. The new field is tentativley scheduled to be finished before the fall season next year, so this will affect next year’s field hockey team. And it will affect other sports like soccer, track and lacrosse in the spring, too. “In my 30 years at Sion, I have not been more excited about a gift; it’s like a dream come true,” Conaghan said. The turf field will also allow girls to dodge injury. According to fieldturf.com, in regards to incidence of injury, there will be 7 percent fewer total injuries, 19 percent fewer substantial injuries and 22 percent fewer severe injuries. Athletes will also be safer regarding injuries to head, knee and shoulder trauma. Fieldturf.com also said there are 12 percent fewer concussions, 16 percent lower anterior cruciate ligament tears and associated tissue trauma, and 10 percent fewer anterior cruciate separations associated with turf fields. “I think it will be very different and it may take a little getting used to, in a good way,” freshman Isabella Edgar said. “And I think it will be more of an enjoyable atmorsphere for the people who come Hitting the ball upfield, junior Maddie Kahl helps the team to the 3-0 victory against Saint Thomas Aquinas watch the games. That will help us grow as a team.”

As anticipation for the new field builds, the drive to succeed and make the school proud grows.

“Before, we could blame the field for mistakes. Now we have no excuses.”

High School Sept. 10. (Photo by Madison Heide)

Students Commit Early to College Athletics Jenna Bolton-senior Pittsburg State University Pittsburg, Kansas

Anna Romano-senior Benedictine College Atchison, Kansas

Softball

Soccer

Advice:

EXPERIENCE: 8 YEARS “Work Hard. Dream big.”

EXPERIENCE: 14 YEARS “Don’t sell yourself short. If you want it enough, you’re capable of anything.”

Madison Heide-junior University of Notre Dame South Bend, Indiana

Softball

EXPERIENCE: 7 YEARS

Advice:

“Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.”

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SPORTS

Elevated Ella Freshman Ella Anstoetter wins bronze at Amateur Athletic Union Nationals. BY MEGHAN KEARNEY A&E EDITOR

Freshman Ella Anstoetter jumps at the AAU Nationals at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa in July. (Photo submitted by Ella Anstoetter.)

ny minute she thought. Any minute until she would be called onto the field. “Lose yourself ” by Eminem pounded in her ears and cleared the nervous thoughts swimming through her mind. After what seemed to be a decade, the 14-year-old girls are called onto the field. She packed her spikes and shoes, Gatorade Chews, masking tape and an extra shirt into her blue and black Nike bag and slowly made her way to the entrance. She looked back one last time at her family and gave them a faint smile. She knew that the next time she would see them, she would know the fate of her results. In fifth grade, freshman Ella Anstoetter started high jumping. It wasn’t until the end of eighth grade when she learned about Amateur Athletic Union and decided to compete in it. “I had a physical fitness test and my coach said I should do high jump because he thought I had a lot of potential. I enjoyed it a lot so I kept doing it,” Anstoetter said. “My coach’s son had done AAU before and recommended me to try it this year because he said it would be helpful for me to compete with girls who are just as dedicated as me and for college to see me jump.” As she entered Drake University’s stadium, Anstoetter was filled with awe. The blue oval track stretched endlessly around the field. She started walking slowly, aware of the eyes of the spectators as she entered onto her stage, gazing only to the three high jump pits across the field. Just when Anstoetter started to get comfortable, the official called her name, signaling that it was her turn to jump. The world around her became a blurry photo, the only object in focus was her and the path she made to the pit earlier with the masking tape. The only thought in her head was reaching the set height so she could move to the next round. Three hours earlier, her stomach started to turn. She could only eat a banana and a few nibbles of an apple for breakfast. As the nerves took over her body, Anstoetter asked her parents to see the track before she jumped later in the day. Anticipation steadily rose during the 12 minute car ride.

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Once the other competitors started to drop off the other two high jump pits, Anstoetter’s adrenaline started to pump. When the entire field was down to the last 10 girls, Anstoetter knew she had one last chance to become an AAU Nationals medalist. As she approached her final height, thoughts ran through her head. “Did I train hard enough?” “How many people are at this meet?” “Is this track the same as CYO Championships?” Her questions were soon answered when Anstoetter made the height of 5 feet, 2 inches. The moment didn’t feel real until the official called bib number 7539 and seven other numbers to follow him. Anstoetter jumped up and followed the official as they walked quickly along the path of champions through a dark tunnel under the stadium. It led to a room separated only by a black curtain. One side was the waiting room, the other yet to be seen. “While sitting and waiting you could hear the crowd gathering and talking behind the curtain, but we still had to wait for about 30 minutes. I was getting jittery,” Anstoetter said. Meanwhile, on the other side of the black curtain, a family waited to see their successful athlete. Anticipation rose as sophomore Liddy Anstoetter, Anestoetter’s sister, waited to hear the top eight medalists names. “We were excited that Ella took third because we were afraid that the pressure would have gotten to her. We all got the chills when she did succeed,” Liddy said. The time approached for Anstoetter and her family to be reunited. The eight medalists took their stand, and lined up in number order. Anstoetter heard familiar voices screaming her name. Relief and excitement filled her body and she finally relaxed. “I can’t believe that I went from jumping at CYO to the AAU Nationals,” Anstoetter said. “I learned that it doesn’t always matter what place you take. As long as you do your personal best, you still did extremely well.”

Freshman Ella Anstoetter poses with her medals. In the June AAU qualifying round in Joplin, Missouri, Anstoetter also ran the 200 and 400 meter races in addition to the hugh jump. She qualified just for the high jump and went on to place third at Nationals. (Photo by Meghan Kearney.)

