The Miegian Newspaper: May 2024

MIEGIAN THE

NAVIGATING

CLASS OF 2024

DEAR READER,

From their constant dedication to personal skill, I would like to thank this year’s staff of seniors: River, Sally, Luke, Daniel, Sophia, Addy, Megan, Jamie, Will, and Evie. Each of these seniors brings a specific set of skills to the table, completely transforming our newspaper. They have given us memories that connect each grade level on staff. I am proud to say I can always draw back those mornings to second hour in room 144.

In order for the team to function as a whole, the issue team is divided into “sections”: photography, social media, writing, design and editing. Each different aspect of the newspaper is organized by groups that are constantly working together collaboratively. Winning 3A/4A Student Journalist of the year, Daniel holds a true talent for sports writing and always kept our website up to date with articles. Sally, editor-in chief, shows constant hard work as she keeps our team organized and concentrated. Our issues would not be possible without her.

River has an unmatched passion for editorial writing, which gives our website and print issues a contrasting element that stands out.

Will takes strong initiative in our design team and produces creative designs that keep our issues and covers appealing to our audience.

Jamie never fails to meet deadlines and produce quality work. She faces any task with perfect focus and kindness. She will be missed so deeply by every member of our staff.

Our photo team, Megan, Evie, Addy and Sophia have phenomenal talent in photography that sets our team apart from other local schools.

These seniors dedicate an extreme amount of time to newspaper and our school. They show passion in their areas of skill that is only seen in the journalism department. They have shown us not to be scared to take risks and that a good staff takes communication and trail and error. In my first year as an editor, they set a true example for me of what it means to be on staff and becoming involved with the community at Miege.

BELLA DESSERT, COPY EDITOR

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.

of CLASS 2024

PRINT EIC

Sally Panis

WEB EIC

Elaina Gibson

PHOTO EDITOR

Sophia Gassett

COPY EDITOR

Bella Dessert

SPORTS EDITOR

Daniel Sullivan

OPINION EDITOR

River Ball

MEDIA TEAM

Luke Frenzel

Sophia Hart

STAFF LIST WRITERS

MC Dunn

Mary Thompson

Jamie Weiss

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Addy Burris

Evie McBride

Evan Ulmer

Megan Mayer

DESIGNERS

Will Atchity

Cody Israel

Samantha Porter

Gabby Brown

Peter Dessert

CENTER STAGE

BY SALLY PANIS PRINT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Since the age of 5, senior Peter Dessert felt a connection to the performing arts-one he plans to continue at Syracuse University this fall with a BFA in musical theater.

Dessert first immersed himself into theatrical productions due to familial encouragement. This support and 14 musicals later led him to star as Billy in “Billy Elliot the Musical” at the Lawrence Arts Center in 2017.

“My mom put me in ‘Willy Wonka,’ which was great,” Dessert said. “This prepped me for this career path by giving me the confidence to really believe in myself.”

December stood as the deadline for Dessert’s prescreen videos to showcase to colleges his different vocal, acting and dancing skills. Early February marked Dessert’s audition time in Chicago to over ten schools.

“My main goal is to get on Broadway,” Dessert said. “Whatever

ACROSS THE WAVES

BY SALLY PANIS PRINT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Since the eighth grade, senior Gabby Brown has dreamed of snorkeling in New Zealand’s Bryon Bay while also making a community impact that betters the earth as well as the quality of life among the Maori indigenous peoples.Through Pacific Discovery, Brown will spend 70 days aiding in conservation efforts and earning college credits.

Brown’s trip will start in Brisbane, Australia and finish in Queenstown, New Zealand. With 12 other international students joining, she hopes to build close connections with fellow volunteers.

“I just knew that I can’t do what everyone else did after high school, and I had to go out and see the world,” Brown said. “Open my eyes a little bit more and then go to college and take what I learned with me.”

Brown hopes to build a global perspective, aiding in her education at

Pittsburg State University. With lazer focus, she will translate her newly founded skills into the classroom.

“In those four months, I’m going to be surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving, all the fun adventure stuff,” Brown said. “I’m also going to be helping out communities in Australia and New Zealand with their environment with environmentally friendly planting for gardens.”

With new insight regarding New Zealand and Australian ecology and wildlife, Brown looks forward to relaxing on white sand after a rewarding day of volunteering.

“I’m doing this because I’ve always really cared about the environment and that’s why I chose this program specifically,” Brown said. “There were other programs where you can learn about wildlife, but this is helping the environment. We will pick up trash and plastic, and I’ve just always found that interesting.”

that may be, whether it’s dance or lead role, whatever. Then I would like to be a professor once I retire from that.”

Typically, Dessert spends ten minutes “locking into” audition mode. Receiving the Blue Star nomination for best male lead in “Mary Poppins” reignited his interest in theater.

“I was definitely on the verge of quitting post-sophomore year, but then Blue Star really revealed something in me and kind of helped me realize that I could actually do this as a career,” Dessert said.

According to Dessert, ballet built the core for dance for him and remains underrated in the musical theater community. He envisioned himself at Syracuse for the last two years and hopes to fully immerse himself into the program.

“When I’m on stage, I just feel really happy, and it definitely feels right,” Dessert said. “Especially when I’m dancing, it’s always been a great love to tell the story of a show.”

PHOTO | SOPHIA GASSETT

PHOTO | SOPHIA GASSETT

SENIOR SLIPUPS

“When I pulled out of the parking lot, I hit the garbage dumpster. I had a green scrape on the back of my car for months.”

“I was filming a TikTok dance during the pledge and prayer on the first day of sophomore year.”

“Getting stuck on a bass drum during a concert my sophomore year.”

“I fully hit the activity van and dented the side.”

“Fell up the stairs right in front of Mr. Koesterer, and he laughed at me.”

“Going to Sadies right after getting my wisdom teeth out, and my face looked like a brick.”

“Crying and passing out in College Speech class.”

ROAD TO THE FUTURE...

