LE JOURNAL ISSUE 1 | VOLUME 36 | SEPTEMBER 2017
YOUTUBE TAKEOVER IS VLOGGING THE NEW REALITY TV?
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BOUTIQUES TAKING OVER THE SHOPPING SCENE
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WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT DOMESTIC HATE GROUPS
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TIPS TO MAKE WAKING UP EASIER
Alternative Diets
CONSCIENTIOUS CONSUMPTION Analyzing popular dietary preferences (pg. 14-17)
CONTENTS
(Photo by Reagan Amato)
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(Photo by Liz Oltjen)
(Photo by Cecilia Mohacsi)
ON THE COVER
FEATURES
NEWS
OPINION
An in-depth look at the growing trend of alternative diets.......................................14
Senior Hana Visesio traveled to New Zealand during the summer to visit family....................................08
Zero hour costume design class now offered...............05
Le Journal staff editorial encourages consideration of alternative diets.............10
Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction Ellen Carmody studied the Rwanda genocide over the summer.................................18
WHAT’S ONLINE
Freshman Riley Weaver pursues her dream to be a contortionist.......................22
Confederacy monument removed from Ward Parkway................................06
Summer break can be beneficial...............................11
New furniture courtesy of Mothers’ Club......................07
Erasing racism takes more than removing statues.......12
Athletic Department plans to bring in monthly wellness speakers...............................07
SPORTS
LEJOURNALLIVE.COM
Freshman Megan Propeck breaks school record.........20 Dance team tries hip-hop for the first time..................21 Field hockey welcomes 20 freshmen...............................21
Author Claudia Rankine Talks Reality Coffee 27 Monarch just another name added to list of coffee shops in KC
STA Volleyball Game Photo Gallery
PHOTO OF THE ISSUE @lejournalsion @lejournalsion www.lejournallive.com Travels in Tanzania
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@lejournallive
Dressed in “Toddlers and Tiaras” themed costumes, seniors Megan Breckenridge and Lauren Ismert lift up senior Scream Team leader Mandy Mayer during the varsity volleyball game against STA Sept. 13. (Photo by Paige Ritter)
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Pawn and Pint offers unique experience for all ages.......................................24 New Mission Taco Joint in Crossroads district serves fresh flavors........................24 No more sneaking dough from the mixing bowl thanks to KC Cookie Dough Madness...............................25 Former One Direction artists tackle different genres solo..........................25
EDITOR’S INK OUR TIPS
Staying healthy despite school stress. IN WITH THE NEW MEET THIS YEAR’S PRINT EICs
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t’s that time of year again Sion. Welcome back to the season of acclimating to the school flow. The endless hours of free time that summer offered has now been replaced with due dates, sports and extracurriculars. Fortunately, alongside the fast paced tempo of the school schedule comes school dances, pep assemblies and school-wide events. The year kicked off with a successful spirit week, including creative themes such as high school stereotypes and Sion yacht club. The school spirit continued with an impressive turn out to support the cheer team the Rockhurst football game. Let’s continue this spirit by supporting the dance team at the Rockhurst football halftime performance on Oct. 6. After devastating natural disasters, the school community came together to support those affected by Hurricane Harvey and raised over $400 with a waffle breakfast. With such impressive success through just one breakfast, imagine the difference our community can make through Sock it to Poverty within the upcoming weeks. In this first issue, we cover the recent Confederate statue controversies and domestic hate groups (pg. 6 and pg. 12), Assistant Athletic Director Sarah Johnson’s upcoming monthly wellness speakers (pg. 7), the ins-and-outs of On Campus (pg. 6) and all the need-to-know local boutiques (pg. 25). Get to know the school’s freshest faces through the feature on freshman Riley Weaver, a talented contortionist (pg. 22) and freshman Megan Propeck, the school recordbreaking golfer (pg. 20). Next, the trend of new diets including vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, paleo and glutenfree has been steadily increasing. In this issue, with the help of dietitians and nutritionists, we take a close look at these diets, what they consist of, what the reasoning behind each of them is and what benefits and dangers exist within each (pg. 14-17). For the moments to spare between the hustle
FALL DANCE Sophomore Brie Bowes whips during the Fall Dance Sept. 9 in the gym. (Photo by Meg Schwartz)
1. Take advantage of school resources Fit in that before school workout with Storm Fit or yoga with friends, speak to counselors about your stress and attend Assistant Athletic Director Sarah Johnson’s monthly wellness speaker lunches.
2. Organize & schedule It’s so easy to let your planner gather dust on the corner of your desk or buried at the bottom of your backpack. Brush off the dust and put that planner to work. Dedicate some time each Sunday to make a detailed schedule of your week, then stick to it!
3. Plan time to relax ahead
of the school year grind, check out KC Cookie Dough Madness, the newest twist on traditional dessert (pg. 26), Mission Taco Joint (pg. 24) and stop by Pawn and Pint Board Game Cafe to make any night game night (pg. 24). Be sure to check lejournallive.com often for photo galleries, features and more. New this year online, join seniors McKenna Heegn and Phylicia Barner-Lewis in their “Two Peas in a Podcast.” Their first episode covered the mysterious phenomenon of the Mandela effect conspiracy. Also new this year, read senior Anna Tomka’s bi-monthly blogs titled Tuesday Talks with Tomka and listen to senior Reagan Amato’s feature podcasts. The Try Gals are back this year, so look out for their shenanigans on the web each day that Le Journal is passed out. Even though the workload of the school year can be difficult to adjust to, let’s make this year as happy, healthy and stress free as possible, Sion.
Too often, the first thing to get cut off of a to-do list is relaxation. Relaxing and rejuvenating is so important to having the energy to get everything else done. Commit to regular naps or relaxing baths, add it to your planner.
4. Plan balanced meals The prospect of eating a healthy lunch is too far gone the morning of. Plan and prepare meals ahead by making a large salad or a batch of protein balls on Sundays.
5. Go outside Spend time outside of your house and school. Grab a few friends, your family or a pet and relax in the beautiful fall weather.
Sincerely, Lanie & Meg
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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WEBSITE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
LANIE JONES MEG SCHWARTZ
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NEWS EDITOR MEG TRAVIS
WEBSITE MANAGING EDITOR SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER MCKENNA HEEGN
BREAKING NEWS
EDITORIAL EDITOR
DANI ROTERT
CECILIA MOHÁCSI
PRINTER
A&E EDITOR TAYLOR PITZL
REPORTERS
CATHERINE FRERKER
REAGAN AMATO PHYLICIA BARNER-LEWIS MOLLY CONWAY LILY DROUIN PRISCILLAH GICHARU MELISSA KOPPERS EMMA MILLER
FEATURE EDITOR KAITLIN JONES
CO-PHOTO EDITORS MADISEN HANE PAIGE RITTER
LETTERS TO THE EDITORS
NEAL/SETTLE PRINTING GRANDVIEW, MO
SPORTS EDITOR
MEMBER
MISSOURI INTERSCHOLASTIC PRESS ASSOCIATION NATIONAL SCHOLASTIC PRESS ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL QUILL AND SCROLL JOURNALISM EDUCATORS OF METROPOLITAN KANSAS CITY MISSOURI JOURNALISM EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
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LE JOURNAL ACCEPTS LETTERS TO THE EDITORS IN RESPONSE TO PUBLISHED ARTICLES. LETTERS MUST BE SIGNED, VERIFIED AND NO LONGER THAN 200 WORDS. LETTERS MAY BE EDITED FOR LENGTH, GRAMMAR, SPELLING AND CONTENT. LETTERS WILL NOT BE PRINTED IF CONTENT IS OBSCENE, INVASIVE, ENCOURAGING DISRUPTION OF SCHOOL AND/OR IS LIBELOUS.
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SEPTEMBER 2017
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Alumnae Coordinator Colleen Godinez gave birth to Amelia Rose Godinez Sept. 15.
SOLAR ECLIPSE
HURRICANE HARVEY HURRICANE IRMA
IPHONE X
Students viewed the first total eclipse visible in the contiguous United States since 1979 Aug. 21. School was canceled and eclipse glasses were distributed so students could travel and view the event. “It was a once in a lifetime thing and I’ll never forget it,” junior Tempest Malone, who watched the eclipse in Jefferson City, said. Some areas, like St. Joseph, Missouri had clouds blocking the moment of totality. But in Columbia, Missouri, sophomore Ceresa Munjak-Khoury said it was clear. According to CNN, about 12 million people live in the path of totality.
Hurricane Harvey hit Southern Texas Aug. 25. In four days, more than 40 inches of water deluged some areas of Texas and Louisiana. The storm at its height displaced more than 30,000 people, according to USA Today. “My mom’s cousin’s house in Houston was fine,” sophomore Anna Switzer said. “But her daughter was at a house that flooded and had to swim to dry ground.” The storm also caused flash flooding in parts of Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky. The damage caused by the storm has been appraised as high as $180 billion, according to Fortune, and at least 80 died according to the Washington Post. (Photo from Tribune News
Apple released three new phones Sept. 12 with an availability date as early as Sept. 22. The prices begin at $699 for the iPhone 8, $799 for the iPhone 8 plus and $999 for the the iPhone X. The X has a new 5.8 inch edge-to-edge display with no home button and wireless charging. It also includes facial recognition software, replacing the Touch ID feature. However, all these changes are not worth the extra money for some students. “I wouldn’t feel good spending $1,000 on a phone,” junior Phoenix Lyons said. All three phones are available in silver and space grey while the iPhone 8 and 8 plus will also be available in gold. (Photo from
(Photo from Tribune News Service)
Categorized as a level five storm, Hurricane Irma hit the Caribbean Sept. 6. A total of 69 people have died from incidents caused by the storm in the Caribbean, areas of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. “My aunt lives in the red zone,” senior Amira Alani said. “She’s a registered nurse and, due to FEMA regulations, isn’t allowed to evacuate. Her family can but she needs to stay behind.” After Hurricane Irma ripped through the southern panhandle of the United States, 6.8 million people are still without electricity and 13,000 are stranded in shelters in the state of Florida. (Photo from Tribune News Service)
Service)
Sept. 22-24
PLAZA ART FAIR Country Club Plaza
Oct. 6
NIGHT OF ONE ACTS Notre Dame de Sion
Oct. 7
FALL FESTIVAL Notre Dame de Sion Grade School
Oct. 18
HER MAJESTY’S THEATRE Notre Dame de Sion
Oct. 27
FOOD FOR THOUGHT Kick-off with STUCO campout Notre Dame de Sion
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WORLDWIDE North Korean Nukes North Korean tensions have risen in the past two months after leader, Kim Jong Un threatened Hawaii and the U.S. territory of Guam. Missile drills have persisted through August and September, culminating in a threat to attack Seoul, the capital city of South Korea. Un’s actions were denounced by the international community.
New Royal Addition Princess Kate Middleton is pregnant with her third child. They have not announced how far along she is in her pregnancy, however Kensington Palace has confirmed that Kate is suffering from the same medical condition as her first pregnancies, Hyperemesis Gravidarum, or acute morning sickness.
Attack in London Detonating a bomb in a train full of people, a terror attack was reported in Western London Sept. 15. Attacking “the Tube” transit system with what is known as a “bucket bomb,” the explosive device was wrapped in plastic grocery bags and concealed in a bucket when detonating, injuring 29 with no casualties.
