LE JOURNAL NOTRE DAME DE SION HIGH SCHOOL | OCTOBER 2017 | VOLUME 36
MEET THE NEIGHBORS A PEEK INSIDE THE DANIEL ACADEMY
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MOVIES TO WATCH ON NETFLIX FOR HALLOWEEN
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SEXUAL ASSAULT: THE IMPACT OF VICTIM-BLAMING
+ WHAT TO DO IN KANSAS CITY THIS FALL
Uncovering Phobias
PHOBIA: BEYOND THE FEAR Understanding the Unseen
CONTENTS (Photo by Ava Rawson)
Junior Gwyn Powell waits for her French exchange student to arrive at the airport.
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(Photo by Emma Miller)
(Photo by Meg Schwartz)
Freshmen Annabelle Miller and Madeline Hammett compete in Storm Stomp.
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Junior Sarah Tappan runs down the field with the ball during lacrosse fall ball.
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ON THE COVER
FEATURES
NEWS
OPINION
Exploring the intricacies of fears and phobias..................................14
Freshman Piper Lindsey competes as a level nine competitive gymnast........08
Alumna Heidi Gardner lands a spot on Saturday Night Live.......................................05
Le Journal staff editorial considers the benefits of trigger warnings..................10
Theology teacher Bonnie Haghirian journeys to Ireland on a pilgrimage to renew her faith....................18
Meet the seven French exchange students from the Sion school in Evry............06
Victim blaming discourages sexual assault survivors from coming forward...........11
“Battle of the Sexes” movie review....................................24
Largest shooting in U.S. history in Las Vegas..........07
Climate change should be a central political focus.........12
Spooky Netflix films to watch this Halloween........25
Amazon considers Kansas City for possible new headquarters......................08
SPORTS
Kansas City Fall Festivities: what to do this season..................................26
WHAT’S ONLINE
Senior Emilie Connors plans to start a career with Arbonne after her launch in November.............................22
LEJOURNALLIVE.COM
Athletic director Kate Pilgreen becomes new head varsity basketball coach...20 Fall sports season wrap-up results....................................21 Lacrosse Fall Ball league impassions team.................21
Going the Distance: Reynold Middleton inducted into Hall of Fame
25
Boy Scout’s Membership for Girls Proves Problematic
The Waffle Bar uses innovative ideas to create delicious desserts
@lejournalsion @lejournalsion Two Peas in a Podcast: Missing Persons Pt. 1
02 LE JOURNAL
www.lejournallive.com @lejournallive
PHOTO OF THE ISSUE Senior Lucy Steyer passes along her drum line knowledge to a young fan at the annual Fall Festival at the grade school on Oct. 7. (Photo by Paige Ritter)
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Comparing KC ramen restaurants..........................24
EDITOR’S INK OUR FALL MUST DO’S CELEBRATING THE SEASON MEG & LANIE VISIT THE CIDER MILL
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ell, Sion, quarter one is officially in the books and classes are in fullswing. Congratulations on surviving nine weeks of studying, essay-writing and coffee-drinking. Here’s to the next 27 of them. Seniors, the countdown to graduation has begun (209 days!), but hang in there. The ‘lasts’ will keep coming, so be sure to cherish them. Homecoming brought back plenty of alumnae, while Storm Stomp Oct. 20 raised over $44,000 for student scholarships. Food for Thought skits Oct. 27 kicked off the annual food drive that runs until Nov. 10. Keep bringing in those canned goods, Sion. Let’s make this a record year for donations. It’s the season of busy schedules for most, Kansas City included. Seven juniors welcomed their French exchange students from Collège et Lycée Notre Dame de Sion in Paris Oct. 19. They’ll be around until Nov. 9. Check out the Q&A session (pg. 7) about their American experience. There’s talk of some major changes happening in Kansas City, with a possible new terminal at the airport (pg. 5) and the prospect of housing Amazon’s next H2Q headquarters (pg. 7). This fall, find something new that you’re passionate about like the following students. A recreational lacrosse league is allowing players to hone their skill during the off-season while enjoying time spent as a team (pg. 21). Freshman Piper Lindsey trained hard to earn the status of a Level 9 gymnast (pg. 8-9) and senior Emilie Connors plans to launch her own Arbonne business in November (pg. 22-23). With Halloween just around the corner and a seemingly constant stream of horror-filled shows, movies and commercials, take time to learn about the differences between a fear and a phobia (pg. 14-17). With professional advisory, we delve into defining characteristics of both how they affect daily lives and common treatments of phobias. Please be aware that some content may be
SENIOR NIGHT After her name blared across the gym, senior Ellie Chaffee runs through the student tunnel and threw a mini volleyball into the student section Oct. 11 at the St. Michael’s game. (Photo by Paige Ritter)
Take advantage of the fun activities unique to fall.
1. Louisburg Cider Mill Head over to the Louisburg Cider Mill for the one-stop shop of fall activities. Test your skills in the corn maze, search for the largest pumpkin in the pumpkin patch and grab a cup of apple cider. Whatever you do, don’t leave without a cider donut.
2. Carve a pumpkin
disturbing for those with phobias. Netflix has an array of spooky Halloween titles, but the best are highlighted in this issue (pg. 25). And if that works up an appetite, head down to the Country Club Plaza to grab a sweet treat from the Waffle Bar (pg. 25), or ditch the instant ramen for a real bowl from a local restaurant (pg. 24). Kansas City is full of fun activities for fall. There’s plenty of opportunity to try something new this season (pg. 26-27). Stay updated on the latest happenings via lejournallive.com. New content is posted all the time, so check back frequently! Take the weekly poll, look at photo galleries and watch the Try Gals tackle some of their craziest endeavors yet. Follow us on social media, too. With the perfect autumn weather upon us, use this season to relax and unwind. Pull those cozy sweaters out of the closet and spend time doing fun activities outside before the cold of winter hits. Sincerely, Lanie & Meg
Fall isn’t fall without a carved pumpkin. Pick up a kit at a local grocery store, or simply free-hand it. If pumpkin guts aren’t your thing, decorate one with paint or glitter. To make the most of it, toast the seeds afterwards for a tasty snack!
3. Make something new Find a recipe for a fun fall treat, bake a pie or make homemade apple cider. For those who stay far away from the kitchen, try a no-sew blanket or another DIY fall project.
4. Go to a haunted house To get your heart racing and blood pumping, visit a haunted house. For the thrill-seekers, some of the best local ones are listed on page 26. Hurry, they close soon!
5. Spice up s’mores While regular s’mores are always a win, have some friends over for a s’mores bar with different marshmallows, chocolates and graham crackers. Make a bonfire (another fall necessity) and test different combinations.
LE JOURNAL 2017-2018 LE JOURNAL IS THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF NOTRE DAME DE SION HIGH SCHOOL - 10631 WORNALL ROAD - KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI 64114
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KELLY NUGENT
PRINT MANAGING EDITOR
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ANNA TOMKA
NEWS EDITOR MEG TRAVIS
EDITORIAL EDITOR CECILIA MOHÁCSI
A&E EDITOR TAYLOR PITZL
SPORTS EDITOR CATHERINE FRERKER
FEATURE EDITOR KAITLIN JONES
WEBSITE MANAGING EDITOR SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER MCKENNA HEEGN
BREAKING NEWS DANI ROTERT
REPORTERS REAGAN AMATO PHYLICIA BARNER-LEWIS MOLLY CONWAY LILY DROUIN PRISCILLAH GICHARU MELISSA KOPPERS EMMA MILLER
LIZ OLTJEN ANA PENDERGAST AVA RAWSON GRACIE ROBERTS SYDNEY SAN AGUSTIN ANNIE SCHORGL
CO-PHOTO EDITORS MADISEN HANE PAIGE RITTER
OCTOBER 2017
03
NEWS IN BRIEF
CALIFORNIA FIRES
NIGHT OF ONE ACTS
CO-ED BOY SCOUTS
Rockhurst senior Dominic Scavuzzo is the fourth teenager to declare his candidacy in the Kansas governor race. Scavuzzo is running as a Republican in the 2018 election with his father as his campaign treasurer. “I can’t wait to see where this opportunity takes him,” alumna Mira Scavuzzo said. “He is young but I think that’s what makes his campaign so great.” Kansas requires no previous experience or qualification and has no age requirement to run for governor or any other state positions. There are 20 candidates thus far in the governor race, but the deadline to apply for candidacy is not until June 4. (Photo by Dani Rotert)
Wildfires in Northern California have killed at least 40 people and 303 homes have been destroyed since the fires started. Entire streets and subdivisions have been leveled to nothing more than ash and rubble. California’s summer drought was a variable to the start of the fire as well as 50 mph wind gusts. French teacher Liz Bono was in California during the fires for her cousin’s wedding. “You couldn’t see the sun because there was so much smoke and ash raining down,” Bono said. Seventeen states and Australia have lent fire engines, fire crew and other personnel to help California combat the fires. (Photo by Tribune News)
The annual Night of One Acts occurred Oct. 7. The show consisted of five separate short acts and three improv activities. The show was completely student ran. Each of the acts were written, acted, casted and directed by the students. The show was led by junior and first-time director Tess Prusa. “I was really proud of the show, because we all put in so much effort and it came together so well,” Prusa said. The cast was made up of all upperclassmen with eight girls and two boys from Rockhurst. The show attracted a larger crowd than expected, according to Prusa. (Photo by Ana Pendergast)
The Boy Scouts of America have announced that they will be allowing girls to join the Cub Scouts and receive the Eagle rank, the highest award given. Starting next year, cub dens will be able to individually choose whether to be all boys, all girls, or coed. Even though there have been BSA programs that allow girls, they have not been able to earn the highest rank of Eagle Scout. A change in 2019 will allow a path for these girls to get their Eagle award. “I like that girls now have an option on whether they want to join cub scouts or girls scouts,” freshmen Olivia Shively said. (Photo by Tribune News)
UPCOMING & LOCAL *NOV 09
TYLER THE CREATOR CONCERT The Truman
*NOV 14
TRI-M RECITAL Notre Dame de Sion
*NOV 15
LADY GAGA CONCERT Sprint Center
*NOV 23 *DEC 02
04 LE JOURNAL
PLAZA LIGHTING CEREMONY Country Club Plaza WINTER FORMAL Notre Dame de Sion
FRESH FEATURES | iOS 11 ADDITIONS
KANSAS GOVERNOR
Do Not Disturb Users can enable Do Not Disturb While Driving mode to avoid receiving notifications when driving.
Map Changes Maps can now be used in malls, stadiums, and other indoor venues. In addition, speed limits are updated in real time when following a route.
Emergency S.O.S. Press the sleep button five times and connect directly to an emergency center.
WORLDWIDE SOMALIA ATTACK A car bomb killed over 300 people in Mogadishu, Somalia on Oct 14. This was the largest terrorist act in Somalia’s history. The bombing has been blamed on the Somali terrorist group, Al-Shabab. The president of Somalia declared three days of national mourning.
RIOTS IN CATALONIA Catalonia, a region of Spain, rioted after their vote on whether or not to become a separate state. The Spanish army took ballot boxes and shut down voting stations. Catalan leaders announced the vote was pro-recession. However, Spain has ruled the vote as unconstitutional.
SAUDI ARABIA Control Center The new, redesigned Control Center now has a cluster of small buttons to enable different settings. (Illustrations by Dani Rotert)
Saudi Arabia announced in a royal decree that they will lift the ban on women driving. It is expected to help the economy by increasing women in the workplace and aid the kingdom’s international reputation. Women will be able to start legally driving in June 2018.
