The Miegian Newspaper: October 2021

THE MIEGIAN

Vol. 65, Issue 1 | Oct. 2021 Bishop Miege High School Roeland Park, KS 66205

INSIDE Page 8

Meet all the new teachers and get to know who they are outside of school.

Page 12

Get an inside look at how Stags show their style inside and outside of the classroom.

Page 25

Catch up on all the sports and meet sophomore golfer Evelyn McBride.

02 content overview STEALING THE SHOW Surfing through the crowd, junior Christopher Barajas finds himself riding across the gym during Homecoming. | MARY-KATHRYN WERT

TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWS

04 News Briefs 05 ACT Optional

Students explore what ACT Optional means for their college applications.

FEATURE 06 Live Music 07 Play/Musical 08 New Teachers

Take a look at the new teachers at Miege this year.

12 Thrifting

GRAPHICS

OPINION

22 Puzzle

PHOTOS

23 Sports Briefs 24 Tackling Family and Work 24 Golf 26 Sports Crowds 27 Volleyball

14 Racism in Schools 15 Value Them Both 16 Fall Frenzy 18 Perspectives

FAITH

20 Camp Barnabas

ATHLETICS

COVER PHOTO DESIGN | DELANEY JOHNSON PHOTO | EMMA LAZARCZYK

letter 03

STAFF MEMBERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Isabel Copeland

WEB EDITOR

Emma Lazarczyk

DESIGN EDITOR

Mary-Kathryn Wert

COPY EDITOR Ava Belchez

STAFF WRITERS

Colin Batliner A’myrah Cheadle Delaney Johnson Maria Nguyen Natalie Martinez Kate Moores Julian Gallegos-Chavira

FEATURES EDITOR Alena Gillespie

DEAR READERS,

The Miegian and Bishop Miege Press are published by the newspaper staff of Bishop Miege High School. They are a student-produced newspaper.

The editorial board decides the content of each issue. Opinions expressed are the views of the writer and are signed. The Miegian welcomes material (letters, guest columns, feedback) from faculty, administrators, students, parents and community members.

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 High School. 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 address/email address and a phone number where the writer can be contacted because the staff will confirm all letters.

Want to stay updated on all the latest Miegian news?

Follow us on twitter, instagram, and our website!

Instagram: @bishopmiegepress Twitter: @b_miege_press

Web: bmpress.org

5041 Reinhardt Drive., Roeland Park, KS

I’m proud to present to you the very first issue of the year. I know it looks pretty different this time around. The change has been one of the most interesting parts of the year so far but definitely one of the hardest. Sometimes while I was working late I would think, what is keeping me going?

Honestly, even though it was hard, seeing the final product made all my doubts go away. Seeing the issue gives me something to keep me going through all the trials like when things just don’t want to save.

Another thing that keeps me going is our amazing staff. I would like to thank the entire staff for everything they do because the amount of time I put in would be nothing if I didn’t share a lot of the work with them. I hope that each reader shows as much appreciation to this amazing staff as I do. We have a lot of work ahead of us that you can look forward to.

Getting later into the year, I know we are all getting busy. Lots of homework, tests and finals looming over the horizon. It’s hard not to feel overwhelmed with the fast pace we’re in.

I hope, just like me, everyone finds time in their busy lives to take a moment to stop and breathe. Thank you to everyone who put everything into this issue, and thank you for reading.

MARY-KATHRYN WERT DESIGN EDITOR

04 news

NEWS BRIEFS

LOCAL

LOCAL

SING IT OFF

Senior Sophia Nordling earned an honorable mention award in the nationwide contest called Youth Plays New Voices One-Act Competition.

Math department chair Erica Hafey was awarded Pittsburg State math teacher of the year. Hafey teaches AP Calculus BC, AP Calculus AB, Honors Pre-Calculus and serves as the math hub coordinator.

PHOTO | EMMA LAZARCZYK

PHOTOS | AVA BELCHEZ

STATE

NATIONAL

HITTING HOME

“IT’S WRAP TIME”

The Kansas City Royals’ catcher, Salvador Perez broke the record for most homeruns by a catcher in a season with 48 homeruns. This record has been held by Cincinnati Reds player Johnny

PHOTO | UNSPLASH

“Star Trek” actor William Shatner will go into space on Blue Origin’s New Shepard. The launch is planned for Oct. 12 and he will be the oldest person to go to space, at 90 years old.

PHOTO | PIXABAY

UPCOMING EVENTS

ATHLETICS Oct. 16

TENNIS

ACADEMICS Oct. 20

The Red Cross is hosting Miege’s fall blood drive.

SOCCER

MIEGE SINGERS

Oct. 20

Varisty boys soccer has a home game vs. Harmon at 7:30 p.m.

The choir, band and handbells has its fall concert.

FOOTBALL

NO SCHOOL

Oct. 22

Varisty football has a home game vs. St. James at 7 p.m.

RETAKES

School picture retakes will take place on Oct. 19. | MARY-

KATHRYN WERT

BLOOD DRIVE

Varsity girls tennis state is in Winfield, Kansas.

Oct. 19

ADD IT TO THE RESUME

Oct. 22

ACT

Miege is facilitating the ACT test on campus on Oct. 23.

| PIXABAY

ACT TEST OPTIONAL

news 05

Students adjust to college application process because there are a lot of disadvantaged kids across the country,” Schmidtberger said. ”But I think it’s a good thing to go test-optional especially for those people.”

Colleges do not only look at ACT scores for things like scholarships but also GPAs and extracurricular activities as well.

ISABEL COPELAND EDITOR -IN-CHIEF

A

ccording to IvyWise, 72% of colleges and universities have switched to test-optional policies, and now, according to Fair Test, 65% of four-year colleges and universities in the US are testoptional for the 2021-22 admissions cycle.

As seniors are applying to colleges for next fall and juniors are looking into colleges, Fair Test, which was instituted last year, is a great resource for seniors and juniors to use. There are lists of optional testing policies for colleges that are easy to look at.

Many colleges are changing their policies to test-optional when applying but that may be to a disadvantage for some.

“Yes [colleges] are test-optional, but they are not test-optional when it comes to scholarships,” counselor Elaine Scan this QR code to be taken to the Fair Test website Schmidtberger said. to see a list of over 1,700 colleges that are test As students are applying to colleges, optional with ACT/SAT scores. some do not know about the scholarships “Students with marginal GPAs worry a that require a good ACT score as well. little bit more because they are the ones I “I retook the ACT for a better score than think are going to try and take an ACT to my first score,” senior Georgina Garcia said. make them look better,” Schmidtberger “When trying for scholarships, I did not said. “The students with higher GPAs feel know I would need a good ACT score.” pretty good about test-optional because Colleges switching to optional for some schools like KU have changed to test scores has its advantages and straight scholarships based on GPA.” disadvantages, according to Schmidtberger.

