The Miegian Newspaper: February 2024

A CULTURE OF LOVE

Students reflect on the pressure of Valentine’s Day and its emphasis on dating

It is with great joy I present to you our second issue of the year. This is a product of many hours of hard work and determination from every person on staff. I want to thank all of the writers and designers for producing quality work, it has been so exciting seeing all of your creations come together. A special shout out to the photography team for continuously putting in an enormous amount of time and effort going to events and taking amazing pictures, and thank you to Sally Panis for doing so much to make the pages come to life. I hope you love the issue as much as we loved creating it, and find out something new about the interesting people featured in the stories.

BY ELAINA GIBSON WEB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Check out the reporting on bmpress.org.

OTHER RECENT STORIES

NEWS BRIEFS

LOCAL

FLYING HIGH

According to the Kansas City Star, the Kansas City International Airport had a close-record of travelers, coinciding with the year-end passenger traffic numbers. Over 11.5 million passengers flew in and out of the airport, marking a 17.7% increase compared to 2022.

SCHOOL

LOCAL NATIONAL

WORLD CUP

Kansas City has been selected to host the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals along with five other matches. Finalized on Feb. 4, the games will go from June 16 until July 11, 2026.

AWARDS/MEMBERSHIPS

Kansas Scholastic Press Association

National Scholastic Press Association

Journalism Education Association

Journalism Educators of Metropolitan KC

The 2022-2023 Miegian Staff earned an All-Kansas rating from KSPA, an All-American rating from NSPA and were the state champions in the 4A division.

EDITORIAL POLICY

The Miegian and Bishop Miege Press are published by the newspaper staff of Bishop Miege. The editorial board decides the content of each issue. Opinions expressed are the views of the writer. The Miegian welcomes material (letters, guest columns, feedback) from the community.

This material will be reviewed by the editorial board and published based on the publication’s letters policy criteria. Materials can be dropped off in

the journalism room, emailed to newspaper@bishopmiege.com or mailed to the newspaper in care of Bishop Miege. All letters and columns must be signed. The staff reserves the right to edit letters for length, language or potential libel, and to refuse any articles or advertising submitted. All opinion pieces submitted should contain an email address and a phone number where the writer can be contacted because the staff will confirm all letters.

BOOKWORMS

Packing books for pickup, senior herd execs Peter Dessert, Carly Kurt and Kate Pedrotti showcased their herd pride in the book drive. A donation of 2,800 books was made to Lead To Read KC. Perrini placed first with 769 books and Lucas in second with 741 books. Catholic Schools Week also collected stuffed animals for the I AM Dom Foundation.

CEOS ACCUSED

The heads of five major social media platforms testified in Washington on Jan. 31 before the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding protecting children online. The Earn It Act, the Shield Act, the Project Safe Childhood Act and the Report Act hope to act as safeguards for young people’s online experiences.

PHOTO | PIXABAY

PHOTO | PIXABAY

PHOTO | PIXABAY

PHOTO | COURTESY OF JESSICA SWITZER

THE END OF SNOW DAYS

Students adjust to the new learning from home policy

BY MC DUNN STAFF WRITER

Walking outside, students were greeted by yards covered in white blankets of snow, frosty-glazed roads and bone-chilling winds. This weather has kept students cooped up inside as negativedegree temperatures forced schools into canceling. However, these four January snow days looked special this year, as a new snow day policy was adopted to prevent school year extension.

The administration collaborated with other Archdiocese schools to develop solutions for hazardous weather conditions. Dean of Students Alex Keith believes enforcing a snow day policy backs this issue, as remote learning can qualify as a school day.

“In a typical year, we have anywhere from six to eight built-in snow days,” Keith said. “However, for example, we had a gas leak last year and had to call off school, so this year we prepared for potential incidents that could cause school off.”

School started a week later than usual due to construction, resulting in less room for snow days. On top of avoiding a stretched school calendar in spring, Keith discussed other benefits that come with virtual days.

“Online school keeps students in the mindset of learning and obtaining the content that they need to learn at school,” Keith said. “It does not replace in-person

learning, as that is my ideal school day. I think it’s a good supplement to implement, rather than just not doing anything.”

Online learning may look across different households, as students’ home lives can be filled with various distractions. Sophomore Kierstin Moore faces challenges with virtual days in her environment.

“I have three dogs, three siblings and my pets are always barking while my siblings are constantly wanting to talk,” Moore said. “So it gets very loud and frustrating in my house, especially when I am trying to focus.”

While doing school work from home comes with some adversary for Moore, she also appreciates the perks that come with remote learning.

“Despite those distractions, I do like being able to work at my own pace and switch between different subjects,” Moore said. “It just can be difficult at times but overall I am grateful we will not have to add days.”

Students like Moore may experience obstacles such as home life distractions on snow days, but the policy was put in place with potential driving distances in mind. Sophomore Devyn Davis expressed how traveling to school under poor weather conditions affected his mornings and safety.

“I live 25 minutes away, and so the highway sucks whenever it is raining and snowing,” Davis said. “On those days I usually have to leave way earlier to drive slower than usual, and it takes up a lot more gas too. I also see wrecks over my shoulder more during that kind of weather.”

HOW DO YOU SPEND SNOW DAYS?

"My favorite thing I did over the snow days was painting my nails and getting to sleep in."