NEWS
SNL Recruits Alumna Alumna Heidi Gardner fulfills yearbook superlative through her debut on “Saturday Night Live.” BY LILY DROUIN REPORTER
Heidi Gardner, class of 2001, made her debut on “Saturday Night Live” Saturday Sept. 30. During “SNL,” Gardner acted in a skit called “Papyrus” with Ryan Gosling. Gardner started off as a student who performed skits for her class and was voted “most likely to be a cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’” in her junior yearbook. Now she is more than a suplerlative, performing skits on live television. “In class she was a great student, but it was always fun watching her
ad-lib and perform skits,” chemistry teacher and robotics sponsor Kathleen Teel said. Gardner performed skits and hosted the school talent shows and other events alongside fellow alumna Laurie Gardner. They were not related, but would do every comedic act with each other. “She emceed for Fine Arts Day with her friend Laurie Gardner and it was hilarious,” English teacher Shawn Watts said. In Los Angeles, Gardner performs and acts with the Groundlings improvisation and sketch comedy troupes. The Groundling is a known hunting place for new “SNL” recruits. She also writes and produces an animated comedy series,
Alumna Heidi Gardner (center) and friends pose in movie T-shirts and matching glasses for an Instagram post. (Photo from Instagram)
“SuperMansion.” According to “Bustle,” an online magazine, SNL producer Lorne Michaels told Gardner’s mother, Erny Huelke, that Gardner is hilarious and her sketches are awesome. Both Gardner and Huelke declined to comment due to their busy schedules.
Potential New KCI Airport Terminal
excited for the possibility of a remodel. “One time in my terminal, the only restaurant was a Starbucks and the line was like 40 minutes long,” Hewitt said. BY ANNIE SCHORGL A student poll showed that only 15 percent of students REPORTER are excited for the upcoming possibility of a remodel. Some are very wary of what might come with a newer airport, The City Council selected Edgemoor Infrastructure including sophomore Kristina Kreidler. and Real Estate Company, based in Bethesda, Maryland, “The KCI airport always welcomes an to remodel the Kansas City International adventure,” Kreidler said. “I have special Airport terminals to create one, single memories there, like saying goodbye terminal. 4% 54% to my best friend from Spain, and During the selection process, want more want more clothing stores sending my brother off to a service multiple other construction restaurants trip to Guatemala. The system has companies including local always worked, so why would we company Burns and change it?” McDonnell, Jones Lang The airport has not been LaSalle Midwest and 97 STUDENTS’ 66% overhauled since 1973, before AECOMM Capital also put 3% of students VIEWS ON THE 9/11 when full screening of want more out proposals. Ultimately, travel NEW KCI AIRPORT artwork frequently baggage was not required. For the city committee said they TERMINAL convenience, The Kansas City chose Edgemoor because of Council wants to build one, big their experience with other terminal instead of keeping its high profile airports, the overall current three separate terminals. price and their collaborative 15% 58% want one Director of College Counseling approach. The Kansas City like KCI the way big terminal Erin Stein, who travels frequently to Council voted 10-2. it is visit campuses for her job and recently Around Kansas City, many people traveled to Europe, sees both sides of the are excited for the possibility of a new issue. airport. A student poll showed that most people “I wish it was closer for convenience,” Stein said. want more restaurants in the new terminal, because of the “However I think this KCI is extremely easy to get around, current limited selection of places to eat. so I have to research more to get more information on what Junior Sophie Hewitt is among the students who their plans are for the new terminal.” would like more restaurants in the new terminal and is
The Kansas City council chooses Edgemoore Infrastructure and Real Estate Company to pursue the potential remodel.
TRY GALS TRY THE CIDER MILL Seniors Kelly Nugent, Anna Tomka and Philly Barner-Lewis and junior Kaitlin Jones are back for the third episode of Try Gals. Go to lejournallive.com to watch them try out the corn maze, ride a tractor, eat donuts, pet animals and more at Louisburg Cider Mill.
People gathered around a memorial on Oct. 4 for the lives lost in the Las Vegas shooting. (Photo from MCT Campus)
Still No Answers In
Las Vegas Shooting 58 dead after the shooting with no definite answers. BY ANNIE SCHORGL REPORTER
More than two weeks after a man opened fire from his hotel room at the Mandalay Hotel on the Strip in Las Vegas, authorities still have no answers as to why he did it. The shooting happened Oct. 1 during the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival. This is the deadliest shooting in U.S. history. Gunman Stephen Paddock was a 64-yearold retired man who had no known children, had two previous marriages and was allegedly dating Marilou Danley. The FBI questioned Danley who had been in the Philippines at the time of the attack. According to the New York Times, Danley said in a statement Oct. 4 that she knew Paddock only as a kind and caring man. Alumna Maddie Marquardt’s father Andrew Marquardt was in Las Vegas during a trip with work friends when the shootings happened. Check out the rest of the story on lejournallive.com
OCTOBER 2017
05
NEWS
BONJOUR from PARÍS BY PAIGE RITTER CO-PHOTO EDITOR
The French exchange program brought seven students to Kansas City Oct. 18 from the Sion school in Evry, France, Collège et Lycée Notre Dame de Sion. The students will stay until Nov. 9. Lucile Martos’ host is junior Ava Rawson; Alice Bourrier’s host is junior Brenna Richart; Morgane Bussinger’s host is junior Mary Kate Shevlin; Laura Saumier’s host is junior Chandler Rawson; Inés Brahimi’s host is junior Kate Hopewell; Tiphanie Krueter’s host is junior Gwyn Powell; and Caroline Escudero’s host is junior Elizabeth Oltjen.
1“ “ 3 ““ 4““ WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EXCHANGE?
I decided to do the exchange to see another culture and to improve my English. -IB
I love to travel and I would like to discover your culture. -MB Pretty -AB
Wonderful -LS Cute -LM
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ENGLISH WORD?
Cookie -TK
5
TK: “There are so many trees. In
France it is all city, city, city.”
AB: “The teachers are very cool
and environment very relaxed. We can’t use our phones, can’t have our computers, can’t talk.”
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE THAT YOU NOTICE BETWEEN FRANCE AND THE U.S. AND SION NOW THAT YOU ARE HERE?
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO MISS MOST? IB: “I think that my friends and
family are going to miss me more. But, also I will miss the French language and culture.” CE: “I think what I will miss the most is the bread and my friends.”
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT AMERICA SO FAR?
6“
The houses are my favorite and the size of everything: Big houses, big cars, big everything.-LM
“
Halloween. I love all the decorations and how they are everywhere. -MB
2
WHAT DO YOU EXPECT THE BIGGEST CULTURE DIFFERENCE TO BE?
LS: “I think the biggest difference culture is in our school. I don’t think we learn the same subjects and your teachers run class. differently.” CE: “The biggest culture
difference I think will be in the classes: How your teachers are, the way a class takes place, what you learn.” FRESH FACES After their first day of school Oct. 20, French exchange students pose for a photo. (top row, left to right) Inés Brahimi, Morgane Bussinger, Caroline Escudero and Lucile Martos; (bottom row, left to right) Alice Bourrier, Laura Saumier and Tiphanie Krueter. (Photo by Paige Ritter)
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NEWS
KC Competes for New Amazon Headquarters
SUMO SNICKERS Sophomore Katie Fitzgerald and Athletic Director Kate Pilgreen laugh as they compete in Storm Stomp. (Photo by Meg Schwartz)
Officials in Kansas City put together a proposal for a second Amazon headquarters. BY OLIVIA DOPHEIDE WEB MANAGING EDITOR
Another Storm Stomp Success Storm Stomp was back again with 29 teams of Blueberries, Princesses, Monsters Inc. and more. Raffle ticket prizes, Goodcents sandwiches, face painting and a pop-up boutique were also highlights of the day that raised over $44,000 for the Sion Scholarship Fund. Storm Stomp was held Oct. 20 in the gymnasium. The three-on-three baskeltball tournament is just for fun and no skills were required. Storm Stomp’s main purpose is always to raise money through sponsors and team registration fees for an endowed scholarships fund for academically qualified students to attend the school. “My favorite part is definitely the satisfaction the day of the event brings when parents, students and teachers thank us or tell us how much fun they had, because really that’s what it’s all about,” senior co-chair Haley Ulowetz said. The Storm Stomp committee included a total of 20 members, both returning and new. “This is a select group wanting to be part of a team and they love helping for a great cause,” Director of Development Stephanie Volk said. “It takes work, time and commitment.” During the event there were raffle
drawings for prizes from Lucy’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Lululemon leggings. The Ankle-Breaking Agriculturalists won the tournament. This team featured seniors Afton Fennewald, Sarah Totta and Maddie Young. Best Costume went to the Three Peas, made up of freshmen Shannon Karlin, Gabby Gaither and Sophie Henkle. The grade school did not participate in the tournament this year but they were still encouraged to come and had a chance to win raffle prizes. There was also a new addition to the festivities of Storm Stomp. There was a pop-up boutique, Scout and Molly’s, at the event. Fifteen percent of the profit went towards the scholarship fund. With Alumnae Coordinator Colleen Godinez away on maternity leave, Development Coordinator Bridget Rutledge was named the temporary sponsor for this year. “Since my office is now at the grade school, I have missed the interaction that I get to have with the high school students,” Rutledge said. “So that’s been a lot of fun getting to jump back in and pick up where I left off in 2015.” Even though there were changes this year to the event, Storm Stomp still went on and had many people, both students and faculty participate. “You can make an impact on your community by simply playing a fun game of basketball,” senior co-chair Mariah Lynn said.
GUARD UP Sophomore Caroline Ehren watches as her teammate, sophomore Abby Gahagan tries to block a shot by math teacher Kristi Hilgenfeld. (Photo by Meg Schwartz)
SIDELINE SHOCK Seniors Maddie Young and Sarah Totta react after watching a faculty team lose to a freshman team in one of the final rounds. (Photo by Lanie Jones)
Despite a few changes this year, the annual event exceeded goals. BY GRACIE ROBERTS REPORTER
The Kansas City Council executed steps to move forward in the bid for homing second Amazon headquarters. Amazon currently is based in Seattle, Washington, but is looking for a second headquarters in North America to expand production. The result of a second headquarters would create 50,000 jobs and $5 billion invested in the community, according to the Amazon website. Kansas City would be an ideal location because of low living costs and the technological and innovative workforce available to Amazon, according to City Manager Troy Schulte. The proposal team is creating a response to the Amazon request for proposals which was due Oct. 19. “Once our response is complete we will reach out to Amazon to share our response and invite them to Kansas City,” Schulte said in an email. The new headquarters location preferred by Amazon is to sit in a metropolitan area with a population of more than one million people and have a stable and business friendly environment These requirements make Kansas City a candidate that fits all of the specifications set by Amazon, according to Schulte. Kansas City Mayor Sly James contacted the city manager and the Economic Development Corporation to put together a proposal. “Our organization is working to lead the Request For Proposal response in partnership with several regional partners,” Senior Vice President of the Economic Development Corporation Drew Solomon said in an email. “We are working through the site and creative plans to help showcase our community to Amazon for this opportunity.” The current headquarters in Seattle boasts over 8.1 million square feet, 53,000 jobs and $38 billion in revenue to the city’s economy. HQ2 will be a full equal to the Seattle headquarters, according to the official statement released Sept. 7 from Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. However, a new Amazon plant could result in less support for community institutions, like public schools, which creates apprehension for some residents in where the revenue would end up, like theology teacher Paul Kramschuster. “Even though I disagree with much of the CEO’s policies especially with his positions related to public schools, it could bring jobs and could create tax revenue for school districts,” Kramschuster said. If built in Kansas City, HQ2 would be the largest employer in the city. However, it will not be the first Amazon project in the area. In 2016, Amazon created a fulfillment center in Edgerton, Kansas that brought 1,000 jobs to the area. “Kansas City is ideal for this because of our strategic geography and central location,” Solomon said. “Along with the educated population and potential for a strong and emerging workforce.”