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NDS Challenges ALS STORY AND DESIGN BY ANNA SCHROER, LANEY ULOWETZ AND RACHEL ERGOVICH

rystalline cubes hit the floor free falling out of the raised bucket onto the concrete below, jumping on impact chipping and landing in a final stalemate with the ground. Ice water flushes in, clothes stick drenched in the icy shower, tingling the senses, working to simulate the loss of function patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis experience. This is the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, the viral sensation sweeping the globe in attempts to raise awareness and money for this incurable disease. The challenge that millions have participated in, hoping to find a cure for thousands. (Story Continued on pg. 16) Photo by: Laney Ulowetz

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The Senior Class, challenged by Head of School Christina Broderick to take the Ice Bucket Challenge, dumps buckets of ice water on their heads during freshmen and senior field day. The school raised over $1,250 from a civvies day that will be donated to the Kansas City Patient and Community Services Department of ALS. They went on to challenge the Senior Classes at St. Teresa’s Academy and Rockhurst High School. (Photos by Laney Ulowetz)

The Challenge

(Story continued from pg. 15)

er foot taps anxiously as she hears the splish, splash, swoosh of ice cold water swaying in the bucket behind her. With clenched fists, her back stiffens, preparing for what she knows is about to come… Eyes closed. Something hits her. It all happens so fast. A splash smacks the concrete. Suddenly her body is numb. She lets out a screech and shivers. But she has done it. Challenge accepted. The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Ice Bucket challenge has swept the nation. Millions of people have posted videos on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat, dumping water on their heads. But why? Many people have either participated or seen these videos, and don’t really understand the reason behind it. “A lot of people think it’s dumb...I did think that for a really long time; but it actually is raising awareness. It’s so great in the fact that people who are condemning the ice bucket challenge are raising awareness for ALS because they are still talking about it,” junior Katie Pendergast said. Former Boston College pitcher Pete Frates was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 and has been trying to raise awareness ever since. The phenomenon started when one of Frates’s friends introduced the icey challenge to raise money for Frates’s cause. People pass on the challenge through social media and either dump ice cold water on their head, or donate $100 to ALS, although many do both. “Be sure to tell your friends to not only dump ice on their heads, but get involved! Donate to any ALS charity, hold a fundraiser, wear a T-shirt, write to Congress, help out a family in your area with an ALS patient, just Google ALS and I challenge anyone not to help once they know how horrible this incurable disease is. Ice buckets are great, but we need action!” Frates said via Facebook. In fact, the ALS association released

information that they have received $100.9 million in donations between July 29 and Aug. 29, compared to the $2.8 million at this same time last year. With a 3,000 percent increase in donations, it’s safe to say that the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has created a buzz that’s not only got people talking, but also writing checks. Many people among the Sion community have been especially impacted by ALS. Mary Broschart, assistant Director of College Counseling and manager of the Student Activity Fund, describes how having a friend with the disease is “just the most emotional, hardest thing.” Broschart’s friend, George Betts, was diagnosed a few years ago and even though it’s incredibly hard to watch someone

symptoms in May of 2011 when Dean heard something off in his voice over the phone. His brother eventually started falling all the time and so he went in for what they call the “bulbar onset.” Not formally diagnosed until November of that year, Dean’s brother had ALS and there was nothing they could do about it. Paul was a professor of mathematics for eight years at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas. He won the Sullivan Award for Teaching Excellence in 2012, but his symptoms started manifesting themselves quickly. He started having trouble walking, dropped the chalk during a lecture and fell often. At 53 years old, Paul is now 99 percent paralyzed. He cannot move a limb. He cannot speak. He cannot even swallow. He must be fed through a tube and uses a mechanical ventilator to breathe. The only thing he can move is his eyes. The amount of physical destruction caused by ALS is unimaginable. “Terminal cancer is far more merciful. [ALS] is the worst thing I’ve ever seen...the most horrible disease of mankind,” Dean said. Dean describes his brother as an angel and the most polite man you’d ever meet. Even through this hard time, his brother maintains his character and hasn’t lost his sense of humor. He can’t laugh, but Dean can see when there’s a smile on his brother’s face. Dean calls his brother “a fighter” because he refuses to give up and still thinks he can beat this disease. Dean has sent in his blood to test genes that may have caused his brother’s disease. He and his brother are very close, born only 11 months apart. Dean describes him as his best friend. “I’m my brother’s keeper,” Dean said. Dean was a little dismissive of the ice bucket challenge at first, but came around to it once he saw that it was raising the right kind of awareness for ALS. The real challenge isn’t dumping water on your head, but actually learning about what ALS is

“Terminal cancer is far more merciful. ALS is the worst thing I’ve ever seen...the most horrible disease of mankind.” -Lester Dean, CEO Dean Reality

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you know go through something like ALS, she tries to make the best of the situation. “It is amazing how positive he has stayed. I don’t know how you do that when your whole life has been taken away from you,” Broschart said. Junior Sarah Bradshaw’s grandfather died of ALS when she was young. Bradshaw remembers how hard it was on her family as she recollects the sad memories of her grandfather changing over time. ALS not only affects the patient, but also the people around them. The awareness the challenge is bringing still means a lot to her and her family. “I think it’s important to bring awareness to another incurable disease that people are going through and it’s nice to support those people as a community,” Bradshaw said. Lester Dean, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dean Realty Co., is considered an expert on all things ALS. His daughter graduated from Notre Dame de Sion Grade School and he is a friend of Athletic Director Dennis Conaghan. Dean’s younger brother Paul first started showing

and how it affects people everyday. Dean says the hardest thing about being close to someone with ALS is watching someone who was once so vibrant, deteriorate so quickly. It’s hard for them to stand by his side and “stare it in the face.” “Most people think this can never and never will happen to them or anyone they love because it is so rare. However, this year, one to two of your friends or family statistically will fall victim to ALS...It can happen and it will happen. This can happen to you and it can happen to any of us,” Dean said. Before the challenge went viral, most people did not know what ALS was, so not only are the donations crucial for research, but they are helpful to the common understanding of what ALS is and how it affects thousands of Americans every year. “I realize it’s only going to be cold for a few seconds, but it’s going to raise awareness and everyone’s going to know for a long time,” junior Abby Hamilton said.