SOPHIA NGUYEN '26

With a wide variety of backgrounds in the school community to consider, administration overall prioritizes student safety when making snow day calls.

"We were cognizant as an administrative staff to make school start and end on time this year,” Keith said. “Even just gaining back five days right away is going to be huge for us, and we will continue looking for new ways to address issues. I find that this policy was the best situation that we have for our current circumstances.”

WHAT IS A "LEARN FROM HOME DAY"?

- Students can sleep in

- Teachers post assignments by 10 a.m.

- Work submitted by 11:59 p.m.

"It was pretty great since I got to go sledding with my friends."

ELIER PEREZ ‘24

HARD AT WORK Focused on his assignment, freshman Logan Gassett follows a Google Slides presentation for notes. Students adpated to the new snow day policy as the gym renovations and innovation lab made school start one week later than expected. In the month of January alone, four days happened due to icy conditions and a pipe break in the parking lot. I

SOPHIA GASSETT

CINEMA RETURNS

Blockbusters revive cultural love of movie theaters

BY SALLY PANIS PRINT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

With COVID-19 restrictions, the culture of cinema became displaced and ultimately vanished from American life — until now. With blockbuster movies like “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” this past summer, gathering a group of friends or family to enjoy a film in theaters revives an essence of tradition, as movies serve as a relatable invitation to experience a new world.

This contrasting film duo reestablished for many the familiar routine of watching releases in person since the COVID-19 pandemic. The “Barbenheimer” phenomenon quickly shifted into the stimulus necessary to resolve the missing element in the film industry — attendance. Instead of leading the cultural conversation around seeing a movie, it molded a viral campaign centered on experiencing movies again.

However, for senior Arasto Sadeghi, he believed "Oppenheimer" was overhyped as he noticed many struggled to finish the film. His favorite film of 2023 “Killers of the Flower Moon” also held this same issue of length.

“I think just being interested in observing different fictional worlds and non-fictional worlds started my love of movies,” Sadeghi said. “'Killers of the Flower Moon' is a true story of how the FBI began. Just watching and observing these stories is interesting to me."

According to freshman Ella Daniel, the

sights and sounds, intertwined with the atmosphere of a darkened movie theater produce a connective experience that’s strikingly different from that one at home.

With the return of film cycles, “Hunger Games: The Ballad of Snakes and Songbirds," "Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” and “Priscilla” sent all generations back into theaters.

I like to watch movies to relax and decompress after a long day. “

“ SENIOR ARASTO SADEGHI

"My parents introduced me to movies," Daniel said. "That motivated me to watch them on my own and find my own taste."

In March, the 96th Academy Awards will honor the best films of 2023. However, both Sadeghi and Daniel found many nominations disappointing as standout stars failed to receive an opportunity for an award.

“DiCaprio is a very good actor, and for years he's had trouble winning and being nominated for Oscars,” Sadeghi said. “In this movie ['Killers of the Flower Moon'], he especially was snubbed, due to being able to display a great deal of emotion

throughout the movie in various ways, whether it be small nuances with his head movements, but he did a very good job.”

For Daniel, it was Margot Robbie as “Barbie” due to both her quality of performance and commitment to wearing archived Barbie-inspired looks.

Many also applauded fellow Barbie co-star America Ferrera for earning a nomination and opening up more diversity in the field.

"The scene where she and Margot Robbie talk about the pressure to have a perfect body connected with me," Daniel said. "It proved everyone feels that way and just really hit me."

Like Daniel, 52% of students believed Margot Robbie was snubbed and 15% found director Greta Gerwig snubbed, according to a survey of 148 students.

“Margot Robbie definitely should have been nominated,” Daniel said. “I loved Barbie and thought she was one of the strongest actors of the year.”

Sadeghi finds movies can offer space away from the repeating demands of everyday life or as a tool to study the craftsmanship of different directors.

Both Daniel and Sadeghi found this form of media to provide a space outside of reality to ignite their imagination and critical thinking skills.

“For 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' directed by Martin Scorsese, what makes a good director is someone who's willing to go into great detail whether it be for any purpose,” Sadeghi said. “I think for myself I like to watch movies to relax and decompress after a long day."

EVERYONE’S YOUR VALENTINE

Valentine’s Day celebrates all types of love, wherever it resides

BY MIEGIAN EDITORS STAFF EDITORIAL

The era of love is upon us.

Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular holidays. As the day approaches, it can be difficult not to compare one’s own relationship status with others. As a complex emotion, love can be hard to navigate in a world that seeks to define it superficially. After all, Valentine’s Day is simply a celebration of love, not necessarily romantic love.

Before individuals can love others, they must first love themselves. Love is felt internally and externally, which is tough to figure out. It sometimes feels like a battle, trying to experience love while struggling with internal self-worth. The best way to handle Valentine’s Day as a single person is to realize that love comes in many forms.

Love can be familial. When examining how Valentine’s Day can be celebrated, remember that there is not just one type of love. Family holds extreme important and should be thought of on a day that places love at the center of everything. I’m sure Grandma would love a phone call or even a text on a day of joy. If family is not an available option, count on friends to bring Valentine’s Day cheer.

Love can be friendly. Making friends makes the high school experience much more enjoyable for anyone. Friends can either be an extension of familial support or the support for a person. Valentine’s Day can be a time to tell friends that they are loved and appreciated. Going out to dinner with friends on the day of love exemplifies the whole point of the holiday. Friends can exist on

a few levels, but Valentine’s Day is a reminder to all in question that they are loved, even if it’s just by one person.