OCTOBER 2017
07
FEATURES
Raising the Bar BY CATHERINE FRERKER SPORTS EDITOR
H
Freshman Piper Lindsey devotes her life to competing as a Level 9 gymnast.
Lindsey said. “I’ve broken both my wrists a couple of times, and then I er entire body aches. Her bloody hands ripped from sprained my ankle recently and it’s been a struggle recovering from that.” gripping the uneven bars sting, and pain from a sprained ankle Lindsey recently sprained her ankle while doing box jumps at shoots through her body. She has been pushing her body to new practice. Injuries can lead to mental blocks for gymnasts, according to limits for the past five hours, for the fifth day this week. Despite Lindsey, especially ankle injuries because the only event that doesn’t these extremes her body goes through each and every week, freshman require standing is uneven bars. Piper Lindsey looks up, smiles at her best friend, and musters up the “When you do come back since you’ve been out for a while it can be energy to attempt a double back flip for what feels like the thousandth really frustrating to get try to your skills back,” Lindsey said. “You kind of time. Lindsey is a Level 9 gymnast flipping her way to the top of the just get mad at yourself.” gymnastics world. However, Lindsey is very mentally strong and doesn’t let her “In a year or two I’d like to become a Level 10, and then after that be injuries get to her, according to Bourdette. She completes two hours of a college gymnast and maybe get a scholarship,” Lindsey said. “There are conditioning instead of three, and works on conditioning her whole body. certain skills for each event that you have to have for each level, and you “[Lindsey’s] greatest strengths are her confidence, fearlessness, and have to be able to compete them in a competition setting.” ability to laugh off struggles,” Bourdette said. Lindsey is a gymnast at Diamond Gymnastics All the time spent at the gym creates uniquely close Academy, though she recently switched from Emerald bonds between gymnasts, according to Lindsey’s best City. She competes on a national platform against friend of three years, Shawnee Mission South freshman other Level 9 gymnasts in about eight meets per year in Jenna Martin. addition to regionals. This highly intensive sport takes an “My teammate Jenna inspires me because we just incredible amount of strength and hard work, according push each other to do better,” Lindsey said. “We’re kind to her coach Jeremy Bourdette. of close to the same level, so whenever one of us gets a “It’s basically a full-time job,” Bourdette said. “She’s new skill we’ll help the other one get it if they want to practicing 24 to 25 hours a week, and then when you learn the same thing.” add meets it gets up to 34 to 35 during meet season. Though Martin is a Level 8 gymnast and doesn’t And then outside of practice you are still thinking about compete with Lindsey, the two practice together. In a gymnastics and what you can do to improve.” sport that is so demanding, their friendship inspires Bourdette has coached Lindsey for five years, and motivates them to do their best at each practice, since Lindsey was a Level 6 gymnast. Lindsey’s biggest according to Martin. accomplishments are placing in floor and beam in the “Gymnastics has both brought [Piper and me] a Level 9/10 Regional Championships last year in Denver, ENCOURAGING EMBRACE long way, and it brings us closer together every day,” Colorado, according to Bourdette. Freshman Piper Lindsey hugs her “In Level 8 I won a beam final,” Lindsey said. “I coach Jeremy Bourdette after one Martin said. “Piper has always brought me up when I was down and I have always done the same.” think it just really stands out to me because it made me of her performances at a meet. A supportive environment is key to success in any realize how far we’ve come and be proud of myself.” sport, according to Bourdette. Lindsey said that Bourdette has played a Lindsey’s top choices for college are Stanford, Washington University key role in creating this supportive environment, and helped her and her or Denver University. In order to master the skills needed for collegiate teammates gain confidence. gymnastics, Lindsey practices five hours Monday through Friday each “We were really behind all the other girls in the level that we were week, with each practice composed of stretching, conditioning, and competing and [Bourdette] got us where we were supposed to be and working on skills for each event. more,” Lindsey said. “He really just helped us realize ‘woah, we’re actually “Last year we went to the Chicago Style Meet, which is a really big pretty good and we can’t keep beating ourselves up about things.’” meet,” Lindsey said. “That’s where people qualify for the Nastia Meet, The teammates went from not having many of the skills they needed which is a big national meet for Level 10s, and how you qualify for for their level to achieving skills in the level above them under Bourdette’s college.” Almost all of her time not spent at school or doing homework is filled coaching, according to Lindsey. “We all really love each other and want the best for each other so we with gymnastics, although she plans to do dive this winter and possibly don’t get mad if someone else does better than you,” Lindsey said. “We’re lacrosse or track in the spring. there to work hard but we’re also there to have fun and make friends, and “The hardest struggles I’ve had are coming back from injuries,” it’s kind of like a family. It’s like a big community and it’s really nice.”
2018 Highlights
These are three of the biggest meets freshman Piper Lindsey will be attending in the upcoming competition season. She is attending each for the first time.
08 LE JOURNAL
Gasparilla Classic
Held in Florida in February, this meet is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2018. Last year, over 4,000 gymnasts competed.
FEATURES
FLOOR FEVER Freshman Piper Lindsey performs a double full twist at the Pink Ribbon Invitational Meet. Floor is Lindsey’s favorite event, because tumbling is her favorite thing to do. (Photos submitted by Piper Lindsey)
Manhattan Classic
Hosted by NYC Elite Gymnastics, this prestigious meet will take place in New York City in late January.
Texas Shootout
This meet, offered to gymnasts in levels 6-10, is located in Austin, Texas. Lindsey will be attending in January. (graphics from Vecteezy.com)
OCTOBER 2017
09
STAFF EDITORIAL
(Photo by Kelly Nugent)
for what may be hurtful or offensive to viewers so they can choose whether they continue on with that activity due to their disorder. If these phobias can cause detrimental damage to one’s psyche, especially a growing percentage of the population that have them, roughly around 3% globally according to Verywell, then there should be adequate trigger warnings before television shows or commercials featuring common phobia triggers. Over the past two decades, there has been a growing trend of phobia ridden people in America and worldwide. Since the 1990’s, there have been over 10 million people diagnosed and living with some form of a phobia, according to the APA. The most common phobias include snakes, spiders, holes and social situations. Phobias are created through traumatic experiences. This is why many compare their reactions to a trigger similar to PTSD or other anxiety subjects, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. When people channel-surf through the television to see what is on, they do not expect to re-live it afterwards. Commercials have to be brief and to the point, therefore they pack a punch when airing. Yet, most people do not know this. If one viewer is watching a show that has satire and lighthearted humor, such as “Bob’s Burgers”, and an advertisement airs for a violent, disheartening war film it changes your entire perspective of what and how you are watching. If a viewer watches a cooking show and suddenly has the screen flip to a centipede crawling up and through a person’s nose, not even the strong stomached could be unoffended. The more unsettling the image is the more likely it will impactful to one’s day. In general, viewers are not asking for censorship of these commercials, but they should be due a head’s up. They are not asking for much just their freedom to change the channel if need be. Consider the fact that, strobe lights and extreme light shows have a warning beforehand for those who suffer from epilepsy, another mentally related subject according to the Smithsonian Magazine. If there are several shows with “viewer discretion advised” warnings then creating a short trigger warning would be a simple addition There is time to view it. There is time to air it. Outside of television trigger warnings have been blamed for the “coddling” of students and viewers across the board. However, there are many benefits to trigger warnings across all parts of life, including on college campuses such as the University of Chicago. For victims of sexual assault having such trigger warnings provides victims the opportunity to leave or stay by their choice. However, at the University they forbade trigger warnings and “safe places’” for speakers that lecture among these topics. Many students were upset over this lack of kindness for their fellow peers. This poor prevention of psychological well-being can escalate to social phobias also known as agoraphobia, which pushes people back into themselves, and eventually out of the community socially. Warnings not only give the viewer with a phobia peace of mind, it also helps educate the rest of the people who see the content in question. They bring a cultural understanding of the importance of mental health and what triggers are. Specifically to phobias, they help provide a safe space to view television and enjoy it. Images and videos play a special role in development of our minds at this young age, so much so the effects of what is shown in television inherently transfers over to the “real world’. A picture is worth 60,000 words, according to Business 2 Community, if so phobias will remain heavily available in society through all the visual marketing and commercials in the age of a capitalistic society. Overall, preventive action to be inclusive of everyone, on all spectrums of mental well-being, and educating those around is crucial to the way mental health is interpreted in the United States and around the globe. This editorial reflects the views of the Le Journal staff. Seventeen out of 27 staff members voted in favor of this editorial.
TRIGGER WARNINGS
Prevent Trauma
Adopting trigger warnings into the beginning of commercials and television shows would help ease the explicitness and fears shown in television today, according to research.
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rating in a movie gives an exact label of what the product is or what the viewer is getting. Whether it be violence, sexual situations, crude language or humor, there is an expectation and a briefing for what a pair of eyes may see. However, at home this luxury is not given. When it came to the new season of American Horror Story, a commercial triggered hundreds. This is not the first television show or movie following this trend. Boundaries have been broken through the experimentation of what persuades viewers on screen with no afterthought of who this may affect. Due to the negative effects phobias have on a person’s body and mind, advertisements should have a brief trigger warning in the beginning of airing. Phobias are an idea or fear that creates an uneasy feeling or deep sense of panic, according to the American Psychology Association. In some cases phobias can even cause panic attacks, anxiety disorders or general clamminess. A commercial for “American Horror Story: Cult” has specifically caused an uproar to people diagnosed with trypophobia, the fear of holes. In this commercial, the show advertises themes for the upcoming season and used stomach-churning images, to some, of a honeycomb brain filled with bees and images of clowns. Did the show mean to make people react in a psychologically negative way? No. Did it happen? Yes. Trigger warnings were originally created by a coalition across the Internet to help prevent Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. These are brief warnings
TOP 3
TRIGGERING SHOWS AND MOVIES
(Images from Wikimedia Commons)
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Students said that trigger warnings for phobias should be in the beginning of TV shows, movies, etc. according to a poll of 107 students.
OPINION
To Kneel or Not to Kneel is the Wrong Question Various voices on kneeling are skewing the perception of the many reasons behind why the protest happened in the first place. BY MADISEN HANE CO-PHOTO EDITOR
Throughout history, people all over the world have utilized protest as a means to bring greater awareness to causes they are passionate about. Often, protests intend to disrupt everyday life so that the cause of the protest can no longer be ignored. NFL players locking arms, sitting on water coolers and kneeling during the playing of the national anthem has effectively interrupted the everyday life of Americans across the country. Hours of news cycles have been dedicated to the debate over kneeling. ESPN personality Jemele Hill was suspended from her SportsCenter position for two weeks over tweets about kneeling. The president himself has made references to kneeling in speeches and cannot go longer than a day without sending out a flurry of tweets in response to developments. After nearly a month of kneeling and heated discussion, Commissioner of the NFL Roger Goodell penned a memo to his executives and the public at large, painting his perspective on the protest situation: “Like many of our fans, we believe that everyone should stand for the National Anthem.” Despite this quote being followed by “We also care deeply about our players and respect their opinions and concerns about critical social issues,” Goodell’s point has been made clear. Controversy causes drops in ratings and the opinions of fans comes first. How did the kneeling situation devolve into this? In September 2016, when San Francisco 49er’s Quarterback Colin Kaepernick first took a knee on the sidelines of his home field, before all of the blur began, the cause of his protest was clear.