The Disease It was a normal afternoon. He was in the backyard watering his lawn, then, before he knew it, he came crashing to the ground. He could barely muster enough strength to roll onto his stomach, let alone stand up. Why did he leave his cell phone on the deck? It took him two hours to reach his phone and call for help. He could have been seriously injured or worse. He could be dead. His ALS had gotten the best of him that day, but he wouldn’t let it happen again. ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive disease that attacks the motor nerves that occupy the brain and spinal cord, affecting all nerves that control voluntary muscles. That means a loss of strength in the arms and legs, difficulty speaking, swallowing, breathing and eventually paralysis. There are three different forms of ALS, the first of which affects the swallowing and mouth muscles. The first symptoms of this form of ALS include trouble swallowing and talking. Another

form affects the muscles in the arms and legs, and the early symptoms of this form are weakness of an arm or leg, and muscle twitches in the arms and legs. The third form is genetic and affects only a small percentage of people that have ALS. The best way to diagnose ALS, according to Dr. Alan Reeves of the University of Kansas Hospital, is to rule out all other potential diseases that have similar symptoms to ALS. A patient has either an MRI or a CT Scan taken of the head, and the images are sent to a neuroradiologist who then studies the images and decides what might be wrong with the patient. “A person with ALS can be hard to diagnose because the symptoms are subtle,” Reeves said. “Sometimes the symptoms aren’t noticeable, and the images can look completely normal.” Since ALS is a progressive disease, the lifespan for someone with the disease is very short. “They usually will live for three to five years,” neurologist Kathy Hedges, mother of junior Anna Sell, said. “I’ve also seen a very fast form of the disease where someone died within a year.” Finding a cure for ALS is difficult because of how quick the disease progresses. The disease starts at the top of the brain and moves down into the spine, providing a large area to research, but since there’s not a good understanding of how the disease progresses doctors don’t know which area to target. Reeves compared it to building a roadblock to stop the progression of traffic but not knowing where to start building the roadblock. There is, according to Reeves, one medication called Riluzole that helps slow down the progression of the disease by 10 percent and helps to prolong the life of people affected by ALS. Reeves said that the Ice Bucket Challenge is the biggest social media wave that he has ever seen. Both he and Hedges agree that it has brought an enormous amount of attention to the ALS community. “I think it has done more for the disease than when Lou Gehrig got the disease and announced that he had it,” Hedges said. “Every day that I look, it has 10 million more dollars going to the disease and that will bring a lot of research to figure out the cause of the disease and try to help find a cure.”

The Progression of ALS

Early Stage Muscles become weak and stiff Muscle atrophy can occur Fatigue and slurred speech

Have heard of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

68%

Have taken the challenge

In pursuit of the viral challenge, junior Katie Pendergast and sophomore Katia Hauptmann drench juniors Stephanie Ostrander and Nathalie Barbeau with ice water to raise awareness for ALS. (Photo by Nora Malone)

13%

Don’t know what ALS is

Middle Stage Symtoms spread Muscles become paralyzed Joints become painful and rigid Weakness in breath and swallowing

Student Survey

100%

Late Stage Most voluntary muscles paralyzed Breathing tube might be needed

Feeding tube may now be needed Range of motion exercizes needed

(Out of 100 Sion Students surveyed)

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Our Own Superstar Sophomore Taylor Ramsey was nominated and participated in the the city-wide high school competition KC SuperStar singing challenge at Johnson County Community College. BY SYDNEY DANIELS, GEORGIA EVANS, CHIOMA OKUAGU AND SELENA HUNTER REPORTERS

ith a new hair do, a fresh outfit and her family in the auditorium to cheer her on, sophomore Taylor Ramsey prepares for her performance on the KC Superstar stage. Standing tensely backstage, she listens intently as the directors of the competition give their final advice. Palms sweating, she shares a final laugh with fellow competitor and friend, Prince Russell Jackson from Wyandotte High School. And with her head held high, walks across the stage after she hears “Contestant number six, Taylor Ramsey.” KC SuperStar is a city-wide competition for high school students that have a passion for singing. Two-hundred and fifty students auditioned, 24 students made it to the semifinals and 10 sang their way to the finals. Ramsey was among them. Ramsey is a sophomore with a passion for fashion and music. She’s been involved in music since the tender age of 4. Her mother is a significant influence on the kind of music Ramsey listens to and performs. Ramsey and her mother are involved with the choir at their church. Her mother also listens to R&B and the blues. KC SuperStar is Ramsey’s first singing competition. She stays calm and collected as she rehearses bits and pieces of her song choice, “Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cook in choir class. Music teacher, Elizabeth Mulkey, listens to her and gives her bits of critique as she sings. Ramsey was nervous to perform at Yardley Hall in a full auditorium, but she is beyond grateful for the opportunity to be able to showcase her talents with friendly competition, despite the results. “This competition proves to me, I can do it. I can do anything I set my mind to,” Ramsey said. As the lights went down the room slipped into an anxious hush. The audience shifted in their seats, already anticipating the events to come. Johnson County Community College’s Yardley Hall could fit 1,341 people. Virtually every seat was filled. In a matter of seconds the room’s dark shroud was lifted as blue and red lights danced across the walls, the soft white glow