Obviously, love can be romantic. It is imperative to show one’s significant other that they care because it maintains a strong and healthy relationship. Spending time

“ Before individuals can love others, they must love themselves.

“

MIEGIAN EDITORS

with one’s partner on Valentine’s Day is one of the most classic forms of celebration, but it is not the only one.

Don’t let Instagram posts or cheesy movies distract you from the real truth of Valentine’s Day. That type of love may seem real but it can also be fake and filtered to seem like a happy-go-lucky Disney ending.

Love can also be selfdefined. Since love is a wide spectrum, it can truly be whatever one wants it to be. You do not have to be romantically involved with someone to be happy, despite what the media or anyone may say. We are

made to live fully and joyously in every period of our lives.

Just because you don’t have a partner to see does not imply that you must wallow in self-pity or eat a box of chocolates alone. Love is all around. Whether it’s at school, home, work or somewhere more specific, love can be found. Go beyond Hallmark’s definition and enjoy the love around you because it is eternal.

Valentine’s Day brings the immortality of love to light. It celebrates the idea of love in all its forms. As the Valentine’s Day season rolls around, allow yourself to celebrate the current love in your life whether it’s a hug from a parent, a call from a friend, a date with a significant other or anything that brings you the freeing feeling of love.

BALANCED LOVE LIFE

ILLUSTRATIONS |

Familial

Romantic

Friendship

SALLY’S 2024 PODCAST PICKS

BY SALLY PANIS PRINT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

LIVING WITH EASE

Q:

A:

What is this podcast about?

PSYCHOLOGY OF YOUR 20’s

Q: A:

What is this podcast about?

Hosted by Jemma Sbeg, a mental health advocate and psychology grad living in Sydney, Australia, this podcast attempts to explain why our 20s are monumental in change. The transition to becoming “real” adults holds challenges that shape key life lessons. Episode topics range from impostor syndrome to the troubles regarding first love, loneliness, rejection and identity. Listen to grow in understanding surrounding the perspective of research from every area of psychology.

Callie Wilson is a TikTok influencer known for documenting snippets of her life in law school, romantic relationships, recovery and identity after college. Wilson adopted the phrase “with ease” as she navigated early adulthood in New York with her audience. Living With Ease offers a new vulnerability to Wilson’s personal life, with recent topics and conversations like “Exiting Situationships With Ease,” “Being Your Own Best Friend With Ease” and “Getting Through Law School With Ease.”

THE MATCHA DIARIES

Q: A: What is this podcast about?

With cups of matcha, endless conversations grew with each sip, prompting hosts Cara and Leo to make The Matcha Diaries. This podcast serves as an invitation into their reflective dialogue and relatable experiences. Recently, the pair answered journal prompts to dive into their biggest takeaways from 2023 with questions like: What do you want to leave behind from the past year? If the energy of your past year could be encapsulated by one word, what would that word be? The episode ended with listeners detailing what growth sprouted in 2023. With profound vulnerability from these recordings, the powerful connection The Matcha Diaries offers pursues a new level of comfort and enjoyment.

PHOTO | COURTESY OF JEMMA SBEG

BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Student groups create music that connects cultures

BY ELAINA GIBSON WEB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

After a of night playing nostalgic tunes with a mix of indie and alternative rock, The Mellows, made up of seniors Benedict Balino, Luke Atwell, Sergio ValdiviaMora and Diego Melgoza eat brownies made by Atwell’s grandma and enjoy spending time with each other sharing their love for music.

The group was formed during the boys’ sophomore year taking on many names, such as Private Eye and Melio before eventually settling on Mellow. ValdiviaMora came across a word he liked the meaning of, and the members played around with it until they found the perfect fit.

“We have gone through a few different names, but this one stuck,” Atwell said. “We derived it from the term ‘meliorism,’ which is the belief that humans have the power to make the world a better place.”

The band’s common music tastes initially brought them together but what keeps them well-balanced is a strong friendship.

“We try our best to keep each other close and, honestly, when we practice together we get to know each other better because with good music comes good conversations,” ValdeviaMora said. “Those conversations that we have are some of my favorite memories together so far.”

Senior Bibiana Cervantes and junior Joshua Ortiz Melgoza’s band, Souluna, also incorporates close friends who share strong ties attributed to the group knowing each other since childhood. The bond has only grown stronger from spending hours a week together during practice.

MEET MELLOW

“We have all known each other since we were young, but being in a band lets us spend a lot of time together, so we learn a lot of new stuff about one another, which has made us all super close,” Cervantes said.

The members of Mellow try and practice once a week but with other musical endeavors at school and work, the band is left with a practice schedule of about once a month. Each band member looks forward to graduation, as the group can focus more on developing its sound and building up the setlist, aspiring to one day play in front of an audience. Currently, however, they are content with finding beauty in the music they create.

“

I love the ability of expression that music gives you. SENIOR SERGIO VALDIVIA MORA

“

“I think playing in private just lets me enjoy listening and playing with my bandmates,” Balino said. “Listening to one instrument and playing guitar just by yourself is nice, but it’s a completely different feeling when you have all the instruments together.”