According to “I think it levels the playing field for kids Schmidtberger, Johnson who can’t afford to take multiple ACT tests

“

Seniors, we, as counselors, are here for you from September to May. We want to help guide you and support you.

“

ELAINE SCHMIDTBERGER

County Community College still wants students to have a score 19 in English if they want to get into Composition I. “If you do well on the ACT it prevents you from having to take a placement test on campus like the Accuplacer,” Schmidtberger said.

Taking those placement tests looks different now for high school students for different reasons, according to Schmidtberger.

“Students across the board are not taking [the ACT] as many times as they used to because it’s optional,” Schmidtberger said. “Also with COVID, testing centers have shut down.”

According to a survey of 43 seniors, 49% of them had not retaken the ACT for a better score.

“I submitted my first scores so that if I improved when I took it, they could take my super score for scholarship money,” senior Shea McGraw said.

With colleges and universities going test-optional students have less to worry about.

“If a student has a marginal GPA, I would encourage taking the test if they test well,” Schmidtberger said. “With a good GPA and good leadership, [students] may go testoptional.”

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SIGN OF THE CHANGING TIMES BACK ONSTAGE As they watch music artist Harry Styles perform live, junior Maggie Noblitt and her friend show their appreciation for him and his music.

They attended the concert as part of his “Love On” Tour. According to Noblitt, their last minute seats were better than she expected. | COURTESY PHOTO

Students able to attend concerts again after pandemic AVA BELCHEZ

H

COPY EDITOR

urrying to their seats, juniors Elizabeth Hansen and Maggie Noblitt joined the excited crowd of fans waiting to see Harry Styles perform live in concert. They attended his St. Louis performance, part of his “Love On” Tour.

Hansen and Noblitt are part of the 13% of students who have attended a concert recently, according to a survey of 143 students.

Due to the pandemic, many concerts had to be canceled or postponed, like Styles’ tour, which was originally scheduled for 2020. According to Hansen she got tickets her freshman year.

“I’ve waited two years,” Hansen said. “It was so worth it.”

Both Hansen and Noblitt have not seen Styles in concert before, but have attended other concerts before the pandemic.

Because of their limited time to get through the merch line and to their seats, Noblitt said it was hard to focus on all the differences at first.

“It was a little weird seeing everyone with masks on because I didn’t expect it,”

Noblitt said. “I know there are going to be people who are going to break the rules, but everyone was so respectful.”

Noblitt and Hansen agreed that the COVID-19 rules made the concert different from previous ones and that they saw everyone following those rules.

“The Covid restrictions weren’t super intense or anything,” Hansen said. “Masks were optional, but you either had to bring your vaccination card or have a negative COVID-19 test. It was actually pretty cool that masks were optional, but I don’t think I saw one person without one on.”

According to Hansen, although it was packed, she saw very few people not wearing their masks. Other than the number of people wearing masks, Noblitt was also surprised that her last-minute seats were not nosebleed seats, but right behind the pit.

“A week before the concert, I was asked by one of my friends if I wanted to go,” Noblitt said. “And I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t pass up on this opportunity.’”

Like Noblitt, senior Olivia Williams bought her tickets for the same concert about a week before the date of the show.

“I got my tickets a week before the

concert from a reseller website,” Williams said. “It was kind of impromptu, but my best friend found some and my parents said OK so we jumped at the opportunity.”

According to Williams, this concert was much different because they had to show a vaccination card or a negative test, in contrast to the concerts she attended prepandemic.

“I have been so excited to go back to [a concert] because it’s been a long time,” Williams said. “It was really fun being around so many people who love the same singer.”

Being a fan of Styles and his music is what drew Williams to get tickets for his live concert.

“I wanted to go see Harry Styles because I really like his music,” Williams said. “Just as a celebrity he is a really great person and spreads a lot of positivity, and I love his British accent.”

Fellow fans Hansen and Noblitt said they have been following Styles’ career since he was part of the band “One Direction.”

“Watching him grow as a musician is super interesting,” Hansen said. “I wanted to go because of how much he has grown and I really enjoy his music.”

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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SETTING THE SCENE Junior Elizabeth Hansen introduces the set design for the the musical. | A’MYRAH CHEADLE

LEADING THE MUSIUCAL Senior Cara Parisi and junior Peter Dessert learn choreography and sing “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” at musical practice. | AVA BELCHEZ

Musical goes from virtual to in person this year

T

STAFF WRITER

he sounds of tap shoes and powerful voices echo through the auditorium.

The actors move back and forth across the stage as they turn practice into a sing-a-long.

From learning choreographies and singing onstage to memorizing scripts, the theater department prepares to perform the musical “Mary Poppins”.

While picking which musical to do, they had to consider how many males and females were going to try out.

The theater director Elizabeth Nelson and fine arts department chair Robin Christie came up with the idea for the theatre department to perform “Mary Poppins.” Senior Paul Ruf, who plays the character George Banks in the musical,said he is glad that the directors chose this musical.

“I’m excited that we finally settled on a musical but it did take a little while to figure out what we could and could not do with the amount of boys we had, so that’s one of our major factors,” Ruf said.

While play practice is going on, theater students create a bond backstage by rehearsing the script with each other and watching others perform on stage.

“We all sit down and sign in and get right to work, and it’s pretty much whoever is in that specific scene or song they

practice and the other people will sit and watch,” said sophomore Peter Dessert who will be playing the character Bert. “ People talk, engage, it’s a good time.”

Due to COVID-19, the theater department is figuring out ways to keep everyone safe. They are taking into consideration the cast and audience health.

“As of right now we are hoping it

really “It’s amazing to be able to do it again and be able to have everybody on stage.

SENIOR CLARE O’BRIEN doesn’t have to be super different,” Nelson said. “It will just depend on when we get to November where we are at, but I’m hoping worst-case scenario that we only have to wear masks backstage and when they’re on stage they can take their mask off.”

Last year the musical was virtual, so this year the cast hopes to perform the musical

with a real audience. According to Clare O’Brien she is still skeptical about whether or not masks will be worn, including senior O’Brien, who plays the character Winifred Banks.