Taking a knee as the words “land of the free and home of the brave” echoed throughout stadiums across the nation meant kneeling to mourn the loss of unarmed lives and to kneel for micro-aggressions that persist. Now it includes kneeling for Charlottesville and its tragic event. Kneeling is not about rejecting the flag or ignoring the sacrifice that those in uniform make for our country. But because of the constant cycling of debate over whether kneeling is allowed or not, the reason behind kneeling in the first place has been forgotten. NFL executives like Goodall cannot be blamed for trying to cover their bases and keep fan interest. They are running a business. The general public must remember that the NFL is making a business decision when they attempt to reduce controversy like this. Constant tweets from the President and news notifications contribute to citizens only debating whether or not kneeling is disrespectful to the flag and patriotism. We must look past the flag to the issues that inspired kneeling in the first place. If the President and NFL executives want the kneeling to stop, they must take action to prove that they care about these issues. HOMETOWN PROTEST
Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston kneels and prays as linebacker Ukeme Eligwe sits during the playing of the National Anthem Oct 2. (Photo from MCT Campus.)
Victim-Blaming Causes Sexual Assaults to Go Unreported The University of Kansas’ “What Were You Wearing” art installation prompts conversations about the nature of victim-blaming in sexual assault cases. BY MEG SCHWARTZ PRINT CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
What were you wearing? Were you drinking? Were you alone? Why didn’t you fight back? These questions, frequently directed towards survivors of sexual assault, perpetuate victim-blaming culture by assuming that the survivor’s circumstances in some way prompted their attacker. As long as questions of this nature continue to be asked, innocent survivors will continue to unfairly feel the guilt that should be reserved for their attackers and attackers will not be held as fully responsible as they should be. The University of Kansas, which in January of 2016 opened its first Sexual Assault Prevention and Education Center, has highlighted the ignorance that fuels these questions through its recent “What Were You Wearing” art installation by Jen Brockman, the university’s SAPEC program director.
In an empty room in KU’s student union, 18 outfits lined the walls. These outfits, collected from college-aged sexual assault survivors, were the pieces that they were wearing at the time of their assaults. Ranging from a toddler-sized gingham dress to a pair of men’s cargo shorts and polo, the story told by each set of clothing offered a unique answer to the question “what were you wearing” and defied the assumption a survivor’s clothing can be held responsible for his or her assault.
Although the installation closed on Sept. 15, conversations surrounding the treatment of sexual assault survivors must continue. On average one in five women and one in 71 men are raped at some point in their lives, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. The scariest part about this statistic is that rape remains the statistically most underreported crime, meaning
that even more may be affected by this crime who did not report it. In order for survivors to feel comfortable reporting sexual assault, changes in society’s attitude towards sexual assault survivors as well as perpetrators must be made. Instead of asking survivors accusatory questions about their experience, compassionate questions that encourage healthy dialogue should be the goal. “What were you wearing?” needs to be replaced with factually relevant questions that help authorities find and ON DISPLAY arrest the attacker. Clothing Sexual assault worn by is never caused by victims an article of clothing of sexual or a beer. The cause assault hang in the exhibit of sexual assault is located in always the same: the the student perpetrator. Total union. responsibility should (Photo fall on his or her submitted shoulders. by Jennifer In order to Sprague.) ensure every survivor of sexual assault feels able to comfortably report his or her assault to authorities, victim-blaming must end and this starts with holding the attacker fully responsible. Universities, high schools and communities should follow KU’s lead in highlighting the ignorance of victimblamers and normalizing discussions about sexual assault. OCTOBER 2017
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OPINION
Climate Change Deserves Conversation With an increase in fatally extreme weather, climate change needs to become a central focus of political discussion. (Photo by MCT Campus)
Disney Streaming Service is Ultimately
Unnecessary
The removal of Disney’s content from Netflix and creation of their own streaming service offers too many options for consumers. BY LANIE JONES PRINT CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF
Time to say goodbye to Saturday afternoons bundled up watching Disney’s most classic movies. Releasing a statement Aug. 8, Disney announced that the company would be removing its movies from popular streaming service Netflix and launching its own in the coming years. With a plethora of streaming services already on the market, consumers don’t need yet another one to add to their credit card bills. Evidently, Disney wants in on the ever-popular and quickly growing industry that will allow them to compete with the big names. Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, HBO Now, Hulu, Sling TV, Showtime, Starz and Google Play are only some of those on the market currently. Each highlight their own specialty; what one lacks is what another offers an extensive list of. The issue resides in making the decision of which to purchase, which is most appealing. When 2019 hits, there will be one moreto play into said decision. This one however, will feature Disney’s classic and new movies, along with MLB, NHL, MLS, collegiate sports and tennis’ Grand Slam events, according to CNBC. The partnership between Netflix and Disney began in 2016, with a statement that Netflix would be the exclusive home for Disney content. This short-lived deal still allows for current movies, as well as those releasing within the next year to remain on the service. Good news is, there’s still time to binge the ones on there. Bad news, they’ll be gone eventually. These titles will not be pulled from the service until the end of 2018. Not only is there a problem in having to subscribe to multiple services for the entertainment customers want, but cost also comes into play. Netflix starts at $7.99 per month. Amazon Video is $10.99 per month, or $99 for a year. Hulu and Hulu Plus also start at $7.99 per month. Though Disney has not yet released a price, one is expected to be tacked on when it goes live in 2019. Say a customer wants to stream a Netflix or Hulu original, then follow it up with one of Walt Disney’s masterpieces? Tough luck, unless he’s willing to spend more for another subscription. It may be a business move on Disney’s part, but it seems almost cruel to the rest of the world. Though the business aspect of it all must be complex and easy to misunderstand, the downsides are not. Disney should keep its partnership with Netflix alive, giving current users unlimited access to some of the greatest cinema magic of all time. Rather than adding another streaming service to the already extensive list, the company may be better suited by leaving the current situation be.
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BY REAGAN AMATO REPORTER
Hurricane Irma advances across the television screen with Hurricane Jose close behind, swirling streaks of red, yellow, orange and green. Irma, visibly growing in size as time goes on, swallows the Caribbean Islands and then Florida. Our government needs to recognize and respond to the causes of this destruction. Scientific studies have been conducted about climate change for years and have recently begun drawing more and more comparisons between climate change and Hazardous Convective Weather. HCW, as defined by the American Meteorological Society includes tornadoes, large hail, and damaging wind. One study by AMS found that HCW will not only become more frequent by the end of the 21st Century but will also have longer seasons. While the increase in hurricanes cannot be directly linked to climate change, the unprecedented surge in Category 5 storms can be traced to global warming through yearly increases in ocean temperatures. The connection between rising ocean temperatures and extreme weather has even been pointed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. In a 2016 study, published before Scott Pruitt became administrator, the EPA recognized a projected 2 degree Fahrenheit increase in ocean temperature by 2020 and how it is directly related to “feeding weather systems that produce precipitation.” This precipitation feeds storms like Irma
and Harvey and make the storms more devastating. While President Donald Trump acknowledged the unprecedented destruction of the storms, he maintains that global warming has nothing to do with it. This is the problem. The leader of one of the strongest nations in the world is refusing to support scientific facts. On top of that, Pruitt is also refusing to acknowledge the root of the problem. Because of this, the global opinion of the United States is no longer as positive, something that may harm the country in the future. In May, when President Trump backed out of the Paris Agreement the world was shocked. China, Japan, Germany and England have all signed the Paris Agreement and also all happen to be some of the United States’ biggest trading partners. The President doesn’t seem to understand that the condemnation from world leaders over his backing out of the Paris Agreement could lead to further tension in the future over trading. His plan to improve the economy needs to acknowledge the effects of climate change, otherwise he could end up ruining the stability of the economy, not helping it. What he doesn’t seem to realize is that the accord could improve not just the environment but also American jobs. According to the United Nations Foundation, jobs in clean energy have been increasing at a rate twelve times faster than the rest of the economy. Beyond economic benefits, for the United States, the second largest polluter in the world, to pull out of the agreement is horrifying. The United States is ignoring its responsibility to the environment. The president needs to start taking climate change seriously. He needs to listen not only the public but also scientists about the effect actions against global warming can have on our economy and world.
HURRICANES BY THE NUMBERS Category
1900 GALVESTON 2005 KATRINA
2017 IRMA
4 5 5
Deaths
Cost
Buildings Destroyed
6,00012,000
$605
3,600
1,833
$108
800,000
132
$62.9
million
billion
billion
Currently unknown
FEATURES
Get to Know the Neighbors Across West 106th
(Photo by Phylicia Barner-Lewis)
Here’s an inside look at The Daniel Academy who has been across the street for the past 10 years. BY PHYLICIA BARNER-LEWIS REPORTER
The Daniel Academy recently celebrated their 10th anniversary. It was founded by principal Lauren Fraser. “It’s kind of funny,” Fraser said. “The Lord really put it in my heart to have a Christian school.” TDA is a private Christian school for students in preschool through high school that allows parents to directly interact at the school with their children. “We are a parent-involved school so parents have to come in every week. If you have a student here you have to come for four hours,” administrator Shelley Chaulklin said. “So you come and you work and we have a pretty organized schedule.” Fraser loved the idea of having parents be around with their kids during school. She homeschooled most of her kids except for her eldest son, who attended Rockhurst High School. “I helped a lot at my kids’ school and loved it,” Fraser said. “It was kind of when the homeschooling movement was starting to get attraction so we tried it for a year then decided to keep going.” TDA has a total of just over 230 students and is still growing. Each grade has an average of 20 to 25 students. “We’re all pretty close. There are 22 [students] in the junior class so we all know each other and all hang out together,” junior and student body president Malachi Carlson said. “There are a lot of times where we will have everyone over to a house and just hang out. We love it.” Carlson attended public school until the seventh grade, so this unique way of schooling and teaching has shown him a huge difference.
“[Classes] are harder than most compared to public schools,” Carlson said. “Overall they are really helpful, really good and I really enjoy them.” According to Fraser, the foundation of TDA is built on the Bible story of Daniel, who was open to and strong in his faith. This, along with respect, is what is expected out of the students attending the school. “We want our students to be respectful to each other and to the teachers of course,” Fraser said. “We also really want to make a place where people feel comfortable and can be themselves.” Not only is Fraser the principal, but she also teaches math courses. Her teaching schedule on a daily basis stays the same, but her office activity is not consistent day to day. “Every day is completely different. My office is just a revolving door. Staff, teachers and kids just coming in and out all day,” Fraser said. At the beginning of every day, the entire school has a 30 minute “Worship and Adoration Prayer” assembly and unlike most schools, end every day with thanksgiving prayer. They have a four day schedule every week. “You’ve probably noticed that we don’t have school on Fridays” Fraser said. “We have a Friday prayer time and so we have different families come and it’s very kid friendly.” In its 10 years, TDA has made a very efficient working relationship with Sion, according to Chaulklin. “I’ve been here since ‘07 and I feel like we have developed a good friendship,” Chaulklin said. “When you guys did your huge, awesome new track, we let the teachers all park here. You also let us use your track a couple days a week.” According to Chaulklin, TDA would like to become more closely affiliated with Sion in the near future. They would like to utilize the proximity and better the dynamic between the schools. “You all make us feel more like a school,” Carlson said. “[We’re] big fans of Sion.”