KANSAS

University of Kansas

Gabby Anderson

Caroline Beck

Andrew Brown

Jackson Burroughs

Paige Calderon

Andrea Ceja

Benjamin Dercher

Ava Enriquez

Norah FitzGerald

Alanah Garcia

Harry Gittemeier

Ian Goulding

Alexander Grimsley

Josie Herrold

Nicholas Hodge

William McLellan

Hollis Moeller

Ainsley Murray

Sally Panis

Natalie Ramirez

Matthew Randant

Claudia Reel

Megan Ruf

Frances Schwarz

Skyler Smith

Hampton Thompson

Jamie Weiss

Cole Wofford

Kansas State University

Clare Allen

Christopher Anderson

Luke Atwell

Christopher Barreca

Peyton Cole

Elizabeth Gudex

Emma Hansen

Anna Hoebelheinrich

Chloe Janssen

Grace Keeney

Ashley Landis

Grace Lenihan

Dr Julius Lopez

Owen Moore

Michael Oswald

Quintan Rhoades

Livi Shull

Charles Vossen

Sydney Ward

Patrick Watson

Meredith Wright Hutchison Community College

Lamar Lynch

Johnson County Community College

William Anderson

Bibiana Cervantes

Quinn

Isabelle

Diego

Kai

Justyce Betts

Naeem

Pittsburg State University

Community College Mary Albers

University of Saint Mary

Wichita State University

Ava Anderson

Ferraro

ILLINOIS

Southern Illinois University

Dorothy Latenser

Loyola University Chicago Gianna Collins

INDIANA

Ball State University

Daniel Sullivan

ARKANSAS

University of Arkansas

Addison Burris

Alexis Buzan

Angelo Reyes Jr

Emma Vogt

Arkansas State University

Harris North

KANSAS most attended state KU most attended college

16 STATES MIDWEST most popular region

MISSOURI

University of Missouri - Kansas City

Margaret Brennan

Scott Brown

Norah Carney

Luke Frenzel

Samuel Hatem

William King

Elsa Murphy

Corey Rainey

Javier Rubio

Arasto Sadeghi

Maggie Swearingen

John Young

Saint Louis University

Ralph Klem

Carly Kurt

University of Missouri

Julian Araiza

Victor Christal

Eva Dominguez

Addison Etzenhouser

Quinlan Griggs

Mary Liston

Evelyn McBride

Connor Neenan

Kate Pedrotti

Lillian Switzer

Logan Thilges

Charlie Vossen

Claire Wicker

Missouri State University

Isabeella Cochran

Nathaniel Dodderidge

Missouri S&T

David Garcia

Washington University in St.Louis

Cooper Greene

Rockhurst University

Benedict Balino

Tyler Bittel

Rocco Marrello

Diego Mejia

Isabelle Myers

Jack Winkler

Avila University

River Ball

Central Missouri State University

Jada Gilliland

Truman State University

Alexander Smith

Benedictine University

Sophia Gassett

Patrick Meara

University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy

Alexander Quenzer

COLORADO

Denver University

Bianca Bair

Regis University

Evelyn Lenox

CALIFORNIA

San Jose State University

Ava Martin

OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma State University

Owen Carman

NEW YORK

Colgate University

Dominic Werner

Syracuse University

Peter Dessert

KENTUCKY

University of Kentucky

Benjamin Frey

LOUISANA

Louisana State University

Anica Mackiewicz

MICHIGAN

Western Michigan University

Jeremy Schleicher

NEBRASKA

Creighton University

Megan Mayer

TEXAS

Prairie View A&M University

Caniya Spencer

FLORIDA

Ave Maria University

Grace Vanice

Florida International Univeristy

Carrina Villanueva

Tampa Univeristy

Isabelle Thilges

ARIZONA

Arizona State University

Reid Adkins

SCOTLAND

University of Edinburgh

Alexander Haggerty

VIRGIN ISLANDS

University of the Virgin Islands

Will Atchity

OTHER

Employment

Samuel Hatem

Trade School

Thomas Siebes

Barber School

Sergio Valdivia-Mora

Gap Year

Jackson Anderson

Jack Baird

Gabrielle Brown

Oliver LaFond

Howard Peoples

Henry Snyder

Celia Tomasic

Peter Vani

Maria Ziegler

West Point Military Academy

Jacob Drone

UNIQUE MAJORS

Acting Alexander Smith

Fashion Merchandising

Diego Melgoza

Pre-Pilot/Flight

Owen Carman

Zoology

Quinlan Griggs

Pre-Law

Norah Carney

Physical Therapy

Ashley Landis

Maria Ziegler

stag goodbyes

SENIORS LEAVE A PARTING MESSAGE FOR SIBLINGS

Dear Cameron,

Going to high school with you this year was a great experience. I enjoyed getting to do all of my normal activities, but with my younger brother is something I’ll never take for granted.

Even though I’m going to college in a couple of months,

I know you will do a great job for your sophomore year. You’re a really awesome kid and I think it’s great how much you have grown this year. Keep being you.

I love you, Jackson

Dear Aidan,

This year has been full of a lot of changes, not just for me but also for you.

Seventeen years of waking up at the same time every day, riding to school together and talking about our days on the ride home are coming to an end very soon. Being so close in age, we have gone through many big milestones together, so next year will be very different. I can’t imagine not seeing you on my way to class, or stopping you in the hallway when I need something.

Your last two years of high school will be a lot, so trust me when I say it is always better to get things done early. Do not put anything off. Put effort into everything you do. It shows initiative, and that what you are doing matters. Finally, and most importantly, have fun and enjoy the time you have. Time really does fly very fast, and I don’t want you to miss out on the amazing

time high school is. Live in the moment because once it is gone, it is gone.

Being your older sister is something that I am very proud of. You are funny, driven and determined to meet your goals. I know once you put your mind to something, you will succeed. I cannot wait to see what you accomplish over the next few years. I expect lots of calls and texts next year. You say you won’t miss me, but I hope you secretly will miss me just as much as I will miss you.

I will always be here for you and be your biggest fan, no matter how far apart we are from each other. I love you so much and cannot wait to spend the next few months before I go to college, having fun and listening to our favorite songs together.

Love,

Alexis

Dear Rilla,

You will always be my little sister. I will always be here to look out for you. What I’m not ready for is not having you to look out for me. I know Lawrence isn’t that far away, but I am going to miss you a lot. I am going to miss our late-night snack runs or our jam sesh before walking into school. I’m going to miss taking my little sis to school every day.

I am the luckiest girl in the world because I get to call you my little

Dear Gaby,

Getting to be in high school with you for my senior year has been so special for me. You are legit my built-in best friend and make me feel like I am not alone. I am going to miss our QT and Starbucks runs every morning. I am so glad I had somebody I could trust and tell things to that no one else knew. I feel very guilty for leaving you and having to watch you mature and grow up from a distance, but I have no doubt that you will do great things. Please keep looking out for Roman, because he will need it, and take care of mom and dad while I am gone. I know they can be a lot

sister and my best friend. You always know how to make me laugh and can always turn my crappy days into a great day.