“It’s really amazing to be able to do it again and be able to have everybody on stage, hopefully without any mask, and to have an audience too because there were virtual shows,” O’Brien said.

Many seniors, according to senior Cara Parisi who plays the character Mary Poppins, are dreading the fact that it is their last year performing at Miege. A few such as O’Brien, Parisi and Ruf hope to have an acting career in the future to grow in their passion of performing.

“I’ve done theater outside of Miege while at Miege, so it’s not heartwrenching but it’s one of the last shows I’ll do with my friends here,” Parisi said.

With the musical scheduled for Nov. 11-13, each week brings more excitement for the cast and crew, according to Nelson.

“Opening night is always super exciting, and it’s the first time we have an audience,” Nelson says. “Usually, at that point Mrs. Christie and I have stopped laughing at the funny parts because we’ve seen them millions of times, so finally there is somebody to react to what they’re doing again. I think the kids are just really energetic and excited to have somebody else see their show.”

“

A’MYRAH CHEADLE

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NEW STAGS JOINING THE HERD For the 2021-2022 school year, Miege welcomes 13 new staff members. Last year, Miege lost seven staff members to retirement: Brady Beek and Lisa Beek of the guidance department, Hank Brown of the math department, Sarah DiDio of the family and consumer sciences department, Mary Engler of the English

department, Steve Engler of the theology department and Dennis Mueller of the art department.

The new additions to the staff replace their positions as well as the several teachers that left for other reasons.

PHOTOS | MIEGIAN STAFF DESIGN ISABEL COPELAND

MRS. EMILY LOPEZ

Before Miege: Worked for the Archdiocese of KCK and the Office of Evangelization.

Outside of school activities: Loves going to kids sporting events and reading.

Who inspires you: Mother Teresa, because she responded to the call God put in front of her.

If you could trade lives...

I would be one of Jesus’ disciples to hang out with Jesus.

THEOLOGY

MRS. JENNIFER CECENA Before Miege: Taught at Our Lady of Hope for over 15 years.

Outside of school activities: Gardening, riding bike with kids and hanging out with friends.

Who inspires you: My family.

If you could trade lives...

I would be Rosa Parks.

ATTENDANCE RECEPTIONIST

MRS. LORI VOSS

Before Miege: Part time math professor at JCCC.

Outside of school activities: Cross stiching, traveling, spending time with her kids.

Who inspires you: Michelle Obama, didn’t get famous for doing nothing.

If you could trade lives...

I would never be famous, always in the spotlight, always busy.

MATHEMATICS

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MR. BROCK HESS

Before Miege: Attended Benedictine to study secondary education, English and theology.

Outside of school activities: Spending time with friends, woodworking and baking.

Who inspires you: The guy I worked for in college, Eric Burghart.

If you could trade lives...

I would be King Arthur.

ENGLISH

MRS. MAGGIE VERSCHELDEN Before Miege: Taught at St. Agnes and coached at Miege.

MRS. LIBBY LAWRENCE Before Miege: Taught at Hollister High School.

Outside of school activities: Lifeguarding, being a camp counselor, playing games with family.

Who inspires you: My big sister and this amzing math teacher I know named Kelsey.

If you could trade lives...

I would be Timothée Chalamet or Pocahontas.

MATHEMATICS

MRS. JANIE WOODS Before Miege: Taught at Holy Cross.

Outside of school activities: Reading, hanging out with friends and family, cooking with my husband, running and playing soccer.

Outside of school activities: Gardening, reading, going on walks with the dog and traveling.

If you could trade lives...

I would be Becky Sauerbrunn because I played center back when I played soccer. She is really good.

If you could trade lives...

I would be Reese Witherspoon, because she doesn’t take herself too seriously.

Who inspires you: My mom.

ENGLISH/SOCIAL STUDIES

Who inspires you: My mom.

ENGLISH

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MRS. EVELYN LOPEZ

Before Miege: Worked at FedEx customer service.

Outside of school activities: Traveling and going to soccer games.

Who inspires you: Maya Angelou, she was a great speaker, had good insight, good quotes, was soft spoken and impactful.

If you could trade lives...

Wonder Woman because I would want to be able to help people and use the lasso of

MRS. BRIDGET HAYS Before Miege: Took a year off because of a battle with breast cancer.

Outside of school activities: Attending her kids’ sports events.

Who inspires you: People who make things look easy and people who are facing challenges every day, and they do it with strength and a smile.

If you could trade lives...

Elton John, I think he would be really fun.

GUIDANCE

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES

MR. ALEX KEITH

MS. LORI DOWD

Before Miege: Head of Theology Department at St. James.

Before Miege: Bishop Ward then Hogan Preparatory Academy High.

Outside of school activities: Playing in a semi-competitive softball league and shooting hoops.

Outside of school activities: Up crafting, which is taking old things and making them into new decor.

Who inspires you: My 8th-grade history teacher, Mr. Weber.

Who inspires you: My mom.

If you could trade lives...

Anyone who was a witness to the writing of the Constitution.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

If you could trade lives...

I would be my mother because I would want to relive her life.

CMT/ COMPUTER SCIENCE

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MS. KAYLA MOYLAN

Before Miege: Lived with the Little Sisters of the Lamb.

Outside of school activities: Singing for mass on Mondays and enjoying coffee with friends.

Who inspires you: My mom, St. Therese de Lisieux and St. Faustina If you could trade lives...

I would be someone from Hillsong United.

MATHEMATICS

MR. MATT PETERIE

Before Miege: Teaching at Olathe Northwest High School.

Outside of school activities: Taking care of my kids, spending time outside, hiking and fishing.

Who inspires you: Mr. Anderson, the foundation of his work is the heart and mission of Bishop Miege.

If you could trade lives...

I would be Theodore Roosevelt, he lived a crazy life and he played for keeps.

ENGINEERING

Helping the seniors line up for their Senior Sunset picture, Assistant Principal Alex Keith fulfills his college dream through his new administrative role. | CLARE MCLELLAN

THE ROAD TO ADMINISTRATION

COLIN BATLINER & KATE MOORES STAFF WRITERS

At Benedictine College, Assistant Principal Alex Keith was on his way to fulfill his dream of becoming a teacher until one conversation with a professor changed his plans.

“When I was in college, I had a professor named Dr. Henderson,” Keith said. “She said to me once, ‘You would make a great administrator someday,’ and I just latched onto that.”

Keith then began pursuing an administrative degree.