GET INVOLVED | NEW CLUBS
UPCOMING & LOCAL
Tribune News Service)
Sign Language Club Presidents: Stephanie Vince & Barbara King Sponsor: Lisa Lauck Ballroom Dancing Club President: Olivia Layton Sponsor: Polly Holmes
Empowering Female Minorities Club President: Joileeah Worley Sponsor: Valerie Reynolds Rock Climbing Club President: Molly Hudak Sponsor: Ellen Carmody (Illustrations by Reagan Amato)
NEWS
Student Council Puts Extra Emphasis on Service STUCO hopes to put an extra emphasis on service for the school year. BY REPORTER ANNIE SCHORGL AND NEWS EDITOR MEG TRAVIS
STUCO is working to more fully incorporate community service and giving back this year through fundraisers and drives, according to senior and student body president Carolyn Dickey. “We are having such an emphasis because I felt like in the past, service has not been that big of an aspect of STUCO,” Dickey said. “We have not figured out all the final details on what service we will be doing this year, but we hope to have several all-student service projects this year.” STUCO has decided to bring a greater effort to such projects in an effort to be a better example to the school in which it is serving and encourage a greater across-theboard participation in aid to the
on the annual Sock-it-to-Poverty community, according to junior clothing drive, according to STUCO STUCO member Lilly Concannon. sponsor Jenny Brown-Howerton “Every year, one of STUCO’s “It is a maison competition to expectations for members is to lead by example for their class,” bring in new socks and underwear Concannon said. “One of the ways we for Redemptorist Social Services,” Brown-Howerton said. want to be an example to the school In addition to breakfast [this year] is by doing service and fundraisers and a giving back.” STUCO has greater awareness about the less already put this fortunate, STUCO initiative into action through its is also planning to implement more 2nd annual waffle service trips and breakfast held Sept. drives to assist 1 to raise money local charities and for the victims organizations, of recent natural according to disasters. Concannon. “Our priest, “STUCO is also Father Warris, - STUCO Executive planning a trip to challenged us last Giving the Basics,” year to raise money President Carolyn Dickey Brown-Howerton to help this girl said. “But I don’t know that it’s more from El Salvador to school. Now, we of a priority this year. We try to focus are raising money for a Hurricane on [service] every year as it is a huge Harvey Relief Fund,” junior class part of Sion’s Mission.” president Sarah Tappan said. Overall, members of STUCO Currently, STUCO is working
“We hope to have several all-student service projects this year.”
hope that implementing more service initiatives will get the student body more involved in the Kansas City community, according to Dickey. “It has definitely made me think, ‘Okay, I should be doing something right now but I’m not doing it.’ I just constantly feel like there’s more I can be doing,” Dickey said. Other than service, STUCO will still continue to have their monthly video updates, Sion Olympics and various other events typically hosted by STUCO throughout the school year. “I think we are going to have a really good STUCO this year, and the seniors are already doing a good job,” Tappan said. Dickey is ecstatic to bring more service to STUCO’S mission, and she feels like the council and community will benefit from this. “It feels really good to represent my school,” Dickey said “It’s going to be a great year.”
Costume Design Class Prepares Students For Future Careers The new zero hour costume class teaches students the ins and outs of costume design.
With over 50 years of theater experience, set and costume design teacher Laura L. Burkhart has a long background in costume design and the skills of the class. She has worked at many of the BY ANA PENDERGAST major Kansas City theater companies, including REPORTER the Coterie, Kansas City Repertory Theater, the Kansas City Ballet, Starlight and the Kansas City Before most girls have even woken up, Symphony. four juniors are beginning their new costume “I started theater when I was 12. My twin design class. On sister desperately wanted to be an actress,” Mondays, Tuesdays and Burkhart said. “We had a semi-professional Thursdays, students community theater in my hometown, so I learned come in at 7 a.m. to under a technical crew when I was 12.” begin class and work Students earn .5 fine art credits for each until the warning bell. semester they participate in the class. The costume “I really love design class prepares students for future careers everyone in [the class],” in theater, which is exactly the path junior Kate junior MK Shevlin Hopewell hopes to follow. She hopes that this said. “It’s really relaxing class will help her pursue her passion. and a good way to start “I want to further my knowledge in the day.” Illustration by McKenna Heegn costuming and how to make clothes, because that The costume is an interest of mine right now,” Hopewell said. class will also be creating costumes for school “Knitting, I think would be very helpful for me, productions. This year’s musical “Cinderella,” will because I need to use my hands a lot. When I’m have costumes designed and made by the class. The fairy godmother’s skirt will be one of the class’ watching TV or listening to a podcast, I need to do something with my hands.” top projects. For others like Shevlin and junior Mary “We have some pretty interesting ideas to Anne Duff, costume design is their passion but bring to ‘Cinderella’,” Shevlin said. “A bit more modern.”
not a career path. However Duff said the skills they are learning will be able to help the students no matter what. “I don’t see myself pursuing a career in theater,” Duff said. “But I’ll be able to take the skills I’m learning in the class with me to whatever I end up doing.” Burkhart said she wishes to pass her love of theater to her students through the new class. With projects like crocheting, dyeing, wig making and mask making, students will learn the world of costume design. Expertise isn’t the only thing Burkhart shares with her students. While working on projects Burkhart shares all her experience of working in theater with the students. “Whatever I can do to learn about technical theater is the best way to do it,” Hopewell said. “Laura, the teacher, knows how to do lights, how to do costumes, how to do paint, how to build, how to manage and that makes everything a lot easier.” For Burkhart, all of it’s more than a job. Theater has always had an important role in her life. During hard times, Burkhart used theater to pull herself up. “Theater saved my life,” Burkhart said. “I wouldn’t be here without theater.”
SEPTEMBER 2017
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NEWS
Confederate Statue Removed After Vandalism Confederate monument was Recreation website. Calls for its taken down amid a national removal rolled in the morning of debate about similar statues. Aug. 19 when graffiti of a hammer BY MEG TRAVIS NEWS EDITOR
A Confederate statue on the intersection of 55th Street and Ward Parkway was removed Aug. 25 at the request of the United Daughters of the Confederacy following a case of vandalism. “The monument is in secure storage while the board considers what to do with it. It will not go back on Kansas City, Missouri public property,” Kansas City Parks & Recreation Marketing Manager Heidi Downer said. “We are also still considering what, if anything, will go in its place. It may be as simple as a flower bed or bench.” The monument was first erected in 1934 under direction of the UDC with the inscripted dedication, “In loving memory of the loyal women of the old south.” It had been situated at the Ward Parkway location since 1958, according to the Kansas City Parks &
and sickle, possibly associated with the Soviet Union, was discovered in red paint on the statue, according to Fox4KC. “[Following the vandalism] the Missouri Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy has requested that the Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation Department remove the United Daughters of the Confederacy monument from its current location to a place of safety to prevent further vandalism,” the UDC said in an official statement. Cases like these are popping up all over the country and have been gaining national attention, particularly of that in Charlottesville,
Illustration by Meg Travis
Virginia. In Charlottesville, there have been several protests and requests to remove a statue commemorating well-known Confederate general Robert E. Lee. They have been unsuccessful though due to a Virginia state law that prohibits the removal of war monuments. From the presence of this law, there have stemmed massive conflicts and media coverage, according to The Atlantic. “It’s so vivid in the media and people can’t really hide away from it,” senior Lauren Graves said. “They’re forced to reevaluate not just where they stand on a political and social level, but also how much of a role they want to play.” Many states other than Virginia have similar laws that prohibit the deconstruction of any war monument.
With this, there has surfaced a significant split between those who support these laws, believing that the statues hold a significant historical value and those who believe there are other ways of memorializing the Confederacy without advocating for its ideals, according to the Atlantic. “[The Ward Parkway statue] wasn’t erected in 1875, it was erected in 1934 as part of a conscious nationwide movement to re-brand the Confederacy in cities that had not been part of [it],” social studies teacher Mary Murphy said. “I think understanding the history of when some of this statuary was constructed helps have a broader understanding of the purpose of it. If they really were to memorialize people who died, they may have been done in a cemetery.” In terms of the what next, the national fate of Confederate statues will continue to face an uncertain legal future. For those driving along Ward Parkway, however, there will now be a constant reminder in the form of a monumental absence. The Confederate statue on Ward Parkway was vandalized with red paint Aug. 19, prompting its eventual removal.
Out With the Old and In With the OnCampus Students, Staff and facutly navigate a new software system. BY PRISCILLAH GICHARU REPORTER
The program OnCampus, created by the company Blackbaud and hand-selected by the School Information Software committee, has replaced PowerSchool as the main software for students and teachers, according to Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction Ellen Carmody. Two years ago, the administration started looking for a software to replace the PowerSchool system. The administration said they wanted a software that integrated everything together so that the school could use one software, rather than both Google Classroom and PowerSchool. “Just like with any new system, it will take some time for everyone to get used to it,” Student Records/LMS Coordinator Elizabeth Middleton said. “Students and parents will have access to more information than we could provide with PowerSchool, once they learn their way around.” A team of teachers were selected to the SIS committee. It included science teacher Kathleen Teel, social studies teacher Mary Murphy, Director of Communications and Auxiliary Programs Emily Dittmeier Taylor, former social studies teacher Beth Ingram, Mission Director Penny Selle, Carmody and Middleton. The SIS reviewed a handful of programs to see which one would be best for the community. OnCampus, created by the company Blackbaud, proved to be the favorite of the SIS, according Carmody.
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“We got a demonstration of the information and what it could do and some of the possibilities,” Carmody said. “We were all really excited about how it would all fit together.” Middleton worked all summer to transfer information from PowerSchool, such as student information, student and parent e-mails and schedules. “It is a different system that has things about it that I think are easier and better for us than PowerSchool,” Middleton said. “But I am very used to working with PowerSchool and I could do things more quickly with PowerSchool, so I am still learning what to do with this system.” History teacher Richard Shrock is indifferent about the new system but likes that OnCampus is one program and that he can manage the grade system and the attendance. “We are just starting to use it to post assignments, so we haven’t had to use it in the context of this class yet in any major way,” Shrock said. English teacher Casey Engel is a fan of OnCampus and thinks it works better than PowerSchool and Google Classroom. Engel does admit that she used the old system on the first day of classes. But OnCampus has started to grow on her and she enjoys that everything is on one site, making it easier for her to respond to her students quickly. “Everything is in this one neat place and I am figuring out to download my material and I feel like students are checking it,” Engel said.“I feel like it is just fine.”
NEWS
(Photos by Melissa Koppers)
Cafeteria and New Grande Salle Get a Fresh New Look With help of generous donations, the New Grande Salle and cafeteria have been renovated with a modern flair. BY SYDNEY SAN AGUSTIN REPORTER
The New Grande Salle received a modern look with new furniture, along with the cafeteria, which has also undergone major changes. In the fall of 2017, the Mothers’ Club donated money to purchase new furniture for the NGS.The idea to upgrade the furniture came from the Student Advisory Council, according to Principal Natalie McDonough. “We tried to match what was in the library, because the girls said they liked the furniture in the library,”
McDonough said. “So we kind of wanted to match that, and I talked to my Student Advisory girls and got their opinion on what they wanted. They said they liked those skater tables and the chairs.” Students study in the NGS and seniors spend their lunch period in the NGS. The bright blue and purple couches and chairs make it a more comfortable place to eat and hang out. The skater tables are a convenience for students who want to study, according to senior Angela Sandoval. “I really enjoy the new furniture in the NGS. I think it is really comfortable and it just makes the space look a whole lot nicer and cleaner,” Sandoval said. “I also really like how the new furniture makes it
easier to do homework without being at a desk.” The lunchroom wasn’t included in the original renovation plan, but through an anonymous donor and contributions from the Mothers’ Club, it was able to be transformed. Some of the items, such as the tables, chairs and microwaves, were bought new. “The new look of the cafeteria is so inviting and clean looking,” junior Sophie Hewitt said. “I also love all the new furniture, especially the benches. It makes me feel like I’m at a restaurant.” New table tops were purchased
and put on top of the old table bases and the walls were repainted in the school’s colors with the art department painting the Sion logo on the wall. The layout of the cafeteria changed, now the tables are grouped in a more restaurant style. “I love the dining room. I love the new color scheme,” McDonough said. “I think it looks clean, brighter and crisper. It makes the dining room look so much bigger. We tried to make the dining room more collegiate looking and not so much like an elementary school cafeteria. That’s why we grouped the furniture the way we did.”