DANIEL DATA The Daniel Academy offers dual credit classes that are offered through UMKC. Seniors need at least 144 service hours in order to graduate. TDA has a four-day school week (school at home on Fridays). All TDA graduates are required to take the ACT test, including the writing portion. TDA partners with Grandview Christian School, Christ Prep Academy and KC East Lions for high school and junior high sports. LEADING TDA Mya R. sings and plays piano at The Daniel Academy’s daily Worship and Adoration Prayer assembly. TDA declined to give Mya’s last name. (Photo by Phylicia BarnerLewis) DISCOVERY TRIPS Second graders at The Daniel Academy prepare to leave for a field trip to Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs. TDA declined to give students’ names. (Photo by Kaitlin Jones)
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TRIGGER WARNING TRIGGER WARNING TRIGGER WARNIN G TRIGGER WARNING TRIGGE R WARNING TRIGGER WARNI NG TRIGGER WARNING TRIG GER WARNING TRIGGER WAR NING TRIGGER WARNING TRI GGER WARNING TRIGGER WA RNING TRIGGER WARNING T RIGGER WARNING TRIGGER WARNING TRIGGER WARNIN G TRIGGER WARNING TRIGGE R WARNING TRIGGER WARNI NG TRIGGER WARNING TRIG GER WARNING TRIGGER WAR COVER STORY
(Illustration by Cecilia Mohรกcsi)
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: A B H P O I S BEYOND THE FEAR Phobias are serious conditions that develop an intensified fear or traumatic experience and infiltrate one’s daily life. They often require certain treatment methods to cope or overcome them. STORY AND DESIGN BY NEWS EDITOR MEG TRAVIS AND EDITORIAL EDITOR CECILIA MOHÁCSI
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s Halloween approaches, glaring clown masks, bloodied limbs and giant hairy spiders can be purchased in stores and are displayed across magazine ads as well as television commercials. They stick up out of the ground, creep around front doors and create realistic costumes. However, for individuals with a specific phobia of one of these items, Halloween might be anything but fun. With anxiety and phobias a common matter, here is the difference between a fear and a phobia, as well as how to diagnose and treat them. FEAR VS. PHOBIA Waking up one morning to find a spider next to her, freshman Gracie Dorman screams and runs downstairs, as far away from the spider as possible. For the next week, she won’t sleep in her room to make sure the spider is gone. While someone who fears spiders may be startled and move on, Dorman’s phobia is much more intense. A common misconception is that fears and phobias are equivalent. However, although they are similar, fears and phobias are not the same. Fear is the emotional response to real or perceived imminent threat, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Fears are common to have and often cause people to have normal, innocuous reactions such as mild anxiety and being startled. Someone who fears spiders may see a spider and have fear, but control it and be fine when the situation is over, according to the University of Kansas Health System psychiatrist Dr. Angela Mayorga. “It [can] endure such intense fear and anxiety while it’s happening; someone may not like elevators, but not have a specific phobia,” Mayorga said. “They can get on them but may not like
them; it may make them feel nervous but not out of proportion.” On the other hand, a specific phobia is an anxiety disorder involving fear or anxiety that is excessive or out of proportion to the object or situation, according to Grace College. A phobia provides a strong reaction to fear and anxiety, and a fear is amplified to an excessive amount. “Whatever situation is that is bothersome almost always evokes immediate fear or anxiety,” Mayorga said. “So every time you see the spider, every time you get on the elevator, or whatever it is, immediately you start feeling fearful. Then whatever that object or situation is, you ively avoid it.” This initial discomfort then channels into the major difference between fears and phobias, by the longevity that those feelings of anxiety are prevalent and that in-the-moment anguish that is onset by the stimulus, according to psychologist Dr. Kristin Koetting. “Think about the brief anxiety you may feel when experiencing turbulence while riding on a plane; that’s a normal experience of fear,” Koetting said. “A phobia of flying, on the other hand, is different. It causes intense distress, is long lasting; someone may avoid flying because of it and this avoidance can have negative consequences for their work or relationships.” DEVELOPING PHOBIAS The development of a specific phobia often begins with a genetic susceptibility to irrational fear and anxiety that is intensified by either a traumatic experience or event. The perpetuation of such fear turns into an obsession that infiltrates one’s daily life. “Getting to the phobic stage, there can be a genetic predisposition and then the environment can act on that and it becomes full-blown,” psychology teacher Linda Blasdel said. “We can have events before we even have memory that can affect our behaviors later; infantile amnesia goes until about age 3, and there could be something, like a fall or a fire, or something that would cause someone to react in a very fearful way about something that others might not.” For a formal diagnosis to be administered, the phobia must be ...Story continued on page 16
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COVER STORY Story continued from page 15...
prevalent for six or more months and lead turn to drug and/or alcohol abuse and in extreme cases, to deliberate as well as irrational avoidance phobias can lead to suicide.” behavior of the feared object. If it cannot be Phobias have commonly shown to surface from avoided, one might experience serious anxiety either traumatic experiences or from pre-existing and physical side effects, according to Mayorga. disorders, such as an allergy, diagnosed depression or “People’s hearts will race, their breathing anxiety. Freshman Gabby Gaither developed phobias will get really fast and sometimes their fingers from traumatic experiences she had when she was will turn numb. They may sweat, they may younger. tremble,” Mayorga said. “People may pass out “One thing that I think is severe [for me] is lice; with that kind of anxiety or have an emotional it’s hard for me to even say lice, because my family has reaction by crying. There’s a lot of different had it and I had it in grade school, so it really freaks me symptoms when a phobia happens.” out,” Gaither said. “I found out I had lice when I was This avoidance behavior and persistent showering one time so now I’m afraid to shower alone. situational anxiety then disrupts one’s daily life I get really bad anxiety over it and it brings me back to and affects one’s relationships with others and when I had it.” the surrounding world, according to Koetting. Dorman’s phobia also developed when she “The reaction or avoidance of the object or experienced a spider infestation in her backyard when situation interferes with their life, relationships she was little. and causes significant distress. hey avoid the “It was really bad,” Dorman said. “Every time I see a object or situation and this [is] their experience spider I flinch and try to leave the room, or even jump on for a period of time,” Koetting said. “The a chair to get away.” person realizes their fear isn’t rational and the A phobia can also develop from the perpetuation danger the object or situation poses isn’t of an irrational fear of a particular stimulus, which proportionate to their fear.” can cause mild to severe physical Phobias can manifest in any side effects that link to feelings person, regardless of age or of severe anxiety in the Ages 18-29 background. They have presence of what triggers that been classified by anxiety, according to Scientific Ages 30-44 the DSM-5 into six American. A student with possible categories: Lifetime Prevalence an irrational fear is junior of Phobias animals, natural Phoenix Lyons. According to environments, “With trypophobia the National Institute of Mental Health 7.5% infection/injury, [fear of small holes], it Ages 60+ Ages 45-59 situational and other. makes me very intensely “It could be lots of upset and it even makes different things, snakes and tears well up in my eyes if I see spiders, heights, getting on airplanes, needles, it,” Lyons said. “That type of thing seeing blood,” Mayorga said. “There’s all kinds will stay with me for a really long time. With holes, I’ll be of things that causes people’s anxiety.” laying in bed two days later and I’ll think ‘Oh, but that Those who are diagnosed with phobias lotus pod’ and I freak myself out.” often have other underlying mental disorders The longevity of a phobia is relative to the age that contribute to the inability to rationalize in which it surfaces. If the phobia develops during one’s fear and the intensification of experiences childhood, there is a greater chance that it will eventually into something more serious, according to be overcome. Contrastingly, if developed during Koetting. adulthood, there is a high possibility that it will be a “Many people who have phobias also lifelong disorder. have other disorders, which we refer to as “There was a study done out of 30 people with comorbidity. Many people with phobias also phobias, and after five years, 100 percent of the children’s have depression or other anxiety disorders,” phobias improved or disappeared and [only] about 43 Koetting said. “Some people percent of the adults,” Mayorga said. “It seems like if you with have a phobia as a child, over time you phobias can extinguish it but as an adult it’s maybe a little more enduring.”
13.3%
13.9%
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Tips on How to Reduce Anxiety
Yoga/Exercise
Visualization
Deep Breathing
Smile
Yoga and exercise lower stress hormones in the brain are common ways to relax Visualizing a positive experience or place in a time of stress can greatly reduce anxiety
Long breaths send signals to the brain that it is okay to relax
Smiling can help calm down and get through a stressful
situation quickly
Coupled with multiple potential environmental factors, the idea of a genetic predisposition of one developing a phobia is often linked to other disorders like anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, according to Blasdel. “The mind and the body talk to each other, so you may have a chemical disposition that is giving you a feeling or causing you to do or not do certain things,” Blasdel said. “Your physiology can affect you. Sometimes there can be an imbalance of hormones or neurotransmitters that can cause someone to have anxiety disorder and thus a phobia.” TREATMENT OF PHOBIAS Treating phobias can vary for different people and depending on the significance of the phobia. A common treatment that tackles the anxiety side of phobias is breathing exercises. Working on breathing helps calm people down when they are stressed or anxious. “A phobia is an anxiety disorder, but not all phobias need treatment, and in fact most people who have phobias do not receive treatment,” Koetting said. “If a phobia impacts your daily life, then you should seek treatment.” Another common type of treatment is a process called exposure therapy. People being treated for a severe phobia can be gradually exposed to the cause of their anxiety and slowly work through it. “For someone with an elevator phobia the first step is to walk to the elevator and just stand there. You can talk, maybe do breathing exercises to calm down,” Mayorga said. “Just be near it without getting on and as you get more comfortable doing that, you may walk on and walk off. Exposure therapy is one of the Coulrophobia biggest things we [kool·ruh·foh·bee·uh] do when treating fear of clowns phobias.”
COVER STORY
Arachnophobia [uh·rak·nuh·foh·bee·uh]
fear of spiders
(Illustrations by Meg Travis)
Systematic desensitization, a specialized version of exposure therapy created by psychiatrist Joseph Wolpe, is a popular method used in therapy sessions. Much like the more general exposure therapy, it works to slowly diminish one’s phobia to a particular stimulus through small steps, according to Blasdel. “Wolpe came up with idea on classical condition [by that] you discuss and then he has you associate the thing you’re afraid of,” Blasdel said. “So if it’s height, he has the patient maybe step on a little tiny step stool while the therapist is there, so that you’re associating a form of relationship with the therapist and then you take baby steps to the point where you can get up on a ladder, to the point where you can go to the top of the Empire State Building.” Senior Stella Lilek has been working on her clinically diagnosed perfectionism and the anxiety that comes with it by allowing mistakes to happen and leaving them there. The goal is to be okay with them. “If I am taking notes and I mess up a letter, I will rewrite the whole page. But I’ve been trying to leave small mistakes and deal with them,” Lilek said. “I got a henna recently and one of the lines is really shaky. Instead of scrubbing it off, I’m trying to leave it on there and get used to the fact that it’s not a perfect line.” Another technique that might help when people are anxious is thinking of something else that they like. If a person is faced with a situation that causes extreme anxiety, whether that be an elevator ride or getting blood drawn, one can think of a relaxing alternate environment to relieve stress and fearfulness. “It’s kind of this gradual exposure to the thing that makes you really anxious, while you’re working with a therapist to work with breathing or with
different thought ideas,” Mayorga said. “Imagining you’re in a place that makes you feel comfortable when you are on that elevator, [like] on the beach, helps decrease their anxiety.” Another way that people can deal with their phobias and calm some of the jittery feelings that arise in the presence of a certain stimulus is through relaxation techniques that may help to unwind and minimize the fear. “Generally, of all the things that are researched in psychology, the one that has been researched so much is the relaxation response. It is utilized in all kinds of therapies and every healthy human does better in everything they do if they are relaxed,” Blasdel said. “The relaxation response is really important for fears if it gets to the point of obsessions or phobias.” For people with no way around their phobia, medications such as Xanax or Klonopin that treat extreme anxiety are available to help them calm down. “If you need to get on an airplane for whatever reason, [psychiatrists] can give you anxiety medicine to help you calm down,” Mayorga said. “[Psychiatrists] can also give people medication for before a procedure or getting their blood drawn to help keep them calm. They might still feel somewhat anxious but they’re not going to have that full blown freaking out moment.” Ultimately, phobias for many people are lifelong struggles and will never fully go away, but can be controlled through rational reassurance and recognition of one’s strength over the feelings of fear and anxiety. “Because it is an irrational fear, definitely approaching it rationally in a way that you can understand that nothing is going to hurt you, unless you have some traumatic experience involving it really helps,” Lyons said. “Most likely, you’re not going to be hurt by whatever it is, so by acknowledging the existence of it and knowing that it’s out there and you’re going to have to interact with it, you’ll be okay.”