Even though I won’t be here to see it, you are going to do great things throughout your high school years. Remember to never give up when things get hard and to always give it your all. I love you rill dill, and I will always be your number-one supporter.

Claudia

to handle sometimes. I know we won’t see each other every day and for me that is a hard big change because you mean a lot to me and I love you very much.

I hope you come down to Lawrence to visit and text me about things that are happening at home and school because I care a lot, even though I say that I don’t. I am so proud of you, and I can see how hard you are working. Whether it is playing sports or doing your school work, don’t ever lose that motivation.

Love <3,

Dear Neil, Owen

While I have you in smarts and looks, you have me in just about everything else. Going to school with you through kindergarten through all of high school has been a blessing to me. Watching you grow from a little kid into a strong and independent young man is an experience that I

wouldn’t trade for the world. Even though I might not ever say it to you, I am proud of you. I can’t wait to see what your future holds. Whatever it is, you are going to be great.

SURVEY Senior

“Take a breath and do your work. Take a look at community colleges you will save your future self from some college debt. “

89% of seniors worked at a job during high school

“Be friends with everyone and smile. You get out what you put in don’t be afraid to participate and get involved because it’s really fun.”

“Don’t be afraid to pursue your passion in school. Excitement for something you care about will inspire others to be authentic each day.”

MOST USED SL ANG WORD

“GAS”

HOW MANY

DETENTIONS

HAVE YOU SERVED

46% of seniors surveyed have served a detention

“Don’t worry about what others think and say and just enjoy what makes you happy, because in the end that’s all matters.”that

MOST LIKELY TO.... Teacher Edition

Mr. Hess

GET OFF TOPIC

BEST DRESSED

“I was influenced by a lot of my college professors and their style,” Hess said. “I think just the professor vibe when it comes to a wardrobe fits my personality well.”

Mr. Anderson

I’ve always believed that the best time to teach somebody something is when they’re interesed in it,” Anderson said. “So if somebody asks a question or if something happens that day which isn’t necessarily in the lesson plan but it’s appropriate, then I’ll go ahead and go forward.”

Mrs. Voss

GIVE THE BEST ADVICE

“Most of the time, if I’m giving advice, I’m just telling people how to be respectful or how to be nice and still consider the other person a person,” Voss said.

Jacob Drone

DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY

BY JAMIE WEISS STAFF WRITER

After returning from his spring break trip, senior Jacob Drone was greeted with a call from Rep. Sharice Davids. She congratulated him on his appointment into the elite U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

In order to be accepted into the academy, Drone had to go through medical and physical testing, write essays, pass interviews and have a letter of recommendation from a senator or congressman.

“The majority of it ended up focusing on what kind of leadership skills I have been able to display throughout my high school career,” Drone said. “How I could take those into either a military application or to better myself?”

Drone was first introduced to the school after talking with a college representative his junior year.

“It seems like a great way to apply myself with a lot of the stuff that I have

Alexander Haggerty

ABROAD, THE WAY TO GO

BY RIVER BALL OPINION EDITOR

With his nose to the grindstone, senior Alex Haggerty locked in on his most recent AP Calculus test. Haggerty knew that AP tests are on the horizon, and he had to do his very best to prepare for his journeys after high school.

Haggerty will be attending the University of Edinburgh in Scotland this fall. According to the QS World University Rankings, the university is ranked in the 25th in the world.

“There was a Common App portal for the schools in the U.K.,” Haggerty said. “It’s called the UCAS portal. I just filled out the information on it, sent away my application and that was it.”

According to Haggerty, he has been interested in attending college in Europe since he started high school and when the opportunity came, he just couldn’t let it pass by.

“I initially applied because I thought

it’d be really cool to go to school in the U.K.,” Haggerty said. “The University of Edinburgh was a top rated institution especially for what I want to study like international relations.”

Haggerty’s major includes things he’s pursued, but he explained that the Scottish university makes it more interesting.

“My actual major is history and politics, but I’ll be doing an international relations politics focus within that,” Haggerty said. “I’ll be writing a dissertation my senior year about international relations.”

There are numerous benefits to attending college abroad and these include things such as low costs, which was appealing to Haggerty.

“I love the city of Edinburgh,” Haggerty said. “It’s a really pretty city. You can see the Northern Lights from there sometimes and studying abroad gives people a way to expand their horizons.”

already done and to go represent myself in the Army.”

Upon graduation from West Point, cadetes receive the rank of Second Lieutenant. Drone will then be required to fulfill a service requirement involving five years of active duty and three years in reserves.

“I can extend that into a longer military career,” Drone said. “But if I choose not to, then I can leave and take my resume wherever I would like to go.”

Drone begins his military training over the summer. When the school year starts, he will take classes on military strategy and the history of the armed forces, along with general education and major-specific courses.

“It seemed like a great opportunity to both get a college education for free and getting paid to go there,” Drone said. “I will become a more active citizen because I will be knowledgeable about how the armed services work and I will be getting benefits from them as well.”

PHOTO | SOPHIA GASSETT

PHOTO | SOPHIA GASSETT

allyS

futures in

When you plant seeds in a garden, you don’t dig them up immediately or demand perfection of sproutlings in seconds. Rather, you nurture them with water and clear away the weeds because growth will occur in time.

The offset of my senior year marked the end of beginnings as well as my time on the Miegan. Shared feelings of internal fear yet undeniable excitement fill my peers and I as we head into the next stage of our lives.

For the class of 2024, freshman year appeared a bit atypical. My sixteenth birthday and orientation fell on the same date, making the sea of mask covered faces my introduction to high school.

However, while filling out my class schedule, I raced to put journalism as my top elective choice. Since my obsession with “Harriet The Spy,” ,writing has stood as my favorite creative mode of expression. It was my way of understanding and navigating life coming at me and from me. I hoped to build my writing skills and possibly join the newspaper team.

When I joined the staff my junior year, my mom pulled out snippets of her own newspaper articles. Learning

of my familial connection to journalism furthered my interest and aspirational dreams within it.

The skills and experience that I have gained through the Miegan become clear in my blooming throughout the last two years. The love within the newspaper room fostered a new sense of confidence in my voice. Despite the countless hours spent interviewing students and making last-minute edits, my dedication and hard work created many of my favorite memories of my time at Miege

There are no words to describe how much this staff means to me and how much I will miss them. I will read every new issue because of the promise and talent I was exposed to.