“When I went to get my degree for administration, she was my teacher again and kind of resolidified that this was what I wanted to do going forward,” Keith said.

Even though his plans changed, Keith became a theology teacher at St. James. He eventually became the head of the department, but then heard about an available position as assistant principal at Miege.

“It was always my dream to get into administration, and I jumped at the opportunity,” Keith said.

Keith’s dream is now happening here, and his first year has started off strong.

“I’m having a blast,” Keith said. “The community’s awesome, and that’s been the best thing so far.”

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THRIFTING FINDS Pulling a printed shirt from the rack, senior Kiley Condon may have just found her next thrifed item.

Condon thrifts in her spare time and up to half of her clothing is from thrift stores. | KATE MOORES

FRIENDLY FASHION

Students thrift in their free time to add to wardrobe EMMA LAZARCZYK

I

WEB EDITOR

n recent years, thrifting, the practice of purchasing donated clothing at secondhand stores, has grown in popularity.

Teenagers and young adults have taken to thrifting in order to enhance their personal style without spending tons of money.

For senior Miranda Reyes, her love for thrifting has grown so much that she now works at Savers, a popular thrift store in Overland Park.

“I prefer thrifting over other ways of shopping,” Reyes said. “I don’t know, maybe it’s because I work at a thrift store so I see how everything is priced, but when I see people buy a $60 shirt, it makes me ask ‘Why would you do that? Like, why would you spend so much money on one item of clothing when you could go to a thrift store and find it there for $5?’”

For junior Coleman Murray, thrifting creates an environmentally friendly alternative to shopping from fast-fashion stores.

“It helps the economy and environment for reusing goods,” Murray said. “Thrifting is reusing, which means there is less pollution from factories and environmental damage.”

Because thrift stores sell many different types of clothing, senior Kiley Condon relies

By the Numbers

on pieces from thrift stores to add unique accents to her outfits.

Purchasing stylish and name-brand clothing at inexpensive prices is a win-win for a teenager’s budget.

“Half of my wardrobe is thrifted,” Condon said. “I like to spend my money on staple pieces, and then get more unique, cheap pieces from thrift stores.”

Clothes found at thrift stores can be unique and lead to more diversity in clothing.

“Working at Savers, everyone dresses up,“ Reyes said. “It’s a fashion show. So working there, I have definitely been able to make my own style. There are things you can’t get online that you find at thrift stores.”

Buying clothes second-hand not only adds style to one’s wardrobe, but it is a planet-friendly practice as well. According to freshmen Clare Hansen, thrifting is a great way to help our environment.

“There is this ad that shows the amount of clothes we consume,” Hansen said.

“There are so many and we just don’t use them, so thrifting and reusing them is a good way [to repurpose them].”

Purchasing clothes from a thrift store rather than a popular name brand store, opens up more possibilities.

68%

Students shop at thrift stores

“I thrift because there is such a huge variety to pick from,” Murray said. “It allows you to get nicer clothes for cheaper prices and the people who thrift already have the same style as you.”

Thrifting has become more of a hobby than just a way to shop. According to Condon, thrifting is a go-to activity for her and her friends.

“I go thrifting with all of my friends,” Condon said. “Thrifting has been around forever, but it has recently become something people do for fun. If we don’t have anything to do, our go-to is to thrift.”

According to Hansen, being able to find clothes at thrift stores makes her style more unique and allows her to buy specific pieces that fit her style.

“It helps you develop your style because there are so many different styles and they are all very different from each other,” Hansen said. “I like finding random clothes, and they are really nice.”

Thrift-stores have popped up as thrifting has become more popular amongst teens and other shoppers. Hillcrest, Savers, City Thrift and Buffalo State are among the many lower-priced stores that students shop at often.

“I love when people come in and find a whole bunch of good stuff,” Reyes said.

27%

of second-hand objects purchased are clothing

feature 13

HALLWAY TO RUNWAY

Students express fashion, even with uniforms KATE MOORES

F

STAFF WRITER

ashion can be a powerful form of self-expression for some students, until it is dress-coded. However, an aesthetic can run deeper than clothing. Junior Maggie Noblitt and senior Lola Wrigley share their personality through their polos and skirts, proving that style can shine through even the plainest of uniforms.

In the sea of red, tan, blue and white, it’s easy to find Noblitt, whose “punk” style is a unique feature of her outgoing disposition.

“I think it’s a really big part of my personality,” Noblitt said. “I like to be really flamboyant, and I think it’s really awesome when people express themselves.”

Noblitt draws most of her inspiration from early-2000’s polaroids and rock concerts, which she finds on Pinterest.

In contrast, Wrigley loves vintage clothes and appreciates the compliments she receives when she wears bold makeup.

Outside of school, she pulls inspiration from Victorian styles and coming-of-age movies. She describes her style as “girly mixed with industrial.”

With uniforms, in-school style looks a little different.

“I can’t do anything outside of my makeup and hair,” Noblitt said.” I can only dye my hair a natural color, and I can’t wear my [platform boots] or cool stuff like that.”

The stricter dress code this year marked a change from the lenience on rules about sweatshirts and other aspects of the uniform last year, but now these violations of the official dress code will result in a detention.

Wrigley and Noblitt have figured out alternative ways to express themselves in spite of the dress code.

“At school, it’s definitely more makeup because it can go with everything,” Wrigley said. “Most of my accessories don’t go with the uniform.”

Despite the uniform, both Wrigley and Noblitt have bonded with others through a shared appreciation of fashion.

“I feel like that’s how I made a lot of my friends my freshman year,” Wrigley said. “You can see the accessories they’re wearing and think, ‘Yeah, they’re cool.’”

Noblitt does not only want to connect with others through her style, but inspire underclassmen to be expressive in their fashion as well.

“I want to be able to do something that younger girls can look up to and think, ‘Wow, that’s a really cool upperclassman,

16%

of second-hand objects purchased are shoes

12%

maybe I should do my makeup like her,” Noblitt said.

For Noblitt and Wrigley, as well as many other students, showing who they are can be difficult in a uniform. However, getting creative is what these students are good at.

“Personal style is awesome because it really does help you connect with a lot of different people,” Wrigley said. “It shows what you’re into.”

PHOTO | KATE MOORES

of second-hand objects purchased are bags and accessories

according to an online survey of 142 students

and Statista.com survey of second-hand purchases in 2020-2021

14 opinion

RACISM IN SCHOOLS Student body needs to support minority peers

A

STAFF EDITORIAL

ny teen living in Kansas City has most likely seen various posts on Instagram talking about recent racial incidents within the area. Racial tensions are high within schools right now with onlookers calling for disciplinary action.