“
The reaction or avoidance of the object or situation interferes with their life, relationships and causes significant distress. -Psychologist Dr. Kristin Koetting
Acrophobia
[ak·ruh·foh·bee·uh]
fear of heights OCTOBER 2017
17
FEATURES
Journeying to
DEEPER FAITH Theology teacher Bonnie Haghirian journeyed to Ireland on a pilgrimage that strengthened her faith.
G
azing up at the tall redwood tree, theology teacher Bonnie Haghirian felt tears well up and a lump came to her throat. The tree had grown to be almost as tall as St. Mary’s Cathedral’s tower since it was planted to memorialize those who died there. Standing in the shadow of the tower, Haghirian grasped the magnitude of innocent lives that were lost during the Great Irish Famine in the 1800s. The cathedral was used as a hospital and shelter for those affected by the famine where many children and infants died. “That was very moving for me,” Haghirian said. “I think I cried, standing in the churchyard.” Haghirian traveled to Southern Ireland on a pilgrimage from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8. She traveled to many different cities including Blarney, Dublin and Kildare. While she was there, she was able to visit many churches and cathedrals and learn more about Celtic saints, the faith of the Irish and renew her faith. “There is a whole spirituality that goes with celtic spirituality,” Haghirian said. “It includes prayer and meditation.” Haghirian was inspired to go on the journey because of her fascination with the Celtic saints and her Irish roots from her grandmother. One of her friends introduced her to Father Paul Colling, the priest who led the pilgrimage. “It gives me joy to lead pilgrimages as a spiritual guide and watch God’s action through the Holy Spirit be with each person in a unique way,” Colling said. Other than Colling, she knew no one before departing for the trip. She said she was nervous that she would be the only solo traveler on the journey, but was relieved by how quickly she connected with the other pilgrims. “When you get up every day, you pray together, you have breakfast together, you go to Mass together, you see all this beautiful stuff,” Haghirian said. “You really become a community on the bus.” Although Haghirian missed multiple days of school, Principal Natalie McDonough believed the benefits of what she would bring back would outweigh the disadvantages of her absence. Haghirian worked with the counselors to develop material for her classes while she was
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BY TAYLOR PITZL A&E EDITOR
gone and said she felt very grateful for McDonough’s decision. “I think that it’s a great opportunity for her to bring back great information for the classroom,” McDonough said. “I always think real world learning is the best learning.” Haghirian traveled to the town of Kildare where St. Brigid lived and was able to celebrate Mass in her church. St. Brigid was an abbess who founded many monasteries and cared for the poor. Haghirian is a Benedictine oblate, which means she lives out her faith according to the teachings of St. Benedict, but is not a religious sister and did not take any vows. Since she is an oblate, St. Brigid especially speaks to her because she is a female monastic saint. “It’s appealing to me to find a woman who founded a monastery,” Haghirian said.
Haghirian said. “Some of those monks in the scriptoriums gave their lives to doing that Bible.” Another holy place Haghirian visited was the basilica of Our Lady of Knock. At this site, villagers saw an apparition of the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. John the Evangelist and a lamb to symbolize Jesus Christ. Haghirian believes that many pilgrims who visit renew their faith there. She noticed how the architecture of the basilica is similar to the basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City that she visited previously this summer. “I’m still processing that one,” Haghirian said. “The Blessed Mother, the image is beautiful.” While Haghirian was there, she lit candles every place that they visited for those she knew who were battling cancer. She sent each one a note telling them she was praying for them. When she returned from her pilgrimage, she was happy to find out one of the women she was praying for was declared cancer free. “I’m really used to praying for people,” Haghirian said. “I thought that if I could take a picture of these candles that I lit to - theology teacher put on Facebook, these people could know Bonnie Haghirian that I was thinking of them.” Haghirian said that she is excited to St. Patrick, according to Haghirian, is share her experiences and knowledge she very important to the Irish people and she gained on her trip with her classes. She witnessed this while in Ireland. She noticed is excited to share the information she that many schools and churches were gathered about the Celtic saints especially named after this patron saint of Ireland. around All Saint’s Day on Nov. 1. She will One of Haghirian’s favorite works of art also share about the Book of Kells and she saw there was a stained glass window Our Lady of Knock throughout the year. of St. Brigid bringing a shroud to cover St. She has many posters and images up in Patrick’s body. her classroom. Throughout the whole “St. Patrick and St. Bridget both pilgrimage she was on the lookout for helped bring the Christian faith to Ireland,” materials and knowledge to bring back to Colling said. “Their dedication to Jesus and her classes. to the poor are inspirational.” “Many pilgrims commented on how In Dublin, Haghirian was able to see knowledgeable she was and how she had the Book of Kells, a Latin transcription such a love for learning and sharing her of the Gospels that is decorated with knowledge with her students,” Colling said. illuminations. The calligraphy and Haghirian is already looking illumination reminded Haghirian of the forward to her next pilgrimage with St. John’s Bible that students were able to the group. She will be journeying to see last year. By instructing students on the Germany in 2020 during the summer. book, Haghirian hopes to show them how “I think for me pilgrimages are a they shouldn’t take for granted their easily time of renewal for my own faith and accessible Bibles. a time to pray for others,” Haghirian “The word of God is precious and the said. “It’s also an opportunity to see Book of Kells is strong evidence of that,” faith from a different perspective.”
“THE WORD OF GOD IS PRECIOUS.”
FEATURES HAPPY HAGHIRIAN Bonnie Haghirian said she enjoys teaching freshmen in Faith Foundations. She was constantly looking for material for her classes while she was in Ireland and is looking forward to working her experiences into her curriculum. (Photo by Taylor Pitzl)
BRIGID’S PRAYERS (far left) At St. Brigid’s church, pilgrims leave memorials and tributes for people they are praying for. Praying for others is one of the most important aspects of pilgrimages for theology teacher Bonnie Haghirian. “It’s a time of renewal for my own faith and also it’s a time to really pray for others,” Haghirian said. (Photo submitted by Haghirian) FIGHTING IRISH (left) The Anne Moore Monument memorializes the immigrants who left Ireland to seek a better life in America during the Great Irish Famine. Haghirian learned about the famine and its effects on the country. “The Irish people love Americans because they feel like America rescued them,” Haghirian said. (Photo submitted by Haghirian)
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SPORTS IN BRIEF
GOLF STATE
WINTER TRYOUTS
XC SENIOR NIGHT
SPIKING IN ST. LOUIS
Senior Paige Shankland chips her ball onto the green. Freshman Megan Propeck won first place at State and the team placed second at State. Propeck scored a 141 and the team as a whole scored 633 for 18 holes. “Everyone is so excited that we got second place. Golf hasn’t been to State in a while and it was such a fun environment for everyone to be in,” junior Mia McLey said. (Photo by Melissa Koppers)
Senior Afton Fennewald and freshman Annabelle Miller get ready for tryouts at a preseason open gym. Basketball tryouts are Oct. 30 and swim and dive tryouts are on Nov. 6. This year, new changes are being made to Swim State. Swimmers will now be split into two size categories, according to senior swimmer Lexi Smith. “So hopefully we’ll not just get more people to State but get a better place at State as well,” Smith said. (Photo by Melissa Koppers)
Senior Ally Crumb hugs teammate freshman Dillan Elmquist after receiving her traditional senior flower bouquet. Cross Country celebrated their six senior players and managers on Oct. 18 at Richmond High School. “It’s a senior tradition to jog the last meet together and just enjoy it,” senior Maddie Young said. All the senior parents and friends came bearing flowers and posters to commemorate the end of the season. (Photo by Madisen Hane)
Freshman Brynna Dow cheers as the Storm wins a point. The Varsity Volleyball Team traveled to St. Louis for their first traveling match Sept. 29 and Sept. 30. The Storm put up a tough fight to Timberland High school and won with 25-22 and 2523.“It was a very competitive match and it showed us what we are capable of doing versus strong teams,” Head Volleyball Coach Bob Lampen said. This was the first time the team has traveled to play this year. (Photo by Paige Ritter)
Pilgreen Scores Head Varsity Basketball Coach STORM SCHEDULE *NOV 06
SWIM AND DIVE TEAM TRYOUTS
*NOV 17
BASKETBALL VS ST. TERESAS’S ACADEMY HOME GAME
*NOV 30
WINTER SPORTS PEP ASSEMBLY
*NOV 30
BASKETBALL VS BLUE VALLEY NORTH @BLUE VALLEY NORTH
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Athletic Director hired to lead the basketball team for the upcoming season BY ANA PENDERGAST REPORTER
Athletic Director, track coach, softball coach and assistant basketball coach. Kate Pilgreen has worn many hats. And now she add another by kicking off her first full season as basketball head coach. “I’m unbelievably excited for this year,” Pilgreen said. “Basketball is by far my favorite sport. I’m really competitive,” Pilgreen said. “I like the physical aspect of basketball. I like being able to use my strengths, especially since I’m itty-bitty, to shock people and be aggressive.” Pilgreen has been coaching for 11 years. Locally, she coached at Pembroke Hill for four years and Sion for five. Pilgreen coached volleyball, basketball, track, softball and field hockey at Pembroke. “Kate had two competing passions that were both very important to her. Basketball and music,” Pilgreen’s mother Sherri Pilgreen said. “After school, she would either be outside with a ball in her hand or upstairs in her bedroom singing show tunes or her own compositions.” During last year’s season, Pilgreen was the interim Head Coach while former Head Coach Leslie Berger was on maternity leave. Pilgreen, the 2017 Missouri Female Coach of the Year awarded by the Community for Coaches, was appointed the head varsity coach this summer. “We are so excited she is going to fulfill her dream of being a head basketball
coach,” Sherri said. “She loves the game very much and believes in what it teaches young women.” Pilgreen said she hopes to go to State this year. Last year, the team won second at Districts, losing only to Center High School. “I am extremely happy and proud for her, but, selfishly, since she will be watching film every night until 2 in the morning I will not get to see her until after Sion wins the State tournament,” Pilgreen’s father Terry Pilgreen said. Pilgreen began playing basketball at age 5 at the YMCA and has continued playing ever since. In high school, Pilgreen played volleyball, competitive basketball and softball. Pilgreen then played college basketball at Loyola University, New Orleans. Her father recalled a game where Pilgreen went up against a front line that was a foot taller than her. When a player drove to the basket, Pilgreen stood her ground. “All 5 feet 4 inches of her planted both feet, stood her ground and that player bounced her off the mat on the wall in the gym,” Terry said. “Kate got up, looked at the ref, watched him make the charge sign and pumped her fist. She’s tough.” Not only are her parents excited for Pilgreen’s new position, but players are also looking forward to playing for her as head coach. Senior Afton Fennewald is hopeful in their season with Pilgreen. “I’m excited for [Pilgreen] to be coach because she knows the game of basketball extremely well and we have been close with her for the last three years,” Fennewald said, “so I know everyone will work super hard for her.” STOMPIN’ Athletic Director Kate Pilgreen particpated in Storm Stomp on team ‘The Playas’ Oct. 21. (Photo by Meg Schwartz)
SPORTS
Fall Sports Wrap Up BY SYDNEY SAN AGUSTIN REPORTER
GOLF
VOLLEYBALL ON THE OFFENSE Senior Catherine Wilkerson helps junior Savana Mayer defend against Park Hill High School forward during a scrimmage session Oct. 1. (Photo by Emma Miller)
Lacrosse Fall Ball Grows Love of the Game for Young Team Kansas City Metro Girls Lacrosse Association fall league creates a low pressure environment to improve skills and foster a passion for the sport. BY EMMA MILLER REPORTER
Participation in the Kansas City Metro Girls Lacrosse Association fall league is at an all time high as the lacrosse program prepares for its eighth season as an official school sport. A record number of 31 student athletes played lacrosse every Sunday in October through the 7v7 league known as Fall Ball. “The love of the sport is being spread by the girls who are playing it,” assistant coach Jim McEnerney said. “More and more girls coming to Sion want to play because other girls are saying, ‘Oh my gosh! It’s so much fun.’” The large number of participants enabled McEnerney to create two teams, Storm 1 and Storm 2. Players with more experience composed the first team and beginning players were placed on the latter. Growing interest in the sport could require a third team for the spring sport. “There’s a possibility of having three teams this year,” McEnerney said. “We may end up with a freshman team.” The Fall Ball league was created four years ago and Sion has registered a team each year since. Blue Valley North hosted the league this year. Seven players and one goalie per team are allowed on the half-sized fields. The match-ups consist of 20 minute halves and a five minute halftime. Each team plays two games
during the afternoon and competes against teams they will face during the spring season, but in a more relaxed environment. “KCMGLA started [Fall Ball] four years ago to give the girls something to do in the fall that was simple [and] fit their schedules,” McEnerney said. Fall Ball players say it fits well into students’ schedules because it is only a couple hours for five Sundays of the month and includes no additional practices. “Fall Ball is a time for people to just have fun playing lacrosse and grow as a team with comradery and skills at the same time,” senior Mariah Lynn said. “It’s a chance for new players to get to know the coaches, the sport and their teammates.” Participants can improve stick skills, build confidence and boost knowledge of the game. Whether beginner or advanced, lacrosse players can benefit from extra playing time and team bonding, according to McEnerney. “I’m looking forward to team bonding and getting to know my teammates better,” sophomore Jackie Campbell said. “And, as goalie, I think as much experience as I can get being in the goal and getting shot on is very beneficial.” Storm 1 won both its games against the Shawnee Mission Blues and Park Hill Bulldogs Oct. 1, but winning is not the main focus of this league as much as strengthening both the bond between teammates and the love of lacrosse. “I want the girls to grow in their love for the game, to bond with each other and to get to know each other better on the field,” McEnerney said. “The goal is simply to create fun in the game.”