Compared to my freshman feelings, I never would have thought I’d feel this way senior year. Miege carries an unmatched significance that I will forever miss, but I’m delighted to have even known.

Miege taught me to impact spaces with my identity and grow beyond finite restrictions. As I plant myself into a new environment, the mindset necessary to believe in myself finds roots in this very school.

PHOTO | SOPHIA GASSETT

PHOTOS | EVAN ULMER

ophiaS

Irecall sitting in Mrs. Wingate’s freshman English class, mask on, desks away from anyone else, pondering what the next four years would entail. My high school experience feels like it was separated into two chunks, the time of COVID-19 and the time after. Being introduced to a school undergoing many policy and staff changes and scrambling to figure out the next step, the beginning of high school was a trial run with flexibility. Though my high school experience was probably remarkably unique among thousands of others who did not experience the pandemic, I wholeheartedly share the sentiment that these years, with their formative and strange moments, fly by. It feels like just yesterday that I was navigating one-way hallways and learning the names of teachers, but over the next few years, I was able to learn the ins and outs of Bishop Miege through my experiences in the journalism department.

Joining journalism during the first semester of my junior year, I got to train my story-writing skills and harness my graphic design

Wow, when they say these four years of high school fly by they really mean it. Now that my senior year is coming to an end, I have to say goodbye to Room 144. The last three years of my high school experience this room has been my safe place in the building. I knew whatever I said or did I would never be judged. I started my journey in this room the first semester of my sophomore year taking photography class. Photography has always been a passion of mine and I knew for sure I wanted to carry this hobby into high school with me but for a bigger purpose. One of my very good upperclassmen friends at the time told me I should join the newspaper my junior year, but I wasn’t really sure about the idea at the time. I did decide to join the newspaper my junior year and I don’t regret it one bit.

I went into the first day of newspaper really scared to bring my ideas to other people, but I was more than welcomed with open arms and was taught so much by my peers and Mrs. McCambridge. That year, I mainly took pictures and was just getting the basics of the newspaper down. Little did I know I would be lucky

ability before quickly joining the newspaper staff just the next semester. I am incredibly grateful for the seniors who guided me through that semester, as joining halfway through the year proved somewhat challenging until I got my bearings.

I now look forward to my second hour every week, where I can share space with like-minded people all contributing to one great project. Between the Cheez-its and dwarven cameras, the newspaper always has something to offer. Above all, the presence of other journalists who are eager to assist in interviewing, writing and editing solidifies the team and makes the Miegian what it is.

Miege has helped me form my journalistic identity and expand my creative palette, allowing me to learn about myself and better apply my skills to a field of study and work that has real-world significance. I am very grateful for the opportunity to develop in journalism and participate in multiple issues of the Miegian. The values and skills I’ve learned here will carry me through a future career in journalism.

enough to be selected as photo editor for my senior year.

This was an amazing opportunity for me to get the chance to lead a group of people in a positive and uplifting way. I have been very lucky to have been blessed with the best four photographers. When I say they are truly the best people ever, I really mean it. From our countless laughs in our photog corner to listening to each other’s day, to figuring out tough situations they have also been nothing short of excellent in all they do.

I don’t just want to think of the photographers of course I also want to thank the rest of the staff. I feel like each of you I have created a special bond with and have had the chance to get to know you guys better each and every single day. Everyone on the staff is the heart and soul of the Miegian and I could not be more grateful for each and every single one of you. Last but certainly not least, I want to give a huge shout out to Mrs. McCambridge for always pushing us and showing us what we are capable of. We would not be here without you. I am going to miss room 144 so much but I’m so excited what this group’s future.

Luke

PHOTO | EVAN ULMER

PHOTO | SOPHIA GASSETT

anielD

As I prepare to say goodbye to my journalism and photography career here at Miege I was reflecting on all the countless memories I have had throughout my time in Room 144. When I walked into journalism on the first day of my second semester of sophomore year, I did not know that it would not only be a fun class but a family community that would soon unfold before me over the next two years. That first day of journalism class I was absolutely petrified. I was in a class with two of my friends who are both extremely talented writers and I was worried that my stories and ideas would not be good enough compared to theirs. Nevertheless I tried my best and I absolutely fell in love with the art of writing and journalism. I got to have my own voice on what I wanted to write about and Mrs. McCambridge gave us creative freedom which is something I am so eternally grateful for.

I got to write stories about things I was passionate about. I remember publishing my first story about the parade of hearts on the web and how proud I was. I finished

Throughout my first two years of high school, I avoided the journalism room. It was not a conscious decision -- I wasn’t even aware of the newspaper’s operation. My junior year, second semester, I decided to take a journalism class. I’ve always found myself more focused on the broadcast side of journalism. Nothing about writing interested me. From the first week of journalism class, it felt like I had stepped into an entirely new world of writing. I remember writing my first questions and conducting my first interviews. The task of gathering a story, researching it, writing it and publishing it was an invitation to push myself as a writer.

About a month into the journalism course, I applied for the position of sports editor on the upcoming year’s newspaper staff. I had high hopes for what I could accomplish if I earned the position, and I was delighted to hear that I had been accepted. I’ve had a blast covering as many sports as I could this year. The sports section at bmpress.org covers a wide variety of sports, and I’m very proud of the work we’ve accomplished this year. I’ve been lucky enough to submit some of my stories to monthly KSPA competitions and win awards.

out my journalism class, but I still felt like my time in the journalism department was incomplete. I decided to take the photography class my junior year and I fell in love. I got to express myself through a different lens. I loved that class so much that I decided to join the newspaper staff as a photographer my senior year. This was one of the best decisions that I made throughout my high school career. I got to see so many different people in a variety of ways that I had never seen before.

My favorite memory from being on the newspaper staff was working alongside my fellow photogs! Mrs.McCambridge gave the photographers this nickname the first week of class, and it has stuck ever since. We, as a mighty group of five, worked so incredibly hard and bonded instantly. I will never forget the countless hours spent in this room, and I hope I carry all of the lessons I have learned in Room 144 with me the rest of my life. Thank you, newspaper! #Once a photog always a photog.