To compensate for the lack of practice time, each person learns the music for his instrument to a song, so when the band unites everything flows. ValdiviaMora practices almost every day working on mastering his instrument, the bass, and playing his favorite genres. Being involved in the school band and performing instrumentals in the last two school musicals, he uses his love for making music as inspiration to improve his skills.

“I practice a lot of different kinds of jazz, blues and funk, as I have loved the stylistic sounds since I was a kid, especially with all the cool pieces of music that can be found within those genres,” ValdiviaMora said. “As a kid, my parents would hand me many CDs

of different kinds of Latino music, and I would listen to that too.”

Most of the band members are self-taught in their respective instruments and have spent hours practicing, finding aid in YouTube and other apps to get to the skill level they are at today. However, Atwell has made great strides in his instrumental endeavors with the help of lessons.

“I first learned music from my piano teacher at the age of 5, and I have learned to play about six instruments at this point, my favorite being the drums,” Atwell said.

But just knowing how to play the instrument is only a piece of the puzzle. According to Melgoza and ValdiviaMora, they feel a deep connection to what they play and find it an easier opportunity to grow closer to people.

“I love the ability of expression that music gives you,” ValdiviaMora said. “I personally find that music can really interpret one’s feelings just as well if not even better than what can be said in words. It’s an easier way to bond with others.”

Forming an attachment to the audience is an important thing for Ortiz Melgoza and it’s what makes playing in front of people worth it. Souluna finds gigs all around the Kansas City area, eager to play no matter what the compensation.

“Just seeing people’s reactions is amazing,” said Ortiz Melgoza. “We play a lot of Latin rock and old stuff people recognize, so seeing them get excited over it is really fun.”

As the bandmates work together to produce songs, work on technique and build their sound, the music becomes more than just instruments sounding good together.

Whether performing in front of an adoring crowd or finding solace in playing for themselves, the bands have created something special, that is meaningful to each individual.

“This is really important to me because this is something we are able to control,” Cervantes said. “Instead of the language controlling us, we can create it and change it in our own ways.”

SINGER & GUITAR: BENEDICT BALINO (right)

DRUMS: LUKE ATWELL LEAD GUITAR: DIEGO

MELGOZA BASS: SERGIO

VALDIVIAMORA (left)

PHOTOS | COURTESY OF BENEDICT BALINO

SETLIST:

“Tristes Ojos”

“Amtrack”

MEET SOULUNA

POSING FOR THE CAMERA

Senior

Souluna’s style and

Cervantes particularly enjoys practicing because she get to spend time with her friends. The band practices up to four times a week depending on how soon a performance is.

| COURTESY OF JOSH

“Creep”

“Black Lipstick”

“Camisa Negra”

“Vete con el”

MELLOW’S

INSPO:

Vacations Nirvana

Slowdive

Her’s

ISRAEL

Bibi Cervantes and junior Josh Ortiz Melgoza showcase

personality.

ORTIZ MELGOZA

STRUM ALONG Playing the guitar, junior Josh Ortiz Melgoza practices old Latin rock cover music and original songs. “I’d say one of my favorites is a song called ‘Batista Solace,’” Ortiz-Melgoza said. “That translates to sad eyes, and that’s by a band called Ramona.” | EVIE MCBRIDE

WRAPPED IN LOVE In an embrace, seniors Josie Herrold and Xander Quenzer celebrate Valentine’s Day. The 2023 West Virginia trip marked the start of their friendship and later romance. Their first dance together was last year’s Prom, Herrold often attends Quenzer’s volleyball games to highlight her support and spirit I SOPHIA GASSETT

YES! NO!

HEART EYES Junior couple Edgar Ludwikoski and Frannie Chaffee-McClure showcase their relationship with smiles. Ludwikoski recalls his favorite dates with trail walks and museum tours. The pair met in the Campus Ministry Office. “Going out at night to the Nelson or the nature center in summer was special,” Ludwikoski said. “We also like Blue River Park.” | SOPHIA GASSETT

DOES VALENTINE’S DAY MATTER?

Students reflect on what the day of love means to them

much thought.”

EIC, STAFF WRITER

ften marketed as the most romantic holiday, Valentine’s Day carries a diverse set of emotional responses, forms of celebrations and an evaluation of what current culture values. This contains both strong associations with passion and appreciation for a partner or friendship as well as a loud reminder of loneliness or peer pressure surrounding relationship status.

“

Even with being in a relationship, Herrold still admits that she thinks Valentine’s Day is overrated and that couples should always be celebrating each other.

For senior Josie Herrold, this Valentine’s Day represents a celebration of her nine-month commitment and appreciation of fellow senior Xander Quenzer. According to Herrold, before entering a relationship, she did not find the holiday significant, it now holds a new

“As a single person, I have never really celebrated it nor cared,” Herrold said. “This is the first time I have ever really celebrated it and have never given it

As a kid, it would pressure you into having a date. At school in the sixth grade, if you didn’t have a date, you weren’t cool. Getting older made it less serious but more stressful.

SOPHOMORE LAINA VOSSEN

“If I did not have a boyfriend, I’d just

“

like treated as a normal day,” Herrold said. “Now, it is like I feel have to celebrate it when it should not be that big of a deal.”

According to junior Edgar Ludwikoski, the atmosphere and importance of the day depend on relationship status but do not define how fun it will be. He believes that the pressure of creating an effort toward Valentine’s Day for his partner is worth the stress.