From an online petition that proposed to reinstating slavery to a racist homecoming proposal poster mocking slavery; because of this nationwide media exposure, it is hard to think that it could be happening in the communities around us, but it is.

These incidents speak volumes to the lack of progress made in recognizing diversity today. Minority students worrying about their well-being in school makes it seem more like the 1960s than 2021.

This raises a question within Miege: what is the community doing to support its own student body?

According to the 2020 Kansas Report Card, 61% of the student body is White, 24% is Hispanic, 6% is African-American, and 9% identify as other. Teachers may be trained on diversity, but students are not.

While students should already know how to treat others of another race or ethnicity students, it should be a given that they are

taught nonetheless.

Microaggressions are a huge part of the issue. Microaggressions are indirect or unintentional comments that discriminate against racial or ethnic groups. The main problem is that most students don’t even know they are making them.

From comments like “Where are you from?” to “You are so articulate,” these words may not seem harmful and may

of these “ All problems are issues that students can address.

“

MIEGIAN STAFF

even be seen as compliments in some cases by people, but they carry the weight of excluding minority students from being considered a real “American” and undermining their intelligence.

This is not to say that some action isn’t being taken. In theology teacher Ross Dessert’s Theology III classes, he has

students participate in discussions and take surveys on their experiences with racism.

The Cultural Diversity Club has also been brought back by students to create a safe place for people. This is a positive step toward providing a space where there can be real conversations about students’ experiences.

One thing that the student body should be mindful of is the fact that we are all brothers and sisters in our faith. We are called to treat each other with love and respect, something every person deserves no matter their background.

“As Catholics, we are called to honor God by striving to purge our own hearts from all racial bigotry and actively working to eradicate all forms of racism from our society,” Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann wrote in The Leaven newspaper on June 2, 2020.

Coming from a Catholic school, each of us should strive to do what we can to eliminate racism from our environment.

While it may not happen overnight, steps can be taken.

All of these problems are issues that students can address. Students of any race or ethnicity at Miege have a right to feel comfortable in the general school setting.

It is essential that students take action to support their minority peers because if not, Miege can never truly be one big family.

STAG THOUGHTS

What was your favorite Halloween costume as a kid?

“When I was 5 or 6, my brother and I were matching pumpkins.”

FRESHMAN ROSE LOPEZ

“In third grade, me and my mom dressed up as disco ladies, and I just loved it because we matched and had knee-high white boots together.”

JUNIOR CAMERON SOLDNER

“I was Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. That was my favorite because I was obsessed with the little dog.”

SOPHOMORE SALLY PANIS

“One my mom made. I was Elvis and had a little guitar.”

SENIOR VENICIO MENDEZ

opinion 15

RESPECT LIFE MONTH Kansas amendment protects women and unborn

E

STAFF WRITER

very year, thousands of lives are lost before they have a chance to begin.

Every year, people gather to protest the unjust loss of life and rally to protect women and babies.

Over the years, I have had the chance to be one of these people.

Throughout middle school and high school, the more I learned about this issue, the more I wanted to be a part of it.

In sixth grade, my parents started to attend the Life Chains, organized by local parishes, where people gathered to hold signs by an abortion clinic or by the roadside and pray together. It was always an eye-opening and inspirational experience for me, even when there were negative reactions from some onlookers. What mattered most to me was that I was doing my part to actively rally for something I strongly believed in, especially when it was (and still is) one of the most controversial moral issues of today.

Since the court case Roe vs. Wade in 1973 that legalized abortion, pro-life efforts over the following decades have worked tirelessly to protect the unborn.

Their dedication to passing the most basic limitations on the abortion industry suddenly became at stake in recent years.

A Kansas Supreme Court case in 2019 created an almost unlimited “right” to abortion in the state constitution and caused all of these efforts to protect women and the unborn to be at risk.

However, in Jan. 2021, prolife legislators and their coalition partners were able to get the Value Them Both Amendment approved by the Kansas legislature.

The amendment’s main purpose is to safeguard the existing laws on basic abortion regulation. These at-risk

Kansans “ Because value both women

women and the unborn.

The Value Them Both Coalition, which is led by groups such as Kansans For Life, is working to pass the Value Them Both Amendment, and citizens across Kansas who believe that every life has value are working to advocate for it. Students, teachers, and anyone else who believes in the protection of the unborn and empowerment of women can and should get involved.

The vote for the Value Them Both Amendment is on Aug. 2, 2022. Juniors, seniors and anyone eligible to vote by then can register to vote on the Value Them Both website.

The website also lists other ways to get involved, including volunteering, helping to spread the word or donating. Simply being informed and spreading the word about the amendment and the vote is enough.

Help friends and family be aware by encouraging them to vote next fall or simply direct them to resources on the website for more information.

Lastly, the Miegians For Life Club is a new addition this year that aims to work with projects such as Value Them Both. Getting involved in this club is a great way to start participating in the pro-life movement.

It’s time to act to protect life. It’s time to get informed and get involved.

If you are able, vote yes on the Value Them Both Amendment. Become part of a coalition that values both women and the unborn in Kansas.

and children, the constitution of the state of Kansas does not require government funding of abortion and does not create or secure a right to abortion ... the people, through their elected state representatives and state senators, may pass laws regarding abortion...

VALUE THEM BOTH AMENDMENT profit from potentially unlimited abortion.

Kansas could become like New York and Colorado, where abortions are allowed up to the moment of birth. Every step needs to be taken and many Kansans are willing to take these steps to protect both

“

MARIA NGUYEN

protections include regulations for safe and sanitary clinics, requirements for a qualified medical doctor, education on the harmful impacts of abortion, prohibition of dismemberment abortion and more.

Without the Value Them Both amendment, the abortion industry will not be held accountable and will continue to

ILLUSTRATION | MARIA NGUYEN

16 opinion

Fall Frenzy Up for Debate

With fall upon us there are lots of favorites that are a part of students lives including activities and snacks. The newspaper staff sent out a student-wide survey to determine Miege’s fall favorites.

According to a survey of 140 Miege students’ favorite fall snacks, 28% said pumpkin pie, 23% said candy corn, 20% said kettle corn, 19% caramel corn and 10% said other snacks.

2

1

3

According to a survey of 140 Miege students’ favorite fall activities, 48% said watching/ playing football, 36% said going to a pumpkin patch and 16% said a different activity, like watching scary movies or going apple picking.