Monthly Speakers Bring Awareness to Wellness Monthly speakers are being brought in to focus on key wellness topics, the first speaker focusing on intellectual wellness. BY MELISSA KOPPERS REPORTER
As the school year is starting again, so is the daily homework and activity load. With everyone’s busy schedules and time-consuming classes it’s easy to get overwhelmed and not accomplish everything on the todo list. Assistant Director of Athletics and Community Wellness Sarah Johnson and the counselors are working to help alleviate the stress by bringing in speakers to help answer any tough questions students may have. “Sometimes just having a different face will help get a message that we already share across,” Johnson said. The first speaker, Dr. Paige Illum, will be coming Sep. 26 and will focus on time management and study skills. Illum has her master’s in higher education administration and Ph.D. in foundations of education and communication studies from the University of Kansas. Illum has held many different positions at Avila University including Director of Student Engagement and Success Adjunct Faculty in the School of Visual and Communication Arts and has worked in higher education for over 25 years, according to Johnson. “I witness their transition from high school to college and find most struggle with managing their time or workload and possessing the adequate skills to
study effectively in college,” Illum said. Every month, the speaker is based on one of the seven dimensions of wellness: environmental, intellectual, physical, spiritual, emotional, social and occupational. For the month of September, Illum will be talking about intellectual wellness and give tips to help students do their best in balancing and working through their schoolwork. “We are going to be pushing the girls here at Sion and with these tips and tricks and speakers will help them to be their best while they are doing that,” Johnson said. The speakers will be in the New Grande Salle and students will be able to bring their lunch and listen to the speech. There will be one session per lunch study hall. Johnson and the counselors are seeking the help from clubs and students for ideas on future speakers based on the seven dimensions of wellness topics. “I think from what I have seen within all of my friends we can learn a lot from time management because we definitely all struggle to keep up with the workload that we get,” junior Claire Lewing said.
THE SEVEN DIMENSIONS OF WELLNESS
Beginning with intellectual wellness in September, each monthly speaker will share expertise in one of the seven dimensions of wellness.
INTELLECTUAL WELLNESS FITNESS WELLNESS
EMOTIONAL WELLNESS
OCCUPATIONAL WELLNESS
SOCIAL WELLNESS
SPIRITUAL WELLNESS
ENVIRONMENTAL WELLNESS
SEPTEMBER 2017
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FEATURES
Despite having her trip last only a few short weeks, senior Hana Visesio smiles in her traditional Samoan wear as she reminisces her time in New Zealand with her family. (Photo by Kaitlin Jones)
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FEATURES
Welcome Home
Senior Hana Visesio reconnects her Samoan roots during her summer trip to New Zealand.
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n a cold, brisk morning, the wind flows through her black hair as she strolls along Waikanae Beach. Waves crash at her ankles and the surrounding beauty of the island continues to capture her attention. With the sun in her eyes, she hears the distant shouts of her cousins arguing over who can run the fastest. This collection of noise grows into a small group all of the same Samoan culture. Then, a crowd of almost 100 people wearing matching sweatshirts arrive from countries spread around the world. Family is what senior Hana Visesio experienced when she traveled to her father’s home country of New Zealand this past summer. After her first trip and family reunion held in New Zealand in 2013, Visesio has become more interested with her Samoan roots. Over this past summer, she immersed herself with her father, Gafo Visesio’s culture at home. However, Visesio was determined to be able to continue doing this outside of the United States. According to Visesio, Gafo told her and her sister that they could only afford for the parents to go. Still desperate to travel, she took the initiative and found a summer job at Hen House to help pay for her airfare. “Everyone would always ask, ‘what are you doing this weekend?’ and I would always have work,” Visesio said. “But in the end it really pays off.” Visesio’s nerves began to kick in around a few hours before meeting her cousins for just the second time. To her, it was about creating the best first impression possible, almost like an important job interview. She hoped they would have something more to talk about than her last trip. When she arrived she felt the wave of relief when her family welcomed her back again as if distance was never an issue.
BY KAITLIN JONES FEATURES EDITOR
“We talked about anything and everything and it was just like I was talking to one of my best friends back home,” Visesio said. “It was like we never even left.” The reunion kicked off with a traditional Ava ceremony. Similar to a “welcome home” party in American culture, the hosts of the visitors threw a ceremonial party. Its purpose is to respect those who traveled long ways to visit. “They know how much it is for us to come over there,” Visesio said. “They really do anything they can to make us feel welcomed and right at home.
“Honestly, I doubt I would get homesick there because I’m so close to all of my family.” - senior Hana Visesio The young 18-year-old male cousins become high chiefs of the ceremony and are presented with a cup of Ava drink, a beer-like substance, in honor of the commencement of the family reunion. It also promotes the sharing of memories and socialization. Others join in on the sharing of Ava. Visesio’s family were all wrapped in a traditional outfit consisting of a skirt and top called “ie lava lava” with many different symbols along the edges. Not only has Visesio practiced traditional Samoan ceremonies, but she and her family make new ones of their own. They pick captains for a reenactment of a popular New Zealand show “My Kitchen Rules.” Similar to “Chopped” in the United States, every family member is split up into teams and compete against each other to see who
can create the best dish. Visesio was chosen as a team captain for the first time. She and her sister were able to bond over this experience including getting a summer job and working to pay for the trip. “Taking the trip with Hana was definitely interesting, especially after she found out she was a team captain,” older sister and alumna Maya Visesio said. “I never knew she could be so competitive.” Samoans value respect in their culture more than anything else. The respect of elders is an especially important part of Samoan culture. The youngest helps the oldest throughout their lives. It is expected that children take care of their parents when they age, which is a dramatic change from the American culture that Visesio is used to. However, this trip shed light on new merits. “[Hana] has always been kind-hearted and happy,” mother Barbara Visesio said. “While not exclusive to the Samoan culture, it is definitely one of their well known traits.” Even though she and her cousins have only visited each other a few times, they feel a strong connection through Samoa, and the values it entails. It is more than a way to act, it is second nature to them. The ability to express this cultural pride within her friends and school is important in this day and age. With over half of the people who attended the family reunion living outside of the United States, Visesio is considering college in Australia or New Zealand in order to be close to them. University is less expensive there in comparison to those in the United States. She is excited to see where her background will take her in the future. “Honestly, I doubt I would get homesick there because I’m so close to all of my family,” Visesio said. “It is like a second home.”
CAPTAIN PRIDE (far left) While she was away, senior Hana Visesio poses with her cousins and fellow team captains after the final round of the family cooking competition. (Photo submitted by Hana Visesio) FAMILY TIME (left) During her trip to New Zealand, Visesio shares recipes and traditional barbecue with her family. (Photo submitted by Hana Visesio)
SEPTEMBER 2017
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STAFF EDITORIAL
1.
3.
2.
Need Inspiration? Check Out These Bloggers
Plant-based Diets Bring Benefits Adopting vegetarian or vegan diets leads to a lower risk of heart disease and a lower carbon footprint, according to research.
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Pixie Turner Plant-based recipes, nutrition information, fitness and travel.
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Steph Yu Vegan recipes, podcasts and lifestyle.
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stephyu.com
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(Photos by Catherine Frerker)
umans have consumed meat since the beginning of history. Eating animal products is such an ingrained part of American culture that eliminating them can seem unnatural and unnecessary. However, research from the Nutrition Society, American Dietetic Association, and the Harvard School of Public Health has consistently shown that vegetarians and vegans live healthier and more environmentally-friendly lives. So people should leave their biases behind and give plant-based diets a try. There are plenty of facts to back this up. Vegetarians have a lower body mass index, a lower average plasma total cholesterol, a lower risk for diverticular disease and a lower risk for appendicitis, according to the Nutrition Society. Most significantly, vegetarians are 25 percent less likely to die of coronary artery disease than nonvegetarians. Vegetarians also have lower blood pressure, as well as a lower risk for type two diabetes and colon cancer than non-vegetarians, according to the American Dietetic Association. Considering all these health benefits, it is well worth it for everyone to try or at least consider going vegetarian or vegan. Even if it is only for a day, trying out a plant-based diet and getting educated about its effects can lead to a positive change in lifestyle and a lifetime of benefits. An additional advantage is reduced impact on the environment. It is estimated that 18 percent of greenhouse gas emissions caused by humans are from livestock, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. Reducing meat consumption would lead to fewer greenhouse gases and slow global warming and ocean acidification, which occurs when the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide from the air. Another harmful environmental effect occurs when grain used to feed animals contributes to deforestation and habitat loss. For example, in Brazil, 5.6 million acres of former rain forest is used to grow soybeans used solely for consumption by animals in Europe,
according to the Vegan Society. Additionally, it is unethical for impoverished nations to grow crops for animal feed while they themselves are malnourished. But if completely eliminating meat seems impossible, try slowly phasing it out or simply eating less of it. Or, increasing daily intake of fruits and vegetables can lead to healthier living. People who eat eight servings of fruits and vegetables each day are 30 percent less likely to have a heart attack or stroke than people who ate 1.5 servings each day, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Advances in Nutrition recommends that at least one half of dietary intake should be fruits and vegetables. Other ways to reduce meat consumption include becoming pescatarian or lacto-ovo vegetarian. Pescatarians can eat seafood, but avoid all other meat products, and lacto-ovo vegetarians still eat eggs and dairy. Or, becoming a semi-vegetarian gives the freedom to eat certain meat but not others. This last approach is a great way to eat healthier without making major lifestyle changes. There is such a large range of options for eating less meat, and there are so many health and environmental benefits, that everyone should consider giving alternative diets a try. Inspiration can easily be found on social media or online, and is very helpful for just getting started. These great sources of encouragement will help bring about a change in lifestyle that may seem hard at first, but its long-term value is priceless. This editorial reflects the views of the Le Journal staff. Twenty-four out of 27 staff members voted in favor of this editorial.
Find These Recipes at lejournallive.com: 1. Vegetarian Mediterranean nachos (recipe from nutritiouseats.com) 2. Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free chocolate peanut butter bars (recipe from beamingbaker.com) 3. Vegan fried rice (recipe from minimalistbaker.com)
OPINION
Exemption Policy Discourages Driven Students student wants to feel confident in her college decision and experience that feeling of certainty after stepping foot on a potential campus. College visits play an essential role in deciding which school a prospective student will attend. The trouble is that the days students BY ANNA TOMKA miss for college visits count against PRINT MANAGING EDITOR eligibility for final exemptions. Teachers encourage students to maintain a goal of finding the As summer transitions into fall, university that fits best for them. the majority of high school students How can students achieve this when think of falling leaves, frigid air they are not exempted? The pressure and the bleachers tightly packed for of missing class keeps seniors from Friday night football. In the case taking the day off since the absences of seniors, however, the subject negatively affect eligibility for of college resurrects and rears its students to waive finals. Essentially, intimidating head. It is that time of students that are motivated to year when they (and some juniors) explore their future schools face rush to visit the schools they are consequences for visiting. Sure, infatuated with. Every graduating
As seniors begin the college application process, missing school for college visits hinder students capability to exempt finals.
the weekend may be available, but visitors miss out on seeing the college in session. In addition, most schools don’t offer tours or information meetings on weekends. Touring is not the same without actual students bustling to and from class. Arguably one of the most important aspects of college is the people. Students want to know about the atmosphere of their prospective school, and should attend a school in the company of others they enjoy or share common interests with. Location is also a deciding factor, with differing preferences on rural and urban campuses. In theory, one may take pleasure in the idea of living in a city, but then visit a college only to discover they prefer the open space and tranquility of a rural campus. Many students are
pursuing schools out of state which leads to an issue of travel time. It’s virtually impossible to fly to popular states such as New York or California and visit more than two universities without missing several days. A solution to this dilemma would be to give seniors a couple of days off in the fall to go examine schools. Or the easier answer is to not count up to two college visit absences towards finals exemptions. It is imperative that students are free to visit schools, especially when brochures and websites cannot do a college justice. On a tour, visitors are able to meet students, walk the quad, try dining hall food and visit dorms. Students want to envision themselves at their university and this can only be accomplished by taking a trip to the campus itself.
Students Benefit from Summer Break The time off during summer offers many advantages to students including opportunities for jobs, internships and other experiences. BY TAYLOR PITZL A&E EDITOR
Students spend their summers splashing in the pool, sleeping until noon and perhaps working a summer job. But when August comes back around, they tend to struggle with getting back into the routine and retaining material from the previous year. Teachers are forced to spend valuable class time reviewing material they have already taught. A study by the Baylor College of Medicine recently highlighted the dangers of this “summer brain-drain.” However, the many benefits of summer outweigh this brain-drain downfall. Although summer can hamper learning, without it students would lose valuable experiences, opportunities and memories. Summer break is an important time for students because they are able to learn in new ways, become more responsible by holding a job and relax and
rejuvenate for the upcoming school year. Since students forget information over the summer, teachers struggle with reviewing all the information students should have already known. Students also find it harder to get back into the routine of school, getting up early, doing homework and actually getting to bed at a decent time. Despite these downfalls, the break gives students many advantages they would lose if summer break was taken away. During the summer, students are able to explore their interests in new and exciting ways that they are unable to do during the school year. For example, senior Amira Alani attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Summer Scholar program. She was invited by the director of the program to be a Summer Scholar intern, since she has been involved in the program for the past year. This wouldn’t have been possible without a summer break. It allowed her to create relationships with UMKC staff and strengthen her decision to go into medicine. Attending programs like this one can expand a teenager’s horizon, help them learn in new ways and give them a chance to explore topics that appeal to them. Summer break allows students to earn some money and learn life lessons by getting a job.