The highlight of my year, and really, one of the highlights of my high school experience was competing in the journalist of the year competition. When Mrs. McCambridge suggested that I should apply, I was taken aback. I had only been on staff for around three months, and I felt underqualified. It’s here that I have to give credit to Mrs. McCambridge -- when I began working on the lengthy application process, she was there every step of the way. The next 3 weeks were an anxious wait, but at an all-school assembly, I was given the news that I had won the 3A/4A category. The award remains an incredible honor and pushes me to continue improving my craft.

As I head off to college, I will be pursuing broadcast journalism. The writing aspect of the newspaper will slowly fade out of my workload. But I would be naive to reflect on my journalism career so far and dismiss the impact of my short time on the newspaper staff. In the journalism lab, I learned what stories mean to people and how good journalism can impact someone’s life. For the rest of my career, I’ll be grateful for the journalistic lessons and values I learned at Miege.

Addy

amieJ

As my time as a “Photog” ends, I reflect on my time here at Miege. I took the Journalism I class because in the course catalog Journalism I is listed under Communication Arts. It does not count as a Communication Arts Credit. I was extremely upset when I found that out. I am still upset. In this class, I got asked to join newspaper. I thought about this path for a long time before making my decision not to. This was not the only time I said no to newspaper. My excuse was, “Sorry, I’m just too busy,” which, looking back, was incredibly wise of me.

When I was a kid, my dad used to take me to the Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden during the spring. He then shoved one of his prized positions in my hands, his camera, and told me to go take pictures of flowers. In this garden, I began my relationship with photography.

Back then, all I knew was how to change the ISO and press my finger on the “take a picture button.” My dad’s camera was covered in scary looking buttons that, in my mind, would mess everything up if I even

As COVID-19 was just beginning, my cousin had his high school graduation party. There, he told me that before I knew it, high school would be over. I did not believe him, but here I am, four years later. It seemed to go by in the blink of an eye.

I would not trade these last four years for the world. I have been able to meet so many people who I am able to call my best friends and have been a part of so many unique opportunities that have shaped who I am today. Much of it is thanks to my time on the Miegian.

I took a journalism class my sophomore year, where I became close to a few people on staff. We were talking (definitely a little too loudly) when Mrs. McCambridge told us to stay after class. To my surprise, we were not in trouble. She instead asked us if we would be interested in joining the newspaper staff the next semester, but I had to decline due to my busy schedule.

The offer stuck with me, and I decided to attend a meeting for the class after receiving a “We Want You” card from the staff.

breathed on them. Afterwards, I remember feeling so proud of my photos and excited that I was able to do an activity that my dad loved. About four years later I got my first camera for my birthday.

The second semester of sophomore year, I took Mrs. McCambridge’s photography class. Here I learned more about aperture, shutter speed, and the best thing in the world, the light meter. Looking back at the pictures I took, I was clueless. At the time I thought I knew what I was doing, but in reality I didn’t. I am so grateful for this class because now I know what most of the scary buttons do.

After months of Jamie Wiess and Mrs. McCambridge begging me to join Newspaper, I signed up to be a photographer the summer before my senior year. This was one of the best decisions I have made during High School. Newspaper has given me so many amazing opportunities from taking pictures of a popcorn restaurant to my brother playing the national anthem on the guitar. I am so grateful for my handful of time on staff, and if you are even thinking about joining newspaper,

What could go wrong? I signed up my junior year. The class quickly became like another family to me. I was able to learn from some very knowledgeable seniors who were incredibly patient with me, even after asking the same questions countless times. It was an honor to win state with them and knew I had to help continue their legacy by teaching the next group of new staff.

This year has been so special, and I could not have asked for better fellow staff members or more supportive editors. I have been able to continue to grow my abilities as a writer, which have inspired other aspects of my life, like Kansas City Cappies, which combines my love of theater with journalism.

Miege has taught me so many life skills, which I will carry over to college and beyond. My advice to the next Miegian staff and to all other students is this: do not be afraid to try new opportunities. You only have four years of high school, so make the most of it. Talk to new people and make lots of friends. After all, it will be over before you know it.

Evie

egan

As I put the lens back on, I set my camera to rest for the final time. The thousands of photos flip through my brain as I realize it's over. Throughout the past year I have been blessed with the opportunity to be involved in newspaper with some of the most amazing, talented people. The countless laughs and memories we have created is unsurpassable, and the lessons I have learned are endless. I was always told by my parents to do some sort of photography, but never thought I would be interested.

Beginning in photography class my love for taking photos grew. Mrs. McCambridge continues to teach new things daily that spark my interest in a different element of the art of taking photos. I have come to learn photos are so much more than one moment of time, they are forever memories and the way you look at it can change from person to person. At the beginning of the year, I knew newspaper would be a different type of connection, but never expected it to be so strong.

Since then that connection has continued to flourish. Newspaper has helped me bond with people who have never made me laugh harder. Football season was the first time I experienced

Four years really flew by, I remember my first day walking into Miege nervous about what I thought was this huge school. I was sitting in Mrs. Franks's class and she said these years go fast. Of course, at the time I did not believe her at all. Freshman year was a blur with COVID-19 and it was such a crazy time at Miege.

My sophomore year was when I had my first experience with graphic design. Immediately I fell in love, I could finally let go of all of the creativity I had onto a digital canvas. Something just clicked in my head and I knew I wanted to continue doing it. I’ve never been great at writing, or math, but graphic design was something I could not stop doing.

I got invited to join the newspaper for my senior year, and I was so excited to start designing for people. It has really helped me form my own style of design. The people I have formed a closer relationship with over the course

of this year will forever change me as a person and I am so thankful for that. I can’t believe this year went as fast as it did. Every A’ day I looked forward to hanging out with the design team, It made it so much easier to come up with designs when you have friends of both sides of you.

As college slowly gets closer, I can’t help to admit that I will really miss the friendships and comradery that I experienced at Miege. While I look forward to the Island Sun, I don’t know what I will do without the late-night drives, random side quests on Saturday afternoons, and road trips with my friends.

Miege has made me such a better person, and I have learned so much about myself. There is no other place like Miege and while at first, I did not realize that. It has become more evident than ever as I wrap up my senior year.

that true bond of the staff with a couple of the photography staff. A specific memory I have from football season is when Evie, Sophia and I were attacked by the swarm of flies surrounding the field at the game against Rockhurst. For the whole game, we were running away from them as they flew in our hair while we were trying to take pictures at the same time. It is safe to say that there were more laughs than photos that night. Basketball kept that going. I was able to become closer with underclassmen as well on staff. Students like Evan Ulmer have taught me that photography is a love. A love that can bring joy and sadness. Evan takes photos at most of the basketball games, and no matter the win or loss, he is there ready with a smile taking photos because he loves it.