of the spotlight highlighted the entertainers that graced the stage. The music came first. The opening note of “The Best Day of My Life” was belted by KC Superstar Finalist, Maggie Marx. Then the voices exploded from the stage, a harmony of ten distinct sounds floated throughout the room. There was an audible noise as the audience members skirted to the edges of their seats, as necks craned to better see the artists that would soon blow their minds. After the last note of the opening number died off, and the Jewish Community Center was acknowledged, Marx opened up the individual competition with her rendition of Otis Redding’s “The Dock of the Bay.” All ten finalists sang well-known songs like Neyo’s “Let Me Love You.” Ramsey blew the crowd away with her deep, rich, soulful tune of Sam Cook’s “Change is Gonna Come,” reminiscent of her solo ballad “I Know Where I’ve Been,” as Motormouth Maybelle in the Sion’s production of Hairspray last spring. Kansas City’s own superstar known for roles in 21 and 22 Jump Street, Modern Family and the Hangover, Rob Riggle, hosted the event. But it wasn’t Riggle who captured the hearts of those in attendance, it was the performers. Once the performers sang their solo performances, all the Kansas City native judges from various backgrounds deliberated and cut down the 10 finalists to four. Ramsey didn’t make it into the final four, but she still beat out 240 other students who auditioned to compete. The audience was then told that they would decide the winner of the competition. And 19-year-old Keith Kline stole the breath from the audience with his version of “Georgia On My Mind,” and solidified the $10,000 scholarship for himself. One young teenager who never got his chance to perform was recognized at the show that night. Tragically during the first week of Superstar tryouts at the Jewish Community Center last April, potential semifinalist Reat Underwood was shot and killed by a 73-yearold former Ku Klux Klan leader. Underwood was an ambitious freshman at Blue Valley High School with a massive heart for the theater arts. A scholarship for young adults in the performing arts was announced in Underwood’s name the night of the competition. Strutting out of the backstage doors to greet her supporters after the show, tears flowed from her shiny brown eyes. “I’m just happy,” Ramsey said. She embraced everyone that came to support her with a hug and said a thank you. The competition was over. She said she will continue to sing and act. In fact, Ramsey plans to audition for the musical this fall, “Seussical.” And she has advice for anyone trying out for a talent show, musical or play. “Go for it,” Ramsey said.

“This competition proves to me, I can do it. I can do anything I set my mind to.” -sophomore Taylor Ramsey

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Sophomore Taylor Ramsey practices her song for the competition in the Old Grande Salle. (Photo by Sydney Daniels)

Actor Rob Riggle introduces TaylorRamsey before she sings at the KC CuperStar competition. (Photo by Chioma Okuagu)

Prince Russell Jackson from Wyandotte High School, sophomore Taylor Ramsey and the other competitors get rid of some pre-show jitters. (Photo by Georgia Evans) Taylor Ramsey belts out her competition song, “Change is Gonna Come,” by Sam Cook at the KC SuperStar competition held at Yardley Hall in Johnson County Community College. (Photo by Georgia Evans)

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LIA CARTER

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SMILES earbud toearbud Transfer student senior Lia Carter carries on her father’s legacy through her optimism and passion for music. BY ELLIE SCHWARTZ NEWS EDITOR

n a groggy, humid Friday morning, it’s blinding. Senior Lia Carter’s smile hits you first. Combined with her bright blue eyes and pale freckles, Carter emanates positivity. No caffeine buzz or foundation can fake this radiance. On the contrary, a transformative past, an appreciation for the little things and a passion for music make Carter a glowing addition to the Senior Class, both in outlook and talent. Carter’s father “would do anything to be playing, performing or listening to any type of music, any time.” He played seven instruments and made Carter’s house a “non-stop musical.” Just days before he passed away nine years ago, he completed the last showing of his final musical, performing even when it was difficult for him to stand due to a fatal case of pneumonia. But C ar ter refuses to dwell in grief, instead carrying on her father’s legacy and love of music. “ It sounds really morbid, but I’m okay that he died because it was eye-opening in the sense that I look at things differently,” Carter said. This new perspective means appreciating the little things. “Life is a lot of filler days with a few milestones tossed in between, but there’s also those little treasures you find along the way, and I like to save them,” Carter said. “All of those filler days can have something special, it just takes some effort.” Since moving from Salina, Kansas, Carter savors days spent lying on the Nelson-Atkins lawn, restaurants “classier” than the Olive Garden found in Salina and driving to school by herself everyday. But when she is overwhelmed or upset, she turns to the same release as her father: music. “[Life] is kind of like musical notes. I can listen to the whole movie, and there’s this one string of notes, and it makes me love the whole movie,” Carter said. She collects these chords and musical phrases from films and songs and records them on her

phone by overlapping her voice. She scrolls through her recordings expertly, stopping to play her favorite, a chord progression from “Twelve Years a Slave.” Her rendition is as startlingly bold and stunning as her smile, full of emotion and complexity. “I’ll listen to really sad music, and I feel like, ‘I feel better, let’s move on.’ Whatever I’m going through, that works,” Carter said. These moments of release are Carter’s daily treasures and manifestations of her talent. Carter also embraces the little treasures that come with senior year and living in Kansas City. After watching girls teeter through the halls in high heels at boarding school, St. Peter’s Episcopal School in Austin, Texas, Sion’s relaxed atmosphere and approach to appearance feel calmer and “zened out”, according to Carter. Kansas City feels more natural with a lot of variety and things to do. And while leaving campus at boarding school was “six pages of paperwork hard,” Carter’s new life is more free socially. A large part of Carter’s senior year is dedicated to Grand Choeur, the most advanced choir. “[The new group is] fun because I know some things they don’t, and they know a lot of things I don’t. It’s interesting being thrown into a different dynamic of choir with different teaching styles,” Carter said. Choir Director Elizabeth Mulkey describes Carter as, “already one of us,” marking a successful transition. Carter especially enjoys classical pieces for their simultaneous intricacies and unity and has performed these pieces in London with traditional choirs. Mulkey is impressed by Carter’s knowledge of traditional choral music and willingness to lead. While Carter adores her new life and Kansas City, she looks forward to another transition in college and plans on leaving the Midwest. “I like change. Small changes, dramatic changes, just keeping things interesting for myself, so I don’t want to repeat where I’ve been,” Carter said. The origins of Lia Carter’s smile lie in this appreciation of change and its significance, and her optimism spreads into her philosophy and passions. With a memorable senior year ahead, this smile is sure to strike a chord with the Sion community.