“When you are not in a relationship on Valentine’s Day, it is another way to have a little platonic connection with all your friends, and it is nothing more than that,” Ludwikoski said. “When you are with a partner, it is much different. It involves understanding what your partner wants making a special something for the other person.”

Ludwikoski said that there is a lot of planning involved when it comes to figuring out how to spend the day. However, he believes that the pros of making the day special for his partner outweigh the cons.

“It is more difficult, in the sense that you do have to think about days or weeks

in advance,” Ludwikoski said. “However, the difficulty is always overtaken by the fact that it is an enjoyable day and something to look forward to.”

Anticipation around Feb. 14 can also trigger dread or anxiety for individuals, whether single or in a committed relationship. Unrealistic expectations of expensive gifts and dinners remove the core of what Valentine’s Day represents, love.

A study conducted by Joetta Di Bella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication at Montclair State University found that the commercialization of Valentine’s Day sits at an unprecedented rise due to social media exposure and pressure, which negatively impacted mental health rates.

The study also analyzed social media data using “Valentine’s Day” as a keyword revealing that the most associated word was “shop,” as “shop” and “gift” were connected 131% more frequently than the term “love.” Rather than focusing on the price tag of a gift, sophomore Bebe Preu gathers a group of “girlfriends” for a celebration of friendship.

“I hang out with my friends,” Preu said. “Like this year we’re going to go to [sophomore] Bria Sutherlin’s house, and we’re going to make pizzas and watch rom-coms.”

“

out about if I need a date or whatever. ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ is one of the main ones [movies], and then we’re going to watch ‘Anyone But You,’ since we haven’t seen that yet.”

For sophomore Laina Vossen, yearly school celebrations of the holiday fostered a culture promoting an essential for a “good” Valentine’s Day: a relationship. However, despite this social influence, she typically maintains a simple schedule that treats Valentine’s Day as a normal day.

“As a kid, it would pressure you into having a date,” Vossen said. “At school in the sixth grade, if you didn’t have a date, you weren’t cool. Getting older made it less serious but more stressful. When I see people on social media posting about it, I don’t feel great.”

Ludwikoski recommends his practice

As a single person, I never really celebrated it nor cared. This is the first time I have ever really celebrated it and have never given it much thought. “

and finding new things to do without a plan,” Ludwikoski said. “In the best case scenario, take a car downtown and walk around until you find something to do or spontaneously talk to people. Oftentimes, you find a lot more meaning, and it can be really fun.”

Herrold said that her favorite way to spend a Valentine’s Day when single is to treat herself and do things that make her happy.

“If you are single, be single, buy yourself some chocolate, watch your own movie or go treat yourself to dinner,” Herrold said. “You can do all those things on your own, and you do not need another person.”

Valentine’s Day Gift Cost Statistics

According to PBS

Preu’s “Galentine’s Day” also includes gift-giving as each member purchases or handcrafts a present to showcase appreciation and love of the different personalities and friendships in the group.

“That’s what we’ve done every year because I haven’t had a date,” Preu said. “I love spending it with friends, I feel like it’s more fun because I’m not stressed

SENIOR JOSIE HERROLD

of putting himself out there and having a spontaneous adventures saying they may bring about the best results with any loved one whether it’s friends, family or a romantic partner.

“My favorite thing of all time is going

GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN Watching romcoms with her friends, junior Clare Hansen throws a Galentine’s party on Feb. 10, making heart shaped pizzas and chocolate desserts. “I wanted to throw this party to show appreciation for my female friends,” Hansen said. “They have never let me down and continue to support me.”|

ELAINA GIBSON

The word “valentine” finds roots in the Latin word “valens”, which means “worthy or powerful”. Colossians 3:14: And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

GALENTINE’S 2024 MEMORIES

HISTORY OF GALENTINE’S

- Galentine’s became popularized in 2010 by Leslie Knope, a popular sitcom character from “Parks and Rec,” according to USA Today.

GIRL POWER Sophomores Bebe Preu, Mia Coniglio, Bria Sutherlin and Mary Aguilera celebrated on Feb. 11 with different outfits and a gift exchange. The group used a digital camera to capture the energy of the night. I SOPHIA

DESIGN | ELAINA GIBSON

GASSETT

Stag

PERSPECTIVES

GROWING COMMUNITY Spreading the love, senior Caniya Spencer, raises her hands to pray over special guest speaker, ValLimar Jansen. As the vice president of the Cultural Diversity Club, she explained the importance of the assembly. “I think we can all take away her message of supporting everyone’s culture,” Spencer said.

| EVAN ULMER

SHOWING SPIRIT

Extending his hand, freshman Jackson Alena competes in the castle ball competition. Alena said that he really enjoys being apart of the Tylicki herd.

“I felt like I had just found a new home and was really happy with everything during the game,” Alena said. “Peter interacts with everybody, makes everyone feel welcome, and that’s awesome.” |

ADDY BURRIS

2.

1.

SMILING UP In a kick line, senior Mary Albers performs at halftime with the dance team. The team shared its kick/pom dance with lots energy to bring to the crowd. “I am so sad that my four years on the team is coming to an end,” Albers said. “But I am so excited to see how the team grows and improves in the future.”

|

EVIE MCBRIDE

SHOWING CREATIVITY

Finishing her project, junior Kathryn Palos paints in Drawing and Painting II. Palos went on to explain she enjoys the class because it in an uplifting environment.