Made it to District Semi-finals Games Won: 11 Games Lost: 11 Games Tied: 3 4th. - Lutheran South Tournament
1st - Individual State Freshman Megan Propeck 2nd - Team State 1st - Districts 1st - Sectionals 1st - Smith Cotton Classic
TENNIS
SOFTBALL Games Won: 5 Games Lost: 21 3rd- Raytown South Tournament Top Batting Average: .209 Freshman Hannah Borgmeyer Top on Base Percentage: .508 Sophomore Maya Bair Most Runs Scored: 21 Junior Dani Rotert
CROSS COUNTRY KC Metro Meet All members of team broke personal 5K time
2nd - Blue Springs Invitational Individual Champion: 23:19
3rd - Districts Singles Seniors Catherine Henne & Emma Miller 4th - District Doubles Sophomore Logan Dixon & senior Emma Miller 4th - Wichita Collegiate Tournament-Doubles Senior Catherine Henne
FIELD HOCKEY Games Won: 2 Games Lost: 5 Games Tied: 1 Total Goals Scored: 7
Abby DeLong
Fastest 5K on Team: 20:10 Lily Henkle
RECORD BREAKERS Golf: Broke District Record School Record: 18 holes Freshman Megan Propeck
155
Students participated in a fall sport
37
of the participants are seniors OCTOBER 2017
21
FEATURES
A LOOK AT SOME ARBONNE PRODUCTS... DEODORANT Arbonne’s pure mint deodorant priced at $17, is made with baking soda and vegetable enzymes. It is aluminum and paraben free, and helps you feel refreshed all day. (Photo by Molly Conway)
ENERGY FIZZ STICKS Arbonne's energy fizz sticks create a refreshing bubbly drink that helps reduce fatigue. The fizz sticks come in two flavors, citrus and pomegranate, and are $54 for 30 sticks. (Photo submitted by Connors)
DETOX MASK Arbonne’s rescue and renew detox mask priced at $44 hydrates your skin with rosemary oil and uses an oil-pulling technology to help clarify and brighten your skin. (Photo by Molly Conway)
DIETARY SUPPLEMENT Arbonne says their dietary supplements satisfy hunger and help support weight management. It helps control blood sugar and cholesterol levels and is priced at $68 for 90 servings which lasts about 30 days. (Photo submitted by Connors)
Follow Emilie on Instagram for facts and updates regarding her Arbonne business!
@EMILIE.ARBONNE
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ENERGY FOR EMILIE After making an energy drink with an Arbonne citrus fizz stick, senior Emilie Connors smiles in between sips. The fizz sticks are Connor’s favorite product from the nutrition line. “The Arbonne fizz sticks are hands down one of my favorite products because after drinking a drink with one I feel so energized,” Connors said. (Photo by Molly Conway)
FEATURES
Pure Passion Senior Emilie Connors plans to start her career with Arbonne after her official launch in November. BY MOLLY CONWAY REPORTER
T
he sound of adult chatter filled the air as senior Emilie Connors was forced into attending an Arbonne healthy happy hour with her mom. Completely uninterested in the business that her mom had been raving about for the last few months, Connors was reluctant to be there. As she half listened to the conversations around her, the topic of money sparked her interest. Connors realized that she could earn money by selling Arbonne products and became intrigued. After hearing inspirational stories of how Arbonne International changed people’s lives, and after doing some research of her own, Connors decided that she wanted to follow in her mom’s footsteps and become an Arbonne consultant. Arbonne is an international company that sells a wide range of products and claims a motivation of transforming lives by providing their customers with a more pure and healthy lifestyle. All of the products that Arbonne sells are said to be 100 percent pure. Their main lines include skincare, bath and body, nutrition and makeup. One of the main draws to Arbonne for Connors is the assurance that what one puts in their body is clean and pure, and isn’t covered in harmful chemicals. Connors uses the Arbonne makeup and nutrition products, such as the chocolate protein shake mix, everyday and loves all the benefits they provide for her and her body. “I think the thing that makes Arbonne different from every other health and wellness company, is that Arbonne’s products aren’t just targeted at a certain age group or gender,” Connors said. “Whether you are a teenage girl or a middle aged man, Arbonne has something that you could benefit from.” The official launch of her business as an Arbonne consultant will be Nov. 13, and Connors said she is beyond excited. She is excited not just to make money while doing something she is passionate about, but to help change the lives of others. Connors’ main goal in her business is to make people happier and feel better about themselves by fueling them with the right nutrients. She feels that since Arbonne is so customizable to people’s needs with such a wide range of skin care and nutritional products that she will be able to help anyone who seeks interest, whether they want to lose weight or just simply live healthier. “I am so positive and optimistic about becoming a consultant,” Connors said. “Using the Arbonne products in my daily life has made me more aware of what I am doing to my body and how I am fueling myself and I hope to make other people aware of how fueling [themselves] with the right things can be so beneficial to them.”
Connors is determined to help change the lives of others through Arbonne and hopes to be an Arbonne consultant as her main job. Her goal with Arbonne is to hopefully reach the executive level by the time she is out of college. Reaching the executive level with Arbonne means getting recognized on a national level as one of Arbonne’s top sellers. Not only does Connors plan on continuing to sell Arbonne when she is in college, but also to major in marketing with a minor in dietetics and nutrition to enrich her knowledge of the products she is selling. “Being able to continue to sell Arbonne products while in college is a huge advantage because it’s like having a job, so I won’t have to struggle financially right out of college,” Connors said. “I will leave college with a better understanding of the products I am selling and the money to expand my business and potentially start a family.” Connors’ mother, Heather Connors, was a huge influence on Connors and her decision to become an Arbonne consultant. Heather began her job as an Arbonne consultant about a year ago as something fun to do on the side in addition to her main job. Heather is not surprised at Connors’ choice. “Emilie is naturally out-going, fearless and compassionate, so it is no surprise to me that she has already started reaching out to share what she has learned with others,” Heather said. “She is an inspiration to me personally, and our family is so proud of her drive and determination to be an advocate for healthy living.” After her launch, Connor's will be joining a team of Arbonne consultants with one of her friends Eddie Banks, who is also a consultant that Connors met through Arbonne. After watching her mom develop her business, Connors decided that it would be more beneficial to start her business in a partnership with Banks. The main difference between a partnership and selling as an individual consultant, is that in a partnership both partners benefit from each sale, which brings success faster and doubles the profit. Banks and Connors share several mutual friends and are really supportive of each other and their business, and they look forward to what their future holds working with Arbonne. “I am super excited to work with Emilie because we will be changing people’s lives by making them happier and healthier,” Banks said. Not only does Connors plan on promoting her business through social media, but she plans on hosting Arbonne healthy happy hours and mini make over sessions to give potential clients samples of some of the Arbonne products. Connors is ecstatic to see where her passion of Arbonne takes her career in the future. “I’m just super pumped for my launch and to see where my career with Arbonne takes me,” Connors said. “I’m so excited to see how I can inspire people and help change the lives of others by selling them Arbonne products to make them happier and feel better about themselves.” OCTOBER 2017
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A&E
More than a TENNIS MATCH (Photo by MCT Campus)
“Battle of the Sexes” depicts a memorable moment in tennis history. BY KELLY NUGENT WEB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Gender equality in Hollywood is one example of the highly debated topics that are becoming increasingly popular in everyday conversation. Directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, “Battle of the Sexes,” focuses on Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and the portion of her life surrounding the legendary 1973 tennis match against the infamous Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell), a man who wanted to market the exhibition match
as “the male chauvinist pig versus the Barnett (Andrea Riseborough) brings King to question her own sexuality and hairy-legged feminist.” Not only does it showcase the pressure put on King focus less on tennis. Shining a light by her friends, her enemies and herself, on this aspect of King’s story is vital but it also brings to light the innerSTORY BY: to KELLY understanding NUGENT her mindset during WEB EDITOR struggle of her sexuality. her match with Riggs. This match is a prime example of the fact that talent To open the film, the audience is introduced to King, the women’s world alone is not always what prevails tennis champion. At the age of 29, she in tennis matches, but rather the fights for equal payment rights for combination of talent, effort and head both men and women. Founding the space. The different layers of King’s life, Women’s Tennis Association in protest, both professional and personal, allows King and eight other players began this the audience to see a side of King never organization by signing contracts to known before. play for $1. This sends the message that Following the story women aren’t protesting for the sake of chronologically, the movie is easy to money, but for equality. follow. The two aspects that make the story whole seemed as if they were King’s complicated relationship with the team hairdresser Marilyn originally unrelated. However, with
how the movie was made, the first story of King’s sexuality overlapped perfectly with her tennis journey. This allowed for Stone to give a compelling performance of King that is both believable and heart-wrenching. Showcasing the struggle for gender equality, “Battle of the Sexes” is a shockingly true story that tackles a much deeper issue. Although the world still has a long way to go in terms of women being completely equal to men, this movie has reminded women just how far they have come in terms of equality. Facing this difficult conversation head on, “Battle of the Sexes” is a must-see movie that confronts and dismisses doubts.