“[Life] is kind of like musical notes. I can listen to the whole movie, and there’s this one string of notes, and it makes me love the whole movie.” -Senior Lia Carter

Senior Lia Carter plays the ukulele and sings in her home as her daily release and a continuation of her father’s love of music. (Photo by Ellie Schwartz)

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CAROLINE’S COMEBACK From a devastating injury to living in a single-parent household, sophomore Caroline Lawlor finds a way to overcome challenging situations. BY SARAH HARRIS NATALIE SOPYLA & CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF REPORTER nees slightly bent. Hands out in front of her body. Back arched over. She bounces on the balls of her feet. Left. Right. Left. Right. Her off-white volleyball shoes hint at where she has dived for the ball. The bruises on her knees and elbows indicate more. Her platinum blond hair has fallen to a low saggy ponytail. Practice is almost over. 5:40p.m. Only five more minutes. “Focus on every pass,” Head Volleyball Coach Robert Lampen said. Focus. Right. Forgot. The ball sails over the net. The seam is left and it’s her ball. “Mine.” Last year, sophomore Caroline Lawlor couldn’t play volleyball or even bend her back. In July of 2013, two weeks before her freshman year of highschool, Lawlor fell off of a two-story balcony. Wrist shattered. Back broken. Life altered. The air whistles in her ears. She’s falling. Although it wasn’t until after the fact she realized it. It all happened so fast. So fast she can’t even remember how she fell. “I had no clue I broke my back. My wrist hurt really bad, so I didn’t even pay attention to my back,” Lawlor said. That day, when James Lawlor, Caroline’s father, received an unusual phone call, he immediately understood the urgency of the situation. He arrived on the scene soon after. “I knew it was serious because the police called me, which means they were on the scene,” James said. “I saw her laying on the ground before she was put in the ambulance.” The fall landed her in the hospital for two days, but nothing was more agonizing than the week she spent on the couch, only able to watch television. Two weeks later, in addition to her school work and weekly doctors appointments, Lawlor now had to endure the humiliation of wearing a full back brace. “Wearing a back brace was hard. None of my clothes fit over it,” Lawlor said. “It was customized with cheetah print and my name on it, but it was still so ugly.” Whispers, stares and the continuous generic questions followed her throughout the halls. Passing from class to class like the lone fish in a fish tank. Alone, exposed and vulnerable to the public. Friends reached out to her, but the coping was done in silence. “I didn’t like to talk about it. I wanted to keep it as normal as possible,” Lawlor said. For Lawlor, however, school was the easier

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part of her life. Lawlor’s parents divorced when she and her twin brother, Trey, were in first grade. Lawlor’s father, then a pilot in the National Guard, was deployed to Iraq for a year, leaving them to live with her grandparents. Unable to care for two small children, her mother had previously filed for divorce and signed over all parental rights to her father. Later she moved to Texas with her then boyfriend. After bouncing from Texas to Las Vegas, and Las Vegas to Salt Lake City, Lawlor’s mother tried to reach out to her daughter once again. “My mom would always try to ask me questions about [my back], but she’s not in my life so I don’t like answering questions about my life to her since she’s not in it in the first place,” Lawlor said. Growing up without her mother, Lawlor and her father were able to develop their relationship. “He’s really supportive and pays for everything I do,” Lawlor said. “He does it all by himself and I look up to him for that. I don’t think I could raise two kids by myself.” Lawlor’s dad was deployed a second time six years later in a heated Iraq war. Suddenly, the family was constantly worrying about what could happen. “Both times when I left for Iraq, [I had to] say goodbye to [my] kids, and really say goodbye because you might not see them again and it’s going to be a long time if you do [see them again],” James said. Recently retired from the military, Lawlor’s father currently works for FedEx in Memphis, Tennessee. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, he leaves in the early morning and returns the same evening from Tennessee. Living with two males, Lawlor uses this time to her advantage. “Living with two guys, I like having my own space every once and a while,” Lawlor said with a smirk on her face. Although her home is chock-full of males, at Sion she has an abundance of female influence around her. Lawlor transferred the second semester of her freshman year because she was unhappy in the negative environment of her old school. “Where I was going to school wasn’t a good environment and I wanted to get away from it,” Lawlor said. “We would have kids get in fights all the time, get arrested in school, and do drugs at school and I didn’t want to be surrounded by people like that,” Lawlor said. Sperrys, uniforms and the infamous rigorous grading scale upheld its reputation as Lawlor stepped into school for the first time. Although one change from her old school is better than the rest: volleyball. The team. The camaraderie. The sport. With her back intact and her spirits high, Lawlor tried out for one of 22 spots on the volleyball team on Aug. 4. Three weeks later, she is playing in her first match against The Barstow School. The ball is served. She bounces on the balls of her feet. It comes to her seam. “Mine.”

Sophomore Caroline Lawlor huddles with the JV Volleyball Team moments before their game against St. Pius X. Last year, Lawlor could not even bend her back, let alone play volleyball, after a fall from a second story balcony left her in a back brace. (Photo by Sarah Harris.)

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REVIEWS

The Emmys Dazzle The awards show successfully entertained and engaged viewers, with Modern Family proving prestige by bringing home vast amounts of statuettes. BY MADISON HEIDE SPORTS EDITOR

Viewed more for the entertainment than the awards, the 2014 Emmys did not disappoint. Late Night host Seth Meyers did a wonderful job keeping the audience captivated and charmed. This year’s 66th Annual Emmy Awards payed homage to the past. Bryan Cranston and Julia Louis-Dreyfus rekindled their love with a call-back kiss they had previously shared on “Seinfeld”. Also, Billy Crystal memorialized Robin Williams in a powerful, personal tribute. Many awards were predictable, including repeat wins from “Breaking Bad” and “Modern Family.” “Breaking Bad” had a waterfall of citations, including arguably the the Emmy’s top award, Best Drama Series. But “Modern Family” upheld its prestige, winning Best Comedy Series for a record-tying fifth year in a row. It also lead the way with two more wins, including Directing For A Comedy Series and Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series winner Ty Burrell. “Modern Family” also impressed with their appearances. The Fashion Police’s Joan Rivers, who died just a week after the Emmys aired, awarded Sarah Hyland best-dressed actress. The Emmys offered good entertainment, and maybe even some shows to look out for in the future. And although the awards show may categorized as repetitive and overdone, it’s Hollywood. It’s to be expected. The Emmy’s are the epitome of television, and the public loves television. One thing is known for sure: however flawed the stars may be, they love to congratulate themselves, and the people love to watch them.