“It is very welcoming and is an open environment that makes class so enjoyable,” Palos said.

| SOPHIA GASSETT

3. 4.

1.

3.

4.

2.

5.

DEFENDING THE PINK Representing her herd, junior Parker Benz participates in castle ball during herd competitions.

“It was fun playing with the different teams and adapting to them,” Benz said. “It was high pressure, but we ended up winning in the end.”

| MEGAN MAYER

6.

PACKING POWER Junior

Sophia Craig participates in one of this year’s new herd competitions, packing peanut art. The task at hand was to create a Kansas City building or landmark using packing peanuts by binding them together with water.

5. 7. 8.

6.

“We were making the new Kansas City Ferris wheel out of the packing peanuts,” Craig said, “It was really fun making something new, and I think a lot of people enjoyed it.”

| EVAN ULMER

READY FOR FLIGHT

Enjoying the course, senior Cole Hanson prepares to test the plane he constructed in Aerospace Engineering. “It is very important to factor in balancing and lifting, along with gravity when getting a plane to fly straight,” Hanson said. “It was super fun shooting the planes to see how they were going to react in different people’s designs.”

| RIVER BALL

ONE WITH CHRIST Reflecting as a school, senior David Garcia receives the Eucharist during all-school Mass, which usually takes place once a month and gives students the opportunity to reflect. “Mass is a great place for me to clear my mind and just be with God,” Garcia said. “No matter how I am feeling, I can always just lift it up to God during Mass.”

I SOPHIA GASSETT

7.

8.

Senior Rocco Marrello enjoys reflecting in his theology class’ chapel time. Marrello remembers on Jesus’ sacrifices to motivate his Lent promises. “It’s a great experience to just all be there together experiencing the same thing at the same time.”Marrello said. | ELAINA GIBSON

BY MC DUNN STAFF WRITER

Sunlight streams in through the stained glass windows of the chapel an early morning Mass. The bright horizon and songs inspire students to begin their fasting journeys during Lent: a 40-day voyage of reverence, prayer and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday.

For Father Anthony Mersmann, Lent is a special time in which he prepares as a priest, but also as a member of God’s family. He notes how busy the Lenten season can be, hearing more confessions than usual.

LESS MEANS MORE FOR GOD

Students share Lenten practices

some general things that we try to improve on during this time,” Marrello said. “Usually it’s a reflection of how we spend our prayer life, sometimes doing a rosary or blessing after dinner. But we also go to Mass weekly and attend Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Holy Thursday and Masses like those.”

Marrello mentions a variety of specific Mass days held annually in

“ “

Lent is a representation of God’s sacrifice of Jesus for our sins and how we show that in a similar way through giving up something important to us.

JUNIOR EMMA MASTERS

“I think it’s an accurate season to describe Christian life,” Mersmann said. “We are supposed to be growing in strength, resisting temptation, pursuing the cross of Jesus Christ and the eternal life that comes after that.”

The meaning behind Lent is different and unique to students such as senior Rocco Marrello as he reveals what this liturgical time means to his family.

“As a family, we have

preparation for Jesus’ resurrection. These Masses are known as solemnities in the church, meaning they are of great importance to commemorate for Catholics.

As Lenten tradition goes, practicing Christians are expected to sacrifice a luxury in their life in memory of Jesus - who gave the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. There are multiple variations to how people of faith may follow this practice, and in Marrello’s case, he will be giving up time to spend more time in

prayer as his resolution.

“I am adding a daily prayer and going to Mass more frequently, but I haven’t decided if I will give something else up,” Marrello said. “It is important to direct myself toward the glory of heaven and God, and focusing on the external beauty of the vestments and sacraments in themselves at mass is very good for improving my faith life.”

As followers are brought together under one common roof in the Catholic home during Lent, its significance in the Church serves as a renewal in spirituality for many.

Students’ customs remind people of what the tradition is all about while keeping an altar at the center of it all.

“Lent is a representation of God’s sacrifice of Jesus for our sins and how we show that in a similar way through giving up something important to us,” junior Emma Masters said. “It shows that God loves us, as we are important. He gave up his body for us, so it is 40 days that remind us to give Him our love back.”

According to Mersmann, there is a huge importance in being an active member of the Church. He says his main goal as a priest during Lent is to help those who have a difficult time with temperance, but this can get better with practice.

“It is important to practice saying no, sometimes even on a human level,” Mersmann said. “If we say yes to every impulse and movement, then we have no self control or boundaries. When I say no, I can have this ownership of myself. I can actually be in control.”