Whether it be lifeguarding or babysitting, getting a job allows students to learn how to apply for jobs, interview and have more responsibility. Getting work experience now can be beneficial later for students while applying for future jobs. It can also teach students about taxes, managing finances and how banks work. Summer allows students the much needed time to relax, de-stress and get ready for the tough year ahead. Even if teenagers do not spend their summer attending academic camps or getting a job, that does not mean their summer was wasted. Many students are over scheduled and overworked during the school year and summer offers a refreshing break. Students can reconnect with friends and create memories that will last them a lifetime. This break leads to higher motivation in students and prepares them to work hard throughout the school year. Although summer may lead to summer brain drain, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. Summer allows students to gain new experiences, take advantage of exciting opportunities and rest and recharge for the school year ahead. Without a summer break, students would suffer from not being able to take advantage of the free time to participate in activities they are unable to during the school year because of their busy schedules.
Meaningful Summer Experiences SENIOR AMIRA ALANI
SENIOR LIVY WOOD
SOPHOMORE GRACE PARROT
JUNIOR CAROLINE HUNTER
UMKC Summer Scholars Intern
Global Leadership Adventures Tanzania
Camp Pinehurst Counselor-in-Training
Mission Hills Country Club Lifeguard
“When I observed the surgery it confirmed for me this is definitely what I want to do.”
“[I gained] an appreciation for the way that I live and the luxuries we have.”
“I learned a bunch of patience because they can be very obnoxious.”
“[It taught me] personal responsibility because you have to get up in the summer and go to work.” SEPTEMBER 2017
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OPINION
Racism Rooted
Deeper Than Stone Americans need to focus on how to remove not just racist symbols, but the inequalities in American society. BY PAIGE RITTER C0-PHOTO EDITOR
Many had no idea there was a Confederate monument among the fountains and perfectly groomed grass until it was boarded up. Yet, on one of the most iconic streets of Kansas City laid a memorial. It stood for the Women of the Confederacy, it stood for southern pride, it stood for racism. But most saw only limestone standing in the park-like median of Ward Parkway. The memorial rested to the west of Troost Avenue. Its home was on the white side of one of the most racially segregated cities in America, according to 24/7 Wall Street. The monument’s removal might resolve the national debate magnified by Charlottesville’s eventual removal of Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s statue. The large geographical, racial and economic divides in Kansas City and the United States, however, are not going to be fixed by boarding up some stone. The removal of Confederate monuments has brought the nation’s focus towards race relations, but not equality. The “racist” and the “entitled” and everybody in between need to focus on what is behind and driving America’s poor race relations, and look for solutions that don’t just settle the current storm, but work towards lasting equality. An always rising 87 percent of Americans believe race relations are a problem in today’s society, and 58 percent say it is a major issue, according to Pew Research. A decisive battle over Confederate monuments and race relations started with the Charlottesville protests and counter-protests Aug 12. The outcome has been a rise in cities taking down still-standing monuments, like in The Confederate memorial, at 55th Street and Ward Parkway in Kansas City, was boarded up on Aug. 20 after it was recently vandalized. (Photo from MCT Campus)
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Kansas City, and cryptic outcries from white supremacy and alt-right groups. This isn’t exactly a sweeping victory for peace or equality. As former slave states turned into the impoverished Jim Crow south, the laws put in place provided a constant reminder of African Americans’ place in society. There was no need for further reminder of their place in the form of a Confederate statue. Not until the Civil Rights movements was there a large spike in the building of Confederate monuments and naming schools after Confederate generals, according to Southern Poverty Law Center. As laws came down, monuments went up and racism remained. Kansas City’s J.C. Nichols’ redlining and racial restrictive covenants while building the suburbs surrounding downtown remain the borders for economic and racial segregation today. Of the 166 zip codes in the Kansas City area, 123 are home to predominantly white residents and three of the city’s zip codes are home to 15.9 percent of the city’s black population, according to 24/7 Wall Street. KC’s white population’s 8.3 percent poverty rate is three times as low as the city’s black population’s 26 percent poverty rate, according to 24/7 Wall Street. Ninety-two percent of America’s black population believes the country hasn’t done enough to create racial equality versus the 62 percent of America’s white population, according to Pew Research. Over two-thirds of blacks distinguish discrimination, lack of jobs and failing schools as the reasons behind America’s inequalities, while roughly one-third of America’s white population believe this to be true, according to Pew Research. So while Confederate monuments have strong ties to racism, their presence isn’t racism itself. Getting rid of Confederate monuments doesn’t remove the deep roots of racism in American society. The monuments belong in museums, not commemorating spots outside courthouses or inside neighborhoods. But in the end, it’s just a slab of stone. America needs to find a way to dig out the roots of racism woven into America’s institutions and fill the holes for a foundation of equality. Until then poor race relations will persist.
HATEWATCH First four according to Southern Poverty Law Center
SKINHEADS SKINHEADS SKINHEADS SKINHEADS SKINHEADS SKINHEADS
Racist Skinheads have 78 active groups in the U.S. Their typical “look” includes Doc Martens, jeans, suspenders, shaved heads and racial tattoos. They began in 1980s, appearing to be non-threatening, rebellious youth. However they are extremely violent, refered to as the “shock element” of the White Supremacists. (Photo from Wikimedia Commons)
KUKLUXKLAN KUKLUXKLAN KUKLUXKLAN KUKLUXKLAN KUKLUXKLAN KUKLUXKLAN
There are 130 active Ku Klux Klan groups in the U.S. They are the most infamous and largest hate group in America. Black Americans are the main target of their hate, but they have also targeted Jewish, immigrants, gays and lesbians. (Image from Wikimedia Commons)
WHITEWHITE NATIONALIST WHITEWHITE NATIONALIST WHITEWHITE NATIONALIST
White Nationalists have 100 active groups in the U.S. White supremacist ideologies can also encompass other hate groups. Their ideology is based on the alleged superiority of whites. They can act violently and use racial slurs, or use academic language and non-violent actions. (Image from MCT Campus)
NEO-NAZI NEO-NAZI NEO-NAZI NEO-NAZI NEO-NAZI
There are 99 active NeoNazi Hate groups in the U.S. Neo-Nazi groups share common hatred for Jews and love for Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany. Some focus on general hate while others have focus towards creating a revolutionary fascist political state. (Image from Wikimedia Commons)
Posters advertising altright.com and displaying white supremacist messages are being displayed on college campuses around the country. Alumna Mary Kate Wilcox spotted this poster on the Kansas State University campus. (Photo by Mary Kate Wilcox)
OPINION
Vlogging: The New Form of Entertainment Vloggers are providing a new form of entertainment on YouTube. BY ANNA TOMKA PRINT MANAGING EDITOR
Pretty soon, many teens will be forgetting about the Kardashians. Today, some of the biggest names in entertainment are Internet stars. YouTube specifically is crawling with video bloggers or “vloggers.” These influencers take their multimillion viewers through their seemingly ordinary lives and share stories from the day. The videos are captivating for fans who want to know more about their icon and though they may seem tedious, vlogs have rightfully been labeled the new reality television. In 2015, vlogger David Dobrik posted his first video on YouTube and since then has accumulated almost five million subscribers. Dobrik publishes three videos a week, each one acquiring an average of three million views. His videos consist of him and his friends (who are also vloggers) simply
messing around or pranking each other. Fast-paced and full of witty humor, Dobrik’s channel is sure to rise in popularity. British vloggers Zoe “Zoella” Sugg and boyfriend Alfie Deyesalso rose to fame on YouTube. Sugg is primarily known for her beauty videos with an impressive 11 million followers. Deyes vlogs their life together on his channel of 4 million subscribers. Fans of Dobrik, Deyes and Sugg are attracted by the authentic content they create. At the same time, viewers are able to have more intimate “relationships” with their idols since there isn’t much room for privacy in a vlogger’s life. Every riveting moment in a YouTuber’s day makes great content for hungry young fans to devour. The quality of life for vloggers doesn’t appear very pleasant from an outsider’s perspective. However, the paycheck makes carrying a camera everywhere sound a lot more appealing. Sugg makes almost $65,000 a month, according to Cosmopolitan. How does she get paid so generously to sit on her bed in front of a camera trying out different brands of makeup? The fans keep Sugg in business, and she is easy to like with her bubbly personality and constant gratitude to
her viewers. Vloggers are being funded by the advertisements played at the start of every video. Businesses are starting to discover the real market is in YouTube ads and the ability to profit from the internet will only continue to flourish for years to come. This generation’s TV set is a laptop. Teens in the United States spend nine hours a day using media as entertainment, according to Common Sense Media. No wonder these vloggers are receiving a startling amount of views. If the Kardashians and other celebrities want to keep up with the times, they better think about vlogging. Annual Job Salaries
$800,000 $640,000
$750,000
$480,000 $320,000
$320,000
$160,000
$180,000
Vlogger
Surgeon
Lawyer
Statistics according to Cosmopolitan and Business Insider.
Storm Fit Makes Morning Fitness Fun Adding Storm Fit to morning workout routines makes leaner, faster and stronger individuals. BY LIZ OLTJEN REPORTER
Nothing is more beneficial to a morning routine than kicking off the day with exercise. Assistant Athletic Director Sarah Johnson’s Storm Fit class is the perfect way for individuals to get their blood pumping and heart racing before school. Storm Fit tests
both the mental and physical strength of individuals, allows students to workout with friends, and cuts the hefty cost of gym memberships and personal trainers. “First and foremost, it’s an opportunity for individuals to work on their physical selves. I believe that when you feel good and you feel strong, and your heart is strong, you do better,” Johnson said. “Your focus is better in class, your attention level, your energy is higher, your social interactions are better because you have a better mood.” The rush of endorphins felt
after a great workout boosts people’s energy and mood. As an added benefit, morning exercise makes individuals feel so good that they usually want to refuel with a healthy meal, rather than starting off the day with junk food according to Women’s Health. For people who exercise frequently, it can be a real hassle to constantly create new workout routines. The best part about Storm Fit is that no planning is needed. Johnson uses an online program called Rack Performance to ensure that each workout incorporates updated exercises to work different muscles throughout the week. “Most days we have a combination of weight training that can During a be with dumbbells, rigorous kettlebells or Storm Fit workout bodyweight resistance, Sept. 1, some form of cardio, freshman some form of core Delaney Minor and and some form of sophomore plyometrics,” Johnson Olivia said. Martin use Exercise is always dumbbells more fun with friends to work around. Storm Fit is a their arms great way to workout and core alongside classmates, muscles. (Photo by rather than training Liz Oltjen) alone at a local gym.
Johnson plays a mix of popular songs during the workout that girls have a blast exercising to. With friends encouraging each other, it’s easier to get active and perform better during a rigorous workout. “My favorite part about Storm Fit is probably being able to hangout with my friends before school and workout out with them,” freshman Maggie Chaffee said. “I also like getting up early and starting my day with a good workout because it gives me energy for the rest of the day.” Gym memberships and personal trainers can be ridiculously expensive. Storm Fit gives students and faculty the opportunity to exercise Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7 a.m. in the gym absolutely free. For those who have worked out with trainers in the past, Johnson’s workout is equivalent to what you would get from any fitness specialist. Storm Fit is the perfect way to save money and get the same physical result. Storm Fit was created to help the student body become leaner, faster, and stronger as a whole. The workouts are designed for people at all levels of athleticism, and all students are encouraged to try it out. “It is set up for anyone so you can kind of do things at your own pace,” Johnson said. “Everyone has to start somewhere. Just show up.” SEPTEMBER 2017
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COVER STORY
Pictured are foods that can typically be found in natural food stores and the health sections of grocery stores. (All photos by Emma Miller)
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COVER STORY
CONSCIENTIOUS CONSUMPTION Alternative diets are growing in popularity. People should be informed about the benefits and side effects of dieting before making drastic changes to daily meals. STORY AND DESIGN BY REPORTER AVA RAWSON, WEB MANAGING EDITOR OLIVIA DOPHEIDE AND REPORTER EMMA MILLER
W
ith the rise of alternative diets, the trendy fad of restricting certain foods is becoming more of a permanent lifestyle for thousands of Americans. Common misconceptions of veganism, vegetarianism, paleo and gluten-free diets are popular, but doctors advise potential followers to cut through the truth before deciding to diet. And the rise in new diets like vegan, vegetarian, paleo and gluten-free have influenced grocery lists for millions of Americans. Here are the ins and outs of the variety of diets Americans practice every day.