Bryan Cranston poses with his “Breaking Bad” awards backstage at the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Aug. 25. (Photo by MCT Campus)

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Stay to Cry The complex movie “If I Stay”, directed by R.J. Cutler, excels in arousing thought and inflicting emotion. BY ANNA CIANI REPORTER

The balance of life is fragile. Mia Hall, portrayed by Chloë Grace Moretz, learns this heavy lesson when she finds herself looking upon her own motionless body on the black pavement of a snow covered Oregon backroad. Mia’s world is shattered instantly after she discovers her younger brother Teddy and ex-rocker parents teetering between life and death. Her entire life flashes before her eyes in an intense out-ofbody experience where she observes current events as well as those of her past. Existing as a devout and successful cellist, Mia’s application to Juilliard disturbs the ruckus of her rocker style family but she embraces her domestic tranquillity. The cello is the only thing that gives her serenity and security, until Adam, played by Jamie Blackley, the soon to be love of her life comes, into the picture. Before everything seemed so clear; get accepted into Juilliard and pursue a career as a musician. Adam’s unexpected presence disturbs this clarity. Should she stay in Portland and move in with the man of her dreams? How does she

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Protagonist Chloë Grace Moretz realizes that her life will never be the same. (Photo courtesy Warner Bros. Entertainment)

know if she is doing the right thing? All of this flashes before her eyes while she is in a coma at the hospital after her accident. She begins to see her life from another perspective. Looking onto all the people that are there for her outside of her family, she sees how much she truly has and how important it is to preserve these things while she still has them. Director R.J. Cutler does an amazing job of reflecting the true emotion, vulnerable nature, and confusion felt by Mia while in this terrifying situation. The film provoked thoughts about the most important people in life and transported the viewer into a first person outlook. If you are wanting a movie that will make you cry, “If I Stay” is for you. This intertwined love story is a balance of joy and desperation. One that will be remembered. (For the full story, visit lejournallive.com)

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OSCAR WORTHY

“The Giver” Phillip Noyce, in his portrayal of “The Giver,” succeeds in continuing Lois Lowry’s theme, while supplementing the film with romance and futurism. BY ALEX D’ALESIO REPORTER

Zip. Daily injection complete. Ability to interpret colors is erased. Capability to experience genuine emotion is obliterated. Desire to sever the binding chains of conformity is non-existent. Suffocated by the physical and metaphorical boundaries of “the Edge,” the unsuspecting citizens of “the community” lack personal choice, establishing the dystopian theme of an oppressive, futuristic world. Director Phillip Noyce captivates viewers, effectively illustrating the message of Lois Lowry’s popular novel, while lacing society with daily injection machines and retina-scanning video cameras. To begin the movie, the protagonist, Jonas, played by Brenton Thwaites accepts the honorable, yet burdensome responsibility of Receiver of Memory and meets daily with Jeff Bridges’ character, the Giver, to receive all past experiences. Then, Jonas distances himself from the ordinary social conformist. No longer does he see

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The Giver, played by Jeff Bridges, transmits past experiences to Jonas, played by Brenton Thwaites. (Photo courtesy The Weinstein Company)

through a black and white lense. He sees color. After his meetings with the Giver, the movie transitions from being strictly black and white to injecting short bursts of color, as well. This constant transitioning kept viewers engaged in the theme, highlighting the dystopian prominence. After his exposure to the intoxicating wonders of expression and emotion, Jonas is compelled to share this new haven with his loved ones. However, before he can detach from the Elders’ autocratic grasp of control, the Chief Elder, played by Meryl Streep, intervenes. Overall, the film serves as a condensed, modernized version of Lowry’s novel that won’t make you fall asleep.

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(For the full story, visit lejournallive.com)

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Robin Williams Tribute

REVIEWS own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson’s Disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly,” she said in her press statment. At the 2014 Emmy Awards, comedian Billy Crystal said during his tribute to Williams, “as genius as he was on stage, he was the greatest friend you could ever imagine. It is very hard to talk about him in the past tense because he was so present in all of our lives.”

home after committing suicide on Aug. 11 at the age of 63. Williams suffered from non-clinical manic depression, which he battled all of his adult life. “The funniest people I know always seem to be the ones surrounded by darkness,” comedian Jim Norton said. “And that’s probably why they’re the funniest.” Williams started his career in the 1970s doing stand up in comedy clubs in San Francisco and Los Angeles, California, where he was known for improvisation. Williams rose to fame in 1978 when he began to play the alien Mork in the sitcom “Mork & Mindy.” The show lasted for four seasons, during which Williams developed a drug and alcohol problem. “Every night was different,” James Dulworth, a manager at Dangerfield’s Comedy Club in New York, said in an interview with CBS News. Dulworth noted that Williams was brilliant yet tortured. His first lead film role was in “Popeye” in 1980. He has since followed with many iconic roles such as poetry teacher John Keating in “Dead Poets

Societs” in 1989, adult Peter Pan in “Hook” in 1991, the voice of Aladdin’s genie in 1992, as well as starring roles in “Mrs. Doubtfire” in 1993, “Jumanji” in 1995 and “Flubber” and “Good Will Hunting” in 1997. “The public began to see, through brilliant material and public battles with personal demons, that the people who made them laugh the hardest seemed to be enjoying life the least. Maybe all those jokes were hiding something much darker,” Norton said. Williams fought battles and personal demons of his own including depression and problems with drug and alcohol addiction. Along with his famous roles, Susan Schneider, his wife, said in a statement released after Williams’ death, “His greatest legacy, besides his three children, is the joy and happiness he offered to others, particularly to those fighting personal battles.” His wife has also revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. “Robin’s sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his

Buzz Beach Ball attracts thousands of people to witness 12 bands.