Everyone on this staff has taught me so many important lessons. I am forever grateful for newspaper bringing me out of my comfort zone and teaching me to see life through a different lens. The people I have met throughout this experience have also helped me look back at all the fun memories I have created at Miege and I am so sad to leave them. Thank you also to all the coaches and teachers for putting up with us interrupting classes and practices.

PHOTO | EVAN ULMER

PHOTO | SOPHIA GASSETT

iver R

As my time at Miege comes to a close, I am forced to leave the things I love about the school behind. There’s something about this place that I don’t think will ever leave me. Maybe it’s the way the sun still seems to rise deep into second hour. Maybe it’s the feeling of being center stage in the theater. Maybe it’s the idea that everyone matters.

This community is something that you can’t get anywhere else. These people have given me so many memories to reflect on. Despite this being my only year on staff, I find myself wanting to stay in this corner space in the Lucas hallway forever. I wasn’t expecting to become an editor in my first year either, which I see as a major accomplishment.

How can I put into words the impact of this community? There’s one way that I’ve discovered: authenticity, passion, and love, all defined by Merriam-Webster. These three pillars are what I believe this community is best at. The school community has similar ideals, but these are the three values that fuel the arts at Bishop Miege.

The people here have an intense level of aunthenticity. I have always strived to be my best authentic self through theater, choir and forensics, but chiefly in the newspaper. Expressing

myself through my own words has been incredible, especially considering I am the Opinion Editor.

Passion is defined as “intense, driving or overmastering feeling or conviction.” Passion is my most favorite part about Miege. It elevates the gifts of each student to new heights and it definitely did the same for me. I love being in an environment where everyone has a passion. For me, my passion has always resided in the spoken word of poems and literature.

Lastly, love is what dwells in the hearts of those I have encountered in Room 144 and throughout my time at Miege. Love has a great deal of definitions, but it can be defined as “strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties.” I am honored to have been a part of such a team of individuals that truly love each other, even if a deadline is skipped or a photo is missing.

What all of these ideas have in common is true devotion to something meaningful. The bonds I have made in these halls are ones that I will never forget. I carry with me the values as I embark on my college journey and as I say goodbye.

PHOTO | EVAN ULMER

PHOTO | SOPHIA GASSETT

LIGHTS ON HER In her final performance, senior Isabelle Myers stars as Eunice in One Acts. One Acts gives senior students the chance to direct their own act. This show was special because it was the seniors last time performing on the theater department stage. “I loved that my fellow seniors were directing and taking artistic liberties within their stories,” Myers said. “When you're in theater, you learn that others depend on you so that you can depend on others.”

2.

FRIENDLY COMPETITION

Rushing his way down the football field, senior Millie executive Ben Frey races senior Rost executive Patrick Meara in the Stag relay. All herd executives participated in this fun-filled relay as a way to end their times as leaders of their herds. “It was new, and the costumes were really funny,” Frey said. “I went into the bouncy house and tackled Paddy.” | EVAN ULMER

SHARING HIS HEART As three different schools gather, senior David Garcia gives a witness talk at the “United in Him” adoration event. This event brought Miege, Aquinas and St. James together for one event to be able to pray and worship together. “I was really nervous at first because I've never been the kind of person to talk about my faith a lot,” Garcia said. “It's kind of an uncomfortable topic for me, I don't think I'm quite at the level I want to be with my faith.”

| EVAN ULMER

4.

PLAYING THE GAME

Dodging a defender, senior Carly Kurt cradles the ball in an attempt to score a goal. Kurt has been a part of the lacrosse program for the past three years and loves the competitive atmosphere the game brings. “My favorite part of lacrosse is the fact that it's a very fast-paced game,” Kurt said “I think it's a good balance between being physical and competitive all at the same time." | EVAN ULMER

| RIVER BALL

Stag 2. PERSPECTIVES

3. 4.

7. 8.

6.

5.

DEFENDING THE BLUE

Kicking high, senior Ruben Hernadez participates in the halftime performance during the powderpuff game. Powderpuff, a game where juniors and senior girls go head to head in a flag football game, happened for the first time this year. The seniors ended up winning against the juniors. “I enjoyed the competitive environment and the community the seniors had that day,” Hernandez said. “It was absolutely electric.”

| EVAN ULMER

7.

TAKING THE CROWN

6.

Announced as royalty, senior Lola Kernell feels honored and blessed for this recognition.“ Getting crowned as queen was bittersweet because it was my last Bishop Miege prom,” Kernell said. “I wanted to make this prom the most memorable yet.”

| EVAN ULMER

RUNNING TO VICTORY

Getting after the ball, senior Rose Harden works with her team to win the game on March 19 against Eudora. The stags won 5-0. Harden has been part of the varsity girls soccer team all four years and said that she is going to miss it. “The team is a group of hard-working girls, who all strive for one common goal,” Harden said. “High school soccer is something I always look forward to throughout the whole year.”

| EVAN ULMER

ONE WITH CHRIST Deepening her faith, senior Grace Vanice gives her classmates the Eucharist during All School Mass. Seniors have the opportunity to be Euchristic ministers during senior year as a way to get involved in campus ministry. “I get so much joy from being able to give my classmates and friends the Body of Christ,” Vanice said. “It has definitely helped to deepen my faith and give me a newfound love of the Eucharist.” I EVIE MCBRIDE

WHAT IS

"We are so proud of everyone who went on Kairos this past December. Everyone truly embraced the experience and dove deep into the retreat. Thank you for making us love this retreat even more as leaders. K-81 will always be an amazing memory for all of us leaders." - Emma Vogt

"There was no better way for me to start my senior year, and no better group of people to experience such a beautiful three days with. Seeing the way that our relationships and the spirit of K-79 has deepened over these many months has been so powerful for me and for all of the leaders. We will go separate ways, live very different lives and Kairos may just become a faint memory, but the joy and love that came from this retreat will never cease to have a special place in my heart." - Rocco Morello

"K-80 changed my senior year for the better. My favorite memories always connect back to the mountain. You learn so much about yourself and those around you. Mahal Kita!" - Benedict Balino

K-81

K-80

K-82

TIME TO GROW With her small group, senior Dory Latenser smiles for the camera. "It's the best way to know yourself and the classmates that you've never spoken to and even some of closest friends," Latenser said. "I couldn't be happier with my experience." | SALLY

PANIS

LIVING THE FOURTH Kairos leaders pass along wisdom

Why did you enjoy Kairos?