DESIGN | DELANEY JOHNSON

opinion 17 Ac Pum cording pkin t Spic o a surv e La ttes ey of 13 and 8 49% studen ts, 5 do.

1%

NO!

51%

49%

do n ot lik e

YES!

According to a survey of 97 Miege students’ favorite place to order Pumpkin Spice Lattes, 87% said Starbucks, 8% said Dunkin’ Donuts, 3% said Scooters and 2% said other cafes.

From Barista to Fallista

Staff member, Kate Moores gives her inside opinion, as a Starbucks barista, on the PSL craze KATE MOORES

P

STAFF WRITER

umpkin spice is a staple of autumn and a favorite amongst customers, but for a Starbucks barista the flavor of fall gets old really fast.

I’ve been working at Starbucks since last spring, and this is my first round in the “Fall Frenzy.” It began with a lighthearted team meeting: my first taste of a pumpkin spice latte, or the “PSL,” and apple spice macchiato and advice on how to handle challenging customers.

I was not mentally prepared for the shelves in the backroom overflowing with containers of syrup, automatically reaching for the pumpkin spice pump when a customer begins to order and the challenge of not audibly groaning when I

hear the words “pumpkin spice latte.”

Obviously, I love the flavor too. the sweet pumpkin reminds me of the best parts of autumn, and one of the perks of being a barista is the free products.

My personal favorite is the pumpkin scone. However, after making them for hours upon hours the only thing you can hope for is a sudden shortage of all fall products. The most popular orders right now are just about any drink with the pumpkin spice cold foam, and the PSL rages on as a cult classic. My best advice for customers is to enjoy the fall products, but be extra nice to your barista.

STAG PERSPECTIVES

18 perspectives HOMECOMING ROYALTY Seniors Jaylen Burch and Francesca Dessert stand together after being crowned Homecoming king and queen. The crowning ceremony took place at the Homecoming football game halftime on Oct. 1. | NATALIE MARTINEZ

SCREAM OFF

Senior Laney Voitenko cheers for the senior class in this year’s first pep rally on Sept. 2. The seniors and cheerleaders led the each grade in chants and songs. | KATE MOORES

LIGHTENED UP Holding a sparkler, senior Olivia Griggs plays around with a firework on Sept. 29, during senior sunset, which was a new event for the school. All grades were able to join the seniors later on at the bonfire. | MARY-KATHRYN WERT

perspectives 19 CARRY ON After walking during Stag Strut, freshman Elijah Olson carries junior Nikolai Blair to pass the time.

Mr. Bill Creach played music in the background to help motivate students to keep going. | MARIA NGUYEN

BOLTING THROUGH Running without shoes to the next base, freshman Kennedy Ashley scores a home run for the Tylicki herd. Kickball competitions took place on Sept. 28. | EMMA LAZARCZYK

DANCING MACHINE Junior Josephine Valdivia dances along during homecoming on Oct. 2.

Because of COVID-19 this was the first Homecoming for juniors and sophomores. | NATALIE MARTINEZ

DESIGN| NATALIE MARTINEZ

20 faith

MAKING AN IMPACT

SUMMER FUN Standing on the back deck of the cabin, juniors Lexi Kurt, Stella Cahalan, Claire Winklhofer and Allison Brentano gather with their cabin at Camp Barnabas as they smile at the disposable camera. The missionaries had just finished their nightly prayers and reflections. | COURTESY PHOTO

Students serve at Camp Barnabas over summer

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FEATURES EDITOR

rowing in faith and friendships, participating in outdoor activities filled a week of the summer for six juniors, two sophomores and one freshman.

Camp Barnabas is a Christ-centered summer camp in Missouri for children with special needs as well as people who help serve.

Students ages 14 and 15 work as barnstormers, meaning they help by preparing food, cleaning the camp and serving as a third person for counselors with their camper.

“My favorite part was the two hours that we got to hang out with the campers because we could just go around camp and do whatever fun thing they wanted to do,” sophomore barnstormer Ava Martin said. “They were just so happy.”

Once students are 16, they can serve as a missionary until they are 29. Missionaries support one camper throughout the week.

In her first year at camp, junior missionary Allison Brentano worked with a 16-year-old girl.

definitely “ It’s an experience

you’ll remember forever.

said. “We had a really great bond, and it helped us become closer.”

Attending the camp brought experiences that the barnstormers and missionaries will remember.

“It was really eye-opening because you just see kids that are so fortunate that they got to be there and they just don’t have it easy every day,” Martin said. “We got to help them and hang out with them … they’re normal people that just have difficulties that they have to face.”

Some activities that the campers and leaders got to experience were swimming in the pool or the lake, having a campfire and celebrating with a party each night after dinner. These activities connected the campers and counselors together.

“My favorite part was getting to know the different campers and their personalities,” freshman Avery Kurt said. “It was fun getting to talk to them because they have a different perspective on things.”

“

ALENA GILLESPIE

FRESHMAN AVERY KURT “I liked seeing the smile on her face when we were doing activities,” Brentano

Faith 21

The barnstormers experienced some challenges when they spent time with the campers.

“The camper would have meltdowns,” Kurt said. “It would be difficult because they wouldn’t want you to be their boss.”

Being a missionary, Brentano said that some obstacles arose.

“We were with them [the campers] 24/7, so sometimes it got a little rough, but we had counselors to get us through,” Brentano said.

At the camp, the faith aspect is a major part for the attendees.

There were multiple worship sessions, daily devotionals and Bible study activities.

“It doesn’t really matter their disability because everybody was welcome into one faith or family community,” Kurt said. “It changed my perspective of how all people can deserve respect but also can have that relationship with God.” The last party of the camp touched Martin as she saw the campers saying goodbye to each other.

“At the end of the camp, the campers became good friends and they danced and sang in a circle,” Martin said. “At the end they were crying with each other. It was heartwarming.”

Martin encouraged anyone who is thinking about doing the camp to join.

“It’s really fun, and it’ll be a little nerve wracking because you really don’t know what to do, but once you’re there it’s just a blast,” Martin said.

Students who attended Camp Barnabas experienced a new perspective with individuals as well as earned 75 service hours.