DELVING INTO THE DIETS Vegetarianism revolves around the elimination of meat. It is broken down into many different subcategories: lacto-vegetarian, ovo-lacto vegetarian, pescatarian and semi-vegetarian. Following the vegetarian diet requires completely cutting out meat and fish from daily eating habits. People practicing the vegetarian diet can get their protein from soy, whole grains, seeds and nuts. A vegetarian with the typical 2,000 calorie per day diet is recommended to have two and a half cups of vegetables and two cups of fruits per day, according to the Mayo Clinic website. The typical vegetarian, also known as ovo-lacto vegetarian is the most common alternative diet with approximately 7.5 million Americans going meat-free, according to a study done by the Vegetarian Resource Group. But the more specific lacto-vegetarian diet eliminates all meat, as well as eggs. Pescatarians follow the same rules as vegetarian with the exception of fish. Social studies teacher Jenny Brown-Howerton has
followed a vegetarian diet for 15 years. “I definitely think I eat more fruits and vegetables, and I had never tried tofu or lentils before,” BrownHowerton said. Moving deeper into the specifics of the vegetarian diet, veganism is on the rise. It is also a variation of the vegetarian diet. Without consuming any animal products, vegans are limited to fruits, vegetables, grains and other non-animal based foods. However, for vegans or prospective vegans, the number of vegan food options has skyrocketed in the last few years. According to the 2017 Mintel Global Food and Drink report, the number of vegan products increased by 257 percent in the last five years. Along with animal-based foods, vegans usually stray away from animal-based material products, like leather. The strict diets of veganism and vegetarianism present challenges, despite the increasing food options. Junior Gretta Allen has been vegetarian for over a year, but recently is trying to go fully vegan. “Trying to be vegan, it’s hard to find something I can actually eat at a restaurant,” Allen said. One alternative diet that has survived since the paleolithic area is the paleo diet. This diet consists of foods that would have been found approximately 2.5 million to 10,000 years ago. Followers of this diet mostly subsist on foods that could be found using the traditional hunting and gathering method, like lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Like veganism, this diet has a small percentage of foods available to its followers, and eliminates most processed foods. Crossfit competitor junior Isabelle Ianni has been interested in nutrition for years, but made the switch to paleo after other diet changes. Story continued on page 16
SEPTEMBER 2017
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COVER STORY Story continued from page 15...
“The transition process was pretty easy because I was already gluten and dairy free and I limited my sugar intake,” Ianni said, ‘so it was pretty easy.” Continuing to modify food intake, followers of the gluten-free diet mostly make the switch due to medical reasons. However, this newly trending diet is appearing in the non-medical world more frequently. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Although more products are being marketed as “gluten-free,” strict dieters have to be cautious about frozen vegetables in sauces, soy sauce and even toothpaste. Junior Emily Koca follows the gluten-free diet but does not see any benefits for others if there is no medical reason. “I do not think it’s necessary for people to go gluten-free for weight loss because it is good for your body to have some amount of gluten products,” Koca said. “Gluten free does not necessarily equal less calories.” Alternative diets are on the rise for a variety of reasons. Dieters turn toward food modifications for health benefits and medical reasons. The trendiness of alternative diets is partly to blame for the spike in food modifications.
MOTIVATION FOR MODIFICATIONS The multitude of specific diets that have emerged out of long standing trends emphasizes the fact that there are a variety of reasons for the spike in vegan, vegetarian, paleo and gluten-free diets. The increase in media coverage about animal rights, environmental effects, personal appearance and awareness of the health benefits are some of the reasons that can be held accountable. Documentaries like “What the Health” expose the hidden secrets of the meat industry and governmental actions regarding food and health. The documentary’s trailer on YouTube has more than 700,000 views since is was published Feb. 27. This film brought to light the roles played by corporations in the rise of diabetes and other diet related diseases. “It’s based on three components: morals, animals and the environment. So all three of them really have big impacts on the world,” vegan senior Emma Cosner said. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals publicly protest the consumption of meat. They
660 gallons
It takes 660 gallons of water to produce one hamburger. (LA Times, illustration by Emma Miller)
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one burger
DIET MYTHS
FICTION Being Vegan or Vegetarian is more expensive than eating a diet with a lot of meat. Going gluten free is an easy way to lose weight
FACT $$
Gluten
Eating a diet with lots of meat is more expensive than a plant based diet. Eating a gluten free diet, not for medical reasons, has no healthy benefits.
immune system is not equipped to deal with products from today’s agriculture world. “I have a lot more energy, and my stomach doesn’t hurt anymore so that’s good,” Ianni said. Unlike the paleo diet, people who are glutenfree mostly can eat protein, not wheat due to Celiac disease. Eliminating gluten causes most symptoms to vanish. However, other followers of this diet claim to experience similar effects, but there are no obvious benefits if there is no medical reason, according to nutritionist Caryn Martin. Although many choose alternative diets for animal rights and environmental sustainability, Martin recommends putting health first. “The only danger of trying an alternative diet is dehydration,” Martin said. “People forget to drink water when they try a new diet.”
DIET DILEMMAS Removing dairy from diet will make it difficult to get enough calcium.
There is plenty of calcium in green vegetables.
Transitioning to a more plant-based diet and eliminating consumption of a majority of the protein and dairy food groups can be detrimental to a well balanced diet. Clinical Nutrition Specialist Karen Josiah is cautionary towards starting (Illustration by Emma Miller & Ava Rawson) alternative diets, but with aid and research people can find balance in their new lifestyles. too have posted videos exposing the treatment “If any young person is planning to start a diet of animals on dairy farms and slaughterhouses. that’s either vegan [or]altering what they usually The animal rights issue is a main argument for eat please consult a medical provider or a doctor or supporters of the vegan and vegetarian diets. seek the aid of a dietitian, just even a one time visit, Approximately 6 million sows are living on so they could discuss it before going on the diet,” meat farms in America. These mother pigs are Josiah said. “It’s really important to just make sure impregnated about 10 days after you’re choosing the right food.” they give birth to their previous According to Josiah, many I have a lot more piglets, according the the PETA people do not even know where to energy, and my website. The cycle continues until get the food they need for a well stomach doesn’t balanced diet, and consulting a they are slaughtered. In the United States alone, 27 billion animals are hurt anymore. healthcare provider can help guide slaughtered for food every year. - junior Isabelle Ianni them to the correct stores and People also decide to cut meat markets for beneficial foods. out of their diet due to the impacts to Finding replacement sources of protein and the environment. The farming of animals solely calcium can be tricky at the store because there for food causes degradation to the environment are so many options. That is why researching the and soil. Raising animals omits greenhouse replacement products and reading the nutrition gases, while requiring large amounts of food for information is important to ensure the items them. Animal agriculture accounts for about contain similar if not equal dietary benefits. 51 percent of all greenhouse gases, according “If you are going to substitute dairy, for to a study by the Worldwatch Institute. Farms produce about 500 million pounds of manure each year, which eventually runs off into rivers and streams, causing pollution. However, the effects of animal consumption on animals themselves and the environment is only part of the push to try alternative diets. A variety of health benefits have been claimed to be a direct result of going vegan, vegetarian, paleo and gluten-free. Vegetarian diets typically contain less cholesterol and total fats that are example milk, make sure that you are substituting usually found in fatty meats. Since the number that not with almond milk or rice milk which is one cause of death in America is heart disease, not equivalent in protein but that you are choosing according to the American Heart Association, something like a soy milk instead of a dairy milk,” people turn toward alternative diets to lower the Josiah said. risk of contracting diseases. Another piece of advice Josiah offers for “I feel healthier,” Brown-Howerton said. “I a plant-based diet would be to take nutrient would feel gross when I used to eat meat.” supplements. The paleo diet includes meat, yet followers “If you are going to go on a vegan diet or a still seek health benefits. Many people who are on vegetarian diet or any type of diet other than just the complete paleo diet believe that the modern eating from every food group, I would recommend
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COVER STORY
#dietfollowers
@blogilates shares vegan recipes and endorses healthy living through her meal plans and pilates videos. (Instagram)
@sarahs_day maintains a paleo based diet while encouraging intuitive eating and exercise. (Instagram)
@gluten_freeats posts gluten-free meals and deserts to make glutenfree cooking fun and easy. (Instagram)
a multivitamin daily,” Josiah said. looks and lives like. Problems start to arise Two multivitamin brands she recommends concerning the nature of the information for school-aged kids are Flintstones Complete presented and staged concerning diet on social and Centrum Junior. A vegan diet also makes media. This can lead to a false sense of security it difficult to get natural sources of the vitamin when viewing the latest pictures under #fitspo. B-12. In that case, to prevent anemia and other “It makes people more aware, but it’s less complications, vegans may want to consider realistic than in real life because real meals taking B-12 supplements or including vitaminaren’t perfect,” Ianni said. enriched cereals and fortified soy products in Social media may also promote body their diet, according to the Mayo Clinic. dissatisfaction. Dove researchers found in the High protein, paleo diets are attractive largest study of women’s global perception to athletes and people who want to eat clean, of beauty with 10,500 participants, that natural foods. But Josiah encourages wariness nine out of 10 women stop themselves from regarding the effect of too much protein on the eating, and that six in 10 women believe social body. media pressures people to look a certain way. “If you’re not eating Although social media If any young person is a balanced meal there is shows lifestyle choices it some health issues that may not always show the planning to start a diet could occur as far as whole picture. This can that’s either vegan and maybe too much protein lead the viewer to create altering what they usually an image in their mind being heavy and taxing on the kidneys,” Josiah said. of what a healthy lifestyle eat, please consult a Overall, alternative diets looks like. Not everyone medical provider or a can be healthy and supported on that user’s diet looks by nutritionists if people are doctor or seek the aid of a like they do, whether doing it in a healthy way and dietician. intentional or not, not being too restrictive, creating a view of what - Clinical Nutrition Specialist according to Josiah. And for Karen Josiah a vegan or a vegetarian those who want to follow a looks like. healthier diet, making drastic Kayla Itsines, an change is not always the answer. acclaimed fitness blogger with over seven “I really caution individuals to avoid fad million followers, is the creator of the fitness diets or diet trends out there and just try to eat regime Bikini Body Guide. In collaboration to more of a balanced and healthy meal,” Josiah an exercise routine, Itsines produced a meal said. plan with a daily caloric intake of 1,600. This is the United States Department of Agriculture’s recommended calorie intake for an active 5 DIETING ON SOCIAL MEDIA year old. Itsines was in a defamation lawsuit over claims that the meal plan made girls starve Social media is used a number of ways for themselves. people to get information about others’ weight A study by the International Journal of loss journey or share fitness and nutrition Eating Disorders found that women who inspiration. With the rise in awareness of posted “fitstagram” pictures of their meals and others’ lifestyles comes the rise in the spread workouts were strongly linked to compulsive of the dangerous ‘eat like me to look like me’ exercise and more prone to developing an approach to dieting. eating disorder such as bulimia, compared As social media is used to share to other users of Instagram. As a platform, information, it is up to the viewer to interpret Instagram used for fitspiration promotes however they choose, and to distinguish the appearance related goals rather than the fact from the fiction. Social media platforms benefits of exercise in combination with diet. like Instagram allow for people to get a sneak However, social media is also a way to peek as to what a person on a certain diet
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promote clean eating habits. Many accounts have cropped up over the last few years that are dedicated to recipe sharing and positive body image. Accounts serve as a platform to communicate with other dieters and share tips and tricks. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have opportunities to create positive atmospheres, but can also result in negative effects. Before deciding to diet, beware of social media misconceptions, consider speaking with a doctor or dietitian and research sources of vitamins and proteins to ensure a healthy transition.