K-79

BONDING TIME Smiling in tie-dye, senior K-79 leader Grace Vanice celebrates the last day of the retreat.“K-79 hands-down changed my life,” Vanice said. "I couldn’t be more grateful for the experience and couldn’t love any of these people more." | COURTESY OF RIVER BALL

"I was able to deepen friendships that I had before, while also creating new bonds with classmates I may have not talked to beforehand," senior Angelo Reyes said.

I enjoyed not having my phone because it really made me talk to people and talk to those I never really talked to," senior Isabelle Thigles said. "It also gave me new friendships as well."

guess who? BABY EDITION

#8

#6

| COURTESY PHOTOS

1: Isabelle Myers, 2: Dr Julius Lopez, 3:Caroline Beck , 4: Celia Tomasic , 5: Ruben Hernandez , 6: Bianca Bair, 7: Lillian Switzer, 8: Cooper Greene

#1

#3

#2

#4

REASONS WHY I LOVE YOU: ROOMATES EDITION

These soon-to-be roomates shared their favorite traits regarding one another and why they decided to room together. The boys will be attending the University of Kansas and the girls will be at Kansas State University.

Hampton Thompson Nicholas Hodge

"Will is a day-one homie," Thompson said. "He instigates a lot of chaos."

"I love everything about Hamp," Hodge said. "He actually helps me stay organized."

Andrew Brown & Cole Wofford

"I love Cole because he's very strong and muscular, and if I ever get in trouble in college, he's gonna save the day."

"He is him," Wofford said. "I will protect him when he's dumb."

William McLellan

"I love Nick because of his great personality and he's upbeat," McLellan said. "He always looking to do the right thing, which is respected."

Anna Hoebelheinrich & Ashley Landis

"I love Ashley because she drives me everywhere."

"I love Anna because we've been friends for such a long time."

Samuel Hatem

Isabelle Craig

FIRST TO RESPOND

BY JAMIE WEISS STAFF WRITER

Senior Isabelle Craig had always known she wanted to work in the medical field, but did not want to pursue many years of post secondary education. Instead, she has chosen to partake in a two year program to become an EMT after graduating.

Craig will begin her journey over the summer to be certified through Johnson County Community College. Here, she will take classes in providing care to patients in a pre-hospital setting.

“It just was a great window for me to get into the type of field I want,” Craig said. “If I decide to change or it does not work, it still gives me options to be flexible in my career path.”

After getting her certification, Craig plans to work for a company that will pay for her to go back to school. This will give her the opportunity to take more classes

HOW COULD YOU HATE 'EM

BY RIVER BALL OPINION EDITOR

Making it up on the fly, senior Sam Hatem qualified for state championships in forensics with his Improvised Duet Acting partner Frank Cressey. While he does find joy in forensics, Hatem is looking forward to a part-time job he will be pursuing.

Hatem plans to work for the SPICE program branch of Americorps, which specializes in assisting the elderly with disaster preparation. Hatem said he looks forward to this job, which will start after graduation.

“Originally, I was going to work for a different branch of Americorps that specializes in assisting teachers in schools in low-income neighborhoods,” Hatem said. “The only problem was that the hours were too long.”

Hatem hasn’t always been passionate about this field, but thinks his endeavors will help him grow as a person.

“I’ve always been pretty good at working with older people,” Hatem said. “While I’m not sure I necessarily agree, my parents have always insisted that I’m an old soul.”

According to Hatem, he still thinks his future is bright, even if college is not his current path.

“I think a lot of career options just wouldn’t be satisfying for me because they don’t make any effort to change our country or fix our problems,” Hatem said. “I think one of my worst fears is ending up in some kind of office job where I just end up preserving the status quo.”

For Hatem, the next year will be more than just a break from school, it will be a way for him to make a difference in his community.

“The best part of any new experience is meeting new people,” Hatem said. “I’m excited to make new connections and hopefully some new friends along the way.”

and become a registered paramedic.

“You are in the rigs with different hours, because I cannot not work a desk job,” Craig said. “I wanted medical, and it meshes the two together perfectly.”

According to Craig, TV shows including "Grey’s Anatomy" and "Criminal Minds" fascinate her and have pointed her toward this career choice.

“I was never bothered by blood or ick, and I have had a lot of people tell me they think I should be a nurse or be a teacher to help people out,” Craig said.

Craig said that two of the most important factors in deciding this career were the quick training and being able to take care of patients on the scene until they can reach the hospital.

“I think the main interest is I am still hands-on helping people in the blood, the sweat and the icky of it,” Craig said. “I wanted to just be fully immersed in in that, and paramedics get to see that firsthand.”

PHOTO | SOPHIA GASSETT

PHOTO | SOPHIA GASSETT

SENIORS REFLECT ON IMPACT Bonded for the Better

Mrs. Summers

"We've spent a lot of time together her, and she's super nice," senior David Garcia said. "We have a tight-knit bond."

Miss Knaus

"Miss K helps me learn in a fun way and where I can understand it," senior Sydney Ward said. "I'm not scared to ask questions and we always have a good time."

Mrs. Fitzsimmons

"She just really gets me," senior Alex Smith said. "I can truly be just be myself and go a little crazy."

PHOTOS | SOPHIA GASSETT

SMILING SPIRIT Making an entrance, senior Ava Martin smiles with her parents on senior night. After playing varsity volleyball for all four years, Martin believes the team had a "perfect ending" as she was able to win three out of the four state championships during her time at Miege. Martin is commited to San Jose State University at the Division I level. "I love all the girls and I would love to play with them again, but I think this is a perfect ending to a career in high school," Martin said. I ADDY BURRIS

new court, same spirit

ATHLETES SAY GOODBYE

BY DANIEL SULLIVAN SPORTS EDITOR

Continues a long-standing tradition of athletic excellence, over 10% of the graduating senior class are playing a sport in college – well above the national average of 7%. Less than 7% of athletes nationwide go on to play at the next level, and the senior class are aware of the opportunities that they have.

Senior Ava Martin is committed to play volleyball at San Jose St. University, a member of NCAA’s division 1.

“I am really looking forward to competing at the next level because it is something I have dreamed of and worked so hard to get to,” Martin said. “I am just so excited to play and compete at the next level. I am also excited in a way to live independently in a new state and experience a completely different way of living while meeting so many people.”