“It’s definitely an experience you’ll remember forever,” Kurt said. “It teaches you different aspects of life and how all people OFF TO CAMP Arriving at the campsite, freshman Avery Kurt, sophomores Carly Kurt and Ava Martin and juniors Lexi Kurt and Ana Gajewski pose together before their parents leave. The missionaries and barnstormers arrived a day earlier than the campers. | COURTESY PHOTO

ILLUSTRATIONS | MARY MARY-- KATHRYN WERT

By the Numbers

20%

Students who have completed their service hour requirements

82%

Students know how many service hours they need according to an online survey of 142 students

22 puzzle

SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS

athletics

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

GIRLS TENNIS

ACE The girls tennis team prepares for a succesful season this fall while lining up to be introduced at the Fall Sports Preview on Aug. 24. | MARY-KATHRYN WERT

Having a massive turnout of 54 girls, the girls tennis team looks to improve at state this season and fill in for last year’s seniors. After winning regionals on Oct. 9 the team will be taking six girls to state on the 15th and 16th and try to improve on the 10th place team finish of last year’s team.

READY! SET! GO! Varsity boys begin their race on Sept. 9 at the Miege Invitational in which they took 1st place overall. Seniors Zoran Rodriguez and Colin Batliner took 2nd and 3rd place. | RAEGAN O’CONNOR

With limited meets left, the young cross country team works to fill in the big shoes that were left by the seniors last year. “I have seen great leadership from our senior boys this year leading the younger classes,” head cross country coach Joann Heap said.

BOYS SOCCER

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

FRIENDLY COMPETITION The boys varsity soccer team takes on the boys junior varsity team as they compete in the traditional Varsity-JV game on Aug. 24. | A’MYRAH CHEADLE ALL OUT Obtaining many personal records, the Varsity girls team start off their race on Sept. 9 at the Miege Invitational in the front of the pack. | RAEGAN O’CONNOR

While having no seniors, the girls cross country team works towards stepping into the next level as they look to improve their times every week. “The girls are still young but they get it done,” head cross country coach Joann Heap said.

Having a solid team with a lot of senior leaders, the boys soccer team looks forward to competing in the state tournament. “We’ve won it five years in a row, and seven of the last nine years,” head soccer coach Nate Huppe said.

DESIGN| JULIAN GALLEGOS Turn page for more news about GIRLS GOLF, VOLLEYBALL, and FOOTBALL

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24 athletics

TACKLING FAMILY & WORK

FOLLOW THE LEADER Walking on the field before the game, football coach Jon Holmes’ son Hank Holmes follows his dad as he joins the team before the team’s first home game kickoff. That night, the Stags took their first victory of the season with a final score of 23-20 against rival school Saint Thomas Aquinas. | STELLA CAHALAN

Football coach’s son joins the team in his own way EMMA LAZARCZYK

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PHOTO EDITOR

very morning parents say goodbye to their kids as they drop them off at school and go their separate ways for the day. However, for head football coach Jon Holmes, his family is part of his work each and every day.

Holmes and his kids show the importance of family by involving themselves in the football team.

Holmes said that spending time with family is a special thing for him. “[My family] is a big part of the whole program for me,” Holmes said. “As much time as we are around these players and as much time coaches have to put in this thing, any chance we get to bring our kids around, we’re gonna do it.”

Holmes’ son, 4-year-old Hank Holmes, has created a special place for himself on the team.

Although he is not an actual player on the team, Hank Holmes participates in football activities and has become a

member of the program.

“You never know what mood Hank is going to be in,” Holmes said. “He may be in a mood where he has his whistle around his neck, and he’s blowing his whistle at [the players] to stop talking.

He might be in a mood where he has his cleats on and they know he’s a player that day, or he comes out in a helmet.

I think that is the best part for the players.”

According to Holmes, his family lightens the mood of the games and motivates him to be a role model.

“They motivate me because they see me all week, and they see the struggles I’m going through with gameplay stuff, practice stuff,” Holmes said. “They see you coming home late, they see you eating dinner by yourself when they’re getting ready for bed. That’s what’s fun on game day; it’s kind of like pay day.”

According to Holmes, being able to see his kids practice alongside with his players is one of the most fulfilling parts of being a coach.

“As a coach it’s great to see how the players interact. Some of them may have younger siblings, but some of them it’s the way they interact. Hank loves Jaylen Burch. He loves him. Jaylen will come over, take a knee and talk to him everyday. Jaylen is one of the guys,” Holmes said. “Hank will come home and he remembers his name. When he watches games, Hank knows his number.

Those are the things, as he gets older, that get more fun with him being around because he gets to know these kids too.”

Out of the 108 boys in the football program, senior Jaylen Burch has become one of Hank’s closest teammates and role model.

“I talk to him everytime I see him and I try to show him love.” Burch said.

“He’s excited to see me. We just look forward to seeing each other. We talk about everything. We talk about his super heroes like Captain America and Spiderman.”

According to Burch, Hank has an effect on the mood at practice and

athletics 25 makes everyone happy just by being present during their various exercises.

“One time during the watermelon scrimmage me and Hank were on a team and Hank was shooting everyone with water,” Burch said. “He ended up switching up on me and getting on Aidan Wing’s team and started spraying me.”

Over the summer, junior Aidan Wing and Hank grew closer during a football camp.

At the camp, Wing was Hank’s coach and helped mentor him on the field.

“He may be in a

GOING FOR GREEN ALENA GILLESPIE FEATURES EDITOR

“

FOOTBALL HEAD COACH JON HOLMES

“I feel like being his coach definitely helped our relationship as we got closer,” Wing said. “We worked a lot at individual work, played a lot of catch, worked on some blocking and made a few plays for Hank to score some touchdowns.”

The importance of family is highlighted in the football program.

According to Holmes, the team has welcomed his family and the community is really special.

“I’ve grown up here and gone to school here, so it means a little bit more to me to be able to have my family because I want my kids to go through the same experience I did as a kid,” Holmes said. “We try to always remind these guys that they’re kids and let them have some fun with my kids and letting them interact with them is what makes it fun.”

As an honorary coach and teammate, Hank has made his mark on the team by creating friendships with the players.

“I think we are so close because we are a lot alike, I think we both love our family and we both love football,” Wing said. “I see Hank as a teammate. I see him as family-like my little brother.”

“Because it is

| MARY-KATHRYN WERT

so small, I am able to get to know everyone and it’s pretty easy to have relationships.

“

mood where he has his whistle around his neck and he’s blowing his whistle at [the players].

Driving a golf ball off the tee, chipping to the green, putting in the hole -- all of these were new skills for sophomore Evelyn McBride to master before she started high school.

With persuasion from her father, McBride learned and practiced golf the summer before she started her ninth grade year, and a new chapter in her life opened.