Where to Find...
Vegan Peanut Butter
Beans Pumpkin Seeds
Vegetarian GREEK
Yogurt
Nuts
Pescatarian Fish (Illustration by Ava Rawson)
SEPTEMBER 2017
17
FEATURES
Remembering to Love This summer Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction Ellen Carmody spent time in Rwanda studying the Rwandan Genocide and the residual effects it still has today.
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BY CECILIA MOHÁCSI EDITORIAL EDITOR
children murdered in front of her and her hands were severely injured and tepping into a memorial for the Rwandan Genocide, cut off. Today, she lives next door to the man who attacked her. Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction Ellen Carmody The stories and experiences that Carmody learned about reflect the is faced with stacks of skulls and piles of bones. The mass graves are extreme chaos and terror that Rwanda faced during the genocide, but filled with human remains. The clothes of the victims are left there Rwanda has been working on reconciliation and moving back to a place of as a memory. Flowers and crosses placed there by family members surround peace. the area. Today, the effects of the violence are still seen and felt 23 years later. “The government said that the only way we are going to get over this This past July, Carmody was a part of a special project through Avila is we have to all live together,” Carmody said. “Everyone University that took her across the world to Rwanda deserves a house just as much as the next person.” to study the Rwandan Genocide. After applying for a People are no longer allowed to say “Tutsi” and “Hutu”. Fulbright-Hays grant at Avila University, she spent one Instead, they must refer to them as victim and perpetrator. month along with other educators from the Kansas Any anti-genocide ideology is not allowed. People go to jail City area traveling throughout Rwanda. They visited for sharing those things. memorials, taught children games and English at schools “It’s an interesting question of free speech versus safety,” and met with the locals still affected by the events today. Carmody said. “Something just tugged at me. It was like something With the start of the school year, Carmody has brought was calling me to do this,” Carmody said. “I applied for a back her new found knowledge and experiences to the Sion Fulbright grant and the idea was to go and learn about the community. Recently, she has been sharing about her trip in genocide, collect resources and then write curriculum to English classrooms and with other members at Sion. bring back to the United States because not a lot of people “I think that it’s really important for us to understand a know about it.” bigger world view and a better global view, especially with The genocide occurred from April to July in 1994 When visiting the Ntarama Rwandan our mission here at Sion,” High School Principal Natalie and began in the capital city of Kigali. Tensions had been Genocide memorial, Carmody saw McDonough said. brewing for years in Rwanda that started in 1916 when large numbers of bones and skulls Along with visiting sites, Carmody was able to go to stacked in rememberance for those Belgian colonists arrived. There were two major tribes who died. (Photo submitted by Ellen different schools in Rwanda and interact with children in Rwanda at the time. The majority were Hutu and the of all ages. A particular school in Gisenyi was created for minority were Tutsi. The Belgians believed the Tutsis were Carmody) young children who are left alone in Rwanda when their superior based on their physical qualities and created mothers travel across the border to the Congo to seek tribal identity cards that Rwandans were required to carry. work. It was founded by pastor and Executive Director of the Ndengera In a span of 100 days, it is estimated that the Hutu extremists murdered Foundation Simone Pierre, a local in Gisenyi who was Carmody’s guide almost 1 million Tutsis and moderate Hutus after the Hutu Rwandan during her trip. president’s plane was shot down and the longtime tensions boiled over. “We have a child development center for children 2 to 5 years of age. “The president was killed, and within an hour, these Hutu extremists They used to be left at the border because the Rwandan government does not were going door to door killing the Tutsis,” Carmody said. “The militias let the mothers take them to prevent human trafficking,” Pierre said. “Our would go to the churches and massacre them inside.” organization took initiative to bring the kids in where our volunteers take Preparing for the trip meant studying and taking classes before the care of them, start their education and feed them.” group embarked for Rwanda as well as many classes taught by the teachers In addition to the education system, the Ndengera Foundation also has there once they arrived. a medical clinic that offers community health insurance. They even provide “We had two day long sessions learning Swahili, which was helpful community development resources by distributing farm animals, a fish pond because it is a Bantu language,” Carmody said. “We read tons of books on and house rehabilitation. the genocide and we learned about the seven stages of genocide. We also did To this day, Pierre can still see the effects of the genocide in his some cultural tests to try to see how our western views might influence our hometown. But the results now are people sharing their lives, living together, experience there.” and supporting one another. The most important thing he wants people to While Carmody was there, she was able to visit memorials and see first learn from the genocide is to take action and never stay silent. hand the destruction the genocide caused to the Rwandan people. Similar to “Use your capacities to promote peace in the world,” Pierre said. the Holocaust, even today people deny that it ever happened. The goal of Carmody’s trip was to learn about the Rwandan culture and “You walk down to this grave, and it is literally just bones. There are just their genocide, and to bring back important lessons for the rest of the world ceiling to floor skulls and you can see the machete marks on them,” Carmody to learn from. said. “That was pretty striking. You can’t walk into a place and see that and “All you need to do is teach love,” Carmody said. “Because if you don’t say that no one was killed here.” teach love, things like this will happen.” With the genocide happening in fairly recent history, there are still survivors who look back on what was done and share their stories. While learning about the genocide, Carmody was able to meet with a couple of Speaking with teacher Mico survivors and hear their experiences. Faustin, Carmody “These stories were amazing. One boy was six at the time and his whole discussed the family was murdered. He didn’t know where to go so he ran to the church to genocide in a hide. He survived by hiding under bodies and when it was quiet, he ran to classroom at the his neighbor. His neighbor was Hutu and he couldn’t hide the boy, but he left Gisenyi Adventist food out every night for him,” Carmody said. Secondary School in Another survivor of the genocide, a woman named Rose, had her Gisenyi, Rwanda. (Photo submitted by Ellen Carmody)
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FEATURES WORK AND PLAY Interacting with young children at a school in Gisenyi, Rwanda, Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction Ellen Carmody smiles as a boy shows her a ball in his hand. (Photo submitted by Ellen Carmody)
SEPTEMBER 2017
19
SPORTS IN BRIEF
MORE TO LEARN
FUNDRAISING FORE
The storm was defeated in a tough softball game against St. Teresa’s Academy on Aug. 29. Though the score was 8-0, senior Kaitlin Dervin said the varsity team plans to learn from their mistakes on the field and use this loss as a stepping stone for the rest of the season to help hone their skills. “Even though we make mistakes on the field, I think the team needs to work on batting,” Dervin said. (Photo by Paige Ritter)
A golf tournament will be held to fundraise for high school athletics at Hill Crest Golf and Country Club Friday Sept. 29. Registration is at 11 a.m. and tee time is at noon. Anyone is allowed to participate in the tournament that was put together by Assistant Director of Athletics and Community Wellness Sarah Johnson. “The goal is to raise funds for our high school sports and create a fun community setting,” Johnson said. (Photo by Melissa Koppers)
STORM SCHEDULE *SEPT 29 VARSITY SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT RAYTOWN SOUTH
*OCT 05 VARSITY VOLLEYBALL VS BARSTOW BARSTOW HIGH SCHOOL
*OCT 07 VARISTY FIELD HOCKEY VS VISITATION ACADAMEY HOME GAME
*OCT 12 CROSS COUNTRY MEET WARRENSBURG HIGH SCHOOL
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WORLD CHAMPION
Freshman Nicole Jackson won not just one, but two World Championships in The World Championship Horse Show in Louisville, Kentucky Aug. 18-25. Both of the championships were awarded in roadster pony driving. Both were also unanimous wins. “I worked hard for it,” Jackson said, “but I was shocked.” (Photo by Paige Ritter)
FOUR YEAR FIGHT Varsity seniors played their final St. Teresa’s Academy match on Sept. 13. The Storm took the Stars to three sets, but STA edged out the win. Senior and outside hitter Ellie Chaffee made the most out of the experience and believed the student section gave the whole team confidence. “I was really excited for the game but also really sad that it was the last time playing against our rivals so it meant a lot to me and all the other seniors,” Chaffee said. (Photo by Catherine Frerker)
Propeck Breaks Through the Storm areas but none stood out like Sion. She loved the golf program, Coach Dana Hoeper’s encouragement and the school’s environment. “It’s great getting to be on the Sion golf team and play BY GRACIE ROBERTS varsity. I love playing as a team and competing with them. REPORTER It’s nice to have someone cheering you on,” Propeck said. With her extensive knowledge of golf from playing For most student athletes, sports tryouts can be for many years, Propeck helps strategize with the other both nerve-racking and intimidating. For freshman players and gets to help all the girls who have never Megan Propeck, they were the beginning of a great lifetime achievement. Breaking the record for the all-time played before. “To us she’s a team member, and she brings a lot of low score in Sion golf team history, Propeck was both knowledge to the game but also a lot of laughter to the surprised and excited. She shot a 66 during the second course as well,” senior Paige Shankland said. day of tryouts at Minor Park, breaking the previous Propeck has learned much from the golf team as record of 68. well. She is so used to playing in competitive summer “I had no idea I had broken the record individual tournaments that it was an adjustment until after the coach e-mailed all the parents,” learning how to play with and for the team as a Propeck said. whole. Propeck began playing golf around age “I don’t know everything about golf by five or six years old at the Blue Hills Country any means and it’s great to learn from some Club. Her father introduced the game to both of the girls on how to play high school golf her and her brother and they both developed a and about different teams,” Propeck said. love for the sport. Her thriving passion for golf is Propeck now said she goes out and credited to her older brother, Jake Propeck, who is a tries to beat her new record. She came senior at Rockhurst High School. close at the Sedalia tournament Sept. 11. “She’s a really hard worker, and has always been “I knew it and was trying to break it,” willing to do whatever it takes to win. We push each Propeck said. “But I ended up tying it. I’ve other to be the best that we can be,” Jake said. always wanted to do something in a way to After years of playing, Propeck finally got leave a mark at Sion in the golf program and to share her talent with the high school team. it was really cool that I could do it this way,” She had talked to many golf coaches from all Propeck said. different high schools from many different (Photo by Paige Ritter)
During tryouts freshman Megan Propeck breaks an all-time school record and tries to leave her mark on the golf team.
SPORTS
Field Hockey Creates a Freshmen Frenzy Field Hockey attracts many new players, despite having only one other team in the area. BY DANI ROTERT BREAKING NEWS
Freshmen flocked to fields all across campus as the fall semester began. With almost 20 freshmen on three different teams, field hockey has the largest amount of freshman for a fall sports team. However, now there is only one other school in the Kansas City area that has a team: The Pembroke Hill School. Even though the sport is not as popular in Kansas City as it is in St. Louis, it attracts many students. “I think it’s popular because no one’s really heard of it, and so freshmen are all just curious about it,” senior Eden Griffith said. Both administration and other students advise freshmen to participate in sports, clubs or activities when starting a new school year. They are seen as a way to get integrated into the student body and associate themselves with school culture. And field hockey does not cut at try-outs. “I was told a lot of people go out for field hockey because you make the team, even someone that has never played it,” freshman Hannah
McGraw said. “And I thought I’m just going to try that even though I’ve never played it before.” Having varsity, JV and freshmen teams offers a place for players of every skill level. The team is made up of people from various middle schools, meaning players have extremely varying levels of experience. Very few players have had prior experience with field hockey before they started their freshman year. As a no-cut sport, field hockey offers the an opportunity for freshmen to meet new people in their grade and upperclassmen who can help them adjust to high school. “I only knew seven or eight [people] coming from my school,” freshman Kate Vankeirsblick said. “So overall field hockey is where I met a bulk of people.” In the past years, St. Thomas Aquinas has also had a team, but now they do not and most of the teams that field hockey competes against are from the St. Louis area. With a limited number of games, the field hockey team focuses more on improving their skills rather than winning games. The continued success of field hockey relies on the eagerness of freshmen, and if this year is any sign, the future of field hockey will be great. “It’s going to be an exciting season,” Varsity ield hockey coach Gywn Savage said. “And the
future looks bright for the team over the next couple of seasons, if we continue to draw the caliber of student athletes to Sion.”