Arctic Monkeys lead vocalist Alex Turner performs during the Outside Lands Music Festival. (Photo by MCT Campus)

Weezer lead singer, Rivers Cuomo, Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex performs at the Made in America Turner performs on stage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. (Photo by MCT Campus) Festival. (Photo by MCT Campus)

BY AUBREY MAKAR REPORTER

down and some people rush for cover while the strong willed stay to hear their favorite bands play. No one can tell if the goose bumps covering their skin are a factor of the music or from the cold. As the deafening sounds of music fill the ears of many, the next band starts to get ready on the second stage on the opposite side of the park. This massive event attracted thousands of people, and many Sion girls attended the show. “I can’t wait to see Arctic Monkeys. They’re one of my favorite bands and I’m hoping they’ll play Arabella,” junior Richelle Robinson said before the concert started. The three headliner bands, The

1975, Weezer and Arctic Monkeys, come on later into the chilly night starting with The 1975. More and more people file in and soon the entire soccer field is polluted with thousands of fans pushing forward for a better view of the band. With a glowing set it was impossible to look away from The 1975. When The 1975 finishes their set, the crew rushes to tear everything down in time for the next show. Coincidentally, the neighboring Kansas Speedway also had an event that night, and as soon as Weezer stepped out, fireworks shot into the air giving a spectacular performance introduction. Although the light downpour

BY CHLOE BARRETT REPORTER

The death of the famous comedian and actor has a deep effect across the world. The quotations describe a legacy. Written in chalk, they surround a bench in Boston Public Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Flowers rest on top of the bench, the place Robin Williams sat during a famous scene in “Good Will Hunting”, a movie that won him an Academy Award. The quotations, pulled from Williams’ movies range from “Aladdin” to “Dead Poets Society”, encapsulating his body of work, with roles that ranged from drama to family to comedy, where he got his start. “One of his favorite things in the world was to make you all laugh,” Zelda Williams said in a statement released following her father’s death. Robin Williams, legendary actor and comedian, was found dead in his

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-Zelda Williams

Robin Williams attends the 19th Annual American Cinematheque Awards on Friday, Nov. 12, 2004. (Photo by MCT Campus)

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“One of his favorite things in the world was to make you all laugh.”

A sea of people before them, The Griswolds steps out onto the stage to the cheers of thousands. Even though they have done this before, it was clear that this wouldn’t be just another show. Twelve bands played at Sporting Park on Sept. 5. Usually concerts feature 3 or 4 bands at most, but 12 in one day is something new. The artists included Arctic Monkeys, Weezer, The 1975, The Mowglis, J. Roddy Walston and the Business, Broods, Meg Myers, Bear Hands, Big Data, The Griswolds, Ume and Thumper. Thirty minutes into Broods’ performance, the rain starts to pour

put a literal damper on the situation, the spirits of the crowd were not dismissed by the rain. The crowd sang the uproarious tunes and soon Weezer was finished. A moment of silence and then the screams of the crowd revealed the final band, Arctic Monkeys. It was impossible not to stand and cheer while singing along to all the songs. The long awaited concert began at 3 p.m. and lasted until midnight. This concert will register as one of the craziest concerts thanks to nine hours of amazing music to having gigantic beach balls thrown into the crowd. But now that it’s over all that is left are the memories made by the people there.

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Falling into

Fall Fashion Sophomore Abby McLiney models ways to transition a wardrobe from summer to fall. Photos by Sara Watkins

“Mixing patterns is a great way to make outfits stand out more and adding a pop of bright color with jewelry keeps it fun.”

Top: J. Crew $78; Pants: Gap $60; Shoes: Gap $70; Necklace: Francesca’s $28.

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”I love being comfortable during the day, so Nike shorts and a big T-shirt is my go-to outfit.”

Top: Vineyard Vines $42; Shorts: Nike $35; Shoes: Chacos $115.

“I love matching a fun top with a simple skirt, and a bright bag gives it an extra pop of color.”

Top: Gap $55; Skirt: Madewell $98; Shoes: Guess $80; Purse: Rebecca Minkoff $195.

Hall Aims to Inspire New theology teacher Alex Hall adjusts to teaching at an all-girls school.

BY ELLIE STINGLEY CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

lex Hall walks into the gym filled with roaring laughter and voices of over 300 teenage girls. Grey skirts and white polos fill the purple bleachers as the last students and teachers take their seats for the assembly, welcoming back sophomores, juniors and seniors. The occasional sweater is draped and tied in the same “preppy” fashion in which Hall’s striped bowtie sits securely in the collar of his monogrammed button-down. After teaching one year of theology at the all-boys Rockhurst High School, Hall mentally prepares himself for his first day of teaching all girls. Schedules discussed and uniform regulations established, it’s time for new teachers to introduce themselves. Before Hall can announce his name into the microphone, cheers ensue. “That first day was eye-opening and a little intimidating,” Hall said. “Not being able to talk for 25 seconds because the Senior class [was] cheering was a new experience.” Having a fresh, young face at the school was exciting for students such as senior Haley Buckley. “I think the fact that he is a guy had some impact on why everyone was so excited because we don’t have that many guy teachers at Sion,” Buckley said. “Also, the fact that he [is] younger made us feel like we could relate more in his class.” To start off the school year in his Faith-Filled Life class, Hall showed “Freedom Writers,” a movie about a young, new teacher, Mrs. G. Based on a true story, the film showed Mrs. G’s