Rating and Raving for RAMEN Komasto Ramen is the victor in the tri-ramen tournament against Boru Ramen and Shio Ramen. BY AVA RAWSON REPORTER
The prevalence of ramen since 19th century in Japan has finally reached Kansas City, where it’s served in a wide array of creative recipes. The ramen scene offers traditional ramen like at Komatsu and Shio and ramen with a twist conducive to the menu of Bōru. Ramen from a restaurant, not a package, is a window to late night dinners vs. living the high life while eating the same thing for only 58 times the price. The necessity of the ramen expedition is unparalleled, because sometimes Maruchan or top ramen just isn’t fitting the bill anymore. Three local restaurants were put head to head for the best in ramen creativity. The start of the ramen crawl commenced with Bōru Ramen Bar, which coincidentally mailed a coupon. To start off, the name itself is misleading. It
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should not be called a ramen bar, major brownie points for their traditional 6-minute egg that as it only has six ramen entrées. was soaked in soy sauce. It shows The undertone of the restaurant dedication and the tradition of seemed to thrive off of the the dish even though ‘80s music videos they put a modern playing on multiple spin on the pork broth televisions that using kimchi. pleasantly surprised The second stop adults. But it is was Shio Ramen easy to say that which also offers a the music became mere six choices, abrasive within but the menu size minutes of sitting @komastoramenkc contributes more to the down. intimate atmosphere of Decor wise, the restaurant there was a wall of bowls, since bōru It is a physically means bowl in small location, more a ramen nook Japanese. The decor rather than a ramen was full of the colors black, white and restaurant. The red which echoed whitewashed walls and @shioramenshop purring alternative throughout the restaurant and the music set the scene for the Sapporo ramen, menu. As for the actual ramen, each which was $14. bowl was large and It had a light and airy pork broth, flavor packed. corn, tomato and The Korean ramen for $14.50, sesame seed mixture was a pork-belly that embodied the changing of the based broth @boruramen with kimchi and seasons. There was the smoothness and warmth of the various greens. The noodles were a little tough, as well as broth conducive with autumn few and far between. The broth and the corn offered a freshness to the bowl that was unexpected. was a tad oily, but the meat was The portion size was large but very well cooked. They also get
finishable. The noodles were not as firm as Bōru, but still not ideal. The last stop on the ramen trek was Komatsu. The Yokohama ramen rang in at $10, featuring a pork-based ramen with a soft boiled egg, greens and pork belly. The noodles were the most tender and the broth was as smooth as it gets. The atmosphere was offputting with the bold interior decorating choice of the extensive use of light wood for the booths, walls, chairs, parts of the ceiling, the entrance and the bar. But the menu was by far the largest with 26 different types of ramen. They also offer pure noodles and broth if venturing too far from instant ramen isn’t ideal. It is good to spice things up a little, but a classic is a classic. Nothing beats microwave ramen, or stove top. But if you are feeling fancy, the ramen joint to hit up in the Kansas City area is Komatsu. It can’t be beat. Overall, Komatsu, with its bouncing music and cheapest ramen, stole the show for best ramen, despite its trying-toohard vibe. With the cold settling in there is never a bad reason to graduate to big kid ramen.
A&E
Whimsical Waffle Treats Wow Kansas City The Waffle Bar uses innovative ideas to create delicious waffle desserts. BY LIZ OLTJEN REPORTER
Upon walking into The Waffle Bar, customers are greeted with the sweet smell of tasty waffle treats. The new dessert bar’s grand opening took place Friday, Sept. 8 on the Country Club Plaza at the corner of Central Street and Ward Parkway. The staff makes fabulous fresh waffles in front of customers from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. With a selection of 20 to 25 toppings, such as fruity pebbles and gummy worms, and eight different ice cream choices, The Waffle Bar has it all. The Waffle Bar is unlike any other dessert bar in Kansas City. Aside from waffles being the restaurant’s main focus, the staff reinvents the way their desserts are made by using ideas inspired from China. The Waffle Bar’s best sellers, called bubble waffles, were originally created in Hong Kong. “The bubble waffles are a Hong Kong favorite. They originally started as just plain bubble waffles in China,” Waffle Bar employee Marwa
Noaman said. “Our family took the idea and added the ice cream, the toppings, the drizzle, and it really evolved from there.” Bubble waffles are made with a different kind of waffle maker to give it the unique shape. From there, the waffle is filled with ice cream, rolled up and put in a paper cone. Customers are then given the choice of adding up to three toppings and a drizzle on top. Bubble waffles are sold only by The Waffle Bar, so buyers won’t find this item anywhere else in Kansas City. The Waffle Bar also serves waffle pops, which make for perfect desserts on the go. Unlike the bubble waffles, these desserts are made from a Belgian waffle mix and put on a stick. Although there are six different kinds of waffle pops for customers to choose from, the staff can tailor each of the different types according to the customer’s preferences. Rather than an extravagant bubble waffle, waffle pops are a more traditional waffle dessert. Along with waffle pops and bubble waffles, The Waffle Bar sells waffle doughnuts. These scrumptious treats consist of fresh Krispy Kreme doughnuts, ice cream and waffles in one dessert. With the option of adding toppings and drizzles, waffle doughnuts are treats customers don’t want to miss. Prices at The Waffle Bar are reasonable. Customers spend around $6.95 for a bubble waffle, $5.95 for a waffle pop and $4.94 for a waffle donut. The cost per item is comparable to other trendy dessert shops such as Donutology or Freezing Moo. There is an additional charge for extra toppings or drizzles.
SWEET TREATS (left) Bubble waffles are the best sellers at The Waffle Bar. (above) The modern interior style of The Waffle Bar creates a comfortable environment for customers.
The waffle bar is a small restaurant with a modern style located at 4745 Central St. Because of its limited space, The Waffle Bar isn’t designed to be a sit down restaurant. However, customers can eat their desserts outside the shop while enjoying a view of Brush Creek. Written on the walls of The Waffle Bar are cute phrases about waffles such as “everyday I’m wafflin’,” “count blessings not calories” and “the diet ends here.” These expressions create a light and fun environment for customers. The creativity that goes along with each dessert made by The Waffle Bar is incredible. From unique bubble waffles to phenomenal waffle pops and doughnuts, The Waffle Bar offers a wide variety that allows people to personalize their order however they like. Although the calories are high, the waffles are worth it. The Waffle Bar offers tasty desserts and fun experiences for people of all ages.
Le Journal’s Top Halloween Picks on Netflix Five must-see thrillers to watch on Netflix during the Halloween season. BY ANNA TOMKA PRINT MANAGING EDITOR
PRACTICAL MAGIC Two witch sisters (Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman) explore their magical capabilities as well as the curse that has been set upon their family.
THE SIXTH SENSE
THE BABADOOK
A boy named Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment) conceals the shocking truth that he is being visited by ghosts. He confides in child psychologist Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis) who works to help by seeking the meaning behind Cole’s supernatural ability to see and communicate with the dead.
Single mother Amelia (Essie Davis) struggles to raise her 6-year-old son Samuel (Noah Wiseman) who persists that the nightmares he’s been having are related to the storybook called “The Babadook.” He becomes violent, forcing her to realize that the evil being he’s been warning her about could be real.
THE NIGHTMARE This is a documentary that follows eight people who experience the horrifying phenomenon of sleep paralysis, a condition the keeps people from moving and speaking while falling asleep.
STRANGER THINGS SEASON 2 Set in the 1980s, the first season follows the supernatural disappearance of a young boy in a small town. Netflix will release season two on Oct. 27.
(Photos from Wikimedia Commons and Netflix.)
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Autumn Activities in KC Fall is here and there are a plethora of things to do in the Kansas City Area. Take a short quiz to find out what fall activity to do this weekend or swing by one of KC’s many food trucks. Fall flavors are in too, so try some simple Fall Snack mix or try baking a delicious apple pie. STORY AND DESIGN BY SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER MCKENNA HEEGN AND REPORTER EMMA MILLER
What Fall Activity to do this Weekend
Fall Snack Mix
QUIZ
Candy Corn
Where would you rather be on a Friday night?
Peanuts m m m
m m
m
m m
m
Relaxing at Home
m
Football Game
Combine equal ratios of the ingredients to the right.
M&M’s
Best Cider Mill
At the game, are you more of an athlete or a fan?
Would you rather be alone or with friends?
Athlete
Friends
Fan
Alone
AM
GO TE
Keep that heart rate up on one of Shawnee Mission’s bike trails located at 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee, Kansas.
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Enjoy a steaming cup of hot apple cider or some freshly made cider donuts at one of your favorite cider mills.
Check out five great movies on Netflix to watch this Halloween season on Page 25.
Test your creative skills and try to make one of your friend’s favorite pies, or just make one for yourself.
LOUISBURG CIDER MILL
84 students voted Louisburg Cider Mill as thier favorite over Dunns and Cider Hill Family Orchard. Try thier famous apple cider donuts. Located at 14730 KS-68, Louisburg, Kansas 66053
West Bottoms Haunted Houses The Beast, Edge of Hell and Macabre Cinema haunted houses are all within a five minute walk of each other and deliver all the long-awaited thrills of Halloween. They are open until Nov. 4, and the basic ticket fee is $27.
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Food Truck Frenzy Coffee Cake KC Featured Item: Truffle Hot Chocolate 12 or 16 oz, traditional, European style chocolate
min o C
g Up...
Twisted Taters Featured Item: Idaho Fryz- Golden​Fryz, Crumbled Bacon, Sharp Cheddar, Ranch Sour Cream, Green Onion
te Fall Pi i r e vo
s
Fa
Taco Republic Truck Featured Item: Cochinita Pabil Taco, featuring Yucatan-style roasted, marinated pork, pickled red onions and tostones
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The Ice at Park Place
Crown Center Ice Terrace
-Opens Nov. 17 -Opens Nov. 3 -Admission: $6 -Admission: $8 -Skate Rentals: $3 -Skate Rentals: $3
pumpkin
apple
chocolate
pecan
Last Minute Halloween Costumes Lumberjack: Flannel shirt, jeans, boots and a knit cap. Grapes: Purple shirt and blown up balloons taped to it.
don’t like pie
Rosie the Riveter: Jeans, denim shirt, red bandanna.
cherry
Minion: Yellow shirt, overalls, goggles.
*152 students polled.
Tourist: Cargo shorts, Hawaiian shirt, fanny pack, sunscreeen.
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1. HAT HELP Visual and performing arts teacher Laura Burkhart places a hat on sophomore Maya Bair during intermission. “The most rewarding part of performing is seeing the reaction and emotion from the crowd and being able to express myself through fine and performing arts,” Bair said. (Photo by Meg Schwartz)
HER MAJESTY’S THEATER
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2. QUILL QUEENS While trying on costumes for the photo booth, junior Caroline Hunter gives a quill to junior Claire Lewing. “I enjoyed the theme and how interactive Her Majesty’s Theatre was this year,” Hunter said. (Photo by Lanie Jones)
3. DYNAMIC DUO
5. MASKED MUSICIAL Freshman Genevieve Klobe tries on masks. “My first experience at Her Majesty’s Theater was really fun,” Klobe said. “My favorite part was rehearsal because I got to bond better with the choir.” (Photo by Lanie Jones)
6. PUPPET PREPARATION Visual and performing arts teachers Elizabeth Mulkey and Laura Burkhart hang a sheet for shadow puppets. “We are going to incorporate puppets into the musical,” Mulkey said. “So that made us think to use them in Her Majesty’s theater.” (Photo by Lanie Jones)
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Sophomore Peyton Wade and junior Jordan Harrison sing the duet “Ave Verum Corpus” by Mozart. “Singing in Latin was hard because I had to learn how to pronounce the words correctly,” Wade said. (Photo by Meg Schwartz)
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4. TRUMPET TRIUMPH Sophomore Tehya Frederick smiles while preparing to perform. “I like playing trumpet because it helps me concentrate,” Frederick said. “I get to challenge myself by learning new music.” (Photo by Lanie Jones) 7. SUPERSTITIOUS SONGSTRESSES Both choirs perform the finale “Superstitious” by Stevie Wonder. “The hardest part was probably the short amount of time we had to memorize Superstitious,” junior choir member Izzy Winklemeyer said. (Photo by Taylor Pitzl)