During the annual Purple vs White scrimmage on Aug. 29, freshman Hannah McGraw dribbles up the field towards junior Kathleen McDaniel. (Photo by Paige Ritter)
Dance Team Prepares New Hip-Hop Routine The dance team kicks off their year-long season with a routine in a style they have never performed before. BY KELLY NUGENT WEB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Decked out in brand new white Adidas Superstars, new black leggings and new purple and black ombre tank tops, the dance team ran out
onto the gym floor Aug. 24. As “Bring ‘Em Out” played and the dance team began their routine, the crowd erupted in applause as they realized it’s a new style: hip-hop. As their first performance at a game this year, it was a way to ease the dance team into their rigorous cycle of constantly learning routines, according to senior dance co-captain Mary Evans. Although hip-hop is not the team’s strong suit, it is a change from their regular pom and kick In between JV and varsity volleyball games Aug. 24, the dance team preforms their hip-hop routine while senior Sammie Nesslein dances on her hands. (Photo by Meg Schwartz)
routines, which they perform for both State and Nationals. “Hip-hop was very fun to learn and perform,” Evans said. “It was refreshing to have something new to try.” Although the dance team does not plan to perform this exact routine again for the student body, they are exploring other kinds of dance before competition season. With a hip-hop, jazz and pom dance all combined into one performed at the pep assembly Sept. 1, the team is stepping even further out of their comfort zone. Dance team coach Sherri Vaughn hopes that these performances will help the team when it comes time to compete. “I think learning and performing different kinds of routines makes for a well-rounded dancer,” Vaughn said. “The girls seem to like trying different styles as well.” Hip-hop, although rarely performed by the dance team, is a common routine in competitive dance studios. As one of the featured dancers in the routine, hip-hop is something that has always come
naturally to sophomore Ava Grace Vermillion. “I’ve been doing hip-hop since I was 5,” Vermillion said. “I think it showed how diverse our team can be.” With Nationals Feb. 2-4 and State Feb. 24, the team must start preparing for competition soon and starting out with a different style routine will pay off in the long run, according to senior Sammie Nesslein. “This routine helped us deal with pressure in a performance setting,” Nesslein said. “We will continue to grow in all styles of dance, making us more versatile than other teams at competitions.” With a first place State finish and fourth at Nationals in kick, Evans said the dance team is always striving to do better. Although the team is not used to hip-hop or lyrical numbers, every performance counts. “Every performance opportunity that we get will be helpful in working to meet our goals for Nationals and State,” Vaughn said. “Regardless of the style of dance.”
SEPTEMBER 2017
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FEATURES
Weaving Her Own Way
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FEATURES
Through participation in a variety of aerial sports and contortionism, freshman Riley Weaver hones a unique skill.
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BY MADISEN HANE CO-PHOTO EDITOR
n almost reverent silence saturates the room. Natural light filters in sheets through the large windows on the eastern wall of the studio. A couch, desk and cubbies for shoes and possessions is tucked to the left upon entering through the door. Royal purple and lilac silks billow from their sources in the rafters of the tall room, hanging heavily and stretching down to the floor. Plush mats lay asymmetrically, nearly covering the ground. Three lyras, resembling large black hula hoops, hang from ropes at varied lengths. Freshman Riley Weaver stands tall, stretches up on her toes and then folds forward into a position few people would likely be able to stomach. Weaver rests comfortably with her chin on the smooth tan floor, her feet pointed forward in her line of sight. The trick doesn’t last long, though. She kicks her feet with force one more time, and bounces upright like a spring. Weaver flashes a smile, as if she knows what she just did is extraordinary but, as a contortionist, this is probably the thousandth time she’s performed the routine. Weaver has participated in gymnastics since she was young. From the balance beam to bars to a floor routine, gymnastics was when she first participated in a sport which resembles contortionism. Her roots in acrobatics and gymnastics run deep. “Riley was always doing cartwheels and tumbling all over the house,” Weaver’s mother Angela Weaver said. “We couldn’t watch TV because she would do handstands in the living room.” Her natural flexibility was apparent from a very young age, according to her mother, which encouraged her parents to look into enrolling Weaver into gymnastics lessons. Although many other kids try tumbling or gymnastics lessons to vent out energy, Weaver’s gymnastic abilities took a serious turn when she began her time on a more competitive team. “Once she started kicking us in the head when we were sitting on the couch, we decided it was time to enroll in gymnastics,” Angela said. “She started when she was five and quickly moved on to a competitive team. She was very good on the beam and floor because of her balance and flexibility. She is gifted with SITTING incredible form.” PRETTY During her time on this competitive team, After warming up with a Weaver’s gymnastics coaches noticed her natural stretching flexibility. Weaver recalls being pushed by her routine, Weaver coaches to try more elaborate tricks. laid on her “One day during gymnastics, my coach stomach and asked me to fold my body so that my feet were flipped her legs extended out in front of me and that my chin over her head rested on the floor,” Weaver said. “That was when into one of her it kind of clicked for me that contortionism could basic flexibility poses. This be something that I would try.” pose resembles Weaver participated on this competitive one of the first team between the ages of 5 to 11. Through her contortionist time on the competitive team at Elite Gymnastics tricks Weaver in Lenexa, Kansas, Weaver learned flexibility ever learned. skills that required many hours of work. “This pose is “It got to the point where I was in a base for a bunch of other elementary school and would be at gymnastics advanced for six hours a night,” Weaver said. “It was too poses in much for me.” contortionism,” As Weaver had participated in gymnastics Weaver said. for nearly six years by the time she was 11, she had already trained her body in flexibility and movement sports. However, when she
realized that gymnastics had become too rigorous, Weaver’s relationship to contortionism and related sports first began. “There was just something missing for her in gymnastics. I had heard about a new performing arts studio opening in Town Center Plaza called Lucia Aerial. She tried out a few classes and it just clicked,” Angela said. “Her flexibility built more and more over time. The studio had a professional troupe that performed contortion and acrobatics and Riley was invited to join.” Weaver then began with Lucia Aerial in 2009. Since then, she attends practices three to four times a week. Weaver alternates between open gym sessions working at her own pace, small group classes and one-on-one lessons with coaches. One such coach is Liv Marrow. “I have been working with Riley since the beginning of 2014,” Marrow said. “When she first started, she was so tiny. I was teaching silk classes at the time, and that was where she started. She was such a naturally bendy little kid.” It was through these lessons over the years that Weaver and Marrow worked closely together in developing the ways Weaver practices contortionism today. “I was a little worried when I first started training her. Because of how small she was, I was worried she might dislocate like so many of the smaller girls do,” Marrow said. Much of contortionism involves stretching and training the body beyond flexibility into being able to do tricks and developing routines. “Contortionism is all about building strength so that individuals can learn to hold natural flexibility which already existed,” Marrow said. “Riley and I do some physical therapy work during her training which keeps building on her natural flexibility.” Just like any other sport however, contortionism requires practice in order to see improvement. “I think the hardest part is figuring out how to combine strength and flexibility to be able to do a trick,” Weaver said. “The best part is getting that trick and sort of leveling up. There have definitely been a few times that I’ve gotten a trick and screamed at the top of my lungs.” After attending open gym sessions and lessons at Lucia, Weaver began to participate in different events and even take part in some performances with other contortionists and aerial performers in the Kansas City area. “I’ve actually performed at places like Union Station, the Kauffman Center and at the Kansas City Ballet,” Weaver said. “Sometimes I’ll perform smaller pieces or solo acts. Other times I do larger, more choreographed group shows.” Weaver will be participating in a show titled “Monsters Under the Bed” later this December as well. “Though I do like performing in itself, the best part is being around all of these performers that enjoy your presence as a person and performer,” Weaver said. By folding, bending, stretching and spinning her body, Weaver’s lifetime of performance sports, from gymnastics to contortionism has taken her to different studios and to different stages all around Kansas City. Now, Weaver looks to her future and how contortionism will play a role in it. “A big goal of mine is to make some kind of career out of doing this,” Weaver said. For now, though, the freshman continues to practice with her coaches every week, honing her skills and testing her flexibility more and more. “I guess my favorite part about it all is just freaking people out,” Weaver said. SEPTEMBER 2017
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A&E
Pawn and Pint Proves Board Games Aren’t Dead A new game cafe in the Crossroads district offers anyone of any age to come in and enjoy classic board games with some great food. BY MCKENNA HEEGN SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
The smell of nostalgia embraces me as I open the doors to Kansas City’s first game board cafe, Pawn and Pint located at 221 Southwest Blvd. From across the room I hear an employee shout “Welcome back!” despite the fact that I’ve never before had the opportunity to visit. A different employee then instantly welcomes my friend and I with a smile and gives us the rundown of the place. To our right, a full wall covered with shelves of board games. The greeter explains that they have over 1,000 board games available. The price for entry is only $5, then we are allowed to stay until close. Next is the daunting task of choosing which of the hundreds of board games we want to play. We notice two men waiting
One of the many walls filled with games at Pawn and Pint which include high strategy games, card games, trivia games and many more. (Photo by McKenna Heegn)
to play the game of the Monday mixer night: Betrayal on the Hill. Completely clueless as to what the game is or how it is played, I nervously take a seat at the table and ask if I can join them. Smiles spread across their faces as they introduce themselves and welcome us to the table where the game is about the begin. A bubbly employee named Donald walks over to the table and explains the complex regulations of “the haunting” and “omen cards” to those of us unfamiliar with the game. He leads us through the first few rounds answering all of our questions and reading the event cards with such intensity and enthusiasm that I really begin to feel like I’m in a haunted house, trying to find the traitor alien who is spreading a disease among us. In the end, it turned out we were all aliens and we proceeded to take over planet earth. Even though the game I participated in that night may sound complicated, Pawn and Pint is not. It is a welcoming environment that allows customers to disconnect
from phones and social media and reconnect with your childhood, your friends and even complete strangers. Not only does Pawn and Pint offer all this, but you can also order a vast array of snacks and drinks from Kansas City Kitchen and Pizzeria and The Roasterie. If you’re not sure what game you’re in the mood for, ask any of the employees and they will match you with the perfect game for you and your fellow gamers. If you’re willing to spend hours of your time dedicated to a game, a high strategy game may be your choice. Feeling like playing solo? Choose from one of the many card games and decks they have available. Ready to show off all those useless facts from trivia crack you still remember? Trivia games would be your cup of tea. They even offer the classics like Life, Mouse Trap and Monopoly. Love a game so much
you want to take it home and play it again and again? Browse through the Pawn and Pint retail section where many of the top 100 board games, as voted by boardgamegeek.com, are available for purchase. Every week day there is a theme: mixer Mondays, Sci-Fi night and adventure leagues on Tuesday, Role Play Games on Wednesday, Thursday’s tournament night and finally, fun Friday. On weekdays, Pawn and Pint is open from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m., and on the weekends, the cafe will stay open as late as 1:30 a.m. No matter when customers decide to go there will always be a new game to play, a new employee to learn from and a new friend to make. In the future, students will have to be accompanied by parents as Pawn and Pint has applied for a liquor license.
Mission Taco Joint Offers Twist on Street Food The St. Louis chain opened a new home in Kansas City with creative MexiCali street food. BY LANIE JONES PRINT CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Taco lovers are in luck. Located in the heart of Kansas City off of 18th Street and Oak, sits a perfectly modern, yet rustic Mission Taco Joint. Serving up unique MexiCali street food, MTJ is the place to go for a casual lunch or dinner out. Walking in, customers are greeted by a friendly staff and a relaxed, open space. A mural on the far wall adds a pop of color into the somewhat muted tones of the tables and architecture. This location is one of five, the other four residing in St. Louis, Missouri. Upbeat pop music in the background adds to the vibe, a balance between industrial and beachfront shack. The menu is full of options, offering starters from $4 to $10.50, burritos, tacos and tortas, a Mexican sandwich. Patrons can choose from more typical appetizers like chips and salsa or guacamole, or go for something more adventurous like fries topped with carne asada meat.