PHOTO | LUKE FRENZEL

KNEELING PRAISE

sports

READY FOR THE MEET

Senior Owen Carman does warm-up laps before he competes in his relays. Carman has been a part of the boys swim team all four years and is senior captain this season. He competes in the 200-meter medley relay and 100-meter breaststroke. “I just love hanging out at the meets with our team,” Carman said. “ We always have so much fun together.”

| ADDY BURRIS

TOTAL TAKEDOWN Pinning his opponent, sophomore Lucas Merriman has the upper hand. Merriman has been on the varsity wrestling team for two years. “My favorite part about wrestling is seeing small kids become a bigger, stronger version of themselves who can just keep growing,” Merriman said. | EVIE MCBRIDE

HIGHLIGHTS

MAKING THE PASS Setting up a play, junior Kirston Verhulst dribbles the ball down the court. Verhulst has enjoyed playing this season as a third-year varsity player. “The best part about playing at Bishop Miege is the group of amazing girls I get to play with,” Verhulst said. “We treat each other like family, and it makes the season so special.” | MEGAN MAYER

SPOTLIGHT player

Adriana Aquino

Junior Adriana Aquino has bowled the past three years. “I enjoy the friends you make during the bowling season,” Aquino said. “You make more friends and it’s a great environment. I feel like everyone around always supports no matter how good you are. They just want to see you grow.”

bowling edition

Owen Moore

Senior Owen Moore finds that “spending time with friends” while also having fun makes the bowling team a healthy space. “Students should get involved with bowling because it’s a good opportunity to join a team,” Moore said.

Addiston Verhulst

Although new to the team, freshman Addiston Verhulst already feels comfortable with the team. “I like the crowd of people,” Verhulst said. “You don’t have to worry about winning.”

PHOTOS

PIN TO WIN

Girls wrestling grows as a sport across country

BY BELLA DESSERT COPY EDITOR

The girls wrestling team has more than doubled from a group of three to eight. Bringing home first place at the Eastern Kansas League Wrestling tournament, students like sophomore Molly Benes set an example for girls across the country.

According to FloWrestling, high school wrestling grew 16% in participation from 2021 to 2022. Each contributing high school has seen double-digit percent increases in the last eight years.

“It's grown a lot and I think that it's getting bigger around America,” sophomore Meg Joseph said. “Our team will probably grow in numbers in the next coming years as we recruit more people.”

With a 55% growth according to FloWrestling, high school girls teams are being advertised more, as wrestling gains appreciation as a unique sport in that it can look very different between boys and girls teams.

“We’re all still learning, whereas the boys are very ‘get to work,’ and the girls I feel like we’re more close- knit and worried about getting the technique down instead of beating up our partners,” Joseph said.

Joseph said she the team benefits from its size as members can focus on strategy and have efficient practices.

“The girls can get more attention from being a small team, and we can work on our technique so much more because there's multiple coaches working around the three to four groups of girls,” Joseph said.

According to Joseph, although wrestling is not advertised as significantly as other sports, it is equally as difficult.

“It's mentally straining,” Joseph said. “It takes a lot of physical as well as mental work. If you're not mentally in the right place, you're not going to wrestle well.”

One commonality that all sports share is the idea that mindset is key, specifically in wrestling.

“It's all up to you whether or not you win so you have to be right in the mindset

and think to yourself, ‘I’m gonna win this no matter what’ and you have to be able to fully focus on yourself,” Joseph said.

Team manager sophomore Nadia Henre said this expansion has made for a close-knit team where they can each push each other to do their best.

“I think we've had a lot of girls join because the people that did it last year really encouraged people to join,” Henre said. “They really showed that it was a good sport and not what everybody else says it is.”

Students such as sophomores Addison

It takes a lot of physical as well as mental work. If you're not mentally in the right place, you're not going to wrestle well.

“ “

SOPHOMORE MEG JOSEPH

Bolte, Molly Benes, Meg Joseph and junior Naomi Harris-Hyche have placed in the top three almost every weekend. At regionals Harris-Hyche became the first Miege girl to ever advance to state.

“Everybody was so excited like the coach,” Harris-Hyche said. “He was trying so hard not to jump on everything, and I was just about to pass out from excitement.”

According to Joseph, practice begins with a discussion where the boys and girls

teams receive their announcements.

“If it is an all-girls practice, we go in and do a ‘walk and roll’ and then we warm up,” Joseph said. “We do some shots and sprawls and then we get into technique so we work for about 30-40 minutes and then the last 15-20 minutes is conditioning.”

Although conditioning and cardio-based practices look different from other sports, they have proven to be effective.

“They put a lot of pressure on us to be good in the room for practice and to get better so we can go out and perform well,” Joseph said. “I think it's good for real life because I was able to push myself to do things that I don't really want to do.”

“'Power-hour’ days are what we call our hour-long practice days," Joseph said. "We go really hard for an hour, then we go home. We are supposed to eat really light that night and go to bed early so that we can wake up ready for the next morning.”

As a small team, tournaments can be a strong bonding experience for the athletes. Joseph recalls her favorite team memory to be her first tournament her freshman year.

“The team did better than everyone expected," Joseph said "Everyone got a win and everyone was able to experience what a real match was with the whole team together.”

As girls wrestling increases across the country, competition in matches and tournaments increases as well. Head coach Ryan Wrigley inspired the growing interest in girls wrestling throughout the school.

“Girls all around America are joining wrestling,” Joseph said. “Teams this year are so much bigger, and it's growing in popularity as well as the advertisement around the schools.”

WINNING THE MATCH Won by a pin, sophomore Nancy Baca Olivas plays Blue Valley West opponent after only joining the team this year. Along with the sense of community, Baca Olivas said she loves the way the sport grows her mindset and makes her mentally and physically strong | EVIE MCBRIDE

SENIOR STANDOUT

Transfer player emerges as leader both on and off court

BY DANIEL SULLIVAN SPORTS EDITOR

The ball smashes into the rim and falls just short of the three-point line. It’s scooped up quickly by a white jersey, then launched into the air towards the other basket. There’s one man out in front of everyone.