Senior Cooper Greene is committed to WashU to play baseball. The shortstop/pitcher picked Washington as his landing spot for their academics as much as their athletics.

“I think since I will be attending an academically prestigious college, the thing that will stress me out the most is just balancing my time between school and academics,” Greene said.

Senior Hollis Moeller is committed to Kansas University for

long snapping. Moeller committed to Kansas in August 2023, removing himself from the recruiting process before his senior year.

“It was very stressful to make a decision,” Moeller said. “But it was easier after talking to the people close to me.”

Senior athletes have shared similar experiences with the recruiting process. There are a significant number of pros and cons for athletes to weigh before making a decision.

“To be honest, the recruiting process is one of the most stressful things I have ever had to do,” Martin said. “The recruiting process requires you to basically sell yourself over the phone and talk about yourself and why you are a good player, which is not a strength of mine. To have to have those mature and sophisticated conversations at 16 and 17 years old was very stressful and nerve-wracking.”

For Martin and the other seniors, though, the stress is well worth the reward. Playing their sports in college is a realization of dreams that these athletes have held since a young age.

“I ended up committing on the last day of school, so it was kind of like everything just stopped,” Martin said. “I’m still so happy that my dream is coming true and so happy that I found a school I like a lot and am excited to be at for the next four years.”

athlete standouts

Volleyball -

Ava Martin - San Jose State

Ava Anderson - Wichita State

Tyler Bittel - Rockhurst University

Alexander Quenzer - Health Sciences

& Pharmacy in St. Louis

Football -

Justyce Betts - Butler CC

Naeem Coppage - Butler CC

Lamar Lynch - Hutchinson CC

Jalen Wilson - Butler CC

Harris North - Arkansas St.

Jeremy Schleicher - Western Michigan

Dominic Werner - Colgate University

Hollis Moeller - University of Kansas

David Garcia - Missouri S&T

Swim -

Ruben Hernandez - Saint Mary’s

Golf -

Jack Winkler - Rockhurst University

Baseball -

Cooper Greene - Washington U.

Victor Christal - Missouri

Paddy Meara - Benedictine College

Soccer -

Dory Latenser - Southern Illinois

Rose Harden - Pittsburg State

Austen Lopez - KCKCC

Softball -

Jada Gilliland - Central Missouri

Kathryn Kolarik - JCCC

Dance -

Sophia Gassett - Benedictine College

Campus Ministry, students' favorite space

COME IN, WE'RE OPEN

BY SALLY PANIS PRINT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Heading for the Campus Ministry Team office, senior Benedict Balino greets CMT assistant Deborah Schraeder and begins to search for hints for the New York Times’ Connections.

Senior Matthew Randant, like many other seniors, finds himself in CMT at least every other day, to eat lunch or simply to find a friend to talk to. CMT is almost always occupied by students, and according to campus ministry director Bill Creach, seniors make up the majority of students in CMT, other than lunch.

“You can just go there anytime and see a bunch of my friends,” Randant said. “It’s a warm presence, and you're always welcomed. Mr.

“I love that whenever I come in here there's always someone I can talk to and maybe even get a laugh in.” Carrina Villanueva

Creach and Mrs. Schrader are there with a smile.”

The organized chaos within CMT makes it the perfect balance between social and academic life for Randant. According to senior Grace Vanice, Creach typically resides alongside students on internet puzzles, lunch periods and providing an emotional support system with endearing advice.

“CMT is probably my favorite place ever,” Vanice said. “The slime to dance parties to kites to Uno games to pancakes and more. I can always go in there, take a breather and be instantly a little happier.”

The environment of the Room of Requirement is a smaller, more homey extension of the open area of the Campus Ministry Office. Balino often uses the chairs in the room to nap.

“Usually when I TA, I come in here and do my schoolwork because it’s really quiet,” Balino said. “It feels really cozy, and like I’m at

ALL LAUGHS Gathered together, seniors Carrina Villanueva, Peter Vani, David Garcia and Grace Vanice chat about school, as well as joke around. "I love the energy and all the different stuff we do," Randant said. "Each time that I'm in CMT, I'm always find a friend or a safe space. It's the perfect spot." | MEGAN MAYER

home with all the furniture with all the shelves and surfaces.”

Balino has immense gratitude for the Room of Requirement and explained how comfortable the space can truly make a person feel.

“I feel safe because when you’re in school, you’re just surrounded by lots and lots and lots of people, but whenever you’re in the Room of Requirement, it’s just you--it’s your time,” Balino said.

Instead of using a locker, senior Dorothy Latenser utilized the space in CMT to store her lunch and backpack. In the pasr four years, Latenser never used her assigned locker, but rather other classmates’ and now CMT.

“I stocked the fridge with all the food,” Latenser said. “There might be ants because of me.”

Latenser highly encourages any underclassmen to give CMT a try as she was able to meet some of her closest friends as well as build deeper bonds with prior pals.

“If I could say one thing to underclassmen, it would be to go to CMT, because it’s awesome,” Latenser said. “I wish I would have been going more, all throughout life.

Megan Ruf

“I love the environment CMT provides and how you can come in here and decompress when you're having a hard day.”

NOTES OF LOVE

One of senior Rocco Marrello's favorite environmental elements of CMT are the kind affirmations surrounding the couch. "I really appreciate the notes in CMT because they are a reflection of the culture that exists there," Marrello said. "It's easy to put people down, but when you chose nice things it benefits others." | MEGAN MAYER

Mr. Creach Appre ciation Day

He provides us with a listening ear, a helping hand, a guiding heart, an open door, and lots of food!!!

It’s time to show how much we appreciate Mr.Creach and

Sto ck the Pantr y!!

Shhhhhhhhh… It’s a Surprise!!!

Mr Creach provides us with an endless supply of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, toast, paper plates, plasticware, napkins, dark chocolate, and York Peppermint Patties They were all purchased out of his own pocket!! In appreciation, let s help him stock the pantry for the upcoming year!! Bring items this Thursday or all of next week!!

PB & YAY On one of their final weeks of school, the seniors alongside CMT assistant Debbi Schraeder decided to organize "Mr.Creach Appreciation Day." Students donated peanut butter, jelly and Nutella. "Creach does so much for us and we wanted to give back to him," senior Isabelle Myers said. "With it, he can give to others. It's the cycle that keeps giving." | COURTESY OF DEBBI SCHRAEDER