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One downside of the restaurant: no bottomless chips and salsa. Instead, the starter can be purchased for $4 which includes two types of salsa: poblano and habañero. Caution: the habañero can and will burn. As for entrees, larger meals like burritos and tortas run for $9 to $12. MTJ charges for tacos a la carte, ranging from $3.25 to $3.75. Taco choices include typical fillings like chicken, shrimp and fish, but also some unexpected ones like duck and tofu chorizo. Most tacos are served on a corn tortilla made from locally produced corn masa. Filled as full as they can be, tacos are stuffed with flavorful ingredients. The shrimp taco is especially amazing, topped with red cabbage slaw, mango salsa, smashed avocado and “mango-hop-anero” aioli. This one is a crowd pleaser for sure. Open from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Sundays, the hours are accommodating even for late-night-taco-cravings. Fair warning, most items have quite a kick to them so be sure to check what is spicy in the dish. If the heat is too intimidating, order sans the hot stuff. Between the inviting atmosphere and fresh, delicious MexiCali cuisine, Mission Taco Joint is sure to be a hit at its prime location in the East Crossroads.
Above are the spicy chorizo, shrimp and baja fish tacos priced at $3.50, $3.75 and $3.25. And below is a decorated wall right inside Mission Taco Joint. (Photos by Lanie Jones)
A&E
Time to Eat the Dough KC Cookie Dough Madness on Holmes serves edible cookie dough like an ice cream shop. BY GRACIE ROBERTS REPORTER Photo by MCT Campus, Illustration by Kelly Nugent
Starting From Scratch As the members of One Direction break off into solo artist careers, some are more successful than others. BY REPORTER ANA PENDERGAST AND WEB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KELLY NUGENT
Net Worth Niall Horan 70 Million
Harry Styles 75 Million
Liam Payne 60 Million
Zayn Malik 65 Million Louis Tomlinson
50 Million
“Back To You” “Strip That Down” Streams on Spotify* Zayn Malik 562,691,547 Liam Payne Louis Tomlinson 278,384,366 311,135,045 Harry Styles 236,258,666
Niall Horan 218,664,509
*STREAMS ON SPOTIFY ARE AS OF SEPT. 15
“Sign of the Times”
“Pillow Talk” Each artist’s most popular song, according to iTunes.
“Slow Hands”
Who Will Be The Most Successful? Twitter Followers
Louis Tomlinson 3 votes (3%)
#1 @NiallOfficial
Liam Payne 4 votes (3%) Niall Horan 13 votes (11%)
32.9 Million
#2 @Harry_Styles 31 Million
#3 @Louis_Tomlinson 27.1 Million
Harry Styles 78 votes (66%)
Zayn Malik 20 votes (17%)
#4 @LiamPayne 26.8 Million
#5 @ZaynMalik 23.2 Million
FROM A LEJOURNALLIVE.COM STUDENT POLL
I scream, you scream, we all scream for...cookie dough? That’s right. Cookie dough. Driving into Gomer’s Corner Shopping Center, the large hot pink words “KC Cookie Dough Madness” are eye“Monster Munch” is one of catching. Between the the most popular flavors at KC Cookie Dough polka dot walls and Madness (Photo by Lanie the smiling employee Jones). greeting guests at the door, the cookie dough shop radiates friendliness and comfort. KC Cookie Dough Madness, located at 9928 Holmes Road, is a small franchise that sells edible cookie dough served ice cream style. With it’s humble beginnings in a small shack in the parking lot close to Red Bridge Baptist Church, the company decided to open a second location on Holmes Road in August. The idea of an edible cookie dough shop is a welcome answer to those who have had to sneak bites from a mixing bowl. Now there is a dedicated spot where Kansas City can get a whole scoop (or two) and eat the whole cup without the raw egg worry. Only time will tell if this new trend is here to stay. In the meantime, KC can not get enough of this cookie dough madness, so watch out fellow ice cream and cookie shops, a new kid is on the block. KC Cookie Dough Madness serves up seven flavors to fulfill everyone’s childhood favorites, from classic chocolate chip to peanut butter and all the flavors in between. Prices range from $4 to $6.50 depending on single, double or triple scoops. While workers scoop the cookie dough into a bowl or waffle cone, mouths water in anticipation. With the first bite, the creamy cookie dough captures the perfect blend of chocolate chips and hot fudge in the flavor Brownie Love. This combination of a classic ice cream sundae is like licking the batter off the bottom of the bowl. The shop is only open on ThursdaySaturday from Noon-9:00 p.m. The shop keeps a constant flow of thrilled customers eager to try the new twist on a well-known dessert. Saturday’s are pint nights. All flavors come in a pint for grab and go ease. If a pint seems like too much, just freeze the leftovers and have cookie dough madness all week long. Grab a friend and go check it out. Everyone needs to try out this new trend. There is no other dessert shop that brings the joy of cookies in a waffle cone. SEPTEMBER 2017
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A&E
WAKING UP WELL
72%
Getting back into the morning routine means struggling with early alarms, making caffeine trips and scrambling to make breakfast before school. Consult these tips to make mornings healthier and less hectic. All responses based on a survey of 51 Sion students.
of students report regular consumption of caffeinated beverages.
BY MEG SCHWARTZ PRINT CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
CAFFEINATE WITH CARE According to LIVESTRONG the healthiest way to consume caffeine is to drink it in moderation and in the mornings. LIVESTRONG recommends consuming caffeine in the form of coffee or tea, rather than soda or energy drinks.
Grab ‘n’ Go Protein Balls Make this recipe Sunday night for breakfast and snacks all week.
52%
Ingredients: 1 cup natural peanut butter 1/4 cup honey or 1/4 cup brown rice syrup for a vegan version 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (use glutenfree oats, if needed) 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut pinch of salt 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (use vegan chocolate chips, if needed) 2-4 teaspoons water or additional vanilla extract
of students report eating breakfast in the morning before school.
Directions: In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter, brown rice syrup or honey and vanilla extract. Stir in the oats, coconut and salt until well combined and then add the chocolate chips. If the mixture doesn’t hold together well when pinched together, add the additional water or vanilla, a teaspoon at a time until the mixture holds together well when pinched. Form 1” balls by pressing about 1 tablespoon of the mixture together.
29%
Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for 1 week.
of st repor udents t read ing a new s sourc e in t morni he ngs.
WAKE UP CALL
Eighty-eight percent of students report having difficulty waking up in the morning. Try the alarm apps below to get moving in the mornings without the struggle. ALARMY
SLEEP WELL HYPNOSIS
LOUD ALARM CLOCK
LEJ Below a news re a few o now f the sourc stude es. nts’ fa vorite
SLEEP CYCLE
Snapc
hat
NPR n
ews
Buzzfe
ed
Apple
Smart
News WSJ Twitte r NYT
CNN
USE IF: you need to get all the way out of bed to wake up PRICE: $1.99 DESCRIPTION: Boasting the title “world’s most annoying alarm app,” Alarmy requires the user to take a photo of his or her bathroom sink in order to dismiss the alarm.
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USE IF: thinking too much keeps you up at night PRICE: FREE DESCRIPTION: Designed for users who stay up late due to anxious thoughts, this app utilizes hypnosis to soothe the user to sleep through 25 minute soothing audio sessions.
USE IF: regular alarm volumes aren’t loud enough PRICE: FREE DESCRIPTION: Made for users who are unable to hear regular phone alarms, Loud Alarm Clock boosts the volume on the phone and plays a randomized noise such as a fire alarm to wake the user up.
USE IF: Waking up feels abrupt or sleep feels low quality. PRICE: FREE DESCRIPTION: Sleep Cycle allows the user to choose a 30 minute window in which to wake up. Analyzing the user’s sleep, the app goes off at the optimal time in order to wake up feeling rested.
News
A&E
Boutiques Are On the Rise in KC
The view from the entrance of Monarch Coffee shows off the clean aesthetic and layout. (Photo by Lily Drouin)
BY MOLLY CONWAY REPORTER
Carrying trending brands and popular items, boutiques are now the place to purchase more one-of-a-kind items. The following boutiques offer unique styles and aesthetics for the shopper looking beyond chain store offerings. (Photos by Molly Conway) Indicates boutique’s best-selling item
$$ Indicates price range of the boutique’s best seller
THRESHING BEE 5501 W 135th St. Overland Park, KS 66223
Rompers
$$ 50-75
ADDIE ROSE 4870 W 135th St. Leawood, KS 66224
Jeans
$$ 54-78
SCOUT & MOLLY’S 5228 W 119th St. Leawood KS 66209
Dressy tops
$$ 54-120
ETIQUETTE 11549 Ash St. Leawood, KS 66211
2-piece sets
$$ 60-80
DOTTIE’S 4046 W 83rd St. Prairie Village, KS 66208
Dresses
$$ 32-62
Just Another Cup It may be new to Kansas City, but Monarch Coffee is the same as every other coffee shop. BY LILY DROUIN REPORTER
An up-and-coming hipster coffee shop sits on the corner of Broadway and Knickerbocker Plaza—Monarch Coffee. In Midtown Kansas City, Monarch Coffee adds another name to the list of coffee shops. With the scent of freshly roasted coffee beans filling the heads of customers when they walk in, it’s like walking into any other coffee shop, but with better design and cheaper prices. In Monarch Coffee, customers are drawn in by the simplicity of a black and white aesthetic paired with cool-colored floral wallpaper for contrast. The circular light fixtures hanging from the ceiling brings a calming feeling, plus, it’s an open space with big windows to let natural sunlight in. Along the windows are black benches near the entrance. Black stools are scattered around the floor with white marble table tops, bringing a sleek look. Open from 7a.m. to 7p.m., Sunday through Saturday, there is always time to grab a coffee before school or hang out with friends. Owners Tyler and Jaime Rovenstine teamed up to bring their vision to the public. Tyler, working as a barista for 13 years, makes the coffee and Jaime designs. According to the owners, Monarch Coffee is a blend, or “union,” of coffee and art into one casual place to chill out. There are options on the menu such as Hugo teas from Hugo Tea Company and oat milk, a substitute for dairy milk. These options did not stand out because it seems they are served everywhere. The obvious simplicity of the space adds to the overall atmosphere. The menu is clear and easy to read. It is spaced perfectly so customers will not be overwhelmed when they go to look at it. Simplicity is key when customers are figuring out what they want to buy. If the menu is packed full of different items, it is not reader friendly and can be overwhelming. At Monarch Coffee, the prices are fairly cheap. This is great for students who need to go in for a quick coffee before school. The normal iced coffee is $3 plus tax and a 10 oz. cup of coffee is market priced, as well as the pastries. This means depending on how much of something there is in stock, the price will vary. The different teas are sold for a price range of $2.50 to $3.25. Monarch Coffee is busiest during the times of 9 a.m. and 12 p.m., so be careful. Throughout the day, the customers will fluctuate in and out so there are constantly a few people there. The lines at Monarch Coffee can be long in the morning since there is only one place to order and pick up food or drinks. The benches are open for the convenience of customers who are getting drinks to go and are in a rush so they will not have to search for a seat. When it comes down to it, Monarch Coffee is just a coffee shop. Besides the aesthetic and decor, Monarch Coffee just becomes another option on a list when you look up “coffee shops in Kansas City.”
SEPTEMBER 2017
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FRESHMEN FESTIVITIES The class of 2021 kicked off the school year with welcoming traditions like Beanie Week and a carnival themed field day.
1.
2.
3.
1. Freshmen Lia Concannon and Kennedy Ruark gasp as Concannon reveals her silver sparkling temporary tattoo during Freshmen-Senior Field Day. “It was fun being able to spend time with my friends at school like that,” Concannon said. (Photo by Lanie Jones) 2. Freshman Aprille Castaneda makes a winning toss while playing a game of cornhole with freshman Aly Heefner during Freshmen-Senior Field Day. “Even though our opponents tried to claim that we lost, field day was still really fun overall,” Castaneda said. (Photo by Lanie Jones)
28 SEPTEMBER 2017
4. 3. Freshman Olivia Pope gives a thumbs up and flashes a smile towards a Kansas City Fire Department fireman while trying on some fire safety gear during Freshmen-Senior Field Day. “Freshmen Field Day was really fun,” Pope said. “I met a lot of new people too.” (Photo by Lanie Jones) 4. Freshman Kate Vankeirsbilck holds out a soccer ball after being gifted her beanie during the annual freshmen beanie presentation ceremony. “At first, getting my beanie wasn’t so bad,” Vankiersblick said. “Then I realized I had to wear a bucket on my head for the rest of the week.” (Photo by Molly Conway)