He gathers the ball, puts it on the floor once, then begins his ascent. Fans decked out in white, red and blue gear start to stand to their feet.

Senior Howard Peoples rises to eye-level with the rim and thunderously punches the ball through the nylon –with his non-dominant hand. The bench, student section and fans erupt into pandemonium.

Peoples likely couldn’t have imagined himself in that moment a year ago. He spent his first three years of high school at Sumner Academy, where he excelled in athletics. When the opportunity arose to come to Miege for his senior year, Peoples jumped at the chance. The transition from public to private school came with unexpected benefits.

"Public school is almost like you have little friend groups, but it’s really everybody for themselves,” Peoples said. “Coming into this I didn’t think anyone would care about me. I thought I was

SLAM DUNK

Sky high, senior Howard Peoples dunks while the Stags are down. Peoples transferred to Miege at the start of the year. “The atmosphere of crowds is crazy, especially at home games,” Peoples said.

“The Miege environment is nothing like I’ve experienced. The amount of people that come out and support is exhilarating.”

| EVAN ULMER

just going to do my thing and stay out of the way, but people here really care about you.”

Teammates have quickly embraced Peoples on this year’s team. Off the court, the players have various methods of growing closer as a unit.

“As a team, the older boys go get food after practices or games,” senior guard Dr Julius Lopez said. “We hang out with each other a lot. We’re really getting close, becoming a unit.”

The off-court bonding has started to translate to on-court play. Peoples serves an important role for the team physically and mentally.

“It starts in practice,” Lopez said. “He brings such good energy and raises everybody’s level. During games, everyone feels more comfortable when he’s out there with us.”

Assistant coach Steve Koesterer has worked with stag basketball for over 26 years. He first met Peoples this summer at an open workout at Hyvee arena. Immediately, Peoples stood out.

“He came across as a very well spoken, intelligent and most importantly very polite kid,” Koesterer said. “He was very polite, very engaged and sincerely looked interested in getting better and taking the next step.”

Koesterer’s first impressions have remained correct as he’s spent more time

around Peoples. He’s watched Peoples assimilate with the basketball team and take on a leadership role.

“I think he feels comfortable, as indicated by him always smiling and kind of engaging with other people,” Koesterer said. “He fit in right away. When he does something well, he can see the kids getting really excited for him, which indicates that they really like him, and that they really want him to succeed.”

Miege lost all five starters from last season’s team, which took third place at state. Peoples is the only member of this year’s starting five who has played high school basketball at the varsity level before. Naturally, more has been asked of Peoples than ever before in his career.

“My whole three years [at Sumner] I had a real supporting cast,” Peoples said. “And coming into this year, I really had to take on a huge leadership role. That’s probably been the biggest challenge for me, but I feel like I’m stepping into the role and embracing it.”

Koesterer has overseen dozens of current and former college basketball players play in a Miege uniform. Peoples is yet to receive a collegiate offer, but the experienced coach isn’t concerned about the lack of attention.

“College coaches aren’t stupid,” Koesterer said. “Once they put eyes on him, I think they’ll recognize his natural ability, and they’ll see how he interacts with other kids. They’ll see how he’s really a good teammate, and you don’t see that on film.”

‘THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER’

SHATTERING SHOCK

EVAN ULMER

In disbelief, senior Bianca Bair demonstrates her character through her facial expressions. She played the role of Maggie in the winter play that took place on Feb. 1-3. “At first, I struggled finding Maggie’s purpose because I thought she was a little boring, but I realized it’s more so that she is an authentic, real person and is not boring,” Bair said.|

SERIOUS STARE Taking the lead, senior Francis Cressey takes on the part as the main character in “The Man Who Came To Dinner.” The play is a comedy by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart that takes the audience through a fun-filled story. “It was kind of surreal because I still don’t think it’s hit me yet that I am a senior,” Cressey said. “I love how close everyone is with each other and just how connected it all feels.” | EVAN ULMER

POSING PRETTY With a smile on her face, senior Grace Keeney shows appreciation toward the main character in the show, Mr. Whiteside. Keeney has played many roles throughout her time at Miege but in the play took on the role of Lorraine Sheldon. “My favorite scene was when I was on the phone with my maid, and the cord on the phone snapped,” Keeney said. “I had to improv, but I thought it a highlight of the show.” | EVAN ULMER

SHOUTING ALOUD Causing havoc, junior Oliver Busenhart performs in “The Man Who Came To Dinner.” Busenhart said the show was “chaotic and lovely” to perform. “I think everyone in the play did just such an amazing job,” Busenhart said. “We had such an amazing crew and such an amazing cast.” | EVAN ULMER

CREATING CHAOS Playing the part, senior Alexander Smith acts on the role of Mr. Stanley in the theater department’s annual winter play. Smith has been a part of the theater department for four years and said he feels sad for it to be coming to an end. “My character Mr. Stanley gets to yell at Frank at the top of my lungs,” Smith said. “That was always a good time getting to kick around trash and just scream my lungs out.”

| EVAN ULMER

STOPPING CRIME

Performing to the crowd, freshman Alexander McBride participates in his first Miege play. Students got to showcase their skills after practicing for months on end. “I’ve been doing theater for a lot of my life so it was nice to get my first debut here at Miege,” McBride said. “Overall, it is a very welcoming community to be a part of.” |

EVAN ULMER