“I had never played golf before, so it was a whole new experience in high school,” McBride said.

The golf team is made up of five girls this year, growing from the four who played last year. According to McBride, this is a beneficial aspect of the team.

“Because it is so small, I am able to get to know everyone and it’s pretty easy to have relationships,” McBride said.

A typical tournament is an 18-hole course where players are placed into different groups based on their level. For McBride’s sophomore season, she said she is working hard to achieve her end target.

“My goal for this golf season is to get around 100 strokes,” McBride said.

McBride encourages anyone who is interested in playing golf to join the team.

“Even if you don’t know how to play golf, you can still learn,” McBride said. “You’ll have a good time.”

SOPHOMORE EVELYN MCBRIDE

26 athletics

PACK THE HOUSE

TOGETHER AGAIN Leading the crowd in a pregame rollercoaster chant, senior Matthew Mohler gets them ready for the start of the girls volleyball game. The student section was filled for the pack-the-house event on Sept. 22 which ended in a 3-2 loss to St. Teresa’s. | NATALIE MARTINEZ

Return of crowds brings energy to coaches, athletes COLIN BATLINER

W

STAFF WRITER

ith crowds back in full capacity at indoor and outdoor sports coaches and athletes receive and feed off of the energy that comes from the home crowd.

Compared to the limited student sections of last year’s football games which only held seniors and at times were empty, this year’s crowds have brought a much better feeling to the game, according to senior football team captain Collin Keeney.

“It definitely helps you on the field, because you just feel the energy,” Keeney said. “Last year, it was honestly kind of depressing. We could be blowing a team out or be down 14, and it would feel the exact same because there was never any hype or craziness coming from the crowd.”

After a year away from events, students seemed to be ready to get back to cheering on their teams. Keeney said he has noticed a difference in the loudness of the crowd this year compared to two and three years ago.

“It’s a lot crazier, people haven’t been able to do it in two years, so now they’re extra hyped and going extra hard which

really adds to how we feel on the field,” Keeney said.

Another football team captain senior Jacob Welsh said with the return of crowds the football team feels the excitement that comes from a big play and the school spirit that emanates from the crowd.

“Whenever we make a big play on offense or defense, it’s huge to see and hear the crowd go wild,” Welsh said. “It’s awesome to hear the crowd after a huge stop. It’s something we didn’t get last year that we missed out on.”

82%

of returning varsity athletes said crowds make a difference in their sport *Survey of 28 returning varsity athletes

Similarly, volleyball players like to use the energy of the crowd while on the court and couldn’t do that with very limited students allowed outside of family at indoor games last fall.

“Last year, we pretty much had no fans and we had to wear masks, so creating our own energy was really tough,” senior

volleyball player Allie Burns said. “You want to perform better in front of a crowd, so when the entire gym is filled with the energy, it helps us perform.”

As well as helping the team’s performance Burns said it helps the team feel more comfortable while at home games and keeps them in a positive mindset even when losing.

“It really encourages us when we hear the crowd cheering when we do something really good,” Burns said. “When we go behind, it doesn’t really bother us as much when the crowd is still in the game and cheering us on.”

The coaches also recognize the intensity the crowd can provide to the players on the field and felt that its impact was sorely missed because of last season’s COVID-19 restrictions against fans attending sporting events.

“When they look back there and see a student section full from the bottom to the top, that motivates them,” head football coach Jon Holmes said. “Last year was tough, not being able to play in front of their fans and their friends. That’s one thing that excites us because we realize the home-field advantage we get with our students.”

27 athletics 27

SPIKING IT UP

SERVING THE COMPETITION Huddled up, girls’ varsity volleyball team discusses keeping the spirit up for the senior night volleyball game against

St. Teresa’s. | NATALIE MARTINEZ

Volleyball program adds an additional freshman team NATALIE MARTINEZ

N

STAFF WRITER

ew to the program this year, a fifth volleyball team has been introduced.

With 83 girls trying out, coaches decided to form a freshman B-team this season.

This season there are only three seniors and two juniors on varsity.

According to combination team volleyball coach Amy Reed, this year’s teams have a higher number of lower classmen than usual, part of the reason there are five teams.

“We’ve not had a freshman B team, so it’s exciting to be able to have more girls participate in the sport,” Reed said. “A ton of freshmen tried out. We only have three seniors, it’s just young.”

Playing this season on varsity, sophomore Ava Martin said she was surprised when she found out about the new team and is happy for the program.

“In the past I know there haven’t been that many people that have gone out,” Martin said. “Just the fact that they’ve had to cut that many people and we still had enough for five teams.”

Senior Elizabeth Perez said that with so many girls this year, there’s less playing time but she’s happy for them. “[It’s] kind of sad having less playing time because there’s so many more players and teams, but I’m glad that there’s more women and freshmen get to have an experience,” Perez said.

The girls’ volleyball teams have gone through changes, like practice times and back-to-back games.

New coaches have been introduced this season as well.

Head volleyball coach Tui Atagi has worked as an electrician for Capital Electric for the past 19 years. This is his first year coaching at a high school and he manages to balance the responsibilities of both jobs.

“I work anywhere from five to six hours in the morning there, and then I come here,” Atagi said.

Reed said that scheduling hasn’t been a problem this year and plans have been worked out between the coaches.

“JV always gets the main gym and they always practice right after school,” Reed said. “Just kind of like a seniority type situation and then everybody else is at North Campus.”

Sophomore Kathryn Kolarik said that playing this year is fun, but it still feels a little weird with the new team. Kolarik said that they’ve adapted to it.

“We normally have another team set up the game for the other team,” Kolarik said. “Then reffing, we figured that out.

We had the parents do it.”

Assistant volleyball coach Libby Lawrence is also new to coaching volleyball this year. Lawrence said she too was surprised when they added a freshman B team.

“I had said in my interview I really wanted to get involved, but then they said that the freshman A team was really good,” Lawrence said. “So I was like, ‘Okay maybe I’ll just be assistant JV’ and then they added the freshman B team.”

According to Martin, with new teams and coaches this year, the girls have grown as a team.

“Everyone’s trying to get used to it because it is a new coach and last year COVID-19 kind of changed everything but now it’s back in full swing,” Martin said. “It’s a new everything, and we even got a fresh team so I feel everyone’s trying to get acclimated to everything.”

STEALING THE SHOW During the Homecoming football game on Oct. 1, students cheer on the team.

The Stags ended with a 28-14 win against Blue Valley West. | NATALIE MARTINEZ