initial struggle to earn her students’ trust. Similarly, Hall, a young new teacher, began his job at a new school, in hopes to earn the trust and respect of his students, and, according to him, in hopes of making a positive impact in their lives. * * * The green 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier leaves Sion and slides into the parking spot among hundreds of cars in the Rockhurst High School parking lot. A St. Louis Cardinals flag waves from the back window. Hall steps out in his khaki slacks and white T-shirt, which sat beneath the monogrammed buttondown he wore that day at Sion. A royal blue bandana pushes back his strawberry blond hair. After grabbing a pair of running shoes, T-shirt and shorts from the back seat of his car, he rushes into the school and comes out minutes later, shoelaces tied and athletic shorts replacing the khakis. Hall is now Rockhurst Cross Country Coach Hall. Hall and the other coaches herd over 90 Rockhurst runners onto the sidewalk and begin a team meeting. Head Coach Mike Dierks robotically takes role, and Hall uses this as a chance to greet the runners. With a high five, fist bump or pat on the back, he casually acknowledges half of the team with a smile. “Coach Hall is a great coach and is really fun to be around,” Rockhurst freshman Mitch Mckenzie said. Dierks provides the runners with tips for the next meet, reminds them to hydrate in this hundred-degree weather and dismisses them to their respective assistant coaches to discuss the workout for the day. In the sea of boys, Hall’s group finds their way to the Chevrolet where he sits casually on the back hood, one leg bent, foot against the license plate. Hall directs a casual “how’s it going?” toward

each of the 10 runners, but eventually interrupts the conversation with a reminder that a workout is soon to follow. He announces today’s workout: a four-mile base run. In regards to this week’s meet, Hall gives the runners some advice. “Have a goal that you can control, and have a spot where you want to be,” Hall said. After the brief team meeting, the team takes off running and Hall soon follows. Unlike many coaches, he frequently runs with his team, giving him more opportunity to interact with them. “I like to go running with the guys because I can encourage them to keep running if they feel like they’re about to quit,” Hall said. “ It’s kind of a unique opportunity where I get to help them grow as runners and as people all at one time.” making a positive impact in their lives. * * * Mrs. G shows she cares about her students. Hall writes the words carefully on the whiteboard as the senior girls discuss the character of Mrs. G. As the class discusses how Mrs. G makes a positive impact on the lives of her students, phrases such as “wants them to succeed” appear on the board in Expo marker. Similar to Mrs. G, Hall says his goal in teaching and coaching is to help teenagers realize their full potential whether talking about faith in the classroom or running down Ward Parkway. “A lot of my teachers in high school are people I remember as having a really big impact on who I am as a person,” Hall said, “The things I learned from them had a big role in shaping who I am and some part of me just thought I would like to do that for somebody else.” The next morning, he will drive his green Chevrolet back up Wornall Road and open his door, striving to relate, impact and inspire.

The Hunt for Blue October

It’s time to jump on the Royals’ Bandwagon as the winning continues. BY SYDNEY MANNING SPORTS COLUMNIST

his city is used to disappointment. We’ve grown accustomed to losing records and short seasons. Our postseason hopes are minimal, and the last thing we’re expecting at the end of the season is a pennant. But not this year. Everything is different. This season is unlike any I’ve experienced in my lifetime; this season is like 1985. For 28 years, the Kansas City Royals never made the playoffs; that’s longer than any other team in Major League Baseball. But with how strong they are coming into the end of regular season, that

could finally change. The Royals are currently one game behind the Detroit Tigers for first place in the American League Central. If this stays true, it will mean playoff dreams becoming a reality for this deserving team. I know this team. Every summer growing up, I’d always find myself in the nosebleed seats at Kauffman Stadium. I didn’t know any players, I didn’t know any rules of the sport, but I knew that this hometown team is what came to mind when someone said baseball. For my generation, no one team has had a consistent winning record worthy of national attention, until the Sporting Kansas City attraction. But even after all that we are still considered a flyover state. This could be the time to break out of the baseball mold this city has sat in for 28 years. Now is the time to show the national audience that we are not just another cowtown team with a losing record. All of this can only start if we, as fans, make

it. Royals Manager Ned Yost has called out Kansas City fans before to come out to the games, regardless of game time, night of the week, or temperature. He has been waiting for this breakout season since he started managing the team four years ago. And where are the fans? Sion girls have always made their presence known at games through social media, but what about during the actual game? Are you a cheering fan that sits through all nine innings, or just another occupied seat? Sion, I challenge you to learn something about the Royals this season. I challenge you to wear your royal blue T-shirt whenever and wherever you can. I challenge you to keep track of the nightly game scores and learn a player’s name and position, other than Alex Gordon. It’s not hard, and 20 years down the road when we’re reminiscing about winning the 2014 World Series, you can say you remember that season, that hunt for blue October, that championship team that no one saw coming.

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FIRST WEEK FESTIVITIES 2.

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The first week of school was full of a variety of activities. Yearbooks were distributed, the Freshman Fiesta was packed and seniors and freshmen participated in their joint field day. The field day consisted of yoga, zumba, kickball, running through sprinklers to cool off and culminated with a senior class ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. 1. Sisters senior Abbie Young and freshman Maddie Young play in the sprinklers during the senior-freshman field day on Aug. 22. (Photo by Sydney Manning) 2. Freshman Anna Tomka adorns her new beanie during beanie week. (Photo by Laney Ulowetz) 3. Freshman Sammie Nesslein and her parents read notes on her locker after the Freshman Family Fiesta Monday, Aug. 11. (Photo by Madison Heide) 4. Dance team members freshman Catherine Frecker and junior Daria Kinchelow perform during the fall sports pep rally on Aug. 29. (Photo by Alex Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Alesio) 5. Juniors Aimee Rogers and Stephanie Ostrander look through the 2014 Le Flambeau yearbook deliveverd that day. (Photo by Chloe Barrett) 6. Freshmen Mary Evans, Sydney Crawford, Grace Frame, Eden Griffith, Laney Jones and Carolyn Dickey take a selfie during Freshman Food Truck day on July 1. (Photo by Sydney Manning)